Should I or shouldn't I?
Are there times when you just do what ever suits you? Times when you merely do what ever you please?
That’s what I did on Sunday -- instead of attending my church; I visited a different church that offered an early service.
There were things needed to do and I wanted to do in the afternoon, and it simply pleased me to rearrange my worship schedule for the day.
The minister at the stand-in church preached from I Corinthians 15:1-10 “We are created as His Workmanship,” was his title for his sermon. I share here some of the gleanings from his message.
The people at Corinth were from every nation, a diverse group of persons, worshiping numerous gods, and countless wicked individuals were living there.
Much like any city in the world, and the same as many of our cities here in the United States.
The general populace of Corinth were immoral sinners all needing the message of salvation. Just as people in any city need to know the true gospel; Paul began to preach and teach them about Jesus, His love, His mercy and His grace. Many in the city began to follow Jesus but it was difficult for some to leave their old manner of living.
They misunderstood the message of grace and took it to mean that they could, “Do anything they pleased,” and grace would cover their sin. Paul explained that it did not work that way, and they were NOT to sin so that grace could much more abound.
The minister today gave an illustration about Martin Luther, when he was asked by a listener, “Does God allow us to do anything we please?” Martin Luther asked the person, “Just who is it that you please?”
If we have received Jesus as our savior, then we can do what ever we please, because we will only do those things that please God.
We do not earn our salvation by feeding the hungry, visiting the sick, building homes for the homeless, or other worthy projects. The people of Corinth needed to understand that it is by grace that we are saved, and not of works lest we should boast.
After we receive Jesus as our Lord, - - then we may desire to feed the poor, visit the sick and other worthy projects, because we do those things which please God.
We all have a choice, and we can do as we please, NOT the rebellious, stubborn, willful having our own way attitude, but it is because we do that which pleases God.
We are to let our light shine in our sinful city showing others by our lifestyle, and our actions that we are pleasing God, because we are called according to His purpose.
Are you doing those things that Please YOU, and are those things pleasing to God?
This post was shared at Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday site: Do visit there at:
Also shared at: In and Around Mondays Seedlings in Stone at: http://seedlingsinstone.blogspot.com/
and at the Well Spring: http://www.lauraboggess.com/2011/09/playdates-with-god-praying-from-book.html
Do visit there and enjoy other posts you will discover waiting for you.
images courtesy photobucket.com
3 comments:
This is really good. I agree 100%, probably not a shock by now...
I did a study some time ago, the study was on the verse when Jesus was quoted as saying, "What ever you ask it my name, it will be given to you."
In the study, a couple years ago now, the point was exactly yours today. If we ask in His name, it will be His perfect will manifested in our request. So many people use this verse to act like God is a Genie in a Bottle or something. Say a selfish or vain request, throw an "in Jesus name I pray," and think the God of the cosmos is at their beckon call. It is His world, His will, His grace, HIs mercy, and HIs love that we should seek.
You got me fired up with this one!
Great job!
Absolutely, Hazel -- far, far too often I do exactly what I please.
I always love to read your stories, Hazel. This one makes a very good point (but I think it's ok to try a different church :). Praying to please Him tonight.
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