Who is the Good Samaritan?
Who is the Good Samaritan? Introduction When we approach the Scripture we must always keep context in mind. Untold harm is routinely done to the saints by those who wrangle impossible meanings from Scripture through their subjective fancies and mental imaginations, perceived as “God speaking to them.” The de-contextualized presentation of Scripture is an epidemic problem in Charismatic and prophetic circles where any notion that pops into someone’s head is given the same status as the disciplined presentation of the Scripture. It is one thing to have liberty and personal edification in our private devotional application of Scripture. It is another matter ...
The Kingdom of Heaven Does Not Forcibly Advance
The Kingdom of Heaven Does Not Forcibly Advance (Matt 11:12) And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence and the violent take it by force.[1] . . . the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing and forceful men lay hold of it.[2] . . . the kingdom of heaven is forcibly entered and violent men seize it.[3] All my Christian life I have found the idea that Jesus somehow endorses violent human effort (even if metaphorical or spiritual) for His cause as very odd. It contradicts the rest of His teaching, the ...
Anti-Gospel of Spiritual Maturity
This post article is an excerpt from Healing: Hope or Hype? Eloquent Books Copyright 2007. Dr. Stephen Crosby. www.stevecrosby.org. Maturity—is there a more dangerous Christian concept? The preaching of a Christian maturity message is the #1 opening for legalism in the life of a believer. The tendency is particularly strong in what might be called deeper-life, high-calling, high-commitment, pursuit of God, sonship, or discipleship environments. The underlying thinking in these settings is the erroneous concept of “getting more of God.” This is defined as the acquisition of virtues and the elimination of sins resulting from our effort in various spiritual disciplines: ...
The Spirit of Truth and the Spirit of Falsehood
The Spirit of Truth and the Spirit of Falsehood Parts of this article are excerpted from: Healing, Hope or Hype? The Spirit of Truth and the Spirit of Falsehood Parts of this article are excerpted from: Healing, Hope or Hype? A little Bible knowledge is like a little nitroglycerin: dangerous when mishandled. There’s a subtle deceit and conceit inherent in all fundamental Christianity, Evangelicalism, or whatever one chooses to call it. It’s the belief that mastery of the Scripture is the same as the knowledge of God. The Scriptures may be perfect,[1] but our understanding never will be: not yours and not mine. We can ...
The Sword and Trowel
Realized Christian life expression is often far below its potential. While we’re not saved by our behavior, our behavior has kingdom impact. Few things hinder Christ’s interests in the lives of unbelievers more effectively than the gap between what Christians profess with their words and express with their lives. Our evangelistic efforts can be near impossible because of the flotsam of bad testimony left by the Christian who may have gone before us. This doesn’t excuse the unbeliever, but it sure doesn’t make our task easier! Effective Christian life is not a matter of living some idealistic, perfect, or fault free existence so we might “qualify” as a bona fide Christian witnesses. Nor is ...
If Only…
If Only...by Steven Crosby - Many Christians are careful to observe certain times, places, and rituals of worship, but when the church service is over, they’re like those who profess no regard for Christ. In their manner of life, in the way they spend their time and money, in their cares and worries, fears and pleasures, indulgences and diversions, it is often impossible to distinguish professing Christians from the rankest unbelievers, until they once again gather to sing of their love and devotion to Jesus. Little wonder that the skeptic makes such false standard-bearers the object of his scorn and jest, ...
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Who is the Good Samaritan?Who is the Good Samaritan? Introduction When we approach the Scripture we must always...
The Kingdom of Heaven Does Not Forcibly Advance
The Kingdom of Heaven Does Not Forcibly Advance (Matt 11:12) And from the days...
Anti-Gospel of Spiritual Maturity
This post article is an excerpt from Healing: Hope or Hype? Eloquent Books Copyright...
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God’s Longing For You – Part 1Many people define religion as man’s search for God. However, the Bible paints a beautiful portrait of God’s search for man. The mystery of it all is that God pursues man! When Adam and Eve hid from His presence, the Lord called, “Where are you?” (Gen. 3:9). It’s a call that goes out again and again. You’ve heard it. It’s the echo of a... [Read more of this review]
Hebrews 7:25 – Jesus IS the Heavenly Intercession
There is a common understanding of Hebrews 7:25 that gives the impression that Jesus is not at rest, seated on the throne on high after His resurrection, but rather is engaged in eternal intercession, praying to the Father, more or less pleading for humanity, in the eternal state, forever and ever. This is very unfortunate. This understanding... [Read more of this review]
Organic Church vs Church that is Organic
Written by: Stephen Crosby There is no inherent spiritual significance to moving a meeting out of a sanctuary into a living room. The question to be asked is not related to how we meet (form), but how we live life together in Christ (substance) and the values we embrace. Whenever love wanes, efficiently administered corporation ethics subtly and subversively... [Read more of this review]
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