Never Changing

“Fallacies do not cease to be fallacies because they become fashions.”   -G K Chesterton
   
    In recent weeks we have seen a shift in culture, especially in the church.  Whatever “right” is being proclaimed as truth, we have seen an acceptance of once looked-down-upon wrongs as now accepted. Whether it is accepting sexual identity or gender, one must not be surprised when a culture whose foundation is based on self or lack of biblical truth that one comes to the conclusions they have in the last couple of weeks.  Please be reminded…our worldviews shape our values and our values shape our behavior.  So Christ followers, be encouraged……Right and wrong, that is based upon the Scriptures given to us by God, gives us the foundation to impact our culture, and the answers to its problems. Douglas Groothuis, author of Truth Decay writes, “Only the God of the Scripture provides a source of moral authority and obligation, standards for ethical endeavor, the incentive and power for character, and a moral community of truth, which respects transcendent realities.”(Truth Decay, pg 207) Truth that is built on the ideas of Scripture will change lives, provide freedom and equip the masses with the confidence in knowing that a true living God cares for their very need and is concerned about their future. When mankind can understand this, they will move forward with hope and a purpose for living!
     While working on an assignment for my schooling, we were asked the following question, “What are the most important therapeutic uses of Scripture in counseling?”  I was reminded of Horatio G. Spafford, author to the hymn, It Is Well With My Soul.  Spafford was a wealthy man who had lost his fortune due the Chicago Fire of 1871.  Shortly after the fire, his wife and two daughters were traveling across the Atlantic when tragedy struck.  The ship they were on collided with another causing the ship to sink.  In the midst of the tragedy, Spafford lost his two daughters, while his wife survived.  As Spafford traveled the Atlantic to be with his wife, it is said that the shipped passed by where his daughters lost their lives.  It is at this moment that Spafford was compiled to write the famous words inspired by Psalm 146:1, “Praise the Lord, O my soul”. 

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul…… (cyberhymnal.org)
 
     Because the church has lost its foothold on ethics and doctrine, man has turned to self for the answers.  Whether it is looking towards the Desert Fathers/Christian mysticism for spiritual growth or “self-help” to ease the pain of suffering, man has lost their bearing on purpose.  In the midst of Spaffords tragedy, it was the Scriptures that brought healing to his inner being.  As Christ followers the Scripture must be the final authority in all situations.  As Paul wrote to Timothy, his word resonates to us today, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works”.  Whether the passage is to bring peace or confront the issues of sin, God’s word never changes.  Thus, the Scriptures must be the foundation upon which you and I who call ourselves Christ Followers  stand on in a culture that has turned to “self” to bring healing to the hurts and pains of our sinful lives.  So my dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, arise and allow the Scriptures to bring you peace, healing, comfort and confidence!

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”  Romans 12:1-2

His call.  His gift to you.   Your purpose.  Irrevocable.

References
Groothuis, D. (2000). Truth decay: Defending Christianity against the challenges of postmodernism.  Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press.
It Is Well with My Soul. (n.d.). Retrieved June 11, 2015, from   http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/t/i/itiswell.htm

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