I went to the South campus of Bethlehem Baptist today. The sermon was really good. The pastor (not Piper, he is apparently taking 8 weeks off to write 2 books :-O ) talked about the parable of the sheep and goats. He said that if you really look at the wording in the book of Matthew, the only way it can be understood is that the "least of these brothers of mine" is not a reference to the down-and-out in society, but rather the disciples, those who followed Jesus. This doesn't mean that we shouldn't minister in compassion to the disadvantaged. It does mean that our salvation doesn't depend on it, and the social justice gospel is seriously lacking. It also doesn't mean that we should be helpful to other Christians in order to get into heaven. Notice that the sheep didn't realize their behavior was gaining them "browny points". They did it naturally because God had changed their heart, and that heart change is what we need. Our behavior is a sign of our salvation, not a method for it.
My bosses and their daughter were at church, so I got to talk to them. After that I helped tear down and pack the equipment and I got to meet some really neat people.
It was a good morning.
L'Abeille Boutique
7 years ago
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