Keeping it Simple

PROPER IDENTIFICATION

Christ liveth in me.
Galatians 2:20

We are always intrigued and haunted by the simplicity of first-century Christianity. What would happen if a man started out today to be just a Christian? The idea has inspired books like In His Steps. Well, if a man started out to be “just a Christian” he would probably gather a band of “just Christians” around him, and soon there would be another denomination! Through the centuries believers hungry to recapture the simplicity of the early faith have started out to be just friends or disciples or brethren or some other group. But one always has to watch lest devotion to a group or movement supersede devotion to Christ Himself.

In every Christian Christ lives again. Every true believer is a return to first-century Christianity. The problem is how to maintain the simplicity of being just a Christ-ian, an en-Christed one amid the complexity of the modern religious set-up.

What ought to be most evident in us is that Christ lives in us. If our church or group is more evident than our identification with Christ it is too evident. We are here to advertise Him, not “it” or “us” or “them.” -- Vance Havner


If thou wouldest enjoy the eminent grace of the full assurance of faith, under the blessed Spirit’s influence, and assistance, do what the Scripture tells thee, "Give diligence." Take care that thy faith is of the right kind—that it is not a mere belief of doctrine, but a simple faith, depending on Christ, and on Christ alone.
---Charles H. Spurgeon



Since I find myself constantly surrounded with discussions of doctrine (after all, I am in a Seminary) I thought these two passages by these two great men were very poignant. While we must know doctrine to be able to "give a reason for the hope that we have", the most simple doctrine is to live a live well-pleasing to God. The kind of life that speaks for itself. This kind of life won't have people asking "what does the bible say on this issue?", but will instead inspire them to ask " how can I have the life that you have?, how can I have that joy?, who do you know?". The most simple doctrine ever stated was spoken by our King when he said "Come, Follow me". Three simple words. The same words given to every Christian.

Runner's Log 7-25, 7-26-2005

It feels good to be back on the roads! I haven't been able to run consistently outside in about 8 weeks. I'm happy to say that while the medicine does play havoc with my food needs and nausea after I eat, it also increases my lungs ability to work correctly. Case in point, I can take a deap enough breath that I can hold it for about 2 minutes now....I haven't been able to do that for the better part of 2 months or more. It's about 4 times longer. Thank you Lord for smart doctors. We'll hope this trend continues.

Was able to do 4 miles in 6:37/mile pace. May not sound like much, but it means that cardio-wise, I haven't lost much with the cross-training. For once my stabilizer muscles are fine and I'm strengthening the main muscle groups now. It's pretty humid, but in the mornings the main factor is the warmth. It's about 90* at 7am when I'm running. Pretty warm for the sun not being up yet. I'm re-hydrating well. Going to continue to go about 4 miles/day for this week, and then start my increases to get ready for October 1st.