What is up with this blog being offensive? Is it really necessary to be so? Well, a quick look at a few references may indeed show that offense is a vital and intended effect accompanying the preaching of the gospel.
The word offense is the Greek "skandalon." Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words states: "In NT skandalon is always used metaphorically, and ordinarily of anything that arouses prejudice, or becomes a hindrance to others, or causes them to fall away. Sometimes the hindrance is in itself good, and those stumbled by it are the wicked." (emphasis mine)
As a word of information. I am aware that offense is a football term. I am not using it as such here. The New King James spells the word "skandalon" as offense. I am also aware that there are verses stating to not cause offense by our words or actions. This post is strictly relating to offense as used in the following and other like-minded Bible verses. Thanks to my friend Chimer for reading pre-post e-mails and pointing out the needed clarification.
Romans 9:33 "As it is written: behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense. And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame."
Galatians 5:11 "And I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Then the offense of the cross has ceased."
1 Peter 2:8 "A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense."
In light of these verses and Vine's definition we may understand that faith in Christ and His death on Calvary's cross is offensive to many, even though all true followers of Christ would agree that both Christ and the cross are very important to preaching the true gospel.
In my first post, "Introducing "UP YOURS" Web log", I quoted from John 10:10 that Jesus came that "You might have life and have it more abundantly." My paraphrase stated that Jesus came to "up your quality of life. So...UP YOURS!" However, this will only become true as we learn of Him and His ways and live our lives as genuine disciples of His teachings. And that my friend is the "skandalon", the offense upon which many stumble. Why would anyone stumble over that which is declared to give them more abundant life? Why are Jesus and the cross offensive? Who is offended by them?
The obvious answer is that unbelievers are offended by the gospel. Indeed they are and I will address this momentarily. However, the ones most offended are supposed BELIEVERS in the gospel. Why do I say this? I answer that in a future post.
What is it about Jesus and the cross that offends unbelievers? Exactly that. They DO NOT believe. They DO NOT believe they are without hope and without God. They DO NOT believe in God's coming wrath. They DO NOT believe Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. They DO NOT believe God Who cannot lie and do believe the god who can only lie. What is the lie they choose to believe? The same lie Adam and Eve did. "HAS GOD SAID?" (Genesis 3:3-4) YES! God HAS said and to believe otherwise is eternal death. God HAS said faith in the cross and the crucified Christ is the only true salvation. The opinions, good works and vain philosophies of men are worthless before God. Jesus said the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin and that sin is "They DO NOT believe in Me." (John 16:9) The pride of men makes Christ and the cross a "skandalon" for they DO NOT believe they are sinners and only God's Son Jesus Christ can save them from judgment. Believing the lie they live and die without hope and without God. That, dear reader is the power of the god of this world. The Bible says when men do not believe the gospel it is because they have been blinded to it by the god of this world.
A weak gospel will not dispel the blinding darkness in their minds. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a "stronger man" gospel, for it is the POWER of God to save men from the kingdom of darkness and deliver them into the Kingdom of His Son. THIS Gospel of the Kingdom must be preached to all the world and then the end shall come. Not in traditions of men and religious ritual but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.
Where are those who believe there is more to faith in Jesus Christ than ritual and repetition? Men who are not offended but empowered by the Christ and His cross to see captives free, blind men see and demons flee. Jesus said, "ALL THINGS are possible to him who believes." Do YOU have faith in God for ALL THINGS? If not...Jesus said, "You can UP YOURS!"
Well, that's enough. My mind needs a break.
Speaking of which...what's on your mind?
Leave it in a comment.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
EXAMPLES OF COWARDLY PREACHING
The following post is my response to Richard's question as comment to my November 9th post.
"Anonymous said...
Give me some examples of cowardly preaching in your opinion coming from the pulpits today...Richard"
Examples of cowardly preaching are not always found in the pulpit. The pulpit may preach and teach from the Bible and correctly exegete the selected verse(s) but fail in creating courageous practical application. In other words right facts are presented but the leaven of cowardice is exposed by Jesus' disciples not living the life and light of the Word among the death and darkness of the world. These tares of traditions of men sown among the seeds of truth spoken by the God of all creation may sound godly but are really nothing more than men making God a creation of their own imagination, contained and confined according to human understanding. This becomes evident in the "excuse theology" of those having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof, constructing excuses and obscuring truth which declares the God of the Bible as the one true Never Changing God of Power and Might.
Most often cowardly preaching is observed in believers failing to live as doers of the Word, choosing instead to live as hearers only. "We can never know what God will do", "If it is His will, God will heal you", "That passed away with the last apostle, no longer for today","We have the Bible today. We no longer need the gifts of the Spirit" and other religious cons intended to rob the saints of the victorious lifestyle of being more than conquerors through faith in Jesus Christ.
Again, the preaching in and of itself may not be viewed as cowardly at all. In fact, depending upon the personality of the preacher it may come across as very bold and authoritative. However, the actual authority of the preaching will be in the word being confirmed by Jesus with signs and wonders...or not. Cowardly preaching will be most evident in a point of view being taken from a small portion of Scripture, not having a "whole Bible, wholly God" basis. Most people listening to preaching today do not "rightly divide the Word" due to lack of study for themselves, lacking sufficient interest and discipline to "search the Scriptures to see if these things be so." Choosing the much easier regurgitated "spiritual" food digesting of the preacher spoon feeding them his own vomit. Yes, this is sick. Not my stating such graphic words but the truth of them. Listening contentedly as timid theologians explain away the very signs which Jesus said would follow the preaching of the gospel. By doing so, these false prophets create a schizophrenic identity crisis in the Church which Jesus has identified as His own Body and declared would do even greater works than He did.
This is too obvious on a national level in the United States by the electing as President a man who openly announced points of view in solid contradiction and opposing of scriptural principles. Yet many "Christians" cast their vote of support for such anti-Christ beliefs for the sake of change, his color or civil rights, in solid denial of the Name of Jesus Christ, His Church and His Kingdom. Many of these defectors sat for years under "loud, long and lively" supposed uncompromised and authoritative preachers. However their clear support of those who admit opposing Scriptural morals and principles illustrate the fruit of cowardly preachers. Choosing to identify themselves and those they are called to shepherd with the President and his programs while denying the Christ and His Church. Infecting the Church rather than influencing the culture these hirelings neglect the higher call of God and pander to produce cowards rather than prophesy to convict with courage.
Having said the above, I will close with this thought directed toward those full of the Holy Ghost and courage to unashamedly preach the solid Word of God regardless of sinful society and it's perversity as well as satisfied sitters in their pews.
In Luke 18:18-24 we read the account of Jesus and the rich young ruler. In their exchange this young man states he has learned and obeyed certain Scriptures from his youth. However, when called upon by Jesus to demonstrate a heart of trust in God and not his riches, his cowardice was exposed. Certainly there was no cowardice in the Preacher or His words. Jesus called this man to choose and he did. He chose not to change. From that moment on, this young man could no longer declare his obedience, for in that moment he became disobedient to the word of God. However, Jesus did not chase him down or change His challenge. Nor did Jesus fuss and fume. Instead, He became very sorrowful that this man chose less than the Kingdom offered to him. Then in verse 27, He picks right back up with His purpose and continues preaching the power of God to change lives.
No crying because of rejection. No compromise to religion and tradition. No change to His preaching. Sorrow. Not for Himself but for the one who chose to stay slave to the seen and walk away from the King.
Men will continue to walk away from Him until His return.
But not all. (verse 28)
Reader...which one are YOU?
Richard, hope this answers your question.
Thanks for asking it.
"Anonymous said...
Give me some examples of cowardly preaching in your opinion coming from the pulpits today...Richard"
Examples of cowardly preaching are not always found in the pulpit. The pulpit may preach and teach from the Bible and correctly exegete the selected verse(s) but fail in creating courageous practical application. In other words right facts are presented but the leaven of cowardice is exposed by Jesus' disciples not living the life and light of the Word among the death and darkness of the world. These tares of traditions of men sown among the seeds of truth spoken by the God of all creation may sound godly but are really nothing more than men making God a creation of their own imagination, contained and confined according to human understanding. This becomes evident in the "excuse theology" of those having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof, constructing excuses and obscuring truth which declares the God of the Bible as the one true Never Changing God of Power and Might.
Most often cowardly preaching is observed in believers failing to live as doers of the Word, choosing instead to live as hearers only. "We can never know what God will do", "If it is His will, God will heal you", "That passed away with the last apostle, no longer for today","We have the Bible today. We no longer need the gifts of the Spirit" and other religious cons intended to rob the saints of the victorious lifestyle of being more than conquerors through faith in Jesus Christ.
Again, the preaching in and of itself may not be viewed as cowardly at all. In fact, depending upon the personality of the preacher it may come across as very bold and authoritative. However, the actual authority of the preaching will be in the word being confirmed by Jesus with signs and wonders...or not. Cowardly preaching will be most evident in a point of view being taken from a small portion of Scripture, not having a "whole Bible, wholly God" basis. Most people listening to preaching today do not "rightly divide the Word" due to lack of study for themselves, lacking sufficient interest and discipline to "search the Scriptures to see if these things be so." Choosing the much easier regurgitated "spiritual" food digesting of the preacher spoon feeding them his own vomit. Yes, this is sick. Not my stating such graphic words but the truth of them. Listening contentedly as timid theologians explain away the very signs which Jesus said would follow the preaching of the gospel. By doing so, these false prophets create a schizophrenic identity crisis in the Church which Jesus has identified as His own Body and declared would do even greater works than He did.
This is too obvious on a national level in the United States by the electing as President a man who openly announced points of view in solid contradiction and opposing of scriptural principles. Yet many "Christians" cast their vote of support for such anti-Christ beliefs for the sake of change, his color or civil rights, in solid denial of the Name of Jesus Christ, His Church and His Kingdom. Many of these defectors sat for years under "loud, long and lively" supposed uncompromised and authoritative preachers. However their clear support of those who admit opposing Scriptural morals and principles illustrate the fruit of cowardly preachers. Choosing to identify themselves and those they are called to shepherd with the President and his programs while denying the Christ and His Church. Infecting the Church rather than influencing the culture these hirelings neglect the higher call of God and pander to produce cowards rather than prophesy to convict with courage.
Having said the above, I will close with this thought directed toward those full of the Holy Ghost and courage to unashamedly preach the solid Word of God regardless of sinful society and it's perversity as well as satisfied sitters in their pews.
In Luke 18:18-24 we read the account of Jesus and the rich young ruler. In their exchange this young man states he has learned and obeyed certain Scriptures from his youth. However, when called upon by Jesus to demonstrate a heart of trust in God and not his riches, his cowardice was exposed. Certainly there was no cowardice in the Preacher or His words. Jesus called this man to choose and he did. He chose not to change. From that moment on, this young man could no longer declare his obedience, for in that moment he became disobedient to the word of God. However, Jesus did not chase him down or change His challenge. Nor did Jesus fuss and fume. Instead, He became very sorrowful that this man chose less than the Kingdom offered to him. Then in verse 27, He picks right back up with His purpose and continues preaching the power of God to change lives.
No crying because of rejection. No compromise to religion and tradition. No change to His preaching. Sorrow. Not for Himself but for the one who chose to stay slave to the seen and walk away from the King.
Men will continue to walk away from Him until His return.
But not all. (verse 28)
Reader...which one are YOU?
Richard, hope this answers your question.
Thanks for asking it.
Monday, November 9, 2009
PURPOSE OF "Jesus said...UP YOURS" Web Blog
Today Christianity is looked upon as little more than another group of people united by some code of conduct or concocted creed having very little or nothing at all in common with the Original Pioneer Who first embraced and emulated its ideals. More often than not, being presented as a topic of debate on some talk show or "news" broadcast between a "Christian", an atheist and/or other adherents to false beliefs about God and His Christ in context of political points of view. Therefore, today's proliferation of the supposed "Gospel of Jesus Christ" is far removed from the gospel truth as recorded in Scripture.
Having said this, I must also state my genuine respect and honor of those who have fought and contended for the faith once delivered to the saints due to their spiritual battles in prayer, living their faith without compromise and for some, physical death for their genuine faith in God. This blog is purposed to continue their legacy by fighting for and defending that same faith. The cunning craftiness of men as well as spiritual deception has brought compromise to the genuine faith in many diverse ways. To strike at the root of such, especially in the so called "Christian" community, requires a sharp and precise challenge very similar to the one of Elijah the prophet of God to the false prophets of Baal. This blog, "Jesus said,...UP YOURS!", is my weapon of choice to reach as far and as many as possible. My ammunition is to purposely present truth which will be certain to offend religion that has deprived, discouraged and even demonized many through erroneous and cowardly preaching and teaching of the Gospel of Christ. It is obvious in observation of current global conditions that what is "preached" today in many cases will never be sufficient to engage the gates of hell, which Jesus said would not prevail against His Church.
I once again must declare to you the reader and God our Father, Jesus our Savior and the Holy Spirit our Teacher, the gratitude, honor and respect which I have for those forefathers of faith in Christ who ran the race and fought the fight that preserved the truth for my generation. May I also be found a wise and faithful steward of the Gospel of Christ. This blog, "Jesus said...UP YOURS!", is intended for that purpose.
These are my thoughts.
What are yours?
Leave them as a comment.
Who knows, they could be worth reading.
Having said this, I must also state my genuine respect and honor of those who have fought and contended for the faith once delivered to the saints due to their spiritual battles in prayer, living their faith without compromise and for some, physical death for their genuine faith in God. This blog is purposed to continue their legacy by fighting for and defending that same faith. The cunning craftiness of men as well as spiritual deception has brought compromise to the genuine faith in many diverse ways. To strike at the root of such, especially in the so called "Christian" community, requires a sharp and precise challenge very similar to the one of Elijah the prophet of God to the false prophets of Baal. This blog, "Jesus said,...UP YOURS!", is my weapon of choice to reach as far and as many as possible. My ammunition is to purposely present truth which will be certain to offend religion that has deprived, discouraged and even demonized many through erroneous and cowardly preaching and teaching of the Gospel of Christ. It is obvious in observation of current global conditions that what is "preached" today in many cases will never be sufficient to engage the gates of hell, which Jesus said would not prevail against His Church.
I once again must declare to you the reader and God our Father, Jesus our Savior and the Holy Spirit our Teacher, the gratitude, honor and respect which I have for those forefathers of faith in Christ who ran the race and fought the fight that preserved the truth for my generation. May I also be found a wise and faithful steward of the Gospel of Christ. This blog, "Jesus said...UP YOURS!", is intended for that purpose.
These are my thoughts.
What are yours?
Leave them as a comment.
Who knows, they could be worth reading.
Monday, November 2, 2009
INTRODUCING "UP YOURS" Blog
This Blog is based upon my paraphrase of John 10:10 when Jesus said, "I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly." In other words, to up your quality of life through knowing Him and continuing in His Word as His disciple. So...UP YOURS!
Be forewarned. This blog is not for the faint of heart, verbally overfed and obese, asleep in the comforting lullabies of today's religious propaganda, content with smelling the stench of their own stagnant flatulence, all the while rejecting the sweet smelling Presence and Power of God's Holy Spirit.
All offense is deliberate and intentional and offered free of charge to all who are fed up with the majority of today's preaching of the gospel being all talk and no power because of the insecurities of hirelings who timidly declare the gospel while denying the power thereof for the sake of job security, fear of man or other carnal motives. The gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation and there is a hurting and desperate world in deep need of this gospel of power and demonstration of the Holy Spirit so their faith may be rooted in God and not vain philosophies of men.
But who and where are the true laborers? Those who sow with tears and works of compassion the seed of the Gospel of Christ, uprooting the deceptive tares of hirelings and harvesting the fruit of eternally transformed disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ? Those who have not forgotten, "But for the grace of God, there would I be." Are you one who will rescue the perishing? Will you offer them a Lifeline or just a line? May "UP YOURS" help you live up where you belong as you love others where they are, showing them Jesus loves them too much to leave them there.
Well, so much for introducing "UP YOURS".
I don't have all day. So come back another day for another post.
Have a comment? If you do, make it.
Who knows, it may even be interesting.
This Blog is based upon my paraphrase of John 10:10 when Jesus said, "I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly." In other words, to up your quality of life through knowing Him and continuing in His Word as His disciple. So...UP YOURS!
Be forewarned. This blog is not for the faint of heart, verbally overfed and obese, asleep in the comforting lullabies of today's religious propaganda, content with smelling the stench of their own stagnant flatulence, all the while rejecting the sweet smelling Presence and Power of God's Holy Spirit.
All offense is deliberate and intentional and offered free of charge to all who are fed up with the majority of today's preaching of the gospel being all talk and no power because of the insecurities of hirelings who timidly declare the gospel while denying the power thereof for the sake of job security, fear of man or other carnal motives. The gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation and there is a hurting and desperate world in deep need of this gospel of power and demonstration of the Holy Spirit so their faith may be rooted in God and not vain philosophies of men.
But who and where are the true laborers? Those who sow with tears and works of compassion the seed of the Gospel of Christ, uprooting the deceptive tares of hirelings and harvesting the fruit of eternally transformed disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ? Those who have not forgotten, "But for the grace of God, there would I be." Are you one who will rescue the perishing? Will you offer them a Lifeline or just a line? May "UP YOURS" help you live up where you belong as you love others where they are, showing them Jesus loves them too much to leave them there.
Well, so much for introducing "UP YOURS".
I don't have all day. So come back another day for another post.
Have a comment? If you do, make it.
Who knows, it may even be interesting.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)