Our Relationship with Christ

Our Relationship with Christ

Thanks Mike,

I would be grateful, if you could answer me one more question before I make a final decision. I wrote a letter to some loved ones, just to explain how I feel, about us not being able to agree on God’s word; how this did not bring Glory to God. I said to them we are not in a competition, and the answer was ‘why don’t we just do our own study with the help of the Holy Spirit?’ I reminded him that God gave us teachers. I also have tried to share the studies from Pat and Noelia with them, they don’t seem interested. They say that you are only men and women, we should not hang on every word you say. I told them that the Spirit would witness in us if you are in error. I know there is a scripture that explains what I mean. I have told them that I believe they are being deceived in believing that it is God’s will that they are still over drinking. I was accused of patronizing. I said to them that we should be honest, as iron sharpens iron. They were quick to bring up my faults, I had to thank them for their honesty, and it had showed me how much of a beast I really am, and I really thought about what they said about me, and I have grown from it. I told them that we are not fighting against flesh and blood. These are the scriptures I used trying to explain.

Eph 6:12 because we have not the wrestling with blood and flesh, but with the principalities, with the authorities, with the world-rulers of the darkness of this age, with the spiritual things of the evil in the heavenly places;
Eph 6:13 because of this take ye up the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to resist in the day of the evil, and all things having done-to stand.
Eph 6:14 Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about in truth, and having put on the breastplate of the righteousness,

You know the enemy will distort the truth. He was doing it from the beginning, and as we know roams about like a roaring lion.

Job 1:7 And the Lord said to the Satan, Where do you come from? And the Satan said in answer, From wandering this way and that on the earth, and walking about on it.

1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.

Gal 5:15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
Gal 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Mat 18:15 And if thy brother sin against thee, go, show him his fault between thee and him alone: if he hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

Pro 9:8 Do not say sharp words to a man of pride, or he will have hate for you; make them clear to a wise man, and you will be dear to him.
Pro 9:9 Give teaching to a wise man, and he will become wiser; give training to an upright man, and his learning will be increased.

1Co 6:20 for ye were bought with a price; glorify, then, God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

1Co 7:23 with a price ye were bought, become not servants of men.

Now here is the question, Mike. Am I right or wrong in thinking that the whole bible is for the people that have eyes to see only, that every word has a meaning, and we don’t go by whom, when, how, what, precept upon precept, or taking a verse out of context, as even Jesus and the Apostles, used different parts of scripture to explain? Mike do I come across as being self righteous, by sharing these scriptures? I feel that they are selling their heritage for a bowl of pottage, I know that God is responsible, but are we not accountable? Can you explain to me what is meant by us being accountable? My concern is when I read

Mat 13:12 for whoever hath, it shall be given to him, and he shall have overabundance, and whoever hath not, even that which he hath shall be taken from him.

There is nothing I would love more, is to be seeing and agreeing, for Christs sake, with others. Can people see some and not all? Does sin stop God from revealing more? Mike, you can be as honest, as you see fit, to tell me what you feel will help me grow in the Lord, that is all that’s matters to me. Am I just too serious? Sorry, that was more than one question.

Love in Christ, M____

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. 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. The 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. 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 words give account throughout God’s Word. We may not like it, and I have those who email me and tell me that they can see no difference between giving account 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 make us give account. We will give account 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