Tuesday, June 19, 2007
James 4:6 (NIV) 6But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Once again the Holy Spirit is dealing with me about organized religion and true community of believers. I think we have a twisted view of what this scripture is talking about. We try to define “proud” but fail to look at how we conduct our lives in what we call Christianity. I know growing up Catholic I was taught to feel bad for those Protestants out there because they were all going to hell. They said that if you ever dared to cross that line that you were doomed also. I’m not sure where all that stands in today’s world. I only used that as an example from my life. Today’s culture or whatever you would like to call it attempts to say there are many ways to God in an attempt to justify the cults that call their self a religion and not offend anyone. In the world of “make nice” that attempt to make Jesus into some nice guy that never offended anyone falls flat with a reading of His words in the scripture. He even said at one point that He came to divide even families if they failed to accept Him as Savior & Lord.
Once again I’m beginning to ramble so let me attempt to make my point. Take time to read 1Cor. 12 and what Paul says about the “body”. Using that as a pattern how have we come up with all the divisions in the body? There is a lot of effort out there to convince people that disagree with the hands or feet or whatever that they ought to be hands or feet rather than maybe eyes or ears. It would be a strange looking body made up of all the same parts. Is that a strange picture or what??
What’s my point?? Why the scripture from James?? If you are so dug in to wanting everyone to be the same part you are, is that not “pride” and could God be opposing you?? Are you really so full of pride that you reject other parts of the body because they seem different or do things that make you uncomfortable??
Be very careful you don’t end up in Matt. 7. Those folks seem to have been out there doing the “stuff” but Jesus said He didn’t even know them. Are you getting your direction from the Holy Spirit or are you depending on man to hear for you and direct your life?? There is more to this but it gets into the government of and by the Holy Spirit but that’s for another time!!
What say you about all of this??
I am your brother in Christ whether you like it or not!!
Jim
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Friday, June 15, 2007
What say you??
Friday, June 15, 2007
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
I’m sure we have all read this verse in Proverbs at some time or the other and thought we were cool with it but have you ever given it more than a passing glance?? Are you really in “fear” of the Lord?? Just what does that mean?? I’ve heard a lot of teaching over the years that tried to put a nice spin on this verse but I never really bought into it. From my growing up in another time, I know what fear of those in authority means!! The main thing that comes to mind is that disobeying their orders or directions came with consequences. In my day those were carried out without much discussion. Should they be something you didn’t enjoy and wanted to avoid the next time they gave them to you they were carried out!!
Could it be that we have heard so much teaching on this that we no longer fear the Lord and what His consequences could be?? Have we been told so many times that once you say those magic words you can go about living your life in any manner you please and there are no consequences?? Do we thing that belonging to some club we call church will get us to eternal life with the Father and how we live our lives down here really doesn’t matter?? Could it be time for us to spend time in the red words of the gospels to see just what it was Jesus was saying to us rather than listening to what some man says about it? I’ve said in the past that just because someone has been to a school that tells him he is qualified to preach the gospel doesn’t mean it’s true. Most of those schools only teach what their club has handed down over the years!!
I keep repeating the same song over and over but it’s what the Holy Spirit is trying to say in today’s world!! It’s time you got together with the Holy Spirit and allow him to lead you into all truth!! There are those out there that are going thru this step as we speak. You may have to search a little to find them. If you think you are way to busy to do that there may be no help for you!! If you are to busy or think it not necessary, we will be praying that the Holy Spirit breaks thru before it’s too late. Don’t base your salvation on some magic words that you repeated after some emotional sermon base it on a personal relationship with Christ thru the Holy Spirit!!
I ma your brother in Christ,
Jim
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
I’m sure we have all read this verse in Proverbs at some time or the other and thought we were cool with it but have you ever given it more than a passing glance?? Are you really in “fear” of the Lord?? Just what does that mean?? I’ve heard a lot of teaching over the years that tried to put a nice spin on this verse but I never really bought into it. From my growing up in another time, I know what fear of those in authority means!! The main thing that comes to mind is that disobeying their orders or directions came with consequences. In my day those were carried out without much discussion. Should they be something you didn’t enjoy and wanted to avoid the next time they gave them to you they were carried out!!
Could it be that we have heard so much teaching on this that we no longer fear the Lord and what His consequences could be?? Have we been told so many times that once you say those magic words you can go about living your life in any manner you please and there are no consequences?? Do we thing that belonging to some club we call church will get us to eternal life with the Father and how we live our lives down here really doesn’t matter?? Could it be time for us to spend time in the red words of the gospels to see just what it was Jesus was saying to us rather than listening to what some man says about it? I’ve said in the past that just because someone has been to a school that tells him he is qualified to preach the gospel doesn’t mean it’s true. Most of those schools only teach what their club has handed down over the years!!
I keep repeating the same song over and over but it’s what the Holy Spirit is trying to say in today’s world!! It’s time you got together with the Holy Spirit and allow him to lead you into all truth!! There are those out there that are going thru this step as we speak. You may have to search a little to find them. If you think you are way to busy to do that there may be no help for you!! If you are to busy or think it not necessary, we will be praying that the Holy Spirit breaks thru before it’s too late. Don’t base your salvation on some magic words that you repeated after some emotional sermon base it on a personal relationship with Christ thru the Holy Spirit!!
I ma your brother in Christ,
Jim
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Are we too soft???
Saturday, May 26, 2007
The last few things I have sent out have been long and maybe sort of scary to some of you. I have felt some condemnation about them and thought maybe I should not burden you with them. As I pray about that I get the sense that the Holy Spirit is saying He gives me these thoughts to share with others for the time may be getting short and people need to hear these things to be able to make up their own minds. We may fast be approaching the time when people’s salvation may be at stake. The spirit continues to bring the scripture in Ezekiel 33 to mind. Once again it’s not my job to sell these things to you. It’s between you and the Holy Spirit. Should you not have the time or effort to follow thru then it’s on your head and I’m in the clear because I have warned you!!
The church has talked and believed for years that America is a blessed nation because somehow we were founded on God’s principles and all of that may be true to a point. The problem as I see it is how we have handled that over the years. As I read church history I see movements of God in the 40’s – 50’s that swept thousands into the Body. Then you look at the areas where that took place and they are not the biggest hot beds of sin in the country. How do you suppose that happened?? Could it be that when man began taking control of the movement, with all the best reasons in his mind, that the Holy Spirit stepped back? At that point the enemy moved in and we see what happened. It seems to me that the only place the true Body of Christ is really flourishing is in the countries that persecute them day and night in horrible ways. Could God be attempting to bring that about here and we fight it tooth and nail. Could it be we are way too comfortable calling ourselves Christians with no danger in the outcome?? As the softest Christians in the world would we be able to stand up against even a small portion of what’s going on around the world?? Would we be some of the first to come against those that begin preaching the true gospel as heretics and demand they be put to death?? That’s what has taken place over the years among the so called Christians. It’s time you began to exam your life and standing with Christ before you have to put it all on the line in the blink of an eye. Remember what Jesus said about those who deny Him!!! Here is something from a newsletter from the 1950’s that might be of interest!!
I am your brother in Christ and maybe your worst nightmare!!
Jim
If we add one further sign of the times, for the moment, it would be that movement over the earth in which Christians are being tested by fiery ordeal and trial. A large part of the world is already undergoing this "baptism", and the waters are moving steadily on over widening areas. They are moving from the Far East toward the Nearer and Middle East and the Near East.
While Christians in parts of the West can still meet in conference and debate the question: "Will the Church go through the tribulation?", many believers are asking - "Can the tribulation be any worse than that through which we are now passing?" For one it is all objective, future, and doctrinal. For the other, real, actual, and ghastly. It would be more healthy and valuable were we to face the matter from another angle and ask - "Have we reason to believe that the Scriptures point to an end-time in which all artificial supports, 'foreign' aids, external forms, and all that which keeps Christians going from the outside, will be stripped off, and they will stand or fall in so far as they really know the Lord and He is more real than all the accompaniments and things of Christianity?" This will be the ultimate criterion, whether in the increasing spiritual pressure upon believers more generally, or by the force of adversity such as that which is now spreading over the world.
God will have reality. For Him His Son is the only reality. He, as such, is the End, the Amen, and God works all His works toward Him, "that in all things he may have the pre-eminence".
First published in "A Witness and A Testimony" magazine, Sep-Oct 1956, Vol 34-5
_______________________
This email is from the Austin-Sparks.Net list and we encourage you to forward, print and share this message with others. In keeping with T. Austin-Sparks' wishes that what was freely received should be freely given, his writings are not copyrighted. Therefore, we ask if you choose to share them with others, please respect his wishes and offer them freely - free of changes, free of charge and free
The last few things I have sent out have been long and maybe sort of scary to some of you. I have felt some condemnation about them and thought maybe I should not burden you with them. As I pray about that I get the sense that the Holy Spirit is saying He gives me these thoughts to share with others for the time may be getting short and people need to hear these things to be able to make up their own minds. We may fast be approaching the time when people’s salvation may be at stake. The spirit continues to bring the scripture in Ezekiel 33 to mind. Once again it’s not my job to sell these things to you. It’s between you and the Holy Spirit. Should you not have the time or effort to follow thru then it’s on your head and I’m in the clear because I have warned you!!
The church has talked and believed for years that America is a blessed nation because somehow we were founded on God’s principles and all of that may be true to a point. The problem as I see it is how we have handled that over the years. As I read church history I see movements of God in the 40’s – 50’s that swept thousands into the Body. Then you look at the areas where that took place and they are not the biggest hot beds of sin in the country. How do you suppose that happened?? Could it be that when man began taking control of the movement, with all the best reasons in his mind, that the Holy Spirit stepped back? At that point the enemy moved in and we see what happened. It seems to me that the only place the true Body of Christ is really flourishing is in the countries that persecute them day and night in horrible ways. Could God be attempting to bring that about here and we fight it tooth and nail. Could it be we are way too comfortable calling ourselves Christians with no danger in the outcome?? As the softest Christians in the world would we be able to stand up against even a small portion of what’s going on around the world?? Would we be some of the first to come against those that begin preaching the true gospel as heretics and demand they be put to death?? That’s what has taken place over the years among the so called Christians. It’s time you began to exam your life and standing with Christ before you have to put it all on the line in the blink of an eye. Remember what Jesus said about those who deny Him!!! Here is something from a newsletter from the 1950’s that might be of interest!!
I am your brother in Christ and maybe your worst nightmare!!
Jim
If we add one further sign of the times, for the moment, it would be that movement over the earth in which Christians are being tested by fiery ordeal and trial. A large part of the world is already undergoing this "baptism", and the waters are moving steadily on over widening areas. They are moving from the Far East toward the Nearer and Middle East and the Near East.
While Christians in parts of the West can still meet in conference and debate the question: "Will the Church go through the tribulation?", many believers are asking - "Can the tribulation be any worse than that through which we are now passing?" For one it is all objective, future, and doctrinal. For the other, real, actual, and ghastly. It would be more healthy and valuable were we to face the matter from another angle and ask - "Have we reason to believe that the Scriptures point to an end-time in which all artificial supports, 'foreign' aids, external forms, and all that which keeps Christians going from the outside, will be stripped off, and they will stand or fall in so far as they really know the Lord and He is more real than all the accompaniments and things of Christianity?" This will be the ultimate criterion, whether in the increasing spiritual pressure upon believers more generally, or by the force of adversity such as that which is now spreading over the world.
God will have reality. For Him His Son is the only reality. He, as such, is the End, the Amen, and God works all His works toward Him, "that in all things he may have the pre-eminence".
First published in "A Witness and A Testimony" magazine, Sep-Oct 1956, Vol 34-5
_______________________
This email is from the Austin-Sparks.Net list and we encourage you to forward, print and share this message with others. In keeping with T. Austin-Sparks' wishes that what was freely received should be freely given, his writings are not copyrighted. Therefore, we ask if you choose to share them with others, please respect his wishes and offer them freely - free of changes, free of charge and free
Friday, May 25, 2007
Who has these answers??
Friday, May 25, 2007
Questions for someone!!
As I get further into what exactly it is [just my words-I’m not even close yet] that God’s eternal purpose is I sometimes feel more confused than ever. It may be that that’s the way the Holy Spirit wants you! The deeper you go with Him the more you understand how little you know of Him even after all these years. You look back on all the teaching you have heard and whatever else you thought was leading you closer to Him and it dawns on you that it was mostly fluff that had been carried down thu the years to keep man in control. When the Holy Spirit reveals all this to you it can either be a crushing blow as you realize that you have been following man rather than God and you walk away from it all or you do as Paul did and count it all as trash and cry out to the Lord to bring you into His eternal purpose no matter what it takes. Step #2 comes when He tells you the beginning of this journey is the Cross. This requires another acceptance of what is to come knowing that you are now out of control of the coming events. I have to say it takes time to make step #2. It’s like stepping out into outer space not knowing what’s out there. It’s at this point that you squeeze thru that “narrow gate” only to find out just how narrow that path is!! We have been taught [again painting with the wide brush] that we could control most of what goes on in our lives even after we are “saved” because God set up these laws that He more or less has to follow if we call Him on them. If we just recite some verses out of the scripture He must do it. Have you even thought it might be a good idea to understand the whole context of those scriptures??
If you’re looking for step #3 there isn’t any. #2 is a continues climb toward eternity. There will never be a leveling off spot. It may seem that way but it is only to give you a chance to put into action what you have been taught so it becomes set in your life and becomes like a habit that you don’t have to think about each time it comes up, you just do it!! If you think this climb will be without attacks think again. The enemy’s sole purpose is to get between you and god and keep you distracted enough that you end up in Matt. 7 and Jesus doesn’t even know you. No way do I want to question anyone’s salvation. The problem comes in how your lead your life. What’s the main focus of your life?? Where do you pour in all your energy?? Do you think life is all about you?? Get into the scripture and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you into all truth. Let me know what happens!!!
I am your brother in Christ,
Jim
Questions for someone!!
As I get further into what exactly it is [just my words-I’m not even close yet] that God’s eternal purpose is I sometimes feel more confused than ever. It may be that that’s the way the Holy Spirit wants you! The deeper you go with Him the more you understand how little you know of Him even after all these years. You look back on all the teaching you have heard and whatever else you thought was leading you closer to Him and it dawns on you that it was mostly fluff that had been carried down thu the years to keep man in control. When the Holy Spirit reveals all this to you it can either be a crushing blow as you realize that you have been following man rather than God and you walk away from it all or you do as Paul did and count it all as trash and cry out to the Lord to bring you into His eternal purpose no matter what it takes. Step #2 comes when He tells you the beginning of this journey is the Cross. This requires another acceptance of what is to come knowing that you are now out of control of the coming events. I have to say it takes time to make step #2. It’s like stepping out into outer space not knowing what’s out there. It’s at this point that you squeeze thru that “narrow gate” only to find out just how narrow that path is!! We have been taught [again painting with the wide brush] that we could control most of what goes on in our lives even after we are “saved” because God set up these laws that He more or less has to follow if we call Him on them. If we just recite some verses out of the scripture He must do it. Have you even thought it might be a good idea to understand the whole context of those scriptures??
If you’re looking for step #3 there isn’t any. #2 is a continues climb toward eternity. There will never be a leveling off spot. It may seem that way but it is only to give you a chance to put into action what you have been taught so it becomes set in your life and becomes like a habit that you don’t have to think about each time it comes up, you just do it!! If you think this climb will be without attacks think again. The enemy’s sole purpose is to get between you and god and keep you distracted enough that you end up in Matt. 7 and Jesus doesn’t even know you. No way do I want to question anyone’s salvation. The problem comes in how your lead your life. What’s the main focus of your life?? Where do you pour in all your energy?? Do you think life is all about you?? Get into the scripture and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you into all truth. Let me know what happens!!!
I am your brother in Christ,
Jim
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Are we Hagar's children??
Thursday, May 24, 2007
I have something rolling around in my spirit that I want to talk about!! What set it off was Gal. 4 where Paul wrote about Hagar
Galatians 4:24 - 26 (NKJV) 24which things are symbolic. For these are £the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar— 25for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children— 26but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all.
I’m seeing this as an example [there may be a better word for what I’m seeing] of what seems to be happening in Christianity today. As the world around us seems to be collapsing in on itself it appears that the Holy Spirit is attempting to raise up “watchman” to warn the “churches” that they are on the wrong path and be the ones Jesus is speaking to in Matt 7 when He says “I don’t know you”.
Galatians 4:29 (NKJV) 29But, as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now.
Could this be all those “churches” that have become big business and brought fame and fortune to their leaders?? Why would these so called leaders think about giving all that up? What would become of their temples to themselves? Who would support their lavish lifestyles? So if you want t retain what you have and maybe even get more what would you do?? You would attack those that appear to be tearing your kingdom down. Could it be that there are a lot of so called churches out there that are filled with people that think they are saved and on their way thru the Pearly Gates but are really living a lie. I’m not talking about those that truly know Christ and deep down in their spirit know and understand what salvation in. I’m talking of those that are “seeds sown on shallow ground”. The birds of the enemy never bother to take them away because they serve his purpose where they are at. These folks listen to all the drivel coming from the leadership and accept it as gospel because they are so busy with their worldly lifestyle they have no time to build a relation with Jesus thru the Holy Spirit. They actually believe that the pastor or whoever is able to hear everything they need to follow Jesus and as they find a little time in their busy life they may be able to fit some of it in!!
I would urge you to read the story and find out what happened to Hagar and her son and also who the son turned out to be. Could it be that the Muslims that are out to run us off the face of the earth are descendants of his?? Why does the whole Middle East hate the Jews?? I know a lot of you don’t like to or want to think of what’s going on out there and I have to admit I’m worn out about it also. The problem is that it all works into God’s “eternal purpose” and we need to understand what’s taking place.
If there is a chance you don’t truly know Jesus and are operating out there on the fringe of things, I urge you to sit down with the Holy Spirit and work thru it. Get right with Jesus and the Holy Spirit will lead you into all truth. Take no man’s advice unless it confirms what the Spirit has been telling you. Eternity is to long to miss out on just because you didn’t have the time to spend with the Holy Spirit and allow Him to lead you thru the “narrow gate” and along the “narrow path”.
I truly need some feedback on this!!!
I am your brother in Christ,
Jim
I have something rolling around in my spirit that I want to talk about!! What set it off was Gal. 4 where Paul wrote about Hagar
Galatians 4:24 - 26 (NKJV) 24which things are symbolic. For these are £the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar— 25for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children— 26but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all.
I’m seeing this as an example [there may be a better word for what I’m seeing] of what seems to be happening in Christianity today. As the world around us seems to be collapsing in on itself it appears that the Holy Spirit is attempting to raise up “watchman” to warn the “churches” that they are on the wrong path and be the ones Jesus is speaking to in Matt 7 when He says “I don’t know you”.
Galatians 4:29 (NKJV) 29But, as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now.
Could this be all those “churches” that have become big business and brought fame and fortune to their leaders?? Why would these so called leaders think about giving all that up? What would become of their temples to themselves? Who would support their lavish lifestyles? So if you want t retain what you have and maybe even get more what would you do?? You would attack those that appear to be tearing your kingdom down. Could it be that there are a lot of so called churches out there that are filled with people that think they are saved and on their way thru the Pearly Gates but are really living a lie. I’m not talking about those that truly know Christ and deep down in their spirit know and understand what salvation in. I’m talking of those that are “seeds sown on shallow ground”. The birds of the enemy never bother to take them away because they serve his purpose where they are at. These folks listen to all the drivel coming from the leadership and accept it as gospel because they are so busy with their worldly lifestyle they have no time to build a relation with Jesus thru the Holy Spirit. They actually believe that the pastor or whoever is able to hear everything they need to follow Jesus and as they find a little time in their busy life they may be able to fit some of it in!!
I would urge you to read the story and find out what happened to Hagar and her son and also who the son turned out to be. Could it be that the Muslims that are out to run us off the face of the earth are descendants of his?? Why does the whole Middle East hate the Jews?? I know a lot of you don’t like to or want to think of what’s going on out there and I have to admit I’m worn out about it also. The problem is that it all works into God’s “eternal purpose” and we need to understand what’s taking place.
If there is a chance you don’t truly know Jesus and are operating out there on the fringe of things, I urge you to sit down with the Holy Spirit and work thru it. Get right with Jesus and the Holy Spirit will lead you into all truth. Take no man’s advice unless it confirms what the Spirit has been telling you. Eternity is to long to miss out on just because you didn’t have the time to spend with the Holy Spirit and allow Him to lead you thru the “narrow gate” and along the “narrow path”.
I truly need some feedback on this!!!
I am your brother in Christ,
Jim
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
More on church!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Col 3:1 starts with a question that would be a good question to ask ourselves. The reason being that it sort of follows along with 2 Cor. 5:17. Col asks “if you were raised with Christ”. In order for this to be a true statement about you it would have to mean that you had “died” to self and would now be walking under the direction of Him who leads us into all truth [John 16:13].
When the scripture talks of becoming a “new creation” what does that mean to you. This is really hard for those of you that think you were born a Christian or that joining one of those clubs that call themselves a “church” got the job done. Those of us that came out of some not nice things have the same problem buy from a different angle. Just what does a “new creation” mean to you?? If I have lost you at this point I would like to hear from you and attempt to answer any question I have raised!!
John 14:6 (NKJV) 6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
That doesn’t sound like membership in anything or following man’s direction will get the job done.
For those that have had this experience the question then becomes: what changed in you life when you met Jesus and the Holy Spirit moved in to begin the transformation of you to Christ likeness?? I’m not talking about obeying a bunch of rules set up by whatever club led you to this point. I’m speaking of the impact that this had on your heart and what your spirit began speaking to you about the reality of it all. It wasn’t a matter of doing things differently because men told you to. It was a yearning in your heart to not do things that would be offensive to Jesus!! You then tried to learn everything you could about the man and how to walk in His light. That’s the new child trying to mature just as your kids did growing up!! The problem seems to be that a lot of people think they reach a position where they no longer are able or don’t need to continue growing and hey settle in at that point. Sometimes it’s a lack of teaching and sometimes it’s the person being fearful that they will have to give up to much to go higher. Whatever the reason, if you are in one of those places it may be time to deal with all that. In the face of what’s going on in the world around us I think you are going to need all the Holy Spirit direction you can muster in the coming days. For to long now we have asked man’s government to pass laws that shield us from attacks from the camp of the enemy. Well I’m sorry to tell you that it appears it was all a trap. We have become so complacent that we are about to get buried under the coming attacks. You can see from the news that people that call themselves Christians aren’t ready to face the coming persecution because they have always had government to call on when times got hard. Be ready for a lot of the persecution to come from those large [maybe even some of the smaller ones] churches that will go along with the world rather than lose their favored position in society. It shouldn’t be long before we are able to see if those “leaders” are unafraid to speak out when it’s against man’s law to stand up for God’s law. Where will you turn when those you thought were fellow Christians begin to turn on you?? How many people you know and hold dear to your heart will be willing to give up their lifestyle to follow the truth. Will you be able to walk away even from family when it’s time??? Check out Matt. 10:21, it will give you a little insight to where the heat will come from.
I know we all like hanging with those that think-act and talk like us. The problem lies in Gal. 3:26-29. We are all of the “body of Christ” and therefore brothers and sisters like it or not. When was the last time a part of your body [those of us that are older know this could happen] only wanted to hang out with only those parts that were just like them?? Break out of that jail you have your self in and see what the rest of the body is doing. To do that you must be sure you know and understand just what the Body of Christ is suppose to look and act like. To have that you have to be on a fist name basis with the Holy Spirit!!! If you aren’t there yet, find someone that is and let them help you.
What say you???
I am your brother in Christ,
Jim
Col 3:1 starts with a question that would be a good question to ask ourselves. The reason being that it sort of follows along with 2 Cor. 5:17. Col asks “if you were raised with Christ”. In order for this to be a true statement about you it would have to mean that you had “died” to self and would now be walking under the direction of Him who leads us into all truth [John 16:13].
When the scripture talks of becoming a “new creation” what does that mean to you. This is really hard for those of you that think you were born a Christian or that joining one of those clubs that call themselves a “church” got the job done. Those of us that came out of some not nice things have the same problem buy from a different angle. Just what does a “new creation” mean to you?? If I have lost you at this point I would like to hear from you and attempt to answer any question I have raised!!
John 14:6 (NKJV) 6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
That doesn’t sound like membership in anything or following man’s direction will get the job done.
For those that have had this experience the question then becomes: what changed in you life when you met Jesus and the Holy Spirit moved in to begin the transformation of you to Christ likeness?? I’m not talking about obeying a bunch of rules set up by whatever club led you to this point. I’m speaking of the impact that this had on your heart and what your spirit began speaking to you about the reality of it all. It wasn’t a matter of doing things differently because men told you to. It was a yearning in your heart to not do things that would be offensive to Jesus!! You then tried to learn everything you could about the man and how to walk in His light. That’s the new child trying to mature just as your kids did growing up!! The problem seems to be that a lot of people think they reach a position where they no longer are able or don’t need to continue growing and hey settle in at that point. Sometimes it’s a lack of teaching and sometimes it’s the person being fearful that they will have to give up to much to go higher. Whatever the reason, if you are in one of those places it may be time to deal with all that. In the face of what’s going on in the world around us I think you are going to need all the Holy Spirit direction you can muster in the coming days. For to long now we have asked man’s government to pass laws that shield us from attacks from the camp of the enemy. Well I’m sorry to tell you that it appears it was all a trap. We have become so complacent that we are about to get buried under the coming attacks. You can see from the news that people that call themselves Christians aren’t ready to face the coming persecution because they have always had government to call on when times got hard. Be ready for a lot of the persecution to come from those large [maybe even some of the smaller ones] churches that will go along with the world rather than lose their favored position in society. It shouldn’t be long before we are able to see if those “leaders” are unafraid to speak out when it’s against man’s law to stand up for God’s law. Where will you turn when those you thought were fellow Christians begin to turn on you?? How many people you know and hold dear to your heart will be willing to give up their lifestyle to follow the truth. Will you be able to walk away even from family when it’s time??? Check out Matt. 10:21, it will give you a little insight to where the heat will come from.
I know we all like hanging with those that think-act and talk like us. The problem lies in Gal. 3:26-29. We are all of the “body of Christ” and therefore brothers and sisters like it or not. When was the last time a part of your body [those of us that are older know this could happen] only wanted to hang out with only those parts that were just like them?? Break out of that jail you have your self in and see what the rest of the body is doing. To do that you must be sure you know and understand just what the Body of Christ is suppose to look and act like. To have that you have to be on a fist name basis with the Holy Spirit!!! If you aren’t there yet, find someone that is and let them help you.
What say you???
I am your brother in Christ,
Jim
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Who leads us into all truth??
Sunday, May 20, 2007
How many of us that purport to be following Jesus and claim to know the truth really know the real truth?? Has our truth come from the teachings of man’s tradition that has evolved over the years or from the “School of Christ” that’s run by the Holy Spirit?? Have you settled into what you feel is enough truth to get you thur the “Pearly Gates” and then went about living your life worry free as far as salvation goes? When you hear that still small voice inside telling you it’s time to adjust your think on a matter do you push it aside as something you ate or do you spend time with the Holy Spirit about it. If you are of the idea that you can get to a point in this school where there is no more testing you may be in trouble!! As I talked about in the “born again” post, we are children growing constantly and must be constantly tested to gauge our growth. Don’t fall into that trap that life will be smooth and worry free now that you are walking with Christ. Jesus said He was setting an example for us. Spend some time reading about what His life was like. We are not on some sort of learning curve. We are on a constant climb with no leveling off till we get to heaven. There will be times when the Holy Spirit will allow us to coast but some of those may be testing to see if what He has showed us will roll over into your daily life. Don’t fall into that trap that says if you follow a few rules and are a nice person your cool. The entire purpose of the enemy is to get between us and Jesus and to take you off course. He will accomplish that in any manner he can. If you aren’t walking with the Holy Spirit’s hand on your shoulder you are in danger. I don’t want to get into once saved always saved or any other lost salvation thing, that’s between you and the Holy Spirit. Just remember Jesus said when He sent the Holy Spirit after He would get to the right hand of the Father, that He would lead us into all truth!!
What say you??
Your brother in Christ.
Jim
How many of us that purport to be following Jesus and claim to know the truth really know the real truth?? Has our truth come from the teachings of man’s tradition that has evolved over the years or from the “School of Christ” that’s run by the Holy Spirit?? Have you settled into what you feel is enough truth to get you thur the “Pearly Gates” and then went about living your life worry free as far as salvation goes? When you hear that still small voice inside telling you it’s time to adjust your think on a matter do you push it aside as something you ate or do you spend time with the Holy Spirit about it. If you are of the idea that you can get to a point in this school where there is no more testing you may be in trouble!! As I talked about in the “born again” post, we are children growing constantly and must be constantly tested to gauge our growth. Don’t fall into that trap that life will be smooth and worry free now that you are walking with Christ. Jesus said He was setting an example for us. Spend some time reading about what His life was like. We are not on some sort of learning curve. We are on a constant climb with no leveling off till we get to heaven. There will be times when the Holy Spirit will allow us to coast but some of those may be testing to see if what He has showed us will roll over into your daily life. Don’t fall into that trap that says if you follow a few rules and are a nice person your cool. The entire purpose of the enemy is to get between us and Jesus and to take you off course. He will accomplish that in any manner he can. If you aren’t walking with the Holy Spirit’s hand on your shoulder you are in danger. I don’t want to get into once saved always saved or any other lost salvation thing, that’s between you and the Holy Spirit. Just remember Jesus said when He sent the Holy Spirit after He would get to the right hand of the Father, that He would lead us into all truth!!
What say you??
Your brother in Christ.
Jim
Saturday, May 19, 2007
What is "born again"??
Friday, May 18, 2007
Today I’m thinking about the term “born again” and the manner we toss it around in Christianity. Just in case you may think it’s a term some nuts thought up:
John 3:3 (NKJV) 3Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Now that that’s settled we can move on!! How much thought have you ever given to that term?? I’m sure we have all been around new babies enough [some more than enough] to understand how they are unable to do many things on their own and without their parents they probably wouldn’t make it. If you want an interesting [maybe an unsettling one] do a search on “failure to bond” in children and what it does to their life. There is a stream of thinking out there that says “you aren’t too bad so if you just fix a few things in your life you will be cool and on your way to eternal life”.
I’m sorry but the term is “born again”. I’m figuring that means totally starting over. All of the talent or what ever that you are attempting to carry into your new life with Christ was taught, learned or whatever outside of Him and like Paul said is to be considered all trash. Now that your are a new babe in Christ you also need someone to help you along the path to growth. There are others that have gone this route before you and the Holy Spirit will send them into your life to guide you thru this beginning stage. Using the example of our children [I use that because it actually happened and it’s not just something I read someplace] as we trained them to do things we would reach a point where we had to allow them to begin attempting it on their own. If they failed we were there to help them thru but insisted they try again. In this manner they became independent and no longer needed our control. The point I’m attempting to make here is this. As you grow in Christ thru the teaching of the Holy Spirit you are to be hearing things on your own. If the people leading you along this path attempt to retain control of your life it may be time to escape. The narrow path is not a path littered with rules of do this and don’t do that. The narrow path is walking thru life with the hand of the Holy Spirit on your shoulder guiding you.
Isaiah 30:21 (NKJV) 21 Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left.
I’ve walked in this scripture for many years now and it’s always lead me thru to other side. This relationship with the Holy Spirit will not come overnight. It must develop just like you did with your kids. That’s why it is so important that you find believers that already understand it and are willing to guide you thru it. Then as you begin to grow in it you should be looking for those coming up behind you and begin reaching out to them why all the time holding on to that hand in front of you that is still guiding you. You will never get to the top in this life so there is no waiting to help others until you attain some certain level. Jesus told Peter that when the devil was done working on him he was to go and help others going thru the same things [my wording-look it up yourself].
Being “born again” is not some prize you get for doing something good. It’s a life you step into to be of some help to the rest of the Body in order to move God’s “eternal purpose” along to completion!!
What say you??
I am your brother in Christ!!
Jim
Today I’m thinking about the term “born again” and the manner we toss it around in Christianity. Just in case you may think it’s a term some nuts thought up:
John 3:3 (NKJV) 3Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Now that that’s settled we can move on!! How much thought have you ever given to that term?? I’m sure we have all been around new babies enough [some more than enough] to understand how they are unable to do many things on their own and without their parents they probably wouldn’t make it. If you want an interesting [maybe an unsettling one] do a search on “failure to bond” in children and what it does to their life. There is a stream of thinking out there that says “you aren’t too bad so if you just fix a few things in your life you will be cool and on your way to eternal life”.
I’m sorry but the term is “born again”. I’m figuring that means totally starting over. All of the talent or what ever that you are attempting to carry into your new life with Christ was taught, learned or whatever outside of Him and like Paul said is to be considered all trash. Now that your are a new babe in Christ you also need someone to help you along the path to growth. There are others that have gone this route before you and the Holy Spirit will send them into your life to guide you thru this beginning stage. Using the example of our children [I use that because it actually happened and it’s not just something I read someplace] as we trained them to do things we would reach a point where we had to allow them to begin attempting it on their own. If they failed we were there to help them thru but insisted they try again. In this manner they became independent and no longer needed our control. The point I’m attempting to make here is this. As you grow in Christ thru the teaching of the Holy Spirit you are to be hearing things on your own. If the people leading you along this path attempt to retain control of your life it may be time to escape. The narrow path is not a path littered with rules of do this and don’t do that. The narrow path is walking thru life with the hand of the Holy Spirit on your shoulder guiding you.
Isaiah 30:21 (NKJV) 21 Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left.
I’ve walked in this scripture for many years now and it’s always lead me thru to other side. This relationship with the Holy Spirit will not come overnight. It must develop just like you did with your kids. That’s why it is so important that you find believers that already understand it and are willing to guide you thru it. Then as you begin to grow in it you should be looking for those coming up behind you and begin reaching out to them why all the time holding on to that hand in front of you that is still guiding you. You will never get to the top in this life so there is no waiting to help others until you attain some certain level. Jesus told Peter that when the devil was done working on him he was to go and help others going thru the same things [my wording-look it up yourself].
Being “born again” is not some prize you get for doing something good. It’s a life you step into to be of some help to the rest of the Body in order to move God’s “eternal purpose” along to completion!!
What say you??
I am your brother in Christ!!
Jim
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Part #2
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Poor in Spirit part 2!!
As you know if you read my last post I went off on a side trip that took me off subject so let’s get back to it.
You saw the definitions I supplied in yesterdays post about the word “poor”. How does that fit into what we tell people about salvation? Do you suppose Jesus came down here and went thru all that just to provide salvation for what mankind had done against Him over all the years? Yes, He did provide salvation for man but for what reason? Have you ever thought about that? What was the reason for creation in the first place? Is salvation some sort of “bar-code” we receive when we repeat some words that gets us in to heaven when we pass off this ball? For sure salvation is free and the greatest gift you will ever receive but what does it require of us after we have it? Assuming we all know about common courtesy and manners. I figure that if someone gives you a gift you at least say “thank you”. When’s the last time you thanked Jesus for what He did for you and asked what else you could do or needed to do to assist with the Father’s eternal plan? In case you are wondering about that, check this out:
Ephesians 2:8 - 11 (NKJV) 8For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
It would appear from this that God has something for you to do and that you would have to be walking in relationship with the Holy Spirit to know and understand what they are. Remember the scripture about Him leading us into all truth. If you are waiting on some one in what is called leadership to hear for you do you suppose you may be getting some bad information. I’m not saying these people are plotting against you but you can see how hard it would be for these leaders to not only hear about their own lives but for yours also. Most of these people have a heart for God but are operating under traditions man has put into effect that have nothing to do with God’s “eternal purpose”. When you stand before the Father in judgment you will not be able to blame leadership for anything. There will be no going back looking for an excuse. It will over then!!
I would say that those that are “poor in spirit” are those that know this that salvation is not some sort of free ride but are pushing into Christ as hard as they can. Its way past time we came to know Jesus rather than knowing about Him. We must also know what the Holy Spirit wants us to be doing so we aren’t wasting our time on projects He hasn’t sent us on. There are a lot of good works going on out there that God is not even interested in. Just because there are a lot of felt needs out there but you should only be dealing with the ones He sends you on. What if He is dealing with someone and you jump in and solve their problems so they never learn the lesson the Spirit is working on? How many points will that get you on God’s scoreboard??
It’s seems that most teachings we have heard on these Beatitudes have been along the lines of rules we should be living up to. I see them as the outpouring of Christ from us once we have been to the cross, squeezed thru the “narrow gate” and are walking down that “narrow path”. If we are attempting to live up to these or any other rules we are once again attempting to be like Christ on our power. I can tell you from first hand experience that it doesn’t work!! The Holy Spirit will continue to lead you into situations where there is not way to overcome it on your own power. Rather then blame it on the enemy spend some time with the Holy Spirit. He will let you know what it’s all about!!
I’m sure there is more down in my spirit somewhere but that’s it for now!
I am your brother in Christ,
Jim
Poor in Spirit part 2!!
As you know if you read my last post I went off on a side trip that took me off subject so let’s get back to it.
You saw the definitions I supplied in yesterdays post about the word “poor”. How does that fit into what we tell people about salvation? Do you suppose Jesus came down here and went thru all that just to provide salvation for what mankind had done against Him over all the years? Yes, He did provide salvation for man but for what reason? Have you ever thought about that? What was the reason for creation in the first place? Is salvation some sort of “bar-code” we receive when we repeat some words that gets us in to heaven when we pass off this ball? For sure salvation is free and the greatest gift you will ever receive but what does it require of us after we have it? Assuming we all know about common courtesy and manners. I figure that if someone gives you a gift you at least say “thank you”. When’s the last time you thanked Jesus for what He did for you and asked what else you could do or needed to do to assist with the Father’s eternal plan? In case you are wondering about that, check this out:
Ephesians 2:8 - 11 (NKJV) 8For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
It would appear from this that God has something for you to do and that you would have to be walking in relationship with the Holy Spirit to know and understand what they are. Remember the scripture about Him leading us into all truth. If you are waiting on some one in what is called leadership to hear for you do you suppose you may be getting some bad information. I’m not saying these people are plotting against you but you can see how hard it would be for these leaders to not only hear about their own lives but for yours also. Most of these people have a heart for God but are operating under traditions man has put into effect that have nothing to do with God’s “eternal purpose”. When you stand before the Father in judgment you will not be able to blame leadership for anything. There will be no going back looking for an excuse. It will over then!!
I would say that those that are “poor in spirit” are those that know this that salvation is not some sort of free ride but are pushing into Christ as hard as they can. Its way past time we came to know Jesus rather than knowing about Him. We must also know what the Holy Spirit wants us to be doing so we aren’t wasting our time on projects He hasn’t sent us on. There are a lot of good works going on out there that God is not even interested in. Just because there are a lot of felt needs out there but you should only be dealing with the ones He sends you on. What if He is dealing with someone and you jump in and solve their problems so they never learn the lesson the Spirit is working on? How many points will that get you on God’s scoreboard??
It’s seems that most teachings we have heard on these Beatitudes have been along the lines of rules we should be living up to. I see them as the outpouring of Christ from us once we have been to the cross, squeezed thru the “narrow gate” and are walking down that “narrow path”. If we are attempting to live up to these or any other rules we are once again attempting to be like Christ on our power. I can tell you from first hand experience that it doesn’t work!! The Holy Spirit will continue to lead you into situations where there is not way to overcome it on your own power. Rather then blame it on the enemy spend some time with the Holy Spirit. He will let you know what it’s all about!!
I’m sure there is more down in my spirit somewhere but that’s it for now!
I am your brother in Christ,
Jim
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Are we missing God and don't know it?
The first Beatitude has a hold of my spirit and won’t seem to let go!! So I began looking at it closely to allow the Holy Spirit to teach me what He will. I begin with the scripture it’s self”
Matthew 5:3 (ESV) 3“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Thayer Definition:
1) reduced to beggary, begging, asking alms
2) destitute of wealth, influence, position, honour
2a) lowly, afflicted, destitute of the Christian virtues and eternal riches
2b) helpless, powerless to accomplish an end
2c) poor, needy
3) lacking in anything
3a) as respects their spirit
3a1) destitute of wealth of learning and intellectual culture which the schools afford (men of this class most readily give themselves up to Christ’s teaching and proved them selves fitted to lay hold of the heavenly treasure)
Part of Speech: adjective
So question #1 then becomes: How many leaders-teachers or whatever they call them self fit this definition?? Have you ever wondered why the teacher-preacher-pastor has to stand on something that’s elevated so they are looking down at the people? Don’t fall for that line about it being so everyone is able to see and hear them. Maybe if we weren’t all sitting in pews or the like looking at the back of everyone’s head they could be on the same level moving among the people in case some has questions or maybe even a prophecy!! Just in case you think I fell off the deep end:
1 Corinthians 14:26 (ESV) 26What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.
I’m sure by this time you are wondering how you would get to the point where you had something to say in the meeting. Here it is!!
John 16:13 - 14 (NKJV) 13However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.
So it appears that we should be able to hear from God thru the Holy Spirit on our own which would allow us to determine if the teaching or whatever is on the up and up!! When’s the last time you heard that?? The “Body of Christ” here on earth is not to be a dictatorship. It’s supposed to be an organic group of people that are displaying Jesus to the hurting world around then. Are you able to introduce someone to the Christ that lives in you or does anyone bother asking what it is that makes you so easy going and happy? Ever wonder why that is or are you glad for no questions so it doesn’t put you on the spot? Have you ever thought what you would do if someone came up to you and began spilling their deepest problems and desires with you and they were really ugly? It happens all the time when people are able to see Jesus shining out from you. You’re not trying to sell some one a car or close a deal. You are attempting to introduce them to the Savior of the world who not only saved it on the cross but created it to begin with. Be ready to open up your heart and share what He has done for you who were maybe a worse sinner than them. The unsaved heart is a pit so don’t be fooling yourself into believing you weren’t all that bad and there was only a couple of things that needed fixed then you would be cool.
In case you haven’t figured it out already this was supposed to be up above some place but I got sidetracked so you get it here. Those English majors among us will have to for give those of us that snuck out of high school and went no further!!
Jesus preached this whole sermon sitting down and without a sound system. When you read the scripture [isn’t it nice how I give you the benefit of the doubt here??] what’s the picture in your mind. Could it be that we are so advanced that you are unable to relate to what’s going on and if you dig deep enough you really feel superior to those people back then?
I can picture you sitting there reading this thinking “who has time for all that”? Well once again Jesus took time out from His life in heaven to come down here for 33 years to be our salvation. After reading the NT how pleasant do you think those years were?? Could it be that you have no time because you are so into to yourself that Jesus can’t squeeze in?? If you have to work to much maybe you are living beyond your means. The kids don’t have to be doing something every minute of the day just to make your guilt go away for whatever reason. Maybe your even to bust for Jesus because you busy doing things for him. It is possible to be doing so many good and needy things for the Lord that miss the relationship He desires and if you read on to chapter 7 you will see what He has to say to those people.
I’m writing this mostly to myself. You just get to read along with me and share your thought if you so desire.
I am your brother in Christ,
Jim
Matthew 5:3 (ESV) 3“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Thayer Definition:
1) reduced to beggary, begging, asking alms
2) destitute of wealth, influence, position, honour
2a) lowly, afflicted, destitute of the Christian virtues and eternal riches
2b) helpless, powerless to accomplish an end
2c) poor, needy
3) lacking in anything
3a) as respects their spirit
3a1) destitute of wealth of learning and intellectual culture which the schools afford (men of this class most readily give themselves up to Christ’s teaching and proved them selves fitted to lay hold of the heavenly treasure)
Part of Speech: adjective
So question #1 then becomes: How many leaders-teachers or whatever they call them self fit this definition?? Have you ever wondered why the teacher-preacher-pastor has to stand on something that’s elevated so they are looking down at the people? Don’t fall for that line about it being so everyone is able to see and hear them. Maybe if we weren’t all sitting in pews or the like looking at the back of everyone’s head they could be on the same level moving among the people in case some has questions or maybe even a prophecy!! Just in case you think I fell off the deep end:
1 Corinthians 14:26 (ESV) 26What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.
I’m sure by this time you are wondering how you would get to the point where you had something to say in the meeting. Here it is!!
John 16:13 - 14 (NKJV) 13However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.
So it appears that we should be able to hear from God thru the Holy Spirit on our own which would allow us to determine if the teaching or whatever is on the up and up!! When’s the last time you heard that?? The “Body of Christ” here on earth is not to be a dictatorship. It’s supposed to be an organic group of people that are displaying Jesus to the hurting world around then. Are you able to introduce someone to the Christ that lives in you or does anyone bother asking what it is that makes you so easy going and happy? Ever wonder why that is or are you glad for no questions so it doesn’t put you on the spot? Have you ever thought what you would do if someone came up to you and began spilling their deepest problems and desires with you and they were really ugly? It happens all the time when people are able to see Jesus shining out from you. You’re not trying to sell some one a car or close a deal. You are attempting to introduce them to the Savior of the world who not only saved it on the cross but created it to begin with. Be ready to open up your heart and share what He has done for you who were maybe a worse sinner than them. The unsaved heart is a pit so don’t be fooling yourself into believing you weren’t all that bad and there was only a couple of things that needed fixed then you would be cool.
In case you haven’t figured it out already this was supposed to be up above some place but I got sidetracked so you get it here. Those English majors among us will have to for give those of us that snuck out of high school and went no further!!
Jesus preached this whole sermon sitting down and without a sound system. When you read the scripture [isn’t it nice how I give you the benefit of the doubt here??] what’s the picture in your mind. Could it be that we are so advanced that you are unable to relate to what’s going on and if you dig deep enough you really feel superior to those people back then?
I can picture you sitting there reading this thinking “who has time for all that”? Well once again Jesus took time out from His life in heaven to come down here for 33 years to be our salvation. After reading the NT how pleasant do you think those years were?? Could it be that you have no time because you are so into to yourself that Jesus can’t squeeze in?? If you have to work to much maybe you are living beyond your means. The kids don’t have to be doing something every minute of the day just to make your guilt go away for whatever reason. Maybe your even to bust for Jesus because you busy doing things for him. It is possible to be doing so many good and needy things for the Lord that miss the relationship He desires and if you read on to chapter 7 you will see what He has to say to those people.
I’m writing this mostly to myself. You just get to read along with me and share your thought if you so desire.
I am your brother in Christ,
Jim
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
What is the narrow gate and narrow path??
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Just what is that “narrow gate & narrow path” that Jesus talked about?? Are we truly on the path when we are truly thinking of what Christ is wanting for or from us only when we are gathered together in some building or meeting with others around us?? Or could the narrow path be when the Holy Spirit is telling us to give up something or go somewhere and have fellowship with others that think and act differently than us or the club we call church?? Do we allow the so called local leadership intimidated us into doing things that the Holy Spirit ahs never spoken into out hearts?? I’ve been there and done that, hated almost every minute of it and came away empty in my spirit. I always felt lead to work with certain people groups and we went off and did that. For a season it seemed to be working but looking back there was not much fruit that came out of it. The people we were involved with slowly became what most others “churches” become, worried about numbers and what people thought of them. They decided they needed to be in control of everything that took place and at that point outreach became work rather than a labor of love from the Holy Spirit.
Are we really walking along the “narrow path” or are we just following some path laid out by man that we have been told is the “narrow path”?? Have we really entered in thru the “narrow gate” or just repeated some words after some men [or women] that they told us meant we were now on our way to heaven and there was no way to lose what we now had?? Sit back and think about what you have been taught in the past and are still hearing even today. Is the “Cross” in there anywhere?? You have not entered in thru that “narrow gate” till you have been to the Cross. This life is not about you it’s about God’s “eternal purpose” and it’s hard or maybe even impossible to do your part toward that if you don’t even know what it is. I am convinced that you can be the smartest person in the world as far as doctrine and whatever else your “club” teaches you but if you haven’t been to the Cross and met Jesus there you are nothing as far as He is concerned!! Jesus said He left us examples in the scriptures that we should be following. Do you suppose those contain things like be in church whenever the doors are open-may sure you look, dress and act like those in your club, make sure you don’t fellowship with anyone that thinks or acts differently than you. Why do you suppose the leaders don’t want you hanging around with people that don’t belong to the same club?? Could it be that you may hear something that doesn’t agree with their stuff?? I doubt most leaders are thinking that in their mind but most have been taught that “keeping your flock” is job #1. Read how Paul said church was supposed to operate and tell me that last time you were in that sort of service!! Am I correct in saying that you must get permission to speak in a service from the leader?? Where is the free flow of the Holy Spirit in that??
These things are really heavy on my heart and I always feel the need to write them down and share them with you but I must say it is a little discouraging when I never get any feedback. That won’t stop them from coming tho!!
What say you to all of this???
Just what is that “narrow gate & narrow path” that Jesus talked about?? Are we truly on the path when we are truly thinking of what Christ is wanting for or from us only when we are gathered together in some building or meeting with others around us?? Or could the narrow path be when the Holy Spirit is telling us to give up something or go somewhere and have fellowship with others that think and act differently than us or the club we call church?? Do we allow the so called local leadership intimidated us into doing things that the Holy Spirit ahs never spoken into out hearts?? I’ve been there and done that, hated almost every minute of it and came away empty in my spirit. I always felt lead to work with certain people groups and we went off and did that. For a season it seemed to be working but looking back there was not much fruit that came out of it. The people we were involved with slowly became what most others “churches” become, worried about numbers and what people thought of them. They decided they needed to be in control of everything that took place and at that point outreach became work rather than a labor of love from the Holy Spirit.
Are we really walking along the “narrow path” or are we just following some path laid out by man that we have been told is the “narrow path”?? Have we really entered in thru the “narrow gate” or just repeated some words after some men [or women] that they told us meant we were now on our way to heaven and there was no way to lose what we now had?? Sit back and think about what you have been taught in the past and are still hearing even today. Is the “Cross” in there anywhere?? You have not entered in thru that “narrow gate” till you have been to the Cross. This life is not about you it’s about God’s “eternal purpose” and it’s hard or maybe even impossible to do your part toward that if you don’t even know what it is. I am convinced that you can be the smartest person in the world as far as doctrine and whatever else your “club” teaches you but if you haven’t been to the Cross and met Jesus there you are nothing as far as He is concerned!! Jesus said He left us examples in the scriptures that we should be following. Do you suppose those contain things like be in church whenever the doors are open-may sure you look, dress and act like those in your club, make sure you don’t fellowship with anyone that thinks or acts differently than you. Why do you suppose the leaders don’t want you hanging around with people that don’t belong to the same club?? Could it be that you may hear something that doesn’t agree with their stuff?? I doubt most leaders are thinking that in their mind but most have been taught that “keeping your flock” is job #1. Read how Paul said church was supposed to operate and tell me that last time you were in that sort of service!! Am I correct in saying that you must get permission to speak in a service from the leader?? Where is the free flow of the Holy Spirit in that??
These things are really heavy on my heart and I always feel the need to write them down and share them with you but I must say it is a little discouraging when I never get any feedback. That won’t stop them from coming tho!!
What say you to all of this???
Saturday, May 12, 2007
I'm back!!
Saturday, May 12, 2007
As I read in the OT I think I understand why so many teachers and leaders say it is of no consequence to us today!! As you read thru it you see the same things happening today in what they call the church. You see the kings of Israel bringing the religions of their enemies, sometime to avoid battle and sometime because they had become involved with the women of the enemies. Whatever the reason God was not pleased and brought judgment upon them. For whatever reason the leaders of today seem to feel it’s alright to blend in with a society gone mad!! One can only wonder how and where we have gone astray but as you look around it’s plain to see. As we moved to bigger buildings and more and more programs to entice people into these buildings we also had to keep the money flowing to finance these projects. Once again what seemed like the “work of the Lord” turned out to be the “work of man”. The one glaring difference I see between the OT and the NT is that we each have the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth. The problem then becomes “why isn’t that happening”?? Could it be that the leaders of today like the leaders of the past are afraid of losing control?? That was the problem thru out history. The movement of the Holy Spirit took hold of some people and it was flowing. At some point men became afraid it would get out of control and began making rules and claiming their way was the only way. If you disagreed you were run off at the least or put to death at the worst. Today we aren’t allowed to put those in disagreement to death but we can surely tell enough lies about them to discredit anything they say. The problem is that those that are truly walking under the direction of the Holy Spirit can’t be swayed by all of these lies. The Holy Spirit continues to lead them into all truth even if it disagrees with the traditions that they have been told were from God just for that select group and if you failed to stick with them your salvation may even be id doubt. That in it’s self always seemed strange to me because most of these groups taught that “once save always saved” so how could you possibly lose your salvation by going with another group??
Christian leaders today insist [once again the wide brush] that nothing that is happening in the world has anything to do with God’s judgment on an unbelieving world. I assume they are attempting to avoid panic in their clubs [they are more like clubs than churches] and allow their flock to go in search of the real truth. Why would God bring judgment on our nation?? Look around at only what passes as the body of Christ. It’s really hard to tell them apart from those of the world. We not only purse the ways of the world [who do you suppose is in charge of all that?] we bring them into the church in hopes of watering down the gospel enough that it will attract more people into our clubs. Once they are there we begin to adopt more of their ways to keep them there. Check out the scripture and see how God deals with those that attempt to do something for Him but use the ways of man rather than the ways He has laid down. You may be rather shocked!! You might want to start in 1 Chronicles 13 and deal with that story. It will take a little study to understand the problem. If you get stuck let me know and I’ll provide you with some hints to keep you going!!!
What say you???
As I read in the OT I think I understand why so many teachers and leaders say it is of no consequence to us today!! As you read thru it you see the same things happening today in what they call the church. You see the kings of Israel bringing the religions of their enemies, sometime to avoid battle and sometime because they had become involved with the women of the enemies. Whatever the reason God was not pleased and brought judgment upon them. For whatever reason the leaders of today seem to feel it’s alright to blend in with a society gone mad!! One can only wonder how and where we have gone astray but as you look around it’s plain to see. As we moved to bigger buildings and more and more programs to entice people into these buildings we also had to keep the money flowing to finance these projects. Once again what seemed like the “work of the Lord” turned out to be the “work of man”. The one glaring difference I see between the OT and the NT is that we each have the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth. The problem then becomes “why isn’t that happening”?? Could it be that the leaders of today like the leaders of the past are afraid of losing control?? That was the problem thru out history. The movement of the Holy Spirit took hold of some people and it was flowing. At some point men became afraid it would get out of control and began making rules and claiming their way was the only way. If you disagreed you were run off at the least or put to death at the worst. Today we aren’t allowed to put those in disagreement to death but we can surely tell enough lies about them to discredit anything they say. The problem is that those that are truly walking under the direction of the Holy Spirit can’t be swayed by all of these lies. The Holy Spirit continues to lead them into all truth even if it disagrees with the traditions that they have been told were from God just for that select group and if you failed to stick with them your salvation may even be id doubt. That in it’s self always seemed strange to me because most of these groups taught that “once save always saved” so how could you possibly lose your salvation by going with another group??
Christian leaders today insist [once again the wide brush] that nothing that is happening in the world has anything to do with God’s judgment on an unbelieving world. I assume they are attempting to avoid panic in their clubs [they are more like clubs than churches] and allow their flock to go in search of the real truth. Why would God bring judgment on our nation?? Look around at only what passes as the body of Christ. It’s really hard to tell them apart from those of the world. We not only purse the ways of the world [who do you suppose is in charge of all that?] we bring them into the church in hopes of watering down the gospel enough that it will attract more people into our clubs. Once they are there we begin to adopt more of their ways to keep them there. Check out the scripture and see how God deals with those that attempt to do something for Him but use the ways of man rather than the ways He has laid down. You may be rather shocked!! You might want to start in 1 Chronicles 13 and deal with that story. It will take a little study to understand the problem. If you get stuck let me know and I’ll provide you with some hints to keep you going!!!
What say you???
Monday, May 7, 2007
The burr is back under the saddle!!
Monday, May 07, 2007
Once again my spirit is stirred up to a point that I need to write some of this down. I am still unable to get away from the unity of the body. What seems like an impossible task will not go away. Not that I am feeling like I am some sort of light and revelation that will bring any of this about but I do remain really agitated spiritually about it.
Going to the Beatitudes what’s the first thing you come across?
Matthew 5:3 (ESV) 3“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Have you ever given much thought to what He is saying here or do figure it’s for those poor souls that don’t understand as much as you do?? Checking out the words it seems that He was speaking of those that understand this narrow path is just that and not a free ride to do whatever strikes you as good or whatever!! Maybe it’s time we began defining just what the “narrow gate & narrow path” means to our walk. Could it be that saying a few magic words and checking in at some sort of service on Sunday and maybe during the week if you have time is a deception from the camp of the enemy?? Do you suppose God’s biggest enemy would feel good to have large numbers of people running around acting like God’s only reason for being is to keep their lives on track and trouble free??
Do you think that the problem with the unity of the body could be caused by the fact that most believers are to busy with their life that they have very little time to form a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit?? It would seem that those that claim to be leaders [under whatever name they call their ministry] play off of that fact and claim to hear everything you need and all you have to do in pay attention to what they tell you and go along [and of course give money to keep all of this going] with their plans even if there is a “still small voice” telling you it’s not the direction you feel you should go!! We supposedly are all following the same Spirit that Jesus said He would send us to lead us into all truth. If that’s a fact, why would we think that He would want us to all form little clubs and throw bombs at those that don’t belong? We are all to be gathering under the Headship of Jesus not under some sort of leadership in some other state that tells us how to live our lives and where to send our money. A quick look at what goes on in today’s churches would tell us that their plan is something else. Does this mean these people are all evil or whatever?? I don’t think so!! The problem is that very few have been taught that they should be hearing from God on their own thru the Holy Spirit. Could they be called “lazy”?? Maybe!! This does not excuse them for their lack of relationship with Christ. This scripture comes to mind:read all of Gal. 6 but the verse I’m thinking of is 5- Galatians 6:5 (ESV) 5For each will have to bear his own load.
Not many leaders teaching that now days.
My plea then becomes; those of you out there that are leaning on someone or something to keep you on the path to eternal life need to push off and begin to know Christ on your own. Go back and read the words in your bible in red and see what Jesus had to say. Never mind what you have been told He said, check it out for yourself and be ready for a totally new walk!!
Let me know what happens or send me your defense of what you are doing now days!!
Once again my spirit is stirred up to a point that I need to write some of this down. I am still unable to get away from the unity of the body. What seems like an impossible task will not go away. Not that I am feeling like I am some sort of light and revelation that will bring any of this about but I do remain really agitated spiritually about it.
Going to the Beatitudes what’s the first thing you come across?
Matthew 5:3 (ESV) 3“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Have you ever given much thought to what He is saying here or do figure it’s for those poor souls that don’t understand as much as you do?? Checking out the words it seems that He was speaking of those that understand this narrow path is just that and not a free ride to do whatever strikes you as good or whatever!! Maybe it’s time we began defining just what the “narrow gate & narrow path” means to our walk. Could it be that saying a few magic words and checking in at some sort of service on Sunday and maybe during the week if you have time is a deception from the camp of the enemy?? Do you suppose God’s biggest enemy would feel good to have large numbers of people running around acting like God’s only reason for being is to keep their lives on track and trouble free??
Do you think that the problem with the unity of the body could be caused by the fact that most believers are to busy with their life that they have very little time to form a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit?? It would seem that those that claim to be leaders [under whatever name they call their ministry] play off of that fact and claim to hear everything you need and all you have to do in pay attention to what they tell you and go along [and of course give money to keep all of this going] with their plans even if there is a “still small voice” telling you it’s not the direction you feel you should go!! We supposedly are all following the same Spirit that Jesus said He would send us to lead us into all truth. If that’s a fact, why would we think that He would want us to all form little clubs and throw bombs at those that don’t belong? We are all to be gathering under the Headship of Jesus not under some sort of leadership in some other state that tells us how to live our lives and where to send our money. A quick look at what goes on in today’s churches would tell us that their plan is something else. Does this mean these people are all evil or whatever?? I don’t think so!! The problem is that very few have been taught that they should be hearing from God on their own thru the Holy Spirit. Could they be called “lazy”?? Maybe!! This does not excuse them for their lack of relationship with Christ. This scripture comes to mind:read all of Gal. 6 but the verse I’m thinking of is 5- Galatians 6:5 (ESV) 5For each will have to bear his own load.
Not many leaders teaching that now days.
My plea then becomes; those of you out there that are leaning on someone or something to keep you on the path to eternal life need to push off and begin to know Christ on your own. Go back and read the words in your bible in red and see what Jesus had to say. Never mind what you have been told He said, check it out for yourself and be ready for a totally new walk!!
Let me know what happens or send me your defense of what you are doing now days!!
Friday, April 20, 2007
What say you??
Friday, April 20, 2007
I can’t seem to get away from the turmoil that is going on in what passes for Christianity today. The more I read of church history the more you see the same thing repeated again and again throughout the ages.
I can see where the fear of a state sponsored religion can raise red flags. I’m sure most people don’t understand what has happened in the past when one church became “the church” of the state. In times past that meant persecution of any other church or religion that didn’t conform. At this stage in history one would hope that the killing and other forms of persecution wouldn’t happen but stranger things have happened. If we happened to be part of the “sponsored” church would be find it in our heart to stand against unfair treatment of those outside of our “club”?? Human nature seems to want to belong to the main group and shun those that can’t seem to accept what is deemed “the norm”. I think we all feel we would do the right thing but I know for a fact it’s really easy to get caught up in the flow of the crowd or whatever and follow the leaders without putting any thought into it!!
It appears to me that God has shined new light into those that were willing to hear it. As they began sharing it with others it caught on and the people moved forward in their walk with Christ. As it grew men became worried that it might get out of control so they began setting rules and regulations on the people. The scriptures were there and the Holy Spirit was available to teach everyone but the leaders were afraid to let go of their control and never taught the people that they could hear from God thru the scriptures on their own. Sure enough God raised up a new group of people that would hear from Him and the fight was on again. When you stand back and look at all of this you are able to see that it was man attempting to maintain control of what God was trying to do and once that happens the Holy Spirit moves on.
That said we can move onto this whole emerging church thing!! I know I’m a late comer to all of this but I am unable to get past it. Once again some of these people had valid questions about the practices of the organized church. We brought up the leaders of said bodies refused to address them other than to say this is how we think it should be done and if you don’t or won’t go along we won’t fellowship with you. At that point another part of Christ’s body was split away to attempt to function on its own! As this happened people moved into the void and began teaching that the authority taught by the OC [organized church from here on] was wrong and there didn’t need to be anyone in charge everyone should be in charge of themselves. Isn’t it clever how the enemy takes scripture and twists it just a little to get people moving in the wrong direction?? If you have ever been at sea you know that a slight misdirection can move you way off course down the road and make you miss your destination by a bunch. Could it be that the enemy has wormed his way into this new camp and set them off course and that it feels so good that many are following figuring that it must be right because it feels so good and so spiritual?? The things that they now accept and condone come out of so called religions that worship false gods and idols. We cannot worship Jesus in the same manner we once worshiped an idol or false god. He just will not accept that.
The question then becomes; how do we reach those that are being led astray?? There is no use trying to get to the leaders because they are already feeling the power and the money that comes from being in charge. They say there are no leaders but look behind what is happening and you see people directing the flow of things. Who do you suppose is behind all of that?? A lot of mainline churches are jumping on the bandwagon because it seems so hip and they want to be part of it. I’m sure there are a lot of well meaning believers that are getting sweep away in this stream. I myself spent several years in the “word of faith” thing. There seems to be none or very few from the OC that are willing to do anything other than criticize. Is it that the OC is afraid to look at their practices in the light of the scripture for fear of finding they are to stiff and turn the seekers off with all their rules and regulations?? The word says Jesus is the “bread of life” but I doubt He gave anyone the whole loaf!! It appears that it’s time to move out of our comfort zones and exam our walk and when we find error or whatever we must be ready to change. Maybe at that point those being swept away by this new wave will actually see Christ in us and begin to exam what they are believing and following. Not many people have been led to the light that is Jesus Christ by being beat over the head with the gospel club. There must be some love to go along with the correction if you want to make any impact!!
What say you??
I can’t seem to get away from the turmoil that is going on in what passes for Christianity today. The more I read of church history the more you see the same thing repeated again and again throughout the ages.
I can see where the fear of a state sponsored religion can raise red flags. I’m sure most people don’t understand what has happened in the past when one church became “the church” of the state. In times past that meant persecution of any other church or religion that didn’t conform. At this stage in history one would hope that the killing and other forms of persecution wouldn’t happen but stranger things have happened. If we happened to be part of the “sponsored” church would be find it in our heart to stand against unfair treatment of those outside of our “club”?? Human nature seems to want to belong to the main group and shun those that can’t seem to accept what is deemed “the norm”. I think we all feel we would do the right thing but I know for a fact it’s really easy to get caught up in the flow of the crowd or whatever and follow the leaders without putting any thought into it!!
It appears to me that God has shined new light into those that were willing to hear it. As they began sharing it with others it caught on and the people moved forward in their walk with Christ. As it grew men became worried that it might get out of control so they began setting rules and regulations on the people. The scriptures were there and the Holy Spirit was available to teach everyone but the leaders were afraid to let go of their control and never taught the people that they could hear from God thru the scriptures on their own. Sure enough God raised up a new group of people that would hear from Him and the fight was on again. When you stand back and look at all of this you are able to see that it was man attempting to maintain control of what God was trying to do and once that happens the Holy Spirit moves on.
That said we can move onto this whole emerging church thing!! I know I’m a late comer to all of this but I am unable to get past it. Once again some of these people had valid questions about the practices of the organized church. We brought up the leaders of said bodies refused to address them other than to say this is how we think it should be done and if you don’t or won’t go along we won’t fellowship with you. At that point another part of Christ’s body was split away to attempt to function on its own! As this happened people moved into the void and began teaching that the authority taught by the OC [organized church from here on] was wrong and there didn’t need to be anyone in charge everyone should be in charge of themselves. Isn’t it clever how the enemy takes scripture and twists it just a little to get people moving in the wrong direction?? If you have ever been at sea you know that a slight misdirection can move you way off course down the road and make you miss your destination by a bunch. Could it be that the enemy has wormed his way into this new camp and set them off course and that it feels so good that many are following figuring that it must be right because it feels so good and so spiritual?? The things that they now accept and condone come out of so called religions that worship false gods and idols. We cannot worship Jesus in the same manner we once worshiped an idol or false god. He just will not accept that.
The question then becomes; how do we reach those that are being led astray?? There is no use trying to get to the leaders because they are already feeling the power and the money that comes from being in charge. They say there are no leaders but look behind what is happening and you see people directing the flow of things. Who do you suppose is behind all of that?? A lot of mainline churches are jumping on the bandwagon because it seems so hip and they want to be part of it. I’m sure there are a lot of well meaning believers that are getting sweep away in this stream. I myself spent several years in the “word of faith” thing. There seems to be none or very few from the OC that are willing to do anything other than criticize. Is it that the OC is afraid to look at their practices in the light of the scripture for fear of finding they are to stiff and turn the seekers off with all their rules and regulations?? The word says Jesus is the “bread of life” but I doubt He gave anyone the whole loaf!! It appears that it’s time to move out of our comfort zones and exam our walk and when we find error or whatever we must be ready to change. Maybe at that point those being swept away by this new wave will actually see Christ in us and begin to exam what they are believing and following. Not many people have been led to the light that is Jesus Christ by being beat over the head with the gospel club. There must be some love to go along with the correction if you want to make any impact!!
What say you??
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Wondering!!!
Saturday, April 14, 2007
I know you should try to post something on your blog daily to keep interest up. The problem for me is that at times I feel sort of dry while I am working thru things with the help of the Holy Spirit and don’t want to post something just for the sake of doing it. I feel there is no use in rambling on in my own natural self. At the moment I am working my way thru 1 Cor. 6:14-20 and trying to figure out how we could be hooked up with those that practice eastern religions and say that’s from God when He tells us in His word to come out and be separate. I understand that we need to be among them but only to bring them to Jesus. I don’t think we should be telling them that there is some sort of truth in what they are doing or that they can be worshiping Jesus in the same manner they worshiped their false gods.
Some feedback on this would be helpful!!
I know you should try to post something on your blog daily to keep interest up. The problem for me is that at times I feel sort of dry while I am working thru things with the help of the Holy Spirit and don’t want to post something just for the sake of doing it. I feel there is no use in rambling on in my own natural self. At the moment I am working my way thru 1 Cor. 6:14-20 and trying to figure out how we could be hooked up with those that practice eastern religions and say that’s from God when He tells us in His word to come out and be separate. I understand that we need to be among them but only to bring them to Jesus. I don’t think we should be telling them that there is some sort of truth in what they are doing or that they can be worshiping Jesus in the same manner they worshiped their false gods.
Some feedback on this would be helpful!!
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Are we unable to see any new light?
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Here it is Easter Sunday and I feel the Holy Spirit speaking in my spirit about all the turmoil going on in Christianity today.
There seems to be 2 camps [that’s probably not enough but will do for this entry] out there at the moment. One believes there is no new knowledge to be gleaned from the scripture and the other thinks that maybe the scriptures are really saying what we have thought all these years and we need to look elsewhere for direction. This has brought around a lot of hokey stuff from eastern religions and other false beliefs from outside Christianity in the name of ministering to the unbelievers of the world.
As I read the words of Jesus this morning as He was tempted by satan in the wilderness the words His response to the temptation it struck me just how important what He said was to this whole argument!
Matthew 4:4 (NKJV) 4But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”
This whole thing took place right after Jesus was baptized and the heavens opened up and God told the world there that this was His beloved Son in whom He was well pleased. You can imagine just how upset the devil was over that. The reason he was tossed out of heaven was because he attempted to take God’s glory for himself and here is Jesus getting what he [satan] had always wanted.
Romans 12:2 (NKJV) 2And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Here is Paul telling us that our minds must be renewed. Along with that we are told we come to Christ as babes and must grow into mature followers of Christ on “the narrow path” once we enter thru that “narrow gate”. We know how growing up was and how we learned things that supposedly grew us into mature adults and that it took years [some never made it] to reach some semblance of maturity. Why then do we assume that what ever someone told us when we came to Jesus was all the truth we would ever need and anyone who dared challenge that must be from the devil?? When Jesus left this ball He said He would send us the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth. Have we allowed that to happen in each of our lives?? Or have we allowed some sort of pattern set by men to form and run our walk?? If we are all different parts of the body with a job to fulfill wouldn’t we all need to be trained [by the Holy Spirit] in our job?? Why are we so afraid [if I may use that word] to allow any new revelation into our lives?? Are we afraid Jesus will demand more than we are willing to do or give up?? Have we once again drove those off that were just trying to learn and grow in the Lord because they dared question our set patterns of following Jesus?? Has the camp of the enemy supplied the answers they felt they were looking for in eastern mystics and the likes?? I would urge you to read 2 Cor. 14-18 to see what Paul has to say about our dealings with unbelievers. Please don’t attempt to turn the gospel into something that will accomplish your political agenda. Go before Jesus and see what He has to say about all that. The greatest need out there in the world is that they all find Jesus before this is all over. You can feed the hungry and house the poor all you want but if you don’t lead them to Jesus you have allowed them to enter into eternity lost and destined for hell. Let that roll around in your spirit for awhile!!!
What say you???
Here it is Easter Sunday and I feel the Holy Spirit speaking in my spirit about all the turmoil going on in Christianity today.
There seems to be 2 camps [that’s probably not enough but will do for this entry] out there at the moment. One believes there is no new knowledge to be gleaned from the scripture and the other thinks that maybe the scriptures are really saying what we have thought all these years and we need to look elsewhere for direction. This has brought around a lot of hokey stuff from eastern religions and other false beliefs from outside Christianity in the name of ministering to the unbelievers of the world.
As I read the words of Jesus this morning as He was tempted by satan in the wilderness the words His response to the temptation it struck me just how important what He said was to this whole argument!
Matthew 4:4 (NKJV) 4But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”
This whole thing took place right after Jesus was baptized and the heavens opened up and God told the world there that this was His beloved Son in whom He was well pleased. You can imagine just how upset the devil was over that. The reason he was tossed out of heaven was because he attempted to take God’s glory for himself and here is Jesus getting what he [satan] had always wanted.
Romans 12:2 (NKJV) 2And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Here is Paul telling us that our minds must be renewed. Along with that we are told we come to Christ as babes and must grow into mature followers of Christ on “the narrow path” once we enter thru that “narrow gate”. We know how growing up was and how we learned things that supposedly grew us into mature adults and that it took years [some never made it] to reach some semblance of maturity. Why then do we assume that what ever someone told us when we came to Jesus was all the truth we would ever need and anyone who dared challenge that must be from the devil?? When Jesus left this ball He said He would send us the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth. Have we allowed that to happen in each of our lives?? Or have we allowed some sort of pattern set by men to form and run our walk?? If we are all different parts of the body with a job to fulfill wouldn’t we all need to be trained [by the Holy Spirit] in our job?? Why are we so afraid [if I may use that word] to allow any new revelation into our lives?? Are we afraid Jesus will demand more than we are willing to do or give up?? Have we once again drove those off that were just trying to learn and grow in the Lord because they dared question our set patterns of following Jesus?? Has the camp of the enemy supplied the answers they felt they were looking for in eastern mystics and the likes?? I would urge you to read 2 Cor. 14-18 to see what Paul has to say about our dealings with unbelievers. Please don’t attempt to turn the gospel into something that will accomplish your political agenda. Go before Jesus and see what He has to say about all that. The greatest need out there in the world is that they all find Jesus before this is all over. You can feed the hungry and house the poor all you want but if you don’t lead them to Jesus you have allowed them to enter into eternity lost and destined for hell. Let that roll around in your spirit for awhile!!!
What say you???
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Jesus as head of all!!
Saturday, April 07, 2007
It’s been awhile since my last posting. I have been looking deep into this emerging church thing. Once again it seems we have a large divide between the Body of Christ. I’m sure the enemy camp is rolling on the ground laughing about it. It appears that the old line Christians didn’t or wouldn’t listen to the concerns of those that were feeling unfulfilled in what was going on in the established church. I think they may have had some good questions and some real concerns in the beginning. When they got no dialog to speak of the winged it on their own and have now become so confused and involved with the mystics of the past they are out in left field somewhere. So now the EC [established church from here on out] is paying attention to them by writing everything they can tell them how off the wall they are. The problem still seems to be a war rather than any sort of dialog.
As I read back thru the history of the church the same story reruns over and over again. A move of God begin to sweep over the people and Jesus is held up as Lord of and head over what is happening. People then become so worried that the message may get corrupted they feel they have to make rules and set up programs and penalties to keep the word pure. At that point anyone that disagrees on even some small points are branded trouble makers or even heretics. About the time they begin killing these people God sends a remnant off into hiding somewhere. They may not fully understand what is going on because they just want to go somewhere they can worship Jesus for who He is and not have to follow some silly rules set up by man. At some point down the road of history God brings these people to the forefront again to begin bringing His son Jesus back to the center of and head of His body here on earth. The cycle begins all over again with the same result.
The question then become; are we in one of these cycles today??? The scary part of what is going on now is that the new movement seems to have lost their “firm foundation” and appear to be adrift is a sea of anything that sounds good or fits into some sort of social gospel that they have grabbed onto. All of their works appear as really good deeds but is that all Christ died for?? I can’t seem to locate anything in their stuff about the cross and what it means for our every day walk with Jesus. There seems to be an approval of anything that people feel good about or with. They keep saying there is good in all things but I’m not seeing that in the scripture. The word says “no one comes to the Father except thru the Son”. How can there be any truth leading to eternal life in something that was started by some man?? Was there anyone in these other cults [may as well call them what they are] that died for our sins & rose from the dead –sits at the right hand of the Father to plead our case?? If the whole purpose of what’s going on today is to get as far away from what the scripture tells us they seem to be doing a bang-up job of it!!!
Then of course there is the EC out there launching bombs at these people rather than looking at what they hold sacred. Could it be that a lot of their doctrine-rules-programs or whatever came from man rather than from the Holy Spirit?? Is it time to bring every thing you believe every form you follow every rule you hold sacred and open them up to examination or have them become so set in stone that it is impossible to even think you may be following “the traditions of man”. Didn’t Jesus have something to say about that?? I know I get a check in my spirit when I read a lot of their stuff but at that point I need to go to the word of God to see what it says and not just reach back to something I was told by some man.
Question #2 then becomes, What ever happened to the concept of Jesus as the head of His body here on earth?? It would seem to me man has a death grip on the church and refuses to let go no matter what the Holy Spirit attempts to do.
What say you???
It’s been awhile since my last posting. I have been looking deep into this emerging church thing. Once again it seems we have a large divide between the Body of Christ. I’m sure the enemy camp is rolling on the ground laughing about it. It appears that the old line Christians didn’t or wouldn’t listen to the concerns of those that were feeling unfulfilled in what was going on in the established church. I think they may have had some good questions and some real concerns in the beginning. When they got no dialog to speak of the winged it on their own and have now become so confused and involved with the mystics of the past they are out in left field somewhere. So now the EC [established church from here on out] is paying attention to them by writing everything they can tell them how off the wall they are. The problem still seems to be a war rather than any sort of dialog.
As I read back thru the history of the church the same story reruns over and over again. A move of God begin to sweep over the people and Jesus is held up as Lord of and head over what is happening. People then become so worried that the message may get corrupted they feel they have to make rules and set up programs and penalties to keep the word pure. At that point anyone that disagrees on even some small points are branded trouble makers or even heretics. About the time they begin killing these people God sends a remnant off into hiding somewhere. They may not fully understand what is going on because they just want to go somewhere they can worship Jesus for who He is and not have to follow some silly rules set up by man. At some point down the road of history God brings these people to the forefront again to begin bringing His son Jesus back to the center of and head of His body here on earth. The cycle begins all over again with the same result.
The question then become; are we in one of these cycles today??? The scary part of what is going on now is that the new movement seems to have lost their “firm foundation” and appear to be adrift is a sea of anything that sounds good or fits into some sort of social gospel that they have grabbed onto. All of their works appear as really good deeds but is that all Christ died for?? I can’t seem to locate anything in their stuff about the cross and what it means for our every day walk with Jesus. There seems to be an approval of anything that people feel good about or with. They keep saying there is good in all things but I’m not seeing that in the scripture. The word says “no one comes to the Father except thru the Son”. How can there be any truth leading to eternal life in something that was started by some man?? Was there anyone in these other cults [may as well call them what they are] that died for our sins & rose from the dead –sits at the right hand of the Father to plead our case?? If the whole purpose of what’s going on today is to get as far away from what the scripture tells us they seem to be doing a bang-up job of it!!!
Then of course there is the EC out there launching bombs at these people rather than looking at what they hold sacred. Could it be that a lot of their doctrine-rules-programs or whatever came from man rather than from the Holy Spirit?? Is it time to bring every thing you believe every form you follow every rule you hold sacred and open them up to examination or have them become so set in stone that it is impossible to even think you may be following “the traditions of man”. Didn’t Jesus have something to say about that?? I know I get a check in my spirit when I read a lot of their stuff but at that point I need to go to the word of God to see what it says and not just reach back to something I was told by some man.
Question #2 then becomes, What ever happened to the concept of Jesus as the head of His body here on earth?? It would seem to me man has a death grip on the church and refuses to let go no matter what the Holy Spirit attempts to do.
What say you???
Thursday, March 22, 2007
I'm back
I'm back home now and still wondering what those out there have on their minds. I can't be the only one that sees the divide among the Christian world getting wider with each passing day!! Who else is looking at this whole "emerging church" thing??
If you aren't you should be. It is growing legs daily. They have a lot of good ideas but seem to be going further from the scripture with each new step. Could this be another trap set by the enemy to get those unmature Christians to merge with the world??
What say you??
If you aren't you should be. It is growing legs daily. They have a lot of good ideas but seem to be going further from the scripture with each new step. Could this be another trap set by the enemy to get those unmature Christians to merge with the world??
What say you??
Friday, March 9, 2007
on the road
I'm traveling for a week or so but will be checking in still looking for some comments!!
Monday, March 5, 2007
What's our problem??
Monday, March 05, 2007
1 Corinthians 14:8 (CEV) 8If a bugle call isn’t clear, how would you know to get ready for battle?
As I read 1 Cor. 14:8 this morning it sort of jumped off the page at me. It was like the Holy Spirit saying “here’s the problem”. The Body of Christ spends more time fighting among their selves than against the enemy. The main message people are hearing [again painting with a wide brush] is that those other Christians don’t know what they are talking about and are going at following Jesus all wrong. We never seem to attempt to have any fellowship or dialog with them we just speak out against them. I continue to thing of that scripture that speaks about a “house divide”. It would seem to me that we are to be doing battle against those forces that are attempting to keep us from following Christ and becoming more like Him rather than fighting among ourselves!! When that is our total focus all we are doing is the enemy’s job for him and accomplishing nothing for the Kingdom!!
What say you??
1 Corinthians 14:8 (CEV) 8If a bugle call isn’t clear, how would you know to get ready for battle?
As I read 1 Cor. 14:8 this morning it sort of jumped off the page at me. It was like the Holy Spirit saying “here’s the problem”. The Body of Christ spends more time fighting among their selves than against the enemy. The main message people are hearing [again painting with a wide brush] is that those other Christians don’t know what they are talking about and are going at following Jesus all wrong. We never seem to attempt to have any fellowship or dialog with them we just speak out against them. I continue to thing of that scripture that speaks about a “house divide”. It would seem to me that we are to be doing battle against those forces that are attempting to keep us from following Christ and becoming more like Him rather than fighting among ourselves!! When that is our total focus all we are doing is the enemy’s job for him and accomplishing nothing for the Kingdom!!
What say you??
Thursday, March 1, 2007
More on Simeon
Thursday, March 01, 2007
I want to go back to Simeon & Anna in Luke 2: 25-38 and attempt to relate it to today’s Christianity. It says Simeon was waiting for the consolation of Israel. It also says he was a devout man so we can assume he was well versed in the rules and traditions of the law. It appears he knew there was more to all of this than he was getting from the law. He was looking for the Savior that was promised in all in all the writings and teachings he had read and heard. Can you relate to that in your own life?? You have been hearing about Jesus for years. You hear about His power, His healing but it only seems to be working in those around you but you never say anything because you don’t want to be looked down at for not getting it. After awhile you figure there is a problem with you and it’s never going to be like those others so you resign yourself to the fact that hopefully when you get to heaven it will all be equal. You continue to do all they tell you- go to church a lot- give money to keep things afloat – do good works spelled out for you by the leadership because they say God has given them a vision about it but they never seem to be involved in the work of carrying out that vision. All of this seems to be a real burden on your spirit but when you bring that up to those that are supposedly there to help [read deacons & elders] you are told that it’s your cross that you are to be picking up every day and you should not be complaining. When you ask about Jesus saying His burden is light you are told not to be a troublemaker and come under the authority of the leadership or you will be put out of the body. Because you have never been taught to hear from the Holy Spirit on your own you obey rather than face the thought of no fellowship. You hear of others in your church that are leaving because they say the Holy Spirit is leading them to other things. When you ask about that you are told they are troublemakers and to stay away from them.
Have you ever thought about what Jesus was weeping about in Luke 19:41?? He was weeping over the fact that the people didn’t know or accept him. The people were already religious but refused to accept Him because He didn’t fit the mold they had set up for Him. They had a lot of the same social problems in those days that we have today but Jesus seemed unconcerned and more interested in them knowing Him and understanding His mission. Even His close disciples didn’t understand till He went to the cross and rose from the dead. Even after He spent 40 days teaching them He told them to wait till the Holy Spirit got here before beginning. Look how ell that worked out. 3000 people the 1st day.
We are so into thinking we have a new vision and it is the only way that we cut yourself off from the rest of the body is they don’t instantly agree with us. Why is it that we never seem to understand that our new vision is something that the Holy Spirit gives us to help the body get stronger not tear it further apart?
The one thing that has become clear in my life is that we go nowhere [even though we think we are doing great] till we are willing to take everything we have learned or become in the world [natural talents and skills] to the cross and be willing to never pick it up again. There is no other truth except Jesus and if we are looking for anything anyplace else we are just fooling our self!!
Those of the old school must stop looking at those with a newer vision as though they are trying to steal something from us and those with the new vision must stop breaking away from those old folks even though it’s a hard row to plow. Just look at what Israel did to the prophets God sent them. Quit trying to begin new things that leave the other parts of the body behind. When’s the last time your body was able to operate with some of the parts missing??
Ask the Holy Spirit to bring you to the place where you can see Christ just as Simeon did. It’s not an easy road but well worth the effort!!
What say you???
I want to go back to Simeon & Anna in Luke 2: 25-38 and attempt to relate it to today’s Christianity. It says Simeon was waiting for the consolation of Israel. It also says he was a devout man so we can assume he was well versed in the rules and traditions of the law. It appears he knew there was more to all of this than he was getting from the law. He was looking for the Savior that was promised in all in all the writings and teachings he had read and heard. Can you relate to that in your own life?? You have been hearing about Jesus for years. You hear about His power, His healing but it only seems to be working in those around you but you never say anything because you don’t want to be looked down at for not getting it. After awhile you figure there is a problem with you and it’s never going to be like those others so you resign yourself to the fact that hopefully when you get to heaven it will all be equal. You continue to do all they tell you- go to church a lot- give money to keep things afloat – do good works spelled out for you by the leadership because they say God has given them a vision about it but they never seem to be involved in the work of carrying out that vision. All of this seems to be a real burden on your spirit but when you bring that up to those that are supposedly there to help [read deacons & elders] you are told that it’s your cross that you are to be picking up every day and you should not be complaining. When you ask about Jesus saying His burden is light you are told not to be a troublemaker and come under the authority of the leadership or you will be put out of the body. Because you have never been taught to hear from the Holy Spirit on your own you obey rather than face the thought of no fellowship. You hear of others in your church that are leaving because they say the Holy Spirit is leading them to other things. When you ask about that you are told they are troublemakers and to stay away from them.
Have you ever thought about what Jesus was weeping about in Luke 19:41?? He was weeping over the fact that the people didn’t know or accept him. The people were already religious but refused to accept Him because He didn’t fit the mold they had set up for Him. They had a lot of the same social problems in those days that we have today but Jesus seemed unconcerned and more interested in them knowing Him and understanding His mission. Even His close disciples didn’t understand till He went to the cross and rose from the dead. Even after He spent 40 days teaching them He told them to wait till the Holy Spirit got here before beginning. Look how ell that worked out. 3000 people the 1st day.
We are so into thinking we have a new vision and it is the only way that we cut yourself off from the rest of the body is they don’t instantly agree with us. Why is it that we never seem to understand that our new vision is something that the Holy Spirit gives us to help the body get stronger not tear it further apart?
The one thing that has become clear in my life is that we go nowhere [even though we think we are doing great] till we are willing to take everything we have learned or become in the world [natural talents and skills] to the cross and be willing to never pick it up again. There is no other truth except Jesus and if we are looking for anything anyplace else we are just fooling our self!!
Those of the old school must stop looking at those with a newer vision as though they are trying to steal something from us and those with the new vision must stop breaking away from those old folks even though it’s a hard row to plow. Just look at what Israel did to the prophets God sent them. Quit trying to begin new things that leave the other parts of the body behind. When’s the last time your body was able to operate with some of the parts missing??
Ask the Holy Spirit to bring you to the place where you can see Christ just as Simeon did. It’s not an easy road but well worth the effort!!
What say you???
PS from yesterday
Thursday, March 01, 2007
A short PS to yesterdays post. I find that when the Holy Spirit gives you a task and you begin to do what you feel He is telling you there will appear some sort of distraction to either stop or put off the task. It will generally be something that has to do with daily life that seems more important than what you are doing. It may even be a crisis of some sort. When this happens know that most of the time it is a trap of the enemy to stop what you are doing. A crisis may need dealing with right then but most of the other things can wait. If you continue to think these things are just part of life that’s exactly what they will become and you will accomplish very little that the Holy Spirit is telling you. There also may be a time when He stops talking to you and moves on to someone that is open to doing what he is told!! This is not some sort of theory; I have fought this constantly in my life. It became easier once I figured out just what it was. I hope this helps!!
What say you??
A short PS to yesterdays post. I find that when the Holy Spirit gives you a task and you begin to do what you feel He is telling you there will appear some sort of distraction to either stop or put off the task. It will generally be something that has to do with daily life that seems more important than what you are doing. It may even be a crisis of some sort. When this happens know that most of the time it is a trap of the enemy to stop what you are doing. A crisis may need dealing with right then but most of the other things can wait. If you continue to think these things are just part of life that’s exactly what they will become and you will accomplish very little that the Holy Spirit is telling you. There also may be a time when He stops talking to you and moves on to someone that is open to doing what he is told!! This is not some sort of theory; I have fought this constantly in my life. It became easier once I figured out just what it was. I hope this helps!!
What say you??
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Back on the sled!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Yesterday I wrote of hitting a dry spot with your sled. Well today I seem to be back on the sled and headed back down the hill!!
As I was reading in 1 Cor. 10 that statement jumped off the page in verse 6. Everything that happened was for an example for us. If you go back and read Ex. 32 you see what he as talking about here. As I did that the Holy Spirit seemed to open up to me what is taking place in today’s organized church [ I know once again I am painting with a wide brush because not all are like that. The problem being that the ones that are seem to be all the one’s getting the press and those truly attempting to follow Christ are pushed to the outside and looked at as some sort of nut-case.]
We are once again in a battle against each other rather than against the forces of the enemy’s camp. Once again because Moses [Jesus in this case] has been gone to long and we look for some man [Aaron] to make us something we can see and touch. Rather than a golden calf we have denominations with rules, traditions, and large beautiful buildings with large congregations with leaders that get all puffed up because the outside world pays attention to them. Once all that attention comes their way they begin coloring their message to please those who aren’t even saved because they believe as long as they have these people in their building they are doing good. Not to long after it is hard to tell them apart from the things of the world. They begin to become involved in the social world around them and demand the government do something about all these problems. At this point they are hailed as a great Christian example to the world. The problem is that no one has heard anything about repentance and making Christ the Lord of your life. There is a lot of mixture with the world under the banner of making salvation seem more acceptable to the unsaved. Why do we think we have to make Christ look like the world around us to bring those out there to salvation?? If these leaders wanted to make their flocks look like Christ they would teach them it’s their job not the governments to solve these problems. Jesus did say the poor would always be among us [Matt. 2611]. How many of our leaders look just like Aaron when you look at what they teach and how they lead. I don’t have a problem with salaries but should these leaders be living so far above their flock?? Where are the churches that have people that will stand up to the leadership when this begins to take place?? When was the last time you could walk into the office of a “head” pastor in a large church and tell him you and heard from the Holy Spirit and he was beginning to get off track and when he heard that the Holy Spirit gave him a check in his spirit? Then he asked you to pray with him. Or would the scene be more like trying to get past the guards and when you told him something like that he told you it was way off and more or less threw you out of the office. The same holds true of the guard of yes men called elders and deacons he surrounds himself with.
Take the time to read Ex. 32 and allow the Holy Spirit to minister to your about your life and the direction its going!! If you wonder what it’s like to finally know Jesus on your own rather than what the leaders are telling you He is like, go to Luke 2: 25-38. Here are two people that have been serving and waiting on Jesus most of their life then they finally see Him in person. As Simeon holds the baby in his arms he knows right away this is He that he has been waiting for. This should be your experience when you finally meet the true Christ on your own rather than thru others!!!
I hope and pray you get to that point in your life!!!
What say you???
Yesterday I wrote of hitting a dry spot with your sled. Well today I seem to be back on the sled and headed back down the hill!!
As I was reading in 1 Cor. 10 that statement jumped off the page in verse 6. Everything that happened was for an example for us. If you go back and read Ex. 32 you see what he as talking about here. As I did that the Holy Spirit seemed to open up to me what is taking place in today’s organized church [ I know once again I am painting with a wide brush because not all are like that. The problem being that the ones that are seem to be all the one’s getting the press and those truly attempting to follow Christ are pushed to the outside and looked at as some sort of nut-case.]
We are once again in a battle against each other rather than against the forces of the enemy’s camp. Once again because Moses [Jesus in this case] has been gone to long and we look for some man [Aaron] to make us something we can see and touch. Rather than a golden calf we have denominations with rules, traditions, and large beautiful buildings with large congregations with leaders that get all puffed up because the outside world pays attention to them. Once all that attention comes their way they begin coloring their message to please those who aren’t even saved because they believe as long as they have these people in their building they are doing good. Not to long after it is hard to tell them apart from the things of the world. They begin to become involved in the social world around them and demand the government do something about all these problems. At this point they are hailed as a great Christian example to the world. The problem is that no one has heard anything about repentance and making Christ the Lord of your life. There is a lot of mixture with the world under the banner of making salvation seem more acceptable to the unsaved. Why do we think we have to make Christ look like the world around us to bring those out there to salvation?? If these leaders wanted to make their flocks look like Christ they would teach them it’s their job not the governments to solve these problems. Jesus did say the poor would always be among us [Matt. 2611]. How many of our leaders look just like Aaron when you look at what they teach and how they lead. I don’t have a problem with salaries but should these leaders be living so far above their flock?? Where are the churches that have people that will stand up to the leadership when this begins to take place?? When was the last time you could walk into the office of a “head” pastor in a large church and tell him you and heard from the Holy Spirit and he was beginning to get off track and when he heard that the Holy Spirit gave him a check in his spirit? Then he asked you to pray with him. Or would the scene be more like trying to get past the guards and when you told him something like that he told you it was way off and more or less threw you out of the office. The same holds true of the guard of yes men called elders and deacons he surrounds himself with.
Take the time to read Ex. 32 and allow the Holy Spirit to minister to your about your life and the direction its going!! If you wonder what it’s like to finally know Jesus on your own rather than what the leaders are telling you He is like, go to Luke 2: 25-38. Here are two people that have been serving and waiting on Jesus most of their life then they finally see Him in person. As Simeon holds the baby in his arms he knows right away this is He that he has been waiting for. This should be your experience when you finally meet the true Christ on your own rather than thru others!!!
I hope and pray you get to that point in your life!!!
What say you???
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
dry spot
Good day all!!
Have you ever hit a dry spot in the road. I think of when we were kids and sleding on the city streets. Sometime the snow would melt or dissappear for some reason and you wouldn't see it when you started down the hill but when you hit it the sled stopped dead in its tracks and you kept going. Well the narrow path is the same way. The Holy Spirit takes you down the path showing you things in the word that you have never seen before even tho you have read it many times. Then you seem to hit that dry spot in the road and come to a dead stop!! You try to figure out what you did to tick Him off and stop talking to you. Don't fall into that trap!! Most of the time He is just trying to get you to walk in what He has showed you till it becomes 2nd nature to you and you no longer have to concentrate on doing it. He doesn't just give you revelation so you can store it away to dazzle others with your knowledge. He gives you things to improve your walk and that doesn't happen over night. It sometimes is a long process. So when you hit that dry spot and quit sliding on the road. pick yourself up, go back and get on the sled and ask what you are to be doing!! He is always faithfull to answer but you may have to listen closely and for longer than you would like!!
What say you!!
Have you ever hit a dry spot in the road. I think of when we were kids and sleding on the city streets. Sometime the snow would melt or dissappear for some reason and you wouldn't see it when you started down the hill but when you hit it the sled stopped dead in its tracks and you kept going. Well the narrow path is the same way. The Holy Spirit takes you down the path showing you things in the word that you have never seen before even tho you have read it many times. Then you seem to hit that dry spot in the road and come to a dead stop!! You try to figure out what you did to tick Him off and stop talking to you. Don't fall into that trap!! Most of the time He is just trying to get you to walk in what He has showed you till it becomes 2nd nature to you and you no longer have to concentrate on doing it. He doesn't just give you revelation so you can store it away to dazzle others with your knowledge. He gives you things to improve your walk and that doesn't happen over night. It sometimes is a long process. So when you hit that dry spot and quit sliding on the road. pick yourself up, go back and get on the sled and ask what you are to be doing!! He is always faithfull to answer but you may have to listen closely and for longer than you would like!!
What say you!!
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Saturday, February 24, 2007
More on the firm foundation!!
Ephesians 2:20 (NKJV) 20having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,
Looking at this I have a hard time understanding how we can build anything for Christ that isn’t totally based on His cross and the teachings that the Holy Spirit laid down in the scripture. If we continue fitting Christianity into the current social climate don’t we then become just like them?? I know it seems as tho we bring more people into the church but aren’t we suppose to be bringing people into the Body of Christ? Once again the question raises its ugly head: Is it time we go back and examine how we look at Jesus?? Are we truly looking at Jesus as He was or are we looking at Him as we want Him to be?? There seems to be a big push again [or maybe still] for the body to be out there attempting to solve all the social ills in society. That in itself seems to be a good thing but what is it doing to glorify Christ?? Have we become so involved in what we look at as the work of and for the Savior that we have lost contact with the Saviour?? I don’t see a whole lot of Jesus working on the social ills of His time. He seemed more concerned with the problems of those who needed salvation including those religious people of His time. I see Him involved with those whom society looked down on [ie: sinners] but I don’t see Him looking for some truth that they might have that would contribute to His cause. What truth could possibly exist in something that has the enemy for its founder and leader?? Is the hip new thing telling us that there may be grey areas where no one rules?? Hasn’t that already been tried? Didn’t Paul deal with all those that were falling back into the trap of idol worship they had come out of?
I know young people feel and even some older ones [I could possibly be counted in here] feel the church has failed them. The problem is that it has been organized religion that has failed them and not the church. We have been looking at some organization rather than to Jesus. There is a “body” out there that is waiting for you to find it but once again you need that relationship with the Holy Spirit to do it. Don’t get caught up in something just because the people think-act-look and sound like you. The body is made up of many parts that look different. Stop looking for them all to be the same. Is it hard hanging with those you consider “dorks”? Sure it is but what if they are a part of the body that has been missing in your life and they have been sent by the Holy Spirit to help to become the whole person He is looking for? Never discount what those older followers of Christ have gone thru in their walk. I know it’s a lot cooler to think they are old and have nothing to offer you because you are so hip and have this “new vision” of what it means to follow Jesus but remember what the word says about Jesus! He is the same yesterday-today & tomorrow. Are you sure this thing you have is a new vision?? Maybe it’s the same thing with a little more light shined in on it. Not to discount those already walking the narrow path but to help them reach the peak while they share their knowledge with you as you all walk the narrow path together. It’s the job of the Holy Spirit to put those in your path that He wants you dealing with. There is no need to go out and pound the bushes to find some problem to deal with. Try changing the hearts of those out there causing the social problems and help them understand and become more like Jesus and the problems will begin to go away. Quit telling those without the true Jesus that their way may be alright and they can mix it with Christ. If its one thing God hates its mixture of the world into His eternal purpose!!
What say you!!!
More on the firm foundation!!
Ephesians 2:20 (NKJV) 20having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,
Looking at this I have a hard time understanding how we can build anything for Christ that isn’t totally based on His cross and the teachings that the Holy Spirit laid down in the scripture. If we continue fitting Christianity into the current social climate don’t we then become just like them?? I know it seems as tho we bring more people into the church but aren’t we suppose to be bringing people into the Body of Christ? Once again the question raises its ugly head: Is it time we go back and examine how we look at Jesus?? Are we truly looking at Jesus as He was or are we looking at Him as we want Him to be?? There seems to be a big push again [or maybe still] for the body to be out there attempting to solve all the social ills in society. That in itself seems to be a good thing but what is it doing to glorify Christ?? Have we become so involved in what we look at as the work of and for the Savior that we have lost contact with the Saviour?? I don’t see a whole lot of Jesus working on the social ills of His time. He seemed more concerned with the problems of those who needed salvation including those religious people of His time. I see Him involved with those whom society looked down on [ie: sinners] but I don’t see Him looking for some truth that they might have that would contribute to His cause. What truth could possibly exist in something that has the enemy for its founder and leader?? Is the hip new thing telling us that there may be grey areas where no one rules?? Hasn’t that already been tried? Didn’t Paul deal with all those that were falling back into the trap of idol worship they had come out of?
I know young people feel and even some older ones [I could possibly be counted in here] feel the church has failed them. The problem is that it has been organized religion that has failed them and not the church. We have been looking at some organization rather than to Jesus. There is a “body” out there that is waiting for you to find it but once again you need that relationship with the Holy Spirit to do it. Don’t get caught up in something just because the people think-act-look and sound like you. The body is made up of many parts that look different. Stop looking for them all to be the same. Is it hard hanging with those you consider “dorks”? Sure it is but what if they are a part of the body that has been missing in your life and they have been sent by the Holy Spirit to help to become the whole person He is looking for? Never discount what those older followers of Christ have gone thru in their walk. I know it’s a lot cooler to think they are old and have nothing to offer you because you are so hip and have this “new vision” of what it means to follow Jesus but remember what the word says about Jesus! He is the same yesterday-today & tomorrow. Are you sure this thing you have is a new vision?? Maybe it’s the same thing with a little more light shined in on it. Not to discount those already walking the narrow path but to help them reach the peak while they share their knowledge with you as you all walk the narrow path together. It’s the job of the Holy Spirit to put those in your path that He wants you dealing with. There is no need to go out and pound the bushes to find some problem to deal with. Try changing the hearts of those out there causing the social problems and help them understand and become more like Jesus and the problems will begin to go away. Quit telling those without the true Jesus that their way may be alright and they can mix it with Christ. If its one thing God hates its mixture of the world into His eternal purpose!!
What say you!!!
Friday, February 23, 2007
getting firmer!!
Friday, February 23, 2007
Here I am again, back to the “firm foundation”. I just can’t seem to get pass it.
As I run some of the references it takes me to scriptures that talk of Jesus as the cornerstone. Back in Isaiah it tells us God laying His precious cornerstone but the builders will reject it. It also says this stone will be a stone that makes them stumble and a rock that makes them fall. Acts 4:11 has Peter talking to the people after the Holy Spirit had come on them in the upper room. He brings the scripture from Ish. Out and explains that this Jesus who they had crucified was that very same “cornerstone” they had been hearing about all these years. On that day 3000 people came to Jesus. Just looking at that in that light how could we ever build something we call church leaving out the cross of Jesus??
Could it be time to call in the repairers that the Holy Spirit has raised up to do an inspection of your foundation?? This is the whole point of having a “conversational relationship” with the Holy Spirit. He alone is able to keep those cracks from appearing. Only thru his leading and direction are we able to even make a dent in the social problems caused by the enemy camp. If we are out there attempting to solve every need or problem, we can very soon [maybe even at the very start] be off the path the Holy Spirit is wanting. Remember the path is as narrow as the gate
Matthew 7:13 - 14 (NKJV) 13“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14£because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
It doesn’t sound to me like we are able to go on our feelings about problems or needs without the guidance of the Holy Spirit and be truly walking in the light of Jesus!! This relationship with the Holy Spirit also keeps us from falling into the traps laid by the enemy when dealing with those that profess to be following Christ but in reality are following other gods!! The only things we can safely fellowship around is Christ crucified and Lord of all. I see no common ground coming out of the enemy’s camp!!
What say you!!
Here I am again, back to the “firm foundation”. I just can’t seem to get pass it.
As I run some of the references it takes me to scriptures that talk of Jesus as the cornerstone. Back in Isaiah it tells us God laying His precious cornerstone but the builders will reject it. It also says this stone will be a stone that makes them stumble and a rock that makes them fall. Acts 4:11 has Peter talking to the people after the Holy Spirit had come on them in the upper room. He brings the scripture from Ish. Out and explains that this Jesus who they had crucified was that very same “cornerstone” they had been hearing about all these years. On that day 3000 people came to Jesus. Just looking at that in that light how could we ever build something we call church leaving out the cross of Jesus??
Could it be time to call in the repairers that the Holy Spirit has raised up to do an inspection of your foundation?? This is the whole point of having a “conversational relationship” with the Holy Spirit. He alone is able to keep those cracks from appearing. Only thru his leading and direction are we able to even make a dent in the social problems caused by the enemy camp. If we are out there attempting to solve every need or problem, we can very soon [maybe even at the very start] be off the path the Holy Spirit is wanting. Remember the path is as narrow as the gate
Matthew 7:13 - 14 (NKJV) 13“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14£because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
It doesn’t sound to me like we are able to go on our feelings about problems or needs without the guidance of the Holy Spirit and be truly walking in the light of Jesus!! This relationship with the Holy Spirit also keeps us from falling into the traps laid by the enemy when dealing with those that profess to be following Christ but in reality are following other gods!! The only things we can safely fellowship around is Christ crucified and Lord of all. I see no common ground coming out of the enemy’s camp!!
What say you!!
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
what is a firm foundation??
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
As I thought about all this talk of a firm foundation it dawned on me that I may be seeing this from a whole different angle. I have spent a lot of years around the construction trades and fully understand just how important the foundation is to the finished product. It has to be square-level & sturdy in order for the building to turn out correctly. I have a friend that has a really good business just repairing bad foundations. When the foundation is bad the walls in the home can begin to crack because the home begins to sink and twist because it doesn’t have a firm base to set on. He then drills down till he hits solid rock. He then attaches the steel rods he has drilled with to the foundation. This squares it up and keeps it from sinking further. Once again the “solid rock” concept comes into play!!
I’m hoping your are able to get your arms around that same concept with Jesus being that firm foundation.
Feel free to question any of this or make any comments you like. I have a thick skin when it comes to Jesus!!
In Christ,
Jim
As I thought about all this talk of a firm foundation it dawned on me that I may be seeing this from a whole different angle. I have spent a lot of years around the construction trades and fully understand just how important the foundation is to the finished product. It has to be square-level & sturdy in order for the building to turn out correctly. I have a friend that has a really good business just repairing bad foundations. When the foundation is bad the walls in the home can begin to crack because the home begins to sink and twist because it doesn’t have a firm base to set on. He then drills down till he hits solid rock. He then attaches the steel rods he has drilled with to the foundation. This squares it up and keeps it from sinking further. Once again the “solid rock” concept comes into play!!
I’m hoping your are able to get your arms around that same concept with Jesus being that firm foundation.
Feel free to question any of this or make any comments you like. I have a thick skin when it comes to Jesus!!
In Christ,
Jim
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
It would seem the Holy Spirit is not going to allow me onto other things till we get this verse in 1 Cor. Settled. He continues to show me things about it.
The theme of a large amount of what passes as Christianity today seems to be it. The firm foundation that is supposed to be Christ that will allow others to build upon it seems to be the sticking point. I know we all believe that we are sitting upon that firm foundation but are we truly?? As you look at what they pass off as that firm foundation today we may be missing it. Paul said that when he came all he preached was Christ crucified. Are we getting that today or is Jesus just someone or something that will get us to heaven without a lot of hassle and stress in our lives. It seems to me that Jesus is more like Santa Claus than Savior & Lord. What are we being taught about God’s eternal purpose and how that should be the controlling feature of our life style?? Do we even have a clue what that purpose is and the role we are to play in it??
The question then becomes: How do you & I look at the cross of Christ and how does that play out in our lives?? Does it not stand to reason that if our foundation is bad or incorrect that what we have built upon it is at the best very shaky!! Maybe it’s time to go back and let the Holy Spirit take us thru the scripture about the house built on sand and the one built on solid rock!!
What say you???
It would seem the Holy Spirit is not going to allow me onto other things till we get this verse in 1 Cor. Settled. He continues to show me things about it.
The theme of a large amount of what passes as Christianity today seems to be it. The firm foundation that is supposed to be Christ that will allow others to build upon it seems to be the sticking point. I know we all believe that we are sitting upon that firm foundation but are we truly?? As you look at what they pass off as that firm foundation today we may be missing it. Paul said that when he came all he preached was Christ crucified. Are we getting that today or is Jesus just someone or something that will get us to heaven without a lot of hassle and stress in our lives. It seems to me that Jesus is more like Santa Claus than Savior & Lord. What are we being taught about God’s eternal purpose and how that should be the controlling feature of our life style?? Do we even have a clue what that purpose is and the role we are to play in it??
The question then becomes: How do you & I look at the cross of Christ and how does that play out in our lives?? Does it not stand to reason that if our foundation is bad or incorrect that what we have built upon it is at the best very shaky!! Maybe it’s time to go back and let the Holy Spirit take us thru the scripture about the house built on sand and the one built on solid rock!!
What say you???
Monday, February 19, 2007
truthkeeper
I'm thinking this may go along with my first post.
The Holy Spirit seems to have me hung up in 1 Cor. where Paul talks of building on the correct foundation which is Christ. I seem to be getting the feeling that a lot of our problems revolve around just that. Could it be that a lot of what is called Christianty today is built on the wrong foundation?? Are we truly building on Jesus or just something we have been told is Jesus.
Anyone out there have any thoughts on this??
The Holy Spirit seems to have me hung up in 1 Cor. where Paul talks of building on the correct foundation which is Christ. I seem to be getting the feeling that a lot of our problems revolve around just that. Could it be that a lot of what is called Christianty today is built on the wrong foundation?? Are we truly building on Jesus or just something we have been told is Jesus.
Anyone out there have any thoughts on this??
Monday, February 12, 2007
Here we go!!
Monday, February 12, 2007
The ramblings of an old man!!
This morning the Holy Spirit had me up early talking to me about my life. I feel I need to put it on paper but not sure if and how so bear with me. It’s time my children heard this and there are others out there also that are about to go thru the same things and need to understand what the generation that they are leaving behind is feeling. I know it would have been cool if some older person in my life and been able to articulate this to me!! I think this holds true for all but the “Body of Christ” needs to understand these things also if there is ever to be any sort of unity to bring Jesus to the place where He is Lord of all and can turn it all over to the Father and we can get onto eternity.
Looking back over my life, I need to do that now that I am about to touch 70. I see and understand how we looked at established things. It was if we had suddenly discovered something secret. We wondered how the people around us had missed this great secret. We wanted to bring them up to speed right away!! Imagine our surprise when they weren’t interested and even got angry with us for trying to spoil their comfortable lives. Well if they weren’t interested we would just rebel and change the world for the better without them. Once we had all this change in place they would be eternally grateful. Well we forced a lot of these changes thru and guess what? The older generation still didn’t like it and became almost our enemies, even our parents. We just couldn’t understand it; all we were trying to do was improve their lives!! I can now see the error of our ways. If we would have only taken the time to explain to them what we were trying to do and why they may have listened. We needed their input to make the transition easier and keep them our friends-parents and mentors. I know we don’t like to think we had any mentors. We want to think we figured all this out on our own. What do you suppose all those uncles-aunts-grandparents-teachers and the like were doing when they told you stories or made you do your homework or taught you how to do things like build something or maybe cook something??
I see this same problem in the Body of Christ today. As the Holy Spirit begins to shine some new light in to the body the same thing takes place. The older folks slam it right away as from the devil because it disrupts there way of life. Too bad they never think it may be the purpose of God to do just that because He is not happy with that life. Things on the other side seem just as bad. They can’t understand why the old folks are unable to see the error of their ways and they feel the need to rush to get this new light out there so they have no time to work with the older folks and bring them along slowly if needed. So now we once again have two camps looking at each other as being off the wall when really there is room for both views. I really doubt if either camp is totally under the headship of Christ. If that were true there would be plenty of room to work together in unity. For some reason the Body of Christ thinks the only way unity can work is if you come around to their way of thinking. So you don’t like the established church and want to meet in the park or someone’s home. Fine if it’s under the headship of Christ. He surly doesn’t care where you meet if He is in charge!! Let’s be friends with the unsaved world around us but never let them think what they are doing is OK and there may be another way to God than thru Jesus!! Go do your thing but don’t condemn others that aren’t called to that. There are way too many ministries out there that have begun because of guilt and had nothing to do with what the Holy Spirit was wanting from that group. Until we are able to allow the Holy Spirit to take our entire lives [which will take an entire lifetime] to the cross and show us how we are to only be and do what He tells us and only when He sends us, we will be more or less punching in the wind. We are to be fighting against the powers of darkness and not against each other. There are plenty of jobs the Holy Spirit needs the body doing. Listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying to you and don’t allow others to control your walk. We are to walking with Christ thru the leading of the Holy Spirit not doing what some man makes us feel guilty about. Don’t be so eager to condemn others that are willing to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit Just because He has never told you to do it. Could be He knew you were too set in your ways and He needed some fresh faces to get the job done!!
To be continued!!
The ramblings of an old man!!
This morning the Holy Spirit had me up early talking to me about my life. I feel I need to put it on paper but not sure if and how so bear with me. It’s time my children heard this and there are others out there also that are about to go thru the same things and need to understand what the generation that they are leaving behind is feeling. I know it would have been cool if some older person in my life and been able to articulate this to me!! I think this holds true for all but the “Body of Christ” needs to understand these things also if there is ever to be any sort of unity to bring Jesus to the place where He is Lord of all and can turn it all over to the Father and we can get onto eternity.
Looking back over my life, I need to do that now that I am about to touch 70. I see and understand how we looked at established things. It was if we had suddenly discovered something secret. We wondered how the people around us had missed this great secret. We wanted to bring them up to speed right away!! Imagine our surprise when they weren’t interested and even got angry with us for trying to spoil their comfortable lives. Well if they weren’t interested we would just rebel and change the world for the better without them. Once we had all this change in place they would be eternally grateful. Well we forced a lot of these changes thru and guess what? The older generation still didn’t like it and became almost our enemies, even our parents. We just couldn’t understand it; all we were trying to do was improve their lives!! I can now see the error of our ways. If we would have only taken the time to explain to them what we were trying to do and why they may have listened. We needed their input to make the transition easier and keep them our friends-parents and mentors. I know we don’t like to think we had any mentors. We want to think we figured all this out on our own. What do you suppose all those uncles-aunts-grandparents-teachers and the like were doing when they told you stories or made you do your homework or taught you how to do things like build something or maybe cook something??
I see this same problem in the Body of Christ today. As the Holy Spirit begins to shine some new light in to the body the same thing takes place. The older folks slam it right away as from the devil because it disrupts there way of life. Too bad they never think it may be the purpose of God to do just that because He is not happy with that life. Things on the other side seem just as bad. They can’t understand why the old folks are unable to see the error of their ways and they feel the need to rush to get this new light out there so they have no time to work with the older folks and bring them along slowly if needed. So now we once again have two camps looking at each other as being off the wall when really there is room for both views. I really doubt if either camp is totally under the headship of Christ. If that were true there would be plenty of room to work together in unity. For some reason the Body of Christ thinks the only way unity can work is if you come around to their way of thinking. So you don’t like the established church and want to meet in the park or someone’s home. Fine if it’s under the headship of Christ. He surly doesn’t care where you meet if He is in charge!! Let’s be friends with the unsaved world around us but never let them think what they are doing is OK and there may be another way to God than thru Jesus!! Go do your thing but don’t condemn others that aren’t called to that. There are way too many ministries out there that have begun because of guilt and had nothing to do with what the Holy Spirit was wanting from that group. Until we are able to allow the Holy Spirit to take our entire lives [which will take an entire lifetime] to the cross and show us how we are to only be and do what He tells us and only when He sends us, we will be more or less punching in the wind. We are to be fighting against the powers of darkness and not against each other. There are plenty of jobs the Holy Spirit needs the body doing. Listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying to you and don’t allow others to control your walk. We are to walking with Christ thru the leading of the Holy Spirit not doing what some man makes us feel guilty about. Don’t be so eager to condemn others that are willing to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit Just because He has never told you to do it. Could be He knew you were too set in your ways and He needed some fresh faces to get the job done!!
To be continued!!
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