(no subject)
The ways that God shows up when you bring Him into situations never amazes me, and the fact is that He shows up every time without fail. I had a conversation earlier today with someone who was having some trouble trying to figure out what to do with His life. I gave Him some advice when asked, but I really wanted to pray for some peace so I told my friend I would pray for him before we got off the phone. I did and God's peace very much showed up at that time. Awesome how God is so faithful.
That reminded me of something that's been on my heart for a while that I would like to share. It's about witnessing, because I think that a lot of people are being cheated out of effectiveness by a lack of understanding. So here's some things I see God saying. He has given us a ministry of reconciliation, which has the purpose of bringing people back into relationship with Him. 2 Corinthians 5 says that when Christ died all died. All is a fairly self-defining word, so I don't think much needs to be said other than the bible makes it very clear that because of Christ EVERYONE is considered dead.
Someone once said that "God's argument with a man isn't that he's bad but that he's dead." This scripture certainly seems to indicate this, as does God's original intent in creation. Rephrased, God isn't scolding bad men but trying to raise dead men. If you think about it, that's quite a task and one that I certainly can't make happen. However, I believe that God has already let us know that He is quite capable of raising the dead, thank you very much. We try so hard to convince people into the kingdom, however that is not God's way. His way is one that is miraculous and no less so than the raising of the dead or a healing.
A guy who I very much respect named Robert Mearns once said, "I don't look at people as lost or saved, more as christians and potential christians." God has redeemed all mankind from the grips of the devil, we no longer regard them according to the flesh but as children of God who are estranged from Him who need to realize their separation and see God. God wants to reconcile all men to Himself, and has predestined them accordingly. That's right John Calvin, you missed something. God didn't just predestine some, He predestined all and has a place for all who would accept His open invite.
Some people probably don't agree with what I said, it also wasn't a complete thought because I'm cutting this entry short. If you want to converse about this, I would love to seek the Lord with some people for His heart on what is this ministry of reconciliation further. Just some food for thought.
gwwitt
That reminded me of something that's been on my heart for a while that I would like to share. It's about witnessing, because I think that a lot of people are being cheated out of effectiveness by a lack of understanding. So here's some things I see God saying. He has given us a ministry of reconciliation, which has the purpose of bringing people back into relationship with Him. 2 Corinthians 5 says that when Christ died all died. All is a fairly self-defining word, so I don't think much needs to be said other than the bible makes it very clear that because of Christ EVERYONE is considered dead.
Someone once said that "God's argument with a man isn't that he's bad but that he's dead." This scripture certainly seems to indicate this, as does God's original intent in creation. Rephrased, God isn't scolding bad men but trying to raise dead men. If you think about it, that's quite a task and one that I certainly can't make happen. However, I believe that God has already let us know that He is quite capable of raising the dead, thank you very much. We try so hard to convince people into the kingdom, however that is not God's way. His way is one that is miraculous and no less so than the raising of the dead or a healing.
A guy who I very much respect named Robert Mearns once said, "I don't look at people as lost or saved, more as christians and potential christians." God has redeemed all mankind from the grips of the devil, we no longer regard them according to the flesh but as children of God who are estranged from Him who need to realize their separation and see God. God wants to reconcile all men to Himself, and has predestined them accordingly. That's right John Calvin, you missed something. God didn't just predestine some, He predestined all and has a place for all who would accept His open invite.
Some people probably don't agree with what I said, it also wasn't a complete thought because I'm cutting this entry short. If you want to converse about this, I would love to seek the Lord with some people for His heart on what is this ministry of reconciliation further. Just some food for thought.
gwwitt