Thought we would share something that reminded us again of why it is far better to give than receive. We got this from one of the residents at a nursing home that we sing at regularly. It blessed us greatly with joy to see it. God bless everyone and may you have a Merry Christmas!
There was an event that occurred recently that was related to an opportunity that we were cancelled out of at the last minute. In the revealing of more information it was clear that we were cancelled due to a difference of doctrinal beliefs. At first I was very surprised that such an occurrence could happen in today’s church; however the more I began to ponder and realize I now understand that this was not an isolated event. This behavior of isolationism has become more prevalent in established sanctuaries that possess a “if your beliefs are unlike mine then I can’t accept you” mentality.
First of all, I am going to address those who adopt “my way or the highway”. What I’m about to tell you is going to be straight and to the point: if we cannot learn to work together as Christians for the greater good of people receiving Christ then we are no better than the rest of others that people so proudly turn their nose to. Let me ask it this way: if you knew that when your loved one would be saved that they would shout and dance (and possibly embarrass you) when they worship would that be enough for you to hinder their path to Christ? If you had a spouse that had been lost 30 years and upon being saved began to speak in other tongues would you shun them and consider what they received “crazy” or not of God? What about yourself?! If you knew you could be totally delivered from depression but you grew to minister the gospel to your peers…would you completely surrender?
Secondly, if your doctrines were enough to save the world then why have the not worked? If your own ideals and beliefs were the answer to your problems then how can we explain when God uses others to bless us? If religion and the checklists that the “do and don’t” folks hold so tight to would work then why do I see so many that are in the same place they were when religion found them? Let me say this last thing to you: it is people that think I am crazy that remind me every day that religion and doctrine do not save people; Jesus Christ is the only way, the truth and the life to this lost and dying world. My prayer for you is that you continue to spend your efforts on me and others that genuinely care about making a difference. At least then you would not hinder another person from accepting salvation for fear of prejudice and attack from its own.
Finally, I have a scripture and word for some of you who are dealing with some form of this from people. I want to remind you assuredly that people perish for their lack of knowledge. And when people get so ingrained in the ideals of a doctrine they lose sight on the entire word of God. Remember that denomination does not define you. The blood of Christ in your life is what makes you who you are! Let us take a look at the example of Stephen:
54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.
55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,
58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.
59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Whether people stood by or took part in throwing the stones they were equally guilty in this moment. Even in the midst of all the good things Stephen had done there were still people that wished to see him fall. And even in the midst of something so undeserving you hear “lay not this sin to their charge”. What a powerful showing of how the enemy has no hold on God’s children! Be reminded this day that even if people try to bring you down that you can be at peace enough to even forgive them and enter into peace and rest!
To this day I never had the chance to stand in the church that I was brought up in for 20 years due to the differences that left me shunned as a minister. That has not stopped me, however, from going back numerous times in my life to still fellowship with people. We go to many churches of various denominations and love each and every chance we get to show the love of God by sharing our gifts that God has given us with others. Our own family all goes to different churches of different denomination yet we serve our ministry to whosoever will. Your willingness to be open and worship with others is what makes what is precious in you shine. With this mentality people won’t see you as one denomination or another but a child of God. I choose to be of no denomination because I feel it limits people so much to whom they truly can be in God. I choose to be a child of God and to be defined by the word of God and what it’s promises entail for me! And now when I go through situations where I am shunned or made to feel like nothing I am reminded that I simply ask for their forgiveness and be at peace.
So today, I forgive you and pray that the willingness to be open and serve with Christians of all beliefs will enter into your heart. Because at the end of the day when we are called to be with Christ there will be no parties by denomination. We will be one body, separated no longer by ideals, opinions and doctrines. Open your eyes to see that we all need each other in the last days!
Be reminded and encouraged my friends, God is alive and well!
Enjoy the video!
Presented at 13th Street Church of God, LaFollette, TN
Enjoy the video!
Sermon Notes: https://www.heartofgraceministries.com/blog/after-the-fact/stop-living-denial-face-issues-christ/
2 Timothy 3:1-5
3 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
We realize that in these words that it opens a window of what should help us strive to be stable in our faith. The enemy is working through people and situations that strain our spirit. What I am afraid of more than anything is that one day we will think we have the power to overcome anything but from our denial of sins and temptations that we will be no better than our enemy.
Sadly, we church members do not sufficiently realize the extreme subtlety of our heart’s disease. Denial does not come at us loudly proclaiming to be our deadly enemy, saying, “You are a bold faced liar and you are going to burn in the Lake of Fire!” It comes like Judas, with a kiss, and like Joab, with his hand extended in friendship and his tongue uttering flattering words.
Amos 8:11-12
11 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord:
12 And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it.
We are facing an ever constant battle of spiritual warfare. The enemy seeks to steal your mind and rob any imagination that would lead you to have a constant lifestyle aligned in God’s will. As we allow these fiery darts to prevail in our thought process we see that we begin to lose our spiritual vision (faith). And as our spiritual vision goes we begin to try and listen for anything that will let us continue as we are and reject any notions from God that take us towards a faith that leads us blindly through our trials.
This prolonged rejection of the word leads to a cold bitter heart that has little or no acceptance to God’s word, prophecy, encouragement or exhortation.
How do we overcome denying our faults?
1) The Worship of God and Christ will empower the Holy Ghost inside of you. The Holy Ghost will teach you and align you to the truth of God’s word and purpose, thus making you free
28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.
29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.
30 As he spake these words, many believed on him.
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
3) Examine your life daily. If the doctor tells you to examine yourself and to take care of yourself to live long…then chances are when we perform our spiritual checkups that we can deal with things and rid them in the earlier stages rather than waiting until we are in denial!
5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
Matthew 17:24-27
[24] And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?
[25] He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?
[26] Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.
[27] Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.
Hebrews 11:1-3
[1] Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
[2] For by it the elders obtained a good report.
[3] Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
Romans 5:2 – 5:5
[2] By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
[3] And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
[4] And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
[5] And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Romans 8:24-25
[24] For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
[25] But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
Romans 12:8-15
[8] Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
[9] Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
[10] Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
[11] Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
[12] Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
[13] Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
[14] Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
[15] Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Romans 15:4-13
[4] For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
[5] Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
[6] That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[7] Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
[8] Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
[9] And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.
[10] And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.
[11] And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.
[12] And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.
[13] Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
If we are to realize the full potential of the promises we have received from God (whether by scripture or through prophetic exhortation) we must learn what is the substance that drives us as well as the determination that takes the substance and puts it into action.
Faith without action is dead for it is faith that brings the substance or energy to take action and uses it for its intended purpose. Faith is empty without hope. Taking action with faith and without hope in your life leads to no fruit (unprofitable). Without hope our faith is without substance…a vision…a final destination.
To take a shot on throwing your hook out there for 1 fish in a million would not only take hope that you would get the money…but hope that that you would hook that 1 fish.
To grow in God you must take action. To take action means you have got to be moving and not just be idle in the last days.
To save a lost world you must go after them. To rekindle hope in your brothers and sisters you must show it. To keep hope abounding in you the spirit must continually abide. The spirit will abide in a heart whom repents and is humble, believing in the propitiation for all of our sin.
So we know the money is in the fish. We know the fish is in the water. We know that we have the rod, reel and hook to go get it. That part in between is the very thing that is keeping you or has kept you from a deeper walk in God.
Such is the same of our pursuit for blessings in our lives. The money was enough for the tax, and god’s provision will be enough for you!
Here is a devotional that talks about learning to wait and see the good seed that was sown in God’s love to bloom and be a blessing to others (and you too!)
Here is a devotional about faith and the many wonderful things it does for you when it is applied!