November | 2011 | Jesus Speaks | Page 3 //
JESUS SPEAKING:
“Teacher,” said John, “we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.” “Don’t stop him,” Jesus said. “No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us” (Mark 9:38-39.)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS:
Every good work done in the name of Christ is commendable in the sight of God. Those who oppose such works (for whatever reason) practice evil. The disciples mistakenly commanded an unknown man to cease casting out demons in Christ’s name. Jesus rebuked them for ignorantly believing that God would only use members of their inner circle. The man was filled with faith; enough faith to perform miracles in his name; he was not a stranger; rather, the man they confronted and corrected was in fact, their brother. Authority and power come from God; they do not come from men. Briefly, the disciples believed themselves to be more than servants; they selfishly attempted to set themselves apart, and to control and contain the work of God; in so doing, they stood in opposition to Him.
Throughout the centuries, there have been many who have fallen victim to the exact same mistake made by the disciples. Some vainly believe they alone possess the power and authority of God; such organizations are in fact cults. The J-hovah’s witnesses say, “We acknowledge as the visible organization of J-hovah on earth, the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.” The International Church of Christ says, “There is one church! There is one God. There is one kingdom of God and this is it!” The seventh day Adventists say, “Since we keep all ten Commandments and have Ellen White as our prophet, we Seventh-day Adventists are The Remnant Church!” The ‘True Jesus Church’ claims that they are “the true church restored by God through the Holy Spirit of the latter rain. She is the revival of the apostolic church in the end times.” Any organization that claims membership with them is a prerequisite for salvation stands in opposition to the Lord they profess to serve.
Jesus Christ can never be replaced by a denomination; rituals and traditions cannot usurp the power of the Holy Spirit. Those who say affiliation with their church is necessary are in rebellion against the one true and living God. It can be very difficult to keep the gospel simple, and to keep Christ at the center of the faith (avoid those who practice sectarianism.) Jesus is what connects us; he binds us to one another; he brings us together; he alone is our salvation and our strength; he is the center of our faith; may you always keep him close; and may you continue to seek fellowship with those who love him.
“Lord Heavenly Father, give us discernment; may we never forget that faith in Your Son is what truly matters. May our good works always be done in Your name. Help us to avoid those who seek to replace our trust in You with a faith in a denomination or sect. May we draw near to one another as we draw near to Your son. Father, continue to fill us with Your Holy Spirit, that through us, Your miracles may continue to be done in this world. We thank You Father, we love You, and we praise You, and we ask and pray all of these things in Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.” God bless all of you.
Jesus Speaks 