The False Power of Knowledge

“let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting himself a basement and the worship of angels, taking his stand on visions he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind…" Colossians 2:18

I've recently written a book by Benjamin Wicker which helped me to see how the Gnostic heresy of the first century has been rebirthed in the 21st century

The Gnostics believed that they had a divine spark of knowledge within themselves. This spark of knowledge enabled them to live in a spiritual realm, apart from common man. The apostles Paul and John continually battled against this heresy.  Man does not need a divine spark of knowledge, hidden from the rest, but rather, needs to receive the direct and clear revelation of God through Jesus Christ. "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." The Truth is Jesus Christ.

The Gnostics believed that because they had this divine spark of knowledge they were completely redeemed. They now had a viewpoint which others could not see. They had knowledge which others did not possess.

In the same way, there are modern Gnostics who believe they are gifted from on high with a divine spark of knowledge. They would not use the term "divine" because they are, for all practical purposes, atheist. They neither look to nor expect a word from the Almighty. Instead, they believe that the forces of nature have so converged in the chemical makeup of their body and mind, that they are the anointed for this day.

As you make decisions about your world, go to the only source of divine knowledge available to us today – the Holy Bible. It will be "a light into your path, and a lamp unto your feet."

In His Grace –

Randy White

A Materialistic World

“In the beginning, God created…”   Genesis 1:1

Our world is dominated by one particular worldview – materialism. Materialism is the idea that matter has always existed, always will exist, and thus is all that matters. Materialism denies a transcendent (in a different realm) Creator.

We most often think of materialism in an economic sense. A "materialist" is one who "gets all he can, cans all he gets, and sits on the cam!" His behavior displays the fact that, for him, matter is what matters.

But a materialistic worldview goes beyond economics. The belief that abortion is acceptable grows out of a materialistic worldview. When life becomes a matter of chemical makeup rather than the creative work of an Almighty God, then it is not a problem to reconstitute those chemicals. In fact, all morality comes from your view on materialism. Materialists believe that right and wrong are determined based upon how one's behavior affects the matter around them. Thus, for a materialist, right and wrong can only be determined by the situation at hand.

Reject materialism! Adopt a theistic worldview that understands that a transcendent, Almighty God spoke matter into being. As the creator, he is also the sustainer. Morality is now based not on the matter at hand but on the character of the God created matter

In His Grace;

Randy White

The Cosmic Patriot

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

GK Chesterton, and amazing philosopher, theologian, author, and social commentator of England, born in 1874, used to refer to himself as a Cosmic Patriot. I love the phrase!

I love patriotic things. I feel good when I hang the flag on my front porch. There are few things better than a fireworks display along with patriotic music. Something about the love for country brings out the best in mankind. There is within us a natural desire to be patriotic. Everywhere I have ever traveled, I have found that people love their country, even when their country is far from lovable. Patriotism is a human trait.

But as Christians it is important for us to remember that we are really not citizens of any earthly nation. We are just pilgrims, passing through. Our real citizenship is in the Kingdom yet to come. Our real patriotism should be towards that Kingdom.

Years ago, we used to sing a lot of Cosmic Patriot songs. The songs are still memorable to many of us. Songs like "Onward Christian Soldiers "or "Marching to Zion."  But in these days our songs do not focus on the Kingdom to come.  Nor do our lives.

Will you join me in Mr. Chesterton in a quest to become a Cosmic Patriot?

In His Grace –

Randy White

Heavenly Father, may my focus today not be on "these things" but rather on the Kingdom that is to come. In Jesus’ name! Amen.