I’m starting to prepare lessons for the men’s Bible study, which will happen once a month. We’ll be going through 1 Timothy systematically. Today, I want to share something that has been heavy on my heart: our attitude toward the days we celebrate. Today is Good Friday, a day many in Christendom recognize.

I’ve seen many people argue about the exact time and day Jesus died. I understand, but I don’t think God is in heaven clapping about whether I got the day right—Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday. The key point is that He died as the Scriptures say and rose on the first day of the week, as the Scriptures state!

I mention this because of the warning Paul gave Timothy in his first letter. In chapter 1, verses 3-5, he warns Timothy about falseteachers entering the church.

³ As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, ⁴ nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. ⁵ The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 

I sometimes post things that may upset some people, but that’s not my intent. I try to see different viewpoints, but truth is truth. Our disagreements are visible to everyone online. If we stick to the core principles of our faith, we are all part of the same family. We can disagree, but let’s stop airing our personal issues publicly. We should have private conversations instead. Let’s follow Paul’s advice in verse 5: aim to love with a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith. 

Thanks to my wife and daughter for helping me realize that arguing on Facebook won’t change anyone’s mind. If we could just have a cup of coffee to discuss things, that might be the answer, at least for me, haha. 

I will still contend for the faith that was once delivered, but not on Facebook!

May I remind us of Paul’s words to the church in Rome—¹² So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. (Romans 14:12)

Blessings on your faith journey,

Gene