Amanda called me tonight and she was really upset about what is happening in religion today. She was especially concerned about Jeff and Adam's blog.
Let's examine things from God's point of view.
What does he want from us?
Nothing. He gives us all things.
You has He made alive who were dead in trespasses and sins.
This passage points to a number of things. First He is able to do anything including make what is dead, alive. Second we need to recognize that without Him, all we do is sin.
No, really, what does He want from us?
Well, if you insist, I don't need you to do anything, but if you want to show me that you love me, Love each other.
In this is the law fulfilled that we love one another.
This passage points out the importance of how we treat each other. By showing our love for others, they may be led to ask why we love. We can then have the opportunity to share the story of what he has done for us?
But what about Jesus direction to make disciples of all nations?
Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you, and behold I am with you always even to the end of the world.
It is entirely possible to overstress this passage. We can make spreading the gospel into a good work that we need to do. That's what happens when we stress the "Go, therefore" part. But then, we miss some important things.
"disciples" you don't become a disciple just by saying so, you have to learn about Him.
Search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life and they are they that testify of me.
You don't become a disciple without His word.
"all things that I have commanded you" Don't you see that means we can't pick and choose what we want to talk about. We can't be going out into the world and looking for answers for Spiritual questions.
By far the most important part about sowing the seed is that
The seed we sow needs to be pure.
What happens if we sow 99% seed and 1% weeds? I've been a gardener long enough to know that weeds grow like crazy. Besides the seed we sow is the seed that Satan sows. Amanda talked about that in I Cor. 4.
Luther sure had it right when he said that the Word of God was to be taught in its truth and purity.
Where do you get that pure seed?
From His Word.
Teaching them not with the words man teaches, but with the words God teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
But why is it so hard? Why are people leaving like crazy.
I have had enough, LORD," he said. "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.
Now when Elijah said this, he thought he was the only one left. The truth is, it is hard to be a Christian, in fact, without God, it is impossible.
But God appeared to Elijah, not as the wind, or the earthquake, or the fire, but in the whisper.
The point is that faith is so difficult for people. If it would be easy, then we wouldn't have needed the Holy Spirit, we could have just done it ourselves.
So what should we do?
Live your life,
be always ready to give to anyone who asks the reason for the hope that is in you.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and don't lean on your own understanding.
So are those guys on the right track?
Judge according to what you have learned from your youth. Look at the things they teach. Do they differ? What did you learn about the age of the world? What did you learn about the way to salvation? What did you learn about people who deceive you with good words and fair speech?
So which passage should we apply?
Mark those who cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine you have learned and avoid them.
That which they most heartily preach against is exactly the message we need to hear. That which the natural man rejects because it seems to discriminate against people is the only way to keep yourself from falling. Which of us thinks they are strong enough to argue with the words they bring? There are only two choices, either the words we hear are the words of God, or they are the words of the deceiver. The "good words and fair speeches" of the world can deceive us. Only by admitting we are simple, can we be saved from the world. We will not be deceived when we listen to the truth.
The first mistake that Eve made was thinking she could argue with Satan. Where did that lead?
We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and rulers of the darkness.
Our father treats us like little children on purpose. We are little children, and in need of help.
for of such is the kingdom of God.
We love you all, and have confidence in Him that He will preserve us so that we all will be with Him in eternity.
Dad and Mom
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