chia_angel

I have a dear friend whom I've known for over cough27coughyearscough (don't eeeeeven ask me how old we were when we met). This woman is family to me and we know each other extremely well. One thing we've both laughed about over the years is that when her mind is made up, persuading her to change it is almost futile. And she has selective hearing when she is this decisive. One can tell her that it's snowing and hailing but if she's determined to enjoy a sunny day, you wouldn't be able to convince her that the gray clouds covering the sun are really there.

Of course, that doesn't make the true state of the weather any less true.

I've found that we professing believers have her way of thinking when it comes to scripture. We read our Bibles, predisposed to hear what we want to hear. When the Bible uses the word "prosper," we assume that it's in regard to money. When we see "healed" in the Bible, we assume it's about our bodies. And that's what I want to talk about today.

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. — Isaiah 53:3-6 (emphasis added).

The point I want to make concerns the context of this often quoted verse snippet "... and with His stripes we are healed." This is the basis of the belief that we were guaranteed bodily healing in Yeshua's atonement and that we believers should walk in "divine health" while we're on this earth. This, along with the thought that if one isn't walking in "divine health" then one lacks faith and doesn't trust the "promises of God," is taught by those who follow the prosperity doctrine.

I believe that taking this scripture in this context is incorrect and sets a dangerous precedence for interpreting and applying scripture. There is nothing in the surrounding context that even suggests that "healed" refers to bodily healing but, rather, the the state of our sinful nature. Isaiah talks about our transgressions and iniquities—our sins—being borne by Yeshua. There is absolutely no mention of physical healing in these verses.

Now, do I believe that God can heal? Of course! As we're told in Jeremiah 32:17, there is nothing too hard for God and, furthermore, our Father is able to do "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think," Ephesians 3:20. We have evidence of God's compassion for us when Yeshua went forth and healed people (see, for example, Matthew 12:15, Matthew 14:14, Matthew 14:14, and Luke 4:40).

On the other hand, to build a doctrine based on improper scripture interpretation is frightening and leaves us open to "contemplative truths" rather than truly scripturally based truths, which is the beginning of "rightly dividing the word of truth."

If you believe that "divine health" is guaranteed in the atonement (specifically while we're on earth) because we're called to "have life and have it more abundantly," what scriptural basis do you have for this teaching? Share! :)

Today I read about a person's spiritual beliefs. I found his statements below provocative:

• I do not consider myself a Christian, but do consider Jesus to be one of my valued teachers.


• I consider Buddha, Gandhi, Eckart Tolle, Mr. Rogers and MANY others valuable teachers, too.


• I distrust anyone who knows "the true way."

When I read his statements, for a moment, I tried to imagine if he'd posed the question to me, "Do you believe you know the true way?" I've always found that it's our answer to the related question, "Do you believe all Jesus said?" that is telling about our beliefs. I figure it's like this:

• Yeshua (Jesus) was a madman, a liar, or truly the Son of God.


• If we believe him to be a true "prophet" of God, we realize that a prophet cannot lie. That strikes out liar.


• If a prophet is a mouthpiece of God, when teaching, he will only speak what God gives him to speak. That strikes out madman.


• Either all of what he said is true or he's not a true prophet.


• Yeshua said (in plain English), "I AM the way, the truth, and the life; no man comes to the Father except through Me." Jesus said nothing about many paths; He said that He is the way.

So, if I value His teachings/believe His teachings/live by His teachings, I cannot discount some of His statements because I don't like them or because they don't suit me. Either He's a true mouthpiece of God, through which God is sharing His truth/His message for us all, or He's not.

No, I can't use the argument that men make mistakes and, therefore, Jesus could have made a mistake in his teachings and that would be a valid reason to discount part of what He said. He said He is the Son of God. The Son of God cannot lie. If I want to follow a liar for spiritual truth, I might as well follow the teachings of Jim Jones.

If I were to believe Jim Jones was a man of God, and espouse him because he said some true things (if he did), I'd have to discount the mass suicides (murder) and warped teachings because I don't like that part of his ways. I don't have to do this with Yeshua.

So, do I know the "True Way?" I'll answer like Yeshua did in two places: again, "I AM the Way, the truth, and the light," and, "…God is not a man, that he should lie …." I believe Yeshua is greater than a mere human prophet. I believe He is the Son of God and cannot lie.

It's not about me knowing the true way; it's about the truth and truth endures whether or not we believe it.

As a child, I loved the outdoors and exploring nature in my backyard. There was nothing better than being outside and enjoying the sun, the air, and the rocks while posing as a bug slayer. Even better, one of my favorite past times was taking long walks around the yard and, during these excursions, reflecting on my life by conducting self-appraisals and asking HaShem (God) questions. Pretty intense for a kid, huh?

Not much has changed. I still enjoy taking walks, though in the last few years, I've been slack. I haven't tired of asking God or myself hard questions, though.

It's not easy to pose self-appraising questions to ourselves or to our Father because the answers can be hard to hear and bear. But how else do we know ourselves? How else do we know what our Father has in store for us? How do we know we're on a path pleasing to our Father?

What's even more difficult for believers is to ask ourselves questions about what we believe and why (are our beliefs scripturally based or our own constructs?), and questions about our congregations. Those answers can be even more earth shattering than others. When I began asking myself these particular questions, it shook me up a bit, but it didn't shake my foundation as I'm standing on the foundation of Yeshua Ha'Moshiach (Jesus Christ).

Brethren, let's not be afraid to assess ourselves and our beliefs in light of scripture. That's an important step for growing in TRUTH. I've compiled a list of questions (some of which are greatly influenced by the wonderful articles at Proclamation, Invitation, and Warning) that I think are important in this age. Will you ask yourself these questions and answer honestly (and find scripture to back up your answers) without being offended? If you're standing on the firm foundation of Yeshua, and are rooted and grounded in Him, with His strength, you can cope with the answers.

• Should we, as professing believers, fellowship within a denomination that teaches that it's the only true church?



• Should we be a part of a denomination that has serious and/or many unscriptural practices?



• Why do we accept unscriptural practices and traditions and not question other people within our congregations?



• Is each role within the Body of Christ equal to all others or are some roles more important? Do we treat other roles as more important?



• Did our Father intend for congregations to be run like corporations? What is right or wrong about a congregation being run like a corporation?



• What did Paul mean when he said that some people will preach another Jesus (Yeshua)? When Paul says that if anyone delivers another message other than what he had delivered (another Jesus), what was he talking about?



• Should you accept everything you hear or read as truth without fact checking?



• How should professing believers fact check what we hear within our congregations?



• What is the standard of truth for professing believers? Is it the Bible, our congregation's statement of beliefs, or the word of people within our congregations?



• What are we doing tomorrow night, Brain?

I'm going to get right into this topic, without a sub-topic. What is important to you as a servant of the Most High, through His son Yeshua Ha'Moshiach (Jesus Christ)? I believe one of the reasons many professing believers have been deceived is that we haven't focused on this issue and have lost sight of our priorities.

Paul tells the Corinthians something that many of us gloss over when reading this chapter: "For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified," I Corinthians 2:2. Paul had gone to the church (the body of believers) at Corinth and did not speak to them with the wisdom of man or about the latest Christian book (scroll ;-), superstar preacher, or anything else to bring them to salvation. Rather, he spoke the words given him by the Holy Spirit—that which testified of Jesus. In other words, the Gospel.

We've become so caught up in the many movements that have swept through the church that we forget the very core and reason that we're even a part of the Body of Christ: to preach Jesus, His death, and resurrection so that others may be saved. Some of us have forgotten that it's only by Jesus that we can be saved (Acts 4:10-12), only through Him that we have access to God (John 14:6), and by nothing we do ourselves (Ephesians 2:8-9).

I pray that YHWH the Almighty will give us the courage, love, strength, and sound words to speak as we fulfill Jesus' command to "... Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature," Mark 16:15. Let's also pray like Paul did that we would boldly open our mouths and preach the Gospel (Ephesians 6:19).

If you're like I am and sometimes feel that you can't find the right words to share the Gospel, here are a few resources:

• Living Waters' Hell's Best Kept Secret presentation (a must see)


• Also from Living Waters, the Good Test, an eye-opening presentation on who is "good enough" to go to heaven


• ProcInWarn's info on the true Kingdom of God


• RBC's publication on sharing the Gospel without starting an argument

Sometimes we disciples of Jesus (Yeshua) are challenged in ways we never thought we'd experience, particularly when an adversary persecutes us endlessly. During these times, we deal with anger, bitterness, and, yes—even hate.

And, with that hate, we've just stepped into dangerous territory.

We know hate is a sin, because our Father is love (1 John 4:7-12, 4:21). Not only that, but we're told that if we hate, then we are living in death and, if we hate our brother, we're murderers (1 John 3:14). Further, in that same verse, we're told we know we've passed from death unto life because of our love. Hate is nothing but the work of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21).

So, what are we supposed to do if we find ourselves fighting hate? Often, we'll want to deny those feelings but that's the worst thing we can do. There is no sin, except the blaspheming of the Holy Spirit, that our Father won't forgive.

When we've sinned, what moves our Father more than a broken and contrite heart (see Psalm 34:18 and Psalm 51:17)? Our Father wants us to confess our sins to Him —not sweep them under the carpet and pretend that we're "too holy" or "too mature in our faith" to fall into hate. Nor should we feel such shame that our pride would prevent us from confessing our sins. No, we want godly sorrow that brings repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10).

Now, how are we to respond to our adversaries? Simply, love them; bless them; pray for them (Matthew 5:43-48 and Romans 12:14-21).

Our Father loves us so much that He doesn't want us to stay in our same sinful condition. Let your desire to please our Father and to be more like Jesus lead you into putting off your "old man" (Ephesians 4:21-27).

(And next time I write, I'll share why I chose to write about this topic.)

Dear Oprah,

The biblical Almighty—the only wise and true God (see Jude verse 25 and Romans 16:25–27)—isn't jealous of you (Exodus 34:12-17). He merely wants you to worship Him alone, through His son Jesus, and acknowledge Him as the only true God. That is what He requires of those who profess Him, as illustrated in those very verses where He mentions His jealousy. It's not like the jealousy we feel. Our jealousy is usually motivated by covetousness and lust for the things of this world—not righteous indignation nor zealousness for the one whom we've saved.

Further, how, indeed, can we believe that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life and that no man comes to the Father except by Him (John 14:6–31), yet also believe that there are many paths to one "god"?

If you profess Jesus as your Savior and you endeavor to serve and obey Him in all you do, is Oprah your "hero"? If so, please share why.

NOTE: I'm only posting the following video for reference. I cannot endorse the book it mentions at the end as I've not read it.

Okay, I confess: I am fascinated by those food shows where the host travels the world, interacts with locals, and eats the most disgusting foods and enjoys it beyond any logical reason. You know, like "Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern." Call it the video diary of an everyday guy/chef, wild with abandon and such the uninhibited palate, who samples a veritable smorgasbord of dubious delights.

When that guy smacks (and I do mean smacks) his lips around such—ahem!—fine delicacies, like fermented tofu or head cheese or 1000 year eggs or whole roasted sparrows or calves' brains or fried scorpions or LIVE lemon ants or THE STILL-BEATING HEART OF A SNAKE (pardon my caps), I am

Disgusted.

Repulsed.

Nauseated.

Fascinated!

Dude, that's entertainment.

Apparently.

But what's even more fascinating is in the book of Acts chapter 15. This is the story of a group of "Judaizers" who told new converts to Jesus Christ that, in order to be saved, they had to be circumcised and observe the Law of Moses. (Also check out Paul's letter to the Galatians.)

After discussion and prayer, the Holy Spirit impressed upon the apostles and elders that they should communicate that the observance of those things were unnecessary, but there were a few things the new, Gentile converts should do: to refrain from idolatry/food offered to idols, to not eat blood or meat from strangled animals, and to avoid fornication.

What I find fascinating is this: Most of the issues dealt with food and, in the vast majority of Christian congregations, these issues are not taught.

For brief background, these new converts were Gentiles who were used to eating whatever they wanted and were used to all manner of sexual immorality. This behavior would have been, no doubt, offensive to Jewish believers who kept a more, shall we say, selective diet and rules about sexual conduct.

Naturally, we're taught about abstaining from premarital sex; we're even warned to not keep company with any person who professes to serve the Lord Jesus, yet engages in premarital sex.

But, within the Body of Christ, where is the teaching about the food we eat? Why don't we eat kosher meats? In American culture, save for people with certain beliefs, we go to the grocery store and buy whatever meat we want—Zimmerning, if you will. Not all of us consider the source of our meats, particularly how it came to our grocer's case (I'm being delicate here).

If not eating these strangled meats and blood and food offered to idols was so important, why don't we observe this now? Why are we not challenged in our congregations about our Zimmernization?

Yep, I'm aware that people within the Adventist denomination and the Worldwide Church of God do teach this, to extremes. Interesting, no?

The floor is open: Please share your biblical insight—particularly, on why this is "overlooked"—with me. (But no matter what you say, I'm not eating any frog's hearts or teriyaki cockroaches or chicken uterus.)

Happy new year and all that.

It seems appropriate that my latest post should come on January 1, but I didn't even plan it that way. Earlier tonight, I saw a preview for the film "The Golden Compass." I was curious about its premise, so I searched a bit for some background. Boy, did I get an eye-opener!

The author of the book on which the film is based is Philip Pullman, a self-professed atheist. Actually, that's not quite the cause for alarm. But let's see his quote given to the Sydney Morning Herald:

I've been surprised by how little criticism I've got. Harry Potter's been taking all the flak. I'm a great fan of J.K. Rowling, but the people — mainly from America's Bible Belt — who complain that Harry Potter promotes Satanism or witchcraft obviously haven't got enough in their lives. Meanwhile, I've been flying under the radar, saying things that are far more subversive than anything poor old Harry has said. My books are about killing God.

Oh ... okay.

Yes, the issue of witchcraft—which is strictly forbidden in scripture (see, for example, Galatians 5:19-25)—is one requiring scrutiny and discernment, and knowing to avoid witchcraft. Literature about "killing God" and promoting it to our children who, in many situations, are too inexperienced to be sufficiently discerning, is certainly another.

Be wise in knowing the background of this book and movie and how to protect yourself and your child. Please take time to educate yourself.

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. –Romans 12:9

Naturally, it's nothing I wrote ;-), but it does echo the reasons why I wanted to start this blog.

Enjoy.

"Jesus Christ did not suffer and die on a cross two thousand years ago to change the world, but rather to redeem us from it. By erroneously embracing the former, one foolishly forfeits the latter."

http://www.newswithviews.com/PaulProctor/proctor103.htm

(DISCLAIMER: I do love this article, but since I haven't poked around, I don't endorse the site or the ads.)

Hello, you one person who reads my journal! ;-)

...and welcome to anyone else who happens to find this. I'm so glad to have you visit me here!

Well, I'd been previously inspired, but I'm finally beginning this column. I'm not sure I will continue posting it on Live Journal, but the column will continue somewhere. Perhaps even a combination of places.

Now, remember this column is a commentary on issues concerning christians/believers/disciples of Jesus Christ. When I say "christian," I mean those who: realize they were born sinners (Romans 3:23, Luke 18:13, Psalm 51) and know they are still not without flaws (I John 1:7-10); know that because of their sin, they deserve punishment for it (Isaiah 3:11, Romans 6:23, 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9); do not rely on their "good works" to establish a relationship with the Father (Ephesians 2:8-9), but trust in the Lord Jesus Christ's sacrifice for the forgiveness of their sins (1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Ephesians 2:12-22); are dedicated to living a holy, godly life through Jesus Christ (Galatians 2:20) and walking in the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16-26, Colossians 2:6-15); and know that there is salvation in no other (Isaiah 45:20-23, John 14:6-7, Acts 4:10-12).

(What a mouthful!) I welcome all to read and comment on this column, but please do realize its contents are directed toward a specific audience and come from this viewpoint.

For the disciples/believers who visit here: Yes, we all have different beliefs, and I'm hoping to begin a true dialogue here. Please do not make this an argumentive place. I want to reason together, through the Word of God. To that end, please back up your comments with scripture. Whaaaa? Dude, you're reading this on the 'net! There are some great online resources for finding scripture by theme, keywords, or specific verse. But know this: I'm not concerned with being correct or "right" or "winning an argument"—I am only concerned with the truth, so that the Father through Jesus Christ will be glorified.

To all who visit: In the comment section, no trolls, flaming, or personal attacks will be tolerated. Period. :-)

Cool? Still with me? Awww, right! Let's do this thing!

(*Note about resources: I have included links to a site [The Blue Letter Bible, http://www.blueletterbible.org] with wonderful tools for searching the Bible. I do not endorse content on the site, other than the Bible. When you read anything—including this column—related to the Bible or Christianity, please do so prayerfully, and ask the Father for discernment. Remember, there are people who preach "another Jesus" Matthew 7:23.)

And so, I'm on the road to fulfill it.

Recently disgusted with my lack of inertia, I—with the aid of my pal, Shelley—decided that I would create an account here to begin writing the column I've desired to write.

Why I'm not doing this on my own site is beyond me—thanks, Shell!

I've decided to write about pop culture and its effects on Christians; issues of interest to Christian women; etc. Be warned—my opinions are not popular. I am conservative and controversial. And, I really can't apologize for my opinions. They may shock and rankle, but they are mine.