2 young ladies came to visit our youth meeting last week. I feel this. Those who are creative. Young adults with piercings or tattoos feel condemnation from some churches today. I am so thankful that the church has moved past enforcing rules that are not in the Bible.
But I wonder are young people wondering if they will receive condemnation from people who claim to know God.
The Bible has enough rules, guidelines and teachings. We are not better if we make up more rules. People are not better if we expect them to keep extra guidelines.
I am thankful for churches that are growing to love all kinds of people. The church can again be known for it's love. The church can help people get to know God. The God of the Bible.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Monday, March 18, 2013
What About the Religious
On Mondays I seem to find myself with more important thoughts on the sermon I already gave.
A week from this past Sunday was on those who God calls sinful. In Paul's writing he uses the word "They".
In Chapter 2 Paul addresses his writings to "You". Those who know they are sinful are not in good standing with God. Those who think they are better are in a little worse standing with God.
Those who hold the scriptures and judge the sinful are without excuse. They even show contempt for the mercy, tolerance and patience of God.
Good people do not make it to heaven. Only perfect people make it to heaven. Sadly good people often think they are better than others.
Romans 3 is coming in about 3 weeks. After Easter. We will look at how NO person is righteous. The answer is in Romans 3.
To be Right with God
To think that regular people who do some good but some wrong could walk as a friend with the creator of the universe. Not even regular people, but those who might be considered the worst. There is a list of sinful things and sinful people in Romans 1.
It is the gospel/ good news that is the power of God that moves man from punishment to being considered righteous by God.
God loves everyone. That seems to be good for everyone today. But when we are selfish and do things that go against God, we stand in a place that deserves rejection from God.
Jesus took our place and was punished for the sins of the whole world.
Our choice is to accept what God has done and choose to trust God as our Leader and Saviour. I want his help in my life. I want His ways over my own ways. I need his forgiveness.
Read Romans 1 and tell me what you think.
It is the gospel/ good news that is the power of God that moves man from punishment to being considered righteous by God.
God loves everyone. That seems to be good for everyone today. But when we are selfish and do things that go against God, we stand in a place that deserves rejection from God.
Jesus took our place and was punished for the sins of the whole world.
Our choice is to accept what God has done and choose to trust God as our Leader and Saviour. I want his help in my life. I want His ways over my own ways. I need his forgiveness.
Read Romans 1 and tell me what you think.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Church? changing my mind
What does God say about the church?
More and more I am noticing that what I say about the church and what God says about the church are not the same. As a church we spent weeks looking at the first chapters of Revelation.
God does not talk about the music. Does God not know how important it is to have contemporary for the young people we are trying to reach? Does he not know we need some old songs for those we are trying to keep? And the volume needs to be just right for everyone?
It seems the size of the church building, number of people, number of pastors and amount of the budget do not enter into the conversation with God in his word. God seems to be talking about a group of people living in community to be part of his mission. There is nothing that seems to fit how to do a once a week meeting. Or anything about a building.
It seems to be more about lives changing. More about the truth, especially when we tell people what God says. More about loving each other and loving God. The church must be right with God and confront wrong teaching and wrong living.
So, may God help me to change to see more of what he sees in the church.
More and more I am noticing that what I say about the church and what God says about the church are not the same. As a church we spent weeks looking at the first chapters of Revelation.
God does not talk about the music. Does God not know how important it is to have contemporary for the young people we are trying to reach? Does he not know we need some old songs for those we are trying to keep? And the volume needs to be just right for everyone?
It seems the size of the church building, number of people, number of pastors and amount of the budget do not enter into the conversation with God in his word. God seems to be talking about a group of people living in community to be part of his mission. There is nothing that seems to fit how to do a once a week meeting. Or anything about a building.
It seems to be more about lives changing. More about the truth, especially when we tell people what God says. More about loving each other and loving God. The church must be right with God and confront wrong teaching and wrong living.
So, may God help me to change to see more of what he sees in the church.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Jesus says to go and make disciples. Disciplemakers should baptize and teach followers of Christ to keep the commands of Christ. Matthew 28
Matthew records that Jesus told people that the greatest commandment is to Love God. Matthew 22
Moses writes in Deuteronomy 6 that people should love God and keep his commands.
These commands that I give you should be pressed upon your heart. Let the Bible touch the motivation of everything you do.
Once you let the Bible in your head and in your heart you should;
repeat it over and over to your children.
talk about it at home and on the road
When you get up and when you lie down
Put it on the door of your house and take it into the community.
Keep it on your hands and on your forehead.
I am looking for others on this journey who will Study the Bible, Pray it through, live it out and talk about it. This seems to be a pattern from the Old and New testaments of the Bible.
What could happen in a church where the followers of Christ would take on this kind of a way of life?
Matthew records that Jesus told people that the greatest commandment is to Love God. Matthew 22
Moses writes in Deuteronomy 6 that people should love God and keep his commands.
These commands that I give you should be pressed upon your heart. Let the Bible touch the motivation of everything you do.
Once you let the Bible in your head and in your heart you should;
repeat it over and over to your children.
talk about it at home and on the road
When you get up and when you lie down
Put it on the door of your house and take it into the community.
Keep it on your hands and on your forehead.
I am looking for others on this journey who will Study the Bible, Pray it through, live it out and talk about it. This seems to be a pattern from the Old and New testaments of the Bible.
What could happen in a church where the followers of Christ would take on this kind of a way of life?
The difference between leaders and disciple makers
Bill Allison at Cup O' Joe with Bill - 5 weeks ago
*Thinking out loud... * *Leaders ask: *"What's working?" - Hence an obsession with currently trending models/systems of ministry—and those who make them happen. *Disciplemakers ask:* "How can we imitate Jesus' disciplemaking way of life together?" - Hence an obsession with the person of Jesus Christ as found in the Gospels—and a deep friendship with those who share this obsession. The questions we ask take our lives in a direction... to somewhere and someone. Where and to whom are your questions taking you? *More fodder for reflection:* (read the rest at- http://www.cupojoewithbill.com/search/label/leadership )
Monday, November 19, 2012
Jesus prays for those who will get the message
Jesus talks about the message that brings eternal life. He says He completed the work that his Father gave him. Then he goes on to pray for those who are living out the Word. They are taking on the message and the way of life.
This work that Jesus completed is before Jesus dies on the cross and before he is raised back to life. The work must have to do with making disciples. It must have to do with the plan of giving this message to those who will make disciples.
He does not say preachers. It is disciples that make disciples. Even today people will listen and respond to those who are sharing the message.
Jesus even prayed for all who would someday respond to the message.
Disciples that make disciples that make disciples . . . .
John 17
This work that Jesus completed is before Jesus dies on the cross and before he is raised back to life. The work must have to do with making disciples. It must have to do with the plan of giving this message to those who will make disciples.
He does not say preachers. It is disciples that make disciples. Even today people will listen and respond to those who are sharing the message.
Jesus even prayed for all who would someday respond to the message.
Disciples that make disciples that make disciples . . . .
John 17
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)