Emergent, postmodern, missional, beyond, deeper, radical, insurgent, whatever …
I’m tired of hip and long for simple.
Category: Simple Faith
We deny Biblical authority when we read post-Biblical traditions, meanings, and presumptions not actually found in Scripture back into Scripture.
This is especially true with our current concepts of:
“Church”
“Worship”
“Communion”
“Tithing”
“Pastor”
“Ministry”
“Leader”
“Submission”
“Covering”
“Preaching”
“Teaching”
The meanings we give those words today are not found in – and often are at odds with – the original language, meaning and context of the New Testament when written in the first century.
Let’s be like the New Testament Bereans and once again begin “examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”
Only then can we truly say we have begun to accept the plenary authority of Scripture over all traditions and opinions to the contrary …
Including our own.
Although there are mysteries in the Bible, it is not “mystical”.
What God chooses to reveal there – including Himself – is accessible to all who simply repent, embrace His forgiveness, submit to the authority of His word and relate together in healthy local fellowships.
The mystical fringe, however, is driven by their own angst, anxiety and insecurities …
To go “deeper” or “beyond” the simple truths of Scripture by dismissing elementary repentance, basic forgiveness, Biblical authority and functional churches …
Which is why they never seem to find the authentic Christ of Scripture.
Don’t be led astray by them.
We make room for God’s blessings …
By giving our regrets to Him.
Unfortunately, the biggest hindrance to church as the New Testament shows it …
Is church as we’ve come to know it.
An unresolved past will thwart your future.
To find resolution:
Acknowledge before God – verbally and fully – the hurts, wrongs or regrets your heart’s been carrying;
Openly give or ask for forgiveness as appropriate – in your own words – whether of others or from God;
Then quietly and reverently bundle up the related burdens of your heart and release them in your spirit to the Lord;
Once you do and the Lord takes them, ask Him who you are to Him and how He sees you.
Then stay quiet before Him and let your spirit gently receive His empowering truth and peace in return.
Often the listening ear and patient encouragement of a trusted, Godly friend can help.
Ultimately, though, closure and freedom are always your choice.
Those who claim that the Holy Spirit no longer convicts them of sin because of grace …
Know not grace.
God wants us to occasionally chill out by taking time out …
So our emotional batteries don’t run out.
Faith isn’t about believing God will do what you think He ought …
But trusting He will do what He says He will.
Let’s see:
Morning cup of coffee. Check.
Log on and notice all the social media posts about the latest outrage du jour. Hmmm.
Wisely decide to wait a few days until the real facts come out. Priceless.
In the meantime, continue to live a life that makes a difference in this world by loving God and obeying His commands. Eternal.
Joy seldom comes without risking failure …
In love, faith, business and all of life.
The best bulwark against human authoritarianism in all its many forms …
Are the precepts of God’s written Word.
By which, history shows:
Free men stand;
Liberty springs; and
Tyrants fall.
Until we stop using narcissistic labels like “ultimate”, “grand”, “deeper”, “insurgent”, “radical” and “beyond” to describe our faith …
And learn to walk humbly with God and others …
We’re not much good for His Kingdom …
Or anything else.
God’s saving grace is freely offered, but costs everything to fully accept.
Forget this, and we pervert the Gospel.
God is covenantal:
He doesn’t force His rule on anyone.
But neither has He surrendered His sovereignty to anyone …
In any aspect of life, culture or history.
Some cast the nets, some build the boats.
In God’s Kingdom, no one person or calling is more essential than another.
Love without truth is just as corrosive …
As truth without love.
Faith that’s not relevant to all of life …
Is relevant to none of life.
Scripture doesn’t address everything, nor does God choose to explain all things comprehensively.
That’s His right.
The plenary authority of Scripture, therefore, means not claiming more from Scripture than it actually says.
But make no mistake:
What Scripture does, in fact, actually say is ultimately authoritative …
On its own terms and contexts, not our’s.
It’s easier for a walking concordance to know God’s heart …
Than an existentialist to know His mind.
Sometimes God uses our frailties and afflictions …
As sacraments of His grace.
God owes us NOTHING.
Get over it.
Only then can we begin to apprehend the wonders of His grace.
In the cool of the day, God walked side-by-side and fellowshipped face-to-face with Adam …
Amidst the beauty of Adam’s garden and the fruit of his labor.
It’s OK to be human …
That’s where God wants to meet us too.
“Radical,” “deeper life,” “insurgent,” “movement” this and “movement” that …
Are disingenuous distractions from Biblical imperatives to simply grow up and make a difference by living lives of simple truth, simple faith and simple virtue.
Don’t buy the lie, often being peddled by those promoting themselves and their own agendas …
Because it’s really not that complicated.
Why?
Because He’s God and I’m not.
Because His Word stands eternal while I am but an uncertain reed blowing in the wind.
Because it is by His will that history bends, not mine.
Because He is the sovereign creator of all, including me.
Because He defines what is true, real and right, not me.
And because He is Lord of all and bids me “go” into a world He yet loves.
Plumbline Faith 