Jesus loves the little children

The Good Word

Remember that song Jesus loves the little children?

Here is a selection from Matthew 18, it is verses 2-7, “2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

6 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through…

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Heritage Baptist Church Service 7-25-21

https://www.heritageloves.com/

More on Biblical Context

I have a follow up to last week’s blog about Biblical context.

I have an example that at I wish to discuss on one of the hot button topics in theology discussions, the topic is the Gifts of the Spirit.

The two biggest Gifts debated on is speaking in tongues and prophecy.

One side there is cessationists who believe tongues and prophecy are not for the day and then charismatics and continuationists think they’re for today. I mean this generally as many hold to different views.

In the Bible it says the Gifts will cease when the perfect comes. There is different views on this topic but that is not the point of my what I’m writing.

My point is looking to the Bible.

Personally I hold to the continuationists stand point because scripture doesn’t show the Gifts ceasing and I still see signs of the Holy Spirit doing great things through believers but I also see a lot of non-biblical behavior going on with how to seek after and utilize the Gifts.

Here is what the Bible says about the Gifts of Tongues and Prophecy.

1 Corinthians 14:1-25,
“14 Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. 2 For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. 3 On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. 4 The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. 5 Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.

6 Now, brothers,[a] if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? 7 If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played? 8 And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle? 9 So with yourselves, if with your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said? For you will be speaking into the air. 10 There are doubtless many different languages in the world, and none is without meaning, 11 but if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me. 12 So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.

13 Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. 15 What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also. 16 Otherwise, if you give thanks with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an outsider[b] say “Amen” to your thanksgiving when he does not know what you are saying? 17 For you may be giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not being built up. 18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

20 Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature. 21 In the Law it is written, “By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord.” 22 Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign[c] not for unbelievers but for believers. 23 If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds? 24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, 25 the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you.”

It seems there is a lot of debate on the how and misuse in churches but it’s right in the Bible on what the Gifts are meant for and how to use them.

So that’s my example, now go read the Bible, it in itself is a gift from God.

Have a Blessed Week,

Chris

More on the gifts of the Spirit:
https://www.openbible.info/topics/gifts_of_the_spirit

Daily Readings

Monday – 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13

Tuesday – Psalm 51:1-12

Wednesday – Ephesians 4:1-16

Thursday – John 6:24-35

Heritage Baptist Church Service 7-18-21

https://www.heritageloves.com/

Another Look At Biblical Context

I’ve written before about the importance of knowing context in the Bible I am further reminded of this when I read discussions from other Christians about a wide variety of topics.

Sometimes I see Christians use select scripture and base their entire behaviors and beliefs on those few scriptures however if you do this you may be basing your beliefs and behaviors on something that is not correct because you didn’t read the entire chapter and understood the context. Many times people even read articles and books about scripture that has a few verses in the content but they don’t actually read the actual full content of the Bible.

This can be dangerous, people can manipulate scripture to make it sound the way they want. Some can abuse scripture and others can go their entire lives adamantly believing something only to be shocked to find out the Bible teaches something different than what they have been told. Worse their emotions might lead to them completely ignoring scripture because they’re attached to what they have been told.

It’s your job to read the scripture in it’s entirety, know God’s word not just part of it or your may not know God’s word at all.

I heard a Pastor named Michael Rowntree use an analogy, he said imagine if someone took a book and just picked parts of that book out of context in order to know what the book was about.

That would be a poor way of reading and understanding the story.

Now imagine doing that with the most important book in the world the Bible.

That is a wise thing to think about. 

Read the Word of God, know the Word of God and Love the Word of God.

Have a Blessed Week,

Chris

Michael Rowntree’s Church: Wellspring Church: https://wellspringdfw.org/
Remnant Radio (He is a Co-Host of this show): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC31RZ-b3D1w452JLuzLVl4Q

Scripture Reading Plan:

Monday – 2 Samuel 11:1-15

Tuesday – Psalm 14

Wednesday – Ephesians 3:14-21

Thursday – John 6:1-21

Toxic Environments in Christian Culture

Throwback Thursday. This is from December 2018. Having gotten really into theology in the past year and a half this post really hits home with me more than ever.

The Good Word

I really wanted to write a Christmas blog this week but this has been on my heart.

Why are so many Christian discussions like comment sections so toxic? It makes me sad. Where is the love? Just because you can quote scripture doesn’t mean you know scripture.

So many Christians take a few scriptures and use that as a license to judge.

Didn’t Jesus tell you not to judge?

Stop taking a few verses out of context in order to behave like you are God, you are not.

All you’re doing is pushing people away from the Lord, your job as a Christian on Earth is to bring others to Jesus and take care of the needy. Not tear down your brothers and sisters in Christ.

It’s okay to go to other Christians and attempt to reconcile them with God. But it seems that many only wish to “expose” false…

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Two For Tuesdays! Church Services From The Past Two Sundays

7-4-21

7-11-21

Morality Without God

People often say they have their own moral compass but truth is you have to give authority to something, if you chose self there is no guidelines or measuring stick. Some may go to others to test their ideas on morality but honestly how would someone react if they were told their morals are wrong? They would argue or just go find someone that agrees with them and their own personal moral compass.

In reality those thoughts aren’t morals those are personal feelings.

So what are the other options?

Government, a political party, a code written by someone else? They’re plenty of options to name but in reality they’re all just flawed systems of morals written by men. Many which are actually based on the Bible. 

It’s silly we humans are flawed and make terrible decisions and yet think we are capable of creating our own moral compass. I don’t trust my flawed human heart and mind to do so, I trust God to set the morals. 

I chose His Word, His Morals and His Standards.

How about you?

Have a Blessed Week,

Chris

Daily Scripture Reading:
Monday – 2 Samuel 7:1-14a

Tuesday – Psalm 89:20-37

Wednesday – Ephesians 2:11-22

Thursday – Mark 6:30-34, 53-56

Guilt

Here’s a post from five years ago. As usual I am wishing some things were worded better but I think it holds up well.

The Good Word

I have had a lot of trouble dealing with guilt, many people do. It seems when we become Christians, rather than accepting the fact that our sins have been forgiven we want to remember them, and feel not worthy of God’s gift of salvation. Other times we end up feeling guilty for small things. I often feel guilty for missing Church, or not reading the bible enough or even not posting on here for a while.

We have to remember guilt is an open door to Satan. He wants your past defeats to drag you down. Even a victory can drag you down if you let the enemy inside your head.

You have to remember, you will fall, be humble as you get up. We can’t comprehend God’s love, he said he will cast your sins as far as the east is from the west.Take him at his word. You…

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Independence Day Prayer

Yesterday was Independence Day in America, here is a prayer I found.

“Dear Lord,

There is no greater feeling of liberty than to experience freedom from sin and death that you provided for me through Jesus Christ. Today my heart and my soul are free to praise you. For this, I am very thankful.

On this Independence Day, I am reminded of all those who have sacrificed for my freedom, following the example of your Son, Jesus Christ. Let me not take my freedom, both physical and spiritual, for granted. May I always remember that a very high price was paid for my freedom. My freedom cost others their very lives.

Lord, today, bless those who have served and continue to give their lives for my freedom. With favor and bounty, meet their needs and watch over their families.

Dear Father, I am so thankful for this nation. For all the sacrifices others have made to build and defend this country, I am grateful. Thank you for the opportunities and freedoms we have in the United States of America. Help me never to take these blessings for granted.

Help me to live my life in a way that glorifies you, Lord. Give me the strength to be a blessing in someone’s life today, and grant me the opportunity to lead others into the freedom that can be found in knowing Jesus Christ.

In your name, I pray.

Amen.”

Source and Other Prayers for Independence Day:
https://www.learnreligions.com/independence-day-prayers-699929

Daily Bible Readings:

Monday – 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12-19

Tuesday – Psalm 24

Wednesday – Ephesians 1:3-14

Thursday – Mark 6:14-29