“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17)

The meaning of this passage is clarified and enforced by some of Jesus’ wonderful lessons.

THE GOOD SAMARITAN (Luke 10:25-37). The sin of the priest and Levite was that of passing by on the other side. The Samaritan commends himself to us because of his compassion and kindness - love in action.

THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS (Luke 16:19-31). The fault of the rich man consisted not in cruelty, but in neglect to minister to the man who had been “laid at his gate.” He did not do the good that was in his power to do. (Proverbs 3:27)

THE TEN VIRGINS (Matthew 25:1-13). Though listed among the friends of the bridegroom, the five foolish virgins were barred because they had not prepared themselves for the occasion. The person who does not prepare his heart and life, in harmony with divine direction, will be confined to the darkness of the outside.

THE TALENTS (Matthew 25:14-30). The third servant was not a criminal. He had not been wasteful. He had buried (preserved) that which had been given to him. His sin was the failure to put into circulation the sum that had been entrusted to him.

THE SHEEP AND THE GOATS (Matthew 25:31-46). The people on the right side of the throne were blessed because of the deeds of love they had done; the people on the left were lost because they had not rendered service. No man should entertain the idea that the Lord will bless him merely because he does no evil. Positive goodness, as well as negative, is divinely required.

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When I say “I am a Christian”
I’m not shouting “I’m clean livin’.”
I’m whispering “I am lost,
Now I’m found and forgiven.”
When I say “I am a Christian”
I don’t speak of this with pride.
I’m confessing that I stumble,
And need Christ to be my guide.
When I say “I am a Christian”
I’m not trying to be strong.
I’m professing that I’m weak,
And need His strength to carry on.
When I say “I am a Christian”
I’m not claiming to be perfect.
My flaws are far too visible.
But, God believes I am worth it.
When I say “I am a Christian”
I still feel the sting of pain,
I have my share of heartaches,
So I call upon His name.
When I say “I am a Christian”
I’m not holier than thou.
I’m just a simple sinner,
Who received God’s good grace, somehow!

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For love of self, or love of lost souls?
For spreading gossip, or spreading the gospel?
For rudderless drifting, or strong leadership?
For low ideals, or lofty goals?
For knowledge of the world, or knowledge of the Word?
For financial limitations, or generous giving?
For comatose Christians, or active members?
For selfish pursuits, or selfless serving?
For internal strife, or brotherly love?
For cold shoulders, or warm fellowship?
For living below God’s expectations, or living above the world?
For helping itself, or for helping the needy?
For the praise of men, or for glorifying God?
For stagnation, or vibrancy?

Adapted from The Sault Sainte Marie Church of Christ Bulletin

A minister delivered a sermon in ten minutes one Sunday morning, which was about a third the usual length of his sermons. He explained, “I regret to inform you that my dog, who is very fond of eating paper, ate the portion of my sermon which I was unable to deliver this morning.”

After the service, a visitor from another church shook hands with the preacher and said, “Preacher, if that dog has any pups, I’d like to get one for my minister.”

Submitted by Charles & Joan Tostige