spark... (a blog)

By Niki Melton
Full Life Fellowship Church in Concord, NC
  • HOME
  • What to Expect
  • About
    • Leadership & Staff
    • CONTACT
    • FOURSQUARE?
  • MINISTRIES
    • YOUTH & Kids MINISTRIES >
      • NURSERY
      • KIDSLIFE
      • EXPLORERS
      • NAVIGATORS
      • HOMESCHOOL WORKSHOPS
      • MEN'S PACING GROUP
      • WOMEN'S PACING GROUP
      • LIFEGROUPS
    • MISSIONS
    • PRAYER
    • HOSPITALITY MINISTRIES
  • Media
    • MESSAGES
    • SPARK (A BLOG)
    • GracePoint (Vlog)
    • BIBLE READING
  • GIVING
  • Blog

speaking of the real world

11/27/2017

0 Comments

 
“Jesus said, “There was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed in purple and fine linen and who lived each day in luxury. At his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores.” Luke 16:19-20


Do you know the story? Jesus talks about how the rich man and Lazarus both die, and then he goes on to describe what it’s like for them in the afterlife and all the implications for us in this life. It’s all really good stuff - and I encourage you to read it. But there’s something else you need to know right now: this is a real story, not a parable. Why does this matter to you right now, where you’re sitting in this moment?


Jesus taught in parables to get across ideas that we’re supposed to live out. But in this instance, Jesus uses a personal name Lazarus. It’s the only time in all of Jesus’ recorded teaching where he uses the name of a person in a story to prove a point. He’s not just sharing a a “story” to illustrate something although it does that too. Jesus is telling you something that he has been an eyewitness to. 


This matters to you because Jesus is watching you right now as you’re reading this. He saw you when you were formed in the womb. He saw you draw your first breath. He sees you right now this moment. He will watch you draw your last breath and step into eternity and watch as you reflect on what you did with your time here and where it led you.


Jesus isn’t talking to you about abstract ideas: he’s talking to you about the real world. Listen up. Pay attention. Because you’re going to have all eternity to consider what you’ve done with what Jesus is telling you.


Spark. Apply effort to achieve flame.
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    what is "spark"?

    Its a small thing - like the flash on a spark plug that hopefully ignites something bigger to propel you forward.

    Niki melton

    Niki is a wife and mother of 2 children.  She lives in Charlotte, NC where she enjoys everyday moments that ignite her relationship with our Lord and Savior.

    Archives

    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    October 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Location

What People Are Saying...

"Even when I have questions and doubts, I can come here and have honest conversations with God and about God. I come as I am and am always accepted as such. Plus great worship music." - Emily P.

"This is my church home and they are family to me!" - Heidi B.

"You know how people tend to head for the exits really fast after a church service is over? Well that doesn't happen here! People love to hang around after the meeting - and that's a sign of good stuff going on." ​- Terry C.

contact us

Subscribe

Join our mailing list today!
Join Now
  • HOME
  • What to Expect
  • About
    • Leadership & Staff
    • CONTACT
    • FOURSQUARE?
  • MINISTRIES
    • YOUTH & Kids MINISTRIES >
      • NURSERY
      • KIDSLIFE
      • EXPLORERS
      • NAVIGATORS
      • HOMESCHOOL WORKSHOPS
      • MEN'S PACING GROUP
      • WOMEN'S PACING GROUP
      • LIFEGROUPS
    • MISSIONS
    • PRAYER
    • HOSPITALITY MINISTRIES
  • Media
    • MESSAGES
    • SPARK (A BLOG)
    • GracePoint (Vlog)
    • BIBLE READING
  • GIVING
  • Blog