Support Base

I know it hasn't been long since my last post, but another thing came across my mind, this tends to happen a lot. I realize I have a huge and reliable and magnificent support base. I sometimes don't take advantage of this benefit. I still have a ton of questions that are constantly wizzing around my mind. I need to keep in mind everyone around me is going to be able to answer something they have picked up in their walk.

Take for instance, my brother Matt. He's got a ton of biblical knowledge as well as the history that goes with it. He is definitely willing to help me understand what happens in the walk we all are taking. He has very vocal opinions of course about these topics and most of them seem biblical to me.

We had a nice long coversation tonight/ morning... about what it takes really to be a Christian. He read my note and took into concern for his younger brother. He explained that several things needs to happen. Like you aren't supposed to be able to say Christ is Lord with gusto and authority unless you have truly accept it. You also need to repent from the past behavior and become more like Christ.

We also talked about what kind of opposition we are bound to face. We are supposed to be persecuted because Jesus was and since we follow him, the world naturally takes it out on his followers. He gave an example of Timothy being beaten that resulted in his death when he called out the pagans and told them to repent.

We also discussed the problems with many churches. Like he says they are too concerned with what happens in the world and have turned away from the original teachings. He thinks its sad that someone can grow up in the church all their lives and claim to be a Christian, but in the end not be saved because they weren't taught the right things. He used Matthew 7:22 as an example.

He's told me that he picked most of these beliefs from going out and learning the bible and the history of it. He also relied on fellow believers like Jason for things he didn't quite grasp.This is what I should do far more often. I try and wrestle with the Word and basically give up defeated because I just can't understand some of the meanings. He's covered a lot of what I have been having issues with lately and I love having his support as well as everyone elses too. I can't tell you how much of a help everyone is on my life. I have been forever changed because of this summer and everyone I have met along the way.

Thanks for being there for me, and thanks for the teachings Matt.... FYI you would have made a great pastor/minister/preacher.... whatever you want to call it.

God bless

Ricky