Well kiddos, beginning New Year's day, I will continue our discussion "Dismantling the Shack." I'm sorry for the delay, but we are still continuing to clean up and rebuild after Ike. I'm looking forward to revealing the theological inconsistencies that many have taken as truth.
-God speed
Monday, December 29, 2008
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Yet Another Delay In Posts
If you have been under a rock and not seen what has happened in the Texas Gulf, Hurricane Ike has become the new Katrina. I am able to say that with absolute confidence in that Ike's force surpassed Katrina's by 10% based on the amount of water that was moved (kinetic energy). So with that said, I will be out of pocket for a few weeks to a month. You can see updates and photos of operations on my other blog http://www.theperpetualchristian.blogspot.com
-blessings
-blessings
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Dismantling The Shack
The first four chapters read more like your typical fictional novel until the end of chapter 4 where it begins to touch upon the charater's past seminary experience which then brings theology (the speaking of God) into the storyline.
"In seminary he had been taught that God had completely stopped any overt communication with moderns, preferring to have them only listen to and follow sacred Scripture, properly interpreted, of course. God's voice had been reduced to paper, and even that paper had to be moderated and deciphered by proper authorities and intellects. It seemed that direct communication with God was something exclusively for the ancients and uncivilized, while educated Westerners' access to God was mediated and controlled by the intelligentsia. Nobody wanted God in a box, just in a book. Especially an expensive one bound in leather with gilt edges, or was that guilt edges?" (pp. 65-66)
It is quite tragic that the author, whether intentional or not, would feel that Scripture is a reduction of God's voice and not a manifestation of it. 2nd Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us that:
All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Additionally, God's Word is His greatest revelation to us in this generation. I am in agreement with the author in that God's Word must be properly interpreted (exegesis, isegesis and hermeneutics). For many have misinterpreted (whether intentional or not) God's Word to either suit a personal agenda or out of ignorance to the cultural backgrounds, context, style and meaning of the original manuscript. God's Word is not exclusive as the author states, rather it is inclusive of ALL that seek Him. The Bible was written at an elemetary grade level so that all could understand. Make no mistake, however. There are many who will not understand Scripture;
But the natural man does not welcome what comes from God's Spirit, because it is foolishness to him; he is not able to know it since it is evaluated (discerned) spiritually. (1 Corinthians 2:14)
There are many atheists that know Scripture well enough to quote, however until Scripture is put into practice, it was never really learned. An example would be reading a book on how to build a house. I can know the words and teachings of the book from cover to cover, but until I put my hands on a hammer or saw and attempt to build a house, everything I know is hypothetical or assumed. To understand God's Word, one must first know God's Son (John 1:1) otherwise Scripture will be like trying to read stereo instructions in a different language.
We can now see some hints as to the author's (or at least his main character's) beliefs toward Scripture. For us, God's Word is His greatest revelation to the church-age. It is His voice to this generation;
For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as to divide soul, spirit, joints and marrow; it is a judge of the ideas and thoughts of the heart. No creature is hidden from Him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account (Hebrews 4:12-13).
I will try to have a post ready for next week, however I will probably be re-deployed this week for Hurricane Ike.
grace and peace,
-josh
"In seminary he had been taught that God had completely stopped any overt communication with moderns, preferring to have them only listen to and follow sacred Scripture, properly interpreted, of course. God's voice had been reduced to paper, and even that paper had to be moderated and deciphered by proper authorities and intellects. It seemed that direct communication with God was something exclusively for the ancients and uncivilized, while educated Westerners' access to God was mediated and controlled by the intelligentsia. Nobody wanted God in a box, just in a book. Especially an expensive one bound in leather with gilt edges, or was that guilt edges?" (pp. 65-66)
It is quite tragic that the author, whether intentional or not, would feel that Scripture is a reduction of God's voice and not a manifestation of it. 2nd Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us that:
All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Additionally, God's Word is His greatest revelation to us in this generation. I am in agreement with the author in that God's Word must be properly interpreted (exegesis, isegesis and hermeneutics). For many have misinterpreted (whether intentional or not) God's Word to either suit a personal agenda or out of ignorance to the cultural backgrounds, context, style and meaning of the original manuscript. God's Word is not exclusive as the author states, rather it is inclusive of ALL that seek Him. The Bible was written at an elemetary grade level so that all could understand. Make no mistake, however. There are many who will not understand Scripture;
But the natural man does not welcome what comes from God's Spirit, because it is foolishness to him; he is not able to know it since it is evaluated (discerned) spiritually. (1 Corinthians 2:14)
There are many atheists that know Scripture well enough to quote, however until Scripture is put into practice, it was never really learned. An example would be reading a book on how to build a house. I can know the words and teachings of the book from cover to cover, but until I put my hands on a hammer or saw and attempt to build a house, everything I know is hypothetical or assumed. To understand God's Word, one must first know God's Son (John 1:1) otherwise Scripture will be like trying to read stereo instructions in a different language.
We can now see some hints as to the author's (or at least his main character's) beliefs toward Scripture. For us, God's Word is His greatest revelation to the church-age. It is His voice to this generation;
For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as to divide soul, spirit, joints and marrow; it is a judge of the ideas and thoughts of the heart. No creature is hidden from Him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account (Hebrews 4:12-13).
I will try to have a post ready for next week, however I will probably be re-deployed this week for Hurricane Ike.
grace and peace,
-josh
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Break in Weekly Posts
Josh will not be able to post for a while, he has been deployed with Texas Task Force 1 to help with Gustav efforts.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
The Shack
By the suggestion of some of you that have left comments, this week I sat down and read William P. Young's The Shack. Let me first say that I am not much of reader when it comes to fiction, but I simply could not put it down. It's quite an easy read, though some portions can be rather deep. Young is a very talented writer that is able to bring you into the storyline by his vivid use of words and description. You will find yourself, at times, frantically turning the pages merely to find out what will happen next.
I will give you all an opportunity to read this well-written story this week and then next week we will begin to pick it apart using Scripture as a foundation. I hope you all have the opportunity.
Blessings
Let me also give you a stern warning. This book is nothing more than fiction and some of the theology it uses is, as some have already written, heretical. Before even attempting to read this book, you had better know your Bible and know it well otherwise you will face the chance of being deceived into a false and manipulated form of theology. Similar to the da Vinci Code, some have been incredibly mislead into believing a piece of fiction as truth.
"The word theology is derived from two little Greek words. The root “theos” means “God” and the suffix “-ology” comes from the Greek word for “speak.” So when we use the word “theology” we mean “speaking of God” or as has become the more popular definition, “the study of God.” That doesn’t sound so bad, does it? Anyone who has thought about God or who has spoken
about God has been engaged in theology. Of course there is good theology and bad theology. Good theology is theology that is consistent with what the Bible teaches us; bad theology is theology that is different from what the Bible teaches or that is even in direct opposition to what the Bible teaches. Though The Shack is not a textbook for theology, and though it may not appear on the outside to be theological, as long as it discusses the nature and the plan of God, it must be so (Tim Challies, A Reader's Review of The Shack, timchallies.com)."
about God has been engaged in theology. Of course there is good theology and bad theology. Good theology is theology that is consistent with what the Bible teaches us; bad theology is theology that is different from what the Bible teaches or that is even in direct opposition to what the Bible teaches. Though The Shack is not a textbook for theology, and though it may not appear on the outside to be theological, as long as it discusses the nature and the plan of God, it must be so (Tim Challies, A Reader's Review of The Shack, timchallies.com)."
I will give you all an opportunity to read this well-written story this week and then next week we will begin to pick it apart using Scripture as a foundation. I hope you all have the opportunity.
Blessings
Sunday, August 17, 2008
The Great Divide
All week long I worked on an argument to support a thesis of one of those biblical 'grey' areas and was fully prepared to share it in its entirety but am now convicted to refrain. My conviction comes from the reasoning of that I can be overly passionate and rather dogmatic when discussing beliefs. This is something that I must work on for it is incredibly easy for me to become a 'theological bully' if you will when it comes to sharing God's Word. Additionally, much can be read in another's words on paper. Something may be construed completely out of context that the author never intended.
Different viewpoints have always and will continue to exist within the church. As Christians, we are called to live in community with other believers to preserve Ephesians 4:3; "diligently keeping the unity of the Spirit that binds us." "No matter the particular issue, all disagreements occur only because one or more parties in the disagreement are at least partially to error. Both you and I can be wrong when we differ over something, but we cannot both be totally right. Not every error is a legitimate cause for division, and differences must be tolerated whenever they do not undermine Christian faith (Tabletalk, Ligonier Ministries, August 4, 2008)."
I will continue to defend God's Word with not only evidence from God's Word, but extra-biblical texts as well. It is my prayer that my passion for God's Word not be misunderstood as anger. Debate, discussion, arguing or whatever else you want to call it helps me (and others) to think and to rethink views that have shaped us throughout our cultural lives. Discussion assists me (and others) to further immerse myself in God's Word to reinforce my position; or to completely change it altogether. I appreciate everyone's comments and I greatly look forward to discussion with everyone. I will not, however allow nonessential truths to break fellowship of the Body of Christ.
in His sovereign and loving grip,
-josh
Different viewpoints have always and will continue to exist within the church. As Christians, we are called to live in community with other believers to preserve Ephesians 4:3; "diligently keeping the unity of the Spirit that binds us." "No matter the particular issue, all disagreements occur only because one or more parties in the disagreement are at least partially to error. Both you and I can be wrong when we differ over something, but we cannot both be totally right. Not every error is a legitimate cause for division, and differences must be tolerated whenever they do not undermine Christian faith (Tabletalk, Ligonier Ministries, August 4, 2008)."
I will continue to defend God's Word with not only evidence from God's Word, but extra-biblical texts as well. It is my prayer that my passion for God's Word not be misunderstood as anger. Debate, discussion, arguing or whatever else you want to call it helps me (and others) to think and to rethink views that have shaped us throughout our cultural lives. Discussion assists me (and others) to further immerse myself in God's Word to reinforce my position; or to completely change it altogether. I appreciate everyone's comments and I greatly look forward to discussion with everyone. I will not, however allow nonessential truths to break fellowship of the Body of Christ.
in His sovereign and loving grip,
-josh
Sunday, August 10, 2008
The Mark of Righteousness
"You cannot always distinguish them by their bark and leaves, nor by the spreading of their boughs, but by their fruits ye shall know them. The fruit is according to the tree. Men may, in their professions, put a force upon their nature, and contradict their inward principles, but the stream and bent of their practices will agree with them. By the fruits of their persons, their words and actions, and the course of their conversation. If you would know whether they be right or not, observe how they live; their works will testify for them or against them (Matthew Henry)."
There are many "good" people in the world that have done many "good" things for their fellow man. However, how good is good enough? How do we measure ourselves to be considered righteous before God; to be warranted passage to eternity with Him? The absolute epitome of leadership was given to us through Jesus' earthly ministry some 2000+ years ago. It was and subsequently is by His example we are to follow.
Father, thank you for the opportunity & desire to not only write these words, but to follow the practices of Your Word. We know that nothing is ever learned until it is put into practice. There are countless individuals in this world that know Your Word better than I, yet their hearts are hardened because they have not put Your principles into practice. It is my desire to honor You with this information that is being shared with the masses. I pray that it is correct in its context and interpretation. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.
-Amen
In Matthew 7, verses 15 & 16 tell us that false prophets (Greek-pseudoprophetes) are recognized by their fruit (Greek-karpos; deed, activity; produce of a person) We must learn to recognize the good from the bad-similarly to recognizing ivy from poison ivy. John, in his writings found in 1 John 3 & 4, petition believers to "test the spirits". Those "believers" that produce good fruit are those that embrace and keep His commands; they are those that follow the guidelines set forth in and throughout Scripture without waiver. Please do not misunderstand. There are and will continue to be those that produce the good fruit, according to God, that still sin. This is clearly seen 1 John 3:6 and has been widely debated due to a misunderstanding of the passage's context. As humans, we are going to sin - POINT BLANK! However, this passage refers to believers that do not sin habitually; those where sin is not a way of everyday life. There are people that claim to be Christians whose fruit shows otherwise due to habitual sin without remorse. TEST THEM!
There is a fine line to draw when testing and rebuking an other's walk (or lack thereof). Our reasoning is to be that found within the scriptures, not our own agendas We must do it in love; we must do it in love with a fervent desire to bring them back into the fold of God's people. They will not always listen and may be subsequently excommunicated from the church should proper, biblical discipline be used. This does not mean that the church should just simply write them off. This process is no to shun them. It is to remove a potentially dangerous influence from within the church. As John MacArthur wrote, "regard [them] as an evangelistic prospect rather than as a brother."
Father, again, thank you for Your Son. Thank you for loving us first by the blood of Your Son. Thank you for seeking us out. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be with You in eternity. May these words I write be Yours and Yours alone.
-Amen
There are many "good" people in the world that have done many "good" things for their fellow man. However, how good is good enough? How do we measure ourselves to be considered righteous before God; to be warranted passage to eternity with Him? The absolute epitome of leadership was given to us through Jesus' earthly ministry some 2000+ years ago. It was and subsequently is by His example we are to follow.
Father, thank you for the opportunity & desire to not only write these words, but to follow the practices of Your Word. We know that nothing is ever learned until it is put into practice. There are countless individuals in this world that know Your Word better than I, yet their hearts are hardened because they have not put Your principles into practice. It is my desire to honor You with this information that is being shared with the masses. I pray that it is correct in its context and interpretation. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.
-Amen
In Matthew 7, verses 15 & 16 tell us that false prophets (Greek-pseudoprophetes) are recognized by their fruit (Greek-karpos; deed, activity; produce of a person) We must learn to recognize the good from the bad-similarly to recognizing ivy from poison ivy. John, in his writings found in 1 John 3 & 4, petition believers to "test the spirits". Those "believers" that produce good fruit are those that embrace and keep His commands; they are those that follow the guidelines set forth in and throughout Scripture without waiver. Please do not misunderstand. There are and will continue to be those that produce the good fruit, according to God, that still sin. This is clearly seen 1 John 3:6 and has been widely debated due to a misunderstanding of the passage's context. As humans, we are going to sin - POINT BLANK! However, this passage refers to believers that do not sin habitually; those where sin is not a way of everyday life. There are people that claim to be Christians whose fruit shows otherwise due to habitual sin without remorse. TEST THEM!
There is a fine line to draw when testing and rebuking an other's walk (or lack thereof). Our reasoning is to be that found within the scriptures, not our own agendas We must do it in love; we must do it in love with a fervent desire to bring them back into the fold of God's people. They will not always listen and may be subsequently excommunicated from the church should proper, biblical discipline be used. This does not mean that the church should just simply write them off. This process is no to shun them. It is to remove a potentially dangerous influence from within the church. As John MacArthur wrote, "regard [them] as an evangelistic prospect rather than as a brother."
Father, again, thank you for Your Son. Thank you for loving us first by the blood of Your Son. Thank you for seeking us out. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be with You in eternity. May these words I write be Yours and Yours alone.
-Amen
Sunday, August 3, 2008
So, What's It Gonna Be?
While we are in somewhat of a delay for the lack of posts for the last two weeks (and if you're curious as to why, go to http://createdbycourtney.blogspot.com) what topics would you like to see in the future?
There are many "grey" areas within Scripture so I know you have questions. I'm not saying I have the answers, but I'll do my best.
So, What's It Gonna Be?
-josh
There are many "grey" areas within Scripture so I know you have questions. I'm not saying I have the answers, but I'll do my best.
So, What's It Gonna Be?
-josh
Saturday, July 12, 2008
The Salvation Heresy, Pt. 2
The Salvation Heresy, Pt. 2
Last week we examined three distinct terms regarding Scripture’s take on salvation:
• Justification
• Sanctification
• Imputation
This week we will begin to look at God’s Word in regards to being counted righteous in Christ but before we do, let us go to the Lord in prayer.
Father, I ask that these typed words be Yours and that You would speak to the hearts of those reading this message. Give us a genuine understanding of the scriptures in that we would draw only Your intended interpretation. Amen.
In the book of Romans, Paul begins his discourse (1:18) talking about God’s wrath towards “all godlessness and unrighteousness of people.” From last week’s definition of imputation, we learned that it was by one man (Adam) that sin was brought into the world and imputed to all mankind. Likewise, Christ died for all, thus it was His righteousness imputed to those who would believe in Him that would spend eternity in heaven. In the same verse we learn that it is this very unrighteousness of people that “suppress the truth.” This truth is God’s personal righteousness and its opposition to human sinfulness. The truth of God is not only the truth concerning God, but also God’s truth concerning all things, mankind included. This truth is that people are creatures of God and can find true fulfillment only in living obediently to His Word. This is the righteousness God desires in His creation. This is true justification.
Because of Adam, we are all sinners. Like it or not, we are all born into sin. Because we are born into sin, by nature, we go against everything that God considers righteous; we love the things God loathes. The whole concept of free will is, in my opinion, mistaken for the heart’s desire. What man desires, comes from the heart. If I desire a candy bar as opposed to an orange, I’ll choose the candy bar for that is what I truly desire. The same can be said for a man’s will. If man’s nature and consequently his heart, is evil from birth (Genesis 8:21), he will not be able to choose God on his own accord. For man is depraved by nature and what is depraved will not choose something that stands in complete opposite of his own fleshly desires; that which is pure, holy, and good.
Many would argue the fact that man had his first act of free will at the Fall. Understand that sin was not even part of the equation at this point. In a world free from sin, man still made the conscious decision to rebel against the instruction of God. Eve was genuinely deceived by Satan, however Adam was genuinely rebellious. It was Adam’s decision that led him to eat the fruit fully knowing the rules set forth by God. Just as it was Adam’s decision to eat the fruit, it too was Cain’s decision to murder his brother, Abel. It was not God’s intention for man to sin. However, by God’s permissive will, He may bring about determined things on His own, or through secondary causes, including sin. Through sinful acts caused by creation, God’s plan is not frustrated, nor is God the origin of them (sinful acts).
So we’re sinners. Many of us will admit it. Many that are reading this may be searching; but for what? What are you searching for? Is it answers you want? Perhaps it’s someone to be honest and tell you straight. Well, there is no room for “candy coating” God’s truth because in the end, it will be those that have taught God’s Word that will be held in a stricter form of accountability (James 3:1).
So here’s the truth; you, me, all of mankind are sinners (Romans 3:23) and there is nothing that we can do of our own accord to fix it. It is because we are sinners that we will never get to spend eternity in heaven (Romans 6:23) but there is good news within the same passage of Scripture. God has given His creation a gift; a gift that has been sent to redeem Adam’s mistake; this gift is God’s Son, Jesus Christ. It is because of Christ that we have a chance (Romans 5:8). God does not have to prove Himself to anyone, but He did. It is because of His unending love for mankind; His love for you; that He would send literally Himself through His Son to die as an atonement in our place. Scripture tells us that by confessing and believing that very act will save us (Romans 10:9). But is one's belief genuine? Only God knows the heart of His people.
It is only God that knows if a person’s belief is genuine; however next week, we will examine God’s Word even further to see how we can recognize true believers verses those that may be false.
Father, open our hearts and minds to accept even the difficult passages that convict us. Thank you for giving us a fighting chance to spend eternity with you. Thank you for giving us Your Word that serves as a guide and road map; leading us closer to You and Your truths. I pray for those searching for answers; those that feel unloved and unwanted. The truth is that you love us. You love us! regardless of what we have done, You love us. Amen.
Last week we examined three distinct terms regarding Scripture’s take on salvation:
• Justification
• Sanctification
• Imputation
This week we will begin to look at God’s Word in regards to being counted righteous in Christ but before we do, let us go to the Lord in prayer.
Father, I ask that these typed words be Yours and that You would speak to the hearts of those reading this message. Give us a genuine understanding of the scriptures in that we would draw only Your intended interpretation. Amen.
In the book of Romans, Paul begins his discourse (1:18) talking about God’s wrath towards “all godlessness and unrighteousness of people.” From last week’s definition of imputation, we learned that it was by one man (Adam) that sin was brought into the world and imputed to all mankind. Likewise, Christ died for all, thus it was His righteousness imputed to those who would believe in Him that would spend eternity in heaven. In the same verse we learn that it is this very unrighteousness of people that “suppress the truth.” This truth is God’s personal righteousness and its opposition to human sinfulness. The truth of God is not only the truth concerning God, but also God’s truth concerning all things, mankind included. This truth is that people are creatures of God and can find true fulfillment only in living obediently to His Word. This is the righteousness God desires in His creation. This is true justification.
Because of Adam, we are all sinners. Like it or not, we are all born into sin. Because we are born into sin, by nature, we go against everything that God considers righteous; we love the things God loathes. The whole concept of free will is, in my opinion, mistaken for the heart’s desire. What man desires, comes from the heart. If I desire a candy bar as opposed to an orange, I’ll choose the candy bar for that is what I truly desire. The same can be said for a man’s will. If man’s nature and consequently his heart, is evil from birth (Genesis 8:21), he will not be able to choose God on his own accord. For man is depraved by nature and what is depraved will not choose something that stands in complete opposite of his own fleshly desires; that which is pure, holy, and good.
Many would argue the fact that man had his first act of free will at the Fall. Understand that sin was not even part of the equation at this point. In a world free from sin, man still made the conscious decision to rebel against the instruction of God. Eve was genuinely deceived by Satan, however Adam was genuinely rebellious. It was Adam’s decision that led him to eat the fruit fully knowing the rules set forth by God. Just as it was Adam’s decision to eat the fruit, it too was Cain’s decision to murder his brother, Abel. It was not God’s intention for man to sin. However, by God’s permissive will, He may bring about determined things on His own, or through secondary causes, including sin. Through sinful acts caused by creation, God’s plan is not frustrated, nor is God the origin of them (sinful acts).
So we’re sinners. Many of us will admit it. Many that are reading this may be searching; but for what? What are you searching for? Is it answers you want? Perhaps it’s someone to be honest and tell you straight. Well, there is no room for “candy coating” God’s truth because in the end, it will be those that have taught God’s Word that will be held in a stricter form of accountability (James 3:1).
So here’s the truth; you, me, all of mankind are sinners (Romans 3:23) and there is nothing that we can do of our own accord to fix it. It is because we are sinners that we will never get to spend eternity in heaven (Romans 6:23) but there is good news within the same passage of Scripture. God has given His creation a gift; a gift that has been sent to redeem Adam’s mistake; this gift is God’s Son, Jesus Christ. It is because of Christ that we have a chance (Romans 5:8). God does not have to prove Himself to anyone, but He did. It is because of His unending love for mankind; His love for you; that He would send literally Himself through His Son to die as an atonement in our place. Scripture tells us that by confessing and believing that very act will save us (Romans 10:9). But is one's belief genuine? Only God knows the heart of His people.
It is only God that knows if a person’s belief is genuine; however next week, we will examine God’s Word even further to see how we can recognize true believers verses those that may be false.
Father, open our hearts and minds to accept even the difficult passages that convict us. Thank you for giving us a fighting chance to spend eternity with you. Thank you for giving us Your Word that serves as a guide and road map; leading us closer to You and Your truths. I pray for those searching for answers; those that feel unloved and unwanted. The truth is that you love us. You love us! regardless of what we have done, You love us. Amen.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
The Salvation Heresy, Pt. 1
"The greatest heresy in the American evangelical and protestant church is that if you ask Jesus Christ to come into your heart He definitely will come in. You will not find that anywhere in Scripture." Paul David Wash
So if praying a prayer and asking with a sincere heart for Jesus to be my personal Lord and Savior is not a guarantee of eternal security in heaven, then what is one supposed to do? First of all, we need to understand that not everyone who professes Jesus as Lord will go to heaven. The doctrine of universalism (all will go to heaven) is false in and of itself.
"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord! will enter the kingdom of heaven, but [only] the one who does the will of my Father in heaven." Matthew 7:21 (NASB)
Again, how can we be certain that someone is a genuine follower of Christ? More importantly, how can we know that our own salvation is sincere? Before we can begin to know of our own eternal security and that of others, we need to go before God in humility; asking for His guidance and understanding.
Heavenly Father, thank you first and foremost for the blood of your Son. It is only by His sacrifice that we would have a chance at eternity with You. Prepare the hearts that read this and prepare my heart as I write. Let the words be Yours and Yours alone. It's in your Son's name we pray, Amen.
In this first part of the series, we need to understand some terminology that is seen within the text of Scripture.
- Justification: "the act of God whereby humankind is made or accounted just, or free from guilt or penalty of sin" (Random House Dictionary)
Now justification is another word for for salvation. Paul's major theme of the epistles (letters) to the Romans and to the Galatians was justification. Those who are justified cannot be separated from the love of Christ hence the saying,"Once saved; always saved" (Romans 8:33-39).
Another term is Sanctification. It is imperative that we differentiate between the two.
- Sanctification: comes from the verb sanctify; "Sanctify originates from the Greek word hagiazo, which means to be 'separate' or to be 'set apart.' In the Bible, sanctification generally relates to a sovereign act of God whereby He 'sets apart' a person, place, or thing in order that His purposes may be accomplished."
The reason it is so important for us to understand the seemingly subtle differences between the two words is that God will sanctify those who will never enter the kingdom of heaven. One example is Pharaoh found in the book of Exodus (4:21, 7:3, 14:4, and 14:17) God repetitiously hardened Pharaoh's heart in order that His glory be shown through the plagues on Egypt. Was it fair that God hardened his heart? I'll be the first to say, "No" however if God were fair with us, we would all be in big trouble.
- Imputation: Imputation is "a transfer of benefit or harm from one individual to another. In theology imputation may be used negatively to refer to the transfer of the sin and guilt of Adam to the rest of humankind. Positively, imputation refers to the righteousness of Christ being transferred to those who believe on him for salvation." -Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms
The doctrine of imputation is one of the most debated terms within the realm of theological scholarship. It is difficult to accept that a loving God would punish all of humankind with the sin of one man - Adam. God is in fact a loving God, but at the same time is also a just God and will accept nothing shy of perfection. This perfection is the other side of the coin when it comes to imputation - Jesus Christ. It is through one man that all of mankind's sin is now paid for in full.
Next week we will examine God's Word for the answers we seek in regard to genuine salvation. In the meantime, take some time this week to read Romans and Galatians. More importantly, take some time each day this week to talk to God - He'll listen, I promise.
Father, again, thank you for laying this burden on my heart to communicate this message to the masses. I pray with all that is in me that I did your Word justice and that I was effective in communicating Your words and not my own. Please grant the readers a comprehension of the scriptures so that an application of it to their own lives will follow suit. It is by Your grace that I write these words, Amen.
So if praying a prayer and asking with a sincere heart for Jesus to be my personal Lord and Savior is not a guarantee of eternal security in heaven, then what is one supposed to do? First of all, we need to understand that not everyone who professes Jesus as Lord will go to heaven. The doctrine of universalism (all will go to heaven) is false in and of itself.
"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord! will enter the kingdom of heaven, but [only] the one who does the will of my Father in heaven." Matthew 7:21 (NASB)
Again, how can we be certain that someone is a genuine follower of Christ? More importantly, how can we know that our own salvation is sincere? Before we can begin to know of our own eternal security and that of others, we need to go before God in humility; asking for His guidance and understanding.
Heavenly Father, thank you first and foremost for the blood of your Son. It is only by His sacrifice that we would have a chance at eternity with You. Prepare the hearts that read this and prepare my heart as I write. Let the words be Yours and Yours alone. It's in your Son's name we pray, Amen.
In this first part of the series, we need to understand some terminology that is seen within the text of Scripture.
- Justification: "the act of God whereby humankind is made or accounted just, or free from guilt or penalty of sin" (Random House Dictionary)
Now justification is another word for for salvation. Paul's major theme of the epistles (letters) to the Romans and to the Galatians was justification. Those who are justified cannot be separated from the love of Christ hence the saying,"Once saved; always saved" (Romans 8:33-39).
Another term is Sanctification. It is imperative that we differentiate between the two.
- Sanctification: comes from the verb sanctify; "Sanctify originates from the Greek word hagiazo, which means to be 'separate' or to be 'set apart.' In the Bible, sanctification generally relates to a sovereign act of God whereby He 'sets apart' a person, place, or thing in order that His purposes may be accomplished."
The reason it is so important for us to understand the seemingly subtle differences between the two words is that God will sanctify those who will never enter the kingdom of heaven. One example is Pharaoh found in the book of Exodus (4:21, 7:3, 14:4, and 14:17) God repetitiously hardened Pharaoh's heart in order that His glory be shown through the plagues on Egypt. Was it fair that God hardened his heart? I'll be the first to say, "No" however if God were fair with us, we would all be in big trouble.
- Imputation: Imputation is "a transfer of benefit or harm from one individual to another. In theology imputation may be used negatively to refer to the transfer of the sin and guilt of Adam to the rest of humankind. Positively, imputation refers to the righteousness of Christ being transferred to those who believe on him for salvation." -Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms
The doctrine of imputation is one of the most debated terms within the realm of theological scholarship. It is difficult to accept that a loving God would punish all of humankind with the sin of one man - Adam. God is in fact a loving God, but at the same time is also a just God and will accept nothing shy of perfection. This perfection is the other side of the coin when it comes to imputation - Jesus Christ. It is through one man that all of mankind's sin is now paid for in full.
Next week we will examine God's Word for the answers we seek in regard to genuine salvation. In the meantime, take some time this week to read Romans and Galatians. More importantly, take some time each day this week to talk to God - He'll listen, I promise.
Father, again, thank you for laying this burden on my heart to communicate this message to the masses. I pray with all that is in me that I did your Word justice and that I was effective in communicating Your words and not my own. Please grant the readers a comprehension of the scriptures so that an application of it to their own lives will follow suit. It is by Your grace that I write these words, Amen.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Labels...Don't You Just Love 'Em?
Okay, I haven't been posting as I should be, so I must say...get over it. I have a life too and now I'm back. So now that apologies are over with, let us continue with our discussion.
For me, labels are sort of...well let's just say I don't like them. I did one semester of grad-school studying theology. One of the discussions a professor sparked was "What do you feel your title should be; Reverend, Pastor, Preacher, Rector, etc?" At first I figured it was a set-up in that he would later explain that it didn't matter. The problem was, as it would later reveal its ugly head, would be that title's were in fact important...at least to this schmuck. When it was my turn, I just could not help myself.
"My title should be MOST ILLUSTRIOUS GRAND POTENTATE!"
Did I mention I can be a smart___? Some of the other students actually got it and began laughing realizing that this was really an absurd question and coming from a PhD. "Labels ultimately fail(p.86)." Pastors fail. Reverends fail. MOST ILLUSTRIOUS GRAND POTENTATES...fail. Jesus does not. Never has & never will.
Rob Bell speaks about labels. Particularly using the word Christian as an adjective rather than the noun it should be. You see, the truth is limited when categories are created with words that in fact are not true. Something may be labeled as Christian but in fact not be by any loose sense of the term. "Christian is a great noun and a poor adjective(p.84)."
As a Christian(n.), does your life reflect Christ or is it just a facade? As someone that is searching for truth in that you may not be a Christian, what would you rather see - a facade or something that is genuine?
Be careful what you call yourself. I call myself a Christian and yet I'm a complete jerk to my wife in public. I call myself a Christian and have Christian band stickers all over my truck yet when I'm mad I tear through a parking lot at an unsafe speed. I'm not a Christian - I'm a complete train wreck! I'm a guy that's obsessive compulsive. I'm a guy that has anger issues and doesn't know why. A guy that is so completely undeserving of God's grace but is given it with every breath I take. I'm not perfect and neither are you, but Something much much bigger than our finite human minds could ever comprehend loves us and wants to extend His arms and embrace us. He is perfect in that even His clothes are without any kind of blemish yet He wants to embrace me - a guy covered in his own rotting filth. Why? Why does He love me? Why does He love you? I don't know, but what I do know is this - He does! How hard is it to love Him back?
I am a Christian. One that is also a complete wreck trying to become more like the example given us 2000+ years ago. It is a daily struggle and I do not always win the battles and neither will you. But what is important is that once you give your life to Christ, you are victorious...victorious in that you may not win the day-to-day skirmishes, but the war has already been won so fight on. Fight this WAR!
For me, labels are sort of...well let's just say I don't like them. I did one semester of grad-school studying theology. One of the discussions a professor sparked was "What do you feel your title should be; Reverend, Pastor, Preacher, Rector, etc?" At first I figured it was a set-up in that he would later explain that it didn't matter. The problem was, as it would later reveal its ugly head, would be that title's were in fact important...at least to this schmuck. When it was my turn, I just could not help myself.
"My title should be MOST ILLUSTRIOUS GRAND POTENTATE!"
Did I mention I can be a smart___? Some of the other students actually got it and began laughing realizing that this was really an absurd question and coming from a PhD. "Labels ultimately fail(p.86)." Pastors fail. Reverends fail. MOST ILLUSTRIOUS GRAND POTENTATES...fail. Jesus does not. Never has & never will.
Rob Bell speaks about labels. Particularly using the word Christian as an adjective rather than the noun it should be. You see, the truth is limited when categories are created with words that in fact are not true. Something may be labeled as Christian but in fact not be by any loose sense of the term. "Christian is a great noun and a poor adjective(p.84)."
As a Christian(n.), does your life reflect Christ or is it just a facade? As someone that is searching for truth in that you may not be a Christian, what would you rather see - a facade or something that is genuine?
Be careful what you call yourself. I call myself a Christian and yet I'm a complete jerk to my wife in public. I call myself a Christian and have Christian band stickers all over my truck yet when I'm mad I tear through a parking lot at an unsafe speed. I'm not a Christian - I'm a complete train wreck! I'm a guy that's obsessive compulsive. I'm a guy that has anger issues and doesn't know why. A guy that is so completely undeserving of God's grace but is given it with every breath I take. I'm not perfect and neither are you, but Something much much bigger than our finite human minds could ever comprehend loves us and wants to extend His arms and embrace us. He is perfect in that even His clothes are without any kind of blemish yet He wants to embrace me - a guy covered in his own rotting filth. Why? Why does He love me? Why does He love you? I don't know, but what I do know is this - He does! How hard is it to love Him back?
I am a Christian. One that is also a complete wreck trying to become more like the example given us 2000+ years ago. It is a daily struggle and I do not always win the battles and neither will you. But what is important is that once you give your life to Christ, you are victorious...victorious in that you may not win the day-to-day skirmishes, but the war has already been won so fight on. Fight this WAR!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
A Technical Difficulty
Okay, so maybe the title isn't entirely true. More like operator error. I wanted to offer others the opportunity to subscribe to my blog and used another HTML code to make it happen. Many of you are probably wondering why you subscribed to a craft-type site called Created by Courtney. Well Courtney is my wife and it was her feedblitz HTML code that I copied. Sorry. The new feedblitz for subscribers is mine and you will subscribe to this blog. Again, minor mishap.
Peace-out, yo!
Peace-out, yo!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
To Choose or Not to Choose; That is the question.
"People who don't know anything about God are able to do the right thing on a regular basis. Without having any instructions from God or the Bible, these people are still able from time to time to live as God created us to live. Truth is everywhere, and it is available to everyone(p.78)."
Way back in 4 B.C., a few guys saw something extraordinary in the night sky. What they saw was so incredibly spectacular, they began following it only to end up years later at the feet of a toddler named Jesus. Who were these guys? Why did they come? Did they even know?
The Magi were a group interested in predicting the future via dream interpretation, magic, and other astrology. They, in essence, were the first gentiles (non-Jews or believers) to seek out Christ. Even though they had no concept of who God is, they sought out truth. In previous entries, statements were made regarding reality. In my opinion, God is the ultimate reality. And because we regard reality as something that is true, God is truth. "Truth is everywhere, and it is available to everyone (p.78)." The truth is bigger than any religion.
I am passionate for high-angle rescue. Let's just say I love dangling in the air from a rope. The reason I am comfortable in the air is the same reason why I'm comfortable inside a burning structure; I am confident in the equipment that protects me. The equipment I use has been tested and certified. I know without a doubt that it will do what it says it will do. If your life depended on a piece of hardware or equipment, would you want something that was tested and proven or something that was not tested and it's end results are unknown? Which would you choose? I would speculate that you would choose what has been tested and proven. If it's tested, then it has been certified. It is true to what it says it can do. If it hasn't been tested, the results are a gamble; false.
You see, God has given His creation an option to choose. Consequently, as His creation, we do not have the option not to choose. If we do not choose Truth, we have chosen what is false; a lie.
So what do you choose?
Way back in 4 B.C., a few guys saw something extraordinary in the night sky. What they saw was so incredibly spectacular, they began following it only to end up years later at the feet of a toddler named Jesus. Who were these guys? Why did they come? Did they even know?
The Magi were a group interested in predicting the future via dream interpretation, magic, and other astrology. They, in essence, were the first gentiles (non-Jews or believers) to seek out Christ. Even though they had no concept of who God is, they sought out truth. In previous entries, statements were made regarding reality. In my opinion, God is the ultimate reality. And because we regard reality as something that is true, God is truth. "Truth is everywhere, and it is available to everyone (p.78)." The truth is bigger than any religion.
I am passionate for high-angle rescue. Let's just say I love dangling in the air from a rope. The reason I am comfortable in the air is the same reason why I'm comfortable inside a burning structure; I am confident in the equipment that protects me. The equipment I use has been tested and certified. I know without a doubt that it will do what it says it will do. If your life depended on a piece of hardware or equipment, would you want something that was tested and proven or something that was not tested and it's end results are unknown? Which would you choose? I would speculate that you would choose what has been tested and proven. If it's tested, then it has been certified. It is true to what it says it can do. If it hasn't been tested, the results are a gamble; false.
You see, God has given His creation an option to choose. Consequently, as His creation, we do not have the option not to choose. If we do not choose Truth, we have chosen what is false; a lie.
So what do you choose?
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Are You "Gellin'?"
One of my most favorite sayings when I don't understand something comes from the Dr. Scholls' commercials; "I'm so not gellin'." Chapter 2 of Velvet Elvis deals with yet more questions. One of the most profound is, "With God being so massive and awe-inspiring and full of truth, why is His book capable of so much confusion(p. 45)?" Why can't this book that is supposed to teach us and guide us not be simply black and white? Why must there be so many gray areas? Why is God purposely vague in some of these manuscripts?
Scripture has been used, bent, and manipulated in extreme ways to fit another's personal agenda and not God's ultimate plan. Nazis, cult leaders, televangelists, and racists, for example.
This is why we must learn.
This is why we must study.
This is why we must question.
If we don't, we open our hearts and minds to something that claims to be genuine and later proves itself to be false. There are far too many people in the U.S. that claim to be Christians yet our country is in moral decline. Here are some statistics from the Barna Research Group. You can check it out for yourself at www.barna.org.
Faith Groups
- 8% of US adults classify as evangelicals. (2007)
- 35% of US adults classify as born again, but not evangelical. (2007)
- Atheists and agnostics comprise 10% of adults nationwide. (2007)
- 7% of the US population identify with a faith other than Christianity (2007)
- 69% believe in God when described as the all-powerful, all-knowing, perfect creator of the universe who rules the world today. (2007)
- 8% believe that God is the total realization of personal human potential. (2007)
Now don't get a warm and fuzzy feeling because there are so many 'believers'. See below.
Social Issues
- One third of born again adults (33%) say that abortion is a morally acceptable behavior, compared with 45% of all adults, 4% of evangelicals, and 71% of atheists and agnostics. (2004)
- 30% of all adults consider having a sexual relationship with someone of the same sex a morally acceptable behavior. (2004)
- 14% of Elders, 32% of Boomers, 41% of Busters and 40% of Mosaics consider having a sexual relationship with someone of the same sex a morally acceptable behavior. (2004)
These are Christians? Have they even handled a Bible let alone read it?
Look, if you want to do those things, that's your business. I may not agree with it, but that's my opinion [for whatever it's worth]. I've chosen my path just as you have chosen yours. But these folks that make the claim to be Christians (Christ-followers) are not even following His rules; His instruction. You're either a follower (one that follows the teachings and lifestyle) of Christ or you're not. There's no in-between. If you believe there is, you're only fooling yourself.
Nobody can read a book objectively, not even the Bible. We all have baggage based on our upbringing, experiences, and culture. When we read something, we are carrying all of these thoughts, memories, and quirks that make us unique and come up with our own interpretation of what we read. "The idea that everybody else approaches the Bible with baggage and agendas and lenses and I don't is the ultimate in arrogance. To think that I can just read the Bible without reading any of my own culture or background or issues into it and come out with a "pure" or "exact" meaning is not only untrue, but it leads to a very destructive reading of the Bible that robs it of its life and energy(p. 54)."
Nothing is ever learned until it is put into action. For example, if you read a manual on how to build something, how would you know if you learned anything until you built it? You build that 'thing' based on your interpretation of what the text (instruction) is telling you. There may be many fundamentals that cannot be overlooked, but you can customize it to your own liking. You interpret it. The same applies to Scripture. The "Bible is open-ended; it has to be interpreted. And if it isn't interpreted, then it can't be put into action. So if we are serious about following God, then we have to interpret the Bible. It is not possible to simply do what the Bible says. We must first make decisions about what it means at this time, in this place, for these people(p. 46)." The proper way of interpreting the Bible is called hermeneutics. Hermeneutics, defined, is the art and science of of biblical interpretation. The interpretation is based on the literal, historical, and grammatical context of the passage. Any Bible that is translated from the original Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek is simply a translator's interpretation of what he or she believes the original manuscript is saying. Even our Bible is an interpretation. If you want to know truth, you have to seek it out by way of study and research. If you want to be 'spoon-fed', how would you know if what you're getting is genuine without questioning it? This is especially true of the Internet. It is a double-edged sword of fact as well as fiction so be aware.
So if you're willing to wrestle, argue, and question, "the Bible [will meet you where you are]. That is what truth does(p.64).
Scripture has been used, bent, and manipulated in extreme ways to fit another's personal agenda and not God's ultimate plan. Nazis, cult leaders, televangelists, and racists, for example.
This is why we must learn.
This is why we must study.
This is why we must question.
If we don't, we open our hearts and minds to something that claims to be genuine and later proves itself to be false. There are far too many people in the U.S. that claim to be Christians yet our country is in moral decline. Here are some statistics from the Barna Research Group. You can check it out for yourself at www.barna.org.
Faith Groups
- 8% of US adults classify as evangelicals. (2007)
- 35% of US adults classify as born again, but not evangelical. (2007)
- Atheists and agnostics comprise 10% of adults nationwide. (2007)
- 7% of the US population identify with a faith other than Christianity (2007)
- 69% believe in God when described as the all-powerful, all-knowing, perfect creator of the universe who rules the world today. (2007)
- 8% believe that God is the total realization of personal human potential. (2007)
Now don't get a warm and fuzzy feeling because there are so many 'believers'. See below.
Social Issues
- One third of born again adults (33%) say that abortion is a morally acceptable behavior, compared with 45% of all adults, 4% of evangelicals, and 71% of atheists and agnostics. (2004)
- 30% of all adults consider having a sexual relationship with someone of the same sex a morally acceptable behavior. (2004)
- 14% of Elders, 32% of Boomers, 41% of Busters and 40% of Mosaics consider having a sexual relationship with someone of the same sex a morally acceptable behavior. (2004)
These are Christians? Have they even handled a Bible let alone read it?
Look, if you want to do those things, that's your business. I may not agree with it, but that's my opinion [for whatever it's worth]. I've chosen my path just as you have chosen yours. But these folks that make the claim to be Christians (Christ-followers) are not even following His rules; His instruction. You're either a follower (one that follows the teachings and lifestyle) of Christ or you're not. There's no in-between. If you believe there is, you're only fooling yourself.
Nobody can read a book objectively, not even the Bible. We all have baggage based on our upbringing, experiences, and culture. When we read something, we are carrying all of these thoughts, memories, and quirks that make us unique and come up with our own interpretation of what we read. "The idea that everybody else approaches the Bible with baggage and agendas and lenses and I don't is the ultimate in arrogance. To think that I can just read the Bible without reading any of my own culture or background or issues into it and come out with a "pure" or "exact" meaning is not only untrue, but it leads to a very destructive reading of the Bible that robs it of its life and energy(p. 54)."
Nothing is ever learned until it is put into action. For example, if you read a manual on how to build something, how would you know if you learned anything until you built it? You build that 'thing' based on your interpretation of what the text (instruction) is telling you. There may be many fundamentals that cannot be overlooked, but you can customize it to your own liking. You interpret it. The same applies to Scripture. The "Bible is open-ended; it has to be interpreted. And if it isn't interpreted, then it can't be put into action. So if we are serious about following God, then we have to interpret the Bible. It is not possible to simply do what the Bible says. We must first make decisions about what it means at this time, in this place, for these people(p. 46)." The proper way of interpreting the Bible is called hermeneutics. Hermeneutics, defined, is the art and science of of biblical interpretation. The interpretation is based on the literal, historical, and grammatical context of the passage. Any Bible that is translated from the original Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek is simply a translator's interpretation of what he or she believes the original manuscript is saying. Even our Bible is an interpretation. If you want to know truth, you have to seek it out by way of study and research. If you want to be 'spoon-fed', how would you know if what you're getting is genuine without questioning it? This is especially true of the Internet. It is a double-edged sword of fact as well as fiction so be aware.
So if you're willing to wrestle, argue, and question, "the Bible [will meet you where you are]. That is what truth does(p.64).
Monday, April 7, 2008
Allow me to pose a question...
Have you ever questioned someone in authority simply because you did not understand or agree with their position? If you answered, "yes" then you have probably been chastised, ridiculed, yelled at, etc. For some reason, authority figures do not want to be questioned. Why? Do they feel threatened? inadequate? vulnerable? perhaps even weak?
Growing up in and mostly out of the church environment, I was never taught to question authority. Especially those in spiritual authority [whatever that is]. When someone would ask me a question about why I believed what I believed concerning God, my only answer was "because that's how I was raised." I was a Christian that went to a hybrid baptist/pentecostal church because that's where my parents went. I never knew why and I would be so bold to say that neither did they.
School has never been very difficult for me; you find the answer in the material and memorize it for a test. Pretty simple. When I began seminary, the answers to the questions my professors were asking could not be found in any book. This was a very difficult position for me to be in. For the first time in my life, I began to question. I questioned why I considered myself a southern baptist. I questioned why I believed women should not be pastors. I questioned my professors on ethics and philosophies of the church. I too faced opposition...especially in the classroom.
But the most glorious part of all these questions was that the Bible I had been reading for the better part of 15 years opened itself up to me in a way I cannot even describe. I literally saw Scripture for what it really was and not some subjective view that had been burned into my mind. I met God. A God that for whatever reason loves a mud ball like me.
This entry deals with chapter 1 of Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell. Rob states, "And this is why questions are so central to faith. A question by its very nature acknowledges that the person asking the question does not have all of the answers. And because the person does not have all the answers, they are looking outside of themselves for guidance(p.31)."
Maybe that is why some authority figures get upset when we question. They themselves refuse to question because they view it as a sign of weakness. This could not be any more false. Great leaders surround themselves with those that are smarter than they are within their given talents and fields.
Questions bring freedom. Why? Because if we become comfortable asking the "why" questions, we better understand that we don't have it all together ourselves. I have much to share. However, I will always have twice as much to learn. We should always remain teachable. "When everything gets answered, it's fake. The mystery is the truth (p. 33)."
Growing up in and mostly out of the church environment, I was never taught to question authority. Especially those in spiritual authority [whatever that is]. When someone would ask me a question about why I believed what I believed concerning God, my only answer was "because that's how I was raised." I was a Christian that went to a hybrid baptist/pentecostal church because that's where my parents went. I never knew why and I would be so bold to say that neither did they.
School has never been very difficult for me; you find the answer in the material and memorize it for a test. Pretty simple. When I began seminary, the answers to the questions my professors were asking could not be found in any book. This was a very difficult position for me to be in. For the first time in my life, I began to question. I questioned why I considered myself a southern baptist. I questioned why I believed women should not be pastors. I questioned my professors on ethics and philosophies of the church. I too faced opposition...especially in the classroom.
But the most glorious part of all these questions was that the Bible I had been reading for the better part of 15 years opened itself up to me in a way I cannot even describe. I literally saw Scripture for what it really was and not some subjective view that had been burned into my mind. I met God. A God that for whatever reason loves a mud ball like me.
This entry deals with chapter 1 of Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell. Rob states, "And this is why questions are so central to faith. A question by its very nature acknowledges that the person asking the question does not have all of the answers. And because the person does not have all the answers, they are looking outside of themselves for guidance(p.31)."
Maybe that is why some authority figures get upset when we question. They themselves refuse to question because they view it as a sign of weakness. This could not be any more false. Great leaders surround themselves with those that are smarter than they are within their given talents and fields.
Questions bring freedom. Why? Because if we become comfortable asking the "why" questions, we better understand that we don't have it all together ourselves. I have much to share. However, I will always have twice as much to learn. We should always remain teachable. "When everything gets answered, it's fake. The mystery is the truth (p. 33)."
Welcome
Welcome to Religion's Foe. The purpose of this blog is to share insights with others in intelligent discussion regarding Christ's intentions with [our] reality. It is my goal that those who visit will:
-review
-investigate
-question
-share
their thoughts and insights based on the various posts. This is a neutral sight where questions are encouraged and beliefs shared via debate. Again, this is a sight for intelligent discussion. With the rules laid out, let the games BEGIN!
-review
-investigate
-question
-share
their thoughts and insights based on the various posts. This is a neutral sight where questions are encouraged and beliefs shared via debate. Again, this is a sight for intelligent discussion. With the rules laid out, let the games BEGIN!
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