Worth living for

Martin Luther King Jnr – “If you haven’t found something worth dying for, you haven’t found anything worth living for.”

What do you make of this quote? Does it make sense to you?

In essence, I believe Martin Luther King Jnr was emphasizing that once you have decided to invest every ounce of your resources into something, that this cause/person/belief makes you come alive. 

Of course, we remember that Jesus said it like this:

"Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it." - Matthew 10:39

"We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body." - 2 Corinthians 4:10

Living in Grace

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Greatness is determined by?

Martin Luther King Jnr - "Not everybody can be famous but everybody can be great, because greatness is determined by service."

As our friends in the USA are enjoying Martin Luther King Day, it is worthwhile reminding ourselves of some of his inspiring words. It is also important to remember that he also lived out what he preached. This is the true test of any person - that their actions match their words.

Luke 10:36-37 - “Which of these three do you think was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

2 Corinthians 4:5 - For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.

Living in Grace

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Henry David Thoreau

For something completely different I want us to mark the birthday of Henry David Thoreau today. He was born on the 12th July 1817 and although Henry was not overtly Christian, his life and work inspired many important people, including Martin Luther King Jr and Mahatma Gandhi. He held strong views against slavery and the Mexican-American war, and believed that a non-violent approach to politics would bring about reform. Thoreau also believed that nature was incredibly enchanting and that the meaning of life was hidden in creation.

What makes me dwell on his life today (besides it being his birthday) is to ask ourselves if our lives "rub off" onto others in a positive way? Do our actions shape the thoughts and actions of other people?

And when we think of our Saviour Jesus Christ, how has the life of Christ changed the way we live our lives.

John 13:15 - "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you."

Here are a few of Henry David Thoreau's quotes to get you thinking:

The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it.

Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth.

Living in Grace
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There is hope

"Anyone who is among the living has hope..." - Ecclesiastes 9:4

Did you notice that?
Solomon argues that if we are alive today, then we HAVE HOPE.
I am not sure how full of hope who are feeling today, but can I remind us all that if you are breathing, then there is ALWAYS hope.

1 Timothy 4:10 - That is why we labour and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.

1 Peter 1:3 - Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” - Martin Luther King Jr.

Living in Grace
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Finite disappointment - Infinite HOPE

"We must accept finite disappointments, BUT
never lose infinite HOPE." - Martin Luther King Jnr.

We had a look at "Dealing with Disappointment" in our sermon series yesterday. My friend, Collin spoke clearly about how we can get a 'grip' on disappointment in our lives. We all face this at some stage - broken promises, shattered dreams, hurt feelings, lost opportunities. None of us is immune from this kind of hurt and brokenness.

The danger with disappointment is that it threatens to leave us in the pit of despair. We should always remember that with Jesus we can hold onto Infinite Hope. Disappointment may last a while, but our hope in Christ can last for ever.

Romans 5:5 - "And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love."


Living in Grace
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