All in Worldliness

Habakkuk's Example for Troubled Times

Habakkuk's Example for Troubled Times

Greg Chandler
Doubt, Faith, Judgment, Trust, Worldliness

The past few months have been troubling for the people of God who are concerned about morality. Debates about transgenderism have led to cultural clashes around the country as states and their leaders make decisions that will impact younger, more vulnerable citizens. A recent leak from the Supreme Court on the hot button topic of abortion has reignited emotional responses so much so that fencing has been placed around the Supreme Court building, for fear of attack. Atrocities in a foreign war remain forefront in the news cycle and a reminder of how villainous humans can be to other humans. If one has a steady diet of news consumption, it can lead to hand-wringing worry about the state of the world. Yet, God says to live without anxiety: “The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:5b-7). How is this possible?

How to Have a Satisfying Life

How to Have a Satisfying Life

Carl Witty
Jealousy, Worldliness, Peace

What is the secret of a satisfying life? Paul gives three answers in Philippians 4:10-13 – “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Learning to Gaze

Learning to Gaze

Eric Hamilton
Worship, Worldliness, Priorities

If you had one thing to ask of God, what would it be? It is always difficult asking a question like that because there can often be two answers. There is the actual answer, and then there is the answer we know we ought to give. There can create tension within the answerer—they know (or think they know) what the right answer should be, and though they don’t feel it in their heart, they still may feel compelled to answer the question one way rather than the other.

Do Not Boast About Tomorrow

Do Not Boast About Tomorrow

Eric Hamilton
Faith, Trust, Worldliness

If there is any proof that the plans we make for ourselves can be thwarted, it has been these last two years. Plans I had went awry, and I am certain yours did, too. Intended travel was canceled or postponed, some jobs were lost, loved ones were lost as well. Something as disruptive as the pandemic is proof that none of us are in control of the circumstances of our lives, and we are not in control of most things.

Things Involved in Service

Things Involved in Service

Dee Bowman
Service, Selflessness, Worldliness

Service is serving--sometimes voluntarily, sometime involuntarily. In service one is enslaved to someone or something--sometimes voluntarily, sometimes involuntarily. Slavery is not all bad. For instance, Paul, inspired by the Spirit, said, “being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness” (Romans 6:18). One may be freed from one slavery, but he will inevitably be brought under the control of another slavery. The black people who were made free by The Emancipation Proclamation, were not free to do as they pleased. They ceased being mere chattel for their masters; but they were brought under the laws of the land. If one is free from righteousness, he is the slave of sin; if he is freed from sin, he becomes the servant of God. Everyone serves someone.