Express Your Faith Publicly

Pray – (1/2 minute)

Read – (2 1/2 minutes) – “Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned to Him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means Teacher). Jesus said, ‘Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: ‘I have seen the Lord!’ And she told them that He had said these things to her.” (John 20:16-18)
     Passage: Psalm 107:1-9

         When a man and woman are in love and have decided to make the commitment of marriage, one would question that love and commitment if one told the other to never let anyone else know that they were together. Instead, they are excited about their relationship and are glad to let people know they are married or are planning to get married.
        One description of the church is the bride of Christ. Jesus is the groom and believers are the bride. When a person believes and receives Jesus, God wants that person to express his/her faith publicly. Jesus calls on His followers to be public about their faith. (see Matthew 10:32-33) A private profession of faith in Christ is confirmed with a public proclamation that shows that we are not ashamed to be identified with Jesus. Baptism and being connected with a local church family are part of that identification. Stand up and be counted for Him.    

 Apply - (2 1/2 minutes)
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Pray - (1 1/2 minutes)