Saturday, March 7, 2009

Family Sunday

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1 Corinthians 13 NKJV
11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

The Apostle Paul is writing this letter to the families which attend the church in Corinth. This particular church is historically known to be an emotionally charged and event driven church. I guess one could argue that the Believers in the church at Corinth during the latter half of the first century were a bit dramatic.

Not to say that there is no place for passion in our relationship with Jesus, but we all know there is a difference between expressions of passion from a heart of true holiness and the outpouring of emotion which may get attention but does not make us more like God.

The church at Corinth was an emotional church, a sensational church, a church driven by what amounted to spiritual drama. The Apostle Paul was greatly concerned that the church was missing the big picture. It was not about individual experience but rather about the collective strength and ministry of Believers joined together by the Spirit, in one accord, unified for the purpose of community and world evangelism.

He argued that the church could not allow emotionally charged doctrines or practices of faith to divide the Believers. One minister may be gifted in some way different than another and at times one person may appear to be more spiritual than others but, we cannot afford for these things to separate us or cause us to think that one is somehow better than the other … God forbid!

Paul went on to say that he had determined not to know anything more than Jesus Christ and Him crucified. He further told the Believers to not judge anything before the time and to remember than no eternal truth can be judged by a human court. So, don’t get puffed up by what you or your favorite teachers know, each man’s praise must come from God.

The book of 1 Corinthians continues to speak directly and unapologetically to the issues of Paul’s day and to the issues of our day as well. Life unfolds in very predictable patterns and the Word of God is a guide for every one of us. Without regard as to where you are on your spiritual journey allow me to encourage you that you will never get where you want to be by allowing emotions to control your life … spiritually or naturally.

This is what the scriptures are telling us in 1 Corinthians 13:11 … grow up and stop acting like a child. One of the most recognizable traits of a person who is acting childish is their unbridled emotions. From their delusional dreams to their devastating disappointments, children ride the false highs and false lows of their small world.

We are admonished to not be overcome with the emotional ups and downs of life or to create unreasonable expectations for ourselves or others. And just realize that:

12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

We just don’t know everything and to champion emotionally driven debates or to allow emotionally charged arguments to separate us is to sin and fall short of the glory of God. This is not the first time scriptures speak to these issues. Romans 14 is dedicated to encouraging the Believer not to divide over matters of opinion.

Seeing we are still human how can we please God in this area of life? By use of the tools God has given us to work with.

13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.


Faith


Faith is our trust in God. When we trust God and turn life over to Him, we begin to have fewer emotional problems.

Many times depression stems from a person feeling like there is nothing they can do about their situation. In the real sense they are most likely correct. However, there really was nothing they could ever do about life but to trust in the goodness and mercy of God.

Have faith in God and turn your life, your family, friends and even enemies completely over to Him.

This is not just a ‘turn them over to God and watch them burn’ mentality. Oh no! We should turn people and circumstances over to God with a true:

Hope

The book of Hebrews says that hope is the anchor of our soul. Hope keeps us from drifting off into the seas of uncertainty and drowning in the spirals of despair.

Hebrews 6:19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil,

We may know what we want but just can’t see ourselves ever able to get it. But, can’t you imagine a loving God big enough to help you? This kind of hope anchors you in the mysterious presence of God.

Hope is what you do when you realize that God is able to do the impossible … Hope keeps you believing in the possibility.

Romans 8:24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?

The third continuing tool God gave us is actually the first …

Love

Love is the foundation of all life, the beginning of every miracle and the end of every argument.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

God so loved He gave … this love is a love which:
* Gives
* Forgives
* Keeps on Giving (Gives Again)

When we see how God loves us it gives us hope.

Faith is the evidence of things hoped for …
Without hope it is impossible to have faith …
Without love, we have no hope.

Love gives hope
Hope makes way for faith
Faith moves mountains

Work on your love factor and it will give you hope and hope will bring faith to trust God for a better day.

Love is nothing less than a command … if you do not love, the bible says, you do not know God. Would you like to meet Him today?

Throw away your emotional arguments and invite Jesus the Messiah into your life … begin an eternal relationship today. Hope for a better day and faith to move mountains will follow!