Just a few little tidbits of advice for those of you who may be thinking of getting involved in a new relationship with a "significant other". Much of this has been borne out of experience and the school of hard knocks. Hope it helps...
If you're "interested" in this person, the first thing out of your mouth should be "Are you born-again?" If that is a negative, or they give you a quizical "I don't know what you mean?" look, then ALL STOP!!
Remember, if your new relationship isn't helping you know or serve God better, then that should be your first clue that it isn't in His Will.
When you're out on a date, are you being you? Or, are you trying to be something other than you, for them? Do you feel comfortable, welcome, respected for who you are and what you believe? Or, are you constantly being challenged to be something else, or think another way? And if you're being challenged, is it a challenge to know God more and deeper, to serve Him more fully?
Don't even remotely consider getting "serious" until you know how serious they are about following Christ.
Avoid physical affection and any talk involving sexual matters. This will only cloud your vision and deafen your ears to the Holy Spirit. Keep it pure and keep it focused on spiritual matters.
Ask them what their favorite books, movies, songs and artists are...what were the most significant or moving events they've experienced? This can give you a clue as to what their interests and motivations are.
Bring them on dates with your good and close friends. How do they react around them? Are they accepting or critical? Of course, this is assuming those close friends are also Godly friends. If they're not, then your new significant other may be speaking God's truth to you about them. Again...listen up!
Discern the spirit of your new friend...pray for a word of wisdom or knowledge about this new relationship and LISTEN for the answer.
Ask them to pray with you and listen to their prayers...they can say a lot about someones level of maturity in Christ.
Take them on a "date" to the local soup kitchen and watch how they move around and react to those your serving.
Ask them about their parents...are they believers, where are they from, how is their relationship with their parents. Great clues here on their foundational training in spiritual matters and a hint, perhaps, of any "other" spiritual attachments that might be present.
Bring them to visit with your parents (or a more mature friend/leader if your parents are not available). Then, after they are gone, ask your parents or leader for their honest feedback....and listen!
Before you share your personal call/vision from God, ask them about their calling...where do they see God leading them? Is it the same or a similar calling/direction as your's? Its important to ask before you share, lest they simply parrot your description to appease you.
Pray...pour yourself into His service...He'll bring someone "alongside", moving in the same direction...same speed...same vision.
It can and should happen naturally via His supernatural providence. Don't try to force it and end up moving ahead of the Holy Spirit and out from under His grace.
God bless you in all your relationships!
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
The Sword, the Truth and the Cross
"Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword." (Matt 26:52)
While I served 20 years in the U.S. Navy, achieving the rank of Chief, I came to the realization that what I thought I was fighting for was a lie. I'm now convinced, more than ever, that IN THIS WORLD, under the rule of Lucifer, the father of lies, there are few, if any, legitimate reasons for war and violence.
The trail of facts I examined over a 3 year in-depth study of 9/11 lead me to a further and deeper examination of modern warfare since WW I. I am convinced that most of our wars were wars of aggression, power and profit...not for liberty, not for democracy and freedom, slavery or terrorism. Most of those reasons were manufactured "excuses" to produce public sympathy and support and ensure a steady stream of recruits ready to enlist into the cause.
I'm not a pacifist. But, I will never own a gun, except perhaps for hunting (should I ever move to the country). Would I ever use a gun in the defense of my family, if I had one? The logic and reason are there to use it in defense of the innocent, for certain. But, is that the Way Of Christ? I'm not certain of that.
Again...I'm not a pacifist. However, I am no longer enlisted in service to man or man's ideals. I am a soldier in the Lord's Service and we wait patiently for the day when we will be called alongside our Captain to rid the world, once and for all, of the REAL evil that has been permitted to rule this world for a time. In the meanwhile I fight the good fight here on earth, not with guns or other weapons of human warfare...but, with truth and love.
In the end, we all will stand before Christ at the Judgment Seat to give account for our lives and our decisions and the actions stemming from our beliefs. It is vital that we be convinced in our own mind (Rom 14:5). I my view, that means carefully and thoroughly examining the facts given us, by the media, by our government, and from other sources. It means not allowing our patriotism or loyalties to a service to dissuade us or color those facts. We must courageously follow the facts to their ultimate conclusion. In my efforts to follow those facts, I came to the conclusion that powers far above and beyond our government and hidden behind multiple layers of "plausible deniability" were controlling our government, our media and our military, and I could no longer be a part of it.
As Romans 14:4 commands, I don't judge those who choose to enlist, or reenlist in military service. But, I do challenge them to examine their motives and carefully examine the facts about why we are at war. I pray for them, for their protection and for their enlightenment and awakening to the truth. In the end, it is my firm belief, that no one having examined the facts can believe in war...at least, not without suspension of belief.
I pray you will be courageous in your search for truth and follow it for the Lord's sake.
God bless you!
While I served 20 years in the U.S. Navy, achieving the rank of Chief, I came to the realization that what I thought I was fighting for was a lie. I'm now convinced, more than ever, that IN THIS WORLD, under the rule of Lucifer, the father of lies, there are few, if any, legitimate reasons for war and violence.
The trail of facts I examined over a 3 year in-depth study of 9/11 lead me to a further and deeper examination of modern warfare since WW I. I am convinced that most of our wars were wars of aggression, power and profit...not for liberty, not for democracy and freedom, slavery or terrorism. Most of those reasons were manufactured "excuses" to produce public sympathy and support and ensure a steady stream of recruits ready to enlist into the cause.
I'm not a pacifist. But, I will never own a gun, except perhaps for hunting (should I ever move to the country). Would I ever use a gun in the defense of my family, if I had one? The logic and reason are there to use it in defense of the innocent, for certain. But, is that the Way Of Christ? I'm not certain of that.
Again...I'm not a pacifist. However, I am no longer enlisted in service to man or man's ideals. I am a soldier in the Lord's Service and we wait patiently for the day when we will be called alongside our Captain to rid the world, once and for all, of the REAL evil that has been permitted to rule this world for a time. In the meanwhile I fight the good fight here on earth, not with guns or other weapons of human warfare...but, with truth and love.
In the end, we all will stand before Christ at the Judgment Seat to give account for our lives and our decisions and the actions stemming from our beliefs. It is vital that we be convinced in our own mind (Rom 14:5). I my view, that means carefully and thoroughly examining the facts given us, by the media, by our government, and from other sources. It means not allowing our patriotism or loyalties to a service to dissuade us or color those facts. We must courageously follow the facts to their ultimate conclusion. In my efforts to follow those facts, I came to the conclusion that powers far above and beyond our government and hidden behind multiple layers of "plausible deniability" were controlling our government, our media and our military, and I could no longer be a part of it.
As Romans 14:4 commands, I don't judge those who choose to enlist, or reenlist in military service. But, I do challenge them to examine their motives and carefully examine the facts about why we are at war. I pray for them, for their protection and for their enlightenment and awakening to the truth. In the end, it is my firm belief, that no one having examined the facts can believe in war...at least, not without suspension of belief.
I pray you will be courageous in your search for truth and follow it for the Lord's sake.
God bless you!
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Replacement Theology & The Zionist State of Israel
Jeremiah 31:31-34
“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the Lord. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”
Heb10:16
"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds,”
Luke 22:20
"And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood."
Matthew 21:42-44
1 Cor 11:25
"In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.'”
Hebrews 8:6-8
"But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second. For he finds fault with them when he says: “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah,..."
Hebrews 8:13
"In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away."
Hebrews 9:11-15
"But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant."
Rom 7:6
"But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code."
Romans 2:28-29
"For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God."
Romans 4:16
"Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all."
2 Cor 3:6
"Who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life."
Gal 3:7-8
"Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham. The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, 'ALL THE NATIONS WILL BE BLESSED IN YOU.'…"
As I read Scripture, God has clearly put an end to the Old Covenant with Abraham, based upon the law and His unilateral efforts on Abraham's behalf; and established a New Covenant with His people thru Christ based on His "finished" work via the cross, His death and resurrection.
What is "Israel"?? Who or what is the "Apple of God's Eye"?
There is a lot of talk today about the State of Israel and its efforts to "maintain its borders" as outlined in the promises to Abraham and as garnered in the golden age of David and Solomon. And there are believers who support Israel at every turn, no matter the cost to its neighbors, in particular the Palestinians. They quote the scriptures that God will bless those that bless Israel, and condemn any criticism of Israel and its political dealings (Gen 12:3).
What is a believer to do when the State of Israel practices policies that can only be described as akin to S. African apartheid methods. That treat non-Jewish people as 2nd class citizens or worse? Do we "bless" that??
First of all we need to address the oft' cited critique of pro-Israeli believers that any criticism and any hint that the "apple of God's eye" is more than Israel, comes from a heretical belief in "Replacement" theology.
What is that exactly?
From what I can gather, Replacement Theology is criticized for attempting to replace Israel with the Church and to apply the blessings and promises of Israel to the Church, leaving the nation of Israel bereft and inconsequential.
Those supporting Israel see the nation of Israel as somehow "exceptional" in God's eyes and to be blessed and prayed for in support, no matter what they do...lest we become the target of God's wrath
Is there a better more balanced biblical view? I think so.
In my view of Scripture, the Church is the Bride of Christ. Jews were used by God to bring us the Law, Prophetic and Historical Scriptures and Jesus, thru the Jewish line. They are an example for us and a precursor or shadow of the reality fully revealed in Christ and the Holy Spirit. The Church...in particular the Gentile Church...is that new branch grafted into Israel, by faith in Christ, which is that same faith revealed in Abraham. But, Israel is NOT the root....Jesus is...and ALWAYS has been.
We all, Jew and Gentile believers alike, are branches grafted into the ONE ROOT, which is Jesus, the Christ. The Jews, for a little while, have been pruned off that root, as unfruitful and having rejected Jesus. But, they will be re-grafted back into the root of Jesse at the time of the end, when the veil that presently prevents them from seeing Christ as Messiah, will be removed and a remnant of Israel will be saved. But, they will NOT be saved as a separate part of the Church. They will be part of the Church, part of the Bride and no better and no less in God's sighte than Gentile believers.
Let us also look at the historical background of the present day nation of Israel. Is it a nation born of God and blessed by Him as somehow representative of the Kingdom of God? I don't see how anyone appraised of the news and understanding what the nation of Israel is doing to the Palestinians that can believe that.
Clearly, God has had His hand in re-establishing the nation of Israel as part of His prophetic word and part of His ultimate end-times plan for the redemption of Mankind. Just because God had a hand in re-establishing the nation of Israel, does NOT, then, mean that He has blessed all that Israel does. That's like saying that God clearly blessed and favored Babylon or Assyria or even the Nazis, because they were given power and rule over His people for a short while.
The modern "State" of Israel has its roots in what is called the Zionist Movement...a powerful and influential political and economic entity that has more than establishing the state of Israel as its goal. Its ultimate goal is the establishment of the State of Israel as THE center of an all-encompassing, global world government, and will stop at nothing to establish it. One of the best examinations of this "cult" of Zionism was produced by Leonard Ulrich and I recommend taking the time to view his thorough documentary at...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HL6v8nzFiUk
You will need to view this documentary more than once to truly soak in the facts about Zionism and the New World Order schemes. But, understand this, if nothing else...there is a vast difference between Judaism and Jews and Zionism and Zionists. One was established by God and will remain. The other is a worldly concoction of extremists who have an appointed purpose in God's end-time plan...but, they will not survive the coming Judgment.
Zionism, in my view, is akin to Ishmael. It is man's attempt to usher in promises and the Kingdom of God, apart from Jesus, apart from truth, and utilizing every weapon of the world. It is doomed to fail, as it must inevitably be seized upon by Antichrist, deceived into believing that he is Messiah. It will come up against the True Kingdom of God in Christ and against His Church, His Bride and the Bridegroom when He returns in glory and as King to wipe out the antichrist and its ilk.
The State of Israel will never become what it hopes to become until it bends the knee to its true Messiah. But, first, they must fall into the pit that the Antichrist is digging for it and bend the knee to a false Christ. These things MUST happen before the end and the Return of THE KING. And this is why God has "allowed" Zionism to come into being and for the nation-state of Israel to be re-established; not because they are holy and set apart...but, because they must fulfill His plan, falling to their ultimate depths in order to be able to look up and see their true salvation in Christ.
By all means, pray for the people of the modern state of Israel. But, not for it's peace so much as for it's salvation. They are LOST without Christ, no matter how secure their borders may be. And that goes for every nation on earth.
Stop worshipping and serving the flags of the world. There is only one banner true followers of Jesus raise...the banner of love. There is only one King we serve...Jesus is His name. There is only one country we long for...and it has yet to be revealed.
“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the Lord. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”
Heb10:16
"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds,”
Luke 22:20
"And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood."
Matthew 21:42-44
1 Cor 11:25
"In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.'”
Hebrews 8:6-8
"But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second. For he finds fault with them when he says: “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah,..."
Hebrews 8:13
"In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away."
Hebrews 9:11-15
"But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant."
Rom 7:6
"But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code."
Romans 2:28-29
"For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God."
Romans 4:16
"Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all."
2 Cor 3:6
"Who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life."
Gal 3:7-8
"Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham. The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, 'ALL THE NATIONS WILL BE BLESSED IN YOU.'…"
As I read Scripture, God has clearly put an end to the Old Covenant with Abraham, based upon the law and His unilateral efforts on Abraham's behalf; and established a New Covenant with His people thru Christ based on His "finished" work via the cross, His death and resurrection.
What is "Israel"?? Who or what is the "Apple of God's Eye"?
There is a lot of talk today about the State of Israel and its efforts to "maintain its borders" as outlined in the promises to Abraham and as garnered in the golden age of David and Solomon. And there are believers who support Israel at every turn, no matter the cost to its neighbors, in particular the Palestinians. They quote the scriptures that God will bless those that bless Israel, and condemn any criticism of Israel and its political dealings (Gen 12:3).
What is a believer to do when the State of Israel practices policies that can only be described as akin to S. African apartheid methods. That treat non-Jewish people as 2nd class citizens or worse? Do we "bless" that??
First of all we need to address the oft' cited critique of pro-Israeli believers that any criticism and any hint that the "apple of God's eye" is more than Israel, comes from a heretical belief in "Replacement" theology.
What is that exactly?
From what I can gather, Replacement Theology is criticized for attempting to replace Israel with the Church and to apply the blessings and promises of Israel to the Church, leaving the nation of Israel bereft and inconsequential.
Those supporting Israel see the nation of Israel as somehow "exceptional" in God's eyes and to be blessed and prayed for in support, no matter what they do...lest we become the target of God's wrath
Is there a better more balanced biblical view? I think so.
In my view of Scripture, the Church is the Bride of Christ. Jews were used by God to bring us the Law, Prophetic and Historical Scriptures and Jesus, thru the Jewish line. They are an example for us and a precursor or shadow of the reality fully revealed in Christ and the Holy Spirit. The Church...in particular the Gentile Church...is that new branch grafted into Israel, by faith in Christ, which is that same faith revealed in Abraham. But, Israel is NOT the root....Jesus is...and ALWAYS has been.
We all, Jew and Gentile believers alike, are branches grafted into the ONE ROOT, which is Jesus, the Christ. The Jews, for a little while, have been pruned off that root, as unfruitful and having rejected Jesus. But, they will be re-grafted back into the root of Jesse at the time of the end, when the veil that presently prevents them from seeing Christ as Messiah, will be removed and a remnant of Israel will be saved. But, they will NOT be saved as a separate part of the Church. They will be part of the Church, part of the Bride and no better and no less in God's sighte than Gentile believers.
Let us also look at the historical background of the present day nation of Israel. Is it a nation born of God and blessed by Him as somehow representative of the Kingdom of God? I don't see how anyone appraised of the news and understanding what the nation of Israel is doing to the Palestinians that can believe that.
Clearly, God has had His hand in re-establishing the nation of Israel as part of His prophetic word and part of His ultimate end-times plan for the redemption of Mankind. Just because God had a hand in re-establishing the nation of Israel, does NOT, then, mean that He has blessed all that Israel does. That's like saying that God clearly blessed and favored Babylon or Assyria or even the Nazis, because they were given power and rule over His people for a short while.
The modern "State" of Israel has its roots in what is called the Zionist Movement...a powerful and influential political and economic entity that has more than establishing the state of Israel as its goal. Its ultimate goal is the establishment of the State of Israel as THE center of an all-encompassing, global world government, and will stop at nothing to establish it. One of the best examinations of this "cult" of Zionism was produced by Leonard Ulrich and I recommend taking the time to view his thorough documentary at...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HL6v8nzFiUk
You will need to view this documentary more than once to truly soak in the facts about Zionism and the New World Order schemes. But, understand this, if nothing else...there is a vast difference between Judaism and Jews and Zionism and Zionists. One was established by God and will remain. The other is a worldly concoction of extremists who have an appointed purpose in God's end-time plan...but, they will not survive the coming Judgment.
Zionism, in my view, is akin to Ishmael. It is man's attempt to usher in promises and the Kingdom of God, apart from Jesus, apart from truth, and utilizing every weapon of the world. It is doomed to fail, as it must inevitably be seized upon by Antichrist, deceived into believing that he is Messiah. It will come up against the True Kingdom of God in Christ and against His Church, His Bride and the Bridegroom when He returns in glory and as King to wipe out the antichrist and its ilk.
The State of Israel will never become what it hopes to become until it bends the knee to its true Messiah. But, first, they must fall into the pit that the Antichrist is digging for it and bend the knee to a false Christ. These things MUST happen before the end and the Return of THE KING. And this is why God has "allowed" Zionism to come into being and for the nation-state of Israel to be re-established; not because they are holy and set apart...but, because they must fulfill His plan, falling to their ultimate depths in order to be able to look up and see their true salvation in Christ.
By all means, pray for the people of the modern state of Israel. But, not for it's peace so much as for it's salvation. They are LOST without Christ, no matter how secure their borders may be. And that goes for every nation on earth.
Stop worshipping and serving the flags of the world. There is only one banner true followers of Jesus raise...the banner of love. There is only one King we serve...Jesus is His name. There is only one country we long for...and it has yet to be revealed.
Monday, January 19, 2015
Yoga, Martial Arts, Fitness and The Way of Christ
Is there room for the disciplines of yoga or mixed martial arts in the Christian life? Is it OK for believers to spend hours upon hours perfecting the human form? Many would point to Paul's warnings not to destroy the temple of your body (1 Cor. 3:16-17). But, in context, was Paul really talking about taking good physical care of your body? Or, was He more concerned with allowing our flesh to be caught up in practices that are spiritually harmful?
My take is this....what are you in it for? Is it simply to be fit? Then, fine.
Are you dabbling into the Eastern spiritual aspects of your physical discipline? Be careful!! Christ and the Holy Spirit do not make room for "other" spirits.
Are you seeking some notion of physical perfection or the "rush" of adrenaline and endorphins. Again, be careful, as this can become addictive and rule your life. As Paul warned us, all things are lawful, but not all things are expedient...let us not be ruled by anything (1 Cor. 6:12-13). Even a desire to be healthy can become an addiction that controls us and monopolizes precious time.
Are you thinking that being a "fit" Christian makes you a better Christian? Again, be careful there. There is a growing notion that being a "muscular" Christian somehow enhances your ministry or testimony. But, does it, really? As Paul would warn the Galatians...having begun in the spirit are you now perfected in the flesh? (Gal 3:3)
I believe that life needs balance. But, if we are to err, let us err in our devotion to the things of God....scripture, prayer, fellowship, loving compassion, the fruit of the spirit....not on how far or fast we can run, how many push-ups we can do or how many rounds we can go.
What I see in many instances is an overt enthusiasm for exercise and physical discipline at the expense of building up spiritual muscle and spiritual awareness and skill. And often it can lead to a boastful, even arrogant disregard for those brethren that do not "take their fitness seriously" (Jn 8:15)
We are even at a point where bloody, pugilistic battles in the Octagon are being brought into the church as some sort of lesson in spiritual warfare.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nFFpjEIRgA
While I believe Christians can and should be more concerned about their health and reduce their intake of harmful substances, as well as engage in a moderate amount of exercise that will help them stay fit and better able to work for Christ. I am concerned at the number of hours spent by some on the physical enhancement, compared with the time they take developing the fruit of the spirit and learning to use the spiritual weapons of warfare that God has stated we NEED to endure and to fight for Him in this world.
Please understand that I'm not judging those of you engaged in exercise or sports. Lord knows I could stand to lose a few pounds and develop my cardio a bit better. And for some, it is their career and, as such, takes up a significant amount of their time. All I'm saying is examine your life, weigh it carefully and ask God to tell you if He thinks there is an imbalance. And after you ask, take the time to LISTEN for His answer.
Examine your devotion to fitness in light of Scripture and recall Paul's words to Timothy..."discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." (1 Tim 4:7b-8). If "bodily discipline is only of little profit", then is it wise to spend more time on it than we do in prayer, bible study, and ministering to the needy?
When we stand before Christ at the Judgment Seat, is He going to have a weight scale, calipers and a fitness test? I think not. So then, let us make sure we're prepared for that ultimate "Spiritual" Fitness Test and be sure to spend our time wisely...on those things that will, indeed, be weighed in the balance at the Judgment Seat of Christ and be counted as gold, silver and precious things of God (1st Cor. 3:12-15).
My take is this....what are you in it for? Is it simply to be fit? Then, fine.
Are you dabbling into the Eastern spiritual aspects of your physical discipline? Be careful!! Christ and the Holy Spirit do not make room for "other" spirits.
Are you seeking some notion of physical perfection or the "rush" of adrenaline and endorphins. Again, be careful, as this can become addictive and rule your life. As Paul warned us, all things are lawful, but not all things are expedient...let us not be ruled by anything (1 Cor. 6:12-13). Even a desire to be healthy can become an addiction that controls us and monopolizes precious time.
Are you thinking that being a "fit" Christian makes you a better Christian? Again, be careful there. There is a growing notion that being a "muscular" Christian somehow enhances your ministry or testimony. But, does it, really? As Paul would warn the Galatians...having begun in the spirit are you now perfected in the flesh? (Gal 3:3)
I believe that life needs balance. But, if we are to err, let us err in our devotion to the things of God....scripture, prayer, fellowship, loving compassion, the fruit of the spirit....not on how far or fast we can run, how many push-ups we can do or how many rounds we can go.
What I see in many instances is an overt enthusiasm for exercise and physical discipline at the expense of building up spiritual muscle and spiritual awareness and skill. And often it can lead to a boastful, even arrogant disregard for those brethren that do not "take their fitness seriously" (Jn 8:15)
We are even at a point where bloody, pugilistic battles in the Octagon are being brought into the church as some sort of lesson in spiritual warfare.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nFFpjEIRgA
While I believe Christians can and should be more concerned about their health and reduce their intake of harmful substances, as well as engage in a moderate amount of exercise that will help them stay fit and better able to work for Christ. I am concerned at the number of hours spent by some on the physical enhancement, compared with the time they take developing the fruit of the spirit and learning to use the spiritual weapons of warfare that God has stated we NEED to endure and to fight for Him in this world.
Please understand that I'm not judging those of you engaged in exercise or sports. Lord knows I could stand to lose a few pounds and develop my cardio a bit better. And for some, it is their career and, as such, takes up a significant amount of their time. All I'm saying is examine your life, weigh it carefully and ask God to tell you if He thinks there is an imbalance. And after you ask, take the time to LISTEN for His answer.
Examine your devotion to fitness in light of Scripture and recall Paul's words to Timothy..."discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." (1 Tim 4:7b-8). If "bodily discipline is only of little profit", then is it wise to spend more time on it than we do in prayer, bible study, and ministering to the needy?
When we stand before Christ at the Judgment Seat, is He going to have a weight scale, calipers and a fitness test? I think not. So then, let us make sure we're prepared for that ultimate "Spiritual" Fitness Test and be sure to spend our time wisely...on those things that will, indeed, be weighed in the balance at the Judgment Seat of Christ and be counted as gold, silver and precious things of God (1st Cor. 3:12-15).
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
A Gift For All -- Received By Few
Have you ever had a gift you took great pains to save for, locate and gift-wrap, making sure it was perfect for that loved one? Then, have it either rejected, or casually put aside with a polite "Thanks", that really meant "No thanks"? If you have, then you know the pain, disappointment, and hurt that brings to you, the giver.
Would it surprise you to learn that many have done that very thing with the greatest gift of all presented to them by the greatest Giver of Gifts?
While most folks at this time of the year are focused on the Nativity and the birth of Jesus, I'd like to put forward that God's true "gift" was presented on that Christmas morning; but, took just over thirty-three years to unwrap.
It began, as we celebrate this 25th of December, with Jesus' incarnation...his birth of lowly estate...God choosing to become one with His Creation. But that was just the gift-wrapping.
The ultimate gift God intended was the gift of the Holy Spirit, which could not be delivered until after Christ had accomplished His Work of Salvation by His death and resurrection and ascension to the right hand of the Father.
"But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou? But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you."
Jn 16:5-7
"But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it says, "When He ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives, and He gave gifts to men."
Eph 4:7-8
Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself."
Acts 2:38-39
While many of us gladly receive Jesus, as Savior, most have tossed out the true gift...the Holy Spirit...with a casual "Thanks, but, no thanks." In doing so, we reject His Lordship in the form of the Holy Spirit's guidance, direction, teaching, and endowment of power.
Now, its not as if we were putting aside a fruit cake, a tie, or another pair of socks. We are tossing away the very gift God knew we would need in order to live the lives He called us to, as a testimony of His power, love and glory. A gift, in fact, He commanded us to receive before we venture out to share His Gospel with others.
"Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
Acts 1:8
"And, being assembled together with them [Jesus], commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence."
Acts 1:4,5
"And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness."
Acts 4:31
"And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high."
Luke 24:49
"Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God [salvation], they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost."
Acts 8:14–17
"While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God."
Acts 10:44–46
"He [Paul] said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed [since they received salvation]? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied."
Acts 19:2–6
"...because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit. Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace...
Rom 8:2-6
My friend, have you received His "gift" of the Holy Spirit in power? Or, have you set it aside, like so many socks or ties or fruitcake? Have you decided you didn't need His Gift of the Holy Spirit? Have you become wiser now than God? If so, as Paul has said to the Galatians, I would caution you...
"Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?"
Gal 3:3
The gift of the Holy Spirit is for more than being born again. It is His power to live the Holy life He calls us to and is our guarantee and assurance of His grace and favor.
"And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us."
1 Jn 3:24
"Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge."
2 Cor 1:22
"When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit."
Eph 1:13
It is also the only way we can satisfy Gods commands for a holy life.
"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 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. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 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. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit."
Gal 5:16-25
"And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."
Eph 4:30
My friends, let us not grieve the Holy Spirit, by refusing His gifts. Lets take another look under that tree...take up that gift again...open it up and open your hearts and lives to receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Let us allow Him to be Lord and fill us with power, love, wisdom, strength...to truly LIVE the life God has for you, and thus, become the effective and powerful witnesses He calls us to be.
And when we do, let us be sure to give Him much thanks and praise for this eternal gift that keeps on giving.
Merry Christmas, my friend. And God bless you, mightily with His Gift of the Holy Spirit for the coming New Year and every year following, until His return. Check out the following link for a great bible study on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit... http://www.greatbiblestudy.com/holy_spirit_baptism.php
Would it surprise you to learn that many have done that very thing with the greatest gift of all presented to them by the greatest Giver of Gifts?
While most folks at this time of the year are focused on the Nativity and the birth of Jesus, I'd like to put forward that God's true "gift" was presented on that Christmas morning; but, took just over thirty-three years to unwrap.
It began, as we celebrate this 25th of December, with Jesus' incarnation...his birth of lowly estate...God choosing to become one with His Creation. But that was just the gift-wrapping.
The ultimate gift God intended was the gift of the Holy Spirit, which could not be delivered until after Christ had accomplished His Work of Salvation by His death and resurrection and ascension to the right hand of the Father.
"But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou? But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you."
Jn 16:5-7
"But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it says, "When He ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives, and He gave gifts to men."
Eph 4:7-8
Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself."
Acts 2:38-39
While many of us gladly receive Jesus, as Savior, most have tossed out the true gift...the Holy Spirit...with a casual "Thanks, but, no thanks." In doing so, we reject His Lordship in the form of the Holy Spirit's guidance, direction, teaching, and endowment of power.
Now, its not as if we were putting aside a fruit cake, a tie, or another pair of socks. We are tossing away the very gift God knew we would need in order to live the lives He called us to, as a testimony of His power, love and glory. A gift, in fact, He commanded us to receive before we venture out to share His Gospel with others.
"Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
Acts 1:8
"And, being assembled together with them [Jesus], commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence."
Acts 1:4,5
"And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness."
Acts 4:31
"And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high."
Luke 24:49
"Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God [salvation], they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost."
Acts 8:14–17
"While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God."
Acts 10:44–46
"He [Paul] said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed [since they received salvation]? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied."
Acts 19:2–6
"...because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit. Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace...
Rom 8:2-6
My friend, have you received His "gift" of the Holy Spirit in power? Or, have you set it aside, like so many socks or ties or fruitcake? Have you decided you didn't need His Gift of the Holy Spirit? Have you become wiser now than God? If so, as Paul has said to the Galatians, I would caution you...
"Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?"
Gal 3:3
The gift of the Holy Spirit is for more than being born again. It is His power to live the Holy life He calls us to and is our guarantee and assurance of His grace and favor.
"And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us."
1 Jn 3:24
"Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge."
2 Cor 1:22
"When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit."
Eph 1:13
It is also the only way we can satisfy Gods commands for a holy life.
"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 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. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 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. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit."
Gal 5:16-25
"And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."
Eph 4:30
My friends, let us not grieve the Holy Spirit, by refusing His gifts. Lets take another look under that tree...take up that gift again...open it up and open your hearts and lives to receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Let us allow Him to be Lord and fill us with power, love, wisdom, strength...to truly LIVE the life God has for you, and thus, become the effective and powerful witnesses He calls us to be.
And when we do, let us be sure to give Him much thanks and praise for this eternal gift that keeps on giving.
Merry Christmas, my friend. And God bless you, mightily with His Gift of the Holy Spirit for the coming New Year and every year following, until His return. Check out the following link for a great bible study on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit... http://www.greatbiblestudy.com/holy_spirit_baptism.php
Thursday, December 18, 2014
On Corporal Punishment for Kids (aka: spanking)
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Prov 22:6
Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them. Prov 13:24
"MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD, NOR FAINT WHEN YOU ARE REPROVED BY HIM; FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES." It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?…Heb 12:5-7
When caught doing something we were instructed not to, my Mom use to make us go outside and pick out a willow switch. This gave us time to think about what we did to deserve the punishment we were about to receive. I can't recall a single incident where I didn't deserve it. No lasting scars. Only a lasting respect for my parents and their boundaries...boundaries that kept me and my siblings from a worse fate.
We were not (and are not) angels...but, we do know how we're suppose to behave. And when we choose not to behave, we know enough not to blame others for whatever "repercussions" come our way. Our take away from corporal punishment was simply this.....personal responsibility.
Invaluable!!
Thank-you, Mom and Dad, for the courage and LOVE it took for you to make us go get those switches and understand the consequences of our actions. I love you all the more for it.
Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them. Prov 13:24
"MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD, NOR FAINT WHEN YOU ARE REPROVED BY HIM; FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES." It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?…Heb 12:5-7
When caught doing something we were instructed not to, my Mom use to make us go outside and pick out a willow switch. This gave us time to think about what we did to deserve the punishment we were about to receive. I can't recall a single incident where I didn't deserve it. No lasting scars. Only a lasting respect for my parents and their boundaries...boundaries that kept me and my siblings from a worse fate.
We were not (and are not) angels...but, we do know how we're suppose to behave. And when we choose not to behave, we know enough not to blame others for whatever "repercussions" come our way. Our take away from corporal punishment was simply this.....personal responsibility.
Invaluable!!
Thank-you, Mom and Dad, for the courage and LOVE it took for you to make us go get those switches and understand the consequences of our actions. I love you all the more for it.
Saturday, November 22, 2014
On Women In The Ministry
I have a friend I work with who is
adamant that the majority of the issues we face in our churches today can be
traced to denominations permitting women to have positions of leadership over
men. He takes a very paternalistic, almost
misogynistic view of Scripture. He
points to the classic passages in the Old Testament, as well as Paul’s
admonitions in the New Testament, speaking against women having any form of
leadership over men and extols the “weaker vessel” view of women. It is God’s will, he believes, that women
play a lesser role in Church leadership due to the way they are created and
because of Eve’s failure in the Garden, being the first to be deceived.
Here’s my take on this matter…
In His Beatitudes, Jesus consistently
stated, “You have heard it said…but, I say unto you…” He took what was popular “religious”
requirement and elevated it to the point of absolute simplicity and essential
spiritual truth, based on one criteria….love.
Using the same criteria of simplicity
and love, I believe it is clear in Scripture that God would say to us that
women have equal place in the Kingdom of God, where there is no longer male or
female…but, we shall be as the angels of heaven (Mk 12:25).
In the last days (which I believe we
are in) Scripture tells us that God will pour His Spirit out on all flesh, male
and female alike, and that our sons and daughters will prophesy (Acts
2:17; Joel 2:28). If you look at Paul’s
writings about the ministry gifts, prophesy is second only to the calling of
apostles, and well above pastors/teachers (Eph. 4:11).
Paul, who is often quoted by the
misogynists in his writings about women being silent in the church (1 Cor 14:34),
is also the same apostle who stated that in the Church there is “…no longer
male and female…” (Gal. 3:28). How do we
explain this seeming contradiction?
Just as aspects of the Law were
accommodations for the weakness and sinful bent of mankind (see Jesus’
discussion on divorce in Matt. 5), so rules regarding the lowered state of
women in the church were, in my view, accommodations for a paternalistic,
misogynistic culture of the day; as well as a response to various voices
causing disorder in church gatherings (note: Paul also commands “tongue
speakers” to be silent in the public gatherings).
I believe the goal of the Holy
Spirit, for the Church, is to elevate it out of this kind of “cultural” view to
a spiritual “kingdom” view, that recognizes the equity and impartiality of the
Holy Spirit in bestowing, on ALL FLESH, the gifts and offices He
deems fit for the Kingdom…not what paternalistic, misogynists would permit. I believe part of the purification of the Bride (Eph 5:26-27) is the removal of all forms of inequity, including a disparity between the sexes and restrictions on their ability to serve. And isn't that the more "loving" way?
We are too late in this world to be
arguing about the legitimacy of someone’s ministry because of their sex. This is what Paul would call “carnal
thinking” and he warned us specifically against such reasoning (Rom. 8:7; Col.
2:18). We need to grow up in our view of
the Kingdom and learn to see all aspects of church ministry and gifts with spiritual
eyes, recognizing that we are all, male and female alike, equally able and equally
responsible.
God bless you all, as you seek to be
obedient to your call and respecting the gifts and ministries given to others,
impartially and without respect to sex, age, station or status and, thus,
honoring the Giver of the gifts and calling, humbly submitting to the authority
of the Holy Spirit.
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