The institutional Church, at large, has been fearful that an emphasis on the subjective relationship of Christ and the Christian would impinge upon the basic foundations of Christian thought. But even more than this concern for ideological preservation has been their concern for ecclesiastical preservation. The tendencies to collectivization and objectification in the Western Church have allowed the ecclesiastical authorities to exercise power, maintain control, and "keep a handle on" the Christian enterprise.
To allow the grace of God to function freely and subjectively in Christian individuals has been eschewed as a "risky business," allowing for too much individualism, too much subjectivism, and too much personal freedom.
The "good news" of the Christian gospel is that God in Christ is reinvested and restored in, as, and through the receptive Christian individual. The objective of the gospel is not to formulate an orthodox belief-system, nor to construct and maintain an ecclesiastical organization. The Spirit of Christ is free to express the character of Christ in novel and spontaneous ways in each Christian, and that unto the glory of God. The Holy Spirit must not be imprisoned in church structures, encased in book-interpretations, or relegated only to a judicial courtroom in the heavens. The Spirit of the living Christ is present in the Christian, existing as the identity of the Christian, and functioning to express Himself through the Christian. The documentation of these realities is the objective of this article.
This classic example of our passion for the freedom of the Spirit in wisdom. The massive void which exists limiting and regulating the powerful work of God the Spirit, in an ongoing manner in the life of believer and reducing it; has led short falls and unanswered crooss over fromthe natural to the supernatural which Christ lived out and he stated that we to would be empowered by the Spirit often has becme little more than a series of how to books and trend following instead. Thanks to and for those fine truths. I agree fully , regaining the way is what we have done and set out to do ask others it;s time to do so.
Getting back to him,
Despite the attempts of Protestantism to objectify the benefits of Christ's work in an almost paranoid aversion to anything other than "alien righteousness," there have been evangelical Christians throughout the ages who have understood that the Person and work of Jesus Christ must not be only extrinsically applied, but that the living Person and activity of Christ indwells the spirit of the Christian. This fundamental reality of Christ's actual and spiritual presence within the Christian individual is so well-attested by direct New Testament references that those who "search the Scriptures" and are receptive to spiritual reality invariably recognize the indwelling presence of the living Christ.
Jesus Himself explained that He would give another Helper, the Spirit of truth, and His disciples would know that they were in Him, and He was in them (John 14:20). In His prayer for unity Jesus explained that He would be in His followers as God the Father was in Him, the Son (John 17:23).Amen!
D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones wrote: "Justification makes no actual change in us; it is a declaration of God concerning us."1 Louis Berkhof explained that both Luther and Calvin describe justification "as a forensic act which does not change the inner life of man but only the judicial relationship in which he stands to God."2 Anglo-Catholic, E. L. Mascall, notes that "justification has been envisaged as simply an act of God by which man is accounted righteous without any ontological change being made in him."3 Louis Bouyer, a French Reformed theologian who became Roman Catholic, lamented, "It was apparently impossible for Protestant theology to agree that God could put something in man that became in fact his own, and that at the same time the gift remained the possession of the Giver. That amounts to saying that there can be no real relation between God and man."4 These quotations serve to verify that the over-objectification of Protestant theology in general has effectively deterred teaching of the personal and subjective action of Christ in the Christian individual.
How than should we think? Ever wonder what rela faith looked like?
"Christ as us" is another way of referring to the Christian's "union with Christ" which has been a part of Christian understanding from the beginning of the Church. Christian thinkers have often struggled, however, to explain and articulate what Paul meant by his statement that "the one being joined to the Lord is one spirit (with Him)" (I Cor. 6:17). Likewise, they have shied away from Peter's assertion that Christians "have become partakers of divine nature" (II Peter 1:4). Clinging to the Greek humanistic idea of an inherent "human nature," Christians have often been blinded to the Scriptural explanation that "we were by nature (Greek phusis) children of wrath" (Eph. 2:3) in our unregenerate spiritual condition, when "the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that works in the sons of disobedience" (Eph. 2:2) was indwelling and operative in us, but we are now "partakers of the divine nature (phusis)" (II Pet. 1:4), by the presence and function of "the Spirit of Christ" (Rom. 8:9) within the spirit of the Christian (cf. Rom. 8:16). Being "partakers (koinonoi) of the divine nature" (II Pet. 1:4) and "partakers (metachoi) of Christ" (Heb. 3:14) implies that Christians are participants in Christ, sharing in the commonality of His nature and identity in spiritual union with Him. This participatory fellowship (koinonia) with the living Lord Jesus (I Cor. 1:9), with God the Father (I John 1:3,6), and with the Holy Spirit (Phil. 2:1) indicates a spiritual union with the Triune Godhead.
Eastern Orthodox theologians are careful to explain, though, that neither the early church fathers nor they are advocating that the Christian becomes God. They qualify "deification" by indicating that it is participation in the "energies" of God's presence and Being, rather than becoming the "essence" of the Being of God. Though they emphasize the intimacy of the union of the Christian with the "divine nature," they maintain at the same time that the creature always remains essentially distinct from God. They maintain a careful balance of union and distinction.
Having noted how the character of Christ is expressed in Christian behavior by "the fruit of the Spirit" (Gal. 5:22,23), we now note that the ministry of Christ is performed through us by the "gifts of the Spirit" (cf. Rom. 12; I Cor. 12; Eph. 4:8-16). The "fruit of the Spirit" has to do with the functional expression of the character of Christ, while the "gifts of the Spirit" have to do with the ministry of Christ to others in the context of the Body of Christ. It is most lamentable that in many portions of the Church today the "gifts of the Spirit" are regarded as marks of spirituality or trophies of spiritual possession, rather than as the means of Christ's ministry through Christians. The "gifts of the Spirit" should not be viewed as separated or detached entities or abilities, but only as the functional grace-expressions by which Christ ministers through any Christian in a given situation of another's need. (cf. Fowler, Charismata: the so-called "Spiritual Gifts")
No greater joy than stepping out of doubt and fear when it comes to be included in the beloved. Joy!
Monday, December 19, 2011
Monday, December 5, 2011
Prayer a contrast to Deception?
We added a trend setting term it;s found function in our culture as man frame practice as people manover and seek to mislead for the sake of gain or painto others., the term carries with it a more clear meaning as to the mechanism found in deception..
Do not lie (5574) (pseudomai from pseudo = to cheat, defraud, falsify) means to communicate what is false, with the evident purpose of misleading. The Greek term and the English equivalent ‘to lie’ involve more than simply telling what is not true, for this could occur without an intent to deceive or mislead. It means means to tell a falsehood, attempt to deceive by lying, to speak falsely or deceitfully. Pseúdomai therefore involves not only the communication of a falsehood but also the intent to deceive.
Wuest says that
These Colossian saints had carried over into the new life, the sin of lying. They should stop lying because they had put off the old man with his practices, that person they were before they were saved, and had put on the new man, that person they were now in Christ Jesus, this new person being constantly renewed with respect to a complete and perfect knowledge which is according to the image of the One who created him."
Prayer, we added the material to reflect the common practice found so often in our culture dealingwith deceptionand the curese that comes with it;s lies. The word prayer onthe other side is also soemthing which must be more than me or give me attitudes.
The real prayer warrior is not self centered, benefits driven life style but one in which offers the sacrifice to God as desiring to be more like him.
Real prayer, earnest prayer, is hard work.
There are so many interruptions ; so many excuses for not persevering suggest themselves to the mind. A believing man is more ready at work than at prayer. Satan has a special ill-will at praying people. Some one has said that Satan's orders are, 'fight not with small or great, but only with the praying people.' If we are to persevere in prayer, it must be prayer in the Spirit, with the atmosphere of the Spirit all around us. Epaphras would never say his prison was a tiresome place. He would say he had plenty of work to do there. Be like him, labouring for God in prayer. If you can't work, if you can't speak, you can pray. But work hard at it like Epaphras, and you will be an immense benefactor to others.
'Of all thy gifts we ask but one,
Give us the constant power to pray.
Indulge us, Lord, in this request,
Thou canst not then deny the rest.'
Give us the constant power to pray.
Indulge us, Lord, in this request,
Thou canst not then deny the rest.'
Lengthen your brief prayers. Take more time, and in this way bring down showers upon your own soul, and upon all around you.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
The Holy Spirit personage.
More than an it, More real than the defeaning denial of his power and presence but present in the conscious mind of those aware of his nearness.
The New Testament often credits the Spirit with speech (Acts 13:2, 4; Rom. 8:26-27; 1 Tim. 4:1; Heb. 3:7; 9:8; Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22; 22:17), which is a competence of persons. The Spirit speaks not only to man, but also to the glorified Christ (2).
- The Holy Spirit has personal attributes (1).
The New Testament often credits the Spirit with speech (Acts 13:2, 4; Rom. 8:26-27; 1 Tim. 4:1; Heb. 3:7; 9:8; Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22; 22:17), which is a competence of persons. The Spirit speaks not only to man, but also to the glorified Christ (2).
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
What about? faith?
Faith requires we put to the test, indeed in order for faith to mature it needs situtations where faith alone can sustain us.
Faith arises in the glaring face of negative realties no matter how intense it is, therein one may be well molded. This is the faith that touches God's heart or pleases him.
In the added paper on maturity stagnation is dealt with to great a degree, is just that or the need to vanquish the faithlessness by putting yourself in the impossible, faith is the spiritual substance of things hoped for evidence of things not seen, Not just knowing the doctrine, but to live by faith.
In our reach often at night the sight is min or totally gone, things happen mighty fast in rough situtations it is there the real fruit is born not by dodging but by embracing the impossible often leads ot the faith abounding. As it loving that which far removed from personal expectation in unwelcome events. Though fear may be present it may be overocme by faith, nor is doubt productive.
Take care.
Faith arises in the glaring face of negative realties no matter how intense it is, therein one may be well molded. This is the faith that touches God's heart or pleases him.
In the added paper on maturity stagnation is dealt with to great a degree, is just that or the need to vanquish the faithlessness by putting yourself in the impossible, faith is the spiritual substance of things hoped for evidence of things not seen, Not just knowing the doctrine, but to live by faith.
In our reach often at night the sight is min or totally gone, things happen mighty fast in rough situtations it is there the real fruit is born not by dodging but by embracing the impossible often leads ot the faith abounding. As it loving that which far removed from personal expectation in unwelcome events. Though fear may be present it may be overocme by faith, nor is doubt productive.
Take care.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Those stronger words spoken by Jesus and the Apostles we don't like.
I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the(John 14:6). He made exclusive claims. He did not say, I am one of the many ways to Lord,(John 6:68). There was something unique Neither is there salvation in any other. Acts
For there is one(1 Tim. 2:5). The often-heard Authentic Christianity goes against the flow of man’s drifting opinion.The nature of those drifting opinions have drifted in both departments of thinking, prior and after salvation, have often led into confusion and misrepresentations of truths which are key to a fuller life and awareness.With many it is often the promise or the word but hardly do we hear and know of how the life giving Spirit works. Thus we are repossbible for being so, there is no one else to blame but ourselves, it;s called personal repossibility.
We do not wait upon the opinion of human tradition, but on the might and power of our lord to reveal his will to his people with great anticipation, there are no human mediums to do that we are all called priests and blessed sons of God,nor is stagnation pleasing to God. Fascilation is not replacing personal pursuit nor should it be. Leasdership skills are based on spiritaul life , not legalism but onrealitonal love and the ability to hear and know the mind of Christand how he works though his people so quenching the spirit is not as drastic as it is today.
In his words it is the most neglected and shifted doctrine yet we are in the age of the Spirit, almost equal to the day the Pharisees that saw Christ did not know him, thus may be our likeness in the absence found in the often confused statements surrounding the Holy Spirit who is as much God as the other two are. I think often we do so because the power of the supernatural is displeasing to us because our assimilation into the world to gain it;s short term treasures, which are falling in it;s appeasing to things colorful items which change over time, for sin has consequences.
It was well said in those days one message was preached and 3,000 came today 3,000 messages are preached and only one comes, program upon program has failed to see and know the missing Representative that gives life is taught away or molded into human terms and often void of faith as men have sought to micro manage God who is Spirit into a less than the relational aspect of his presence.
Isn't it time the truth was sought without all those added tooters, whistles and excuses. Narrowway has provided a number of series of papers that deal with historical truths for those willing to take a step. In the face of truth we added the attachment from (lake side ) with their permission which we are thankful for. Freely provided a challenge to me years ago,as I ask the questions to myself seeing a standing still mode which does not appear to be the case once intense and in depth study of scripture is conducted it becomes fast obvious, there is no go along to just get along, there was intense discussion pursuit of truths and the knowledge of the ever present awareness of the workings of the Spirit, it was not a mere intellectual or system ascent but purely relational as it has been all along and perhaps why we have what have to day. Enjoy with an eye for action in the right direction.We sure did, and the changes are well worth alldoen is amazing almost wordless, as faith and Spirit led are more than mere poetic ideas. As Paul would teach Shepard one another in Thessaloniki is the language emphasis, there is time to move ahead of the elementary things onto stable maturity out side of waiting 400-500 years to do so or take the next step.
In the 1970's Stanley Romaine Hopper wrote section which described at that time an utter neglect of dealing with the things and presence of the life giving Spirit in today's tradition, often opposes the apostolic traditions which was Spirit led.
When the Lord Jesus Christ asked Peter if he wanted to quit following Him, Peter answered,
to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life
about Him which could be found nowhere else! In addition to those words which would be powerless without the who is God no life would be given nor would those gifts be made present in each and every believer by which they would manifest the presence of God. No man can teach what comes from above or give what only the Spirit gives. The out reach taken the time to love with knowledge and wisdom Phil 1;9.
The message of the early Christians was equally dogmatic and distinctive, as they represent the truth: in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved, amen
For there is one(1 Tim. 2:5). The often-heard Authentic Christianity goes against the flow of man’s drifting opinion.The nature of those drifting opinions have drifted in both departments of thinking, prior and after salvation, have often led into confusion and misrepresentations of truths which are key to a fuller life and awareness.With many it is often the promise or the word but hardly do we hear and know of how the life giving Spirit works. Thus we are repossbible for being so, there is no one else to blame but ourselves, it;s called personal repossibility.
We do not wait upon the opinion of human tradition, but on the might and power of our lord to reveal his will to his people with great anticipation, there are no human mediums to do that we are all called priests and blessed sons of God,nor is stagnation pleasing to God. Fascilation is not replacing personal pursuit nor should it be. Leasdership skills are based on spiritaul life , not legalism but onrealitonal love and the ability to hear and know the mind of Christand how he works though his people so quenching the spirit is not as drastic as it is today.
The Bible is not politically correct after all! never was.Romans 1,2,
In his words it is the most neglected and shifted doctrine yet we are in the age of the Spirit, almost equal to the day the Pharisees that saw Christ did not know him, thus may be our likeness in the absence found in the often confused statements surrounding the Holy Spirit who is as much God as the other two are. I think often we do so because the power of the supernatural is displeasing to us because our assimilation into the world to gain it;s short term treasures, which are falling in it;s appeasing to things colorful items which change over time, for sin has consequences.
It was well said in those days one message was preached and 3,000 came today 3,000 messages are preached and only one comes, program upon program has failed to see and know the missing Representative that gives life is taught away or molded into human terms and often void of faith as men have sought to micro manage God who is Spirit into a less than the relational aspect of his presence.
Isn't it time the truth was sought without all those added tooters, whistles and excuses. Narrowway has provided a number of series of papers that deal with historical truths for those willing to take a step. In the face of truth we added the attachment from (lake side ) with their permission which we are thankful for. Freely provided a challenge to me years ago,as I ask the questions to myself seeing a standing still mode which does not appear to be the case once intense and in depth study of scripture is conducted it becomes fast obvious, there is no go along to just get along, there was intense discussion pursuit of truths and the knowledge of the ever present awareness of the workings of the Spirit, it was not a mere intellectual or system ascent but purely relational as it has been all along and perhaps why we have what have to day. Enjoy with an eye for action in the right direction.We sure did, and the changes are well worth alldoen is amazing almost wordless, as faith and Spirit led are more than mere poetic ideas. As Paul would teach Shepard one another in Thessaloniki is the language emphasis, there is time to move ahead of the elementary things onto stable maturity out side of waiting 400-500 years to do so or take the next step.
In the 1970's Stanley Romaine Hopper wrote section which described at that time an utter neglect of dealing with the things and presence of the life giving Spirit in today's tradition, often opposes the apostolic traditions which was Spirit led.
The God of the Bible has no room for other gods. The Lord Jesus Christ made it unmistakably clear
that all religions are not equal nor can they be compromised. .
we would like to furthr recommend the works of ekklesia as God intended a great read and helps put some of the perspectives back into reality ourtside the business models.We felt there is not worthy distinction between that which was purley relational verses that derived out of a legal spirit, which has often replaced teh Holy Spirit . Ignorance is not bliss, What are the motives for standing still? pleasing people, money, or fear, power over another,or our own good pleasure, will all come back to sting us. Tozar made refference to these like ways in his writings often. As we do to those seeking, I would like thank those now doing so praise God.
we would like to furthr recommend the works of ekklesia as God intended a great read and helps put some of the perspectives back into reality ourtside the business models.We felt there is not worthy distinction between that which was purley relational verses that derived out of a legal spirit, which has often replaced teh Holy Spirit . Ignorance is not bliss, What are the motives for standing still? pleasing people, money, or fear, power over another,or our own good pleasure, will all come back to sting us. Tozar made refference to these like ways in his writings often. As we do to those seeking, I would like thank those now doing so praise God.
By Divine inspiration Paul wrote to Timothy .
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