Co - heir in Christ

(This is just a brief - ish book recommendation.) "The Book of Mysteries," by Jonathan Cahn, is probably the best book I've ever read, w/ the obvious exception of the Word of God. God brought it into my life not all that long before the hour of my visitation/my test, because it helped get me to a point where I'd make the right choice when the moment came that everything'd be at stake. I cannot recommend the book highly enough, and I recommend it to every believer I know, and many non - believers. The book really delves into some of the amazing profundities of Scripture, that many overlook. While I'm giving recommendations, some other great books are: "Ancient Prophecies Revealed," by Ken Johnson, Th.D (although there are a couple of little things he says that I don't agree w/), and, "The Mystery of the Menorah: and the Hebrew Alphabet," by J. R. Church, and Gary Stearman. There are many other great books (e.g., by Joyce Meyer, Lester Sumrall, Charles [Chuck] R. Swindoll, and Dr. Keith Ellis, etc., etc., but I don't have the time or space to include everything).

One of the best books I've seen on the issue (although it appears deceptively small or simple) is, "The Total Man: Exploring the Human Spirit, Soul and Body," by Lester Sumrall. Rather than just parroting everything the book says, I'll just highly recommend the book. The Holy Spirit brought the book into my life after I'd been newly born again, because it was stuff I needed to understand in my walk w/ Him.

Thank you, and God bless you, too!

The demons were revealed to me first (in dramatic fashion [I was actually possessed for a while, etc.]), and I was given a test. I chose God and He revealed His Holy Spirit to me, and came through for me in many ways. One of the things He did was teach me how to notice when I'm being attacked by demons, so I'd know when to rebuke them, etc., and so I'd never end up their slave again. They kept attacking, in a multitude of ways, in rapid succession, and I became quite overwhelmed (I'd been forced to give up all other physical obligations just to fight them, and I was exhausted, and in despair). I finally broke down and started crying uncontrollably. I called out to the Lord, I said, "God, I don't know what to do!" Instantly, every demonic presence around me was expelled, and I was held/enveloped by God's amazing love. That's how I usually describe it, but I'll never be able to put it in words. I felt absolute, perfect bliss, happiness, ecstasy and peace beyond imagining (and in every level of my being: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual), and it was totally pure (no drug could ever compare). At this point I was still sobbing, but they were no longer tears of sorrow, but tears of perfect bliss. This is also when God implanted the knowledge into my soul that my brother was saved (he'd committed suicide a few years or so previously) as I've mentioned elsewhere), and He told me some things about my future. As I was sobbing, I kept saying, "Thank You, thank You...," over and over again. God wanted me to see that I can't do it alone (although, it was partially a test, too, to see how hard/long I'd persist in resisting the enemy, or if I'd give in to him) - that I have to always rely on Him, and that He'll always be faithful to deliver me. Before I came to know God (even during those periods of my life when I was trying to live for God [although nowhere near as well as I could've/should've been], and I believed His Word), I didn't understand how those Heavenly creatures that are permanently/eternally in God's presence (before His Throne, worshipping Him), could have a fulfilling existence; it seemed to my unenlightened mind like it would be a dull way to spend eternity. I was ashamed of these thoughts - I knew they were blasphemous - but try as I might to eradicate them, they were always hovering in the background. Due to the aforementioned experience, I now know that to be eternally in God's presence would be the absolute BEST way to spend eternity; there would be NOTHING lacking. I had just a tiny glimpse of what it would be like - I wasn't even truly in His actual presence, I was still in my cell - but my every need was fulfilled, and I no longer had any of my past worries, concerns or pain. I was as I was meant to be. God showed me how much He loves me. And I know He loves everyone just as much as me. God loves you w/ a pure and perfect love beyond what you could ever comprehend; you are PRECIOUS to Him - one of a kind, and it breaks His heart when you feel pain. But, God truly is the only One worthy of honor, glory and praise. God showed me (I've talked about this elsewhere, too) that ANYTHING good about a person (whether it be a personality trait, a talent or an achievement, etc.) is a gift from Him (and we can use these gifts for good - for Him - or we can waste them). God is the only Uncreated Being (and He's absolute perfection and love), and absolutely nothing good can exist that is separate from God. So, it's imperative that we acknowledge that God is the only One worthy of glory, and that we render this glory to God (He more than deserves it - both for His greatness alone, and for everything He's done for us [e.g., creating us, performing countless miracles and fulfilling a ton of prophecies, giving us His Word, saving us, giving us His Holy Spirit and eternal life/happiness, etc., etc.]). God is not some megalomaniac. He just wants us to rely on the only perfectly reliable foundation there is - Him. It's just the way it is; if we rely on anything else, we will falter. He keeps reminding us to give Him - and not ourselves/mankind - the glory because He knows that if we begin to lack appreciation for His glory, then we'll start trusting in our own ability (which is useless); we won't be resting firmly on the only Rock that can give us a secure foundation, and He doesn't want us to be lost or experience all of the pain that would lead to. I wanted to include this because of something else I saw you say in the thread. The reason bad things happen is because God loves us too much to ever take away our free will and turn us into robots. This life is a test. It wouldn't be much of a test if we never experienced pain, discomfort or doubt - if it were always fun and games. We'd never truly understand happiness and love if we'd never experienced sadness and hate. But, God doesn't just watch these tragedies happen. He feels all of the pain that we all experience (even the Scriptures say that when we neglect to feed the poor, etc., it's the same as if we've done it to Yeshua/jesus). God's Holy Spirit is everywhere. He's always calling to people, knocking, and hoping He'll be let in. And, He's always protecting us. All of those tragedies would be indescribably more tragic if it weren't for God protecting us (that old, anonymous 'Footprints in the Sand' poem/writing is 100% true; God showed me that He was always w/ me in my life - even during those times when I was cursing Him). God sees all of time, including the entire future, at the same time. His plans are way more complex than we know, and there's a reason for everything, even if we can't make sense of things as they're happening. All things work out for the good for those who love God. God can, and often does, use horrible events to save people's souls. I was hopeless in worldly terms, when the hour of my visitation came, but I chose God, so He delivered me from my enemies, got me out of prison early (when I would've been a lifer otherwise, due to things I was forced to do), and now He's using me to spread His healing and joy all over the place. When God revealed His Holy Spirit to me, I learned - once and for all - that there is NO cruelty in God, and stories in the Bible that used to be a little odd to me, finally made sense. But it's hard to explain it to someone else; one really has to experience it for oneself, so I encourage you to ask the Holy Spirit to impart this surety to you.

I'd like to delete 1 of my posts, "Holy Spirit Censored," but I don't know how to go about it.

I wish I could answer that in a way that was perfectly comprehensible to the modern, scientific mind. When God reveals His Holy Spirit to someone, there's no mistaking it, and their life is never the same again. But until that happens, a person is blind (and I don't say that in a spirit of condescension towards others; I was blind until God opened my eyes, and it wasn't my efforts that brought that change to bear, but God's incredible mercy), and spiritual truths are foolishness to them. There were times in my life when I did all of the things a person is supposed to do to be born again (and I was genuine), and at the time I considered myself born again, but I didn't know God. There's a huge difference between a person being converted to Christianity (although they're certainly on the path to salvation), and a person being spiritually regenerated and actually having a relationship w/ God. (The Scriptures make it clear that for one to enter the Kingdom, they must know God, and not just nominally be a Christian.) We comprise a body, soul and spirit. Before a person truly comes to know God, they're dead, spiritually, and our spirit's the most important part of our psycho - physical complex. It's like they're 2 thirds of a full human being. When someone comes to know God, they're given new life, and their connection to God is restored (but they still have to pray for God to increase their spiritual discernment, as the enemy will always try to assault our faith and deceive/tempt us, and if we allow the enemy to disrupt that connection, he can [even after one comes to know God]). I was on the right path to be born again (during those times when I thought I was born of the Spirit, but wasn't), but I wasn't there yet. Like the parable of "the sower and the seed" talks about, I allowed the enemy to knock me off of the path before I could actually come to know God. But the seed was still there, waiting to blossom and flourish. God just had to purge all of the filth around it that was choking it, and He won't ever take away our right to chose, so that's usually a pretty lengthy process for most people (and I was no exception). But God recognized my attempts to come to Him, and He was always working to mould me in ways that'd bring me closer to Him. Usually, that meant I had to be purged, and my branches pruned, so that I'd bring forth more fruit. Unfortunately, we are quite stubborn, and oftentimes pain is the main thing that brings about the changes necessary for us to truly submit to God. And God is primarily concerned w/ saving our souls; the body is a lesser priority (although He does want us to be happy even in this life). If God had revealed Himself to me at any earlier point of my life, I wouldn't have been ready to fully submit, and live for Him; I'd have been lost forever (for, once one comes to a knowledge of Christ, if they become entangled again in the world, it would be better for that person to have never been born). I'd have gone back to my vomit, and I probably would've drowned in it (the enemy's attacks are much stronger when one's come to know God, because it's pointless for them [the demons] to continue to try to hide). God knew what I needed to learn, and His timing is perfect - He knows better than us. He knows us better than we know ourselves. Some rough ways to know who knows God: if something's from/of God, it won't violate God's Word, or love (I call those 'the 2 guideposts'). If someone says they know God and they hate their brother/sister, they don't know God. And although some of the Scriptures can be a little difficult (especially if someone doesn't know God), there are certain core tenets of true Christianity; if those are violated, the person violating them doesn't know God: Yeshua/Jesus is the Son of God, and part of the Godhead; He came down, in the form of a man, and suffered and died for the sins of all human - kind (even though He was and is completely w/out sin); He then was resurrected from the dead, having conquered death and hell, and all who fully believe in Him (and all of us require this sacrifice of Christ, as we are all sinners and fall short of the mark), and what He did for us - and repent, and accept Him as their Lord and Savior - are washed clean of their sins, and will inherit eternal life; and, lastly, there is no other path to salvation. If a person knows God, they will produce good fruit, and their conversation will be holy. That's not to say that they'll never screw up, but they'll do so less and less, and they won't be in total bondage, like someone who doesn't know God. There'll be an obvious change in their lives; they will produce good fruit, and they'll have a strong desire to lead others to Christ. It's God giving them the ability to produce good fruit, though, not their own ability. The writings of Paul and James don't contradict each other. By grace and faith we are saved (lest any should boast), but if one knows God, their faith WILL produce good works. Many perceive a non - existent conflict between the writings of these 2 authors - a conflict shown by the phrase, "faith 'or' works." But there's no conflict. A good way to approach the relationship between the writings of these authors is shown by the phrase, "faith 'that' works," as faith without works isn't really faith at all (even though it's not our works that save us). I don't think it's a bad thing that you apply logic to the Word - I wish all scientists would study the Word (and I believe true science doesn't contradict God's Word, but confirms It). Our reason is a gift from God. But some things can only be spiritually discerned, so I encourage you to try to nourish your faith, and to really ask God to answer your questions in a way that makes sense to you. And, the closer we're living in accordance w/ God's will, and the more we believe He'll answer us, the better and sooner we'll hear His reply.

That's because many people don't know God. If a person doesn't know God and they ask Him for clarification or knowledge about something (and they truly are seeking to get to know God), then they will get their answer eventually - usually, when they come to know God. If a person already has a relationship w/ God, then asking Him is like asking one's Best Friend (Who happens to know everything); it's the only perfect way to get answers that are 100% accurate. This, at least, is in my experience - I respect your right to have your own opinion.

Thank you, and, "Hallelu - Yah!"

Thank you, but I can't really take credit. God's blessed me w/ a lot of good foundational knowledge, experience, enlightening Christian literature, fellow Christians who've taught me a lot, and even then, it's the Holy Spirit who gives me words to say in the moment.

Even w/ the trials and tribulation, my life is indescribably better than it ever was before I knew God. Plus, when I suffer, it's my own fault - "Let it never be said that man is tempted of God." And, when God delivers me from a trial, He always explains why He allowed me to go through it (what He wanted me to learn), and, I emerge from that trial much closer to God than I was before, which more than compensates for the pain of the trial. The Creator of all that is wants to be my Friend and adopted Father, and He's already sacrificed His Perfect Only begotten Son for my hideous sins - how could I ever refuse Him? He freed me from a lifetime of slavery, and gave me a peace I never would have thought possible. I used to hate this life, and I saw no meaning in it, but God has filled my life w/ the highest meaning and purpose. He put up w/ all of my pride, and all of the pain I put Him and His other creations through, and then He erased all of that filth, and instead of chucking me into the cosmic garbage for what I'd let myself become (and He would have had the right), He gave me new life, and poured blessings on me. Plus, everything I do I do not only for me, but for everyone around me. If I were to forsake Christ (God forbid) just for material gain (dirt, if you really think about it), I'd be helping the enemy (who's been torturing me and trying to kill me my whole life, and who's been torturing and killing my family members and friends, etc.) to lead countless souls to the pit. Even w/ whatever material "pleasures" I received, I'd be miserable, because I wouldn't have God, and I'd have hell to look forward to after that. God revealed enough to me that I know the truth of His Word. I refuse to love a lie so I can be wicked and lead others to slavery, including those closest to me. God'll get me through anything I face. What's a little more pain if it aids God's perfect redemptive plan, and leads more people to God. And, there's comfort w/ that pain, as God will never leave me, and even periods w/ absolutely no pain, which is impossible in a life w/out God. Before I knew God, I said a lot of prideful things. I spoke a lot of foolishness even against God. God's explained my whole life to me - why I went through the things I went through. He's given me enough knowledge that I'd have no excuse except cowardice if I forsook Him. How could I ever look myself in the mirror? Before I knew God I'd say to Him, "If only you'd do 'such and such' for me, I'd be fine." Well, God's given me everything I need, so it's time to put my money where my mouth is. I simply refuse to be such a worthless, disgusting, degenerate coward that I would refuse my Lord and Savior - after He's shown me that He's perfectly loving, merciful and just (and that He's always been w/ me) - just because the enemy (who's already stolen the first half of my life, and murdered my brother, etc.) has offered me dirt, slavery, misery and eternal damnation. I'll take any trials this world can offer (w/ a relationship w/ God), over every material thing the devil offers (and my relationship w/ God, integrity, worth, courage, peace, happiness, meaning, and salvation all forfeited).

Yes, it is a Biblical truth and history bears it out. We see the truth of that verse w/ many nations, e.g., Egypt, Babylon, most other nations in the Middle East throughout history, Greece, Rome, Russia, Germany, and even the U.S., etc.

The life of a born again believer is filled w/ constant trials and sacrifice (Paul said, 'It is our path to suffer unto salvation,' and he also mentioned that we must partake of the sufferings of Christ so that we may partake of His resurrection [not verbatim], etc.), so there's no "easy" calling, in that sense, but in other ways of looking at it, callings can vary considerably. But, any calling from God is incredibly important. Sometimes part of the test is maintaining faith when it doesn't appear that your efforts are making an impact in many people's lives. The enemy will always try to make you think that your efforts are in vain (along w/ a host of other lies). All callings are big. If a person reaches one person (who might not've been been saved if it weren't for their efforts), that one person they led to Christ may become a stage preacher/author/praise singer/prophet/healer, or whatever, who leads to millions being saved. I heard someone say that when the redeemed meet God, He'll show them the effects of every sacrifice they made in life, of every time they witnessed to someone, of every time they were observed by others courageously enduring tribulation, and so on, and that He'll show them the millions of positive effects and saved souls that all of those actions of theirs led to. Please don't ever think your calling isn't vastly significant. God's plans are too big for us to fully understand, so we may not always see every aspect of our individual roles, but if we're called into God's service - in any capacity - then our actions take a part in shaping the world through those wonderful plans of God.

Show love and compassion to others as much as possible, for love covers a multitude of sins. Forgive others always, and don't look down on others. Pray w/out ceasing, as Paul said. Keep a joyful tune to the Lord in your heart. Stay away from negativity, or sinful entertainment. Get rid of anything in your life (e.g., actions, habits, objects or pursuits,etc.) that's contrary to God's Word. "Touch not the unclean thing and I will receive you" (might not be verbatim). Study the Word as much as possible. At least once a day; it is spiritual food. Meditate on it. Give all your cares and baggage to God - He WANTS you to. He's God, you're not going to overwhelm Him, and He's already paid for it all. He can take any sinful struggle away. Call out to Him, and trust that He'll respond. Trust Him completely in everything; rely on Him for everything. He is our strength - our Rock. Realize that w/out Him we can do nothing. Dedicate every thought and deed to Him. Make Him the central pillar of your life. Praise Him always, and always thank Him for everything, even things you'd normally view as trivial. God really respects a thankful heart, and we take so much of His amazing grace for granted. Even though you're saved, still, every morning put on the whole spiritual armor of God, and invite the Holy Spirit into your life again, to take the reins to every aspect of your life for that day. Banish any demons that may be around you by the Name and Blood of Yeshua/Jesus. Ask God to put people in your path who you can help. Ask Him to remove any blockages you still may have to the free flow of His Holy Spirit - any strongholds and fortifications the enemy might've built up in your mind before you came to God. Witness to others whenever you get the chance - "He that gathereth not, scattereth." When you're actively doing God's work, He'll really shower you w/ blessings. Always stand for Him, no matter how others view you for it. Seek His guidance constantly. Really try to hear what He's trying to say to you. He's always calling to us, always trying to teach us something, but it can be hard to hear Him at first because we let the devil's attacks drown out God's voice, and God is too loving and respectful to just usurp our will. Sometimes God does speak to people w/ His voice (although you have to test the spirits), but He'll often speak in subtler ways. One of the most common ways He'll speak is through coincidences that can't be coincidences (I don't even believe in coincidence), or what some call "synchronicity." He'll often communicate through other people, your enviornment, your conscience, your intuition, etc. But, w/ all of this you have to have spiritual discernment, too, as the enemy tries to disrupt and/or corruptly counterfeit everything God does. If you're in a stressful situation, don't just give in to negative moods or thoughts. Realize that, simultaneously, the enemy is attacking you, and God is presenting you with a lesson/opportunity for new growth. Remember that you are not your own. You are the temple of the One True Living God. If you lust for someone, it's as if you've thrown bricks through the windows (your eyes) of God's house (as just one example), so repent as soon as you've realized you've screwed up, no matter how many times you have to repent a day, and do your best not to grieve the Holy Spirit anymore. But, while you should have a contrite heart, don't hate yourself - you are God's redeemed creation. Try to see everyone, including yourself, through God's eyes and not your own. Reflect often on the incredible things God has done, for everyone and for you, now and throughout history. Remember that God is both the Lord of the Universe (and thus we must fear the Lord), and He also wants to know us intimately, as our "Abba," "dad(dy)." Try to balance these perceptions of Him. He deserves our UTMOST respect, but He's also our closest Friend and Confidante. Praying in tongues REALLY helps me. It's an incredible connection. I don't know what I'm saying, but it's EXACTLY what needs to be said, and it really refreshes me spiritually. Set time time aside for God every day. I try my best to give God every second of my life (and I fail miserably, but He's building me up), but the 3 main times I try to devote to God are: morning (right after I wake up), noon (the center of my day, since He's the center of my life), and night (my down time before going to bed). I'm sure you already knew a lot of this, but I wanted to be thorough since I've no way to know where you're at. You're seeking to know God better, so it will happen - just stay on that right track. One thing I forgot: try not to ever look at serving/obeying God as a burden, or wearisome chore - it is our reasonable and due service, and our honor and wonderful privilege (by God's grace). We've been called to be set apart as holy vessels of God's Holy Spirit, and beacons to show the world His glory. There will be trials and temptations, But He's also the God of Peace, and it's a much more fulfilling life.

Sorry, I was locked up for a long time, so my gaming development was basically arrested at about the "Super Nintendo" level (aside from a handful of times playing on a PS3, or something), and I just never really cared enough to pick up everything I missed. Some games I'd never play for spiritual reasons, such as the infamous "Grand Theft Auto," or anything similar to it (i.e., anything that glorifies sin - and, unfortunately, it's getting harder and harder to find games, movies, or tv shows, etc., that don't fit this category). I'm more into abstract, strategical board games, and card games, etc. I got into RPG's for a bit in prison, but I cut that short when I came to know God (although sometimes I think about possible ways of creating an RPG that's not a stumbling block, and possibly even helps Christians to practice and develop sound principles of spiritual warfare). I'm pretty sure you'll find some fellow gamers though, eventually.

It's not about magic - it really happened. Everything in the Word actually happened. There were always things in the Word that didn't sit perfectly well w/ me before I knew God, even during times when I was really trying to live for Him (and I'm not saying you don't know God; I'm just trying to urge you to really inquire of the Lord). After God revealed His Holy Spirit to me, He explained those parts of His Word that were really hard for me to accept. I'm not saying I perfectly understand God's Word. It is so incredibly profound and powerful, that probably none of us could ever fully understand every mystery It contains (especially during this life). But I understand It WAY more than I ever used to, and God's shown me enough that I fully believe that everything in it is 100% Truth. The Holy Spirit is our greatest Witness. If you ask God to explain anything you don't understand in his word, He WILL explain it to you in a way you understand (but not always according to our schedules, and how attentive we are to His instruction can also play a role in how quickly we assimilate the lessons). If we're covered by the Blood of Yeshua/Jesus, and we're not harboring unconfessed sins, then we may boldly approach the Throne of Grace; and if what we ask is in accordance w/ God's will, then we know we have the answer to our petition. And since knowing and understanding God's Word leads people to salvation (and it's God's will that as many should be saved as possible), it must be His will for us to understand His Word. There actually is a lot of scientific evidence for the flood of Genesis, as well as for many other things in the Bible. However, many claims are asserted as fact in mainstream science, even though there's no definitive evidence for them (I personally don't consider these particular scientists to, in fact, 'be' scientists, since they've abandoned the scientific method, which is supposed to be the backbone of science), and, many points of evidence for the Bible are suppressed by mainstream science. There are very good books out there which give great supporting evidence for God's Word (much better than any of the stuff "claimed" as evidence by critics of the Bible, in my eyes), but a lot of publishers won't touch them, because the prevailing attitude of mainstream, modern culture is one of hostility towards God and anything to do w/ Him. There's a war going on, and it spills into the affairs of humans. The devil will do anything to try to get people to not believe the Word. We live in very dark times so this anti - Bible/God movement has gained a lot of momentum (but God and His followers are also hard at work).