Since the beginning of time, there have been many man-devised idols of bizarre appearance. Men have bowed down to the ground before carved stones, wood or even photographs. Man has indeed created many gods, and lords. However, the ideas that mankind have labeled "God" fall far short of the God of the Bible. This God is dynamically alive. He does not allow mankind to decide who He is, what Heās like or how He is to be worshipped. The Creator God of the Bible has distinct characteristics and a … [Read more...] about God’s Image
Teachings
Misunderstood Authority?
The subject of authority is a difficult one because of the many negative applications we see around us. Itās primary association with power, clashes with the natural human desire for autonomy. In our present day, the subject of authority is often confused with authoritarianism and the abuse of power, which creates a negative perception. Authority is a vital ingredient for godly living, and it is therefore important for us to be clear minded about what it is and what it is not. … [Read more...] about Misunderstood Authority?
Jacobās Trouble
Jacob was the son of Isaac and grandson of Abraham. After God changed Jacobās name to Israel, the descendants of Jacobās 12 sons became the biblical nation of ancient Israel. God made specific promises to the people of Israel in terms of their behavior: Blessings for obedience, but if Israel failed to obey God, then the status of power and wealth God promised to bless them with would be removed. In Deuteronomy there is a beautiful description of what God promised He would do for … [Read more...] about Jacobās Trouble
Adjusting Our Focus
All around us the world is coming unraveled. Many elements of our society believe right is wrong and wrong is right. Morality of any form is out the door as a basis for all our institutions. Our economies have been pushed into the worst recession in a generation, with our government convinced that they can spend their way out of debt. Food supply disruptions causing shortages could result in millions of deaths this year alone in the poorest of countries. It is easy for … [Read more...] about Adjusting Our Focus
The True Nature of God’s Governance
As followers of Christ, we need to understand the true nature of God's governance within the God Family and to practice it correctly. We also need to define and develop an understanding of how God intends His 'shepherds' to nurture and feed Christās flock in accord with the spiritual nature of governance (1 Peter 5:1ā4). The Apostle Peter, to whom Jesus said, ātend and feed my sheep,ā teaches us to clothe ourselves with humility toward one another (1 Peter 5:5). Peterās instruction reminds us … [Read more...] about The True Nature of God’s Governance
The Purpose of the Church
Humanity has lost the story that connects us all. There is a lot of noise, but no context to give life meaning. So, we drift through life without a true meaningful purpose ā a story that connects us to something bigger than we are. Aristotle observed, āWhen the storytelling in a culture goes bad, the result is decadence.ā We see all around us the result of the collapse of mankindās story. We have tried to replace it with small, narcissistic stories that have no lasting impact. It has turned us … [Read more...] about The Purpose of the Church
The Government of God
The Kingdom of God is ruled solely by the government of God and has a direct bearing on the developing Plan of Salvation for mankind. Due to the rejection of the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden, man took to himself the right to decide what was right and what was wrong. This has led to the development of erroneous perspectives on government and the use of authority, along with many other aspects of life. Human nature does not want to submit to Godās authority, so wrong concepts of government … [Read more...] about The Government of God