EXPOSITION: Chapter 6:1-23 The Definition of Sanctification The problem of sin in relation to the Christian life is generally termed “sanctification” with the term found only twice in this epistle, here in ch.6 in v. 19, 22. The Greek word hagiasmos means consecration, purification; from hagiadzo – to make holy, purify, or consecrate, which is from hagios meaning sacred or … [Read more...]
5 Books on Knowing God in Troubled Times
The most basic and abiding need of God’s people is the knowledge of God. While all people in every time and place, as God’s image bearers, inescapably know God through his clear revelation in creation and conscience, sin causes man to suppress the true knowledge of God (Rom 1:18-21). The sinful inclination of the human heart is the desire ‘to be like God’; self-sufficient … [Read more...]
The Law of Kingdom Concealment
The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field ... Matthew 13:44 The laws of the Kingdom of God are contrary to the ways of men. Hidden from the casual seeker, the kingdom of God is not superficial to be stumbled upon. It does not lie on the surface and is not obvious—it is "like a treasure hidden in the field". It is in fact, concealed, obscured from … [Read more...]
The Hiddenness of God
Truly you are a God who hides himself ... Isaiah 45:15 The hiddenness of God is one of the greatest paradoxes of the spiritual life. On the one hand, he is the self-revealing God who delights to communicate with man, but on the other, he hides himself. God is a mystery. An anonymous fourteenth century divine refers to this as, the Cloud of Unknowing. The psalmist cries out … [Read more...]
The Architecture of the Spirit
... he was looking for the city ... whose architect and builder is God Hebrews 11:10 There is an architecture of the Spirit which will build the city of God. It is not what many of us have thought of as “The New Testament Pattern”, nor is it “The New Apostolic Reformation”. And it is definitely not “The Local Church”, or even “The Organic Church”! It is rather an artistry … [Read more...]
