9/6/2020 - In Relentless Pursuit of Peace
OUR BROTHER'S KEEPER: September 6, 2020
Many people have ingrained ideas in their head about what Christianity looks like: stiff benches and stodgy preachers; unsingable hymns and untenable rules; potluck meals where nosey people make it their business to know everyone else's business. Can I get an "Amen?"
God has ingrained ideas about what his Christian Church looks like, too. Today's lessons are a clear indication that our LORD is a God of peace. Christ's main work was to establish peace between God and man. Now that God and man are reconciled, God wants his Church to be a bastion of peace, and place of refuge, and a fortress of forgiveness.
Church is not only a place to receive comfort and reassurance from God. It is especially a place where peace and forgiveness should be exchanged between believers. Jesus explains that mean addressing our fellow Christian's shortcomings with frank conversation about their godless decisions, the straying course of their life, or a crooked path they've chosen in the interests of maintaining God's peace.
Some argue that religion is just between God and the individual, and has little to do with our neighbor. The Bible teaches the opposite. When God questioned Cain as to the whereabouts of his brother, Cain indignantly quipped, "Am I my brother's keeper?" God's answer was a resounding, "Of course you are!”
"My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins" (James 5:19-20). God's peace be with you, and may your peace always be with your Christian brothers and sisters.
God bless your worship.
► Readings:
• Ezekiel 33:7-11: Watchmen lead people to repent and live
• Galatians 2:11-16: Paul confronts Peter with his sin
• Matthew 18:15-20: Work with your Christian brother for peace
• Psalm 32
► Sermon theme on Matthew 18:15-20: “In Relentless Pursuit of Peace”
8am & 10:45am services with accommodations are held on campus.
10:45am service live-streamed on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/RedeemerTucson