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 donāt mean the arrogant presumption that one is perfect. I mean the tendency to let ārighteousnessā become an idol. Itās an easy trap for any of us to fall into so we need to examine our motives … [Read more...] about The Purpose of Righteousness
Thinking Like God
Godly Respect
While a large majority of people would agree that respect is a crucial factor in society, the lack of respect ā disrespect ā continues to increase in the world around us. Two areas of society where disrespect is most witnessed are education and politics. But disrespect permeates all areas of society, not only in the U.S., but around the globe. Personal relationships are severed by divisive arguments instead of healed through respectful discussions. Interestingly, God's way to … [Read more...] about Godly Respect
A Spirit of Truth
What makes God's truth so powerful? In the Scriptures, God refers to Himself as the God of truth. Also, Christ says that He is the way...and the truth. And likewise, Godās Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of truth! But what can the truth do for us? āThen Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, 'If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free,ā' (John 8:31-32). Godās truth can set us freeāif we continue steadfastly in … [Read more...] about A Spirit of Truth
Training to Be Leaders
The early 1900ās was a heroic age of exploration. Limits were pushed on all fronts and among these was the British Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition led by Ernest Shackleton. From 1914 to 1916, the expedition was to cross Antarctica. They had priorities and a sense of urgency. Shackleton chose his team of twenty-seven officers, scientists, and seamen carefully, not hiding the danger, nor the glory if successful. After the Endurance was destroyed by winterās ice in the Weddell Sea, … [Read more...] about Training to Be Leaders
Self-Examination: Are We in the Faith
We are subjected to all kinds of tests throughout our lifetime. Some are routine, but others are unavoidable, deeply personal tests: peer pressure, emotional suffering, financial upheaval, and temptation. With a fear of failure, we usually donāt consider these as positive experiences. However, with good preparation we can face self-examination confidently. āTest yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is … [Read more...] about Self-Examination: Are We in the Faith
Are You Listening?
How many times have we thought in our minds, āWhy doesnāt God just tell me what to do?ā If Heās not verbally communicating with us, how do we hear His voice? Sometimes God literally directs our physical path. āIn all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.ā (Proverbs 3:6). When we ask for an answer from God it must be according to His principles. For Godās Spirit to work in us, we have to have the right attitude and live according to Godās way. Looking and listening for … [Read more...] about Are You Listening?
The Years Ahead
In the coming years, the members of Godās Church will face increasing pressure against maintaining a firm position on Godās truth. It will be a year of challenge and change. The change will be all around us and the challenge will be āholding fast.ā We will have reason to be very mindful of the Apostle Paulās admonition to āWatch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strongā (1 Corinthians 16:13). We are not making predictions, but simply trying to watch. Watchfulness is a spiritual condition … [Read more...] about The Years Ahead