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Post by elephant on Oct 1, 2011 11:13:27 GMT -5
Could be controversial, but doesn't have to be.
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Post by elephant on Oct 1, 2011 11:15:46 GMT -5
I wanted to share yesterday's daily words from our minister. I am sure some folks may disagree, but I thought it was good. Do Not Take the name of God in Vain
The early Methodists’ first General Rule was introduced, “By doing no harm, by avoiding evil of every kind, especially that which is most generally practiced, such as:” and then listed lots of generally practiced evil. Here is the first “such as”:
The taking of the name of God in vain.
This, of course, comes straight from the 10 Commandments. That Wesley felt the need to reiterate it suggests that people of faith hadn’t gotten this one right in the 1700s. Good thing we’ve improved since then…or, perhaps, we haven’t quite arrived, either.
The Lord’s name is taken in vain every day and it’s not just by “cussin’.” Another form of foul-mouth speech occurs when a person makes claims for God that are patently contrary to what we know of God. So, when a terrorist wants to claim that it’s honoring God that towers be destroyed or a camp of teenagers be attacked, God’s name is taken in vain. When someone claims HIV-AIDS or natural disasters are God’s punishment, God’s name is taken in vain. What we hear and/or say quite frequently about “God’s will” might well be taking the name of God in vain. We don’t always know the will of God and speaking as though we’re certain can be a vain attempt at crediting or blaming God.
Does this mean we don’t ever speak of God because we’re never quite sure. I don’t think so. It does mean we don’t toss God around as an excuse for or cause of everything. We’re careful with God’s name, as the original people of faith were, often not spelling or pronouncing the name of God for fear of taking it in vain. When we respect God’s name we use it well.
So speak of God, but in terms that are consistent with God. Someone referred to, “my sweet Lord” recently. That seems entirely consistent with the God who is loving and near. That seems like a relationship built on the God who draws close and enters our fray to bring healing and peace. There’s nothing vain about that.
This e-mail is intended to be a helpful way to connect Sunday to the rest of the week. It is meant for you to reflect on; respond to, if you wish; and share with others. Usually e-mails such as this are tied to the sermon coming or just past. To see the Acts-ion service sermons or hear the traditional service sermons or to read previous “Words from Will,” go to www.stjamesspartanburg.org/sermons. You can also subscribe to these sermons on i-Tunes and have them delivered to you each week. To receive these occasional e-mails or to respond to what you’ve read, simply write me at willmalambri@bellsouth.net..
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Post by Jack Frost on Oct 22, 2011 14:35:00 GMT -5
Matthew 22:35-40
"Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord they God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
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