Renewing the Mind (Party 1)

RENEWING THE MIND

I. Representative Biblical references

A. Attitudes of mind that need to be renewed
Rom. 1:28 - "a depraved mind, to do things which are not proper"
Rom. 8:5,7 - "mind set on the flesh" *
Rom. 12:16 - "haughty in mind" *
II Cor. 4:4 - "blinded the minds of unbelieving"
II Cor. 11:3 - "minds led astray from simplicity and purity to Christ" *
Eph. 2:3 - "the desires of the flesh and of the mind"
Eph. 4:17 - "the futility of their mind" *
Phil. 3:19 - "set their minds on earthly things" *
Col. 1:21 - "alienated and hostile in mind"
Col. 2:18 - "inflated without cause by a fleshly mind" *
Titus 1:15 - "their mind and their conscience are defiled" *


B. Calls for renewal
Rom. 12:2 - "be transformed by the renewing of your mind" *
II Cor. 4:16 - "our inner man is being renewed day by day" *
Eph. 4:23 - "be renewed in the spirit of your mind" *
Col. 3:10 - "the new man is being renewed to a true knowledge..." *
Titus 3:5 - "renewing by the Holy Spirit"


C. Attitudes of a renewed mind
Isa. 26:3 - "the steadfast of mind Thou wilt keep in perfect peace"
Jere. 17:10 - "I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind"
Jere. 20:12 - "The Lord who seest the mind and the heart"
Matt. 22:37 - "Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength" *
Rom. 14:5 - "let each man be fully convinced in his own mind" *
I Cor. 2:16 - "we have the mind of Christ"
Phil. 2:5 - "have this mind in you which was also in Christ Jesus" *
Phil. 4:8 - "whatever is true, right, pure...let your mind dwell on these..." *
Col. 3:2 - "set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth" *
Heb. 8:10; 10:16 - "I will put my laws into their minds"
I Pet. 1:13 - "gird your minds for action" *
Rev. 2:23 - "I am He who searches the minds and hearts"

Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine

Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine

Today's message features two hard sayings, of the Lord. They are "hard" because they offend the beliefs of thinned skin postmodernist. Since they are difficult for "post moderns" to hear, many can be easily taken back by their abrupt and coarse intimations. Here is the "offending verse:

Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces." (Mat 7:6)

The postmodern view: You're not supposed to use name calling in a highly evolved society such as ours. This notion, though not wrong in itself, has become a rather excessively applied norm in our times and also misses the point in terms of this passage.

Here we have Jesus calling certain (un-named) people dogs and swine! Our society demands explanation in times like these of such horrible words coming forth from the sinless Lord Jesus.

One of the reasons people are so easily offended in our modern age is, they lack understanding, to a great extent, of simile and metaphor.

A simile is a figure of speech comparing two unlike things and normally includes words such as "like" and "as." For example: "He is as swift and strong as a horse!" Similes have the two ideas remain distinct in spite of their similarities.

Metaphors compare two things without using "like" or "as". For example, "He's a real work-horse!" Metaphors are usually more forceful than similes since the distinction intended between the compared things is often ambiguous. For example if I were to observe someone doing something mean or cruel I might say, "Wow, what a dog!" Now the expression does not mean I have gone blind and think that this person is actually a dog. I mean that he is manifesting qualities of a (wild or mean) dog. However, just how distinct he is from an actual dog is left open to interpretation. But for the record, I am NOT saying he is a dog.
The point here is that some appreciation for the nuances of language and the art of comparison are necessary as we negotiate life's road.

Examining what the Lord says - as we examine the Lord's "offensive" sayings here, let's look at them both in terms of their historical root and then to what is being taught.

1. First of all let's be clear that the Jewish people were not indicating positive traits when they used the term dog or swine to refer to someone.

Dogs in the ancient world were not the pets of today. They were wild animals and ran in packs.

Pigs were unclean animals and something no Jew would ever touch, let alone eat. These are strong metaphors indicating significant aversion to some aspect of the person.

2. Do not give what is holy to dogs- This was a Jewish saying that was rooted in tradition. Some of the meat that had been sacrificed to God in the Temple could be eaten by humans, especially the Levites. Never was it to be thrown to dogs or other animals to eat. If it was not eaten by humans it was to be burned. Hence holy and sanctified meat was not to be thrown to dogs because it was holy.

3. [Do not] throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot - Pearls were an image for wisdom in the Old Testament. Now the point here is that Pigs valued nothing they could not eat. Pearls could not be eaten, if they were placed before pigs they would sniff them, determine they were not food, and simply trample them underfoot.

4. So what is being said? Sacred matters, sacred things, wisdom and participation in sacred things should not be easily offered to those who are incapable of appreciating them. There are those who despise what we call holy. There is little that can be done in such cases except deny them the pleasure of tearing apart holy things or trampling them underfoot.
Jesus is saying that some people are like dogs who tear apart sacred things and have no concept of their holiness. Some people are like pigs who do not appreciate anything they cannot eat or use for their pleasure. They simply trample under foot anything that does not please them or make sense to them in the same way that pigs would trample pearls underfoot or dogs irreverently tear apart blessed food dedicated to God.

Further, there are some who, though not hostile, are ignorant of sacred realities. They do not perhaps intend offense but it is necessary that they should be taught and then instructed on deeper mysteries.
The Lord is indicating that holy things are to be shared in appropriate ways with those who are able to appreciate them. It is usually necessary to be led into the Holy and just walk for the unprepared or unappreciative.

Careful instruction and gradual introduction to sacred truth is necessary before sharing something so holy. Even the unintentional trampling underfoot of sacred realities through simple ignorance was to be strictly avoided.

To be sure, these were historically difficult times for the Church and persecution was common. The Lord's warning to protect the holy things was not just that they might be trampled underfoot, but also that those who were like unto wild dogs and swine might not turn and tear you to pieces (Mat 7:6).

Does this information serve the 21 century church? I propose that today people are just as they were in the first century church if not worse. Criticisms easily abound for things that are not understood. Scripture comes under the scrutiny of "Human Wisdom" today perhaps more than it ever has. Those claiming to be wise deny the simple truths of Gods word and deny Him right to rule over their destinies because of their Spiritual blindness.

That being said, our Lord's instruction still applies to the 21 century church. Some things just never change.

Double for your Trouble

Many people have been asking me what the Lord is saying concerning 2009. Friends, the question itself is an indictment against those who ask it.

Remember what is said in Matthew 6:31-34 (NLT) 31 �So don�t worry about these things, saying, �What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?� 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. 34 �So don�t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today�s trouble is enough for today.

All whose eyes are upon the world which passes away and not the Kingdom which goes on forever, must repent of their sin of unbelief and return to the immutable Word of the Lord, have their faith restored and do their first works again according to holy scripture.

Anxious and fearful hearts are keeping God's people from receiving the blessings of God's faithfulness and is keeping them in total darkness and alienated from the life of God. Such double mindedness renders their faith ineffective and they cannot receive anything from God.

Having said that, I went into a Fast just before Thanksgiving. I asked the Lord to to forgive His people of their unbelief and to speak His heart and reveal His mind for those who were His chosen. I knew He would speak specifically to the times and give instruction in righteousness as He always does.

Now these are the events that happened during and after the fast:

The first night of the fast:
I was instructed of the Lord to buy golden ink pens for all of those who were around me and around my wife. These were to be personalized pen and pencil sets with each of their names inscribed on the barrel of each pen and pencil. The next day in the mail I received my Sam's club bill. Attached to the envelope of the bill was an ad for just such a pen and pencil set in 24 karat gold.

Busily I typed out a list of names of all the adults in our Church and all the co-workers at Sheila's office. Altogether there were forty names. I called the printing company and ordered the pens by way of fax.

On the second day of the Fast:
The Lord gave me scripture passages from Revelation and from Psalms.

Revelation 3:18-22 (KJV) 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Psalms 34:17 (NLT) The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.

Now on the third day of the Fast:
The Lord said to all who are the chosen according to My purpose: "I am going to give to my faithful ones double for all their troubles. I will restore to those who are faithful and to those who seek me double what they have lost and double that which was stolen from them in previous years." He also said: "As for those who forsook Him and followed their own pernicious ways that there was going to be double the troubles of previous years in order to bring them inline with His will.

Another scripture given on the third day of the Fast:
Exodus 22:7 (NLT) �Suppose someone leaves money or goods with a neighbor for safekeeping, and they are stolen from the neighbor�s house. If the thief is caught, the compensation is double the value of what was stolen.

THE CONFIRMATIONS WHICH FOLLOWED:

After hearing this word from the Lord I broke fast. That afternoon the Pen Company called me and told me they had made a mistake with my order and that they had sent me a double order, but that I would only be charged for one set.

On Thanksgiving day my family was coming to visit and I had ordered Turkey, dressing and beans for about 40 people. I told the Restaurant that was preparing the food that I was going to have to have a duplicate order for my Church family on the following Sunday. When we went to pick up the meal for that Sunday. The proprietor said that the meal was already paid for. That was food for eighty people folks and I was charged only for one order.

I had also ordered a coconut creme pie for Thanksgiving from a lady who was raising money for her chemo treatments. She had breast cancer so a nurse in our church fellowship was taking the orders for cakes and pies for her. When the nurse brought the pies to my house, she said that the lady had purchased too much pie filling and had an extra shell and so she felt she should make me two pies for the price of one.

Also, on Sunday a lady who didn't have a lot to give came to church and placed two checks in the collection plates and testified before the congregation that she was told of the Lord to give twice what she normally gave in tithes and offerings. She did this without knowing what the Lord had said to me earlier that week.

The following Tuesday, a lady came to my office for family counseling. The Lord spoke through me to her, that she had known the Lord and had backslidden by holding on to cares instead of casting them upon the Lord. She confessed it was so and repented. As she was leaving my office a double rainbow appeared in the sky just outside of our home. She was astonished. GOD SPOKE TO HER CLEARLY ! She said to me in front of my home: "He really does care for me!" with tears in her eyes she shoved a check in my hand and it was twice the amount the session would have been.

The new year has not started yet but the confirmations have been many and are still happening. The Lord said that this blessing was transferable to all who heard and believed. We share this with you in obedience to the Lord and I know that those who seek and obey the Lord will receive double for their troubles in the year to come.

May each of you Be Doubly Blessed,
Ron & Sheila Powell
December 27 2008

The Good Fight of Faith, a word of encouragement from the Lord

1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

The Lord says:
Trust Me with the issues that produce oppression and hopelessness. Certainly if there was anything that you could do to fix it, you would have done so. The only thing left for you to do is release it to Me, says the Lord. And, in order to do that, you must let go once and for all and move past this point of despair and victimization. That is the only road to recovery and victory.

Leave the past behind and move forward into the realm of hope and a new beginning. I call you to shake off the mantle of rejection and disappointment and fear. And, I hear you saying, "I am too wounded and tired to go on. I will go back." But, I say to you, what will you go back to? Where will you go? And, what will you do that will produce contentment apart from Me?

Your choice to not go on will only produce spiritual darkness and death. If you will seek My face at this time in your life, renew your hope and faith, then light will come with freedom and rejoicing, says the Lord.

Rise up and fight the despair and darkness that threaten to engulf you. Beloved, regardless of your circumstances you must trust Me, says the Lord. There is no help apart from Me and no wisdom apart from My Spirit. Seek Me with a whole heart and allow Me to direct your steps as you progress.

The enemy is seeking to establish hindrances that will cause you to get stuck right here, but you must not be afraid. Rather, believe in Me, and allow Me to make a way where there seems to be no way.

I will bring you through this despairing in great triumphant and victory. Remember that nothing is impossible with Me, says the Lord. Trust Me to give you wisdom and direct your steps in such a way that you will cooperate with Me whether you know it or not. I am with you to bring you through these difficult days.

philosophers and great reasoners

I warn you, beware of philosophers and great reasoners. They will always be a snare to you, and will do you more harm than you will know how to do them good. They linger and pine away in discussing exterior trifles, and never reach the knowledge of the truth. Their curiosity is an insatiable spiritual avarice. They are like those conquerors who ravage world without possessing it.

American Christianity?

I have served the Lord for over four decades. That is not to say that I have done it perfectly, but I have maintained a daily relationship and study the Bible as often as I can. I also try to put into practice all I have learned from God's Word, yet none of this makes me an acceptable Christian.

In America, we are taught to be self made successes. When we try to apply this same principle to our faith it just does not work.

God accepts Christ work as complete and accepts no man upon his on merits or righteousness. John 14 teaches Christ Jesus is the way the truth and the life and the only way to the Father God. Truth is we cannot earn what is freely given.

Earned Salvation? Then why does the American Church teach acceptance based on our performances? Just a Question! What do you think?