Hi there. I have some thoughts on my mind I want to share. This isn’t a study or anything like that. Today, I had one of my lengthier (and more controversial) articles shared by a fellow blogging friend. Hi Steven! The conversation this sparked was very interesting, and this has me thinking about something I want to make clear about my stance as a Christian.
There are many ideas about doctrine that Christians debate over, and I would be arrogant to assume that I have all the answers. One thing that has always stuck with me is when Paul the Apostle wrote that we don’t know anything as we aught to know it. The more I learn, the more I realize I know very little. The same is true for righteousness. The more I grow in the knowledge of the kingdom of God, the more I realize how far separated I am from God and how much sin still clings to me.
A year or so before I started this blog, I was in a very bad place. I had a measure of faith, and had always believed in Jesus in some form. I was also confused and began to question my faith, near to the point of falling for New Age religion. I did not seem to fit in with any denomination, and church felt fake to me. I don’t mean to offend anyone, but I know there are others out there who sympathize and have had similar struggles.
These are the people I am sent to. My personal commission is to “make grace known for those who are confused and without peace,” just as I was. I’m still learning what that means, and I trust the Lord to continue to shape me so that I can do the work given me to do. As with the Christian journey, this has not been a perfect walk. However, I believe we are promised much within the gospel, and painting a clearer picture of the nature of God, the purposes of creation, and the nature of the gospel of the kingdom of God will help many who like me, were confused and without peace.
That being said, discussions like today are always welcome. It’s humbling and gratifying to hear from others who are doing their best to grow in the things of God–things of love towards others first and foremost. That is the great commandment after-all, and no matter how we might disagree, if we can do it in love, then we are holding fast to what is most important.
Head knowledge puffs up. Knowledge of the righteous ways of the kingdom of God — a grace-given knowledge of love that we can only truly know as Jesus renews our minds and changes our nature to his likeness over time — is the most important knowledge. That is what I hope to encourage first and foremost. That is where comfort, clarity, and peace are truly found.
KindlingTruth 
Hi Amanda 🙂 I noticed you had some challenging (but helpful and thought-provoking) comments after I linked to your post. I think your attitude is spot-on. It’s important to be humble concerning issues of doctrinal disagreement, as we don’t want to become arrogant and hateful believers. I know that God is using this whole process to grow your faith and your walk with Jesus; I’m sure you would agree.
Just make sure you never take any comments personally when they are challenging. The feedback I’ve seen (on your blog and mine) demonstrates that people really appreciate your dedication to truth and the Scriptures, and all the hard work and research you’ve done.
Someone said recently that to be a blogger you need thick skin and a soft heart. I agree with that. Be encouraged and keep up the great work.
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Thanks, Steven. I agree. I dont mind challenging questions because for one, they help me grow, and two, I appreciate people who care enough about the faith to ask important questions.
A thick skin and soft heart doesn’t hurt either 🙂 I was encouraged though by the generally kind attitude I saw, even when in disagreement.
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Paul’s latest album he’s working on is called “I love, therefore I hate” There will be awesome scripture songs promoting our righteous God.
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Yes. To love the Lord means to hate things he hates. I agree with that. People don’t like to hear that God hates as well as loves, but to love exclusively would not be a very logical or profound love. I hate lies and false teaching, but I love my brethren and the patience and mercy of God more. At least I think I do. I try to find the right balance. That’s one of my biggest struggles because if I strongly opposed everyone who disagreed with me, then I would strongly oppose almost everyone.
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I love your honest and transparent approach. It has been a struggle of mine to stop “arguing” over doctrine and to share my thoughts or debate with civility instead, like disagreeing while still putting friendship first. Your comment here reflects Paul’s own advice to Timothy about not getting involved with foolish doctrinal speculations – “The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” 🙂
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Thanks for the encouraging comment, Don.
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