I knew a man one time who went to a general meeting and his pastor pulled him aside and said" Look at the platform .Do you see any men on that platform with their hair parted down the middle like yours?" I was not there but lets see there were bald men, men with comb overs,some combed straight back and parted to the side but none parted down the middle. Probably a coincidence since God created us all different. This pastor was using peer pressure as a form of control over this man.
When it comes to spirit led teaching of the Word of God concerning holiness, we should allow the Holy Ghost to operate.The Word of God is sharper than any two edged sword......
The goodness of God that leads to repentance. Because God is love he is only motivated by love to deal with our hearts. He will change us into his likeness because he promised he would if we would believe by faith not because we succumb to some sort of manipulative condemnation.
Man uses these three forms of control to get people to conform: manipulation,domination and when all else fails intimidation. These fear tactics are all a form of sorcery and witchcraft to subject you yo its bondage by fear. If you are in a church whose minister uses fear tactics as a form of control you are in a dangerous place. Pray and ask the Lord to show you how to remove this influence out of your life so you can prosper and flourish in him and be the son or daughter he wants you to be and and not a puppet that man wants you to be.
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Jesus Christ who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit. The flesh here is talking about fleshly carnal ordinances that have no efficacy in the removal of sin out of your life.
I believe the ministry has an important role in the church. To teach the members of the Body how to properly honor the head,not become their head.
Peace be with you
Mike
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ReplyDeleteBro. Smith,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your keen insight into the realm of spiritual Control. You are absolutely correct that peer pressure is exceptionally effective. I had a similar experience and was told that one of the only acceptable forms of entertainment in "Da’ Body" is to become adept at eating. I saw, I practiced and I conquered! Although I have not yet attained obese, I am diligently working on mastering the skills to achieve my next goal. Currently I am well over 60lbs heavier than my height calls for, but continued practice at staying up late and eating Steak “N” Shake and avoiding fresh fruit and vegetables should aid me in my efforts. I have proven that I am a contender and can now hold my own with the best of them. I thought about going on a diet but I realized that if I lost weight, exercised and ate healthy portions of healthy food that I would have gained control through natural (carnal) discipline and I would be just like "Da’ World". We all know that if you are like the world in any way, shape or form (no pun intended), that it is sinful. So I am proving I am no quitter. I am going out to get an apple fritter right now just to prove my faithfulness.
Boooyaaaa!
Well said Mike. I couldnt agree more.
ReplyDeleteNot that I disagree, but this post is off line from your original intent that was stated in your opening post. I have been working on developing a post that will not deal with our ministry, or, as it has been called, "Hot Button Topics". However, it takes great discipline to abide by your own rules when you have the power to change them or break them whenever you feel like it.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure that I will be able to do it either, but I am taking precaution to avoid this fault. I feel that I can have a blog that is true to the above goal and that it could be a safe place for all to come and read without the fear of having to be exposed to the correcting of our ministry, or hear one more exalted opinion about problems among us.
I hope you don't get me wrong. There is correcting to be done, but all the blogs that I know about thus far seem to deal with the failings of the Body of Christ. I don't see any need in this, because there is a site that is wholly dedicated to this and I believe are doing a very good job, and I am convinced they don't need anymore help. Furthermore it is out of biblical order to do so.
This is just for you. You don't need to publish it.
I don't censure comments unless vulgar or profane. Yes I did waver off my usual topics but I am not trying to correct the Body of Christ ministry. I am just pointing out a culture that has been allowed to exist among us though be it a small minority. I believe we have a good leadership here in the Body, I furthermore should add that if you feel that you are a victim of a controlling minister there are good leaders in the Body that you can call on to hear your case. I know my pastor would not have a problem at anytime I thought he was overbearing that I could call on our leadership to hear my grievance. I would not sit under a man that would not allow that protection and accountability under his ministry.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless
Bro Mike
Hebrews 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
ReplyDeleteConsidering their faith and the end of their conversation. Considering and deciding is in Biblical order. Admonishing one another in the Lord to follow after Christ is in Biblical order.
Jesus was not an oppressor.
JUST CLIMB HIGHER IN THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD. Remember, it's the gospel. It's good news!
PRAISE GOD! Moving on up.....
Blessings,
Libby
Thank you Mike.
ReplyDelete