Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
Other translations say guard your heart. In this segment I am surveying God's exclusivity; or narrow path in comparison with the ecumenical "wide road" as it were. I will let the reader find the verse "you shall know them by their fruits"; but when we look at the recent increasing number of scandals that seem to be affecting many well known megachurch Pastors; many of whom are in what is called "hypercharismatic" circles often they don't practice what they preach. In general; we can examine what spirit is affecting people when we see the long term changes or lack thereof that result. Such is the case often when people have an "experience" these days in mass gatherings which have a sort of self fulfilling prophecy of predetermined objectives. Rather than looking for one of the lost sheep the 99 seem to be the focus; and the message in regard to the narrow path seems to be; well-lost in the wayside more or less.
The irony is the freedom such gatherings promise ends up being captivity; where a person's God given individuality in regard to spiritual gifting is put aside to majority opinion which historically is often a dangerous mindset. People no doubt feel free of the traditional ordinances of church structure; and no doubt some have found a temporary reprieve from stuffy; legalistic congregations which have stifled to a large extent genuine praise and thanksgiving which should accompany the assembly of the righteous.
Embracing any human mindset of values without the power of the Spirit's righteousness stated in John 16:8 risks demonic entities mimicking God and of course exaggerates the platitudes of those who are on the "top of the heap" of such ventures; which in reality are part of a large corporation type entity rather than true fellowship in many cases.
Whatever scripture apart from extrabiblical standards are applied brings some truth despite deception.
Other translations say guard your heart. In this segment I am surveying God's exclusivity; or narrow path in comparison with the ecumenical "wide road" as it were. I will let the reader find the verse "you shall know them by their fruits"; but when we look at the recent increasing number of scandals that seem to be affecting many well known megachurch Pastors; many of whom are in what is called "hypercharismatic" circles often they don't practice what they preach. In general; we can examine what spirit is affecting people when we see the long term changes or lack thereof that result. Such is the case often when people have an "experience" these days in mass gatherings which have a sort of self fulfilling prophecy of predetermined objectives. Rather than looking for one of the lost sheep the 99 seem to be the focus; and the message in regard to the narrow path seems to be; well-lost in the wayside more or less.
The irony is the freedom such gatherings promise ends up being captivity; where a person's God given individuality in regard to spiritual gifting is put aside to majority opinion which historically is often a dangerous mindset. People no doubt feel free of the traditional ordinances of church structure; and no doubt some have found a temporary reprieve from stuffy; legalistic congregations which have stifled to a large extent genuine praise and thanksgiving which should accompany the assembly of the righteous.
Embracing any human mindset of values without the power of the Spirit's righteousness stated in John 16:8 risks demonic entities mimicking God and of course exaggerates the platitudes of those who are on the "top of the heap" of such ventures; which in reality are part of a large corporation type entity rather than true fellowship in many cases.
Whatever scripture apart from extrabiblical standards are applied brings some truth despite deception.
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