Spiritual Journey Insights

Friday, November 15, 2024

Cost of Spiritual Slackness

When we read the book of Acts from the Bible, we see the rhythm of believers within the church.

46 Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. (Acts 2:46-47, CSB)

For first-century believers, meeting together was a daily activity, not a once-in-a-week ritual. We live in times when the number of Sunday Christians is increasing, and they have no commitment to other spiritual activities or disciplines. My research tells me that today, people select what they want to attend, which is not bad, but they only attend church on Sundays if there are no other appointments. People traveling or taking up other appointments on Sunday have gone up. It is common for people to miss Sunday services or even choose to watch online.

Maintaining a steady spiritual focus can be challenging in our busy lives. As we navigate work, family obligations, and personal challenges, spiritual disciplines may gradually slip into the background. While often unnoticeable initially, this spiritual slackness can profoundly affect our well-being and relationship with God. Understanding these costs should help us evaluate and recommit our lives.

1. Loss of Inner Peace and Feeling Guilty

One of the primary benefits of a solid spiritual life is inner peace—a deep-seated sense of calm and assurance that transcends external circumstances. When spiritual practices diminish, anxiety and restlessness often take their place. Spiritual slackness can lead to a feeling of disconnection that makes it harder to navigate life's challenges with grace and calmness. It will also lead to guilt when you hear the message or read the Bible. You can get irritated when people ask about your well-being.

2. Erosion of Faith

Regular spiritual engagement helps nurture and strengthen our faith. Whether through prayer, meditation, community worship, or study, these practices reinforce our beliefs and provide spiritual nourishment. Without consistent practice, doubts can fester, and faith can erode, leaving us with a shaky foundation when faced with life's inevitable trials. We will try to handle everything independently and not rely on God's help and guidance.

3. Weakening of Moral Compass

Spiritual disciplines often play a crucial role in guiding moral and ethical decisions. When these practices are neglected, it becomes easier to justify small compromises that can gradually lead to considerable ethical lapses. A neglected spiritual life can gradually blur the lines between right and wrong, affecting personal integrity and relationships. This could lead to situations we know are wrong, but we still give up.

4. Diminished Joy and Gratitude

Spiritual slackness can diminish our capacity to experience true joy and gratitude. A vibrant spiritual life opens our eyes to the beauty and blessings around us, fostering a thankful heart. Without this perspective, we may become more prone to negativity, focusing on what we lack rather than acknowledging our blessings. This can lead to frustrations and blaming others.

5. Stagnation in Personal Growth

Spiritual growth often translates to personal growth, which encourages self-reflection, humility, and a desire to become better versions of ourselves. When slackness sets in, this growth can stagnate. We may find ourselves stuck in the same patterns, needing help to overcome personal weaknesses or develop new strengths. This can lead to dissatisfaction with life, and we feel helpless.

6. Disconnection from Community

Engagement in a spiritual community provides support, accountability, and shared wisdom. Spiritual slackness can lead to isolation from these valuable networks, depriving us of collective encouragement and shared spiritual journeys. This disconnection can leave us feeling alone, especially in times of spiritual need.

Conclusion

The costs of spiritual slackness can be profound, affecting every aspect of our lives, from inner peace to personal growth. By recognizing these costs, we can intentionally restore our spiritual practices and renew our connection to what is most meaningful. Doing so opens the door to a life rich with purpose, joy, and unwavering faith.

Disclaimer - Some blog content was generated using AI as I research AI and maintain the TheologyAI.com site.

Thursday, October 3, 2024

Are we Alert?

To be alert means to be fully aware and attentive to one's surroundings or circumstances, ready to respond to potential dangers, opportunities, or changes. It involves heightened focus, mental sharpness, and often physical readiness. Being alert allows a person to react quickly and appropriately in situations that require vigilance, whether in everyday tasks, during emergencies, or when performing tasks that require concentration.

Bible encourages a Christian to be alert for the coming of Jesus Christ. It refers to a state of spiritual vigilance and readiness for the Second Coming of Christ. In this context, it means living in a way that reflects anticipation of Christ's return, as described in the Bible. This alertness involves:

Spiritual Watchfulness: Actively seeking a close relationship with God, through prayer, reading Scripture, and living according to Christ's teachings.
Moral Readiness: Maintaining a lifestyle that reflects Christian values, such as love, humility, forgiveness, and holiness. This includes avoiding sinful behaviors and staying committed to righteousness.
Awareness of Signs: Be aware of prophetic signs described in the Bible that may indicate Christ's return, while also recognizing that the exact time is unknown (Matthew 24:36).
Living with Purpose: Understanding that Christ's return could happen at any time, Christians are encouraged to live purposefully, sharing their faith, serving others, and fulfilling God's will.

The Bible gives many warning and encourages alertness. It is important that we do not slack while we wait. At times long wait can lead to compromise. There is a reward awaiting and we need to be alert.

³⁷The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat! ³⁸He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready. (Luke 12:37-38)

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Latest Media Updates

Thriving Talk's new episodes have been released.

Service
Simplicity
Rest
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All details are here - https://gospel-link.com/podcast-thriving-talk/.
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Hindi Podcast - जीवन उन्नति संवाद (Jeevan Unnati Samvaad) - Life Growth Talk

Video Messages

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अचानक तूफ़ान (Unexpected Storms)

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Shorts (less than 1 minute)

English

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

The Journey of Faith: Fleeing, Pursuing, and Fighting the Good Fight

The Journey of Faith: Fleeing, Pursuing, and Fighting the Good Fight

In a world filled with distractions and temptations, how do we stay true to our spiritual path? How do we navigate the challenges that life throws our way while keeping our eyes fixed on eternity? These are questions that every believer must grapple with, and they form the core of a profound message about the Christian walk.

At the heart of this message lies a powerful dichotomy: the call to flee from certain things and pursue others. As children of God, we are urged to run from evil and chase after righteousness. This isn't a passive journey, but an active one that requires intentionality and perseverance.

The apostle Paul, in his letter to Timothy, outlines this spiritual strategy. He exhorts us to "pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness." Each of these virtues paints a picture of the Christian life:

1. Righteousness: Being morally upright and justifiable in our actions.
2. Godliness: Living with an awareness of God's presence and a desire to please Him.
3. Faith: Trusting in God's promises and His plan for our lives.
4. Love: Showing compassion and care for others, reflecting God's love for us.
5. Endurance: Persisting in our faith despite difficulties or delays.
6. Gentleness: Approaching others with compassion, especially in their weaknesses.

These qualities aren't just ideals to admire from afar; they're traits we're called to actively pursue and embody in our daily lives.

But the Christian journey isn't just about what we chase after—it's also about what we flee from. We're called to run from things that could compromise our faith or lead us astray. This might mean avoiding certain situations, relationships, or habits that pull us away from God.

The imagery of fleeing and pursuing paints a vivid picture of the Christian life as one of movement and action. We're not called to be stagnant in our faith, but to be constantly growing, constantly moving towards God and away from sin.

This active faith is further emphasized in the call to "fight the good fight of the faith." The Christian life isn't always easy—it often involves struggle and conflict. We're in a spiritual battle, and we need to be prepared to stand firm and fight for what we believe.

But what are we fighting for? The text tells us to "take hold of the eternal life" to which we are called. This eternal perspective is crucial. Everything we do in this life should be viewed through the lens of eternity. Are our actions, our pursuits, our fights aligned with the eternal life that God has promised us?

An interesting analogy was shared about a plane in distress. Some passengers were told the truth about the danger they were in, while others were given a false story about a rewards program. Those who knew the truth took the situation seriously and prepared themselves, while those who were misled treated it as a joke.

This story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding the true nature of our spiritual journey. Are we treating our faith as a mere "rewards program," seeking earthly benefits and perks? Or do we recognize the gravity of our situation—that we're in a spiritual battle with eternal consequences?

The message challenges us to examine our lives and ask ourselves: Are we truly living as "men and women of God"? Are we pursuing the things we should be pursuing and fleeing from the things we should be fleeing from? Are we fighting the good fight of faith, or have we become complacent?

We're reminded of the words from Hebrews 12:1, which urges us to "strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up, and let us run with endurance the race God has set before us." This verse paints a picture of an athlete preparing for a race, removing anything that might hinder their performance. In the same way, we need to identify and remove anything in our lives that's holding us back spiritually.

The message also emphasizes the importance of obedience "without wavering." We're charged to keep God's commands faithfully, even when it's difficult, even when we're tempted to compromise. This unwavering obedience is crucial as we await the return of Christ.

Finally, we're reminded of the sovereignty and majesty of our God. He is described as the "King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light." This awe-inspiring description serves to put everything into perspective. When we truly grasp who God is—His power, His authority, His holiness—it changes how we live our lives.

Understanding God's sovereignty should lead us to submit to His lordship in every area of our lives. Too often, we treat God as a consultant, only turning to Him when things are out of our control. But true faith means recognizing Him as Lord of all, the One who should be directing every aspect of our lives.

As we reflect on this message, we're challenged to examine our own lives. Are we actively pursuing righteousness and fleeing from evil? Are we fighting the good fight of faith, or have we become complacent? Are we holding tightly to the promise of eternal life, letting it shape our priorities and decisions?

Let's remember that the Christian life is not static—it's dynamic, filled with movement, growth, and sometimes struggle. But in all of this, we have the assurance that we serve a sovereign God, the King of kings and Lord of lords. As we navigate the challenges of this world, may we keep our eyes fixed on Him, fleeing from evil, pursuing righteousness, and fighting the good fight of faith.

In the end, may we be able to stand before our Lord without fault or failure, having lived lives that truly reflect our calling as children of God. May all honor and power be to Him forever. Amen.

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Be Alert: Do not fall into this trap!

Introduction

Recently, a Pastor visited me, and I took him to the Mall of America, the biggest mall in America. As we were walking, we met a person who wanted to talk to us. Immediately, I realized that he wanted to share the gospel with us. I was happy and wanted to hear what he had to say. Another person joined him and tried to talk to me. The conversation and everything that happened later forced me to investigate and led me to write this. I am sharing this for information-sharing purposes and would like you to evaluate the information and beware so that you will not get trapped or deceived.

Highlights from our Conversation

Everything started with the statement that Christ had returned. I wanted to hear more as it was a red flag. Then it went to many prophecies, observance of Passover, Sabbath, celebration of Christmas, etc. Everyone except their church is heresy and false. Only they are accurate, and everyone else is waiting for judgment. As the conversation progressed, we sat down to talk, and they refused to speak to the pastor who was with me since he was asking many questions. I was asking questions but in a way to understand what they are trying to say and who they are.

As things progressed, they started picking one verse and jumping to another to prove their point. In the end, I had to tell them that I am a Pastor and I have studied theology, and what they are saying tells me that they are cults. At that point, everything changed. Till that time, they were telling me that I was a cult, and the moment I told them, they did not want to talk to me.

They asked me which day I worship God. I said every day. They were upset and said I was lying. I told you to come to our church, and we have prayer meetings on Saturday also at times. Finally, as they tried to escape, I asked them the church's name. They would not tell as they suspect I would go around and tell others about them (I think they got that right) and lead more people to heresy and falsehood. They won’t disclose their name or anything. I challenged them and gave them my card, saying if you have the truth, why are you afraid.

Finally, they revealed the name when I insisted that if they were sure that they are spreading truth, why were they trying to hide? It was the World Mission Society Church of God. It is a religious movement which originated in South Korea in 1964. After the founder Ahn Sahng-hong, whom they claim as Christ, died in 1985, Kim Joo-cheol and Zahng Gil-jah changed the church's name to Witnesses of Ahn Sahng-hong Church of God. After that, the Church expanded its activities to other parts of the world and began using the World Mission Society Church of God as its name. Its headquarters and main church are in the southeast of the Seoul metropolitan area. The church has distinctive beliefs that set it apart from mainstream Christian denominations.

Central Teachings of this group

Belief in God the Mother: One of the most distinctive teachings of the WMSCOG is its belief in God the Mother. They assert that there is a Heavenly Mother as well as a Heavenly Father, based on interpretations of certain biblical passages.
Observance of the Passover: The WMSCOG places significant emphasis on the observance of the Passover, considering it a key sacrament. They believe that the Passover is necessary for salvation and practice it annually.
Sabbath Day Observance: Similar to some other Christian denominations, the WMSCOG observes the seventh-day Sabbath (Saturday) as a holy day of rest and worship.
Feast of Unleavened Bread and other Jewish Festivals: In addition to the Passover, the WMSCOG observes other biblical festivals, including the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Feast of Tabernacles, which are rooted in the Old Testament.
Mother God's Role in Redemption: The WMSCOG teaches that God the Mother plays a crucial role in the process of salvation and that acknowledging both God the Father and God the Mother is essential for attaining eternal life.
Ahn Sahng-hong is Christ, who had already come and should be titled Christ Ahn Sahng-hong.
Jesus Christ was supposed to rule 70 years. Like David became king at the age of 30, Jesus started his ministry at the age 30 after taking baptism. He lived for another 3 years. There is a total of 37 years left in his rule. When Israel became a nation in 1948, Ahn Sahng-hong started the balance rule and he was alive till 1985. That way he completed 70 years of rule. ( I know this do not make sense but that’s what the people whom I met told me.)
A person has to be baptised in the name of Ahn Sahng-hong.
They believe it is restoring the truth of the early church.
They use the word "prophecy" a lot during the conversation and pull up verses from here and there to prove their belief.

Few Bible Verses to note

If anyone tells you then, ‘See, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Over here!’ do not believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. 25 Take note: I have told you in advance. 26 So if they tell you, ‘See, he’s in the wilderness!’ don’t go out; or, ‘See, he’s in the storerooms!’ do not believe it. 27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. ( Mathew: 24:23-27, CSB)
Jesus told them, “Watch out that no one deceives you. 6 Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and they will deceive many. ( Mark 13:5-6)
Then he said, “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Don’t follow them. (Luke 21:8, CSB)
“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6, NKJV)
“But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.” (2 Peter 2:1–2, NKJV)
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.” (1 John 4:1–3, NKJV)

Helpful Video links for a more detailed study

Conclusion

It's important to note that the teachings and practices of the World Mission Society Church of God have been a subject of controversy and criticism, and there are varying perspectives on the group within the broader Christian community. The church has been involved in legal and public controversies, and its teachings have been a point of debate and discussion among religious scholars and Christian theologians.

I have no doubt that it is a cult group who claim tremendous growth in the last decade. They have even tried to remove videos which challenge their claims. I came to know that they are very active in many college campuses and are trying to reach and influence many Christian students and convert them.

Wednesday, August 9, 2023

Cost of Civil War

Internal conflicts are everywhere these days. There are currently more than thirty-two countries going through war now. Many are dealing with civil wars, and people live in fear and turmoil. There is hunger, and people are losing hope. I know people who live in these areas, and life is tough, and with each passing day, things are getting destroyed which was once built with incredible difficulty. A building that took years to build is destroyed in a few hours.

In the Bible, Jesus made a statement when he was accused of doing miracles with the help of Satan.

Mathew 12:25

Knowing their thoughts, he told them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is headed for destruction, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. (CSB)

Jesus knew their thoughts and replied, "Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A town or family splintered by feuding will fall apart. (NLT)

Any kingdom, town, or family divided by civil war or divided will fall apart. It is not going to prosper or grow but will get destroyed. It is valid for churches and other organizations. An unresolved internal ongoing conflict or issue is proof that fall is waiting. It may take some time, but it is slowly getting destroyed when civil war is not stopped.

Let's not take it lightly. Any feud or conflict which is not resolved will destroy the organization. When it comes to the church or the kingdom of God, we cannot afford that. Even if we lose or let certain things go, we cannot let anything is destroyed. We have to work in unity for things to grow and prosper.

Civil war is costly, and we cannot afford one in these last days, and hinder the work of God.