Note: These two articles come from my book, Kernels of Truth (365 Devotions Filled with Kernels of Biblical Truth to Sustain Your Faith) which can be found on Barnes & Nobel, Amazon.com, or by writing to me.
December 14
You might have heard the expression “existential” from time to time, especially from some pastors, educators, and politicians. So, what does this expression mean, and why should you be wary of it as a Christian? First of all, there is a wide range of meanings and use of this term, but primarily it means to determine for yourself by personal experience alone, who you are, how to view this world, and what to believe in this life. All other influences like God, the Bible, or church teachings are secondary or not even essential to personal experience. And, of course, each person’s experience differs from the others. Therefore, according to “existential” thinking, there can be no absolutes, for everything is relative. However, if you haven’t already, reject such thinking, for God established many absolutes for you to live by as outlined in the Bible.
II Timothy 3:16, John 14:5 & Isaiah 5:20 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness. Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” Woe to those who call evil good and good evil; who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!
March 6
Don’t be drawn to existential thinkers for the defining and living out of your faith, for they hold that belief in God is relative to each person. Individual interpretation of God and personal experience in this life are everything to these mistaken teachers. Furthermore, there are no absolutes in their thinking; Jesus is not the only way to salvation, the Bible is not God’s only inspired Word, and morals can change according to the demands of each culture. Therefore, steer clear of churches or believers who believe, live, and teach this way.
John 11:25-26 & II Timothy 3:16 Jesus said, ‘I am the Resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?‘ All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.