Clever Free Methodist

We read some very strong language in Romans 12:9 , that tells us to “hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” When it comes to “hating evil” and “clinging to good” we know there is a much deeper meaning than what first appears. The key to unlocking the meaning of these two  commands is the word “hate” and “cling.”   We have already learned that “hating” evil means to “abhor” it or to find it “disgusting.” We must grow so strong, spiritually, (sanctification) that anything not of God (that which is evil) will be disgusting to us. We recognize evil and vow to never entertain it.   In that same verse, we also see a different pursuit which is the exact opposite of evil. It tells us to “cling” to what is good. So, how exactly, does one cling to good? Our answer lies in the Greek word for “cling” which is the verb “ κολλάω .” The translation of this word means “glue,” “to be joined” or “to keep company.” The meaning can also mean “to fasten firmly together” or “to join one’s...

The basic definition of the word “disgusted” is “feeling or expressing revulsion or strong disapproval.” There are many things that we might find disgusting, such as a foul odor, spoiled food, and foul language heard in music, television or in public. We each have our own list of things that ignite our “strong disapproval” and disgust.   Yes, the Bible has something to say about being disgusted. Romans 12:9 , “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” At first glance, you may be curious as to how this verse is even related to being “disgusted.” Let’s look!   The word “hate” in this passage is the Greek word “ ἀποστυγέω ” which is a verb that means “ abhore ” or “to utterly detest.” The word “abhore” means “to regard with disgust and hatred.” There is your word “disgust” as it is showing us in Romans 12:9, that we are to find “disgust with” or to “passionately detest” all forms and appearances of evil .   There are seven things that God finds to b...

There is a God, and it is not me! It is not you! We are not only mortal humans, but sinful and broken people who need a Savior. The name of our Savior is Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God. He comes to save us from ourselves as well as our sins and to restore our relationship with God as our Heavenly Father.   We need the season of Lent to confront and deal with our human condition. That is what the forty days of Lent is about! Lent reminds us of our sinfulness and humanness that separates us from a redeemed relationship with God. We must deal with everything! Decisions. Lifestyles. Conduct. Witness. Choices. Habits. Addictions. All of it!   Lent reminds us that we cannot save ourselves, fix, repair or take back anything nor can we ever meet God’s Holy standards on our own. We are also reminded that we can never earn our salvation through works (doing things) nor by trying to win God’s favor through strict adherence to religious duties or rituals.   Lent reminds us...

  There are two powerful statements in both the Old Testament and New Testament on giving and caring for fellow believers and the Church. I am not talking about just passing the offering plates around to raise money or to meet a specific need within the church. I am talking about every single Christian “stepping up to the plate,” digging deep within their hearts, sacrificing and giving all they have for the Kingdom of God.   Exodus 35:20-21 , “So the whole community of Israel left Moses and returned to their tents. All whose hearts were stirred and whose spirits were moved came and brought their sacred offerings to the Lord. They brought all the materials needed for the Tabernacle….”   Exodus 36:6-7 , “So Moses gave the command, and this message was sent throughout the camp: “Men and women, don’t prepare any more gifts for the sanctuary. We have enough!” So the people stopped bringing their sacred offerings. Their contributions were more than enough to compl...

  I was reading in the Gospel of Mark and just happened to come across the conversation that the Pharisees and Teachers were having with Jesus. It caught my attention. It wasn’t a pleasant conversation. There is a lot of tension here. It isn’t good. The religious leaders were challenging Jesus concerning his disciples failing to follow the Jewish ritual of hand washing before eating.   Jesus answers strongly, yet wisely in Mark 7:6-7 (NLT) , “Jesus replied, “You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote, ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.”   The reality for us is that we can get so preoccupied with attending to religious things, that we become robotic and routine with our “obligations” to our faith and Church. Maybe it is like the saying “You can become so Heavenly minded that you become no earthly good.” We can get so caught u...

  While in a Roman prison, the Apostle Paul writes a letter to the Church in Philippi. In this letter he mentions a specific believer named Epaphroditus. Philippians 2:25 , “Yet I consider it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier….” Chances are, despite reading Philippians before, we may not have “caught on” to this man named Epaphroditus . After all, he really isn’t mentioned anywhere else in the New Testament other than this short recognition by Paul. I find it interesting that what is said about Epaphroditus is worth mentioning. No, he may not have been a “famous Bible character.” No, he may not have had vivid and gallant stories written about him such as Moses, David, Daniel or Peter, but they are still worth recalling as he was a huge help to Paul. Paul refers to Epaphroditus as his brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier. In his letter, Epaphroditus is described as a lover of people, a risk taker, tireless worker, and one...

  The first week of January, regardless of year, holds within the Church a celebration known as “ Epiphany .” The word means “manifestation” and refers to God revealing Himself “in the flesh” through His Son, Jesus Christ. It is also a time to mark the appearance of the Three Wise Men who were some of the first to recognize and worship Christ as King. The “Epiphany” revelation or “manifestation” is that God unveils Himself to the world. Through Jesus His Son, He shows Himself as fully human and fully divine. That He is real. That He is our Triune God. Epiphany, to our faith, is a powerful testimony of God’s unconditional love. His love for us compelled Him to send His Son into the world to save us from our sinfulness. God took the initiative. God made all the arrangements. God paid the price to make this happen. In other words, it was His idea and decision all along. He did everything to make reconciliation with Him possible. His desire to have a loving and personal relationshi...