There are many items of this chapter that I find interesting such as the order and structure in which it is written. Normally when we write we have to present an argument so that we can then discuss and support the thesis. However, in this chapter God begins declaring His sovereignty and unconditional love for His people and concludes revealing the argument/thesis which is how filthy we are with sin.
First let’s remember, sin is not just some inappropriate behavior; instead it is living a lifestyle that does not line up with God’s character. I like the way the Message puts it:
22-24“But you didn’t pay a bit of attention to me, Jacob.You so quickly tired of me, Israel.You wouldn’t even bring sheep for offerings in worship.You couldn’t be bothered with sacrifices.It wasn’t that I asked that much from you.I didn’t expect expensive presents.But you didn’t even do the minimum—so stingy with me, so closefisted.Yet you haven’t been stingy with your sins.You’ve been plenty generous with them—and I’m fed up.
For this very reason God reveals to us the need of a savior/redeemer who would lead us in a path and make harmony with Him. And yes this person would be Jesus, who does not keep a list of our sins.
25“But I, yes I, am the onewho takes care of your sins—that’s what I do.I don’t keep a list of your sins.
And better yet as the book Romans states in the eighth chapter:“Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins…”
So in a couple of hours I’ll have the honor to marry my pastor, Derek and future wife Miranda, and am looking forward to this ceremony. When Derek first ask me to marry them I did not know what to say, because in one hand the Bible does not give clear instructions about marriage, because after all Christ is really the one bringing these two together. On the other hand, I also figured that if Christ has mandated that we lead people to Him (through His Spirit) and baptize them; and even notified us that we could even perform greater miracles than He did. So why not partake in leading the unity of a marriage ceremony?
I find it amazing how much we all in leadership staff are learning about ministry because really we do not have much experience but yet Christ has set us in this role and is teaching us to not be intimidated. Basically, to boast, as Derek preached on last Sunday, on the power of Christ’s sacrifice at the Cross. For the reason that is not easy being called “pastor” and having or being responsible for spiritual care of a number of persons. But yet we delight in fulfilling the call Christ has given us. And find joy in building Christ center fellowship with the amazing people He keeps bringing to His church.
We must take our Lords promises seriously and gratefully
1 Corinthians 2
9However, as it is written:
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him”
Psalm 12:6
6 And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times.
Program 7.06.08
Go outside………………………………..……………………..……Amj
Announcements
Opening scripture: Job 11:5-6
Oh worship the King…………………………………….F#mj
Marvelous light……………………………………………Amj
Found. …………………………………………………………F#mj
Lead me to the cross……………………………………F#m
Message: Tearing down booths
Jonah by Jimmy Reeves…………………………………………..Bm
What an amazing Sunday! Today we were reminded “to not get comfortable” to not be Sunday Christians who only rejoice in God on a Sunday morning service bass; But to do our best to live a life in our city of Greenville that draws people to the Cross of Jesus…
Sunday’s is a day that I look forward to everyday of the week but one thing that I do pay attention to is that the following Sunday is a product of the previous one, therefore I look for results. One way we can view the effects of what God is revealing to us is by whether or not we are attracting people to Jesus through His Spirit in us. And today’s message came from the book of Jonah, who knew of God’s abounding grace and love and refused to act in spreading the great news of God. This was in modern days a Christ follower whom refused to share Jesus in his surroundings, who knew doctrine, knew Jesus but yet the message did not move his heart and instead of offering himself as a tool for the Gospel he much rather kill himself then to spread the news of Jesus. But God’s response to such Christian mediocrity is given in Jonah 4:11.
Conclusion: God is concern about Greenville N.C and the rest of the world knowing Jesus. Are you?
