Thursday, September 20, 2012
There is an almost unbelievable and incredible growing compromise within "Christianity" of allowing unbelievers to be accepted in the Churches as if they're Christians in order to fill up pews with people for the purpose of collecting offerings to feed the religious machine.
Sound cynical? Not at all. It's simply a fact. Even the hideous and offensive practice of homosexuality is accepted by many well-known "preachers." Whatever happened to people visiting the people of God and falling on their faces, acknowledging God was in them?
Now the churches and pastors are bowing and scraping before the foul practitioners of sin in order to curry favor with them, while appearing to be showing the love of Jesus towards them.
But how does showing the love of Jesus via compromise, which makes people feel good and comfortable in their sin, actually become the love of Jesus.
It's a fake love, not one from Christ, which demands and orders that men everywhere should repent because the kingdom of God has arrived in the person of Jesus Christ.
This is why so many alleged conversions aren't conversions at all. Some leading evangelists have even admitted that many that come up in response to a summons to pray the "sinners prayer," are really at the stage of seeking rather than making a true decision for Christ.
When you really think of it, if the numbers proffered by churches and organizations were to be believed, the world would probably have been saved a couple of times over; at least those outside of Christ in America and other parts of the West.
There is no way that the true church of Jesus Christ should ever allow an unbeliever to be considered part of the people of God until there is true repentance and regeneration. Until there is, they must remain and be considered as visitors until that transformation occurs. Jesus said they must be born again, or born from above. That's a total change of life for those truly experiencing. In fact, it's a total change into a new humanity, as the scriptures teach us.
The idea that Christians and non-Christians can live life together in a pseudo fellowship is an abomination. There is absolutely no connection point between those in the world and those of us not of this world. It's impossible to bridge the gap unless someone crosses the line into the person of Jesus Christ and is born again.
Of course most of you that think Christianity and the church of Jesus Christ is something you attend probably can't even relate to what I'm talking about here.
You're thinking something like "what's wrong with someone visiting the church?" by which you mean the building or edifice you show up on Sunday to sit and listen to some member of the "clergy" talk to you.
But since the Church is in reality a sharing of everyday life with Christ together on a daily basis, the thought of someone other than those of the faith participating makes absolutely no sense at all to us living in that reality.
What's especially terrible about is in concerning young people that profess Christ in institutional Christianity, as they assume because people are accepted as part of the Church that they're Christians, and all sorts of problems arise because of this unbiblical blending of young believers and non-believers as if there was no difference.
It's a disaster, and yet many concerned and good men of God can't see what their practices have led to for the people of God.
Yet because they have their buildings, land and ministries to prop up, they allow unbelievers in as if they believers, not protecting the flock from wolves in sheep's clothing.
So what is a real Christian? It's only one thing, as mentioned earlier: a person truly born of the Spirit and whom has repented and accepted Jesus Christ by real faith as their Savior.
We need to throw away the idea that because someone repeated a prayer after someone that they are in fact saved. Repetition of words means absolutely nothing in regard to real salvation unless it's accompanied by faith. Period!
How do we know if someone is truly saved then? Within the context of the existing institutional church, it's almost impossible. You must see and interact with people on a daily basis to see the type of fruit in their lives. You can't do that in an attendance-based assembly. And you can't do it by the secondary means of cell groups or other attempts to make the church more relational and fellowship related.
Only walking, sharing and interacting with one another on a consistent basis allows for the recognizing and living out of the true Christian life. The scriptures are filled with this practice and reality, while buildings called "churches" don't exist in the Holy Scriptures, and neither do what are identified as pastors in our modern church practices.
Without getting too much into that in this post, the point is we must be sure people are truly born again from above, as anything less than that means they are still poised to an eternity without Christ, to be tormented forever and ever for rejecting Him.
For them that's the ultimate failure and disaster, as it is for the people of Jesus Christ, who aren't to have fellowship with those who aren't believers. As a matter of fact, it's impossible to have fellowship with non-Christians, as it is based upon the common connection we all have with Jesus Christ.
This isn't to say we shouldn't allow those who are truly seeking Christ into our meetings when we have them, but we must recognize them for what they are at this time: unbelievers.
The point is we must be sure they truly see Jesus Christ as the only way to getting their sins forgiven and getting right with God, as well as effectively and accurately letting them know that they must repent and believe, not just repeat a predetermined set of words that may or may not be mixed with faith.
Another thing to consider is our spirit will testify with another spirit that they are also sons of God. I know that's a little tricky because of our emotions and tendency to believe what people say, but we must get beyond the soul realm and allow the Spirit of God within us to confirm that we are interacting with a fellow citizen of Heaven.
Again, we have to be mature in this, not allowing the idea that we are judging someone deter us from seeking God about these matters.
The Scriptures tell us that those are spiritual will indeed judge all things, and that applies to those making a profession of faith.
In the end, the church of Jesus Christ is meant to only have believers in it, and from the point of view of Christ, that is all that is in it. To treat others as if they're part of the brethren is an injustice to them, making them feel comfortable in their sin and non-acceptance of Christ, and it's terrible for new and weak believers, who don't have the capabilities to discern the difference.
It doesn't matter what anyone says or has done, we will know them by their fruits, and the fruits of modern-day evangelism is among the worst in history, largely because of the failed methodology of pressuring people to repeat a prayer as if that's the means of salvation.
This isn't much different than the idea children are saved because they're sprinkled with water.
What is inevitably asked at this point is if this is creating expectations too high for anyone to meet. The answer is absolutely not.
I'm not talking about people becoming perfect the moment after salvation or soon after, but of the reality they know within themselves that they have been forgiven of sins by the implementation of the new birth by the Holy Spirit which indwells every new believer.
While they will still sin and make mistakes, there is no question as to the validity of their new birth because they will have taken a stand against the world, the devil, and their very own selves.
They may not know how to express this reality, but their lives will reflect that, as well as a sincere hunger for Jesus Christ and being changed into His image.
Salvation is an experience, on that no one could ever forget. Some children born into Christian families experience this because of the presence of Jesus Christ abiding in the home throughout their young lives, and so may not remember a huge moment, but they will have at one time placed their faith in Jesus Christ.
I say this because some real Christians will at times express the idea that they can't remember when they haven't believed. The point is some time in their younger lives they did place their faith in Jesus, and they simply can't remember the exact moment because of their youth.
Either way, we still will know them by their fruit, and we should, in a kind manner, talk to people not showing the fruits of their alleged faith and ask them to reconsider their position.
This must be done in the right way and timing, but it definitely needs to be done when considering someone's eternal future is at stakes, as the visible church's is.
If we allow non-Christians to be part of our lives, we aren't living in the way Jesus Christ has commanded us to as the Church.
This is why Paul said those that are "worldly" and are allowed to be part of the people of God should be removed from fellowship if it is found their lives do not reflect a born again experience.
Again, I'm not talking about perfection, but willingness to receive input and correction in order to live a more godly live.
Those that refuse to respond over a period of time, must be considered suspect as to being truly saved.
Exceptions to this are those who are Christians but may get involved with sin that must be dealt with in an immediate manner. But even here if they repent, they can remain in the assembly of believers. For those that don't they must be disfellowshipped so others may have a deep respect for who Jesus Christ is, and also so the one being sent away will be ashamed and seek to enter back into fellowship with God's people through true repentance.
Not all those who proclaim they are Christians are Christians. I would even say the majority who say they've made a decision for Christ have only repeated a sinner's prayer and from that act assume they have been born again.
Of course it doesn't help that you have someone on a stage or platform confirming that assumption.
This is the only answer to why the so-called church has worst statistics concerning marriage than the world has: it has become the world by allowing mixture, based upon false conversions.
As for those of us outside the institutional church, we must not fall into that error. And because we live life daily with one another, it's much easier to spot the unrepentant and those not living the life we've been called to live.
Calling them alongside of us, we can then lovingly point out these things and help them see their need for Christ; whether for salvation or for a change of heart concerning matters they need to conform to Christ in.
People who have had a real experience with Jesus Christ will be broken from the revelation they are sinners before God, and only by turning from their lifestyle and world, while relying upon Jesus Christ to make them right with God.
It isn't something they've done, but the gift of eternal life from Jesus Christ that makes them whole and saved. It's not a method or thought pattern, but a real and actual experience they will never forget.
Thus brokenness is a real fruit of true repentance and regeneration. Those that have been born from above will know they are not, and can no longer be the same person they were before.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Some of you have been concerned over the inclusion of thoughts on the Federal Reserve and less government on Acts29review, as it has been committed to the vision of Jesus Christ and His church; living out that life together on a daily basis ... focusing on encouraging and building up one another to reach the measure of the stature of the fullness or Christ.
What does that have to do with the Federal Reserve and government? History has proven that those who commit to Jesus Christ together in a real way will always be persecuted by governments. The bigger and more powerful the government, the more potential for effective persecution.
Also, the devastating effects of the costs of propping up big government beyond the mandate government has from God is staggering. It causes everyone to suffer, as well as result in many professed believers turning to the government in place of God to provide them with everything.
Many alleged churches even beg and extract from the government money to run their operations. This is the horror that came about from the merging of government and the church in the time of Constantine.
As for the Federal Reserve and central banking in general, this is the ultimate enabler of big government, as it can't grow and survive without money being printed or digitized out of thin air.
That means central banks will debase their currencies in order to create money to feed the gigantic government beasts so they can continue their endless programs to keep people dependent upon them.
The problem of course is other people's money eventually runs out, and you have a major crisis. That's what's happening in America and Europe at this time, as the demonic socialist policies or wealth redistribution have come to the place where the promises and programs are no longer sustainable or affordable.
But because the vast majority of politicians only think of getting re-elected in democracies, or holding power in dictatorships, they continue to kick the can down the road, hoping the collapse doesn't happen on their watch.
This is why they rarely get specific when talking about making cuts. The opposing party would jump on it, making it look like they are heartless and opposing the poor.
So it goes on and on, with the Federal Reserve, in the case of America, printing out more and more money to prop up the irresponsible government.
Even in the Old Testament God said He would judge Pharaoh for extracting 20 percent in taxes from the people. And when Israel wanted a king, it was mentioned that he would end up taking 10 percent from the people to prop up growing government. That was also considered a very big negative.
All of you reading this would be thrilled to have taxes at those levels, which were considered outrageous by God.
We all need to understand the consequences of endlessly throwing artificial or fiat money into the economy. It weakens the U.S. dollar or any currency when a central bank does that, while also causing inflation to rise.
Since the creation of the Federal Reserve in 1913, the U.S. dollar has lost over 95 percent of its buying power. It's identified by some economists as the hidden tax, as very few people understand the devastation accompanying money created out of thin air.
All Christians need to understand, pray against, and oppose this practice. It's destroying the countries where this is done, and in the case of the United States, because the U.S. dollar is the reserve currency, it's especially devastating, having an impact on all countries around the world.
Now that the unbelievably ignorant and irresponsible actions of Ben Bernanke and the Federal Reserve have instituted another round of quantitative easing, one that is open-ended, we'll see the value of the U.S. dollar come crashing down again, and the exports in the U.S. begin to drop because of the higher cost of products.
That's because when the U.S. dollar falls in value, countries can buy up U.S. goods cheaper than before using their currencies, which have gained in value against the dollar.
It's a little complex for those that know little about the consequences of big government and throwing fiat money into the economy, but the results aren't complicated: it's a bad thing for everyone financially, and creates a power far greater than was ever meant to be, resulting in an antagonism towards Christians who understand, or at least suspect, something is wrong.
This is why God gave Nebuchadnezzar the dream which foretold when Jesus came He would smash these world empires and set up an everlasting kingdom. In other words, Jesus opposes countries attempting to build global empires, and He will fight against those attempting to do so. That brings us who truly believe in and are regenerated by Jesus Christ directly into the line of fire.
That's why we must pray against all of the central banks in the world, that God would remove these enablers of empire, and bring the focus back to His eternal kingdom as expressed in His people who live it out together daily.
Ask God to give you wisdom in this if you don't see it, as it's one of the crucial issues of our day; one that will effect every human being on the planet.
We shouldn't be terrified or afraid, but we also shouldn't be unwise and unprepared.
What does that have to do with the Federal Reserve and government? History has proven that those who commit to Jesus Christ together in a real way will always be persecuted by governments. The bigger and more powerful the government, the more potential for effective persecution.
Also, the devastating effects of the costs of propping up big government beyond the mandate government has from God is staggering. It causes everyone to suffer, as well as result in many professed believers turning to the government in place of God to provide them with everything.
Many alleged churches even beg and extract from the government money to run their operations. This is the horror that came about from the merging of government and the church in the time of Constantine.
As for the Federal Reserve and central banking in general, this is the ultimate enabler of big government, as it can't grow and survive without money being printed or digitized out of thin air.
That means central banks will debase their currencies in order to create money to feed the gigantic government beasts so they can continue their endless programs to keep people dependent upon them.
The problem of course is other people's money eventually runs out, and you have a major crisis. That's what's happening in America and Europe at this time, as the demonic socialist policies or wealth redistribution have come to the place where the promises and programs are no longer sustainable or affordable.
But because the vast majority of politicians only think of getting re-elected in democracies, or holding power in dictatorships, they continue to kick the can down the road, hoping the collapse doesn't happen on their watch.
This is why they rarely get specific when talking about making cuts. The opposing party would jump on it, making it look like they are heartless and opposing the poor.
So it goes on and on, with the Federal Reserve, in the case of America, printing out more and more money to prop up the irresponsible government.
Even in the Old Testament God said He would judge Pharaoh for extracting 20 percent in taxes from the people. And when Israel wanted a king, it was mentioned that he would end up taking 10 percent from the people to prop up growing government. That was also considered a very big negative.
All of you reading this would be thrilled to have taxes at those levels, which were considered outrageous by God.
We all need to understand the consequences of endlessly throwing artificial or fiat money into the economy. It weakens the U.S. dollar or any currency when a central bank does that, while also causing inflation to rise.
Since the creation of the Federal Reserve in 1913, the U.S. dollar has lost over 95 percent of its buying power. It's identified by some economists as the hidden tax, as very few people understand the devastation accompanying money created out of thin air.
All Christians need to understand, pray against, and oppose this practice. It's destroying the countries where this is done, and in the case of the United States, because the U.S. dollar is the reserve currency, it's especially devastating, having an impact on all countries around the world.
Now that the unbelievably ignorant and irresponsible actions of Ben Bernanke and the Federal Reserve have instituted another round of quantitative easing, one that is open-ended, we'll see the value of the U.S. dollar come crashing down again, and the exports in the U.S. begin to drop because of the higher cost of products.
That's because when the U.S. dollar falls in value, countries can buy up U.S. goods cheaper than before using their currencies, which have gained in value against the dollar.
It's a little complex for those that know little about the consequences of big government and throwing fiat money into the economy, but the results aren't complicated: it's a bad thing for everyone financially, and creates a power far greater than was ever meant to be, resulting in an antagonism towards Christians who understand, or at least suspect, something is wrong.
This is why God gave Nebuchadnezzar the dream which foretold when Jesus came He would smash these world empires and set up an everlasting kingdom. In other words, Jesus opposes countries attempting to build global empires, and He will fight against those attempting to do so. That brings us who truly believe in and are regenerated by Jesus Christ directly into the line of fire.
That's why we must pray against all of the central banks in the world, that God would remove these enablers of empire, and bring the focus back to His eternal kingdom as expressed in His people who live it out together daily.
Ask God to give you wisdom in this if you don't see it, as it's one of the crucial issues of our day; one that will effect every human being on the planet.
We shouldn't be terrified or afraid, but we also shouldn't be unwise and unprepared.
Jesus said "many are called but few are chosen," and that has been the case with Christianity since He ascended into heaven; it's also true with what has been identified as the "organic church," as many like how it sounds, but misunderstand the enormous brokenness and humility needed to successfully live in the manner called to by Christ.
Before we get into this, let me say that the term organic church is already suspect in that many people claiming to be part of an organic church really don't understand what it is and what it practically means.
Whether using the term or not, what is means is a people living and interacting together on a daily basis with Christ as the center of their lives, encouraging and admonishing one another, strengthening one another so that we continue on 100 percent committed to the eternal purpose of God, which in the end, means we're all (not some) conformed to the image of Christ.
And as for interacting with one another, this is far beyond friendship and being buddies, but is first and foundationally a spiritual interaction based upon the life of Christ. From there there are secondary activities, but those that would be meaningless without the fact that it comes forth from the person and life of Christ being our center.
For anyone that is hungering and seeking this type of life, we must be willing to bear, what I call, the crown of the cross.
We must live a royal life as the life of Jesus in fact is, but one that is filled with brokenness, humility and and attitude of submission to one another.
I'm convinced that when we see Jesus as He is, the thing that will astound the majority of believers about Him will be the extraordinary humility He has.
Even when talking to His disciples He said when they were together again He would serve them. And of course He said He came to serve.
We're not talking soulish and overactive service here, but service coming forth and originating from Christ Himself within us. That takes an enormous amount of commitment and humility.
By service I'm not talking about the so-called "ministry" and "purpose" we all hear repeated over and over again. I'm talking about being in daily fellowship with one another, watching over and encouraging each other. That's what real ministry within the body of Christ means. That's what a family is.
It's, for the most part, not some individual ministry that stands alone and ministers to a bunch of disconnected people. It comes forth out of living unto Christ and one another on a daily basis. From there our various giftings and service come forth spiritually and in a natural way. (Natural not meaning carnal, but in a way that flows out of us like a river of living water because of our fellowship with one another.)
To live royal lives like this, we must embrace and receive the working of the cross in our lives, or we'll never survive and thrive in this wonderful life provided and offered us by Jesus Christ.
This is why I call the cross a crown, as those willing to embrace or take up the cross on a daily basis, will in fact, not only be crowned some day in heaven, but will receive the wondrous sharing of the life given us by Jesus Christ Himself while we're alive on this earth.
Jesus taught us to pray that we that His kingdom would come and will be done in earth as it is in heaven. All of this isn't just for the afterlife, it's for whosoever will - now.
So if the thought of organic church, or a redeemed people sharing life together on a daily basis sounds attractive or appealing to you, you must get past that to the fact that we are all called to die if it is to ever accomplish the purpose of Christ in the earth.
It's similar to marriage. All of it looks great until you live with one another for a while and discover you must die to yourself if it's ever going to be something beautiful you have together.
With the church as Christ meant it to be, it's the same. The honeymoon period quickly is over for those who have unrealistic and pumped up expectations, as we're all human and flawed, and even in the most committed group of believers we'll have to die to ourselves in order for the life of Christ to be able to be shared effectively with one another; which purpose is that we all come to the full knowledge of Christ, being conformed to His image.
That's the end, and sharing the live together daily with one another is the means. We'll be iron sharpening iron in order to smooth out and get rid of the rough edges.
Only those 100 percent committed to Christ and His people in this endeavor, and those taking up their cross daily will ever be able to make it in this magnificent journey together.
Before we get into this, let me say that the term organic church is already suspect in that many people claiming to be part of an organic church really don't understand what it is and what it practically means.
Whether using the term or not, what is means is a people living and interacting together on a daily basis with Christ as the center of their lives, encouraging and admonishing one another, strengthening one another so that we continue on 100 percent committed to the eternal purpose of God, which in the end, means we're all (not some) conformed to the image of Christ.
And as for interacting with one another, this is far beyond friendship and being buddies, but is first and foundationally a spiritual interaction based upon the life of Christ. From there there are secondary activities, but those that would be meaningless without the fact that it comes forth from the person and life of Christ being our center.
For anyone that is hungering and seeking this type of life, we must be willing to bear, what I call, the crown of the cross.
We must live a royal life as the life of Jesus in fact is, but one that is filled with brokenness, humility and and attitude of submission to one another.
I'm convinced that when we see Jesus as He is, the thing that will astound the majority of believers about Him will be the extraordinary humility He has.
Even when talking to His disciples He said when they were together again He would serve them. And of course He said He came to serve.
We're not talking soulish and overactive service here, but service coming forth and originating from Christ Himself within us. That takes an enormous amount of commitment and humility.
By service I'm not talking about the so-called "ministry" and "purpose" we all hear repeated over and over again. I'm talking about being in daily fellowship with one another, watching over and encouraging each other. That's what real ministry within the body of Christ means. That's what a family is.
It's, for the most part, not some individual ministry that stands alone and ministers to a bunch of disconnected people. It comes forth out of living unto Christ and one another on a daily basis. From there our various giftings and service come forth spiritually and in a natural way. (Natural not meaning carnal, but in a way that flows out of us like a river of living water because of our fellowship with one another.)
To live royal lives like this, we must embrace and receive the working of the cross in our lives, or we'll never survive and thrive in this wonderful life provided and offered us by Jesus Christ.
This is why I call the cross a crown, as those willing to embrace or take up the cross on a daily basis, will in fact, not only be crowned some day in heaven, but will receive the wondrous sharing of the life given us by Jesus Christ Himself while we're alive on this earth.
Jesus taught us to pray that we that His kingdom would come and will be done in earth as it is in heaven. All of this isn't just for the afterlife, it's for whosoever will - now.
So if the thought of organic church, or a redeemed people sharing life together on a daily basis sounds attractive or appealing to you, you must get past that to the fact that we are all called to die if it is to ever accomplish the purpose of Christ in the earth.
It's similar to marriage. All of it looks great until you live with one another for a while and discover you must die to yourself if it's ever going to be something beautiful you have together.
With the church as Christ meant it to be, it's the same. The honeymoon period quickly is over for those who have unrealistic and pumped up expectations, as we're all human and flawed, and even in the most committed group of believers we'll have to die to ourselves in order for the life of Christ to be able to be shared effectively with one another; which purpose is that we all come to the full knowledge of Christ, being conformed to His image.
That's the end, and sharing the live together daily with one another is the means. We'll be iron sharpening iron in order to smooth out and get rid of the rough edges.
Only those 100 percent committed to Christ and His people in this endeavor, and those taking up their cross daily will ever be able to make it in this magnificent journey together.
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