Disputable Matters 1/14/2017

"I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love." Romans 14:14-15

The church at Rome was one that had a very interesting history and make-up. Initially it consisted almost solely of Jewish Christians, however, this changed when the Jews were kicked out of Rome leaving Gentile believers as the members of the church. Eventually, the Jewish Christians were allowed to return. This presented a number of problems in that there were disputes among the two groups regarding a number of things, not the least of which was what type of food could legally be eaten. The Gentiles who had never really had any prohibition on types of food they could eat thought that it was ok to eat anything, included meat sacrificed to idols. The Jews had problems with certain types of food because of the prohibition against eating anything unclean or that had been sacrificed to idols. For this reason, those chose the vegetarian lifestyle at that time and place.

It is not unusual for me to get emails from people who find me on our congregation's website that want to engage in debates about what should and should not be done in worship or a worship facility. Most of these things have nothing to do with the essentials of the Christian faith. Some want to debate about whether we should support ministries that are also supported by other denominations such as the local food pantry. Some say that weddings and funerals should not be performed in the sanctuary and that it should be reserved solely for worship service. Still others feel that we should not have a kitchen facility anywhere in the building.

Beloved, these are what are called disputable matters. There is nowhere in scripture that addresses these issues specifically. Scriptures can certainly be pointed out that tell us that we should be kind to all men as we have the opportunity (food pantry), that Jesus performed his first miracle at wedding (though it does not say that it was in a church building) and that the first services were held in homes (which undoubtedly had a kitchen equivalent). This is all magnified when we would dispute with one another within the congregation over personal differences like tattoos, piercings, suits and whether women should wear pants, hats or makeup.

The point of the love of Christ is to bring people together, not to divide over non-essentials. Tragically, there are thousands of denominations today because everyone wants to have it their own way and wants to be separate from those who do not agree with them. Let us endeavor not to let our liberty cause us to judge others who may have a different opinion, method or means of expression their love and worship. Paul said, "But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God" Romans 14:10-11.

Pursuing discipleship,

Lee

Walking Worthy-2/6/2012

"Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Eph 4:3

When I was growing up, my mother always impressed upon me to "act like you have home training" or to "act like you have people who love you." What Mom was really saying was, "Do not embarass me. You know better!" This reminder usually came when I acted like I did not or when we together observed someone behaving as if they did not. There were a wide variety of actions that could draw this reproof, but overtime, I learned what was acceptable and what was not which resulted in having to hear it less and less.

Beloved, the same admonition is given to us as children of the Almighty. There should be an observable difference between those who are Gods' and those who are not. Jesus discussed one way that this difference can be seen when he said, "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” John 13:35. Our behavior, both when the spotlight shines and when no one at all is looking, should be representative of the fact that we belong to someone who loves us and has taught us to know better and do better. We must always remember that it is our learned values and beliefs that make us family. When we reflect these values and beliefs in our actions there is surely peace between us and our Father.

Rejoicing in the Lord,

Lee

Resisting Revenge-DD 5/19/2011

"Never pay back evil for evil to anyone..." Rom 12:17

Beloved, it is our natural inclination to hit back when hit. None of us have any desire to suffer wrong undeservedly. None of us have any desire to suffer wrong even when we deserve it. No sooner that we have been offended we either respond immediately or begin making plans to get "pay back."

We must ask ourselves what we hope to accomplish by doing this. Yes, we may be successful in teaching a person a lesson, but just as likely we will escalate things into a full blown conflict. This is literally how wars begin.

As children of God, we must realize two things. One is that we are His children and He will protect us. The Spirit has said, "Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord." Rom 12:19.

We must also remember that our mission on earth is not to create or maintain enemies, but to win souls. It would be difficult at best to gain a brother or sister in Christ with a clenched fist.

Let us remember, that we were enemies of God at one time. He loved us enough to send his only begotten son as a peace offering. Not just His hands were open, but His arms and His heart. Let us follow the Almighty's example of love, grace and mercy. He will take care of the correction of those who have arrayed themselves against us. As the popular 60's saying goes, "(let us)give peace a chance."

Loving Like Jesus,

Lee