Tag Archives: the gospel

Frustration Unleashed

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Not one single man has ever lived that was able to please the expectations of the Most High God.  I exclude the Holy Son of God from this mass of men, for he came from heaven and has ascended.  But not one man has ever done the will of the Holy Father in heaven.

Do you think you are a righteous man?  I’ll get right up into your face, eye to eye with vast boldness, and whisper through clenched teeth, “You are not”!  Respond as you will, I can’t afford to care.  Go ahead be offended.  What is that to me?  Hate me if you like, for saying this in your face.  With what payment can I be made to care?

Do you think these words are too harsh?  Do you think my boldness is unwarranted from a man?  You likely do.  Very likely.  And if you knew the man I used to be, you would hate me all the more.

Does it incense you, that a man should confront you like this?  Do you ponder my sanity?  Why would you not?  Today’s people simply don’t do such things, do they.

I have used soft words.  I have displayed my life openly to all.  I have served with the diligence of the Christ that lives in me.  Still it is as if no effect at all.

Is it hatred to accuse a man of the truth?  Isn’t it the love of God to let you hate me?

God Himself has spoken,  10 “None is righteous, no, not one;
11 no one understands;
no one seeks for God.
12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;
no one does good,
not even one.”
13 “Their throat is an open grave;
they use their tongues to deceive.”
“The venom of asps is under their lips.”
14 “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”
15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16 in their paths are ruin and misery,
17 and the way of peace they have not known.”
18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” (Romans 3)

Why should I beat around the bush, trying to flush you out?  Why should I not risk damage to myself and crawl in there to get you?  What is death to me?  

The hatred of man is not priceless!  With a few simple words I can purchase more than I can handle.  Of this commodity there seems to be no end.

It is right that I should be hated by men for speaking the truth with boldness.  For they hate the Living God and His Christ already.  How should his people be treated any differently?

Do you know that you will die if you do not turn to Christ Jesus?  Do you know that God will not accept the testimony of men in regard to their own righteousness?  Judgement Day is not a day for debate!  It is a day reserved, that men should receive the righteousness of God.

You have demanded that the gospel wear softer gloves, for you cannot bear harsh treatment.  And look how you’ve gotten your way! 

You filthy people who have perverted the Gospel of Christ!  You have loved men more than God!  You have feared what man can do to you more than you fear the Holy Living God!  And now you demand that I wear fuzzy gloves also?  I WILL NOT!

God does not want to see you die.  He has proven it by allowing man to murder his Holy Son.  And again he has proven it, by raising up men such as I.  (Of whom it can will be established, I am the least.)

If you will heed the warning, then good.  Join me in this bold proclamation which is the Christ of God.  If you desire to refuse, then by all means refuse.  This one day I have had my fill of wearing fuzzy gloves!

I have made a fool of myself here.  I have let my frustration be vented in your sight.  I care, but then I don’t.  For as I look around, this message is not being proclaimed with enough intensity to shake the world.  There are thousands of preachers who simply want everyone to “Just get along”.  And such things turn my stomach!  Don’t give me numbers!  Provide proof that the fruit of the Gospel is blatantly apparent in those you convert!

I write this propelled by mercy.  I do not hate my fellow men.  I gladly risk everything you can throw at me, if by chance one of you will humble yourself before the Living God’s Christ, and truly become his disciple.

May the will of God to save men be done.  May the Glory of Christ Jesus be furthered by my folly.

Amen

By His Grace

A Righteous Rebellion

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In the utter darkness of this world, this man will not remove his cloak to toss it over the Light of God.  Though I perceive the wickedness of men with clarity, I will raise up the Lantern of hope.

I refuse to be ashamed.  I refuse to hide the Gospel of Christ Jesus.  I refuse to lower the Lantern.  I refuse to fear as I walk among the angry dead.  And I refuse to obey Man; “Take this filthy name away from us!  We have no desire to hear it spoken again.  If you continue, so will we.  The punishment of obscurity is in our hand to deliver.”

I will not cease to speak the only hope you have.  There is no hope among you but the message of Christ Jesus, the Holy Son of God!  In Him alone, is the forgiveness of your sins.  In Him alone, is the majestic power to raise you from the dead. 

From the living grave of rebellion you gnash your teeth at his Holy name.  Therefore proof lives among you that you need his eternal sacrifice.

I do not write this as a declaration of war.  I do not stand defiantly against you.  Though I defy your order to cease, I do so that you may learn to live.

I will not hide the Light of Life.  I will ascend to whatever prominent place among you I can.  And I will speak and live among you that you may know there is hope.

The declaration of war is impressed upon your heart from the day you are born.  And how gladly and easily you obey the rebellious one.  You are bent toward sin like the trees along the coastline.  But God is able to straighten your crooked trunk. 

He will cause you to chase the Sun like a sunflower.  Malleable bark will cover your stiff frame.  He will cause righteousness to blossom on your limbs.  Instead of the fruit of rebellion, you will produce the fruit of Godly love.

God will come and eat the fruit of righteousness you will offer.  He will promise you, on oath, a portion in his Garden of Eden.  He will walk among you with pleasure instead of eternal threats.  And joy will be yours forever.

You call his name filthy because you do not know him.  You are blind and ignorant to the definition of love.  And for this reason I will hold high the Gospel of Christ Jesus.

By His Grace

Amazement Thus Beckoning

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I will speak of myself, for it is impossible for me to know the heart of anyone who might read this.  I do not want to give confidence where it is not warranted.  But I find desire within me to encourage those things that warrant encouragement.  And I desire to share a mutual amazement.

When I ponder the Glory of Christ within me, I am astounded.  That I should contain the Gospel of the Glorious and Eternal God!  That I should not be tossed about by all the rumors regarding him.  But that I should know the Holy and Living God in Christ Jesus his Righteous and Holy Son.

When I think of the billions who have died without this knowledge, I am amazed that this man should understand.  I say “knowledge”, knowing that it is only in small portion.  And the same is true of the word “understand”.  But that there is a seed in me is undeniably true.  And the joy of this knowledge goes far beyond words to express.

There are many who hold what they say is the Gospel, yet are thoroughly hard-pressed to give account of themselves.  This too, adds to my amazement.  Not that they are at all amiss, but that I should know the truth.  In this great joy there is no room for judgment or comparison!  Oh that I could live this way all my days!

For the glory of Christ!  Again, for the Glory of Christ!  These words are placed prominently for the Glory of my Lord. 

Let all the world hear.  Let all the world be told.  I will not shrink back into the sea of men.  I cannot, for he sustains me in “The Way”.  No enticement shall bind me!  No tears of beckoning shall sway me.  Such things have no hope of any Life.  They are like the useless tapping of bird’s feet on my roof.

Can you agree with these things?  Do you find proof in your soul that the Living God has come to you with all his Glorious Promises?  Then say “Amen” full of thanks, for the willingness to obey which lives in you with endless strength.

I do not need to perceive your agreement.  Who am I that I should demand any such thing from any man?  But render your agreement and thanks to the Living God in his Holy Son.  And let what is unseen receive what is rightfully his.

Let us all go to the Holiest Holy of Holies.  Let us spread our soul before the Light and Life of all creation!  There, in that place, let us render to God what is God’s.  There, in that place, we shall be as one.  There, in that place, we shall be at peace and unity.

He has spoken, there are far fewer of his people than those who are destined to destruction.  But do not think I say such a thing with malice, or boasting.  For I have not received this joy because I am a righteous man.  It is God’s mercy to teach us these things, and to cause us to become his children.  And anyone who desires this place I have described, is welcome to come share in the things of joy.

Are you a filthy person?  That need not remain your case.  All you need to do is believe that God’s Holy Son is Glorified in the very presence of the Most High God. 

But in the beginning of your transformation, do not believe the weakness of lies; those words which tell you that belief is the end of your responsibility.  There are many who have gone out of Christianity.  They spout such a weak expectation.  And sadly they have destroyed millions.

If you are to receive this joy, it will require you to agree with the Holy Lord in all that he commands you to do.  You cannot be his, and remain bound by the things for which you are now ashamed.  He will grant you release but you must receive it.  If you are to attain this joy you must become his disciple.

But indeed come, all who will!  Come and share with us in this scourging from men!  See how they hate you, they do not love you!  They only love the things they can take from you.  They only love you in that they may debase you and use you for no good purpose.  Why would you willingly submit to such things?

See how boldly his children proclaim their love for him.  See how fearless they are.  Yet you can see how full of fear your soul remains.  Why would you not desire freedom?

By His Grace

An Unwarranted Suppression

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I do not need bars or scars to mark out the place of my imprisonment for the sake of Christ.  I am constrained by his excellent strength within the place he has set me himself.  And it becomes my great joy to serve Him in this very place of obscurity.

How greatly I desire that all my brothers and sisters should perceive their place in the same fashion.  May zeal consume us to be joyful in our place of holy affliction.  For we have not arrived among the things we own by circumstances of chance.  But it is God in Christ who draws us to this place.

It is God in Christ who will draw us to himself.  And even now the signs of his ownership dress us with glory!  See how our hearts are marked by his indelible seal.  See how Desire desires to consume us.

Do we restrain his will?  Do we restrain the desire of God among us?  This has no Holy right to exist.  But receive this word of urging.   Receive and be strengthened for his Lovely sake.  How should the Gospel of Christ Jesus be suppressed?  How should that which burns within us find any extinguishing?  These things within us, these things of Christ, are delivered to us from eternity to eternity.

It is a childish matter to be able to point out the suppressing of the Glory of God among men.  But among the people of God, it would be right if one had to search far and wide to find such a suppressing.  Yet how my heart sinks to realize, one does not have to search very hard at all.

Does this need to remain among us; this willing restraint of the Holy will of God?  You know the answer is “no”. 

This word of exhortation is complete.

By His Grace

From Appeal to Dismissal

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“Sir, will you calm down please.  Your vile remarks are a blatant disregard for all of mankind.  Not a single one of us understands why you attack us with such liquidity.

We are only man and you are one of us.  If you will render yourself civil, we will take you back as a dear brother. 

We will apply on your behalf for lenient mercy.  And who knows, a property owner among us may give you something of your own.  Only cease your violent ranting, and speak softly to us regarding God.”

“Dear men of the world.  I cannot calm down.  It is for your sake that I am considered as cursed among you.  For unless you become even as I, you will suffer extensive loss.  This is why I show a blatant disregard for the ways of man.  And the fact that not a one of you understands spurs me on all the more.

You say you are only man, yet you could stand to inherit greatly more.  For as man you will die.  But God has proven his desire to give you eternal life.  How can this offer not be considered civil?

And sirs, you will not take me back as a brother.  Why do you choose to lie to me?  For you already treat me as an alien.  You promise what you are not willing to deliver.  Your willingness to entice with a lie, speaks loudly of the reason I have come against you.

You do not own the concept of leniency. You have only borrowed a sweet sounding word.  For there is not one ounce of mercy within you.

And I will not accept a gift of property from your filthy hands.  For by ownership, you will own me.  And I am promised vastly more than you can offer.

How can you ask for soft words from God?  You despise his leadership. The only reason you give Him glory, is that you may have a holiday every year.  You use his glory to advance your self.  And in this you make no apology.  How should I go to God to receive soft words for you?

PART 2
“We have sweet accommodations for such as you.  Pick any room you wish in the house of religion.  Then you can live at peace, spewing your venomous words.  For we have taken note that you readily even tear down those of your same kind.  Perhaps it would suit you well to live among them.

Perhaps they would give you a suit and tie.  They might even pay you a handsome sum, and give you a room in which you can dwell.

Many of them are our friends.  We will speak to them on your behalf.  They readily take bribes from us.  We will simply pay them a sum and they will do as we ask.

Since you choose not to live among us as a civil member, perhaps it will please you to accept this offer.”

“Dear worldly Man:
I am not of religion.  I am of the house of “The Faith”.  Religion is man’s way of pleasing his version of God.  But those of my house worship the Living God.  His name to us is Jesus the Christ of God.  And he does not accept the opinion of any man.

I do not desire to live out my days in peace.  I am at war with my own flesh; that is to say my own inward wicked desires.  And by the Lord’s blessing, I am at war with your flesh also.  Again you offer me something you cannot deliver.

If you find my words tearing down the house of the religious, it is to help them in purification.  It is to correct errors in their understanding.  And to enable them to reach for those things which God offers generously. 

Those who belong to God understand this.  Those who do not, are set on their heels.  And the rightful division among false security arises.

I refuse to be honored by any man.  I refuse to receive further pay for the work of God.  As the receipt of your filthy property would corrupt me, so would the receipt of their filthy honor.  See how you even admit that you bribe them.  How then are they any secure place to live?”

PART 3
“We perceive that you are a most uncivil man.  We have brought this matter to council, and with unanimous decision, we have determined to regard you as an animal.  There are some among us who are even persuaded that you are less than animal.  For even animals may be tamed and useful for our children’s joy.

We regret your answer.  And we hereby withdraw our generous offers.  Your proclivity to stubbornness has left us no choice.  We are a people of civil order, and your intent to disrupt is clear.

We have sent out orders to every establishment.  You are to be captured and disposed of by whatever means the captors think best.

If you will turn yourself over to our hands, we promise to make short work of it.  We are, after all, not the vicious people you paint us to be.  For we will not revenge our selves on your demise.  And we will not make a public display of your vulnerability.

Afterward, our children will live in peace.   For we will honor your name with obliteration.  See what a great merciful people we are.  For upon your demise, your name will not be associated with what is evil.”

“I will depart from among you when my Lord determines it appropriate.  He may still have use of me in this place, for your sake.  And you can do nothing to me that is not given to you from above.

If you succeed in hastening my departure, it will be the will of God.  He will not hold my death against you.  For you already have enough accusations waiting.

You have spoken clearly for the sake of those who will apropriate my life.  I need give you no further answer.  Do as pleases you, for it will be God who directs you now.

By His Grace

The Telling Average

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I just wrote an article about the popularity of the Gospel.  And out of curiosity, I went back to sum up the total average of visitors to this blog.  Sometimes we have a sense of things, but when we quantify, we are often even amazed at the least possible expectation.

Over the last 5 years, this blog has averaged 4 visitors per day.  There are well over 2,000 posts here.  And one would think that even the worst writing would gather more than 4 people per day.

I will gladly admit I am not a good writer.  But I have seen some people’s writing, that has become very popular despite the horrendous value of it.  So then in the pondering of this, I have come up with three possible answers.

The first is obvious, I am a horrible writer.  How could I not agree with that?  I’ve reread my posts enough to know that I am ignorant of grammar and too presumptuous to be careful.

The second possible answer is that the words that I write are so foreign to the joy of men that I am willingly placed into obscurity.  This is a great possibility, for I have never been known as one who plays well with others.  Why and how should that change now?

And the third possibility is full of ponderous contemplation (Redundant yes but it sounded cool).  Perhaps God Himself has placed me in a “cave”.  Greatly distant from the eyes of man.  And I wrote concerning this in the post called “The Craftsman”.

I have seen others that write virtually the same things as I.  And the numbers on their blog are well into the two hundred and five hundred thousand views, and this in far shorter time than I have been writing. 

I could surmise rightly that I am a lousy writer.  I could surmise rightly that the way I write is so abrasive, few have the palate to eat.  But I very much like the third.  For it gives summation to the other two.

The reasons why God has done what he has done to his servant fit into a variety of explanation.  And there is no need to expose them here. 

It is impossible to take pride in obscurity.  Such a man would be considered fully insane.  Yet there is reason to be proud of the Lord Jesus.  For he is God incarnate.  And in the eternal wisdom of the Holy Father he dispenses God’s will in all creation.

There are many who will sit and count their numbers with great joy.  I recognize that is a broad assumption, but I have no reason to think otherwise.  Every Church that I have attended counts their numbers regularly.  Most of them have even displayed a little plaque at the back of the chapel to honor their victory; “Number in attendance this year 4000, number in attendance this month 400, number in attendance last week 6”.

But God has left me to count scraps from the dinner table.  He is Glory!  His wisdom is pure!  He is faultless in all his Holy judgments.  And rather than give praise or regret to myself,  I will give praise and honor to the one who lives forever by the precious blood of his Holy love for Righteousness!  He is Jesus the Son of the Most High God and the Son of Man!

May the will of God be done forever!  God alone is good!

By His Grace