Repent1

Greetings my brethren and fellow sojourners, Praying always continuously for you Many nonbelievers as well as others who make the claims of belief (but are tossed to and fro; Ephesians 4:14), often like to dispute that the Bible was contrived (Obviously planned or calculated) and written by the mind of man, and that it is not the inspired word of God, given to man by God himself. When I find myself faced with such challenges, I reflect on knowledge such as the following, which I believe demonstrates that no amount of bright minds working together, could have ever established anything as precise as what God has done here. When you examine the Hebrew meanings of the names of the genealogy (lineage or pedigree) of Noah, you will find the story of the Gospel (The Good News): Genealogy of Genesis 5 Name --- Hebrews Translation Adam --- Man (is) Seth --- Appointed Enosh --- Mortal Konan --- Sorrow, (but) Mahalalel --- The Blessed God Jared --- Shall come down Enoch --- Teaching Methuselah --- His death shall bring Lamech --- The Despairing Noah --- Comfort, Rest

There are still some things that God can not do, and still be the Holy God that he is: [Titus 1:2] In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; God can not lie!!!!!!!!!! Your brethren in Christ, Repent1....

Greetings to all who are called Sons (servants) of God , I pray you the blessings of the Father and the Son If God calls us epistles (letters), read of all men, what is the message that we are presenting (offering for observation, examination, or consideration; show or display), we have to ask ourselves what type of witness are we before God and man. Do our words and our deeds Glorify the Father which is in heaven? [Colossians 3:16-17] 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. [Proverbs 6:16-22] 16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. 20 My son, keep thy father's (God

Greetings fellow sojourners, God

Greetings OneWhoIsSeeking, I pray you the blessings of the Father and the Son The following chapter illuminates me in reference to this issue: [iI Peter 2:1-22] 1 but there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily (secretly) shall bring in damnable heresies (beliefs or views held by a member of a church that contradict its orthodoxy, or core doctrines), even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious (deadly) ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness (enviousness) shall they with feigned (artificial, insincere, phony) words make merchandise (Goods bought and sold) of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth (rest) not. 4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness (ignorance), to be reserved unto judgment; 5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; 6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; 7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy (Offensive to accepted standards of decency) conversation (ways, behavior and manner of life) of the wicked: 8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed (Irritated, distressed, or annoyed) his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds 9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: 10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. 11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. 12 But these, as natural brute (Lacking or showing a lack of reason or intelligence; stupid) beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; 13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot (wild or wanton living) in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; 14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous (envious) practices; cursed children: 15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet. 17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness (ignorance) is reserved for ever. 18 for when they speak great swelling words (loud boasting) of vanity, they allure (entice) through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness (A complete surrender of inhibitions), those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. 19 While they promise them liberty (freedom), they themselves are the servants (slaves) of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 for it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 but it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. Don

Greetings kroschild, God's blessings upon your house I would respecfully disagree with your statement, God is perfect and without sin, and could not sin if he wanted too, just as Christ was without sin, If he had had any sin in him (In deed or thought), he could not have become our propitation. If God sinned that sin would immediately become Righteousness, our perfect God does only that which is Righteous and Holy, otherwise he would cease to be the perfect God. [Leviticus 11:44-45] 44 For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 45 For I am the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy. [i Peter 2:21-25] 21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were (spiritually) healed. 25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. [Romans 6:23] For the wages of sin is death If God sinned he would have to, according to his own law, destroy himself. (where would that leave us? ) Walking with you in the spirit of peace and love, your brethren in Christ, Repent1...

Exellent. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Well said, Well spoken SJ

Greetings to all who love the Father and the son I pray all believers the blessings of the shepherd [My testimony]

Greetings Budman, God's blessings I think that the answer to your question is mercy, God's Mercy!!!!!!!! [Romans 9:15-16] 15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. To quote Ray: Since, we can't judge we really can't say yes or no. Only God knows where there heart is and that is where he takes all things in to consideration. Mercy was always a product of grace (God's omnipotent power working on our behalf) as demonstrated by Paul's testimony: [i Timothy 1:13-14] 13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. Those who don't believe the testimony of God, for whatever reason, or lose the ability to choose or reject Christ will have to rely on God's mercy at Judgment. Walking (operating) with you in the spirit of peace and love, your brethren in Christ, Repent1...

I am in awe. I am praising Jesus right now over what you have written. Thank-you so very much. warm regards -bud <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Greetings, God bless [You said] This verse not only clearly disputes any argument to the contrary of OSAS, it confirms the reality of God's absolute control over the believer's environment! [My testimony] I agree that the all the verses which you have quoted are absolutely true, however the following verse, Hebrews 10;26-27 is equally true and in my opinion contradicts the OSAS concept. God will not break the covenant which he has established by the blood of Christ, but this covenant comes with conditions. God has always had conditions associted with the creation, from Adam (and before) to the last book of the bible: [Revelation 22:18-19] 18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. But we as finite have the propensity to disobey and to become the unclean thing before God, it is, according to scripture our responsibility to be good stewards over the gift of forgiveness and to enter in through the strait (Difficult; stressful) gate [Matthew 7:13-14 13 Enter ye in at the strait (Difficult; stressful) gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.] [Equally true] [Hebrews 10:26-31] 26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. If you are a believer, you have surrendered your will to the will of God, and you seek diligently to be in obedience to the commands of God, humility and obedience are the key to continued fellowship with God. This is the only way that the verses that you have quoted apply. [John 3:17-21] 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation (blame), that light (truth) is come into the world, and men loved darkness (ignorance) rather than light (truth), because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest (visible), that they are wrought (formed) in God. [Luke 13:23-28] 23 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, 24 Strive ( exert much effort or energy; endeavor) to enter in at the strait (Difficult; stressful) gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. 25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: 26 Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. 27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. 28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. Your brethren in Christ, Repent1....

Greetings nebula, God bless [You ask] OK - so from where did Jeremiah learn about Celtic practices? You know, Celtic - British Isles - way, way, way far away from Israel - where evergreen trees were a symbol for eternal life - the reason the symbol was redeemed by Christians. [My testimony] I don

Greetings salt and light, I pray you the blessings of the shepherd I couldn't have said it better I believe that the message is in your screen name (salt of the earth, light of the world), good choice Your brethren in Christ, Repent1.... <{POST_SNAPBACK}> What do you think of what Cats and I wrote about this? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Greetings fellow sojourners, I pray you the blessings of the shepherd of our soul [catsmeow said] In addition, there are many do's and don'ts the religious hierarchy practiced but they missed the "heart of the Law"....which is mercy. [My testimony] It

Greetings salt and light, I pray you the blessings of the shepherd I couldn't have said it better I believe that the message is in your screen name (salt of the earth, light of the world), good choice Your brethren in Christ, Repent1....

Greetings shammah, I pray you the blessings of the shepherd of our soul Excellent demonstration of discernment (The act or process of exhibiting keen insight and good judgment), you go girl Your brethren in Christ, Repent1....

Greetings to all, God's blessings Happy Holidays What does this description in Jeremiah sound like to you? [Jeremiah 10] 1 Hear ye the word which the LORD speaketh unto you, O house of Israel: 2 Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. 3 For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the Axe. 4 They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. 5 They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good. Your brethren in Christ, Repent1....

Greetings SJ, God bless I posted a direct response to your posting in post #17 on the board, and as I said, your posting is so extensive that I will have to respond in sections, a couple each night. Is your Attitude the Indwelling spirit working? [Colossians 3:12-17] 12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels (affections) of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity (love), which is the bond of perfectness (Lacking nothing essential). 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Your brethren in Christ, Repent1....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}> Greetings dgolvach, I pray you the blessings of the Alpha and the Omega [You said] The term "Grace" has a definition as "Unmerited favor" [My testimony] You

<{POST_SNAPBACK}> I guess that would explain why "conditional grace" is an oxy-moron. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Greetings SJ, God's blessings on this day Grace is not conditional, your fellowship with grace is. [i Corinthians 10:21] Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. [iI Corinthians 6:14-18] 14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk (operate) in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive (accept) you. 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. [My testimony] Maybe I'm slow, but this sounds like conditions to me your brethren in Christ, Repent1....

Greetings fellow sojourners, God's blessings to all Most of our friends in the religious community want to tell us that when God decides to bestow His grace upon us, we have no choice in the matter. And once a man has entered into God's favor (been saved), his continuing to receive God's grace is not conditional at all upon mans teaching, actions or will. Article 9 of the Methodist Discipline states, "Justification by faith alone is a most wholesome doctrine and full of comfort." I can see where "faith alone" would be a very comforting idea, can't you? If that were true, you wouldn't have to worry about anything you might do. In fact, it would leave you the option of doing anything you might desire. Things such as cheating, lying, committing sexual immorality (and all that it implies) or even murder might be engaged in without fear of any repercussions from God. It seems somewhat strange that people believe this, in that we have so much evidence in the Bible, of God placing conditions on mankind. In Gen. 2:16-17 God told Adam, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat..." Is this not a command from God that Adam and Eve were required to keep? Because of the fact that they transgressed that command (sinned), Adam (and Eve) were driven out of the garden and man was separated from God. We see conditions placed on man's continued salvation all the way through the Bible. Most of the time the little word "if" (on the condition) is the signal of some conditions. In 2 Peter 1:10, Peter says, "for if (on the condition or stipulation that) you do these things, you shall never fall." In this verse never falling is conditioned by the word "if'. In Acts 8:13 Simon obeyed the gospel (called gospel of God's grace in Acts 20:24). Yet after entering into a saved state he fell into sin as to be (1) doomed to parish, (2) having a heart not right with God, (3) needing to repent, (4) being guilty of wickedness, (5) poisoned by bitterness and (6) bound by iniquity. Some will tell us that he was not really saved, but the scriptures do not support such statements. Here is a man who entered into the grace of God then turned to his own will and committed sin, refusing to abide by the conditions of the Lord and thus falling from grace. Either that, or with all of the things mentioned here against him, he still goes to heaven. But in Revelation 21:24 we read, "But there shall by no means enter it (heaven, jlc) anything that defiles, or causes a abomination or a lie...." That means sin cannot enter heaven. Also in Heb. 6:4-6 we read, "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. The writer here is speaking to those who need to go beyond the first principles of Christ (Heb. 5:12-14). It could not be the alien sinner since the sinner needs to obey the first principles not go beyond them. The writer is speaking to those (1) once enlightened, (2) who have tasted the heavenly gift, (3) partook of the Holy Spirit and (4) tasted the good word of God. Not one of these can apply to the alien sinner because the alien sinner has not tasted nor partaken of any of these and certainly not been enlightened, as the Bible throughout speaks of his state as "darkness". Instead this is describing the child of God who has not born the proper fruits, with the warning he can fall away. Peter addressed his second letter to those who have already obtained faith of the same value (just as strong) as the apostles (2 Pet. 1:1). Would I be wrong in assuming that they were saved? After saying that they can pursue the course that will cause them to never fall (2 Pet. 2:10), he then points out that they can be "led away with the error of the wicked"(2 Pet. 3:17). Surely it is clear that remaining in God's favor (grace) is conditioned on continued obedience to Him. Either these spoken of could fall and be lost or Heaven will have some who have left faithfulness and embraced the error of the wicked. God knew that man would attempt to tamper with His will, so he left us clear statements to disprove these human theories. Read 1 Tim. 4:1-2 and Gal. 5:4. John 10:28-29 reads, "And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand." Some will raise the question, "doesn't this prove that one cannot fall?" The forces of error will use many passages to try and lull people into security. What is said in John 10:28-29 is absolutely true; no man, no force, not even Satan himself, can forcibly remove a child of God from God's care. No one who hears the voice of the Lord and follows Him is going to fall. And no power can remove such from God's hand. But in the points we have already made God's Word speaks of those who make a decision to refuse to hear, refuse to follow, and willfully persist in entering into a sinful way. No one snatched them from the Lord's hand: they willfully departed. There is not doubt that one who abides by the conditions of God is enjoying God's grace, and will be saved eternally. Conversely one who decides to not continue in God's Word will fall from grace (favor) and be eternally lost. Remember Peter's admonition: "If (on the condition or stipulation that) you continue to do these things." Walking with all people in the spirit of peace and love. Your brethren in Christ, Repent1.....

Cont.... [iI Timothy 2:11-13] 11 It is a faithful saying: For if (on the condition or stipulation that) we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12 If (on the condition or stipulation that) we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if (on the condition or stipulation that) we deny him, he also will deny us: 13 If (on the condition or stipulation that) we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. [John 10:37-38] If (on the condition or stipulation that) I do not the works (actions/deeds/activities) of my Father, believe me not. But if (on the condition or stipulation that) I do, though ye believe (accept as true) not me, believe (accept as true) the works: that ye may know, and believe (accept as true), that the Father is in me, and I in him. [James 4:8] Draw (move) nigh (near) to God, and he will draw (move) nigh (near) to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. (a required response) [i John 2:3-11] 3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if (on the condition or stipulation that) we keep his commandments (orders/instructions). 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments (orders/instructions), is a liar, and the truth (Christ) is not in him. 5 but whoso keepeth (obey) 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 (operate), even as he walked (operated). 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 (ignorance) is past, and the true light (truth) now shineth (Immediately apparent). 9 He that saith he is in the light (truth), and hateth his brother, is in darkness (ignorance) even until now. 10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light (truth), and there is none occasion of stumbling (falling into evil ways) in him. 11 but he that hateth his brother is in darkness (ignorance), and walketh (operates) in darkness (ignorance), and knoweth not whither (To whatever place, result, or condition) he goeth, because that darkness (ignorance) hath blinded his (spiritual) eyes. [Matthews 6:14-15] 14 for if (on the condition, or stipulation that) ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 but if (on the condition, or stipulation that) ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. [Matthews 9:21] For she said within herself, If (on the condition, or stipulation that) I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. [John 11:40] Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if (on the condition, or stipulation that) thou wouldest believe (accept as true), thou shouldest see the glory of God? [Matthews 27:41-43] 41 Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, 42 He saved others; himself he cannot save. If (on the condition, or stipulation that) he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. 43 He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if (on the condition or stipulation that) he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. [John 8:24] I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if (on the condition or stipulation that) ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. [John 10:37-38] 37 If (on the condition or stipulation that) I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. 38 but if (on the condition or stipulation that) I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him. [Romans 10:9-10] 9 That if (on the condition or stipulation that) thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth (accept as true) unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (deliverance). [My testimony] My point being that the promises of God are established on conditions and have required responses. We must repent, we must be baptized, we must confess with our mouth, we must obey, we must believe (accept as true) in our heart. When I hear eternal security, I reminded of these epistles

Greetings dqolvach, I pray you the blessings of the Bright and Morning Star [You said] P.S. to all of the good folks who I part ways with on OSAS. Peace!! Man!!! I'm not grinding an axe over it. (Dime and Horizoneast and whoever else) God Bless Dan [My testimony] Because of your aforementioned statement, Peradventure (Perhaps; perchance) you and I might without animosity (Bitter hostility or open enmity) dialog on this subject. It is not my intention to alter your belief system (only you can renew your mind), but you have testified that you are as OSAS as they come. Upon that testimony I would surmise that you are secure in your beliefs, and therefore unthreatened by someone

Greetings Anne, I pray you the blessings of the Almighty Anne I thank God without ceasing for you, by your words you have demonstrated the indwelling spirit and your fellowship with Christ, [Matthews 12:35-37] 35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. 36 but I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. Scripture admonishes (To remind of something forgotten or disregarded, as an obligation or a responsibility) us to be dead with Christ, that we might be raised in new life with Christ. [You said] But often people become intangled in their own works and that of religion and God's will is nowhere to be seen, I have to say this makes me very sad. [My testimony] If you are a person that has truly died in Christ, that