Some things never change

[tsth]

I came across this after a friend of mine brought it to my attention. These passages really bear the need for further study. See what you think:

Acts 26:19 "Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. 21 For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me.

As I said before, some things never change. I see the current trend of the church today, heading for the same stance. That of rejecting the teaching on repentance AND THOSE WORKS BEFITTING REPENTANCE. I can see the direction of the current day church will be one of anger and resentment to the point of imprisonment and violence as well, in regard to this teaching. It has already begun. Look at the doctrine of today's churches. It does not include the teachings on obedience nor works of any kind? Why? It has become tabu, for some reason, and I see that as the manifestations of the great apostasy. Do not tell us we need to bear fruit! How dare you!

But Paul, was bold, he contended for the faith, before a governor (see Matthew 10:18 too) and he spoke of these things:

Acts 24:14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets.

24:25 Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, "Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you."

Notice that the governor, didn't want to hear of these things. It is much the same way now. People do not want to hear of righteousness, self-control, and most assuredly NOT THE JUDGMENT TO COME! But, it still must be spoken, TODAY!

We MUST be speaking of obedience.

Romans 1:5 Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, 6 among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;

Acts 6:7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.

We must contend for the faith. We must pursue obedience and holiness, as a church. We cannot fall away. We must stand firm.

1 Thess. 4:1 Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God; 2 for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, 5 not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. 7 For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. 8 Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.

This is my note of encouragement to you here at Worthy Boards.

Be Blessed!

In His Love,

Suzanne

[tsth]

I was reminded of this particular thread in regard to righteousness and works.

Works and Fruit are they the Same?

In His Love,

Suzanne

[tsth]

I find it interesting that Paul was seized in the Temple/church. I find that most of the persecution I receive as well, comes from those "within" the church. I think it goes along the teachings that the tax collectors and prostitutes may enter the kingdom before those of the churches of today, because they are willing to hear and surrender, whereas the church is not. The church is smug, because someone has told them A LIE, and it's a lie they like, because it is easy, and requires no part in the relationship. It is an adulterous lie, you can have the Lord and run around all over the place as well, with no regard for Him.

Matthew 21:31 Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said to Him, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you.

I think this is literal, don't you?

Matthew 5:20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

Maybe some of us need to rethink what our relationship with the Lord REALLY looks like?

In His Love,

Suzanne

[FaithfulFollower]

Tsth,

This is a very interesting post and it caught my attention rather quickly. Only wish I had seen this sooner. It is difficult not to agree with you for in this world today, churches still condemn as well as shun those who would wish to preach certain messages, or that do not do things as they would see fit. Unfortunately the outside world is not much different. For those who have authority not only over the states, but our country as well now take God out of school, as well as are now seeming open to the possibility of taking him out of the country by their own means. To think that maybe in five years from now we may no longer be able to say certain things due to the fact that not everyone will believe or will find themselves offended on account of another's beliefs. Never would I have imagined that the name of the one and only God, our creator would offend so many. It is really quite sad what this world as well as our churches are coming to.

With Love In Christ,

Danielle

[tsth]

Matthew 21:31 Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said to Him, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you.

I think this is literal, don't you?

Matthew 5:20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

Maybe some of us need to rethink what our relationship with the Lord REALLY looks like?

In His Love,

Suzanne

It is sad Danielle, very sad. It is breaking my heart as I watch from the sidelines and see our youth depts. and the church sanctuary, become nothing more than entertainment venues for the people of the communities. It is void of any teaching on obedience anymore, lest the people be "offended" and leave.

When in reality, the teaching from the Scriptures has much to do with the son learning and obeying/doing the will of the Father.

Thank you for posting, as I was afraid that the message was going to get buried, before it even got much exposure. God is Good!

In His Love,

Suzanne

[JesusisGod2]

Thank you for posting, as I was afraid that the message was going to get buried, before it even got much exposure. God is Good!

In His Love,

Suzanne

Hi Suzanne,

Lets make sure that doesnt happen, this is a good topic of discussion.

Its interesting that you brought up Felix! I was just listening to a sermon about this very thing.

Not only did Felix send Paul away because he didnt want to hear about it, he also left Paul in prison as a favor to those who wanted the truth supressed.

26  At the same time too, he was hoping that money would be given him by Paul; therefore he also used to send for him quite often and converse with him.

27  But after two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul imprisoned.

Felix was more interested in pleasing man than in pleasing God!

[tsth]

Thanks JIG2,

I also find it interesting that Paul was "living" out exactly the things Jesus said would come to pass as well. He was witnessing before govorners and kings, and the Holy Spirit was supplying the Words for him, just like Jesus said.

Matthew 10:18 You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; 20 for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.

But Paul, was bold, he contended for the faith, before a governor (see Matthew 10:18 too) and he spoke of these things:

Acts 24:14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets.

24:25 Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, "Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you."

Notice that the governor, didn't want to hear of these things. It is much the same way now. People do not want to hear of righteousness, self-control, and most assuredly NOT THE JUDGMENT TO COME! But, it still must be spoken, TODAY!

We MUST be speaking of obedience.

I believe the same things will happen in our time, and are happening, with the exception of being arrested, but that's probably not too far off.

In His Love,

Suzanne

Edited September 3, 2004 by tsth

[JesusisGod2]

They are already happening in other countiries bigtime, where Christianity isnt the "popular religion" , People are being put to deasth for their faith, and like you said it will happen here in the States as well.

I believe we are already seeing the birth pangs of it, look at Canada and the laws they are trying to amend in our country.

[Guest bobdamitch]

it is interesting that we have been in a church lately where there have been much more professions and baptisms than most any other around here...... We had been going there for likely 8 weeks or so and supporting the church, but we get our hat when the service is over, and cordial to those we meet coming and going....

However there is a serious difference in the numbers between Sunday School and church...We had never attended Sunday School there...but since I visited with the preacher about the fact that they were getting in the 70s for Sunday School and 235 give or take a few...I thought I had better try to start going to Sunday school to help pick up the numbers. Sorry....the teaching in the SS leaves somewhat to be desired, not from content but from doctrine.....One wonders, why this is, the church is conservative and very evangelistic...

But we wont be going back to SS in that class...for I am not the sort to impose "right" information which would be against the will of the teacher...

It is very difficult to find a church....we see new people there every week...then fail to see them again...it is not the preaching...but the people in the SS class had not noticed us being in church, since the time we started...We dont make waves, but they must get so many new people they fail to notice those who come and go.

[tsth]

Hi Bob,

It seems to me that the "corporate" church, has lost it's sense of "community/love".

That is what happens when church becomes business and numbers, rather than heart and soul. The people just don't care for one another as they should. We should become "family".

Which brings a mental picture to mind:

Ever known a family that is SO on the go, and into all the really important issues. Mom and dad are involved in EVERYTHING in the community and church, yet if you look, have neglected their own family, and they are wounded, neglected, and suffering? It's the picture of the church as well. We've become so side-tracked with trying to bring all the outsiders in, that our very own are becoming disillusioned. The church family doesn't know who they are anymore? They don't have a strong identity anymore, because it's been about "pleasing/tickling" others ears for so long now, that the church has no identity. Used to the church stood as a body/family boldly in a community, and people who got into trouble, knew that they could come into the church, not to have the church change and cater to them, but to find a safe place that they could turn and belong to. It was always a given that you became "like" the church, not the other way around.

(Ok, I'm off the box now! )

In His Love,

Suzanne