The Tightrope of Separation: False Starts
From Voice, Mar/Apr 2014. Used by permission. Read the series so far.
False starts
There are several false starts that we can make in the matter of separation. There is no doubt that God has called us to a position of separation. The question is how and in what way? There are several false responses that have been devised by man.
The first response is asceticism.
There are those who have said that Christians are not of this world and so they must get away from the world completely. Those who advocated this are called ascetics and they became hermits, went to monasteries, caves, deserts, and the wilderness. They said they had to get away from man and pleasures in order to be separate unto God. That however was a complete distortion of Scripture because we are commanded to go into all the world and preach the gospel. Scripture has told us to witness to, live before, and seek to reach men for Christ. After ascetics arrived out in the deserts and caves they discovered they brought the world with them because the sinful impulses exhibited in the world were also in them. Satan appealed to their pride, self, and false motives even when they were alone, and the world manifested itself in them. Wherever we go we take the sinful impulses exhibited in the world with us. Asceticism is not the answer.
Discussion
United Church of Christ argues freedom of religion--in favor of gay marriage
Body
“The United Church of Christ sued the state of North Carolina on Monday (April 28) over its constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, saying the 2012 amendment violates the religious freedom of its clergy.” RNS
Discussion
"Keller affirms that evangelism is not to be discarded, but it isn’t enough"
Body
“According to Keller, the church must take its directives from nonbelievers as to its approach. What is more, it must also include them in most of the church’s ministry! Notice the inclusive terminology…” Center Church and the True Church
Discussion
Adventures in Evangelism
I would love if everyone on this board were out witnessing in some way or method this weekend or sometime soon.[b: Here is a journal of my time out today to encourage you to do the same.[/b:
Discussion
Churches and Institutions in Decline
Back in the 80’s, when the GARBC was struggling with some internal issues, I recall Dr. Duane Brown saying that there were three stages of development in Christian fundamentalism.
Step 1: A Battle is fought and a Standard is Raised
Step 2: Institutions, organizations, and practices are established to defend and preserve The Standard
Step 3: Battles are fought to defend and preserve the institutions, organizations, and practices that were established and The Standard is no longer prominent.
Discussion
Bill Gothard responds to allegations
Body
“More than a month after stepping down as president of the ministry he founded, Bill Gothard released a statement that attempts to respond” WORLD
Discussion