Do you ever find yourself getting discouraged? I have many a time, so I decided to go to the word of God to find what God has to say about it.
God tells us not to be discouraged.
Deuteronomy 1:21 Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged.
Colossians 3:21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
I see this scripture not only for Fathers, I see it for all of us, not to provoke God’s children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
We as children of God should not bring down other brothers and sisters in Christ, to cause them to fall.
Romans 14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.
Romans 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
Keep your eyes on the God who is bigger than every obstacle, every need, every enemy, every task. He's called the Lord, the all powerful One who rules everything. But He is the Lord your God making all of that power available to you.
Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Words of Man or Word of God-Steve Lumbley 2007
My friend Dr. Allen Barber recently wrote an excellent article highlighting the false foundations of our allegedly Christian nation.
After reading it I thought it might be beneficial to look again at some of the words penned by our founding fathers over 200 years ago. Many of us who have been brought up to believe that patriotism is equal to and required of true Christianity have held these words in much esteem. Some, including myself have in times past thought these words to be almost on par with Holy Writ.
In recent years, however, as I have studied the Bible for myself, it has become clear that the high minded ideals of the founding fathers had little in common with the word of God. In fact much of their writings and rationalizations for war with England were in direct contradiction to the words of the Lord. With that in mind I thought it might be instructive if we compared some of the reasons they gave for rebellion against the King with the actual word of God.
The Declaration of Independence outlines the specific reasons given for asserting independence. Here are the introductory paragraphs of that document followed by the answers found in the word of God.
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.
But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government.
The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
Now let’s look at their arguments from a scriptural viewpoint.
We hold these truths to be self- evident, that all men are created equal.
Are all men created equal?
Isn’t it actually evident that not all are created equal. Isn’t it obvious that some are born to wealth and some to poverty.
Some are born healthy while others are born lame.
Isn’t it also true that some are born with a high degree of intelligence or physical ability while others display less of these talents?
And isn’t it also true that our founding fathers displayed their own hypocrisy by failing to extend this idea of equality to the slaves that many of them owned?
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 2Timothy 2:20
Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? Romans 9:21
That they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Does God truly send every person into this world with the absolute right to live life by their own standards and through their own pursuits?
For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. Romans 9:15
Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity. Ecclesiastes1:2
And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. Job 1:21
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13
That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,
This may be the biggest lie of all. The Bible tells us that all governments derive their powers from God. This is not a small issue. It is in reality the anti-christ spirit speaking through these men, the pride of self rule replacing the rule of God in the life of man. This idea is the foundation of most of our problems today for if governments derive their powers from the consent of the governed then anything and everything is permissible in society as long as the people wish it so.
……….. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Romans 13:1
……to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men. Daniel 4:17
That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.
No where in scripture are God’s people given authority to alter or abolish the government under which our sovereign God has placed them. This statement has more in common with Lucifer’s declaration in which he said “ I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” (Isaiah 14:14)
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers……..Romans 13:1
..Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God : and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. Romans 13:2
Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such governnent, and to provide new Guards for their future security.
Once again we see the prideful delusions of self determination outside the will of God. Do we as Christians have the right or the duty to throw off the government that God has placed us under?
The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: He turneth it whithersoever He will. Proverbs 21:1
...Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake Romans 13:5
..Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Romans 13:7
The truth of the matter is this. We are formed by God for his sovereign purposes and our lives are in his sovereign will. Our duty in life is to submit ourselves wholly to God’s will and not our own. When human governments become oppressive and tyrannical it is because God has allowed it. He allows tyranny and oppression because of our own wicked and rebellious hearts. When we find our government becoming more and more tyrannical we should not seek to overthrow it. We should instead seek repentance before God for the tyranny and oppression within our own hearts. God only gives us the leaders and governments that we deserve.
The answer is not rebellion against flesh and blood authorities. Rather we must fight the good fight of faith against the principalities, powers, and spiritual wickedness that have entrenched themselves in the high places of our own hearts..
.... For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12
Printer Friendly Version Steve Lumbley 2007 http://www.apostasywatch.com/
This article may be reproduced and distributed free of charge as long as it remains in its original form.
After reading it I thought it might be beneficial to look again at some of the words penned by our founding fathers over 200 years ago. Many of us who have been brought up to believe that patriotism is equal to and required of true Christianity have held these words in much esteem. Some, including myself have in times past thought these words to be almost on par with Holy Writ.
In recent years, however, as I have studied the Bible for myself, it has become clear that the high minded ideals of the founding fathers had little in common with the word of God. In fact much of their writings and rationalizations for war with England were in direct contradiction to the words of the Lord. With that in mind I thought it might be instructive if we compared some of the reasons they gave for rebellion against the King with the actual word of God.
The Declaration of Independence outlines the specific reasons given for asserting independence. Here are the introductory paragraphs of that document followed by the answers found in the word of God.
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.
But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government.
The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
Now let’s look at their arguments from a scriptural viewpoint.
We hold these truths to be self- evident, that all men are created equal.
Are all men created equal?
Isn’t it actually evident that not all are created equal. Isn’t it obvious that some are born to wealth and some to poverty.
Some are born healthy while others are born lame.
Isn’t it also true that some are born with a high degree of intelligence or physical ability while others display less of these talents?
And isn’t it also true that our founding fathers displayed their own hypocrisy by failing to extend this idea of equality to the slaves that many of them owned?
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 2Timothy 2:20
Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? Romans 9:21
That they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Does God truly send every person into this world with the absolute right to live life by their own standards and through their own pursuits?
For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. Romans 9:15
Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity. Ecclesiastes1:2
And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. Job 1:21
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13
That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,
This may be the biggest lie of all. The Bible tells us that all governments derive their powers from God. This is not a small issue. It is in reality the anti-christ spirit speaking through these men, the pride of self rule replacing the rule of God in the life of man. This idea is the foundation of most of our problems today for if governments derive their powers from the consent of the governed then anything and everything is permissible in society as long as the people wish it so.
……….. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Romans 13:1
……to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men. Daniel 4:17
That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.
No where in scripture are God’s people given authority to alter or abolish the government under which our sovereign God has placed them. This statement has more in common with Lucifer’s declaration in which he said “ I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” (Isaiah 14:14)
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers……..Romans 13:1
..Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God : and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. Romans 13:2
Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such governnent, and to provide new Guards for their future security.
Once again we see the prideful delusions of self determination outside the will of God. Do we as Christians have the right or the duty to throw off the government that God has placed us under?
The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: He turneth it whithersoever He will. Proverbs 21:1
...Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake Romans 13:5
..Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Romans 13:7
The truth of the matter is this. We are formed by God for his sovereign purposes and our lives are in his sovereign will. Our duty in life is to submit ourselves wholly to God’s will and not our own. When human governments become oppressive and tyrannical it is because God has allowed it. He allows tyranny and oppression because of our own wicked and rebellious hearts. When we find our government becoming more and more tyrannical we should not seek to overthrow it. We should instead seek repentance before God for the tyranny and oppression within our own hearts. God only gives us the leaders and governments that we deserve.
The answer is not rebellion against flesh and blood authorities. Rather we must fight the good fight of faith against the principalities, powers, and spiritual wickedness that have entrenched themselves in the high places of our own hearts..
.... For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12
Printer Friendly Version Steve Lumbley 2007 http://www.apostasywatch.com/
This article may be reproduced and distributed free of charge as long as it remains in its original form.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
What I Think About "Positive Thinking"
What first got me thinking about this whole “positive thinking” was my daughter. I was at her house one day and seen Joel Osteen’s book laying on her table, and as most believer’s know he is teaching another gospel.
I'm bothered when anybody feels the need to make the gospel look good by emphasizing how much God will bless them. Yes, God does bless! But the blessing comes with a lifestyle of obedience because God is GOD and not because of what He will do for you.
2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
In secular teachings, everyone can believe that God is good and kind and loving and will make whatever man says positively come true. In Christian faith we believe the same goodness of God based on the words of God and based on His Son Jesus' life on earth. So what is the difference?
The key difference is about life and death!
John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
We who have become the children of God and the heirs of Abraham and can now enjoy all the blessings that God has promised to Abraham and his descendents.
This is not wishful thinking or positive belief that our words have power to make God carry out our wishes.
We merely believe in what Jesus has done for us and receive with thankfulness by faith in His accomplished work on the cross. Our positive thinking is based on His assurance.
James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
I'm bothered when anybody feels the need to make the gospel look good by emphasizing how much God will bless them. Yes, God does bless! But the blessing comes with a lifestyle of obedience because God is GOD and not because of what He will do for you.
2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
In secular teachings, everyone can believe that God is good and kind and loving and will make whatever man says positively come true. In Christian faith we believe the same goodness of God based on the words of God and based on His Son Jesus' life on earth. So what is the difference?
The key difference is about life and death!
John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
We who have become the children of God and the heirs of Abraham and can now enjoy all the blessings that God has promised to Abraham and his descendents.
This is not wishful thinking or positive belief that our words have power to make God carry out our wishes.
We merely believe in what Jesus has done for us and receive with thankfulness by faith in His accomplished work on the cross. Our positive thinking is based on His assurance.
James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Unity Love Family
One of the greatest challenges we as Christians face today, is how to get along with our brothers and sisters in the midst of all the division and chaos within the body of Christ. Certainly there is a call of the Spirit to come out of the mess that has become of the professing church. Yet how do we "come out from among them" without adding to the divisiveness and chaos that already exists? Aren't there enough denominations and splinter groups as it is? This blog will examine 3 keys to getting along, that we can't afford to overlook: unity, love, and family.
Unity: Do we really understand the importance of Christian unity? With all the talk of being separate from the world and being separate from the apostate church, the importance of unity is often overlooked. We are not talking about a false unity where we abandon truth just to get along, but a true unity in the Spirit based on the one true Gospel of Jesus Christ. With the body of Christ so divided, it can be hard to even imagine what such a unity would even look like. Try meditating on the following passages to get a graphic illustration of how biblical unity ought to look.
Psalms 133:1-3
1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;
3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.
1Corinthians 12:12-27
12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
14 For the body is not one member, but many.
15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
We must come to a place where we appreciate the importance God places upon unity within His body. It was so important that Jesus specifically prayed that we would be made one with each other, and one with God (John 17:21). Unity is not merely a good idea, it is a command of the Lord. In fact, God says someone who sows discord among the brethren is an abomination unto Him (Proverbs 6:16-19). Here is what Paul wrote to the Church at Ephesus about unity:
Ephesians 4:1-5
1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, Eph 4:6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Notice the unmistakeable theme of oneness and unity in this passage. The other thing to note in this passage is that unity requires effort on our part. We are told to endeavor to keep the unity. [Strong's #4704 spoudazo. From G4710; to use speed, that is, to make effort, be prompt or earnest: - do (give) diligence, be diligent (forward), endeavour, labour, study.] Are we commited to doing our part in obeying the command to be unified with our brothers and sisters whenever possible?
May God give us the grace to make unity a priority!
Love: It is by truly knowing the love of God that unity can be possible. This love is not the shallow, selfish love of the world, but the supernatural love of the Lord.
1 John 4:7-8
7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
This love is what sets believers apart from the rest of the world. This love is what draws us closer to our brothers and sisters, and holds us together. The scriptures call love (charity) the "bond of perfectness" that "knits us together". Only by having this love shed abroad in our hearts will be able to accept one another and get along.
Colossians 3:12-15
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Colossians 2:2
That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
In this last scripture we see yet another beautiful illustration of what unity is to look like-- to be knitted together with our fellow brethren like one flawless garment. It is the love of God that makes this possible. When we truly love our brothers and sisters as Christ loves us, we will be at peace with God, and at peace with one another. As we saw with unity, love is not merely a good idea, it is a commandment. We are commanded to love one another.
John 13:34-35
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
May God give us the grace to love one another more perfectly!
Family: The last key to getting along better with our brothers and sisters is to understand the concept of family. As believers in Christ we are born into a new family-- the family of God.
Ephesian 3:14-15
14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named.
We often refer to one another as brothers and sisters, but do we even appreciate what this means?
Do we really treat each other as fellow family members?
Sadly the Church of Jesus Christ often looks more like a dysfunctional family of this world, than a special family of God.
The family of God is not based on biology, but of the Spirit. We are born into the family of God by the Holy Spirit, and are made one with God and one with each other. What a privilege and honor it is to become the adopted sons and daughters of the Living God, and siblings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Hebrews 2:11-13
11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.
13 And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.
It may be hard for some to accept, but our new spiritual family should be even more important than our biological family. It is eternal. The family of God transcends bloodline and all boundaries of race, gender, age, economic status...etc. etc.
Galatians 3:26-28
26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Finally, it is important to note that God's family is determined not simply by those who call themselves sons and daughters of God, but by those who do the will of the Father. Isn't it time we acted like children of God's royal family?
Matthew 12:46-50
46 While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.
47 Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.
48 But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?
49 And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!
50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
May God give us the grace to walk as true members of His royal family!
I thank God for my dear brother in Christ, who wrote this for me. I would also like to add, it is wonderful to see the Love of God in the body of Christ, as I see His love in my brother who wrote this.
Unity: Do we really understand the importance of Christian unity? With all the talk of being separate from the world and being separate from the apostate church, the importance of unity is often overlooked. We are not talking about a false unity where we abandon truth just to get along, but a true unity in the Spirit based on the one true Gospel of Jesus Christ. With the body of Christ so divided, it can be hard to even imagine what such a unity would even look like. Try meditating on the following passages to get a graphic illustration of how biblical unity ought to look.
Psalms 133:1-3
1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;
3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.
1Corinthians 12:12-27
12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
14 For the body is not one member, but many.
15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
We must come to a place where we appreciate the importance God places upon unity within His body. It was so important that Jesus specifically prayed that we would be made one with each other, and one with God (John 17:21). Unity is not merely a good idea, it is a command of the Lord. In fact, God says someone who sows discord among the brethren is an abomination unto Him (Proverbs 6:16-19). Here is what Paul wrote to the Church at Ephesus about unity:
Ephesians 4:1-5
1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, Eph 4:6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Notice the unmistakeable theme of oneness and unity in this passage. The other thing to note in this passage is that unity requires effort on our part. We are told to endeavor to keep the unity. [Strong's #4704 spoudazo. From G4710; to use speed, that is, to make effort, be prompt or earnest: - do (give) diligence, be diligent (forward), endeavour, labour, study.] Are we commited to doing our part in obeying the command to be unified with our brothers and sisters whenever possible?
May God give us the grace to make unity a priority!
Love: It is by truly knowing the love of God that unity can be possible. This love is not the shallow, selfish love of the world, but the supernatural love of the Lord.
1 John 4:7-8
7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
This love is what sets believers apart from the rest of the world. This love is what draws us closer to our brothers and sisters, and holds us together. The scriptures call love (charity) the "bond of perfectness" that "knits us together". Only by having this love shed abroad in our hearts will be able to accept one another and get along.
Colossians 3:12-15
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Colossians 2:2
That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
In this last scripture we see yet another beautiful illustration of what unity is to look like-- to be knitted together with our fellow brethren like one flawless garment. It is the love of God that makes this possible. When we truly love our brothers and sisters as Christ loves us, we will be at peace with God, and at peace with one another. As we saw with unity, love is not merely a good idea, it is a commandment. We are commanded to love one another.
John 13:34-35
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
May God give us the grace to love one another more perfectly!
Family: The last key to getting along better with our brothers and sisters is to understand the concept of family. As believers in Christ we are born into a new family-- the family of God.
Ephesian 3:14-15
14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named.
We often refer to one another as brothers and sisters, but do we even appreciate what this means?
Do we really treat each other as fellow family members?
Sadly the Church of Jesus Christ often looks more like a dysfunctional family of this world, than a special family of God.
The family of God is not based on biology, but of the Spirit. We are born into the family of God by the Holy Spirit, and are made one with God and one with each other. What a privilege and honor it is to become the adopted sons and daughters of the Living God, and siblings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Hebrews 2:11-13
11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.
13 And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.
It may be hard for some to accept, but our new spiritual family should be even more important than our biological family. It is eternal. The family of God transcends bloodline and all boundaries of race, gender, age, economic status...etc. etc.
Galatians 3:26-28
26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Finally, it is important to note that God's family is determined not simply by those who call themselves sons and daughters of God, but by those who do the will of the Father. Isn't it time we acted like children of God's royal family?
Matthew 12:46-50
46 While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.
47 Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.
48 But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?
49 And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!
50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
May God give us the grace to walk as true members of His royal family!
I thank God for my dear brother in Christ, who wrote this for me. I would also like to add, it is wonderful to see the Love of God in the body of Christ, as I see His love in my brother who wrote this.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Search Me Oh Lord
The more you understand the cross, the deeper you “know” God, the less you care about yourself, your rights, your agenda and your circumstances. For on the cross we see the highest expression of “not my will but thine be done.”
To understand the cross more deeply is a revelation. To know God more deeply is a revelation, an encounter with the living God Himself. Revelation comes by the presence of God. Therefore all understanding of Spiritual things come by a revelation, by the Holy Spirit, and can't come any other way.
It is impossible for the carnal mind to understand Spiritual things. So, without a revelation, without an encounter, all we have is a head knowledge.
While reading the Bible is important in any Christian spiritual discipline, being “knowledgeable” about the Bible alone does not make anyone a better Christian. It is when we acquire the “heart” knowledge and seek a personal encounter with God that “knowing” becomes complete.
Man Looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart. Circumcision is a metaphor for holiness.
Deuteronomy 30:6
And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.
Search me, Oh Lord.
Psalms 139:23
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
To understand the cross more deeply is a revelation. To know God more deeply is a revelation, an encounter with the living God Himself. Revelation comes by the presence of God. Therefore all understanding of Spiritual things come by a revelation, by the Holy Spirit, and can't come any other way.
It is impossible for the carnal mind to understand Spiritual things. So, without a revelation, without an encounter, all we have is a head knowledge.
While reading the Bible is important in any Christian spiritual discipline, being “knowledgeable” about the Bible alone does not make anyone a better Christian. It is when we acquire the “heart” knowledge and seek a personal encounter with God that “knowing” becomes complete.
Man Looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart. Circumcision is a metaphor for holiness.
Deuteronomy 30:6
And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.
Search me, Oh Lord.
Psalms 139:23
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Heart Or Flesh
1 Corinthians 10:12
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
Let us begin to have a motive when we do all things, responding to God for His love, grace and mercy.
If you love God, you will be attacked. If you are in the body of Christ, you will be subject to all kinds of cunning and crafty attacks that threaten to divide and destroy you. But listen again to the words of Charles Spurgeon:
“The sheep are never so safe from the wolf as when they are near the shepherd. We shall never be so secure from the arrows of Satan as when we have our head lying on the Savior’s bosom. Believer, walk according to His example, live daily in His fellowship, trust always in His blood, and in this way you shall be more than a conqueror over the subtlety and craft of Satan himself.”
2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
James 4:6
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Sue
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
Let us begin to have a motive when we do all things, responding to God for His love, grace and mercy.
If you love God, you will be attacked. If you are in the body of Christ, you will be subject to all kinds of cunning and crafty attacks that threaten to divide and destroy you. But listen again to the words of Charles Spurgeon:
“The sheep are never so safe from the wolf as when they are near the shepherd. We shall never be so secure from the arrows of Satan as when we have our head lying on the Savior’s bosom. Believer, walk according to His example, live daily in His fellowship, trust always in His blood, and in this way you shall be more than a conqueror over the subtlety and craft of Satan himself.”
2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
James 4:6
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Sue
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