Churches today seem to be battling from within, all in the Name of Jesus Christ. I have the impression that satan takes time off as believers shoot themselves in the foot, bury their wounded, and reduce the Gospel to a motivational self help approach to life. Call me "old fashioned," but the Gospel is about turning from sin, living a life above sin, refusing to compromise with the world, praying without ceasing, and living in victory in spite of one's circumstances. Reader, this post is about losing power. I suggest that one of the principle reasons that power is being lost is because the church has removed the ruggedness of the Gospel. The Gospel is about death. First, the death of Jesus Christ, and then, our deaths to sin, self and the world.
Paul wrote, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20 Further, the writer of the book of Hebrews stated: "Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his approach." What similarities do we find in these passages? The similarity is death! The key to spiritual power is death. No, I don't mean physical death. Instead, the death I write of, is death to the lure of the world, death to an easy life and easy grace, and death to anything that is contrary to the Word of God.
How many "Christians" don't read their Bibles? How many fail to pray? How many refuse to witness to others? The key to spiritual power is death and working for the Kingdom. No, I do not intimate or suggest that salvation is faith plus works. Instead, our salvation through grace alone causes us to work. Muscles not used become soft and flabby. In the same way, spiritual muscles not used will result in a loss of spiritual power.
Therefore, I suggest the following to prevent spiritual leakage:
1. Have a daily Bible reading plan that includes readings from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs. While this article does not debate Bible translations, I suggest a good old King James Version. The KJV is direct and does not water down essential truths to make them more acceptable to the world.
2. Have a prayer list and pray over every item daily. You should include family and close friends, your pastor and local church, the President, Vice President, members of Congress, the Supreme Court, law enforcement officers, public safety officers, state governors, and local mayors and city council. Begin to intercede that those in authority would follow Godly principles that we might live peaceable lives.
3. Ask God to provide you an opportunity to share your faith to someone today.
4. Ask God to provide you an opportunity to show the love of Christ today to meet someone's physical needs.
5. Examine yourself to make sure you are dead to sin, the world and self.
These suggestions, although quite simple, will keep you from losing spiritual power. Someone you know needs to read the Bible today, and you may be the only copy they will see.
Friday, July 13, 2018
Tuesday, July 3, 2018
Spiritual Leakage: Losing Power
It seems that many in the church have lost their spiritual power. Too often this comes as a result of getting their eyes off Jesus and onto others. When we find offense or enter into strife, you will find spiritual leakage. Read the words of Samuel Brengle in his book, “Helps to Holiness:”
“There are many ways of letting power leak away. I knew a soldier who came to the hall very early every evening, and instead of getting his soul keyed up to a high pitch of faith and love, spent the time playing soft, dreamy music on his violin, and though faithfully, lovingly warned, continued that practice till he openly backslid.
I have known men whose power leaked out through a joke. They believed in having things go with a swing, and so they told funny stories and played the clown to make things lively. And things were lively, but it was not with Divine life. It was the liveliness of mere animal spirits, and not of the Holy Spirit. I do not mean by this that a man who is filled with the power of the Spirit will never make men laugh. He will. He may say tremendously funny things. But he will not be doing it just to have a good time. It will come naturally. It will not be dragged in "on all fours," and it will be done in the fear of God, and not in a spirit of lightness and jesting. He who wants a meeting of life and power should remember that there is no substitute for the Holy Ghost. He is life. He is power. And if He is sought in earnest, faithful prayer, He will come, and when He comes the little meeting will be mighty in its results.
The Holy Spirit should be earnestly sought, in earnest, secret prayer. Jesus said, "When thou pray, enter into your closet, and when thou hast shut your door, pray to your Father which is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret shall reward you openly" (Matt. 6:6). He will do it; bless His holy name!“
If we are seeking to be a church that has the anointing and power of the Holy Ghost, we must commit our lives to the business of the Lord Jesus Christ. Extreme jesting, needless strife and contention, and a failure to commune with the Lord will result in spiritual leakage. Sanctified believers have committed their all to Jesus and keep that commitment as a condition of remaining sanctified. The church needs Holy Ghost filled believers that will storm the gates of hell and you can’t do that if you are arguing with your brethren over nonessential matters. May God help us to be the army we are meant to be.
“There are many ways of letting power leak away. I knew a soldier who came to the hall very early every evening, and instead of getting his soul keyed up to a high pitch of faith and love, spent the time playing soft, dreamy music on his violin, and though faithfully, lovingly warned, continued that practice till he openly backslid.
I have known men whose power leaked out through a joke. They believed in having things go with a swing, and so they told funny stories and played the clown to make things lively. And things were lively, but it was not with Divine life. It was the liveliness of mere animal spirits, and not of the Holy Spirit. I do not mean by this that a man who is filled with the power of the Spirit will never make men laugh. He will. He may say tremendously funny things. But he will not be doing it just to have a good time. It will come naturally. It will not be dragged in "on all fours," and it will be done in the fear of God, and not in a spirit of lightness and jesting. He who wants a meeting of life and power should remember that there is no substitute for the Holy Ghost. He is life. He is power. And if He is sought in earnest, faithful prayer, He will come, and when He comes the little meeting will be mighty in its results.
The Holy Spirit should be earnestly sought, in earnest, secret prayer. Jesus said, "When thou pray, enter into your closet, and when thou hast shut your door, pray to your Father which is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret shall reward you openly" (Matt. 6:6). He will do it; bless His holy name!“
If we are seeking to be a church that has the anointing and power of the Holy Ghost, we must commit our lives to the business of the Lord Jesus Christ. Extreme jesting, needless strife and contention, and a failure to commune with the Lord will result in spiritual leakage. Sanctified believers have committed their all to Jesus and keep that commitment as a condition of remaining sanctified. The church needs Holy Ghost filled believers that will storm the gates of hell and you can’t do that if you are arguing with your brethren over nonessential matters. May God help us to be the army we are meant to be.
Monday, July 2, 2018
What is Carnality? Part 4
Today, we look at another child of the Old Man: Miss Envy Jealousy. This trait is very ugly. Those that exhibit this carnal trait can in an instant create such strife and turmoil in the church that it can almost impossible to get anything accomplished. From the writings of E.G. Marsh, we learn the following:
"You certainly want to get introduced to Mr. Old Man’s next daughter, Miss Envy Jealousy. She has certain prominent traits by which she may be distinguished from her various sisters. You will notice a very greenish cast in her eyes. She is grieved over the happiness and success of others. She is absolutely unable to love others as herself. In fact, she calls that rank fanaticism. She selfishly begrudges the enjoyment of those around her. She is unfriendly toward those who are prospering and are exalted to higher positions than she can attain. She cherishes a hearty ill will toward these. She has a very strong feeling of ill will against those who are intruding upon what she calls her rights. This ill will frequently leads to hatred, wrath and even murder. In the further study of this, you will learn more about Miss Envy Jealousy.
Strange to say of one of such character, Miss Envy Jealousy is a great churchgoer, and like her brothers and sisters is found not only in the pew, but also in the pulpit. She fills any office in the realm of the church, from the very lowest office of the local church to the highest office of the general connection. She is very busy in the interests of her father, Mr. Old Man, and of her grandfather, Mr. Devil. It would be hard to find a more loyal daughter than she. By her good (?) reputation in the church she can more easily carry out the plans of her relatives and work havoc to the cause of God.
She is very wise in her work. Being such an apt mixer, she causes many compromises in the church. Preacher Man-fear is afraid to resist her. And even Sliding Elder, Love-of-praise, must often bow to her tyranny to hold his place of popularity She is strongly opposed to preachers who preach the Word. When the Word is preached in the power of the Spirit she often gets restless, turns pale, and often even faints. At these times Dr. Delusion must give her powerful tranquillisers of false security to keep her from realizing her true condition. As you can imagine, she is radically opposed to and cruelly persecutes those who preach a salvation that saves to the uttermost.
Regardless of her strongest protests, we will study her character as revealed in the Word of God. And the first charge that we bring against this daughter of the Old Man is that she caused the sufferings and death of Jesus upon the cross. The chief priests hated Jesus’ because they thought the people were turning to Him. Mark 15:10 says of them, “For he (Pilate,) knew that the chief priests had delivered him (Jesus) for envy.” Envy leads to murder. Any heart that envies may, under certain provocations, commit the most coldblooded murders known to man.
Let churches take warning. Miss Envy Jealousy is causing confusion, strife, divisions, etc., that are ruining the life of the church. “Where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” No wonder that we have so much strife, so many divisions, so much confusion, so much evil work.” Of too many it might be said, “The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy.” Let us give good heed to the exhortation: “Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” The Word says of such, “For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal . . . .?” Oh, that we would take warning from the counsel of God. “Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; BUT WHO IS ABLE TO STAND BEFORE ENVY?” Yea, “Envy is as the rottenness of the bones.” Is it any wonder that this “rottenness of the bones” is causing such a stench in the nostrils of purity? This picture is enough to turn one’s stomach. Right in the church, envy, “the rottenness of the bones”, in all its loathsomeness is generating the stench of hell. No wonder Paul wrote the church at Corinth: “For I fear . . . lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults.” “For jealousy is the rage of a man.
Some things that reveal the presence of Miss Envy Jealousy: (True statements from testimonies) Envious or jealous of others OVER THEIR Wintering in Florida Fancy manicure; Public recognition; Name coming first; Life style; World Travel; Being invited to a home; Recognition from the boss; Undeserved Prosperity; Beautiful homes; Being mother’s pet; Standing in the church, home, or society; Designer dresses; Boy or girl friend; Preaching Singing ability; Talents; Education; Good position; Money and ease; Hairstyle, beauty, fine clothes, New Mercedes; Friends (And just dozens more!)
Some of the brothers and sisters of Miss Envy Jealousy: Murder; Hatred; Adultery; Malice; Fornication; Backbiting; Cruelty; and Drunkenness.
"You certainly want to get introduced to Mr. Old Man’s next daughter, Miss Envy Jealousy. She has certain prominent traits by which she may be distinguished from her various sisters. You will notice a very greenish cast in her eyes. She is grieved over the happiness and success of others. She is absolutely unable to love others as herself. In fact, she calls that rank fanaticism. She selfishly begrudges the enjoyment of those around her. She is unfriendly toward those who are prospering and are exalted to higher positions than she can attain. She cherishes a hearty ill will toward these. She has a very strong feeling of ill will against those who are intruding upon what she calls her rights. This ill will frequently leads to hatred, wrath and even murder. In the further study of this, you will learn more about Miss Envy Jealousy.
Strange to say of one of such character, Miss Envy Jealousy is a great churchgoer, and like her brothers and sisters is found not only in the pew, but also in the pulpit. She fills any office in the realm of the church, from the very lowest office of the local church to the highest office of the general connection. She is very busy in the interests of her father, Mr. Old Man, and of her grandfather, Mr. Devil. It would be hard to find a more loyal daughter than she. By her good (?) reputation in the church she can more easily carry out the plans of her relatives and work havoc to the cause of God.
She is very wise in her work. Being such an apt mixer, she causes many compromises in the church. Preacher Man-fear is afraid to resist her. And even Sliding Elder, Love-of-praise, must often bow to her tyranny to hold his place of popularity She is strongly opposed to preachers who preach the Word. When the Word is preached in the power of the Spirit she often gets restless, turns pale, and often even faints. At these times Dr. Delusion must give her powerful tranquillisers of false security to keep her from realizing her true condition. As you can imagine, she is radically opposed to and cruelly persecutes those who preach a salvation that saves to the uttermost.
Regardless of her strongest protests, we will study her character as revealed in the Word of God. And the first charge that we bring against this daughter of the Old Man is that she caused the sufferings and death of Jesus upon the cross. The chief priests hated Jesus’ because they thought the people were turning to Him. Mark 15:10 says of them, “For he (Pilate,) knew that the chief priests had delivered him (Jesus) for envy.” Envy leads to murder. Any heart that envies may, under certain provocations, commit the most coldblooded murders known to man.
Let churches take warning. Miss Envy Jealousy is causing confusion, strife, divisions, etc., that are ruining the life of the church. “Where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” No wonder that we have so much strife, so many divisions, so much confusion, so much evil work.” Of too many it might be said, “The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy.” Let us give good heed to the exhortation: “Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” The Word says of such, “For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal . . . .?” Oh, that we would take warning from the counsel of God. “Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; BUT WHO IS ABLE TO STAND BEFORE ENVY?” Yea, “Envy is as the rottenness of the bones.” Is it any wonder that this “rottenness of the bones” is causing such a stench in the nostrils of purity? This picture is enough to turn one’s stomach. Right in the church, envy, “the rottenness of the bones”, in all its loathsomeness is generating the stench of hell. No wonder Paul wrote the church at Corinth: “For I fear . . . lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults.” “For jealousy is the rage of a man.
Some things that reveal the presence of Miss Envy Jealousy: (True statements from testimonies) Envious or jealous of others OVER THEIR Wintering in Florida Fancy manicure; Public recognition; Name coming first; Life style; World Travel; Being invited to a home; Recognition from the boss; Undeserved Prosperity; Beautiful homes; Being mother’s pet; Standing in the church, home, or society; Designer dresses; Boy or girl friend; Preaching Singing ability; Talents; Education; Good position; Money and ease; Hairstyle, beauty, fine clothes, New Mercedes; Friends (And just dozens more!)
Some of the brothers and sisters of Miss Envy Jealousy: Murder; Hatred; Adultery; Malice; Fornication; Backbiting; Cruelty; and Drunkenness.
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