When “faith” is reduced to individual subjective beliefs and perceptions …
Truth becomes hate speech and virtue an outrage.
Author: Plumbline Faith
Simple Truths from a Lifetime of Service to the King of Kings
Needing to be called “Apostle,” “Prophet” or any other exalted title is a sure sign you ain’t one.
And please …
Don’t tell me how Paul called himself an “Apostle,” because – seriously – you’re no Paul.
Plus, in the language of his day that wasn’t a title but simply a function …
Describing anyone serving – while on mission – as another’s representative.
And it wasn’t an exalted role, but usually referred to the lowest slaves who were used as menial messengers …
Because they were the least essential and most expendable.
Perhaps that explains why we don’t see any so-called “Apostles” today who meet Paul’s job description:
“Instead, I sometimes think God has put us apostles on display, like prisoners of war at the end of a victor’s parade, condemned to die. We have become a spectacle to the entire world – to people and angels alike. Our dedication to Christ makes us look like fools, but you claim to be so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are so powerful! You are honored, but we are ridiculed. Even now we go hungry and thirsty, and we don’t have enough clothes to keep warm. We are often beaten and have no home. We work wearily with our own hands to earn our living. We bless those who curse us. We are patient with those who abuse us. We appeal gently when evil things are said about us. Yet we are treated like the world’s garbage, like everybody’s trash – right up to the present moment.” 1 Cor. 4:9-13
Effective, liberating forgiveness can’t occur unless we fully acknowledge the underlying wrong that plagues us;
How wrong the wrong is; and
What our heart truly feels because of it …
Whether committed by us or against us.
Only when we stop minimizing, rationalizing or excusing the offense …
Can we fully give it to the Lord.
And be free.
Moral norms or normalized evil?
When it comes to the basis for our laws, there is no neutrality …
There is no middle ground.
So when you vote for those who want to make them …
Choose wisely.
Some claim that doubt and angst are a form of “faith.”
But that’s not true …
Because ultimately, that would make faith all about us.
Rather, faith is trust and confidence in the One who knows all, even when we don’t understand.
Getting there might mean struggling with doubt and angst …
But don’t confuse the journey with the destination.
That’s why the new anti-faith definition of faith by “Christian” progressives and other “religious” existentialists …
Leaves them stuck with themselves.
Let’s avoid their dead ends …
And boldly move forward towards true faith, which comes from God Himself.
The church as commanded in the New Testament:
Simple relational gatherings of people who encourage and minister to one another in their different gifts and callings …
Not staged events by captivating “pastors” with their hip “worship” bands.
Let’s be the church …
And change the world once again.
Don’t waste your life:
If it ain’t worth dying for …
Then it likely ain’t worth living for either.
Jesus never said to be a “servant leader.”
Instead, He said to be a servant …
Just a servant (period).
Anything else is more about you …
Than about Him or others.
The measure of spiritual maturity is not perfection …
But how we deal with our imperfection.
We have it all backwards:
We designate a local leader and hope a church emerges around them.
In the New Testament, however, Paul started local fellowships first then let leaders emerge within them.
Big difference!
Often, we had no choice over bad things that happened in our past …
But whether we let them define us or instead turn them over to God is always our choice.
Failing to fully surrender them to Him, however …
Is why experiencing relational participatory church is so difficult for so many.
Consider this:
Actual relational participatory church is impossible …
Unless we learn to prefer one another above ourselves.
Continue readingIn marriage, the greatest gift we can give each other is the ability to love and be loved.
Wounds from past hurts, wrongs and regrets brought into marriage make this all too rare these days.
To give and receive the gift of love, then …
Care enough to pursue emotional health and spiritual wholeness.
Love may be gentle and kind …
But it also speaks truth, resists evil and defends the innocent.
Discipleship:
A vibrant relationship with the Living Word …
In submission to the authority and discipline of His written Word.
Coffee is proof that God loves us and has a wonderful plan for our lives.
If you need to write or read a whole book on how to hear God’s voice, something ain’t right.
Seriously.
Just start communicating and listening …
In whatever ways He created you to communicate and listen.
He’ll take care of the rest.
Freedoms and opportunities created through your own sacrifices for others are fleeting …
If they won’t likewise sacrifice to preserve them.
This is as true with individuals …
As with nations, cultures and generations.
Jesus hung out with those who are lost and know it …
While condemning those who are smug but deny it.
Many seem to have it backwards most Sunday mornings.
Want to restore New Testament power, form and function to the Church?
Then stop giving post-Biblical meanings to original New Testament words …
Based on post-Biblical presumptions, traditions and agendas.
Unfortunately, both conservative church traditionalists and “progressive” existential liberals do this …
With equally disastrous results.
Let’s let Scripture once again stand authoritative as God actually intended …
Over all presumptions, traditions and agendas to the contrary.
Wisdom is learning which problems have your name on them …
And which do not.
Today, “church” tries to lead folks into God’s presence.
In the New Testament, folks assembled to express God’s presence already in them – one to another.
Big difference!
