The question on the table is this, “What, exactly, is authority orientation?” The term “authority orientation” is a theological one used to describe a person’s willingness to orient to God-ordained authority. Can this type of orientation be perverted, where a person claims it’s one way but the truth, in God’s eyes, is another? Of course, hence the […]
What, Exactly, Is Authority-Orientation? Read More »
For over a decade, the Spirit’s been teaching my congregation the value of “seeing it all as truth,” as I like to say, which is a summary phrase derived from Paul’s words in the Book of Ephesians. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. —
How to Digest Social Injustice Read More »
OUTLINE: Competition When the Flesh Is Involved– If you “win”: you become puffed up & arrogant– If you “lose”: you become downtrodden & depressed– REALITY: you LOSE in BOTH cases! God is not a respecter of persons! “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial”One of our greatest tests is remaining humble (keeping the flesh from dominating
Part 61 – The Lord Is Our Confidence Read More »
Have you ever lit a firecracker with a really short wick? I remember being a kid and somehow gaining access to fireworks (usually just the small stuff, either firecrackers or bottle rockets, with an occasional Roman candle). My cousins and I were essentially menaces when we were young. Being equipped with explosives, even small ones,
Short-Wicked Firecrackers Read More »
Since the Fall in the Garden, man has inveterately tested God’s patience. This habit is clearly illustrated in the microcosm of the household, where children test their parents’ patience via disobedience. Eventually, the children suffer the consequences (assuming the parents are active and upholding their duties). I place specific emphasis on the word eventually here because, with
But They’re a Good Person! Read More »
OUTLINE: Conscience“conscience” = con + science = with + knowledge; means to know oneself; a person’s good conscience is based on data; it is not the source of data; rather, it is especially equipped to judge right from wrong. “it is not even able to do so”The human flesh is totally depraved, incapable of performing
Part 22 – The Deceitfulness of Sin Read More »
I struggle with anger sometimes. I’m a pastor. I ought to know better. But a man’s heart is a man’s heart, right? I cannot suppose I am able to control it, modify it, or play pretend with it. Only God can change it, and He has. And yet, here I am, struggling… Struggling with what,
My Struggle With Disdain Read More »
“If you tell me to do something, I won’t want to do it all the more. Don’t ever tell me what to do! I will make my own decisions, thank you very much!” Have you ever had a discussion with someone that ended like this? I have. People with so-called “strong wills” are famous for
Awaken the Sleeping Giant Read More »
In high school I was nominated for six superlatives. I remember saying to myself, “Wow, that’s more than anyone else in the class!” I was pretty happy with myself at the time. I mean, who wouldn’t be? You might be asking, “How do you even remember such things?” My answer is simple. Back then, such
The referee’s open palm slammed onto the rubber mat and the hushed crowd erupted in thunderous applause. The wrestler in the blue uniform (let’s call him the “blue wrestler”) had finally pinned his opponent after a long fought, agonizing match. The audience rooting for the young man in the red uniform (the “red wrestler”) was
The Strangest Wrestling Match Ever! Read More »