Dillon was beyond excited as he turned the nose of his green 1974 Plymouth Valiant south on the freeway. The early Spring Day brought a cloudless sky and temperatures in the low seventies; a perfect day to roll down the windows and enjoy the wind on his face. The Chrysler 318 cubic inch V-8 jumped …
Even if you don’t watch the news, you have undoubtedly heard of the puzzling interactions between seemingly self-righteous opponents who are so entrenched in their positions, and so passionate in their expectations for others, that no amount of logic or fact from the other side will cause them to change their minds. Vitriolic ad hominem …
Continue reading “Unmet Expectations and Critical Race Theory”
Obedience and Prayer When I think about the importance of obedience in the Christian life, nothing seems more confusing than obedience as it relates to prayer. After all, if I am to expect answered prayer then I must meet the conditions. In other words, I must obey, isn’t that right? Let’s think about that in …
Continue reading “Unmet Expectations and Christian Obedience Part II”
Most Christians, if they are honest with themselves and with God, have struggled in one way or another with obedience in the Christian life. From the extremes of legalism (meritorious obedience) on the one hand, and antinomianism (obedience not required) on the other, much confusion exists on this subject. What DOES God expect from His …
Continue reading “Unmet Expectations and Christian Obedience”
How do you expect God to lead you through His Word as a Christian? I’m not talking about the still small voice, or the internal impressions that come by way for the Holy Spirit’s ministry in the lives of many believers. I’m asking just how it is you expect the Word of God to guide …
Continue reading “Unmet Expectations and Guidance Through the Word”
I remember as a young Christian, it seemed that God and I were connected at the hip. His presence was almost palpable as I moved through the day ‘listening’ for His ‘still small voice,’ or for that God given ‘impression’ that would guide my path and answer my questions. Prayer came easily, thanking God for …
Continue reading “Unmet Expectations and the ‘Presence’ of God”
My first exposure to what I will charitably call a fearful attitude arising from wrong headed expectations took place just a few months after I trusted Christ and was baptized. Ironically, it wasn’t at the hands of a blue haired elderly lady, but rather from the pastor of the church I had recently joined as …
Expectations are everywhere! From your grandmother’s insistence that you attend church three times a week, to your own decision never to darken the church door, we all have expectations that we believe are righteous, and that we impose both on ourselves and especially on others. These expectations arise from our culture, from the duly constituted …
