Show the Truth

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Show the Truth

Christian love moves in four directions simultaneously—up, in, out, and across. We look upward to Christ as he reaches inwardly to change our hearts. We extend our hands outwardly to those who need this love, working together across the church with Christian sisters and brothers. 1 John 3:13-16 defines this four-fold love this way:

“We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God.”

This week at First Baptist, we’ll be moving in these four directions to carry out this mission. Our 44-voice Youth Choir and sponsors are touring East Tennessee, returning Sunday for their home concert. They’re reaching out to inspire people through their walks with Christ, worshiping our risen Lord, and bonding with each other on the journey. On Saturday, over 100 volunteers will reach across our community as we feed hungry children in Leon County in an effort called “A Full Summer.” Through a partnership with St. John’s Episcopal Church and Second Harvest of the Big Bend, we’ll pack bags of beans and rice for families this summer. Over 50% of the families in our public schools depend on the school’s free and reduced-price lunch program to provide their kids with nutritious meals during the school year. This program bridges the gap between semesters and between people with “enough money to live well” and “brothers and sisters in need.” Next week, staff and volunteers will look up and turn inward for our annual Vacation Bible School. This year the theme is “Weird Animals,” and already the Welcome Center already grows with anticipation.

How can you be involved? Join us on Sunday evening, June 8 at 6:00 p.m. for the Youth Choir’s home concert, and again on Friday, June 13 at 6:00 p.m. for Vacation Bible School’s Family Night Friday. Support our staff, parents, and families as we reach out with love in our community. Bring a guest with you to be a part of VBS. Share your resources by donating to “A Full Summer.” Just $1 buys four meals for a hungry family! Living with “real love” isn’t nearly as
complicated as it sounds, but it does require people to follow the directions of love.

This week let’s show the truth by our actions.