"And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes." (Mark 1:22)
When Jesus began his ministry, he taught differently than the scribes, and spoke differently (as far as God's word & will) than the Pharisees, and this was at the core of why some were attracted to his ministry, and why others criticized his ministry.
The whole thing about it was that Jesus was "different". Many of the things that he taught and said, put to shame the things that the people had been being taught. Although Jesus was teaching and expounding on the word & will of the Father, he caused many to reconsider the traditions and customs that they had been carrying on for generations. He caused them to reconsider their rituals, and regimented rules of worship. To the Jewish religious community at that time, it challenged their authority and lordship over the people. It took the focus away from them, and put it directly on a personal relationship with the Father.
Still today, the spirit of Christ is trying to rise up in us in order to cause us to reconsider many of our rituals, customs and traditions. There is a reason why many of you have not been comfortable with the way you've been doing things! The reason why, is because the Father is tired of us just "going through the motions", and still not receiving the things that He has in store for us.
Most of us are afraid to go against the grain, but this is exactly what Jesus did! How many times have you felt in your spirit to do something, but didn't out of fear of how you'd be looked at by other "church folk"? And yet, we wonder why we're not experiencing the fullness of God!!
I challenge you to begin to tune your ear to the Father for instruction, guidance, and the confidence that you need to do His will for YOU!!
Yeah, this is going to mess with MANY people's theology, doctrine, and even religion, but regardless of what opposition you may encounter, you MUST do the will of the Father! This is the ONLY way to enjoy the blessings that we talk, preach, and sing about.
The Father is speaking by His Holy Spirit, and we're allowing our church programs, and so-called services to drown out His voice!
Isn't it sad that in the majority of our churches today, that even if God removed His anointing from them (which in some, it seems He already has) we'll still continue to operate as if nothing has changed?!
Well, this is the case, when we refuse to allow ourselves to be led not only by the written word of God, but by the words that He speaks directly into our spirits.
Don't be afraid to be "different". Don't be afraid to "launch out into the deep". God created us all as INDIVIDUALS, and although there will ALWAYS be similarities, His will for each of us is SPECIFIC.
Now, work your faith!!
