S) "38 'So in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God.'"
Acts 5:38-39 (NASB)
O) This is one of my favorite examples of two Biblical principles, often overlooked by today's Christian. The first is logic. I feel like a lot of Christians follow God without really thinking about why. They live their daily lives without really considering their actions, or without considering why God may be asking them to do, what He's asking them to do. The second thing is that there are very wise, godly things to learn from people who aren't exactly serving God. The above verses are the words of Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, but not a disciple of Jesus. And yet, here he is, speaking the very words of God Himself. I'm not, by any means, saying we should all just start taking our advice from mormons or Jehovah's witnesses, but I am saying that they still present some good things of God. Mormons tithe with crazy-faithfulness and JW's hit the streets harder than any other religion, false Christianity or not.
A) Later this morning, I'll be preaching on "eyes that see and ears that hear" and one of the principles I cover, is to be able to recognize God speaking to us, even if it's through an unrighteous person. I cannot be arrogant and presume to know how God will teach me. I cannot presume to know whom God will use to teach me. There is too much wisdom in the world for me to simply ignore it all, since it's "of the world" and "not from God." The Bible says that every good and perfect gift is from the Father (James 1:17). So, if there wisdom from an unexpected source, I need to weight it and see if it is good, logical, even Biblical wisdom. If it measures up, by all means, I should allow God to use it to edify me.
P) Father, I will not assume to know how or when You are teaching me. I want to keep an open mind. I know the Bible is unfailing Truth. So, I will keep an open mind and Holy Spirit, use whatever is needed to sharpen my mind, to give wisdom to my heart, and to discipline me into the man I am called to be. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
A) Later this morning, I'll be preaching on "eyes that see and ears that hear" and one of the principles I cover, is to be able to recognize God speaking to us, even if it's through an unrighteous person. I cannot be arrogant and presume to know how God will teach me. I cannot presume to know whom God will use to teach me. There is too much wisdom in the world for me to simply ignore it all, since it's "of the world" and "not from God." The Bible says that every good and perfect gift is from the Father (James 1:17). So, if there wisdom from an unexpected source, I need to weight it and see if it is good, logical, even Biblical wisdom. If it measures up, by all means, I should allow God to use it to edify me.
P) Father, I will not assume to know how or when You are teaching me. I want to keep an open mind. I know the Bible is unfailing Truth. So, I will keep an open mind and Holy Spirit, use whatever is needed to sharpen my mind, to give wisdom to my heart, and to discipline me into the man I am called to be. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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