Saturday, February 21, 2015

Excerpt from Message Titled Finding True and Mature Ministers of Jesus Christ

There are two major problems within the institutionalized church: On the one hand there are ministers and members that have never been born again and on the other hand there are ministers and members that are spiritually immature. Note: one can be mature in the doctrines and traditions of their part of the institutionalized church without being born again and/or spiritually mature.

The Institutionalized Church and Restoration, Revivial and Awakening

Can you identify the parts of the institutionalized church? The truth is that at present most Christians are a part of the institutionalized church. Another truth is that the chances of restoration, revival and awakening starting within any church that is part of the institutionalized church are almost zero.  Actually, at present most parts of the institutionalized church are not only a hindrance to restoration, revival and awakening, but are going in the opposite direction.
Restoration, revival and awakening will most likely come from without the parts of modern Christianity. It will not exclude those from within from having an opportunity to be a part of it, but they will have some hard decisions to make. If they choose to be part of restoration, revival and awakening they must realize that they will face strong opposition from the world and from many parts of modern Christianity.
It is truly going to require the denial of self and forsaking all to follow Jesus to be a part of true and lasting restoration, revival and awakening. I am by no means saying that there are not some good things within various parts of the institutionalized church; I am just saying that it is going to be very difficult for them to change where most needed. There may even from time to time be what is called a revival, but if there is any real change it will most likely be among some members and not the institution itself. The institution will accept and may even applaud the people being revived as long as they don’t try to change the institution.

Friday, February 13, 2015

Restoring the Church One Disciple at a Time

Colossians 2: 8 Beware lest anyone plunder you or take you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.

Doctrine: something taught, teachings.
Tradition: The handing down from generation to generation teachings, beliefs and customs.
Modern Christianity is in dire need of spiritual restoration. Most parts of the church of our day are infected to some degree with the doctrines and traditions of man that at some point in the past have replaced the truth of God’s word. Over time these lies, deceptions, fables and vain philosophies of man have become entrenched in various parts of modern Christianity. The results of which are numerous and have for the most part produced a weak and divided church which goes through the motions that keep their attendees happy while the world around them grows darker and darker. The only answer is true spiritual restoration!
No part of the church can be fully restored until its doctrines and traditions are completely in line with the word of God rightly divided.  Are you willing to be sanctified by truth, the truth of God’s word, that will make you one with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and with fellow disciples who desire the same (John 17: 17-21)?

I am looking for Christians that want to forsake all and follow Jesus so much that they will not only shake themselves free from the things of the world, but more importantly from the doctrines and traditions of man that have captivated an untold number of Christians. Let’s demonstrate what can be done by those who fully surrender to the Holy Spirit and join in true agreement with others of like mind and spirit. Let’s do our part in righting the world for Jesus! The cost will be great; the world and many in modern Christianity will shun you, but the rewards will be greater.

Will you be one that will yield all to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to sanctify and cleanse you with the washing of the water by the word (Ephesians 5:26, 27)? All to the glory of Jesus Christ!