2 Corinthians 3:18. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Oh Friends, it’s Friday; Carnival Friday to boot! So you can imagine the confusion and carryings on in that beautiful island nation of T&T, with everybody loudly declaring: ‘TGICF! Thank God is Carnival Friday yes!’ Everybody’s busy preparing for the opening day celebrations of J’ouvert, on Monday morning. Food’s a cooking, costumes are hurriedly being finished, stalls are been set up. It’s a riotous time in T&T. But Friends, please remember the old folks warning; drunk or sober mind yuh business. And that holds true in every aspect of and at each stage of our lives. It’s good to let go, but responsibility must always triumph. So just because is carnival is no reason not to go to church. Yuh party all night then go to work next day, so is the same way you can party all night then go to church and give thanks that you’re alive and able to party and ask for guidance and safety during the celebrations. And now that I’m finished preaching, (smile) let’s chant our Friday Chant to keep us focused on the ONE TRUE God and His everlasting kingdom. As one now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through. Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short daysoff, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’ Now let’s turn to our Bit that promises us such fulfillment in the service of Christ. ‘But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.’ Yesterday we looked at a scripture pertaining to the first part, today, let’s move on to the next one, which is simply, ‘the glory of the Lord.’ And my people, there is no greater purpose for our being, than to show and tell of the Lord’s glory, since that’s why He created us; to worship, magnify and glorify Him. And the Good Book abounds with stories which do just that, but today we’ll focus on just one passage from 2 Cor.4; God’s power in the ministry. ‘But if our gospel be hid (veiled), it is hid to them that are lost (perishing). In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel (gospel of the glory) of Christ, who is the image of God, should not shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.’ (2 Cor.4:3-6) Ah mih people, Bruh Paul’s saying that if the gospel is hidden from some, it’s because Lucifer, who controls the evil doers of the world has blinded them so that the brilliance of Christ’s good news wouldn’t shine on them, but keep them in darkness and unawareness of the Truth. Meanwhile, in the hearts of believers, that Truth is shining brightly like the midday sun, because God has caused it to shine there, so we could be made aware of His great glory through Christ. And all God’s people gratefully declared: ‘Glory Hallelujah! Thanks oh heavenly Father for the shining light and crowning glory that’s your wonderful and most obedient Son, Jesus!’ Turning to the last part of our Bit; ‘are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.’ Let’s consider what Bruh Paul told the Roman Church: ‘For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the first-born among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified, them he also glorified. What shall we say then to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?’ (Rom.8:29-31) That’s a fact Friends! If God is in our corner, nobody can overcome us. And He’s always in the corner of those He called to walk in the footsteps of His glorious Son Jesus. So my brethren, all of us who’ve been called to this most worthy and honourable calling, please, let’s walk in those footsteps with confidence, while showing LOVE, humility, kindness, mercy and forgiveness as Jesus did. We are indeed blessed children of God, and God’s children ought only to walk in the manner He dictates. Much LOVE!…obey God…and leave all the consequences to Him…that’s wisdom at its highest… (Uncle Charles Stanley).
SCRIP-BITS 