There was a problem that the church of Ephesus was dealing with. Jesus notices their works and had a very large concern. This was the fact the they had left their first love. As Paul in his last time we have recorded of him being with the elders of Ephesus had concern and was trying to encourage them to stay faithful.
However this was not the case. Jesus rebukes them because they have left their first love. They decided to leave God and turn to elsewhere. Jesus in this same instance calls for them to repent or else it will be too late for them!
This is a concern for us today also. Many that have turned to God have also fallen away from God. They have left their first love. It is a concern for us all to be watchful of such things and try to help when we can.
I am reminded of the parable of the sower where the seed fell on the stony ground. The word was received and the seed produced. Yet because of the lack of earth and the roots has nowhere to grow stronger it crumbled.
Many who have obeyed the gospel and put on Christ through baptism have a desire and passion at the first part. One wants to be involved with everything and do whatever they can. Then sadly some become fizzled out with their Faith. One no longer wants to be involved and sadly some fall away from God. This has to be a concern for us all! We have to be watchful and try to help strengthen the roots of those that may be falling away and leaving their first love.
We need to be there for our brethren in these times and be with them always to know they are not alone and that they have help from their brethren and from God! We need to come back to reality and seek first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33) This our duty and responsibility. It is to fear God and keep His commandments (Eccl. 12:13).
Let us be reminded that if we leave our first love we are putting ourselves in jeopardy of eternity. Let us be reminded that we do have responsibilities to God and remember to not leave God because he will not leave us!
Daniel Sanders
Friday, February 19, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Productive But.....
How many of us build up for retirement? A member of my family is currently in that position to be able to retire this year. He has been very productive and I know he is looking forward to retirement. I know at some point we all would like to be in this situation where we work hard and at some point we want to sit back and enjoy life a little more and spend it with our families or however we would like to spend it.
But in all of this have we considered our soul? As we build up for this opportunity for ourselves have remembered God? In Luke 12:13-21 we have this situation. God was not remembered in all of this.
As we look at this passage we can come to an agreement that this farmer was being very productive. As he was trying to store that way he could eventually sit back eat drink and be merry. However in all of this hard work he forgot about God!
It is God who blesses us with all things. We have been blessed with the abilities to provide for our families and get to this point. He wasn't rich toward God! we should not allow outside distractions to hinder our service to God.
It is okay to be productive but we must always remember it is God who was given us this opportunity and blessing! It is a true blessing and we have all taken it for granted. However through the grace and mercy of God we have been blessed to still be called a child of God. Are we being productive towards God? Let us try and be a better Christian in the future than we have in the past!
Daniel Sanders
But in all of this have we considered our soul? As we build up for this opportunity for ourselves have remembered God? In Luke 12:13-21 we have this situation. God was not remembered in all of this.
As we look at this passage we can come to an agreement that this farmer was being very productive. As he was trying to store that way he could eventually sit back eat drink and be merry. However in all of this hard work he forgot about God!
It is God who blesses us with all things. We have been blessed with the abilities to provide for our families and get to this point. He wasn't rich toward God! we should not allow outside distractions to hinder our service to God.
It is okay to be productive but we must always remember it is God who was given us this opportunity and blessing! It is a true blessing and we have all taken it for granted. However through the grace and mercy of God we have been blessed to still be called a child of God. Are we being productive towards God? Let us try and be a better Christian in the future than we have in the past!
Daniel Sanders
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
My opinion may not be yours
There are some points in the Bible that have questions. There are certain scriptures that could go both ways. Things like baptism, faith and works, God, love, Christ, our duties in spreading the gospel, and sin are clear and straight to the point. These have been given straight forward answers. There cannot be any other way but the way that is stated in these verses containing these examples.
Then there some questions that have arisen for instance about head covering. In First Corinthians 11:2-16 we are given one of these instances. The verses talk about head covering for a woman. It says that they shall cover there heads. However also stated in these verses "
But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her for a covering." (Verses 15).
The Bible here states that both are acceptable. If a woman has a there head shaved or they are shorn then one may need a cover. However if they have long hair then it is a glory to her. Both can be acceptable. If one has long hair and still wants to wear a cover then what is the problem?
However, one cannot force this opinion that one with hair has to wear a cover. The opinion that one carries on an issue like this cannot be forced upon anyone else. The issue isn't of one with hair shaved or being shorn. We cannot force this opinion on someone else having the attitude of "do this or else".
There are many questions in society today that can be both ways. For instance the way services are to be conducted. We are told and given examples of on the first day of the week to partake of the Lord's Supper, singing, praying, teaching and being exhorted and encouraged. However, it doesn't say you are to do them in a certain order. Many times one will say that this is way it has been done for years and this is the only way it can be done. Is this correct? If we do all the things that are mentioned for us to do is that not the important thing? I cannot tell how many different congregations I have visited over the years and each one does the services different in some sort of way. How can I say that the way to do the order of services is this way? I should be looking at this as being okay we need to do these things and it doesn't matter the order. God's will not my own be done (Luke 22:42).
However we must as stated in Timothy "rightly divide the Word of truth" in all instances. We must go to the sword for all the answers. The Bible is our Guide (II Timothy 3:16-17)
My opinion may not be yours in instances where both are correct according to the Bible and I must not force this opinion on others saying that it must be done this way. Because the important thing as long as it is not sinful is that the Lord's will be done. As long as it is done in a scriptural and non-sinful way we should look at it as the Lord's will is being done.
Daniel N. Sanders
Then there some questions that have arisen for instance about head covering. In First Corinthians 11:2-16 we are given one of these instances. The verses talk about head covering for a woman. It says that they shall cover there heads. However also stated in these verses "
But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her for a covering." (Verses 15).
The Bible here states that both are acceptable. If a woman has a there head shaved or they are shorn then one may need a cover. However if they have long hair then it is a glory to her. Both can be acceptable. If one has long hair and still wants to wear a cover then what is the problem?
However, one cannot force this opinion that one with hair has to wear a cover. The opinion that one carries on an issue like this cannot be forced upon anyone else. The issue isn't of one with hair shaved or being shorn. We cannot force this opinion on someone else having the attitude of "do this or else".
There are many questions in society today that can be both ways. For instance the way services are to be conducted. We are told and given examples of on the first day of the week to partake of the Lord's Supper, singing, praying, teaching and being exhorted and encouraged. However, it doesn't say you are to do them in a certain order. Many times one will say that this is way it has been done for years and this is the only way it can be done. Is this correct? If we do all the things that are mentioned for us to do is that not the important thing? I cannot tell how many different congregations I have visited over the years and each one does the services different in some sort of way. How can I say that the way to do the order of services is this way? I should be looking at this as being okay we need to do these things and it doesn't matter the order. God's will not my own be done (Luke 22:42).
However we must as stated in Timothy "rightly divide the Word of truth" in all instances. We must go to the sword for all the answers. The Bible is our Guide (II Timothy 3:16-17)
My opinion may not be yours in instances where both are correct according to the Bible and I must not force this opinion on others saying that it must be done this way. Because the important thing as long as it is not sinful is that the Lord's will be done. As long as it is done in a scriptural and non-sinful way we should look at it as the Lord's will is being done.
Daniel N. Sanders
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Discipline Matthew 18:15-17
If a brother is sinning this is how to help correct the issue. Jesus points out first of all that if it is one that is in sin. How is it we recognize sin? We go to the Bible for the answers of this life (II Timothy 3:16-17). Sin is transgression of the law of God!
There are certain guidelines to handle this issue. First of all try to handle it one on one! Try to show love and care by trying to help correct the one in sin.
If this doesn't work get witnesses involved. If you get witnesses involved they will try to help and correct the issue. Again showing this time that more are showing love and care for the one in sin. We are to be helping one another get to heaven.
If this doesn't work then the whole congregation must be involved. Now when we mean the whole congregation it means everyone must know. It isn't just a small portion of a congregation it is the whole congregation. We cannot be selective and decide we do not need to do that. If one will still not correct the sin in their life then we must withdraw from them. They have an unwilling attitude to correct their own life.
We done the best we can in trying. This can be a very touchy situation to handle when a congregation does not have elders. Mainly because sometimes this could affect their own families. However this is a work that cannot be overlooked and must be done! It will make the church stronger because we are to be working toward heaven (Philippians 3:12-16). It is a place for those who do not practice sin (Rev. 21:27).
Again we must do this properly! We cannot decide that if a witness or two cannot help that is it. We must follow through the way the Bible instructs! We must follow through with this in every way. It is the way God intends and wants us to work. It is hard to do but it must be done!
Daniel
There are certain guidelines to handle this issue. First of all try to handle it one on one! Try to show love and care by trying to help correct the one in sin.
If this doesn't work get witnesses involved. If you get witnesses involved they will try to help and correct the issue. Again showing this time that more are showing love and care for the one in sin. We are to be helping one another get to heaven.
If this doesn't work then the whole congregation must be involved. Now when we mean the whole congregation it means everyone must know. It isn't just a small portion of a congregation it is the whole congregation. We cannot be selective and decide we do not need to do that. If one will still not correct the sin in their life then we must withdraw from them. They have an unwilling attitude to correct their own life.
We done the best we can in trying. This can be a very touchy situation to handle when a congregation does not have elders. Mainly because sometimes this could affect their own families. However this is a work that cannot be overlooked and must be done! It will make the church stronger because we are to be working toward heaven (Philippians 3:12-16). It is a place for those who do not practice sin (Rev. 21:27).
Again we must do this properly! We cannot decide that if a witness or two cannot help that is it. We must follow through the way the Bible instructs! We must follow through with this in every way. It is the way God intends and wants us to work. It is hard to do but it must be done!
Daniel
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The Wheat and Tares (Matthew 13:24-30)
The harvest is coming. The good crop and bad crop both have a place to go. What good is crop that is bad or what good is weeds in crop. It is good for nothing. The only place for weeds are to be thrown out and burned.
Good crop is to be stored up in barns used for many things. It is to be collected and will be saved. Just as Jesus points out in this parable the wheat will be saved! The tares will be burned and consumed by fire.
We as individuals and Christians are commanded to live in the world but not of the world. What this means is to be unique. We are to be unique according to God's word. We are to be different according to what the world thinks as okay! There many contrasting things between the world and God however we are to be different and apart from sin.
Satan has come in and tried to set sin in the eharts of everyone in the world. Sin is what separates from God. In the end if we are found sinful we will be consumed by an eternal fire. A place of complete discomfort. A place that no one wants to be except for Satan. Satan wants us there with him.
As the harvest comes to an end there will be separation. The good and bad, the righteous and sinful, and the obedient and disobedient will be separated. The question is where do we stand right now. If the harvest has ended are we saved? Will we be like wheat? Or will we be like the tares? Where will be be casted? Will it be fire or will it be into the barn of our Father?
Let us make sure we are examining ourselves and preparing ourselves for the day of judgement when the harvest will end and we will be judged according to our works. Let us be ready to be gathered into the abrns and rest eternally with God! Have you obeyed God's commands yet? Why then are you waiting if you haven't?
Daniel N. Sanders
Good crop is to be stored up in barns used for many things. It is to be collected and will be saved. Just as Jesus points out in this parable the wheat will be saved! The tares will be burned and consumed by fire.
We as individuals and Christians are commanded to live in the world but not of the world. What this means is to be unique. We are to be unique according to God's word. We are to be different according to what the world thinks as okay! There many contrasting things between the world and God however we are to be different and apart from sin.
Satan has come in and tried to set sin in the eharts of everyone in the world. Sin is what separates from God. In the end if we are found sinful we will be consumed by an eternal fire. A place of complete discomfort. A place that no one wants to be except for Satan. Satan wants us there with him.
As the harvest comes to an end there will be separation. The good and bad, the righteous and sinful, and the obedient and disobedient will be separated. The question is where do we stand right now. If the harvest has ended are we saved? Will we be like wheat? Or will we be like the tares? Where will be be casted? Will it be fire or will it be into the barn of our Father?
Let us make sure we are examining ourselves and preparing ourselves for the day of judgement when the harvest will end and we will be judged according to our works. Let us be ready to be gathered into the abrns and rest eternally with God! Have you obeyed God's commands yet? Why then are you waiting if you haven't?
Daniel N. Sanders
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Troubled Over Many Things (Luke 10:38-42)
In Luke 10 we find two women Mary and Martha. Two women who had some characterstics that we can relate to for us today. When reading these few verses at the end of Luke 10 we get a picture of these two women. I must say they have different ideas on what is important to them.
You notice first with them that jesus was coming and as we continue to read taught lessons while there at the house. However Mary and Martha split ways there. Mary went in and heard the words of Jesus and Martha went to begin to serve.
Martha repsonded to Jesus to get Mary to come in and help her serve. She didn't need to be in there while there was work in the house to be done. What did Jesus do? Did He agree with her? Did he say I will tell her to get in there. Did he say there are more important things to do than here me? NO!
Jesus goes on to tell Martha that she was worried and torubled over many things. However Mary chose the good part. The part she knew she needed in her life. He informed her there are more important things than to worry about other uselss things when it comes to the gospel.
Many today and even the faithful few in this world have a mentality like Martha. It is a point to say that they are worried about other things than the gospel being taught. I am reminded of incidents in my life where this has happened. It is a point to say many were worried about other things and try to say these are just as important as teh gospel being taught. Is the preaching and teaching Christ secondary in our life. Are we worried about other things than the gospel being taught? If it is then we must again look at our life and start over.
WE must understand that Christ must be taught. If we fail to realize this and worry about other things then we are working against Christ. we are not preserving the word of truth. We are working to in fact stop the gospel. WE need to get our lives starightened out and begin again to serve Christ! Focus on Christ. We shouldn'tlose our focus and leave what should be our first love being God and His Son.
Let's turn to God again. Put aside the things that are not important and begin to look and focus on our life and the gospel and the hope and promise of eternal salvation. Turn to God and resist the devil and being troubled and worried over useless things. Focus on the gospelbeing taught (II Timothy 4:1-5)!
Daniel Sanders
You notice first with them that jesus was coming and as we continue to read taught lessons while there at the house. However Mary and Martha split ways there. Mary went in and heard the words of Jesus and Martha went to begin to serve.
Martha repsonded to Jesus to get Mary to come in and help her serve. She didn't need to be in there while there was work in the house to be done. What did Jesus do? Did He agree with her? Did he say I will tell her to get in there. Did he say there are more important things to do than here me? NO!
Jesus goes on to tell Martha that she was worried and torubled over many things. However Mary chose the good part. The part she knew she needed in her life. He informed her there are more important things than to worry about other uselss things when it comes to the gospel.
Many today and even the faithful few in this world have a mentality like Martha. It is a point to say that they are worried about other things than the gospel being taught. I am reminded of incidents in my life where this has happened. It is a point to say many were worried about other things and try to say these are just as important as teh gospel being taught. Is the preaching and teaching Christ secondary in our life. Are we worried about other things than the gospel being taught? If it is then we must again look at our life and start over.
WE must understand that Christ must be taught. If we fail to realize this and worry about other things then we are working against Christ. we are not preserving the word of truth. We are working to in fact stop the gospel. WE need to get our lives starightened out and begin again to serve Christ! Focus on Christ. We shouldn'tlose our focus and leave what should be our first love being God and His Son.
Let's turn to God again. Put aside the things that are not important and begin to look and focus on our life and the gospel and the hope and promise of eternal salvation. Turn to God and resist the devil and being troubled and worried over useless things. Focus on the gospelbeing taught (II Timothy 4:1-5)!
Daniel Sanders
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Rewarding Evil (Proverbs 17:13)
I am reminded by recent events of the Nobel Peace award given. However when I think about this how can this be correct. The Peace hasn't been kept. In fact, the award has been given for someone that is doing evil. A person who doesn't see a problem in committing murder especially to young infants (yes they are children) is quite disturbing. When we allow evil to be rewarded evil stays.
In fact others also see the evil and see it as being acceptable.I am reminded of this Proverb so many times. Many who practice evil also reward others who practice evil. Thus evilness stays in one's own house.
How can we get away from it then? Well, let us recognize what evil is! Let us see the problem and not reward others who practice it. You can do a lot with condemning rather than rewarding it. People are confused when one gets rewarded for evilness. It stays around and then those in the house see it as okay.
Stand up and turn from evil. Turn to God (James 4:7-10)!!!! DNS
In fact others also see the evil and see it as being acceptable.I am reminded of this Proverb so many times. Many who practice evil also reward others who practice evil. Thus evilness stays in one's own house.
How can we get away from it then? Well, let us recognize what evil is! Let us see the problem and not reward others who practice it. You can do a lot with condemning rather than rewarding it. People are confused when one gets rewarded for evilness. It stays around and then those in the house see it as okay.
Stand up and turn from evil. Turn to God (James 4:7-10)!!!! DNS
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
