The Poser: In God’S Kingdom

By Nicholas Howell

In the making of this project, my intentions were not to make myself out to be perfect or flawless. If some of my behaviors throughout the story raised a few eyebrows, then good, and so be it. Yet what I was hoping the reader would see as they read through, and would come to realize, is that as my faith in and understanding of God grew, so my behavior, actions, and views, not just of the current situation (as I was once willing to settle then decided otherwise), but myself and where I made a stand (both during and before this chain of incidents) were changed. As I was lighted by the word, gaining both knowledge and understanding, wisdom was near, adding too. My spiritual maturity, growing more and more, was begging to shine through. As the Spirit was shining through and becoming stronger, so I was having the old removed.In writing this, I did not want it to be so that only one who has understanding or knowledge of the word would understand. In fact, I had those in mind that do not go to church or hardly, if ever, read the word. Thus, the reason I used scriptures, in an effort to both get one somewhat familiar with the word and be able to see and perhaps apply it in a different manner. In doing, I am not intending this to be only for the believers or current believers, yet just as well, I know that those who pick this book up and being completely turned off by God or even the very idea of the Most High will most likely toss it aside after the first few pages. Yet for those who have any interest, idea, knowledge, or understanding of God, whether it be from least to greatest, controversial or acceptance, will be able to read through this story and, God willing, be able to take something from it in one form or another.
Thank you for taking the time to read this story. Again, I would hope that it has in some way given something to you. May God be with you. We are all in this together.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jan 26, 2012
• ISBN: 9781462895557

Nicholas Howell

NA

Book preview

Copyright © 2012 by Nicholas Howell.

Scriptures found in NIV and Gideon version of the Bible

Library of Congress Control Number:       2011910870

ISBN:         Hardcover                               978-1-4628-9554-0

                   Softcover                                 978-1-4628-9553-3

                   Ebook                                      978-1-4628-9555-7

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

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CONTENTS

The Poser In God’s Kingdom

The Poser In Earth’s Kingdom

The Poser In The Story

The Poser In Earth’s Kingdom

The Poser In The Conclusion

In the making of this project, my intentions were not to make myself out to be perfect or flawless. If some of my behaviors throughout the story raised a few eyebrows, then good, and so be it. Yet what I was hoping the reader would see as they read through, and would come to realize, is that as my faith in and understanding of God grew, so my behavior, actions, and views, not just of the current situation (as I was once willing to settle then decided otherwise), but myself and where I made a stand (both during and before this chain of incidents) were changed. As I was lighted by the word, gaining both knowledge and understanding, wisdom was near, adding too. My spiritual maturity, growing more and more, was begging to shine through. As the Spirit was shining through and becoming stronger, so I was having the old removed.

In writing this, I did not want it to be so that only one who has understanding or knowledge of the word would understand. In fact, I had those in mind that do not go to church or hardly, if ever, read the word. Thus, the reason I used scriptures, in an effort to both get one somewhat familiar with the word and be able to see and perhaps apply it in a different manner. In doing, I am not intending this to be only for the believers or current believers, yet just as well, I know that those who pick this book up and being completely turned off by God or even the very idea of the Most High will most likely toss it aside after the first few pages. Yet for those who have any interest, idea, knowledge, or understanding of God, whether it be from least to greatest, controversial or acceptance, will be able to read through this story and, God willing, be able to take something from it in one form or another.

Thank you for taking the time to read this story. Again, I would hope that it has in some way given something to you. May God be with you. We are all in this together.

THE POSER IN

GOD’S KINGDOM

I find it amazing that in all the world, in all the powers, with all the destruction, and with all the powers of mass destruction, the most dangerous thing is a part of every living being: the tongue.

The tongue being the most evil part of the body is the cause of many confrontations, arguments, and fights. In the end it leads to anger, bitterness, and even war. James 3:6 says, And the tongue is fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is set among our members that it defiles the whole body. My mom would always tell me, Nick, think before you speak.

Sometimes we start talking with each other, but without our meaning to, we end up offending one another. Everyone should be quick to listen. But slow to speak (James 1:19). By applying this wisdom, we can avoid offending one another and even catch it before or when we do. We will also become clean in the eyes of Christ. For it says in Mark 7:20, What comes out of people makes them unclean.

Now I say don’t twist this, as I have seen and heard many people do. Some people will try to trick you, saying things like What you are saying offends me. I’m not appreciating what you are talking about or You are not holding true to the word.

Don’t be fooled by the actions or words of these people. They do not know what is right or wrong. Just because we share the same God doesn’t mean our views are going to be the same. For if you seek for everyone to have the same mind and thoughts, then you are a part of the wrong congregation; and as a follower of God, I will rebuke you every time, telling you that you are wrong.

Even the chosen apostles had different views, and we’re not opposed to rebuking each other. Paul, not being pleased with what Peter was doing, made it known by confronting him in front of everyone, saying to Peter, You are a Jew. I said, But you live like one who is not. So why do you force non-Jews to follow Jewish ways? (Gal. 2:14).

I am not here to please you or stroke your ego and tell you good job. I am here for God and Christ. Not for you. And if you were smart, you would be too. People bring a word to mind: poser.

A poser is someone who wants all the glory but doesn’t want the work that comes along with it. Show up for your two-hour service, take what is convenient for you, and leave the rest. Then go on about your day patting yourself on the back, saying good job without even getting your hands dirty.

I have read about posers like you. Paul sends warning about you, posers.

In Second Thessalonians 3:11 he says, Some people among you don’t want to work. They really aren’t busy. Instead they are bothering others. I am telling you this for a reason. As a brother, I am warning you (2 Thess. 3:15).

Now what’s that? What’s that you say? This isn’t your job. Your work is not here but there. So this does not apply to you. Ah, I see. This is just pastime for you, your good deed of the day.

Trust me when I say you are not doing me any favors. In case you did not know or it has slipped your mind, we followers of God have two kingdoms: the kingdom that we live in and do our physical work and the kingdom that is promised to us through our faith and good works. Therefore, we have two jobs. In Matthew 22:21, the Lord says, Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesars, and to God the things that are God’s.

So I say to you, posers, if you will not be in the kingdom of God and believe you are safe by working in the kingdom we live in, if you keep on turning away from God’s warnings and rebuking them, then you are doomed. You belong only to this world and will only be rewarded in this life (Ps. 17:14).

I now ask all the men and women to warn these posers. Do not hesitate, for God is on your side. As the scripture says, Anyone who turns a sinner from going down the wrong path will save him from death (James 5:19-20). And for those of you who fear what might be said when you correct that person, that you will be frowned on or hated for it, I tell you that it will happen.

People will talk bad about you and say things about you and the congregation that are not true. But as I said, we are not here for them. We are here for Christ and our God.

It is written, To be a friend of the world is to hate God (James 4:4). So the next time a poser comes up and tells you that he or she is not pleased with what you are doing or saying, turn and smile, quoting the words of Paul, saying, Am I trying to please people? If I were, I would not be serving Christ (Gal. 1:10).

I have also heard posers say, I grieve. You will not help me. I suffer, and you give me no kind words. Why do you turn away from me? Can’t you see that I am in need? You are not following Christ. I say to you, posers, is there no end to your laziness and deceit? You are what the scripture says: Let us lie in wait to shed blood; let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause (Prov. 1:11).

You think you are slick. You do not fool me. I see what your intentions are. I see your true motive. You are not truly hurting or desiring kind words. You only want to cause problems and argue with the congregation, judging the congregation to make yourself feel righteous (Job 40:8). If you were really suffering, you would turn first to Christ your savior for counsel before anyone else.

Now stop rejoicing in the delight of your perversity (Prov. 2:14) and bow down to your king. James 4:9 says, Be full of sorrow. Cry and sob. Change your laughter to crying. Bow down to the Lord. He will lift you up. Look to the Lord for his guidance, fill yourselves with his wisdom, and welcome his correction. For blessed is the person God corrects. So do not hate the mighty ones training (Job 5:17).

I do not turn from you. You, posers, turn from God. Therefore, you will receive no kind words from me. I will show you no sympathy, for you are healthy and able to receive blessing from the Lord. But instead you won’t work. You don’t put your actions to the test. You refuse to carry your own load (Gal. 6:4-5).

Your days are numbered. The free ride is coming to an end. You know who you are. As I speak, you are sitting there, hoping that you won’t be noticed. You are still trying to slide through the cracks unseen.

But you are noticed. And you will be brought out into the light and held accountable for your actions. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. You, posers, are the weakest link.

You only cause trouble and confusion in the congregation, giving it a bad name,