Readings:
Job 41
II Corinthians 6:14-7:1
Focus:
II Corinthians 7:1b: "Let us therefore cleanse ourselves from all that can defile flesh or spirit...."
Many people think that Christianity is all about rules. They think that the main thing about Christianity is that Christians can't do a lot of things. This is not true. Christianity is about a relationship with God who loves us.
However, it is true that it is for our own good not to do many things. There are things that are just plain bad for us, that bring us down. As Paul says earlier in this passage, can light associate with darkness? We are happier and more able to be comfortable in God's presence if we don't do those things that are unbecoming. Let us cleanse ourselves from those things.
Showing posts with label deeds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label deeds. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Believe the Deeds
Readings:
I Kings 16
John 10:31-42
Focus:
John 10:37-38:"If my deeds are not the deeds of my Father, do not believe me. But if they are, then even if you do not believe me, believe the deeds, so that you may recognize and know that the Father is in me, and I in the Father."
People are confronted with what Jesus has done--miraculous deeds of healing and restoration. And then he says that he is one with the Father. Ignoring his amazing deeds, they decide to stone him for his supposed blasphemy in saying this. It is incredible that this is more logical to them than thinking, "He has done miracles that no one else can do! He must be the awaited Messiah!"
Before the day of Jesus, the kings of Israel turned to Baal rather than follow the God who had brought Israel out of Egypt with great signs and wonders.
It is the same today. People hear not only of the miracles of Jesus, but also of his rising from the dead. Yet it seems easier for many people to believe in "vibes", or the occult, or new age spirituality, or a host of other things, than in Jesus and the good news he offers. Perhaps it is easier to believe these other things than to change behaviors in order to follow Jesus.
I Kings 16
John 10:31-42
Focus:
John 10:37-38:"If my deeds are not the deeds of my Father, do not believe me. But if they are, then even if you do not believe me, believe the deeds, so that you may recognize and know that the Father is in me, and I in the Father."
People are confronted with what Jesus has done--miraculous deeds of healing and restoration. And then he says that he is one with the Father. Ignoring his amazing deeds, they decide to stone him for his supposed blasphemy in saying this. It is incredible that this is more logical to them than thinking, "He has done miracles that no one else can do! He must be the awaited Messiah!"
Before the day of Jesus, the kings of Israel turned to Baal rather than follow the God who had brought Israel out of Egypt with great signs and wonders.
It is the same today. People hear not only of the miracles of Jesus, but also of his rising from the dead. Yet it seems easier for many people to believe in "vibes", or the occult, or new age spirituality, or a host of other things, than in Jesus and the good news he offers. Perhaps it is easier to believe these other things than to change behaviors in order to follow Jesus.
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