Post by Les Brewer on Jan 5, 2019 23:34:03 GMT
TWO REALITIES ONE TRUTH
I recently listened to two different sermons by two different ministers that stirred my soul and convicted my heart. Both sermons were on the present state of the church and how it has become user friendly with no real moral fortitude. A world that is comfortable with my Christianity and has no offence at my presence denotes that I may not be an agent of change that counts for time and eternity. When we bend and blend to fit in; we not being mutually exclusive; in other words we cannot be worldly and holy at the same time. We are one or the other. Our actions, thoughts, and orientations reveal who we really are. Purpose is God’s will and our love for him reveals both in the upward climbing toward Christ-likeness. He must increase steadily while we decrease steadily. The carnal man must be crucified daily in order for this to occur. Prayer is key when we are set to hear his voice through his word and unction; we become offensive to those around by virtue of our piety. Godliness is a manifestation of his will becoming our will.
You see brethren Jesus Christ will never be accepted as he truly is by a world of carnal creatures who are oblivious to the truth. A true conservative will never be accepted by a liberal mind which is oblivious to reality. Both are blind because of their natures. But let us deal only with the spiritual aspect of humanity in context to the blindness they all share.
(1) Therefore, being engaged in this service and being mindful of the mercy which has been shown us, we are not cowards.
(2) Nay, we have renounced the secrecy which marks a feeling of shame. We practice no cunning tricks, nor do we adulterate God's Message. But by a full clear statement of the truth we strive to commend ourselves in the presence of God to every human conscience.
(But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. Verse 2 KJV)
(3) If, however, the meaning of our Good News has been veiled, the veil has been on the hearts of those who are on the way to perdition,
(4) in whom the god of this present age has blinded their unbelieving minds so as to shut out the sunshine of the Good News of the glory of the Christ, who is the image of God. 2nd Corinthians 4:1-4
The world has a form of morality without true godliness; many in the church have a form of godliness but deny the power of God to transform them. Even in the world one can have several god-like morals but accept and live by a host of immoralities. When the church becomes hypocritical concerning striving for holiness in word and deed; it does nothing to threaten a world which is also hypocritical. The world embraces the Christian compromise with arms wide open; but will detest a Christian who practices what the bible teaches concerning a real relationship with God which is to abide by calling, the will, and the purpose of God for every Christ.
A young man on our job site who declared his Christian faith to me openly use foul language on several occasions; even on the radio (walkie talkie) we use to communicate. I walked up to him one day and spoke to him bluntly and openly. I told him I could count on one hand the times in 30 years I’ve used foul language. Then I quoted this scripture to him:
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. (Ephesians 4:29)
His face turned red and blushed with shame; but he knew I try to practice what I preach to others; and received with some tears welling in his eyes. Brethren I don’t want sinners to be comfortable around me; on another occasion I set a sinner straight by telling him “I don’t drink tequila or party or chase woman”. Then I told him I am a preacher I serve Jesus Christ and I don’t need any of that to make me happy. But he tried me a couple more times only to be rebuked a couple more times! No! I am by no means perfect and I must strive to crucify the old man more and more each day!
But when I hear messages which prick my heart and convict me; I know I need to strive harder to reach my goal of being more like Jesus! Brethren; is the world to comfortable around you or take you lightly when you are engaged in the work place, the market place, or any place you frequent in your life. If so I urge you to seek the face of God; you might need to be a little more like Jesus! Selah
Shalom, Agape, & Amen!
D.R. Ritchie (Emissary)
I recently listened to two different sermons by two different ministers that stirred my soul and convicted my heart. Both sermons were on the present state of the church and how it has become user friendly with no real moral fortitude. A world that is comfortable with my Christianity and has no offence at my presence denotes that I may not be an agent of change that counts for time and eternity. When we bend and blend to fit in; we not being mutually exclusive; in other words we cannot be worldly and holy at the same time. We are one or the other. Our actions, thoughts, and orientations reveal who we really are. Purpose is God’s will and our love for him reveals both in the upward climbing toward Christ-likeness. He must increase steadily while we decrease steadily. The carnal man must be crucified daily in order for this to occur. Prayer is key when we are set to hear his voice through his word and unction; we become offensive to those around by virtue of our piety. Godliness is a manifestation of his will becoming our will.
You see brethren Jesus Christ will never be accepted as he truly is by a world of carnal creatures who are oblivious to the truth. A true conservative will never be accepted by a liberal mind which is oblivious to reality. Both are blind because of their natures. But let us deal only with the spiritual aspect of humanity in context to the blindness they all share.
(1) Therefore, being engaged in this service and being mindful of the mercy which has been shown us, we are not cowards.
(2) Nay, we have renounced the secrecy which marks a feeling of shame. We practice no cunning tricks, nor do we adulterate God's Message. But by a full clear statement of the truth we strive to commend ourselves in the presence of God to every human conscience.
(But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. Verse 2 KJV)
(3) If, however, the meaning of our Good News has been veiled, the veil has been on the hearts of those who are on the way to perdition,
(4) in whom the god of this present age has blinded their unbelieving minds so as to shut out the sunshine of the Good News of the glory of the Christ, who is the image of God. 2nd Corinthians 4:1-4
The world has a form of morality without true godliness; many in the church have a form of godliness but deny the power of God to transform them. Even in the world one can have several god-like morals but accept and live by a host of immoralities. When the church becomes hypocritical concerning striving for holiness in word and deed; it does nothing to threaten a world which is also hypocritical. The world embraces the Christian compromise with arms wide open; but will detest a Christian who practices what the bible teaches concerning a real relationship with God which is to abide by calling, the will, and the purpose of God for every Christ.
A young man on our job site who declared his Christian faith to me openly use foul language on several occasions; even on the radio (walkie talkie) we use to communicate. I walked up to him one day and spoke to him bluntly and openly. I told him I could count on one hand the times in 30 years I’ve used foul language. Then I quoted this scripture to him:
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. (Ephesians 4:29)
His face turned red and blushed with shame; but he knew I try to practice what I preach to others; and received with some tears welling in his eyes. Brethren I don’t want sinners to be comfortable around me; on another occasion I set a sinner straight by telling him “I don’t drink tequila or party or chase woman”. Then I told him I am a preacher I serve Jesus Christ and I don’t need any of that to make me happy. But he tried me a couple more times only to be rebuked a couple more times! No! I am by no means perfect and I must strive to crucify the old man more and more each day!
But when I hear messages which prick my heart and convict me; I know I need to strive harder to reach my goal of being more like Jesus! Brethren; is the world to comfortable around you or take you lightly when you are engaged in the work place, the market place, or any place you frequent in your life. If so I urge you to seek the face of God; you might need to be a little more like Jesus! Selah
Shalom, Agape, & Amen!
D.R. Ritchie (Emissary)
