Dear Readers,
Thanks for coming back to this blog. Again, I am trying to send a positive Christian message to counterbalance the not-so positive Christian messages we hear so often.
Rebuke is a Biblical principle (see Proverbs 15:31) but I believe it should be used sparingly and very specifically as it can be very discouraging to new believers, and more experienced ones for that matter. I also think a rebuke should not be broadcast to a general audience unless the problem exists with the majority of the general audience. Even then I think the messenger should qualify specifically to whom the message is intended.
Also, if the messenger is rebuking himself as well, and is saying that he has a problem with the same thing, all the better. That way he/she will not appear superior over the hearers and their defenses may come down. .
I am posting this as a qualifier to what I will post in the future. I feel very strongly about the principle mentioned above. I believe God is very good and He wants our best, and I feel that by His Holy Spirit He wants to be more encouraging than rebuking.
See you next time,
Arlen
Dear Readers,
Just like ebay sellers and buyers need positive feedback to show they are valuable and reliable ebay participants, I am beginning this blog to provide positive feedback to fellow Christians in church and on internet boards, blogs, and the like. Jesus is majestic and wonderful, and I desperately feel there is a need for Christians to have a healthy dose of feeling valuable to Him.
I do not have my head in the sand to believe that everything in the world is sunny and rosy, and that all Christians have their priorities straight. I do believe, however, that many of us need positive strokes from time to time.
My wife has had a blog for some time, so she is somewhat of an expert. Please be patient with me, as I am a newbie. I will consult with her a lot to make it perfect...right?
I chose as my theme Living Water Springs. I have always been intrigued by the term "living water" used by Jesus in John 7:38. "Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."
Can you imagine living water springing up in yourself! Wow! Think of a geyser where the lake cannot contain the springing water. Is that what living water in a person is like? Jesus love springing out to all those around us. It cannot be contained!
More to come,
Arlen
