I first heard this word used by Gene Edwards in his 1984 book, “Letters to a Devastated Christian”. For those millennials who are rejecting “organized” church, I might recommend it. It’s not that I believe everything Edward’s states (he had his own church wounds he was dealing with), but it’s a perspective that you might want to “chew on”. It seems particularly relevant in a social media age where every grievance, disappointment, and accusation of abuse finds its way instantly in a chat space.
Inner Tension
“For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?”
Romans 7:22-24 NASB
“knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin.”
Romans 6:6-7 NKJV
There is a tension of both doctrine and practice which confuses and potentially deceives believers. It swirls around the question of, “Just how free from sin can a believer actually live?” The above two Scripture passages illustrate this tension. As human beings we understand all too well the inclination to sin. It is doctrinal truth 101. We are born dead in our trespasses and sin. We are radically stained by Adam’s fall.
Review of “Letter to the American Church”
I finished reading Eric Metaxas’ latest book, “Letter to the American Church”. It was, in general, a good and solid introduction on what happens when the Church corporately and pastors specifically disengage with civic governments. Since all governments are compromised at least in part by unregenerate people with darkened hearts, the participation of God’s ministers and people as the conscience of the state is critical. Metaxas uses as a springboard the biographies of Luther and Bonhoeffer to make the point that pastoral engagement is the key to righteous confrontation of civil authority.
Christian Goofiness
I’m sitting in a great pastors and first responders appreciation meeting. Really good event…
But there is one person in the room who feels like this is the moment to do an interpretive dance during our short worship moment…
How to Choose a Civic Leader
It’s midterm election season and we are again presented with the challenge as to who to choose to represent us in various elected offices. For the Christian this is particularly relevant as the practice of earthly citizenship is one of the ways we “salt and light” the culture. Again, as redundant as it seems for me to say it, I do not put my hope nor my trust in any human being or earthly institution. My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I say it to simply appease the compartmentalists and pietists who minimize or disconnect from the need of participation in civic matters. The Scripture seems clear to me that,
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