Our pastor had a very sobering message last Sunday. What I appreciate is that he is not afraid to preach what the Bible says. If he is doing a verse by verse teaching, he does not skip a section because it is jut too controversial … but he helps us understand by expositing on the culture, the original meaning of the script and how it applies to us today.
Mark 9 :42- 50
“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where“the worms that eat them do not die, and the fire is not quenched.’Everyone will be salted with fire. “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.”
The sermon was delivered in two parts:
1) Beware of injuring the faith of others – this is what is meant where it talks about causing one of these little ones to stumble. He explained “little ones” as those in their formative time in their faith. I am challenged to be careful of how those who may be younger in their faith or not quite sure about things, see what I do. My life is not just about me. Jesus loves “the little ones” the way that I would stick up for my little ones being taken advantage of or bullied in any way.
2) Beware of injuring your own faith – this is reflected in the verses where it talks about cutting off your hand if it causes you to sin. I find it interesting that Jesus taught with such exaggeration, but He was definitely making a strong point about hating sin. We are to make no provision for sin, so much so that we remove any opportunities where we know we may cave.
We are encouraged to grow in our love for Jesus. With His love permeating our very being, we will be salt that adds flavor, heals and preserves.
11 comments:
What a good lesson to share. Thank you Anneliese...
I had never quite heard this part of the Bible clarified in this way. Understanding the culture of the day makes such a difference in knowing what Jesus meant. It was a good enough part 2 to make us head to church instead of watching the game.
Thank you for the notes. Yours look much better than my tiny chicken scratch on the back of the bulletin.
Great post, good reminder. By the way, your new header photo is gorgeous!
What a blessing to have a pastor who preaches the whole word of God, not just the parts that "tickle the ears". My hubby likes to listen to his sermons from your church website : )
So few pastors preaching expository sermons today! Love those who do! What a blessing. Excellent thoughts. Thanks for sharing! Elsie mentioned your church website - could you share?
Karin, if you go to http://northview.org/
click on latest messages ... you can get the podcast there.
Like the last sentence: we are to flavour, heal and preserve!
Sonya
Thanks for sharing, Anneliese. Good reminder that we must 'remain' in Him if we are to be the salt & light in this world.
Good sermon points ! Ones that are soo needed to hear ! Thanks for sharing your notes!
I really appreciate your thoughts - and your pastor's, as well. We need - or I need - to be reminded that not everyone has light that we who have been Christians for a long time are walking in. It would be tragic to push anyone away from Jesus.
Your flowers are so beautiful!
I love this one today. I am going to think and ponder it for awhile. It makes so much sense and I find that I have felt that way myself. I love your new header!!
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