The group is continuing to move forward. We have spent the last few weeks in 2 Peter. There's some really good stuff there.
Tonight we looked at 2 Peter chapter two. it is a warning against false prophets.
The Message says, "God is especially incensed against these "teachers" who live by lust, addicted to a filthy existence. They despise interference from true authority, preferring to indulge in self-rule. Insolent egotists, they don't hesitate to speak evil against the most splendid of creatures. Even angels, their superiors in every way, wouldn't think of throwing their weight around like that, trying to slander others before God.
These people are nothing but brute beasts, born in the wild, predators on the prowl. In the very act of bringing down others with their ignorant blasphemies, they themselves will be brought down, losers in the end. Their evil will boomerang on them. They're so despicable and addicted to pleasure that they indulge in wild parties, carousing in broad daylight. They're obsessed with adultery, compulsive in sin, seducing every vulnerable soul they come upon. Their specialty is greed and they're experts at it. Dead souls!"
How do we avoid these false teachers? Again from The Message, 2 Timothy chapter three, "There's nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is God breathed and useful one way or another - showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us."
WE NEED TO KNOW THE WORD!!! We also need to hold each other accountable and to stay in prayer. Let me encourage you to do just that.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
It's A Paradox
I think the Lord has answered our prayers big time! The group has really started off on the right foot for the new year.
My wife and I came home from vacation to a message on our answering machine. It was a couple that we had talked to at a Christmas party in 2007. They expressed interest in joining the group. Now they've been to a few meetings and it seems like they have always been a part of us. What a blessing they are.
We have another man who we had not seen in a long time show up at a meeting. He has really blessed us too. I always enjoy when folks show up and jump right in.
It also appears that the "veterans" of the group have renewed energy. The conversations have been challenging and most of all encouraging. I think that the few weeks off at the end of last year did a world of good.
Our direction is starting to come into focus. The Lord is encouraging us to draw closer to Him. In drawing closer to Him a bond is starting to form in the group. We are no longer content with head knowlege of God, we want a relationship with Him.
This past week we talked about being more than religious. God doesn't just want a part of our lives, He wants the whole thing! Matthew 10: 37-39, " “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it."
"But if you give up your life for me, you will find it." In giving up our lives for Him we find life in Him. It's a paradox, it's truth, and it's encouraging.
My wife and I came home from vacation to a message on our answering machine. It was a couple that we had talked to at a Christmas party in 2007. They expressed interest in joining the group. Now they've been to a few meetings and it seems like they have always been a part of us. What a blessing they are.
We have another man who we had not seen in a long time show up at a meeting. He has really blessed us too. I always enjoy when folks show up and jump right in.
It also appears that the "veterans" of the group have renewed energy. The conversations have been challenging and most of all encouraging. I think that the few weeks off at the end of last year did a world of good.
Our direction is starting to come into focus. The Lord is encouraging us to draw closer to Him. In drawing closer to Him a bond is starting to form in the group. We are no longer content with head knowlege of God, we want a relationship with Him.
This past week we talked about being more than religious. God doesn't just want a part of our lives, He wants the whole thing! Matthew 10: 37-39, " “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it."
"But if you give up your life for me, you will find it." In giving up our lives for Him we find life in Him. It's a paradox, it's truth, and it's encouraging.
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