Are you a conservative? A liberal? Do these choices flow out of your faith? I have sincere followers in both camps. Do you find it incomprehensible that someone could read the same Bible you do and come to a different conclusion about political ideology? Eating meat offered to idols may not be an active concern for you anymore, but the same principle that each should follow the guidance of his own conscience is enduring and broadly applicable. I have a large family, and even more to the point, a large body.

My word cautions you not to grieve the Spirit. What do you think this means? The most obvious and customary answer is sin, but the Bible deals with sin at great length elsewhere, but what else could it be? Have you been in a meeting that was led by the Spirit? This is obvious to anyone with even a little discernment. Have you ever been in a meeting where the leading of the Spirit was rejected to follow an agenda or maintain control? This is even more obvious to those who have observed both. What could be more grievous to the Spirit than to deny this gentle leading?

Do you think of church as a social event? Most Christians recoil against this idea because the church has been criticized for this from those within as well as those without. But there are social aspects to church. Isn’t this where you go to connect with your friends? There is nothing wrong with this. The problem arises when it becomes an exclusive club, or it has no additional substance. You are called to have fellowship and not forsake the assembling of yourselves together. This satisfies a deep human longing for belonging. What does your church provide beyond this?

You know that grace is free for you. Do you ever wonder if it is costly for me? Do you ever wonder how much demand you put on the resources of heaven? Children are oblivious to the cost of raising them, but parents are aware. One of the largest expenses is for education and diligent parents will see this coming and save up for it, not complaining about the sacrifice. In like manner, your education in the Kingdom of God is costly and most of it is non-monetary, but I don’t want you to be troubled about this. I knew how much it would take and I put enough back to finish the job.