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 donât mean the arrogant presumption that one is perfect. I mean the tendency to let ârighteousnessâ become an idol. Itâs an easy trap for any of us to fall into so we need to examine our motives … [Read more...] about The Purpose of Righteousness
Character
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 Christâs flock in accord with the spiritual nature of governance (1 Peter 5:1â4). The Apostle Peter, to whom Jesus said, âtend and feed my sheep,â teaches us to clothe ourselves with humility toward one another (1 Peter 5:5). Peterâs instruction reminds us … [Read more...] about The True Nature of God’s Governance
The Knowledge of âGoodâ
We live in an environment of rapidly changing standards. One such standard is the mental conditioning that has changed what is considered âgoodâ. In our vocabulary, good is a positive quality having positive or desirable qualities, in excellent condition, superior to average, satisfactory. All these things qualify âgoodâ as we understand it. The Pew Research Center, a very noted research center, released some information on Facts About Love and Marriage in America: The … [Read more...] about The Knowledge of âGoodâ
Single-Mindedness – A Key to Handling Trials
Some often feel that when a tragedy strikes that the people involved are the worse sinners on the planet. However, the bible teaches that time and chance can happen to us all. âThere were present at that season some who told [Jesus] about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answered and said to them, âDo you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you … [Read more...] about Single-Mindedness – A Key to Handling Trials
Horses Show How to Be at Rest with God
There is a technique in horse breaking, or horse gentling called "joining up". It illuminates Godâs 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 youâve 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
Overcome Evil With Good
Lifeâs difficulties, as many have experienced, arise from various possible angles. Sometimes we cause our own difficulties through poor decisions. However, trials also come through other people. Not necessarily from something we did to deserve it. But, wham! We get hit hard because of what somebody else does to us, often because their way of life is in opposition to ours. It becomes a tangled web, a path of carnage. People get caught in the middle and have profound effects on … [Read more...] about Overcome Evil With Good
The Master Potter
The Hebrew word for clay is âchomerâ which means as bubbling up. That is of water, a wave, of earth, mire, or clay, like cement or mortar. Moses wrote that God formed man out of the dust of the ground (Genesis 2.7) The Hebrew word for dust means clay, earth, mud, ashes, dust, ground, mortar, powder and, rubbish. Water is a factor since mud consists of water and clay. So even after God breathed life into Adam, he was and we are today, just living dirt and water. In Isaiah 64: 8 God … [Read more...] about The Master Potter