The call to Christians is to live out your faith within the social settings you find yourself. This was the challenge given recently by Press Services International writer, Captain Pete Brookshaw (photo).
Brookshaw, Pastor at the Salvation Army Craigieburn, was speaking at a Melbourne Christian College, challenging students to understand what it means to be a follower of Jesus. He challenged senior students on the way their faith is lived out among others. He explained that if you have an encounter with God your life cannot help but be changed because of the amazing grace that works within us.
The news that Jesus saves transforms lives and because of this encounter part of this change means a Christian should radiate God’s compassion to others wherever they go.
No holiness without social holiness
Brookshaw’s conclusion is there is no such thing as having a “private” faith that does not impact others. “There is no holiness without social holiness,” was his maxim.
He pointed to Leviticus chapter 19 verses 1 and 2 which calls God’s people to “be holy” and then links this practically to verses 9 and10 which commend His people to care for the poor and the foreigner. This is an example of a faith with deeds, a desire to be holy that radiates holiness to others in that community.
The Salvation Army
Jesus’ life was one of shining His holiness socially by healing the sick, feeding the poor, proclaiming the Good News to all. The Salvation Army was started based on this very idea that true faith is a faith that is seen in both word and deed.
Brookshaw’s own church in Melbourne’s outer north has many programs that live out this faith in Jesus as Lord, such as public times of worship, local school breakfast programs, soup kitchens and hosting community events, such as PSI writers conferences. The challenge Captain Pete left with students was to live out their faith within their social settings and shine Jesus’ compassion to all.
Brookshaw is author of several books, including “Holy” and “Jesus Christ,” and is Editor of the Salvation Army’s War Cry magazine.
Jeremy Dover is a former sports scientist and Pastor
Jeremy Dover's previous articles may be viewed at https://www.pressserviceinternational.org/jeremy-dover1.html
And https://www.pressserviceinternational.org/jeremy-dover.html
