I recently finished a free online course from Dallas Theological Seminary taught by Dr. Stanley Toussaint. His application from the Parable of the Good Samaritan was simple and positively convicting. ”You can tell how a person loves God by how they love people.” Ouch. My defensive response included an excuse about how difficult it is to love some people. Come on Lord. You know them better than I do! Later that day I cued a Spotify country song list and up popped a tune by bluegrass singer Rhonda Vincent. God has a sense of humor. The song is called “You Don’t Love God If You Don’t Love Your Neighbor” and the lyrics begin like this. There are many peoplewho will say they’re Christiansand they live like Christians on the Sabbath day But come Monday morning, til the coming SundayThey will fight their neighbor all along the way. {chorus}Oh you don’t love God, if you don’t love your neighborif you gossip about
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I think the majority of Jesus followers think that our culture is heading down the wrong road at breakneck speed. Here is a question I often get. “Do you think God is judging America because of (insert a cultural sin here)?” My response is always the same. “I don’t know if that particular sin would invoke his judgement but I do wonder if God might judge the American church for squandering the incredible wealth and resources we have been given.” The words of Jesus in Luke 12 are an indictment of many in the church. 29 “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. 30 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. 31 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. 32 “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to
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