matthew4:4

Heres a message about missionary work by southern baptist Paul Washer. I personally believe he is one of the greatest teachers of today. I have grown soooo much through his messages. http://www.heartcrymissionary.com/resource...ons/paul_washer Download first message at the top This would be probably the best starting resource to teach you a bit about the seriousness of missions and what God wants done. Mainly, if you want to do missions you better be a man of God and saturated in God's Word everyday. There are many missionary groups that are actually doing more bad than good. It would be great if the Lord is truly calling you but if He's not then you will be doing a mission through the flesh and God does not honor that. I'm not trying to put you done but just show how serious the work of God is. Its the most important thing there is. Make sure for one, that you are bearing much fruit within your own church. Do everything you can as far as evangelism goes right where you are first. One of the greatest mission fields right now is the "church". So many people within the church claim to be saved although in reality have never known God. A true faith is demonstrated through a Holy life and as we can see a lot of the churches in America right now are very immoral and in turn unsaved. I want to encourage you brother because God could have a great calling for you just make sure He is truly calling you. My main suggestion is PRAY! Prayer is key! May God bless you in whatever it is you do. Your brother in Christ, Matthew

Hey, I dont know if anyone has seen the previews for that recent Ben Stiller, Jack Black, and Robert Downey Jr. movie called Tropic Thunder but I happened to see it with my Dad and sisters. Wow, big mistake. I havent been to the movies in awhile because of it. It was so ridiculously immoral and against God that I actually felt a bit sick at one point. They made a spiff on a movie preview with two monks in a homosexual relationship and they must of cursed in the Lord's name like over 20 times! I made a mistake going to it and want be going to anything like that again. It seems like we can only watch G rated nowadays. lol. Your brother in Christ, Matthew

Yes I totally agree we must be careful when anyone is going around claiming to be something or the other. Most if not all that give themselves the title of Apostle are not. Just like people who go around claiming to be prophets of the Lord are many times not. However there are Apostles and prophets still active today, who are going about doing the work of God making no such claims of grander, but simply serving God in humility and modesty trying do complete the work God has placed on their lives to complete I believe there are prophets around today although very few because of the falling away of the Church. Now in the case of Apostles, I believe that calling was something completely unique and only necessary for the time after the ascension of Christ. It was a calling needed to put the New Testament Scriptures into order and arrange things in the new Church. The apostles were given this unique authority as a almost direct representative of Christ. Like I said before, whatever they wrote down was absolute truth, the Word of God. So, are we to say that people have that same authority today. I would never be able to say that unless Christ came down and told me. I don't think we can assume that special calling exists today. Anyway, this is just my opinion. In Christ, Matthew

Yes, it is obvious that Paul was an apostle but do they really exist today? I fear for the man today who claims to be an apostle. That is a very serious manner. When looking at scripture we do see that they were all hand picked by Jesus, even Paul on the road to Damascus. So, I believe we can all agree that they must be chosen by Jesus. Now, tell me. How in the world today are we gonna believe some guy just because he claims Jesus says he is an apostle? hmm. And for another thing the apostles had an authority that I believe none have today. Whatever an apostle wrote down was absolute truth. Anything Paul wrote was true, no questions asked. And even though people didnt necessarily believe in his authority as an apostle Paul was proven to have that authority time and time again. Personally, I believe these men today calling themselves apostles are children playing with the things of God. They want to give themselves that great and honorable title so people will honor them and believe whatever they say. If you take notice most of these men who claim to be apostles today most of them are totally off doctrine wise. Still, God is using people in many miraculous ways and will continue to do so till the end. In Christ, Matthew

I understand you completly. That whole idea of Jesus revealing new things to people now is sooo dangerous. In fact if you go into the controversial issues thread you will find something about a supposed prophet who claims he is one of the two witnessess and that Jesus revealed unto him what the seven thunders are. There is an extent to what the Holy Spirit will do through us because He will only do what is the will of the Father. When Jesus talks about chucking a mountain into the sea, He was just describing the power the Holy Spirit has but its not the will of the Father for you to just lift up a mountain and throw it into the sea. lol. Atleast, I don't think that would be part of His will. I think people get a little too excited thinking they are gonna be all-powerful when they have a really strong faith. Yes, through Christ we are strong soldiers of God but miracles are done in many different ways. God bless, matthew

Brother Matthew, I'll try to do this in the same order you posted. First, you may be giving yourself too much credit and not enough to the Holy Spirit when you mention "And as she did this I felt a warmth come over my body but the human mind is very powerful. I had already been thinking about it so much to the point that I was the one initiating it. " First, the Holy Spirit is far more powerful then our mind will ever be. Secondly, God will not do anything to you that you do not want to happen. Just because you wanted a blessing from God does not mean that you willed what happened into existence. About your second paragraph. Jesus teachings and the working of the Holy Spirit did not happen at the same time. Remember that Jesus had to go to the Father before He could even send us the Holy Spirit. I understand your concern, but I must ask ... how can someone write of something happening before it happens? There is prophesy, but the Holy Spirit, and His ministry, is not prophesy. As I suggested. Do not take my word for what the Holy Spirit is doing. Go directly to God and ask Him. The Holy Spirit will teach you the truth of the matter. Remember, there are many out there that teach a lie from Satan, making it look like it is from God. This is why I emphasise that we become so close to God that we can recognize a stranger and not follow them. OneLight Two quick things for my last post of the night, lol. I didn't actually want her to do anything but she came over and put her hands on my head. To be honest the woman freaked me out but thats just one experience. Also, everything that Jesus did was through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus was consistently filled with the Holy Spirit. It says it many times such as when He went into the desert to be tempted by satan. He performed all of His miracles through the power of the Holy Spirit although Jesus is God so really He is a whole other case. I would say as I have said the best place to look for examples would be in Acts. Anyway, I hope everyone had a merry christmas. I'm gettin tired so I'm going to bed. God bless. Your brother in Christ, matthew

I believe your testimony OneLight but even if that same exact thing happened to me(which something like it did) I still wouldn't say it was from God. I had a woman preacher/prophet/tongue speaker/whatever put her hand on my head and pray. And as she did this I felt a warmth come over my body but the human mind is very powerful. I had already been thinking about it so much to the point that I was the one initiating it. It's like when someone who hates needles goes to get a shot and before the doc even touches them they say oww! lol. I psyched myself out. Also, I do realize that jesus did many other things that we don't know about. Obviously we don't have scripture covering everyday of His three year ministry but I believe He did many other similar things. Great things but probably the same because if there were something different don't you think that would be included in the scriptures? Don't you think something as important as people falling out of nowhere from the power of Jesus would be included? I think that would be a pretty important detail. Another thing I don't like is that when I've watched a pastor do it, he seemed to be in total control. He made who he wanted fall or made the whole group fall at one point. It doesn't seem spirit-controlled or atleast from what I have seen personally. Hmmm. Well, I'm gonna do some more thinking now. Tell me what you think. Your brother in Christ, matthew

Thank you for your testimony Phil 2:12. I hope that God continues to work abundantly through your life! I guess you would agree with me then on the fact that it isn't biblical, meaning there are no signs of it in the Bible. Thats the thing that really bothers me. I realize the Holy Spirit reveals to us all truth. Thats absolutely true but some of you seem to believe that He has revealed this to be true within your lives. I believe that He has revealed to me that it is a false practice and I have been to groups where many times afterwards they perform this practice. It has always made me feel uneasy. Who can say who is really following the Spirit's guidance? Remember what Paul and Peter talked about. The fall of the Church, the fact that many people even the elect will be deceived. Think about the fact that there may be many things that we think are true yet are false. We are the elect. I don't consider myself to know the absolute true doctrine of Christ. This is why there is separation in the Church. The apostacy is making that gap larger and larger. Some false doctrines seem obvious but some may not be so easy to detect. I know I must take this into consideration as well. It does seem that we are close to the tribulation brothers. May God bless you all. Your brother in Christ, matthew

selling? like with money? dude, now that's bogus & we all know you can't buy God. yeah you should say something about the "selling" part. Yes, selling the Holy Spirit! I guess they never read the story of that magician in Acts. They claim that the Holy Spirit is within these little rosebuds they have and they sell them to poor, uneducated people in tiny shantytowns. It's a terrible thing and if I knew in what town they were actually doing this I'd probably try to warn the people about it. Great point Ovedya! What I wanted to ask is how can one be absolutly sure its the Holy Spirit speaking and not their own heart? I think the only way to confirm something would be to say well I think this is what God is saying but let me confirm it through Scripture. God bless and Merry Christmas to all. Your brother in Christ, matthew

God bless you Damo1 and thank you for your incredibly detailed replies. I do enjoy reading about your church and have no doubts that the Lord is working temendously through your congregation. Although, I think we can all agree on one point. I'm gonna say "I believe" though, because I don't want anyone thinking I am forcing my views upon anyone. I believe that there is not one "perfect" church today. I believe every denomination or congregation has a few things wrong. Why? Because even those churches truly led by the Holy Spirit are still churches of men. None of us are perfect. In the same way, the church is not perfect(because we are the church). Atleast not until our Lord and Saviour returns to set up His awesome Kingdom! So, my point is that although great and wonderful things can be happening for the Lord at your church there are probably still errors. This is my opinion but let me know if you agree. I am in total agreement with a previous post about the fact that Paul had to correct certain things or atleast speak His opinion about them. I believe that is what we are doing here now, just on a smaller scale. We need to come together and discuss things. AGAPPLE, I live in the Dominican Republic and there is a Church here that is supposedly selling the Holy Spirit. If I was friends with someone from that Church don't you think it would be right as a Christian to say something in a gentle manner like Paul did. Now, I'm not saying that the whole "slain in the spirit" thing is like that. I don't know for sure that it is a false practice. It is my personal opinion. I am looking foward to a cleaner Church closer to the doctrine of Christ. Thats what we all want, right? Anyway, thanks again for everyones' replies. It's been a great discussion so far. Let's just remember to speak to our brethren like Paul did, with love. Love you all! Your brother in Christ, matthew One more thing Damo1. Notice that in those two examples in Acts and I'm pretty sure that in any example in Acts you'll find that when they recieved the Holy Spirit or hands were laid on them to recieve Him no one ever fell. Also, be open to the option as some have pointed out that it still very well could be an emotional experience, not so much anything spiritual. A catholic priest could go his whole life praying to mary believing truly that she is hearing and answering his prayers until one day he finds out the truth, that Jesus is the only mediatior bewteen man and God. Just a thought.

Let me say sorry if I have offended you in any way. But my intentions were never to start any sort of division within the body but it is my opinion that many of my brothers and sisters in Christ are being fooled by this practice. It is also my opinion that it is not biblical and so far no one has shown me that it is(If you think it is then show me). We have been discussing this withought any arguing or fighting as someone has pointed out so it is actually you who is inciting a little something. Let's just all take it easy and discuss it through the love of the father and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Thank you. Your brother in Christ, matthew

Brother, if I could make a slight correction: the Holy Spirit is not an " It", the Holy Spirit is a He-God, third "person" of the trinity. Ahhhh, yes! Sorry everyone. I said it instead of He. Just an error. The Holy Spirit is truly a person of the beloved Trinity. Amen. thanks. Your brother in Christ, matthew P.S.- I was just reading some of your replies and I see some very interesting discussion going on. How incredible is the Word of God that we could have full length discussions on just a couple verses. Truly amazing!

It is a new thing, lol. Like I said since the 1800s. I'd love for you to find it somewhere before this. Also, I am not grieving the Spirit. Please don't say that. For me to say that I don't believe in this practice being performed, that is grieving the Spirit? Absolutely not. I believe the Holy Spirit has power to do whatever is within its will but thats the thing. Whatever is within its WILL. Can I not question something if I am unsure of its origins? God knows my intentions. He knows that my personal intentions are to find the true doctrine of Christ and nothing else but until He shows me that this practice is scriptural I don't see why I would accept it within my doctrine. So far I have seen that it is not scriptural but I'll be waiting and open to see what you can show me. My eyes are not closed to God's power. God bless! Your brother in Christ, matthew

Ok I got two more things before I go to bed. 1. Its funny that I haven't seen any scripture-backing in any responses 2. I also want to make it clear that I do not discriminate against anyone who practices this.My girlfriend has done it many times but she only goes up for the praying beforehand. I believe they can still be the most spiritual person ever. I just don't find it biblical and so far it seems we might be able to agree its not biblical.