February 4, 2002
From the Book of Hebrews
Chapter 13:1f
As if it wasn’t clear enough in the first 12 chapters the writer in Hebrews, writing to a mature Christian congregation has this simple 4 word verse to begin his final chapter. "Let mutual love continue," and mutual implies that more than one person is involved This is the keynote sentence in what has been called the "Marks of a Christian life. Earlier in chapter 12:1-2 he has summarized the Christian life with 6 simple challenges as follows:
It has a goal-winning the race that is set before us.
It has inspiration-the great cloud of witnesses of Chapter 11.
But it has a handicap-the weight and sin that cling closely.
But it has the means to run and overcome the obstacles-through perseverance and example.
The example who is Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.
And a presence-again Jesus who empowers us with his spirit
Now this kind of a Christian life is demonstrated by the following characteristics:
Mutual Love- our keynote sentence, verse 1.
Ultimate hospitality-to welcome strangers, who may be undercover angels. verse 2
Ultimate concern-for those in prison as if we ourselves are in prison. verse 3
Maximum purity-in our family values verse 4
Simply contentment-money highlighted as the most serious temptation verse 5
This life is exampled by those leaders who spoke the word of God to us AND whose lives lived out their words.
This is what it is and how to do it, but only by the power of God. At First Baptist we seek to follow these great themes to the best of our ability and solicit your help if you are like minded. Together we can make God’s difference.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
201 Oak St.
Mauston, WI 53948-1333 608-8474555
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