Magazine Issue 11

Posted on by steve2525

Holding us Back

Many things can hold us back from following the Lord wholeheartedly. The world is full of such things, in fact everything “of the world” is opposed to a Spirit led life. Within the depths of every Believer is a desire to be completely the Lord’s, about His mission and filled with His Spirit. The Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. God’s plan is an eternal plan, it starts on earth when we are born and born again, but He is our Creator, Savior and the one who will bring everything in submission to Himself. 

We long for holiness, but perfect holiness is a gift of God’s grace. If we are to walk in freedom it must be that which Yeshua has given us. Our efforts are worthless, even if, our intentions were pure. God is Sovereign from beginning to end, but in our time on earth He asks for surrender and submission, anything else is holding us back. Yeshua said, “Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me.” (Matt. 16:24) “Whoever seeks to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses it for my sake will save it.”(Luke 9:24) These are the essentials of both following Yeshua and salvation. 

Notes and Thoughts 

  • God does not employ trial and error techniques as He is perfect in all He is and does.  Adaptation of species does not evidence creation of species nor earth’s singularity or intelligent design. (Gen. 1:20-25)
  • God does not (cannot) deliver all His love, blessing and instruction through one man to Believers, there are a variety of ministries and gifts among all His people, through which the Spirit builds up the Body of Christ. (1 Cor. 12:1-31; Eph. 4:11-16)
  • The Angels had free will and one third fell choosing to follow Satan. The “freedom” of our will is to fail, rebel and sin, not become gods as the enemy desired. Hell was prepared for the devil and his angels. (Rev. 12:7-9; Matt. 25:41)
  • I cannot explain, argue, convince or educate you sufficiently to understand and know God’s love, mercy, grace and truth for you. He alone can touch your heart, which is required. I can tell of His goodness to me and point you to Yeshua, God in human form. (2 Cor. 4:4-7)
  • God requires an accounting of both men and animals who take human life. (Gen. 9:5)

Qualifiers 

What qualifies our action or effort is whether we are doing it as unto God. I have praised God for my edification, rather than as an offering to Him. Our motives need to be checked always. Anything may be offered to God in His service, as much can be done out of our own reason, rather than His loving purposes. God knows our heart, which qualifies our offerings.

Discover more from The Conservative Christian Apologist

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

2 thoughts on “Magazine Issue 11”

  1. Your reflections on following the Lord wholeheartedly are both insightful and thought-provoking. It’s clear that your faith is a driving force in your life, and your desire for holiness and surrender to God’s will is commendable.

    I appreciate your emphasis on seeking God’s grace and acknowledging that our own efforts can fall short. Surrender and submission are indeed pivotal aspects of our walk with the Lord. Your references to passages like Matthew 16:24 and Luke 9:24 highlight the core principles of following Yeshua and salvation.

    In your notes and thoughts, you address some significant theological concepts, such as the diversity of ministries and gifts among believers, the nature of free will and rebellion among angels, and the deeply personal nature of one’s relationship with God. It’s a reminder that faith is a deeply individual journey, yet we are all part of the larger Body of Christ.

    Like

Leave a comment