You Get To Make Up Your Own Mind

You get to make up your own mind about what you believe regarding God, but only to the degree that you read and develop your relationship with the Bible through the Holy Spirit. At some point in your growth process, assuming you have a growth process in place, as you do this, you will be able to filter everything that you've ever been taught or read in other books through the word of God; and it is when these habits are in place that you get to and should make up your own mind about what you believe about the bible and what it states about God and everything else it discusses. 

Why do a shorty-sporty message about this podcast preacher. Well because in these end days division and deception will be the factors that will without a doubt be in play. Eventually, that is in the very near future, many who once believed in God will abandon the faith, and then try and convince other Christians to abandon their faith because as the saying goes misery loves company. 

Pro 6:19 – in part it states, “A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.”

Why does God hate division? Because it works. people can be led astray by several methods but I assure you it is always by people one way or the other who are not following the precepts of God:

2 Chron 21:11 - Moreover he made high places in the mountains of Judah, and caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit harlotry, and led Judah astray.

Pro 20:1 - Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise.

Jer 50:6 - “My people have been lost sheep. Their shepherds (that is some pastors of the day) have led them astray; They have turned them away on the mountains. They have gone from mountain to hill; They have forgotten their resting place.

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SPEAKER_00 0:14

Hello, this is Ken, your podcast preacher. Welcome back to my podcast, Deep Waters. This podcast is brought to you by Applied Strengths Ministry, where we believe working together in our strengths is the effect of working out the will and calling of God in it through our lives. Thanks for joining me. Let's open up in prayer. Blessed be the God and Father of your Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed you with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. Just as he chose you and him before the foundation of the world, that you should be holy and without blame before him and love, having predestined you to adopt him as a son of our Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, which he purposed in himself, to the praise of the glory of his grace, by which he made you accepted in the beloved. In him ye have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace which he made to abound for you in all wisdom and prudence, having made known to you the mystery of his will, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the time, he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth in him. I ask that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, and the knowledge of the mystery of him, to the deepest knowledge of him that you are willing and able to receive, that the eyes of your understanding would be open wider, and that you would be enlightened to who he is, that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what are the riches of the glory of his inheritance in you, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power towards you who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, that he would grant that you would be strengthened with might through his spirit in the inner man, and through your spirit and heart, consistently walking in the spirit, so that you would be able to stand against the appetites of your flesh, the corrupted spirit of this world, the devil and his demons, and any and all fleshly desires and temptations. I pray that your love may abound more and more in all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be real about your Christianity, and unoffendable until the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness, love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, which are by Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit to the glory and praise of God. I ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will and all wisdom and spiritual understanding, that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing him, being fruitful in every good work, strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, giving thanks to the Father who has qualified you to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints who walk by the Spirit and in the light. I pray that your hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love and unity, and that you would attain to all the riches of the full assurance of understanding, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which has been given to each of my listeners by Christ Jesus, that you are enriched in everything by him, in all utterance and all knowledge, so that you do not come short in obtaining or operating in your calling and purpose, nor in using any spiritual gifts or talents to perform mighty miracle signs and wonders, and that we would do the greater works of Jesus yet to be accomplished, that we would be found eagerly waiting for the continued revelation of our Lord Jesus, who will confirm you to the end, that you would be blameless in the near coming of the day of our Lord. God is faithful by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son Jesus. Okay, so now therefore, my sisters and brothers in Christ, when things get tough, think about whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and whatever things are of a good report. If there is any virtue or if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things alone. I pray that in these very end of end time days that you would let your love be without hypocrisy. Show people your faith by your works and service and love. Hate and loathe what is evil, cling to what is good and righteous, be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor, giving preference to one another, not lagging in diligence, fervent and fully engulfed in spiritual fire, serving the Lord, rejoicing in hope, walking in the peace of God, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer, distributing to the needs of the saints, that is each other, and that you would be given the hospitality. May the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like minded towards one another, according to Christ Jesus, that we learn to be of one mind and one accord, striving to get along no matter what disagreements we may encounter, operating completely and fully in love, always striving for the working out of God's specific will for each of our lives, while working in partnership with each other within the church and the Holy Spirit, as he manifests his miracle signs and wonders through the daily activities of our ministry and kingdom work. And while we also go out preaching the gospel in the word and deed, let us love and serve one another, our enemy, and those who wouldn't expect us to do so, considering each person better than ourselves. Find up any words or thoughts that are contrary to the love of God or which would set you back in your Christian walk. Guard your hearts from anything that would hinder the growth of your character. Never forget that you can do all things in Christ, and never forget this means all things. Now step out in faith today and walk with God and with each other, being assured that nothing will separate you from Him, as long as you abide in Him. Call those things that don't exist as though they do. Remember the faith of God, of which we have, created the universe by the Rama and Logos Word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. All you need for this life is invisible until you apply your faith to receive it. But make sure you make your request known to God without fear, doubting, or unbelief. Always remember he that is in you is greater than he that is in the world. Be more than a conqueror today, submitting to the will of God and everything. Always remember that you can do all things through Christ who will strengthen you this very day today. Let each of us express uncompromising love towards one another and humility while maintaining a teachable spirit, seeking to grow no matter how much it challenges our current thinking. I pray that God will give you the revelation within this message that he intends you to receive with the understanding. Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory in majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. In Jesus' name we pray, amen. The title of this message is You get to make up your own mind. You get to make up your own mind about what you believe regarding God, but only to the degree that you read and develop your relationship with the Bible through the Holy Spirit. At some point in your growth process, assuming you have a growth process in place, as you do this, you will be able to filter everything that you've ever been taught or read in other books through the Word of God. And it is when these habits are in place that you get to and should make up your own mind about what you believe about the Bible and what it states about God and everything else it discusses. Why do a shorty sporty message about this podcast, preacher? Well, because in these end days, division and deception will be the factors that will, without a doubt, be in play. Eventually, that is, in the very near future, many who once believed in God will abandon the faith, and then try to convince other Christians to abandon their faith, because as the saying goes, misery loves company. Proverbs six hundred nineteen in part it states a false witness who speaks lies and one who sows discord among the brethren. Why does God hate division? Because it works. People can be led astray by several methods, but I assure you it's always by people one way or the other who are not following the precepts of God. Second Chronicles twenty one eleven. Moreover he made high places in the mountains of Judah, and caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit harlotry, and led Judah astray. Proverbs twenty one. Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. Jeremiah fifty six. My people have been lost sheep. Their shepherds, that is some pastors of the day, have led them astray, they have turned them away on the mountains, they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their resting place. The resting place is in Christ, of course. This could be believers who haven't yet matured, and one of the things that happens in this case is that they read a couple of books in the Bible, and believe that they have the absolute understanding of what these books state and mean. I was this person, and scriptures that define me at the time stated the following Proverbs twelve two also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge. As he sins who hastens with his feet two for I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. Testing, correcting, knowledge, discipleship, and actively being equipped for the work of ministry should be the criteria before anyone is released into the ministry Matthew twenty eight nineteen and Ephesians four eleven through sixteen. Those scriptures tell you how to do it, and the purpose of it. Let's break down some of these elements. Testing James one two through three tells believers to be joyful when facing troubles because the testing of faith builds strong patience. Deuteronomy eight two recalls how God led the Israelites through the desert to humble and test them to see if they would obey. Psalm sixty six ten states that God tests and refines people just like silver is cleaned by fire. Explains that difficult times prove faith is genuine, much like fire tests and purifies gold. But let these also first be tested, then let them serve as deacons being found blameless. Correction Hebrews twelve five six. My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one that he loves. Proverbs three eleven through twelve. My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the Son He delights in. Revelation three hundred nineteen those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Job fifteen seventeen Blessed is the one whom God corrects, so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. Knowledge Proverbs two three tells you to cry out for insight and search for understanding like hidden silver, which leads to finding the knowledge of God. The key in that is searching for understanding. A lot of conflicts happen between Christians because they don't do that part. They don't search for understanding, and unfortunately many people fall into the gossip they may have heard one way or the other and then make a judgment. This always leads to error and even division. Proverbs one hundred seven states that respect and awe for the Lord is a starting point for true knowledge. Hosiah six three encourages you to press on to know the Lord just as certainly as the sun rises or the rain falls. Proverbs eighteen fifteen notes that a wise person keeps their ears open to learn and actively looks for knowledge, through understanding, of course. So those things help you to mature as a believer so that in time, when it is right for you, you can make up your own mind about what you believe in the Bible. I believe that doctrine is absolute, but outside of the non negotiables, there is flexibility and healthy discussions that we should be able to have without division or divisiveness. The non negotiable doctrines in Christianity, often summarized by historic creeds like the Nisine Creed, include the Trinity, one God and three persons, the deity and resurrection of Jesus Christ and salvation by grace. These core tenets separate Orthodox Christianity from other belief systems. The core doctrines The Trinity, God is one, existing eternally is three distinct persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Now this is, and of course, it is funny, as it is the first category of which popped up in my search, where I depart. I believe God is three parts, but shouldn't necessarily be defined as a Trinitarian God, Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, no more than I should be defined as a Trinitarian human, body, soul, and spirit. You see, God also has a body, soul, and spirit. So shouldn't we more accurately define him or label him as sixthinity? I did a message on that. What I believe right now and I have gone cover to cover in the Bible regarding my study of this Trinity thing, as well as I have read books and research regarding the Nisene Council and how they decided to come up with this description of God, and but yes, I could still be wrong. But I get to make up my own mind, and through my own ongoing and active relationship with God, if I am wrong, I will change my mind in an instant. I still believe in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. I just think that we may not fully understand how He is one God, but yet we define him as three. We don't see in eternity from earth the same way eternity sees in Earth. I have several messages in this subject, and if you are interested in a much more thorough definition and description of this particular point, you should dial in on them. Regarding doctrine of which I also did a message on, I chose to select three different sources to show that even in the non negotiables, we have our differences, and yet I say to you, you still get to make up your own mind. Now let's see if the other doctrinal positions apply. Google AI states the deity and humanity of Jesus, Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man, born of a virgin, and lives a sinless life. That's a doctrine, right? The resurrection, Jesus physically died on the cross for human sin and bodily rose from the dead on the third day. Salvation by grace. Salvation is a gift from God received through faith in Christ alone, not earned by human works. The authority of Scripture The Bible is the inspired, trustworthy rule of faith and practice, written by men through the power and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Another source comes from the site called Spiritual Sobriety. Their website is spiritual sobriety web dot com The Deity of Jesus Christ. Jesus is God, the virgin birth. Jesus was miraculously born of a virgin woman. The complete atonement, that the death and shed blood of the Lord Jesus paid for all sins, for all of humanity, for all time. There is no more sacrifice necessary. The key now is for an individual to accept his sacrifice by faith and apply it to their sin debt. The bodily resurrection, Jesus literally was resurrected from the dead in bodily form. He wasn't a ghost. The inerrancy of Scripture, the entire Bible was written by God and is without error. The authority of Scripture, that no other writing, teaching, or decree of man or angel can be added to or on an equal authority as the Bible, the deity and personhood of the Holy Spirit. He is a distinct personality and equal to God, not just a force. The return of Jesus, it will be both physical and visible, by all biblical indicators it will be soon. Okay, so I got this last section from Bible TV. The article was written by Mike Masolongo, or should I say that this sermon was preached by Mike? I'm going to preach the majority of his preach because I feel that too many of us don't know what makes a Christian able to stand when things get tough, and I assure you tough they will get. There is only one thing more dangerous than a human being controlled or motivated by Satan, and that is a human that knows his God and actively pursues him. The non negotiables. If I were to examine every non negotiable item in the Bible, it would take days to cover them. So I have chosen key issues that are especially under attack or being considered as negotiable in our day and culture. The first non negotiable, inspiration of the Bible. Paul says in Second Timothy three sixteen, in part, all scripture is inspired by God. Peter says in Second Peter two twenty one, for no prophecy was ever made by act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. Fulfill prophecy, historically accurate, divine quality. All of these come together to state clearly that the Bible is completely and totally inspired by God. Some may disagree, some may not believe, others may say that only certain parts are inspired, but no one can deny that the Bible itself says that it is written by God. What does this mean for us in practical terms? It means that regardless of the fads and social changes, we remain a New Testament church committed to doing Bible things in Bible ways. Now this doesn't exclude the Old Testament. It means that we don't add, subtract, or change anything from the Bible even if others do, or if it becomes convenient to do so. It means that our basic commitment is to know and obey everything the Bible teaches and commands, whether it be by giving us a direct command or an inspired example, or even a direction that leads us to a proper conclusion. The fact that the Bible is entirely God's word, and we are to be guided by it, and it alone qualifies this as a non negotiable. Another basic teaching that may try to trade away for popularity or peace, but must remain a non negotiable. Salvation is in Christ only. Jesus said there would be many false Christs, so we have to pay attention to this. Peter, in referring to Jesus in Acts four twelve, says, and there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved. Christianity is an exclusive religion according to the New Testament, meaning that there is no other match. The Jews who rejected Jesus Christ then and now as he is defined in the approved canon of the Bible are not saved, unless of course they get born again. The Muslims who reject Christ as he is defined in the approved canon of the Bible are not saved, unless they too get born again by Christ. The Buddhists who have rejected Christ as he is defined in the approved canon of the Bible are not saved. The Jehovah's Witnesses who reject Christ as he is defined in the approved canon of the Bible are not saved. The Hindus who reject Christ as he is defined in the approved canon of the Bible are not saved. The Mormons who reject Christ as he is defined in the approved canon of the Bible are also not saved. The unbelievers, fake believers, the make believers, the undecided defined in Joel, as though those standing in the valley of indecision, Joel three fourteen, the uncommitted, this category represents in part five of the ten virgins Matthew twenty five, one through thirteen. The false groups, not limited to, but in part represent the false antichrist, prophets, apostles, teachers, wolves in sheaves clothing, pastors who reject Christ, as he is defined in the approved canon of the Bible, are not saved, unless of course they get born again. Okay, so let's interrupt this message location to really take a look at what the church has been dealing with in its two thousand years of existence, and note that these types of peeps will only increase and in fact are already increasing, warning about false figures appearing through the New Testament, notably in Matthew 24, 24, regarding false Christs and 2 Corinthians 11, 13 through 15 regarding false apostles. False Christ and prophets, Matthew 24, 4 through 5. Jesus warns his disciples that many will come in his name claiming to be the Messiah, and that false Christs and false prophets will show great signs to deceive people. That also includes verse 24. Mark 13, 22 echoes the warning of false Christs and false prophets performing miracles to mislead believers, false apostles and workers. Second Corinthians eleven thirteen through fifteen. The Apostle Paul explicitly describes deceitful workers who transform themselves into false apostles of Christ, comparing them to Satan who disguises himself as an angel of light. Is it any wonder that when people describe aliens, they describe them as some source of light? Revelation two. The writer commends the church in Ephesus for testing those who claim to be apostles and finding them to be liars. False teachers and false prophets in the church. Matthew seven fifteen. Jesus warns to beware of false prophets who come in sheep's clothing, but are inwardly ravenous wolves. Second Peter two one, Peter notes that just as there were false prophets in the past, there will be false teachers, secretly bringing in destructive heresies. Okay, and but so that you are thoroughly prepared for these very days, allow me to also share this next bit of information so that you are aware that there is a mound of people who are not for you as a Christian. The instruction to avoid a professing Christian who lives in unrepentant sin is found in 1 Corinthians 5 11. The passage details book and verse 1 Corinthians 5 11 states But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister, but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler, do not even eat with such people. The target group, the rule applies specifically to someone who calls themselves a brother or sister, a fellow believer rather than people outside the faith. The action required, believers are told not to keep company or even eat with them, which in that culture was a sign of close fellowship and approval. Purpose of this boundary? Church purity to keep the local church community clean from harmful behavior, call to repentance, to show the person the seriousness of their actions so that they might turn away from sin. Okay, so back to the definition and explanation of the importance of knowing your Christian non negotiable doctrines. And at this point I would certainly add beliefs that bear only the truth of the Word of God. Mike goes on to say this is not a popular idea in the world of political correctness and relativity, where everyone is as good as everyone else, and so is your religion and your opinion. The practical aspects of Jesus' message is very clear and very harsh. Those who believe and are baptized are saved. Those who disbelieve or who would neglect to be baptized are not. He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved, but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. Mark 16, 16. We need to believe in Jesus as a Son of God, confess his name, repent of our sins, and be immersed in baptism in order to be saved. This is a non negotiable. This has always been the only way of salvation, and it will remain. Remain so until Jesus returns. There is only one true church. Jesus said, Upon this rock I will build my church Matthew sixteen eighteen. He didn't say a church, some church, he said my church. He didn't say my churches, one of many churches, he said my church. Singular. Paul said, There is one body and one spirit Ephesians four four. Just to be clear, and you have heard my messages regarding the denominational, non denominational conundrum before, but I have some new listeners that should know that I do not believe that God designed the church to be so separated. This church list is long, and I am including them not to judge or to criticize them, but to demonstrate that spiritual divorce has been going on a long time, and I don't believe personally that it was God's will that this ever happened. Major Christian denominations the Catholic Church sixty six million people, Southern Baptist Convention, sixteen point two million, United Methodist Church eight point two million. Now we know that church is also divided because some of those churches now marry men and men and women and women. Church of God in Christ five point four million members. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints five point four million Evangelical Lutheran Church in America five million, National Baptist Convention five million, National Baptist Convention of American, Black Baptist Convention three point five million, Presbyterian Church three point four million, Assemblies of God two point six million, additional large denominations, the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod two point five million, African Methodist Episcopal Church two point five million, National Missionary Baptist Convention of America two point five, Progressive National Baptist Convention two point five, The Episcopal Church two point three, Churches of Christ one point five, Greek Orthodox, Archdiocese of America one point five, Pentecostal Assemblies of the World one point five, American Baptist Churches USA one point five, American Methodist Episcopal Zion AME Zion Church, Historic Black Methodist Body with one point four million members. In the non denominational world we have the following the top twenty largest non denominational and independent mega churches in America, ranked by average weekly attendance include Life Church in Edmund, OK Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, and Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. Based on data from its list, such as the Outreach One Hundred, other leading nondenominational institutions, by attendance include Christ Church of the Valley, North Point Ministries, Crossroad Church, and Christ Fellowship Church, Saddleback Church and Southeast Christian Church, Eagle Brook Church and Fellowship Church, LCBC Church and Dream City Church, a Church of 1122, Lake Point Church, Central Church, Mariner's Church, Community Bible Church, Bayside Church, Elevation Church. And I'm not saying that these churches are going to hell, but that to demonstrate that the only reason they exist is doctrinal errors. We, in the simplest terms I know how to use, couldn't get along. And now there is at least one exception, which is that when the Roman Catholic Church got very sideways, killing up to a hundred million Christians, God raised up a Martin Luther in which he was looking for a discussion with this sideways church. But they did not want to talk with anyone about what they believed to be biblically correct. So the Protestant Church was born. Martin's followers, not he himself, started this move, and I believe it was inspired by Jesus, as he himself stated Matthew sixteen eighteen, I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it, or the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. It doesn't say churches, and for those who are strict literalists, I'm not saying that we can have only one church building or meeting place. Much love. Mike goes on to say, Paul and the other apostles describe the church that belongs to Jesus, and they work to establish that one body of which Christ was the head. Some say that the church of Christ think that they were the only ones going to heaven. We don't say that about ourselves. What we say is that the Bible describes only one church, and we are going to do everything we can to be that one church. It is for this reason that we don't approve of groups who call themselves churches but don't follow the New Testament in their teaching and practice, or religious organizations that try to replace the church, nor do we support or encourage movements to unify various denominations at the expense of biblical teachings, and this has been going on since about the nineteen forties, whereby the Catholic Church is trying to unite with the Protestant Church so that we have one church in the world. This is the easiest way for the Antichrist to control the narrative, and that narrative will exclude Jesus as the only way to the Father. All of these have sincere motives, proclaim Christ, do good, but are going about it the wrong way, using man made methods, organizations, and rules. When it comes to Christianity, the end does not justify the means. Anything not organized and operated according to the New Testament is not the church regardless of its motives or size. We associate with all kinds of people good and bad. Some like the focus on family organization we associate with to encourage their good works. Others we associate with to win their souls, but we only have fellowship with those who are in the body of Christ. I have friends, associates, and family members who are of various religious and moral backgrounds, and I love them, but my only brothers and sisters in Christ are in the Lord's church. That's a non negotiable. We only offer God acceptable worship. Our worship, whether it be the attitude of our hearts within or the way that we act publicly on the outside, should always be according to God's will. In the New Testament, God describes what he wants both in our hearts and in our public assemblies when it comes to worshiping Him. From our hearts He wants pure, sincere, joyful, and totally committed lives in service to be our spiritual inward worship. Romans twelve one through two. Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God to present your bodies a living sacrifice and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship, and do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may approve what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. This is the worship we offer to Him from day to day as individual Christians. God also reveals to us what He accepts when we worship Him publicly as the church. Our praise is to be in song only, joyful spiritual songs, hymns and scriptural songs sung by everyone in the assembly. Ephesians five fifteen through nineteen. Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand the will of the Lord, and do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord. Historians record that for centuries this is how the Christians use music. The idea of using instruments in worship was introduced by the Roman Catholic Church, and never supported by Scripture or the practice of the early church. Praying is to be done by men who themselves are leading righteous lives so that they can raise holy hands in supplication to God. Again, the New Testament clearly restricts women from leading in public prayer, teaching, or preaching. Paul says the women are to keep silent in the churches for they are not permitted to speak. And again, in first Timothy two twelve he says, But do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over man, but to remain quiet. By extension, the Bible permits a woman to teach unbelievers when necessary, teach women and to teach children. Public worship, teaching, prayer, and preaching is to be led by the men in the assembly. That's a New Testament principle. So now I've been back and forth on this subject of women in these positions in the church. I've read about the ministries of Catherine Coleman, Maria Etworth Edder, Amy Simple McPherson, and such, and find it hard to believe that they are completely excluded. I'm still not afraid to have open discussions about this belief in some churches. There was a woman in my last church who at times preached, and but to be fair regarding this topic, it came apart because of simple lack of communication and the absence of humility. And the church prior to that, after fourteen years, was also brought down by a woman. I'm not saying women are bad. What I'm saying is I'm still learning, and I support both sides. So here we go. We also serve communion each Lord's day, both the bread and wine, and we collect an offering each Lord's day. Again, because this is an example and instruction we received from the Lord in the New Testament. We don't take communion on Wednesday, nor do we raise money for the church matters with raffles or bake sales for the same reason. They didn't do it in the first century. They had no command, they had no example, they had no suggestion that they should. So they did only what was given to them to do in worship, no more, no less. I will be honest that this sounds a little bit too legalistic for my taste. Should we take communion? Yes, I do most days, but not because of some denominational rule, but because I chose to do so. Should we give in support of advancing the church forward? Yes, but and this is but my opinion, only if the church is doing the book of Acts, Matthew, and Ephesians instructs us to do. The book of Acts is more of a window for us, rather than instruction. It is, by the way, the only book in the Bible that is incomplete. We are completing it until this stuff is wrapped up. And remember, even what this guy says, and I think it sounds a little bit religious, but he is right in some of those areas, you get to make up your own mind. So he goes on to say this is why we don't offer parades, bands, theatrical presentations, women prayer or worship leaders, choirs to do our singing for us, and all the various religious activities that so many are adopting today, even in congregations calling themselves churches of Christ. These are not bad in themselves. Actually they are entertaining and relevant to younger audiences and meet the needs of women who want to have a greater role in church life. We don't and won't do these things because they don't have any support in the way of direct teaching or command in the New Testament. In addition to this, there is no clear examples of the apostles actually doing these things or a body of biblical information that leads us to conclude that God wants us to do these things. The way we offer public worship is defined by the New Testament. We can't change that. It's another one of those non negotiable items in our faith. Summary, as I said at the beginning, there are many non negotiables in the Bible. The need to live holy lives, the faith without works is dead, that without love our religion is vain, that we need to remain faithful to Christ until the end in order to be with him at the beginning of eternity. You can add yours whatever here. But all of these other non negotiables are taught and supported in one way or another by the elemental three mentioned here. Now the problem with non negotiables is that they are hard to accept. They limit us, they draw the line across which we cannot pass. For some people, the idea of non negotiables is frustrating and challenging. If you feel that you are one of these people, let me help you to accept this difficult lesson. Mike goes on to say, learn to accept the non negotiables. Fighting the true biblical non negotiables is a sign of spiritual pride. You can't grow in grace and peace until you accept the limits that God places on you. Remember the non negotiables are put there by God, not man. They are not just church traditions. Two, the non negotiables are truly non negotiable if you are a person that longs for the day. When we don't emphasize the preaching and teaching of the Bible as God's only inspired word, or that we back off of telling the world that those who are not baptized in Christ are lost forever. Or if you hope the day will come that the church will become more modern and let go these basic principle things, you are in for a long, frustrating wait. A New Testament church will always adhere to these elemental truths and not change simply for convenience sake. Remember what I said, I don't agree with everything he says. I think God leaves room for us to be creative in our worship and our doing church. Try to understand that steady does not mean stagnant. A faithful New Testament church needs to persevere in doing of good as well as maintaining God's word exactly as it does. Don't confuse this with simply maintaining the status quo or with being stagnant. We can maintain that the Bible is inspired, but teach it with all the tools that modern technology will provide to us. We can hold to the New Testament pattern of worship, but that doesn't mean we can't introduce new songs. Use modern A B tools, plan our worship around themes, get everyone involved in the experience of worshiping God. We must not change the Bible. However, we can change the way we do Bible things so that we can communicate effectively to the society of our age. Let us not be fooled into thinking that change, especially unbiblical change, will improve worship or evangelism. On the other hand, let us not hide behind the excuse of protecting doctrine when all we want to do is stay in our own personal comfort zone. My purpose is not to discourage or offend anyone with this lesson. The only thing I want to discourage is the attempt by anyone to change the non negotiables now or ever. Okay, so now I didn't believe everything he preached on regarding his take on doctrine, and I too have the Holy Spirit. I know Paul said it first. The truth is we can't even agree on doctrine, which is why I want you to read your own Bibles. We need each other, we need teachers, and all those other positions. But in the end, the strength of your salvation will depend on how you made up your own mind. So the takeaway again from this list is that you get to make up your own mind in the things of God, but be careful if you find stuff that you disagree with a hundred percent and go off and just become an independent Christian. That is not God's intention. We know he says do not forsake the assembling, the coming together, and that is in the book of Acts when they went house to house breaking bread, and no doubt sharing all the testimonies of the miracle signs and wonders and salvations that they were encountering. Now the difference maker between us now is that we are saved and matured, and I say this assuming that my podcast listeners are following the instructions contained in my messages supported by the Bible. Jesus is the difference maker. Without him we are no different than those who actively reject God or those who at one time believed and then allowed themselves to be talked out of a relationship with the only one in whom salvation comes through because of a lack of hunger or thirst for the things of God, Matthew 5 6. So I want to go back to the last set of doctrines that I picked up from Bible TV. It was Pastor Mike who was preaching it. Not all of what he considers non-negotiables do I agree with. He sounds like he came out of seminary, which is very literal. If you look at the book of John, it says that Jesus did many of the things, and that if they were documented one by one, they would fill the earth. God is not so restricted that we have to follow verbatim everything that was done. But we want to make sure that we believe in the non negotiables that are in the Bible. The traditions of men oftentimes create a non-denominational atmosphere. And this is why we had non-denominational churches show up because they didn't want to follow a legalistic mindset. They wanted to have some freedom in determining how to worship God, for example, or when to take communion. If we become too legalistic, we scare away the nonbelievers, and Jesus would do anything, including Paul, who said, I become all things to all people that I might win some. This is not about maintaining rules. This is about following the word according to the revelation that the Holy Spirit gives us, which is why, again, it's important that you read your Bible. Don't get thrown off by the different doctrinal opinions from those three sources that I gave. I included all of them, even though I don't agree with some of them, so that you understand there are differences, but our doctrinal differences should not create division in the body. So maybe Titus can help us to close this message. Titus three, one through eleven. Remind them to subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, yes, not even the unbelievers, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men, for we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceiving, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. Yes, that defines Christians before they were born again. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior towards man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy, He saved us through the washing and regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace, we should become heirs according to the hope of eternity. This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men. But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and striving about the law, for they are unprofitable and useless. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self condemned. I was sitting in bed and design dropped into my heart, which is that if you are not running in the will of God, you become a critic of those who are. I'll say that again. If you are not running in the will of God for your life, you become a critic of those who are. This is when I started thinking about the value of being able to read your Bible, so that you can discern what is right and wrong regarding what it says. Remember, nobody is perfect, so you're going to make mistakes right along with the rest of us. The only people that didn't make mistakes are the ones who actually wrote the Bible through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, meaning that the Bible is infallible, not the specific individuals who wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. As we learn and burn, it is imperative that we remember that we get the revelation of the Bible in accordance to the current level of maturity that we are operating in when we get that revelation. You can get revelation as a baby Christian, as a teenage Christian, and as an adult Christian. Some of the revelation that you get as a baby Christian may be adjusted so that when you see or get a clearer picture of what God meant or was trying to say, and even perhaps what he intended for you to understand. And the famous quote of Rodney King People, I just want to say, you know, can we all get along? Can we all get alone? Let's close in prayer. May the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another, so that you may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before your God and Father at the coming of the Lord Jesus with all of saints. Now may the God of peace, the one in whom we call wonderful, your mighty God, your everlasting Father, peace. May He himself sanctify you completely. And may your Holy Spirit's holy body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. To our Lord and Lords and our King of Kings, to our high and lifted priest, who has once and for all paid the price. If you might see and hear God, may He hear and respond to our prayers. To our God we stand and pray, as He too always lives to make intercession for you, seated at the right hand of the Father. May the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great shepherd of the sea, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do his will, working in you what is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever, and to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us. To him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever, amen. Well, that's it for today. Remember it's not what you find wrong or disagree with regarding these messages, but what you can take away from it. Together we can do more to impact the kingdom than if we work alone. Slip the script and steal, kill, and destroy the works of the enemy, and create space for the light of light to shine through in people's lives. We post on your social media platforms and help us make disciples. Link this message out or teach from it in your Bible study, your life or sales group, and yes, even in your church. You can be assured it comes from one call to teach. And though imperfect, you have the word of God to use to test everything I say. Let's build this ministry together. Thanks to see you next time in Deep Waters.