Spiritual Growth « Simply Mandi Kaye

Category Archives: Spiritual Growth

Apr 16 2007

Failing at being like Christ

by Mandi

Sometimes things happen that remind you how imperfect you are. And it stings like a slap in the face. One of these times was last night. The host of our care group confronted us on some ways that we aren’t Christlike at all.

Often, in my circle of friends, one of the ways we show affection is to tease. In our minds it’s no big deal because it’s intended in the spirit of friendship and love–we forget that not everyone thinks like we do. It turns out that the incessant teasing of this person had deeply offended him, but he hadn’t known how to tell us until it hadn’t gotten so offensive that we made him feel like he wasn’t a man anymore. He felt completely disrespected and as if he didn’t matter to us in the slightest except as the butt of our jokes.

Then he raised the matter of the purity of our speech. Particularly coming from the girls in the group. We often joke around about things that we shouldn’t. We make flippant offhand comments that allude to sex or are blatantly about the topic. And he called us on it. I’m glad he did. I’ve never really been convicted over that aspect of my speech until he stood before our group last night and tried to explain how hard it is for him to keep his thoughts pure when he has to listen to us carrying on like that.

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

1 Timothy 4:12

But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

Colossians 3:8

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Phillipians 4:8

Those are certainly things that I haven’t been very concerned with. It’s “fun” or “funny” to joke like that, except it’s really not. It’s definitely not pleasing to the Lord. It’s going to be hard to break the habit, but it can be done.

Why is it so acceptable, even among Christian circles, to talk about things that should remain in the bedroom?

Trackposted to Pirate’s Cove, third world county, Conservative Cat, and Right Voices, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Categories: Christianity, God, Media and Culture, Ministry, Personal, Spiritual Growth | 4 Comments »

Apr 12 2007

Hispanic Services and Illegal Aliens

by Mandi

Something about my faith (the noun, not the verb) grows everytime I read new articles from the Burnside Writer’s Collective. This time it’s an article about Hispanic services at church. Jeff wrote the article in response to a friend who remarked that churches with Hispanic services support illegal aliens.

Before I proceed, I want to admit that I don’t know much about the politics involved in recent issues of immigration, especially in regards to controlling the influx of Latinos coming through the Mexican border. I know that it is a hot topic, and there are a variety of opinions out there. I don’t profess to know the answer to such political dilemmas, but that’s not what this conversation was about. It was about Hispanic places of worship and the white American Church “catering” to them.

A worship service consists of more than going through familiar motions. A really good worship service involves feeling. The multitude of believers (some more multitudinous than others) gather in one company, in one voice, lifting up the one Lord, Jesus Christ. It can be incredibly moving and inspiring.

Now, the ever-present question is, how do we worship? And the answer is different in every culture. Hispanics worship in a much different style than white Americans do. Africans worship in a manner that is very distinct from the way in which an Asian believer would praise God. It is important to not only allow the freedom of different worship styles in context, but to make sure that we do not impose burdens of style on churches that we plant or support in other cultures. The Holy Spirit is very relevant to different cultures, and there is nothing wrong with following his lead in such relevance.

I bring this up because I believe it is appropriate and befitting to allow Hispanics to gather and worship in a manner that suits their culture and adheres to biblical principles. In contrast, it is most certainly not the will of God for us to force a bunch of Mexicans, Hondurans, and Guatemalans into a dry, lulling service of pasty-white Anglo-Saxons, devoid of tambourines, dancing, and the songs to which they are accustomed merely because we are trying to create good, American Christians.

I love that he immediately points out that it isn’t the politics behind the issue that concern him. The politics of the matter shouldn’t be an issue. What we’re talking about here is how the church treats people.

What a horrid injustice it would be for us to take such a passionate culture with such “undignified” delight towards the Lord and stick them into our biased prototype of what a “good church” looks like. I admit that the fact that I don’t get a bulletin or that someone may randomly call upon me during the Hispanic service is a bit uncomfortable. Yet, it’s what keeps me coming back for more.

I know that I don’t have everything figured out; in fact, I’m quite sure that the American church does not have everything about Jesus figured out (despite what the top-ten best-selling Christian self-help books might claim). And so, I am searching for pieces of Jesus in different cultures, hoping to see a larger picture of the mosaic called the Body of Christ. Let’s drop our facades and prejudices, please; it’s time to start learning from immigrants.

I wish it were as simple as white and Latino worship services. But, there is something deeper at work here, and it makes me ill – racism in the Church. We fear the things we do not know, and that is a large part of why we fear other cultures “not assimilating” into the American way of life. I think that this whole Christianity-becoming-a-worldview fad is overall a good step for the Church. Our faith is very relevant in culture, politics, and daily life. Men like Nehemiah teach us this. Yet, this kind of proactive political forwardness needs to be done in humility, and I’m afraid that we’re falling away from this. Having a biblical worldview does not mean taking your Republican or Democrat ideals and justifying them from a pulpit.

So, my question is not, “Should the Church shun immigrants?” I’m afraid that’s too big of a question and nothing real would result from this little conversation that we’ve been having. For some churches, it wouldn’t even matter; politics have polluted much of the infrastructure of American churches to the point that someone piping up and saying, “That’s not biblical!” makes little difference in the grand scheme. My question is, “Should you, should I, shun immigrants?” Let’s take off our institutional hats and speak from our hearts. What does Jesus tell you to do about it? Not George W. Bush. Not Jerry Falwell. Not even Tony Campolo.

You see, we in America have too many options. Too many choices of cereal. Too many ways to give to various charities. Too many radio stations and TV channels. We are crippled by indecision. How many times have you thought, “I’d really like to sponsor an orphan or missionary, but I don’t know where to give my money”? And what have you done? If you’re like me, probably nothing. You put the checkbook away for another day – you may have even resolved to pray more about it.

If you’re in this group with me, can we just quit with the hypocrisy? Let’s stop hiding behind what our preacher says. Let’s stop hiding behind the safety and security of our Western comfort. Let’s stop hiding behind our limited giving to charitable organizations. Let’s start really doing something about the injustices in the world, in our communities, and in ourselves. Let it begin in our individual hearts, as they break for the other, the least, and the deserted.

Yes! It’s so frustrating for me to hear people parrot their ~~pastors~~ leaders. Perhaps because, for so long, I was a parrot. I spouted off so much crap because it had been spouted off to me. I can remember when a good friend of mine got saved in college – I was thrilled! But then I matter of factly told her she must get a KJV. *sigh* But the truth is, it doesn’t matter what people say. If Jesus says give to the poor and your pastor says you don’t have to give if you really feel like you can’t…who should you listen to? If Jesus says to love your neighbor and your Christian friends tell you to leave the illegal immigrants alone…who should you listen to? If you answered anything other than Jesus, I’d like to see you answer the same way if Jesus asked you.

The Israelites were commanded to welcome the stranger, remembering that they, too, were once strangers in a foreign land. The New Testament calls us to a deeper understanding of who we are in this world – aliens. Jesus sent out his disciples as wanderers and vagrants – truly homeless – as if to point them to acknowledge their true homeland. And we are to entertain visitors in this world, never sure of who may be God’s messengers in disguise.

Trackposted to Planck’s Constant, third world county, Dumb Ox Daily News, Conservative Cat, Right Voices, Conservative Thoughts, and Pursuing Holiness, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Categories: Christianity, Church, God, Jesus, Love, Media and Culture, Ministry, Social Justice, Spiritual Growth | 6 Comments »

Apr 10 2007

Natural doesn’t always mean good

by Mandi

I read this awhile ago, but I’ve been wanting to post it ever since. From A.W. Tozer’s The Knowledge of the Holy:

The natural man is a sinner because and only because he challenges God’s selfhood in relation to his own. In all else he may willingly accept the sovereignty of God; in his own life he rejects it. For him, God’s dominion ends where his begins. For him, self becomes Self, and in this he unconsciously imitates Lucifer, that fallen son of the morning who said in his heart, “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God…I will be like the most High.”

Yet so subtle is self that scarcely anyone is conscious of its presence. Because man is born a rebel, he is unaware that he is one. His constant assertion of self, as far as he thinks of it at all, appears to him a perfectly normal thing. He is willing to share himself, sometimes even to sacrifice himself for a desired end, but never to dethrone himself. No matter how far down the scale of social acceptance he may slide, he is still in his own eyes a king on a throne, and no one, not even God, can take that throne from him.

Sin has many manifestations but its essence is one. A moral being, created to worship before the throne of God, sits on the throne of his own selfhood and from that elevated position declares, “I AM.” That is sin in its concentrated essence; yet because it is natural it appears to be good.

There is definite truth in those words.

Categories: Books, Christianity, God, Religion, Spiritual Growth | 1 Comment »

Mar 27 2007

Divorcing Christ

by Mandi

In response to this post, Mark has shared with me a series he had previously written (much clearer than I ever could) that explores this same topic. Each post takes the idea of “the security of the believer” and explores it just a little bit deeper. He’s not afraid to ask the tough questions.

Categories: Christianity, Faith, Grace, Spiritual Growth | No Comments »

Mar 26 2007

Theology of Grace and OSAS

by Mandi

I’ve had a change of mind on a particular “doctrine” issue in the past few weeks. I’ve always believed in the Once Saved, Always Saved (OSAS) doctrine. I was taught, and Scriptures seemed to agree, that once you give your life to Christ, it’s His forever. When you receive the gift of eternal life, you have it forever, regardless. It’s a little more complicated than that of course, because that didn’t mean that salvation gave a license to sin whenever. But I’ve recently realized that view is inaccurate.

It’s always annoying to find that something you’ve believed and taught for years is wrong, isn’t it?

I still won’t say that you can “lose” your salvation. But I do think you can give it back or throw it away.

This all came about from a discussion that happened in my small group a week ago, and we’ve all continued to discuss it trying to find answers. My original response to the discussion can be found here.

As the discussion progressed, I delved deeper into Scripture and what it means. Ultimately, the point that I was trying to make was that what matters is what’s in your heart. God’s pretty clear that we aren’t saved based on what we do, and it doesn’t make sense that retaining that salvation would be if the very act of salvation wasn’t.

In all of my reading on the topic, I found these verses:

Hebrews 6:1-6:

Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so.

It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.

I’m not sure how I missed these verses for all of these years. Falling away and then trying to repent again is as if you’re trying to crucify Christ again. Brings new meaning to these verses in Matthew:

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”

Makes you think, doesn’t it? Is it possible for someone who believes in OSAS to be saved, fall away, and then come back to God thinking that they are saved and right with God even though they aren’t?

I have to say, I don’t think so. I think there’s a big difference between the person who falls back into sin, knowing it’s wrong and feeling guilty about it, and the person who completely turns away from God and declares that there is no God.

If God’s looking at the heart (which is what I believe He does), then the first person will not have truly fallen away the way the second person did.

Or maybe I’m just wishful thinking.

Either way, a significant shift has occured in my own way of thinking.

Trackposted to Dumb Ox News, Renaissance Blogger, third world county, and Conservative Cat, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Categories: Bible, Christianity, Definitions, God, Grace, Jesus, Spiritual Growth | 11 Comments »

Mar 22 2007

Taking Time to Change – Unit 2 Day 5

by Mandi

1. Two significant statements.

a. The toxicity of this heart is so potent that when God wants to judge a man, all He has to do is turn that man over to his own heart.

I don’t like this. Doesn’t mean it isn’t true though. My heart is so sinful, that if left to my own devices, I would eventually destroy myself. That’s a tough pill to swallow.

b. A refusal to acknowledge our authority’s right to rule is a rejection of God’s ways and an evidence that our corrupt nature is ruling our lives at the moment.

God instituted authority for a reason. Not accepting that is rejecting God’s way.

2. The Bible teaches that the flesh deceives man–that is, it conceals truth. Page 40 lists eight truths from God that Satan wishes to conceal from man. Write out the ones that are most “concealed” from you in your day to day activities.

He has promised His grace for every trial and challenge of life.
He loves me and skillfully orders my ways for my ultimate good and His ultimate glory.

Other truths that I don’t think I struggle with:

God exists and He made me.
My sin is against Him, and He will hold me accountable for it unless I turn to Him for salvation.
The way of the transgressor is hard.
There is only one way of salvation, not many.
Without Him I can do nothing.
His Word is the only trustworthy account of reality.

3. Because our heart is so destructive, instead of demanding our own way, what should we be begging God to do?

Never to let us have our own way.

4. The text says that once Adam and Eve fell, God immediately reinforced His structure of authority. Why did God set up the accountability of the home, civil authority, and the church?

To restrain our nature of going our own way. If it isn’t restrained, it will destroy itself and everything around it.

5. Explain this statement from page 44: The same pride in a man that demands the right to make its own decisions will pollute every decision that man makes.

Because that pride causes you to make decisions that aren’t wise.

Memory Verse: Proverbs 14:12

There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Categories: Bible, Books, Christianity, Faith, God, Grace, Jesus, Religion, Sanctification, Spiritual Growth | No Comments »

Mar 22 2007

Taking Time to Change – Unit 2 Day 4

by Mandi

1. Two significant statments.

a. The natural man is a sinner because and only because he challenges God’s selfhood in relation to his own. In all else he may willingly accept the sovereignty of God; in his own life he rejects it.

Time and time again I find the truth of this statement. I constantly want God to be right and in control of everything but me.

b. Total depravity does not mean than an individual man is as wicked as is possible but that his fundamental crookedness has penetrated his total being.

2. If you do not seem to be experiencing the warfare of your flesh against God, what two possible reasons are discussed for that lack of struggle?

Going along with it and not feeling its pull OR it is craftily deceiving you by its silence

3. Charles Williams gave several “modern ideas about sin” that, of course, do not fit the biblical view of man. What are some other modern views of man that are used to explain his nature?

Economic disadvantage, immaturity, normal part of life, physical disease, mental problems, figment of imagination

4. What does the term “total depravity” mean?

See above.

5. If, as the Bible says, you are totally depraved and, therefore, every faculty of your understanding, will, affections, and conscience has been corrupted, what kinds of cautions should you take when making decisions and when relating to other people?

Definitely pray. Seek God first. Seek the wise thing to do.

6. Since man is totally depraved, what is wrong with the modern idea that man’s solutions are going to come from “looking within”?

You can’t look to the problem to find the solution.

Categories: Bible, Books, Christianity, Faith, God, Grace, Jesus, Religion, Sanctification, Spiritual Growth | No Comments »

Mar 21 2007

Taking Time to Change – Unit 2 Day 3

by Mandi

1. Two significant statements.

a. Paul, in this passage, is describing the heart of unbelievers, but this is also a portrait of every believer’s sinful tendency–a tendency that is not exterminated at salvation.

This is huge. Especially this week. Too many people think that Christians are supposed to be perfect. Even some Christians think this! But that’s not true. When you become a Christian, you have the power to overcome your sinful nature, but it isn’t a magical POOF! and it’s gone.

b. Our biggest problem is a heart that wants its own way in opposition to God’s way.

Remember the BK commercial, “Have it your way”? We’re programmed to think that our way is always the best way, but it’s usually in direct opposition to God’s way.

2. What tendencies of your own heart do you find described in Romans 3:10-18? If none are readily apparant to you, look up the explanations of some of the phrases in a good study Bible or commentary.

Tongues practice deceit and mouths full of bitterness.

3. Complete the quote of Dr. Bob Jones, Sr. from page 34: “The Devil did not tempt Adam and Eve to steal, to lie, to kill, to commit adultery; he tempted them to live independently from God.

4. Complete the quote of C.S. Lewis from page 34: “Fallen man is not simply an imperfect creature who needs improvement: he is a rebel who must lay down his arms.”

Categories: Bible, Books, Christianity, Faith, God, Grace, Jesus, Religion, Sanctification, Spiritual Growth | No Comments »

Mar 21 2007

Taking Time to Change – Unit 2 Day 2

by Mandi

1. Two significant statements.

a. Any sin that any sinner ever committed, every sinner under proper provocation could commit.

That’s a tough one. It’s hard to believe that we all have the ability (not necessarily the desire) to commit heinous things. But we do. It’s innate in us.

b. When we begin to see the human heart as God has been seeing it all along, we are stunned that He would want to redeem the likes of us.

It’s true. When I look at my own heart and see how rebellious it is–how it wants to do its own thing and not follow anyone but itself–then I do have to wonder why on earth God would want to redeem someone like me.

2. What are some excuses parents give for teenage rebellion when they do not have a biblical view of the human heart?

hormones, low self-esteem, immaturity

3. What is “accountability,” and what does God intend to accomplish through it?

The constant watchfulness and enforcement behind every effective discipleship effort. God uses it to stimulate change and keep a person from destroying himself and others while he learns to walk in the Spirit.

4. What do you know about a man’s view of the human heart when he says, “I can’t believe God would damn anyone to hell”?

It’s definitely not a biblical view. It’s a view that believes that man is basically “good” and deserves to go to heaven.

5. Why do believers not have an accurate view of the strength of the evil within when they are “rowing downstream with the current” of their heart?

Because when you’re going with the flow you can’t feel the pull of it against you. It’s only when you turn from it and go in the opposite direction that you feel the strength.

Categories: Bible, Books, Christianity, Faith, God, Grace, Jesus, Religion, Sanctification, Spiritual Growth | 1 Comment »

Mar 21 2007

Taking Time to Change – Unit 2 Day 1

by Mandi

So I’m 4 days behind on posting these. It’s been a crazy week! I’ll post all 4 days today, but as separate posts so that you don’t have to read an uber long post.

1. Two significant statements.

a. To save us completely, Christ must reverse the bent of our nature; He must plant a new principle within us so that subsequent conduct will spring out of a desire to promote the honor of God and the good of our fellow man.

b. One cannot hold a Scriptural view of God and the plan of salvation without having a Scriptural idea of sin.

I love that second one. It’s so true though. Until you really realize what we’ve been saved from, we can’t see God for who He is.

2. According to the three opening paragraphs of this chapter, what are some of the characteristics of the “indwelling principle of sin” that corrupts every part of us?

dethroning God, make life work apart from God, going your own way

3. Explain why the text warns readers on page 26: Don’t stop reading at the end of this chapter. What might cause a reader to be discouraged after reading this chapter?

It shows how heinous and worthless we are without Christ. It seems hopeless. And most folks don’t want to believe that our nature really is that bad.

4. What did the Puritan writer John Owen mean by this statement on page 27: “Upon this one hinge the whole course of our lives will turn”?

Recognizing the sin and changing based on it will change the course of your life.

5. Why does Paul open his Epistle to the Romans with three chapters on the sinful nature of man before he discusses salvation in chapters 4-5 and before he presents God’s plan for sanctification in chapters 6-8?

You have to get lost before you can get saved. In other words, you have to realize you need a Savior before you’ll accept one.

Memory verse: Proverbs 14:12