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May 6, 2012

AM: Ken Stegall – “How the Gospel Overcomes Sin” (part 5)

PM: Ken Stegall – “Searching for Security”

May 13, 2012

AM: Ken Stegall – “How the Gospel Overcomes Sin” (part 6)

PM: Ken Stegall – “Why Are You So Afraid?”

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One would think that such an oasis of silence would be quite relaxing and refreshing.  Surprisingly, though, it has been proven more hazardous than helpful.  It has been discovered that when the human mind is thrust into absolute silence, it begins to search for something to listen to.    People have reported hearing their own heartbeat at greatly amplified volumes.  Eventually, the silence actually gives way to hallucinations as the mind struggles to maintain its grip on reality.  The longest that any test subject has stayed in the anechoic chamber is 45 minutes.

Such silence can be just as hazardous for our souls as well.  God has created man with a need for interaction and relationship.  The ideal     fulfillment of this is seen in our relationships with Him and His people.  Sadly, there are those who find themselves lacking in those relationships.  One reason for this is that they have created a sort of spiritual anechoic chamber.  They have isolated themselves from the “sounds” of spiritual influences by closing Bibles, ceasing to pray, and failing to take advantage of opportunities to be with other Christians.  Before long, the lack of spiritual sound leads to hallucinations… “I don’t fit in here.  They don’t    really care about me.  It doesn’t matter to anyone if I go or stay.”  If they would only open the door and subject themselves to these spiritual sounds, they would understand how untrue these kinds of thoughts are. 

May we never place ourselves in such a soundproof place that we miss out on the beauty of the relationships God has created for us to enjoy.

- Cory -

Criticizing something or someone doesn’t make you right!

Maybe this is criticism’s greatest deception.

You don’t prove your point by disproving your opponent’s point!   Just because you criticized your opponent- even if your criticism was truthful and accurate- doesn’t mean that you proved your own agenda to be correct!  Has it ever occurred to you that you may both be wrong?

I guess if criticism does anything “constructive,” it might clear some rubbish away.  It can disprove something, but it can’t prove anything positive.  However, sadly, to the critic, it appears to him to have proved his own argument right!  

Since we’re in a political climate right now in our country… and since so many Christians get so fervent about their politics that they bring it into the church, let me remind you of something- Just because you criticize your opponent, doesn’t prove anything about your favored candidate.   

I guess the most common approach to someone who attacks your candidate is that you unleash a barrage of everything you can think of to criticize his candidate.  What have you accomplished?  Well… you haven’t proved anything about the worthiness of your guy, but it’s pretty well assured that you have alienated yourself from your brother! 

To apply- I pray not abuse- the principle of a scripture for this political season: “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.  Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of [politics _KS].”

                                                                                                                                                           Ken Stegall