Tag Archives: Love

Jeremiah and Ezekiel: A Fragrant Debate Amidst Distractions

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Setting: Jeremiah and Ezekiel find themselves in a bustling marketplace filled with vendors shouting, children playing, and the occasional stray animal causing chaos. They’re trying to discuss the role of elders in the church, but the distractions make it quite the challenge.

Jeremiah: [dodging a wayward chicken] Ezekiel, have you ever thought about the work of elders in the church? Like, are they more shepherds or rulers?

Ezekiel: [sidestepping a vendor’s cart] Oh, definitely a hot topic, Jeremiah. But it’s hard to concentrate with all this noise! I guess we just have to roll with it. Now, where were we? Ah yes, elders. Are they supposed to oversee or control everything?

Jeremiah: [laughing] Well, you see, some people think elders should run the show with an iron fist. Kind of like that vendor over there who won’t let anyone touch his apples without paying first.

Ezekiel: [snickering] That’s one way to put it. But seriously, Jeremiah, overseeing isn’t the same as controlling. The Bible teaches that elders should lead by example, not dictate every detail of church life.

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Jeremiah: [trying to ignore a shouting match between two merchants] Exactly. Like in our friend Dale Smelser’s work, he points out that elders should develop the congregation, not dominate it. They should be shepherds guiding the flock, not authoritarian rulers barking orders.

Ezekiel: [nodding] True, true. It reminds me of those elders who insisted on making all the announcements themselves. They thought they were protecting the flock, but really, they were stifling growth. Just like that baker over there refusing to let anyone else handle the dough.

Jeremiah: [chuckling] Perfect analogy! And when someone suggested sharing the announcements, they shut it down faster than a pigeon snatching a breadcrumb.

Ezekiel: [grinning] Yes, their reasoning was, “We thought about it, but since we run things, we’ll just keep running them.” It’s as if they were afraid the congregation might say something wrong.

Jeremiah: [watching a juggler distract the crowd] That’s a problem. It’s not about making every decision for everyone. Elders should encourage participation and leadership development within the church, just like how a good juggler teaches others the trick rather than hogging all the balls.

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Ezekiel: [laughing] Nice one, Jeremiah! Exactly. The essence of their role is to oversee, not micromanage. They should inspire and lead without lording it over everyone.

Jeremiah: [dodging a running child] Speaking of which, there’s also the issue of how elders handle dissent or suggestions. Instead of just dictating decisions, they should consider the congregation’s input.

Ezekiel: [sidestepping a dog] Right. And if an elder’s decision leads the church astray, it’s not enough to blindly follow. Remember, Jesus warned about the blind leading the blind into a ditch (Matthew 15:14).

Jeremiah: [laughing as the dog chases its tail] Yes, following blindly can lead to both elders and congregation falling into trouble. Elders must guide with wisdom and humility, not authoritarian control.

Ezekiel: [watching a mime act out a leadership scenario] And let’s not forget how elders handle church discipline. Withdrawal from fellowship isn’t about elders alone deciding someone’s fate. It’s a congregational action underpinned by the Spirit’s guidance.

Jeremiah: [amused by the mime’s antics] Exactly. Elders should lead the process, but it’s the congregation that collectively decides, reflecting the will of God, not just the elders.

Ezekiel: [shaking his head at a vendor hawking “miracle cures”] And for those who think elders control salvation, let’s be clear: Only Jesus holds that key. Elders can guide, but they can’t dictate someone’s standing before God.

Jeremiah: [nodding vigorously] Amen to that! Whether it’s a baby shower or a major decision, elders should steer the ship without hogging the wheel. They’re shepherds, not taskmasters.

Ezekiel: [dodging another chicken] So true, Jeremiah. It’s about balance—leading with authority but without authoritarianism, guiding but also empowering.

Jeremiah: [grinning as they finally find a quiet corner] We’ve come to a good resolution here, Ezekiel. Despite all the chaos around us, it’s clear: elders are to nurture and develop the congregation, not rule it with an iron fist.

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Ezekiel: [smiling] Exactly. Now, how about we grab a bite to eat? All this debating in the marketplace has made me hungry.

Jeremiah: [laughing] Lead the way, shepherd! Lead the way.

[They walk off, leaving the bustling marketplace behind, satisfied with their lively discussion and eager for a well-deserved meal.]

The Elders’ Dilemma

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Scene: Jeremiah and Ezekiel sitting in a coffee shop. Jeremiah is reading a letter he received from a fellow church member while Ezekiel stirs his coffee.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the small, cozy café as Jeremiah and Ezekiel settled into their usual corner booth. Jeremiah unfolded a letter he had received and began to read aloud to Ezekiel.

“Dear Jeremiah,” he started, “I’m a member of the church of Christ and I’ve recently read your article ‘Majority vs Elder Rule’. Our congregation is going through a tough time. We have elders who aren’t being the leaders they should be. They’ve hired a minister with a history of splitting congregations, and they refuse to meet with us as a group. What should we do?”

Ezekiel raised an eyebrow. “Sounds like a sticky situation. What do you think, Jeremiah?”

Jeremiah sighed and took a sip of his coffee. “It’s a difficult spot for sure. Elders are supposed to lead the church, not divide it. Remember what Paul said in I Timothy 5:19-20: ‘Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.'”

Ezekiel nodded. “So, they need to gather evidence and confront the elders with solid proof of their wrongdoing, not just opinions or preferences.”

Jeremiah agreed. “Exactly. It’s important to document everything. If individual meetings aren’t working, they should approach the elders in small groups, just like Matthew 18:16 advises: ‘But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.'”

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Ezekiel chuckled. “Sounds like we need to call in a biblical detective team. ‘CSI: Church of Christ’.”

Jeremiah laughed. “Indeed! But all humor aside, it’s crucial they follow the scriptural process. If the elders still refuse to listen, they might have to bring it before the whole church. Matthew 18:17 says, ‘And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.'”

Ezekiel shook his head. “And if the congregation sides with the elders despite the evidence?”

Jeremiah paused, thinking deeply. “Then it might be time to consider a more drastic step. They may need to find a new congregation or even start a new one, as hard as that might be. The unity of the church is important, but not at the expense of doctrinal purity and proper leadership.”

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Ezekiel leaned back, his face serious. “That’s a tough call. But if the elders are truly in the wrong, they’re not leading the church in accordance with God’s will.”

Jeremiah nodded. “True. It’s a serious matter. The church must stay faithful to God above all else. Elders have a huge responsibility, and when they misuse their position, it can lead the congregation astray. That’s why Paul emphasized accountability in I Timothy.”

Ezekiel sipped his coffee thoughtfully. “You know, Jeremiah, this reminds me of the time we dealt with that situation about the church kitchen. Remember? The arguments about whether it was scriptural to have one?”

Jeremiah chuckled. “Oh yes, I remember. ‘Is it a kitchen or a cafeteria?’ was the big debate. But seriously, this situation is more severe. It’s about leadership and the spiritual well-being of the congregation.”

Ezekiel grinned. “I suppose the stakes are higher than whether or not we can have potlucks.”

Jeremiah laughed. “Definitely. But the principle is the same: staying true to biblical teachings. We must always ensure our actions align with scripture, whether it’s about kitchens or elders.”

Ezekiel finished his coffee and looked at Jeremiah. “So, what advice should we give them?”

Jeremiah folded the letter and put it back in his pocket. “They need to follow the steps outlined in the Bible: gather evidence, confront the elders in small groups, and if necessary, bring it before the church. And if all else fails, consider finding or starting a congregation that upholds biblical principles.”

Ezekiel nodded. “Sounds like a plan. It won’t be easy, but it’s the right thing to do.”

Jeremiah smiled. “Yes, it is. Now, how about we grab another cup of coffee and continue our discussion about the theological implications of pineapple on pizza?”

Ezekiel laughed. “I’m ready for that debate any day. Lead the way, Jeremiah!”

Worth The Sacrifice

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In a quaint village nestled amidst rolling hills, there lived a humble tailor named Elias. He was known for his gentle heart and skilled hands, crafting garments with precision and care. Yet, despite his talent, Elias often felt unworthy, haunted by his past mistakes and shortcomings.

One crisp autumn evening, as Elias sat by the fireplace stitching a new garment, an elderly traveler entered his shop. The stranger’s eyes held a warmth that seemed to pierce through Elias’s troubled soul.

“Tell me, tailor,” the traveler began, his voice soft yet commanding, “do you believe in redemption?”

Elias paused, his needle hovering over the fabric. “I wish I could,” he confessed, “but I fear my past deeds are too grave to be forgiven.”

The traveler smiled knowingly and reached into his satchel, retrieving a worn parchment. “In 1 Corinthians 15:3, it is written: ‘For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures.'”

As Elias listened, the words washed over him like a soothing balm. The traveler continued, weaving tales of Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross and the boundless love that compelled Him to lay down His life for humanity.

Moved by the stranger’s words, Elias felt a glimmer of hope flicker within his heart. He realized that despite his imperfections, Jesus saw him as worthy of redemption.

Inspired by this newfound understanding, Elias set to work on a special project—a T-shirt bearing the message: “I’m not perfect but Jesus believes I’m worth the sacrifice.”

Word of Elias’s creation spread throughout the village, and soon, people from far and wide flocked to his shop, eager to purchase the garment that spoke to their own struggles and faith.

As Elias sewed each T-shirt with care, he couldn’t help but reflect on other passages about Jesus’s sacrifice and its importance in life.

He remembered John 3:16, which proclaimed, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

With each stitch, Elias poured his gratitude and reverence into his work, knowing that through Jesus’s sacrifice, he—and all who believed—could find forgiveness, redemption, and everlasting love.

And so, in a small village nestled amidst rolling hills, a simple tailor’s T-shirt became a beacon of hope, reminding all who wore it of the immeasurable worth bestowed upon them by the Savior’s sacrifice.

Trinity of Love

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In a quaint town nestled among rolling hills, there lived a trio of friends: Sarah, David, and Emily. They were inseparable, often seen wandering through the town’s cobbled streets, sharing laughter and adventures.

One breezy afternoon, while lounging in the park, their chatter turned to deeper matters—the meaning of life and the existence of something greater. Sarah, the thoughtful one, gazed at the sky and whispered, “The Father reigns in heaven’s height.”

David, the jovial jokester, grinned and exclaimed, “And the Son, our Savior, brings us light! That’s what my grandma always says!”

Emily, the quiet observer, nodded knowingly. “The Spirit moves, unseen, yet near, guiding souls with love sincere.”

Their conversation led them on a quest for understanding, seeking wisdom in the words of the Scriptures. As they journeyed, each encounter seemed to mirror the verses they discussed.

At the town square, Sarah paused to help a struggling elderly woman. Quoting Matthew 25:40, she said, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” The woman’s face lit up with gratitude.

Meanwhile, David found himself in a local eatery, sharing a meal with a lonely man. With a smile, he recited John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” The man’s gloomy countenance transformed into hope.

Emily stumbled upon a group of children playing by the riverbank. She knelt and shared, “Psalm 139:7 says, ‘Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?’ God is always near.” The children’s innocent giggles filled the air.

Their encounters deepened their understanding of the divine presence in everyday life. As they continued their journey, they stumbled upon a charity event where they witnessed generosity and compassion. Quoting 1 John 4:9, they realized, “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.”

Their experiences bonded them even more, reaffirming their faith and friendship. With hearts brimming with gratitude, they returned to the park, where they first delved into their spiritual quest. Looking at each other, they recited Jeremiah 29:13 in unison, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

Their journey had taught them that the message on their t-shirts wasn’t just words—it was a revelation. With smiles and a newfound sense of purpose, they vowed to continue spreading the love and light they had discovered, one verse and one act of kindness at a time.

And as they laughed and teased each other under the setting sun, they knew that the divine presence they sought was always with them—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—guiding their souls with love sincerely.

Embracing Forgiveness: Healing Hearts with Love and Redemption

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In a world marred by imperfections and frequent clashes, the message “FORGIVEN… Washed Clean by Love” on a newly released T-shirt speaks volumes about the transformative power of forgiveness.

This phrase, rooted in Luke 7:47, underscores the profound significance of both receiving forgiveness from God and extending it to others.

**The Vitality of Forgiveness: Biblical Foundation**

Forgiveness holds a pivotal place in the teachings of Jesus Christ and throughout the Bible. Here are seven compelling Bible passages emphasizing the need for forgiveness:

1. **Matthew 6:14-15**: Jesus teaches about the importance of forgiving others to receive forgiveness from God.

2. **Colossians 3:13**: Encourages forgiveness as the Lord forgave us.

3. **Ephesians 4:32**: Emphasizes being kind and forgiving, just as God forgave us in Christ.

4. **Matthew 18:21-22**: Jesus instructs on the necessity of unlimited forgiveness.

5. **Luke 6:37**: Encourages forgiving others to avoid judgment.

6. **Mark 11:25**: Stresses the importance of forgiveness when praying.

7. **Romans 12:20-21**: Highlights overcoming evil with good, promoting forgiveness.

**The Dangers of Unforgiveness: Negatives Associated with Bitterness**

Studies in the United States have shed light on the adverse effects of holding onto bitterness and refusing to forgive. Three notable studies include:

1. The Mayo Clinic’s research linking forgiveness to improved mental health and reduced stress levels.

2. Studies conducted by Stanford University showcasing how forgiveness contributes to better physical health, including lowered blood pressure and reduced heart disease risk.

3. Research from the University of Michigan highlighting the correlation between forgiveness and improved relationships, leading to greater happiness and satisfaction.

Furthermore, harboring bitterness, seeking vengeance, and dwelling in grief have been associated with increased stress, anxiety, and deterioration in both mental and physical health.

**The T-Shirt Release: A Symbol of Healing and Redemption**

The release of the “FORGIVEN… Washed Clean by Love” T-shirt symbolizes an invitation to embrace forgiveness—both receiving it from God and extending it to others. It serves as a reminder of the transformative power of forgiveness in healing fractured relationships and restoring peace.

**Invoking Reflection and Action**

As we ponder the significance of forgiveness, consider these questions:

– How has forgiveness impacted your life, either in receiving it or extending it to others?

– What steps can you take today to mend relationships through forgiveness and reconciliation?

In conclusion, the phrase on this T-shirt isn’t just a message but a life-altering reality. It beckons individuals to embrace the power of forgiveness, paving the way for healing, restoration, and peace in a world filled with imperfections.

This article aims to highlight the profound importance of forgiveness based on biblical teachings, research studies, and the release of a T-shirt encapsulating this powerful message. It encourages readers to reflect on their experiences with forgiveness and take proactive steps towards reconciliation.

Embracing Forgiveness: The Message Behind “Forgiven: Washed Clean by Love” T-Shirt

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In a world marked by a multitude of messages and expressions, a simple statement can often carry profound significance. The phrase “Forgiven: Washed Clean by Love” printed on a new t-shirt encapsulates the essence of a forgiving spirit in our spiritual journey, drawing from the teachings of Jesus Christ as echoed in the New Testament scriptures.

The concept of forgiveness lies at the core of Christian teachings, exemplified by Jesus Christ’s life and ministry. The New Testament, particularly in the Gospels and the writings of the apostles, emphasizes the transformative power of forgiveness. It’s not merely an act but a way of life, a virtue that defines the Christian walk.

One of the most powerful teachings on forgiveness comes from Jesus Himself in the Lord’s Prayer: “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us” (Matthew 6:12, NLT). This profound statement underscores the reciprocal nature of forgiveness – our forgiveness of others is intertwined with receiving forgiveness ourselves.

Additionally, Jesus’s actions on the cross epitomize divine forgiveness. Amid excruciating pain, He uttered, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34, NLT), demonstrating unparalleled compassion and forgiveness even towards those who crucified Him.

The apostle Paul also emphasizes forgiveness in his letters. In Ephesians 4:32 (NLT), he urges believers to “be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” This reflects the transformative power of God’s forgiveness, which should guide believers in their relationships with others.

The “Forgiven: Washed Clean by Love” t-shirt serves as a powerful reminder of these biblical truths. It beckons individuals to embrace a spirit of forgiveness rooted in divine love. By wearing this message, one not only professes their own experience of God’s forgiveness but also extends that same grace and mercy to others.

Forgiveness isn’t merely a theological concept; it’s a daily practice. Wearing this shirt is a declaration of choosing forgiveness in a world often marked by resentment and division. It’s an invitation to conversations about the transformative power of forgiveness in our lives and relationships.

In conclusion, forgiveness isn’t easy, but it’s transformative. The “Forgiven: Washed Clean by Love” t-shirt encapsulates this profound truth, urging us to embody the forgiving spirit of Christ in our daily lives.

What are your thoughts on forgiveness in today’s world? How does the message on this t-shirt resonate with your understanding of forgiveness in your own life?

NEW RELEASE: Living Loved

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“Ryan Bruss brings the truth of the Father’s love to us…“

~ John Arnott

Awakening Your Heart to The Father’s Love

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The Father’s Love is Real

God is not withholding His love from you! He loves you. He really, really loves you. He loves you with joyful, deep, and everlasting love. Here’s the problem: it’s one thing to talk about Father’s love, yet it’s an entirely different thing to live loved—to live daily feeling the sweet and strong embrace of Father God’s love.

Ryan Bruss

Most Christians will tell you that they believe that God loves them. However, when it gets down to it, they have trouble defining what His love looks and feels like. Father’s love is meant to be experienced and enjoyed. I want to help you know this love—the Father’s love. I want to help you live loved.

We are all on a journey to the center of the Father heart of God. And everyone has a divine opportunity to know His love. My prayer is that your heart awakens to the Father’s love so that you will live loved every single day!

This book was talked about on an international Christian television program called, It’s Supernatural with Sid Roth.