Post by Les Brewer on Mar 2, 2020 23:22:40 GMT
MURMURING AND DISPUTING
(14) Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
(15) That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
(16) Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Philippians 2:14-16 KJV
Today to be in the body of Christ is like dropping into a whirlpool of confusion; we hear about how delightful the life of the spirit is from the pulpit and many sermons which are positive and uplifting. The word amen echoes through the sanctuaries and the preacher presents his points on spiritual peace and tranquility in the Christian life. Today many sermons are not designed to bring the people up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord’s word; but contrary-wise to soothe them into a false spirituality that does not bring about the true attributes of spiritual living.
In fact I’ve observed a body of murmurers, grumblers, and be-grudgers. I grant you that if there is something someone can find to complain about today whether it be sacred or secular there is volley of murmurers to voice it loud and clear. The fact is; that we are great at finding fault and pointing it out to others in no small means. We are meticulous at pointing out every little thing that doesn’t set well with us. I ask in honesty; is this the way of our purposed spirituality taught in the bible? What was the aspiration of the Apostle Paul which is written for an example and conforms to biblical doctrine concerning our flesh? These words were penned for our admonition!
(10) That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
(11) If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Philippians 3:10-11 KJV
To truly know Christ is to know the power of the resurrection; we have resurrection power in Christ Jesus! You see; many have a form of godliness but deny the power that makes that godliness real and tangible concerning crucifying the flesh. Brethren; if we want to know Jesus personally we will have a fellowship or relationship that causes us to go through many of the same sufferings; but we learn to rejoice in and through them; because we are “being made conformable to his death”.
(20) I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 KJV
Brethren; if we are dead to this life; how is it that we murmur and complain constantly about this life? I’m not talking about in-house debates concerning doctrine or pointing out false prophets and doctrines of demons. I am addressing the fact that many Christians are worse at grumbling, disputing, and murmuring over issues than their counter parts in the world. The bible teaches us that the joy of the Lord is our strength; yet I see many Christians who have no joy and are quick to accuse others of things which they’re guilty of themselves. They employ fleshly anger instead of righteous indignation and the proof is in the words and actions they choose. The bible teaches us these things ought not so to be! What does the bible teach about our demeanor and our lifestyle concerning the current events in life?
(4) Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
(5) Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
(6) Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
(7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7 KJV
In this world not all things are worth rejoicing over; yet we are admonished to rejoice in the Lord! We are taught to show moderation, gentleness, and patience concerning those around us; and by doing so we show that the Lord is at hand. Paul’s joy wasn’t based in optimism or a positive mental attitude; it was based in the confidence that God was in control. Although optimism is a key to trust and faith our faith must rest in and trust in God. Verse 5 teaches us not to allow ourselves to become anxious about anything; but to address everything by prayer and supplication; with thanksgiving! Then he says that the peace of God which supersedes comprehension shall stabilize our hearts and minds through Christ.
(8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
(9) Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 KJV
Our hearts will follow what we meditate upon! Reading scripture then meditating upon it for the purpose of applying it to our lives results in the resurrection lifestyle that glorifies God and put to shame the world around us. When we view these meditations in verse 8 we see a list of important principles which are also the fruit of the Spirit and the mind of Christ. Whether it is sacred or secular these attributes are important concerning our faith and the way we confront life. True things, honest things, just things, pure things, lovely things, things which are of good report; things which are full of virtue and bring praise are the things which the Christian should meditate upon! I want the God of Peace with me so I don’t take these admonitions lightly! Brethren; let me exhort you from scripture again!
(1) If therefore there is any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassion,
(2) make my joy full, by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind;
(3) doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself;
(4) each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.
(5) Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus, Philippians 2:1-5 WEB
Brethren we are called to exhortation, edification, and comfort to one another. We must be Christ-like concerning love, mercy, and compassion! We cannot afford to murmur our lives away at the cost of love, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Selah!
D. Ray Ritchie (Bishop)
(14) Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
(15) That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
(16) Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Philippians 2:14-16 KJV
Today to be in the body of Christ is like dropping into a whirlpool of confusion; we hear about how delightful the life of the spirit is from the pulpit and many sermons which are positive and uplifting. The word amen echoes through the sanctuaries and the preacher presents his points on spiritual peace and tranquility in the Christian life. Today many sermons are not designed to bring the people up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord’s word; but contrary-wise to soothe them into a false spirituality that does not bring about the true attributes of spiritual living.
In fact I’ve observed a body of murmurers, grumblers, and be-grudgers. I grant you that if there is something someone can find to complain about today whether it be sacred or secular there is volley of murmurers to voice it loud and clear. The fact is; that we are great at finding fault and pointing it out to others in no small means. We are meticulous at pointing out every little thing that doesn’t set well with us. I ask in honesty; is this the way of our purposed spirituality taught in the bible? What was the aspiration of the Apostle Paul which is written for an example and conforms to biblical doctrine concerning our flesh? These words were penned for our admonition!
(10) That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
(11) If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Philippians 3:10-11 KJV
To truly know Christ is to know the power of the resurrection; we have resurrection power in Christ Jesus! You see; many have a form of godliness but deny the power that makes that godliness real and tangible concerning crucifying the flesh. Brethren; if we want to know Jesus personally we will have a fellowship or relationship that causes us to go through many of the same sufferings; but we learn to rejoice in and through them; because we are “being made conformable to his death”.
(20) I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 KJV
Brethren; if we are dead to this life; how is it that we murmur and complain constantly about this life? I’m not talking about in-house debates concerning doctrine or pointing out false prophets and doctrines of demons. I am addressing the fact that many Christians are worse at grumbling, disputing, and murmuring over issues than their counter parts in the world. The bible teaches us that the joy of the Lord is our strength; yet I see many Christians who have no joy and are quick to accuse others of things which they’re guilty of themselves. They employ fleshly anger instead of righteous indignation and the proof is in the words and actions they choose. The bible teaches us these things ought not so to be! What does the bible teach about our demeanor and our lifestyle concerning the current events in life?
(4) Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
(5) Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
(6) Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
(7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7 KJV
In this world not all things are worth rejoicing over; yet we are admonished to rejoice in the Lord! We are taught to show moderation, gentleness, and patience concerning those around us; and by doing so we show that the Lord is at hand. Paul’s joy wasn’t based in optimism or a positive mental attitude; it was based in the confidence that God was in control. Although optimism is a key to trust and faith our faith must rest in and trust in God. Verse 5 teaches us not to allow ourselves to become anxious about anything; but to address everything by prayer and supplication; with thanksgiving! Then he says that the peace of God which supersedes comprehension shall stabilize our hearts and minds through Christ.
(8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
(9) Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 KJV
Our hearts will follow what we meditate upon! Reading scripture then meditating upon it for the purpose of applying it to our lives results in the resurrection lifestyle that glorifies God and put to shame the world around us. When we view these meditations in verse 8 we see a list of important principles which are also the fruit of the Spirit and the mind of Christ. Whether it is sacred or secular these attributes are important concerning our faith and the way we confront life. True things, honest things, just things, pure things, lovely things, things which are of good report; things which are full of virtue and bring praise are the things which the Christian should meditate upon! I want the God of Peace with me so I don’t take these admonitions lightly! Brethren; let me exhort you from scripture again!
(1) If therefore there is any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassion,
(2) make my joy full, by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind;
(3) doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself;
(4) each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.
(5) Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus, Philippians 2:1-5 WEB
Brethren we are called to exhortation, edification, and comfort to one another. We must be Christ-like concerning love, mercy, and compassion! We cannot afford to murmur our lives away at the cost of love, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Selah!
D. Ray Ritchie (Bishop)
