Hello! I'm still here. Well, where else would I go? There is no where I can go where God is not. My journey has continued and it's been an adventure. I know this will continue the rest of my life. I am amazed at where I am now, spiritually speaking.
I want to recall to the best of my ability, my journey. I have always gone to church, at least for the majority of my life. I am happy for the people who go and receive help. In my case, I know the "church" is not the best place for me.
My sister just related to me yesterday a recent event in her life. My father was preaching at the church he attends. He asked my sister to come and hear him preach. She and her husband drove about 5 hours to go to see him and hear him preach. She told me that my father worked it into his sermon about how some people don't go to church. He went on to state that he could not understand how any Christian would not go to church.
My father has two daughters that do not go to church. My sister's journey is different than mine. It was a period of time during which I was understanding the "church" is no longer Christ's church. In some instances it is barely "Christian". As one person put it, "the world has gotten so churchy and the church so worldly, you can't tell them apart." That was stated a couple decades ago.
I am not sure when I first started realizing that I needed to leave the church. I will relate one of the first times, I felt convicted about something that happened in church was not of God. The pastor at the church I attended was doing a sermon series on prayer. Not just prayer really, but "circle maker" prayer. He told the story of Honi, the circle maker and his prayer for rain. Something about it all did not sit quite right, but I trusted the church, so put those squirmy feelings aside. At the end of the sermon, we were told to write on a small piece of paper that we were given. We were then instructed to line up and put them on these bulletin boards that were to the sides of the platform. I felt like I should not do this. I did not know why. Just felt really yukky about it all. Unfortunately, I did not listen to my gut feelings, but lined up like the rest of the sheeple and did as I was instructed. After all, what's wrong with saying you will pray 10 minutes a day. I prayed far more than that a day, so what was the big deal?
Every week following, during that series, I would want to go up to the platform and yank off my paper piece. I didn't want to have to answer why, if anyone confronted me, so I never did. But every week I was convicted, and every week was miserable because I knew I had disobeyed God. I obeyed a man instead of God.
It was quite a few years, before I found out what the big deal was. It was defilement. You may think that is a strong word to use, but it is accurate. The pastor was using a sermon series from the book called the "Circlemaker". Here's an excerpt from the webpage of Mark Batterson: " “Drawing prayer circles around our dreams isn’t just a mechanism
whereby we accomplish great things for God. It’s a mechanism whereby God
accomplishes great things in us.” Do you ever sense that there’s far
more to prayer, and to God’s vision for your life, than what you’re
experiencing? It’s time you learned from the legend of Honi the Circle
Maker—a man bold enough to draw a circle in the sand and not budge from
inside it until God answered his prayers for his people. What impossibly
big dream is God calling you to draw a prayer circle around? Sharing
inspiring stories from his own experiences as a circle maker, Mark
Batterson will help you uncover your heart’s deepest desires and
God-given dreams and unleash them through the kind of audacious prayer
that God delights to answer."
Sounds innocent enough doesn't it? But, where did the story of the Circlemaker come from? It came from an old legend from the Talmud. It has nothing to do with Christianity. It does, however, have much in common with paganism. (Oh, there's a big shock, as so much of what happens in churches these days has common roots in paganism) To be brief, the Talmud is the oral traditions. We have the written word of God. The Talmud does not have authority in the Christian's life. Or shouldn't have as we can go to the written word of God for our questions. There is a lot of information on the Talmud online, if you want more information.
But why is in wrong to draw a circle around yourself to pray? There is so many reason, but let's begin with the Words of Jesus. Jesus' disciples came to Him and asked Him to teach them to pray. If drawing a circle was important, Jesus surely would have said to do so. No, He said to pray "Our Father, who are in heaven, hallowed be thy name..." You surely know the rest. We have an accurate history of Jesus' life on earth. Some of His prayers are recorded for us. Yet it is not recorded that He ever drew a circle. When Lazarus died and he had been dead for 3 days, Jesus came on the scene. He merely said "Come forth". No circles, no threats to stay in the circle until God answered His prayers.
Did you know that in witchcraft and wicca they use magick circles? It's an occult way to pray. Mark Batterson, in the Circlemaker, is teaching Christians an occult way to pray. Yikes! That's serious stuff, isn't it? A few years ago, many churches were teaching this. Church can be a scary place. This is just one of many examples that I will be giving as I try to recount my journey out of churchianity and into Biblical life. If Jesus didn't do it, I want no part of it. However, I do want to be conformed into the image of Christ. He is my example, and my shepherd. I follow Him.
I do want to offer a prayer for anyone who has been defiled by the "Circlemaker" prayer. Perhaps you read the book, or were in a service where you were encouraged to pray this new way.
You can pray this: Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me for praying a 'circlemaker' prayer. Forgive me for listening to the lies of the enemy. Forgive me for taking part in pagan ways of praying. Forgive me for trying to manipulate You into doing what I wanted. Please help me to learn your ways, and to follow the ways your son, Jesus, taught when He was on the earth. Thank you for all the good examples that are set forth in your Holy Word, the Bible. Help me to read it and learn from it. I ask you to take any and all authority that I gave the enemy by participating in the "Circlemaker" prayer teachings and any other pagan teachings, and put that authority back under the authority of Jesus Christ. Help me to have only one Father, you, and help me to stay under the shadow of your wings. Amen
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Saturday, November 11, 2017
Sunday, March 1, 2015
How to Reach Them
Today I was listening to a podcast about how Christians are being martyred in other countries. The same week that the attack on Paris took place, there was another terrorist attack. Very few newscasts gave it more than a passing byword. 12 people were killed in Paris, in Nigeria the bodies were too many to count. Why did the one in Paris get all the publicity and Nigeria got none? Both are tragic events.
It is sad that the world doesn't care about the slaughter in Nigeria. What is downright despicable is that the church in the USA is not rising to the task of helping the refugees. The churches aren't talking about this. The church is asleep. Not a little catnap, but a deep slumber.
My mind cries out to God, "If the church will not help, what can we do?" I felt like God said, then you take it to the people. For those of us who have empathy for the plight of our fellow humans, it is time to take action.
I know that we can pray and that is always the best course of action.
I believe there are other things we can do as well.
I will be praying about this and will do an update to this post soon.
It is sad that the world doesn't care about the slaughter in Nigeria. What is downright despicable is that the church in the USA is not rising to the task of helping the refugees. The churches aren't talking about this. The church is asleep. Not a little catnap, but a deep slumber.
My mind cries out to God, "If the church will not help, what can we do?" I felt like God said, then you take it to the people. For those of us who have empathy for the plight of our fellow humans, it is time to take action.
I know that we can pray and that is always the best course of action.
I believe there are other things we can do as well.
I will be praying about this and will do an update to this post soon.
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Social Issues and the Church
I listen to a lot of podcasts. Some of the podcasts that I listen to are in no particular order: Sheila Zilinsky, TruNews (Rick Wiles), Hagmann & Hagmann, and the Power Hour. I especially like when Ted Broer is hosting the Power Hour. I am mentioning this because one of the podcasts I listened to yesterday had a portion about another Barna Study. This was the study that I had been looking for when I wrote yesterday's blog. Some of my favorite guests on the above podcasts are Steve Quayle, Timothy Alberino, Ted Broer, Nathan Leal, Jonathan Cahn, Pastor Lankford, Augusto Perez, LA Marzulli, and Russ Dizdar. Of course, I don't agree completely with any of them, but these are people who make me think. That helps me research and delve into deeper studies of what the Bible says.
The study that I heard about was about why Pastors don't touch the social issues of our day. You can read the study at: Barna Study Regarding Controversy
I have often wondered why pastors in America don't talk about the issues of the day. I know some do and to those I say Kudos! I had somewhat come to the conclusion that they just weren't aware of what was going on. I know that sounds very simplistic. I wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt.
According to this study 90% of them state that "the Bible speaks to every one of the issues." Less than 10% will speak to the issues. "When researchers ask those pastors what else they are willing to do to get their people active in the political process, Barna said 'it's almost nothing.' "
Why? Why would this be? "
"Why the disconnect? According to Barna, the answer is simple. He suggests asking pastors how someone would know if their church is "successful" – which he did.
'There are five factors that the vast majority of pastors turn to [when asked that question]," he explained. "Attendance, giving, number of programs, number of staff, and square footage.' "
What? Huh? Are you kidding me? I do not believe that you can find backing for any of this in the Bible. Somehow, I think that God's idea of a successful church is far different. Here are some things that the Bible says about what the church is to do: the gates of hell will not prevail against the church, laying down our lives for another, known by our love for one another, knowing the Word of God (Bible), having mature Christians, going into the world and making disciples of all nations, the gospel preached to every tribe and tongue (every people group), having the fruit of the Spirit, having gifts of the Spirit, knowing what Christ did for us, not being afraid to die for the gospel. Of course this list could go on and on, but you get the idea.
The study that I heard about was about why Pastors don't touch the social issues of our day. You can read the study at: Barna Study Regarding Controversy
I have often wondered why pastors in America don't talk about the issues of the day. I know some do and to those I say Kudos! I had somewhat come to the conclusion that they just weren't aware of what was going on. I know that sounds very simplistic. I wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt.
According to this study 90% of them state that "the Bible speaks to every one of the issues." Less than 10% will speak to the issues. "When researchers ask those pastors what else they are willing to do to get their people active in the political process, Barna said 'it's almost nothing.' "
Why? Why would this be? "
"Why the disconnect? According to Barna, the answer is simple. He suggests asking pastors how someone would know if their church is "successful" – which he did.
'There are five factors that the vast majority of pastors turn to [when asked that question]," he explained. "Attendance, giving, number of programs, number of staff, and square footage.' "
What? Huh? Are you kidding me? I do not believe that you can find backing for any of this in the Bible. Somehow, I think that God's idea of a successful church is far different. Here are some things that the Bible says about what the church is to do: the gates of hell will not prevail against the church, laying down our lives for another, known by our love for one another, knowing the Word of God (Bible), having mature Christians, going into the world and making disciples of all nations, the gospel preached to every tribe and tongue (every people group), having the fruit of the Spirit, having gifts of the Spirit, knowing what Christ did for us, not being afraid to die for the gospel. Of course this list could go on and on, but you get the idea.
Saturday, February 21, 2015
What People Are Looking for in a Church
If you have been reading my blog for any length of time, you know how much I dislike statistics. I am finding though that I like the Barna Group. They do studies and research things. Generally speaking, they are considered honest and trustworthy.
Earlier today I heard about a 2 year study that Barna did. However, while looking for that study I found another one that I found extremely interesting. We, Christians, have been told by our Pastors that the reason we do things the way we do is to draw in the unchurched. This often means worshipping in the semi-dark, with lead worshippers on a stage, whiich is usually lit with spotlights. It may mean low lighting during the "sermon". It may mean have an auditorium look as opposed to a sanctuary. Most of the churches I have been to, it means LOUD music. Even during the times that are allotted for the churchgoers to visit with one another, the music blares. Conversation may be nearly impossible. The above is why I find this study so very interesting.
Barna study on church
I urge you to go to the website and look at it. I think you will find in interesting.
One part I am going to post here as I find these results very revealing,
Participators in the survey were ask to choose the word that describes their "ideal" church. Here are the results:
• Community, 78% was selected over privacy, 22%
• Sanctuary, 77% (auditorium, 23%)
• Classic, 67% (trendy, 33%)
• Quiet, 65% (loud, 35%)
• Casual, 64% (dignified, 36%)
• Modern, 60% (traditional, 40%)
So it seems that what is "really" wanted in "church" is the more traditional look. The churches that spend much money renovating the churches may have wasted their money. It seems people want to go to "church" not a nondescript place. I think that people may not like the "pretense". It seems that people do want a modern feel without being trendy. I understand why people like "casual" is more inclusive overall.
I found this study thought-provoking.
Earlier today I heard about a 2 year study that Barna did. However, while looking for that study I found another one that I found extremely interesting. We, Christians, have been told by our Pastors that the reason we do things the way we do is to draw in the unchurched. This often means worshipping in the semi-dark, with lead worshippers on a stage, whiich is usually lit with spotlights. It may mean low lighting during the "sermon". It may mean have an auditorium look as opposed to a sanctuary. Most of the churches I have been to, it means LOUD music. Even during the times that are allotted for the churchgoers to visit with one another, the music blares. Conversation may be nearly impossible. The above is why I find this study so very interesting.
Barna study on church
I urge you to go to the website and look at it. I think you will find in interesting.
One part I am going to post here as I find these results very revealing,
Participators in the survey were ask to choose the word that describes their "ideal" church. Here are the results:
• Community, 78% was selected over privacy, 22%
• Sanctuary, 77% (auditorium, 23%)
• Classic, 67% (trendy, 33%)
• Quiet, 65% (loud, 35%)
• Casual, 64% (dignified, 36%)
• Modern, 60% (traditional, 40%)
So it seems that what is "really" wanted in "church" is the more traditional look. The churches that spend much money renovating the churches may have wasted their money. It seems people want to go to "church" not a nondescript place. I think that people may not like the "pretense". It seems that people do want a modern feel without being trendy. I understand why people like "casual" is more inclusive overall.
I found this study thought-provoking.
Monday, February 9, 2015
How I Know My Heart is Cold
Before I continue with my story, I want to tell you another story. I am putting in an excerpt of a story of a young man's life. I first heard of this story on a conference I was streaming. By that I mean I was watching it online. A young teenager was telling this story. She told it with conviction. It was easy to see that she was very moved regarding the content. She had been deeply affected for days. The man in the story was a Welsh revivalist born in 1878. His name was Evan Roberts. Here was a man who loved God with more passion than most of us can even imagine.
After his conversion, the leaders of his church wanted Evan to go to school to learn to be a minister. He did not want to go because he was afraid that he would lose the "communion" In other words, he was afraid that he would "backslide" or lose the closeness he had with God. Here is the excerpt: "“I got up Sunday. The Rev. Seth Joshua was there. Tuesday evening there was a prayer meeting, and Sydney Evans and others came to see me, and asked if I would go to the meeting. At that moment I felt the Spirit coming upon me, and so irresistible did He come that I rushed to the chapel without my topcoat. The influence began. I was ready to pray - to pray for power to the young women who were there from New Quay, lest the people should wait upon them. I had prayed for them in the house on Monday night. I was not allowed to pray publicly on Tuesday evening. That day I had asked where the devil was. I was hard. I could look at the Cross without feeling. I wept for the hardness of my heart, but could not weep for Christ. I loved the Father and the Spirit, but I did not love the Son."
How amazing is this. How many people enter churches every day, look at the cross and have no feeling. Perhaps they do not even notice it is there. This is something to ponder. It is time to search our hearts. How much of our day do we devote to God?
Here is how I know my heart has grown cold.
#1) The above. I do not weep when I see the cross. To some the very idea may seem repugnant. But I believe my heart and the hearts of my fellow Americans have grown cold.
#2) When I hear of Christians being martyred, I pause, but go on with my life. I don't cry out for God to protect them. I don't pray for those doing the killing.
#3) Regarding #2 - do I believe that God answers prayer? That He hears me and cares when I pray? If so, why don't I pray more? Why don't I pray more for my friends, family, co-workers, and people I pass by.
#4) I don't care enough about people to tell them the truth about God. I'm not talking about what we called "Bible Thumpers" in the 80s. I'm talking about sharing with people how God has changed my life.
#5) Excusing myself for sin, instead of dealing with it. For me, eating healthy and exercising are areas that I know I must heed the Lord.
#6) Hardening my heart against people that I interact with. This would include brushing someone off that wants to talk with me, or monopolizing a conversation instead of listening to what the other person has to say.
#7) Harboring unforgiveness. This isn't as much of a problem as it has been in the past. However, I felt it is a way that does show if my heart is cold.
#8) Denying that my heart has gone cold.
These are just a few ways that I have found upon self-examination. Other people may have a completely different list. I daresay that #8 is a problem for most Christians. I understand as I was there for many years. It is easier to think everything is ok with me and God than to face the areas that need change. I hope you and I will let God into our hearts and obey what He says.
After his conversion, the leaders of his church wanted Evan to go to school to learn to be a minister. He did not want to go because he was afraid that he would lose the "communion" In other words, he was afraid that he would "backslide" or lose the closeness he had with God. Here is the excerpt: "“I got up Sunday. The Rev. Seth Joshua was there. Tuesday evening there was a prayer meeting, and Sydney Evans and others came to see me, and asked if I would go to the meeting. At that moment I felt the Spirit coming upon me, and so irresistible did He come that I rushed to the chapel without my topcoat. The influence began. I was ready to pray - to pray for power to the young women who were there from New Quay, lest the people should wait upon them. I had prayed for them in the house on Monday night. I was not allowed to pray publicly on Tuesday evening. That day I had asked where the devil was. I was hard. I could look at the Cross without feeling. I wept for the hardness of my heart, but could not weep for Christ. I loved the Father and the Spirit, but I did not love the Son."
How amazing is this. How many people enter churches every day, look at the cross and have no feeling. Perhaps they do not even notice it is there. This is something to ponder. It is time to search our hearts. How much of our day do we devote to God?
Here is how I know my heart has grown cold.
#1) The above. I do not weep when I see the cross. To some the very idea may seem repugnant. But I believe my heart and the hearts of my fellow Americans have grown cold.
#2) When I hear of Christians being martyred, I pause, but go on with my life. I don't cry out for God to protect them. I don't pray for those doing the killing.
#3) Regarding #2 - do I believe that God answers prayer? That He hears me and cares when I pray? If so, why don't I pray more? Why don't I pray more for my friends, family, co-workers, and people I pass by.
#4) I don't care enough about people to tell them the truth about God. I'm not talking about what we called "Bible Thumpers" in the 80s. I'm talking about sharing with people how God has changed my life.
#5) Excusing myself for sin, instead of dealing with it. For me, eating healthy and exercising are areas that I know I must heed the Lord.
#6) Hardening my heart against people that I interact with. This would include brushing someone off that wants to talk with me, or monopolizing a conversation instead of listening to what the other person has to say.
#7) Harboring unforgiveness. This isn't as much of a problem as it has been in the past. However, I felt it is a way that does show if my heart is cold.
#8) Denying that my heart has gone cold.
These are just a few ways that I have found upon self-examination. Other people may have a completely different list. I daresay that #8 is a problem for most Christians. I understand as I was there for many years. It is easier to think everything is ok with me and God than to face the areas that need change. I hope you and I will let God into our hearts and obey what He says.
Saturday, February 7, 2015
Church: Open Letter to Church Leadership
I
heard a heartbreaking statistic today. It crushed me, I knew that it is true. I
don't like statistics because they can and often are manipulated. I
believe they are often used to manipulate people. Nevertheless when I
heard this one, it cut right to my heart. A recent poll conducted by
the Barna Group reveals that 46% of
church-going Americans claim their lives have not changed at all due to
their time spent in the pews.
A recent poll conducted by the Barna Group reveals that 46% of church-going Americans claim their lives have not changed at all due to their time spent in the pews. The Barna Group is one of the most trusted organizations for statistics.
This is appalling. However, I believe that I understand why this is true.
First of all, the church has become a form of entertainment. The un-churched are not interested in entertainment. They have real entertainment. They don't need to go be entertained on Sunday, because they have football, NASCAR, TV, movies etc.
I believe that C.H. Spurgeon had it right when he said, "A time will come when instead of shepherds feeding the sheep, the church will have clowns entertaining the goats." ~ C.H. Spurgeon
"Secondly, the church has largely turned it's back on the problems of the country and the world. Sure we may pick one or two areas we talk about here and there but we don't talk about the economy that is about to collapse, we don't talk about the Islamic infiltration of our country. We don't seem to care that villages in Niger were recently burnt, killing many Christians. Or that Christians around the world are being martyred for their faith. How about how we are sacrificing our infants on the altars of Baal and Molech? How the film industry is so filthy that the Christians should be appalled. But no, we go watch their movies, paying our money to the very people we should be denouncing. As if this is not bad enough, we export our sins to the world. No wonder Islam calls us (the USA) the whore of the world.Yet, the very fact that shariah law is creeping into the laws of this nation should make us wake up.The real tragedy is that Christians are not being prepared for what is taking place in this nation and the world. If you study history, can you see how our nation has changed? How we are becoming apostate?
If anyone reading this needs more information on how to repent of your sins and put Jesus in charge of your life, please leave a comment with your email and I will email you with more information and attempt to answer any questions you may have. I want you to know upfront that being a Christian (Christ-like one) is not easy. It is worth it, but not easy.
Of course, if this doesn't apply to you, please disregard.
Sources:
http://www.acommonword.com/
http://apprising.org/2012/02/28/john-piper-on-rick-warrens-chrislam/
A recent poll conducted by the Barna Group reveals that 46% of church-going Americans claim their lives have not changed at all due to their time spent in the pews. The Barna Group is one of the most trusted organizations for statistics.
This is appalling. However, I believe that I understand why this is true.
First of all, the church has become a form of entertainment. The un-churched are not interested in entertainment. They have real entertainment. They don't need to go be entertained on Sunday, because they have football, NASCAR, TV, movies etc.
I believe that C.H. Spurgeon had it right when he said, "A time will come when instead of shepherds feeding the sheep, the church will have clowns entertaining the goats." ~ C.H. Spurgeon
"Secondly, the church has largely turned it's back on the problems of the country and the world. Sure we may pick one or two areas we talk about here and there but we don't talk about the economy that is about to collapse, we don't talk about the Islamic infiltration of our country. We don't seem to care that villages in Niger were recently burnt, killing many Christians. Or that Christians around the world are being martyred for their faith. How about how we are sacrificing our infants on the altars of Baal and Molech? How the film industry is so filthy that the Christians should be appalled. But no, we go watch their movies, paying our money to the very people we should be denouncing. As if this is not bad enough, we export our sins to the world. No wonder Islam calls us (the USA) the whore of the world.Yet, the very fact that shariah law is creeping into the laws of this nation should make us wake up.The real tragedy is that Christians are not being prepared for what is taking place in this nation and the world. If you study history, can you see how our nation has changed? How we are becoming apostate?
What is
happening is a spiritual problem. If the church does not step up and
take action, someone else will. The church will be judged for what we
allowed to happen on our watch.
The answer is
repentance. Pure and simply, it must start with the church.
Repentance means turning away. It is not enough to says "Sorry" and go
on with the same lifestyle. It is almost impossible to tell the
church from the world. Perhaps we don't use the same swearwords, but we
dress the same, go to the same movies, use those movies inside the
church. Instead we should be like the 7 wise virgins who were preparing
and prepared for the return of the bridegroom.
I
believe that in the near future you will see a division between what
Jesus called the sheep and the goats. It is the pastor's (shepherd)
job to protect and disciple the sheep. God considers this an important
job with dire consequences for failure.
One final quote from Spurgeon:
Sin and Hell are married unless repentance proclaims the divorce." ~ C.H. Spurgeon
Repentance
is not raising your hand during an altar call (shouldn't be called
altar calls anymore) or by saying a prayer. Repentance is turning away
from sin. As was in the case of Jacob/Israel, this often involves
wrestling.Sin and Hell are married unless repentance proclaims the divorce." ~ C.H. Spurgeon
If anyone reading this needs more information on how to repent of your sins and put Jesus in charge of your life, please leave a comment with your email and I will email you with more information and attempt to answer any questions you may have. I want you to know upfront that being a Christian (Christ-like one) is not easy. It is worth it, but not easy.
Of course, if this doesn't apply to you, please disregard.
Sources:
http://www.acommonword.com/
http://apprising.org/2012/02/28/john-piper-on-rick-warrens-chrislam/
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Church: Part 2
If you haven't read part 1 of this series, I encourage you to do so.
I want to make a few things clear. I realize and understand that by writing this blog, I will likely encounter persecution and may even lose friends. However, as the Apostle Paul stated, "all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." 2 Timothy 3:12. I hear someone gasping. When you said the 'sinners prayer' to accept Jesus, did you understand that you would suffer persecution? Perhaps that is not what you thought you signed up for. Maybe you were told that accepting Jesus as your Saviour you would have a "happy ever after ending". Maybe you thought God would give you a Rolls Royce and a condo in the Florida Keys?
Let's take a look at some of the disciples of Jesus Christ. Peter, John and some of the other Apostles were beaten and jailed for spreading the Gospel. (Acts 4). Afterwards, they prayed that God would grant them even more boldness to preach the Gospel of Christ. This is a far cry from the gospel preached today that you can accept Christ today and tomorrow have a glorious life without pain.
History tells us that Peter was crucified by the Emperor Nero. Tradition says that he was crucified upside down as he did not feel worthy to die in the same manner as Jesus Christ. James was put to death by Herod Agrippa. Paul also died as a martyr.
If you think that martyrs only existed in Bible times, you should visit the Voice of the Martyrs website. http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx Christians all over the world are being martyred today.
I believe that persecution is coming to the USA. It's time to make sure you are right with God. The God of Abraham, Jacob and Isaac.
Forgetting: The idea that my life will always be a bowl of cherries.
Remembering: Jesus is the reason for life. I may end up a martyr for Christ. I must prepare for the day I meet my Saviour face to face.
I want to make a few things clear. I realize and understand that by writing this blog, I will likely encounter persecution and may even lose friends. However, as the Apostle Paul stated, "all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." 2 Timothy 3:12. I hear someone gasping. When you said the 'sinners prayer' to accept Jesus, did you understand that you would suffer persecution? Perhaps that is not what you thought you signed up for. Maybe you were told that accepting Jesus as your Saviour you would have a "happy ever after ending". Maybe you thought God would give you a Rolls Royce and a condo in the Florida Keys?
Let's take a look at some of the disciples of Jesus Christ. Peter, John and some of the other Apostles were beaten and jailed for spreading the Gospel. (Acts 4). Afterwards, they prayed that God would grant them even more boldness to preach the Gospel of Christ. This is a far cry from the gospel preached today that you can accept Christ today and tomorrow have a glorious life without pain.
History tells us that Peter was crucified by the Emperor Nero. Tradition says that he was crucified upside down as he did not feel worthy to die in the same manner as Jesus Christ. James was put to death by Herod Agrippa. Paul also died as a martyr.
If you think that martyrs only existed in Bible times, you should visit the Voice of the Martyrs website. http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx Christians all over the world are being martyred today.
I believe that persecution is coming to the USA. It's time to make sure you are right with God. The God of Abraham, Jacob and Isaac.
Forgetting: The idea that my life will always be a bowl of cherries.
Remembering: Jesus is the reason for life. I may end up a martyr for Christ. I must prepare for the day I meet my Saviour face to face.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Church: Part 1-Background
As I have stated a few times already, when I started this journey, I
had no idea where it would lead. I was born by and raised by
Christians. I went to church 3 times a week most of my growing up
years. Although I never heard it said then, it was like if the church
doors were open, you went. I never resented my parents for taking me
to church. I actually thrived on it and loved church. Looking back, I
was a Vacation Bible School addict. I went to every one I was allowed
to go to. For those unfamiliar with Vacation Bible School, it is
usually a week in the summer where for 2 hours a day ,
young ones go to church and learn about God.
I am stating all this because most of my life, I would never have believed a day would come when I would not want to go to church. Sure I'm old enough to know better, but I do not look forward to Sunday anymore. Last Sunday, I just could not make myself go to church. This has caused me to look inside, and find out why.
One of the main reasons that I have "church phobia" is that I have become "cold" by going to church. This scares me because in the book of Revelation, it is written "So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth! (Revelation 3:16). Ugh!! I do not want to be vomited out of God's mouth. No way can that be good. But even more is the fact that I love God! I want to be pleasing. But to be pleasing, I must get past lukewarm and get hot!
I know you are wondering how I can connect my 'coldness' with the church. It isn't from a lack of reading or listening. I read a lot. I also listen to many podcasts during the week. Many times on Sunday, I watch several churches as they stream over the internet. I try to incorporate what I hear into my life. I do not want to be deceived as it says in the book of James. James talks of those who hear the word but do not do it.
I see the same thing in the "church" all over the USA. We are becoming cookie cutter Christians. If we can be called Christians. Christian means "Christ-like". If we are lukewarm or cold are we "Christ-like"?
Here is what I see as "cookie cutter" churches:
Clockdown before the service begins
Dimmed lighting during worship and possibly the message.
A message from the pastor that is cute, maybe themed, but one that does not encourage maturity in Christ
People get "saved" by saying a prayer (usually the prayer is pretty much the same each Sunday)
Church goers are encouraged to go to a connect group (also called small group or cell groups)
No mention is made about "social causes", such as Christians being killed by Isis or their villages burnt in Niger, etc
Church goers bombarded with statistics to prove how good and wonderful the 'church' is
Those who have ideas outside of the 'box' get attacked
No negativism - never is anything said of things that could be construed as negative
Church leaders have titles like Lead Pastor, Senior Pastor, Worship Leader etc
Having a stage (used to be called a platform)
Those on stage look like the world
Focus on entertainment
Focus on bringing people into the 'church' as opposed to going out of the church to bring God to people.
I want to reiterate that I am not against churches. This is not about one church, it is about a trend I see in churches. I hear from people in various parts of the USA and the stories I hear have the similarities mentioned above.
Forgetting: The spirit of religion that creeps into the church and into my heart if I do not guard my heart.
Remembering: It is all about God. He didn't ask me to do all these things. He called me to love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul and mind!
I am stating all this because most of my life, I would never have believed a day would come when I would not want to go to church. Sure I'm old enough to know better, but I do not look forward to Sunday anymore. Last Sunday, I just could not make myself go to church. This has caused me to look inside, and find out why.
One of the main reasons that I have "church phobia" is that I have become "cold" by going to church. This scares me because in the book of Revelation, it is written "So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth! (Revelation 3:16). Ugh!! I do not want to be vomited out of God's mouth. No way can that be good. But even more is the fact that I love God! I want to be pleasing. But to be pleasing, I must get past lukewarm and get hot!
I know you are wondering how I can connect my 'coldness' with the church. It isn't from a lack of reading or listening. I read a lot. I also listen to many podcasts during the week. Many times on Sunday, I watch several churches as they stream over the internet. I try to incorporate what I hear into my life. I do not want to be deceived as it says in the book of James. James talks of those who hear the word but do not do it.
I see the same thing in the "church" all over the USA. We are becoming cookie cutter Christians. If we can be called Christians. Christian means "Christ-like". If we are lukewarm or cold are we "Christ-like"?
Here is what I see as "cookie cutter" churches:
Clockdown before the service begins
Dimmed lighting during worship and possibly the message.
A message from the pastor that is cute, maybe themed, but one that does not encourage maturity in Christ
People get "saved" by saying a prayer (usually the prayer is pretty much the same each Sunday)
Church goers are encouraged to go to a connect group (also called small group or cell groups)
No mention is made about "social causes", such as Christians being killed by Isis or their villages burnt in Niger, etc
Church goers bombarded with statistics to prove how good and wonderful the 'church' is
Those who have ideas outside of the 'box' get attacked
No negativism - never is anything said of things that could be construed as negative
Church leaders have titles like Lead Pastor, Senior Pastor, Worship Leader etc
Having a stage (used to be called a platform)
Those on stage look like the world
Focus on entertainment
Focus on bringing people into the 'church' as opposed to going out of the church to bring God to people.
I want to reiterate that I am not against churches. This is not about one church, it is about a trend I see in churches. I hear from people in various parts of the USA and the stories I hear have the similarities mentioned above.
Forgetting: The spirit of religion that creeps into the church and into my heart if I do not guard my heart.
Remembering: It is all about God. He didn't ask me to do all these things. He called me to love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul and mind!
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Day 13: Gap? Part 2
Verse 2 of Genesis chapter 1: "And the earth was without form and void, darkness was upon the face of the deep.
Darkness is from the word choshek (Strongs 2821) meaning dark, darkness, figuratively misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness, night, obscurity. This does not sound like something God would create. It does sound like something God could use to bring forth something beautiful.
Face is from paniym (Strongs Hebrew 6440), meaning surface, before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before or in front of, before,countenance, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of.
Deep (Strongs Hebrew 8415) - tehown-deep, depths, deep places, abyss, the deep, sea, water making a noise, a great quantity of waters and wave.
Here we have a picture of chaos. This is a situation without God. An earth that has no form, it is chaos. It's dark, filled with misery, death and wickedness. There are a lot of waters, which are noisy. It goes to the deep places, all the way to the abyss.
This is a scenario begging for help from God. I find it interesting that this is how our lives can become. When we make decisions based on our own ideas, or the "advice" of others. When we do what we think is best in our own eyes, we may find ourselves in the deep darkness. When we call upon the name of the Lord, He can move on our behalf.
It's my opinion that something happened between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2. I don't know what, but I think that what God creates is good. Something happened that took what was good and made it chaotic, wicked and full of death. The second half of the verse is full of good news.
Forgetting: The wilderness of my life in the past.
Remembering: God has so much planned for me.
Read Jeremiah 9
Darkness is from the word choshek (Strongs 2821) meaning dark, darkness, figuratively misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness, night, obscurity. This does not sound like something God would create. It does sound like something God could use to bring forth something beautiful.
Face is from paniym (Strongs Hebrew 6440), meaning surface, before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before or in front of, before,countenance, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of.
Deep (Strongs Hebrew 8415) - tehown-deep, depths, deep places, abyss, the deep, sea, water making a noise, a great quantity of waters and wave.
Here we have a picture of chaos. This is a situation without God. An earth that has no form, it is chaos. It's dark, filled with misery, death and wickedness. There are a lot of waters, which are noisy. It goes to the deep places, all the way to the abyss.
This is a scenario begging for help from God. I find it interesting that this is how our lives can become. When we make decisions based on our own ideas, or the "advice" of others. When we do what we think is best in our own eyes, we may find ourselves in the deep darkness. When we call upon the name of the Lord, He can move on our behalf.
It's my opinion that something happened between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2. I don't know what, but I think that what God creates is good. Something happened that took what was good and made it chaotic, wicked and full of death. The second half of the verse is full of good news.
Forgetting: The wilderness of my life in the past.
Remembering: God has so much planned for me.
Read Jeremiah 9
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Day 12: Genesis 1:1-1:2 gap?
Is there a gap between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2? Many theologians believe that there is. In Genesis 1:1 God created the heavens and the earth. In verse 1:2, the earth is without form and void and darkness was on the face of the deep. The word for form is tohuw (Strongs hebrew 8414). It means lie waste, desolate, worthless. It can also mean vain, confusion, nothing or wilderness.
Void is from bohuw (Strongs 922). It means empty, a vacuity, empty or void.
This poses the question, did God create something so undesirable? Perhaps the question is could He create something that was worthless? God can do anything, so He could. But would He? I think the argument could be made that it is presented in an order. If this were the case verse 2 should come before verse 1. However, if that were the case then where did the formless and void place come from?
I believe that God is a God of order. So perhaps verse 1 is a statement of what happened and verse 2 begins the description of how it happened.
No matter which way you believe, you have to deal with something worthless being there.
If there is a gap, what happened during that time? How long was the gap? Why didn't God intervene? I do not believe we will ever know this side of eternity.
If there was a gap, it may help to bridge the distance between the age of the world, as seen by the world and the church view. It could be a day or millions of years.
As this is not something that I consider as a doctrinal issue, I mention it. I tend to subscribe to the gap theory. I think it is likely that the fall of satan and 1/3 of the angels happened during this time. When he was cast out of heaven, Isaiah states that lucifer did weaken the nations. (Isaiah 14:12) He was cast out into the earth (Revelation 12:9). Revelation 12:12 says 'woe to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea! For the devil is come down unto you having great wrath, because he knows he has a short time.'
Void is from bohuw (Strongs 922). It means empty, a vacuity, empty or void.
This poses the question, did God create something so undesirable? Perhaps the question is could He create something that was worthless? God can do anything, so He could. But would He? I think the argument could be made that it is presented in an order. If this were the case verse 2 should come before verse 1. However, if that were the case then where did the formless and void place come from?
I believe that God is a God of order. So perhaps verse 1 is a statement of what happened and verse 2 begins the description of how it happened.
No matter which way you believe, you have to deal with something worthless being there.
If there is a gap, what happened during that time? How long was the gap? Why didn't God intervene? I do not believe we will ever know this side of eternity.
If there was a gap, it may help to bridge the distance between the age of the world, as seen by the world and the church view. It could be a day or millions of years.
As this is not something that I consider as a doctrinal issue, I mention it. I tend to subscribe to the gap theory. I think it is likely that the fall of satan and 1/3 of the angels happened during this time. When he was cast out of heaven, Isaiah states that lucifer did weaken the nations. (Isaiah 14:12) He was cast out into the earth (Revelation 12:9). Revelation 12:12 says 'woe to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea! For the devil is come down unto you having great wrath, because he knows he has a short time.'
Forgetting: That I think I know about God. That I think I know all His ways and wisdom.
Remembering: God's ways are higher than my ways, His thoughts are not my thoughts. He promises to give me all things pertaining to life and godliness.
Day 11: In The Beginning
Forgetting: Any thought that usurps the place of God on the throne of my heart.
Genesis 1:1 states: 'In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.'
This is probably one of the first few verses I memorized at a young age. It is pretty self-explanatory. However, there are a few points I would like to make.
The Hebrew word for beginning is re'shiyth: the first, in place, time, order or rank. Strong's 7225.
So what was it the beginning of? I believe it was the beginning of time as we know it. This is just my belief, it is not something I can prove. Thus it is not something I hold as a truth. In Revelations 1:8, Jesus says: ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, saith the Lord, which is, and was, and which is to come, says the Almighty.‘
We know that creator God has always been. He has no beginning or end.
The second point is that God created the heavens. Note that it is plural. The heaven that we can see is what we call the Earth's atmosphere. Then there is what we consider space. Finally, there is heaven as in the dwelling place of God. We do not know precisely where God dwells. In John 14:2, Jesus said, 'In my Fathers house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.' So we know there are places to dwell in heaven.
Finally, the word Earth (Strongs Hebrew 776) is from a root 'to be firm, common, country, earth, land, wilderness'. This is interesting as in a few verses the word firmament is used. I find it notable that earth is singular, not plural. When God created the Earth it was the beginning of time as the Earth and its inhabitants would know. I find it interesting that the word common is used. It may be that the Earth is only one of many places that God created. However, we do not have evidence of other inhabited planets.
This is probably one of the first few verses I memorized at a young age. It is pretty self-explanatory. However, there are a few points I would like to make.
The Hebrew word for beginning is re'shiyth: the first, in place, time, order or rank. Strong's 7225.
So what was it the beginning of? I believe it was the beginning of time as we know it. This is just my belief, it is not something I can prove. Thus it is not something I hold as a truth. In Revelations 1:8, Jesus says: ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, saith the Lord, which is, and was, and which is to come, says the Almighty.‘
We know that creator God has always been. He has no beginning or end.
The second point is that God created the heavens. Note that it is plural. The heaven that we can see is what we call the Earth's atmosphere. Then there is what we consider space. Finally, there is heaven as in the dwelling place of God. We do not know precisely where God dwells. In John 14:2, Jesus said, 'In my Fathers house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.' So we know there are places to dwell in heaven.
Finally, the word Earth (Strongs Hebrew 776) is from a root 'to be firm, common, country, earth, land, wilderness'. This is interesting as in a few verses the word firmament is used. I find it notable that earth is singular, not plural. When God created the Earth it was the beginning of time as the Earth and its inhabitants would know. I find it interesting that the word common is used. It may be that the Earth is only one of many places that God created. However, we do not have evidence of other inhabited planets.
Remembering: God was there in the beginning. God was there before there was anything. He knows my end from the beginning. Psalm 139, His thoughts about me are many.
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Day 8: It may look the same, but it's new
Forgetting: Sameness. Thinking that every day is the same, one after another. That life resembles a line of zombies monotonously plodding one behind another.
Remembering: Each morning brings new mercies from God the Father. Each day He releases the thing that I need to get through that day. Every day can be an adventure with God. My part is invite Him, and to follow where He leads, and do what I see Him do.
Update 11/11/17
In June of 2017, there were people painting rocks and leaving them places. A co-worker gave me a rock that said "And so the adventure begins" or something like that. Well, the adventure needs to end. Sameness is looking really good now. Everyday with God is an adventure to some degree. The joy is there if we choose to tap into it.
Remembering: Each morning brings new mercies from God the Father. Each day He releases the thing that I need to get through that day. Every day can be an adventure with God. My part is invite Him, and to follow where He leads, and do what I see Him do.
Update 11/11/17
In June of 2017, there were people painting rocks and leaving them places. A co-worker gave me a rock that said "And so the adventure begins" or something like that. Well, the adventure needs to end. Sameness is looking really good now. Everyday with God is an adventure to some degree. The joy is there if we choose to tap into it.
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Extra, extra
Sometimes when you start out on a journey you don't know what the route looks like. At times you may go through a place you have never been before.
When I started out on this journey, I didn't realize some of the implications of what I was doing. One thing I had been doing monthly I will no longer be doing. This is a ministry I had been involved in for a number of years. It was very difficult to stop. However for over a year God was preparing me.
Per prophecies I have received and what I have received from God, I have three main ways God uses me. These are: prophecy, prayer and healing.
In my case I believe that God is helping me to unlearn somethings so that I can re-learn kingdom principles. What makes this hard is that most of my Christian friends probably do not understand. The fact remains that God works differently with me than others.
Update: 2/3/15
I am happy to report growth and repentance in my life.
I have the release to begin praying again for the ministry mentioned above.
God has done work in my heart. He has re-ordered priorities, put relationships in correct places in my heart. It is such a joy to pray for my fellow workers for the gospel. Also, this means being able to be a helper to a dear friend of mine. My helping her, I am helping the cause of the gospel of Christ.
Update: 2/7/15
I have yielded to the call of the Holy Spirit, regarding my call to being a watchman. I know it will be hard, I likely will suffer in many ways.
Update 11/11/17:
I had no idea how I would suffer. This journey is hard at times. My friends and family often do not understand where I am coming from. They want me to toe the "Christian line". Change is not easily embraced by "Christianity". However, the deep, abiding peace of God is worth it all. When I stand before God, I want to hear him say "Good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord."
Unfortunately, I have seen relationships change that I thought would always be there. I've seen problems where I could not imagine. BUT it's time for me to rise up and put my faith in the ONE who will not fail me. That is my everlasting Father, the prince of Peace, and my Lord and Christ Jesus.
When I started out on this journey, I didn't realize some of the implications of what I was doing. One thing I had been doing monthly I will no longer be doing. This is a ministry I had been involved in for a number of years. It was very difficult to stop. However for over a year God was preparing me.
Per prophecies I have received and what I have received from God, I have three main ways God uses me. These are: prophecy, prayer and healing.
In my case I believe that God is helping me to unlearn somethings so that I can re-learn kingdom principles. What makes this hard is that most of my Christian friends probably do not understand. The fact remains that God works differently with me than others.
Update: 2/3/15
I am happy to report growth and repentance in my life.
I have the release to begin praying again for the ministry mentioned above.
God has done work in my heart. He has re-ordered priorities, put relationships in correct places in my heart. It is such a joy to pray for my fellow workers for the gospel. Also, this means being able to be a helper to a dear friend of mine. My helping her, I am helping the cause of the gospel of Christ.
Update: 2/7/15
I have yielded to the call of the Holy Spirit, regarding my call to being a watchman. I know it will be hard, I likely will suffer in many ways.
Update 11/11/17:
I had no idea how I would suffer. This journey is hard at times. My friends and family often do not understand where I am coming from. They want me to toe the "Christian line". Change is not easily embraced by "Christianity". However, the deep, abiding peace of God is worth it all. When I stand before God, I want to hear him say "Good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord."
Unfortunately, I have seen relationships change that I thought would always be there. I've seen problems where I could not imagine. BUT it's time for me to rise up and put my faith in the ONE who will not fail me. That is my everlasting Father, the prince of Peace, and my Lord and Christ Jesus.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Day 4: Spirituality
Forgetting: a poverty spirit
Remembering: my God and Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills. He uses gold to pave streets. He creates universes. His worlds are songs composed of light and music. Despite all He has he chooses to love the people He created. He promised that He would meet all my needs according to his riches in glory.
Read: Psalms David talks about the majesty of God. While I don't understand it, I do know that God cares about my every need.
Update 11/11/17:
While I believe that this idea of a purpose driven life is akin to heresy, I do believe that God has work for me to do. My "work" is to do the will of the Father. I am to do good works daily. Those good works could be many things, such as: a smile at a disheartened co-worker, crying with someone in pain, listening patiently instead of thinking of all I could be doing, being patient in a line at a store, cooking a meal for my family. These are the will of the Father, and a whole lot more.
Read: Psalms David talks about the majesty of God. While I don't understand it, I do know that God cares about my every need.
Update 11/11/17:
While I believe that this idea of a purpose driven life is akin to heresy, I do believe that God has work for me to do. My "work" is to do the will of the Father. I am to do good works daily. Those good works could be many things, such as: a smile at a disheartened co-worker, crying with someone in pain, listening patiently instead of thinking of all I could be doing, being patient in a line at a store, cooking a meal for my family. These are the will of the Father, and a whole lot more.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
The Beginning
I was reading Kris Valloten's book Spirit Wars this morning. This one sentence jumped out at me: "What I did not realize until that night was that I had been educated right out of my solution." That hit me hard. This thought came to me, "what if I could forget what I thought I knew about God and start fresh and learn again" It sounds crazy. That is the purpose of this blog, a reset, a new beginning. Starting without preconceived ideas about God. Doing what new Christians do.
My plan: to write what I am forgetting and what I am learning.
Afterward: Coincidentally? Tonight I watched "God's Not Dead". It is about a student who chooses to accept a challenge to try to prove that God is not dead.
Update: 2/16/15
This has been a much different journey than I had expected. But just as a plant is pruned to help it grow and produce more, so have I been pruned. This winter has been long and cold. In many ways it has been hard but joyful. It won't be long until I hear the words, "Lo, the winter is past....."
Update 11/11/17
How far this journey has taken me. I believe that if I had not left the Standard American "Church", I would be a dead and cold Christian. I am shocked to see where I am now. But there is the "life" of God stirring in my heart and I believe that I am closer to being like Christ. Is that not what we are meant to be? Formed in the image of Christ. I am planning to update my blogs first and there continue on, by relating how I have gotten from where I was to where God has brought me. I have a glimpse of my future. I believe that many Christians all over the world are escaping "church" in order to become the body of Christ, His church, also called the "remnant".
My plan: to write what I am forgetting and what I am learning.
Afterward: Coincidentally? Tonight I watched "God's Not Dead". It is about a student who chooses to accept a challenge to try to prove that God is not dead.
Update: 2/16/15
This has been a much different journey than I had expected. But just as a plant is pruned to help it grow and produce more, so have I been pruned. This winter has been long and cold. In many ways it has been hard but joyful. It won't be long until I hear the words, "Lo, the winter is past....."
Update 11/11/17
How far this journey has taken me. I believe that if I had not left the Standard American "Church", I would be a dead and cold Christian. I am shocked to see where I am now. But there is the "life" of God stirring in my heart and I believe that I am closer to being like Christ. Is that not what we are meant to be? Formed in the image of Christ. I am planning to update my blogs first and there continue on, by relating how I have gotten from where I was to where God has brought me. I have a glimpse of my future. I believe that many Christians all over the world are escaping "church" in order to become the body of Christ, His church, also called the "remnant".
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