“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshippers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshippers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
John 4: 23-24 1 Timothy 2: 8-15 On Friday we considered the context of the situation and how Paul may have been seeking to ensure the freedom and truth of the Gospel in the life of that early Church. Today we will briefly look at other Scriptures then see how application may work for us. In other letters to other new Churches Paul also spoke on Worship and roles. For example Paul: spoke of women as co-workers and deacons (Romans 16); he promoted unity for believers over differences based on ethnicity and gender (Galatians 3: 28); he clearly allowed women to pray and prophesy (1 Corinthians 11); he taught on leadership, propriety in worship and spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 11-12); and he taught on whole life Worship (Romans 12: 1-2). Clearly as the Church grew matters were arising that had to be understood and dealt with. With this brief understanding of context (from Friday) and bigger biblical view let’s unpack this Scripture before considering application:
Considering the above I do not believe that this passage is primarily about male and female roles but about the worship of the Church in obedience to God in a particular situation. It seems to me that Paul is building the Church up in obedience to the truth of the Gospel and its empowering freedom (for men and women alike). We can therefore learn and apply various truths to our lives today. Simply put the Church is God’s agent of Mission and body of Worshippers. We are called to pray for all, for those in authority, and we are encouraged to worship in humility, and submission with faith, love and holiness. We are to recognise that there are roles for us based on our gifts and who we are; God our creator knows what is best for us. Paul sought to apply these truths in a particular context, we must do the same. The Gospel and therefore the Church is counter-cultural. To worship God in Spirit and in Truth we must work hard to identify prejudice and enculturation that would lead us away. Our worship is to be focused on God, not ourselves, and founded in the Gospel of Christ. To Ponder: How do you think this passage applies to the Church today, what was for then and what are universal instructions? Can you support your answers with Scripture? What views do you hold that are affected by prejudice and/or culture? Pray: Almighty God may we know the power and truth of your Gospel message in our lives. May our eyes be fixed upon your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ so that our lives may truly be a daily offering of worship to you. Reveal our hearts and complete your sanctifying work within that we may give glory to you in all we do and say. Amen Praise: King of Kings Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Of5IcFWiEpg In Christ there is no east or west Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxG0EhEXA3k “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshippers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshippers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
John 4: 23-24 1 Timothy 2: 8-15 When igniting fireworks we light the blue touch paper and wait for the explosion. Some passages in the bible are like that. Today’s Scripture, where instructions for Church Worship continue, is such a passage. It cries out for our self-control to enable Gospel understanding and to prevent our emotions and prejudices taking over. It calls for good hermeneutical practice (the discipline of biblical interpretation) to allow the Holy Spirit to teach us God’s truth for application today. Such practice calls us to look at the holistic biblical picture, the context the letter was written within and to understand the language and purpose of the day. Looking at it only from our 21st century perspective will not suffice. As N.T Wright explains passions run high in the Western world on the roles of men and women; there has been huge debate, argument and hurt. Life can get confusing, some men are strongly supportive of ‘women’s liberation’ some women are opposed.* So, to allow us proper consideration we will ponder this passage within two reflections. There have been many interpretations of this passage and I personally believe a good number miss some of the truths within. Remember that this is a letter to a young, growing church, guiding and instructing them over their particular challenges. In this passage Paul was encouraging focus on the Gospel and addressing the roles and behaviour of men and women in worship in their situation. The context for this letter was that it was written to the Church in a culture where other gods were worshiped (think back to Chapter one and Wednesday’s teaching on there being only one God). The Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, which dominated the city, was a female-only cult where the priests were women. Women led and men were under their authority. In contrast the Jewish culture focused heavily on the family with distinct roles for women; their position though, in society and worship was low. Women could not take part in a service in the synagogue and were hidden from sight. A man came to the synagogue to learn, a woman to hear. Contrasting cultures indeed for a new Church - worship of a false god led by women, worship of the true God where women had no part! Into these structures of society comes the Gospel with the arrival of Jesus Christ; God’s Kingdom impacted both cultures. Worship had changed; God made clear that He desires His children to worship in spirit and in truth. How should the new Church proceed under this Gospel in their circumstances? *Paul for Everyone, The Pastoral Epistles, Tom Wright To Ponder: In today’s reflection we have briefly considered the context into which Paul was writing. Consider the truth of the Gospel (Chapter 2: 5-6); what might Paul have been trying to address in Ephesus with the differing cultures so that the Gospel would bring freedom in their worship of and relationship with God? Pray: Father as we seek to understand your Word that we may obey your will open our eyes to understand by the power of your Holy Spirit. May we lay down our wills at the foot of your cross and follow in the way of Jesus Christ taking your love to the world and thereby worshiping you in Spirit and in Truth. Amen Praise: Here I am to Worship Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaUTv1pXRyU The Church of Christ in every Age Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgSFTvVn20E King David had sinned – adultery, murder, lying – and he thought he had gotten away with what he had done. Several months had passed, yet David seemed to have no remorse. But the Bible tells us, ‘The Lord was displeased” (2 Samuel 11: 27). So God sent the prophet Nathan to David to share a word. Nathan told David a parable designed to help David see the evil he had done by committing adultery with Bathsheba and by having her husband, Uriah, killed. And when David saw himself in Nathan’s parable, his heart was broken by its own corruption.
David confessed his sin and was forgiven and was justified in the presence of God. Later he put this life-saving, heart purifying experience into poetry: Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. (Psalm 51: 1-2) David knew and loved God’s Word. As he penned this psalm in the agony of his guilt, he recalled the words of God’s revelation of himself from Exodus 34: “Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin” (34: 6-7). David understood that there are some who are guilty and never turn to God for forgiveness. But there are some who are guilty, and by a mysterious act of mercy on the part of God, are not counted guilty, but instead are forgiven. David sought to lay hold of the mercy of God by faith, even though that mercy remained to him a mystery. What David couldn’t see clearly became clear: “When God our Savior revealed His kindness and love, He saved us, not because of the righteous things we have done, but because of His mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit; He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior” (Titus 3: 4-6). King David experienced clearly that there is no sin too far from God’s forgiveness. May we all appreciate this truth - we are never too far from God’s mercy. Prayer – O merciful God, have mercy on me with your unfailing love. Blot out my sins with your great compassion. Wash me clean from all the heavy guilt that burdens me. Purify me from all my sin. Thank you for your incredible mercy. Help me to be merciful to others. Song: Mercy by Amanda Cook “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all people.”
1 Timothy 2: 5-6b 1 Timothy 2: 1-7 In Paris, France there is a very large round-about with many lanes and multiple entry and exit points. It operates on a one-way system but can be confusing especially to foreign visitors. A newspaper once reported that such a visitor got so confused that they simply drove round and round the round-about until they ran out of fuel. Life can feel like that round-about and we can wonder about all the explanations that we hear for life. In our quoted verse above we are given real clarity – there is one God and one way to Him through Jesus Christ who gave Himself for us. Simple and utterly clear truth. This statement is preceded and followed by instructions for Corporate Worship; the Gospel is at the heart of the Church's Worship. The Church is to pray for all people and especially those in authority so that we might live quiet, godly and holy lives (vs. 1-2). This in itself, if you remember, follows on from chapter one with the encouragement for the Church to hold on to God’s truth. There is one God (vs. 5) which connects to the deeper reality that we were created for a relationship with Him. To have peaceful lives we need to live in that relationship, in obedience and caring for others as we love Him. Christ the mediator has paid the price for us so that we can have that relationship through faith in Him. In light of these truths God’s Church is called to pray with clear goals within His Mission that all people may know the ‘one way’ to God. Here are some of the conclusions we can draw from this passage:
In the confusion of life and in a pandemic where contradictory views exist on how to handle the situation it is reassuring to remember these truths. God calls us to pray for those He has put in authority (vs. 2 & Romans 13: 1-5) and to pray for the souls of all to find the one-way to God. The progress of God’s Mission of Reconciliation is directly proportionate to the prayers of His Church; a huge joy and massive responsibility To Ponder: What prayers can you offer for those in authority, how else might you support them as you obey God? Who can you pray for that they may find the one way to God through Jesus? Pray faithfully for them over a period of time and see what God does. Prayer; Eternal God, the light of the minds that know you, the joy of the hearts that love you, and the strength of the wills that serve you: grant us so to know you that we may truly love you, so to love you that we may truly serve you, whose service is perfect freedom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Augustine of Hippo (430) Praise: One Way Jesus Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7IQvg6VSNI For the Healing of the Nations Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYFwJitauAM Read: Acts 5:27-42
I love hearing the stories of the early church, the fearlessness of those who had given their hearts to Jesus and committed themselves to making his name famous. Though they faced many trials and much opposition, they persevered and were strengthened by the Holy Spirit, they were assisted by angelic help, and they became victorious in their mission. We read of one such account in Acts 5. In the early days after Jesus’s resurrection and ascension and after the gift of the Holy Spirit was given, Jesus' apostles were meeting in public places, where huge crowds gathered as they performed many miraculous signs and wonders. So many people were being healed that sick people were laid in the streets, just waiting for Peter to walk by so his shadow might heal them! As people were healed and delivered of their afflictions, the number of those who believed in Jesus was increased greatly day by day. This made the high priests and elders of Israel furious with jealousy. They arrested Peter and the apostles, ordered them not to teach in Jesus’ name, and threw them into jail. But during the night, an angel of the Lord came and opened the doors of the cells and directed the apostles to go into the temple courts and share the gospel there. When the temple guard and chief priests realized the cell doors were still locked and guarded but the men were no longer in jail, they were puzzled. Soon someone came and told them the apostles were now in the courts of the temple, preaching about Jesus! Again, the men were arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin—the full assembly of the elders of Israel. Rather than being intimidated by the questions of the religious leaders, Peter and the apostles shared the gospel with those gathered. As you can imagine, this made the elders all the more furious and they wanted to put the apostles to death. At this point, a man named Gamaliel stood up and called a Time Out. The apostles were put outside and Gamaliel addressed the assembly of elders. He told them of past revolutionaries, Theudas and Judas, who led uprisings of their own, which drew hundreds of people in. But eventually in both cases, these leaders were killed and their followers were dispersed. Then Gamaliel said these powerful and persuasive words of wisdom: “Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourself fighting against God.” The apostles were released and though they had been ordered not to, they persisted in teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ. Shortly after this event, the follower of Jesus named Stephen was martyred and a great persecution broke out against the believers, forcing them to disperse to many places. But this only led to more people hearing the good news. Small house churches formed and multiplied throughout the Roman empire. At every turn, no matter what came against the gospel, and the people who proclaimed it over the years, Jesus’ name continues to be made famous as people hear of his love, sacrifice and victory over death, as they encounter God’s power through his Holy Spirit and as they give their lives over to him in love and devotion. God’s purposes are unstoppable. This is a beautiful truth to stop and consider, especially in times when we are faced with uncertainty and a lack of control. It means we do our part by choosing to obey and follow his leading, and then we let go of our anxieties as we trust Him to take care of the rest, including that which seems impossible. Is there anything you need to give over to God today? Unless the Lord had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death. When I said, “My foot is slipping,” Your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought joy to my soul. Psalm 94:17-19 Song: Unstoppable God -Sanctus Real “…..so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, holding on to faith and a good conscience which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith.”
1 Timothy 1: 18b-19 1 Timothy 1: 18-20 Imagine that you are in the mountains in heavy fog or aboard a boat asea or on a large lake in the same situation. You are having to rely on your compass to direct you. Your compass can be trusted but it takes an effort to follow its direction especially if your own sense of direction is telling you a different route. Your compass will be even more effective if before the fog came down you knew your position. Now translate this to life and faith. For compass read conscience and for the foggy situation read the conflicting and confusing realities of life. Paul has been encouraging Timothy to ensure the Church stays with the truth of God’s Word and Law holding to the Gospel in Christ. He has listed the behaviours that are contrary to this truth and has urged Timothy to command the individuals not to teach such falsehood. As we reach the conclusion of this Chapter there is personal encouragement for Timothy; stay the course hold on to your faith. His conscience will assist acting as a compass giving direction in line with God’s Word and the Gospel. His faith in Jesus Christ and God’s Word will be his anchor in the storms of life. This anchor is grounded in the rock of Jesus Christ. When those storms come it will be well for Timothy to know where he stands with Jesus; this will put him in a stronger position to face what lies ahead. As Paul warns though faith is a battle. Times can be confusing and the old nature working within coupled with the principalities and powers opposed to God make for trials of faith. The application for us is clear. There will be times where we feel lost in a confusing fog of different explanations for life and demands of society. Storms will come our way, this is a reality of life. God has given us His written Word and He has blessed us with the gift of the Holy Spirit, both will guide us in life and enable a ‘good conscience.’ Our faith, founded in Christ, will keep our eyes fixed on God. Faith though needs to be exercised to be strong just like any muscle within our bodies. Working at our relationship with God and our place in His Church is therefore essential. When storms come we will know where we stand, when other false doctrines are suggested we will know the answer. Standing in Christ, in His Church, will help us to avoid the shipwreck of our faith. To Ponder: God changes our being to be more Christlike as we grow in our relationship with Him. Our being directs our doing, our doing if in obedience produces assurance. What steps can you take to remain strong in faith with a good conscience and therefore overcome in the battle of faith? Prayer; Lord as we face the storms of life and battle in a fog of understanding grant us by your grace a good conscience and strong faith. Empower us by your Holy Spirit to hold fast to Jesus Christ and in doing so to reveal your love and truth to others to the glory of your Name. Amen Praise: Will your anchor hold Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQQO8v-0VBo Cornerstone Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvLxZEU02uI “The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.”
1 Timothy 1: 14 1 Timothy 1: 12-17 Sometimes we witness an occurrence or behaviour (in person or through the media) that seems so unbelievably abhorrent that we ask ourselves, “How can a person do that?” There are times also that we are equally disgusted or disappointed with ourselves. As a Police Officer and in my Priestly role (far more the former) I have dealt with people who had committed atrocious acts. In the main though, when interacting with them, the phrase, ‘there but by the grace of God go I,’ would resound in my mind and heart; it was easy to see how many of us could end up in the same situation given different life situations and choices. In our passage today Paul describes himself as the worst sinner (vs. 15-16), recalling his past violence, unbelief in Christ and persecution of others (vs. 13). The truth of Romans 3: 23 is plain to see, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” How tragic if this was the end story for the human race! BUT NO the answer to our lost state comes in vs. 14, God pours out His grace, faith and love in Christ Jesus ABUNDANTLY. Paul then gives one of his ‘trustworthy sayings,’ Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners (vs. 15)! Paul, on the road to Damascus (Acts 9: 1-31), intent on further persecutions, met the Lord Jesus Christ; his life was changed for ever. Repentance, in addition to its normal sense, means to turn and go the other way. Paul literally did an ‘about turn’ in life as he repented, received forgiveness by God’s Grace and grew in an incredible faith soaked in the love of Jesus. This is the grace filled salvation God gives in Christ. So be encouraged my friends, no matter our state there is a way to forgiveness and new life, nothing can separate us from the love of Christ (Romans 8: 35). Paul’s past was a motivation for him to love and obey God as he saw and understood the abundant grace poured out upon him. More than that though, he realised that he had been chosen, trusted, appointed and empowered for service (vs. 12). Imagine as well as being forgiven to have such purpose and joy in life. Well, stop imagining, open your arms and receive God’s abundant Grace then live a life of purpose in the service of His Kingdom. Sing with Paul in real praise, “Now to the King Eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen,” (vs. 17) N.B. Praise Him in these words with the hymn selection today, see below To Ponder: Not forgiving others or ourselves can blight life and lead to bitterness that becomes engrained; joy and peace are lost. Do you know the freedom that God’s forgiveness brings, do you in Him need to forgive others or yourself? How does today’s reflection help, what are your next steps? Prayer; Most merciful God we confess to you, before the whole company of heaven and one another. That we have sinned in thought, word and deed, and in what we have failed to do. Forgive us our sins, heal us by your Spirit and raise us to new life in Christ. Amen Praise: Immortal, invisible, God only wise – links to 1 Tim. 1: 17 Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c59R-Ry8q50 Amazing Grace, my chains are gone Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbe7OruLk8I The writer of Chronicles needed to explain the failure of Israel as a kingdom. So the writer started and ended his narrative by describing the unfaithfulness of Israel’s rulers:
So Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord. He failed to obey the Lord’s command, and he even consulted a medium. (1 Chronicles 10:13) Likewise, all the leaders of the priests and the people became more and more unfaithful. They followed all the pagan practices of the surrounding nations, desecrating the Temple of the Lord that had been consecrated in Jerusalem. (2 Chronicles 36:14) Over and over again, Israel’s prophets, priests and the people became more and more unfaithful. God’s people longed for someone to rule over them who would not chase after idols, who would persevere in loving God’s law, who would rule with righteousness that would last. But of course no human has the power to be that faithful. That’s why we need Jesus. He is the faithful leader that people of God have always longed for. In fact, at the end of history, in the book of Revelation, Jesus is called by the name – Faithful. “Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war” (Revelation 19:11). Jesus is faithful even to those who are repeatedly unfaithful to him. “If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful” (2 Timothy 2:13). But he also empowers us by his Spirit to become faithful like he is. “The fruit of the Spirit is…….faithfulness” (Galatians 5: 22). It’s his faithfulness at work in us that will allow us to enjoy hearing Him one day say to us: “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!” (Matthew 25:21). And when we doubt that this will ever happen, we remember, “The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5: 24). How great is thy faithfulness of our God! Prayer – Faithful and True, I am holding on to your promise that you will keep me strong to the end so that I will be blameless on the day when you bring everything into the light. How I long to hear your “well done” on that day. It’s your Spirit at work in me that makes me confident that day will surely come. Lord, help me to be more faithful to you. Song: Great is thy Faithfulness “We know that the law is good if one uses it properly……and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine that conforms to the glorious Gospel of the blessed God, which He entrusted to me.”
1 Timothy 1: 8, 10b-11 1 Timothy 1: 8-11 Jesus said that He had come not to replace the law (and prophets) but to fulfill it (Matthew 5: 17); so what does Paul mean in this short passage and how does the law link to the Gospel? To help answer these questions it would be good to try and understand the culture of the day, the situation that Paul was addressing, by looking at the list of ills he recorded. Taking some of the items on this difficult list and unpacking the Greek translation here are some examples that will give us a sense of the times: the lawless, those who know the law but break it openly; the undisciplined, those who refuse to obey authority; the irreverent, those who positively and actively practice irreligion; the immoral, linked to the temple of Aphrodite vice, prostitution and sexually immoral behaviour was rife within the society; and slave traders, the possible translation here is that of slave kidnappers a greater evil within this diabolical business. The Law clearly identifies against such behaviour; simply comparing the list against the Ten Commandments demonstrates this reality. Behaviour that contradicts God’s Law also contradicts the sound doctrine of the Gospel (vs. 10-11), so as the Gospel is embraced the law is not to be contradicted. As John Stott says, “There is no antithesis (opposition between two matters) between law and Gospel in the moral standards they teach; the antithesis is in the way of salvation, since the law condemns, while the Gospel justifies.” What the Gospel does through Jesus Christ is enable the believer to be made right with God in order that the righteous requirement of the Law may be fulfilled. Then the presence of the Holy Spirit in the heart of the believer empowers obedience to the law Jesus in Christ. Therefore the glorious Gospel (vs. 11) is the amazing Good News of forgiveness for sins past and power to overcome in the present and future. God’s mercy and grace cleanses the repentant believer. This Good News comes from God, it has been revealed and is not man-made; it is truth and power. Finally it has been entrusted to us, the Good News is to be shared. Such is God’s love for us! The motivation for the believer then is that sin does not only break the law but God’s heart. Our obedience to the law comes not from fear of it or of judgement but from the fear of disappointing Christ’s love and of grieving the Father. So it is not the law of God that constrains us but the love of God within the power of the Gospel; love fulfills the law. To Ponder: Compare the list in today’s reading with what you see in our society and culture today; what contravenes God’s laws? How can the Gospel help to confirm truth and empower obedience motivated by God’s love? Prayer; Almighty Lord and everlasting God, we beseech you to direct, sanctify and govern both our hearts and bodies in the ways of your laws and the works of your commandments; that through your most mighty protection, both here and ever, we may be preserved in body and soul; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen Alternatively pray through Psalm 51 Praise: How He loves us Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzfPHnoT0-0 Love Divine all loves excelling Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGGcqhKShQ8 “The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”
1 Timothy 1: 5 1 Timothy 1: 3-7 In today’s passage Paul urged Timothy to command ‘certain men’ not to teach false doctrines nor to devote themselves to myths and genealogies (vs. 3-4). At that time some literature was being circulated that rewrote sections of the Old Testament with embellishments and additions. Gnosticism was also impacting the early Church (we see this issue behind warnings in the Epistles and fourth Gospel). Gnosticism did not hold to the biblical teaching on creation; matter was imperfect, an evil thing, so a good God could never have made it. The Gnosticism emphasised personal spiritual knowledge over the doctrines and authority of the Church and became concerned with myths and genealogies. The result was that some wandered away from the truth and took part in meaningless talk; the teachers appeared confident but were in fact ignorant (vs. 6-7). The motive behind Paul’s command is love (vs. 5). If we unpack this verse we see a reverse order: faith, by God’s Grace and our repentance, begets a clear conscience which precipitates a pure heart. Love flows out from a pure heart as God’s love flows in. Faith has its origins in believing the truth of God; His Gospel. We are justified through faith by God’s Grace (Ephesians 2: 8), this leads to a clear conscience (Romans 8: 1 & 30) and a pure heart. The believer is now a new creation with an enlightened heart (2 Corinthians 5: 17; 1: 22; & 4: 6). In this new life love becomes the driving force in a cycle of blessing where fear and guilt are driven out (1 John 4: 18). Take away truth though and all collapses like a house without foundation; Jesus is the truth and the cornerstone on which all stands. False doctrines exist today where God’s Word is embellished or added to. There are many alternatives to His truth and the promulgators appear confident in their assurances. I am convinced that many who hold to such views are motivated by a form of love. Indeed we are commanded to love God, our neighbour and ourselves but we are also to love in deed and in TRUTH (1 John 3: 18). To love outside of truth is to love in an ineffective way that may inadvertently keep people away from the loving relationship with God that we have been created for. Truth’s goal is love and that love is found in reconciliation with God our Father through faith in Jesus Christ (the truth, Colossians 1: 19-20). To Ponder: Consider an issue that you are unsure about; is it line with God’s truth or may it be a false doctrine? Test this matter against the truth of faith, does it come from God? Then test it against love; does it promote unity in God’s Church? Teaching that is of God’s truth will always stand on Jesus Christ, promote God’s Glory and edify the Church Prayer; Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: graft in our hearts the love of your name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and of your great mercy keep us in the same; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen Praise: Come my way my truth my life Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzJNdXOHLIU One way Jesus Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7IQvg6VSNI |
Preachers BlogIn 2024, each week's blog is a follow-up reflection written by the preceding Sunday’s preacher to dig deeper into the sermon topic and explore engaging discussion questions. Archives
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