Nor Did They Know How to Blush

Hello. I'm new around here, but I introduced myself over at the welcome so you can find out a little bit about me there. I don't know if this is the right place to do this or not, but I am posting here a lengthy article that I have just finished writing. I would appreciate any comments, critiques, suggestions etc. I'm thinking about putting it into booklet form to hand out to Believers. It's 8 pages in pt12 font in Word, so it will be long! Here goes:“Nor Did They Know How To Blush”Part I The Lord spoke through the Prophet Jeremiah, saying: “Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No! They were not at all ashamed; Nor did they know how to blush.” (Jer. 5:15)Earlier in chapter four verse twenty-two, the Lord said: “For my people are foolish, they have not known Me. They are silly children,and they have no understanding. They are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge”.This is echoed in the book of Romans when Paul exhorts the Believers there, saying:“For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good and simple concerning evil.” Something that has struck me in the past year more than ever is how many things that were once considered wrong, evil, dangerous to one’s Spiritual health and sinful, have now gained “neutral” status within the realms of western “Christianity”. How did this happen? Why have we allowed the standards of the world to dictate our lifestyles rather than the Word of God? Why have we stopped asking God for His opinion on our choices? When did we stop being only in the world, and instead have become of the world? We no longer blush at immorality. We have become desensitized to what God calls evil, and we have called it good. But there are consequences for taking sin lightly. We may not see them even in this lifetime, but we can “be sure your sin will find you out.” (Num. 32:23) I believe one of the main sources of our desensitization has been the secular media that we now have so readily available to us. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, there are forms of the media available to us for our entertainment, amusement, information and enjoyment. This has led to a sort of media “gluttony” for many people. Many people simply cannot “live” without having some form of media in the background. For most Christians this background media is not even from a Christian source. Many others fill virtually all of their time apart from work, school, and sleep pursuing some form of entertainment via secular media. We have filled our hearts and minds with the ways of the world and have become desensitized to the immoral and flesh-fulfilling ways of this sin-sick world. Now, there is nothing innately wrong with a television, a VCR, a stereo, a movie screen, a computer or a pile of paper that makes up a magazine or a book. All of these things can be used to glorify God and to edify the Believer. A problem with these things is that many of us have allowed them to become a controlling factor in our lives. We have misused these elements and have become ruled by them. We not only listen to and watch what the world has to say about things, but many take it a step further imitating what they see and hear. Our lifestyles prove this by the standards we set in every area of life. The Russian Philosopher, Fydor Dostoyevsky once said: “First art would imitate life, then life would imitate art; then life would drawIt’s very reason for existence from the arts.”How true this statement has become in our society today, and how frightening that it is also coming true within the Church. So many of us look to the world to set the standards for the choices we make in life—and much of this comes from the media. Trends are set by the television, movie and music industries. As an example, just look at the way many people dress and you can often tell what kind of music they listen to based on their style of clothing. The arts set many of the standards for our surrounding culture and, sadly, many in the church have followed right along with this. An interesting note is that there are some countries that have recently come out of communism and have fought vehemently to keep western television and music out of their countries. Even their secular governments can see the way these mediums are breeding ground for immorality, rebellion and “base” living, and they want no part in it. Yet because we in the west have been slowly conditioned to accept these things as “normal” we allow them into our hearts and homes, and we will certainly reap what we sow. Maybe it’s time to take a look at our hearts and to ask ourselves some questions. Who controls the standards we set for our lives? Do we look to the Word of God, and take each area of our lives to Him in prayer? Or do we simply follow the crowd and make our choices based on what our surrounding culture, or surrounding church friends, deems “best”? The Lord Jesus says that no man can serve two masters. Perhaps it would be beneficial here to do a little reality check. Ask yourself how much time you have spent in the last week pursuing entertainment through the media or other recreation. Then ask yourself how much time you have spent in the pursuit of God through private worship, private prayer, private Bible study, reading and listening to great Bible teachers, and true fellowship with fellow Believers. Now, who is your Master? What and whom are the priorities of your life? Do you serve your flesh and the world? Or do you serve the Creator of this world and the Redeemer of your Soul? Part II“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”(1 Corinthians 10:31)“For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good and simple concerning evil.”(Romans 16:19)I wonder how often do we take this verse from I Corinthians into account when considering our activities, actions, reactions, and the choices we make for our lifestyle throughout each day? Do we truly attempt to, “do all to the glory of God”? Does this concept even enter our frame of reference when we make the choices we do? If we are choosing to do all to the glory of God, can we confidently sit before a television screen and watch while people who are pretending to be married (they are actors, remember) enter into the most intimate part of a human relationship, created to be only witnessed by God and a man and his wife? What about nudity, partial or not? Or what about taking the Lord’s name in vain and other coarse, vulgar, profane language? What about men and women committing acts of senseless violence or murder? What about foolishness (which the Bible calls sin)? What about disrespect, rebellion, and disobedience to parents and other authority? Do we allow these things which God calls sin to entertain us? Do these things glorify God and edify us Spiritually? Obviously they do not. So, why do we excuse these things simply because they are happening in a “make-believe” place? How can we sit idly by and allow things that God calls sin—transgression against God’s law (for which billions will suffer in everlasting fire)—to entertain and amuse our flesh. Much of the music available to us is not exempt from this with its sensual, suggestive, immoral, vulgar, and fleshly lyrics and music. We have forgotten how to blush! Oh, we may have blushed the first few times we were exposed to such things, but over the years we have allowed a steady stream of worldly, licentious, wicked behaviour into our very hearts and homes. We must remember that it is the movie and television producers who put the “ratings” on their product. What was only available in the back rooms of seedy shops a few years ago is now rated R, and what was rated R only a few years back is now PG-13. It is the unregenerate, lost, godless people of the world who set the standards for the media we ingest, and they are not in the business of glorifying God. Through this process we have become desensitized and allow what God calls evil and sinful to become commonplace in our lives. We have used our liberty as an occasion to the flesh, we have believed a lie and have forgotten the Truth. We have grieved the heart of God. Part III “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly that in the latter timessome shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits,and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron.”(I Timothy 4:1&2)The media is full of seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. What is the bottom line of the secular media’s doctrine? “If it feels good, do it”! “The end justifies the means”.“There are no absolutes”. These three beliefs rule our society and the media that society produces. They are fundamentally opposed to the nature of God, and we know that in our minds. Yet how much of that secular way of thinking has made it into our own lives? After many years of repeated and intentional exposure to these doctrines, our conscience does indeed become seared. It becomes closed to the things of God. At that point absolute standards and denial of flesh and self seem like impossible standards; holiness and purity become optional lifestyle choices, and we become so dull of hearing to the voice of the Lord so that we no longer hear Him calling us away from the world and its ways. You see, the longer we ignore God’s voice, the quieter it becomes—not because He has stopped talking, but because we have stopped listening. The more often we commit sin, or are exposed to it, the less conscious we are of the Spirit of God telling us to flee! If you have read this far I would hope that you have a sincere desire to take these matters to a serious level and to examine yourself before God. Perhaps you have realized that there are some things in your life that need to be cleaned out and replaced with Spiritual things. Maybe you are feeling guilty and are angry with the writer for suggesting the things above. It could be that you realize that you have no hunger for the things of God, and that what you do participate in as “Spiritual exercise” is simply formality. We all need to examine our conscience and hearts before God: Ask Him to show us where we have allowed ourselves to become defiled, and repent of those things He reveals to us. We need to cry out in honesty and sincerity of heart like the psalmist David who said,“Search me Oh God and know my heart: try me and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24)Part IV“But He gives a greater grace. Wherefore He says, “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.”James 4:6 “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye always, having all sufficiency, in all things, may abound to every good work”II Corinthians 9:8 “Grace: The dynamic quality of the life of God within meThat gives me the desire and power to live in harmony with God and His Word.”Life Action MinistriesGod’s grace is greater than any of our sin! That is great news. But how do we get a hold of this grace? The grace mentioned in the above verses goes even beyond the saving grace of God and reach into our daily lives. It is available to us every time we humble ourselves before God, admit that we need Him, and surrender our wills to Him. So how does this apply to what we’ve been talking about in this discourse? Well, I would hope that if you have read this far that you have a desire to repent of and forsake the areas of your life that have caused you to be stunted in your Spiritual growth. I would hope that you have a desire to be resensitized, to have your conscience tender and pure, and to have your walk with God revived. This is where God’s grace comes in. It’s pretty easy to be under conviction and make a decision to surrender your live to Christ and tell yourself that you’re going to “give up” all those things that are hindering your walk with God. The difficulty comes in actually applying these new convictions and walking in daily obedience. Once we have confessed our sin to God, have been forgiven and have determined to walk in righteousness, holiness, and obedience, we enter the battleground of our sprit against the world, the flesh, and the devil. Initial surrender to God, though crucial, will not be sufficient for daily victory. There are a number of things that will help us, though, and it begins with grace. In reality, we need God’s grace for everything. We need grace to respond in a Christ like manner to everything in our lives. I’ll try to narrow it down to make particular application to what we’ve been discussing here. Let’s say that you’ve been convicted that you have been listening to music that is not Christ honouring and you listen to music all the time. What is your first instinct when you get into your car? Is it to turn on the radio? This is when we need God’s grace. The temptation will be there to tune into our favourite station, so what do we do? This is where the humbling ourselves part comes in. We humble ourselves by agreeing with God that our desire to listen to that station is wrong, and we ask Him for the strength to do what is glorifying to Him. If we are being genuine with God, He will give us the strength and desire to do His will. At first, we might need to do this every 30 seconds, but there are ways to help change our “first instincts” too. Two things that we can do are replacement and accountability. Firstly, replace the wrong music with Christ-honouring music, teaching tapes, the Bible on tape, or leave it off altogether and start praying outloud while you drive,(With all the cell phone gadgets out there today no-one will look twice at you when it looks like you’re having a conversation with yourself, and it’s kind of difficult to have impatience with other drivers when you’re speaking with the Lord, so you’ve been victorious in multiple areas here)! Secondly, get accountable. Find someone who understands your new- found convictions and ask them to help you keep going strong in them. Remember, you can’t do it on your own. That’s what pride is. Pride is doing what I want to do, when I want to do it without thinking of God or others. God resists the proud. God’s grace is readily available to you the moment you choose to humble yourself before Him, acknowledge your need of Him, and accept His help, and He has given us the Body of Christ to be able to help one another grow in grace, obedience and truth. Part V“I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of Godthat you offer yourselves, a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.”Romans 12:1-2"...walk worthy of God, who calls you into His own kingdom and glory." 1 Thess. 2:12So, what is the daily practical application for everything that has been discussed above? No person is going to be stronger than his or her personal devotional life. It is very likely that if we are indulging ourselves in worldly entertainment, our devotional life is sporadic, disjointed, unfocused, inconsistent and shallow. You’ve heard it a million times, so have I, but you have got to be in the Word of God and prayer daily. It’s amazing how much more time you have once you cut out the temporal, useless activities of your life. It might be a sacrifice to begin the discipline of daily private time with the Lord. You may have to sacrifice sleep or time, but nothing is more important than this foundational part of our relationship with God. In your prayer times (I strongly urge you to spend at least some of your daily prayer in the morning before the day has overtaken you) it is important to surrender yourself to God each day, choosing to die to self, take up your cross, and giving God the areas of your life you may have a particular struggle with, and ask the Lord to give you particular sensitivity when temptation draws near, that you may heed the warning signs and flee from danger. When we spend time in prayer in the morning, it sharpens our discernment, sensitivity, and conscience throughout the day, making us more aware of our surroundings both in terms of being sensitive to the dangers to our spirit and the blessings for the same. This initial time with the Lord in the morning also lends itself to more communication with the Lord throughout the day—and this is what fellowship with Christ looks like. So, daily, focused, determined, fervent time spent with the Lord is the first thing. Accompanying this we need to “clean house” so to speak. Get rid of the things that are keeping you from a deeper life with Christ. If it is music, videos or books and magazines, chuck them, burn them, and do what you must but be drastic in your actions to remove these things from your life! Cut off the cable or satellite. Stop hanging around with the people who bring you down. Get rid of the immodest clothing in your wardrobe. Get accountable with a stronger Believer. No one said it would be easy, but there is no greater joy than to know we are walking with the Saviour’s approval! The enemy, your flesh, the world—even some friends or family members will do everything they can to stop this radical behaviour, but again this is where God’s grace can be shown the strongest. Next, we need to cultivate a constant awareness of God. This could be better termed “the fear of the Lord”. We must live in the constant awareness that we are in the presence of a just and holy God who sees everything we do, every thought, every motive, every desire, every word, and these are being weighed and judged by Him. As we do this, and as we communicate with the Lord consistently throughout our day, we are effectively practicing the presence of God. The reality of eternity then begins to drown out the voice of the temporal as our hearts and minds begin to see life through eternity coloured lenses. Our choices then begin to reflect their impact on eternity rather than the immediate satisfaction of our flesh or the approval of the world around us. It may seem like we’re a bit off track here considering the way this discussion started, but we really are not. The title “Nor Did They Know How to Blush,” reflects the heart condition of much of the so-called church of our age—a people who have left their first love, forsaken their bridegroom and have gone a-whoring after other gods with no shame for their immoral ways; a people who have forgotten that heaven and hell are real and that our lives here have real implications on those places; a people who have allowed self and pleasure to sit upon the throne of their hearts, and a people whom God desires to return to Him with their whole heart, soul, strength and mind. We must have revival or we will have judgement. Judgement begins at the house of the Lord. But if we are willing to humble ourselves and pray, seek God’s face and turn from our wicked ways, God is willing to revive us. It is time for the Church to remember how to blush and live in the purity and holiness she was called to in Christ. Only then we can enter into the joy and peace we have been promised. God is calling His people out to be separate, peculiar, holy, blameless, pure, righteous, full of fruit and full of the Spirit. He will never force anyone into those qualities, but He will gladly do the refining work in our lives to help us become more like the Lord Jesus if we ask Him to. We are not our own, and we have been bought with a price. Let us glorify God in all that we do that the world might see, hear and know that Christ is Lord indeed.

Good work. Your concern for the church is apparent. Your heart for holiness shines through. Now, I believe you have written this to rebuke and correct the state of the church today. If so, since you asked for my input, I would suggest addressing the reader with the condition of the church in general, and ask questions to determine if this applies to him. Reread the following.... "Something that has struck me in the past year more than ever is how many things that were once considered wrong, evil, dangerous to one’s Spiritual health and sinful, have now gained “neutral” status within the realms of western “Christianity”. How did this happen? Why have we allowed the standards of the world to dictate our lifestyles rather than the Word of God? Why have we stopped asking God for His opinion on our choices? When did we stop being only in the world, and instead have become of the world? We no longer blush at immorality. We have become desensitized to what God calls evil, and we have called it good. But there are consequences for taking sin lightly. We may not see them even in this lifetime, but we can “be sure your sin will find you out.” (Num. 32:23)"I am in a strong church and we are well taught concerning the worlds influence. So as I read your article, I find myself agreeing with you, wholeheartedly, but sensing you have dumped me (and all Christians) into the category that you are addressing. Your questions may better serve the church (and the reader) by describing the state of the church instead of the reader’s church. I am not sure all-inclusive statements like "Why have we stopped asking God for His opinion on our choices?" are helpful. Surely you don't mean there are no churches in existence with believers who seek God's opinion before making decisions! "When did many of today's church leaders and members stop asking God for His opinion on their choices?" may be better received and more convicting. A follow up question may be, "Are you making choices about what to listen to, watch, or read without concern to God's opinion?" Ouch. Once again, the Holy Spirit exposes our hearts. Hope this helps.I commend you on the practical put off and put on's you discuss. They are very helpful. I unplugged from TV about 5 years ago, and I now read, or practice guitar for worship, or search the Internet for edifying materials. I purged my music collection of music that wasn't Christ honoring. Led Zep, Black Sabbath, and Ministry gave way to Third Day, Jennifer Knapp, and Passion. Amen to sanctifying grace. My Pastor did a series on worldliness. Here is the article that may interest you:http://www.sovereigngraceministries.org/sgo/v20no4/donotlovetheworld.htmlThank you for your efforts to serve the kingdom.God bless,Dave

Brother Dave,Thanks for your suggestions. I will re-read and do some editing. I can definitely see you point. I think that when I initially started that article I actually did have a particular group of people in mind which ended up colouring my language that way. I just met a lady recently who goes to your church--if you go to the one in...is it Virginia? Anyway, she and her family drive an hour from Delaware to come there. She's originally from New Brunswick and they're good friends with our Pastor. Thanks again for your suggestions! meghan

Hey Meg,Thanks for your humility in considering my suggestions. It shows character and is a Godly trait.The church I go to is Covenant Life Church (CLC) in Gaithersburg Md. Joshua Harris (Author of "I kissed dating goodbye") is one of the Pastors there. The VA church is a church plant(or adoption)from this Gaithersburg location. Sovereign Grace Ministries does church-planting with a family of 60 churches in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Bolivia, Ethiopia, and the U.K. and is located on the grounds of CLC.God Bless,Dave

Hey, Repenter!I'd like to consider publishing what you wrote in either the August or September edition of my online magazine: send it to me in an e-mail if you want to give me free permission to use it. If you need to see the current edition of my online magazine first, go to Such Were Some Of You. My e-mail address is BuddyChan2@msn.com.

Anyone who can drive from Del. to VA in an hour is driving at odd hours, or fast, or dangerous (unless they are on DelMarVa!). I live around DC, so I know the traffic here. I will pray for them.I love the article, and the suggestions. Good work. I want to get rid of the family TV, but am too much of a coward, and still enjoy UT Vols football...

Hi. My name is Kathleen, and I was encouraged by your article. (Shalee is my 2 year old) It is so wonderful to learn there truly are others out there loving God and striving to grow in grace and obey his wonderful word. Too many think they can't live above sin, but My God is bigger than sin, and thus able to keep me from it. Loving Jesus means keeping his commandments. And he empowers us through the Holy Spirit to do that. Amen, I wonder if you'd mind if I printed your article out for myself to study further? Thanks, Kathleen

Hi Kathleen,Sorry for my late response, I haven't been on the pc for a couple of months! We moved back to Ontario from New Brunswick and have been crazy busy since! Please feel free to copy and distribute the article as much as you like :) God bless and keep you as you seek Him and obey what you find. meghan

I also am new here, but as I scanned your article I was encouraged to see that others share my concern for the church or people who call themselves Christians. You are ever so right that people too often look to the world for direction in life rather then the WORD of GOD. We quit getting a daily newspaper because we have internet access and felt it was a waste of money. Recently DH bought one and I was appalled with Dear Abby's column..in fact it was so bad I did not read it in its entirety. Now how many look to her for guidance or allow her to shape your opinion? Even a casual reading of her columns will influence you ....You are right on...God bless you. May we encourage each other to be faithful in face of opposition we are sure to encounter.

I'll agree with everyone else here that your article is simply superb and right on.

Hi my name is Dominic I have not watched TV in years and was bought up not having television, I have had years when I was addicted mainly to star trek and other stuff for so many years in my life and then decided not to watch television at all. I find it has revolutionized my life and made it like the bible.It is amazing how are appitites are dictated by what we watch. I have watched by buying habits move over from buying videos and clothes to spending money in the christian bookshop. I have studied Marketing and the big example used is James Bond. Companies pay mega money to advertize. What scares me how many christian books and christian music thou good is dictated by the worlds standards. Purify your hearts you double minded or another quote Love not the world or the things in the world because the love of the father is not in you We need to be pure in a wicked generation and to have a completly pure way of living I agree with the article Dom and wish someone would write a book about it Angyl wrote:I'll agree with everyone else here that your article is simply superb and right on. [font=Verdana]God bless you [/font]

Meghan,This is very well written and powerful! I think about this everytime I take my family to the grocery store and have to flip the magazine over so that my young boys do not have to be assulted at the checkout. Praise God for writing this and every Christian needs to read this. IN Christ,Doug

I think about this everytime I take my family to the grocery store and have to flip the magazine over so that my young boys do not have to be assulted at the checkout. the ole grocery store visual assault gauntlet .... what better place for Satan to attack Christians and continually program the minds of non-Christianswe've all gotta eat, don't we

Dear Repenter,I read your report. I didn't have to read very far to understand you. You seem burdened and tormented by unrighteousness. "the fear of the Lord is hate evil". Prov. 8You seem to fear God. I'm blessed to hear that. I live in Southern California (escondido.....near san diego) and, though this city is full of churches, I struggle to find hardly a glimpse of any evidence of a legitimate rejection of this world for the sake of Christ.......and I'm talking about those in the "church". It is an arrogant, self-serving, materialistic society with christian bumper stickers and weekly church attendence to justify what they picture as a "victorious life in Christ" but is really only the American dream at God's expense.....and to His mockery. It's literally nothing more than a subculture. Everyday I look at what is going on around me and I am filled with a frustrated sorrow to see my God mocked by the very lives of those who claim to be His.However, I'm not sure if you've thought about this or not, I know you hinted at it, but I want to maybe offer something to think about.When you look around you and you see the church behaving like the world, there's a reason for that- for the most part, they ARE the world. They may go to a church building, they may speak in "christian terms" and include God in everything they say, they may be pursuing ministry, they may be involved in various functions, they may have their own church, they may shead tears during songs, they may read their bible constantly and be in continual prayer, they may demonstrate 'gifts', they may be many things that seem "sincere", BUT.......Is it God Himself that they are after? They ,of course, would all declare that, but what do their lives demonstrate? What is the fruit they bear?I've grown up in "church" since day 1. I've been to many kinds of churches and established many, many relationships with people.....many of them staff members, pastors, and musicians. Growing up around them, I became like them, all the way into my early twenties. I know how they think and why they do the things they do because my life was just that. However, a couple years ago, God told me to leave "church" (which was hard cause I was on staff and it's been my whole life). Since then, He has been showing me what He's truly looking for out of man and His body. Even more, He's been showing me who He is and what it costs to follow Him.- Everything....including my life.The harsh reality that I had to come to accept was that the "church", as I had known it, is not HIS church. It's a building, a subculture, and man-made programs composed of many people with all sorts of agendas. (not to say that there aren't some sincere people out there). I've found that many people participate in "christianity" for various reasons. Many are attracted to a god that will prosper their carnal lives......and I mean MANY.Many are seeking a desireable life of "ministry"...aka, a career.Many are looking to showcase themselves in various ways with arts and talents.....and you know what, every church has a stage and an audience.Many are looking to "be okay" with God because their conscience is bothered over their self-seeking life.Many just don't want to go to Hell.Many are looking for an experience.Many want a good show.Many just like the "worship".Many just like the music.Many want to see miracles.Many people were raised in church and just love the traditions they've been raised with.Many just think it's a "good" thing to do.Many want to have some sort of spiritual power.Many are looking for a mate. Many are just looking for a social venue. The list could go on. But the question is, "who is looking for God Himself?"After a lifetime in church, I have seen with my own eyes(spiritual eyes) that very few are looking to leave all behind to follow the real God. I find that almost everyone I've met, (even the most polished), have their eyes set on something besides God and are apart of the whole thing because they find earthly benefit for themselves.........and claim that they are following God Himself and justify it by twisting scripture to their will. I know it, I did the same. I speak christianeze quite fluently. However, beyond all my words, my heart was self-seeking. They are following a god, but not the God of the Bible. How can I tell? Because their god caters to their flesh. Their god teaches them to call this earth a temporary "home". Their god doesn't demand a denying of the self but rather favors self-esteem. Their god loves money, exhibitionism, self-glory, numbers, fashions, business, big names, image, and a great life on earth. Their god wants to pack the gathering of the saints with sinners........(a popular method, but contrary to the whole bible.) Their god wants his children to flock to men to hear his words.Their god wants his children to follow men.Their god is concerned about earthly things. Their god wants them to compromise, but calls it "finding the balance" or "moderation". Their god doesn't slay their flesh and demand a life of pilgramage but is satified as long as church attendence and occasional prayer can fit into the American Dream. Their god is a false god. Their god is merely the priest that marries them to their true earthly loves.The God I've come to know is a jealous God.He NEVER appeals to the flesh, but only to the spirit.He despises that which is temporary and ONLY is concerned with that which is eternal.He does not glory in the strength of men but rather in their weakness.He does not provide hope in this life but rather for eternity.He hates when men seek a name for themselves at His expense. He hates men making money off of his Holy Name through CD's, clothing lines, stickers, books,ect. He loves when men become 'nobodies' that He can be seen through them.He desires to lead His children personally. (I Sam. 8, Matt. 23:8-10.)He slays the flesh of men by leading them away from their journey to become 'somebody' and demands it be left at the cross.He requires us to hate our lives on this earth and to not look back to Egypt, but to look only forward to the eternal.He is the real God, the God of the Bible, the God who will have His revenge on men who tried to get their way with Him and angered Him by claiming to the world that they are His.I believe with all of my heart that those who are looking for the person of God Himself, God reveals Himself to them.When God reveals Himself to them and they find "the desire of their heart" and follow Him, they will naturally bear fruit (the evidence of the Holy Spirit making them more like Jesus.)They will look like God's children because that's what they are.When you find yourself discouraged or upset when seeing a christian's eyes light up at the pleasures of this life.......it's most likely because they are not a christian. (I john 2:15) A tree will bear it's proper fruit. If they look like the world and seem to love this world.....it's because, most likely, they are.God's real children will bear fruit in the likeness of Jesus. God's real church, a global community of true pilgrems, will look and act like what christians should be- because, that's what they are.Repenter, I encourage you to pursue God's heart without compromise no matter what anybody says. But when you are discouraged about the conditions of the "church", you need to ask yourself, "beyond the external appearances, is this even His church?" Yes, God's real church is tempted by all the same things, however, their hearts do not love them.......and it will show. The allegiance they have to Christ will characterize their lives.....and you will know them by their fruit.If you seek "church", you will find "church"......and be disappointed in that you've only found man.But if you seek His kingdom, you will find His kingdom.........and thus, you will find His Church. The real children of God are out there. Not as many as I once thought, they have always been a remnent and persecuted by the religious masses, but they are out there.I appreciate your concern for God's name being properly represented. It's refreshing to hear. It's a jealousy you have for His name that He's put in your heart.Keep seeking His kingdom.a brother

Dear repenter, I have just read your article and thoroughly enjoyed it. I would ask permission to print it and perhaps give it out. I have studied Charles Finney's Systematic Theology and am convinced of the possibility for man to perfectly obey the commands of the Lord. The law of the Lord is the ultimate standard for a person. Since being thoroughly convinced of this I have had a conscience like an open wound. I cannot say that I have always perfectly obeyed God's laws, a shame to me, but I know God's grace to me, that he will lead me in the way of everlasting if I follow, and have always been quick to recover. I can see no hiding place for the sinner before God Almighty. No sinner shall say "It's my sin nature" "I couldn't help it" or "the taught it to be OK". If all doctrines that teach or imply the necessity of sin were stripped from a person then he could not help but blush.Randy

RandyJ,My computer was down for a while, thats the reason for no response to your last PM. If the "Law of the Lord is the ultimate standard for a person", how do you propose you are going to keep that standard? And for how long? Did you keep it today, perfectly in THOUGHT and deed? Is there a SOURCE of your righteousness that is apart from you? Are you the SOURCE of your own righteousness? Or do you DERIVE your desire to live righteously from your union with God?One more thing, to look on sinners with scorn and contempt, wether they are in the church or in the world is one of the greater sins, how do you evaluate your walk in this light?"I desire compassion and not sacrifice." Mt 9:13The Lord bless you

Dear Repenter,I think your article is great – I just wish I could find a preacher in a pulpit who says what you say. So far I have not been able to find one. That’s sad.Some years ago my wife and I:-\tgot rid of our TV-\tstarted dressing modestly / economically / not in a showing-off way-\tgot rid of all our secular music (we now listen only to conservative Christian music where the people are interested in you hearing their message rather than showing off what great musicians and singers they are)-\tStopped going to movies (it is immoral for actors to kiss each other when they are not married, therefore it is immoral for my wife and I to spend money on a movie where that happens. And that’s just about every movie you see – so that generally means that we don’t go to the movies at all).In case you are interested, a sermon called “Worldly Amusement and Christianity” by Catherine Booth (co-founder of the Salvation Army) is on a somewhat similar topic, is located here http://www.rescuepoint.org/WorldlyAmusement.htm if you are interested.God bless you for your article. May it be published far and wide, and may ministers of religion take note that we want them to guide us like your article guides us.God bless,Brian