. . . and sometimes you don't even sound saved!
Nowhere in my writings have I ever told anyone they're not saved. I know it sounds like I'm guilty of this, but such is the nature of my assignment. I try not to question another's relationship with God, because I am often the recipient of such Phariseic misjudging. Howbeit, God knows the intent of my heart. As Christians, we should know better. For we are all but flawed works in progress, not yet glorified by the Father. In exposing (showing) sin in the church, I have only done, and will always seek to do only as God instructs:
Isaiah 58: 1 Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.
Isaiah 58:1 is not about critiquing other's sonship; it's about God holding the church, particularly its leaders, accountable through the trumpeters of His choosing. Maybe, those who have become professional churchers are too complacent and complicit to handle such an assignment. God knows what He is doing. He has predestined His servants.
It's one thing to ask someone if they are saved, for the sole purpose of sharing the good news of the Gospel of salvation: But it is an entirely different Spirit which causes one to call another person's salvation into question. Even when we stumble; does God not know His own? For it is written: ". . . And every tongue that rises against you IN JUDGEMENT, you shall condemn." Moreover, "And their righteousness is of Me, says THE LORD." Therefore, being that God, not man, BUT GOD, is the author and finisher of our faith, what judgement shall one man have in another man's relationship with God? I don't question the relationship, I call out the sin that threatens to erode the relationship. I can't help but think how judging another's relationship with Him, must invoke flashbacks for God. When He dwelt among us in the earth, the Pharisees constantly provoked him to anger with their self righteous supremacy. They accused Jesus of claiming he was the Son of God; dared Him to say it out loud; then nailed Him to a cross when He refused to play their little game.
Christians, sinners don't know any better, but we must make sure that we are not usurping God's authority by demanding that other's play our little game, to meet our, ever-changing, personal, outward criteria for being "saved." Salvation is not based on whether or not a woman wears pants, nor how long her skirt is; or whether or not a man has long hair, or sports a beard, or any other Phariseic rule of religiosity. Certainly, we must use righteous judgement in dicerning moderation; but debating, and judging others by such things, is futile. I say as Paul said: There are no such customs in God's Church. It's as if Paul is saying to the church, I'll let you decide whether you want waste your time on such frivolity, but as for the true house of God, not so. "Man looks at the outward appearance; BUT GOD, looks at the heart." Therefore, say not, even in your hearts, who shall ascend to heaven, or who shall descend into the deep, especially based on appearance. The church gets herself into so much unnecessary trouble in this regard, because church folks, are oftentimes bent on favoritism. Those who are, but fixtures, in the church are tolerated of every imaginable wickedness; but let someone come in the church attired in ripped jeans or a skirt 1/4 of an inch above "regulation;" all hell breaks loose. Man has no heaven nor hell wherein to put anyone, not even himself. But, as it is written: Romans 10: 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
If anyone has an issue with these truths, especially where I'm concerned, indeed their indignation is not with me, but with God. But be very careful in your indignation, righteous or otherwise. The last time I checked, there is none qualified to advise God:
Isaiah 40: 13 Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counselor hath taught him?
Recommend Reading: Luke 18: 9-14
Commentary:. Thank you to all who have subtly, and not so subtly suggested that I get a job. I agree whole heatedly. Howbeit this time I pray that my job will be with an organization that actually honors it's agreement to pay for services rendered, instead of seeking to enslave, while its' paid workers steal the very donations that are meant for the ones they claim to serve. I pray not only for me to get a job, I pray that all who are unemployed, and want to work, will get jobs. Moreover, I pray that those who have jobs will keep them, while others will receive promotions, raises and bonuses. I pray, by faith, that the next salaried job that I get, will not only be the best paying job that I could ever hope for, but will likewise synergize both my corporate skills and God given gifts. In the name of Jesus, I ask that all these things be done. Amen.
Nowhere in my writings have I ever told anyone they're not saved. I know it sounds like I'm guilty of this, but such is the nature of my assignment. I try not to question another's relationship with God, because I am often the recipient of such Phariseic misjudging. Howbeit, God knows the intent of my heart. As Christians, we should know better. For we are all but flawed works in progress, not yet glorified by the Father. In exposing (showing) sin in the church, I have only done, and will always seek to do only as God instructs:
Isaiah 58: 1 Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.
Isaiah 58:1 is not about critiquing other's sonship; it's about God holding the church, particularly its leaders, accountable through the trumpeters of His choosing. Maybe, those who have become professional churchers are too complacent and complicit to handle such an assignment. God knows what He is doing. He has predestined His servants.
It's one thing to ask someone if they are saved, for the sole purpose of sharing the good news of the Gospel of salvation: But it is an entirely different Spirit which causes one to call another person's salvation into question. Even when we stumble; does God not know His own? For it is written: ". . . And every tongue that rises against you IN JUDGEMENT, you shall condemn." Moreover, "And their righteousness is of Me, says THE LORD." Therefore, being that God, not man, BUT GOD, is the author and finisher of our faith, what judgement shall one man have in another man's relationship with God? I don't question the relationship, I call out the sin that threatens to erode the relationship. I can't help but think how judging another's relationship with Him, must invoke flashbacks for God. When He dwelt among us in the earth, the Pharisees constantly provoked him to anger with their self righteous supremacy. They accused Jesus of claiming he was the Son of God; dared Him to say it out loud; then nailed Him to a cross when He refused to play their little game.
Christians, sinners don't know any better, but we must make sure that we are not usurping God's authority by demanding that other's play our little game, to meet our, ever-changing, personal, outward criteria for being "saved." Salvation is not based on whether or not a woman wears pants, nor how long her skirt is; or whether or not a man has long hair, or sports a beard, or any other Phariseic rule of religiosity. Certainly, we must use righteous judgement in dicerning moderation; but debating, and judging others by such things, is futile. I say as Paul said: There are no such customs in God's Church. It's as if Paul is saying to the church, I'll let you decide whether you want waste your time on such frivolity, but as for the true house of God, not so. "Man looks at the outward appearance; BUT GOD, looks at the heart." Therefore, say not, even in your hearts, who shall ascend to heaven, or who shall descend into the deep, especially based on appearance. The church gets herself into so much unnecessary trouble in this regard, because church folks, are oftentimes bent on favoritism. Those who are, but fixtures, in the church are tolerated of every imaginable wickedness; but let someone come in the church attired in ripped jeans or a skirt 1/4 of an inch above "regulation;" all hell breaks loose. Man has no heaven nor hell wherein to put anyone, not even himself. But, as it is written: Romans 10: 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
If anyone has an issue with these truths, especially where I'm concerned, indeed their indignation is not with me, but with God. But be very careful in your indignation, righteous or otherwise. The last time I checked, there is none qualified to advise God:
Isaiah 40: 13 Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counselor hath taught him?
Because
Isaiah 42: 8 I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another
Word of God
Thanks be unto God
Word of God
Thanks be unto God
Recommend Reading: Luke 18: 9-14
Commentary:. Thank you to all who have subtly, and not so subtly suggested that I get a job. I agree whole heatedly. Howbeit this time I pray that my job will be with an organization that actually honors it's agreement to pay for services rendered, instead of seeking to enslave, while its' paid workers steal the very donations that are meant for the ones they claim to serve. I pray not only for me to get a job, I pray that all who are unemployed, and want to work, will get jobs. Moreover, I pray that those who have jobs will keep them, while others will receive promotions, raises and bonuses. I pray, by faith, that the next salaried job that I get, will not only be the best paying job that I could ever hope for, but will likewise synergize both my corporate skills and God given gifts. In the name of Jesus, I ask that all these things be done. Amen.
~
