The Message In The Mirror_1

Scriptures: Romans 1:8-20

It's truly a strange world that we live in today.  People have their spiritual inclinations based on nothing in particular other than their own imaginations.  It's a mish mashed muddle, a combination of who knows what - not unlike the world in which the apostle Paul ministered.

1)    
People develop their theology of God by looking at life.

a)     Adversity - It comes to everyone - more to some than others.  People who under normal hassle free circumstances, have no regard for God, have no doubt that when bad things happen, God is responsible.  When nothing happens in response to the emergency prayers that they shoot at him, - likewise, He is in question.  What are the erroneous conclusions of insisting that life says something about God?  He doesn't care, listen, answer prayer. . .  If we built relationhips with other people on the basis as we build with God, we'd have the reputation of being "users" or "takers".

b)     Affluence - There are those who believe that God is truly reflected in their affluence.  They conclude that it is God's primary will that others would be the same.

c)      Hypocrisy -

2)     God would have us to interpret life by understanding Him.

a)     He is sovereign

b)     He is redemptive

c)      He is resolute

3)     How do I develop spiritual intimacy?

a)     Resolve conflicting desires.  Is this what I really want first and foremost?  (This man will receive nothing James 1:7) A mind to serve God and a mind to serve himself.

b)     Reconstruction of my life to reflect this priority.

c)      Begin to live beyond your means.  If you want to find the fruit – you’ve got to get out on a limb.  Great experience with God is found as we are greatly involved in His kingdom.