When I began this blog I thought I was being guided by the Spirit to write for God, to help further the Kingdom. I'd hoped to clarify some biblical misunderstandings. I thought, like a naive student, that God would therefore promote it.
Noble aspirations not withstanding, He hasn't helped, and neither has my family.
If they don't care, I'm starting to wonder why I bother. So this is a test of my faith; to push on despite neglect, to see if this is part of Gods will for me after all, according to Colossians 1:29 'I labor for this, striving with His strength that works powerfully in me.'
The Parable of the 10 Minas in Luke 19:11-27 revealed itself to me not long ago; I saw it and understood it really for the first time. In the parable, Jesus is the nobleman and we are the slaves. The minas represent the light or gifts He has given each of us according to His own measure. Now, the slaves who invested what He had given, represent believers who share the light He provides, basically multiplying that light of salvation. The slave who hid his mina is the believer who doesn't share his light--that is, the good news of the gospel. He represents those of us (like me, I often feel) who make a poor showing of their discipleship. Many are saved, but few go out and share their light with the world. In the parable, Jesus is asking 'What have you done with the light I gave you?'
What have we done with it? Have we kept it hidden under a bushel. making our salvation unfruitful? Matthew 5:15 commands us to 'Let your light so shine before men that they glorify God!'
Coinciding with this theme is the passage in 2 Peter 1:5-9. Supplementing our faith with goodness, knowledge, self-control, love, etc, so that we not become unfruitful or useless in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.'
I am guilty of this sin of salvation-neglect. At times I am filled with righteous boldness and break free of this wicked nature. Despite these wondrous moments, nothing changes. As far as I know God does not bless them. I am not strong like Job. I am not wise as Peter. I am the least of His disciples. I know hatred and hold resentment within. In neglecting the world and seeking God, I have learned solitude and have grown numb. I no longer even care enough to refrain from embracing the truth.
I have become sufficiently knowledgeable to know that I have much to learn and that the world is sadly lacking in Jesus-educated teachers. In striving to become one, I make myself a fool for Christ. Still, I'd rather be a fool for Christ than a dupe for Satan.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
A Pure and Undefiled Religion
Praise God! Let us celebrate our Maker!
During my daily Bible reading recently, God has been graciously showing me select passages highlighting methods for activating a pure and undefiled religion, simple ways to live among our fellow humans--believers and atheists alike.
It is refreshing to find such simple, elegant religious pointers in the Bible, especially in an age where religion has become progressively more complex and convoluted, what with all the political correctness and false teachings going on in the church. (Political correctness is fine and all, but Biblical correctness should take preference over mere human opinions; after all, Jesus Christ himself was not political correct.)
You'll find the inspirational verses in the following places: Philippians 2:4, Psalms 133:1, Hebrews 10:24, and James 1:27. These passages are beacons! Simple and useful guidelines on how to activate our 'religion' and serve God, by considering others as just as important as ourselves (GASP!) and then acting on this wild new perspective.
If Christ humbled Himself and lived as if others were just as important as He was (and let's be honest, our Savior was surrounded by thieves, liars, backstabbers, cowards and prideful heathen who were most definitely NOT as important as He), then there is no reason or excuse under heaven why we should not follow His example.
It's time to simplify our faith, people. Let us get back to the Bible. Let us return to a pure religion founded on the Word of God, and on that alone. Amen!
During my daily Bible reading recently, God has been graciously showing me select passages highlighting methods for activating a pure and undefiled religion, simple ways to live among our fellow humans--believers and atheists alike.
It is refreshing to find such simple, elegant religious pointers in the Bible, especially in an age where religion has become progressively more complex and convoluted, what with all the political correctness and false teachings going on in the church. (Political correctness is fine and all, but Biblical correctness should take preference over mere human opinions; after all, Jesus Christ himself was not political correct.)
You'll find the inspirational verses in the following places: Philippians 2:4, Psalms 133:1, Hebrews 10:24, and James 1:27. These passages are beacons! Simple and useful guidelines on how to activate our 'religion' and serve God, by considering others as just as important as ourselves (GASP!) and then acting on this wild new perspective.
If Christ humbled Himself and lived as if others were just as important as He was (and let's be honest, our Savior was surrounded by thieves, liars, backstabbers, cowards and prideful heathen who were most definitely NOT as important as He), then there is no reason or excuse under heaven why we should not follow His example.
It's time to simplify our faith, people. Let us get back to the Bible. Let us return to a pure religion founded on the Word of God, and on that alone. Amen!
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