Before receiving the Spirit of the Lord, I'd already heard a
variety of stories about church life. Afterwards, I'd hear even
more. I heard negative remarks, in far greater detail, about
other people, churches and organizations. Mostly under the
heading of "things you should know". I'm all for advance
warnings, but some statements had a cruel and bias overtone
which caused me to take a very close look at who it was that
was doing all the talking.
I began to ask myself, what was their stand in Christ
representing and what were they doing for the cause of
Christ? I discovered, about nine out of ten times, the ones
talking in a negative light, were the same ones that also had
very public failures, private short comings, and major problems
with leadership. This was their way of taking the spot light off
themselves and redirecting it, so no one would notice their
faults, and so that they would not have to improve their own
life.
What I've learned and trust in is that ... God will have mercy
and compassion on whom He will (Romans 9:15) ... there's no
counsel against the Lord (Proverbs 21:30) ... and the Word of God
is a lamp to my feet (Psalms 119:105). My discovery required a
decision that would impact the rest of my life. By the help of
the Lord and through the wisdom of His Word, I decided to do
as it's written in (Romans 16:17-18) & (II Timothy 2:15-18) and mark them
which cause divisions and shun that kind of conversation. The
irony is, this is not a "church" issue. Pick any neighborhood,
work environment, or any other place where "people" gather,
and you'll find it there too.
Notes:
There will always be accusers of the brethren.
Doubters and critics of all sorts abide within and without.
Redemption is not free.
This is the price we pay for being
the eternal destiny that follows it, I'd rather pay for being
redeemed. (Matthew 5:20)
variety of stories about church life. Afterwards, I'd hear even
more. I heard negative remarks, in far greater detail, about
other people, churches and organizations. Mostly under the
heading of "things you should know". I'm all for advance
warnings, but some statements had a cruel and bias overtone
which caused me to take a very close look at who it was that
was doing all the talking.
I began to ask myself, what was their stand in Christ
representing and what were they doing for the cause of
Christ? I discovered, about nine out of ten times, the ones
talking in a negative light, were the same ones that also had
very public failures, private short comings, and major problems
with leadership. This was their way of taking the spot light off
themselves and redirecting it, so no one would notice their
faults, and so that they would not have to improve their own
life.
What I've learned and trust in is that ... God will have mercy
and compassion on whom He will (Romans 9:15) ... there's no
counsel against the Lord (Proverbs 21:30) ... and the Word of God
is a lamp to my feet (Psalms 119:105). My discovery required a
decision that would impact the rest of my life. By the help of
the Lord and through the wisdom of His Word, I decided to do
as it's written in (Romans 16:17-18) & (II Timothy 2:15-18) and mark them
which cause divisions and shun that kind of conversation. The
irony is, this is not a "church" issue. Pick any neighborhood,
work environment, or any other place where "people" gather,
and you'll find it there too.
Notes:
There will always be accusers of the brethren.
Doubters and critics of all sorts abide within and without.
- Just as they doubted Paul’s conversion (Acts 9:17-21),
Despised Timothy for his youth ( I Timothy 4:12) and
Criticized Christ’s care and love for sinners, (Mat 9:10-11)
How shall we escape similar treatment? (Luke 23:31)
Redemption is not free.
This is the price we pay for being
- forgiven ...
delivered ...
and loved of God.
the eternal destiny that follows it, I'd rather pay for being
redeemed. (Matthew 5:20)
Accusers, Doubters & Critics
by Sharon Johnson | 06-06-08
by Sharon Johnson | 06-06-08
Scripture References.
- Romans 9 verse 15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on
whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I
will have compassion.
- Proverbs 21 verse 30 There is no wisdom nor understanding
nor counsel against the Lord.
- Psalms 119 verse 105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a
light unto my path.
- Romans 16 verses 17-18
- 17. Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause
divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have
learned; and avoid them.
18. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but
their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the
hearts of the simple.
- II Timothy 2 verses 15-18
- 15. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that
needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase
unto more ungodliness.
17. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is
Hymenaeus and Philetus;
18. Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the
resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
- Acts 9 verses 17-21
- 17. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and
putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even
Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath
sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with
the Holy Ghost.
18. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been
scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was
baptized.
19. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened.
Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at
Damascus.
20. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that
he is the Son of God.
21. But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he
that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and
came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto
the chief priests?
- I Timothy 4 verse 12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou
an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in
spirit, in faith, in purity.
- Matthew 9 verses 10-11
- 10. And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house,
behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with
him and his disciples.
11. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples,
Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
- Luke 23 verse 31 For if they do these things in a green tree,
what shall be done in the dry?
- Matthew 5 verse 20 For I say unto you, That except your
righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and
Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
____________________________________________
| Uplifting Word |
| Uplifting Word | About | Contact | Support |
| Inspired Reading |
| © 2008-2013 Uplifting Word - All Rights Reserved. | UpliftingWord.com | Fresno, California |
Seeds of Discord.
