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Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781490776224 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Trafford Publishing |
| Publication date: | 09/29/2016 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 50 |
| File size: | 86 KB |
About the Author
Read an Excerpt
Stir
By Janielle Blenman
Trafford Publishing
Copyright © 2016 Janielle BlenmanAll rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4907-7618-7
CHAPTER 1
So. ... yes, I said it. The 'F' word, boldly written in what is to be a book about God's truth.
Why not? I could have changed the wording, left that one word from the question and made it more palatable for some readers but why should I? If I had asked the politically correct question, would you be as interested as you are now? This question in its raw and naked truth is not only valid but honest. It is the question many ask in their minds even after the 'polite' question was asked and answered. It is the foundation on which our salvation is built, yet many Christians cannot answer it with a conviction that signifies they have a clear and true understanding. They repeat quotes they have heard, but these answers lack certitude, personal conviction and persuasion, because the speakers don't really understand what they are saying.
There are many opinions and definitions on Christianity. If you search the internet, results would include classifications such as; religion vs. relationship, fanatic vs. believer, Old Testament vs New Testament. The results from the search can leave you more confused than you started. Nevertheless, I continued my research and found a comment that appealed to me and spoke truth in its vague simplicity; Christianity is based on the life and times of Jesus of Nazareth, The Christ (Author unknown).
Vague but true. The simple fact is; there could be no Christianity without a Christ. However, that doesn't really say much, does it? It's an answer that would justify the 'Duh' response kids give when you state the obvious. It is the equivalent of saying, "the most famous equation of all time, devised by Albert Einstein" if asked what E = mc2. Although true, it does not begin to scratch the surface on what it TRULY is or its importance and impact on the world.
We are therefore back where we began and faced with the options presented by many an author; religion vs. relationship, fanatic vs. believer, Old Testament vs New Testament. Many books and papers have been written, outlining these opposing views. They are portrayed as being so contradictory you have no choice but to choose one or the other. The arguments on both sides are so compelling you are forced to clinically categorise yourself and your beliefs to choose a side. But once you have chosen, something still seems to be missing. Doesn't it? So after a while you go looking again. Because the fact is 'there has to be more than this.' Your search for answers continues; the things you disregarded the first time, now seem to make some measure of sense and you are wondering HOW? How could some of the characteristics for a fanatic seem 'right' when you are a believer? How could religious rules apply to you, when your faith is based on relationship?
As a child, raised in a Christian society I went to church most Sundays; was a member of the choir; participated in church activities and so on. I gave my life to God at such a young age, I cannot remember when I did it, I just know that I did. I kept my virginity until I was married. I began praying and fasting in my early teens, didn't do drugs, didn't drink.
Was I perfect? No. Am I perfect? Hell no. But I do understand a truth that evades so many others. You don't have to choose. If both sides represent Christianity, how or why should you choose? When you do, it NEVER works; there is always something missing, something you can't quite put your finger on but leaves you feeling restless.
Some people go through their entire Christian lives with that feeling of restlessness. They love God and want to be all that He would have them to be, but the feeling never leaves. On the other hand, there are some Christians who have an inexplicable peace and acceptance with their Christianity. Which group do you fall into? Are you still searching for the ever elusive answer? Have you strayed because of your restlessness or are you sitting peacefully in your Christianity, confident that you are exactly where you need to be?
Search yourself carefully. PLEASE! We first need to be honest with ourselves about what we feel before we can achieve any resolution or subsequent 'greatness' in the body of Christ. If we are not honest, how can any changes be made? When you participate in any motivational programs aimed at putting you 'on the right track', the first step is always acknowledging (and sometimes voicing) the truth. In AA, participants first have to say 'my name is ... and I am an alcoholic/addict'. Self-help books ask you to first determine where/what the problem is, in order to confront it. Yet we as Christians think if we say and do the 'right' things; if we go to church every week and sing and shout God's praises, regardless of what we feel in our hearts; 'it's okay, God will be glorified and my family and I will be blessed'.
NEWSFLASH: It doesn't work that way. God works with honesty and truth (even if it includes a few 'f' words).
A father cannot fix a problem or soothe a hurt that a child refuses to acknowledge is there. Yes, God knows our hearts and sees the conflict and restlessness there, but what should He do? You ignore the nagging in your spirit. You refuse to go to Him and tell Him how empty you feel, to ask Him for clarity on something the reverend/pastor/ preacher said. He already knows how you feel and what you want to know; but who answers questions that aren't asked?
We meet people and see the hurt in them and the needs that we can sometimes fill but we don't always fill them. Sometimes, we're being selfish or lazy. Other times we tried. We asked and counselled but they refused to see and accept the truth, so we walked away, because ... what else could you do? Why do you think it should be any different with God? We always forget, we were made in His image and likeness', therefore, if you can't fix your friends problem although it is blatantly obvious, He can't fix yours. He can't soothe a spirit that you do not confess is restless, he cannot reveal truths if you do not ask the questions.
So ask. Talk to Him from your heart. Once you have finished being honest with yourself and God, LISTEN. He has provided answers. Whether or not you like those answers remains to be seen.
... STIR ...
Relationship vs. Religion
In general terms the word relationship refers to the behaviours of two or more parties as they interact with each other. The type of relationship would further categorise the actions and behaviours of said parties. The Christian relationship, suggests a 'one on one' experience with Christ, the Son of God through the presence of the Holy Spirit According to many, this relationship is not restricted by the dos and don'ts of religious laws. It is based on love and guided according to the glory of God and the wellbeing of the Christian. On the other hand, religion is seen to define the rules and laws laid out to be strictly followed for the service God. It is established and remains the same for all members.
As I said, so contradictory, you feel the need to choose one or the other, because, as they are, you cannot see how religion and relationship could possibly co-exist, but they do.
First, let me point out that the idea of relationship instead of religion was devised by Christians for Christians. It is the excuse we use to step away from the rules. It is the reason we have so many denominations and such discord among the body of Christ. It is the reason the body of Christ is in essence 'useless' in the ceaseless spiritual fight against the armies of darkness. There is tremendous power available to us through Christ, but many Christians have never seen and will never see this power at work because we do not want to follow rules.
"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also: and Greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son, If you ask anything in My name, I will do it." John 14: 12–14.
Where are these 'greater works'? My saviour doesn't lie, which leaves me to believe that WE have fallen short. We are constantly praying but very few see miracles. Why? What is lacking in us that we have yet to perform these greater works? The answer is discipline and obedience; the unwillingness to go through the process. For most recorded miracles Christ performed, there was a process. Whether he made paste, asked believers to take a dip in the river or the individual seeking the miracle having to fight through the masses surrounding Him, there was a process. Before the coming of Christ, the prophets also outlined the process to be taken when the Israelites needed to garner favour from God. So what makes you any different? We too need to follow the process. 'Lip-service' alone will achieve nothing.
When I refer to process and rules, I am not advocating those established by man, but the directives given by God. We have situations where an entire church came together and prayed and fasted for a particular result and did not see it. Why not? We brush aside these things and give platitudes like 'God knows best' but that is not good enough. Of course God knows best but His word also says "Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." Matt. 17: 18–20
Again, the word of God does not lie, so the lack of results lies with the body of Christ. It isn't because 'God knows best' that we did not see our miracle, it is because we did not follow the process to see on earth that which was already granted/released in heaven.
Yes, Christianity is relationship, partially at least. Christ died for us after all. You don't do something like that for a people you don't know and love. He sent the Holy Spirit to be our comfort and guide, and as each person gives their life to God, and truly acknowledges the power and presence of the Spirit of God within them, their lives are truly changed. But with our Christianity do we ignore the religious laws God gave His people before the coming of His son?
"Do not think I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets, I did not come to destroy but to fulfil. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the Law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches them so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven ..." Matt 5: 17–19
The laws and rules governing the children of God did not disappear with the coming of His son. Two things changed when Christ came and died for us;
1- He replaced the altar of sacrifice. Through Moses, God gave the laws of sacrifice to His people, governing the means by which sin was forgiven, healing was received ... and everything in between. These laws of sacrifice were not meant to control and manipulate the people but to guide them and allow them to see the rewards of God. However, when the LAMB was crucified on Calvary for our sins, there was no longer a need to continue these sacrificial practices, for the ultimate sacrifice had been made. HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!!!!
2- There was no longer a barrier nor a need for a human intermediary between us and our Creator;
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. – Heb. 4:15–16
And thou shalt hang up the veil under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the veil the ark of the testimony: and the veil shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy. – Ex. 26:33
Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; Matt 27:50–51
The sacrifice of our Lord granted us access to our Father. We no longer required priest to speak on our behalf and prophets to receive a word from God. We were all given the same access, all granted permission to approach the throne and commune with our creator.
The rules which God communicated through Moses and other prophets concerning all other things remain relevant. From the beginning God was in the habit of giving rules and placing 'restrictions' on His children;
And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Gen 2:16–17
Consider what we have seen throughout biblical and secular history; human beings need rules and laws or chaos reigns. Mankind cannot exist without laws, hence the need for government legislations. So why are we so willing to accept the laws of man and not those of God? Why do we feel, that a God who regulates and restricts is not a God who loves us and one we want to serve? Don't you give your children rules by which they must abide? Do you love them any less for having to enforce such rules?
If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? – Heb. 12:7
It is baffling to me this need we have to follow and love a God who allows us to have our own way. Is that the definition of love? We want to believe that through our relationship with Christ and the love He has for us, we are exempt from having to follow certain rules that are not 'suited' to us. Why should you be exempt? Christ was a Jew and He honoured and respected the laws of the Jews. Yes, He made exceptions, or better yet compromises, but there is a huge difference between making an occasional exception and showing a complete disregard. A difference that the Christian community refuses to acknowledge. So what we as a society have done is moved from one extreme to the next. Are we any better off than they were before Christ came?
Christ came at a time when the laws of the Jews (religion) were so rigidly enforced that basic human kindness and compassion were ignored. Over the years, human beings distorted and manipulated the laws which God gave to Moses, creating a society so uniquely warped only the Son of God, and one of their own (a Jew) could show the error of their ways. He came to remind us of love and compassion, and how to incorporate them within the law, not to disdain what God the father requested of us. Yet, instead of seeing it that way, Christians have decided, that Christ came to 'abolish' or rewrite Jewish law (the laws of God, I remind you) and create a unique experience/ religion/relationship by which we now abide.
Even if that were so, what is this 'new experience'? If it is strictly relationship based, why go to church on a regular basis? The relationship you have allows God to directly answer any and all questions you may have doesn't it? Why are there so many denominations in Christianity and which one is 'right'? Why should I believe what my pastor says when the bishop from my friend's church says something different? Should I ...? Maybe if ...? The Deacon said...?
This is why we need rules. This is why Christianity should be as much religion as it is relationship because without rules and laws there is confusion. Rules and laws provide clarity. We know what must be done and how, to receive certain results. We also know what should not be done and the possibility of punishments/consequences when we ignore.
Jews do not question Judaism, neither do Muslims question Islam, the way Christians question Christianity, because it is all quite clear. The dictates of these religions clearly state what must be done and how, so you make a choice; either follow the laws and be a member of the Jewish/Muslim community or don't and leave. Simple. Some small variations exist due to the passage of time but not on the scale seen in Christianity. How many variations of Judaism or Islam exists? Now compare this number with the variations of Christianity in existence.
Even worshipers of Satan follow strict rules and guidelines. Yet Christians are all about creating 'new' churches and denominations when we disagree with something being taught, or the way certain things are done.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from Stir by Janielle Blenman. Copyright © 2016 Janielle Blenman. Excerpted by permission of Trafford Publishing.
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