Rough week for some churches and close friends...

Some random thoughts from our conference and current events...

There are two churches in Florida that have been (and are being) put through some serious trials and dangers over the past few weeks. This is something that is affecting me, even from a long distance away. It is a grim reminder that the stakes are incredibly high and that Satan will stop at NOTHING to distract people from following Jesus and will do whatever it takes to RUIN and DISHONOR the name of Jesus.

When it comes to sin and church leaders and members, I think we need to be reminded that we hurt each other personally, we hurt each other's church ministries, but most importantly, we hurt the name of Jesus in our communities (which is the opposite of the reason our churches exist...period!). While it would be easy to point out the sins of others (and something that needs to be done as church leaders...actually practice church discipline out of love for our Christian brothers and for Jesus), these kind of things must push us to our knees...our own sins need to be repented of, our own sicknesses require the Doctor to heal us, we constantly confess our sins and He is faithful to forgive us. 

Let's be a people who pursue humility and chase grace and constantly remember, we exist to worship, honor the name of Jesus...He is our Lord and Savior!

This song was sung in worship yesterday...what a great reminder that I needed to hear...

1.Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured,
there where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.

Refrain:
Grace, grace, God's grace,
grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
grace, grace, God's grace,
grace that is greater than all our sin!

2.Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
threaten the soul with infinite loss;
grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
points to the refuge, the mighty cross.

3.Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
brighter than snow you may be today. 

4.Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see his face,
will you this moment his grace receive?

Comments

[Tonia]

Thanks for that, Jeremy. It was very fitting and true! Thanks for being vulnerable and sharing that with others! We love you!

[Wayne]

Jeremy, Thanks for that. Fits perfect for the situation at our church. Has torn the hole community apart and brought alot of criticism from unbelievers. Never thought this could happen or people would react this way.

[guymelton.com]

uhhhhhhh!!!!!! I think its time for a new post!!!

[Jeremy]

Ok, I agree!!