Come and see the works of God

The enthusiasm with with Jim Schettler spoke was contageously encouraging in and of itself!It has been a powerful week. “Why would you want to waste your life merely doing great things for God, when He has called us to do do impossible things? If you were stricken with polio and had to live the rest of your life in excruciating Dr. Gothard addressing the fathers in the morning Father's Session.pain, would you praise and thank God for it? Sound crazy? Not after you hear David Gibbs tell about his mother. If you knew that people around the world are discovering that the solutions Jesus gave to 70% of all illnesses are proving effective, would you be interested in learning what those solutions are? At the 2012 Indianapolis ATI conference we experienced Mr. Gothard’s vision and practical Biblical perspective on meeting real needs… Chris Hogan’s ability to put Biblical Dan Brown gives a practical, Biblical presentation of the second coming of Christ. principles into words and processes that achieve the impossible in family relationships… David Gibbs’ accounts of how God worked miracles in the lives of those who surrendered themselves to Him, and the folly of courting the ways of the Dad shares about his new book, The Power of Music, before prayer during a Main Session.world… Tom Harmon’s fervency for God’s children to walk in victory over the enemy through faith… Jobe Martin’s revolutionary, corrective critique of the evolutionary perspective antique… George Mattix showing us the awesome opportunities to change nations around the world by being the light, showing God’s solutions to leaders… Jim Schettler inspiring us to action by new insights he has gleaned from meditating on “well known” Bible stories… and that Unparalleled fellowship continued late into the evenings!does not mention half of the speakers! We also met new families of like heart who inspired us more than words can say. When I remember how busy I was prior to the conference and how I thought it was impossible to attend the conference this year, I am ashamed, and will be grateful for the rest of my life that I was there. All we need is the Word of God to know and obey the truth; but the personal accounts from others of what God has done in our day is indescribably inspiring.

“Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.”
Psalm 107:21-22

13 Comments

  1. Sarah S August 6, 2012 at 2:14 pm #

    Amen! What a JOY and BLESSING it was to attend Nashville as a family, and Indy with part of my family. The Lord really spoke to our hearts through each message, and we all agree the conferences get better each and every year!

  2. Jonathan August 7, 2012 at 2:53 am #

    I”m kind of skeptical, what were the “solutions Jesus gave to 70% of all illnesses”?

  3. Esther Staddon August 8, 2012 at 7:07 am #

    Great way to sum it up, Michael! I’m so grateful I was able to be there too. So many of the messages were just what I needed right now. God has great things in store!

  4. Michael August 8, 2012 at 8:08 pm #

    Jonathan, do you really find it surprising that Jesus would give us the solution to 70% of illnesses? Don’t you think He may have even given the solution to 100% of all illnesses?

  5. Nathan Burkhalter August 11, 2012 at 6:36 pm #

    Wow! Wish I could have been there! Thanks a bunch for the summary.

  6. Juanita August 12, 2012 at 6:35 pm #

    I’m glad you enjoyed the conference. And I agree that God does do the impossible, and uses us to do it. But I don’t think “merely doing great things for God” is a waste of life. We do what God calls us to do, which is different for everyone. Some can seem more “impossible” than others, but each role that God has given each one is important.

  7. Michael August 14, 2012 at 7:22 pm #

    Jonathan, the “70% of illnesses” is based on some doctors’ estimation that that percentage of illnesses are related to stresses to such an extent that resolving the stress enables the illness to be cleared up [more?] naturally. Stress comes from fear, envy, lust, anger, etc. and Christ gave us solutions to these root issues that undermine health.
    I am writing from memory, and if it turns out to be inaccurate, I can rephrase it.
    Here’s a link: http://lifepurposehealth.com/index.php/purpose/mystery_of_disease/

  8. Jonathan August 16, 2012 at 2:45 pm #

    Thank you for replying Michael. Jesus not only, may have given the 100% solution to all illnesses, but he has offered new glorified bodies and everlasting life to all who will repent and believe the gospel. Thank you for answering my question in the second comment. I do understand to an extent what is being shared. I do believe there is a very real dangers in the Institutes’ teachings on heath. One is that it can prey on sick people who are willing to do anything to live, or get better. The incredible false guilt that can be caused by these teachings is a reality. The mental torment, of searching oneself for a the designated sin responsible for their disease etc. I’ve even known people influence by the Institutes teaching on health to try and deny their pain, under the false teaching that to acknowledge it is a lack of faith.
    Secondly, I’ve notice through the years that this type of teaching can replace our main focus on the gospel
    And thirdly, It has been my experience that their teaching are sometimes supported by exaggerated, false, or misleading testimonies. My sister’s bought with cancer being one. The Institute even seems to own to in when they write in their disclaimer on the site you sent me to:
    LIFEPURPOSEHEALTH.COM DOES NOT REPRESENT OR ENDORSE THE ACCURACY, CURRENTNESS, OR RELIABILITY OF ANY ADVICE, OPINIONS, STATEMENTS, OR INFORMATION DISPLAYED, UPLOADED OR DISTRIBUTED THROUGH LIFEPURPOSEHEALTH.COM. ANY RELIANCE UPON SUCH OPINION, ADVICE, STATEMENTS, OR INFORMATION IS AT YOUR SOLE RISK.
    What is your opinion do you think that I am wrong?

  9. Michael August 17, 2012 at 8:37 am #

    I see where you are coming from Jonathan. It is good to be aware of what false ideas we as humans easily tend to add to God’s Word. It is very easy and natural to sink into a worldly focus instead of setting our minds on things above. What I have heard from the Institute has not caused me to experience any of the dangers you mentioned. Of course I do not believe that the Institute is in any way intending to prey on sick people or cause false guilt. I think those things happen when people seek health more than God, are not grounded in His word, or fail to be fully surrendered to Him. Some of the testimonies I have heard through the Institute beautifully illustrate how the solution to some illnesses is to understand that God is using the illness for His glory and our ultimate good, and to thank Him for it. I appreciate Mr. Gothard pointing out the importance of our motivation for having health. I also appreciate Mr. Gothard’s focus on the gospel, and how many people have come to believe in Christ as a result of seeing His power firsthand.
    The disclaimer you mentioned is obviously a legal imperative. I just want to make it clear that it’s not my responsibility to defend everything the Institute does or says, nor is this blog the place to broadcast problems people have had with Mr. Gothard. I thank you for offering a warning about potential pitfalls, and may our love for our brothers in Christ increase and abound! Christ has given us Himself, and He is the ultimate Solution to everything!

  10. Jonathan August 17, 2012 at 3:58 pm #

    Thanks for your reply. You wrote: “I just want to make it clear that it’s not my responsibility to defend everything the Institute does or says, nor is this blog the place to broadcast problems people have had with Mr. Gothard.”
    I’m not sure what you mean by this. What do you mean? Are you trying to tell me you don’t want me to comment on your blog? Or discuss issues of Christian doctrine and practice? I see the Bible telling us to contend for the faith: Jud 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
    I’m a little perplexed by the Institute (of which you are a part), when on one hand they at times preach a wonderful true gospel message, then in the Basic Seminar offer false assurance of salvation. For example putting a stake in the ground and looking to that for your assurance. One should look to Christ’s finished work on the cross and resurrection, and the repentance and faith that He has given them. As well as God’s working in their lives, even through things like chastening (See Hebrews 12, 1 John). Not a stake in the ground, sinner’s prayer, or response to an alter call. How many people may actually go to Hell with a false assurance of salvation gained through these non-Biblical teachings. Disagreeing with someone in no way means that you don’t love them. Open rebuke is better than secret love. I grew up in a neighborhood where probably 90% of the people where 7th Day Adventist. They were such kind, nice, sincere people. They were so nice to me and my family. But they were and are kind, nice, and sincerely wrong regarding many important (even soul saving) doctrines. It’s a little late here, but thank for putting up with me and considering the things I’ve wrote. Noapte buna (good night).

  11. Michael August 25, 2012 at 4:38 pm #

    Hmmm, I appreciate your comment Jonathan. The main thing I meant was that I’d like to limit the comments to discussion of the original posts. I wish I’d thought of saying it that way on August 17. I also want to avoid personal offense issues, grudges, gossip, and bitterness – but I am not intending to suggest that you have these. (These things are best not spread around Prov. 10:12, 16:28, 17:9)
    I’m all for contending for the faith. The Bible also warns of those who sow discord among brethren. (Just to offer a warning – I can’t say that you are). The teaching you mentioned from the Basic Seminar is Biblical and does not offer a false assurance of salvation. But that doesn’t relate to the original post, and if I explain that issue I expect you might bring up another one. I could be wrong, but it seems like you are trying to extrapolate falsehood from what Mr. Gothard says without trying to take it in the way it was intended.

  12. Jonathan August 30, 2012 at 2:53 pm #

    Hi, Michael,
    Sorry for the delay in my reply. I’m really busy with work and family etc. You said:
    “The teaching you mentioned from the Basic Seminar is Biblical and does not offer a false assurance of salvation. But that doesn’t relate to the original post, and if I explain that issue I expect you might bring up another one. I could be wrong, but it seems like you are trying to extrapolate falsehood from what Mr. Gothard says without trying to take it in the way it was intended.”

    To clear up any confusion…You are wrong. I genuinely see the stake in the ground thing from the Basic Seminar as giving false non-Biblical assurance of salvation. It’s the same thing as telling someone that they prayed the sinners prayer so they are saved. I realize there are people who may be bitter or hurt by the Institute and want to blame all their problems on IBLP etc. That is unfortunate, but that doesn’t change the reality and truth of God’s Word. How can you say that the stake in the ground teaching is Biblical? I wish you could hear the tone of my voice and know that I am not being cynical. How do you know that you are saved? How do you have assurance of salvation?
    1Jn 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
    I suggest an examination of 1 John.
    God bless,
    Jonathan

  13. Michael September 1, 2012 at 9:08 am #

    I certainly agree that one should, as you said, “look to Christ’s finished work on the cross” by which He draws us to himself (Jn. 12:32), and to which we must respond with belief and repentance, not trusting in works of our own.
    Mr. Gothard was not telling anyone to look to a stake in the ground for assurance. He only spoke of driving a stake in the context of reaffirming the truth of the gospel, repentance, and trust in Him, as a meaningful way to document the time and place that this took place. Jacob set up a pillar where God appeared to Him and later God directed him to return to it, for a time of re-commitment. The LORD directed Israel to raise a monument by Jordan to be revisited for remembering and teaching and renewing the fear of the Lord. (Joshua 4, especially verse 24) Of course if someone drives a stake in the ground but does not understand and believe the gospel and thereby surrender to Christ, there is nothing to drive a stake for! So looking to a stake comes from not knowing God’s Word and misunderstanding the whole idea.
    By the way, 1st John is one of my favorite books so I memorized the whole thing. 3:24 and 4:13 are two verses on this subject I like to use. We know that He lives in us by the Spirit which He has given us. So you should never have to tell someone that God’s Spirit lives in them; they’ll know it! And by it they will know that they are in Him, who is their life. Having the Son is having life; and this is something that only His children know about. (Also John 14:19-29)
    So if God’s Spirit is not bearing witness with someone’s spirit that they are the children of God, they obviously need to go deeper than just driving a stake in the ground; like searching out what it truly means to believe, and look for things they are holding back that prevent them from believing, like possessions (Mark 10:23) or reputation (John 5:44) or bitterness (Matt. 6:14-15). This kind of thing may need to be part of a person’s reaffirmation of the gospel if they are experiencing doubts. But there is nothing wrong with raising a testimony to that reaffirmation, showing the “then and there” if it was genuine. It is part of, not a replacement for, 2 Cor. 13:5 “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.”

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