"IF"

IF

conjunction: if

1.      1. introducing a conditional clause. On the condition or supposition that; in the event that:

synonyms:

on (the) condition that, provided (that), providing (that), presuming (that), supposing (that), assuming (that), as long as, given that, in the event that

 

·        Jesus answered and said to him, If a man loves Me, he will keep My Word. And My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him. (John 14:23 MKJV)

·        If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered. And they gather and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My Words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done to you. (John 15:6-7 MKJV)

·        You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. (John 15:14 MKJV)

·        If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. (John 13:17 MKJV)

·        And the Lord said, If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed, you might say to this sycamine tree, Be rooted up and be planted in the sea! And it would obey you. (Luke 17:6 MKJV)

·        …

 

Need I say more…?

Rev. Joel McDuffie Jr

6/29/2016

Mindless Spiritual Wanderers

Many say that the need to be a part of a local church is unbiblical and that it is all about each individual’s relationship with God and so technically it is unnecessary. Such thinking is becoming more and more prevalent. So let me start by making an unequivocal statement concerning those who advocate such a position. That idea is straight from Satan himself and is only spoken by those who are lost, and estranged from the Kingdom of God. Before you lapse into the demonic sleep of isolationism, consider a couple of things. First, the idea of the “church” has no context in Scripture apart from a local congregation. From its inception it is conceived in the context of a group of believers caring and ministering to one another. This is why we have deacons, it is why they sold their possessions to help others less fortunate in their midst. When we consider the churches expansion, it is clear Paul and others are starting local “churches,” these are in physical locations, identified by specific groups of believers. Furthermore, most all of the New Testament is written to those congregations, not mindless spiritual wanderers. There has never been a time that the church was not understood in the context of its local demographic. To infer anything else is ignorance at best or demonically inspired, which is much worse. Those who wish to associate with Christ apart from the institution must disregard the entire New Testament to do so, plain and simple! Even in the Old Testament the paradigm of God’s chosen people is within the context of the congregation of Israel. So let me tell you why those who hold that position do so. These are those who would rather sleep in on Sunday’s and still say they had church, hoard their treasure, because (most also don’t believe in tithing), criticize everything else others are trying to do, while they do absolutely nothing! So I have a word of encouragement for the church, we are better off without them. If someone doesn’t love God’s people enough to come and share the burden and serve in the cause…well, I say, they have a problem. Remember it is a sin to forsake the gathering of ourselves together. Rejoice church in those who do gather, for they are the true church and it is through them the work will get done!

Rev. Joel M McDuffie Jr.

6/28/2016

Faith in Nothing and For Nothing

It is impossible to gauge our love for Christ apart from what we tangibly do for Him. We are entrusted with a heavenly task and it is only in the performing of that task that we find the assurance and confidence of our union with Him. To say I love Him and then refuse to serve Him, reveals the disingenuous nature of the heart, for without service, no faith worth mentioning exists. Faith without service is belief in nothing, and for nothing.  As Christ proclaimed, “Unless you take up your cross “emphasis added” you cannot be my follower.”  Today, consider the weight of the burden you claim to bear for Christ sake…if it be any burden at all, knowing it is the truest measure of your love for Him!

Rev. Joel M McDuffie Jr.