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  1. If your church or your pastor is not instructing you as to the how of holiness... how to walk in victory over the world, the flesh and the devil.... how to see your entire nature changed from sinner to obedient child of God.... how to please God in all things... then you are being shortchanged. I know this sounds a bit harsh, but it is not meant to be. It is simply trying to get our attention to a problem in the vast number of churches across all denominations.... yes, yours as well. Ouch, huh? Here is what I see going on. People are led to the Lord, and are sincere in their hunger for the Lord. But as Leonard Ravenhill once stated, we are so anxious to see them get saved that we uank them out of the womb before their time. This we fail to tell them critical details. For instance, being saved is a “transaction”. Between God and us. A covenant. We give Him all of us, and all our little gods, and in exchange we get the pearl of great price. I have heard people say that to tell them that such an approach will put people off. But is this not exactly what Jesus taught us? Another example. We tell people that God is now ours. And He is! But we fail to tell them that the opposite is true even more so. We are God’s! You see, the word tells us that we are not our own, we are bought with a price and we are to glorify God with our new lives. But one of the greatest oversights in our take on Christianity is that living pure, peaceful lives, keeping our bodies under is the calling of every believer. Getting saved is not the end of our race, but rather it is the beginning! And we are to run with a single eye, Jesus above all, and to do so with vigilance, for we have an enemy who wants to steal from us before our newly sprouted seed puts out deep roots. But herein lies the problem. New believers are to be instructed in righteousness.... How to get the upper hand over their fleshly desires. How to bring every thought.... wow..... every thought into subjection to the Lord. They are to be told how to escape the trap of Romans 7 so that they can truly flourish in Romans 8. What do we give them? Read your Bible. Pray. Go to church. Do good. Don’t do bad. Is it not any wonder why we are languishing, and drifting ever so gradually into worldliness and lukewarmness, and a lot of guilt. And what does God think of this? He says that H is astonished. Did He not plant us wholly a noble vine? How have we turned into a degenerate plant to Him? We may start out on fire and excited, but are warned that this is common for it is our honeymoon period, but marriage is hard work. Sadly, that seems to be a common state of affairs in our marriages as well. Should not our love and excitement for God grow exponentially as we continue on the path? Yes, it should. Sadly, with great regularity however, it does not. And why? Why do we settle in for Sunday services as the best God can do. Throw in a prayer chain, some sort of helps ministry and think this is Christianity, because after all, no one is perfect. Right? But you see, when we really read the words God has given us to stand on, His promises, we see something is truly amiss. Consider: 1) He said that He would not allow us to be tempted above our ability to resist. Our response is that we are only human, so that voids that promise. But we always have forgiveness, Yes, we do, but God’s will is that we finally learn how to possess our vessels in sanctification and honor. Forgiveness is wonderful IF we slip, but evidently there is a way to walk with sin under our feet. Hmmmmmm..... 2) God tells us that our shields of faith will quench... WILL.... all.... ALL..... the fiery arrows of the enemy. Listen, Peter tells us that we are given these amazing promises because it is through our believing them as OUR promises that the change God promises to perform in us will occur. As we first start out, stumbling is normal. But if we have been walking with God for years, and still willfully sinning, leaning on His forgiveness but with no desire to walk as overcomes, giving glory to God, our Christianity has been gutted of its goal, that we bring forth fruit unto God. How many churches today preach every single service on forgiveness,but never on how to walk pleasing to God, how to overcome fleshly appetites, how to be changed into fruit bearing saints. Here is the danger, and it cannot be overstated. When we sin the same sins over and over, we are told that the real danger is that our hearts get hardened towards God. Oh, we keep up our words,our core beliefs, but our prayer life becomes dead... hollow... lifeless. So we settle for learning ABOUT God, rather than learning from Him and living IN Him as new creatures. We end up religious, but not righteous, and this, my friends, is what the vast number of believers have settled for. Why are pastors letting such things happen to their sheep? They too have lost sight of victory as our birthright and have succumbed to the pressure to become CEO’s. The concept of giving themselves continually to prayer and ministry of the Word so that their sheep thrive and draw other sheep with their light of life... Jesus in their hearts.... filling them... changing* them.... is lost. Holiness is not preached because it is thought impossible anyway. But I am here to tell any who will listen that there IS a path prepared for us to walk on, where we walk as overcomes, not as the forgiven overcome. This amazing highway does not lead to holiness... it IS the highway of holiness! Praise God, He tells us that on this highway, a man may be a fool and STILL will not err there in. Glory! I qualify! And so do you! If you find this encouraging, I ask that you keep reading the blog as I add to it. What God has given me to share is truly amazing.... and it works.... HE works! Blessings to you all. Gideon
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  2. To those who are saved ... the kingdom process has begun ... as soon as you were born again ... but this is not the Kingdom age as of yet. You can clearly see, that we're nowhere near peace and tranquility. To say, that you can't observe these facts, it's blindness to a doctrine, instead of what is clearly seen in the world.
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  3. The simplicity of the Gospel of Christ. Which is; 2 Peter 1:4 (NASB) For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of [the] divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. for most assuredly; “the just shall live by faith” To be willing to hear the voice of God in our innermost being, and to be willing to answer that call. Which is to walk in righteousness before Him all the days of our life’s. Blessings, much love in Christ, Not me ps, welcome back Gids, missed ya.
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  4. Reckon yourselves indeed DEAD unto sin , BUT ALIVE UNTO RIGHTEOUNESS . OH let it just sink in . Did I just say RECKON . you better believe it . THIER IS POWER in the blood . Walk after the SPIRIT and you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh . Hands up and let each one sound out a mighty praise to the LORD >
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  5. Nobody is predicting the day or the hour the Lord is returning. But the fact is ... that a simple observation will clearly show my previous points as accurate. Satan is not bound ... and he's running around, like a lion seeking whom he may devour! So clearly we are not in the Kingdom of peace promised --YET! But it is coming!
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  6. During the Catholic inquisitions, as millions of Christians we're being killed by the Catholic Jesuit Priests for apostasy, Christians were fleeing all throughout Europe. In Bohemia alone, there was an estimated 4,000,000 Christians before the Jesuit inquisition, and 10 years later only 800,000 people remained in Bohemia – all of whom were Catholic. As a young man, Count Zinzendorf opened his estate to allow believers escaping the persecution to settle. There was different fragmented groups, Bohemian Brethren, Moravian Christians, Reformed Christians and unsatisfied Catholics. After a few years, the village of Herrnhut – 300 or so individuals, came into total disarray! One of the village founders, named Christian David, got so caught up in apocalyptic fanaticism, so deep in fact that he actually referred to Zinzendorf as the “Beast of the Apocalypse”. While the estate manager of the village, Johan Andreas Rothe, Christian David termed as the “False Prophet”. Obviously the enemy had entered into the community in such a way it seemed that the village was destined for failure! At this time, Count Zinzendorf devoted himself to the full-time reconciliation of the conflict, visiting each home for prayer, and finally calling all the men of the village for an intense study of the Scriptures. The question they came to focus on was how the Scriptures described Christian life in community. These studies, combined with intense prayer, convinced many of the community that they were called to live together in love, and that the disunity and conflict they had experienced was contrary to the clear calling of Scripture. Zinzendorf’s dream was to see the differences of Herrnhut’s many traditions become secondary to a corporate unity in love. In the history of the Moravian revival, we read that: “Zinzendorf was not aiming at organizational unity and uniformity among Christians and did not desire the dissolution of particular traditions, but rather their binding together in fraternal charity, mutual respect, communication and communion within a sort of loose federation.” As the community, they learned to “agree to disagree” on certain subjects – the one thing they agreed on was the need for community in love – and this was necessary in order to fulfill the “great commission”. On August 13, 1727, he little community of Herrnhut would experience a tremendous outpouring of the Holy Spirit, likened to that of Acts 2, that would transform these factioned settlers into a unified missionary endeavor committed to reaching the unsaved around the world. It led to the “Moravian Revival” that established a prayer meeting that would last around the clock for over 100 years! That day, members of the community left church and described it as "hardly knowing whether they belonged to earth or had already gone to Heaven”. And I quote, "We saw the hand of God and his wonders, and we were all under the cloud of our fathers baptized with their Spirit. The Holy Ghost came upon us and in those days great signs and wonders took place in our midst. From that time scarcely did we beheld His almighty workings amongst us. A great hunger after the Word of God took possession of us so that we had to have three services every day. Everyone desired above everything else that the Holy Spirit might have full control. Self-love and selfwill as well as disobedience disappeared and an overwhelming flood of grace swept us all out into the great ocean of Divine Love." Years later, Zinzendorf spoke of the event, and said, "We needed to come to the communion with a sense of the loving nearness of the Savior. This was the great comfort which has made this day a generation ago to be a festival, because on this day twenty-seven years ago the Congregation of Herrnhut, assembled for communion (at the Berthelsdorf church) were all dissatisfied with themselves. They had quit judging each other because they had become convinced, each one, of his lack of worth in the sight of God and each felt himself at this communion to be in view of the noble countenance of the Savior. What changed this community was a introspection of their lives in the light of Almighty God – a devotion to each other in spite of their differences – and a passion for the commission that God gave them! The Herrnhut revival was accompanied by such a marked demonstration of power and unity that it is referred to as a repetition of the biblical Pentecost. John Greenfield, a Moravian historian, explains, “the spiritual experience of the Moravian Brethren bear a striking resemblance to the Pentecostal power and results in the days of the Apostles. The company of believers both at Jerusalem and Herrnhut numbered less than three hundred souls. Both congregations were humanly speaking totally devoid of worldly influence, wisdom, power and wealth. On both of these small and weak congregations God poured out His Holy Spirit and endued them with power from on high. At once these believers, naturally timid and fearful, were transformed into flaming evangelists. Supernatural knowledge and power seemed to possess them.” It wasn't a huge number of people that led the movement – it was a people determined to seek God! They came away with the slogan -- IN ESSENTIALS UNITY, IN NON-ESSENTIALS - LIBERTY, BUT IN ALL THINGS -- LOVE! The revival created such an urgency for evangelism that German historian of Protestant missions, Gustav Warneck testified, “This small Church in twenty years called into being more missions than the whole Evangelical Church has done in two centuries.” That's what happens when the people of God – seek the power of God! I want to introduce another Pentecost moment, that took place 12 years after the initial outpouring in Germany. 60 Moravians, along with seven Oxford Methodists – which included John and Charles Wesley, the great revivalist George Whitfield, along with several ministers of the Church of England gathered together on New Years' day in 1739. They gathered at a place called “Fetter Lane” for an event called “The Moravian Love Feast”. That night the power of God fell! As they prayed in the New Year, John Wesley wrote, “About three in the morning, as we were continuing instant in prayer, the power of God came mightily upon us, insomuch that many cried for exceeding joy, and many fell to the ground. As soon as we were recovered a little from that awe and amazement at the presence of His Majesty, we broke out with one voice "We praise Thee, O God; we acknowledge Thee to be the Lord!” We know of the Wesleyan revivals and the revivals of George Whitfield. It was connected to a group of men – of different denominations – gathering together in love – despite their differences – and the power of God fell! D.L. Moody in one of his last sermons in Boston, his spiritual birthplace, spoke thus of the Holy Spirit: "See how He came on the day of Pentecost! It is not carnal to pray that He may come again and that the place may be shaken. I believe Pentecost was but a specimen day. I think the Church has made this woeful mistake that Pentecost was a miracle never to be repeated. I have thought too that Pentecost was a miracle that is not to be repeated. I believe now if we looked on Pentecost as a specimen day and began to pray, we should have the old Pentecostal fire here in Boston." It's not such a strange thing that the outpouring of the Spirit at Shavuout that took place 2000 years ago should happen again and again and again. There is nothing in the Brit Hadasha to indicate that this was to be the one and only fulfillment of this promise. On the contrary we read in the book of Acts of many outpourings of the Holy Spirit, as in Samaria (8:14-17) as in Ephesus (19:1-7) and even in the case of the Gentiles (10:44-46). The baptism of fire consumed them – and it was for a purpose – to fulfill the great commission in POWER! As we read in the days of Elijah, I believe it gives us a blueprint of how to see the fire of God is to be poured out! In 1 Kings 18, how Ahab and Jezebel hunted down the prophets of God, and killed them. This led to a serious confrontation between Elijah and Ahab. We read in 1 Kings 18:17-18 17 Then it happened, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said to him, "Is that you, O troubler of Israel?" 18 And he answered, "I have not troubled Israel, but you and your father's house have, in that you have forsaken the commandments of the Lord and have followed the Baals. The first thing that Elijah does is confront the sin of Ahab! If we truly want to lead a life of revival, we too, must confront our own sins! Next we read, 19 Now therefore, send and gather all Israel to me on Mount Carmel, the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal, and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel's table." 20 So Ahab sent for all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together on Mount Carmel. 21 And Elijah came to all the people, and said, "How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him." But the people answered him not a word. Now Elijah confronts the children of Israel and forces them to make a commitment! If we choose the false gods of this world – revival will never come! God demanded pure worship! Pure commitment to his purposes! And we have to ask ourselves what is the true purpose of God? It's the redemption of mankind! That's the reason His Son came – and we too must come to a place – to a place where our commitment are to fulfill His purposes! As you know the story, the prophets of baal pleaded with their false god, cutting themselves, as blood is gushing out of their bodies, Elijah mocks their false god! 37 Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that You are the Lord God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again." 38 Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench. 39 Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, "The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!" Now the fire of God comes down in such a way, it turns the hearts of the people back to God! May the fire of God fall upon us so heavily that the hearts of Israel turn back to Him! Oh we need the fire of God in our lives! We read about another time when the fire of God is poured out, in 2 Chronicles 7 as Solomon dedicated the temple. 1 When Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. 2 And the priests could not enter the house of the Lord, because the glory of the Lord had filled the Lord's house. The fire of God fell so heavily – the priests couldn't even enter the Temple! 3 When all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the Lord on the temple, they bowed their faces to the ground on the pavement, and worshiped and praised the Lord, saying: "For He is good, For His mercy endures forever." The fire of God created a reaction! – it created an atmosphere of revival – as they fell on their faces and worshiped and praised God! 4Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before the Lord. 5 King Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty-two thousand bulls and one hundred and twenty thousand sheep. So the king and all the people dedicated the house of God. The blood sacrifice was critical to the worship! Without the blood – there was no sacrifice! We're not talking about some small sacrifice – but 22,000 bulls and 120,000 sheep! That's a lot of blood! And to think – we're covered by the blood of Yeshua! 6 And the priests attended to their services; the Levites also with instruments of the music of the Lord, which King David had made to praise the Lord, saying, "For His mercy endures forever," whenever David offered praise by their ministry. The priests sounded trumpets opposite them, while all Israel stood. 7 Furthermore Solomon consecrated the middle of the court that was in front of the house of the Lord; for there he offered burnt offerings and the fat of the peace offerings, because the bronze altar which Solomon had made was not able to receive the burnt offerings, the grain offerings, and the fat. In connection with the fire of God – was the worship of God! Hebrews 13: 11 For the bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp. 12 Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate. 13Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach. 14 For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come. 15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. 16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Now God knew that His Spirit would not always stay with men – for God knows the heart of men! So He gave Solomon a formula for revival! 12 Then the Lord appeared to Solomon by night, and said to him: "I have heard your prayer, and have chosen this place for Myself as a house of sacrifice. 13 When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, 14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. It's an if – then statement! It's connected to their economy! The economy of Israel was based on farming! So he talks about a RAIN – LOCUSTS – PESTILENCES – all of which are afflictions! The commandment is for God's people! To qualify, you need to be a child of God! It begins with humbling themselves – a crying out to God on their knees! Secondly it begins with pray and seeking God's face! We're only as close to God as we want to be! Thirdly, it's a call to repentance – not judging ourselves in the light of others – but comparing ourselves to a holy and awesome God – and in doing so – we'll come to the radical conclusion of how desperately we need Him! How desperately we need Yeshua – and his cleaning blood! When we fall on our faces – crying out to God – praying and pleading with God – seeking His holiness – repenting and turning to Him wholeheartly – Then God will answer our pleas! He will answer from heaven – he will forgive our sin! He will heal! This same Hebrew word is used in Psalm 107:19-22 19 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, And He saved them out of their distresses. 20 He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions. 21 Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! 22Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, And declare His works with rejoicing Why is this so important for us today? If you continue reading the passage in 2 Chronicles, 15 Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place. 16 For now I have chosen and sanctified this house, that My name may be there forever; and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually. 17 As for you, if you walk before Me as your father David walked, and do according to all that I have commanded you, and if you keep My statutes and My judgments, 18 then I will establish the throne of your kingdom, as I covenanted with David your father, saying, 'You shall not fail to have a man as ruler in Israel.' 19 "But if you turn away and forsake My statutes and My commandments which I have set before you, and go and serve other gods, and worship them, 20 then I will uproot them from My land which I have given them; and this house which I have sanctified for My name I will cast out of My sight, and will make it a proverb and a byword among all peoples. 21 And as for this house, which is exalted, everyone who passes by it will be astonished and say, 'Why has the Lord done thus to this land and this house?' 22 Then they will answer, 'Because they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, who brought them out of the land of Egypt, and embraced other gods, and worshiped them and served them; therefore He has brought all this calamity on them.' " Notice what happens – when the KING rejects God – and rejects His ways? I will “uproot them” from the land! I will make a people a “proverb and a byword” amongst all people! And people will pass by and be “astonished” and say, “Why has the Lord done this?” Because the KING led the people forsaking the God of their fathers – and for this reason God has brought calamity on the people! We live in amazing times, and we'll see with our own eyes the collapse of superpowers in the hands of an angry God if it continues down the path its chosen for itself. We all see the need for revival across the world! However, I believe our revival in this land – will bring a blessing – across the world! As the Jewish people see their Messiah – the fresh blessing is poured out. As Peter says in Acts 3:12 So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: "Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. 18 But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. 19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, 20 and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, 21 whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. The times of refreshing – in Greek – FRESH BREATH – or a fresh outpouring of His Ruach – is connected to the times of the RESTORATION OF ALL THINGS! The restoration of mankind to Himself! The restoration of this nation to Himself! All these things are connected – and we're in the middle of it all! Let's learn a lesson from the Moravians! Let's learn to “agree to disagree” in love – knowing there's a deeper purpose! My wife and I disagree on a great many things! Soon I believe that she'll realize that I'm right – but until then – we agree to disagree on things. We love each other – and we're joined for a united purpose! The enemy loves to infiltrate and bring division – even using the very Word of God to bring division. Remember how the enemy had so infiltrated the small community that they started calling leaders the “beast of the apocalypse” and the “false prophet”. Amazing when you think about it! But something happened! They unified – realizing there's a bigger purpose – and realizing what it truly means to live together in love! Amazing how the Scriptures say that Love covers a multitude of sins! The Moravian revival took place nearly 300 years ago – and we're still talking about it! Perhaps the saints of God will retell of our stories hundreds of years later. Perhaps they'll tell the stories of how a few saints of God gathered on this Forum board -- – where they learned to put aside their differences – for one united purpose – to see the Son of God – the Messiah of Israel glorified that transformed the nation back to God! Perhaps they write the stories how the saints – Despite the persecutions – despite the obstacles – they persevered – they unified for a purpose – they learned to overcome by the “blood of the Lamb” and they loved not their lives unto the death! They learned to overcome all things by LOVE! May we fulfill our calling in these days – to do something greater than we ever thought was possible!
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  7. This is not gonna fly either because Jesus said, "MY SHEEP KNOW MY VOICE" Those who know the real Jesus is not going to be deceived by the father of lies. God ALWAYS GIVES US A WAY OUT, He always gives us free will, He is not going to allow us to be deceived into taking the MOB. We will definitely know what taking the MOB entails so your feeling that this is something that you can be deceived into taking and repenting of it, totally GOES AGAINST SCRIPTURE.
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  8. I don't think that you feeling that this is harsh or distasteful will make any difference when you are standing before GOD and having to explain yourself to HIM that you took the MOB (EVEN though it says in Revelation 14: 9-11 not to take the MOB) and thought you could repent from it. IT AINT GONNA FLY.... WE CANNOT GO ON FEELINGS BUT STAND ON THE WORD OF GOD.
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  9. For me I am not seeded in a any comfort zone because study of the scriptures is very important to me. As I am sure with you. "The Nicene Creed, also called the Nicene Constantinopolitan Creed, is a statement of the orthodox faith of the early Christian Church" If all these church get together they will have great power in the world. And I believe not for the good of our Gospel message as you indicated. Kind Regards Larry
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  10. Hi George ..... You have not as yet given a cross reference that will provide the evidence of your take on Revelation 20, does it stand alone. Do you see any symbolism, which you call spiritualizing in the reference? The word angel in Revelation 20 in Greek is aggelos meaning messenger. This messenger is the one who came down to bind Satan. Up front I am not suggesting that Christ is an angel. He is the Christ the Messenger of the Covenant. He is the only one with the power and authority to bind Satan. The key and the chain represent something in this very symbolic book of Revelation. Because a literal chain and Key cannot bind Satan a spirit creature. Can we agree on this so far?? Symbolism: Keys = Right, Authority, Ability Chain = Power, Means to Restrain Bottomless Pit = Boundless Void, an Abyss without form Do you see it this way. If not what's your take on it. By the way this is not a preterist concept.
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  11. Good on Paul for addressing the dangers of temptation, deception, and corruption. "Seduction by any means" could well be Satan's motto. If he can lure new or careless converts by the preaching of another Jesus, and get them to receive another spirit, and accept another gospel, then such converts will be useless and unfit for the bride of Christ. 2Co 11:1-4 (1) Would to God you could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. (2) For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. (3) But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. (4) For if he that comes preaches another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if you receive another spirit, which you have not received, or another gospel, which you have not accepted, you might well bear with him. I have the same concern as Paul when I come across professing Christians who are following a false Jesus, manifesting a counterfeit spirit, and giving credence to a false gospel. Good on Paul for coming against the ministers of Satan who were subverting his converts while disguising themselves as ministers of Christ. 2Co 11:12-15 (12) But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. (13) For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. (14) And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. (15) Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. Paul could have just adopted the attitude that once sinners were converted to Christ nothing can undo that, but instead he warns against the kind of deception that innocent Eve sucumbed to, the kind of deception that starts with seduction and results in corruption. There is an "absoluteness" in Christ that is not to be found in anything or anyone else, and Paul was concerned that the Corinthians who had begun following Christ would become less than single-minded in their discipleship, not content with the simplicity of pure and sincere devotion to Him. It's the same today...seduction by any means to corrupt the minds of vulnerable Christians from the simplicity that is in Christ. Not you though I hope and pray!
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  12. I'd swap you with my low calorie, non-fat chocolate milk mix, but it'd prolly turn into chocolate buttermilk by the time it got there.
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  13. In what city was Jesus born?
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  14. I'm not sure one can make an argument that lethal weapons are biblically banned. Even the disciples had swords among them and Jesus did not rebuke them for having them either, indeed He asked specifically about them and seemed to want to ensure that they possessed them (though He did rebuke peter for using it to chop off someone's ear). In antiquity swords were not weapons used for hunting or for kitchen cutlery. It was probably a gladius, the roman short sword, and its sole purpose was to inflict damage on other humans. I'm not promoting the idea that Christians go around armed to the teeth, just stating that there is new testament mention of being armed for defense. Luk 22:36 Then He said to them, "But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one. Luk 22:37 For I say to you that this which is written must still be accomplished in Me: 'AND HE WAS NUMBERED WITH THE TRANSGRESSORS.' For the things concerning Me have an end." Luk 22:38 So they said, "Lord, look, here are two swords." And He said to them, "It is enough." Lest we make the assumption that Christ was speaking metaphorically about purchasing a sword, the disciples produced two physical swords and He told them that would do. Even in the instance of Peter, the primary rebuke was not that Peter used it, but that He used it to attempt to prevent Christ's purpose (a purpose which in that moment peter did not understand). Joh 18:10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. Joh 18:11 So Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?" Mat 26:51 And suddenly, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. Mat 26:52 But Jesus said to him, "Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Mat 26:53 Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? Mat 26:54 How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?"
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  15. Hi George ..... If Satan is the god of this world, it could be deceiving to look around what is going on. This I call the New paper Gospel, because one reads an article then open the bible looking for a scripture to fit the event. That has lead popular leaders in the Christian faith to preach a no show of Christ. Leading millions to a false prediction. That is one great stumbling block of the Christian faith, and it supplies the atheist with ammunition to shoot back at us. How many have lost their faith because of it. The futurist theology is responsible for those poor suffering souls who bought into it. And what they might have given up because of same. To see the list of false prediction of the coming of Christ, and the millennium check out this link. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predictions_and_claims_for_the_Second_Coming_of_Christ Deuteronomy 18:19 If anyone does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name, I myself will call him to account. 20 But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded him to say, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, must be put to death." 21 You may say to yourselves, "How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the LORD?" 22 If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him. Its a good thing these guy, who take this lightly, were not living in Old Testament times must be put to death." I will respond to the other statement, concerning Daniel chapter 12 later on. Blessing my brother Larry
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  16. Self defense is allowed biblically. I agree killing someone is not something we should seek after, and should be avoided if possible, but its not a sin. I myself carry-in church and outside of church. I have never had to draw my weapon (other then at the range) and i hope and pray i never have to, but its there just in case.
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  17. I guess we must be like Jesus he did not lift one finger to his captors nor the people who took his life instead he said father forgive them for they do not know what they do.
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  18. What a deep, rich blessing it is to us who awaken to a new day, every day. It appears for one day only, never to be repeated for eternity. How intrinsic each day that The Father gives to us, to embrace, to enjoy, to love HIM for the beauty we see in all around us, the bird song , the cool breeze early each morning, the quiet, the trees, the sky, all there for us to enjoy and Glory in His beautiful creation He has given to us, We love You Father, You are so Precious, if we embrace this beauty, what must Heaven be like, "Heaven is better than this, oh my, what joy, what bliss, walking on streets of solid gold, living in a land that never grows old. Heaven is better than this, oh my, what joy what bliss, I love Holy Ghost meetings too, but heaven is better than this."
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  19. The context of the passages using the term element or elementary is what's important. Paul is obviously referring to the elementary principles of the law while Peter is obviously referring to the elements or elementary makeup of the physical earth. It's just a Greek word meaning the elements of, or first in a row, from two Greek words. strongs 4747. The first principles of matter in 2Peter 3 and the elemental things of the law speaking of bondage in Galatians 4:9 but also in the same chapter in Pauls analogy he uses the term speaking of the elementary principles of this world, vs3, in the sense of being children under a form of parental bondage, but in Hebrews we have the same term used figuratively in referring to the first principles of the Christian doctrine. Hebrews 5:12. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again that someone teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. Of course, that can be twisted to speak of basic law I suppose. Something we all have been guilty of, maybe all, is redefining or interpreting a passage by the definition of a word gained by the context of a different subject matter and applying it to other scripture in effect changing the context to fit the word. Paul dealing with the Galatians and the use of the law and Peter speaking of the flood and earthly destruction.
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  20. `Dear Lord Jesus, as we think upon your wondrous character, your faithfulness, loving-kindness, holiness, righteousness, with a meek and lowly heart, they seem like glistening gems, of such preciousness are you. There is none like you. Who else could have redeemed us, or be the mediator we so desperately need between ourselves and God the Father? Who else is worthy enough to rule in righteousness and peace over all of God`s great kingdom? Who is there who understands the heart`s cry and is the friend of sinners, saving and bringing them to glory with Himself? There is none as precious as you, Lord Jesus, and may we ever reverence and everyday learn to appreciate the riches of you extended to us - adoption, acceptance, redemption, forgiveness, wisdom, inheritance, the seal of the Holy Spirit, life, grace, and citizenship; every spiritual blessing.`
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  21. Note: It's my opinion that the intention of the title of this article does not mean the Christian's walk will be without works, but rather that the obtaining of salvation is without works, and that any works intended otherwise are work-less (vain labor). Scripture often plainly testifies that God’s law to the Jewish nation was not to justify, for “by the deeds of the Law nobody shall be justified” (Rom 3:20). Man’s guilt being revealed to him incurred accountability for condemnation (Jhn 9:41; 15:22, 24). This is all of which gives rightful place concerning “the righteous requirement of the law” (Rom 8:4)—to condemn for disobedience (Eze 18:4, 20), “for by the law is the knowledge of sin” (Rom 3:20). Thus, even if the Decalogue could have been perfectly followed by its recipients it would yet have been useless labor in effecting forgiveness (though establishing earthly morality), because this was obtained only via the sin sacrifice of the high priest for his and the people’s sins that were committed unintentionally (Num 15:24-31). Willful disobedience has always evinced unbelief! Concerning retaining redemption, it’s sensible to note that if works could retain it, they could also serve to effect it; for that (Who) alone which effects salvation is that alone which retains it. -NC Work-less Walk It is a fearful thing to turn back to the merciless and unfulfillable demands of the law from the grace that is ours by faith in Christ. How is it possible? First we must see how irrational it is, that we may never allow our reason to be played tricks upon buy the madness of Satan. To strive hopelessly in the face of abundant achievement, freely procured for us, is surely to stand forth in all the disreputable glory of petty and perverse pride. The sheer presumption is laughable if we could stand out from ourselves and see it. That we do not see this when we are fixedly intent upon our narrow legalism indicates that we have lowered our sights to view only a part of God’s impossible demands by the law, and have exalted that above Christ; failing to realize that law-keeping cannot stand before Christ, inasmuch as He will not allow His perfect keeping of the law in life and in death to be set alongside our ridiculous efforts. This is to vie with Him where we have no hope of qualification (effecting and retaining salvation—NC); and so great is the gulf fixed between His achievement and ours that in all honor it would be as though He must withdraw as soon as a competitor appears on the scene. To see the gracious Savior bending over us with the lavish dainties of His grace, and then some ragamuffin come and wave away the luscious food with a contemptuous, “No thank you, I have my crust and my watery soup!” The tragedy is not that he tried himself—in certain circumstances that would be good—but that he deprived himself of grace so rich that only an empty stomach could hope to have sufficient capacity for it. The two are mutually exclusive, because for God to admit man’s aid in His own salvation (other than showing it—NC) is to admit that which he most needs to be saved from, his pride. Allow that, even a grain of it, to enter His heaven and the whole would be defiled (Gal 5:9). The great thing therefore in discerning Christianity is to be able to distinguish the categorical difference between that which is done in love of Christ and that which is done in exaltation of self and its particular codification of God’s law. The two are as opposed as heaven and hell, as God and the Devil; and happy is that man and that church which can discern the difference between things that look alike; or rather between things which may both belie their true nature, the evil appearing far more religious that the good. Christianity does not need to put on airs. So true faith rests and does not run around in circles seeking to impress others with its religiosity. When the time comes for expression, it looks up to the Father who alone works in its heart, and He sends down His gracious enablement and the humble child of God, who looks far less religious than the supposed ardent doer of works, becomes incandescent with the life of Christ. Yet no halo appears—it is just that God’s servant has become radiantly alive. All this wonderfully natural miracle is lost on the laborious law worker: he is on his own. He must do it all himself. Nor is there any expectation of the Lord stepping in by His Spirit and doing the work. It is all grinding work, and no gracious operation of the Spirit, and it is that which makes Jack the legalist such a dull, obtuse and bitter boy. Those who recommend new converts to get busy immediately have forgotten the long experience of that new convert Paul in the Arabian Desert (where Damascus lies - Gal 1:17—NC). Only he who has learned to rest and wait is fit for service. One may prefer the hard-working man and think he is the right type—thousands do—but he has made one mistake. He has shut God out of his universe. True, he hopes to meet Him in heaven—at least as an equal. But someone had that idea before him—the Devil. - Wm Still Excerpt from MJS devotional for January 9, 2019: “The world, the flesh, and the devil say, Be powerful. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit say, Be powerless — “for My strength is made perfect in [your] weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9). - MJS “There would be little harm in trying to imitate Christ if such an endeavor did not hide from us what our Lord really desires; and so keep us back from ‘life more abundant.’ Christ has come Himself into our hearts to dwell there, and what He wants is to live His life in us, as the Apostle Paul says, ‘For to me to live is Christ.’ Christ was the very source and mainspring of all he was and did. What a wonderful thing this is! We would be driven to despair if Christ had simply left us an example to follow or imitate, for we have no power within ourselves to do it. We must have a new source—a new spring of action, and Christ Himself wants to be just that for us.” -E.C.H. http://www.abideabove.com/hungry-heart/
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  22. God did not say do not kill (at least in Hebrew), he said do not commit murder.... there is a difference.
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  23. GOD INSTITUTED THE DEATH PENALTY. We, as Christians should ask ourselves, Is the Death penalty lawful in this age? Do men have the right to change the Law's of God? Does God condone the Death Penalty. When God instituted human government by law after Noah's flood, He gave Noah certain laws by which to govern the human race, and man was then held responsible for self-government (Gen. 9:1-7). There are six very important laws which God gave Noah and his decendants. These Laws were: (1) "Be fruitful and multply, and replenish the earth" (Gen. 9:1, 7). (2) "Into thine hand are they [animals] delivered" (Gen. 9:2). (3) "Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have i given you all things" (Gen. 9:4). (4) "The blood thereof shall ye not eat" (Gen. 9:4). (5) "WHOSOEVER SHEDDETH MAN'S BLOOD, BY MAN SHALL HIS BLOOD BY SHED: for in the image of God made he him" (Gen. 9:5-6). And last but not least; (6) "I have established my covenant with you . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . FOR PERPETUAL GENERATIONS . . . the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the "EVERLASTING COVENANT" between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth" (Gen. 9:8-17). These few laws have been the basis of all laws of God and man in every age since the flood of Noah. It was at this time God constituted capital punishment, and God has never revoked this particular law, "Whosoever sheddeth man's blood, BY MAN shall HIS BLOOD BE SHED (Gen. 9:5-6)." This law will continue as an eternal law, and as is revealed in (Isiah 11:4-9; 65:20-25) it will be in force even during the Millennium. That this law will be in force during the Millennium is plainly reaffirmed in (Rom. 13:1-6), in which the apostle Paul taught that even in this age of grace, law-enforcement officers are ordained of God, and that they are His ministers to bear "not the sword in vain" but that they are supposed to "execute wrath upon him that doeth evil." It is totally necessary for human governments to punish criminals according to the crimes committed. Human governments are part of the moral government of God. That God has instituted human governments to help Him secure this end is not only clear in Gen. 9 and Rom. 13, but also in many other passages (Dan. 2:21; 4:17-25; 5:21; 1 Pet. 2:13-14). All administrators of human government, when they rule contrary to the law of God will be punished in due time by God for mismanagement of their authority. God never sanctions selfish and wicked administration of authority, and if such continues long it will be overthrown. Men are under obligation to obey human government when, and as long as the requirements are not inconsistent with the moral law's of God. Christians must always obey "every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the King, as supreem; or unto govenors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil doers, and for the praise of them that do well. For such is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men" (1 Pet. 2:13-17). Many Christians argue that it is sinful to partake in politics, that it is contrary to the Bible because human government is maintained by force, and that force is contrary with the spirit of the gospel. These are false theories. Human government was instituted by God as shown above, and Christians are commanded in the New Testament to pay taxes and otherwise support government (Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Pet. 2:13-17). Some argue the commandment, "Thou shalt not kill" (Deut. 5:17), prevents government from administering capital punishment. The commandment "Thou shalt not kill" means exactly what it says, that men shall not kill any other human being; but, if man sheds another mans blood, in other words, if a man ignores Deut. 5:17, the everlasting covenant law, "whosoever sheds man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed," comes into being. This same principle applies to mobs, insurrections, rebellions, and all wars that endanger the best good of being and of the universe. It is the right of government and all of its subjects, to use every possible means to suppress all rebellion and wars, which are merely crime turned loose on a massive scale. That war is necessary under certain circumstances is clear from the fact that moral law permits it and God has commanded it. Earthly governments are God's ministers to execute law upon the ungodly and to preserve moral law and government for the good of all, and they are under obligation to make war, if this is the only way to preserve the best public good for all. We know that selfish and unjust war is wholesale murder and the administrators of such wars will be punished by God in due time. God, in replenishing the human race after the flood of Noah instituted human government and capital punishment for serious crime involving murder. He has never changed this "everlasting covenant" and so, this is still God's will for men and human governments.
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  24. Christians should do everything in their power to avoid killing, even in self defense.
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  25. Your explaining yourself just fine. On this forum we are only having an interchange of thought, and this stuff is not a salvation issue. As the saying goes we can "agree to disagree" and let the chips fall where they may. And I concur with you in many forums I find negative aspersion by those who use intimation to win an argument in place of winning a case through the Word of God. . To avoid this in my estimation it may be first-class keeping in mind Christ may perhaps be sitting with us now at the table. 1 Peter 3:15 So we put this stuff, food for thought., on the desk and examine it from different perspectives. Considering that none of us has a handle on all truth,.we just want to "make sure of all things" by putting them to the test. 1 Thess. 5:21 I'll have to get to your posting later on. Good Bless Larry
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  26. Amen yes...the devil is still prowling around....we can bind him in individual circumstances, but he is not yet completely bound. I;m truly sorry for any who do not have the blessed hope......that hope is a great source of joy and optimism and strength for the believer. Rom 8:21-25 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Goodness...if we are even saved by that hope, then what becomes of those who do not have it??
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  27. In this particular passage, this is an individual who was bound by the devil -- the devil is the strongman, within a person who needed to be cast out. This passage has nothing to do with the passage in Revelation. Rev 20:1 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. Rev 20:2 And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, Rev 20:3 and threw him into the pit, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he might not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were ended. After that he must be released for a little while. The problem is that preterists do not believe a great many things that are VERY OBSERVABLE from the naked eye. 1st -- Since Preterists believe that we're in the Kingdom now, they are not looking toward a 1000-year reign of Jesus. They believe we're in the Kingdom now ... which is only partially true as you can OBSERVE with the human eye why this is absurd. 2nd -- the fact that the DEVIL is not bound and is running about like a roaring lion shows that we're not in the millennial kingdom. 3rd -- Preterists also cannot observe the simple reality that a STATE of ISRAEL exists today in fulfillment of prophecy. Just a simple understanding ... if God is in control -- and God allowed the State of Israel to be created .. then God has a plan. This simple observable fact -- should make every preterist re-examine his understanding of the last days. Perhaps, just looking around ... seeing what you can see with your very eyes ... that observable events in our generation makes easy to compare Scripture with Scripture. Preterists believe it was all fulfilled in 70 A.D. but Scripture clearly tells us -- Dan 12:4 But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” Just read the Scriptures in light of events taking place, and you'll find that the book is actually being unsealed completely in our generation! Your brother in the Lord with much agape love, George
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  28. Read this on the internet Christ died and rose so that we could conquer sin NOT tolerate it !
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  29. I think Larry may be right in how he is seeing some of those verses, how they are speaking of the old and new covenants and alluding to the destruction of the Temple......but even if he is, what I'm saying is that it doesn't end there...that isn't all those scriptures are alluding to, and nor would I support any teaching that says there is nothing more to come. Because there is a whole lot more to come...that is also very clear from scripture. This world is not going to continue on for eternity in this horrible battling between the gospel and unbelief. There is a day of reckoning and of triumph coming when everything will be put under the feet of Jesus...His rule and reign...and all things restored including the liberation of creation itself. Even though He is ruling and reigning now....but at the same time we do not yet see His return and the fullness of His rule and reign. That is still to come. Not to mention mortality putting on immortality.
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  30. We must remember . Their will always be elements of truth in even the darkest lie . Even satan said , ye shall become as gods knowing good and evil . And God said , they have become as gods knowing good and evil . While there may be elements of truth in preterism , FLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE IT . Heck theirs even elements of truth in buddas sayings , But we sure would not sit under that . Preterism denies What JESUS made clear . THE VERY PROMISE the early church waited for , and all true generations since then wait for , OUR LORDS fast return to catch up his church . If you will not watch , I WILL COME on thee as a thief . How often we hear the early church speak as though the COMING of the LORD drew near . But remember , and specially near the end , MANY would no longer even believe this . ITS in the HOUR they expect not , OH HE WILL COME . Days like lotts and noahs . SO their is nothing to digest about preterism , unless we want to digest the mix of confusion which will lead to only more confusion .
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  31. Larry with regards to ecumincal unity that is occurring , I have one word for it . FLEE, and never look back. its all a sham just sold in different ways to get us all connected , but connected NOT IN CHRIST . but man its sung by a piper that knows how to reach any denomination and make it all seem well . IT AINT . Unity IN TRUTH alone and with those who love TRUTH above all , Christ above all, and wont sacrifice any truth is all we need . Its no accident that unity has become the focus of these days in many different faiths and even among the religions . Satan is preparing the mindset for the worship as ONE of the beast . And is also fast preparing the system too . Let me give you some key words to look out for . Building bridges . beating spears into plowshares . You hear of any talking about just going out and making friends type of evangelism , focusing on events or etc as to where we can find common unity . RUN . Truth is , this is just about everywhere now . While some are not as far along in the deception of it , many are already infected with it to some form or degree. And most don't even know it . cause truth is , its sold under the guise of love . Which if we had any kind of discernment , we would realize any love that puts the TRUTH NOT above all, Christ first above all, WELL that just aint no love , just sensual , but it works . Not on the lambs it don't . cause they can whiff , by grace , that stink pile and anything , anything contrary to JESUS , when they whiff it will cause an automatic gag reflex .
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  32. Okay, yes, I think I can see what you are saying with those things, I've been thinking about it but need more time to test and digest it.....where it says in 2 Peter about the "elements" being burned up and in Galations about not going back to the weak and beggardly "elements"...the new heavens and new earth being a completely new paradigm of the new covenant.......BUT, and it's an important but......we have to remember that when people are speaking/writing in spirit there is often more than one level to what the Lord is saying. We need to be hearing the word of God in "stereo" with the ears and mind of Christ. Gods voice can be like many waters at a time, it's not usually just the trickle of one little creek, if at all. There is an important biblical principle of "the spiritual does not come first but the natural, then after that the spiritual". (1 Cor. 15:46) Which is a key to apprehending a lot of scripture. I think we can even see in those verses in 1 Cor. 15 about the old earthy man and the new spiritual man a hint about the old and new covenants. God's word is so perfect and harmonious, and we don't know the half of it, only glimpse it here and there. The things to do with Israel belong to the natural realm, the old covenant, the feasts, etc....but which speak of the better - spiritual - things to come. Israel was the natural ensample/similitude/living parable of the spiritual things to do with the church. Those passages that the apostles wrote were fulfilled in the natural realm, concerning Israel, but still not all fulfilled in the spiritual realm concerning the church. We do not yet see all things put under His feet, even now after the destruction of the Temple.....we still only have the earnest of the Spirit.....the times of the Gentiles have not yet been wrapped up and nor have we yet seen the fullness of the Gentiles and the blinders removed from Israel. So yes, I think I can agree that we could say the wrath of God was fulfilled in the destruction of the physical Temple in Jerusalem...that was the natural fulfillment in the natural realm.....so ALSO we still await the spiritual fulfillment....judgment beginning with His spiritual house, the church who follows the same ensample as Israel of old. And "soon" to God can also mean a very long time.....just as Peter was saying one day to the Lord is as a thousand years, and a thousand years is as a day. Take all the time you need to think about these things....not sure if I'm explaining it very well, but hope it will make sense to you. I often find on forums we can be arguing one truth against another, when actually both are true or have an element of truth...this might be what is happening here, at least to some extent, and maybe we both need to tweek our understanding a bit to hit the mark of what all those scriptures are saying.
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  33. Well said I can see you have a love for God Yes and no ... Yes God is still at work through the holy Spirit in people. No ... not according to Jesus about the world. Matthew 10:34 "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. Jesus came to bring peace with God. Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, And that is the only peace that really counts, wouldn't you say I can't see the future outside of what the bible may indicate to me, so I cannot make that prediction. There are some 33 thousand Christian denomination around the world, because of doctrinal belief. How do you see it? Kind Regard and thanks for the opportunity to answer your questions. Larry
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  34. That is because in the preterist view which is not understood by Christian, the New Heavens and Earth was established and realized by the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. When the letters were written, including Hebrews, during the transitional period, 40 years, from the cross to AD 70, the future to them was AD 70. In turn history to us. As what the Old and New Heaven and Earth represented is penned in my other postings. Since Hebrews was penned concerning the Old and New Covenant, it was soon to disappear. Not some thousands of years later. Why would the writer of Hebrews say that to those Christians our brothers who were waiting for that event. Because it was a near expectation. Read Hebrews 10:37 Hebrews 8:13 By calling this covenant "new," he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear. When I see the words soon, at hand, near, at the door etc in the New Testament that is what they mean. BTW everyone I posted with those expressions has been ignored why is that.
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  35. When were those Old Testament scriptures fulfilled, or were they already fulfilled Luke 21:22 For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written.
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  37. Last one and then I go to bed The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for______.” Goodnight God Bless
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  38. You are loved my dear sister . OH let that lil heart keep beating for the LORD .
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  39. Exodus 4:10-15 King James Version (KJV) 10 And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. 11 And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord? 12 Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say. 13 And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send. 14 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart. 15 And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do.
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  40. George this test will not take more than 20 minutes, questions Part 1 and Part 2 are at the bottom To at least have one cross reference about the binding of Satan .... I will supply one to start before filling in some details if it takes off. Is Satan bound Matthew 12:23 And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David? 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. 25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: 26 And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? 27 And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. 28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. 29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. KJV A Who is the strong man that is bound. Questions Part 1 1. Who is the Strong man? 2. What is his house? 3. Who is it that comes to bind him? 4 What are the possessions in the strong man's house that he wants to Spoil (take by conquest)? 5. What "MUST" be done first, before that can happen? 6 Is Satan bound Part 2 Is the kingdom of God in operation now, or are we still in the darkness. Colossians 1:13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Kind Regards Larry
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  41. That's a new one on me, a heaven with ears. How about an earth with no sea water Rev. 1, or a city coming out of the sky with the following measurements. Or a Lion with no teeth .... OK little teeth. The measurement of the city described in Revelation chapters 21 and 22 is 12,000 furlongs. A furlong is 1/8 th of a mile. This makes the city about 1500 miles square, or 1500 miles in all directions. That is quite a large city. The total land area of the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, is 3,717,796 sq miles. The literal land area of the city described in Revelation would be 2,250,000 sq miles. That would make the city a somewhat larger than 1/2 the size of the United States. In addition to that the wall of the city described in Revelation is 1500 miles high. That is an extremely high wall considering that most commercial airliners fly at an altitude of about 7 to 8 miles.
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  42. This is an interesting play on words but it's just that. How can the one who records be the record. The heavens and earth are referred to throughout scriptures as having ears, Deuteronomy 32:1, "Give ear, O heavens, and let me speak, And let the earth hear the words of my mouth." There seems to be much concerning the heavens and the earth but the reason no one has really taken this on is, we for the most part, aren't eqiuped to handle this kind of scripture twisting. It's slick and crafty using a statement of Jesus and tagging some ignorance to it and stating we don't understand this stuff. You obviously fell in to it yourself. Well as we bend our minds to understand we find there is no scripture to back up your claim and changing what we believe and plain to see about the coming of our Lord over a rendering of a scripture in Deuteronomy that unsuccessfully holds up under the apostles writings, Willa stating ch3 of Peter as an example, is a reach.
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  43. And the wrath of GOD will come against this as well . and it will be laid flat . for those who built the in the untempered untried morter tower of diverse stones WILL See only the wrath of GOD burn this down . In fiery vengeance shall the wrath of GOD come against all who trod JESUS under foot , and will sell out to this all inclusive many path hug a thon false unity which leads all right under the worship of the beast . Sister , you seen it . You seen with your own eyes , WHAT this all inclusive lets not offend but gather and hug all IS DOING . Our own churches are sounding the alarm , LETS NOT SAY JESUS Is the SON of GOD anymore , cause this offends muslim brethren. Rick warren , rome and scores of others , GONNA have GOD to answer to for this . I do wish and hope they would repent . For if not , THEY will not like the day of judgmenet . And its going to only get worse from here on out . They already have been teaching a seeker friendly world peace and unity go spell. Already shutting down IN HEART the true gospel for the sake of unity . Watch how this too will start being sold out loud . Oh wait , it already is and has been being hinted at , with men like McLaren and others who say it aint even necessary to Prolesityze the Gosple . WHAT A pile of lies and rubbish . SO expect to hear , real soon , Yall their is no longer a need to preach JESUS ONLY saves . JUST watch . THEY TRODDING JESUS under foot big time . And all for unity and world peace . But mark my words , their is no peace for the wicked . And on the day of the LORD all who went along with this unity mindset , WILL FIND NO PEACE , only wrath .
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  44. Exactly . If we take note , AFTER JESUS has returned to destroy the wicked and cast the beast and Fp into a lake of fire , He also casts satan , bound in a pit . In which it specifically says He cannot deceive the nations PEROID . At the same time the FP and Beast are burning in the lake of fire . At the end of the thousand years satan is released a short season , THEN he too is cast alive into the lake of fire , Where both the FP and beast have been . THUS we see the FP and beast burning in a lake of fire , from whence their is no escape and we see satan bound that he cant deceive . ANYONE wanna tell me IF all these are bound right now , WHO ON EARTH has been doing ALL THIS DECIEVING throughout all time and SPECIALLY how great its gotten in these last days . Its impossible for this to be occurring . If so , their is no FP , no beast ,and satan is bound RIGHT NOW , if we believe in this theory some teach . The only thing is , even peter and paul and others KNEW the adversary was still roaring about and devouring . Paul spoke of the AC as a future event . HE spoke of the rapture as a future event . Some folks try and twist both corithians and first thessalonians to mean His coming is when he enters the heart . IF that were the case , I GUESS none of the early church had Christ within them . FOR they told of it as a FUTURE EVENT . Men have to twist so much to fit preterism or any doctrine which contradicts truth . Paul ALREADY had the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT and yet how he told at the last trump the dead in Christ shall rise and we who are still alive shall be caught up together with them . IF we take note , the whole passage began as a means to comfort those who were sad some of their loved ones were dead . SORROW NOT , like others who have no HOPE. I mean its crystal clear the Second coming of our LORD , IS FUTURE and still IS .
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  45. The true believers , whether jew or gentile have tasted of the world , WHICH is yet to come . Because we have the Holy Spirit and have tasted and dwell in holiness and righteous of the Spirit . We have this in earthen vessles , our body , which is the temple of the Living God. But just like peter , paul and all , we still await the actual second coming of our LORD . On that day we caught up with Him. And the wrath of God is targeted against those who rejected Him , against the beast , fp, kings and peoples of this world . God gonna burn up all evil works and the evil . But we have tasted of this in part , for God burns the evil works of our evil heart , cleansing us . And teaches us to walk righteously , soberly , holy and godly in this wicked world AS we await the coming of the Lord from heaven . Who on His day will laydown wrath against those who denied Him and had pleasure in unrighteousness. And we better be with paitent waiting , watching . For if any man says in his heart , MY LORD delays His coming , OR HE ALREADY CAME and etc , THAT day will come as a theif in the night . When asked you what do you see concerning the near future . Do you believe that God is working through people right now to bring about WORLD peace and unity . DO you see a big awakening and gathering which is to come . Explain how YOU see this taking place . Do you see ecumenical unity as a good thing and do you believe it is God at work in these folks .
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  46. Actually that was just the beginning. You see when you see the restoration of ALL things ... we're actually reverting back to Genesis when God said it was good. But I realize that you are going to view each and every point by spiritualizing Scripture. So let's go to reality that is observable to you? Is Satan bound right now? Or is he running about like a lion seeking whom he may devour? God bless George
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  47. Perhaps .. but we just start with our Statement of Faith.
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  48. No compromising on ESSENTIALS of the faith at all! You can't disagree on the fact that the Bible is the Word of God for example. Or that Jesus is the way the truth and the life! Our Essentials are basically our Statement of Faith -- in essence salvational issues. There may be a few items that are non salvational issues in the SoF, but simply its a core fundamental set of beliefs that the body of Messiah realize covers the essentials of the faith. The compromise or as the Moravians would say -- Liberty -- is given on such doctrines such as -- is it okay to have a glass of wine? Do you believe in a Pre, Mid, Post, Pre-wrath, no rapture position?
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  49. A great historical perspective of Zinzendorf and the Moravians. A welcome edition to much-abused topic where Evangelicals have Strangefire conferences to attack strawmen Charsmatics. As a former Vineyard Christian Fellowship member, I'm pleasantly surprised to find an accurate portrayal of the impact the Moravians had. Thanks.
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