Hello my dear friends.

I encourage you to stand firm in the true deliverance of Christ, not the religious substitute of it.

Having just responded to a comment on a blog post (Superstition and so-called Wisdom), I turned my attention to sending out another Spoonful, only to realize that I just wrote it. Anyhow, here is that response.

As I have reflected on my own beliefs, I have experienced the same kind of fear I know others have also expressed. Here is a summation of that fear: Have I merely bought into a religious viewpoint that helps me cope with life by believing in those ignorant superstitions about God? Now, I know what it is to approach an understanding of God through logical means, that is to say, through intellect. Of course, it's not pure intellect, as it does bring faith into the picture ... even though, that faith may at times be less about believing and more about taking a gamble (but don't get lost on that point).

You see, I might be able to argue my stance (which I might call my "faith") according to a line by line study of the Book, as well as producing "proofs" of God through creation study. But what if my argument is the very thing that helps push me into those doubt-filled reflections because I am realizing that my belief structure hangs upon a sword fight over facts? I'm not suggesting that there are not millions of bits of evidence of God and his creation to be found at every turn, but I am saying that I have often had to reevaluate what I consider proof. This is the blended reasoning I refer to between the natural and divine. I don't mean things in nature, but rather the natural-minded reasoning of the world. Are you following me on this at all?

I have vivid memories of having hung my faith upon the evidence of God that I learned in classes or in personal study, and I also remember how the specter of scientific wisdom too often caused fear and intimidation. I was afraid of the intellectual mind, despite my claims to the contrary. I came to recognize that I had engaged in what Paul had called fleshly warfare, and this is what causes the fear. I really thought that by arming myself with Biblical and scientific facts that I could convince others. I didn't realize how much I was also hoping to convince myself in the process.

Anyhow, when God disperses the fear by turning the light on so that I can see and appreciate the real deliverance (aka, salvation) I have in Christ, I am able to view the supposed wisdom of this world in a totally different way. This living perspective crosses all perceived obstacles and boundaries, as it gets down into the stuff that is behind all the raging of the natural mind. I've also witnessed of his life in the seeming insignificant things, for in HIM nothing is insignificant. I have come to see the arguments of the intellectual as being little more than self-justification and the boastful pride of life.

Shovel Audio

Once again, Adam and I have produced another audio file that is available for online listening, as well as downloading to a portable device. The audio this week is called What is cleansing?, and it is the first part of what will be a two-part series. Here is the link: Shovel Audio: What is Cleansing?