Essential Affirmations: BUILDING UP WHAT WAS TORN DOWN

Welcome to De-Commissioned, a place for former members of the Great Commission movement (aka GCM, GCC, GCAC, GCI, the Blitz) to discuss problems they've experienced in the association's practices and theology.

You may read and post, but some features are restricted to registered members. Please consider registering to gain full access! Registration is free and only takes a few moments to complete.

[jtk1983]

Janet, I love that verse from Hosea! It has brought so much comfort and healing to me! Thank you for sharing!

[Janet Easson Martin]

IS MY ELDER or PASTOR GODLY?

Does He Operate And Cooperate With God?

I disturbingly and distinctly remember when a familiar guy in our church was newly appointed an elder.  There were quite a large number of us assembled for him to debut his "shepherding responsibility".  Awaiting his guidance I was taken aback and bludgeoned with his arrogant and demanding (lording it over) manner when he finally spoke. From my observation he didn't come across like this prior to his new position.  His rude attitude was disappointing and dreadful.

But, I had not had opportunity to observe other men in GCx before they were appointed elders. Actually, the main appointee of elders, who was to be revered and emulated, did indeed act in such a manner. I guess I had just come to expect it from him and other elders who worshipped this 'main man' because that's all I'd ever experienced there as a new believer.  The startling change in this familiar "brother" which caught me by surprise shed light on this "to be feared" office of elder in this manipulative GCx church organization.  

"You shall Fear ONLY the LORD YOUR God; and shall worship HIM "

Deut. 6:13

"You shall NOT FEAR other gods, NOR BOW DOWN yourselves to them" "

2 Kings 17:35

Wasn't that kind of fear just reserved for God? Was his behavior befitting of a shepherd called to care for God's PRECIOUS flock?  More importantly, were those this new leader was IMITATING following a TRUE & GENUINE biblical pattern of an overseer?

ISN'T THE KIND OF FEAR, SERVICE, AND SACRIFICE which the founders and overseers demanded of us ONLY RESERVED FOR GOD?

WEREN'T WE HELD CAPTIVE TO IDOLATRY (deceptively) TO GCx AND IT'S LEADERS?  (They could never in the awareness of the Spirit feel good about these realities.)


There dwelt a conflict in my soul (added to others in GCx I stuffed) which I never voiced while in there.  This very question was NOT PERMITTED in GCx. (It is one of many unwritten RULES there.). The elders were unequivocally to be "obeyed".  They claimed spiritual Parenthood on the same level as God.  Some have been quoted to hold this claim as has been REVEALED here on this site. Substituting pastors as head of the church rather than Christ. Instead the Word of GOD correctly instructs:

"...As head of the church, his body, which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ..."

Ephesians 5:23,24

These "elders" though perhaps unaware were peddlers and salesmen of GCx and it's founder.  The sheep were not built up and tended to with grace, but pushed and shoved around for the sole purpose of the success of the organization and often it's brutal founder.  These young sheep likely concluded their God was much the same, using them as pawns.

Thus, they, by the thousands, came to view their real Heavenly Father as demanding and indifferent toward them, also. Wouldn't this be an insidious but effective plan of SATAN for believers?  The memory of a patient, tender, compassionate and merciful Shepherd fading away. This false picture of God boldly painted by those who serve and worship themselves (which Paul implies can be a believer who has been led astray by Satan). These men the Word of God labels as False Teachers. Their instruction supposedly from God and explanation about God is a false image!  Paul warns in Galatians they present a DIFFERENT JESUS!


The WORD of GOD tells us the truth about what our God actually LOOKS LIKE:

Isaiah 40:9 SAYS:   Here is your God!   ...

...  "He TENDS his flock LIKE a shepherd:

     He GATHERS the LAMBS in His ARMS

    and CARRIES them close to his heart;

     He GENTLY leads those that have young."

Isaiah 40:11

He will answer and rescue me with his great power and ability.

 He will rule over all including my enemies as I trust in His power.

 He Will reward my faith, (and not my own self efforts).

(My Paraphrase  & Affirmations from Is. 40:10)



If you have been a false peddler of God by persuading others they must be loyal to GCx and it's elders to be loyal to God, then be honest with yourself and with others about your idolatry.

Do us and them a huge favor by admitting it. Turn your mind toward God's INFINITE GRACE so that you will treat others in a like manner instead, and receive his unending forgiveness!

In Christ we will FORGIVE YOU too.

[Linda]

Great post, Janet. Thanks.

[BrokenyetFree]

I agree! Thanks Janet

[Janet Easson Martin]

Studying 1st Corinthians 5:21 today I am still in awe of how God actually sees us. It seems too amazing to be true that in Christ, now and forever, we are and always will be divinely righteous. It is a judicial verdict belonging to and declared by God.

Do you know that he has already examined us with His own eyes and deemed us right?  That Jesus has fulfilled The Law more than ENOUGH for us. Who GOD declares righteous cannot come into question or condemnation.

Very sadly, I was dissuaded from this initial CONFIDENCE IN CHRIST after a few months under teaching in GCx.  I concluded God must be much more conditional in his view and love for me than I originally thought. I became WORRIED that he would not approve of me because I was taught different "sacrifices" (what I must give & give up) to be "truly" pleasing to him.  HOW AWFUL!!  Paul's reaction seems to be (in Galatians), 'HOW APPALING!!'  Actually, Paul, in a very strong tone says something more like,
'How DARE You?!!'  The Believer's source of motivation and joy has been stolen. Remember Paul says, 'You've let them ROB you'.  It seems he wasn't just talking about money.  They were being robbed of their precious blood bought identity.  No wonder my strength, as I remained in GCx, seemed to be lost, especially for someone in her twenties. It was robbed along with my joy because I no longer had God's constant approval to rest in.


Here are some affirmations I personalized from my study of this ESSENTIAL TRUTH:

GOD, WHO REMAINS THE SAME, IS THE SOURCE AND AUTHOR OF MY RIGHTEOUSNESS.

I HAVE THE DIVINE APPROVAL OF GOD.  I DON'T NEED OTHERS APPROVAL.

I AM ALWAYS ACCEPTABLE TO GOD.

GOD HAS PLEDGED HIS GRACE TO ME ETERNALLY IN CHRIST.

GOD IS WELL-PLEASED WITH ME IN CHRIST!

[Janet Easson Martin]

IN CHRIST ALONE IS OUR CONSTANT RIGHTEOUSNESS BEFORE GOD

John Bunyan who wrote The Pilgrim's Progress struggled with doubt, fear, anxiety, and guilt as a believer. But, found his freedom and peace in the REAL truth of the gospel of GRACE.  In his autobiography, Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners, he shared this as he still (as a believer) had thoughts and fears that he wasn't right with God:

     "suddenly, this sentence fell upon my soul. Thy righteousness is in heaven". He went on to say, "I saw with the eyes of my soul, Jesus Christ at God's right hand; there, I say, was my righteousness; so that whatever I was doing, God would not say of me, He wants my righteousness, for that was right before him. I also saw, moreover, that it was not my good frame of heart that made my righteousness better, nor yet my bad frame that made my righteousness worse; for my righteousness was Jesus Christ himself, 'the same yesterday, and today, and forever.'"



ESSENTIAL AFFIRMATIONS


MY RIGHTEOUSNESS IN CHRIST IS THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER!

MY RIGHTEOUSNESS CAN NEVER BE REMOVED NO MATTER WHAT I HAVE DONE.

MY RIGHTEOUSNESS IS NOT ABOUT ME, ITS ABOUT JESUS.



The real gospel is SIMPLE.  Don't be deceived any longer.

"I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be
 corrupted from
the simplicity that is in Christ"

2 Cor. 11:3

[Angel]

God bless you and keep you dear brothers and sisters, I've been praying for you all . Our good Lord provides for all your needs. I am sure He has been with you in every situation and He knows what you have been going  through .He will turn out all this in your favor like He did with the faithful Joseph. I'm sure our good Shepherd Jesus will feed you ,heal your hearth, guide you through His Holy Spirit and He will give you His surpassing peace . Be joyful that you have found the good Shepherd that gave his life for all of us so we can be free , have peace and let's pray for those that are still seeking for their love one. We can say Lord ,Him whom my soul loveth;” I embrace Him and will never let Him go.(song of songs). Have a blessed time

[Janet Easson Martin]

You ARE My Servant Whom I Have NOT Rejected

"I said, 'You ARE my servant';
I HAVE chosen you, and HAVE NOT rejected you;"

         

Isaiah 41:9b

It seems the key to our confidence is being sure who we really are, and whose we really are.  If we are not anchored in this surety, we can be deceived into thinking we are not worthy enough to approach His Throne of Grace; nor are we "holy" enough to be His servant.  This is exactly what Satan wants to convince us of.  

Our enemy, the devil, would like us to trust in our own merits in how God views us so that we will either be full of pride or self-loathing and punishment.  Neither position can receive help from the Throne of Grace in time of need.  Satan would love us to stay on this roller coaster of striving in the flesh.  He'd like us to pop from being puffed up, or give up from being deflated.  

As we have seen from the Word, False Teaching incites both.  More commonly, it deflates the believer.  Paul describes in many instances, especially 2 Corinthians 11, the exploitative and demeaning effects of False Teachers upon their "flock".  He speaks in 2 Corinthians 13 of the kind of authority God gives to anointed teachers:   To BUILD UP and NOT to TEAR DOWN.  He describes False Teachers as savage wolves because they will not stop at tearing down the flock in order to build themselves up. (Acts 20:29-32)

"the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down"

   

2 Corinthians 10:8

Instead, he commits them to the word of his grace, which can build them up and give them their power and inheritance.  He expresses his love for them in saying he is willing to appear weak in order for them to be strong.  He is not jealous or afraid for them to understand their high position in Christ, nor their powerful calling to qualify as his beloved servant through the blood of Christ.  This same word of grace tells us the blood of Christ cleanses our conscience to serve the living God.

"how much more, then, will blood of Christ...cleanse our consciences...so that we may serve the living God"

Hebrews 9:14

Our confidence in approaching, being helped by and serving God is dependent on the blood of Christ which eternally sprinkles us. And don't you forget it.  God does not want us who are in Christ to fear because of our weaknesses or poor performance. He wants us to be confident in His blood for our identity and our purpose as His servants.  He pleads with us not to turn our gaze away from Him for help and confidence.  He desperately wants us to be certain that he has not rejected us, which is highlighted in first verse above.

"'So do not fear, O Jacob, my servant; do not be dismayed,
O Israel,' declares the LORD"

"'Jacob will again have peace and security, and no one will make him afraid.
I am with you and will save you,' declares the Lord."

Jeremiah 30:10-11

Essential Affirmation:


I AM NOT REJECTED BY GOD, BUT RATHER CHOSEN TO BE HIS SERVANT.

  

[Janet Easson Martin]

WHAT GOD WILL NOT DO

"For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."

Hebrew 10:12

God promises believers under the new covenant to never remember their sins again. Romans 1:16 explains that this good news of grace is the power for the believer to overcome sin. The 'mind-blowing' declaration by God that he has divinely satisfied the debt for our sin and that He will never again remember it is the most incredible thing we will ever receive and experience. Present active knowledge and confidence in this covenant causes rescue, deliverance, favor and salvation to flow through our lives.

Unfortunately, it is a crucial truth that we often do not have complete confidence in. Charles Spurgeon spoke about the lack of confidence in it for the everyday life of the believer. "That article in the creed is too little thought of—“I believe in the forgiveness of sin.” "No revealed truth is more generally doubted and disbelieved than this, the plainest of all revelations, that, the Lord is gracious and full of compassion, and ready to pass by the iniquities of His people. Men disbelieve for themselves, and doubt it as to others when the matter is fairly tested.".  (Sermon #1685. See spurgeongems.com)
 
Claiming it and living on it produces exhilarating and rejuvenating effects in us. It gives us the abundant (dynamic) life Jesus promised us. Below is an essential affirmation we must rely upon moment by moment.


Essential Affirmation:

MY SIN HAS BEEN DIVINELY & TOTALLY REMOVED BY JESUS AND WILL NEVER BE REMEMBERED BY GOD AGAIN.

[Janet Easson Martin]

NEITHER DO I CONDEMN YOU

I love how Jesus tells the woman caught in sin that he does not condemn her.  And that being confident in this knowledge she is freed from habitually repeating her sin.

God showed me clearly how this knowledge is imperative for power over sin while reading Isaiah 52:1-2. Of how this gift of "No Condemnation" must be worn daily as an essential covering to shield us from sin and defilement, so that it may not enter us. It seems it could likely be infering our garment of cleansing and our robe of righteousness. I excitedly looked up each word in that passage in the Hebrew through free bible study tools online to see how true and strong its inference might be. I was not disappointed. The more I studied, the more persuaded I became. This daily intentional "claiming" (or putting on as a piece of essential clothing) our freedom from condemnation and our assigned righteousness was revelational to me! So, I began consciously affirming this to myself by reciting truths related to it; sometimes many times a day. I did this especially when I had failed or felt a failure. I began to experience victory in areas of my life that had long defeated me.

Neither Jesus' words "Go and sin no more" (in John 8:11) nor "the unclean will not enter you again" (in Isaiah 52:2) seem to be implying they will never sin in any way again; but rather that they will, at last, not continue in a habitual weakness. The key to success is further emphasized in the next verse in Isaiah 52, as God tells them to shake off their shame (from self-condemnation or others' condemnation). He commands them to instead rise up in their appointed beauty and majesty; and to reign by exercising their true rule and authority in God's kingdom on earth.



Essential Affirmation:

AS I DWELL ON JESUS CLEANSING ME AND MAKING ME RIGHTEOUS, I AM FREED FROM GUILT AND THE CYCLE OF DEFEAT; AND CAN REIGN OVER SIN

[Janet Easson Martin]

NO WORRIES

The current common phrase, "No Worries" is kind and well intended, but does not actually posses the power to rectify or carry one through a problem, UNLESS, of course, it is said with real faith in God to do so.

However, there are supernatural words spoken by someone that can do exactly that and MORE!  They are often quoted, but they are not so often believed. Today, as I considered them, they hinted to me their readiness to assist, their faithfulness to fulfill, and their understanding of all my need. I heard their - His - imploring appeal. His committed and passionate pleading:

"Do not fear, for I AM with you;
      do NOT be dismayed (do not turn your gaze away), FOR I am your God.
I WILL strengthen you and HELP you;
      I will UPHOLD YOU with my righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10  (emphasis mine)

One of the most comforting and fitting meanings for the Hebrew word here for dismayed is: 'to turn one's gaze away'. That meaning brought consolation to my soul. What a deeply passionate plea for us in Christ - 'DO NOT TURN YOUR GAZE AWAY FROM ME'. How simple and easy. Childlike dependence. He is ALWAYS ready and willing and longing to help us. We don't even have to have the perfect prayer, we just have to look to our ever present DADDY, who assures us "I AM" here.

I love you, Heavenly Father.  There are truly always and forever "no worries" when we look to you.



Essential Affirmation:

I AM ALWAYS STRENGTHENED AND HELPED WHEN I TURN MY GAZE TOWARD YOU.

[Janet Easson Martin]

THE FATHER'S PRIDE & JOY

Jesus was His Father's Pride & Joy. There's no mistaking it. God The Father verbally announced his Son to the world by speaking these very distinct words, "This is My Son in whom I am well pleased." One of God's names for him is The Bright and Morning Star. It is his calling to shine, to display God's magnificance. Because of Jesus now in us, we also are well pleasing to THE FATHER and created to shine. We do not always do what's pleasing to God, but we ARE as people WELL PLEASING TO HIM. Stunningly, God wants to show off the splendor of Jesus in us.

In fact, it seems the more we dwell on his thoughts about who & what he has made us to be, the more we are able to bear his image. Like the Word says, "As a man thinks within himself, so is he." It seems this implies 'so does he act'. I see this in action when I think of myself in the same way that I believe someone thinks of me, especially negatively. I seem to act in that negative way almost involuntarily. (I hope I am making sense.)

What I'm getting at is that as we think of ourselves in the delightfully positive way that God thinks of us, we will almost involuntarily act that out. For instance, in God's thoughts of us in the scripture below, he acknowledges at least two things about us. One, we ARE his servant no matter how anyone else thinks of us! Two, He can and will display his SPLENDOR in us, no matter our track record (as we believe him). As we think of and believe God's astounding ability to do that in us, he does!

"He said to me, "You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will display my splendor."

Isaiah 49:3

Essential Affirmation

I AM MY HEAVENLY FATHER'S PRIDE & JOY IN CHRIST.

[Janet Easson Martin]

SMALL FAITH MOVES GOD

I got to substitute in the children's Sunday school class this morning which was on Small Faith Growing Wildly. I so wanted (and asked God) to be useful to those children for their faith. There were only three of them, but they were very important to God. I leaned on him for love and power and he came unmistakably through.

We all learned that God likes faith even in the smallest amount. Of course, the lesson focused on the well-known mustard seed simile taught by Jesus; demonstrating that even imperfect (small) faith grows like wild into something significant. (But, no mustard seeds available so celery seed had to do to represent about four of those tiniest herb seeds.)  

More importantly, I also got to show this short little video. I felt the Spirit's presence in it, showing this truth in such a gentle but powerful way. Had to share this "moving" link below (very short):

The Mustard Tree
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DSB_At4H8kA&autoplay=1



Essential Affirmation

GOD TAKES ACTION EVEN WHEN MY FAITH IS VERY SMALL.

[Janet Easson Martin]

Incredible Righteousness

This truth about our righteousness is so incredible that it seems too good to be true. If what you are hearing about the gospel is any less than this you may not be hearing the whole truth. Sound preachers state this about the real gospel, including Dr. David Jeremiah. What the Amplified says in Romans 10:3 about our state before God is so amazing. We are called to recognize, receive and rest in it. God's Son shed his own holy blood for us to experience this seemingly impossible gift.


"For being ignorant of the righteousness that God ascribes [which makes one acceptable to Him in word, thought, and deed] and seeking to establish a righteousness (a means of salvation) of their own, they did not obey or submit themselves to God's righteousness."

Romans 10:3 AMP

Essential Affirmation

I AM ACCEPTABLE TO GOD IN THOUGHT, WORD, AND DEED THROUGH HIS HOLY BLOOD.

[Janet Easson Martin]

I just wanted to tell you how moving that little video is which is cited two posts above, 'Small Faith Moves God'. I must have watched it at least 20 times in the past week. It has greatly motivated me to prayer for matters on my heart which I wasn't going to pray for until "the time was right" or "there was more time" or "I felt more faith". It felt sooo good to give it to him before those perfect circumstances were met. I simply trusted that he would work his miraculous faithfulness.

That video itself demonstrates the power of small things done with faith. Though it was short and not necessarily Hollywood material, it changed the way I approach prayer!

I'd love to know who produced it.

[Janet Easson Martin]

HEARING GOD's NEW COVENANT OF GRACE REFRESHES FAITH

"Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God"

Today I read somewhere that the Greek word for 'God' in the above verse is actually Christ. I just wonder if the scripture is referring particularly to the word about Christ -- the new covenant that takes away all my guilt and condemnation. The everlasting promise of Grace to me through his divinely shed blood.

I can tell you honestly that whenever I recall that NEW covenant of God 'remembering my sins NO more'; I am refreshed all over again in my spirit. I am humbled and thankful. And I supernaturally desire to please God. I have little trouble believing he wants to care for me. I begin expecting his goodness again because I can rest in his fulfilling the law to have fellowship with me. Remembering my clean state is the ultimate stress reliever!

But, if I fail to recall this word of the deliverance of Christ, I succumb to believing the devil's accusations of shame and condemnation about me. Thus, faith in God helping me or delivering me seems blocked. So, that scripture may be revealing that faith comes by hearing Christ's word of forgiveness and righteousness; and lack of faith seems to come by the devil's "word" (lie) that I am instead shameful and shunned by God.

[Janet Easson Martin]

Reigning in THE ROBE of RIGHTEOUSNESS

It seems that those who are to reign are often given royal robes to wrap themselves in. A "royal robe" the king had worn was brought to Mordecai to display the honor and authority he had just been given (Esther 6, verse eight). Robes of fine linen dressed Joseph when he was put in charge of the whole land of Egypt (Genesis 41:41-43).

As this garment of authority was worn it must have instilled confidence in the wearer. Like the signet ring of the king, the royal robe carried the right to direct or command. Isaiah 52:1 tells us as believers to PUT ON OUR GARMENTS OF SPLENDOR so that we can shake off our shame, rise up and sit securely in our honored positions to reign. By wearing our Royal robe of Christ's Righteousness we will have the dignity and power to actually rule over sin, instead of being enslaved to it. We will have the freedom from condemnation to take our divinely appointed positions (which are different for each of us) and minister to those God enthusiastically has assigned to us.

However, without this essential clothing put on, we will not have the confidence or power to rule over sin. That is often why many Christians are continually defeated. They have left behind or never been told of their The Robe of Righteousness. This glorious wrapping of Our Righteousness (or 'No Condemnation in Christ') is our confidence and power. It is as if God were saying to us, "Where have you laid that divine robe? Pick it back up and PUT IT ON. Don't be seduced into falsely trusting in your own righteousness (which is actually a filthy rag). Wear MY Righteousness. How happy, confident and powerful you will be."

"In his days is Judah saved, and Israel dwelleth confidently, And this his name that Jehovah proclaimeth him, 'Our Righteousness.'"

(Jeremiah 23:6 Young's Literal Translation)

[Janet Easson Martin]

NONE OF US ARE QUALIFIED

We may sometimes sit with our head down on the sidelines ashamed, disgraced and downcast. If there long enough we may even begin to mistakenly hate ourselves. Occasionally we may think it's too discouraging to read the scripture because we feel so far from it's calling that day. From repeated blunders we may wrongly judge our success as hopeless. We may erroneously conclude we are quite disqualified.

If this disqualification is taught and emphasized by our church leaders, we may lose hope in living the Christian life altogether. The standard implied for us to "rightfully" draw near and serve Christ seems too unattainable. The truth is that none of us are qualified to serve Christ, in and of ourselves.

But, one of the greatest blunders teachers and preachers can make is pointing the shaming finger on believers to erode their confidence in God still working in them. Paul says it is actually a trademark of False Teachers to commonly cut down their people. He appeals to those believers under False Teachers:

"Do you not respect me because I build you up rather than tear you down?"

This tearing down is necessary, of course, for False Teachers to keep their people belittled so that they remain in a slavish fear to the commanded "spiritual agenda".

But God's TRUTH graciously and surprisingly informs us 'we CAN DRAW NEAR to God's holiest presence in FULL ASSURANCE OF FAITH because our heart has been sprinkled from an evil conscience and our body washed with pure water'. Preciously, CHRIST QUALIFIES US to fellowship with and serve God BY HIS BLOOD.



Essential Affirmation:

I AM QUALIFIED TO DRAW NEAR TO AND SERVE THE LIVING GOD BY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST.

[Janet Easson Martin]

Ever notice that the Psalms seem to imply and even say what Satan whispers in our ear?  And, as if the thought came from us.

"God will not deliver me."

"Who will show me any good?"

"I am not good enough to enter God's presence?"

"God doesn't hear my prayer"

"God has forgotten about me"

"God ignores my trouble and grief"

"God doesn't see my tears"

Who's word will we listen to and trust?  The Liar or The Truth.

[Janet Easson Martin]

REMEMBER GOD YOUR ROCK

In your time of trouble, REMEMBER God Your Rock. Talk to Him, sing to Him, thank Him, and praise Him in the middle of your struggle. And do it all by faith in the one who loves you unconditionally.

He will open the scripture to you, and you'll be given a peace that passes understanding in the midst of your trouble.