Windows
During a recent Sunday sermon, Patrick emphasized the importance of being able to discern whether what others are teaching is biblically correct. Specifically, he gave a mini-history lesson on the controversy in the early church that led to the Council of Nicaea and, ultimately, the Nicene Creed.
The controversy revolved around whether Jesus was equal to God the Father or a created being. I won’t delve into the message (since it is available on Rumble for the 6/14 service), but I do want to acknowledge part of it.
Patrick commented on how Muslims, while believing Jesus existed, do not believe He is one with God the Father. He then pivoted to the Jehovah's Witnesses who believe Jesus was created by God, like Satan. He then added an interesting note about a Jehovah's Witness Church nearby not having windows.
I frequently drive past a different church of that same denomination and remembered they had major construction there a year or so ago. Seems that I recall hearing they had a black mold problem and had to close to tear everything apart to get rid of it. I got used to seeing the workers there as I drove by. So, as I drove by yesterday, I looked. Wouldn’t you know it, I couldn’t see any windows in that building either. I have no idea why they don’t have any windows, and since they believe Jesus is a created being and reject the Trinity, I doubt I’ll ever find out, unless someone more learned than I am just tells me.
I’ve always taken the position of avoiding religions that are cult-like and don’t follow the Bible. For example, I’ll never touch a Ouija board because I know communication comes from the demonic realm.
“You shall have no other gods before me. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.” - Exodus 20:3-6 ESV
As far as those from cult-like denominations coming to visit me, I consider it an opportunity to share my faith with them. Hey, it is seeds being planted.
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” - James 1:2-6, 12-15
The focus of Patrick’s message (at least to my ears) was to spend regular time in your Bible and to discern what others say by what is in the Bible, not by what “feels” right.
