Foundation: Seek first the kingdom, and all these shall be added to you (Matthew 6:33). What is this like at the practical, daily level? I think one aspect is heart intent; consistently seeking, desiring, returning to, praying to the Lord. Another aspect is regular, substantial, and meaningful Christian fellowship. This will likely take effort, as … Continue reading Open Letter to a Young Christian Man
Tag: relationships
Suit Up, Walk it Out
"...put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, accepting one another and forgiving one another..." from Colossians 3:12-13 I might not be some of these things yet. Therefore, I that must put them on. I don't mean faking it. I mean stepping out of your comfort zone. It can be done, and it can … Continue reading Suit Up, Walk it Out
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
Father
"No one who denies the Son can have the Father; he who confesses the Son has the Father as well." -1 John 2:23 The latter half of this verse is somewhat of an affirmation for me, because until very recently my prayers were adressed "Christ Jesus". I actually felt a bit self-conscious about that because … Continue reading Father
Things are not as They Appear
"For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgement to himself if he does not judge the body rightly" - 1 Corinthians 11:29 1 Corinthians 11:17-33 is not a passage to be used by your church as an incantation for their particular theological bent on communion. Instead, it is a call for the church … Continue reading Things are not as They Appear
Idols and Rebels
"We are men also, with the same nature as you..." - from Acts 14:15 Paul and Barnabas shouted this at a crowd that was about to start worshiping them. I recently had a conversation with a friend about kids who rebel from really conservative families. How does that subject relate to this verse? The thought … Continue reading Idols and Rebels
Even More Thoughts About Sex
- The key to living out healthy sexuality is context. What does your life look like as a whole? That question will determine your success no matter how good your intentions are. Is sexual desire just another substance for addiction, looked toward in order to fill an emptyness, or do you have a full, well-rounded … Continue reading Even More Thoughts About Sex
Approaches to Purity
I write this as a dating adult, not under the restraints of parental rules. That is my disclaimer here. These are not one-size-fits-all strategies, but these principles are what worked for my wife and I leading up to our marriage. These are insights gained from personal experience. -Rely on the grace of God. I do … Continue reading Approaches to Purity
Show Me Your Glory
Recently, there was some Jesus Culture in the playlist at work. As Kim Walker-Smith sang "show me Your glory," my fiancè appeared from around the corner. The lesson was like God saying, "Do you want to worship me? Do it by loving this person I have put before you. Practically, to you, she is My … Continue reading Show Me Your Glory
Before I Forget
I will probably be editing and adding things to this post very soon, but I wanted to start putting my thoughts out there regarding this question: What has changed in me since I have gotten into a healthy, committed, romantic relationship? During my years of being single, I became fascinated with the question, ‘How does … Continue reading Before I Forget
Andrew K. Banks 