Thoughts
on Michael Wells’ teachings in Sidetracked In The Wilderness - # 7
Michael’s book is
available through:
Abiding Life
Ministries International
Littleton, Colorado
MERELY THE TEACHING OF MAN
(used with permission from
ALMI):
“The defeated can be found among
those who were baptized in the 'proper' manner at the 'proper' time, who are submitting to
spiritual authorities, who
lead shepherding groups, who
have whole books of the Bible memorized, who promote devotional and quiet times, who are tireless
evangelists, who maintain
levels of separation from the world, who make positive confessions, who read only the King James Version, who will not own a piano,
and who have read
all the good Christian books on parenting.
We believe the
words of Jesus, 'You
shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free' (John 8:32). Obviously those things which we are mentioning are not the truth, for those who practice them
are not free.
The believer who is seeking a method to
bring relief to his paltry state will rarely ask himself, 'Where is Jesus in
all of this?”' In fact, if he would take the time to listen,
he would notice that he was hearing less and less of the precious name of Jesus
and more and more of what men exalt.
When presented a particular scheme that
promises to bring success, the Christian should always ask the question, 'Could
a committed Buddhist, Hindu, or Muslim accomplish this?” If the answer is yes, then there is nothing supernatural about the
method; it is merely the teaching of man.
Yellow – VIP, Very Important Point Green
– IT, Incredible Truth
Red – GP, Greatest Promises
Turquoise – UR, Unfathomable Riches Pink
– PV, Priceless Victory
One of the first things I remember hearing Michael say was this: “In
Christianity, any teaching that lands at my feet and tells me what I must do IS
NOT the Truth. Any teaching that lands
at the feet of Jesus and tells me what He will do for me IS the Truth.” Today’s writing differentiates Truth and Not The Truth.
The big question in every generation is WHY do Christians want to recognize, receive, accept, and try Man’s teaching instead of God’s?
Michael lists all the “not the
Truths” the typical Christian encounters in search of that “life more
abundantly” that Jesus proclaimed He came to give us. And then he gives us the prime characteristic
of “not the Truth”: “there is nothing
supernatural about the method; it is merely the teaching of man.” Christianity is supernatural. Man is natural. Christians are no longer “man,” but
“supernatural,” because of Him dwelling in us (Spirit)…and us having His mind,
His will, His emotions.
The big “secret” for Christians is to simply ask: “Where is Jesus in all
of this?” If He is not in the teaching,
pass on it. HE is the Way, the Truth,
and the Life.
Lee McDowell Christian Ministries
1737 CR
2051 Nacogdoches, Tx 75965 936-559-5696
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