You can tell it is getting close to Passover time in COGland. The overemphasis on law-keeping is flying fast and furious. UCG is asking their members to look back to Exodus and the law as they prepare to crucify Christ once more in a high school gym or Masonic Lodge. Instead of focusing on the deep, rich things that Christians have understood for centuries about Christ, they prefer to prostrate themselves at the foot of the law, expecting it to save and forgive them.
Timeless and foundational principles are found throughout the book of Exodus as God begins to bring His people out of Egypt and teach them His way. In Exodus 1, for example, Pharaoh determines the children of Israel have grown too many. As a result, he decides to kill a number of God’s people and commands the midwives to carry this out as each male child is born. The midwives do not all follow Pharaoh’s order. They are right in their actions. Killing in any of its forms, as Christ magnifies in Matthew 5:21-22, is wrong
The Bible is clear we are to obey our master’s instructions and requests unless they are ungodly. To defy is against God’s way (Ephesians 6:5-8). But, if we are asked by any leader at work, in government or anywhere else, to do something that is contrary to God’s way, we don’t do it. Acts 5:29 is clear in this respect: “But Peter and the other apostles answered and said, ‘We ought to obey God rather than men.’”
Always do things God’s way. His way leads to peace, unity, joy, fulfillment and true love for Him and each other (agape).
Remember why we are here
Brethren, remember we are here to become like Christ. Remember your calling, remember the eternal purpose for which God has called you and to which you committed. Nothing in this physical life compares with what God has prepared for those who truly love (agape) Him.
As we prepare for Passover, now just a little over four weeks away, let us truly examine ourselves and purpose to endeavor together to follow Him with all our hearts, minds and souls.
Continuing in Christ’s service,
Rick Shabi
5 comments:
Rick: write out Ex 23:14-16
with the words "feast" in Hebrew, Lev 23:2
with the words "feasts" in Hebrew, and Eze 45:21
.......
I’m going to leave this right here: ““You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life.”
John 5:39-40
Go beyond this letter and check what UCG is having members read in the countdown to Passover.
The readings are both O.T. and N.T. But I have no idea why the reference to "I Corinthians 19" hasn't been fixed, after nearly a month.
I have no idea why the reference to "I Corinthians 19" hasn't been fixed, after nearly a month.
It's as if nobody in UCG has actually bothered to click on that link to do the recommended reading.
Rick Shabi wrote: "...As we prepare for Passover, now just a little over four weeks away, let us truly examine ourselves and purpose to endeavor together to follow Him with all our hearts, minds and souls...."
******
But Rick, similar words are mentioned annually year after year and for decades, so where are all the people doing these things today?
Are they still in united? Living? With Flurry? Weston/Winnail? Pack? Franks?
Didn't any of the followers succeed last year?
Sounds like those in United are striving to "earn their way."
If the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness? Jesus Christ asked that question.
Is Rick Shabi giving us the impression that he is perfectly performing God's law now after so many years professing to be a part of God's Church?
How clean is the heart?
God's law is contrary to us, says the apostle Paul:
Colossians 2:14
Before God told the Israelites to choose between good and evil, blessing and cursing, life and death, he told Moses the following:
Deuteronomy 29:4
The Israelites did not have the hearts, eyes, and ears to yield to God, and we have your history proving it.
What if is true that the heart is really deceitful above all things and desperately wicked?
Rick, just how do you propose that your followers accomplish to be able to: "...endeavor together to follow Him with all our hearts, minds and souls?"
Doesn't it make sense that God must first give (Dt 29:4
Time will tell ..
John
Post a Comment