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Showing content with the highest reputation on 03/22/2019 in all areas

  1. @1to3 I agree. Thanks for the scriptures you posted. God would never ask us to do anything He did not give us the power to do. He commands us in 1 Peter 1:16, "Be ye holy for I am holy." But He promises in Philippians 4:13 that we can do all things though Christ who strengthens us. So God gets the glory for this is walking in the Spirit, not in the flesh. In my first post I replied: "I think this allegory was geared at those who take lightly the many scriptures about living holy and being prepared. We are to be reading the scriptures with pleasure and obeying them no matter what madness is going on around us (being single minded in this wicked world.) This is what the Well-Behaved Students did. The message I read in the allegory was one of faithfulness to He who went away and admonished us to be true to His Word till He comes back. I was looking at it in light of the parable of Jesus about 'being ready when your Lord returns..." The purpose of the law is twofold. 1) It is to show our need for salvation. Iow, to be saved we must realize we are sinners first. God's law convicts (convinces) us of this. Romans 7:7 says, "What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid! No, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet." 2) But once we are saved (converted, changed, born again) we are to obey God's law. This will be the natural outflow of a Christian who loves the Lord. It is described in scripture as fruit. Matthew 7:20 says, "By their fruits you shall know them." We delight to do His commands. They are not grevious to us. So God's law and God's grace work together from beginning (conversion) to completion (sanctification-which is throughout our lives until God calls us Home to Heaven.) "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Phil 1:6) Ephes 2:8-9 is wonderful beyond words. But often verse 10 is overlooked. "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works." Obedience and holiness do not negate God's grace. They only show He is at work in our lives. "For it is God who works in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:13) He wants others to see Him through us. Matthew 5:16 says, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
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  2. @Tigger56 I thought I'd post some of the wonderful scriptures I alluded to in my last post that tie godly fear to His kindness. You're probably already aware of them. But some out there who aren't might be blessed. "the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love." (Psalm 147:11) "Look, the LORD's eye is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his loving kindness." (Psalm 33:18) "Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?" (Romans 2:4 ) Those who fear (revere, respect, love) God enjoy obeying His commands. "But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night." (Psalm 1:2) "Praise the LORD! How blessed is the man who fears the LORD, Who greatly delights in His commandments. (Psalm 112:1)"
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  3. We do need to be in awe of the One Who created our universe. To have such power and wisdom is beyond comprehension. But the only terror I have of my Father in Heaven is to fear losing His fellowship. His guidance and help each day are what I live for. To know His love and underserved mercy is my fulfillment. I feel like a gnat in God's world--here for such a short time. That God would have love for such a creature and want it as His own as a child is mind boggling. What is man that thou art mindful of him? We so easily become mired in the cesspool of sin, yet He rescues all who will receive His help. He made it possible for us be washed and cleansed, clothed in the righteousness of Christ and suitable for His kingdom. Why would he bother? There is no good reason except that He created us to be a part of His world and reclaims us from the destroyer. The good news is that of His loving kindness, His righteousness, grace and goodness. He offers peace and wholeness to all who have known the terror of evil. Healing and comfort are a part of His nature. He offers hope and imparts faith. What a holy and glorious God we serve! Hallelujah!!!
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  4. @Tigger56 I really appreciate this topic. Godly fear is reverence and respect. It is the honor our awesome Creator and Savior deserves. It should be expressed through love, obedience and worship. It is also referred to as due regard or 'giving God the glory.' It is important how you brought out this truth. Sadly, some have a mistaken 'ogre image' of God. I remember this being around in my youth. But there are wonderful scriptures that show how our fear of God should be as a response to His kindness.
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  5. HALLELUJAH!!! American President Donald Trump has once again done what others never have done, ...Last may he recognized Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel and today he has stated the West Bank is the ancient land of God's chosen people, the Tribe of Manasseh! Praise the Lord, He protects His People and keeps His Promises!!
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  6. Pray for his salvation and ask the Lord to stop him from causing harm to others.
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  7. I pray that God's will be done in his life and that he be saved.
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  8. One with wisdom does not invite the thief into his home. The many minions of satan love nothing more than to steal away the joy of Christians, as they do their ministry of distraction. The house of the Lord is NOT an open forum for chants and displays of disharmony, nor should a Christian message board be one either. To me the operator of the ministry here on Worthy has done a Holy Spirit led effort to invite nonbelievers into the Worthy Pavilion. They do have opportunity to seek out information, as well as to express themselves to Christians within limits of proper decorum. They are, it seems to me properly so, prevented from being trolls and ministers of satan's distraction ministry. There are boards that have been destroyed by non-Christians coming onboard to create discord amongst the believers in Christ Jesus as Lord God and personal savior. There is one suffering board that I know of that has few Christians now, seven of the top ten posters being little anti-Christs with daily diatribes against Jesus. That is nothing to invite here. Praise God for the fine service rendered to our Lord Jesus at Worthy Christian Forums to His glory alone.
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  9. They are already separated out by their choices they have made about God and His Word... I am sure the spirits of disobedience doesn't like that they cannot mix in with the children of obedience but oh well... God plans to separate them eternally from us... There is but one Word which has total freedom and it is from God called the Scriptures all else is a generated puss of lies!
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  10. Amen sister turtletwo . Also when we ask for forgiveness, repent- turn away from our sins, and ask God to come make a home in our hearts, He circumcises our hearts with His word and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit making His home our hearts . We receive back God consciousness of right and wrong through the circumcision of our hearts through the Holy Spirit of God making His home in our heart, from where He can convict,chastise and bring to remembrance what we should know about His word, his commandments so to grow in Him and become more and more His new creation. When we become circumcised in our hearts by the indwelling of the Holy spirit of God, His ten commandments become active and alive in us, they are what teach us and bring us to seek to be perfected in Him. As sinners the more we fall into sin and not repent from it the more we fall asleep and loose Godly consciousnesses, we loose the Godly capacity of understanding and recognizing what is right and what is wrong. When a sinner repents and asks God for forgiveness of their sins and ask God to come make a home in their hearts, He is faithful to His Word and does come and circumcise their heart and bring to remembrance what is right and what is wrong. Sin that goes unrepentant can bring on other sins, and the more a person sins and lives in their sins the more they sear their consciousness and the danger in that is that a person can sin so much to the point of loosing the ability to know what is truly right from what is truly wrong.A seared consciousness without repentance will eventually bring forth the unforgivable sin of sinning against the Holy Spirit of God, where the person no longer knows right form wrong and will even unabashedly curse God or claim unbelief in God even at their dearth bed. Gods ten commandment are still active today in the hearts of true believers by the circumcision of their hearts when they truly came to the Lord through Gods plan of Salvation of Mercy and grace through His only begotten Son Christ Jesus. Romans 2:24-29 24 For “the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,” as it is written. Circumcision of No Avail 25 For circumcision is indeed profitable if you keep the law; but if you are a breaker of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. 26 Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision? 27 And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the law, judge you who, even with your ]written code and circumcision, are a transgressor of the law? 28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.
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  11. Believers should not be terrified of God. Fearing God is having respect and awe for Him. A person also needs to have the knowledge of the p0wer of God.
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  12. Or they are hallucinations and you had better make an appointment to see someone.
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  13. Beautiful post @turtletwo. Such a thing should be up on bulletin boards and newsletters of every church.
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  14. I came across an article I found helpful so I am posting it below. We live in a world that enjoys tearing people down. From reality TV shows to the coarse interactions on talk radio—there is a continual display of putting people down instead of building them up. The misuse of words and actions can bring destruction spiritually, emotionally, and physically. However, it should never be said of those who follow Christ. The church is built on the foundation of Christ’s love and continues to grow as we build up or edify other people with our words and actions. As followers of Christ, we are mandated by the Spirit of God to enlighten or improve the whole body of Jesus. Practice your gift of edification with the knowledge of the following top 8 Bible verses: EDIFY WITH OUR SENSITIVITY “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another” (Romans 14:19). The church is a mixture of the spiritually mature and those who are new to the faith. Some of us sense God’s freedom to do things that others may feel a strong conviction to avoid. Choosing to be sensitive instead of judgmental within the body of Christ can be most edifying and will allow the church to continue to grow as outsiders sense our sincerity towards each other. EDIFY WITH OUR UNSELFISHNESS “Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification” (Romans 15:2). It’s easy to be selfish, we don’t even have to think about it first to practice it. Yet we need to recognize the opportunities to practice selflessness towards others. The church is built up when we relieve our brother’s or sister’s burdens with our gifts of time, money, and energy. EDIFY WITH OUR RESPECT “Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the authority which the Lord has given me for edification and not for destruction” (2 Corinthians 13:10). There are times when we are stretched in our faith by the teachings of our church leaders. Godly pastors have been led by God to preach truth in sometimes difficult circumstances. As the body of Christ, we have the responsibility to edify our leaders and church by respecting and obeying the word of God as taught in authority. EDIFY WITH OUR LOVE “Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies” (1 Corinthians 8:1). Nothing builds up the church more than the demonstrated love of Christ. As we love one another, we are encouraged to continue the faith in times of joy and difficulty. Our spirits are rejuvenated by the Holy Spirit when we sense and appreciate the love of God demonstrated through His people. EDIFY WITH OUR GIFTS "And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12). God has poured out spiritual gifts on the church. As we come into the knowledge, application, and demonstration of our own individual spiritual gifts—we have the responsibility to help grow the church. Our gifts aren’t meant for our own personal edification (although we can sense the edifying feeling of gratitude); rather, we are meant to use our gifts for others. EDIFY WITH OUR HOPE “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). There are many times when under severe pressure, hope can seem elusive to the saints of God suffering under tremendous persecution. As believers, we have the ability to build them up in the faith with hope from God’s word. By knowing and sharing the truths of Scripture, we can witness the power of God breaking the devil’s grip of despair. EDIFY WITH OUR TESTIMONY “The church then had peace throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, and it became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord. And with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it also grew in numbers” (Acts 9:31). When the Lord intervenes in our lives, we should never keep it to ourselves. Sharing our testimony—both the good and bad parts of it—can strengthen those who have difficulty believing that God will do great things for them. Our truthful testimonies give others the ability to overcome fear, anxiety, and doubt. EDIFY WITH OUR WORDS “But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:15-16). The words we speak are so much powerful than many of us recognize. Our words can bring new life or death to any situation. By speaking the truth in love, we grant grace to the hearers so that they can push forward in this life when bombarded with overwhelmingly negative words both inwardly and outwardly. EQUIPPED TO EDIFY As believers, we are equipped by the Spirit of God to take up our cross and build up the church. We can resist our carnal nature by staying humble in the process of growing in the faith. Our Father longs to see His children help and edify one another for the building of Christ’s kingdom.
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  15. Good morn8mg angel, i Appreciate your work here but I really don’t want to watch a 45 min video but knowing this came from Amir, I’m sure he says the Church or the Holy Spirit in the church, which makes sense to me. it seems LOGICAL to me to ask yourself, “what is holding back the Beast from rising up and doing his abomination thingy? Is it Michael? That makes no sense (sorry Rosenthal) but Michael’s job is to protect Israel, not hold back the Beast. Is it the HS? I doubt it. I know people will be saved after the rapture as well. is it government? Lol....that is a good one. Well, is there anyone leaving the planet? If so, whoever is departing may just be the one who is holding back? That seems logical to me, and you know I’m all about being logical. hey wait, the body of Christ is departing before the wrath of God is released. Hmmmm So, it seems logical to me to believe the corporate Church led by the HS is the restrained, and once it is removed, the DOTL (God’s wrath) can now be released. After all, didn’t God say in Rev 3:10 that he will keep us (the faithful church) from the hour of trouble about to come upon the whole world? Seems LOGICAL to me......
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  16. Psalms 33:18 “Behold, the eyes of the Lord are upon those that fear him, upon those who hope in his mercy.” It is good to fear the Lord and to be in awe of his great might and power, but we must also believe in his abundant love and hope in his endless mercy, for the mercy of the Lord also reveals his great power, for often to forgive requires greater strength than to avenge. The Lord is kind, the Lord is good, and the Lord is merciful.
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  17. I love those scriptures thanks for sharing. I also think of the one in Proverbs.... "Pro_1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
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  18. @Christine As I was reading your postings it suddenly hit me about how detailed and precise all of this is. Then I thought about the NT scripture where God says,"Let all things be done decently and in order." ( 1 Cor 14:40) I know that was talking about the spiritual gifts but it was something I was struck by. So for what it is worth I just wanted to share that with you. Thanks for all your hard work in this thread. It is a blessing to have you posting here alongside me.
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  19. Shalom brothers and sisters, I have here a good witnessing tool (and also a great reminder for Christians) to explain: The World God The Bible Jesus Judgment Day The Next Life Is Torah for today? Please give it a read if you have the time to read a three-paged story. I know it blessed at least one person significantly. Meet Enid https://faithandtheword.com/book-a/idb/heart/roots/enid1/ Love & Shalom
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  20. You asked me to show you where in Matt 24 it talks about the second coming of Christ, where he comes to kick butt at Armageddon and then set up his Millennial Kingdom. Matthew 24:29-31 IS NOT TALKING ABOUT THE RAPTURE. Angels are doing the gathering there. Do you see angels doing any gathering in the 1 Thess 4 passage...THE REAL RAPTURE PASSAFE.
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  21. Sorry Light but you got some facts wrong.... read this slowly again.....this is the PRIMARY PASSAGE referencing the rapture..... 15By the word of the Lord, we declare to you that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who have fallen asleep. 16For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise. 17After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord. Show me where it says ANGELS ARE DOING ANY GATHERING like you saw them doing in the Matt 24 passage? I will wait for your answer before continuing. OH, and don’t you fill in the blanks with your speculation. That is not inspired by God......
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  22. 'And thou shalt take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle, and all that is therein, and shalt hallow it, and all the vessels thereof: and it shall be holy. And thou shalt anoint the altar of the burnt offering, and all his vessels, and sanctify the altar: and it shall be an altar most holy. And thou shalt anoint the laver and his foot, and sanctify it.' (Exodus 40:9) Praise God!
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  23. 'And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put the hanging of the door to the tabernacle. And thou shalt set the altar of the burnt offering before the door of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation. And thou shalt set the laver between the tent of the congregation and the altar, and shalt put water therein. And thou shalt set up the court round about, and hang up the hanging at the court gate.' (Exodus 40:5-8) Praise God!
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  24. God speaking in regard to the Children of Israel: “ I will bless those that bless you, and curse thos that curse you”.Most Americans are unaware of this promise of God. If they were made aware of it, it would mean nothing.God help this Nation when we refuse to support Israel.Sadly, That day will come.In the Tribulation, It us said that “ every nation” will be opposed to Israel.That would include the United States.I am happy to know that I should be gone before that time.
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  25. The Tabernacle Erected 'And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation. And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail. And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof.' (Exodus 40:1-4) Praise God!
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  27. If gun control works, then please explain mexico and chicago.
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  28. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_attacks_in_China_(2010–12) A series of uncoordinated mass stabbings, hammer attacks, and cleaver attacks in the People's Republic of China began in March 2010. The spate of attacks left at least 25 dead and some 115 injured. This was all at schools. Children. Its still happening. Just in january of this year, and the children were hit in the head with knife wounds. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/china-beijing-children-attack-school-primary-stabbing-knife-injured-a8716556.html Chicago has the strictest gun laws yet they have the highest rate of gun killings. Mexico has strict gun laws yet has the second highest murder rate in the world, second only to syria. Most of those murders were by guns. It wasnt guns on 9/11 but box cutters and airplanes. How many thousands died that day? Gun control laws will not stop murder or mass murder.
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  29. Phew, glad you are not here to convince me to accept post tribulation rapture. Forgive me for being presumptuous my brother. Im not sure why this is not sufficient for you....it is so on point and very clear in its words and it’s interpretation. What hinders you from accepting this passage as a second coming passage? 29Immediately after the tribulation of those days: ‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.’b 30At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming (JESUS COMING TO SET UP HIS KINGDOM IS RIGHT HERE) on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.c 31And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.
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  30. @Christine Thanks for boldening the pieces... The ark of the testimony, the table, the pure candlestick, etc.) This was a good summary of the parts and helpful to me in reviewing them.
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  31. Of course Christianity is about being kind. If we are to be obedient then we must follow the commands of the Lord. The Lord Jesus told us that all of the law and the prophets hang upon the laws of loving God and loving our neighbor. Would not love be seen in kindness, patience, love, gentleness? I repented a long time ago and was baptized. I have repented since when I have sinned. I seek to be surrendered unto the Lord. I wasn't trying to address all those issue within this one topic. You state that "Christianity is not about being kind or nice, it is about obedience to Jesus. Literal obedience, doing what the 10 commandment say after ones confession that Jesus is ones Lord and saviour." I believe repentance and baptism is the first step of a long journey of following a path of light. I am truly amazed that you can equate a Christian walk without kindness!
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  32. Shalom Mike, Great question. There are a number of reasons as to why it was such a great time, and that’s with my limited understanding on the matter. 1. Genesis 49:10 Prophecy – One of the earliest prophecies of the Messiah could not have been fulfilled until the right of capital punishment left Israel. This didn’t happen at any time, until approximately 6 AD, when Rome took the power (or scepter). According to Jewish record, the Sanhedrin walked the streets in sackcloth and ashes at that time saying “woe to us! The scepter has departed from Israel and Shiloh hasn’t come”. They were totally unaware than He was in Nazareth! 2. Time of Revolt – Israel was a political hot pot at this time. “Messiahs” were rising up to liberate Israel and failing. Galilee was actually a very dangerous area in terms of revolutionaries and violent revolts against Roman guards. Many were expecting a Messiah to come and violently take Jerusalem back at this time – but Yeshua came to lead Israel in the way of love and peace – getting Israel back on track, and remind them to be humble whilst under a God-ordained authority. 3. Extended Protection – Whilst under the Roman rule, Yeshua spoke openly and freely on controversial topics. The Jews were not legally permitted to kill him at this time. This is why some schemed and sought to get Rome on their side, ultimately succeeding to do so with a confusing case for Pilate. But this Roman rule gave Yeshua and His followers political and legal protection for a while. Such protection helped Paul out in many situations too. 4. Spreading the Gospel – The Roman empire became like an archaic internet network. Many provinces were connected across Asia Minor and Europe and all used Greek as a common language. This enabled the spread and sharing of the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) and the Gospel, very quickly like a wild fire. No time in history before hand could have such a feat happened. 5. Solidifying Christianity – For all the harm Rome has done to the faith, we have to concede that they did help tremendously to solidify Christianity in the west, due to their incredibly strong authority. Yes, they took it to a dark place, but Rome was like a trampoline for the gospel! It spread from small little Israel to the mighty Rome to the whole world. At no other point in Israel’s history were such things possible. Not at the time of the patriarchs, the judges, the kings, the exile, the return or the Maccabean revolt. It was a special unique window – before Rome collapsed but after it was big enough to catapult the gospel around the world. That was the earliest time in history that such a thing could have happened. I hope that gets the ball rolling on some ideas for you. Love & Shalom
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  33. It took years of God's directing to orchestrate my instant conversion. In short I was factoring the potential success of suicide by electric drill with a paddle bit to the ascending aorta, when a man started talking to me about Jesus. I started to debate him as he said in a authoritive voice that I recognized as oddly being the same as my step grandfather's from long ago. - "Stop debating, you are not clever as you think you are, it is now; there is no other time. Decide!" - I looked down to think out my next words then looked back up and he was gone. The garage doors still closed as they had been. Hey how did he get in here anyway? Who was that? So I went inside my home, sat down, flipped on tv to ponder all that, figuring to light up a cigarette. A regular Friday afternoon tv preacher was on the tv giving a most terrible presentation and telling of Jesus. Though his presentation was awful, I said "If that is true I want it!" And I was instantly indwelled with the Holy Spirit, to be a born-again believer in Jesus my Lord God and savior. I was given a gift also, one that is with me today after some 38 years. I am not a smoker of cigarettes. Never quit, just went from smoking some five and a half packs a day to zero, without quitting. Never had withdrawals, just never wanted a cigarette again. Can't say I quit, I had failed at quitting many times. Now instead, I just wasn't the same smoker of cigarettes anymore. That is the heart of a long "Job" story that had brought me through many years and moved me 2800 miles to that point in time and that place; all foreknown and predestined by God, so that I would be turned about from my rebellion against Him into a bond- servant of Jesus my Lord. Praise God for His mercy and grace upon me a sinner against Him.
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  34. Briefly..... I was in my apartment, just came home, higher than a kite. Felt this warmth come over me, knew it was God and that Jesus was the answer to.....??? This was 2 in the morning. I opened the phone book (dating myself here) put my finger down on my landlords fathers name and called him. He said he had been praying for me for 3 months. There's a lot more to the story than that but that's the short version. I once attended a workshop with a Professor of Evangelism in Ontario, Canada, John Bowen I believe his name was. He started the workshop by asking who of us had a "Damascus road experience". I was one of the few that put their hand up. it seems that is the norm. He went on to say that he often asks believers who their team was, people that had an effect here, left a seed there, said or did something that when all put together added up to all that was needed.
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  35. Where, O Death, is Your Victory? 1 Corinthians 15:57 …56The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! 58Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.…
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  36. After thirty years of church (RCC) and never hearing the gospel, I happened to go to a funeral at a small Baptist church. The preacher told us at the end of the service, we must be born again, we needed to be saved. Light! The seed was planted, and it grew. Many loyal to Christ believers shared the word. The seed grew, the Holy Spirit gave me light, wisdom, knowledge, counsel. God gave me His salvation mercy. God is Light.....
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  37. Shalom Turtle, Yay! I'm so glad you like that song too! It's very special. Perhaps I'll post it in the Music section later or feel free to do so as well. I'm so glad it blessed you too. Love & Shalom
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  38. I would say that is true, but I wouldn't want to bother anyone ... just sayin' ?
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  39. Notice that Jesus has established a higher calling than obeying the Commandments of God. Thus, Jesus is showing that there is something greater than the Commandments here. What is greater than the Commandments of God? Only God, Himself. So, in order to be perfect, Jesus says, "you must not only keep the Commandments, but also divest yourself of all worldly possessions and then, one more thing, focus completely on me."
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  40. Jesus's Kingdom, which he was inviting people then and today to enter, is not of this world. As he told Pilate, if it was an earthly Kingdom his subjects would fight for him.
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  41. 1 John 2 King James Version (KJV) 2 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 7 Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning. 8 Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. 9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. 10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. 11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. 12 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. 13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. 14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. 15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. 18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. 20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. 21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. 22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. 23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. 24 Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. 26 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. 27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. 28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. 29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Christ Jesus said: Matthew 5:17-20 17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
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  42. Your son knows more than 75% of the Church world and Christian Religionists .That estimate may have been over generous.He has been blessed.You too! “ gotta get ‘em lost before you get ‘em saved”..... that is the true purpose of the Law.....to show one their hopeless condition and their need for a Savior....
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  43. I agree with Willa that, on its own it would not explain the gospel. However, it could be used along with a presentation of the atonement of Jesus. The 'Romans Road to Salvation' has been a standard used by many to witness throughout the decades. http://c317808.r8.cf1.rackcdn.com/Romansroad.pdf I think this allegory was geared at those who take lightly the many scriptures about living holy and being prepared. We are to be reading the scriptures with pleasure and obeying them no matter what madness is going on around us (being single minded in this wicked world.) This is what the Well-Behaved Students did. The message I read in the allegory was one of faithfulness to He who went away and admonished us to be true to His Word till He comes back. I was looking at it in light of the parable of Jesus about 'being ready when your Lord returns... I realize we are reading servants as opposed to students in the allegory. But the principle is the same. The smiting of the fellowservants, for example makes me think of this part of the allegory: Bullying now became seriously violent and many students were being chased out of the School because of it. The Seniors classes became depraved "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 24:44-51) Those who would ever think I advocate salvation by works don't know me very well. One of my life verses is Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." However, faith without works is dead, as James 2:14-26 declares. Christians were not intended to remain idle once they are born again. For that is only the beginning of a lifetime of joy in serving Him. If you look at the allegory again you will see that the 'well behaved students' represent Christians who do these works BECAUSE they respect and love the Headmaster. Read of their joy at His return. The allegory supposes they were behaving obediently when He returned because He meant so much to them. Is that not true of Christians? Note how glad they were upon His return. The Well-Behaved Students were delighted to see him and were even cheering his name. The rest of the students were screaming wildly, frantically trying to smarten up their appearance and hide incriminating evidence. The others who didn't care about Him are the lost. It even clarifies that Enid did not BELIEVE in Him. She didn’t believe this Headmaster even existed and now she has to meet him? What would she say? The characters are explained as though the true believers were these who loved and obeyed the Headmaster...as all genuinely converted people would. Here is the summary. Note that ONLY the Well-Behaved students are defined as Christians: Hopefully the message of Enid’s story was clear but, just to be sure, here’s the explanation: The mixed boarding School is our world with each generation of Enid’s family representing a different period in Earth’s history. The Headmaster is God with his Guides and Rules being the Bible. The Teachers represent Christianity in general or Bible-based moral leaders in our society. When someone leaves the School grounds it means they died. The Senior Students are today’s current world powers and thought leaders. The Well-Behaved Students are Christians. The Assembly Hall represents Judgement Day. The Dark Figure is satan. The New Life is life after death and the Real World is the new world to come.
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  44. @Tzephanyahu Thank you for this. It was thought provoking. Powerful and convicting. Well worth the read.
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  45. All Jesus does here is show the rich young man that he loves his things far more than he loved the things of God.
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  46. Shalom turtle, I hope you are doing well my sister. What a fantastic topic to raise! I love it! Yes, edification should be our primary role with our family. Each gift given by the the Father, through the Spirit, in the name of Yahushua (Jesus), is for edifying the church. Paul's letter reiterates this again and again... “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” ~ Ephesians 4:11-12. “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another” ~ Romans 14:19 "Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing" ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:11 With these exhortations in mind, thanks to turtle's great post, let's all remember to work hard to help each other - with advice, support, patience and love. If you can help just one person today, from your local church or on here, you have been infinitely more fruitful for God than when you don't. But don't do it to just seek reward or approval from God, but do it with genuine love towards your fellow brother or sister. "Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others" ~ Philippians 2:4 Again, great post turtle. Love & Shalom
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  47. I have thought that there can be no higher honor bestowed upon a believer than to be used of God to help feed and draw another believer or person to Christ. Scripture says; Romans 10:15 (NKJV) And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!" If their feet are beautiful, says the God of love, about their feet. How much more are the rest of them to this God Who Himself is love. For we are each other’s treasure. Blessings, Much love in Christ, Not me
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  48. The word "edifice" comes to mind, which is a building or complex structure. We are the temple and we have been given particular gifts to use in defending and building up the temple (eachother). 1Peter 4:10 "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." 1 Corinthians 3:10 "According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon." There is no better sense of fulfillment than when I am using my gifts to serve others; this is the true currency of the Kingdom. When I begin to buy in to this world's economy of profiting from other's misfortunes it is like tearing down the temple and we know how He feels about that: 1 Corinthians 3:17 "If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are."
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  49. Rev. 14 9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
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