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I didn't/couldn't quit!............... I was delivered. By God, totally! May sound petty, but to an addict, it's a miracle. Thanks farouk..

Real prayer is a continuous quiet realization of God's presence in our lives. Testimony works best when it is done with patients so that the Holy Spirt is made manifest in our humble daily activities. Accusing people is being on the wrong side of the courtroom, be a defendant so that your supporting love is making a case for accepting forgiveness.

Without the Old testament there is no basis for the New Covenant. Yeshua is found revealed within all of the Bible, that is what the Bible does- reveal Yeshua.

And yet God led me to first read Job. Go figure. As to the Gideon's, the first Bible I read was a Gideon provided Bible at the motor hotel we operated at the time. There were 145 Gideon Bibles complete with Old testament and new covenant available to me, all provided by the Gideons at no cost; and one day I was led to read within one of them. They were complete Bibles.

Hi @blessings from above I do like to focus on Scripture and the Lord Himself (Hebrews 12.2); often my dreams don't make much sense at all..........

agree to disagree...

Let's look at it this way. Would you say that Moses, Aaron and 600,000 fighting men of the 12 Tribes of Israel were APPOINTED to enter and occupy the Good Land. The training of Moses, which took 80 years, the burning bush, the plagues, the slaughter of Egypt's Firstborn and the opening of the Red Sea all point to God having a plan to get this generation of fighting men into the Land He had PROMISED. But how many achieved what was appointed? The answer is 2! In Revelation 18:4 what do you think? If a Christian is playing in the devil's back yard, and God warned him of plagues to come on the back yard, will he miraculously escape if he does not head the warning? I propose that parables of the Kingdom, and the direct statements (e.g. Gal.5:21), show that ENTERING the coming Kingdom (out) OF Heaven show that only those worthy, only those that attained, only those who behaved, only those qualified, only Overcomers and only those with an intimacy with Christ, will enter it. At GREAT COST did Jehovah take out of the Nations a People for Himself. He has outlined His plan in a GREAT BOOK. He will not allow His GREAT NAME to be defiled with the behavior we see in Christian circles today. To understand it all, all we must do is apply English grammar rules to a God Who gave us language. We do for the computer companies when we set up a new telephone. Every point and dot is carefully put in the right place. If God says "appointed" then he is appointed SO LONG AS NOTHING CHANGES. If he dies, get gravely ill, goes to jail or plays in the Devil's back yard, his "appointment" is annulled. See my posting in the middle of page 2 of this Thread. Go well soldier

Okay, you probably missed it, and it has quite some detail, but I built a case for considering a partial rapture in the middle of page 2 of the thread. To date, no one has offered a counter. I'd say it stands. Of course I cannot expect anybody to answer, but to say the theory lacks biblical foundation is not true. If you decide to answer it, I'll appreciate it. In the mean time, I'll answer yours. 1. 1st Corinthians 15 never mentions the rapture. Verses 50-57 explain a change of body for the living - as opposed to the resurrection body that the dead receive. So much for AI. 1st Thessalonians 4:13-18 could apply to all believers 1st Thessalonians 5:9 is no guarantee. The operative word is "APPOINTED". "Appointed" means a beforehand agreed time, place or rank or person. It can be overturned if the appointed person dies, absconds and/or goes to jail. In Revelation 18:4 God's people, though not appointed, will partake of Mystery Babylon's plagues if thy are found in her. The statement that God does not pour out His wrath on Christians may be true, but Ananias and Saphira, the incestuous brother of 1st Corinthians 5, those who got sick and died for taking the Lord's table unworthily and Alexander the coppersmith almost, or did, lose their lives under God's discipline. If a flood in the streets is predicted because of heavy rains, and a Christian, in full knowledge, plays in the gutter, will God miraculously allow him to breath under water when it goes over his head? 2. The rapture in the parable of the 10 Virgins is found in verses 6 and 11. The cry in verse 6 is "go out and meet Him". Verse 11 shows the foolish Virgins came "AFTERWARDS". But the argument your AI posed fails in another point. It is claimed that they were unbelievers. 1st Corinthians 15:22-26 gives the order of resurrection. Christ first THEN "those who are His when He COMES". Revelation 20:1-6 tells us that the REST of the dead lived NOT until another 1,000 years have passed. As the 5 wise and the 5 foolish were raised together for the Kingdom's sake, they must all be His (Christ's). There are at least five more proofs, but time and space don't allow. 3. The reason for the parable is "watch". But how can the dead watch? The watching must then apply to their lifetimes. The five foolish Virgins are, in six ways, identical to the wise. What made them foolish was two things. (i) They had oil in their lamps but not in their VESSELS. (ii) They did not know that oil in the VESSELS MUST BE BOUGHT. Thus, if the argument is brought that they were unbelievers, and oil is salvation, the the parable teaches salvation by WORKS. If the argument is brought that "now is the time for salvation" they refute themselves because the foolish Virgins got the required oil and came to their Lord. What AI did not tell you concerning the word "knew" is that is "oida" in the Greek. It means "I do not recognize you by sight". That is, the Virgin had spent NO TIME with her Groom. In certain cultures marriages are organized by the parents. The Groom sees his bride the very first time at the wedding feast. But Jesus sought a RELATIONSHIP. In Matthew 7:21-23 the word for "knew" is "ginosko", which means "intimate knowledge" like "knowing a woman" (Lk.1:35). In both cases Christians are addressed. In both cases WORKS were judged. In both cases lack of INTIMACY was the cause. In both cases entering the Kingdom of Heaven was the issue - not salvation

Paul said in Romans 8 when he said, "The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set us free from the law of sin and death." What is the Law of sin? The law of sin in the above phrase is not the Law or a law found in the Book of the Law or of the Decalogue, the Ten Commandments. Most people don't understand this text, so if you think it is, you are not alone. Please follow along. In context Paul says that he does what he doesn't want to do because sin dwells in him in Rom 7:20. After saying this he says in context to it in verse 21, "I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me." In other words not being able to control himself (ourselves) because of the indwelling sin is the law he found. This is brought out even further by the next two verses. Paul says that he delights in the Law of God in relation to the good that he wants to do. But then he says he sees ANOTHER law in his members. This OTHER law that he says he found, the law that when he would do good evil is present with him. It is through this law he does what he would not, because of the sin that dwells in him. He as we can't help ourselves. O wretched man that I am who shall deliver me (us) from this body of death that has sin dwelling in it? Then because of the good that Paul wants to do He thanks God through Jesus Christ that he serves the Law of God with His mind. But there is a contrast in his flesh that he can not do what he would. He is in captivity, serving the law of sin in and with his flesh. However there is therefore NOW no condemnation to us who are in Christ Jesus he continues in chapter 8. We who walk after the Spirit, His Spirit and not after the flesh, the sin that dwells in it. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made us free from the law of sin, the law that he found and is, the law that when we would do good evil is present with us. The law that we do what we would not, because of the sin that dwells in us and the result of it is death. For the wages of sin is death. (Rom 6:23) For what the law, the law of God that we serve with our minds could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh that had sin dwelling in it, God sent his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:That the righteousness of the law of God might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit of Christ Jesus whom we are in. And He in us that the world might believe. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. So say not in your heart, who shall bring Christ, through which we recieve the Word, His commandments and statutes contained in the Book of the Law in the heart down from above or up from the deep. But the righteousness of faith speaks this. The Word is in your heart and in your mouth that you can do it. That the righteousness of the Law, the Law of God be fulfilled in us who walk after the Spirit of Christ and not after the flesh, the sin that dwells in us. This is the word of faith in which we preach. Rom 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. Rom 7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. Rom 7:22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: Rom 7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. Rom 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? Rom 7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. Rom 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: Rom 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Rom 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Rom 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? Rom 6:2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Rom 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Rom 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Rom 10:6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above) Rom 10:7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) Rom 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; Deut 30:10 If thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which are written in this book of the law, and if thou turn unto the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul. Deut 30:11 For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. Deut 30:12 It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? Deut 30:13 Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? Deut 30:14 But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.

yes different things are happening against believers here. If I am not wrong there will be strict rules and regulations to check the growth of number of believers. You know we meet unbelievers but I think it will be wise to talk to them they come for fellowship and we give Bibles that to this should be a top secret and others should not know or else more problems for believers and others will arise. Here there are fellowships and house Churches so I think we can talk to these fellowship and house Churches and provide Bibles that too with prayers and encouragement. I think we can send Bibles to others secretly. I think having large number of Bibles is not good. I would say Bibles between 20-30 is good to distribute. We have to see the time and place and consider everything. I can say as we have no Bibles we donot give them we should be prepared in season and out of season as Bible says. I think we should distribute less numbers of Bibles but increase the days of distribution. I think we have to change our strategy in Bible distribution

That's true!

Acts of kindness will have a lasting affect to unbelievers. I still recall acts of kindness by Christians toward me before I was Christian. I'm speaking 40+ years of remembrance.

New believer may love to start reading Genesis. If one have Bible he or she will read it at any time or from any verses or chapters from any Books in the Bibles.

I have given Bibles to both believers and unbelievers I personally feel others should started reading psalm first and any scripture which God may guide. I can give Bible and they may start as they like some many want to read old Testament first

I think most (Not all) Bibles distributed for free are treated as being worth exactly what was paid for them, by those that receive one. A very few will be kept, never mind read. Might pray for God to lead some individual(s) into interest about Him, and for opportunity to go through the Bible verse by verse with that few that are called by the Holy Spirit to come and understand what the Bible reveals first. Otherwise might just have tracts and pass them out, few will read them, but at least they won't clog the toilet if tossed in. Evangelism is a long haul slog more than a quick "here's a Bible God bless" moment. Yes start with prayer, add much thinking, and reading the word itself, pray and wait on the lead of the Lord through the Holy Spirit. That is my thought on the question posed in the thread opening.

Why do you say true believers? That is partial rapture. Only the true believers get raptured. Some of the ones who believe but are not right with God get a second chance, but that's based on Ken Peters' dream. A man said he had not been right with God, shared the Gospel to him, 2 weeks after he got that dream he got saved and in the dream he got saved and that man was a leader in the revival during the trib. That's maybe Luke 12: Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning; 36 and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately. 37 Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them. 38 And if he should come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. 39 But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would [g]have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. 40 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” 41 Then Peter said to Him, “Lord, do You speak this parable only to us, or to all people?” 42 And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food [h]in due season? 43 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 44 Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has. 45 But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk, 46 the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. 47 And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48 But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more. The virgins are not unbelievers. They were going oit to meet the bridegroom and virgins. I read once that a translation says their lamps had gone out. Are going out or had gone out, they had oil in the past. For instance someone serves God but then divorces, takes offense, is full of hate and lives in sin with someone else. And then is the rapture. This person will miss it cause he or she backslid. But that's not bad enough to lose your salvation. I know cause I came back. But there is a chance to get killed by a bomb and go to hell if your mom doesnt pray or if youmake it to end up like that guy who later got his head cut off too in the dream. But he did have revival and got a part of the uncountable multitude in. Why would He warn us to watch if we get raptured anyway? The deception is just satan always lying to young believers that they are not good enough. I believe a baby christian who just got saved a day ago will get raptured. No wait. Luke 12, comes back from the wedding, that is about the end when there are no 2nd chances anymore. Cut him in half does not sound like there's a second chance. He says it in Revelation 16:15 too.

These many years we tried there is not much result we should talk and give Bibles, let God guide and let them read or start from any verse or Chapter or Books. You know I am here among unbelievers so i have to think or do which seems better here. Here the believers do not have Bibles

Understanding the Partial Rapture Theory (rewritten by AI) Some believers hold the view that only faithful Christians will be taken in the rapture, while unfaithful Christians will remain on Earth to endure the tribulation. However, this concept lacks biblical support. Let’s explore this further: Universal Rapture: The passages describing the rapture (1 Corinthians 15:50-57; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) appear to apply universally to all Christians, regardless of their maturity or faithfulness. Verses like Romans 8:1 and 1 Thessalonians 5:9 affirm that God does not pour out His wrath on Christians. Therefore, there is no biblical evidence for a partial rapture. Every believer will be taken to heaven in the rapture. Parable of the Ten Virgins: Some proponents of the partial rapture theory point to Jesus’ parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13. However, this parable does not support partial rapture. The five virgins without oil in their lamps represent unbelievers, not believers left behind. The essential element in the parable is the oil, symbolizing the Holy Spirit. Those with the Holy Spirit in their hearts will be taken in the rapture because they are truly Christians. Those who profess faith but lack the Spirit will be left behind. Be Ready: The lesson from this parable is to be ready because Christ’s return will be sudden and unexpected. Only those with the oil (the Holy Spirit) in their hearts will be taken. The rest, regardless of their professions, will be left behind. Jesus knows His own, and when He calls us, we will respond. To others, He will say, “I never knew you” (Matthew 25:12). Today is the day of salvation; delay no longer. In summary, the partial rapture theory lacks biblical foundation, and the consistent teaching is that all true believers will be taken in the rapture. It’s essential to be spiritually prepared for Christ’s return, as it will happen suddenly and without warning

Hi @Coruscating FYI......... Psalm thread started.............

I completely agree Luigi...you are speaking in truth brother...however...the U.S. "is also" in this current predicament...the mainstream media and the utterly censored social or alternative media...are hiding it Brother...they are hiding it...and the good old U.S of A is fixen to to experience something that has never happened and it will be multi level when it happens....birth pangs on a woman in labor... While the world and the religious say...that conspiracy stuff on YouTube ain't real Luigi...lets go back to fighting about the righteousness of Israel as they do to Gaza what was apparently done to them by Hitler...only worse...and wait for the Lord to deliver us from any sacrifice we might be asked to make...and take us to heaven. You are right Luigi...collapse is upon the nations...I added the U.S...the economy of the beast is pressing those who "dwell on the earth"...for those who dwell in heaven...they have been given their own economy...its called the Kingdom of God. Does anyone hear the Lord today? Tatwo...:)

really have not thought about it. I guess I can say one at a time. If something happens then I will consider other tats now just one

Rapture is different from ascension. Rapture is when those who are alive and remain are caught up and changed.

@Debp Bible and NT publishing in economic formats is such a good work, indeed..............

yes

I don't think so, @blessings from above .......... Looking forward in certain hope, for the believer, is not just dreaming.

@RdJ Well, for your colleague it must have been really memorable to have become tattooed for that purpose, on the occasion.

Hi @RdJ I think there is a distinction between the church and tribulation saints also..........

It is important to distinguish "academic epiphanies" from Spirit-led revelations. Too many preachers mistake the former for the latter, in my opinion. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord and if this has been your case through various trials and via various interventions, I guess you have been hearing His faint promptings.

Yes I think so too.

@RdJ Great verses there; we need to be humble........

Ooh LOL sorry, well it both ends on iah. That must be why I switched em.

@grahampaul Rahab is mentioned in Hebrews 11.

Your post caused by heart to rejoice, for it is true, the more one sees their need for learning, the more capable that one is… Oh, to fully follow after Him, blessings, Not me

God's voice is The Word, but also the Holy Spirit, but being as God is a Spirit He speaks to us in the Spirit, the problem is most people do not understand how to TUNE God in. For starters, prayer, and (very important) WAITING ON the Lord as you are praying, there comes a point where you just sit still and WAIT upon the habitation of the Lord. The Lord inhabits the Prayers of His people. Expect God to show up and commune with you and He will but if you do not have time to WAIT He may not show up. Then you will hear His small still voice clearly. Atheists can never understand this concept, if the atheist is a "Smoker" I can usually demonstrate this in basic terms they can grasp. I simply ask them, when you want a cigarette do you (lets say his name is Mike) say Mike, take out a Cig, and light it up or do you just "TAKE OUT THE CIG.......and light it up?" And they say, well, of course I just take it out and light it up. So, I am like, "well your spirit sent that message unto your brain, because YOUR WILL was to smoke". God as a Spirit talks unto you in the same manner, He is not a human nor an Angel with a body, He is a Spirit. Nothing God has ever been or is now has ever changed, He is constant in all of His ways. So, we can only hear by God learning to tune Him in. IF.........we listen to a Talk Show in our drive in to work, and lets say Rock Music on our drive home from work, and if we watch Sports or Movies on Nights and Weekends, and if we go to a Bar or a Movie, or Bowling, and spend ONE HOUR a week with God on Sunday, who are we going to hear in our spirit? Satan will be whispering unto us 24/7/365 pretty much.

Agreed. unknown sin could be revealed, by The Lord, as sin later on. The more I learn, the more I know I need to learn. "Now may The God of peace sanctify [us] entirely..."

NOT BUILD YOU UP PSALM 33:4 for the word of THE LORD is right ---and all HIS works are done in truth--- PSALM 92:5 O LORD how great are thy works and thy thoughts are very deep --92:6-- a brutish man knoweth not neither doth a fool understand this PSALM 145:17 THE LORD is righteous in all HIS ways and holy in all HIS works PSALM 28:5 BECAUSE THEY REGARD NOT THE WORKS OF THE LORD NOR THE OPERATION OF HIS HANDS HE SHALL DESTROY THEM AND NOT BUILD THEM UP PSALM 106:35 but were mingled among the heathen and learned their works PSALM 106:39 thus were they defiled ---with their own works--- and went a whoring with their own inventions EPHESIANS 2:8 for by grace are you saved through faith and that not of yourselves it is the gift of GOD --2:9-- not of works lest any man should boast *******PSALM 94:4 HOW LONG SHALL THEY UTTER AND SPEAK THINGS AND ALL THE WORKERS OF INIQUITY BOAST THEMSELVES******* ACTS 20:32 and now brethren I commend you to GOD ---and to the word of HIS grace --- which is able to --BUILD YOU UP-- and to give you an inheritance among all them that are sanctified TITUS 2:11 for the grace of GOD that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men --2:12-- --teaching us-- that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts we should live soberly -- righteously -- and godly -- in this present world 2 CORINTHIANS 10:5 casting down ---IMAGINATIONS AND EVERY HIGH THING--- that exalteth itself against the knowledge of GOD and bringing into captivity --EVERY THOUGHT TO THE OBEDIENCE OF CHRIST-- JOHN 3:35 THE FATHER LOVETH THE SON and --hath given all things-- into his hand JOHN 5:32 for THE FATHER LOVETH THE SON and showeth HIM all things that himself doeth and he will show ---HIM GREATER WORKS THAN THESE THAT YOU MAY MARVEL--- PSALM 28:5 BECAUSE THEY REGARD NOT THE WORKS OF THE LORD NOR THE OPERATION OF HIS HANDS HE SHALL DESTROY THEM AND NOT BUILD THEM UP ECCLESIASTES 8:11 BECAUSE SENTENCE AGAINST AN EVIL WORK IS NOT EXECUTED SPEEDILY ---THEREFORE THE HEART OF THE SONS OF MEN IS FULLY SET IN THEM TO DO EVIL--- PROVERBS 10:8 the wise in heart will receive commandments ---BUT A PRATING FOOL SHALL FALL--- LOVING THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

Yes, of course. The one involving sight was the one that happened in one of the churches i go to. I saw a white light which looked like an angel to me. It had human shape but no face, and it had wings. It appeared in front of me and i got very scared at first but i didn't have fear because i knew immediately that this was a response to some of the prayers i was doing for months, in regards to a health-related situation. So it was more of a shock-scare, like when someone yells behind you to scare you but you know they don't mean any harm. The angel stayed in front of me for about 10 seconds and then it flew away on the top of the church and went through the roof of the church. My wife was also present who saw this. It was only me and her in the church on a Wednesday afternoon, and the priest opened the door for us so we can pray. So i also have her as a witness to "comfort" me that i wasn't crazy. But even if she wasn't there, i wouldn't care if people believe me or not. Because miracles are personal, unless God wants them public like the Fatima miracle or other miracles throughout history. The one involving smell is related to an icon in Pennsylvania which releases an oil which smells like roses. This is also a miracle onto itself on how this icon releases oil but i was lucky to be anointed with this oil. So, 3 months after, when i was praying, i smelt this scent as a response to my prayer and the issue which was health-related, was resolved. GLORY TO GOD!

Apart from the Bible this is the best resource on prophecy I have come across . . . Prophecy in the Local Church: A Practical Handbook and Historical Overview: Amazon.co.uk: Pytches, David: 9780340595664: Books Here are some quotes from Chapter 20 "The fact that one of the spiritual gifts is for the discerning of spirits (1 Cor 12:10), and the rest of the congregation is told to weigh up the prophecies (1 Cor 14:29) is proof enough that Paul certainly did not believe that gifting in any way implied infallibility". "It is usually a mistake for prophets to be the ultimate authority in a group. A number of heterodox sects and groups have been led by "prophets" whose "inspired" statements led people astray . . . It is the place of prophets to prophesy, but it is the place of the heads of the community to judge prophecy." [Attributed to Bruce Yokum]

I had something to share God had showed me to a man in my church. It was an image with a meaning. Then later in the service we had a person there with prophetic words for my church. The exact same thing was relayed, and I mean exact. Only one other person was aware of what I had said. They turned around and looked at me in church. Only myself, the man and another friend were aware of it since I didn’t make it public. I am “small fry” at the prophetic. It does seem to be occurring.

Thanks guys. May God always get all glory.

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Philippians 1:6

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Philippians 2:12-13

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

Good post Heb 10 32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; 1 Pet 5 10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. John 1 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

@Tristen The 'metanoia' in the Greek refers to a turning, in the NT context, a turning from sin and a turning to God in faith. Paul has a treatise on repentance in Romans 2.

Yes, a play off the statement, " You may not be looking for war but war is looking for you." Thus, you may not be seeking affliction but affliction is seeking you. Sometimes it comes through others who are influenced by their perception of Christianity. Spiritual wickedness influences the non-believers and susceptible believers to react negatively to righteousness seen in Christians because it is a testimony against the evil thoughts and behaviors found in all of us. There is something really annoying about a goody two shoes.

You got it. God and his Word never changes.

People have been debasing and abusing other people in the name of Christ from the earliest days of Church history. The tares were planted early on.

Canada shares this history. The country has been acknowledging and working towards reconciliation for this as well as other matters. It will take time. Many of the indigenous population are Christian, or very open to it, still but understandably a bit skeptical of the institutional church.