Marching Forth!

" And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.  15  Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother ." 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 In his second letter to the church in Thessalonica, Paul issued corrections and instructions concerning those who were idle and disorderly.  He directed Christians who observed unruly believers to warn the disobedient and to avoid company with them for the purpose of repentance and restoration.  In this case social pressure to obey God and walk in holiness served a good purpose, for shame and conviction over sin provided strong motivation to repent and live in the way that pleases God and fostered unity in the church. Paul said a fellow Christian who erred was not to be treated as an enemy but believers were to " admonish him as a brother. "  Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines to admonish as, " to teach, warn counsel, to reprove wit...

When correspondence is written to us personally, it changes the way we receive it.  I remember holding letters from local politicians up to the light to see if it was actually signed by the dignitary or merely printed coloured ink.  If it was signed by hand it wouldn't have changed my view of the policies--but I would have respected our government representative more.  Personal letters ought to be taken personally, for they were sent to an individual in particular.  A letter directed to you ought to have more impact than a news article or encyclopedia entry, for within could be a call to action or request that requires a response. The reading of the Law of Moses certainly made an impact on king Josiah after it was found in  2 Kings 22:10-11 :  " Then Shaphan the scribe showed the king, saying, "Hilkiah the priest has given me a book." And Shaphan read it before the king.  11  Now it happened, when the king heard the words of the Book of the Law,...

While drawing spiritual parallels from biblical historical accounts can provide insights, we must remain vigilant to survey the big picture.  For example, this morning I read 1 Samuel 7 which explains how the Ark of the Covenant remained in the home of Abinadab for 20 years before the children of Israel returned to the LORD with all their hearts, put away their idols and served God only.  For a long time the nation of Israel had been oppressed by the Philistines, and drawing near to God according to His covenant was an important step in their restoration.  The Hebrews gathered at the word of Samuel and humbled themselves before God in acknowledging their sin with fasting and repentance. The Philistines heard the Hebrews had gathered in Mizpeh, and they decided it provided an opportune time to attack.  The people were likely weakened from their fast and not organised to fight a battle, so it seemed they would be easy prey.  Some might read this passage and draw ...

I enjoy reading good books that provoke reflection and provide insight into living like Jesus Christ.  I especially like concrete examples that aid personal application of points being made.  In Spiritual Leadership , a list from the Life of Robert E Speer was provided for leaders to measure their maturity in practical and timeless ways.  Most of those listed were things to avoid because it is our natural, fleshly inclination we all suffer from in various degrees.  Here are some I found most useful: Not to murmur at the multitude of business or the shortness of time but to buy up the time all around. Not to groan when letters are brought in; not even a murmur. Not to magnify undertaken duties by seeming to suffer under them, but to treat all as liberties and gladness... Before censuring anyone, obtain from God a real love for him.  Be sure that you know and that you allow all allowances that can be made.  Otherwise, how ineffective, how unintelligible or pe...