Pastor John,
I thoroughly enjoyed this morning’s Proverbs reading and our various conversations before and afterwards, even though I got stuck on that unusual word, “natron”. Ha.
I went home and reviewed some of the Jerusalem Council YouTube video, and then picked up the book* again, read the Forward on page xi, and was compelled to pray and praise God…for your integrity.
I’ve always been a devoted admirer of your writing, but when you write straight from your heart-of-hearts as you do in your declaration in the Forward of the book, it really touches me. It’s a staggeringly honest and zealous statement, yet with humility and simplicity.
It certainly sets the stage for what the reader is about to encounter, although I would wager that many Christians would be challenged in their understanding of it. I am giving a copy to a man whom I’ve met who claims to be a [part-time] preacher, hoping it might provoke him to seek a deeper understanding. His heart seems to be honest and teachable, but one never knows, until the truth exposes someone’s condition. I always hope, even though I’ve been continually disappointed.
It saddens me so often when the valuable things you have taught us don’t affect someone’s heart in a positive way. But, that is all up to Jesus.
I am grateful to have played the role of Hillel to discover what it felt like to be so stubborn and sincerely locked into a belief that he couldn’t relinquish. Only God can open a chamber of the heart to let in the wisdom of the Truth.
THANK YOU, again, for being such an obedient servant of God, and remaining faithful for our benefit. Your integrity brings tears to my eyes, and I LOVE you for it.
Now, get back into the kitchen. It was a good breakfast, and we’re hungry for lunch!
Brad
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Hi Brad!
I am so thankful for the blessings Jesus has given us, Brad. What a wonderful group of saints he has made us a part of! Often, I have heard him say in my heart, “Walk worthy….” May God help us all to do that! We have a lot to walk worthy of.
Jesus deserves all our devotion, and that devotion belongs not only to him and the Father, but to one another as well. Jesus said, “By this, all men will know that you are my disciples – if you have love for one another.” We walk worthy of him when we love one another with the love of God, fervently and without dissimulation, as the apostles said.
Thank you for doing the part of Hillel in the reading of The Jerusalem Council. Several people remarked how well you did it. I wish that all God’s children everywhere would read it, and that we were one with them all, in Christ.
Pastor John
* Going to Jesus.com – The Jerusalem Council