Archive for category Holiness
A Hell to Shun and a Heaven to Win – Phrases I no longer like to hear
I was listening to the radio the other day and a song with these lyrics came on the radio. Guess I hadn’t thought about it much, but you know, I don’t like that phrase. For several reasons, but for one, because I cannot win ‘Heaven’. I cannot gain it, or conquer it, or earn it.
For my ESV readers –
…but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation….Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. (Rom 5:8-11,18 ESV)
So, what is it that I have to win exactly that has not already been given to me?
Whatever Happened to Modesty? What’s that?
I more than agree with Michael on this one. I am the father of two young girls, and for the life of me, I don’t understand why parents let their children wear the things that they do. I remember sitting someone listening to a nurse talk and laugh about her three year old who could do a perfect imitation of a stripper, pole and all. Really? Anyway, Michael says it well and lays out four guidelines for modesty –
Here they are: “Four Guidelines for Modesty”:
- If you have trouble getting into it or out of it, it is probably not modest.
- If you have to be careful when you sit down or bend over, it is probably not modest.
- If people look at any part of your body before looking at your face, it is probably not modest.
- If you can see your most private body parts or an outline of those parts under the fabric, it is probably not modest.
Read the rest here:
Whatever Happened to Modesty?.
James McGrath, Holiness Preacher
This has to be one of the best sermons on holiness, as I understand it, that I’ve read in a long time.
…..The assumption here is that, just as purity seemed to be more powerful than holiness, evil seems to be more powerful than goodness.
In the symbolism of the purity language in the New Testament, I find a powerful challenge to strive for infectious goodness. A goodness that can easily be corrupted is fairly weak and superficial – it probably means that one doesn’t desire that which is good, and so can only imagine people choosing the good if other choices have been hidden from view…..
Exploring Our Matrix: Contagious Holiness.
I came from a holiness, supposedly, congregation so these ideas interest me. Read the entire post as it is a powerfully good one.
Validation of Experiences
I have to wonder how many times we judge others by our own experiences.
I am speaking, of course, of the religious experience. If we have a religious experience (insert you own definition here) in one place, under one doctrine, or one person, or even with one bible, then is it possible that we then judge the experiences of others by our situation.
Examples – the KJVO myth. Some people who hold to this doctrine often times denies the salvation of another if they were saved under the reading of an NIV.
Or charismatics and pentecostals and others.
Just some passing thoughts here, but if we have a religious experience, why is it always assumed that it was the external factors which produced the results – bible, doctrine, ‘move’ – and not us?
The same thing with Atheists. Because they have never had one, of have had one and then justified it, then they assume that all others are equally wrong.
Jason, Why did you have to go there?
Posted by Joel in Holiness, Other Posts on July 25, 2009
Jason is in trouble. Either that, or he’s on a roll. Here are two posts from yesterday, check them out.
On Public Nudity:
When man was created he was naked. Once he sinned he recognized that he was naked, and felt shame. That began the clothing industry. The first designer was not DKNY, but YHWH. Several others have attempted their hand at the design business since YHWH created his first “fall” line (pun intended), but frankly, I’m not so sure YHWH approves of their designs.
The only thing that I would like to add – Jason should have included men in bikini briefs as well.
And on those pesky question askers:
Why is it that when someone challenges a traditional teaching/practice, he is often labeled as “divisive” or a “troublemaker,” and is summarily dismissed? It may be true that the individual has a divisive attitude or is acting in a troublesome manner, but the attitude in which he dissents or questions a particular doctrine/practice is separate from the arguments he presents against it. Someone may be the biggest jerk on the planet, but their attitude has nothing to do with whether their arguments are valid, and their beliefs correct. Simply pointing out their bad attitude does not answer the question of what is true, nor does it excuse us from interacting with their arguments. Labeling and dismissing those who question the mainstream view is often just a power play, usually employed by those without a rebutting argument. It’s a way of avoiding discussion, and having to defend their own point of view.
