R.I.P.E. CHRISTIANS IV WE ARE THE PLANTING OF THE LORD. Dr. Kenneth W. Jones, Pastor, Practical Living Ministry

Transcription

1 1 R.I.P.E. CHRISTIANS IV WE ARE THE PLANTING OF THE LORD Dr. Kenneth W. Jones, Pastor, Practical Living Ministry

2 Does One Bad Apple Spoil the Bunch? 2 An apple generates a lot of ethylene oxide. Fruits will remain fresh and firm until the concentration of ethylene surrounding them becomes high enough to stimulate further ripening causing them to become spoiled So if there is one bad apple in your bunch it will cause the other apples near it ripen and go bad faster. The same effect can happen if we allow the spirit of error, false prophets and teachings, and carnality to increase in our church and in our individual walk with the Lord

3 Genetically Altered Fruit 3 There is a concerned about Genetically Modified Fruit in America We are told that it is to increase fruit resistance to pests and preserve shelf life While some modified fruit has some benefits and can be appealing, it doesn t replaces the real thing Lacking awareness, complacent consumers have been the key asset for the biotech industry in the US. As a result, millions of Americans are exposed to the potential dangers, and children are most at risk Not everything that is modified is good for you even though it appears to be acceptable and pleasing

4 In the Body of Christ 4 We are altering the Word of God to please a consumer mindset, seeker sensitive group of people who are being deceived by seducing spirits and doctrines of devils to ease their itching ears and support their rebellious lifestyle We are modifying the teachings of God s Spiritual fruit leading people away from biblical principles, but injecting mysticism, euphoric moments, and carnal and worldly precepts producing altered spiritual fruit and lifestyles which are more carnal than spiritual Aesthetic Christian Hipster Christian Godly prayer or witchcraft?

5 Godly Fruit Not Relevant Values 5 Only 28 percent of pastors reported that spiritual growth was an important area of development in 2011 in the Barna poll. Many Christians are becoming more mystical than spiritual John 4:24 - "God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." One counterfeit to bearing good fruit is pretense. We can become experts at the routines, the lingo, and acting Christian, while experiencing no real power and bearing no eternal fruit.

6 Points of Emphasis The True Vine 6 As disciples of Christ, we must stay firmly connected to Him to remain spiritually productive. A branch draws strength, nourishment, protection, and energy from the vine. If it is broken off, it quickly dies and becomes unfruitful. Jesus is that vine (John 15:1) When we neglect our spiritual life, ignore the Word of God, neglect prayer, and withhold areas of our lives from the scrutiny of the Holy Spirit, we are like a branch broken off the vine. What you are connected to will usually determine what you will produce Jesus told His followers, I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit fruit that will last (John 15:16). Righteous fruit has eternal benefit.

7 Things That Hinder Growth 7 Matthew 13: 1-3 Parable of the Sower Poor Soil If the ground is too hard (too much worldly traffic) or too thin, offering no way to take root we are to be rooted and grounded in Christ (Colossians 2:7; Ephesians 3:17) Lack of Water Represents the Word(Cleansing) and the Spirit (Living Water) which provides refreshment (John 15:3, Ephesians 5:26; John 7:38). A lack of this will yield unprofitable fruit in one s life Lack of Sunlight Mostly all plant-life needs sun and light to grow. This comes through the presence of God and the presence of godly others (Hebrews 10:26; Matthew 5:14) Caught up in the weeds Represents worldliness and love of the world (1 st John 2:15) Thorny ground, filled with weeds choke the word of God out of us as we try to have both the world and the things of God

8 The Core of Rotten Fruit 8 The worst thing is to take a bite into a fruit and to find out that it is rotten What s even worst is when you don t know it s rotten or you ignore it Rotten fruit mixed with good fruit will eventually destroy the whole bushel Example: The Lakeland Revival The Lakeland revival was widely celebrated as a legitimate movement of the Holy Spirit. Yet it was plagued by demonic manifestations and little or no biblical teaching The following slides are aspects of truth and contradiction, as we look at what rotten fruit can do to a congregation, movement, or in our individual spiritual walk

9 Before I Go On. 9 The purpose of this study is not to destroy anyone reputation or ministry, but to provide a biblical comparison of biblical truth and contradiction as it exists today. There is no person or ministry whether knowingly or maliciously that hasn t operated, participated, or submitted to spiritual or biblical error. Jesus wants us to know the truth so that we may be made free. The material provided on this movement is documented in several writings, studies, and teachings and the actual events can be seen on the internet and testified by many. I believe that there are authentic events of revival, restoration, spiritual movements, but the enemy can sometime infiltrate and imitate what God has blessed to steal, kill, and destroy Christians through false prophets, deception and even religion. Although the example being used reflects a non-denominational movement, please be aware that religion and denominational churches have their own error and deception. One person stated, As in the story of the good Samaritan, religious people will leave you where you are never offering you true healing, restoration, or relationship.

10 The Lakeland Revival 10 The Lakeland Revival or Florida Healing Outpouring was a Christian Revival which began on April 2, 2008, when Evangelist Todd Bentley of Fresh Fire Ministries was invited to Ignited Church in Lakeland Florida The revival generated some controversy among members of the Christian community, as some leaders questioned (or even outright rejected) its authenticity Bizarre/exotic manifestations unbridled, fanatical behavior, jerking, screaming, (1 st Cor 14:32) but not necessarily a heart change Visitation from angels and inflated visions (Colossians 2:18 Hype language that diminishes the power and integrity of the Spirit ( Sic em Holy Ghost; Come Get some! Note: There were some authentic healings and revival that took place unfortunately overshadowed by error Todd Bentley claimed that he had his own angel speak to him and calls the angel Emma-O and yet there is no mention of a female angel in the Bible.

11 Lakeland Revival 11 Truth: We Preach Christ First and not overly focus on the supernatural (The word, supernatural is not in the KJV) Acts 5:42 - And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ. Acts 8:5 - Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. Even Jesus taught before he healed (Matthew 9:35; Mark 6:6,34) Contradiction: Bentley told his followers that God had instructed him not to preach about Jesus, but instead to stress the supernatural. There was almost no preaching of the Word of God during the Lakeland revival. Bentley s sermons were dominated by outlandish anecdotes that centered on Bentley and his charismatic exploits (Mark 16:4) 1 Corinthians 1:22 - For the Jews require a sign (constant exhibition of miracles and wonders), and the Greeks seek after wisdom (schemes of philosophy and religion that shall depend on human wisdom, and they therefore despise the gospel). Mark 16:17 says that we should not follow signs but signs follow us. And no ritual can take the place of the true message of the gospel

12 Lakeland Revival 12 Truth: Accountability & Realizing that Character is more important than anointing Proverbs 27:23 - Know well the condition of your flocks, And pay attention to your herds; 1 Corinthians 4:2 - In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy. Contradiction: Todd Bentley fled the scene of Florida s Lakeland Revival amid rumors of a moral failure after he left his wife for another woman. Truth: Lay hands on no man quickly. 1 Timothy 5:22 - Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure. Contradiction: A large number of charismatic leaders stood on a stage in Lakeland in June and publicly commissioned Bentley. Take time to ensure that a pattern of good works is shown before you lay hands as an act of commissioning or sending forth. Many churches have laid hands on people who have never truly committed to Christ

13 Lakeland Revival 13 Truth: Revival without Repentance is not revival at all Acts 2:37 - Now when they heard this (the words of Peter), they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? We need the transforming Word of God (John 1:12) that convicts hearts, demands repentance, slays sin and has the power to produce converts who will withstand temptation. Contradiction: A lot of emphasis during the Lakeland revival spiritual manifestations, such as gold dust from heaven, angel feathers, emotional euphoria such as uncontrollable laughing and limp pep talks about getting high on Jesus Colossians 2:18 - Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting in self-abasement and the worship of the angels, taking his stand on visions he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind,

14 Becoming R.I.P.E. Christians 14 Christians are best used for God s glory when they are R.I.P.E. Renounce the works of darkness and Reprove them (Ephesians 5:11) Imitate - Be ye imitators Pattern - a pattern of good works Exhort, Edify, and Enlighten others R.I.P.E. Christians need good soil Luke 8:15 - But as for that [seed] in the good soil, these are [the people] who, hearing the Word, hold it fast in a just ( noble, virtuous) and worthy heart, and steadily bring forth fruit with patience. It does matter where you are planted and to be planted in a place where you can grow and mature spiritually

15 Renounce & Reprove 15 Keeping Oneself Unspotted Avoiding contamination From the book of Genesis, Lot is an example of a man who was spotted by the world. He started living towards Sodom, disregarding the spiritual climate of the area because of the prosperity of the area. Eventually he moved to the wicked city and became a part of the city's leadership. Although he may have hated the sin in that area, he was contaminated by his association with them. You can t come out of the world physically, but you can reject the world s system 2 Corinthians 7:1 - Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Ephesians 5:11 - And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove (expose) them. (means call sin for what it is) 2 Corinthians 4:2 - But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

16 Hosea s Dilemma 16 Hosea 4: 4,5: Yet let no one find fault, and let none offer reproof; For your people are like those who contend with the priest. 5 So you will stumble by day, And the prophet also will stumble with you by night; And I will destroy your mother. The prophet (man of God) will stumble with you Many pastors/leaders are dumbing down the message of God being influenced more by the people than God (i.e. Jeroboam) For thy people are - The people and the priest are alike rebels against the Lord; the priests having become idolaters, as well as the people The prophet also shall stumble with you in the night: God paints a picture so bleak that even the prophet is dragged down to the level of the people and stumbles.

17 Cont d 17 Joshua 3:5, And Joshua said unto the people, sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you. We used to say that we are in the world, but not of the world (John 17: 15,16). Today it seems that many believers are of the world, but not in it. We bring so much worldliness into the church proceeding to contaminate it with a corrupt culture, new age thinking, mysticism, and cultic teachings in an effort to make it relevant to the current culture

18 Imitate Be True to the Model 18 Ephesians 5:1 - Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; (read vs 2-5) 1 Corinthians 11:1 - PATTERN YOURSELVES after me [follow my example], as I imitate and follow Christ (the Messiah). We must make God our example and model; we are not to compare ourselves among others We must have an accurate and spiritual knowledge of God and Jesus to understand how we are to imitate them. Christ gave us an example during his life here on earth. God is revealed throughout the scriptures To imitate God means to be like him. For example, in Leviticus 11:45 God said, "Be holy, for I am holy. Are you a imitator of Christ or a Jesus impersonator? Imitate Christ, but do not be an Imitation

19 Pattern Yourselves 19 Titus 2:7 - In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 1 Tim 4:7:. Train yourself toward godliness (piety), [keeping yourself spiritually fit]. The definition of a pattern is someone or something used as a model to make a copy, a design, or an expected action. A person or thing considered worthy of imitation or copying; a predictable or prescribed route, movement, etc To be effective as a teacher, one must be an example Paul was encouraging Titus to be an example, to show doctrinal stability and integrity Can someone look at your spiritual life today and express an interest or desire to pattern themselves after you?

20 Exhort, Edify, and Enlighten Others 20 1 Timothy 4:13 - Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Ephesians 4:29 - Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 - Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. Have you taken any time to edify or exhort someone lately? Edify means to build up Exhort means to encourage men to perform their duties

21 Edify, Exhort, and Enlighten 21 Edification is more than just encouragement; it includes any activity that results in more Christlikeness, either in oneself or in another believer. The concept of edification in the New Testament is applied to the corporate body (mutual edification) Exhortation is defined as an urging done by someone close beside. To exhort is to develop relationships with other believers for the purpose of encouraging them in their spiritual growth One who exhorts does not tell people what to do, but comes alongside them and encourage them in the work or change It s easier to pull people down than pull them up

22 Enlightened and Educate 22 All believers are enlightened (Hebrews 6:4) We enlighten people through the Word of God (Psalms 119:105) Enlightenment means correcting error and ignorance.

23 Final Note 23 As you continue to grow in grace and be an imitator or Christ, showing forth a pattern of good works, and be an example for others to follow, try not to overestimate yourself.

24 Practical Living Ministry 24 Practical Living Ministry exists to assist individuals, groups, and organizations to operate to their full God-given ability by sharing life changing principles for spiritual growth and development. If this message touched you, please let me hear from you. If you would like to encourage us financially to keep sharing these kind of messages, please go to our donation section on our website at If you would like to contact Dr. Jones for a speaking engagement at your church or event concerning biblical leadership, mentoring, and Christian culture. Please contact Pastor Kenneth Jones at kenjones@practicallivingministry.org