Post by Les on Aug 8, 2022 3:53:01 GMT -5
CHRISTIAN CONFESSIONS:
As a man who has been called to the administration of the word of God for the sake of saving souls and edifying the body of Christ. It is important that I especially maintain the character of Christ not only in the word I preach, but also the actions I take. True Christian Leaders lead by example not by exemption, they lead through servitude not by domineering. They protect not prosecute the flock entrusted to them but sometimes in the commission of their ministerial duties they may have to discipline the unruly and rebellious. Money is never their motivation, but the sanctity and sanctification of the flock God has given them charge to pastor. All these are by and in large their responsibilities as a Spiritual Leader.
(11) But you, O man of God, must flee from these things; and strive for uprightness, godliness, good faith, love, fortitude, and a forgiving temper.
(12) Exert all your strength in the honorable struggle for the faith; lay hold of the Life of the Ages, to which you were called, when you made your noble profession of faith before many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:11-12
“ Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life “, the King James Version translates verse 12. The word for profession in this scripture means to acknowledge in agreement. When it comes to our conduct within the confines of the body of Christ, it should always line up with the confession of our faith. The confession of our faith is “ Christ” hence we are called by his name “ Christian” or Christ-like. When Jesus appeared on the scene in the days of his ministry, he confronted the structure of the status quo of religiosity.
The hierarchy and the abuse of those lofty leaders whom exalted themselves above the common people. Jesus came mingling with the off-scouring and out-casts of religious society to show them a more perfect way. He came to uncover he Religious Order of the day seeing through the hypocrisy and the death which it was bringing upon his people. But it just deepen their hatred of him, or anyone who would dare to change the structure which they had spend centuries to achieve even at the expense of being under the tyranny of a ruthless Roman regime. Jesus did not let it detour him from the mission for which he came into being and fought the good fight of faith as an example to those whom would follow in his foot steps. Jesus is our High Priest of the New Covenant, He is our King who came to conquer death, hell, and the grave. His Word is now our Profession and our Confession.
(12) For God's Message is full of life and power, and is keener than the sharpest two-edged sword. It pierces even to the severance of soul from spirit, and penetrates between the joints and the marrow, and it can discern the secret thoughts and purposes of the heart.
(13) And no created thing is able to escape its scrutiny; but everything lies bare and completely exposed before the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.
(14) Inasmuch, then, as we have in Jesus, the Son of God, a great High Priest who has passed into Heaven itself, let us hold firmly to our profession of faith.
(15) For we have not a High Priest who is unable to feel for us in our weaknesses, but one who was tempted in every respect just as we are tempted, and yet did not sin.
(16) Therefore let us come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our times of need. Hebrews 4:12-16
Brethren, keep the faith by allowing the refining power of God’s word to hone you into the image of our Heavenly High Priest whom was tempted, tried, and persecuted just as we are in our lives, yet he did it without sinning. He says come to me through absorbing my word, come to me by entering into the Holy of Holies which is always open to you, he says come to me I set upon “The Throne of Grace”, and you will find abundant mercy and grants of grace to help you in your times of need whether they be desperate or disappointing. He is touched, moved, and compassionate in his compliances toward you, his love is abundant and boundless. Keep the faith by keeping the fight for spiritual fortitude which is found in our foundation Jesus Christ.
(21) And having an high priest over the house of God;
(22) Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
(23) Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
(24) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
(25) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:21-25
Brethren, let us hold unflinchingly to our profession of faith, acknowledging it through not just agreeing with it, but being it in expression. The world around is searching for something real in spirit, which has substance and existence in this life. We are the keepers of the most amazing realness the world has ever known in the faith which we have in a real and risen Savior. Brethren can people see Jesus in you, or do they just see a person or a building full of cold, carnal, and calloused so-called Christians whom turn them off instead of turning the light on for them to see Him. Selah!
Shalom, Agape, & Amen!
Dana R. Ritchie
As a man who has been called to the administration of the word of God for the sake of saving souls and edifying the body of Christ. It is important that I especially maintain the character of Christ not only in the word I preach, but also the actions I take. True Christian Leaders lead by example not by exemption, they lead through servitude not by domineering. They protect not prosecute the flock entrusted to them but sometimes in the commission of their ministerial duties they may have to discipline the unruly and rebellious. Money is never their motivation, but the sanctity and sanctification of the flock God has given them charge to pastor. All these are by and in large their responsibilities as a Spiritual Leader.
(11) But you, O man of God, must flee from these things; and strive for uprightness, godliness, good faith, love, fortitude, and a forgiving temper.
(12) Exert all your strength in the honorable struggle for the faith; lay hold of the Life of the Ages, to which you were called, when you made your noble profession of faith before many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:11-12
“ Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life “, the King James Version translates verse 12. The word for profession in this scripture means to acknowledge in agreement. When it comes to our conduct within the confines of the body of Christ, it should always line up with the confession of our faith. The confession of our faith is “ Christ” hence we are called by his name “ Christian” or Christ-like. When Jesus appeared on the scene in the days of his ministry, he confronted the structure of the status quo of religiosity.
The hierarchy and the abuse of those lofty leaders whom exalted themselves above the common people. Jesus came mingling with the off-scouring and out-casts of religious society to show them a more perfect way. He came to uncover he Religious Order of the day seeing through the hypocrisy and the death which it was bringing upon his people. But it just deepen their hatred of him, or anyone who would dare to change the structure which they had spend centuries to achieve even at the expense of being under the tyranny of a ruthless Roman regime. Jesus did not let it detour him from the mission for which he came into being and fought the good fight of faith as an example to those whom would follow in his foot steps. Jesus is our High Priest of the New Covenant, He is our King who came to conquer death, hell, and the grave. His Word is now our Profession and our Confession.
(12) For God's Message is full of life and power, and is keener than the sharpest two-edged sword. It pierces even to the severance of soul from spirit, and penetrates between the joints and the marrow, and it can discern the secret thoughts and purposes of the heart.
(13) And no created thing is able to escape its scrutiny; but everything lies bare and completely exposed before the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.
(14) Inasmuch, then, as we have in Jesus, the Son of God, a great High Priest who has passed into Heaven itself, let us hold firmly to our profession of faith.
(15) For we have not a High Priest who is unable to feel for us in our weaknesses, but one who was tempted in every respect just as we are tempted, and yet did not sin.
(16) Therefore let us come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our times of need. Hebrews 4:12-16
Brethren, keep the faith by allowing the refining power of God’s word to hone you into the image of our Heavenly High Priest whom was tempted, tried, and persecuted just as we are in our lives, yet he did it without sinning. He says come to me through absorbing my word, come to me by entering into the Holy of Holies which is always open to you, he says come to me I set upon “The Throne of Grace”, and you will find abundant mercy and grants of grace to help you in your times of need whether they be desperate or disappointing. He is touched, moved, and compassionate in his compliances toward you, his love is abundant and boundless. Keep the faith by keeping the fight for spiritual fortitude which is found in our foundation Jesus Christ.
(21) And having an high priest over the house of God;
(22) Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
(23) Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
(24) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
(25) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:21-25
Brethren, let us hold unflinchingly to our profession of faith, acknowledging it through not just agreeing with it, but being it in expression. The world around is searching for something real in spirit, which has substance and existence in this life. We are the keepers of the most amazing realness the world has ever known in the faith which we have in a real and risen Savior. Brethren can people see Jesus in you, or do they just see a person or a building full of cold, carnal, and calloused so-called Christians whom turn them off instead of turning the light on for them to see Him. Selah!
Shalom, Agape, & Amen!
Dana R. Ritchie
