Hyprocrite!!! Apostate!!! Practice what you preach!!!!!!
Has anybody else heard any of these??
I am so sick and tired of those who don't even try to do the right thing, or non christians throwing this up everytime a Christian falls.
WE WILL STUMBLE!! WE ARE NOT PERFECT!!!!!
Because of the biblical knowlege I have, so much more is expected of me than there would have been if I had been new to scripture.
I believe that the HS will bring into our rememberance what we need to know when we need to know it. Since I have so much scripture, there is more to work with.
Sometimes it feels like a blessing and sometimes it leads to so much stress. I am expected to be more than what I am, because of this.
People seem to forget that I it has been a short time since I rededicated. I still have years and years of sinful behavior to overcome. It is a struggle, but I can only do my best, but I am made to feel as if it is not enough. That I am expected to have things down and be perfect, especially that which I teach.
I teach what I am taught and most of the time it is as I am being taught. They also seems to come from lessons learned the hard way.
See, I may know what the bible says, but my maturity in the Lord has not quite caught up with what I know.
It is too overwhelming to change my entire life in one minute!! Somethings take time, I am working on one thing at a time. The HS is in control of what He teaches me, not me.
Most of the scripture I know is and has been in my intellect only, it wasn't real to me. When I listen to what the HS teaches me, it becomes real and a part of me.
This is how it works:
1. Listen and Learn
we need to listen and learn what the HS is teaching us. We can never learn if
we do not listen.
2. Practice what you Learn.
Once you have learned what the Word says and it has been made real to you, the next step is to start practicing it.
Ever wonder why it is called practice?? Just every other thing that we wish to perfect we must practice.
If we hit the wrong note or we stumble and fall, we need to get ourselves back up and keep on going. We need to keep working on perfecting ourselves in order to succeed.
This is where I get my most flak. I listen and I learn, but I try and share what I am being taught while I am being taught. This is where people seem to expect me to be perfect and that is not the case. I am trying, but I am not there yet. I still stumble and fall, we all do.
Even Paul has his one sin that he had problems with. But he kept trying and praying about his shortcomings. Why shouldn't we do the same?
"There is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ."
We are forgiven by God, if God doesn't condem me, what give anybody else that right?
"Forgive as My Father in Heaven forgave you"
Regardless, we must forgive those who hurt us. This does not mean that we will not fail at this either, it simply means that I am trying. I have forgiven, but I am working on forgetting and letting go.
"Love you neighbor as yourself"
How much do you love you?? Do you wish to have people understand and forgive you? Then you must do forgive others.
"God will judge us with the same yardstick we use to judge others"
If we judge others only by the mistakes that they make, then how many mistakes is God going to use when He judges us??
Again, this does not mean that we will always succeed at these, but each time we resist the devil and the temptations, the more mature we get and the easier it gets.
Php 3:12
Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
Php 3:14
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Heb 6:1
Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,
Practice what you preach!! Exactly!! Practice, practice, practice until it is perfected!!
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Church
Is Church mandatory?
I was always taught that we needed to go to church.
1. So that we could have fellowship with other Christians.
2. To learn from a minister.
But if those are and they can be accomplished through the internet, is church still manatory? Especially some one like me who has social phobias and find it easier on the Web to both teach and be taught.
Am I wrong in my thinking?
I am curious to know what other people think.
I was always taught that we needed to go to church.
1. So that we could have fellowship with other Christians.
2. To learn from a minister.
But if those are and they can be accomplished through the internet, is church still manatory? Especially some one like me who has social phobias and find it easier on the Web to both teach and be taught.
Am I wrong in my thinking?
I am curious to know what other people think.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Agree to Disagree part 2
This is a more detailed explaintion of my agree to disagree posts as it seems as if there is at least one person who doesn't quite realize that you have to actually have a discussion in order to agree to disagree.
Here is the original post:
Agree to Disagree
There are also those who believe that they are so right that they don't even allow a discussion of topic, but rather "assume" what the other person is talking about. These are the ones who will attack first before ever considering that they just might not understand what is being said.
I have run across many of these people. The only thing you can do is to just walk away and allow them their ignorance.
If possible, ALWAYS post scripture to back your position.
For example:
If I said that we are not to associate with those who claim to be Christians but continue with their own fleshy agenda. If they do not follow instruction of the Word that is used to instruct them, we are to walk away. I would have to quote scripture here:
Re 2:2
`I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false;
2 Thess 3:
14 If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame.
15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother
Mt 7:6
"Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.
1 Cor 5:
6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.
11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
And for those who LIE:
Colossians 3:
8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth.
9 Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices,
Now when I say that Mexicans and everyone else who wishes to enter this country must do so legally, it needs to be backed up with scriptures that state that we are to follow our laws and leaders.
Romans 13:1
1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake
My ancestors came into this country in order to escape the potato famine in Ireland. They did so legally. It is not fair to those who are trying to do the legal, right and biblical thing to not be able to get into the US because of those who choose to break the law. I do not believe that as Christians that we should EVER condone the breaking of the laws.
America is called the "melting pot", not just because of the different nationalities that are represented here, but rather because we are to melt the different cultures in order to make one. This includes the same language, it benefits all Americans that for all of us to speak the same language, at least in public arena's where we need to shop, do business, etc......
This does not mean racial predujice against anyone, it means that the same rules are to be the same for everyone!!
"psst.. now we can agree to disagree!" :wink:
This is hard when I feel like I am being attacked because of what I believe to be true. When I feel belittled or talked down to, as if I do not have any biblical knowlege, is when this is the hardest for me.
While I have forgiven this person, I realize that he is filled with hate towards some, but that is not my responsiblity. I will continue to pray for this person, but unless I am lead by the SPIRIT I will not allow such person to influence me or my actions.
Here is the original post:
Agree to Disagree
I have always believed that it is always best to agree to disagree when debating an issue before things get out of hand and feelings get hurt.
There are also those who believe that they are so right that they don't even allow a discussion of topic, but rather "assume" what the other person is talking about. These are the ones who will attack first before ever considering that they just might not understand what is being said.
I have run across many of these people. The only thing you can do is to just walk away and allow them their ignorance.
Sometimes I need to remember that it is not up to me to convince others what the Word has to say, but rather, to simply show what the Word has to say and then backoff and let the Holy Spirit do the convicting.
If possible, ALWAYS post scripture to back your position.
For example:
If I said that we are not to associate with those who claim to be Christians but continue with their own fleshy agenda. If they do not follow instruction of the Word that is used to instruct them, we are to walk away. I would have to quote scripture here:
Re 2:2
`I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false;
2 Thess 3:
14 If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame.
15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother
Mt 7:6
"Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.
1 Cor 5:
6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.
11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
And for those who LIE:
Colossians 3:
8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth.
9 Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices,
Now when I say that Mexicans and everyone else who wishes to enter this country must do so legally, it needs to be backed up with scriptures that state that we are to follow our laws and leaders.
Romans 13:1
1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake
My ancestors came into this country in order to escape the potato famine in Ireland. They did so legally. It is not fair to those who are trying to do the legal, right and biblical thing to not be able to get into the US because of those who choose to break the law. I do not believe that as Christians that we should EVER condone the breaking of the laws.
America is called the "melting pot", not just because of the different nationalities that are represented here, but rather because we are to melt the different cultures in order to make one. This includes the same language, it benefits all Americans that for all of us to speak the same language, at least in public arena's where we need to shop, do business, etc......
This does not mean racial predujice against anyone, it means that the same rules are to be the same for everyone!!
"psst.. now we can agree to disagree!" :wink:
This is hard when I feel like I am being attacked because of what I believe to be true. When I feel belittled or talked down to, as if I do not have any biblical knowlege, is when this is the hardest for me.
While I have forgiven this person, I realize that he is filled with hate towards some, but that is not my responsiblity. I will continue to pray for this person, but unless I am lead by the SPIRIT I will not allow such person to influence me or my actions.
Ministry of Lies
I need to trust God that He will take care of me and let my fruit show.
This will bring Glory to God, besides, those who have stuck by me during this have shown me that the devil does in fact work in many different ways and uses many different people.
I will not allow myself to be used like that. If God is with me, who cares about the rest, right?
I can not nor will I ever be able to endorse certain ministries, because of the fruit that is shown by it's leaders. When a ministry is so based on hate of another one, it permeates everything in that ministry. Hate is not one of the Fruit of the Spirit.
This was my biggest fault. I knew and God had told me a long time ago to get out of a paticular ministry because of the person who opened the forum. I knew it and started to follow what God had told me to do, but the thought that I was letting someone down kept me from doing so.
My mistake, and another lesson I needed to learn. Obedience is greater than sacrifice. If I had obeyed God and what He was saying to me, then this never would have happened. Remember, God knows the future and He only has our best interest at heart.
See, even if we are born again, we will still pay the consequences for our disobedience. Even though we are forgiven does not mean that we walk free of our actions and behaviors. I love my son, but I also know that he will have to learn lessons in life, I can only direct him, his decisions and the consequences of his actions must still be there in order for him to learn that lesson. This does not mean that I do not love or forgive my son, he means the world to me.
Praise God for His wisdom and His Grace.
This will bring Glory to God, besides, those who have stuck by me during this have shown me that the devil does in fact work in many different ways and uses many different people.
I will not allow myself to be used like that. If God is with me, who cares about the rest, right?
I can not nor will I ever be able to endorse certain ministries, because of the fruit that is shown by it's leaders. When a ministry is so based on hate of another one, it permeates everything in that ministry. Hate is not one of the Fruit of the Spirit.
This was my biggest fault. I knew and God had told me a long time ago to get out of a paticular ministry because of the person who opened the forum. I knew it and started to follow what God had told me to do, but the thought that I was letting someone down kept me from doing so.
My mistake, and another lesson I needed to learn. Obedience is greater than sacrifice. If I had obeyed God and what He was saying to me, then this never would have happened. Remember, God knows the future and He only has our best interest at heart.
See, even if we are born again, we will still pay the consequences for our disobedience. Even though we are forgiven does not mean that we walk free of our actions and behaviors. I love my son, but I also know that he will have to learn lessons in life, I can only direct him, his decisions and the consequences of his actions must still be there in order for him to learn that lesson. This does not mean that I do not love or forgive my son, he means the world to me.
Praise God for His wisdom and His Grace.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Subtle Warfare
Galatians 5:
5 For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness.
6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.
7 You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?
8 This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you.
9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough.
10 I have confidence in you in the Lord that you will adopt no other view; but the one who is disturbing you will bear his judgment, whoever he is.
11 But I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the cross has been abolished.
12 I wish that those who are troubling you would even mutilate themselves.
13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only one another.
14 For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."
15 But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.
It always seem to be that the same thing keeps happening to me. I used to think that it was me, that there was something wrong with me. I no longer believe that.
Instead I need to remember that my battle is not against flesh and blood.
Ephesians 6:
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
I keep expecting this war to be obvious. I am learning that it is not, it is very subtle and that the devil and his cohorts know our weaknesses. In other words, the attacks don't seem as if they are anything other than people being people, but this is not always so.
Now I know this looks as if I am putting all of the blame for my actions and the actions of others on Satan. IN a way that would be right, but in another way it is not correct. We all make our own choices to follow temptations or not.
"quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."
What are these darts?? Well it depends on the person involved. With me, this is how it always seemed to go:
1. I get right with God
2. I am hurt by other Christians
3. I curse those people and lash out to hurt them as they have hurt me.
4. I give up and do my own thing.
5. I get convicted but I have to start at the beginning. But I trust less.
Satan wins!!
I never in the past got past that point. Not this time!!
Just like I am tempted and I have my weak spots, so do others. I need to remember that just like I have my whisperings in my ear, (they are all the same, why even try anymore, God doesn't love me, why is it always me, REVENGE!!) they have theirs. (she is trying to start a fight with that post, she is not really working at doing the right thing.... and so on)
They failed and I failed. Our biggest problem is our own heads and allowing the wicked one to influence our behaviors and perceptions.
This does not excuse either their actions nor mine. We have free will to make our own choices.
Neither can I blame my actions on the fact that I was hurt by those I cared about or those who claimed that they cared about me. Understanding is all I can ask for. But that is a two way street. If I ask for and expect understanding and forgiveness, then I also must give it as well.
This is the latest lesson that I have had to learn the hard way. Sometimes I wish that these lessons didn't have to hurt so. This was the answer I was given when I asked God "why does this keep happening?" IT really is quite simple, because it had always worked. Why would satan change that which works.
I was told a long time ago that if someone knows which buttons to push to get you angry, then change the button. In other words, if this is how he keeps getting me to fail, then it is something that I need to change. Knowing is half the battle. Next time (and I have no doubt that there will be a next time) I am armed and ready. I know where it comes from and how to defeat it.
Praise God for His loving Grace and Mercy!
5 For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness.
6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.
7 You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?
8 This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you.
9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough.
10 I have confidence in you in the Lord that you will adopt no other view; but the one who is disturbing you will bear his judgment, whoever he is.
11 But I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the cross has been abolished.
12 I wish that those who are troubling you would even mutilate themselves.
13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only one another.
14 For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."
15 But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.
It always seem to be that the same thing keeps happening to me. I used to think that it was me, that there was something wrong with me. I no longer believe that.
Instead I need to remember that my battle is not against flesh and blood.
Ephesians 6:
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
I keep expecting this war to be obvious. I am learning that it is not, it is very subtle and that the devil and his cohorts know our weaknesses. In other words, the attacks don't seem as if they are anything other than people being people, but this is not always so.
Now I know this looks as if I am putting all of the blame for my actions and the actions of others on Satan. IN a way that would be right, but in another way it is not correct. We all make our own choices to follow temptations or not.
"quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."
What are these darts?? Well it depends on the person involved. With me, this is how it always seemed to go:
1. I get right with God
2. I am hurt by other Christians
3. I curse those people and lash out to hurt them as they have hurt me.
4. I give up and do my own thing.
5. I get convicted but I have to start at the beginning. But I trust less.
Satan wins!!
I never in the past got past that point. Not this time!!
Just like I am tempted and I have my weak spots, so do others. I need to remember that just like I have my whisperings in my ear, (they are all the same, why even try anymore, God doesn't love me, why is it always me, REVENGE!!) they have theirs. (she is trying to start a fight with that post, she is not really working at doing the right thing.... and so on)
They failed and I failed. Our biggest problem is our own heads and allowing the wicked one to influence our behaviors and perceptions.
This does not excuse either their actions nor mine. We have free will to make our own choices.
Neither can I blame my actions on the fact that I was hurt by those I cared about or those who claimed that they cared about me. Understanding is all I can ask for. But that is a two way street. If I ask for and expect understanding and forgiveness, then I also must give it as well.
This is the latest lesson that I have had to learn the hard way. Sometimes I wish that these lessons didn't have to hurt so. This was the answer I was given when I asked God "why does this keep happening?" IT really is quite simple, because it had always worked. Why would satan change that which works.
I was told a long time ago that if someone knows which buttons to push to get you angry, then change the button. In other words, if this is how he keeps getting me to fail, then it is something that I need to change. Knowing is half the battle. Next time (and I have no doubt that there will be a next time) I am armed and ready. I know where it comes from and how to defeat it.
Praise God for His loving Grace and Mercy!
Listening to the HS
For the last few months the Lord has been teaching me about the Fruit. If I was honest with myself I would admit that I wish I had spent more time in the Word. If I had then I could have avoided the pain and hurt I feel right now. I knew that I should not have been where I was, but I kept my rose colored glasses on, refusing to see what I was being shown.
I believe that God shows us what we need when we needed it. Trick is, WE HAVE TO LISTEN!!
The fruit is not only about how we are to behave ourselves, but also what we are to look for in those we let close to us.
Don't get me wrong, this does not mean that we should turn our backs on Christians who are trying to do the right thing, but rather those who are consistantly following the flesh. Especially those in the ministry. There is a difference between wanting to do the right thing and failing; and not caring or trying.
Paul had this to say:
Romans 7:
14 For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin.
15 For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate.
16 But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good.
17 So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.
18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.
19 For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.
20 But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.
21 I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good.
22 For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man,
23 but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members.
24 Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.
This is how I feel right now!
It continues in Romans 8:
1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Praise God for His Grace.
12 So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh--
13 for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,
Every day that we spend in prayer and the Word, we get stronger and it gets easier to do the right thing. Will we ever be perfect?? No!! I believe that it is the intent of our hearts that matter. Do we follow after the flesh or do we follow after the Spirit??
It says that we are "putting to death the deeds of the body"
It is a daily struggle and not something that is automatic, but struggle and work is what we are commanded to do every second of every day.
Biblical Knowlege does not equal maturity. Maturity can only come from time working, learning, praying, and spending time in the Word and spending time just listening to the Spirit.
In this first bible study we will be examining both the Fruit of the Spirit as well as the Fruit of the Flesh.
I will admit that this is personal. See, for the last few months the Lord has been teaching me about the Fruit. If I was honest with myself I would admit that I wish I had spent more time in the Word. If I had then I could have avoided the pain and hurt I feel right now. I knew that I should not have been where I was, but I kept my rose colored glasses on, refusing to see what I was being shown.
I believe that God shows us what we need when we needed it. Trick is, WE HAVE TO LISTEN!!
The fruit is not only about how we are to behave ourselves, but also what we are to look for in those we let close to us.
Don't get me wrong, this does not mean that we should turn our backs on Christians who are trying to do the right thing, but rather those who are consistantly following the flesh. Especially those in the ministry. There is a difference between wanting to do the right thing and failing; and not caring or trying.
Paul had this to say:
Romans 7:
14 For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin.
15 For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate.
16 But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good.
17 So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.
18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.
19 For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.
20 But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.
21 I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good.
22 For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man,
23 but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members.
24 Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.
This is how I feel right now!
It continues in Romans 8:
1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Praise God for His Grace.
12 So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh--
13 for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" 16 The Spirit Himself testifies R365 with our spirit that we are children of God,
Every day that we spend in prayer and the Word, we get stronger and it gets easier to do the right thing. Will we ever be perfect?? No!! I believe that it is the intent of our hearts that matter. Do we follow after the flesh or do we follow after the Spirit??
It says that we are "putting to death the deeds of the body"
It is a daily struggle and not something that is automatic, but struggle and work is what we are commanded to do every second of every day.
Biblical Knowlege does not equal maturity. Maturity can only come from time working, learning, praying, and spending time in the Word and spending time just listening to the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 3:1-4
1 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ.
2 I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able,
3 for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men?
4 For when one says, "I am of Paul," and another, "I am of Apollos," are you not mere men?
OUCH!!!
SO lets work on this together so that we may all bring Glory to Chrrist.
I believe that God shows us what we need when we needed it. Trick is, WE HAVE TO LISTEN!!
The fruit is not only about how we are to behave ourselves, but also what we are to look for in those we let close to us.
Don't get me wrong, this does not mean that we should turn our backs on Christians who are trying to do the right thing, but rather those who are consistantly following the flesh. Especially those in the ministry. There is a difference between wanting to do the right thing and failing; and not caring or trying.
Paul had this to say:
Romans 7:
14 For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin.
15 For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate.
16 But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good.
17 So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.
18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.
19 For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.
20 But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.
21 I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good.
22 For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man,
23 but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members.
24 Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.
This is how I feel right now!
It continues in Romans 8:
1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Praise God for His Grace.
12 So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh--
13 for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,
Every day that we spend in prayer and the Word, we get stronger and it gets easier to do the right thing. Will we ever be perfect?? No!! I believe that it is the intent of our hearts that matter. Do we follow after the flesh or do we follow after the Spirit??
It says that we are "putting to death the deeds of the body"
It is a daily struggle and not something that is automatic, but struggle and work is what we are commanded to do every second of every day.
Biblical Knowlege does not equal maturity. Maturity can only come from time working, learning, praying, and spending time in the Word and spending time just listening to the Spirit.
In this first bible study we will be examining both the Fruit of the Spirit as well as the Fruit of the Flesh.
I will admit that this is personal. See, for the last few months the Lord has been teaching me about the Fruit. If I was honest with myself I would admit that I wish I had spent more time in the Word. If I had then I could have avoided the pain and hurt I feel right now. I knew that I should not have been where I was, but I kept my rose colored glasses on, refusing to see what I was being shown.
I believe that God shows us what we need when we needed it. Trick is, WE HAVE TO LISTEN!!
The fruit is not only about how we are to behave ourselves, but also what we are to look for in those we let close to us.
Don't get me wrong, this does not mean that we should turn our backs on Christians who are trying to do the right thing, but rather those who are consistantly following the flesh. Especially those in the ministry. There is a difference between wanting to do the right thing and failing; and not caring or trying.
Paul had this to say:
Romans 7:
14 For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin.
15 For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate.
16 But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good.
17 So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.
18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.
19 For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.
20 But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.
21 I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good.
22 For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man,
23 but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members.
24 Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.
This is how I feel right now!
It continues in Romans 8:
1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Praise God for His Grace.
12 So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh--
13 for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" 16 The Spirit Himself testifies R365 with our spirit that we are children of God,
Every day that we spend in prayer and the Word, we get stronger and it gets easier to do the right thing. Will we ever be perfect?? No!! I believe that it is the intent of our hearts that matter. Do we follow after the flesh or do we follow after the Spirit??
It says that we are "putting to death the deeds of the body"
It is a daily struggle and not something that is automatic, but struggle and work is what we are commanded to do every second of every day.
Biblical Knowlege does not equal maturity. Maturity can only come from time working, learning, praying, and spending time in the Word and spending time just listening to the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 3:1-4
1 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ.
2 I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able,
3 for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men?
4 For when one says, "I am of Paul," and another, "I am of Apollos," are you not mere men?
OUCH!!!
SO lets work on this together so that we may all bring Glory to Chrrist.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Purpose of Blog
Purpose

This blog was set up in order for me to share what the Lord is doing in my life. My hope is that I may be able to help others who are or have gone through similar things.

This blog was set up in order for me to share what the Lord is doing in my life. My hope is that I may be able to help others who are or have gone through similar things.
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