'Could a Jury Convict You of Being a Christian'*? If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?
I spoke about this in Sunday's sermon. It’s a challenging thought. With persecution of Christians getting closer and closer to home it’s a sobering thought, too. Would you have enough evidence to convict you of being a Christian? Look at things like: Physical Evidence: how you live day to day. Is there evidence? Reading the bible regularly and especially reading about the fruit of the Spirit. What do you do that sets you apart from non-Christians? Witness: how many of your family, friends, colleagues and people you come into contact with could testify of you being a Christian because they have seen Godly characteristics? Would they support or hinder? Testimony: how many of your witnesses can give a powerful testimony of the things you’ve done? Converts: how many people have you invited to church lately? Or to your home or an event where they might hear about Christ. Innocent or Guilty? Reflect on the moment that the jury declares that you are innocent or guilty of being a Christian. If you are innocent and set free because of lack of evidence do you feel relief that you escaped persecution or regret that you are not truly living a Christian life? If you are declared guilty of being a Christian and sentenced to death, are you willing to die for your faith? Are you truly convinced that you will have eternal life in heaven? And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23 Your life has to come into alignment with who He is, reflecting His character. *Credit: www.beliefnet.com
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AuthorReverend Karen Bassett first led the church from August 2005 until 2009, before taking a break, to return again in 2017. Karen holds a BA in Theology from the University of Wales. Karen has served in the Royal Naval Reserve for many years, and having been ‘called-up’ for War Duty was decorated for her front-line service during the Gulf War. She successfully passed-out of Britannia Royal Naval College as an officer, a Sub-Lieutenant, and has since been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Karen volunteers as the Squadron Chaplain to Portsmouth Air Cadets and as the Southern Area Chaplain for the Sea Cadets. Karen lives with her husband Nicholas (an ex-Royal Navy Weapon Engineer, Radar), at their home in Southsea. Karen is a keen runner, cyclist, kayaker and mountaineer, and relaxes by practicing trumpet, saxophone, guitar and drums. Karen completed her first London Marathon, in aid of The Sailors Society, in April this year. Archives
April 2022
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