Let me start by saying, it was not my intent to write about this subject. I couldn’t think of a post so I opened my Bible to read what was on the random page I opened it to. Thinking maybe I would be inspired by something. That is often how I get material for my post. Random or not so random. I opened to Jude chapter 8 and started reading.
16-23: These men are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires;they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage. But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, ” In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires. These are the men who will divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the spirit.
But you dear friends build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.
Do what is right even in the face of opposition.
tHE BOOK OF jUDE SOUNDS LIKE A PASSIONATE WARNING TO BELIEVERS WHOSE FAITH IS UNDER ATTACK FROM IMMORAL AND REBELLIOUS ELEMENTS WITHIN’ THE CHURCH. sOMETIMES PEOPLE IN THE CHURCH CAN BECOME ARROGANT AND SLANDER OR CURSE THE MORE HUMBLE AND SPIRITUAL. aLL FOR THEIR OWN DESIRES.
we ARE TO CONDUCT OURSELVES WITH HUMILITY. oUR RESPONSIBILITY IS TO SUBMIT TO THE AUTHORITY OF God HIMSELF, NOT TO TAKE HIS AUTHORITY ON OURSELVES.
WE ARE ALL “TEMPTABLE” PEOPLE AND CAN NEVER ASSUME WE ARE SAFE FROM SINFUL CHOICES.
JUDE 8:2- MERCY, PEACE, AND LOVE BE YOURS IN ABUNDANCE.
I guess you were right when you blog on a touchy subject among believers and unbelievers people tend not to comment. This is something that sometimes I feel creeps into the door of Oakdale. I guess all we can do it not get pulled into these traps from Satan and to continue to pray for one another and our Church with specific purpose of our prayers (something that we may see or feel is a problem among our congregation). We just need to ask God to have His hand on our Church and all decision made. Right now is a great time for this to take place. Our church has a lot of decisions to be made on this building project and we need to make sure that any move we make is God’s will for us and our church. I hope this makes sense.
Yes, that’s right, I’m temptable. If I could just remember that… I’d trust myself less, and rely on the Word more. But, you must first lable yourself this way – agree with God, we are temtable and can’t be trusted in all situations. EVEN IN CHURCH.
Jamie, I’m not going to take a break from church. I’m going to take a break from taking myself so seriously. That should solve the problem – I’ll keep you posted. I really like your blog and friendship!