The internet is a strange place. Filled with all sorts of information, it's possible to get lost for days in the vast chasm of witty memes, Instagram food photos, and stark news articles proclaiming the fall of western civilization. In this chaotic landscape of data all is not what it seems, and we can easily grow dubious. âIs that really an epically muscular guy picking up a car?â âDid she actually cook a meal using nothing but a matchstick, a cotton swab, and a tin can?â We all know … [Read more...] about Conquering Doubt with Discernment
Church
Expressions of Tribalism
It is difficult to escape the feeling that our world is becoming more divided by the day. For example, we are hearing more about political identity. While it has been quite customary to identify with some political party in terms of general policy, the term has now developed a sharper edge. Amy Chua writing in The Guardian newspaper notes: âWhen groups feel threatened, they retreat into tribalism. When groups feel mistreated and disrespected, they close ranks and become more insular, more … [Read more...] about Expressions of Tribalism
Our Brotherâs Keeper
The Day of Atonement focuses on removing Satanâs influence, covering sin and restoring a relationship between the Father and mankind, ultimately reaching out to the entire creation. Have we stopped to consider what our role is in this restorative process? Exodus 32 tells the familiar story of Israelâs rebellion, worship of the golden calf, and Godâs anger. But letâs look closely at the reaction of Moses, after God states His intention to destroy the Israelites and offers to make an entire … [Read more...] about Our Brotherâs Keeper
Why Canât Man Govern Himself?
The Creator gave humanity a fantastic opportunity and a perfect environment after Satan's rebellious war had caused the earth to become without form and void. Satan, as Heylel, had rejected Godâs government and chaos and confusion was the result (Genesis 1:2). As God considered the creation of man in His image, He moved to clean up the earth to provide a âvery goodâ environment for man to live in. âYou sent forth Your Spirit, they are created; and You renew the face of the earthâ (Psalm … [Read more...] about Why Canât Man Govern Himself?
What is a Church?
What is a church? This seems like a simple enough question. A dictionary definition says it is a building used for public Christian worship. This is the traditional church on the corner concept. For most people, the concept of what a church is would be drawn from the culture they experienced growing up. For all of us our childhood experience as well as the media and pop culture play into the formation of our impressions. A little more obscure, but a powerful influence would be what people want … [Read more...] about What is a Church?
The Fullness of the Father
In his letter to the âsaints and faithful brethren in Christ in Colossae,â the apostle Paul expressed many thought-provoking comments about Christâs role as the head of the Church. For Paul, the Church and Christ were one and the same. âHe is the head of the body, the Church âŚ" (Colossians 1:18). It is through Christ that a person can be brought into a relationship with the Father â a state of being reconciled. This reconciliation of humans to the spiritual Father produces what we know as the … [Read more...] about The Fullness of the Father
Psalm 133: The Dew of Hermon
Recently we discussed the concept of vertical unity. This is not a new or unique concept, but a way to picture the unity that flows from the Father, through His Son, and into the body. As each member of the body seeks to unify him or herself with God, that unity then allows the aligning of each member in relation to other members. As the Apostle John pointed out, âHe who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk just as He walkedâ (1 John 2:6). Unity is established vertically and is then … [Read more...] about Psalm 133: The Dew of Hermon