Warm

 

Warm

By the time of my arrival on the scene of the early New Melody Church, it was already pushing half a century of withstanding the rigors associated with the Scott County back woods. The demanding, difficult, and extreme conditions of weathering had taken their toll. World war two was past, the great depression had left its scars and rebuilding was under way. Economic growth was minimal but spiritual stability was remarkable. There was a warm closeness among “church goers.” Even as snow blew through the cracks in the walls. They had and expressed enthusiasm, affection, and kindness as they hugged the gradually warming wood stove near the front of the sanctuary; well church. Summers heat was tampered by open windows and doors. Fans, if available, were crude and noisy. In winter, there was a rush to obtain a front row seat near the stove. That was before church attendees moved to the back wall to hide. Warm, hot, cold must not deter Gods people from collective worship.

Neither shall demanding, difficult, or extreme conditions. Christians warm themselves by heavens glory; sinners by the devils fire. Serve God without excuses.

Mark 14:54 “And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire.” [Satan has many fires of many colors. Peters fire was leading to denial.] (John 18:18) “And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.”

John 18:25 “... They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not.

A lady who warmed herself by Satans fire recognized Peter as a follower of Jesus and challenged him. (Mark 14:67) “...she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth.” (Matthew 26:74) “Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.”

John 8:55 “Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.” (1 John 2:4) “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

1 John 5:20 “And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” Know God, know peace. Amen 03/17/21 BLL