Looking into 2014

So here are a couple of thoughts I've had that have followed me into 2014 and what I feel will mark most of my thoughts and discussions this year. I have more thoughts but these are the first ones on my mind and I wanted to go ahead and put them out there. 

   “Discernment” ministries.

I’ll be honest and say that there are plenty of ministries and preachers that I don’t agree with. I use to like finding different ministries that said this person was wrong and was a “false” prophet. But it doesn't take much these days to be a “wolf” apparently. Most of what I've read lately is disagreement over secondary issues. I've heard my Pastor say it doesn't matter if you are post-tribulation or pre-tribulation what matters if we know the Grace of God and are we making that grace known. Even though I believe we must contend for the faith there are people who are out there making shots at many well-meaning ministers who love Jesus and desire for people to come to the truth. I just wonder if those people are actually out doing the work of the Lord (making disciples) or do they just invest their time in shooting people down?

   The Spirit doesn't have to be weird to be Powerful.

I’m reading a book right now about discipleship. I wasn't sure if I wanted to buy the book, so I just flipped through it looking to see how I felt about it. My eye happened to catch a portion about the Holy Spirit and here is the quote that made me smile, “I’m discovering that most of the time the power of the Spirit is subtle, not showy.” (Gospel Centered Discipleship, Jonathan Dodson).  At times I seem conflicted because I consider myself a charismatic Christian, but many times feel very disheartened by what happens among many charismatic groups. I always leave saying “Why is that not the Holy Spirit I know?” The scriptures tell us that that Holy Spirit will testify about Christ and will always point to Christ. Instead a man or manifestation is made the focus, they won’t admit it but it’s true. If you don’t understand what I’m talking about then you’re probably better off that way.

   The Gospel

I've discovered that so many people have had bad experiences with the Church because they really have never heard the Gospel. I mean they've heard of Jesus but what they heard was if you can do all the right things then God will take you to heaven. That is not true, while God’s heart is for us to live holy and righteous lives; He does it in us by His power via His Spirit. Many people are stuck in this idea that they need to conform themselves to God’s standards where what is closer to the truth is that God wants to TRANSFORM us into the image of Jesus. One emphasizes your ability, the latter emphasizes God’s ability AND responsibility. I've come to realize this year that the Gospel needs to be preached to those not just outside but INSIDE the Church. That those sitting in your pews and in your small groups need the gospel preached to them.