I have been thinking, lately, about spiritual identity. This was inspired by looking at the attitudes Jesus confronted in His lifetime, as well as the multitude of denominations, sects and movements in existence today, each defending their viewpoints passionately. In my opinion, many are searching for a purer, truer expression of the faith, and many … Continue reading Identity Drift
Author: Andrew K. Banks
Good Message
"Silver is tested in a crucible, gold in a smelter, and a man by the praise he receives." Proverbs 27:21 I have taken this to mean that when a man receives compliments or other types of rewards because of something he says or does, he can be tempted toward pride, or conceit, or maybe just … Continue reading Good Message
Identity Bubble
I remember a comedian talking about how, in Canada where he lived, he was Indian. Then he went to India, and he was instantly Canadian. If you've read much of this blog, you might notice posts like Culturally Objectionable Words or Freedom vs Unintended Bullshit . There are times, possibly, when I have relished the … Continue reading Identity Bubble
The Promise of the Spirit
John 16:7-11 "Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth, it is to your benefit that I go away, because if I don't go away, the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send Him to you. When He comes, He will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgement: about sin, … Continue reading The Promise of the Spirit
True Obedience
I wrote in Following the Spirit : Do not be self-absorbed in your in performance, but be present in love. This has been an important word for me lately, because the problem described here has been a chronic problem in my spiritual life. Partially, this has to do with bridging the gap between what I … Continue reading True Obedience
Following the Spirit
Do not be self-absorbed in your in performance, but be present in love.
According to Your Word
Psalm 119:25 (NASB) "My soul cleaves to the dust, revive me according to Your word." from John 1:14 (NASB) "And the word became flesh and dwelt among us..." Indeed, my soul does cleave to the dust, sometimes in despair and discouragement, which I think is what the author was saying here, but my soul often … Continue reading According to Your Word
Without Hindrance
Acts 28:30-31 "Then he stayed two whole years in his own rented house. And he welcomed all who visited him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with full boldness and without hindrance." The reason why Paul was in that house in Rome was because he had been … Continue reading Without Hindrance
Today, Redeemed
See today as redeemed. This has to do with seeing today, (that is, the work, the people, the opportunities of the day) through God’s eyes, rather than seeing the day through the lenses of my own limited thinking. What might my thinking be limited by? Perhaps past hurts, or maybe things that I say about … Continue reading Today, Redeemed
The Law of Christ
"Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ." -Galatians 6:2 (NASB) See also: Bare Minimum Holy Crumbs The Light of Words Spoken
Andrew K. Banks 