#YOUR BODY, IS A TEMPLE...
#YOUR BODY, IS A TEMPLE...
"Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are." (I Corinthians 3:16, 17 NKJV)
The LIFE we live as Christians, is the ONLY representation that matters, when our "temples" attest to whose we really are..."Because, YOUR LIFE is not, your own!"
The LIFE we live as Christians, is the ONLY representation that matters, when our "temples" attest to whose we really are..."Because, YOUR LIFE is not, your own!"
"So Paul, standing in the center of the Areopagus [Mars Hill meeting place], said: Men of Athens, I perceive in every way [on every hand and with every turn I make] that you are most religious or very reverent to demons. For as I passed along and carefully observed your objects of worship, I came also upon an altar with this inscription, To the unknown god. Now what you are already worshiping as unknown, this I set forth to you. The God Who produced and formed the world and all things in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in handmade shrines. Neither is He served by human hands, as though He lacked anything, for it is He Himself Who gives life and breath and all things to all [people]. [Isa. 42:5.] And He made from one [common origin, one source, one blood] all nations of men to settle on the face of the earth, having definitely determined [their] allotted periods of time and the fixed boundaries of their habitation (their settlements, lands, and abodes), So that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel after Him and find Him, although He is not far from each one of us. For in Him we live and move and have our being; as even some of your [own] poets have said, For we are also His offspring. Since then we are God's offspring, we ought not to suppose that Deity (the Godhead) is like gold or silver or stone, [of the nature of] a representation by human art and imagination, or anything constructed or invented. Such [former] ages of ignorance God, it is true, ignored and allowed to pass unnoticed; but now He charges all people everywhere to repent (to change their minds for the better and heartily to amend their ways, with abhorrence of their past sins), Because He has fixed a day when He will judge the world righteously (justly) by a Man Whom He has destined and appointed for that task, and He has made this credible and given conviction and assurance and evidence to everyone by raising Him from the dead." [Ps. 9:8; 96:13; 98:9.] (Acts 17:22-31 AMP)
HUMAN AGENCY is the priority and focus of every Redemptive & Reconciliatory Plan & Strategy of Almighty God, to reach "fallen humanity".
Our "bodies" are the vehicular mechanism that introduces us to the pleasures, the penalties, and the purpose of mismanagement and misuse, which is COMMON in our "human experience", as long as we "serve our passions" outside of "knowing HIS purpose" - and the reason we've been given such a privilege to serve, HIS Cause!
OUR BODIES ARE TEMPLES?
In our NEW TESTAMENT REALITY, the human body is the "one thing" for which God seeks our singular devotion and dedication!
WHY? Because, all that both the Ceremonial and Sacrificial Laws of the Old Testament showed to us, in regards to the sacredness and sanctity of the tabernacles and temples that the LEVITES were primarily responsible for; actually APPLIES to "we', HIS earthen vessels in our New Testament Reality...
"All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods, but God will destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? Certainly not! Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For “the two,” He says, “shall become one flesh.” But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him. Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s." (I Corinthians 6:12-20 NKJV)
"All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods, but God will destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? Certainly not! Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For “the two,” He says, “shall become one flesh.” But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him. Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s." (I Corinthians 6:12-20 NKJV)
The "body is a temple", therefore, which is intricately tied to a very specific "eternal purpose", and any mishandling, mismanagement or misuse of HIS "divine" or "higher purpose" - is "idolatrous worship" and perversion; just like the representation of "desecrating the temple", from an Old Testament Reality, was a defilement that required a "blood sacrifice"..
"Earthen Vessels" were given "legal access" - in the earth's biosphere, and the original "breath of life" (pneuma), which God breathed into man, was the life-source of every spirit, soul and body. "Humanity's fall", therefore leaves us "in subjection" to the things in and of "this world", as long as we are NOT completely surrendered to Christ - spirit, soul and body!
THE GIFT OF "LIFE"...
HIS "exhale" brings LIFE to all mankind, and HIS "inhale" brings DEATH" to all mankind, in agreement with the will of mankind.
HIS Sovereign & Providential Care and Influence, is especially significant, in light of HIM "entrusting humanity" to facilitate and cooperate with HIS Will on earth, as it IS in Heaven!
Let's START OFF with KNOWING that "holiness" is NOT a standard that we eventually arrive, in our own human strength...
"Be ye holy, as I am holy" IS a conscious determination to:
- Live a "fasted life" that both acknowledges and reverences the Grace of God that is available and at work in the hearts of every willing and disciplined believer.
- Resist the formulas and self-righteousness that often makes our individual "consecration requirements", our "blanket approach" to getting people to "meet our standard"; which is STILL inept and entrenched in "human merit".
- Rely upon Christ's Finished Work - ONLY, appropriating and "drawing down" the inexhaustible, incommunicable and unlimited power and presence of God, to "flow like the River of Life", which has no beginning or no end!
"HOLINESS: From A New Testament Reality" (Part 1 & 2)
SELF-GRATIFICATION APART FROM "PURPOSE", IS DECEPTION...
"Immediate benefit" is always tied to the unavoidable conflicts with the "Laws of Harvest"; and the God-ordained purpose for a "person" or "thing" tends to be lost, when self-gratification, self-satisfaction and self-serving attitudes, become the main priority.
What makes it wrong to satisfy "our fleshly urges and appetites", when there is a legitimate need?
Why is the indulgence and yieldedness to our flesh, such a "sin" before God? Wouldn't it be better to yield to the urge, then to do something we may regret - because of the pressure to satisfy the need?!?
The Fruit of Self Control vs. The Sins of Fleshly Indulgence
Our decisions to "yield" to what we call the fleshly or carnal needs or desires, does not make us "inhuman", it just invites the flesh to consume and dominate the life, and establishes wrong priorities and misguided pursuits!
God has promised to provide "all of our needs"! The challenge of our faith, is to believe HIS Word, accept HIS Grace that is available to help in time of need, and deny our flesh the right to rule or to dominate our lives - which always eventually leads to destruction...
"NONE OF US OWE OUR FLESH, ANYTHING...!"
"Self-control" is more than the idea of "denying yourself of temptations and harmful things"; its NOT allowing "the good" to become the enemy of "the best". God's Way is what's best, but without yielding to its influence, we reject the blessing and in turn, embrace the curse; which means death, decay and destruction.
When we make "our bodies - a god", we legally esteem the value of the corruptible over the incorruptible, and we become disillusioned and fanciful; with our hearts ands heads, buried in the sands of indifference and dishonor towards God - THE AUTHOR of these temples!
Fantasy and delusion is always short-lived, because it always "requires more fuel, just too keep the fire lit!"
LISTEN...If we do NOT "resist the flesh", with its cravings, appetites and indulgences - our bodies will be the "god" we serve in eternal flames, in hell!
"The torment of hell" relates to the constant pain and agony of fire consuming the body, and the unending agony of the accumulated misery associated with all forms of sickness and disease; APART FROM GOD!
Why the "big struggle" over the "body", anyways? "Ashes to ashes, and dust to dust, right?" The "body" is the vehicle in our earthly existence (human agency) that either "aligns us with God, or the devil".
Our "physical shell" is "the agent for life and death" that God gave to us as a "gift", through the choices we make every day; and "the results of our use" - links us with the eternal outcomes that determines the future and the harvest, we will ultimately experience for all eternity!
WHAT ABOUT, HUE HEFNER?
Hue Hefner has his kingdom, "here on earth", because he has completely yielded his life to "the god of this world", serving the flesh and the world of perversion - outside of "God's Original Intent". It is "my prayer" that Mr. Hefner has accepted Christ, and seen his desperate need for the Savior...BUT, if he hasn't, we should all PRAY that his heart be penetrated with the truths that I've been led to share in this blog!
Is it because "nudity is sinful or ungodly", that Mr. Hefner could end up in hell?
NO.. Plus, I don't KNOW if he's entertained his own fallibility and mortality, to even consider the repercussions of a "life devoted to worshipping the body of women"!
"SO, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY THE IMPACT OF HIS LIFE IS UPON SOCIETY?"
A part of "the genius" of Hue Hefner's legacy is, "he leveraged the rebellion of millions of non-conformists, humanists and lustful men and loose women", to build an empire that acted as the forerunner for PORNOGRAPHY!
The impacts of "pornography" upon society, is now "being studied by many universities and social scientists", and the progressive influence upon the culture has led to institutionalizing the freedom of expression, glamorizing decadence, and celebrating eroticism and fanaticism, at the expense of millions of families; which is DEMONIC, to say the least!
"SO, WHY WAS PLAYBOY SUCH A BIG HIT?"
Once the disarming and desensitization of the masses became acceptable, then "the lie" was supplanted in the hearts of people, "who struggled with lust", and obviously felt "liberated" by being able "to let it ALL hang-out"; with no thought of the negative and sometimes life-long consequence, upon the actors and actresses, the society at large, and the many other extensions of this "legacy" that would progressively follow...
"The Lie" consists of the following:
- It's "artistic expression" and "individual creativity" that should NOT be stifled..
- My "uninhibited pleasure" and "personal compromise" only affects "the religious", who should mind their own business.
- The celebration of rebellion and non-conformity has led to all kinds of "breakthroughs in society", so its just your "religious worldview" that's influencing your opinion.
"The Truth" is:
- It encourages unprotected sex, perversion and emptiness.
- It promotes "loose-living", prostitution, and human trafficking, as "human-beings" are no longer seen, as being "created in HIS image, and made in HIS likeness".
- It celebrates sensuality over innocence, at the expense of people being controlled by urges and having little self-control.
PERVERSION IS A STRONGHOLD...
"Perversion's Stronghold" is convincing the human-beings that the indulgences of the flesh are meant to be satisfied, and the strong urge and magnetism to serve the desire - precedes all reason or consequence, whether the conscience agrees or disagrees! Perversion turns the legitimate need into a mountainous and inescapable issue that demands tolerance for personal satisfaction at any cost!
Perversion, also demands it ways and supersedes the Spirit's direction to establish legitimate claim to "the vessel", so that the misguided pursuits and commitments to yield the body to any and every indulgence - to temporarily satisfy its lust, causes the devotion to self to be worship through idolatry of the heart!
WHY IS PERVERSION, IDOLATROUS?
Idolatry of the heart is worship, because it magnifies the temporal needs above the Eternal-God, and HIS Will or purpose for our lives! Magnifying "self" is glorifying the flesh and despising the "Spirit", or the best part of humanity!
When the "flesh is served at all costs, above the "Spirit's devotion to God", the soul becomes engulfed with diluted thoughts and perverts the unique purpose and intention of HIS Heart, for a "dedicated body" that is solely focused on glorifying God!
It was necessary for Jesus to die, such a horrible death, filled with physical pain and agony, which was both unbearable and unavoidable because, HIS "physical death" satisfied the eternal justice and righteous judgment required by The Father, for humanity's idolatrous worship of the "flesh"!
AREN'T "SEXUAL NEEDS", LEGITIMATE?
What encompasses "legitimate need", and how do we draw the line in determining whether "the need" is based upon Perception, Impatience and Impertinence.
"Perception" allows the 5-senses to inform the body of its desires, and "the demand" registered in the brain - signals the body to respond, heightening the initial feelings to the status of a "need", or something that we can't do without; never legitimately establishing the need outside of the natural senses, but only magnifying the desire to the point that it dominates the mind and body, signaling importance and value...
"Impatience" disallows any discomfort, based upon the flesh's demands for gratification! It borrows future satisfaction "on credit", believing the constant withdrawals, without waiting in expectancy through seeds of perseverance and courage, will EVER pay off! Impatience is the "seed-bed" of unbelief, and bargains for a legitimate place when the promise is greater than the temporary prize, of self gratification and compromise!
"Impertinence" is impudent behavior that "wills to do, what IT wants", at the "high cost" of irrelevance, idolatry and insolence against God's Will and HIS Ways! It defines its reality by the whims and extraneous things that are excuses for letting feelings, fantasies and falsities - play the primary role of its existence, without any thought for the meaning, value or purpose outside of its limited viewpoint and worldview.
"INDULGING MYSELF", IS MY BUSINESS - RIGHT?
Why should any of us have a problem with someone "indulging themselves", for their own "personal benefit"?
Because "self indulgence" is wickedly deceitful and harmful, due to the fact that magnifying personal need or desire, most always requires an involvement of someone else, and not those who are necessarily "unwilling at first"; to satisfy the need...But, eventually it (self indulgence) will go against "the laws of the divine nature" that involves caring, consideration and mutual benefit, as its primary focus!
The "real" deception in indulgence and self-gratification of the flesh, is - though it promotes power, freedom and fulfilling every lustful thought or desire without negative consequence - its harvest is "emptiness" (bankruptcy of the soul), "idleness" (misguided focus and pursuits), and "brokenness" (unfulfilled desires of the heart).
YOU CAN CONTROL YOUR URGES, WITHOUT GOD...
The illusion of "control" is the power of intoxication, to hype the benefits, but neglect to communicate the cost! "Convictions" become debatable, when the flesh becomes uncomfortable, and the first outlet for relief - is ALWAYS compromise!
The "slippery slope" into destruction, degradation and humiliation, begins with you attempting "to control your actions and to hide your sin", until eventually, it takes total control of you"! And, there is no distinguishable moment that signals this change or diminishing authority or dominion over YOU, except your actions are no longer governed by the Spirit of God; and what once was an urge you fed "when you desired", becomes a stronghold you surrender to, even when you desire what's right - or at the expense of hurting someone else!
THIS EXPLAINS "how perversion" is a graduated state of bondage, brokenness and a battle-worn heart that succumbs to the carnal desires of the flesh!
Once this happens, THE ENEMY OF YOUR SOUL works systematically to "destroy your life"!
Then, you receive "hell's forecasts and predictions" - finding yourself in a compromised place, and instinctively following the pervasive thoughts and influences that signifies your actual desires, which were once hidden to others; but, yet alive "in you"!
BREAKING THE STRONGHOLD OF PERVERSION...
You BREAK the power of perversion over your temple, by:
- Be accountable with and to your family, significant other (husband/wife), and spiritual elders about any/every struggle, once qualified and "whole" people have been identified.
- Admit and confess your sin openly, and close the door by the grace of Almighty God; sealed in the Blood of Jesus Christ.
- Resist and reject the opportunities to use your freedom as a license to sin, or to wander in curiosity into darkness, despair and death.
- Keep aware of the testimonies of others destroyed by similar behaviors, and learn all that you can.
- Don't feed any desire contrary to God's Will concerning you, by honoring HIS Word - above your opinions, preferences and appetites.
- Devote time each day to check yourself concerning inappropriate and unacceptable behaviors. I.e. - flirtation, feeding the "eye gates", etc.
- Meditate upon the Word, build yourself up "daily", and deny your flesh, without compromise.
- Don't cover-up frustrations or concerns, with mindless activities. Talk about the struggle, locate the promise, agree in prayer, and seal it with communion - ANYTIME you feel the pressure "to bow"!
- Don't demonize your need for accountability. It does NOT signify weakness, its guarantees strength and protection.
- Be sensitive to your own needs, and don't deflect your "legitimate needs", with "heroic deprivation", because it strengthens the power of lustful thinking and secrecy.
- Invest in the materials you need to grow, learn and develop the capacity to walk in your liberty in Christ.
IF YOU are "in ministry", READ the links below, to both insulate and protect yourself from the plague that is COMMON amongst many "men and women of God"; and, NOW the people of God are no longer "accepting this", as the WILL OF GOD!?!
THANK GOD FOR THAT!
LUST, PERVERSION & GREED ("High Places of Our Generation") are FALLING! WS-3
IMPORTANT LINKs:
"The Psychology of Entertainment & the Spiritual Impact of Entertaining.."
https://www.askpastorwalter.com/2011/11/psychology-of-entertainment-spiritual.html?q=Lust&m=1
https://www.askpastorwalter.com/2011/11/psychology-of-entertainment-spiritual.html?q=Lust&m=1
"Family Dynamics For Frontline Warriors"
"SATAN, is a Liar!"
"An Apostolic and Prophetic Ministry Bridging Faith & Culture"
This electronic message transmission contains information from Pure In Heart Int'l Ministries, Inc. (PIHIM) that we consider to be confidential or privileged. The information is intended solely for the recipient and use by any other party is not authorized. If you are not the intended recipient, be aware that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of the contents of this information is prohibited. If you have received this electronic transmission in error, please notify us immediately by telephone at (213)293-6249 or by electronic mail (PureInHeart@att.net) Thank you.
This electronic message transmission contains information from Pure In Heart Int'l Ministries, Inc. (PIHIM) that we consider to be confidential or privileged. The information is intended solely for the recipient and use by any other party is not authorized. If you are not the intended recipient, be aware that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of the contents of this information is prohibited. If you have received this electronic transmission in error, please notify us immediately by telephone at (213)293-6249 or by electronic mail (PureInHeart@att.net) Thank you.
Comments
Post a Comment
BLOG Comment Policy:
The author of this blog will attempt to engage in conversation via the comments section whenever possible and recognize the 24/7 nature of the internet. Moderating and posting of comments will occur during regular operational hours Monday through Friday. Comments submitted after hours or on weekends will be read and posted as early as possible, however admins and/or the author is unable to commit to replying to every comment posted.
This is a moderated blog. That means all comments will be reviewed before posting. In addition, it is expected that participants will treat each other, as well as the author and admin, with respect. Comments that contain vulgar or abusive language; personal attacks of any kind will not be posted. Comments that are spam or that promote services or products will not be posted. It is requested that all comments remain on topic.
The AskPastorWalter Blog does not guarantee or warrant that any information posted by individuals on this blog is correct, and disclaims any liability for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on any such information. The AskPastorWalter Blog may not be able to verify, does not warrant or guarantee, and assumes no liability for anything posted on this website by any other person. The AskPastorWalter Blog does not endorse, support or otherwise promote any private or commercial entity or the information, products or services contained on those Web sites that may be reached through links in our blogposts or on our website.
To protect individual privacy and the privacy of others, please do not include phone numbers, addresses or email details in the body of a comment. Such information will result in removal of a comment.
Thank you for your attention.
**AskPastorWalter Blog Team**
P.S. -- For additional inquiries or correspondence to this end, please send them to PureInHeartIntlMinistriesInc@gmail.com.