"For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe" (I Corinthians 1:21).
God's Wisdom = Flawless, What He has established and planned, never changes.
Man's wisdom = flawed, changes God's intent to gratify flesh, and is constantly changing.
When man makes decisions apart from God's wisdom, those decisions are always revised and re-established.
When
God makes His wisdom known to man--those thoughts last forever--even if
some think God's Word was written by "ignorant and unlearned men" what
they wrote has survived them and will continue to thrive in the hearts
of those who have a relationship with God.
God's Wisdom sees things through to the end of time.
Man's wisdom is shortsighted at best and momentary at worst. We know this because of the constantly changing laws that do not consider the end of the matter, but only the feelings of the moment--feelings that are fleeting and constantly changing.
Apart from being in relationship with God--man cannot claim to have true wisdom because they do not understand God's wisdom as it pertains to God's plans for mankind. If
man actually understood God's plans for us, we would have no need for
constantly changing laws that actually oppose God's plans.
God's wisdom is poured upon all who are in relationship with Him, liberally when they ask for it.
Man's wisdom is tied up in the deceptive thoughts of the enemy who desires to destroy mankind and the dictates of their flesh. Man's knowledge of God is limited to the religious teachings of man, not in a relationship with God.
God's wisdom inspires love and obedience to Him.
Man's wisdom creates obstacles and motivates hatred for others who do not agree with them.
Lord Jesus, create in us a heart to serve You, desire and receive Your wisdom, and the courage to obey Your Word!
Showing posts with label Laws. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Laws. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Letting Old Ways Go!
"But some of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed stood up, saying,
“It is necessary to circumcise them and to direct them to observe the
Law of Moses.” (Acts 15:5)
There are times when God has moved upon the heart of people--whoever is willing to hear and receive the Good News--and everyone is rejoicing over God's goodness and someone comes along--thinking they are superior to all and try to take them backwards.
Let me put this into the proper context. There was much discussion about what policies and what should be done in the early church regarding the non-Jewish (Gentiles) believers. Those who were content with preaching the Gospel were overjoyed at the reception by the Gentiles and wanted nothing more for them other than to live by the dictates of the Holy Spirit, whom they had received with gladness. But because there were divisions regarding the teachings, primarily because those who had lived "according to The Law" felt they were superior to those just coming into the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and they wanted to regulate the new converts--according to the old ways and were demanding circumcision.
Peter steps up to the plate and reminds them all that God had used him specifically to share the Good News with the Gentiles and since they had received the message and the Holy Spirit, they should have not be bound by traditions that the Jews had not been able to keep.
How like some church leaders today? They were once bound by the dictates of tradition and even though they have seen the works of God moving upon the people without "strict regulations" they make policies that make no sense and have nothing to do with living a holy life. What many have forgotten is that God is not a respecter of people. What He has for one, He has for all who are willing to receive.
Therefore, God is not concerned about a dress code in a place of worship; He is concerned about the heart of the people. God is not concerned about who carries the message; He is concerned about the message that is carried and that it is a message from Him, not them. When people feel the need to bind others by laws and policies, they arbitrarily restrict (or grieve) the Holy Spirit who Himself becomes limited by those who cannot let go of the "old ways."
Let us assume for a moment--that every person having heard the Gospel message has received it, repented and received Holy Spirit as the guiding force in their lives. Is there any need for rules? Not if we truly believe that Holy Spirit guides us into all truth. The rules come into play because people--usually men--feel the need to be superior and they want to establish rules by which they are not willing to follow. This sounds like the parenting method of many--you know--"do as I say, not as I do" mentality. They are hypocrites and make a mockery out of parenting like some make a mockery of church leadership.
If we want to see the "new thing" that God has promised He will do in our lives, we must be willing to let go of the old ways that would inhibit Him from acting on our behalves. When the rules or policies have nothing to do with salvation or living a holy life--leave them where they belong--behind us, not in front of us.
Father, in the name of Jesus, help us to realize that we need to let go of the old in order to make room for the new that You have prepared for us. Thank You for the direction and guidance we receive from Holy Spirit and remind us to always to ready to hear from You through Him.
There are times when God has moved upon the heart of people--whoever is willing to hear and receive the Good News--and everyone is rejoicing over God's goodness and someone comes along--thinking they are superior to all and try to take them backwards.
Let me put this into the proper context. There was much discussion about what policies and what should be done in the early church regarding the non-Jewish (Gentiles) believers. Those who were content with preaching the Gospel were overjoyed at the reception by the Gentiles and wanted nothing more for them other than to live by the dictates of the Holy Spirit, whom they had received with gladness. But because there were divisions regarding the teachings, primarily because those who had lived "according to The Law" felt they were superior to those just coming into the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and they wanted to regulate the new converts--according to the old ways and were demanding circumcision.
Peter steps up to the plate and reminds them all that God had used him specifically to share the Good News with the Gentiles and since they had received the message and the Holy Spirit, they should have not be bound by traditions that the Jews had not been able to keep.
How like some church leaders today? They were once bound by the dictates of tradition and even though they have seen the works of God moving upon the people without "strict regulations" they make policies that make no sense and have nothing to do with living a holy life. What many have forgotten is that God is not a respecter of people. What He has for one, He has for all who are willing to receive.
Therefore, God is not concerned about a dress code in a place of worship; He is concerned about the heart of the people. God is not concerned about who carries the message; He is concerned about the message that is carried and that it is a message from Him, not them. When people feel the need to bind others by laws and policies, they arbitrarily restrict (or grieve) the Holy Spirit who Himself becomes limited by those who cannot let go of the "old ways."
Let us assume for a moment--that every person having heard the Gospel message has received it, repented and received Holy Spirit as the guiding force in their lives. Is there any need for rules? Not if we truly believe that Holy Spirit guides us into all truth. The rules come into play because people--usually men--feel the need to be superior and they want to establish rules by which they are not willing to follow. This sounds like the parenting method of many--you know--"do as I say, not as I do" mentality. They are hypocrites and make a mockery out of parenting like some make a mockery of church leadership.
If we want to see the "new thing" that God has promised He will do in our lives, we must be willing to let go of the old ways that would inhibit Him from acting on our behalves. When the rules or policies have nothing to do with salvation or living a holy life--leave them where they belong--behind us, not in front of us.
Father, in the name of Jesus, help us to realize that we need to let go of the old in order to make room for the new that You have prepared for us. Thank You for the direction and guidance we receive from Holy Spirit and remind us to always to ready to hear from You through Him.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Wisdom and Instruction
"but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm" (Proverbs 1:33 NIV).
In the very first chapter of Proverbs--commonly referred to as the book of wisdom--we are see the importance of knowing God. In fact, Solomon begins by reminding us that, "the fear (reverential respect) of The Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Proverbs 1:1 NIV). Throughout this conversation, we are told what happens when people refuse to hear God and obey and God's reaction to our disobedience.
James tell us that "if any lack wisdom, ask of God who gives it liberally without condemnation" (paraphrased). Wisdom is mentioned 234 times in the KJV and instruction 33 times and knowledge 172 times, obey 69 times, pray 313 times, God 4,447. So, what's the point? Wisdom, knowledge, and talking to God are important to Him.
Scoffers have always rebelled against any knowledge of God because they simply want to live their lives any way they choose. This is the way it has been since the beginning and this is still the way in the hearts of many. Any time a person or groups denies the credibility of The Bible or God--it is because they do not want to live a righteous life. By refusing to acknowledge moral values, they exempt themselves from the consequences of disobedience--they think.
When people violate or ignore "man's laws" there are consequences when caught and man's law states, "ignorance of the law is not an excuse to violate it" and fines or the consequences for breaking the law must be paid. What the rebellious have forgotten is that most of "man's laws" were based on biblical principles. And now that lawmakers are changing laws, they think they are changing God's principles, but when the consequences come due, they will understand that ignorance of God's principles is not an excuse to ignore them or violate them. For those who have the mind of Christ, look around at our society right now and see the destruction already coming upon the land and know that when it's over, God will have pronounced His judgment upon all because we refused to hear and obey.
What can we--who know God--do? We can continue to pray. "If my people, who are called by my name, would humble themselves and pray, turn from their wicked ways, and seek my face, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal the land" (2 Chronicles 7:14). The Believers must act with wisdom and follow God's instructions--love Him and love others, and promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ by our actions. We must become the true ambassadors in order to save the lost. When we think we lack wisdom in doing the will of God, we must ask Him for more wisdom and He won't think less of us when we do.
Before the trumpet sounds, we must make sure we have built our faith on a solid foundation and know without a doubt, we have attained the right to enter into our eternal place of rest, to be with The Lord. When we listen to God, we have no need to fear what the enemy might do because the enemy is already defeated for those who know and hear God.
Help us O God, to always hear You and obey!
In the very first chapter of Proverbs--commonly referred to as the book of wisdom--we are see the importance of knowing God. In fact, Solomon begins by reminding us that, "the fear (reverential respect) of The Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Proverbs 1:1 NIV). Throughout this conversation, we are told what happens when people refuse to hear God and obey and God's reaction to our disobedience.
James tell us that "if any lack wisdom, ask of God who gives it liberally without condemnation" (paraphrased). Wisdom is mentioned 234 times in the KJV and instruction 33 times and knowledge 172 times, obey 69 times, pray 313 times, God 4,447. So, what's the point? Wisdom, knowledge, and talking to God are important to Him.
Scoffers have always rebelled against any knowledge of God because they simply want to live their lives any way they choose. This is the way it has been since the beginning and this is still the way in the hearts of many. Any time a person or groups denies the credibility of The Bible or God--it is because they do not want to live a righteous life. By refusing to acknowledge moral values, they exempt themselves from the consequences of disobedience--they think.
When people violate or ignore "man's laws" there are consequences when caught and man's law states, "ignorance of the law is not an excuse to violate it" and fines or the consequences for breaking the law must be paid. What the rebellious have forgotten is that most of "man's laws" were based on biblical principles. And now that lawmakers are changing laws, they think they are changing God's principles, but when the consequences come due, they will understand that ignorance of God's principles is not an excuse to ignore them or violate them. For those who have the mind of Christ, look around at our society right now and see the destruction already coming upon the land and know that when it's over, God will have pronounced His judgment upon all because we refused to hear and obey.
What can we--who know God--do? We can continue to pray. "If my people, who are called by my name, would humble themselves and pray, turn from their wicked ways, and seek my face, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal the land" (2 Chronicles 7:14). The Believers must act with wisdom and follow God's instructions--love Him and love others, and promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ by our actions. We must become the true ambassadors in order to save the lost. When we think we lack wisdom in doing the will of God, we must ask Him for more wisdom and He won't think less of us when we do.
Before the trumpet sounds, we must make sure we have built our faith on a solid foundation and know without a doubt, we have attained the right to enter into our eternal place of rest, to be with The Lord. When we listen to God, we have no need to fear what the enemy might do because the enemy is already defeated for those who know and hear God.
Help us O God, to always hear You and obey!
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