Fearlessly Make Known

Wednesday, May 07, 2014, 7:55 a.m. – Speak, Lord, your words to my heart. I read Ephesians 4:17-25 (cf. 1 Peter 1:13-21) and Eph. 6:10-20.

Empty Way of Life

So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body… Eph. 4:17-25

As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do… For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 1 Pt. 1:13-19

The Lord Jesus gave me a vivid picture of this today. There are many within our churches, even (or particularly) among the church leadership, who profess Christ as Savior and Lord of their lives, but they are still, in many ways, living out the empty way of life handed down to them by their ancestors, or by those who taught them, or who are presently teaching them, or by those who are in authority over them. Not only do they live it, but many preach it to others so that others, too, will follow in the same empty way of life. These professors of Christ stand firm, support, sustain and bear the weight of this nothingness on their own shoulders, i.e. they support it, stand on it and convey it in their own human strength.

This is why many of them speak of their style of doing church, their vision for the church, their brand of church, and their philosophy which is to “fuel” to the “right people” and “filter out” those who are not a “good fit” for what they are doing. And they purposefully target and invite into the church fellowship those outside of faith in Jesus Christ, yet not through salvation from sin, but by patterning the church after the world to make it more appealing, inviting and comfortable to the world, i.e. to those “far from God”. So, they often will weed out the more serious follower of Christ (those who don’t fit) in order to make the church more appealing to those “far from God” (those “right people” to whom they are energizing toward). Yet, it is not just one church congregation following this model. There are many!

So, what is this empty way of life being passed down, not only from our ancestors, but from our leaders, who are receiving and accepting it from their leaders over them in authority? It is to live in futility of thinking and reasoning based upon the style, brand, vision and the philosophies of human beings (flesh) without being willing, in particular, to even examine what is being taught to see if it really lines up with the word of God. It is to follow human beings blindly without being willing to examine their teachings against the word of truth.

So many lies, deceptions and manipulations are going on within the church, coming from the church leadership, and from the teaching and philosophies of humans, now being propagated throughout the church body, particularly here in America, I believe. Yet, these lies and deceptions are often a mixed bag of lies and truth, or else they are communicated in such a way as to look and sound like truth, and many, many are blindly buying into them hook, line and sinker. [I have been a witness to this false movement for fifteen years now.]

An example of such is what I term a false grace teaching. This teaching allows the convert to Christianity to willfully and knowingly continue in his or her sin, believing that God’s grace covers it all, and therefore they are free from the obligation to do what they know is right to do, and they are free to do what they know is wrong. Frequently the excuse for continued willful sin is “I’m not perfect.” True, none of us are, but that should never be an excuse for continued willful sins of rebellion against Almighty God and against the truths of his word. Yet, many follow this philosophy ignorant of the truth, because they are not being taught the truths of scripture. As well, they are taught that if anyone tries to tell them differently from what they are being taught, that person is judging them, and therefore that person should be ignored, because they believe that all judgment is wrong, but it is not. And, they are also taught that anyone teaching them the truths of the above scriptures is a Pharisee trying to bring them back under the law. Wow! Satan is very clever, isn’t he?

The Armor of God

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

So, what should our response be to all of this? We should first of all recognize that we are in a spiritual battle, and that our true enemy is not comprised of human beings, though they certainly serve his purposes, but our true enemy is Satan and his hordes. And, so this battle must be won, not with the weapons of this world, but with the spiritual weapons God has supplied his children so that we can take our stand against the devil’s schemes. And, he is a tricky one. He has deceived the minds of so many believers and professing believers in Jesus Christ with his lies and manipulations of truth so that they are not able to distinguish truth from lies, and so they blindly follow after the lies. And, that is the sad reality of the situation of much of today’s modern church movement here in America. We are in great need of a mighty outpouring of the Spirit of God in revival so that people’s eyes are opened to see the lies, to reject them, and to embrace the truth.

Next we must learn how this armor of God is to be applied (put on) each day so that we can take our stand against the devil’s schemes. First of all, we must find our strength and power in the Lord Jesus via submitting to him and to his will for our lives, allowing his Spirit to live out his life in and through our lives. Then, we must get to know Jesus and his word by spending time with him each day away from distractions, studying his word, listening to what he says, bringing our requests before him, and then doing what he tells us to do. Next, we must begin the process of examining everything we are being taught or have been taught against the word of truth to make sure it lines up with scripture, so that we are truly standing on the word of God (of truth) and not on the teachings of humans.

As well, we must put on righteousness as a shield to protect us against the temptations of Satan which try to get us to sin again. We do this through purposefully and intentionally ridding our lives (see Eph. 4-5; Heb. 12:1; Rom. 6; 12:1-2; etc.) of what we know stands against God and his word, and works in opposition to his righteousness in our lives, thus refusing to give the devil a foothold in our lives. And, we put on in our lives what we know is of God, seeking first his kingdom and his righteousness. We have to pursue righteousness. We have to stand strong in the word of God, in the faith passed on to us by the prophets, the apostles and Jesus Christ, and to not yield to or compromise with what is false in order to receive the approval of humans. And, we need to use the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God to counter the lies of the enemy, not only for our own good, but for the benefit of our brothers and sisters in Christ who may be following after deceiving spirits. We must fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, even if we are rejected for doing so.

ONLY IN HIM / An Original Work / February 19, 2014

Based off Isaiah 30

Woe to those who look to man’s help;
Who turn away from Jesus Christ;
Forming an alliance not in step with God;
Making their own plans, and praying not.


Willing not to listen to truth,
They close their ears to what is right.
Pleasing words are all that they’ll hear;
Feel good messages that bring cheer.


Trust in your Lord; turn from your sin.
Put your faith now ONLY IN HIM.
Do not turn to idols. They’ll not satisfy.
Jesus will save you. That’s why He died.


Your Lord will be gracious to you.
He cares all about you, ‘tis true.
He forgives you all of your sin
When you give your life up to Him.


Oh, how truly gracious He’ll be
When you bow to Him on your knees;
Turning now from your sin; walking in his ways.
He’ll lead and guide you all of your days.


Now you will sing praises to Him.
He delivered you from your sin.
You’ll tell others now of His grace,
So they may see Christ face-to-face.


http://originalworks.info/only-in-him/
 
I agree with your discernment sister. It reminds me of the Church in "Sardis" where Jesus said.....

Rev 3:1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

This Church was very well known through out the region and they had made a name for themselves, yet Jesus called them a dead Church. I am sure there are Churches all over the country that are very well known for their music, or preaching. I wonder how many there are actually saved Christians. But there is hope for this Church in Sardis as Jesus says.....

Rev 3:4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

In every Church there will be true blue believers and those who only profess to be saved but are not. Jesus told us that he came not to bring peace but a sword, and division.....

Mat_10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

Luk 12:50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!
Luk 12:51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:

The purpose of the Word of God is to separate the sheep from the goats, not gather them all together.
 
Hey folks the strength of sin is the law, until this mixture of law and grace is purged from the church, of course we will have those filled with sinful lust and desires and then use the doctrines of grace as a cloak for those lust. Your intention is right but your missing the only power against sin! Grace!

Ro 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

Ga 4:30 Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.

Here is what God is speaking! if you are really hearing God?
 
Hey folks the strength of sin is the law, until this mixture of law and grace is purged from the church, of course we will have those filled with sinful lust and desires and then use the doctrines of grace as a cloak for those lust. Your intention is right but your missing the only power against sin! Grace!

Ro 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

Ga 4:30 Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.

Here is what God is speaking! if you are really hearing God?

Mitspa, I am teaching the scriptures here. Are you saying these scriptures are encouraging a mixture of law and grace? They are not and neither am I. God's grace frees us from the control of sin over our lives and it frees us to walk in Christ's righteousness and holiness and it teaches us to say "No!" to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope (See Tit. 2:11-14; Eph. 4:17-24; Ro. 6; 1 Jn. 1-5).
 
I agree with your discernment sister. It reminds me of the Church in "Sardis" where Jesus said.....

Rev 3:1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

This Church was very well known through out the region and they had made a name for themselves, yet Jesus called them a dead Church. I am sure there are Churches all over the country that are very well known for their music, or preaching. I wonder how many there are actually saved Christians. But there is hope for this Church in Sardis as Jesus says.....

Rev 3:4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

In every Church there will be true blue believers and those who only profess to be saved but are not. Jesus told us that he came not to bring peace but a sword, and division.....

Mat_10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

Luk 12:50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!
Luk 12:51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:

The purpose of the Word of God is to separate the sheep from the goats, not gather them all together.

CCW, I agree that many church congregations profess themselves to be alive when they are really dead, and thus there is a great need for them to wake up from their slumber and to follow Christ Jesus with their lives.

When Jesus said he did not come to bring peace but a sword, he was speaking of how those who choose to follow him will be rejected and hated even by the members of their own families because of their testimony for Jesus Christ.

It is true that scripture makes a definite distinction (division) between the saved and the unsaved and that one day God will judge and when he does he will separate the sheep from the goats. It is also true that God, throughout Biblical history, chided his children for mixing with the unbelieving world and that his word has much to say against us becoming like the world or blending in with the society around us. We are to come out from them and be separate and to touch no unclean thing, and we are not to have fellowship with darkness, because light and darkness have no fellowship, and we have been called out of darkness into HIS light. So many church congregations today are trying to blend the world and the church together, and that is not God's way.
 
Mitspa, I am teaching the scriptures here. Are you saying these scriptures are encouraging a mixture of law and grace? They are not and neither am I. God's grace frees us from the control of sin over our lives and it frees us to walk in Christ's righteousness and holiness and it teaches us to say "No!" to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope (See Tit. 2:11-14; Eph. 4:17-24; Ro. 6; 1 Jn. 1-5).
No Im saying that the "church" is teaching a mixed doctrine, and then to look at the "church" and wonder at its condition as if this is not the problem is not wise, nor is it helpful. If you are really hearing from God, then He will tell you that what I am saying is correct and needs to be said!
 
No Im saying that the "church" is teaching a mixed doctrine, and then to look at the "church" and wonder at its condition as if this is not the problem is not wise, nor is it helpful. If you are really hearing from God, then He will tell you that what I am saying is correct and needs to be said!
Mitspa, I don't believe that the majority of the church in America is teaching a mixture of law and grace, but I do believe they are teaching a mixture of grace and humanism (humanistic philosophy) and that is their downfall, because they are following humans instead of God and they are following humanistic teachings instead of scripture, and so many are under the false notion that grace permits them to continue in willful sin. Paul addressed this problem in Romans 6, for one.
 
Mitspa, I don't believe that the majority of the church in America is teaching a mixture of law and grace, but I do believe they are teaching a mixture of grace and humanism (humanistic philosophy) and that is their downfall, because they are following humans instead of God and they are following humanistic teachings instead of scripture, and so many are under the false notion that grace permits them to continue in willful sin. Paul addressed this problem in Romans 6, for one.
Well then of course you wont understand my post and you don't understand the "willful" sin of Heb 10 is returning to the law "the strength of sin" The sin of unbelief "the law is not of faith" Im sorry I enjoy many of your post but you best pray and ask God about what I saying because what I am saying, because it is exactly what God is speaking to His church.
 
Well then of course you wont understand my post and you don't understand the "willful" sin of Heb 10 is returning to the law "the strength of sin" The sin of unbelief "the law is not of faith" Im sorry I enjoy many of your post but you best pray and ask God about what I saying because what I am saying, because it is exactly what God is speaking to His church.

Mitspa, again you fail to point out exactly what you feel I am teaching in error. Quote the passages you feel are in error and we will look at them in light of scripture, but to speak generically gets us nowhere.
 
Mitspa, again you fail to point out exactly what you feel I am teaching in error. Quote the passages you feel are in error and we will look at them in light of scripture, but to speak generically gets us nowhere.
Lets just make it simple and get to the point..do you believe we are under any part of the law of Moses? No sense playing word games if we both can be honest before the Lord?
 
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