Too often we think of evangelism as a sale job pushing a disembodied belief (or system of beliefs) on another person’s mind rather than the scriptural model of discipleship bringing the enlightenment and sanctity of God’s personal presence to another person. We know that from the Scriptures to “believe” in Jesus is far more than just acknowledging Him but loving Him personally and asking the Holy Spirit into each area of our lives. What better way to witness the embodied personal presence of Christ than to walk around our neighbors in His name?
According to a Pew Research Study published in December of 2023 56% of “Spiritual but not Religious” people “feel a deep sense about the universe monthly.” And I would bet that this past week that jumped up greatly.
You and I too can have that meaning life and death. Both the king and the begger have equal access to the King of the Universe. If you have not yet accepted his kingship, you can. If you have fallen down in your service, he is there to forgive and restore. You too can run the race and by God’s grace receive the incorruptible crown.
n accordance with this instruction, early Christians fasted on Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the year; this has evolved and changed over the years. In addition to regular fasts on Wednesdays and Fridays, (and then just Fridays), it became regular for Christians to fast during days preceding feasts and seasons of pentience. The Protestant Reformation retained fasting as well.
For the Christian the church is the center of life and place where communion is had with the Body of Christ in Word and Sacrament, so it is fitting that in death, here the Christian returns before being commended to God and committed to the earth in “sure and certain hope of the resurrection.” It is not a small thing that the deceased and his or her loved ones join together one last time in Church, for if they too are Christians that is where they will meet again after the General Resurrection.
n accordance with this instruction, early Christians fasted on Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the year; this has evolved and changed over the years. In addition to regular fasts on Wednesdays and Fridays, (and then just Fridays), it became regular for Christians to fast during days preceding feasts and seasons of pentience. The Protestant Reformation retained fasting as well.
