Sisters and brothers,
Happy Monday to all! Yesterday we worshipped our glorious Christ Jesus and proclaimed the truth that only through the name of Jesus can forgiveness, salvation, and real life be found. Then, we learned about how believers should deal with conflict. In Genesis 12, there was conflict between Abram and his nephew Lot over grazing land. Abram acted in faith to resolve this family conflict and gave Lot the first choice of the direction to move his herds. Abram could have demanded the first choice because it was his right as the family patriarch. Instead, Abram acted generously toward Lot. Abram acted in faith that God would provide for Him. However, Lot looked with his eyes and did not consult God in what choice should have been made. He trusted completely in in own senses and judgment. Abram was unselfish and generous and trusted in God. Abram saw life as a journey of faith and following God. Lot saw life only through the practical, human, physical seeing of circumstances around himself. The choice Lot made brought about terrible consequences for Lot and his family. We live in a day where people are told they can determine everything about their lives. We are told to trust our feelings and our reasoning ability. We are told that no one outside of us and no outside authority can direct us in those choices. The advice is often given to follow our hearts, to trust our emotions and let them guide us. That is terrible advice! The Word of God tells us something far different. It tells us that, “the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately sick. Who can understand it?” The Word of God tells us to deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Jesus. It tells us if we want to save our lives we will lose them, but if we will lose our lives to Jesus and the gospel, we will save our lives. Life is not found by looking internally and trusting ourselves but looking outside of ourselves to God’s perfect Word which reveals Jesus to us. Jesus is the One who took up His cross and lost His life for our sake so that we could be forgiven and given the eternal life of God. We are to trust Him and seek His guidance in our lives. Believers seek to trust God to lead them in life rather than trusting only what they observe. Trusting ourselves without seeking God leads to death. Trusting God and looking to His Word and His Holy Spirit in a walk of faith in Jesus leads to life. Which will you choose today?
Dr. Trey Turner, Executive Director of the Minnesota/Wisconsin Baptist Convention will be with us next Sunday, July 27, to preach God’s Word. Be with us to meet Trey and hear what God will say to us as Trey preaches.
Remember to keep praying continually for each other. None of us know fully the burdens our brothers and sisters in Christ might be carrying.
Love being your pastor!
Bob Ray, Pastor, East Madison Baptist Church