June 9, 2006

Hello. We made it to Friday again. Thanks be to God. A little rain and thunderstorms today, but that's good for the flowers. Thank-you for joining us as we talk about gaining peace with God:

The Bible was not written to encourage people to take an interest in the affairs of this life. It assumes that they already have more than their share of interest in that. Those who claim to be Christians are taught not only to labor but labor to the best of their ability. God inspires us in our gifts, helps us in our work, and blesses us in our pleasure. It is in our daily tasks and in the way that we face the social problems around us that the world will see Christ in us.

 

The business of making a living, the responsibilities of a home, the daily routine all combine to test the reality of our Christian experience and faith. One of the real tests of our Christian character is to be found in the lives we live from day to day. While Christianity is not primarily a matter of externals, nevertheless it does find expression in the conversation, habits, recreation, emphasis, and ambitions noted in our daily lives. In such things men judge whether we are Christians or not.

 

The Christian should be a good citizen, law abiding and loyal to his country. We ought to seek and work for the good of our country. Sometimes we may be called upon to die for it. We should be generous and give to those who are in need and to those organizations that are faithfully and honestly ministering to those in need. As responsible stewards we are to check our various organizations for trustworthiness and honesty and be sure that the relief given to certain governments is going where designated.

 

Christians should be given to hospitality. Our homes should be hospitable and those who come in and out of our homes should sense the presence of Christ. That which God has given to us should be shared with others.

 

We should have the Christian attitude toward sex. Sex should be a wonderful, meaningful, and satisfying human experience. Sex, stripped of total commitment, of mutual love, respect, and the sincere desire to give joy and fulfillment to the other person, becomes simply an animal act.

 

Those who take a Christian view of sex will take a Christian view of marriage. Before you enter into a marriage, consider the real spiritual implications that make an earthly marriage binding in heaven. Many have the terrible misfortune of selecting their mates while they are still in the toils of the world, the flesh, and the devil, and while the man and woman they select is also still in the same condition.

 

Marriage is a holy bond because it permits two people to help each other work out their spiritual destinies. God declared marriage to be good because He knew that man needed a helpmate and woman needed protector. It is the woman’s role to love and help and reassure her husband in every way she can, and it is man’s role to love and protect and provide for his wife and the children she bears. They are to submit to each other and love each other.

 

Marriage entered into with a clear understanding of God’s purpose and God’s laws have no need for divorce court. Marriages that fall short of this ideal should first seek to learn what God expects of the husband and wife and then pray for God’s help and guidance in carrying out his commands.

 

We are to take a Christian attitude in labor-management relationships. Whatever you do, put your whole heart and soul into it for you are actually employed by Christ, and not just by your earthly master. Employers need to remember that it is their responsibility to be fair and just towards those whom they employ, never forgetting that they themselves have a heavenly employer.

 

The Christian should be the most faithful, the most willing and efficient worker of all. He should stand out in a factory or shop as one who wants justice. The Christian employer should treat his employees with a respect and generosity that will be come an example for other employees. A man of real Christian concepts cannot help but be concerned about safety precautions, good working conditions, and the well being of his employees.

Thanks again to our sponsor www.thegreatcommissionchurch.org for their ongoing support. I'm going to try a little change in our podcast schedule to see how it works. Be sure to let me know what you think at: [e-mail].

 

Until next time, thanks, and God Bless.

 

Pastor Bob Emery