PG4Him
Senior Member
Essay Moderator
Posts: 3,570
|
Post by PG4Him on Aug 10, 2018 9:51:50 GMT -5
It occurs to me that the liberal/seeker churches are scaring people with false propaganda about holiness and sanctification. From the way they talk, you'd think it was a crime to actually strive for right living. Could you imagine being a confused new believer, not understanding why you see no results from your prayers, feeling like your life hasn't changed much, and yet being told you're a legalist prude if you actually try to do what the Bible says?
This morning I was thinking about it, and I was reminded of Matthew 23. Are we not watching these churches take that role? Why do we act like phony self-righteousness can't come from them? They are experts at showing moral outrage when people disagree with them. They have their own code of ethics -- mostly built around liberal ideology -- which they lay upon others like a suffocating burden. I think a lot of young sheep out there are trapped in the tyranny of a sinful nature that no one has offered liberty from.
Sure, we can say it's their own fault for not doing their own homework. But Jesus called us sheep for a reason. The NT epistles tell us to contend for the faith for a reason. Ultimately we are each responsible for ourselves, but I don't think we should turn a blind eye and just let people flounder.
So I'm thinking I might try to articulate the liberty that comes from real repentance, and also try to show young people that it really is okay to reject worldliness.
|
|
|
Post by 2fw8212a on Aug 10, 2018 10:16:20 GMT -5
It occurs to me that the liberal/seeker churches are scaring people with false propaganda about holiness and sanctification. From the way they talk, you'd think it was a crime to actually strive for right living. Could you imagine being a confused new believer, not understanding why you see no results from your prayers, feeling like your life hasn't changed much, and yet being told you're a legalist prude if you actually try to do what the Bible says?This morning I was thinking about it, and I was reminded of Matthew 23. Are we not watching these churches take that role? Why do we act like phony self-righteousness can't come from them? They are experts at showing moral outrage when people disagree with them. They have their own code of ethics -- mostly built around liberal ideology -- which they lay upon others like a suffocating burden. I think a lot of young sheep out there are trapped in the tyranny of a sinful nature that no one has offered liberty from. Sure, we can say it's their own fault for not doing their own homework. But Jesus called us sheep for a reason. The NT epistles tell us to contend for the faith for a reason. Ultimately we are each responsible for ourselves, but I don't think we should turn a blind eye and just let people flounder. So I'm thinking I might try to articulate the liberty that comes from real repentance, and also try to show young people that it really is okay to reject worldliness. This is self-righteousness.
It occurs to me that the liberal/seeker churches are scaring people with false propaganda about holiness and sanctification. From the way they talk, you'd think it was a crime to actually strive for right living. Could you imagine being a confused new believer, not understanding why you see no results from your prayers, feeling like your life hasn't changed much, and yet being told you're a legalist prude if you actually try to do what the Bible says? This morning I was thinking about it, and I was reminded of Matthew 23. Are we not watching these churches take that role? Why do we act like phony self-righteousness can't come from them? They are experts at showing moral outrage when people disagree with them. They have their own code of ethics -- mostly built around liberal ideology -- which they lay upon others like a suffocating burden. I think a lot of young sheep out there are trapped in the tyranny of a sinful nature that no one has offered liberty from. Sure, we can say it's their own fault for not doing their own homework. But Jesus called us sheep for a reason. The NT epistles tell us to contend for the faith for a reason. Ultimately we are each responsible for ourselves, but I don't think we should turn a blind eye and just let people flounder. So I'm thinking I might try to articulate the liberty that comes from real repentance, and also try to show young people that it really is okay to reject worldliness. It is not only OK to reject worldliness, it is expected from all Christians. Friendship with the world is idolatry.
"Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." - James 4:4
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." - 1 John 2:15
No one can serve two masters, as the Lord Jesus said.
"While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage." - 2 Peter 2:19
"Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?" - Romans 6:16
|
|
|
Post by tlsitd on Aug 10, 2018 14:28:38 GMT -5
It occurs to me that the liberal/seeker churches are scaring people with false propaganda about holiness and sanctification. From the way they talk, you'd think it was a crime to actually strive for right living. Could you imagine being a confused new believer, not understanding why you see no results from your prayers, feeling like your life hasn't changed much, and yet being told you're a legalist prude if you actually try to do what the Bible says? This morning I was thinking about it, and I was reminded of Matthew 23. Are we not watching these churches take that role? Why do we act like phony self-righteousness can't come from them? They are experts at showing moral outrage when people disagree with them. They have their own code of ethics -- mostly built around liberal ideology -- which they lay upon others like a suffocating burden. I think a lot of young sheep out there are trapped in the tyranny of a sinful nature that no one has offered liberty from. Sure, we can say it's their own fault for not doing their own homework. But Jesus called us sheep for a reason. The NT epistles tell us to contend for the faith for a reason. Ultimately we are each responsible for ourselves, but I don't think we should turn a blind eye and just let people flounder. So I'm thinking I might try to articulate the liberty that comes from real repentance, and also try to show young people that it really is okay to reject worldliness. (It's way more than just "okay", sister. It's what our holy God expects. Holiness is not optional to the Christian life; it is fundamental to it, and we neglect it at our own peril.)
"...Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me, says the Lord Almighty." (2 Corinthians 6:17,18)
Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God. (2 Corinthians 7:1)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship (or rational service). Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1,2)
Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds...They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. But that is not the way you learned Christ!---assuming that you have heard about Him and were taught in Him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:17,19-24)
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age... (Titus 2:11,12)
Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy." (1 Peter 1:14-16)
Any "church" that uses the Bible and doesn't teach holiness is not teaching Christianity, but a perversion of it by the same name, which is an abomination to God.
|
|
PG4Him
Senior Member
Essay Moderator
Posts: 3,570
|
Post by PG4Him on Aug 10, 2018 15:25:54 GMT -5
I certainly didn't mean to suggest that it holiness is optional! I just mean we need to push back on the lies that it's somehow a bad thing.
|
|
|
Post by tlsitd on Aug 10, 2018 16:43:23 GMT -5
This is how far Christianity has fallen in the last days: Holiness and the love of God are now bad. Worldliness and the love of self are now good. Darkness is put for light and light for darkness; bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter; good for evil and evil for good.
(In the light of the Scriptures, why does anyone wonder that God is getting ready to judge His house? It has become full of abominations, as it was in the days of Ezekiel and Jeremiah. His temple and His land---His people---are polluted; they have become like the people of the world. Their rebellion and corruption stinks to the high heavens. The name of Jesus Christ is profaned by those who bear it throughout the earth in the eyes of unbelievers, to its derision. The only "wonder" is why He didn't bring the judgment sooner. He's a very long-suffering God. I won't be beating my breast for the high places when He sets them on fire and tears them down.)
Compare Romans 1:29-32, which describes unsaved people, to 2 Timothy 3:1-5, which describes apostate Christians in the last days. The dog returns to its vomit, and the sow, after being washed, to wallowing in the mud. Darkness cannot shed light on darkness.
...For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true)...Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret.
But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light (or But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light). (Ephesians 5:8,9,11-13/14)
"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is heaven." (Matthew 5:13-16)
O LORD, why do You make us wander from Your ways and harden our heart, so that we fear You not?
...We have become like those over whom You have never ruled, like those who are not called by Your name. (Isaiah 63:17,19)
|
|
|
Post by tlsitd on Aug 10, 2018 17:03:06 GMT -5
(Why be separate from the world when you can just "Christianize" everything it does and is? Jesus brought a sword, which divides darkness from light; the modern church has exchanged that sword for a tortillon (a smudge tool)...And she's so deceived and estranged from her God that she thinks that is an accomplishment.)
|
|
PG4Him
Senior Member
Essay Moderator
Posts: 3,570
|
Post by PG4Him on Aug 10, 2018 18:34:04 GMT -5
Modern Christians get to have their cake and eat it too! It's really sad.
|
|
Cletus
Senior Member
Posts: 2,517
|
Post by Cletus on Aug 10, 2018 18:48:20 GMT -5
My heart is burdened by this. glorifying living for self instead of dying to self. it wouldnt bother me so much if they just did it but left the bible out of it. I have noticed that its actually becoming more popular even in places you would think would have biblical teaching. its not as obvious. they preach "the gospel" but never mention repentance. i have found it a rarity these days to hear a new believer talk about repentance. when i do, it just fills me up and actually gives me hope and a reassurance of God's will and plan.
All i know to do is point them in the right direction. warn them about bumps in the road ahead and encourage them about the destination. what else can we do?
|
|
PG4Him
Senior Member
Essay Moderator
Posts: 3,570
|
Post by PG4Him on Aug 10, 2018 19:09:13 GMT -5
Well, like I say, I started this thread to combat lies against us. We're not preaching some harsh performance theology. Neither are we promoting oppression. If people are afraid of holiness because they think it's OT, we need to at least set the record straight. People can choose for themselves once they have all the correct information.
|
|
|
Post by 2fw8212a on Aug 10, 2018 19:31:25 GMT -5
We're not preaching some harsh performance theology. Neither are we promoting oppression. If people are afraid of holiness because they think it's OT, we need to at least set the record straight. People can choose for themselves once they have all the correct information. "that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified." - 1 Thessalonians 4:6
"For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit." - 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8
|
|
|
Post by frienduff on Aug 10, 2018 22:47:30 GMT -5
Modern Christians get to have their cake and eat it too! It's really sad. and the truth of the matter is , a true lamb whiffs that cake and sees the worms on its inside , that its all an appearance and dead and empty . THIER Is no joy to one who loves the LORD at even the sight of that cake . and the whiff of it , PHEW WEE , and no need to even taste it . FOR a true lamb that tastes OF THE LORD , from that moment on , The generic simply wont do . And YALL KNOW what I am talking about . DOES anyone here desire the very things that make the false happy . YOU KNOW yall don't . What makes us HAPPY is the doing of JESUS sayings and nothing contrary to those sayings . IN fact any time when the flesh pops a contrary thought, all we feel is death and emptiness. yall know its true . No true lamb will be joyfilled in sin . WONT happen . tempted all are , but no joy from the flesh , just a putrid feeling . NO lamb of JESUS will have joy in SIN and feels free to sin , much less even celebrate sin . ITS like a monster to true christains , they despise their own flesh THEY LOVE TRUTH and HOLNESS. IF any man or woman can sit their in error and not have a bit of concern for others n error , THEY DO NOT KNOW JESUS , THEY DO NOT LOVE JESUS no matter if they sing I LOVE JESUS fifteen hours a day . IF the LOVE that comes FROM GOD is truly truly truly on our hearts , THEN WE LOVE WHAT GOD LOVES and we hate what he hates . BOTTOM LINE TRUTH . no gray area. no middle ground .
|
|
|
Post by frienduff on Aug 10, 2018 22:58:04 GMT -5
IF JESUS IS IN US , IF THE SPIRIT OF THE HOLY GOD is in us , WOULD IT NOT UNCTION US to BE YE HOLY . I think folks forgot its called the HOLY as in HOLY SPIRIT , because ITS HOLY . Folks need a dose of good truth . Paul and peter and others KNEW that a born again believer HAS THE HOLY SPIRIT that indeed the SPIRIT is at work within them , UNCTIONING and DOING those things PLEASING IN HIS SIGHT . IS SIN PLEASING in HIS SIGHT DID JESUS not walk in all ways that were PLEASING UNTO GOD . MY BELOVED SON in WHOM I AM WELL PLEASED . DID john and others not say , IF we say HE abides in us , WE WALK as DID HE . FOLKS need a heavy dose of truth. The churches are in very bad shape . I seen a man praising GOD for all those pack o lips . I mean I actually said we in the days of the apackolips that leads right to the apocolipse , cause we got many women and men of belial who claim to be christain , tbn, and others . and a man said GOD uses them to win souls . IS that what JUDE SAID about false ones IS IT WHAT PAUL said about false teachers , IS IT what GOD from heaven told the churches . Does anyone remember GOD telling that church I have this AGAINST you , cause you identify that prophetess jezebel as false , I TROW NOT . but folks are lost bad these days . Don't touch GODS ANNOINTED , YOU DONT KNOW THEIRHEARTS , no one is perfect . RATHER ODD then that paul would say ANY deacon or bishop MUST BE BLAMELESS. thems men and women not only got no business leading any flocks THEY NEED to be warned against and folks need to flee them and fast. GOD actually had THIS against that church , that it ALLOWED , yes that is right , IT ALLOWED , it did not warn out against , IT ALLOWED that false prophetess to TEACH , TO TEACH and seduce the people . And folks act like we the monsters and hates . BUT GOD hates it when folks DONT WARN OUT against the evil . facts are facts . AND THIS is why I say ITS HIGH TIME to go back to BIBLE ONLY READING. them scrips sure do make one wise unto salvation through faith in Christ . BUT WOE to those who trust is in men and faith are in those pastors . that simply makes one wise to SLAVATION and bondage of sin ONLY . and we need to warn . Don't never let folks try and make you feel like a monster or hater for DOING what is PLEASING TO GOD .
|
|