I love this group of Christians, who compose the church in Karns. I hope you know how special you are. In my 42 years of ministry, I have visited hundreds of congregations, and few, if any, approach the level of spirituality and Christian service quite like Karns.
One way our congregation stands out to visitors is by the number of people who return on Sunday and Wednesday nights to worship God and study his word. I am always receiving emails or comments from surprised visitors who are amazed by the number of people we have present at these times. I want you to know the impact for good you are having by your influence. In a day and age when churches are deciding to drop Sunday and Wednesday night services for lack of interest, we are a beacon of light, showing people a better way.
But, while we are to be commended for this virtue, there is room for improvement. Please consider these words and what they reveal about our spirituality. In the Sermon on the Mount, specifically, the Beatitudes, Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6). Righteousness is revealed in Scripture (Romans 1:16-17), so if you are hungering and thirsting for righteousness, you will be hungering and thirsting to know more about God’s word.
What if a man claimed to be hungering for food and thirsting for water, but refused to eat or drink when food and drink are set out before him? We would be fair to conclude that he really wasn’t hungering and thirsting?
Likewise, what if a man claims to be hungering and thirsting for righteousness, but when opportunities to study God’s word are prepared for him, he refuses to partake? Barring extraordinary circumstances, would it not be fair to conclude he really isn’t hungering and thirsting for righteousness?
Friends, our overseers have “set the table” for us on Sunday night and Wednesday night. If you haven’t been taking advantage of this, you need to ask yourself how hungry and thirsty you are. Give it some thought, and do what will aid you in pleasing the Lord and going to Heaven.