Christian churches should be noted for living and preaching the Gospel everywhere, though confronted with every degree of hostility.
Sunday’s sermon at Black Rock - Long Ridge Congregational Church (North Stamford, Connecticut) was preached by Rev. Larry Fullerton.
The word dangerous has more than one meaning in contemporary culture. It can refer, of course, to the threat of physical harm. It can also refer to someone with special skills, like an athlete who is always a potential scorer. Christian churches must become dangerous in both senses.
Missionary work comes to mind in the first sense. Black Rock - Long Ridge Congregational Church supports many missionaries around the world, for example in China and Muslim countries, where the threat of jail, torture, and execution is very real.
As churches here in the United States how do we become dangerous in the second sense?
Be Joyous and Believe: The Apostle Paul in his letter to the church at Thessalonica wrote:
“For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 1:4-6)
Proclaim the Gospel Everywhere:
“And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere.” (1 Thessalonians 1:7-8)
Be Generous With Your Time, Talent, and Money:
“And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will. So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” (2 Corinthians 8:1-7)
Christian Love is the Foundation:
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” ( John 13:34-35)
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