“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” – Matthew 7:3

So it’s probably obvious why the word brother stood out to me in the verse above. As a dad of boys, the scenario described in Matthew 7 is one I’ve witnessed play out a time or two. Now to be clear, my boys most certainly love each other. It’s just that there are times when that love is demonstrated rather fiercely. For example, it probably comes as no surprise that boys tend to get hurt often. And when they do, of course, someone else is always to blame. Inevitably, a tear-filled victim comes to tell on his alleged assailant. Honestly, I am continually amazed at how one brother can unwittingly incriminate himself while telling on the other. Regardless of the circumstances, we parents of course are to overlook the fact that it was a legitimate accident and pay no mind to the reality that they were all doing something they were not supposed to be doing. You been there? Please tell me my home is not the only place where logs hang from teary eyes. The reality is, friends, we’ve all been there because we’ve each been on both sides of this scenario.

Isn’t it true that where you find family you also find tension? Where you find siblings you find levels of comparison and rivalry? Perhaps now is a good time to point out that WE are FAMILY. The Bible makes it clear that members of the church are BROTHERS and SISTERS in the Lord. The good news though is that Jesus calls and empowers us to be a different kind of family. To be a family that does not judge one another, the kind of family that looks to the grace and goodness of our Father, and a family that relies on gospel grace. This week’s passage, Matthew 7:1-14, is a very common text that is greatly misunderstood and misapplied. As you read through the passage, take some time to ask the Lord to soften our hearts and enlighten our minds to the truth and challenge He has for us this week.  Honestly, my mind was blown by my time in study this week, and I cannot wait to share it with you, MY FAMILY!

Be sure to listen to the worship set as you prepare for worship.

Love you, church!­


Jerry Lingenfelter
Senior Pastor

SUNDAY AM PLAN
9:00 AM  – Worship Service On Campus & Online (Lancaster Campus)
9:15 AM  – Worship Service On Campus & Online (Myerstown Campus)
11:00 AM – Worship Service on Campus & Online (Lancaster Campus)

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