Category Archives: Hoffmaster

Foundational Beliefs

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Why are Believers so hesitant to examine their foundational beliefs?  What are we afraid of Rev Paul Hoffmasterfinding?  Could there be a flaw in our adopted theology?  What if what we believed for so many years has contradicted Scriptural intent?  What if what we have been taught has been a human interpretation instead of Divine presentation?  What if the denominational or independent church has been wrong in its doctrines?

subfloorWe should not be afraid of examining the sub floor of our house of belief.  If it is intact, our confidence should rest in the assurance that what we are building shall never fall.  If, on the other hand, there are cracks in our tenets of faith, should we not address the issue and secure our foundation?  Whenever there are flaws in our basic beliefs, it will affect our Christian walk.  Maybe one of the reasons we fluctuate so much in our faith walk is because something in our “belief” system is out of order.

There are so many split decisions when it comes to Biblical interpretation.  Almost every major Scriptural truth has at least two different or opposing views.  Through the persuasion and numerical support of other Christians, many teachings are accepted and adopted by the new convert.  Unable to understand the meaning of so many of the Scriptures, they simply endorse what is being taught.  The quickness at which they receive these teachings depends on the charisma and boldness of the teacher.  When a Pastor is established in the community and supported with a large number of followers, who is to doubt his presentation?  God uses human instrumentality to convey His message, but we must ALWAYS confirm the spoken word with the written Word!

I believe that every Believer needs to have an annual checkup.  We need to take our “Bible Pressure” and see if our study habits are consistent.  We need to check our “Prayer Rate” reflecting the reality of our communication with God.  We need to check our “Spiritual Weight” to see if we are gaining spiritual muscle.  We need to check our “Hearing” to see if we are hearing what is being presented by God’s representatives.  We need to check our “Eyesight” to make sure we are focused on the Kingdom and not the fleshly enticements of the world.  We need to check our “Vocabulary” to make sure what comes out of our mouth is pleasing to God.  We need to check the freshness of our “Fruit.”  If after carefully analysis we find our spiritual condition worthy of God’s pleasure, let us press on as a walking example of Jesus Christ.  If a red flag appears, let us check our foundational beliefs and see where we may have missed it.  When our foundational beliefs are built on the sand of public opinion, our Christian walk will sway with inconsistent behavior.  When our “sub floor” is incorrect, we will have a greater tendency to go by feelings rather than by faith.

While knowing one’s spiritual condition is imperative to spiritual growth, there are some who are content to live out their lives with a simple affirmation of whom Jesus is.  Their attitude is that life goes on and when the heart stops beating, they will be with Him.  They have been taught that Faith alone is all that is necessary.  Attend and pretend is their motto.  Deep down they desire a living faith, but they have been inoculated from the Truth.  They ride the waves of change, oblivious to where it takes them.

Do not be afraid of checking out your foundation, it may be a life altering experience!  “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)

The Powerful Little Word

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Rev Paul HoffmasterMany of the Biblical promises rest upon the action of the reader or hearer.  The little word “if” plays a big role in experiencing the Word.  In the Bible, this two letter word contains the option to either accept or reject the Word.  The Word of God is limited to man’s response.  The Scripture lies dormant until man responds to its content.  If man chooses to ignore the Word, it becomes nothing more than a conglomeration of phrases and sentences hidden under a book cover.

Reading a glowing book

The Living Word of GOD -Connecting the dots of the history of mankind

If it was not for the Bible, we would have no knowledge of God and His love for mankind.  If it was not for the Bible, we would not be aware of Jesus and His earthly ministry.  If it was not for God’s Word, we would never come to the knowledge of what Calvary was all about.  Without the Scriptures, man would be like a ship without a rudder, a car without an engine, or a plane without wings.  Without His Word, man would flow with the tide of changing opinions and life styles.  Without the Bible, mans’ hope for purpose will never be achieved.  Sixteen times in the book of Hebrews, this powerful word highlights the responsibility of the individual.  In chapter three, verse six, the Believer is likened unto a house that is built by Jesus; but if, by the actions of Christians, the world sees a creation that is no different from its own life, what would draw it to seek our building Contractor?  There are a lot of “prefab” Believers that build their faith around convenience and self-fulfillment, and, as a result, turn off prospective “buyers” of the Faith.  The problem is many treat the salvation experience as an “upgrade” to their lives instead of as a total rebirth experience. Continue reading →

Selective Hearing

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How can two individuals sit in the same church service and hear the same sermon, but share two different responses to the message?  One hears it as a positive homily while the other sees it as condemnatory.  I believe the problem is not with the Rev Paul Hoffmasterpresentation, but with the reception, not with the verbal, but with the hearing, not in the giving but in the receiving.  The key to understanding this dilemma is found in John 6.  Jesus had been talking about drinking His blood and eating His flesh.  To many these were difficult words and, as a result, they walked with Him no more (John 6:66).  What Jesus was saying was meant to be heard with the spirit, not the mind (John 6:63).  The problem with hearing today involves the same issue.  We listen to a sermon with our minds instead of with our spirit.  We attempt to grasp the Word with our intellect and then sort it out, accepting what we are comfortable with and rejecting the rest; by doing this we will not endure sound doctrine.  Tragically, many pulpits are reflecting people’s mind sets by preaching people pleasing messages instead of the Truth of God’s Word (II Tim. 4:3,4).  The writer of Hebrews stated that he had many things to say to them but it was “…hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing” (Heb. 5:11).  Many church goers today are just punching in their “time cards”, fulfilling their Sunday obligation, and then leaving the church basically the same way they were when they came in.

It is interesting to note that when Jesus told His disciples about His upcoming crucifixion, He always included His resurrection.  Yet His followers only heard the first part.  That was one of the reasons no one was at the garden tomb to welcome Him on the third day.  One day Jesus shared with Peter about this same issue and Peter, hearing  only what he wanted to hear, took Jesus aside and rebuked Him, saying “…this shall not be unto thee” (Mt. 16:22).  Peter did not hear Him say He would rise again on the third day.  How much of a sermon today is heard?  Do we listen only until our comfort zone is penetrated?  Do we engage our “defense reactive mechanism” so that we are ready to reject anything that exposes our short comings?  Are we armed and ready to attack the presenter of the Gospel, if we feel exposed and vulnerable?

Some time ago I was talking to a pastor of a large evangelical church and asked him what was he disliked the most about pastoring.  Without hesitating, he said his greatest weakness was preaching!  I had a young lady tell me how the Holy Spirit had moved in their Sunday service and they “didn’t even have time for the preaching”.  I believe the preaching of the Word is the supreme purpose of ministerial leadership.  I believe in the moving of the Holy Spirit, but there must always be time for God’s Word, even though the service goes beyond the magical hour or hour and a half.

My prayer is that “dull hearers” will let the Word bypass their minds and let their spirit drink of the living water, which, in turn, will flow out of their spirit and wash their minds of their self centeredness.  I pray also that the pastors will spend time with God and hear what He wants them to say to His people.

Now What?

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WashingtonThe zeal with which the Christians addressed the political atmosphere over the last year seems to have been unparalleled in past elections. Editorials and expressions of opinions, which were based on fact or fiction, were scattered throughout the populace. It was the hope of the expositors of personal belief that there would be a turning from confusion to a certainty of belief based upon their understanding of the Word of God. These agents of zeal should be commended for their efforts to try and stabilize this country of shifting moral and ethical standards.

The question is, was their motive one of self-interest or was it in the interest of the Body of Christ? Were they directed by God or was it a promotion of their agenda? How big a role did the Christian community play in the Presidential Election? Now that it is over, can the Body of Christ say in confidence that the reelection of our President was the will of God? Local churches throughout the land held prayer vigils to petition God to have the right man elected. Are we to assume that the prayers were heard and that the reelection of the President to another four years was the answer to the petitioning saints? If the Church believes the wrong man was elected, does that mean their prayers went unanswered?

To many Christians, there seems to be a glum and doom atmosphere; depression to some, and human prophesy of difficult days ahead by others. Some Believers are using carnal weapons of fiery darts to fly accusations toward the duly elected President. The pre-election zeal of Christians has become the post election standard of behavior. Instead of bringing healing to our land, the Believer continues to keep the wound of separation open.

Why are we surprised at the way this country is going? Are we so ignorant of Scripture that we fail to recognize the signs of the end of the age? The Church needs to recognize that we are in the last days and what is needed is not offensive behavior, but zeal to lead people to God through His Son Jesus Christ. If the Believer would spend as much energy on representing the Kingdom of God as he does in opposing political agendas, there might be enough Believers in this country to vote responsibly and thus give this land an extension of life expectancy.

Every Christian needs to understand that the powers that be are “ordained” of God. (Rom. 13:1) It is imperative we understand that God has everything under control. God loves this country [its people], but He will also chastise it. How He will do that is not to be a concern of ours. We are called to be a witness of His love, not a rod of judgment. We are called to be a peace maker, not a tool of division. We are not called to expose the obvious, but to present the hidden treasure of Jesus Christ. Abortion is wrong, new birth is right. Homosexuality is wrong, joined to Christ is right. Artificial highs are wrong, overdosed in Jesus is right.

Let this country hear that there is an answer to its problems. It is not by hearing what is wrong with it, but rather how right it can be when it returns to its Creator.

Paul Hoffmaster

Paul Hoffmaster

The Birthing of Spiritual Fads

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Paul Hoffmaster

Paul Hoffmaster

There is always something to write about, especially when it comes to spiritual matters.  When you think the Bible (KJV) has 1,189 chapters and 31,173 verses, which includes 773,746 words, there should be enough content to occupy our interest until we meet Him face to face.  When we compare the extra curricular “self help” tutorials that strive to explain the Scripture, we have entered into the world of interpretive theology.  Christianity has become big business in promoting editorials on what God means from His Word.  Today, Christian publications have surpassed the Bible in revenue growth. Whenever someone writes anything, from a pamphlet to a book, inquiring minds rush to purchase the newest “must have.”  Electronics bridge the gap between the “seeker” and his desire to hear or see the manna from Heaven.

Does God really need help in making the Bible more relevant to its hearers?  There seems to be a “cliff note” mentality in so many Believers.  Instead of searching out the Scriptures themselves, they want someone to present a condensed version, which highlights the important aspects of selective Truth.  This trend is also evidenced in our Saturday/Sunday worship experiences.  Let the Pastor spoon feed his congregants and burp them so they can best understand the Word without feeling uncomfortable!  The Pastor/Shepherd is to lead his people to the truth of God’s Word and encourage them to search for themselves.

Do we really need people to explain what God has so clearly said in His Word? Throughout the years there have been periods of “discovered truths” that have been presented to the body of Christ.  These “uncovered” truths are like a shot of spiritual adrenalin to the Christian.  Whenever the Bible is neglected, modern interpretations are birthed to satisfy the stagnant Believer.  These fads are short lived and are eventually replaced by “updated relevancy.”  So much of the Christian literature today is centered on receiving, instead of giving.  Our faith is more vertical than horizontal.  The evidence of our spiritual growth is displayed by the outward instead of through the inner man.  Reality has become the new faith.

Instead of supplementary books and recordings, why don’t we just open the Word and let the Holy Spirit illuminate the Word in our spirits?  Let us not be so quick to reach a goal of reading the entire Bible in a year.  Instead, let us read one word at a time, giving the Holy Spirit time to seed that Word into our spirits.  Once that Word germinates into a living entity, our minds will grasp its power and we will begin to exhibit its Truth.  Many Christians are bypassing the Bible for explanatory books that convey an editorial understanding of the Scripture.  There is no substitute for God’s Word!  If we do not understand certain verses, move on to the next verse.  When the Holy Spirit believes we are ready for its meaning and application, He will open our understanding.

There is nothing wrong with extra Biblical publications, as long as they do not become the text book for our spiritual journey.  When religious books transcend the Bible, we will be vulnerable to extra Biblical truths which will lead to confusion.  Whatever we read, we must make sure it does not conflict with or contradict the Scriptures.  We must never dilute the Word to fit it into our comfort zone.  Let us be patient in our quest for Biblical understanding.  There are no short cuts to Scriptural comprehension.  We need to study the Word and let the Holy Spirit illuminate it.

Dead or Alive

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Paul Hoffmaster

Paul Hoffmaster

Understanding what happens to us at our spiritual rebirth is so shrouded by traditional teaching that its reality fails to make an impact on our lives.  To many new converts, the “rebirth” experience is treated as an extension of who they are instead of what they have become.   They then begin a journey of learning how to fit this new experience into their lives.  They learn to use different words and behaviors.  They acquire an early interest in the Bible.  Going to church becomes a weekly routine.  They learn to talk to God through different techniques and routines.  If someone would ask them if they were a Believer, they would answer with an affirmative gesture or verbal affirmation.  They say the right words and exhibit the predetermined behavioral patterns of a “born again” individual, but sadly, what is seen is simply a cleaned up sinner.  We must realize it is not the merging of two lives, but the losing of one life and the receiving of a new life.  It is not just asking Jesus to come into our heart, but a receiving of a new heart.  It is not only cleaning up our vocabulary, but learning a whole new language.  It is not forming a renewed life, but being transformed into the life of Christ.  It is not struggling to understand God, it is knowing Him.  It is not going to church, it is being the Church.  It is not seeking the things of the world, but setting our affections on the things of the Kingdom of God.  It is not a makeover, but a new creation.  It is not a renewal, but a new life.

For many years I have tried to understand how the Church has become so much like the world.  I have seen Believers acting so unbiblical.  Instead of seeing the Fruit of the Spirit flourishing from us, we exhibit characteristics of the old life.  Many Christians go to their places of worship and act super-spiritual, but when the service is over, we change back into our resurrected old creature.  If we really understood our position in Christ, our Country would be a Christian nation!

Many Christians have not been taught correctly.  What we receive from Christian leadership is preaching and teaching that caters to what people want to hear, instead of what they need to hear.  Much of Christian instruction centers on making teachings palpable and fitting for the hearer’s lifestyle.  Experiencing rebirth is more than just saying a few words; it is a total sacrificing of oneself.  It is going to the cross with Jesus and dying to self.  It is being buried with Him.  It is being resurrected with Him.  It is ascending into the Throne Room of God and sitting with Him.  I challenge every Believer to go to the Scripture and see the Truth that has failed to be taught!

What I have been describing is from our spirit’s perspective.  What we need is to get our mind to accept the reality of this rebirth.  Our spirit seeks the things above, while our mind seeks the things below.  Whichever is given more attention will dominate.  Our body will then display or carry out the wishes of either the spirit or mind.  The reason the Church is so powerless in combating the assault against its foundation is because we have not reckoned ourselves as dead but alive to our Creator.  We are in the world, but not of the world.  Yet, we act like the world in so many ways.  The reason so many Christian leaders fail morally is they have let their minds override their spirits.  When that happens, the body exhibits the results.  In the New Testament, the mystery of the Gospel was revealed by the open invitation to the non-Jews.  From Calvary on, the salvation message was offered to the “whosoevers.”  Today, there is another mystery that has been so carefully hidden under contemporary preaching: many Christians only know how to display the form of Godliness. The power of the Gospel is revealed through the understanding that the real power comes from a born-again experience.  The only way to achieve that power is the death of oneself.  This is the mystery revealed!

The church vs. the Church Part 2

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Paul Hoffmaster

Paul Hoffmaster

God’s intent, based solely on Biblical context, was to restore His chosen people to a place of prominence in the world.  But due to their rebellion, the way to kingdom reality was blocked by the hardening of their hearts.  The Jews wanted a status position where they become the conquerors instead of the conquered.  As one studies the Scripture, one can readily see the intent of Kingdom building in God’s plan, but due to the sinfulness of His people, God had to first deal with their rebellious heart.  Zachariah’s prophesy was a basic continuation of Old Testament prophesies that Israel would be delivered from their physical enemies.  When that was accomplished, the Jews would be able to serve Him without fear.  They would be before God in “…holiness and righteousness,” all the days of their life. (Luke 1:67-75)  That was God’s plan, but due to the sinfulness of His people, their physical deliverance would not be achieved until their hearts were changed.  To bring about that change, Jesus would come as a Savior, not a physical deliverer.  For the Jewish people to understand what the ministry of the Messiah would be, a forerunner would come to change the people’s concept of why the Messiah was coming.  Instead of looking for a physical deliverance, they needed to see the importance of a changed heart.  John the Baptizer would present Jesus as the “lamb of God” who would take away their sins. (John 1:29)  John was stressing the importance of changing their preconceived notions by way of repentance.

The Apostle Paul, understanding the foundation of the Christian faith, made a proclamation that the only thing that really mattered was, “… Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” (I Corinthians 2:2).  Whenever the Church loses sight of the Cross, its foundation will be in jeopardy.  Whenever the Church manipulates Scripture to promote an excitement transfusion, it has lost its power.  Whenever the Church proclaims financial prosperity while ignoring fiscal responsibility, it has misdirected the use of God’s money.  Whenever the Church stresses physical healing over spiritual healing, it has lost its vision.  Whenever the Church seeks signs and wonders instead of displaying Holiness, it has become a broken vessel.

The majority of agnostics and non-believers are witnessing the displays of the “people’s church”, rather than God’s Church.  The alarming thing is the actions of the people’s church are getting all the attention, while God’s Church experiences collateral damage. One of the problems that face the Church today is how it responds to the “rebellious church.”  If it fails to address false doctrines by not promoting Biblical truths, it will negatively answer Jesus question, “…nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8)  The true Church will be defined by how it responds to its identity crisis.

The conduct of the people’s church invites ridicule.   It hurts to see God’s Church the recipient of ridicule because of unbiblical actions by those who claim to be Believers. The media, from the news conglomerates to the entertainment industry, are exposing the people’s church for what it is, but the tragedy is they think that it is God’s Church that they are exposing.  Believers are anticipating an external challenge to the Church, when we need to look within the Christian circle.  Satan realizes that the best way to derail the true Church is to build new tracks on which the people’s church will travel farther and farther away from God’s intent.

The church vs. The Church – Part 1

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Paul Hoffmaster

Paul Hoffmaster

There have always been itching ears and searching eyes that scan the spiritual horizon waiting for some sign that God will manifest Himself in a new and exciting way.  Every few years there is a resurgence of distorted Biblical truths that seem to bring a ray of hope to the floundering church.  I am reminded of the Biblical Jews that were waiting for the Messiah who would set them free from the bondage of oppression.  This would be done by setting up an earthly kingdom that was ruled by God Himself.  When the Jewish people saw their physical dilemmas, they reverted to the hope that someone would come who would lead them back to a place of prominence in their world.  To help the process along, the Pharisees begin promoting their own interpretation of the Law and Prophets.  Regulations and extra Biblical teachings were promoted to evidence that God was still in charge.  The problem was the Jewish people exchanged hope for a continuing mountain-valley experience.  Every new or expanded “truth” was met with excitement.  But soon it turned into disappointment and a searching for yet another movement that would excite them into hopeful expectations.

When the Messiah did come, they did not recognize Him.  They thought Jesus was a prophet or great teacher that would reintroduce the Jewish Kingdom.  As quickly as they were exposed to the Truth, the Truth was adjusted and altered to promote a physical manifestation rather than a spiritual deliverance.  The people craved miracles that would help them grasp the reality of God.  Jesus knew that the heart of man was desperately wicked and the only hope for God’s chosen people was circumcision of the heart. (Romans 2:29)  Jesus realized that His greatest mission would be the “religious” community.  The Jews responded to Jesus as a supplier of their physical needs, rather than the “lamb of God” which would restore them to a right standing with God.  Jesus’ ministry in the Synagogues was short lived, for His message conflicted with their traditions.  For three years, Jesus reached out with the Love of God to a people who were indifferent to the real Truth.  Wherever He went, the religious authorities followed with contradictory teachings that confused the people.  Finally, the “religionists” crucified Him!  It wasn’t until after Jesus’ ascension that the real truth of God’s love was revealed.  In that “upper room” the Holy Spirit fell upon the disciples, the unfiltered truth flooded their spirits, and the Church was born!

There is such a similarity today to the earthly ministry of Jesus.  Our religious institutions have developed communities of diversity.  The ability to recognize Biblical Truth has become a difficult task.  Doctrines of devils have disguised their way into the Church.  Laughing spirits have become a mockery unto the Lord.  Spiritual “drunkenness” has elevated the flesh into mocking displays of tainted truth.  The Church is eager to acknowledge sin in our country, but remains silent when it comes to sin in the Church.  When are we going to realize that as the Church goes, so goes our country!  When the Church fails to represent God, our country will represent Satan!  Believers must stop cultivating “Christian cults” and start planting and harvesting from the true seed of God’s Word.

There is a talk of a great revival coming, but it cannot become a reality while the counterfeit church is in session. God wants to visit His Church, but not until we turn the Church back to Him.

Inside Out

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Paul Hoffmaster

Paul Hoffmaster

My Granddaughter is just starting and completing her teenage years; at least, that is the attitude and action that she displays. During her “right of passage” she displays all the characteristics of a person under construction, while at the same time exhibiting a “green card” mentality which permits her a trial role in womanhood.

I have found a growing number of new Believers who work from the outer man to the inner man. In other words, they adopt the outward displays of a Christian, with the hope that the inner man will grow accustomed to his life changing display. They go to church, pray, read their Bible, change their vocabulary, dress modestly, abstain from worldly vices, and generally display what is expected of a new Christian. These things are all staples of the Believers walk. The problem is we have put the cart before the horse. It is more than mimicking the outward displays of other Christians. It is the changing of the heart. It is not copying the life style of other Believers. It is becoming the person God wants you to become. It is not the mixing of two natures. It is the birthing of the very nature of God. It is not fitting into a new way of living. It is a new and living way. It is not a revising of one’s thoughts and actions. It is having the mind of Christ and following His actions. It is not a temporal excitement. It is joy unspeakable and full of glory that leads into His presence. It is not mind over matter. It is spirit that really matters.

One of the causes of lukewarmness and inconsistency in Believers is works that have overshadowed faith. Some believe if they follow the typical Christian pattern they are “saved” and have a place in eternity with God. Salvation is not through observances and displays, but through the heart. Going to church does not makes a person a Christian any more than standing in a garage make you a car. Playing a role does not make you a Christian. A changed heart through the blood of Jesus Christ makes us a new creature. A changed heart renews our mind which leads to a transformed person. Holiness dwarfs prosperity. Peace overshadows anxiety. Truth transcends reason.

How many people have had an altar experience that was a result of an emotional coaxing instead of a broken heart responding to the Holy Spirit’s invitation? Jesus’ teaching of the Sower is a classical illustration of how some people respond to God’s Word. Satan will stand between the Word and the hearer. He will bring confusion to the hearer which limits his understanding. He will cause persecution and tribulation to keep the individual from solidifying the Truth. He will allow money to choke out the Truth. These are illustrations of “emotional hearers” that make up so many churches today. Jesus then illustrated what constitutes the true Believer. It is the person who receives the Word, understands the Word and bears fruit. The Word goes to the heart and then is displayed through actions that spread to others. (Matthew 13:18-23)

My Granddaughter will learn soon enough that the way to adulthood is not through conforming to peer pressures and “tribal” membership, but submitting to the Potter that will mold her into the adult He desires. (Jeremiah 8:6) True Believers are made from the heart outward, not the head downward.

 

ARE WE FUELING THE FIRE?

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Paul Hoffmaster

Paul Hoffmaster

What has happened to the Body of Christ? The Church was once the most respected organization in our Country. Its people were from every walk of life: from the factory worker to the politician, from the unemployed to the employed, from the poor to the rich, from sport personalities to leaders in the entertainment industry, from the uneducated to the highly educated; they were all a part of the Body of Christ. There was no embarrassment to being an active member of the Church. No one was ashamed to share their inner joy with a “whosoever.” The Gospel was shared from schools to places of employment, from playgrounds to political edifices. The message from the Christian is a new and living way to experience life. Christians share their faith with a gentleness and excitement that would not offend their hearers. They are living example of what an abundant life is all about. The Bible is the life manual that contains the answers to the challenges that life might throw their way.

Today, so many Believers have become militant and offensive. Instead of presenting love to the spiritually challenged and ignorant, there is a resolve to attack “the enemies” misguided ways. Instead of reaching out with an olive branch from Gethsemane, we have displayed a two-edged tongue that gives two different messages. Instead of sharing the Truth with Grace, we judge others with the Law and intolerance. One of the reasons I am not a fan of the social media is because many Christians are using that as a tool of division. As the media has become the avenue of promoting the ISIS news, the Lord’s army is using the social media to promote what Satan’s army is doing! When the Christians revert to counterattacks, we have lost our true perspective.

The question the Church needs to ask itself is what is our objective in countering the challenges against the Body of Christ? Is it to lead people to the answer, or is it to destroy the enemy? Is it to challenge their negative statements and actions, or is it to neutralize their attacks with positive examples of the loved of God? Is it to defend the Faith, or expand the Faith? So many Christians gather incorrect facts from the internet and pass it on as truth. If they have read it or heard it from the print or airwaves, it must be right! To me, the greatest damage to the Kingdom of God has been from within the Church. When Christians stop judging and condemning and start loving and commending, we will once again become the people God has called us to be!

The Church is not called to punish the non-believers, but tostop judging . Much of what we see happening in America is a result of factual ignorance. Satan has blinded the eyes of so many to the Truth that all they see are things through their senses. Instead of picketing for the Kingdom of God, let us display the Kingdom that is within us. Instead of promoting Kingdom of God, let us share what is right with America! Instead of berating those who oppose our beliefs, let us demonstrate to them what a true Believer is like! The more we exhibit a Christ like behavior, the greater the opportunity to reach those of the world.

The Bible tells us that we are to be an example to the world by “…word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (I Timothy 4:12) We are called to show others our lives with “meekness of wisdom.” (James 3:13) The Bible says as we show our good works, the world will see and will be drawn to God. (I Peter 2:12) Are we building the Kingdom of God or fueling the fire of adversity? Are we a part of the answer or are we magnifying the problem?