"Love Yourself. Yes, You!"

You need to love you! That's what you must do - according to some people.

No, I'm not talking about Oprah or Dr. Phil. And no, I'm not talking about Eastern Mysticism. Although, they do vigorously promote such a message.


There is a self-esteem gospel being preached from the pulpits. Yes, you heard that right - the pulpits. The proponents of the self-esteem gospel take passages like Mark 12:31 and twist it to mean some sort of "self-esteem" message.

How?

Well, let's cruise on over to Mark 12:31 and see what it says:

And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

The self-esteem gospel reasons that because the text says we must love others as we love ourselves, we must first love ourselves in order to obey the commandment to love others. Yes, these proponents of the self-esteem gospel believe Jesus is saying that you need to love yourself. Why? So that you may effectively love others.

So what's the problem? What's the big deal? What's wrong with a "Jesus was telling you to love yourself" message? Interestingly, the problem with that teaching is the fact that Jesus was NOT telling us to love ourselves. We already love ourselves!

2 Timothy 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves...

Philippians 2:21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.

Consider this: We all want what is best for us. We would much rather have some fresh food rather than moldy food. We would much rather have joy than intense suffering.

Another point to consider is that when we are in the center of God's will, we will be so satisfied in Him that we will not need to boost our "self-love" or "self-esteem." We will be content and too occupied with HIM and HIS agenda to worry about "self-esteem."

In wrapping this post up, I believe it would be well to listen to the following two minute Paul Washer clip:

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If you cannot see the player on this post, go directly to this link for the audio clip: http://howcanibesilent.podbean.com/2009/11/07/what-paul-washer-says-about-loving-yourself/

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The above audio clip is an excerpt from “Cameron Buettel Interviews Paul Washer” which can be found at this link in its entirety: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLxmyjzzVCw

Edited Post: A Proper Understanding of Romans 13

Brothers and sisters in Christ, grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Below, you will find the link to a newsletter I received in my inbox. (I actually received it in August, but just got around to reading it last night!) Although the newsletter contains many items of importance, I desire that you primarily notice the article at the very end which is written by Pastor Chuck Baldwin. Yes, he ran for President (and I would have voted for him if I had been old enough), but I hope you will set aside your political preferences to read how he expounds upon the incorrect and correct interpretations regarding Romans 13. It is imperative that we all have a correct understanding of the Scriptures. Why? Because,

2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."

As always, we must be like the Bereans in Acts 17:11.

Love In Christ,

Michelle


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The following link will open the International News and Christian Prayer Update newsletter in PDF format: http://a-servant.tripod.com/articles/nu_08-26-09.pdf On page three is the article by Pastor Chuck Baldwin.


Any thoughts?

What Is Your Life Made Of?

Is your life made of things that perish - wood, hay, stubble? Or is your life made of silver, gold, precious stones?


Click here to view video. (Come on, it's only seven minutes!)

¿Practica lo que predica?

Si enseñamos una cosa con nuestros labios y otra con nuestras vidas, aquellos que nos escuchan nos van a decir, “'Medico, cúrate a ti mismo' (Lucas 4:23). Usted dice, 'Arrepiéntete.' Donde esta tu propio arrepentimiento? Usted dice, 'Sirve a Dios y se obediente a Su voluntad.' Usted le sirve a El? Es usted obediente a la voluntad de El?”
-Charles Spurgeon en su libro The Soul Winner, paginas 40-41

Do You Practice What You Preach?

If we teach one thing by our lips and another by our lives, those who listen to us will say, "'Physician, heal thyself' (Luke 4:23). You say, 'Repent.' Where is your own repentance? You say, 'Serve God, and be obedient to His will.' Do you serve Him? Are you obedient to His will?"
-Charles Spurgeon in his book The Soul Winner, pages 40-41

"Oh that God would make us dangerous!" - Jim Elliot

"We are so utterly ordinary, so commonplace, while we profess to know a Power the Twentieth Century does not reckon with. But we are "harmless," and therefore unharmed. We are spiritual pacifists, non-militants, conscientious objectors in this battle-to-the-death with principalities and powers in high places. Meekness must be had for contact with men, but brass, outspoken boldness is required to take part in the comradeship of the Cross. We are "sideliners" -- coaching and criticizing the real wrestlers while content to sit by and leave the enemies of God unchallenged. The world cannot hate us, we are too much like its own. Oh that God would make us dangerous!"
- Jim Elliot

John Bunyan on Contentment

"If we have not quiet in our minds, outward comfort will do no more for us than a glass slipper on a gouty foot." - John Bunyan