Stuff Apostolics Like-Value
 

Re: Stuff Apostolics Like-Value
 

How about seeking the approval of God instead of men? Jesus said we have to hate our life in this world to be his disciple. If we find our value in him he will not disappoint us.

Re: Stuff Apostolics Like-Value
 

I agree Michael.....the thing is that we all want to belong in some degree....and church is about a community of believers....we aren't islands unto ourselves unaffected by others...if that was the case why assemble at all?

Re: Stuff Apostolics Like-Value
 

My impression was that he is fully absorbed in creating an identity for himself. My point is we should find our identity in Christ. As long as we dont get that we will be frustrated.

Oh, so that's my problem. How do I find my identity in Christ? I read the blog. I could have written it myself.

I think everyone needs to create a self identity or they don't have a self awareness, the "me" factor, or feel like you're just hovering to and fro, seeking after ...something.

Re: Stuff Apostolics Like-Value
 

Most Church people must agree with you. Few are becoming like Jesus. Heres the truth modern Christians are missing.

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live ; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

The more a disciple trys to hold to their own identity the more frustrated they will be. They dont understand the purpose of God in their lives is to make them one with his Son.

Remember Jesus said we must deny and even hate our own life or we cannot be his disciple.

Gotcha

Re: Stuff Apostolics Like-Value
 

well its not hate your life, that would keep you in a state of depression.
No infact God put you on this earth to enjoy it. He created you to enjoy His creation. This is also shown and illustrated in the many feasts

the hate part or Love less is dealing with putting God first. Some people mis read that and that is why we had people who physically abused themselves with torture. people physically chastized themselves.

I mean if you cant love yourself you cannot love others, if you cannot love others you cannot love God. That is why Jesus said do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Please dont take the hate your life thing out of proportion

Re: Stuff Apostolics Like-Value
 

Yeshua said we find our life by losing it for his sake and the gospel. In that one will know the joy of the Lord. To try to create an identity for ourselves apart from that may bring the joy of the world but not of the Spirit.

Re: Stuff Apostolics Like-Value
 

Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.


O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen

Re: Stuff Apostolics Like-Value
 

Earlier today I was examining how I am living my life, wanting my life to be pleasing to God.
I think so often we are looking for a Ministry, rather than just ministering to others where we are.
My ministry is in my home, on my job, in the marketplace, it's not something that is separate from everyday life. It is how I live my life every day.

It's living your life in such a way that a friend asks you to tell them about God, wants to know where you go to church, asks you to pray for their sick child.

When we walk with God and make ourselves available to serve others, he will minister through us and it's not something we do, but something He does.

Re: Stuff Apostolics Like-Value
 

Very interesting. I think so many people have felt this way...outside looking in.....even those that looked like they were "in".

I think the reason people become so disillusioned with the church and hurt by it is because the church sets itself up so high....so much better than "the world" and then when they fail to live up to their own claims, they say "well, we're only human, ya know?" but they forgot all the stories from the pulpit about how the church was so much better.

Re: Stuff Apostolics Like-Value
 

:thumbsup

Re: Stuff Apostolics Like-Value
 

and when you was Born again you did lose it. Remember you passed from death to Life. There is great Joy in the Lord we agree, but there is also great joy in this world. He made creation for us to enjoy it. That is apart of your christian identity.

Creation is one the witnesses that establishes that there is a God and we have been given dominion over it. Me and you are in the world but we are not of it. we are not off it because we are not partakers in mans sinful nature. Our Spirit has been renewed.

So yes you can have a identity for yourself that brings joy of the world and joy to the Spirit. Do you enjoy eating food? yes you do well you just partook in the joy of the fruits of this world. ever woke up and and said this is gonna be a good day, because of the weather, Joy of the world.

Joy of the world doesnt mean living like other people in the world, as far as sin.

Going bowling isnt a sin, watching Football isnt a sin. I went to a drive end this past weekend. the owners are christian. They played the national anthem, then said i know this isnt politically correct, But may God Bless us cause we need it. Very small prayer. at the end of the movies they played southern gospel music.

You can do many things in this world and find the Joy of the Lord in it. Jesus did not free us from bondage to place a yoke of legalism over us. He also doesnt plan out your day and micro manage you. He does expect you though to Love him and be loved by him.