Category: Level: Intermediate

Augustine on the Fulfillment and End of Scripture for Believers, i.e., the Center of His Spiritual Theology

Posted on by

Here is an inspirational excerpt from Philip Schaff’s translation of Augustine’s On Christian Doctrine. In these sections Augustine makes it clear that his view of the fulfillment of God’s word is love of God and love of neighbor. I believe it is the center of his spiritual theology. This is a contrast to other early Christian writers who emphasized knowledge of God as preeminent. This was probably influenced by Plato’s similar emphasis on knowledge as the highest good of the soul. Augustine is also a contrast to the famous Westminster Catechism that states the “chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” While there is obvious overlap the emphasis is different in Augustine, since love is a more focused view and leads to different Christian living. (For those who are new to Augustine he is arguably the most influential Christian writer and theologian in history. He Continue Reading →

Think Like A Missionary – Appeal to Their Desires

Posted on by

If your culture seems resistant to Jesus remember to think about what they desire that Jesus fulfills. This is what some missionaries do. So you can ask people: “What if there was a religion that:” 1. Didn’t require any particular organization 2. The writings were in everyday language the average person can understand 3. Isn’t based on people trying to figure out the truth, but on God’s revelation in historical events 4. Is centered on fairness and love 5. Is centered on healthy relationships 6. You don’t have to earn salvation with great works 7. Teaches us to treat all people with respect and courtesy 8. Is not elitist and doesn’t require leaving society to be spiritually advanced. The last shall be first and the first shall be last. 9. God will restore loving community one day and keep out destructive people. By asking these questions you let people decide Continue Reading →

“Spiritual” Ways we Avoid Biblical Fellowship

Posted on by

We naturally fear revealing ourselves to others and showing weakness, but scripture makes fellowship a top priority. And biblical fellowship means revealing our burdens so others can help carry them, and revealing where we are discouraged so others can encourage us. Leaders are not exempt. Yet it is very easy to let other spiritual activities drown out our efforts at biblical fellowship and relationship. We may be sincerely looking for fellowship with God and transformation but we find it very slow going on our own. Some of the ways we avoid biblical relationship are: worship, prayer, bible study groups, talking about spiritual things, more talking, busyness, ministering to others, and meetings. If we commit ourselves to finding true “friendship fellowship” we will find what we are looking for much faster. See John 13, Rom 12, Ephesians 4, Col. 3, I Cor 12-14, and more. Using Relationships In Evangelism – Part Continue Reading →

Churches as Compassionate Relationship Centers

Posted on by

In many circles today Buddhism has a reputation for being a compassionate religion. Christianity is not viewed that way. This is ironic since the chief goal of Buddhism on earth is to eliminate desire and avoid suffering which includes intimate relationships that could cause suffering. Jesus embraced suffering , especially sacrificial suffering for others. Buddha believed in compassion but did not value sacrificial love and suffering nearly as much as Jesus . There is no God in Buddhism – it is agnostic. In Christianity we discover a loving personal God. So why does Buddhism have a better reputation for compassion for many people? Is it possible that too many Christians present themselves as adversarial inside and outside the church, that many are focused on defending Christian doctrine and morality with people who aren’t even Christian? Is this okay? Should anyone who has experienced both religions have any doubt which is Continue Reading →

Am I Responsible For Other’s Happiness?

Posted on by

I know it’s popular for Christian and secular counselors to say that others aren’t responsible for our happiness. But the fact is, they are. Not completely, but partly. That’s why Jesus and His apostles taught us to live in community. We are all partly responsible for each other’s happiness. If I constantly verbally abuse my wife it affects her happiness and I am responsible for that. James 3:5 (ESV) states : ” So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!” The teaching that others are not responsible for my wife’s happiness puts all the burden on her to create her own happiness. For example, one popular Christian counselor who is otherwise very good recommends this teaching for a spouse : “I take sole responsibility for my beliefs with the understanding that they, Continue Reading →