thinking of Him this holiday season

Least I forget as I go about purchasing gifts, planning meals and even attending church service. Without Christ there would be no CHRISTMAS.

STRAIGHT NO CHASER

I was listening to a preacher on television and as usual her eloquence in speech captivated her audience.  The words flowed from her mouth in rhythmic perfection. There was a time when I sat in a hypnotic like state in front of the television cheering her on as if she was a wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens (my favorite football team).  For many it is important for a Pastor, Teacher, Prophet, Evangelist, Apostle, whoever is presenting the word speak in such a sing-song fashion. Without the entertainment, the crescendo and decrescendo of the voice, the movement back and forth on the stage, and the occasional (is it timed?) pause I have heard some declare: “I just can’t get into that.” 

These same people who shout, jump up and down, applaud, give above and beyond the tithes, travel everywhere to see the “Great Name”, have little to no improvement in their lives.

I can’t see it. I do not understand how a person can sit under a ministry for years and not experience personal growth and development.   You should change for the better because you fellowship with a group of Christ followers.

I left the hoop and holler because I was not growing spiritually.  Many accuse me of church hopping and they are right.  I have made a conscious decision to stay in a house of God and learn all there is to learn and then move on.   What is good where I am now is that the Word of God is given to me straight and I am free to move about the room without jumping, hollering, shouting, or any of the other dramatics experienced where I was before.

As I study the Word of God I am learning that Father God chose people who presented His Truths straight.

But Moses pleaded with the Lord, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.”  Exodus 4:10 NLT

Some say Moses stuttered.  In the New Living Translation Moses says he is not good with words. I guess if you like when a Pastor shouts you wouldn’t go to Moses’ church.

There is a difference between teaching and lecturing.   Lecturing is the presentation of facts without the injection of any type of perspective (my definition). Teaching is the presentation of information in a format that will benefit the listener.  Information disseminated so as to allow the listener to seek additional information is the key to teaching.

As a follower of Christ we need to be able to obtain knowledge. I left a church that lectured. What I discovered was that after listening to the Pastor I sought other pastors to tell me what I needed to know.   

Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 3:7

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom.  And in all your getting, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7

Before you get to upset know that I respect those who attend denominational churches and those who love the traditions of some churches.  I do not consider myself a purist meaning that everyone has to go to a particular type of church.  I do have a problem with people who identify their place of worship as a: black church, or a Hispanic church, or any other label.  What is important is that Jesus is presented as Lord and Savior.

I know many people who are tangled up in messes and are in need of concrete biblically based solutions.  Yet prefer to attend a church based on style and not the accuracy of the way the Word is presented. These people would rather shout for two hours than listen for thirty minutes; they would rather dance in the aisles during the last ten minutes of a sermon rather than walk out the door anxious to apply what her or she has learned. They fail to understand that a lack of spiritual growth will result in personal lack (health, finances, relationships, etc.).

God’s Word will have guaranteed results.

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12

His word will bring forth healing.  It will bring forth: improved marriages, correct children, and bring peace to households. His Word will deliver finances from death, provide the needed money, pay an un-payable debt, and take care of your tomorrows.

What is important to know is that it is His word and not the length of the message that is important.  Nor the celebrity of the speaker. Traditions can stop the power of the Word.

 And so you cancel the word of God in order to hand down your own tradition. And this is only one example among many others.”  Mark 7:13 NLT

The question is who is responsible for making the adjustment? You are.

 ^12-13What I’m getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what you’ve done from the beginning. When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I’m separated from you, keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure.  Philippians 2:12-13  The Message

Pastors proclaim the word and teachers explain it. There is nothing wrong with attending a church that preaches as oppose to teaches. However if you have been listening to shouts every Sunday and you are still in a financial mess, your family is divided, you still do not spend at least 10 minutes a day in fellowship with Father God or you feel like something is missing, then it is time to evaluate how you are receiving  your biblical information. 

Perhaps there is too much sugar.  The rhymes, and the shouts can become more entertaining than informative.  I challenge you to listen to the Word of God straight with no chaser.

 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.  Romans 10:17

JESUS

 

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Word Series – Audio Teaching – Andrew Wommack Ministries

I strongly recommend you listen to this FREE 11 tape series on The Word of God.

Word Series – Audio Teaching – Andrew Wommack Ministries.

The following is a list of teachings:

God’s Word First Place,

 Meditate The Word,

The Sower Sows The Word,

Revelation Knowledge,

Remembering Scripture,

Integrity of God’s Word,

God’s Covenant Words,

How to Study the Bible parts I, II & III, 

 Word Controlled Attitude.