Encouragement and the lack thereof within the Body of Christ
It has been said that a Prophet is never honored in his own hometown in Luke 4:24. This is in regard to faith; as opposed to unbelief. Mark 9:24 shows the proper response to those seeking more faith in "helping with my unbelief". Since we are not God and only have a slight understanding "seeing as through a mirror darkly" ( 1 Cor 13:12) we can't necessarily diagnose what is true unbelief nor have the Spirit "without measure" ( John 3:34) as Christ did. If we look at outer circumstances and misuse verses to convince people that they should be healthy and wealthy then we may bring unnecessary discouragement to those who need a "merry heart" ( Prov. 17:22) for healing purposes. We don't bring things forth as some seem to cleim through words as the "name it and claim it" or blab it and grab it crowd would like us to believe. Or; more aptly put we should seek the "worst life now" as the countercultural resistance to the opposing camp (I'll leave it at that).
Recognizing potential in the gifting and talents of others seems like a rare thing today. Since we are all called to edify one another ( Romans 12:4-5) there should be a joint effort as part of the army of Christ; salt and light of the world we are called to be. This should be the duties of elders but we all have responsibilities. The giver of the gifts; of course is more crucial than the gift itself but we shouldn't have to sacrifice gifts because there are those who don't find it expedient to believe in such things.
As with anything else; as the old song goes we need to know when to hold; fold; walk or run away with the cards on the table in our hand. If the Spirit isn't present or welcome in a place of fellowship it is no mystery; sin is in the camp (Read Joshua 7).
This eliminates the effectiveness of a ministry. There is still hope if some truth is preached and at least a few still living in true faith.
Encouragement and the lack thereof within the Body of Christ
It has been said that a Prophet is never honored in his own hometown in Luke 4:24. This is in regard to faith; as opposed to unbelief. Mark 9:24 shows the proper response to those seeking more faith in "helping with my unbelief". Since we are not God and only have a slight understanding "seeing as through a mirror darkly" ( 1 Cor 13:12) we can't necessarily diagnose what is true unbelief nor have the Spirit "without measure" ( John 3:34) as Christ did. If we look at outer circumstances and misuse verses to convince people that they should be healthy and wealthy then we may bring unnecessary discouragement to those who need a "merry heart" ( Prov. 17:22) for healing purposes. We don't bring things forth as some seem to cleim through words as the "name it and claim it" or blab it and grab it crowd would like us to believe. Or; more aptly put we should seek the "worst life now" as the countercultural resistance to the opposing camp (I'll leave it at that).
Recognizing potential in the gifting and talents of others seems like a rare thing today. Since we are all called to edify one another ( Romans 12:4-5) there should be a joint effort as part of the army of Christ; salt and light of the world we are called to be. This should be the duties of elders but we all have responsibilities. The giver of the gifts; of course is more crucial than the gift itself but we shouldn't have to sacrifice gifts because there are those who don't find it expedient to believe in such things.
As with anything else; as the old song goes we need to know when to hold; fold; walk or run away with the cards on the table in our hand. If the Spirit isn't present or welcome in a place of fellowship it is no mystery; sin is in the camp (Read Joshua 7).
This eliminates the effectiveness of a ministry. There is still hope if some truth is preached and at least a few still living in true faith.
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