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to this ministry"A Simple Warning"
"See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God" (Hebrews 3:12).
I
have some stories to share about some renewed contacts we made in New
England last weekend. One of them was a young man named Corey, pictured
here with our daughter Ester.Corey attended our church as a young teenager and was very active in the youth group. In one of the final sermons I preached in the church before I moved on I used a rather unusual method I don't recall ever using before or after.
Throughout the sanctuary I went pew by pew to each individual and with all the solemnity I could muster placed a hand on each individual's shoulder. I looked him or her in the eye and slowly with great intensity I quoted the daily verse. "See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God."
Corey went through some difficult family problems and, sadly, he did "dabble in Egypt"*, like so many older teenagers and young adults. But he has recently recommitted his life to the living God. He told Brooksyne that he especially remembered the sermon I preached when I repeated the verse to each individual and God used that experience to help him return to his spiritual roots. Of course God used other believers and Scriptural promptings to bring Corey back into right relationship with the Savior as well.
It's a truth that is so straightforward it requires little exposition. It's a simple warning. Children can understand it and so can senior adults. It speaks to believers today just as it surely did to the original readers of Hebrews. It doesn't matter where you live. We all know our heart's propensity to be sinful and unbelieving. And we all know people who have turned away from the living God. Human nature hasn't changed a bit in 2000 years.
When I shared the Scripture in this way it took quite a while and certainly I didn't know how it would be received but I sensed the Lord leading me to do it. When I finished moving throughout the congregation giving what amounted to a personal message to each in attendance I asked various people to voluntarily share the verse aloud. (Repetition is a great key to memorization.) Many were able to do so.
One brother said, "I'd like to direct this verse to you." Thank you. Yes, I need the reminder as well. Warnings are good. Let me share it a final time with each reader. I am not able to place my hand on your shoulder and look you in the eye but with great seriousness I am quoting this verse as I type the words. Receive it and I encourage you to memorize it. "See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God."
Be encouraged today,
Stephen C. Weber
* "Dabble in Egypt" - an expression dealing with those who return to the ways of the world.
Brooksyne's Prayer: Jesus, I praise You for Your Spirit that draws me to Yourself helping me to see my need for salvation. I'm equally grateful for your relentless compassion and forgiving nature that takes me back after I've turned away from You. I'm so glad that your love for me does not diminish when I am unresponsive to Your promptings. You never stand at a distance shaking your finger at me to remind me of my shame. Instead You demonstrate Your compassion and understanding and You embrace my repentant soul. Thank You for Your steadfast love, Jesus.
Quiz: Yesterday I wrote concerning a wedding I conducted in Massachusetts. This was the first wedding I had conducted in that state since 2000 when I served as a pastor there. At that time the marriage license designated the couple with the traditional titles; bride and groom. I asked readers, "How do you suppose Massachusetts now designates the couple on the state issued marriage license?" I received many answers but the correct answer is Party A and Party B! (Thus far there is not a spot for Party C or beyond but that would be easy to change.)
Here's a summary of speculations from readers:
Bride/Groom Bride/Groom (Circle the category that applies)
Significant partners
Partner 1 and Partner 2
Spouse and Spouse
Look closely at Corey's sweatshirt in the photo above. (Click on it to enlarge it) Bridgewater is a state college in Massachusetts established in 1840. Notice the saying on the college emblem on the shirt. "Not to be ministered unto but to minister." This is a direct quote of the Lord's words from both Matthew 20:28 and Mark 10:45 from the KJV of the Bible. Apparently groups like the ACLU have not noticed this yet.
Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.
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