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Many of us have had examples
of Christian “Believers” in our lives. When I enter our Sunday school room here at First Christian Church, the
picture of Emmett Bledsoe is always there to remind me of a true “Believer” that walked among us for many years.
What a wonderful example of a person who lived his faith every day of his life, a true light shining in the darkness for all
to witness. I think of him when reading passages concerning the walk we take as Christians in today’s world. The story
never changes for those who, like Emmett, have the conviction of believing that God really has given us the gift of salvation
through the life and death of His Son, Jesus Christ. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
(Hebrews 13:8)
“Not seeing is no reason for not believing”, states evangelist Reinhard Bonnke. “Nobody
see radiation – we simply wait for its warming and lighting effects. Nobody sees air (unless it is badly polluted) –
we simply breathe it in and out. Nobody sees God – but millions find His effects in their lives every day! Things happen
that can only be from Him. Even one prayer answered – one healing – one miracle – one deliverance from addiction
- is evidence of Him.
Why should we care what Jesus did two thousand years ago, unless it was written to give us inspiration
and hope for what He can and does do today? He taught with wisdom and insight that caught the attention of would-be intellectuals
and philosophers, and turned their hearts toward God. He ministered healing with compassion and authority, not to people who
deserved to be healed, but simply because He cared so much for them that He desired to relieve their suffering. He sacrificed
His very own life, not because they demanded His death, but because He was being obedient to His Father. There was no hypocrisy
in Jesus two thousand years ago, and there is nothing but truth in Him today.”
This is the wonderful news
that we, as Disciples of Christ, can share every day, as Emmett did, sharing our faith by example and word. “For God
so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”
(John 3:16)
Betty Boudreau
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