Are you ready to Stand Strong? David Walls of Elyria, Ohio, shares the true story of Peter Cartwright, a nineteenth-century circuit-riding Methodist preacher and a man of great courage.
One Sunday morning when he was to preach, Cartwright was told that President Andrew Jackson was in the congregation, and was warned not to say anything out of line.
When Cartwright stood to preach, he said, “I understand that Andrew Jackson is here. I have been requested to be guarded in my remarks. Andrew Jackson will go to hell if he does not repent.”
The congregation was shocked and wondered how the President would respond.
After the service, President Jackson shook hands with Peter Cartwright and said, “Sir, if I had a regiment of men like you, I could whip the world.”
Peter Cartwright was a man of great courage who was willing to say what needed to be said. His courage, however, was not courage born solely of inner strength and determination but of understanding eternal values.
Peter Cartwright was “not ashamed” of the Gospel (Romans 1:16-17). He knew its power and worth. He knew the tragedy of a life and future apart from Jesus Christ.
We live in a world that is increasingly antagonistic to Christianity and Christian values. It is increasingly embracing attitudes and behaviors that are not compatible with the teachings of Jesus. What is your response?
Where are you on the Not Ashamed continuum when it comes to pushback and ridicule of the Gospel? Are you Not Ashamed of Jesus, ready to stand for Him no matter what is said about Him? Are you Hilahila (“shame shame” in Hawaiian), always afraid to speak up? Or are you Intimidated, right smack in the middle? Do you sometimes Stand Up for Jesus but, other times, are Quiet when people mock His name?
Jesus gave us a strong warning in Mark 8:38, “If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” What a warning!
May that never happen to us. Lord, please help us to stand strong for You! Help us as Your church to stand tall and shine Your light in the darkness and show Your love to a people far from You.
This Sunday, March 7, I want to challenge you to “Dare to be a Daniel!” In Daniel chapter 6, we see a man of Great courage and faith. Be willing to stand tall and stand alone, if need be.
If you are not able to join us in person in the building at 10:35am for worship, please join us online for the Live broadcast on Facebook (Search: Honolulu AG). It will also be uploaded later that day to our website (honoluluag.org) and YouTube channel (Search: Honolulu Assembly of God).
Chris and Lindsey Carter, missionaries to Japan, will be with us on Sunday, March 14, in both the 9:30am Adult Bible class as well as the 10:35am worship service. You will be thrilled by their exciting report of what the Lord is doing in that wonderful nation. Please don’t miss it!
My wife, Shirley Ashpole, will be our guest speaker on Sunday, March 21. If you have heard her speak before, you know she is a good preacher. She “brings the fire!”
Palm Sunday is coming up March 28. Resurrection Sunday will be April 4. Get ready to praise our risen Savior!
Aloha and Aloha ke Akua!