Quote from Forum Archives on October 9, 2002, 8:59 pm

Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>

Dear friends,

I wouldn't consciously dream of turning away from God or against
God. Even so, I'd be dishonest with you if I claimed that none
of my attitudes or actions are against God - I know I have done
wrong against God. Fortunately, God is gracious, slow to anger
and quick to forgive. I don't take that graciousness for
granted, though.

I believe that when we live at peace with one another - not some
superficial peace, but an attitude of good will toward everyone,
even our enemies, I believe that we begin to approach what this
passage of scripture emphasizes. So to the extent that it is
possible, let's not miss out on God's wonderful kindness, and
let's not fail to be kind to one another, too. Good things happen
when we exhibit kind, unselfish behavior. It's not too late to
turn away from mistakes, either. There is room for a fulfilling
life, especially when we realize how gracious God is in His
provisions toward us. These passages move me today. How about
you?

Your Brother in Christ,
Brian

October 9, Hebrews 12.14-29

Warning against Turning from God

14 Try to live at peace with everyone! Live a clean life. If you
don't, you will never see the Lord. 15 Make sure that no one
misses out on God's wonderful kindness. Don't let anyone become
bitter and cause trouble for the rest of you. 16 Watch out for
immoral and ungodly people like Esau, who sold his future
blessing for only one meal. 17 You know how he later wanted it
back. But there was nothing he could do to change things, even
though he begged his father and cried.

18 You have not come to a place like Mount Sinai that can be
seen and touched. There is no flaming fire or dark cloud or storm
19 or trumpet sound. The people of Israel heard a voice speak.
But they begged it to stop, 20 because they could not obey its
commands. They were even told to kill any animal that touched the
mountain. 21 The sight was so frightening that Moses said he
shook with fear.

22 You have now come to Mount Zion and to the heavenly
Jerusalem. This is the city of the living God, where thousands
and thousands of angels have come to celebrate. 23 Here you will
find all of God's dearest children, whose names are written in
heaven. And you will find God himself, who judges everyone. Here
also are the spirits of those good people who have been made
perfect. 24 And Jesus is here! He is the one who makes God's new
agreement with us, and his sprinkled blood says much better
things than the blood of Abel.

25 Make sure that you obey the one who speaks to you. The
people did not escape, when they refused to obey the one who
spoke to them at Mount Sinai. Do you think you can possibly
escape, if you refuse to obey the one who speaks to you from
heaven? 26 When God spoke the first time, his voice shook only
the earth. This time he has promised to shake the earth once
again, and heaven too.

27 The words "once again" mean that these created things will
someday be shaken and removed. Then what cannot be shaken will
last. 28 We should be grateful that we were given a kingdom that
cannot be shaken. And in this kingdom we please God by worshiping
him and by showing him great honor and respect. 29 Our God is
like a destructive fire!

Scripture made available by the American Bible Society for the
Year of the Bible Project. These passages are from the
Contemporary English Version of the Bible. For more information
call: 1.888.324.2535 or contact us through this web site.

- Year of the Bible
Hosted by Gospel Communications Network
Report problems to webmaster@yob.org

=====
--
Brian Masinick, mailto:masinick@yahoo.com
Home page: www.geocities.com/masinick/

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