Tag

church

Jun 03 2015
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Eyesalve: Incline Our Hearts

By | Eyesalve

“That he may incline our hearts unto him, to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and his statutes, and his judgments, which he commanded our fathers. 59And let these my words, wherewith I have made supplication before the LORD, be nigh unto the LORD our God day and night, that he maintain the cause of his servant, and the cause of his people Israel at all times, as the matter shall require: 60That all the people of the earth may know that the LORD is God, and that there is none else. 61Let your heart therefore be perfect with the LORD our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day.” I ki. 8:58-61

I will not deny that if the church would display power like the early church did that she would get the attention of society. However, there is another way that the church can prove to this world that the “LORD is God.” We do that when we “incline our hearts unto Him, to walk in all His ways, and to keep His commandments, and His statutes, and His judgments.”

Apr 30 2015
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Eyesalve: Edify The Church #2

By | Eyesalve

“Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.” I Cor. 14:12

There are some Christians who think that you are not a legitimate church unless you meet in a church building and then there are some that think the real church meets in a home. Those who think this way don’t really understand what the church is. Church isn’t a location where you meet, church has to do more with why and how God’s people meet.

Apr 29 2015
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Eyesalve: Edify The Church

By | Eyesalve

“Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.” I Cor. 14:12

Some Christians may say, “I don’t need the church to be a Christian.” I wonder if those that say such a thing ever think the church may need them. Of course, not in the proud condition they are in, but functioning in the body as God has created them to.

Mar 18 2015
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Eyesalve: Behold the Son of God

By | Eyesalve

“Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!” Jn. 19:5

If we the church are ever going to impact our generation, we cannot present Jesus as a man, although He was fully man as well as fully God, but we must demonstrate that He is the Almighty God that saves. BEHOLD THE SON OF GOD!

Feb 12 2015
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Eyesalve: He Will Make You Different

By | Eyesalve

“But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.” Ex. 11:7

Just as the Lord put a difference between Egypt and Israel, He puts a difference between the world and the church, the sinner and the saint. Will you let Him do that distinguishing work in your life? Will you let Him make you different from the citizens of this world?

Feb 09 2015
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Eyesalve: Tree Huggers

By | Eyesalve

“And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away. 20And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away! 21Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.” Mt. 21:19-21

Jesus said that if we have faith we too could curse the fig tree and it would wither. Why would I want to curse a fig tree anyway? When you consider the fig tree represents Israel, which is a type of church, and the lack of figs signifies a lack of fruit, then we can understand that we can and should curse unfruitful religion. No loving Christian wants to curse anyone or anything, but considering the carnal state of much of the church, it seems few have risen up in our generation to curse the unfruitful religion we have. In fact it seems we may have more tree huggers than cursers.

Feb 06 2015
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Eyesalve: Sit By The Well

By | Eyesalve

“And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow? 14And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known. 15Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well.” Ex. 2:13-15

Sometimes, well-meaning Christians do something they think is right, but neither the church nor the world accept them. Moses’ own brethren rejected him and Pharaoh tried to kill him. When you have these moments in your life, thank God you have a well to go sit down by. “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” Jn. 4:34

Jan 30 2015
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Speak The Same Thing

By | Articles

“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” I Cor. 1:10

“Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.” Rom. 15:5-7

The testimony of the early church, taken right from the bible, is they were in “one accord” in the upper room. Even after about a ten day span, they were still in “one accord” on the day of Pentecost. I wonder how united my church would be, if we spent ten days together. Anyway, the early church had a unity that is not seen today, not because we can’t have it, but because we don’t believe it can be. Often our idea of unity, is for us all to share the same cause or all belong to the same denomination or all agree to the same creed written by authors other than those who penned our bible. These things can bring some degree of unity for some people, but then another group forms that has their own cause and creed. That is why we have so much division today in the church. Add to that, the lack of love and concern for one another, and it is easy to see why the church doesn’t get along with each other.

The reason the early church had such a unity is because they were fully surrendered to Christ. He told them to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit. So, they all waited together. While in that room, there were no saints determined to carry out their own agenda. They were not jockeying for position, but willingly came under Peter’s leadership. They were praying together and were holding to the Old Testament scriptures, so much so, that they were literally fulfilling scripture by appointing someone to take Judas’ place. You can’t believe the word of God much better than that. We see this true unity in the early church, but true Christian unity has escaped our generation.

How is it, that millions of Christians, can all read the same book called the bible, declare that it is the unadulterated word of God, insist that it holds the highest authority over their life, and yet there be so many disagreements amongst us? I know there are many saints that really want unity. If you don’t want unity there is something desperately wrong with your spiritual man. God created us because He wants to share His kingdom with us, He created us because He wants to have a love relationship with us. When Christ entered us upon salvation, the desire of God came with Him. The desire for love and unity came with Him. As we mature in the Lord, so does our love for God increase, and as our love for God increases, so does our love for mankind, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ.

When I met my wife Joy, I thought she was pretty. She was willing to let me date her, and I did. I found out she was a nice girl too, but I just liked her in those first several months of seeing her. One day I realized I loved her and wanted to be with her more, so much more that I asked her to marry me. We got married and 6 years later we got saved. Joy gave birth to 3 sons who all married and gave us 9 grandchildren. You know what? I still want to be with Joy, even more. I want to be around my sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren too. This is the nature of families. Even more, it is the nature of God. Adam didn’t even finish his first assignment, of naming the animals in the garden, before he was asking where his companion is.

It is only natural for Christians to want unity, and because of that desire for unity, many prayer meetings, conferences, workshops and such have been held for the main purpose of uniting the body of Christ. Who can hold it against those that try such things? I commend them for their effort to bring unity to the body. However, they are going about it the difficult way. Unity is much easier to achieve than one might think.

First you have to believe that we really can have true unity. Paul would never had told us to speak the same thing if we couldn’t; he would have never told us that there should be no divisions amongst us, if it weren’t possible for it to be so. I Corinthians 1:10 is one of those verses in the bible that it seems many Christians really don’t believe. They have shrugged off the possibility that we could have true spiritual unity in the church, years ago.

As I said, to have unity is a very simple thing. Romans 15:5 holds the answer. It says, “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:” It is right there as plain as can be; our unity must be “according to Christ Jesus.” It is not according to Terry Fischer, it isn’t according to The Church In Wisconsin, it isn’t according to you, or your church or your creed or your denomination. I am not asking you all to think like me, or for us all to think like one of you. I am asking us all to get the mind of Christ. However, for this to happen, we all have to be teachable. You and I cannot be stubborn in our hearts and say, “this is the way I always believed and I am not changing.” Let’s be honest church, with all the different doctrines we have, someone has to be wrong. Are you willing to change the way you think if the scriptures and the Spirit of truth prove you wrong? My mentor told me, “You don’t look to the bible to prove yourself right, you look to the bible to prove what’s right.” If you and I have a contrary interpretation of a verse in the bible, either I am wrong, or you are wrong, or we are both wrong. We can’t both be right. The Spirit of truth would never teach opposing views and leave us confused and divided. So with that said, it is up to us to be teachable, no matter how long and how well trained we may be. Let’s not agree to disagree, let’s agree to get the mind of Christ and have unity according to Christ Jesus. I am one that believes we will have it. I plead with you to determine in your heart that we can have unity, and that you will cooperate toward that end.

Jan 01 2015
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The Harlot Church (Part 2)

By | Articles

Last month’s article was the first of a two part teaching on what I refer to as the Harlot Church. Before I get started, I just want to remind you that in the Old Testament, Egypt is a type of the world and Israel is a type of the church. The strange woman or harlot that is found in the portions of scripture in Proverbs chapters 2, 5 and 7, represents a type of the church that has fornicated with the world and committed spiritual adultery. Remember also, that the church is referred to as the bride of Christ. Therefore, the term harlot applies to that bride who has committed adultery against Christ. This harlot church is alive and well in America. This article, though to some it can come off as very critical, was written to warn you and help you identify this harlot church system so you can see how critical it is to stay far away as possible from her seductive power.

“And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart. 11(She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house: 12Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)” Proverbs 7:10-12. The harlot church presents herself very seductively. She dims the lights and turns on the smoke machines. Song leaders and musicians are more concerned about putting on a professional show then they are pleasing the audience, who they have forgotten is God. One sister in Christ told me that years ago she went to a seminar on leading worship. She was told by the teacher “When you are on the platform singing, you should not be getting caught up in worship, but instead you should be looking at the people and making eye contact with them.” Evidently, the people must not be getting caught up in the worship either that they would be looking at the singers.

The “attire of a harlot” is provocative and sensual, and is meant to catch the attention and overwhelm the senses of the foolish. The harlot church also makes herself look attractive to this world by adorning herself with programs and entertainment that captivate the senses of man instead of minister to his spirit. She tries to find the ways that best appeal to the flesh. Don’t forget what Jude said, when he spoke of our day, “These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit” (Jude 1:19). The harlot church appeals to the senses, the true church appeals to the spirit. The harlot church promotes self, the true church denies self.

As the strange woman “lieth in wait at every street corner,” so too does the harlot church. there seems to be a decline in churches that hold to the truth and walk in the simplicity of Christ, we have these harlot churches springing up all over the place. They are the ones undiscerning, simple people flock to. Adding to the problem, many churches who were once faithful, are now fornicating with this world. You can see why there is such a lack of true Spirit filled churches. Brethren, if you discover that you are in one of these harlot churches, you need to come out from amongst her. Find a church that preaches and loves the truth. If God, in the days of Elijah, had 7,000 that have not bowed the knee to Baal, I am certain God has set apart for himself an assembly of like-minded, truth loving, Spirit filled believers who you can fellowship with. If you can’t find such a church, pray for God to raise one up.

“So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him,” Proverbs 7:13

The harlot church works at creating an experience. She has conceived many ways to cater to and captivate those who lack understanding and discernment. That experience has the same seductive feeling as a kiss from a harlot does. It is captivating, it is sensual and can even give you goose bumps, but if you give into it, it will overwhelm you and overcome you. Saints, walk in the Spirit, not in the soulish realm.

“I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows. 15Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee. 16I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt. 17I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. 18Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves.” Proverbs 7:14-18

The harlot church maintains some form of religion. She makes her peace offerings and keeps her vows, but not the vow of faithfulness to God. She has adorned her house with the finest things of this world to attract multitudes of people. She calls out to everyone, come and enjoy what we have fashioned just for you. Come and enjoy the love.

“For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey: 20He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed.” Proverbs 7:19-20

A sermon on the practical things in life is what you hear preached at a harlot church. Christ is not preeminent, for He is no longer home. The harlot church tries to equip you for a carnal life lived now and only now. There is no mention of the day of the Lord; there is no anticipation for the rapture. The affections of the harlot church are centered on things below, not on things above. They don’t warn anyone to watch and pray, for they say in their heart, “my Lord delayeth His coming.”

“With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. 22He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; 23Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life. 24Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth.” Proverbs 7:21-24

There are many saints who know they are in a harlot church. They think that they can remain there and say like Samson, “I will go out as at other time before, and shake myself.” At one time they would have had the discernment to know better than to let Delilah play with their hair. If you remain in compromise too long, then the destruction will come suddenly, like a dart through the liver and a bird going to the snare. Hearken oh saints of God, to the call to come out from amongst her.

“For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her. 27Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.” Proverbs 7:26-27

Have you ever heard the saying, “Christians kill their wounded?” Personally, I hate that saying. Real Christians have compassion and help heal and restore their wounded. It is the harlot church that casts down the wounded. The harlot church can even take down the strong. Don’t ever consider yourself beyond falling. You may know of a few ministers, who at one time seemed to have had an anointing, but since have lost it. They were once bold enough to call out sin, but now they tell everyone that they are alright. They once loved the truth, but since have embraced the harlot and have been seduced and deceived by her. Yes, “many strong men have been slain by her.”

Dec 12 2014
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Eyesalve: Can’t Help It

By | Eyesalve

“And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.” Acts 4:31

Those that speak the word of God with boldness are not appreciated by this world, except for those that are looking for salvation. Unfortunately, many in the church do not like bold preaching either. They want to hear something smooth. The problem is that if our preachers are Spirit filled men of God, then they cannot help it, but to speak bold. Boldness is the results of being endued with power from on high.