The other side of this truth (and perhaps more important truth) is that the Lordship of Jesus Christ has been left out of the gospel message for years. The gospel of the early church was, “Jesus Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords!, proven by His resurrection. Men who had wimped out at his capture became bold declarers of Who He was after seeing him in his resurrected body. That has been lost.
As in Acts, when we see His absolute Lordship, we fall on our faces and say, “What shall we do?!?!?” (Acts 2:37; 9:5, etc.).
The de-masculization of the Lord Jesus (his feminization) is actually centuries old, evidenced by men (generally) having little interest in spiritual things.....totally unlike the early church where the comittment and involvement of men was overwhelming. Today his feminization is many times worse than any time in history.
T. Austin-Sparks wrote, “origin determines destiny” and that truth is nowhere more evident than in the results of today’s weak, watered-down and feminized gospel and church - which John MacArthur addresses so well.
I hear but have not read it yet - that “The Church Impotent” by Leon J. Podies quite well addresses the historical origins of the feminization of Jesus Christ.
When one truly sees that He is Lord, one immediately also sees that he is but a slave.
And however fruitful his/her life and ministry is, he/she will always respond according to Luke 17:10: “So you too, WHEN YOU DO ALL THE THINGS COMMANDED YOU, say, ‘We are unworthy SLAVES; we have done only that which we ought to have done.’ “
All the pride and arrogance in so many of today’s Christian leaders is only proof of their poor knowledge of HIm personally. Billy Graham and David Wilkerson are wonderful exceptions to this norm, and are men who truly know God - and that they are but slaves.
The recovery of the truth that we “are but slaves” can really only come with the full revelation of Who He is - THE LORD of all.
Excellent post..
It has become popular to make God and Christ servants to men.. to meet all their needs and greeds
**As in Acts, when we see His absolute Lordship,**
His absolute Lordship expects obedience to his will.
**we fall on our faces and say, “What shall we do?!?!?” (Acts 2:37; 9:5, etc.).**
Yet Mr. MacArthur, who is everlearning and well spoken, doesn’t preach Acts 2:38. Of course, neither do others of the ‘main stream’ preachers.
**according to Luke 17:10: “So you too, WHEN YOU DO ALL THE THINGS COMMANDED YOU,**
Like Acts 2:38; which is ‘optional’ to the ‘main stream’ preachers.
**The recovery of the truth that we “are but slaves” can really only come with the full revelation of Who He is - THE LORD of all.**
Quite accurate statement, but remember, the devil knows who He is as well.
Good day!