"From whence cometh wars and fighting among you? Come they not hence, even, of your lusts that war in your members." James 4:1
This verse must be studied in great detail if one is to profit from its riches. The effort to study it will prove exceedingly worthwhile to the spiritual one. James has located for the believer the primary source of conflict and unhappiness in life. Amazingly, the source is not environmental-the nemesis is menacingly internal. Additionally, James wants us to know that the source is dynamic, and is never benign or inactive.
The servitude to the war within may be disguised, but the veil is very thin, and over time the person who has allowed his servitude to lust patterns within to fester and grow will find that the mask or veil will harden into a concrete mask of wanton self-betrayal.
It is not difficult to spot such persons, and the other symptomatic behaviors that emerge from the original condition. Lust patterns grow. They are gnawing monsters with appetites that are insistent and insatiable. This is a picture of active idolatry and its relentless lord-ship over the soul.
Once again, James identifies that such idolatry can be found in the hearts of believers. Or those who profess to be believers. 'By their fruit you shall know them' are highly important words to remember. In other words, watch what people do and you will know the person.
James' use of the term 'lust' is actually the Greek word 'hedonist.' He reveals that he is conversant with behavior that is radically self-serving, and therefore undermining to the individual. Hedonist is defined as readiness for all pleasure. There are no boundaries for the hedonist individual. Or so he believes because he has had to arrest his conscience in order to freely explore the world of sensual pleasure. In order to know what people needed by way of salvation God had to speak to people where they lived.
Sensual pleasure is a devilish bondage. The individual so engaged will not be set free without extraordinary assistance. Some are in denial of their bondage insisting that it is not so bad. Others have destroyed both themselves and loved ones because of illicit desires. James insists on having believers know that the war within is really war. The person who is taken over and subsequently controlled by his inner lust patterns will not find either peace or relief until he returns to God.
Christian 'Hedonism' is a doctrinal and spiritual contradiction. However, there are many walking contradictions among us who are trying to walk the walk and talk the talk of the faith, and yet who live under the merciless and hostile reign of the god hedonism.
There is only one way to secure freedom and walk in peace in this life, and that is to come to the one and only true God and allow him to set you free from depraved sensuality.
Are you filled with shame because you have lived in slavery to hedonism? You are not alone in your struggles. There are many people who have found themselves seduced and betrayed by hedonism. However, they found freedom in the Iesou.
He gave his life a ransom for many and that includes you. Come to him today and be set free. Blessings to you.
For more information about Dr. Rich and his teaching ministry, please follow his blog and visit his website.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Victory Over Lust Patterns In The Soul
"From whence come wars and fighting among you? Come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?" James 4:1
We have been taught that the origin of spiritual warfare is 'out there' not within our own hearts. This has been very misleading and destructive to spiritual growth and maturity. The biblical writers never stated that spiritual warfare originated 'out there' in the outside world. The inner world of the soul is ground zero for the origin of spiritual warfare. I want to emphasize this point because we want to seek for causal factors in the environment in order to explain or provide a rationale for observable behavior or actions.
James is a theologian and as such knows human behavior. He knew that what he observed in human actions and the resultant misery thereof was the result of an intrinsic condition. He knew that for the Cure of Souls to happen there must be accurate epidemiological information available. James received his training directly from the Spirit of God. Therefore he never had to speculate about what he observed because he had been taught of God so that he could have an accurate differential diagnosis.
Believers were having problems in their lives because they were living under inner tyranny of lust patterns that controlled their actions. They were enslaved to obvious and not so secret sins and as a result their lives were spiralling out of control. James knew that polemos-that is, the actual battle of hostile forces within kept them from fruitful spiritual lives. This verse is filled with reference to the inner world of believers where victory or defeat actually happens.
We must know that the biblical writers use accurate word pictures that were inspired by the Spirit of God so that we might know origins of our primary struggle. I have read where some well meaning person wrote that the battle is for the mind. That may well be when one is focused upon culture, but the battle for the mind begins in the person's heart. Mache and polemos are the Greek words in our verse used to denote the inner hostility that takes place within our members. This is not the will of God for our lives.
This verse serves as a reminder that where God asks us to submit our lives to his rule it is an imperative request. If we resist God's will for our lives we cultivate misery and unhappiness. I see the power of the inner lie so much these days in the lives of professed believers. God, however, is not taken aback by our desire to control our lives through our own power. He knows that we do this in order to control the outcome of actions for our advantage. We may win a desired outcome, but that win may be to our hurt.
One of the greatest actions that God can take when we want to live outside of his will is to allow us to have what we want, and the consequences too. We don't like to experience the negative consequences of our actions, but consequences are an intrinsic part of actions. The active pursuit of lust patterns in the soul toss us into an abyss of torture. Just ask someone who is enslaved to pornography. Or just speak to someone who has given up a stable marriage because someone had seduced his or her heart away from a faithful spouse.
A long time ago I counselled a believer who was controlled by a sexual lust pattern. He had lost his family and himself as a result of his condition. He explained in rational terms according to his understanding why he engaged in this behavior. He had little or no awareness of the cognitive distortions that controlled his mind. He came to see me a few times and then he stopped. He wanted to continue in this behavior. This was a man that I liked very much, and I wanted to see him defeat the monster that controlled his life, but he was not ready to be released.
Beloved are you being controlled by an inner monster? A lust pattern that has caused you much pain, shame, and regret? Then you must come to God, and confess your bondage to Him. He will give you the power to overcome the stasis of defeat in your life. Sinful lust patterns are jealous lords and they do not give up control easily. They will war against your will and seek to pull you in deeper and deeper. God who defeated the Chaos Monster in Genesis Chapter One can bring in light where darkness actively ruled. Come to God and be set free. Blessings to you.
For more information about Dr. Rich and his teaching ministry, please follow his blog and visit his website.
We have been taught that the origin of spiritual warfare is 'out there' not within our own hearts. This has been very misleading and destructive to spiritual growth and maturity. The biblical writers never stated that spiritual warfare originated 'out there' in the outside world. The inner world of the soul is ground zero for the origin of spiritual warfare. I want to emphasize this point because we want to seek for causal factors in the environment in order to explain or provide a rationale for observable behavior or actions.
James is a theologian and as such knows human behavior. He knew that what he observed in human actions and the resultant misery thereof was the result of an intrinsic condition. He knew that for the Cure of Souls to happen there must be accurate epidemiological information available. James received his training directly from the Spirit of God. Therefore he never had to speculate about what he observed because he had been taught of God so that he could have an accurate differential diagnosis.
Believers were having problems in their lives because they were living under inner tyranny of lust patterns that controlled their actions. They were enslaved to obvious and not so secret sins and as a result their lives were spiralling out of control. James knew that polemos-that is, the actual battle of hostile forces within kept them from fruitful spiritual lives. This verse is filled with reference to the inner world of believers where victory or defeat actually happens.
We must know that the biblical writers use accurate word pictures that were inspired by the Spirit of God so that we might know origins of our primary struggle. I have read where some well meaning person wrote that the battle is for the mind. That may well be when one is focused upon culture, but the battle for the mind begins in the person's heart. Mache and polemos are the Greek words in our verse used to denote the inner hostility that takes place within our members. This is not the will of God for our lives.
This verse serves as a reminder that where God asks us to submit our lives to his rule it is an imperative request. If we resist God's will for our lives we cultivate misery and unhappiness. I see the power of the inner lie so much these days in the lives of professed believers. God, however, is not taken aback by our desire to control our lives through our own power. He knows that we do this in order to control the outcome of actions for our advantage. We may win a desired outcome, but that win may be to our hurt.
One of the greatest actions that God can take when we want to live outside of his will is to allow us to have what we want, and the consequences too. We don't like to experience the negative consequences of our actions, but consequences are an intrinsic part of actions. The active pursuit of lust patterns in the soul toss us into an abyss of torture. Just ask someone who is enslaved to pornography. Or just speak to someone who has given up a stable marriage because someone had seduced his or her heart away from a faithful spouse.
A long time ago I counselled a believer who was controlled by a sexual lust pattern. He had lost his family and himself as a result of his condition. He explained in rational terms according to his understanding why he engaged in this behavior. He had little or no awareness of the cognitive distortions that controlled his mind. He came to see me a few times and then he stopped. He wanted to continue in this behavior. This was a man that I liked very much, and I wanted to see him defeat the monster that controlled his life, but he was not ready to be released.
Beloved are you being controlled by an inner monster? A lust pattern that has caused you much pain, shame, and regret? Then you must come to God, and confess your bondage to Him. He will give you the power to overcome the stasis of defeat in your life. Sinful lust patterns are jealous lords and they do not give up control easily. They will war against your will and seek to pull you in deeper and deeper. God who defeated the Chaos Monster in Genesis Chapter One can bring in light where darkness actively ruled. Come to God and be set free. Blessings to you.
For more information about Dr. Rich and his teaching ministry, please follow his blog and visit his website.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Walk In The Light and Be Healed
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Iesou Christou cleanses us from all sin." I John 1:7
John looks at truth from the perspective of Light verses Darkness. There is no middle ground or Aristotle's Golden Mean. For the apostle John knowing is radically transformational. The evidence that one knows God is visible in one's practice.
Indeed, John's focus is distinctively ortho-praxis in one's relationship to Iesou. John walked with the Iesou, and so he knew him both in his earthly public ministry and in his resurrection life. John absorbed the character of the Iesou. Down to the very cellular level of his being and into the spiritual essence of his heart John loved the Ieosu.
Therefore, the commitment to order his behavior in the light of the presence of God was not a slavish chore but an exciting opportunity. John did not hold on to the culture of the old life while attempting to affirm religious formalism. It is all too empty and boring. John had stepped out from death into life (spiritual life). He knew the difference and he allowed himself to become completely and intrinsically involved in his new life.
It is the radical nature of the new life that both attracts and repels some persons. They may voice a desire to have a radical new life, but the insistent idolatry of the old life will only allow them to go as far as 'the middle ground.' There is no middle ground. It is merely a psychological ploy to please everyone, but alas none are pleased by being a people pleaser. People pleasers live in fear. They live in fear of rejection, and being rejected, for them is the highest sin.
The mature person knows that life is filled with choices. Choices articulate a destination. John chose to follow the person of the Iesou because he knew that his choice was for eternal life, and not for temporal satisfaction, and the approval of others. John was satisfied with the approval of God.
When we walk in the light of the presence of God our intrinsic social conditioning is transformed by the love of God. We discover that God's love is not color-coded, and neither is it mediated by social advantage. God is not in the business of reaffirming our trite demarcations. God is in the business of loving people through his Son.
I know that for some people this is too much, and plays havoc with their social conditioning. God loves them too. God does not practice exclusivity as humans do. God welcomes those who cannot welcome themselves because they do not know how to receive themselves as persons.
God has introduced many, many persons to themselves through the Iesou. God provides self healing for us. Are you in need of God's healing power today? The tattered soul that is cut off from itself through sin and self-injury is his special domain.
The good news of the Iesou is yours to own. The salvation message of release from the bondage of sin is yours to appropriate. You must ask to be healed from the controlling power of sin. God answers such prayers.
For the believer, fellowship is a transcendent experience. Its primary focus is that which is held in common with others of the same faith. No longer is there the idolatry of separation. It is the work of the Enemy to keep us divided, and therefore weak, because we cannot accept others who also hold the living reality of the Iesous in common with us.
The love of God removes separation, the tragic consequence of, our estrangement from God. God's love collapses the need to be separate from others who share our common faith. Creedal formalism and religion forces us into separation It is for power and control of our relationship with God. We are saved by Grace and not by creeds. We are saved by the blood of the risen Iesou, and not by the word of man.
Are you ready for the radical brilliance of God's light? Blessings to you.
For more information about Dr. Rich and his teaching ministry, please follow his blog and visit his website.
John looks at truth from the perspective of Light verses Darkness. There is no middle ground or Aristotle's Golden Mean. For the apostle John knowing is radically transformational. The evidence that one knows God is visible in one's practice.
Indeed, John's focus is distinctively ortho-praxis in one's relationship to Iesou. John walked with the Iesou, and so he knew him both in his earthly public ministry and in his resurrection life. John absorbed the character of the Iesou. Down to the very cellular level of his being and into the spiritual essence of his heart John loved the Ieosu.
Therefore, the commitment to order his behavior in the light of the presence of God was not a slavish chore but an exciting opportunity. John did not hold on to the culture of the old life while attempting to affirm religious formalism. It is all too empty and boring. John had stepped out from death into life (spiritual life). He knew the difference and he allowed himself to become completely and intrinsically involved in his new life.
It is the radical nature of the new life that both attracts and repels some persons. They may voice a desire to have a radical new life, but the insistent idolatry of the old life will only allow them to go as far as 'the middle ground.' There is no middle ground. It is merely a psychological ploy to please everyone, but alas none are pleased by being a people pleaser. People pleasers live in fear. They live in fear of rejection, and being rejected, for them is the highest sin.
The mature person knows that life is filled with choices. Choices articulate a destination. John chose to follow the person of the Iesou because he knew that his choice was for eternal life, and not for temporal satisfaction, and the approval of others. John was satisfied with the approval of God.
When we walk in the light of the presence of God our intrinsic social conditioning is transformed by the love of God. We discover that God's love is not color-coded, and neither is it mediated by social advantage. God is not in the business of reaffirming our trite demarcations. God is in the business of loving people through his Son.
I know that for some people this is too much, and plays havoc with their social conditioning. God loves them too. God does not practice exclusivity as humans do. God welcomes those who cannot welcome themselves because they do not know how to receive themselves as persons.
God has introduced many, many persons to themselves through the Iesou. God provides self healing for us. Are you in need of God's healing power today? The tattered soul that is cut off from itself through sin and self-injury is his special domain.
The good news of the Iesou is yours to own. The salvation message of release from the bondage of sin is yours to appropriate. You must ask to be healed from the controlling power of sin. God answers such prayers.
For the believer, fellowship is a transcendent experience. Its primary focus is that which is held in common with others of the same faith. No longer is there the idolatry of separation. It is the work of the Enemy to keep us divided, and therefore weak, because we cannot accept others who also hold the living reality of the Iesous in common with us.
The love of God removes separation, the tragic consequence of, our estrangement from God. God's love collapses the need to be separate from others who share our common faith. Creedal formalism and religion forces us into separation It is for power and control of our relationship with God. We are saved by Grace and not by creeds. We are saved by the blood of the risen Iesou, and not by the word of man.
Are you ready for the radical brilliance of God's light? Blessings to you.
For more information about Dr. Rich and his teaching ministry, please follow his blog and visit his website.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Cosmology Dictates Values
"But the heavens and the earth, which are now by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgement (Gk. Krisis), and perdition of ungodly men." 2 Pet. 3:7
The biblical materials unapologetically teach the relativity of time. However, the concept of time as popularly conceived is based upon chance and necessity. Somehow aeons ago there arose within the pre-biotic soup organic precursors. They may have been pieces of amino acids that by chance connected with other pieces of amino acids, and by chance rudimentary 'life' arose.
It is very important to know that evolution has an intrinsic set of values that are undifferentiated from its origins and yet it divides persons into classes for exploitation. This is a fundamental contradiction.
Such a scenario must always begin with an organic something to start the process of life. It is interesting metaphysics to say the least. What is of more interest to me are the values that come with such a belief about cosmic origins. The values that emerge from evolutionary metaphysics are of necessity monism and subject to some very frightful interpretations. Those who are part of the knowledge priesthood of a culture may decide who is or is not worthy of personhood status based upon the the values of evolutionary metaphysics.
The biblical cosmology teaches that in the beginning God created humankind with a set of values derived from God. This is not merely about the process of evolution or creation metaphysics this is about humanity itself, and the power that is given to those who bestow the privilege of life to some and take away the lives of others.
This is about the inherent exploitation of persons based upon the DNA information encoded in their genes that allowed for variation within humanity. We have since learned that there are no racial groups. We have found that there are a limited amount of blood group types that are common to all of humanity.
The apostle Peter has written for us a cosmology that is radically different from the established norm. Peter's cosmology has been divinely given and is therefore the viewpoint of God. God as revealed in the biblical materials is not in the process of becoming with the world, and neither is he sequestered in moral or spiritual finitude he is, however the Creator. He has created both the visible world and the invisible world.
Our eyes can only 'see' one one millionth of the electromagnetic spectrum. The universe is enormous. Long ago Sir James Jeans noted that we can calculate the amount of mass\energy. The universe is exceedingly large, but God is eternal, and the universe is not an extension of his essence.
God is holding the universe together by the word of his power. We know that matter is neither being created or destroyed but is being transformed. This current world where men fight for a piece of the earth's crust and the mineral rights thereunto will be surprised one day. Because God will call all of us into account before his throne. The invitation to do so also involves those who do not believe this to be true. There is no amount of human eloquence, position, or money that will quiet his invitation.
Peter speaks of the day of krisis of ungodly men. I am using the greek word krisis instead of judgement because people have become dismissive of the term. The word krisis is both a descriptor and a destination. John wrote that the world is being caused to pass away! Where are you today? Are you ready to make peace with God through the Iesous?
I recently read an article about the multiplied millions of tons of methane gas trapped in ice mountains throughout the world. Such an enormous amount of gas could do unimaginable harm to the planet. How did Peter know about this energy source? Peter further wrote to look for a qualitatively new heavens and a qualitatively new earth where righteousness habitually lives. Beloved one day all swords will be turned into plowshares by the power of God.
For more information about Dr. Rich and his teaching ministry, please follow his blog and visit his website.
The biblical materials unapologetically teach the relativity of time. However, the concept of time as popularly conceived is based upon chance and necessity. Somehow aeons ago there arose within the pre-biotic soup organic precursors. They may have been pieces of amino acids that by chance connected with other pieces of amino acids, and by chance rudimentary 'life' arose.
It is very important to know that evolution has an intrinsic set of values that are undifferentiated from its origins and yet it divides persons into classes for exploitation. This is a fundamental contradiction.
Such a scenario must always begin with an organic something to start the process of life. It is interesting metaphysics to say the least. What is of more interest to me are the values that come with such a belief about cosmic origins. The values that emerge from evolutionary metaphysics are of necessity monism and subject to some very frightful interpretations. Those who are part of the knowledge priesthood of a culture may decide who is or is not worthy of personhood status based upon the the values of evolutionary metaphysics.
The biblical cosmology teaches that in the beginning God created humankind with a set of values derived from God. This is not merely about the process of evolution or creation metaphysics this is about humanity itself, and the power that is given to those who bestow the privilege of life to some and take away the lives of others.
This is about the inherent exploitation of persons based upon the DNA information encoded in their genes that allowed for variation within humanity. We have since learned that there are no racial groups. We have found that there are a limited amount of blood group types that are common to all of humanity.
The apostle Peter has written for us a cosmology that is radically different from the established norm. Peter's cosmology has been divinely given and is therefore the viewpoint of God. God as revealed in the biblical materials is not in the process of becoming with the world, and neither is he sequestered in moral or spiritual finitude he is, however the Creator. He has created both the visible world and the invisible world.
Our eyes can only 'see' one one millionth of the electromagnetic spectrum. The universe is enormous. Long ago Sir James Jeans noted that we can calculate the amount of mass\energy. The universe is exceedingly large, but God is eternal, and the universe is not an extension of his essence.
God is holding the universe together by the word of his power. We know that matter is neither being created or destroyed but is being transformed. This current world where men fight for a piece of the earth's crust and the mineral rights thereunto will be surprised one day. Because God will call all of us into account before his throne. The invitation to do so also involves those who do not believe this to be true. There is no amount of human eloquence, position, or money that will quiet his invitation.
Peter speaks of the day of krisis of ungodly men. I am using the greek word krisis instead of judgement because people have become dismissive of the term. The word krisis is both a descriptor and a destination. John wrote that the world is being caused to pass away! Where are you today? Are you ready to make peace with God through the Iesous?
I recently read an article about the multiplied millions of tons of methane gas trapped in ice mountains throughout the world. Such an enormous amount of gas could do unimaginable harm to the planet. How did Peter know about this energy source? Peter further wrote to look for a qualitatively new heavens and a qualitatively new earth where righteousness habitually lives. Beloved one day all swords will be turned into plowshares by the power of God.
For more information about Dr. Rich and his teaching ministry, please follow his blog and visit his website.
Friday, February 22, 2013
God Will Judge The Secrets of Men
"For when the Gentiles (ethne), which have not the law, do by nature the things of the law, these, not having the law, are a law unto themselves: Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts while accusing or else excusing one another; In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Iesou Christou according to my gospel." Romans 2:14-16
Social groups are made up of persons. The persons of a particular social group have certain mores and beliefs that provide a cohesive milieu for that group. These beliefs and mores are often unexamined and passed on to the heirs of that social group without discursive consideration. "It is just the way things are."
In some manner such beliefs become inherent much like genetic characteristics in DNA. We have learned so much these days about the plasticity of the human brain and the reality that persons are really shaped by both culture and inherited genetics. Neuroplasticity seems to reflect cultural beliefs too, and to be burdened with a set of unconscious values.
This is very interesting because western religious beliefs, based, it would seem, upon the biblical writings have been conjoined with an inherent racialist philosophy. One of the glaring weaknesses of western religious history and theology has been its radical denial of the primary ethic of love as espoused by the Iesou.
In a careful reading of the biblical writings it is obvious that God is no respecter of persons. However, that does not mean that man will abide by the perception of God. Many, many, persons have been slain in history in the name of God by persons who claim to know God. The Iesous was slain by persons who claimed to know God, but their religion was part of a tacit social contract.
Power was at stake then as it is in our day. This is not about a level playing field or social advantaging. It is about the nature of persons to confine their fellow beings to judgmental flames of woe because of unexamined beliefs.
These beliefs are based upon 19th century social and economic policies. In America persons were reduced to chattel ownership to feed the insatiable god 'Mammon' as spoken of by the Iesous. Admittedly, it is very difficult to jettison beliefs that are inherent and intrinsic.
The Gospel is the good news that God has done the work that men cannot do. God has addressed our radical need of rescue from real social fiction through the Iesou. The Gospel changes our attitude about ourselves and our fellow men. A genuine encounter with the Ieosu through the Spirit of God makes us alive to God, we are then no longer dead in trespasses and sins.
The biblical writings acknowledge that men have an internal moral compass given by the Creator. It is the conscience that bears witness of our behavior and actions, but persons can mare the work of conscience (the witness within) by actions that destroy the conscience. The conscience can be seared or rendered dead deliberate and intentional violation.
The biblical materials are clear that God will judge the secrets of men one day. The word secret means those things that are concealed, private, or hidden. It is the further teaching of the biblical materials that idolatrous beliefs of the heart manifest themselves in the lives of those so governed.
Such poisonous content cannot be hidden. It can show upon on the face of the captive. It takes artful self-deception to believe that one can conceal hate. John writes that the one who hates his brother does not have eternal life abiding within his heart.
Beloved we are told that we are our from God as a source, and not out from the world and its values. The Iesous will judge the secrets of men one day. His summons will be irresistible and incontestable. There will be no argument to the contrary when he holds court.
Now is the day of salvation, now is the accepted time. We must cleanse ourselves of contaminating beliefs and values. There is much that I have had to confess to God. Today God wants you to come before him and be released from the pressure to 'fit in' because you don't want to be left out, or seem to hold to a higher ethical mandate.
Blessings to you.
For more information about Dr. Rich and his teaching ministry, please follow this blog and visit his website.
Social groups are made up of persons. The persons of a particular social group have certain mores and beliefs that provide a cohesive milieu for that group. These beliefs and mores are often unexamined and passed on to the heirs of that social group without discursive consideration. "It is just the way things are."
In some manner such beliefs become inherent much like genetic characteristics in DNA. We have learned so much these days about the plasticity of the human brain and the reality that persons are really shaped by both culture and inherited genetics. Neuroplasticity seems to reflect cultural beliefs too, and to be burdened with a set of unconscious values.
This is very interesting because western religious beliefs, based, it would seem, upon the biblical writings have been conjoined with an inherent racialist philosophy. One of the glaring weaknesses of western religious history and theology has been its radical denial of the primary ethic of love as espoused by the Iesou.
In a careful reading of the biblical writings it is obvious that God is no respecter of persons. However, that does not mean that man will abide by the perception of God. Many, many, persons have been slain in history in the name of God by persons who claim to know God. The Iesous was slain by persons who claimed to know God, but their religion was part of a tacit social contract.
Power was at stake then as it is in our day. This is not about a level playing field or social advantaging. It is about the nature of persons to confine their fellow beings to judgmental flames of woe because of unexamined beliefs.
These beliefs are based upon 19th century social and economic policies. In America persons were reduced to chattel ownership to feed the insatiable god 'Mammon' as spoken of by the Iesous. Admittedly, it is very difficult to jettison beliefs that are inherent and intrinsic.
The Gospel is the good news that God has done the work that men cannot do. God has addressed our radical need of rescue from real social fiction through the Iesou. The Gospel changes our attitude about ourselves and our fellow men. A genuine encounter with the Ieosu through the Spirit of God makes us alive to God, we are then no longer dead in trespasses and sins.
The biblical writings acknowledge that men have an internal moral compass given by the Creator. It is the conscience that bears witness of our behavior and actions, but persons can mare the work of conscience (the witness within) by actions that destroy the conscience. The conscience can be seared or rendered dead deliberate and intentional violation.
The biblical materials are clear that God will judge the secrets of men one day. The word secret means those things that are concealed, private, or hidden. It is the further teaching of the biblical materials that idolatrous beliefs of the heart manifest themselves in the lives of those so governed.
Such poisonous content cannot be hidden. It can show upon on the face of the captive. It takes artful self-deception to believe that one can conceal hate. John writes that the one who hates his brother does not have eternal life abiding within his heart.
Beloved we are told that we are our from God as a source, and not out from the world and its values. The Iesous will judge the secrets of men one day. His summons will be irresistible and incontestable. There will be no argument to the contrary when he holds court.
Now is the day of salvation, now is the accepted time. We must cleanse ourselves of contaminating beliefs and values. There is much that I have had to confess to God. Today God wants you to come before him and be released from the pressure to 'fit in' because you don't want to be left out, or seem to hold to a higher ethical mandate.
Blessings to you.
For more information about Dr. Rich and his teaching ministry, please follow this blog and visit his website.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
The Work of The Iesous Is The Cure of Souls
"Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross." Col. 2:14
The distinctive message of the biblical materials is the intrinsic necessity of the sacrificial death of the Iesous. It is upon this message that the entire bible holds fast. His death upon the Roman gibbet was not for crimes that he had committed; it was for an alienated humanity that God (Theos) loved. Even the word that is used in the Greek New Testament for the love of God has nothing to do with the inherent worthiness of God's love, but his complete selflessness for the object of his love.
Persons today have been raised in a milieu of selfish love. Selfish love has to do with manipulated behavior designed to seduce but not to honor or respect, and when manipulated love has exhausted its desire it moves on for new or other novel experiences of excess.
I have seen the brokenness of manipulated love, and its results many, many times, and I have seen the other side when persons are able to realize that there is someone who can love them holistically. I have experienced persons who cannot believe the message of the kerygma (the cross) of the Iesous, but as the Spirit of God reveals to them the love of God they are moved to confess that the new life given by God is powerful and amazing.
God releases us from the scripts that others have used to define us, and which we have internalized as 'true' of us. Such scripts were filled with fragmentation and self-loathing, or embedded with lies that twisted our perception of who we are.
The scripts are filled with destructive acts against us, and destructive acts that we have done to others. They are filled with blame, shame, regret, betrayal, revenge and denial, but God has read all of our scripts, and has seen us completely. He has never used a particular therapy to open our consciousness or to probe the mysteries of who we are. He knows us. He does not appeal to any annotated history that has had all of our sins redacted. His love has seen our worst and it remains the same for us.
For those of you who cannot sleep because of some dark deed that you have done, and that has enslaved your life; confess it to the God who loves you, and get peace. For those of you who cannot think of forgiving yourselves for some moral failure take your self-condemnation to the God who loves you.
When our hearts condemn us God is greater than our hearts. Let his word give comfort to your self-tortured soul. He has dismissed the legal opinion that held your life fast by the ravages of sinful living.
Sin (failure to live up to God's standard) is real. Sin has real consequences for your life. One of the most glaring manifestations of sin is the flight into unreality. But sins can destroy a life. In the Greek New Testament the bible describes a life destroyed by sin as lost. The word 'lost' is a powerful word that speaks of a life that has been cut off or ruined by the internal plague of sin.
Believe me, I realize that discussing sin is not popular, but a person must know his true condition before he can avail himself of the cure. The work of the Iesous is the cure of souls.
The good news of the bible is the removal of the power of sin to ruin life by the sacrifice of the Iesous. He can give a qualitatively new life to you. He can give you a brand new life script, but you must give up the old life to God.
Blessings to you.
For more information about Dr. Rich and his teaching ministry, please follow this blog and visit his website.
The distinctive message of the biblical materials is the intrinsic necessity of the sacrificial death of the Iesous. It is upon this message that the entire bible holds fast. His death upon the Roman gibbet was not for crimes that he had committed; it was for an alienated humanity that God (Theos) loved. Even the word that is used in the Greek New Testament for the love of God has nothing to do with the inherent worthiness of God's love, but his complete selflessness for the object of his love.
Persons today have been raised in a milieu of selfish love. Selfish love has to do with manipulated behavior designed to seduce but not to honor or respect, and when manipulated love has exhausted its desire it moves on for new or other novel experiences of excess.
I have seen the brokenness of manipulated love, and its results many, many times, and I have seen the other side when persons are able to realize that there is someone who can love them holistically. I have experienced persons who cannot believe the message of the kerygma (the cross) of the Iesous, but as the Spirit of God reveals to them the love of God they are moved to confess that the new life given by God is powerful and amazing.
God releases us from the scripts that others have used to define us, and which we have internalized as 'true' of us. Such scripts were filled with fragmentation and self-loathing, or embedded with lies that twisted our perception of who we are.
The scripts are filled with destructive acts against us, and destructive acts that we have done to others. They are filled with blame, shame, regret, betrayal, revenge and denial, but God has read all of our scripts, and has seen us completely. He has never used a particular therapy to open our consciousness or to probe the mysteries of who we are. He knows us. He does not appeal to any annotated history that has had all of our sins redacted. His love has seen our worst and it remains the same for us.
For those of you who cannot sleep because of some dark deed that you have done, and that has enslaved your life; confess it to the God who loves you, and get peace. For those of you who cannot think of forgiving yourselves for some moral failure take your self-condemnation to the God who loves you.
When our hearts condemn us God is greater than our hearts. Let his word give comfort to your self-tortured soul. He has dismissed the legal opinion that held your life fast by the ravages of sinful living.
Sin (failure to live up to God's standard) is real. Sin has real consequences for your life. One of the most glaring manifestations of sin is the flight into unreality. But sins can destroy a life. In the Greek New Testament the bible describes a life destroyed by sin as lost. The word 'lost' is a powerful word that speaks of a life that has been cut off or ruined by the internal plague of sin.
Believe me, I realize that discussing sin is not popular, but a person must know his true condition before he can avail himself of the cure. The work of the Iesous is the cure of souls.
The good news of the bible is the removal of the power of sin to ruin life by the sacrifice of the Iesous. He can give a qualitatively new life to you. He can give you a brand new life script, but you must give up the old life to God.
Blessings to you.
For more information about Dr. Rich and his teaching ministry, please follow this blog and visit his website.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
The Word From The Instructed Tongue
The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary." Isa. 50:4
We live in a time of uncertainty and unrest. We live in a time when people still test nuclear arms with the threat of unleashing the dark weapon upon an enemy. The enemy will not passively allow itself to be trumped by a lethal aggressor, and will retaliate in kind. And so it goes, weapons are big business, and people purchase weapons to protect their loved ones and themselves from unprovoked threats of danger.
Some people are deeply outraged today, and take out their outrage upon unsuspecting ones or those who have done no harm to others. Those who have not harmed others become the hapless victims of orgiastic violence. Persons trained in crisis response must somehow hold it together when they are called to help those who have immediately witnessed the unspeakable. Sometimes the helpers suffer from secondary Post Traumatic Stress from what they have seen and heard.
Maybe you have not had first person experience with brutal violence. Maybe you have witnessed another type of violence. Maybe you know of young persons whose lives have been diverted into the world of human trafickking. It is a world of destructive and harrowing exploitation. Human trafickking takes place in the most respected neighborhoods, and by the most respectable people.
Perhaps you have been shaken to learn that a child has sacrificed herself because she could no longer bear the unmerciful taunting of schoolmates. You were shocked because such things never happen in our neighborhood. Yes, these things may not have taken place within your milieu, but they have in mine. A police officer once called me hiding from a closet in her home. She said that she was not going to come out. It took me one and one half hours to persuade her to come out of her closet.
The world is full of hurting people who need a word from an instructed tongue. The tongue of the instructed one is there to provide encouragement when persons feel they are sinking beneath into the abyss of despair and chagrin. They do not want the word of the one who asks "I want to know what you believe?" They want a word that sustains when their own word is feeble and weak. They want the word of the one who knows a word beyond their word.
Yahweh says that the word of the instructed tongue is for the one who is exhausted by self-torture. This is the essence of the mission of the Cure of Souls. Those who are exhausted with suffering and self-torture are ready to hear the uplifting message of God's care. They crave a word that is infused with hope and redemptive Grace.
I want to encourage you today to come to God and cast all of your cares upon Him, and prescriptively hear His word with a view to obeying it.
It is only as we prescriptively hear God's word that we are powerfully infused with strength. If you are tired of being where you are in life, and you really want a new life you must hear God's word from the Iesous who truly possessed an instructed tongue for the exhausted.
The existential quest for a life with real meaning is found in the Iesous. Blessings to you.
For more information about Dr. Rich and his teaching ministry, please follow his blog and visit his website.
We live in a time of uncertainty and unrest. We live in a time when people still test nuclear arms with the threat of unleashing the dark weapon upon an enemy. The enemy will not passively allow itself to be trumped by a lethal aggressor, and will retaliate in kind. And so it goes, weapons are big business, and people purchase weapons to protect their loved ones and themselves from unprovoked threats of danger.
Some people are deeply outraged today, and take out their outrage upon unsuspecting ones or those who have done no harm to others. Those who have not harmed others become the hapless victims of orgiastic violence. Persons trained in crisis response must somehow hold it together when they are called to help those who have immediately witnessed the unspeakable. Sometimes the helpers suffer from secondary Post Traumatic Stress from what they have seen and heard.
Maybe you have not had first person experience with brutal violence. Maybe you have witnessed another type of violence. Maybe you know of young persons whose lives have been diverted into the world of human trafickking. It is a world of destructive and harrowing exploitation. Human trafickking takes place in the most respected neighborhoods, and by the most respectable people.
Perhaps you have been shaken to learn that a child has sacrificed herself because she could no longer bear the unmerciful taunting of schoolmates. You were shocked because such things never happen in our neighborhood. Yes, these things may not have taken place within your milieu, but they have in mine. A police officer once called me hiding from a closet in her home. She said that she was not going to come out. It took me one and one half hours to persuade her to come out of her closet.
The world is full of hurting people who need a word from an instructed tongue. The tongue of the instructed one is there to provide encouragement when persons feel they are sinking beneath into the abyss of despair and chagrin. They do not want the word of the one who asks "I want to know what you believe?" They want a word that sustains when their own word is feeble and weak. They want the word of the one who knows a word beyond their word.
Yahweh says that the word of the instructed tongue is for the one who is exhausted by self-torture. This is the essence of the mission of the Cure of Souls. Those who are exhausted with suffering and self-torture are ready to hear the uplifting message of God's care. They crave a word that is infused with hope and redemptive Grace.
I want to encourage you today to come to God and cast all of your cares upon Him, and prescriptively hear His word with a view to obeying it.
It is only as we prescriptively hear God's word that we are powerfully infused with strength. If you are tired of being where you are in life, and you really want a new life you must hear God's word from the Iesous who truly possessed an instructed tongue for the exhausted.
The existential quest for a life with real meaning is found in the Iesous. Blessings to you.
For more information about Dr. Rich and his teaching ministry, please follow his blog and visit his website.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
The Transformational Power of Pleasant Words
"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bone." Proverbs 16:42
I am fascinated by the Wisdom Literature of Old Testament documents. The Proverbs in particular affirm the unitary nature of persons. That is, the Proverbs speak of persons as body/soul beings, and does not recognize the western dualism of persons as body and soul. It is also very important that in the ancient Near Eastern view of the Old Testament that words are carriers of extraordinary power.
Words not only impact the speaking entity with their extraordinary power, but they can have the amazing capacity to unleash healing approval and acceptance. We inhabit a cosmology of oral and written speech. The reflecting brain can be highly motivated by speech that is inspirational. The word inspire is derived from the word breath. Therefore to inspire is to endow with breath. It is very important to recognize the undeniable correlation between words and breath.
We hurl words into the cosmos by means of breath, and breath is life for us. Without breath there is no life. According the Proverbs, pleasant words refer to words that are suitable or beautiful in content, and both the speaking person and the one who hears such pleasant words are blessed thereby. Pleasant words are likened to a honeycomb filled with natural goodness. Please do not allow the word picture of the honeycomb to be lost.
The writer does not state that pleasant words are like a honeycomb, he states that they are a honeycomb. The writer wants to communicate the redemptive power of suitable words. The life of the speaking person and the life of the one receiving the suitable words are transformed by the dynamic content of the metaphysical word-event. To uplift another person bound by compelling darkness is a remarkable power. The word of judgement is halted by the suitable word. How we need those who are well-versed in speaking pleasant words.
Pleasant words are prescriptive. That is, as a man thinks in his heart so is he, therefore the one who is careful to speak pleasant words will reap a harvest of suitable responses to himself. How attractive are those who speak with love. When those who speak words of love in our midst we note their uplifting power. We grow when such persons speak to us. We are released from the fear of daring to believe that we can be worthy of such words.
The hungry soul that has not had the honeycomb of pleasant words in their life are poised to reject them when spoken. Such a soul has only heard words baited with cruel intent, or manipulative words designed to confuse and disarm. How different are pleasant words! The soul who hears them is caused to grow and is not afraid to share their new found source of strength.
God has come to us with pleasant words in the person of the Iesous. "Whosoever will may come" are the words of Grace. Words can be used to control or to free. God has come to us with words of freedom. We call his words the 'Word.' We call his words the Word because they unleash the power of his redemptive message to us. His Word is also the living Word. The Word or Logos was made flesh and dwelt among us. He, that is, the Iesous was full of Grace and Truth.
You may change your life today by appropriating the honeycomb of the Word of God. This is a powerful message or picture of Mind-Body Medicine. Our lives are transformed as we allow the mind to mediate upon the suitable words of the biblical materials.
Are you searching for a new life, but you don't know where to start? Let your search begin by coming to God in confession that you want a new life. Tell Him where you are, and how you feel. He will set you free. Read His word.
Blessings to you.
For more information about Dr. Rich and his teaching ministry, please follow this blog and visit his website.
I am fascinated by the Wisdom Literature of Old Testament documents. The Proverbs in particular affirm the unitary nature of persons. That is, the Proverbs speak of persons as body/soul beings, and does not recognize the western dualism of persons as body and soul. It is also very important that in the ancient Near Eastern view of the Old Testament that words are carriers of extraordinary power.
Words not only impact the speaking entity with their extraordinary power, but they can have the amazing capacity to unleash healing approval and acceptance. We inhabit a cosmology of oral and written speech. The reflecting brain can be highly motivated by speech that is inspirational. The word inspire is derived from the word breath. Therefore to inspire is to endow with breath. It is very important to recognize the undeniable correlation between words and breath.
We hurl words into the cosmos by means of breath, and breath is life for us. Without breath there is no life. According the Proverbs, pleasant words refer to words that are suitable or beautiful in content, and both the speaking person and the one who hears such pleasant words are blessed thereby. Pleasant words are likened to a honeycomb filled with natural goodness. Please do not allow the word picture of the honeycomb to be lost.
The writer does not state that pleasant words are like a honeycomb, he states that they are a honeycomb. The writer wants to communicate the redemptive power of suitable words. The life of the speaking person and the life of the one receiving the suitable words are transformed by the dynamic content of the metaphysical word-event. To uplift another person bound by compelling darkness is a remarkable power. The word of judgement is halted by the suitable word. How we need those who are well-versed in speaking pleasant words.
Pleasant words are prescriptive. That is, as a man thinks in his heart so is he, therefore the one who is careful to speak pleasant words will reap a harvest of suitable responses to himself. How attractive are those who speak with love. When those who speak words of love in our midst we note their uplifting power. We grow when such persons speak to us. We are released from the fear of daring to believe that we can be worthy of such words.
The hungry soul that has not had the honeycomb of pleasant words in their life are poised to reject them when spoken. Such a soul has only heard words baited with cruel intent, or manipulative words designed to confuse and disarm. How different are pleasant words! The soul who hears them is caused to grow and is not afraid to share their new found source of strength.
God has come to us with pleasant words in the person of the Iesous. "Whosoever will may come" are the words of Grace. Words can be used to control or to free. God has come to us with words of freedom. We call his words the 'Word.' We call his words the Word because they unleash the power of his redemptive message to us. His Word is also the living Word. The Word or Logos was made flesh and dwelt among us. He, that is, the Iesous was full of Grace and Truth.
You may change your life today by appropriating the honeycomb of the Word of God. This is a powerful message or picture of Mind-Body Medicine. Our lives are transformed as we allow the mind to mediate upon the suitable words of the biblical materials.
Are you searching for a new life, but you don't know where to start? Let your search begin by coming to God in confession that you want a new life. Tell Him where you are, and how you feel. He will set you free. Read His word.
Blessings to you.
For more information about Dr. Rich and his teaching ministry, please follow this blog and visit his website.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Have the Experiences of Life Left You Parched?
"If any person thirst, let him come unto me, and drink." John 7:37
The words of the Iesous are always essential. The words of the Iesous convey a necessary word of truth. His words are always vital and definitive. The real time situations into which he spoke were deliberate and at times dangerous because he dared to speak to persons with entrenched but unstable beliefs about life. He had the uncanny perceptive skill to perform a differential diagnosis of any spiritual condition, and prescribe the necessary healing path.
The Iesous never engaged in debate about the character of God, but he always bared the motives of those who tried to manipulate him into trite theological debate. The attention of the Iesous always centered around the will of God for his own life, and those who needed the presence of God in their own lives. He lived that which he taught.
"If any man thirst, let him come unto me" are words for the desperate ones who have suffered unspeakable acts of betrayal. They are words for those who have thrown themselves away through relentless self-abuse and self-hate. God has a message of acceptance for those who cannot accept themselves because they have been carefully 'seasoned' to believe that they are unacceptable. God's Word is for those who are thirsty. God's Word is for those whose thirst is intrinsic.
In Victor Frankel's book, 'Man's Search For Meaning', is a compelling message of hope. Frankel spoke in the context of World War II and the existential crisis of those whose lives had been overthrown by genocide mania.
The words of the Iesous are also for those who have found themselves in search of meaning, but he does not offer a therapy he offers himself as the answer for those who thirst. The experiences of life can leave us parched wanting to know if there is an answer to the desert like emptiness within a heart that is a barren wasteland.
T. S. Elliot bemoans the reality: "So many, so many I had not thought death had undone so many." There is this feeling within most people that they are more than a mere 'Ghost Within the Machine' and that the charming metaphysics of Alan Watts enlightens but leaves one asking for a deeper reality to explore. The Iesous says that He is that One who meets the deeper needs of the heart.
For the one who snorts a white line of pleasure seeking to temporarily disengage there is hope in the Iesous. For the one who has become an amateur neuro-naut exploring the contours and recesses of the mind and brain and discovered no lasting satisfaction there is hope in the Iesous. For the inner city rap poet who is highly skilled in the prophetic discourse of despair there is hope in the Iesous. For the comic artist who reshapes and reflects our world to us by his brilliant ability to make us laugh at the absurd without and within there is hope in the Iesous.
"If any person thirst let him come to me and drink" are terrible words if they are not true words. They are true words and they are stated in the imperative by the Iesous. God has come to us in a manner that we can understand and appreciate.
For those who are looking for love in all the places and have become disillusioned by their futile search there is hope in the Iesous. I challenge you to read the Gospel of John, and if you do, ask God to guide your reading of the book. Do so with humility and openness of heart and ask God to reveal himself to you therein and he will speak to you.
For more information about Dr. Rich and his teaching ministry, please follow this blog and visit his website.
The words of the Iesous are always essential. The words of the Iesous convey a necessary word of truth. His words are always vital and definitive. The real time situations into which he spoke were deliberate and at times dangerous because he dared to speak to persons with entrenched but unstable beliefs about life. He had the uncanny perceptive skill to perform a differential diagnosis of any spiritual condition, and prescribe the necessary healing path.
The Iesous never engaged in debate about the character of God, but he always bared the motives of those who tried to manipulate him into trite theological debate. The attention of the Iesous always centered around the will of God for his own life, and those who needed the presence of God in their own lives. He lived that which he taught.
"If any man thirst, let him come unto me" are words for the desperate ones who have suffered unspeakable acts of betrayal. They are words for those who have thrown themselves away through relentless self-abuse and self-hate. God has a message of acceptance for those who cannot accept themselves because they have been carefully 'seasoned' to believe that they are unacceptable. God's Word is for those who are thirsty. God's Word is for those whose thirst is intrinsic.
In Victor Frankel's book, 'Man's Search For Meaning', is a compelling message of hope. Frankel spoke in the context of World War II and the existential crisis of those whose lives had been overthrown by genocide mania.
The words of the Iesous are also for those who have found themselves in search of meaning, but he does not offer a therapy he offers himself as the answer for those who thirst. The experiences of life can leave us parched wanting to know if there is an answer to the desert like emptiness within a heart that is a barren wasteland.
T. S. Elliot bemoans the reality: "So many, so many I had not thought death had undone so many." There is this feeling within most people that they are more than a mere 'Ghost Within the Machine' and that the charming metaphysics of Alan Watts enlightens but leaves one asking for a deeper reality to explore. The Iesous says that He is that One who meets the deeper needs of the heart.
For the one who snorts a white line of pleasure seeking to temporarily disengage there is hope in the Iesous. For the one who has become an amateur neuro-naut exploring the contours and recesses of the mind and brain and discovered no lasting satisfaction there is hope in the Iesous. For the inner city rap poet who is highly skilled in the prophetic discourse of despair there is hope in the Iesous. For the comic artist who reshapes and reflects our world to us by his brilliant ability to make us laugh at the absurd without and within there is hope in the Iesous.
"If any person thirst let him come to me and drink" are terrible words if they are not true words. They are true words and they are stated in the imperative by the Iesous. God has come to us in a manner that we can understand and appreciate.
For those who are looking for love in all the places and have become disillusioned by their futile search there is hope in the Iesous. I challenge you to read the Gospel of John, and if you do, ask God to guide your reading of the book. Do so with humility and openness of heart and ask God to reveal himself to you therein and he will speak to you.
For more information about Dr. Rich and his teaching ministry, please follow this blog and visit his website.
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