HOLINESS(end-times/deception)

[Alex The Hawk]

Holiness (End-Times Truth/Deception )
[/align][/align][/align]In these latter days of the end of the age before the return of Christ, the Lord is calling and wooing His people, Church, and Body to be holy as He is. He expects nothing less than this. We were originally created perfectly in His image and likeness, but ever since we fell into sin and darkness, He has been working by His Spirit to restore us to this perfection, the very reflection of Him, wholly and completely. [/align][/align](1 Peter 1:15,16) "But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy."[/align][/align]The word, "holy", means: to be righteous; consecrated; hallowed; sanctified; blameless; pious; sacred; morally clean and pure; unpolluted by wickedness; set apart unto Him; to be separate and distinct from worldliness. [/align][/align]We simply cannot be holy in our own efforts, for our "righteousness is as filthy rags", compared to the true Christ-Righteousness.This is only possible as we continually and unequivocally submit to Him, through the power of His cross, Word,and of life-quickening Spirit, denying our carnal self-nature and being open and receptive to His Holy Spirit, allowing Him to work in us, both to will(desire), and to do(ability), according to His good pleasure. [/align][/align]It is unfortunate,....but there is a large percentage of Christians who presume that they can enter Heaven(the Paradise and City of God), even if they live their lives as they please, by simply askingHim for forgiveness here and there. This is a gross abuse and violation of His righteous ways, and a vain attempt to use His grace as a license to sin, living according to the carnalself-will, rather than according to His perfect and holy will. He is not fooled by this, and sees all things, knowing the thoughts and intents of our minds and hearts. Nothing can be hidden from His sight, for all things are openly revealed and made manifest in His light, and the darkness cannot even comprehend it. His grace is a gift to us, in order to spirituallyenable, aid, and empower us to live righteously as His vessels of honor. May we receive and use His grace wisely for our benefit, allowing the expression ofHis light and goodness through us, thus pleasing the Father of glory. [/align][/align]As the sons and daughters of the Most High God, we are destined to be holy, ...not occasionally, but consistently, as a lifestyle. Of course, we all fall short of His glory, and are prone to occasional failure and sin, due to our weaknesses. Whenever we do this, we can come to Him in prayer and genuinely confess our sins, and He will be continually faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1John 1:9) The main key here is that our repentance must be real and genuine, as we truly turn away from sin and walk/live in the way that He leads.[/align][/align]Not all who confess Christ as their Lord and Savior will enter Heaven, for many have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof, being unholy and living according to their own will, rather than doing the will of the Father. [/align][/align](Hebrews 12:14) "Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord."[/align][/align](Matthew 7:21-23)"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in Heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Yourname, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name? Then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!" [/align][/align]
(1 Thess. 4:7,8) "For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has given us His Holy Spirit." [/align][/align][/align]It is not only our words and actions which should be holy and according to the Father's will, but also the thoughts and intents of ourminds and hearts. [/align]It is shameful to witness the utter depravity and corruption that exists within much of the Church. For example, there are many who have an evil tongue, speaking guile and unholy things on a continual basis. This includes speaking in pride, bitterness and jealousy, slander and defamation of character, gossiping, murmuring and complaining, jesting, cursing, etc. These things should not be so, for our speech must be holy and without blame. (Col. 4:6; Titus 2:8; James 3:2)[/align][/align](Philippians 2:14-16a) "Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life..." [/align][/align](Col. 3:17) "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." [/align][/align]There are many Christians who seek wealth, within the so-called "prosperity movement". Many of the ministers of several of the most popular denominations have become filthy rich off of the donations of others have been living lavishly,purchasing several mansions for themselves, having multiple servants, flying around in their own multi-million dollar jets,beingchauffeuredin limousines, owning Lexuses and Rolls Royces, wearing $10,000 suits and Rolex watches, etc., while not giving nearly enough to charities, providing funds for missionaries, etc. The Lord Yeshua(Jesus) spoke of those who have a greedy desire for self-gain, gathering up treasure for themselves. (Matt. 6:19-21) Judgement will come upon those who continue to do this. (Rev. 3:16-19) [/align][/align]There are those who have wandering eyes, looking at others with lust. Many assume that even if they do not physically fornicate or commit adultry, but simply fantasize about having sexual relations with others, that is is "harmless", but it is not so. For Christ reveals that sexual lust within the heart and mind is spiritual adultry, and nothing is hidden from the Lord. (Matt.5:27,28) Our thoughts are very powerful and deeply affect our spirit and body, and therefore, we should always have the mind of Christ, allowing His thoughts, words, and ways to renew our minds and permeate our consciousness. This is the path to transformation. [/align][/align]Likewise, there are many Christians who are very fat and obese, eating food as pleasure, rather than simply out of necessity. Please keep in mind that I am not speaking of those who have bio-chemical disorders or a very slow metabolism. I understand very well that some people simply cannot help control their weight. I am only speaking of those who bring this upon themselves through negative habits. In the distant past, I have visited quite a few after-church dinners/feasts where many of our brothers and sisters were eating much more than necessary, being gluttons as they consumed and devoured plate after plate of food, as well as treating themselves to several helpings of desserts. To be brutally honest, it looked sort oflike a hog pen, and this should not be so. It is a complete disgrace and embarrassment to see the children of God fatten themselves to the point where their bodies become severily overweight. Not only does it look terrible, but it is also extremely unhealthy, causing heart disease, and all sorts of problems. We should always treat our bodies with the utmost respect and honor, for we are the temple of God. Gluttony is spoken of as disgraceful within several pasages of Scripture. One of them is Philippians 3:19: "Whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame--who set their mind on earthly things." [/align][/align](1 Corinthians 10:31) "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." [/align][/align]We are gradually transformed by His Spirit, as we continually look unto Him and meditate upon His Word. [/align][/align](Romans 12:1,2) "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." [/align][/align](2 Corinthians 3:18) "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord."[/align][/align]It is by His Word that our true nature is revealed and we can become separated from ungodliness. [/align][/align](Hebrews 4:12-14) "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession." [/align][/align]We are the temple of God, in whom His Holy Spirit dwells. May we always keep this in mind as we live our lives upon the Earth. Those who do not will suffer severe judgement and become turned over to destruction. For whatever a person sows, that shall one also reap. If you sow to the flesh, you will reap corruption. But if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap everlasting life. (Gal. 6:7,8) [/align][/align](1 Cor. 3:16,17) "Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are." [/align][/align](2 Cor. 6:14-18; 7:1) "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? 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 will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty....Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." [/align][/align](Romans 6:13) "And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness." [/align][/align]We are called to be the "salt of the Earth" and the "light of this world", but if we fail to be holy and express His true nature, we become useless and worthless, for how then can we be an effective witness to those who are lost, dwelling in darkness and having a serious need of the light of His guidance and truth? [/align][/align](Matt. 5:13-16) "You are the salt of the Earth; But if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven." [/align][/align]May we allow the Lord to continually wash and cleanse us by His word, and thus, be manifested as the fulfillment of His desire. [/align][/align](Ephesians 5: 25b-27) "...Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish." [/align][/align](1 Thess. 3:12,13) "And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all the saints." [/align][/align]As we are presently witnessing in our world in these latter days of the end of the age before His return, judgement has already begun in the house of God, and is also moving through the corrupt world-system. (1 Pet. 4:17) The reason that judgements come, is simply because of the lack of holiness and compliance to the righteous ways of the Lord. Those whom He loves, He rebukes and chastens, for if He did not love us, He would not bother to bring correction, which is ultimately for our spiritual exhortation and edification. (Heb.12:5-11) As the saying goes, "spare the rod, spoil the child." Even though this process is not pleasant, it is for our own good. He desires to produce godliness and holiness in us, the perfect image and likeness of Himself within His creation and offspring. May we allow the "Master Potter" to carefully "mold" us into the flawless reflection of Himself, so that we may perfect vessels of honor,expressing His nature and power. [/align][/align](1 Peter 2:9) "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." [/align][/align](1 John 3:1-3) "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God. Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure."[/align][/align][/align]May the peace of God which surpasses all understanding keep and guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.[/align][/align][/align][/align][/align]In HIM we live, move, and have our being,[/align][/align]

[Chuck7]

Excellent!!!! Good reminder. I wil be bumping this one up quite a bit. Not that I have obtained such a walk but none the less; this is the walk I strive to follow.
Thanks for reminding us,
Brother CHuck

[Rebel Hog]

They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one. "“ Psa. 14:3
Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.Eccl. 7:29
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. "“ Isa. 53:6
How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? "“ Matt. 18:12
They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one."“ Rom. 3:12
Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; "“ 2 Pet. 2:15
For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.1 Pet. 2:25

[Tazman]

Great post Brother, to try and acheive this goal has been a huge battle for me, I have so far to go, I try...... I do feel my heart is in the right place, but sometimes pride over powers my heart, I ignore that inner voice and choose what I wish instead of what the Spirit has told me, at these times I am thankful that God is a loving and forgiving God and pray that one day I will become worthy of being with him.

[Chuck7]

Let it be known friends....after carefully reading this material I am repenting of my sins. I purpose to follow God with ALL my heart .not just part of it.
Chuck

[Alex The Hawk]

Amen Chuck.

Tazman perhaps now you should let God lead you ,instead of you trying for yourself.

I know by personal experience that I struggle with it as you have, once I said Lord Iam not going to worry about it anymore, from nowall my sins bad habits ,etc ,are in your hands, the opportunity to do good and evil are in your hands, then everything fell into place.
I do not struggle anymore with temptation of women ,money, luxury cars and even hunting, it is not an addiction for me.
so when we surrender totally then He the Holy Spirit can operate, He is a gentleman and he will not interfeer with your ways, so once you recognize his ways are not yours, but that His are better then He will change you totally.
Shalom

[Chuck7]

Amen again. I ought to save the reply to my favorites. You are a God sent.
Chuck

[The Rev]

Awesome post Brother Alex we all need to be reminded we need to strive for perfection and not be be complacient in were we are at. I have taken a good look at myself this last few weeks, and was very disappointed in what I saw!
Thanks.