Warn Every One Night And Day With Tears, Part 2, Written by my Husband & Me

This blog is written by both my husband, Mel & Me

For I know this... grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember... I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. Acts 20:29-31

The warning theme on my heart for this blog has to do with demonstrations of a false holy spirit.  I cannot count how many videos on You Tube I have seen displaying this unclean spirit of Satan and declaring it to be from God.  I am shocked by the number of people who blindly accept this evil spirit as being from a Holy God.  They are absolutely being led astray by wolves pretending to be Jesus' sheep.

Before I go on, I want to let you know I made a video that also discusses this same issue titled "Do not be afraid of the Holy Spirit" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BiwZa-SW_g in case you are interested in watching it.

One of the main reasons Christians are being led astray is due to lack of knowledge.  People tend to just blindly follow their spiritual leaders without questioning them.  They do not want to actively seek out the Truth on their own.  Satan is counting on Christians to be lazy and just go with whatever is taught behind the pulpit on from a rich, well-polished "influencer" on the Internet.  Just as it is true with man's law, in God's law ignorance of the Truth is not an excuse to go do wrong.  You truly need to read it on your own and never take anyone's word for truth, not even mine.  Your very soul depends on doing your own research and arming yourself against the false teachers.

Please be aware that anything God does, Satan will do his best to imitate, this very much includes the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  Satan wants to make us all look foolish when we think we are worshipping God but are instead manifesting Satanic actions and therefore, worshipping the demons of hell.  If you have been involved in any Satanic practices, please repent, plead the blood of Jesus over yourself and do not return to such false fire.

The best person I can think of t0 explain what I wish to convey to you is my husband, Mel. This is an excerpt from a blog he wrote titled: "The Baptism of the Holy Spirit" https://swordofthespirit77.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-baptism-in-holy-spirit.html

I encourage you to read the entire blog.

"The apostle Paul teaches that gifts of the Spirit must be done in an orderly manner. (1 Cor 14: 26-33 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification... For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged.  And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.)

"We are living in the end times and there is a great apostasy (falling away from the truth) occurring within the churches. That is why it is crucial that believers use discernment concerning the manifestation of spiritual experiences.  (Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 1 John 4:1-3) There are many counterfeit revivals occurring with demonic signs and wonders that are deceiving many believers. Within these false revivals people are barking like dogs while crawling on the floor, mooing like cows and roaring like lions. Many are experiencing drunkenness to the point that they are being pulled over by the police after leaving a revival. Some people are even falling out on the floor in restaurants laughing hysterically. God is not the author of confusion or lawlessness, Satan is. Drunkenness, uncontrollable laughter, making animal sounds, sticking to the floor, heads shaking back and forth, are examples of the demonic manifestations occurring. (Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order.1 Corithians 14:39-40.)"

 "These same manifestations occur within Kundalini Hinduism, as well as other forms of occultism. David Wilkerson has some good videos exposing the demonic within Christianity. Many Christians are afraid of supernatural experiences because of the demonic manifestations, but we need to allow God’s true gifts to be in operation within the church. It is not good to quench God’s Spirit or to be afraid of it. For God does give visions, dreams, work miracles, heal the sick etc. We need to pray over experiences and use sound judgment. The reason for this unholy spirit that has invaded the church is loose living, as well as unsound doctrine. The preaching of holiness has been replaced by the lukewarm grace for everything doctrine."

"In order to live an overcoming Christian life in these dark times it is essential that we be filled with God’s Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God, he is the portion of God’s Spirit that indwells us, as well as ministers to us. It is God’s will that we all experience the fullness of God and that is only possible by receiving his Spirit."

Please be diligent, brothers and sisters, and do not let yourself be led astray by these false shepherds in wolves' clothing that are trying to fill you with a Satanic spirit.  If you witness any of these unholy behaviors at church, on-line, or at a revival, run away as fast as you can.

Warn Every One Night And Day With Tears, Part 1

At a very young age, we are all taught to go along with the crowd. We believe we should not speak out and be unpopular.  It is drummed into us that is more important to be liked than to stand up for holiness.  It is very difficult to find the courage to stand up for the Truths of the Bible when you know family, friends, and co-workers may reject you for not agreeing with them. Let me encourage you that the Bible tells us it is not our goal in life to please the worldly ways of our fellow humans, but to please God.

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should NOT be the servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10

On my own, I am very shy and find it difficult to speak around more than a few people, even when they agree with me; it is ten times worse when they disagree.  It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that I can be bold and speak up for Jesus.  It is never my intent to target anyone specifically, nor to insult or anger anyone, but just to get you all to understand what the Bible says about the dangers that have the potential to send anyone to Hell.  It is out of love for you that I warn you.  If I didn't care, I would remain silent.

And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:31

God has been gently reminding me that as Christians, it is our job to warn those we see going to the wrong way.  We are not to be judgmental, of course, but to simply point out the Truths of the Bible.  This blog series is meant to be a warning against unholy practices that are flooding churches.  These standards do not come from me, but from a Holy God, and I will back them all up with scripture. 

For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember... I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. Acts 20:29-31

Witchcraft is very accepted in the church. Don't believe me?  Sit in almost any church for even one service and take note as the congregation speaks about their favorite movies. Although I believe the entertainment industry in general is Satan's playground full of sexual perversions, the over-sexualization of children/pedophilia, violence, and the occult. I know not all shows are demonic, however, for the theme of this blog I am specifically referring to the many programs that glorify witches, spells, Buddhism, yoga, zombies, demons, false gods/god-hybrids, vampires, werewolves, and other characters that are full of magic (this includes curses that made them what they are) such as fairies, elves, and mermaids.  Look at the church goers' children and observe how many are wearing clothing depicting characters from these movies.  To make it even worse, the pastor(s). deacons, or other spiritual leaders who should be leading the church and listing all the many scriptures that speak out against witchcraft will tell you behind the pulpit how much he or she loves specific programs that are blatantly full of spells, witches, wizards, and the above-named creatures. Their own children have characters that represent witchcraft plastered all over their clothes as well.

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Matthew 7:15 

Do not be deceived, God hates witchcraft (I will include scriptures at the end to show this).  Wicca is not some innocent hobby that is merely appreciating nature.  Ouija boards, tarot cards, as well as palm, face, tea, or other psychic readings are an abomination to God.  

I watched an interview where an ex-witch said how shocked she was by Christians wearing crystals, burning sage, engaging in yoga, and practicing other rituals that she and her coven would practice (she also included Halloween).  She also warned that these so-called innocent cartoons are filled with real spells (including hand movements, not just the words) and are corrupting not just children, but also the adults that invite these shows into their homes.  How many children are sleeping each night with a toy that represents a witch/wizard?  Does this child have unexplained nightmares?  Try cleansing their room of all the objects that are associated with the occult and see if peace comes back to them (and you).

I can give you quite a few scripture verses telling you that witchcraft is wrong.  Can you give me just one where God says it is okay? 

And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain SORCERER... whose name was Barjesus... But Elymas the SORCERER (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him. And said, "O full of all subtilty and all mischief, THOU CHILD OF THE DEVIL, THOU ENEMY OF ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS, wilt thou not cease to PERVERT THE RIGHT WAYS OF THE LORD? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season." And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord. Acts 13:6-12

And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel [DEMONICALLY] POSSESSED with a SPIRIT OF DIVINATION met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. Acts 16:16 & 18

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, WITCHCRAFT, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and SORCERERS, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Revelation 21:8

And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used WITCHCRAFT, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger. II Chronicles 33:6

There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices WITCHCRAFT, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a SORCERER. Deuteronomy 18:10

And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used DIVINATION AND ENCHANTMENTS, and sold themselves to do EVIL IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD, to provoke him to anger. 2 Kings 17:17

Walk in the Light

Growing up as a preacher's kid, my dad used to say that you can find a sermon in anything.  While this became a common joke in our family, there is a lot of truth to my dad's statement.  In fact, this blog proves that theory!  

When I noticed a black smudge on my foot, I assumed that the soap and hot water would simply wash it off, but it remained.  I had to use the washcloth and scrub to remove the mark. That got me to thinking how sin in our lives is just like that!  We may think it is something that will go away without any real effort on our part, but in reality, we need to work the on certain issues it to permanently remove them from our life.  

Philippians 2:12 reminds us that we cannot just go on our merry way and ignore the sins in our life, we must, "work out [our] own salvation with fear and trembling."  In other words, like that stain on my foot, we have to put forth the effort to be clean before the Lord.

To be clear, I am not saying I believe in a works-only salvation, Jesus' death on the cross is a free gift we do not have to earn, but based on what the Bible says, it is clear we can fall away from our salvation if we actively live in rebellion against the rules of Jesus Christ. Working on our salvation means we must daily ask for The Lord's Help in conquering our sins.  We cannot do it on our own. (And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross DAILY, and follow me. Luke 9:23)

My Bible reading this morning emphasizes the theme of this blog:

And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly (other versions say "decently" or "honestly"), as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. Romans 13: 11-14 

Just as II Corinthians 6:2 reminds us that "now is the day of salvation," so do the verses in Romans. And as Ephesians 5:14 instructs, "Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light," so the words in Romans also remind us to wake out of the darkness of sin and walk into the light of holiness!

Make no mistake, dear readers, the time is short!  Surely with all the end-time events happening, you have to be aware of it!  How much time do you think we have left on this planet? I sincerely doubt we have more than 10-20 years before the end of this world.  The signs are there: pandemics, wars, plagues of locusts, unusually strong weather, unexpected tornados, earthquakes, and other natural disasters in strange locations, even supernatural dust clouds appearing, rioting and chaos, the list goes on...  (Mark 13:8 "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.") My point is that now is not the time to play around with fire, now is the time to wake up and walk into the light.  Work out your salvation and get rid of the sin in your life!

You may think a little bit of sin is no big deal.  A little lie here, a slipped swear word there, but I Corinthians 5:6 -7 says it differently (I exchanged the words leaven for yeast and lump for bread so that it is easier to understand), "Know ye not that a little [yeast rises] the whole [loaf of bread]? Purge out therefore the old [yeast] , that ye may be a new [loaf of bread], as ye are unleavened." (So you will be free from even the small sins damaging your soul.)

 While I do not believe all so-called small sins will cause us to lose our salvation, if we repeatedly choose to ignore these sins and refuse to try to change because we feel they are not as bad as murder or adultery, then the callus condition of your heart could send you to Hell.  That small amount of yeast can indeed ruin your soul. We need to purge ourselves of pride, racism, deceitfulness, bad language, unforgiveness, the occult etc. "The night is far spent," and the there is precious little time left! If you love the Lord and care about where you spend eternity, play close attention to the condition of your soul!  Now is the day to make your heart right with God! 

I will close with more words from II Corinthians 6 and also from Ephesians 5, please let these words sink into your heart and soul! ("Not to receive the grace of God in vain" means not to take advantage of God's favor by living a life full of sin, read on...)

We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says “In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.”

Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God... by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left...

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.”

Therefore “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters," Says the Lord Almighty.” II Corinthians 6:1-7, 14-18

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth, finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.”

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God. Ephesians 5:1-21

The Parable of the Sower

 

This is my humble commentary of the “Parable of the Sower,” Matthew 13:1-23 or Mark 4:1-20 (the verses are at the end).

This parable begins with, “Behold, a sower went out to sow," and Jesus interprets this as, "The sower sows the word.”  The sower may be a preacher that teaches people the Word of the Lord, or it could even be the Lord who gives us the wisdom.  Remember, in Jesus’ time, He was the people’s teacher, the Living Word of God, as the New Testament had yet to be written!  Either way you view it, the only way to have the Word sown in your heart is to read (or listen to) the Bible.  Having a preacher teach it is a great start but studying on your own and discovering what the Bible really says is always best as many ministers preach messages simply to tickle the ears of their congregation in order to get a bigger offering.  I always insist that none of my readers take my words for granted.  Do your own research.  Read the Bible daily and study all you read and pray for God’s clarity to reveal the Truth of His holy words.

 

Some seed falls by the wayside; and the birds devour it.  Another term for wayside is edge, so you may consider this the seed that plants itself only around the edges of your heart and does not work its way into the heart or mind.  Jesus tells the multitude that birds devour the seed but tells his disciples that the birds represent Satan.  Satan uses television, movies, video games, sports, vanity, and other distractions to keep us from studying the Word so that one never takes the time to cultivate the seed planted.  In a sense, all one is taught of the ways of holiness are devoured as they are forgotten and pushed aside for the pleasures of the world. 

 

The seed that falls on stony ground springs up quickly as if one has accepted what they heard, and it begins to affect their way of thinking.  However, because the soil in their heart is stony, you may easily interpret this as hard-hearted.  The heart does not have much earth because the person is shallow and does not choose to dig deeper into the Word of God and takes everything someone else claims to be the truth as truth.  This person really is a surface-only believer and is not on fire for the things of the Lord.  This is most likely why, when the sun scorches the seed, it withers as it has no roots.  Jesus says these people immediately stumble when faced by trials.

Fear may be the opposite of faith, but do not let anyone tell you it is a sin.  Afterall, Jesus was so afraid of his upcoming crucifixion that he sweat blood (See Luke 22:44), and we all know Jesus was sinless.  So being afraid of life’s trials is acceptable, but we need to remember to do as Jesus did when he was terrified, pray to our Heavenly father for strength.

The thorns that choke the seed are not just the cares of the world that we choose to put above our Lord, but also the pleasures of the world we place as idols above the Lord.  Those that let the Word of the Lord be choked out, put everyone and everything else above time with Jesus.  The Bible, praying, and praise get placed on the back burner so one can watch television, play on the computer, go shopping, eat, exercise, work, spend time with friends, etc.  When we are not daily (or at least weekly, outside of a church) grounded in God’s promises, all the noise of the world chokes out God’s Truths.  I prefer the words of Jesus Christ over anything in the Bible, but when I am down, my next choice would be the Psalms.  In my devotional time this morning, I was reminded of Psalm 23 not only while I was reading the passage in my devotional, but also two songs came on my Kindle that were the words to Psalm 23 (it was on shuffle mode)!   That was no coincidence, especially since I have been dwelling on this same Psalm for several days now.  God wanted to remind me that He is my Good Shepherd and I do not need to fear even in the scariest of valleys.  Surely, His goodness and mercy are my strength.  If I did not allow myself to dwell in scripture and feel very comforted by the words, my seeds could have been choked out by worry. 

Jesus says the ones who let their seeds be choked out stumble and become unfruitful.  Yes, Christians can stumble and backslide, and even fully turn away and lose their salvation.  However, when one repents, and ONLY when one repents, the Lord will take his prodigal child back (see Luke 15:1-31).  Revelation 2:5 reminds us, “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place--unless you repent.”  When we repent, Jesus will take us back!  So, even if we stumble, there is hope that our loving Father is quick to forgive the humble heart that asks for forgiveness. 

As I just mentioned above, well, as Jesus mentions, when one allows his seed to be choked out, he becomes unfruitful.  What are the unfruitful works of the flesh: “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,  idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21  

Pay close attention to that list, it is a good reminder that when we fail to let God’s Word seep into the soil of our hearts, one is bound to pursue ungodly actions.  One more note (off the subject a bit, but I feel God wants me to remind you of this), notice the word “sorcery” up there?  Please, if you must watch movies or television, let go of watching all programs that glorify witchcraft.  Notice also that habitual sins of the above will shut you out of the Kingdom of God.  Repentance of sins and discarding unholy ways are keys to having God’s seeds firmly planted in your heart and being fruitful.

Now, let’s go to the end of this parable and see that one who allows the seeds of God’s Word to become firmly planted will produce fruit in various levels.  These seeds are sown in good ground.  This means one who is open and receptive to the things of the Lord. One who is humble enough to admit wrong-doing and work at fleeing from a sinful lifestyle. One who is willing to be taught and eagerly sits at the feet of Jesus waiting to learn something new every day.  One who is not going to let the cares of a fallen world take away their love for their Heavenly Father.  No is perfect, of course, we all make mistakes and do wrong things.  We all have fear and doubt.  But the answer lies in clinging to the seeds planted in your heart.  And clinging even more so to the Author of the Words.  Let Jesus be your comfort, your corrector, and your hope.  When you allow God to take control of your life, it will be much easier to produce good fruit.  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:22-26  

People tend to leave out the part that says we must live in the Spirit and crucify our flesh.  Even these verses in Galatians (as well as in the above verses) show that grace is free, but sins are not automatically forgiven unless we repent (If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9, notice the first 5 words.).  We must put aside the unfruitful traits and pursue the fruits of the spirit.  Only then will the seeds in our hearts flourish and grow beautiful fruits.  Fruits that can feed and nurture others.  Isn’t it worth giving even just one other person hope when they go through a tough time.  If I reach only one person out of both blogs that I write, it will be enough.

And again He began to teach by the sea. And a great multitude was gathered to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat in it on the sea; and the whole multitude was on the land facing the sea. Then He taught them many things by parables, and said to them in His teaching: "Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. And it happened, as he sowed, that some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds of the air came and devoured it. Some fell on stony ground, where it did not have much earth; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up it was scorched, and because it had no root it withered away. And some seed fell among thorns; and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no crop. But other seed fell on good ground and yielded a crop that sprang up, increased and produced: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred." And He said to them, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" But when He was alone, those around Him with the twelve asked Him about the parable. And He said to them, "To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables, so that 'Seeing they may see and not perceive, And hearing they may hear and not understand; Lest they should turn, And their sins be forgiven them.' "And He said to them, "Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?  The sower sows the word. And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word's sake, immediately they stumble.  Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred."  Mark 4:1-20

When is shame not shameful?

 

 

(I originally wrote this in 2019) I started a new job in June that is approximately thirty minutes from home.  The drive is a bit tedious, but to make the time go faster I switch back and forth between two Christian radio stations.  My intent is not to insult these stations so I will not name them specifically; one is a national station and the other local.  

When we lived in a small mountain town in Idaho, we were limited to radio stations, so it has been four and half years since I have listened to music other than on CD.  I am not surprised to hear the constant grace message (if you read my blog, you know how I feel about the false eternal security message), but I am surprised to hear the trend of music take this grace message even farther out of bounds by saying that feeling shame is wrong.  Whether this is a new theme or one that has been around for a while, I cannot say.

Before I go on, I want to make it clear that there are levels of shame I believe one needs NOT to feel.  If you are a victim of any form of abuse and feel as if it is (or was) your fault and you feel shame over what your attacker did to you, please seek help and know you are not at fault (family member or not).  Plead the blood of Jesus over your heart and pray you heal from feeling shame as a victim.

The type of shame that so-called Christian singers are trying to insist is wrong, is when we feel shame over our sins...

I have to pause for a moment.  While I am writing this, I switched over to https://www.biblegateway.com/ to search scriptures for this blog, and, wow, this just happened to be the verse of the day: 

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. Jeremiah 17:9-10 KJV

Fits in nicely with this theme.  Anyway, what I was going to write was that the artists (and most preachers) love to quote Romans 8:1, but what they all fail to do is finish the verse.  What you are used to hearing is:

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus...

However, it goes on to say is:

...who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

In other words, there is no condemnation (shame) for our actions WHEN we walk in the Spirit instead of in the flesh of sin.  How many of you knew this verse had 10 extra words?  In fact, as I searched images for this blog and typed, "Romans 8:1 images," at least 60% of the images left out the last 10 words!  Preachers (and singers) want you to believe you do not have to ever feel shame if you call yourself a Christian.  From now on, please remember the rest of Romans 8:1 and that, yes, there is condemnation when we walk in fleshly sins.  In fact, read verses 2-16 as well.  I know it's long, but carefully read over all the words and let the message sink in.  Romans 8:1-16 is posted at the end of this blog.

The Bible tells us to examine ourselves daily (read also Psalm 139): 

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.  II Corinthians 13:5

Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. Luke 9:23

Taking up your cross daily and denying yourself means to daily lay down your sins.  In order to know what sins we must lay down, we must listen to our conscience, which, yes, can be called shame.  When you feel no shame or remorse, you are basically saying you have not sinned.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. I John 1:8-10

And, yes, absolutely check out verse 9 above.  Jesus is full of grace when we confess our sins.

As I mentioned at the beginning there are forms of shame that are unhealthy.  There are forms of shame that are from the devil. When you have repented from your sins and have true remorse and are working hard at not repeating the same mistakes, you should not feel guilt over your past.  I do agree that the devil wants to inflict unnecessary shame upon the past you have overcome. When this happens, rebuke Satan in the name of Jesus Christ and remind yourself that Jesus forgave you when you repented, and that you are doing your best to never repeat your sins. 

Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Revelation 12:10-11

Satan wants to accuse us day and night, but when we have overcome our sins by the blood of Jesus, then we need not feel shame.  Again, remember, when you confess your sins, Jesus will forgive you.  However, do not use the true grace of Jesus as an excuse not to feel shame or as an excuse to sin. 

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. Romans 6:1-2, 6, & 11-13  

True shame is not shameful when we feel remorse for sins we refuse to let go.  When we say, "I feel bad I am addicted to porn," or "I feel shame that I have cheated on my spouse," or "I feel guilty for stealing, taking, drugs, cheating," etc., then this type of shame is VERY good for your spiritual health.  That is the Holy Spirit speaking to your conscience, prompting you to repent and give up your sinful ways.

I could probably go on a little longer on this subject, but instead, as promised, here is Romans 8:1-16.  Please read these verses carefully and see how a life lived in the flesh will cause shame, but when you chose to do your very best to walk down paths of righteousness (holy living), then and only then, will there be no condemnation.

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.  For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. Romans 8:1-16