Two Blogs Transferred From Another Site (so all my blogs will be in one place)

What've we become and what are we going to do about it?

(originally posted 5/28/08)

Some thoughts on the church of today inspired by a blog by someone else (thus why some bits may not make sense.)

The fruit of the spirit is LOVE. Joy is love's strength. Peace is love's security. Long-suffering is love's Patience. Gentleness is love's conduct. Goodness is love's character.  Faith is love's confidence.  Temperance is love's victory. Against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35

A scene from THE DIVIDED BATTLE by G.L. Hill keeps coming to mind. At the time I first read it, I kept thinking of some of the churches, and some of the people I've met in them.

              ...Discussion grew hot. Some very harsh words were exchanged. 

              Some plain truths were told, and denied point blank, and a decision 

              seemed no nearer than when the question was first proposed.
              In the shadowy dimness back under the gallery two demon-emissaries 

              of the enemy stood taking notes. One of them, young in his office, 

              looked puzzled.
              "I don't see how you can tell which are Christians and which are 

               fighting for us," he said at last, in an aside to his superior officer, 

               who was watching the argument with great satisfaction.
              "Don't you know the rule?" asked the other sharply. "This is their 

               own leader's word: 'By this shall all men know that ye are my 

               disciples, if ye have love one to another'!"
               A look of surprised comprehension began slowly to dawn upon the 

               young demon's face.
               "Why then, almost all of them are fighting for us!"...

    I really think we are fighting a battle against ourselves, bickering over points of opinion while the enemy of our soul makes headway-using our arguing to disillusion those who might want to come to Christ. When we draw swords on each other, we fail to show the love that has saved us to a world that desperately needs it.

 

Actions speak louder than words - or do they? 

(originally posted 12/2/08)

Dad (a.k.a my pastor)always says that we are often the only Bibles people read. As Christians, our behavior to each other reflects what is inside of us.

        (Matt. 7:16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from

         thistles?)

If we're acting the same as everyone else (i.e. lying, hating, gossiping) people think that's what our God is like. If we say one thing and act contrary to that, then even the most powerful witness falls flat. However, words are very powerful. The right words can heal a wound, but the wrong words can kill.

        (Prov. 12:18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts,but the tongue of the wise brings

         healing.

         Prov. 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,and those who love it will eat its fruits.)

If we act like a Christian, but never say anything, no one will know the Savior behind our actions. Conversely, if we preach a powerful message, but then continue on like the rest of the world, people will think our God means nothing. I'd say both are equally important.