Compromise

March 12, 2009

Compromise

Blessing Folk!!

Here is a sampling of what is crossing the news wires today related to the Body of Christ...most are in the secular media…

“Kentucky presbytery votes to overturn ban on gay ministers”
Kentucky Presbyterian leaders vote against ban on gay clergy - Faith & Values - Kentucky.com

'Sex-y' sermons cause stir at rural Alabama church
'Sex-y' sermons cause stir at rural Alabama church : Nation : TCPalm


Todd Bentley Begins Restoration Process
MorningStar Ministries : Special Bulletin #17 - Todd Bentley Begins Restoration Process


With these three items we see some of the things with which the Body of Christ is struggling.

  1. Many, many portions of the “church” are absolutely compromised when it comes to the Word of God. They do not accept the Word as of the Lord. “Mainstream” denominations are crumbling due to this. The “gay” issue is an example. The Word is clear.

Rom 1:24-27
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
KJV

Lev 20:13
13 If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.
KJV

According to these folk, “times have changed...there’s more willingness to recognize and accept the diversity.”

In other words, we will over look the Word of the Lord.

  1. Then, the “sexy” sermons...this is nothing new...the Word is full of all sorts of accounts that often cause me to blush. That is not the issue. What is the issue with me is this. Anytime that what you are doing “for the Lord” receives greater adoration and attention than the Lord Himself, then beware.

Now, let me hasten to say that I understand this is the report of the secular media. It is to be handled carefully. They will report with an eye skewed. But anytime that an individual, program, buildings, etc. are the focal point care must be taken. Usually one will hear the same type of language from the believers involved…”our church”, “our pastor”, “our programs”, “our music”, “our Starbucks”.

Let me share a truth.

God does not need our “help” in creating a debate to draw attention to the world so that they will be intrigued and enticed to “come to church” so that they might discover Him.

God does expect our obedience.
Within obedience, the Lord will work.
In dying to self, the true believer allows the Holy Spirit to do His work, at His pleasure, In His way, in His time.

  1. Lastly, restoration. Many of you will not be aware of this situation. Don’t worry. Just catch the principle. A couple of things related to it.

We are to forgive and restore the brother who repents from sin.

Gal 6:1
6 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
KJV

We are to do so in meekness and humility. An example is given in 1, 2 Corinthians.

We do not do this.
It has been rightly said that the church is the only army that executes its wounded.

Yet, this example provides insight into how much we exalt the processes of man. Look at all the buzz words…

  • “faith level”
  • “ministry”
  • “restoration process”
  • “release”

The good thing about this situation is that the three men mentioned are God-fearing.

I personally know Jack and trust him without reservation in this type of situation.
He will speak forth the truth.
He will demand truth by word and deed.

Yet, when I read Rick’s account, I was struck at how far away from the simplicity of the gospel we have strayed. Just allow the Lord to reveal His truth to you.

The Lord call us to:
  • trust in Him
  • abide in Him
  • rest in Him
  • be obedient to Him
  • love one another
  • to exalt Him above self
  • die to self
  • I could go on and on… Happy

1 Thess 4:9-12
9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
10 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;
11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
KJV

In conclusion, seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.
Do not be distracted by the trials and difficulties of the day.
Do not be distracted by evil.
Do not be distracted in doing “good” for the Lord.

The Lord will keep in peace the one whose mind is stayed on Him.

Today’s reading from the “So That’s Why” Bible consists of pp. 396-401.
Have had several inquire as to where they can procure a copy...and what it is!
This is a Bible arranged in chronological order. Many of us are reading through the Word this year using this particular resource. Very useful. An example...if you are reading an account from the life of David, the appropriate Psalm that David wrote during that time is included.

so that's why bible - Christianbook.com Search

Blessings!!