God's Truth In Love

Archive for May, 2014|Monthly archive page

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Updates – Godly Spiritual Activism

In Advice, Agape Love, Apostasy, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, End Times, Exhortation, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Love, Persecution, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Remnant, Revival, Rhema Words, Spiritual Activism, Spiritual Activists, Spiritual Remnant, Truth, Uncategorized on May 28, 2014 at 5:15 pm

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

I want to thank each one of you who are actively involved in godly spiritual activism on behalf of the godly men and women in the United States of America. We give up our rights to Christ, we do not give up our rights to man and we certainly never betray or deny God and His Principles to make life within our society easier for us. We are perhaps at one of the most difficult periods in American history to be a Devote Follower of Christ and sadly, I believe it will get worse before it gets better. However, biblical history and general history has proven that the persecution of the Body of Christ results in revival and growth. I personally believe godly spiritual activism is going to be one of the most powerful weapons of spiritual warfare used of God in the very near future to further His Will and His Causes among His people and in the world as a whole. I fully intend to allow God to use me in such a capacity according to His Will and encourage you to do the same.

Thank you to everyone who used godly spiritual activism to bring about a positive result in the Florida Atlantic University Jesus stomping issue. Whether you made your voice heard through going to the university in person, calling, or emailing; it worked, they were so overwhelmed with Outraged Christians that they issued a formal apology and stated that the practice of having students write the name of Jesus on a piece of paper then stomp on it, would never be used again at that university. The professor who facilitated this assignment and then persecuted the student[s] who would not participate claimed he was only doing what the textbook in use, instructed him to do. Textbooks…the common core teaching curriculum is going to be a tough issue for Christian parents. As there is much for concern in that material. However, for now, a victory for God’s people and those who stood up for their right to respect Jesus’ name.

One of the current moves against godly men and women who are ordained ministers is the act of being deliberately sought out by homosexual couples or a homosexual individual for the purpose of asking that ordained minister or pastor to perform a wedding ceremony for them. If the man or woman of God refuses to perform the same sex marriage, they are then reported to authorities as discriminating against said couple – a couple who often do not even exist as an actual two party couple. The goal of the homosexual community is to have the ordained minister or pastor criminally prosecuted for a crime, one preferably that is considered a hate crime. States are attempting to pass special legislation, amendments, that would protect ordained ministers from being able to be targeted with this form of persecution. However, the legislation has to be supported and passed, so please speak up and speak out, let the Christian voice be heard. Pass this legislation in your state if your state offers this form of protection to its ordained ministers. Far too frequently, people are able to retain political power even when they fight against the causes of protecting the very rights and freedoms of the people they were elected to protect and serve. The Governor of Kentucky is the child of a Baptist Preacher yet, vetoes the amendment to protect ordained ministers from unconstitutional prosecution, which is nothing more than persecution for ones religious beliefs. [Side note: We know it is always the will of evil to try to use the children of God’s called men and women to do his bidding, often succeeding for a season; yet, a glimpse through history shows us that the majority of these children return to Christ and become an even more powerful force for godliness and God’s agenda than they might have originally. Thus, proving the general principle found in Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV) “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.”] Nevertheless, ask yourself where this country will be if people who claim to support freedom and adherer to conservative belief are allowed to continue in office when they would veto such legislation.

I ask for your prayers, as I have been under much spiritual attack lately in my physical body. God has reminded me recently that He allowed Satan to attack Job because God had a purpose. I have, and am, allowing God to reveal changes in my life, lifestyle, and schedule He wants made so I might benefit from why He has allowed this attacked. One the other side, Satan brings this attack at a time when he could use it to attempt to hinder my work in spiritual activism and my work with a specific individual whom God has intended to use for His glory. This attack comes at a time when this individual is close to finding their freedom from bondages and their true purpose in Christ. Satan has sent people to stop this, Satan has brought personal division and strife to stop this, and now Satan is attacking me personally in an attempt to stop this and keep his claws in this person. Therefore, I ask each of you to pray for me and pray for the situation that God would be glorified and Satan would be defeated.

Lastly, I know I am behind on quite a few questions and the follow-up comments on answers. I will be moving forward as quickly as possible. If you feel your question is urgent, please send me a message indicating so. I will not be adding follow-up comments to the questions and replies unless an additional question is prompted. This is not personal in any way; it is merely policy for me. I have never allowed publically posted comments and will not be doing so with the Q&A series. However, I will still respond to your comments privately and personally, so please continue to submit them. The intent of this forum is to promote Truth and only to promote Truth, which is why no comments or names are allowed and why I do not even list my name or ministry. I am here to promote Jesus and His Truths not to promote anyone else, including myself.

 

Regarding worldviews:

Secular sources – self-help, advice, mass media – some of these resources can be useful in obtaining knowledge about what is going on in our world but they are not credible sources for a Believer when it comes to establishing beliefs, opinions, and directives for life. The gap between the two foundational platforms (biblical vs. secular) is too vast at this point in our present day society to bring reconciliation between the two. A Believer should seek out Christian lifestyle training, godly counsel, and Christian forms of mass media using those to shape their approach to life.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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Do Spiritual Gifts Cease?

In Advice, Agape Love, Apostasy, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Devotional, Encouragement, Exhortation, Fruits of the Holy Spirit, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Love, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Rhema Words, Spiritual Fruit, Truth, Uncategorized on May 19, 2014 at 9:10 pm

You may submit your own question via the contact information on the “ABOUT” page. A link to the about page can be found at the top of any of the website pages.

Question Summary:

“I have done some reading on my own but would love your input on this particular verse, 1 Corinthians 13:8. It seems it could be taken out of context to mean something different then intended but I’m not sure.”

Reply:

Thank you for your question about 1 Corinthians 13:8 and yes, it is a verse that is often misrepresented and misused, by those who do not believe in what is often referred to as the Pentecostal or Charismatic Gifts, of prophecy, words of knowledge, and tongues. It is a verse that is distorted in order to make a claim that these Spiritual Gifts are not in operation anymore within the Body of Christ.

As I frequently try to remind people, context is everything with Scripture. Context of the verses surrounding the verse you are studying, context of the entire chapter, and at times context of the entire book of the Bible you are examining. Therefore, we should look at the context of 1 Corinthians before and after chapter thirteen.

Chapters 1-4 Talks about spiritual gifts, the use of wisdom, carnality, the need for good stewardship in handling mysteries of God, the need for spiritual parenting and spiritual care…

Chapters 5-7 Deals with immorality within the church, the need to “judge”, yes judge immorality, how Christians should treat each other, how we should treat our bodies, how we should act in marriage, instructions for the unmarried and widowed…

Chapters 8-10 Has us examine ourselves internally (our conscious), the need for self-denial, service, and perseverance throughout the Christian’s lifespan…

Chapters 10-11 Addresses religious practices and ordinances.

Chapters 12-14 Focuses primarily on love and on the use of the spiritual gifts in their proper form.

Then we reach the part of the book on which the question is based and that will be the focus of our examination. However, it is important to point out the context of the few chapters that follow this portion.

Chapter 15 Addresses our Resurrected Christ and our ultimate glorification in the next life.

That for the most part is the book of 1 Corinthians. Now understanding the context of 1 Corinthians, we examine this specific passage of Scripture.

Paul has just described what “love” looks like in a tangible sense (1 Corn.13:4-7) and is now going to make a point about love.

1 Corinthians 13:8–13 (AV) (KJV)

8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

“they shall fail” v.8

“it shall vanish away” v.8

“shall be done away” v.10

“I put away” v.11

All four of these phrases have the same Greek definition. It is as follows:

2673. καταργέω katargĕō, kat-arg-eh´-o; from 2596 and 691; to be (render) entirely idle (useless), lit. or fig.:— abolish, cease, cumber, deliver, destroy, do away, become (make) of no (none, without) effect, fail, loose, bring (come) to nought, put away (down), vanish away, make void.

There is clearly a time when these gifts will cease to exist. However, the key to when that time is, or will be, can be found in proper understanding and context of 1 Corinthians as a whole and through understanding of other passages in the Bible.

In order for those gifts to cease, “that which is perfect” v.10, must come into existence.

According to the Greek language, “that which is perfect” is a “variety of states of completeness, in character, perfection, growth, labor” and that completeness means “to set out for a definite point or goal”, “the point aimed at as a limit”, “a result immediately or ultimately or prophetic of a purpose”, “specifically to levy an end”, “the uttermost” of a state, and most importantly, “the conclusion of an act or state (termination [literally, figuratively, indefinitely]” – which speaks to the eternal not the temporal.

This addresses the state of being once the Body of Christ has entered Glory, not while the Body of Christ is on the earth.

Let me elaborate on this point by addressing each verse that follows verse eight, where the statement about the ceasing of the gifts is made – verses ten through thirteen.

v.10 In perfection (glory) everything will be complete, there will be no more need for gifts of tongues, prophecy, etc.

v.11 Paul equates transferring from this life to glory, as a level of perfection or maturity that is simply the next step. Then he gives the example of transferring from a level of maturity a child would have, to a level of maturity a man would have. He says, ‘he put away childish things’ because it was the next step in his perfection or maturity as a young man. One day, our next step in our maturity or perfection in Christ, will be to put off this world, the spiritual gifts we use in this world and move into the next realm of our existence, glory, where we will be perfectly completed in Christ.

v.12 Paul talks about the completeness and maturity of his understanding, of our understanding, and spiritual insight once we see Jesus face to face and know ALL there is to know and UNDERSTAND all there is to understand. He acknowledges that he, Paul, is fully known by Christ but that he, Paul, does not fully know the things of God this side of heaven, this side of residing in His, Christ’s, Glory.

v.13 Paul talks about faith, hope, and charity (agape or action type love) and he tells us that for now we act, live, use our gifts, etc. out of “faith”, to the degree of our “faith”, and we rest our “hope” in the Truth that God will use them, having our “hope” in God alone, as we act motivated by “charity” aka love for God and the Body of Christ. He makes the point that of the three, “charity” (love) is the primary one that will transcend this life into the next life, eternal life in glory. Once in glory, faith will not be needed, for our faith will become complete because all will be seen and known (Heb. 11:1). Once in glory our hope will also be made complete because we will have the fulfillment of all we have hoped for during our Christian walk on earth (Heb.11:1).

Paul then immediately launches right into encouraging us and exhorting us to desire the most coveted spiritual gifts and tell us why. Therefore, the use and importance of these gifts are a priority, both then and now. Paul had addressed the three gifts of, Words of Knowledge, Gif of Tongues, and Prophecy because he had been teaching in the prior chapters that all gifts were important and needed within the Body of Christ; therefore, there was no need for spiritual jealousy among the brethren – that ultimately all spiritual gifts regardless of their power would go away once we were all in glory together. Prior to this point in 1 Corinthians 13 and 14, the focus has been on the need for unity and love among True Believer, instead of infighting and jealousy over gifts and callings (1 Corn. 12:12-31).

1 Corinthians 14:1–5 (NKJV)

Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.

It is also made clear in the book of Ephesians, when spiritual gifts are being addressed, that the need for apostles and prophets exist, the two callings that tend to use the aforementioned gifts the most. The purpose is to grow the Body of Christ and keep them from the spiritual danger of being lead astray or becoming apostate, which sadly is exactly what wrong teaching on the subject of 1 Corn. 13:8-13 does. Proper teaching, which the fivefold ministry is required by God to do, is to continue until the Body of Christ or the individual is completely spiritually mature, which is something that never happens until a saint goes to be with Jesus in glory. I have never met any mature Christian, who consideration themselves to be completely mature, or perfect – only perfect in Christ. Each mature Believer, I have ever encountered, knew there was so much more they had to learn – this attitude, in and of itself, is a testimony to their maturity.

Ephesians 4:11–16 (NKJV)

11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Again, in conclusion, in the end all spiritual gifts will go away once we are all in glory together, but not prior to that time. They might be exhibited among the Brethren to a greater or lesser degree at any given time in history but they will not completely cease until after the rapture and/or the Body of Christ has been transformed in the New Jerusalem. This passage in 1 Corinthians 13 is meant to remind us of our need for unity and love among the True Saints of God, Saints being another name for Believers.

 

Regarding worldviews:

Secular sources – self-help, advice, mass media – some of these resources can be useful in obtaining knowledge about what is going on in our world but they are not credible sources for a Believer when it comes to establishing beliefs, opinions, and directives for life. The gap between the two foundational platforms (biblical vs. secular) is too vast at this point in our present day society to bring reconciliation between the two. A Believer should seek out Christian lifestyle training, godly counsel, and Christian forms of mass media using those to shape their approach to life.

 

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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The First

In Advice, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Remnant, Revival, Spiritual Remnant, Truth, Uncategorized on May 12, 2014 at 7:47 pm

You may submit your own question via the contact information on the “ABOUT” page. A link to the about page can be found at the top of any of the website pages.

Question Summary:

Is it true that Jesus was the first Christian?

Reply:

This has to be one of the more interesting questions I have been asked in a very long time. Thank you. It is a question I have never personally been asked nor have I ever heard it asked of anyone else.

I will answer the question by explaining the meaning of the name, and word Christian, as well as exploring when people might have been considered Christians in a practical sense and a theological sense.

Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines “Christian” as “one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ” and whereas Jesus obviously believed His teachings, He does not fall into the category as one who would have professed a belief in His own teachings. Of course, He believed His own teaching and would not have needed to profess a belief in His own teachings.

Nelson’s new illustrated Bible dictionary defines Christian as “an adherent or follower of Christ.”

The Greek definition for the word “Christian” is as follows and occurs three times in the New Testament, Acts 11:26, 26:28, and 1 Peter 4:16.

5546. Χριστιανός Christianŏs, khris-tee-an-os´; from 5547; a Christian, i.e. follower of Christ:— Christian.

5547. Χριστός Christŏs, khris-tos´; from 5548; anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus:— Christ.

Jesus clearly could not have been a follower or an adherent of Himself; therefore, He could not have been considered the first Christian.

The use of the name “Christian” is first noted in Scripture in the book of Acts.

Acts 11:25–26 (NKJV)

25 Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. 26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

This is a matter of this or that side of the cross. Christianity technically could not exist until Jesus died and rose again. Theologically we would need to view this through the lenses of the dispensations of grace. Yet, practically while Jesus walked the earth in human form there were those individual who would have been considered among the first, of the Christians, in my view.

The wise men were among the first to worship Jesus after His birth. Their worship was acknowledgement of Him as the Christ, the Messiah. That worship, of Jesus the Christ, to me is evidence of being a Christian in practical application.

Matthew 2:1–4 (NKJV)

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

John the Baptist clearly acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah when he stated, “Behold! The Lamb of God” upon Jesus’ arrived for His baptism. Though John the Baptist did not live to see Jesus death and resurrection, I consider Him one of the first Christians because of his proclamation.

John 1:29 (NKJV)

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

Peter was the first who actually called Jesus, the Christ. He acknowledged that Jesus was the Messiah when he stated ‘You are the Christ.’ as found in the Holy Scriptures, in all four gospels, Matt. 6:16, Mark 8:29, Luke 9:20 and John 6:69. All four times Peter was using the term and word Christ, which means “the Messiah” in the Greek language.

Mark 8:27–29 (NKJV)

27 Now Jesus and His disciples went out to the towns of Caesarea Philippi; and on the road He asked His disciples, saying to them, “Who do men say that I am?”

28 So they answered, “John the Baptist; but some say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.”

29 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

Peter answered and said to Him, “You are the Christ.”

The thief on the cross was perhaps the first individual to redeem his official position as a Christian, as Jesus and he would have died within a few minutes or hours of each other. Jesus had in fact assured the thief that he would be allowed to enter Paradise that day. The thief simply asked for Jesus’ mercy and received His mercy in the form of salvation.

Luke 23:39–43 (NKJV)

39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.”

40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

Whom can we call the very first Christian, of that I am not positive but it was not Jesus Himself as Jesus is Christianity.

 

Regarding worldviews:

Secular sources – self-help, advice, mass media – some of these resources can be useful in obtaining knowledge about what is going on in our world but they are not credible sources for a Believer when it comes to establishing beliefs, opinions, and directives for life. The gap between the two foundational platforms (biblical vs. secular) is too vast at this point in our present day society to bring reconciliation between the two. A Believer should seek out Christian lifestyle training, godly counsel, and Christian forms of mass media using those to shape their approach to life.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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Balancing Weights of Change

In Advice, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Spiritual Fruit, Truth, Uncategorized on May 8, 2014 at 1:18 pm

You may submit your own question via the contact information on the “ABOUT” page. A link to the about page can be found at the top of any of the website pages.

Question Summary:

How do I reconcile my beliefs in the last two posts? I appear, to the person asking the question, to be promoting both dependence on Jesus for change and the need for obedience to bring about overcoming change. It appears contradictory to the reader who is seeking clarity.

Reply:

Yes, I am promoting both dependence on Jesus for change and the need for obedience in order to bring about the manifestation of change in a person’s life. Let me explain.

As I shared with someone recently, each day I must go to Christ and once again turn to Him in dependence upon Him to live through me, thus applying the work of His Cross and the power of His resurrection to my life daily. This is daily repentance and rededication to Him, trust in Him, and dependence upon Him. Through this surrendered and submissive attitude toward Christ, He is given license to work in my life to accomplish His Will.

We must find the balance between attempting to do things in our own strength, the flesh, and making sure we are being obedient to Christ’s directives for us. We often struggle because we have allowed sin and disobedience to God to be options for us. God can empower us by His grace to do anything He shows us, or tells us, to do but He will not make the choice to obey said directive[s] for us. He ask us to obey and once we agree, comply, and move forward in obedience His grace and strength is there to fulfill the task. That progression, that order of actions, is vital to victory however – 1] agree 2] comply 3] move forward.

We cannot continue to ask Jesus to do such and such for us when we have not obeyed Him in what He has already instructed us to do. Our answer to our problem can often be found in obedience and our lack of an answer can often be found in our disobedience.

We are given a new nature at conversion [2 Corn. 5:17] and in the spiritual realm everything we will ever need to have done in us is completed by Christ and His finished work on the cross. We, by means of His resurrection power, allow Him to live through us, which then manifest in the physical realm all the changes that were completed in us at conversion.

Jesus has done in us what needs to be done and He is waiting for us to allow Him to manifest His work in us, through us, as we obey His Truths, Principles, and Directives. This is when both our struggle with sin[s] ends and our overcoming victory is walked out in our daily lives.

 

Regarding worldviews:

Secular sources – self-help, advice, mass media – some of these resources can be useful in obtaining knowledge about what is going on in our world but they are not credible sources for a Believer when it comes to establishing beliefs, opinions, and directives for life. The gap between the two foundational platforms (biblical vs. secular) is too vast at this point in our present day society to bring reconciliation between the two. A Believer should seek out Christian lifestyle training, godly counsel, and Christian forms of mass media using those to shape their approach to life.

 

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.