We're Going to Impeach the "bleep"

Every single person on the face of this earth is guilty of inconsistency at one time or another. I look at some of the things that I have said in sermons and videos or have written in blogs and other media and sometimes cringe at what I hear or read. There is no doubt that consistency is a jewel that we often struggle to keep polished. But there is inconsistency that comes with the natural human tendency to forget, and inconsistency that comes because the individual committing it is blinded to the truth. Take the recent forum on Netroots where several women, including members of Congress, were discussing a variety of issues. 

Saved By Faith...With a Sprinkling of Works?

One of the cornerstones of the Reformation was the belief that we are saved by faith apart from works. This was emphasized strongly and was based on the clear teaching of the Scriptures notably by Paul in his book to the Galatians and the Romans, especially chapters 4 and 5 of the latter. The Reformers emphasized their belief in this doctrine by what they referred to as Sola Gratia, Grace Alone, and Sola Fide, Faith Alone. This echoed Paul's famous passage in his letter to the Ephesians where in chapter 2:8-9, he declared that "for by grace are you saved, through faith and that not of yourselves it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest anyone should boast."

"Worshiping God Better"

In His 1968 book "The God Who is There", Francis Shaeffer tells the story of his encounter with a pastor and their discussion about various matters he termed “intellectual rather than devotional.” At the end of the discussion, Shaeffer, believing that the pastor would say something related to what they had discussed such as “thank you for helping me be a better evangelist,” was completely surprised by what the pastor said in closing their exchange. "Thank you for opening these doors for me, now I can worship God better." Although Shaeffer was taken aback by the comment, he nevertheless says that, not only was he glad that he had been used by God to bring about that result in the life of the pastor, but he understood why that had been his reaction.