“By what authority do you speak?”
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On the daily, as I engage folks in conversation, we inevitably hit on religious, moral, and social issues. As the discussion escalates, I’ve learned firsthand to quickly ask them things like, “Where did you get that from?” and, “Who told you that?” and, “By what authority do you speak?” The best answers they usually give me are, “Just my personal opinion,” or, “Just my personal feelings,” or, “Just my personal experiences,” and, “I read it on social media.” (Sigh) My tactic of highlighting their reference sets them up for a “1-2 Punch!” Jesus was confronted in a similar fashion by the people of his day. “And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, ‘By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?'” (Mt 21:23) To further illustrate, I had a conversation with a young man in the prison. He insisted that humans were animals, so I asked, “Where did you get that? What is your reference? By what authority to you speak?” Beloved, it’s crucial that you wield the power of God’s Word! Not your personal opinions, feelings, and experiences! Not what you read on social media! But the Word of God! The Bible answers every religious, moral, and social issue we face today. The Bible instructs us to “use God’s mighty weapons, not those made by men, to knock down the devil’s strongholds. These weapons can break down every proud argument against God and every wall that can be built to keep men from finding him. With these weapons we can capture rebels and bring them back to God and change them into men whose hearts’ desire is obedience to Christ.” (2Cor 10:4-5 TLB) To handle the Word of God requires maturity. Christians have to grow up! Hebrews 5:11-14 reads, “There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen. (vs.12) You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. (vs.13) For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. (vs.14) Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.” (Read “Got milk?”) We’re called to have our senses trained to discern good from evil. The Greek word for discern is dia-krisis. It means to be able to act at a crisis — to have the ability to distinguish, to conclude, to determine, to decide, and to judge. Honestly, can you recognize good from evil? Or do you rely more on your personal feelings, opinions, and experiences, rather than God’s Word? Be honest with yourself, are you more opinion-based than word-based? Over the years, I’ve developed three charts of the most common challenges Christians face today. (See images below) Categorized into 101, 201, and 301 objections and arguments, the first two charts represent external struggles and confrontations, while the third chart represents internal struggles. Examine these charts. Honestly grade yourself. Do you know what the bible says about each of these issues? The degree to which you are unable to use the words of God to address these issues is the degree to which you are still on milk. How long have you been a Christian? Why would any Christian remain on milk? I’ll leave you with this. “Presently, by what authority do you speak?” |
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Personal testimony from JT Bailey about being trained to use the Word of God:“As Tiffany and were reviewing our wedding plans, she mentioned that the generous lady who’s letting us use her land for our ceremony knew of a hair stylist who would do all of the bridesmaids hair for free. One thing led to another and Tiffany mentioned to me that he is a homosexual. (All heard was “gay male”.) Initially, was very ignorant and blurted, “Heck no! I’m not having him in any part of our wedding. I’ll pay for t myself!” Tiffany didn’t understand where my conviction was coming from, and didn’t understand her lack of biblical understanding as far as homosexuality is concerned. (She’s a relatively new believer and is learning and growing rapidly.) We debated about why this man should, or should not be, in any part of our wedding ceremony. Tiffany said things like, “t’s his life and he should be able to do what he wants,” and, “It’s not my place to tell him he’s wrong,” and, “We’re not suppose to judge,” and, “We think homosexuals can change, but they just can’t.” was confused. was confident on biblical responses to her statements (only because of Fix bayonets with Pastor Nick). t took a second for me to realize that even as wonderful and amazing as Tiffany is, she doesn’t have all the right answers all the time. She needs to be taught the same things ‘ve recently been taught. The best way knew how was to role-play. Tiffany would act as the man and would be myself. went on to explain why God calls us to judge and judge correctly (Jn 7:24), how God designed men and women to be together in marriage, how homosexuality is a sin (1Cor 6:9, 7:2), how we are commanded to share the gospel and make the most of every opportunity God gives us (Mk 16:15; Col 4:5), and that we are to share even when we might look like fools and are afraid (Col. 4:5, 2Tim 4:2-5). Also, if we choose to obey sin, we become slaves, think sinful thoughts, and get stuck. But if we obey God we can be righteous and think things that please God. (Rom.6:16-17, 8:2-9). The only reason was able to make the most of that opportunity was because have been challenged every Saturday and Monday night for the past 2 months here in Okinawa by Pastor Nick’s Fix bayonets and Read the New Testament in 40 Days Challenge. Thanks be to God for how receptive and humble Tiffany was. She is such a beautiful, awesome woman and ‘m so glad that get to share God’s truth with her, and be the HusBand (house-band) for our family.” |
Agree with us in Prayer:a. The Anti-US Base protesters have increased their efforts to force us out of the building. I am supposed to comply with a double in rent costs (from $700 to $1300) by December, or they will take me to Japanese court. Pray for us as I negotiate this matter. b. We’re still transitioning from SOFA to Religious Visa. The Japanese DMV requires that I prove I actually drove on my US license in the States for a consecutive ninety day period. (More difficult than it sounds.) c. For the Brig/Prison: I continue to ask God for all the souls in the Brig… even the Guards. Pray for the inmates, guards, and their families. Bind up spirits of bitterness, unforgiveness, shame, condemnation, and pride. And loose a spirit of salvation, discipleship, forgiveness, exposure, healing, deliverance, peace, and restoration! d. For continued increase at ZCDC (Churchplant). Pray for mature, qualified families and permanent personnel to co-labor with us in the northern-most, remote area of Okinawa. e. For Zebulun Worship Team. We need Leaders, Singers, and Musicians. f. For our Believers, that they walk in increased discernment, wisdom, maturity, power, and that they are properly discipled, and that they bear much Kingdom fruit! g. Pray against retaliatory, unclean spirits (on base and off base). Bind up demonic spirits of lust, division, strife, envy, competition, and fear. And loose a spirit of unity, peace, love, and faith among Believers. h. For our current schedule, i.e. finances, resources, wisdom, strategies, and strength: |
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— Our Mission & Vision —“Gather Sheep & Convert Goats!”“Catch, Clean, & Release!” |