Little Thoughts

By Pastor Sammy Little, First Baptist Church of Stowell

  I went to Peru 8 times on mission trips years ago. I got to know a few people very well, but I was cut off from most of the people as they did not speak English and I speak very little Spanish. Language and their different culture were a huge barrier. I feel it is similar when I read certain parts of the bible. “Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1) It is a wonderful truth but if you do not know what Paul means by ‘in Christ Jesus’ or ‘condemnation’ things get fuzzy in a hurry. He goes on to speak of the ‘flesh’ and the ‘Spirit’ which most people don’t recognize. God speaks another language and has a different culture that is wonderful and delightful, but until we understand what it means our language and culture get in the way. We must care enough to learn what He means by whatever He says. Sometimes we have to slow down and think it through. It’s not easy or simple, but it is important and we need it and can get it, if we care enough to wrestle with it.