Wolves in Sheep's Clothing?

 

One major way Christian self-help books damage you

Posted on March 12, 2019

By Elizabeth Prata

“Christian” self-help books saturate the publishing market. Isn’t the notion of Christian self-help an oxymoron? We can do all things…through Christ, who strengthens us. (Philippians 4:13). Apart from Him, we can do nothing. (John 15:5).

Yet the books keep coming. Osteen, Hollis, Warren, Niequist, Lusko, Shirer, Meyer…all under the guise of helping you and all sold under the banner of the spotless Name.

These books and ideas harm you. They steer you away from Jesus and that always hurts a Christian.

I was listening to a John MacArthur sermon titled The Hope That Overcomes the World, and though the sermon was not remotely on self-help, something Dr. MacArthur said brought the issue to my mind.

Trying to secure a meaningful, lasting relationship in marriage seems well-nigh impossible. Families are full of chaos and disintegration. Add to this decades and decades of propagating self-esteem and pride, and what you have is people who are consumed with their own desires and their own wants, who then double-down on the impossibility of making meaningful relationships because they’re so self-centered. Source

That’s where self-help books fit so well into the chaos. Using these kind of books or materials will only help you circle the drain. Why? Our natural penchant for self-involvement due to our thorough depravity and sin, engenders this. Turning to these books, instead of to Jesus, for help will only propel us to double down on our sin and selfishness.

I liked the use of the phrase “double down”. It’s apt. The natural man wants his own desires and will seek them in any way he can. We are to rely on the Spirit to slay that old man and kill those desires. Allowing these materials to come into your heart and mind will only double the propensity to turn from Jesus and begin a downward spiral…it’s what the false teachers are there for, to help you do this.

How does it double down? That’s the trap. When the first book doesn’t “work” to help solve the problem of the hour, you’ve tried this or that from the bulleted list the author has earnestly told you will help, you’ll go back and make a second trip to the bookstore, looking for what will help. As one becomes more involved in the journey back to self, the possibility of making meaningful relationships diminishes because we’re ever more focused on self rather than Jesus, who is the source and flow of all meaningful relationships- because He is the primary relationship.

2 Peter 1:16 says, For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

What false teachers have to peddle are myths. They’re cleverly devised, which makes them dangerously hard to spot. They purposely exploit the unwary for gain, with these stories that “they have made up”. (2 Peter 2:3).

When we have been witnesses to His majesty, not eyewitnesses like the Apostles, but witnesses in seeing Him through His revealed word, why turn to myths and stories, and allow ourselves to be exploited? Some books are written by true teachers and may be helpful, but the genre is riddled with the false. Be careful, sister, and watch out that the natural man’s flesh isn’t creeping to the unhelpful. If we double-down on anything, it should be His word made alive in our heart and mind.

Trusting and Waiting

 

Are You in the Waiting Room?
BY: GJRWM
IN: FEATURED ARTICLES, WATCHMAN LIFESTYLE, WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A WATCHMAN


I underwent major spinal surgery this year. It was not on my calendar, but God had other plans. One moment, most of my family were home enjoying the evening; the next moment my son and daughter were with my wife in the emergency waiting room while neurosurgeons and professional staff coordinated the 9+ hour emergency surgery.

Many know what it is like to be in the waiting room; praying, weary, waiting on word it’s over, and everything is going to be okay. Time seems to slow in the waiting room. Indeed, a watched clock does not tick.

Even when there is complete trust in a highly trained medical staff, the hospital waiting room is a difficult place to be. There is a parallel in the Spiritual realm. Many who say they trust in God struggle with patience. In an age where A.D.D. is common, and we demand instant gratification, it is easy to de-emphasize the importance of patience. However, when we lack patience, we lack the ability to trust God. Diminishing one diminishes both.

Consider this, long ago, Abraham and Sarai married, and for decades, prayed for children. When they were senior adults, God promised they would have a child. This was surprising, but wonderful news for the happy couple, who likely promptly began a 9-month countdown.

I can imagine Abraham going out to the shop to build a cradle. I can see Sarai working to child-proof the house and knitting a baby blanket. However, nine months later, there was no child. Nineteen years later, still no child. Genesis 15 records Abraham’s despair. Patience was waning. So, God encouraged Abraham by confirming His promise (Genesis 15:4-6).

This is a teaching story. Part of what we are to see is that Abraham and Sarai’s despair began when they imposed their expectations on God’s promise. Like most parents, they had ideas: 9 months, a baby boy, eight lbs., brown eyes, curly hair. This is common and demonstrates why patience is closely tied to trusting God.

As trials and tribulations increase in these last days, there will be many times when God’s plan and timing do not unfold the way we expect. That is okay. In fact, that is good and best. In such times, fervent prayer and absolute trust in God will help us persevere.

Patience is a character trait God appreciates and wants His children to develop. Galatians 5:22-23 notes that patience is one of the attributes of the Spirit given to every believer. However, just as a person with an ear for music can usually master an instrument more easily than one not musically inclined, they still must practice and work to develop musical skills.

The Fruit of the Spirit referenced in Galatians 5 is similar in that the Spirit doesn’t instantly make one patient, but rather provides incredible aptitude and ability to develop patience. Another analogy: If I want my body to have more muscle, God will not instantly change my body, but may provide a weight set.

There is a direct correlation between patience and trusting God, and as developing patience comes from enduring and learning from various trials, we must not fall into despair when the severe trials prophesied to come, arrive on our doorstep.

James 1:2-4 notes: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of our faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Watchmen must remember that the eyes of the world are on Christians who “encounter various trials.” Demonstrating faith, patience, and complete trust in God during the trials is a powerful witness.

“Don’t doubt in the dark what God has revealed to you in the light.” -Adrian Rogers



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Do You Know Jesus?

 

This is just a simple question that only requires a yes or no answer..........................

Do you know Jesus Christ? 

If you answered yes, hallelujah, praise the Lord!

If you answered no, here is the next question..............

Would you like to know Jesus Christ?  

If you answered yes or maybe you are just curious and want more information about this Jesus, here is a website that can take you through step by step and also connect you to someone who will answer any questions you may have.

                     https://peacewithgod.net/

Our world is becoming more and more confusing, violent and scary. Jesus can bring peace to your heart and give you hope for the future. Don't wait until it's too late - make a decision for Christ today ~ 

Colossians 4:5-6

During these times of unrest, civil disobedience, pandemic, economic downfall, etc. I find myself vacillating between discouragement, compassion, anger, fear, contempt and concern. 

I remember that I am not an American first. Nor am I a conservative or a liberal or a mom or a wife first. I am a child of God - first and foremost. My view of this world, this country, my community and my church should be through the eyes of Jesus, not my own. 

And so I turn to God's word to figure out how He would have me behave, especially toward unbelievers. So much richness and wisdom to be found there. I remember how He has told us to ask for wisdom and He will give it to us. Here's a good article that I believe encompasses the scriptures I found.

Proper conduct towards unbelievers

by Matt Slick
12/01/08

"Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone," Col. 4:5-6(NIV)

How do you behave with and toward unbelievers? Do you like them? Do you hate them? Do you tolerate them? Are you concerned about their salvation? Do you act like them when you aren't in Christian company? Do you snub them if they aren't holy? Some Christians think that being kind to unbelievers is like throwing pearls before swine. Then there are Christians who stand on street corners, in malls, and in front of abortion clinics to witness to unbelievers. Others just don't care one way or another. Where do you fit in? Do you share your faith using hugs or headlocks? Honey or a hammer? Or do you even share your faith at all?

The Word of God is very specific about how you as a Christian are to conduct yourself toward the non-Christian. Turn with me to Col. 4:5-6 and we will read together what God wants you, as a Christian, to do.

The literal translation of Col. 4:5-6 is

In wisdom, walk toward the ones outside, redeeming the time. Let your word be always in grace, having been seasoned with salt, to know how it is necessary for each one of you to answer.

1. God wants you to conduct yourselves with wisdom toward unbelievers, v. 5
   1. First of all, before anything else is said, we need to focus on something very important: the cross of Christ.
      1. It is because of the cross and our redemption found there that we are able to seek to be wise and good towards unbelievers.
      2. The sacrifice of Christ has cleansed us from our sins, forgiven us our trespasses, and enabled us to be gracious and kind by changing us. As we were once against God in our unbelief, God was gracious and kind to us. Because of Jesus we are to be kind to others.
   2. Literally, the Greek says to "walk in wisdom toward outsiders."
      1. To the Jew every non-Jew was an outsider. To the Christian, every non-Christian is an outsider; that is, outside the church. Outside of a relationship with the Lord Jesus.
      2. The context of the church: "In the days of the early church believers were often slandered by these outsiders. Christians were called atheists because they served no visible gods, unpatriotic because they did not burn incense before the image of the emperor, and immoral because, of necessity, they would often meet behind locked doors."
      3. Today there is still an attack on the church. Christians are called bigots because they condemn homosexuality, intolerant because they oppose abortion, religious extremists because they condemn sin, and narrow-minded because they believe there is one "one faith, one Lord, and one baptism" (Eph. 4:5).
      4. Yet, in spite of these attacks we are to remain humble, loving, caring, kind, and gentle. If we are not, if we do not show love and forbearance in the face of cruelty, insult, intolerance, and ridicule, then you are not showing the world that we know Jesus?
   3. That is why it is so important to have wise conduct before unbelievers.
      1. One reason is so you aren't made a fool.
      2. The reputation of the gospel depends on you.
      3. The world judges Christianity by what it sees in you.
         1. 1. Are you representing it well with kindness, holiness, consistent reverence to the Lord?
      4. Also, unfortunately, the world judges Christianity by what it sees on television where lies about Christians and Christianity are broadcast as the pagans version of the "gospel truth." All the more reason to live holy lives.
         1. 1. I remember years ago watching Miami vice. It opened with two Christians preaching. There was this bad guy who tripped and fell at the feet of two "Christians" who had Bibles and had been preaching. When the bad guy fell at their feet, the Christians started hitting him with their Bibles, kicking him, and yelling mean things at him.
            2. On another show, "Renegade" there was coffee house scene where a Christian couple behaved rudely, bigoted, cowardly, and stupid.
      5. Nevertheless, in spite of the insults, you are to be wise.
   4. God wants your conduct to be with wisdom. This conduct is your manner of behavior. This means you are to be
      1. sympathetic (this could be in counseling, listening, etc.)
      2. compassionate and humble (1 Pet. 3:8).
         1. "To sum up, let all be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit;"
      3. loving
         1. "Don't repay evil for evil, or insult with insult, but with blessing repay the evil cast at you" (1 Pet. 3:9).
      4. patient - you are to be considerate and longsuffering with the unbeliever.
      5. know when not to speak
         1. That is often one of the hardest things to do. It is so often the best thing to simply listen to a person and wait for a better opportunity.
      6. If your conduct is indeed with wisdom, then the name of Christ will not be maligned.
         1. The unbeliever will have no basis to mock Christ, His church, or His people.
         2. And, he may be brought into the fold of Christ.
2. God wants you to make the most of the opportunity with unbelievers, v. 5
   1. Literally, the Greek says "redeeming the time," or "buying up the opportunity." The sense then would be "Do not just sit there and wait for opportunity to fall into your lap, but go after it. Yes, buy it."
   2. There is definitely a time to be aggressive in your relationship with an unbeliever.
   3. I would hope that as Christians you would not become complacent about evangelism. God uses the Gospel to call His people out of the world.
   4. The time is short and the world is evil: Ephesians 5:15-17 says, "Be very careful, then, how you live -- not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is."
3. God wants you to let your speech to always be gracious with unbelievers, v. 6
   1. Paul is asking the Colossians to be careful with their tongues.
      1. Careful when they speak in public and private, no gossip.
      2. Careful when they speak to an equal or someone in power, no slander.
      3. Careful when they speak to the poor and the rich, no favoritism.
      4. Careful not only when speaking of the gospel but also when speaking of the weather, the economy, politicians, the authorities.
         1. In all your conversation be good.
   2. Gracious: God wants you to be careful, gracious, kind in your speech.
      1. Grace is getting what you do not deserve. Give them kindness, love, compassion, and patience.
   3. And note the word "always."
      1. In all situations at all times.
         1. playing a sport, watching a movie, driving, shopping, business, in church, out of church, at work....
   4. Being gracious means to be kind, gentle, positive, helpful, and insightful.
   5. A further description of this kind of gracious speech is: seasoned with salt, v. 6.
      1. Those whom the Lord calls "the salt of the earth" (Matt. 5:13) must not be tasteless.
      2. I work at a place where all the people around me are unbelievers. Their conversations are often vile, crass, filled with not so clean jokes. All to get that sense of belonging and being "in" with the rest of the group..
      3. Don't be like the ungodly around you.
      4. Salt prevents corruption.
         1. Elsewhere Paul said, "Do not let any corrupt talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" (Eph. 4:29).
4. God wants you to know how to answer everyone, v. 6.
   1. Speak the right word and the right time to the right person.
      1. 1 Pet. 3:15 says, "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."
   2. Part of having answers means being wise.
      1. Proverbs, as well as the rest of Scripture, is the only source of true wisdom. With wisdom, you will be able to properly answer in times of counseling and heartache, joy and sorrow, and in times when morality is an issue.
   3. Part of having answers means knowing doctrine.
      1. The Catechisms are excellent teachers of doctrine.
      2. Know the doctrine of the Trinity, the deity of Christ and of the Holy Spirit, the gospel message, the resurrection, the return of Christ, and the rest of what the Bible teaches.
   4. Part of having answers means studying difficult issues.
      1. Study evolution, cults, and other religions.
      2. You don't have to master them, just be familiar with them.
5. And don't forget, in your wisdom and grace toward them, pray for them.
   1. They need to be granted the faith that God gives (John 6:28ff)
   2. They need to be granted the repentance that God gives (2 Tim. 2:25).
   3. They need to be granted the belief that God gives (Phil. 1:29).
   4. You can make a difference in your prayers (James 5:16).
      1. A...The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."

Conclusion

So what difference do these verses make in your lives? Plenty. Your conduct and speech before an unbeliever is vitally important. Your conduct should be with wisdom, your speech with grace.

I know a Christian who years ago worked with an unbeliever. For two years, this Christian answered the unbeliever's questions; he was gentle and kind in his conduct in all situations and always tried to point his friend to Christ. He sought to be wise and gracious. Today that unbeliever has become a pastor. The Lord used that Christian, his wise conduct, his gracious speech, to help bring another into His kingdom. To Jesus be the glory. Amen.

Two Ways to Pray about the Coronavirus Crisis

March 16, 2020
Beck Ewing






Mar 15, 2020 was declared a National Day of Prayer for the Corona Virus Crisis. And

God wants us to pray. But instead of just asking God to preserve our lives and way of

life from this virus, we should be spending significant time and prayer on two topics that come from the question:

“Are we and God really on the same page?” or '“Is God leading us to change?”

In times of crisis and decision, we quote II Chron. 7:14 “If my people.” Great verse. And we do want God to heal our sick and our land. But it’s as if we blind ourselves to a very important requirement to that promise: “If My people shall...turn from their wicked ways.” So we beg God to deliver us or give us a favorable election; and then if God doesn’t do what we wanted, we chalk it up to the “mysterious ways of God” rather than the fact that we did not change at all.

So what does God want from us? The Promised Land was God’s destination for His people Israel. But they rejected that destination, because they didn’t want to do what it would take to inherit the kingdom He wanted them to have. If they had learned the lessons they were supposed to learn along the way— of trust, dependence, obedience, and holiness— then they would have been ready to obey and enter. But they were more concerned about surviving, getting through, and ending the difficulties than they were about learning about God and what He had for them. So, God doomed them to wander the wilderness where they had been before, now with a sense of futility and pointlessness. Today, God’s intended destination for us is His Kingdom come on Earth as it is in heaven. But when we reject the destination God has for us, we end up waiting out life without destiny, instead of living life with purpose.

We like to think that we are in control of our own destinations, that we can have lives of our own choosing as long as they aren’t “too sinful.” And maybe, for a time, we can. But ultimately, God guides our destiny, and He will not leave us alone to be satisfied with lesser things than His Kingdom.

When crises, change, or scary callings come our way, how do we respond?
Do we cling to what we have at all costs? Are we just concerned about surviving and maintaining the status quo? Instead, we must realize that God may be trying to break through our preoccupations so that we will seek His Kingdom in a new way that we had not seen— or even wanted— before.

So what are the two questions we needing to be praying about besides deliverance:

#1 What do we need to change about ourselves?

If we are honest with ourselves, we know that the Christian church (including ourselves) are not where we need to be. Here’s just some of the areas we know we fall short in:

Sins of what we don’t do:
*Not Sharing Jesus with the lost within our own communities
*Not showing love and not being involved with our neighbors, coworkers, etc.

*Replacing the Kingdom with the American Dream

*Isolating ourselves from the real problems in our towns
*Living self-serving, self-centered, and/or not willing to sacrifice personal comfort

Sins of what we do
*Ignore or participate in abortion, sex trafficking, pornography
*Indulge in obesity, laziness, and materialism

*Divorce, hold prejudices and grudges, gossip
*Tolerate corrupt government and business
*Support godless educational systems


God’s healing can come when His people repent, so we can’t point the finger at those who don’t know Him yet. Let’s hold ourselves accountable for our own sins and that we do so little to stop evil from happening in our country.

But if we know we are in such bad shape, why won’t we change? Like Israel, we often trust in our heritage and our weekend religious services to give us a free pass. But just like we shouldn’t wait until after we completely overload our hospitals before we address an outbreak, we shouldn’t wait until God brings harsh judgment before we finally take our own sins and the condition of the lost around us seriously.

Can we force others to repent with us? No, but we can start with ourselves and with any who are willing to come seek His Kingdom with us. Which leads me to...

#2 How should we use this crisis to spread His Kingdom?

Whether we nervously stockpile toilet paper or deny a problem even exists, we humans cling to maintaining the life we have.

Sometimes we even use God to justify keeping things as they are, claiming that we are remaining faithful to what God wants despite difficulties. But what if He’s changing the game plan? Can we let go and adapt? Can we embrace what He is trying to do in our lives now?

Crises help us focus on what is truly important. And what’s important is not merely family or survival, it’s God’s Kingdom being realized on earth as it is in heaven. And maybe closing the Magic Kingdom and our church services for a while will change our perspective and help us see what realizing the Kingdom really means.

When God allows pervasive trouble, He is often trying to shake things up and grow His Kingdom. He uses the crisis to cause His people to go a different direction they normally wouldn’t go. Remember how the persecution in Jerusalem caused the believers to....gasp...leave the centralized expression of the Church?! God was using the persecution to spread His Kingdom into other parts in the world.

Here are some ways He may be challenging us to change:

- Changing the way that we do ministry
How can we use this crisis to empower us to bring His Kingdom into our local communities untouched by our church services and even Life Group gatherings? If we disciple more outside of the church walls and groups, then we can plant His Word into communities instead of just inviting them into our gatherings. This shift will then place the responsibility of discipleship back into the hands of all His people and not just the clergy. For instance, we can plant Discovery Bible Studies into families and communities by coaching them over zoom or the phone.

- Changing the way we do church
Is God trying to change the way we worship and equip Christians? Perhaps if we shift away from maintaining multi-million dollar buildings within every 7-10 minute radius, we can devote more of our money to helping and reaching people outside the church.

What if we talk about growing in obedience to God’s Word more than just learning more about it? If we did, we would have to spend less time lecturing and more time having conversations about specific steps in changing and holding each other accountable to them.

And maybe we could spend less time orchestrating worship experiences and spend more time discipling each other life-on-life and developing relationships with those that don’t know Jesus. If we want more authentic Christian community, it will take more relationship. We need to spend more time interacting with people, not just being around people at events.

- Truly loving our neighbors
How do those around us need our help? Let’s turn our inward focus to an outward focus. Some of us are more vulnerable to this crisis than others. Some don’t have a lot of extra finances, good health, or the ability to stay at home with children. We need to meet these kinds of needs around us.

How can we develop relationships with people that don’t know Jesus in this environment? If outside activities are limited, maybe we should use technology like zoom and FaceTime to connect with people (especially lost ones) in ways we haven’t been willing to participate in before: online book clubs, online movie watching, online games, other online discussion groups, etc.

No matter what we end up doing, let’s act wisely, pray, and open our minds. Invent, create, adapt, and embrace change. This is how we work with God to make all things work together for good. We can reach the lost, help those in need, stop injustice and corruption, love each other with extravagance, and empower communities to educate, express artistically, invent, and prosper economically in a way that pleases God and brings wholeness. And when we do, we can finally reach the destiny God has for us: His Kingdom come.

Forget Myself

O my God, Trinity whom I adore,

let me entirely forget myself that I may abide in You,

still and peaceful as if my soul were already in eternity,

let nothing disturb my peace

nor separate me from You, O my unchanging God,

but that each moment may take me

further into the depths of Your mystery.

Amen

Elizabeth of the Trinity (1880 - 1906)

Morning Prayer

O Lord, this is my desire,

to walk along the path of life that You have appointed me,

in steadfastness of faith,

in lowliness of heart,

in gentleness of love.

Let not the cares or duties of this life press on me too heavily;

but lighten my burdens,

that I may follow Your way in quietness,

filled with thankfulness for Your mercy, . . .

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

~ Maria Hare (1798-1870)