May 2025


#17 The Subtleties of Sin

Consider this:

Genesis 2:15-17

The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die."

Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to these; but his heart is not with thee.

Romans 14:22-23 So whatever you believe about these things, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.

Galatians 6:6-8 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

Revelation 2:7 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

Much of what is sinful is obvious, but sin also operates in ways that are subtle and not immediately apparent.

We are not merely punished for our sin—we are punished by our sin. Just as placing a hand on a hot stove results in inevitable suffering, sin carries its own natural consequences.

Romans 14:23 tells us, "Everything that does not come from faith is sin." At first glance, this passage may seem to refer solely to food consumption. However, when considered in the broader context of Scripture, it becomes clear that eating is not just about physical nourishment. It also refers to what we consume mentally—what we take in and allow to shape our thoughts, beliefs, and actions.

As a Christian culture, we have often failed to grasp the full weight of this truth, and as a result, we have suffered the consequences. Individually and collectively, we have yet to reach the fullness of God's blessings through Jesus Christ.

Deception is an aspect of unbelief.

To the extent that we do not believe what is true, we are actively demonstrating unbelief. The act of eating from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil represents a reliance on human wisdom rather than Divine Wisdom. This does not mean that knowledge itself is sinful, but when it is consumed apart from the confirming Inspiration of God, it becomes sin.

The subtle nature of sin can make it seem insignificant, but its cumulative effect is anything but. These subtleties include:

  • Learned behaviors
  • Conditioned responses
  • Traditions
  • Unbelief
  • Unforgiveness
  • Doctrines
  • Misperceptions
  • Lies
  • Believing lies
  • And more

When combined, these sins can form an overwhelming stronghold—mountainous in proportion. Yet, we thank God that He is able to move mountains!

Until the subtle chains of sin are recognized and broken by the presence and power of God, we will continue to suffer their consequences. The answer is not merely to learn more or try harder. The key is to be discerning, humble, prayerful, and wise—seeking God first and His righteousness.



#18  Where's the Fruit

(Taking the H out of POOH)
(Points of Opportunity)

If you've been wondering why your life—or the life of your church group—feels lukewarm or worse (Galatians 5:13-15), these insights may be helpful.

Such challenges are not uncommon. In fact, we've been forewarned not to be surprised when trials come (1 Peter 4:12). They are part of God's process for us to work out our salvation (Philippians 2:12) and be sanctified (1 Thessalonians 4:3), moving from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18). These challenges present a doorway of opportunity to accept God's grace. His grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians12:9).

We no longer need to wrestle day after day with the same struggles of the flesh, the world, or any harassing influence (Matt 11:28). God's power is sufficient to free us, enabling us to experience the sweetness of His Spirit in victory. His yoke is easy. We are free to grow, to move on to new challenges, and to claim progressive victories. These moments are opportunities to be blessed and to bless others—to the glory of God.

One essential requirement is obedience to the Spirit of Christ. We must not only love God, but also prove our love by loving one another (1 John 4:17-21). Whoever does not love his brother is still in darkness (1 John 2:11). In this godly obedience, all that is not of God rises to the surface. We are then free to choose: we can press in and accept the opportunity, or we can deny, ignore, suppress, run away, or blame others. These acts of disobedience and faithlessness only postpone the day of reckoning. The symptoms are sure to reappear.

There is a better way. We can accept God's awesome provisions, embrace His blessings, and live life abundantly (John 10:10). We need one another, functioning as a body (1 Corinthians 12; Romans 12; Ephesians 4)—not distant and detached in mere toleration. If we fail to recognize and accept the opportunity to "love one another," we fall into disobedience and suffer the consequences of fruitlessness. Such fruitlessness does not come from the "Tree of Life." Instead, it reflects the nature of another source—the "Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil" (Gen 2:16).

Let's gather together in the Light and:


  • Pray together


  • Talk together


  • Reason together


  • Submit together


  • Discern together


  • Learn together


  • Grow together


  • Act together


...and be delivered from the darkness.

By our fruit, we are known. Are they good or bad? Good fruit is what Jesus promised when He assured us: The works that I do, you will also do—and even greater things (John 14:12). THIS is the good fruit! THIS is what glorifies God.



#19 Choose Yea, POO


(Thanksgiving for Points of Opportunity)



Please consider:

If we are to grow and mature in our faith—to lead richer and fuller lives—we can choose "yea, POO" to speed up that process. "Yea, POO" recognizes the potential Blessings in each challenge, allowing us to be Blessed and to glorify God. As we avail ourselves of God's Spirit and Truth, His Blessings prevail. If His Blessings are not prevailing, then somehow we have neglected either His Spirit or His Truth.

At times, the Christian Church allows for substantial fragmentation, leading to a loss of the Power of God to bless us in ever-increasing depth and breadth. It is time to embrace Discernment and Wisdom, restoring a Godly integrity of both Spirit and Truth. This is essential for Victory, Freedom, and true Life.

In early Church history, many of the more mystical (Spiritual) believers withdrew from the world, isolating themselves completely. Yet, none of them survived as an independent culture. Could it be that, contrary to Jesus' teachings, they failed to remain "in the world but not of it"? By isolating themselves, did they deprive God of vessels to cultivate His "kingdom on earth as it is in heaven"? More importantly, did they rob themselves of the trials that test and refine the very experiences that cultivate spiritual growth?

On the other hand, some who remained in the world allowed worldly ways to dilute The Way of the Spirit. Without Truth—without precepts and guidelines—they were led astray, losing a consistent quality of life.

By contrast, others clung tightly to Truth but, in doing so, stifled The Spirit. For fear of being deceived, they gave only lip service to The Spirit, losing the vitality of God's Living Presence. In reality, they became Agnostics—not in name, but in function—knowing about God rather than truly knowing Him. Neither a diluted nor a suppressed Spirit will suffice for the Life God has promised. Spirit and Truth must work hand in hand to keep us growing and bearing fruit consistent with God's highest and best.

The study of Truth is relatively straightforward. It can be quantified and traced through history. The study of Spirit, however, is more elusive—like the wind. It can be qualified, but it cannot be quantified, making it difficult to analyze historically. The mystical (Spiritual) heritage seems more prevalent in the Eastern Orthodox Church and its offshoots, while the intellectual (Truth-based) heritage dominates the Western Roman Catholic Church and its various branches.

Throughout history, many have sought to justify the mystical (Spiritual) path within Western Christianity, yet most of its validation appears in the Eastern Church. But mysticism, when untethered from Truth, can become oppressive and grossly errant.

Conversely, others have worked to justify an intellectual (Truth-based) approach, rejecting mysticism altogether. Yet much of Scripture—especially the writings of John and Peter—is deeply mystical.

We are called to test every spirit, yet many struggle with how to do so. Some claim that spirits can only be tested through Scripture, while others believe that every spirit is of God. Neither is true. James 3:17 and 1Corinthians 13 provide invaluable guidance for discernment.

Most Christian denominations are fragments of the whole Body of Christ. Even those who call themselves non-denominational often lean toward one extreme or another. Evidence suggests two polar opposites and a lukewarm middle. None are profoundly effective:

  • At one extreme, some believe the only way to know God is through Scripture, often becoming exclusive and heavy-handed.


  • At the other extreme, some claim that knowing oneself is knowing God, leading to excessive inclusivity and permissiveness.


  • In the middle, some focus more on ritual or community than on substance.


Now is the time to seek a conscious integrity of Spirit and Truth, allowing True Life to prevail—to the glory of God and for our own "peace on earth and goodwill toward men."

How Do We Get There?

One loving step at a time.

Certainly, love can be defined in part, but most importantly, it must be experienced, revealed, and expressed. Love is of the Spirit, and Truth is of the Spirit. Our mission is to express the Truth in Love. James 3:17 and 1Corinthians 13 serve as reliable guides, helping us identify what is and isn't of love.

As we go about our daily lives, we will naturally discover where we already express Truth in Love—and where we fall short. This recognition is a Point of Opportunity. When we are free, we will express Truth in Love. When we are not free, it will be obvious—to ourselves or to others. These moments reveal the heart work that remains to be done.

If Our Heart Work Isn't Finished, Neither Is Our Growth

If our hearts are not wholly free, we are not wholly effective. In fact, we may even be counterproductive. Growth and Life are stunted until our hearts are fully free to express the Truth in Love.

Some have found that, despite years of studying, memorizing, or affirming Godly precepts, they still do not bear Godly fruit. Often, this is because the soil of the heart is obstructed, preventing the seed from taking root and growing. Again, this presents an opportunity for heart work.

If we are willing, God is able. If we seek Him, He will guide us. If we trust Him, He will provide. And if we persist, step by step, we will bear ever-increasing fruit—here and now, and for eternity.

Let's commit to the journey. Let's say "Yea, POO" and give thanks for every Point of Opportunity.


#20 A Creeping Consequence of Unresolved Issues

Please consider:


Luke 8:17 - "For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open."

Luke 12:2-3 - "There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs."

Matthew 10:26 - "So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known."

Mark 4:22 - "For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open."

Reflecting on these verses, I find it worth emphasizing: there is nothing hidden that will not come to light. Today, I have a deeper understanding of something that first occurred to me over a decade ago. When I still had a pulpit ministry, I delivered a sermon titled Warships to Worship. In it, I reflected on my time in the Navy shortly after the Cuban Missile Crisis, where I served on a warship for two years before spending an additional year in Vietnam. Over time, I have noticed a significant shift within myself—from the futility of fleshly combativeness to the power and necessity of prayerfulness.

While preparing that message, I inadvertently came across a book that had been on my shelf for years, unread. It was a history of Europe by Henry Kissinger. Though I didn't read the book, I skimmed the table of contents, and it became clear to me that European history is a continuous cycle of peace followed by war, and then war followed by peace. I realized that peace achieved through war is not a lasting solution—it is merely a temporary ceasefire.

It became clear then, as it is now, that true peace does not arise from external battles of the flesh but from an internal transformation of the heart.

Ephesians 6:12 - "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

When mental and emotional struggles remain unresolved in God's way, they do not simply disappear—they are suppressed. And what is suppressed does not remain dormant; it festers. The more we suppress, the greater our internal turmoil. That turmoil manifests in two ways: either as inner distress within our bodies or as outward conflict affecting those around us.

Unresolved emotions accumulate, creating deep-seated feelings of anger, rage, violence, and destruction. The recurring pattern of war and peace, evident in Kissinger's historical analysis, is an external reflection of this unresolved inner turmoil. Though he did not make this observation, it struck me that human history mirrors the psychological response of fight or flight. Whether through direct conflict (fight) or avoidance (flight), unresolved issues never disappear—they only resurface later.

This pattern is evident in the broader course of history. When life in the Old World became too difficult, people sought escape to the New World. Once there, they continued to move westward, always seeking a fresh start. But when they reached the Pacific coast, with no more land to flee to, new forms of escape emerged—such as the counterculture movement and its pursuit of refuge through drugs and alcohol.

Though that era has passed, we still wage battles—socially, politically, and spiritually. Today, it seems as though the pendulum has swung again, and we are directing our hostilities back toward our friends and allies. This cycle will persist until we resolve the deeper matters of the heart.

The good news is that peace is possible. We can live in the world but not of it.

Matthew 11:28-30 - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

To the extent that we seek God and experience the depth of His presence, we can find a true transformation of the heart. Without this transformation, we remain entangled in conflict, unable to experience the peace that surpasses understanding.

Together, as the body of Christ, we can help one another discover and embrace the Way, the Truth, and the Life in Jesus Christ. Amen.




  • Pray about it

  • Share with a family member, friend, or neighbor

  • Do your own research

  • Share your helpful insights by emailing them to us for our comments page

  • Encourage a local discussion group

  • Encourage special classes (Spiritual Gifts, etc.)

Matthew 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Matthew 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
Mark 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than thes

The intent of CRA is:
>NOT to demean other religious perspectives but to share the rationale for a better way;
>NOT to insist but to proclaim what is perceived to be a more excellent way;
>NOT to convince but to reveal the perceived Truth and allow the Spirit of God to convict the hearts and >minds of those who are receptive;
>NOT to force feed but to share
>NOT to intimidate but to encourage;
>NOT to coerce but to invite;
>NOT to argue but to dialogue;
>NOT to divide but to unite.




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