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Post by stillfocused on Mar 27, 2006 20:12:46 GMT -5
Lately, I have been questioning alot of the things that we do in the name of Jesus. Last night I had a small group meeting and the topic was leading to the Lord. I admiit it's one of my weaknesses. While sitting there listening to someone say..please try this exercise..I realized that because of the many programs, methods, tricks, and gimmics that is used to bring others into the saving grace of Jesus..there's a bigger picture that we don't always see. Just maybe because salvation has become too complicated for many, What has happened to praying for the hearts of those one wants to see accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord ? What has happened to the spirit of conviction ? Has accepting Jesus become so simple that when many accept him..that they don't put off the old man; while making a slight attempt to walk into the new beginning ? Has the word of God lost it' power to bring healing, deliverance, and salvation..I say "No". It's with the children of God tell others you can saved, continue to smoke your weed, continue to party (after 3 yrs), it's all okay. God doesn't mind. What is true evangelism ? And how we evangelize a lost and dying world who wants nothing to do with our God ? By the way when is the last time you lead someone to the Lord..where an exhortation or quota was given to you to win someone this week ?
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G3
Full Member
Let The Holy Ghost Show You The Way
Posts: 158
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Post by G3 on Mar 28, 2006 22:19:29 GMT -5
Focused, all we can do is let our light shine before man that they see our good works that glorifies the Father in heaven. Through our good works they may acknowledge our good wqrks, but we know it's not us, But Christ, who is that Light, that shine so brightly through us. As we walk in wisdom in the presence of those who are in darkness, we redeen the time. For our natural time in this world is just a vapor. A poof if you please. So as we occupy this place and time, let us forever be ready to give an answer in response to those who ask us a question concerning our faith. We are epistles read by all the world. Let us forever allow the Holy Spirit through these chasted vessels of honor, who have put away the form deeds of the flesh minister to and convict the world of sin, rightiousness, and judgement.
Focused, you feeling the urgency of the Spirit. You're ready to burst in the spirit. You can't contain that what has been deposit in your spirit man by the Holy Spirit. Cry and spare not!!
Just as in the days of the kings of Judah and Isreal. The divided kingdoms. Some good. Some bad. The bad forsaked their God and worshipped Baal in every grove and under every tree and atop every hill there was a shrine. such evil was commit under the sun before the Almighty. With the good there was yet a division. They were good and did that was good and right in the of the Lord. They sougth the Lord and He heard them and delivered them from all their fears. O how they sought to please Him. But of the two that did good and right in the sight of the Lord, yet one, he "failed in removing the former things of the flesh. The "high places and groves". The places where they once worshipped Baal and the flesh. The former way of living. Though he sought the God of King David, yet he held onto the objects and places of flesh nor did he destroyed the form appearences of evil.
Today we can relate the church to the former things of the flesh. In our services we still display the ways of the world in language, dress, dance, and even our music melodies that we borrowed from the world and attacted to gospel lyrics. We gyrate and move as the former ways of the flesh and of the world. O how has that "old serpant slidered into our gatherings to decieve many to compromise the Holiness of the Almighty in our words and deeds. O how seared and callous our conscience has become because of silence and partaking with those that call compromise a NEW THING. Have we fallen so greatly into slumber that we have compromise our young for the sake of numbers? O how have we permitted that abomination to burn "strange fires before the alter and the congragation of angels.
Because of this compromise and silence of the prophets and priests of the congragation shall a thunder be heard from His place of habitation. From His place of dwelling shall sound and a quake be heard and felt through out the people. His voice shall ehco from one end to the nexts. The people shall tremble and shake because of this voice.
In the twilight shall they come from their quiet caves and wilderness. Slowly shall they rise from their places of preparing of the soul and spirit. As a still small voice shall they began to speak defying all that is religious and norm. From a sound to a thunder of clappings shall they be heard on the Mount of the Almighty. Though they be few that echos, but their voices shall be heard as one.
This voice that will echo will be a familiar voice. A voice that was heard in the wilderness. This same voice was heard by the Jordan river. Saying repent and return unto the God of your Salvation. Repent! all you that are weary from abandoning your FIRST LOVE. Yes, this is the voice of him that was spoken of old that shall cry and not sparing. Be turned to your Father as the Father is turned to you!! In the spirit of Elijah and the boldness of John shall they come as one.
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Post by krazeeboi on Mar 29, 2006 4:30:32 GMT -5
Today, evangelism and apologetics practically go hand in hand. So many believers are ill-equipped to defend the faith we attempt to present, we go away heavy-hearted when an unbeliever challenges us and we don't have an answer.
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Post by anointedteacher on Mar 29, 2006 9:01:07 GMT -5
Today, evangelism and apologetics practically go hand in hand. So many believers are ill-equipped to defend the faith we attempt to present, we go away heavy-hearted when an unbeliever challenges us and we don't have an answer. KB... What you saying is true.... But leading someone to the Lord, who actually want to be saved, is simple.... The problem is.... what happen next? The Believer who led the person to the Lord, may not be the one who teaches, and help that person to grow in Christ. That's why a newly babe in Christ need to be placed into a Bible believing Church that will take time to parent the new babe. Some churches have New Believer Class, to feed those who just starting out the milk of the Gospel. Some assigns elders, deacon/ess or spiritual parent to them, so they can get one on one attention and counseling. The reason why some continuing in their world mess.... because we don't teaches Holiness, Righteousness and to separate from the World and sin. We became man pleaser, thinking that we may loose a soul if we tell them the truth. When I was in College, many students came to Know Jesus and accepted Him as their personal Saviour. They were taught Once Saved Always Saved Doctrine and many continue to fornication, listening to ungodly music, movies and Parties etc. They didn't need to even repent, because they feel they can't loose their salvation. Holiness and righteousness was not being taught... only read your Bible and Pray. They were also taught that speaking in tongue, healing etc. wasn't for today. AT |
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Post by stillfocused on Mar 29, 2006 21:27:09 GMT -5
To everyone who responded..thank you so much !! ATT you made some very interesting comments; and I agree. Yet, what has become even more scarier is that people are in these classes; yet, there is no true accountability. So, even though they have only been saved for a minute; they are being told to win someone to the Lord..and placed in ministry positions were their lives are visible and on display. ATT..the same problem remains today..get saved and because God is so loving he will give generously of his grace. We know that where there is sin that graces abounds..yet, what happened to letting it been known of this portion of scripture " shall we continue to sin, God forbid". Yes, I am seeing some wacky things and hearing wacky things. Sometimes, I wonder how many can think that what happened in the Old Testament does not apply to the New Covenant Believer. Continue to endorse that Christ died for my sins; yet, please don't tell me I can lose my salvation or better, yet, don't question if I am really saved. Sunday I challenged the women in my group by letting them know that because the church does resemble the world..many say what do I want to get saved ? You're doing the same things I am doing. I realize that "having a form of godliness and denying the power there of"..is so true. Sometimes I feel it's shame that many are trying to evanglize the world..when they themselves need an up and personal encounter with Jesus Christ. Krazeeboi..you're right many are not equipped to tell others why they believe what they do. It's true it's our lives that will win them; and not our many words..
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Post by krazeeboi on Mar 29, 2006 21:38:24 GMT -5
Yet, what has become even more scarier is that people are in these classes; yet, there is no true accountability. EXCELLENT point here. I think this is the REAL reason why we see so many "Christians" and not many true disciples, and this goes beyond a doctrinal system. The only difference is that in many of our churches (which can be rather legalistic in some ways), they sneak away and do their dirt and come to church and put on a facade of holiness. This thing cuts both ways, and we need to get to the root of it. And the megachurch syndrome today doesn't really help either. |
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Post by Nikkol on Mar 29, 2006 22:02:55 GMT -5
Piggybacking on KRAXEE- The "ministry of transparency"..... being honest..... being real.... that's what is missing in many ministries.... and being that churches for the most part are now seen as a business doesn't help..........
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Post by stillfocused on Apr 2, 2006 12:59:28 GMT -5
Being transparent is the willingness to allow others to see one as they really are. So many times while shouting, dancing, and yes, quoting scripture many have a form of godliness; yet, the power that is needed to walk in victory is in many cases is missing. When everything is made to be ministry or an act to have salvation. The many faces of being made new, fascades of how victorious we are tend to arise..when all it is our own self righteousness.
Krazee.. spoke the truth when he posted that there is no true discipleship. What is biblical discipleship ? and do we (the church) encourage others to live their lives in a way that is pleasing to God ? We spend alot of time ministering and encouraging one another; calling it discipleship. We have many books, programs (G12 and cell group) established to bring about discipleship..yet, to who? the unsaved ? and one another ? What happens to the unchurched, the disinfranchised, the hurt, the wounded, those that have been scattered, and the backslidden ? And while it is true that churches are seen as business; because sadly many of our Pastors have gotten bigger visions while their congregations are getting smaller; trying to make a name for themselves; all rooted in the spirit of pride. Maybe it's time for the body of Christ to submit their ways, their thoughts, and yes, even their wills to the Lord.
G3...you're right the spirit of compromise is rampant and widely accepted in our churches. The Holy Spirit speaks write a new song..the new song is written awesome worshipful lyrics and the melody of Shake Your Grove Thing..because someone had the bright idea they knew better than the Holy Spirit. And it's true that no one is preaching repentance and sadly because so many stand before their congregations speaking messages of self-help using the Bible, You can do all things through Christ as he has strengthened you, you can have all that Bible promises you just declare it to be so, and one of my favorites..you don't know what the Lord has done for me..I got a new..., I got a big..., I got..., I got..and I got... and sadly, for many that the extend of their evangelism. No words of truth, of liberation, or repentance. And sadly enough many people "come the Lord" because they have been promised the war; with no expectations that suffering will occur. In the book of 1 Corinthians Paul begins to exhorts the Corinthians in the first chapter as there have been arguments of who was of who..this continues on into 1 Corinthians 3; beginning at verse 1 he begins to let them know that they are acting as mere men..starting at verse 4 he asks the questions in the following passage of scripture:
4For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
5Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? 6I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. 10According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
13Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
14If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
16Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
17If any man defile the temple of God,
4For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
5Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
6I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
7So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
8Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
9For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
10According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
11For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
13Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
14If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
16Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
17If any man defile the temple of God,
4For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
5Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
6I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
7So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
8Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
9For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
10According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
11For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
13Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
14If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
16Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
17If any man defile the temple of God,
4For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
5Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
6I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
7So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
8Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
9For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
10According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
11For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. It seems that in our building that the cornerstone of what we are to build is forgotten..as build on every kind of foundations possible..including our own.
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