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Daily(ish) Ramblings
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
“Our Christian Non-Negotiables”
by Pastor Bruce Draper
United Methodists understand that we are called to have open hearts, open minds, open doors, and even an open communion table. United Methodists also have a definite theology and a biblical world view. How can we have both? John Wesley taught that the further you get away from the non-negotiables of our professed faith – example: the one God in three = the Creator/Father, Jesus the redeemer and risen savior, and the Holy Spirit as our constant companion and help – the less critical the details are for your salvation and entry into eternal life.
What we don’t often think about in our list of non-negotiable beliefs is what WE are to be about as Christians. If you and I are truly following Christ, we find it is non-negotiable to continually seek his presence in our lives and foster it in the lives of others. We are committed to do those things Wesley referred to as “a means of Grace” to intentionally stay connected to Jesus and then taught Christians to act on that understanding as we give of our time and money and of our heart. We live out Jesus 3 Love commands.*
Spend some time today thinking about your non-negotiables. Have a great and refreshing Labor Day holiday weekend with Jesus’ company wherever you are. Amen!
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"Following Jesus is a nonnegotiable principle for Christians. We cannot follow Jesus for long unless we are in Christ, abiding in him. We renew our strength, find direction, and gain confidence by cultivating the presence of Christ within—through prayer, immersing ourselves in scripture, and spending time with God’s people so that we act—we follow—from the depths of abiding in Christ.
Maxie Dunnam, The Workbook on Abiding in Christ: The Way of Living Prayer, 2010. p.40
* Jesus three Love commandments: Love God, Love neighbor, Make disciples. (Previous article-Bruce Draper)
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