Matt 16:13-16 ("Who do you say that I am?") by Pastor Don Bird

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"Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” ~ Matt 16:13-16 (full readings)

Pastor Don's Reflections: Karl Barth, a famous theologian, was on a streetcar one day in Basel, Switzerland, where he lectured. A tourist to the city climbed on and sat down next to Barth. The two men started chatting with each other. "Are you new to the city?" Barth inquired. "Yes," said the tourist. "Is there anything you would particularly like to see in this city?" asked Barth. "Yes," he said, "I’d love to meet the famous theologian Karl Barth. Do you know him?" Barth replied, "Well, as a matter of fact, I do. I give him a shave every morning." The tourist got off the streetcar quite delighted. He went back to his hotel saying to himself, "I met Karl Barth’s barber today." That tourist missed the point! I have often said that the way we live our lives communicates to the world our answer to this question, "Who do you say Jesus is?" I know there have been many occasions when I have missed the point. Where I have communicated a judgemental, pious, self-serving Jesus. Jesus' question, "Who do you say that I am?", is a question we live daily when we commit ourselves to following Christ. When I live my life for Christ, He lives through me. Through me, He is able to shine His true light. What would our answer be to the world if we gave aid to the helpless, a smile to the stranger, grace to the rebellious, peace to the tormented, forgiveness to the sinner, and love to the unlovable? How do our lives communicate the true nature of Jesus Christ?
* Pastor Don Bird is the Lead Pastor at First United Methodist Church in Canon City, CO. He is married to Mandy, and they have two children. Visit his weekly blog at www.ccumc-donbird.blogspot.com.

Faith Challenge: When you connect with another human being today, remember that you have the awesome opportunity to tell them who Jesus is through the way you offer help, love, and grace. May Jesus live through you to show a truer picture of who He is.

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Faith Quote: "Preach the gospel always, if necessary use words." ~ St. Francis of Assisi

Through Christ our Lord,

Pastor Don
Eph 3:20

* Pray/Fast: Prayer connects us with God’s will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. Fast from things that take your eyes off Jesus. Those who pray together stay together, and close to God!
* Save Unborn (& family): Abortion reality (images)…#1 death cause (23% pregnancies). Prov 24:11 & Jer 1:5. “A great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish.” Mother Teresa.
* Evangelize: Make room for unbelievers & re-evangelization of self, by way of prayer (relationship) and following Christ’s example of love (service/sacrifice/mercy). Matt 28:19.

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