I have created an additional blog designed to present theological and philosophical opinions, which will exceed the purpose of my main blog here. This present blog, Zach Doppelt, however, will continue functioning as my main blog
The other blogs address is
http://theologyexplained.blogspot.com
It is refreshing to me that many preachers, scholars and writers are speaking again of the power of the cross. They are finding that no element of tightly programmed services, eloquent words or even gracious relationships can take the place of the primacy of the cross in our lives. The cross is the most applicable doctrine we can speak of, and it is the centerpiece of our faith. The reminder that Paul gives us is this: if all we know and all we can attest to is the wondrous cross of Christ, than we are on the right track.
"And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God (1 Cor. 2:1-5 nkjv)."
It is nothing short of an oddity that the word "Christian" has become a word worthy of avoidance among some of those who who claim Christ's name on their life. It is true that many under the guise of Christianity have committed atrocious sins, yet it does not mean that the word itself is to be looked down upon. Changing what you call yourself means nothing, but letting Christ live through you is everything.
Don't be ashamed of the title, be ashamed of the sins.
"But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter (1 Peter 4:15-16 nkjv)."
What one believes about the sufficiency of scripture for faith, life and ministry will directly influence their practice.
Will they add additional structures, plans and programs to what the Bible has laid out, or will they trust that through its complete words God will speak?
Will they conjur dreams, visions and emotion to hold onto, or deem God's laws as appropriate enough to take joy in?
Be it in Israel's day of conquest, the early church's founding, or in the life of the contemporary church today, this principle still remains true:
"You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you (Dt. 4:2 nkjv)."
Let us not be guilty of knowingly or unkowingly adding to God's commands.
