Christians should not exclude others who are serving the Lord simply because they are not part of their specific group or church. The Apostle John’s question to Jesus about a man casting out demons who was not part of their group illustrates this point. Jesus’ response emphasizes that anyone not against them is for them and that even a simple act of kindness done in His name will not go unrewarded. The sermon concludes by urging believers to focus on serving the Lord and extending kindness to others, rather than judging those who may serve in different ways.
Restored with Diffio
Audio restored with Diffio. Diffio processed the original archive recording to reduce noise and produce a cleaner listening version; the original stays available.
Speech quality score (model-estimated, SCOREQ): before 2.24 → restored 4.44
Good morning to all of you. Say, doesn't that theme music sound a bit like an alarm clock? Well, this is the program to help you start your day. Someone watching an anthill in his backyard noticed that in the heavy traffic on the surface, the creatures often seem to collide with one another as they pass. A scientific investigation of the matter revealed that the ants don't just bump into each other accidentally, but rather make bodily contact purposely in order to pick up each other's scent. If any ant does not have the right smell, peculiar to that particular nest, it will be immediately killed.
The one who observed the creatures was reminded by their actions of the small-mindedness of many Christians. They want to be as diligent as the ants in working for the Lord, but woe to the brother who wants to join their group who does not have the scent of their particular church or circle. How many clashes result because we unspiritually feel and measure each other on the basis of our own opinions? Well, don't be discouraged. The Apostle John had the same problem, according to the verses that we're going to read today. All my life long I had planted For a drink from the jungle spring That I hoped would quench the burning Of the thirst I felt within Feeding on the hush around me till my strength was almost gone.
Longed my soul for something better, only still to thunder on. Hallelujah! I have found sinful my soul The gospel according to St.
Mark chapter nine. And John answered him, Master, we saw a man who does not follow in our company casting out devils in thy name. And we forbade him to do it. Jesus said, forbid him no more. No one who does a miracle in my name will lightly speak evil of me. The man who is not against you is on your side. Why, if anyone gives you a cup of water to drink in my name, because you are Christ, I promise you, he will not miss his reward. If anyone hurts the conscience of one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better he had been cast into the sea with a millstone around his neck.
There's so much to do for the Lord Jesus. Let's trust him as Savior and then go on to give the cup of water to others. Moments of Melody is a daily program. We invite you to tune in again tomorrow morning at this same time for another program.