As we who carry the gospel, we must as a matter of course, tear down fortresses, move mountains, light fires, shut mouths, plant seeds, water them, mortify our members, and take every thought captive. The taking captive of every thought for Christ mentioned in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 is talking about the destruction of every system of thought that keeps people from Christ.
2Co 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
2Co 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
2Co 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Now, this is very important, Paul doesn't beat people into submission, or threaten them with his power. In a following passage Paul mentions the punishing of disobedience, but this is apostolic authority over the Church. I'm specifically talking about what Paul is talking about doing in these three verses, for his warfare is warred well. He wears the armor of God, and uses the weapons that aren't fleshly, namely the Word of God. This word is powerful to destroy vain reasonings, and smash the stronghold of any theological, philosophical, or religious system that is harmful to the knowledge of God. Any thought in the mind of a beleiver that is harmful to the knowledge of God, these strong holds are also torn down. So then with this, we should be ready to start fires to whole ideologies that threaten the mind's ability to repent towards God. Read Paul's sermon to the Athenians in Acts chapter 17. Paul uses the language of the philosophers to explain the gospel so that they will understand, but he also uses God's Word to prove their reasonings false. Look at Christ's refuting of the Pharisees, who misused God's Word to keep people in bondage. So learn to think then, learn how God's word is true, learn how to use it properly, and learn how to become a slave to all that you might win more.
Monday, August 29, 2005
Can I get a preacher please?
Oh, that the gospel were the only thing I lived for. It seems to me that if I examine my own life with the same sharp powers of intellect that I used to examine the lives of others I'd find myself to indeed be the worst of the worst. As I look on the lives of the saints that came before me, I see that the defining quality of their lives is the preaching of the gospel. Even if they weren't good preachers. The preaching of the gospel starts, and ends with words, but inbetween is the artwork of a life lived holy. From Christian to Christian, I exhort whoever reads this to action.
1. Live in obedience to God, no matter what, do what your conscience compells you to do, and abstain from what it shrinks from.
2. Become a part of the Church in a ridiculous fashion. Do what it takes for her to know and love God and the gospel, exhort, rebuke, confess your sins, contribute time, money, whatever else. If you have artistic talent, make artwork that teaches the grace of God, do whatever you can for the Church.
3. Learn the very basic truths of Christianity, and learn to put them in your own words. This is crucial, for nobody can beleive unless they hear, and you must be able to speak.
4. Preach the gospel. It is only good news in light of bad news. So preach that God condemns sinners, but that he saves them also. Do this however you can. Don't cop out saying, "I live my life in such a way that the gospel is preached." That won't do any good unless you tell them somehow. So tell people the gospel. If you need help finding a way to do so, hit me on AIM(wills6783).
This fire is hot, when you touch it, you will be consumed. Sometimes it's hard, a carpenter warned us that the world could weaken our hearts, don't let it. But ask God everyday for Him to be your joy. Even when you don't feel like doing God's work, and it isn't a joy, remember the prime reason for doing it is obedience. Other reasons are secondary, but please ask God for desire to do his will, and for all your affections, thoughts, will, musings, and whatever else to be turned toward Him.
1. Live in obedience to God, no matter what, do what your conscience compells you to do, and abstain from what it shrinks from.
2. Become a part of the Church in a ridiculous fashion. Do what it takes for her to know and love God and the gospel, exhort, rebuke, confess your sins, contribute time, money, whatever else. If you have artistic talent, make artwork that teaches the grace of God, do whatever you can for the Church.
3. Learn the very basic truths of Christianity, and learn to put them in your own words. This is crucial, for nobody can beleive unless they hear, and you must be able to speak.
4. Preach the gospel. It is only good news in light of bad news. So preach that God condemns sinners, but that he saves them also. Do this however you can. Don't cop out saying, "I live my life in such a way that the gospel is preached." That won't do any good unless you tell them somehow. So tell people the gospel. If you need help finding a way to do so, hit me on AIM(wills6783).
This fire is hot, when you touch it, you will be consumed. Sometimes it's hard, a carpenter warned us that the world could weaken our hearts, don't let it. But ask God everyday for Him to be your joy. Even when you don't feel like doing God's work, and it isn't a joy, remember the prime reason for doing it is obedience. Other reasons are secondary, but please ask God for desire to do his will, and for all your affections, thoughts, will, musings, and whatever else to be turned toward Him.
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