Feeding on the Word- not someone else's interpretation

Are you feeding on the Word, or are you feeding off someone else's "word"?

This video really hit home with me because I grew up feeding off someone else's "interpretation" of the bible. I read the bible, but I always read it through this filter I was given.

I remember that day my husband and I knelt down and cried out to God, "Show us your Truth! Take away this filter and fill us with Your wisdom and understanding as we read it with fresh, open eyes."

That was life-changing moment.  God opened up the Scriptures to us in such an awesome way. Have you ever read the bible with a clear mind, without any preconceived notions and ideas?  Too many people twist and bend the bible to fit their own forms of religion.

I love what one poster said in the comments of this video: "If truth is really truth, then it will stand up to the hardest questions. I wouldn't feel comfortable at a church that was afraid of questions."

I long and yearn....

I will not settle for anything less.

Excuse me while I ramble.

There is this deep ache in me.  I long for true fellowship with like-minded believers. In my prayers, I cry out, "How long, Father?" 

Have you ever begged the Holy Spirit to move in your church day after day, only to feel like there is a dry well? Have you ever been in a church and wondered if the lampstand has been removed?

I used to think it was just me.  I know at times it has been.  But when others come to the same conclusion, when others leave feeling empty, when someone I trust tells me I should be concerned... well..........

There's this knot in my stomach, this lump in my throat. I am so tired of false doctrine. I am so tired of scripture twisting. I am so tired of man trying to manipulate the church as to bring in more people rather than simply boldly preaching the Word and allowing God to build the church as He pleases.

Why are men more concerned about the numbers filling their seats than the souls?

Where are the people, living in unity, reaching out in unity, being the hands and feet of our Lord Jesus? How can one claim to be saved yet have no evidence of it?  How can one preach that one can be saved and refuse to be a disciple of Christ?

I disagree!  If we are saved, then we are no longer slaves to sin but willing slaves to Christ. Under His control, under His discipleship.  How can we be in Christ and living Christless lives?

This message stings my ears, pains my heart, and makes me want to run out the door.

But I sit there. 

I want to scream, but I sit there.

Because I am not sure what to do.  If I say something, I am called a legalist.  But, isn't faith without works dead?  Is discipleship really optional?  I realize my works do not earn my salvation- it is a gift- but if I love God- if I am truly in Christ- should not my life be submitted to Him? Is submission to His will optional?

If one truly feels that way, can they truly be saved?

All these questions swirling in my mind. I pour over God's word, and I am sure of my beliefs.  Oh Holy Spirit, give me strength. I seek truth. I'm tired of lies. Tired of people trying to fool me with fancy words, holding their titles over me.

I have learned to find my answers in His Word. He will not lie. He will not contradict Himself.  Jesus doesn't mince words. Sometimes His words are hard to swallow... but they always bring me guidance.

I will not sacrifice Truth. I have seen it twisted, seen it added to and taken from. I have seen it bent out of context.  I have seen this my entire life, and I'm sure it will not end until the day Christ comes in all His glory.

I am told to ask, and it will be given. Seek, and I will find.  Knock, and it will be opened for me.  Why? The Lord is full of mercy and grace. He does not want to withhold His Truth from me!

I will not settle for anything less than Jesus.

Oh, Father, give me strength to fight, to stand, and to keep standing.

Calling All Churches! Return to the Word!

I just finished reading The Sufficiency of Scripture (by Joseph Stephen). It's a great book, one that allows the scripture to speak for itself, and I am definitely adding it to my list of recommended readings.

If you've been around my husband and I for any amount of time, then you likely know that we're pretty passionate about churches boldly living and proclaiming the Word of God, not conforming their methodology and message in order to bring in more people.  Today's church is fighting the same battles we see in the pages of Scripture, which is why the apostle Paul spends a lot of time exhorting, rebuking, and encouraging the churches of his day.

In his book, Stephen writes, "It is very wrong of us to bring the elements of the world into our worship and remembrance service. When we do so, we rob God of His rightful glory. It is very wrong to change our operation to accommodate unbelievers. After all, we are setting an example to them and not them to us. Our evangelism and explanation of worship and remembrance must be done outside of this time as this time is the Lord's. If one comes into our meeting off the street and sees our manner of worship, that person will know of a truth that God is among us. By accommodating the world in our manner of worship, we are proclaiming that the world's ways and idols are acceptable.  Some of the idols that rob God during this time are entertaining music, rousing speeches to whip up emotion, self-centered songs that talk about 'me', etc.  It is clear from Scripture that Paul never used cunning devices to proclaim truth. He spoke with simplicity and only used God's Word."

So many churches today cater to the lost.  Church has become a place of entertainment, centered around the people rather than focusing on worshiping God.  Many people have stood in disagreement with us when we have said, "Church is not for the lost."  Biblically speaking, the Church is Lord Jesus' bride. We are His people.  When gathering together to worship and praise Him, our Lord should be our focus- this is not a time of evangelism.  This is not to say that the church should not gather for the intent of evangelizing the lost, but one who is lost is not capable of worshiping "in spirit and in truth" as we are commanded to do.  They are not to take part in this "ceremony" nor are they to take part in communion. This is not to say there won't be lost people present from time to time, but that certainly doesn't mean we need to water down our message or sprinkle in entertainment for them so we can keep their attention. No, the lost would benefit from sitting through bold, biblical worship and praise (which includes teaching and preaching).  Hopefully it will stir their heart to conviction, godly grief, and repentance!

Unfortunately, today's churches want to cram all they can into one day.  Therefore, each Sunday they attempt to pack worship, praise, teaching, encouragement, and evangelism into just an hour or two.  Correction and rebuke are often left out because it's just too "offensive".

People today today have gathered themselves teachers and preachers who will coo into their itching ears what they want to hear. [2 Timothy 4:3]  And, these teachers and preachers are happy to do it, because it brings them more members, more money, and more earthly honor.

The church has adopted many of the world's ways and does not even realize it. Instead of digging into the Word of God to see what God desires of and from the church, we look to those around us.  We adopt the ways of other successful pastor and churches, mimicking them instead of Scripture.

It's time to get back into the Word and truly seek out God's direction for ourselves, our families, and our churches- which all should work together and not contradict one another.

Here's a video Paul Washer posted some time ago that goes along with this subject:

Hungry for the Word: Bold Sermons

We listen to a couple sermons from sermonaudio.com each day.  This has been a great way for me to learn and grow in Christ while I do daily tasks- nurse the baby, prepare meals, tidy the house, fold laundry...

Here's a "handful" of sermons I've really enjoyed the last couple days.  If you're looking for watered down preaching, if you're looking for someone to tickle your ears, then you probably won't enjoy these sermons.  But, if you're looking for biblical, anointed preaching, well... give ear!

I will be posting links to sermons we listen to on a regular basis. 


The Narrow Door (The Straight Gate):
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=121610045258395

The Watchful Mother of Proverbs 31:
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=1129092055610

Growing in Biblical Modesty:
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=76091448541

Restoring Fathers:
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=75081050152

Real Religion:
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=31711163497