Love for each other deeply…
who through Christ are faithful to the God who raised him from the dead and gave him glory. So now, your faith and hope should rest in God. As you set yourselves apart by your obedience to the truth so that you might have genuine affection for your fellow believers, love each other deeply and earnestly. (1 Peter 1:21, 22 CEB)
I was pondering the question last week, “why don’t all Christians truly love each other?”
So many times in the church there are disagreements, there are things that happen that make some unhappy while making others overjoyed. These things are all part of life and will be until Jesus returns.
So why don’t the people who say they are Christians agree to disagree and not take things personally every time something doesn’t go to suit their liking best? How is it that CHRISTIANS can talk about one another behind their backs, criticize each other and at times not speak to their brothers and sisters in Christ?
I was in a bank line in recent months and ran into someone who works in a church. I said to them “How do you like working in a church?” here is the response I wasn’t expecting. “You Christians love each other to your face, you hug each other and say how wonderful God is and as soon as one leaves the other says “bi£¥h”
I couldn’t bring myself to spell it out on my blog. It is sad and the scripture gives us the reason this is so. It is not that every person who is mean is not a Christian. The answer is that those who behave this way are NOT BEING OBEDIENT TO THE TRUTH.
There truly are people who love God who can be mean but it can’t last for long. Not if you want any fellowship with the Father. God loves each one of us equally as His dear children. Every time you put down a brother or sister in Christ just imagine slamming your biological brother or sister to your earthly dad. It doesn’t fly and it doesn’t fly with God.
Be obedient, you have been set apart to demonstrate Christ to the world, love each other deeply.
Ronnie
The ultimate goal…
You are receiving the goal of your faith: your salvation. (1 Peter 1:9 CEB)
If you are like me, you often stop and ask yourself, when will all of this come to it’s conclusion? And by the way, what is the conclusion going to be. We read here the ultimate goal is our salvation, eternal security, life forevermore.
I don’t pretend to understand all of life, no one can answer all the questions but there are answers and one day we will understand. When we reach the final goal.
The Bible tells us we have absolutely nothing to fear and that is also what my spirit tells me. There is a reason behind all of this and He is God.
You are receiving the goal, rejoice.
Ronnie
Vacation thoughts 3
Monday was a blessed day. The boys and I swam while Misty hit the outlet mall and then about 2 we started to Dollywood. As soon as we got into the park there was a 30 minute downpour and that was a perfect nap for the boys.
Samuel isn’t afraid of anything. We rode the ferris wheel, I was afraid but not Samuel. Matter of fact he didn’t understand why he couldn’t shake the car we were in. We rode lots of rides, there were almost no lines and we had a blast.
As soon as we got back in our vehicle it poured rain again. Perfect day.
Lesson: be sure to drop awnings on a camper in rain storms. We came back to the camp ground and ours was collapsed but there was thankfully no damage.
We figured out the air system in the pop up. Every night we have either struggled with freezing or being too hot, the air conditioner is great. There are curtains by both beds and last night we drew them and discovered that regulates the air and it doesn’t blow directly on you. Slept the best ever.
Were moving out of the campground today but vacation isn’t over. Judah has asked to go home every night and Samuel begs to stay longer. We would love to stay the week but Samuel starts pre-k tomorrow.
We have found a new place to go that we really enjoy and hope to bring all of the family to next time. Pine Mountain RV Park is the best if you are looking fir a great campsite in Pigeon Forge. Pine Mountain Road just 2.2 miles from Dollywood and Dolly Splash.
Praying for safe travel today.
Ronnie
About Ronnie G. Collins
I am the Planting Pastor of Out of the Box Worship Center and I also serve as the Associate Pastor of First United Methodist Church in Hillsville Virginia. We are a Multi Site Church, one church in multiple locations. Our 1st campus is located at 225 Fulcher Street in Hillsville Virginia. Our 2nd location is on Main Street in Hillsville, FUMC Downtown, Out of the Box Worship Center, and our 3rd location is 522 North Main Street in Hillsville and this is our Youth Ministry Center, FUMC Downtown “Out of the Box”, Youth Ministry. The most recent ministry we have is “Out Of The Box Worship Center” and we are located at 516 North Main Street Hillsville. This site is now my main focus, along with the Youth Ministry.
I have a Passion to see hurting people come to know Jesus Christ. I believe that we as Christians have to demonstrate God’s Love to the world, rather than just telling them they are loved. I am married and have 3 sons two very special nephews that are like sons, 3 grandchildren, 5 great nephews, and one great niece that are like grandchildren. I am a blessed man.
I attended school at Carroll County High School, Wytheville Community College, Liberty University, and Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary.
My passions are as follows:
God
Family
Others
Reading
Running
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/ronnie24317
Twitter http://twitter.com/ronnie24317
Three Minute Thursday’s http://www.facebook.com/threeminutethursdays
-
Archives
- May 2013 (23)
- April 2013 (28)
- March 2013 (35)
- February 2013 (26)
- January 2013 (27)
- December 2012 (42)
- November 2012 (27)
- October 2012 (15)
- September 2012 (18)
- August 2012 (21)
- July 2012 (23)
- June 2012 (16)
-
Categories
- 40 Day Devotional Inspired by Harry Denman
- 40 Day Fasting Journal
- 90 Days to reading the New Testament
- Adoption Foster Care
- Bible Study
- Celebrate Recovery
- Death
- Devotional
- Eternal Life
- Evangelism
- Events
- Family
- First UMC Hillsville
- Holston Challenge 2010
- Hope for the Children of Sudan
- Inspirational
- Logos Bible Study Software
- Out Of The Box
- Resurrection 2009
- Running
- Smith Family
- Take your best shot
- Tech Stuff
- Uncategorized
- United Methodist Church
-
RSS
Entries RSS
Comments RSS
