This image I have attached really hit me this morning. We are studying the book of James through our Men’s Ministry group at church. And just like in school I skipped ahead. The conclusion of James speaks of a saved person wandering from their faith and another bringing him back. This is to me the essence of Christian responsibility.

As a Christian we recognize some undeniable truths ( I apologize if I miss something)

1. God exists

2. God created everything

3. God created man in His image to love God and to be loved by God

4. Man sinned (defied God’s Law)

5. God’s Law is just (it is the essence of your morality)

6. God destroyed the earth only saving a few to show He was serious about sin

7. Man rebuilt and repopulated

8. Man continued to sin and reject their creator

9. God came in human form from birth (His name was Jesus)

10. Jesus spent His short life spreading love and teaching God’s law

11. Man rejected God to protect their own desires to do as they wanted.

12. Jesus allowed through God’s will for man to murder Him on the cross.

13. Jesus died on the cross and did not save Himself in order to pay the price for our sins so that we may live.

14. Jesus rose from the dead three days later and proved that He was indeed the messiah, God in the flesh.

15. God created a way to Him through eternal life, not through works but through repentance and belief.

16. God also warned that rejection of God comes with eternal judgement.

17. Jesus promised to return and to create a paradise of earth for His followers in which the world will one day be without pain, suffering and death.

Though the Bible is full of essential and powerful messages of how we should live, how we may obtain peace and love and how we should treat others this list in my mind really sums up the point. The proof of all of this comes in many forms, prohecies that have come true hundreds and thousands of years later, archaelogical discoveries of artifacts that prove the words of the Bible, experiences of others experiencing God’s miraculous ways, and more.

As a Christian we have what I believe are two simple tasks. First is to seek salvation by repenting (admitting and seeking forgiveness) of our sins and giving our life to God and second is to love our fellow man so much that we want to lead them to the same eternal salvation. To understand that they are so much more than a fragile body that one day will perish. We are truly our Brother’s Keeper in that we have a responsibility to protect those we love and God’s commandment is that we love all including our enemies. I believe God has take a strong hold on my heart and with no fear of persection, with no fear of consequence I must continue to share as I learn because I owe it to you and to God who gave me life. There is so much to know, so much that one may never truly know all but that list is what I believe to be the essence. I have nothing to really gain by sharing with you for I know that my salvation is now secure. And what I share costs you nothing more than thought, reflection, and open mindedness to see beyond our wordly views.

One day each of us meets death. We absolutely know this is true because we see it everyday around us. Many reliable sources estimate that approximately 150,000 die each day. Each of us face that day and we do not know when, where, why or how. I have known for many years that God was with me but unfortunately I was arrogant and stuck in my own wordly desires that I rejected the priority of salvation and accepted how I was living, believing that I was a good enough person. And as such I neglected to share the scripture with some family and friends that are now gone and I fear as to whether or not they had a relationship with Jesus. Many experts say that Christianity is under attack and declining. Perhaps the numbers show this but as I speak with people I don’t know if I believe that that is the most serious issue. I believe many Christians are failing to speak out for Christ and instead believe that they are okay to maintain a private relationship with God. Perhaps it is good enough for your own salvation but I can no longer accept this for myself because I no longer fear for my own death and salvation, I fear for my family and friends. I know I will spend eternity with my Creator but I want to know that I will be doing so with you as well. This is the burden that God puts on our hearts beyond just loving Him.

In the comments I am going to share an exhaustive list of verses that all speak to how we are saved. Study your bible, enjoy the Word, speak to others that have found salvation and open your mind to see beyond your fragile body and short life. Your death does not have to be the end. I know this to be true. Many around me have trusted me to represent their businesses, lead them in ways to raise money for their organizations, read the newspaper that I use to publish, trusted me enough to ask me to join their causes, relied on my opinions for their task or goal, etc. Please do not think that I have all of a sudden become ignorant or naive. I have never taken anything or anyone at face value and will not. I have opened my mind and my eyes and I have begun to dig in to understand my purpose and fate. And I do not want you to simply take my word for anything besides I have enough intelligence and gained enough trust that you should take my advice to seek for yourself rather than disregard.

Heavenly Father thank you for another day of life. Thank you for todays technological wonders that we may gather in your name anywhere and anytime to share with one another. Give me the courage and grace to never fear persecution and to have a love so strong that I persevere in your will to share what salvation means for each of us. As we begin our day please bring comfort to those struggling with health issues, financial issues, and loss. Please provide clarity to those who struggle with their own purpose. Thank you for sending your son to die on the cross for my sins and providing me a way to eternal life in your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.