1st night of Spring Bible Conference

My brother and fellow-worker, Ben Durand, pastor of North Roxboro Baptist Church, opened our Bible Conference last night with the text 2 Corinthians 5:11-15. Ben exhorted us to be "missionary Christians" who are persuading men to believe as a result of two motives: 1) the coming judgment of Christ where all will be held accountable as to the work done in the body, 2) the love of Christ which constrains us, compels us to be like Christ - inviting others to be reconciled to God. As Ben taught, God spoke to me concerning my motives and passions. I often lack the passion to be "poured out as a drink offering" on the sacrifice and service of the faith others. The love of Christ must consume me in such a manner that I, like Jesus, expend my energies, finances, intelligence, education, emotions, etc. that others may be reconciled to God. Earlier in 2 Corinthians Paul states, "For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." Living to reconcile others to God is an eternal work, while living for earthly gain and recognition (what is seen) is temporary. O that each believer will live having the end in mind, the judgement seat of Christ, and the gospel at heart, compelled by the love of Christ, that others may be reconciled to God. Thanks Ben for preaching a much needed Word.