Recently I have been seeing more and more gap between Jesus' commands to His true church and the actual following through of these commands. I have seen how the gospel - "good news"- can be just good news, rather than being "GREAT, life changing, miraculous news."
So many christians have the mindset of what I like to call the "white picket fence gospel." This includes christians who feel that it is ok to use and abuse the Holy Spirit to get what they want, such as wealth, fame, and fortune. Though many conservative christians would agree with the previous statement, this picket fence gospel also includes those who consider missions to be a two week out of the year deal. People who consider living in a large home a blessing from the Most High God. People who feel that retirement is a time to relax and make their own version of heaven on earth without God. Being a christian is a lifestlye. When Christ said Go, He meant it LITERALLY! It's all for His glory that we present ourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable before God. ( Romans 12:1 paraphrase) In all areas we are to show love. He sent out the twelve and told them to go as they were, and to leave their homes. Does this still apply today?
I'm tired of the mindset that it is ok to live in an expensive house, and that it is ok to have more than one car per person, and that it is ok to go out and buy the newest electronics or furniture on just spontaneous shopping spree while men, women, and children are suffering and dying daily. This white picket fence gospel is just wrong. Where does Jesus say, "you better live abundantly here on earth." Never once does christ say to store treasure here on earth. He always points towards the opposite. Store up treasures in heaven, and that abundant life He does talk about is a life filled with loving others and sharing Christ with them. If thats not abundant, then heaven is probably not the place for you. Though this is bold, I feel that if we cant have compassion on those God has compassion on, then whats the point? Father forgive me of this life. As the great hymn writer once said, "I once was blind, but now I see."
Why is it so hard for us to show love? We make it through life as though we are doing God a favor whenever we do show compassion to people, when God expects it out of us. Im guilty of not loving. I will be the first to admit that in the past I have been completely hateful, and I see where I have been wrong, but is it too late for the true church to change that? with God NOTHING is impossible. We have to give it up to the Spirit. Let the Spirit work through us. I love the scripture that says, "For from Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things; to Him be the glory forever amen." (Romans 11:36)
All I am saying is, lets step up to the plate and start living like Christ commands. Being a christian means having to sacrifice; even to the point of death at times.
Im glad I got that out. I can only say these things because God convicted me of them and showed me the error in which I had been living.
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Other than that, (if you made it this far) things are great here in Thailand. Father is showing me a lot in His word and I am building friendships here with the other hands on teams.
By the power of the holy Spirit,
Andrew
So many christians have the mindset of what I like to call the "white picket fence gospel." This includes christians who feel that it is ok to use and abuse the Holy Spirit to get what they want, such as wealth, fame, and fortune. Though many conservative christians would agree with the previous statement, this picket fence gospel also includes those who consider missions to be a two week out of the year deal. People who consider living in a large home a blessing from the Most High God. People who feel that retirement is a time to relax and make their own version of heaven on earth without God. Being a christian is a lifestlye. When Christ said Go, He meant it LITERALLY! It's all for His glory that we present ourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable before God. ( Romans 12:1 paraphrase) In all areas we are to show love. He sent out the twelve and told them to go as they were, and to leave their homes. Does this still apply today?
I'm tired of the mindset that it is ok to live in an expensive house, and that it is ok to have more than one car per person, and that it is ok to go out and buy the newest electronics or furniture on just spontaneous shopping spree while men, women, and children are suffering and dying daily. This white picket fence gospel is just wrong. Where does Jesus say, "you better live abundantly here on earth." Never once does christ say to store treasure here on earth. He always points towards the opposite. Store up treasures in heaven, and that abundant life He does talk about is a life filled with loving others and sharing Christ with them. If thats not abundant, then heaven is probably not the place for you. Though this is bold, I feel that if we cant have compassion on those God has compassion on, then whats the point? Father forgive me of this life. As the great hymn writer once said, "I once was blind, but now I see."
Why is it so hard for us to show love? We make it through life as though we are doing God a favor whenever we do show compassion to people, when God expects it out of us. Im guilty of not loving. I will be the first to admit that in the past I have been completely hateful, and I see where I have been wrong, but is it too late for the true church to change that? with God NOTHING is impossible. We have to give it up to the Spirit. Let the Spirit work through us. I love the scripture that says, "For from Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things; to Him be the glory forever amen." (Romans 11:36)
All I am saying is, lets step up to the plate and start living like Christ commands. Being a christian means having to sacrifice; even to the point of death at times.
Im glad I got that out. I can only say these things because God convicted me of them and showed me the error in which I had been living.
____________________________________________________________________
Other than that, (if you made it this far) things are great here in Thailand. Father is showing me a lot in His word and I am building friendships here with the other hands on teams.
By the power of the holy Spirit,
Andrew
