The last five days I have not written here. There are several reasons for that. Primary, is that I am still processing what I have been sharing about doubt. This is not something that I have completely sorted out either in my understanding of the text or in application to my life. I am very much a work in progress in this, as, I suppose, you are.
That said, there have been some events and Scripture (not in order of importance) that have validated some of the things I have been processing in the past few days.
Recently my wife and I went to a small group meeting at a church we have been visiting. I shared earlier that in the country from which I recently returned, the people said that they were unable to apply the Scripture because the culture oppressed Christianity. I heard essentially the same objection in so many words at that recent small group meeting. It validates my sense that regardless of where we live, what pressures our culture brings to bear on our faith, we will be likely to use that cultural reality to justify our disobedience.
As a counterpoint to that look at these passages:
What validates that certainty? Not a coronation. Not the installation of a leader. Not an election result. Not the swearing of an oath of office.
A resurrection.
That event has radical implications for us a believers. We will examine some of those implications
tomorrow.
Recently my wife and I went to a small group meeting at a church we have been visiting. I shared earlier that in the country from which I recently returned, the people said that they were unable to apply the Scripture because the culture oppressed Christianity. I heard essentially the same objection in so many words at that recent small group meeting. It validates my sense that regardless of where we live, what pressures our culture brings to bear on our faith, we will be likely to use that cultural reality to justify our disobedience.
As a counterpoint to that look at these passages:
- 1 Corinthians 15:12 – 28
- Romans 6:2 – 11
What validates that certainty? Not a coronation. Not the installation of a leader. Not an election result. Not the swearing of an oath of office.
A resurrection.
That event has radical implications for us a believers. We will examine some of those implications
tomorrow.
Terrific discussion, Mike. There are always good, solid reasons for us to doubt our ability to obey what God says. Adam and Eve were in a perfect environment with no needs and perfect relationships with God and each other.
ReplyDeleteAnd they still found a reason to spit in the face of the God who walked and talked with them every evening in His perfect garden.
It seems for me doubt is the opposite of faith. I'm eager to see how this goes forward.