EASTER DEVOTIONAL (16 OF 25)
Scripture: I Thessalonians 5:19-22, Ezra 8:22-23
This content is part of a series.
NOTE: This sermon is part 31 and 32 of a 50 part devotional series. Two sermons outlines are included in this download.
PREVIEWS:
Thirty-First Day (31 of 50)
Series: Easter Devotional
Christopher Harbin
I Thessalonians 5:19-22
‘‘Don’t turn away God’s Spirit or ignore prophecies. Put everything to the test. Accept what is good and don’t have anything to do with evil.’’ 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22
It is an easy thing to ignore the seemingly erratic voice of those claiming a word from God. All too often we hear the ravings of fancy with claims to be from God. Many are deluded by television personalities who reportedly speak on God’s behalf, yet speak mainly to the filling of their bank accounts and increasing their view ratings. In the face of such excesses, it is simple to turn to the traditional moorings of our faith in order to discount any messages which counter or critique our received traditions. By following just such a pattern, the Jews on the First Century too readily ignored Jesus’ gospel of grace through faith. As I saw on a church sign recently, ‘‘There is nothing so dark as a closed mind.’’
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Thirty-Second Day (32 of 50)
Series: Easter Devotional
Christopher Harbin
Ezra 8:22-23
‘‘I was ashamed to ask the king to send soldiers and cavalry to protect us against enemies along the way. After all, we had told the king that our God takes care of everyone who truly worships him, but that he gets very angry and punishes anyone who refuses to obey. So we went without food and asked God himself to protect us, and he answered our prayers.’’ Ezra 8:22-23
I worshiped with a church in Brazil whose sanctuary was in dire conditions. Termites were eating the exposed beams, as well as the very pews. The roof sagged under the ceramic tiles, as the wooden supports quietly eroded under the termites’ attack. The members lamented the conditions of the building, throwing up their hands in despair and resignation. ‘‘We need to get the Americans to come back and build us a new sanctuary.’’
PREVIEWS:
Thirty-First Day (31 of 50)
Series: Easter Devotional
Christopher Harbin
I Thessalonians 5:19-22
‘‘Don’t turn away God’s Spirit or ignore prophecies. Put everything to the test. Accept what is good and don’t have anything to do with evil.’’ 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22
It is an easy thing to ignore the seemingly erratic voice of those claiming a word from God. All too often we hear the ravings of fancy with claims to be from God. Many are deluded by television personalities who reportedly speak on God’s behalf, yet speak mainly to the filling of their bank accounts and increasing their view ratings. In the face of such excesses, it is simple to turn to the traditional moorings of our faith in order to discount any messages which counter or critique our received traditions. By following just such a pattern, the Jews on the First Century too readily ignored Jesus’ gospel of grace through faith. As I saw on a church sign recently, ‘‘There is nothing so dark as a closed mind.’’
--------------------
Thirty-Second Day (32 of 50)
Series: Easter Devotional
Christopher Harbin
Ezra 8:22-23
‘‘I was ashamed to ask the king to send soldiers and cavalry to protect us against enemies along the way. After all, we had told the king that our God takes care of everyone who truly worships him, but that he gets very angry and punishes anyone who refuses to obey. So we went without food and asked God himself to protect us, and he answered our prayers.’’ Ezra 8:22-23
I worshiped with a church in Brazil whose sanctuary was in dire conditions. Termites were eating the exposed beams, as well as the very pews. The roof sagged under the ceramic tiles, as the wooden supports quietly eroded under the termites’ attack. The members lamented the conditions of the building, throwing up their hands in despair and resignation. ‘‘We need to get the Americans to come back and build us a new sanctuary.’’
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