The church that I presently attend was designed to reach out to those who have had negative experiences in their walk, as well as for people who are curious about God, and for those who just like to go to church on Sundays and not be subjected to overbearing self-righteousness. The messages almost always have a theme of putting God first and the ministry is built on loving your neighbor as you do yourself. Does this sound familiar?
It should.
Matthew 22: 35-38
One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question:
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
NIV
If you read the Ten Commandments closely you realize that the first three commandments are about loving God and the other seven are about loving your neighbor.
It is greatly apparent to me that when you put God first and love your neighbor as yourself that all else naturally falls right into place. It is very New Testament and very basic. It is also very Old Testament as well.
When Christ died for our sins he fulfilled the letter of the law. When he answered the question about which is the greatest commandment he went to the root of it all and made it very simple. Too many churches today major in the minors, create "ologies" and "isms", doctrines of men, and religious ritual, not unlike the Pharisees of Jesus’ day. It is refreshing to get back to basics and to the roots of faith: Putting GOD first, and love your neighbor as yourself.
Jesus said it, I believe it.
Until next time, may the LORD bless us and keep us, in Jesus name I pray.
No comments:
Post a Comment