EDITION #08
Are you a Christian or a Jesus Follower?
Welcome back! Today’s newsletter begins with an introduction to our latest blog post…about breaking vows to God. YIKES! Then it’s time for you to get the first look at Session 2 of our upcoming Jesus Followers course. How do you become a Jesus follower? What is a Jesus follower? What’s the difference between calling yourself a Jesus follower and calling yourself a Christian? Enjoy!
Blog Post: DOES GOD WITHHOLD BLESSINGS WHEN WE BREAK VOWS TO HIM?
Today’s question comes from my new friend Erin Garzelli. She made some very kind comments about one of my daily posts on LinkedIn (if you’re on LI feel free to follow and connect with me there). Erin is a brave veteran of our beloved armed forces and now she helps other veterans find safe and affordable housing. You can connect with her and get details on her critical work serving those who have served us here.
If you’d like to send in questions yourself and maybe get featured on a blog, just click here for our Ever Nearer contact form.
Let’s get to Erin’s question.
Does God Withhold Blessings When We Break Vows to Him?
The answer is a qualified no. It’s not a 100% no, but if you’re reading this blog, then it’s probably a no for you. Clear? No? Ok, how about we dig in together?
BEFORE WE GO ANY FURTHER…
Our first point is this: we should never make vows to God. In the middle of what is commonly referred to as The Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave us this direction:
“Again, you have heard that it was said to our ancestors, you must not break your oath, but you must keep your oaths to the Lord. But I tell you, don’t take an oath at all: either by heaven, because it is God’s throne; or by the earth, because it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the great King. Do not swear by your head, because you cannot make a single hair white or black. But let your ‘yes’ mean ‘yes,’ and your ‘no’ mean ‘no.’ Anything more than this is from the evil one.”
-Matthew 5:33-37 CSB
So, we should not be making oaths or vows to God. If we want to commit to doing or not doing some action, or making some change, then we don’t need to make a vow to God. We can just tell Him what we’re going to do. It’s not required, and frankly is not very humble when we make some giant show of it. God is not impressed by us taking a vow vs just saying what we will do (or not do). “Let your ‘yes’ mean ‘yes’ and your ‘no’ mean ‘no’” can be restated as, say what you’re going to do and then do it. As Jesus says, “anything more than this is from the evil one.”
Don’t be making any more vows to God. Ok? Ok. Good. I guess we’re done here. Except…
What if you’ve already made a vow to God?
And worse, what if you’ve broken it???? Oh, horror of horrors!
READ MORE…
First Look at Session 2 of our Jesus Followers Course!
Ready for the preview? Here is the video for the first draft of Session 2 for our new Jesus Followers Course. How do you become a Jesus follower? What is a Jesus follower? What’s the difference between calling yourself a Jesus follower and calling yourself a Christian? It’s all in the video, just click my smiling face!
I’d love for you to check it out and send me any feedback you have! Simply reply to this email. Thanks!!
Some helpful links:
Link to the New Jesus Followers course outline for your review and suggestions!
Blog Post: Does God Withhold Blessings When We Break Vows to Him?
BONUS: The Inspire Bible I use every day!
PLEASE check out the course outline and offer any suggestions you have!
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Love you, my friend!
-Troy
“Come close to God, and God will come close to you.”
-James 4:8a NLT