Sunday Words of Encouragement October 11, 2015

We had another good service today. Our Sunday School teacher shared stills and videos from the Band of Brothers first trip to Haiti. We are holding the ministry in prayer this week as they hold crusade. We believe the trailer of wood and supplies will be going out this week. A second trip will be planned when they know the supplies have arrived.

Pastor’s sermon was titled: The Problem of Spiritual Ignorance.
There are people who Do Not Know – however, ignorance doesn’t change reality.
Acts 19:2. It is our job to learn the laws, rules and respond. Acts19:6 -- when they listened and learned, they obeyed. Otherwise people act improperly from ‘impure passions’ because they do not know the Scriptures. Matthew 22:29.

There are people who Refuse to Hear – they chose to do what displeases God. Isaiah 65:12. They think they have religion in their hearts but they are not yielded in relationship. Isaiah 66:4. As Jeremiah 5:21 says, there are foolish people, ‘who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear.’ They choose to worship other, false gods through immorality and their own self-will.

There are people who Refuse Understanding – they chose to believe lies Romans 1:18,25 and fail to recognize that the intent inside defiles, not outside actions. Mark 7:18-29. God abandons them to their evil minds Romans 1:28... and they lead others astray. v31-32.

Then there are those people who Choose Understanding – The blind man chose to believe that Jesus came to show the condition of men. When given the choice, some will choose salvation, others will choose more condemnation. John 9:37-39.

There are those people who Chose God's Rest -- Hebrews 3:11, 4:1-3.

Some Believe by Testimony -- Testimony to others: (old testament) Job 19:25-27; (new testament) John 2:11, John 4:39.
Some Believe by the Word – they hear and receive. 1 Corinthians 15:1, 11.

In the end -- Spiritual Ignorance is No Excuse for Disobedience. Hebrews 4:3.

I think this song fits today.

I Am Not Ashamed of the Gospel.

Verses for Today
Jeremiah 5:21-22
21 Hear this, you foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear:
22 Should you not fear me?" declares the LORD. "Should you not tremble in my presence? I made the sand a boundary for the sea, an everlasting barrier it cannot cross. The waves may roll, but they cannot prevail; they may roar, but they cannot cross it.

This week's old testament reading has been in Jeremiah. The verses above were from Monday 10/5/15. I love how messages are consistent and confirmed. I give thanks that I have chosen to see, to hear, and to believe.