vAt the same time, it's not good to shun those who are in the world any more than it is to contend with each other. I will explain what I mean. Ever since creation – after Adam and Eve – there has been knowledge of good and evil in the world because the “tree of the knowledge of good and evil” infected mankind. Adam and Eve paid attention to a subtle Lie that consisted of a truth and a lie put together. Hence, they were given 'mixed information' and this pattern has been found in the world ever since........good and evil....truth and lies.
____________________
Hopefully, you read Part One that covers the difference between Christian
and Religious - what is truly spiritual and what is not.
And how to have godly conduct with each-other as mature Sons of God.
_____________________
Now “God does hate mixture” when it comes to misrepresenting Him OR Christians living a lie. But I'd like to put it to you that a lot of Christians, in an effort to keep or lead holy lives, avoid acquaintance with people who are not Christians. And also, they shun any type of teaching that comes from “the world” but they'll watch plenty of TV (ads and all) and they find no problem going to the shopping centers.......child education is no problem except for the Anti-God rubbish that is taught. But if someone “in the world” has something to teach them outside of that, there's a problem.....and quite often, they feel safe keeping to church programs and such, keeping all their living in the confines of what is deemed to be “godly”
These Christians – not everyone by any means – are not mixing among the people like Jesus did and by their hearts and lives, showing the evidence of a Real Savior, a Creator God....the LOVE, JOY and PEACE He brings, but by their failure to integrate with others are showing disapproval, so to speak, and a religious picture rather than a God Picture to them (what He is really like) they demonstrate little care about introducing Jesus – by the Love, Joy and Peace He asks us to spread. “The Kingdom of God consists of Love, Joy and Peace”......Jesus' way was to take this Love, Joy and Peace to the people, not to confine it in four walls (the church building or your home). But He is on record for saying to go into townships taking PEACE to them and if they did not receive it to go elsewhere.
This is the one true Gospel (Good News – Glad Tidings) people welcome and cannot deny (it is not plastic). Everyone's wanting some Love, Joy and Peace. They can take words to be religious – and I don't blame them, there's too many religions – but they won't mistake these Kingdom Traits, these blessings. They desire them, they just don't know how to find them. Apart from a changed life, Real Peace, Real Joy and Real Love are the three undeniable proofs that Jesus is Real, He Exists and He can Bless.....and we have no right to keep that in, or limit it to Gospel and Praise services.
People are so used to Christians coming across as churchy/religious...... they are saying “that's religious” and they want to stay their distance, avoiding complications OR other Christians living and acting just like the world. They find no need to change saying “What can you offer? You're not any different”. Should that not tell us something?
Friends, there are many good living people in the world. Many people are discerning that certain things around them are not right and would like to find answers. Many people are “gifted from God” too. You don't have to be “a Christian” for God to gift you with talents and abilities. Whatever gave us that impression? There have been many inventors, musicians and artists whose work was obviously gifted by God and commissioned by God to bring a blessing or a service to mankind. Many professional people for instance, and it's obvious that their gifting is remarkable – more than they can accomplish on their own.
In some instances, if the Christians are too occupied with church services and church programs, God will choose someone who is not a Christian to reveal – yes reveal – certain things pertaining to His Creation, physical laws of the universe He has made etc and service to man. Yes He is bigger than our finite minds with the “box” we put Him in, so much Greater! God made the sun to shine on everyone and the rain to come for everyone...... ”He is no respector of persons”. He can do what He wants.
Many Christians are inventors, musicians and artists etc many do give good service to the world around them......many.....but there could be more! On the other hand, what's to stop people from discovering natural laws and principles God made if they are not Christians?
Friends God used to speak to the Hebrews through the stars – the glories of His handiwork written in the heavens before scriptures were available? They were people who had understanding of the times and seasons with calendars and such. It was the Magi (Wise Men) who found the Bethlehem Star over where Jesus was born – their particular occupation made it obvious that they did not walk with God, unyet they were permitted to see the Savior who was born to mankind.
Notice, they were not turned away – like “you don't belong here”. Joseph and Mary welcomed these visitors. No, they did not have everything right – some of their occupation was misleading to people, not pleasing to God....but they were apparently aware of prophetic verses in scripture that spoke of a King to rule (JESUS) and they desired to see Him who was referred to as “Shiloh to Come” that means PEACE speaking of the Prince of Peace, our Savior. Read Gen 49.10 Nb 24:17 and Is 9:6. They must have seen something the Jews did not see in their own Scriptures. Nb 24:17 at least that spoke of the Star. Don't ask me how they knew this, they must have.
That is not an endorsement to Astrology!
What am I saying? That the Spirit of God does not always choose a Christian to make known certain truths to either. He is showing different laws of creation (Natural Laws) to various Scientists, Physicists, Biologists, Health Scientists and Neuroscientists who have an interest in those areas, that is nothing short of ASTOUNDING!
You would be Amazed if you could hear and see all the DISCOVERIES some of these men and women in recent years I have witnessed, in writings and videos, that God is allowing them to see. Can you tell me how else do they know these things? I say that some of it is to give us help in different ways that we have not needed so much since the creation of man. Some of it is to reveal the existence and magnificence of a Creator God who made us.......and it all glorifies Him! Mind you, there is often misleading knowledge they add to it because certain people can't leave things on their own, they like to impose things they believe in ignorance. I wish they would not do that. But once again, God makes it rain on everyone and makes the sun to shine.
Never has there been such a need for discernment (what is and is not of God) as there is right now. Remember “In all your understanding, to get wisdom” Prov 4:5-7 True insight comes from God whether it relates to the church, the world or creation. There are a lot of persuasions out there, more than ever before. Staying close to His Heart and
His Word will make you wise.
Remember, there is almost as much 'deception about deception' as there is deception sometimes. Even the Muslims and Mormons are led to believe the Bible is corrupt. There are testimonies how different ones have restored their sanity reading the Gospel but religious arguments over the same bible can make one mad – God never intended this. That's why the apostle Paul said “the letter kills but the Spirit gives Life” that's how Jesus could say “the Words that I speak to you are Spirit and they are Life”. Nothing can replace a personal acquaintance with the Author when reading His Word, it makes all the difference. It really does!
At the same time, I know of Christians who, when they hear certain things they don't understand about something pertaining to creation, “throw out the baby with the bath water” because the preacher does not preach it or the source where they read or heard of it has mixed truth with error. Not being aware of the difference, someone has embraced something that is of God with what is not, so the Christian shuns both instead of separating them and praising God for the good knowledge gained.
How is it that God has to reveal things to people in the world instead of Christians often? Because they have so many things in boxes; they have closed minds; they are satisfied with the Bible only for their knowledge of Creation – until Louie Giglio came along at least – or they are just plain not interested. I think that is such a pity__ because our God is so Great and His ways so vast. It says in the Bible “His ways are pass understanding”......and...... “It is the Glory of God to conceal things and the glory of kings to search them out”.
May I encourage some of you to be more kingly in your attitude, not conceited but keen and interested to search. We will never know ALL His ways in Creation, but we can certainly find and know some of them.
It says in your Bible that “man was made in the image of God”. That person you say does not know Jesus is still made in God's Image – having a body, soul and spirit just like you. He/she may not have discovered the reality and beauty of JESUS yet but he/she has a thirst for knowledge; a love for nature; an intense desire to know how things work.......many times. God is going to show them something,
He will satisfy that desire.
Friends, we have a passionate God who loves “desire”. Some people have a mixed bag of treasures – so to speak – what God has shown them and other things, and we can call them mixed up or evil if we're not careful, just because they don't have it all together. May I suggest, that a lot of Christians are 'mixed up' too, with religious concepts they add to their Walk with Jesus? (Part 1)
Our Father would like that we all had it together, but He does not label and judge us. May I suggest we show a little respect for others who may not share our sentiments?
If we are not careful, we can sometimes avoid someone who is seeking after God in their hearts and leave them to the mercy of religious cults because "the Christians"
were not respectful or interested in them.
Bible says that no-one knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person – but Jesus does, He knows all their giftings and qualities. It is not good to judge someone by the limited words we hear any more than it is to judge by appearance.
Some discoveries being made known are not to suit anyone's convenience.
There are conclusive facts that may change some ways you view scripture (if your view is religious). But they are not 'of the devil' just to suit what you want to believe, and no-one's twisting your arm to believe them but the true account is often recorded in the Bible (unnoticed) as our heritage in God our Savior.
Let us remember, in our personal lives that He was our Creator before He became
our Savior, so we can show respect and consideration for those who
have not found Him yet.
Let us also practice respect and consideration for each-other because there is
one Savior and Lord of us all. It is a religious attitude that divides, not a Christlike spirit – be it, a conversation with a Christian acquaintance or thoughts concerning those in a different place of Christian worship.
We are encouraged in scripture to know each-other in the Spirit of Christ, not divided.
Let us walk as mature Sons of God and the world will say two things:
“see how they love each-other”......and......”they do have common-sense,
let us find JESUS”.
PLEASE NOTE: If something has made you confused in this article, it may not be for you. For instance, you may be young in age or young in The Lord - maybe it is wise for you to refrain from the company of certain people who would cause you to compromise your walk with Jesus.....OR.....maybe there are certain things in the world your spiritual senses are not trained to discern and separate that could make for confusion. I am simply saying that some Christians wrap themselves in cotton wool who ought to be mature by now. It is also important at times to rule a line of demarcation in your spirit and separate yourself from certain things. And of-course, the saying
"when in doubt don't" can ring true.
Our Father is waiting for us to grow up and people are waiting to
SEE JESUS.
Peace to all who are reading this and Grace be multiplied to you.
- Dec 30, 2015
Hi there, I wish to address the matter of Christian Fellowship, how Christ intended it to be and how He did not. There is a growing restlessness and discontent on the Church Scene and it's going to continue. The church system as we know it today is modeled after Constantine's making (the Roman emperor in 300AD) and not after Christ's making through the apostles in New Testament days.
That may sound like a sweeping statement to some of you and would cause some to be joyed at the news and others to be indignant because they like the way things are. But many don't - they desire to live closely with Jesus and one-another in a way the modern system 4th- 21st century does not facilitate. That is because church services and programs create an artificial environment for the lives of Christians. It is not natural.
This may also surprise you. Church services were actually patterned after the Greek orators when they commenced. The Greeks used to make long speeches in buildings. People used to go along to learn things and be entertained.
This is not really what you call a family setting is it? anymore than a theater or classroom is.
These days, you can't even have worship time without a professional group called a 'worship team'.......some of us would be lost without it, when it comes to those who lead with more sensitivity. I put it to you that the Early Church did not have any of this. They just had accapella most times (the sound of voices blending) and they were much happier for it. They met together with gladness of hearts. You don't see many joy-filled faces today do you? Things have also become very technical, with projectors and screens instead of songs we can remember to sing together.......aye?
Amidst all this, the Gifts of the Spirit have been increasingly absent in most church services over the last decade or so - even in Pentecostal churches - could it be that the Holy Spirit is quenched? Maybe He is just not welcome in 'God's Service'. We have to ask ourselves these questions rather than follow blindly - after blind guides often. Jesus mentioned them in His day "the blind leading the blind" and human nature has not changed.
"CHURCH" as we know it today is NOT the same Model the Early Christians had.
To some, it's a blessing regardless - in some way - to others it serves as a hindrance as it quenches blessing in their lives........they feel stifled whatever. Is that person You? If so, you may benefit from this post.
For so many years now, most of us have lived with a mentality that is fostered by church-preachers and handed on to us that is not correct despite all the biblical preaching they give and try to deliver. We’re not really living the life
Jesus designed for us, never mind man!
May I put it to you that Jesus came to change things from the way that Jewish people had things. The pharisees were committed to God’s Word too, with a lot of rules and laws added to it; attendance in the Synagogues – meeting places of that day…… Jesus calling us to a personal walk with Him – was actually met by the early Christians response in the Book of Acts as meeting in each other’s houses: they were
REAL with each other both NATURALLY and SPIRITUALLY.
Throughout church history, since the time when the life and power in the Church waned
- Salvation by Grace, Identifying with Jesus in Baptism, Healing, Gifts of the Spirit -
each one of those has been restored at different times. In seasons and stages, The Lord has been bringing about change, causing us to return to the pattern. Even prophetic and apostolic ministry has returned to the Body of Christ. Each one of these changes have been accompanied with those who embraced it with Joy and those who
put up resistance. So each time was transitional.
There are two more things to be restored to the Church to truly be like the Early Church. One of them is being restored at this time and it is having the same varied response.
That is Home Churches like we see in the Book of Acts and Romans. After that comes miracles. Now many pastors and Christians alike are looking forward to miracles we have been told are coming but not so many are embracing the idea of Home Church.
Pastors in particular have the strongest resistance because it will change the order of things but there is coming about a paradigm shift. Many, many Christians are embracing it who want a closer walk with Jesus and one-another. The Lord will have His way.
Yes many brothers and sisters are finding the love, the joy and the peace there.
They are finding acceptance and a freedom to express themselves and their giftings.
This is truly wonderful. Needs are more often met and souls blessed!
Quite often, friends and neighbors will come into that environment, finding it healthier than church buildings and services that are institutional in nature really.
Maybe people in the world are wiser in some respects than us when they don’t want to ‘be churched' because the Church System as we know it today, was actually introduced by Constantine for political advantage - he changed the Early Christian way of doing things into a State Institution.........and we
have had this problem ever since.
Home Church is refreshingly different. It is a wonderful concept. There are many home churches across the USA and various countries the Gospel is reaching in Asia and Europe and more. Plus many Christians in underground churches where the preaching of the Gospel is not allowed. So it is not a fly by night phenomena by any means.
They are proven and sustainable. Plus, they do not have the drop-out rates that the church-system is responsible for. So if you don't agree with Home Churches, maybe in the near future, you will will find that you are resisting the Spirit of God.
The fruit of this is that these brothers and sisters have a stronger walk with God and they are more motivated to grow spiritually. Friends, that is healthy and brings Joy to the Heart of God.
In most Home Churches, you come together and share a meal and conversation.
You also share scriptures and sing together. You have The Lord's Supper.
There is some teaching, praise and worship and functioning in the Gifts of the Spirit.
In addition to these, there is a good healthy interest in sharing about people you
have shared about Jesus with and interaction with each-other during the week.
SOUNDS VERY DIFFERENT TO SITTING DOWN FACING EVERYONE'S BACKS;
BEING TOLD WHAT TO DO AND WHAT NOT; MEETING THE PREACHERS
EXPECTATIONS. DOES'NT IT? PLUS HAVING YOUR POCKET EMPTIED?
With New Testament giving, Tithes and Offerings are a thing of the Past:
they were intended for Israelites and practiced by Jews.
Facts you need to know are fully covered on the Truth about Giving page.
Home Churches place no pressure on your pocket but they delight in
giving to those in need and sometimes they pool together to meet a
genuine need in these family groups (their gathering).
The Church System has been into stereo-typing Christians for years.
One type does not fit all - Home Churches respect that.
You are an individual in God and each Child of God is special,
like a natural family setting.
So we all said "Out with the Old, In with the New" hey?
- Dec 28, 2015
YOU HAVE HEARD THE SAYING
"GOD IS A GOOD GOD!"
We need to develop our own testimony of this.
One we can draw on in life's situations -
for ourselves and others instead of resignation.
Do you let your heart sink down when circumstances show up?
Sometimes they are intended for evil (to cause you to fret and get you down)
but we need to take on a resilience in God, not to let them make us frown.
Take courage my friend, there are ANSWERS.
You may have also heard the following scripture:
"I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU. PLANS FOR YOUR WELFARE
AND NOT FOR EVIL - TO GIVE YOU HOPE and A FUTURE" (Jer 29:11)
Another version says to prosper you and NOT to harm you.
We need to be settled in our hearts and minds that
GOD IS GOOD
(not half the things that would rush through our minds at times).
We can best do this by turning to Scripture.
It also says in that verse "declares The Lord" immediately after it says
"I Know, the Plans I Have for You". We don't always, do we?
Some of them are revealed in scripture and some of them are in the
secret mind of God. So let's go to what we can know in His Word -
one will never go against the other and "He does not author confusion but
He is our GOD OF PEACE" (1 Co 14:33)
So you can be sure that whatever plans and intentions are in the Heart and Mind of God
towards you are GOOD and WHOLESOME. In this you can TRUST.
So often we feel that God is against us when things don't work out, whatever, we
think He is not happy with us. We are conscious of our shortcomings etc
but Hebrews 10:17 speaks about our relationship with Him in this way:
"I will no longer hold their sins and their disobedience against them."
"I will remember their sins and their iniquities no more."
AND
1 John 3 says these words for when we walk in love with each-other.
A marvelous promise:
20whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.
21Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God;
22and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him.
18Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
19 By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him.
We have there in Hebrews God's true disposition towards us in Christ and also in John a wonderful promise concerning our prayers and assuring our hearts against condemning thoughts.
And did you know the word "blessings" in Ephesians 1:3 has quite a different meaning in the original Greek than we give it?
New International Version Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
English Standard Version Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.
The original means TO SPEAK WELL OF. So He Speaks Well of Us EVERYDAY.
David in Psalms says
"HOW PRECIOUS ARE HIS THOUGHTS TOWARDS US
HOW GREAT IS THE SUM OF THEM" (Ps 139:17)
The New Living Translation says:
"How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!"
So can you tell me, where is the room for offended thoughts and irritated thoughts
here, my friends?
David had a heart after God's Heart according to scripture and he also said:
Psalm 103
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
2Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits;
3Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases;
4Who redeems your life. Who crowns you with Loving-Kindness and compassion;
5Who satisfies your years with Good Things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.
6The LORD performs Righteous deeds And judgments for all who are oppressed.
8The LORD is Compassionate and Gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in Loving-Kindness.
* * * * *
We need to have these things firm in our minds to Win in life's situations.
So we can "fight the good fight" (the victorious one) 1 Tim 6:12
and things are not such a battle.
I know a big family who are brought up with such love between them
that they are almost invincible with anything they put their minds to.
They have had certain set backs and excelled past them.
That is in the natural and we have a Mighty God.
A personal revelation of His Love for You
will make you Confident with your Faith.
Have this mindset in God, that difficulties are not meant to get us down
but if looked at the right way, can show us our POTENTIAL IN GOD!
Remember the principle of the Good Report and the bad report
shown in Numbers 13. When Israelites were sent to spy out Canaan
(the promised land) some came back with a bad report saying
"It's impossible, those circumstances are too big for us" and saw themselves
as powerless to take the land. But Joshua and Caleb said
"No, with God on our side, we are well able to take it" and they listed
all the Blessings God had in store for them!
Friends, that is the mindset we as His Children need to have.
"The Ways of The Lord are a Refuge for the righteous" (Prov 10:29)
Believe the Good Report and resist the other, when things challenge your
confidence in God. Yes, be confident - set your face as a flint
towards the GOOD THINGS of God.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you be steadfast, immovable.
The Lord even caused the sun not to go down on one occasion in scripture
to help His people to win a victory. (Josh 10:12,13)
Don't allow the negative to creep in - keep your thoughts sunny
Say to yourself "GOD IS GOOD.....I will see Him in this situation!"
VICTORY POEM
Don't take time to entertain thoughts of doubt
give them a clout
Nip negative thoughts in the bud
in this way you can run
towards your God.
Let your feet be shod
with the Gospel of Peace
that brings comfort and release.
Gospel is Good News, that's your Good Report
the one that brings comfort and release
so your thoughts are at ease.
Keep yielded and still to the sound of His Voice
with singleness of heart, yes this is a choice.
With God you win
over thoughts that make your light dim
Unite your heart and worship Him.
He will cause the sun not to go down
or He will cause you to cross over on dry ground
He is not short of answers, so don't let yourself frown.
He's the God of Peace, His Presence seek
He's the God of Peace, oh let your heart leap.
Sing songs of Praise, His Anthem raise.
Rejoice, Rejoice, yes lift your voice
The Ancient of Days is on your side
fill your heart with worship, in Him abide.
Janet Vargas© Dec 2015
Learn through the above scriptures
what His Will is toward You.
It's not burdensome or toilsome. It's not living defeated and depressed.
Berean Literal Bible Be transformed by the renewing of your mind, for you to prove what is the good and well-pleasing and perfect will of God. (Rom 12:2)
When circumstances are challenging, the enemy attempts to influence you
with a negative report. Just like the Israelites you have a choice.
Go for the Good Report, of His Spirit be taught.
It's a land of plenty He calls us to - not back to Egypt or to make you lose.
So keep your faith and direct it towards your God.
Be decided about His Goodness and Faithfulness.
That is the way for the righteous.
The Goodness of God will change things around for us if we
embrace it more often. Yes, let's be receivers of His Love and Grace
throughout each day. His Love gives us confidence.
And in practicing confidence in the Goodness of God, we can
afford to be more cheerful.
Winning in life's situations. This mindset. will place you on top of them.
Yes indeed, the Ways of The Lord are a Refuge for me and you.
Stay close to Jesus, His Heart is TRUE.
"You are Loved, You are Loved"