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Just came by to remind us of something truly wonderful . JESUS IS LORD , Now raise those hands and praise the LORD

Butero. NO he created Lucifer perfect , every good gift . but Lucifer had free will . Lucifer was not created evil . He took a third of the angels with him. No angel was created evil either . IF so , all would have chose to follow Him , all would have done the evil . Its not how Lucifer was created that was evil or wrong . IT was his own choice . He was created perfect , so was man , created perfect and upright . God creates perfect . Choice . it was choice . free will . The fault was not in who created nor in how he created . The fault lies only IN the created . Not only was Lucifer created perfect , he was given more than all other angels . Notice not all the angels fell. CHOICE . two thirds remained loyal to GOD , yet they were created NO different than Lucifer or the other third that did fall . God creates perfectly , but HE GIVES free will choice .

You are right angels. A born again Christian can not be indwelt by a demon. Anyone who teaches that is a false teacher.

At the core of the discussion that's been generated by the choice of the first book is this, how should Christians deal with habitual and compulsive sins and unhealthy behaviors and thought patterns and feelings in ourselves and other Christians? Some Christians view this mainly as a function of willpower: if you were serious about repentance and serving God then you'd give up whatever addiction it is you are addicted to. Some view it as a proof of lack of salvation: if you were really saved, you wouldn't keep on in that sin. Some Christians view this mainly as a function of spiritual growth: if you read the Bible more, pray enough, and grow spiritually, those things will disappear. Some Christians view this as primarily being about spiritual warfare: the enemy causes most of this and must be cast out in some way. Some Christians view emotional and spiritual wounds in the same manner as physical ones: they are things that cripple and hinder us and need to be healed by God in some manner. Of course people with various views have their list of Bible proof texts as to why they are correct. If you read enough posts of advice given on various Christians forums for Christians struggling with addictions or compulsive feelings such as fear or depression or anger, many responses tend to fit into one of those categories. My views on the matter have ultimately been shaped by many many years worth of testimonies of what God has done in people's lives who I know well. We can start out with our (and others') opinions about what the Bible says but at some point we need to take into account what God is actually doing in our lives and other people's lives to see if our opinions about what the Bible teaches match the reality of what God is really doing. Over the years, I've heard enough testimonies to see that God does things in different ways in different people. Some addictions have vanished when someone was saved; some vanished instantaneously at some point due to prayer; others vanished when some type of healing in a seemingly unrelated area took place. I've heard similar things with regard to compulsive feelings of fear, depression, and anger. I know Christians who've seen these things vanish away in response to something God did or changes they made in their lives. I know Christians for whom this was a process and some for whom it was more a one-time event. I've become very suspicious of one-size-fits-all advice to these things. When many Christians testify about tangible changes in their lives that God has brought about in particular ways, I want to learn from it rather than dismiss it.

Absolutely true that we should be immersed in the word of God and learn of all his ways and the ways that he wants for us to inherit and practice. Is it not a blessed thing too that God has given men gifts to write and speak of kingdom things, yes it is not the word of God, but why would men call Spurgeon the greatest preacher, is it not a gift given to convey messages about a holy God. In the realm of the spiritual, it is only when people encounter troubling things that they seek out help from people who may have gone through similar things or wants to know if others actually write or mentions them in books ect. It is indeed an experience other than what have been written in scripture about the spiritual world and the few examples. Now a believer is not to dwell in those things, but when you are accosted by them, then it becomes a different story. The people who says they only read the bible and does not need any other help ect, are or may be speaking of an immediate time. If or when something of the nature we are speaking about, I can guarantee they would spend hours searching to find good books to get all the information about what the situations are and especially if their children or other loved ones are affected. Again, a believer may not know at the moment why these things have happened and for sure look to Jesus as the healer, provider and protector and not yield to the temptations to seek other mediums for help and cure. This also is part of satan plan, for the believer to doubt God and his word and go in desperation to seek out palm readers and those who practice divination ect. This is all too real and for those who are not born again, I am sure this is whom they turn to as they look to get help for things that modern science with all its greatness has no help for, hence partly the reason for lots of people in mental institutions suffering with no help insight. So in my experience with this topic, books on this subject gives the reader some angles about what others have been through , what God says about it and some steps to heal in line with Gods word. God has placed men here as his ministers to help us, we can choose to reject or review what is said. Yes, we have to be very careful about what we digest, but when someone has written something that you can relate too, you know it is true definitely. When you cannot relate, but sees scriptural reference is given about it, then you keep it in mind if or when you encounter things troubling.

This thread as been a worthy read. There is such a lot for me to consider and meditate on. I feel humbled that God led me to find this forum. my biggest problem with forgiveness is forgiving self. I’m generally quick to forgive others but not myself. I somehow have to learn to give myself the grace I freely give others. Guilt and shame are from the enemy and if we don’t forgive ourselves then in effect we will not be effective for God. I often find myself saying, “I should have known better.” - the reality is I should, but the amazing grace of my Lord and Saviour, covers me. If He has forgiven me then I need to do the same. Right, I’m off to deal with a stronghold or two. Thanks again George. Love in Christ to you all

We don't normally class an action like Samson's as suicide. We call it a 'suicide mission', but we regard it as something heroic, not shameful. He saw himself as a fighter in a war (because the Israelites should have been at war with the Philistines). His own death was a price to be paid for the deaths of many of the enemy.

Here is something to consider. If it is just about free will, and the devil created iniquity out of thin air, meaning so could any Christian after getting to heaven. That means a million years from now, a Christian can rebel and get kicked out of heaven.  Talk about no security!  Two things cause us to sin........our natural sin nature and temptations courtesy of Satan.... neither of these forces will exist in Heaven.....” When Christ appears, we shall BE LIKE HIM”....... “ Clothed in His Righteousness”......We will finally be in our “ Glorified” state.......those that are glorified are not sinners....God will finish the good work He started in us at Salvation......that “ good” work will not be a sinful work...

This is so fun angels Thanks

Elijah

Genesis 42:20-38 20 and bring your youngest brother to me. So your words will be verified, and you shall not die.” And they did so. 21 Then they said to one another, “In truth we are guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the distress of his soul, when he begged us and we did not listen. That is why this distress has come upon us.” 22 And Reuben answered them, “Did I not tell you not to sin against the boy? But you did not listen. So now there comes a reckoning for his blood.”23 They did not know that Joseph understood them, for there was an interpreter between them. 24 Then he turned away from them and wept. And he returned to them and spoke to them. And he took Simeon from them and bound him before their eyes. 25 And Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain, and to replace every man's money in his sack, and to give them provisions for the journey. This was done for them. 26 Then they loaded their donkeys with their grain and departed.27 And as one of them opened his sack to give his donkey fodder at the lodging place, he saw his money in the mouth of his sack. 28 He said to his brothers, “My money has been put back; here it is in the mouth of my sack!” At this their hearts failed them, and they turned trembling to one another, saying, “What is this that God has done to us?” 29 When they came to Jacob their father in the land of Canaan, they told him all that had happened to them, saying, 30 “The man, the lord of the land, spoke roughly to us and took us to be spies of the land. 31 But we said to him, ‘We are honest men; we have never been spies. 32 We are twelve brothers, sons of our father. One is no more, and the youngest is this day with our father in the land of Canaan.’ 33 Then the man, the lord of the land, said to us, ‘By this I shall know that you are honest men: leave one of your brothers with me, and take grain for the famine of your households, and go your way. 34 Bring your youngest brother to me. Then I shall know that you are not spies but honest men, and I will deliver your brother to you, and you shall trade in the land.’” 35 As they emptied their sacks, behold, every man's bundle of money was in his sack. And when they and their father saw their bundles of money, they were afraid. 36 And Jacob their father said to them, “You have bereaved me of my children: Joseph is no more, and Simeon is no more, and now you would take Benjamin. All this has come against me.” 37 Then Reuben said to his father, “Kill my two sons if I do not bring him back to you. Put him in my hands, and I will bring him back to you.” 38 But he said, “My son shall not go down with you, for his brother is dead, and he is the only one left. If harm should happen to him on the journey that you are to make, you would bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to Sheol.”

45And the sons of Israel came to buy corn among those that came: for the famine was in the land of Canaan. 6And Joseph was the governor over the land, and he it was that sold to all the people of the land: and Joseph's brethren came, and bowed down themselves before him with their faces to the earth. 7And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew them, but made himself strange unto them, and spake roughly unto them; and he said unto them, Whence come ye? And they said, From the land of Canaan to buy food. 8And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him. 9And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them, and said unto them, Ye are spies; to see the nakedness of the land ye are come. 10And they said unto him, Nay, my lord, but to buy food are thy servants come. 11We are all one man's sons; we are true men, thy servants are no spies. 12And he said unto them, Nay, but to see the nakedness of the land ye are come. 13And they said, Thy servants are twelve brethren, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and, behold, the youngest is this day with our father, and one is not. 14And Joseph said unto them, That is it that I spake unto you, saying, Ye are spies: 15Hereby ye shall be proved: By the life of Pharaoh ye shall not go forth hence, except your youngest brother come hither.Gen.42 :5-15

How can the Holy Spirit and demons live together in the same house? Born again Christians are forgiven from their sins and Jesus lives inside of them and there is no room for the enemy, they can't live both together in the same house ( your body. Demons can oppress you but not possess you. 1 Peter 5:8 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Ephesians 2:2 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— James 4:7 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you 2 Cor 6:10–18 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the

Thank you so much for your reply. I have come to realize that we are all sinners because of Adam and Eve, and I have to take personal responsibility for the choices I made even if they were a reaction to trauma and not knowing how to cope and being very young and naive. God still holds us accountable for every single action and choice. the more I try to take personal responsibility for my own actions and choices the easier it is for me to forgive my parents. and I am realizing it's not just a one time thing it's an ongoing continual forgiveness even during times when certain emotions towards them are triggered, it's okay that they are triggered but I have to forgive when it happens so the anger, hurt, blame etc passes

Hello my dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, I thought I write about the flip side of a topic, and how to recognize the attempts of the enemy to destroy lives and how you can walk in His victory! For the Apostle Paul taught us not to be ignorant of enemy's tactics and strategies. 2 Corinthians 2:112 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. So often, we can learn lessons by learning and playing "devil's" advocate. When we read this passage, Mar 3:26 And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end. Mar 3:27 No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strongman; and then he will spoil his house. Here we learn a lesson that in order to plunder one's house you must first BIND up the strongman. While we realize in this particular passage this is referring to God binding up the strongman (Satan) and this is how Satan's house is plundered. But if you carefully analyze the enemy -- you realize that he uses the same tactics on us! Your house cannot be plundered -- unless you are first bound. And then Satan can plunder your house! Let's take a marriage situation. A husband and wife are newly married and they are just getting by. The wife hasn't had a new dress in some time, and while she's out and about -- she stumbles across a dress that is 75% off and a steal! She's in need of some new clothing and thinks to herself -- I should get this while it's soo cheap! Meanwhile, her husband is looking over a mountain of bills and thinking to himself, the only way to get out of this mess is to work "overtime" and starts to figure out how much he needs to work to cover all their bills. When the wife comes home, she's looking fine in her dress and the first thought of her husband -- planted by the enemy -- can you believe that your wife spent money on a dress? Of course, this feeds into his mind and reacts to the thought -- and gets angry at his wife and demands that she take the dress back. So he's ignoring the fact how good she looks in the dress, and ignores how cheap it was -- and allows a foothold to be set! The wife can't believe it -- and let's the emotion burn in her while biting her tongue. A few weeks goes by, and the husband is out and about and sees a fishing rod on sale -- and buys it! The wife sees the new fishing rod -- the enemy then brings back that emotion of what happened a few weeks prior about the dress -- and suddenly she explodes! And now you have the beginnings of how the enemy has taken footholds and then created strongholds -- and for the ultimate purpose of dividing a marriage! Now let's look at Luke and see what lessons we can learn from it. Luk 11:20 But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. Luk 11:21 When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: Luk 11:22 But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. Luk 11:23 He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. If you notice this, the strong man who's armed -- ready for battle -- ready to face whatever comes his way -- he's living in PEACE! If we recognize the first steps of the enemy's work in our lives -- knowing he's trying to create footholds -- you'll begin to understand why? He can't rob, kill and destroy you -- unless you are FIRST bound up! So we need to be armed with the Word, armed with the knowledge of the enemy's tactics, and be ready to defend what is rightfully ours! We need to take authority over the powers of darkness because that authority was given to us at the cross! Luk 10:18 And he said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Luk 10:19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Luk 10:20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." So we fight the good fight of faith, standing in His victory and be ready to pounce on every thought that is not of God -- that is being used to BIND US up! Be prepared to battle today -- put on the full armor of God -- and be ready to pounce on every thought that would seek to create a foothold in your life! When you do this, truly you will become a strong man who's possessions are at perfect peace! Your brother in the Lord with much agape love, George

My mom disobeyed God and married my dad and I seem to have got all of their negative character traits, as the oldest child(2 younger siblings who turned out fine and normal), severe mental disorder to the point where I am completely unable to work now, I am dependent on my mom who I am angry at and have a very hard time forgiving, I have been doing meds and therapy my whole life with nothing ever working or curing me, been severely depressed and hopeless and confused my whole life. I turned away from christianity partly due to the way my parents treated me and how much emotional abuse I suffered with both of them being christians yet i was traumatized by their behavior especially my dad's growing up. it didn't make sense to me. my parents both have mental disorders but are functional enough to work and be somewhat "normal". I'm not, my whole life has been really really miserable and I finally became a true christian and gave my life to Jesus on October 23rd of this year(I am 24), after coming out of the new age movement due to demonic experiences that Jesus saved me from, and finally understand christianity and the holy spirit in a way I didn't growing up christian(and then leaving my faith due to being confused and feeling abandoned by God or that God couldn't exist due to my mental disorder that no one understood or could tell me what was going on, I'm now diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, bipolar II, depression and anxiety) I have been lead by the Holy Spirit to find a christian therapy that I think will cure a lot of my issues, it is a deliverance based therapy and deals with dissociation and alternate personalities and demons(which I have all of, and both of my parents do too although my dad has more of it and is more likely to get this therapy after I do if it is successful, my mom seems unable to recognize anything wrong with herself and has a lot of pride) I think I am more angry at my mom than my dad, because of her pride, my dad is more damaged and messed up and caused more damage to me, but at least he is humble now and we have been emailing each other and working on fixing our relationship. I can't live with my dad, I live with my mom and am dependent on her right now because I'm barely surviving with the constant anxiety and depression and exhaustion from fighting wars in my mind non-stop my whole life. and I have a glimmer of hope with this therapy coming up, and my relationship with God and Jesus getting stronger every day. but I'm stuck on trying to forgive and not be angry, and I know how important it is. I am praying about it and would appreciate any advice, I really like this community and reading the testimonies is one of my favorite things to do on this site oh, and one more question I have, how do you honor your parents when they are also Christian but try to instruct you to do things that you believe God DOESN'T want you to be doing, but they have different christian beliefs than you? and interpret the bible slightly differently, like all christians do because we all have different personalities and God has different roles for all of us in the body of Christ and different plans for all of us, and speaks to us through the Bible in different ways. so for example, my mom will see a bible verse and it will prove to her that she is right about something, but I will have a completely different opinion based on other bible verses, and I tend to be better at being less selective of single bits of text and looking at the bigger picture context of the scripture than she does in my opinion(trying to be humble)

I just happened to stumble upon a trailer for "God's Not Dead: A Light in Darkness." I was puzzled that this film had not been advertised and circulated like the first two movies were. Why is that? So I'm wondering, has anyone else here heard of it? If so, have you seen it? I thought it had the most meaningful message of the three. https://godsnotdead.pureflix.com/

I watched the trailer and it looks excellent. I noticed one character say, "you can't fight hate with hate" and that's so true. I don't think this movie was in theaters which may explain the lack of publicity. If I had Netflix I'd watch it real soon.

You're right, he died fighting the enemies.

I'm going to bed after the last question

How old was Joseph when he was given his coat of many colors?

Genesis 6:16 One window You shall make a window for the ark, and finish it to a cubit from the top; and set the door of the ark in the side of it; you shall make it with lower, second, and third decks.

But the devil did not create inquity , NOR did GOD . inquity is simply not worshipping GOD and putting one self before GOD . Example . IS IT EVIL for GOD to demand all worship . No . It is evil for anything created to desire worship . YES . Its choice . All the angels , as well as Lucifer were created perfect . AND GOD alone deserved and deserves ALL WORSHIP . the moment by their own choice , that Lucifer or any decides to put themselves first , THAT IS THE EVIL . RIGHT THEIR . ONLY the creator is worthy of all worship . Not anything created is worthy of self worship . But Lucifer became enamored with his own beauty , self . God simply allows choice . And Lucifer chose wrong , their is no truth in Him . To be honest this is one hard subject to grasp . I don't think anyone fully understands . But just let us know that GOD did not create satan . He created Lucifer , who chose SELF over GOD Wow, that might not make much sense . What I meant was LUCIFER became satan when he chose self over GOD .

40 years Exodus 16:35 So Aaron placed it before the Testimony to be preserved, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. 35The Israelites ate manna forty years, until they came to a land where they could settle; they ate manna until they reached the border of Canaan. 36(Now an omer is a tenth of an ephah.)

No bowing out sister . I am greatly joyed when I see your posts . one of the few places left where the center is all about the LORD . You keep on posting sister . I get such a great joy from it . You are truly and dearly loved my dear sister .

Cain

Fair. So let me ask. Do you think those type of oppression exist today ?. If the church sees a member displaying these types of symptoms, what would be the prognosis by the members. There may be thousands and thousands of believers in real struggles and battles that is not outwardly visible and are not willing to share there testimony for fear of being ostracized . This is a subject that only those who have been through and goes through the battles can relate to and it maybe for their own testing or trials . Most believers tend to cling to the tangible world as it is the one they are familiar with. It does not mean that God allows trials that are unknown to others that may be very difficult to explain and relay. I can say for sure, Neil Anderson knows what he is talking about and he writes about it well. For those who doubt or disbelieve, it is not uncommon as the saying goes, "who in the kitchen feels the heat". We are talking about the spiritual world, those who does not have the experience there cannot understand or relate to it . I think, Neil has counseled enough people to get a good grasp about what is at work, though I suspect if he has not gone through the difficulties himself, he too would lack words to describe what goes on there. Maybe the Lord has selected who he has for those task as we have not heard of many other instances of JOB type situations. But to conclude, indwelt or afflicted, how you choose to interpret that is a matter of your imagination. Could affliction be inward too, and how would you know.

I believe Job was oppressed, I don't think this line was gray There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil. Job 1:2 And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters. Job 1:3 His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east. Job 1:4 And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. Job 1:5 And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually. Job 1:6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. Job 1:7 And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. Job 1:8 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Job 1:9 Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Job 1:10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. Job 1:11 But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. Job 1:12 And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD. Job 1:13 And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house: Job 1:14 And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them: Job 1:15 And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. Job 1:16 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. Job 1:17 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. Job 1:18 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house: Job 1:19 And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. Job 1:20 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, Job 1:21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. Job 1:22 In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.

So all the boils that "Job" had when he was afflicted by satan, was a result of what. It is a gray line to say indwelt by a demon and afflicted. What signs you look for in a person indwelt by a demon. This is a topic that only people that has gone through the fiery trials and troubles can put pen to paper about, and yet most do not as to the stigma that they feel would ultimately be attached to them and the rejection and labels. God allowed "Job" to be afflicted by these terrible things and Job was asking what did he do to get those things. Here, I am saying today, that these wicked things and afflictions can be allowed by God on a believer and it could be as a test of your faith or a battle that only the Lord knows the total plan for. A believer can never really know how and when God may use him for his purpose in a particular situation. It's now then the believer to stand firm and even share in the suffering of Christ as Peter says we are to. The Lord knows whom he wants to do certain battles and chooses his servants as he wills, who are we to question that. That said, I do believe that a believer can have tremendous trials and troubles by the arch enemy, but the Lords says he would deliver him from all if he is FAITHFUL.

As a new kid on this block, I am not sure what the feeling is generally about citing authoritative options merely as a guide to interpreting on any topic posited on these forums, bearing in mind that one must also be led by the Spirit as first priority when reading or interpreting any part of God's Word as revealed in the Bible.Bob Utley holds the view "This possibly refers to 1. the geographical scope (cf. Mat_28:18-20) 2. the Gentile mission 3. the Spirit being with every believer 4. Jesus' intercessory prayer (cf. Heb_7:25; Heb_9:24)"(Utley.You Can Understand the Bible.ibiblio.com) More particularly with regard to "greater things" George ,Beasley-Murray feels that "The contrast accordingly is not between Jesus and his disciples in their respective ministries, but between Jesus with his disciples in the limited circumstances of his earthly ministry and the risen Christ with his disciples in the post-Easter situation. Then the limitations of the Incarnation will no longer apply, redemption will have been won for the world, the kingdom of God opened for humanity, and the disciples equipped for a ministry in power to the nations. Nothing has been said thus far about the sending of the Spirit, but that is shortly to be made known. Here the emphasis is on the continuing ministry of the Lord with and through his disciples.by whom the glorification of the Father in the Son will be continued."(Beasley-Murray.36 Word Biblical Commentary, John .255)I would go along with both of the above opinions, yet others might hold a different view.

Many people are still learning what he Bible has to say about this, it's a topic not very many people like to talk about , but so very important as many are getting deceived

'Not every one that saith unto me," Lord, Lord," .. shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; .... but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, .. "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? .... and in thy name have cast out devils? ...... and in thy name done many wonderful works?" And then will I profess unto them, .. "I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."' (Matthew 7:21) Hello @Pollycy, These verses are not intended to make comfortable reading. They were intended to cause those listening to stop and consider. So it is no wonder that we feel uncomfortable with them. These are the words of the Lord Jesus Christ while on earth, but the epistles, written by His Apostles, are equally from Him and of equal value with the words which were spoken by Him while on earth. He made it quite clear, also that He spoke only what He heard from the Father: His words are spirit and they are life. The believer in the Lord Jesus Christ has no reason to fear these words in Matthew 7, for they will never apply to him. For He is accepted in the Beloved, and declared to be Holy and without blame before the Father, not because of any righteousness of his own, but because of the righteousnes imputed to Him by God, on the basis of the finished work of Christ, who paid the penalty for our sin, by dying in our place. There are those who give verbal assent to the things of God, but whose hearts are far from Him, and He is not deceived concerning their hearts condition. He knows those who are His. You are His workmanship Polly, and greatly loved. In Christ Jesus Chris

@JustPassingThrough @In Him @Wingnut @maryjayne @ Not me * Thank you so much for responding as you have. I did not expect it. Praise God! With love in Christ Jesus Chris

An atheist will always tell you, no matter what you say, or what you show, ....that you have not proven the existence of God. And, even if you have proven it.. they are "mind blinded" by the god of this world.... So, all your arguing, can be considered as trying to explain what sunlight looks like, to a blind man. All we can do is lead them, pray for them, and love them. Our job is to share, and God's job is to Save. God leaves the effort to us, and we leave the results to God. What i do, is leave an Atheist or Agnostic with this thought i'll share, as, the truth is, only the Holy Spirt draws, and only God converts. I make them think one thing......i make sure i plant this one seed.......and its this......."Well, you can't prove that God does NOT exist.". Thats an irrefutable seed.....Thats a way for an Atheist to be forced to consider something other then their hardened opinion, or what they've been taught by other lying devils, to believe. Remember that little seed if you have the opportunity to discuss eternal things with an unbeliever who is hostile and hateful. Blessings, B

Hi MM, Not quite. God`s word tells us - `By the abundance of your trading you became filled with violence within, and you sinned; therefore I cast you as a profane thing out of the mountain of God:...` (Ez. 28: 16) Marilyn.

B. An angel appeared to them

faith as small as a mustard seed

'Now when Jacob saw that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob said unto his sons, .. "Why do ye look one upon another?" And he said, .. "Behold, I have heard that there is corn in Egypt: .... get you down thither, and buy for us from thence; ...... that we may live, and not die." And Joseph's ten brethren went down to buy corn in Egypt. .. But Benjamin, Joseph's brother, Jacob sent not with his brethren; .... for he said, "Lest peradventure mischief befall him."' (Genesis 42:1-4) Praise God!

I have read the Bondage Breaker and have it in my very small collection of books. Another one of Neil Anderson books and which I am reading again is "The Beginners Guide to Spiritual Warfare ". This writing helps one to be stronger and stand firm when the enemy comes in like a flood. Personally, I think everyone who can get this book ,get it and have a read. It opens up about the truths of the spiritual realm that I can attest to what this man writes about. I don't know about any other, but my life as a believer has been with many terrible battles that still goes on till this day. These writings helps when the enemy sends his darts, not taking nothing away from the word, but when the reality of events starts to take its course, these books helps one to know that he is not alone in these battles. "The problem is that if our world view does not include a correct view of God and does not see satan as a funtional part of this struggle, we will wrestle with flesh and blood and forget we are also spiritual beings wrestling with principalities and powers " page 72 "satans plan for the church is to divide, discourage and destroy ". Still, there are things that I have been through and have not read it anywhere. The spiritual real with these battles are real people and this man presents it in a way that should be understood. As my name title here is, so the believer has to be in these battles.

John chapter 8 verse 31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Acts chapter 11 verse 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

Hello. I can relate with you. I'm in the position of not being able to work, we have some similar mental disorders, and my upbringing played a part in that. Both parents were heavily into drugs and alcohol and did some pretty horrible things, though they both professed Christianity. My grandmother was closer to being a parent to me but she also developed dementia and had some personality changes after a stroke that made her pretty horrifying to deal with. Anyway a couple of things to share with you based on my own experience. You might not feel like you've forgiven anyone and you might not feel like your parents can be honored, but forgiving and honoring both tend to begin with choice. When thoughts come up about what they've done and how they've hurt you, you can choose not to dwell on them. Sure, thoughts can be very overpowering and run rampant so you might not always succeed in this, but what's important is that you're trying. You can choose to pray for them in those times. If it looks like an argument is coming on you can choose to try to nip it in the bud. You can choose to do something nice for them without being asked. Like I said it can be difficult, but when you think about it this is what we do every day. People have a sinful nature, but with God's help we can act against that and choose a better option. I realize with you living with your mother this isn't necessarily an option for the foreseeable future, but sometimes forgiveness requires distance. If there's constant conflict or an ever present air of tension then the environment isn't very conducive to forgiveness. Environment isn't everything, of course. It's just one factor amongst many. I do encourage you to continue with the therapy. Just know that it will take time. And as for honoring your parents when you have differing interpretations of scripture, Acts 5:29 does say "We ought to obey God rather than men." so if they're clearly contradicting the Bible there's that. For smaller things you can agree to disagree. You can also ask for support from other Christians by seeking out their perspective on the specific elements where you and your parents differ. Just make sure that people back their positions up with the Bible and be sure to read the surrounding verses for context. On the internet there are so many different perspectives available that a person can find support for just about any perspective on anything. Sometimes the perspectives can be pretty twisted so it's essential to weigh what you see and hear against scripture. If it encourages you any I did eventually become friends with my mother in her final years. It didn't repair my personal issues any so far as I could tell but it was nice in its own right and it was the right thing to do.

Being the cynical person that I am, I've always found the story shroud to be dubious. I have always been very skeptical of the shroud. Here's why. The Bible says that after his death that Jesus didn't even look human. I don't see much signs of physical suffering in the shroud to cause someone to not look human. (Isaiah 52:14) The Suffering Servant The impression of the face shows a completely manicured beard and mustache. The Bible says in the Messianic chapter of Isaiah 50 that Jesus' beard was ripped out. Matthew 27:27-31 says that Jesus was beaten about the head with a staff "again and again". The face in the shroud shows no sign of being beaten: no swollen features and no hematomas. The Bible says that Jesus' head and body were wrapped separately and that "linen cloths" were used. This means strips of cloth and not a shroud. [John 20] There's more, but for those who believe, I won't convince them and for those who don't believe the shroud is genuine, they need no more evidence/discussion.

George, Jesus had a very short ministry to His Father of three human years on the planet, well, actually only to Israel. The 'greater' works that He said we would do meant as in sequence, counting, as in age, and a person born-again in his or her early twenties could very well live several decades into his seventies and that's a lot of years and a lot of works to perform in his or her service to their Lord. The Greek word is: μείζων Transliteration: meizōn meaning many, or much. We get the English "Mega" from this word.

May I add something to your thread George, about guilt? This is a lesson that our Father taught me this past year, and it was a powerful one. Guilt. I believe that there are two kinds of guilt. The kind that brings about life and the kind that brings about death. With the first, you have guilt as a result of conviction of sins. With that comes wisdom and with that wisdom comes humility and change, if we but repent. After repentance, the guilt should be gone and in its place should be joy and gratitude. The enemy brings the other kind of guilt. It brings forth shame, and shame brings forth many many undesirable fruits, like fear, depression, bitterness, self-condemnation and worries. It is a false guilt, the kind the world throws at us. This guilt causes our hearts to harden, thus making it harder and harder to hear the small still quiet voice of the Holy Spirit. When guilt comes to us we must search our hearts and go immediately into prayer and conference with our Lord. We should ask our father for revelation and conviction if we have stepped outside the boundaries He has laid for us. Once we get up from our knees, the matter should be settled, and the enemy should be given no place to be able to bring it back up to us. I hope that you continue this thread George!

Yes and no! Yes they were typed by my hand, but I can hardly take credit for the Holy Spirit's teaching in my life. So many teach theology -- without real application in today's world. I just ask the Lord for inspiration to apply what He's given through His Word for everyday practical use. If you get my daily devotionals -- (Sign up for the daily devotionals) -- then you will see how the Lord uses everyday situations in my life and apply Biblical truths to help others grow in Him! So can I honestly take credit for my understanding of His Word for practical daily life? No. Your brother in Messiah with much agape love, George

The traps of would'a could'a and should'a How often we get bound up because we cannot forget our past! And we wonder how things could have been, or how things should have been, or would have been! The enemy loves to keep us in our past -- because it's an area we can do nothing about! You cannot change your past! You cannot go back in time, but so often the sins of our past plague our walks today and in the future. When the enemy is attacking you with the would'a could'a should'a attacks then you have to claim to the promises of His Word! Notice the Lord didn't say North - South! North has an end -- at the north pole. South has an end -- at the south pole. The Lord says EAST is from the WEST -- there's no end! I wonder how often we paralyze ourselves with being trapped in the past! You can't change your past -- but you can change the future! Learn from your past, don't relearn lessons from your past, and press forward, seize the day! God gave you the power to live victorious today! So live in victory! Your brother in Messiah with much agape love, George

How to break any bondage, when nothing seems to be the answer! The deep strongholds that you still try to bind you up, and you just want to be free of them! What should you do? The one remedy that I hardly ever hear preached on is the power of fasting. It's so powerful, yet people neglect how effective fasting can be for breakthroughs! Look at the effectiveness of fasting! Fasting combined with prayer are needed for some bondages. The combination of fasting and prayer can be an effective method of breaking those HEAVY BURDENS! Something happens in your spirit when you fast -- the anointing is poured over you and this anointing can be used to break off the heavy burdens, and the heavy bondages! If you are really struggling and you really want a breakthrough, the combination of prayer and fasting, is an effective method for complete freedom! May God bless you, Your brother in Messiah with much agape love, George

Understanding the Deadly D's is crucial in walking in freedom! Discouragement, Dispair, Despondancy, Disallusionment, Dejection, Depression, and Distress, and Defeatism. The enemy knows how to manipulate our emotions, our feelings and how to get our minds sidetracked and off of the Lord! How do we become overcomers when the Deadly D's are used? First we have to realize we we are in Him! Who you are in Him is not based on an emotion -- or a feeling -- it's a fact! Recognize that you are more than a conqueror -- but we can only be a conqueror THROUGH HIM! Recognize what your position is in Him! Recognize that you are a king! You are called to be part of the Royal Priesthood. Recognize where you are seated as part of the Royal Priesthood! You are spiritually seated in the heavenlies! You have been given full authority over the enemy! You need to assert that authority in your life -- most of all assert it in your mind! Now when the enemy comes at you with the deadly D's -- assert the promises of God and stand on the victory already provided. Don't let the deadly d's have a place in your mind! Decide to focus your mind on Him -- focus your mind on the salvation provided -- focus your thoughts -- renew your mind! Be an overcomer through Him and recognize the enemy tries to manipulate emotions -- overcome negative emotions with God's promises and then you will overcome the deadly d's! Your brother in Messiah with much agape love, George

Let's look at an interesting passage in Matthew to see just HOW IMPORTANT forgiveness truly is: Notice that Jesus was telling Peter how often he was to forgive! He was telling this to a believer in Messiah. This message was not addressed to unbelievers -- but to believers! Notice closely that we are just like this servant -- OUR SINS which are so GREAT -- we could never repay, but we come to the Lord in repentance in true worship -- the Lord LOOSES us and forgives us the debt that we owe. What happens when choose not to forgive? Watch this closely! Unforgiveness = being delivered to the TORMENTORS! It's the greek word -- basanistes and it's only used once in the entire NT. It literally means -- one who elicits the truth by the use of the rack; an inquisitor, torturer also used of a jailer doubtless because the business of torturing was also assigned to him. Because of unforgiveness you could easily be delivered to the tormentors -- the tormentors of bitterness, resentment, hostility and anger! These torment your soul because in your heart of hearts, you want to be in tune with the Lord -- in His perfect agape love -- in His perfect shalom (life, fullness, and peace). Learn to easily forgive your neighbor then you will find yourself FREE -- and in His freedom, you can enjoy the fulness of the fruit of the Spirit -- love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith and self-control! Learn the enemies tactics -- recognize the world around you -- recognize the enemy wants to bind you up so he can steal from you! NOW THAT YOU RECOGNIZE the tactics of the enemy -- do something about it -- learn to easily forgive, if it means you need to fight through the feelings of anger, then fight through it and forgive! It becomes easier and easier to forgive once you have opened your understanding that through forgiveness -- the joy of the Lord replaces the pain of the sins that you didn't want to forgive in the first place. Your brother in Messiah with much agape love, George