Since it is been established by Scriptural examples that God has given divine guidance to His followers throughout the ages, I will now begin to examine the Biblical reasons why God has chosen to do so. By considering the nature of special revelation, the overall theme of the Scriptures, and both the character and commands of God revealed in those Scriptures, I believe the reader will begin to understand the natural and expected role that divine guidance plays in the life of every child of God.
Category: Christian Living
Now that I have set forth the primary propositions of the model of guidance for which I will argue, I want to begin to lay the theological foundation which supports it. First, it seems befitting to examine the Biblical narrative and show that God’s Word is constant and consistent in presenting the fact of divine guidance.
Having laid out some various schools of thought and critiqued some particulars of the closed (or “wisdom”) approach to divine guidance, I will now move on to presenting the “missing category”. As we have seen, it is necessary to avoid charismatic methodologies which stray from Sola Scriptura, as well as the more moderate but ambiguous practice of relying on feelings and circumstances. A proper approach must also avoid the weaknesses of the closed model, while providing a Biblical framework for the reality and means of personal guidance from God.
In the previous entry, I examined three common categories of thought regarding divine guidance, and posited the need for a fourth which is predominately “missing”. Before moving on to the propositions of this missing category, I would like to interact with some of the main arguments of the “closed” category, and give some clarity to why I believe it falls short. I will not examine the other categories in the same light, as I do believe that those defending the “closed” position establish sufficient arguments against the other views.
It’s likely that almost every Christian has sought for answers when it comes to knowing God’s will for their personal life decisions. Practically, we want to know who to marry, what vocation to pursue, what ministry is right for us, where we should live, and so on down the list of life’s important choices. Theologically, the Christian may wonder how, or perhaps if, God reveals His will to us in these matters. In the first of a series of articles I intend to write on this subject, I want to examine the common categories of thought on this subject and suggest another approach which seems to be largely missing from the discussion.
Alice Cooper, noted heavy metal shock performer, is a Christian… or so Christians keep telling me. He has a Christian testimony. He’s written songs about God and salvation. He goes to a church that preaches the gospel. He’s gone to Bible conferences, and even played golf with R.C. Sproul. So why doubt him?
As I observe the ongoing uproar being made over the RFRA law, one thing is becoming more and more apparent. Some miraculous act of God notwithstanding, persecution of Christians is going to become a reality in this nation, and it is going to happen soon. I don’t mean verbal persecution, but state-organized, legalized persecution that will cost Christians more than just hurt feelings. Another truth that should be apparent, especially this week as Christians remember the death and resurrection of our Savior, is that any genuine persecution we suffer in His name is a tremendous reason to rejoice in Jesus Christ.
How often do you find yourself restlessly contemplating circumstances in life? Are you often bothered by present conditions or tense over an uncertain future? I’ve been there, and often find myself returning to this pitfall which plagues the mind and paralyzes the progress of sanctification. Although most are probably familiar with the exhortation to replace worry with prayer in Phil. 4:6-7, there is another passage of Scripture which exposes the ugly underbelly of this all-too-common sin.
Our culture at large (in America, and in many other places around the world) has become a culture of irreverence. Time-honored customs and traditions have been thrown out the window for the do-as-you-please, live-in-your-own-truth, you-are-your-own-god mentality. You see this around you constantly as children (and not just the young ones) openly defy their parents and reject their counsel. Employees are flippant towards their employers, citizens look down upon the authority of law enforcement, and lawmakers disregard the once-esteemed heritage of those who established and strengthened our great nation. Unfortunately this haughty and self-exalted attitude has penetrated beyond our society, and into the very core of our churches and Christian families.