tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21117204.post4491465230318323871..comments2007-08-07T14:18:19.424-07:00Pastor Leo A. Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09301210474935040708noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21117204.post-12519110220200005162007-08-07T14:18:00.000-07:002007-08-07T14:18:00.000-07:00Right on brother, I think you are right in saying that we should examine ourselves first. The scripture teaches us to "pul the plank our of our own eye so that we can see clearly, then we can take the speck out of our brother eye" Matthew 7:3-5. We are all being changed and God is the one who brings about those changes in each of us. Great post and great comments.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21117204.post-19412960267500661122007-08-07T04:45:00.000-07:002007-08-07T04:45:00.000-07:00As yes, mercy again! We are all lavished in it daily by our merciful Savior! How can I do any less than treat others the way that He treats me. But sadly, I battle the critical spirit all the time. This change that should be taking place in me does not come automatically, but with much work. (is that what it means by working out my salvation?) There is a battle going on inside me. There is a balance to be strived after somewhere between legalism and grace. I believe that believers struggle to find that balance so that they don't live in "sloppy agape" loving everyone without any thought vs. being critical of someone that doesn't match our "template". We certainly won't get any help from the world in this area because as was discussed, they don't have Godly wisdom, the ability to discern the difference. Maybe it starts with what we are commanded to do before taking communion, that we should examine ourselves first to see what our motives are.Dickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12956254605463327924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21117204.post-1046423127140401892007-08-01T13:44:00.000-07:002007-08-01T13:44:00.000-07:00Thank you for the response Pastor Dean. It is good to see that we are on the same page and how God puts it all together weekly. We need to remember that Gods plan of restoration for His creation brings forth His mercy, otherwise Jesus would have had no reason to come and die for our sins. Again thank you for your response.Pastor Leo A. Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09301210474935040708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21117204.post-32570885411366259062007-07-29T18:05:00.000-07:002007-07-29T18:05:00.000-07:00In Frontline this morning, we were discussing James and 2:12-13 was offered as verses similar to Proverbs. Our discussion centered on how many of us (Christians) need the wisdom of the Spirit to guide us in this area. So often we judge the sin and the person together. Yet, we are told not to do that in biblical example after biblical example and from pulpit to pulpit. James is very clear when he states "mercy triumphs over judgment" I am so awed by God's ability to tie things together so nicely. Little did I know our Frontline discussion was the focus of this post and your sermon today. We are blessed!Pastor Dean Goneauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00383497440771284518noreply@blogger.com