Thus far in these 20 posts I have written on "controversial" topics. These topics range from: proper interaction between the sexes; to political authority submission; to child rearing, to judging others, to alcohol use; to what it means to be culturally relevant. My effort at addressing such topics as these are meant to spur true believers on to holiness in the pure sense of the word. This is how I understand the hermeneutics of Paul's thrust in such books as Romans. He specifically addresses the church (that is true believers) by demonstrating what a person who claims to love Jesus is supposed to look like. It is none of my concern to determine for myself whether a person is in fact a Christian. We leave all matters of salvation to Him. He is the Judge and knows all who are his. But this I also know: It is God who causes men to seek him and to find him. After this, is it exclusively He alone who causes them to grow in the knowledge of Himself that only He gives in measure to those who He has accepted as one of His adopted children. This knowledge is withheld from others. This also I know: Our knowledge of Him is limited and those who grasp better the truths of God's word must bear patiently with those who, in their willful ignorance, cannot hear...yet. I am convinced that eloquence does not or can it cut through willful ignorance which has its root in human pride. It is a barrier that can only be breeched by the illuminating glory of our mutual God in Christ. We are all on that path. We are all on a long journey. All along the way God opens our eyes to newfound inspiration in his glorious Word. Life is one big progress of dying unto Self and living unto God. We will not be perfect or grasp the perfect wholly or completely. We will not grasp it utterly or absolutely. But the truth of God's illuminating Word will consistently challenge us to reassess our views on the things we thought were true regarding our transcendent Lord. So it is with this spirit I challenge my readers to consider their individual walks with the Lord. What does having an undivided devotion to the things of God truly mean when our culture teaches us to switch on the co-pilot? The constant bombardment of entertainment weakens the rational capabilities of our minds to be able to focus keenly on minute details. So my challenge would be to shut it down, pick up a thought provoking Christian book and stay with it until the end (something on reformed theology would be an intimidating starting point!). Believe me, it will get easier as you retrain your minds to think seriously again (or think for the first time!).
-Joe
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