See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception [pseudo-intellectual babble], according to the tradition [and musings] of mere men, following the elementary principles of this world, rather than following [the truth—the teachings of] Christ.—Colossians 2:8 AMP

It's unfortunate that very few Christians either know The Word of God, simply refuse to use it to give advice to others, or mix it in with worldly advice, philosophies, teachings, etc., when they are “helping” others with issues and decisions in their lives.

Everyone is more interested in talking about their experiences, what they did, what they read in a book, saw on a TV show, someone else told them, etc. 

No matter how educated, experienced, etc., the person is who is telling you what you should do, the person is who told them what to do, etc., NO one knows any of us better than the One who created us, Jesus!  And we find ALL that He has for us in His Word!  (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

It confounds me, and I’m sure is saddens The LORD, that we look to anyone or anything besides Him and His Word that He has clearly laid out for us to follow!  (Colossians 2:1-10)

I have a simple rule when people are giving me advice, admonishing me, etc., please explain, show me, etc., where this is found in God’s Word and I also try to do the same when I'm on the giving end.  If they can’t clearly explain it with God’s Word and without taking a verse or thought out of context of the passage and the whole of God’s Word, I tell them no thanks.  If they insist it’s in God’s Word but they just can’t find it at the moment, don’t have their Bible with them at the time, etc., then I simply say, no problem, we’ll pick back up with the conversation when you come back to me with Biblical proof texts.  Otherwise, the conversation is over and I won’t argue Scripture.  I want to learn more about The LORD and grow in my relationship with Him, period, and from what I read in The Bible, this is done via God’s Word along with The Holy Spirit!  (Psalm 119, Ephesians 4:17-32)

I also ask them to follow God’s Word for the way in which we are to minister to each other.  This mostly applies to correction and/or rebuke.  In short, the one who has the issue with me must approach me first, if I refuse to listen to Biblical Principles, then they are welcome to bring in others alongside of them.  If I’m wrong in something, then I want to know about it, ask forgiveness to the one I sinned against, and I want to change.  But I’ve discovered that second, third, etc., down the line accusations are rarely true and oftentimes exaggerated and shared out of context, remember the telephone game we played as kids!  And of course, this clearly goes against Scripture.  (Matthew 18:15-17, Proverbs 18:17)

I also believe that men should minister to men and women to women to avoid all appearance of sexual immorality and to not tempt my brother or sister to sin.  (Matthew 18:7, Ephesians 5:3)

I know that there are many different examples of people whose lives have been changed outside of using God’s Word or mixing it in with worldly philosophies, as I heard a pastor say one time, you’ve got examples, I’ve got God’s clear Word, I’ll stick with Him!  God only promises a changed life via a heart that has been changed by Him.  We need to be careful that we don’t attempt to change behaviors, give advice, etc., without God’s Word.  Changed behavior without a repentant heart that leads to salvation in Christ, means that they will go to hell.  The most important goal of a Christian to the unsaved world around us that The LORD has placed in our path, is to lead to The LORD.  (2 Corinthians 7:10)  We’re NEVER to tell someone what they want to hear or to chide them, etc.  (1 Timothy 4:1-4) 

We aren’t here to make friends, but rather to build true relationships that draw those who don’t know The LORD to Him.  And then we’re to disciple those who know Jesus so that their lives can become more like His and they in turn can disciple others.  (Matthew 28:19-20)

Of course, all of this requires us digging deep into God’s Word and being true disciples of His, as we daily die to ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Him!  We must start somewhere, NOW, or it is doubtful we ever will.  Get plugged into God’s Word and use the tools He’s given us of prayer, The Holy Spirit, God’s people, fellowship, and discipleship, etc. 

Our world will NOT get better, it will only get worse.  It’s time we realize this Biblical fact and quit focusing on the news, our government, chasing after the American dream (a direct lie from satan), etc., and start growing in The LORD and focus on where our citizenship is, heaven!

If you need help doing this, let us know. We will do our best to help you from afar and then direct you to plug into what The LORD is already doing in your area.  Keep in mind that we are always open to long-term in the mission field, discipleship if that’s what you need.  We only exist to serve The LORD by serving others by discipleship and welcome every opportunity that The LORD puts in our path!

Please note this is different than telling your testimony and your testimony should tell of the goodness of The LORD to you and what He has done in your life.  Details and exacts of what The LORD did specifically in your life aren’t important, but rather where you were and where He’s brought you.  God doesn’t prescribe the same prescription to everyone as we are all uniquely made by Him, and only He knows what each of us needs at any given moment in every situation.  Following steps, 1, 10 or 100, is NOT the same as allowing the LORD via His Word and The Holy Spirit to lead and direct us to where and who He wants us to be.  Repent and believe, then die and follow!  I don’t want someone to follow me, I want them to follow The LORD and our testimony should be used to glorify God, not us! 

Please don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions, prayer requests, etc.  We'd love to pray with and for you and to the best of our ability answer any questions you may have solely using God's Word!

Here to serve and disciple until He calls us home,

Curt & Mary Jo

Note-all Scripture references in parenthesis are direct links God's Word so that you can easily click and read what The LORD has to say about the section before the reference.  I encourage you to click, read, study and even memorize these passages for yourself and NOT to just not just take my word for it.  (Psalm 119)