PLAGIARISM FROM THE PULPIT

Plagiarism from the Pulpit                                                      April 7, 2012

               (See also, http://biblicalclarity-don.blogspot.com/)

      The recent accusations and subsequent admission of plagiarism
from an eminent pastor,has raised questions among persons within
and without the Christian  community.  The first response I had was
"so what."  The very next  suggestion was, "if  the message is good
the source is not important."  As we look  closer,  we  find  this con- 
clusion to  be invalid.  The first  issue concerns  the  integrity of  the 
Pastor. The admission of guilt was not  forthcoming until  there was 
a  challenge from the congregation.  When  anyone in  public forum 
uses  someone  else's  material,  credit  must  always  be  given  the 
author.  If  the credit  is not  forthcoming,  the  material is then to be 
assumed  as original.  When Scripture  is used,  book,  chapter, and 
and verse are identified.  While  the integrity of  the  Pastor is called 
into question and  his indolence established,  there is an even grea-
ter issue.  Why is source the overriding issue in the matter?  

     Today's Pastors are modern day prophets in a strict sense.  Our
Ministers of  the Gospel of Jesus Christ serve in the prophetic tra- 
dition of the Old Testament. If one does not have an understanding 
of the  nature of  Old Testament  Prophets, he  cannot  understand 
Ministers of the Gospel.  Prophets  of the Old Testament were said
to have a  message directly from  the Lord God.  When  they spake 
publicly in their role as Prophet, they spoke the Words of God. Not 
only were the words inspired of God, at times they spoke of things 
to  happen in  the future.  While modern day "Prophets, " Ministers, 
have a word from the Lord,  it originates from Scripture. Today, the 
ministers of the Gospel do not normally claim to  have a Word from 
the  Lord that  is unique to Him as did  Old Testament  Prophets.  If, 
however, the message is researched  from Scripture by that Pastor, 
and he has  leadership from the  Spirit of  Jesus Christ in selecting, 
preparing,  and  delivering  the  message,  it is a  message  from the 
Lord.  Although the message  may not be original with the minister, 
it is no less powerful. The  minister of  today differs from a Prophet 
of the Old Testament in that his  message is old, proven and accep- 
ted  by the church  community as a word from  the Lord;  it squares
with Scripture and has the power of the living God behind it.  

   Prophets of the Old Testament, or Old Covenant, often had a mes-
sage from God previously unknown.  It  is true, however;  ministers
of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, today, are able through leadership of
the Holy Spirit, to come up  with truthes deeply embedded in Scrip-
ture  that are new to his audience, who have not had that particular
message from God.  After all, when we expound Scripture in power
and the presence of the Lord, it is a "Living Word."  It must be fresh
and new,  even to the teacher.  That is one question we have with a 
teacher or minister who teaches from notes  of an "old" sermon.  It
may be easier, and less time consuming,  but with me it suggests a
question. 

     The issue we have  with today's  prophet getting messages from 
a  source other than Scripture, is the lack of power in the message, 
since it did not originate in the mind of Christ.  Secondly,  since the 
message is not of the Spirit of the Lord God, there is no integrity in
the message nor  the messenger. The message must originate and 
receive it's power of the Spirit.  How do we know the word from the
modern day prophet is of the Lord?  There is a test singularly accu- 
accurate every time;  as the message preached squares with God's 
written  Word, the Bible.  If a message from the "prophet" is  in line 
with the teaching of  Scripture it may then be  accepted as from the 
Lord.  Another;  the  power test.  God has  promised that  His Word 
would  not  return  unto him  without  having  accomplished  Divine 
intention or  result.  The second test is subjective,  but used in con- 
junction with the first, there  is further confirmation of  it's  validity.

    
  One final test, even more subjective than the second; the common 
sense test.   Is  the message preached,  when compared with Scrip- 
ture, a reasonable and adequate explanation of  the passage of the 
Scripture to which the  prophet refers.  Every message from one of 
God's modern day  prophets must be accompanied  by a proof text 
from the Word of  God and is  consistent with that text.  

       Hebrews 4: 12,    "...For the Word of  God is quick, and  powerful, 
       and  sharper  than any  two-edged  sword,  piercing  even  to the 
       dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, 
       and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  kjv  
      (The word, quick, here is used to mean "alive" or "lively."
 
    A Pastor of 40 years experience once asserted to me that he would not 
have  anyone take  from him the  privilege of searching  the Scriptures for 
a word from the Lord to bring to God's people.  May he be blessed of God 
and may his tribe increase.                          
                             edited 1.19.13                                donporter   8.23.12  

THERE IS NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN...

"The thing that hath been, is that which shall be; and that
which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no
new thing under the sun." Ecclesiastes 1: 9 

     Herein is a series of articles/Bible studies that  speak of  living a life 
in Christ, beyond limitations we place upon ourselves as mere mortals.
It  shows my  conviction that  the Child of God,  as we know him in this
21st  century  as weak,  frustrated  and  powerless,  is an  anomaly.   A 
true Child of God, who understands his Spiritual birth right, lives with
the assurance  of  resources  available  beyond the  experience of  one 
who, in the flesh, lives with only earthly aspirations.

      The series  reflects three areas of observation: 
The first is a lifetime of exposure to the Scripture under the teaching 
of Godly pastors, Sunday School teachers,  seminar  leaders,  reviva-
lists, college professors and the experience of rubbing shoulders with 
men of God from all  walks of life.  It was established  early  in life by 
parents who were  believers,  founded on  a strong Spiritual heritage.   
From the example and teaching of these resources,  faith in God and 
His Word have always been part of my life.  It was not always demon-
strated in my life,  but the foundation  laid was there and undeniable.
Even  those who professed to  know the same  Father in Heaven,  but 
proved false, never cast doubt on the ingrained  knowledge.  God has 
been  faithful even  when we  were not.  Disappointed in an apparent 
brother?  The Word of  God says to refuse to  place  faith in flesh and 
blood.  Discrepancies in the life of  a  fellow believer is always oppor-
tunity to prove the Word  of God to be true and accurate. Even when
I have fallen,  the experience has been an opportunity to grow a faith 
in the one who does not condemn, but forgives in every instance.  He
is always  faithful even if  I  am  unfaithful.  This does not  excuse my 
failures.  Restoration of fellowship with my Lord has been contingent 
on my turning from error/sin back to Him in faith.  (Repentance)

The second of these personal  experiences is  observation of per-
sons around us, every day,  who do not  name the name of  Christ or 
have taken that name in vain.  When we see the shattered lives, and 
wrong decisions;  how they become victim to every evil coming their 
way, this proves God’s faithfulness in a negative  sense.  As  we have 
exposure to the truth of God's Word and in the world around us,  we 
observe  many  going to pieces,  mucking up  their lives,  and making 
shipwreck of their children’s lives, our faith in God is confirmed. 
                  “But for  the grace of  God there go I.”  
The most telling symptom of an earth bound individual is short sigh-
ted  goals.  His  long  term  goals  are  for  10-50  years.  The  Child of  
God has one long-term  goal.  It is life with no end.  The saddest per-
son is one with  genuine greatness who is self-effacing in service but 
does not know my Heavenly Father, in Jesus Christ.  Noteworthiness 
nor “greatness,” will do none good in eternity and he will, sadly inhe-
rit a fate similar to  the worst evil doer.  When  this is observed,  faith 
in God is strengthened, since a relationship with the Heavenly Father 
is not based on greatness nor merit.

     Finally, the last personal observation proving faith in God to be the 
only sane way to make it through this life into the next is the Word of 
God.  I gave Bible  reading a passing  nod and study a  promise,  until 
with maturity when it became my life’s bread.  Having faith in God as 
a reality does not become the focus of one’s life until personal morta-
lity is accepted.  When I  became serious in study of the Bible,  (In no 
sense do I claim scholarship in my personal,  practical study of  Scrip-
ture.) my life was transformed and I found myself in the blessed state 
of having resources beyond myself.  These  resources are  available in 
this life and the next.  I do not have to qualify for them by a righteous-
ness of my own.  The righteousness of  Jesus  Christ has  qualified me 
to inherit from the wealth and resources of the One who  created and 
owns it all.  When  we engage in serious,  consistent  digging  into this 
Word, all beliefs we held for a lifetime come to the  fore in our aware-
ness.  Until we realize total dependency upon  the Deity, faith is   just
a word we toss around.  Our former relationship with  the Father was 
like taking two aspirin for  a malignant  growth,  expecting a complete 
healing.  Half measures do not work in other issues of life.  Why then,
should we expect them to work in the Spiritual or Eternal?  I dare say 
most of us spend more time planning a two week vacation than  in the 
preparation for our inevitable, eternal voyage.

My prayer is for the Lord’s blessing upon this effort;  That it be a tool 
of  blessed encouragement to the reader as well  as a challenge  to con-
sistent  and  purposeful  study  of  God’s  Eternal  Word.  Personal,  in-
depth, Spirit led Bible study is the only means to a full and meaningful
life on earth and eternal life in God’s presence.  Until one is obediently 
faithful in  the study of  the Word of  God,  he cannot enjoy  assurance
that comes from walking with the Lord in close personal fellowship.  I 
must understand He is within me, working to do His will and  his good 
 pleasure.  He has promised in,  Philippians 1: 6, to complete the work 
He began  in us.   “...being  confident of  this very thing,  that  He  who
has  begun a good  work in you will  complete it until  the day of  Jesus 
Christ”  

     Know of a surety,  He keeps  His word.  This  kind of  faith is a must 
to sustain one along this temporal voyage we call  life and take each of 
us into eternity without fear of  the unknown eternal void out there for
all who refuse the proffered hand of Jesus Christ.  AMEN

http://biblicalclarity-don.blogspot.com/2012/11/take-acid-test-matthew-5-43-48.html

8.24.12,  edited, 11.12.14   donporter,sr

     

STRUGGLES OF A CHILD OF GOD

"STRUGGLES OF A CHILD OF GOD                 (Matthew 6:19-34)

 Probably, one of the most quoted (misapplied) passages of the
Scripture is verse 33 from this passage in Matthew. We will not
discuss  just how it is misused  for our purposes here,  but it is
sufficient to say,  there are some who appear to depend on this
particular verse without understanding the true meaning or the 
application.  We will discuss an apparent application of the pas-
sage and a true understanding  of  verse 33, 

“But seek ye first the Kingdom of  God, and his righteousness, 
  and all these things shall be added unto you.”

     The most important  fact  pertaining to  this passage of  Scripture is  
the Author of the words. He is none other than  the Lord Jesus Christ, 
creator of heaven and earth and  sovereign ruler of  His universe.  His 
words have an authority we  find in none other.  We must  listen/heed 
His  words,  but it seems in this  age in  which we live,  His word is not  
valued  by the  majority.  Turn  to  the text  to see  if  we can determine 
just what was  said  and what action we  must take as  we review truth 
of  His words in the Word.  Truth  is truth  whether  or  not it is respec-
ted or valued.    
       
     We are  informed or warned against hoarding earthly possessions, 
because of  the transitory nature of  the things  experienced with our 
five senses.  We are  then  advised  to engage in  accumulating "trea-
sure" of eternal value, since the thoughts of our hearts are possessed 
of treasure, wherever and whatever  it may be.  The next three verses 
seem not to fit until we come to  the last sentence; verse 24. The plain 
statement is;  we cannot  serve God  and earthly  wealth at  the same 
 time.  He goes  on to say,  if we  spend energy  accumulating  earthly 
possessions,  we "hate" the Lord God.  That  seems a  little  strong for 
our culture  in the U. S. A., but it's  God's  word  and  applicable.  The 
next  part of  the  passage,  verse 24-30,  seems even more out of  step 
with our culture.  A condensed  version  might  read;   Do not be con-
cerned about food, clothing or  shelter,  since God provides just as he 
cares for birds of the field. This is  tied  to questioning of our faith in  
God and  is so  out of  step with  the current mindset as to seem "ridi-
culous" to those of us who have  believed we  must work  hard to pro-
vide  for  our families and "God helps  those  who  help  themselves." 
(Often ascribed, in error, to Scripture)

  In 1 Thessalonians 4: 11-12, "...and that ye study to be quiet,
       and to do you own business, and to work with  your own 
      hands as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly
      toward them that are without , and that ye may have need 
      of nothing.

   In Ecclesiastes 9: 10 we find;  "Whatsoever thy hand findeth
        to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work nor device,
    nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

          Romans 14: 23-a;  "...whatsoever is not of faith is sin."
         This verse seems to be a key to the whole thing.  What-
         ever we do, we must do it in faith without wavering, then 
          our doing will be blest.  God will honour His Word.

I have spent the greater part of my life, as a churchman and "Chris-
tian."  It had never occurred to me that spending time providing the 
material possessions for my family might be an issue.  I had thought 
food, shelter and clothing for my family and occasional luxuries was
my responsibility.

According to this passage,  I have  been  negligent  teaching the most 
important and needful thing; absolute, unwavering faith in the faith-
fulness of my Lord to provide those  things.  The catch is, with things 
Spiritual,  if we are busy  trying to do  the  things God  can, will,  and 
desires to do, He will  not  display His power.  He  will  not  provide if 
we persist in  working against Him.  When  we  give  serious conside-
ration to this issue, are you and I guaranteed the ability  to work and  
 provide these  things?  Would not  the provision be  more  sure if we  
worked with Him, rather than against our  Lord?  He has desire and  
ability  to  guarantee  this  provision,  if  we  seek  first  His  Kingdom  
and  His  righteousness,  rather  than  seeking  material  possessions 
and "going about trying  to establish our own righteousness." 
    "But we are all as an unclean thing,  and all our righteousness
      are as filthy rags..."    Isaiah 64: 6

      We then come to verses  31 through 33 and  find  we should not 
overly concern  ourselves with  these issues,  but  give  ourselves to
to Kingdom issues or eternal matters.  We are not to spend our gifts 
or talents on  mundane matters,  but should  seek the  prosperity of 
the Kingdom of God, accept His gift of righteousness; not go about 
trying to establish a  righteousness of  our own.  According  to His  
Word, as we put Kingdom interest first in our lives and accept  His
righteousness,  He will abundantly supply our every need.

       One day we will stand before our  Lord and  He  will question us 
on obedience or  disobedience to  Matthew 6: 33.  Will  we  have the 
temerity to excuse  ourselves;  tell Him we did not  believe He really 
meant what He said;  will we be struck dumb without excuse before 
a Holy God who will  exact  retribution  against  those who  rebelled  
against His Word?  We must always keep in  mind;  God is not sepa-
rated from His word. They are one and the same.  If we do  not keep 
the Word,  we are in  rebellion against  Holy God,  and  He  does not 
take that lightly.

     What then,  is one to do  with the Scripture stating that  one who 
will not provide for his family is  "worse than an infidel"?  There is
more  than  one way  to provide  for one's  family.  The  Scripture  is 
clear;  "faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." 
Our response to Mt 6: 33 must be positive.  Our Lord will not honor 
the double minded or in the vernacular; one who attempts to "strad-
dle the fence."  As  Spirit led  Children of God,  we must  commit to 
trust our Lord in every situation, knowing from His word  that faith 
comes from in-depth knowledge of the Scripture.  

    How then,  does one  come to the   place to practice  Matthew 6: 33?  
If faith is enhanced by  knowledge of God's Word, and a strong faith is 
required  to put this principle to  work in our lives, we  provide for our 
families God's way.  Then the best way to provide for one's family is to 
"Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these 
things (earthly needs) will  be added  to you."  It is  that plain.  In other
words, why  would we  wish to frame it in "other words?"   
                                                                      donporter 8-22-12,  edited 11.12.14

THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS, MATTHEW 6

The Power of Forgiveness          (Matthew 6: 12, 14)          June 7, 2003

                 "And forgive us our trespasses as we
           forgive those who trespass against us."
 

   A “rule of thumb” is something one does in every situation, as it
          applies. 

So, a good rule of thumb might be, “always forgive,” period.  Immedia-
tely upon discovering  Scripture concerning  forgiveness in the “Lords 
prayer,”  verses 12 and 14,  we realize  forgiveness  is  basic  to a  right 
relationship to our  God and our  fellowman.  We miss  this one princi-
ple and all is lost.  It is plain;  if we fail to  forgive  others, our God will 
not  forgive us.  There are  other  considerations,  but  this  is the most 
important.   Forgiveness  of  our  sins through  faith in  our Lord Jesus 
Christ is  the basic  tenet of  Scripture  relating to  the new birth.   It is 
our entree into  eternal  life.  This is  what  Christ’s  life, death, burial, 
resurrection,  ascension and  intercession are  all  about.  His incarna-
tion was for  the express  purpose of  redeeming,  through forgiveness, 
the lost, you and me.   This is  accomplished  through a heart  belief in 
the Savior; that God has raised him from the dead, publicly confessing
Him to  be Lord.  (Romans 10: 9-10) 
        "That if  thou shalt  confess with  thy mouth  the  Lord Jesus, 
         and  shalt  believe  in thine  heart  that God  has  raised  him 
         from  the dead,  thou shalt be saved.  For with the heart man  
         believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession 
         is made unto salvation."  
         This is not God's "simple" plan for salvation, but it is plain.  

     The other considerations  mentioned concern our relationship with 
others  who inhabit  planet earth and our own  mental and emotional 
health and well  being.  Not only will the Lord  refuse  to offer forgive-
ness of our sin, rendering us outside redemption, there are the penal-
ties  of   fractured  relationships with  others and  emotional  stability.  
Mental health professionals have long held that  unresolved personal 
conflict  is the  single most  important  factor  in  emotional  instability.  
In other words,  if you or I were to practice immediate  forgiveness of 
any who offend us, the most important  cause of emotional  instability 
would be a non-factor in our lives. 

It is obvious that bitterness, hatred,  jealousy and the like have  detri-
mental effects on the one who harbors such feelings.  To be noted; my 
bitterness toward, hatred for,  or  jealousy of  another has  no adverse 
effect  upon  the object of  my  emotions.  Forgiveness,  by  it’s  nature, 
cleanses us of all these negative factors.
       
  How does this discipline become a part of my live?  If you or I make 
it a practice to forgive no matter the situation, and do this on our own, 
we will fail miserably.  It is impossible, on our own, to forgive one who 
has  wronged us  greatly;  at times  even  minor  offenses are  handled 
poorly and  become issues with us.  The  answer is  to forgive  by faith. 
According to God’s Word, if we have issues  effecting our relationship  
with our fellowman, we must take them to the Lord and through faith,
draw upon His wisdom, strength and love to resolve them.  
    "Without faith it is impossible to please God..."    Hebrews 11: 6
                "...Faith without works is dead."   James 2: 20

          "I know both how to be abased, and I know how to  abound: 
               every where and in all things I am instructed to be full 
                and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
            I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth  me."
                                         (Philippians 4: 12-13) 

     The Apostle Paul, in this passage indicates, we are able to meet any 
challenge in the strength of our Lord.  There  is yet a key to  the  prac-
tice,  and it is shown in the same letter,  chapter,  verses 1-9.  It seems 
there  were a  pair of  ladies of  the  church  at  Philippi  with an  issue. 
There are no details of the problem,  but the Apostle lists some things,  
following the plain statement. The first is rejoice. If one is in a state of 
rejoicing,  he will overlook the small things that cause difficulty in the 
lives of persons looking for reason to be grumpy or difficult. Next, is to 
be gentle. “A soft answer turns away wrath.”  As we look  further, “the 
Lord is at  hand.”  Nothing will cause us to overlook minor offenses as  
will the discipline of living in the presence  of  our  Savior  day by day. 
He then advises us to release our anxiety and take  them to  the  Lord  
in prayer,  resulting  in the peace of  God in  heart and  mind.

    Finally, the Apostle gives advice on our thought  life.  If we are to be 
at peace with our God and our fellowman, we must keep our minds on
positive  virtues;  resisting  negative  thoughts.  The list goes; think of
truth, nobility, justice, purity, beauty, virtue, and praise. In the midst 
of the list  he gives  good advice.  Listen to  conversation  that  uplifts;
refuse gossip that tears down.  (The latter, implied)  Then reminds us 
to  practice things we have learned from our leaders, and he promises 
the presence of God as results.  If  you or I  fail to  practice timely for-
giveness to  those who  "seem" to do  us  wrong,  we are not imitating 
Jesus Christ as He hung on  the cross saying; “Father, forgive them..”   
Has anyone wronged you as Christ was wronged? 
           (There is always the possibility that the wrong perceived on 
                       our part is just that, and no wrong at all.)

Consider some of the benefits of  instant or timely forgiveness.  If you
and I are consistent in this practice, walk with  our God is uninterrup-
ted and we find peace with our fellowman and with God.  We avoid the
bitterness that comes with any protracted failure  to  forgive.  Another 
benefit is the ability to meet neighbors,  family  members or any other 
acquaintances with genuine cordiality as must be a  part of the life of
a child of God.  There is also  emotional and  physical stress we avoid, 
since our insides do not constrict upon a casual meeting with acquain-
tances.  Finally, we leave the legacy to our offspring  who learn  more
more from us by observation than formal instruction. There are other  
benefits to  timely  forgiveness,  but  the  most  important is  the state-
ment in Scripture:
    “...if  you do not  forgive men  their trespasses, neither  will  your
             Father  forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6: 14b)  

      If your  trespasses are not  forgiven by the Father,  you are still in 
sin, separated  from God and eternal  life.  One other  observation,  if 
we, calling ourselves the Children of God, are not freed from this sin, 
is there not the good possibility we are not  dead to sin and are there-
fore still it’s servant?   The failure to forgive in every instance is sin...  
There  may be those who say God  did  not really mean we  would  be 
condemned  to  everlasting  destruction  because we failed to  forgive  
another.   It seems plain, this is just what  He said.  Should we be wil-
ling to risk all, on the assumption of a flawed theology, especially con-
sidering the immeasurable benefit of life lived with a forgiving Spirit?
                                                                                   
  "Have faith in God.  For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall 
    say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the 
    sea;  and shall  not doubt in his heart,  but shall believe  that those 
    things which he saith shall come to pass;  he shall have whatsoever 
    he saith.  Therefore,  I say unto  you,  what things soever ye desire, 
    when ye pray, believe that ye receive then,  and ye shall have them.  

   And when ye stand praying, for give, if ye have ought against any:  
  that your Father also, which is in heaven may forgive you your tres-
  passes.  But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in 
  heaven forgive your trespasses."  
                                                                                       Mark 11: 22b-26

   It has been implied; if we meet the Lord's conditions in a matter, 
He is obliged to act on our behalf.  It is evident, however; our Lord 
is waiting,  with anticipation  for  one to meet  requirements as  set  
forth in the Word, in order for our Lord to do for that one just what  
He was wanting to in the first  place.  He does not act from compul-
sion, but of  joy in the doing.  The burden is always on you and me.  
It is certainly not a  burden for the Lord to do anything  for one of
His children.  On the contrary, it is a pleasure because of his great 
love for us.  Is there one among us who would claim the promise in 
the text.  It's so far removed from the way we think, we cannot con-
sider  ourselves able to exercise this  kind of faith.  Faith that asks 
and expects our Lord, on our behalf,  to move mountains.  There is 
a caveat  we must consider.  Just as in  the act of the  giving of our 
means to  the Lord,  it  is required  that we  be a "cheerful  giver,"  
not as one who gives of compulsion.  So,  in performing  righteous 
acts in the Kingdom of God and having the Lord reward those acts, 
requires they be done with hilarity, or with joy. We never serve our 
Lord out of compulsion, but out of a humility and appreciation for 
the great sacrifice He made on our behalf and in faith, with desire 
to please  Him,  in the  Name of our Lord,  Jesus  Christ.  When we 
meet the  conditions,  he acts.  Just ask and  believe  and it  will be 
forthcoming,  as we  pray according to  His  will.  "...We  have  the
mind of Christ..."   (See I Corinthians 2: 15-16)

             "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the 
                   evidence of things not seen."  Hebrews 11: 1 

              "...Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he
                   who comes to God must believe that He is and that 
                   He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. 
                                                                       Hebrews 11:6 

            edited 12.1.14                         donporter 11.08.12    

     





 

HE THAT WINNETH SOULS IS WISE...

"...He That Winneth Souls is wise."    Proverbs 11: 30       July 6, 2003

    This plain statement from the book of Proverbs is timeless.  There 
can be no inter-personal activity more important than assisting a fel-
low being along the road to knowing God through a personal relation-
ship with Jesus Christ.  The second is  making a disciple of  that one.  
There are certain prerequisites to this activity. Since there are many 
approaches available to us in the endeavor, we must always seek out 
the best means for each unique situation. (Person)  Let’s discuss the 
factors that must be present in the life of one who would witness  for
Jesus Christ; a “winner” of souls.

    Foremost, the witness must have a vital, dynamic relationship with 
the one to whom he would introduce  the prospective  believer.  That 
relationship must be empowered  by  the Holy Spirit of  God and  the 
vitality must spring from  the  consistent study of  God’s Word and a 
deep abiding faith in Christ.  At times a new believer in Christ will be 
likely to be enthusiastic to share Christ with a  friend and possibly to 
everyone he meets,  the wisdom  needed  to tell of Christ and  subse-
quently disciple the convert,  suggests the  new  convert has need of 
assistance from a  mature Child of God  in  order to approach one on 
this subject.  It seems obvious a new  believer would not  be of assis-
ting another recent believer to maturity.  In some settings,  new con-
verts are paired with  more  mature saints.  Where  this is  not  prac-
ticed, there will be slow  development and  possibly failure.  There is 
also potential for discouragement of  new converts  who are not pro-
perly “discipled,” and  therein  lies one trap  leading to 10% or  less 
in  the follow-through of  new believers.  It  is  possible the new con-
vert  who  would  witness,  knows  nothing of  the work  of  the  Holy 
Spirit and is powerless to  bring  a  seeker  to  conviction of  sin  and 
repentance.  He  just  might  try to  communicate  Christ  in  a capri-
cious manner instead of  waiting on the Lord for Divine direction.

     There is also this;  a new convert must not be paired with one
who is a "nominal" believer, who is not filled with the Spirit and
would be a  discouraging factor to  the enthusiasm of one who is
an enthusiastic novice.   

     Since our Lord in His wisdom  has predetermined  good works 
for us to do, we must only share Christ  in evangelist effort at His  
direction.  If one does not wait on the Lord, moving at His decree,
he is in the flesh, not in the Spirit of  God.  Our Lord cannot bless 
the “works of  flesh,” and  is active on our  behalf only,  as we are 
led and empowered by His Spirit. Finally, in this vein, Bible based 
wisdom and knowledge are required to answer seeker’s questions 
and lead  him from  repentance,  to beginning  his walk  with God, 
and to Spiritual maturity.

   The second area of concern, the means of  evangelism,  is also a 
matter  of   Spiritual  wisdom and  discernment.  There  can  be no 
“cookie cutter” approach to soul winning.  If one is in the battle on 
this front, he must be aware of more than one way to communicate 
Jesus Christ.  One important  thing to remember,  according to Dr. 
Bill  Bright,  founder of  Campus Crusade International, is; “Share 
Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit and leave the results to God.”  
This vital,  common sense principle has the effect of  relieving the 
witness of  the necessity to  pressure a prospect or feel  let down if 
one  fails to respond  positively.  When we realize it's  not up to us,
but is in God’s hands, we can then have freedom to meet each chal-
lenge in  the power  and  wisdom of  Christ;  not in  our own  feeble  
ability.  There is, however; the necessity for preparation.  The most
effective means of witnessing of Jesus Christ is  through the  use of 
God’s Word.  (Jesus is the "Word made flesh" John 1:14)  It is our 
 only weapon in  the warfare and may be used only,  by  one  proven 
through  use.  My first  experience in witnessing was as I was being 
led  by along by a  brother  who was more  Spiritually mature than I.  
We used a “Hand Marked”  New Testament  in almost every effort 
to share Christ.  We also gave our personal  testimonies, and would
use questions and answers.   Later,  I  used a small booklet to show 
persons their need of Jesus Christ and how to know Him. 

There is another effective tool useful in this most important respon-
sibility of the Child of God. The act of inviting one to a Bible Study, 
Worship Service or Evangelistic Crusade is not to be ruled out.  
Here we have the mass evangelism working for us with it’s particu-
lar set of dynamics as well as the personal touch.  While it is not, in 
the opinion of many, the best, to just invite a friend to a church mee-
ting, when it is combined  with personal  evangelism it  can be effec-
tive.  If you want to see a high percentage of the promises to attend,
kept, you must make arrangements for transportation and be there
to go along with your friend.  Since one of the messages you wish to
 impart,  is that you  have his/her  interest at heart,  this last  part is  
essential.

The true key to success in sharing Christ may be  simply abiding 
in Him.  In John 8: 31,  Jesus says,  “If you abide in My word,  you 
are My disciples indeed.  And you shall know the truth and the truth
shall  make you free.”  In John 15,  we find,  “You are already clean  
because of the word which I have spoken to you. (abide in My word) 
Abide in me and I in you.  As  the branch cannot bear  fruit of itself, 
unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.”  
Here,  we have not only the idea of having the Word of God abiding 
in us to cleanse and make us free, we also have Jesus Christ abiding 
or living  through us doing His work in us.  The second  part of  that 
key is to have established rest in Christ.  When we have finally, left 
off works of  flesh,  (our own work)  and turned  to Christ  in us,  we   
have success witnessing.

     In Hebrews 4 there is opportunity and necessity for the Child of  
God to  leave off  work on His  own and  to rest in  Christ.  Just as 
there is a Sabbath’s rest for the Jewish believer,  there is a rest to 
the believer who is in Christ.  We may not enter  into this rest  until 
we  leave off our work and have  Jesus Christ to take control of our  
lives and we rest, abide in Him.  There remains a rest for the Child 
of God, a Sabbath, when Christ works in our  lives.  Since we abide
or rest in Him, we have ceased any labor on our  own or confidence 
in ourselves,  the flesh.  “As many as are  led  by the Spirit of  God, 
these are the son’s of God.”

    Apparently,  the Sabbath of the Old Covenant is a figure of the
rest one is given as he abides  in Christ.  He has ceased from his 
labor and  is content to  have  Christ abide,  live and work in him.  
The term,  “in Christ,” is a  way of  saying we  are resting or abi-
ding in  Him.  We are then by faith in Him,  leaving off the works 
of the flesh that can never please Him.  

     We are indwelt, empowered and given the wisdom of God as we 
present our bodies as “living sacrifices.”  This is understood within 
the context of Judaism being an earthly kingdom.  Under the “New 
Covenant,” the Kingdom of God is God‘s  Sovereign  rule over the 
hearts and minds of men in total.  Israel rested on the Sabbath, the
Children of God, under a New Covenant,  experience the potential 
of continual “rest” as we abide in Christ.  As many of the principles 
of  the  Old Covenant were  foreshadows of  New Testament under-
standing, Christ’s teaching of the Sabbath enlightens our understan-
ding of the rest one is awarded as he has his faith in Him.

   The other principle involved here is; as we are crucified with Christ, 
the new life we have is not our's, but Christ in Us, “the hope of glory.”  
If we are, indeed, free from all our labors resting in  Him,  this means 
we are no longer in control, having  relinquished this to  our Savior as 
well.  (This does not mean we have no  personal volition.  We volunta-
rily give over control with, ability to resume it, if  we choose, God For-
bid!!, to rebel at some later date.)   Some  believe  this  means we are 
enabled in “Christian Service,” such as witnessing, preaching, music, 
teaching, etc.   I  think  a realistic  understanding is;  our whole life is  
controlled and empowered,  mind,  body and spirit, given His wisdom,
and abilities, through His Spirit. These are employed in  the whole of 
life. We were taught in the late 1950’s,  “Life is not divided  between
the sacred and the secular. To the Child of God, everything is Sacred 
sacred.'  ( Quote from Dr. Bob Jones, Sr.)  We do not believe, on the 
one hand, Christ is active in our lives as we are in the act of  religious
practice, while we are on our own when action is not religious.  If this 
were the case,  we would be on our own in dealing with our daily rela-
tionships with family, employment and social  life.  Is there an area of 
our lives where the love, grace, wisdom, mercy and power of God are 
not needed, if we are to be successful representing Him in this world?  
If  at any time we are  not given wisdom and grace in  these mundane 
activities, we have relegated God to a corner of our lives  and we will 
fail  to glorify Him in any of  life.  If you or I are “in Christ” at all, we 
are in all  the way.  Segmenting  our  lives  into times when  we  are in 
control and other times when He is in control is not possible.  It would 
lead to an emotional roller coaster.  
   Attempts at this by persons I have known has resulted in disaster 
   and  “...shipwreck concerning the faith.”   1 Timothy 1: 19

      “...And lo I am with you alway,...” is in the closing phrase of what is
called  the Great Commission as  recorded in the New Testament book 
of  Matthew 28: 19-20.  The  context of  this  passage  is:  
  “Go ye  therefore,  and teach all nations,  baptizing them in the name 
    of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost;  Teaching them 
    to  observe all  things whatsoever I have commanded you: and,  lo I 
    am with you alway, even to the end of the world.”  (age, nkjv)
  The promise at the end is contingent on our obedience to the earlier
  part. If  we are not in the business of making  disciples for  our Lord,  
  we are unable  to claim the  promise of  His presence:  
                            “...and lo, I am with you alway...”   donporter   8.09.12

    These Scriptural principles first occurred to me in 2003, have been 
    rethought, edited and finally published today.  donporter... 11.12.14
    edited:  4.04.17

MY TIMES ARE IN HIS HANDS-ELECTION

“My Times are in His Hands...”                                                  4-10-04

        “The Lot is cast into the lap; but  the whole disposing thereof is
          of  the Lord.” Proverbs 16:33  “The  Kings heart is in the hand
          of the Lord, as the rivers of water: He turneth it whithersoever
          he  will.” Proverbs 21: 1  “Man’s  goings are of  the Lord;  how
          can  a  man then understand  his own way?”   Proverbs 20: 24
        “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine
          own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He
          shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3: 5-6  (KJV)

    As we consider these passages from the  Proverbs collected  by King 
Solomon, there is  an  important  principle  brought  to  mind.   God  is 
Sovereign in the universe He has created.  Bible  believing Children of  
the Lord God accept this with joy.  If our lives were left to chance  and
we had  no  assurance of  God’s  control on  the earth  there  would be 
little assurance with regard to our eternal  destiny.   If  the  Lord  God 
is not in control here,  can we know He  is in charge, anywhere?  With 
that in mind we could leap to “Calvinism” with  little problem. We find 
systematic deductions and conclusions developed by John Calvin and 
espoused  by many Bible scholars of  today and in history are not deci- 
pherable  by the average Bible student.  Can we bring ourselves to the 
point of teaching  “Calvinism” as a legitimate Bible doctrine,  ignoring
so-called “free  moral  agency” of  mankind?  One author I discovered 
in a book from the 19th century indicated we must accept this doctrine
to experience everything the Lord has for  us in this life.  I do not have
access to the publication at this time since I probably  loaned it and no
longer possess it.  (Unwise practice)   

     While discussing these principles with  a person  self described as a 
preacher  of  the Sovereignty of  God  with Calvinistic  leanings,  it was 
expressed  this way; “I  go along with Calvin as long as  he agrees with 
the  Scripture.”  Another  person, a  self-described  Calvinist,  stated in 
plain  language  the  futility of  failing  to  completely  align  with either
Armenian or Calvinistic belief.  My limited experience shows there are
few who will discuss  the matter without  strong  emotional  ties to one 
or the other.  It would seem these beliefs,  on the  part of most, are not
based on their having searched the  Scripture on  their own.  It's as  if
they were spoon fed their beliefs/doctrine by a  persuasive pastor, tea-
cher,  or by reading a book.  Very  few  people  I have  met are able  to 
offer a Scriptural  basis for  their belief on  any subject.  Being  one of  
the most highly educated cultures on this  planet  today;  it  is evident 
our knowledge of God’s Word is limited to what we “pick up”  from  a
Pastor, teacher,  parents or persons with whom we dialogue.  It's rare, 
indeed, to talk with one who has established belief from personal, pri-
vate  Bible  study.  Scripture  states  the  Berean  believers  "searched  
Scripture" to  determine  whether they could trust the teaching of  the
Apostles.  For  this  trait  they  were  counted  more  noble  than  those  
who  did  not prove the spirit of the Apostles by searching Scripture.  
                                                                                             (Acts 17:11)

As we give  thoughtful consideration to the teachings of John Calvin,  
(I do not  believe he was trying to establish “Calvinism” as  a doctrine 
any more than Martin Luther was trying to establish “Lutheranism.”)  
We admit to the credibility to his scholarship and integrity of doctrine, 
but doctrine,  we hold,  must  be tried  through personal,  private Bible
study.  As much as  possible, we must  make these  doctrines our own. 
God has Children,  no  grandchildren.  May you  and I  be of  the more 
noble sort,  enlightened by  the  Spirit of God;  ready to listen; quick to 
prove.

     Other considerations came to mind when reading the book, “Sou-
thern Baptists  and the  Doctrine of   Election,”  1988  Sprinkle  Pub.  
Robert B. Selph.  Because certain  popular and successful  men who 
were and are of my same denomination seemed completely in agree-
ment with John Calvin,  should  I accept “Calvinism” and teach it as 
a valid doctrine of Scripture?  

  Secondly, there  is the matter of  sectarianism.  Denominations are 
a fact of life in our culture.  There are many shades of  belief among
people of  good will.  Must we  align  ourselves  with  doctrine called  
by the name of a man?  In the early church there was a similar situa-
tion addressed by Paul the Apostle in his first  letter to the church at 
Corinth.  He wrote, under authority of the Spirit of God, “For ye are 
yet carnal:  for wheras  there is among you envying,  and strife,  and 
divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?  For while one saith, I 
am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos;  are ye not carnal?”  Scrip-
ture  describes one  who  is aligned with anyone  other than the Lord  
as “in the flesh.”  God deliver us from a blind faith that has not been 
proven  in the crucible  of  “closet”  prayer,  taught from the Word of 
God,  enlightened by His Holy Spirit.  Anything  less is vain.   (I trust 
this will  not be considered to be an attack on the Scriptural doctrine 
of Predestination or Election.  It is intended to be thought provoking, 
to stir us all to the proving of  our  individual  theology.  We must not 
fall  into the trap of  accepting what others say/write about Scripture 
without  proving  it and making  it our  own.  Confirming  or  denying  
Calvinistic Theology  is  far above  my  abilities.)  If we fail  to search 
Scripture, on our own,  to  establish  personal  beliefs,  we  are  being
simple or indolent.  Will  our Lord use one who  is  lazy?    

                                               donporter  August 6, 2012

MY STRENGTH IS OF/IN THE LORD

My Strength is of/in the Lord...       Ephesians 6: 10     April 13, 2004

                          “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord,
                                     and in the power of his might.” 

Everyone  who attends worship or Bible study at an evangelical place 
of worship has at some time been encouraged  to  have faith and to be 
a  “strong”  Christian.  Having  heard  this kind of  encouragement all 
my life,  it has been  refreshing  during  the  past  several  years  to be 
involved in Bible study demonstrating how this is accomplished.  The  
key for a Child of God’s  strength is  “in the Lord,” without  any might 
of his own.  The 6th chapter of Ephesians is key to understanding this 
strength.  Verses  11 through 17 list the armor  available  to  believers,  
and the order in which it is acquired.  (see Eph 6: 10)

    The first of the seven parts to the armor is truth.  (some may  not list 
the last,  prayer, as part of the armor)  It is important to  remember the
Word  of  God  says,  “Thy  Word  is  truth."  It  also  lists  the  Word  of  
God;  the Sword of the Spirit.  Since the Word is speaking in metaphor,
that could be expected.  Use of  metaphor in the Word is always appro-
priate, but every use of metaphoric language is not of  necessity bound 
to a  previous use of  that word in another setting.  Here we have truth 
likened  to a  belt or girdle.  The use of  a  belt or  girdle  by a soldier of  
Bible times was essential. Parts of  the armor were held in place by the 
belt and without the belt a soldier was  severely  handicapped.  Just as 
a modern  day soldier  requires a  belt,  the  same  is  true of  the Child
of God.  Without  truth there would be no reason for the battle and no
ammunition for the fight.  Since we  battle against ideas and  ideology,
truth is the basis for everything the Child of God does.  

The second part of the armor,  listed in Ephesians is the breastplate 
of righteousness.  This is a difficult part of the armor to quantify since 
righteousness is in two parts.  First and foremost, the Child of God has 
no righteousness of his own to put on and  must  put on righteousness 
of Jesus Christ through faith.  There is, however;  the  element of  per-
sonal  "righteousness"  or a state of  being  above reproach in conduct 
in the world.  The second part of the breastplate is  the outer garment, 
a result of an inward condition. That inner condition is Christ, taking 
residence in our lives and living through us.  The  results  is  apparent 
righteousness,  to  our  culture,  but  in no  way can  the Child of  God
think himself  as better  than others,  becoming   proud or  "self  righ-
teous."    With   the  Apostle  Paul  we  are  to  consider  ourselves  the
“chief of sinners.”   This  armor  does,  in  fact,  prevent  Satan  in  the 
form of the people around us  from bringing  accusations  against our  
good  conduct.   (“Who  shall   lay any  thing  to  the  charge  of  God’s  
elect?   It  is  God that  justifieth.  Who is  he  that  condemneth?  It  is 
Christ that died, yea rather,  that  is  risen  again,  who is  even at  the 
right hand of  God, who  maketh intercession for us.”   
                                                                               Romans 8: 33-34)

      The third part of the armor builds on  the first two.  When we think 
of having our  “feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of  peace,” 
the passage,  “How beautiful on the mountain are the feet of  him that 
bringeth good tidings...”  Isaiah 52: 7 (In this instance, the same meta-
phor is used;  both passages for preaching the gospel.)  Not only must 
we be well prepared in the truth of  God’s word, in particular we must 
be  knowledgeable  and  prepared  to use  the gospel of  our lord Jesus 
Christ (Prince of Peace) as a firm foundation or footing.

The fourth element of  the armor for a child of God is  faith.  “Above 
all, taking  the shield  of  faith,  wherewith  ye shall be  able to  quench 
all  the fiery darts of the wicked.”  When one has his faith grounded in 
the Lord Jesus Christ,  he is unshakable.  This shield protects us from
anything the enemy might hurl at  us and is the basis for  our relation-
ship  with our God.  One warning at this  point.  We do not  have faith 
in faith.  The only entity worthy of our faith is the Lord God and  he is 
faithful.


     There is no one part of  the armor more important or most impor-
tant, for it all works together  in God’s plan for our  deliverance and  
our success in spiritual warfare.  Along  With the other parts of  the 
armor,  the  helmet of salvation is  indispensable.   This, our current 
condition,  is our ultimate state in Christ. The helmet metaphor sim-
ply means the enemy is unable to deal a mortal  blow to the Child of 
God because of  the salvation of his soul,  and we believe in security
of the one who has this salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

  The only offensive weapon in our arsenal is the Word of  God; the
Sword of  the Spirit.  This element of  the armor cannot  be separa-
ted from any of the above. The Word of God,  the truth we use, tea-
ches us righteousness,  contains the  gospel of  peace and  gives the 
basis for our  faith and salvation.  It is not only our handbook, with 
instruction on how to fight  the good fight.  The word of God  is  the 
weapon that  cuts through spiritual  darkness  and  the power to be
used against the enemy, Satan.  It  is  important  to  remember how 
Christ,  who  is  called  the "Word,"  used  the  Word to  keep  Satan
at bay during his temptation in  the wilderness.  Since the enemy is
Satan, his name means adversary. We must remember, our friends,
acquaintances,  relatives  and  others with whom we may come into 
contact, are not the enemy, any more than you or I were the enemy 
before coming to  Christ in salvation.  This  Word  of  God  is used to 
lead others to our Lord, and to disciple them, or school them in that 
new, eternal relationship.     

Finally, there  is prayer.  This is our means of communication with 
our resource.  It could also be called logistical support.  Everything 
we need or desire in the conflict is available at the throne of  grace. 
We have a  Father  who  is available 24/7  as  the  need  arises.  The 
only weakness  relating to prayer is, most of  us do not  take advan-
tage of  the privilege of communication with our  God  as we  ought.  
This is the only possible reason we  find ourselves  overwhelmed by 
the enemy at  times.  In order  to  achieve a  victory,  a soldier  must 
maintain communication with headquarters at all times, at all costs.

To close,  there is  a source of  strength not  mentioned here.   It is our
fellowship  with  like  minded  believers in  Jesus Christ within  a local 
church  body.  We  call  this a "body of  baptized  believers,"  or  those  
who are like minded, having similar faith, goals and mindset as do we. 
We draw much from such a  resource.   This resource is  not  included 
in the armor of God since it is not always dependable, made up of per-
sons not unlike ourselves.

   
                                                              donporter 8.04.12, edited 8.27.14