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Something that has become somewhat of a deal breaking issue for me in the kingdom of God - here and now.
Well, to be honest, it has always been something that has made gotten the attention of my spirit when I have noticed it. However, just this last week or so Holy Spirit has has me on "high alert" regarding this particular matter. Everytime I come across this situation my spirit jumps into high gear and I take in to the Lord in prayer.
So, yeah, I bet you are wondering what it is already, huh?
Well, you can find in the scripture. 1 Corinthians chapter 5. Yep. The entire chapter. Paul is addressing immorality in the church.
The scripture that has been oh so prevalent these last days has been verses 9 - 11.
9"I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with
sexually immoral people. 10 not at all meaning the people of this world who
are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would
have to leave this world. 11 But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with
anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but
is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or
slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people. of God and idols? For we are the
temple of the living God."
The reason being these scriptures have been in the forefront of my heart and mind, these last fews weeks, has more to do with the call that has been placed on our lives to be transformed into the image of Gods own Son Jesus. To be "Holy as He is Holy" - to live a life worthy of the calling which we have received in Christ Jesus - than perhaps what we would normally associate with hearing as a sermon about this scripture. (although the basic teaching and meaning of this scripture is absolutely important. I am not saying at this time dis-associate with believers)
If I may - let me explain.
Well at least do my best to try and convey my thoughts about what I believe the Holy Spirit is most grieved over.
I will start with a picture - They say a picture paints a thousand words.
"Therefore,
“Come out from them and be separate,
says the Lord."
In 2 Corinthians chapter 6
Paul gives some (helpful) examples how to live holy lives and be carriers of God's presence....for the end and purpose of the glory of God and salvation (ultimately) of others.
14 Do
not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and
wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 15 What harmony is there
between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common
with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement is there between the
temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As
God has said:
“I will live with
them
and walk among them,
and I will be their God,
and they will be my
people.”
17 Therefore,
“Come out from them
and be separate,
says the Lord.
Touch no unclean thing,
and I will receive
you.”
18 And,
“I will be a Father
to you,
and you will be my
sons and daughters,
says the Lord Almighty.”
So this is what started this whole thing
***********************************************************
"So he's a Christian?"
A question that was asked of me by a non believer of a Christian brother.
I guess this is pretty much how this all started.
This was the first one.
Then it was - the excuses.
"Well, "I" have the liberty in Christ to ____" (you fill in the blank).
Okay. So this blog post is not meant to point a finger at any one individual.
Goodness knows we all have our days. It's just that I can't shake the urgency and being a watchman - I need to share.
So - I will say this.
When I was asked the question, "So he's a Christian?"
My heart sunk. I felt horrible inside. For several reasons. One, because, yes, this person is very much a Christian. Two, because I started to think about myself.
If this brother in the Lord was brought this response was I sure my everyday life wasn't causing others to think the same thought about me? Could non believers actually tell I was a Christian by my lifestyle?
This really affected me.
I have not been able to get away from this subject matter. When we as children of God and especially leaders in the Church have the world watching us and they do not see us as any different than them.
This is problematic Plain and simple.There is not much time left. We are truly living in the last days.
We are not called to live like the world. To do as the world.
There needs to be a definite - noticeable - difference - between a believe in Jesus and a non believer. In every area of life.
Jesus loved everyone. He ate and drank and walked and talked with sinners.
Yes.
However - He did not partake IN their sinful acts.
Instead Jesus shared the words of life with them. Mercy, grace, forgiveness, healing and deliverance.
As a Child of the Living God. As a believer in Yeshua. As a Christ follower.
We are called to do the same. To be ministers of reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:18
"All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through
Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation."
Do our neighbors KNOW we are such?
When a crisis happens will they runs to US knowing we are a praying people?
OR
Are we living with one foot in the world partying and with them and living life with them no differently and then coming to small group and church and putting on our God clothes?
*News Flash*
It is all or nothing with the Lord.
So I guess this is my encouragement to be set in our hearts as a reminder in Jesus to check our hearts to make sure that at all times both feet are walking in the path of the righteousness....and to remind us that where 'ere we go and what 'ere we do - every moment of every day.
We are Ambassadors for Our Most Holy - Beloved - Lord - Yeshua Ha Mashiach.
And
The world is watching.
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