Daniel Burton, Author at The Gospel Outpost

The Difference Between Justice and Blood Lust

November 13, 2017

When someone makes a mistake in their job, no matter how small the infraction, we move quickly to stating they should be fired. When a person commits an atrocious act, the response of those of the faith has been to hunt and kill them. All of this being guised by the call to justice. The issue is that the scale of the punishment and how quickly the conclusion was arrived at shows that something in the heart is not asking for justice but rather for vengeance. Instead of looking for the right thing to be done, the temptation is satisfy a blood lust and see our enemies suffer. The Gospel is ignored in our blood lust.

The Book of James: Faith and Works - James 1:19-27

James 1:19-27 Input and Output

November 8, 2017

James begins to look at the input and output of our religion. He reinforces the idea that whatever a person allows to rule inside of them will naturally flow through them. There is a natual expression of the change in our identity that occurs with Jesus Christ. Whlie James isn’t claiming that it is works that save us, he does state plainly that it is the works that show our faith, for good or bad. Whatever we allow in to shape our identity will be the thing that is expressed through what we do. Furthermore, this is not a passive process but an intentional shaping and molding as we allow the word of God to become implanted deep into our spiritual DNA.

Anxiety: Feeling Not Good Enough

November 6, 2017

We strive so hard to prove our own worth through our own actions and feats, but doing so will never distill the anxiety but only multiply it. Grace through faith is the key to calming our anxious minds. In the end, our works are vastly insufficient to produce a self-worth of any value. But this is not the stem of our anxiety but rather are we good enough. We ask the question over and over presenting our best works forward to the people around us in hopes for validation of a question that can only be answered by God. “Am I good enough?” The answer from a loving God who sought us out in our ruin, is a most assured and resounding “yes.”

Nobody Special 021: Thor Ragnarok and Sleep Deprivation

November 3, 2017

What is better than talking about a movie that just came out? Doing so on very little sleep. The boys discuss the Godly themes throughout the new movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Also, talking at 1am is pretty difficult but we push through because we love you. And we thought this would be funnier. Oh well. Lessons learned.

This episode contains spoilers for Thor Ragnarok so be careful. We try and wait until the last half of the show but only make it 6 minutes. Sleep deprivation.

The Book of James: Faith and Works - James 1:12-18

James 1:12-18 Dealing With Temptation

November 1, 2017

Every person seeking to follow Christ will most assuredly encounter tempation along the way. This is an unavoidable fact that we must be willing to deal with. It is during these times of temptation that what we believe about God and about His salvation becomes clear. We quickly see what the things we turn to are and who we blame for our situation. But James makes it clear, that being able to stand up in the face of temptation is a valiant expression of our faith; one that leads to eternal glory. Furthermore, God is there every step of the way through our times of temptation to see us through to the other side.

Anxiety: The Hand of God For Those We Love

October 30, 2017

Feeling concerned for a person to either renew their relationship with Christ through their daily living or for them to come to Christ in the first place is natural. However, it is not a place we can stay. The feelings of concern, worry, and anxiety are not things we are meant to hold on to. It is a burden and God is able to handle much better than we are able to. Worry for those I care about, while it may be based in a good sentiment, is ultimately the worst thing I can do. We will all go through times of feeling anxious for a person, but what we do during that time is what marks the difference. Instead of spiraling downward into anxiety, what better option do you have than to place that person in the hands of God and allow God’s hands to work through ours.

The Book of James: Faith and Works - James 1:1-11

James 1:1-11 Looking To God To Live Out Our Faith

October 25, 2017

At the beginning of the James’ letter to the Jewish Christians around the world, James begins to bring up the three major themes that would permeate the rest of the book. For James, faith was not an abstract construct that remains internal to all of us. Instead, faith was something to be lived out and expressed. The book of James presents a unique expression for those who needed to understand how to live out their faith. Difficult times would come for every believer, but the way we handle these situations puts God on full display. We trust God for the joy, we trust God for the wisdom, and we trust God for the provision.

Anxiety: The Lord Will Provide For Your Needs

October 23, 2017

The Gospel that Jesus Christ brings speaks a great deal into our finances and the provision. Jesus, in His iconic sermon on the mount, instructions His people to not worry about where their provision will come from. To this he shows us the examples of the birds and animals who live in trust that God will provide for their daily needs. We are worth more to God than animals and can trust God for the provision for our daily living. This may not always be easy, but we are able to trust God. He has provided for us in the past and will continue to guide us in the future. Furthermore, when God provides, we have the opportunity to live our our faith and be good stewards of what we have been given.

Nobody Special 020: Lying to Children and Asking For Candy

October 20, 2017

This week the boys of Nobody Special look at various holidays and where they stand. Is Santa real? Maybe. But definitely not. What about halloween? We look at whether we should even participate and whether we should lie to children about even the concept of Santa. Also, the boys look at whether Christian should participate in halloween and how the church should respond in the face of those who disagree with us. We should all respond with one another in grace and love. The Gospel Outpost Presents Nobody Special. Be sure you like us, give us stars and ratings and tell your friends. And be sure and write in with your questions! Sorry Ethan.

Anxiety: Facing Anxiety With Faith

October 16, 2017

In the final address to the church in Philippi, Paul addresses the issue of peace and anxiety. We should not downplay anxiety or the things that people are going through. Even if we feel as though the person is anxious about too many things, minimizing the problem is not a valid solution. The cure to anxiety resides in what the person is concentrating on. With the constant barrage of 24/7 news coverage that seems to be more to satiate a bloodlust, now more than ever is the time to look to God for the comfort of our anxiety. Thus, we Paul writes to the church in Philippi to not be anxious, he does so with the solution of setting our attention on Christ.