We who preach the gospel must not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world. We must not imagine ourselves commissioned to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, the world of sports or modern education. We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum. A.W. Tozer
Therefore let God-inspired Scripture decide between us; and on whichever side be found doctrines in harmony with the word of God, in favor of that side will be cast the vote of truth. --Basil of Caesarea
Once you learn to discern, there's no going back. You will begin to spot the lie everywhere it appears.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. 1 Timothy 1:12

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Right Thinking and Right Action


“There is a mistaken notion in modern Western thinking that ‘theory’ and ‘practice’ have little or nothing to do with each other.  Some - even in evangelical churches - take pride in their disdain for theology in favor of giving people ‘practical’ instruction on how to deal with issues in their lives, families, and churches.  A visit to the average Christian bookstore will easily demonstrate the popularity of such fare.  Paul shows us that he would reject such compartmentalized methodology.  Right thinking and right action are two sides of the same coin.  Without doctrine we are left to drift with the tides of modernity - victims of every ‘wind of doctrine.’  Without the faithful appropriation of truth in action, we are locked in an ivory tower far removed from the realities of the world into which we are called to serve Christ.  Paul’s writings give us the perfect balance of doctrine/theology and practical instruction.  Never does he place a wall of separation between these.”

Dan Mitchell, The Book of First Corinthians: Christianity In A Hostile Culture, p.10-11.

2 comments:

Ron Livesay said...

Excellent!!!

Anonymous said...

What we believe absolutely will impact how we act. Or in big theological terms, orthodoxy should yield orthopraxy.

That is why it is crucial to have a true and proper, "rightly divided" understanding of God's word. Our behavior will flow out of our beliefs, not the other way around.

-carolyn