“The journey on which you go is under the eye of the LORD.” (Judges 18:6b, ESV)
We are each on a journey, making our way as best we can. Too many times we try to make it on our own.
Here you will find, "lessons for the journey of faith, and the journey of life." Click this link for the latest "Lesson."
The primary reason for this ministry is to provide conservative Biblical teaching. However, from time to time there are issues that arise in the Christian community that provide opportunities for lessons, teachable moments as we travel on our journey of faith.
If you’ve been paying attention to anything over the last few years, I’m sure it has not escaped your notice that our culture has become increasingly divided. Philosophically, spiritually, economically, and culturally (you can add you own here,) this nation is more divided than any time in recent memory. And I say that as a child of the sixties. Although I was a child I remember the unrest of certain elements of the civil rights movement and the 3 very impactful assassinations of that time. It seems perhaps we are cycling back to those attitudes once again. But this time, our moral compass has been damaged almost to the point of uselessness. So much of our culture seems to have reached the point that they are not only disinterested in godly principles but they actually hate anything even remotely related to God Himself.
Many, even those in mainstream Christian culture seem to think alignment with a particular party is the answer. May I assure you God is neither Democrat or Republican. Although Scripture tells us He is involved in human politics.
Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist have been appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists that authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. Romans 13:1-2
Now there is a provision in Scripture for when authorities overstep the mark and endorse or require ungodliness or prohibit worship or service of Almighty God. In those cases, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29) But under normal circumstances, God’s expectation is that “every person” is to come under the authority of the government. But Scripture goes further. Paul gave instructions to the young pastor Timothy concerning the conduct of believers toward the government. Paul said:
First of all, then, I exhort that petitions and prayers, requests and thanksgivings, be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the full knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4
Paul didn’t say when you agree with the politics of the individual. Or when they were of the political party you personally endorse. When said “prayers,” those are the type we normally think of when we hear the word prayer. “Petitions,” the Greek word here indicates a more intensive kind of spiritual communication. Those are the times when we struggle in prayer; when we urgently bring our concerns to the throne of God.
When was the last time we were in prayer with that intensity for our governmental leaders? I must confess, my prayers are generally in the first category. A mere mention that God would guide them in their efforts. Perhaps we would have better government if believers took it upon themselves to strive in prayer for the leaders God has put in place.
But most of all, and I know this is a most over used passage. I also know that it was written for Israel, but the principle still applies…
...if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV)
Our nation will not improve, our culture will not unite unless and until God’s people, return to serving Him with their whole hearts.
Seek Yahweh while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. Isaiah 55:6
Grace & Peace,
Pastor David
If you’ve been paying attention to anything over the last few years, I’m sure it has not escaped your notice that our culture has become increasingly divided. Philosophically, spiritually, economically, and culturally (you can add you own here,) this nation is more divided than any time in recent memory. And I say that as a child of the sixties. Although I was a child I remember the unrest of certain elements of the civil rights movement and the 3 very impactful assassinations of that time. It seems perhaps we are cycling back to those attitudes once again. But this time, our moral compass has been damaged almost to the point of uselessness. So much of our culture seems to have reached the point that they are not only disinterested in godly principles but they actually hate anything even remotely related to God Himself.
Many, even those in mainstream Christian culture seem to think alignment with a particular party is the answer. May I assure you God is neither Democrat or Republican. Although Scripture tells us He is involved in human politics.
Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist have been appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists that authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. Romans 13:1-2
Now there is a provision in Scripture for when authorities overstep the mark and endorse or require ungodliness or prohibit worship or service of Almighty God. In those cases, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29) But under normal circumstances, God’s expectation is that “every person” is to come under the authority of the government. But Scripture goes further. Paul gave instructions to the young pastor Timothy concerning the conduct of believers toward the government. Paul said:
First of all, then, I exhort that petitions and prayers, requests and thanksgivings, be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the full knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4
Paul didn’t say when you agree with the politics of the individual. Or when they were of the political party you personally endorse. When said “prayers,” those are the type we normally think of when we hear the word prayer. “Petitions,” the Greek word here indicates a more intensive kind of spiritual communication. Those are the times when we struggle in prayer; when we urgently bring our concerns to the throne of God.
When was the last time we were in prayer with that intensity for our governmental leaders? I must confess, my prayers are generally in the first category. A mere mention that God would guide them in their efforts. Perhaps we would have better government if believers took it upon themselves to strive in prayer for the leaders God has put in place.
But most of all, and I know this is a most over used passage. I also know that it was written for Israel, but the principle still applies…
...if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV)
Our nation will not improve, our culture will not unite unless and until God’s people, return to serving Him with their whole hearts.
Seek Yahweh while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. Isaiah 55:6
Grace & Peace,
Pastor David
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®,
Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc.
Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc.
PHILOSOPHY OF MINISTRY
Lessons for the Journey is the teaching ministry of Dr. David Clifton. His philosophy of ministry is guided by the conviction that Scripture is inspired, inerrant and authoritative. His teaching is based on the premise that the events of Scripture did not happen in a vacuum, nor did they happen in a 21st century Western culture.
To truly understand Scripture, one must at least attempt to enter the culture and observe the stage upon which the events of Scripture occurred.
Pastor David's style is what he terms “teaching between the lines.” The vast majority of the stories told in the Bible are not mythical or rhetorical. They occurred to actual people, living in a particular place, at a certain time in history. When we neglect to provide for these facts, we fail to understand the people who received the original message and parts of the message itself.
Immersing ourselves in the events recorded on the page and imagining what happened that is not recorded is helpful in understanding the culture and message of Scripture, and serves to allow practical application of the Bible's teachings for our every day lives.
To truly understand Scripture, one must at least attempt to enter the culture and observe the stage upon which the events of Scripture occurred.
Pastor David's style is what he terms “teaching between the lines.” The vast majority of the stories told in the Bible are not mythical or rhetorical. They occurred to actual people, living in a particular place, at a certain time in history. When we neglect to provide for these facts, we fail to understand the people who received the original message and parts of the message itself.
Immersing ourselves in the events recorded on the page and imagining what happened that is not recorded is helpful in understanding the culture and message of Scripture, and serves to allow practical application of the Bible's teachings for our every day lives.
Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the material on the website is provided "as is" and without warranty of any kind. All express or implied conditions, representations and warranties, including any implied warranty of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement, are disclaimed. While it is our goal to keep this website accurate and current, no representations, warranties, guaranties as to the quality, suitability, accuracy or completeness of any of the materials contained on this website are made.
All original materials copyright © 2023-2024. All rights reserved
All original materials copyright © 2023-2024. All rights reserved