WHEN TEMPTED TO QUIT...DON'T!

WHEN TEMPTED TO QUIT…DON’T!

Rafael Solano was discouraged and physically exhausted.  He sat on a boulder in a dry river bed and announced to his prospecting companions, “I’m through!  There’s absolutely no use going on with this nonsense any longer.  You see this pebble?  I guess this makes about 999,000 rocks I’ve picked up so far – and no diamond yet.  If I pick up another it will be one million, but what’s the use?  I quit!”

This occurred in 1942 after these three men had spent months searching for diamonds in South America.  They worked untiringly – bending, stooping, gathering endless pebbles – never finding even a trace of diamonds.  But they never considered quitting until Solano became discouraged.  “Well, I guess we might as well stop,” one of his men agreed, “but just pick up one more rock and make it an even million.”  “All right,” Solano said reluctantly as he kneeled down to retrieve one more.  It was almost the size of a hen’s egg.  “Here it is,” he declared with a flourish, “my very last rock!”  Weeks later, a famous New York jeweler named Harry Winston paid Rafael Solano the sum of $200,000 for that one-millionth-rock, which turned out to be the largest diamond ever discovered to that date!

Whenever you are tempted to quit, don’t!  It’s too soon to quit…so go back and pick up one more rock.

I Corinthians 15:58 confirms this:
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Joe Gladys, our high school football coach, repeatedly counseled us players: “Winners never quit; and quitters never win!”  American football is played in four quarters.  By the fourth quarter on the gridiron, everyone is extremely sweaty, emotionally drained and physically exhausted.  Mr. Gladys insisted that the perseverance displayed in the fourth quarter would usually determine the outcome of the game.  Tiredness was no excuse.  Pain was no excuse.  “When the going gets tough, the tough get going!” he shouted.

My friend, do YOU have ‘fourth quarter tenacity’…or are you prone to just quit and walk away because life brings on an occasional ‘sweat’ or because circumstances leave you feeling drained and exhausted?

I have observed that satanic attacks seem to be heightened just before the revelation of divine blessing.  It is almost as if Satan ‘knows’ when we are in close proximity to our promised destiny, so he intensifies the battle to distress and discourage us.  But we are not ignorant of his devices, so we will not allow him to gain such a carnal or sensory advantage over us.  We will always triumph as we walk by faith, not by sight. (II Corinthians 2:11 and 5:7)

There are at least five reasons why YOU MUST CONTINUE:

First of all, no prize is awarded for partial completion of the race.  You must run ALL THE WAY to the finish line. (II Timothy 4:7-8)

Secondly, others (who may be struggling) are closely observing your “fight of faith.” (I Timothy 6:12)  Their ability to win may be directly tied to the victory that YOU demonstrate and model before them.

Thirdly, there are unimaginable rewards awaiting believers who endure to the end. (I Corinthians 2:9)

Fourthly, your perseverance in the face of Satan’s full frontal attack is an act of worship.  Your victory gives ultimate praise and glory to God. (I Corinthians 6:19-20)

Finally, all of the creation is groaning and waiting for the “manifestation of the sons of God.”  Your ‘son-ship’ is clearly revealed as you win out over the set-backs and temptations of a fallen and corrupt world system. (Romans 8:19-22)

My sisters and brothers, please be encouraged to continue.  “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning!” (Psalm 30:5b)  Above all, do not allow any person or any circumstance to rob you of your crown of life, which the Lord promised to give you on that final Day of Judgment. (James 1:12)

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

DON'T QUIT...RISE!

DON’T QUIT…RISE!

Lebitso Mtshali wrote the following inspirational story.  I seems appropriate to share it with you. 

One day I decided to quit.  I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality.  I wanted to quit my life.  I went to the woods to have one last talk with God. 

“God,” I said. “Can you give me one good reason not to quit?”

His answer surprised me.  “Look around,” He said.  “Do you see the fern and the bamboo?”

“Yes,” I replied.

“When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them.  I gave them light.  I gave them water.  The fern quickly grew from the earth.  Its brilliant green covered the floor.  Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed.  But I did not quit on the bamboo.  In the second year, the fern grew more vibrant and plentiful.  And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed.  But I did not quit on the bamboo,” He said.

“In the third year, there was still nothing from the bamboo seed.  But I would not quit.  In the fourth year, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed.  I would not quit,” He said.  “Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth.  Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant.  But just six months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.  It had spent five years growing roots.  Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive.  I would never give my creations a challenge they could not handle.”

He said to me. “Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots?  I would not quit on the bamboo.  Neither will I ever quit on you.”

“Don't compare yourself to others,” He said.  “The bamboo has a different purpose than the fern.  Yet, they both make the forest beautiful.”

“Your time will come,” God said to me.  “You will rise high!”

“How high should I rise?” I asked.

“How high will the bamboo rise?” He asked in return.

“As high as it can?” I questioned. 

“Yes,” He said.  “Give me glory by rising as high as you can.”

Keep moving forward, child of God, and always remember:

Happiness keeps you sweet.
Trials keep you strong.
Sorrows keep you human. 
Failures keep you humble. 
Success keeps you glowing.
But only GOD keeps you going.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS - Pt. IV

THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS - Pt. IV

Our prior devotional posting raises a practical question: ‘What’s in all of this for us?’  That is, in light of David’s praise admonition (Psalm 103:2), what are the SPECIFIC BENEFITS that KINGDOM EMPLOYEES enjoy while walking in covenant with the Living Word of God?  We highlighted an awesome benefit in Kingdom Principle Number One.  “AS KINGDOM STEWARDS, WE ARE IN DIRECT PARTNERSHIP WITH GOD.”  This benefit is strategic (and somewhat ironic) since it relates to the fulfilling privilege of SERVICE which takes place at the intersection of human brokenness and divine grace.  As such, we are flawed (but redeemed) participants in God’s CONSTRUCTION PROCESS, with the primary objective of building the KINGDOM OF GOD.

Kingdom Principle Number Two: GOD PROVIDES A POWERFUL AND REDEMPTIVE ILLUSTRATION OF HIS GRACE WHENEVER DISCIPLES EMBODY AND TESTIFY TO THE AMAZING CONTRAST BETWEEN OUR FORMER LIFESTYLES AND OUR NEW LIVES IN CHRIST JESUS.  Admittedly, this presents a serious challenge for some believers because of the corporate culture of the church.  In a word, we are institutionally conditioned, not only to BE RIGHT, but to always APPEAR RIGHT in the eyes of both believers and unbelievers.  Although the underlying motive for this could be positive, this constant pressure to “appear right” provides a subtle push towards dishonesty and hypocrisy.  The net result is that many redeemed believers give off the impression that their lives are totally pleasing to God, and always have been since their arrival at Calvary’s cross.  This is an obvious falsehood that is easily discernible by all, both within and without the church.

This unfortunate situation leads to an important insight on how we can be used more effectively by God.  Our understandings of grace must be amplified to include both a private and public recognition of our sinful nature and the ongoing conflict (spiritual warfare) that is aggressively waged within us.  Although the Bible declares that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), we ‘act’ as if this only applies to distant encounters with sinful practices.  The truth (the real deal) is this: SINCE we first knelt at the cross of Calvary, ALL of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s perfect Word and will.  God will be able to get much more mileage out of our lives, that is, to showcase the spiritual development HE has achieved and the ‘real contrast’ between where we once were and now are, IF (and only if) we are willing to own up to our failures, foibles, fiascoes and flaws.  In truth, there are spiritual tests we have failed miserably.

Albeit, this does not suggest that we should casually CONTINUE IN SIN once we have been saved, with no real recognition of the blood covenant that CHRIST sacrificially established or of the ongoing process of sanctification through His Word. (Romans 6:1 and Ephesians 5:26)  We must never diminish the effectual power of our new birth by succumbing to a notion of what Dietrich Bonhoeffer called “cheap grace.”  We are saved “by grace through faith” as “the gift of God.” and we steadfastly refuse to diminish this precious gift by a haphazard response to His Word. (Ephesians 2:8)  Through HIS power, WE CAN AND SHALL OVERCOME both the penalty and the practice of sin, since we carry THE SEED of the Living Word within us. (I John 3:9)  However, our honesty, transparency and integrity must be safeguarded in the process.  If the world is to be won through our testimonies, we must press beyond those sanitized, pasteurized and homogenized versions of what God has wrought in us and we must dare to tell others ‘the real deal’ about WHO CHRIST IS and WHAT CHRIST HAS CHANGED in and around our lives.

Paul’s teachings on this are so powerful. “We have this treasure in EARTHEN VESSELS, that the excellency of the power may be of GOD, and not of us.” (II Corinthians 4:7)  The institutional church encourages us to be careful and conservative about sharing our ‘real’ testimonies, and I understand their reasons and rationale.  In truth, there is a definite element of RISK when we publicly engage our past, that is we risk strong condemnation by close-minded Christians.  But I hear a deeper and more authoritative voice resonating within my spirit.  It is the clear voice of THE GREAT COMMISSIONER (Matthew 28:19-20), along with His assurance that regardless of any allegations or accusations, “there is therefore now NO CONDEMNATION to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1)

As God’s privileged partners, as faithful stewards and as joint-heirs with Christ, we choose to be courageous enough to passionately share our personal CONSTRUCTION PROCESS with others who stand in need of practical and powerful Words of life.  I am aware that some might be ‘put off’ by such transparency, but multitudes will discover hope, forgiveness, acceptance and the road that leads to eternal life.  After all, this is the precise reason HE has called us out of darkness: not only to be saved ourselves, but to bring ETERNAL LIGHT AND LIFE to others.  Therefore, all of us are challenged to prayerfully actualize the Word of God, i.e. to go forth sharing our testimonies with a holy boldness that will turn the world upside down! (Acts 17:6)

II Corinthians 4:6
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give THE LIGHT OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE GLORY OF GOD IN THE FACE OF JESUS CHRIST.

I Peter 2:9
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should SHOW FORTH THE PRAISES OF HIM who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Acts 4:13
Now when they saw the BOLDNESS of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that THEY HAD BEEN WITH JESUS.

What about YOU?  Are you now ready to respond courageously to the Word of God? (Proverbs 28:1)  Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS - Pt. III

THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS - Pt. III

The Psalmist David penned this powerful praise admonition: “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all HIS BENEFITS.” (Psalm 103:2)  David advised believers never to develop ‘spiritual amnesia’ regarding the manifold blessings of God.  Exactly what is a BENEFIT?  A benefit promotes personal well-being or advantage.  In this connection, a job-seeker might conclude ‘I did not accept such-and-such job because it had NO BENEFITS.’  Currently, many corporations are apt to hire part-time employees because they want to avoid providing costly benefits.  Compensation may be defined as not only one’s hourly wage or annual salary, but as one’s monetary paycheck PLUS other corporate benefits, e.g. healthcare, sick leave, vacation days, holidays, savings, pensions, etc.

In my endeavor to define a superlative compensation program, I cannot help but reflect on the PHENOMENAL BENEFITS that are an integral component of working for OUR LORD.  Jesus Christ sets forth an employment offer that wise persons can scarcely refuse: “Go ye also into the vineyard; and WHATSOEVER IS RIGHT, that shall ye receive.” (Matthew 20:7)  Without hesitation, we can depend upon HIS WORD!  Peter questioned the compensatory value of working in the Kingdom when he asked Jesus ‘What’s in it for US?’  Christ’s response: “Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God’s sake, who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.” (Luke 18:29-30)  Unquestionably, it pays to serve Jesus!  KINGDOM BENEFITS are limitless and incomparable.  Yet, God entitles us to these incredible Kingdom benefits, even though we are still engaged in the CONSTRUCTION PROCESS.  Although our ‘buildings’ are demonstrably incomplete, HE DECLARES US TO BE “the righteousness of God” and assures us that we stand complete in Him.  (Romans 3:20-22 and Colossians 2:10)  Wow!  What a marvelous and mighty God!

Consider this intriguing fact.  It is possible to be employed by a Fortune 500 corporation and yet be denied benefits due to sheer personal ignorance about personnel perks that are free and available upon request.  To avoid this, major corporations publish detailed employee manuals outlining their compensation programs.  Should employees fail to read and/or understand the manual, extraordinary benefits could become inaccessible to parties who have every right to receive them.  Likewise, all Christian believers are provided more-than-generous benefits that are rendered available and accessible to us reading and honoring THE WORD.  Nevertheless, many live far beneath their privileges and experience difficulty, delay and denial of benefits, simply due to “lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6)

There are other impediments that block the receiving of divine benefits, including our reliance on our sensory perceptions and reasoning faculties.  In truth, believing and receiving God’s promises is diametrically opposite to our natural knowledge and common sense.  Why?  “We walk by faith, not by sight.” (II Corinthians 5:7)  Allow me to cite the example of a Pittsburgh man who was miraculously converted from his association with Jehovah’s Witnesses.  His child had been born with club feet, and while he attended a Pentecostal church service, the young boy was instantaneously healed.  The following week, the father attended a meeting at Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall and reported enthusiastically how GOD had fully restored his child’s feet.  Since this group does not subscribe to faith in divine healing, its leaders immediately intervened and rebuked the man, saying “The devil did that, not God!”  Here is what the father of the healed child replied: “I don’t know how YOUR GOD works…but MY GOD loves my son as much as I love my son…and MY GOD HEALED HIM!”  The Word clearly provides for our healing, but too often we fail to receive it because we are too sense-oriented, too logical, or too loaded down with unbelief. (Isaiah 53:5 and Malachi 4:2)

In light of David’s praise admonition (Psalm 103:2)...what are some SPECIFIC BENEFITS that Kingdom employees may enjoy, those persons who fully covenant with the Living Word of God?

Kingdom Principle Number One: AS KINGDOM STEWARDS, WE ARE IN DIRECT PARTNERSHIP WITH GOD.  If you really think about it, this is a fascinating benefit.  We redeemed lumps of mere clay are called into covenant, relationship, and yes, even full partnership with Almighty God, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, the Lord of Heaven and earth.  How could this possibly be?  In other words, “What is man that thou are mindful of him, and the son of man that thou visitest him?” (Psalm 8:4)  Yet, despite our mortal weaknesses and character flaws, God crowns us with glory and honor.  In case you are not yet aware, our glory and honor rises solely from our association with HIM.  When we honor God, He in turn honors us.  We are gratified and overwhelmed by these awesome acts of amazing grace.  In spite of the indisputable fact that believers are works-in-progress, GOD graciously labels us (unabashedly and unashamedly) as “HIS WORKMANSHIP” and empowers us with the capacity to grow, develop, mature and conform to the IMAGE OF CHRIST. (Ephesians 2:10 and Romans 8:29)

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!  Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow!

THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS - Pt. II

THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS - Pt. II

In spite of the fact that the construction zone is an apparent ‘mess’ to the unimaginative eye, both order and destiny are embedded within the blueprint that is designed by the master architect.  Our God, the Supreme Architect, simultaneously breathes purpose and completion into our life processes via the blueprint of His Word.  The principle issue for us humans is to refocus our vision, i.e. to redirect our eyes from the zonal chaos and to fasten them on The Christ.  In the words of the Apostle Paul, “for I KNOW whom I have believed, and am persuaded that HE IS ABLE to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” (II Timothy 1:12)  Such intimate knowledge automatically triggers absolute confidence.  Paul confirms this: “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)

As children of The Creator, despite the fact that our lives are under construction, we have the fundamental right and spiritual authority to CALL “those things which be not as though they were.” (Romans 4:17)  That is, God allows us ‘developing disciples’ to “decree a thing” with the promise that “it shall be established.” (Job 22:28)  As a result of this Word-of-faith benefit, WEAK people can SAY authoritatively “I am strong!”  SICK people can SAY “I am healed!”  And POOR people can say “I am rich!”  What I love about this is COVENANT PRIVILEGE is the fact that, while Satan makes his best effort to “kill, steal and destroy” and to bring us once again under the power, penalty, practice and condemnation for sin, we are enabled to PROCLAIM “Not so Satan…because I HAVE BEEN REDEEMED!” (John 10:10)  Well, I feel like shouting “Hallelujah” in the wake of that revelation, so I might as well go on and do it.  HALLELUJAH!!!  Thank God, I have been redeemed!

This redemptive CHRIST CONNECTION is the practical manifestation of a blood covenant and transfusion.  That is, we have become ONE again with the FATHER (AT-ONE-MENT) because we have been “accepted IN the BELOVED” SON, in whom the FATHER is “well pleased.” (Ephesians 1:6 and Matthew 17:5)  As such, we become permanently positioned “IN CHRIST” (Who is the propitiation for our sins), and we are no longer subject to satanic condemnation or spiritual death.  And incredibly enough, this is our sure and steadfast heritage, even though we experience our daily lives within the confines of THE CONSTRUCTION ZONE! (II Corinthians 5:17 and Romans 8:1 and Romans 6:23)

Herein lies a pivotal decision point.  WHOSE REPORT will you BELIEVE…about YOURSELF?  Do you believe the cynical suggestions of Satan, who constantly wages war against the seed of the Word that is planted (and is alive) within us?  Or, on the other hand, do you choose to believe the life-giving REPORT OF THE LORD?  Prayerfully read these powerful words penned by Psalmist David, and see if you can discern God’s will for your life:

Psalm 103:1-5
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Wow!  God’s plans for us are truly awesome, aren’t they?  Just think; GOD offers all of this to us WHILE WE ARE IN PROCESS…INSIDE THE CONSTRUCTION ZONE.  I am ecstatic about digging deeper into the details of this divine covenant because it is literally loaded with AMAZING BENEFITS.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!  Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow!

THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS - Pt. I

THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS - Pt. I

I seldom remember my dreams, but I vividly recall a rather curious dream I experienced during the summer of 2012.  The setting of my dream was the now destroyed Twin Towers of The World Trade Center in lower Manhattan, New York.  It appeared that engineers were testing the elevators for safety.  After the tests were completed, I rapidly ascended with two other gentlemen.  All three of us had been employed recently by this Fortune 500 Corporation and we were GIVEN expensive laptop computers containing extensive software packages.  

One of the new employees, an apparent techno-whiz, was making a fuss about the fact that he already had an advanced laptop that was more than adequate for his needs.  I listened in astonishment at his incredibly firm insistence that he would NOT accept the computer (even for a day or so) to compare it to the one he already had.  Eventually, a high level manager looked directly into his eyes and issued a stern warning: “LOOK…I know you are NEW here and don’t know much about our corporate culture, but I have to tell you this: We only need and keep OPEN-MINDED EMPLOYEES.  So…TAKE THE COMPUTER…all right?”  My co-worker’s face reddened as he mumbled softly, “All right.” I stood there watching in silence…wondering why he would not just RECEIVE that which was so freely GIVEN.  At that point, I woke up.

Quickly climbing out of bed, I rushed into my office to write this daily devotional.  My dream reminded me of a powerful scripture penned by the Apostle Peter, one that is a frequent source of encouragement to me.  It contains blessed assurances for all believers that ALMIGHTY GOD has PLANNED and PRODUCED a PROCESS by which we will ultimately arrive at a state of completion in Him.  Read carefully and consider prayerfully what HIS WORD says about YOU.  And may I offer you some sage advice?  After all is said and done…JUST TAKE THE COMPUTER!

II Peter 1:3-8
3 According as HIS DIVINE POWER HATH GIVEN UNTO US ALL THINGS THAT PERTAIN UNTO LIFE AND GODLINESS, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The fact that God has already given us “ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness” seems implausible when we take a sensory or carnal view of our present states-of-being.  How so?  At times, our lives appear to be on hold or practically stalled.  Sometimes they ‘look like’ a MESS…far less than what the scriptures trumpet as the life situation and heritage of Christian disciples.  That is the reason I employ a construction zone metaphor in my attempt to describe ‘where’ and ‘how’ we are in this divine process called life.

First and foremost, always remember this: THE CONSTRUCTION ZONE IS A MESS!

In fact, there is absolutely Nothing appealing about it; and (at least on the surface) there is nothing logical about it.  As a matter of fact, to observers that are untrained, uninformed, or unimaginative, it is virtually impossible to see how a BEAUTIFUL AND FINISHED BUILDING could ever be derived from such a helter-skelter situation!  However, the Master Architect possesses a powerful tool that brings PERSPECTIVE and ORDER into the curious chaos of the construction zone.  It is THE BLUEPRINT – and it works!  Carefully prepared architectural renderings calibrate and coordinate the overwhelming variety of tools, tasks and workers that operate simultaneously in what appears to be an unequivocal mess.  

Now hear this!  The clear vision and expectations of the Master Architect only reach fruition in the presence of deliberate and purposeful multi-tasking.  The fact that there is a virtual army of workers and an endless array of materials constantly flowing in and out, with so many diverse tasks concurrently in the works, causes the construction panorama to ‘look’ and ‘feel’ completely out of control.  Can you mentally picture the confusion and craziness of the construction zone?  Stop for one moment; close your eyes and visualize.  Do you SEE it?  And do you know that OUR GOD is THE MASTER ARCHITECT and the ULTIMATE MULTI-TASKER?  Appearances notwithstanding, HE never fails to breathe order, purpose, confidence and completion into our LIFE PROCESSES via the DIVINE BLUEPRINT of HIS WILL AND WORD.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!  Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow!

CHRISTIANITY-LITE: LET THE BUYER BEWARE!

CHRISTIANITY-LITE: LET THE BUYER BEWARE!

During prayer time, I felt impressed to issue a warning to all who are in pursuit of a relationship with Jesus Christ under the auspices of the institutional church.  Jesus Christ issued this firm and unchangeable declaration concerning His church, i.e. The Body of Christ or The Invisible Church: “…on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades [Hell] shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18, NKJV)

Therefore, it is impossible for any person or power to damage or destroy the invisible church.

However, Christ also issues a clear warning that the latter days would produce counterfeit leaders who ‘appear’ to be authentic and legitimate, but would actually pursue an agenda that opposes the foundational truths in the Word of God.

  

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” (Jesus Christ, Matthew 7:15)

Such persons are greatly influenced by a destructive satanic initiative that John identified as “the spirit of antichrist.” (I John 4:2)

WHO are these people who would lead us away from the foundations of the true Christian faith?  In the prophetic words of Paul, “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and DOCTRINES OF DEMONS, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron.” (I Timothy 4:1-2) 

The prescribed antidote?  “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine.  Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” (I Timothy 4:16)  “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 1:3)

Let’s get down to it…exactly what is Christianity-Lite?

It is an all-pervasive form of religion that has invaded the institutional church like wildfire, just like the hellish plague that it is! 

It is a deceptive “form of godliness” that denies the power of the Living Word, i.e. the authority and ability of The Risen Christ to effect total transformation in the lives of believers. (II Timothy 3:5 – II Corinthians 5:17)

It over-emphasizes grace, while minimizing personal responsibility and accountability for following the Word of God.  We should never doubt that GOD requires full surrender to His will, with our bodies, minds and spirits. (Matthew 16:24 – Romans 12:1-2)

It focuses on material possessions and prosperity in this world system, while the Word commands unwavering attention to Christ and to the things which are above. (Matthew 6:33 – Colossians 3:1 – Hebrews 12:1-2)  It is prosperity-centric, as opposed to being CHRIST-CENTRIC.

Assuredly and indisputably, these are the end-times.  Therefore, you must “make your call and election sure…so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (II Peter 1:10-11)

Remember this: Participation in a church body is a divine requirement: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25)  Just make sure you are “assembling” with leaders and believers who uphold the foundational truths of the faith and declare “the whole counsel of God.” (Acts 20:27)  It is far too late to even think about doing anything otherwise!

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!