If Jesus came to do a job, then the job had not been properly done before.
The Old Covenant & Old Testament are testimonies of who God really is, but they're "through a glass darkly" at the very best.
Jesus is the best picture of God the Father that we'll get.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses..." (Heb 12:1)
Currently, right this minute, you are surrounded, enclosed by a crowd of not-quite-visible saints, witnesses.
I find myself asking, "What are they witnessing when they're surrounding me?"
I guess that is a command, isn't it?
"ASK me!"
"Ask me these things, specifically."
"This is what the LORD says--the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: Concerning things to come, do you question me about my children, or give me orders about the work of my hands?" [Isaiah 45:11]
"What you forbid, you empower."
If the answer is "Because it's wrong," then you've given power to the sin.
(Hint: That's not actually our goal. . . . )
The solution might actually be about relationship. Imagine that.
It seems in light of the news breaking (mostly behind the scenes) that this is proving to be really solid advice.
This makes me sad. But I realize that there's no real & objective reason that we should innately trust "those in power" or "those who make money from me," is there?
β’ Servants don't take initiative; they only follow the instructions of the master.
β’ Sons & daughters, as they mature, look at the bigger picture, make plans and take action because they know the Father's heart.
When someone is discouraged, they don't need rebuke. Or teaching. Or a rescue. Or comfort. Those are fine at the right time, but this is not that time.
They're dis-couraged. What they need is courage.
Radical thought: Christian pop music NOT the only music that's acceptable. Some believers like barbershop quartets! Others touch God in metal music or Dixieland or Baroque or EDM.
I even know of a church that worshiped with (gasp!) country music! They line dance in church! What?!