1 John 2:28-29 (ESV)
And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. [29] If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him.
Everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him. That is born again, born of water and the spirit. See the trick here is that you can’t practice righteousness unless you have been born of him. If you are not born of him, it may look like righteousness, but it is not. But being born of him, and abiding in him, the true practice of righteousness, we practice righteousness, and so we do not hang our heads in shame at his second coming but wait for it with joyful exuberation.
10 comments:
Amen Pastor!
Back in my evangelical days I dreaded the coming of Jesus. We were taught that he was going to hold us accountable for unconfessed sins. What a dreadful idea.
God's peace. †
Sweet as a nut!
(as Nestingen would say)
Thanks, Bror1
What kind of pastor would admit to ROCK music being his favorite music. I'm sorry I do not think that is the right message even if you do like that type of music.
Mike,
Stick around and you will find out what kind of a pastor does that. One who is just honest about who he is. One who doesn't think Christianity is about putting on false airs. One who takes God's word very seriously, and hates legalism. Perhaps a pastor that has a personality. You know, a Lutheran Pastor, a real pastor who is real. Or at least tries not to be fake. The kind of pastor that spends an afternoon warming a bar stool, because that is where the people are who need to hear the gospel. One who really could care less if you are offended by his taste in music. But one who will give you the gospel, and forgive your sins if you have an ear to hear.
But stick around. Just remember I think it a small thing to be judged by you.
Well, actually that was a bit of a stretch. I warm a bar stool because I like beer, and tend to like the people I meet in a bar.
Romans 14:21
Timothy 3:3
I would also question your statement in your reply to be disturbing, and I quote. "But one who will give you the gospel, AND FORGIVE YOUR SINS IF you have an ear to hear. I just would like to know what you meant by that statement.
Mike,
Are you claiming to be a weaker brother? I don't get it. Who are you?
1 Cor. 4:3.
As for forgiving sins. Don't worry about it. I' m sure a self-righteous brother like you has none to forgive. But if you care to read John 20:21-23. We Lutheran pastors find a job description of sorts there.
Now be careful. I wouldn't want you to stumble.
My pastor used to be a pro rock musician (in his teens and twenties - was even in one of those surf movies).
He still plays and recently did some gigs with his sons in some local restaurant/bars.
What a great place to find some lost people to talk about God with!
Lutherans are free to do such. All Christians are free to do such, many just don't realize it.
Mike claims country as his favorite music. All those songs about greeed, lust, adultery, drunkenness etc. is holier than Rock?
Give me a huge break.
I think many genuine "christians" will be ashamed some day. "We" also will stand before our Lord and give an account to Him. I'm not sure what David is talking about because "all" sin was dealt with on the cross....but what we did with our lives after salvation will be judged. Some will be saved as by fire and all their works will be burned.
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