Friday, October 3, 2008

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY: II Thessalonians 2:13-17

PSALM OF THE WEEK: Psalm 76

HYMN OF THE DAY: CH# 542 “Jesus, Lover of My Soul” http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/j/l/jlmysoul.htm 

VERSE OF THE DAY: So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. 2 Thessalonians 2:15 NIV

 

Stand firm.  Know what is taught to us both by word of mouth and by scriptures.  The teachings (or traditions, as some other versions translate this) of the church have stood the test of time.  There is a reason why God gave us both a brain and a Bible; God expects us to us both at the same time.  Christianity makes sense.  No human, trying to “invent” a “perfect religion” would ever include a cross in it.  The cross just doesn’t fit our human expectations. The fact of the cross shows it came from outside of our human minds.  God loves us enough not to force salvation on anyone, yet made it as easy as possible for us to obtain through the acceptance of Jesus Christ.  People try to make it harder than that (works righteousness).  People try to make it easier than that (universalism).  God makes it real.  Know what you have been taught by the church.  Know what the Bible actually says. So that God may continue to encourage you, and strengthen you in every good deed and every word (see verse16-17) forever.

 

PRAYER: O God of Word and Deed, make my words and my deeds consistent with your words and deeds.  May I truly know you, your words, your teachings, your traditions, so that I may live them out in my life. Amen.

 

See you in Church Sunday,

Pastor Sandy

 

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