Sure You're Not Walking The Broad Road?

Friends,
I hadn’t planned to, but being it was a gorgeous day today, I just had to get to the downtown bus stops for a couple of hours to remind everyone to be reading the Bible. The reason I mention that I hadn’t planned my day for this initially is because I also think it is important that we make it a practice to always be able to switch plans if the Lord tells us to do so. We are to always be ready to “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season.” (2 Tim. 4:2) Of course, in order to do this, we must be “thoroughly equipped” with the Scripture as 2 Tim. 3:16 says. And in order to be so equipped, we must be feeding ourselves with it daily.

Well, as usual, it is “a breath of fresh air” to talk with people downtown about God and His Word. So many just seem famished to hear Truth, to have someone encourage them with the powerful, life-changing Word of God, and to have someone pray for them. So many do seem to believe, say they have faith, and do give God the praise for the blessings they gratefully acknowledge. Those who are in sin, which is the majority, are at least honest about it, and either say they aren’t ready today, or they humbly admit their need to repent. The honesty (from most) is at least a good starting point. Because if a person won’t admit he has a real heart problem, then there’s no sense in discussing Jesus with him. He won’t believe he needs Christ or needs to meditate on the Word, because he simply doesn’t believe he needs to change. But, since there’s plenty of people who do want to talk frankly about their need, then the foolish can be left until their heart’s ground has been plowed up a little better.

Anyway, I want to compare and contrast what I see and hear on the streets, with what I see and hear in the church and Christian “circles” I encounter. First of all, the comparison: There are many that I meet downtown who are church-goers. They are similar to most other “Christians” I know. They believe Jesus died to free them, no, not from sin, but from guilt. They enjoy quoting Rom. 8:1, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Hmmm…. the problem with a “Christian sinner” quoting that, is that they obviously do not know what it means to be “in Christ.” Because, matched with other Scripture, we know that to be “in Christ” means to be abiding in the Vine and obeying His Words (John 15:1-8), and walking just as Jesus did (1 John 2:6) –which was in complete obedience to the Father. (John 14:31) And it also means that we have DIED (Col. 3:3 & Rom. 6:6), thus becoming new creations (2 Cor. 5:17) who are controlled by the Spirit of God (Rom. 8:9), and who now participate in the divine nature (2 Peter 1:3.4) –that divine nature of God we’ve been born anew into that keeps us from sinning! (1 John 3:9)

So, yes, I sure do meet those downtown who live according to the same cult-teaching versions of Christianity that are prevalent everywhere. The churches which should hang signs on their doors such as, “Come in here. We’ll take your money and then help you feel –feel –FEEL good about it, about yourself, about your sin, and about your waltz to Heaven.”

Well, so what about the contrast I see..? It’s this: Many sinners on the street, those who don’t get indoctrinated by church, do know they are wretched sinners. If you tell them to repent, they may not, but at least they admit that they do need to! That, is the main difference I find between proclaiming God’s Word to “the unregenerate”, and proclaiming God’s Word to “Christians”. The former do not get angry. They just say they have other beliefs –or they admit their great guilt. “Christians”, on the other hand… get furious. They rant, they rave, they spit, they deny. They deny they need to repent.

That’s the simple contrast… but oh, how huge it will be on that Final Day. The Day we all will stand before a perfectly pure holy God –the Judge who absolutely hates sin and who cannot tolerate or abide with even one spot of it. And there before Him, will stand all those hoards of “Christians” who denied their need to repent… who denied Jesus’ words when He said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.”

They are SO far from doing His will! They gaze at adultery almost every day, they lust after the sexy-dressed on the ads, they use up valuable time for their own pleasure, their talk is foul, their hearts are envious –unable to commend or encourage another who is more blessed than they are in certain areas (especially spiritually), they wallow in possessions they’ve heaped to themselves, they speak harshly to their family members while slopping on syrup-talk to those who will spread word of their “good” reputation, they do nothing about Jesus’ command to go and spread the Gospel, they treat sin as “no big deal”, they refuse to read God’s Word daily –much less obey it, they listen for hours to song lyrics and have many memorized –yet say they can’t memorize Scripture… Well… it’s called: “Walking the Broad Road.”

But Jesus said, “Go in through the narrow gate, for wide and easy is the road that leads to Hell and there are many who travel it. But the gate is narrow, and the road is narrow, that leads to life and only a few find it.” (Matt. 7:13,14)

I do wonder what part of that verse is not understood…

So, though there are hoards of church-goers who refuse to look at their own hideous sins and repent of them, may those of us who do promote holiness and who do walk in the Spirit, ignore those who want to “kill” or persecute us. We aren’t behind bars. So just leave! As Titus 3:10,11 say, “Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.”

For truly, a “divisive person” is a “Christian” who will not uphold and obey God’s Word, yet says, “I know Him.” Such a person is a liar. (1 John 2:3,4) Such a person pollutes Christ’s bride. Such a person will be thrown into Hell.

For remember, only “the man who does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:17) “Does the will of God…” –“Does the will of God…”

And that doesn’t mean once a week. –Or even 15 minutes a day. It means ALL of the time.

The unregenerate, unchurched seem to know this. But most IN the church..? –They refuse to believe it.

Sincerely,
with love,
Rachel

Are You His Abode?

Friends,
Well, after church today, my husband and I finally got out to the malls and did some Christmas shopping –actually, mostly window-shopping. We go every year to perch ourselves up on the fourth floor and eat, while looking down at the families ice skating –and falling– as they go round and round a huge Christmas tree.

It’s fun to do once in a while, but it sure does make me sad too concerning how materialistic Americans are. I mean, the prices! A purse was over eighteen hundred dollars! Why??!! (I often don’t even carry a purse. Like who would want to spend that –on a purse?!) Anyway… with all the people going without in the world, it just seems so… just pathetic…

The sermon this morning in church was on John 1:1,14-16 –about how Jesus, the Word made human, came to earth to “tabernacle with us.” I liked how he used that version and emphasized this –“tenting with us.” Yes, for I have often thought of how wondrous it is that Jesus, “the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father” (Isa. 9:6) would stoop to make His abode within each one of us who have “opened the door of our spirit to Him.” (See Rev. 3:20) It is an awesome privilege… truly amazing… and I do wonder why anyone would reject such a glorious invitation, such a priceless gift…

Well, may we all exalt and thank our precious Shepherd, our wonderful Counselor, the Most High God. And may we bow at His majestic throne, His beautiful feet… Yes, may we “Exalt the LORD our God and worship at His footstool; [for] He is holy.” (Ps. 99:5) Yes, holy indeed. — And worthy of utmost honor, praise, love, and obedience.

So may we all be blameless… as we house such a holy, wondrous Being inside our spirits.

Sincerely,
with love,
Rachel

She Loves Pleasure

Friends,
As you know, I consider the American church (in general) to be very weak, even sickly. Why do I believe she’s like this? Because she loves the world. And now she also loves counterfeits. Why does she love both of these? Because she loves sin. What sin in particular? The sin of pleasure. –Whatever kind of pleasure. And though the world’s ways are now accepted in the church with mottos like, “We’re being culturally relevant so as to win the world for Christ”, the counterfeit “holy spirit” is actually the one increasing in popularity. Why’s that? Because that “pleasure” is the one bringing a newer dazzle to the scene –and a greater ecstasy– because it’s so spiritual. Definitely, the world’s glamour and highs are so “yesterday” comparatively, and besides, the counterfeit spirit is bringing to the “spiritually bored” some spectacular signs and wonders… even letting its participants taste some power.

So the immature, the young, the bored, the self-focused, rush around looking for their “fix” –their spiritual high– and in so doing they acquire the taste for falsehoods, and thus “refusing to love the Truth” (2 Thes. 2:10), they just become ever more deceived. In fact, they again become “infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.” (Eph. 4:14) Then they stumble spiritually –they no longer can find the truth. And “they stumble because they disobey the Word –which is what they were destined to do.” (1 Peter 2:8) There it is. Disobedience is the cause of the stumbling, weak, sick church. Disobedience to God’s Word.

Well, a few weeks ago, I found a weblog that I really like, agree with, and respect, and it has a recent post there about being “destined to stumble”. So I will encourage you to go to that address and read more. Here’s the address: http://israeliteindeed.wordpress.com

There are actually many excellent articles there.

Sincerely,
Rachel

In The Darkness, You Lie

Friends,
The Lord impressed on me these two verses during my worship time this morning: 2 Cor. 6:1,2 –“As God’s fellow workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For He says, ‘In the time of My favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”

As Jesus warns in John 12:35, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you.” So those once “having the light” can still be overcome with darkness? Yes. For the darkness is deception, delusion, denial, destruction, the evil realm, sin, and lostness… As Jesus finishes this verse, “The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going.” He may think he does, He may think his destination is Heaven, but… he deludes himself.

So, as Jesus continues in verse 36, “Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light.” Who is the light? It is Jesus –God “in bodily form.” (Col. 2:9) As He says in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” –Eternal life. And did we catch that word “never”? Then why do so many “Christians” say we can’t help but sin (which is darkness) every day? I tell you, because they actually do not have the Light of Life in them.

Sadly, these so-called “Christ-followers” do not believe enough to accept Jesus’ words. Like those in John 12:46, “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should stay in darkness.” No one. No one who BELIEVES in Him. Like I said, they simply do not believe. Maybe they have the head knowledge, but if they won’t come out of the darkness –all known sin and falsehoods–they are not saved. Because as Jesus says in Luke 13:3, “Unless you repent, you too will all perish.” Genuine and total repentance is absolutely necessary, for repentance means turning from ALL sin –once and for all.

“God is light. In Him there is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5) So how can a person be “in Him”, yet also be “in darkness” –which is sin, evil, the demonic realm..? For “what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial (idols / false gods)?” (2 Cor. 6:14,15) Do we notice the comparison there? –Christ and light versus darkness and false gods? And keep in mind that false gods are of Satan, but that Satan’s best tactic is deception… thus his ploy of “masquerading as an angel of light.” (2 Cor. 11:14)

Indeed, Satan “has blinded the minds of unbelievers” (2 Cor. 4:4) –the minds of those who believe some kind of spiritual nonsense, but refuse to believe the Truth. And they will perish! For “if our Gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing” (v. 3), because “the wrath of God [is coming]… against all… who suppress the Truth by their wickedness.” (Rom. 1:18) And remember, even one spot of sin is wickedness in God’s eyes; for He HATES sin and cannot fellowship with a person who is not clean of it, who will not release it, who will not cast it to the ground.

Truly… as Heb. 9:27 warns, “Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” There is no second chance. Here, on this earth, we are given the chance to come under the grace of God extended to us through Christ’s sacrifice, and we are to live worthy of that grace given us. Or, we have “received God’s grace in vain.”

Yes, as Eph. 2:8 tells us, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith”, but Rom. 1:5 says, “We received grace… to call people… to the obedience that comes from faith.” Grace, faith, obedience / repentance –continuously– day in and day out… night and day… a continuous abiding –the branches in the Vine (John 15:1-8)– in pure, obedient fellowship.

However, “If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.” (1 John 1:6) For walking in “the darkness” is when one walks in sin –any deliberate / known sin– and the test of being kept from “everlasting destruction” is if we know God and obey the true Gospel. (2 Thes. 1:7-10) 1 John 2:3,4 confirms this obedience test: “We know that we have come to know Him if we obey His commands. The man who says, ‘I know Him,” but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”

If someone says they can sin while still walking in fellowship with God, under His grace, saying they know Him, that person simply lies — lies to others and also to himself. For Scripture says the opposite.

Sincerely,
with love,
Rachel

Christian, Quit YOUR Sin!

Friends,
At this time of year, when I want to be “merry and bright” –and positive!– I am not. My heart is so very heavy… for the church. I wish I could say pleasant things, and yes, I’m glad that many things are being said about the wondrous story of the birth of Jesus and why He came to live on this earth. But I will leave that up to others to remind us of, because too many people are not alerting themselves and others to the perilous cliff we all, even at this “cozy” time, rush toward. That cliff is destruction. Let me spell it out: Destruction to your family, your peace, your life, and yes, your eternal soul.

But what are almost all Christians doing right now? They are doing just what the world is doing. No, I’m not one that believes we can’t celebrate Christmas “because it is a pagan holiday.” If that were the case, we could hardly move or function, for almost everything in the world and its cultures are tainted. Truly, if someone is going try to put others under law in one area, then someone else could try to point out other areas… for example, saying we all can’t shop at certain stores because the owners are likely using their profits for the furtherance of secularism –or idolatry of SOME sort.

No, what Christians are doing –same as the world– that I am very sober about is this: They are unrepentant. They simply refuse, just like the world they preach at, to repent! To repent of sin! It’s unbelievable! There they stand, talking about how much they love Jesus, how great their ministry is going at their growing, thriving church, how they are hearing from God about this or that, how the Spirit is making them feel so full of joy and peace, how they were able to witness to a friend… all good-sounding… but yet, they admit to –and show (or reek)– sin!

What part of the following statement by Jesus is not understood? “The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will weed out of His kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matt. 13:41,42) What part of this one is not understood? “No one who lives in Him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen Him or known Him.” (1 John 3:6) Or in verses 8, “He who does what is sinful is of the devil.” Or, “This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God…” (v. 10)

People want to quote Eph. 2:8,9 and say we are not saved by works. Certainly we are not, just as a gift you receive this Christmas under the tree will not be something you had to work for. Did you clock hours for that person who is giving you the gift? Most likely not. Most likely, you receive the gift because the person likes you, or even loves you. Are you giving out gifts because they all earned it? No.

We did not earn the gift of eternal life. Far from it! However, once we take the gift, the pardon for our sins, the promise of eternal life, then we act accordingly. We act grateful –because we are genuinely and immensely grateful! We love the Giver, and once born anew, our eyes are opened and we see how vile sin is, what it did to our Precious Giver, and we take the steps necessary to walk in freedom from all sin… because SIN in me, in you, is what caused the Sinless One to be nailed to the cross!

So please stop those who try to quote Eph. 2:8,9 as a license to not obey God’s Word. Quote to them those 1 John verses and tell them to compare, interpret, and learn to “correctly handle / divide the word of truth.” (2 Tim. 2:15) –Because the Bible is all about DOING righteously… OBEYING God’s Word… FOLLOWING Jesus’ commands… BEING PURE and HOLY… and walking in REPENTANCE. As 1 John 5:18 says, “We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin…” How plain is that?

So, if you deliberately sin, your “born again” status is definitely in question. Oh, you’re not sinning? Really? That’s not sin that you live for yourself (your benefit, what suits you) all the hours of the day and night, and give the Lord your undivided attention maybe… like… 6 minutes…? Your ministry, you say, is giving to God? Maybe. But not if you have resorted to doing it in your power, and for your gain, or to boost your “career” or reputation. Truly… I don’t believe you –most of you. Judging? No, I know what God is warning. HE is saying, through His Word, if you also would read it, that the church is a STENCH to Him. That our songs are full of sensuality, full of the desire to uplift OURSELVES, our own FEELINGS, our own joy, ecstasy, and rapturous FEELINGS of excitement and power. And the same with our prayers and our worship. They are all putrid to His nostrils –if we are walking in any deliberate disobedience. It is NOT about loving HIM, worshipping HIM, serving HIM, adoring HIM. Almost everyone is doing it for their own……… PLEASURE!!!!

It is called idolatry.

And God is about to vomit it out.

And you wonder why there’s so much chaos in your life? –In your family? Because someone –either you or someone close to you (someone you are in alliance with) has been flirting with sin. And flirting with sin, causing sin, or sinning, will absolutely bring disorder, strife, evil, and destruction to you and yours. As the rest of 1 John 5:18 says, “The one who was born of God [the firstborn, Jesus] keeps him [the born-again believer] safe, and the evil one does not touch him.” Indeed, I get tired of hearing about all the “demonic activity” that surrounds these whining Christians. What does this verse say? It says that those who are truly born of God do not sin, thus Jesus, who that believer abides in, keeps us safe, and the devil has no jurisdiction over us.

So if the devil is having a “field-day” with you, QUIT YOUR SINNING. Or leave the ones near you who are –until they repent. And this is very likely so-called “Christians”.

Sincerely,
Rachel

Counterfeits Versus True

Friends,
I sent out a newsletter to my email list and received a request to clarify my P.S. So here is the P.S. with the response:
~~~~~~~~~
P.S. I am still writing daily at my weblog trying to encourage us all to read and know God’s Word. I believe much of the church is already falling for the “strong delusion” spoken of in 2 Thes. 2:10-12, and concerning that which Jesus spoke of in Matt. 24:10,11, “At that time many will turn away from the faith… and many false prophets [false proclaimers of God’s Word] will appear and deceive many people.” …MANY people…

Sadly, so many “Christians” –even pastors and preachers– seem to be joining those who do not uphold the whole of Scripture as God’s inerrant Word. None of the following are a validation that it is of God or the truth about God, yet many are placing these above Scripture: Personal “revelation”, feelings, a “respected” theologian’s opinion, philosophies of authors and stars who “follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit” (Jude 1:19), and “signs and wonders” –which we know even Satan can do. As Jesus said, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign!” (Matt. 12:39) For we are to “walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Cor. 5:7) And we are to walk not according to the world, but according to the Spirit of truth who teaches us to rightly divide the Word.

If we do not know God, walk in and listen to His Spirit, and abide in His Word constantly, we too will not escape being swept up into this very strong, cunning, subtle, counterfeit delusion. Jesus warns numerous times in The Word, “Keep watch”, “Be ready”, “Let no one deceive you”, “Remain faithful to the end”… We cannot do this if we are not diligently meditating on The Truth, who is Jesus and The Word. And we know that salvation comes only through The Truth –the true Jesus and the true Gospel.
~~~~~~~~~

Friend,
Thank you for your feedback. I believe that what I listed as some things that are often used to validate that they are of God must be tested against Scripture; their “authority” cannot be put ABOVE Scripture. Ps. 138:2 says, “For You have exalted above all things Your name and Your word.” We know from Phil. 2:9-11 that the Name is the name of Jesus that YHVH has exalted above every name, and we know that the Word of God is also Jesus –based on John 1:1,14. And as Rev. 19:13 says, “He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is the Word of God.”

I also often quote Ps. 33:6, “By the word of the LORD were the heavens made…” alongside of Col. 1:15, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created…” And then I quote Heb. 1:2, “In these last days He has spoken to us by His Son [personally and through the Scriptures versus through the prophets], whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe.” All connected, these show that the Word (Jesus) is God and it is through Him that YHVH created. And that it is through Him, the Word, that YHVH speaks (–compare Luke 9:35 with 2 Peter 1:17-19), as well as through His Spirit. (John 14:26)

We can then go to Heb. 4:12, “The word of God is living and active…” It is living and active, but the man without the Spirit cannot understand it because the Word is spiritually discerned. (See 1 Cor. 2:10-14)

Also, in that same passage (v. 15) we are told: “The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man’s judgment.” Why? –Because as v. 16 says, it is the Lord who instructs him. In listening and obeying, we thus come to “have the mind of Christ” as the rest of v. 16 informs us. This would also correlate with Jesus’ words in John 16:13, “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth.” That is a promise. Also, 1 John 2:27 confirms this. There it says, “As for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as His anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit –just as it has taught you, remain in Him.” And the verse right before this (v. 26) is warning about those who are trying to lead us astray. And the verses before that, tell us that it is a danger because there are deceivers, liars, antichrists… So, here we see that yes, there is the real and there is the counterfeit, the false, the lie. Therefore, based on these verses, we see that we are certainly to make judgment calls on which is the real and which is the false.

As 1 John 4:1 says, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” How can we obey that command if we are too frightened to make judgments (tests)? And how do we test? We do so against the objective Word of God –as all noble Bereans should. They “examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” (Acts 17:11) We are to do that not only concerning a preacher’s words, but also his actions, what he allows to occur in the church service, and what doctrines he promotes.

Do I believe it is dangerous to make judgments? Yes –for those who do not have “the mind of Christ”, who have not “taken captive every thought to Christ’s obedience.” (2 Cor. 10:5) In fact, MANY people make wrong judgments. But those of us that are constantly abiding in the Vine and His words (John 15:1-5), are constantly walking in the Spirit (Gal. 5:16) which means being controlled by the Spirit (Rom. 8:9), and who are constantly being “sober-minded and alert” (1 Peter 5:8), then we just have to trust that John 7:24 is being applied by us, “Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment.” As Jesus says there, we will be making judgments, but… they need to be done correctly. In other words, by the Spirit, not by appearances.

I totally agree that the Scriptures can be twisted and misused! That seems to be the slickest ploy of the enemy. But again, Jesus was speaking to the Jews who were persecuting Him (John 5:16) when He said, “You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about Me, yet you refuse to come to Me to have life.” (v. 39,40) So, even though it is not about the printed letter, the Word (what is being said) is powerful and the Word is Jesus and those who read it (or hear it) humbly will find Him in and through it –that “word of Christ.” (Rom. 10:17) This is why 1 Peter 1:23 says, “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.” And Christ makes His church holy through the Word. As Eph. 5:26 says, “to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word…” This is why Jesus says in John 3:5, “I tell you the truth, unless a man is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”

But we must compare Scripture with Scripture, for as Titus 3:5,6 say, in speaking of “God our Savior” (v. 4), “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior…” The point being: They are all One. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Christ (Rom. 8:9) and the Spirit of God (v. 14) and the Spirit of Truth (1 John 5:6), and The Truth is Jesus (John 14:6) and Jesus is the Word of God. (John 1:1,14 & Rev. 19:13)

As far as saying that there is no real just because there is a lot of the false, is not what I said. I believe that there is one “Real” (True), that we can know it –and are commanded to know it– and that all the gifts are for today. I very firmly believe we have every gift listed at our disposal as a Body, and as the Spirit gives out to each individual. (1 Cor. 12:11) I also strongly disagree that any of the Spirit’s gifts have been abolished –including tongues, the most controversial one. As 1 Cor. 14:39 says, “Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.” I have to laugh that often it is the very men that DO want to do away with the gifts (especially tongues, interpretations, and words of knowledge –because then the Spirit may be controlling the meeting, huh? –instead of THEM!), yet at the same time they do NOT want to do away with 1 Cor. 14:34 (only 5 verses prior), “Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak…”

Well, I’m sorry this got to be such a long answer. I wasn’t exactly sure of your question, so I tried to cover a lot.

Sincerely,
Rachel

Do You Really Delight In God?

Friends,
I was reminded today of Ps. 37:4, a favorite promise to many of us. It says, “Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart.” It seems people often focus on the second part of this verse, and then to get what they desire, they try hard to delight themselves in God. But is that a pure motive? Does not God see?

What would you think if your friends (and even your spouse) were trying to find it delightful to be around you, talk with you, give you compliments, and try to please you, but you could see clearly into their hearts that the purpose of all the flattery and attention was in order that they would eventually achieve their own desires? How would that make you feel? Would you feel truly loved?

God does want our love. He wants our worship and our obedience and our time, but He knows that will grow to perfection if we love Him. Jesus says in Matt. 22:37, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.” And Mark’s and Luke’s accounts add “and with all your strength.”

So, I’m wondering, are most Christians doing this? Some are. And they have devoted their lives to showing God they love Him by their service, their obedience, their worship, and their time. But many, even while doing that, have a love that is growing cold. It’s not hard to detect this cooling love, and many even admit to it. Their joy in the “loving” has diminished and they find themselves thinking of other things… the economy, their savings, family, career, reputation, hobbies, the news, their worries…..

Friends, Heaven is about being with God, being with Jesus, delighting ourselves in Him. If we are not doing that here on earth, today, tonight, tomorrow, all week, then why is it we want to go to Heaven? Is it just for the perks? Or is it because we truly love our God? — Truly have affection for Him? –Truly delight being in His Presence?

I’m sorry, but if you are giving more time and devotion to the world –the malls, the T.V., the internet, sports, hobbies, family, friends, entertainment, eating out, etc.– than you are to God, then I worry that God may not accept such a heart into His Presence for all eternity. He sees it is a divided heart, an untrue heart, a worldly heart, a spiritually adulterous heart… And His Word makes clear that He does not accept those kinds of hearts. As 1 John 2:15 says, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

I would suggest that we all examine and test ourselves carefully to see if we are truly in the faith as 2 Cor. 13:5 tells us to do. Because to be in the Christian faith is to walk in joyful obedience to Christ, delighting in God’s Word, and loving Him with all our beings — every minute –not just when we feel it’s convenient.

One test to begin with is this: How true is Ps. 73:25 for you? “Whom have I in heaven but You? And being with You, I desire nothing on earth.”

So what is your heart’s highest desire? Be honest.  Because honesty with yourself may save your eternal soul…

Sincerely,
with love,
Rachel

Cherishing Sin Dulls The Ear

Friends,
I find it strange when people complain that the Lord is not talking to them, helping them, or answering their prayers, yet they admit that they are not walking in obedience to the One they call “Lord” and “Master”. Yes, He is a merciful Heavenly Father, a kind Shepherd, a forgiving God. But He does not take deliberate sin lightly. –ANY deliberate sin. And those of us who do walk with Him, talk with Him, and stand at attention to obey Him constantly, know that He hates to look at sin. So, if this is the definite case, then why would we try to abide in both Him and sin? It won’t work.

As Ps. 66:18 tells us, if we cherish sin in our heart, the Lord will not listen. Nor does He obligate Himself to answer or send help. He may –because “He does not treat us as our sins deserve,” (Ps. 103:10), but He very likely may not. And to those who won’t listen, who stop their ears to Truth by filling their minds and hearts with the world’s talk, He will eventually refrain from wooing, drawing, speaking, or assistance.

Jesus tells us to remain in Him, the Vine, in John 15:1-5. In verse 6 He says, “If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.” What does it mean to remain in Jesus? It means to walk in obedience to His Spirit’s voice within you, always checking that voice by the objective Word of God, the Scriptures, which we are supposed to have “hidden in our hearts that we will not sin.” (Ps. 119:11) Then, as Jesus says in John 15:7…. then, and only then, are we given promised assurance of having fellowship, aid, comfort, protection, provision, answers, etc. from Him. “If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.”

May we obey our Savior, and thus hear His voice, and obey continually as we hear what He says.

Sincerely,
with love,
Rachel

Let There Be Division

Friends,
There is a lot of talk about unity –amongst those outside the church, and surprisingly, within it. I say “surprisingly” because the church should be being very careful about who she unifies with, yet… she is NOT being careful.

Yes, we see in John 17:20-23 that Jesus did pray for the unity of those who would believe on Him and follow Him. But look at the reason He gives: “…so that the world may believe that You have sent Me.” (v. 21) Is that what is being done by the unifications we often observe? No. People are believing less. We know they are because, no matter what they say or claim to believe, their actions — disobedient to the Word of God– show they deny Him (Titus 1:16); “–having a form of godliness but denying its power” (2 Tim. 3:5) –“His divine power [which] has given us everything we need for life and godliness.” (2 Peter 1:3)

Compare modern (spiritual) unification talks with what God says in 2 Cor. 6:17, “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” How are we to have unity if we are to separate from them? And WHO are we to separate from? Just the world? Certainly we already know that! For as 2 Cor. 6:14 says in this same context, “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.” And “What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God.” (v. 16) So it is already obvious that we are not to have friendship with the world. For “Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” And the beginning of that verse calls such a person “adulterous”, which means spiritually –against God.

So who else are we to separate from? Well, Ps. 1:1 says, “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of scoffers.” So we see we are to separate from these types also. For “Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Cor. 15:33)

What about when our own family members (immediate family or church family) try to corrupt us, maybe by speaking of things that the Holy Spirit in us knows is shameful to speak of? (Eph. 5:12) –Or involving us in any “unwholesome talk” (Eph. 5:29), or slander, or “pollution of the world” (James 1:27)? –Or maybe when they deflate our evangelistic zeal, or when they just ever so slightly sneer at our enthusiasm in serving Jesus or talking about Him and His Word? Whatever the case may be, we are to remember Jesus’ words in Mark 3:35, “Whoever does God’s will is My brother and sister and mother.”

In Luke 12:51 Jesus says, “Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.” So if Jesus prays for unity amongst His followers, why would He also have come to bring division? Simply because those in the Truth He wants unified, but those outside the Truth, He will divide His flock from. He will divide the sheep and the goats at the Judgment (Matt. 25:31-33), but for now, we are to divide ourselves from the goats –and all those who want to frolic with the goats.

In verse 52 of Luke 12 Jesus continues, “From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three.” And in verse 53 He names the different family relationships that will be divided. In other words, all types.

Micah 7:6 says, “For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises up against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law –a man’s enemies are the members of his own household.” Truly, this is a sad thing; but, it is inevitable. Why? Because God’s way is narrow (Matt. 7:14) and those who like to be their own ruler, despise that fact. They want the way to be broad so as to make room for any and all sin that they want to indulge in. Consequently, they hate having salt rubbed into their pollution, just as they hate having the light shone on their evil deeds. (John 3:20) As Jesus tells His followers in Matt. 5:13,14, we are the salt and light of the world. And because we are, we then are both a fragrance and a stench. “For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life.” (2 Cor. 2:15)

Therefore, to those who along with us, also bow their knee to, and love and obey the sovereign Ruler of the universe… having believed in what Christ Jesus did to ransom us… and who walk in the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, we will have sweet, pure, loving unity. But for any outside the family, for any trying to deviate off the narrow road, for any who by their sin or false doctrine do not conform to the one true and only narrow Gospel, Titus 3:10 says to have nothing to do with such people, and 2 John 1:10 tells us not even to welcome them.

Thus the division. So, be very careful about who you attempt unity with.

Sincerely,
with love,
Rachel

Foolish, Deaf Church, I Weep

Friends,
My heart has been heavy lately whenever I think of the state of the church. Yes, there are some very good and noble things still going on… some still devoting their lives that others may hear the Good News… But for the most part, what I have found, is that the general populace of Christianity is highly ignorant of Scripture, very naive concerning God’s true character, and appallingly indifferent to God’s expectations…

God has spoken a judgment against His church. His hand IS upraised –about to come down. He is very angry about the disgusting wickedness He finds amongst those who profess His name. Everyone who sits in the council of the Lord, His Book open before their eyes, hearing from His promised Holy Spirit, does know this is the case… the impending doom. We have heard correctly.

But… do the foolish, the majority, even blink, even blush, even shed one tear? No. They sit in front of that T.V. and internet –gorging on the world! Probably most DO know deep down that a calamity is coming, but they are so addicted, so unable to figure out what to do about it, that they just do more of the same. The same diet for their spirit, the same mind, the same heart… complaining about the woes they see (feed themselves with) every night… but won’t get on their knees and pray about it –OR read God’s Word so they are infused with His supernatural strength –that they actually could do something about it.

“This is what the LORD says: ‘Look! I am preparing a disaster for you and devising a plan against you. So turn from your evil ways, each one of you, and reform your ways and your actions.'” (Jer. 18:11) Oh, yes, this was back then… it was a prophecy against Judah. But it applies to the church today. Just look at the warnings in the New Testament. Start with Revelation 2 & 3 –addressed to the churches. Or 2 Thes. 2:1-12. Or Matt. 24 & 25, Mark 13, or Luke 12. Or how about Jude 1:4, 1 John 4:1-6, Gal. 1:6-9, 2 Cor. 11:3,4,13-15, or Matt. 7:13-27?

Shall I go on? –Because there’s ever so much more. 1 Tim. 4 discusses false doctrines, while 2 Peter 2 speaks of those who are like Balaam –who was a prophet of God, turned greedy and wicked. 1 Peter 4:17 says it right out, “For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God.”

Yes, many know this. Whenever I witness on the streets (concerning the Gospel and holy living), many bring it up. In fact, whether they claim to be Christian or not, I can’t think of one person, besides atheists, who do not think that God is bringing judgment soon. Yet what is their response to their own assessment –besides complaint and worry? The response, from the vast majority, is the same as in Jeremiah’s day. Look at the verse following the one I quoted above. “But they will reply, ‘It’s no use. We will continue with our own plans; each of us will follow the stubbornness of his evil heart.'” (v. 12)

Can we believe this?! Yes, we can. Because it is sadly the words of almost EVERYONE. From street urchin to pastor. Almost everyone, and you know it, say they believe judgment looms over the church, the United States, the world, but they just “can’t help it” –just can’t help but fall continually to their pet sins.

Shockingly, though these individuals believe this, maybe even preach it, they however do somehow think they themselves will escape the judgment –or at least, the ultimate judgment– the one of hearing what those “other” preachers will hear: “Depart from Me, you evil- doers.” (Matt. 7:23)

So, “Weep and wail, you shepherds; roll in the dust, YOU LEADERS OF THE FLOCK. For your time to be slaughtered has come; you will fall and be shattered like fine pottery. The shepherds will have nowhere to flee, the leaders of the flock no place to escape. Hear the cry of the shepherds, the wailing of the leaders of the flock, for the LORD is destroying their pasture. The peaceful meadows will be laid waste because of the fierce anger of the LORD.” (Jer. 25:34-37)

Why is God so angry with the church, particularly the pastors? At least three reasons:

1. Negligent shepherding: “Because you have scattered My flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them.” (Jer. 23:2)

2. Filling the sheep with false hopes concerning peace from the Lord, even though the people continue in evil ways: “They prophesied by Baal [a false demon god] and led My people astray… so that no one turns from his wickedness… Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes… They keep saying to those who despise Me, ‘The LORD says: You will have peace.’ And to all who follow the stubbornness of their hearts they say, ‘No harm will come to you.’ But which of them has stood in the council of the LORD to see or to hear His word?” (Jer. 23:13,14, 16-18) And in verses 21 & 22 God says they do not speak His words to His people and that is why they don’t turn from evil deeds.

3. The church leaders themselves are full of wickedness: “Both prophet and priest are godless; even in My temple I find their wickedness… from the prophets… ungodliness has spread throughout the land.” (Jer. 23:11,15)

Yes, this is all a true evaluation of the church. Indeed, I can barely point to a handful of people who exhibit fruit that shouts their whole-hearted devotion to God, His Son, His Word, and His ways. And I am surrounded by Christian ministers of all sorts. No, most who are serving the Lord also serve idols. Idols of worldliness… its philosophies and entertainment. The fruit shows, though they may think it doesn’t. How many “strong Christians” have to admit that they spend only a fraction of their time sitting in the Lord’s council with His Word, listening to His Holy Spirit, yet spend 20% of their day in front of the T.V., reading man’s words, or indulging a hobby? Most.

Truly, I have learned from sad experience that even most of my friends, those who SAY, “Oh, yes, cool… I’m going to read the Bible, fast, pray, witness, memorize Scripture, get strong, be holy…” really do not ever do it. Well, they might –half-heartedly. But soon enough their devotion to the world floods right back in. Devotion to the malls, the greed, the entertainment… even good things (if balanced) like family, career, housework, knowledge… it all crowds Him out. Jesus is last on their lists, and it is obvious… except to all the others who are also blind.

“This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: ‘In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but […………………..] you would have none of it.” (Isa. 30:15)

Foolish, foolish church. I weep for us all… especially for those you are dragging to Hell with you… Some of us stand on hilltops, shouting the warning. But… most of you…? –You just refuse to listen.

Sincerely,
with love,
Rachel