Spiritual – Eternal – Carnal – Temporal

Four concepts contrast the fleeting, physical nature of earthly life with the unending, divine nature of the soul. Together, they form a framework to guide believers in prioritizing lasting spiritual growth over temporary physical desires. The distinctions break down into two main pairs:

Questions

In Mark 8, we read a very familiar verse that the whole world has heard at one time or another but disregards as “religion” and they, of course, do not want “religion.”

I heard someone speak, a while ago, about “Questions” in the Bible. If you want to stay busy for a while, chase down and study out those questions. So... in Mark 8:36 we read,

THE STRUGGLE IS SPIRITUAL

The more I read my Bible and listen to the “news” the more I “see” the Bible “IN” the news. The Bible… the Word of God, written by men chosen and inspired by God, is full of prophecy – some fulfilled… some not yet fulfilled. The Bible is a self-revealing book. And what it is revealing is what is “happening” in the news. The “news” is ALL political, and the world is being consumed by the politics of a collective degeneration and collapse of the mind, body, soul, and spirit.

THE DECLINE of CHRISTIANITY?

[…I am obliged to say plainly, that I fail to see that all the external improvement of the last forty years, is accompanied by any corresponding growth of practical holiness! There is no decrease in the total idolatry of recreations, or the extravagant expenditure of money, or self-indulgence of all kinds. On the contrary, there is far less repentance, faith, holiness, Bible-reading, and family religion! If this state of things is not a most unhealthy symptom in the condition of a Church, I know not what is! …The leading idea of many minds in this day appears to be, that it does not signify much what a man believes or teaches about what are commonly considered the principal verities of the Christian faith. A wave of extravagant liberalism in religion, as well as in everything else, is sweeping over England. Concerning the Trinity, the Divinity of Christ, the atonement, the Person and work of the Holy Spirit, conversion, justification, the inspiration of Scripture, the future state, and the like—it seems to be agreed that men may believe as much or as little as they please, and nobody is to find fault. The only question you are to ask is, whether a man is 'earnest, sincere, and zealous,' and if he is, you are not to ask anything more. It is thought very narrow and illiberal to say that any opinion in religion is false, or that anybody is unsound in the faith. Distinct and positive statements about anything in Christianity are thought downright uncharitable. All the old dogmas are to be held back, and never to be put forward in a solid, tangible state—or to be put forward in such a foggy, misty manner that, like a half-developed photographic plate, they are never to come out distinct, sharp, and clear. I challenge anyone who observes closely the pulpit utterances of this day, or reads speeches which touch religion, to deny the accuracy of what I have just said.] ~ (J. C. Ryle, "The Outlook" 1886).

Written in 1886 and addressing the prior 40 years!
Has it gotten better, or worse?

CARNAL OR SPIRITUAL?

“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace”.
Rom. 8:6 is my opening text, but for anyone desiring “context” I would suggest reading at least chapters 1-8. And then read also 1 Cor. chapters 1, 2 and 3. I would even go further to say that IF you are not studying the WHOLE Word of God, then you will seriously be lacking “context”.

I AM CARNAL

For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. Rom. 7:14






CARNAL = the sensuous nature of man. I am carnal. I was born carnal; I was raised carnal. I was exposed to all kinds of carnal things growing up, mostly by media (entertainment) and advertising, to the point that I am attracted to and my lusts are gratified by all things worldly and all things of the flesh… albeit, momentarily. So are you.

I say momentarily because that is all anyone who seeks “satisfaction” in the flesh can really expect. We live in “a” moment. There is nothing in the temporal, carnal existence that is eternally satiating or fulfilling. Having our senses glutted satisfies for the moment, but then we want the experience again. Our emotions are excited, our senses are heightened, our intellect is stimulated from moment to moment. Because that is what time does… tick-tocks to the next moment. What has “happened” is of no further consequence or consideration, unless it is happening now.

TEACH US TO PRAY

And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. Luke 11:1

Are we having conversations with our Father, or is it more like a monologue? Or… are we barely speaking. Do we fully realize the reality of God, or do we just accept the “tradition” of a supernatural, spectral Divine Being?

DECEIT, COMPROMISE AND COMPLACENCY

Have you died in Christ? But you live. Yet not you but Christ lives in you? Can Christ live in you and not go about doing good? Have you (Christ in you) healed anyone today? Can Christ go about not healing?

God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good , and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. Acts 10:38