When the Charismatic movement hit the church, many things happened both good and questionable. Unfortunately, when good things come as a means of reformation and restoration to the church they oft times become twisted and then questionable. Many times the Bible records, especially in the writings of the apostle Paul, that believers are to "walk by the Spirit" or "live by the Spirit." There is a very good reason for this; it is to help the believer from becoming carnal or in other words, to help them not to fulfill the lusts of the flesh.
One of the good things that turned questionable during the Charismatic movement was the "Shepherding or Discipleship movement." In short, the movement gained a reputation for control and abuse in the name of "making disciples." One of the errors of the movement was that a great deal of emphasis was placed upon the importance of the disciples obedience, not to God per se, but to the shepherd that the disciple looked to for discipleship. Disobedience to one's shepherd was in many cases, viewed as being equal to disobeying God. This resulted in the shepherding movement being rejected and somewhat swept under the proverbial carpet. Basically, the former shepherding/discipleship movement was about an elitist attitude among church leaders that attempted to clone and control less mature believers This is in opposition of shepherds feeding and tending to the Lord's sheep. Despite the shepherding/discipleship movement becoming twisted and then rejected, the shepherding/discipleship of believers is both important and biblical.
"And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20)
"Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted." (Galatians 6:1) There are only two scriptures shown here out of the many that direct the more mature believer to disciple other believers. Hopefully we get the point.
From the Christian perspective a disciple is a follower of Jesus and His teachings. However, the word disciple also means, a pupil, student, adherent, learner and apprentice. With this in mind, let's look at the command that Jesus gave His disciples concerning making disciples. Jesus tells them to go and make disciples of all the nations...teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; Jesus is saying, go make pupils, students, adherents, learners and or apprentices to follow Me and my teachings. Notice, that Jesus is talking to those He had discipled. He tells them to go and do what He had taught them and emulated before them. (Although not all inclusive, see Matthew chapter 4 - 10 as a guide of both Jesus' discipleship techniques as well as what He had taught and emulated before His disciples)
The apostle Paul said, "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1) This is a key to understanding the importance of discipleship for today because it falls in line with what Jesus spoke to His disciples. (Matthew 28:18-20) Paul is telling the church, to follow him as an example of one who is following Christ. He is saying that he has made Christ his example and model in all things, and if the church were to follow Christ as he follows Him, they will not fall into error. Notice that Paul is only using himself as an example of one sold out to Christ and that if believers were to follow his example, they will never go astray. This is discipleship and it is lacking in the church today.
We must also note that not all of Paul's letters were written to a church, but also to individuals that he personally discipled, like Timothy and Titus. Paul is not using his position as a means of control or abuse, but he is very personal in his approach to them, "To Timothy, a true son in the faith:" (1 Timothy 1:2), "To Titus, a true son in our common faith:" (Titus 1:4) Paul gives these men personal counsel which in a sense demands these two men to keep moving towards Christ. He also gives them (us) some of the best information on church building and order. Again, the focus is on Christ not Paul.
In brief, church leaders must not continue to "throw the baby out with the bath water." (I only use this statement because it would be completely facetious to even think it) However, if we look at various times throughout church history where reformation and restoration was trying to find its way in to the church, we see a typical scenario played out among church leaders. Some have embraced the things of God and have kept it pure; some have embraced the things of God and have twisted them; and others have either totally rejected the things of God from the start or have criticized it when it became twisted and then refuse to implemented it properly in the church.
For the church to become the "Bride" without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, it must become a church of faith, "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6) Not some general faith where we say we believe God's Word and never act on it, but a faith that produces fruit and pleases God. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations...teaching
them to observe all things that I have commanded you..." This is true biblical discipleship. The time is now for church leaders to really be led by the Holy Spirit not what their wisdom might conceive. Leaders must teach and emulate the life and ministry of Christ to believers of all ages. It is time for church leaders to show less mature believers that true bible faith always has corresponding works.
"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit." (Romans 8:5)
"I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." (Galatians 5:16)
"But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." (James 2:18)
This is how the church can embrace reformation and restoration, not twist it or reject it, but see the power and glory of the Lord manifest in the lives of His children, "He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him." (John 14:21)
Monday, June 25, 2012
Monday, June 18, 2012
Who Was That Masked Man
From 1949 - 1957 a television series was aired entitled "The Lone Ranger." Although this was an old western TV show, for five decades reruns have appeared off and on since it originally aired. The Lone Ranger worn a mask that covered his eyes and he traveled about with a companion known as Tonto. Together they sought justice for those being oppressed by "the bad guys." The mask that he wore concealed his identity and at the end of ever show someone would always say, "Who was that masked man" and naturally someone would respond, "Why he's the Lone Ranger."
The word mask or masking is defined as "a covering to conceal something from view." This definition in many ways describes Jesus not only to those who saw Him during His ministry as the Son of man on the earth, but unfortunately to many in the church today. According to Matthew, "Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them. Great multitudes followed Him — from Galilee, and from Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan." (Matthew 4:23-25)
Although Jesus went about doing these things, Israel, His Covenant people did not recognize Him, yet they claimed to believe the very words that spoke of Him, the Torah, or Law (the Pentateuch), the Nevi'im, or Prophets, and the Ketuvim, or Writings or Hagiographa. In every sense of the word, Jesus was masked to them because they did not recognize Him. The apostle Paul tells us, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17) Although this may seem very obvious at first glance, it has a far reaching meaning than most believers today truly understand.
This statement is found in a letter that Paul wrote to the believers in Rome contrasting Jew and Gentile in the light of Jesus Christ. (I am not going to do a commentary of the Book of Romans, but only address the issue of Jesus being masked to many in the church today) We need to understand, at the time the letter to the Romans was written, what we call the New Testament had not come together. When Paul says by the Holy Spirit, So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" he is referring to what we call the Old Testament. This is a very important key today for the church. Contained in the Word of God in both the Old Testament and the New Testament is knowledge and truth that builds faith, because both Old and New Testaments are the Word of God.
We must remember, when the church was launched into the world, Christ was preached from the very books that Israel considered most sacred, and yet to them Jesus was masked. Why? They did not see God's Word as being alive but only words written on stone. This caused them to receive God's Word externally where it became nothing more than ordinances and rituals to be worked out in the natural. This does not take away the fact that there was knowledge and truth contained with God's Word. What this does reveal is that knowledge and truth contained within God's Word are a matter of the heart not the flesh.
If we were to review Hebrews chapter 11, we will find that many people under the law of Moses found heart filled faith in the same God that most of Israel never found. The thing that should shake us to the core, is how could these people under the law could exercise faith and do such great exploits when the church is not under law but grace? How is it that the majority of the church today follow Israel's footsteps by living their Christianity externally through ordinances and rituals? The answers are quite simple.
Unfortunately, many church leaders and Bible teachers have masked Jesus to others because they only see God's Word as a book of words in which to do works without faith, rather than a book of life that builds faith to do good works. They have allow various doctrines to persuade them that the wonderful things that God has done in the past are not for today. However, let's look at what the writer of Hebrews tells us, "For indeed the gospel (the Word of God) was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it." (Hebrews 4:2) Here we see the problem as to why Jesus is concealed from most Christians. God's Word must be mixed with faith. In other word, as Abraham did (who by the way did not have God's Word written in a book that he had at his disposal) Christians must do also, "And not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform." (Romans 4:20-21)
Although mixing God's Word with faith is how Jesus is unmasked, this is not as easy as it sounds. Many Christians today who truly love the LORD just do not know where to begin. They have been trained most of their lives to doubt God's Word through a barrage of smoke and mirrors that sounds theological correct. Why would they do this? They have accepted these things from church leaders and Bible teachers whom they trust and respect. It is difficult for most people to change their belief system when they have repeatedly been trained to think and believe in the opposite direction. However, like everything else pertaining to God, especially His Word, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." (Matthew 7:7-8) So let's start by preparing our hearts (soil) to receive God's Word (seed) on good ground. (See Mark 4:1-20)
The word mask or masking is defined as "a covering to conceal something from view." This definition in many ways describes Jesus not only to those who saw Him during His ministry as the Son of man on the earth, but unfortunately to many in the church today. According to Matthew, "Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them. Great multitudes followed Him — from Galilee, and from Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan." (Matthew 4:23-25)
Although Jesus went about doing these things, Israel, His Covenant people did not recognize Him, yet they claimed to believe the very words that spoke of Him, the Torah, or Law (the Pentateuch), the Nevi'im, or Prophets, and the Ketuvim, or Writings or Hagiographa. In every sense of the word, Jesus was masked to them because they did not recognize Him. The apostle Paul tells us, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17) Although this may seem very obvious at first glance, it has a far reaching meaning than most believers today truly understand.
This statement is found in a letter that Paul wrote to the believers in Rome contrasting Jew and Gentile in the light of Jesus Christ. (I am not going to do a commentary of the Book of Romans, but only address the issue of Jesus being masked to many in the church today) We need to understand, at the time the letter to the Romans was written, what we call the New Testament had not come together. When Paul says by the Holy Spirit, So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" he is referring to what we call the Old Testament. This is a very important key today for the church. Contained in the Word of God in both the Old Testament and the New Testament is knowledge and truth that builds faith, because both Old and New Testaments are the Word of God.
We must remember, when the church was launched into the world, Christ was preached from the very books that Israel considered most sacred, and yet to them Jesus was masked. Why? They did not see God's Word as being alive but only words written on stone. This caused them to receive God's Word externally where it became nothing more than ordinances and rituals to be worked out in the natural. This does not take away the fact that there was knowledge and truth contained with God's Word. What this does reveal is that knowledge and truth contained within God's Word are a matter of the heart not the flesh.
If we were to review Hebrews chapter 11, we will find that many people under the law of Moses found heart filled faith in the same God that most of Israel never found. The thing that should shake us to the core, is how could these people under the law could exercise faith and do such great exploits when the church is not under law but grace? How is it that the majority of the church today follow Israel's footsteps by living their Christianity externally through ordinances and rituals? The answers are quite simple.
Unfortunately, many church leaders and Bible teachers have masked Jesus to others because they only see God's Word as a book of words in which to do works without faith, rather than a book of life that builds faith to do good works. They have allow various doctrines to persuade them that the wonderful things that God has done in the past are not for today. However, let's look at what the writer of Hebrews tells us, "For indeed the gospel (the Word of God) was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it." (Hebrews 4:2) Here we see the problem as to why Jesus is concealed from most Christians. God's Word must be mixed with faith. In other word, as Abraham did (who by the way did not have God's Word written in a book that he had at his disposal) Christians must do also, "And not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform." (Romans 4:20-21)
Although mixing God's Word with faith is how Jesus is unmasked, this is not as easy as it sounds. Many Christians today who truly love the LORD just do not know where to begin. They have been trained most of their lives to doubt God's Word through a barrage of smoke and mirrors that sounds theological correct. Why would they do this? They have accepted these things from church leaders and Bible teachers whom they trust and respect. It is difficult for most people to change their belief system when they have repeatedly been trained to think and believe in the opposite direction. However, like everything else pertaining to God, especially His Word, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." (Matthew 7:7-8) So let's start by preparing our hearts (soil) to receive God's Word (seed) on good ground. (See Mark 4:1-20)
Monday, June 11, 2012
Why Bother Asking
Have you ever had someone ask you for your help or advice because they knew that you were the most likely candidate to be able to meet their need only to have them totally disregarded your help or advice? Did it make you think, "what was the point in asking?" Let's bring it closer to home. Have you ever asked God for help or advice knowing that He is the only one who could meet your need only to totally
disregarded His help or advice? I am sure many have done this also. Well, James shows us one particular area that assures us that God does responds to our need if we ask Him, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5)
Although this is talking about asking God for wisdom, it applies across the board when asking Him anything according to His will. Let's look closer at what James says about asking God for things, "But let him ask in faith, with no doubting..." (James 1:6) Unfortunately, many of God's children are asking but much of the asking goes unanswered because of the underlying current of doubt which neutralizes faith. Doubt in the lives of most Christians is usually very subtle because they (there are various kinds of doubt) are directly related to what one understand or misunderstand about God. Many times Christians who genuinely love the LORD will "Hope" that God answers their prayer, which is not faith. Some may say things like, "let it be according to Your will" or "God must have a special purpose as to why He did not answer" or "it must not be God's timing" or even "God is sovereign and He chooses whose prayer gets answered and whose prayer does not."
The Gospel of Matthew shows us a situation that also deals with the issue of faith and doubt. The disciples were in a boat crossing the sea and between 3 and 6 AM they see Jesus coming towards them walking on the water. Peter calls out and says to the LORD, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." So Jesus said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!" Jesus grabs Peter and then reveals very pointedly as to why Peter, who was walking on the water (it's very important to see this) began to sink, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" (Matthew 14:22-31) Peter sinking after he was already walking on the water had nothing to do with hope, God's timing, God's special purpose or whether it was God's will. It had to do with doubt that neutralized Peter's faith. Jesus' statement was not such as to bring condemnation on Peter, but to address the issue that prevents God from doing all the things that He desires to do through His children.
Notice what happens when Jesus and Peter get into the boat, "And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, "Truly You are the Son of God." (Matthew 14:32-33) Yes, Jesus is the Son of God, but this incident is not about Jesus' identity, it's a lesson on faith. Even though they were confessing Jesus to be the Son of God, remember, Peter also walked on the water because he believed Jesus' words to "come" out of the boat and walk on the water. The winds ceased, not because Jesus is the Son of God, but faith in an almighty God who created the wind. Look at another incident that is very similar in many ways.
"On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, "Let us cross over to the other side." Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him,"Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?" And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, "Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!" (Mark 4:35-41)
Again, this is an issue of faith, not the identity of Jesus. When Jesus said, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith? He was addressing the issue of doubt, (fearful: faithlessness) and insinuating that if the disciples would have exercise faith. they too could have stopped the storm. How do we know this to be true? "Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes."
(Mark 9:23)
As we go back to James, James continues with a very hard but truthful word, "...for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." (James 1:6-8) This again is not to bring condemnation on believers but to bring them to make a decision, "...How long will you falter between two opinions?" (1 Kings 18:21) If we do not ask God in faith, James tells us that we should not expect to receive anything from God. This makes perfect sense doesn't it? It would be like passing a sign that says "stop and receive free money" but you don't stop because you have been trained to think that nothing is free, especially money. This type of thinking is doubt at work.
Jesus said, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! (Matthew 7:7-11) All of this should give us a good understanding, no longer doubting, that God is a better and more desirous giver than any human being. All we need to do is "ask in faith, with no doubting..."
Although this is talking about asking God for wisdom, it applies across the board when asking Him anything according to His will. Let's look closer at what James says about asking God for things, "But let him ask in faith, with no doubting..." (James 1:6) Unfortunately, many of God's children are asking but much of the asking goes unanswered because of the underlying current of doubt which neutralizes faith. Doubt in the lives of most Christians is usually very subtle because they (there are various kinds of doubt) are directly related to what one understand or misunderstand about God. Many times Christians who genuinely love the LORD will "Hope" that God answers their prayer, which is not faith. Some may say things like, "let it be according to Your will" or "God must have a special purpose as to why He did not answer" or "it must not be God's timing" or even "God is sovereign and He chooses whose prayer gets answered and whose prayer does not."
The Gospel of Matthew shows us a situation that also deals with the issue of faith and doubt. The disciples were in a boat crossing the sea and between 3 and 6 AM they see Jesus coming towards them walking on the water. Peter calls out and says to the LORD, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." So Jesus said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!" Jesus grabs Peter and then reveals very pointedly as to why Peter, who was walking on the water (it's very important to see this) began to sink, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" (Matthew 14:22-31) Peter sinking after he was already walking on the water had nothing to do with hope, God's timing, God's special purpose or whether it was God's will. It had to do with doubt that neutralized Peter's faith. Jesus' statement was not such as to bring condemnation on Peter, but to address the issue that prevents God from doing all the things that He desires to do through His children.
Notice what happens when Jesus and Peter get into the boat, "And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, "Truly You are the Son of God." (Matthew 14:32-33) Yes, Jesus is the Son of God, but this incident is not about Jesus' identity, it's a lesson on faith. Even though they were confessing Jesus to be the Son of God, remember, Peter also walked on the water because he believed Jesus' words to "come" out of the boat and walk on the water. The winds ceased, not because Jesus is the Son of God, but faith in an almighty God who created the wind. Look at another incident that is very similar in many ways.
"On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, "Let us cross over to the other side." Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him,"Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?" And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, "Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!" (Mark 4:35-41)
Again, this is an issue of faith, not the identity of Jesus. When Jesus said, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith? He was addressing the issue of doubt, (fearful: faithlessness) and insinuating that if the disciples would have exercise faith. they too could have stopped the storm. How do we know this to be true? "Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes."
(Mark 9:23)
As we go back to James, James continues with a very hard but truthful word, "...for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." (James 1:6-8) This again is not to bring condemnation on believers but to bring them to make a decision, "...How long will you falter between two opinions?" (1 Kings 18:21) If we do not ask God in faith, James tells us that we should not expect to receive anything from God. This makes perfect sense doesn't it? It would be like passing a sign that says "stop and receive free money" but you don't stop because you have been trained to think that nothing is free, especially money. This type of thinking is doubt at work.
Jesus said, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! (Matthew 7:7-11) All of this should give us a good understanding, no longer doubting, that God is a better and more desirous giver than any human being. All we need to do is "ask in faith, with no doubting..."
Monday, June 4, 2012
I Really Doubt It
I love the Body of Christ and I should, because I'm a Christian. I get to meet many believers from various parts of the church and make it a point to ask a few questions to see what is
going on throughout the church. Recently I had a conversation with a believer that was
not connected to a local church. (The Bible teaches that all believers need to be connect to a local expression of the church, not some mystical me and Jesus church) Naturally, I asked this person why they were not connected. Their response
did not shock me because it is one of many typical responses that many confused believers have today. However, I was grieved because once again the issue of faith (or should I say a lack of faith) was the root of this issue.
The apostle Paul write, "...that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it..." (1 Corinthians 12:25-26) (I am going to take some latitude with these verses at the end as I share this persons personal story with us) During the 1980's this person (whose story I'm about to tell) went to a major US city to attend a healing and deliverance meeting sponsored by a well known female minister that flowed in this ministry. (If I mentioned the ministers name you would immediately recognize it) This person saw first hand all those who came forth received healing and gave a testimony that they were indeed healed. The person left the meeting with a new excitement for the LORD and His desire and love to heal hurting people.
A few years had past and this person purchased a book by a very well known Christian author. (If I mentioned the authors name you would immediately recognize it) The author wrote a book as a follow up on the healing ministry of this particular minister. The author of the book revealed that several people who had claimed to have been healed had either died from or were struggling with the same sickness that they were supposedly healed of. In short, the author concluded that the ministry was false and that God does not heal today like He did in the early church. If God does heal today, it is because He picks and chooses who receives healing and who does not. With that, it only took a short period of time when this person bought into this well known authors logic which eroded their faith in Christ for healing. Now for nearly two decades this person has not been connected to any local church.
Unfortunately, there always seems to be people in the Body of Christ who work hard at disproving that believers have access to the power of God today for healing, deliverance, provision, etc. The real reason behind this is a subtle deception that has nothing to do with faith, but causes one to doubt in the immutable Creator of all things. Problems arises when believers do not apply faith to God's Word and permit the wisdom of man to take precedence above the knowledge of God. No doubt (no pun intended) this is exactly what happened to this author.
If believers placed faith in the integrity of God's Word there would be no question at all that God is still in and will always be in the business of healing. He has not changes (Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8) which means His Word has not changed (Psalm 89:34, 119:89, Isaiah 55:11, Jeremiah 1:12, John 1:1, 14) God and His Word are one!!! To say that God decides who He heals and who He doesn't means He show partiality towards people which is also contrary to scripture, (Acts 10:34, Romans 2:11, Ephesians 6:9). Jesus said, "as you have believed, so let it done for you" (Matthew 8:13), "Be it according to your faith" (Matthew 9:29), "If you can believe all things are possible to him who believes" (Mark 9:23) and the writer of Hebrews records, "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6) It sounds like the condition to receive anything from God requires faith, not chance. If anyone meets God's condition to receive, which is faith, then they shall have. "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says." (Mark 11:23)
We must come to grips with these verses. It is not a matter of yesterday, today or tomorrow, but "whoever" can believe without doubt. The issue of people receiving healing and then losing it comes down to permitting doubt to have place if or when a symptom tries to manifest after they have received healing. It comes down to whether or not one believes God's Word and acts on it or if they respond to their five senses which say, "I won't believe unless I see, feel, etc.". All sickness and disease comes from Satan. Peter tells us (talking to believers) "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith..." (1 Peter 8-9) Although Peter is talking about humility and that some may suffer persecution for their belief, the point is Satan still works against believers. Sickness and disease is one of the areas that he tries to put on believers. Unfortunately, for many believers, he seems to have an element success. But believers are to resist him steadfast in faith!
The author of the book that this person read somehow either forgot, did not consider or just does not know the power of God's Word. He himself apparently does not act on God's Word through faith, nor resist the devil in the manner Jesus shows us, "It is written." His only objective seems to have been to discredit healing in the church for today. This author apparently has more faith in his own wisdom than in the Word of God. It apparent that the research for his book excluded what God's Word says about this issue. I am not trying to create division, but it is time for Christians to stop buying into the nonsense of faithless words spoken or written by faithless authors and church leaders.
Fortunately, the person that I talked with was relieved and encouraged as I showed them what God's Words says on the matter. Hopefully, the day will come when Christian author's only write books that build up the Body of Christ and stimulate faith rather than tearing it down. Things like this causes schism in the church as well as causing believers who truly love the LORD to suffer when all they have to do is believe God's Word.
Although this was the short version concerning this matter, I have one more thought that I would like us to consider. This may be a hard word for some, but when we allow doubt to say that God does not do the things that His Word says He does or if we allow doubt to say that He does things that are contrary to His Word, we will find ourselves creating God in our own image. Jesus said, "Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." (Luke 18:17) It's time to exercise child like faith in a loving faithful God who is our Father!
The apostle Paul write, "...that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it..." (1 Corinthians 12:25-26) (I am going to take some latitude with these verses at the end as I share this persons personal story with us) During the 1980's this person (whose story I'm about to tell) went to a major US city to attend a healing and deliverance meeting sponsored by a well known female minister that flowed in this ministry. (If I mentioned the ministers name you would immediately recognize it) This person saw first hand all those who came forth received healing and gave a testimony that they were indeed healed. The person left the meeting with a new excitement for the LORD and His desire and love to heal hurting people.
A few years had past and this person purchased a book by a very well known Christian author. (If I mentioned the authors name you would immediately recognize it) The author wrote a book as a follow up on the healing ministry of this particular minister. The author of the book revealed that several people who had claimed to have been healed had either died from or were struggling with the same sickness that they were supposedly healed of. In short, the author concluded that the ministry was false and that God does not heal today like He did in the early church. If God does heal today, it is because He picks and chooses who receives healing and who does not. With that, it only took a short period of time when this person bought into this well known authors logic which eroded their faith in Christ for healing. Now for nearly two decades this person has not been connected to any local church.
Unfortunately, there always seems to be people in the Body of Christ who work hard at disproving that believers have access to the power of God today for healing, deliverance, provision, etc. The real reason behind this is a subtle deception that has nothing to do with faith, but causes one to doubt in the immutable Creator of all things. Problems arises when believers do not apply faith to God's Word and permit the wisdom of man to take precedence above the knowledge of God. No doubt (no pun intended) this is exactly what happened to this author.
If believers placed faith in the integrity of God's Word there would be no question at all that God is still in and will always be in the business of healing. He has not changes (Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8) which means His Word has not changed (Psalm 89:34, 119:89, Isaiah 55:11, Jeremiah 1:12, John 1:1, 14) God and His Word are one!!! To say that God decides who He heals and who He doesn't means He show partiality towards people which is also contrary to scripture, (Acts 10:34, Romans 2:11, Ephesians 6:9). Jesus said, "as you have believed, so let it done for you" (Matthew 8:13), "Be it according to your faith" (Matthew 9:29), "If you can believe all things are possible to him who believes" (Mark 9:23) and the writer of Hebrews records, "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6) It sounds like the condition to receive anything from God requires faith, not chance. If anyone meets God's condition to receive, which is faith, then they shall have. "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says." (Mark 11:23)
We must come to grips with these verses. It is not a matter of yesterday, today or tomorrow, but "whoever" can believe without doubt. The issue of people receiving healing and then losing it comes down to permitting doubt to have place if or when a symptom tries to manifest after they have received healing. It comes down to whether or not one believes God's Word and acts on it or if they respond to their five senses which say, "I won't believe unless I see, feel, etc.". All sickness and disease comes from Satan. Peter tells us (talking to believers) "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith..." (1 Peter 8-9) Although Peter is talking about humility and that some may suffer persecution for their belief, the point is Satan still works against believers. Sickness and disease is one of the areas that he tries to put on believers. Unfortunately, for many believers, he seems to have an element success. But believers are to resist him steadfast in faith!
The author of the book that this person read somehow either forgot, did not consider or just does not know the power of God's Word. He himself apparently does not act on God's Word through faith, nor resist the devil in the manner Jesus shows us, "It is written." His only objective seems to have been to discredit healing in the church for today. This author apparently has more faith in his own wisdom than in the Word of God. It apparent that the research for his book excluded what God's Word says about this issue. I am not trying to create division, but it is time for Christians to stop buying into the nonsense of faithless words spoken or written by faithless authors and church leaders.
Fortunately, the person that I talked with was relieved and encouraged as I showed them what God's Words says on the matter. Hopefully, the day will come when Christian author's only write books that build up the Body of Christ and stimulate faith rather than tearing it down. Things like this causes schism in the church as well as causing believers who truly love the LORD to suffer when all they have to do is believe God's Word.
Although this was the short version concerning this matter, I have one more thought that I would like us to consider. This may be a hard word for some, but when we allow doubt to say that God does not do the things that His Word says He does or if we allow doubt to say that He does things that are contrary to His Word, we will find ourselves creating God in our own image. Jesus said, "Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." (Luke 18:17) It's time to exercise child like faith in a loving faithful God who is our Father!
Monday, May 28, 2012
Let Us Remember
Today the USA observes Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a federal holiday observed annually in the USA on the last Monday of May. Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Originally it was known as Decoration Day and was established after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union soldiers who died in the Civil War. Eventually Memorial Day became a day to honor all Americans who have died in all wars.
It does not matter what your stances is concerning war, the bottom line is, Americans who perished in war gave their lives to secure the freedoms that we enjoy in the USA. Jesus said, "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." (John 15:13) Although, you may not no one person whose life was lost in war, those who have died have made the ultimate sacrifice. So it is right for you and I to remember what they did. Unfortunately, Memorial Day no longer seems to have the impact that it once did. Like many people do, we take for granted what others have done and in this case, the freedoms that others have helped to secure for us.
Christians also have a Memorial Day, we call it Easter. It is the Christian Holiday where we honor the One who gave His life so that we can have incomprehensible freedom. Not freedom from a human tyrant, but freedom from the things that human weapons are useless against. The ultimate freedom. Freedom from sin and Satan. But like Memorial Day, many Christians also take for granted what Christ has done. The freedoms that we have in Jesus should cause Christians to celebrate the resurrected life every day.
The verse above is found within Jesus final instruction to His disciples hours before He would be put to death. It begins in John chapter 13 and concludes in chapter 17. These chapters all filled with instruction, not only for the disciples but "for those who would believe in Jesus through their words." (I challenge you to take the time and slowly read these chapters through) A summary of these chapters reveal how believers are to serve on another; how believers are to replicate the very things that Jesus said and did during His ministry on earth as the incarnate Son of God; the believers connection with Him and the Father; the Holy Spirit who would eventually come to empower; and to believe that if we ask the Father in the name of Jesus, He would give, that the believers joy be full; and then Jesus concludes with a prayer.
If you read these chapters, you will find that we are not only to remember what Jesus said and did, but we are to act upon His Word and enforce these things in His name. There is a world whom Jesus has provided freedom for, that is waiting to hear about this incredible freedom that Jesus has secured. The church must stop taking its commission as well as its commander for granted and once again win souls and make disciples. Let's help the unbeliever to have a Memorial Day every day also. All we have to do is have faith. Jesus said, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." (Mark 9:23)
It does not matter what your stances is concerning war, the bottom line is, Americans who perished in war gave their lives to secure the freedoms that we enjoy in the USA. Jesus said, "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." (John 15:13) Although, you may not no one person whose life was lost in war, those who have died have made the ultimate sacrifice. So it is right for you and I to remember what they did. Unfortunately, Memorial Day no longer seems to have the impact that it once did. Like many people do, we take for granted what others have done and in this case, the freedoms that others have helped to secure for us.
Christians also have a Memorial Day, we call it Easter. It is the Christian Holiday where we honor the One who gave His life so that we can have incomprehensible freedom. Not freedom from a human tyrant, but freedom from the things that human weapons are useless against. The ultimate freedom. Freedom from sin and Satan. But like Memorial Day, many Christians also take for granted what Christ has done. The freedoms that we have in Jesus should cause Christians to celebrate the resurrected life every day.
The verse above is found within Jesus final instruction to His disciples hours before He would be put to death. It begins in John chapter 13 and concludes in chapter 17. These chapters all filled with instruction, not only for the disciples but "for those who would believe in Jesus through their words." (I challenge you to take the time and slowly read these chapters through) A summary of these chapters reveal how believers are to serve on another; how believers are to replicate the very things that Jesus said and did during His ministry on earth as the incarnate Son of God; the believers connection with Him and the Father; the Holy Spirit who would eventually come to empower; and to believe that if we ask the Father in the name of Jesus, He would give, that the believers joy be full; and then Jesus concludes with a prayer.
If you read these chapters, you will find that we are not only to remember what Jesus said and did, but we are to act upon His Word and enforce these things in His name. There is a world whom Jesus has provided freedom for, that is waiting to hear about this incredible freedom that Jesus has secured. The church must stop taking its commission as well as its commander for granted and once again win souls and make disciples. Let's help the unbeliever to have a Memorial Day every day also. All we have to do is have faith. Jesus said, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." (Mark 9:23)
Monday, May 21, 2012
The Joy of Mountain Climbing
Some people like to climb mountains and some don't. The truth is, if you are born again you will climb some mountains before your departure from this life. How one climbs a mountain is directly related to the amount of faith they have in the Word of God, that is Jesus (The Word became flesh). James tells us, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:2-3)
To most believers this scripture is very familiar. However, did you know that although this letter was written to the church, it is directed to those who have not taken the time to developed there faith. Let's be honest, no one wants to experience trials but it is inevitable that they will come. The question that each believe must consider is, "Do you really have joy in the midst of a trial?"
Joy is an incredible thing and is often mistaken for happiness. Happiness is a product of what one experiences based on their surroundings, that is, things that are expressed through the senses. Joy however, is a product of the recreated spirit that is imparted by the Holy Spirit and has nothing to do with ones senses. (Galatians 5:22) By definition I believe this is the main reason why most believers struggle when a trial comes. They let their flesh (senses) have control over their circumstances (surroundings) and become unhappy.
Notice also that James uses the term "Various Trials." In other words, there will be different types of trials that believers will experience. However, if a believer is going through the same trial again and again, it is due to their failure of letting go of the sense realm and looking to the LORD. The apostle Paul puts it this way, "...I have learned the secret of contentment in every situation..." (Philippians 4:12) In other words, Paul learned the secret of being independent of his circumstances. How was he able to do this? "For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need." (Philippians 4:13)
Most believers failure is not a lack of faith per se, but trying to live the Christian life through the sense realm which actually erodes one's faith. When believers look to the circumstances instead of Christ they can expect to be unhappy and miss the very reason for the trial. Trials are to mature the believer's faith so they can be perfectly sound in body, soul, and spirit, "...that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:3)
Jesus said, "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says." (Mark 11:23) I know that many have come to believe that Jesus was using this as an analogy of speaking to the mountains (difficult life situations) and they will leave (move). However, the difficulties of life are the trials that James tells us to count it all a joy because trials mature the believer by increasing their faith. Also in context as to why Jesus would make such a statement (He had cursed a fig tree that did not have fruit) He is literally stating a fact of how the God kind of faith (Mark 11:22) can move a literal mountain. Jesus who was present during creation. (John 1:3) spoke and the mountains were. So faith in the one who created everything seen and unseen can move a literal mountain. I certainly do not know any believers who need to move a literal mountain out of the way, but faith can do just that.
Jesus faced the most difficult life situation that a person could possibly face as He prayed in the garden of Gethsemane, "Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, "Sit here while I go and pray over there." And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me." He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done." (Matthew 26:36-43)
Jesus knew the will of God. He was not praying a prayer to change the situation (a difficulty of life) but a prayer of consecration and dedication. Notice what He says at the end of His pray, "not as I will, but as you will." He was making Himself available to the Father to do the will of the Father no matter how difficult this life situation may have been. Let's face it, this was definitely an ominous life situation. Look at what the writer of Hebrews states, "...looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame..." (Hebrews 12:2) As hard as this may be to believe, in this most horrific trial of life, Jesus had joy fulfilling the will of the Father. He had to endure the agony and shame of the cross in His physical body as well as endure an even greater agony of having all sickness and sin of every person placed upon His spirit. (Isaiah 53:4-6, 9) During Jesus' entire life on earth as the Son of Man He never focused on the situations of this life, but the solutions provided by the Father, the Father's will being done. Believers are to "...look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith" not the difficulties of life and then they will experience joy in the midst of a trial.
Having the kind of faith to move a mountain takes time to build, but trials are one of the ways that builds a believers faith. To experience joy in the midst of a trial is not something that one conjures up, it is already a part of the recreated spirit. With that said, we must understand that it comes down to whether or not we walk in the flesh (senses) and fulfill the works of the flesh or walk in the Spirit, standing on God's Word, and let love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control have place over our senses. Like everything else, it comes down to a matter of choice. We can believe with our heart (spirit) and have joy in the midst of a trial or continue to let the flesh (senses) rule our lives. It is just that simple.
To most believers this scripture is very familiar. However, did you know that although this letter was written to the church, it is directed to those who have not taken the time to developed there faith. Let's be honest, no one wants to experience trials but it is inevitable that they will come. The question that each believe must consider is, "Do you really have joy in the midst of a trial?"
Joy is an incredible thing and is often mistaken for happiness. Happiness is a product of what one experiences based on their surroundings, that is, things that are expressed through the senses. Joy however, is a product of the recreated spirit that is imparted by the Holy Spirit and has nothing to do with ones senses. (Galatians 5:22) By definition I believe this is the main reason why most believers struggle when a trial comes. They let their flesh (senses) have control over their circumstances (surroundings) and become unhappy.
Notice also that James uses the term "Various Trials." In other words, there will be different types of trials that believers will experience. However, if a believer is going through the same trial again and again, it is due to their failure of letting go of the sense realm and looking to the LORD. The apostle Paul puts it this way, "...I have learned the secret of contentment in every situation..." (Philippians 4:12) In other words, Paul learned the secret of being independent of his circumstances. How was he able to do this? "For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need." (Philippians 4:13)
Most believers failure is not a lack of faith per se, but trying to live the Christian life through the sense realm which actually erodes one's faith. When believers look to the circumstances instead of Christ they can expect to be unhappy and miss the very reason for the trial. Trials are to mature the believer's faith so they can be perfectly sound in body, soul, and spirit, "...that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:3)
Jesus said, "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says." (Mark 11:23) I know that many have come to believe that Jesus was using this as an analogy of speaking to the mountains (difficult life situations) and they will leave (move). However, the difficulties of life are the trials that James tells us to count it all a joy because trials mature the believer by increasing their faith. Also in context as to why Jesus would make such a statement (He had cursed a fig tree that did not have fruit) He is literally stating a fact of how the God kind of faith (Mark 11:22) can move a literal mountain. Jesus who was present during creation. (John 1:3) spoke and the mountains were. So faith in the one who created everything seen and unseen can move a literal mountain. I certainly do not know any believers who need to move a literal mountain out of the way, but faith can do just that.
Jesus faced the most difficult life situation that a person could possibly face as He prayed in the garden of Gethsemane, "Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, "Sit here while I go and pray over there." And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me." He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done." (Matthew 26:36-43)
Jesus knew the will of God. He was not praying a prayer to change the situation (a difficulty of life) but a prayer of consecration and dedication. Notice what He says at the end of His pray, "not as I will, but as you will." He was making Himself available to the Father to do the will of the Father no matter how difficult this life situation may have been. Let's face it, this was definitely an ominous life situation. Look at what the writer of Hebrews states, "...looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame..." (Hebrews 12:2) As hard as this may be to believe, in this most horrific trial of life, Jesus had joy fulfilling the will of the Father. He had to endure the agony and shame of the cross in His physical body as well as endure an even greater agony of having all sickness and sin of every person placed upon His spirit. (Isaiah 53:4-6, 9) During Jesus' entire life on earth as the Son of Man He never focused on the situations of this life, but the solutions provided by the Father, the Father's will being done. Believers are to "...look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith" not the difficulties of life and then they will experience joy in the midst of a trial.
Having the kind of faith to move a mountain takes time to build, but trials are one of the ways that builds a believers faith. To experience joy in the midst of a trial is not something that one conjures up, it is already a part of the recreated spirit. With that said, we must understand that it comes down to whether or not we walk in the flesh (senses) and fulfill the works of the flesh or walk in the Spirit, standing on God's Word, and let love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control have place over our senses. Like everything else, it comes down to a matter of choice. We can believe with our heart (spirit) and have joy in the midst of a trial or continue to let the flesh (senses) rule our lives. It is just that simple.
Monday, May 14, 2012
I Would Like You to Meet My Father
It is very unfortunate when I talk with believers who truly love the LORD but have such a distorted picture of who He really is. Many see God as a holy, just, austere and unapproachable being who is ever on the look out to discover sin in the believer and quick to condemn them. This concept has made many afraid and has caused them to keep their distance from Him. I am here to report that this perception of God is completely wrong. God is our Father!!!
"For the Father Himself loves you..." (John 16:27)
John 17:23
"...that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me."
(John 17:23)
"The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God." (Romans 8:16)
"Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!" (1 John 3:1)
What a beautiful and factual picture of our Heavenly Fathers relationship to every believer. Jesus also paints this wonderful picture of our Father to His children...
"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" (Matthew 7:11) Think about this truth for a moment.
As a parent myself I have always desired to see that my children were taken care of in every area of their life. I wanted them to always be encouraged and to know that no matter how things looked everything would be alright. I have made it a point to make myself available to help them through thick or thin as well as seeing their personal success at my expense and yet this is millions of miles away in comparison to how great my Heavenly Father's tender loving care is for all of His children (believers).
When we come to know Him as a loving, caring, giving, blessing, Father who longs to spend time with His child our entire perception of Him changes. Look at the picture the apostle Paul paints...
"For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out,"Abba, Father. (Romans 8:15)
Do you know what is unique about this verse? Notice that it says we are adopted. Many look at adoption from a totally human perspective in the sense that the adopted child is not really family. However, think about it from this perspective. Jesus said, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you..." (John 15:16) and Paul says, "just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world..." (Ephesians 1:4) Our Heavenly Father has personally chosen you and I. He hand picked us. You and I are very personal to Him.
One of the problems that many believers have is confessing weakness and failure which erodes faith breeds guilt and condemnation not to mention that it also repudiates the finished work of Christ. It cause us to belittle our true position and right standing in God through Christ. Every feeling of guilt, shame, condemnation and inferiority stops being a problem the moment that we know that God is truly a loving Father. When we come to truly believer what we are in Christ guilt, shame, condemnation and inferiority will no longer have place. Exercising faith for the things that we desire and are entitled to through our sonship with Him, are also no longer a problem. This occurs when a believer knows their rights and privileges that the Father has freely given them through Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." The old things of doubt, fear as well as bondage to sicknesses and want, have passed away all because we have been legally and lovingly adopted into the family of God. With that said, I will close with a passage that I want to encourage you to read and meditate on. As you do let faith arise in your spirit and know that your Father in heaven sees you as His "creme da la creme" (the best of the best)...
"For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
(Romans 6:5-11)
"For the Father Himself loves you..." (John 16:27)
John 17:23
"...that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me."
(John 17:23)
"The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God." (Romans 8:16)
"Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!" (1 John 3:1)
What a beautiful and factual picture of our Heavenly Fathers relationship to every believer. Jesus also paints this wonderful picture of our Father to His children...
"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" (Matthew 7:11) Think about this truth for a moment.
As a parent myself I have always desired to see that my children were taken care of in every area of their life. I wanted them to always be encouraged and to know that no matter how things looked everything would be alright. I have made it a point to make myself available to help them through thick or thin as well as seeing their personal success at my expense and yet this is millions of miles away in comparison to how great my Heavenly Father's tender loving care is for all of His children (believers).
When we come to know Him as a loving, caring, giving, blessing, Father who longs to spend time with His child our entire perception of Him changes. Look at the picture the apostle Paul paints...
"For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out,"Abba, Father. (Romans 8:15)
Do you know what is unique about this verse? Notice that it says we are adopted. Many look at adoption from a totally human perspective in the sense that the adopted child is not really family. However, think about it from this perspective. Jesus said, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you..." (John 15:16) and Paul says, "just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world..." (Ephesians 1:4) Our Heavenly Father has personally chosen you and I. He hand picked us. You and I are very personal to Him.
One of the problems that many believers have is confessing weakness and failure which erodes faith breeds guilt and condemnation not to mention that it also repudiates the finished work of Christ. It cause us to belittle our true position and right standing in God through Christ. Every feeling of guilt, shame, condemnation and inferiority stops being a problem the moment that we know that God is truly a loving Father. When we come to truly believer what we are in Christ guilt, shame, condemnation and inferiority will no longer have place. Exercising faith for the things that we desire and are entitled to through our sonship with Him, are also no longer a problem. This occurs when a believer knows their rights and privileges that the Father has freely given them through Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." The old things of doubt, fear as well as bondage to sicknesses and want, have passed away all because we have been legally and lovingly adopted into the family of God. With that said, I will close with a passage that I want to encourage you to read and meditate on. As you do let faith arise in your spirit and know that your Father in heaven sees you as His "creme da la creme" (the best of the best)...
"For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
(Romans 6:5-11)
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