A Christian Viewpoint

No. An atheist is the bottom of the “faith” pile. A view of Romans the first chapter shows the descent of the soul. Believing nothing but what the senses can tell you is the end.

What can an atheist tell us about connecting to the divine? Absolutely nothing. He can however be a judge whether something is aesthetically pleasing. He could also judge whether the worship is having an impact on the individual but cannot tell whether it is strickly a chemical emotional response, some form of insanity or if they are being touched by God.

He can tell you whether your service is running slicker than “snot” but has no idea what the snot is. And if it is snot, well God ain’t in that, is he?

 Defence of Democratic Principles

In Canada we have a democratic form of government. This government has basic principles by which the governed agree to abide. In this context having meetings that cross denominational lines are not a problem. We all agree that each of us has freedom of conscience. We have have certain rights that are extended to all. When our conscience is at odds with others we are not (usually) compelled to agree. Though Political Correctness is gradually changing that last sentence. Yet our country corrected other actions that in time all deemed as wrong: child labour, torture, denial of the vote to women, etc. For better or worse we are living in a society that is in a state of constant flux. As long as we defend basic democratic principles as we have come to know them we assure our peace.

Broad Common Good Events

The broadest grouping is the federal legislature. It comprises of the largest and perhaps most diverse amalgamation of ideas. The purpose for this gathering and many smaller ones is to formulate plans for the common good. When we take care of our brothers and sisters, our neighbours, we take care of ourselves. Going to an inter-faith meeting for the purpose of coming together to do a good work is an admiral example of co-operation for the common good. Such events we can only hope would be well attended by all.

Unequally Yoked Alliances and Prayers

We can enter into difficulty if during such a gathering we enter into alliances with those who have a different or perhaps hidden agenda. You are known by the company you keep. There is a level of caution that the Christian should maintain when joining with others. What would be the perception of such an alliance? Would God approve of such fellowship? There are obvious connections we should resist.

The same goes when we enter into the realm of prayer. There are more so called gods and goddesses out there that are receiving prayer. I am reminded of Israel falling into disfavour with God because they offered the sacrifices that God required and then would prostitute themselves with a myriad of gods and goddesses on every hill and in every grove. How does the Christian join his prayer to God with another person’s prayer to Belial. Surely we can both carry the same burden for the needs of people without being spiritually yoked in prayer.

In this regard I believe, in many situations, it is possible to go to an inter-faith meeting. It may, however, be inappropriate to attend an inter-faith prayer meeting.

Organized Like Faith Events

So now we enter into a smaller, like minded faith, group of people. They speak a common (spiritual) language. They hold to the same values. It is here that the problem can be addressed more directly. In larger groups even the terms we use have to be double checked to assure we are talking the same “language” and mean the same thing. (I remember when Communism would take our very words of freedom. They would then change the definitions. Even though we sounded the same the resulting vision was far different.) We would not have to worry about the perception of being unequally yoked. We would also know that God could move among us to bring about his purposes and for his glory. We would not share God’s glory with others opposed to him.

Defence of Our Truth

We must defend our democracy and its democratic principles. Yet if the law opposes God we need to stand firm against the whole. In our society we must also be willing to defend the freedom of conscience of other faiths. Except when they oppose democracy and democratic principles. However, we do not need to agree with their vision. Then we must stand firm in our resolve to believe and obey of Saviour and Lord and the revelation given to us. In a country that holds to democracy and democratic rights and principles,  we have the freedom to walk out our faith as others do theirs. We have the right to share our faith as do others. We have the ability to gather together for the common good… no matter how small or large the group. Above all we can defend our truth. It is a freedom that must be given to all or it will be given to none.

 Born of the Spirit while living in the flesh. A water source cannot put out sweet and salty water. A good tree cannot grow bad fruit. Yet a Christian who is born again  can also have a desire to live in the flesh. Why does this happen?

We feed the beast. We contaminate ourselves by what we perceive. We are sullied by participation in flesh centred activities. Being with like minded people only hastens our destruction.

To change the destructive behaviour…
The internal man has to change.

This cannot be done through the exercise of will-power. Even if we successfully stop sinning we become less fit for the kingdom of heaven. Denial of the flesh only hardens the heart.

We are changed by the gift of self-control, a fruit of the Spirit. The growth of our spirit increases that self-control. The way this is done is through pruning. God prunes out activities and people that feed the beast. He replaces it with God centred activities and Christ centred people. The more time we spend with his Spirit in these God centred activities the more we grow. Our being with like-minded people aids us on our road to glory.

Will-power is the ability to stop… Failure!
Self-control is the ability to direct… Victory!

Easter Sunday. An actor by the name of David Morris visited our church today. He did not, however, show up as himself. Dressed in traditional Jewish garb of the time of Christ he gave the testimony of John, the beloved disciple. The story weaved its way from when he first met Jesus until the restoration of Peter. He gave a very good portrayal. I tip my hat to his performance.

There are times when I am in church that the Spirit whispers to my conscious mind. The thought is just out of reach. I use to run through a list of “what can it be”. I have learned early in my walk to watch while praying softly in tongues. In time he would reveal to me what is hidden. Sometimes it may be days later before I understood. Other times I got the message within minutes.

If I am already in a watchful spirit then understanding what the Spirit whispers comes quick and easy. To always be attentive, to walk with God, to watch where the Spirit leads, then to go. Not a bad way to live. My hope is that I get better at it. I know I do well when I watch and pray, and badly when I don’t.