Scripture: Luke 3:7-8
John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham.
Thought for the Day: John the Baptist wasn’t as kind as Jesus. He did not mince words when he came before the people and called them to repentance. Instead, John demanded a genuine change within an individual, and he expected to clearly see a dramatic difference in the way the person lived his/her life. Years ago, a wonderful pastor and teacher, Rhodes Thompson, told me, “The failure of the modern church is that it demands high standards in regard to specific beliefs, but does not demand high standards in regard to the way people live their lives.” Though John and Jesus had slightly different approaches, both of them were less interested in what people believed and more interested in how people lived. Faith should lead to repentance. Repentance should lead to a dramatic change in how we live our lives.
Prayer: O Lord God, give me the courage to do more than say, “I believe.” Help me to live the audacious idea of a truly changed life. Amen.
TODAY – SATURDAY
Elders’ Retreat
9am – 3pm
