God has a new heart for us that cannot be offended, an "unoffendable" heart. Beloved, possessing an unoffendable heart is not an option or a luxury; it's not a little thing. An offended heart is endanger of becoming a "heart of stone."
Consider: Jesus warns that, as we near the end of the age, a majority of people will be offended to such a degree that they fall away from the faith. Listen carefully to His warning:
"Then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another . . . and because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold" (Matt. 24:10-12 KJV).
"Many" will "be offended." The result? The love of "many" will grow cold. My prayer is that we will hear His words with holy fear.
When we allow an offense to remain in our hearts, it causes serious spiritual consequences. In the above verse Jesus named three dangerous results: betrayal, hatred and cold love. When we are offended with someone, even someone we care for, we must go to them. If we do not talk to them, we will begin to talk about them. We betray that relationship, whispering maliciously behind their back to others, exposing their weaknesses and sins. We may mask our betrayal by saying we are just looking for advice or counsel, but when we look back, we see we have spoken negatively to far too many people. Our real goal was not to get spiritual help for ourselves but to seek revenge toward the one who offended us. How is such action not a manifestation of hatred? For an offended soul, cold love, betrayal and hatred are a walk into darkness.
People don't stumble over boulders; they stumble over stones, relatively small things. It may be that the personality of someone in authority bothers us, and soon we are offended. Or, a friend or family member fails to meet our expectations, and we take an offense into our soul. Beloved, if we will "endure to the end," we will have to confront the things that bother us.
When Jesus warns that we need endurance, He is saying that it is easier to begin the race than finish it. Between now and the day you die, there will be major times of offense that you will need to overcome. You might be in such a time right now. Do not minimize the danger of harboring an offense!
No one plans on falling away; no one ever says, "Today, I think I'll try to develop a hardened heart of stone." Such things enter our souls through stealth. It is only naiveté that assumes it couldn't happen to us. I know many people who consistently become offended about one thing or another. Instead of dealing with the offenses, praying about them and turning the issue over to God, they carry the offense in their soul until its weight disables their walk with God. You may be doing fine today, but I guarantee you, tomorrow something will happen that will inevitably disappoint or wound you; some injustice will strike you, demanding you retaliate in the flesh. Will you find more love, and hence, continue your growth toward Christlikeness? Or will you allow that offense to consume your spiritual life?
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This vital message from Pastor Frangipane was adapted from a lesson in his online school, In Christ's Image Training.
This course has touched and inspired thousands of believers in over one
hundred twenty-one nations and territories and all fifty U.S. states
In Christ's Image Training
Registration extended through June 27, 2016
Level I classes begin July 1, 2016
There are qualities of
heart that actually attract the pleasure of God. If we possess
unoffendable faith in our pursuit of Christ's likeness; if we walk
humbly with our God; if we position ourselves in the intercessor's gap;
and if we abide in Christ-centered unity with the local body of Christ
-- we will attract the pleasure of God, and when we awaken His pleasure,
His power soon follows. Sign up today for our next In Christ's Image Training course that begins July 1, 2016. Registration closes June 23, 2016 extended through Monday, June 27, 2016. www.icitc.org.
In Christ's Image Training
is a six-month, online course developed by Pastor Frangipane. It is
based on 45 years of seeking God, study and revelatory insights. These
are proven truths that break chains and lead to power in our Christian
walk.
The vision of attaining Christ's likeness
Possessing Christ's humility
Developing a strong prayer life
Becoming one with other Christ believers
The course
comes right to your home via email and audio messages and is designed to
lift one's focus toward the actual presence of Jesus Christ. The full
course not only includes 48 lessons and 39 audio messages (sample audio),
but the discerning student will actually find the Lord using the weekly
lessons to stage opportunities to deepen the truths found in the
training.Possessing Christ's humility
Developing a strong prayer life
Becoming one with other Christ believers
For those with limited funds, the entire text is free by email. Just enroll in the Free Lesson Plan (new students only please).
Enrollment overview:
1) Go to www.icitc.org and read through the Level I page, FAQ page, Level I Syllabus page, and Tuition page.
2) Choose an enrollment plan.
3) Next, complete the Level I Registration form. Registration has been extended through Monday, June 27, 2016.
4) Submit the registration form - Class begins July 1, 2016.
2) Choose an enrollment plan.
3) Next, complete the Level I Registration form. Registration has been extended through Monday, June 27, 2016.
4) Submit the registration form - Class begins July 1, 2016.
For more info, please see www.icitc.org.
Training also available in Spanish / Español
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