“If you love me, keep my commandments.” --- John 14:15
"We also are under the necessity of vindicating our liberty if it be endangered in weak consciences by the iniquitous requisitions of false prophets. We must at all times study charity, and keep in view the edification of our neighbor. 'All things (says Paul) are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Let no man seek his own, but every man another's.' Nothing can be plainer than this rule that our liberty should be used if it conduces to our neighbor's edification; but that if it be not beneficial to our neighbor, it should be abridged. But a pious man considers this liberty in external things as granted him in order that he may be the better prepared for all the duties of charity." ----John Calvin
According to pollster, George Barna, about 85% of all Americans say they believe in God and are Christians. That's an extraordinary figure, considering our crime statistics and the way we treat each other in our communities!
Of course, Jesus knew the human heart as no other has known it, and he knew that many people would express their faith in words alone. The world is filled with "sunshine patriots" who believe in a cause and even act on it --- when it is convenient, the conditions are right, and the weather permits. AND the number grows when the cause is popular and the work is relatively easy!
But God is looking for a different kind of loyalty and commitment. He is looking for people who will obey! We learned long ago in the Army that being a soldier is more than marching in parades, dressing up in attractive dress uniforms, and playing the part. Being a genuine soldier involves sacrifice, hard work, and obedience to leaders. Being a person of faith is the same!
This week we'll all have the opportunity to show what kind of faith we have. Make sure your faith is the "obedience kind" that performs under all conditions. God is willing to give us the strength to live for him. He's just looking for people who will obey. As a popular phrase puts it, "Just do it!" God bless you as you do!
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2010
"We also are under the necessity of vindicating our liberty if it be endangered in weak consciences by the iniquitous requisitions of false prophets. We must at all times study charity, and keep in view the edification of our neighbor. 'All things (says Paul) are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Let no man seek his own, but every man another's.' Nothing can be plainer than this rule that our liberty should be used if it conduces to our neighbor's edification; but that if it be not beneficial to our neighbor, it should be abridged. But a pious man considers this liberty in external things as granted him in order that he may be the better prepared for all the duties of charity." ----John Calvin
According to pollster, George Barna, about 85% of all Americans say they believe in God and are Christians. That's an extraordinary figure, considering our crime statistics and the way we treat each other in our communities!
Of course, Jesus knew the human heart as no other has known it, and he knew that many people would express their faith in words alone. The world is filled with "sunshine patriots" who believe in a cause and even act on it --- when it is convenient, the conditions are right, and the weather permits. AND the number grows when the cause is popular and the work is relatively easy!
But God is looking for a different kind of loyalty and commitment. He is looking for people who will obey! We learned long ago in the Army that being a soldier is more than marching in parades, dressing up in attractive dress uniforms, and playing the part. Being a genuine soldier involves sacrifice, hard work, and obedience to leaders. Being a person of faith is the same!
This week we'll all have the opportunity to show what kind of faith we have. Make sure your faith is the "obedience kind" that performs under all conditions. God is willing to give us the strength to live for him. He's just looking for people who will obey. As a popular phrase puts it, "Just do it!" God bless you as you do!
----
2010
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