http://www.eastwoodchurchofchrist.com/2007/04/what-is-happening-on-the-sonny-side/ The Eastwood Church of Christ located in Florence, Alabama Mon, 04 Jan 2010 05:36:14 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 http://www.eastwoodchurchofchrist.com/2007/04/what-is-happening-on-the-sonny-side/comment-page-1/#comment-13 Steven Daniel Sun, 08 Apr 2007 05:36:09 +0000 http://www.eastwoodonline.com/?p=69#comment-13 Legalism...I find this "label" being bantered about quite a bit today. I find it very interesting that those who would brand you a legalist are also those who would cheerfully skip the assembly because they are away from home traveling. Why would christians not desire to be with other christians when given an opportunity to do so? Were the apostles and the other disciples being "legalists" when they sought out the congregations of christians when they traveled. I'll guess they weren't. Here's the impression I get. The proclaimers of legalism are also those who feel as if God's Word is a trap that binds them (if they obey). One might ask why they believe it to be a snare rather then venue to freedom. God gives us opportunities to assemble to study His Word and to worship Him. If these are the people (in these assemblies) that God has graced with eternal life, then if nothing else it gives us an opportunity get to know our fellow saints early. I don't do this because I am an unwilling servant. I do this because God has made His desires known (through His Word), and for me to assemble with the saints pleases God. Our brethren need to remember, when God calls on His people to assemble, more than anything, God is waiting for me. Who am I to disappoint God when He has so particularly cared for me. Legalism…I find this “label” being bantered about quite a bit today. I find it very interesting that those who would brand you a legalist are also those who would cheerfully skip the assembly because they are away from home traveling. Why would christians not desire to be with other christians when given an opportunity to do so? Were the apostles and the other disciples being “legalists” when they sought out the congregations of christians when they traveled. I’ll guess they weren’t. Here’s the impression I get. The proclaimers of legalism are also those who feel as if God’s Word is a trap that binds them (if they obey). One might ask why they believe it to be a snare rather then venue to freedom. God gives us opportunities to assemble to study His Word and to worship Him. If these are the people (in these assemblies) that God has graced with eternal life, then if nothing else it gives us an opportunity get to know our fellow saints early. I don’t do this because I am an unwilling servant. I do this because God has made His desires known (through His Word), and for me to assemble with the saints pleases God. Our brethren need to remember, when God calls on His people to assemble, more than anything, God is waiting for me. Who am I to disappoint God when He has so particularly cared for me.

]]> http://www.eastwoodchurchofchrist.com/2007/04/what-is-happening-on-the-sonny-side/comment-page-1/#comment-12 Trish Daniel Fri, 06 Apr 2007 04:42:21 +0000 http://www.eastwoodonline.com/?p=69#comment-12 I agree with what you said. When we are away from Eastwood we try and find a congregation that is close by. It is always great to be with fellow Christians. And sometimes you observe what other congregations are doing to help their home congregation grow in number and in their faith. Some of the smaller congregations seem to be more friendlier than the larger congregations. It always makes me feel better to come back home to Eastwood. I must say that your past couple of lessons have been just great. It makes you think more of what we can do as Christians. I don't say this enough but, keep up the good sermons and keep pushing us as Christians to do better to work harder. All of us as Christians should look at ourselves and say what can we do to make Eastwood grow in our work. First, and foremost we have to follow and believe what the Bible says. Then and only then will we grow. Keep up the good work. I agree with what you said. When we are away from Eastwood we try and find a congregation that is close by. It is always great to be with fellow Christians. And sometimes you observe what other congregations are doing to help their home congregation grow in number and in their faith. Some of the smaller congregations seem to be more friendlier than the larger congregations. It always makes me feel better to come back home to Eastwood. I must say that your past couple of lessons have been just great. It makes you think more of what we can do as Christians. I don’t say this enough but, keep up the good sermons and keep pushing us as Christians to do better to work harder. All of us as Christians should look at ourselves and say what can we do to make Eastwood grow in our work. First, and foremost we have to follow and believe what the Bible says. Then and only then will we grow. Keep up the good work.

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