Maintaining our Relationships

Yoked Oxen - Now You Know

This past Thursday during our Life Group we talke about how we should not be “yoked with unbelievers”.  The Scripture we looked at was 2 Corinthians 6:14 – 7:1.

In the NIV, we get that familiar language which says “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers” (emphasis mine).  I like the way the NLT puts it – “Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers.”  This seems to bring the point together a little better.

Everyone on every team has to be like-minded in order to function well as a team.  If you are “teamed up” with someone in a dating relationship, in marriage, in a business partnership, or in a close friendship who does not have the same religious belief system that you have, there will inevitably be conflict.  In the end, the conflict will only be resolved by one-side compromising or changing their belief system.  Unfortunately, most of the time (especially in dating relationships) that is the Christian compromising or giving up on what they believe in order to please the other individual in the relationship.

As Christians, we should “team up” with other Christians who can help us grow in our relationship with Christ.  Our BFFs or those in our circle of 5 … the people closest to us … should be growing Christians.

But let’s be careful here.  What I am not saying is that you cut off all ties with non-Christians.  The last commandment Jesus left us before He ascended into Heaven was to “go and make disciples”.  How are you going to do that if you don’t have any relationships with non-Christians?  You most likely are not.  Cold turkey evangelism hasn’t proven to be very effective.

One thing to note about this passage for all you dating people out there who says “this Scripture only pertains to marriage.”  This Scripture says NOTHING about marriage.  It is purely speaking about relationships … ALL OF OUR relationships.

On … and one more thing – just to be on the safe side.  If you are married … stick with it.  That is definitely a relationship that should not be severed.  Check out 1 Corinthians 7 for more info on that.

Go with God,
Donald Buttram

Homework Assignment !?!?!?!?

What’s up with that?  Homework from Sunday morning Bible Study???  You’re probably thinking … “I’ve got enough to do already!”

Well, I can give you two reasons why you should complete this homework assignment:

1. This will give you something knew to learn about Jesus.
2. This will get you 2 FREE MP3s of your choice (must be Christian).

So, get to work on this assignment today!

Here’s the assignment.

Read Luke 2:21 – 35

Fill in the blanks below:

• Luke says that it was ____________________ days before Jesus was circumcised and named.
• After 40 days (the time for purification according to the law of Moses), Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple to ________________________________________.
• A man named __________________________ was waiting in the temple to see them.
• Luke says that the _____________________________________________ was upon him.
• Simeon took the baby Jesus and _____________________________________ him.
• In his prayer, Simeon called Jesus _____________________   __________________.
• Mary and Joseph were _____________________ at the things Simeon said about Jesus.

Email your responses to me along with 2 songs that you don’t have, but really want.  Also, let me know if you want them on CD or in MP3 version.

That’s it!

Go with God,
Donald Buttram
donald@lifeccyouth.com

It’s been a while …

I just needed to get something out here for those of you who check this site regularly.  I’ve been out of touch with an Air Force TDY to Chicago and vacation coming up next week that I’m struggling a bit in keeping up with all my responsibilities (this blog being one of them).

Here’s a quick recap of what’s going on and coming up:

• 11 Oct – Corn Maze
• 25 Oct – Come As You’re Not
• 21-23 Nov – 30 Hour Famine
• 30 Dec – 1 Jan – Winterfest

• Sunday Morning Bible Study
• Thursday Night Life Group

Check out all the info above so that you can be up to speed with all that is happening in the LCC Youth Group!

Go with God,
Donald Buttram