The Scriptures were established to reveal Jesus to His bride by the work of the Holy Spirit (John 1:1-2), and from that, His ministry will flow naturally through those who refuse to lean on their own understanding. The Word was not established for the elect to purport their own devised theology nor to determine the purpose and direction of their ministry.
When we are dogmatic to harness the power of God in order to make this world a better place to live; when we are adamant to translate Scripture in order to covet isolated sacred doctrines; when we strive to interpret God's word into predictable religious practices; when we are so intelligent as to order specific and absolute methods of cause and effect in order to bind the sovereignty of God onto our own idealistic comfortable field of play; then we have effectively limited ourselves of the pure work of the Holy Spirit and thus created divisions in the body of Christ.
Showing posts with label Sovereignty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sovereignty. Show all posts
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Sunday, June 9, 2013
How Does God Speak To Us?
Some believe that preaching is God's primary means of communicating with humanity.
"Another thing about which the Corinthian assembly reminds us is that preaching is God's primary means of sounding His voice, bringing conviction on listeners, and granting them repentance. Without a doubt, preaching is the most effective means of communicating God's Word to both believers and unbelievers. In fact, this passage implies the superiority of preaching over all other means of communicating God's Word to anyone."
The Passion Driven Sermon
by Jim Shaddix
Others believe that the sermon is the foremost method in which God communicates with us. At the 3:00 mark of the following video, the narrator states:
"Sermons are God's primary means for communicating with His church today." (http://vimeo.com/67724114)
And there are still others who believe God's primary means of communication is through the Bible.
"We believe that the Bible is both relevant and meaningful for our lives today and that it is the primary way that God speaks to us." (http://www.houstonvineyard.org/sunday_mornings.html)
Authors, preachers, teachers and theologians, all weighing in, sharing their own thoughts as to the most effective way in which God communicates with creation.
But what does God Himself say?
"Another thing about which the Corinthian assembly reminds us is that preaching is God's primary means of sounding His voice, bringing conviction on listeners, and granting them repentance. Without a doubt, preaching is the most effective means of communicating God's Word to both believers and unbelievers. In fact, this passage implies the superiority of preaching over all other means of communicating God's Word to anyone."
The Passion Driven Sermon
by Jim Shaddix
Others believe that the sermon is the foremost method in which God communicates with us. At the 3:00 mark of the following video, the narrator states:
"Sermons are God's primary means for communicating with His church today." (http://vimeo.com/67724114)
And there are still others who believe God's primary means of communication is through the Bible.
"We believe that the Bible is both relevant and meaningful for our lives today and that it is the primary way that God speaks to us." (http://www.houstonvineyard.org/sunday_mornings.html)
Authors, preachers, teachers and theologians, all weighing in, sharing their own thoughts as to the most effective way in which God communicates with creation.
But what does God Himself say?
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Sovereignty
A person who strives to control their life's environment does so out of fear. A controlling spirit is the direct result of fear. They pursue with diligence the paths and options to direct personal circumstances that will line up with their own mind's understanding and comfort, and to bring into conformity the people about them that may have a direct impact on consequences that will affect their lives.
On a larger scale they will engage with special interest groups to fight against events in their world that threaten their common peace and prosperity. Their perception of life is that it is randomly chaotic at the will of mankind. Trust only exists with those that come alongside and support their paranoia. They are people with an agenda. They are people without the full understanding of God's sovereignty.
By the nature of Adam, man's only will is an inclination to do evil. (Genesis 6:5) He finds himself free to manipulate his environment to suit himself. His selfish choices are limited only by his capacity and resourcefulness: however, all his choices are self serving.
Having then this depraved nature in a corrupt world, which is made inhabitable only by God's grace and protection, and by the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, do we really think we could hold our lives together by mere choice without the supernatural, sovereign intervention and design by God? We would be utterly destroyed before our feet hit the floor!
"But the Lord is faithful and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one." (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
It is unbelief for a Christ follower to think they have control over their own destiny at any point in their life, but as God determines in His elect, this errant philosophy that is founded on fear will be replaced with faith and trust from God; that He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it; that while we are faithless, He is faithful; that it is God who works in us both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
"The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from and where it is going: so is everyone who is born of the Spirit." (John 3:8)
PJR
"Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart." (Ephesians 4:17,18)
For an in depth study of free will vs.depravity go to:
http://www.enjoyinggodministries.com/article/freedom-and-depravity-part-i/
http://www.enjoyinggodministries.com/article/freedom-and-depravity-part-ii/
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Satan's Purpose
Satan was the first of God's creation to experience the knowledge of good and evil; God's plan for the sanctification of the children he would call to be his own. It is the realm designed to accomplish for God a nations of people who would undergo such tragedy in their lives they would cry out to be delivered, and by revelation of His plan for their redemption, would come to the realization it is God alone who saves, not only from the evil one but from ourselves. (Romans 8:20, 21)
As a spiritual being, Satan is removed from the horrors of his own evil that corrupts not only believers but even the people of God's common grace; those whom He has not chosen, but allows the good rain to fall on as well, yet becoming a vessel to be used by Satan against the children of the light. The spirit of rebellion works in the children of disobedience. However, what Satan intends for evil, God orchestrates for the good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to his purpose. While the devil and his demons manipulate the minds of those who dwell on Earth, attempting to deceive them from trusting in their only hope, Jesus (2 Cor. 4:4), he himself has been deceived, thinking he can ultimately win the elect to himself. That, however is also by design, to keep him engaged with God's chosen ones, for the purpose of sanctifying an unholy soul into an object of love, even in the face of evil's presence, that we may receive an everlasting kingdom where there will be no more tears, no more pain, no more evil. While there is still a Heaven and Earth, there will be seed time and harvest. Until the fullness of the gentiles is reached, all creation will suffer through Satan's ignorant defiance of God's miraculous plan for those He has called to Himself.
Satan has a strong rule and an even greater understanding over his own principality than than do God's own angels because, unlike the angels, Satan studies the depths of our carnality- of lust and contentment, weakness and strength- in order to enslave minds to the things of this world.
The battle though, is fought in the heavenly realms and is based on the knowledge of God's truths. However, truth and faith must work alongside each other. Should the enemy stand obstinate in the face of truth against a child of God, then it is only by their faith and endurance that those who belong to Jesus will find the victory in their present lives. Satan has been afforded the permission to test the faith of everyone that desires or claims to bring God's will into this present dominion, and only those who do not give up Jesus in the face of adversity will have victory over Satan.
Do not be deceived. You must go through fiery trials for the testing of your faith and the ultimate defeat of the enemy in your own life. While Satan roams the Earth looking for those he can destroy, your victory will be won in the battlefield of your own mind, relying on God's truths and resting in His promises which is our hope not yet seen, but presently belongs to those whom God has given the faith to possess.
PJR
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience." (Romans 8:18-25)
As a spiritual being, Satan is removed from the horrors of his own evil that corrupts not only believers but even the people of God's common grace; those whom He has not chosen, but allows the good rain to fall on as well, yet becoming a vessel to be used by Satan against the children of the light. The spirit of rebellion works in the children of disobedience. However, what Satan intends for evil, God orchestrates for the good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to his purpose. While the devil and his demons manipulate the minds of those who dwell on Earth, attempting to deceive them from trusting in their only hope, Jesus (2 Cor. 4:4), he himself has been deceived, thinking he can ultimately win the elect to himself. That, however is also by design, to keep him engaged with God's chosen ones, for the purpose of sanctifying an unholy soul into an object of love, even in the face of evil's presence, that we may receive an everlasting kingdom where there will be no more tears, no more pain, no more evil. While there is still a Heaven and Earth, there will be seed time and harvest. Until the fullness of the gentiles is reached, all creation will suffer through Satan's ignorant defiance of God's miraculous plan for those He has called to Himself.
Satan has a strong rule and an even greater understanding over his own principality than than do God's own angels because, unlike the angels, Satan studies the depths of our carnality- of lust and contentment, weakness and strength- in order to enslave minds to the things of this world.
The battle though, is fought in the heavenly realms and is based on the knowledge of God's truths. However, truth and faith must work alongside each other. Should the enemy stand obstinate in the face of truth against a child of God, then it is only by their faith and endurance that those who belong to Jesus will find the victory in their present lives. Satan has been afforded the permission to test the faith of everyone that desires or claims to bring God's will into this present dominion, and only those who do not give up Jesus in the face of adversity will have victory over Satan.
Do not be deceived. You must go through fiery trials for the testing of your faith and the ultimate defeat of the enemy in your own life. While Satan roams the Earth looking for those he can destroy, your victory will be won in the battlefield of your own mind, relying on God's truths and resting in His promises which is our hope not yet seen, but presently belongs to those whom God has given the faith to possess.
PJR
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience." (Romans 8:18-25)
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Forced Appreciation
2 Kings 4:8-37
Elisha was a mighty prophet of God that had a double portion of God's Spirit that had been on Elijah. When a Shunamite woman befriended Elisha by providing him with food and a place to stay while he journeyed, the Bible says that he called for her to ask what could be done for her. He offered that perhaps she would like for him to intercede on her behalf to the king or the commander of the army; favors or protection. She replied, "I dwell among my own people.", meaning she and her own would fend for themselves. So he asked his servant what she might desire and the servant mentioned that she had no son, as her husband was old. So he called to the woman and told her that by this time next year, she would bear a son. This immediately troubled her and she said to him, "No, my lord, O man of God; do not lie to your servant." But the following year she had a son, as he had spoken.
Years later, her son died and the shunamite woman sought after Elisha. When she found him, she fell to her knees before him, but God had hidden the reason from him and had not told him why she was grievous. This is uncommon for a prophet with a double portion of God's Spirit that was on Elijah! Why did God withhold this from him?
The woman asked him, "Did I ask my lord for a son? Did I not say, ‘Do not deceive me?’" She was content with having been a blessing to Elisha without the return of favor. Yet Elisha felt the need to repay the kind deed and did so despite the woman's refusal. On a happy note; God restored the life of her son, and later on in chapter 8 she also received favors from the king of Israel.
It is apparent that the woman's main desire was to serve the man of God, as she neither asked nor welcomed any favor from Elisha. God did eventually bless her for her heart of service.
At the end of this experience, Elisha could have concluded a couple of things.
In his own logic:
It is important to seek God even in the realm of blessings. While we may be encouraged to bless someone in our lives, we can sometimes overstep our bounds by forcing our appreciation. The blessing then, even through the power of God, ultimately comes from us and not from God; and though at first meant to be a noble acknowledgement of appreciation, it ends up complicating the lives of those wanting to serve for the simplicity of serving...and that without repayment.
In God's wisdom:
Despite what I may think I understand, I followed the burden on my heart God had given me. God worked through me to call upon and bless the Shunamite woman for her service to Him, and though the gift was taken back, it was intended to reveal to the woman that it is God who ultimately blesses, not the prophet; and if that blessing should be coveted or merely taken for granted, God will reveal that He is the ultimate source of life even within the death of that gift, and He will reward all those with hearts of compassion towards the kingdom of heaven, despite the horrible losses we may suffer here on Earth. The difficult part of being God's servant or the recipient of His call is the readjustment of our perception of His wisdom and blessings.
PJR
"Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen."
(Romans 16:25-27)
Elisha was a mighty prophet of God that had a double portion of God's Spirit that had been on Elijah. When a Shunamite woman befriended Elisha by providing him with food and a place to stay while he journeyed, the Bible says that he called for her to ask what could be done for her. He offered that perhaps she would like for him to intercede on her behalf to the king or the commander of the army; favors or protection. She replied, "I dwell among my own people.", meaning she and her own would fend for themselves. So he asked his servant what she might desire and the servant mentioned that she had no son, as her husband was old. So he called to the woman and told her that by this time next year, she would bear a son. This immediately troubled her and she said to him, "No, my lord, O man of God; do not lie to your servant." But the following year she had a son, as he had spoken.
Years later, her son died and the shunamite woman sought after Elisha. When she found him, she fell to her knees before him, but God had hidden the reason from him and had not told him why she was grievous. This is uncommon for a prophet with a double portion of God's Spirit that was on Elijah! Why did God withhold this from him?
The woman asked him, "Did I ask my lord for a son? Did I not say, ‘Do not deceive me?’" She was content with having been a blessing to Elisha without the return of favor. Yet Elisha felt the need to repay the kind deed and did so despite the woman's refusal. On a happy note; God restored the life of her son, and later on in chapter 8 she also received favors from the king of Israel.
It is apparent that the woman's main desire was to serve the man of God, as she neither asked nor welcomed any favor from Elisha. God did eventually bless her for her heart of service.
At the end of this experience, Elisha could have concluded a couple of things.
In his own logic:
It is important to seek God even in the realm of blessings. While we may be encouraged to bless someone in our lives, we can sometimes overstep our bounds by forcing our appreciation. The blessing then, even through the power of God, ultimately comes from us and not from God; and though at first meant to be a noble acknowledgement of appreciation, it ends up complicating the lives of those wanting to serve for the simplicity of serving...and that without repayment.
In God's wisdom:
Despite what I may think I understand, I followed the burden on my heart God had given me. God worked through me to call upon and bless the Shunamite woman for her service to Him, and though the gift was taken back, it was intended to reveal to the woman that it is God who ultimately blesses, not the prophet; and if that blessing should be coveted or merely taken for granted, God will reveal that He is the ultimate source of life even within the death of that gift, and He will reward all those with hearts of compassion towards the kingdom of heaven, despite the horrible losses we may suffer here on Earth. The difficult part of being God's servant or the recipient of His call is the readjustment of our perception of His wisdom and blessings.
PJR
"Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen."
(Romans 16:25-27)
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
The Manifestation Of God's Power
The manifestation of God's power is not available at our discretion or timing. It takes a release of faith from God upon us, as willing vessels waiting on the Father, to do all that He tells us. His promises are ours but the timing and dispensation are His. We see Christians claiming His promises and power all the time, and we very often witness their disappointment and confusion when the situation fails to change. Many have fallen away because of this kind of faith. True faith that acts on Gods behalf comes from Him. Yet you will hear others contend that it was due to a lack of our own faith that failed to bring the power. God's word teaches us that even when we're faithless He is faithful.
Gods promises are intended to give us faith, hope, and love- the result of an intimate relationship with Him. When God's Word is commanded without this intimacy, or direction from the Holy Spirit, the claimants are exercising a faith of their own and are not genuinely compassionate for their hearers. They are only interested in control and being perceived by others as someone very spiritual. Listeners may be impressed or influenced, but if they become a part of that sheepfold, they will subject themselves to a false shepherd, both pursuing only of the power and gifts of God, but not God Himself. Should you think these shepherds and sheep are still okay in the sight of God, listen carefully to what Jesus says about them. "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness." (Matthew 7:21-23) It's interesting that He calls them 'workers of lawlessness', but it makes sense in light of Matthew 22:37-40: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets." Without God's life, one can not know love.
The purpose of God's promises is intended for us to trust Him regardless of any outcome, living by the faith He has given us. If we were to have the authority of God's word at our discretion, where then would His sovereign power and glory be? It would belong to us, needing nothing more from Him. Our hope should rest on His word which states that what is impossible for man is possible for God, not something we can pocket and pull out at our own discretion. We must become empty and available for God to work through us according to His will. The true working out of God's promises in our lives happens when we have died to ourselves and no longer live, but it is Christ who lives in us.
PJR
"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men." (Philippians 2:4-7)
Gods promises are intended to give us faith, hope, and love- the result of an intimate relationship with Him. When God's Word is commanded without this intimacy, or direction from the Holy Spirit, the claimants are exercising a faith of their own and are not genuinely compassionate for their hearers. They are only interested in control and being perceived by others as someone very spiritual. Listeners may be impressed or influenced, but if they become a part of that sheepfold, they will subject themselves to a false shepherd, both pursuing only of the power and gifts of God, but not God Himself. Should you think these shepherds and sheep are still okay in the sight of God, listen carefully to what Jesus says about them. "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness." (Matthew 7:21-23) It's interesting that He calls them 'workers of lawlessness', but it makes sense in light of Matthew 22:37-40: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets." Without God's life, one can not know love.
The purpose of God's promises is intended for us to trust Him regardless of any outcome, living by the faith He has given us. If we were to have the authority of God's word at our discretion, where then would His sovereign power and glory be? It would belong to us, needing nothing more from Him. Our hope should rest on His word which states that what is impossible for man is possible for God, not something we can pocket and pull out at our own discretion. We must become empty and available for God to work through us according to His will. The true working out of God's promises in our lives happens when we have died to ourselves and no longer live, but it is Christ who lives in us.
PJR
"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men." (Philippians 2:4-7)
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Troubles By Sovereignty
"He put another parable before them, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’" (Matthew 13:24-30)
Though God's servants were initially ignorant of what the enemy had done, God was not. It was magnificently ordained for the sake of His elect, that by growing alongside the weeds, they may have the contrast to know Him intimately, for without evil, one can not know love.
And what good comes about from the human suffering that goes with all this? The rich and abundant life here and now by way of dying to our own cause and comfort, and like Jesus, denying ourselves the world to be gained, that we would receive eternal rewards in heaven. Is it worth it? Some will say absolutely not. They will continue to serve themselves for the gain of what is inevitably passing away. Those with God's Spirit say absolutely so, because they...
"... consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience." (Romans 8:18-25)
PJR
"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure." (1John 3:1-3)
Though God's servants were initially ignorant of what the enemy had done, God was not. It was magnificently ordained for the sake of His elect, that by growing alongside the weeds, they may have the contrast to know Him intimately, for without evil, one can not know love.
And what good comes about from the human suffering that goes with all this? The rich and abundant life here and now by way of dying to our own cause and comfort, and like Jesus, denying ourselves the world to be gained, that we would receive eternal rewards in heaven. Is it worth it? Some will say absolutely not. They will continue to serve themselves for the gain of what is inevitably passing away. Those with God's Spirit say absolutely so, because they...
"... consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience." (Romans 8:18-25)
PJR
"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure." (1John 3:1-3)
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Religion By Sovereignty
"From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, 'Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.' But he turned and said to Peter, 'Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man." (Matthew 16:21-23)
"He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, 'Lord, do you wash my feet?' Jesus answered him, 'What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.' Peter said to him, 'You shall never wash my feet.' Jesus answered him, 'If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.'" (John 13:6-8)
These two scriptures are great examples of how man can be ignorant of God's purpose beyond the apparent circumstances. Focusing intently only on the spoken word of God without discerning its spiritual meaning is Satan's greatest weapon, and the foundation of many churches' religion. Intense Bible study without intimacy with Christ through the Holy Spirit is faithless religion, resulting only in Biblical knowledge. There are a multitude of Christian leaders and pastors without spiritual discernment. The greatest efforts of these churches are to create and maintain a continuous busy schedule whereby the congregations are kept physically engaged and mentally entertained. Let it be known, this also is by God's sovereign control, the purpose of it belonging to His elect, including those He has yet to awaken from their slumber.
PJR
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your flesh
and refreshment to your bones."
(Proverbs 3:5-8)
"He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, 'Lord, do you wash my feet?' Jesus answered him, 'What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.' Peter said to him, 'You shall never wash my feet.' Jesus answered him, 'If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.'" (John 13:6-8)
These two scriptures are great examples of how man can be ignorant of God's purpose beyond the apparent circumstances. Focusing intently only on the spoken word of God without discerning its spiritual meaning is Satan's greatest weapon, and the foundation of many churches' religion. Intense Bible study without intimacy with Christ through the Holy Spirit is faithless religion, resulting only in Biblical knowledge. There are a multitude of Christian leaders and pastors without spiritual discernment. The greatest efforts of these churches are to create and maintain a continuous busy schedule whereby the congregations are kept physically engaged and mentally entertained. Let it be known, this also is by God's sovereign control, the purpose of it belonging to His elect, including those He has yet to awaken from their slumber.
PJR
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your flesh
and refreshment to your bones."
(Proverbs 3:5-8)
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Commands Or Declarations?
When first called as adopted children to the kingdom of heaven, our initial impression of God's word, as revealing as it is, brings about a mighty conviction to the conscience and obedience appears to be of one's own choice and abilities. However, as we submit ourselves to the effectual process of sanctification upon our souls, choice and abilities become understood as election and declarations. What is arguable to the unbeliever and new believer alike, will ultimately stand as sovereign doctrine to those whom it has been revealed. Every command for obedience and every plea for holiness is actually a prophetic pronunciation of a promise and a present reality that immediately belongs to everyone chosen by God, but has yet to be fulfilled in the believer's mind. Not an if, then or a when, then scenario, rather "...it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me".
In as much as scriptures declare the glory of God, they also declare the depravity of humanity. We are hardwired for depravity (Romans 11:32), and all of the unholy behaviors of man will be exposed by the Spirit He has caused to live in us. Therefore, along with the fulfillment of His promises of redemption and abundant life, we can also expect that the fullness of our fallen nature will not be merely realized, but wholly experienced. This is the reality of our sanctification, whereby He creates in us a heart of flesh from stone; repentance from defiance; contrition from arrogance. Holiness has been commanded; and like the genesis of creation that came into existence by the spoken Word, so our lives, through His commands upon us shall become declarations of His promises...both the good and the bad...the holy and the unholy...for our sanctification, and to His glory.
PJR
"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)
In as much as scriptures declare the glory of God, they also declare the depravity of humanity. We are hardwired for depravity (Romans 11:32), and all of the unholy behaviors of man will be exposed by the Spirit He has caused to live in us. Therefore, along with the fulfillment of His promises of redemption and abundant life, we can also expect that the fullness of our fallen nature will not be merely realized, but wholly experienced. This is the reality of our sanctification, whereby He creates in us a heart of flesh from stone; repentance from defiance; contrition from arrogance. Holiness has been commanded; and like the genesis of creation that came into existence by the spoken Word, so our lives, through His commands upon us shall become declarations of His promises...both the good and the bad...the holy and the unholy...for our sanctification, and to His glory.
PJR
"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Clay Pots
"Then the disciples came to him and said, 'Do you know that when the Pharisees heard this saying they were offended?' And he replied, 'Every plant that my heavenly Father did not plant will be uprooted. Leave them! They are blind guides. If someone who is blind leads another who is blind, both will fall into a pit.'" (Matthew 15:12-14)
We can understand by these words Jesus spoke that humanity is indeed a mere clay vessel of various soils, and unless the Father plants His Spirit, it is of another spirit that has taken root and grown. Jesus is not speaking against man, though he may hear, for on the cross He prayed the Father to "...forgive them, for they know not what they do." He is speaking against the rebellious spirits that deceive those vessels of clay whom the Father did not plant; but those who belong to Him will eventually understand Him by the Spirit He will have planted within them. Because God is spirit, the rebuke is spiritual. Those in whom God has not planted Himself are blind and therefore will be susceptible to being led by blind spirits.This is illuminated in the following three scriptures.
In the parable of the wheat and the tares (Matthew 13:37-39), Jesus' explanation was this; "The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man, and the field is the world; and as for the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; and the tares are the sons of the evil one; and the enemy who sowed them is the devil...".
In Matthew 16:23, Jesus addresses Satan when rebuking Peter: "But He turned and said to Peter, 'Get behind me Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, because you do not have in mind the things of God but the things of men.' "
Speaking to His disciples, Jesus also states clearly who the eternal punishment is intended for in Matthew 23:41. "Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.'" The Greek word used here for 'angels' is the same Greek word translated to 'messenger' in the following description for John the baptist.
"As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written,
'Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way before you.'
"Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. He who has ears to hear, let him hear." Matthew 11:7-15
Whether the usage pertains to man or angels, the ultimate source behind both alludes to the spirit of that entity, as revealed in Luke 1:8-16.
"Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, 'Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.'"
John was separated from men for God's own use. It was determined that from the beginning of his life he would be full of the Holy Spirit.
Whether angel or man, it is the spirit of such that establishes the identity and fate of an entity.
"Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God." (John 8:43-47)
We know our minds can not be enlightened to its depravity except by the truth revealed, and will not have the power to do so unless one has received the Holy Spirit. This is the elect God has chosen from among all the people. So, who is man that God is mindful of him? Humanity is important enough that the demon's focus and relentless efforts are invested on keeping us from knowing the truth and trusting in our only source of deliverance and salvation from this temporal world. Man was created for God's pleasure and being the apple of His eye, there is nothing Satan wants more than to destroy what God loves; which begs an answer for why there is only a 'remnant' that will be saved.
Man has been judged by God to be unrighteous until He causes man to put his faith in the work of the cross. This is God's sovereign design. The difficult reality is that not everyone born of women is chosen out of this world to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. He has raised up some for the purpose of revealing his holy nature through their depravity (Romans 9:21), to be led by wicked spirits against the elect that they may have the sure contrast and means necessary for this recognition, unto the work of sanctification. We can then be convinced that since man is incapable of anything but corruption, Jesus would not be trying to convince those absent of God's Spirit and election of their error, rather, in the view and presence of His disciples, as well as those to come, He is exposing the evil spirits and revealing the stark disagreement between God and sinful man; light and dark, good and evil, truth and lies, righteous and unrighteous, Holy and unholy.
You may argue then, to embrace Divine Election must mean that we are nothing more than 'spiritual robots'. Consider carefully the appointed struggles a child of God goes through, exclusive of any other creature. The work of sanctification occurs only within those God has chosen. Its end is the death of the natural spirit of man which began at birth in rebellion to God. Over the process of this death, His Spirit dwells among our depraved nature (a provision through His own covenant with the elect made possible only by the righteousness that comes by faith in the one who Himself was sinless yet unjustly suffered death). The mind becomes transformed, permeating the soul of the suffering child into a new creation unique from any other being. It is a process that breaks our selfish will and softens our hard hearts. We will become what is commonly known in our realm as 'Saints'. If there is anything left to us, it is this: the level of sanctification we receive will be proportionate to our willingness to submit to the promptings of the Holy Spirit throughout this process; promptings that ask us to let go of our own strength and understanding so that we may receive the very nature of God Himself. And, as His word states, there will be some saved as though through fire; a very serious reality.
This unique existence is far from being robotic and is reserved for those whom He has called to pass through from natural life to natural death, and from spiritual death to spiritual life in Christ.
Let's go back to the story of John the baptist in Matthew 11. Jesus states that "...the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." How do we reconcile such a statement when he was clearly full of God's spirit from birth? I believe the answer is that John was ordained, separated, and protected from birth to carry out God's will, not having the same opportunity as those called to pass through a life of continuous sanctification by means of the Holy Spirit whom Jesus sent to dwell in those called by God after He had risen. Therefore, the greatest in the kingdom spoken of here consists of those who have persevered through trials without a specific, mandated holy call on their lives. We may say that John's life would be closer to a 'robotic' life, thus making him the least in the kingdom of heaven. However, concerning those born among women, none is greater because up until John, Jesus was only prophesied about...John was the present prophet who 'prepared the way for the Lord'.
PJR
"The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned." (1Corinthians 2:14)
We can understand by these words Jesus spoke that humanity is indeed a mere clay vessel of various soils, and unless the Father plants His Spirit, it is of another spirit that has taken root and grown. Jesus is not speaking against man, though he may hear, for on the cross He prayed the Father to "...forgive them, for they know not what they do." He is speaking against the rebellious spirits that deceive those vessels of clay whom the Father did not plant; but those who belong to Him will eventually understand Him by the Spirit He will have planted within them. Because God is spirit, the rebuke is spiritual. Those in whom God has not planted Himself are blind and therefore will be susceptible to being led by blind spirits.This is illuminated in the following three scriptures.
In the parable of the wheat and the tares (Matthew 13:37-39), Jesus' explanation was this; "The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man, and the field is the world; and as for the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; and the tares are the sons of the evil one; and the enemy who sowed them is the devil...".
In Matthew 16:23, Jesus addresses Satan when rebuking Peter: "But He turned and said to Peter, 'Get behind me Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, because you do not have in mind the things of God but the things of men.' "
Speaking to His disciples, Jesus also states clearly who the eternal punishment is intended for in Matthew 23:41. "Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.'" The Greek word used here for 'angels' is the same Greek word translated to 'messenger' in the following description for John the baptist.
"As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written,
'Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way before you.'
"Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. He who has ears to hear, let him hear." Matthew 11:7-15
Whether the usage pertains to man or angels, the ultimate source behind both alludes to the spirit of that entity, as revealed in Luke 1:8-16.
"Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, 'Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.'"
John was separated from men for God's own use. It was determined that from the beginning of his life he would be full of the Holy Spirit.
Whether angel or man, it is the spirit of such that establishes the identity and fate of an entity.
"Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God." (John 8:43-47)
We know our minds can not be enlightened to its depravity except by the truth revealed, and will not have the power to do so unless one has received the Holy Spirit. This is the elect God has chosen from among all the people. So, who is man that God is mindful of him? Humanity is important enough that the demon's focus and relentless efforts are invested on keeping us from knowing the truth and trusting in our only source of deliverance and salvation from this temporal world. Man was created for God's pleasure and being the apple of His eye, there is nothing Satan wants more than to destroy what God loves; which begs an answer for why there is only a 'remnant' that will be saved.
Man has been judged by God to be unrighteous until He causes man to put his faith in the work of the cross. This is God's sovereign design. The difficult reality is that not everyone born of women is chosen out of this world to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. He has raised up some for the purpose of revealing his holy nature through their depravity (Romans 9:21), to be led by wicked spirits against the elect that they may have the sure contrast and means necessary for this recognition, unto the work of sanctification. We can then be convinced that since man is incapable of anything but corruption, Jesus would not be trying to convince those absent of God's Spirit and election of their error, rather, in the view and presence of His disciples, as well as those to come, He is exposing the evil spirits and revealing the stark disagreement between God and sinful man; light and dark, good and evil, truth and lies, righteous and unrighteous, Holy and unholy.
You may argue then, to embrace Divine Election must mean that we are nothing more than 'spiritual robots'. Consider carefully the appointed struggles a child of God goes through, exclusive of any other creature. The work of sanctification occurs only within those God has chosen. Its end is the death of the natural spirit of man which began at birth in rebellion to God. Over the process of this death, His Spirit dwells among our depraved nature (a provision through His own covenant with the elect made possible only by the righteousness that comes by faith in the one who Himself was sinless yet unjustly suffered death). The mind becomes transformed, permeating the soul of the suffering child into a new creation unique from any other being. It is a process that breaks our selfish will and softens our hard hearts. We will become what is commonly known in our realm as 'Saints'. If there is anything left to us, it is this: the level of sanctification we receive will be proportionate to our willingness to submit to the promptings of the Holy Spirit throughout this process; promptings that ask us to let go of our own strength and understanding so that we may receive the very nature of God Himself. And, as His word states, there will be some saved as though through fire; a very serious reality.
This unique existence is far from being robotic and is reserved for those whom He has called to pass through from natural life to natural death, and from spiritual death to spiritual life in Christ.
Let's go back to the story of John the baptist in Matthew 11. Jesus states that "...the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." How do we reconcile such a statement when he was clearly full of God's spirit from birth? I believe the answer is that John was ordained, separated, and protected from birth to carry out God's will, not having the same opportunity as those called to pass through a life of continuous sanctification by means of the Holy Spirit whom Jesus sent to dwell in those called by God after He had risen. Therefore, the greatest in the kingdom spoken of here consists of those who have persevered through trials without a specific, mandated holy call on their lives. We may say that John's life would be closer to a 'robotic' life, thus making him the least in the kingdom of heaven. However, concerning those born among women, none is greater because up until John, Jesus was only prophesied about...John was the present prophet who 'prepared the way for the Lord'.
PJR
"The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned." (1Corinthians 2:14)
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