Growth Mediocre Christianity

[Sandy Zalecki]

“Eye has not seen nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things prepared for those who love him.” 1 Cor. 2:9

The world has yet to see what God can do with and for and through and in a man (or woman) who is fully and wholly consecrated to Him.” Henry Varley

Many of you probably don’t know or remember Henry Varley, but those profound words had a big impact on Dwight L. Moody. D.L. Moody was a famous evangelist in the late 1800’s, founded the Moody Bible Institute, and supported ministries all over the world, especially that of Hudson Taylor, a pioneer missionary to China.

Reverend Moody was only four years old when his father died. His mother did everything she could to raise the large family, but many of the children had to be farmed out in order to make ends meet. Dwight was one of those children. At 17 he was sent to work at his uncles shoe store. His uncle required that he attend church at the Congregation Church of Mt. Vernon where he became a born again Christian.

Dwight L. Moody was a poorly educated, unordained shoe salesman that felt the call of God on his life. After listening to Henry Varley he sought to be one of those men who was wholly consecrated to Christ. His life is a living example of what one man can do who has a commitment to the Lord.

We have so many distractions today that can keep us from our relationship with the Lord. We have the Internet, TV, sports, politics, and even work and family can we a distraction if we allow it to happen. With all the distractions we face, it is very easy to become mediocre in our walk with the Lord.

What is your commitment level to the Lord? Are you “fully committed to Him or are you allowing distractions to rule your life? We are facing a new year very soon and my commitment is for 2014 to be a year that I let the distractions of life become less and less and my commitment to Christ to become greater and greater.

 

[turnorburn]

Great topic Sandy! One of if not the very reason people lose sight "No Commitment"

Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Those distractions have become more than just distractions for some they have become their gods, some go as far as to decorate those television sets surrounding them with knickknacks flower arrangements and such even go so far as calling it the "family room" I'm riding television because i killed mine 8 years ago.. may it rih

From the time we leave the launch pad its me my and I then on to improve on that premise how to develop the inner me.. we hear "you deserve it" "you owe it to yourself" but who do we owe it to.. my bible says.. in the _ _ _

Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Seems we have it backwards.. we were created for His pleasure..

In the Old Testament Gods people were always turning to false gods, and until we return to the one true God commitment is out of the question..

tob

 

[Sandy Zalecki]

Great topic Sandy! One of if not the very reason people lose sight "No Commitment"

Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Those distractions have become more than just distractions for some they have become their gods, some go as far as to decorate those television sets surrounding them with knickknacks flower arrangements and such even go so far as calling it the "family room" I'm riding television because i killed mine 8 years ago.. may it rih

From the time we leave the launch pad its me my and I then on to improve on that premise how to develop the inner me.. we hear "you deserve it" "you owe it to yourself" but who do we owe it to.. my bible says.. in the _ _ _

Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Seems we have it backwards.. we were created for His pleasure..

In the Old Testament Gods people were always turning to false gods, and until we return to the one true God commitment is out of the question..

tob

You are so right on with this. We really have two gods in this country, money and ourselves. That makes us greedy and self-centered. Whatever we can do to pleasure ourselves is what we do. An you are right, there is no vision in the church anymore.

 

[turnorburn]

In my opinion that's the reason people are turning to teachers with empty promises, they are still hungering after truth righteousness joy peace and happiness none of which can be found in this present evil world..

tob

 

[Sandy Zalecki]

In my opinion that's the reason people are turning to teachers with empty promises, they are still hungering after truth righteousness joy peace and happiness none of which can be found in this present evil world..

tob

Once again you are so right. Where is the church in all of this?

 

[turnorburn]

Sitting in front of their hellevisions i suppose..:blush

tob

 

[Sandy Zalecki]

Sitting in front of their hellevisions i suppose..:blush

tob

Could be. That is definitely a distraction to Godly living.

 

[turnorburn]

No doubt about it that tube is an addition its so tempting to turn it on even if you know you shouldn't one little thing leads to another to break down your resolve and before you know it "Its Howdy Doody Time" so I've found a scripture that just might help..

Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

tob

 

[Sandy Zalecki]

No doubt about it that tube is an addition its so tempting to turn it on even if you know you shouldn't one little thing leads to another to break down your resolve and before you know it "Its Howdy Doody Time" so I've found a scripture that just might help..

Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

tob

I really have to discipline myself when it comes to television. I can be a real TV addict. I have limited myself to certain times and then I only watch programs that are uplifting and inspiring (which is getting harder to find any more.) I have not completely gotten rid of my television, but I am dedicating more time to the Lord and less to the TV.

 

[Edward]

No vision in the church anymore. Interesting statement and right on I do believe. In my studies lately I have ascertained five levels of intimacy with God. There are servants, friends, disciples, sons, and bride. Each level is a closer intimacy with God and allowed more revelation, power and privilege.

Multitudes followed Jesus. He sent out 70 2 by 2. 12 he invested His life and ministry into. 3 were allowed to see Him transfigured. And only 1 knew the beating of His heart (John). I think it is up to us to choose where we will be. At least up until bride, that is probably up to Jesus to take one as bride.

All will be saved in the above list. We know there will be ranking in heaven because there are references to being the least in heaven and the greatest in heaven. How do we move up in intimacy? Jesus told us very plainly. "Follow me". How much of the world are we willing to give up? We are told to give up all. To forsake all knowledge and look to Him as we walk in the Spirit for everything. Day by day, moment by moment. I'm ramping it up. I want to be more than just a servant. Spend even more time in the Word and praying more.

 

[Sandy Zalecki]

No vision in the church anymore. Interesting statement and right on I do believe. In my studies lately I have ascertained five levels of intimacy with God. There are servants, friends, disciples, sons, and bride. Each level is a closer intimacy with God and allowed more revelation, power and privilege.

Multitudes followed Jesus. He sent out 70 2 by 2. 12 he invested His life and ministry into. 3 were allowed to see Him transfigured. And only 1 knew the beating of His heart (John). I think it is up to us to choose where we will be. At least up until bride, that is probably up to Jesus to take one as bride.

All will be saved in the above list. We know there will be ranking in heaven because there are references to being the least in heaven and the greatest in heaven. How do we move up in intimacy? Jesus told us very plainly. "Follow me". How much of the world are we willing to give up? We are told to give up all. To forsake all knowledge and look to Him as we walk in the Spirit for everything. Day by day, moment by moment. I'm ramping it up. I want to be more than just a servant. Spend even more time in the Word and praying more.

I think you are right on about that, but Jesus picks His bride, the ones that love Him with all their heart and He loves them back. I think you are ramping up just like me because the Lord has told you that time is near, He will be gathering His bride soon.

 

[Edward]

I think you are right on about that, but Jesus picks His bride, the ones that love Him with all their heart and He loves them back. I think you are ramping up just like me because the Lord has told you that time is near, He will be gathering His bride soon.

Yes, Jesus picks His bride. This makes me wonder. Jesus called John the Beloved. The only one of the Apostles that this was said to. Could John be the only one of them that will be the bride of Jesus?

The other Apostles were good men, but still, they walked with Him and witnessed all of His miracles...and still didn't know who He was. Jesus walked up to them on after resurrection on the road to emmaus (sp?) and they didn't recognize Him. Peter was so righteous that Jesus said upon this rock will I build my church, and yet, Peter denied Him 3 times, and didn't know enough to not begin to fight for Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, he cut off the servants ear. All that even after saying to Jesus, master this will never happen to you, and being rebuked by Jesus for it, beforehand!

Now, I'm not beating up on the Apostles, just wondering what all it takes to be the Bride of Christ. They did many wonderful works, but still seemed to have trouble believing. Is the wicked mind of man that powerful that one could witness Jesus walking on the water, casting out Spirits that they could not, and still have trouble? What did Jesus always say to them? Oh ye of little faith...we have to be over-comers, and love not our own life even unto death. Could you do that? Could I do that? If the Lord told me to slay my son...could I? I like to think I could, but hypothesizing is a lot different than the real thing I believe.

 

[Edward]

This is an excellent topic. We Christians too many times relegate salvation to a saved/unsaved thing. This is true but it goes much deeper than that. I think mediocre Christianity is dangerous. We accept a lot of sin in the political correct tolerance policies that have been pushed on people. Too much is being tolerated. Jesus said if you're not with me, you're against me. That doesn't sound like a grey area, that sounds black and white.

I dream a heard about that an atheist had: He was in a field with a big fence going down the middle of the length of the field. Jesus and a lot of people were on one side, the devil and a lot of people were on the other side. It was readily apparent to him that he had to make a choice and go to one side or the other to join a group. He was indecisive about it so hopped up on the fence to ponder it a little while he decided. As he got on the fence, Jesus and his group disappeared, then a moment later, the devil and his group disappeared. This bewildered the man and he wondered what that was all about. About that time the devil reappeared beside him and said, wow I almost forgot you, been looking all over for you. The man said, you're nuts, I never made a choice to go with you! To which the devil replied, sure you did, the fence is mine.

When he woke up he was no atheist any more.

 

[Deborah13]

Yes, Jesus picks His bride. This makes me wonder. Jesus called John the Beloved. The only one of the Apostles that this was said to. Could John be the only one of them that will be the bride of Jesus?

The other Apostles were good men, but still, they walked with Him and witnessed all of His miracles...and still didn't know who He was. Jesus walked up to them on after resurrection on the road to emmaus (sp?) and they didn't recognize Him. Peter was so righteous that Jesus said upon this rock will I build my church, and yet, Peter denied Him 3 times, and didn't know enough to not begin to fight for Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, he cut off the servants ear. All that even after saying to Jesus, master this will never happen to you, and being rebuked by Jesus for it, beforehand!

Now, I'm not beating up on the Apostles, just wondering what all it takes to be the Bride of Christ. They did many wonderful works, but still seemed to have trouble believing. Is the wicked mind of man that powerful that one could witness Jesus walking on the water, casting out Spirits that they could not, and still have trouble? What did Jesus always say to them? Oh ye of little faith...we have to be over-comers, and love not our own life even unto death. Could you do that? Could I do that? If the Lord told me to slay my son...could I? I like to think I could, but hypothesizing is a lot different than the real thing I believe.

Hi Edward, I don't mean to doubt you but where in scripture does Jesus call John His beloved?


2Co 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

Rom 7:4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

In both these verses Paul is saying that the church is the one who is espoused to Christ.

 

[Edward]

Hi Edward, I don't mean to doubt you but where in scripture does Jesus call John His beloved?


2Co 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

Rom 7:4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

In both these verses Paul is saying that the church is the one who is espoused to Christ.

John 20:2
2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him./(KJV)

Sorry, I thought it was common knowledge that John was the disciple that Jesus loved. As for him perhaps being the only one that may be a bride of Christ...that is something I wondered and certainly do not know as a fact. I postulated that since Jesus didn't really say this about any other disciple, that perhaps it was so.

 

[turnorburn]

Killed my television..

i used to be an avid television junkie had my fix first thing in the morning closed out the day with either the nightly news or one of the talk shows everything about that box is designed with you in mind its your very own personal security blanket and don't let anyone try and take it away from me/you either buster that includes you reba. Until one night i thought I'd watch an old favorite from days gone by "Saturday Night Live" It was one filthy joke after another and the laughter was shall we say perverted.. laughing at filth then when they threw Jesus into the mix that was enough. Its been eight years now has it gotten better or worse?

Remember when Jesus said you don't know the hour He will come what if you are watching "Saturday Night Live" when their slamming Jesus up against the wall.. or worse

The Lord knows our weaknesses our infirmities he knows our every thought. When i asked myself would Jesus sit here by my side eating popcorn while i laughed and giggled that's when i killed my television..

II Corinthians 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

tob

 

[Edward]

5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

There it is again. Passages about the imagination keep jumping out at me lately. This is what He's teaching me now but I haven't watched television for awhile and not much when I did. Nevertheless it is important thing to meditate on and get control of. Be careful what you think!

Actually TOB, reading that, I would've went one more verse, lol.

6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

7 Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? if any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's./(KJV)

 

[Sandy Zalecki]

This is an excellent topic. We Christians too many times relegate salvation to a saved/unsaved thing. This is true but it goes much deeper than that. I think mediocre Christianity is dangerous. We accept a lot of sin in the political correct tolerance policies that have been pushed on people. Too much is being tolerated. Jesus said if you're not with me, you're against me. That doesn't sound like a grey area, that sounds black and white.

I dream a heard about that an atheist had: He was in a field with a big fence going down the middle of the length of the field. Jesus and a lot of people were on one side, the devil and a lot of people were on the other side. It was readily apparent to him that he had to make a choice and go to one side or the other to join a group. He was indecisive about it so hopped up on the fence to ponder it a little while he decided. As he got on the fence, Jesus and his group disappeared, then a moment later, the devil and his group disappeared. This bewildered the man and he wondered what that was all about. About that time the devil reappeared beside him and said, wow I almost forgot you, been looking all over for you. The man said, you're nuts, I never made a choice to go with you! To which the devil replied, sure you did, the fence is mine.

When he woke up he was no atheist any more.

You might be right, I'm not sure, but I think all the apostles are the Bride of Christ. In our fallen nature and our fallen world we are all skeptical at times. Even the strongest Christians doubt sometimes. I went through a period in my life where I felt the love of the Lord in my heart. I had visions of the future and what the Lord had planned for my life. This was in 1997 and only a few of my visions have come to pass. I know that there is a long preparation time for many people. But I have doubts. I have doubts that I can do what the Lord called me to do. Even though I know if I trust completely in Him I it will be done. I have doubts that I'm getting to old. I have doubts that it has passed me by and my visions will never come true. The devil, my own flesh, and the world put doubts in me all the time. That's me. Believe me our brains can play lots of tricks on us.

 

[Sandy Zalecki]

Killed my television..

i used to be an avid television junkie had my fix first thing in the morning closed out the day with either the nightly news or one of the talk shows everything about that box is designed with you in mind its your very own personal security blanket and don't let anyone try and take it away from me/you either buster that includes you reba. Until one night i thought I'd watch an old favorite from days gone by "Saturday Night Live" It was one filthy joke after another and the laughter was shall we say perverted.. laughing at filth then when they threw Jesus into the mix that was enough. Its been eight years now has it gotten better or worse?

Remember when Jesus said you don't know the hour He will come what if you are watching "Saturday Night Live" when their slamming Jesus up against the wall.. or worse

The Lord knows our weaknesses our infirmities he knows our every thought. When i asked myself would Jesus sit here by my side eating popcorn while i laughed and giggled that's when i killed my television..

II Corinthians 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

tob

If we are going to quote scripture, here is one that I like, "Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praise-worthy--meditate on these things." (Philippians 4:9) NKJ

I gave up the news and talk shows a long time ago. I find nothing of good report of praise worthy in them. I still like to watch "Little House on the Prairie" and "The Waltons" when I have some downtime. There are some uplifting shows on, but they are getting more difficult to find. I should kill my tv like you did I suppose, but I still enjoy it sometimes. I have to be super selective though.

 

[Edward]

Yep, I do believe you're right. I can not doubt but I don't want to falsely believe anything either, like oh we're all the bride of Christ. No. I have to set the bar higher on myself and dig deeper and seek harder. It does say who seeks finds, so that's encouraging!