Knowing Them By Their Fruit...Written by Joyce C. Lock
A prophet is to be proclaiming things heard from God. Whenever God speaks, scripture supports it ... though probably not where someone points, "Thus saith Lord," stealing God's words (running when He didn't send them). Prophets guide people through their wilderness. You'll know them by their fruit, as God reserves spiritual gifts for those who have heart for it. Within Bible is God's definition for most every word of significance given in scripture. God is His own best commentator. Teachers forgot to teach themselves. If you're interested in God's intent, ask Him. Search scriptures. If you seek God with your whole heart, He'll reveal himself to you. And when His Spirit writes words upon your heart (which is truth, as He cannot lie), you'll come to 'know' God in newfound ways. The words of His mouth are our necessary food. Some teach, if you pick just one verse, you're taking it out of context. How, on earth could you have taken it out of context if God spoke it to your heart? However God speaks to your need, that word is infallible. Though, it might be true if you're selecting a verse to support your thinking (telling God what He believes).
| | LegalismWritten by Joyce C. Lock
Within Christian circles is known term "legalism." We know it when we see it, couldn't possibly be guilty of it, but know someone who is. When pressed to define it, bottom line answer is, "Not what we're doing."What makes this word so unthinkable? We can confess to lies, cheating, stealing, adultery, gossiping, and more. But, no way could "we" ever fall prey to legalism. Perhaps we need to feel superior to each other. Though, surely we're not claiming superiority over great men of old!?! The Apostle Paul had terrible time overcoming legalism and wasn't too proud to admit it. So, what is legalism (?) ... any custom, routine, obligation, service, regulation, or deed performed to win God's acceptance and favor. The Pharisees were great at it. Paul gave a simple definition. He called it "confidence in flesh" and "having our own righteousness" (Ph. 3:4,9) ... as if there's anything we could possibly do to measure up to God.
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