Pastor Francis Frangipane's Weekly Message September 12, 2003
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WHAT WILL YOU GIVE IN EXCHANGE FOR YOUR SOUL?
"In the last days, perilous times shall come" (2 Tim. 3:1).
When Paul writes that, "perilous times shall come," with holy fear we ought to consider his words. Indeed, we might expect the apostle's warning about the last days would focus upon coming persecutions or specifics concerning the Great Tribulation. But what Paul actually describes as "perilous" is a world full of obsessive self-fulfillment and readily attainable, and almost unbridled, opportunities for pleasure.
Consider well his warning. For his spiritual analysis reads like the advertisement section of a local newspaper. He continues,
"For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God" (2 Tim 3:2-4).
It would be difficult enough if Paul were warning of the world's condition. However, the conditions he describes are not isolated to pagans or atheists, for such attitudes have always run rampant in the non-Christian world. Paul is warning about the worldly attitudes of people in the church. His concern is that many Christians will be intoxicated with the pleasures of this world. He then tells us that a religious veneer will mask this preoccupation with pleasure: Christians will hold "to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power" (2 Tim 3:5).
Beloved, Paul is warning about the conditions in many of our churches in the western world.
We need a deep, cleansing revival that returns us to passionate, biblical Christianity. I am not talking about a "flopping, hopping, run around the church sanctuary" emotional experience, but an all consuming return to the pursuit of Christ's character and power.
In a world replete with temptation and self love, I ask you to consider the
In Christ's Image Training program. View the testimonies on our webpage from
some of our students. If you are truly hungry for more of God, beloved, the
opportunity to move nearer to God is at hand.
So many things steal into our soul with the intent of capturing our attentions
and affections. Jesus challenges this trading of spiritual things for natural.
He asks, "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit
his soul? For what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Mk 8:36-37)"
Dear one, if it is an inevitable life principle that we exchange our souls for something, let us choose to exchange our hearts for Christ's! Let us possess the meaning and power that comes from conformity to Him. Indeed, if we miss this opportunity, what shall we give in exchange for our souls?
Lord, awaken again my passion for You. Forgive me for being dissipated with
the things of this age. Draw me near to You. Empower me to lay hold of the
true purpose of my existence: to become like You. Amen.
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IN CHRIST'S IMAGE TRAINING SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
In Christ's Image training session begins October 3rd. If you need a personal
revival, something that will not only challenge you, but change and transform
you, please accept this invitation.
More Information
GIVING:
If you would like to help support this ministry, you can send your monthly
pledge or one time offering to:
In Christ's Image
125 Robins Sq. Dr.
Robins, IA 52328.
Or, you can call us at 1-888-934-6243 or 1-319-395-7131.
You can also give through our secure online bookstore.
Thank you.
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ONLINE BOOKSTORE:
Be sure and visit our online bookstore.
We have many valuable resources that will help you cultivate your personal relationship with God.
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SKY ANGEL:
Be sure and watch Francis on television on Sky Angel. You can tune in every
Friday evening at 8pm central time. Just turn to the Angel One channel and
look for In Christ's Image.
For more information on the Sky Angel satellite network, you can visit their website or call them toll-free at 1-888-759-2643.
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REPRINT AGREEMENT:
Duplication and re-transmission of this writing is permitted provided that
complete source and website information for the Ministries of Francis Frangipane
is included.
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COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS:
If you wish to contact us with comments or questions about this email, you may do so by writing us at comments@frangipane.org.
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THANK YOU FOR FORWARDING:
We would like to thank those of you who have been forwarding these messages
to friends and family.
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God bless you!
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