The Withered Grape

© Harold H. Comings

2014

Published on http://haroldhcomings.com 

Freedomism has the ear of many who reject the extra-biblical policies and prohibitions of various legalistic imperatives of twentieth century Fundamentalism. It is one thing to cast off false check-lists of spirituality. It is another thing to cast aside the unblushing message of Scripture that a feature of the fruit of the Spirit is self control. This devotional series seeks to resurface Jesus' call to a self control which even incorporates self denial. It is not a call to return to legalism. It is a call to return to an abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. A relationship which declares war on embedded sin in our lives. A relationship which revisits the biblical mandate of sensitivity to the conscience of others. A relationship which demonstrates the reality and authenticity of focus on the life changing vision which belongs to those who trust him.

Below, in order, is the growing series chapters in this "Withered Grape" publication. Read and ponder. Share with friends.

INTRODUCTION

• The Withered Grape 
• Conscience Abuse
• Freedomism

ABSOLUTE SELF DENIAL

• Absolute Self Denial
• It's Not About Pork Chops or Orientation
• The "Acceptable Sins" 
• The Enigma of Christian Resistance to Self Denial

CONTEXTUAL SELF DENIAL

• Contextual Self Denial
• The Savior's Heart for Unity
• Brotherly Love Looks Like THAT ?1
• Friendship Fields or Ambush Alley
• I Believe You Will Not Hurt Me Unnecessarily
• I Believe You Will Not Own Me
• I Believe You Will Not Mislead Me
• I Believe You Will Not Violate Me
• I Understand Some May Reject Me Because of You
• I Hope You Will Never Walk Away
• Self Control and the Trust of Friendship
• Self Denial and Self Control In the Bigger Picture
• Walking On Eggs Is Not Required

INTERMISSION

• You and Erford at the Dead Salamander
• You and Beauregard at The Dead Salamander
• You and Emmett at The Dead Salamander
• You and Brunhilde at The Dead Salamander
• You and Orlando at The Dead Salamander
• You and Elliott at the Dead Salamander

SOME BASIC OBSERVATIONS

• Of Demagogues and Such
• Why the Dark Portrayal of the Fundamentalist Era?
• A Second Reason For Portraying Fundamentalism Darkly
• The Mother of All Self-Denial Mandates
• The Fundamentalist May Have Been On To Something
• The Elephant Behind the Freedomist Pulpit
• When Self-Denial Goes Into Overdrive

SO IT BOILS DOWN TO THIS

• Alfies, Take Note