For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. John 3:16-18
“Behold, most beloved reader, thus true faith or true knowledge begets love, and love begets obedience to the commandments of God…
For true evangelical faith is of such a nature that it cannot lay dormant; but manifests itself in all righteousness and works of love; it does unto flesh and blood; destroys all forbidden lusts and desires; cordially seeks, serves and fears God; clothes the naked; feeds the hungry; consoles the afflicted; shelters the miserable; aids and consoles all the oppressed; returns good for evil; serves those that injure it; prays for those that persecute it; teaches, admonishes, and reproves with the Word of the Lord; seeks that which is lost; binds up that which is wounded; heals that which is diseased and saves that which is sound. The persecution, suffering, and anxiety which befalls it for the sake of the truth of the Lord, is to it a glorious joy and consolation.
All those who have a faith as is here mentioned, namely, a faith that makes desirous to walk in the commandments of the Lord, and which shows itself in all righteousness, love, and obedience, also acknowledge that the word and will of our beloved Lord Jesus Christ is true wisdom, truth, and life.”
Menno Simons (1496-1561) in “Menno’s Reasons for Teaching and Writing” in The Complete Works of Menno Simons (Elkhart: John Funk and Brother, 1871) 246
The speaking went well serving Black Rock Retreat on Thursday, and then yesterday Jenni and I enjoyed special time with dear friends, Peter and Bethany Fiorello, in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania, area. The old chocolate factory in Lititz is pictured above. What an amazing region!
The influence of Menno Simons persists to this day in the lives of the Amish and Mennonite groups. While I cannot speak to their traditions as compared to biblical truth, what I can say is that their faith is rooted in obedience to Jesus Christ which manifests itself through works of love.
What about your faith? Is it dormant? Do people know you are a follower of Jesus because of the acts of love they see? Father in heaven, empower us by your Holy Spirit so people see your love through our living, giving, and serving. Hear my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.