It can be confusing. There are so many religious voices out there. Sometimes they make contradictory claims about doctrines, politics, science, and other things. With so many of them claiming to speak for God, how can you tell which ones are really from God and which ones aren’t?
Fortunately, Jesus taught us how to discern. At the end of His famous Sermon on the Mount (which goes from Matthew 5:3 to 7:27), Jesus gave three tests to apply (in Matthew 7:13-27). It’s a good finale to the greatest sermon ever. Following a detailed discussion over how to properly interpret the Bible (which He calls “the law and the prophets,” going from Matthew 5:17 to 7:12), Jesus applies three images: the narrow gate, good fruits, and houses. These line up for three tests of authenticity…
I consider myself blessed to be pastoring a church that’s been around since 1857. I don’t think there are any businesses in our area that are that old. Businesses cater to consumer trends, and public moods are always changing. But the church is geared towards something that’s timeless in Jesus Christ – who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So I always push back when I hear people say that the church is a business. It isn’t: The job of business is to turn a profit, but the job of the church is to do the will of God regardless of the cost – and it cost Jesus quite a bit when He came into this world. God bless you, Andrew McHenry, Pastor First Congregational Church of Oroville
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Andrew McHenryI am a husband, a Congregational pastor, and a native Kansan currently living in Thermalito, California. In the past I have also been a prison chaplain and a youth pastor. Interests include reading, railroads, prog rock, KU, and the KC Royals. Archives
March 2024
Categories |