Warning, this post may contain language that is not suitable for those with sensitive ears. I’m going to be brutally honest in this blog post and share a burden with you that I have been carrying. I hope you will be able to see the heart behind these words.
In January of this past year, I posted an article to this blog that sought to address a major problem within evangelicalism. The article received a tremendous amount of attention and has since became one of the most widely read articles that I have written to date. Many have let me know that the problem I addressed in that article was something they also recognized, and something that has negatively affected them as well. The problem that I exposed in that article had to do with the epidemic of bible worship that occurs in much of evangelicalism.
In that article, I explain how many have unbiblically elevated the scriptures above the person of Jesus Christ Himself. Obviously, this is nothing new as this was also a problem in Jesus’ day as well (John 5:39-40). While I do not wish to rehash the specifics of that article, you can read the article I wrote back in January by clicking here. (Note: the article is not really about grammar as the title suggests.)
While the vast majority of people who read that article understood what I was communicating, unfortunately, a few completely missed the point I was trying to make. Some have falsely accused me of devaluing the scriptures, and have also made the assertion that I believe the original scriptures are not inspired or inerrant. I have said it before, and I’ll say it again, this could not be further from the truth.
For the record, I’d like to state that I believe exactly what the scriptures say about themselves. I believe that all scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16). With that said, in today’s post, I would like to address a much deeper problem.
Behaving Like A Total Ass
I’m not sure if ‘assery’ is a real word. If it wasn’t, however, it is now. I am defining ‘assery’ this way:
Assery- The act of behaving like a total ass.
As you may know, I left the institutional religious system a few years ago. I did this precisely because I have a high view of the scriptures. I recognized that the religious system I had been a part of had very little in common with the ekklesia (church) described in the New Testament. As I began speaking out regarding what I was discovering about Christ & His bride, it obviously did not sit well with many of my brothers and sisters who did not share my concerns. Disagreement is a part of life, however, and I am used to it. I have learned that I do not have to agree with a brother or sister in order to love them, accept them, or have relationship with them. Unfortunately, many of my brothers and sisters in the religious system do not share that sentiment. Ironically, they claim that it is I who have not taken the scriptures seriously.
Inerrancy Assery
I have been around some rough environments in my life. I graduated from a pretty tough High School and encountered some difficult situations there. I was also employed as a corrections officer for several years in a state penitentiary in my home state. I was not always treated nicely there to say the least. None of those experiences, however, hold a candle to the level of hostility & personal rejection that I have faced at the hands of those who claim to cherish and defend the authority and inerrancy of the scriptures. I have observed a trend over the years. The same people who have consistently treated my family the worst, and who have acted like total ‘asses’ toward me over the years have been the same people who have been preoccupied with the authority of the scriptures.
Please don’t misunderstand me, I’m not saying that the belief that the scriptures are inerrant & authoritative are the reason why these people have treated me so badly, but I am saying it is not an accident that so many of the people who have behaved like total ‘asses’ toward me and my family are also the same people who seem to continually talk about the authority and inspiration of the scriptures.
Like I said, I have a high view of the scriptures. While I firmly believe the scriptures to be inerrant and inspired, I am more concerned with what the scriptures reveal, than the ink and pages themselves. My message and focus in life is a real, living person. This person (Jesus Christ) is revealed through the scriptures, but He is much more than a book. In my opinion, the consistent ‘assery’ of the folks who talk more about the ‘book’ than they do the person revealed through the book only proves the point that I was making in the article I wrote back in January. The point of the scriptures is Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is literally the personification of love, but my experience with those who seem to be
concerned with proving that the scriptures are inerrant and authoritative have been anything but loving.
Nevertheless, I have some good news today for those who may be reading this article who feel called to defend the authority and inerrancy of the scriptures. I have two suggestions for you that may help you be more effective in your quest to defend and honor the scriptures.
-
Let your love (not your ‘assery’) speak of the validity of the scriptures you claim to love.
I am your brother in Christ. Many of you reading this may have known me in the past, yet out of your stated concern for the ‘truth’ of the scriptures, you have chosen to act as if I no longer exist, or as if I am the worst form of scum to be avoided at all costs. Because we were once close, your silence is a loud form of hatred. Did you know that your rejection of me as your brother is the same as rejecting Christ Himself? Do you think this kind of hateful behavior reflects well on the very book of love that you are so concerned with defending?
There are others reading this who regularly ‘stalk’ this blog and send me threatening and insulting emails in an attempt to intimidate me. You know exactly who you are. Did you know I have kept those emails in my possession? To be completely honest, I have been tempted to post the threatening emails that you have privately sent to me to this blog (with your name) so others can see the demonic hate and rage you are operating in. Don’t worry, I have decided not to do that. I do not want to engage in the ‘witch’ hunt you are intoxicated with. I do want you to think about something, however.
If you truly think that I have committed the error of devaluing the scriptures, do you really think your private threatening emails, your personal insults, and your public attacks on my character represent the book of love that you claim to be defending? Do you think there is a better way to defend the book you claim is so important? If I was indeed wavering in regards to my belief regarding the sufficiency of the scriptures, wouldn’t His love in and through you defend the scriptures much better than your present ‘assery’?
-
Let your freedom, not your bondage, speak of the authority and power of the scriptures you claim to love.
I do not intend this to be a judgmental statement, but simply an observation. I have noticed a trend among those (whom I have known) who have attacked me with this accusation. I have seen the fruit of their lives, and in all honesty, it is the opposite of the fruit of the Spirit such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, etc… The same people who accuse me of deviating from the authority of scripture are themselves in bondage to patterns of destructive, angry behavior. They simply are not free.
In the name of humility, many of these same people continually talk about how sinful and depraved they are (old nature), but they never talk about who they are now in Christ (new nature). Even though they continually talk about the importance of scripture, they do not see that their bondage is rooted in very unbiblical thinking about themselves and others. Because they do not see themselves or other believers as being in Christ, they have no problem engaging in spreading character assassination of others.
If they had the love of God oozing out of their pores, if they carried the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control that organically flows from the life of Christ within, they would make a strong case for the very scriptures that talk about such a reality. Instead, with their asinine behavior, they deny their own message. Obviously, their preoccupation with the idea of the scriptures has not helped them live free. Do they want the rest of us to behave like them? God forbid.
For all those who feel strongly about promoting truth & love, I’d like to remind you that love and truth are really a person. I’d like to leave you to ponder a very important question found in this video posted below. I don’t ask this question of the world (as they do in the video). The world cannot answer this question. I ask you this question. Think about it before you continue your ‘assery.’
Jamal Jivanjee
Click here for further reading about this topic
Now this is my kinda post!
Well said!
Assery immediately made me think of you!
Brother,
Thanks for posting, and I’ve recently come across one blogger who has chosen to particularly attack you, and my observations are the same as yours. Thank you for standing and affirming the reality of who Christ is, and choosing to turn the other cheek towards this individual. Its unfortunate that those who hold the bible up to be a part of the Godhead are often completely blind to the spirit and person revealed in their cherished book. If they did they wouldn’t treat you and respond to you the way they have chosen. They would ascribe to the love and the freedom that you mention, they would encourage you, and build you up, they would be gentle and kind, longsuffering with you. However, at least this individual that I’m aware of is completely blind to those attributes of Christ. He is more like Saul than Paul, persecuting God and his body, because of his zeal for the law, rather than humbling himself to reveal the love of God to individuals he once would have persecuted.
May your tribe increase brother.
Thank you for those words James. I really appreciate this perspective.
My heart hurts for you. I am sorry. I would agree that some of the most painful experiences I have encountered have been at the hands of fellow believers trying to uphold the law, or Scripture. And, I am sure that I as well have caused great pain to others in my former efforts of defending the Bible. Christ’s words make more and more sense to me when he says, “Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” He is so worth the hurt. Thanks for being faithful even in this.
Wisdom in this dear saints words, “Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.”
Heather,
Thx for your encouragment sister. I too have hurt others in the past out of ignorance. You’re right, at the end of the day those who hurt others simply don’t know what they are doing. Great comment.
Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
I love your honesty and transparency in this post. Im also so sorry for the hurt you’ve experienced from ones you loved not acting in love.
Its hard to see unbalance in someone claiming to have all the delightful fruits of the spirit and you know you shouldn’t be pointing out their bare fruit tree…. even when it seems there is no problem with them pointing out your perceived assery.
I’ve gone thru very similar experiences lately. Holy ones twisting the scripture to mean something a bit different than it was intended. And a small mob mentality being formed over with the intention of airing dirty laundry. It’s a bit senseless but its brought me much loser to the lord and to truth.
Thanks for sharing your heart and thoughts.
Ahem! Much CLOSER the Lord! (Rather than loser
)
Hallelujah!
Very good Jamal. Sorry to say, it seems more times than not, we get treated worse by our brothers and sisters in Christ because they are more concerned about their personal beliefs and doctrines and not as concerned about denying self and allowing Christ to be their all in all.
Jamal,
I had no idea what that word was in your title, but it is a word that we well know by its definition. I have been treated in this same manner as you, my brother, but then again, so also is Christ. It is a great irony, is it not, that those who accuse us with their slanderous words (both public and private) of such things, are themselves denying the scriptures that they, with their own interpretations of the scriptures, so admittedly hold above all, even the living Christ Jesus Himself. It is the actuality of those who point are the reality of their own accusations, this is exactly being that which one strongly opposes. To treat others in Christ in this manner is against the scriptures, and so one wonders with inquiry: Who really is denying the scriptures? And, since we are being rather bold today, let it then be said: Those who deny Christ in us, who deny Christ’s expression and life in us, are denying Christ Himself.
I have a writing titled, “The People of the Book” which expresses some of what you have written today. Jamal, I want to personally thank you for being so bold; it is not an easy thing to speak so frankly, yet fully with and in Love. Thank you, precious holy one in Christ!
I overheard a saying that is new to me, and it goes something like this: “Stop acting donkey to me!” Your inventive word reminded me of overhearing that statement in a conversation, so I thought I would share it.
Kat,
Thank you very much dear sister.
Hi Jamal, I know this post is not something you would have chosen to post but it’s seems obvious it was necessary.
Jesus is alive and well in those who are His and He is alive and well in you. Be encouraged if you aren’t already! The persecution you have endured is because you do have His Spirit. I know you know it but I’ll say it anyway. Jesus says, “All men will hate you because of Me.” The bible doesn’t say that, Jesus does.
The Lord has given us all one Spirit to drink and we are to contend as one man for the faith of the gospel, not having divisions among us so that the world can see by our love for each other that we are, in fact, Jesus’ disciples. We are to be Christ conscious, setting our hearts and minds on things above, not on earthly things. We are to be cruficied with Christ. It’s for God’s glory that we live and have our being, not our own. And our own preferences should be cast aside for the sake of others. They should never cause divisions.
We are not called to “believe in the bible.” We are called to believe in God through Jesus Christ who is alive and who lives in us. The bible did not die for us, Jesus did. God did not raise the bible to new life, He raised Jesus. Jesus did not tell the disiples he would send the bible, He said He would send the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth. Like you said, Jamal, the written form of God’s word reveals Jesus, it’s God’s inspired word and it’s inerrant, yes. But it is not Jesus who God sent and should not replace Jesus but sadly, it has.
A number of years ago I was corresponding with a Christian man from New Zealand. He believed in bible worship and told me so. He acted the same way as those you described in your article who have ridiculed you and accused you.
I often wonder when I recall scripture or when I read it how so many pastors, Christians and churches miss what the Lord wrote in the bible esp when they advertise that they are a “bible believing” church. It’s irony.
Great comment Lisa! Thx for the encouragment and for the insight:)
“By this everyone shall know you are my disciples, if you love one another.” — Jesus Christ our Lord (John 13:35)
So glad you’ve said something about this. I, too, have seen this — there’s way too much of that asinine behavior going on in social media. But, like James Goen, I think of a particular blogger who is focused on misrepresenting and tearing down other believers like you, brother, who are just trying to speak their hearts to proclaim Christ and edify the ekklesia. He follows (stalks!) only to criticize, and he claims to speak of Christ but there is no love in his constant attacks, only pride, envy, and attempts to cause division.
1 John says “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or a sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” — 1 John 4:20 ‘Nuff said!
Love your heart, brother!
John 13:34-35 are the crux of the issue. Thanks for the reminder Catherine. Francis Schaeffer wrote a small book titled: “The Church Before the Watching World” and John 13:34-35 was the whole foundation of the book. His title says it all and is something that I am reminded of on a regular basis. Too bad some do not realize we have been put on display to the world around us. Many criticize believers and reject Christ based solely on the fruit they see among those professing Jesus Christ as Lord.
Thank you very much for your encouraging words Catherine. I appreciate your heart greatly.
Jamal,
It hurts when the attacks come from within. The real test is would our faith survive without the bible…yes but would our faith survive without Christ…no! Many Christians these days think they have license to respond without taking it to the Lord first.
I was struck by the apostle Paul’s statement in 1 Cor 4:19 “But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have.
I realized
Great comment Rich!
Amen! I have to laugh at how true this is, and wonder how it is not apparent to those who attack others. I pray they do get a real revelation of our Lord, that will know the assery out of them! I’ve also noticed that these individuals have no revelation of the Lord of there own, they seem to want to take life from youand leave a person with the letter.
Jamal,I love your writing, after all these years I’ve never heard you speak to a group, I think I understand what your saying,It’s not what your reading in the Bible It’s what you get out of it I don’t remember any scripture talking about assery, turn the other cheek my friend you are walking with God what could be wrong with that.You were given this LIFE because you are strong enough to live it!!!!!
Thx Pat:)
One word I hate is “BUT” . . .speak of love and I hear “BUT” the Bible says this . . .Where is the love????
Hi Jamal,
I’m one of the people who tends to sit in the shadows here and thought I should let you know today that you really encourage me.
I use to be like these bullies and, although I’m still a work-in-progress, I know Jesus has set me free from the hyper-vigilance I had thought was necessary to … well, appease Him (oh, the mindgames we let the enemy play with us).
Matt 5:11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Keep close to Jesus and keep sharing what He’s talking to you about, my brother.
Patricia: You nailed it on the head for me! “I use to be like these bullies and, although I’m still a work-in-progress, I know Jesus has set me free from the hyper-vigilance I had thought was necessary to … well, appease Him (oh, the mindgames we let the enemy play with us).”
Hyper-vigilance is not any easy demon to shake. It’s easy to feel like it’s MY responsibility to point out the error in another’s doctrine because (GASP!!!) they might lead others astray through their teaching, as if somehow I am the Holy Spirit’s sidekick. We all know that incorrect doctrine sends people to Hell: do not pass Go, do not collect $200… forgetting that the greatest command is to LOVE…
I know exactly what you mean Patricia. I appreciate the encouragement:)
I wanna see Jim’s response to this.
LOL!!!
Ah, this is difficult stuff. I just want you to know that I empathize with you. We’ve gotten a number of threatening and hurtful emails from friends and people we trusted telling us that they wouldn’t support our ministry or that our salvation is in jeopardy because we serve with an inter-denominational mission organization. They felt that having right doctrine was more important than loving other believers despite some disagreement and laboring with them because they are Christ. It can feel like a slap in the face and a slap in the face of God. My biggest frustration is wondering how people can be so against me when when GOD is the one who lead me to where I am?! How can they hate me? How can they scoff? I’m here because of HIM! But I guess we should expect this sort of thing…same thing happened to Christ himself.
P.S. The root word for denomination is an anagram DEMON. Coincidence? I am beginning to think not.
Basically, I just second your sentiments, and wish most of all that people like you or I describe can one day find the freedom to LOVE and live in community with all believers. Sometimes I get angry thinking about what people have said, but then I remember that it must be much worse to be so close-minded. Suddenly, my world gets a little brighter. Praise God for the the Light.
I am sorry that you are feeling attacked right now. I follow both sides of this issue and regardless of who is in error, it should be handled differently. If I understood you to be in error, I pray I would love you enough to sit down with a Bible and a cup of coffee (or a skype date) and address our concerns face to face. I know that is not always possible. When the Bible was written they forgot to include extra guidelines for how to handle disagreements through the blogisphere. How silly of them.
Tim,
Thanks for reading. Your suggestion regarding how this situation could have been handled is sometimes advisable, and sometimes it can also be detrimental. It all depends on the situation. Sometimes there is more to the situation than we may be aware of. There are no cookie cutter responses. I’m hopeful that you will not ‘swallow’ the poison that is being offered to you:)
Jamal, thank you brother for speaking out. I have been aware of some of this behavior and done my best to speak against it when I see it. Sometimes there is no way to get through however. I am sorry you have been hurt by this, as well as others who have similarly been attacked. As others have said, It really says more about the attacker than about you, or any brother or sister expressing Christ in them. I think this needed to be said and I applaud you for addressing the situation! Stand strong!
Thx Pam, I appreciate the encouragement. Many blessings to you sister:)
Jamal,
I love your blog, and could not agree with this post more – brilliantly written, and unfortunately, the observations you make are accurate. I wish it were not the case, but clearly, from reading comments here, it’s something we have all experienced.
I have been accused and targeted many times, including very recently, by such people – and I find it bizarre that not only do these people generally hold to a Biblolatry, but they very often also don’t understand what the Book they idolize actually teaches! Inerrancy of Scripture above the Living Word (Christ) combined with false understanding/teaching is a particularly dangerous mix. That’s when the heretic label gets thrown about way too casually and the hatred is really seen.
From public bashings, to heretic lists published (which I’ve noticed often contain names which do not reflect that particular person’s theology. i.e. the list is wrong lol) – all to make sure everyone knows just how evil you are, and how right they are. How righteous they are to defend their paper and ink, how God must be smiling down at them for their love towards Him, in “defending the faith.” It reminds me of the crusades. This is not the love of Christ.
“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:18)
Well said. Thank you!
Sorry you’ve been subjected to this, Jamal. This is one post I feel like is a ” same song, second verse ” for me. If you receive a revelation on how to render the ” haters ” to the overwhelming LOVE of God, please let me know. This post describes my own experience with Bible-worshipping, lovers of man’s traditions over the last 16 years.
Jamal,
Don’t give up and don’t quit what you are doing! I’m behind you Brother
Thx Chad:)
Precious Brother,
I grieve and rejoice for you both at the same time.The only way to true freedom is by the PERSON revealed to us and in us by the Holy Spirit. Not a revelation that the Bible is the Word of God(and it is) but THE REVELATION of JESUS CHRIST, the very one the Bible declares.Many of Gods People are in bondage to worshiping the Scriptures, and not Him.I did this unknowingly for years.The Holy Spirit always declares HIM, not the Bible. The adversary knows that what the Holy Spirit declares thru you will set many of our brethren truly FREE , so CHRIST in and thru you must be discredited. I rejoice that this is an opportunity for these brethren to maybe for the first time take a long look inside and see what they are living by, and turn to see HIM.Bless you my friend , and I am praying first for you that with all boldness you keep declaring Jesus , and secondly will pray for these people to know Him as HE wants to be known. 2 Cor 3:15-16 But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart.Nevertheless when one turns to The Lord , the veil is taken away. Hallelujah -Keep on my friend .
In Him and Him in all of us .
Beautifully said Tony, thank you:)
The point of the scriptures is Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is literally the personification of love. YES!! Thanks Jamal.
Jamal, as opposed to the ‘asses’ you speak of, I find you an ‘asset’ to the body.
I love God’s word because it is the revelation of Him who wrote it, who IS it. I do not like bibli-olatry, worshiping scripture, which I am afraid is what these folks who attack(!) you are doing. Heck, the Pharisees idolized the Torah, look how much good that did them! “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. I do not receive glory from people. But I know that you do not have the love of God within you.” Jn 5:39-42 Wow, what an indictment…
I find it interesting that Jesus, in dealing with the enemy and the Pharisees, chooses to use the term “it is written” and speaking to these brothers hateful actions I would point to what the Bible says…
It is written:
“No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us…If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.” 1 Jn 4:12, 20-21 I’m not thinking vile, hate-filled diatribes fall into the category of speaking the truth in love…
Well said Mary!
Jamal,
How brilliantly penned!
I know all too well what you are referencing as my beloved wife has run afoul of some of the same vitriol you have experienced.
There is a danger in bibliolatry as there is with any type of idol worship; elevation of the gift rather that the giver of the specific gift. We have been, by the grace and mercy of God, handed down an accurate accounting of our Lord’s ministry,death, burial,resurrection, and ascension. Additionally, we have been blessed with early church letters originally penned by the earliest church leadership, hand-picked by our Lord Himself.
These early church manuscripts, although certainly authentic, are rife with metaphors, similes and anachronistic Hebrew colloquialisms which are, at best, extremely difficult to interpret in today’s culture.
Unless an individual is willing to learn at least some Hebrew and Greek(or Aramaic), and learn the culture of the eastern Mediterranean during the Roman occupation of Judea shortly before and after the destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D.; there is an inordinate amount of assumption.
1. We assume that the King James version of the scriptures is accurate and infallible.
2. We assume that those inaccuracies were not repeated by other ‘biblical scholars’ while penning other versions also proclaimed as accurate.
3. Most importantly, without a systematic scholarly approach to what the scriptures are indeed saying and to which people group they are addressed, multiple erroneous precipitations occur.
Culture and context are the imperatives when looking into any passage. We all know this,otherwise there would be thousands of believers walking around blind in one eye from the plucking out of their eye, Or perhaps there would be multitudes of Christians missing their right hand.
We see these examples of hyperbole, yet fail to apply this to other equally important passages. How carefully we must search out the scriptures and glean out what the principles of life in Christ really are.
Jamal, you nailed it. We look at the fruit and love our brothers and sisters. If there is error, we pray for them. If we are in relationship,not a facebook relationship, but true face to face relationship, we can dialogue. Otherwise, it is an pointless exercise. Correction comes with deep relational committment, not as a blog or an entry on facebook.
Blessings to my brother.
You are greatly loved;
Thx Craig, well said.
Isn’t it interesting how you can go from being a credible leader one day, to be totally out of your mind the next? At least that’s been my experience. My worst treatment has ALWAYS come at the hand of “christians”. Hang in there, brother!
Thx Ken:)
Great post. Some Christians can be so mean. Unless you agree with the exact wording of their interpretations you are labelled with all sorts of nasty titles.
Hey bro…
I hope you have been well. I understand and get your convictions. It is a tough place to be. A place Jesus has placed you to be a light. The emotion in your post is raw and real and honest. I too have felt some of this ASSERY in my own life. The Lord had to bring me to a place where I had to simply and completely let HIM deal with “them.” You are sharing the truth bro. Keep sharing. If someone comes against you.. so be it. Many people will say to me Lord, Lord…. and very few will Walk the Narrow Way… thorns from thorns and thistles from thistles… I would just consider the source and the fruit they bear. Period.
Keep on keepin on…. IN HIM…
Well said Andrew, thx:)
Brother! We love and appreciate you and your family! You are precious Saints and we are glad to know you. Also, I think the word “assery” is quite funny! On another note, I came across an ass today!
Jamal. Your’e right of course in the point of your original blog, and the Pharisees are wrong to attack you. And you may even suceed in convincing a few die hards that they lack a fresh revelation of Christ, being (contentedly) stuck in a natural view of the kingdom.
But this is spiritual warfare and has been going on since the garden.
In the NT, the converted Pharisees were thorns in the flesh of those who were spiritual, and they were told to instruct those that opposed themselves with meekness. I believe meekness means ‘without anger’.
Are you angry?
Our current conflict among the churches is similar to the one between the Judaisers and the revelators of Christ in the early church. The only record of this level of public calling anyone out to a gunfight in the street was toward those that were clear enemies of the cross. The Pharisees that believed, though they were pro circumcision, were not all rabid Judaisers, and for the sake of peace in the churches, the elders like James (who was pro circumcision) and Peter et al, kept the brethren from escalating the truths they were ready to die for from hurting other weaker ones. I believe there was a great and abiding sense of liberty and patience among them, learned the hard way Im sure by trial and error. In hindsight, we know what they didnt, while in unwitting foresight, they learned what we have not yet about gentleness, long suffering, meekness, humility and forebearing one another in love.
We who are spiritual (not said with tongue in cheek) must gently lead those with less revelation of Jesus to Him; not reasoning, logic, history, exegesis etc.
I suggest rather than getting into a war about words and their meanings that we discuss the place of apologetics in the church.
All of this reasoning seems to have divided us, rather than turned our focus to Jesus together.
Rotten fruit comes from rotten trees.
Jesus told his disciples that he had many things to tell them but they were not able to bear them.
Maybe this is the same?
blessings
Greg
hello thanks for your sharing brother. You know when you came to Switzerland, I experienced Christ like I rarely experience Him, a Love like I rarely experience. The only way we can experience the Fruit of the Spirit is in Christ because He is the eternal purpose of God.
Brother,
Thank you for your kind comment. You are an encouragement to me. It was very hard to leave Switzerland and France. We miss you greatly:)
Jamal. Be encouraged brother. Philippians 3 comes to mind.
Thx Frank:)
Awesome message Jamal, you nailed!!! There are those who would love to burn some of us at the stake and would feel very righteous doing it. Just want you to know that your messages have ALWAYS blessed us and we even send them via email to some who are not on facebook. You are a huge encouragement which is why the enemy attacks you. With that said…keep on keeping on brother even if there are asses out there.
Thx Jayne:)
I’ve also noticed the unprecedented attacks and I have to tell the truth, I’ve never met you and only know you through your blogs but when I read them, I know without a doubt that you are my brother, we may not agree on things and so on and so forth, BUT when you talk about Jesus, when you expound on Him, in my spirit there is such a strong witness and an intuitive knowing, i literally feel this joy welling up from the inside because the One you’re talking about, i know and love as you do.
I wish as brothers and sisters we would all learn better to be lead by the Spirit and you know if correcting, reproofing etc are to be done, let it be in the love of the Lord.
I am always encouraged by what you write Jamal and love that you give of what the Lord Jesus gives to you and you bless us, in manners that carry true eternal weight. So, press on, in Christ Jesus our first Love.
Lee, that’s powerful encouragment brother. Truly humbled. Thank you.
Great post Jamal. I’ve experienced similar treatment, and been kicked off 2 Christian men’s forums; not for treating anyone sinfully, but bcs [bottom line] that I didn’t believe certain theological perspectives the same as them. And in the dialogues about the “items”, while I remained respectful and gentle, their venom escalated and escalated, until they finally banned me. These were quite the eye-opening learning experiences. For one brother, whenever I confronted him about his angry attitude, his only reply would be “Jesus had a whip!” (referring to His driving the money-changers from the temple).
But I count it a joy and a privilege to have gotten to sow some seed, trusting that there were “lurkers” on those forums who were being encouraged in the clearer revelation that I was presenting. I got several private messages to that effect. And the “pharisees” may also truly have their eyes opened one day, if someone else waters these seeds.
The plowman has the most strenuous labor, and the pioneers have to dodge the arrows.
Much honor and love to you, my good brother, for handling these situations in Christ and by His spirit. He sees your labors for Him, and has them all written down; and you will be rewarded.
Trevor,
Thanks for the encouragment brother. I know the Lord has a reward for us. For me personally, getting to know you has been a part of this reward for me!
The closer I grow in my relationship with Christ and His body the more I am able to behold His greatness and glory! The more time I spend in His presence, the more I see the increasing attacks on His body by those who claim to members of it. Someone posted above the scripture reference quoting Christ “By this will all men know that you are my disciples – if you have love for one another”. It is the love – HIS love – that defines who we are in Him and in this world. When I look at you, my brother, I see nothing but His love. Be strong and take courage. Love conquers all.
That’s truly humbling Mark. I am encouraged by your comment this morning:)
So i like this. i am not sure whether or not this will post, last time i tried it did not. I understand what you are saying. I had the same experience as you, unfortunately I am no longer following the faith, only if Christ could help me with my unbelief. I came to the same place you are, where God had revealed so much to me, but since I am young and saw he scriptures were being messed with and people were using people for money and to build up there own spiritual empires even more so then caring about money. I got in many bad situations with “men of god” for not bowing to there system. I had more then one man tell me if they had ten guys like me they could change the world, ask me to come pray and spend time with me and then i call them and they suddenly do not have time. I got tired and stopped caring though because i had no one to care with, sad excuses i know, and there were many theological concerns that have effected me. But really i said all this because i wanted to say thank you for pushing to stand on the truth of God that at this point i have struggled in. please pray for me. Thanks
Mike, Your honesty pulled at my heart, and I want to say something to you. Just because you are not in the world’s religious system, that does not mean that you are non longer in Christ. Christ lives in you, indwells you, and us too. You can not faith in the “system,” but still have the faith that is in and by the Faithful One in you. There are some of us who are not membered in the system of human religions, yet we are the body of Christ, and we share Life in the closeness of true community. I do not know the system of human religions, but I know Christ. And He continues His work in me. I do not, nor have I ever, equated the religious world’s system as the means, avenue, or way to living Christ our one shared Life. I don’t understand the things, rules, language, what they call sacraments, nor the paper outline of their regiment or traditional hand-out legalities of procedure. None of it makes any sense in my brain or heart, BUT I know Christ and He lives in me, He is my Life, and also those who share His Life together with me in the ekklesia here.
Jamal, Just look at the Love in all these comments; the body of Christ is more than overwhelming!
To be honest I agree with you and hear what your saying. I just have a hard time having faith because how do you have faith when you once put so much faith in something and see that it is not true and then be shown truth and not be scared to put your faith in that and not also think that it to will be wrong. My hope is to have faith to the point that my actions will show that I believe. I have kind of given up onliving to the standard I once lived. Thanks for the love in prayers, I will always love the true followers of Christ
Mike, like you, many of us had also put at least some of our faith in the religious sytem, only to find it ISN’T true and fails at what the Lord intends for His church to be. And many of us have found true community in the body of Christ through organic churches that are built on the life of Christ in each of us and our relationships with our brothers and sisters — not positions, programs, buildings, etc. Let your faith be in our faithful Christ, for He IS True and never fails us.
If we have not Love, then we have not Life, because the expression of Life is Love.
Are we saying the same thing?
Recently I wrote a post, Where the Bible is, God is, where I suggest that separating the Bible from Jesus is like separating a person from his words. It’s ludicrous!!! Just as we are accountable to whatever we’ve said in the past, even more so, God backs His God-breathed Scripture.
There are those who speak of Scripture as if they are something separate from Jesus, merely a signpost pointing to Him. I’m afraid that this is a shallow view that feeds notions like: once we have Jesus we don’t need the Scriptures. However, the Scriptures are more than a sign post pointing to Jesus. Being God-breathed makes them, by implication, Jesus’ words too. What’s more, being I AM’s words, whatever He has said, he is still saying, unless He has annulled it.
These words of His in the Bible are key and complimentary to the words we heard from Him last week, last night and today.
Rob
Rob,
Thanks for your comment here, and welcome to the blog. I hear what you are saying. I also have a question for you…
Think back to a time long before mankind was around. Back before man made languages like Greek & Hebrew were invented. What language do you think God spoke back then?
Jamal,
We are not told what language God spoke, but one of the first attributes made known to us about Him is that He is a speaking God. Before man was created the phrase “And God said,” is repeatedly used and followed by a creative command. Then, in Gen 1:26 we are let in on the plural nature of the Godhead using verbal communication between them, where it says “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…’”
Man was then made in the image of God and part of that image was that he too could speak like His creator. Communication using words are a strong characteristic of both God and man.
Jamal,
Following on from my previous comments, the Bible is then a recording of essential communication from God that is still alive and active.
In a sense, the Scriptures are like posts that someone blogging wrote some time ago. They still represent the blogger as though he were saying them today. Unless the blogger indicates a change of mind, when reading his older posts, we are still hearing what he is saying. Similarly, when I read the Bible I am not only hearing what God said, but also what he is still saying.
For example, despite a lapse of time, my recent comments, and for that matter my posts of months ago, still stand as my point of view that I am currently communicating. Likewise, despite a lapse of thousands of years, God’s recorded words in Scripture still stand as though He were speaking them now.
Rob,
Let me get back to the original question that I asked you. Yes, we do know that God speaks and uses language. We also know that before mankind invented any language, God spoke. He had a language. His language, however, is eternal. Unlike mankind’s languages, His language has no beginning, and will have no end. Rob, scripture is very clear about the language God spoke before human languages (like Greek and Hebrew) ever came on the scene. Do you know what that language was?
Hi Jamal,
I’m sorry, I commented twice in a row, so perhaps you missed where I did answer your original question. In answering I said that we are not told what language God spoke, before as you say “man invented languages”, only that he did.
If it is His character you’re after then the answer is “love” because God is love. Nevertheless, God who is love has speaking as one of His characteristics and means of conveying that love.
(As an aside, I’m not sure man initially had too much to do with creating the various languages. Wasn’t Babel where we got our initial variation?
Rob,
I must strongly disagree. We most certainly are told what language God spoke before any human languages were invented. God spoke to create the universe. What language do you think He spoke?
Jamal,
It seems to be of no consequence to me what language God spoke before or at creation. Frankly, it seems absurd that you ask this! Enlighten me if you will! Incidentally, what language does God use to speak to you on a daily basis?
Rob,
While it may seem like it is of no consequence to you what language God spoke before any human languages came on the scene, it was of great consequence to God. This is why He goes to great lengths to share with us, in the scriptures, exactly the language He used before the foundations of the world were laid. The Lord does not communicate anything to us that has no significance.
Oh Jamal — I love you brother!
I felt so bad for you when I read about this silent treatment. I also know it well myself. When it is done by our own brothers/sisters, the sting is even more painful and an even deeper wound. And when it overflows to your own family, it became very personal. I think the reason why it cuts so deep — why the pain can even feel overwhelming at times — is because Jesus himself who lives in us – he feels this hatred and rejection. Yes, indeed he does! It breaks his heart. Don’t people realize that when they behave this way that they grieve Him? Because it grieves him, it grieves us as well! Some of that grief we feel is his very own grief!
Having a recent revelation from the Lord himself about how he feels my grief has forever changed me. He feels our grief and we feel his. It brings tears to my eyes thinking about how he personally feels our pain! I don’t ever want Him to feel pain that I cause, not ever!
Jamal, do you realize how God placed has you in my life?
Do you realize how much I have grown because of you?
Do you realize how much you have helped me to see Christ and his body is such a new exciting way?
You have helped me to expand my vision of who Christ is, how deep, how wide his love is! I am forever changed! There are so many of us here who read this blog who feel exactly as I do. You are so loved and cherished brother! God has surely gifted you to communicate His love.
I heard this song today and the lyrics just blew me away as they captured this newness I’m walking in. My heart sang this song to Jesus today.
( I’ve never been so much in love before …)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYSyJiq_bIU
Alissa,
I love you too sister. Your comment is overflowing with the love of our Christ. Your kind words truly humble and encourage me beyond what I can express here. Thank you, and I’m honored to be a part of this journey with you as we discover this vast Christ. Many blessings to you Alissa.
Jamal,
I am so sorry you are going through this but the fact that you follow Jesus you are going through! He brought you to it He will bring you through it.
May the love of God surround you each day of your life.
Love and many blessings to you and your family.
Patty,
Thanks for your encouraging words. Where would I be in life had I not met you and your family all those years ago? I think of you all often. Give my love to everyone in your household:)
God knew exactly what He was doing all those years ago. We think of you and your family often also. Just know we all love you also.
Love and blessings to you and your family.
Jamal, thank you for posting this. I want to encourage and others on a situation like this. Rest in Him and know that He shows the truth about the “Assery” amongst us. There are many readers that can see this stuff and never post. Rest assured the ugliness is seen and also His Love is seen.
I appreciate you taking the time to address this because it is real. It’s sad that those who feel like they need to correct you or others who share their heart of The Lord and have left the IC, they don’t realize they are diminishing the Power of The Lord, as if He can’t take care of you, guide you or even correct you? That part is the biggest thing I see. I trust God that He will take care of this, Rest in Him as we all should and those who can’t stand that we share our view of things and they disagree and then throw fits when they can’t be heard by your readers. They will just have to throw their fits.
God Bless us all. Thanks for writing this Jamal because you a lot of us see this too on our circles.
Thank you very much Catherine:)
OOOOOOOOoooooo, you said the A word! I’m telling!
This post is a good example of “Be angry and do not sin.” I appreciate the way you clearly express your desire to be reconciled with the saints in question. Sadly, that is not always something we have any power over.
I love you, brother. We haven’t met in-person, but I love you. Indeed, Jesus Christ is the LIVING Word. Eternal. Majestic. Glorious. King of kings and Lord of lords. The Alpha and the Omega. Love.
And you are IN HIM. Exalting HIM. Enjoying HIM.
It grieves my heart, always, when other brothers and sisters do not love one another. He is Love. I believe it is that these men and women of which you speak *think* Jesus Christ has been revealed to them, but it is so minute a sliver of His fullness. Yet here you are, what I would call a prophet to the American church, reminding and pointing them to HIM. Revelation 19:10. That’s what you’re doing brother–testifying of and exalting Jesus Christ.
Keep it up. Be encouraged.
Jonathan,
Thx for your kind words brother. They have encouraged me this morning. I love you too!
Jamal,
This video is awesome and encouraging for those who are persecuted by fellow Chrisitians for the sake of their version of the “truth”. I immediately thought of you Jamal.
Please watch and see the redemptive process. Although I don’t agree with all of Graham’s theology, he has some good things to say…..
http://youtu.be/Pu-nxBFxfGQ
Jeanne,
Wow, I watched this video by Graham Cook again this morning. It resonates greatly with my spirit. Thx again for posting this. I needed to hear this today.
“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!”
These two quotes that seem to echo the sentiment of Deuteronomy:
“Religion has accepted the monstrous heresy that noise, size, activity and bluster make a man dear to God” – AW Tozer
”Divine fullness is only going to be reached by a progressive and ever-increasing revelation of Christ and His significance” – TA Sparks
Seems simple enough for me, which one to choose, how bout you?
Sometimes people mistake their assholiness as holiness. I have been amazed at the level of hypocrisy and craziness used against some of us all.
Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some, letters of commendation to you or from you? You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men; being manifested that you are a letter of Christ, cared for by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. Such confidence we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. (2 Corinthians 3:1-6 NASB)
Be encouraged, Jamal, and continue to bring life through the Spirit. Your life is evidence of a letter written by Christ in your heart and the hearts of the saints. We must move on from the religious mindset that lords the Scriptures over others bringing death. May we live by the law of the Spirit of life.
In contrast to living under the Old Covenant, much of the Old Testament Scriptures, the Gospels and the rest of the New Testament have the intention of bringing hope and even life. Their message is of grace and is empowering.
Sadly, when we use these Scriptures without God’s leading and without His love, then what was intended to be used by the Spirit for life, instead often administers death. Not the words themselves, but the manner.
I agree, Rob. It’s all in how the Scriptures are used.
Very well said Mark, thank you for this encouragment.
Just so you know, there are 2 Catherines commenting here. I’m the first post on Oct. 10 — I just forgot to put the “S” at the end of my name for that comment. Hope it hasn’t been too confusing.
No.worries Catherine, I saw that:)
Great thoughts, Jamal. Thank you for taking the time to collect and compose.
While it is certainly true to speak of God as “love”, it is just as true to speak of God as “community”. God as community is the first word expression we have of God; “In the beginning Elohim (plural) said,…” We hinder our understanding when we view God from our finite, binary perspectives. But, we gotta start somewhere ;o)
You said that you believe the scriptures to be “inerrant”. Honestly, I don’t know what that means anymore. I’m 58, studied the Bible ever since I could read, I’ve been taught that “the Bible is the inerrant Word of God” (yes, the fallacy you speak of in this post), but I honestly don’t know what people mean when they use the term “inerrant”. I’ve never encountered that term in scripture, nor have I noticed the text to make that claim. Perhaps a post on “Inerrancy” would be in order? I’m suspectin’ that “Inerrancy” is another idol that sits on the self next to the Bible Idol.
Tom
Brother my sympathies are with you and you dear wife as I have read some of these “assery” posts. I am so sorry you have been hurt in those manner. Yet I glory to God as I see Christ increased in you through this persecution.
I know the experience all too well. Almost all of my husband’s family have given us the cold shoulder due to our convictions. Why? Because we do not believe spot on theologically with them any more. They did the same to a family member who truly is far from the Lord. Has always broken my heart.
“Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.”
The Lord is our food. For some like us, we may eat everything believes everything is in Christ. For others, this may seem absolutely wrong and they do not accept everything they take in as a revelation of Christ. Either way we are not to quarrel or treat others with contempt who believe differently! We are to treat them with love and let God, their only master, judge His own servants. But here is the nature of man … the desire to be the master. What a shame it is … and what a powerful testimony of how Christ is an entirely different kind of master than them.
Sister, thanks for this comment. It speaks volumes to me especially today. I’m thankful for you guys:)
Worship the bible instead of Jesus, the God of the bible. Kinda like throwing the candy bar away and eating the wrapper……believers of a different spirit no doubt, I call them believers with much reservation. Good word bro.
Amen David. Thx for reading:)