Myth, 39

~ Christian Churches Are Safe Places ~

Myth  ~  Churches are safe places.  While at church you can trust those who are also there. 

Reality  ~  Churches are not a museum of saints—they are a hospital for sinners.  We live in a fallen world.  Many of those who attend church are doing so because they realize their sinfulness.  After accepting the truth of The Gospel of Jesus Christ they become new creatures who are evolving into a more and more Christ-like character.  But it is a slow process which will not be finalized until they reach their final home in heaven. 

But not all who attend church always have honorable intentions.  Those who are pursuing an honorable character and life occasionally fall back into old sinful habits.  Unfortunately, in some situations the most dangerous place for children is in children’s ministries. 

Scripture  ~  Even Christians are warned about the dangers all around them.  Christ warned His disciples, “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves.  Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as dove” (Matthew 10:16).  

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour”1 Peter 5:8).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .

Fear God, 164

~ Not Fearing God Will Result In Judgment ~

God does not want His children living in fear.  “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1:2-3).  However, God does want His children to have a proper respect and reverence for Him.  We are told in many places in Scripture to “fear God.”  

This Week’s Passage  ~  “‘And I will come near you for judgment; I will be a swift witness against sorcerers, against adulterers, against perjurers, against those who exploit wage earners and widows and orphans, and against those who turn away an alien — because they do not fear Me,’ says the Lord of hosts” (Malachi 3:5).

Fearing God Results in Salvation  ~  “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31).  “A wise person fears and departs from evil, but a fool rages and is self-confident” (Proverbs 14:16).  This does not mean the Christian is to live a fearful life—but a life which reverences God and seeks to do His will. 

Fearing God Results in Fearlessness  ~  “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1).  The answer is: only God.  With the gift of salvation comes responsibility.

Fearing God Results in Witnessing  ~  “Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for my soul” (Psalm 66:16). 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .

Psalm 119, 17of27

~ Read God’s Word To Increase Contentment ~

119:14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,

As much as in all riches.

119:36 Incline my heart to Your testimonies,

And not to covetousness.

Comment  ~  The greater our knowledge of the Word of God and of God Himself, the greater our contentment will be. 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .