When two people commit to one another in a covenant marriage, God makes them one and no man can undo that, it is a permanent union until death.
Mark 10:9 "9 What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.”
Our English versions of the Bible are not clear enough to help us, we have to go back to the original languages for the understanding.
In the book of Matthew many people say one can get a divorce for adultery, but that book was written to Jews who had the custom of a divorce certificate from the engagement, also called a betrothal, if the one of the parties had been unfaithful before the marriage. There was never any indication that one could divorce for adultery when there was a marriage. In the Jewish custom, the man and woman were called husband and wife even before they had been formally married or lived together.
Joseph said that he was going to "divorce Mary" because he thought she had been unfaithful, but instead decided to put her away quietly to spare her the cultural consequences for fornication. Joseph and Mary were not yet married, but they called one another husband and wife because the promise to marry was nearly as binding as the marriage in Jewish custom, except for unfaithfulness before the marriage.
Matthew 19:9 "And I say to you, whoever [a]divorces his wife, except for [b]immorality, and marries another woman [c]commits adultery.”
In the other three gospels, there is no such "exception clause" because those books were written to Gentiles who didn't have the custom of divorce for fornication in the betrothal or engagement period, so there was no need to address it.
This is why Christ said, if you divorce you are sinning, but if you do you must remain single. Why? Because according to Matthew, the only two options for a divorced person is to remain alone or be reconciled to the original covenant spouse.
Matthew 5:32 "But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication ( before marriage), causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery."
1 Corinthians 7:11 "(but if she does leave, she must remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband), and that the husband should not divorce his wife."
Anyone who marries a divorced person is committing adultery and anyone who is divorced and remarries is committing adultery.
Our culture cannot wrap their minds around this because we have been free for so long to divorce, that our culture thinks it is a right and perfectly acceptable.
Marriage is a picture of the salvation experience. When God takes us as His bride it is permanent, we are sealed with His Holy Spirit. God never throws us away no matter what we do, even though He will discipline us for sin to cleanse us, we remain His bride until He takes us home.
When we see the picture of salvation and the marriage relationship in this way, we can never think of divorcing. God is faithful to us when we are not always faithful to Him. No one has been completely faithful in terms of adultery, since we have all had impure and selfish thoughts and our Lord told us that if we even so much as have a lustful thought, we have committed the sin of adultery. In the eyes of God our thought is the same as the act. The consequences are often bigger for the act than the thought, but the sin is the same.
2 Timothy 2:13 "If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself."
The first marriage is sealed by God in a covenant relationship until one partner dies, any marriages after divorce are adultery. It is really very simple, but our culture is confused, through willful ignorance in most cases, because it has been taught for many years now that there are excuses to divorce. Not that long ago all church goers knew divorce and remarriage were sins, there was never any question about it. The churches have been teaching false doctrine on this and even practicing divorce and remarriage, to such an extent that leaders in the church are marrying divorced and remarried people while indulging in the sin themselves.
Also, in the original language, "commits adultery" means an ongoing state of adultery as long as the two remarried people remain together. The adultery only stops when the relationship stops. Most people refuse to accept this fact.
John 6:60 "Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is a hard saying; who can hear it?"
When Christ said these things to the disciples, they too were astonished at it, since the same problem existed in their day.
Our churches are full of people who are remarried, committing adultery while no one stands against it. That's the reason so many people are divorcing and remarrying, they have been accepted as full fledged members of churches while even the pastors are doing it themselves and even marrying those who are divorced to other divorced people.
What an incredible mess the society and the church is in and almost no one will listen. How can church leaders teach commitment to a spouse for life when they are supporting the sin of adultery in their own congregations.
2 Timothy 4:3 "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;"
What was commonly accepted as sin under the rule of the Bible, only a generation ago, is now embraced as normal reasonable activity. Those who practice this sin are accepted and those who speak out against it are punished in various ways, not the least of which is rejection by friends, family and church.
God said that in the last days, evil would be, not only tolerated but approved and recommended by nearly everyone.
When we tolerate and embrace the sins of divorce and remarriage we are negating the notion that when Christ saves us it is permanent salvation not based on our deeds, but on His sacrifice on the cross.
When we marry, we promise to stay together through sickness and in health, in other words through it all, through mental or physical illness as well as the good times.
Wouldn't it be better for us to teach what Christ taught to the youth, so that they will not be devastated by the splitting of their families, that their children will have two parents in the same household, who love each other?
Wouldn't it be better for our children to see us staying together no matter what the trial, praying together while trusting God to help us? Children learn by example, when they see parents acting like spoiled children in marriage, demanding their own way and throwing away spouses, they will learn what to do when it becomes their turn to marry.
OR, we can train our children by our example, to tough it out in the trials of life, hang in there watching God work it all out while everyone involved remain loyal, becoming stronger and more mature with each new victory.
The problem with our culture is that we want a "fast food" fix for everything, we are not willing to go through hard times to come out the other side victoriously. We don't see the victories because we don't fight the battles we just bail out. The battles are fought on our knees and in our hearts, not in the courts.
In our culture we like to take only the good and throw away the negative, as though we deserve to have only good, when we cannot even live up to "only good."
How arrogant can we be, to think that we don't have any warts that others have to endure or accept! When we toss out spouses because they do bad things, we are acting as though we are above all bad ourselves and have nothing to confess or from which to be cleansed.
Perhaps it is time to stop wallowing in self pity, like spoiled children over the failings of our spouses and begin to attempt to understand things from their point of view. Perhaps if we saw ourselves through their eyes and evaluate our own actions according to God's standard, we would not be so quick to throw away people simply because they don't meet our personal needs or desires.
Many broken relationships could be avoided if we would just learn to think of others and what is best for them more than we think about ourselves.
James 4:1-2 "1 What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask.…"
When we keep our eyes focused on God, reading His Word while praying for understanding, then we will be able to do what God has commanded in His Word. God did not make suggestions as though He isn't sure the right thing to do and man must help Him decide, He gave commands because He knows what is best, what works and what spares mankind all the troubles they bring on themselves by their willfulness.
Sunday, May 31, 2015
Friday, May 29, 2015
The Troubles We Cause Ourselves
I am astonished at how many people are having terrible troubles in their lives, all caused by their own rebellion while refusing to listen to those who have not had those troubles. Doesn't it make sense that if someone lives a decent and productive life, we would want to know the secret of that for ourselves. By decent and productive I mean, emotionally secure and spiritually growing.
The Country is Enslaved!
This country is enslaved and doesn't even know it. There will come a date due payment, and by then it will be too late for the nation but not too late for individuals who place their trust in Christ.
We are enslaved to our sin and debauchery, many refuse to listen to rebukes and warnings, thinking there will be no consequences.
Romans 6;23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Galatians 6:7-8 "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life."
Our nation is over as we knew it, those of us who love Christ, will remain calm, spiritually blessed and trusting in Christ. However, those who do not have Christ and refuse Him will choose to defy Him and remain in their enslaved status, while their life continues to degenerate, like a frog in a frying pan, they will not realize their condition until it is too late.
Zechariah 7:13 ""And just as He called and they would not listen, so they called and I would not listen," says the LORD of hosts;"
God has been calling to us to repent and become born again, but the people would not listen, so God will not hear when it is too late.
Acts 2:38 "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
We are enslaved to our sin and debauchery, many refuse to listen to rebukes and warnings, thinking there will be no consequences.
Romans 6;23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Galatians 6:7-8 "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life."
Our nation is over as we knew it, those of us who love Christ, will remain calm, spiritually blessed and trusting in Christ. However, those who do not have Christ and refuse Him will choose to defy Him and remain in their enslaved status, while their life continues to degenerate, like a frog in a frying pan, they will not realize their condition until it is too late.
Zechariah 7:13 ""And just as He called and they would not listen, so they called and I would not listen," says the LORD of hosts;"
God has been calling to us to repent and become born again, but the people would not listen, so God will not hear when it is too late.
Acts 2:38 "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Their Making the Little Ones Fall
"Public School" terminology was used because the school system was monitored by the "public", the public paid for the system and hired and fired the school boards. The parents had the ultimate say in the goings-on in the school system in communities, back in the day. Teachers were evaluated by parents and had the power to remove an inept or immoral teacher if need be.
I no longer call the school system "public", I have decided to refer to the school system "government indoctrination centers." The parents no longer have a say in what is being taught nor who shall be hired to teach.
The teachers unions base their decisions on money rather than on excellence in education. There is no turning back now, the things that are being taught in these indoctrination centers are so vile, that, in the past, God destroyed entire cities and countries for their immorality in these areas.
It isn't bad enough that these centers are teaching the acceptance of these things, they are also intimidating anyone who refuses to accept their teaching, making children feel guilty if they question the teachers on these matters. Any child who has the strength to refuse to accept these things is treated with manipulative tactics, bringing pressure to bare on them to give into their teachings.
I consider all this teaching that accepts and approves of immorality, in government schools, a form of child abuse, no different from the evil of "child porn."
Matthew 18:6 "but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea."
The children in the government schools are not believers for the most part, but they begin in those schools innocent and a blank slate to be written on, by anyone they see as an "expert", to children, the teachers are the experts.
This is all despicable and diabolical, undermining the natural instincts of human beings who have no defense against the abuse.
I no longer call the school system "public", I have decided to refer to the school system "government indoctrination centers." The parents no longer have a say in what is being taught nor who shall be hired to teach.
The teachers unions base their decisions on money rather than on excellence in education. There is no turning back now, the things that are being taught in these indoctrination centers are so vile, that, in the past, God destroyed entire cities and countries for their immorality in these areas.
It isn't bad enough that these centers are teaching the acceptance of these things, they are also intimidating anyone who refuses to accept their teaching, making children feel guilty if they question the teachers on these matters. Any child who has the strength to refuse to accept these things is treated with manipulative tactics, bringing pressure to bare on them to give into their teachings.
I consider all this teaching that accepts and approves of immorality, in government schools, a form of child abuse, no different from the evil of "child porn."
Matthew 18:6 "but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea."
The children in the government schools are not believers for the most part, but they begin in those schools innocent and a blank slate to be written on, by anyone they see as an "expert", to children, the teachers are the experts.
This is all despicable and diabolical, undermining the natural instincts of human beings who have no defense against the abuse.
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
"I Never Knew You"
I have thought of this a lot as I watch the apostates claim to be "Christians" while enraging when they are confronted with a challenge to seek God or to repent over sin. I have witnessed the hate and anger regularly when we correct with Scripture, someone who is a professor but not a possessor of the Holy Spirit.
They think they are spiritual because they just say so, what they forget it that words mean very little, it is easy to say anything you want, but the act of saying doesn't make our words true. Our actions and attitudes will prove the words, in fact few words are needed, when the life matches with the Holiness of God, there will be no need to declare what you are. Living out our Christianity is far more powerful than mere words.
They think they are spiritual because they just say so, what they forget it that words mean very little, it is easy to say anything you want, but the act of saying doesn't make our words true. Our actions and attitudes will prove the words, in fact few words are needed, when the life matches with the Holiness of God, there will be no need to declare what you are. Living out our Christianity is far more powerful than mere words.
Seems to me those who declare the loudest are often not what they claim, they must declare intensely to convince others because in their hearts they know that they are not what they claim, the words often replace the actual being and doing.
Friday, May 22, 2015
He Saw That!!!!
He saw what you did today, He heard what you said, but He saw not only your actions and your words, but your thoughts too!
God sees is it all, no matter how much we try to deny anything, it still remains recorded in heaven and one day we will confess before the Holy God, whether we want to or not.
Philippians 2:9-11
"9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
1 Samuel 16:7
"But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
Revelation 14;13
"And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them."
Matthew 12:36
"But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment."
God sees is it all, no matter how much we try to deny anything, it still remains recorded in heaven and one day we will confess before the Holy God, whether we want to or not.
Philippians 2:9-11
"9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
1 Samuel 16:7
"But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
Revelation 14;13
"And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them."
Matthew 12:36
"But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment."
You Can't Hide From Him!!!
How silly to think we can ever hide from God just because we can hide from man!
Proverbs 15:3
"The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Watching the evil and the good."
"The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Watching the evil and the good."
The Lord Sees Into Your Heart!
2 Chronicles 16:9
"For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. You have acted foolishly in this. Indeed, from now on you will surely have wars."
"For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. You have acted foolishly in this. Indeed, from now on you will surely have wars."
Humble Yourselves Before the Lord
James 4:1-10
"1 What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members?
2 You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask.
3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.
4 You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
5 Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us”?
6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
9 Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom.
10 Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you."
"1 What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members?
2 You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask.
3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.
4 You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
5 Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us”?
6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
9 Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom.
10 Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you."
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Elder Orphans.....a Sad Term!
Our culture is going down the slide at break neck speed because of the violations of the principle of honoring father and mother, caring for aging parents. We have a new term that has been coined lately...sort of sad....."elder orphans." This term refers to elderly people who have no children to take care of them when they are too old to care for themselves. I am sad that there is even a need for such a term.
A Narcissist is not capable of love!
I have also noticed that these people almost never laugh except when they see someone else fail in some way. They will laugh when their target falls on the stairs, but see no humor in a joke someone else makes that everyone else is laughing at and is truly funny. The need to be the center of attention does not afford them the luxury of validating anyone else by laughing at their joke or engaging in happiness with someone else.
The narcs that I have met criticise everything about the person who has challenged them in some way, an effort to get them to respond in an emotional way, so they can feel elevated.
Narcissists have unpredicted outbursts of anger to intimidate others, leaving them with the sense that they are superior. Rejecting anything good others do is a common tactic of the narcissist, validating those that will not elevate the narc, is unthinkable to them.
The best thing to do with these people is to ignore their outbursts, nagging and devaluing, responding is counted as the narcs win over their target.
God said not to answer a fool according to their folly, it is not only a waste of time but also feeds their perverted need to upset their target.
God also says to avoid divisive people, narcs are divisive, their intent is to ruin the relationships and reputation of their target. These tactics can be covert or overt, the narc is careful to cloak his actions in the presence of those he wants to impress, and overt when there is no one around to notice what is going on.
God clearly tells us to avoid these people if at all possible. They offer nothing in the way of friendship or companionship. 2 Timothy 3 is a description of them, their numbers are growing in these end times. We have no obligation to remain in their lives, in fact God tells us to remove ourselves from them.
"Avoid such men as these" 2 Timothy 3:1-5
"1 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 narcs that I have met criticise everything about the person who has challenged them in some way, an effort to get them to respond in an emotional way, so they can feel elevated.
Narcissists have unpredicted outbursts of anger to intimidate others, leaving them with the sense that they are superior. Rejecting anything good others do is a common tactic of the narcissist, validating those that will not elevate the narc, is unthinkable to them.
The best thing to do with these people is to ignore their outbursts, nagging and devaluing, responding is counted as the narcs win over their target.
God said not to answer a fool according to their folly, it is not only a waste of time but also feeds their perverted need to upset their target.
God also says to avoid divisive people, narcs are divisive, their intent is to ruin the relationships and reputation of their target. These tactics can be covert or overt, the narc is careful to cloak his actions in the presence of those he wants to impress, and overt when there is no one around to notice what is going on.
God clearly tells us to avoid these people if at all possible. They offer nothing in the way of friendship or companionship. 2 Timothy 3 is a description of them, their numbers are growing in these end times. We have no obligation to remain in their lives, in fact God tells us to remove ourselves from them.
"Avoid such men as these" 2 Timothy 3:1-5
"1 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."
Comparing Ourselves With Each Other Is Sin
Those who are working real hard in the flesh to be what they think is godliness, will not develop it, but they will become very prideful, comparing themselves with others, judging many things that are unimportant, while elevating self.
2 Corinthians 10:12 "For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding."
2 Corinthians 10:12 "For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding."
Relationship Not Rules
When our "religion" is based on a set of rules rather than Christ Himself, there will be no growing in holiness only burdensome human rules that have little value. Christ is everything, He is the one to seek not the rules.
When we are seeking the Person of Christ, He will work wonders in our hearts that we could never do ourselves.
Proverbs 8:17 "I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me."
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 are seeking the Person of Christ, He will work wonders in our hearts that we could never do ourselves.
Proverbs 8:17 "I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me."
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."
Walking in the Spirit Takes Training
So many believers do not know what it is to "walk in the Spirit." Nor do they know what it is to hear the Holy Spirit when He speaks. Everyday we are faced with situations in life that impact us and others, while either glorifying God or negating Him.
If we are walking in the Spirit, continually in tune with His leading, we will know the right things to do and be, and it will glorify God. However, we must know His Word, the Bible, to be sure it is Him speaking to us. In order to forge ahead in the power of the Holy Spirit, we must be praying continually. Everything we hear from Him will be completely in agreement with His Word, the Bible.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
If we do not know His Word we cannot be sure it is the Holy Spirit speaking, Satan comes as an angel of light to deceive and destroy. Our minds are being frequently bombarded with worldly ideas and concepts through media, family and friends, to such a degree that we will be confused about truth unless we are saturated with Scripture and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Unless we spend more time in the word of God and prayer than we do in the things of this world, we will be fooled, and so many have been.
Innumerable Christians have beliefs not in line with the Word, because more time is spent with ungodly and worldly people than with the godly, that truth is veiled in lies by the deceiver. When we think something sounds like truth and much error does, we must go to the Bible to compare ideas and obey what God says no matter how many people don't agree and no matter how wonderful the erring concept sounds.
2 Corinthians 11:14 "And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light."
So what is the answer to all of this? The answer is to seek the Holy Spirit for truth through prayer and the reading of the Scriptures. Do not neglect either of these elements, without prayer we can read the Bible and still interpret things our own way. The Holy Spirit need to enlighten the Word for us and speak to us.
Lastly, it is not good to read the Word, hear the Holy Spirit and disobey what we know. When we go to the Word and the Holy Spirit we must be determined to obey what He tells us. Our heart must be so saturated with Him that discernment runs through every part of our being. If we are obeying God, reading and praying we will see the truth of many things quickly.
1 John 4:1 "4 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world."
Philippians 1:9-10 "9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ;"
Hebrews 5:14 "14 But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil."
Galatians 5:16-26
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.
18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.
19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,
20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,
21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.
26 Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another."
Discernment is a matter of training. There are "Christians" who are not trained in the Word, because they are not concerned about truth. I place the word "Christians" in quotes to demonstrate that there is a difference between born again believers and pretenders who only think they are saved but have not had a born again experience.
Most of modern theology is liberally peppered with cultural norms that are not Scriptural. The only way to discern truth from error is to know the Word and walk by the Spirit. Remember, if we do this, we will be rejected, often by those who should love us, but love the world more than they love God.
Do not be dismayed by the realization that you may lose family and friends when you begin to grow in holiness, God told us it would be that way, and glory to Him, we are more blessed with it, than we would be if the world loved us.
John 15:19 ""If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you."
Psalm 1:1-6 "1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6 For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish"
Our joy and our blessings come from God, nothing in this world has any pull on us when our hope is in glory!!!!
If we are walking in the Spirit, continually in tune with His leading, we will know the right things to do and be, and it will glorify God. However, we must know His Word, the Bible, to be sure it is Him speaking to us. In order to forge ahead in the power of the Holy Spirit, we must be praying continually. Everything we hear from Him will be completely in agreement with His Word, the Bible.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
If we do not know His Word we cannot be sure it is the Holy Spirit speaking, Satan comes as an angel of light to deceive and destroy. Our minds are being frequently bombarded with worldly ideas and concepts through media, family and friends, to such a degree that we will be confused about truth unless we are saturated with Scripture and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Unless we spend more time in the word of God and prayer than we do in the things of this world, we will be fooled, and so many have been.
Innumerable Christians have beliefs not in line with the Word, because more time is spent with ungodly and worldly people than with the godly, that truth is veiled in lies by the deceiver. When we think something sounds like truth and much error does, we must go to the Bible to compare ideas and obey what God says no matter how many people don't agree and no matter how wonderful the erring concept sounds.
2 Corinthians 11:14 "And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light."
So what is the answer to all of this? The answer is to seek the Holy Spirit for truth through prayer and the reading of the Scriptures. Do not neglect either of these elements, without prayer we can read the Bible and still interpret things our own way. The Holy Spirit need to enlighten the Word for us and speak to us.
Lastly, it is not good to read the Word, hear the Holy Spirit and disobey what we know. When we go to the Word and the Holy Spirit we must be determined to obey what He tells us. Our heart must be so saturated with Him that discernment runs through every part of our being. If we are obeying God, reading and praying we will see the truth of many things quickly.
1 John 4:1 "4 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world."
Philippians 1:9-10 "9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ;"
Hebrews 5:14 "14 But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil."
Galatians 5:16-26
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.
18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.
19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,
20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,
21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.
26 Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another."
Discernment is a matter of training. There are "Christians" who are not trained in the Word, because they are not concerned about truth. I place the word "Christians" in quotes to demonstrate that there is a difference between born again believers and pretenders who only think they are saved but have not had a born again experience.
Most of modern theology is liberally peppered with cultural norms that are not Scriptural. The only way to discern truth from error is to know the Word and walk by the Spirit. Remember, if we do this, we will be rejected, often by those who should love us, but love the world more than they love God.
Do not be dismayed by the realization that you may lose family and friends when you begin to grow in holiness, God told us it would be that way, and glory to Him, we are more blessed with it, than we would be if the world loved us.
John 15:19 ""If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you."
Psalm 1:1-6 "1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6 For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish"
Our joy and our blessings come from God, nothing in this world has any pull on us when our hope is in glory!!!!
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
The World Has Gone Mad!
Satan's ways are being glorified more every day! True believers cannot be comfortable in this world, we long for our heavenly home.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1068642029817195&set=p.1068642029817195&type=1&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1068642029817195&set=p.1068642029817195&type=1&theater
The World Loves Its Own!
All those who are born again by the Holy Spirit of God will endure to the end, the proof that they belonged to Him was that they remained. These same people will be persecuted by family and everyone else, they will be cultural outcasts. They do not think like the rest of the world, their minds have been regenerated, their thoughts do not process things as the world does.
Matthew 10:16-22
"16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so [a]be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.
17 But beware of men, for they will hand you over to the courts and scourge you in their synagogues;
18 and you will even be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.
19 But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say.
20 For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
21 “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and [b]cause them to be put to death.
22 You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved."
If the world loves you and you seek to be loved by the world, then you may not be born again, something to think about and pray about, to be sure you have trusted Christ and been regenerated.
Matthew 10:16-22
"16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so [a]be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.
17 But beware of men, for they will hand you over to the courts and scourge you in their synagogues;
18 and you will even be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.
19 But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say.
20 For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
21 “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and [b]cause them to be put to death.
22 You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved."
If the world loves you and you seek to be loved by the world, then you may not be born again, something to think about and pray about, to be sure you have trusted Christ and been regenerated.
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Jerusalem will be Called the City of Truth
Zechariah 8:3
""Thus says the LORD, 'I will return to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD of hosts will be called the Holy Mountain.'"
""Thus says the LORD, 'I will return to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD of hosts will be called the Holy Mountain.'"
Lord's Loving Kindness Never Ceases
Lamentations 3:20-26
20 Surely my soul remembers
And is bowed down within me.
20 Surely my soul remembers
And is bowed down within me.
21 This I recall to my mind,
Therefore I have hope.
Therefore I have hope.
22 The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
For His compassions never fail.
For His compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
Great is Your faithfulness.
24“ The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I have hope in Him.”
“Therefore I have hope in Him.”
25 The LORD is good to those who wait for Him,
To the person who seeks Him.
To the person who seeks Him.
26 It is good that he waits silently
For the salvation of the LORD."
For the salvation of the LORD."
In the Last Days!
Micah 4:1-8
1 And it will come about in the last days That the mountain of the house of the Lord
Will be established as the chief of the mountains. It will be raised above the hills,
And the peoples will stream to it.
2 Many nations will come and say, “Come and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord And to the house of the God of Jacob, That He may teach us about His ways
And that we may walk in His paths.” For from Zion will go forth the law, Even the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
3 And He will judge between many peoples And render decisions for mighty, distant nations. Then they will hammer their swords into plowshares And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation will not lift up sword against nation, And never again will they train for war.
4 Each of them will sit under his vine And under his fig tree, With no one to make them afraid, For the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken.
5 Though all the peoples walk Each in the name of his god, As for us, we will walk
In the name of the Lord our God forever and ever.
6 “In that day,” declares the Lord, “I will assemble the lame And gather the outcasts, Even those whom I have afflicted.
7 “I will make the lame a remnant And the outcasts a strong nation, And the Lord will reign over them in Mount Zion From now on and forever.
8 “As for you, tower of the flock, Hill of the daughter of Zion, To you it will come—
Even the former dominion will come, The kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem."
1 And it will come about in the last days That the mountain of the house of the Lord
Will be established as the chief of the mountains. It will be raised above the hills,
And the peoples will stream to it.
2 Many nations will come and say, “Come and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord And to the house of the God of Jacob, That He may teach us about His ways
And that we may walk in His paths.” For from Zion will go forth the law, Even the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
3 And He will judge between many peoples And render decisions for mighty, distant nations. Then they will hammer their swords into plowshares And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation will not lift up sword against nation, And never again will they train for war.
4 Each of them will sit under his vine And under his fig tree, With no one to make them afraid, For the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken.
5 Though all the peoples walk Each in the name of his god, As for us, we will walk
In the name of the Lord our God forever and ever.
6 “In that day,” declares the Lord, “I will assemble the lame And gather the outcasts, Even those whom I have afflicted.
7 “I will make the lame a remnant And the outcasts a strong nation, And the Lord will reign over them in Mount Zion From now on and forever.
8 “As for you, tower of the flock, Hill of the daughter of Zion, To you it will come—
Even the former dominion will come, The kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem."
He Who believes!
John 3:36
""He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."
""He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."
Monday, May 18, 2015
"As for Me and My House"
If someone in your household, who is old enough to get a job, (not a spouse) will not obey the Lord, then they need to leave and make their own way in the world. Never let anyone into your home or on your property to live, if they have had a life of rebellion without repentance for it. They will destroy your peace, ruin your reputation and cause nothing but trouble all the time.
"As for me and my house we will serve the Lord."
"As for me and my house we will serve the Lord."
Only Christ Is "Reverend"
"He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and Reverend is his name." —Psalm 111:9
No man should be called "Reverend", it is a title reserved only for Christ.
No man should be called "Reverend", it is a title reserved only for Christ.
Do It God's Way!!!
One of the hardest things for me when raising children, was the rolling of the eyes in contempt when attempting to discipline our children. Even into adult years I still see the rolling of the eyes, through covert actions and dead pan faces. When there is not solidarity in the home, one parent will not discipline and the other wants to obey God, the one who will not obey God's standard is often, if not always the favored one.
The one who loves the Lord and desires to discipline God's way and consistently is continually met with anger on the part of the disobedient parent, causing contemptuous attitudes on the part of the children toward the parent who does discipline. Children watch how the disobedient parent treats the obedient one and emulates them, after all there is that natural bent toward rebellion, the one who is disobedient to God, will be the one the children will follow.
There is no solution to this problem, when a parent is lenient and inconsistent toward bad behavior, it is nearly impossible for the disciplinarian to have an impact. Little progress can be made in the heart of the rebellious child when one parent disobeys God, even when the other does obey Him.
The admonition here, is to be sure before one marries that both people agree on God's standard for raising children.
The consequences of a disobedient parent toward God's standard, who will not discipline, have lifelong consequences not only for the rebellious child but also a ruination of the relationship between the parent who obeys God and their children.
Everything the disciplinarian does will be held in contempt by the children no matter how much that parent did for the children, they will maintain their stance of rebellion and contempt for the one who obeyed God in matters of discipline.
It is natural for an unregenerate heart to bend toward the parent who has little or no standard in the home. Sadly, this propensity to bend toward the disobedient parent remains in the mind and heart, even after the children are grown. They don't remember why they despised the parent who obeyed God, only that they didn't like them.
The instruction of the obedient parent toward God, is spurned continually by the children. After they are grown they continue to be contemptuous and dismissive of the obedient parent's counsel.
There is no solution to this mess after all is said and done, except to pray for the children to eventually confess their sin and become born again.
The moral of the story is this: Young people, study the Bible deeply and pray before choosing a mate and be sure that you both agree on God's standard, talk about it, read the Word together and discuss the plan of action that will be taken with children even before you begin to have them.
If one cannot discuss with their potential mate the important matters of the Word and raising children, then there should be no marriage. 80% of the battle in raising children is agreement on the methods, that it be done God's way.
The one who loves the Lord and desires to discipline God's way and consistently is continually met with anger on the part of the disobedient parent, causing contemptuous attitudes on the part of the children toward the parent who does discipline. Children watch how the disobedient parent treats the obedient one and emulates them, after all there is that natural bent toward rebellion, the one who is disobedient to God, will be the one the children will follow.
There is no solution to this problem, when a parent is lenient and inconsistent toward bad behavior, it is nearly impossible for the disciplinarian to have an impact. Little progress can be made in the heart of the rebellious child when one parent disobeys God, even when the other does obey Him.
The admonition here, is to be sure before one marries that both people agree on God's standard for raising children.
The consequences of a disobedient parent toward God's standard, who will not discipline, have lifelong consequences not only for the rebellious child but also a ruination of the relationship between the parent who obeys God and their children.
Everything the disciplinarian does will be held in contempt by the children no matter how much that parent did for the children, they will maintain their stance of rebellion and contempt for the one who obeyed God in matters of discipline.
It is natural for an unregenerate heart to bend toward the parent who has little or no standard in the home. Sadly, this propensity to bend toward the disobedient parent remains in the mind and heart, even after the children are grown. They don't remember why they despised the parent who obeyed God, only that they didn't like them.
The instruction of the obedient parent toward God, is spurned continually by the children. After they are grown they continue to be contemptuous and dismissive of the obedient parent's counsel.
There is no solution to this mess after all is said and done, except to pray for the children to eventually confess their sin and become born again.
The moral of the story is this: Young people, study the Bible deeply and pray before choosing a mate and be sure that you both agree on God's standard, talk about it, read the Word together and discuss the plan of action that will be taken with children even before you begin to have them.
If one cannot discuss with their potential mate the important matters of the Word and raising children, then there should be no marriage. 80% of the battle in raising children is agreement on the methods, that it be done God's way.
Israel Soon to be Saved
Romans 11:26
"and so all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, "THE DELIVERER WILL COME FROM ZION, HE WILL REMOVE UNGODLINESS FROM JACOB."
"and so all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, "THE DELIVERER WILL COME FROM ZION, HE WILL REMOVE UNGODLINESS FROM JACOB."
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Kent Hovind to be Released
Kent Hovind may be released, I am glad to hear this possibility. However, let us remember that he was guilty of a crime, even if the sentence was excessive for this sort of offense.
Many believers are defending him, as though it was all injustice that he went to jail. We can be sure there was some religious prejudice involved in the final decision in his sentencing, but the courts were not ultimately in control.
Let's not forget that God was still in control of all that happens to believer even if administered by unsaved people. We are told to follow the laws of our land, that is clear in the Word of God.
Romans 13:1-7 "1 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.
2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.
3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.
5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake.
6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.
7 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor."
God is likely to bring a greater discipline on those who belong to Him, when they are a public figure and have the ability to influence others to do as they do. I am sorry that he broke the law, I am not sorry about his sentence, that too was in God's hands.
I am however pleased that Hovind seemed repentant, said he would not repeat it again, that it was bad judgement and that he may be released soon.
I remember when the Bakers were doing their foolishness with the theme parks, believers were up in arms at the length of Jim Bakers sentence when he was arrested, declaring that it was excessive because he was a Christian, as though God was not in control of that either.
When an influential Christian defies the principles of God in a public way, then God deals very harshly with them for their negative influence in the church body.
James 3:1 "Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment."
Instead of whining about the sentence leveled against believers who have done wrong, we ought to be ashamed at the nasty taste it leaves in the mouths of unbelievers when those who call themselves by Christ's name smudge that name.
Remember too, if any of us go to jail unjustly, then we will know that it was God and that He had a purpose. Nothing escapes His notice or is out of His control. Even the Apostles went to jail unjustly, they sang praises in jail. We are free wherever we are if we are in Christ.
1 Peter 3:12-14 "12“FOR THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE TOWARD THE RIGHTEOUS,
AND HIS EARS ATTEND TO THEIR PRAYER,
BUT THE FACE OF THE LORD IS AGAINST THOSE WHO DO EVIL.”
13Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good?
14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED,
15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;
16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.
17 For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.
18 For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;
19 in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison,
20 who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water.
21 Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
22who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him."
Many believers are defending him, as though it was all injustice that he went to jail. We can be sure there was some religious prejudice involved in the final decision in his sentencing, but the courts were not ultimately in control.
Let's not forget that God was still in control of all that happens to believer even if administered by unsaved people. We are told to follow the laws of our land, that is clear in the Word of God.
Romans 13:1-7 "1 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.
2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.
3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.
5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake.
6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.
7 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor."
God is likely to bring a greater discipline on those who belong to Him, when they are a public figure and have the ability to influence others to do as they do. I am sorry that he broke the law, I am not sorry about his sentence, that too was in God's hands.
I am however pleased that Hovind seemed repentant, said he would not repeat it again, that it was bad judgement and that he may be released soon.
I remember when the Bakers were doing their foolishness with the theme parks, believers were up in arms at the length of Jim Bakers sentence when he was arrested, declaring that it was excessive because he was a Christian, as though God was not in control of that either.
When an influential Christian defies the principles of God in a public way, then God deals very harshly with them for their negative influence in the church body.
James 3:1 "Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment."
Instead of whining about the sentence leveled against believers who have done wrong, we ought to be ashamed at the nasty taste it leaves in the mouths of unbelievers when those who call themselves by Christ's name smudge that name.
Remember too, if any of us go to jail unjustly, then we will know that it was God and that He had a purpose. Nothing escapes His notice or is out of His control. Even the Apostles went to jail unjustly, they sang praises in jail. We are free wherever we are if we are in Christ.
1 Peter 3:12-14 "12“FOR THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE TOWARD THE RIGHTEOUS,
AND HIS EARS ATTEND TO THEIR PRAYER,
BUT THE FACE OF THE LORD IS AGAINST THOSE WHO DO EVIL.”
13Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good?
14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED,
15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;
16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.
17 For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.
18 For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;
19 in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison,
20 who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water.
21 Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
22who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him."
Saturday, May 16, 2015
Religious People
"Religious" people are very stubborn because they feel safe being religious and in control of their own destiny, or so they think. Even people who claim to be "Christian", are often "religious", they love their ritual and traditions refusing to let go of what is familiar to them even if the Bible says it is offensive to God.
The definition of "religion" is a system of rules, dos and don'ts that have little to do with true Christianity.
Those who have been born again are in love with the Savior, they care deeply what God wants.
The definition of "religion" is a system of rules, dos and don'ts that have little to do with true Christianity.
Those who have been born again are in love with the Savior, they care deeply what God wants.
Christ is the Door to All Things
When we say we believe Christ but negate much of what is in His word, not bothering to ask Him to show us truth, then we should admit that we really don't believe Christ, we merely mouth the words without an inkling of trust in our souls.
Trust will be evidenced in a desire to know the mind of Christ, to know His principles His way.
I remember those women's Bible studies I have attended many years ago as a new believer, something about them made me sick at my stomach. As I began to grow Spiritually and deeply seek the Word, I realized what made me so ill about those gatherings.
The leaders were telling their students to go home and read a passage of the Bible and come back next week to share "what that passage meant to them." I argued with the leader, adamantly, that we should be asking God to tell us what He meant by the passage, not read to make it fit our particular desires and hopes.
Of course in every case the teacher negated me, ignored me and one even asked me not to return to the study. Why was I so disliked? The answer was clear, most of the ladies were not interested in seeking God for His wisdom and truth, they wanted to make the Bible say what they liked, searching feverishly for the ooy-gooy feelings oriented message they wanted to hear.
I noticed that when I would tell them what God said and what He meant, they were not happy with that, they loved to share their own thoughts, it made them feel elevated, special and profound, when in fact they were sounding silly to anyone who knew what God was saying.
When we read the Word, our goal ought to be to seek God in prayer for the meaning, forgetting what the culture is teaching to find God's truth. Our culture is very wrong about many things in the Bible, we have been raised on a cultural Christianity for the past 70 years now. Once a culture gets something in their head, becomes comfortable with it, it is mighty hard to convince them of anything else no matter what the clear evidence.
If we are to understand God's Word, it is vital and necessary to pray before we read, desiring in our heart for God to give us the understanding. When we neglect this important step of seeking God, all we have to help us is our own mind that is full of the wrong that we were taught.
If we want to know truth we must be willing to let go of anything and everything we were taught to find God's truth. Telling God that we want only pure truth from His heart, only then will He open the doors of his mind to us.
John 10:9 ""I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture."
Christ is the only way to heaven and the door to everything else too.
Trust will be evidenced in a desire to know the mind of Christ, to know His principles His way.
I remember those women's Bible studies I have attended many years ago as a new believer, something about them made me sick at my stomach. As I began to grow Spiritually and deeply seek the Word, I realized what made me so ill about those gatherings.
The leaders were telling their students to go home and read a passage of the Bible and come back next week to share "what that passage meant to them." I argued with the leader, adamantly, that we should be asking God to tell us what He meant by the passage, not read to make it fit our particular desires and hopes.
Of course in every case the teacher negated me, ignored me and one even asked me not to return to the study. Why was I so disliked? The answer was clear, most of the ladies were not interested in seeking God for His wisdom and truth, they wanted to make the Bible say what they liked, searching feverishly for the ooy-gooy feelings oriented message they wanted to hear.
I noticed that when I would tell them what God said and what He meant, they were not happy with that, they loved to share their own thoughts, it made them feel elevated, special and profound, when in fact they were sounding silly to anyone who knew what God was saying.
When we read the Word, our goal ought to be to seek God in prayer for the meaning, forgetting what the culture is teaching to find God's truth. Our culture is very wrong about many things in the Bible, we have been raised on a cultural Christianity for the past 70 years now. Once a culture gets something in their head, becomes comfortable with it, it is mighty hard to convince them of anything else no matter what the clear evidence.
If we are to understand God's Word, it is vital and necessary to pray before we read, desiring in our heart for God to give us the understanding. When we neglect this important step of seeking God, all we have to help us is our own mind that is full of the wrong that we were taught.
If we want to know truth we must be willing to let go of anything and everything we were taught to find God's truth. Telling God that we want only pure truth from His heart, only then will He open the doors of his mind to us.
John 10:9 ""I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture."
Christ is the only way to heaven and the door to everything else too.
Friday, May 15, 2015
Happy Anniversary Darling!
Today my husband and I are celebrating our 44th wedding anniversary!
Happy Anniversary to my partner in life who has shared everything there is to share in this life, and in so short a time. How could we have packed "all that living" into just 44 years.
Would we have changed anything in those years....the popular answer for most would be "not one thing", that would be a lie for us. We have learned a lot and would have changed how we did things if we had been born again when we married. We would have lived very differently had we known the Lord in the beginning.
But we were not meant to change anything, we were meant to encounter all God had for us, for our learning. After becoming born again, everything we had to work through made us stronger, we could never have learned what we have if we had done everything perfectly. We would never have come to Christ if life had been easy for us.
We have had our easy times, they didn't do very much for us, it was the trials that taught the most. As we grew in the Lord the trials didn't disappear, we just had a different perspective about them. When we see illness, we see purpose, when we see a financial difficulty we see God's provision. Everything is interpreted now in terms of God's plan!
I am thankful for our marriage and all that it has brought, all the easy, good, happy and all the trials and challenges, we had to have it all, if we were going to grow.
Why should we take all the good and avoid the difficult? What makes us think that we can have life just as we please without hardships?
Job 2:10 "But he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?" In all this Job did not sin with his lips."
So the answer to the question, "has it been a good marriage" would be, yes, it has been a great marriage, not because things were always perfect and happy, but because we have experienced it all and come through it all, loving God more and ourselves less.
The challenge for first marriages is this....don't bail out, don't run when the going gets tough, stick it out, pray more, seek God more and never give up. In the later years it gets better, and you will be so thankful you will be counted with those who celebrate many years of marriage to the one and only person you committed to in the beginning.
Happy Anniversary to my partner in life who has shared everything there is to share in this life, and in so short a time. How could we have packed "all that living" into just 44 years.
Would we have changed anything in those years....the popular answer for most would be "not one thing", that would be a lie for us. We have learned a lot and would have changed how we did things if we had been born again when we married. We would have lived very differently had we known the Lord in the beginning.
But we were not meant to change anything, we were meant to encounter all God had for us, for our learning. After becoming born again, everything we had to work through made us stronger, we could never have learned what we have if we had done everything perfectly. We would never have come to Christ if life had been easy for us.
We have had our easy times, they didn't do very much for us, it was the trials that taught the most. As we grew in the Lord the trials didn't disappear, we just had a different perspective about them. When we see illness, we see purpose, when we see a financial difficulty we see God's provision. Everything is interpreted now in terms of God's plan!
I am thankful for our marriage and all that it has brought, all the easy, good, happy and all the trials and challenges, we had to have it all, if we were going to grow.
Why should we take all the good and avoid the difficult? What makes us think that we can have life just as we please without hardships?
Job 2:10 "But he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?" In all this Job did not sin with his lips."
So the answer to the question, "has it been a good marriage" would be, yes, it has been a great marriage, not because things were always perfect and happy, but because we have experienced it all and come through it all, loving God more and ourselves less.
The challenge for first marriages is this....don't bail out, don't run when the going gets tough, stick it out, pray more, seek God more and never give up. In the later years it gets better, and you will be so thankful you will be counted with those who celebrate many years of marriage to the one and only person you committed to in the beginning.
The Little Black Dot
I recently read a story about a speaker who was attempting to get a classroom of people to ponder the importance of particular subject. The speaker had a large white piece of paper on a board, in the middle of the white paper the speaker placed a tiny black dot. He asked various people in the audience, to tell him what they saw. Every person he asked said the same thing, they saw the black dot. The teacher admonished the crowd to consider that they had focused on one insignificant black dot and neglected to see all that white paper.
This story reminds me of the way many believers look at the bible, relationships and even situations in life. So often we judge a person by one tiny black dot while missing all the other aspects of that person's life. We dislike one thing about someone, and make that our assessment of them as a human being. Since they are not perfect, as we see perfect, we dismiss any other things that might be beneficial and even wonderful.
Sadly this shows a mentality of desire to dislike someone, more than a desire to understand them as a whole person. No one is only one little black dot, everyone has a bigger picture, but when we harbor jealousy, bitterness and determination to destroy in our hearts, we are not able to see the "white paper", we will only see the black dot, ironically enough we don't think we have a black dot or we would understand that no one is without a dot.
Some people are a black piece of paper with a white dot in the center, everyone knows people like that, all unbelievers are in this state because they have not been born again. However, even non-believers can be very nice people who do good works. My focus here is believers who are determined to judge the character of other believers based on one black dot.
When the focus is the one black dot, then we can see nothing else, leaving no room for loving acceptance in spite of frailties. Love overlooks personality flaws and idiosyncrasies. The only way we can love this way is if we understand that we have our own warts and flaws that others must endure.
Self righteousness is deadly among those who claim to be believers. It causes division and deep hurt, rather than fostering a search for truth together, the mentality is one of isolation from those who are perceived to be imperfect.
Sharing the truth with a believer should be an experience of seeking together to come to commonality in the Word. Often sharing is not loving, but mean and cruel and it is meant to squash and maime. The purpose of many people is to "win" rather than to share. Winning has no place in the heart of a believer, our goal ought to be to help one another come closer to truth ultimately glorifying God.
This story reminds me of the way many believers look at the bible, relationships and even situations in life. So often we judge a person by one tiny black dot while missing all the other aspects of that person's life. We dislike one thing about someone, and make that our assessment of them as a human being. Since they are not perfect, as we see perfect, we dismiss any other things that might be beneficial and even wonderful.
Sadly this shows a mentality of desire to dislike someone, more than a desire to understand them as a whole person. No one is only one little black dot, everyone has a bigger picture, but when we harbor jealousy, bitterness and determination to destroy in our hearts, we are not able to see the "white paper", we will only see the black dot, ironically enough we don't think we have a black dot or we would understand that no one is without a dot.
Some people are a black piece of paper with a white dot in the center, everyone knows people like that, all unbelievers are in this state because they have not been born again. However, even non-believers can be very nice people who do good works. My focus here is believers who are determined to judge the character of other believers based on one black dot.
When the focus is the one black dot, then we can see nothing else, leaving no room for loving acceptance in spite of frailties. Love overlooks personality flaws and idiosyncrasies. The only way we can love this way is if we understand that we have our own warts and flaws that others must endure.
Self righteousness is deadly among those who claim to be believers. It causes division and deep hurt, rather than fostering a search for truth together, the mentality is one of isolation from those who are perceived to be imperfect.
Sharing the truth with a believer should be an experience of seeking together to come to commonality in the Word. Often sharing is not loving, but mean and cruel and it is meant to squash and maime. The purpose of many people is to "win" rather than to share. Winning has no place in the heart of a believer, our goal ought to be to help one another come closer to truth ultimately glorifying God.
Christians Indulging in Paganism
Oh my goodness, I know Christians who are into "essential oils", natural medicine, natural foods and other things that come from paganistic practices.
This is only confirming what God has been telling me for some time. Believers are getting all caught up in this "earth worship", without realizing what they are doing.
This is only confirming what God has been telling me for some time. Believers are getting all caught up in this "earth worship", without realizing what they are doing.
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Controlling Types Do Not Love
Controlling types, love to judge others over things that do not matter or have no Biblical basis. They demand that we buckle under to their mandates, but will not bend at all to understand the thinking of anyone else. These people are what make up cults that focus on deeds and personal achievement while neglecting the weightier matters of inner spiritual character.
Kind, loving and giving believers are targets for these people. Since we have within us the desire to honor God in all our ways, we take the scripture very seriously that tells us to love our enemies.
What we neglect often, are the scriptures that instruct us to be bold, speak truth and stand firm when attempts are made to manipulate us into capitulating to the thinking of the self righteous ones, who love to elevate their status above anyone who will not bow to their whims.
When we evaluate all that is said to us, all that is done to us and all that pressures us, in light of the Word of God, we are free to reject teachings and people who would drag us into their false form of religion.
The only ONE who should be controlling us is Christ, all others may interject from God's Word, but they may not control us. If we are doing or saying things to please people who are attempting to intimidate us or control us then we need to re-evaluate our words and actions to come in line with God rather than man.
When we encounter a controller, we must never allow them to continue, we must stand up to them with the Word and reject the notion that they have the right to walk all over us.
We may have to be walked on at times by non-believers for the sake of the gospel, but we are called to correct a believer who has the propensity to use intimidation to control others.
A truly loving believer will not bludgeon another brother or sister, they will share, correct even rebuke, but they will not manipulate or intimidate with covert threats to repress forcibly the heart of another human being.
Anyone can intimidate someone else into doing what they want them to, but that does not change their heart. When we rebuke and even withdraw from a person who will not stop sinning, we are merely doing what God commanded us to do, it is not of our own flesh, but under God's direction. He will see to the effects in someone's life. We are not to deliberately treat someone in a mean way simply because they disagree with us about a non-salvation issue.
Colossians 2:16 "Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:"
There are many believers fighting over things that don't matter, they will use hateful language to hurt the hearer. There is no need for mean language or elevated voices when we are sharing, the only purpose for these things is to beat a person down to make them feel small, dishonored and disrespected. It is deliberate on the part of mean spirited hearts that feel a need to be elevated by bringing down others.
We must be direct and factual, the goal is to inform, not to destroy another human being.
Kind, loving and giving believers are targets for these people. Since we have within us the desire to honor God in all our ways, we take the scripture very seriously that tells us to love our enemies.
What we neglect often, are the scriptures that instruct us to be bold, speak truth and stand firm when attempts are made to manipulate us into capitulating to the thinking of the self righteous ones, who love to elevate their status above anyone who will not bow to their whims.
When we evaluate all that is said to us, all that is done to us and all that pressures us, in light of the Word of God, we are free to reject teachings and people who would drag us into their false form of religion.
The only ONE who should be controlling us is Christ, all others may interject from God's Word, but they may not control us. If we are doing or saying things to please people who are attempting to intimidate us or control us then we need to re-evaluate our words and actions to come in line with God rather than man.
When we encounter a controller, we must never allow them to continue, we must stand up to them with the Word and reject the notion that they have the right to walk all over us.
We may have to be walked on at times by non-believers for the sake of the gospel, but we are called to correct a believer who has the propensity to use intimidation to control others.
A truly loving believer will not bludgeon another brother or sister, they will share, correct even rebuke, but they will not manipulate or intimidate with covert threats to repress forcibly the heart of another human being.
Anyone can intimidate someone else into doing what they want them to, but that does not change their heart. When we rebuke and even withdraw from a person who will not stop sinning, we are merely doing what God commanded us to do, it is not of our own flesh, but under God's direction. He will see to the effects in someone's life. We are not to deliberately treat someone in a mean way simply because they disagree with us about a non-salvation issue.
Colossians 2:16 "Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:"
There are many believers fighting over things that don't matter, they will use hateful language to hurt the hearer. There is no need for mean language or elevated voices when we are sharing, the only purpose for these things is to beat a person down to make them feel small, dishonored and disrespected. It is deliberate on the part of mean spirited hearts that feel a need to be elevated by bringing down others.
We must be direct and factual, the goal is to inform, not to destroy another human being.
Pretenders Are in the Gathering!
God will not change those who only want His "stuff." He only changes those who are broken and desire to be changed by Him into a new creation.
When I became saved I fell to my knees in deep sorrow over my sinfulness and never wanted to return to it. Each sinful thought after that was met with conviction and cleansing. I began to develop a love for the Word of God, while desiring the fellowship of godly believers.
Everyone who becomes born again must come to Christ the same way, in deep sorrow over their sinfulness with a desire to be cleansed by Christ. After that there should be a hunger to know God better, a ravenous appetite for the Word of God, wisdom and prayer. There should also be a love for the Brethren that is greater than any love we have for anyone else.
1 John 3:14 "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death."
Psalm 51:17 "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."
Anyone who comes to God without brokenness over their sinfulness was never born again. If they joined a church club, enjoyed the antics and programs, said the words they were told to say without conviction about them, were merely entering into a superficial dead experience that did not save them. They were given a false security based on feelings and pleasure.
A person who entered the church gathering this way will only dilute the gathering, feeling safe, they will not add to the strength of the worship, unless they learn the true way of salvation and become born again. Without correction and challenge they will remain superficial and even regress as time goes on, they will become weary of the pretense and return to their vomit.
Proverbs 26:11 "As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly."
Those who have been born again through repentance and cleansing by Christ, not only continue with Him, but grow stronger and bolder as time goes on.
Those who are pretenders will become hostile the first time they are confronted, many church goers know this deep in their heart, wanting them to stay, they neglect the test that is necessary to weed out the goats from the sheep. That test being a challenge to everything that is not Biblical.
Pretenders do not love the Brethren, they join he gathering to get for themselves without concern for anyone else in the body. Their main objective is to be accepted as they are, while harming anyone in the body who threatens their elevated view of themselves.
Unfortunately many pretenders are never challenged, they remain in the church gathering to influence weak and new believers.
1 Corinthians 15:33 "Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals."
1 Thessalonians 5;21 "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good."
Want to discern the character of a pretender? Simply correct them when they bring bad theology or attitudes and watch what comes out, this will give you strong clues. A true believer will welcome a challenge, go home to seek the Word to find the answer while praying. The true believer does not become offended by a challenge because they are only interested in truth, they are not the focus of the challenge, truth is and they desire that.
The pretenders often becomes hostile and vengeful when challenged, even attacking the one who brought truth. Pretenders must maintain their elevated view of themselves through attacks on the believer. Truth is not very important to them, only their appearance, what looks superficially good is all the pretender cares about.
The pretender will run from a challenge and even destroy the reputation of the believer who confronted them, to discredit them. When they have sufficiently managed to polarize believers in the church, they have a sense of victory, they remain in their prideful and sinful stance while glorying over the division they created. They care nothing of the spiritual health of their brothers and sisters, but care deeply about their desire to remain sinful and still be accepted.
It takes time to get to know these people, they tend to hide until they are caught, watch their language, their actions and attitudes, over time it will become evident who the pretender is, they cannot hide or pretend forever, eventually their real selves will emerge, sadly by then, they will have managed to bludgeon and discredit true believers ruining any influence the godly man or woman may have had to help brothers and sisters to grow spiritually.
Most of our churches are in this condition, besides the unBiblical nature of the gathering, there is a large smattering of pretenders who keep the gathering impotent through the fear of offending the pretender.
Pretenders cause trouble, through drama, bad influence on new and baby believers while maligning the reputation of those who are deeply committed to love for God and His principles and commands.
Many godly believers are leaving the organized apostate church because they are feeling a dearth of proper and convicting preaching while spending far too much time rebuking sin and bad theology. I have known several cases where godly loving people were asked to leave a church because the unBiblical leadership refused to hear a correction or rebuke.
Amos 8:11 "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:"
The solution: For the pretenders to become born again and for the believers to boldly speak truth and moving on when no one will listen while never neglecting to seek God no matter who comes against us.
I would rather be pleasing to God, than loved by every man.
Proverbs 29:25 "The fear of man brings a snare, But he who trusts in the LORD will be exalted."
When I became saved I fell to my knees in deep sorrow over my sinfulness and never wanted to return to it. Each sinful thought after that was met with conviction and cleansing. I began to develop a love for the Word of God, while desiring the fellowship of godly believers.
Everyone who becomes born again must come to Christ the same way, in deep sorrow over their sinfulness with a desire to be cleansed by Christ. After that there should be a hunger to know God better, a ravenous appetite for the Word of God, wisdom and prayer. There should also be a love for the Brethren that is greater than any love we have for anyone else.
1 John 3:14 "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death."
Psalm 51:17 "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."
Anyone who comes to God without brokenness over their sinfulness was never born again. If they joined a church club, enjoyed the antics and programs, said the words they were told to say without conviction about them, were merely entering into a superficial dead experience that did not save them. They were given a false security based on feelings and pleasure.
A person who entered the church gathering this way will only dilute the gathering, feeling safe, they will not add to the strength of the worship, unless they learn the true way of salvation and become born again. Without correction and challenge they will remain superficial and even regress as time goes on, they will become weary of the pretense and return to their vomit.
Proverbs 26:11 "As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly."
Those who have been born again through repentance and cleansing by Christ, not only continue with Him, but grow stronger and bolder as time goes on.
Those who are pretenders will become hostile the first time they are confronted, many church goers know this deep in their heart, wanting them to stay, they neglect the test that is necessary to weed out the goats from the sheep. That test being a challenge to everything that is not Biblical.
Pretenders do not love the Brethren, they join he gathering to get for themselves without concern for anyone else in the body. Their main objective is to be accepted as they are, while harming anyone in the body who threatens their elevated view of themselves.
Unfortunately many pretenders are never challenged, they remain in the church gathering to influence weak and new believers.
1 Corinthians 15:33 "Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals."
1 Thessalonians 5;21 "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good."
Want to discern the character of a pretender? Simply correct them when they bring bad theology or attitudes and watch what comes out, this will give you strong clues. A true believer will welcome a challenge, go home to seek the Word to find the answer while praying. The true believer does not become offended by a challenge because they are only interested in truth, they are not the focus of the challenge, truth is and they desire that.
The pretenders often becomes hostile and vengeful when challenged, even attacking the one who brought truth. Pretenders must maintain their elevated view of themselves through attacks on the believer. Truth is not very important to them, only their appearance, what looks superficially good is all the pretender cares about.
The pretender will run from a challenge and even destroy the reputation of the believer who confronted them, to discredit them. When they have sufficiently managed to polarize believers in the church, they have a sense of victory, they remain in their prideful and sinful stance while glorying over the division they created. They care nothing of the spiritual health of their brothers and sisters, but care deeply about their desire to remain sinful and still be accepted.
It takes time to get to know these people, they tend to hide until they are caught, watch their language, their actions and attitudes, over time it will become evident who the pretender is, they cannot hide or pretend forever, eventually their real selves will emerge, sadly by then, they will have managed to bludgeon and discredit true believers ruining any influence the godly man or woman may have had to help brothers and sisters to grow spiritually.
Most of our churches are in this condition, besides the unBiblical nature of the gathering, there is a large smattering of pretenders who keep the gathering impotent through the fear of offending the pretender.
Pretenders cause trouble, through drama, bad influence on new and baby believers while maligning the reputation of those who are deeply committed to love for God and His principles and commands.
Many godly believers are leaving the organized apostate church because they are feeling a dearth of proper and convicting preaching while spending far too much time rebuking sin and bad theology. I have known several cases where godly loving people were asked to leave a church because the unBiblical leadership refused to hear a correction or rebuke.
Amos 8:11 "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:"
The solution: For the pretenders to become born again and for the believers to boldly speak truth and moving on when no one will listen while never neglecting to seek God no matter who comes against us.
I would rather be pleasing to God, than loved by every man.
Proverbs 29:25 "The fear of man brings a snare, But he who trusts in the LORD will be exalted."
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