In the New Testament, you can’t find – by command, precept, or example – what many call “church” these days.
Nope, not, nada …
Just ain’t there.
Instead, you see smaller, intentional, participatory fellowships which relate together in their own home towns as part of the local Body of Christ, with throughout-the-week community.
Continue readingWhile a true encounter with God will invoke intense emotions …
Many “churches” today try to invoke intense emotions then call it a true encounter with God.
It’s not.
It’s just fleshly manipulation masquerading as “worship.”
Big difference!
Ideas have consequences, as do doctrines …
Including the bad doctrine that doctrines don’t matter.
When the “Gospel” is reduced to a “decision” without repentance …
It, and anything that promotes it, is a lie.
Including “church.”
The greatest scandal with “church” these days …
Is preaching the “Gospel” of a Jesus who wants what you want.
Narcissists in power can be some of the most charming, inspiring people you know …
Until you cross them.
Beware of false dichotomies …
By which many are led astray.
Selfless living …
Springs from an attitude of gratitude.
Our greatest protections against repressive “progressives” …
Are the incarnation and the resurrection.
Because those who understand both …
Will never bend a knee to human tyranny.
Why the Cross?
Because even forgiveness demands justice …
And someone must always bear the cost.
Which is why cheap grace without repentance is still the preferred “gospel” …
Of carnal men today.
When the secular world does a better job responding to sexual abuse than your “church” …
And protecting the victims …
Isn’t it time to confront the fact that what you call “church” …
Really isn’t?
Existential “Christians” love the God they want …
Not the God who is.
Christ’s incarnation, ascension and promised return affirm we were not created to be detached spirits.
As His followers, we will always be physically embodied beings who exist in a material world.
That’s why mature disciples have hope for the future …
But remain well rounded and grounded in the present.
Any ideology rooted in unreality eventually becomes idolatry …
On whose altar all that is true, beautiful and good must be sacrificed.
The highest form of gratitude is not over what God does for you …
But what He allows you to do for others.
Without freedom, truth is tyranny …
And without truth, freedom is anarchy.
True repentance …
Brings transparency.
Mature disciples, along with those who are lost and know it, understand the inseparability of God’s:
Promises and warnings;
Forgiveness and judgment;
Mercy and wrath;
Love and truth;
Yeas and nays.
Fools, however, who elevate themselves above God and His written word of Scripture …
Don’t.
Worship.
People keep using that word.
But what they mean …
Is not what the New Testament means.
Which means they elevate their own understanding over God’s direct revelation …
And worship “worship” more than God Himself.
Those who reject God’s authority of Scripture as His written Word …
Are not my brother.
Because they serve a God of their own imagination …
Who is not my Father.
Whoever defines your past …
Owns your future.
If Christians started giving how the New Testament says we should give …
To what the New Testament says we should give …
It’s doubtful that what we call “church” today would survive.
Yes indeed:
Repressive “progressives” love free speech …
As long as it’s their speech.
So you want the authenticity of simple, participatory church?
Then consider humbly going where it’s least expected …
Among those of whom the least is expected.
Just like Jesus did.
Progressive “Christians” …
Are neither.
Because you can’t love God …
And dismiss His Word.
Or love liberty …
And dismiss His rule.
Plumbline Faith 