When Moses came down from the mountain with the stone tablets that had the law inscribed on them by the finger of God, he saw the Israelites worshiping a golden calf they had fashioned for themselves out of melted down jewelry. Moses was so upset he dropped and broke the tablets God had given him with the ten commandments. This is what most folks think that idol worship is, but it is so much more.
I'm not a legalist when it comes to the things of God. I believe Jesus came to set us free from the law and bring us liberty in love. Aside from there being order, I don't believe God prescribed any particular order of worship or how we worship. Jesus so simply put it. We are to love the Lord our God with our whole heart, whole mind, and whole strength.. He also said we are to love our neighbor as our self. All of the law hangs on these two things.
The Gap is Widening
Someone once said, "If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" I've even seen this printed on a business card sized track and left in places for people to find them. I do not wish to debate the usefulness of leaving tracks around for people to find, but this one can really cause you to think.
There seems to be an ever increasing gap between perceived Christian living and following Christ in the world today. Too many people believe what they have learned about Christianity from Hollywood or from their friend who has an acquaintance who is one of those radical born again Christians. I have a thought about that and it is based on Scripture.
There seems to be an ever increasing gap between perceived Christian living and following Christ in the world today. Too many people believe what they have learned about Christianity from Hollywood or from their friend who has an acquaintance who is one of those radical born again Christians. I have a thought about that and it is based on Scripture.
The Promise of New Life
I have been reflecting on the things that bring me joy. That is one of the things we do at Christmas time. I often wonder if it is not only the most wonderful time of the year, but also the most nostalgic. Why else would two of the most popular movies at this time of the year be found filmed in black & white? Something came to mind when thinking about what brings me joy that I want to share with you as we prepare to celebrate Christmas.
It was 2:20 am on a cool April night when my very pregnant wife woke me. It was time. This did not bring me joy. It brought me a bit of panic. A few hours later I saw my son, Aidan, born. He was big and loud, which hasn't really changed over the years. Regardless of the pain Kelly endured, and the uncertainty and inadequacy I felt, we were overcome with joy with this gift of new life. Two years later similar feelings swept over us as our daughter, Emma breathed her first breath of life.
It was 2:20 am on a cool April night when my very pregnant wife woke me. It was time. This did not bring me joy. It brought me a bit of panic. A few hours later I saw my son, Aidan, born. He was big and loud, which hasn't really changed over the years. Regardless of the pain Kelly endured, and the uncertainty and inadequacy I felt, we were overcome with joy with this gift of new life. Two years later similar feelings swept over us as our daughter, Emma breathed her first breath of life.
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