Christians should not be content merely with knowing mentally the doctrine
of the Holy Spirit as given in the Bible; they also need to know Him
experimentally. Watchman Nee
Friday, November 6, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Chapter Six of The Revelation
Revelation 6:1a" Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals...."
It will be a frightening time when Christ begins to administer judgement.In Chapter Six of Revelation when Christ begins to open the sealed book, the unsaved world will think the Millennial peace has begun, but in actuality the Great Tribulation will have begun. The Anti-Christ will promise peace and deceive the world. Many are deceived today as they will be at that time. The unsaved at the Tribulation will deify the one who promises peace just as they do now and as with many "professing" Christians today will do anything for peace and prosperity. Let us examine ourselves to know if Christ really is first in our life so that deception will not prevail over discernment. Christ will remove the Church prior to the Tribulation. When He calls, will we be ready to let go of everything and everyone? This should also be our present state of mind and being.
It will be a frightening time when Christ begins to administer judgement.In Chapter Six of Revelation when Christ begins to open the sealed book, the unsaved world will think the Millennial peace has begun, but in actuality the Great Tribulation will have begun. The Anti-Christ will promise peace and deceive the world. Many are deceived today as they will be at that time. The unsaved at the Tribulation will deify the one who promises peace just as they do now and as with many "professing" Christians today will do anything for peace and prosperity. Let us examine ourselves to know if Christ really is first in our life so that deception will not prevail over discernment. Christ will remove the Church prior to the Tribulation. When He calls, will we be ready to let go of everything and everyone? This should also be our present state of mind and being.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Book Review of Fearless by Max Lucado
"Fearless" by Max Lucado
Fears common to everyone are analyzed by Max Lucado in this book. These fears mutual to people are characterized in separate categories. Each chapter title is a catchy descriptor for fear. The subtitles describe the fears. The author portrays fear in a storied format with each solution in a Christian perspective. Some characterization of fear is personal to the author.
In chapter one the author answers the question of why we are afraid. He uses real life instances of individuals‘ experiences. Bible verses accompany each scenario pointing to Christ as the source for dispelling fear.
Chapter two addresses the fear of a feeling of low self worth. A scenario is given in a mildly humorous poem. The reader is directed to Bible scripture that describes the great worth that Christ places on each of us.
Disappointments in life and fear of disappointing God is addressed in chapter three.
We always remember the bad experiences in life. The author offers scripture explaining God’s grace and continual forgiveness directed to all who seek it.
Worry is the topic of chapter four. We all worry to some degree. Again the author use scripture that summarizes the point that worry cannot improve any situation in life. In fact worry is described as destructive.
Those, who have children, at times have been afraid for our children. This fifth chapter suggests we give our children over to the care of Christ. Scripture is given supporting evidence that Christ is more than capable for care of our children.
The fear of being overwhelmed by life’s challenges are discussed in chapter six. We, at times, have experienced fear of loss or pain. Scripture is offered to the reader explaining that Christ is near to us and that we can depend on him.
Chapter seven deals with paranoia and anxiety. When these fears are experienced to the extreme, the author offers the answer of prayer and trust in God.
In chapter eight, the answer to the fear of experiencing violence in life is to trust in God. The author offers scripture to God’s people that encourages us not to fear for God is with us.
Fear of losing possessions is the focus of chapter nine. No one wants to lose their home or job. The reader is encouraged to trust in the Lord and not things.
The ultimate fear is portrayed in chapter ten as death. A comparison is made between the belief in after and the belief that this life is all there is.
Hope is offered in chapter eleven to the fear of what may come next. We experience fear of the future. The hope is given by God as His Spirit to us.
Chapter twelve gives us doubt. We doubt that God is real. The author indicates a solution to doubt by believing God’s Word which is the Bible.
The fear of the possibility that things may get worse is the topic of chapter thirteen. The reader is encouraged to trust in the Lord and wait on Him. He has won the ultimate victory.
A healthy fear is the fear of the Lord as is the title of chapter fourteen. In fact, the author states, that fear of the Lord is scriptural.
In summary, I would recommend to all the reading of this book. This is first of Max Lucado’s books that I read. I would consider reading another of his writings.
Fears common to everyone are analyzed by Max Lucado in this book. These fears mutual to people are characterized in separate categories. Each chapter title is a catchy descriptor for fear. The subtitles describe the fears. The author portrays fear in a storied format with each solution in a Christian perspective. Some characterization of fear is personal to the author.
In chapter one the author answers the question of why we are afraid. He uses real life instances of individuals‘ experiences. Bible verses accompany each scenario pointing to Christ as the source for dispelling fear.
Chapter two addresses the fear of a feeling of low self worth. A scenario is given in a mildly humorous poem. The reader is directed to Bible scripture that describes the great worth that Christ places on each of us.
Disappointments in life and fear of disappointing God is addressed in chapter three.
We always remember the bad experiences in life. The author offers scripture explaining God’s grace and continual forgiveness directed to all who seek it.
Worry is the topic of chapter four. We all worry to some degree. Again the author use scripture that summarizes the point that worry cannot improve any situation in life. In fact worry is described as destructive.
Those, who have children, at times have been afraid for our children. This fifth chapter suggests we give our children over to the care of Christ. Scripture is given supporting evidence that Christ is more than capable for care of our children.
The fear of being overwhelmed by life’s challenges are discussed in chapter six. We, at times, have experienced fear of loss or pain. Scripture is offered to the reader explaining that Christ is near to us and that we can depend on him.
Chapter seven deals with paranoia and anxiety. When these fears are experienced to the extreme, the author offers the answer of prayer and trust in God.
In chapter eight, the answer to the fear of experiencing violence in life is to trust in God. The author offers scripture to God’s people that encourages us not to fear for God is with us.
Fear of losing possessions is the focus of chapter nine. No one wants to lose their home or job. The reader is encouraged to trust in the Lord and not things.
The ultimate fear is portrayed in chapter ten as death. A comparison is made between the belief in after and the belief that this life is all there is.
Hope is offered in chapter eleven to the fear of what may come next. We experience fear of the future. The hope is given by God as His Spirit to us.
Chapter twelve gives us doubt. We doubt that God is real. The author indicates a solution to doubt by believing God’s Word which is the Bible.
The fear of the possibility that things may get worse is the topic of chapter thirteen. The reader is encouraged to trust in the Lord and wait on Him. He has won the ultimate victory.
A healthy fear is the fear of the Lord as is the title of chapter fourteen. In fact, the author states, that fear of the Lord is scriptural.
In summary, I would recommend to all the reading of this book. This is first of Max Lucado’s books that I read. I would consider reading another of his writings.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Home Church
I believe the Home Church assembly is a return to the early Biblical Church and an extension of the Reformation - until recently an unknown / unintended result of the reformers' efforts.
The Reformation according to Ravi Zacharias did not do away with the priesthood but the laity.
The Church today has regressed to a post early Church and pre-Reformational organization.
The Home Church is a horizontal hierarchy in which all believers are priests with Christ only as the Head.
The institutional Church laity denotes passivity and depend on pre-Reformation priesthood and liturgy. The individual laity's Biblical knowledge is replaced by the priests oratory.
There are always exceptions in each group of course.
Only God really knows our heart.
The Reformation according to Ravi Zacharias did not do away with the priesthood but the laity.
The Church today has regressed to a post early Church and pre-Reformational organization.
The Home Church is a horizontal hierarchy in which all believers are priests with Christ only as the Head.
The institutional Church laity denotes passivity and depend on pre-Reformation priesthood and liturgy. The individual laity's Biblical knowledge is replaced by the priests oratory.
There are always exceptions in each group of course.
Only God really knows our heart.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
I have discovered that studying the Bible in chronological order of events is most helpful in understanding. I have a Bible reference that lists the books of the Bible chronologically. I used this reference until my wife recently gave me a New King James chronological study Bible.
I began this type of study about two years ago when I was studying Paul and his epistles along with the Book of Acts. I would recommend this chronological study if you are interested in following Paul's journey and influence on the early New Testament Church.
The Bible obviously is not layed out in chronological order and sometimes it is difficult to follow along in the Old and New Testaments.
I prefer to study the Bible in a sequential expository method.
I began this type of study about two years ago when I was studying Paul and his epistles along with the Book of Acts. I would recommend this chronological study if you are interested in following Paul's journey and influence on the early New Testament Church.
The Bible obviously is not layed out in chronological order and sometimes it is difficult to follow along in the Old and New Testaments.
I prefer to study the Bible in a sequential expository method.
Friday, July 3, 2009
One of the reasons that the United States' institutional church has become ineffective as the body of Christ; 501-3C. Please read the following link.
http://www.cjmciver.org/501c3.shtml
Is God replacing the institutional church with the historical New Testament Church of the Bible?
What is the institutional church?
More to come.............
http://www.cjmciver.org/501c3.shtml
Is God replacing the institutional church with the historical New Testament Church of the Bible?
What is the institutional church?
More to come.............
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)