AnotherSinner

I am going to trust in my Bible.

What I know is that no one suffered as much as Jesus, and no one was more righteous than he. That answers it all for me. Beautifully spoken Eleanor.

This is sad. How many will be misled by the act of praying for this? How can so many forget that Jesus, Himself, taught us...that to get into Heaven we are to have 'childlike' faith. Children too are a blessing...not a curse or a thing to simply be done away with. As a mother of two, this is just...depressing and wrong. I say...if we are able....we try to have some serious prayer to lift up these who feel that God would want this. It is unfortunate.

Thank you Zemke for your insight. I am noticing a lot of contraversy over certain aspects here when it come to AntiChrist. These being if the AntiChrist is one or multiple persons. If the AntiChrist has already come and gone. What you are reflecting here through scripture is the very opposite of the essence or attitude of Christ. Which of course can give us insight to the very persona of the AntiChrist/s. Judas was indeed a wolf in sheep's clothing. As you pointed out with scripture though, he was VERY influencial. This is something to watch for. For whether some of us believe an AntiChrist or many AntiChrists are to come, the AntiChrist has already come...or otherwise....there is a lot of attitude in today's society that is very negative when it comes to Jesus and all that He did, taught, was, and is. So no matter our beliefs here, it is something worth praying about.

This is unfortunate. A difference of oppinion if it is not presented in a way that is utterly slanderous, insulting, but with valid points Biblical or otherwise should not be subject or grounds to get an individual into so much trouble. In truth, I would have refused to write the assignment.... but there was nothing wrong with the notion of stating that one is not in support of a homosexual couple adopting if that is an individual's point of view. Scared to see just how much our freedom of choice is being stripped away. There is little to nothing that can be said that could be stated in a way that could upset someone anymore.

actually, what it says in Romans 8 is that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is the witness that we are the children of God. Romans 8 says nothing about living a sinless life. It says that the righteousness of the law is fullfilled within us. Furthermore, Jesus has already defeated Satan. I don't need to defeat Satan. He was defeated 2000 years ago by Jesus. I walk in the victory that Jesus won FOR me. I don't need to re-fight a war that has already been won. Yes, but that reality is not part of our experience. One thing you need to understand is that there is a difference between how the Bible speaks of "sin" in terms of our bondage to the dominion of sin (our sinful condition) and eradication of any possibilty of committing sin. "Sin" is still here on the earth. It is still part of the human experience, so it is not "abolished." Jesus came to abolish sin, but that reality will not be manifest until He returns and sets the world aright. Romans 1:1-5:11 speaks of the sins we commit. Romans 5:12-8:39 speaks to the bondage of sin we are born into by default as human beings. God works from the inside out. He has set us free from the law of sin and death, but that does not automatically mean that we never, ever sin again as human beings. We all have personality flaws, and shortcomings and you are only fooling yourself if you think you have not sinned in the last year or whatever. What John is saying when you exmaine the original Greek is that those who live in perpetual, habitual, ongoing sin have never known Jesus. He is not saying that if you sin ONE time, you have never known Jesus. You are completely misunderstanding John. As Christians we cannot receive the false teachings and sloppy theology you are peddling on this board. You truly can’t see what is done to scripture to make it fit what you want to believe? My job is just to give a word. I have given that word to you. I also give my witness that a Christian does not sin. So then...are you declaring yourself sinless? Why then...would you need Jesus at all? God has made a home in me, and it is because of God’s protection of his home that allows me to never sin. (John 14:21-23) “Whoever holds to my commandments and keeps them is the one who loves me; and whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I shall love him and reveal myself to him.' Judas –not Judas Iscariot – said to him, ‘Lord, what has happened that you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world? Jesus replied: Anyone who loves me will keep my word and my Father will love him, and we shall come to him and make a home in him.” So you are perfect then? Why do you need Jesus at all? This passage does not speak of any perfection being had after God being within you. Rather it says that anyone who LOVES Jesus will follow His teachings and do as He instructed us to do. Also that God will love this person and will come into Him making a home therein. That is right we are to follow what Jesus said. He said go and sin no more. He called us to be perfect. (Matthew 5:48) “Even the pagans do as much, do they not? You must therefore be perfect just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Then by your standards, I am going to hell then.....

Sinless Perfectionism: Are We No Longer Capable of Sinning As Christians? Found this.....really enlightening, and perhaps much needed in this thread. http://www.epm.org/blog/2010/Jun/30/sinless-perfectionism-are-we-capable There is also this: http://www.christianissues.biz/blog/wordpress/?p=501 The passage that spoke the most to me was this one: 1 John 1:8 (NIV) 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. There is nothing more I am going to contribute to this ongoing discussion from here on, save for prayer. May God Bless You Dani

actually, what it says in Romans 8 is that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is the witness that we are the children of God. Romans 8 says nothing about living a sinless life. It says that the righteousness of the law is fullfilled within us. Furthermore, Jesus has already defeated Satan. I don't need to defeat Satan. He was defeated 2000 years ago by Jesus. I walk in the victory that Jesus won FOR me. I don't need to re-fight a war that has already been won. Yes, but that reality is not part of our experience. One thing you need to understand is that there is a difference between how the Bible speaks of "sin" in terms of our bondage to the dominion of sin (our sinful condition) and eradication of any possibilty of committing sin. "Sin" is still here on the earth. It is still part of the human experience, so it is not "abolished." Jesus came to abolish sin, but that reality will not be manifest until He returns and sets the world aright. Romans 1:1-5:11 speaks of the sins we commit. Romans 5:12-8:39 speaks to the bondage of sin we are born into by default as human beings. God works from the inside out. He has set us free from the law of sin and death, but that does not automatically mean that we never, ever sin again as human beings. We all have personality flaws, and shortcomings and you are only fooling yourself if you think you have not sinned in the last year or whatever. What John is saying when you exmaine the original Greek is that those who live in perpetual, habitual, ongoing sin have never known Jesus. He is not saying that if you sin ONE time, you have never known Jesus. You are completely misunderstanding John. As Christians we cannot receive the false teachings and sloppy theology you are peddling on this board. You truly can’t see what is done to scripture to make it fit what you want to believe? My job is just to give a word. I have given that word to you. I also give my witness that a Christian does not sin. So then...are you declaring yourself sinless? Why then...would you need Jesus at all? God has made a home in me, and it is because of God’s protection of his home that allows me to never sin. (John 14:21-23) “Whoever holds to my commandments and keeps them is the one who loves me; and whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I shall love him and reveal myself to him.' Judas –not Judas Iscariot – said to him, ‘Lord, what has happened that you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world? Jesus replied: Anyone who loves me will keep my word and my Father will love him, and we shall come to him and make a home in him.” So you are perfect then? Why do you need Jesus at all? This passage does not speak of any perfection being had after God being within you. Rather it says that anyone who LOVES Jesus will follow His teachings and do as He instructed us to do. Also that God will love this person and will come into Him making a home therein.

actually, what it says in Romans 8 is that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is the witness that we are the children of God. Romans 8 says nothing about living a sinless life. It says that the righteousness of the law is fullfilled within us. Furthermore, Jesus has already defeated Satan. I don't need to defeat Satan. He was defeated 2000 years ago by Jesus. I walk in the victory that Jesus won FOR me. I don't need to re-fight a war that has already been won. Yes, but that reality is not part of our experience. One thing you need to understand is that there is a difference between how the Bible speaks of "sin" in terms of our bondage to the dominion of sin (our sinful condition) and eradication of any possibilty of committing sin. "Sin" is still here on the earth. It is still part of the human experience, so it is not "abolished." Jesus came to abolish sin, but that reality will not be manifest until He returns and sets the world aright. Romans 1:1-5:11 speaks of the sins we commit. Romans 5:12-8:39 speaks to the bondage of sin we are born into by default as human beings. God works from the inside out. He has set us free from the law of sin and death, but that does not automatically mean that we never, ever sin again as human beings. We all have personality flaws, and shortcomings and you are only fooling yourself if you think you have not sinned in the last year or whatever. What John is saying when you exmaine the original Greek is that those who live in perpetual, habitual, ongoing sin have never known Jesus. He is not saying that if you sin ONE time, you have never known Jesus. You are completely misunderstanding John. As Christians we cannot receive the false teachings and sloppy theology you are peddling on this board. You truly can’t see what is done to scripture to make it fit what you want to believe? My job is just to give a word. I have given that word to you. I also give my witness that a Christian does not sin. So then...are you declaring yourself sinless? Why then...would you need Jesus at all?

Gary, Thank you for sharing these passages with me. At the time, I have been deeply troubled...perhaps even shaken by all that I am learning and seeing going on around me in the world today. So this verse could not have come at a better time. The bible truly is a valid resource in this day and age. For as you said, there is a great deal of division. This is in truth, the reason why I claim myself non-denominational despite my attendance at a Methodist Church. Many messages are preached, but how many do we know for certain are really in line with scripture? By no means am I saying doubt everything that is taugh or revealed unto us. Rather.....check with God first, before asserting and assuming what is spoken by another person, is true. Learning what I have and am of other religions, so as to be better equiped to see the deceptions as well as beliefs others have.... I think in a sense, I am opening my eyes to what Satan and those who serve him...are all about. In short, Self Image....Self Promotion....and the outright denial or removal of God. The hard part or most difficult thing for me to grasp, is that there is any chance of me coming remotely close to what Jesus is and was to us. May God Bless You Dani

Did not vote myself...forgot to register after a move last election. Keyes would have had my vote. Third party was in truth, the least of the evils to me. Seen politics in much of the same light...sadly choice of less of two evils.

Gary, Thank you for your generousity. There are some places. The only thing is....even $100 is something we just do not have that can be thrown that way. Rent alone...is equal to one of my husband's checks. We are going to try to look into some ministries that are giving to families like ours. There is a church that was willing to help us, but we just do not feel right asking for help. Especially when all we can give in return is some of our old clothes, canned goods, and nothing...that could equal up to the amount of a single washer or dryer. This is...just really embarrassing. Already on goverment assistance and feel like we are less of parents because of it. We really do want to get to a point where we will not need help anymore. Just...it is taking forever to get there. Thank you....again. Thank you everyone too...for reading....praying...everything. May God Bless You Dani

As of late, finances have been a harsh reality for my husband and me. He has been working for nearly two years now at the same Restaurant as a chef....and he is still not being give above part time hours. He manages to get full time hours by working six days a week or taking any double shifts he can when they are presented. His checks...are bi-weekly and barely enough to pay for rent and bills. There is nothing really left after that to get anything. Be it clothes for our boys, household cleaning materials, or otherwise. Please....before making any assumptions, keep in mind that these are things we do NOT have: Cable Basic Television House Phone Washer Dryer (Clothes are washed in bathtub and hung up sort of Chinese Laundry...I guess you could say by me.) We DO have: A single vehicle (Family vehicle, thanks to taxes) DVDs Netflix Two cheap Cell phones on monthly low rate plans which sometimes we sacrifice one to make it by which are also cheaper than a single house phone in our area (Sad, yes, but true) He has been presented with a possible, not certain job opportunity out of state somewhere else. This would mean us packing up basically the clothes on our backs and essentials while getting rid of much of everything else. This would also mean possibly moving a long distance away from both his side and my side of the family. Otherwise, he is considering finding himself another job on the side just to make sure we can get by better on our own. I worry for him that, this may be too much and have talked about doing the same...getting a job, but him and I both decided....our boys need their mother. What do we do? Prayer is something that I am going to be really spending a lot of time doing to the Lord over the next week or so. I have thought of fasting, but my body weight is....well....perhaps lower than it should be for my age and height. If anyone has some words of wisdom to pass our way, they would be much appreciated. Thank you....

There are so many qualities or things that each of us do not like about canidates....so I ask you... What do you look for in a canidate? What would you like to see in a President?

Can we please....get back to the topic?

The government should not tell the church how to function or what it is to practice.....this is sad. Just sad.....will...pray....a lot on this matter.

Because that was specifically the purpose He was sent for. That is not our purpose. All of us have different callings and different personal convictions. And as long as those personal convictions do not violate scripture forbidding whatever it is, then one is not sinning or wrong in their own personal convictions. One may feel it is acceptable to own a firearm. Another person may be convicted, personally, not to. Neither person is wrong. The key word is personal. It stops being personal when you attempt to either force or project your personal convictions onto someone else. That is where you get legalism. Some things are wrong no matter what. Cold-blooded murder: Always wrong. Adultery: Always wrong. Homosexuality: Always wrong. Theft: Always wrong. But a great many things people try and forbid others from doing and go around preaching about are not wrong and not morally forbidden. Take alcohol for instance. The Bible completely forbids and condemns drunkenness. But it does not forbid drinking alcohol. The line can get blurred as to what constitutes drunkeness, and there is the risk of eventually becoming dependent on the alcohol, but the use of alcohol is not prohibited. Smoking. Another legalist favorite. No scripture that forbids smoking. It isn't a smart thing to do. It does bad things to your witness and decreases the quality of your life. But you aren't going to go to hell for smoking. You are also not going to go to hell for shooting an intruder who has broken into your home and wants to rape your wife. Yes, Jesus said love your enemies. He did not say let them break into your home or business, let them beat you, take your personal belongings, harm your family. He meant, very specifically, don't go out of your way to inflict vengeance on someone who has slighted you. Something like you lie about me and get me fired at work. I am not supposed to attempt to inflict harm and revenge on you for doing so. That verse has nothing to do with self-defense. Cobalt, you and I clearly do not see things the same way. I thank you though for your insight and will humbly agree to disagree but think and pray on all you have offered me here. May God Bless You Dani

People miss the reason, and importance of this story. It has nothing to do with self-defense. It has nothing to do with some supposed "due authority." The people coming for Jesus did not have the authority to arrest him. Everything they did was illegal and done in secrecy because of it. The reason Jesus chastened Peter for his act was because all this was planned, and Jesus was orchestrating it. None of it was a surprise to Him. Had Peter done a Jackie Chan and succeeding in driving off the people who had come to arrest Christ, he would have been circumventing the plan. Peter was defending Jesus with his actions and attempting to protect Him. People use this as fodder to adopt a pacifist attitude and then force others to do the same, but that isn't the point of the story. Jesus came here to be killed and resurrected. That was his purpose all along, the "End Game." Peter would have short-circuited that purpose, even perhaps only briefly, but he would have altered it and that is why Jesus rebuked Him. Yes, all was done illegally and wrongly to the very core with Jesus. There was a not a part of it that was legal or right. Is that the only reason you think He was rebuked? What of Jesus' message of loving one's enemy. No one showed a greater example of that than Jesus.

That...Jason, my friend...is where we fall short and need to strive to be more like Jesus. For He was beaten, spat on, tormented, and killed for no reason...other than the simple fact, He was who He said He was. It is His example we are to follow. I do not think....though I cannot say I can speak for Him, that He wanted us killing one another....

Patriot, those are some valid and good points. While I may not share your perspective, I do respect where it is coming from. If you were around me with a gun, I do not feel I would have anything to fear from you. As also stated, it is the person who kills...not the weapon.

An interesting point was made here earlier in this thread: Peter drew a sword...and cut off a man's ear who came to arrest Jesus. Did he do this to protect himself? No.... Could he have done it to protect Jesus? Maybe.... yet...Jesus healed the man, one of those who came to destroy Him. Are we perhaps forgetting an important message here?

Gary, I am sorry, but this a bit much for me to grasp. We are to work to be like Christ in faith and action right? Turning away from all sin and temptation. Loving one another, be it friend or enemy as Jesus loved us....correct? These false prophets or AntiChrists....they are .... sorry I am slow I guess. I understand that they are going to work to deceive. That much I am grasping but how do we know them? How do we know that....we ourselves...are not becoming one? Sorry...I know I ask much. Feel really uninformed and uneducated, so I ask many questions. May God Bless You Dani Dani, great questions. The bible speaks of false prophets, false brethren and, false apostles all of which are of the spirit of antichrist. You asked if we are to work to be like Christ in faith and action, turning way from all sin and temptation while loving one another. I would answer both yes and no. The process of sanctification comes from being exposed to both the word of God and those who are sanctified. Paul's greatest witness of his words was the life he lived that others saw. Paul was who he was and did what he did simply because he believed it was of God and therefore the right thing to do. He was given precise understanding of spiritual things and applied them to his life daily. A counterfeit bill looks similar to the real thing and can be very difficult discern. A false brother can be just as difficult to spot. Consider Judas, none of the other 11 knew that he would be the betrayer and they lived with him daily. If we are to be able to identify a true from false we must know what a true follower of Christ actually is. The difference isn't necessarily in what they do or even how they do it but in the motive behind the actions. God is love. 1 Corinthians 13 brings out the truth of conversion dividing light from darkness in the context of love. We are told in Isaiah that a mans goodness is as the flower of the grass and is glorious in its season but the heat of the sun causes the flower to fall just as trials cause a mans goodness to wain. Man is willing to love as long as he is receiving the benefit of that love. God is love. Christ is love. Christs true followers are becoming love. Those who have been perfected in that love have boldness in the day of judgment. They have experienced trials and developed patience through them. That patience became a notch in the belt of experience. That experience developed into hope of life because they found themselves walking as he walked having the love of God shed abroad in their hearts by the Holy Spirit. Christianity can be feigned. Love can be feigned. That which is feigned cannot last as it is only powered by the will of man who can only sustain for so long before he begins to degenerate. True conversion is God speaking to your heart and saying this is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased, which is followed by being washed in the water of the word. Soaking in it. The Holy Spirit of God teaching you daily as you read. Showing you 'how' things work and giving you the understanding you need to overcome sin and be victorious in godliness. There was a time in my walk that I wondered if I were just a fake. I didn't have any Holy Spirit teaching me or anything like that. I vacillated between good and evil. I was convicted severely about my walk and the fact that there was no real drive to be like Christ that was sustainable. What I learned was that I was just trying to 'do' what was right without having my heart in it believing that it truly was the right way to be. It is one thing to understand that when we disagree with God on anything that he is right and we are wrong, but it is entirely a different matter to completely agree with him. Concession is good but vulnerable to temptation. Conversion is seeing things as God sees them and is fireproof. When I finally reached the point that I understood what it meant that knowing the one true God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent is eternal life, it changed everything for me. My deceitful heart could no longer feign anything. I either had to become genuine or face damnation. All that is Antichrist is powered by the spirit of Antichrist including the future ruler who God will allow to rule the planet. All those who twist the word of God to their own destruction are led of the spirit of Antichrist and eventually will fall prey to the manifestation of Antichrist who rules the globe. So when your reading the bible and it speaks about that which is evil, darkness, unclean, unrighteous or truth of God made a lie, you are hearing about Antichrist. All that which opposes truth. They are the dogs who eat their own vomit, pigs that go back to wallow in the mud, the concision who claim circumcision but are not, evil workers who tell you that you can not be like Christ till you die of which the bible warns us to turn away from them as they lead away captive those who are laden with sin. In Jesus Name, Gary Gary, Thank you for your patience with me. Judas is a good example.....he walked with Jesus, talked with Him, was perhaps seen as a friend and brother in faith to Him. None of the disciples could have fathomed the possibility of one of their own betraying, then....when you become close to another person and give someone your trust, you would hope these such things would not be possible. Outwardly Judas, like the others believed in Jesus and followed Him. Yet inwardly.... there was something darker and far more sinister going on. So....more or less, it is not my actions as I grow that I need to be concerned about, but my intentions as I do these things? Please do not think I am saying that the way I choose to live after Christ is not important, it is...but guess what you are trying to say to me and something scripture says that is very true in this case would be: Faith without works is dead. Works without faith...likewise right? It goes so much further than simply obeying the commandments but doing as Jesus summed up we should. To love our neighbor....which of course is not just family or friend, but also those who do not like us and would seek to destroy our faith. Also to love God with all that we are, just as He did when He sent Jesus, His Son to die for us. It is....as if indeed we are to be a loyal bride unto Jesus, our bridegroom much as we are encouraged and taught to be true in our marriages. I understand this now a bit better than I did yesterday. As to the AntiChrist....even false prophets...think I know the attitude for which I may want to look for as they were around in Jesus' day. The Pharisees and Saduccees I think...play a good example here as they were supposed to be the religious leaders of that time. Yet so often when Jesus would speak, they would use scripture as their arms against Him as well as their interpretation thereof. Yet when Jesus taught them....they harbored increasing anger as well as hatred in their hearts. They were not willing to see the truth of God's kingdom that was laid out before them. Thanks again Gary. May God Bless You Dani Dani, you get it, absolutely...one of the hardest things to stomach about being a Christian is that it is others who are called brothers or sisters who sometimes are the ones to do you harm. It is no accident that 1 Corinthians 11, when speaking of the Lords supper, opened up by calling out the division and heresy that was among them. These are things that lead to persecution within the church itself. When I began to question some of the teachings in a church that I attended, I was amazed at just how quickly the pastor got vehemently angry with me and took jabs at me with his words. Yes, faith without works is dead and works without faith is dead also. Many people are busy doing a lot for the Lord with the wrong intentions. Think about those who practice the prosperity gospel that have mastered the principle of sowing and reaping but forgot to combine it with 1 Corinthians 13 love and so it means nothing. "And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing." And what shall he say unto them but depart from me you worker of iniquity, I never knew you? The biggest help I can give to anyone who is trying to learn and grow in Christ is to shed light on the fact that the Holy Spirit must be received and not resisted. Those who stoned Stephen were said to have resisted not received. Every morning I wake up and ask our Father to pour out his Holy Spirit upon me that I might be a tree with the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, meekness, temperance, goodness etc for others to dine on. We receive his love and subsequently shed it upon others. Same with his mercy and his grace. And, yes, even giving it to those whom despise us. I once read a plaque that said "Destroy your enemies. Make them your friends." Kind of what Jesus did for me. In Jesus Name, Gary Gary, Think that is something...all of this....really is something I am learning. The ways I am learning though....perhaps are a bit strange. Was watching some of the movie, "The Passion of The Christ" for the first time last night. With my weak stomach, so many people were concerned that I might not be able to do it. Yet...somehow I know I can. Somehow I know this is something I need to see, and come to perhaps understand a little better of what life was possibly like back then. I have read a little, but feel so little understanding of WHO Jesus really was. I do not just want to go on other's claims of who He is and was. I want to be able to look at scripture and read His words and know...in a way, how He meant them to be heard. There is so much...that my husband has been kind enough to teach me that he has known or understands of culture back in Jesus' day, but ....I have only learned so much. Wisdom or knowledge is something so often I have been discouraged from seeking because it can be a tool of the devil...but then I have asked myself...what was it that Solomon asked God for? Not wealth, nor power, or anything but Wisdom. He wanted knowledge. Yes....he had his faults just as any of us do, but clearly he ask for something that God did not mind giving him. More than anything...I would like to know Jesus better so that way I can truly share Him and what He did for us with others. Yes...I have my own personal demons to fight, but it has just come to that point...where I do not want them holding me back anymore. There is so much I do not know..... About the antiChrist About the transition from old to new testament Etc. Thank you Gary for being so patient with me. May God Bless You Dani

Interesting intro. Nice reminder to that we all need to strive to flee from tempation and abhor that which is evil so as not to fall into the snare of the devil. Welcome to Worthy. May God Bless You Dani

Gary, I am sorry, but this a bit much for me to grasp. We are to work to be like Christ in faith and action right? Turning away from all sin and temptation. Loving one another, be it friend or enemy as Jesus loved us....correct? These false prophets or AntiChrists....they are .... sorry I am slow I guess. I understand that they are going to work to deceive. That much I am grasping but how do we know them? How do we know that....we ourselves...are not becoming one? Sorry...I know I ask much. Feel really uninformed and uneducated, so I ask many questions. May God Bless You Dani Dani, great questions. The bible speaks of false prophets, false brethren and, false apostles all of which are of the spirit of antichrist. You asked if we are to work to be like Christ in faith and action, turning way from all sin and temptation while loving one another. I would answer both yes and no. The process of sanctification comes from being exposed to both the word of God and those who are sanctified. Paul's greatest witness of his words was the life he lived that others saw. Paul was who he was and did what he did simply because he believed it was of God and therefore the right thing to do. He was given precise understanding of spiritual things and applied them to his life daily. A counterfeit bill looks similar to the real thing and can be very difficult discern. A false brother can be just as difficult to spot. Consider Judas, none of the other 11 knew that he would be the betrayer and they lived with him daily. If we are to be able to identify a true from false we must know what a true follower of Christ actually is. The difference isn't necessarily in what they do or even how they do it but in the motive behind the actions. God is love. 1 Corinthians 13 brings out the truth of conversion dividing light from darkness in the context of love. We are told in Isaiah that a mans goodness is as the flower of the grass and is glorious in its season but the heat of the sun causes the flower to fall just as trials cause a mans goodness to wain. Man is willing to love as long as he is receiving the benefit of that love. God is love. Christ is love. Christs true followers are becoming love. Those who have been perfected in that love have boldness in the day of judgment. They have experienced trials and developed patience through them. That patience became a notch in the belt of experience. That experience developed into hope of life because they found themselves walking as he walked having the love of God shed abroad in their hearts by the Holy Spirit. Christianity can be feigned. Love can be feigned. That which is feigned cannot last as it is only powered by the will of man who can only sustain for so long before he begins to degenerate. True conversion is God speaking to your heart and saying this is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased, which is followed by being washed in the water of the word. Soaking in it. The Holy Spirit of God teaching you daily as you read. Showing you 'how' things work and giving you the understanding you need to overcome sin and be victorious in godliness. There was a time in my walk that I wondered if I were just a fake. I didn't have any Holy Spirit teaching me or anything like that. I vacillated between good and evil. I was convicted severely about my walk and the fact that there was no real drive to be like Christ that was sustainable. What I learned was that I was just trying to 'do' what was right without having my heart in it believing that it truly was the right way to be. It is one thing to understand that when we disagree with God on anything that he is right and we are wrong, but it is entirely a different matter to completely agree with him. Concession is good but vulnerable to temptation. Conversion is seeing things as God sees them and is fireproof. When I finally reached the point that I understood what it meant that knowing the one true God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent is eternal life, it changed everything for me. My deceitful heart could no longer feign anything. I either had to become genuine or face damnation. All that is Antichrist is powered by the spirit of Antichrist including the future ruler who God will allow to rule the planet. All those who twist the word of God to their own destruction are led of the spirit of Antichrist and eventually will fall prey to the manifestation of Antichrist who rules the globe. So when your reading the bible and it speaks about that which is evil, darkness, unclean, unrighteous or truth of God made a lie, you are hearing about Antichrist. All that which opposes truth. They are the dogs who eat their own vomit, pigs that go back to wallow in the mud, the concision who claim circumcision but are not, evil workers who tell you that you can not be like Christ till you die of which the bible warns us to turn away from them as they lead away captive those who are laden with sin. In Jesus Name, Gary Gary, Thank you for your patience with me. Judas is a good example.....he walked with Jesus, talked with Him, was perhaps seen as a friend and brother in faith to Him. None of the disciples could have fathomed the possibility of one of their own betraying, then....when you become close to another person and give someone your trust, you would hope these such things would not be possible. Outwardly Judas, like the others believed in Jesus and followed Him. Yet inwardly.... there was something darker and far more sinister going on. So....more or less, it is not my actions as I grow that I need to be concerned about, but my intentions as I do these things? Please do not think I am saying that the way I choose to live after Christ is not important, it is...but guess what you are trying to say to me and something scripture says that is very true in this case would be: Faith without works is dead. Works without faith...likewise right? It goes so much further than simply obeying the commandments but doing as Jesus summed up we should. To love our neighbor....which of course is not just family or friend, but also those who do not like us and would seek to destroy our faith. Also to love God with all that we are, just as He did when He sent Jesus, His Son to die for us. It is....as if indeed we are to be a loyal bride unto Jesus, our bridegroom much as we are encouraged and taught to be true in our marriages. I understand this now a bit better than I did yesterday. As to the AntiChrist....even false prophets...think I know the attitude for which I may want to look for as they were around in Jesus' day. The Pharisees and Saduccees I think...play a good example here as they were supposed to be the religious leaders of that time. Yet so often when Jesus would speak, they would use scripture as their arms against Him as well as their interpretation thereof. Yet when Jesus taught them....they harbored increasing anger as well as hatred in their hearts. They were not willing to see the truth of God's kingdom that was laid out before them. Thanks again Gary. May God Bless You Dani

Gary, I am sorry, but this a bit much for me to grasp. We are to work to be like Christ in faith and action right? Turning away from all sin and temptation. Loving one another, be it friend or enemy as Jesus loved us....correct? These false prophets or AntiChrists....they are .... sorry I am slow I guess. I understand that they are going to work to deceive. That much I am grasping but how do we know them? How do we know that....we ourselves...are not becoming one? Sorry...I know I ask much. Feel really uninformed and uneducated, so I ask many questions. May God Bless You Dani