“I Have Become a Noisy Gong…”

I was reading a post on a site I frequent quite often, and the scripture the author had quoted, and his post, really convicted me. The post was entitled, ONE BODY.

{This is not the first time I have been convicted on this issue! In fact, my closest brother in Christ has said many things about the Lord’s Love, over the years, which have convicted me, but I have evidently put that conviction off until now.}

As I read, I began to realize that in my rush to share what is on my heart and mind, I, too often, am lacking in the Love and Grace of my Lord! And for someone such as me, who has been forgiven a great, great deal, I should be the first person among all people to show the Lord’s Love and Grace to others. So, before I proceed, let me first make amends to all of my brothers and sisters in Christ:

I am sorry if I have been insensitive, unloving, and lacking in the Grace of God! I ask for your forgiveness and patience. I would also ask you to pray, if you would, for the Lord to reveal Himself more fully to me. And that I become as nothing so that He may have His way with me; that I truly, beyond mental ascension, come to not only know that the Lord’s Life Lives in me, but that I also come to fully experience that indwelling Life. I cannot get this done of my own desire, design or volition. I do not have the power to change myself, only the Lord, in me, can change me!

Here is the scripture that convicted me so:

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3: 14-19)

This scripture is even more convicting today! I am beginning to realize, even more than before, that my knowledge of the Lord has been, for far too long, based on scriptural doctrine, for the most part: doctrine that applies to our lives here and now (politically, socially, etc), and in the future (prophecy). Where I have been lacking, sorely, is in the knowledge of the Lord (truly seeing Him), and the experience of His Love which surpasses knowledge, so that His love could flow through me to others. Thus I find, sadly, that, at this moment, I have become nothing more, in reality, than a noisy gong, an obnoxious clanging cymbal who is seeking to serve others, but devoid, to a great extent, of the real strength of the Lord’s Love:

If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing. (1 Corinthians 13)

The Apostle Paul’s following description of the Lord’s Love is how I want to Love but am failing so badly:

Love is PATIENT, love is KIND and is NOT JEALOUS; love DOES NOT BRAG and IS NOT ARROGANT, 5 DOES NOT ACT UNBECOMINGLY; it DOES NOT SEEK ITS OWN, IS NOT PROVOKED, DOES NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT A WRONG SUFFERED, 6 does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but REJOICES WITH THE TRUTH; 7 BEARS ALL THINGS, BELIEVES ALL THINGS, HOPES ALL THINGS, ENDURES ALL THINGS.

8 LOVE NEVER FAILS; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part; 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. 11 When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. 13 But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; BUT THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE. (1 Corinthians 13)

I could move a mountain before I could ever achieve this kind of Love by my own power! It is overwhelming to me as I read it. In fact, this verse from Romans 7 keeps popping into my head, over and over again:

Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Wretched man that I am, my only hope is the Lord!

From this day forward, I will continue to write, as I sense I have been led, but I will write with the prayer, and faith, that the Lord will instill in me His Love; and that His Love will, then, come through in my writing. I must contemplate and pray over these scriptures, because, without the Lord’s Love, I am nothing:

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has seen God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us. 13 By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. 14 We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world…

We love, because He first loved us. (1 John 4)

“We love, only because He first Loved us.” Father, help me to not only remember Your Truth, but to also be eternally altered by it, so that all things You would have me accomplish, according to Your will, would be done in Your Love! Amen

Our Lord’s “Grace” & His “Reward”: A “Free Gift” & A “Reward” To Be Earned! (Part II)

This is the follow up post to Our Lord’s “Grace” & His “Reward”: A “Free Gift” & A “Reward” To Be Earned! (Part I)

If being “saved” (spiritual salvation) is all there is to reigning with Christ in His Kingdom, then why does Paul speak in terms of our being STEADFAST, IMMOVABLE, and ALWAYS ABOUNDING IN THE WORK OF THE LORD? If it’s just a matter of going to “church,” at least twice a year, and paying the ransom of an apostate “tithe”, then why would Paul encourage us that our TOIL IS NOT IN VAIN IN THE LORD? If all we have to do is have everything in this evil world our way, and then, when we die and are resurrected, reign with Christ, then why does Paul exhort us to RUN IN SUCH A WAY THAT YOU MAY WIN THE PRIZE (REWARD) and, thus, not be DISQUALIFIED?

Could it be that our local, neighborhood clergy are not expressing this truth to us (while we sit half asleep in the pews on Sunday mornings), since it would only get in the way of their worldly agendas (in much the same way as our Lord got in the way of the Pharisee’s and priest’s agendas, some two thousand years ago): seeking a lucrative career in God, building a new “crystal cathedral”, living in expensive homes, driving expensive cars, wearing expensive clothing, wheeling and dealing in politics, and, above all else, seeking the admiration and praise of men (believing or unregenerate)?

If we have truly believed, been baptized, and professed our belief in Christ to others, then we are, for all eternity, saved, SPIRITUALLY. But this is not a guarantee of being raptured and receiving our Lord’s Reward (the salvation of the soul: sanctification): hearing our Lord say, “Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” (Matthew 25: 23), and reigning with Him for one thousand years.

If we can’t tell the difference between ourselves, or other believers around us, and the unregenerate, then where is the proof of belief and faith?

WHAT USE IS IT, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, WHAT USE IS THAT? 17 EVEN SO FAITH, IF IT HAS NO WORKS (no evidence of the Spirit at work), IS DEAD, BEING BY ITSELF…

Was not Abraham our father JUSTIFIED BY WORKS (actions which are evidence of a person’s faith) when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? 22 You see that FAITH WAS WORKING WITH HIS WORKS, and as a result of the works, FAITH WAS PERFECTED; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS,” and he was called the friend of God. 24 You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith ALONE… For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD. (James 2)

The works James is speaking of, here, cannot be faked! There are hundreds of thousands, in this country alone, who attend “church”, tithe, work in ministry after ministry, and donate money to the poor, and have no resemblance to Christ whatsoever. These pretenders attend “church”, work in ministries, and give to the poor, and solely to receive an earthly, ungodly reward: being “looked-up-to” in the community, increasing their business and, thus, increasing their wealth and political power, etc. This is not the works of faith, through the Spirit, that James is talking about! ["As many as are led by the Spirit, these are the sons of God"] It is the Spirit, if we have His Spirit, Who will lead us to the good works we were foreknown and chosen to accomplish!

{Once again, on the subject of works, we will be led by the Spirit to the good works which the Lord has chosen for us to accomplish. Thus, if we’re following the misguided leadings of the clergy, as to what we are to do, then there is a better than average chance that the (temporal) “ministries”, which we are taking part in, are not in accordance with the will of our Lord and Savior, and, thus, they are rendered of no eternal value:

“Beware of the false prophets (usually masquerading as “men of God”), who come to you in sheep’s clothing, BUT INWARDLY ARE RAVENOUS WOLVES. 16 “You will know them by their FRUITS (works). Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? 17 “So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 “A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. 19 “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 “So then, you will know them by their FRUITS (works).

21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN (not spiritual salvation, but the REWARD), but he who does THE WILL of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22 “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not PROPHESY IN YOUR NAME, AND in Your name CAST OUT DEMONS, AND in Your name PERFORM MANY MIRACLES?’ 23 “And then I WILL DECLARE TO THEM, ‘I NEVER KNEW YOU; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’ (Matthew 7)

For those who are caught up in “churchianity”, I would exhort them to heed our Lord’s warning, here, and come out from the bondage of this dead, apostate religiosity!}

As for me, I wish to be able to say, on that last day, what the Apostle Paul stated to Timothy, at the end of his earthly existence:

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I HAVE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT, I HAVE FINISHED THE COURSE, I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH; 8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, BUT ALSO TO ALL WHO HAVE LOVED HIS APPEARING. (2 Timothy 4)

We were called for an eternal purpose, and a few of us will be chosen to reign with the Lord in His Kingdom. We are truly timeless and part of a puzzle, which is, piece by piece, being put together by our Lord and Savior. He set aside His Deity and died for us on the cross, can we, then, simply be satisfied with being “lukewarm”, and failing the One Who purchased us at an extremely high cost?

14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this: 15 ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. 16 ‘So because you are LUKEWARM, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit (vomit) you out of My mouth. 17 ‘Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, 18 I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. 19 ‘Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. 20 ‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. 21 ‘He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. 22 ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” (Revelation 3)

Our Lord's "Grace" & His "Reward": A "Free Gift" & A "Reward" To Be Earned! (Part I)

According to the having-their-ears-tickled teachings of the institutional “church”, every redeemed believer will be “raptured” and reign with Christ in the coming age: The Kingdom of God. This, however, is not what the word of God teaches.

The word of God reveals to us (if we take the time and seek the Spirit’s leading) that our salvation is in three stages: spiritual salvation, salvation of the soul (sanctification), and salvation of the body, when we are raised from the dead or “raptured”.

The FIRST STAGE is being “born again”, which comes through our Lord’s sacrifice and grace, and can only be attained by faith alone, since it is a “free gift”.

Our Lord’s Grace:

GRACE:

5) A favor rendered BY ONE WHO NEED NOT DO SO; indulgence.
6) A temporary immunity or exemption; A REPRIEVE.

Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; 2 this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 “Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 “The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3)

And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3 Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 FOR BY GRACE YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED THROUGH FAITH; AND THAT NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD; 9 NOT AS A RESULT OF WORKS, SO THAT NO ONE MAY BOAST. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus FOR GOOD WORKS, which God prepared beforehand SO THAT WE WOULD WALK IN THEM. (Ephesians 2)

Note that the Apostle Paul teaches our spiritual salvation is by faith alone, and not of works, so that none of us may boast. But he also teaches that we were created for GOOD WORKS, which God prepared before hand SO THAT WE WOULD WALK IN THEM.

The Mosaic Law was salvation given through the Lord’s view of a person’s works, good or bad, according to the Law. It was not possible for fallen flesh to keep the Law, in perfection, as the Israelites, and the rest of humanity, proved over and over again.

‘But if you (Israel) do not obey Me and do not carry out all these commandments, 15 if, instead, you reject MY STATUTES (the Law), and if your soul abhors MY ORDINANCES so as not to carry out all MY COMMANDMENTS, and so break MY COVENANT, 16 I, in turn, will do this to you: I will appoint over you a sudden terror, consumption and fever that will waste away the eyes and cause the soul to pine away; also, you will sow your seed uselessly, for your enemies will eat it up. (Leviticus 26)

“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish BUT TO FULFILL. 18 “For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19 “Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
20 “For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5)

For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law; 13 for it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, BUT THE DOERS OF THE LAW WILL BE JUSTIFIED… (Romans 2)

Our Lord, then, came to fulfill the Law, so that we might walk in His Freedom, Light and Life, His Truth. It was through the Law that the Lord revealed our depraved nature to us, and, thus, our total dependence on Him:

10 For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, “CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO DOES NOT ABIDE BY ALL THINGS WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF THE LAW, TO PERFORM THEM.”

Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. 26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3)

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, 13 and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14 For sin shall not be master over you, FOR YOU ARE NOT UNDER LAW BUT UNDER GRACE. (Romans 6)

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. 18 But IF YOU ARE LED BY THE SPIRIT, YOU ARE NOT UNDER THE LAW. (Galatians 5)

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from THE LAW OF SIN AND DEATH. (Romans 8: 2)

It is, then, the SECOND STAGE, “salvation of the soul” (sanctification), which will reveal what we must do, through works, to receive our Lord’s reward.

SANCTIFICATION:

1. The act of sanctifying or making holy; the state of being sanctified or MADE HOLY (set apart); the act of God’s grace by which THE AFFECTIONS OF MEN ARE PURIFIED, or ALIENATED FROM SIN AND THE WORLD, AND EXALTED TO A SUPREME LOVE TO GOD; also, the state of being thus purified or SANCTIFIED:

But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for SALVATION THROUGH SANCTIFICATION by the Spirit and FAITH IN THE TRUTH. 14 IT WAS FOR THIS HE CALLED YOU through our gospel, THAT YOU MAY GAIN (not be given, but GAIN) THE GLORY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 15 So then, brethren, STAND FIRM and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us. (2 Thessalonians 2)

REWARD:

1) Something given or received in recompense for worthy behavior or in retribution for evil acts.

The Lord’s Reward:

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. 25 “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26 “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 27 “For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and WILL THEN REPAY EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS. (Matthew 16)

And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for THE TIME IS NEAR. 11 “Let the one who does wrong (believer), still do wrong; and the one who is filthy, still be filthy; and let the one who is righteous, still practice righteousness; and the one who is holy, still keep himself holy.”

12 “Behold, I am coming quickly, and MY REWARD IS WITH ME, to render to every man according to what he has done. 13 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city. (Revelation 22)

Worldly “church going” believers should be weary lest they end up like Esau, the firstborn son of Isaac:

…Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the field, but Jacob was a peaceful man, living in tents. 28 Now Isaac loved Esau, because he had a taste for game, but Rebekah loved Jacob. 29 When Jacob had cooked stew, Esau came in from the field and he was famished; 30 and Esau said to Jacob, “Please let me have a swallow of that red stuff there, for I am famished.” Therefore his name was called Edom. 31 But Jacob said, “First sell me your birthright.” 32 Esau said, “Behold, I am about to die; so of what use then is the birthright to me?” 33 And Jacob said, “First swear to me”; so he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew; and he ate and drank, and rose and went on his way. Thus Esau DESPISED HIS BIRTHRIGHT. (Genesis 25)

Like Esau, if we despise our birthright, and choose to love the world as new creatures, brethren and fellow heirs with Christ, then we will end up losing our Father’s blessing (not our spiritual salvation, but salvation of the soul, or reigning with Christ in the next age):

Now it came about, as soon as Isaac had finished blessing Jacob, and Jacob had hardly gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, that Esau his brother came in from his hunting. 31 Then he also made savory food, and brought it to his father; and he said to his father, “Let my father arise and eat of his son’s game, that you may bless me.” 32 Isaac his father said to him, “Who are you?” And he said, “I am your son, your firstborn, Esau.” 33 Then Isaac trembled violently, and said, “Who was he then that hunted game and brought it to me, so that I ate of all of it before you came, and blessed him? Yes, and he shall be blessed.” 34 When Esau heard the words of his father, he cried out with an exceedingly great and bitter cry, and said to his father, “Bless me, even me also, O my father!” (Genesis 27)

Here is more evidence in scripture of the reward that is ours, if we fight the good fight, keep the faith, and run the race as to win:

John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to prevent him because he was not following us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not hinder him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me. 40 “For he who is not against us is for us. 41 “For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he WILL NOT LOSE HIS REWARD. (Mark 9)

For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of sordid gain. 12 One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. For this reason reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth. 15 To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. 16 THEY (apostate believers) PROFESS TO KNOW GOD, BUT BY THEIR DEEDS THEY DENY HIM, BEING DETESTABLE AND DISOBEDIENT AND WORTHLESS FOR ANY GOOD DEED (“works”, which they were chosen, by the Lord, to walk in). (Titus 1)

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives THE PRIZE (REWARD)? RUN IN SUCH A WAY THAT YOU MAY WIN. 25 Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; 27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I MYSELF WILL NOT BE DISQUALIFIED. (1 Corinthians 9)

It is not just a matter of being “saved”, and then automatically receiving our Lord’s REWARD.

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. 10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

11 See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand.

12 Those who desire to make a good showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised, simply so that they will not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 For those who are circumcised do not even keep the Law themselves, but they desire to have you circumcised so that they may boast in your flesh. 14 But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which THE WORLD HAS BEEN CRUCIFIED TO ME, AND I TO THE WORLD (sanctification: set apart, made holy). 15 For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but A NEW CREATION. (Galatians 6)

The THIRD STAGE is the resurrection of the body (or “rapture”), when Christ comes again in great power and glory and draws us to Himself:

Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, 52 in a moment, IN THE TWINKLING OF AN EYE, AT THE LAST TRUMPET; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and WE WILL BE CHANGED. 53 For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory. 55 “O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?” 56 THE STING OF DEATH IS SIN, AND THE POWER OF SIN IS THE LAW; 57 but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, BE STEADFAST, IMMOVABLE, ALWAYS ABOUNDING IN THE WORK OF THE LORD, KNOWING THAT YOUR TOIL IS NOT IN VAIN IN THE LORD. (1 Corinthians 15)

I will finish this in the next post!

A Doctrinal/Dogmatic Boulder of Christendom: Calvinism & The Past It is Evidently Condemned to Repeat!

A postmodern atheist once wrote, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Evidently, even the unregenerate can sometimes convey truth. If only the hypocritical, “seeker sensitive” and “politically correct” (“friend of the world and enemy to God”) leaders of Christendom were this aware of truth!

It seems that the five-hundred year old doctrine of Calvinism is having some kind of rebirth (“revival”), as most heretical and/or blasphemous doctrines of Christendom (the false Body of Christ) so often seem to have.

As with the Myth of Sisyphus, Christendom has been “condemned,” by its acts of heresy and blasphemy, to push the dead weight of its varied (denominational), heretical doctrine and dogma, such as Calvinism, up the religious mountain of apostasy. Christendom, unlike Sisyphus, continues this never-ending cycle of Spiritual failure with evidently no memory or understanding (discernment) of the results: the dead weight of heretical doctrine and dogma (just short of the summit) always rolls back down the apostate mountain and into the valley of spiritual confusion and, more often than not, adultery with the world. One might say that Christendom (as with Sisyphus and the boulder) “has lost its grip,” when it comes to pushing its doctrine and dogma.

Christendom is very accustomed to this repetitive, insane and disastrous routine, since this has been its method and mission (fate) for the past seventeen hundred years.

Here is Einstein’s definition for this kind of methodology:

“Insanity: doing the same (exact) thing over and over again and expecting different results.” (emphasis added)

CALVINISM:

John Calvin

John Calvin lived five hundred years ago. And evidently, he couldn’t fathom a “salvation” (spiritual salvation) “apart from works” and by “faith alone”. Calvin also couldn’t fathom the scriptures that speak of God’s sovereignty, unconditional grace and love for every human being and the rest of creation!

Here are three of the basic tenets (5) of Calvanism:

1) Total Depravity

Man is so corrupt he cannot receive the Gospel.

2) Unconditional Election

God is selective and only chooses certain people for salvation.

3) Limited Atonement

Christ only died for those who believe in Him.

First of all, the Apostle Paul affirms that we are justified, in the eyes of God, by faith alone:

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5: 1-2)

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. (Ephesians 2: 9-10)

Secondly, man, in his fallen state, is “depraved,” but this is the very reason Christ came to sacrifice Himself!

For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. (Romans 5: 10)

Thirdly, there is no “limited atonement”! This is a blasphemous claim!

The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1: 29)

For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens; who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He (Jesus) did once FOR ALL when He offered up Himself. For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, made perfect forever. (Hebrews 7: 26-28)

To believe Calvin, in his claims of “limited atonement,” is to make a liar out of God and His Christ:

“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. (John 3: 14-17)

“Whoever believes in” the Christ “will not perish, but have eternal life.” There is no “limited atonement!” This is nothing more than a lie of Satan, which was transmitted through John Calvin! There are some people (unregenerate) who will refuse this free offer of God’s grace, love and life. God, however, doesn’t desire for any one to be lost!

This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2: 3-4)

The terrible results of this rejection of the Lord are due to unregenerate man’s free choice and ungodly desire for what Satan and his worldly system offers.

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. (John 2: 16)

Lastly, the grace we receive, through the shed Blood of Christ, totally covers our sins of the past, present, and future.

Therefore THERE IS now NO CONDEMNATION FOR THOSE who are IN CHRIST JESUS. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit (true believers in Christ). (Romans 8: 1-4)

To change this truth, in any way, is to add to scripture and corrupt the truth of the Gospel:

If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. (1 Timothy 6: 3-5)

Have nothing to do with people who continue to teach false doctrine after you have warned them once or twice. (Titus 3: 10)

But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. (2 Peter 2: 1)

We (believers) are set free from the bondage that comes from sinning: the guilt of sinning. Therefore, we desire to resist sin, we desire to “walk according to the Spirit” of God! But when we do sin, and we most certainly will, our Lord’s sacrifice, once and for all, and His intercession on our behalf, covers our sins. If we had the power, in ourselves, to stop sinning, then there would have been no reason for the Lord to come and die for us!

For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace. (Romans 6: 14)

GRACE: unmerited favor

Mr. Calvin, in his lacking in discernment, or willful ignorance, of these scriptures, sought to reinstate the old law, which put the onus, once again, on corrupt and fallen man to somehow work his way back to God’s grace and (spiritual) salvation (legalism). This, of course, is to deny the sacrifice of Christ on the cross: no matter how convincing, to the contrary, the theological explanation. The word of God warns us distinctly not to trample on the Christ, His grace and sacrifice for us!

How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? (Hebrews 10: 29)

No human being (believer or unregenerate), including John Calvin, has ever been made privy to whom God has “foreknown and predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.” Even the angels, and the rest of creation, are not privy to this information: only the Lord and Father know!

For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. (Romans 8: 19)

Mr. Calvin evidently had an inflated (prideful) sense of himself and his knowledge of the Lord and scripture. In other words, Calvin was, as with many other “professors of the word,” arrogant and prideful, which, by the way, is one of the worst sins:

“You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” (1 Peter 5: 5)

NEW CALVINISM:

So now, evidently, there is a “New-Calvinism” that has reared its ugly head, as the following Pew Forum article shows. These New-Calvinists, who can’t seem to remember the ungodly affects of old Calvinism (history), will evidently be condemned to go through the same (repetitive) spiritual confusion, pain, suffering and failure of their Calvinist predecessors.

June 18, 2009

Even at 500, Calvin isn’t slowing down

by Daniel Burke

Religion News Service

Like most 24-year-old men, Stephen Jones is keenly interested in sin. But while many of his peers enjoy their youthful indiscretions, Jones takes a more, shall we say, Puritanical stand.

Last weekend (June 12-15), Jones and 4,000 other young Christians packed into a convention center in Palm Springs, Calif., to hear preachers tell them that they are totally depraved, incapable of doing the right thing without a mighty hand from God, and — most importantly

– have absolutely no control over their eternal fate.

The mind behind that message is John Calvin, the 16th-century Reformer often better known for condemning sinners and heretics than for igniting evangelical zeal…

“His theology is the hottest, most explosive thing being discussed right now,” said Justin Taylor, 32, a self-described Calvinist, and an editorial director at Crossway, a Christian publisher in the evangelical heartland of Wheaton, Ill. “What he taught is extraordinarily influential right now.”

Young evangelicals are scooping up books by neo-Calvinist authors, packing churches and conventions led by Calvinist preachers and studying at staunchly Calvinist seminaries. They’re blogging their way through Calvin’s behemoth “Institutes of the Christian Religion,” setting up Facebook fan clubs and opening Twitter feeds. (emphasis added)

Evidently, these “young evangelicals,” like many of their older counterparts, are ignorant to the very text they claim to live by: the word of God. They’re so wrapped up in this latest theological craze (“His theology is the hottest, most explosive thing being discussed right now…”) that they’re blind to the truth of God. These New Calvinists, like so many other religious fanatics, over the centuries, continue to push Christendom’s (legalistic) doctrinal and dogmatic boulder up that apostate mountain.

This man (Calvin), who lived five hundred years ago, and his damnable doctrine, are just another symptom of a larger disease called Christendom: the system of this world’s (Christian) religious structure (born of unregenerate man and Satan), which is totally contrary to the church (Body of Christ) seen in the first three chapters of Acts.

When will believers seek the Lord, His word and the leading and discernment of the Holy Spirit, as opposed to listening to and following, in a blind religious stupor, one false prophet or teacher after another: the pope, priests, evangelists, televangelsts and theologians? We are warned in the word of God, over and over again, to beware of false prophets and teachers, and test the spirits to see if they are of God:

But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. (2 Peter 2: 1)

“Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. (Matthew 7: 15)

Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, rejected in regard to the faith. (2 Timothy 3: 7)

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4: 1)

Here are the supposed basics of the New Calvinism:

Four Ways ‘New Calvinism’ is So Powerful

1. Old Calvinism was fundamental or liberal and separated from or syncretized with culture. New Calvinism is missional and seeks to create and redeem culture.
2. Old Calvinism fled from the cities. New Calvinism is flooding into cities.
3. Old Calvinism was cessationistic and fearful of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. New Calvinism is continuationist and joyful in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
4. Old Calvinism was fearful and suspicious of other Christians and burned bridges. New Calvinism loves all Christians and builds bridges between them. (emphasis added)

If this is true, then New Calvinism should be called No Calvinism. But my guess is that the heretical and ungodly tenets of John Calvin are still very much alive and well in this more “seeker sensitive” and “politically correct” version!

The following quote is the result of Christendom’s religious indoctrination:

“New Calvinism is missional and seeks to create and redeem culture.”

The true church, or Body of Christ, did have a “missional” and “redemptive” purpose. But that mission and redeeming power was lost when the Body, the Bride of Christ, acted the harlot and wed herself to Satan’s system of the world: the Emperor Constantine and his state run “church,” which became known as Catholicism.

In other words, redemption will never come through the apostate denominations (factions) of Christendom! Redemption will only come when Christ appears in the sky and begins His reign on earth. Along with the Christ will be those (“revealed sons of God”) who, as the Apostle Paul, have “finished the course,” “fought the good fight” and “kept the faith:” the “revealed sons of God” who gave up their earthly lives (while living) to have the abundance of life that Christ came to give them!

“Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. “But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. “For I came to SET A MAN AGAINST HIS FATHER, AND A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW; and A MAN’S ENEMIES WILL BE THE MEMBERS OF HIS HOUSEHOLD.

“He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. “And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. “He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it. (Matthew 10: 32-39)

Why would any believer, who is truly seeking the Lord, want to stay in Christendom’s spiritual immaturity, confusion and deadness, when they could simply “come out” and seek God, and others like them, on their own?

The entire article can be found here:

via Religion News: Even at 500, Calvin isn’t slowing down.

"Blessed Be The Name Of The Lord"

Job’s profession of faith was made to his rebellious wife after the Lord had literally allowed Satan to destroy all that Job had in the world, including his children.

How far is this example of faith from what we see exhibited in Christianity today? Quite often, Father is reduced to nothing more than a magic genie who exists merely to enhance our worldly needs and desires. We rarely hear anything from the pulpits that would suggest Father would take away from or allow us to suffer. The emphasis is on filling up the pews with “seeker sensitive” and warm and fuzzy sermons that never rebuke, exhort or spiritually mature the believer. Most modern day sermons never deal with the mature matter found in Father’s word, which is there for our spiritual growth:

And He (Jesus) summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? “For what will a man give in exchange for his soul? “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” (Mark 8: 34-38)

Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? “Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16: 31-33)

Paul told the Roman believers,

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5: 1-5)

James exhorted the Jerusalem believers,

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1: 2-4)

In looking back, over the years, I can recognize a pattern of gaining my goals and desires and then losing them. It now seems that I have never really attained a place of prominence and security in this world: financially, career wise, reputation or socially.

From my beginnings, I sought to be socially accepted as a student in public school and then even more so in college, but it never really came to pass. I wasn’t hated, but I never really fit in either.

I then pursued a career in music, which always seemed to be one step ahead of me. I placed the rest of my life on a shelf, socially, economically and spiritually, to pursue my “true love,” music. But, in the end, and after twenty plus years, I had almost nothing to show for it except moral degeneration, alcoholism/drug abuse, no meaningful relationships, guilt, fear, depression and a strong hatred of God and His people.

I then decided to take control of my life and entered corporate America, but this would also be doomed to failure.

It was during these years that Father drew me to Himself, but I was a new believer and still weak in faith and discernment. I, like many other believers I knew, still had my mind set on the world as opposed to hearing the spirit, or “still small voice.”

I ended up going back to college and getting a teaching certificate. I prayed about it (when I would remember) and when anything got in my way, I then would merely take control and plow my way through it. Like everything else I had ever accomplished, teaching was my goal and desire and nothing would prevent it from happening; even though I claimed I was being led by the spirit of God, I was really being led by my flesh.

I taught for five years and was very successful. But, as with every other endeavor in my life, teaching would soon be taken away from me.

During this same time, I also got married. My marriage would only last seven years.

It has only been in the last eight years that I have begun to understand that Father is in charge of my life and always has been. He allowed me my freedom of choice all throughout my life, and He allowed me to sin and hurt others and destroy what I had gained. But, all along this time line, Father has ultimately, and overall, been in charge of my life. Did He cause me to reject Him and sin? No, but He used my failures to continue to shape His path for me, as well as those I had sinned with and against!

To make a long story a little shorter, Father has recently shown me, through prayer and His indwelling spirit, that, like Job, He has given me much and taken away much. Father has also shown me that there was a reason for this, and now His word has become more than just a book, it has become reality to me:

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? (Romans 8: 28-31)

whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3: 7-14)

As with Paul, I, too, have come to understand that all I ever had or will have in this life is mere “rubbish” in comparison to what Father is revealing in and around me now!

Yes, and so it is, “the Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord!” “Though He slay me, I will worship Him!” “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain…”

"…My Refuge, My Fotress, My God in Whom I Trust"

Jesus told His disciples and those gathered,

“For this reason I say to you, do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. “For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. “Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds! “And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life’s span? “If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters? “Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. “But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You men of little faith! “And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. “For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. “But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you…” (Luke 12: 22-31)

The Father has been showering His grace and love on me my whole life. Not just in a material sense but in all ways: forgiveness, peace, discernment and life in His Son, the Christ!

Below is one of my favorite scriptures from the old testament. It reveals the Father’s willingness to deliver us when we have faith, which is also a gift from Him!

Now a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD; and the creditor has come to take my two children to be his slaves.” Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?” And she said, “Your maidservant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.” Then he said, “Go, borrow vessels at large for yourself from all your neighbors, even empty vessels; do not get a few. “And you shall go in and shut the door behind you and your sons, and pour out into all these vessels, and you shall set aside what is full.” So she went from him and shut the door behind her and her sons; they were bringing the vessels to her and she poured. When the vessels were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not one vessel more.” And the oil stopped. Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debt, and you and your sons can live on the rest.” (2 Kings 4: 1-7)

Many times I have been down to my last jar of oil: financially, emotionally, physically or all three at the same time. My Father has never abandoned me during these difficult times. He may not have delivered me completely, but He held me up and sustained me. Many times I have heard my Father whisper, as I prayed for deliverance, “My power is perfected in your weakness…”

Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12: 7-10)

Father has always been faithful even when I have not. Everything I have is from Him: “I do not belong to myself, for I was purchased at a price…” Therefore, I can say without hesitation, as Paul said almost two-thousand years ago,

For to me, to live is Christ… (Philippians 1: 21)

There is no other reason!!

"In All Things, God Works the Good!"

Jesus, told the people,

“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.

“For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? “Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? “And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? “And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. “But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ “For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6: 24-34)

As my last post pointed out, God, quite often, “…takes away the first in order to establish the second,” which can be very painful and confusing to us at first. But we have the promise of Romans 8: 28 to help sustain us during these times of loss, doubt and pain.

Paul, bound with chains.

We also have the apostle, Paul, as an example to hold on to during tough times. Paul, told the Philippians that his faith had allowed him to be “content” in all situations.

Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4: 11-13)

Paul, was extremely blessed by the Lord, but he was also a man familiar with suffering and pain:

Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12: 7-10)

We are a work in progress, and we are in the Lord’s hands to shape as he sees fit:

The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD saying, “Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will announce My words to you.” Then I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something on the wheel. But the vessel that he was making of clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he remade it into another vessel, as it pleased the potter to make. (Jeremiah 18: 1-4)

We must remember, “…He takes away the first in order to establish the second…”

And also,

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.(Philippians 1: 6)

God allows tribulation to cause suffering so that we may endure and grow in His life, will and purpose for us! We are “citizens of a different country,” so here we are “strangers” just passing through, just as the “great cloud of witnesses” have experienced before us.

…All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them… And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.
And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect. (Hebrews 11: 13-16, 32 to end)

So we should expect to experience what Jesus warned of:

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16: 33)

Then let us also remember that “God works all things to the good of those who love him and are called according to His purpose!”

“To Live is Christ…” #3

Here’s the third installment of my testimony.

At the end of the evening, I met several of Sarah’s friends, and they invited me to their “home church” that week. I agreed to come, even though I had never heard of a “home church.“ Xenos, is one of many fellowships that believe true, Christian relationships can only be formed in an informal, intimate setting like a home. This is known as a “Home Church” model. The structure is set up like this: there is a central meeting place, which I had just attended, where all of the fellowship can gather together, and then there are smaller gatherings, which occur in the homes of the fellowship members. Xenos, at this time, had three-thousand people in fellowship, with thirty or more home churches. So that week I attended Sarah’s home church. I met Sarah, and we drove to the house. The meeting was in the basement, and, as I started down the steps, I noticed that the basement was packed with probably sixty high-school kids and adults. Everyone was milling around and talking. Sarah, began to introduce me to these people. I felt a little uneasy, but not nearly as much as I had the preceding Sunday. The routine was much the same as it had been at central teaching. After we were there for a while, a man, my age, stood up and said, “let’s get started.” This was Danny, who would become, over the next weeks, someone very important in my life. Then we prayed, and Danny began to teach. I was amazed with all of these young people. We were all squeezed into this little basement, and as Danny began to share his thoughts, on a chapter in the bible, everyone was completely silent and focused. Again, I began to hear God speak to me. At the end of Danny’s teaching, he asked for questions and comments from us. One by one, these kids began to ask questions. The questions they asked amazed me. I could tell that they weren’t just asking for the purpose of getting attention. On the contrary, they were quite simply and eagerly seeking the truth. I had some questions myself, so I raised my hand and Danny called on me, and said, “I don’t believe I know you, so please tell us who you are, before you ask your question.” I told them my name, and that I was a friend of Sarah. I don’t remember the question I asked that night, but what I do remember is Danny’s desire to give me an answer.

At the end of the night, I was invited to go to the local McDonalds, drink coffee and continue our discussion. I was with five or six teenagers, and they were sharing their lives with me, as well as answering many of my own questions. One thing I learned that night was a person doesn’t have to be fifty years old, with a theology degree, to receive and transmit God’s truth. I was blown away by the maturity these young people exhibited while sharing their experiences with God. From this night on, instead of dreading these meetings, I would look forward to them all week.

Several weeks passed, and I had continued to attend the home church and central teachings. Over those weeks, I continued to be changed in my mind and heart, and my self-hatred and longing to die began to dissipate. I felt as if the world had been lifted off of my back, and I could breathe and live again. One night, because of work, I had arrived at home church a little bit late. So I crept down the stairs and found a place to sit. Another person was teaching that night. Joe, was a great guy and a good teacher, but in my mind, he was no Danny. At the end of the teaching, I raised my hand, and he called on me. I began to ask my question when, all of a sudden, Danny blurted out, “You’re here!” All of the kids started laughing, and Danny looked a little bit embarrassed. I completed my question, and Joe gave me an answer. The night ended, and I went up to Danny and we started talking. Danny’s surprised response, to finding out I was there, might seem small to some, but to me it meant everything. I had only met Danny just a few weeks before, and yet he was concerned that I might not be there that evening. This event helped anchor me to these people and God. I respected and loved Danny, and his influence on me was huge. Danny, would become a close friend, as well as my mentor. There were many of the younger people I became close with also. I don’t see many of them anymore, but they still burn in my mind and heart!

Over the past twenty-two years, since that night, I have had people say to me, “You have no proof that your God exists.” They’re right! I have no “empirical” evidence to prove that God exists, nor is that my reason for being. My evidence of God is in the unseen realm (as well as the seen), the realm that sets humanity apart from the animals and plants. My faith in God lives in the evidence of things that I have needed and hoped for, over the years. By “things,” I don’t mean cars, boats, houses and money. The “things” that I speak of are answered prayers for health and deliverance for myself and others, as well as the knowledge of God and all that entails. This, by any stretch of the imagination, is not empirical, scientific evidence. God’s manifestation is His responsibility, not mine (Romans 1: 19-21). Even if I sensed it was my responsibility, I couldn’t get it done, because I’m not God. “A man needs to know his own limitations,” a human adage that has some truth to it.

“To Live is Christ…” #2

This is the second installment of my testimony:

During the next twenty-four hours, I was anything but relaxed and happy about what was coming Sunday night. I even considered calling Sarah and canceling, but I knew she would ask me again. So Sunday night came, and I went with Sarah to her fellowship, which was called, “Xenos.” When we arrived, I was looking for the steeple and stained glass, but there was none to be found. The building, where they met, was a converted warehouse. As I entered, I noted immediately that there was no altar, crucifix or pews. People were sitting on stackable chairs with bibles, notepads and coffee. On the little stage up front, was a band playing Bluegrass music. In the corner was a snack-bar: selling coffee, cokes, chips, candy and donuts. No one was dressed in suits or skirts. Instead, most people were wearing bluejeans and flannel shirts, some were even wearing shorts.

Sarah, led me to a group of people and introduced me. I was still very nervous and felt out of place, but I returned their greetings and sat down. Most of these people were my age or younger, and they immediately began to talk with me. They didn’t preach at me, they just talked to me like normal human beings. At this point, I was still unsure about being there, but I couldn’t help admitting that this was different than any other church I had ever attended. In looking back, I believe this informal setting really helped me to calm my anxiety about being there.

After we had been there for a short while, the lights were dimmed and this man gets up and walks on to the stage. He went to the lectern and said, “Hello, Everyone. Let’s get started.” I would come to learn that this was Gary, one of the two main elders. He was short, with semi-long hair, and he was wearing bluejeans and a flannel shirt. He then said, “Let’s pray. Would anyone like to start?” I couldn’t believe it, the minister, at the beginning of a service, exhorting the congregation to pray. Off in the distance came a voice praying, and after a few more people had prayed, then Gary finished up with a prayer. What almost everyone had prayed was for God to make known, to all of us there, His truth through the word.

For the next hour or so, I heard God speak to me. I didn‘t hear an audible voice, what I heard was inside of my mind and heart. I can only try to describe what can’t be described in human terms. I felt God lance the boil, that was my heart, and gently begin to soothe the wound He had opened. I felt God’s words, through Gary, begin to convict me and then caress me, as if to say, “It’s alright David; I know what you’ve done, and how you are laid low with guilt, shame and pain, but I forgive you and accept you. David, the days of self-loathing, blood-guilt, fear, bitterness and anger are coming to an end. Through My Son, I have taken them away! You are free. I love you, David.” In 1st Corinthians 15, it says, “We shall all be changed, in the twinkling of an eye…” If this event is going to happen again, at some point in the future, I do not know, but I do know that it already happened to me on this very night. In one, short hour, my whole existence had been altered, once and for all time.

I have never, since this time, experienced anything like that first taste of God. All I had ever heard from Catholic priests and Protestant ministers was sin, works, hell, fire and damnation; but God had begun to shine His light on those lies, and His work continues in me until this day. What the ministers, priests and preachers couldn’t accomplish, in thirty-six years, God had accomplished in one, small hour. And the messengers God had used were a man in bluejeans and a seventeen year-old girl.

"To Live is Christ…" #1

This is the first installment of my testimony. God, was gracious and loving to reach out to such a wretched man as myself, and I-now-want to share my love and gratitude for God and His Son with others!

I had met Sarah while working at a local music store, in the Fall of 1985. She was working with the younger kids who were hired to clean rental instruments. Sarah, had just turned seventeen when she started working there. She was-outwardly-a beautiful, young lady, and she was just as beautiful in her mind and heart. Sarah, was the kind of person who could walk into a room and light it up with her smile and personality. People were drawn to her light, as was I. Some nights, Sarah would work later in the evening, so, quite often, it was just her and myself in the repair and clean-up shop. We would talk as we worked, and Sarah would share much about her daily happenings with me. Quite often, she would talk about her church and the people she loved there. Every once in a while, she would turn the subject to me and how God loved me also. These conversations always made me uncomfortable, because I still was opposed to God and hated the church. When she would bring up God and me, I would try to convince her that I was beyond redemption, I was too far gone. Almost always, she would end the conversation by saying, “No matter what you have done wrong, God still loves you, and so do I.”

Until Sarah appeared in my life, I was always looking for an opportunity to tear down any Christian trying to save me. Most of my energy, then, was spent blaming God and religion for my broken life. This was easier, of course, than blaming the real culprit, who just happened to be me. I was in denial about the cause of my troubles, and I hated myself so much that I didn’t want to hear about God’s forgiveness and love for me. What I desired, more than love and forgiveness, was the courage to end my life. My desire for self destruction was a constant companion, in those dark days. I was brutal with people who reached out to me, I didn‘t want or need their “fairy-tale“ advice. I despised Christians and considered them nothing more than blind fools. But there was confusion in me now, because of Sarah. I couldn’t, for the life of me, figure out how She could escape the wrath that normally dwelt in me.

The music store had a little bulletin board hanging over the work bench, and the kids would leave messages on it for management and co-workers. One night, as I was working by myself, I paused for a moment and looked up, and there, on the board, was a verse that Sarah had left for anyone to read. The verse, as I would come to learn, was in Philippians, and it stated, “To live is Christ, to die is gain…” I remember sitting there and staring at these words for a long time. I was thinking, “What does that mean?” As I continued to work, the words kept nagging at me. I thought, “How can death be considered a gain, and ‘To live is Christ…’ doesn’t even make sense?” Over the following weeks, I would continue to see that verse and ponder. Little did I know that, in the coming weeks and months ahead, I would begin to understand this verse, and it would change me forever.

Sarah, and I continued to work together, and she continued to speak of God’s love for me. One Saturday, almost a year later, I went to lunch with her and a friend. On the way back to work, Sarah, out of nowhere, said to her friend, “Dave’s going to go to central teaching (church) with us, Sunday night.” She turned to me and said, “Aren’t you?” To this day I can remember sitting in that back seat thinking, “I’m not going anywhere Sunday night.” But that wasn’t what came out of my mouth. Instead, my response was, “I guess I could go on Sunday.” I still can‘t fully explain my answer that day, except to say that I was filled with so much misery and torment that my heart evidently overrode my confused mind…