2:298 – Treat Or Death

#faithbites #faithjourney Treat

Ok, this title may have thrown you off, but it’s ok. Tonight was our church’s annual Trunk or Treat. It was an amazing time seeing everyone from the neighborhood dressed up, having fellowship, and eating candy. So much fun was had in a safe environment.

We normally talk about Trick or Treat. In our faith, we truly believe in Treat or Death. This is serious stuff. We believe in Jesus or we don’t. We look forward to salvation or we don’t. It’s not funny, but truth.

That doesn’t mean we can’t have fun with everyone. It means we know that since Jesus died for us, we are saved. Those who don’t accept him aren’t given everlasting life. That doesn’t mean we treat them different, try to put them down, or anything. We still love them and hope they have salvation.

Scripture

• If you confess that Jesus is Lord and believe that God raised him from death, you will be saved. For it is by our faith that we are put right with God; it is by our confession that we are saved.  – Romans 10:9-10
• I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one. – John 10:28-30
• Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them. – John 3:36

Reflection

I know isn’t the normal upbeat tone of #faithbites, but it is the core of our faith. We are right with God because of Christ. No one will take us away from God the father because of Christ. We will have eternal life through Christ.

To me, these are encouraging and affirming words. Life is very hard. So many trials and tribulations to shake up, but with Jesus we won’t be broken.

As the great commission says, Go out and baptize all nations. This is what we should be doing. At the same time, it says to love God and love our neighbor. This is what we did tonight. Many haven’t accepted Jesus, but we show them Christ’s love. Love first, then we plant a seed. The seed may or may not grow, but we love no matter what.

Challenge

Find someone to love. Whoever it is, let the love of Christ show through you. Then you plant a seed. It may never germinate or may germinate a long time from now, but don’t let that stop you. Love them fully.

Prayer

Gracious God, thank you for allowing us all to fellowship together. It was a great time hanging out, having candy, and just enjoying each other’s company and reveling in the treat that is you. Lord, help us to love each other no matter what. Let us be mirrors of you and help to plant a seed. Use us to do your work. Even if we don’t see that seed sprout, we know you are working through us. We are so thankful for everything you give us. In your wonderful name, Amen.