Repent, Body Of Christ!
I have a friend in England, John, who I’ve never met. He has been a true encouragement to me as I have sought to align myself with God’s will and purposes, and sought to share vital issues and truth with the Body worldwide.
I am going to link to his latest post. This is the first time I’m linking to another blog-post since I began Endtime Disciples on September 18, 2008.
There is such a profound need of repentance within the Body of Christ, both on a personal and a corporate level, and John’s latest post speaks loudly and clearly to my heart on this matter.
I have been practically consumed in recent days with the weight of the mess we now see in the world, and more importantly, the weight of the mess within the Church and individual believers’ lives.
And let me be clear… it is not just certain people or segments of the Body who need to be repenting, although it would be easy to believe that lie and point a finger. No; it is all of us. Consider that even the prophet Daniel, when he prayed his prayers of confession, included himself as being a partaker of the sins of the people.
I hope and ask that any and all readers who come to this blog will click on the link below and read John’s post, called “Sorrow of a Wasted Life”, and allow the Spirit of God to move upon your heart and lead you to brokenness and godly repentance. I truly fear for all those who refuse to see reality and allow the Lord to deal with them on this critical issue.
Luke 13: 1 There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? 3 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.”
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Apostasy or Discipleship; Writings; Peace or Sword?; Rest
Dear Gene,
Thanks for the link to John’s post.
I don’t know how one could not read John’s cry through this post and not want to cry out because of their wretchedness.
I just shared with a co-worker yesterday how I am being challenged to speak up more and stop allowing my fear of man control me – - this was brought out through repentance of my pitiful condition – - by which I give God lip-service and do not follow through – do not totally submit to Him. I HATE IT!
I do not need to look very far to know how pathetic a believer’s walk can be – in the mirror is as far as I have to go. And no, this is not self-pity, this is just plain fact – a fact that I can only hope and pray to my Father to rid me of…self and the love for the world – must go!… if I am truly going to serve Him – to love Him. Yes, undone I am – - and I hope to stay this way as long I am not totally submitted.
Yes, may I find contentment in the truth of Christ, but may I never find contentment in my “wasted life” …a life that has yet to be totally surrendered to Him.
Gene,
Thanks for that link. I left a comment on Johns Blog about the article.
Increasingly it seems to me there is a Holy Spirit lead repentance happening in many lives of the faithful, the world over. Whether you are in UK, US or Aus, and also amongst a few of my local Christian brothers, increasingly the message is coming through “all is not well. I think we are in trouble, we need to get on our faces”
Ezekiel chapter 9 is probably a good reference point.
Tim.
Sherry and Tim,
I believe the sooner we all see what crudballs we truly are, the sooner we may lay hold of the way of escape that God has already provided… partaking in the death, burial, resurrection, ascension and enthronement of Christ.
I believe it’s time for multitudes, including me, to quit striving and start believing and resting.
Tim, I notice you didn’t mention Viet Nam in your list of places where the message is coming through (imagine a smiley-face here).
Geno,
You say “I believe it’s time for multitudes, including me, to quit striving and start believing and resting”
I hear that, and I think about it, but mate to be honest I’m not sure I know how to do it, what it looks like. Striving seems to be all I know for now.
Thoughts appreciated.
Tim
Battles are won in a state of rest. It is how believers will succeed in the times ahead. If you find yourself struggling even today, then it is time to rest. God will get the glory.
The Israelites were told to walk around Jericho for seven days. Seven is the number of rest. On the seventh day it was intensified. The hotter the battle the more we must rest in the awesome knowledge that God is in control. He began the work and will complete it, in His time not ours.
This concept of rest will go against what we are taught in the world and also in church. A case for practicality is always raised. But God is not interested in us being practical. He wants us to believe His word and obey it, without wavering or doubting.
That is how mountains are cast into seas, lame men walk and dumb talk. When we struggle, we kill the gift, we kill the promise. So we must all learn to rest, then rest some more and give God all the glory and praise.
Nerissa and Tim,
God is amazing.
I was almost finished writing a response to Tim, when I saw Nerissa’s comment come through on email. Here’s what I had written:
“Tim,
I feel a post a-brewing about this. That’s all I can say for the moment.
I think the answers are formulating in my old brain. The key, though… and it’s a BIG one… is to make application once you have truth, and not just sit and have interesting conversations about it.
The answer surely lies in the realm of resting in the completed works of God. I hope to be able to flesh this out in a post, but, as mentioned already, there can be a big gap between understanding and applying.”
Geno,
I know you’ve heard this from me many times, but I’ll tell you again, like I always do…I am so very thankful to the Lord for you—and you know all the reasons. I’m also thankful for your blog, it’s been a blessing, not only from the Lords hands through you, but also through the comments left here, and the links to the other blogs, like John’s, Tim’s and Jesse’s . I have far to go and much to learn, but I will not go very far unless I become fully and completely broken. I want to be like Jesus, and sometimes I just can’t grasp the full scope of all that means. Seems I am always striving.
Thank you so much for posting Johns link on your blog. His words ring deep and true in my own spirit, I’ve read it over and over. You know from our endless conversations how the Lord has been dealing with me regarding repentance in the body, both personally and corporately. I’ve been sitting here, crying for hours, realizing what a wretch I really am, my utter stubbornness to dying to myself. Even though I say I love the Lord with all my heart I fail, time and time again. I see how easy it is to pick up my own agenda, and try to make my own path.
I read Tim’s comment on Heartcry. I believe he is right, all is not well… we need to get on our faces. I did read Ezekiel 9, with much fear and trembling. Verse 6 brought another verse to mind… 1 Peter 4:17.
I am trembling, even now. Not only for the sake of myself . But for the sake of the others in the Body. For righteousness and repentance. Praying that eyes open, and many turn to true repentance.
I am praying for you, Gene. And for the others who post on your blog, who are giving their voices to the Lord. I’m praying you will all continue to be that voice in the wilderness, crying “Prepare Ye The Way of the LORD” I’m also praying that we all come to that place of total rest and abiding in Him.
Wow. What wonderful comments here on the topic of not striving. As Nerissa says
“Battles are won in a state of rest”
3 words of a hymn, which I cannot remember, or know any other words at this point and have been screaming around in my head for days now are “do not strive, do not strive”
Abiding.
It is the ’secret’ to our lives in Him. It is stepping from moving and being in ourselves and living in the flesh to living and moving in Him, having our being in Him – allowing Him to live through us and living in His Spirit. I am so in awe of The Lord and what He is revealing to us here.
Hold on to Him, this journey is going to deepen.
Oswald Chambers has a lot to say about abiding and that is how I am slowly learning with the Lord how to. I want to do a posting that has been on my mind for a bit on this soon.
I love you all with the love of the Lord
Brokenness takes out pride and brings for true healing and repentance! although it is a scary place to be in for some it is through looking at Jesus that He refines us through His grace and love.
Striving is tiresome.. but grace is resting
I read it, Wow, now that is Truth
John, Sherry, Tim, Nerissa, Cris, Jessie, Dee:
We all live in different places, yet I feel more like a family with you lunatics than I ever did with a “Church” family. You are all major blessings to me.
Lord, please get me personally connected with one or more of these guys, soon!
Gene, I have to say I agree with you 100%, I feel the family connection here more than I ever have in the confines of a church building. You are a blessing too Gene!
Amen, Getting there, Gene is certainly a great blessing too. I was sharing with my closest sister in the Lord today, the heart I have for you all, yet, not ever having met any of you. God draws us close, we have Him in us – that is why -” That they might be one as We are One”.
Yes, Gene is a blessing, along with all of you, for not only are Gene’s posts encouraging and rich in truth, the comments from each of you have surely been so refreshing to this heart of mine.
I cannot help but smile when I am able to get on this site…well, and sometimes cry.
May we all continue to seek God’s will in all we do.