This week one of my brother's stopped in on his way back to Texas and we had a great visit. As we often do during these short visits, we try to cram in mini conversations covering a multitude of topics. This visit wasn't any different and has left me still thinking about the subject for today's blog. Our conversation had to do with salvation and those who have never been exposed to the Good News of Christ. I'll share the details of that another time.
The time we spent together has left me thinking about several points. What we're taught about God, salvation and living out the Christian life. The subtle differences that show up between organized religion and God's Word. These are the points that I've been working over and over in my heart and mind.
Interestingly enough, one of my devotionals this morning lead me to Colossians chapter 2: "Bible Gateway" Using the New Living Translation for it's easy read. Again, the church is being addressed concerning the matter of being freed from the rules of man.
Doctrine is defined as, "a belief or tenet, especially about philosophical or theological matters."Wiktionary While God's Word provides us with instruction and direction for this life, man's need for "control" and "power" pushes doctrine as if it has the same value to the Christian life as God's word and the Holy Spirit's direction.
We've been set free from the bondage of sin when we placed our faith in Jesus Christ for our eternal salvation and choose Him as Lord of our life. This doesn't mean we can live life as we did before coming to Christ, the opposite is our new direction. Because the Holy Spirit now lives within us. We are immediately made new in Christ; "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" 2 Corinthians 5:17
While we often need the input from pastors and the guidance of organized church (meaning your church of choice... catholic, protestant, etc). We are admonished here and in other passages to: "-continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling." Philippians 2:12b Our salvation is between us and God, we are to read HIS word and pray seeking HIS direction and guidance on how we live out Christ in our life.
I referred to Colossians 2 earlier because the chapter refers to what we're talking about today. The passage ends specifically with this point: "You have died with Christ, and He has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, "Don't handle! Don't fast! Don't touch! Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person's evil desires." Colossians 2:20-23
Our local church is important to our life in Christ. We're told to not give up meeting together; "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25 We need to meet with our brothers and sisters in Christ! We need to gather to worship our Lord and Savior together, share our blessings as encouragement, and our trials for objective input. God uses His Word, Holy Spirit and other believers to help us journey through life.
We need doctrine as a guide. We need to be constantly engaged in our relationship with God. Faith is a verb and requires action in thought and deed. Work your salvation and theology out by seeking to know God through His Word and by prayer. Make your relationship with God your first priority and see how HE will work in your life. God desires to make us in the image of Christ so the lost will be drawn to Him by using us.
Blessings & Peace,
~Robert
No comments:
Post a Comment