God's Truth In Love

Archive for the ‘Revival’ Category

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Size or Quality

In Advice, Agape Love, Apostasy, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Devotional, Encouragement, End Times, Exhortation, Fruits of the Holy Spirit, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Love, Persecution, Prayer, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Remnant, Revival, Rhema Words, Spiritual Activism, Spiritual Activists, Spiritual Fruit, Spiritual Remnant, Truth, Uncategorized on June 22, 2014 at 10:30 am

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 will be combining and summarizing several questions on the same topic into this one question summary. Additionally I have chosen to omit information that I believe too personal to the individual to make known publically or publish here.

This is a question that is asked frequently. Godly men and women wonder why their churches and ministries are small and yet, they see other pastors and leaders with large churches and large ministries, leaders whom they know are not dividing the Word of God properly and/or are allowing ungodly things to go on. These individual often want to know, if they are following God and serving Him with integrity and righteously why do they remain small in numbers while others fill stadiums, huge church building, civic centers, and coliseums.

Reply:

The answer while simple is difficult to accept.

Error will always have more followers than Truth.

You can search your Bible from cover to cover and find from Noah and Lot, to Jesus and John the beloved that sin and religion have always attracted more individuals than holiness and godly spirituality.

Syncretism has become the apostate church’s new politically correct thing to do. When they are called on the carpet about the ungodly practice, they sound the trumpet of loving people to Christ or bringing peace to the world as their defense for their practice of combining different belief, godly and ungodly, in order ultimately to reach people. Jesus never practiced compromising the Father to win a convert or to influence the religious community around Him. To infuse what is godly with what is ungodly in order to find middle ground is apostasy.

I will repeat something I wrote in an earlier piece, “Godly love will always tell people, and present people, with the Truth. Godly peace can only be found in the presence of Truth, of which Jesus is central.”

The Greek language defines the term “false prophets” as found in the Scriptures below, as a “religious imposters” and the church has been inundated with them. Many of which have become the societal face of Christianity, at least in America.

1 John 4:1 (NKJV)

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Matthew 24:11 (NKJV) – Jesus speaking

Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.

As a whole people do not like hearing the truth and being presented with God’s Truth is definitely something they do not enjoy or embrace. People leave churches because they do not like the Truth being taught because it confronts their sin or attempts to move them to change. People leave study groups, friendships, and even family because they find Truth to be so offensive. Truth cuts through people and reaches into their spirits. If their spirits are filled with ungodliness then Truth is their enemy, thus, if Truth is their enemy the person speaking the Truth becomes their enemy.

Jesus is, and was, the literal embodiment of Truth and He is the Authority present when Truth is taught, preached, presented, or spoken. People, for the most part, have always rejected Truth and fought against Truth. This is not likely to stop in this world. Jesus, being Truth, made it clear He came not to bring peace but to bring a sword. Truth will always be a sword between you and the one who does not wish to hear Truth. Additionally, Truth sets people free. Jesus is, and was, the Truth that sets people free and through His Truths, He continues to set people free bit by bit throughout their walk with Him over the course of a lifetime, manifesting the freedom He bought for them on Calvary and imputed to them at conversion. Satan does not want anyone to be free, to find their freedom in or through Christ, and he will fight to keep them in bondage, blinded, and in error.

John 14:6 (NKJV) – Jesus speaking

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Matthew 10:34–39 (NKJV) – Jesus speaking

34 “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. 35 For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; 36 and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ 37 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. 38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39 He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.

John 8:32 (NKJV) – Jesus speaking

And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

It is a world idea that bigger is better, when most of the time that is simply not true. The idea that a large church must be a right church is again something that is based in the idea that people are attracted to what is good. No, people are attracted to what they want, what meets their needs on their terms. Godly success is simple not based on size, worldly success is based on size. Jesus was successful on the cross of Calvary but as best as we can determine from history He only had a few Followers with Him at that point in His ministry.

Again, remember, error will always have more followers than Truth.

 

 

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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Persecution – Why?

In Advice, Agape Love, Apostasy, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Devotional, Encouragement, End Times, Exhortation, Fruits of the Holy Spirit, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Love, Persecution, Prayer, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Remnant, Revival, Rhema Words, Spiritual Activism, Spiritual Activists, Spiritual Fruit, Spiritual Remnant, Truth, Uncategorized on June 21, 2014 at 3:33 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 will be combining and summarizing several questions on the same topic into this one question summary. Additionally I have chosen to omit information that I believe too personal to the individual to make known publically or publish here.

There have been a number of questions regarding persecution. People who have seen an increase in injustice and mistreatment as they have grown in their walk with God and/or taken steps to follow God in a particular direction or action that He has requested of them. In each occurrence I read, they seem to be legitimate cases of persecution against the godly who are behaving in ways that honor God. One incident of which I will address more specifically in answering another question.

Overall, the general feeling these people express is a feeling of aloneness among their brothers and sisters in Christ as well as aloneness within their families and society. I am pleased to report that each individual indicates that although they are alone in the natural, they do sense God’s presence with them.

The primary question seems to be why the persecution is happening.

Reply:

I will answer this question in a general way. There are forces that attack specific people for a specific purpose, attacks that can be deemed persecution. However, addressing publically the possible reason for their specific persecution is not profitable to all. This is why I have chosen to limit my reply to generalities.

If an individual is truly walking with God, following the Holy Spirit, they can and should expect persecution from the people within the church who are the religious, those whose godly spirituality is shallow and is about form and practice more than lifestyle and relationship, as well as persecution from the world.

Jesus, the apostles, and Jesus’ disciples were persecuted by the religious community of their day, the government of their day, and the worldly people of their day. Sadly, we can expect no less. The frequency and degree of persecution will rise again as the end draws nearer and America (for those of you in America) strays further and further from God.

Some of the attitude I have read approach persecution as meaning something is wrong with them. Persecution comes to them as a surprise and they view it as a negative thing. Suffering persecution, when suffered because of godliness, is a good thing and in some ways should be considered a badge of honor for the faithful. For if you were not faithful, you would not be persecuted. The world and Satan does not bother with individual who are not going to make any impact on their environment for Christ. People with nothing to say, no examples to give, no cause, no compass of Christ, who take no stand, and who generally make no difference for the Kingdom of God are not going to be bothered or messed with. Therefore, if you are being bothered, if you are being messed with, or if you do find yourself in persecution rejoice someone deems you a godly threat to ungodliness.

Jesus during His Sermon on the Mount ends His teaching, which we call The Beatitudes, addressing the issue of persecution.

Matthew 5:10–12 (NKJV) – Jesus speaking

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Jesus made it clear persecution would be part of the environment for the faithful.

Matthew 24:9 (NKJV) – Jesus speaking about the signs of the end.

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.

Instead of asking why we are being persecuted we should be more concerned if we are not being persecuted.

That said we might also seek the comfort and encouragement of a more mature Christian who has gone through persecution themselves. Only someone who has been persecuted for their godliness can truly understand the complex feelings involved in being maltreated and/or falsely accused for doing what is right, for doing what is godly, or for doing God’s Will. We are human, it hurts at times, and we need God’s help and the help of those who understand persecution in order to ensure it does not damage our faith.

"You can never really possess the Kingdom of God until the cause of God becomes more important than your own life." Charles Allen

When God’s Will, God’s desires, God’s Ways, and God’s agenda becomes more important than anything else to in our lives, then we can truly experience God in ways beyond the ability to describe in words.

2 Corinthians 4:7–10 (NKJV)

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 8 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

Philippians 3:12–14 (NKJV)

12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

What choice does a devoted Follower of Christ have but to press on and go forward? We have none, because, if we take our focus off following God, we will lose our purpose for existing as individuals and as the Body of Christ.

 

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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Apostasy or Love

In Advice, Agape Love, Apostasy, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Devotional, Encouragement, End Times, Exhortation, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Love, Persecution, Prayer, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Remnant, Revival, Rhema Words, Spiritual Activism, Spiritual Activists, Spiritual Fruit, Spiritual Remnant, Truth, Uncategorized on June 20, 2014 at 5:00 am

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 will be combining and summarizing several questions on the same topic into this one question summary. Additionally I have chosen to omit information that I believe too personal to the individual to make known publically or publish here.

Several Catholics, some of whom could be considered Christian Catholics, are concerned over the actions of the Pope on Sunday, June 8th 2014 and wonder if his actions can be connected to End Time Prophecy.

They are struggling with how to remain faithful to the Catholic Church or even if they should in light of the Pope’s choice to embrace the Muslim religion and Judaism. One individual specifically wonders if this can be justified, based on 1 Corinthians 9:-19-23.

Reply:

I spent Sunday, June 8th celebrating my birthday and it was only later that I heard about what took place at the Vatican with the Pope and these various religious leaders. I can understand and I sympathy with Catholics who are disturbed by what has happened and who are being persecuted by their own religion for pointing out the error of the Pope in this matter or even questioning his decision on this matter.

In summary, on that Sunday the Pope brought together leaders of the Muslim religion and Judaism at the Vatican and participated in a service where prayers from all three groups were read. This meeting was supposed to be for the purpose of ‘a coming together of the three religions in a reconciliation treaty.’ The idea was that love should supersede beliefs and the three religions should join in unity for the sake of peace.

I Corinthian 9:19-23, is not a justification for such actions. Yes, these actions can be viewed as a clear sign of the end times. The idea of a one-world religion and one-world government are very much at the heart of the end times. That said, we are not to worry or attempt to predict when the end will come instead we as Believers, are to do as Jesus instructed, watch and wait being faithful to Him along the way.

Please read Matthew 24:3-31 and Matthew 25:1-13 for context.

Matthew 25:13 (NKJV) – Jesus speaking

“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

Apostasy has been on the rise for some time now within the Body of Christ. Christ’s return will be preceded by apostasy to a huge degree. What we have seen in these actions is a form of apostasy. People, society, political leader, and church leaders are using the idea of love and peace, especially world or universal peace, as a justification for their apostasy. Loving people, being at peace with people, was and is one of Jesus’ desires for us but it was never His intent that peace or love would come through the compromising of God’s Word, devotion to Him, or holiness.

Godly love will always tell people, and present people, with the Truth. Godly peace can only be found in the presence of Truth, of which Jesus is central.

Luke 18:8 (NKJV) – Jesus speaking

I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”

This idea of universal love and peace is a worldly concept of bring about a utopian society or practicing utopian socialism. This practice is man trying to create a counterfeit of the New Jerusalem, the Kingdom of God, heaven. Once again, you have man trying to play God, which seems to be the endless struggle of the sin nature to some degree.

Many people and spiritual leaders have been caught up in doing this to the degree of apostasy because originally they wanted to do a godly thing and love people to Christ. However, along the way they relinquished one godly principle and command after another until they became lost in their cause and drifted from true devotion to Christ. We have a major Evangelical Christian Pastor in California, with an astronomically huge church, a leader, which I once respected, that has fallen into this apostasy. Then on the other side of the coin, we have the leader of a major Evangelical Christian Denomination who recently openly wept in repentance for knowingly allowing a Muslim to infiltrate their seminary, with his approval. This issue is polarizing and we are finding members of the Body of Christ on both sides, with one side currently growing rapidly as Christian begin to wake up and realize something has gone terribly wrong within the Body of Christ.

It is taught in the Muslim religion that it is okay to lie to the infidel, anyone who is not a Muslim, in order to infiltrate their group or win their trust so later you can ‘destroy from within, without lifting a sword’ as Muhammad stated. I have little doubt that is what is happening here, and has happened in our national government, other churches, civic organizations, et cetera. Muslims, Islam, may make a treaty with the Catholic Church but if this is an end time prophecy coming to fruition, then three and one half years into this treaty they will break the treaty and turn on the Catholic Church.

How can any individual remain in a situation where apostasy is openly taking place? They cannot if they value their personal spiritual health. God has called some individuals to address and confront apostasy but for the average Believer in Christ, exposing themselves to these environments will slowly erode their faith until they themselves will become blinded and deceived. If we vex the Spirit of God within us through either wrong actions, wrong teachings, wrong thinking, or wrong beliefs we will find ourselves lost and distant from God – no longer able to feel His Presence, hear that small inner voice His voice, or sense the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

 

 

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 Pesty Moralist – The Prophet

In God, God's Voice, Godliness, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Persecution, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Remnant, Revival, Rhema Words, Spiritual Activism, Spiritual Activists, Spiritual Remnant, Truth on June 19, 2014 at 8:26 am

Introduction

Recently while combing through what questions would get replies on the blog and in what order I have spotted a disturbing trend. A variety of questions, several of which I will address this week, involve the suppression of or squelching of what is God, what is godly, and what is Truth. The quantity and pace of the injustice and persecution that people, God’s people, are facing is accelerating at an alarming rate, especially here in America where I am located.

It is in reading these questions, emails, articles, watching these new stories and counseling these people that God has grown within me the burning desire to be actively involved in activism on behalf of Jesus’ people. Well hidden from public view, because mainstream mass media does not deem it news worthy, thank God for the Christian press and media, there are lives being affected everyday by a society and a church that are abandoning the principles of and solid dedication to Christ, and the principles of God found in His Word. By the time, most pew warmers who call themselves Christians wake up to what is going on their right to speak of religion outside of their church building may well be gone.

Then there are those who are speaking out, those the world and the apostate church find hard to tolerate because they are not politically correct and tolerate of all things, basing morality upon independent choice. They are the ones who firmly believe true morality is based on the unchangeable Word of God and nothing else. They are the moralists, the prophets, the godly forecasters, the godly foreseers, the godly foretellers, the godly predictors, the godly prognosticators, the godly prophesiers, the godly futurists, the godly seers – regardless of the label you slap on them, they are on the side of God, on the side of holiness and morality, they are the people gifted with more than ordinary spiritual and moral insight. They use that gift of spiritual and moral insight, which comes from God Almighty, to confront the individual, the community, the state, the country, the leaders both spiritual and secular, and the church when any have slid down into the sewer of sin.

These individuals, these prophets and moralists, are on the rise like never before in my lifetime and they are because God knows they are needed and has ordained it so. This is why I have decided once I answer a few of those questions, the back stories of which God used to prompted this action, I am going to spend some time writing about understanding the prophet and their role in society, as well as the Body of Christ.

I have studied behind several people, some of whom were modern prophets, over the course of some twenty years and as there should be, there is consistent collective views of these “prophets” presents by reliable sources I have read and studied. Please know that the thoughts expressed in each part of this series will not be merely my own but will be thoughts expressed and shared by that collective group of people who have spent years in study of this topic and whose views are harmonious in both context and content. I will only share thoughts, beliefs, and views that I personally believe and that have also been views, which I have observed to be a consistent pattern of belief by respected reliable individuals, prophets, and scholars.

The individual writer who seems to have been the most in-depth and objective of them, in my opinion, is Abraham J. Heschel. It seems of those individuals I have read he spent more time pulling together all the views, thoughts, and beliefs many people share, into two bodies of work. I am a firm believer in Jesus and follow Him faithfully. Heschel was a devote Jew. However, on the topic of studying the Ancient Biblical Prophets as well as Modern Prophets, this Rabbi is one of the best – this I must acknowledge and therefore glean what I can from his research, though I might not agree with him on everything and especially on Jesus. Nevertheless, I will use his teachings, which are really just a collective set of beliefs held by most scholars on prophet, as well as most actual prophets, thus I will quote him throughout this series.

Therefore, to familiarize my readers with this scholar, I would like to share some information about Abraham Heschel.

Abraham J. Heschel was an “American rabbi and one of the leading Jewish theologians and Jewish philosophers of the 20th century” according to academia. He went to the University of Berlin, where in 1934 he received his doctorate for a study of the biblical prophets.  His book, “The Prophets” is recognized as a masterpiece of biblical scholarship.

According to an interview Heschel gave, “it is the Bible—particularly the prophets—that provides a primary model for authentic spirituality. Biblical revelation is not a mystical act of seeking God but an awareness of being sought and reached by Him: The prophets bear witness to an event that they formulate in their own words, but the event itself is God’s reaching out.” Heschel believed that prophets do not speak for God so much as they remind their audience of God’s voice for the voiceless, the poor and oppressed. This did not mean that Heschel did not believe prophets spoke on God’s behalf, as God directed, it was meant to direct people’s thoughts to the fact that prophets today are not adding to truth, to the Word of God, they are pointing Truth out, they are directing people to the Word, they are carrying a Standard that they do not believe mankind has a right to escape – as they owe their very existence to God.

Heschel considers Hebrew prophets as receivers of the "Divine Pathos", expression of the wrath and sorrow of God over his nation that has forsaken him. Do we not face that today in our nation, the United States of America, as well as many other nations throughout the world? Have we not as a society forsaken the things of God, the Will of God, and the Ways of God? Has society not abandoned holiness for self and sin?

Heschel though Jewish considered prophets to still exist in modern times. His publisher states, "The standard Jewish view is that prophecy ended with the ancient prophets, somewhere early in the Second Temple era. Heschel demonstrated that this view is not altogether accurate. Belief in the possibility of continued prophetic inspiration, and in its actual occurrence appear throughout much of the medieval period, and even in modern times.”

I will post this introduction again, once the questions are answered, and just before part one of this series.

 

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 Wrong Tree

In Advice, Agape Love, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Devotional, Encouragement, Exhortation, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Love, Prayer, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Revival, Rhema Words, Truth, Uncategorized on June 11, 2014 at 2:41 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:

God did not want Adam and Eve to eat from the tree in the center of the Garden of Eden. Why? Then they had to die. Why?

Reply:

This might be a question you would need God to answer in order to obtain a true and complete answer because I believe there were many more reasons than we might realize. Scripture does not tell us everything, every reason exactly, but it does tell us enough to draw some conclusions, which is what I have done in answering your question. However, I do not presume to speak for the Creator of the universe and mankind regarding all of His reasons for His command.

First let me state, we are required to trust God and thus obey God regardless of our personal understanding. God told them not to do eat of this specific tree. He had provided them everything they needed in life, He was trustworthy, He was their Creator, and His command should have been respected just as His commands to us today should be respected.

That said…

Examining Genesis 1:17, 3:5,22, 6:3

In my answer, I wish to point out something that people do not often consider about God’s command to Adam and Eve. God not wanting them to eat of the tree was for their own protection, for to have knowledge of the contradictions of good and evil is a fate worse than denial of something one might want.

The sentence of death, which derived from the cruse, was further protection of man from God, for to live forever with knowledge of evil would be a fate worse than death. Therefore, out of mercy God later put a cap, so to speak, on human life – 120 years.

 

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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Women Men and Church

In Advice, Agape Love, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Encouragement, Exhortation, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Love, Persecution, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Remnant, Revival, Spiritual Fruit, Truth, Uncategorized on June 8, 2014 at 6:00 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:

The role of men and women in the corporate church seems to be a topic that never gets old and is constantly being examined or reexamined. Recently I was asked a series of questions about a woman’s roles within the Body of Christ and the spiritual authority of women.

I am going to list those questions and my answers below, just as they were asked and answered.

I want to first note that a woman’s relationship with her husband differs from her relationship with any other man, whether that man is a spiritual leader, her pastor, an elder, her brother, etc. The authority a husband carries over a wife is far different from, superior to, and much more extensive than the authority any other male would hold over a woman.

Reply:

Women and spiritual authority:

Q – “What is the proper role of women in spiritual authority in the Body?”

A – To minister in ALL capacities to the women of the Body of Christ and for specific women with certain spiritual gifts and callings to advise/counsel and pray for male spiritual leaders.

Q – “As I understand what you wrote, women are the leaders of women in the church, and men are the leaders of men?”

A – For practical life application purposes, your assessment would be correct. However, the male spiritual leaders are also the leaders of the women as well, in most areas – expect personal counseling, which I adamantly believe, should only be done by the same gender.

Q – “So a woman who is a pastor would be a pastor over the women? Can they also be pastors over men?”

A – Yes, a woman pastor is the women’s pastors. A woman can be a co-pastor or an associate pastor but not a head or senior pastor. Technically their role as a pastor would give them more authority than a congregation’s member who is male but typically, when a congregation is functioning well the men and the female pastor do not make an issue of her gender – they just each do their own thing. The female pastor should never attempt to usurp the authority of her male counterparts or take too much authority over her male congregants.

Q – “But then a man is usually something like a senior pastor or at the top of the chain of authority in a congregation, is that right?”

A – Yes, in my belief based on Scripture there should be a male senior pastor in a congregation if there are any males in the congregation.

 

Spiritual authority in general, whether inside a corporate church congregation or within the Body of Christ as a whole is largely based on a person’s calling regardless of gender. Meaning the callings are to be respected in a certain order – called the five-fold ministry. That order laid out in Scripture is not random; it is based on spiritual authority given them by Christ and is to be respected as such – again, regardless of gender.

1 Corinthians 12:28 (NKJV)

28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.

Ephesians 4:11–15 (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—

 

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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Vocal or Silent Prayer

In Advice, Agape Love, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Devotional, Encouragement, Exhortation, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Love, Prayer, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Revival, Rhema Words, Spiritual Fruit, Spiritual Remnant, Truth, Uncategorized on June 6, 2014 at 3:00 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:

Will God accept and listen to prayers that are not audibly spoken? Prayers prayed within a person’s own mind, internal prayers. Does praying silently anger God?

Reply:

First, let me state with all faith that no sincere heartfelt God honoring prayer angers God. God desires communication with His creation and longs to hear from us in good times and in bad, when our hearts are right and when they need to be set right by His Holy Spirit.

God is all-knowing, He is omniscient, therefore He knows our every thought, feeling, action, motive, and so forth thus nothing escapes God’s knowledge and understanding. When we pray He knows everything we say, think, and feel whether it is expressed aloud, within our own hearts and minds, or not expressed at all. Thankfully, God uses this knowledge to answer our prayers in a way that is beyond even our own understanding.

We are many times imperfect people with imperfect prayers but GOD ANSWERS PRAYER PERFECTLY!

We must keep our hearts humble in prayer, always remembering that prayer is a request to God and should be submitted with all the reverential awe and respect the Holy Almighty deserves. Far too often people spout off words that are often meaningless but are instead said for the benefit of those listening more than, in sincere respect and honor to God and God’s Will. We must guard our hearts from indulging in such prayer for it would be better for us to pray one sincere prayer a year for someone than to prayer a thousand prayers a year that are meaningless and empty for the same person.

Here are a few things to keep in mind that Scripture tells us about prayer.

There is a time for secret prayer, family prayer, and public prayer.

Matthew 6:6(AV-KJV) But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

Acts 10:2(AV-KJV) A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

Acts 10:30(AV-KJV) And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

Matthew 18:20(AV-KJV) For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

If we wish God to receive our prayers, we need to have a pure heart before Him when we pray or our prayer needs to be about setting our hearts right with Him.

Psalm 66:18 (NKJV) If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear.

It is important that our faith be invested in our prayer. We need to pray what we believe; we often receive what we believe. The best way to find faith in our prayers and to be able to believe what we pray for will come to pass, is to pray what God’s Will is in the first place. Instead of asking for what we want, we should be asking God what He wants then praying for that.

If people want me to pray for them their way or for what they want I often will not pray for those people. If I sense in a person’s spirit that they are not prepared to handle, or due to inner sin or damage will be angered or disturbed by, hearing the Will of God prayed over them I will not pray for them until I can do so according to God’s Will. Praying words over a person just for the sake of praying or making them feel better is all but useless in the spiritual arena of bring about God’s Will, as in heaven, into the earthly realm so it can be manifest in people’s lives.

Matthew 21:22(AV-KJV) And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

1 John 5:14–15 (NKJV) 14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.

When we pray we should keep it simple. We will never impress God with our prayers and may the Lord Jesus help us if we are attempting to impress others with our prayers. Let our words be sincere, heartfelt, real, simple and without hypocrisy.

Matthew 6:7 (NKJV) And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.

Jesus is our intermediary and it is in Jesus’ name that we must believe and we must pray. Self will not get our prayers answered, our pastor will not get our prayers answered, our mentor will not get your prayers answered, our friend will not get our prayers answered, a world renown ministry will not get our prayers answered, one things, One Person will get our prayers answered, our Savior, our Jesus; thus, we pray in Jesus’ name and no other name.

John 14:13 13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

If your prayers are not going through Jesus, they are not going anywhere.

 

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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Clothes and Salvation

In Advice, Agape Love, Apostasy, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Encouragement, Exhortation, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Revival, Spiritual Fruit, Truth, Uncategorized on June 4, 2014 at 6:00 am

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:

Jesus wore a tunic form of clothing, so does that mean wearing the same type of clothing will get us eternal life so we can go to heaven?

Reply:

Wearing a tunic or any form of clothing will neither get you into heaven nor keep you out of heaven. Eternal life and salvation through Jesus, the Christ, has absolutely nothing to do with clothing.

It is our simply faith in and dependence upon Jesus, and His shed blood on the cross for us, that secures us forgiveness of sin and ensures our salvation. It is Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, and the power of that resurrection, that make eternal life possible for us.

John 3:16 (AV)(KJV) Jesus speaking

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

When you look into the Greek language at the meaning of the word “believeth” found in the above verse it has three parts and collectively they make it clear that this belief is not merely an intellectual assent of Truth. It goes much deeper than agreeing with the facts. To “believeth” in Jesus is “to have faith in, upon, and with respect to” Him with “moral conviction of a religious truth” as to “the truthfulness of God, especially when it comes to reliance upon Christ for salvation.” Believing in the “only begotten Son” means “to entrust oneself, especially one’s spiritual well-being to Christ” with all we have within us and to “commit to put trust with” Him and “believe” Him continually as we “credit” Him with our salvation, growth, change, eternal life, et cetera. There is the clear meaning in the Greek language that this belief or to “believeth” is a form of “persuasion, credence, and moral conviction” which is so strong we continue with “constancy in such profession, assurance, belief and faith” with “fidelity” throughout our lifetime. To “believeth” is to submit to “the system of religious (Gospel) – truth itself.”

Romans 5:12 (NKJV)

12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—

Romans 3:23 (NKJV)

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 6:23 (NKJV)

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

There is no individual of any age who has never sinner. Whether one sin or one million it is all the same to God. Whether you told a white lie or murdered someone it is all the same to God. Sin is sin and sin stinks in the nostrils of a Holy God. Therefore, we need Jesus and His shed blood to cleanse us from that sin and keep us clean.

Romans 5:8 (NKJV)

8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 10:9–10 (NKJV)

9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Simply cry out to Jesus, ask Him to forgive you, ask Him to be your Lord and to direct your life according to His Will. Then continue in that for the rest of your life, when at last you will exchange the temporal life for the eternal life you gained, or will gain, at the moment you called, or call, out to Him.

1 Corinthians 15:1–4 (NKJV)

Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,

 

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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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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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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The Sin Struggle

In Advice, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Devotional, Encouragement, Exhortation, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Love, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Revival, Truth, Uncategorized on April 25, 2014 at 9:30 am

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 love God but I continually struggle with sin. Why?

Reply:

We all have a sin nature but once we have redeemed by Christ He has given us a new nature (2 Corinthians 5:17) to which we must yield ourselves. Therefore, when we cut away all the fluff, rationalization, and excuses your reason for your struggle with sin is the same reason we all struggle with sin in any particular area of our lives. Sin and disobedience to God is an option for us.

If disobedience were not an option, you would not be struggling.

 

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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Faith and Freedom

In Advice, Apostasy, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Devotional, Encouragement, 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 April 18, 2014 at 6:37 pm

Alliance Defending Freedom Online Town Hall

 

Living out Your Faith in an Increasingly Hostile Culture

 

http://www.alliancedefendingfreedom.org/home/detail/8962

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Fruit or Vegetable Series ~ Part Sixteen – Self-control/Temperance

In Agape Love, Apostasy, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Devotional, Encouragement, End Times, Exhortation, Fruits of the Holy Spirit, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Love, Persecution, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Remnant, Revival, Rhema Words, Spiritual Activism, Spiritual Activists, Spiritual Fruit, Spiritual Remnant, Truth, Uncategorized on April 7, 2014 at 6:12 pm

Monday, April 07, 2014

In this segment, we will look at the virtue of “self-control” and “temperance” which is an aspect of the fruit of the Spirit. What we will examine is godly temperance and godly self-control not the worldly version of self-control or self-discipline. When self-discipline is applied in a worldly setting, it commonly has the undertones of refining oneself into a self-god. Self-discipline is mainly applied to accomplish ones own goals or remake oneself in one’s own desired image. Godly self-control is about walking out the steps necessary for God to manifest His Will in your life. Temperance is about bringing balance and simplicity to life through bringing all things into subjection under the Will of God for your life. Though the differences may appear slight, the attitudes and motives behind the differences vary vastly.

What does it mean to be in subjection to God’s Will? Subjection per Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary means, “to make (as oneself) amenable to the discipline and control of a superior.” In order to come under God’s Will, and stay under God’s Will, a person must make any number of choices daily that places his or her will aside and chooses God’s Will instead. When we make those choices, we are exhibiting the virtues of the fruit of Spirit known as godly self-control and temperance.

Galatians 5:22–23 (NKJV)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness [KJV – gentleness], goodness, faithfulness [KJV – faith], 23 gentleness [KJV – Meekness], self-control [KJV – temperance].

As stated previously in earlier writings, the word or term used in the King James Version of the Bible is the word needed in order to look up the exact meaning of said word in the Greek or Hebrew language. When researching biblical words one must always go back through the KJV 1611 Bible. Therefore, whereas the NKJV uses the word self-control the KJV uses the word temperance in this verse. The definition in the Greek Language for the word “temperance” used in Galatians 5:23 is as follows.

“temperance”

1466. ἐγκράτεια ĕgkratĕia, eng-krat´-i-ah; from 1468; self-control (espec. continence):— temperance.

1468. ἐγκρατής ĕgkratēs, eng-krat-ace´; from 1722 and 2904; strong in a thing (masterful), i.e. (fig. and refl.) self-controlled (in appetite, etc.):— temperate.

2904. κράτος kratŏs, krat´-os; perh. a primary word; vigor [“great”] (lit. or fig.):— dominion, might [-ily], power, strength.

Note: Continence has to do with sexual appetite and desires.

Let me make a distinction here. Self-control and temperance are not exactly the same things. They would affect, or effect, two different areas of a Believers life. Temperance will bring about a form of habitual moderation, which will spread over the entirety of the individual lifestyle. Self-control will deal with bringing control to a person actions, emotions and impulses. God uses the one, temperance, to allow God’s character to be walked out in a person over the course of a lifetime in every area of life. God uses the other, self-control, to break the bondages, bring order, and give victory to the individual in areas where their life does not exhibit godliness and could even be out of control.

For the reasons explained in the previous paragraph, I believe the change in Bible translations that brought about the use of the word “self-control” in place of the use of the word “temperance” has damaged the overall meaning God intended for this verse. This change, like so many others, has to do with the societal vices of our day and society’s attitudes toward excess. Habitual moderation in all things is extremely unpopular among the world and carnal Christians.

I also want to touch on another point very lightly. Temperance is connected to having “a sound mind” as described in 2 Timothy 1:7. Having study the various aspect of the mental health profession for many years, I can tell you that in almost all psychological problems an imbalance in behavior or thinking is present and is a factor in the cause of the problem. Just review in your mind the symptoms of most disorders and you will find a pattern of imbalanced behavior and/or thinking. Balance brings order to a person’s life, mind, and relationships. Extremes and excess bring disorder and destruction.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. – 2 Timothy 1:7

The definition in the Greek Language for the term “of a sound mind” is as follows.

“of a sound mind” =

4995. from 4994; discipline, i.e. self-control:— sound mind.

4994. from 4998; to make of sound mind, i.e. (fig.) to discipline or correct:— teach to be sober.

4998. from the base of 4982 and that of 5424; safe (sound) in mind, i.e. self-controlled (moderate as to opinion or passion):— discreet, sober, temperate.

4982. “safe”); to save, i.e. deliver or protect (lit. or fig.):— heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.

5424. (to rein in or curb; comp. 5420); the midrif (as a partition of the body), i.e. (fig. and by impl. of sympathy) the feelings (or sensitive nature; by extens. [also in the plur.] the mind or cognitive faculties):— understanding.

5420. apparently a strengthening form of the base of 5424; to fence or inclose, i.e. (spec.) to block up (fig. to silence):— stop.

Note: “moderate as to opinion” is not inclusive of, nor an excuse for, compromising or watering down God’s Word.

Here are some examples of how we might express godly self-control/temperance toward God, self, and others as well as through service.* When we practice temperance in our daily schedule, we do not become too busy to spend a bit of time in solitude with God each day. We exhibit self-control and temperance toward ourselves by exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, balancing our work and recreation, and not eating to excess. By deferring to other people’s desires and wishes in a balanced way, where the relationship benefits both parties, a person is showing temperance. Not allowing your Christian service to place you in a position where are too busy for quiet time with God or too busy for your spouse and friends is an act of using temperance, and through being balanced the quality of what you give to those you serve will honor God.

“the more holy the life the more mysterious it becomes by its apparent simplicity and littleness.”

Rev. Jean-Pierre De Caussade S.J.

*I have a question for all of you. I have written this series from a template I set up at the beginning of the series. That template included the following sentence. “Here are some examples of how we might express godly ________________ toward God, self, and others as well as through service?” Does anyone see a problem? The question mark is the problem. This is not a question it is a statement. All of you let me write this entire series and never once mentioned I had misused a question mark. Now I know several of you are writers yourself, others teachers, pastors, psychologists, etc. I guess that since it took me until the end of the series to catch the typo myself, then perhaps, most of you have suffered from word blindness and like me just placed a period there instead. Like I often say, thank goodness for proofreaders. Although I am not interested in hearing about every little typo, in the future, if you see me repeating the same mistake over the course of several postings please send me a comment or note and let me know. I would be grateful. As a Christian Community, are we not suppose to be our brother’s keeper? We are all supposed to be helping one another to be better, to do better, and not to inappropriately use question marks.

I hope you all have enjoyed the series. This concludes the Fruit or Vegetable Series and I will be undertaking your questions with my next posting. I have quite a few questions and I am currently sorting though how to tackle them. Questions I currently have, or that come in, which I consider high priority will be, answered a soon as possible. Other questions, I may just put in order by what book of the Bible they might apply to or if the topic has particular relevance in society at the time.

 

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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Thoughts and Answers

In Agape Love, Apostasy, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Devotional, Encouragement, End Times, Exhortation, Fruits of the Holy Spirit, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Love, Persecution, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Remnant, Revival, Rhema Words, Spiritual Activism, Spiritual Activists, Spiritual Fruit, Spiritual Remnant, Truth, Uncategorized on April 3, 2014 at 9:25 am

Thursday, April 03, 2014

Here are a few thoughts, pebbles of wisdom that will provide the answers to many questions, which have come up as of late. I realize these appear to be only one or two sentence answers to questions, which for many people are profoundly life changing, but I assure you often the answers in life are truly simply but accepting them and applying them can be extremely difficult.

If you are not confident that God loves you then you will never truly be able to love beyond yourself, with godly love.

A life void of individuals who will tell you the truth is a life lived like a masquerade party; no one ever knows what is behind the mask.

You cannot give away what you yourself do not acquire, apply, and cling too consistently.

It is better to feed a few spiritual thirsty Devoted Followers well than to pour yourself out on religiously dry bones found among the masses. Keep in mind Jesus’ core group consisted of twelve.

What is done over the course of a lifetime is what matters; you cannot live off one huge victory/success nor should you allow one huge failure/mistake to define your life.

The holiness of a Devoted Believer’s life should be both disturbing and soothing to non-believers.

 

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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Fruit or Vegetable Series ~ Part Fifteen – Gentleness/Meekness

In Agape Love, Apostasy, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Devotional, Encouragement, End Times, Exhortation, Fruits of the Holy Spirit, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Love, Persecution, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Remnant, Revival, Rhema Words, Spiritual Activism, Spiritual Activists, Spiritual Fruit, Spiritual Remnant, Truth, Uncategorized on March 28, 2014 at 5:06 pm

Friday, March 28, 2014

In this segment, we will look at the virtue of “gentleness/meekness” which is an aspect of the fruit of the Spirit. What we will examine is godly gentleness/meekness not worldly apathy and passivity. Gentleness/Meekness, like many of the virtues found in the fruit of the Spirit, is both and inner and outer quality. A person can appear to be very meek and humble on the outside but on the inside, they sit with a constant sense of superiority rarely vocalizing the inner judgments they feel and the mental tearing to shreds of the people around them they participate in, all the while veining a mask of false modesty and false gentleness.

Galatians 5:22–23 (NKJV)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness [KJV – gentleness], goodness, faithfulness [KJV – faith], 23 gentleness [KJV – Meekness], self-control [KJV – temperance].

As stated previously in earlier writings, the word or term used in the King James Version of the Bible is the word needed in order to look up the exact meaning of said word in the Greek or Hebrew language. When researching biblical words one must always go back through the KJV 1611 Bible. Therefore, whereas the NKJV uses the word gentleness the KJV uses the word meekness in this verse. The definition in the Greek Language for the word “meekness” used in Galatians 5:23 is as follows.

“meekness”

4236. πρᾳότης praiŏtēs, prah-ot´-ace; from 4235; gentleness, by impl. humility:— meekness.

4235. πρᾷος praiŏs, prah´-os; a form of 4239, used in certain parts; gentle, i.e. humble:— meek.

Just as we should not misinterpret apathy, passivity, or false modesty as true godly meekness we must not misinterpret holy boldness and godly confidence as a lack of inner or outer gentleness and meekness. Just as individuals have their own temperament, the fruit of the Spirit is exhibited through that temperament in a way specific to that particular temperament. We are not all cut from the same mold but we are created in the same likeness, the likeness of our Creator, the Almighty God.

Humility is very much a part of meekness. If we cannot evaluate ourselves accurately, which is what true humility is, then we cannot be gentle or meek when we relate to others. A person who exercises true humility recognizes both their strengths and their weaknesses, understanding their capabilities and their limitations; essentially, they understand who and how God created them to be.

Here are some examples of how we might express godly gentleness/meekness toward God, self, and others as well as through service? With God, we exercise the greatest form of meekness when we subject ourselves to His Will, showing reverential fear for Him, and change in the areas in which He desires us to change. “God will hear, and afflict them, Even He who abides from of old. Selah Because they do not change, Therefore they do not fear God.” Psalm 55:19 (NKJV) By understand and accepting ourselves as God created us we show the greatest amount of gentleness we can ever show to ourselves. People’s continual struggle with who they are, how they look, etc. is ultimately their greatest source of pain and the prison in which others can lock them. Choosing to deal with a sincerely distressed person, not an attention seeker, with gentleness and meekness shows them we love them. Giving time to, and showing care for, those individuals the world deems all put worthless and who are often overlook, is meekness found in the form of humility and gentleness; a great act of service for people who often have no way of repaying your kindness.

Meekness and gentleness is not a form of weakness. On the contrary, it is the exact opposite for it takes great personal inner strength to be gentle and meek. Jesus was our example of the highest form of meekness and gentleness.

 

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.