Answer by Nicholas Stivers,
5.25.2004
Greetings P.,
A good question indeed and one you must have answered if you
are ever able to achieve what it is Christ is calling the Sons
of men to do. You used the word "bashing" and this
is not the correct context or choice of words to describe what
I and my brethren are given to do.
Firstly, if you are calling yourself "Christian" then
know that you are calling yourself a disciple (follower) of Jesus
the Christ. Also know that your life in Christ will not be different
than what the "Word" has established yet many false
teachers and "so-called" evangelical prophets are deceiving
millions of weak-minded and ignorant souls who have failed to
READ THE BOOK for themselves. If any who is desiring redemption
and salvation then they must know that at best, man may inspire
you to pursue a righteous life yet more likely will lead you
blindly into a pit of darkness and despair. Most of these factious
"teachers" are serving Satan and while declaring to
be serving Jesus are actually serving a weak and mediocre representation
of Christ. They are the very hypocrites today that they were
then and Jesus had many more choice words for men like these.
I tell you truly, I fear God and serve Him night and day, everywhere
I go and in every place I am sent to everyone whom I meet and
greet. I am a disciple of Christ Jesus and not some weak and
mediocre blind steward or mammon seeking "hireling"
who purposes his ministry to fleece the flock. Christ Jesus commands
of me to "feed" the flock and not fleece the flock.
Sadly, the realm of contemporary Christianity has become a cesspool
of perversion and is as Jesus called it; "a brood of vipers,"
and "wolves seeking to devour."
So, "What is the remedy," you might ask? Herein is
the point... WE are called to pattern our lives after Christ
Jesus alone and no one else. We are called to "follow"
Him and are promised that we will suffer just the same as He
suffered. That means sir that when you are truly following "the
Master," and are truly desiring to live "Godly in Christ
Jesus," you will suffer. If on the other hand you are making
excuses for yourself and others as to why you can't or won't
then what good is it for you to say that "Jesus is Lord,"
if you are not living your life out as though He was your Lord?
We are called to live selfless lives as opposed to selfish lives.
We are called to love what God loves and abhor what He hates.
We are called to give freely of ourselves, our lives, our gifts,
our service and even our life for the sake of others. We are
called to "be perfect therefore as our heavenly Father is
perfect." We are called to ADMONISH, REBUKE and EXHORT
these things continuously without wavering and teach the very
things of Christ's Kingdom and HIS Gospel as opposed to another
man's teachings or words. Of such men who come teaching and preaching
a different gospel other than the gospel of Christ crucified,
we are warned to stay aloof from such men yet rebuke him for
he is perverted and is sinning against the cross and redeeming
work of our Lord and Saviour. We are further told not to eat
or fellowship with these deluded souls lest we also be a "part-taker
in their evil deeds" and worldly ways.
Can you handle that much of the truth? I pray that "your
wine skin not burst" at the seams. Perhaps it is time for
a little cleansing and faith building in your life. If you read
the Word of God and accept it for what it is, then the answers
to your simple question would have come quite easily. Here is
one more for you...
Since Jesus had promised that "every house that is divided
against itself would fall," and every religion designed
by "MAN" is divided even within the same denominations,
what do you think will be the fate of every divided house of
religion as God's judgment sweeps the earth? Have you not heard
the "God loves judgment" and that "judgment begins
with the household of God." Where do you want to be standing
as the walls come down? Do you want to be among the protected
flock or among the wolves who have robbed you? Do you follow
men and the ways of the world or are you a brother of mine who
is also following Christ Jesus? Did Jesus not say, "Those
who do the will of my Father who is in heaven are my brothers,
sisters and mother."
Are you still wondering? Have you developed a real thirst and
desire for Godliness or are you going to follow your own path
like the rich young ruler who could not abandon all he had for
the sake of redemption and true salvation? If you really want
to live eternally with God sir then you are going to have to
let go of all the worldliness and worldly things and die to yourself
so that Christ Jesus may dwell in you and live through you by
His Spirit. That sir, is what it takes to have a living relationship
with the living God. Please remember though that it starts with
your sincere and humble repentance (turning away from self and
sin) and that you must feed off His Word daily and start walking
like an example rather than a mere believer. For those that can
follow Christ Jesus in this way, they are among the "sons
of God" for Scripture promises us who are faithful as He
is faithful... "we shall all be called sons of God."
With all love, sincerity and concern for your well being,
In Christ's appointment and service,
Nicholas A. Stivers humbled God fearing man, scribe and messenger
Author of Apostasy Revealed http://nicholasscrolls.cephasministry.com
|