Month: January 2013 (Page 1 of 2)

Progress or Regress?

January 31, 2013 / admin

We have made incredible progress is the dissemination of information.

But it seems we have experienced sad regress in the dissemination of life.

Because of electronic and technological advancements we are able to pass information at speeds and with ease unimaginable even just a few years ago.

Those same means however seem to have served, not to connect us more deeply, but to isolate us more thoroughly.

We can get data out in a flash. But it seems we can barely look another human being in the eye and have a meaningful conversation.

As a people called not to the dissemination of information, but to the transference of life, I think we have to ask: Have we helped or hindered the progress of the Great Commission of Jesus?

Be at Rest!

January 30, 2013 / admin

“… having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.” (Colossians 2:14)

“The record of your sins has been erased, removed, and crucified–be at rest!” (Colossians and Philemon for Pastors, p.199)

Knowing God

January 19, 2013 / admin

“There is no faithfulness or steadfast love, and no knowledge of God in the land … Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord.” (Hosea 4:1b; 6:3a)

“An unknown God can neither be trusted, served, nor worshipped.” (A.W. Pink, The Attributes of God, p.7)

Real Change

January 15, 2013 / admin

“Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2)

“Paul sets heavenly realities (“the things above”) in contrast to earthly realities (“the things that are on the earth”). In doing so he tells us that reality upon earth is defined by the reality of heaven, not the other way around. Spiritual truth defines tangible reality. We are on dangerous ground when we weigh spiritual matters by what appears to be the fact based on limited, earthly evidence. He who sees only the earthly sees only partial reality; he misses the most vital pieces of evidence for interpreting reality in its fullness … The ‘things that are on earth’ only change when we leverage our minds in faith against ‘the things above.'” (Colossians and Philemon for Pastors, p.233)

The Essence of Spiritual Life

January 10, 2013 / admin

“Does Christ dwell gloriously within the temple of your body, manifesting himself upon the altar of your heart through the sacrifice of your obedience?” (Pathways to Peace, p.83)