Church, Bible and Tradition: What are we lacking?

It is very important to know that God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit), Church and the Bible are the three most important aspects of my spiritual life. A wise Christian should be committed into action of reading, putting faith in the Word, and surrender to the Holy Spirit so that I can learn from the heart. God is spirit and faith is required to know Christ and then, the Holy Spirit will reveal who God really is. The Holy Spirit manifests Christ into our human spirit, not to our physical eyes. The Bible cannot be comprehended by the human mind alone. We are to rely on the Holy Spirit which will give us divine revelation that will assures us that certain things are true which our human imagination cannot grasp. So what is lacking? People talk about Church, Tradition and Bible. They forget the most important which is the Holy Spirit who have lead all three (Church, tradition and Bible).

Pride in Summary

Pride is known for trying to be "right". Pride is located in our hearts which is the core, are seated deep within our minds where they pollutes our emotions (desires), the intellect (imaginations) and the will (purposes). It is important to understand that our hearts are the state of our "flesh". Our flesh search for pleasure, pride, passions and selfish motives. Our hearts are like a garden with beautiful flowers and plants. As with all gardens, the hearts must be kept free from weeds and insects. In Proverbs 4:23, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do." (NLT). Humility is to get rid of pride by submitting to the greatest cost of discipleship is to the old nature, ego, self.

Church, Tradition, Bible

It appears that most Churches agree with the Bible but disagree with traditions and doctrines. Why don't we just focus on the Bible in order to have unity. Traditions divides Christians. There are leaders and followers who are depending on the Church's traditions rather than the Holy Spirit who provided the Bible for us. Tradition like the Pharisees have no legitimate place of authority. That's why Jesus' rebuke to the Pharisees because their faith in Rabbinical tradition was in and of itself a seriously out of the covenant and commandments of God (Matt. 15:3). Church is "body of believers". Not a formal organization of any kind. Christians belong to a spiritual Church that Christ have set up. Body of believers (Church) have approved the Bible so that we can use it as our spiritual guidance and spiritual authority. Before Holy Scriptures came along, traditions were relied on. Now that God have provided the Holy Scriptures that have been AGREED by the "CHURCH". Therefore, traditions stays with the denomination of the "CHURCH" while the Holy Scripture in the FINAL authority. We are to Honor the Word (not the Bible). Studying the scriptures requires the Holy Spirit which is inward, not outward. The Holy Spirit is within us believers, Christ dwells in our hearts, and "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27) is the burning core of the Christian faith. “Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” Ephesians 6:17 (NLT) (READ your BIBLE and KNOW the Word of God). As a Christian, I must understand God's universal truth, translate it into my own particular situation and live it out. Am I studying the Bible for myself and observing God's Word? Is my personal Bible study a daily discipline for my spiritual growth? The purpose for reading the Bible is to change me as I read, believe and obey. The WORD is Jesus Christ. God's Word (the Bible) sometimes wounds us deeply and it is imperative because through the Bible, God speaks loudly. The Bible illumines the dark corners of heart and mind by exposing sin but reveals the way of rightousness. The Word of God (Bible) rebukes in order that we may see our faults. ''Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.'' Psalm 119:105 "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Sciptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4). Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Obviously, Christ said there will be false teachers who will use Christ's name. Jesus said in the following verses: Matthew 7:15 [ A Tree and Its Fruit ] "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. Matthew 24:11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Matthew 24:24 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible. Mark 13:22 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and miracles to deceive the elect—if that were possible. Luke 6:26 Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets. Other references: 1 John 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 Peter 2:1 But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Christ have mentioned about the dangers of "traditions" as well as the dangers of "false teachers". False teaching often come from WITHIN of Church which historically proven have happened. The Holy Spirit (through Jesus Christ) is the final authority. When Jesus said that the Comforter is coming, He was saying: "The Comforter will not come to stand on His own, to speak on His own authority. He will guide you into all truth-He will speak and act on the authority of the divine Godhead: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God is spirit and faith is required to know Christ and then, the Holy Spirit will reveal who God really is. The Holy Spirit manifests Christ into our human spirit, not to our physical eyes. Without the Holy Spirit, human pride often create the confusions and seeing contradictions that are plainly outside the field of human understanding. Engaging in a personal relationship with God is the first and most important step in initiating spiritual intimacy. Two-way relationship with God requires our submission, obedience and love to Him. When I read my Bible, I understand that Jesus Christ’s redemptive work on the cross provides the basis for my salvation and the foundation for me to pursue a life that reflects Christ. The Bible gives me principles and guidelines to live a life of godliness. It is my conviction that God’s design for me is to be radically TRANSFORMED by the renewing of my mind. (Romans 12:2) My hope for this radical transformation is by the POWER of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13) The goal of this pursuit and transformation is that I GROW in my knowledge and relationship with Christ. Humility is putting God first in our prayers while pride is putting God last in our prayers. In Matthew 6:9-13 deals with the first half focusing on God, His will and plans before coming to our personal petitions. God does not always say yes to every prayer even though we expect Him to do so. We are not to have faith in prayer but rather have faith in God and His character. I belonged to a local Church because God told me so through the Word (Romans 12:1-8; 1 Corinthians. 12:25-31; 14:12, 26; Hebrews 10:24-25; I Tim. 3:14-15). The primary reason to become a participating member is not to gain a personal advantage, but to identify with the characteristics of biblical maturity and commitment to the mission and future of a local church. The Scriptures teach every believers to be committed to a local church where he or she is loved and cared for, instructed in the things Christ commanded, encouraged to grow spiritually, and serving Christ effectively. Its seem strange that EO and RCC do not agree traditionally. Of course traditions are based on man's doctrines. People have shown an attitude that doctrines are more important love. Superiorism in regards to doctrines who have no compassion. Jesus in Matthew 15:1-3. Jesus said to the Pharisees, “Why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition (doctrine)?” I don't know in a flesh point of view whether the doctrines I follow are 100% true unless I allow the Holy Spirit to convict my heart to follow certain doctrines. I am 47 years old, I have learned so much about doctrines since I was a teen. God will judge those who explain false doctrines. James 3:1 "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." Christians are divided on doctrine issues (teaching issues). This have been going on since the New Testament days (Read First Corinthians 9:11-17). Doctrines (teachings) that impacted many Christian lives and they are using doctrines more than they are using Holy Spirit to guide their Christian walk. Don't get me wrong, doctrines are important and Christians might argue for those issues. But, how far? What shall we unite with and from what shall we separate? While the Bible (Sola Scriptura) is not doctrine, but rather flows from a understanding of Scripture through the Holy Spirit as Authoritative, Divinely inspired, Apostolic, and True - a position held by nearly all Christians. Christian can disagree on doctrines as long as they don't agree on the doctrine of SALVATION and other important doctrines (i.e. Apostle Creed). The Holy Spirit gave me assurance of my faith and doctrines I follow. No Church, No Denomination, No pastors or anyone can do this for me. Holy Spirit is the ONLY person who can do this. 2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness." Truth is, the Holy Spirit that can grasp our inner being only when we submit completely which will allow the Holy Spirit teach us, lead us mysterious and divine where we ought to go. "Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name." — Psalm 86:11. The Holy Spirit that leads my thoughts and shapes my character. Our true moral and spiritual state is revealed by the Spirit through prayer and studying the Word. Eternally, we are "eternal (spiritual) members" in the universal church of Jesus Christ, based solely on His merit and grace. If we are a Christ-follower, then we are already a member. This is eternal and unchanging (I Corinthians 12:12-13; Ephesians 2:13-22; 4:3-6; Colossians 1:13-22). Everyone who is saved is a member of God's Kingdom.

July 4th Holiday

Since this July 4th, America's holiday...I think we should be patriotic in the right way. We ought to look at God's providential care in the life of our nation according to Romans 14:1-7. As a citizen of United States and as Christians, (in my opinion) we are to focus on the social, economic, political and military crises which confront our lives require us to reaffirm our view of God. Governments are created by "community of people" with the help from God. America was formed by strong community of people who decided to have a government that is govern by the people. James 4:1-3 speaks of the origin of war. James speaks in the context of believers and how conflicts happen within the church body, but he uses the language of warring happening between people. It speaks of how war comes from the evil nature within all humans. Everyone is one between the conscience and the flesh. God has graciously given people a conscience that tells them the difference between right and wrong (Romans 2:15). If you noticed historically, governments around the world were formed, shut down, reorganized, changed, and especially more governments were created in europe since Russia have changed their government style. There are primary sources and secondary sources of why things happened. When trying to understand events in the past, it is critical for you to know which type of source you are dealing with. The MAIN struggles against of the war were political and economic policies of the British Empire which is why people left England in the first place. It is well-known that the American War was a war between Great Britain and revolutionaries within thirteen British colonies, who declared their independence as the United States of America in 1776. Which means, they created their own "government". Therefore, in a way, it was not a rebellion but rather "the people" wanted to created they own government rather than following the "empire". Historically, people have been ignorant of what really happened because many of them rely on "basic history". They just assumed based on some historical views that Americans build their rebellious acts against the government from what they believe to be the rebellion of 1776. When in REALITY, the King of England, by his own choice, made the decision to remove the thirteen colonies from his cover of authority, protection, and jurisdiction. Abandoned by their protector, the King of England, the Colonies had no obligation to submit to the English Parliament. Having been abandoned by the King of England, the Colonies had no option left but to establish themselves a new cover, a lawful shield of government formerly provided for them by the King. Every step leading to the founding of a new governmental authority was one of lawful action by the colonial legislatures established under authority of the King of England. We all need to study "history" more deeper to really see what really happened rather than seeing the "surface" of history based on some historians views. If you look at history carefully, Britain's king and parliament expected the colonists to obey their laws and to maintain an interest in the mother country's place in the world. The colonists were expected to provide England with raw materials and to buy finished goods from England, or goods that passed through England and to the colonists on English ships. Colonists were expected to help the England's troops, with food and shelter. The colonists were also expected to obey England's law against selling goods to the enemy: the French and Spanish. In other words, the Colonists were England's puppet rather than England's people. Colonists saw the England government as based on Britain's constitution, which they themselves as free. Submission to Authority within reason with common sense. If you don't like the laws, get involved and change it without total rebellious. Just simply say "I disagree" MLK and Rosa Parks did. The founders of 1776 Constitution were mostly lawyers and they have found loopholes to be independent from the English Empire. Daniel of the Old Testament disagreed and got thrown into the furnace (Daniel 3:6 Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace."). Later Daniel earned respects from others in Daniel 6:4 "At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent." There are NO black and white situations so therefore, we are to rely on God and our consciences when we make decisions. This is between the believer and God. As long as our conscience is clear and our heart is pure before God, don't be concerned with issues. In Romans 14:5 "One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind." 1 Corinthians 10:28-29 "both for the sake of the man who told you and for conscience' sake, the other man's conscience, I mean, not yours. For why should my freedom be judged by another's conscience?"