During this morning’s service, I preached from Matthew 25:31-46. The title of the word preached was “Sheep of the Good Shepherd.” The basic theme was this. If we are really disciples of the Lord Jesus, people will be able to see the fruit of our salvation. In this discourse on the Mount of Olives, Jesus talked pointedly about what that fruit will look like. Surely the fruit of our salvation will be evident when we minister to our neighbors, but it will be especially evident as we minister to “brethren” of Jesus who are in need. Who are His brethren? They’re other Christians. (Romans 8:29 calls Jesus the firstborn among many brethren).
Isn’t that what Jesus called the “new commandment?” In John 13:34-35 (NKJV), Jesus plainly told us how we and anyone looking at us will know if we’re His disciples:
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
If we are really followers of Jesus, we will be moved to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, house the homeless, and visit the prisoner – especially those of the household of faith (Galatians 6:10) – knowing that when we do, we’ll be feeding, clothing, housing, and visiting Jesus. If we refuse to do those things, we really need to do some serious soul searching and be honest with ourselves about whether we’re really followers of Jesus. Read the passage from Matthew 25. It’s true.
Abundant Life Church was just approved as a host site for Angel Food Ministries (www.angelfoodministries.com). Soon, once we have been trained, we will begin ministering food to people in Southeastern Ohio. As so many people are struggling in the current economy, we will be able to feed them (and by extension, Jesus) – and to share the good news of the gospel.
I’m excited. This is just one more way that Abundant Life Church can be the feet, hands, and heart of Jesus in this area. If you want to be involved, contact Jeff Dolman, who is the elder in charge. If you leave a message on the church’s answering machine, he’ll call you back. Or track him down at church.
Let’s all be sheep together, and not goats! And with the Holy Spirit on us, He can use us to be ministers of His love and to change peoples’ lives!