Eternal Approach

When choosing to observe Lent, Christians exhibit a very popular, Chinese-buffet mentality — which is to cherry-pick their favorite traditions from various religious systems. Giving very little thought to the spiritual wickedness that often follows such practices. 

Lent is merely one small facet of the Catholic system of rituals and sacraments that must be followed in order for the faithful Catholic to gain forgiveness of sins and merit the joys of heaven.

Most people think that Catholicism offers some guarantee of heaven. But this is not really the case — even for the faithful Catholic. Because, when a Catholic dies, he must still face the punishments of Purgatory.

All because of sins that have not been forgiven in this life.

Continue reading “What is “Lent” Anyway?: Part 2 – The Religious-Traditions Buffet” →

The contrast between the popular culture and Evangelicalism is interesting.

On the one hand, popular culture continues to polarize between Leftism and Conservatism. With people very vocal on both sides.

Meanwhile, in the Evangelical culture, there is this trend toward more and more fuzziness on truth. With many leaders carefully avoiding clarity at all cost.

Leaving the average guy in the pews wondering why the church’s grasp on biblical truth is slipping away.

While he watches everything in the church changing around him.
Continue reading “Seeking Clarity: Part 2 – A False Sense of Biblical Soundness” →

These compromises within Evangelicalism and Fundamentalism are caused by our misunderstanding of the vast difference between the works of God and the works of the Christian.

We have too much confidence in the value of our own efforts. Christians tend to believe that their devotion, sincerity, depth of good intent, and dedicated will are what the Lord is seeking from them.

Many an altar-call for missionaries has led to sincere believers launching out into the deep on the strength of their own emotion and devotion. Only to find themselves in misery after the novelty of being in the field wears off. Wondering if they were truly called of God after all.

This is a common problem in many areas of full-time Christian ministry. Where the emotion of the moment has influenced a life-changing decision. As opposed to a true calling of God.

And it is a common experience of most believers to daily re-dedicate their wills and desires to better behavior and better works. All based upon their assessment of the previous day’s spiritual successes or failures.

But, is this truly the way that the Lord produces His works in us?

Continue reading “Works Confusion: Part 2 – The Lord’s Way of Change” →

Much of the confusion and compromise that plagues the church is fueled by a misunderstanding of the place that good works have in a believer’s life.

The Evangelical landscape is entangled with confused teaching ranging from eternal insecurity, sinless perfectionism, the second work of grace, being baptized in the Spirit, and the need for outward manifestations to confirm one’s salvation.

Each of these teachings are as destructive as a foolish landscaper who plants a tree on one day and then digs it up the next. Never being certain if the roots have taken hold. Never certain if the tree is going to grow.

Who eventually kills the tree he planted.

Continue reading “Good Works Confusion” →

As we look forward into this new year, perhaps the one thing we have gained in our culture right now is clarity.

Yes, I know that sounds a bit crazy; but what I mean is that we are now able to see more clearly where people stand than in the past.

Because, people are more outspoken these days. Leaving no question about what they think. Even if what they think is outrageous or crazy, at least many are crystal clear in expressing their positions.

And there is actually some value in that.

Continue reading “Clarity in the New Year” →

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” (Romans 10:17)

There is a dangerous current of unbelief that flows beneath the surface of our churches.

Specifically, questioning the straight-forward words that God has said. Which are the specific written words God has preserved in the scriptures.

Continue reading “Faith is Based Upon Specific Words” →

There is much talk these days among Christian leaders regarding the “wideness of God’s mercy”.

This thinking flows from a trend in teaching and preaching that muddies the waters of the gospel by changing God’s requirements for salvation.

According to this thinking, one is able to worship and believe just about anything and still have a pretty good chance to make it to the “pearly gates”. As if God doesn’t really care what you believe doctrinally or what you think spiritually; but only what the condition of your heart is.

Which is a very slippery slope — a silicon-coated slide covered with grease.

Continue reading “The Principle of Progressive Light” →