Beware of those who think we must work to keep the salvation we did not earn in the first place.
Ephesians 2:10 "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them."
When we become born again, changed into a new creation by Christ after changing our mind about sin, confessing our need for deliverance, then He is the One that does all the work in us after that.
When we hear Him speaking to us and disobey, He will discipline us to bring us back into obedience.
2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come."
1 John 1:9 "9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
2 Corinthians 5:21 "
21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
1 John 1:29 "29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"
Hebrews 12:2 "2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Titus 3:5 "5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,"
Ephesians 2:9 "9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
(This includes any works before or after salvation)
Romans 3:10 "10 as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one;"
Romans 3:23 "23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,"
Isaiah 64:6 "6 We have all become like one who is unclean,
and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.
We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away."
John 1:12 "12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,"
Acts 16:31 "31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Isolation: A Relationship Killer
This week I ran across an article by a psychologist who was saying something I have been saying for 45 years, when no one would believe me. In fact it was the psychologists of 40 years ago who promoted this devastating form of discipline that has fostered an attitude of disrespect and dishonor in tender hearts.
The form of discipline I write about is that of "time out." Placing a child in his room to isolate him from the rest of the family for his infractions has been widely used in our children's generation. Rather than making a child think, it fosters bitterness and anger in the child. It is better to give the child a couple of smacks for his sin and allow him to return to the family when his stubborn will has been dealt with.
Isolating a child in a room for long periods of time without proper discipline is a form of the "silent treatment." It breaks the heart of someone who needs to be loved, nurtured and protected. Smacking a child on his bottom, shows him his infraction cannot continue, but that he is loved too much to isolate him from the family.
What a blessing to find others who have discovered what God had told me all those years ago, when almost no one would listen and nearly everyone was using a form of this manipulation that has ruined a generation of people. The sad fact is that many believers followed the advice of the secular psychologists and now even some of them are recanting their findings, but only after the devastation is complete.
When I was growing up, back in the day, spanking was a normal and natural form of attitude adjustment that produced obedient and respectful children. Of course it did not change a heart, no one can do that with any form of discipline, the discipline is to train a child to understand the seriousness of sinful actions and attitudes while keeping them under control for the sake of the entire household.
The discipline that I used and believe is a method ordained by God and used for centuries across the world until recent years, is corporal punishment, a spanking, then restoration and continued presence with the family. Here is the scripture that God gave us to show us what our response ought to be to disobedience in our children.
Proverbs 13:24 "He who withholds his rod hates his son,
But he who loves him disciplines him diligently."
Proverbs 23:13 "Do not hold back discipline from the child, Although you strike him with the rod, he will not die."
How serious is rebellion against parents? Here is God's answer!
Exodus 21:15 "Whoever strikes his father or his mother is certainly to be put to death."
When we read this passage about putting a rebellious and dangerous child to death for striking his parent, we see just how serious contempt for parents is in the eyes of God.
Contempt for parents doesn't have to take the form of striking them, it is just as serious to treat them disrespectfully and with disdain as it is to strike them. To show contempt, put them out of our hearts and demean them is the same as killing them over and over again. The sin of hatred, is show by God to be the same as murder.
1 John 3:15 " Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him."
Proper discipline God's way does not change a heart, but it does demonstrate the seriousness of sin while redirecting the actions of the child. Any child who has been shown the magnitude of a sinful heart through proper discipline, will have no excuse when they stand before God. They will either accept the correction or they will choose not to, either way they are responsible for their choices and God will respond accordingly.
The modern method of discipline that isolates a child creates serious and devastating broken hearts. To be told you are not worthy to spend times with us is the same as a church clique who ignores those who don't meet their particular version of socially accepted personality traits.
It is difficult for children to recover from a broken heart after being isolated. Mankind was created for fellowship, to isolate someone because they aren't perfect, is saying to them, "you are not worthy of us", "you are not valued by us" and "you are banished."
It is better to smack a child to bring his behavior under control, while allowing him to continue in our presence. This says to a child that he is too valued to banish him, that he is loved, just his actions need modifying and his attitude needs a change, because he as a person is deeply loved.
Those who have used time out on their children are often also those who use the "silent treatment" and "cold shoulder", to punish other adults who will not bow to their desires, or those who attempt to work out a problem.
I'll will call them "silenters", these are people who do not want to work out a problem for a long lasting solution, they merely enjoy exerting control over those who do not meet their particular idea of what is acceptable. These people have no interest in the views and desires of others, they care only about getting their way and feeling superior.
I suspect this is why the "time out" silencers enjoy this form of punishment that banishes their target, it makes them feel in control. Our goal in training children or even dealing with adults, should never be to control them for our own benefit.
With children we discipline to train, it is not at all about being in control of them. When we want to discuss a problem with another adult, it is not to get them to do things our way or to control them. If we love them we discuss problems to come to an understanding, learning about them, seeking to be a blessing while fixing something broken, not to control them.
The goal of every believer ought to be to redirect the heart of a child toward obedience to parents God and all God ordained authority. The goal of every believer toward adults should be to discover the foundational issue in any problem, being ready to confess our own sin, while desiring to know the heart of the other person. Withholding information, withholding kindness, love and attention is self serving and will destroy any relationship.
Honest communication is the method by which we grow a relationship, without that, there can be no solution.
James 5:16 "Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much."
Isolation, intimidation, silent treatment and many other tactics like these are designed to hurt and destroy, they are not of God, nor do they accomplish anything except more brokenness.
In 2 Timothy 3:1-5 we learn the kinds of people who employ these covert and ruinous tactics and what God says to do about it in verse 5. When we are going no contact with evil people, this is not one of these tactics, it is obedience to God. Removing ourselves from those who will not admit to things and refuse to listen, we have no choice except to walk away. More contact with these people only perpetuates the harm and builds a higher wall.
The good news is that Gods way is best, even if it doesn't feel good. We can trust Him, leaving mean people in the hands of God is our best option. He knows all that is needed to heal us while working on those who refuse to do things God's way.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 "But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.
2 For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy,
3 unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good,
4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
5 holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these."
The more we obey God, the greater our joy no matter who comes against us. Being right with God is far more powerful than anything the devil and his minions can throw at us.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 "3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,"
Ephesians 6:12 "12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."
The form of discipline I write about is that of "time out." Placing a child in his room to isolate him from the rest of the family for his infractions has been widely used in our children's generation. Rather than making a child think, it fosters bitterness and anger in the child. It is better to give the child a couple of smacks for his sin and allow him to return to the family when his stubborn will has been dealt with.
Isolating a child in a room for long periods of time without proper discipline is a form of the "silent treatment." It breaks the heart of someone who needs to be loved, nurtured and protected. Smacking a child on his bottom, shows him his infraction cannot continue, but that he is loved too much to isolate him from the family.
What a blessing to find others who have discovered what God had told me all those years ago, when almost no one would listen and nearly everyone was using a form of this manipulation that has ruined a generation of people. The sad fact is that many believers followed the advice of the secular psychologists and now even some of them are recanting their findings, but only after the devastation is complete.
When I was growing up, back in the day, spanking was a normal and natural form of attitude adjustment that produced obedient and respectful children. Of course it did not change a heart, no one can do that with any form of discipline, the discipline is to train a child to understand the seriousness of sinful actions and attitudes while keeping them under control for the sake of the entire household.
The discipline that I used and believe is a method ordained by God and used for centuries across the world until recent years, is corporal punishment, a spanking, then restoration and continued presence with the family. Here is the scripture that God gave us to show us what our response ought to be to disobedience in our children.
Proverbs 13:24 "He who withholds his rod hates his son,
But he who loves him disciplines him diligently."
Proverbs 23:13 "Do not hold back discipline from the child, Although you strike him with the rod, he will not die."
How serious is rebellion against parents? Here is God's answer!
Exodus 21:15 "Whoever strikes his father or his mother is certainly to be put to death."
When we read this passage about putting a rebellious and dangerous child to death for striking his parent, we see just how serious contempt for parents is in the eyes of God.
Contempt for parents doesn't have to take the form of striking them, it is just as serious to treat them disrespectfully and with disdain as it is to strike them. To show contempt, put them out of our hearts and demean them is the same as killing them over and over again. The sin of hatred, is show by God to be the same as murder.
1 John 3:15 " Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him."
Proper discipline God's way does not change a heart, but it does demonstrate the seriousness of sin while redirecting the actions of the child. Any child who has been shown the magnitude of a sinful heart through proper discipline, will have no excuse when they stand before God. They will either accept the correction or they will choose not to, either way they are responsible for their choices and God will respond accordingly.
The modern method of discipline that isolates a child creates serious and devastating broken hearts. To be told you are not worthy to spend times with us is the same as a church clique who ignores those who don't meet their particular version of socially accepted personality traits.
It is difficult for children to recover from a broken heart after being isolated. Mankind was created for fellowship, to isolate someone because they aren't perfect, is saying to them, "you are not worthy of us", "you are not valued by us" and "you are banished."
It is better to smack a child to bring his behavior under control, while allowing him to continue in our presence. This says to a child that he is too valued to banish him, that he is loved, just his actions need modifying and his attitude needs a change, because he as a person is deeply loved.
Those who have used time out on their children are often also those who use the "silent treatment" and "cold shoulder", to punish other adults who will not bow to their desires, or those who attempt to work out a problem.
I'll will call them "silenters", these are people who do not want to work out a problem for a long lasting solution, they merely enjoy exerting control over those who do not meet their particular idea of what is acceptable. These people have no interest in the views and desires of others, they care only about getting their way and feeling superior.
I suspect this is why the "time out" silencers enjoy this form of punishment that banishes their target, it makes them feel in control. Our goal in training children or even dealing with adults, should never be to control them for our own benefit.
With children we discipline to train, it is not at all about being in control of them. When we want to discuss a problem with another adult, it is not to get them to do things our way or to control them. If we love them we discuss problems to come to an understanding, learning about them, seeking to be a blessing while fixing something broken, not to control them.
The goal of every believer ought to be to redirect the heart of a child toward obedience to parents God and all God ordained authority. The goal of every believer toward adults should be to discover the foundational issue in any problem, being ready to confess our own sin, while desiring to know the heart of the other person. Withholding information, withholding kindness, love and attention is self serving and will destroy any relationship.
Honest communication is the method by which we grow a relationship, without that, there can be no solution.
James 5:16 "Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much."
Isolation, intimidation, silent treatment and many other tactics like these are designed to hurt and destroy, they are not of God, nor do they accomplish anything except more brokenness.
In 2 Timothy 3:1-5 we learn the kinds of people who employ these covert and ruinous tactics and what God says to do about it in verse 5. When we are going no contact with evil people, this is not one of these tactics, it is obedience to God. Removing ourselves from those who will not admit to things and refuse to listen, we have no choice except to walk away. More contact with these people only perpetuates the harm and builds a higher wall.
The good news is that Gods way is best, even if it doesn't feel good. We can trust Him, leaving mean people in the hands of God is our best option. He knows all that is needed to heal us while working on those who refuse to do things God's way.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 "But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.
2 For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy,
3 unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good,
4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
5 holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these."
The more we obey God, the greater our joy no matter who comes against us. Being right with God is far more powerful than anything the devil and his minions can throw at us.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 "3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,"
Ephesians 6:12 "12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Let Go and Let God!
So often we as believers continually ask for things hoping God will provide all our earthly desires.
The following is a quote from a book by the title, "Ten Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe" by Larry Osbborne. "Our job is not so much to find something; it's to become someone---a reflection of His image and character where we find ourselves."
We have all desired things that were not God's will, but hung onto them until we saw that God was not answering and then decided it has been too long and will probably not happen.
I have had desires like this, letting go was not what I wanted, but when I saw that it was God's will, obeying actually was a release from those things. When we obey and seek Christ in us, then He works to release us from our earthly desires to move us toward trusting Him more.
It's the letting go that brings freedom from the bondage of our flesh.
The following is a quote from a book by the title, "Ten Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe" by Larry Osbborne. "Our job is not so much to find something; it's to become someone---a reflection of His image and character where we find ourselves."
We have all desired things that were not God's will, but hung onto them until we saw that God was not answering and then decided it has been too long and will probably not happen.
I have had desires like this, letting go was not what I wanted, but when I saw that it was God's will, obeying actually was a release from those things. When we obey and seek Christ in us, then He works to release us from our earthly desires to move us toward trusting Him more.
It's the letting go that brings freedom from the bondage of our flesh.
The Difference Between Normal and Narcissists
I have added one sentence to point number 4, as clarity for the believer. I have no evidence that this writer is a believer, but these points can be compared to the Bible in terms of the character of a believer in Christ.
Excerpts from Kim Saeed,
* We treat people with respect because we innately believe they are worthy of it. Narcissists treat those close to them with disrespect. They only act respectful towards “outsiders” as a way of maintaining their image.
*We offer love and acceptance to others because we know that’s why we are here and because we enjoy it. Narcissists only take love and acceptance. That’s all they know since they operate only from ego.
*When conflict arises, we are able to let it go and move on. Narcissists must get revenge.
*We trust in the good of all people. Narcissists believe everyone is just like them. (Here I (Gwendolyn Wehage) would add that believers choose to believe someone is acting out of kindness until it is proven they are not)
*We like to help people feel good about themselves and feel relief when a conflict has been resolved. Narcissists like to fight.
*We take responsibility when we’ve made a mistake. Narcissists blame everyone else.
*We enjoy being compassionate. Narcissists enjoy being manipulative.
*We often participate in careers and hobbies that serve. Narcissists only do what serves them.
Excerpts from Kim Saeed,
* We treat people with respect because we innately believe they are worthy of it. Narcissists treat those close to them with disrespect. They only act respectful towards “outsiders” as a way of maintaining their image.
*We offer love and acceptance to others because we know that’s why we are here and because we enjoy it. Narcissists only take love and acceptance. That’s all they know since they operate only from ego.
*When conflict arises, we are able to let it go and move on. Narcissists must get revenge.
*We trust in the good of all people. Narcissists believe everyone is just like them. (Here I (Gwendolyn Wehage) would add that believers choose to believe someone is acting out of kindness until it is proven they are not)
*We like to help people feel good about themselves and feel relief when a conflict has been resolved. Narcissists like to fight.
*We take responsibility when we’ve made a mistake. Narcissists blame everyone else.
*We enjoy being compassionate. Narcissists enjoy being manipulative.
*We often participate in careers and hobbies that serve. Narcissists only do what serves them.
Killing by Hatred and Contempt
Our actions will flow out of our hearts. We can only hide our heart so long and eventually it flows out through our attitudes,mouths and actions.
You can't hide from God, but you also can't hide forever from those who have discernment.
Your flesh will come piling out like a flood overflowing the banks of a river when our flesh becomes weakened as we grow older and too tired to bother hiding anymore.
Matthew 15:19 ""For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders."
If we think we are not guilty of murder, perhaps we ought to ask the Lord if there is any attitude of hatred in our hearts. God said that if we hate someone we are guilty of murder.
1 John 3:15 "Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him."
We do not have to "do" evil openly to someone to express hatred or contempt. All we have to do is have it in our hearts and it will spill over into mean words, withholding of affection, demeaning of character and other very covert means of killing them off.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 "4 Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant,
5 does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered,
6 does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;
7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away."
You can't hide from God, but you also can't hide forever from those who have discernment.
Your flesh will come piling out like a flood overflowing the banks of a river when our flesh becomes weakened as we grow older and too tired to bother hiding anymore.
Matthew 15:19 ""For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders."
If we think we are not guilty of murder, perhaps we ought to ask the Lord if there is any attitude of hatred in our hearts. God said that if we hate someone we are guilty of murder.
1 John 3:15 "Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him."
We do not have to "do" evil openly to someone to express hatred or contempt. All we have to do is have it in our hearts and it will spill over into mean words, withholding of affection, demeaning of character and other very covert means of killing them off.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 "4 Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant,
5 does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered,
6 does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;
7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away."
Allegiance to God Alone
In these last days of apostasy, we need to be aware of the wiles of the devil, he will use those close to us to hamper our fervor, while destroying our enthusiasm for Him, through covert means, we don't have to let him do this.
When we know the devil's tricks, we can ignore them and continue on in the Lord with whatever He has for us to do. When we have the opportunity to excuse ourselves from those who negate our calling, we must move on.
It is a sin to continue wallowing in agony over the loss of someone who does not love the Lord, simply because they have our blood running through their veins.
I recall God rebuking David for mourning the loss of his son, when his son was evil, attempting to destroy his own father and mocking God in His actions.
When we defend the wicked person who is a relative, while caring nothing about the victims of our children, then we are acting in arrogant pride, based on blood rather than righteousness. We ought never to defend wicked people merely because they are relatives. We must always take the side of the victims and innocence no matter who they are. If we lose the love, attentions and companionship of wicked relatives then we are better for it. May our actions be always toward God and not human companions, no matter what the cost.
2 Samuel 18:33 "33 Then the king was deeply moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept. And as he went, he said thus: “O my son Absalom—my son, my son Absalom—if only I had died in your place! O Absalom my son, my son!”
2 Samuel 19:1-8 "19 And Joab was told, “Behold, the king is weeping and mourning for Absalom.”
2 So the victory that day was turned into mourning for all the people. For the people heard it said that day, “The king is grieved for his son.” 3 And the people stole back into the city that day, as people who are ashamed steal away when they flee in battle.
4 But the king covered his face, and the king cried out with a loud voice, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!”
5 Then Joab came into the house to the king, and said, “Today you have disgraced all your servants who today have saved your life, the lives of your sons and daughters, the lives of your wives and the lives of your concubines,
6 in that you love your enemies and hate your friends. For you have declared today that you regard neither princes nor servants; for today I perceive that if Absalom had lived and all of us had died today, then it would have pleased you well.
7 Now therefore, arise, go out and speak comfort to your servants. For I swear by the Lord, if you do not go out, not one will stay with you this night. And that will be worse for you than all the evil that has befallen you from your youth until now.”
8 Then the king arose and sat in the gate. And they told all the people, saying, “There is the king, sitting in the gate.” So all the people came before the king.
For everyone of Israel had fled to his tent."
2 So the victory that day was turned into mourning for all the people. For the people heard it said that day, “The king is grieved for his son.” 3 And the people stole back into the city that day, as people who are ashamed steal away when they flee in battle.
4 But the king covered his face, and the king cried out with a loud voice, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!”
5 Then Joab came into the house to the king, and said, “Today you have disgraced all your servants who today have saved your life, the lives of your sons and daughters, the lives of your wives and the lives of your concubines,
6 in that you love your enemies and hate your friends. For you have declared today that you regard neither princes nor servants; for today I perceive that if Absalom had lived and all of us had died today, then it would have pleased you well.
7 Now therefore, arise, go out and speak comfort to your servants. For I swear by the Lord, if you do not go out, not one will stay with you this night. And that will be worse for you than all the evil that has befallen you from your youth until now.”
8 Then the king arose and sat in the gate. And they told all the people, saying, “There is the king, sitting in the gate.” So all the people came before the king.
For everyone of Israel had fled to his tent."
The Choir Has Many Pretenders
I meet many people who know the Bible, claim to be believers but hold contempt in their hearts for anyone who will correct them. The church as a whole is apostate, wanting to "appear spiritual" without actually having a relationship with Christ, while spurning His Word, twisting it, using it to suit themselves. There is no real love for the brethren, only a deep sense of desire to control others, dwells in their hearts. Their mentor is not Christ however their mentor is the devil.
These people say they are Christians, but you will never hear them say outright, "I love Christ." They will never use terms like "I follow Christ", "I am born again by the blood of Christ" or "I was once evil and lost but have been changed into a new creation by Christ."
When we see generic descriptions of what people think they are, the same terminology the world uses, without a fervor for the Savior, I always wonder about their salvation.
These people seem embarrassed at the mention of Christ and are deeply offended when challenged according to His Word. They argue, fight and demean others to remain superior to them, never seeming to admit they need growth like all of us, they have an elevated opinion of themselves, showing a lack of humility or desire to learn beyond what they already think they know. They never apologize nor do they ever admit their sin or error.
Someone challenged me that I was always speaking to the "choir", that may be true, but my view is that many in the choir are not the choir at all, but pretenders, they need to hear the gospel all over again because they have heard, but not received.
John 1:12; 3:14-16, 36; 5:24; 6:40-47; Acts 16:30, 31; Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8, 9.
Matthew 21:43; 22:10-14; 24:45-51; 25:1-20; Luke 12:42-48; 19:11-27; Galatians 5:19-21; Hebrews 2:1-4; 4:1-11; 6:1-6; 10:25-31; 12:14-17; Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26-29; 3:5, 12, 21; 19:7-9.
These people say they are Christians, but you will never hear them say outright, "I love Christ." They will never use terms like "I follow Christ", "I am born again by the blood of Christ" or "I was once evil and lost but have been changed into a new creation by Christ."
When we see generic descriptions of what people think they are, the same terminology the world uses, without a fervor for the Savior, I always wonder about their salvation.
These people seem embarrassed at the mention of Christ and are deeply offended when challenged according to His Word. They argue, fight and demean others to remain superior to them, never seeming to admit they need growth like all of us, they have an elevated opinion of themselves, showing a lack of humility or desire to learn beyond what they already think they know. They never apologize nor do they ever admit their sin or error.
Someone challenged me that I was always speaking to the "choir", that may be true, but my view is that many in the choir are not the choir at all, but pretenders, they need to hear the gospel all over again because they have heard, but not received.
John 1:12; 3:14-16, 36; 5:24; 6:40-47; Acts 16:30, 31; Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8, 9.
Matthew 21:43; 22:10-14; 24:45-51; 25:1-20; Luke 12:42-48; 19:11-27; Galatians 5:19-21; Hebrews 2:1-4; 4:1-11; 6:1-6; 10:25-31; 12:14-17; Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26-29; 3:5, 12, 21; 19:7-9.
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