9/27/18
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.
Jesus cares about truth. He even introduces himself as the truth. We saw in James 5:1-20 how valuable it is to correct someone. So how do we deal with those times when we think Christianity is being distorted or misrepresented? In my work I often visit different congregations, including those in different church bodies. I admit that it is sometimes hard to keep a poker face. “Really? Did I just hear something which was recognized as heresy in the third century? I wonder if they really meant it??”
What did Jesus say to do with the person who was doing miracles in Jesus’ name but was not part of Jesus’ apostolic group? While Jesus does point out the need for truth and for guarding against error, he also recognizes that some of the people we find unlikely do what Jesus wants, at least sometimes. Allow it. Find chances to correct, but allow Jesus’ work to continue. At the same time, we guard against error. It is better to endure tremendous loss in the things of this world than to depart from the Christian faith. We trust that the Lord’s Word is sufficient clear.
Unity in Christ will lead us to peace with one another. This is yet another way Christians change the world.
If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.
Jesus cares about truth. He even introduces himself as the truth. We saw in James 5:1-20 how valuable it is to correct someone. So how do we deal with those times when we think Christianity is being distorted or misrepresented? In my work I often visit different congregations, including those in different church bodies. I admit that it is sometimes hard to keep a poker face. “Really? Did I just hear something which was recognized as heresy in the third century? I wonder if they really meant it??”
What did Jesus say to do with the person who was doing miracles in Jesus’ name but was not part of Jesus’ apostolic group? While Jesus does point out the need for truth and for guarding against error, he also recognizes that some of the people we find unlikely do what Jesus wants, at least sometimes. Allow it. Find chances to correct, but allow Jesus’ work to continue. At the same time, we guard against error. It is better to endure tremendous loss in the things of this world than to depart from the Christian faith. We trust that the Lord’s Word is sufficient clear.
Unity in Christ will lead us to peace with one another. This is yet another way Christians change the world.
If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.
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