If an LCG member were to announce to a minister that they had a vision from God that is guiding their decisions, the ministry would immediately look at them with suspicion and start imagining demon possession or rebellion.
As for "living by every word of God" not a single COG leader, evangelist, minister, elder, deacon or member has ever done so.
Seeking God’s Guidance: In the world today, it is common to want to “do your own thing.” Yet, the Bible records numerous and tragic results of this approach (Judges 21:25; Jeremiah 9:12–16). In the Scriptures we are admonished, “Seek the LORD while He may be found” (Isaiah 55:6). We are also told that God looks to those who are humble and teachable and “tremble at My word” (Isaiah 66:2). King David reflected this attitude when he wrote, “Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes.... Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:33, 105). Jesus emphasized this same theme when He instructed His disciples to “live by... every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). One of the important lessons of life is that if we desire to succeed, we must learn to seek God’s guidance in the decisions that we make—and be alert to what He shows us.
Have a profitable Sabbath, Douglas S. Winnail
3 comments:
It is interesting to me that this minister uses the word 'profitable' in his closing. This tells me that money is always on his mind. One would think that the word 'fruitful' would be more appropriate.
In addition, the Bible directs us to seek Elohim and not a man posing that he stands in place of Yahweh and has the answers that we seek.
While I am not a fan of Doug Winnail. Doug is using the word profitable to mean to profit spiritually. If we have a profitable sabbath, then we are profiting or increasing in spiritual matters thru Gods word. Yes he could use another word but it’s not about money. So I support his use of the term. Don’t nic pic him
Doug wrote: "...Seeking God’s Guidance: In the world today, it is common to want to “do your own thing.” Yet, the Bible records numerous and tragic results of this approach…In the Scriptures we are admonished, “Seek the LORD while He may be found” (Isaiah 55:6)…One of the important lessons of life is that if we desire to succeed, we must learn to seek God’s guidance in the decisions that we make—and be alert to what He shows us..."
******
Well, Doug, like the rest of us, is guilty of “doing your own thing” (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25) more times than he/we admit. Who does not “do your own thing?” And why might that be? “O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” Jer 10:23
Why is it that the “living” members’ behavior rarely meet Doug's expectations? Do they not know Doug’s God/LORD like Doug does? Which God does Doug have in mind? Some (e.g. the United Ass.; living group too?) think Jesus is the God of the Old Testament. Doug, which God do you have in mind? The One HWA taught you?
Jesus told us: "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." John 17:3 AND "O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee:..." John 17:25
But, Doug, seeking God…the LORD? How do/did you know that the God/LORD can be found, especially in light of the following verses?
Psalm 14:2 “The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.
:3 They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.”
Well, how then does one seek that guidance? Do those verses mean what they say? Are Doug and his followers an exception?
But, that was Old Testament: what about the New?
Romans 3:10 “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
:11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
:12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.”
Doug, how do you get around those verses? Is there any room, somehow, for grace? Does Doug think he, of and by himself, can just go out and find God, somehow overcome, and do good, and seek God’s guidance?
Isaiah has the answer, and it follows the verse Doug cited:
Isaiah 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
But who does Doug acknowledge as that God/LORD? After all, isn't it idolatry to put anything, or anyone, in place of the only true God?
Time will tell…
John
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