Deeper Truths for Hungry Hearts
May 2013 • Volume XI Number 09
“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)
Thoughts for Consideration:
Greetings again my Brethren. This month I would like to finish up what it means to be a qualified witness for the LORD someone who has paid the price, one who has learned the lessons, one who has been approved and now can go and speak for the Father. There are two truths that are critical to look at when we talk about the call of God; the first is we are not sent by others and the second truth is we are sent by God and God alone. In Galatians Paul shares with the church in Galatia, “Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) 2And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:” (Galatians 1:1-2) Now Paul knew this truth very well it is why Paul was bold as a lion able to speak with the scholars on Mars Hill and stand before Kings. Paul knew he was called by God to proclaim the good news of the Gospel message to every man, woman, and child to the Jews and the Gentiles to all who hear. My friend if you think you are sent by the Bible School or seminary you graduated from or some denominational religion you will miserably fail. No college or seminary degree or title can ever substitute God’s will and calling in our lives. Many preachers and pastors think if they can just go to the best college or seminary and get a degree from them God will bless their ministry and the works of their hands, well my friend that is not the way God does things. God does not call the best and brightest He calls those who have qualified. God is not impressed with what college, seminary, or even what titles you have behind your name God is impressed with someone who is willing to lay their life down for their fellow man, someone who is willing to be obedient to God the first time He speaks, someone who is willing to endure His dealings and judgments yielding more of a conforming to His Son’s nature and character. We are not called by man to share this wondrous message of the Gospel we are sent, we are personally chosen and called by God Almighty. This call makes it an expression of the Spirit of God. All things even our call to ministry must be an expression of the Spirit. I do not care if you are singing, preaching, eating, or baking bread it must be a thing of the Spirit or you are wasting yours and other folks time. It is the Spirit that makes the difference in the lives of people and if you are not called by God and His precious Holy Spirit you will never be able to touch the heart and lives of the people. If we have not been called by man then it must be God who is sending us. In John we read, “And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. 6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.” (John 1:5-7) Of course we know John was talking about John the Baptist here, but like John the place of our call from God is always to be light into the darkness. And like John we are to “bear witness of the Light that all men through him might believe” this is why our call must be from God, this is why it must be God not man sending us. The foundation of our call to ministry is not based on our ability, talents, or skills oh no my friend. Our foundation and spiritual authority of our ministry is based on God calling us through His purpose and will for our lives and then all that we do and say will hang on God’s Spirit. Sadly today the Body of Christ is filled with evangelists, preachers, teachers, and pastors not sent by God, but by their own desires and wishes. I know of a new pastor (very good speaker) who told me he wanted to pastor a church because he was tired of going from church to church as an evangelist (called by God) and because he wanted to be in the same church as his family each Sunday. This is the wrong reason to pastor a church yet the Body of Christ is full of such leaders. My brethren we must understand we not sent by man, but by a holy and righteous God who takes note of why we do things.
Next month we will start looking at the “Divine Work” as it pertains to Godliness and the call of God in our lives. Do you hear Him now?
ARTICLE REVIEW:
The Making of Perfect
Many do not know I am a substitute teacher at a Middle School, grades 6-8. The Bible says if we do not work we should not eat and I enjoy eating because Karen is such a great cook. One day our assistant principle sent out an email entitled “24 Things About to Become Extinct in America.” The number one thing about to become extinct in America was the family farm, but I would beg to differ with the author of the list sadly in my opinion the number one thing about to become extinct is the traditional church. Make no mistake my friend there is a culture war in America between the social progressive liberals and the traditional Christian conservatives. Even sadder this culture war has bled into the local Body of Believers, the church. When you read our (Karen and I) writings you get a conservative traditional perspective based on the word of God. We have no pretense or agenda. We know our traditional Christians values have cost us readers, but that is okay we are not trying to tickle your ears or make you feel good about who you are in God and the destiny He has for you, but we are trying to share the truth of the word of God and lay a foundation of Godly teaching (that will outlive us) so that others now and in the future will be able to read and come to know the truth from the lie they have been told. All of our poems, articles, and books (out from our life experiences, failures, and victories) are for a present truth today and a repository for God to use to lead those who have a heart for Him in the future. Charles Haun said the greatest thing we can do for God is write down things He has done for us and share them with people. My friend the lie grows bigger and bigger. The more social progressive liberal values takes root in the local Body of Believers the more the truth is blurred. Only truth can dispel a lie and light (the word of God) dispels darkness. The more the church goes after numbers, money, and programs the less of the word of God will be preached and taught. The truth will still be there, but it will not be recognized because the lie (denominational doctrines, programs, and traditions of men) will become the message told over and over deceiving even the very elect. We were attending, for a few weeks, what I would call a traditional church. We really liked the hymns sung a cappella and the preaching was solid, but we found out they were changing things around with new programs to have something for people to do. I feel sure if we would come back next year we will find things have changed for the worse, it is a slippery slope that ends in ruin. A wonderful church in West Virginia (seemingly very kind and humble) was considering me for their pastor, but I was rejected because they wanted to go in a different direction. Now we are not offended, but if the direction they want to go is opposite of us (conservative, traditional, and Godly) they could be heading to Ai (house of ruin). My friend we either go towards Bethel (house of blessing) or Ai.
At stake in this culture war are the minds, hearts, and souls of America. But, this is nothing new the New Testament Church constantly fought against their members engaging in pagan and unrighteous customs. Their first rebirth and salvation was not from their sins, but out of these ungodly acts, customs, and traditions of men. The Church at Corinth (and many churches in America) was a shining example of this. These ungodly and pagan customs was what Paul was at war with. The City of Corinth sat on an isthmus, between two water ways. It was much faster to load ships on log rollers and move them across land than to sail them around, this made Corinth a key city for commerce and for the introduction of every pagan religion in the world by the many people passing through. The Church at Corinth had every spiritual gift in operation, yet Paul said of them, “Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.” (1 Corinthians 11:17) In other words Paul was saying they would be better off in God if they did not come together as a local Body. Thank God for His faithfulness and grace, Paul was able to bring the people down into a place, in God, where they could see their need for Him. Now if I was God I would not allow this disobedient immature behavior to continue in Corinth (or America for that matter), but God knew there must be something going on in a church (even if it is unhealthy spiritually) for correction to come. The group of people from the chapel service later became our Church (Christliche Gemeinde Stuttgart) in Germany resembled the Church at Corinth in so many ways, but through love and preaching a need for maturity and spiritual growth and development in God things changed. God allowed the Church at Corinth to continue to act as babes (1 Corinthians 3:1-4) and worship in sectarianism and carnality giving time for Paul to be birthed from above, grow in the Lord, and then come to Corinth with the words of correction from the Lord.
They say the longer we go in things the better we are to become, well I am not so sure about that my friend. Time and distance is not the judge of success or failure, but dedication and faithfulness to what we really believe and who we really know. In time the Church at Corinth was overcome by other religions that reign supreme today. Like all things in God time will tell, but time is not the predictor. I hear many say, God wants us to be on fire for Him well, what does that mean? God does not want us on fire for Him (zealous and operating in blind faith), but He wants us to be obedient and faithful. It is our obedience and faithfulness that will serve to be the predictors of success or failure in God in our lives. These requirements of God will be the measure of God’s ability in us, by us allowing Him, to bring us to His purpose and goal in our lives. God is not trying to make us happy, rich, or popular, but will do everything He can to make us like Himself. I cannot believe all of the “word of faith” preachers and teachers that spread this prosperity dung heap message and teach we must find our destiny in God. Well, there is no need to look, seek, or knock just read the Bible, walk and talk with God, and you will discover your destiny. God started something in the Book of Genesis, “to make man in His own image” and He has not changed His mind. Now the image God wants to make us into is a “perfect” person. You say we cannot attain to this, but my friend we can. Jesus taught, “Be ye therefore perfect (selflessness), even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect (selflessness).” (Matthew 5:48) Jesus was not telling us to be perfect like in not making mistakes (although we should strive for this in our lives), but Jesus was teaching we must be selfless like our Father in heaven who is selfless. This is the goal, the image of God, He desires to bring us all to, selflessness. Where we think not first of our selves, but of our friends and if God has really worked in our lives we first think of our enemies. It is easy for God to be able to get us to sing, dance, pay our tithes, and get involved with church programs and activities, but what must we do to be able to allow God to bring us to a place where we look and act like Him? Well, what did it take for the Father to bring Jesus to place where He looked and acted like His Father? In Philippians we read, “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:” (Philippians 2:7-9) For God to be able to make us perfect (selfless) we must die to our selfishness and self-seeking ways. How can God live in us, how can we look like God, if we are alive to our fleshly desires and ambitions? Who in the Church wants to have no reputation, wants to be a servant, wants to humble themselves, and wants to be obedient (there is one of those two requirements), the one who wants to look like God and be perfect (selfless). We must die to our self so that God can work His nature and character into us. The social progressive liberal thinking in the church have no desire to die they want to live, work, and go so that they can create a church with 1000s of people and teach a wrong message for God, well God wants us to die to our dreams, desires, and wants so that He can live through us. Death to self and the message of the cross is not popular. This is why the Churches that teach and preach the message of the cross are small and few in number, but this truth (which is the truth of the Bible) makes them perfect and powerful in God’s eyes. Paul told the Church at Corinth (and we are telling the Church of America and around the world) “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:17-18) If the world is running after you and your church know this God is not. If we want big numbers, much money, and many programs for people to do things then we have our reward, but if we want God we must die to what we want.
When Jesus was on the cross and especially when He died He was one (total unity) with His Father, He (Jesus) was selfless. There was no other time in Jesus’ life when He personified His Father more. The Gospels time and time again speaks of how Jesus only did and said the things the Father told Him to say and do, but when Jesus died He “truly” (in the spiritual realm) became one with the Father. I believe this is why the Father could forsake Him. “Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. 46And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:45-46) There was no need for the Father to tell Him what to do or say they were in complete union. Jesus was complete as God’s Son, nothing could be added or taken away to make Him look and act like God. How strange it must have felt for Jesus, maybe that is why He (Jesus) felt His Father forsook Him. For the first time in His life He was not totally dependent on the Father. Oh to God I would have such a dependence on the Father, well this is His expectation for our lives. We know the Father did not forsake Jesus because it was the Father (God) that raised Him from the dead. “Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.” (1 Corinthians 15:15) I do not know how many times I have heard preachers and teachers say God (the Father) turned His back on Jesus because He could not look at Jesus with sin. What a foolish statement this is. If this be true then God cannot look at man, the world, or anything that sin has touched. Let us never forget Jesus took the sin of the world and the punishment we should have received for our sin and our sins upon Himself. In John we read, “The next day John (John the Baptist) seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29) But Jesus did not, “take away the sin of the world,” oh no, He did something far greater. In the Greek we read John 1:29, “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, he who takes upon himself the sin of the world.” If Jesus took away the sin of the world then there would be no sin in the world, but sadly we all know there still is sin in the world. But Jesus did something greater than taking sin out of the world, on the cross Jesus “took upon himself the sin of the world” and vanquished them in His holiness and glory making a way for our sin and our sins (our individual fleshly acts of our flesh) to be dealt with. This is the hallmark truth of our salvation as is the truth; mercy is for the innocent where punishment is reserved for the guilty. We must not get these spiritual principles backward in our mind and heart or we will get off track in our thinking when it comes to God’s dealings and judgments in our lives.
Make no mistake my friend God’s goal in our lives is to bring us all to a place of selflessness (perfect) like Him. It is a making process whereby we allow God to deal and judge in areas in our lives where we must confess and then repent of them so that we can grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. We must stand true to God and His word and be the physical manifestation of God on earth. We must stay true to the word of God (the Scriptures) and not get over into the social progressive liberal thinking of one short contemporary service a week with many programs and activities for the people during the week. The traditional times of coming together to hear God’s word and for communion (not what we call the Lord’s Supper, but being knitly joined in fellowship one with the other) is a must if the “true” Body of Christ is to make it today and in the future. The Gospel message must be brought down to our heart and lives for there is the place God desires change to happen.
Written by David Stahl
THOUGHTS FROM KAREN:
What an Attitude!
In a recent edition of Voice of The Martyrs I read of one woman’s testimony and her views on those that torture Christians. Basically she said they weren’t the types to go to church or to home group meetings and that a Christian being tortured may be the only ones who are able to witness to the torturers. Wow, what an attitude. To look at such a horrible situation as a witnessing tool. What love for a fellow human being and what deep devotion to Jesus. What obedience to what Jesus said in Matthew, “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” (Matthew 5:43-44)
Our reaction to other people and what they do or say to us is NOT a reflection on their character; it’s a reflection of OUR character. As Dave always says is the offence in our heart? Do we have enough love in our heart to over look the offences of others—I don’t think so. Our precious Lord and Savior went quietly to the cross enduring: the cruel mockings, the beatings, whippings, spitting, and having His beard pulled out. Jesus is the Son of the Most High God yet He endured that and more and while on the cross said, “Father forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34). If it were me on the cross lightning bolts would be flying all over the place zapping those non-believers and the ground would open up to swallow them; I’d show them…..
What an example Jesus was to us. So next time we don’t get our way or someone says something we don’t want to hear perhaps we should think about Jesus and try to have a little more compassion to those that irk the ever loving fire out of us. Victor Frankel once said the last of human freedoms is to choose ones attitude in any given situation. So let us choose our attitude wisely, thus keeping our character in check. Our attitude is an open and direct reflection of our character and out of OUR mouth speaks OUR heart. The words that come out of OUR mouth are also an open and direct reflection of our character. It is all wrapped up together like a little package we present to God. What kind of attitude do we want to present to God? Time is short let us ready ourselves for Jesus’ return.
Written by Karen Stahl
NEEDS NO WANTS:
1. In Silistra, Bulgaria Pastor(s) Niki Marsov and Emil Nedelchev. Included now are missionaries from Romania Nicu and Elena. Times are troubled in Bulgaria much prayer and support is needed.
2. Constanta, Romania Pastor George Ritisan at Lighthouse Church, and Ciprian Bozdod at the Mission Bible School. They too are expanding making more room for God and ministry to Eastern Europe, Turkey, and Asia.
3. In Suceava, Romania Pastors Nicu and Pastor Marcel at St. Andrews Church. They are still standing by God’s grace.
4. Pastor Joseph Mutua in Nairobi, Kenya needs your prayer and financial support.
5. Pastor Mike Olufemi in Aveile, Nigeria. He needs our prayers and support to be a light in great darkness.
6. Pastor S. J. Peter, Founder of DAWN Ministries in Hyderabad and Pastor Wilson and his son Pastor Julian in Sankaraguptham, India.
7. Pastor Metin Mintaz, Dan, and the members of Uskudar Son Buyruk Kilisesi in Istanbul, Turkey.
8. Pastor Elieti Msangi in Dar Es Salaam and Pastors Isreal Mutaitina and John Balone in Bukoba, Tanzania.
9. Monthly financial support for Vivian’s Maternity and Child Care Clinic project in Aviele, Nigeria
10. Pastor Tek Dahl at Gethsemane, Church (his church) and their radio station “Good News 105.1 FM” in Kathmandu, Nepal.
11. Bishop John, Samuel Kamanzi (from the Congo), and, Emmanuel Ndolimana in Ruhengeli, Rwanda.
Next Home Group Meeting:
Our next Home Group Meeting will be 25 June 13
232 Everett Drive
Sneads Ferry, NC 28460
Home: (910) 741-0489
at 7:00 pm, please RSVP
FUTURE SCHEDULE:
May: Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania
June: Local ministry
July: Local ministry
I am still available to share what God has given me at churches and/or home groups. If God moves on your heart to support BHG or other ministries we personally know we would be honored to serve as a go between. Remember, if we want a blessing from God the spiritual principle is we must bless others. Remember, God is to you what you are to God.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address:
David and Karen Stahl
232 Everett Drive
Sneads Ferry, NC 28460
Phone:
Home: (910) 741-0489
Mobile: (910) 382-9287
FAX: (910) 741-0489
Email:
Ministry E-mail: dstahl@beholdinghisglory.com
Personal E-mail: mtnebo@hotmail.com
Online:
Beholding His Glory Website
Beholding His Glory Blog
The AuthorHouse link below will lead you to our latest book, “Thoughts for Consideration.” Just copy it into your web browser and return. Also you can purchase two of our other books “Adventures with God.” and “God Still Performs Miracles: A Book of Personal Encouragement.”
http://www.authorhouse.com/AuthorCenter/Protected/BookHome.aspx?bookID=61464
Please take a minute and take a look, they all make for a great encouraging gift, giving hope and sharing God’s love through a deeper teaching that someone can enjoy again and again. All of our books can be purchased at all book stores like Barnes and Nobles, Borders, Book-A-Million, and etc., any Christian Book Store that orders, and all book ordering on-line companies like Amazon.com. Or if you are like me from the old school just contact us, we will let you know the price and then we will mail it out to your home address. Postage and handling is on a case by case basis.
If you know someone you think would enjoy receiving this newsletter or if you receive this newsletter and do not wish to please let me know. Contributions to this ministry is always appreciated and needed the more time continues. Please feel free to contact us with the above information. The cost is great, but the cost for not supporting to others is even greater. And remember, all donations are tax deductible.
