In Hebrews 2:1 it is written… “Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it…”
That nails me every time I read it because it is so easy to slowly drift from a close walk with God. As one has said, “If you’ve ever been closer to God than you are now, you are backslidden.”
The staff of HBC are reading some important Christian books. God willing, at the end of February, we will discuss Jerry Bridges’ book… “The Pursuit Of Holiness.” In chapter 12 he addresses holiness in Spirit, then references Ephesians 5:3-7.
But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not associate with them…
Let’s take a test… (Pull your toes back, mine are already black and blue!). Does this passage address:
What we watch on TV? Do we subject ourselves to immorality, coarse language, and/or improper conduct in watching our favorites? And worse… do we rationalize doing it?
The movies we watch or purchase on DVD/Blu-ray? Again… Do we subject ourselves to immorality, coarse language, and/or improper conduct in watching our favorites? And worse… do we rationalize doing it?
The sites we visit on the internet? Good standard here… would you suggest the sites you visit to your pastor… mom… or grandmother?
The jokes we tell? Good standard here… would you tell them in church before or after worship?
And then what about the people we associate with… do they engage around us in those things? Hmmm…
“Aw come on preacher… you’re going too far!” If you think that, go back and read again what Paul wrote. Maybe we all should make some decisions about what is proper and improper as believers in Christ.
The “boom” you heard might have been hammer upside a head somewhere…
This is so strong, seriously strong! The Ephesians 5:3-7 passage certainly caused me to flinch. Thank you for REMINDING me (us) our call to holiness in word, in thought, in and actions. Well written.