Inspiring Believers to Dive Deep into Scripture and Study 8-17-26

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Provoking my brothers and sisters to search the scriptures for themselves.

This week I am placing emphasis on some of the things that are noticeable in the body of Christ, which I believe according to the Word of God are completely out of line or contrary to what the Bible says, rightly divided.

This is not to hurt or even shame anyone; it’s to bring an awareness that will provoke the people of God to study for themselves to show themselves approved to God, not the approval of people.  Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

Why did I say not to get the approval of people? People are humans like you and me and there are reasons not to get their approval- It is known that most churches don’t teach God’s principles that enhances spiritual growth. Others may have ulterior motives. Example: Many times, some leaders keep people under their domain because these leaders are operating in the flesh.

My experience- I have asked to give answers that no one else was able to provide in certain settings, yet the pastor said this after allowing me to answer, which was protocol. He said “Listen to your pastor”- That was so sad!

What does it mean not to be ashamed? Some people don’t know how to presents the Gospel of Jesus Christ- If you have been saved for a considerable time, and don’t know how to lead someone to Christ, which is shameful, because that is the first thing Jesus told to the disciples (we are Jesus’ disciples too).

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (Matthew 28:18-19) and the Holy Spirit will empower us. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

However, there are two things that will cause problems when it comes to being effective witnesses. 1) We must be taught how to carry the Gospel; once we learn, then the message will go out in power. 2) If we allow the Holy Spirit to give us power to witness in a way that somebody’s life will be changed by God giving the increase.  So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase (2 Corinthians 3:7).

This is the first and foremost spiritual tool to learn as a new Christian. All of God’s children have gifts to encourage and edify each other for God’s glory. Even with that being so, there are many baby Christians who prophesy but they don’t know how to minister.

Example- a few young ladies were in my life, and they were busy prophesying, but they had not been trained to witness nor did they have enough training in their gift, which ended up being non effective. These types of people hurt others and themselves.

This is what Paul says about ministering beyond our capabilities. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith (Romans 12:6).

I too have been there in my walk, but because My desire was to draw closer to the Lord, I began to be open to the truth of His Word, despite what I had been taught; my utmost desire was to be Spirit led, and having a teacher of teachers, I learned much. All glory, honor and praises belong to the Lord God Almighty!

A word of encouragement- If you take the right steps, your life will be revealed to others and they will want to follow you as you follow Christ. Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).

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Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org