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
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Saturday, May 26, 2007
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!!
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