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jegrimm3@sbcglobal.net
12/12'08
Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2008, 8:17 PM
Your two new newsletters are wonderful, as usual! I praise and thank God for your gift of discernment and the wisdom which HE has so filled you with. You have EYES TO SEE, dear brother. As usual your words, are MY constant thoughts.
The condition of the church makes me weep. It is so far from what the Church is supposed to be. The "entertainment" the "chicken soup for the soul, feel good sermons", etc. just sicken me Jim. There is no worshipping God in truth and spirit as a Body. You are so right! The Church is NOT for the outside world. It is for THE BODY. And because today’s church is geared towards entertaining and impressing THE WORLD, it is simply dead. And I wonder if it will ever be made right before the Lord comes. Do you think so?
God bless you Jim!
Joni
9/30/03
THE WORD
By Reverend Booker Barskile III
(December 2002)
It is interesting to know that the five major religions of the world all originated in the East. So, it is not surprising that here in the West there is much debate concerning the majority of them. The most controversial of the five are Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. We are taught that these religions are simply philosophical paradigms based on the teachings of Mohammed, Krishna, and Buddha. Many in the West do not accept these men as enlightened souls, or Mahatmas. In fact, some have suggested that their teachings are simply the musings of egotistical and self-righteous souls who sought to exalt themselves to the level of God. However, Christianity and Judaism, the other two eastern religions, are duly recognized as operating under the authority of God.
Hear me! In no way am I trying to make a case for any of these religious movements, save Christianity. But, I do believe that there are Children of God spread among them. Our adversary, the devil, is the master of deception; and, he seeks to lead God’s people astray with lies and misinformation. His desire is to convince us that false knowledge is wisdom. That’s the illusion he seeks to create. The Bible tells us Lucifer can "appear as an angel of light, and would fool the elect of God, if it were possible." In a world of illusion it is difficult to see things as they really are, but the Children of God ought not to be deceived. So, I wonder, are we to believe that our Brethren only reside in the Western world and Israel? Are not there people in Asia and Africa who also love God and their neighbors, in spite of their religious classification?
Satan’s illusionary tactics are dangerous, because he uses them to divide in order to conquer. He is always looking to separate the people of God, because he knows, like we should know, that a house divided cannot stand. We all claim to teach the message of faith, love, compassion, forgiveness, and discipline. Each movement vows to preach morality, peace, and spiritual bliss, which is the essence of Jesus’ Gospel. All of us in Christendom say that we are teaching the same Gospel that Jesus taught, but really we’re not, because we add our own theology, denominational doctrines and church traditions. Instead of unifying the people of God with one Gospel we are busy creating division. We preach fervently that the only way to heaven is through Jesus, the Christ. However, that statement has been twisted ever so slightly to imply that Christianity is the only authorized way to God.
We say that those who do not accept Jesus, as God’s Son, are doomed to hell. Now that means there will be no Hindus, Buddhist, Moslems, or Jews in heaven. By the way, why do we reject the first three religions because they only accept Jesus as a holy prophet of God, but receive the Jews who believe the same thing? Obviously, our reasoning is flawed. And, whenever there is confusion in our thinking you can rest assured that the "spirit of err" is involved in some way. We must understand that Satan is very adept in twisting the word of God. Although, we quote John 14:6 as saying, "No man cometh unto the Father, but by Jesus," the actual Scripture states: "No man cometh unto the Father, but by me." In order to create division, Satan wants you to replace the "me" with "Jesus."
Yes, Jesus is the historical name for the "me." We know the "me" in connection with his earthly ministry as Jesus, and although that name is powerful, majestic, and sovereign, it is only the label for the "me." However, the internal potency of the "me" is the Word, or God, or the Word of God. John explains this to us in the first chapter of his Gospel. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." He goes on to tell us, "the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us...." Actually, Jesus has always been the Word since the beginning. Therefore, John 14:6 is also correctly translated, "No man cometh to the Father, but by the Word." That is who the "me" represents — the Word, or word of God. This illumination should in some way reform our thinking toward those who are outside of Christianity, but who obey the Word of God.
Many have missed this understanding in Scripture, because they haven’t yet seen the big picture painted by Jesus. They haven’t understood the extensiveness of his teachings. Much like the Jews of Jesus’ time, Christians prefer to live by doctrines, traditions, and isolated Scriptures, which are too often misunderstood. We must understand that the Word, or Jesus, came into the earth realm for several reasons, not just to die on Calvary. He came that we might worship God in spirit and in truth where we are. He also came "to set the captives free." But, we must be careful that the "spirit of err" does not re-imprison us with flawed thinking.
The biblical story of the Good Samaritan may help to shed more light on this subject. The question was asked of Jesus by a devout Jew, "What shall I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus simply asked him, "What is written in the Scripture?" His response was, "Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all the soul, and with all thy strength and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself." Jesus told him that he had answered correctly, and to go and obey God’s word. But, the man questioned him as to who was his neighbor, and of course Jesus goes on to tell the story of how the so-called righteous ones did not obey God’s word, but the Samaritan outcast showed love and compassion for his neighbor. He obeyed God’s word.
Jesus accused the religious leaders of being hypocritical, and of laying aside the commandments of God to achieve their own agendas. He said they were like sepulchers, pristine on the outside, but full of dead men’s bones on the inside. He mocked their disobedience, faithlessness, and self-righteousness by giving them examples of others outside of the House of Israel, who, perhaps only by natural revelation, or because it was written on their hearts, were obeying the Word. He told them stories about a Roman centurion, a Syrophenician mother, and several Samaritans. He was constantly teaching them that it was not by membership of a particular religious sect that you enter the kingdom of God, but by faith and obedience to the Word.
God’s agenda includes everyone. When Jesus taught the parable of the Vineyard, Luke 20:8-16, He stated that those in the vineyard would be destroyed (meaning the House of Israel), and it shall be given to others — the "whosoever wills." That is whosoever will believe in the Word, regardless of how one comes to know him. It could be through natural revelation, Scripture, or revelation knowledge. Don’t get hung up on how one receives the Word, as long as they submit to the Word. Jesus purposely used those who were outside of the chosen religious movement of his day to demonstrate his teaching. He wanted them to know that it would not necessarily be the Jews, or in our time the Christians, who would automatically enter the kingdom. It would be those who demonstrated love for God and their neighbor.
Solomon suggests that the duty of a man is to love and obey God. That is pure religion. Our way of worship, our denominational dogma, our church tradition is important to us culturally, but it is not the criteria for entering the kingdom. Jesus is our example, but remember he worshiped as a Jew. Just love God. Love your neighbor. Obey the Word of God; there is no other way.
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9/30/03
By Reverend Booker Barskile, III
(December 2002)
It is commonly argued by scholars, both Christian and non-Christian alike, that the Bible is a difficult book to understand. So, it is no wonder that many of God’s people have accepted this misinformation as truth. This of course is another lie perpetrated by the "spirit of err" to discourage seekers of the Truth from studying the Bible. Why would God be so vague? Would not complex Scripture definitely defeat his purpose? He gave his Word, so that those who searched for the truth would have all the perfect knowledge necessary to live a righteous life. If the written word of God appears to be difficult to understand it is due to our own rebellious spirit. That’s why Jesus often said, "For those who have ears let them hear."
The true seeker of God's wisdom, or absolute biblical interpretation, must meet the prerequisite to hear; and, that is surrender to God. For those who have surrendered, Scripture will always be discernible and obvious. But, for those who are materialistically motivated, self-righteous, and or ego driven, the Word will always be hidden. Jesus told his disciples, "Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables...." So, only through surrender will God’s word be revealed.
Although, it is not my intent to argue Afro-Asiatic interpretation of Scripture vs. that of Western scholars, I must at least touch upon it. It should not come as a surprise that there are some differences between the Christianity of the West and that of the East. We must understand that Jesus was born in the East, trained in the East, and spoke Aramaic, a language of the East. So, the true teachings of Christ must be understood in the language and culture in which they were inspired, written, and taught. Jesus’ teachings cannot be properly interpreted by western minds, unless the translators and interpreters acquire an understanding of the customs and linguistic idioms of ancient Palestine.
Much of the biblical interpretation and commentary given in the traditional church is a product of westernized thought, or occidental theology. Therefore, much of the teaching is misrepresented because it is misunderstood. That is why it is necessary for the true seeker to submit to the Holy Spirit; He is the Teacher who will lead the sincere student to all understanding. They will then be able to detect the false gospel that is inconspicuously scattered throughout the church. Then they will be able to see the disparity between the teachings generated by the "spirit of err," and those taught by Jesus. Only then will they experience a more glorified and powerful Christianity.
Those who have what I call "preacher religion" need to understand that preachers are not perfect. Although, I do believe we are infallible under the anointing of the Holy Spirit; however, we are not always operating in that moment. Far too often we have a tendency to rely upon our questionable scholarship, which unfortunately many believe to be flawless. Contrarily, God has already told us that he will hide spiritual truths from those who rest on their worldly wisdom, and reveal it to babes. Therefore, dynamic clergy who are erudite scholars, but who are bereft of God’s spiritual truths can stunt the local church in her spiritual growth. Many of these intellectuals are the reason that powerful truths are omitted in the church, while theories that Jesus never taught are added.
One of the most notable misinterpretations of westernized Christianity is the belief that church and state should remain separate. Is that what Jesus meant in Matthew 22:20-21? I don’t think so. The Pharisees sought to trap Jesus with a political question, in hopes that he would commit treason against Rome and be put to death. They asked him if it was lawful to give tribute to Caesar. He asked them whose portrait and inscription was on the coin that they intended to use to pay the tribute. When they replied Caesar's, he simply said, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." Separation of church and state is a concept that originated in the West, not the East. In no way does this Scripture support such a concept.
The Pharisees thought Jesus would fall into their trap because the notion of religious values being different from those of the state was not thinkable in Eastern culture. Jesus taught that serving two masters could never work. He taught that you would either hate one and love the other, or you will be devoted to one and despise the other. So, if spiritual principles and values were different from those of the state than that would mean serving two masters. This teaching is similar to the one given by Jesus to Nicodemus. "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."
This separation of church and state is simply camouflage for the state to exist outside of the laws of God. That is why racism, sexism, imperialism, and every other kind of "ism" is alive and well in America. Homosexuality leads to same sex marriages; fornication leads to aborting unborn babies. Murder, rape, gambling, and greed are all out of control in our nation. Unfortunately, these detriments have even slipped into the church. Our systems of government — political, judicial and economical — can never survive, because they are operating outside of spiritual law.
Separating the church from the state is Satan’s presentation, not God’s recommendation. It has nothing to do with the teachings of Christ. In fact it takes away from God's authority and gives it to man. Jesus never intended for the state to operate independently of the church. His teachings were never limited to only a part of society, they were holistic and meant for the whole of humanity. Caesar represents material life. Jesus represents spiritual life. Caesar represents man. Jesus represents God. Caesar represents death. Jesus represents life.
Let me try to make this plain. God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; man became a living soul. God is a Spirit Being; everything about him is Spirit, even his breath. So, God breathed his life force, or spirit, into the form that he had molded — the body. Now, it is important to know that man is tridimensional; he is body, soul, and spirit. When the life force or spirit leaves the body that God formed, we say that the person is dead. When the spirit left, the body was rendered inactive. The person, or spiritual entity, was never the body to begin with, it was only the shell which housed the spiritual entity.
So, what is the difference between a live body and a dead one? A dead body is simply absent of life, or spirit, and a live body isn’t. You are not your body! You are a spiritual entity living in a body. At the time of death your body goes back to the earth, and your spirit soul will go back to God for judgment. You will have, in the truest sense of the Word, rendered unto Caesar what is his — your body, and unto God what is his — your spirit. Listen, we will take nothing material with us when we leave this earth realm. That which is flesh, is flesh, and that which is Spirit, is spirit.
Posted 10/2/04
About "The Parking Lot Church"
from Andy Thomas
Visalia CA USA
Torn between the tension of being a pastor (providing religious goods and services) and following Christ alone, I am discovering that the two aren't congruent. Your article on the "Parking Lot Church" was indicting, yet inspirational. (Not in a warm, charming way, but more of a charge to go forth, shed the scales of religion and clothe ourselves with "compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." (Col. 3:12) and to "Accept one another," just as Christ has accepted me "in order to bring praise to God." (Rom. 15::7) Thank you for your article and your desire (God's desire) to see the "Church" become more and more aligned with its Head, Jesus Christ.
Posted
10/18/04
In this time of uncertainty, of this we can be certain
and confident, our Lord is coming again.
Your Biblically based essays/articles/letters
do much to "disciple" those not otherwise in touch with the Word of God. You
continue to be bless us.
Your Friend,
Bruce Goodrich
Posted
05/25/05
About Earthly Empires
(An article in Business Week Online)
Comments by George Tolbert
The first time I heard of a church targeting people who don't like going to church was at the service of Rick Warren's.
Posted 8/9/5
George Tolbert on
Individualism and Christianity.
"Haven’t you noticed how many people violate things as mundane as traffic laws let alone the more serious such as embezzlement, fraud, income-tax evasion, theft and murder? There just aren’t enough policemen, there can’t ever be (even with a spy camera on every corner), to enforce society’s secular laws. How can we possibly expect it (society) to monitor our moral behavior? And, it isn’t just in the "bedroom" or in the "boardroom" our behavior needs monitoring, it is everywhere with " every breath we take; every word we speak. Our "heart" must control everything we do."
On his Insight for Living program a few days ago, Swindol was saying how much he liked to go to sporting events because when one of the players did something wrong there was a re free to immediacy blow a whistle a penalize the player, unlike life where people do wrong and seem to get away with it.
It seems so natural to judge people and their behavior and to let their actions justify mine. But whose standard should be guiding me? I would pray that it is Christ's Standard. I work hard at not letting someone else's behavior justifies mine. They get by with it so why can't I? But what childish thoughts and are we not to put those childish thoughts away, which would set us apart as Christians. I am grateful most of the time can hold on to my believe That Life Is Not Fair but God is Good!
Peace be with you,
marketing ways and means of attracting people to the “church
Bruce
Goodrich
Jim, thank you for being a faithful friend, disciple, and discipler. I suspect one reason why your articles may go unchallenged is because you have been “unabashedly” faithful to the Word of God. As you have been led to study, dissect, and interpret both “in context” and “out of context” materials while using comparative and parallel formats and content, your writings have engendered authoritative, knowledgeable, and sensitive subject matter.
This is a time of many denominational, inter-denominational and non-denominational based ministries designing and marketing ways and means of attracting people to the “church” (not always “ekklesia” meaning “assembly” or “congregation”).
The satisfaction of the needs of “self” seems to have prominence over learning from instruction (sound teaching) how the written Word of God can be applied both as the rule of faith and for practical living. Contemporary thinking and practice suggests ministries not wanting to “offend the non-church goer” by the use of pews, availability of Bibles, or a cross in the sanctuary or auditorium avoid such ‘trappings’ of Christian worship. The Gospel of Christ together with the mystery of the faith (Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again) is too often either watered-down or lacking and in effect (and reality) becomes the mechanism of deluding us as Christians and diluting our duties and charge to be “salt and light” in the world” (Matthew 5:13) and to “go and make disciples of all nations...”.Matthew 28:19.
2 Corinthians 10:12-13 (KJV) Verse 12 “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. Verse 13 But we will not boast of things without [our] measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach unto you.”
Commentary by Matthew Henry reads as follows; “The apostle refuses to justify himself, or to act by such rules as the false apostles did, v.12. They were pleased, and did pride themselves, in their own attainments, and never considered those who far exceeded them in gifts and graces, in power and authority; and this made them haughty and insolent. Note, if we would compare ourselves with others who excel us, this would be a good method to keep us humble; we should be pleased and thankful for what we have of gifts and graces…” . Verse 13 “He (Paul) fixes a better rule of conduct, namely “not to boast of things without his measure”, …the measure God had distributed to him. His meaning is, either that he would not boast of more gifts or graces, or power or authority, than God had really bestowed on him; or, rather, that he would not act beyond his commission as to persons or things, nor go beyond the line prescribed to him, which he plainly intimates the false apostles did, while they “boasted of other men’s labors”.
1 Peter 5:5 (KJV) “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.”
Let us ever be mindful that “they that put their pants on one leg at a time is necessitated by the fact that they must keep the other on the ground.” I pray we keep our minds and hearts fully ground in the word of God and its truth for all time.
I praise God for your deep convictions.
Your friend and brother in Christ Jesus,
Bruce Goodrich
01/11/08
I've been reading your website for hours! I am blown away
by all that I read here, for it's exactly as my family and myself have been
feeling for so many years now.
I was saved in 1972 during "the Jesus movement". I reached a point about 8
years ago where I began questioning all the churches had taught since my
salvation. The Lord opened my eyes to what is HIS way and what is MAN'S way,
which is how the churches have been doing it. The church is a mess, and it
saddens me and grieves my heart. You wrote on every issue which grieves me!
God continue to bless you and use you for His glory!
Joni,
Posted 07/5/09
Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2009, 1:53 PM
Jim: I read your to feature articles this month and I have a real problem
with your points about Genesis 1. Are you familiar with the Reasons to
Believe (RTB) ministry of Dr. Hugh Ross and his associates. Dr. Ross is an
Astrophysicist by education and training. He was on the faculty of Cal Tech
in Pasadena, CA. He and his staff of other scientists and theologians have
devoted their time to bring the science of the universe's creation (as
written in Genesis and the discoveries of the world of science in our
Universe) together. In my opinion they are doing a very good job. You should
read what he and members of his ministry have said - particularly as it
relates to the "7 days" for creation in Genesis. I think you need to rethink
tieing 7 days to a 24 hour time period. That definition is man made and tied
to our observation of the solar system and our definition of a second,
minute, and hour respectively.
Notwithstanding, I find your articles thought provoking. God bless and keep
it up.
Jim Kinnu
Fountain Valley, CA
Poems By CC
Yet another month of fantastic articles, James.
In your article, "Meet the Real Jesus", you wrote,
"The real Jesus was probably considered something of an oddity as He went
about changing water into wine, healing the sick, raising the
dead and other miracles. That's what drew the crowd, not the real Jesus."
Isn't it exactly the same way today? "Christians" are still seeking after
signs and wonders. Running to wherever God supposedly is;
wherever the signs, wonders, and prophecies, are being given. Yet they have
no idea WHO the real Jesus is. How sad.
God bless you brother.
Joni
POEMS BY CC:
http://www.poemsbycc.com
Greetings Jim,Thank you for blessing the Balloch's with your beautiful Disciple Newsletter. We appreciate it.
I hope you and your lovely wife are doing very well.
Steve Balloch