Mercy Over Religion

Mercy Over Religion
Key Passage: Matthew 12:1-14

"And if you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath." (Matthew 12:7-8, ESV)

Religion can be an ugly thing. In fact, being religious can make us ugly people. And being religious can often lead us away from God rather than to Him.

This is exactly what Jesus encountered with the religious leaders of His day. They were a group who didn't like the way Jesus did things because He didn't follow their religious customs. These religious leaders were arrogant, selfish and insensitive to the needs of others.

In one particular incident where Jesus and His disciples had a run-in with them, the religious leaders accused the disciples of breaking the law and condemned them. Jesus responded by quoting a verse from the Old Testament, "I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices." Jesus reminded them that mercy is more important than religion.

In other words, how you treat people is of greater concern than religious duties. You see, the religious leaders had a heart problem. They were quick to judge and condemn people and failed to show mercy, love and forgiveness. They placed a higher importance on following religious traditions than on being compassionate.

So how about you? Where's your heart? Are you more concerned about showing mercy or following the rules? Do you care about a person or just about their outward actions?

How did we become blinded?

The bible is full of radical stories, there all true! Stories and examples of how we are to live like Christ. Not about living a "nice life" but living a glorifying life focused towards Jesus. Not just saying we love Jesus or yes I know Jesus, or yes I "go to church" But to live a life that says I don't care about what people think or about my "standard of living" There are so many things changing that proves and shows that the Holy Spirit is moving and stirring hearts to this day! We are called to be radical followers of Christ, If someone came to your door, or behind you in the car or in an airplane and sticks a gun to your side and asks (will you die for your God?) what will you do? What will you say? Yes it sounds crazy but the days are coming where that will be happening! However you live your faith now will affect your children and there children, Live a life that will leave behind a legacy of true followers of our Lord! Search, Seek and Pray. Then preach the word, use words if you have to.
-Kaleb Bowman

A New Step.

You know how easy it is to go through life having this idea of how you want things to go? Or maybe you have it all planned out, scheduled and contracted.
Well we had an idea on how we wanted things to go, not exactly scheduled. But we always said we would be open to whatever God has for us, even if it means dropping everything we have and going to another country or state to continue Gods will for us. Well last Thursday night we found out something amazing! Something we weren't "planning" on until next year.. WERE GOING TO HAVE A BABY!
Yes we were shocked, but so extremely thankful! Just to think that its your own baby, and how amazing it is how God designed us.
We've been encouraging people to just be open for change, God always has something new, different but still His will in store for us!
Be blessed as you seek His will in your own life.
Kaleb Bowman

Our lives are the message.

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl, Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." -Matthew 5:14-16
Through our lives people learn the message of the Gospel. If what we say and what we do don't match up, we create confusion and cause people to reject the message.
The one thing that is central to the message of the Gospel is the one thing that we seem to forget so easily- Our lives are the Message.
May God be with you as you continue to apply the word to your everyday lives, that people may see the light through you!

Kaleb Bowman