What Would Make You Give Up Being a Christian?

What Would Make You Give Up Being a Christian?

Before you read on, take note that the only thing that “makes” us give up being a Christian is us. While one might blame other things, people or teachings, the fact is that it is one’s decision. Various factors may affect our decision, but ultimately, the decision is still our responsibility.

With that in mind, consider the findings from Amy Black. Dr. Black is a political science professor at Wheaton College in Illinois, and the author of Honoring God in Red or Blue. She earned her Ph.D. in political science at MIT and is a leader in research on the intersection of religion and politics.

In a 2019 interview, Dr. Black shared the following disconcerting information: “Studies show that party identity is even stronger than religious identity for many people. That means many ‘Christians’ would stop being a Christian before they stopped being a Democrat or Republican.” She paused and then added, “Think about that.”

For a moment, think about that.

When Christ takes second place to politics or anything else, the results will not be good.

What would make you give up being a Christian?

Politics? Sports? Work? Fame? Fortune?

May we find the strength of faith that will allow us to place Christ at the forefront of all.

Just some thoughts,

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John Wesley’s Rules for Singing

John Wesley’s Rules for Singing

Singing is powerful aspect of our worship that motivates one to a greater attitude and a greater desire to worship. Music has a tendency to transport the mind into a higher realm.

In 1780, John Wesley published his rules for singing as a part of a hymnal he produced that same year.. The list is fascinating and the points apply to this year even more than the year they were written. The list is contained below:

 

  • Learn these tunes before you learn any others; afterwards learn as many as you please.
  • Sing them exactly as they are printed here, without altering or mending them at all.
  • Sing all. See that you join with the congregation as frequently as you can.
  • Sing lustily and with a good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep.
  • Sing modestly. Do not bawl, so as to be heard above or distinct from the rest of the congregation.
  • Sing in tune. Whatever time is sung, be sure to keep with it. Do not run before or stay behind it. Take care not to sing too slow.
  • Above all sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you sing. Aim at pleasing him more than yourself, or any other creature. In order to do this attend strictly to the sense of what you sing.

A few years before the hymnal was published, Mr. Wesley wrote his views on a new song in a journal entry dated, July 3, 1764,

“I seldom relish verses at first hearing. Till I have heard them over and over, they give me no pleasure, and they give me next to none when I have heard them a few times more, so as to be quite familiar.”

I find it interesting that emphasis John Wesley put on singing. He knew there are something about worshipping God in song that brought delight to the worship of God.

Just some thoughts,

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Give Satan a Nail and It Will Not Be Pretty

Give Satan a Nail and It Will Not Be Pretty

While visiting in Haiti, Dale A. Hayes heard a Haitian minister illustrate to his congregation the need for total commitment to Christ.

The minister told of a man who wanted to sell his house for $2,000. Another man badly wanted the house but couldn’t afford the full price.

After much haggling, the owner agreed to sell the house for half the asking price with just one stipulation: he would retain ownership of one small nail protruding from just over the door.

After several years, the original owner wanted the house back, but the new owner was unwilling to sell. So, the first owner went out, found the carcass of a dead dog, and hung it from the single nail he still owned.

Soon the house became uninhabitable, and the family was forced to sell the house to the owner of the nail.

The Haitian minister’s conclusion: “If we leave the devil with even one small peg in our life, he will return to hang his rotting garbage on it, making it unfit for Christ’s habitation.”[1]

Question – How much have you given the devil?

Paul tells the Ephesians 4.27 to “give no opportunity to the devil.”

Have you given a place, no matter how small to the devil?

Even one small nail can make a difference.

Just a thought,

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How to “Get Something” from the Sermon or Bible Class

How to “Get Something” from the Sermon or Bible Class

Every week, across our brotherhood, sermons are presented, and Bible classes are taught. During those few hours each week, some people gain more insights than others. While it may be said that we should not come “looking for something”, we should come ready do worship the Almighty. If we have the proper mindset there is still something to be gained from the lessons.

Consider these few questions to see if they can help you “get something” from the lessons:

Why did you come to worship or Bible class?

The way we approach worship will determine our experience and our learning capacity. Ask yourself, “Am I coming to join with the saints and worship God the Father?”  Are you coming together with others to praise God or just to “get something” out of the day? If someone comes to worship to find a self-pleasing ritual, then worship will not be God-centered.

What are you putting into the sermon or Bible class?

When you come to the assembled worship or Bible Class time, have you prepared your mind to learn? Our mindset will say much about our ability to learn. Are you opening your Bible and following along, or even taking notes to examine later? The old saying is, “you get out what you put in.” Are you putting effort into learning?

Where was your mind during the sermon or Bible class?

When you are listening are you thinking of how to apply the points of the message in your daily life? Once again, listening goes back to mindset. Are you focusing on the worship of God or things outside of worship?

Just some thoughts,

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Three Questions about Your Spiritual Travel

Three Questions about Your Spiritual Travel

Each one of us is on a spiritual journey.  As Christians every day is a new day we are blessed with to glorify God (Psalm 118.24) on your journey.

What about our spiritual journey? Do you know where you are going? How are you doing on your journey?

What road are you traveling?

The Bible speaks of two roads in life: a broad road and a narrow road. The broad road is easy and well-traveled by many, but the narrow road is hard and must be found. However, the narrow road leads to an abundant life while the broad road leads to destruction. Which road are you traveling? (Matthew 7:13-14)

What guide are you using?

Do you have a roadmap for life or are you wishing for a greater life? The Creator, in His infinite wisdom, saw fit to give us the His guidebook for life so we can make it through to live with Him. Are you reading so you will be complete? (2 Timothy 3.16-17)

Are you staying on the road?

To arrive at your destination, you must not only start on the road, but you must continue your journey. As you have started your spiritual journey, you must continue staying true to the Almighty as you live every day. (Revelation 2.10)

Just some thoughts,

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How to Have F.A.I.T.H. in the Future

How to Have F.A.I.T.H. in the Future

F – Focus on what you will do, not what you have done. There are many people who always tell you what they once did, but be the person who has their eyes on the prize has a forward focus. Focus on the actions you will do as a new creature in Christ. (Romans 6.1-9)

A – Attribute good things to God. As a child of God, every spiritual blessing you have is in Christ (Ephesians 1.3). Every good and perfect gift is from the Father of lights. (James 1.17). As we go throughout our life, let us remember is it the Lord that blesses us, let’s give Him the glory.

I – Invest your time wisely. Paul told the Ephesians church to walk as wise people; redeeming the time (Ephesians 5.15). Time passes swiftly and it will continue as long as we walk this earth. Remember, life is like a vapor that appears for a little while and vanishes away (James 4.14). Invest your time in God’s word and the fellowship with God’s people.

T – Take your cares to God. I am humbled every time I read 1 Peter 5.7, “Cast your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.” It is humbling to know the God of heaven and earth cares about us. He cares enough that you can ask Him anything and He will grant my requests according to His desire to help me get better. Remember, our faith in God is faith in His answers.

H – Humble yourself. Do not just humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, but humble yourself to your brothers and sisters in Christ. Lift them up and see how the world begins to change (Philippians 2.3,4)

Just some thoughts,

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