Fixating on sin while ignoring grace …
Perverts the Gospel.
As does a fixation on grace which ignores sin.
Author: Plumbline Faith
Simple Truths from a Lifetime of Service to the King of Kings
Socialism:
Free cheese in a mouse trap.
It never turns out well, history shows, when frustration over inept leaders, social malaise and moral anarchy …
Elects a so-called “strong man” who knows no law but his own will to power.
Scripture says what we sow, we reap.
This election, sow wisely.
Disciples let God and His written Word judge their sensibilities and perceptions.
Apostates let their sensibilities and perceptions judge God and His written Word.
Carnal “Christians,” through indifference, fall somewhere in the middle.
It makes no more sense putting a narcissist – repentant or otherwise – back into church leadership after preying on people entrusted to his care …
Than it does to put a recovering alcoholic in charge of an open bar.
I serve the risen Lord of all who is King of all His creation …
Which is why I reject cynicism and care enough to vote and make a difference in a world He yet loves.
Never underestimate the easy corruption of truth …
By those who benefit from a lie.
God save us from for-profit non-prophets …
And those so easily swayed by them.
Although we can have doctrine without fully knowing Jesus …
We can’t fully know Jesus without doctrine.
Jesus: He’s more than a feeling.
I’m not sure who concern me the most:
Folks who believe God only speaks through Scripture …
Or folks who believe God tells them things which trump Scripture.
God’s utter holiness:
Sinners who are lost and know it …
Get it.
Smug “Christians” …
Seldom do.
As Christians, if God’s presence is now in us …
Why do we go to “church” to enter His presence?
In fact, where do you even find that concept of church in the New Testament?
You don’t.
So let’s start gathering once again to be the church, by expressing – one to another – the many gifts and graces of His presence already in us …
Just like the New Testament says.
To say that truth is Jesus …
Begs the question.
Which Jesus?
A Jesus of your own perception and creation who reflects your own “truth”?
Or the authentic Jesus who authoritatively defines Himself, us, creation, and so much more through Scripture as His written Word?
There is no truth or Jesus …
Except on His terms.
I often see quiet, unspoken acts of honor, of dedication, of sacrifice, of integrity, of gratitude …
And it gives me hope.
There are still those who value Godly virtue above themselves …
And make a difference in this world.
Feeling like your life is dull?
Try shining in some dark places.
Helping victims over many years has taught me some important facts:
Sexually exploitive church leaders often come across as the most charming, engaging and gifted people you’ll ever meet.
After all, how do you think they kept getting away with it?
Plus, it’s a sure sign you’re dealing with a narcissistic predator when their regrets are all about the effects of their sins on them …
Rather than the sin itself and its effects on others.
God in His wisdom justifies repentant sinners …
Not sin.
No nation knows liberty …
Without embracing virtue, prudence and diligence as Divine obligations.
May God’s people stand in the gap once again.
The Body of Christ …
Ain’t some Sunday God show.
Jesus:
Creator of all,
Came in humility,
Lived as teacher,
Died as redeemer,
Rose as King,
Returns as judge,
Reigns eternal.
Pastor this, pastor that,
Pastor here, pastor there,
Pastor, pastor everywhere …
Except in the New Testament.
Why is that??
God delights in His creation …
And seeing the wonderful things we in turn create with it.
Cynicism denies Christ’s sovereignty over a world He yet loves.
True disciples, however, don’t expect the world to be perfect …
But go forth and bring hope amidst its brokenness, as Christ commands.
God is not passive.
In life, we will encounter situations we cannot fix or understand …
But God’s grace is sufficient, and they need not define or overcome us.
