Toe-Stepping

Posted on 24 May, 2013 by Jon Gleason

If every sermon steps on our toes, it’s just possible the problem is we need to read and apply Scripture ourselves, and step on our own toes occasionally.

I Corinthians 11:31

For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

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Divine Retribution?

Posted on 23 May, 2013 by Jon Gleason

My daughter’s former French professor has a blog, now a legend in our family.  His latest is “Some Things You May Not Know About Americans.”  A few caught my attention:

  • 27% admit to cheating on a test or quiz.
  • 29% admit they’ve intentionally stolen something from a store.
  • 58% have called into work sick when we weren’t.

And yet….

  • 90% believe in divine retribution.

So many who “believe in divine retribution” have cheated or stolen, and more than half of them have called in a sickie.  Do they really believe in divine retribution if they do those things?  Why say they believe it when they obviously don’t?  Are Americans just stupid (Brits not allowed to answer :))?  Perhaps this explains:

  • 91% of us lie regularly.

A life of lying is also a life of self-deceit.  Many who “believe in divine retribution” think they actually mean it — but their life shows otherwise.  (That 91% has to include a LOT of professing Christians, an absolute disgrace, and sadly some of my readers, American or British or elsewhere, must be in that category.  If that is you, time to get it sorted.)

Ephesians 4:25

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

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The Opt-Out Church

Posted on 22 May, 2013 by Jon Gleason

I’m thinking of starting a new church.  I’ll call it the Opt-Out Church.  This is just what people are seeking — you can opt out of the parts you don’t want.

Does the church tell you that you shouldn’t commit adultery because the Bible forbids it?  Seems rather awkward if you’ve been cheating on your spouse, doesn’t it?  That’s ok, this church also tells you it is ok to opt out if you want.  See how it works?  We’re telling you the truth, it is still sin, but giving you permission to opt out.

Continue reading →

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“The Lord is Still Working”

Posted on 21 May, 2013 by Jon Gleason

“I still remember that sermon he preached a couple years ago.  That statement about ‘It’s just a brain tumour’ says it all.  The Lord is still working through Jeff by the things he says.”
– Chris Ramsay (19 May 2013)

“Just a Brain Tumour”
“What Else Can I Do?”
“To Serve the Lord Perfectly”
“To Know the Lord Better”

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“To Know the Lord Better”

Posted on 20 May, 2013 by Jon Gleason

“When I first had the cancer, back in 2001, I wanted people to see my faith, and I wanted to know the Lord better.  He’s taught me so much.”
– Jeff Smith (17 May 2013)

“Just a Brain Tumour”
“What Else Can I Do?”
“To Serve the Lord Perfectly”

Next:  “The Lord is Still Working”

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“To Serve the Lord Perfectly”

Posted on 19 May, 2013 by Jon Gleason

“Won’t it be wonderful to be in Heaven and serve the Lord perfectly?  To do everything right?”
– Jeff Smith (17 March 2013)

Previous from Jeff:
“Just a Brain Tumour”
“What Else Can I Do?”

Next from Jeff:  “To Know the Lord Better”

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“What Else Can I Do?”

Posted on 18 May, 2013 by Jon Gleason

“Why would someone talk about me being faithful to the Lord?  What else can I do?  He has never left me nor forsaken me.  Brain cancer has nothing to do with it.”
– Jeff Smith (17 May 2013)

Previous from Jeff:  “Just a Brain Tumour”

Next from Jeff: “To Serve the Lord Perfectly”

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