As I helped pack some things in preparing for our recent move, I came across a photo of a housewarming party in 1997. We had started Grace Covenant Church nine months earlier and were finally moving into our newly constructed house. People willingly gave of their time to help us finish the house and to help us move from Lewistown. And then they surprised us with a welcome party. We felt loved and appreciated. The future stretched before us, full of possibilities. We planned to change our community and our world. We were so encouraged by the outpouring of support.
I paused for a moment to reflect on the past 14 years. This time our move was differant. Instead of proclaiming how we planned to change the world, we have been led by the Holy Spirit to take a differant approach; a focus not on the glorious but on the insignificant, following the Holy Spirit into a place of nothing-ness.
Our recent move provides a snapshot of the cost of following Jesus. The people in the picture from 14 years ago have all disappeared. Some disappeared quietly, some took parting shots as they walked away, and a few were rather vicious in their attacks on us. So we moved alone this time. Nobody excitedly following us on our journey with Jesus. Please do not think I am complaining. I am simply pointing out what is!
What is the cause for the change, for the abandonment and the attacks? Did we commit some terrible sin? Did we embrace some unbiblical heresy? No, the abandonment and attacks started when we chose the way of Jesus over the ways of church (not the Biblical "ecclesia" but the creation of man). The viciousness of the attacks intensified as we continued to follow Jesus in a practical manner, allowing the "logos" to be our guide. In recent years, we have been falsely accused, literally thrown out of a church service (by the way - this particular group's motto is "worship God, love all".), lied to and lied about.
I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement. You see - the woman hates the saints of Jesus. She cares not a whit about someones religious affiliation. Her seductive charms are utilized for one purpose and one purpose alone - to disconnect people from the I AM.
As long as one yeilds to her seductiveness she allows whatever belief system one desires to create. However, the moment we turn away from her to embrace the ways of Jesus, she begins to turn her wrath on us. Her choice weapon of attack is not some vile demon. No, it is the ones who have forsaken the way of Jesus to embrace her harlotry.
The first attack will be isolation. She is fully aware of our God-given need for community. So she attempts to isolate us from relationships. Those under her spell suddenly no longer associate with us. The shunning is an effort to drive us back to her bed. She offers community and relationship if only we will disconnect from the I AM.
If the shunning does not bring us back to her fold, the attacks become more intense. She will attempt to destroy us. Baseless accusations will be unleashed on us. Those under her spell will spew her venom without regard for truth. Our words will be carefully critiqued in an effort to find some incriminating statement. If none is found, our words will be subtly twisted to create an appearance of heresy. Throughout history, she has gone as far as inciting physical violence resulting in the death of the saints. Much of the martyrdom has occurred in the name of some god in the protection of some religious system.
The followers of Jesus should not be surprised by the viciousness of her attacks. Jesus himself was crucified by those who purported to be godly.
Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Friday, September 9, 2011
oswald chambers
I don't often post the writings of other poeple. However, this morning I read something written by Oswald Chambers in My Utmost for His Highest. It expresses my heart better than I could do it.
...bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Determinedly Discipline Other Things.
This is another difficult aspect of the strenuous nature of sainthood. Paul said, according to the Moffatt translation of this verse, “ I take every project prisoner to make it obey Christ .” So much Christian work today has never been disciplined, but has simply come into being by impulse! In our Lord’s life every project was disciplined to the will of His Father. There was never the slightest tendency to follow the impulse of His own will as distinct from His Father’s will—“the Son can do nothing of Himself ” (John 5:19). Then compare this with what we do—we take “every thought” or project that comes to us by impulse and jump into action immediately, instead of imprisoning and disciplining ourselves to obey Christ.
Practical work for Christians is greatly overemphasized today, and the saints who are “bringing every thought [and project] into captivity” are criticized and told that they are not determined, and that they lack zeal for God or zeal for the souls of others. But true determination and zeal are found in obeying God, not in the inclination to serve Him that arises from our own undisciplined human nature. It is inconceivable, but true nevertheless, that saints are not “bringing every thought [and project] into captivity,” but are simply doing work for God that has been instigated by their own human nature, and has not been made spiritual through determined discipline.
We have a tendency to forget that a person is not only committed to Jesus Christ for salvation, but is also committed, responsible, and accountable to Jesus Christ’s view of God, the world, and of sin and the devil. This means that each person must recognize the responsibility to “be transformed by the renewing of [his] mind .” (Romans 12:2).
...bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Determinedly Discipline Other Things.
This is another difficult aspect of the strenuous nature of sainthood. Paul said, according to the Moffatt translation of this verse, “ I take every project prisoner to make it obey Christ .” So much Christian work today has never been disciplined, but has simply come into being by impulse! In our Lord’s life every project was disciplined to the will of His Father. There was never the slightest tendency to follow the impulse of His own will as distinct from His Father’s will—“the Son can do nothing of Himself ” (John 5:19). Then compare this with what we do—we take “every thought” or project that comes to us by impulse and jump into action immediately, instead of imprisoning and disciplining ourselves to obey Christ.
Practical work for Christians is greatly overemphasized today, and the saints who are “bringing every thought [and project] into captivity” are criticized and told that they are not determined, and that they lack zeal for God or zeal for the souls of others. But true determination and zeal are found in obeying God, not in the inclination to serve Him that arises from our own undisciplined human nature. It is inconceivable, but true nevertheless, that saints are not “bringing every thought [and project] into captivity,” but are simply doing work for God that has been instigated by their own human nature, and has not been made spiritual through determined discipline.
We have a tendency to forget that a person is not only committed to Jesus Christ for salvation, but is also committed, responsible, and accountable to Jesus Christ’s view of God, the world, and of sin and the devil. This means that each person must recognize the responsibility to “be transformed by the renewing of [his] mind .” (Romans 12:2).
Sunday, September 4, 2011
reconnect
No...I didn't forget about the blog. In fact I will publish more about the woman in the near future. It's just that life has been full of responsibilities lately. We moved to the farm. We love the solitude and quietness of the old house...the peacefulness of our surroundings. The birds frequent our birdfeeders in front of the porch regularly. However getting to this place has created a bit of chaos in our lives.
Adding to the chaos has been the fact that our parents have experienced some health issues. Quite frankly - August was a month from hell. My dad had a stroke and then discovered that he has cancer. Bev's dad had surgery and ended up with a blood infection. Her mother was diagnosed with colon cancer and went through surgery to remove the cancer. We've been in numerous hospitals and medical facilities in the past month. Her parents are doing well right now, however, my father is struggling. For me - it's tough seeing the man I so deeply admire going through this right now.
But then...that's life. We find the hand of God in the midst of the crap. We find rest in the midst of chaos. We enjoy the finch at the birdfeeder, the brightly colored morning glory entwining a corn stalk. The wobbly legs of a newborn calf cause us to smile. The hand of God is there...we just have to look for it!
Adding to the chaos has been the fact that our parents have experienced some health issues. Quite frankly - August was a month from hell. My dad had a stroke and then discovered that he has cancer. Bev's dad had surgery and ended up with a blood infection. Her mother was diagnosed with colon cancer and went through surgery to remove the cancer. We've been in numerous hospitals and medical facilities in the past month. Her parents are doing well right now, however, my father is struggling. For me - it's tough seeing the man I so deeply admire going through this right now.
But then...that's life. We find the hand of God in the midst of the crap. We find rest in the midst of chaos. We enjoy the finch at the birdfeeder, the brightly colored morning glory entwining a corn stalk. The wobbly legs of a newborn calf cause us to smile. The hand of God is there...we just have to look for it!
Saturday, July 30, 2011
the woman...the cost
I watched him for a while from the back of the room. His head tilted sideways in slumber. I wasn't sure if I was seeing in the spirit or if he was actually sleeping. I had trouble believing he was sleeping. It was a rather tense meeting of church members and leaders. The discourse bordered on unpleasant at times and since he was a leader that had a vested interest in the proceedings, I assumed that I was actually seeing in the spirit. God allowed me to see what really was going on.
There was a group in that meeting that had already chosen to disconnect from God. They heard the call of the woman and chose to heed her, turning aside from God in order to fulfill their own soulish desires. This leader was part of the group. Instead of embracing the radical call of discipleship that leads through the cross, the women offered an easier way. She seductively spoke of worth and value in a way that resonated with the innate desire for significance. The desires of the heart were available without the great cost demanded by God.
Now...there was a slight cost in heeding the woman as well. In order to obtain what the woman offered, there was a slight caveat. One must disconnect from God in order to receive her benefits. On the other hand, she does offer an appearance of godliness, a godliness so fashioned after the real thing that most people will never notice the differance. Scripture refers to those who slumber in relation to their connection with God. They may possess the appearance of godliness but their spiritual sensitivities have been completely dulled by their love affair with a prostitute - they sleep, completely unaware of God and His ways.
There was a group in that meeting that had already chosen to disconnect from God. They heard the call of the woman and chose to heed her, turning aside from God in order to fulfill their own soulish desires. This leader was part of the group. Instead of embracing the radical call of discipleship that leads through the cross, the women offered an easier way. She seductively spoke of worth and value in a way that resonated with the innate desire for significance. The desires of the heart were available without the great cost demanded by God.
Now...there was a slight cost in heeding the woman as well. In order to obtain what the woman offered, there was a slight caveat. One must disconnect from God in order to receive her benefits. On the other hand, she does offer an appearance of godliness, a godliness so fashioned after the real thing that most people will never notice the differance. Scripture refers to those who slumber in relation to their connection with God. They may possess the appearance of godliness but their spiritual sensitivities have been completely dulled by their love affair with a prostitute - they sleep, completely unaware of God and His ways.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
love...and the woman
When God created Adam and Eve, scripture tells us that they were "naked and not ashamed". This speaks of total intimacy - transparency of heart, soul, and body. Perhaps another word to describe this intimacy would be love. From this basis of love, healthy sexuality results. It was the way God intended it to be - intimacy - spiritual, emotional, and physical love that led to life and fruitfulness.
The prostitute offers sexuality, a quick gratification of immediate desires. However, emotional and spiritual intimacy are missing from the equation. It is not love, rather it is a cheap substitute of God's plan. In my interaction with men who have ceased battling sexual temptations and given themselves over to the sin, I have noticed a common theme. To a man, they have become foolish, unable to discern wisely about the issues of life. They become consumed by the woman and what she can do for them.
And so it is with those who choose the bed of the woman spoken of in the book of Revelation. While there may be activities that would seem to indicate that love exists, the reality of the situation is that the genuine love for people is non-existant. Jesus said that because of lawlessness, the love of many would grow could. Lawlessness is simply anything that is done outside of God's parameters.
When we heed the subtle whispers of woman and choose her bed, we depart from the ways of God - lawlessness. As such, we become loveless. We adopt the characteristics of the woman instead of having the mind of Christ. Our "love" becomes cold toward those whom Christ loves; our focus becomes the woman and the gratification she offers.
The prostitute offers sexuality, a quick gratification of immediate desires. However, emotional and spiritual intimacy are missing from the equation. It is not love, rather it is a cheap substitute of God's plan. In my interaction with men who have ceased battling sexual temptations and given themselves over to the sin, I have noticed a common theme. To a man, they have become foolish, unable to discern wisely about the issues of life. They become consumed by the woman and what she can do for them.
And so it is with those who choose the bed of the woman spoken of in the book of Revelation. While there may be activities that would seem to indicate that love exists, the reality of the situation is that the genuine love for people is non-existant. Jesus said that because of lawlessness, the love of many would grow could. Lawlessness is simply anything that is done outside of God's parameters.
When we heed the subtle whispers of woman and choose her bed, we depart from the ways of God - lawlessness. As such, we become loveless. We adopt the characteristics of the woman instead of having the mind of Christ. Our "love" becomes cold toward those whom Christ loves; our focus becomes the woman and the gratification she offers.
Monday, July 11, 2011
the woman
I’ve been thinking a lot about the woman lately. She is no ordinary hooker with cheap perfume and skimpy clothes standing on a street corner peddling her assets. No – she is different, more respectable, with more class. Her clientele tend to be more upscale – politicians, businessmen, and church leaders. For many of her clients, being in bed with her elicits no shame; rather, they view their relationship with her as an honor.
The book of Revelation, speaks of the woman; her wealth, her extravagant lifestyle as well as of her arrogance and her anger toward those who refuse to be seduced by her charms. She especially despises the saints; those who follow Jesus. In fact through the years she has been responsible for the death of the martyrs of Jesus. On the other hand, to those who yield to her enchantment, she rewards with the desires of their soul. She bestows wealth, honor, and power upon those who will become one with her.
There is a slight caveat to her “blessings”. Just like any prostitute she expects something in return for her services. While she promises to and is willing to satisfy any desire one may have, she does not perform her services because she loves her clientele. No – her driving motivation is more sinister – the control of those whom she seduces. While they may receive the immediate benefit they desire, the long-term result is one of bondage. And like any other prostitute, she can offer no more than a cheap substitute of the real thing. Her “intimacy” never results in the giving of life.
I have seen people recognize the seductiveness of her charms and choose to distance themselves from her. She doesn’t become immediately angry; she simply waits. She knows that for those who have tasted of her offerings and have chosen to walk away, the time comes when they won’t know how to act without her. At that moment she begins to seductively whisper to their soul. She dresses a bit differently, wears a new fragrance designed to speak to the specific desires of the human soul. And so they return to her bed. As they once again give themselves to her seductions, she whispers welcoming words that assuage the longing of their soul.
Those who recognize that she is nothing more than a cheap disease-laden whore, promising what only God can truly give, become the target of her wrath. She quickly enlists her clientele to do her dirty work, using them to destroy the ones who refuse to succumb to her. She will utilize whatever means needed to wreak havoc in the lives of those who resist her. Her clientele that do her bidding in the attempt to destroy the followers of Jesus will be especially rewarded by her.
However, if we read Revelation, we discover that her destruction will happen. It will be rapid and severe. Her clientele will be left with nothing; only a deep sense of mourning and loss. On that day, their allegiance to someone other than the Creator will be evident for all to see.
The book of Revelation, speaks of the woman; her wealth, her extravagant lifestyle as well as of her arrogance and her anger toward those who refuse to be seduced by her charms. She especially despises the saints; those who follow Jesus. In fact through the years she has been responsible for the death of the martyrs of Jesus. On the other hand, to those who yield to her enchantment, she rewards with the desires of their soul. She bestows wealth, honor, and power upon those who will become one with her.
There is a slight caveat to her “blessings”. Just like any prostitute she expects something in return for her services. While she promises to and is willing to satisfy any desire one may have, she does not perform her services because she loves her clientele. No – her driving motivation is more sinister – the control of those whom she seduces. While they may receive the immediate benefit they desire, the long-term result is one of bondage. And like any other prostitute, she can offer no more than a cheap substitute of the real thing. Her “intimacy” never results in the giving of life.
I have seen people recognize the seductiveness of her charms and choose to distance themselves from her. She doesn’t become immediately angry; she simply waits. She knows that for those who have tasted of her offerings and have chosen to walk away, the time comes when they won’t know how to act without her. At that moment she begins to seductively whisper to their soul. She dresses a bit differently, wears a new fragrance designed to speak to the specific desires of the human soul. And so they return to her bed. As they once again give themselves to her seductions, she whispers welcoming words that assuage the longing of their soul.
Those who recognize that she is nothing more than a cheap disease-laden whore, promising what only God can truly give, become the target of her wrath. She quickly enlists her clientele to do her dirty work, using them to destroy the ones who refuse to succumb to her. She will utilize whatever means needed to wreak havoc in the lives of those who resist her. Her clientele that do her bidding in the attempt to destroy the followers of Jesus will be especially rewarded by her.
However, if we read Revelation, we discover that her destruction will happen. It will be rapid and severe. Her clientele will be left with nothing; only a deep sense of mourning and loss. On that day, their allegiance to someone other than the Creator will be evident for all to see.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
sola scriptura 2
As I am growing older, I am become more convinced of the power of the scriptures. There have been several transformational experiences in my life. One of them began to occur when I was reading the words of Jesus in gospels. The Holy Spirit whispered in my heart - Hear it like they heard it. As I began to remove my filter given me by Christendom, personal transformation began to occur. I discovered that for years, instead of allow the scriptures to speak to and shape me, I spoke to the scripture and attempted to shape them.
It is a fearful thing to allow the scriptures to speak to us in an unfiltered manner. I still feel the discomfort at times. Part of the problem is that so much of the belief system given us by Christendom does not align with the scriptures. Our understanding of salvation, the gospel, heaven and hell, have all been skewed by the unscriptural belief system. The problem arises at that point of discomfort. Will I stubbornly cling to the accepted beliefs or will I choose to be transformed? Will I lay aside my filter to be changed by the written word?
Several years ago I had a conversation with an acquaintance. He spoke to me about his difficulty with my unfiltered reading of the scriptures. In the conversation he mentioned that there were people who were convinced that I was deceived. When I asked why these people refused to speak to me about my "deception" I was shocked at his answer. He replied that they say "you know the Bible better than they do and therefore they do not want to discuss your deception!
Apparently my "deception" is not about my beliefs being shaped by scripture but rather how my putting scripture into practice exposes their own unscriptural beliefs. The words of Jesus as He quoted Isaiah ring true - This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.
While it is a fearful thing to allow the scriptures to speak to us, they will also be a mighty instrument of transformation in the hand of God. Read the scriptures unfiltered. Hear the words as the original hearers would have heard them.
It is a fearful thing to allow the scriptures to speak to us in an unfiltered manner. I still feel the discomfort at times. Part of the problem is that so much of the belief system given us by Christendom does not align with the scriptures. Our understanding of salvation, the gospel, heaven and hell, have all been skewed by the unscriptural belief system. The problem arises at that point of discomfort. Will I stubbornly cling to the accepted beliefs or will I choose to be transformed? Will I lay aside my filter to be changed by the written word?
Several years ago I had a conversation with an acquaintance. He spoke to me about his difficulty with my unfiltered reading of the scriptures. In the conversation he mentioned that there were people who were convinced that I was deceived. When I asked why these people refused to speak to me about my "deception" I was shocked at his answer. He replied that they say "you know the Bible better than they do and therefore they do not want to discuss your deception!
Apparently my "deception" is not about my beliefs being shaped by scripture but rather how my putting scripture into practice exposes their own unscriptural beliefs. The words of Jesus as He quoted Isaiah ring true - This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.
While it is a fearful thing to allow the scriptures to speak to us, they will also be a mighty instrument of transformation in the hand of God. Read the scriptures unfiltered. Hear the words as the original hearers would have heard them.
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