ourMidland Blogs

One of the more difficult and confusing aspects of the Christian faith is talking to people about behavior that is in conflict with what the Bible teaches. They are to be treated one way if they are born-again believers. They are to be treated another way if they are not. And I am not sure what you are supposed to do if you aren’t certain about their faith.

In my last blog entry, I asked why more people are not attending church. One of the reasons cited by those who commented was the harsh and judgmental attitude of those attending. No doubt that is an issue at every church. When members of a church come across as holier than thou, they offend people rather than draw them to Christ. It is a tough balancing act to remain obedient to the Word and Christ’s teachings and also address behavior that is inconsistent with that teaching. I admit that I haven’t figured it out yet. I don’t know if I ever will.

More on attending church: Did you know that scientific studies also show that regular religious worship benefits individuals, families and communities? This news was reported in a paper released by the Heritage Foundation in December 2006.

Growing up in Port Huron, I remember going to church nearly every week. But I spent most of the time studying the carvings in the pews, the intricate designs in the stained glass windows and the tall ceilings with their unusual hanging lights. I was there because I had to be, not because I wanted to be.

Does someone who has literally gone through hell on earth, whether it was drug addiction, prostitution, abuse or some other societal ill, and then been saved through faith in Jesus love Christ more than someone who was raised a Christian and came to faith early in life without any difficulties?

My daughter and her husband have a new puppy to go along with the dog they received as a wedding gift in September. The older dog is about 3 years old now and had some training issues when they first got her. But, with lots of practice and love, they taught Lucy how to come, sit, stay and heel.

At my small group Bible study meeting this week, we had a great discussion about what it means to have faith like a child. Jesus talked about the need for us to have such a faith, so it is an important part of a person’s faith journey. For example, in Luke 18:17 (NIV), Jesus says, “I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”