My friends, I have been inspired to quote the following from a book written by Andrew Jukes, "Four Views of Christ"
It seems the same problem follows every generation because it was written in 1853!
"The cross is meant to make men displeased with themselves, to humble and abase them. How then can it be so preached as to please all men?
Well, a way has been found. Let us say to men, "thank God you're not like others", you are not like this one or that one.....by preaching even truth, lay to men's souls the flattering unction that they, whom we address, are not as other men, and they will be well pleased with themselves, and the truth shall seem to have acquired many friends.
But let the true cross be brought before men, the death of self in all its forms, the end of righteousness and strength and will as sons of Adam; let us show that participation with the sufferings of Christ into which the Holy Spirit leads us - the life in things that are unseen, in righteousness, joy, and peace, which takes away even the desire to have something or to be something here; let this be preached in life and word, and we shall find the offence of the cross remains, now as of old, a stumbling block, not least to those who thank God that they are "not other men"
Preachers are trying to "make the best of both worlds " The Christian now can show the heathen how to get more out of this world than they knew before; not resurrection, but power in the flesh; not the Holy Spirit, but learning and wealth; not Christ at God's right hand, and we in Him, but discoveries, blessings and institutions here.
Christ and His Apostles lost this world. They could not, or did not, make the best of both;"
We are to be as Christ was when He walked upon the Earth.
To me, here a little and there a little, line upon line, precept upon precept. With wisdom and knowledge and the Holy Spirit working in us we can, piece by piece, join this beautiful living Word.
I read a lot of different people's work, I get fed every day by my Heavenly Father because I don't put my trust in Jordan Peterson, Steven Fry, Ray Smith (his is the most accurate), Andrew Jukes, Knoch etc. They all (with one exception) hit and miss in some of their teachings, but what I do get is, here a little and there a little, line upon line and precept upon precept......
With Ray's study on Foundational Truths it is possible to sift through anything and remember what God says, "seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened"
Ray death left a huge gap but we need to go on and grow and be fed. Trust God, you will hear Him say to you "this is rubbish, or this is truth, this is scripture"
It's fun and I'm enjoying learning and gaining understanding.
Love
Heidi