djmclaren

a) All unrighteousness is sin. If one is to habitually walk in unrighteousness how can they be in agreement with Christ? Jesus came that the works of the flesh might be put to death in us that we might live a righteous life unto God. The newness of life is incompatible with the unrighteousness of sin. It seems that fornication is given a special category in that it appears to leave an indelible stain upon the soul. 1 Corinthians 6:18 "Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body." It seems that we live in a relativistic society where equal deference is given to all religions and opinions in a spirit of tolerance. In the liberal society that we live it is probably good that people are free to express their opinions without fear of persecution. It is fine in the world who are lost in darkness and don't know right from wrong it seems but we are a city set on a hill, we are the light of the world. If the church does not make a clear and unwavering stand then its message is esteemed as good for nothing and it is trodden under the foot of man. This is not necessarily done in spite but because it is indistinguishable from the cacophany of other voices men do not recognize it. It is OK that we are narrow minded because narrow is the way that leads to life and few there be that find it. No man can come to God except through Jesus. This may not be popular and in todays "tolerant" society it may sound bigoted, but it is the Truth and the Truth can take care of itself.

1. Why contend for the faith? a) We ourselves must know what we believe and be ready to give answer to those who would ask about the hope we have in Christ. Our speech should always be seasoned with salt. In doing so we not only protect ourselves from error which is easy to fall into but we also act as an example to others of purity and probity. As Peter wrote earlier, it is by knowledge that we partake of the divine nature, escape the corruption in the world because of ****, grasp the promises of God and experience the grace and peace of God. If the above things be true then the converse would mean and alienation from God, His promises and protection. The Bible compares doctrine to leaven which is spoken of as something which will grow to contaminate the whole person or body of believers. Luke 12:1; 1Cor. 5:6-8. We are admonished to purge out the old leaven. So it is important that we pay close heed to our doctrine because it will contaminate "the whole lump". c) We must contend for the faith because there are those who would "make merchandise" of us. They are following the dictates of their own lusts and seek to draw a following after themselves. Through deception and appeal to the lusts in others they draw them away and subvert their faith. Because there is nothing hidden that will not come to the light their error soon becomes evident and the truth is blasphemed among the heathen. I do not need to give modern day examples of this happening. 2. The danger in not challenging doctrines of false teachers: a) They would of course be free to propogate their "leaven". They themselves would have no check by which they might be recovered from their error. Instead they woud be left in their deception to be further deceived and to deceive. Not to challenge a false teacher would embolden them to expand their sphere of influence. It would send the message to others that we did not deem this issue worthy of confrontation or censure. It would find its way in as an accepted topic of contemplation.c) Especially older believers are in a position to offer protection and sound guidance to younger believers and to the unstable. Non-confrontation leaves such people vulnerable. d) Not challenging false teachers sends the message of confusion to the world. They are incapable of discerning sound doctrine and so only see contradiction and hypocrasy. e) Not challenging false doctrine will inevitably lead to divisiveness and strife in the Body of Christ. Eventually we will be forced to make a statement but perhaps too late when we will then have to choose a side being unable to hide from or avoid the controversy. f) Hence not challenging false teachers and doctrine will incur judgment upon ourselves and the grieving and displeasing of our Father and the Holy Spirit. Consider Revelations 2:14-16; 2:20-24; 3:8 3. The danger in challenging false teachers: There is always the danger of addressing controversy in a spirit of acrimony. We need to take heed to ourselves when we see another overtaken in a fault lest we also be tempted. And we are tempted to lash out in anger, we are tempted to rely upon our own intellect and eloquence. We are tempted to take our eyes and our trust from Christ. The battle then descends to the level of the flesh and no-one wins and the workings of the flesh and carnality are evident in backbiting, malice, envy, spite, hatred, division etc.. But I think the blessings of standing firm in Christ holding our confidence firm in Him through it all, out weighs the trial we would pass through. We are promised in Rev3:8 that these dissemblers will be exposed but not by our might or power but by the Holy Spirit. Our mandate is to continue to walk in love and to preach the Word and sound doctrine in season and out. His Word will do the rest. 4. Ther correct balance? a)I think we need to ask ourselves how this teaching affects the sphere over which I am responsible before the Lord. In other words is it my place to address this particular issue or is it the bailiwick of another? We must however be certain that within our own area we maintain good doctrine and we hold this forth boldly. Were it does touch us we must be adamant pointing out the error and advancing true doctrine

The conflict as always is between the flesh and the spirit. The one is God focused the other self. Faith presupposes a trust and reliance upon God for our provision, self looks to fulfill the desires of the flesh and mind and as such are controlled by the prince of the power of the air who worketh in the children of disobedience. Genesis 3:6

1. That God would humble Himself to become a man and by Himself purge our sins and purchase eternal redemption, earns Him the highest praise. It earns Him all glory and honour. All might and majesty belongs to Him. There is no other, there is none other that could "open the seals" nor accomplish what He has done. It is to the glory of God that such a high and exalted One would deign to look upon such a worthless sinner. And not only so but while I was yet wallowing in my sin Christ died for me. He, the high and lofty One, embraced this filthy sin soaked wretch and drew me to Himself seating me with the princes of His people. Is there no glory in this? How could I refrain from praising Him and worshiping this King? He has called me by His own glory and by His goodness or virtue. He is unfailingly good, His love knows no limitations, beyond our comprehension. His goodness brings me to His heart where He embraces me and leads me to repentence. The picture is equally full when we consider that the King James version translates this Greek word as virtue. Virtue is seen as moral excellence, potency, power adequate to the production of a given effect. Who else but the spotless Lamb of God could secure salvation? What other power save that "which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set [him] at his own right hand in the heavenly [places]," could do this? 2. To me the presence of God and His glory to the degree that I have experienced Him causes me to stand in awe. There is the realization that He loves me even in the face of my obvious unworthiness and receives me. I am struck with a deep reverence and search for some way that I might express my love for Him. I never want to leave His presence. 3. In the moment I may not sense the goodness of God but always I recognize His love. Over the years I have seen nothing but God's continual goodness and patience. I see how He has never left me alone even when in my stubbornness and self-will I have wandered from Him. His love has been constant and when I turn again He is there as He always has been. His love has not diminished.

David stated in Psalms 16:6 The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant [places]; yea, I have a goodly heritage. God places us in an area with boundaries wherein we will be the happiest and freest. Jesus spoke in John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. Within the boundaries that God has set we have security and freedom that is maximized. It is God's divine power that gives us everything we need for life and godliness. This is the same power that raised up Jesus from the dead so that if we are dead with Christ so shall we live with Him. This is not accomplished through any effort or merit on our part, it has been provided freely by grace through faith in the finished work of Christ. And the work has been completed there is nothing to add to it. Christ both descended into the depths of hell and ascended into the highest place in heaven that He might be Lord of all. Therefore by faith we have access into all the grace of God and receive everything we need for life. Not only so, we are more than conquerors in Him such that through Him we can explore the depths and height , the breadth and length of the love of God and grow in godliness. We are being changed into the image of Christ as we draw closer to Him. As we begin to see Him as He is we are changed into that image. Now we see Him darkly and so reflect a less than perfect radiance not like Moses who had to place a veil over his face. However the day will come when we shall see Him face to face and then we will be changed into His glorious image. 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. Knowing God is so much more than understanding the promises in the word although this is vital. Jesus desired that we would be one with Him and the Father even as they were one. To have such an intimacy where I cease to be outside of Him but my whole being is in loving fellowship with my heavenly Father. As this occurs I change from glory to glory, from faith to faith from the image of the earthly to the image of the heavenly.

1. Jesus bore the sin of all mankind. It was through the righteousness of God that the Just would die for the unjust so that He might bring us into fellowship with Him. It was a complete and open act of boundless love. Peter didn't receive a "special" faith or one that was somehow more elevated than any other person. He had to believe that Jesus died for his sins in order to enter into the grace of God wherein he stood. What precious faith that a sinner can be washed and received into sonship! From the lowest to the highest He bids us come. 2. How do we compare faith to faith? The faith I have is the same substance and evidences the same results as did Peter's. This is his reason for rejoicing that we also have received like precious faith as him. God does not change He does not weary of His many children and He loves each of us to the same degree as he loves His Son. Jesus returned into the bosom of the Father where He said He went to prepare a place for us in Him. Jn 1:18 3. Definitely our faith is equal to his. 4. It is the same substance. God knows us and loves and pities us as a father his children. His heart yearns for us and desires that we be given the kingdom and be one with Him and Christ. There is nothing that He withholds from us. The quality of our faith is the same. One might say well Peter had more faith than me. Jesus said that if you have faith as a grain of mustard we can remove mountains. God knows what we are capable of and what we need for the path He has laid out for us. 5. Discrepancy in quantity? In the utilization of what God gave Him? Peter had a unique calling such that his name is found upon the foundation of wall of the holy city. Rev 21:14 If there is a discrepancy it would lie in the mandate that is laid on us according to our need and ability.

It is difficult to break up this passage and pick a word that is most meaningful, as they are equal and contiguous. However at thia point the promise that God will restore me after struggling with temptation and sin gives me confidence and peace. When I pass through trials, temptations, tests, valleys and battles, I am tired and weary. I sometimes do not feel as though I will ever feel the presence of God again. Sometimes I wonder about my worth and value. However, even though all these thoughts and feelings of darkness and despair swirl around me, I have that bedrock assurance of His love and promises such as these. He will restore me at the end of this tunnel. It doesn't matter if I can see it or if I know how He will do it, He can and will do it.

I. Peter instructs us to be sober, vigilant and steadfastly resist the devil in faith. II. The instructions here and in Ephesians are very similar. It appears to me that Paul expands and details our sobriety and vigilance and the foundations of them. 1. Paul and Peter both agree that the devil is subtle as a lion stalking its prey and wily. In other words he seeks out his prey and works on him by "roaring", by "wiles" whereby he may pull us down. 2. If we are to be sober, circumspect or prudent we must know what we are doing. We must have understanding. If we are to be strong in the power of the Lord, we must know how to abide in it and not lean to our own understanding and might. 3. What are we supposed to be vigilant for? Is the devil going to come up to us and say "I'm the devil and I'm here to tempt you"? Most of the time we do not even know when we are being tempted. For the majority of us we have served the devil at one point as we were the children of wrath. There are areas of stronghold in our lives that we just take for granted that they are part of us. "It's just the way I am". Sorry. Therefore we need to know what to watch for, the Word must be living and abiding in us. Paul lays this out for us. There's books written on this subject which we all would do well to read. Jesse Penn Lewis' bood "The War on the Saints" is a good place to start. Of course the Bible is all we need and we need to feed upon it daily. 4. Paul and Peter agree that if we will do these things that we will stand and that God will use it to perfect, establish, strengthen and settle us. They indicate that God will cause all these things to work to the good of the called. 5. Paul and Peter both agree that there is a very real threat here and that the devil is a very real adversary. They agree that the battle is arduous and is no game. 6. Both talk about the importance of being steadfast in our faith. We don't have it all together in dealing with powers and principalities. We sometimes get our shoes on the wrong feet and get the rest of our armour messed up. However the shield of faith will cover us and protect us. It will be a shelter from the storm and a rock upon which to stand. If we simply know that we are bought by the blood of Jesus, that He will never never let us go nor forsake us and that we are dearly beloved, we have a shield, we have bedrock.

I. It is important to be aware that the devil is constantly prowling about looking for a point of weakness through which to attack. II. It teaches us 1. that the devil attempts to put us in fear through his "roaring" causing us to flee making us a target. 2. that he is like a lion that stalks his prey. The lion will select the weakest and slowest, the one who is alone or feeble. 3. that although we are children of our loving Father, we still can be taken down and devoured. 4. that in his bailiwick the devil is powerful and we are no match for his strength. 5. that the devil cannot/will not attack just anyone but watches for his opportunity. This suggests that we are safe under the protective covering of the blood of Christ. 6. that we must gird up the loins of our minds and quit ourselves like men. When the thoughts and temptations (roaring) come in like a flood, know that this is the battle, the evil day. Know also that we are promised the victory if we will stand firm, unmovable, unshaken, steadfast in faith. III. This teaching is important because we should not be unaware of the tactics of the devil. Know your enemy. Know who we are in Christ. Know what we are capable of and what are our limitations. Know our boundaries. We must learn not only what our authority is in Christ but how to apply it to our circumatances. We must learn the power of the cross in our lives that the devil can find no place in us to attack. We must learn the power of the blood of Christ that keeps us clean, that covers and shields us. It teaches us the importance of living a holy life because we have a real foe who will take advantage of our weakness. It teaches us the importance of knowing the word of God so we might make an effectual stand.

1. I should cast all my cares upon Him 2. I should do this because He cares for me. 3. I should actively cast my care on Him refusing to bear it myself. I believe that walking in fear and anxiety is sin and must be treated as such. a) It could be from the carnal man or It could be a spiritual attack from the devil In either case it must be despised and mortified by casting these cares upon God. 4. I will apply this verse's instruction to my own life by refusing to accept fear or worry, fretting or anxiety. I will give it to God and ask HIm to help me resist the temptation to take it upon myself again.

1. Hebrews 5:4 "And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as [was] Aaron." Those whom God raises up are easily recognized in the fellowship of believers, His Spirit bearing witness with ours. This practice is a testament that there is a form but no life. We hve an institution with titles and structure and a form of religion but God is being ignored. It seems as though our understanding of an elder is mistaken. It is not a job description we put in resumes for, or a popularity contest. A person who is an elder is already doing the work of an elder, this is his call and anointing. He/(she?) fits the description laid out in Q1. The title is superfluous, but they are ordained for official recognition giving some formality to it. It might be noted that the elders in a fellowship have authority insofar as those God has placed under their care. It is unrealistic that one could have care over many people. 2.Therefore "arm twisting" is a disturbing practice and speaks of a malaise in a Body. An elder need only be recognized not chosen. The damage is already done and simply exposes it, that they have left their first love. 3. I suppose if you force someone into leadership you are basically asking someone to lord it over the fellowship. The Spirit of God is not allowed His function so the fellowship will get what it has asked for, human leadership. I'm afraid God will withdraw.

1. There are a few levels of oversight associated with elders in the Body of Christ. I think sometimes we get hung up in labels and it seems that we have some wrong notions about offices and positions. It is good for us to examine carefully these terms and functions setting aside our preconceived perspectives. a) I learn from the definitions that an elder is responsible to provide nurture, guidance and guardianship to the young in the local body. They are to study sound doctrine and guard against error. They are to be examples to those whom God has placed "around their table". The elder is to represent the local body as a whole in agreement with the other elders in the fellowship. Through this they can give guidance as the Holy Spirit moves. c) The elder is responsible to offer leadership in the Body of Christ as a whole. Representatives of the local fellowship in agreement with other elders from local fellowships discerning God's will and maintaining unity and peace in the Body. 2. As I considered these words Matthew 20:26-27 came to mind "But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:" It seemed to me that to be an elder one must be able to "get under" another. We read in Hebrews 7:7 "And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better." The whole idea of "pastoring" is being able to carry the lambs. When we are young we need someone to help us read and understand our Bible, to pray, how to behave and walk with Christ etc. It somehow strikes me improper that someone who should be feeding themselves and walking on their own needs this type of relationship. As adults we submit one to another and exhort, encourage and support one another eye to eye. Hebrews 5:11-6:2 talks about this. In any case if we are to help another we cannot stand above them and issue commands, we must get under them and lift them up. In this we see the greatness of the person.

1. Recently I listened to a man speaking who was a missionary in Bogota Columbia. Someone said to him "you could be killed!" He replied, "they cannot kill me, I am already dead". This axiom is true on so many levels. We seem to be pretty eager to proclaim how we would die for our faith and endure every ghastly torture. The sentiment is admirable. However we find it difficult to give up various lusts and creature comforts and desires. I short we are not willing to die in the area that is most important, the carnal man. There are lots of people willing to be a martyr for their cause, but this certainly does not make them more spiritual or holy. Before we think we will "give [our bodies] to be burned" 1Cor 13:3 we should ask am I willing to die to my pride and talk to my neighbour or co-worker about Christ? Am I willing to die to my self-righteousness and embrace the homosexual, the hooker, the drug addict? Am I willing to die to my greed and covetousness and give my time, my comfort, my money to the poor and to further the kingdom of God? Why would martyrdom be so easy to me when I can't be faithful in these things? 2a&b Jesus set the example for us resisting sin unto blood. Jesus is our forerunner Heb 6:20 becoming the way for us to follow. Even though He was God incarnate He did not seek to vindicate, extricate or defend Himself in any way. He instead entrusted Himself to God to allow Him to complete that which He was commissioned to do. His face was "set like flint" upon the purpose God had for Him and He never took His eyes off this. His cross and the sufferings which He bore in His struggle against sin lead to His death. Even so He committed His cause to God believing He would be raised. Thus as I commit myself to my faithful Creator I know that the trials, the tests, the persecutions are in His keeping, serving to further His purpose in and through me even though I may not be able to see nor understand. Nothing enters my life but that my faithful Father allows it. I will embrace it and will look for His hand in it. I will be thankful that I am allowed to suffer for Christ for I shall come forth as gold.

1. If we are never persecuted it would indicate that we are fitting in with the world around us. We must be walking in "..the counsel of the ungodly...". I would say that people view us a) as "one of the boys", a nice guy. as a religious person who is harmless, maybe somewhat of an oddity. Each to their own. c) a hypocrite. Some who know anything about the Bible would see the inconsistency between how we act and how we shoud act. The Bible says Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men." I don't think that people in this case trod over the worthless salt because they have any particular dislike or contempt for it, but because they do not recognize it and there is no differentiation between it and its surrounding environment. 2.Persecution should make us happy because we are being identified with Christ. John 17:14 "I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." (also Jn 3:19-21) We have so much baggage that weighs us down, Mark 4:19 "And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful." I don't know but perhaps the amount of persecution we will see in this life has some ratio to the amount of victory we achieve over the world. Revelation 12:11 "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." (Also Heb. 12:4) These ones such as Paul gave up everything " Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ" Phil 3:8. Hebrews 11:36-40 points out that the world was not worthy of these who gave up all to follow Christ. We wonder why we do not suffer persecutions? We should weep, and cry "woe is me!" We are consumed with this world and charmed by its sirens song. Yes we should be happy and rejoice if we are "...counted worthy .. to suffer shame for his name." Acts 5:41 Even to the slightest degree we should give thanks and pray that we could continue to stand firm in the faith. Martyrdom? That is a very high calling, one which we here will likely never see.

When a person has failed, showed signs of being faithless, untrustworthy, unfit, you would expect that one to be placed to the side and not entrusted with any function of importance. Luke 16:10 "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much." What joy it is to such an one if the Lord should allow them to be a door keeper in the house of the Lord! One who should expect nothing rejoices when given any responsibility that he may be proven faithful. We have to understand that God does not have to allow us to do anything and that any task however menial is a great honour as we are serving the King. To be counted worthy to suffer persecution for the Lord should be our greatest source of thankfulness and joy. What an honour! Acts 5:41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

1. I think that we need come to the revelation that this life is not our own. God is in control and promises that all things will work together for the good of the called according to His purpose. What is His purpose? a)The Lord is "... not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." 2Pet 3:9 God will use the persecutions and trials in our lives reach the lost. b)Ephesians 3:10 "To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly [places] might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God" God is building His kingdom using the members of Christs Body as living stones. c)God is working obedience in us Hebrews 5:8 "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered" He is also working in us the image of Christ and all that entails. The dross is bubbling to the top. If the above is true, then in essence the attempt to avoid persecution is an attempt to control our own lives. WE find ourselves not working with the purposes of God but working to establish our own will. So then, if we find ourselves, despite our efforts to avoid persecution, experiencing persecution, what protection do we have? 2. Yes unfortunately I have been destracted and deverted because of persecution. I understand why the cowardly cannot not please God Heb11:6 nor will they enter into His rest Heb4:1-11 nor will they be perfected 1Jn4:18. I am guilty of all these things. It has caused me to cast myself upon Him, for all things are possible with God. 3.A person with a beam in his eye as big as mine has no ground to notice this mote in others.

Self-promoting people who are always pointing out how God is using them are generally insecure and want people to like them and think they are worth something. I think we can give them that. Anyway they have their reward. Mt 6:1-8 They are obviously insecure in their own relationship with God, and in their own sense of self-worth. I think that as a person matures in Christ his focus is less on himself and more upon Christ so that "...He must increase, but I [must] decrease." Jn 3:30 From my observation the young in Christ are thrilled that God would speak to them and use them, it's heady stuff and I think that should be thrilled with them. (Even if we have to plug our nose and hold our tongue) God will sort out the attitudes and self-promotion. He does very well at levelling us with a holy 2x4. As they are taught and ministered to and grow they become less self-aggrandizing and more humble.(I feel for them) I might add that sometimes older members of the Body can abet this by putting pressure on young ones to be "doing something" for God. You're somewhat less of a Christian if you're not "doing something". "How is God using YOU? ""What are YOU doing for God?" Please. 2. I love to study God's Word. This is something that has been with me since I came into the kingdom and has only grown. God gives me occasion to share what He shows me. I also love to worship God all day long and have opportunity to help in worship at various fellowships. I think God gifts us to meet the need at hand.

1.Why don't non-Christians like the idea of having to give an account of their actions. a) God made us as independent moral agents with freedom of will to choose. The realization of having to answer for one's choices makes us responsible for our actions. It means that there is a power outside of and higher that ourselves. If this is such then we are constrained to making a choice of agreeing with this higher power or acting in rebellion to it. It also means that if we act in rebellion to it we are setting ourselves up as that higher power IE saying "I will be like the most high". Every act of rebellion is rooted in self and is selfish. I suppose we could also say that "...men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved." Jn 3:19-20 Also 2Cor 4:3,4 b)Non-Christians don't like this idea because in the hearts of all men God has placed a conscience that bears witness to the truth. Men intuitively know when they are in error and that sin is tangible and real. Romans 2:15 "Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and [their] thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another" There is therefore "...a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries." Heb 10:27 They know in their hearts they have an appointment they have to keep 2. Why don't Christians like this idea? a)I don't think we should use an encompassing "we Christians" to indicate that we don't like the idea of having to give account. Personally even though I feel totally unprofitable and in many ways feel I have let Him down, I still don't dislike the idea. The God I know is pitiful and loving, merciful and kind. He has a father heart toward His children and longs to give them the kingdom. What ever my reward in heaven, if any, there will be dancing and great rejoicing from the greatest to the least. Unfortunately there probably are some Christians who don't like it. a) They have a wrong conception of God. Who He is, His character, nature and heart. I would say they are ignorant of the Word. Perhaps they are babies and need to be taught the first principles of Christ again. b)They are holding on to some sin. In otherwords they harbour idols in their hearts. Regardless of your predestinary predisposition this is dangerous ground to tread upon. We won't go there. c)they don't like it because self and not spirit is doing the thinking. Self and its works are always in enmity to spirit and its works. I think that if you don't like the idea of accountability there is "something rotten in Denmark" and you need to examine yourself to see if you are in the faith. 3.The realization of accountability. a)The realization that we have not been living with this knowledge should lead us to repentance because we have been going our own way. 2 Corinthians 7:11 " For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, [what] clearing of yourselves, yea, [what] indignation, yea, [what] fear, yea, [what] vehement desire, yea, [what] zeal, yea, [what] revenge! In all [things] ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter." b)It should inspire in us watching and waiting upon and for our Lord. The word wait indicates a servant who has hiseyes fixed upon his lord so that he can be ready to meet his every need. If we will wait upon the Lord we need to be ready with "...your loins be girded about, and [your] lights burning" Lk 12: 35-48 We also need to watch unto prayer. Especially that the eyes of our understanding would be opened so that we might know the hope of His calling and the greatness of His power to us-ward. Also "...be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord [is]." Eph 5:17 c)This realization will also instill in me i.the mind to be ethical and upright in all my dealings ii. to carefully watch my relationships with all people for I will also give account for this. 4. As a result the attitude we should have is one of the fear of God. A fear lest we allow ourselves to wander and our zeal to grow cold. Psalms 19:9 "The fear of the LORD [is] clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD [are] true [and] righteous altogether. :11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: [and] in keeping of them [there is] great reward."

1. Why do non-Christians try to get you to sin with them? a) They are doing what comes naturally to them, Eph. 2:2,3 fulfilling the lusts of the flesh and mind. It does not and cannot occur to them that there is anything else. That is why its so strange that you're such a dud to them. Actually they may just be trying to include you in their fun. The Bible says even the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. They do not understand. b)Christians are "...to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God." Phil 1:28 We are "...a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish" This is conviction upon them. How can they get it to stop? Railing, mocking, getting the Christian to fall? c) As stated in Eph 2:2 the devil is at work in them and his work will they do. His desire is to destroy the works of God. He hates God's children and will use his own to entice them to sin against God that he might bring accusation against them and bring them into bondage. 2. Why are we tempted to do so? a) We are tempted only by that which the devil can draw upon.Jas 1:14. This is why we are admonished in many places to mortify, put off, put to death, despise, crucify the sin nature. Hold no affinity to it for it is not your friend. We are further told to put on Christ, to walk in the newness of life, to walk step by step in the Spirit and we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. b)We need to have our thinking rearranged and understand the hope of His calling. It is because of the lack of knowledge that God's people wander aimlessly and are destroyed. It is through the ignorance that is in them that they are alienated from the life of God. Eph 4:18. This only comes through a washing of the mind by the word Eph 5:26 Yes we need to have our brains washed! We need to have our minds renewed through which we will be transformed Rom 12:2 Because as we think in our hearts, so we are! c)There is a lot of pressure upon the Christian to conform to this world. We are constantly bombarded with the world's message. The fear of man will also bring a snare upon us if we will let it. Taking a stand for Christ comes with a cost that is sometimes painful to pay. 2 Timothy 3:12 "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." 3. How can we resist? a) Jas 1:5 We need to pray for wisdom because first of all we need to recognize temptation when it comes upon us. b)This would necessitate of course that we study the Word of God so we might be able to devide between truth and error Heb 4:12. By it also we are able to prepare ourselves with the armour of God. We cannot make our warfare in our own strength but every thought must be brought into agreement with the Word of God so that we can pull down the arguments of the enemy. We must be aware that it is not flesh and blood that we are battling here.Eph6:12 c) We can resist simply by refusing to cave in to our desires or the pressures upon us Hebrews 12:4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. We must "... Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong." 1 Cor 16:3 Resist the devil and fight that good fight. For "... [if] thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength [is] small." Prov 24:10 Refuse steadfastly to give in and every place upon which the soles of our feet tread is ours. However... "Now the just shall live by faith: but if [any man] draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him." Heb 10:38

First of all we cannot have the mind (attitude) of Christ until we are first in Him by faith. 1) Philippians 2:5 "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus " The mind of Christ here was that He emptied Himself of anything that He could use for His own gain, to vindicate Himself, to save Himself, to avenge Himself or to elevate Himself. He completely trusted in God to maintain His cause and perform His purposes through Him. He took no thought for Himself but only to be found in the centre of God's will. It was though this that He became the Author of Savation for all. Hebrews 5:8-9 "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered :9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him" It is therefore in our obedience to God that we will "...lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us" Heb 12 :1 2) Another attitude or state of mind that is consistent with that of Christ that will keep us from sin is found in Romans 6:11 "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." We must establish it in our minds that we are indeed dead unto sin and as such, sin will not have dominion over us that we should obey it. We therefore have the power and authority and the responsibility to refuse sin and mortify the motions of it in our bodies. 3) We must despise our sin Hebrews 12:2 "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Only too often we have a love hate relationship with our sin and will not completely let go. We desire, as Achan did, that "goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they [are] hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.". Without the merciless routing of all sin in our lives, the devil will still have a foothold from which to attack us and drawn us back into sin and bondage. James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own ****, and enticed.

I have made a commitment of faith in Jesus and pledged to serve Him as His disciple. When I was baptized I understood that I was turning away from my old life and pledging to walk in the newness of life. I wanted to declare loud and clear the decision I had made so there was no mistake and no turning back. The pledge I made was non-negotiable. I will not turn back but will always choose to turn toward Him. Job 13:15 "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him." Habakkuk 3:17,18 "Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither [shall] fruit [be] in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and [there shall be] no herd in the stalls :18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation." This holds true today as much and more so even after 28 years.

1Peter 3:18 reminds me of the passage in John 16:8 that the Holy Spirit will convict or reprove the world of sin, unrighteousness and judgment. First, He certainly does convict me of my sin as He guides me in the ways of truth. He convinces me of righteousness because I am able to see the righteousness of God and how I need Him to cleanse me from unrighteousness. But the third aspect is what He has impressed on me most strongly today. So forceful has the sense of my own unworthiness been upon me but as I look up I sense His tender approval and His love is poured over me. I who am so prone to wander, so self-willed and proud can look up and say Father and feel so utterly received. The god of this world is judged, my sins have been washed away. I have been clothed in the righteousness of God. I have been lifted out of the dung-hill and made to sit among the princes of His people. This is too much for me. How can we not bow down and worship this King?

There are two ways of looking at being a witness. Witness as a verb where we actively in word and deed proclaim Christ in the face of opposition, and witness as a noun where we exhibit godly character and patiently endure persecution with serenity and equanimity. 1) Knowing if we are to wade into the serpent's pit that evil will be enflamed fear is sure to come upon us. Fear of retribution and loss. Perhaps fear of physical harm. Certainly our insecurities are magnified and will be a fulcrum to be used against us. Insecurity in Christ and embarrassment when mocked and scorned. Our spiritual immaturity causes us to be self-centred and hence attempt to do the job in our own strength (much like Moses and the Egyptian) It causes us to confront opposition in the same spirit that it is given rather that in the opposite spirit in obedience to God. Matthew 10:19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. 2) The noun. When Christ was reviled He answered not again. Love is not made perfect if there is fear. Instead of enduring all things and allowing slights to go unnoticed, resentment is generated, we incur hurt and anger. We lose our joy because we go into a defensive mode and turn inward. Instead of casting ourselves upon the care of God we panic. If it is in our heart it will come out. Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. We can suppress it and hold it down for a time but you can be sure there will come a time when it will come out. We are told to mortify the things of the flesh and put no confidence it the arm of the flesh. Although Jesus was incarnate God, still He made Himself nothing and relied nothing upon HIs own abilities. Paul was the same Philippians 3:7-8 that anything that he thought was a strength he could rely on he cast it away so He could see God's providence, and he did in spades! In the fire the dross will rise to the top and it can be ugly. Our true nature is seen. For me, I feel that focusing upon Christ rather than my fears is most needed.

Having attended this fellowship for only a few months I can offer only a cursory view. This is a very warm and welcoming group. We sense the love of God among them and toward us as we feel very received. I would have to say that this fellowship exhibits harmonious living as the most evident quality. Again it is hard to evaluate any deficiency among them and I really don't want to start looking for faults. I suppose the adage is true that says you are either part of the solution or part of the problem. If I do detect a perceived lack I should ask God how I might be used to fill that void. 1) I should look at my own walk and determine if the problem is with me. 2) I should go to the pastor and talk frankly with him about my concerns 3) I should pray and find the source of the lack 4) I should walk in love toward everyone in that fellowship and focus more so upon those I have difficulty with. 5) I should invite other brothers and sisters over to my home or out to coffee (we drink lots of coffee in Canada) for fellowship so I can get to know them better. 6) I think home fellowships are helpful to build relationship.

Life is all about relationship. It is actually the only eternal thing that we can take with us. Christ died so that we might have relationship with God through Him. Not only do we come into relationship with God, but we have fellowship one with another. One who does not have Christ cannot have fellowship with God and by corollary cannot have fellowship one with another. It is on the level of love, God's love and we cannot extend God's love if we co not know it. The Bible tells me lots about interpersonal relationship; employers, children, spouses, unbelievers, brothers and sisters in the Lord, so it must be a big deal. To me, I would think that we should walk in fear toward one another that we do not offend. I'm not talking about being a door mat or a toady but that by our actions, attitudes and words we do not offend one of God's little ones. This is especially true if we know better (if we are a teacher eg.) We must be consistent in our walk not having bitter and sweet proceeding from the same fountain. A husband or wife is still, and in my estimation, more importantly, our brother or sister in Christ. Their angels behold the face of God so what I do to them I do to Christ. I think this would qualify for a prayer hindrance.