Plumbline Faith

Simple Faith, Simple Truth, Simple Virtue

OUTSIDE THE BOX — October 23, 2016

OUTSIDE THE BOX

A pastor introduced himself to me at a local ministerial association meeting and asked about “my” church.

As I considered how best to answer, it struck me for the first time that we didn’t have a name. I mean, the idea had just never even occured to us.

When I told him that, he seemed intrigued.

So I went on to shared how we were a simple, participatory gathering of believers who were the church, rather than folks who went to a church, and we never even considered the need for a “name.”

He thought about that and asked a few questions.

I responded by explaining that we don’t follow the post-New Testament model of a sole-proprietor “pastor” who preaches and runs the “service” every Sunday.

Rather, my role is to be an elder who – with others – unassumingly insures a safe environment where everyone can gather and feel free to minister one to another, each according to their own gifts as prompted by the Holy Spirit …

You know, just like the New Testament says.

He quietly considered what I said, then responded that he guessed that was OK – after all, “God once spoke through a jackass.”

Seriously, he said that.

Sigh …

LETTING GO — October 22, 2016
ENDURING FAITH — October 21, 2016
COMMUNITY — October 20, 2016
THE SHOW OR COMMUNITY? — October 18, 2016
EDITING GOD? — October 17, 2016
SIMPLE FAITH — October 15, 2016
HOSPITALITY — October 13, 2016
TOXIC MERCY — October 11, 2016
A HUMBLE REMINDER — October 10, 2016
BEGINNINGS — October 9, 2016
Simple Discipleship — October 8, 2016

Simple Discipleship

​Disgusted with the choice of Trump verses Clinton?

The answer is not to wash our hands of “politics” by retreating into a theology of Gnostic dualism – which isolates our spiritual life from the “real” world and all its shortcomings. Jesus never taught that, but proclaimed full authority over both heaven and earth – while sending us out into all the world. 

God’s people need to be careful about wide swings between hope and disillusionment. Wisdom seeks to find, instead, the Biblical precepts which stand firm and will remain true even after the present unpleasantries fade into the past. 

Let’s be engaged in a world Christ yet loves, but with a renewed discernment that’s been lacking in God’s people. 

The problem is not so much Clinton or Trump as much as our lack of engagement and discernment – in disregard of God’s call to be His salt and light in all spheres of life.

This election, more than most, we are paying the price for our own failures.

Let’s learn the right lessons, vote for whom our conscience allows (while understanding there are more issues and offices up for grabs this election than just the White House), and resolve to never let this happen due to inaction and poor judgement again.

The solution to problems caused by our past disengagement from the civic life of our nation, and from lack of discernment, is not more moral relativism and retreat. 

That’s entirely the wrong lesson to learn from the current mess we’re in.

Let’s take our lumps, vote as best we can, learn from our mistakes and resolve to never again be reduced to such poor choices.

ON GOD’S TERMS —
GOD’S PRESENCE — October 7, 2016

GOD’S PRESENCE

I’d rather gather together as a functional community of believers who express Christ’s presence already in each of us – one to another …

Than go elsewhere for a scripted performance which tries to “usher” us into His presence – stage to pew.

The more I learn to “be the church,” the less I want “the show.”

GOD ON OUR TERMS? — October 6, 2016
SIMPLE FAITH — October 4, 2016
BURNOUT — October 3, 2016
LIFE AND LIBERTY — October 1, 2016

LIFE AND LIBERTY

“Christian” existentialists live lives of angst and doubt, seeking a Jesus of their own perception and definition.

They would do much better submitting to Christ as He perceives and defines them instead …

Because it’s only there that life and liberty are found.

CHOICES — September 30, 2016
BE HOLY — September 28, 2016

BE HOLY

​The Law given as part of the Old Covenant is no longer in force (including the Decalogue), since the Old Covenant no longer is in force.

However, the moral precepts which undergird the laws of the Old Covenant are still relevant.

That’s because God’s overarching command to “be holy for I am holy” …

Is re-stated multiple times in both the Old and New Testament and still applies.

God’s nature does not change, and neither have His moral precepts …

Which are part of God’s own, immutable self-revelation throughout Scripture.

So be holy …

But not Old Covenant.

BY WHAT STANDARD? — September 21, 2016

BY WHAT STANDARD?

Deconstruction?

I’m all for examining our assumptions, traditions and doctrines in light of Scripture.

But “Christians” who reject God’s plenary authority, as expressed through His written Word …

Become their own standard for what’s ultimately true, real and right.

Is it any wonder, then, why they never seem to “get” Scripture?

LORD OF ALL — September 20, 2016
PERVERTING GRACE — September 18, 2016
CARNAL CHURCH — September 17, 2016

CARNAL CHURCH

If insanity is doing the same things over and over, and expecting different results …

How can anyone defend “church” as we’ve come to know it?

Often, it’s primarily about a carefully produced weekly “service” designed to advance the “institution’s” own interests by feeding the need for affirmation through a contrived “sermon” that mimics secular motivational speakers …

And staged “worship” that mimics worldly entertainment.

The result has been self absorbed “Christians” who think Jesus is all about reinforcng their own insecurities and comfort zones.

In the meantime, the “church” distorts the “Gospel” to grow its attendance – and its finances – by inviting people to make a hollow “decision” for Jesus …

Without repentance or transformation.

Jesus, however, commands us to go and make disciples of all nations by teaching them to obey all He has commanded …

Not appease the masses by catering to a culture which craves carnal affirmation and emotional intensity – then calling it “God.”

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” Isaiah 55:8

Let us return to the Lord, and His ways, once again.

IDOLATROUS LOVE — September 16, 2016