Divine Paradox

A paradox by definition consists of contradictory posits that defy logic — or at the very least, defy the bounds of our ability to comprehend them. There are those conflicting facts that provoke meticulous research and analysis and investigation. Yet there are those mysteries that remain irresolvable — wherein even the greatest minds eventually find their intellectual capacity for logical interpretation or expression completely exceeded.

And that is God.

We know Him as He reveals Himself to us — and yet God is so much more!

Where the divine paradox that is God exceeds all logic is revealed — that is where we find the need for belief/faith/trust (pistis)… the posture from which we can choose either to rebel and retreat into our finitude or to surrender to the divine embrace that calls us to worship and adoration.

Is Jesus wholly man?
Is Jesus wholly God?
Yes & Yes!

Is God three?
Is God one?
Yes & Yes!

Is the Lord’s Supper bread and the fruit of the vine?
Is the Lord’s Supper the Body and Blood of our Lord?
Yes & Yes!

Is God here abiding within all who are His own?
Do we invite God to come and fill us again and again?
Yes & Yes!

Does God know everything?
Does God invite me to bring my requests boldly before the throne of grace?
Yes & Yes!

Within the constraints of our feeble human understanding, God’s revelation of Himself is sometimes in ways that are irresolvable — and yet, in knowing Him and knowing that we are known by Him, we can rest in that glorious, mind-blowing majesty!

…even as we humbly and lovingly work through that of which we are convinced and are yet being convinced with fear and trembling.

For centuries now there have been strong differences not only in opinions but in doctrines as well — among the most sincere and godly men and women. We would all do well to not only work out our own salvation and be thoroughly convinced of that which we believe but also to humbly acknowledge our finitude — seeking first the Kingdom of which we are citizens in obedience to the holy and royal law of love.

Christian Discrimination: Intolerance is Biblical

It is less than unfortunate that many bring up the strawman of discrimination with regard to the UMC debacle and related/similar situations. The fundamental disagreement here that cannot be dismissed is whether sexual behavior/relations outside of heterosexual marriage constitute sin. LGBTQA+ behavior (practicing, condoning, etc.) is nothing other than giving in to desires of the flesh – the carnal nature.

The reason this is so critical/crucial is that the Bible calls Christians to not even associate with someone who claims the name of Christ but refuses to repent of their sin. Rather, Christians are to exclude/remove them from any fellowship/gathering. (1 Corinthians 5:11-13). Being obedient to that teaching completely precludes any facade of unity that a church/denomination could claim or aspire to around the inclusion of those who are unrepentant of any sin.

This also emphasizes the absolute need for any faithful church to not ignore sin within/among its members but to continually call for confession and repentance leading to restoration and reconciliation.

Many churches are setting themselves up to have their lampstand removed (Revelation 2:4-5) by the Lord for these practices of tolerance and inclusion – those practices are nothing other than the fruit of those who have lost their first love. You cannot love God and at the same time love the world and its pleasures (1 John 2:15-17).

Christianity is exclusive! All are welcome to come as they are (John 3:16-21; 2 Peter 3:9). None are welcome to stay as they are.