“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have found eternal life. They tell you about Me. But you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life. I have not come to receive glory from men. I know you: you do not have the love of God in yourselves.
I have come in My Father’s name, and you reject Me. If someone else comes in his own name, you will receive him. How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and you do not seek the glory which is from the one and only God? Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father; the one who accuses you is Moses, in whom you have set your hope. For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?” – John 5:39-47
The religious leaders were deeply at odds with Jesus. Why? Their love was not only incomplete, it was tainted by self-interest.
Here are a few thoughts you may find helpful in your pursuit of authentic spirituality. These are discerned as you allow the scriptures to interpret themselves (the only way).
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” – 2 Timothy 2.15
“For the word of God is living and powerfully active and sharper than any two-edged sword. It brings clarity as far as the distribution of all things by soul and spirit (the soul part) as well as our joints and marrow (the body part). The Word is able to reveal the thoughts and intentions of the heart. There is no creature He does not see, and all things are open and fully known before the eyes of Him who is over all.” – Hebrews 4:12,13
Here is a great self-conversation – or one to engage within your home or among friends:
You are poorly taught in the Word if…
#1 You have spent time around religious people (some well-meaning) but you have neither seen and/or embraced the life of the Father permeating your heart and mind. Your religion is probably an add-on. This is how the modern mind determines spirituality: as an add-on rather than core.
#2 You have learned to separate the truth you know from the way you live, and your conscience has become (or remained) seared (yes, like meat on a hot grill). This happens as we cling to from the world as more important than what God has offered. This is at the heart of all idolatry.
#3 You have boiled down your God experience to merely reflect what you DO rather than WHO you are (exterior vs. interior).
“Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.” He was also saying to them, “You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition.” – Mark 7:8-9
#4 Your connection to God and His Son is primarily intellectual or religious and God-limited relationally. You have figured a way to live the way you wish without facing the weight of His commands.
You are well-taught if…
#1 You are aware that there is no god above Yahweh, and that Jesus is the only Door of the sheep.
#2 You understand: King first – then Kingdom – then church. Not the other way around.
#3 You can distinguish between the visible, historical church and the authenticity of true God-community.
#4 You have adopted a lifestyle of searching the scriptures to find Life.
#5 You recognize the valued role of the Spirit for guiding you into to truth and into a satisfying life.
#6 You are dedicated to a life of true love being at the forefront of your choices for life.
Just some thoughts. I am sure you have your own 🙂
Freedom of the Deepest Kind
Slide from today’s teaching
A great freedom song: Enter the word Warrior in the search box
