Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, (Philippians 2:12 ESV)
The bible makes it evidently clear that our salvation is something that must be worked out. Salvation never was and still isn't today an injection that you take when you pray a prayer and nothing else has to be done. Salvation is something that must be worked out with fear and trembling. In this blog we together are going to go through the scriptures and we are going to see what the bible says about our salvation and I want you to take serious note, If you profess to be a believer of Jesus Christ, if you profess to walk with God I want you to let the truth and the authority of God's word cut deep into your heart, convict you where you are falling short, show you what you must be doing and speak deeply to you causing change where change needs to take place. The working out of your salvation can often be a painful journey that involves murdering your flesh, putting it under and living holy and pure before a holy and pure God. Sadly this is not something that is spoken about in a lot churches today, because they don't want to offend, lose members or are more interested in fulfilling the desires of your flesh, tickling your ears and having "a stroke the flesh fiasco." Some I can only consider as social gathering. Frankly I personally see it as an insult that we refuse to tackle the issues of sin, and seeking out our salvation because of these fears. Let me clarify, I love you... But some of the things I'm going to say will offend you, make your flesh cringe, you probably won't like me. that's cool. If by me doing this one person who reads, examines themselves in light of scripture, changes there ways that are sinful and ungodly and lives a life honouring to God resulting in a soul saved. I will be overjoyed. I am committed to proclaiming the true Gospel of Jesus Christ regardless of offending you, your reaction and how it makes you feel. Too much of what we hear in church is about how we feel and it sickens me that our flesh take rules over our spirit because of this.
Anyhow.. Let's get into the word. Make sure you have your bible, I want you to meditate, examine and study this for yourself.
I'm going to start in Matthew 7
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. (Matthew 7:15-20 ESV)
Look, If I went into my garden and planted some seeds telling you they were apple seeds. Months later when they had grown you went into my garden and in the very place I had planted the seeds you saw oranges growing what would you say? You wouldn't say "yes, Markus you planted apple seeds, strange how this has happened." You would say "oranges? Clearly you must have planted orange seeds." you would have no issue telling me I was wrong. Why? Because what was produced in the garden was different to what I claimed to have planted. If you plant apple seeds it produces of its kind. So my question... Why when a pastor, preacher, believer, professes Christianity but doesn't produce what the bible says a Christian should produce do you just accept there claims? I'm a believer, I don't read my bible, I don't pray, I don't talk to God, I don't go to church. I live like the devil but I'm a believer. No... Your not! Why I am being so harsh? Markus you don't
know there heart? Yes sir, yes madam I do. There heart is deceitful wicked above all things. (Jeremiah 17:9) oh but Markus your judging them. No sir, no madam. I'm looking at the fruits of what a believer is supposed to produce and there are not producing that. Its my desire to see them honour God and live for God but if they are deceived they will die and go to hell and I nor you helped them by staying quiet. Just as importantly we must check ourselves and examine ourselves in very same light.
So what does the bible say a believers life will look like? Turn with me to the book of 1 John. They is going to be a lot of scripture. I want you to look at every verse and I want you to think, I said I'm a believer, I love God, I honour God. Do I fulfil this scripture am I walking out this verse daily in my life. Be brutally honest with yourself, this is not the time to deceive yourself before God. Not that there is ever a time to deceive yourself before God because there isn't. This is the time to open yourself up and see how your life and your walk lines up with scripture, I have and will continue to do the very same with own life as I realise and take seriously the importance of me seeking my own salvation.
Scriptures from 1 John
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:5-8 ESV)
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light., and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. (1 John 1:5, 6 ESV)
Whoever says "I know him" but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. (1 John 2:4-6 ESV)
Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. (1 John 2:9-11 ESV)
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. (1 John 2:15-17 ESV)
And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him. (1 John 2:28, 29 ESV)
Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. (1 John 3:2, 3 ESV)
Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. You know that he appeared to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God. By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother. (1 John 3:4-10 ESV)
We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. (1 John 3:14, 15 ESV)
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error. (1 John 4:1-6 ESV)
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1 John 4:7, 8 ESV)
If anyone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. (1 John 4:20, 21 ESV)
We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him. And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. (1 John 5:18, 20, 21 ESV)
After reading these scripture, this gave me some real clear evidence or assurance of what a believer who is truly saved life will look like. Some of the things said in the word here didn't stop to take into account your flesh. If you continue sinning you are a child of satan, if you love the world and the things of the world the love of the father was NEVER in you. Brothers and sisters, if God has really done a work in your heart, this will convict you, challenge you, it may upset you, murder your flesh. But it IS the TRUE gospel of Jesus Christ. You must continually examine yourself inline with these truth in word of God with fear and trembling. I pray that as you have seen these truths you will conform your life to them. You will realise the seriousness of sin and you will hate sin like God hates it and you will be full committed to doing all it takes to honour God as a follower of Christ. Family, we have much to do.
If I can be of assistance in anyway on your journey, accountability, prayers, someone to talk too. You want to discuss in more detail or have any questions please email me at rhemamarkus@gmail.com I am your brother in Christ and lets be there for each other as we walk out this journey of growing in intimacy with God, living pure and holy honouring him in all actions.
A quick shout out to my brother Eric Craven, Bro I am encouraged by you and all you are doing. Thank you for your words of encouragement and conviction. Much love #PurityOverLust
I love you all very much. Let's uphold these truths in our lives.
Markus.
Saturday, 25 August 2012
Friday, 24 August 2012
Godly examples and your relationship with God
Funny how most people when asked will have someone in there life who the look up too, whether that be a parent or sibling, a pastor or singer. More often than not if you sat down for long enough you could pluck up someone who you look up too, We all seem to look up to people in different ways for example if we are a aspiring singer we may look up to a certain singer based on there voice and not other aspects of there life. I was thinking about this topic. People who we look up too examples and influences. In this post I'm going to look at what the bible has to say about the topic, some of the benefits and dangers and share with you about a few of the people I look up too and why.
Imitate your Godly example as they imitate Christ
Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV)
I'm going to start by saying this, I strongly believe the people that we look too should only ever be imitated as they imitate the Lord Jesus. Jesus should be our ultimate example and we should never give a person that place that is God's in our life. Never allow a mentor, pastor, friend, sibling or anyone who you look up too, take the throne of your life. The place of God, don't even allow them to edge close. Follow the example of Christ that they show and if there is no example of Christ, don't follow them.
Good character is spoiled by bad company
Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals." (1 Corinthians 15:33 ESV)
Have you ever seen it where a friend decided they want to date someone who doesn't believe in God, they tell you, "Markus, there so close, I'm there only Christian influence, it will work out." most will give them the look that says you don't have a clue. Me be me will tell them how I've not heard such nonsense in my whole life and they need to get a grip. But hey that's just me and not really my point. Eventually more often than not it will come to a place a few months down the line where you call that friend and I have experienced this very thing, they don't go to church anymore, there bible is stocking up dust in the corner, they haven't uttered a word to God and they are as much in the world as every other unsaved person. They give you there excuses "well I just stopped going, I thought about it but this and that came up." what happened? 1 Corinthians 15:33 happened, they had good morals or good intentions and it was ruined by bad company. Do not be deceived. If you look up too someone, make sure they are good, godly company or else eventually the influence will have a negative effect. I also remember Eric Craven saying that if you surround yourself with Godly company imagine the positive effect it will have on your life and yes Brother Eric I 100% agree.
Wise people develop in you wisdom, fools make you foolish
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
but the companion of fools will suffer harm. (Proverbs 13:20 ESV)
I'm not going to lie, this scripture has been proven time after time in my life, in my teenage years I hung out with some very questionable people who frankly could be described as foolish and I'd be closer to complimenting them than anything else. I wasn't the smartest boy on the block as I would proclaim these people as my friends , as time went on and we hung out I saw myself become more and more foolish and doing more and more stupid things. What does proverbs 13:20 say, the companions of fools will suffer harm. I certainly will be the first to say I have suffered harm because of the people I chose to hang out with. On the other side of the coin I can also testify to seeing the first part of this scripture bare fruit in my life. I'm not going to mention much on it at this stage as I will go into more detail when I talk about the people I look up too, but many people think that I am older than my age and have commented on my levels of maturity and I can certainly pinpoint this to proverbs 13:20 wise people develop you in wisdom, when you pick the people who are going to be examples in your life, make sure they are people full of wisdom and full of God this way they will only help make you wiser and not bring upon you harm.
2 benefits of Godly examples ( they are more than two but these are the two I chose to focus on)
1) people who have experience can save you from making the same mistake they made
In life we make mistakes, all of us, not one of us has lived a perfect life and that's why we need a saviour, none of us can save ourselves. Having mentors and Godly examples can help us avoid making mistakes in our life that others have made, we don't always have to learn from experience we can equally learn from others experiences and avoid falling into the same traps. Paul's writings to Timothy set him an example on how things should be done so Timothy didn't have to trial and error everything until he got it right.
2) iron sharpens iron.
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17 ESV)
The bible tells us here that iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. Having a mentor or godly examples is a great way to be sharpened. Someone who you can sit down with, speak on the phone or listen to them preach and you are sharpened in the things of God. You learn and grow together. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ, and we need one other. I'm so thankful for my brothers and sisters in Christ they sharpen me, convict me and encourage me and for that I am truly grateful.
2 dangers of mentors and godly examples (again they are more but these are the 2 I want to focus on)
1) they can become an idol or have a unhealthy place in your life
Anything I put before my God is an idol, anything I want with all my heart is an idol, anything I can't stop thinking of is an idol, And anything I give all my love is an idol. These are the for me famous words from Jimmy Needham's song clear the stage. They ring very true and are very important words in the process of examples you have in your life. Mentors and examples are great but be wary, check yourself daily that these people are not becoming idols in your life or having a unhealthy influence on you. And remember ANYTHING you put before your God is an idol, ANYTHING you want with all your heart is an idol, ANYTHING you can't stop thinking of is an idol, and ANYTHING you give all your love is an idol.
2) there words become gospel
This for me is one of the greatest dangers of having a mentors or godly example. It comes to a place where you quote them like you quote the bible, you receive there words like the word of God, you fear them and respect them more than you do God ( that is a whole different topic that I will address in a different blog post about fearing God and not just reverencing him.) This is a very dangerous place to get too because you become a clone or a robot who doesn't have a brain of your own or a belief system for yourself but your views are your leaders, pastors, mentors, friends, family or whoever it may be views. How do you avoid this. Simple! Be a doer of the word and not just a listener James 1:22 and be an Acts 17:11 believer. A Berean Christian. Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. (Acts 17:11 NIV) don't just be a clone. Check the word to see if what your godly example is saying is true and if you don't think it is. Don't be afraid to point that out or question that.
Ok I told you I would tell you about some of the people I look up too and why so here goes.
1) my big sister
Now this person is not my "blood." big sister but I see her as a big sister in every way in my life. I'm going to leave her nameless and not say very much that gives away her identity because I know that when she see this I will be getting the how could you lecture.
Why do I look up to her?
I look up to her because she has been a great example in my life, she has been like a rock in times where I have shaken, she has gave me great godly wisdom and advice time after time. Her final authority is the word of God and she loves God and wants to grow more intimate with him daily. I remember specific lesson she has taught me, on the Holy Spirit, on how to hear God's voice and receive clear guidance from him and many more lessons that are practical and valuable as there are foundational biblical principles that I go back to time and time again. The thing that I value most about my big sister is that in everything she says or does it reflect the glory right back to God. It's all about him to find people like that is not easy.
When you are looking for Godly example what has she taught me.
1) your mentor/godly example should reflect all the glory to God
2) your mentor/godly examples final authority should be the word of God.
Thanks sis. I appreciate you.
2) Cornelius and Heather Lindsey.
If you haven't heard of Cornelius and Heather Lindsey, then you have done a poor poor and I mean poor job of following me on twitter or Facebook or haven't been listening as we speak or you just don't know me. Thats fine... I forgive you... That was a joke. But seriously if you don't know Cornelius and Heather Lindsey please find them on Facebook or twitter and check out the gathering oasis, the oath movement for men and the pinky promise movement for women. I have the honour of knowing them personally, I haven't know them for a great length of time but they have been a HUGE HUGE HUGE blessing and example to me as young man who just wants to love God more, be pure and holy and grow in intimacy with him. Cornelius is someone who is just straight up, proclaims the truth without compromise. He is someone who has a personal relationship with God and loves to study his word and he is my big brother. The way I came across Cornelius and Heather is a story in itself but let's just say God really wanted us to connect. I remember the first day I spoke to Cornelius, it was like we has known each other for years. Heather is a awesome awesome person, her influence is wide spread and the pinky promise movement is exploding! God is doing a great work through her, she also loves God and clearly has a deep and intimate relationship with him. She teaches with such depth and understanding. She is very stylish and classy and a great example to me of how a godly women looks and carries herself. Guys I love you and appreciate you so much. Keep bringing glory to God in all you do. I look forward to a great future with you involved.
Why I look up to them and what I have learned.
I look up to Cornelius and Heather because they are genuine people, who love God and want to bring him glory, they are people who are doing what God is calling me to do and they set a great example in how to do it. I could write a whole blog on what I've learned. I have learned much from there teachings (I have listened to over 100 messages.) especially in the areas of marriage and relationships. They have not only taught great biblical principles but have show them in the out working of there relationship and have led me to scripture that has been part of me putting into place a great action plan for honouring God in a christ centred dating relationship and marriage in the future.
3) pastors Joel and Evangeline Taller.
These are the pastors from my church in Manchester, Faith Life Centre. I could say so much about them, they was my friend before they became pastors. They are genuine genuine people, they are young in ministry but full of wisdom and full of God. They are people who I can say proverbs 13:20 is shown in there life both in the people they spend time with and in the time i have spent with them. They are people who really care for me and believe in the call of God on my life. They have done since before they was pastors and they still do now. They back this up with there actions and it's not just lip service. I am very thankful for all that they do and will continue to do in my future.
What I have learned and why they are examples in my life.
I have learned some tough lessons from them, they have been times they have upset me, made my flesh cringe and I mean cringe. Made me want to scream and kick up a fuss but I can say this, the spoke the truth. Regardless of my reaction, regardless of what I maybe wanted to hear. I have learned so much in the tough love I guess you can call it that they have shown me, on the other hand, they has been times where I have wanted to do something and even though they didn't understand or thought I was wrong, they knew it wouldn't kill me so they allowed me to choose for myself and grow though my choices. I have seen them do this. There has been times I have had to humble myself and say I got it wrong, or I should have listened but as the father with the prodigal son, they welcomed me back without condemning me. Again great people who have taught me so much. I love them very much.
4)Ken Smith
Some of you will know him as projectpeter, from twitter. I honestly love this man, Ken I love you sir! Ken is full of wisdom, he has life wisdom and ministry wisdom that I am learning so much from. When we speak on Skype, I could quite comfortably not say a word and sit and listen to the wisdom, learn from the biblical example and implement what he says in my life in line with scripture. I have been overwhelmed with the time he has had for me, thankful to God for bring him into my life and look forward to meeting him, Cornelius and Heather in person when God gives me the green light to go to Atlanta. I remember something he shared with me that I'm sure he won't mind me sharing that has always stayed with me. He was share with me about how some people commented on twitter saying that they was blessed by his tweets and they was reading and following them and that he was a great man of God. He asked me do I know how that made him feel. His response was something that for me shows you a lot about his character. He said, Markus, it scares me, knowing that people are watching what I am saying and that I have the huge responsibly to live a life as an example of Jesus. Now this isn't scared in a fearful timid way but this is a man who has a understanding of the huge responsibilities we have when representing Christ. (now Ken don't quote me word for word on that but it was certainly along them lines lol) I wish we had more people who thought like this and took the responsibilities of representing Christ Jesus so seriously.
The effect Ken has had as a godly example in my life.
For those of you who don't know me well, my relationship with my dad has not always been the best or easiest, we have a relationship and for that's am grateful but with him not living in my home or being there as a role model or father figure for me I have missed out on that. Since meeting Ken, he has been like a father figure in my life, probably without knowing, now you know lol. He has taught me the word of God, to think for myself, to not just believe the common average teaching that is out there but to read the word for myself, he is also someone who I can go to and ask any question knowing he will give me a biblical thought through answer. Not only that when we speak I feel like a son listening to a father, it's not always spiritual but general, family, life discussion. This has been a connection that God has brought into my life that I couldn't create on my own and has and will continue to have such a beneficial impact on me.
Now I know that they is likely to be two streams of thought based on the things I have wrote about the people who are influences in my life. One will be that I didn't need to speak about the people in the way I did, that I am showing to much love, to much respect and I'm sure you'll pluck up a scripture from somewhere to back up your perspective. Do you know it's even fine that you think that way, I still love you.
The second type of people will be understand that these are people who have had a huge impact on my life and will be mature and wise enough to extract the principles out of what I have said and evaluate the people they look up too and be strengthen, convicted or encouraged in there journey as they have mentors and godly examples.
I honestly don't mind which person you choose to be, I ask that you check yourself and evaluate your life. Are any of the dangers taking place in your life can you extract any of the principles and implement them in your life inline with scripture.
I love you all very much
Markus.
Imitate your Godly example as they imitate Christ
Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV)
I'm going to start by saying this, I strongly believe the people that we look too should only ever be imitated as they imitate the Lord Jesus. Jesus should be our ultimate example and we should never give a person that place that is God's in our life. Never allow a mentor, pastor, friend, sibling or anyone who you look up too, take the throne of your life. The place of God, don't even allow them to edge close. Follow the example of Christ that they show and if there is no example of Christ, don't follow them.
Good character is spoiled by bad company
Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals." (1 Corinthians 15:33 ESV)
Have you ever seen it where a friend decided they want to date someone who doesn't believe in God, they tell you, "Markus, there so close, I'm there only Christian influence, it will work out." most will give them the look that says you don't have a clue. Me be me will tell them how I've not heard such nonsense in my whole life and they need to get a grip. But hey that's just me and not really my point. Eventually more often than not it will come to a place a few months down the line where you call that friend and I have experienced this very thing, they don't go to church anymore, there bible is stocking up dust in the corner, they haven't uttered a word to God and they are as much in the world as every other unsaved person. They give you there excuses "well I just stopped going, I thought about it but this and that came up." what happened? 1 Corinthians 15:33 happened, they had good morals or good intentions and it was ruined by bad company. Do not be deceived. If you look up too someone, make sure they are good, godly company or else eventually the influence will have a negative effect. I also remember Eric Craven saying that if you surround yourself with Godly company imagine the positive effect it will have on your life and yes Brother Eric I 100% agree.
Wise people develop in you wisdom, fools make you foolish
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
but the companion of fools will suffer harm. (Proverbs 13:20 ESV)
I'm not going to lie, this scripture has been proven time after time in my life, in my teenage years I hung out with some very questionable people who frankly could be described as foolish and I'd be closer to complimenting them than anything else. I wasn't the smartest boy on the block as I would proclaim these people as my friends , as time went on and we hung out I saw myself become more and more foolish and doing more and more stupid things. What does proverbs 13:20 say, the companions of fools will suffer harm. I certainly will be the first to say I have suffered harm because of the people I chose to hang out with. On the other side of the coin I can also testify to seeing the first part of this scripture bare fruit in my life. I'm not going to mention much on it at this stage as I will go into more detail when I talk about the people I look up too, but many people think that I am older than my age and have commented on my levels of maturity and I can certainly pinpoint this to proverbs 13:20 wise people develop you in wisdom, when you pick the people who are going to be examples in your life, make sure they are people full of wisdom and full of God this way they will only help make you wiser and not bring upon you harm.
2 benefits of Godly examples ( they are more than two but these are the two I chose to focus on)
1) people who have experience can save you from making the same mistake they made
In life we make mistakes, all of us, not one of us has lived a perfect life and that's why we need a saviour, none of us can save ourselves. Having mentors and Godly examples can help us avoid making mistakes in our life that others have made, we don't always have to learn from experience we can equally learn from others experiences and avoid falling into the same traps. Paul's writings to Timothy set him an example on how things should be done so Timothy didn't have to trial and error everything until he got it right.
2) iron sharpens iron.
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17 ESV)
The bible tells us here that iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. Having a mentor or godly examples is a great way to be sharpened. Someone who you can sit down with, speak on the phone or listen to them preach and you are sharpened in the things of God. You learn and grow together. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ, and we need one other. I'm so thankful for my brothers and sisters in Christ they sharpen me, convict me and encourage me and for that I am truly grateful.
2 dangers of mentors and godly examples (again they are more but these are the 2 I want to focus on)
1) they can become an idol or have a unhealthy place in your life
Anything I put before my God is an idol, anything I want with all my heart is an idol, anything I can't stop thinking of is an idol, And anything I give all my love is an idol. These are the for me famous words from Jimmy Needham's song clear the stage. They ring very true and are very important words in the process of examples you have in your life. Mentors and examples are great but be wary, check yourself daily that these people are not becoming idols in your life or having a unhealthy influence on you. And remember ANYTHING you put before your God is an idol, ANYTHING you want with all your heart is an idol, ANYTHING you can't stop thinking of is an idol, and ANYTHING you give all your love is an idol.
2) there words become gospel
This for me is one of the greatest dangers of having a mentors or godly example. It comes to a place where you quote them like you quote the bible, you receive there words like the word of God, you fear them and respect them more than you do God ( that is a whole different topic that I will address in a different blog post about fearing God and not just reverencing him.) This is a very dangerous place to get too because you become a clone or a robot who doesn't have a brain of your own or a belief system for yourself but your views are your leaders, pastors, mentors, friends, family or whoever it may be views. How do you avoid this. Simple! Be a doer of the word and not just a listener James 1:22 and be an Acts 17:11 believer. A Berean Christian. Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. (Acts 17:11 NIV) don't just be a clone. Check the word to see if what your godly example is saying is true and if you don't think it is. Don't be afraid to point that out or question that.
Ok I told you I would tell you about some of the people I look up too and why so here goes.
1) my big sister
Now this person is not my "blood." big sister but I see her as a big sister in every way in my life. I'm going to leave her nameless and not say very much that gives away her identity because I know that when she see this I will be getting the how could you lecture.
Why do I look up to her?
I look up to her because she has been a great example in my life, she has been like a rock in times where I have shaken, she has gave me great godly wisdom and advice time after time. Her final authority is the word of God and she loves God and wants to grow more intimate with him daily. I remember specific lesson she has taught me, on the Holy Spirit, on how to hear God's voice and receive clear guidance from him and many more lessons that are practical and valuable as there are foundational biblical principles that I go back to time and time again. The thing that I value most about my big sister is that in everything she says or does it reflect the glory right back to God. It's all about him to find people like that is not easy.
When you are looking for Godly example what has she taught me.
1) your mentor/godly example should reflect all the glory to God
2) your mentor/godly examples final authority should be the word of God.
Thanks sis. I appreciate you.
2) Cornelius and Heather Lindsey.
If you haven't heard of Cornelius and Heather Lindsey, then you have done a poor poor and I mean poor job of following me on twitter or Facebook or haven't been listening as we speak or you just don't know me. Thats fine... I forgive you... That was a joke. But seriously if you don't know Cornelius and Heather Lindsey please find them on Facebook or twitter and check out the gathering oasis, the oath movement for men and the pinky promise movement for women. I have the honour of knowing them personally, I haven't know them for a great length of time but they have been a HUGE HUGE HUGE blessing and example to me as young man who just wants to love God more, be pure and holy and grow in intimacy with him. Cornelius is someone who is just straight up, proclaims the truth without compromise. He is someone who has a personal relationship with God and loves to study his word and he is my big brother. The way I came across Cornelius and Heather is a story in itself but let's just say God really wanted us to connect. I remember the first day I spoke to Cornelius, it was like we has known each other for years. Heather is a awesome awesome person, her influence is wide spread and the pinky promise movement is exploding! God is doing a great work through her, she also loves God and clearly has a deep and intimate relationship with him. She teaches with such depth and understanding. She is very stylish and classy and a great example to me of how a godly women looks and carries herself. Guys I love you and appreciate you so much. Keep bringing glory to God in all you do. I look forward to a great future with you involved.
Why I look up to them and what I have learned.
I look up to Cornelius and Heather because they are genuine people, who love God and want to bring him glory, they are people who are doing what God is calling me to do and they set a great example in how to do it. I could write a whole blog on what I've learned. I have learned much from there teachings (I have listened to over 100 messages.) especially in the areas of marriage and relationships. They have not only taught great biblical principles but have show them in the out working of there relationship and have led me to scripture that has been part of me putting into place a great action plan for honouring God in a christ centred dating relationship and marriage in the future.
3) pastors Joel and Evangeline Taller.
These are the pastors from my church in Manchester, Faith Life Centre. I could say so much about them, they was my friend before they became pastors. They are genuine genuine people, they are young in ministry but full of wisdom and full of God. They are people who I can say proverbs 13:20 is shown in there life both in the people they spend time with and in the time i have spent with them. They are people who really care for me and believe in the call of God on my life. They have done since before they was pastors and they still do now. They back this up with there actions and it's not just lip service. I am very thankful for all that they do and will continue to do in my future.
What I have learned and why they are examples in my life.
I have learned some tough lessons from them, they have been times they have upset me, made my flesh cringe and I mean cringe. Made me want to scream and kick up a fuss but I can say this, the spoke the truth. Regardless of my reaction, regardless of what I maybe wanted to hear. I have learned so much in the tough love I guess you can call it that they have shown me, on the other hand, they has been times where I have wanted to do something and even though they didn't understand or thought I was wrong, they knew it wouldn't kill me so they allowed me to choose for myself and grow though my choices. I have seen them do this. There has been times I have had to humble myself and say I got it wrong, or I should have listened but as the father with the prodigal son, they welcomed me back without condemning me. Again great people who have taught me so much. I love them very much.
4)Ken Smith
Some of you will know him as projectpeter, from twitter. I honestly love this man, Ken I love you sir! Ken is full of wisdom, he has life wisdom and ministry wisdom that I am learning so much from. When we speak on Skype, I could quite comfortably not say a word and sit and listen to the wisdom, learn from the biblical example and implement what he says in my life in line with scripture. I have been overwhelmed with the time he has had for me, thankful to God for bring him into my life and look forward to meeting him, Cornelius and Heather in person when God gives me the green light to go to Atlanta. I remember something he shared with me that I'm sure he won't mind me sharing that has always stayed with me. He was share with me about how some people commented on twitter saying that they was blessed by his tweets and they was reading and following them and that he was a great man of God. He asked me do I know how that made him feel. His response was something that for me shows you a lot about his character. He said, Markus, it scares me, knowing that people are watching what I am saying and that I have the huge responsibly to live a life as an example of Jesus. Now this isn't scared in a fearful timid way but this is a man who has a understanding of the huge responsibilities we have when representing Christ. (now Ken don't quote me word for word on that but it was certainly along them lines lol) I wish we had more people who thought like this and took the responsibilities of representing Christ Jesus so seriously.
The effect Ken has had as a godly example in my life.
For those of you who don't know me well, my relationship with my dad has not always been the best or easiest, we have a relationship and for that's am grateful but with him not living in my home or being there as a role model or father figure for me I have missed out on that. Since meeting Ken, he has been like a father figure in my life, probably without knowing, now you know lol. He has taught me the word of God, to think for myself, to not just believe the common average teaching that is out there but to read the word for myself, he is also someone who I can go to and ask any question knowing he will give me a biblical thought through answer. Not only that when we speak I feel like a son listening to a father, it's not always spiritual but general, family, life discussion. This has been a connection that God has brought into my life that I couldn't create on my own and has and will continue to have such a beneficial impact on me.
Now I know that they is likely to be two streams of thought based on the things I have wrote about the people who are influences in my life. One will be that I didn't need to speak about the people in the way I did, that I am showing to much love, to much respect and I'm sure you'll pluck up a scripture from somewhere to back up your perspective. Do you know it's even fine that you think that way, I still love you.
The second type of people will be understand that these are people who have had a huge impact on my life and will be mature and wise enough to extract the principles out of what I have said and evaluate the people they look up too and be strengthen, convicted or encouraged in there journey as they have mentors and godly examples.
I honestly don't mind which person you choose to be, I ask that you check yourself and evaluate your life. Are any of the dangers taking place in your life can you extract any of the principles and implement them in your life inline with scripture.
I love you all very much
Markus.
Wednesday, 22 August 2012
Acts 2 the first sermon - cut to your heart?
Now when they heard this they were stung (cut) to the heart,
and they said to Peter and the rest of the apostles (special messengers), Brethren,
what shall we do? And Peter answered them, Repent (change your views and
purpose to accept the will of God in your inner selves instead of rejecting it) and
be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of
and release from your sins; and you shall receive the
gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise [of the Holy Spirit] is to and for you and your children, and to and for all
that are far away, [even] to and for as many as the Lord our
God invites and bids to come to Himself. And [Peter] solemnly and earnestly
witnessed (testified) and admonished (exhorted) with much more continuous speaking
and warned (reproved, advised, encouraged) them, saying,
Be saved from this crooked (perverse, wicked, unjust) generation. Therefore those who accepted and
welcomed his message were baptized, and there were added that day about 3,000
souls. (Acts 2:37-41 AMP)
When was the last time you went to church and left cut to the heart? Peter addressed the crowd and they was cut to the heart and asked what shall we do? Sadly today most leave church thinking about where there going to go for dinner, or who there going to spend there afternoon with and church was merely a social event that they attended in the morning. The word katanyssomai means to prick or to pierce. A pressure coming down to pain the mind sharply or to agitate it. we need to leave church building with the ringing impact of the truth of scripture, when we are in pain we do something about it, we tend to our wound. Do we leave the church building with a mindset to tend to our convicted hearts or are we even ever convicted?
This is only a start, I will continue in more detail in the coming weeks.
Examine yourself
Love you all
Markus
and they said to Peter and the rest of the apostles (special messengers), Brethren,
what shall we do? And Peter answered them, Repent (change your views and
purpose to accept the will of God in your inner selves instead of rejecting it) and
be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of
and release from your sins; and you shall receive the
gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise [of the Holy Spirit] is to and for you and your children, and to and for all
that are far away, [even] to and for as many as the Lord our
God invites and bids to come to Himself. And [Peter] solemnly and earnestly
witnessed (testified) and admonished (exhorted) with much more continuous speaking
and warned (reproved, advised, encouraged) them, saying,
Be saved from this crooked (perverse, wicked, unjust) generation. Therefore those who accepted and
welcomed his message were baptized, and there were added that day about 3,000
souls. (Acts 2:37-41 AMP)
When was the last time you went to church and left cut to the heart? Peter addressed the crowd and they was cut to the heart and asked what shall we do? Sadly today most leave church thinking about where there going to go for dinner, or who there going to spend there afternoon with and church was merely a social event that they attended in the morning. The word katanyssomai means to prick or to pierce. A pressure coming down to pain the mind sharply or to agitate it. we need to leave church building with the ringing impact of the truth of scripture, when we are in pain we do something about it, we tend to our wound. Do we leave the church building with a mindset to tend to our convicted hearts or are we even ever convicted?
This is only a start, I will continue in more detail in the coming weeks.
Examine yourself
Love you all
Markus
Wednesday, 25 July 2012
No Idol's
Clear The Stage
Anything I put before my God is an idol, anything I want with all my hear is an idol, anything I can’t stop thinking of is an idol and anything that I give all my love is an idol.
Lyrics
Clear the stage and set the sound and lights ablaze
If that’s the measure you must take to crush the idols
Jerk the pews & all the decorations, too
Until the congregations few, then have revival
Tell your friends that this is where the party ends
Until you’re broken for your sins, you can’t be social
Then seek the Lord & wait for what He has in store
And know that great is your reward so just be hopeful
‘Cause you can sing all you want to
Yes, you can sing all you want to
You can sing all you want to
And still get it wrong
Worship is more than a song
Take a break from all the plans that you have made
And sit at home alone and wait for God to whisper
Beg Him please to open up His mouth and speak
And pray for real upon your knees until they blister
Shine the light on every corner of your life
Until the pride and lust and lies are in the open
Then read the Word and put to test the things you’ve heard
Until your heart and soul are stirred and rocked and broken
‘Cause you can sing all you want to
Yes, you can sing all you want to
You can sing all you want to
And still get it wrong
Worship is more than a song
We must not worship something that’s not even worth it
Clear the stage, make some space for the One who deserves it
Anything I put before my God is an idol
Anything I want with all my hear is an idol
Anything I can’t stop thinking of is an idol
Anything that I give all my love is an idol
‘Cause I can sing all I want to
Yes, I can sing all I want to
We can sing all we want to
We can sing all we want to
We can sing all we want to
And still get it wrong
Worship is more than a song
Clear the stage and set the sound and lights ablaze
If that’s the measure you must take to crush the idols
No Idol's
Does anything in your life take the place that is meant for God? Do you love someone or something so much that you love them more than God? Is there something that you can't get out of your mind or something that you spend all your time attending too, more than you time with God? If this is the case then today I will be straight with you and say you have an idol(s) in your life. Idol's can be anything or anyone. Anything that takes the place of God in our life. They can also be godly ambitions or even godly goals and targets as the song says "anything I put before my God is an idol."
God wants to be and should be at the centre, number one. Everything, in the life of a christian. Everything we do and say should be for his glory and bring honour to his name. Today I ask that you will not go away from reading this saying "That was a nice song." or "That was a well presented piece." but that you fall on your face before God and ask him to remove any idols you have in your life and to remove anything you have put before him. I pray that you will love God with all you heart and serve him in a way that is honorably in his sight.
God bless and Love you dearly
Markus.
Saturday, 21 July 2012
The Journey Of Intimacy With Yahweh
Opening prayer
Dear Abba Father. I thank you for all who are reading this post, I thank you that the words that are spoken are your spirit speaking through me. Lord may every word be for your glory, all for your glory. None of me and all of you. I pray that the hearts of those reading will be open and ready to receive your word and you will speak too them specifically and clearly. In Jesus Name I pray.
Amen.
I am on a journey. I started this journey when I was 7 years old. I have grown to understand this is a life long journey of discovery. I'm sure you have heard the saying "In life you never stop learning." I am now 12 years into my journey, I have learned, discovered and grown in many ways. They has been great joy and disappointment. Laughter and heartache. I have made mistakes and got many things wrong. This journey doesn't promise you a life without challenges or a free pass to the easy route. Everyone has the option, everyone is given the choice. This journey is available to anyone who is willing to commit to take it and has a unique and special path lined out for each individual who does.
Most people if you was to ask them the question, are you a good person? Would be very quick to assure you they considered themselves as good. I have asked this question to many people myself and very few, if any seem to think otherwise. I came to realise the reason for this is that each of us have a yardstick in which we measure ourselves by. Whether it be our parents expectations of us, the media, our friends or work colleagues. Some of our standards maybe high some of them maybe low but will be an influencing factor on how we answer this question. If you haven't realized the journey I am talking about is "A Journey Of Intimacy With Yahweh." Accepting Jesus Christ into your heart and allowing him to be the Lord over your life. So as a follower of Jesus Christ, the yardstick of our lives should be the word of God. It should be our answer to the tough questions, where we go in time of need and what we uphold as the highest form of reality.
So... Answering the question. Most people will say something along these lines. "Compared to my friends, I'm good. I help people. I look after people when they need me too, I go shopping for my grandma because she can't go out anymore, I'm nice to people. I'm a good person." What is the problem with this answer? Well the yardstick that it is been measured by. Take the 10 commandments. We will just look at a few. one of them is do not steal. Have you ever stolen anything before big or small in your life? Another say do not commit adultery. If we look at Matthew 5:27-28 it says 27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. So have you ever looked at another person with a lustful thought? Another one of the commandments says don't bare false witness. Have you ever lied before? Told a little white lie as we call it? Lastly lets take Do not murder. Matthew 5:21-22 says 21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. Have you ever been angry with your brother or sister? With or without reason? If you, like most have answered these questions honestly I'm sure you will have answered at least one with "Yes I've done that." (I certainly know I can) If this is the case then by your own claims you are a self professed thieve, adulterer, liar or a murderer. Now.... are you still a good person? Would you call the person who broke into your house and stole all your valuables good? Would you call the person who had an affair with your husband or wife good? Would you call the person who lied against you or murdered someone dear to you a good person? When you change the yardstick, the answer to a question most would say "Yes I am a good person." too becomes a lot different.
Some of you are thinking. "Ok Markus, So I'm not a good person." others of you are in your head still trying to justify yourself as good. I dare to say, we are not good people. Measured up to the yardstick of God's word. We fall short, a long way short Isaiah 64:6 says "We have all become like an unclean thing; all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We are all fading like a leaf, and our iniquities, like a strong wind, are carrying us away." So If I'm not good? What do I do? How to I become good? What is the point? Don't worry. They is an answer! So God knowing that we wasn't good enough to meet his standards and that we would spend eternity in hell sent his son Jesus to firstly show us the example of how we should live. Then he died a brutal death nailed onto a cross. God brought all the judgement that we deserved because of our sin and placed it on Jesus. Sacrificed. The perfect Lamb of God. He rose from the grave on the third day! Conquering death and all so we had a way back to him after Adam's actions in the garden disconnected mankind from God. Romans 5:19 says 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. What we must do is accept Jesus as our Lord, confessing with our mouths and believing in our hearts. Believing what he did and we shall be saved. 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 This is how the journey starts there is a lot that encompasses the journey. It's not an easy journey but it is the only journey that assures us of life and eternal life.Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me John 14:6
If this journey is something you have not started, but you are saying. Yes. I see that I am not a good person. That I cannot meet God's standards but I realise that he sent his son to die for me so I could become a follower of him and be made right before him. If you believe in your heart and you confess with your mouth. That you believe he sent his son to die for you as it says in Romans 10:9, and also it says in Romans 10:13 to call upon the name of the Lord and be saved. You shall be saved. Call out to God. Ask him to speak to you. I would love to know of your decision and can try answer any questions anyone reading may have. God bless you!
Acts 17:11|The Noble Christian
11 Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
Now If you are on this journey, you are my brother or sister in Christ. I love you and want to see you walk in the ways of God. As a followers of Christ. If you have truly accepted Christ into your hearts and truly Love him you will keep him commandments. If you love me, you will keep my commandments John 14:15. The Berean's was seen as people of more noble character because they was eager to receive the word but once they received it they examined the scriptures every day to see if what was spoken was true. I charge you today brothers and sisters in Christ. Do not be deceived. God's word will go forth but not everyone will preach it with pure motives. Be eager to hear God's word and be in God's house but when the word of God is taught. EVERY DAY! examine the scriptures to make sure that your pastor, friend, brother, sister, mother, father or anyone who speaks the word to you is teaching you God's word. God will hold you accountable for your understanding of scripture and actions according to scripture. Do not be fooled, Man is fallible and people will make mistakes and misquote God's word. Be sure to know God's word for yourself and have a revelation of the word.
Closing Prayer.
Yahweh, Heavenly Father. I ask that you give your people the revelation of the importance of knowing you. Now that they are aware, they are responsible. I ask you that they will take there responsibilities seriously and that though reading your word they will know for themselves what you are saying to them. I ask that you will draw close to them and that everything will flow from there relationship with you. In Jesus name I pray.
Amen.
Love you all.
Markus.
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