Be Ye Separate

Adjusting the Fit

Blessings in the Holy Name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!

   We are asked, often, about our lifestyle and our conviction to live a life unfettered and simple. In response to our explanation that we not only believe the bible tells us to but we also believe we have been convicted of the Holy Spirit to do so, we are told we are "legalistic", "narrow", "hiding", "judging others" and the list goes on.

   It is not my place, nor any others, to decide what a mans heart holds. Only our Heavenly Father truly knows for sure and each man will answer for it on the Day of Judgement before the Lord. But the Lord also tells us to watch for false doctrines. This brings me to the subject of "Convenient Interpretations".

   We have found, over the years, after visiting literally hundreds of different churches, that the pastors, preachers, ministers, bishops and whatever other name they are called by, are intimidated to preach the true Word of God. They fear losing those warm bodies in those pews. They worry that the congregation will lose faith in them (faith? hmmm). They are concerned that their "followers" will think them weak or controlling. Is it all the preachers fault? NO! But it doesn't help matters any either.

   Folks today want to feel good. They want to feel good about their lives, good about their choices, good about their churches, good about their neighbors, good about their jobs, schools, family etc. etc. etc. When something like scripture challenges their "feel good" idea they are afraid of it and reinterpret to fit with their way of thinking so they'll feel good about it once again.

   The fault of a preacher is that he caves in to this mindset and doesn't want to make waves because everything is running smoothly. I fear for them. One day they will also face the Lord just as all of us will and they will be held especially accountable for not only their own transgressions but for leading His children down a wrong path just to keep the peace.

   Many folks attempt to challenge us with scripture by trying to show us their interpretation of what the bible says. They attempt to argue religion as a whole. They point out that "that was for then, it's not relevant for today". It quite normal for any of us to want to "feel good". No one likes to feel challenged. No one likes to feel as if they are not doing it right.

   Am I trying to say that everyone who is a believer MUST dress like our family does? Grow and raise their own foods like we do? Worship as we do? NOT AT ALL! What I'm saying is, if we aren't stretched beyond being "comfortable" in our living for God, then we aren't heading in the right direction.

   If we have nothing to change then it would mean we've reached the zenith of our faith. It would mean that God's work in us is finished. We all know that's not the truth:)

   The next time you "feel good" about your choices, job, friends, attitudes and such, ask yourself if God is finished with you yet. Try to really see if what you are feeling isn't just complacency and laziness.

   Don't adjust scripture to your life, adjust your life to scripture. You might be surprised at the true peace, joy and contentment you will feel:) This won't mean that you don't feel challenged, uncomfortable or even a little afraid about those changes, but you WILL "feel good" in a different way:)

   God bless each one of you real good!

God be with thee!

Sister Lori

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{ 20:30, Saturday, June 16, 2007 } { Posted by LivingSimple }

Yet another post I am so blessed to read...You are so very right...Dh and I were just talking about this very thing his evening, about how so many churches just preach what keeps the crowd and what feels good...I truly believe its all just signs of the times...
~Kris

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{ 21:04, Saturday, June 16, 2007 } { Posted by desertoasis }

I'm glad I stopped by to read this. I have wanted to "blog" about a terrible experience/ whipping I received at our so-called "care" group about this very subject. (but wouldn't that be negative??) I really think the ones who are going to be deceived in the last days are being deceived right now. Unfortunately one is my DH, he has chosen this "feel good" group over me.

My experience was almost exactly what you said. Even when following a real biblical bible study, they say it's not relevant to today's America and they must entertain to draw in the unbelievers. crazy!

Denise

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{ 21:11, Saturday, June 16, 2007 } { Posted by meme21713 }

What more could I possible say, except, the truth will set you free.............but some take the words of our Lord and make it to fit their lifestyles, what a shame they will be come the big day........Thanks for this post......Debbie

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{ 07:08, Sunday, June 17, 2007 } { Posted by stitchnchick }

Thank you for taking the time to write this. I completely agree with what you've said and remember exactly when we saw these "feel good" teachings coming into our church. (It was the one I grew up in and we left.)

For example, the pastor started quoting things from magazines, famous therapists, and the cartoonist Charles Shultz, instead of the Word of God! It was all "fluff" and NOT the Cross. It breaks my heart to think of those who are being lulled to sleep from the pulpit. As I have told our pastor--I love a sermon that makes me think and feel convicted. We should speak of God's love, but there is so much more to it than that. Oh, I could go on and on...lol..

Thanks again, you are a blessing!
Amy

Sunday morning focus

{ 09:38, Sunday, June 17, 2007 } { Posted by CaraDD }

I agree with SisterLori...I have to or she'll stop feeding me coffee!

My ponder, however is this. What is the purpose of a Sunday morning "sermon"? I think that it is to bring in the lost. I am not a baby Christian. I don't need Pablum on Sunday morning, however many that are there are not ready for meat. I believe that when a person is searching they will show up on Sunday morning and to a certain extent it needs to be appealing to a more "worldly" person. Not fluff, not untruth, but something that will speak to a very new Christian or even a fetal one. Smaller groups, and Sunday schools are more the place for people who are established in the faith to get the truth and conviction and admonition they need. We should be there as the body for that important Sunday service, but more as servants to the lost than to be "fed" ourselves. Sister Lori, I hope you understand my intent, even though I am probably not expressing myself very well.

But if you want to disagree with me, I'll be there around 1:30! :P

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{ 05:30, Monday, June 18, 2007 } { Posted by Kitty }

Once again, a blessing of a post.
Kitty