Our blemished lambs

"And the LORD called unto Moses, and spake unto him out of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man of you bring an offering unto the LORD, ye shall bring your offering of the cattle, even of the herd, and of the flock. If his offering be a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD." Leviticus 1:1-3I am currently reading "The Essentials of Prayer" by E.M. Bounds. In chapter nine he talks about consecration and prayer and also religious standards. It got me thinking about the whole subject of presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice holy and acceptable unto God which is our reasonable service. I recall often in Leonard Ravenhill's messages that the alter was to be exclusively used for sacrifice and not just saying a prayer and going on our merry way.In the OT, the Israelites were to offer a sacrifice, be it of the herd or the flock, without blemish. How often, as followers of Christ do we offer blemished sacrifices. We give God our few hours on Sunday and a couple during the week and think that we are doing God a massive favour. What an injustice we do to our Lord and Saviour who "gave himself for us". Is not Christ worthy of all that we can give? (Not just our tithes and our Sunday morning, but our entire lives).It is staggering at what passes as biblical Christianity in these times. (I can only speak of Australia here). We are so worldly and carnal. We think that we can have one foot in the church and one in the world. The church of Jesus Christ is little more than a place of entertainment and emotionalism. (The music of the world is the culprit there, I am convinced, but that is possibly another thread topic.) And as Leonard Ravenhill is quoted as saying that "Entertainment is the devil's substitute for joy". If ever there is a time in which we need a vision of the Lord "high and lifted up" it is now. O for the day where He reveals himself in all his awesome majesty. Brothers and Sisters in Christ, may our offerings be without blemish and pleasing in his sight."Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee."

AMEN!It is staggering at what passes as biblical Christianity in these times. (I can only speak of Australia here)I will speak for America..in general, same problem.But, there are still some, I would say the overwhelming majority that are here on this site that long to be true disciples of our Lord, that will not accept superficial Christianity, a watered down version that plays to 'itching ears', a man rendering 'easy believeism'.Surely if we are walking with our Lord, would it not be with every breath, every minute of every day, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Are we not concious of the Spirit that dwells inside of us? Is not our very lives lived out before Him, that nothing escapes Him, not our thoughts nor our deeds? Do we practice the presence of God, pray continually and without ceasing? Do we see the world through the filter of God's eyes? Are we swayed by the world, the flesh, and the devil?Does Gods word dwell richly in our hearts?Are we God concious? At all times?Is He not concious of us, those He loves at all times, and always available if we come to Him, cry out to Him?Do we compartmentalize our Lord to Sunday's and a few hours or minutes during the week as stated?Is He first?Is He all?Do we remember the cost.....Do we remember the lost.....I am preaching to myself here....

"O Wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" Paul hit the nail on the head in the 7th chapter of Romans. America is worse than just "one foot in the church and one foot in the world". I cannot say we have but one toe in the church. Even the few scattered churches we have in america that do thrive on emotionalism and a little bit of God are hindered so much by the world they live in. Not even they truly believe. And I won't even mention the thousands of churches that sit in spiritual silence and sing empty hymns. God seeks those that desire him fervently, that truly "Love the LORD with all their heart, mind, soul and strength".Why do I like Ravenhill so much? On the back of his book I have, "Why revival tarries" it says, "Appalled by the disparity between the New Testament Church and what passes for the Church today, Ravenbill gives a no-compromise call to the principles of biblical revival." When I first got back in church after trying all the junk of the world, I decided I wanted God. I had heard enough of religion and those that follow religion enough to know that religion wasn't what I wanted, I wanted God. And I knew that the Bible was God's word. So first and foremost, I didn't listen to the wisdom of man, I threw out the "traditions of man". I didn't want to be listening to or preaching "enticing words of man's wisdom", but "demonstration of the spirit and power". *THAT* is God. Sadly, though, I was brought up in Church. I feel I have "taken on" some of the mental bonds that conventional christianity puts on people. I firmly believe, as another quote of Ravenhill's says, "Someday, someone will come along and read the bible, and believe it". The rest of that quote reads "and the rest of us will be embarrassed", but I believe the rest of us will reject it. I believe that person that comes along and believes the bible (not man's instruction or wordly wisdom) will cause the greatest revival known to mankind. Because he wasn't exposed to the pathetic teachings and sacred cows, traditions of men that we have woven into the bible. I don't know. Maybe it's just me. Maybe I'm wanting too much. But I know I'm not doing enough....-JW

And this is what I love about this site!Kindred spirits.I don't know. Maybe it's just me. Maybe I'm wanting too much. But I know I'm not doing enough....How did you climb inside my head? :-) !Seriously, I couldn't agree more."Someday, someone will come along and read the bible, and believe it". The rest of that quote reads "and the rest of us will be embarrassed", but I believe the rest of us will reject it. I believe that person that comes along and believes the bible (not man's instruction or wordly wisdom) will cause the greatest revival known to mankind. Because he wasn't exposed to the pathetic teachings and sacred cows, traditions of men that we have woven into the bible.The "rest of us" surely, maybe better stated 'most will', I think 'us' here on this site are truely after a real, honest, 'in spirit and truth' walk with our Lord. Tired of the fluff and superficial even hypocritical, we are rallying to our hearts cry for God's will, way, the 'old paths'. Thank God He lead Greg to start this site and preserve these men of God for us all to hear, it is like a breath of fresh air in a world clouded in pollution. 2 Timothy 4:3,4 could not be more true today if you tried.I am expecting my copy of Why Revival Tarries, possibily today (side note, ever notice Gregs ministry 'WRTbooks', W R T.....O.K., maybe I am a little slow)Anyway looking forward to finally getting to read it, prior to being lead to this site I had never even heard of Leonard Ravenhill, now I see why he is so higly esteemed here and have grown to love him as well (grown's not the right word, instantly would be better).Right now I am reading A.W. Tozers "The Pursuit of God" and I can not recommend it highly enough, it is speaking to me in a way that I cannot even express, it will be a book that I will be reading over and over again. There is an online version atThe Pursuit of GodLastly, Romans 7 is one of my favorite sections of scripture, just have to remember that there is Romans 8!One more thing, Zapthycat? What's the idea behind your 'name'? Just curious....Thanks for sharing_/crsschk\\_Mike

Quote:Even the few scattered churches we have in america that do thrive on emotionalism and a little bit of God are hindered so much by the world they live in.Indeed most of "professing" Christians are hindered by the world. What does it say in Romans 12:2 "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind..." This verse coupled with 1 John 2:15 are two of the most powerful statements in the word of God of the need of consecration.I think that this coupled with a lack of "fruits meet for repentance" is a major cause as to why the Church of Jesus Christ (or should I say Church of Man) is powerless and penniless when it comes to movings of the Holy Ghost.I am not sure if you have had a chance to read Albert Barnes' Commentary on Matthew 13:24-30. Talking about the enemy in the Lord Jesus' parable of the Wheat and the Tares he makes this observation.Satan thus sows false doctrine in darkness. In the very place where the truth is preached, and while the hearts of people are open to receive it, by false but plausible teachers he takes care to inculcate false sentiments. Often it is one of his arts, in a revival of religion, to spread secretly dangerous notions of piety. Multitudes are persuaded that they are Christians who are deceived. They are awakened, convicted, and alarmed. They take this for conversion. Or they find their burden gone; they fancy that they hear a voice; or a text of Scripture is “brought” to them, saying that their sins are forgiven; or they see Christ hanging on the cross in a vision; or they dream that their sins are pardoned, and they suppose they are Christians. But they are deceived. None of these things are any conclusive evidence of piety. All these may exist, and still there be no true love to God or Christ, and no real hatred of sin and change of heart. An enemy may do it to deceive them, and to bring dishonor on religion.Tragically this is what I see happening in this day in which we live. There is an alarming "disparity" between this age and the NT church as the blurb on Why Revival Tarries reminds us. To end my bumbling, I would like to leave the following scripture as "food for thought""For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" 1 Peter 4:17

To the Father’s amazement and astonishment his household rather attend to personal enrichment than engaging in solid intercession to bring forth a radical revelation of the Gospel of God’s intervention on behalf of the poor and oppressed. Justice has to turn away defeated. Justice has received a firm note of relegation into the background as a minor track in the common experience of the Church. Parts of the modern Church are proud to present themselves as being ”prophetic” but do not care to open their eyes and hearts to a world in pain. Parts of the Church engage in social issues but do not care to pick up and add to their many-faceted competence a prophetic tone and touch. Both camps are missing the mark simply by neglecting true fellowship with God in prayer. Righteousness is forced to hold aloof. This precious virtue of godliness has been reduced into insignificance. We find a Church out there who aspires to rulership. But the House of God is called to bring peace and righteousness to the scene by meekness and a humble heart. Righteousness is forced to hold aloof by our firm inclination to lordship. We hold on to our personal thrones claiming God’s righteousness and thereby losing every possibility to bear witness to grace and justice. Truth has no footing in the assemblies. Our churches are taken in by the folly of fantasy. God speaks blessings in abundance, they say, to a Church whose focus is personal and collective affluence. God’s face reflects astonishment. No one, no man, moves in to intervene, to intercede, to speak up, to bring firm rebuke. The Father’s house is a fellowship in which every part is engaged in an outpouring of the Father’s love, agape love, a love that never keeps anything to himself. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of grace and supplication, Zech 12:10. He is also the Spirit of power, love and discipline, 2 Tim 1:7. His power overrules timidity. It is present within to help keep on keeping on. It is present within to bring encouragement when you feel like giving in. He is ever present to teach the love that never keeps anything to itself. He is ever present to teach Christ to our hearts. He is present within to establish sound judgment and moderation - discipline. His discipline puts an end to the folly of fantasy. It puts an end to vanity and the craving for affluence. His discipline turns our hearts to see the needs of the poor and afflicted in every region of our world, but it also makes us able to stay focused on the special areas which we are called to give ourselves to.From Intercession spells interventionBy Lars Widerberg

Well, I was just speaking my mind. I didn't know I was speaking someone else's also :)Quote:"I think 'us' here on this site are truely after a real, honest, 'in spirit and truth' walk with our Lord. Tired of the fluff and superficial even hypocritical, we are rallying to our hearts cry for God's will, way, the 'old paths'. Thank God He lead Greg to start this site and preserve these men of God for us all to hear, it is like a breath of fresh air in a world clouded in pollution."I'm not aware of "Greg" but, I do thank him for starting this site. It's incredible. I was grateful to, right when I got back into church and decided to put give my life to God fully, that my pastor gave me "why revival tarries" and asked me to read it. At the time I knew, but could not focus on, what I disliked in the "church" of today... it wasn't like the bible. But after reading the book, I was astounded... it spoke directly to my heart! I couldn't believe someone would, or could, stand up so boldly and proclaim the truth with such fervency and zeal! And the way he mentions Paul and Elijah, like they were real people, like *WE COULD OR SHOULD* be like them TODAY... that just shocked me. All these little chains that had my mind tethered with thoughts of normalicy and complacency with the world were broken, and now I think in terms of BIBLICAL revival, not just church revival. I do believe those that flock to this website are truly desiring the "no frills" form of christianity preached by many of the men of God on this website. We want the GOD of the bible, the unadulterated pure gospel as it is preached. We want to live the bible. I don't even know where Greg dredged up some of these sermons, but I care that they are here. Apart from the Bible, "Why Revival Tarries" is the best book anyone could ever read in my opinion, and if you regard A. W. Tozier's book so highly, I will have to check that out as well. But one thing is for certain... our hearts are BURNING with passion for a revival of "God" Proportions. O to set this nation on fire!I wonder what would/could happen if this site had some sort of a "convention" or prayer meeting somehow.... I see you live in Santa Clara, I'm out in Livermore. Whew. I find that I cannot listen to the sermons on here at night, for I cannot sleep then. The conviction bears on me... that I must preach to the lost. And yet, I would not trade the calling of God for any and all of the riches of this world. It's been offered me.....-JW

Zapthycat.Whew!Even as I write, the hair is standing up on my arms, my flesh is breaking out in that fashion that resembles chicken skin before it's cooked!Where to start.....Just received my copy of "...Tarries",(probably will have to start that today) and am still absorbing Tozers book and the lofty view of God he portrays....God seems so near lately, I can't really put it into words, tears yes, of joy and some of sorrow, but more of the former...Actually there are a few. Astounding! (the one you used) Awesome! Mighty! All Powerful! High and lifted up!The last couple of weeks have been just incredible, like a grand pardigim shift in my mind and heart...I am painfully aware of not getting to high, over emotional (1 Cor 10:12)..but, the Holy Spirit is working through these things I am reading, listening to and even the classic phrase of "scriptures jumping out at you" like a veil being torn off and ...revelation!Just a single word or sentence in scripture I have read many times, suddenly becomes alive. For instance this morning 1 John 3:1- "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!It's as if you can hear John bubbling over with enthusiasm as he is yelling it out loud for all to hear! "Me!, you!, children of the living God! What an honor! What an incredible thing this is! It's ASTOUNDING!"All these little chains that had my mind tethered with thoughts of normalicy and complacency with the world were broken, and now I think in terms of BIBLICAL revival, not just church revival.That is profound, I love that! Now this is what really got me,I wonder what would/could happen if this site had some sort of a "convention" or prayer meeting somehow.... I see you live in Santa Clara, I'm out in Livermore.Crazy as it sounds, I have thought about exactley the same thing! Could you imagine! Logistically, it would have to be a work of God...best I can tell, we are (the 'main' contributors, anyway)in Ca, Texas, Missouri, New York, Fl, New England, Toronto, Sweden, The UK,..this is just off the top of my head, sorry if I forgot any.(Australia!) (Edit)Interesting that we had similar thoughts on this...Hmmmm!In the short run, Todd is also near by us and I have had some conversations with him, basically I am in the middle between you guys....mini-convention?I think I am catching on fire, Lord let it engulf me!

crsschk,So you have never read 'Why Revival Tarries"?Just wait my friend, just wait!!!PJ

All right, that does it, I am going to go lock myself in a closet!.... :-D Thanks PJ, this ought to prove to be interesting, since Tozers "Pursuit of God" has just gripped me unlike few I have read ( I am actually savouring this in small doses, selah for a change as opposed to my usual gluttonous approach ;-) ) and plan on re-reading it, over and over again, alongside WRT.....Will crsschk burst into flames?! :-D

I was really intreged with Lars Widerbergs writings, is there a possible web link that can offer more? thanks scott

crsschk wrote:I am actually savouring this in small doses, selah for a change as opposed to my usual gluttonous approach If your experience with WRT is anything like mine, you will only be able to take it in small doses. It's kind of like this... Read and pray, read and repent, read and pace the floor, read and pray, read and repent, etc,etc,etc. and plan on re-reading it, over and over again, alongside WRT.....Will crsschk burst into flames?! It a strong possibility!Stay hungry and guard what God is doing with all your heart!One who shares your fire,PJ

along side a few tozer books and it stirred me so muchThis is going beyond strange....I was just discussing this with my wife, I will have to start a new post once I can flesh out my thoughts.....as a teaser..."coincidences?"

By the way, which Tozer books?

Your killing me!I don't know if you picked up on it since you have been back, but I have been just besides myself about "Pursuit of God" (about 3/4's of the way through) and blabbing incestantly about it in the forum.Thanks for the link.

Hi PJ,If your experience with WRT is anything like mine, you will only be able to take it in small doses. It's kind of like this... Read and pray, read and repent, read and pace the floor, read and pray, read and repent, etc,etc,etc.So far I can see your thinking! Just getting started....Stay hungry and guard what God is doing with all your heart!Amen.Thanks PJ

So you received WRT eh? I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Read it. Read it the whole way through. Let it infect you and convict you.Like I said before, if I read it at night (most of my free time is at night time) I can't sleep, so I need to start setting aside time in the mornings to read it. I'd like to read a chapter every day for the rest of my life to keep it freshA convention would indeed be something cool to look into. Mini-convention, fellowship, prayer meeting, idea gathering, whatever. I fully admit that finding people that truly are wanting to "give their all" are hard to find, most everyone that I meet or know are in the same rut that I was in... give time Sundays and Wednesdays, have a little bible reading prayer or devotional every day of the week, but not truly LIVE IT LIKE THE BIBLE. If God has done so much for me, if he has purchased my life from sin with his own blood... shouldn't he have my full life to do as he wills with it? I sooooo want to be consumed, every fiber of my being ungulfed with a passion, burden, OBSESSION to do the things of God. If you only knew what he brought me from! I'm sure we all have our testimoney's, but my testimoney is MINE and no one can understand it like me, likewise your testimoney is YOURS, and no one can understand it like YOU. I was surfing and I found a quote from John Wesley: "Give me 100 preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not a straw whether they be clergy or laymen; such alone will shake the gates of hell and set upthe kingdom of Heaven on earth."WOW. I firmly believe that 100 men could and would do that... and I am ashamed that I have not consecrated myself enough to be one of those 100 men. God, stamp eternity on my eyeballs......-JW