Our Relationship with Christ

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M____ wrote:

Mike wrote,

Oh yes, yes, yes. People can see much truth and yet not go all the way with God’s Word. As a matter of fact, you are enduring the same trial I am enduring. Our very closest associates are sometimes unwilling to go all the way with God’s Word. And any who cannot accept all of God’s Word as having a place in their life, will be forced to separate themselves from those who are determined to go all the way in God’s word.

I will be the first to tell you that you need a personal relationship with Christ which does not depend on Mike Vinson. But that very admonition that you need such a relationship is the function of a Godly teacher. I cannot add to what Paul has said:

1Co 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

What Paul is saying is ‘follow me only if I am following Christ.’ So of course you need a personal relationship with Christ. But the function of a teacher is as much that of setting an example for others as it is of telling them what is in the word:

Php 3:17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
Php 3:18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

“Mark them which walk…” is admonishing us to pay attention to the lives, not just the words of our teachers. “I tell you now even weeping that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ” tells us that Paul had an experience with someone he knew who was influential with those at Phillipi. Paul was weeping because he could see that these brothers would be facing the decision you and I are facing. Are we willing to go all the way with the unveiling of Jesus Christ? Or is this all for someone else? Notice Paul does not call these people enemies of Christ. What he call them is “enemies of the CROSS of Christ.” Everyone you know will tell you that they love the Lord. Very few of the people you know are willing, or even able, to do the things He says to do.”

Luk 6:46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

You are never doing the wrong thing when you strive for the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus. I imagine that their criticism helped you. I doubt that your criticism has helped them if they did not even say ‘thank you for your concern.’ No, you are not being self righteous to want to see growth in your loved ones. But you will have your faith tried. It is the trial of your patience that God values so:

1Pe 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

So, as I quote with every opportunity, be patient because:

Luk 21:19 In your patience possess ye your souls.

Ours is a lonely calling. We must all end up alone with Christ on that hated cross. But it is but a moment before we are raised up alive to be seated with Christ in the heavens. But this time we are not experiencing this just in the ‘earnest’ but in the fullness of our inheritance in Christ:

Mat 13:43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Few have “ears to hear” now who this promise is for at this time?

Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

You asked me about ‘being accountable.’ Since God creates both the good and the evil” and since it is He who is “working all things after the counsel of His Own Will” therefore only God can possibly be responsible for what happens here on this earth. That is why we never see the word ‘responsible’ anywhere in God’s Word. We do, however, see the word accountable throughout God’s Word. We may not like it, and I have those who e- mail me and tell me that they can see no difference between being held accountable and being held responsible. Such people have no use for the sovereignty of God in all things. It is only through His sovereignty that He is Himself responsible while He is able to hold us accountable. And we will be held accountable for even our idle words:

Mat 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

Be patient, be merciful, but never be half- hearted or lukewarm. You may seem to be alone but the Truth is:

2Ki 6:16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.

You are not alone. We all are praying for you that God will strengthen you to make it through the times you face ahead. The advice about looking to God and not to men is good advice. If your loved ones would follow it, they would not be slaves to anything on this earth. I hope I have answered your questions and if I have overlooked anything, use that for an excuse to write again. Not that you need one.

Mike

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