"Join with others in following my example, Brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things." Philippians 3: 17 - 19
Seldom have I experienced as much positive feedback as with my previous message entitled "DECEIVED" as well as questions regarding the same. Greg R. writes, "Would you like to expound on not associating with repeating sinners inside the Church, yet the Church is made of sinners? Craig S. states, "I consider myself as somewhat of a 'Watchman' to help recognize and deal with any imposters,...good to know there are other Brothers alert to this threat." Paul P. exclaims, "Great Message Bro!" So I prayed and decided I was going to expand on this subject and was wondering what exactly I should title it. While driving to the store I noticed a Fitness Center advertising "Cross-training" and I thought > Lord that's exactly what this is > "CROSS TRAINING" from a spiritual point of view. Thanks for giving me the title and please provide the words to go with it!
In the physical fitness world, Cross-training refers to the combination of numerous exercises to work various parts of the body. Often one particular activity works certain muscle groups and not others; Cross-training aims to eliminate this. The whole idea is to be more well rounded and familiar with strengthening every part of the body not just certain areas. As the number of Believer's increased, the Apostles and in particular the Apostle Paul went to great lengths to address various issues to strengthen the Body of Christ a/k/a the Church.
You can be sure in the exercising regimen, Personal Trainers are also providing advice and disciplines regarding things like food intake and behaviors which can impede your progress. Same mode of operation in the spiritual realm when attempting to refine our growth in faith. Part of the Learning Curve is having a heightened awareness or discernment regarding behaviors which are unacceptable, but in some cases advocated to create dissension, factions and unrest within the Body of Christ. The Apostle Paul addressed this issue many times, but very boldly toward the conclusion of Romans with this exhortation:
"I urge you, Brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you." Romans 16: 17 - 20
It's not as much about falling short, missing the mark or mistakenly giving into sin as it is an attitude about sin itself. These deceivers relish the opportunity to open discussions attempting to justify sinful behavior, try to muddy the Living Water with unrighteous discord and make you question the Way, the Truth and the Light. Our "CROSS TRAINING" has the intention of exposing these deeds, removing the mask and making the counterfeit obvious based on their fruits exposed as heresy. The reason this is so very important is the future of the Body of Christ prior to the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. WHAT? Yes > all of us have heard predictions, read apocalyptic texts, signs of His return, but the apostasy (falling away, backsliding, rebellion) happens first.
"Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction." 2Thessalonians 2: 3
What this means in our "CROSS TRAINING" is becoming so entrenched with the Truth (Jesus Christ), the counterfeit arguments become obvious. We have a responsibility to expose the darkness to protect those in our care from wolves in sheep's clothing. Some signs of darkness are advocating sinful behaviors, creating arguments about sound doctrine while questioning the validity of scripture, and challenging the divinity of Christ Himself.
Please take a moment and let the Lord speak to you about "CROSS TRAINING" in the following song City On The Hill by Casting Crowns
City On The Hill Casting Crowns (with Lyrics)
Tweet