“The Danger of Casual Religion”

July 1, 2012 2Samuel 6:1-15   Play AUDIO (32 kbps mp3)

CASUAL BUT NOT COLD

●    no holiday from genuine spirituality
●    cautioned not to let love grow cold

BEST INTENTIONS, BAD PLANNING

●    much ado about bringing ark to Jerusalem

THE PENALTY OF PRESUMPTION

●    stopped in tracks by judgment for unauthorized touch of sacred object
●    God’s holiness warrants honour, respect, reverence
●    Jesus the Christian’s “Ark” (Matthew Henry)
●    neglected to follow basic Scriptural instruction

BLESSING AND OBEDIENCE

●    blessing of house encouraged king to try again
●    rejoiced as carried out task in God’s way
●    reward for obedience not necessarily material prosperity

FROM CARDS TO CONVICTION AND CARING

●    Bishop William Black (1760-1834) played important role establishing Methodism in Canada
●    much of youth wasted in cards, dancing, sin, vanity
●    conversion convicted of sin, led him to care deeply about people