Wed, 18 Mar 2009 19:32:00 +0700WeeblyTue, 16 Dec 2008 07:00:12 +0700http://www.riverbendyouth.com/3/post/2008/12/whos-sin-is-greater.htmlThe person who pursues homosexuality or the person who despises them for it?  Or perhaps a better question:  Is the sin of the despiser justified because of the sin of the despised?  Here’s another:  We know that Jesus said we should love our enemies (Matt. 5:44).  Can love exist without some form of expression, or is disregarding someone as powerful as hatred? 
I need a little time for introspection and soul-searching.  Some of these divisions are becoming indistinguishable.  Do I hate, or do I ignore?  Is that the same thing? I find it easier to use my awareness of moral degradation as a venue to contrast my own spiritual piety with their depravity.  Woe is me.  In Jonathan Edward’s famous resolutions, he profoundly stated:

“Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God.”
Sin elevates no one.  It exalts no one but the inexhaustible merits of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.  He is great and greatly to be praised for He has defeated sin and death.  We sin.  Understand that the knowledge you possess of others lawlessness does not reposition you any closer to the glory of God’s throne.  All sin should humble us.  As Edwards states, the sin in others should lead to humility in us.  If we would respond in like manner, love and compassion would flow much easier. 
Our Lord never wasted words.  When he commanded us to: “First take the log out of your eye and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”  (Matt. 7:5).  That seems quite irrational when it is wholly evident to me that I have but saw dust in my eye while my brother carries the proverbial weight of a two by four upon his soul.  The reason I see specks and logs is because I measure my iniquity on the false balance of horizontal humanity.  Woe is me. 

            Love like Christ.  He who was without any specs came not to condemn men, but to bring them to repentance.   How shall we do the same when we condemn them though we, having been under condemnation, received grace?   In this, we must be perfect just as our heavenly father is perfect.  (Matt 5:48)

]]>Thu, 30 Oct 2008 08:33:20 +0700http://www.riverbendyouth.com/3/post/2008/10/first-post.html Matthew 25:37-40  Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?  And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?  And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?'  And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'

Have you seen them?  I have.  The same thought process goes through my mind each and every time I drive by a homeless person:  1.  Pity.  2.  Frustration (at their laziness) 3.  desire to help. 4.  skepticism as to whether they would buy beer or not.  5.  mental comfort at the fact that I drive by without supporting their addiction to alcohol. 

Who are the least of these Jesus is referring to?  Well, He answers that in His statement when He says- “My Brothers”.  We have a great responsibility to minister to the needs of our Christian family (which includes being acutely aware to needs even when they don’t announce them). 

Gal 6:10  So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith 

Most people don’t do good to their brothers because they don’t take the time to notice their brothers needs.  Have you had needs in your life met by family or friends or other Christians?  How did you feel?  About the church?  About those Christians?  Did you feel that the church was a real place?  Did you think that those people were genuine Christians?  That’s because they are.  Seeing and meeting people’s needs is REAL CHRISTIANITY. 

Here’s the final question:  Are you looking for someone to minister to?  Here’s my challenge-  find someone tomorrow that needs some type of tangible ministry and service from you.  Love them in a way that  you don’t normally get the opportunity to.  Love them because when you do, it’s as if you are loving the Lord Jesus Christ.  Do you love Jesus?  Then demonstrate your love to Him through loving one another.  Don’t just think about it, or talk about.  Do it.  Demonstrating Christian love is hugely rewarding!  


Please share with me your thoughts, responses, and experiences through your ministry.  God bless you richly this week dear students! 

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