rebbell

Reformed and Willamina, Totally agree with what you are both saying. Amazing how people have avoided this simple post. Do we not want to get involved with such a question because it convicts our hearts of....(self)? Or, do people (believers) not know what it truly means to "pick up your cross and follow me". Or, do we believe this is the pettier of the matter? when in fact, He is the door, and it starts at the cross. When the Word says, "to give ourselves wholly to Him, to mediate wholly on the Word. "Wholly" something about that word in the WORD that really stands out to me. I believe it means just what it says. We can have as much as we want but what am I willing to give. My life??? Yes, I have made an oath with GOD, to serve HIM. To die for HIM. My life is NOT my own. God Bless

Sitting on the bench isn't really what a Christian is supposed to be about. The entire service is about worshiping God. Like anything showing up is half the battle. The best worship with God I have ever had has been HIM, the Holy Ghost and myself in the middle of the woods sitting on a Rock. Every time I walk in the "church" I feel chains of structured bondage. It's mans way of doing things. Don't speak what ye ought to speak, they will toss you down the hill headlong. Yes, speak what the Holy Ghost is telling you to speak. Pick up your cross and follow HIM. God Bless

I believe in order to pick up our cross and follow HIM, we must first know HIM. We can only know HIM when the Holy Spirit introduces us. Then the Spirit of Truth opens blinded eyes to who Jesus is and what HE did while HE walked here. HE has simply asked of us to pick up our cross and follow HIM. Do you consider yourselves a follower sitting on the bench every Sunday morn? Did you do God service today by showing up and sitting there? God bless

The first commandment is "to love the Lord thy God,"... Ok, now that one has confessed HIM as Lord and Savior of their life, HE plainly states, "Follow Me". What does it mean to you to follow HIM? God bless you

Surrender is what we have to do to be able to pick up our cross. Now that one has surrender and picked up their cross, we follow HIM. To you, What does it mean to bear your cross and follow HIM? God bless you

How many churches did Jesus go in, sit down, and get comfortable in? Which church was HE a member of? God bless

Every time Jesus walked into the synagogues HE called them hypocrites and told them why. HE was justified by GOD for doing GOD's will. He was following the instruction of the Father. The gifts of GOD are without repentance. Jesus didn't go in of HIS own accord throwing a fit. The hypocrites threw a fit, they didn't like what their itchy ears were hearing, they were offended and blamed HIM. When in right standing with GOD, we will not be offended by anything we hear. As it is written; we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. Self righteous pride points the finger in the other direction. God bless There are folks who believe they are more spiritual then others who do the same crap they accuse others of, they just cant see it. Its hard to see a log in your own eye that's for sure lol Amen sister; Amen

There are situations when only a display of righteous anger can affect some change.... For example, and if I remember correctly: David had been hiding and denying his sins of adultery and murder... and it was only Nathan's display of righteous anger than had opened his eyes, and made him admit his guilt.... Another example, and this is my personal story: Our family house (in which I still live because I'm still single, and no, this is not something to be ashamed of in my country) is located in the crowded urban district of our city, and it is situated right next to the main street of our barangay (our lowest local government unit). Thus, it can get real noisy sometimes, esp. in the late afternoon and at night. But we are used to it. About a year ago, however, the noise had become much worse, and that was because our part of the street had suddenly become a very desirable and magnetic place for children to play with -- hard-headed children below sixteen, and who were mostly neglected by their parents. And this sudden change happened because of a new tenant in our neighbor's sari-sari store (a small retail store selling grocery items) -- a single mother with two girls -- girls who attracted other boys and girls from "miles around". To make matters worse, our other neighbors were indifferent to the problem, and my own parents would rather complain to themselves and endure, than do something about it. Therefore, the problem had fallen solely on my shoulders: I love quiet, and too much noise simply shatters my peace, and because this is my home, my very sanctuary, I really felt violated... and angry. It was a months-long spiritual battle: satan was influencing the minds and hearts of those children (and even some of the parents) so that they were extra-deaf to my admonitions that they play elsewhere, and not make the front and side of our house their own personal playground. In short, my temper was aroused many times, and there were shameful moments when I displayed very un-Christlike behavior. Yes, it was a battle. God was teaching me some very important lessons in anger management, and satan was doing his best to make me slip... to make me do something very regretful.... Painfully, I had learned some control over my actions when I'm in a temper. But I was still angry about the situation, no question about it, and because peace and quiet are prices worth fighting for, I got to "patrolling" the street outside (and for months!), establishing my "turf", explicitly stating now that they, the children, could no longer play near our house. And then driving them away, calmly but forcefully, whenever they did start playing, It was kind of funny, really. Me against the children. But if you realize that it was also me and God against satan, then you would see that it was not funny at all. And it was my display of righteous anger, not my gentle admonitions, that has won the victory. Now the store has new tenants (a man and his wife with their little children) who respect my desire for peace and quiet. Now only kids from neighboring houses play in our part of the street, and they know now not to make too much noise (my patrolling days are finally over). And now I'm seeing that I have actually gained some respect from my neighbors, which is a very good thing for me Of course, because I'm here in this forum asking for advice... my anger problems are not yet completely solved. But there definitely have been some improvements, because of these trials So Other One, I hope that I have answered your question to your satisfaction.... Sometimes righteous anger is simply necessary. ~ Self stemmed anger is NOT righteous, in America you would be called a BULLY. Those kids are still without any guidnance. How many youth could have been saved? if you would have put God first, speak God's Word; rather than self and worldly word. Do unto others as you would do unto God. If Jesus (GOD) were playing ball in the street being loud, would you have done the same to HIM? Might be a good time to repent; if you have done it to one of the least, you have done it unto HIM. God bless

Every time Jesus walked into the synagogues HE called them hypocrites and told them why. HE was justified by GOD for doing GOD's will. He was following the instruction of the Father. The gifts of GOD are without repentance. Jesus didn't go in of HIS own accord throwing a fit. The hypocrites threw a fit, they didn't like what their itchy ears were hearing, they were offended and blamed HIM. When in right standing with GOD, we will not be offended by anything we hear. As it is written; we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. Self righteous pride points the finger in the other direction. God bless

Pick up your cross and follow HIM. What does this mean to you all?

Thanks for the reply. You gave a few interesting points. I'll be considering what you said about "the gifts of God are without repentance." Just need to point out a couple of things though: First, Jesus knew beforehand what was going to happen at the moneychanger's tables because he is God and he has that ability. We don't. And second, I have found out in my life that God's leading has been mostly blindfolded, even unto spiritual battles. Isn't this our motto as Christians? Walking by faith and not by sight? ~ Yes, we do have the same ability as Jesus. Example: I was to go to a certain church. Before I got there, I was told I was being sent into the wolves den. I asked, "what are you doing? I was told, "My people are in trouble and they need my help." My feet was running out from under me toward the door. I wasn't doing that. I looked up at the church and saw a giant bridle bit across the door. I reached for the doorknob and saw reins appear on the bridle bit. I opened the door and saw a giant hand as though God had picked the church up and the church was now turning. I only did and said what I saw Him do and what He spoke to me, I spoke to them. I totally understand when Jesus spoke "I do nothing of myself. I do what I see the Father do. It was like when Jesus went in and turned over the money changers table and everyone ran out. Their preacher was the first one out the door. The Word says, "a hireling cares nothing for the sheep because he is a hireling" I understand that. I saw it. We have the same ability as Jesus but we (I) must be one with HIM. HE is in me, and I am in HIM, and we go unto the Father. I can do nothing of myself. I saw a black veil cover the preacher. He and his wife had sit in the church for 60 yrs. She told me I needed to go home I wasn't even worthy to serve God. I was given a new name, rebbell devil. It got very nasty at times in there. It was a handful of people in the congregation. One lady said, "I don't know why it is people keep coming back even though they know they aren't wanted. I said, "God is able to make you stand." They were offended by me greeting them on Sunday morn because when asked, "how are you" I would reply, "blessed". I felt spirits rise. Doors would slam and nobody back there. I hope this has blessed you as much as it did me. I learned so much in that wolves den. I understand the church is turning. They got themselves a new preacher. That is a start. I was placed there by God for abt 6 months. God is in control. God bless you

This thread is a combination about anger and "the gifts of God is without repentance". When Jesus turned the tables over, He was walking in God's will. He knew what was going on before He went in there. God does not lead us into battle blindfolded. He never has and never will. God ordained what happened. God justified what happened. The gifts of God are without repentance. Now, I would not suggest that someone go in and do something that they were not led by God to go do. But, if God has led you in such a way, get ready, the wolf pack will bite hard. Get in the Word and read, read, read. God will show you through the Word your ministry. God bless you

1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him 16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17) And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. For Golden Eagle: Yes, Paul was a tent maker and walking after his father's traditions. Perscuting and beating all that called or spoke Jesus name. After God got ahold of Paul and brought him to his knees, how many tents did Paul make? Paul was given a new job, wasn't he? His life was not his own to do with or how he wanted. Paul had been educated properly by the one true Teacher. A person can only be held accountable for what he/she knows. Where much has been given, much will be required. My journey in HIM, is... My journey in HIM. MY witness is to tell you about Jesus and what I have been allowed to see and hear in HIM. Rather a person believe or not what I say is not my business, God will take it from there. My job is to tell about HIM, be about HIM, walk in HIM, trust in HIM. Many are called, but few are chosen. God Bless you all

The Word says Anger does not work the righteousness of God God bless

Yes, educated in scripture and law. He gave his time to God. He went through some things WITH God. God had gotten Paul's attention and now God used Paul for HIS purpose. Paul knew he was in God's hand and God was in control. God Bless

Interesting are you saying or implying that seeking further education would draw one away from God? God bless, GE When we are studying something other than HIM, where does that leave HIM? Now, if we would give as much time to GOD, as we do our jobs, school, TV, shopping... where would we be with GOD? One thing is definite, we would be WITH God. ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD God bless

If we did not have all this stuff, that is a bad thing? Maybe all this stuff is the very things that take us farther from God. We have everything we need, we are able to do for ourselves, who needs GOD? I did not say God will not bless us in such things. However, I do believe that we limit ourselves from our higher calling in HIM, when we pursue this world's goods and not GOD. Sounds like you put a whole lot of limitations on God in your post. Without all this stuff and technology, we just couldn't do anything. My point exactly, Where does that leave GOD in our lives? We have it all already. The more we do of our own desires, the more HE will let us do, and yes, bless us in our desires. I believe it all comes down to the desire of a person's heart. God bless

Are you going to college for the purpose of glorifying GOD or self? When you get that job with all that money, will it bring you closer to GOD? In order for HIM to increase, I must decrease. But Jesus said to the rich young man, but yet thou lackest one thing. Go, and sell all that ye have... and he went away sad because he had many possessions... God bless

Why? because the dead in Christ shall rise first The bible calls that place the wolves den. Mens tradition and structured programs have not left this "gathering of believers" in over 2000 yrs. Jesus warned them when He was here. He is still sending messagers and they still won't listen. God bless

If we believe in certain aspects of scripture to be individual spiritual journeys with HIM, why is it so quiet out there? We will be held accountable for what we know. The Holy Spirit teachs us, clothes us with HIS garments, and sets us on a path that is to follow HIM. God Bless

The Spirit is satisfied in my Heart with what has been given you... and you will not see it!It is not me that will answer for what you reject of what God Says; oh wait you don't know if it's God's Word even if has said so by speaking it, writing it, or even using it. Love, Steven What a godly (little g) thing to say to a fellow believer and brother in Christ. Sounds like you both go on tangets if your way is not seen as the only right way for doing something. Self agendas will not get us there. Every man is a liar, let God be true. You stand on the Word of God, just HIS already established Word. God gives revelation knowledge, not you (self). Everyone is on different journeys but focused on the same God. God the Creator of all things. God knows what each of us are ready to recieve. The thing is, the vessel HE uses, don't even realize we were used when it happens but the one who recieved hears the Holy Spirit talking to our heart. What we have here is a failure to communicate... God Bless

And that we have to study, and therefore interpret it and decide what it says for ourselves No, what I said and what you said are two different aspects. When one studies or ponders on the Word, seeking God for the Truth in that scripture, the Holy Spirit reveals revelation knowledge to you, in the quiet, still part of your spirit. There was nothing on your mind other than raking a pile of leaves and HE spoke the Word of Truth in your heart. you seem to say we have to dig through this until we can make somekind of logical sense of this. Leaning to your own understanding, which is the way of the flesh. You haven't waited on HIM to speak at all, because you keep being bigger than God. That is individual choice but man you are robbing yourself when you do. God Bless

What about the interptation of scripture "HOLY GHOST" style? The only true Teacher There is too many fleshly interptation of God's word (lies) Lean not to thine own understanding. When the Holy Spirit speaks the Word of Truth to your heart, the storms can not shake the foundation of your house because the spirit that lives in you knows HIS voice. God bless

Sister, quote as much as you want because it is the written Word of truth. I have said nothing that HE did not want you to hear. You have a friend here. I know what you are saying in your OP. You stand strong on HIS word, sister. HE is the HEAD, we are HIS soldiers. God bless

The Holy Spirit will never lead us wrong. I know how difficult this is for you. I am quilty of standing in the corner in the shadows; out of sight, out of mind, and unheard. I ask God for strength and boldness to speak HIS truth. More and more of HIM and less and less of me. In order for HIM to increase, I must decrease. Do not run away. Jesus has for told us, If they have perscuted me, they will perscute you. Jesus was also called a lunatic. He is mad, they said. I am just saying, they will do it to you also when speaking the truth in HIM. With God there is no respector of persons. There are people that has sit on the pue for 60 yrs that has never seen or heard anything. They are usually the ones that will come at you the hardest. Example, the Spirit told me one time I was the senior citizen of the bunch. I was in church with a handful of people and I was the youngest one there. Physical elders and Spiritual elders are two different worlds of elders. What is flesh is flesh and what is spirit is spirit. You know what you know, because HE has shown you. When they come against you, pray for them. God bless you sister