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My personal experience has been that the majority of small Country Church Congregations are and stay that way because they Preach, Teach and live the Gospel of Christ. I am not saying there aren't any large Churches that do that, and, as I have not attended any, I couldn't say that, but my beloved Country Churches do not tickle ears, and - it seems to me that folks these days want ear tickling far more than the Gospel of Christ.

Hi Neighbor Thank you for this thread. Wonderful. I think this is spot-on Jayne. I love the OT too. I guess you have all heard that saying "The New Testament is in the Old Testament concealed and the Old Testament is in the New Testament revealed.". My first ever pastor told me that. Hallelujah! It's half-way through Good Friday here, and we have heard and sung a wonderful church service praising our wonderful Lord.

"Obviously the Old testament was the Bible Jesus read". And so borrowingly heavily from the work of others, namely Dr. Thomas McCall and Zola Levitt, I'd like to open for conversation a discussion of the importance of the Old Testament ( Especially knowledge of it as foundation for understanding Jesus. Plus the potential advantage for the Jew of education in His faith in God, as he builds upon that and comes to see Jesus is his messaiah. For the Gentile, ( Greek ), or person without education in Judaism, it is often said to start with the New Testament gospel of John in order to learn of Christ Jesus. Okay, "but why?" is my question. Is there not time to share of the Bible that our Messaiah taught, quoted, lived by, and by whom it's many prophesies have already been fulfilled in Him with yet more to come? Seems to me the Jew has many advantages over me. I will never really catch up in knowing and appreciating the Bible that Jesus read and taught from to Jews, for I will never be able to go backwards for a such heritage. I wonder is there a better opening for the Gentile than to be told of John's gospel? Without the Old testament John's gospel comes to today's "Gentile" out of thin air, there is no foundation nor an anchor. Seems unfortunate to me that some if not much of what is called Christian or Christianity today passes off the Old Testament as a bunch of children's stories and calls them allegory, yet the founder of Christianity revered every word, every jot an title of the Old Testament. He quoted only it within His lessons. With that I ask; in tracts on Christianity and when personally presenting the gospel of Jesus how is the Old Testament treated? Is it even mentioned? Should it be? In how simple a manner might a discussion introducing Christianity explain it's foundation the Old Testament? And I guess the question need also be asked is the Old testament the foundation? I declare that it is, but I do not know if that is a universal given or not. Anyone have interest in the subject(s)?

I feel I am often seen as an enemy by many, just because I seek to speak things to edify one another and exhort people to stay in the faith and trust in Christ. And I see some people complaining that I am condemning others, judging, and much more. Just because I say things like: Many people are worshiping themselves rather than God. People, do not be friend with sin. It will kill you. If you love to sin when people are not watching, then you are not free in Christ. Am I condemning you in telling you such things?! Or is it because you have things to fix with God?! He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." - John 3:36 Do not be deceived, only those who do not believe in Him are convicted of sin. "And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they do not believe in Me;" - John 16:8-9 Scripture are clear that all who believe in Him are free indeed. Humble yourself, seek repentance, purify your hearts, have faith, believe in Him. "to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me." - Acts 26:18 And give thanks He is still inviting you to repentance, and I mean sincere repentance. Because it is impossible for those who already had been freed to desire the things of the old life, which includes sin. "As a dog returns to his own vomit, So a fool repeats his folly." - Proverbs 26:11 And I am witness that the Lord Jesus sets people free indeed, from ALL sin. You do not have excuse, you just need to humble yourself and seek, repent, turn, and live. "Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?” says the Lord God, “and not that he should turn from his ways and live?" - Ezekiel 18:23 You are being convicted because you need to seek peace with God and to be reconciled with Him, in truth. If people cannot edify, exhort, and speak truth inside the Church anymore then where can it be done?! "But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all." - 1 Corinthians 14:24 In the name of the Lord Jesus: Seek peace with God! REPENT, TURN, AND LIVE! "Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord" - Hebrews 12:14 God bless you in Jesus' name!

Amen......I've heard you speak of your joy, brother. People don't get around to all the posts, so maybe they missed where you have spoken about the joy of the Lord.

Do you realize that the Christians are the church ? For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.2 Cor.5:1

THEN REJOICE . REJOICE , REJOICE , REJOICE . Some you can say JESUS walked on water . but they aint going to hear anything you have to say , cause they don't like warnings. You just be encouraged in the LORD . Let us remember paul never said though the more he loved the MORE he was loved. He said the LESS I be loved. a hint . His love came with warnings . Do you believe if someone is sitting with their third wife and you say that is adultery they gonna love you. NOPE Do you think if you show them proof that if we walked after the spirit that we would not fulfill the lusts of the flesh, that if they in any error , THEY Gonna like that message. NO , it shows we have no excuse for error . I mean IF we follow CHRIST we have all we need IN HIM to overcome the evil. Its when people are in regular sin , and don't want to feel condemned they like pastors who say GOD UNDERSTANDS , he knows you cant stop sinning Rather than pauls approach or james approach , or peters approach , or johns approach , or see the point yet . But I have noticed something wonderful too. I used to think man , no one is listening , but deep down some are , and will be convicted by the SPIRIT and later do repent . OH , so stay encouraged . Simply warn as you are led , always keep pointing to JESUS as the ANSWER and some will hear and it also encourages those who already follow HIM. it does . So you just stay encouraged . And yeah , you know the drill... one two ....... three.............PRAISE THE LORD peoples , from one to all, PRAISE THE LORD .

"For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak." - John 12:49-50 I believe it is here, if you could see me... Glory to God! Amen.

Sometimes I hide a bacon sandwich in my beard

Can I just ask why it matters to you what version of the Bible another Christian is reading? I read/listen to at least 7 different versions sometimes at the same time: KJV, NIV, NLT, ESV, CEV, Amplified and the Old Afrikaans Version. I have yet to find any really crucial differences. I would not expect everybody else to read those if they preferred ones that I have not mentioned. You are also welcome to stick to the KJV if you feel more comfortable doing so. It's entirely your choice. May I suggest letting others make the choice for themselves? Now just let me also say that, in my view, there is no problem if the point of this discussion is to look at a certain Bible and saying why we feel another version does it better or expressing why we dislike a certain version. I would hope that such a discusion is based on solid evidence. The problem comes in when we treat those who disagree with us as if they are children who don't yet fully understand and need to be corrected. Or as lost sheep that need to be taught not to wander off. There is the posibility that you could be wrong. And people can be solid Christians, close to God and on the right track and still disagree with you on certain points such what version they prefer.

The "missing words" are in verse 4 of the NIV: ".. who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit." So it is completely false to say they are "not present" or that the NIV is "watered down". Those of us who use the NIV are not "watered down" Christians in any way, and we are not deficient in either faith or doctrine.

There've also been demographic shifts and technology shifts that affect small country churches as well. The automobile and more efficient agriculture were factors in the US. The local grocery store, gas station, etc. disappeared as jobs and businesses that supported agriculture disappeared in small towns and rural areas. I grew up on a farm outside a small town (a few hundred people) in Wisconsin and have been watching this happen over decades. There simply reaches a point where some small towns in economically depressed areas are slowly dying as people move away. I see many empty buildings, not just churches. I cannot speak to elsewhere, but in Wisconsin, some of these small churches died because the rural jobs disappeared and people followed the jobs.

I blame that on auto correct and that my kid is always talking to me when I am trying to type.

Sometimes the topic under discussion is really the topic under discussion; sometimes the topic under discussion is a smoke screen for another topic. For example, in the NIV teen study bible thread, my impression is that two topics were under discussion. One was yet another reason why modern versions should not be used. The second was what type of teaching methods are or are not appropriate for teens or for inclusion in a study bible. My sense of the dynamics of that thread was that you were discussing one topic and inadvertently falling onto the "wrong" side of the other one without realizing it. I commend you for going to the Amazon site to find a preview to try to see what was actually in it for yourself. There are those reading your posts that do appreciate such honesty and efforts and respect you for it. In the long run, you are taking an approach where you will grow, learn, and become a respected wise person that people will come to with questions and concerns. It takes work, but each question you ask and try to answer (whether you find the answer or not) is more practice at learning and growing. It's perhaps small consolation at the moment when you end up with a sick feeling in your stomach when not everyone shares that approach. Hang in there. Learn when to walk away from a thread for your own spiritual wellbeing and to avoid wasting your time. Put your time into reading and responding to spiritually healthy and fruitful threads where you can learn, be spiritually built up, and can make a difference for someone. Look at the posters you most respect and learn the most from and work to become like those people.

The best approach is to do what you've been doing, stay open to discussion yourself, and consider what others say. It is not our job to convince anyone of anything, present your case and reasoning for it, and leave the rest up to God. Frustration with these other things will only come if you allow it to, and just accept that some are not open to what anyone else says. God can convince them of the truth if need be, that should be enough for us. Remember, even Jesus shook the dust off in regards to those who refuse to hear.

How VITAL the Old Testament is. My father drilled that into my heart and mind when I was young and I have never forgotten it. When one is witnessing to a non-believer or one who has never heard, yes, the emphasis is on the gospel: Jesus Christ and him crucified. The death, burial, and resurrection. Today that is the beginning once sin is understood. And yet, the Old Testament can shed so much light onto the gospel and it should be read and studied by New Testament Christians. My weekly Bible study group is going through the entire Bible, verse by verse. You'd be shocked at how many times we have to flip to the New Testament to view the words of Christ, Paul, Peter, and more and see how these Old Testament accounts are part of those accounts as well. We started in Genesis and are now in 2 Samuel, but we've also been in almost every book of the New Testament. "All scripture is".....well, you know that verse.

So after have posted this yesturday here on the forum i got encouraged by all you my brothers and sisters and i pleaded the blood of jesus before going to bed, and remembered all the things you guys told me and gave me strenght and the demonic manefestations went away for this night and i finally slept good. I have figured out i must pray in order to keep this things away. Thank you all who replied to my post below. Good Bless you all, So Goodmorning beothers and sisters , i decide tonopen an account here since i am not a memeber of a church but i consider myself a christian, i recently started gettling closer and closer to our lord jesus christ and i stopped my sinful ways and i have been resisting the devil, and lately ive felt attacked by him, i developed a disease and two days ago i was sleeping when i woked up to a loud diabloical roar in my room my two babies were asleep with my husband but i guess i was the only one aware of it. The second night i was in sleep paralysis and i saw i black shadow next to my bed wanting to pull me to itself, it wanted to drag me out of the bedand i couldnt scream and i wanted to say jesus help me but i couldnt and when i finally could that thing just left and i woked up to reality which seemed like a real dream. Im scared i dont know if getting closer to god is attracting all this things.

Lol the owner of this site is a pastor. Ive been here 14 yrs. The site is older than that.

Christianity is said to be the only religion that didn't start as the result of a supernatural vision experienced by its charismatic leader. Yet, this description absolutely DOES fit Christianity if we recognize that it precisely describes what happened in the early church: Paul experienced a vision and spread a new version of Christianity--the one we actually follow today--to the non-Jewish people. At what point are Paul's gospel and the twelve apostles' version harmonized? Why does Jesus never mention during his time on Earth any of the things Paul is teaching? Since Paul's version is so different from the apostles' version, how can we be sure he's not a false prophet? (Many people at the time thought he was) If Paul's truth is the one we're supposed to go by, then why wouldn't Jesus have made any mention of those concepts during his earthly ministry? Why would he choose twelve guys who would ultimately "get it wrong"? What early Christian records do we have which suggest that the churches founded by the apostles and NOT touched by Paul were taught Paul's version of the gospel...and were taught so by the apostles and not Paul? (This perhaps would be the most convincing to me, seeing as all biblical attempts to harmonize Paul and the apostles are written by Paul's camp.) Further information on those: Acts 22:14: "14 And he said, The God of our fathers hath appointed thee to know his will, and to see the Righteous One, and to hear a voice from his mouth. 15 For thou shalt be a witness for him unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. 16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on his name. 17 And it came to pass, that, when I had returned to Jerusalem, and while I prayed in the temple, I fell into a trance, 18 and saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem; because they will not receive of thee testimony concerning me. 19 And I said, Lord, they themselves know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee: 20 and when the blood of Stephen thy witness was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting, and keeping the garments of them that slew him. 21 And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee forth far hence unto the Gentiles." Seem a bit funny that if this were really Jesus that he would so purposefully hide this new truth from his closest followers...and reveal it instead to someone completely outside the fold. The disciples were warned about imposters coming in Jesus' name. Accepting Paul seems to go against all of those warnings, and the suggestion to avoid Jerusalem seems to be totally aware of that...which again is suspect if Paul's vision really did come from the genuine Jesus. Matthew 24:4-5 "4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many." Matthew 24:23 "23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 25 Behold, I have told you before. 26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. 27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." Accepting Paul seems to imply that we and/or the disciples would have to: Ignore the warnings about "others/imposters coming in Jesus' name". Why would Jesus issue the above warnings if he meant for them to be ignored in the case of Paul? Accept that the message that Jesus gave his closest disciples was actually wrong/incomplete...and that instead, the correct truth came from some guy outside the fold who had a vision Find a way to believe that the reason Paul was told NOT to go to the twelve after his vision was something OTHER THAN the reality that the twelve would prove to him he'd seen a fake. The Ebionites--the Jerusalem church founded by the apostles--seemed to reject Paul completely. If the apostles eventually accepted Paul's version, why did their church never adopt this belief? Irenaeus asserted that the Ebionites "use the gospel of Matthew only and repudiate...Paul, maintaining that he was an apostate fromt he law." (Irenaeus, "Against Heresies" 1.26) (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0103126.htm) This continued: Eusebius said that the Ebionites "thought it was necessary to reject all the epistles of the apostle [Paul] whom they called an apostate from the law." (Eusebius, "History of the Church" 3.27) (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/250103.htm)

I feel I am having so many butting head issue on here because no one seems to want to learn anything. It is like you know your right about some topic. You post that topic on a discussion bored which means people are open to discussing it, but there seems to be no room for discussing. The poster knows they are right in all that they say about the topic and is only posting the topic so that other people join in with agreement with them. This is not how I think a discussion bored should be. Thus I think the reason why I have so many issues with other posters at times. No one is listing to anyone else and no one ever considers that maybe they are wrong in their thinking. They just say "this is how it is end of story good bye!" I mean what is the point of all of that? I post topics not because I think I am 100% right, but because I think I could be right, but I want to run this by some other people and see what they have to say about. If they can show me I am mistaken in my thinking then I consider that. But so many topic posted on here are just "I am right and if you disagree with me you disagree with God" type of post. It is like trying to debate the Sunday morning sermon with the pastor while he is preaching it. Dose anyone else see this going on here? Maybe it is just me? Maybe I need to take some more time off?

I had heard that the New Testament was Infolded in the Old Testament......To read the Old Testament and actually see it for yourself is a real treat....... Neighber mentioned Zola Levitt—boy, do I miss that man—- he was a great teacher!

I used to have a golfing buddy who built a little birdhouse for another golfing friend, just as a kind gift. Problem was, the birdhouse had a steeple on it.The intended recipient claimed that the steeple was a “ phallic symbol” and he would not take it.So my buddy ripped the steeple off the birdhouse and handed it to the other guy and said, “you happy now?”

I like that saying your pastor told you. I've never heard it. It's true.

Daily Reading 150 If you prefer, you can look up the following verses in your own Bible, or by whatever means and in whichever version you choose. Romans 5 1 Samuel 14 Psalm 59 Audio 3:53 Audio 9:01 Audio 2:11 The above verse addresses are linked to Bible Gateway. That is an easy way to read (or listen to) the Bible verses, and choose your version. Personally, I prefer written, that way I can go at my own pace, and think about it, before moving on. Nothing wrong with doing either or both. The Bible says faith comes by hearing. See the picture below to get an idea of what to expect if you follow the above links. Note: The audio will not play the exact verses, it will play the whole chapters, in which the verses exist. Thank you Lord for making the your word so accessible for us in these times. Amen

By dead men he probably meant Spiritless people who walk according to their own lusts. And by saying people worshiping themselves rather than God isn't that true as well!? This all fits in one prophecy: "Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’" - Matthew 7:22-23 This is just one more sign of the end times: People resist to submit to God and reject His love in their lives. "For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth." - 2 Corinthians 13:8 And they shall reap what they are working for. "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work." - Revelation 22:12

Angels four you made a post . old country churches etc . You should go find it , she wrote it yesterday.

mmm.. maybe Esther's husband. In Hebrew, Ahueseurus (or something like that). In Greek, maybe Xerxes or Artaxerxes, I'm drawing a blank.

Daniel they are talking way above your pay grade

I've been considering this issue quite a lot lately. Most believers don't realize it, but even the apostle Paul or the Lord Jesus Christ Himself could post incognito on a topic, and for the most part it would go right passed them and they would begin arguing. The reason is simply that we are not in a place in church history where many have ears to hear. Most just adopt a certain doctrinal line on a subject and then take it upon themselves to become a "defender of the faith." But what's usually missing is a combination of humility and genuine scriptural knowledge. The lack of humility makes believers insist on saving face even when they are clearly being disproven, and the lack of genuine scriptural knowledge makes them defensive if someone posts something that contradicts what they've been taught, or if something they post gets challenged. Look for mature believers, and interact with them. They are usually easy to spot. Often they are older (though not always), but what you will see is a habitual practice of manifesting respect for others, even during debate. James, Chapter 3 addresses this. The wise man can be distinguished from the foolish by how he behaves, not just what he teaches, which makes how they behave sort of a dead giveaway. I have friends of different persuasions, doctrinally and politically, with whom I very much enjoy discussing things even though we disagree, because I know they are of the right Spirit and even if I am wrong they will not insult me. Unfortunately, these types of believers are in the minority, but they are around. You just have to take note of people, watch their responses (i.e. their behavior), and learn what to expect. I haven't been here long, but there are certainly a few good ones here I've noticed already. Btw, the proper spelling for "bored," at least the way you are using it, is actually "board." Just thought I'd throw that in there while the context was about being good-hearted.

It's a nice church @p.rehbein

I think too its good to start from genesis. It gives light to why we ended up here at this time. We do need to know the history of where evil came from and why man fell. Then the book of John shows christ and his ministry.

I love, love the old testament and spend a lot of time in it. It is absolutely dripping rich in allegorical spiritual truth/lessons as well as instruction in righteousness/holiness. Everything that I can think of that is in the New Testament is from the Old Testament and can be traced back to it. In Christ and by His Spirit we now have more revelation of the truths that are in the OT.....the NT writings affirm and reveal many of those truths.

God's spiritual nation today is all the born-again Believers that make up the Body of Christ worldwide. The only way that the Church is enlarged is through the harvest of new souls. This is how the Kingdom continues to increase. There are many parts of the world where great glory is brought to the Lord in this way. However, in many Western nations, there is a spiritual barrenness. "As a woman with child and about to give birth writhes and cries out in her pain, so were we in Your presence, O Lord. We were with child, we writhed in pain, but we gave birth to wind. We have not brought salvation to the earth; we have not given birth to people of the world". - Isaiah 26:17-18 NIV We have lots of activity in the Church, with many conferences, special events, prophetic and healing meetings, but very little is happening with regards to the harvesting of souls. Now the Holy Spirit is giving us this charge: "'Sing, O barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,' says the Lord. 'Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities'" - Isaiah 54:1-3 NIV). This word follows the well-known and powerful prophecy concerning the suffering of Jesus on the Cross and His resurrection from the dead in Isaiah 53. This is the greatest revelation of God's love to us. We are compelled by His love for us to go and bring Jesus His reward that He paid for with His Blood. We need to break out of the four walls of our church buildings and Christian meetings and GO WHERE THE LOST ARE. This stretching out of the tent and lengthening of the cords: does not mean enlarging your church building or building bigger church buildings, but it is an enlargement of our labor in the harvest. Isaiah 9:3 in the New King James Version says: "You have multiplied the nation and increased its joy; they rejoice before You according to the joy of harvest..." EXPAND YOUR PRESENT ACTIVITY IN THE HARVEST The enlargement that the Holy Spirit is challenging us with is to push for the multiplication of new Believers and the multiplication of new small churches in the homes of these new Believers. It is Time to Expand Your Own Activity in the Harvest! It is time for out-of-the-box thinking and action. We need our faith to increase. We need to overcome past disappointments and fears that hold us back. "...Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand, so that we can preach the Gospel in the regions beyond you..." (2 Corinthians 10:15-16 NIV). As a pastor, ministry leader, or house church leader, stretch out your faith and expand your own activity in the harvest. Begin to make regular calls for salvation with a short explanation of the Gospel (see Luke 24:45-49; Acts 2:37-41; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Even if nobody responds at first, persevere Sunday after Sunday, because in doing so, you are: stirring the Believers about the lost, and you are sharpening your sickle. Do not give up; the breakthrough will come. At the same time, lead your people out to go and do door-to-door evangelism on a regular basis. This kind of activity in the harvesting of souls will facilitate the breaking out and reaching out to the lost souls outside of your usual sphere of influence of family, friends, and co-workers. There is great joy awaiting you in the harvest, and an eternal reward in Heaven! ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com

There are still good churches to be found

Yes~! Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever. Psalms 119:160 Yes Indeed~! Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalms 119:11 Love, Your Brother Joe

This is what we have been seeing, people opening churches for money and as a result they just talk what attracts people (flesh). "Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;" - 1 Peter 5:2 They are just leading the flock to the slaughter, this is very serious. They are playing with fire, and eternal fire. "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea." - Matthew 18:6

I am led to get them in the gosples and to learn JESUS before some pastor explains both Christ and his pattern away . Get them into the gosples and all the letters the apostels wrote . cause many men in most pulpits have taught a way around JESUS and the apostels pattern. Scary stuff I know . but we got to get them to LEARN JESUS and not mens contrary traditions . we need to get them to learn the pattern and traditions the APOSTELS SET . And yowm , I do think Gensis is a good place to also work in their . JUST PRAISE THE LORD PEOPLES , sound the songs of JOY and PRAISE for all to hear and get them absorbed in the bible . Now how bout we leap up and praise the LORD peoples .

Maybe it was a prayer answered long after you gave up or one which was answered much bigger or more extravangantly that you thought. ive examples 1. I was praying to get a car, expecting to find one that was cheap enough to fit my budget. Little did I know we'd get the car paid for in full by a visiting relative. Any from you?

F.Y.I. The bird is a Heron, not a Crane......dunno why I said Crane......

EVERY DAY I WAKE UP! Just yesterday, I went fishing for a couple of hours, and when I first sat down, a crane flew up and got right next to me. He was within 10 feet of me. He tilted his head towards me, and was looking at me with his left eye. I laughed, and asked him if he was hungry. No, he didn't answer, but I told him if I caught a small fish he could swallow, I would give it to him. Long story short, I caught 5 smallish fishies, 3 Stripe Bass, 1 Bream, and 1 Shell Cracker. I would toss them up on the bank behind me and he would pounce on them! it was so much fun watching him. Did God have anything to do with that? Dunno, but I said a prayer of thanks to God for sending me a "fishing buddy." He finally got his belly full after 5 fish, and gave me a final look and a squawk, and flew off across the river. I have pics being made ready for me (have a flip phone and can't transfer them to my 'Puter) so my Sister gets them file ready so I can email/post them. When I get them, I will post one here for all to enjoy!

Just did a quick research and it appears the syriac peshito did come through the antioch text line, so at least the source for it was good.

The Lord is now allowing these things to happen in your life to reveal to you that the faith you are rededicating yourself to is indeed real, as is the spiritual war that the written word of God talks about. He is now granting you an understanding of how real your spiritual enemy is, so that you can begin to arm yourself with spiritual strength against Him. As other posters have already stated, you have authority in Christ, so the Lord apparently now wants to see you move into that authority, and walk closer than ever to Him now. God bless, and welcome to Worthy Christian Forums!

Hi Light1414, The reply from George to you was so good. I hope you will reread those Scriptures many times. Many years ago I experienced attacks much like you have described. Jesus helped me through it. I'll just try to type what comes to mind. Satan is doing these attacks -- 'he knoweth that he hath but a short time.' Another is 'The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them who fear Him.' The words of Psalm 91 are so wonderful. Many soldiers in the Gulf War of 1991 memorized the 16 verses. I am old and find it harder to memorize, and it took me months, but I memorized it, and for you comes to mind especially the words about how we believers are under the shadow of God Almighty, and how He shall cover thee with His feathers, and how He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways, and how you will tread upon the lion and the adder and the young lion and the dragon. I pray now that the Lord will give you comfort and assurance of His protection and love for you. I pray that He will bring to mind everything you need to rest in Him, to serve Him, and to be able to praise Him at all times! The enemy cannot stand to be around praise to our Lord!

Shalom Light, Welcome to WCF! We face an adversary as the Bible describes as an roaring lion in 1 Peter and he will try to do all that he can to stop you in your walk. But let me show you a tidbit here ... 1Pe 5:8 Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1Pe 5:9 Withstand him steadfast in your faith, knowing that your brothers who are in the world are undergoing the same sufferings. 1Pe 5:10 But may the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. Notice that the devil attacks, but for a little while, that the attacks will be used by God to perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you! You have authority in His Name, and don't be afraid to use that authority. Remember the battle was already won 2000 years ago ... now will you claim the victory? Your brother in the Lord with much agape love, George

You have said a lot and not one scripture? The thread heading is, No one ever goes to Heaven in NT times either! I mentioned that fact that Jesus went to hell because when He ascended on High, he led captivity captive. In other words, people have done since Christs resurrection, and still do go to Heaven in N.T. times. Ephesians 4:8, Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. These saints that were taken to Heaven with Christ were the saints who had died from Able to Christ, and who were held captivity by Satan in Paradise under the Earth until Christ conquered death, hell and the grave liberating them (Heb. 2:14-15; Luke 16:23). They were still alive in soul and spirit since their physical death, but held captive, which proves the immortality of the soul. He would not have led captive extinct souls. Now when a Christian dies he does not go into the lower parts of the earth to be held captive, but goes to Heaven to live and wait the resurrection of the body (2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:21-24; Heb. 12:22-23; Rev. 6:9-11).

The soul and the spirit leave the body at physical death (James 2:26), His body went to the tomb and he went to paradise.

Welcome Faithinyou222, glad you could join us!

Hi Wingnut, Welcome to Club 365!