Defending the Faith

GRACEFUL SPEECH

"Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." Colossians 4:6

If someone were to ask you about your relationship with Jesus Christ, the Son of God. What would you say? How would you answer? Confidently, or shyly? Knowingly, or unknowingly?

What if you were asked about sin and hell? What if you were asked about the book of Revelations and it's surrounding issues? How would you fare?

THE LATEST TREND

I am witnessing a disturbing trend with Christianity and it's church today. Either they don't know the Bible very well, or they read the Word in part (reading passages, by itself, instead of in context of the message). And sometimes, a mixture of both. The other scenario that is prevalent; a mixture of biblical Scripture and man made theologies, in other words, "new and strange doctrines" as defined in Hebrews 13:9; Ephesians 4:14.

I've had many a dialogue with Christians from a variety of denominations, regarding scripture. Many of them were not able to converse knowledgeably in regards to the Word. Many of them, referred to their pastor's teaching, or a Christian author. Many of them, in attempts to "prove" their point, would give me literature to read or encourage me to attend their church, not able to articulate by scripture why they believe what they believe.



Here is food for thought: Why is it that I, an unchurched believer (unchurched by definition of lack of a physical membership, as opposed to the spiritual body of Christ, which I am a member) am able to express, and share scripture more fluently, than those who attend church services faithfully?

THE TREND OF *UNACCOUNTABILITY

(*exempt from being called to account; not answerable)

There is a powerful trend taking the world by a storm. The trend of unaccountability. We see it in our courtrooms, the American justice system. We see it in various cultures and homes across the world. We see it in relationships and in the raising of our children. Unfortunately, we see it in churches as well.

When we receive, by faith, the Grace of Salvation brought forth by Christ's sacrifice, we also receive reconciliation with the Father. If we are reconciled, we have intimacy with the Father. Through that intimacy (the Holy Spirit) we evolve as babes to adults over time. IF we accept this process of salvation, we must understand that we are bound unto accountability to obey His commands. This is why Christ tells us to "count the cost and take up our cross".

"So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God" Romans 14:12

"But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." Matthew 12:36-37

The problem herein lies, so many Christians live vicariously through their pastors or other "authoritative" types, for their understanding of Scripture and growth in their relationship with the Lord. In doing so, they have remain stagnant in their growth with Him.

"For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat." Hebrews 5:12

At some point in our "evolution" in Him, we all should become teachers of the Word in some way or fashion. This point is imperative, for we ARE accountable to bring the gospel to those who do not believe...

"For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?" 1 Peter 4:17-18

Read with care, and prayer, these of passages. Do you see the order of accountability? Do you see the logic? If we confess Christ as our Lord, then we must carry out His decree and manifest His desire to share the good news with them,whom he died for. The logic in Romans 10:14-16 can not be any clearer...

"How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! "

THE RESULTS OF UNACCOUNTABILITY

When we do not take full accountability upon ourselves to have a active relationship with God(one-on-one with God, verse-by-verse bible study), the results are and can be devastating.

• 
  
  Division in the Body - Ephesians 4:4-6
• 
  
  Inability to defend the faith Colossians 4:6
• 
  
  Inability to discern the spirits - 1 John 4:1-2
• 
  
  Fall prey to "wolves in sheep's clothing" - Matthew 7:15
• 
  
  Stagnant growth, ineffectual towards the good news and edifying of the Body as whole - Ephesians 4:16

A HOPEFUL SOLUTION

In spite of the condition which shrouds Christianity, I believe that the Body (Spiritual) is active and continuing to do the work in which we are held accountable to do. I believe that there are believers who actively worship the Father in spirit and in truth in various denominations across the world.

I believe there can be a renewing of the Spirit in churches today.
"But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:" Acts 2:16-18
This post may be offensive to those who define their Christianity by church attendance and traditions. I would apologize for offending such sensibilities, if I didn't have a clear understanding of my responsibility to speak the truth in order to edify others who have confessed and believe Christ to be their Savior. Like everyone else, I too, will stand before the Lord to give an account.
The morning alarm is sounding and it's time to get up! Take up your sword and defend the Word of the living God! Ephesians 6
"And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed." Romans 13:11

Lord I thank you, and offer you praises this day. May you be glorified! May your name be uplifted and held sacred by those who love your Son. May you embolden the Body established, by the Holy Spirit, on that day of Pentecost so long ago. Your will surpasses all other wills and your truth endures until the end of time. Heaven and earth will pass away, but your Word endures forever. May those who worship you in spirit and in truth become not weary of the harvest that stands before them. Bless them them with all they need to stand. In the righteous name of your Son, Yeshua....Amen

Author's note: Do you have questions? Do you need prayer or support? I would love to share with you. My intention is always to share the Word of God for the purposes of edification, that requires being truthful. The truth may be uncomfortable to some, but Christ says that the truth shall set you free. Please leave a comment or contact me. My contact information can be found under the "Statement of Faith" link.


Update: Please go to the contact me page for questions and private comments. Thanks