The Fall of Fickles Lot.

I still get asked to this day “What happened?” or “Are you still friends with any of the guys?” or “is there a chance you guys will get back together?”

So I figured I Could Write this and Provide answers and even closure for some.

First off let me start off by putting my character on trial here.

Why should you take anything I say here as truth, given you may have heard different versions or perspectives? All I can tell you is I have nothing to gain in this following recollection of the events that lead to the Fall of Fickles Lot. In fact by posting this I will actually be putting my faults and failures out there for judgment and ridicule. This doesn’t worry me or play on my insecurities ‘cause I truly believe in wisdom by failure and even more so I believe, in my weaknesses he(God) is Strong.

Fickles Lot had been going Stout for 9 years, climbing the Mountain of success… and we truly did taste success and its sweet embrace. However, three feet from gold… Fickles Lot Dissolved. Fickles Lot was more than just a band. It was a business. We had excellent Management both Professional and personal. We had branded the Name, the image and the sound. We were a common house hold name in the Midwest. We did different tours, long and short. We shared the Stage with Iconic Names and artists. We had a Product and it was in demand.

So what happened…?

A few months before it all fell apart, I entered and won a Singing and Song writing Competition. The 1^st place National Title put me in the Global Competition. I had Geo (guitarist) accompany me in the video. When it won, they flew me and Geo out to Brazil for the LIVE Global competition… while we were there I Met someone that I ended up having a relationship with…. An affair. You see I was married at the time. Not cool, I know… I was definitely more narcissistic and selfish at this time in my life. I wasn’t happy in my marriage and I broke my vows. Yes Geo knew about this Girl given he was there… encouraging it. I don’t say that to incriminate him, but only so things make sense at the end of this. He thought he was being a Good friend… and I thought so too at that time. In the End it was ALWAYS my choice to cross that line and I did. When I Returned Home I told my wife about it. I told her we needed to separate and I left.

As soon as I was done having the devastating heart to heart with my now Ex Wife, I immediately called my “Band Brothers”. I Called Dave First, I told him I was Leaving Courtney (my Ex) that I wasn’t happy. He was shocked, quiet mostly but he remained non Judgmental. He just said we will get through this. We even went on a ride to just talk and be supportive. At this time I didn’t see the “End” coming. Then I called Luke and told him the “News”… he sorta was the same on the phone. Geo already knew given he was with me… and let’s be honest, he was the closest to me… at this time he was more like my best friend. Our Drummer was still pretty new and just wanted to play music… his exact words.

A few days later Dave and Lukes tune changed… like a 180 bat out of hell. I was approached by Luke telling me he could not stand on stage with me and perform because he didn’t agree with my life choices and didn’t want fans thinking he did, I was shocked for multiple reasons…

1.       uber famous Bands and Local bands have played for decades together, not once did I ever wonder if the band members all agreed with each other’s life choices.

2.       Fans are there for the music… not cause they agreed with each and every life choice we made.

3.       How can you just walk out on all the hard work?

4.       How can you turn your back on all the fans like that?

5.       EVERYTHING you’re accusing me of, you’re guilty of!!! Everything.

6.       etc…. cause I assure you I had more questions and concerns about his approach.

Dave soon jumped on Luke’s Bandwagon and so it began. It turned into Luke telling me I had a mental disorder that he googled and stupid, stupid nonsense. I had never heard such self-righteous accusations in my life!! During this, Geo was standing up for the band, and remaining my friend. Dave and Luke tried kicking me out of the Band which was quickly dismissed since they didn’t not have the Legal rights to do so. Luke and Dave ended up Walking away from Fickles Lot after our meeting in a public area. It had to be public because Luke was saying the most ignorant things, trying to degrade me and saying he wouldn’t even call me friend all while standing behind Religion. Not like Gods Love… just good ole fashion suppression / Religion. In the Legal contract… because only Dave, Me and Luke were the original members, when they choose to leave the band it dissolved Fickles Lot and all its assets. I own the Name Fickles Lot, its copyrights in addition to all its Lyrics and could have kept Fickles Lot Going.

Could have maybe… but my life was on a downward spiral… my marriage, my band, friends and family. It was 9 years of work torn apart and I didn’t have the strength to put it all back together while trying to put my own life back together.

Me and Geo Stayed friends for about a year or so after… he eventually went his own way… we stayed in touch here and there, but in the end… from what he has said too me and what I routinely hear back from people he talks to… we are no longer friends. As far as I know my cousin told him a story about me. Geo called, asked me about it and I told him the Actual truth... That my cousin was lying. He didn’t believe me and just started being “unfriendly” since. All this in spite that my cousin later confirmed to him that he was indeed lying to him. I feel like Geo blames me for something…I don’t know yet. But what I do know is that it was always Easier for Geo to hate something then to be loving… at least the Geo I knew. I don’t talk to Dave… I don’t hate him either. I just don’t have anything to say. Just disappointed that he gave up on our Baby cause he got caught up in Luke’s bile. Clearly me and Luke don’t talk anymore… he was the one that tested my ability to forgive. The betrayal I received from him stung the most. I gotta say I was bitter for a Looooooong time. Blamed him the most for being the voice of ruin. I still have the texts he sent me... Shameful.

But that bitterness was poison to me.

Now, I’m not angry… Forgiveness is already happened even without them asking.

However I can’t imagine being friends again with these individuals let alone being in a band again.

The word friend to me has so much more meaning now than it ever did.

Put it this way… I’d rather have 4 quarters then 100 pennies.

I don’t know who they are today, maybe they too have changed… I know I certainly did. I had to hit rock bottom…but it taught me to Look up. (too Christ)

I realize as I write this, this could potentially get back to one of them and even possibly offend one of them. I just don’t care to be honest. I believe I remained tactful and kept them in a much more positive light then possibly deserved. But hey… I feel like I’m doing better than I deserve and that’s 100% true only because of Gods Grace and Mercy.

Since so much time has passed, I’m sure they’ve perfected their stories to keep them looking like the Victim. Or I’m completely wrong and they’ve owned up to it and admit regret and hypocrisy… Who knows?

 I Loved Fickles Lot. Built it from concept till its death. I still enjoy hearing the music and seeing the old photos and music videos. I never turned my back on Fickles Lot. I never turned my back on the fans. Even as I failed my Marriage and God… I never failed Fickles Lot.

WEAKNESS

Each time he said, "My GRACE is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. (NLT) ( 2 Corinthians 12:9 )
People always want to talk about what they are Good at or past achievements "look how far we've come" Each of these are strengths we proudly boast to one another. It is absurd to think about taking pride in our weaknesses.... Right?
 We are uncomfortable with weaknesses because recognizing them means we are not enough.
Yet this attitude welcomes Christ into our lives so He can perfect our weakness and He can receive glory. What is one of your weaknesses? Is it not wanting to APPEAR weak? Is it admitting when you've made a mistake? Will that make you LOOK weak? Or will that be Inviting Christ to have the power to work in you. Share your weakness with others and watch to see the power of Christ...
...by no means will that be easy for all...
It took certain "BIG REVEALS" straight from God for me to Finally see and know who I am in Christ. It Gives you such STRENGTH to Know HIS LOVE!

And With HIM you can do ALL things. 

Indeed to Reveal you have a weakness is bring Glory to God. Shattered Hearts, Pride, Only you and God know if you'll Lie and pretend to be Blind. Will You Bring Glory to God with Your Weaknesses By Boasting Them? Or will You Hide Them To APPEAR Righteous?

PRESS TO DRESS

On Wednesday after service I was asked to NOT wear jeans anymore During Sundays when helping Lead Praise with the worship Band.... I politely said ok and Left as I was already getting into my car. Simple Right?

First off I “get” and understand some of the LOGIC, but not the relationship... Or how this demonstrates anything other than focusing on Image.  I just don’t see how it has anything to do with LOVE.  Doesn’t God see us at our worst? When we are in our sweatpants and t-shirts with no makeup on or hair washed? God sees us all the time.  Most people say that we should dress up out of respect for Christ. But how do you define dressing up. Is a tie enough? Or do you need a suit as well? Do nice jeans count or do you have to have slacks? Shirt tucked in or out? I think you may get my point because I could go on and on. What one person considers dressing up may not be consistent with what other people think. Very quickly you start down a road that leads to legalism and pride. You also start down a road that causes division between generations. What most 20 year olds consider nice, most 50 year olds would not even consider wearing, and the reverse is true as well. What I would wear to a job interview is very different from what an older person would wear. Why, because we grew up in different eras.

I needed to make sure this wasn’t my pride or ego that was hurt.

When I was approached it was done privately as it should of been. But in the End…it just made me feel like I wasn't good enough.
Now I'm sure there are some that would try to say
 "well, your in a leadership position...you need to look Professional" 
The Pharisees were the religious of the day who were impressively dressed as Leaders of the Faith, In fact They HATED the Fact That Jesus was Wearing “Jeans” of his Day… No adornments, Fancy Garments, No Crown and No fancy shoes…This Can NOT be The Son of God. Jesus wasn’t just “A” leader of the faith… he is the son of God…. And he wore a dirty Robe of a carpenter and not what People EXPECTED or Told him he SHOULD be wearing. Jesus had some of the harshest words for those Religious Leaders of The Faith pushing appearances.
LET ME ASK YOU THIS: 
What Did ALL of the Religious Leaders Wear? 
What Did JESUS, Teacher, Leader and Son of GOD wear? 
are we following the church? or are we following Christs example?
As a personal Conviction There is of course the argument that I also think that dressing up can become a barrier to reaching people for Christ. I have had people ask me if they come with me will they have to dress up for church and then have a sigh of relief that they don’t. Why?

Because they didn’t own any clothes that people would find acceptable in most churches?

They felt like they couldn’t even attend church unless they bought “nice” clothes?

How sad of an indictment is that against churches today. We are known more for what we wear instead of who we love.

And I’ll Only quickly even mention how since going to this Church how many people have approached me just to show me their “Tattoos” and talk about them… if they have meaning or struggles… ALL This because they see me on stage worshipping GOD with them. We are ALL Broken Sinners. Don’t you Think someone in the congregation might need to see its ok to wear jeans?! That it’s not about what’s on the Outside… Ever.

This issue weighed Heavy on my heart… all the while the enemy whispering in my ear.

“Just follow The Rules… don’t cause waves… just wear khakis or slacks or whatever the “professional” Christian wears… If you cause problems they will never let you be in leadership…”

Of course if we seek God he’s there…and he was quick to reminded me I Don’t need anyone’s Approval but His. I put my focus back on God. If God wants me in Leadership or Building my Own Ministry… who’s gonna stand against him? Not me that’s for sure.  Later that week I went to the Local Theater with my Small Group (a small bible study from my church) to see “Gods Not Dead”. Without giving away any spoilers to the readers who haven’t seen it yet… there is an issue in which the “main Guy” is doing something For God against everyone’s better judgment. He’s Told its self-seeking by other believers, his parents and loved ones are telling him to not make it an issue even though he feels lead by God and  something isn’t right. They down Play it to him or try justifying it… Either way the message is the same… it’s just “Jeans” Just wear what they tell you to.

It's bothered me all week,  Not just today when I woke up for church looking at  The "not" jeans; a Pair of slacks sitting out on top of my dresser since Wednesdays Lil’ private Talk... And I've been praying and praying. I wasn’t ready yet…  So I Turned to the Lord. So Instead, I spent My Morning Hangin’ with God and seeking his wisdom.

Doesn’t it feel like Churches Today are doing way to much overlooking by looking to hard at what they see and what they want others to Perceive?

It Seems That Some’ in my church may see my “Image” as something Negative on their Overall Ideal Look for Church Leadership.  Tattoos and Gauged Ears… and Jeans… I even had long Hair but Cut it (on my own accord). Don’t they see these are the type of issues that cause division in a church? When Church Leaders focus on secondary issues, we are distracted from God’s vision for the church. You will never hear me preaching against dressing up in church, but you will also never hear me preach against dressing casually. Why? Because as a church we have more important things to talk about.  Keep in mind We’re not talking about Modesty here, But IMAGE.  And if it bothers you when people don’t dress to your standards, please take a look at John 7:24. Let’s not focus on secondary issues that do nothing but cause division.

“God, how do I Show them that it’s Not the Expectation of Trying our Best…. But Creating the Standard of BEST that diminishes Gods Love so that someday we can become that church that really and truly are the hands and feet of Jesus and not running around worried about stupid man made policies and procedures but instead to just roll up our sleeves and deal with broken, messy, messed up life we have been delivered from”

... So I wait upon The Lord.

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Soul Tattoo

As someone who Looks the Way I do…Tattoos, Gauged Ears ... my Concern and dare I say it… fear, as a Jesus-loving sinner, is that I might be a stumbling block for someone. 

I am by no means perfect… or even close. I certainly don’t have it all figured out, but I do know this… if we die to our own desires, ask God to convict you if you’re Living for you and not him, Ask that he place desires in your Heart to guide you to where he wants you….and truly want that…want what he wants. We will live completely and abundant and with difficulty and Pain. So Let’s Talk About Tattoos.

When growing up… I wanted my ears pierced.. Living at home and being only 16 at the time I undoubtedly needed permission. When I asked my parents if I could pierce my ears my dad instead of saying no…or yes… challenged me. He asked me to show him where in the bible it says its ok to have your ears pierced. If I could find something to give proof of “ Jesus giving the ok”…Only then would he allow me to get my ears pierced.

DEAL.

I found myself digging through scriptures, verses and Even history books to find out the origins of piercings and what they meant and of course “Is it ok?”. I found some interesting things back then…but through the years I found even more perspective and have been blessed with Wisdom. The Lord seeing fit to turn my “Bad Past and Strongholds” into “His Plan and Strongpoint’s”. I Seek Him in All That I do. I try to be sensitive to the holy spirit enough to be convicted if I’m out of line. I do this by seeking him. Always.

 Now first things first… when I went to look it up, I first found the verse in Leviticus. You see, I believe there are many different rules in the Bible; some are cultural and some are eternal. 

Here is the verse I am referring to:

²⁸ “‘Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord. (Leviticus 19, NIV)

At first it seems pretty straightforward, until you realize that it says

“for the dead”

and lets consider that getting earrings also constitutes cutting the flesh. "Ladies" and Gents. THE PAIGEN RELIGIONS HAD RITUALS FOR MOURNING THE DEAD THAT INVOLVED CUTTING and MARKING THEMSELVES. GOD DIDNT WANT THE ISRAELITES TO LOOK LIKE THEY WORSHIPPED A PAIGEN GOD. SIMPLE. 

Then, when you read the verses around it you find this:

26 “‘Do not eat any meat with the blood still in it.
27 “‘Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard.”

In this passage, Moses is beseeching the Israelites, God’s chosen people, to be set apart: to be holy. And the rules listed consist of a mixture of heart-rules and head-rules. Ones that are meant for 

A.) preserving one’s relationship with God and with man, and 

B.) for preserving cultural cleanliness and order for that time.

The Old Testament commands which carry forward to the New are those that focus on preserving one’s relationship with God and man, rules such as:

15 “‘Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.
16 “‘Do not go about spreading slander among your people.
“‘Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the Lord..
18 “‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord. (Leviticus 19)

And then there are other rules mixed in with those such as:

“‘Do not mate different kinds of animals.
“‘Do not plant your field with two kinds of seed.
“‘Do not wear clothing woven of two kinds of material. (Leviticus 19:19)

These, I believe, are cultural. And you are welcome to disagree with me. The Bible is infallible, yes, but we as readers are fallible.

WE DO NOT LIVE UNDER THE OLD LAWS.

If you Believe that we Live Under The Old Law.

Then that shirt you’re  wearing that’s half polyester Half Cotton is a Sin. Unless we are picking and choosing... ahem.

When Jesus was asked about all the Old Laws of the Old Testament. He answered I did not come to Abolish the Old Law, But to fulfill it…We are living Under a New Covenant… Not a covenant of Rules and Laws…But of Grace and Mercy.

It can all get so messy discussing matters of the Heart, unless we realize the Spirit behind the Bible: a Spirit that longs for us to be set right with God.

Jesus came to fulfill the rules that preserve our relationship with God and with each other. 

He came to give us the Holy Spirit so we might not steal, or cheat, or envy one another.

As for marking one’s body on behalf of the dead, or wearing clothing of two kinds of material, or clipping one’s beard… I believe those were intended to keep cultural cleanliness and Order for that time and Have Nothing to do with your salvation.

1 Samuel 16:7 – “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (NIV)

Jesus chastises us when we focus too much on the outward appearance and What’s Acceptable:

25 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26 Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.

I think What God cares about most is us surrendering such decisions to him. If we give our desires to him, he will make our path straight.

Over Years, I’ve had the privilege of learning to hear Lord’s voice and how he choose to Speak to Me. I know some hear him through Scripture, others through dreams. For me, I have conversations with him and am constantly amazed at his Perfect Timing.

If the Tattoo will be a source of pride and vanity for you. I think you should ask yourself how does that bring glory to God?

I Believe that I am more than my skin. More than my physical appearance. That I matter in an eternal kind of way.

I don’t have all of the answers. I do know, however, that God cares about us. He cares about every decision that we make. We don’t need to be afraid to surrender, because he is not out to get us. He is a good father who wants to bless his children.

37 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, … how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings…” (Matthew 23)

After all, the Bible says in Revelation19:16 that Jesus has a tattoo on His thigh, "And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS."

I think it comes down to personal conviction and we should never try to push our personal convictions on others. Ultimately, the decision is between you and God

If you want a Tattoo, Then pray about it. Its a Matter of the Heart. God Knows Your Heart.

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Colorblindness = Racism

In honor of black history month. While we are, in fact, human, we can’t escape the role race and ethnicity plays in our lives. Although race is socially constructed, our ethnicities, nationalities, race, and cultural experiences inform who we are as people, and discounting those experiences under the guise of a colorblindness just doesn’t feel right to me. After all, recognizing and acknowledging each other’s differences isn’t a step back, but rather a step toward true inclusion.

RELATIONSHIP > RELIGION

Religion is a series of man-made procedures that satisfies the heart into thinking that growth is taking place. A Relationship with Jesus encourages growth as you learn more about Him and strive to emulate Him. Religion is an opportunity to stifle the Holy Spirit into nothing more than a dance or a palm raised in the air because it’s what others do around you. A Relationship with Jesus helps you to understand the Holy Spirit is power…power Jesus used to cast out demons, heal people, and defeat death. Amazingly that very relationship enables the power to reside in us. Religion reveres ministers, pastors, elders, and the people mentioned in the Bible. A Relationship with Jesus teaches that all men are the same….we are all ministers and responsible for advancing His kingdom. Religion states money makes people evil. A Relationship with Jesus shows us that He wants us to live more abundantly and it’s how the money is used that makes all the difference.

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The "BRIDE OF CHRIST" is NOT the CHURCH

The "BRIDE OF CHRIST" IS NOT THE CHURCH

By Joseph “Jovan” Galvan

 

WHAT THE "Bride of Christ" DOCTRINE TEACHES

The "bride of Christ" doctrine tells us once we "stand up and have all the wrinkles out of our wedding dress" then we will be ready (that comes from the scripture that says "..once the bride hath made herself ready..."). It tells us the Lord will return and get us once we "make ourselves ready", are without "spot or blemish" and when the church is perfect and ready. My Church isn’t the first ive seen preaching that…. I must have heard that come from the pulpit a hundred times.

Yet, Nothing can be further from the truth.

BEING READY IS A GIFT

You see, being perfect is a gift and it is a gift we already have. Sorry, but the last time I checked (just now thanks to the internet)   2 Cor. 5:21, Romans 3:26, 1 Cor 1:30, and 2 Cor 9:10 ….it says we have been made righteous by God already. We are already without "spot or blemish". We are already perfect and righteous. Jesus can return now if God tells Him to. He can return at any time. More importantly is the fact that if we are made righteous through the blood of Jesus then it takes away from us "the works" that we will have to do to become perfect. It makes it all about grace again and not something we do on our own. It makes it all about his ability to save us and His ability working in us to give us the power to overcome sin in our own lives. This is the fundamental reason Jesus gave His life for us. "The bride" teaching removes the fundamental purpose in the plan of salvation. Our salvation becomes about works and about making ourselves perfect and ready. Grace is denied. It’s by grace we are saved and it will be by grace that He will return and get His church. (Eph. 2).

THE "Bride of Christ" DOCTRINE… (dun dun dunnnnnn)

Ok, The "Bride of Christ" teaching says the church has to do something to make "herself ready", to be perfect. If this is true then there is absolutely no way Jesus will ever return and get us. We can't get "ready" ourselves out of our own doing something to be perfect. It'll never happen. We are not perfect and we can never be perfect outside of his gift of righteousness. It is just not possible. It will never be possible!

What I’ve found...

Because of the FREE gift of grace, we are already justified by the blood of the lord. We are already ready! It stands to reason that “the church” can't be the one "getting herself ready". It has to be something or someone else! Clearly the "bride" is not the church and is, in fact, the holy Jerusalem just as the Word of God says it is in Revelations 21:9-12 (I will exhibit it shortly)

However I CAN'T IGNORE the comparison…

I want to keep in mind though, that I don't believe we can ignore the marriage comparison of our relationship to God in the covenants, promises or vows made to each other. The word does make those comparisons. I don't refute that. God has made a lot of promises to us just like we make promises to each other when we get married. But as far as my personal relationship with God? I am a friend of God, He is my dad and I am His son too. "...whereby we cry abba (literally: "daddy"), father". Our closeness and intimacy with Him, is like a dad and not like that of a spouse. He is a dad who has promised me an inheritance and the ability to come boldy to His throne of grace.

So let’s break this down a bit more…

JESUS NEVER PREACHED IT.
PAUL NEVER PREACHED IT.
They did not tell us the body of Christ is a bride of any kind. Perhaps Israel is the bride but the body of Christ isn't.

Jesus never told His disciples He would someday be their bride. Paul didn't say we are the bride. In fact nowhere in scriptures does it ever say Christians are the bride of Christ.

NO SUCH THING AS THE TERM "BRIDE OF CHRIST" IN THE BIBLE 
At most I could find a "Lambs' Wife" but no "Bride of Christ". I searched the Bible for the term "bride of Christ". I couldn't find it. It surprised me when I did that search and came up with no results! Hmmmm

SO THEN WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT THE "BRIDE OF CHRIST"???

What does the word say about the "bride of Christ" you ask? ….Nothing really. The term "bride of Christ" is nowhere in the Bible. Aside from being first coined by the Roman Catholic Church, this term has been invented out of perceived inferences of certain passages that says God's relationship to us is "as a bride". These passages are all PARABLES or SIMILES. They are simply making a comparison of our relationship to Him as far as how much he loves us as well as His covenant promises to us.

SO NOW WE NOTICE THE TERM "BRIDE OF CHRIST" IS NOT USED. EVER.

(Here is the infamous Rev. 21:9)

"...Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God..." Rev. 21:9

This passage does not say the body of Christ (us) is the Lamb's wife. It does not say Israel is the Lamb's wife. It clearly states however that " great city, the holy Jerusalem" IS the Lamb's wife.

There IS a "lamb's wife, the bride of Christ", but it is NOT the church.

Revelation 21:9-10 CLEARLY states that the "the bride, the Lamb's wife" is the Holy Jerusalem...

In verse 10 it also says that John the Revelator saw that great city descending down from heaven adorned as a bride. He doesn't even refer to it as the bride but that it is adorned "AS" a bride.

Im a Big Fan of God’s Grace and Mercy… it’s the biggest part of my testimony and...

THIS DOCTRINE IS TAKING GRACE AWAY

Rev 19:7 says: "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready."

It isn't that this scripture is teaching to take away grace, it is the people or in this case The Leadership in my church who preach the church/bride concept that are undermining grace, whether knowingly or unknowingly. Since they believe the church is the "bride" then by default they have to preach that the church is getting herself ready and be without spot and blemish before the Lord comes to get us in order to be consistent with Rev 19:7. If the "bride" is the church then the church has to get herself ready according to Rev 19:7.

That’s just not the way it is though.

WHY DO WE ALWAYS READ THINGS INTO THE WORD?

So, how did some miss that passage and turn the church or even Israel into the "bride of Christ"? Israel makes more sense but still I'm not sure why people draw conclusions like these without clear evidence. My guess is it has something to do with trying to figure out the marriage supper of the Lamb…. That’s just my guess. As humans I think we tend to want to understand everything so we just read stuff into things that aren't really there in order to make some sort of sense out of it… either way this is false doctrine and it is indeed being preached in our church.

Bringing us to…

PREACHERS AREN'T ALWAYS RIGHT…  I KNOW THAT, BUT DOES THE CONGRAGATION?

CHRISTIANITY BECOMES LIKE ALL THE OTHER RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD
so if our salvation becomes about works and about making ourselves perfect and ready... Grace is denied. but its not... It's by grace we are saved and it will be by grace that He will return and get His church. (Eph. 2).

At first I thought the "bride of Christ" doctrine was a secondary issue in Christianity but with further consideration and recently pressing on the issue… I've found it is not. It is a primary issue and will certainly play a role in me deciding my church. What it teaches causes us to find ourselves doing works to become "without spot or wrinkle". Our Christianity becomes just like all the rest of the religions of the world. It becomes a religion of works and not one founded in God's grace. The "Bride of Christ" teaching takes away from us God's grace and gift of righteousness. We then become all about works. The Galations were all about works. What did Paul call those Galations? He called them fools.

ANOTHER PROBLEM THAT COULD BE IN THIS DOCTRINE

Taking into consideration a  great message I heard today about how we are wired… we are the “glove and god is IN us…” now go back to the “Bride of Christ doctrine… in addition to squashing the gift of righteousness by the "Bride of Christ' doctrine, our understanding of our authority and position in Christ is effected as well. Being in his body is much more powerful than the position and authority we might have as a bride….just making a point here.

For example, when it comes right down to it, my wife is limited in her authority. I can delegate my authority to her but she can never have my total authority. It's not that way with the body of Christ. He gave us ALL of His authority as kings and priests in the earth. We are his body. We have His authority in the earth. That authority is the Word of God He gave us to hear, believe, speak and live by in order to do what the first Adam didn't. That is to subdue the earth and replenish it. We get the earth back from satan. Woo woo :)

DON'T BELIEVE ANYTHING YOU HEAR (INCLUDING WHAT I WRITE) UNLESS IT CAN BE CLEARLY BACKED UP BY THE WORD

I can clearly backup, with scripture, the fact that the Lamb's wife is the holy city of Jerusalem. But the ones who believe the church is the bride of Christ cannot back it up with obvious scripture.

Think on that too.

THE BRIDE OF CHRIST ORIGINS

The term "Bride of Christ" has its roots in the Roman Catholic Church. You probably know the clergy or priests of the Roman Catholic Church "marries" their church, taking a oath to celibacy. As a result, the term "Bride of Christ" was eventually coined in relation to this practice. Today, this concept and terminology has spilled over into our own fundamental Christian doctrines

IT SOUNDS GOOD…. All this sounded good so somehow this doctrine got into what is being preached today. Just because the doctrine sounds good doesn't mean its God. Don't believe a thing just because at first glance it makes sense. If it’s not clearly in the word, it’s not so….

OUR RELATIONSHIP TO GOD IS A COVENANT RELATIONSHIP

I don't believe we should throw out notion that we have a similar relationship to God as a husband would have to his wife in covenant only. That is, in light of the promises and covenants we make with our spouse in marriage. Those are similar to the ones Jesus makes to us in the promises of the New Covenant.

THE PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WE HAVE WITH GOD

In the concept of "intimacy" with God in a personal relationship with Him, it is like that of a son to his dad. We are also called a friend of God. We became the sons of God when Jesus laid down His life for us. Now we call God "dad".

INFERRENCES DON'T ESTABLISH TRUTH

This thing about us being "the "bride of Christ"" can only be inferred! Building doctrines on inferences will mess us up and get us off the truth. I don't know about you but I'm not going with any doctrine that is inferred.

For example, It can be inferred that the baptism of the Holy Spirit was for the early church only and that God doesn't operate that way today. For centuries the church, by and large, had been robbed of the comfort, revelation, ability and power found in the baptism of the Holy Spirit. I'm glad we don't believe that's true anymore.

Also consider that "the church" once believed women shouldn't be in ministry or pastoring or in any leadership positions. That misconception came out inferences taken out of the word too. We don't accept those two inferences as truth anymore yet we will accept inferences when it comes to the bride teaching. I find that an inconsistent approach to figuring out the truth in the word. (I hope you do too)

In interpreting the word, I take the word literally for what it says unless it specifically says otherwise. For instance, Jesus told many stories that had meanings and were similes. Before He told His stories, He always let the hearer know He was about to tell a parable before He told it.

"FINALLY BRETHEREN WHATSOVER THINGS ARE...TRUE"

Until it can be unquestionably proved that we, the body of Christ are "the "bride of Christ", I don't plan on building a message, doctrine, or ministry around it or joining a church that makes it a pillar in their ministry. I'm going to continue walking in His grace and maintaining a righteousness consciousness. I'm playing it safe on this one and just referring to all of us as the "body of Christ".

 

                                       

 

FACT CHECK

THE FOLLOWING ARE THE SCRIPTURES USED IN THE “BRIDE OF CHRIST” DOCTRINE

One of the disturbing things here is that neither of the following stories on which the "bride of Christ" doctrine is built even mentions a bride. But the proponents of this doctrine do make the ridiculous leap to this being about a "bride of Christ"!

READ THIS PARABLE AGAIN KEEPING IN MIND…

This story is about how Israel rejected Jesus as the Messiah so, God sent the gospel of grace to the Gentiles. A bride is NOT a subject in this story. The guests (gentiles) are the subject. At best, today's church could be represented here as a guest at the wedding...

Rom 1:16 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."

Matt 22:1-14 And Jesus answered and spoke unto them again by parables, and said, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.

...AND READ THIS PARABLE AGAIN TOO

It goes without saying that the ten virgins are not this groom's wife. They are only guests trying to get into the wedding.

Once again, taking the leap from the ten virgins being guests to being the bride and representing "the bride of Christ" can't be done but the proponents of the bride/christ concept do it here! :(

This story is about being ready to be accepted into the kingdom of heaven. How is that done? ….By accepting Jesus as our lord.

That story is as simple as that and that is all there is to it!

Matt 25:1-13 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

THEN THERE IS ISAIAH 62...

Isa 62:4 Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzi-bah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.

Some have said He won't marry a city but here the Lord is married to the land so, as in Rev 21:9-10 He can be married to a city if He wants. He has certainly divorced one (Israel).

AND JEREMIAH 3:14

Jer 3:14 "Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:"

Once again the prophet is addressing Israel and not the church. There was NO church yet. Furthermore, the prophet says God is ALREADY married to Israel! So, maybe there is not a wedding in heaven later but only a marriage supper since there is no mention of a wedding for Jesus... hmmm…. Just thinking out loud… :)