Sinful Practices Get Among Us By Our Indifference

Beloved in Christ,

1 Cor. 5:1-2 speaks of the impurities of the Corinthian congregation. A variety of impurities had set in which were generally described as "fornication". The Church stands guilty too often of indifference. Because we are indifferent, all kinds of sins are indulged by the weak members of our congregation without fear of reprimand by the congregation of Christ. What Do We Do About Them?
If there are ungodly persons among us, how are we to relate to them in keeping with the teachings of Christ about brotherly love and forgiveness. If such persons are among us, how are we to deal with them in keeping with Christ's warning about harsh judgments? The inability to answer these two questions has stopped many Christians from dealing with this sensitive area of our member to member relations. If we appear to be critical of our brothers who are caught in sin then we appear to lack love and compassion. If we point out the sin then, we appear to be passing judgement on a brother. Many church members, unfortunately, rather than find out what the word says about these matters choose to talk among themselves about how disgraceful the members actions are, but the offending member is rarely approached at all. Jesus in no way has precluded Christians from evaluating the actions of the Saints, but He has warned us against finding fault in the motives of others. Matthew 7:1-2 "Judge not that ye be not judged, (2) for with what judgement ye judge, ye shall be measured to you again." Here Jesus tells us not be find fault with the motives of others but to be concerned with our own. It is a common conclusion, even today, that the fault you readily see in the motives of others is usually a fault you have found in yourself. Be an encourager rather than a critic.

Always in Masters Service.

Ps. Shibu Thomas IPC Hebron , Oklahoma

"Thus Far God Helped Us"

Today every saint can set up a stone or marker that shows a point in life in which God has intervened in their lives. Like Noah, we have survived floods of trouble. We have remained afloat even though at times it appeared that we would sink. Like Abraham, we have seen difficult times when our faith has been tested and the very lives of those we loved the most have been threatened. It was moments such as those that strengthened us when we learned that God truly does have a ram in the bush. Like the Israelites crossing River Jordan into a new land, we have moved into new directions that we never thought we would take. We are bound for the Canaan land! Who is it among us that can deny God's handiwork? Who can claim to be the architect of his own destiny, responsible for his own success and achievement? Somebody has an Ebenezer stone erected in an unseen corner of a hospital room. It marks the place where they asked for and received an answer to a prayer! Somebody has an Ebenezer stone in the center of his or her home. It marks the place where God helped a failing marriage, strengthened a weakened husband and sustained a drained wife. Somebody has an Ebenezer stone erected in his or her spirit. It marks the place and time when they met the Lord. Perhaps that's why Moses would declare in Psalm 90:1" LORD, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations." David declared in Psalm 27:5, "For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock."

Ps. Shibu Thomas IPC Hebron , Oklahoma

"We Shall Reap What We Sow"

But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. (2 Corinthians 9:6 NKJV)

If there is one certainty in life it is that we shall reap what we sow. Moreover, we shall reap in accordance to that which we have sown. 2 Corinthians 9:6 says "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." Those who sow evil things will reap them. In the book of Esther, Haman devised an evil plot to have Mordecai, a godly man, hanged. The plot was exposed and Haman was hanged on the gallows he built for Mordecai. He learned a lesson, albeit too late, that "what goes around comes around!" Those who are intolerant of the views of the others, seem the most irritated when their views are not tolerated. "What goes around comes around." Those who are impatient with others, seem the most disgruntled when others complain that they themselves act too slow. "What goes around comes around." Those who are insensitive to the needs of the poor or elderly, are among the first to complain when they themselves appear neglected. "What goes around comes around." Those who steal from others, seem to cry the loudest when someone steals from them. "What goes around comes around!" Those who stab others in the back, die a slow death when they become the victims of their own ways. "What goes around comes around!" Those who pass up a person in distress along the way, complain the loudest when they themselves are passed up. "What goes around comes around." The tragedy of evil deeds is that we do them also unto Christ. In Matthew 25:40 He reminds us that what we have done to the "least of these" we have done also to Him. "What goes around, comes around."

Ps. Shibu Thomas IPC Hebron , Oklahoma

Our Heavenly Father Understands Us And Never Leaves Us Alone

The unique nature of the incarnation is that God not only chose to visit us but for a while he chose to become like us.
That’s unusual because Kings may visit their subjects but they do not think of living like them. Christ visited us on earth for 33 years. He was born the way we were born, lived in the community mankind just as we have, and experienced all of our passions, triumphs, joys and disappointments. He even wept. He not only visited, he assumed our nature. The incarnation marks "God with us."
God sees our daily needs. He scrupulously separates our needs from our wants and knows exactly what we need to both survive and thrive. He sees our need for food, clothing and shelter health care and emotional support. The scriptures indicate that God sees the need of even the most ordinary person. In Matthew 6:28 Jesus told his disciples to consider the lilies of the field how God feeds and clothes them. He said if God pays attention to the lilies he would also care for their needs. It’s easy for him to see it because he is with us.
No matter what our situation God sees our need. This should be a reason for hope for every believer because we know that our individual situation is not unnoticed by the savior because he is with us each and every day. Therefore, the songwriter asks, “Why should I be discouraged? Why should the shadows come? Why should my heart be lonely and long for heaven and home? For Jesus is my portion. A constant friend is he. His eye is on the sparrow and I know he watches me.” Do not be afraid My children thus says The Lord " I am with you, I will never leave you nor forsake you "

In Masters Service

Ps. Shibu Thomas IPC Hebron , Oklahoma

Study God's Word Diligently

We need to study the word of God intensely for two reasons: First, our own personal spiritual growth, and second, so that we might adequately lead others to Christ. A study of God's word and its application to the various situations of life strengthens each of us in our faith and commitment. When we study the word we gain hope for the future, strength in moments of weakness, and the will to persevere. A personal study of the word and work of God gives individual satisfaction and strength. However, individual satisfaction is not enough. We must accept the challenge of the great commission to "Go ye therefore into all the earth and teach them..." This challenge from our savior places every Christian in the capacity of teacher and a preacher of the Gospel. Every Christian becomes a young Timothy who is admonished to "Study" before embarking on such a journey. Always WALK IN THE WORD.

Ps. Shibu Thomas IPC Hebron Oklahoma