email : Webview : Duane Brooks - Every Day with Jesus

September 4, 2018

1 Timothy 4:3-5

They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.

New International Version (NIV)

   When informed he was sitting with a minister on a plane, the astronomer opined: “I’ve always thought the message of all the religions is about the same. Try not to do bad. Try to do good. Right?” The minister answered the astronomer, “I’ve always thought you could summarize astronomy with the little quote, “Twinkle, twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are? Right?” Wrong on both counts!

                So if people watched us what would they believe about the gospel? Would they think it was about not doing certain things? In the first century, some Christians wanted to define relationship with God by refraining from marriage and certain foods. To this day we can find false comfort in going beyond what the Bible commands. Paul’s word is telling: “Everything created by God is good . . .sanctified by the word of God and prayer.” What does Paul mean?

                Paul was not saying that anything goes for Christians. Neither, however, could he condone those who thought their asceticism made them stronger Christians. Be wary of those who are more strict than the scripture. Christianity is not finally about what we do or don’t do but about what Christ has done for us. Here is the gospel: “we are worse off than we had thought, and more loved than we ever dreamed.” So our message is not, “Thou shalt not,” nor even, “Thou shalt.” It finally comes back to a relationship with the one “Thou” who knows us best and loves us most: Jesus.

Pray with me:

Father, forgive us for defining ourselves negatively to the world. Help us to receive all of your good gifts with gratitude. Teach us to receive all of your gifts with an eye to your word, and a heart for prayer. Help us to live as those who are loved perfectly by you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This year we focus our Every Day with Jesus readings on Jesus’ story. With references to Tallowood's Read Through the Bible in 2018 daily reading plan, let's focus our undivided attention on Jesus and follow where he lead. He will not fail. Neither will we!
Joyfully,
Duane

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