God’s Perspective on Man’s Problems:
[God’s Truth verses Man’s Theory]

I.  God’s perspective on life’s problems and mankind’s opposing view:

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” Prov 14:12

A.  Man’s Theory: “Man is a Victim”

“This approach sees man’s fundamental problem as ignorance of himself and his psychic injuries, rather than deliberate disobedience to and ignorance of the living and true God. Man’s primary need becomes esteeming himself more highly rather than dying to self and living for God. Its methodology of “man as victim,” rather than “man as sinner” challenges the biblical doctrines of man’s absolute culpability before the cross, the supremacy of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s sanctification, and most importantly the sufficiency and authority of Scripture for the believer.” [Jim Owen: “Christian Psychology’s War on God’s Word.”]

Easter Hope 

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” [Rom 15:4]

The hope of faith…is a concrete personal expectation. Despite the “not yet” of the realization of salvation, it looks forward confidently though not without tension. However, Yahweh, for whom it waits, is not like men. Since he knows, promises, and brings to pass what the future holds for his people, hope attains unparalleled assurance in the realm of revelation. Despite everything which at present runs counter to the promise , the one who hopes, trusts God for his faithfulness’ sake not to disappoint the hope he has awakened through his word . [A definition of hope from The New International Dictionary of the New Testament Theology]

Use Your Meds or Lose Your Calling?

“Early in this century the battle was over the inerrancy of the Scriptures. Today the battle is over the sufficiency of the Scriptures.” Dr. James Boice

We have long been concerned about the increasing influence of secular psychology upon the life and ministry of the Church. Borrowing medical terminology and claiming the authority of empirical science, its humanistic theories and methodologies have been welcomed into the very center of the life of Christ's church. When we deal with "spiritual" matters we still go to the Bible. But, when we deal with the "deep" problems of the soul, we now turn to the "experts" of the psyche, the psychologists and psychiatrists. The Bible, which is designed to purposefully and powerfully deal with the soul is laid aside.

Problems and the Glory of God

"You will call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me." Ps 50:15

Why is it that God doesn't just take us to heaven when we receive the gift of salvation? Being lifted from a fallen, sinful and painful world the moment we are saved seems so right. To be removed from the world of temptation to immediately reach our ultimate destiny seems so reasonable and divine, doesn't it? But maybe, just maybe, going to heaven is not our ultimate destiny. Maybe we were created for something far more awesome and satisfying than a place. Maybe our ultimate destiny is not to just arrive at a glorious place but to discover and delight in a glorious Person.