When I view the structure and the dynamics modeling today's churches I often wonder is this model representing GOD's design?
Generally speaking here is how a service transpires. We have praise and worship, then offerings , then a selection from the Choir, perhaps weekly announcements and then the sermon.
After the sermon is completed we have an altar call for salvation, joining the church and to be filled with the Holy Spirit. But essentially after the altar call everyone goes home until next Sunday when the process is repeated.
We call going to church being in fellowship and missing church being out of fellowship.
I would like to present what the Bible calls fellowship. What GOD says about how we interact as the family of GOD supersedes any traditions or customs that are essentially man made.
The word for fellowship in the Holy Bible is the Greek word Koinonia.
Here is the definition provided by Wikipedia;
The essential meaning of the koinonia embraces concepts conveyed in the English terms community, communion, joint participation, sharing and intimacy. Koinonia can therefore refer in some contexts to a jointly contributed gift.[ This union is also experienced in practical daily life. The same bonds that link the individual to Jesus also link him or her with other faithful
Note the Biblical example of koinonia:
Acts 4:32
Now the company of believers was of one heart and soul, and not one of them claimed that anything which he possessed was [exclusively] his own, but everything they had was in common and for the use of all.
Acts 4:34
Nor was there a destitute or needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses proceeded to sell them, and one by one they brought (gave back) the amount received from the sales
Acts 4:35
And laid it at the feet of the apostles (special messengers). Then distribution was made according as anyone had need.
After reading this text we should be able to clearly see how far we have fallen away from true fellowship from true koinonia.
Can you imagine a church were everyone gave so liberally and laid the money in the hands of Christian leadership. And the distribution of the funds went to the needs of the people!!!!!!
Sounds like an abstract concept this thing called koinonia.
True fellowship does not end on Sunday no more than a marriage is recognized only when deemed convenient.
Another Biblical reference for koinonia;
Acts 2:46
Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,
Most of us have rarely seen the inside of a fellow church member's house.
We are far far away from true Christian fellowship. Yes we are, no doubt about it.
Because I am connected to Christ and you are also connected to Christ our interpersonal interaction will therefore create koinonia. However there are some prerequisites that need to be fulfilled.
Harmony is a main ingredient of koinonia. Harmony is a by product of agreement, when there is agreement for the most part we have harmony. We must be of one heart and one mind. There is no disagreement within the GODHEAD, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. That is what the scripture means when it says the LORD our GOD is One.
Mark 12:29
Jesus answered, "The foremost is, 'HEAR, O ISRAEL! THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD
Many religions have taken that verse to mean that there is no trinty , they are in error.
Here are the attributes of Jesus prior to coming here to die for us;
Phil 2:6
Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God [possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained,
Phil 2:7
But stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being.
Phil 2:8
And after He had appeared in human form, He abased and humbled Himself [still further] and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross!
Do you see this???? GOD gave up everything that made HIM GOD to come here and help us..., so Who was left in Control????? God the Father, that's who...
And when the work of the cross was completed and Jesus when back home He sent GOD again in the person of the Holy Spirit.
Well, if we do the math that's three, FATHER,SON AND HOLY SPIRIT.
John 15:26
But when the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) comes, Whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of Truth Who comes (proceeds) from the Father, He [Himself] will testify regarding Me.
When we are in agreement we are at best fulfilling who we are in CHRIST. This is Koinonia Saints.
Let's look at what happens when we come together in harmony because we agree.
Matt 18:19
Again I tell you, if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, make a symphony together) about whatever [anything and everything] they may ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in heaven.
Matt 18:20
For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I AM in the midst of them
Do you want GOD to hang out in your church and enjoy the richness of HIS grace the environment for true koinonia...., well the above scriptures provides the recipe. And what shall we agree about... the full adherence to the Holy Word of GOD.... It does not start and end on Sunday people.
In conclusion of the lesson, the message is simple the goal is clearly defined and the objective is not beyond our reach:
Eph 4:3
Be eager and strive earnestly to guard and keep the harmony and oneness of [and produced by] the Spirit in the binding power of peace.
Eph 4:4
[There is] one body and one Spirit--just as there is also one hope [that belongs] to the calling you received--
Eph 4:5
[There is] one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Eph 4:6
One God and Father of [us] all, Who is above all [Sovereign over all], pervading all and [living] in [us] all.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Are you a growing Christian
I have been saved now for 25 years. Yes I have had set backs but here I am 25 years later still proclaiming the Glory of GOD . I would hope that I have matured during this 25 year period. The Bible says solid food belongs to the mature to those Christians who have developed to the point that they possess the ability to discern between that which is good from that which is evil.
I hope by now I am now being nourished by solid food and not still on milk.
Heb 5:14
But solid food is for full-grown men, for those whose senses and mental faculties are trained by practice to discriminate and distinguish between what is morally good and noble and what is evil and contrary either to divine or human law.
Our senses and faculties have to be trained???? You mean it is not automatic? I can understand that since there is so much deception in the world how can you know the truth from a lie. I can logically go on to say it is the applying of the Word of GOD through knowing and studying GOD's WORD that provides the ability to discern evil from good, right from wrong. The Word of GOD reveals the very motives of men's hearts. It should not surprise us then that we are able to discern men's hearts as well when the Word lives in us through constant application and study.
Heb 4:12
For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.
A Christian full of the Word can read your mail ...LOL
As a young Christian I was blessed with a huge appetite for the Word of GOD. I remember being so hungry for the Word I would go into the mensroom at work just so I could get a few minutes of reading time in the Bible .
All babies have a huge appetite for milk no matter if you are a baby in Christ or a baby human or otherwise. in fact if a baby does not crave milk continuously he would need medical attention.
1 Pet 2:2
Like newborn babies you should crave (thirst for, earnestly desire) the pure (unadulterated) spiritual milk, that by it you may be nurtured and grow unto [completed] salvation,
I hope you noticed that reading the Word is necessary for completed salvation. In fact if you never really craved the Bible chances are you may not even be saved you may not be born again.
1 Pet 1:23
for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.
James 1:21
Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.
Going to church and listening to the Word once a week is like a baby drinking milk once a week . The chances of a new born baby surviving an entire week without milk is very very remote. That baby will die if it does not receive nourishment. And likewise a newly born again child of GOD can not survive either without being nourished through a constant intake of the Word of GOD.
Trust me saying the so called sinners prayer in an emotional moment just will not do it.
I remember going to a particular church and participating in a men's bible study class. The minister asked me where had I attended Seminary, because of my knowledge of the Word.
I said, well sir I never attended seminary I just read the Bible.
I do not know if the structure of Today's church is really what GOD intended. I do not see a lot of fellowship during a service. We do have the occasional every go around hug everybody and tell them you love them.....LOL... Are we really supposed to just go sit down listen to the choir listen to the Pastor and just go home until next week????
Acts 2:46
Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart
If you are an avid Bible reader that not only reads but reads with understanding and comprehension there is a price to pay. Because the Bible is Holy and the Word operates supernaturally in our lives, reading the Bible causes reaction in the Spirit World.
What kind of reactions????
Matt 13:21
Yet it has no real root in him, but is temporary (inconstant, lasts but a little while); and when affliction or trouble or persecution comes on account of the Word, at once he is caused to stumble [he is repelled and begins to distrust and desert Him Whom he ought to trust and obey] and he falls away.
On account of the Word you will face affliction
Defined as :
a state of great suffering and distress due to adversity
a condition of suffering or distress due to ill health
On account of the Word you will face trouble:
Defined as;
an event causing distress or pain; "what is the trouble?"; "heart trouble"
a source of difficulty;
On account of the Word you will face persecution.
Defined as
abuse, ill-treatment, ill-usage, maltreatment - cruel or inhumane treatment; "
ummmmhummmmmm seems like to me those who do grow into completed salvation have to endure quite a journey. Seems to me living right for Jesus may cause all types of misfortune.
So if you are suffering it may be because you are doing everything RIGHT.
2 Cor 12:9
And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
2 Cor 12:10
Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
Mark 13:13
And you will be hated and detested by everybody for My name's sake, but he who patiently perseveres and endures to the end will be saved (made a partaker of the salvation by Christ, and delivered from spiritual death).
One comment I have heard numerous times is something like this...ahhhhhh yeah you know the Word but do you DO the Word. LOL.., listen if you are not a doer of the Word our LORD will not continue the teach you HIS World. That is why we see so many immature Christians still on milk , why because they have yet to do the things they already KNOW to do.
Heb 5:12
For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food.
The Lord Jesus said my food is to DO the will of MY Father. Yes real nourishment is not in simply the knowing but more importantly after you know what to do then you also do the Word of GOD.
John 4:34
Jesus *said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work
After you grow up in GOD and have reached a place of maturity in Christ you can then be used of GOD to accomplish HIS work. We are NOT to be stagnant if we are , then we suffer from spiritual malnutrition.
John 6:27
"Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal."
Being a saint is a blessed journey and it gets increasingly more exciting as we grow into our full maturity in HIM. I pray we all seek grave after and passionately perform His will in word and deed.... To God Be the Glory!!!!!
Eph 4:14
As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;
Eph 4:15
but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,
Eph 4:16
from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.
I hope by now I am now being nourished by solid food and not still on milk.
Heb 5:14
But solid food is for full-grown men, for those whose senses and mental faculties are trained by practice to discriminate and distinguish between what is morally good and noble and what is evil and contrary either to divine or human law.
Our senses and faculties have to be trained???? You mean it is not automatic? I can understand that since there is so much deception in the world how can you know the truth from a lie. I can logically go on to say it is the applying of the Word of GOD through knowing and studying GOD's WORD that provides the ability to discern evil from good, right from wrong. The Word of GOD reveals the very motives of men's hearts. It should not surprise us then that we are able to discern men's hearts as well when the Word lives in us through constant application and study.
Heb 4:12
For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.
A Christian full of the Word can read your mail ...LOL
As a young Christian I was blessed with a huge appetite for the Word of GOD. I remember being so hungry for the Word I would go into the mensroom at work just so I could get a few minutes of reading time in the Bible .
All babies have a huge appetite for milk no matter if you are a baby in Christ or a baby human or otherwise. in fact if a baby does not crave milk continuously he would need medical attention.
1 Pet 2:2
Like newborn babies you should crave (thirst for, earnestly desire) the pure (unadulterated) spiritual milk, that by it you may be nurtured and grow unto [completed] salvation,
I hope you noticed that reading the Word is necessary for completed salvation. In fact if you never really craved the Bible chances are you may not even be saved you may not be born again.
1 Pet 1:23
for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.
James 1:21
Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.
Going to church and listening to the Word once a week is like a baby drinking milk once a week . The chances of a new born baby surviving an entire week without milk is very very remote. That baby will die if it does not receive nourishment. And likewise a newly born again child of GOD can not survive either without being nourished through a constant intake of the Word of GOD.
Trust me saying the so called sinners prayer in an emotional moment just will not do it.
I remember going to a particular church and participating in a men's bible study class. The minister asked me where had I attended Seminary, because of my knowledge of the Word.
I said, well sir I never attended seminary I just read the Bible.
I do not know if the structure of Today's church is really what GOD intended. I do not see a lot of fellowship during a service. We do have the occasional every go around hug everybody and tell them you love them.....LOL... Are we really supposed to just go sit down listen to the choir listen to the Pastor and just go home until next week????
Acts 2:46
Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart
Day by Day continuing...and sounds like they enjoyed it..NOT forced ...Wow, ok I guess that's another topic for another time. .
OK BACK TO THE CURRENT SUBJECT...LOL
If you are an avid Bible reader that not only reads but reads with understanding and comprehension there is a price to pay. Because the Bible is Holy and the Word operates supernaturally in our lives, reading the Bible causes reaction in the Spirit World.
What kind of reactions????
Matt 13:21
Yet it has no real root in him, but is temporary (inconstant, lasts but a little while); and when affliction or trouble or persecution comes on account of the Word, at once he is caused to stumble [he is repelled and begins to distrust and desert Him Whom he ought to trust and obey] and he falls away.
On account of the Word you will face affliction
Defined as :
a state of great suffering and distress due to adversity
a condition of suffering or distress due to ill health
On account of the Word you will face trouble:
Defined as;
an event causing distress or pain; "what is the trouble?"; "heart trouble"
a source of difficulty;
On account of the Word you will face persecution.
Defined as
abuse, ill-treatment, ill-usage, maltreatment - cruel or inhumane treatment; "
ummmmhummmmmm seems like to me those who do grow into completed salvation have to endure quite a journey. Seems to me living right for Jesus may cause all types of misfortune.
So if you are suffering it may be because you are doing everything RIGHT.
2 Cor 12:9
And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
2 Cor 12:10
Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
Mark 13:13
And you will be hated and detested by everybody for My name's sake, but he who patiently perseveres and endures to the end will be saved (made a partaker of the salvation by Christ, and delivered from spiritual death).
One comment I have heard numerous times is something like this...ahhhhhh yeah you know the Word but do you DO the Word. LOL.., listen if you are not a doer of the Word our LORD will not continue the teach you HIS World. That is why we see so many immature Christians still on milk , why because they have yet to do the things they already KNOW to do.
Heb 5:12
For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food.
The Lord Jesus said my food is to DO the will of MY Father. Yes real nourishment is not in simply the knowing but more importantly after you know what to do then you also do the Word of GOD.
John 4:34
Jesus *said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work
After you grow up in GOD and have reached a place of maturity in Christ you can then be used of GOD to accomplish HIS work. We are NOT to be stagnant if we are , then we suffer from spiritual malnutrition.
John 6:27
"Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal."
Being a saint is a blessed journey and it gets increasingly more exciting as we grow into our full maturity in HIM. I pray we all seek grave after and passionately perform His will in word and deed.... To God Be the Glory!!!!!
Eph 4:14
As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;
Eph 4:15
but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,
Eph 4:16
from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Is the Coming of Christ Near? Continued
I have a few more things I want to say about the Lord Jesus's second coming. Before the taking away of HIS Church, (I will define the church as the elect of GOd), we will be in the midst of great distress so terrible that the only reason everyone is not destroyed is because GOD still has His people in the earth.
Matt 24:22
"Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.
Clearly we live in difficult times however we must admit, times are yet to be so terrible that all are barely hanging on to life itself. But as mentioned in the previous lesson the storm clouds are indeed gathering.
The trouble pending will be triggered by an event described in Matt 24:15
Matt 24:15
"Therefore when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand)
Let the reader understand that the worst of the worst of times has begun. If you do a little studying of the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION , you will find out that this represents an offense that GOD will not allow. The offense is an appalling sacrilege.
Here is a definition for clarity :
gross irreverence toward a hallowed person, place, or thing — sac·ri·le·gious \ˌsa-krə-ˈli-jəs also -ˈlē-\ adjective — sac·ri·le·gious·ly adverb — sac·ri·le·gious·ness noun
Today there is an increasing trend to ignore GOD's laws. But the time will come when GOD is so disrespected that HE will move to immediate judgement. GOD's judgement will bring desolation!!!
When I hear it being said that Jesus can come at any moment. I do not agree because things simply are not that bad yet. Having our 401ks in trouble is not enough for Jesus to come back.
Hey a little humor is good medicine... LOL..
Jokes aside, let's see how abomination is defined as well.
That which is abominable; anything hateful, wicked, or shamefully vile; an object or state that excites disgust and hatred; a hateful or shameful vice; pollution.
As scripture records , the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION, will occur in the HOLY PLACE. The Holy Place is the temple of GOD. And when the Antichrist declares Himself as GOD... , go run for cover!!!!!!!
2 Thess 2:1
Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him,
2 Thess 2:2
that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.
2 Thess 2:3
Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,
2 Thess 2:4
who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God
Now you know what to look for as a revealing sign of the pending yet soon coming of CHRIST.
Matt 16:2
He replied to them, When it is evening you say, It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,
Matt 16:3
And in the morning, It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and has a gloomy and threatening look. You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.
In the in between time, in the meantime walk with Jesus because, although Jesus may not return immediately , He may call us as an individual, at anytime to give an account of what we have done with our lives.
If I am still alive in the earth when this day arrives , It will be the most glorious of all days. It will truly be the Day that the LORD was made and I will rejoice and be glad in it.
Matt 24:31
"And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.
Matt 24:22
"Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.
Clearly we live in difficult times however we must admit, times are yet to be so terrible that all are barely hanging on to life itself. But as mentioned in the previous lesson the storm clouds are indeed gathering.
The trouble pending will be triggered by an event described in Matt 24:15
Matt 24:15
"Therefore when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand)
Let the reader understand that the worst of the worst of times has begun. If you do a little studying of the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION , you will find out that this represents an offense that GOD will not allow. The offense is an appalling sacrilege.
Here is a definition for clarity :
gross irreverence toward a hallowed person, place, or thing — sac·ri·le·gious \ˌsa-krə-ˈli-jəs also -ˈlē-\ adjective — sac·ri·le·gious·ly adverb — sac·ri·le·gious·ness noun
Today there is an increasing trend to ignore GOD's laws. But the time will come when GOD is so disrespected that HE will move to immediate judgement. GOD's judgement will bring desolation!!!
When I hear it being said that Jesus can come at any moment. I do not agree because things simply are not that bad yet. Having our 401ks in trouble is not enough for Jesus to come back.
Hey a little humor is good medicine... LOL..
Jokes aside, let's see how abomination is defined as well.
That which is abominable; anything hateful, wicked, or shamefully vile; an object or state that excites disgust and hatred; a hateful or shameful vice; pollution.
As scripture records , the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION, will occur in the HOLY PLACE. The Holy Place is the temple of GOD. And when the Antichrist declares Himself as GOD... , go run for cover!!!!!!!
2 Thess 2:1
Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him,
2 Thess 2:2
that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.
2 Thess 2:3
Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,
2 Thess 2:4
who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God
Now you know what to look for as a revealing sign of the pending yet soon coming of CHRIST.
Matt 16:2
He replied to them, When it is evening you say, It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,
Matt 16:3
And in the morning, It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and has a gloomy and threatening look. You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.
In the in between time, in the meantime walk with Jesus because, although Jesus may not return immediately , He may call us as an individual, at anytime to give an account of what we have done with our lives.
If I am still alive in the earth when this day arrives , It will be the most glorious of all days. It will truly be the Day that the LORD was made and I will rejoice and be glad in it.
Matt 24:31
"And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Is the Coming of Christ Near?
Will you be surprised?????
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8453823555097403930&q=source%3A014720761827513451988&hl=en
From the time Jesus ascended into the heavens His return has been anxiously anticipated.
Acts 1:9
And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.
Acts 1:10
And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them.
Acts 1:11
They also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven."
What stands out to me in scripture are the words ..will come in just the same way... Jesus is coming again. If you are in agreement with the Bible then the next question is obviously when will Jesus return.
Matt 24:27
"For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.
The Bible does not give a date of the Lord's return but the Word of God does explain a great deal about the conditions of His return and The Bible does describe to us what it will be like.
It would be a fast as lightning if lightning strikes in the east we can immediately see it looking from the west. It will be as fast as lightning or we can saw it will be instantaneous. If you are not ready when He comes When He does come you will not have time to get ready. Like the kids use to say while playing hide and seek, ready or not here I come. The difference here is that this is not a game and there will be nowhere to hide.
Depending on your status with Jesus at the time of HIS coming, there will be either great joy or great fear.
Matt 24:30
Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn and beat their breasts and lament in anguish, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory [in brilliancy and splendor].
What is your current status with Jesus is everything alright between the two of you? Are you trusting in Him are you relying on Jesus are you clinging to our Saviour?
John 3:16
For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.
Now if everything is all good with the Lord His return will bring about the greatest joy that we have ever ever known. And we should not be taken at by surprise if we have been watchful. The surprise is for the enemies of the cross.
1 Thess 5:2
For you yourselves know perfectly well that the day of the [return of the] Lord will come [as unexpectedly and suddenly] as a thief in the night.
1 Thess 5:3
When people are saying, All is well and secure, and, There is peace and safety, then in a moment unforeseen destruction (ruin and death) will come upon them as suddenly as labor pains come upon a woman with child; and they shall by no means escape, for there will be no escape.
1 Thess 5:4
But you are not in [given up to the power of] darkness, brethren, for that day to overtake you by surprise like a thief.
1 Thess 5:5
For you are all sons of light and sons of the day; we do not belong either to the night or to darkness.
1 Thess 5:6
Accordingly then, let us not sleep, as the rest do, but let us keep wide awake (alert, watchful, cautious, and on our guard) and let us be sober (calm, collected, and circumspect).
The Lord's coming contrary to popular opinion will NOT be a surprise to us. We both read it clearly from the inerrant Holy indisputable Word of the Living GOD. Sounds like to me we can put that in the bank well maybe not in the bank considering today's economy maybe in a mattress...LOL...
Amos 3:7
Surely the Lord God will do nothing without revealing His secret to His servants the prophets.
Now if you believe like I believe that the Lord does indeed have prophets in the earth logic would suggest there will be some revelation regarding the coming of Christ since the Word of God says specifically He will not do anything unless it is revealed to His prophets. Who are His prophets well we will have to reference my study titled ..Ministry Proofs, or you can do a little research on your own for the answer, which I highly suggest.
Is the Lord coming soon??????? soon is a relative term, to the Lord a thousand years is as a day and a day as a thousand years. I like to think of this explanation about time to mean that time is not a constraint to GOD. And for that very reason I like to look at the conditions surrounding the Lord's return. Here are a few conditions;
2 Tim 3:1
BUT UNDERSTAND this, that in the last days will come (set in) perilous times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear.
2 Pet 3:3
To begin with, you must know and understand this, that scoffers (mockers) will come in the last days with scoffing, [people who] walk after their own fleshly desires
Matt 24:15
So when you see the appalling sacrilege [the abomination that astonishes and makes desolate], spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the Holy Place--let the reader take notice and ponder and consider and heed this.
There may be yet time left since all the condition are yet to be met But I will say the storm clouds are gathering. Let us be clear minded about our current state, let us not delude ourselves into thinking things will proceed as normal. Because things are NOT going to proceed as normal , the days are getting darker and darker as sin multiplies itself in our world.
Luke 17:26
"And just as it happened in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man:
Luke 17:27
they were eating, they were drinking, they were marrying, they were being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.
Prov 29:1
A man who hardens his neck after much reproof Will suddenly be broken beyond remedy.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8453823555097403930&q=source%3A014720761827513451988&hl=en
From the time Jesus ascended into the heavens His return has been anxiously anticipated.
Acts 1:9
And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.
Acts 1:10
And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them.
Acts 1:11
They also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven."
What stands out to me in scripture are the words ..will come in just the same way... Jesus is coming again. If you are in agreement with the Bible then the next question is obviously when will Jesus return.
Matt 24:27
"For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.
The Bible does not give a date of the Lord's return but the Word of God does explain a great deal about the conditions of His return and The Bible does describe to us what it will be like.
It would be a fast as lightning if lightning strikes in the east we can immediately see it looking from the west. It will be as fast as lightning or we can saw it will be instantaneous. If you are not ready when He comes When He does come you will not have time to get ready. Like the kids use to say while playing hide and seek, ready or not here I come. The difference here is that this is not a game and there will be nowhere to hide.
Depending on your status with Jesus at the time of HIS coming, there will be either great joy or great fear.
Matt 24:30
Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn and beat their breasts and lament in anguish, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory [in brilliancy and splendor].
What is your current status with Jesus is everything alright between the two of you? Are you trusting in Him are you relying on Jesus are you clinging to our Saviour?
John 3:16
For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.
Now if everything is all good with the Lord His return will bring about the greatest joy that we have ever ever known. And we should not be taken at by surprise if we have been watchful. The surprise is for the enemies of the cross.
1 Thess 5:2
For you yourselves know perfectly well that the day of the [return of the] Lord will come [as unexpectedly and suddenly] as a thief in the night.
1 Thess 5:3
When people are saying, All is well and secure, and, There is peace and safety, then in a moment unforeseen destruction (ruin and death) will come upon them as suddenly as labor pains come upon a woman with child; and they shall by no means escape, for there will be no escape.
1 Thess 5:4
But you are not in [given up to the power of] darkness, brethren, for that day to overtake you by surprise like a thief.
1 Thess 5:5
For you are all sons of light and sons of the day; we do not belong either to the night or to darkness.
1 Thess 5:6
Accordingly then, let us not sleep, as the rest do, but let us keep wide awake (alert, watchful, cautious, and on our guard) and let us be sober (calm, collected, and circumspect).
The Lord's coming contrary to popular opinion will NOT be a surprise to us. We both read it clearly from the inerrant Holy indisputable Word of the Living GOD. Sounds like to me we can put that in the bank well maybe not in the bank considering today's economy maybe in a mattress...LOL...
Amos 3:7
Surely the Lord God will do nothing without revealing His secret to His servants the prophets.
Now if you believe like I believe that the Lord does indeed have prophets in the earth logic would suggest there will be some revelation regarding the coming of Christ since the Word of God says specifically He will not do anything unless it is revealed to His prophets. Who are His prophets well we will have to reference my study titled ..Ministry Proofs, or you can do a little research on your own for the answer, which I highly suggest.
Is the Lord coming soon??????? soon is a relative term, to the Lord a thousand years is as a day and a day as a thousand years. I like to think of this explanation about time to mean that time is not a constraint to GOD. And for that very reason I like to look at the conditions surrounding the Lord's return. Here are a few conditions;
2 Tim 3:1
BUT UNDERSTAND this, that in the last days will come (set in) perilous times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear.
2 Pet 3:3
To begin with, you must know and understand this, that scoffers (mockers) will come in the last days with scoffing, [people who] walk after their own fleshly desires
Matt 24:15
So when you see the appalling sacrilege [the abomination that astonishes and makes desolate], spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the Holy Place--let the reader take notice and ponder and consider and heed this.
There may be yet time left since all the condition are yet to be met But I will say the storm clouds are gathering. Let us be clear minded about our current state, let us not delude ourselves into thinking things will proceed as normal. Because things are NOT going to proceed as normal , the days are getting darker and darker as sin multiplies itself in our world.
Luke 17:26
"And just as it happened in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man:
Luke 17:27
they were eating, they were drinking, they were marrying, they were being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.
Prov 29:1
A man who hardens his neck after much reproof Will suddenly be broken beyond remedy.
Friday, May 1, 2009
The Truth About Homosexuality
I decided I really did not want to sidestep any controversial subjects. Homosexuality has become a topic of huge debate in the World. I wanted to debunk some of the uncertainly that may exist in the minds of Christians with regard to sexual orientation.. Is there any acceptable premise for the homosexual lifestyle? And why would I use a word like DEBUNK;
de·bunker n.: One can readily see that debunk is constructed from the prefix de-, meaning "to remove," and the word bunk., denoting the nonsense that is to be removed?
Here it is I am debunking any faulty reasoning concerning this subject through and with the use of Bible doctrine.
For those of us who are saved and obey the Word of GOD there should be NO DEBATE. The controversy is simple, Is the homosexual lifestyle sinful. ...Ahhhh here is the short answer..YES IT IS SINFUL.
I have been shocked by the acceptance of secular reasoning on the subject by some people within the church. And even more shocked at what most people deem to be the right stand for a Christian dealing with this taboo issue. Here is an example I had personally with a close associate of whom I thought I knew about their views since they grew up in the church. ;
I was recently in conversation with a young lady who confessed Jesus as her savior ,through our dialogue she said homosexuals often do not have a choice.. It's a gene of some type. And therefore saying their behavior is wrong would not be fair since they have no choice. We should not judge them for who they are because GOD made then that way.???
Seems to be a good argument right???, It's sort of scientific , perhaps ... I am not going to debate the conclusion drawn in this case partly because no one is here to represent the other point of view. However there is a perspective I can represent, and this opinion is NOT my own, It is from the Holy Bible. Take a look at these Bible verses, and decide for yourself
Rom 1:26 For this reason God gave them over and abandoned them to vile affections and degrading passions. For their women exchanged their natural function for an unnatural and abnormal one,
Rom 1:27 And the men also turned from natural relations with women and were set ablaze (burning out, consumed) with lust for one another--men committing shameful acts with men and suffering in their own bodies and personalities the inevitable consequences and penalty of their wrong-doing and going astray, which was [their] fitting retribution
Is that clear enough for you? It says here GOD gave them over .. Well is does say that right, We are reading the same text. No interpretation needed it says what it says. Notice the Bible calls this behavior shameful and wrong doing. If you do not believe the Holy Bible is one hundred percent absolutely true then maybe you can justify and opposing viewpoint. In my mind and heart I pronounce to anyone reading this Bible Study that I indeed believe , trust and relay fully on the complete accuracy of the WORD of the living Bible.
Ok, with that established ...Why would God give them over to this behavior, especially since He declares it to be a most shameful act.!!! Before we move ahead, I have to say it is very interesting to me that the behavior has a two fold effect. It defiles the body and the personality. But, this is the reason GOD gave them over to the SIN of homosexuality. They had given up on GOD, rejected God, decided to turn their backs on GOD. How long do you think God will put up with rebellion. If I were you I would not put HIM to the test.
Rom 1:20
For ever since the creation of the world His invisible nature and attributes, that is, His eternal power and divinity, have been made intelligible and clearly discernible in and through the things that have been made (His handiworks). So [men] are without excuse [altogether without any defense or justification],
Rom 1:21
Because when they knew and recognized Him as God, they did not honor and glorify Him as God or give Him thanks. But instead they became futile and godless in their thinking [with vain imaginings, foolish reasoning, and stupid speculations] and their senseless minds were darkened.
Rom 1:22
Claiming to be wise, they became fools [professing to be smart, they made simpletons of themselves].
Remember Lot? and Sodom and Gomorrah, yes this historical evidence as recorded in the Bible illustrates the magnitude of GODS indignation with the practice of homosexuality.
Wow, that must of been some gene pool, two entire cities were destroyed. Would you say that GOD was not being fair??? These people had no choice????
Gen 19:24Then the Lord rained on Sodom and on Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of the heavens.Gen 19:25He overthrew, destroyed, and ended those cities, and all the valley and all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground.
My conclusion would be that our LORD can only take so much of sin, no matter the cause. Just as a quick review here are some relationship basics:
Lev 20:11'If there is a man who lies with his father's wife, he has uncovered his father's nakedness; both of them shall surely be put to death, their bloodguiltiness is upon them.
15Lev 20:12'If there is a man who lies with his daughter-in-law, both of them shall surely be put to death; they have committed incest, their bloodguiltiness is upon them.16Lev 20:13'If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act; they shall surely be put to death. Their bloodguiltiness is upon them.
17Lev 20:15'If there is a man who lies with an animal, he shall surely be put to death; you shall also kill the animal.
18Lev 20:18'If there is a man who lies with a menstruous woman and uncovers her nakedness, he has laid bare her flow, and she has exposed the flow of her blood; thus both of them shall be cut off from among their people.
19Lev 20:20'If there is a man who lies with his uncle's wife he has uncovered his uncle's nakedness; they will bear their sin. They will die childless.
Sexuality 101 from the Word of the Living God. Notice that for every act there are corresponding consequences.
Here is one more scripture to spell this out to you as clearly as possible.
1 Cor 6:9Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals,
I have often cringed at this common modern day Christian cliche'.. goes something like this hate the sin and love the sinner... No I do not think this is our position. I see no difference between the sin and the sinner. .. But what about the verse that says love those who do you wrong????
Love is a verb in this case, not a noun, it means show acts of kindness to those who do you wrong. Why are we showing acts of kindness , in order to leave open the path for our LORD to deal with the issue.
Rom 12:20"BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD."
Whats up with the burning coals????? Its means Judgement. We are not to exact retribution , the Battle is the LORDs.
Matt 23:32
Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers' sins to the brim [so that nothing may be wanting to a full measure].
Matt 23:33
You serpents! You spawn of vipers! How can you escape the penalty to be suffered in hell (Gehenna)?
Hold on a second Jesus.., whats up with the hate...I thought we were supposed to love everybody..... these Bible verses from the Holy Bible seem to be in conflict with what I have been taught by today's preachers. And all this time I was thinking GOD loves everybody.
Guess He does have some standards and those must be honored . If you are a homosexuality you are in sin. If you have not called your behavior sin, then you are in error and have set yourself up against the Laws of GOD, and the Laws of GOD they supersede the laws of man. \
Acts 2:38
Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
de·bunker n.: One can readily see that debunk is constructed from the prefix de-, meaning "to remove," and the word bunk., denoting the nonsense that is to be removed?
Here it is I am debunking any faulty reasoning concerning this subject through and with the use of Bible doctrine.
For those of us who are saved and obey the Word of GOD there should be NO DEBATE. The controversy is simple, Is the homosexual lifestyle sinful. ...Ahhhh here is the short answer..YES IT IS SINFUL.
I have been shocked by the acceptance of secular reasoning on the subject by some people within the church. And even more shocked at what most people deem to be the right stand for a Christian dealing with this taboo issue. Here is an example I had personally with a close associate of whom I thought I knew about their views since they grew up in the church. ;
I was recently in conversation with a young lady who confessed Jesus as her savior ,through our dialogue she said homosexuals often do not have a choice.. It's a gene of some type. And therefore saying their behavior is wrong would not be fair since they have no choice. We should not judge them for who they are because GOD made then that way.???
Seems to be a good argument right???, It's sort of scientific , perhaps ... I am not going to debate the conclusion drawn in this case partly because no one is here to represent the other point of view. However there is a perspective I can represent, and this opinion is NOT my own, It is from the Holy Bible. Take a look at these Bible verses, and decide for yourself
Rom 1:26 For this reason God gave them over and abandoned them to vile affections and degrading passions. For their women exchanged their natural function for an unnatural and abnormal one,
Rom 1:27 And the men also turned from natural relations with women and were set ablaze (burning out, consumed) with lust for one another--men committing shameful acts with men and suffering in their own bodies and personalities the inevitable consequences and penalty of their wrong-doing and going astray, which was [their] fitting retribution
Is that clear enough for you? It says here GOD gave them over .. Well is does say that right, We are reading the same text. No interpretation needed it says what it says. Notice the Bible calls this behavior shameful and wrong doing. If you do not believe the Holy Bible is one hundred percent absolutely true then maybe you can justify and opposing viewpoint. In my mind and heart I pronounce to anyone reading this Bible Study that I indeed believe , trust and relay fully on the complete accuracy of the WORD of the living Bible.
Ok, with that established ...Why would God give them over to this behavior, especially since He declares it to be a most shameful act.!!! Before we move ahead, I have to say it is very interesting to me that the behavior has a two fold effect. It defiles the body and the personality. But, this is the reason GOD gave them over to the SIN of homosexuality. They had given up on GOD, rejected God, decided to turn their backs on GOD. How long do you think God will put up with rebellion. If I were you I would not put HIM to the test.
Rom 1:20
For ever since the creation of the world His invisible nature and attributes, that is, His eternal power and divinity, have been made intelligible and clearly discernible in and through the things that have been made (His handiworks). So [men] are without excuse [altogether without any defense or justification],
Rom 1:21
Because when they knew and recognized Him as God, they did not honor and glorify Him as God or give Him thanks. But instead they became futile and godless in their thinking [with vain imaginings, foolish reasoning, and stupid speculations] and their senseless minds were darkened.
Rom 1:22
Claiming to be wise, they became fools [professing to be smart, they made simpletons of themselves].
Remember Lot? and Sodom and Gomorrah, yes this historical evidence as recorded in the Bible illustrates the magnitude of GODS indignation with the practice of homosexuality.
Wow, that must of been some gene pool, two entire cities were destroyed. Would you say that GOD was not being fair??? These people had no choice????
Gen 19:24Then the Lord rained on Sodom and on Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of the heavens.Gen 19:25He overthrew, destroyed, and ended those cities, and all the valley and all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground.
My conclusion would be that our LORD can only take so much of sin, no matter the cause. Just as a quick review here are some relationship basics:
Lev 20:11'If there is a man who lies with his father's wife, he has uncovered his father's nakedness; both of them shall surely be put to death, their bloodguiltiness is upon them.
15Lev 20:12'If there is a man who lies with his daughter-in-law, both of them shall surely be put to death; they have committed incest, their bloodguiltiness is upon them.16Lev 20:13'If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act; they shall surely be put to death. Their bloodguiltiness is upon them.
17Lev 20:15'If there is a man who lies with an animal, he shall surely be put to death; you shall also kill the animal.
18Lev 20:18'If there is a man who lies with a menstruous woman and uncovers her nakedness, he has laid bare her flow, and she has exposed the flow of her blood; thus both of them shall be cut off from among their people.
19Lev 20:20'If there is a man who lies with his uncle's wife he has uncovered his uncle's nakedness; they will bear their sin. They will die childless.
Sexuality 101 from the Word of the Living God. Notice that for every act there are corresponding consequences.
Here is one more scripture to spell this out to you as clearly as possible.
1 Cor 6:9Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals,
I have often cringed at this common modern day Christian cliche'.. goes something like this hate the sin and love the sinner... No I do not think this is our position. I see no difference between the sin and the sinner. .. But what about the verse that says love those who do you wrong????
Love is a verb in this case, not a noun, it means show acts of kindness to those who do you wrong. Why are we showing acts of kindness , in order to leave open the path for our LORD to deal with the issue.
Rom 12:20"BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD."
Whats up with the burning coals????? Its means Judgement. We are not to exact retribution , the Battle is the LORDs.
Matt 23:32
Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers' sins to the brim [so that nothing may be wanting to a full measure].
Matt 23:33
You serpents! You spawn of vipers! How can you escape the penalty to be suffered in hell (Gehenna)?
Hold on a second Jesus.., whats up with the hate...I thought we were supposed to love everybody..... these Bible verses from the Holy Bible seem to be in conflict with what I have been taught by today's preachers. And all this time I was thinking GOD loves everybody.
Guess He does have some standards and those must be honored . If you are a homosexuality you are in sin. If you have not called your behavior sin, then you are in error and have set yourself up against the Laws of GOD, and the Laws of GOD they supersede the laws of man. \
Acts 2:38
Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
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