Moral compromise rarely seeks to deliberately advance evil …
But to preserve our own comfort zones instead.
Which, from evil’s standpoint, is perfectly fine also.
Without hospitality …
There is no ekklesia.
Grace is the means …
Not the end.
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.
Two things Jesus never said:
“Learn to love yourself” and
“Forgive yourself” …
Because true worth and freedom come from Him on His terms, and not from us on our terms.
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.”
It’s popular these days to say that Jesus is all about a relationship.
Ok. I get it. People are sick of dead religion. So am I.
But that begs the question:
A relationship on whose terms?
Continue readingHow do cultish groups, “churches” and movements attract people?
It’s simple:
Feed the need for validation …
Through a false Jesus who reinforces our own hopes and fears.
God’s grace leads to faith …
Through repentance.
Many burnout by repeatedly ministering to folks who want our time, energy and resources …
Without fundamentally dealing with their underlying issues through honest repentance.
Continue reading
“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.
Do circumstances define your reality …
Or does God’s reality define your circumstances?
It’s always your choice.
So-called “progressive Christians” insist on a Jesus of their own creation, defined by their own perceptions, sensibilities and ideologies …
Leading to doubt and malaise.
The authentic Jesus, however, defines Himself – along with His creation, absolute truths, redeeming grace and moral precepts – through His plenary authority of Scripture …
Leading to life and liberty.
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.
I have no problem with the doctrine of “total depravity.”
Apart from God’s grace, I see no evidence to the contrary …
Plus Scripture is clear that apart from His grace, we have no hope.
However, I likewise have no problem with the doctrine that we can resist His grace.
Not because we have any power to frustrate God’s sovereign will …
But because He sovereignly wills to grant us that choice.
Why do some only speak up about fraud and abuse in the church …
When it’s to urge silence by the victims and those standing with them?
They are not peacemakers, but enablers.
They are not courageous, but cowards.
They are not principled, but complicit.
When Scripture talks about loving God, it doesn’t use “eros.”
Just sayin’ …
What we call “church” these days is so far removed from the New Testament …
That we dare not let those who see that truth …
Also speak that truth …
Without “correcting” it with a “but,” “and” or “or” …
Rooted in presumptions, anxieties and rationalizations from our own man-made traditions.
Most mornings I wake up grateful.
Before the day starts, I like to sit and quietly watch the sun rise while prayerfully contemplating the many blessings God has restored in my life.
Continue readingDeconstruction?
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?
Plumbline Faith 