(Wix file photo)
Matters of Faith
By Dr. Bascom Ratliff
Pastor, Beagle/Fontana/Parker United Methodist Churches
I recently received a text message from one of our presidential candidates asking me if I was a true believer. This is followed by a second question about how much money would I be willing to contribute to this candidate. The notion was that, if I really believed, I would support my beliefs with a hefty donation.
Like many of you, I have received more than my share of political literature from a number of candidates with dire predictions and pointed threats. Some lies and inflated promises were thrown in for good measure.
I think that at this point in my life I’m a little insulated from this bombardment of anger and hate. However, I find that I am not at all insulated from some of the religious condemnations and disparaging remarks that I receive from Christians. I’m especially dismayed when they choose a single (and often misinterpreted) Bible verse to support their view without fully considering God’s fundamental command that we love others.
My challenge to my readers is this, “in all things please consider what Jesus would do.”
I sincerely believe that when we do things that hurt or minimize others, Jesus would tell us to stop. Jesus would forgive. He would tell us to love others, without fail. He would tell us to care for them. To give them food and drink. To visit them and talk with them. And most of all, to share the good news of the gospel with them.
I believe that when Jesus is having this conversation with us, he would ask us to simply to believe. And to care for others. He would encourage us to be convicted believers and not simply bystanders. He would encourage us to be good Samaritans and to witness our faith in a risen Christ. He would ask us to sacrifice our hate, anger, and greed on God’s altar. He would continue to ask is simply to love and care for others.
I also believe that Jesus would ask us to be wise stewards of our time and money. I think he would ask us to fund community needs. I think he would ask us fund our church and support its missions. And I think he would tell us to stop being bystanders and get in the game.
I want to close this message by responding in more detail to the first paragraph. God wants us to be true believers, not in a political party, but in his love and grace. God wants us to make donations to his kingdom and not necessarily to a political party. And God absolutely wants us to be participants in our community and our country.
If we can make the choice to follow Jesus, God will bless us. If we let politics or government interfere with, or minimize, our service and relationship with God, we have disrespected him. I have questions about the Bible, but I fundamentally believe that God wants us to love him and love others. I’m certain that following this particular command is pleasing to God.
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Do you find yourself longing for genuine love and companionship that comes only from God? If you’re ready to seek God’s love, I invite you to come and worship with us. We are fueled by God’s wonderful promise of unfailing love. Please accept our invitation to a morning of wonderful music and great fellowship. And, of course, hot coffee and cookies.
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We will worship at the Beagle United Methodist Church during August 2024.
We will worship at the Fontana UMC during September 2024.
We will worship at the Parker UMC during October 2024.
All Sunday services are at 10 a.m.
We serve communion on the first Sunday of the month.
All are welcome in God’s House.
Dr. Bascom Ratliff (913-710-5748)
Pastor, Parker/Beagle/Fontana
United Methodist Churches
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