Personal Mission Field/Conversation

"[God] has a son who is coeternal with him and of like nature. The Son is not younger than the Father nor the Father than the Son; and the Holy Spirit breathes in them. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are not separate. Truly, now, since you are daughters of an earthly king, I wish that you will believe and I wish to wed you to the king of heaven."

  -Tirechan, Account of Patrick's Journey (Irish, 7th century)

...but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is within you; yet do it with gentleness and respect...

  - 1 Peter 3.15, 16

Tirechan's anecdote about Patrick witnessing to two daughters of a local king is probably fictional. But it serves a purpose nonetheless.

We note in Patrick's speech great care - on Tirechan's part - to portray the orthodoxy of the beloved evangelist. His witness sounds like a zip version of the Nicene Creed and the Formula of Chalcedon. Patrick, we are to believe, laid down a solid foundation of orthodox Christian faith through his witness.

That certainly is true enough. But we also notice a couple of other things about this brief witness for Christ. First, it makes the same demand that Psalm 45 makes of those who would become the Bride of Christ: they must "forget your people and your father's house" so that the heavenly king "will desire your beauty" (vv. 10, 11). In other words, repentance and a complete change of direction in life are part of the requirement of saving faith.

Moreover, being "wed" to Christ suggests the kind of intimacy that ought to characterize the relationship of all true believers with their Savior and King. Becoming a Christian means that we (a) believe the orthodox confession of Christ; (b) turn away from our previous commitments and lifestyle; and (c) cling to Christ and love Him supremely.

How does that compare with the witness you are always prepared to give for the Lord Jesus? What's that? You don't have a word of witness prepared? Well, what if the unthinkable happens, and someone - someone today, perhaps - asks a reason for the hope that is within you? How will you be able, with gentleness and respect, to explain that Jesus, the Son of God, is Lord and King in your heart and life, and that you are devoted to following this One Who saves all who truly repent and believe in Him? How will you bear witness to Jesus if you aren't always ready to do so?

But then, perhaps you are more ready than you know. Why not try it and see? Right now, ask God to give you an opportunity to explain the Good News of the Kingdom of God and its King to someone today. Go on - right now...

And then do the same tomorrow, and the next day, and every day.

You might be surprised to discover that God really does answer prayers.

Today at The Fellowship of Ailbe

They're protesting in the streets! People are angry! Shaking their fists! Threatening retribution! Invading public spaces! And we're not talking about the Middle East, we're talking about Madison, WI! The Cheese State has become Athens! ReVision explains.

It's almost March, and St. Patrick's Day is March 17. What will you give your loved ones to celebrate this great saint? How about a copy of The Legacy of Patrick? Not only will they learn about Patrick, but they'll learn why The Fellowship of Ailbe cares so much about him and his contribution to the progress of Christ's Kingdom. Oh yes, get yourself a copy, too.

T. M. Moore, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.