Why Worry About Doctrine When You Have Jesus?

Many Christians separate doctrine from their daily lives. This idea is manifested in the idea of "doctrine is less important than relationship." Some who each this argue that doctrine is good and fine, but a personal, vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ is more important. This is the common way that this is taught. We hear about how some Christians know too much doctrine, but don't know the Man behind the doctrine.

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Good Is Not Good Enough!

One of my seminary professors preached a powerful sermon. In it he argued that the greatest temptation for most of us is not to do that which is wrong. Many of us have that temptation, but it is not the greatest one. The greatest temptation is to do that which is "good" rather than that which is "great."

Here the temptation is to attempt to accomplish good things rather than accomplishing your God given purpose which for you would be great.

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Does Your Work Require Faith?

Hebrews 11:6 says that without faith it is impossible to please God. Ron Edmondson asked the simple question "Is the work you are doing requiring faith?"

We all have been given a work to do. We all have been given an assignment from God. And if we are to do that work in a way that God would be pleased, it must be in the power of faith. We simply cannot do our God given assignment without the power that comes from God and we appropriate through faith.

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Weakening Christianity By Removing The Cross

Perusing the best selling books of popular Christianity provides some interesting information. While there are certainly exceptions, it seems as though a "cross-less" Christianity has come into the drivers seat. There seems to be little difference between popular Christianity and the "present evil world." (Galatians 1:4). It appears that there is a minimization of holiness that comes from an appreciation and participation in the cross.

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God Mighty Creator

Scripture is unambiguous, God is creator.

The Divine Other

God as creator means that God is other-than the created order. God is not manufactured by the creation neither is God a concept that aggregates human action in some way. God is an active participant in relationship with that which is created.

In addition, God as creator means that everything depends on God in some way. God is the ultimate power that not only brings into existence all, but also continues to maintain all that we see. (Psalms 24:1-2; Psalms 104:10-14).

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