Dear Lighthouse Trails Staff/Editors:
Thank you for your sound, accurate and helpful articles that expose the true nature of contemplative prayer. I appreciate your respectful and thorough responses of the questions submitted by various writers/inquirers. I believe the idea still holds true today that a child in a classroom raising her/his hand to ask a question represents a dozen other children sitting quietly who desire to have that same question answered. You similarly have helped many by answering the one.
I deeply appreciate your web site and the readings and videos offered. Over the years I have become more concerned with the spiritual state of the church. Reared in a conservative Bible believing church and presently a pastor’s wife and seminary graduate, I am troubled by the lack of biblical preaching from the pulpits let alone the spiritual condition of most congregations. It is truly frightening!
I wanted to comment on one specific thought you expressed in an article titled, “The Desert Fathers-Borrowing From the East.” Beginning with the third paragraph from the bottom:
The account of Cain and Abel is a classic biblical example of spiritual infidelity. Both of Adam’s sons wanted to please God, but Cain decided he would experiment with his own method of being devout. Cain must have reasoned to himself: “Perhaps God would like fruit or grain better than a dead animal. It’s not as gross. It’s less smelly. Hey, I think I will try it!”
I would agree with this statement, but further add that Cain chose the works of his hands (the grain offering) over the blood sacrifice (the burn offering) – Leviticus1 and 2. He knew what he was doing, he was doing it his way. Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness (Hebrews 9:22). After Adam and Eve sinned they covered themselves with fig leaves – God killed the animal and covered them with skins. Again, we see man trying to cover over his sins with the works of his hands and God reminding man that His way is the only one. There must be a blood sacrifice! (Even Satan requires blood sacrifices from his followers, the pagan nations surrounding Israel were indeed just this, worshipping/sacrificing to Satan. And today it is no different.)
In the New Testament – Romans chapter 3 (Burnt offering – Leviticus 1), Romans chapter 5 (peace offering-Leviticus chapter 3) and Romans chapter 12 (grain offering – Leviticus 2). I cannot take credit for this. It is presented in my husband’s sermons/teachings and from the years he has dedicated to studying God’s word and seeking God’s face, that have given me a more complete view of the Scriptures. Recently he preached from Leviticus at New Covenant PCA where he is serving as an interim pastor.
Thank you again for your diligence, gentle and yet firm stance for truth, God’s Word. I believe the church has entered into a new season, one that many are ignorant of. The tactics the devil used from the beginning of time have not changed. “I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.” (Gal.1:6-7) May we continue to faithfully listen and obey God’s Word, for it is God breathed, while persevering to the end!
For His Kingdom,
P.K.
