It is amazing how one thing leads to another in the illuminating of the Word of God. Over the past few days I have been keenly aware of the purpose of God's saints, while reminded of what I once heard was the biggest divider of the Christian faith.
Now, with that said, the primary purpose of disciples of Jesus Christ is to bring unbelievers to the Truth, according to the Gospel, as expressed in the Holy Bible.
I personally believe that immorality is the root cause of divisiveness in the Church today, just as it was in the days of Corinth. Most have quoted the Bible verse...there's nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9).
People want to believe that God is good, and that Jesus is Love; and all is hunky-dorey with the world; that is, until they have to get to the meat of the matter, and off the suckling of soft, easy-to-digest pablum topics, such as the babes in Christ.
Sadly, many Christians remain 'infants' in Christ because the thought of casting away their carnal behaviors is just too over the top. They are the first to say, when the truth hits the Light, 'Let's not get fanatical about things.' When they have to face the fact that shacking up without certificate of marriage is adultery, thus sin, it becomes a case of 'Don't be gettin' in my business.'
But, it is the 'business' of the saints to speak the truth in love to everyone seeking an eternal place with King Jesus. God clearly states who won't be a part of His Kingdom in 1 Corinthians 6:9.
But, not to digress; knowing that your purpose as a disciple of Christ Jesus includes setting your behavior apart, to a higher standard than those of carnal Christians. This, by no means is a statement of judgment against anyone; for this is NOT the role of the disciple. Only God can judge one's behavior, for only He knows the whole back story. Conviction is the Holy Spirit speaking to you. So, by no means cast this shoulder-tap aside if you got a gnawing twinge in your spirit on reading this.
Now, let's move on to what is described by some, and I perceive as potential truth, of what the biggest divider of the Christian walk is. Are you listening? Here goes: RELIGION. (Gasp!) Hold on...breathe....don't hyperventilate. It is not etched in stone; but, how many times have you heard genuine believers of Christ Jesus say one religion isn't authentic for one reason or other. However, the minute the denominations are excluded from the conversation, the fundamental belief systems are the same as aligned with the Holy Word of God.
I pause here, as I meditate on the question, "What denomination was Jesus?" Yes, He was born a Jew; and, at the time of His death, many considered His teachings blasphemous. However, many others would say that He took His Faith to a Higher Level, which many of those practicing OT Judaism thought was an offense to God.
And, there you have it, good old divisiveness at the start. Let's fast-forward to the modern day Church 2017. Christians still believe in the Triune God: Father, Son & Holy Spirit. That is a good thing; and, equally important is that we cast aside all the man-made rules of protocol that lead to bickering; and instead, cling directly to the teachings set forth in the Holy Word.
I could continue this discussion for hours; but, let me wrap it up. Be mindful of your beliefs and how they align with the Holy Bible and how you live your life. Be certain that ALL of your decisions are made on teachings set forth in the Holy Word of God; for, compromise, as common as it is today, is another huge enemy of the believer.
The bottom line comes down to this: Christ disciples will lead many to the water; but few will drink. That is not the concern of the saint; because ONLY God,via the Power of the Holy Spirit can save one's soul. It's like having two ears; but, without God tuning the audio for them to hear, what is said will fall on ears that are unable to hear...sort of a wonk-wonk-wonk-wonk evaporation into the universe.
Before coming to Christ, before being born-again, saved by the Blood of Jesus, and receiving the Holy Spirit, we all were a bit hearing impaired. Again, no halos here, all glory to God in Christ Jesus. So, beloved, that's it. Christ sends disciples to teach. He rains down the Holy Spirit on the chosen for salvation, and what a day of rejoicing that is. Luke 15:10 teaches that the angels rejoice when a sinner repents.
So, the next time you want to say I can't hang with so and so because they belong to this faith or that, check yourself, and know who the author of division is...old satan himself. If they are a Christ follower, then meet them where they are, and let God do the tweaking of what they believe, all things the Bible describes as Pharisaical teachings. And, to all, pray to cast aside the carnal thorns of your life. Realize that every act of carnality causes God to turn His back from you, for He cannot, and will not, ever partake of, or support sinful behaviors. Carnality risks losing God's hedge of protection, and opening the door for satan to get a foothold.
Peace and love in Christ Jesus, all... peace and love.
Please note that this post was inspired by a teaching done by YouTuber Lashara
Pinckney. The link is listed below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qy3z2QKTfls&feature=em-uploademail
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