Into the Belly of the Beast

James Griffin · #1 05-21-2008, 01:08 PM

This month marks the 15th anniversary of my membership as a member of the State Bar of Texas. I am sending in the paperwork to change my status to inactive.

This has been brewing in my spirit for many months, and ironically enough one of the main catalysts was Resolution 4 at the last general conference.

The spirit of divisiveness was appalling enough, but from the aftermath it was clear that too many Apostolics are of a “flee” the world as opposed to being separate from the world mentality. Many Apostolics, especially those who still believe modesty and a holy lifestyle should be paramount: those who have been buried the wonderful name of Jesus, and filled with the Holy Ghost, seem to deny the power of God to transform the world and therefore cling to a "hold the fort I am coming" mentality, and an isolationist monastic mindset.

God has given the church a mandate to go forth. In many cases the American part of the body has changed that to “build a better mousetrap and they will beat a path to our door.”

We have written off the circles of influence such as government, sports, entertainment, and education.

We should attempt to influence all of these not only for the sake of evangelism but also it is simply the right thing to do.

As a parent, preacher, and former juvenile prosecutor I have come to note there is no institution more in need of an Apostolic presence than the educational system. I know here in Houston there are some Apostolics that work within that system and have decided to join them.

The necessary steps have been taken to be eligible to apply for position as an elementary school teacher and I will start doing so next week.

It is my intention to learn enough to able to try to influence the beast from within. Lost cause? Perhaps, but I believe we are mandated to try nonetheless.

The last few months I have been privileged to reconnect with old friends and make new ones by means of these forums. In all that time I do not recall even once making a public request for prayer. But I humbly do so now. For wisdom and guidance.

MrsMcD · #2 05-21-2008, 01:14 PM

This is awesome! I will keep you in my prayers. I'm excited about how God is going to use you to work in the lives of children. My son is in fifth grade and I know that his teachers have an impact on his life. Any time, he founds out that one of his teachers believe in God or goes to church, he comes home and tells me. Never underestimate the influence you will have on the lives of the children you will teach. God Bless You!

mizpeh · #3 05-21-2008, 01:18 PM

Well, I guessed wrong! I thought government but it's education.

Praying for you, JG. Pro 3:6

Ron · #4 05-21-2008, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James Griffin

This month marks the 15th anniversary of my membership as a member of the State Bar of Texas. I am sending in the paperwork to change my status to inactive.

This has been brewing in my spirit for many months, and ironically enough one of the main catalysts was Resolution 4 at the last general conference.

The spirit of divisiveness was appalling enough, but from the aftermath it was clear that too many Apostolics are of a “flee” the world as opposed to being separate from the world mentality. Many Apostolics, especially those who still believe modesty and a holy lifestyle should be paramount: those who have been buried the wonderful name of Jesus, and filled with the Holy Ghost, seem to deny the power of God to transform the world and therefore cling to a "hold the fort I am coming" mentality, and an isolationist monastic mindset.

God has given the church a mandate to go forth. In many cases the American part of the body has changed that to “build a better mousetrap and they will beat a path to our door.”

We have written off the circles of influence such as government, sports, entertainment, and education.

We should attempt to influence all of these not only for the sake of evangelism but also it is simply the right thing to do.

As a parent, preacher, and former juvenile prosecutor I have come to note there is no institution more in need of an Apostolic presence than the educational system. I know here in Houston there are some Apostolics that work within that system and have decided to join them.

The necessary steps have been taken to be eligible to apply for position as an elementary school teacher and I will start doing so next week.

It is my intention to learn enough to able to try to influence the beast from within. Lost cause? Perhaps, but I believe we are mandated to try nonetheless.

The last few months I have been privileged to reconnect with old friends and make new ones by means of these forums. In all that time I do not recall even once making a public request for prayer. But I humbly do so now. For wisdom and guidance.

Praying for you as you take the steps forward into a new challenge.

SDG · #5 05-21-2008, 01:20 PM

Some of us are masochists.

Sister Alvear · #6 05-21-2008, 01:22 PM

praying here in Brazil for you.

DividedThigh · #7 05-21-2008, 01:22 PM

prayin for you brother, god bless your efforts in Jesus name, dt

Digging4Truth · #8 05-21-2008, 01:27 PM

It is my observation that this mindset is supported by futurism.

Futurism teaches us...

The Lord is coming to rescue us from what would be eminent defeat.
When evil prevails it is just a sign of the times (ie... ordained by God aka God's will)

It is a spirit and attitude of defeatism that expects no victorious church that will see great revival but only a church being beaten down by the enemy hoping for the eminent rescue from the very grasp of defeat.

In short... futurism fosters a mentality that says "were it not for the return of Christ the church would have been completely and utterly destroyed and rendered powerless"

When I was a futurist I did not realize this mindset within myself and could not have seen it.

Futurists will vehemently deny that this is the resulting mindset of the their favored theology but have a conversation with one about the state of the world today...

What are the faithful's answers?

"Well brother... God said it would be this way."

"I am just glad I have another home waiting for me."

Baron1710 · #9 05-21-2008, 01:36 PM

Good for you. You are the kind of person that will change the world.

dizzyde · #10 05-21-2008, 01:37 PM

That is amazing Bro. Griffin, I will definitely be praying for you. I think there a few jobs that hold as much influence in our society.