Plumbline Faith

Simple Faith, Simple Truth, Simple Virtue

BIBLICAL CHURCH? — April 27, 2016

BIBLICAL CHURCH?

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.

SIMPLE DISCIPLESHIP — April 26, 2016
SIMPLE VIRTUE — April 25, 2016
MANIPULATION — April 24, 2016
SIMPLE FAITH — April 23, 2016

SIMPLE FAITH

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.

SIMPLE FAITH — April 22, 2016
SIMPLE CHURCH — April 21, 2016
IN GOD’S TIMING — April 20, 2016
FAKE FAITH — April 19, 2016
FINDING RESOLUTION — April 18, 2016

FINDING RESOLUTION

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.

SIMPLE TRUTH — April 17, 2016
SIMPLE TRUTH — April 16, 2016
SIMPLE JOY — April 15, 2016
SIMPLE DISCIPLESHIP — April 14, 2016
GOD’S MERCIES — April 13, 2016
SIMPLE TRUTH — April 12, 2016
SIMPLE JOY — April 11, 2016
SIMPLE CHURCH — April 10, 2016
GOD’S WORDS — April 9, 2016

GOD’S WORDS

“Church,” “pastor,” “preach,” “teach,” “tithe,” “worship” and “ministry:”

Although you keep using those terms …

I do not think they mean in the New Testament what you think they mean.

Yet you claim to follow the New Testament as God’s written word.

How can that be?

A SURE FOUNDATION — April 8, 2016

A SURE FOUNDATION

It is not reasonable to ultimately rely on reason …

When its legitimacy ultimately depends on reason seeming reasonable.

Absent a transcendent God who alone can immanently define all – including the foundations of logic and meaning – because He alone created all …

“Reason” apart from God ultimately leaves us stuck with ourselves in circular absurdity.

Simple Discipleship — April 7, 2016
SIMPLE FAITH — April 6, 2016
Simple Faith — April 5, 2016

Simple Faith

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.

Simple Joy — April 4, 2016
SIMPLE VIRTUE — April 3, 2016