During my brief ride through Bible school, I was introduced to some fantastic scholarly resources. If nothing else good came out of that period of my religious life, at least I am joyful for this much.
(For those of you unfamiliar with some of the terminology I use, such as when I say "my religious life" I do not mean that I no longer follow Jesus... but just the opposite. I am simply making a separation between some of the typical activities associated with traditional organized religion as opposed to simply following Christ)
It never ceases to amaze me how remarkable is the original language of Scripture as God saw fit to compile together for our learning. The precision of which the words in Scripture connect and the complete harmony of the text as a whole is so incredible that I think even a hardened skeptic, if he were to approach the matter honestly, would have to admit that Scripture presents a most persuasive indication that a wise and loving God exists and has deliberate intent to interact with humanity.
Those who know me well, know how much I enjoy studying the Bible and also the writings of the early church fathers (of the anti-Nicean era). I also enjoy a lot of older Scripture resource commentaries.
One of my favorite works is that of a man by the name of Richard Lenski; a Lutheran theologian from the 1920's who wrote an expansive volume of commentaries on the entire New Testament. Lenski's writings give incredible analysis of verbs, historical background, and syntax. His works are an amazing resource for those of us who don't have the privilege of understanding the complications of the Greek language (that Scripture was written in).
Lenski's writings were actually quite influential in my initial biblical investigation of topics such as "tithing" and other religious concepts and practices - which preceded my own exodus from "organized religion". Oddly enough, however, the very same church organization (that I attended) whose Bible college president suggested to us students that Lenski was a trustworthy "10" as far as commentaries on the Greek text of Scripture was concerned, consistently rejected Lenski's conclusions in doctrine and practice. In fact, after studying the Bible in earnest (along with the help of great works like Lenski), when I raised questions as to why the Bible's account of things held virtually no harmony with what our church was teaching on various subjects (like tithing), I was told to either align myself with the church's viewpoint or find someplace else to take my opinions. I was even threatened to be removed from any position of so-called "ministry" that might influence other people with a viewpoint other than what the church held if I did not hold my peace. When I asked for clear Scripture-based evidence that refutiated my conclusions, I got silence in return.
Funny how a theologian like R.C.H. Lenski was so proudly recommened by even the head of the church's Bible college program (a man who bestowed the title of Doctor of Theology on my pastor and gave me my Associates degree as well), yet anyone who was smart enough to actually read what he had to say, was considered to be a threat to the established order (or so it would seem). In fact, my pastor at the time looked right across his office desk at me and told me he believed I was deceived. I don't hold a grudge against him for this. I believe his reaction was primarily out of anxiety because his long-held comfortable religious traditions were being challenged and he didn't know how to respond. I can only imagine if I had been the one in his shoes; a man whose entire livelihood depends on the religious system and the status-quo perspective on tithing... when suddenly some young punk comes along and says, "Hey, the Emperor isn't wearing any clothes!"
I still pray for that man whenever God puts him on my heart and I try to always remind myself that there, but for the grace of God, go I. My heart wants to see him, and all those like him, totally set free from the many of lies of religious tradition so many of us have bought into over the years. It's funny how so many people can so proudly claim they are "Bible-believing" and yet the very thought of actually embracing what that Book really says sometimes terrifies the hell out of them... to the point where they will go so far as to manipulate their own minds away from the truth and accept a lie that guarantees them comfort and a false sense of security. God help us!
Today, just out of curiosity, I thought I'd dust off one of Lenski's old books and look up Acts 7:48, which includes Stephen's sharp words about religion that earned him a proper stoning to death! I couldn't recall if I had ever looked up the ol' Lutheran theologian on this passage upon my own exodus from church world or not, so I thought, why not give it a look. The passage, as it appears in the NKJV, is first as follows:
Acts 7:48-56 - "However, the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says: 'Heaven is My throne, And earth is My footstool. What house will you build for Me? says the LORD, Or what is the place of My rest? Has My hand not made all these things?' You stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it." When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and said, "Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!"
I find it interesting how familiar this passage is for those of us who have also experienced the harsh reaction of religious folks who still don't like to hear from us that God doesn't dwell in houses built by the hands of men. Amazing how this revelation (which he did not hesitate to boldly proclaim) cost Stephen his very life. I love that God opened Stephen's eyes to see the Lord Jesus Christ standing at the right hand of the Father as he declared it! What an incredible picture of endorsement and honor from God Himself! Stephen got it right! What an encouragement and what a challenge to us!
Such a contrast from Peter, whom when he witnessed Jesus being transfigured in glory before his very eyes (and even seeing Moses and Elijah appearing and talking with the Lord), said in excitement:
(Matthew 17:4) "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."
Isn't that funny? And isn't that just what men do today? "Let's build something to memorialize the Lord... a place to honor Him with worship... a house to make monument to the move of God that we have thus experienced." And in just the same way, they build shrines to honor men as much as they do to honor God (often indirectly, but you can tell by the way the people attending talk about their leader). Funny how they seem to forget the lessons of passages like this one in Matthew as well, where God immediately replies to Peter's wild idea to build three "churches" (if you will forgive that interpretation). In fact, God didn't even "reply" so much as INTERRUPT Peter right as he was blabbing on about how to "package" this moment:
(Matthew 17:5) While he (Peter) was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!"
Curious how God was not the least bit interested in anything coming out of Peter's mouth at this moment; completely disregards his "inspired" idea to organize religion (as it were), and instead declares His Son alone in whom He is well pleased with and whom He desires that men focus their attentions on... No one and nothing more, no one and nothing less. The voice simply says, "HEAR HIM!" Why does it seem this is the last lesson we seem to learn? God Himself has said that all that is required is that we HEAR JESUS! His desire is not shrines dedicated unto worship... He simply wants hearts to follow what the Lord speaks. No memorial chapels necessary! As Jesus told the woman at the well, "the Father seeks those to worship Him in spirit and in truth." What is with our infatuation with "houses of worship" to the point where we even condemn those who choose (or even feel they are led by God) not to attend such? In all of Scripture, God has never given command for men to build houses of worship! Indeed God allowed it for a time because of man's ignorance. The Scripture says that He "winked" on it. But now He calls all men everywhere to repent!
Acts 17:28-30 - "for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.' Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man's devising. Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent."
Anyway, out of curiosity, I looked up Lenski and read the following:
Wow! Isn't it amazing what's contained in some of these old books? Where are these men and women of Scriptural integrity today, who handle the Truth honestly and preach it boldly? They still exist... (and they may even be reading this blog or writing or declaring this truth to others), though they are not often received by the mainstream church any better than as the religious Jews during the New Testament era.
Not too many people today are getting stoned to death for standing on this revelation, but many have still experienced a "death" by disassociation from the folks they once thought were their friends and family in Christ and whom they once trusted as spiritual fathers in the faith. But I pray that, even though some must endure the rejection of friends and family for the sake of embracing truth, that they will embrace that truth fully and react with only love. For the freedom that comes from knowing Christ deeply without the distraction of religious pressure is like nothing else! He whom the Son sets free is FREE INDEED!!! (John 8:36) Please, my friends, if you have been pondering these things in your heart for some time (perhaps even long before you read this), don't be intimidated by religious peers who warn you that leaving behind the established religious pattern may threaten the success of your spiritual growth and development. That is a LIE from the devil himself! If Christ is your center and if it is truly He whom you cling to, you will not be able to help but grow spiritually.
The lie of organized religion says that you can't make it without the help of that system, but it is only a lie; a desperate attempt to manipulate you by fear and keep you under control. GOD LOVES YOU! He has your very best interest at hand and, if you are willing, He will lead you - as His Word promises - into ALL truth! (John 16:13) Not only will you grow spiritually... YOU WILL THRIVE! And don't be deceived to think that true spiritual growth comes without its share of growing pains... because you will have plenty and the enemy will use them as opportunity to make you want to "go back to Egypt" where things were comfortable. Religious friends will watch you going through some trial and assume it is because you are "disconnected from church" and "outside the covering", but don't be intimidated by the ignorance of others. The Scripture plainly says that all who follow Christ will suffer hardship and trial. This is just par for the course. I would rather worry if hardship never seems to cross your path...
John 16:33 - (Jesus said) "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Romans 5:3-5 - "...but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."
2 Timothy 2:3 - "You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."
1 Peter 4:12-13 - "Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad-because these trials will make you partners with Christ in his suffering, and afterward you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory when it is displayed to all the world."
The religious world does not like tribulation because it shakes the foundations and brings the lofty minded to their knees. Hardship often causes us to re-evaluate things and to be reminded of our need for God... And it's often through hardship that we come face to face with the futility of religion because religion means restriction and that is contrary to the life of the spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:16-18 - "But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, then the veil is taken away. Now, the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, he gives freedom. And all of us have had that veil removed so that we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more.
Walking without the "crutch" of organized religion can be difficult at times. There may even be moments when you will pray for something to inoculate you from the pain of the stretching and uncomfortable circumstance that leaves you without any crutch to lean on except to produce an even greater desperation for God and the opportunity to focus like a laser beam on learning to hear His voice because - trust me friends - sometimes it's all you will have.
At the time of writing this blog, I've been out of typical "church world" now for almost 8 years (in fact, maybe a little over that now). I can promise you, the Lord will always have your back and never leave or forsake you and - if you trust Him and follow Him - you will not be disappointed. You will learn to know your Heavenly Father in a way deeper than you've known before and it will do your heart MUCH good! My love for Jesus has not diminished at all, nor has my process of spiritual growth slowed down or been stunted in any way! And don't worry too much about what appears a "lack of fellowship" at first. God knows exactly what you have need of and He will lead you and He will assemble you together with His body as His Spirit sees fit and on His own time table.
Galatians 5:1 - Christ has freed us so that we may enjoy the benefits of freedom. Therefore, be firm in this freedom, and don't become slaves again.
Colossians 2:16-23 (The Message) - So don't put up with anyone pressuring you in details of diet, worship services, or holy days. All those things are mere shadows cast before what was to come; the substance is Christ. Don't tolerate people who try to run your life, ordering you to bow and scrape, insisting that you join their obsession with angels and that you seek out visions. They're a lot of hot air, that's all they are. They're completely out of touch with the source of life, Christ, who puts us together in one piece, whose very breath and blood flow through us. He is the Head and we are the body. We can grow up healthy in God only as he nourishes us. So, then, if with Christ you've put all that pretentious and infantile religion behind you, why do you let yourselves be bullied by it? "Don't touch this! Don't taste that! Don't go near this!" Do you think things that are here today and gone tomorrow are worth that kind of attention? Such things sound impressive if said in a deep enough voice. They even give the illusion of being pious and humble and ascetic. But they're just another way of showing off, making yourselves look important.
Be free my friends!!! Remember that YOU are the House of the Lord. Let that be enough! And no longer be intimidated by proud pious men who think they are wiser than God in these things. You know the Truth! The Truth sets you FREE!!! BE FREE THEN!!! And let the true joy of the Lord be your strength and let His love and grace give you hope, confidence, and strength for each day you live.
1 Corinthians 3:16 - Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
(For those of you unfamiliar with some of the terminology I use, such as when I say "my religious life" I do not mean that I no longer follow Jesus... but just the opposite. I am simply making a separation between some of the typical activities associated with traditional organized religion as opposed to simply following Christ)
It never ceases to amaze me how remarkable is the original language of Scripture as God saw fit to compile together for our learning. The precision of which the words in Scripture connect and the complete harmony of the text as a whole is so incredible that I think even a hardened skeptic, if he were to approach the matter honestly, would have to admit that Scripture presents a most persuasive indication that a wise and loving God exists and has deliberate intent to interact with humanity.
Those who know me well, know how much I enjoy studying the Bible and also the writings of the early church fathers (of the anti-Nicean era). I also enjoy a lot of older Scripture resource commentaries.
One of my favorite works is that of a man by the name of Richard Lenski; a Lutheran theologian from the 1920's who wrote an expansive volume of commentaries on the entire New Testament. Lenski's writings give incredible analysis of verbs, historical background, and syntax. His works are an amazing resource for those of us who don't have the privilege of understanding the complications of the Greek language (that Scripture was written in).Lenski's writings were actually quite influential in my initial biblical investigation of topics such as "tithing" and other religious concepts and practices - which preceded my own exodus from "organized religion". Oddly enough, however, the very same church organization (that I attended) whose Bible college president suggested to us students that Lenski was a trustworthy "10" as far as commentaries on the Greek text of Scripture was concerned, consistently rejected Lenski's conclusions in doctrine and practice. In fact, after studying the Bible in earnest (along with the help of great works like Lenski), when I raised questions as to why the Bible's account of things held virtually no harmony with what our church was teaching on various subjects (like tithing), I was told to either align myself with the church's viewpoint or find someplace else to take my opinions. I was even threatened to be removed from any position of so-called "ministry" that might influence other people with a viewpoint other than what the church held if I did not hold my peace. When I asked for clear Scripture-based evidence that refutiated my conclusions, I got silence in return.
Funny how a theologian like R.C.H. Lenski was so proudly recommened by even the head of the church's Bible college program (a man who bestowed the title of Doctor of Theology on my pastor and gave me my Associates degree as well), yet anyone who was smart enough to actually read what he had to say, was considered to be a threat to the established order (or so it would seem). In fact, my pastor at the time looked right across his office desk at me and told me he believed I was deceived. I don't hold a grudge against him for this. I believe his reaction was primarily out of anxiety because his long-held comfortable religious traditions were being challenged and he didn't know how to respond. I can only imagine if I had been the one in his shoes; a man whose entire livelihood depends on the religious system and the status-quo perspective on tithing... when suddenly some young punk comes along and says, "Hey, the Emperor isn't wearing any clothes!"
I still pray for that man whenever God puts him on my heart and I try to always remind myself that there, but for the grace of God, go I. My heart wants to see him, and all those like him, totally set free from the many of lies of religious tradition so many of us have bought into over the years. It's funny how so many people can so proudly claim they are "Bible-believing" and yet the very thought of actually embracing what that Book really says sometimes terrifies the hell out of them... to the point where they will go so far as to manipulate their own minds away from the truth and accept a lie that guarantees them comfort and a false sense of security. God help us!
Today, just out of curiosity, I thought I'd dust off one of Lenski's old books and look up Acts 7:48, which includes Stephen's sharp words about religion that earned him a proper stoning to death! I couldn't recall if I had ever looked up the ol' Lutheran theologian on this passage upon my own exodus from church world or not, so I thought, why not give it a look. The passage, as it appears in the NKJV, is first as follows:
Acts 7:48-56 - "However, the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says: 'Heaven is My throne, And earth is My footstool. What house will you build for Me? says the LORD, Or what is the place of My rest? Has My hand not made all these things?' You stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it." When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and said, "Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!"
I find it interesting how familiar this passage is for those of us who have also experienced the harsh reaction of religious folks who still don't like to hear from us that God doesn't dwell in houses built by the hands of men. Amazing how this revelation (which he did not hesitate to boldly proclaim) cost Stephen his very life. I love that God opened Stephen's eyes to see the Lord Jesus Christ standing at the right hand of the Father as he declared it! What an incredible picture of endorsement and honor from God Himself! Stephen got it right! What an encouragement and what a challenge to us!
Such a contrast from Peter, whom when he witnessed Jesus being transfigured in glory before his very eyes (and even seeing Moses and Elijah appearing and talking with the Lord), said in excitement:
(Matthew 17:4) "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."
Isn't that funny? And isn't that just what men do today? "Let's build something to memorialize the Lord... a place to honor Him with worship... a house to make monument to the move of God that we have thus experienced." And in just the same way, they build shrines to honor men as much as they do to honor God (often indirectly, but you can tell by the way the people attending talk about their leader). Funny how they seem to forget the lessons of passages like this one in Matthew as well, where God immediately replies to Peter's wild idea to build three "churches" (if you will forgive that interpretation). In fact, God didn't even "reply" so much as INTERRUPT Peter right as he was blabbing on about how to "package" this moment:
(Matthew 17:5) While he (Peter) was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!"
Curious how God was not the least bit interested in anything coming out of Peter's mouth at this moment; completely disregards his "inspired" idea to organize religion (as it were), and instead declares His Son alone in whom He is well pleased with and whom He desires that men focus their attentions on... No one and nothing more, no one and nothing less. The voice simply says, "HEAR HIM!" Why does it seem this is the last lesson we seem to learn? God Himself has said that all that is required is that we HEAR JESUS! His desire is not shrines dedicated unto worship... He simply wants hearts to follow what the Lord speaks. No memorial chapels necessary! As Jesus told the woman at the well, "the Father seeks those to worship Him in spirit and in truth." What is with our infatuation with "houses of worship" to the point where we even condemn those who choose (or even feel they are led by God) not to attend such? In all of Scripture, God has never given command for men to build houses of worship! Indeed God allowed it for a time because of man's ignorance. The Scripture says that He "winked" on it. But now He calls all men everywhere to repent!
Acts 17:28-30 - "for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.' Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man's devising. Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent."
Anyway, out of curiosity, I looked up Lenski and read the following:
- "For, indeed, all that others can do is 'to dwell in things made with hands.' That is one difference between them and the Highest, one of the great titles for God. It is because of His infinite exaltation that he is beyond all man-made things."
"When Stephen speaks thus about the Temple, the very one built by Solomon, he has God's own Word to support him: even as the prophet states, namely Isaiah 66:1,2, with only slight verbal difference between the LXX and the Hebrew. The quotation is exactly to the point:
"'The heaven a throne for Me, and the earth a footstool of my feet! What kind of house will you build Me?' saith the Lord; 'And what a place of my rest? Did not my hand make all these things?'"
"Here God Himself speaks and declares what he things of any and every temple built for Him by men. The superstitious reverence of the Jesus for their Temple here finds its divine answer. These Jews treat the Highest as though He were some pagan god or pagan idol that had to have some sort of temple for its home. Because Stephen has spoken of God as being exalted above all man-made temples, they are now putting him on trial. Because he will not make God an idol that needs must have a temple, they are ready to condemn him for blasphemy of their Temple."
"We must note the full force of what Stephen says... without either break or pause. Even the heaven is only God's throne, a royal seat for Him. Heaven itself is not a house or a temple for Him; it is only one of the things He has made. As for the whole earth, it is vastly less, nothing more than a footstool for His feet, so far beneath Him, one of the insignificant things He has made. Why does Isaiah say these tremendous things to the Israel of his time and to the future Israel that would return from its seventy years of captivity in Babylon to build Him another temple? Because of their wicked and obdurate hearts."
"That is exactly why Stephen, too, hurls these same words at his present hearers, whose hearts are of the same kind... The Herodian Temple was even now in the process of being rebuilt. And what a place of rest are they trying to provide, where He may enter and abide among them? They have forgotten His infinite greatness which Solomon remembered, II Chronicles 6:18... They no longer know that God looks only to him who is of a contrite spirit and who trembles at His Word lest perhaps he fail to observe it..."
"to build temples and churches, to make them grand and imposing, to fill them with crowds for great services while hearts are without contrition, obdurate before God's Word, is to treat God as an idol to whom we may dictate as we please, to invent what his will and word is to be to suit our own perverted hearts. That kind of house many still build, a place where they offer rest to the Highest."
Wow! Isn't it amazing what's contained in some of these old books? Where are these men and women of Scriptural integrity today, who handle the Truth honestly and preach it boldly? They still exist... (and they may even be reading this blog or writing or declaring this truth to others), though they are not often received by the mainstream church any better than as the religious Jews during the New Testament era.
Not too many people today are getting stoned to death for standing on this revelation, but many have still experienced a "death" by disassociation from the folks they once thought were their friends and family in Christ and whom they once trusted as spiritual fathers in the faith. But I pray that, even though some must endure the rejection of friends and family for the sake of embracing truth, that they will embrace that truth fully and react with only love. For the freedom that comes from knowing Christ deeply without the distraction of religious pressure is like nothing else! He whom the Son sets free is FREE INDEED!!! (John 8:36) Please, my friends, if you have been pondering these things in your heart for some time (perhaps even long before you read this), don't be intimidated by religious peers who warn you that leaving behind the established religious pattern may threaten the success of your spiritual growth and development. That is a LIE from the devil himself! If Christ is your center and if it is truly He whom you cling to, you will not be able to help but grow spiritually.
The lie of organized religion says that you can't make it without the help of that system, but it is only a lie; a desperate attempt to manipulate you by fear and keep you under control. GOD LOVES YOU! He has your very best interest at hand and, if you are willing, He will lead you - as His Word promises - into ALL truth! (John 16:13) Not only will you grow spiritually... YOU WILL THRIVE! And don't be deceived to think that true spiritual growth comes without its share of growing pains... because you will have plenty and the enemy will use them as opportunity to make you want to "go back to Egypt" where things were comfortable. Religious friends will watch you going through some trial and assume it is because you are "disconnected from church" and "outside the covering", but don't be intimidated by the ignorance of others. The Scripture plainly says that all who follow Christ will suffer hardship and trial. This is just par for the course. I would rather worry if hardship never seems to cross your path...
John 16:33 - (Jesus said) "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Romans 5:3-5 - "...but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."
2 Timothy 2:3 - "You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."
1 Peter 4:12-13 - "Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad-because these trials will make you partners with Christ in his suffering, and afterward you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory when it is displayed to all the world."
The religious world does not like tribulation because it shakes the foundations and brings the lofty minded to their knees. Hardship often causes us to re-evaluate things and to be reminded of our need for God... And it's often through hardship that we come face to face with the futility of religion because religion means restriction and that is contrary to the life of the spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:16-18 - "But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, then the veil is taken away. Now, the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, he gives freedom. And all of us have had that veil removed so that we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more.
Walking without the "crutch" of organized religion can be difficult at times. There may even be moments when you will pray for something to inoculate you from the pain of the stretching and uncomfortable circumstance that leaves you without any crutch to lean on except to produce an even greater desperation for God and the opportunity to focus like a laser beam on learning to hear His voice because - trust me friends - sometimes it's all you will have.
At the time of writing this blog, I've been out of typical "church world" now for almost 8 years (in fact, maybe a little over that now). I can promise you, the Lord will always have your back and never leave or forsake you and - if you trust Him and follow Him - you will not be disappointed. You will learn to know your Heavenly Father in a way deeper than you've known before and it will do your heart MUCH good! My love for Jesus has not diminished at all, nor has my process of spiritual growth slowed down or been stunted in any way! And don't worry too much about what appears a "lack of fellowship" at first. God knows exactly what you have need of and He will lead you and He will assemble you together with His body as His Spirit sees fit and on His own time table.
Galatians 5:1 - Christ has freed us so that we may enjoy the benefits of freedom. Therefore, be firm in this freedom, and don't become slaves again.
Colossians 2:16-23 (The Message) - So don't put up with anyone pressuring you in details of diet, worship services, or holy days. All those things are mere shadows cast before what was to come; the substance is Christ. Don't tolerate people who try to run your life, ordering you to bow and scrape, insisting that you join their obsession with angels and that you seek out visions. They're a lot of hot air, that's all they are. They're completely out of touch with the source of life, Christ, who puts us together in one piece, whose very breath and blood flow through us. He is the Head and we are the body. We can grow up healthy in God only as he nourishes us. So, then, if with Christ you've put all that pretentious and infantile religion behind you, why do you let yourselves be bullied by it? "Don't touch this! Don't taste that! Don't go near this!" Do you think things that are here today and gone tomorrow are worth that kind of attention? Such things sound impressive if said in a deep enough voice. They even give the illusion of being pious and humble and ascetic. But they're just another way of showing off, making yourselves look important.
Be free my friends!!! Remember that YOU are the House of the Lord. Let that be enough! And no longer be intimidated by proud pious men who think they are wiser than God in these things. You know the Truth! The Truth sets you FREE!!! BE FREE THEN!!! And let the true joy of the Lord be your strength and let His love and grace give you hope, confidence, and strength for each day you live.
1 Corinthians 3:16 - Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
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