Scripture: Ephesians 4:14-16
As a result, we aren’t supposed to be infants any longer who can be tossed and blown around by every wind that comes from teaching with deceitful scheming and the tricks people play to deliberately mislead others. Instead, by speaking the truth with love, let’s grow in every way into Christ, who is the head. The whole body grows from him, as it is joined and held together by all the supporting ligaments. The body makes itself grow in that it builds itself up with love as each one does its part.
Thought for the Day: On this day in 1870, the 15th Amendment was passed that gave all males, regardless of their race, the right to vote. Of course, this Amendment existed more in theory for decades. Many in our nation went out of their way to intimidate or create laws that would keep black men from voting. Of course, women of any race were still not allowed to vote at that time. It is interesting how our culture develops and grows. What is unheard of at one time becomes somewhat accepted at a later time, and then with the passage of even more time, people are ashamed about the past. I understand that embarrassment, but maybe we should spend more energy pondering the present. Where are we currently unaware of that thing that would be unjust in the eyes of God, yet culturally we remain stuck in the past? Where do we still require growth in Christ, growth that continues to stretch our perception of love? These are hard questions, but necessary if Christianity is to be a strong and leading voice in the culture and not an irrelevant follower of it.
Prayer: Continue to encourage the development of my faith, O Good and Gracious God. It is difficult to speak about what is right and just when such things remain fuzzy because of the contentment brought on by the past. Provide us a vision of your love and its capacity to change everything for the sake of your Kingdom. Amen.
TOMORROW
WORSHIP AT 9AM & 11AM
BRUCE CONTINUES HIS SERIES
ON RECONGIZING THE ACHE
SERMON TITLE
True Intimacy Is Hard Work
