This will be a little different e-mail from my heart today. First, I need to apologize and ask everyone for forgiveness for a mistake made on the one PowerPoint slide during the sermon. I put the wrong reference down for a passage of Scripture that I referred to. The correct passage was supposed to be Proverbs 6:16-19. I had carelessly typed the reference down as Psalm 6:16-19 which does not exist in Bible. The verses which were written out were correct, but the address of where it could be found was wrong.

            I praise God for the one who approached me following the sermon and informed they could not find the reference. This news devastated me, but needed to be heard so the problem could be corrected. I immediately discovered what I had done and ran outside to catch up with the person before they left the parking lot. It is also why this e-mail today is different than the usual encouragement from a portion of Scripture from the reading assignment for the week.

            James 3:1 says, “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment” (NKJV). Jesus said, “Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones” (Luke 17:1-2, NKJV).

            These are some serious words recorded for those in leadership in the body of Christ, especially for pastors. It might seem like a simple mistake that should not be all that big of a deal to most. Yet, this innocent mistake that was not done intentionally is a perfect example of why we must be sure to check on the accuracy of what is said, especially from the pulpit, in spite of how much a person is trusted.

            While I was just careless in my typing, there are many who are seeking to intentionally lead the people of God astray and into all kinds of unbiblical ideas that sound like truth but are lies. I have said this many times and will continue to ask those sitting in the pews or listening through a digital connection to make sure to NOT take my word for what is truth; trust God’s inspired Word and be sure what is heard is supported by it. Use the Bible as the standard to judge everything in life.

            Jesus who is fully God and fully human was the only perfect person to ever walk the face of this earth. You and I are always going to be in need of improvement and correction. Thank you, once again, to my sister in Christ who brought this error to my attention. I also praise God for the forgiveness He has provided me through His shed blood. Sin is deadliest when people think it is not a “big deal” or that “it is not that serious”. What God told Cain about sin is still true today, “…sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it” (Genesis 4:7, NKJV).

            Praying beyond the physical:

Father, slow me down so what You have called me to do is never only just a task to be completed.

Jesus, teach me how to give more attention to details and to see everyone as worth taking the time to know.

Spirit, open my eyes to see my failings and praise the Father for His loving correction He gives through others.

Pastor Tom