Sunday, November 9, 2008

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY: Colossians 2:20-23

PSALM OF THE WEEK: Psalm 28

HYMN OF THE DAY: CH# 77 “On Eagle’s Wings” http://my.homewithgod.com/heavenlymidis2/eaglewings.html

VERSE OF THE DAY: If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the universe, why do you still live as if you belonged to the world?  Why do you submit to regulations, “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch?” Colossians 2:20-21 NRSV

 

Why do some churches practice “legalism”, having a whole lot of rules of things their members can’t do?  These rules and regulations that judge people according to human traditions and laws are, in Paul’s words, “no value in checking self-indulgence (see verse 23).” Rules are not what keep us doing right when we follow Christ.  We do the right things because we want to.  How we live is part of our offering to God, and so, it can only be properly judged by God.  Whenever people start “playing God” by making up rules and regulations in God’s name, that isn’t helpful to the furthering of God’s Kingdom.  The joyful worship of God’s people with their whole lives, seeking to do God’s will in everything, not just avoiding some things, is the best witness there is.  Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you have to live up (or down) to other’s expectations.  Instead, try to live your whole live the way God wants you to.

 

PRAYER: O God of True Freedom; help me avoid the traps of self imposed rules and instead to truly live a live of freedom and joy being in your will. Amen.

 

See you in Church Sunday,

Pastor Sandy

 

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