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.
Monday, January 5, 2015
Monday, December 15, 2014
Understanding Merry Christmas
The young man told me I could wait at the edge of his neighborhood. I asked if I was allowed to go into his neighborhood. He said yes, but most people do not want to. They think they might get sick.
Abaco has one of the toughest living conditions that I have ever seen. A place called Pigeon Pea or sometimes referred to as the Muds. As I remember, there was not running water. Mostly it was wood frames to make small houses. Many small houses built up against each other. Too many people in houses that were very small. Dirty and bad smells. It is a camp of refugees who have made it out of Haiti. I think it was about 10,000 people. Many women and children. In homes that do not survive the hurricanes. Homes that do not have healthy water treatment. So the sewer is only into the ground. So when it rains the sewer comes back up.
I have been trying to understand what it would be like for God to put on the flesh of a human and come to live among us.
It would be like moving into the conditions of the Muds. To go in to live like them. Show them love and learn what that life style feels like. Then I could understand their struggles.
Jesus did not need to learn what it is like to live on earth. But he showed us that he understands everything we face. My paraphrase from Hebrews 4:15 in the Bible.
Jesus is the person that stands before God on our behalf. He understands our weaknesses from experience. He knows what we are going through. He loves us that much.
I trust Jesus. He understands me. Merry Christmas.
Abaco has one of the toughest living conditions that I have ever seen. A place called Pigeon Pea or sometimes referred to as the Muds. As I remember, there was not running water. Mostly it was wood frames to make small houses. Many small houses built up against each other. Too many people in houses that were very small. Dirty and bad smells. It is a camp of refugees who have made it out of Haiti. I think it was about 10,000 people. Many women and children. In homes that do not survive the hurricanes. Homes that do not have healthy water treatment. So the sewer is only into the ground. So when it rains the sewer comes back up.
I have been trying to understand what it would be like for God to put on the flesh of a human and come to live among us.
It would be like moving into the conditions of the Muds. To go in to live like them. Show them love and learn what that life style feels like. Then I could understand their struggles.
Jesus did not need to learn what it is like to live on earth. But he showed us that he understands everything we face. My paraphrase from Hebrews 4:15 in the Bible.
Jesus is the person that stands before God on our behalf. He understands our weaknesses from experience. He knows what we are going through. He loves us that much.
I trust Jesus. He understands me. Merry Christmas.
Monday, November 10, 2014
Does the Priest get Eternal Life?
Wait! Stop! First, I am not talking about your priest. Or anyone alive today.
Jesus tells the story about a Jew on the road from Jerusalem down into Jericho. The road goes north about 17 miles and descends about 3000 feet. A little passed the middle of the trip is the part that winds and descends. Many called this the way of blood. All who were listening to Jesus likely knew where he was talking about.
A Jewish man is beaten, robbed and left for dead. The priest continues on his journey walking on the other side of the road.
This conversation all started with a question. Teacher, What do I have to do to have eternal life? Jesus affirms the answer given by the Pharisee. Love God with all you have and love others as well. But, to justify himself the religious leader asked Jesus, "who is you neighbor?".
The thief saw this man as an opportunity. The lawyer saw this as a case to be discussed. The inn keeper saw this as good business. The religious priest saw this as a messy situation. But, Jesus saw this as a need to be met. This is how followers of Christ will love others.
All those who follow Christ will love God and love others. The test will prove our love for God and others as we stop to help those we come across in life. We walk around noticing people the way God sees them. We will get messy as we step into others lives with our resources to show Gods love.
Read the story from the Bible in Luke 10:25-37
Jesus tells the story about a Jew on the road from Jerusalem down into Jericho. The road goes north about 17 miles and descends about 3000 feet. A little passed the middle of the trip is the part that winds and descends. Many called this the way of blood. All who were listening to Jesus likely knew where he was talking about.
A Jewish man is beaten, robbed and left for dead. The priest continues on his journey walking on the other side of the road.
This conversation all started with a question. Teacher, What do I have to do to have eternal life? Jesus affirms the answer given by the Pharisee. Love God with all you have and love others as well. But, to justify himself the religious leader asked Jesus, "who is you neighbor?".
The thief saw this man as an opportunity. The lawyer saw this as a case to be discussed. The inn keeper saw this as good business. The religious priest saw this as a messy situation. But, Jesus saw this as a need to be met. This is how followers of Christ will love others.
All those who follow Christ will love God and love others. The test will prove our love for God and others as we stop to help those we come across in life. We walk around noticing people the way God sees them. We will get messy as we step into others lives with our resources to show Gods love.
Read the story from the Bible in Luke 10:25-37
Monday, October 27, 2014
Slow Down
Interruptions could be the best part of the day.
Jesus was on his way to see a 12 year old daughter who was sick and close to death. A woman touches the hem of his robe and she is healed. Jesus stops to talk with the woman.
I wondered how the dad of the daughter who is sick would have felt. Probably wishing they would hurry up.
But, Jesus takes time to talk with the woman who came to him. He takes time to hear her story. To relieve her from trembling. To call her daughter and encourage her.
To be like Jesus I need to slow down and notice people. To be available to someone who might be hurting. Maybe I will see needs of those around me. We need to be out in public and available to be used by God to encourage those we see.
Where do I need to be. Why all the hurry.
Slow Down.
Luke 8:43 +
Jesus was on his way to see a 12 year old daughter who was sick and close to death. A woman touches the hem of his robe and she is healed. Jesus stops to talk with the woman.
I wondered how the dad of the daughter who is sick would have felt. Probably wishing they would hurry up.
But, Jesus takes time to talk with the woman who came to him. He takes time to hear her story. To relieve her from trembling. To call her daughter and encourage her.
To be like Jesus I need to slow down and notice people. To be available to someone who might be hurting. Maybe I will see needs of those around me. We need to be out in public and available to be used by God to encourage those we see.
Where do I need to be. Why all the hurry.
Slow Down.
Luke 8:43 +
Monday, October 13, 2014
See the People
Making disciples is all about helping people the way Jesus did and does.
Yesterday I picked up a man who lives in a tent city with others that are homeless. He is a follower of Christ. Life has not gone so well. But, he can walk with God in a homeless community. Not sure I can tell him much about how to live in that place. But I can share with him about our God who cares and loves him and those in his community, right where they are. Maybe 2 homeless people will join us next week. Maybe our church can show God's love to him and those in his community.
I met with a lady this morning who is supposed to have surgery today. How many days does God have planned for her? Again, I am short on answers, but I know God is with us and with her today. A mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.
I am so thankful for our church. Last week I heard about a church where the pastor was 95 years old. No one comes to the church that is under age 65. I am sure he is a kind old man. But, he would come each week and tell the same story. He was not able to remember that he told the same story last week. I do admire how those people would be so kind to listen again each week.
But somehow we forget the purpose of the church. The church is called to make disciples. The church must help people follow Christ. It is not about me. I think it is not acceptable that a church misses the next 2-3 generations. Traditions should never be valued over people.
We have young and old in the same church. We look at the Bible as we seek to know God. We want to be all things to all people so that we can help them know Christ. We stay short on traditions. We stay strong on the truth, the Bible and humbly seek after God.
I talked to God this morning and will look to share him with someone today.
All for Jesus,
Yesterday I picked up a man who lives in a tent city with others that are homeless. He is a follower of Christ. Life has not gone so well. But, he can walk with God in a homeless community. Not sure I can tell him much about how to live in that place. But I can share with him about our God who cares and loves him and those in his community, right where they are. Maybe 2 homeless people will join us next week. Maybe our church can show God's love to him and those in his community.
I met with a lady this morning who is supposed to have surgery today. How many days does God have planned for her? Again, I am short on answers, but I know God is with us and with her today. A mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.
I am so thankful for our church. Last week I heard about a church where the pastor was 95 years old. No one comes to the church that is under age 65. I am sure he is a kind old man. But, he would come each week and tell the same story. He was not able to remember that he told the same story last week. I do admire how those people would be so kind to listen again each week.
But somehow we forget the purpose of the church. The church is called to make disciples. The church must help people follow Christ. It is not about me. I think it is not acceptable that a church misses the next 2-3 generations. Traditions should never be valued over people.
We have young and old in the same church. We look at the Bible as we seek to know God. We want to be all things to all people so that we can help them know Christ. We stay short on traditions. We stay strong on the truth, the Bible and humbly seek after God.
I talked to God this morning and will look to share him with someone today.
All for Jesus,
Monday, August 25, 2014
You don't like the old testament?
Why am I preaching out of the book of Judges? One of my favorite people asked me this last week.
I do think the book of Judges is fun.
I try to preach some from the Old and some from the New testament. Sometimes a topical series. But I think it is best that people see the Bible and understand more what the Bible says than what I think. I hope people walk away from church thinking about God and what He says in the Bible. The Bible is the authority.
I found myself in Hebrews 11 where it talks about so many people that lived long ago. It shows them as examples of faith. I can tell you what faith means. Or I can show you how people lived their lives by faith. Examples of men and women with faith are found in the Old testament in the book of Judges.
Jephthah risked his life to defend a group of people who had kicked him out of the tribe. They told him he deserved no inheritance. But, then they went back to him to ask him to come back to lead the battle. The way he trusted God and risked his life shows faith in God.
God stood in front of Samson's mother. God told her what her son would do. He told her how to raise this warrior. Manoah, the father of Samson, prayed that the Angel of the LORD would come back and give more instruction.
I should want God to speak into my life. I should want God to give me more information. I should be willing to work hard at listening to God.
I guess that is why I preach from the book of Judges. I am thankful to team up with people who study, pray, trying to live it out and even talking about the the things God says.
I do think the book of Judges is fun.
I try to preach some from the Old and some from the New testament. Sometimes a topical series. But I think it is best that people see the Bible and understand more what the Bible says than what I think. I hope people walk away from church thinking about God and what He says in the Bible. The Bible is the authority.
I found myself in Hebrews 11 where it talks about so many people that lived long ago. It shows them as examples of faith. I can tell you what faith means. Or I can show you how people lived their lives by faith. Examples of men and women with faith are found in the Old testament in the book of Judges.
Jephthah risked his life to defend a group of people who had kicked him out of the tribe. They told him he deserved no inheritance. But, then they went back to him to ask him to come back to lead the battle. The way he trusted God and risked his life shows faith in God.
God stood in front of Samson's mother. God told her what her son would do. He told her how to raise this warrior. Manoah, the father of Samson, prayed that the Angel of the LORD would come back and give more instruction.
I should want God to speak into my life. I should want God to give me more information. I should be willing to work hard at listening to God.
I guess that is why I preach from the book of Judges. I am thankful to team up with people who study, pray, trying to live it out and even talking about the the things God says.
Monday, August 4, 2014
Discipleship starts with follow Jesus.
A man came to Jesus and asked, Good teacher, what must I do to gain eternal life? Why do you call me good, Jesus replied. No one is good except God. You know the commandments. Do not murder, commit adultery, lie, steal and honor your parents. The rich ruler said he kept all of these since he was young.
What Jesus says next is really interesting. One thing you lack, go sell what you have, give it to the poor and come and follow me.
Some who are sinful, like their life like that. Some who are religious, think they have done enough to make it to God. Both fall short. Both should come to trust Christ and Christ alone.
More than believe in me, Jesus says to come and follow me. I wonder how many religious people would have Jesus say, one thing you lack. Is there one thing in my life that shows that I like my way of doing things? Is there anything in my life that could reveal to me that Jesus is not the leader of my life?
Discipleship starts with follow Jesus. I will follow Christ. Only then can I help people who would take up their cross and follow Christ. Life is a great adventure, where I can pursue Christ and his way for my life.
Thankful for many who say yes to following Christ.
What Jesus says next is really interesting. One thing you lack, go sell what you have, give it to the poor and come and follow me.
Some who are sinful, like their life like that. Some who are religious, think they have done enough to make it to God. Both fall short. Both should come to trust Christ and Christ alone.
More than believe in me, Jesus says to come and follow me. I wonder how many religious people would have Jesus say, one thing you lack. Is there one thing in my life that shows that I like my way of doing things? Is there anything in my life that could reveal to me that Jesus is not the leader of my life?
Discipleship starts with follow Jesus. I will follow Christ. Only then can I help people who would take up their cross and follow Christ. Life is a great adventure, where I can pursue Christ and his way for my life.
Thankful for many who say yes to following Christ.
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