4/25/22

The Power of Positive Spiritual Thinking by Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

 

https://thepreachersword.com/2014/05/01/the-power-of-positive-spiritual-thinking/#more-5573

The Power of Positive Spiritual Thinking

Mind.BibleMany years ago Norma Jean gave me a little gift book entitled, “As A Man Thinketh,” by James  Allen.

It speaks to the power of thought.  The importance of putting into our minds good, wholesome and positive thoughts. And how our thoughts form our character.  Allen says, “thought and character are one.”

He compares a person’s mind to a garden.  It can be cultivated or neglected.  Planted with seeds that will produce something good.  Or allowed to be overrun with weeds.  Whatever is put into the ground, or the mind, will reap after its own kind.

In the first chapter Allen advances  this premise.

“Man is made or unmade by himself; in the armory of thought he forges the weapons by which he destroys himself. He also fashions the tools with which he builds for himself heavenly mansions of joy and strength and peace. By the right choice and true application of thought, man ascends to the Divine Perfection; by the abuse and wrong application of thought, he descends below the level of the beast. Between these two extremes are all the grades of character, and man is their maker and master.”

“Of all the beautiful truths pertaining to the soul which have been restored and brought to light in this age, none is more gladdening or fruitful of divine promise and confidence than this – that man is the master of thought, the molder of character, and maker and shaper of condition, environment, and destiny.”

The book reminds me of Solomon’s affirmation in Proverbs 23:7, “As he thinks in is heart so is he.”

Since God made man, He knows what is best for us. He knows how we can “program” our minds to be the most effective, and enjoy a high degree of abundant living. So, we are commanded to think on things that are pure, holy, just, true, lovely, honorable, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy. (Phil. 4:8).

Too often we undermine God’s purpose for our lives and sabotage our own success by thinking the wrong kind of thoughts.  Dwelling on the negative.  And engaging in self-talk that is destructive.

When you are feeling depressed, discouraged and despondent and thinking the wrong kind of thoughts, open your Bible and listen to what God says to you.

“The hopeless laments, “It’s impossible.” God says, “All things are possible”. (Lk 18:27)

The weary sighs “I’m too tired.” God says, ”I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28-30)

The broken-hearted bemoans, “Nobody really loves me.” God says, “I love you.” (Jn 3:16 )

The discouraged bewails, “I can’t go on. “God says, “My grace is sufficient for you.” (II Corinthians 12:9)

The perplexed says, “I can’t figure things out.” God says, “I will direct your steps.” (Pro 3:5-6)

The overwhelmed utters ,”I can’t do it.” God says, “You can do all things” (Phil. 4:13)

The defeated feels, “I’m not able.” God says, “I am able.” (II Cor. 9:8)

The quitter claims, “It’s not worth it.” God says, “Heaven will be worth it”. (Rom. 8:28 )

The guilt ridden regrets, “I can’t forgive myself.” God says, “I forgive you.” (Rom. 8:1)

The impoverished opines, “I can’t manage.” God says, “I will supply all your needs.” (Phil, 4:19)

The cowardly admits, “I’m afraid.” God says, “I have not given you a spirit of fear. (II Tim 1:7)

The anxious complains, “I’m worried.” God says, “Cast all your cares on ME.”(I Pet.5:7)

The sinner says, “I’m lost!” And God says, “I sent Jesus to die for you and save you.” (Rom 5:8).

When you are tempted to think negative thoughts, feel discouraging emotions, and hear the voice of the Tempter, hear the voice of God.  He will lift you up!  And provide help.  Hope.  And healing.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

What does God require of us? by Roy Davison

 

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/031-require.html


What does God require of us?

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).

God has let us know what is good.

Man has a general knowledge of good and evil. According to Romans 1:18-32, man has sufficient knowledge about God and righteousness to be held responsible for his actions. This applies to all men, including those who do not have God’s written word.

In Scripture it is assumed that we can recognize good and evil: “Depart from evil and do good” (Psalm 34:14). “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good” (3 John 11). “He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil” (1 Peter 3:10-12).

Since God has shown us what is good, He holds us responsible: “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good” (Proverbs 15:3).

In judgment we must give account for what we have done. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14).

What does God require of us? “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).

God requires that we do justly.

To do justly means to behave justly. Behaving justly includes treating people fairly in an evenhanded manner, without favoritism, prejudice or self-interest. We all want to be treated justly. So we ought to treat others justly as well. God requires that we do so.

“Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘Execute true justice, show mercy and compassion everyone to his brother’” (Zechariah 7:9). “For I, the LORD, love justice” (Isaiah 61:8). “To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice” (Proverbs 21:3).

It is a joy for the just to do justice” (Proverbs 21:15). “Blessed are those who keep justice, and he who does righteousness at all times!” (Psalm 106:3). “So you, by the help of your God, return; observe mercy and justice, and wait on your God continually” (Hosea 12:6). “Let justice run down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream” (Amos 5:24).

What does God require of us? “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).

God requires that we love mercy.

Being merciful means to be kind and compassionate, which results in a forgiving attitude toward others. To love mercy means to be wholeheartedly committed to mercy. Even a selfish person, wants to receive mercy! But someone who loves mercy, is thankful for the mercy God extends to him and wants to pass that mercy on to others. God wants us to be merciful.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7). “For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13).

Our hope is based on the mercy of God. “The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy” (Psalm 147:11). “Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy” (Psalm 33:18). “Let Your mercy, O LORD, be upon us, just as we hope in You” (Psalm 33:22). “I will be glad and rejoice in Your mercy” (Psalm 31:7).

“The wisdom that is from above is ... full of mercy” (James 3:17). “He who shows mercy” is to do so “with cheerfulness” (Romans 12:8).

What does God require of us? “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).

God requires that we walk humbly with Him.

Our walk is our way of life. To walk with God means to walk in all His ways and to be in daily fellowship with Him.

“And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the LORD and His statutes which I command you today for your good?” (Deuteronomy 10:12, 13).

To walk in all His ways requires knowledge of His word and a willingness to do what God tells us to do and to go where God wants us to go. Many people want God to walk with them where they want to go! But to walk with God we must follow His lead and go where He goes!

“Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him” (Genesis 5:24). “By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death” (Hebrews 11:5). “Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God” (Genesis 6:9).

A mortal man who walks with God must humbly follow Him. A humble person does not exalt himself. He is meek and unpretentious because he adopts a lowly position. As a psychologist supposedly told one man: “You don’t have an inferiority complex. You really are inferior!” A humble person accepts that in certain ways he is inferior to others. And we certainly are inferior to God! “‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ says the LORD. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts’” (Isaiah 55:8, 9). In our relationship with God, humility is essential!

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5, 6). As we walk humbly with God, we trust His guidance because He knows the way better than we do.

“Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He teaches sinners in the way. The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way. All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth, to such as keep His covenant and His testimonies” (Psalm 25:8-10). God’s covenant for us is the New Testament, containing the testimony of Christ and the conditions for salvation.

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the LORD, and He will lift you up” (James 4:10). “For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation” (Psalm 149:4). “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:5b, 6).

Jesus did what His Father required of Him.

“As the Father gave Me commandment, so I do” (John 14:31). Jesus is our example. He showed us how to be just, merciful and humble. It was prophesied that the Christ would “bring justice to victory” (Matthew 12:20, quoted from Isaiah 42:1-4). Often “He was moved with compassion” (see Matthew 9:36 for example). And He gives us this invitation: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28, 29).

What does God require of us?

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8). Amen.

Roy Davison

The Scripture quotations in this article are from The New King James Version. ©1979,1980,1982, Thomas Nelson Inc., Publishers unless indicated otherwise. Permission for reference use has been granted.

Published in The Old Paths Archive
http://www.oldpaths.com


"CHALLENGES CONFRONTING THE CHURCH" Secularism by Mark Copeland

 








"CHALLENGES CONFRONTING THE CHURCH"

Secularism

INTRODUCTION
  1. In previous lessons, we examined the challenges of...
    1. Denominationalism
    2. Sectarianism
    3. Factionalism
    4. Traditionalism
  2. Each contribute toward changing the church...
    1. Into something very different than Jesus intended
    2. Churches that are carnal, fleshly, more of the world than of God

[A similar challenge confronting churches is the trend toward secularism...]

  1. DEFINING SECULAR AND SECULARISM
    1. SECULAR...
      1. Worldly rather than spiritual - American Heritage Dictionary
      2. Of or relating to worldly things as distinguished from things relating to church and religion; not sacred or religious; temporal; worldly - YourDictionary.com
    2. SECULARISM...
      1. Indifference to or rejection or exclusion of religion and religious considerations - Merriam-Webster
      2. Worldly spirit, views, or the like; esp., a system of doctrines and practices that disregards or rejects any form of religious faith and worship - YourDictionary.com

      [One would think that by definition churches would be religious, spiritual, sacred, in nature. Yet many have noted that in too many churches, there are...]

  2. MANIFESTATIONS OF SECULARISM
    1. THE CHURCH AS A BUSINESS INSTUTITION...
      1. In the Bible, the church is a spiritual institution
        1. The body of Christ, the kingdom of God - 1Co 12:27; Col 1:13
        2. The bride of Christ, the temple of the Holy Spirit - 2Co 11:2; 1Co 3:16
        3. With elders served as shepherds, feeding and guiding the flock of God - Ac 20:28
        4. Deacons met physical needs, but so others could focus on spiritual needs - Ac 6:1-7
        5. Preachers were devoted to the Word, serving as evangelists - 1Ti 4:16; 2Ti 4:5
      2. Today, many churches function more like a business
        1. Elders are more like board members, directors, corporate managers
        2. Preachers have become staff managers, counselors, figure heads
        3. Members divided into committees, departments, with chairpersons, superintendents
        4. Evangelism has turned into marketing, public relations
    2. THE CHURCH AS A SOCIAL INSTITUTION...
      1. Today, many churches have become social clubs
        1. Building gymnasiums, eating ("fellowship") halls
        2. Offering mental counseling, babysitting services
        3. Providing entertainment for children and even adults
      2. Whereas in the Bible the church focused on the spiritual
        1. They assembled to worship, edify one another - Ac 20:7; He 10:24-25
        2. Trends leading to make the focus social or secular were addressed - 1Co 11:17-34
        3. The assembly was their "fellowship hall", the Lord's Supper their "fellowship dinner"
        4. Families were expected to take care of their social needs, lest the church become burdened and unable to fulfill its primary duties - e.g., 1Ti 5:16

        [Turning the church from a spiritual institution into a secular one does not occur overnight. Changes that appear innocent and harmless may be the "gateway drug" to secularism. A few thoughts for...]

  3. AVOIDING SECULARISM
    1. DISTINGUISH BETWEEN SACRED AND SECULAR...
      1. Let the church fulfill its role as a spiritual institution, focused on:
        1. Teaching the Word of God, praising God
        2. Providing opportunities to fulfill spiritual duties (e.g., Lord's Supper, assembling)
        3. Equipping the saints for ministry, much of which will occur outside the church
      2. Let family and society fulfill their roles
        1. Parents and friends providing entertainment, physical needs
        2. Professionals providing medical and counseling needs
        3. Individuals joining together in charitable organizations to serve others
    2. ADOPT BIBLICAL GUIDELINES...
      1. The church should focus on providing spiritual needs - 1Co 11:34
        1. Many churches struggle as to when and where to draw the line
        2. Paul does so in this passage; can it not be a guide for us today?
      2. As a church, be careful not to take on unnecessary burdens - 1Ti 5:16
        1. Many churches are burdened with social concerns, neglecting spiritual ones
        2. Paul warns against this in this passage; can it not be a guide as well?
      3. Let the organization of the church be patterned after the New Testament, not modern day businesses with their titles and organizations - e.g., Php 1:1
CONCLUSION
  1. The Lord's church is a wonderful institution; but God has other institutions as well...
    1. Such as family, government, etc.
    2. Each uniquely designed and qualified to fulfill their respective roles
  2. The Lord's church is likewise uniquely designed and qualified to fulfill a role...
    1. One that is spiritual and sacred
    2. One that can easily be neglected or burdened

Even with the best of intentions, the Lord's church can easily be transformed from a spiritual institution into a secular one. That is the danger of secularism...!


Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

Faithful by Gary Rose


 

Interesting picture. Human beings have a tendency to categorize themselves by what they do. Often, when people are asked who they are, they respond by giving their occupation, as if it were THE defining aspect of their existence. Now, there is really nothing wrong with doing this, but for a Christian, a better answer would be the last item on the above list. Why? Because, during the course of a person’s lifetime they may change occupations, but if they belong to Christ, whatever they do will always be overshadowed by their commitment TO CHRIST.


Consider the apostle Paul; he was a tentmaker by trade, but he served God as an evangelist, teacher and preacher. Paul says the following…


1 Timothy 1 ( World English Bible )

12 And I thank him who enabled me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he counted me faithful, appointing me to service;

13 although I was before a blasphemer, a persecutor, and insolent. However, I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

14 The grace of our Lord abounded exceedingly with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

15 The saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

16 However, for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first, Jesus Christ might display all his patience, for an example of those who were going to believe in him for eternal life.

17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.


God gives life and for those who genuinely follow HIM, their life is defined BY HIM. First and foremost, Paul was a sinner saved by Grace. Secondly, he was assigned to teach, preach and evangelize. Paul knew what he had done in his past efforts to persecute the body of Christ and obviously, it hurt him to the core of his being. Yet, he did his best to be faithful to Christ from the moment he became a Christian.


Likewise, Christians today need to be committed to doing the very best they can in service to our master. Whether we be plumbers, doctors, lawyers or garbage men we need to remember that first of all we are to be servants of Christ and that everything else in our lives is subordinate to this. The question that remains is; is it?