Mr. Shone Bagley prefaced his sentiments with a question, presumably with an answer in mind, unless he wrote rhetorically. If the intent was to engage the readers from a Biblical foundation, and not a persuasive platform, the latter seemed more pronounced. The danger in the lecture format is that the information is more opinionated than doctrinal, i.e, the exegesis (objective, literal approach) of scripture is decreased to an eisegesis (subjective, relative approach) of scripture. What saith the Lord on “why are you a slave?” Biblical truths: All scripture is given by inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3). That word “inspiration” means God breathed (theopneustos). God is Spirit, and those who Worship Him must do so in Spirit and truth (John 4).
Spiritual discernment comes from the Lord, by way of the Helper (John 14:15-31). When the reader (a believer) allows the Holy Spirit to lead, the heart will be illuminated and the head will respond. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10): the Greek definition of the word “hearing” being a preposition that denotes point of origin, comes from, or by.
In summary, God revealed His redemptive plan of salvation by memorializing His inerrant Word through the usage of fallible vessels, for the edification of those who would believe that Jesus the Christ is Lord and Savior- the Truth being discerned because of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The spirit can’t know what the spirit doesn’t know- The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, neither can he for they are Spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2).
Walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16-26). There is a spiritual warfare going on (Ephesians 6: 10- 20), and there isn’t a middle ground to stand on: the allegiance is on one side or the other (Ephesians 2: 1-3). For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10). If people are enslaved, its not because of government, the megachurch or the corner church. God didn’t say trust in the government, he said to pray for them (1 Timothy 2:1-3). He didn’t say trust in the foundation of buildings built by man’s hands, rather trust in the foundation designed by Him (Luke 6: 47-49).
He also said, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding: in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths (Proverbs 3: 5-6).
Mr. Bagley states that “it doesn’t matter whether you’re spiritual or not” when it comes to the issue of jealousy, when in fact it does matter because there is a distinction between “spirits” and the response will be contingent upon what side of the realm a person falls under: read Galatians 5.
Finally, God examines from within (Proverbs 16:2), not by abbreviations affixed to names or opinions based on emotions (1 Corinthians 1:18- 25). We are in agreement, Mr. Bagley, that we should be watchful of wolves in sheep’s clothing: “Now I urge you brethren, note those who cause division and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple” (Romans 16).
Shalom Aleichem (Peace be upon you),
Victor Jackson
View Minister Bagley’s Response here
