No halfhearted measures from halfhearted Christians

Posted byoakhillcrossvillePosted inUncategorized
Good Morning Everyone,
 
Our theme for this month: “Deep Discipleship”
 
Our Bible verse for today: “When you present a blind animal for sacrifice, is it not wrong? And when you present a lame animal, is it not wrong? Bring it to your governor! Would he be pleased with you or show you favor?” Malachi 1:8 (CSB)
 
Our thought for today: “No halfhearted measures from halfhearted Christians”
 
In their introduction to the Old Testament book of Malachi, the editors of the Experiencing God Study Bible wrote, “Malachi, the priest and prophet, summoned the people from religious indifference and carelessness to a new respect, honor, and love for God expressed in obedience, a commitment to live by God’s standards, and an understanding that God still loved them.”
 
Malachi 1:8, which we read above, is an excellent illustration of how the average person in that day was practicing their faith – it was a careless and halfhearted effort at best. They were just going through the religious motions. They were going to the temple, lighting the candles, burning the incense, saying some prayers, and giving some tithes and offerings, but it was all with a bored sigh and a yawn. Malachi’s task was to wake them up, draw them out of their indifference, and bring them back to God in a committed and serious relationship.
 
I think large numbers of the Christian community in our nation today could also be described as careless, indifferent, and halfhearted in the practice of their faith. They go through the religious motions of faith, but not in a serious way. It certainly could not be described as “deep discipleship.”
 
However, I believe we live in morally perilous days and therefore it is essential for Christians to be securely tethered to sound doctrine and Biblical principles. Otherwise, they will be swept up in the cultural tide and carried along to wherever the culture takes them – believing and accepting whatever the culture tells them to believe and accept.
 
That being the case, I have decided to continue our study of deep discipleship through the month of October. More than anything, the Church needs strong Christians who know what they believe and why they believe it, and who are bold and courageous in their stand for Biblical values – Christians who are secure and confident in a deep and passionate relationship with Jesus Christ. Even if others around us are not like that, you and I need to be.
 
I look forward to continuing this journey with you as we go deep with Jesus. God doesn’t want halfhearted measures from halfhearted Christians. He’s looking for serious discipleship from serious disciples.
 
God bless,
Pastor Jim
 
(If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00, in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville
 
 
Copyright © 2023 Oak Hill Baptist Church, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you requested to be included in the Daily Devotional email reader group.

Our mailing address is:
Oak Hill Baptist Church 3036 Genesis Road Crossville, TN 38571

Leave a comment