At the level of human existence, we all crave more unity. We would like to see our nations, our local communities and particularly our churches and families more united. Through Christ, we are joined to the Father. Unfortunately, we live in an environment where some particularly key factors are not united, not âjoined as a wholeâ. As followers of Christ, we have been drawn out of the world and our position regarding unity is decidedly different than the common ideas about unity which … [Read more...] about Godly Unity in The Human Realm
Unity
Our Old Man
In assessing the many aspects of the body of Christ, the thing that stands out to me is that we have a personal responsibility to the body. We cannot sidestep that. We could summarize that responsibility as: âBut the manifestation of the Spirit (or the fruit or the expression of the Spirit) is given to each one for the profit of all:â (1 Corinthians 12:7). To be able to express the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), obviously one must first have it. This is where our individual … [Read more...] about Our Old Man
What is Your Motivator?
There is a poignant proverb most know well: âThe road to hell is paved with good intentions.â A common meaning of this proverb is that an individual may have the intention to undertake good actions but nevertheless fail to act. This inaction may be due to procrastination, laziness, or other subversive vices. As such, the saying is an admonishment that a good intention is meaningless unless acted upon. Another interpretation of the saying is that wrongdoings or evil … [Read more...] about What is Your Motivator?
Social Justice vs Biblical Justice
In recent years we hear of a growing concern about "social justice." What is meant by that phrase, however, varies widely among those who use and promote it. Dr. Voddie Baucham began as a Baptist pastor in Texas and is now serving as Dean of the School of the Divinity at African Christian University in Lusaka, Zambia. This diversity allows him to address the topic of social justice from âwithinâ and from âwithout.â What is too often missing - even in the calls for "social justice" coming … [Read more...] about Social Justice vs Biblical Justice
Unity in the Church
What is Church unity and where does it come from? Having been drawn out of the world, as followers of Christ our position regarding unity is decidedly different than the common ideas about unity which surround us. There are two important aspects of unity of which we need to be mindful: our calling and our baptism. The Apostle Paul emphasized these factors when he wrote a letter to the Church in Ephesus. Paulâs message conveys, among other important teachings, the fact that God provides both … [Read more...] about Unity in the Church
The Value of Scripture
Recently we have been trying to provide a balanced view towards the things that are happening in the world and all of the commentary that goes along with that. And the need to be looking into the word of God a great deal more than perhaps we have been doing. The words that proceed from the mouth of God are critically important; they are not abstract. Notice in Deuteronomy 30: âFor this commandment which I command you today is not too mysterious for you, nor is it far off. It is not in … [Read more...] about The Value of Scripture
Relationships within the Body of Christ
How important are relationships within the Body of Christ? This question is prompted by the state of affairs in what we broadly refer to as âthe world.â The world is a generic term for planet earth and all life on it, including human civilization. We use it generally to address our environment. Currently, much press is devoted to the subject of the rise of nationalism. Remember how globalization once held out the carrot of the world coming together in one big homogenization of nations and … [Read more...] about Relationships within the Body of Christ