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The caption for this picture is "Think on These Things" Philippians 4:8
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
I've heard it said that much of what has been communicated for some time regarding the "Good News of the Gospel" as being nothing more than a "Bloodless Stick" religion.
For those who have never read or heard Darin Hufford share, it might be an encouragement for you to read the following, "Gratefully Disillusioned" and not just because I'm directing what he shared in his article to mesh in with my thoughts here today.
The following quotes are from "Unto Full Stature".
"There was an invasion into the early church, even as there has continued to be throughout the centuries since, by a movement attempting to take over Christianity. By using Christianities' names and forms but rejecting its substance, the movement called Gnosticism has always been a subtle enemy of the Gospel.
Gnosticism, coming from the Greek gnosis ("to know"), is simply an attempt to gain full stature by seeking to know God through principles and philosophy, yet all the while by-passing the real Lord Jesus. One has described that first-century Gnosticism: "You didn't need to go through Jesus to God; if you had the key, the gnosis, you could know immediately. Gnosticism supplied mysterious formulas and passwords which gave one access to the higher world and (they thought) brought perfect union with the Divine…So Jesus was taken over, not as God becoming man, but merely as a revealer of the secrets of Gnosticism-another Jesus. Gnosticism was the word become idea."
We can seem to recognize that Gnosticism of the early church, but it is alarming how many are unaware that a modern Gnosticism in new garb is now making a subtle invasion in our churches. Only the discerning eye can detect what is wrong, for the same Bible terms are used, in fact the Bible is revered as a most significant textbook on successful living; therein they seem to find the important laws of life. Their message exhorts every man to have faith (in himself) and to cooperate with the kingdom around him if he would achieve. There are multiplied thousands who have proved these laws of the kingdom to be absolutely trustworthy. They boldly acclaim that anyone who will "believe in himself" can use this knowledge (gnosis) to realize his selfish goals. But just here is the critical issue. They are heralding the importance of "another jesus" for they have seen no real need for personal submission to the crucified and resurrected Lord Jesus.
Without the God given revelation of the identity of the invisible one Satan, being the impetus of sin within our members, is it any wonder there is virtually little resistance to becoming totally assimilated, not into the "Borg" but conforming to the spirit of this age?
If it were possible Jesus said, "For false Christs and false prophets will arise, and they will show great signs and wonders so as to deceive and lead astray, if possible, even the elect (God's chosen ones)."
Rich
The caption for this picture is "Think on These Things" Philippians 4:8
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
I've heard it said that much of what has been communicated for some time regarding the "Good News of the Gospel" as being nothing more than a "Bloodless Stick" religion.
For those who have never read or heard Darin Hufford share, it might be an encouragement for you to read the following, "Gratefully Disillusioned" and not just because I'm directing what he shared in his article to mesh in with my thoughts here today.
The following quotes are from "Unto Full Stature".
"There was an invasion into the early church, even as there has continued to be throughout the centuries since, by a movement attempting to take over Christianity. By using Christianities' names and forms but rejecting its substance, the movement called Gnosticism has always been a subtle enemy of the Gospel.
Gnosticism, coming from the Greek gnosis ("to know"), is simply an attempt to gain full stature by seeking to know God through principles and philosophy, yet all the while by-passing the real Lord Jesus. One has described that first-century Gnosticism: "You didn't need to go through Jesus to God; if you had the key, the gnosis, you could know immediately. Gnosticism supplied mysterious formulas and passwords which gave one access to the higher world and (they thought) brought perfect union with the Divine…So Jesus was taken over, not as God becoming man, but merely as a revealer of the secrets of Gnosticism-another Jesus. Gnosticism was the word become idea."
We can seem to recognize that Gnosticism of the early church, but it is alarming how many are unaware that a modern Gnosticism in new garb is now making a subtle invasion in our churches. Only the discerning eye can detect what is wrong, for the same Bible terms are used, in fact the Bible is revered as a most significant textbook on successful living; therein they seem to find the important laws of life. Their message exhorts every man to have faith (in himself) and to cooperate with the kingdom around him if he would achieve. There are multiplied thousands who have proved these laws of the kingdom to be absolutely trustworthy. They boldly acclaim that anyone who will "believe in himself" can use this knowledge (gnosis) to realize his selfish goals. But just here is the critical issue. They are heralding the importance of "another jesus" for they have seen no real need for personal submission to the crucified and resurrected Lord Jesus.
Without the God given revelation of the identity of the invisible one Satan, being the impetus of sin within our members, is it any wonder there is virtually little resistance to becoming totally assimilated, not into the "Borg" but conforming to the spirit of this age?
If it were possible Jesus said, "For false Christs and false prophets will arise, and they will show great signs and wonders so as to deceive and lead astray, if possible, even the elect (God's chosen ones)."
Rich
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