Issue 1181 Campfire Light – June 20, 2023
Some volunteers redecorated the foyer for Sunday’s church service for Father’s Day. In one area was a fire pit (unlit, of course) surrounded by camp chairs. In the background were several pallet wood trees. It was a lavish recreation of a campfire scene, and it wasn’t long before the chairs were filled with men of all ages sitting and visiting. The setting got me thinking of some past campfire scenes.
Dusk was rapidly approaching, and most of the boats had returned. It was our traditional time to gather around the campfire at our annual men’s fishing retreat. It was the time for all the men, regardless of age or background, to gather and share something of themselves and their lives.
That year things were a little different. It had been an unusually dry spring and summer. The forest fire danger rating was extreme with the drought conditions, and no campfires were allowed.
As a substitute, A Coleman© gas lantern was fuelled up and lit. The resulting light provided a welcoming spot to gather around. There was no warmth from the lantern, which made for an adequate but not satisfactory substitute for our regular campfire.
The scene is a good metaphor for our walk with l\Christ. When we know of Christ, there is an attraction to the light. It provides a degree of focus but doesn’t satisfy. It isn’t until we get to KNOW Christ and are filled with Holy Spirit that we find genuine warmth, comfort and light. Our lives become more fulfilling and contented.
The sad truth is that the world, even in the visible church, is filled with people who only know the lantern experience. People have some sort of intellectual knowledge of Christ, although many don’t even have that. They have never heard of Jesus and are yet to come to terms with the abundant life available through the only path to salvation.
Sometimes, entire congregations are made up of lantern Christians who some form of light to the world but inevitably disappoint. People enter them but don’t find Jesus, so they cannot find the comfort, warmth and hope they need.
That shouldn’t surprise us. The Bible warns of times like this.
But understand that in the last days, there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 3:1-7
If you are blessed to have a home church where Christ is proclaimed and glorified, thank God for that blessing. If not, seek one out.
Perhaps you have only heard of the light but never experienced Him. Pay attention to its call and look for a church that teaches the truth. Listen to the call of the Light and come to Jesus for redemption, forgiveness and eternal light.
Be Blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
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