2nd-Hand Spirituality

Paula White Exposed [video]

THAT’s My King! Pastor Lockridge [video]

Powerful Prayers from Children-This Will Shake You [video]

The Fear of the LORD is to Hate Evil: Pride, and Arrogancy #shorts [video]

by Ingrid Schlueter

As a part of the job that I do in Christian radio, I have to fight my way through a blizzard of catalogs from Christian publishers across the nation. I also get a number of secular catalogs as well. There is one predominant theme now from both non-Christian and Christian publishers alike and it cannot be denied. That theme is spirituality and how to experience an authentic spiritual life.

The New Agers, or “transformational teachers”, as they now prefer to be called have books filled with the theme of finding personal peace through various methods. Five steps to this, ten steps to that. Each individual guru has his or her own path for you to follow that they claim will help you achieve “authentic” spirituality. Millions around the world are buying into each new offering from publishers who promise the ultimate spiritual answer.

It is no secret that like its secular counterpart, Christian publishing is largely a money-making business. Without a constant flow of new books that capture the imagination of the evangelical public, publishing houses would quickly grind to a halt. This reality, however, is often at odds with what is best for Christians in their spiritual lives. The publishing world and Christian media have created an array of celebrities who are looked to as spiritual experts upon whom we must depend to hear from God for our own lives. How many Sunday school classes today rely not on the Bible itself, but on the latest books about the Bible from the current raft of authors and teachers put forth from Zondervan, Nelson, Word, Intervarsity, and so forth? Many “Bible” classes today are taught by authors and celebrities on DVD, rather than a humble member of the church who has immersed himself in the Word of God.

Compounding this problem is often the content of the books themselves. One mainstream Christian book catalog I received offered all kinds of ways to find the right kind of spirituality. Here are some of the book titles they are promoting: The Path of Celtic Prayer: An Ancient Way to Everyday Joy, Spirituality Old & New: Recovering Authentic Spiritual Life, Flirting with Monasticism: Finding God on Ancient Paths (this is an evangelical publisher!), Fasting: Spiritual Freedom Beyond our Appetites, Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices that Transform Us, Sacred Rhythms: Arranging our Lives for Spiritual Transformation, and The Deeper Journey. Like the medieval Roman church prior to the Reformation, finding God and experiencing Him is accomplished through a variety of methods and practices, not opening His Word, the Bible.

The conservative Christian publishers are at times no better. Here are a few titles offered by a more conservative publishing house. 30 Days to Taming Your Tongue, The Sassy Girl’s Checklist for Living, Loving and Overcoming, Take Back Your Life, Prayers for Emotional Wholeness, 30 Days to Taming Your Stress, 15 Minutes Alone with God. There are thousands upon thousands of books like this that hit the market every year, and enough people are buying them to keep Christian publishing a lucrative business. While some of these books may have good things to say about given problems in the lives of believers, the real question is this: If the Bible truly contains what we need for life and godliness, why are so many evangelical Christians seeing the Bible through the eyes of someone else? If the Holy Spirit leads us into all truth through His Word, than why are so many Christians looking for ten steps to freedom from this or that spiritual problem, or 30 days to being a better person? In short, why are billions of dollars a year going into supporting Christian publishing when we have the whole counsel of God in our hands?

Christians down through the centuries had nothing but the Scripture and their unquenchable faith in the Lord. They didn’t have the kind of celebrity media culture of today where we are told over and over that we need to buy this latest book or DVD to really understand how to encounter God. Yet those Christians of old were the ones who faced lions, fire, the sword, imprisonment, torture and the loss of every earthly comfort for the sake of the Gospel. How did they manage to do all of that without stacks of self-help books, guidance manuals and elaborate seminars on how to achieve real spirituality? The answer? They had something far more powerful than Christian publishing. They had the power of the Holy Ghost in their lives and utter confidence in what God had told them in His Word. That was enough.

This kind of deep Christian faith is not achieved by reading the Word through another’s eyes or adopting the practices or methods of the evangelical celebrity of the hour. It is discovered by delving into the vast riches of God’s Word for ourselves and by seeking God in earnest and prevailing prayer. It is astounding how we can spend our entire lives reading about the Bible, reading about a deeper spiritual life and a deeper relationship with Christ and yet never achieve it. Even those in ministry who are out fighting false doctrine and spiritual error can sadly fall prey to this. This kind of virtual Christianity is why our ministries and churches are so often full of carnality and flesh and lacking in spiritual power. Only a spiritual walk with God through daily immersion in His Word and faithful prayer will keep us from this state.

There is a place for solid Christian literature, without doubt. I have been greatly helped by the writings of faithful and godly men and women, past and present. But when the writings of others become the primarysource of our spiritual food, we are missing out on what God has to say to us through the Word, directly. There is also no substitute for time away from the noise and clamor of our commercial culture (that includes much of evangelicalism as well, sadly) and time with the Lord Himself.

Our souls are restless, as Augustine once wrote, until they rest in God. Our souls are hungry, and they are only satisfied when they are in fellowship with our Creator. That will not come by learning how to chant mantra prayers, or clutching prayer beads or burning candles or listening to some expert on “spiritual formation.” It will also not come by listening to every new emerging teacher to produce a DVD on the ultimate whiz bang way to encounter God or by reading yet another author’s take on what God has to say to us. The Scriptures tell us that He who has begun a good work in us will be faithful to complete it. (Phil. 1:6) That’s why our eyes need to be on the author and finisher of our faith, and not on the hot new release from profit-driven Christian publishing. The old gospel song says it best:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

and the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

in the light of His glory and grace.

Sign up for free email devotional HERE… The Moments with My Master email devotional is sent out for the edification of the body of Christ.

Abiding

The Harvest is Coming for all those Sowing the Seed of the Word [podcast]

The Joy and Expectation of Seed Sowing

What we sow, we can expect to reap (Galatians 6:7-8).

As we continue to sow the good, the incorruptible seed of God’s Word into the hearts of men, good news will continue to flow, will continue to be reaped – because God’s Word prospers in the thing where He sends it! See also 1 Peter 1:23.

“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11

The following song captures the need, the importance, and the urgency of reaching the lost souls around us:

Voices, by the band Harvest

Words and Music by Jerry Williams

Voices in the city, voices in the street.

Voices in each home across the land.

Voices in the churches, saying “Peace, be still.”

Where are all the voices in My fields?

Chorus:

Millions and millions dying.

Millions and millions crying.

Millions and millions don’t know who I am.

Children on the highways

Children on the run.

Mothers in the alley ways,

They’re killing all their sons.

The world is blinded in darkness.

I’ve given them the way.

Where are all My voices to lead them out today?

(Repeat chorus)

Where are the millions who love Me?

Where are the millions who say they know Me?

Where are the millions who’ll stand and follow Me?

Exactly where you are is part of “all the world.”

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Mark 16:15-16

Also, Jesus gives His Gospel as an ultimatum. Is Jesus intending that we bring the hearers of His Gospel to a decision? Seems like it. Read the passage again.

“So today I was driving through our town and saw a guy sitting on his porch reading a Jesus tract! Praise Jesus. I prayed that the words he was reading would be sealed in his heart! They are being left throughout our town. Everyday I put one on top of a newspaper stand. It is always gone next day! Seeds of God’s Word are being planted all over our town and will not return void! Isaiah 55:11. Hallelujah!” Karen Cochran

As Christ’s laborers our duty, getting the seed of our LORD’s Word into the hearts of the people, is of the utmost divine priority.

“The seed is the word of God.” Luke 8:11

Sinners are brought to Jesus, are born again, by way of the incorruptible seed of the Word of God being sown into their hearts.

“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” 1 Peter 2:23

When His seed is sown, God can bring the increase of conviction, drawing, and salvation (John 12:32; Romans 1:16, etc.).

“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

The conversion of the soul to Christ comes by way of the Word of God.

“The law (Word) of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” Psalm 19:7

What’s the future look like for those who sow, plant God’s Word in the hearts of men?

“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves (harvest) with him.” Psalms 126:5-6

“Just letting you know I’ve been putting those JESUS tracts in empty gym lockers when I go to the gym and praying that God’s Spirit moves on the hearts of the people that get one! And as you know He can do it! Have a Blessed Day.” Laurie Cox

Read, download the print-ready pdf of the JESUS tract here.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

“1 Corinthians 15: 58. This verse is for all of us who labor for the Lord. We are to be unshakable. Letting nothing move us from the hope of the gospel. We are servants of Christ ever ‘abounding in the work of the Lord.’ Abounding in the furthering of the gospel. Our labor ‘in the Lord’ will be rewarded. Yesterday the Lord gave me a small reward seeing that man sitting on his porch reading the Jesus tract. And since we are laborers together it is a small reward for all of us! We, each member of Christ’s body, the world over, are team Jesus! And He is our eternal reward! We shall be with Him forever in the New Jerusalem!” Karen Cochran

“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:10-12

YOUR PRAYER: Heavenly Father, You sent Your only begotten Son to rescue, to forgive, to save me. If You can find and save me, You can find and save anyone! Please prepare and use me LORD Jesus. Into Thy holy hands I here and now submit my spirit to Thee dear LORD. I love You Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Jesus [tract] Read, Download it Here

[JESUS tract English (click to download print-ready PDF) this is the actual text of the JESUS tract of both the English and JESUS tract SPANISH (click to download print-ready PDF] [Okay here’s the text also:] The most astounding event of human history occurred when this man, Jesus Christ, died on a Roman cross. When He died, an untimely darkness covered the land at 3 p.m., and an earthquake occurred as He took His final breath. This man called Jesus was crucified. Three days later He was raised from the dead! Here’s why He died: “But your iniquities (sins) have separated […]

The Joy of Seed Sowing

“While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” Genesis 8:22 Always remember, there must be a seed sown before there can be a crop reaped. BEFORE Jesus saved me, He had several of His people along the way drop His precious Word into my alienated heart. Some of this included the tangible, the printed page. These things all culminated into His saving me into His glorious kingdom (Isaiah 55:11). “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto […]

The Demand for the JESUS Tract is at an all-time High! [podcast]

[this is the actual text of the JESUS tract] [JESUS tract English (click to download print-ready PDF)] JESUS tract SPANISH (click to download print-ready PDF] UPDATE: “Thank you for sending me this JESUS tract PDF. I can’t wait to print them out. God is good. His light is going shine. He’s taking ground that the enemy has been taking. I will be praying for you too. I actually pray for you alot. God Bless you as you go forth with God’s Word ” Laurie Cox This week a man came into the coffee shop smiling at me. I smiled back instantly, […]

Articles

“The Supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ” [podcast]

Don’t Miss This Blessing!

EVER Seen This Verse? Just Wow! PRAYERS appropriate the divine fuel from Heaven saints!!!! Check out this verse! Please hit SHARE to bless Christ’s body!

Do we even begin to realize the profound and immeasurable potential that lies in the power link of prayer? Jesus Christ is forever at His Father’s right hand making intercession for all of His beloved people (Heb. 7:24-25; 10:19-22).

Okay are you ready for a truth that is going to change your life forever? Read the following Bible verse slowly and for all it’s worth, drinking it in:

“For I know that this shall turn to my salvation (blessings, deliverance, and provision) through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:19

Whatever you do today, grab this Bible verse which will then be with you all your days!

In speaking to Christian people he was in fellowship with, this disciple of Jesus – no different than you and I – said that it was “through your prayer” that “the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ” was given to him in his life! Did you catch that?!

How does the LORD bless His people when we pray for them? Is it not by giving them a greater portion and measure of “the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ”?

LIFE CHANGING NUGGET FROM GOD’S WORD

How many of us are thrilled that “the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ” comes upon us by way of, as a result of the prayers of His saints? Wow!

Let’s read it again:

“For I know that this shall turn to my salvation (deliverance, safety, blessings) through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,” Philippians 1:19

Did you realize that the person or people you pray for are given a fresh and greater portion of “the Spirit of Jesus Christ”? According to this insightful truth out of the Holy Spirit inspired pen of the apostle Paul, the Father in Heaven blesses those we lift in prayer with the blessed Person and work of the Holy Spirit. “The spirit of Jesus Christ” is dispensed and poured out into the hearts and lives of those we pray for! This is what Paul told us was happening to him as the saints prayed for him.

Prayerlessness is Sin

Make no mistake, prayerlessness is a sin. Prayerlessness is direct disobedience to the command of God. Prayerlessness is a manifestation of faithlessness. Prayerlessness is the epitome of self-trust and self-dependency. Prayerlessness is the rejection of God in your life – the refusal to trust Him (Matthew 26:41).

“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41

YOUR PRAYER LIFE IS A CLEAR MEASURE OF HOW MUCH YOU LOVE GOD-OR NOT. love, to seek, to worship, and to trust Him. No need to seek God in prayer when pride and self-sufficiency reign on the throne of one’s heart.

The power of God working in us will be according to that which comes into us as we pray (Matthew 26:41).

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, in the name of Jesus, please forgive me for taking prayer communion, supplications (humble requests), praying for others, and prayer requests for granted. Forgive me also for the sin of prayerlessness and for not lifting others in prayer more. Thank You LORD for the unspeakable, incredible blessing of prayer. Your perfect sacrificial blood on that cross made our access to the Father possible and speaks for Your people in Heaven right now and forevermore! Jesus, please bless Your people to be faithful to request those things You have revealed in Your Word for each other! Thank You Father for pouring out Your Holy Spirit upon Your people afresh this hour and also every time we lift each other to You in prayer! Thank You right now for the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ being poured out on Your beloved people. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

His Grace is Sufficient for Thee [podcast]

“WHEN HE HAD BY HIMSELF purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.” Hebrews 1:3 ALL “BY HIMSELF” Jesus redeemed us, bought, brought us back to God by the shedding of His precious blood on that cross. Jesus needed no help: He alone was sufficient to propitiate, expiate, atone for the sins of mankind. The grace of Christ which saved us through His perfect sacrifice is the same and only grace that keeps us and enables His perfect will in our lives! Here’s how that works in His kingdom economy: He who died, was buried, and […]

The Riches of His Grace

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” Ephesians 1:7 It’s been said that “God bankrupted Heaven to buy us back to Himself!” “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” 2 Corinthians 9:15 Jesus judged sin on the cross so we don’t have to be judged for our sin and so we can experience “the exceeding riches of his gracE” both now and forever (John 12:31-32; Ephesians 1:7; 2:7). The claims of the Father’s justification to redeem mankind could only and exclusively have been satisfied in the perfect […]

Resurrection Grace [podcast]

NOTHING – NO MAN, NO DEVIL CAN STOP THIS! Just as no man, no devil could possibly stop the resurrection of Christ, no entity or army can stop the resurrection life of Christ in His saints, as they submit to their own death and burial. Resurrection follows! “Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12 […]

Articles

“I Love You Son” [podcast]

THIS WILL GIVE YOU CHILLS: (author unknown)

“I LOVE YOU SON”

AFTER A FEW OF THE USUAL SUNDAY EVENING HYMNS,

THE CHURCH’S PASTOR SLOWLY STOOD UP,

WALKED OVER TO THE PULPIT AND,

BEFORE HE GAVE HIS SERMON FOR THE EVENING,

HE BRIEFLY INTRODUCED A GUEST MINISTER

WHO WAS IN THE SERVICE THAT EVENING.

IN THE INTRODUCTION, THE PASTOR TOLD THE

CONGREGATION THAT THE GUEST MINISTER WAS

ONE OF HIS DEAREST CHILDHOOD FRIENDS AND

THAT HE WANTED HIM TO HAVE A FEW MOMENTS

TO GREET THE CHURCH AND SHARE WHATEVER

HE FELT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE FOR THE SERVICE.

WITH THAT, AN ELDERLY MAN STEPPED UP TO THE

PULPIT AND BEGAN TO SPEAK.

“A FATHER, HIS SON, AND A FRIEND OF HIS SON WERE

SAILING OFF THE PACIFIC COAST,” HE BEGAN.

“WHEN A FAST APPROACHING STORM BLOCKED ANY

ATTEMPT TO GET BACK TO THE SHORE.

THE WAVES WERE SO HIGH, THAT EVEN THOUGH THE

FATHER WAS AN EXPERIENCED SAILOR, HE COULD NOT

KEEP THE BOAT UPRIGHT AND THE THREE WERE SWEPT

INTO THE OCEAN AS THE BOAT CAPSIZED.”

THE OLD MAN HESITATED FOR A MOMENT,

MAKING EYE CONTACT WITH TWO TEENAGERS WHO WERE,

FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE SERVICE BEGAN,

LOOKING SOMEWHAT INTERESTED IN HIS STORY.

THE AGED MINISTER CONTINUED WITH HIS STORY,

“GRABBING A RESCUE LINE, THE FATHER HAD TO MAKE THE

MOST EXCRUCIATING DECISION OF HIS LIFE: TO WHICH BOY

WOULD HE THROW THE OTHER END OF THE LIFE LINE.

HE ONLY HAD SECONDS TO MAKE THE DECISION.

THE FATHER KNEW THAT HIS SON WAS A CHRISTIAN AND

HE, ALSO, KNEW THAT HIS SON’S FRIEND WAS NOT.

THE AGONY OF HIS DECISION COULD NOT BE MATCHED BY

THE TORRENT OF WAVES.

AS THE FATHER YELLED OUT, ‘I LOVE YOU, SON!’

HE THREW OUT THE LIFE LINE TO HIS SON’S FRIEND.

BY THE TIME THE FATHER HAD PULLED THE FRIEND BACK

TO THE CAPSIZED BOAT, HIS SON HAD DISAPPEARED BENEATH

THE RAGING SWELLS INTO THE BLACK OF NIGHT.

HIS BODY WAS NEVER RECOVERED.

BY THIS TIME, THE TWO TEENAGERS WERE SITTING UP

STRAIGHT IN THE PEW, ANXIOUSLY WAITING FOR THE NEXT

WORDS TO COME OUT OF THE OLD MINISTER’S MOUTH.

“THE FATHER,” HE CONTINUED, “KNEW HIS SON WOULD

STEP INTO ETERNITY WITH JESUS AND HE COULD NOT

BEAR THE THOUGHT OF HIS SON’S FRIEND STEPPING INTO

AN ETERNITY WITHOUT JESUS. THEREFORE, HE SACRIFICED

HIS SON TO SAVE THE SON’S FRIEND.”

HOW GREAT IS THE LOVE OF GOD THAT HE SHOULD DO THE

SAME FOR US. OUR HEAVENLY FATHER SACRIFICED HIS ONLY

BEGOTTEN SON THAT WE COULD BE SAVED. I URGE YOU TO

ACCEPT HIS OFFER TO RESCUE YOU AND TAKE A HOLD OF THE

LIFE LINE HE IS THROWING OUT TO YOU IN THIS SERVICE.”

WITH THAT, THE OLD MAN TURNED AND SAT BACK DOWN IN

HIS CHAIR AS SILENCE FILLED THE ROOM.

THE PASTOR AGAIN WALKED SLOWLY TO THE PULPIT AND

DELIVERED A BRIEF SERMON WITH AN INVITATION AT THE

END. HOWEVER, NO ONE RESPONDED TO THE APPEAL.

WITHIN MINUTES AFTER THE SERVICE ENDED, THE TWO

TEENAGERS WERE AT THE OLD MAN’S SIDE.

“THAT WAS A NICE STORY,” POLITELY STATED ONE OF

THEM, “BUT I DON’T THINK IT WAS VERY REALISTIC FOR A

FATHER TO GIVE UP HIS ONLY SON’S LIFE IN HOPES THAT

THE OTHER BOY WOULD BECOME A CHRISTIAN.”

“WELL, YOU’VE GOT A POINT THERE,” THE OLD MAN REPLIED,

GLANCING DOWN AT HIS WORN BIBLE. A BIG SMILE BROADENED

HIS NARROW FACE. HE ONCE AGAIN LOOKED UP AT THE BOYS

AND SAID, “IT SURE ISN’T VERY REALISTIC, IS IT? BUT,

I’M STANDING HERE TODAY TO TELL YOU THAT STORY GIVES

ME A GLIMPSE OF WHAT IT MUST HAVE BEEN LIKE FOR GOD

TO GIVE UP HIS SON FOR ME.

YOU SEE…

I WAS THAT FATHER AND YOUR PASTOR IS MY SON’S FRIEND.”

Making Peace with God | Fresh Start with God TODAY!

One Boy's Miracle Faith - Tissue Required [podcast]

“Phew! You were right about the tissues! The faith of a child! He had more faith than his father. I guess that’s why Jesus says in Matt 18: 1-4. You want to be the greatest? His requirement is you must be converted and humble yourself and be like a little child or ye shall not enter the kingdom of heaven. This is how you enter into the kingdom of heaven become like a little child. This little boy didn’t care if he was cold and soak and wet. He was going to do what God told him. And he was […]

Parenting and the Eternal Destiny of Your Child [podcast]

No such thing as a Christian who is a parent and isn’t teaching their child(ren) God’s Word. So you programmed and indoctrinated your own child to “go get an education” from a commie university, with nothing but antichrist’s as “professors”, who merely read and teach marxist textbooks full of every evil known to mankind. And yet you still wonder why they turned from Christ? – if you even taught them the Bible in the first place. Time for you to get saved. God holds you personally accountable for allowing and inviting evil upon the minds and hearts of the child(ren) […]

Powerful Parenting

PRAYER OF A PARENT: Heavenly Father, thank You for the children You sovereignly gave their father and I. You entrusted them to us, to train up in Your ways – to teach them to know and follow You Jesus. We know they are first and foremost, YOURS. You have committed to my trust Your child(ren). Right this moment, I release each of my children back to You – to Your sovereign care. Please help me to be the parent You’ve ordained me to be, walking in Your love, truth, and wisdom – as I obey them by teaching them Your […]