Holding
Tuesday, 31 January 2017
Monday, 30 January 2017
Sunday, 29 January 2017
Saturday, 28 January 2017
Thursday, 26 January 2017
Wednesday, 25 January 2017
Sunday, 22 January 2017
When holding opinions holds us back
Dear friend
There is the epic story in the scriptures about the masterful Prophet Elijah and his frustration at King Ahab. Ahab had turned almost all of Israel to paganistic idolatry, including the worship of Baal and the establishment of those infamous "groves" that were no more than an ecclesiastical excuse for debauched decadence.
Elijah set up a spectacular contest; between himself on behalf of the True God of Israel, versus Baal as represented by his priests. It would be Elijah alone verses 450 Baalists; a really unfair contest (when you think who had got Elijah's back). To this moxie mismatch was invited no less than the entire population of Israel.
Before the battle of the bonfires and subsequent perishing of the priests, Elijah posed a question to those who were meant to be God's chosen people. It is found in the Old Testament, 1 Kings 18:21.
21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.
The question was an incisive interrogation, cutting to the hearts of the hearers. The Israelites wore their chosenness like a chain of exclusivity. But at the same time they wanted the wanton. Their silence spoke volumes.
On this matter of having a split loyalty, the Prophet Hosea similarly sermonised in
Hosea 10:2.
2 Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty: he shall break down their altars, he shall spoil their images.
I think the general principle - about the dilemma of decisions in relation to moral choices - is simply presented by the pragmatist James, as found in the New Testament, James 1:8.
8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
So we might ask ourselves, "Am I sitting with instability on any fences in my choosing between right or wrong?" "Am I faithfully following the Father, or do I desire the devil's inducements?" We need to think deeply about these sorts of questions because the devil might have already buried the uncomfortable answers far from our mental moral compass.
I hope we can recognise any recalcitrance that might have muddled our pursuit of righteousness. I pray we will choose, without delay, to be dedicated disciples when faced with "opinions". And once we commit to the right option, we stick to it and don't look back with any lingering longing.
Samuel.
Saturday, 21 January 2017
Wednesday, 18 January 2017
Monday, 16 January 2017
Sunday, 15 January 2017
Friday, 13 January 2017
Jolly good fellowship
Dear friend
If you call someone a fellow it means you share common cause with them, which can include: a job; an interest; a journey; or a religious affiliation. A word with Old Norse and Old English origins, fellow can mean partner and comrade. Fellow is used in scripture too, particularly in terms of fellowship.
On the miraculous Day of Pentecost the Spirit was poured out in abundance to the convincing and converting of many to the Church. Their fellowship came by following the established protocols of the gospel, as recorded in the New Testament, Acts 2:41, 42.
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
A short time later the Apostle Paul clarified whose fellowship believers are actually accepting, as found in 1 Corinthians 1:9.
9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Entering and enduring in faith-based fellowship can cause considerable collective conviviality in the convocation, as exemplified in the Book of Mormon, Helaman 6:3.
3 Nevertheless, the people of the church did have great joy because of the conversion of the Lamanites, yea, because of the church of God, which had been established among them. And they did fellowship one with another, and did rejoice one with another, and did have great joy.
Perhaps the fundamentals of fellowship are best summed up by Paul, who adjusted the word slightly to highlight the benefits of belonging; from Ephesians 2:19, 20.
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
I hope we feel the felicity of fellow followers. I pray we gain the joy of belonging among the believers.
Samuel.
Thursday, 12 January 2017
Tuesday, 10 January 2017
Sunday, 8 January 2017
Saturday, 7 January 2017
Thursday, 5 January 2017
Wednesday, 4 January 2017
Tuesday, 3 January 2017
Monday, 2 January 2017
Sunday, 1 January 2017
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