One Thing We Can Do

We each have our own life to sort out, and hopefully we do so through a veil of healthy fear of the Lord. We each need to hear what the Lord is speaking to us in this time. I don’t know what the right thing to do is for us collectively as Christians. I do think I know somewhat, based on scriptures, based on history, and based on the seeming trajectory of this world. Yet, what can one person do?

I know one thing we can do. I know one thing I can do.

I can look honestly at myself to see what this time of difficulty has brought out in me. Is there something good to give glory to God for? That would be ideal. Do we have greater appreciation for Him and His ways and for our brethren? Do we have greater appreciation for truth, righteous judgment, justice, and mercy? Are we feeling how lowly we truly are and how God alone holds our souls?  Do we long for His Kingdom over the things of this world?

These things are good. We can praise the Lord and feel lifted in our hearts towards Him. We can think about all that He has done and will do. We can learn to trust in Him more.

However, if I look at myself honestly, I can see that this time of difficulty has brought out things that I do not like. I have to let some things die. I have to let my covetousness die. I have to let my resentments die. I have to let my fear die. I have to let my selfishness die. I have to let my desire to control things that I cannot control die. I have to let my foolishness, vanity, and pride die. These things have no place in the Kingdom of God, and these things will impede me from serving Him during any time of real trouble. We have seen nothing yet.

God will make a way. He always does. He will show us what to do and He will reveal all truth to us. This includes truth of our sinful nature and the things that will hold us back and keep us from being as useful for Him as we could be. I want to speak truth. I want to live truth. How can I if my heart and mind still serves another master? These wicked things still exist in me, and they need to die. These things are weakness, but in the Spirit we find strength.

What dead things do we need to let go of? What life giving things do we have to praise the Lord for? This is one thing we can do, and as with all things that pertain to life, Jesus will do it. He is the beginning and the ending of our faith. He is the beginning and ending of our salvation. He is the beginning and ending of our lives. He is the beginning and ending of this world.

As I was thinking on these things this morning, I saw something in my mind like a daydream. I saw the earth and it had a thick veil over it that mimicked the appearance of the world. It had oceans and lands, but it was plastic. It was fake. This was a representation of all the lies and distortions of our media, governments, social movements, and the love of lies we all hold in general. It was folded up like clay in the hand of God. Be comforted. He will reveal truth. He will show us the lies. This includes the lies we tell ourselves and the dead things we still hold on to.

Living life as normal is a lie I need to let go. I need to continue to seek the Lord to know what He would have me do, and I encourage others to do the same.

We know how it all ends. We know that those who serve death will die. Let’s serve Life and live. While we wait on further instruction from the Lord, This is one thing we can do. And it is the most important thing.

How Can We Just Keep Living A Normal Life?

Things just don’t feel right. Do they? It feels strange to me to just keep going with life as normal. It feels strange to keep with my long-term education plans for my kids so they can succeed when the world they are living in is dying. It feels strange to keep working as a content writer for businesses that sell products and services that will not profit people who are starving. It feels strange to make plans about buying a home or doing anything much to attain the “American Dream” when America is no longer America.

How can I continue as if life is normal when it is not?

I’m not sure what to do.

Continuing with my Christian blog as planned does not seem like enough. This digital world is not real. I can put out all the words I want, but if the words I put out do not provoke some kind of real-world action, then what good are they?

I wonder how many of us delude ourselves into thinking that we are doing something by making more content. Are we? On one hand, it is good to speak while we still can. There may come a time when we are forced out of the online world. Maybe we should leave of our own accord. To hell with Google and their buddies and their control over every facet of our lives. Let the dying online world become an echo chamber of death. Let our words have LIFE that bring something REAL.

I don’t know. I do know that God cannot be censored, and the more they try to censor us the more they provoke Him to give us words that cannot be ignored. Words that bring life and death. Words that bring something REAL and TRUE.

I am so sad to see how defeated everyone around me is. I was just mocked for saying that we should do something. “Go and make a martyr of yourself then” I was told, and not in a kind way. People don’t want to see how weak we have become. How dependent. How afraid. How faithless.

Everyone says that there is no point in doing anything. It is what it is. I have felt that too. On one hand, I believe that God is in control and there are many reasons why He would have things as they are—and it is for our good as Christians because in many ways we have not been good stewards. We need to return to Him.

Yet, in returning to Him, we should also ban together, should we not? If we banned together and took care of one another, maybe we could step out of this futile attempt to continue life as normal in a time that is not normal. We will be forced to do so eventually. Will we wait until we have no choice, or will be so beaten down by then that we join in with the enemy? As it is written, “If you cannot run with the footmen, how can you contend with horses?”

If we took care of one another, maybe we could end our allegiance to this dying world that controls us including this digital world of lies and all manner of wickedness. Could we live without our smart phones? Our remote jobs? I could not unless God provided. There is something about this digital world that has been eating at me.

I want to do things in the REAL world. I don’t know. Maybe as I said, we speak while we can using any venue we can. Or maybe we boycott it all and let the dead have their own. Maybe we ban together and say to hell with it all and wait for the Lord. I would gladly do so, but none would come with me.

I want a REAL life. I want to speak REAL words that bring TRUTH to a DYING world. Being online is not enough. I try to live a good Christian life, but I need to do more. I think we all do. Being a keyboard or YouTube warrior is not enough. Not anymore. Jesus will show us what to do.

It might be time to do some hard things that seem foolish and futile. It is better to risk it all now. If we cannot do so now, how will we stand against a false christ? It is better to die for what is good, even if it is God’s will that this land should die, than it is to passively accept evil and think we will escape by playing along. We won’t. That’s the same mindset that will cause many to take the mark of the beast. Again I say, “If we have run with the footman and they have wearied us, how can we contend with horses?”

Who will run with me? I don’t know how. I don’t know what this looks like yet. But SOMETHING needs to be done. A blog is not enough. Living life as normal is not enough and it seems so foolish to do so because our world is changing. Why work for a life and world that will not be unless we change our course? Yet, what option is there? There must be a way. God always makes a way.

Considering Proverbs 10:15

15 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.

This is a good proverb about the vanity and foolishness of man. When we are financially secure, we fool ourselves into thinking that we are safe. We can rest easy, knowing that our bills are going to be paid, our comfortable lifestyle maintained, and any financial burden to come will be met with little to no hassle.

In the United States, we have great wealth. Even those in poverty are rich when compared to many others throughout the world. We have shelter, electricity, plumbing, a variety of food, comfortable clothing, and all kinds of modern riches like the internet, mobile phones, and all sorts of gadgetry—of which we are a slave to.

How rich are we really? How free? Aren’t we slaves to it all?

Take away just one of our modern comforts—like toilet paper for example—and we lose our minds.

What would happen if we could not go to the local grocery store and buy food? What would happen if our food storage ran dry? What would happen if we did not have running water or electricity? What would happen if the internet shut down? What about healthcare? Education?

Riches in this world and a false sense of safety go hand-in-hand. The powers over us know this all too well. We will fight each other over our greed and envy. We will pledge allegiance to anyone who offers us more “free” things.

There is no such thing as “free.”

If we keep taking the “free” things, we will find ourselves so deeply entrenched in slavery to our leaders that there is no way out. We will also find that our riches are turned into poverty—not just in the things of this world, but in spirit. Maybe the latter would be good for many. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Yet, for many, poverty will be their destruction.

The more dependent we become on wealth as a form of security the poorer we become regardless of the “riches” we gain. We are already greatly dependent. Our modern world is hinged on riches. Take just one of these away and there is mass chaos that puts any other “pandemic” to shame. Pair this with a lack of trust in Jesus, and there would be little to no hope.

However, with trust in Jesus, such a time might be quite liberating. An end to the rat race of life. That might sound crazy to some. For others who seem to eat, drink, sleep, and breathe a life of constant work and stress just to maintain the most basic of these comforts might feel a kind of release when the “end times” really begin. Maybe that’s foolishness. That is a time of darkness, destruction, and much sorrow.

Maybe it’s not so foolish. Not for those who belong to the Lord, Jesus. We know that our earthly riches have become our poverty—robbing our hearts and minds of the true riches of the Kingdom of Heaven.

The poor know their poverty. They know that death lies at the door. Maybe they will look up and see the One who holds their soul in His hand, and in Him alone find real riches. Real safety.

Those who trust in Jesus will find freedom. Those who trust in this world will find false security only—one that leads to an allegiance with Death.

The Parables of Jesus: Building on Rock and Sand

17 And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;

18 And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed.

19 And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.

20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.

21 Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.

22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.

23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

24 But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.

25 Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.

26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

29 And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also.

30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.

31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

32 For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.

33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.

34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.

35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

39 And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?

40 The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.

41 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

42 Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye.

43 For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

44 For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.

45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

47 Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:

48 He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.

49 But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great. – From Luke 6

Also See Matthew 5.

There is a deep, wide, and swiftly moving stream that comes for all of us in this world, and it would pull us under into the depths of man’s foolishness if it were not for the teachings of Jesus Christ.

There are many things that are fit to be devoured, including many things within the Christian faith, but we can trust in Jesus: the Rock of our salvation.

Though we should trust in the mercy of Jesus, we should also trust that He is not to be trifled with. Jesus has a lot to say. His disciples and apostles had a lot to say. To the degree we are able according to our measure of faith and the grace of God towards us, we should pay attention to the lessons we received and seek Jesus and the Holy Spirit so that we can understand and apply these teachings to our lives.

It is an unfortunate reality that many will profess to know Jesus, but their lack of care for the things of the faith become a damnable testimony against them, and their heart is revealed to have no faith: when the greatest trials of this life come, they are “taken” away by great temptations and deceptions, turning those who once professed Jesus as their Lord into servants of the enemy and persecutors of the brethren in Christ. Once it goes that far, can they return? Will they? Probably not.

This harsh reality has always existed, and one day we will see the fulness of it. The “swiftly moving stream,” also called in the book of Matthew version of this parable, “the rains, floods, and winds,” take many forms—even among the household of the faith as mentioned in this article: The Judgments We Have Judged Will Be Judged.

How do these saying of Jesus keep us grounded in the faith so that we are not carried away into the spiritual captivity and service of false christs?

I want to spend some time looking at all the Parables of Jesus. First, I want to consider the teachings Jesus gave during His Sermon on the Mount. How do these teachings provide us with a rock foundation? How does failing to keep these teachings provide us with a sand foundation?

Feel free to leave your thought in the comments below, and Lord willing, we will begin looking at the above teachings—also found in Matthew 5-7—tomorrow

Articles on the Sermon on the Mount:

Blessed are the Poor

Blessed are Those Who Mourn

Blessed are The Meek

Blessed are They That Hunger and Thirst After Righteousness

Blessed are the Merciful

Blessed are the Pure in Heart

Blessed are the Peacemakers

Blessed Are Those Who Are Persecuted for Righteousness’ Sake: Part 1

Blessed Are Those Who Are Persecuted for Righteousness’ Sake: Part 2

You Are the Salt of the Earth…Nevertheless I Have Somewhat Against Thee

You Are the Light of the World

For the Glory of the Father in Heaven

On These Contain all the Law and the Prophets

The Righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees

Murder As Defined By Jesus: Part 1

Murder As Defined By Jesus: Part 2

Murder As Defined By Jesus: Part 3

Adultery As Defined By Jesus: Part 1

Adultery As Defined By Jesus: Part 2

Adultery As Defined By Jesus: Part 3

Swear Not At All

Turn the Other Cheek

Think of Others Before Yourself

Love Your Enemies

Do Not Sound a Trumpet Before You (Virtue Signal)

Pray to the Father in Secret

Pray After This Manner

Fast In Secret

Where Your Treasure is, Your Heart Will Be Also (Part 1)

Where Your Treasure is, Your Heart Will Be Also (Part 2)

Take No Thought for Your Life. Sufficient to the Day is the Evil Thereof.

Judge Not, That Ye Be Not Judged (Part 1) — What is Judgment?

Judge Not, That Ye Be Not Judged (Part 2) — Knowledge of Good and Evil

Judge Not, That Ye Be Not Judged (Part 3) — Reward Her Even As She Rewarded You

Don’t Cast Your Pearls Before Swine

Seek and You Will Find

Do to Others as You Would Have Them Do to You

The Narrow Way

Beware of False Prophets

A House Built Upon A Rock

Looking a Luke 6

Considering Proverbs 10:13-14

13 In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.

14 Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.

When I read these verses, I’m thankful that we serve a patient God. How often have our lips revealed our foolishness and wickedness? How often have our lips spoken destructive things?

As Jesus teaches, “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” My words often reveal things within myself that I’d rather not deal with, and sometimes that is a rod on my back in itself. Facing our sinfulness can be difficult. We feel ashamed. Sometimes we question our relationship with Jesus. Sometimes we fear that the chastisement of God will come for what we have spoken and what was revealed by our words.

I know that most of you who read this have a Christian blog. We write many words, and the name of Jesus is associated with the words we write. That can be a fearful thing. It should be.

The scriptures teach that all our Christian works will be tried and evaluated to see which sort it is. Though our salvation is wrought in the blood of the Son of God, we must answer for what we did with what we received, and there seems to be a level of unfaithfulness that warrants severe consequences. Especially for those in ministry. It can be easy to look at the faults of other ministries, but what about our own? What do the words we speak create?

Do our words bring things that will live or die?

Every Christian life is a sort of ministry. We should be brining knowledge of the Lord to those around us, according to the measure of faith and grace we have received, the stage of growth we are in, and as is fitting for our unique circumstances.

What kind of results do our actions and words bring to those around us? Do we bring living things or dead things?

Living things will lead people to the things of Jesus: love of God, love of our brethren in Christ, and love of our neighbor of all sorts—especially those who do not love us.

In order to love as we should, we need patience and peace so that we can bear the sins of others without sinning ourselves, wisdom to apply the teachings of Jesus effectively, a love of mercy and forgiveness, and no small dash of humility. So, it’s always good to seek these things. It’s always good to do our best to remain inward-looking to a degree, searching our own hearts for deficiencies that we can bring to the Lord so that we might be better ministers of Him.

I am thankful that Jesus is patient with us. Though difficult, I am also thankful that God chastens those He loves.

The scriptures tell us that if we endure chastening of the Lord, we should be glad because He treats us as sons. He cares. He cares enough to show us where we have gone wrong. He cares enough to show us our dead works so that we can repent and bring more life—more of Himself—to our hearts first and then to those around us.

If we seek Jesus, we will find knowledge. We will find a change of heart—and though sometimes this change of heart means that we endure a painful and trying wrestling against sin—we can have faith in Him. The wicked do not wrestle with their sin. They do not regret brining death to the world. They do not fear God. They do not find comfort in His chastisement. They do not turn to Jesus when they have gone astray.

Be comforted, and do not give a foothold to the accuser of our souls.

There are many things that can come against us to accuse us, both on an individual level and as a collective. There is a difference between chastisement and accusation. One brings repentance and life, and the other brings unproductive fear and unproductive sorrow, hardness of heart, and a turning away from Jesus and towards condemnation. We want to be those who encourage repentance and life, not condemnation and death—with faith, knowing that all who truly belong to the Lord will be saved. Many loose “what they seemed to have,” but we should never assume that is us or cause others to feel that way.

We are here. We care. We are striving for Jesus in all things.

Though we might be “beaten with few stripes” or “beaten with many stripes” depending on what we have done, we should always keep going and trust in Jesus. Trust in Him endures all things. Trust in Him might be the only lifeline we have left at times. Never let go, and trust that though you might fear letting go, He will not let you. Rely on His strength to keep your faith, not your own. Our own strength denies Him, but His strength is sure.

If we are very concerned about the wicked and infiltrators among us in the faith—which can be very easy to get hung up on—know that the Lord will avenge, and it is by His grace alone that we are able to escape.

Seek to be thankful for His grace and mercy. Never be glad over the destruction of others lest God turn his chastisement onto you instead, but instead pray that they will be shown a better way. God is patient with the wicked every day, including us. Even so, our God will not allow those He loves to be beaten down forever. There is a Kingdom in sight, and sometimes the more we suffer, the closer that Kingdom becomes—both in heart and in the new age of this world to come.

The Judgements We Have Judged Will Be Judged

How long has it been since our Lord, Jesus, ascended into heaven? How many men since that time have made judgements concerning the teachings of Jesus and the way a Christian aught to live out their faith?

Many men—in Christ there is no male or female, so for simplicity’s sake, I say men—have made judgements. More judgements than we might number.

I am certain that many judgements were made with honorable intention. The Lord knows. We cannot judge the hearts of man. However, it must also be true that many judgements were made by many corrupt men.

As Christians, we are expected to use that which we were given by the Holy Spirit of God to make sound judgments: judgements that instruct us in how we might “occupy” until our King returns as those who love God, love the brethren, and love our neighbors of all sorts. We are also told that the saints will judge the world. The saints will judge angels (messengers). Messengers…like pastors, prophets, apostles who come in the name of the Lord, Jesus?

Is it a big deal if I make some judgements of my own?

People want sure words from a prophet. People want signs and wonders. I can’t give that. I’m not sure I would if I could. However, I can exercise righteous judgement to the degree it is given to me by the Holy Spirit, familiarity with scripture, and a growing relationship with Jesus.

I would like to be able to say, “The Lord says,” but I cannot. Many have.

Many men have said, “The Lord says,” but has He?

Has the Lord said, “You must worship on Saturday or Sunday?”

Has the Lord said, “You must refrain from all music during worship?”

Has the Lord said, “You cannot celebrate Christmas, Easter, Birthdays, or any other holiday?”

Has the Lord said, “You cannot wear shirt sleeves that go above the elbow?”

Has the Lord said, “Women and men must wear their hair a certain length?”

Has the Lord said, “Your denomination is true. All others are false?”

Has the Lord said, “Affirm the doctrines of this one true church or be cast out?”

There are many such judgements, and my judgement is against such judgements. Why?

I do not think our Lord, Jesus, the author and bringer of the New Covenant—a covenant of liberty—would make judgements of “taste not, touch not, handle not.” Instead of law, we should trust in the Spirit to convict each person “according to their conscience” and let each be “persuaded in their own mind.”

I believe that as Christians, we are being prepared for a Kingdom—a Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ that will come to this earth one day. However, this Kingdom first comes “not with observation.” This Kingdom first comes “within you.”

As Christians, we seek to have our inner man transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ, because He IS the Kingdom. As Jesus and the disciples painstakingly taught, this is “good news” that frees us from all death. As Jesus and the disciples painstakingly taught, the Kingdom of Heaven is not contained by law, and man cannot enter in by law. Why? Law does nothing to make the inner man righteous.

Law is weak, unforgiving, and condemning, self-righteous, hypocritical, proud, and prone to envy, strife, and murder. Law sits in the seat of God, doing the work of God, elevating itself above God. We do not worship in the house of law—but the house of liberty in Jesus Christ—the house of His holy Kingdom in which real righteousness dwells which is “the temple not built with hands.” We, the body of Christ, are the temple of God. Jesus is our “Emmanuel” which is “God with us.”

Oh, how we have gone astray from the fundamentals of the Christian faith—joining ourselves with the “bond woman” who can make no man free, but only enslaves and devours!

There are many errors on the side of legalism—too many to number.

There are also many errors that take advantage of liberty, and these most likely came into being due to the overly legalistic churches that came beforehand. The pendulum swings both ways. Back and forth. Back and forth. Getting further and further away from that perfect mark which is Jesus Christ. It is a shame.

Many men have said, “the Lord says,” but has He?

Has the Lord said, “Love means that we never judge sin. We should accept everyone just as they are without leading them away from sin?”

Has the Lord said, “Mankind is innately good and contains God within them. Man is immortal?”

Has the Lord said, “All religions are acceptable paths to God; we should accept all as good?”

There are many such judgements, and my judgements are against these judgements. Why?

Forgiveness and grace should never be used as a copout for sin. Likewise, our legalism and hinderance of the Spirit of God should not be replaced by the spirits of devils and New Age Christianity.

Love-so-called that calls sin acceptable is not love. Love-so-called that makes righteousness a sin is not love. Love-so-called that loves man more than God is not love. Love-so-called that does not lead a person to Jesus alone for salvation is not love.

Being “spiritual” by practicing Hinduism and Buddhism does not draw one closer to God, but further away from Him with nonsense like the Law of Attraction, chacra healing, and opening the Pineal Gland—which is NOT the seal of God. That teaching is a dangerous lie.

The Holy Spirit provides the seal of God.

The Holy Spirit rebukes sin. The spirits of devils tolerate it. The Holy Spirit brings humility and contentedness. The spirits of devils promise power and encourages greed. The Holy Spirit says that Jesus alone is God and man is mortal. The spirits of devils say that Man is God and Man is immortal. Many such delusions there are!

Oh, how we have gone astray from the fundamentals of the Christian faith—joining ourselves with spirits and miracles of devils which can build no man up in the true Spirit of God, but instead seduce many to the gates of hell and death.

There are many errors that excuse sin. There are many errors that call evil good and good evil. There are many errors that replace the Holy Spirit of God with the spirits of devils.

What a mess all of this is, right?

There are problems with the way we do church. Has the Lord said that you must sit and listen to one exalted figure talk for an hour or two each week? Has the Lord said that His Spirit can be contained only by the beloved ministers of God? Has the Lord said that we need man to stand in the gap for us as intercessors to God in place of Jesus Christ? Has the Lord said that we must meet in a building and expend riches on this building, the men who run it, and the system that robs the poor? Has the Lord said that our man-made buildings are the “house of God.” No.

There are problems with our ideas of Christian suffering. Has the Lord said that Christians should never suffer? Has the Lord said that Christians who do well are to be blessed in riches in this world? Has the Lord said that Christians who do well will not become sick or suffer tragedy? Has the Lord said that all evil that comes upon a Christian is a direct result of their own sin, therefore they are to blame? No.

There is much corruption in the church, so what is left but to start an online ministry that discusses these many problems, leads people to the real Christian faith, and condemns all others as “fake” Christians? I speak sarcastically.

There are many who, in their zeal, forget the patience and mercy of God. There are many who take advantage of the lost and lonely Christian, lure them in by claiming to have all the answers, then turn them into shadows of themselves and disciples of their kingdom.

This is just the surface of much depths of deception that have been wrought by the corrupt judgments of many men—many Christian men.

There is so much. Too much to be said. This does not even begin to touch on Christian doctrine. Arguing over secondary doctrines is largely responsible for our unrighteous judgments that lead to all manner of being “drunken” and “smiting our fellow servants.”

I understand why it is more important to focus on the things that will live than it is to focus on the things that are passing away. There is just too much. It can become consuming, and there are temptations that go along with considering faults within the faith. Temptations to self-righteousness, hypocrisy, anger, lack of patience and faith, and pride.

Yet, I know that when Jesus returns, He will not be as one who bears our sins, but as one who brings judgement—because for all our “The Lord says,” He HAS NOT SAID. Is it futile, vain, or foolish to attempt to discuss these matters? Maybe.

What has the Lord said? What is good and true? What should we really focus on?

I am thankful that the truth of the gospel of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ is simple.

Though we must be held accountable for the judgements we have made in the name of Jesus, His mercy abounds just as sure as ever. I believe that those who put their trust in the blood of the Lamb that was slain will be forgiven. Those who really love Him are known by Him, and He will not lose a single person who He has redeemed. Not one. He will teach us sound judgement, love of mercy, and the humility needed to receive more of Himself.

I am thankful that He knows our frame. He knows that in our desire to find Him and to be pleasing to Him, we have made many kings that stand where the King of Kings should stand. He will forgive it—yet—He will destroy all things that are standing in between us and Him.

Man has made many judgements, and it is our Christian duty to do so, but Jesus has the final say. He will judge what we did with the faith. Will we hear, “well done good and faithful?” That is what we want. Let us consider how we can be more faithful.

The corrupt judgments of man and the many things that have been birthed by these judgments will be judged, and they will of a necessity come crashing down: our denominations, our Christian seminaries, our church buildings, our online ministries, our pride, our greed, our envy, our backbiting, our lying, our wrathfulness—all things that rob Christians and the world at large of Jesus and His Kingdom.

When this happens, do not lose faith. Trust in Jesus. Each individual can repent according to their conscience, find mercy, and trust that though things seem to be falling apart, the Lord is near and He does not despise us in our affliction. Just as God the Father heard the Son when He cried out to Him, so will the Son hear us. He will not leave you nor forsake you. Those who fall away due to this fear are more like the “son of perdition.” I trust that fate is not for any sincere believer, regardless of their sin.

However, though Jesus is near, the false Christ is near too. So is his whore church. Both are at work, even now. “The beast that was and was not and yet is” will come, and many Christian systems will join in.

The pressure to conform to the ways of the false christ will come full force, and in many ways, Christians have welcomed him already in spirit. We do not fully know what that will look like, but we can get an idea by looking at our current failings. So, fear God, but also trust in His promises to honor the sacrifice of His Son.

I do not accuse any Christian. I do not want to see any Christian fall away or find themselves condemned. I would rather see repentance, a turning back to Jesus more fully and a remembrance of the gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven, and trust that endures the overthrow of our failings within the faith. All things are for our good—even the painful things. Especially the painful things.

In conclusion, there is a Kingdom to pursue: a Kingdom not made by the hands of man and one that cannot be corrupted by the poor judgements of man. This Kingdom is of Jesus Christ: He who brings liberty to the captives and oppressed, healing to the sick, joy to the downtrodden, thankfulness and contentedness to the poor, peace to the heathen, judgement and wisdom to the fools, and life to the dead.

Though this Kingdom comes to this earth once the Wicked one is revealed and destroyed, we can seek this Kingdom now. The more Jesus rules our hearts, the more we see results that resemble New Jerusalem within us. We need no light other than Jesus. There are fruits of healing. There is a water of life. Nothing will enter our hearts that corrupts us. We will be with Jesus and we will be as He is.

There is nothing better to pursue in this life. There is nothing more worth sacrificing ourselves for. There is nothing more worth sacrificing the pleasures of sin for. There is nothing more worth sacrificing our corrupt attempts at establishing this kingdom ourselves.

Bring yourself to Jesus, and though we cannot make sacrifice for our sin, we can offer ourselves as a “living sacrifice” which is our “reasonable service.”  Truly, this Kingdom is the “pearl of great price.” Keep going. Keep seeking. Let no man rob you.

There are many things that would rob us of the Kingdom, but these things will be “trodden under foot of man” because they are built upon sand. Let’s stand firm in the simplicity of Jesus Christ and His gospel, which provides us with a sure foundation that will never waiver.

What Happens When a Christian Dies and How This Teaching Affects Our View of The Resurrection

What Happens When a Christian Dies?

Originally Posted on January 31, 2019 by Amanda at kindlingtruth.com

Side note: This article is a good explanation of the resurrection in terms of what we experience as Christians pertaining to the resurrection bodily. I intend to write an article that considers the present-day experience of the resurrection spiritually, which is the topic I have been meaning to cover and will cover if Jesus wills it.

There are several matters of contention among Christians, and the question of our experience of death is one of them. To my knowledge, there are two main camps of thought. One is the idea that when a Christian dies they immediately join Jesus Christ in heaven. Therefore, there are believers in heaven presently.

The other idea is that Christians are currently in a state of unconsciousness and awaiting the promise of resurrection that occurs when Jesus returns. Therefore, there are no believers in heaven aside from some who might be an exception to this rule.

Remembering What Matters Most

Whichever interpretation of the scriptures we lean toward, it is important to remain humble and understand that such doctrines are debated for a reason. Not everything is so cut and dry, and it is not honest to say that one view or the other is not scriptural. Each has compelling scripture to back up their view.

*Jesus does not rebuke Christians because we have doctrines about heaven or hell wrong. He rebukes because we deny the teachings of Jesus that profit us in the things of the kingdom of God: the things of salvation.* See Amendment at the bottom. 

This particular question is not a strict salvation issue. However, having a solid Christian worldview is very helpful to our faith, and one false doctrine can corrupt much.

Therefore, it is good for us to study these things and come to better understanding, that is, if we can do so without neglecting the more important matters concerning how we deal with our brethren. If we are so attached to doctrines of little salvation importance that we cause conflict and division, then we are proud. God will humble us so that we do not become blinded by our pride.

This being said, I have been instructed in these things and put effort into considering which view seems most consistent when weighing scriptural evidence on both sides. As with most things, I think it is largely a matter of perspective.

The Problem of Human Perspective

The Bible does not contradict itself, and neither does God. However, Christians can read the same books and have many differing ideas. Sometimes, I think the reason this happens is because we are all looking to the things of God with a limited perspective—one of the greatest limitations having to do with the concept of linear time as we experience it versus eternal time as God experiences it.

To God, all things are now. He is ever-present. He inhabits every moment of time seamlessly, and we cannot wrap our minds around that.

Therefore, when dealing with doctrines that have to do with time, we fall short. Do Christians go to heaven now or later? That somewhat depends on a concept of time which we cannot fully grasp.

As for our constraints that come with a linear time perspective, I believe that the saints of God are awaiting the return of Jesus in a state of unconsciousness (which is why many use the phrase “soul sleep”). We do not perceive the passage of time. Therefore, experientially it is as if we die then are raised immediately at the coming of the Lord, Jesus along with all of those who died in Christ before us.

Ideas to Keep in Mind

Before I get into why I believe this way, there are some ideas to keep in mind. As mentioned, all doctrines affect our Christian world view. Many like the idea of their loved ones enjoying the kingdom of heaven now. I understand why that is a comfort, and as also mentioned, there is room to hold that view. It depends on perspective—and if we could stretch our minds beyond linear time, our loved ones are in heaven.

However, the doctrine fitting our linear time still matters because the way we view this connects with other ideas, specifically pertaining to:

  • The nature of man as body, soul, and spirit: what happens to each part when we die?
  • The manner in which Jesus Christ will return
  • The first resurrection
  • The idea of the rapture

These issues are addressed within this article. For starters, I think we should discuss this teaching in the most basic terms by considering one key idea: our experience is foreshadowed by Jesus Christ.

In the Likeness of His Death and Resurrection

For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection (Romans 6:5).

Everything we need to know about our salvation is shown in Jesus Christ. Therefore, the best way we can attempt to understand what happens when we die is to look at what happened to Jesus.

Jesus Gave Up the Ghost

When Jesus died on the cross, we are told that he “gave up the ghost” (John 19:30, Mark 15:38, Matthew 27:50). This is the same spirit that animates mankind (John 6:63). When God breathed the breath of life into Adam, man became a living soul (Genesis 2:7). When the spirit of life is divided from the soul, man dies. We are told that the word of God can divide soul and spirit (Hebrews 4:12). God pronounced that the punishment for sin is death, and so it shall be.

Where does the spirit of life go when we die?

In the gospel according to Luke, we are told that Jesus commanded his spirit depart and return to God the Father.

And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost (Luke 23:46).

Here is further evidence:

Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it (Ecclesiastes 12:7).

When man dies, the dust (or the flesh which was formed from the dust of the earth) will return from wince it came. The spirit returns to the Father who gave it. Man is made of body, spirit, and soul. If the body goes back to the dust and the spirit back to the Father, then where does the soul go?

Jesus Went into The Grave

What is our soul? Our soul is the essence of who we are. Our soul is animated by various spirits, including the spirit of life without which the soul dies. When Jesus died, where did he go? Where did his soul go?

Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses (Acts 2:29-32).

The scripture the Paul the apostle refers to is Psalm 16:

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore (Psalm 16: 9-11).

Notice what Paul wrote about David. David is dead and buried, not presently in heaven with the Father. Also notice that Christ’s soul was “not left in hell.” Hell in this case is translated as the grave. This is not the hell which many teach today as a place of never-ending conscious torment. Rather, this is a place of unconsciousness: a place in which all the dead go and await the resurrection and judgment (the lake of fire and the second death).  Here is further evidence:

For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten (Ecclesiastes 9:5).

His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish (Psalm 146:4).

What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? Shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah (Psalm 89:48)

Again we see the idea of man returning to the earth when his breath (spirit) leaves the body. Without the spirit of life our flesh and soul die and there is no conscious existence whatsoever. There is nothing but everlasting darkness apart from the mercy of God that raises the dead back to life. Jesus tasted this death for every man (Hebrews 2:9).

The reason many call this death sleep is because we know that through faith in Jesus our death is not a permanent state. However, we all will taste death at least once (Hebrews 9:27). The only way we can escape the “second death” – from which there is no return – is through faith in our salvation given by the Son of God.

Jesus Rose from The Dead

The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of the Christian faith (Mark 16, Luke 24, Matthew 27, John 20). His resurrection is a promise to those who believe in Him. If we believe in Jesus, then we believe that he is the Son of God who was slain to atone for our sin. We also believe that through faith in Jesus, we can escape death and live eternally.

This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ (Acts 2: 32-36).

There are two resurrections. The first is the resurrection of life and the other is the resurrection of judgment.

Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation (John 5:28-29).

The hope of the Christian lies within the first resurrection.

Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years (Revelation 20:6).

When does our resurrection take place? It takes place when Jesus returns after the 7th trumpet (Revelation 11:15-19). Here is further evidence:

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17).

For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power (1 Corinthians 15:16-24).

Is the first resurrection an on-going event? No. This occurs at a single point in time when Jesus returns. Therefore, it is reasonable to say that Christians are not currently in heaven, but rather they wait in “the grave” until Jesus returns. Since we have faith in the resurrection, it is fitting to call this first death “sleep.”

Jesus Ascended into Heaven

And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven (John 3:13).

You can read about Jesus’s ascent into heaven in Acts 1, Luke 24, Mark 16, and Matthew 28. The important thing for us to take away about the ascension of Jesus is this fact:

This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey (Acts 1:11-12).

For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be (Matthew 24:24-27).

When Jesus returns to earth from heaven, the dead in Christ are raised and they live with Jesus for one-thousand years. We do not die and go to heaven. Rather, the kingdom of heaven is coming to earth. Make note of the above and keep in mind that Jesus cannot return until the “man of sin” is revealed. Jesus cannot return at any time without the signs being show first. See 2 Thessalonians 2 and Mark 13.

Also make note that when Jesus returns, those who are alive and remain are transfigured into a new kind of body. If one comes claiming to be Christ and the dead are not rising and those remaining are not transfigured, then this is a false Christ.

Teaching that the dead in Christ rise already can be dangerous because we need to know what marks the true coming of Jesus. This helps us avoid deception of antichrist. Teaching the rapture can also be dangerous because this replaces the teaching of the first resurrection, leads many to believe they will escape tribulation and the hour of antichrist, and again takes away from a key distinction that can help us avoid strong deception.

In Conclusion

When Jesus was crucified, his spirit returned to the Father. His flesh died. His soul went to hell (the grave). It is the same for us. When we die, our spirit is divided from the soul. The spirit returns to the Father. Without the spirit of life the flesh and the soul die. This is the first death. This is a state of unconsciousness because it is truly death. Yet, through faith in Jesus, our death is not permanent. We will be raised from the dead at the coming of the Lord, Jesus. Unbelievers will partake of the second resurrection and the second death.

And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20: 11-15).

What About…?

For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him (Luke 20:38).

God is present everywhere, even in the grave. If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there (Psalm 139:8). The only way to be apart from God is for the soul to die. God is a God of the living, meaning those who live in Jesus Christ. When a Christian dies, we do not count them as dead because we have faith in the resurrection. Again, consider the problem of our linear timeline perspective. To God, all things are accomplished. Therefore, in some dimension of time all who belong to God live with Him.

And Jesus said unto him, verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise (Luke 23:43).

We have to consider all scripture. You might recall when Jesus saw Mary and told her “do not touch me for I have not yet ascended to the Father.” Jesus did not go to the Father right after he died. He went to the grave along with his flesh. We also need to consider that in the original text there was no punctuation. If you remove the commas, the sentence can read very differently. It could read something like, “Today I tell you, you will be with me in paradise.”

For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better (Philippians 1:23).

Considering that Paul wrote the epistle to the Philippians as well as that to the Corinthians and Thessalonians (mentioned above), we can deduce that Paul had some knowledge of the first and second resurrection. He understands that in death we do not perceive the passage of time. Therefore, from our perspective, after we die the first thing we will see is Jesus coming in the clouds, and we will meet him in the air! That is something to look forward to!

We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8).  

This scripture is often taken out of context and used to support the idea of immediate resurrection after death. When we read this in context, Paul is talking about walking after the Spirit and not after the flesh. If we walk in the Spirit, we are walking with the Lord. In that sense there is a present-day resurrection as we die to the things of the flesh and are renewed by the Holy Spirit.

Stephen saw Jesus just before he died in Acts 7.

This might seem problematic. I had considered that perhaps the dead were in their grave until Jesus died and raised, then from that point on every Christian that died was immediately raised and met Jesus. That idea however does not fit with the timing of the first resurrection (at the 7th trumpet) or scriptures that state things like “David is dead and buried.” When considering the full counsel of the scripture, I take this as a vision of the future given to Stephen at the moment of his death as a way to comfort him while giving Jesus glory.

Lazarus and the Rich Man

Jesus spoke many parables, and it is my belief that the story of Lazarus and the Rich Man is a parable and not a literal event. The teachings of death, the resurrection, the nature of the kingdom and the nature of hell do not line up with this as being a literal event. It makes more sense to consider this a parable or as something to be taken metaphorically then it does to consider scriptures to the contrary as metaphorical, because the first is given as story while the later are given as points of fact and doctrine.

Also consider that Jesus came debunking many beliefs the Scribes and Pharisees held. This includes their ideas about a place called Abraham’s Bosom and other ideas they had about purgatory and the like before the teachings we received after Jesus. This is not a literal place, but a myth they held.

The Souls under the Alter in Revelation 6

To God, the blood of Abel is still crying out from the ground. It is also true that to God, Abel is busy at work in the kingdom of heaven. This hearkens back to God’s eternal perspective. It is the same for all the righteous blood shed since that time. To God, the saints of God are crying for vengeance and awaiting the coming of the promised kingdom. To God, the saints of God are already with Him. Of course, that crying out is a metaphor. It seems silly to think that God has souls literally shoved under the alter continually crying out for vengeance.

The Rapture

The rapture doctrine has replaced the true teaching of the first resurrection. When Jesus returns, those who are “asleep” will awaken from the grave and meet him in the air. This includes many who give up their life for the faith. Jesus does not take us away before the tribulation, but rather, we must endure the tribulation and keep our faith until the very end. It is true that Christians are not appointed to wrath. Though terrible, the end times is not wrath against those who are faithful, but those who have fallen away. Any suffering we endure is part of our sanctification, which we will likely need in order to cleanse us from the falsehoods of modern Christianity that leads to complacency and worldliness.

It is chastisement from a Father that loves us. It is for our good and for the destruction of the wicked. It is vanity to think Christians should not suffer. They have always suffered, and in many parts of the world they suffer and are killed. Only spoiled Western Christians would think they are too good to suffer as Jesus Christ suffered.

For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake (Philippians 1:298).

Is the author of KindlingTruth a Seventh Day Adventist?

No.

For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection (Romans 6:5).

The question about where a Christian goes when they die should be framed according to the resurrection. There are two resurrections. The first occurs when Jesus returns. Therefore, the dead in Christ are not in heaven at this time. They are dead. However, God is without the limits of time therefore if it comforts you to consider the dead as being with the Father, then there is nothing wrong with that so long as we do not neglect the teachings of the first and second resurrection along with the first and second death.

Amendment 1: “Jesus does not rebuke Christians because we have doctrines about heaven or hell wrong. He rebukes because we deny the teachings of Jesus that profit us in the things of the kingdom of God: the things of salvation.”

There is a good lesson here in being careful when stating things about what the Lord rebukes or judges. The Bible makes mention of the importance of sound doctrine, so it makes sense that Jesus would in-fact rebuke false doctrine. However, if on one side you have a Christian who is so proud of their true doctrine that they become puffed up, hateful, or accusatory of their brethren as fake Christians, but on the other side you have someone with false teaching who is humble, willing to learn, and treats other Christians with patience, then who is at greater fault? That is something to think about. I tend to think the first has greater fault. Depending on the teaching that is. Some are so grievous that little to no patience should be shown it.

I think we need to consider this present time and weigh which false teachings are most worth fighting over, because there are a lot of false teachings, and harping over each one can cause resistance to discussion of the most important things.  If we think about the ministry of Jesus and His warnings to the 7 churches in Revelation, I think we get an idea of what matters most for us during this present time: Judgment, Mercy, and Faith. I think these are the fundamentals of the gospel, what salvation means, the function of grace and forgiveness, and esteeming the cross with more reverence. These ideas are most twisted in modern Christianity, and with the fundamentals set in order, the rest follows.

For better clarification, I will write a “What Matters Most” article as soon as I can.

Link: What Matters Most

January 17, 2021 Update

There are several things I said that I would write about or post, and I although I include the caveat of “Lord willing,” I still do not like to say that I will do things then fail to do them without explanation. So, I want to write a short update on what is going on right now, as far as I can tell.

Earlier this week I said that I would look over an article series I wrote on my last website about the resurrection and republish the article series here. I won’t be republishing that article series.

One of the things I intend to do here is take a look at the articles published at kindlingtruth.com and submit them to the judgement of God. I know that all of our works will be judged, and I want something worthwhile to show for what He has done. Some of the work there is decent. Some of it, like that article series, is not fit for much more than to be burned up. There are truths, but there is the spirit of accusation, slander, murder, and pride at work too in that series. I cannot salvage it.

I would like to write a new work on the resurrection. I have other things I want to look at too, and I am still considering the best way. I have considered the meaning of my vision/dream experience, and I want to write more about that. I have considered problem areas within the church, and I want to write about that in a manner that yields good things.

I have not forgotten about these things. It might be possible that I can consolidate all of these issues into one writing. None the less, I want to apologize for failing to republish the article series like I originally intended. I also want to say that the things I have set out to do are always on my mind. I intend to do it. However, having been a fool of great magnitude at times, I want to take some time to consider and to do well, Lord willing.

I think I am going to step away for this upcoming week and take some time to recover and gather my thoughts. I hope you all have a blessed week, and Lord willing, I will be back within a week refreshed and ready to resume the Proverbs study and tackle some of those issues.

It is the Father’s Good Pleasure to Give You the Kingdom

When we receive from God, either from our brethren or from the Spirit of God, it feels like robbery. We know that we do not deserve it. Sometimes we might feel ashamed, or maybe even a bit afraid when the Lord has given us more than we feel able to be faithful towards.

I don’t say this to boast, but to teach. One of my daily prayers for the past few weeks is that the Lord will “strengthen me to do your will.” Life is challenging, and I want to meet these challenges righteously. I also feel like God has been gracious to give things that I need to share, and if I don’t share, I’ll be like an old wine skin that will burst. Maybe that’s ridiculous.

None the less, I know that any good thing I have and any good thing I am able to do with that which I was given came from the Lord, and as Jesus teaches, “It is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.”

Though it is His good pleasure, experiencing this can be very difficult and trying. If I want strength, I might find that I am stretched and pushed beyond measure until I can bear a bit more than I could before. I know this has been the case with other things I have asked.

I truly believe that the gospel is more than forgiveness. It is having the Kingdom of God come to us in heart over the course of our lives. Sometimes we receive things in an instant, but most of what we receive comes from patiently continuing to seek, going through challenges, and overcoming by His working in us.

It is not that we work to receive salvation. We are forgiven by grace through faith in the blood of the Lamb of God. However, there is work in the Kingdom of Heaven. The more of that we want in this life, the more we must endure.

I will never be satisfied in this life concerning the Kingdom of Heaven, because these things are Jesus Christ and He is worthy to be loved and desired. I am greedy and jealous over Him, but I also know that because He is so good and gracious, it pleases Him to share what we get. How could we not? After receiving what we do not deserve, how can we just “hide it under a bushel?”

I know that many people would disagree with me, but I will not back down from this. I won’t back down because I know just enough of what that Kingdom looks like that I want more and more.

In the Kingdom of Heaven we don’t need any other light but Him. In the Kingdom of Heaven there is a stream of life. In the Kingdom of Heaven there is fruits of healing. In the Kingdom of Heaven there is peace; even the wolves lay down with the lambs and the suckling child can play on the snake’s den. Lions eat straw like an Ox. There is no destruction there. There is no violence there. The knowledge of the Lord is life and peace forever. No more pain. No more sorrow. So, if we must sorrow to get there, it is worth it.

Never give up. It is God’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom, and one day the Kingdom of Heaven will come to this dying world and the Wicked One will be destroyed with the brightness of the coming of the Son of God: Jesus Christ: the Only Name worthy of praise and the Only thing worth seeking with all your heart, soul, and mind.

I don’t want it to be said that I “labored and has not fainted.” I will not do the bare minimum. Again this is not to boast, but to teach. I have labored until I fainted, and I will do it again if that is what it takes to enter into a rest and peace that this world does not know. Lord willing. I say this to encourage you. Keep going. Don’t let people rob you of the Kingdom with half-truth gospels.

I believe that those who trust in the blood of the Lamb for forgiveness and hate sin will be forgiven and they will live forever. I know that I want that judgment, and that is true. Yet. We also know that Jesus said that He rewards those who seek diligently. There is more to gain. We can rob each other of what God gives us—it is our duty to do so because all things are of the Lord and for the body of Christ. But NEVER let anyone rob you of seeking more from Jesus and the Kingdom that comes “without observation” and lies “within you.”

Thankful for Small Ministries

I want to offer some encouragement for small ministries. Whether you have a blog, some other form of online ministry, or a church, I know that being small can be discouraging at times. Yet, it is good.

A lot can be accomplished from small ministry, and there are benefits for those who have them.

I benefitted from a small ministry. The work I benefitted from was not created for me, but for the wife of the one who did that work. Their dynamic is beautiful and I never want to rob them of that. They have their glory in that of the Lord. It is not my glory, but theirs. I have felt more like the “strange woman” who says, “stolen bread is sweet,” or more like David who ate the shew bread.

I don’t think they would say that of me. They have their glory, and their glory in Jesus, and I have my own in Jesus, and no one will be robbed of what He gave. Ultimately, because all glory is His, we are all robbers. Anything we receive and therewith build upon is His.  

So, all I can do is give back. I robbed and received freely, so I give freely. And because the ministry I robbed from was created for one, and because it had such a profound affect on me, I have learned to also be content with being small. If I can have the effect that was had on me for just one, then that is good. It is worth it.

It is funny to me when I have been accused of being a cult leader. You have to have a following to be a cult leader. Even so, I get it. When you have a slightly different take on things, people become fearful. The last thing I want to do is create yet another Christian denomination, or God forbid, a cult.

The last thing I want is to be a kind of idol myself, so I am thankful for being small. I also know that small can accomplish great things. One person can teach one, and that one teaches another, and so on. Things can grow in a way that we do not see, and not seeing keeps us safe from vanity.

If you have a small ministry, thank the Lord for it. We can look at the corruption of big ministries and be critical of that, but would we be any better if we had that kind of exposure and following? Such is the  state of man. We are blessed to be small. And if you have one that is larger, take care that you do not become an idol. Ultimately, all glory is God’s glory. We are robbers.

I want to end this writing today with something that I do not usually do publicly, and that is ask for prayer. On one hand, I feel bound and happy to do the work I do for the church. Yet, I am so tired. I know that though I sometimes feel like a church of one, I am not. I know that no single person can contain the fullness of the Spirit of God except Jesus. I think it would kill you. It would stretch you too much.

I pray that Jesus will send some help, not because I claim to have the fullness of God. Don’t think that, but I get why we are a body and not meant to be a church of one. It’s too much. I sincerely thought I would die from exhaustion yesterday, so I went to bed early. Though I am up early so that I can do all that I must do today, and through I am very tired, I trust in Jesus. He will strengthen. Yet, I do ask for prayer. Not sympathy, but faith. Jesus will make a way somehow.

So, small is good. Yet, small is tiring. We are a body that works together with Jesus at the head, and we should never forget that.