Overcoming Personal Tempations: 5 Things the Christian Must Know – REPOST

December 26, 2011 — Roderick

Photo by MSO Clip Art

Trials, Tests, and especially Temptations are key features of the Christian life and experience. Though some may not want to deal with it, temptations will come to every Christian. No one is exempt: priests, pastors, and parishioners will face things that will challenge their walks with Christ. We have to learn how to engage in spiritual warfare and fight to overcome personal temptations. From Jesus’ temptation or testing in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), we learn valuable truths to overcoming temptation regardless of its source and content. So, we want to present 5 things that every Christian must KNOW in order to consistently overcome personal temptations.

Know Yourself –You need to be honest with “who” you are and “how” you are. More importantly, you need to know who you are in Christ. The tempter challenged Jesus’ identity to make Him act outside of God’s will when he said, “If thou be the Son…” When we know who we are, it will set boundaries on our activities and actions.

Know Your Weakness/Vulnerabilities – There is an old expression that states “to thine own self be true.” The psalmist said it better “thou desiredst truth in the inward parts.” You have to be brutally honest about what tempts you regardless of what it is. Everyone is not tempted by the same things, but you cannot be in denial or you will not overcome temptations when they are presented to you. Jesus never denied His hunger, but He stood on the word to govern His response to the adversary’s challenge.

Know Your Adversary – Paul stated that we are not ignorant of Satan’s devices. We know that every time someone yields to temptation, it is not always because it is presented by the adversary. People sometimes do what they do just because they want to. However, we must understand that there is an enemy of every Christian, who will use temptations and distractions to frustrate their growth and walk with Christ.

Know Your God – To overcome temptations, you must know God and His power. Jesus responded to the adversary by stating, “you shall not tempt God” and “you must worship God only.” He revealed the nature of God and what God expects. When you understand your God, that He is holy and that He is to worshipped in the beauty of holiness, it will strengthen your resolve not to yield to temptation.

Know Your Bible – Jesus responded to the temptation of the adversary by properly using the word of God. If we are to overcome, we must know what is written and how to effectively appropriate the scriptures when facing the trials, tests, and temptations of life.

Well, there you have it. Until next time, remain faithful to Him who has called you, who will bring all things to pass. He will help you to overcome every trial and test to stand before Him in holiness and righteousness. If you would like other resources for your Christian life and experience, please visit me at Amazon or Kingdom Builders Publishing.

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In the Name of God: Seven Ways to Recognize a False Minister – REPOST

December 19, 2011 — Roderick
bible

Photo by MSO Clip Art

In Christianity and the Christian Church, there are many beliefs, practices, and of course ministers who serve in them all. They all claim that they are true ministers of God and that their ministry and message can be trusted. Yet, daily we see Christian ministers who deviate from traditional Christian thought and practice all in the name of God. The result is many people have been hurt, abused, and damaged. So, it then becomes necessary to be able to distinguish between true and false Christian ministers for personal and spiritual protection.

Recognizing a false prophet or minister can be daunting at times. However, there are some clear warning signs that one can look for when deciding if someone is false or true in ministry. Though we could list many, we have narrowed it down to the following seven. Ministers who are false will clearly demonstrate some, if not all, of the following characteristics as they preach or serve in ministry.

1. They preach that you can measure your standing with God by how much you have. A relationship with God to false ministers means prosperity. They seldom teach that anything is wrong. They promote serving God for what you can get. They only teach that you belong to God and should have the best. They promote the concept that God only wants you blessed, without declaring that God also wants character, integrity, and morality in His people. Their doctrine focuses on the miraculous work of God and His blessings, exclusively.

2. They preach for money. False ministers will always include money in their ministry. No matter the topic or subject, it will end up on money. They will twist scriptures to manipulate the people into giving to them. Remember: NO APOSTLE OR PROPHET OR MINISTER OF SCRIPTURE EVER ASKED FOR MONEY OR REWARD TO GIVE A PROPHETIC WORD. We should give to ministers and the Church out of our own free will, never by compulsion and manipulation.

3. They use witchcraft. The prophets and ministers of the Bible never used rituals and spells to relay God’s message. Prophets sometimes “acted” or demonstrated the prophetic word as the Lord directed. Beware of ministers that warn you about objects and things without any spiritual basis or insight. When they begin to tell you to use certain oils, water, or cloths to receive a blessing, it is a sign of falsehood in ministry.

4. They operate in false authority. False ministers do not operate in proper authority. They establish their own authority in the Body of Christ. They disguise their falsehood by first appearing as true servants of God. However, once they have gained some respect, they will attack other leaders. The false apostles and leaders of the Bible would defame true leaders in order to establish their own authority in the churches. False ministers use this tactic today. Through the defamation of others, they exalt their personal ministries.

5. They misinterpret the scriptures for personal benefit. Another sign of a false minister is misinterpretation of scripture to establish authority. They find scriptures that refer to ministerial authority and claim it for themselves. They scare Christians into thinking that because they are ministers, they are superior to others. True ministers will be humble men and women. The authority that they operate in is recognized in the Church.

6. They have a controlling and manipulative attitude. False ministers will use manipulation to gain followers. Once people begin to follow them, they scare the individuals into staying with them. They tell individuals that if they leave them, God will not be pleased and the like. In addition, false ministers will try to control the people’s personal lives. By using false authority, they will tell people whom they can marry and where to work. False ministers operate in a similar fashion to cult leaders.

7. They are separatists. False ministers will separate themselves from other Christians. However, Christians are encouraged to stand in unity and gather together. They will say that God called them out of the Church. They sometimes will say that no one in the Church understands them or their ministry and message. False ministers will say they have a revelation of God that no one else has.

Though there may be others ways to identify false ministers, these seven will aid as we strive to identify true ministers of God. Also, these will help us not to be deceived or taken in by them.

Well, there you have it! Until next time, stand in the faith. Please leave comments.

I have addressed this topic in detail in my publication “Angels of Deception: Recognizing False Ministers” which can found at Amazon.

Posted in Christian Walk, General Christianity. Tags: , , , , , , , , . 14 Comments »

The Kingdom Endorsement – Are You A Qualified Endorser? – REPOST

December 12, 2011 — Roderick

Since the advent of the television, there has been the commercial. Commercials sometimes can prove to be annoyances rather than vehicles that connect the consumer to the best products. Today, a marriage between the entertainment and advertising industry has occurred where celebrities are becoming walking endorsements. However, unknown individuals exist who become the face and voice of a particular product or brand name.

Regardless of the company, they have an expectation that those who endorse their product will lead a life that is reflective of the advertiser. However, we have seen individuals throughout the years who lost their positions as product endorsers because of misdeeds in their personal lives.

What does this have to do with the Christian? It is simple. When we receive Christ, we instantly become spokespersons for God’s timeless product of salvation. Thus, God expects us to be representatives of this salvation even when we are not in front of the camera; that is, involved in religious activities or among other Christians.

As Christians, we have to abstain from worldly lusts and demonstrate love, integrity, and character in our lives. This is how we remain respected kingdom endorsers of the work of Christ.

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. John 15:1-3 (KJV)

If we continually disobey the Word and choose our own ways and thoughts, we can be removed from service. If we are unfruitful in our Christian walk, Christ taught that one could be removed; that is, from effectual service in Him.

The Christian’s desire must be to please God, that He may use his/her life in any manner. In all that is said and done, let it represent God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. The Christian’s life has to be a solid Kingdom Endorser.

Hence, the question remains, Are you a qualified endorser of the gospel message? Does your lifestyle misrepresent the gospel message? Just know that you can make a difference as your life reflects the Christian faith.

Well there you have it. Until next time, continue in Him who is faithful. If you would like more inspirational materials, this and more is included in my book, “Is there a Word from the Lord? (Book I),” which can be found at Kingdom Builders Publishing.

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