Someone you can count on to tell you the truth is a “straight shooter.” In our politically correct climate, it is getting increasingly harder to find a person who will give it to you straight.
In the book of Isaiah, the prophet used an interesting word to describe God. It is a seldom-used word translated “teacher” that derives from the Hebrew word “archer/shooter” (Is. 30:20).
During a time of national rebellion, as God quietly waited for them to return, the prophet says He withdrew Himself, i.e., not speaking. But Isaiah promised them if they would return, He would be like a teacher [a shooter] who would no longer hold back, but would tell them the truth: “This is the way; walk in it, whenever you turn to the right or to the left.” In other words, whenever they got off the straight and narrow, He would tell them straight out what they needed to hear.
Does it not seem to you that as our mainline American denominations progressively line up with political correctness, there is going to be a greater need for straight shooters?
Showing posts with label teaching. Show all posts
Showing posts with label teaching. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Are you Unprofitable?
It occurred to me the other day how ironic it is that churches are called “non-profit" organizations. What a gross mis-characterization! If there is any place on earth that is profitable, it is a good Bible-teaching church. I guess it all depends on how you define "profit!"
Paul said “All Scripture is inspired by God and [is] profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). And as if to underscore the materialistic, inside-out, upside-down values of our culture, Paul says: “godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:8). Then, the third (and only other) time this word is used, Paul says believers “will devote themselves to doing good [because] these things are profitable…” (Tit. 3:8).
What greater indication is there of a maligned Christian culture: even the sovereign USA characterizes our churches as "non-profits"—unprofitable! Wow! Do they have it wrong!
Paul said “All Scripture is inspired by God and [is] profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). And as if to underscore the materialistic, inside-out, upside-down values of our culture, Paul says: “godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:8). Then, the third (and only other) time this word is used, Paul says believers “will devote themselves to doing good [because] these things are profitable…” (Tit. 3:8).
What greater indication is there of a maligned Christian culture: even the sovereign USA characterizes our churches as "non-profits"—unprofitable! Wow! Do they have it wrong!
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