Get Close To The Lord

CHRISTIAN BROTHERHOOD # 4

Acts 15:36-41 - “And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. And he went through Syria
and Cilicia, confirming the churches.”

In conclusion to this area of Christian Brotherhood let me give some closing thoughts that simply make common sense.

Lip service and a pious look are not enough. Matt. 15:8 - “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.” Your gift of service to God cannot be accepted when on the altar of the heart a false fire burns. Matt.
23:27 - “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.”

Worship to God will not be accepted when brotherly relations are out of tune. Matt. 5:23,24 - “Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.”

Russell Stolp
Chaplain, CFO

Psalm 37:4 "Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy
ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.