Sinning Against Christ

Most of us don’t want to hear about sin. We have heard about sin for most of our lives. We have been beaten down by it. We are all too aware of the sin in our lives. Or are we?

We have our list of what we consider to be sin. There are what we call the big sins, such as stealing, murder, and adultery. We may have our personal list of other things we like to do but know they do not please God.

We may not think many of our daily interactions can be sin. Think about some of your recent encounters with others. Did you wound them by something you said? Did you purposely trip them up or make them feel small and insignificant?

Family encounters can be a challenge. Siblings often fight and argue. Brothers wrestle in the backyard and in the house. Sisters argue over the bathroom and who borrowed whose shirt. We also see or hear of siblings who demean one another for sport.

But notice what Paul tells the Corinthians, when we belittle our family members, which includes our church family, we sin against Christ. Ouch! That hits home sometimes, doesn’t it? How do we stop it or avoid it? One step at a time.

We first need to ask God for self-control. We know it is a gift of the Spirit. So, we need to ask God to gift it to us. With self-control, we can stop ourselves from continuing the behavior we have come accustomed to. We can learn to be better, be more like Jesus.

I pray we all ask God to gift us self-control. I pray we seek to be more like Jesus. I pray each one of us will strive to treat our family members better and stop belittling one another. Ask God for self-control. Stop the negative behavior. Treat one another with respect. Show Christ’s love for one another.

1 Corinthians 8:12 But when you thus sin against members of your family, and wound their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ.

Other Gods

Are you aware there are many gods? Do you worship other gods? Do you scoff at the thought of worshiping other gods? Do you believe there are other gods? Why do you doubt? Why do you scoff? Are you willing to open your eyes and see them?

For Christians, there is only one God. In fact, many of us would say there is no other God than God. Yet, we do not always live that way. We often worship many other gods. We simply do not see them as that. We trivialize who they are while they occupy our time and energy.

Who are these gods? Any one or thing that we put above God. They are idols that come in the form of houses, cars, and recreational vehicles. They are idols who are put on a platform by their talent as singers, actors, and athletes. We idolize them and put them ahead of God. We say we don’t. But our actions speak louder than words.

Here’s a quick test. Tally the amount of money you spent on entertainment last year and balance it against what you gave to the church. Tally the amount of money you spent on vehicle payments, house payments, or repairs, and balance that against what you gave the church. If you are like most Americans, the discrepancy is glaring.

No, we will say there are no other gods. Yet, our actions tell us there are. We forget that God is a jealous God and wants to be number one in our hearts, minds, and spirits. He doesn’t like being relegated to the back of our minds and only brought to the forefront when we are in need. As stated in today’s Scripture, we live in God, and everything exists because of Him.

I pray we all choose to make God number one in our lives. I pray we ask for forgiveness for pushing him to the back of our minds. I pray each one of us will stop making other things or people our gods. Put God first. Seek his forgiveness. Set aside other gods. Know that you exist within God.

1 Corinthians 8:5-6 Indeed, even though there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as in fact there are many gods and many lords—yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.

Use Freedom Wisely

Do you a “know-it-all?” Does it frustrate you to no end that they always think they know the answer? Have you purposely tried to trip them up? Were you successful? Do you come across to others as a “know-it-all?” Do you know that no one knows everything?

We all have encountered someone who thinks they know everything. They give us advice that simply isn’t sound or perhaps completely wrong. They answer questions with full confidence but are wrong. Oh, they know a lot, but not everything.

I know that I have come across as though I have all the answers at times. Or, I have made others feel inferior because of the way I answer or provide advice. I believe we all do at times. Yet, that is not how we should be. Whether we admit it or not, we know we do not know everything. No one can!

The Apostle Paul tells the Corinthian church that if they think they know something, they do not know what they need to know. He was talking to them about their behavior. They claimed to know there is one God and anything associated with idols had no effect on them. Though they were technically correct, their actions based on their knowledge could cause someone else to stumble.

I wonder how many times my actions have been the reason for someone else to stumble. Have I done something in the freedom I have in Christ that someone else considers to be a sin and they do the same thing, therefore sinning in their own mind? It is a question each of us should wrestle with. We have a lot of freedom in Christ. Yet, we are not to use that freedom to cause someone else to stumble. You see, the closer we are with God, the more we see our freedoms. We simply should not use them incorrectly.

I pray we all grow closer to God. I pray we recognize the freedom we have in Christ. I pray each one of us will use our freedom wisely, not causing others to stumble. Grow closer to God. Recognize your freedom. Use your freedom wisely. Do not cause others to stumble.

1 Corinthians 8:2-3 Anyone who claims to know something does not yet have the necessary knowledge; but anyone who loves God is known by him.

Authoritative Teaching

Have you had a teacher that simply amazed you? Was there one teacher that stood out above the rest? Did that teacher seem to know everything there is to know? Did they have an aura about them? Was there an authoritative air about them?

Whether we realize it or not, we are taught in many ways by a wide variety of people. We can easily remember some of our teachers from elementary or high school. We may remember our professors from college. Often there are one or two who stand out in our memory.

Despite having many teachers or even having one who we thought knew everything, we have had no teacher like Jesus. Teachers today teach from a textbook, which is much like the scribes of the first century. They teach what has been written by someone else. They may be well versed in the material and may be able to answer every question posed to them. Yet, they are not speaking of their own accord.

Jesus did not teach from a manuscript. He didn’t need to read the Scriptures and teach on them. He taught with the authority of God. His teaching came directly from God without any interpretation. Because He taught as God, there was an air of authority about Him. He commanded the people’s attention. They were amazed at not only what He taught, but how He taught.

The best we can do to understand is to imagine Him speaking to us as we read what He taught. Our Sunday school teachers and pastors are teaching from what has been written. Jesus is the reason for what is written. He is the master teacher. His authority is boundless. The guidance and direction provided in His teaching is pure, firsthand, and authoritative.

I pray we all see Jesus as the master teacher. I pray we seek to better understand His teachings. I pray each one of us will spend time reading His teaching and viewing it as coming straight from God. Jesus is the master teacher. He speaks as God. He has authority. Read Jesus’ teaching.

Mark 1:21-22 They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

Corporate Praise

Who do you give thanks to? Who do you give your whole heart to? How do you express your thanks? Do you do so in public? Is it in private? Do you express your thanks at all? Do you give thanks to God and praise him for the blessings he has given you?

Giving thanks can be hard for us. Not a quick, simple, rote statement of thank you but a truly heartfelt thanks. There is a difference between thanking someone for refilling your glass of tea and the heartfelt thanks for a glass of water when you have had nothing to drink for a couple days.

Thanking God for his blessings should be at the top of our list of things to do every day. The mere fact we woke up this morning is a blessing from him. One we too often take for granted. We go through life without recognizing all the blessings God has blessed us with. Don’t misunderstand, I get it. We are busy. We have things to do. And we simply assume it will all continue.

Not only should we give thanks, but we should praise God for his blessings. We should also praise him for his mightiness, awesomeness, and for his love for us. There is so much to praise him for.

And notice where the Psalmist says we are to praise and give thanks—in the congregation. That means coming together as his followers to give him thanks and praise. It is not to be done just quietly in our room. We are to come together, what we call worship services today, to sing his praises and give thanks as the body of Christ. It is in our corporate worship that our thanks and praises are multiplied. We should look forward to the opportunity to be with other followers.

I pray we all join with other Christians to praise God. I pray we come together to give God our heartfelt thanks. I pray each one of us decide to participate in corporate worship services. Give God thanks. Praise God. Participate in corporate worship. Join others in praising and thanking God.

Psalm 111:1

Praise the Lord! 

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, 

in the company of the upright, in the congregation.

Held Accountable

Do you wish people would do what they are supposed to do? Have you considered there are reasons why they don’t? Do you think they are simply refusing? Do you always do what you know you should do? Are you a responsible person? Do you hold yourself accountable?

During a time when it seems as though every business is short of workers, we can quickly become frustrated. We wait for our food longer at a restaurant. We can’t find someone to help us in the store. There are long lines at the coffee shop. And our frustration builds.

But it isn’t just that there are not enough workers. Those who are working don’t appear to want to do their job. Our patience is tested. Yet are we being unrealistic? Perhaps we are holding them to a higher standard than their manager. Or they may simply not have the skills to do the job they have been hired to do. Maybe they are doing the best they can.

How well are we doing what God expects us to do? He holds us accountable as well. We may quickly discard today’s passage by assuming prophets are a thing of the past and all prophecy has been fulfilled. Not so. The word prophet simply means someone who speaks God’s Word. In other words, the word prophet also applies to pastors, ministers, preachers, and priests today.

You see, we still have men and women who speak the Word of God. They continue to bring the message God has given them to the people. And whether we want to believe it or not, these men and women are inspired by God to bring his message. Being one of them, I can tell you God’s Spirit moves among today’s prophets to proclaim the message God wants proclaimed.

Our responsibility is to listen to today’s prophets. We are to heed the Word of God. For God will hold each of us accountable for how well we heed his Word. It is irresponsible on our part if we do not follow God’s direction. Therefore, pay attention to the sermon and find those nuggets of wisdom God is sharing within it.

I pray we all heed God’s Word. I pray we listen to today’s prophets. I pray each one of us will hold ourselves accountable to heed God’s Word knowing he is holding us accountable. Heed God’s Word. Listen to today’s prophets. Hold yourself accountable. God is holding you accountable.

Deuteronomy 18:19 Anyone who does not heed the words that the prophet shall speak in my name, I myself will hold accountable.

The Best Education

Have you been looking for someone who keeps their word? Are you looking for someone who fulfills their promises? Are you seeking someone who you can trust? Have you found that person? Have you decided to put your trust and faith in God?

We all like having someone in our lives we know we can trust. We like having someone we can go to who will tell us the truth, even if it is not pleasant for us to hear. Having someone who will speak truth to us is very valuable for us. That person can help keep us from making mistakes.

It can be a challenge to find someone like that. It seems as though it is harder today than it has ever been. Especially, with all the false narratives we see on social media and so many people spouting those false narratives as though they were true. To find someone who does their research to determine the truth, then speak that truth to us is priceless.

Unfortunately, we too often forget that God is truth. Everything we hear or read should be evaluated against the truth of God. He can speak no lies. Not only does God speak truth, but he also fulfills all his promises. Again, an extremely rare quality.  To speak with a person of God, someone who is steeped in God’s Word, and who speaks truth is of more benefit than all the education provided in universities.

I know, some may argue that last point. Theodore Roosevelt said a thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education. Why should we believe that? It our knowledge and trust of God’s Word along with choosing to follow Jesus that grants us an eternal life with God. Though a college education may provide an opportunity for us to prosper in this world, it is the education provided by the Bible that grants us the joy, peace, and contentment in this world that no college education can.

I pray we all choose to spend time reading God’s Word. I pray we obtain the best education by studying the Bible. I pray each one of us know God fulfills his promises and put our faith in him. Read God’s Word. Study God’s Word. Know that God fulfills his promises. Put your trust and faith in God.

Deuteronomy 18:15 The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you shall heed such a prophet.

Fishing or Catching

Do you like to fish? Do you enjoy sitting along a lake or river casting your line in the water seeking to hook a fish? Is it more enjoyable for you to fish and catch nothing? Or, to catch a good batch of fish? How do you feel about catching people for the kingdom of God?

I have enjoyed fishing during my life. I have even enjoyed just sitting on the bank and not catching anything. But catching brings along a lot more excitement! There’s the rush of adrenalin when the pole bends from a bite and the fight to bring the fish in.

Fishing for people is much the same. We can enjoy our time being a positive representative of Jesus and His church. We can enjoy telling others about Jesus. But there is a whole ‘nother level when someone wants to learn more and commit their lives to Jesus because of the message we brought to them.

Let’s not fool ourselves. We are not the sole reason someone decides to come to Christ. God is working in that person. He has primed their heart to hear the message we bring. He has filled us with his Spirit who has nudged us down the path he wants us to go. We play a part in it—we are willing to be used by God.

Jesus calls Peter and Andrew to fish for people. He calls us to do the same. Peter and Andrew had profound impacts on the church, helping grow it in the first century. We, too, can help grow the church by being willing to go fishing AND catching for Jesus.

I pray we all are willing to be used by God. I pray we choose to fish for people. I pray each one of us will earnestly seek to catch people for Jesus and bring them into His church. Be willing to work for God. Go fishing for people. Ask God to guide you. Seek to bring people into the kingdom.

Mark 1:16-17 As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.”

The Kingdom is Near

Are you looking for something to come to fruition? Have you been working hard on a project and anticipating your hard work to pay off? Are you implementing a new plan you believe will produce the windfall you desire? Do you have all the steps and details defined?

If you have ever developed a project plan, you know defining every step is important. That definition needs to not only state what needs to happen but state how long it will take to complete the step. Linking the steps with dependencies is another key component.

Good project management abides by a set of principles and methods. Once you fully understand them, you can manage any project from a simple birthday party to the construction of a billion-dollar building. The difference is the size and magnitude, but the principles and methods are the same.

The principles and methods of God work the same way. The steps are to repent and believe in Jesus Christ. We also remember Jesus’ command to his apostles in Matthew 28:19-20 where He commanded them to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them. Jesus had 2 main missions when He came to earth—preach the good news and be the perfect Lamb of God.

The good news, or gospel, is that God has made a way for humans to be reconciled to him through his Son, Jesus Christ. His plan is simple, easy to remember. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we enter the kingdom of God. His kingdom has come near. It is within reach for each one of us. It is our choice to follow the steps to enter the kingdom or to decline and continue to be lost.

I pray we all see the kingdom of God that has come near. I pray we follow the steps to enter the kingdom. I pray each one of us will decide to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Know God’s principles. Know God’s commands. Choose to follow them. Accept Jesus as your Savior. Accept Jesus as your Lord.

Mark 1:14-15 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”

God’s Perspective

Do you feel out of place? Or do you feel as though you are right where you are supposed to be? Are things going along smoothly? Or have you hit a rough patch in life? Is your life going as you planned? Or has it been derailed? Are you living your life as God would have you live it?

Sometimes we fit in and sometimes we don’t. Sometimes life flows along smoothly and sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes our lives go as planned and sometimes it doesn’t. Living our lives how we want can go smoothly for a while, but it often gets derailed at some point.

Life takes some odd twists and turns. One day it is all smooth sailing and the next it’s a shipwreck. We may have missed the iceberg just below the surface, much like the captain of the Titanic. Suddenly we are lurched into emergency mode, reacting to things gone badly.

When we look at today’s passage, we may think the Apostle Paul has gone mad. But don’t read just the individual words, read the passage as a whole. What is he saying? In effect, he is saying be sober minded. Be serious about life. Now, that doesn’t mean can’t have some fun. We can enjoy the birthday parties, Christmas celebration, and be jubilant while watching our children.

Paul is talking about the day-to-day attitude concerning life. He is encouraging us to keep our eyes wide open. See things for what they really are. Stop looking through rose-colored glasses. We are to stop holding onto worldly possessions. Not to say we are to sell them off, but to realize they all belong to God, and we are temporary stewards of them.

Why is this important. This is part of seeing our lives and the world as God see them. This is acquiring God’s perspective. The more we understand and see according to God’s perspective, the closer our relationship with him. This world is passing away. Everything in this world decays, rots, and withers away. We are to look forward to the perfect kingdom in which we will spend eternity.

I pray we all take a sober approach to life. I pray we hold on loosely to worldly possessions. I pray each one of us see from God’s perspective and grow closer to him. Have a change of attitude. Change your perspective. Live life soberly. See as God sees. Look forward to eternity.

1 Corinthians 7:29-31 I mean, brothers and sisters, the appointed time has grown short; from now on, let even those who have wives be as though they had none, and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no possessions, and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.