Awake to righteousness, – The Fix-it Shop – http://wp.me/p4qqra-Y7
A post from last year, still a truth you might find interesting.
Christianity serving God
Don’t drink the FOOL AID: theunfetteredpreacher
So many have drunk and are drinking the FOOL AID.
“God is LOVE, He wouldn’t send me to hell, just because I am gay, or because I’m having an affair, or I’m involved in some other, so called, victimless activities.
After all we haven’t hurt or killed anyone, we donate to the Red Kettle at Christmas and give our worn out stuff to Charity.
We are good people, normal people, we don’t need the crutches of religion, we are moral, honest, good people.
This scripture cannot apply to us.”
Ezekiel 12:2
“Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house.”
This Church, is a picture of our country, our states, our leadership, Federal and State, even unfortunately in some of our churches.
The Truth is available to all, the Word of God.
We see not, hear not, believe not, understand not, consider not, do not…
I heard a preacher lately, who said God has been silent since the resurection. We have the Bible and that’s all God has to say.
The problem with this is, there are parts of the Bible that he doesn’t understand, or does not accept for today. He tells us:
“That ended with the Apistles. God doesn’t do that anymore.”
Saints, that is not acceptable…
Deuteronomy 29:29
“The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.”
There is so much that has not been revealed, to those who will not see or hear.
We start in the Spirit, we get saved, baptized, maybe even Spirit filled.
Then we proceed in our Natural Man. It is easy to study, to teach and preach the Word with no Power, except our own.
Galatians 3:3
“Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?”
It takes the Holy Spirit to work in the Spiritual Gifts, in the Power to Save, Heal, to DO THE TRUE WORK OF GOD. To take up His Yoke.
We don’t do that, because if we work in the Power of the Spirit, we cannot take credit.
We would rather make excuses, for Gods inaction, rather then dig deeper Spiritualy, to find that place of Victory, the place where GODS WILL IS DONE.
You realize He healed all that were afflicted.
He told us to go out and do the same. When we fail, because we are working in our power, INSTEAD OF GODS, we claim God isn’t doing that anymore.
ABSOLUTLY UNACCEPTABLE… GOD SAID IT, WE SHOULD BE DOING IT. If it isn’t getting done? It is our fault.
Mark 8:18
“Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?”
Matthew 13:43
“Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.”
We haven’t fought through to the Holy of Holies, we have decided, I’ve got it from here, Lord. We are not the righteous of God in Christ Jesus.
We haven’t got it, our Churches don’t have it.
Not a few Pastors should be sanctioned for malpractice. Am I serious? Absolutely.
If we do not push into a place where signs and wonders are following… we really do not believe in the Full Gospel, “Jesus was just lying, telling us tales, untruthful.”
He wasn’t, we have let Him down.
Look around, some have found and are walking in the place, where signs and wonders abound.
Why not us? Don’t drink the FOOL AID. ONLY BELIEVE. Find your place in Jesus. Seek diligently the best gifts, could it be any plainer?
DO IT.
Amen
Our teaching ministry: ooops: theunfetteredpreacher
Have you stopped to think what we are teaching those around us daily?
Philippians: 4. 9.
“Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”
I shutter, to think what I teach in everyday life. Road rage, no consideration of others, selfishness, pride, @&?:×+&@, stubborn, not teachable… ect…
Am I showing people the way to find peace? If they follow my example, will they even know there is a God?
Or will they think, I believe I am God?
What have they learned?
My way or the highway…
What have they received?
No one is as important as me…
What have they heard?
Praises to God?… … @&?+:&?@… not hardly…
What have they seen?
Anything but the love of Christ…
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
Are we walking in GOOD WORKS?
I know I miss the boat most days.
Forgive me Jesus, create in me a clean heart, renew in me a right spirit, take not away, Your Holy Spirit, return unto me the joy of salvation.
Lord help me to except the changes You would do in me. Help me to love, honor and obey You.
Amen.
Is Exceptionalism for Christians? theunfetteredpreacher
Christian Exceptionalism. What is that?
We have all heard our President say, Americans are no more exceptional than the Germans, French, or anyone else, that there never was anything, called Amercan Exceptionalism.
He claims, everyone, every country, thinks they are exceptional. He is mistaken.
This country was exceptional, for 200 of our 240 year existence.
Science, math, the military, the space program, in education, in manufacturing, in every area of life, we were on top.
What happened?
We allowed God to be moved from center stage in our lives, schools, government, and entertainment,
Instead of the majority of movies, music, TV and even church, being family friendly, we began incouraging specialized entertainment.
Childrens, young adults, teens, young married, married, retired…
We all watch seperate shows, listen to seperate music, even have seperate church services….
Next thing you know, there is no unity of thought, action or expectations.
We started a backward slide. We are no longer number 1…
What is worse, WE DON’T CARE.
It would be good, to make America great again.
This is not about politics… I want to talk about CHRISTIAN EXCEPTIONALISM.
The first century Christians were exceptional, why?
Some say it was because they actually knew Jesus, or someone who had seen, heard, or touched the Lord.
They love the Apostle Paul, they accept, that he healed the sick, raised the dead, had signs and wonders following.
They forget he never knew the man Jesus before, He was resurrected.
He met, knew, relied on, trusted in, and obeyed the same Lord as we do.
How was it that Paul, who had never seen, heard or touched the man Jesus, was able to do, that which Jesus promised?
He was zealous in serving God. First as a Jew, persecuting Christians, then more so, after he met the King.
Are we zealous? I won’t speak for you, but for me, not nearly as zealous as I should be.
Oh, I pray… but not always effectual, fervent prayers, sometimes, weak, self serving, powerless, pointless, profitless prayers.
Oh, I study… but only to find a way to get the Lord to agree with me. After all, if He would do things my way… (His work would be done. lol, what a fool I am).
Oh, I evangelize… but not always where or to who He directs.
We seperate our children from adult church, after all we don’t want to bore them.
Isn’t it funny, whole families came to hear Jesus, stayed to listen for three days, had no food, but were not bored.
They were fed by the power and word of God. We need to learn how to preach and teach Gods word in His power, not our own.
We need to become, EXCEPTIONAL CHRISTIANS.
We need to believe He is, and that He is a rewarder of them who diligently seek Him. We need to become zealous in our faith.
To Know the Word, Live the Word, Pray the Word.
Expect signs and wonders. He promised they would follow those who believe.
Do we believe? The Lord could make, even this boat float. How much more could he do with us?
Fear not, ONLY BELIEVE… Amen
Shared from Truth in Palmrya
So you want to be a pro-choice Christian? Here’s what you need. – http://wp.me/p503cN-4Wx
Good word, solid and true.
Do we know who we are? 1 theunfetteredpreacher
We have been studying the Old Testament, for quite a while on Wednesday nights.
I thought for a change we could look up who and what we are in and or through Christ.
Please comment, let me know what you think.
Thanks,
Bill
Please fill in the blancs.
Romans 8:37
Nay, in all these things we are _________ __________ through him that loved us.
Jude 1:1
Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that ___________ by God the Father, and ___________ Jesus Christ, and called:
Philemon 1:6
That the communication of thy faith may become _________ by the acknowledging of ______________ which is in you in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:12
Yea, and all that will _________ in Christ Jesus shall _______________.
2 Timothy 1:9
Who hath saved us, and called us with an ____ _______, not according to ________, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
Colossians 1:28
Whom we preach, _______ every man, and ________ every man in all wisdom; that we may _______ every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
Ephesians 2:10
For we are his ____________, created in Christ Jesus unto _________, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with ___ __________________ in heavenly places in Christ:
Galatians 3:26
For ye are all the _____________ by faith in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:5
Let this ______________, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Romans 6:11
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to _______ indeed unto sin, but _________God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:23
For the wages of ____________; but the gift of God is ____________ through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 7:25
I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then _____________I myself serve the law of God; but ______________ the law of sin.
Galatians 3:14
That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the _____________________ through faith.
Hebrews 13:21
Make you _______ in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Thoughts? ________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do we “BELIEVE”? theunfetteredpreacher
Genesis 15:6
“And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”
The first time “Believe” in the Bible. Abram, who walked with and sacrificed to the Lord many years, desired a son, was childless, until.
“The Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.”
Abram asked who shall be my heir? The answer, Saria will have a son.
“And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”
Believe, the imposible. That is what Abram did. He knew the Lord, and believed His word.
He had a son at 99.years old, his wife at 90.
Jesus told many: “Fear not, only believe.” They saw the dead raised, the sick healed, the blind to see, the lame to walk.
Do we “BELIEVE?” I don’t think so, if we did Jesus said: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.“
The only conditions “BELIEVE,” and, “ If ye love me, keep my commandments.“
Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbour as yourself.
Since we do not, do the things Jesus did and more, our error lies in one of these two areas.
“Belief and or love” What say you? What do we do? What can we do?
For years I have thought if I could only conquer the sin that so easily besets me, … and “only then,” would I be a useable vessel of Gods power and love.
WRONG!!!
“Belief and love”
Lord, help my unbelief…. Help me to love… Amen
Tales from my Father 7: theunfetteredpreacher
Photos compliments of Janice Packard Roy and, “You know your from Ashburnham if…”
My Dads state of the art advertising… Thanks Janice.
I thought and he probably thought also, his name and business would live long after he was gone.
It hasn’t, I visit the web site, and realize, his years of hard work, and not his alone, are gone, there are only a few, if any, that have a lasting legacy.
Well, a few memories:
The brim of Dads baseball cap, would move around to the side, when he got frustrated, during the day. Watch out, he was about to explode.
He would give directions, by telling you to take a left at St. Denise, or at the Methodist, or Community Church… those were his land marks.
My brother-in-law Ken, would tell him to use bars if he wanted him to find the mark.
He was an acomplished carpenter, his Dad a cabinet maker. He did his own electric wiring, loved his printing press and could not sit still.
He was quite the handyman… he could fix most anything.
After his heart attack, and move to Fla. he only wanted to use his printing press and play golf as he was able.
Do not ask him car questions, or how to fix something, he seemed to lose any desire to even think about that stuff.
It is sad to think that I am what is left. No talent for repairing much besides pianos.
No interest in cars, wood working, electrical, any of the things he was good at.
Truly a black sheep, music, the sharing of the Gospel, reading, movies… those are my interests.
Am I my Fathers son, is my daughter.my legacy?
We are like a wind that passes away, and never comes back again.
May the sign of my passing be changed lives for the Lord. Amen
Pauls thorn? theunfetteredpreacher
I have thought long and hard about writing this post, we have so many learned mens opinions on this subject. Why do I come up with something different, and dare write it?
What kind of fool am I?
Please comment….
2 Corinthians 12:7-9
King James Version (KJV)
“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Why did he have a “Thorn in the flesh?“
So he would be humble. “lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations.” “lest I should be exalted above measure.”
What was the “Thorn in the flesh?”
“The messenger of Satan to buffet me.”
Not much help, we will look deeper.
He asked the Lord three times to take this “messenger of Satan,” away.
The Lords answer: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
Pauls reaction: “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
A thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan. A big enough problem that he asked three times for relief. While gladly accepting it, if Christs power would rest upon him.
So what was this thorn?
As we study the scriptures we can easily point to his eye problems, he mentions this several times. It’s probably his eyes.
We could blame persecution, guilt from when he persecuted the church or that he received persecution. Nope, it’s probably persecution, somehow.
It is thought it might be a sickness, like malaria, epilepsy, convulsive attacks or even a carnal temptation or depression. Yeah, that must be it.
Why don’t we check the scriptures, The Lord said His grace is sufficient.
Let’s see if any of these combinations are in the word: grace and persecution: grace and sickness: grace and healing:
It’s funny how grace is never paired with, persecution, sickness, healing or eye problems.
In fact, the only thing I see paired up with grace, (Gods un-merited mercy, or Salvation), is SIN.
Exodus 34:9
“And he said, If now I have found grace in thy sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray thee, go among us; for it is a stiffnecked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for thine inheritance.”
Romans 5:20
“Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:”
Romans 5:21
“That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Romans 6:1
“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?”
Romans 6:14
“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace”
Romans 6:15
“What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.”
Ephesians 1:7
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”
Ephesians 2:5
“Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)”
We just do not want to think that Paul might have had a sin, he could not conquer. Just like me.
No, Paul did the miraculous, raised the dead, healed the sick, had revelations from God. He could not have been struggling with a secret sin.
Hebrews 1:1-2
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.“
Saints, I could be wrong, but I don’t think so.
Paul, like every other great man of God, was a man just like you and I. We all struggle with sin, whether we acknowledge it or not.
Like David, Paul knew how to repent, and turn back towards God, and to walk in obedience.
We can also. If we would.
The Lord will use those who continue to seek His face. Do not let that sin stop, the Lord from raising you up for His service.
His “strength is made perfect in our weakness.” Let Him make you strong. Amen
For it is God: theunfetteredpreacher
“For it is God:“
Phillipians 2:13
“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.“
When will I accept, “For it is God:“?
His will, His desire, His timing, His plan, His responsibility, His problem.
I am His, to do with as He pleases.
What I think, imagine or want… Is not important.
Obedience and a heart for God, if I seek His face, I will find mercy and grace in my time of need.
“FOR IT IS GOD:“
Amen
Shared from Real as the streets:
Ants in the Sugar – http://wp.me/p7gyAm-2Vj
Be careful satisfaction, can kill you… lol
Shared from WordPress
Throwback Thursday-Jesus Paid It All and the Payment Was Enough for Everyone – http://wp.me/p503cN-4EC
A good word, a good read, about a good God
Shared from WordPress
So foolish was I, and ignorant: The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station – http://wp.me/p4qqra-1P5
This is an older post revisited. The desire for Gods people to grow in the word, will not quit.
Is it a Worship Service? theunfetteredpreacher
On Sundays we celebrate Jesus by attending Praise and Worship Services.
We join in communal singing, testimony, giving, Prayer and listening to a message from Gods Word.
Some believers even lay hands on the sick, and pray for healings, rebuke the devil, pray for financial help, ask for Wisdom, Grace, and Mercy.
Wonderful.. but it is not really Praise and Worship, its a Service (a gathering of like minded people), on a Sunday to share their beliefs.
It is Wonderful, but not Praise and Worship.
I know, it is how we Praise and how we Worship, leave us alone….
My question is; Is it how does the Bible tell us to Praise or Worship?
The word Praise is in the Bible 259 times, the first time Leah, the un-loved wife of Jacob, has just delivered their forth child.
Their first was called Reuben, meaning the Lord has seen, now my husband will love me.
Their second, Simeon, meaning, the Lord has heard my cries, and given me a son.
The third was Levi, meaning to be joined with. (The Levites are the Lords priests, to join people to God).
Finaly she had Judah, “Now will I praise the Lord:”
What is Praise, first off it is Thanksgiving for what He has done.
“Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name.”
Singing Praise, what is that? David wrote many songs of Praise. Praise is mentioned 149 times in 150 Psalms.
Sing, shout, noise from cymbols, drums, flutes, stringed instruments, loud. Letting the lost know who we love.
Clapping hands, lifting hands in submission, forgetting how foolish we might look or feel.
It is all about Him, what He has done, what He has promised…
Singing the 11 words 7 times Praise songs, allow us to enter into His presence, we need not read the words we are singing, they become one with us, we become one with Him.
“Bless the Lord, O’ my soul, and all that is within me, Bless His holy name.” 2x
“For He has done great things.” (Hallelujah) 3x
“Bless His holy name.” repeat from top.
You can know this song, live it it and invite the Lord into your Praise.
Do you want to sing it for 2o minutes, not a chance, but sing it and others like it, until the Spirit of God is sensed and His presence is in the congregation.
Then you would be ready to Worship. What is Biblical Worship?
Worship: Mentioned 188 times in the Bible, the first by Abraham, bringing his son to sacrifice.
Genesis 22:5
“And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.”
Worship, being willing to give up, or to kill your most precious thing, knowing, and believing the Lord will Bless your obedience.
Worship, means to bow done, “he worshipped the Lord, bowing himself to the earth.”
Submission, total, complete to the Lord, Obedience…. “To obey is better than sacrifice.”
We must learn to Praise the Lord, to Worship in Spirit and in truth. To do that, we must learn to give up ourself will, our pride, giving the Lord, absolute power in our lives.
John 4:23
“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.”
John 4:24
“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”
Philippians 3:3
“For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.”
To worship, we must overcome our flesh, give our all to the Lord.
Lord, may I be a Holy Spirit dispenser of Your love, grace and mercy. Amen
The glory of the Lord shall appear: theunfetteredpreacher
Leviticus 9:6
“And Moses said, This is the thing which the Lord commanded that ye should do: and the glory of the Lord shall appear unto you.”
Are we doing the thing which the Lord commanded that we should do?
We like to think we are.
Are we seeing the glory of the Lord? Would we recognize it, if it was here?
1 Kings 8:10b, 11
“The cloud filled the house of the Lord, So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of the Lord.”
I am pretty sure we are not seeing this in our church services today. Why not?
We really are not doing or living the full thing the Lord commanded.
The Lord is a Spirit, we have His Spirit, He resides within us, but haven’t spent time reading the instuction manual, learning how to Walk with Him.
John 4:23
“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.”
John 4:24
“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”
Philippians 3:3
“For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.”
To many of us, these scriptures are just words. We may know them, quote them, believe them, and not understand how to impliment them.
Music is one of the easiest ways to enter His presence to experience His glory.
“Now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the Lord came upon him.”
Many think it is foolish to sing 11 words 7 times as they call some forms of Worship.
They don’t understand the point, will not submit themselves and let go.
We need to reach out, let our spirits connect to the Holy Spirit. This can happen in seconds or take 20 minutes, depending on the condition of our hearts.
(Are we open, receptive, willing to allow God entrance, to gain control of our natural man)?
We allow Him into our hearts, we are saved, set free from the bondage of sin and shame. Yet, we are afraid of the next step.
We fail to allow Him to transform our mind, to use our voice to pray His will.
We love Romans 8:28, but fear the verses that lead us to it, ;26-27.
“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
I am a broken record. I cannot apologise. We all need to be closer to Him. The world needs to see signs and wonders.
We need to become WORKERS OF MIRACLES, WE MUST HAVE THE GIFT OF HEALINGS, THE GIFT OF FAITH.
Then will Jesus be lifted up, then He will draw all men unto Himself.
Learn to Praise, allow the Lord into your heart and mind, you will experience true Worship, the Glory of the Lord will surround you.
Allow the Lord to teach you to pray in tongues, to release yourself into His control, to find His perfect will.
THEN ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD.
Quit you like men, let the Lord have control.
I hear often, we are not all workers of miracles.
Really, that is not what the Lord said in John 14, and what He sent us to do. Have you asked Him?
Lord, release Your Spirit on Your Church today, I pray. Amen
A minor revelation: theunfetteredpreacher
I may have had a minor revelation this morning while getting my second cup of coffee.
I am writing this during my third cup. So take it with a grain of coffee grounds.
For 6 years now, I have tried to explain the difference between Praise and Worship, and the music involved in our UMC service.
No joy…
As I was pouring my 2nd cup, I realized, like salvation, it is foolishness to the natural man.
Please do not misunderstand, UMC people believe in Jesus, and are saved. They just have not been taught they can be and have more in the Kingdom.
1 Corinthians 1:25
“Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”
1 Corinthians 2:14
“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
As I have pointed out in other posts, Preaching, Teaching, even Prophets, can learn their trade and practice them, in the power of the Natural Man.
They can believe in Jesus, and expound on the Word and even cause others to come to Christ.
It is wonderful, the depth and hight and breadth of the love and power of God.
It is absolutely marvelous to build a body of believers. True believers, who love and serve our Lord Jesus Christ.
They feed the hungry, clothe the poor, do everything physically possible, to lead them to the narrow gate.
They work hard and will receive their rewards in heaven.
The problem is they only know the Natural Man half of the Gospel. They live it well, but the Gospel is also Spiritual.
They have never been taught how to live this life. Most Denominational Christians today look at the Spiritual side of Christianity, as past its sell by date.
Signs, wonders, miracles all died out with the Apostles, (those who looked Jesus in the eye).
Forgetting that Paul is our example, he never knew the man, Jesus, he met the same Jesus we know, the one sitting at the right hand of the Father.
Paul, healed the sick, raised the dead, spoke in tongues, saw signs and wonders following, and WE SHOULD TOO.
It really is about the Holy Spirit. I long to understand how to lead these people to a deeper more fruitful walk with the Lord.
For me it begins with Praise and Worship. I will attempt to put into words, my hearts desire.
I invite you along for the ride. Thanks for reading this.
Who is this? theunfetteredpreacher
When Jesus walked the earth many asked, “Who is this?” He healed the sick, caused the blind to see, the deaf to hear, forgave sins and threw the money changers from the Temple.
“Who is this?“
The Son of God, the Son of man, the King of Glory.
“Who is this?”
“Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.”
” Who is this Son of man?”
“Who is this that forgiveth sins also?”
“Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?”
“And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?”
Today, like the Pharaoh of old, mankind cries out: “Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?”
The world desires someone to deliver them, save them, to heal, comfort and lead them.
“Who is it, that will come to our rescue?
The Lord told us and tells us today, if we would listen. There is a person, a whosoever will, who will answer, the call of God.
I would love it to be me, but it could be you, It will be whosoever has a heart for God.
Whosoever will: “Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.”
The Lord promised:
Jeremiah 30
“I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach unto me: for who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto me? saith the Lord.
And ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.“
Will you allow Him to draw you near? Will you walk in His yoke, doing His will, changing the world by His Grace? Will you engage your heart to seek His face?
Draw me close O’ Lord, may I be a vehicle of Your Will. Amen
My heart was bitter: theunfetteredpreacher
Psalm 73:21-23
New Living Translation (NLT)
“Then I realized that my heart was bitter,
and I was all torn up inside.
I was so foolish and ignorant—
I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.
Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand.“
The psalmists prayer, then my own.
While struggling with my pride, conceit and imaginations.
I look up, and realize that the problem is me.
While I misunderstood, bitterness and envy were tearing me up inside.
I was a wounded animal, lashing out in pain and frustration.
Yet, You were there, holding my hand.
I was embraced and inclosed, by Your love.
Forgiven. Thank You. Amen
You art and offence: theunfetteredpreacher
“Thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.”
This was Jesus speaking to Peter, after Peter contradicted what Jesus had just explained.
Peter was reacting, thinking, speaking from the Natural, Human perspective.
Jesus had expounded on the Spiritual. We still do it today.
Galatians 3:3
“Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?”
So many of us get saved, a Spiritual experience. Then learn, recite and preach by our Natural abilities.
Some do this well, others, not so much. Most do not realize they are trying to do a Spiritual task, by fleshly means.
They speak the right words, believe the truth, but do not have a clue, how to live it, never mind how to share it in Power.
I understand why… I do it myself. I’ll take it from here, Lord, is much easier then, Lord, draw me close to You, never let me stray. Show me Your way, Oh Lord.
If you want a larger congregation, dump your plan, draw close to Him, let Him have His way.
His way is higher and better, the results and praise are His, you are just the vehicle used for His Glory.
Lord, make me a vehicle, I pray. Amen
That we might: theunfetteredpreacher
That we might, a powerful promise, that expresses permission, liberty, probability, possibility….
We have permission, the freedom, the ability to become, or attain the following:
“that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.”
We might be the vehicle the Lord uses to bring someone to the knowledge of salvation.
“that we might live through him.”
We might find our peace, joy, comfort, guidence and direction throught Him.
“that we might be partakers of his holiness.”
We might be holy, sanctified, justified, forgiven, even blameless as we live through Him.
“that we might receive the adoption of sons.”
We might, and we have been adopted.
“that we might be justified by faith.”
It is just as if I never sinned, I am justified.
“that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
Jesus is our wisdom and righteousness.
“that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”
Too many never receive this promise, they do not understand the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, and never receive the fullness of the Gospel. So Sad…
“that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.”
Again, another missed opportunity for many, we bury the gifts instead of increasing the church through them.
“that we might work the works of God?”
What is the work of God? To know God is, and He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.
When we refuse much that the Lord would have us to have, we end up with, powerless preaching, terrible teaching, problematic prophecies, pointless prayer. Your choice.
We might, OR MIGHT NOT.
IT IS UP TO US.
theunfetteredpreacher 