Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21).
I watched a film on what happened to the American Indians when settlers came from Europe. The injustice and cruelty tended to produce defiance or helplessness. While captive on a Reservation an Indian prophet told his people that the white man's bullet cannot harm them. The white man's time was limited and they would be gone soon.
The "prophet" and his followers were massacred.
When we see prophecy that devastates lives, we tend to despise anything spiritual. Paul encourages us to not quench the Spirit, but rather test everything and hold fast to that which is good. In some cases we will need to walk away and have nothing to do with a false teacher. In other cases we will recognize a pure heart that needs teaching. At other times we will recognize a mature teacher of God's word and rejoice. (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21).
There is an old American saying, "Don't throw out the baby with the bath water."
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Not Powerless
When we find ourselves surrounded by sorrow or deadly force, how can we give thanks(1 Thessalonians 5:15-18)? It may appear there is nothing for which to be thankful. Paul and Silas bare backs were beaten Roman style with strips of flesh hanging off their backs. Then they were placed in stocks. This happened because the people to whom they were preaching turned on them and forced their arrest (Acts 16:16-25).
When midnight rolled around they were giving thanks by singing hymns to God and praying. They had turned their focus away from thoughts of being powerless, persecuted and betrayed and turned their thoughts toward the love, mercy and power of God.
"Thank you Father that you love me and never leave me destitute in any circumstance. I am not in the worlds hands. I am under your care. If you see fit to allow me to suffer, it is for your glory and my good. You are able to deliver me, and you are able to sustain me to the end of my life. I choose to trust you and your love."
When midnight rolled around they were giving thanks by singing hymns to God and praying. They had turned their focus away from thoughts of being powerless, persecuted and betrayed and turned their thoughts toward the love, mercy and power of God.
"Thank you Father that you love me and never leave me destitute in any circumstance. I am not in the worlds hands. I am under your care. If you see fit to allow me to suffer, it is for your glory and my good. You are able to deliver me, and you are able to sustain me to the end of my life. I choose to trust you and your love."
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
3 Directives, 1Motivation
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:15-18). God gives us three directives and a motivational reason to do as he says. Let's look at these backwards starting with the motivation.
God reassures us that he controls the beginning and the end of all our circumstances. "This is the will of God for you." In every situation he is either carving away harmful residue from your spirit or ministering to someone else through your responses. In most cases he is doing both things through the same circumstance (Romans 8:28-29; 1 Peter 2:12, 3:1-2).
We give God thanks because he is making us more into the image of himself and he is gracious enough to allow us to be part of his ministry to others. We continually pray because we know our natural instinct is to lash back, and we recognize our need to depend on him working in and through us. Remembering these truths, we rejoice regardless of the situation.
How good it is to walk with God (Ephesians 5:8; 1John 1:7).
God reassures us that he controls the beginning and the end of all our circumstances. "This is the will of God for you." In every situation he is either carving away harmful residue from your spirit or ministering to someone else through your responses. In most cases he is doing both things through the same circumstance (Romans 8:28-29; 1 Peter 2:12, 3:1-2).
We give God thanks because he is making us more into the image of himself and he is gracious enough to allow us to be part of his ministry to others. We continually pray because we know our natural instinct is to lash back, and we recognize our need to depend on him working in and through us. Remembering these truths, we rejoice regardless of the situation.
How good it is to walk with God (Ephesians 5:8; 1John 1:7).
Monday, July 1, 2013
Purposeful Punishment
We read that we are to never return evil for evil but always follow that which is good. What does this look like in the face of child molesters, murderers, robbers, and perpetrators of viscous crimes? Does the commandment to forgive and the instruction never to return evil or evil mean we do nothing to stop those who violate others (Matthew 6:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:15)?
No. It is not merciful to allow someone to continue to violate people. It is not merciful to future victims or merciful to the violator. We can never understand mercy until we face judgement. The only hope of salvation for many is the facing the consequences of their actions. God instituted punishment for crimes both to protect individuals and to deter sin (Numbers 15:29-31; Exodus chapters 21 -22; Leviticus chapter 26).
It dies mean whatever we do to confront the criminal is not done out of vengeance but a heart that desires repentance and salvation.
No. It is not merciful to allow someone to continue to violate people. It is not merciful to future victims or merciful to the violator. We can never understand mercy until we face judgement. The only hope of salvation for many is the facing the consequences of their actions. God instituted punishment for crimes both to protect individuals and to deter sin (Numbers 15:29-31; Exodus chapters 21 -22; Leviticus chapter 26).
It dies mean whatever we do to confront the criminal is not done out of vengeance but a heart that desires repentance and salvation.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)