Isn't it interesting when people you know who are not Christians preach sermons? What I mean is illustrated in the examples below.
First, at lunch today I brought up the subject of the Tennessee Lottery's Hope Scholarship. The conversation had died and we were eating in silence, so, being the social butterfly that I'm expected to be, I throw out a subject and wait for someone to take the hook. It was completely random, but I was interested to hear what my lost coworker's opinions were. They each have kids and certainly want the best education for them.
I said that one problem that many Christians and churchgoers are going to have to contend with if they haven't already had to think about it was this: Some, like my wife and I, are adamantly opposed to the lottery because it is morally wrong, it preys on poor people and ... well, it's morally wrong. But it will be a huge temptation for moms and dads when their kids come of college age and the huge, tasty carrot of a college tuition that is paid for is dangled in front of their face. For some, I said in the conversation, it'll be a very tough option to turn down.
The man sitting next to me -- lost and admits it -- dismisses the subject and everyone else's justification for accepting the "scholarship" with, "That's easy. You just have to decide if you're going to be a hypocrite or not." Dead silence. Next subject.
And then while talking to an alcoholic man who works in shipping and receiving and who lives a very immoral life and brags about it motioned toward a man who walked in the building. He pointed him out and said, "That man used to be preacher. The other day he cornered us and was telling us about the 'end times'. He said that he believes the world will end in two years." I snickered a little bit because no one knows for sure when time will end and thought that was the end of the subject. But the man continued, "I asked him in front of everyone why he doesn't sell everything he owns and live a good life for the next two years."
Two great sermons were preached today by people who you wouldn't expect to be so insightful.
First, don't be a hypocrite. Let your "yes" be "yes" ...
And, second, don't be a hypocrite. If you believe that Jesus is Lord and you believe that the world will end in two years, then those around you will dismiss both -- because the logical conclusion is that if the world doesn't end in two years then obviously Jesus isn't Lord. Our belief and hope as Christians isn't flippant and without substance. It is a confident expectation.
Class dismissed.