Plumbline Faith

Simple Faith, Simple Truth, Simple Virtue

Category: Simple Truth

Simple Truth — March 26, 2016

Simple Truth

/Plumbline Faith

Unless you understand Nietzsche, you will fail to understand Trump …

The misogyny, the boasts, the narcissism, the arrogance, the immorality, the lack of consistent convictions, the fascination with totalitarian dictators, the opportunism.

And unless you understand where Nietzsche’s ideology has led other nations …

You will fail to understand why discerning Christians are pleading with those who profess Christ to affirm your faith and turn from Trump while there’s still time.

Evil seduces many with the rationale of expediency.

GOD’S RULE — March 23, 2016
REDEEMING NATIONS — March 22, 2016

REDEEMING NATIONS

/Plumbline Faith

Until we understand:

That the Gospel preached by Jesus is the good news of His Kingdom;

That “Christ” isn’t His last name but means “the anointed King“;

That “church” in the New Testament means the local representative assembly of His Kingdom in each community; and

That He never surrendered His authority in any sphere of life or culture …

Then we will not understand His command to make disciples of all who choose the blessings of His rule – including not just individuals, but also nations.

DAMNABLE IDOLATRY — March 20, 2016

DAMNABLE IDOLATRY

/Plumbline Faith

Convenient silence – or willful ignorance – over exploitation and abuse of others by an inspiring church leader …

Is a damnable form of idolatry.

It sacrifices innocent lives on the altar of personal ease and misplaced loyalties.

God will not hold us innocent.

SLAYING GIANTS — March 19, 2016
Simple Love — March 18, 2016
Simple Truth — March 16, 2016

Simple Truth

/Plumbline Faith

SPIRITUAL NARCISSISM

Sorry, but when your personal “revelation” of Jesus looks a lot like you, I’m just not impressed.

And when “deeper life” is merely a projection of your own postmodern proclivities and sensibilities, I’m likewise not impressed.

Radical? Hardly.

Really, didn’t you get the memo? Existential angst just ain’t that counter-cultural anymore.

So I guess you’re gonna need some new shtick …

Because spiritual narcissism in search of meaning inevitably leads to dead ends.

SCRIPTURAL AUTHORITY — March 15, 2016

SCRIPTURAL AUTHORITY

/Plumbline Faith

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.

Simple Discipleship — March 12, 2016
Simple Truth — March 9, 2016
Simple Truth — March 7, 2016

Simple Truth

/Plumbline Faith

Those who embrace a so-called “Christocentric” hermeneutic join Adam and Eve in presuming the moral autonomy to decide right and wrong …

With the further hubris of presuming to then impose it on Christ Himself.

They’re still eating of the tree …

Simple Faith — March 6, 2016
Simple Truth — March 5, 2016

Simple Truth

/Plumbline Faith

Those promoting a so-called “Christocentric” hermeneutic have too low a view of Christ …

And too high a view of themselves.

They presume to create a pick and choose Jesus through a pick and choose view of Scripture to suit their own sensibilities …

Rather than submit to all of Christ as He authentically reveals Himself in all of Scripture, both Old and New Testament.

Which, by the way, is why they never seem able to make viable disciples or form functional churches.

Don’t be so easily misled by their “new” faith …

Which is no faith at all, except in themselves.

TEMPTATIONS — March 4, 2016
PURPOSE AND DIRECTION — February 28, 2016

PURPOSE AND DIRECTION

/Plumbline Faith

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.

Simple Truth — February 24, 2016
Simple Truth — February 23, 2016

Simple Truth

/Plumbline Faith

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.

Simple Discipleship — February 22, 2016
Simple Truth — February 21, 2016

Simple Truth

/Plumbline Faith

PREDATORS

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.

Simple Truth — February 19, 2016
Simple Truth — February 18, 2016
Simple Truth — February 16, 2016
Simple Truth — February 15, 2016
Simple Discipleship — February 13, 2016

Simple Discipleship

/Plumbline Faith

ON WHO’S TERMS?

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.

CHARMING ABUSERS — February 10, 2016

CHARMING ABUSERS

/Plumbline Faith

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.