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Dear Friends,
This week we will continue in our sermon series "Religion vs Spirituality". It's based in Jesus' teaching called "The Sermon on the Mount" from Matthew's Gospel. Basically, we're looking at the difference between real Christian faith and everything else. In these verses of Scripture, Matthew records for us the core of Jesus' teaching. Jesus probably repeated the same message over and over again to different crowds of people in different towns and under different conditions. But the message is the same: God wants the best for His children therefore God's way is the best way.
Is following Jesus really that simple? Is it really as easy as all that? Haven't we heard that following Jesus is hard, the road narrow and few people take the Jesus path? Yes, the Bible does say that. So, what Jesus is saying is that following him might be uncomplicated, but staying the course may prove difficult and even uncomfortable.
That must be why Jesus included the verses for our sermon this Sunday. They come from Matthew 7:7-11.
"Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened."
If you notice, this translation tells us we should "keep on asking...keep on seeking...keep on knocking...". Apparently, there is a desired consistency in the prayer life of the Believer. Flinging prayers towards heaven only when we need a favor or are in trouble is not what God wants, nor what is best for us. A persistent, purposeful and persuasive prayer life is what is most productive and most profitable for the pupil of Christ.
Sorry, you know how I love "P" words.
God Bless and Good Fishin' and oh yeah...See you in church.
Sincerely,
Trey Harris
NewSong on Old Perkins Road
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