Transformed Mind

Luke 4:21-30 New International Version (NIV) 21  He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” 22  All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” they asked. 23  Jesus said to them, “Surely you will quote this proverb to me: ‘Physician, heal yourself!’ And you will tell me, ‘Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.’” 24  “Truly I tell you,” he continued, “no prophet is accepted in his hometown. 25  I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land. 26  Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon. 27  And there were many in Israel with leprosy [ a ] in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian.” 28...

“Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” (Luke 13:24) What is Jesus saying here? Are we sure of our salvation? Is not the gift of grace from God free? What must we do to be saved if not simply believe that Jesus is the Christ? It’s all in the text my friends, it’s all in His words. Yes, we are justified through the cross of Christ, but that’s just the beginning. Free does not mean apathy. We do not receive Jesus then rest on his laurels, no, that is what we call cheap grace. The grace of God is oh so costly; it takes what can be summed up in one word, discipleship. This is why Jesus tells us that many will perish and not enter his Kingdom, that many will, “Knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’” but he will answer saying to them, “I do not know where you come from…Depart from me, all you workers of evil.” (Luke 13:25, 27). No, we must not simply seek Jesus, but strive ! It takes a lifetim...

Sorry it has been so long since my last post, but I have my reasons. The biggest reason is that my beautiful wife Elizabeth and myself flew out to Colorado where I officiated a wedding for a couple that attend the church we all go to.  It was quite the experience... I had been doing premarital counseling with the couple for about 10 weeks and during the last session I read through the message I was going to orate, so that they could actually hear what I would say and internalize it without the pressure of being on the altar, tears streaming, and hundreds of people staring. I also went through the rest of the ceremony so it wouldn't be a total surprise.  Well, being the perfectionist that I am I tend to write out the prayers beforehand too.  The bride however, being the prayer warrior she is, mentioned that it would be ok to also just "let the Spirit lead" me.  This comment was specifically directed at the laying of hands portion.  What!?  Go off scrip...