The Whole Counsel Of God

 

Last post, we looked at a way to keep ourselves fed on the Word of God. In today's post, let's focus on what our clergy (Overseers) are teaching the average Christian. The phrase, “the whole counsel of God,” is found in Acts 20:27, “For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.”

If you're like me, it brought up a whole bunch of questions. What does that even mean? Is my clergy preaching and teaching me the whole counsel of God? Are they leaving anything out? Who decides what and how the average Christian gets taught on any given Sunday? Picture this: any given Sunday, the vast majority of Christian churches worldwide listen to their clergy teach them a segmented clip from scripture. The book and chapter it was extracted from are usually referenced at the beginning of the teaching, so the congregation can find it if they want to follow along. The segment of scripture presented is out of context from the scriptures before it and after it. Oftentimes, the clergy will quote supporting scripture from other books to strengthen the point of their message. I have witnessed clergy preaching and teaching passages of scripture, which, when read in context to the rest of the scripture surrounding it, did not mean what they said they meant when they taught it. Is that your church? Does the referenced scripture you are being taught actually mean what your clergy says it means? Is it wrong to teach this way? No, it's the way they were taught to teach. It's a style that is prevalent in most Western Christian churches. And before you get your hackles up, let me hasten to add that most of the time, the clergy are genuinely trying to do the right thing. However, some churches do deceive (more on that in a future post). 

There is an interesting article I ran across concerning this very topic. The website is gotquestions.org, the link is here (https://www.gotquestions.org/whole-counsel-of-God.html). I encourage you to read it. I will be extrapolating some of the text from this article to illustrate my point.

So, what's missing? The lack of knowledge is a big one; in some seminaries, prophecy is not even taught to new clergy.  In some instances, it's the lack of courage to teach the word boldly. In general, Clergy is often hesitant to teach specific topics in scripture because they fear losing their congregation, funding, or their position as head of their church. Denominational bias is also an issue. These denominations don't even believe in certain passages of scripture; they minimize or even eliminate these passages from their "interpretations" of the Bible to reduce their potential impact on their congregations. Finally, it's you and me. Sadly, there are some Christians who don't want to hear the WHOLE counsel of God!  These Christians do not want to be held accountable (to you, to their church, and surely not to God). Just tell them the good parts: "I am loved," and "I'm going to heaven." That's it. They don't want to hear about the confession of sin, lifestyle changes, repentance, humility, or serving God. These Christians will not attend a church that teaches the whole counsel of God.

So, sounds pretty bleak, doesn't it? Yes, it does, and no, it doesn't. There is a minority of Christian churches out there that DO teach the whole counsel of God. But you have to go hunt for them.  Some can be found on the internet. Search, check it out. If it doesn't answer your questions, move on. Consider this: The Bible is sixty-six books written by forty-five authors, across 1500 years. It is the inspired AUTHORITATIVE Word of God! The Bible was not created in a vacuum. Each book, chapter, and verse fits into a cohesive tapestry designed by God to show us His character, His nature, and His path to our salvation. While the Bible was not necessarily written to us. It is written for us. I left Catholicism because they could not and would not answer my questions. I found my answers in Evangelicalism. I will direct you to my pastor for almost forty years, Pastor Robert Furrow, Calvary Tucson (https://calvarytucson.com/). This is not to convert you or entice you to change your church. It is an example of what the whole counsel of God teaching looks like. Book by book, chapter by chapter, verse by verse.  In context, even the hard verses. Even the ones that generate controversy.  Pay attention to what he teaches in scripture and how he teaches it. Then ask yourself the question, "Am I getting that kind of counsel from my church?" Lastly, and most importantly, the choice of where you go to church and who you listen to is always and will be forever yours. As always, ask God where He wants you to be. He'll put you there if you let Him. Until next time.

Walk in the guidance of the Lord.

G

Are You Getting Enough To Eat?

Generally speaking, here in the West, we don't worry about where our next meal is coming from. While there is a great need to feed the hungry worldwide, and every Christian should endeavor to address hunger wherever they are, that's not the purpose of today's post. Today's topic is, “Are you getting enough to eat, spiritually?”

How often do you read and study the Word of God? The gamut generally runs from not at all to a Christian who can quote scripture on the fly in four different biblical languages in any given situation. Where do you fit? How much are we supposed to be reading and studying the Bible? What does God say about His Word? What does the Bible say?

The Bible says, “...man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4; Deuteronomy 8:3), emphasizing that spiritual survival depends on divine revelation. Other scriptures include: Romans 10:17; Ezra 7:10; Psalm 119:11; Psalm 1:2; Jeremiah 15:16; Isaiah 55:2, and John 6:35 are just a few. God wants us to communicate with Him on all levels. It requires attentiveness on our part. Feeding on the Word of God is active, not passive. It is more than just reading a piece of scripture here or there. The Christian practice began with the Apostles (Acts 6:1-6), “...But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the Word.”

So here's what most Bible teachers, scholars, and theologians say about feeding on the word of God. The process is deliberate. It includes the following: First, Hearing and Studying: Listening attentively to God’s voice and diligently investigating the text. Secondly, Memorization and Meditation: Internalizing Scripture to keep it central in the heart and contemplating it day and night, and finally, Appropriation: Treating the Word as personal food that must be "swallowed" and digested, allowing it to become part of one’s soul.

Okay, so we're not apostles; we don't have all day, every day to be in scripture. So practically, what does that look like? How much time do we spend in the Word? The simple answer is every day. The amount of time you should spend with the Lord in His Word is between you and Him. Pray, seek His direction. Consider this approach. Pick any book in the Bible, start with Chapter 1, verse 1 of that book. Read the first chapter all the way through. Now, go back and reread it, this time slower, and read it for understanding. Understand the context, the who, what, when, where, and why of the chapter. Are there words you don't know the meaning of? Go look them up. Ask God to show what he has for you in this chapter. Compare that with other translations (I use the New King James, the New American Standard Bibles, and the Septuagint for my study). You'd be surprised what reading a different translation brings to your understanding. Next, are there any verses that jump out at you? Highlight them, underline them. Repeat them, say them again and again inside your head and out loud; those are the verses that God wants you to remember. Finally, does any part of the chapter you've just read have any practical application for you today? Incorporate it into your day, do what it says to do. Make it part of who you are. There, you've just been fed by God Himself. How long did that take? Probably a lot less time than you thought it would. Do it every day. Go on to the next chapter in that book. Do the same thing. Continue the process until you get to the end of the book. Then pick another book. You get the idea. Pick a time and place that is convenient for you that gets you alone with God. Be consistent. Be fed regularly, and watch it change your life. Until next time.

Walk in the guidance of the Lord.

G

 

Persecuted?

Do you feel persecuted? Have you experienced persecution for being a Christian? I have no doubt that some here in the West have suffered persecution in one way or another because of their faith in Jesus Christ. You have lost jobs, loans, and other opportunities, and have even been put in jail because you believe in Jesus. In today's post, I would like to direct your attention to another persecution that is ongoing each and every day against Christians who have paid the ultimate price for their faith. I do not post this to minimize in any way your persecution for your faith. I post this because I want you to be aware that you are not alone.


I have been following the Christian persecution in Africa (particularly in Nigeria) for a while now. This article recently came to light, https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/05/nigeria-exclusive-christians-killed-faster-than-news-can/. I encourage you to read it. The Christian situation in Nigeria is dire, very dire. There is very little coverage from the Western media about their persecution. Just as there is little attention paid to Christian persecution in the Sudan, North Korea, Iran, Iraq, and now even in Europe. The Bible in John 16:33 says, “...In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” And also in John 15: 20 says, ”Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you...”


Please pray for our brothers and sisters in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Pray that Our Lord would surround them with His Holy Host and protect them. Pray that He would strengthen them in their persecution. And pray that Christians around the world will rise up and make their voices heard to end this suffering. Romans 5:1-5 says, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Until next time.

Walk in the guidance of the Lord.

G

There Is No Third Option

 Can you feel it? There is tension in the air, and everything is changing. Life will not return to the way it was. Everyone notices it, though some feel it more strongly than others. Change is happening, and we are at a crossroads. We are at a point where our paths will diverge significantly from the past. Many Christians sense that this Resurrection Celebration will be different from those in the past. For non-believers, this shift appears as uneasiness, anger, and sadly, violence. God is acting, and when our loving Father acts, the universe responds.

So what is God doing? Let’s explore. The universe is in turmoil. Objects coming in from outside our solar system (three already). Conjunctions of planets and stars that haven’t been seen for millennia.  Here on Earth, politics, society, ways of life, and technologies are all rapidly changing. Spiritualism is part of our everyday lives in symbols and rituals. Christians are being murdered (martyred) in Africa. Islam is rising all over. Non-believers call it “The Convergence” (cue ominous music here).  We Christians know it by another name. Births pangs. The End Times. Uh-oh, not another “this is what’s going to happen” post.  Nope, I promise. But I will present you with a different perspective that some may not have considered. 

The Bible says in:

Genesis 1:14, “Then God said,' Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years.” (https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Sun-Moon-And-Stars-Before-God)

Daniel 2:21, “It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding.” (https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Seasons-Changing)

Daniel 12:4 says, “But you, Daniel, keep this prophecy a secret; seal up the book until the time of the end, when many will rush here and there, and knowledge will increase.”

Mark 13:25, ” ...and the stars shall be falling from heaven, and the powers that are in the heavens shall be shaken.” (https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/The-End-Of-The-World/type/asv)

Luke 12:56, You hypocrites! You know how to analyze the appearance of the earth and the sky, but why do you not analyze the present time?” (https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Seasons-Changing)

And finally, Matthew chapters 24-25. God is speaking to us. Are we listening? I’m not sure we are. I hear the words of these scriptures spoken from the pulpits, and I hear the media shouting about the destruction, saying this prophecy is fulfilled or that prophecy is coming to pass. But I am not talking about the “End Times” sensationalism that is rampant throughout the media. It's something deeper, something simpler. The church, I believe, has missed it. Sadly, a lot of Christians have missed it. The Bible says in Matthew 12:30, “He who is not with me is against me.”  Jesus adds in Luke 11:23, "...and whoever does not gather with Me scatters."

Consider this: It's time. God is moving the world around us for us to make a decision. Think of this as our "Sneak Preview" of things to come. God is showing us what the world will look like when the Anti-Christ comes. Jesus is our refuge. He is our hope. He is emphasizing that neutrality is impossible in spiritual matters. There is no middle ground; indifference toward Jesus is considered opposition, and failing to actively participate in His mission results in spiritual scattering. Some might think Jesus’ words are hard and cold.  Some will think, "I need more time." Some will say, "I want more options." There are only two choices. There is no third option. I believe the pressure is only going to increase from here. The choice will always be yours, and so are the consequences. Until next time.

Walk in gudance of the Lord.

G

Some More Thoughts On Prayer

 During my last post, we discussed our prayer life. Its importance and basically how to pray. The more I thought about it and prayed about it, the more I felt drawn to provide additional information to help you formulate your own prayers.

In Matthew 6:5-8, Jesus teaches us what our approach to prayer should be. Prayer should be personal, not showing off to the public how spiritual we are. Still pray in public, but don’t make a big deal out of it. Prayer is private when praying in public, pray in your head or softly to yourself. God sees you and rewards you accordingly. Prayers should not be repetitious. Two things to keep in mind here: first, don’t keep saying the same thing over and over again. Telling God you are a sinner fourteen times in the same prayer is not necessary. Second, long-winded and fancy words don’t impress God. Finally, God knows what you need before you ask for it, but He really loves hearing it from you.

In Matthew, we find this, Matthew 6:9–13, “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.”

This version is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray. In Luke 11:2–4 – there is a shorter version that is presented in the context of Jesus praying, after which a disciple asks him to teach them to pray. In each account, Jesus presents this as the foundation for prayer. The Lord’s Prayer is not in the Old Testament; it is a New Testament teaching from Jesus. It is not a rigid formula to be recited, but a model for prayer—a framework for approaching God with reverence, dependence, confession, and trust.

Here are some of the prayers I pray pretty much daily.  Sometimes all of them. Sometimes just one or two of them. This is not to say any of my prayers are better than yours or that God hears my prayers more than yours. These prayers are the words that God has given me over the years to help me articulate what I want and desire in my walk with Him. I offer them, so you might draw some inspiration to craft your own appeals to God.

“Lord, bless the people that can’t do what I do; my work is for them.”

“Lord, I surrender me, my heart, my mind, my body, my soul, my thoughts, words, and emotions. I submit to your will in my life.”

“Lord, I pray to don the full armor of God this day. So that I may stand against the Evil One. So that I may stand against the powers, principalities, the rulers, and forces of darkness, the wickedness in high places, and unclean spirits. And my own sinful nature. I ask in your name, Jesus.”

“Father God, I pray for my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild and their families. I pray for my siblings, nieces, and nephews, my in-laws, and my friends. I pray that you would guide, protect, and direct them. I pray that you would put godly men and women into each of their lives so that they would hear your word and be drawn closer to you.  I ask in your name, Jesus.”

“Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, maker of the heavens and the earth. By you, through you, and for you all things were created. And I belong to you. You called me out of the darkness, you called me into the light, and you called me to walk with you. And I want to walk with you. I will trust in you with all my heart, and I will not lean upon my own understanding. But in all my ways I will acknowledge you, as you direct my paths. I aspire to lead a quiet life. To work with my hands, to mind my own business. So that I may walk towards those who are on the outside, just as you commanded, lacking nothing. Lord, I pray that you would forgive me my sins. I turn and repent of all the things I have done, said, and thought that grieve You. I also ask forgiveness for those things I have failed to do or say. Restore me to your righteousness so that I may walk in your will, your way. “

Even the Holy Spirit prays for us.  In Romans 8:26, it says, “Likewise, the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”

Your prayer is to God. It's from you, your heart, your soul. Your prayer is your thanks for what's been done for you; it's about what you want/need, not only for yourself but also for others, too. It is the sorrow and repentance for what you have failed to do. Prayer is the hope you have, knowing you have been forgiven and can move on in your walk with Jesus. Until next time,

Walk in the guidance of the Lord.

G

Pray Without Ceasing

  

What's your prayer life like? Is it like, “well, I say amen just loudly as the person next to me when my overseer prays in church on Sunday,” or do you say the same prayer over and over again because that's what you were taught to do? The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians (1 Th 14-18), “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Pray without ceasing? What does that even mean? I'm not a monk or a nun. I don't have time to pray. I can't pray at work; people will think I'm nuts. I'll pray when I really need help. Besides, God said He knows what I want and need. Sound familiar? Is prayer important? Is it necessary? YES! It is an integral part of our relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. First, it is the conversation we hold with our loving Lord. God loves to hear from us regularly. The Bible says, ”Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Heb 4:16). Other verses to check out: Hebrews 5:7, 1Timothy 1:2-3. Secondly, prayer is part of your worship to God. In Romans, it is addressed as part of our bodily sacrifice as our reasonable service to God. In the book of Revelation, it says, “Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne (Rev 8:3).

Now that we know prayer is important. So, how do I pray? Simple, just talk. Talk to Jesus. Your words aren't important; thankfulness and acknowledgement of God are. You wake up in the morning, “Be with me today, Lord.” Get a promotion at work, “Thank you, Lord.” You sit down for a meal (especially in a restaurant), “Thank you, Lord, for this meal.” There's a whole bunch more on prayer, more than I can get into here. It heals, it strengthens, it helps others. Investigate the power of prayer for yourself. The Bible says in Proverbs 3:6, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”  Your prayers acknowledge that Jesus is part of your life. As you do this regularly, you will find that your gratitude for Jesus will grow. Soon it will be second nature. Now you are praying without ceasing. Until next time.

Walk in the guidance of the Lord.

G

Our Turn

  

Ritual

noun

1. A ceremony in which the actions and wording follow a prescribed form and order.

2. The body of ceremonies or rites used in a place of worship or by an organization.

3. A book of rites or ceremonial forms.

(The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.)

Picture this: every Sunday morning, all across the western world, people gather and listen to a person preach, teach, cajole, scream, shame, and manipulate the word of God. The word of God is shredded, processed, and packaged into small bite-sized uncontextualized verbal goo slathered over with music, lights, and, sometimes, fog machines. Congregations, by and large, sit contentedly and will do it all again next Sunday, thinking they're good with God. Sound like your church? Non-believers see the same thing and want nothing to do with it. Is that you?

So why are most churches like this? Some will say that the church is a business, defined by money, personal agendas, power, and fame. All true, in some instances. Now, to be fair, the vast majority of Overseers (Pastors, Priests, Elders, and Deacons) are genuinely sincere about bringing the lost to Jesus. But what changes? What gets twisted, overlooked? There's only one reason the church of today is the way it is...You. Believers are the church, not the Overseer, not the building; it's you and me. This is what many churchgoers want from their church. They want something quick, easy to digest, nothing challenging or convicting, an event they can schedule and move on to the rest of their day. It makes them feel good about themselves. It is a ritual with no thought, no soul-searching, nothing genuine or sincere, and most importantly, no personal life changes.

Many Overseers walk a fine line between getting people in the seats just to hear the word of God and keeping them returning. Hence the compromise. I hasten to add that there is nothing wrong with the music, the lights, or even the fog machines per se, as long as they are subordinate to the word of God! When the ritual becomes the event, in my opinion, it's time to leave, and I did.

So what are we believers and non-believers left with? God wants us to fellowship.

Hebrews 10:24-25 is one of the most direct verses encouraging fellowship:

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Also check out Acts 2:42, 1 John 1:3, Galatians 6:2, and Proverbs 27:17. Our loving Father wants us to gather. It is a vital, transformative practice in our Christian life. Are there churches that are true to the word of God? Yes, there are! But you have to look diligently. You have change your mindset, attitude, and genuinely seek a church and a fellowship that teaches the whole word of God, in context. That means book by book, chapter by chapter, verse by verse. Some of you may object to that, tough. Take it up with God. That's how the Bible was written, and that's how it should be taught.

But first and foremost, pray. Pray and find out where God wants you. Pray and ask for forgiveness for your attitude. Pray to go deeper in your walk with Him.

God will meet you wherever you are at, right now, today. We'll get into it next time.

Walk in the guidance of the Lord.

G