There are people who claim to speak for God and about God.
They speak well. They know big words and are smooth talkers. They could have a nice title and an education. At first this would sound impressive. The clues are in their motives. Their speaking is only to satisfy themselves. There is something in them that feels empty. They want the power of telling others what to do.
The result causes division in those who want to follow Christ. Their speaking causes people to sin.
Don't think you can help them. At first you might think you can steer them back on track. But Paul in the book of Romans says to stay far away from them. See Romans 16:17.
Don't be that guy. Watch out for people like that.
Monday, January 19, 2015
Monday, January 12, 2015
The Strong will do this- Romans 15
Paul tells those who are strong that they need to help others. Then he describes teachers.
Teachers are full of joy and peace. He says this is the result of their trust in God. So, he prays for them. God gives joy and peace to those who trust him. He tells the church that they are full of goodness and that they can teach each other.
I think I see people who are not yet teaching each other. But they could. As they walk with God they can help others do the same. If they keep on reading the Bible and praying it through, they for sure could be sharing in the lives of others.
But, Mondays are hard days. Most go to work to start the week. Monday for me is usually a debrief and evaluation of the service and mission of the church. I notice that not many Mondays are full of joy and peace. Wondering if the people in church took steps closer to God. Did the Sunday morning message really make sense? I think I might expect too much. Did we really worship God? Or was it just singing songs and going through the motions?
How does the church move those who are ready to be teachers/ disciple makers? Thankful for 3-4 people who would meet today. They are able. There are more. I will be praying and looking to see how God does this.
Today I am telling myself to be simple and clear. It has to be God who does the work. There are some things that we can do better. We can work on those. There are some who don't want to change. I can minimize my efforts there. There are some who want to be used by God. That is a good place for me to spend my energy.
Planning to pray and trust God to raise up a team of people who help others.
Teachers are full of joy and peace. He says this is the result of their trust in God. So, he prays for them. God gives joy and peace to those who trust him. He tells the church that they are full of goodness and that they can teach each other.
I think I see people who are not yet teaching each other. But they could. As they walk with God they can help others do the same. If they keep on reading the Bible and praying it through, they for sure could be sharing in the lives of others.
But, Mondays are hard days. Most go to work to start the week. Monday for me is usually a debrief and evaluation of the service and mission of the church. I notice that not many Mondays are full of joy and peace. Wondering if the people in church took steps closer to God. Did the Sunday morning message really make sense? I think I might expect too much. Did we really worship God? Or was it just singing songs and going through the motions?
How does the church move those who are ready to be teachers/ disciple makers? Thankful for 3-4 people who would meet today. They are able. There are more. I will be praying and looking to see how God does this.
Today I am telling myself to be simple and clear. It has to be God who does the work. There are some things that we can do better. We can work on those. There are some who don't want to change. I can minimize my efforts there. There are some who want to be used by God. That is a good place for me to spend my energy.
Planning to pray and trust God to raise up a team of people who help others.
Monday, January 5, 2015
Have a glass of wine, But keep it a secret
Happy are those who don't feel guilty for doing something they have decided is right. But, they are to keep in between themselves and God. See Romans 14:22 in the Bible.
The priority is harmony in the church. The problem is gray areas. Things that some people consider wrong and other people say it is ok. Meat, wine and holy days are all given as examples. I would think there could be many more areas like these.
Why would we be told to keep this to ourselves? Keep peace in the church. So as not to look down on another, whether they keep the rule or think it is ok for freedom. People will answer to God, not answer to one another in these areas. We live to please God not each other.
When you know someone has a problem with something you are doing, you need to be kind. At times you should abstain when they are around you. You should not tempt them to do something they consider sinful.
The Bible is the rule. If the Scriptures give a command on the subject, then it is not right.
But there are gray areas. We have our opinions. Live in freedom as you yield your ways to God. Read Romans 13:13- 14:23 for the rest of the teaching on this.
The priority is harmony in the church. The problem is gray areas. Things that some people consider wrong and other people say it is ok. Meat, wine and holy days are all given as examples. I would think there could be many more areas like these.
Why would we be told to keep this to ourselves? Keep peace in the church. So as not to look down on another, whether they keep the rule or think it is ok for freedom. People will answer to God, not answer to one another in these areas. We live to please God not each other.
When you know someone has a problem with something you are doing, you need to be kind. At times you should abstain when they are around you. You should not tempt them to do something they consider sinful.
The Bible is the rule. If the Scriptures give a command on the subject, then it is not right.
But there are gray areas. We have our opinions. Live in freedom as you yield your ways to God. Read Romans 13:13- 14:23 for the rest of the teaching on this.
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