Even within Christian churches that look fairly homogeneous doctrinally-speaking, we can find diverse attitudes. For example, there are currents of more liberal or fundamentalist approaches to religious practice. One such current that can be problematic within churches is self-rightness. I don’t mean the arrogant presumption that one is perfect. I mean the tendency to let “righteousness” become an idol. It’s an easy trap for any of us to fall into so we need to examine our motives … [Read more...] about The Purpose of Righteousness
Obstacles
Confidence, Esteem and Self-Image
How a person envisions or defines himself is one of the most influential facets of a person's world view and his place in it. This image is intertwined with his confidence which enables him to face adversity, meet challenges, and focus on threats unfettered by the shackles of fear. If one does not have a proper image or vision of his place in life, his confidence suffers along with his ability to cope with life. The result is fear or anxiety. People can become more depressive or aggressive … [Read more...] about Confidence, Esteem and Self-Image
Judgment on the Nations
When people remove God from the equation of life, Satan will fill the vacuum. If God is backed out of the picture, then Satan’s attitude is allowed to move in and become a little more dominant. When people in positions of leadership in this world back God out of the picture, the space is filled with self-determination. The emphasis comes back on man. When self-determination becomes the dominant factor, pride very quickly rises to the surface. The word pride here simply means exaltation, to … [Read more...] about Judgment on the Nations
Willing or Willful?
In his book written in 1637, entitled Discourse on the Method, René Descartes published a phrase in Latin that became one of the central tenets or teachings of Western philosophy. That phrase in Latin is cogito ergo sum. In English it is: I think, therefore I am. The main theme of the book addresses skepticism, a philosophical school of thought that questioned whether knowing something was “for sure” is possible. Everything is relative. Descartes refused to accept the authority of previous … [Read more...] about Willing or Willful?
There is a Generation. . .
We are shown four things in scripture that God considers to be incredibly important at any point in time. The four characteristics in Proverbs 30 are referenced by the phrase "there is a generation”. The Hebrew does not identify a particular generation. This generation can exist at any point in time as can the characteristics that are listed. We will see that each one provokes separation from God, as Satan works his work to separate man from God. The first point: “There is a … [Read more...] about There is a Generation. . .
Horses Show How to Be at Rest with God
There is a technique in horse breaking, or horse gentling called "joining up". It illuminates God’s nature and shows us how we can obtain rest through an intimate relationship with God. Horses are special creatures to some of us; they are terrifying to others. They are big and magnificent. Imagine you’ve been given the responsibility to get a green horse, unbroken or an inexperienced animal loaded onto a trailer. The horse rears back and snaps its halter. … [Read more...] about Horses Show How to Be at Rest with God
Taking God Seriously
Ancient Israel experiences in the 40 years of wilderness wanderings can be a good mirror for us. Their example reveals many aspects of our nature: “Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was … [Read more...] about Taking God Seriously