Three replacements to Christianity. American society has grown increasingly secular over time. And slowly replaced traditional, Biblical truth with secular alternatives. Here are three of them.
Three replacements to Christianity. Replace theology with ideology.
Theology is the study of God. It attempts to know and understand him better. And involves studying, understanding, and applying the Bible to life.
It quickly presents two fundamental teachings: The importance of knowing God’s law and obeying it. Furthermore, you learn God is more than a divine genie who grants spiritual wishes. But a relational God who makes covenantal promises. He faithfully keeps his end and expects us to keep ours.
Jesus pushed the commitment level even further.
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. (ESV, Matthew 16:24)
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? (ESV, Luke 6:46)
For many people who find this level of commitment too demanding, ideology is a convenient replacement.
By definition, it’s a system of ideas that represent your social or political philosophy and guide your affiliation with an organization and political party. And while not religious, it has components that address the spiritual longings hardwired into all of us. Like mission in a greater cause. A sense of belonging and belief your cause will improve the lives of people and the world. And best of all? There are no relational demands, sacrifices to make, or lifestyle choices to give up.
Three replacements to Christianity. Replace Biblical righteousness with personal virtue.
The call to righteousness is a clear Biblical teaching. And it involves learning and applying God’s law to your life. This is something Christ-followers do out of devotion and a desire to please God. Of course, we all still sin and fall short of perfect righteousness. But the point is, righteousness requires us to conform our lifestyle to God’s law rather than let our lifestyle determine our beliefs.
Furthermore, Biblical righteousness is based on a relationship with Jesus Christ. It’s not primarily about obeying God’s rules but walking with him in a spiritual relationship. It recognizes that as Christ-followers, we do not posess righteousness. But it is imputed to us through Jesus Christ.
Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. (ESV, Romans 5:)
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (ESV, 2 Corinthians 5:21)
What makes virtue especially misleading is that it can involve activities scripture calls righteous. Like feeding the poor and caring for widows and orphans. But they should be motivated by a desire to honor and glorify God, not earn his approval or recognition from other people. Furthermore, virtue can involve a declaration of virtuous ideals without any actual demonstration. A loud, passionate, public plea is sufficient.
However, the greatest danger is that virtue calls attention to personal goodness without recognizing sin. Because sin separates us from God. And we must confess our sin to Jesus and seek his forgiveness to restore our relationship with God. Virtuous acts without Jesus are not enough.
Three replacements to Christianity. Replace God with yourself.
Atheists deny God’s existence and automatically move to first place. No apology. Guilt. Or need to concern yourself with meaning, purpose, or reason for existence since there isn’t any.
But for the 81% of Americans that do believe in God, his command is pretty clear.
You shall have no other gods before me. Make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. And you shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, (ESV, Exodus 20: 3-4)
Few people in today’s secular society actually worship a physical, man-made idol. So at first glance, there’s no danger of breaking this commandment. However, idols can also take other forms. Like the pursuit of career, hobbies, entertainment, pleasure, success, possessions, and wealth. Of course. These aren’t bad in and of themselves. It’s when you pursue them with an all consuming passion they turn idolatrous.
God wants to sit on the throne of our hearts. But our selfish sin nature works against it. And we push him aside in our “all about me” pursuit of self-help, self-empowerment, and self-improvement. Placing God first takes a consistent realignment. Absorbing his word daily, worshiping him weekly, and serving others. Why? Because they go against our sin nature and must be Spirit led. And is exactly where we find meaning, purpose, and reason for existence.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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Four postures of righteousness. How do you live a life that honors God? What the Bible calls righteousness. Psalm 1:1-2 provides four postures to guide you.
Blessed is the manwho walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. (ESV, Psalm 1:1-2)
Four postures of righteousness. Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked.
The verse is composed of three “do nots” followed by one “do.” Although the three “do nots” imply a “do.” And it begins with how we walk. Not our physical gait, of course. The Hebrew word hâlak, is translated “walk” but refers to behavior. Our conduct as we navigate life.
“Counsel” is ʿêtsâh, and means advice and prudence. Because we all seek advice on decisions from time to time. So, where do you go for yours? We’re told here not to seek advice from the wicked. But what exactly does that mean?
The Hebrew word is râshâ, which means morally wrong, ungodly, and guilty. Its meaning is broader than just people who are obviously evil. But anyone who does not devoutly worship and follow the one true God.
I know. Some of those people care about you. And have life experiences that should be considered. But ungodly advice is skewed by a secular worldview. God’s will is often counter cultural and therefore, godly advice doesn’t always make sense from a worldly perspective. So Christ-followers who actively follow God and seek his will should be your main source of advice.
Four postures of righteousness. Nor stands in the way of sinners
The Hebrew word for “sinner” is chaṭṭâ, which means sinner, offender, criminal and one accounted guilty. And yes, we are all sinners. However, Christ-followers are redeemed through the blood of Jesus Christ. And our desire is to please and honor God. Therefore, we should pursue the holiness of God by imitating the life of Christ.
The Hebrew word for “stand” is ʿâmad, which means to abide, continue, dwell. And the Hebrew word for “way” is derek, which means path, manner, journey, custom, a course of life or mode of action. And as Christ-followers, we walk a different path than non-believers. It doesn’t mean non-believers are bad people or always pursuing evil things. But without God’s indwelling Spirit, their desires lean towards selfish pursuits of pleasure. And what happens if we stand on that path?
Well. What happens if you stand in the path of a moving train, a tsunami, or a tornado? A tragedy, right? The point here is not that non-believers will run you over if you’re in their path. But that they might pull you along with them into morally unhealthy activities. Instead, seek Christ-followers who share your God honoring desires and walk a righteous path together.
Four postures of righteousness. Nor sits in the seat of scoffers
The Hebrew word for “sit” is yâshab, which means to sit down, dwell, remain, settle, tarry, abide, remain, and inhabit. The word for “seat” is môshâb, which means a seat, an abode, dwelling, inhabited place, and sojourning. And the word for “scoffers” is lûwts, which means to scoff, have in derision, scorn, and mock.
The point is, attitudes are contagious. Therefore, don’t hang around negative people with a cynical attitude for any length of time. Because it slowly rubs off on you.
And what makes them unhappy? A lack of hope.
Christ-followers have a living hope through Jesus Christ. And a future, eternal life with him. We should hang out with others who share our hope and keep company with those who live a joy-filled life.
Four postures of righteousness. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.
The Hebrew word for “delight” is chêphets, which means pleasure, desire, delight, and a valuable thing. The Hebrew word for “meditate” is hâgâh, which means to ponder, meditate, imagine, and study.
God’s word reveals the thoughts, desires, and purposes of God. And provides instructions on righteous living for the people of God. So reading the Bible should not be a duty of drugery, but a delight we meditate on. Think about. And ponder.
Okay, pushing through Leviticus and the begats in Matthew might not keep you perched on the edge of your seat. But God’s word is to be cherished as we study, learn, and apply it to our lives.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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This four week study dives directly into God’s word. It includes an individual study with an exegetical approach that examines word meaning, provides background information, and thought provoking questions for reflection and journaling, And a weekly, group study guide that promotes a lively group discussion around other scripture references, personal stories, and life experiences that help apply scriptural truth to life.
Three tips to funny writing. Writing humor is like performing a magic trick. You misdirect your audience and surprise them with an unexpected ending. Here are three tips to help you.
Three tips to funny writing. The first person that laughs at your joke is you.
My kids used to tell me, “Dad, just because you laugh at your own jokes, it doesn’t mean they’re funny.” But here’s the truth. If you don’t think what you’ve written is funny, probably no one else will either.
And I admit, I sometimes have a sense of humor that no one else shares. The number of times I’m the only one bursting out in laughter at a funny scene in a movie theater proves it. On the other hand, someone, somewhere, must have thought it was funny too, or it wouldn’t be in the movie. I need to meet that person so we can laugh together.
Still, that’s no guarantee others will enjoy your comedy because not everyone shares your sense of humor. We’re all unique when it comes to comedy and laugh at different forms of humor. Some like clever jokes, others visual slapstick comedy, and others dry wit. That’s the hardest thing about humor writing humor. Creating comedy that is universally funny and appeals to a large audience is challenging.
The number of times I’ve been the only person in a movie theater laughing during a particular comedy scene that I find funny is, according to my family members, ridiculous. And the loud, solo laughter at my favorite humor becomes the source of humor for everyone else. At my expense and to the embarrassment of my family. Of course, so is my solo singing, which is why I’m frequently asked to sing solo that no one hears me. Hey…whatever lame joke it takes to get a laugh, right?
Three tips to funny writing. Like a well timed magic trick humor surprisesthe audience.
Funny writing is like performing magic. You intentionally lead the audience towards a certain assumption or conclusion and then switch to the unexpected. For you, the comedy writer, it means always looking at things from a different, humorous perspective. Always asking what if? Where’s the comedy? How can I make it funny?
Tomorrow morning I have to get on a plane to Chicago…I’d prefer to ride inside the plane, but really, have you seen ticket prices lately?
Work has been killing me lately because I’ve spent the last 3 weeks on the road…run over by 100 cars, 25 trucks, and picked on by 4 buzzards.
Three tips to funny writing. Universal humor is everywhere. So peel your eyes and look for ripe fruit.
Yep, I know. Puns are the lowest form of humor. However, the point is to train yourself to be observant. And capture those funny moments when you encounter them. And when you see things that are funny, actively turn them over in your mind to make the comedy stand out. It’s the common problems we all face, the similar annoyances we experience, the familiar quirks of humanity we see every day. In reality, life is routine most of the time. And when you observe the comedy episodes in routine life, you’ll find humor that makes everyone laugh. Like…
The person ahead of you in the grocery store checkout line, that unlike you, is not in a hurry and uses the opportunity to share all the details of his current medical condition with the cashier.
The five year old that keeps obnoxiously blurting out loud questions to his parents in the middle of an intense movie…that he shouldn’t even be at because it’s R rated.
However, it’s not just reporting these comedy moments, although sometimes, they are so naturally funny that is often enough. What separates you as a freelance humor writer is when you add comedy, color commentary. It’s embellishing, exaggerating, and inserting the flavor of a little sarcasm. When you do, you create humor that makes us all laugh together. And it brightens up our day.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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Check out these two Christian detective novels. Soul Pursuit and Finding Grace. They include mystery, humor, and a Christian message.
God’s leadership training program for Moses fails every modern method. And yet, Moses is recognized as one of the Bible’s most prominent leaders. Let’s examine the training approach God used.
God’s leadership training program.Your background and education do not impress God.
When the child grew older, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses, “Because,” she said, “I drew him out of the water.” (ESV, Exodus 2:10)
Leadership profiles usually begin with a pedigree. An Ivy league school diploma. Respectable family name. Impressive qualifications, and distinguished commendations.
But Exodus 2:1-10 describes Moses’ humble beginnings in a common Jewish family. And his fortuitous adoption into the Egyptian Pharaoh’s royal family.
From there, he was raised in a position of privilege. Received the finest education. The top training of the day. And was likely on track for a key position in his adopted, grandfather’s Fortune 500 organization. A future of power and authority.
Except he made a bad decision and shot himself in the foot. A spoiled, entitled, rich kid who arrogantly committed an impulsive, foolish act that turned his life upside down. And sent him spiraling from great to grovelling. To a hard landing in God’s leadership training program.
God’s leadership training program. Don’t get too big for your britches
One day, when Moses had grown up, he went out to his people and looked on their burdens, and he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his people.He looked this way and that, and seeing no one, he struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. (ESV, Exodus 2:11-12)
Scripture doesn’t say how, but Moses learned about his Jewish heritage. Nor do we know his motivation for killing the Egyptian. The murder appears suddenly in the story with no explanation. Moses did, at least, look to see if anyone was watching before he acted.
Was it out of genuine compassion for the plight of his people or because he saw himself as their savior? In other words, demonstrating an ancient form of virtue signalling. No need to fear O nation of Israel. I…Moses…your not so humble servant will rescue you. You’ve got problems. I am your solution.
God’s leadership training program. You may not look as cool as you think.
When he went out the next day, behold, two Hebrews were struggling together. And he said to the man in the wrong, “Why do you strike your companion?” He answered, “Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you mean to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid, and thought, “Surely the thing is known.” (ESV, Exodus 2:13-14)
Virtue signalling involves public acts and declarations on the behalf of others. Usually people considered victims of society. But they also extol our own goodness. A humble brag. And perhaps, it describes Moses’ real motivation. A public display of compassion for the Jewish people as victims of Egyptian injustice. An understanding of their plight. All brought to you from his self-perceived, lofty pedestal of personal piety.
But the next day when he encountered two Hebrew slaves in an altercation, he intervened in his holy goodness to break it up. Expecting them to naturally submit to his righteous, arbitration. Instead, one of them turned on him. Exposed his selfish motives. And shattered his ego with a question.
“Are you going to kill me too?”
The truth was out. Moses’ inflated ego instantly deflated. His motives exposed. Because the downtrodden are seldom fooled by self-righteous proclamations. You only fool yourself.
Perhaps, others didn’t see Moses the same way he saw himself. Furthermore, Pharaoh was out to kill him. So, he ran to Midian and became a lowly shepherd. Descending from upwardly mobile to the bottom rung of social and occupational status.
God’s leadership training program.Humble yourself before God and he will call when you’re ready.
Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. (ESV, Exodus 3:1-2)
Fast forward another forty years when Moses is 80 years old, And finally, God calls him to lead Israel. Now that’s what you call waiting for someone to mature. And God calls Moses in a spectacular manner by appearing in a burning bush. Except the bush wasn’t actually burning. And it definitely caught Moses’ attention.
Moses was still a shepherd for his father-in-law Jethro at the time.
Forty years of humble service without even a promotion to chief shepherd. And apparently, Moses was content to live out his days this way. What happened to that young, ambitious, and egotistical young man? He grew older, wiser, and humble before God. You see it in his exchange with God in the burning bush.
God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground. And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. (ESV, Exodus 3:5-6)
Moses was unaware of the change in his life. Gone was the youthful brashness. Now he was humble before God. And that is God’s primary qualification for leadership. Why? Because humility changes how we think. Rather than on our abilities. It’s about availability for God’s service. And promoting God’s glory rather than personal accomplishments. From me-first to seeking and obeying God’s will.
What was it that characterized Moses’ impressive accomplishments as a Biblical leader? He was a faithful follower first. And leader second.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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Searching for life symmetry seems illusive. The quest for an ordered life. One that’s balanced and controlled. And perhaps, never will be completely. But here are four pursuits that will help.
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.(ESV, Luke 2:52)
Searching for life symmetry. Jesus grew in wisdom
The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight, (ESV, Proverbs 9:10)
The Hebrew word for “fear” is yirʾâh and denotes a sense of reverence. And “wisdom” is chokmâh, which refers to deep understanding and good judgment. In other words, wisdom is best attained by those who worship and revere God.
Jesus demonstrated this passion in his life. Luke 2:41-52 describes him as a 12-year old boy listening, learning, and asking questions of religious teachers in the temple. And he impressed them with his spiritual maturity.
All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. (ESV, Luke 2:47)
Therefore, we grow in wisdom as we study. learn, and apply God’s word. Because wisdom is a combination of knowledge and discernment of God’s word. Along with the learned experiences of applying its truth to our lives.
Searching for life symmetry. Jesus grew in stature.
For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. (ESV, Isaiah 53:2)
We can only speculate on Jesus’ appearance. Isaiah suggests he was not strikingly handsome in a way that drew eyes to him. But an ordinary looking Jewish man that blended into a crowd. And probably rules out the blue eyes seen in many Hollywood movies.
Jesus was likely strong and in good shape. Why? Well, first, he was a carpenter by trade. And scholars today, believe carpenters in that day were more like stone masons than the carpenters of today. Because stone was more plentiful than trees. So, lifting and carrying rocks was a greater muscle building workout than carrying two by fours.
Furthermore, Jesus ate a lot of fish and traveled by foot. So, as a 30-year old man during his ministry, he was likely relatively healthy and fit.
Searching for life symmetry. Jesus grew in favor with God
He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. When he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed. (ESV, Luke 22:39-41)
Jesus also personally communicated with God through regular prayer. And some of those sessions were long and intense. Like for him, it was more than a religious duty. Or presenting a list of wish fulfillments.
He set a prayer life example for us to follow. To connect with our heavenly father eagerly, intimately, and regularly. And willingly invite his Spirit to examine our hearts. Who speaks to us on behalf of the father and intercedes on our behalf to him. Especially when we can’t find the words ourselves.
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. (ESV, Romans 8:26)
Searching for life symmetry. Jesus grew in favor with man
Jesus miraculously healed the sick and lame. And this made him hugely popular in all social circles. He even saved a family from public humiliation when they ran out of wine at their daughter’s wedding. And simply whipped up a new batch of fine wine from barrels of water. But his favor with man was more profound than that.
Because he was an authentic source of truth. And a magnet of hope that drew and engaged individuals and crowds alike. Without catering to the crowd. Or ignoring the individual. And in such an unpretentious manner that he asked some to keep silent so he could avoid attention.
Furthermore, he offered equal opportunity to people of all ethnic groups and social classes. From chief priests and political rulers to the morally decadent and complete, social outcasts. He provided all his divine touch with a redemptive purpose that glorified God. And still does.
Of course, Jesus was also God in human form so we won’t reach his level of perfection. But the life of symmetry he demonstrated is one we should strive to follow.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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