LightGrams
September 3, 2020
Volume 24, Number 31
“Ghost ship” conjures up images of “The Flying Dutchman”, a mythical ship that was doomed to sail the seas forever. The ghosts who man that ship can never find rest, but are forever battling the elements. If you’ve seen any of the “Pirates Of The Caribbean” movie series, you are familiar with the idea.
Paul Derham of Mudeford, England is offering tours of the English Channel to view “ghost ships”. In this case the ships are modern cruise ships which have been idled due to he COVID-19 pandemic. These are still in operating condition, and there are quite a number of them moored near Mudeford. Business is booming, Derham reports, even though the “tours” of these ships does not involve any onboard experiences.
Years ago my family visited a port where a cruise ship was boarding. Though we did not get on board, I was fascinated to see the enormous vessel. I’m sure actually taking a cruise (which I’ve never done) is an immensely better experience than that.
This account makes me think of people who are impressed by the church Jesus built, but who never actually get on board. They agree that the world is a better place because of the teachings of Jesus Christ, and that the church is capable of doing much good. But, no, they’re not interested in giving it a try. They’re just looking, thank you.
Psalm 34:8 comes to my mind: “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” Just a “taste” of God will show the honest observer that God’s ways are superior. That impression will hopefully grow into complete trust in God.
In John 15 Jesus declared Himself to be “the true vine” (John 15:1). Christians are the branches connected to the vine, He went on to teach. Here’s His point: “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”
Fruit has a God-given task: To entice people and animals to enjoy its flavor. Inside the fruit is a seed which will produce another fruit-bearing vine or tree. If no fruit is borne, there will be no propagation. If the fruit is sour, no one will want any more of it.
Cruises are a popular form of entertainment because people enjoy the relaxation, the food, and the luxury of the experience. People would enjoy the church if they could taste more of the good fruit that is produced by remaining attached to Christ.
What kind of fruit does a Christian produce? “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22,23). Let’s show the world what a difference Christ can make in our lives. Maybe then more people will get on board.
Come to the light God offers! Study His word, the Bible. Worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Get in touch with us if you’d like to discuss these ideas further.
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Copyright, 2020, Timothy D. Hall. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are from the New King James Version (Copyright, 1990, Thomas Nelson, Inc.).
“LightGrams” is produced by the Central Church of Christ, 2722 Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, Tennessee, 37601, and is written by Tim Hall, minister. It is sent free of charge every Thursday to all who request it. To subscribe or to receive more information, write to “[email protected]” (our E-mail address), to the U.S. mail address above, or call (423) 282-1571.
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