Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: The Church (12/06/07)
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TITLE: Dan Rathernot | Previous Challenge Entry
By Preacher Johnson
12/12/07 -
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“I’m bushed, I think I’ll watch the news then shower after dinner.” Walking into the living room Melvin plops into the lazy-boy and uses the remote to turn on the news.
“Good evening. This is Dan Rathernot senior reporter. Tonight we have the rare privilege of interviewing the Apostle Paul.
‘Welcome Paul, long time no see.”
“Yes Dan, it has been a long time seeing that we have never met before and it’s been almost two thousand years since anyone has seen me.”
“Um, yes. Well, then, let’s get on with the interview. Tell me Paul, why are you here?”
“God has an urgent message for the church and He felt that having me interviewed by such a renown reporter as you would be the quickest way to get that message to the most people.”
“Oh why I’m honored, Paul. I never knew God thought so highly of me.”
“He doesn’t Dan, God is no respecter of persons, He just knows that a large number of people watch your program.”
“Oh, I see. Is this a new revelation from God?”
“No, Dan, no new revelation, just an emphasis of an old one.”
“And which old revelation does God want to emphasize?”
“Continue steadfastly.”
“What?”
“Continue steadfastly.”
“That’s it?”
“Yes, Dan that’s it. Do you want me to be more specific? If you do, you should ask, this is an interview. Remember?”
“Yes, yes. Paul, when you say ‘continue steadfastly’ could you explain to our viewers, exactly what you mean?”
“I would be happy to Dan, which is why I am here.
‘Luke explained to us in Acts chapter two that the early church continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine, fellowship, the breaking of bread and in prayers.”
“I see. So tell me Paul, what does that mean to us today?”
“Most Christians today know what these things are and do them on occasion but they don’t have the ‘continue steadfastly’ in their hearts.”
“Please explain, Paul.”
“The apostle’s doctrine is the Word of God. Many Christians are haphazard about it. They will read it from time to time, but to study it, well, they just don’t have the love in their hearts to be with the Word every day. To continue steadfastly in the Word is to always have it on our hearts and to desire to study it and hear it preached.”
“Certainly Christians don’t have a problem with fellowship. Many churches are packed every Sunday.”
“Dan, it’s not a question if all the building is full, it’s a question if all the Christians are there.
The early Christians met at every opportunity. In fact, Luke tells us that they continued daily with one accord in the temple.”
“Paul, you don’t mean that Christians should be in church every time the doors are open, do you?”
“To continue steadfastly at anything means you do it more than when it’s convenient, or when the weather is nice or when you’re not tired.”
“Yes, but . . . ”
“Don’t argue with God Dan.”
“Yes, well, what does this breaking of bread mean?”
“This is a direct reference to the Lord’s table. The Lord’s table is to show His death in remembrance of Him. This is symbolic of remembering what God has done for us.”
“Now Paul, every Christian knows Christ died for them.”
“Yes, Dan that is true, but how often do Christians remember this in the course of a day? If Christians continually steadfastly remembered the death of Christ, they would live more holy lives. More Christians would be living sacrifices for Him because He is the Lamb of God.”
“Okay, on to point number four. Surely, Paul, Christians don’t need to be told to pray.”
“Reading a prayer list to God or praying when you have no other option is not what God intended as fervent effectual intercessory prayer. The command is ‘pray without ceasing.”
“Melvin, dinner’s ready.”
Melvin rises from his lazy-boy, enters the kitchen and sits at the table.
“I hear that at prayer meeting tonight after Pastor Neil preaches we’re having communion. Should we go?”
Melvin rubs his face in his hands, “No, I’m tired. I think after my shower I’ll just sit down and watch some more tv.”
All Scripture KJV
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Your characterizations are wonderful, and your plot is twisted just right.
Great story!