As I have pondered and prayed about this publication, I want to switch gears. I have a few reasons for this:
Everything I am writing here is my discovery and lived experience of truth. Otherwise, I have no basis upon which to write. Thus, to continue in this introduction format is unnecessary. Everything else is based on insights from my faith journey anyway.
This introductory format ended up far too long. Those of you who actually read through the first two I honor your sadomasochism. I don't regret the topics I covered, but it was just too much to ingest. A more focused format will cover these matters in smaller, more digestible, chunks.
Simply explaining my mindsets and implying that you must have these is not very helpful. Each person must determine their own mindsets as they walk by the Spirit and have their own lived experiences. Thus, I will focus more on the truth and you can come up with your own mindsets.
I'm just excited to get directly into scriptural topics more quickly. I will still cover those items I had in the conclusion of my introduction like addiction, yet separately. I feel this is fairer to you and your time.
Resources that Have Helped Me in my Journey
I hesitate to name names or specific ministries, because I risk being associated with every single thing they have ever taught, even if they have “changed their mind” from something they may have taught earlier, or they just have something wrong (like we all do.)
Or even worse, be associated with their detractors, many of whom live their lives to find “false teachers” and call them out. There are massive websites and YouTube channels dedicated to this stuff. I don't recommend doing a Google search for “false teacher”.
Much like mainstream media does in politics, these jokers will take teaching out of context deliberately or leave stuff out in order to condemn. Again, Paul was accused of promoting sin because of his teaching on the Law, which could not be further from the truth. Please be wary of these folks.
It's so easy to get into a fleshly self-righteous crusade that is essentially just propping up yourself and your opinions in the guise of doctrinal purity.
I once heard a pastor say that he had a college professor who started his theology class with a quote: “We all believe a thousand heresies, thus we must walk humbly with our God.”
I respect someone who will discuss a difference of opinion based on the merits of their argument, even if I disagree with them. But the action of people who are just out to character assassinate because someone is not in their tribe is despicable.
Frankly, I have major disagreements with everyone. No one is exempt. This is why I don't get offended at those who disagree with me! Of course, that is as long as they are disagreeing with what I am actually saying, not some warped perception they have created by taking my stuff out of context.
Despite this reticence of association, there are two public ministries that have had such an impact on my journey that I might even accidentally paraphrase them. So, I want to mention them, both to give them credit, and because they are beneficial resources.
I understand not everyone wants to read an online book or delve into the same topics I am covering, so these may be more to your liking even than this publication. They will both challenge your scriptural thinking, and thus fulfill the main objective I have.
Again, I don’t agree with everything, and as always approach with caution, especially my own writing! We are all human. These folks would be the first to agree.
I will mention one resource here, with some links to my top favorite messages, and then I will mention the other resource in my next article. He has an article about whether God's love is unconditional that I want to contrast with another one I read awhile back.
The Grace Message by Andrew Farley
The Grace Message and the newly minted Bible Questions
Andrew Farley is a pastor who’s spiritual journey is similar to my own, though his major detours and acceptance of a more pure understanding of the gospel occurred much earlier in his life than mine. His main site is primarily video based, and the Bible questions site is in an article format (with video links).
There is honestly little of consequence I disagree with him on (so far). I highly recommend his resources. He has a radio program where people call in with questions which is a great resource, though seemingly he gets a lot of the same questions over and over. His patience is clearly from the fruit of the Spirit!
Often, even after having studied a passage intently, somehow listening to Andrew teach it helps me pick up even more. He has a very direct gospel focused style.
Occasionally I am frustrated that he skims over or doesn't emphasize a particular detail, but that is being nit-picky. Overall, he will help you stay Christ and gospel focused.
If you ever did a search for detractors (again, something I don't recommend, just judge the teaching for yourself) you would find folks who believe he teaches a “works” salvation because he says James teaches true faith requires “belief and decision”. Which is quite ludicrous if you actually listen to him, but I digress.
I highly recommend his latest series about the sermons in Acts, but especially the 3rd and 4th message: Proclaim: Part 3 Proclaim: Part 4
Here are some additional favorite messages and/or series:
The Backwards Sermon - This sermon is from Ephesians, but taught chronologically backwards, to show how the instructions for behavior in the epistle are founded upon a believer's identity taught in the earlier chapters. A proper foundation for understanding the power to behave helps avoid “a form of godliness without the power”.
When God talks to God - This one is all about Jesus' prayer in John 17. It is momentous in it's promises and impacts. One of my favorite passages in scripture. I highly recommend this message. I imagine most believers would be as shocked as I was concerning the implications of this prayer by Christ.
Pressure Free Prayer - Prayer is one of those parts of the Christian life that has been overly “religified” and turned into an obligation and burden it should never be. These messages help to capture the loveliness of the amazing gift that we can freely talk to our heavenly Dad. With the correct mindset, this is no longer about duty, obligation, or obedience. It is simply a joyful opportunity we get to participate in.
The New Creation - Andrew has an entire series from Romans, but this one focuses on chapters 5-8. I listen to this series at least once per year, if not more, to help remind me of these amazing gospel truths. I am reminded of a conversation with a pastor I had where he said he avoids these chapters because he does not understand them. Yet another sad conversation I have had. These provide a foundational mindset for Christianity.
I truly hope you enjoy and listen to these resources when you feel led and have the time. I also recommend listening to his radio archives. Many of the questions he gets are very relevant to real life and I have rarely been disappointed with his answers from scripture.
Have a great day. “Is God's love unconditional?” coming soon…
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