Another conversation while in Belfast: The idea was that since, "God looks at the hearts, all that really matters to Him is our intentions!". For a moment, this almost sounds reasonable, but isn't the "real" intention the one that "stands up?" In the conversation, he was saying that a preacher doesn't really need to know doctrine as long as he "means well," but,- 1. If the Gospel is God's power on Earth to save [Romans 1:16], so,
- 2. The Church exists to uphold the Truth [1 Timothy 3:15], then
- 3. All Word ministry is equally crucial- Study, Teaching, and Preaching[1 Tim. 4:13 & following], because (See #1).
Jesus said, "If your child asks for an egg, will you give him a scorpion?" We not only have to have the good intentions to offer those in our care a fresh egg, but also to have the discernment to know the difference. A large scorpion can coil itself to look like an egg if one is not paying attention. However much it might look like an egg, the outcome would be very different.
Does this happen? It is all too easy to offer, or receive, as "food" things that look right on the outside, but what is inside will not sustain life, or even permit it. Will "good intentions" make a difference in the effects, or in the preacher's responsibility before God? Or do we need to be continually fed from the perfect truth of God's word, the renewing grace of His Spirit, and the ongoing witness of our fellow Christians whose own lives reflect that holy love that Jesus calls us to follow?
Does this happen? It is all too easy to offer, or receive, as "food" things that look right on the outside, but what is inside will not sustain life, or even permit it. Will "good intentions" make a difference in the effects, or in the preacher's responsibility before God? Or do we need to be continually fed from the perfect truth of God's word, the renewing grace of His Spirit, and the ongoing witness of our fellow Christians whose own lives reflect that holy love that Jesus calls us to follow?
That photo looks familiar.
ReplyDeleteI have been to Belfast. I really like Dublin.
The shot is of the city from up the Shankill Road. Dublin's a beautiful town. Kinda more Euro than Belfast is.
ReplyDelete[I must be slipping! This guy reads eight pages on this blog, and comments on the pictures!]
ReplyDeleteWell, when I look at 60 or so blogs regularly, sometimes that is the best I can do.:)
ReplyDeleteI replied to your comment, thanks.:)
Well, when I look at 60 or so blogs regularly, sometimes that is the best I can do.:)
ReplyDeleteI replied to your comment, thanks.:)
Or do we need to be continually fed from the perfect truth of God's word, the renewing grace of His Spirit, and the ongoing witness of our fellow Christians whose own lives reflect that holy love that Jesus calls us to follow?
ReplyDeleteYes, we do.:)