Considering implications

I sat down with a good friend and Brother in the Lord this week. We ended up having a disagreement about James 2. My Brother is a wonderful man but he is not used to having his theology examined, or examining that of someone else.

The topic was faith and works, but we had a hard time getting past terminology because he was not used to letting context and usage determine meaning. I'm no superhero of the scriptures by any stretch of the imagination, but this conversation has led me to really consider the implications of how we teach people in the Church.

These conversations are not about who "wins" or who is "right" they are about our ability to submit to the Scriptures. Do you have theology that informs your reading of the Word? You're probably in error.

We truly need to start teaching the Brethren to read and understand the Scriptures for all doctrine. The ready answer needs to be forgotten, and the ability to find a proper answer needs to be remembered.

The Spirit's Authorship

Well I've been trying to keep it away from my blog but the truth is my family is under great attack. A great fiery trial that I was delivered from earlier this year has seemingly returned to try to take us down a second time. My employment is being attacked. Please be praying, for my faithfulness, and protection and provision for my family. I'm not going to get into details here. Although I admit it was wrong of me not to share that it was happening... seeing as this blog is supposed to be "On My Walk"....

As tough as this situation is the Lord did something that amazes me today. As I was sitting home at lunch feeling weak, wounded, even defeated in a lot of ways, an email came in with the title "Bless you Brother Kevin." What powerful words. The email it's self was short. It was a link to a beautiful picture of Brother Ricky's family and the simple question "How are things in Halifax?" Yes I cried and cried hard. Just this morning the Lord had been impressing on me how He is present. Now here was a Brother, and what's more an Evangelist (we are a singular crowd in case you don't know), asking such a simple question. It was like a touch from God Himself. If that sounds overly emotional, then you're in need of a touch from the Lord yourself.

Over a couple of emails, we exchanged phone numbers and decided to chat tonight. I've emailed Ricky a few times in the past but hadn't really gotten to know him. Turns out we not only have fellowship in Christ but our lives have many close links! I won't get into details because that would be to share my Brother's private thoughts but I was absolutely amazed at our conversation.

Isn't God good at giving you just exactly what you need at just the right moment?

Christ's work for us, not His work in us, brings peace.

I was just looking up the biography of one of my heroes of the faith, CH Mackintosh, as part of a comment at another blog. This gave me opportunity to learn of the man's conversion. I'm kind of surprised I haven't read about his conversion before... but alas it is encouraging to read today none-the-less.

Here's what I just read. Oh what blessed assurance comes from Christ's work on the Cross.

He obtained peace with God through reading J. N. Darby's 'Operations of the Spirit', and learning that it is Christ's work for us, not his work in us, that gives peace.

You can find Operations Of The Spirit of God here, Part 1 and Part 2.

Follow The Lodestar

Alright! My Brother had the spelling incorrect last time but his new blog is opened - yet empty at the time of this posting. Thanks for all who welcomed him at the last url, he mentioned to me how warm the reception was. Please welcome him anew at his new blog Follow The Lodestar!