I Never Knew You

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
2 Timothy 3:5 (KJV)

How many souls will miss out on Heaven simply because they accepted religion (a form of godliness) instead of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? The thing is that we as Christians have allowed these denominations, churches and organizations like the Salvation Army to become a placebo for a relationship with Him. They have become fan clubs for a prefabricated false christ and the only relationship some people have with God.

I know for a fact that there are many out there who don't believe that God speaks to His people, or He only speaks to certain ones but that is a lie. Under the New Covenant God doesn't just speak to one person like Noah, Moses or King David; that Holy Spirit written in our hearts allows us all to hear His voice. If we are not hearing His voice we had better make the changes in our lives now so that we will. We must not go to our Pastor or anyone else to hear Him for us.

If we don't want to hear Him say to us "I never knew you" we must develop this intimate relationship with Him. Going to church has become a placebo for this relationship which is why it is so potentially dangerous to our salvation. The pastor will become an antichrist (false christ) figure in our lives if we allow it.

And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
Luke 17:20-21 (KJV)

You see, in truth the church (kingdom of God) is within the hearts of each of us who worship Him in spirit and in truth. These buildings we call churches should at most be a meeting place for those who already know Him, no more revered than a barn. Jesus was born in a barn it is the presence of the Holy Spirit in our hearts which justifies us not the space we occupy.

That means we can be closer to Christ in a prison cell than those who worship in the most glorious of manmade cathedrals. The churches have become centralized and controlled from above by the spiritual harlotry of the Jezebel spirit just as the bible warned us would happen in these end times (Jude 1:4 KJV).

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Matthew 7:22-23 (KJV)

On Judgment Day  when asked to give an account of your life will you tell God how you went to church every Sunday or all of your good deeds? Or will you point to Jesus and say He is my friend we speak every day? Do you say I believe in Him but have no relationship with Him? The bible tells us the devils believe and tremble (James 2:9 KJV), are they going to Heaven?

It Comes at a High Cost

A personal relationship with Jesus Christ is free, yet comes at great cost because there is much personal sacrifice and suffering involved. Once we are honored by His presence in our lives He begins to show us those things that are displeasing to Him. If we want to continue this relationship we must be willing to conform to His image and make the necessary changes in our lives so that we may be pleasing to Him.

But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
1 Corinthians 9:27 (KJV)

We must crucify our flesh, not make excuses for it so we can keep our pet sins. After all is said and done, if we do not wish to conform ourselves to Christ He has nothing to offer us. As we submit to God in areas of our lives He shows us deeper truths where He wants to work on us. It is not a pleasant experience putting down our flesh, but necessary so that we may come forth as gold. He does the work; He is the potter, we are the clay. He was willing to die for my sins how can I deny him anything He asks of me? So I gladly give up things like TV, music, pagan holidays such as Christmas and anything else that doesn't please Him.

Everyone has to go at their own pace, but if someone questions me I am going to tell them what God has shown me. But much of Christianity has adopted the worldly "Don't ask, don't tell" attitude towards sin. We do not examine ourselves or point out sin to others. "You ignore my sin and I'll ignore yours" seems to be the plan, and anyone who tries to warn their brothers and sisters is falsely accused of being judgmental. Everyone circles their wagons to collectively hide their sins instead of laying them at the foot of the cross.

Something else we tend to do is when God touches upon our pet sins make Him a counteroffer. Sometimes we do this because we want to hold onto them, but we can also sincerely want to please Him in the way He is asking but have difficulty in actually doing so. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.

And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
Genesis 4:3-5 (KJV)

I know in my experience God wants me to fast more for answers to prayer but I find it very difficult to do as much as I'd like to. But the problem comes when I try to make a deal with Him: "Oh, I can't fast today, but I will pray for some people, and minister to others and do this and that and...". Sounds reasonable? Maybe to us, but to God how is doing this any different than Cain's sacrifice? Cain knew what God required of him but decided to make his own substitution. So when we find ourselves doing this we need to ask God's forgiveness and simply pray for the strength to do His will, not ours just as Christ did on the cross.