Hey everybody! It’s been a while since I’ve blogged, so I decided to ramble a little today to let all one or two of my readers know I was still alive and well.
I am amazed at what’s happening around us today. It seems like the whole world is standing on edge, wringing their hands and wondering “what’s gonna happen next?”
I’m reminded that what we are seeing is written in the book. I’m reminded that the Lord holds all things in His hands, and that He is in control everything (as far as the “big picture” is concerned). I understand that God is in control of our individual lives on a daily basis, but only to the extent that we submit our lives to Him and follow His leading – which brings me to the point of my rambling today . . .
In the last days, the scripture says that “even many of the elect” will be deceived. That’s a scary concept – thinking that I, a person who has been sealed by God with His Holy Spirit, can be deceived and follow a lie. How can I know that I’m not being pulled away and deceived by all the lies that are out there that sound so good and seem so right?
The father of lies is really good at what he does. He is a worthy adversary, and one to be very cautious about. I’m not one of those people who see a devil in every leaf that blows on a tree, or in everything that doesn’t seem right. But he is definitely at work today and his success is evident.
The answer to this dilemma is to have a very close and intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit. It’s His job to reveal to us the things that are proceeding from the throne of God. Jesus said that He “only did what He saw the Father do”, and that He only said “what the Father was saying”. The Holy Spirit was the re-layer of that information.
My question is this:Â what are you doing to develop your relationship with the Holy Spirit? How do you know that you even have a direct relationship with Him? Or do you feel that since one is “born again” that is the extent that relationship with the Holy Spirit goes?Â
I know, that’s actually more than one question. But really good ones nonetheless. Please reply and let me know!
What a great question! A sermon I recently heard came to mind, entitled “Through the Word, by the Spirit”. If we adhere to the Gospel, using the strength of the Spirit then we are safe in God’s hands.
“Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you – unless you believed in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:1-2).
If we are saved by the Gospel, then adhering to the Word of God gives us that longed for relationship with God. The spirit helps us to understand the Word and empowers us to react to it, fulfilling God’s desires for us whilst we are “in the flesh”.
By: Jaki on June 23, 2009
at 11:56 am
Thanks for the reply Jaki! And “Yes, and Amen!” to your comment. But can we take it a step further?
The thing that causes “many of the elect” to be deceived, is that the enemy uses the word of God to deceive! We’re not talking about things that are blatantly non-scriptural here. We’re talking about how he has the ability to use the scriptures and slant them to his agenda.
The Holy Spirit does bring understanding of the word, but how often does He speak to us and we “miss it” because we’ve somehow fallen away from that relationship where we can “hear that still, soft voice” when He speaks?
What I’m looking for are practical ways that individuals are developing that close relationship with the Holy Spirit, and are “maintaining” or “deepening” that relationship as a way of life.
You’ve already mentioned one – “adhering to the Word of God”. Are there any other things you do that cause your relationship to grow with Him? And what are some practical ways that you (in your own personal life) are doing that?
I’m NOT saying that what you’re saying is not good, or not enough. I’m really opening doors to learn from my bretheren other methods by which we can grow in our relationship with the Holy Spirit – something I hope all who participate in this discussion can learn from and help freely give what has worked in their lives.
I’m excited about what can come from this discussion! I’m ready and open to learn!
By: rmckinno1 on June 23, 2009
at 12:21 pm
Good questions Rob. I agree that the enemy also uses scripture or truth principles backed by scripture to deceive the elect. A lot of people use the gospel to achieve power, wealth, heath, career, esteem, righteousness, inspiration, etc… With one tweek of their hearts they could seek the All Powerful, the Great Giver, the Healer, the Career Giver, the Esteemed One, the Righteous One, the Inspiring One… I think you see where I’m headed with that. Those are added things as the result by seeking the Kingdom and His Righteousness first. I also think men are lured away by the evil one by pursuing the difference in right and wrong issues, rather than life or death issues. Adam and Eve were commanded not to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. They were able to eat from the Tree of Life. It wasn’t until Adam ate from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil that he realized he was naked. It was the result of the illumination or should I say the damnation of that tree. Adam came to the conclusion, naked is bad, covering with fig leaves are good. The Lord called for him and he told God that he was embarrassed because of his nakedness. The Lord replied and asked, Did you eat from the tree I told you not to? The Lord knew Adam had eaten from the tree because his consciousness was illuminated with the knowledge of good and evil. Adam had no concept of nakedness until eat ate of that tree. The Bible says that anyone who eats from that tree will surely die. From Jesus comes the issues of life (Tree of Life) to hear His voice is the most precious gift we can have on this earth. The Holy Spirit in us and on us. He made us righteous by His work on the cross. He alone gets the glory. The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil does nothing more than to feed the pride of man. That’s why when look at it the bad tree, and see that it’s good for eating, our pride has risen up and wants to know and see by our own wisdom rather than to rely on the wisdom of God that speakes to us on the inside. Jesus only did what He saw His Father do and He said what He heard His Father say. And we must bow down to eat from the Tree of Life. When it’s all said and done we will see that humility and pride will be at the very core that allows a man to be deceived or protected. Pride is why Lucifer was kicked out of Heaven. Jesus charged the Pharisee’s and said because you say ‘you see’, your sins will be held against you. Because what they are seeing and hearing is coming from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil and not the Tree of Life from whom Jesus was hearing and seeing when he spoke that to them. Bottom line the same commandment Adam and Eve had is the commandment we have. Don’t eat from the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Only say and do what you see and hear from God who is in you. I could go on and on, but if we can get that little nugget as a child our perspectives would change.
By: Ken Mullis on June 23, 2009
at 2:20 pm
This is so true, Ken. In Rick Joyner’s book “There Were Two Trees in the Garden” I came to a realization that we have the capacity to live our lives from one of either tree, and can even flip-flop between them!
When we live out of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, we live out of our minds, and all the truth we’ve received becomes a legalistic bondage that snuffs the life out of relationship with God and closes the door to relationship with Him until we repent and partake again of the Tree of Life – Jesus.
I glean from your reply that these are practical ways to develop and maintain our relationship with the Holy Spirit:
1) “Bow down and eat from the Tree of Life” – humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord and submit to Him
2) “Only say what you see and hear from God” – keep your heart turned to Him and realize He’s IN YOU!
By: rmckinno1 on June 23, 2009
at 3:24 pm
Hey,
Doesn’t that Scripture say “even the elect, IF THAT WERE POSSIBLE”? I’ve searched and found that … it almost suggests that it’s impossible for the “ELECT” to be deceived, but I regress, I don’t quite understand nor have I studied out that whole “elect” theology stuff. Bottom line —- MANY will be deceived and WILL turn away.
Of course, there are a number of practical ways to be in tune with the Holy Spirit.
1 – solitude – get quiet, and listen.
2 – read God’s Word, it’s Spirit inspired
3 – ACT …
That’s right … I find that when I hear the HOly Spirit, then ACT upon what I heard – I hear more often. For example, if I get discernment about a situation and feel the Holy Spirit is leading me to speak into it – and I ignore it, that disobedience dulls my senses to that voice, as if God says “ok, well, I spoke, and you didn’t obey, so I’m not going to speak again until you start listening and obeying” ….
Yet, when I *DO* obey, it’s as if that opens the floodgates, and God sees that I’m not ignoring his Spirit, and entrusts me to hear more.
Just my quick, rambling $.02
The little brother.
By: Fred McKinnon on June 23, 2009
at 3:03 pm
Thanks for the comment bro!
And you’re right – the scripture DOES say that. I guess I should clarify that I’m not putting a “doctrine” out there to say that “the elect” are going to hell if they are deceived. I’m not even going to go to a place to say what “deceived” means! There are too many variables with that kind of discussion, and there’s no telling what kind of fights would ensue . . . ..
But wouldn’t it make an interesting blog????
“But be a doer of the Word, and not a hearer only – DECEIVING YOURSELF”!!
I have a check for $.02 in the mail!
By: rmckinno1 on June 23, 2009
at 3:27 pm
I like what Fred said also and I started to point out the (if it were possible) part and decided not to, bascically for the same reason Fred said.
By: Ken Mullis on June 23, 2009
at 4:35 pm
Although many have been and will be deceived, God/The holy spirit does not deceive. It is up to each of us to hear his voice, believe in him and live our life loving him, each other and the word of God. If there is fault, it lies with us for not hearing the soft words correctly or misunderstanding the meaning.
As for the questions you put into the void….my answers to the first and second:
Everyday ask the holy spirit to guide you and protect you from evil. Try to live as he intended and remember that when you fall short, we are only human after all, imperfect and he forgives us for being so. If you talk to God everyday and listen for his replies, (And he DOES reply in so many ways, some large and some small…) then you have a personal relationship with Him.
Third, no. I do not believe just saying you are “born again” is good enough and that is as far as it goes. We all must be “born again” everyday into faith, worship and understanding. This is not just for Sunday or “doing your duty” and going to church once a week. You need to have that personal relationship with the lord everyday for it to fulfill you and for oneself to reach the potential we all have inside us.
By: Gina on June 23, 2009
at 7:42 pm
Great response Regina! Thanks for the input! I keep hearing this from folks, but I’ll put it in more exact words:
We’ve got to EXPECT the Holy Spirit to actually guide us. We need to awaken every single day and believe that the Holy Spirit desires to speak to us and lead, guide and direct us through every aspect of our day.
And I agree that we need to understand that our relationship with God isn’t just “sealed” with our new birth. It’s just the beginning. We need to continue in this relationship throughout every day of our lives!
Great!
By: rmckinno1 on June 23, 2009
at 8:49 pm
Here is the scripture in context:
Matthew 24:23-25 (New International Version)
23At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. 24For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible. 25See, I have told you ahead of time.
It is speaking specifically about being deceived by false Prophets and Christs, not deception in general.
That doesn’t diminish the good points in this thread. I just think this scripture should not be used as proof text.
By: Scott Whigham on June 24, 2009
at 3:14 am
I never knew that the use of that scripture could detract from the purpose of the blog. But I cannot apologize for using it, either. I am talking about the last days, and in the last days false prophets and the anti-christ are going to use the scriptures to actually deceive people into believing in them instead of believing in God.
I believe we are right in the middle of “the last days”. I believe many people are being deceived right before our eyes into believing a lie – being lured away from the simplicity that is in Christ. Therefore this scripture is a perfect one to use as a proof text.
By: rmckinno1 on June 24, 2009
at 8:22 am
how can I subscribe to your blog?
By: dan waits on June 24, 2009
at 9:10 am
Right now you have to subscribe via what is called RSS feed. I don’t even know how to do that. My little brother is the blog king in the family and has told me he will help show me how to add a simpler way this weekend at a family get-together.
For now, however, you will notice that when you leave a comment there is a box below the comment box you can check that will notify you via email when another comment has been made on that particular blog entry. That way you will be able to come back and follow the feedback and leave more!
It may also be easier to remember http://www.robmckinnon.net , too. This is my home web site that has links to my blog site and my photography website as well.
Hope this helps! And I hope to see you more on the blog site, too! Welcome!
By: rmckinno1 on June 24, 2009
at 9:39 am
I see I should have ticked the box to see all the comments…
I particularly like Fred’s practical approach and agree that we really need to obey the spirit – it’s often too easy not to act (because it costs us too much, or we don’t consider it important)!
By: Jaki on July 1, 2009
at 9:18 am
Isn’t that the way it always is? Practical. That’s what we need. Making God’s truth practical in our lives in the simplicity of truth will ALWAYS produce a harvest. http://www.robmckinnon.net
By: rmckinno1 on July 1, 2009
at 9:32 am