missjenny

I'm thinkin' that no matter what the reasons...even tho there are those that are valid....it is not in God's best to have divisions in His body...Jude 19, Eph.4. Here are some interesting webs about it... < http://www.christianity.about.com/od/denom...nominations.htm > < http://www.bringyou.to/apologetics/a120.htm > Bless you...

Bless you sister, Removing the Fire Department and essential services is not what has been advocated nor implied in the article. It's actually none of your business how anyone decides to give or not to give in regards towards their giving to God. It's also up the individual how he decides or decides not to be charitable. That's the point of the commentary. It's between the individual believer and God, much like our relationship with Him. It's manifest through the Corporate body as well. Either way, the Government has no business delegating what to do with my charitable giving and the redistribution of wealth in a free society and republic. It's the heart fo the issue raging in our Nation right now. Will we remain a Free Republic or will we be a Statist republic? At the heart of the issue is a bad interpretation of Christianity. It's not surprising because it is the Liberation Theology that our President sat under for 20 plus years. You should go back and research a man named George Whitefield. You will find that this Nation has stood at the face of this Precipice before. Men who Loved the Lord and His Gospel faced heavy persecution then too. Peace, Dave I am not sure where I said anything about this (in bold)...as it is pretty bold to say some thing is none of my business...as I am not sure that you have the right to say what I can and cannot say, as far as speaking my mind as you have on here...no matter what you think the point of the commentary is...and that I should do this or that. What I have said, or am saying, is that the laws of the land have included protecting peoples property (Fire Department) and safety (Police Department)....so, in my mind, why not go to the heart. Where we make sure each person has basic healthcare...so children have a healthy family to grow up in. This was just my 2 cents to add... Question. Do you sit in front of the collection plate each week at Church and watch who puts in what? You can say whatever you want that doesn't mean that it won't be challenged on a Discussion Board. Are you aware that Fire Departments started as volunteer efforts within the community in this Nation? They were not always Socialized Government run affairs. They started as Charitable actions. The reason I suggested that you seek out history, and in context George Whitefield, is because the Church in this Nation has been around this block once before and it was Whitefield who called us to repentance over the issue. Are you aware that Health Care began to be offered as a benefit by company's in this Nation only after WW2 as an incentive to grab up the very small labor pool? Prior to that folks paid as they went and barter systems were even used. Matter of fact, the notion of Socialized Medicine and the right to Health Care are a modern invention. Something that has come along only in the last 40 or so years. You can read of a woman in the Bible who spent her whole life savings and a large part of her life on worthless cures only to continue to bleed out. It wasn't until she encountered Jesus by Faith that she was healed. Why didn't Jesus start a Socialized Health System or at least encourage it as part of His preaching of the Gospel if Social Justice is central to our Faith? peace, dave Sorry, but when you say 'should' do this or that, or something 'is none of my business', then those are pretty strong words to me...so remember, if you dish it out be ready to take it as well...yes? ........anywayyyyy, as the end nears and things are getting worse, and people are loving money more then ever, and since the healthcare system is a money making business instead of a human service business, which is how it started...this is where my beef is. People became Dr's because they wanted to help people....now it is to make money. This is why people tell their daughters to marry a Dr....and it isn't because they help people. Rarely a country Dr. anymore that just loves to serve the sick. Things changed when it became a money making-listening-primarily-to-the-shareholders business. There are of course those who love serving, but in the whole picture, they are in the minority. I even had a Dr. tell me that she would not do exploritory surgery to find out about a difficult problem I was having, because I didn't have insurance. I've worked with families for yrs and hear this stuff all the time. My husband has had several strokes and is in need of intense occ therapy, but only gets it maybe once a month, because of lack of coverage. We cannot turn a blind eye to the needy. "We know what real love is because He gave His life up for us. And so we aught to give up our lives for our fellow brothers and sisters. But if anyone has enough money to live well and sees a brother and sister in need and refuses to help...how can God's love be in that person? Let us stop just saying we love each other; let us show it by our actions." 1 John 3:16-18 A socialized health system? Jesus didn't need to suggest such a thing...as He said treat others the way you would want to be treated! I don't know how much clearer one can get!? He doesn't need to 'programize' love...as He put it in our hearts, and has given us a new nature that would naturally respond to those in need, in whatever form that would take. Even the Good Samaritan...a person despised...and the worst of sinners...gave of himself to a man in need of lifesaving help....so, how can we as people who are supposed to be living above the standards of a Samaritan, not do what we can for our fellow man?? It aught to be in all of our hearts, mine included, to pour ourselves out for one another. When it was said that if you have 2 coats, then give one away...I believe it meant that 1 body really only needs 1 coat. Also...and no one is saying that we sit at the donation plate and watch...what I think is being said, is a call to Christians to be as Christ and therefore to put peoples needs as a priority...as that is one of the first things He addressed when approaching people....because a dying or starving person probably won't hear "God loves you!"...they need to be shown it.

Amen!! Also, I do not believe in stealing from the wealthy either...however, there is something very wrong when an owner of a company makes millions off the backs of his employees who he only pays a little above minimum wage...this is where things need to change. Not in taking from the wealthy, but in making sure needs are being met...otherwise it is very close to slavery...as one cannot get out of the vicious cycle...and then children are being hurt. We make laws because many do not have enuff conscience to make the right choices on their own...so, it needs to be with this as well.

Bless you sister, Removing the Fire Department and essential services is not what has been advocated nor implied in the article. It's actually none of your business how anyone decides to give or not to give in regards towards their giving to God. It's also up the individual how he decides or decides not to be charitable. That's the point of the commentary. It's between the individual believer and God, much like our relationship with Him. It's manifest through the Corporate body as well. Either way, the Government has no business delegating what to do with my charitable giving and the redistribution of wealth in a free society and republic. It's the heart fo the issue raging in our Nation right now. Will we remain a Free Republic or will we be a Statist republic? At the heart of the issue is a bad interpretation of Christianity. It's not surprising because it is the Liberation Theology that our President sat under for 20 plus years. You should go back and research a man named George Whitefield. You will find that this Nation has stood at the face of this Precipice before. Men who Loved the Lord and His Gospel faced heavy persecution then too. Peace, Dave I am not sure where I said anything about this (in bold)...as it is pretty bold to say some thing is none of my business...as I am not sure that you have the right to say what I can and cannot say, as far as speaking my mind as you have on here...no matter what you think the point of the commentary is...and that I should do this or that. What I have said, or am saying, is that the laws of the land have included protecting peoples property (Fire Department) and safety (Police Department)....so, in my mind, why not go to the heart. Where we make sure each person has basic healthcare...so children have a healthy family to grow up in. This was just my 2 cents to add...

Would you be surprised if I stated that I agree with most of what you've said? Except that last point of order. Allow me to be blunt for a moment and express something. Perhaps you have come here looking for division and have found it? Perhaps you have come here looking for offense and have found it. I think that if you would spend some time fellowshipping here you might find that folks hold dear the same things that you do. However, you would also find that there are some brethren here with some really deep understanding and knowledge of Scripture. You might even learn something. The fact remains that if anyone thinks he knows something he knows nothing even as he ought. 1Co

Would you be surprised if I stated that I agree with most of what you've said? Except that last point of order. Allow me to be blunt for a moment and express something. Perhaps you have come here looking for division and have found it? Perhaps you have come here looking for offense and have found it. I think that if you would spend some time fellowshipping here you might find that folks hold dear the same things that you do. However, you would also find that there are some brethren here with some really deep understanding and knowledge of Scripture. You might even learn something. The fact remains that if anyone thinks he knows something he knows nothing even as he ought. 1Co

Ah! Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever. Psalms 119:160 Yes? I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments. Psalms 119:131 >>>>>()<<<<< Holy Spirit Of The Living God Fall Afresh On Me And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Ephesians 6:17 >>>>>()<<<<< A Love Affair And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. Luke 4:4 With Food From Heaven Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts. Jeremiah 15:16 From the front of my Gideon Bible Maybe This Will Help Maybe Not Be Blessed Beloved Daughter Of The KING Love, Your Brother Joe Thank you Joe!!

Thanks for answering! I believe, for one thing, that we do not have the full understanding of scripture...no one does....as it is not like a novel that is easy to understand...and that I could read it 1000 times and get something new out of it everytime. I also believe that even after understanding context, biblical critisizm, exegesis and other historical considerations, that there is still more layers to peel. Then even after that I believe that there are "hidden secrets" that can only be understood Spiritually...as Jesus talked about when He was explaining why he spoke in parables...so (spiritual) things of the Kingdom could not be evident to just anyone. (also 1 Cor. 2:10-11, Is. 45:2-3) This is called, in my day, the "rhema" word. This is probably where we differ? Yes? I do however, believe that God's "secrets" would always be inline with His word and Who He is...meaning they would not stray. Nothing God would ever reveal to me would point me away from Jesus ever....they would always point me towards Jesus the Christ (This is where feelings do not play a big part)...in fact, they would always reveal more of Jesus and how He and His grace is specifically working in my life. I was saved at the tail end of the Jesus movement...and we were taught about and experienced the Holy Spirit in wonderful ways...and I am not talking about swinging from the chandaliers...or the emotional stuff...it was a very Spiritual time. Some I gather may think that if you get into the spiritual realm...into a place one can't see...into a place where evil spirits also live....that it is a dangerous place to dabble in. However, for instance, we were taught that #1 God would not give us a snake when we ask for fish, or a scorpion if we ask for an egg....so, essentially, He would never give us something hurtful when asking HIM for something Spiritual (fruit, gift, insight). #2 Therefore, if someone's heart intent is to have/experience more of our living God, then God will do it...and the only way one would stray and listen to an evil spirit is if one wanted to. #3 So, this is the 'type' of faith we were taught to have. We were taught that the only ones who would be decieved, would be those who wanted to be decieved...since God would never tempt anyone to stray or give anything that was not good. We were taught that "for lack of knowledge my people perish", so we were not ignorant of the very important basics of salvation, grace, faith, the Holy Spirit and all the essentials....and we were immersed in learning about the Character and Nature of God, Bible history and..as well as how the O&NT's relate to one another and as well as about the basics of what cults believe and how they see God. Times have changed indeed...

Ah Shucks Dear Sister Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. Proverbs 27:6 It Doesn't Hurt All That Much Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17 Especially When We Point Each Other To Jesus! Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:2 >>>>>()<<<<< Be Blessed Beloved Daughter Of The KING Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Psalms 103:1 Love, Your Brother Joe You always seem to say what I am unable to convey as eloquently or as well. Thank you Joe and God Bless!! I know that forums are kinda a new invention...or at least like this. I remember back in the late 90's being in Christian chat.....I just kinda think that it can also be a great place to let the carnal nature rip, ya know? I am praying tho, that it could be a place (or a good portion) where we really practice patience, kindness and the other fruits of the Holy Spirit, since the world looks on....instead of a place of debate and argument, which is so easy for the carnal nature to do....but I guess I'm dreamin'. Nite!

Are you speaking generally or specifically about someone? Just wondering... The ones speaking ill, are speaking about me...and enjoying it. The 2nd replier to my post, which started this whole thing, insisted on debate or argument...as he did not attempt to get any clarification at all BEFORE tearing my post apart. His approach was brash and very hurtful...and humiliating. He didn't seem to care at all to who he was speaking to...as his first statement was not even to me, but to everyone, telling them how he was going to show my errors. My post was very open to respectful conversation and others ideas, and even disagreements, because I like to learn from others.....however, I was not ready for or desired strong debate/dispute. SO, does a believer in Jesus HAVE to defend themselves (altho if they do...they really get it then!!), put up with being TOLD you ARE wrong (which halts discussion and puts up defenses)...or desire or have to put up with strong debate in order to post here on this site??? I'd like to know. It is a discussion forum - people will discuss, debate and sometimes even disagree. If you are unable to understand that, perhaps you should limit your posting to praise and prayer instead of threads which will become debates. I honestly did not know what the comment was about and asked a simple question. I think I have read other threads where you have posted and expressed your feelings, others are free to post theirs too. If we are wrong - we need to be told where we are wrong and corrected - if that upsets you, perhaps you are being too sensitive. Please calm down - Blessings. Ok, then your wrong! Sorry, just kidding...kinda. I believe approach is everything...I am not talking about disagreeing. "If I knew everything about everything, and have not love, then I what good am I?" 1 Cor. 13: 2 >> It should not be left at the door of this Christian forum when entering. We do not have expression, tone of voice, knowledge of the person or intent....all we have are words. Which means they need to be used carefully....unless, like I said, it is a place to leave behavior at the door and just carry in your version of the truth. I've seen some strong posts in here....yet they did not tear anyone up or their thoughts. They stated their beliefs and then invited discussion, and insight....and yes, disagreement. But, they did not ask for others to paragraph, by paragraph tear their posting apart at the very onset of the posting, as if, at least looking as if, trying to derail the whole thing. This is where one must calm down as you say....when approaching others. Yes, also, all kinds of people will post in here....and so to automatically think that everyone is as tough as you or others is not a good thing... Anyway, I am very sensitive to hurting people, and I am sure...as some have told me...that there are others that are too...and they do not post as often as they would like because of the response they may get from some...so, should we only cater to the tougher? Thanks for listening....

"Thats not going to work" might work for you....however, it saved my life. God saved my life...and it was only because of His grace. Just because you don't think it works does not make you an authority. Do you know ALL about God's grace...in it's entirety??? Tell me, do you?? Also, about God and His entirety?? You don't. You and yours truly hurt me...as I suppose I was unprepared for the on-slaught. I do forgive you, altho I am still dealing with this... Sister, We all agree that God Saved our eternal souls. The fact that He has Saved us leads us to a conclussion. There are those that remain unsaved and remaining unsaved leaves us falling short, condemned, and in danger of damnation. God is Just and He will Judge. Because He Loves, He Judges. The Judgment and condemnation are this; Joh

"Thats not going to work" might work for you....however, it saved my life. God saved my life...and it was only because of His grace. Just because you don't think it works does not make you an authority. Do you know ALL about God's grace...in it's entirety??? Tell me, do you?? Also, about God and His entirety?? You don't. You and yours truly hurt me...as I suppose I was unprepared for the on-slaught. I do forgive you, altho I am still dealing with this...

Are you speaking generally or specifically about someone? Just wondering... The ones speaking ill, are speaking about me...and enjoying it. The 2nd replier to my post, which started this whole thing, insisted on debate or argument...as he did not attempt to get any clarification at all BEFORE tearing my post apart. His approach was brash and very hurtful...and humiliating. He didn't seem to care at all to who he was speaking to...as his first statement was not even to me, but to everyone, telling them how he was going to show my errors. My post was very open to respectful conversation and others ideas, and even disagreements, because I like to learn from others.....however, I was not ready for or desired strong debate/dispute. SO, does a believer in Jesus HAVE to defend themselves (altho if they do...they really get it then!!), put up with being TOLD you ARE wrong (which halts discussion and puts up defenses)...or desire or have to put up with strong debate in order to post here on this site??? I'd like to know.

Actually, you are assigning a very humanistic understanding of the nature of God. Yes, He is Loving, However, He is also Just. Therefore, He will Judge. Let's take into counsel the whole of the Word of God so that we get a complete picture of God. If not we are danger of preaching an unbalanced Gospel. It is correct to say that because God Loves that He does in fact Judge. Peace, Dave Matt, I know you like to argue...however, I am not assigning what you said....you however, are not thoroughly reading my reply to the OP. Love hates evil, so of course it will judge. Of course it will deal with sin...as sin is evil. You are picking at words and not trying to understand. I believe however, that your understanding of God is faulty because yes, He hates sin, but as far as the judgment part....He would much rather, as Christ's death atests to, redeem then judge...this is what kind of Love God has. However...it is your choice to believe what you want.

Amen, so I'll stop, as I am not able I guess to relay to you what is in my heart.... Bless you...

Bruce, thank you for posting this. I am wondering tho is if folks truly understand the biblical concept of love. I think most think in terms of the 'love' they see and experience everyday, instead of the powerful love that God says that He IS! A love that hates evil by it's very nature, for instance...as I have recently been TOLD that God's nature is much MORE then love because HE judges and deals heavily with sin and etc......yet, the two - dealing with sin and loving - ARE very compatable, and not seperate at all. When I love someone I do not want them harmed by evil. I also want the very best for them...and therefore do not want them tangling with sin and it's destruction. Also, true agape love displaces evil...as light displaces darkness. It also sacrifices itself for another. It comes from heaven, therefore it is powerful and so it IS NOT the fluffy, powerless love we see here on earth. Therefore, I think people have to realize that when they read about God's love or loving others in scripture that THIS love is a far-cry from the love they are automatically thinking of. Blessings to you... You have much wisdom, Miss Jenny. You are correct. Sadly, if we are existing still in our flesh, we think thru that flesh and judge by the flesh. We are told to put off the old man and be renewed in the spirit of our mind and to put on the new man, created in righteousness and true holiness. Yet how many try to renew their minds without first putting off the old nature which is totally contrary to God working thru us, and teaching us real truth. Love is the very essence of our Christian faith, but it is far from just ooey-gooey feelings. It is submission to His will, totally trusting that His will for us is "that good and perfect and acceptable will of God". It is putting full faith in His promises to us, no matter how far fetched they are to our human reasoning. We do not serve a God of the natural, but of the supernatural, and all His promises in Christ are yea and amen. We can take them to the bank, write checks on them regardless of what we see and feel, and know that God is not a man that He should lie. How do we truly show our love to our Father? We TRUST Him with our lives, and in that trust, fully, 100% submit to His will, whatever it may be. How can we do that? Because we KNOW He loves us and would never give us anything that was not perfect for us to make us full of joy in Him. You posts are much appreciated. Blessings, Bruce "Never a soul set free without being made to feel it's slavery." By G. MacDonald

Bruce, thank you for posting this. I am wondering tho is if folks truly understand the biblical concept of love. I think most think in terms of the 'love' they see and experience everyday, instead of the powerful love that God says that He IS! A love that hates evil by it's very nature, for instance...as I have recently been TOLD that God's nature is much MORE then love because HE judges and deals heavily with sin and etc......yet, the two - dealing with sin and loving - ARE very compatable, and not seperate at all. When I love someone I do not want them harmed by evil. I also want the very best for them...and therefore do not want them tangling with sin and it's destruction. Also, true agape love displaces evil...as light displaces darkness. It also sacrifices itself for another. It comes from heaven, therefore it is powerful and so it IS NOT the fluffy, powerless love we see here on earth. Therefore, I think people have to realize that when they read about God's love or loving others in scripture that THIS love is a far-cry from the love they are automatically thinking of. Blessings to you...

Hey, did you guys think my allogory was kinda silly?? I think it was kinda imaginative if I do say so myself. It does sound nice in theory MJ - however (and not to burst your bubble ) - I have met spirit filled Christians too who lack when it comes to loving others...doesn't sound right does it? but it happens...that is why mentioned earlier that it is a hard commandment and it's a deep subject...many Christian folk know that the HS is prompting them but don't follow through with the promptings or don't have the faith that it is the HS prompting them in the first place...the reason being maybe is when the HS is prompting one to do something so radical and out there that you couldn't believe it could be the HS......but yet it is. The flesh likes same old same old and comfort, familiarity...the HS really is out there and makes one "live on the edge" at times....it can be daunting but when one has obeyed, the confirmation that it was the HS's leading is outstanding and draws one closer to God ! So have I...this is why I am not in the charasmatic/"Spirit-filled" movement anymore. This is not what I am speaking of at all. If you read in Gal. 5:22 you'll see what the Holy Spirit produces and these are what God would like to work into every believers life....as the carnal life we were born with can't live the way God would like us to live. It is not a theory, as God has been working this in me, and little by little it becomes more and more natural, instead of unnatrual or unfamiliar as it once was. Yes, in 5:17 it says the same thing, that there will always be a conflict between the two natures. I would encourage you to keep praying and asking God to work this in you....and He'll be faithful to show you in a way that you'll be able to take it in. Also, the "obeying of the Holy Spirit" part can only come about when one has the faith to move forward....and so God must bring a person to that point...where we can let go of control and let God work the fruits in us. Blessings to you.... In the red text: I have to say, one doesn't always obey when one should - even those who are giants in faith - please, I have seen this myself. everyone's personalities are different and God takes this into consideration...He works with us and our failings....that does not mean the Holy Spirit is not active - King David is someone I would call Spirit filled and yet he fell many times.... HG, I have wrestled with whether to continue being involved with posting on any Christian forum as words just do not do justice to what one is truly trying to say. I'm sure you see it...words are flat, one dimensional without expression and intent....so it is so hard to comunicate to you how much I sympothize with you. After 33 yrs of being a Christian (I was 19, in 1977 when I was saved) it has been the one thing that has been my prayer, "to treat others the way I would want to be treated"....and subsequently I have come a long way in learning to follow the HS's lead which in turn naturally pushes the flesh out of the way...but I am not there yet, not at all. I think it is the ONE thing that is the hardest for the carnal nature to allow, so it resists with all it's might. Therefore, when I said (what you hilighted in red) "...can only come about when one has the faith to move forward." I meant that it is important to have faith for this particular thing, and that means that God doesn't expect you to white-knuckle it and try and do it in your own strength....so it's important to first have that needed faith 1st, which God will give you in time. And, yes, I believe you are right...it is done differently in each person...of course as we are each in different places...with differing personalities and so forth. Bless you real good!!!

Hey, did you guys think my allogory was kinda silly?? I think it was kinda imaginative if I do say so myself. It does sound nice in theory MJ - however (and not to burst your bubble ) - I have met spirit filled Christians too who lack when it comes to loving others...doesn't sound right does it? but it happens...that is why mentioned earlier that it is a hard commandment and it's a deep subject...many Christian folk know that the HS is prompting them but don't follow through with the promptings or don't have the faith that it is the HS prompting them in the first place...the reason being maybe is when the HS is prompting one to do something so radical and out there that you couldn't believe it could be the HS......but yet it is. The flesh likes same old same old and comfort, familiarity...the HS really is out there and makes one "live on the edge" at times....it can be daunting but when one has obeyed, the confirmation that it was the HS's leading is outstanding and draws one closer to God ! So have I...this is why I am not in the charasmatic/"Spirit-filled" movement anymore. This is not what I am speaking of at all. If you read in Gal. 5:22 you'll see what the Holy Spirit produces and these are what God would like to work into every believers life....as the carnal life we were born with can't live the way God would like us to live. It is not a theory, as God has been working this in me, and little by little it becomes more and more natural, instead of unnatrual or unfamiliar as it once was. Yes, in 5:17 it says the same thing, that there will always be a conflict between the two natures. I would encourage you to keep praying and asking God to work this in you....and He'll be faithful to show you in a way that you'll be able to take it in. Also, the "obeying of the Holy Spirit" part can only come about when one has the faith to move forward....and so God must bring a person to that point...where we can let go of control and let God work the fruits in us. Blessings to you....

Hey, did you guys think my allogory was kinda silly?? I think it was kinda imaginative if I do say so myself.

Hi HIS girl and everyone! I'm not sure if you glanced at my reply at about 8pm or so....but I wanted to add that God won't get in the way of our will....so, if we are still 'trying' then He'll let us. He won't push you aside and make you do something. So, if you are still trying to love, then you are not letting Him love in and thru you. 'Try' means that there is a part of you (and me that is not trusting God to do it. The fruits of the Spirit can only be activated Spiritually......so, because the Holy Spirit is always ready and waiting, it is US that need to literally stop trying by faith...then by faith put your focus/set your mind on Christ. When we are in the midst of trying, we are going out and, well....think about what you are doing when you are trying. You are trying so hard to hit the target....so you are watching the target really closely. You watch the targets response to see how good your aim was, and if it didn't seem to hit the bulls-eye, then you try even harder, then it ends up where you are putting your focus back on yourself and either trying again and again, or giving up. The flesh's loving depends on the responses of the target and how good you are at aiming. It is all a matter of currcumstancial effort...it's dependant on if and how well you hit the target. However, when the Holy Spirit is in control, the archer aims the arrow and lets the arrow go....and then after has put the outcome in the hands of God. This kind of archery is joyful, because the archer is enjoying the activity because the outcome is in someone elses hands WHO IS very capable of taking care of the target! So, therefore, the archer lets go of the arrow by faith. Having deliberate intention/faith on your part, each day to draw the arrow, aim and shoot, is all God is asking. Then as time passes, it becomes such a joy, that each day, you'll be living this way naturally. Bless you all....

To be honest, even tho there are those with more natural inclinations...such as in loving...however, to agape-love others takes the unction of the Holy Spirit. It took me years of asking God to help me treat others the way I would want to be treated...and so God began showing me that loving others, or treating others the way I would want to be treated, literally meant taking my eyes off of the behaviors of the others. Then what this meant was that I was not allowing others behaviors to dictate my own behaviors, and instead allowing Christ to dictate them. I started out waking up each morning with the deliberate intention of looking for oportunities that day to treat others in the same way I would want them to treat me...which is not burdensome at all. So, when I shopped, I would smile at the cashier, and look at the waitress in the eye and be kind, and walk down the street with a positive expression on my face, and just took whatever opportunity that came my way to show care to others. It started out as a little bit...ah...robotic..kinda...but as I did it everyday, it became a part of me and God changed my heart and it is now a joy and it is very natural now for me to think of how to show a caring attitude towards others. So, basically you ask God for the unction and take a few 'baby' steps and allow God to work in you the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Oh, and by the way....when you spend time loving others, it is much harder for your flesh to be harming others/sin....therefore the flesh becomes very managable...Gal.5:16-26

>>>>> Beloved, let us love one another. For love is of God and everyone that loves is born of God and knows God. He that loves not knows not God, for God is love. Beloved, let us love one another. 1 John 4:7-8 <<<<< >>>>> When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us: Love... Gal.5:23 <<<<<< Blessings to you...

I was saved at the end of the Jesus movement...and we loved growing and learning and becoming familiar with the Spiritual...as we learned that the carnal nature was not familiar with the things of God. We looked up to veterens of the faith who had been walking in the Holy Spirit for many years and longed to learn from them. However, for a number of years now I have seen so much of the American church (I am not familiar with living anywhere else) lose their Spiritual fruits,Love and power that leads to Godly maturity...as well as the fervor to learn and grow more Spiritually. Instead of desiring more insight, I see it is quickly rejected and disputed...I suppose because it doesn't sound familiar. I am going to display a little gall here, when I say that I believe that so many of us that profess Chrisitanity need to begin realizing that Chrisitanity is a Spiritual walk....not carnal. Therefore we need to begin stepping into the Spiritual realm and begin getting to know intimately God Himself, the Author of scripture Himself, and His Holy Spirit...then interpreting scripture and living the Christian life will be more powerful, fruitful and not as difficult, or as divisive in the body...because the flesh has a MUCH greater chance of getting out of the way when we come to truly know God, not just in the head/intellectually, but personally and daily through walking in His powerful Holy Spirit. I would even say that many people are more interested in getting to know scripture cognatively then they are in knowing God Himself Spiritually...otherwise there would not be the bitter arguments, quarrels and divisions that come from the carnal nature. (Gal.5:19-21) Now, it seems, that when you even suggest that there are those that might not be living Spiritually, folks feel threatened and say you're being judjemental and begin giving verse upon verse to back up their stance. Yet, this is sad to me, because I remember longing to grow more spiritually and remember gleaning much insight from fellow believers....well, anyway... "Having a form of Godliness, but denying the power" The just will live by faith. By faith I believe and know that God IS love....and not a fluffy love, but a powerful, agape-love that is VERY evidently God's prime motivation for everything He does and has done. His love IS unadulterated.....it is pure, as God is nothing but pure (God is light, and there is no darkness in Him)....altho the carnal mind cannot comprehend this...which is why many have a hard time understanding and therefore will naturally handle spiritual principles/concepts carnally. Example: when the carnal mind or spiritually immature mind reads or sees that God is love, it automatically thinks of the earthly, unstable, powerless love it has been familiar with. Therefore instead of realizing that scripture is unearthly/heavenly and therefore must be spiritually discerned.....they don't question themselves and their familiar definition of love and then put their carnal definition IN instead. So, what should be happening, is we each need to start questioning our own definitions and perceptions and then start asking God to help us walk in the love and power of the Holy Spirit in order to truly comprehend the true meanings in scripture. The carnal mind has devised it's ways of understanding scripture....but that way just keeps doubling and furthering the divisions. If we are divided, it should be because people are afraid of the cross and the power they see...not because of disputes over interpretations. >>> Pls read 1 Cor. 1:10-2:16. Paul speaks about how 'the secret wisdom' (the underlying spiritual meanings) of God can only be revealed to the Spiritually-minded....and NOT to those with persuasive human wisdom. When I was saved in the 70's, the power was evident and we learned that the prime interpretation of scripture came from getting to know God closely thru the Holy Spirit's guidance. We were taught the "rhema" word was different then the written word...and so the written word could ONLY be Spiritually discerned, which made it rhema. Where as now, it is intellectually 'discerned' most oftenly it seems. Of course Spiritual discernment was always built on learning biblical history, exegesis, and biblical criticism....however, when it came to Spiritual principles and the message scripture was trying to bring to us, we were taught that they can only be Spiritually discerned, therefore BY people who KNOW God and walk in His Holy Spirit. Thank you for reading.... Pls take a few minutes and see how many divisions we have in the Christian church today.... < http://www.bringyou.to/apologetics/a120.htm > < http://www.christianity.about.com/od/denom...nominations.htm >