Topics
Series of 10 explores topics of the Christian faith in a 10-point discussion series that highlights essential themes and subject matters of biblical doctrine. It identifies elements common to religion and spirituality for the purpose of differentiating familiar traditions and practices from inspired truth and revelation. Its definitive goal and focus is rectifying the contradictions of modern-day Christianity by teaching the foundational purposes upon which Christ’s church is built.
Upcoming Topic
10 Fallacies About God
The concept of God is an elusive idea to humanity of which the meaning and interpretation largely escapes logical reasoning and physical reality. The Bible, for some, is deemed unhelpful and unreasonable in its explanations and demonstrations of God. Those who rely solely on scientifically factual and personally observable evidence see the picture painted of God in the Bible as the product of mental contemplation and sensual intimation. It apparently strings together a large variety of disparate human experiences driven by a force of suggestive influence that both controls and tolerates human life.
When considering the existence of God, there are a multitude of variables that factor into the interplay of His existence and the existence of everyone and everything else. It is best, perhaps, to approach the subject of God by firstly eliminating opinions that would subjugate Him to mere scrutinizing conjectures, which never relay an understanding of who He actually might be. At the same time, relative notions and subjective experiences do not adequately arrive at the explanation of who He truly is. Ultimately, faith inspired by God Himself is what gives credence to His existence, and it is His intent alone that solely measures the reality of His influence.
Previous & Future Topics
Introductory Subjects
Ep. #1 - 10 Myths About Faith in Jesus Christ
“Who do people say that I am,” Jesus asked his disciples one day as he was journeying with them (Matt. 16:13-20 / / Mark 8:27-30). They began to give him answers based on the common beliefs, persuasions, inferences and perceptions of the townsfolk of their day who observed and wondered at His presence among them. When Jesus asked them directly, “Who do you say that I am?”, only one disciple answered Him saying, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” It was not the disciple’s sensory faculties, intellectual reasoning or even personal conviction that produced this answer. Jesus affirmed that this inspired knowledge and awareness of the truth about Him came directly from God Himself.
There are so many misconceptions, based on popular opinions and modern-day interpretations, about who Jesus is and how He should be believed upon and followed. It is our conscious effort as human beings to rely upon personal assessments and acts of will to comprehend what is both within our ability to grasp and outside of our capacity to understand. Knowing who Jesus is does not derive from this dualistic effort. It relies totally upon the revelation of God that abides in and proceeds from God Himself.
Ep. #2 - 10 Fallacies About God
The concept of God is an elusive idea to humanity of which the meaning and interpretation largely escapes logical reasoning and physical reality. The Bible, for some, is deemed unhelpful and unreasonable in its explanations and demonstrations of God. Those who rely solely on scientifically factual and personally observable evidence see the picture painted of God in the Bible as the product of mental contemplation and sensual intimation. It apparently strings together a large variety of disparate human experiences driven by a force of suggestive influence that both controls and tolerates human life.
When considering the existence of God, there are a multitude of variables that factor into the interplay of His existence and the existence of everyone and everything else. It is best, perhaps, to approach the subject of God by firstly eliminating opinions that would subjugate Him to mere scrutinizing conjectures, which never relay an understanding of who He actually might be. At the same time, relative notions and subjective experiences do not adequately arrive at the explanation of who He truly is. Ultimately, faith inspired by God Himself is what gives credence to His existence, and it is His intent alone that solely measures the reality of His influence.
Ep. #3 - 10 Misconceptions About the Holy Spirit
If understanding who God is and who Jesus is isn’t enough of a challenge, grasping who the Holy Spirit is adds abundantly to the dilemma—not to mention the fact that these three distinct persons exist unitarily as one singular entity. Suffice it to say, human comprehension of such spiritual realities as these is an absolute impossibility. This is the very reason why Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit as being one “whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him” (John 14:17). Ironically, the key to understanding who both God and Jesus is rests completely with the Holy Spirit, even as understanding who He is derives from His own inspiration.
The Holy Spirit serves as a divine translator who interprets and relays the knowledge of God to believers in Christ in diverse ways. There are, however, numerous contradictions of humanistic origin and influence that distort the actual nature, purpose, and influence of the Holy Spirit. This is due to the fallible condition of humanity that often fails to ascertain what is God-inspired and distinguish it from what is humanly contrived. It is also a byproduct of the need expressed by many to appeal to something greater than themselves as a means of overshadowing the less than fortunate circumstances of their lives. At the same time, it is vital to recognize what is true about the Holy Spirit and to separate it from what is commonly but falsely attributed to Him.
Ep. #4 - 10 Matters of Belief Distorted by Religiosity
Life in this world can prove to be a very difficult and harrowing experience depending on the gravity of the circumstances and the impact of the challenges that one faces. There is no easy way to explain the massive imbalance and prevailing disparity that exists between people, places and things in all aspects of human life. Some people thrive and progress in perpetuity while others suffer and languish perpetually. The reasons for these diverse experiences vary exponentially, and it is within no singular group’s capability or individual’s capacity to holistically and sufficiently bridge the gap.
Even so, in the midst of this conflict is a promising equalizer that, no matter what side of the fence one is on, offers a unifying solution to the complex issues that either demographic grapples with. This overarching system of approach, nonetheless, has often increased societal problems more than it has solved them. It is, perhaps, as equally insufficient at wholesomely addressing human conflicts as any other social mechanism. Its appeal to justice and morality as a principle measure of decency and fairness is arguably subjective. Religion, while emphatic in matters of practice and observance, can be a double-edged sword in its purpose and advocacy, especially when it distorts the balance of truth.
Ep. #5 - 10 Spiritual Engagements Misconstrued by the Flesh
Spiritual purposes cannot and are not meant to be managed by the will of human persons or reduced to mere forms of fleshly indulgence. It is commonplace for people to appropriate what Scripture outlines with spiritual understanding as a point of physical practice and emotional experience. Many think that they can personally make spiritual inspiration more of a reality in their lives by their own self-exerted efforts and intentions. This frequently leads to either disappointment, disillusionment, deception, derailment, or all of the above. True spirituality for the believer in Christ is not found in acts of our own personal persuasion and intent but, the governing authority of God’s purpose and intent.
For this reason, we must refrain from conflating our own acts in the flesh, driven by the imaginations of our own hearts and minds, with elements of inspired fellowship with God. They are complete opposites of one another and do not intersect at any point, except when we delude ourselves. It is so easy to explain away the meaning, purpose, essence, and substance of spiritual things with base generalizations and exaggerations void of true depth. All that pertains to the lives of believers in Christ is fundamentally spiritual in nature, and the body and soul are simply vessels for the Holy Spirit’s work to be performed in the physical world; yet, this calls for the dismissal of carnal notions and sensual intentions that deter believer’s from the Spirit’s leading—especially things that present as spiritual, but are not inspired by God’s Spirit.