turtletwo

Here is a thread to build each other up in the faith. "Therefore encourage (comfort) and edify (build one another up), just as you are already doing. (1 Thess 5:11) Quotes, true stories and poems are all great ways to do this. I invite you to join with me in sharing uplifting things your brothers and sisters here have previously posted that have been a blessing (especially edifying) to you. Don't forget to credit the person they came from. Things by others who are not members (such as people in your life, famous quotes that are inspiring, original stuff)...are all welcome. Please, no debate-triggering topics or negative posts. We all get enough of that. (Even on the daily news. lol) God bless you. Food for thought- Not every discussion has to be a debate. Let's make this thread different and show the world how true 1 Peter 1:22 is: "Now that by your obedience to the truth through the Spirit you have purified yourselves and have come to have a sincere love for other believers, love one another earnestly with all your heart." "Behold! How they love one another." One of the most profound comments made regarding the early church came from the lips of a man named Aristides, sent by the Emperor Hadrian to spy out those strange creatures known as "Christians." Having seen them in action, Aristides returned with a mixed report. But his immortal words to the emperor have echoed down through history: "Behold! How they love one another."

@marvelloustime God bless you.

@In Him I am posting this video with you in mind. Thanks for introducing me to this version of "O come, O come Immanuel." This had been a long time favorite song of mine...especially at this time of year. But to discover there was one which included Hebrew words was even more special.

@Walter and Deborah Thanks for this thread. It is coming at a time when I especially need it. I'm currently seeking the Lord on an important matter. He is showing me how vital HIS wisdom is. This subject about its benefits is definitely helpful. @miss muffet @Sower @Worship Warriors I thank each of you for your contributions to this topic. I hope you all had a Happy Thanksgiving. God bless you.

@maryjayne Thanks for all the fascinating info you have been sharing. I dub you the sheep expert here. This fact about how important it is that they be with others is in keeping with what Charles Spurgeon had to say: Quote "Some Christians try to go to heaven alone, in solitude. But believers are not compared to bears or lions or other animals that wander alone. Those who belong to Christ are sheep in this respect, that they love to get together. Sheep go in flocks, and so do God’s people.” Charles Spurgeon

The blind Fanny Crosby, was probably the most prolific hymnist in history. Though blinded by an incompetent doctor at six weeks of age, she wrote over 8,000 hymns. About her blindness, she said: "It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me." But she did write many great hymns of praise to her Redeemer which believers have sung to the praise of God over the years. Here are the lyrics to one of her hymns which brings praise to the one who was Prophet, Priest, and King - our Redeemer. (1) Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer! Sing, O Earth, His wonderful love proclaim! Hail Him! hail Him! highest archangels in glory; Strength and honor give to His holy Name! Like a shepherd, Jesus will guard His children, In His arms He carries them all day long: Praise Him! Praise Him! Tell of His excellent greatness. Praise Him! Praise Him! Ever in joyful song! (2) Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer! For our sins He suffered, and bled, and died. He our Rock, our hope of eternal salvation, Hail Him! hail Him! Jesus the Crucified. Sound His praises! Jesus who bore our sorrows, Love unbounded, wonderful, deep and strong. Praise Him! Praise Him! Tell of His excellent greatness. Praise Him! Praise Him! Ever in joyful song! (3) Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer! Heav'nly portals loud with hosannas ring! Jesus, Savior, reigneth forever and ever. Crown Him! Crown Him! Prophet, and Priest, and King! Christ is coming! over the world victorious, Pow'r and glory unto the Lord belong. Praise Him! Praise Him! Tell of His excellent greatness. Praise Him! Praise Him! Ever in joyful song!

@Michael37 I agree with fellowship and edification not being more important than sound doctrine. Thanks for pointing out that there is ritualism, ecumenism and works salvation in the course. I too, believe these are serious issues that would cause me to steer clear of them.

Here is an article to point out further problems with the Alpha Course. Problems of the Alpha Course The Alpha Course tends to generalize Christianity and glosses over many of the distinctive doctrines of the many different denominations. For example, Roman Catholics have complained that there is no emphasis on the Virgin Mary. Baptist’s are upset that teachings on baptism are ignored. What is not ignored, and in fact is overemphasized, is the infilling of the Holy Spirit, the baptism of the Spirit, tongues, and healing by prayer and therein lies some of the problems with this course. For example, the Book of Acts is taught as normative doctrine instead of its intended use as a historical account of the church. Conversely, the letters (epistles) of the New Testament are not so much normative but address specific issues that affect churches and are not construed as specific doctrines. This is just the opposite of the way the books in the New Testament were intended by their writers. This course tends to over emphasize the work of the Holy Spirit instead of Jesus Christ and His glorification. There is also a gaping hole where major doctrines are not taught, like sin, sanctification, glorifying Jesus Christ, and loving one another. The narrowness of these courses do little to allow an all-encompassing view of the story of redemption, the fall of man, the work at Calvary by Christ, and the duty of Christians in the church. What theologians say about Jesus is emphasized above and over His actual ministry and commands. It tends to completely ignore the Great Commission, even though Jesus’ imperative command was given 5 times just before His Ascension. The Alpha Course, by not defining sin properly, fails to give the emphasis of Jesus sacrifice, the reason for His sacrifice, and for His resurrection. These are the main themes of the Gospel, yet they are glossed over by the course and instead give ambiguous information about Christianity in general. The course is highly superficial and there are very few specifics except in the gifts of the Spirit. Actually the role of the Holy Spirit is over emphasized giving a slightly different view of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit in many cases, Whose purpose is to always point too and glorify Christ, is elevated in status and importance over Jesus Christ and the Father. The gifts of the Spirit are sought after, prayed for, and raised in importance above that of Jesus Christ’s rightful place in the church. The central focal point is not Christ but the gifts of the Spirit, which is contrary to what Christ taught the disciples in His High Priestly Prayer in the Gospel of John. Dangers of the Alpha Course The Alpha Course is now the fastest growing Christian education course in the world, according to Christianity Today, and it is growing at an exponential rate. Dangers are that the main message of the gospel is glossed over to make it have basically little or no effect. The crucial elements of Communion, Calvary, the cross, the reason for Christ’s sacrifice, and the inerrancy of the Word of God, and the Bible, are not emphasized. Even the importance of the Great Commission is missing. Also missing is the essential element of salvation by grace alone in Christ alone by faith alone. The tendency of the course is to speed through or do a fly over of the Bible in general. A crash course of the framework of the Bible can never replace the essential doctrines of the faith. For example there is nothing given of the desire of Christ to make disciples of all nations, to come out of sin, to repent and be baptized, to grow in grace and knowledge. A simple rote memorization of the Bible or of God is nothing short of being called the great omission. Even the Devil and his demons know God exists and Satan could quote the Bible. The demons believe in God and tremble but this doesn’t mean that they are acting on this belief. What is missing is the desire to be hungering and thirsting after righteousness or to have practical applications like loving and serving one another that is covered by Paul in 1 Corinthians 13 and Romans 12. There is a lack of focus on being regenerated, being renewed in mind, or growing in holiness through a lifelong sanctification process. The greatest problem may be the elevating of the gifts of the Spirit and the lack of not glorifying Jesus Christ, to Whom the Holy Spirit is to testify of, speak of, and Who strives to glorify. It seems to be more of a me-centered teaching. The greater proportion of teaching about the gifts of the Spirit indicates that the gifts are more important than the Gift Giver. Despite the Alpha Course’s best intention, it is overtly charismatic and under emphasizes the holiness of God, thus the “works” of the Spirit are seen as more important that true worship of God in Spirit and in Truth. The experiences are seen as a validation of the Spirit’s presence more than an inner conversion and the outward expression of that conversion. For example, there are testimonies of hundreds who have attended their conferences who have been “bounced” from them due to their lack of speaking in tongues rather than Jesus saying that we would know them by their fruits.

@B3L13v3R Thanks, brother for posting this. It was helpful. (Frienduff re-posted it here in my thread.)

@Michael37 I went directly to their own site now (to do a fact check.) This is what they state about their origin. Alpha began at a church called Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB) in London in 1977, it was taken by Nicky Gumbel in 1990 and repositioned as a course for those outside the church. The number of people attending Alpha at HTB grew quickly into the hundreds and attracted the attention of other churches across denominations seeking to find an effective tool for evangelism. This led to the first Alpha conference in 1993 at HTB where over 1000 church leaders attended to learn about Alpha and how to use it in their congregation. As interest grew Alpha conferences were organized internationally and the original Alpha Film Series was filmed in 1994 to make it accessible to the widest possible audience.

This thread is to share info about dangers that lie within the Alpha Courses... In researching it, I came across some red flags. They include ecumenism and some questionable (unbiblical) behaviors. I hope this helps someone. It is not intended to spawn fighting. It is simply a warning to those considering getting involved with the Alpha Course. The Alpha Course was started in the United Kingdom, at Holy Trinity Brompton Church, by Nicky Gumbel and Sandy Millar in 1977. This Anglican church in London was the center of the holy laughter movement in England and Europe, and has been known for services that include being “slain in the Spirit” and behaviors such as uncontrollable laughter, spasms, loud animal-like noises and physical manifestations during emotionally driven services. While there is much good teaching in the Alpha Course, this extreme background sometimes finds its way into the teachings of the course. The Alpha Course begins with a solid presentation of the gospel message and progresses with some solid biblical teachings. It is interesting that the Alpha Course does not seek to teach about the person, character or attributes of God, and does not focus on doctrine, which may cause division among those whom they seek to include, New Age adherents and Roman Catholics, for example. The Alpha Course is ecumenical, and any course that can appeal to the wide range of traditions and denominations, as the Alpha Course does, has to sacrifice many essential Bible truths. A wide tent that is inclusive of those who hold teachings contrary to the tenets of the faith for which we are to contend (Jude 3) necessitates that the Word of God is sliced and diced into palatable portions, leading to error and following humanistic viewpoints rather than the revealed Word of the Lord. This sometimes results in the Alpha Course eventually working its way into error and ritualism, works-based salvation, and even occult manifestations. The push is for experience-driven evangelism while biblical doctrines are side-stepped or ignored (1 Timothy 4:13, 16). Some teachers have used the Alpha Course to teach “kingdom now” theology, which is also called “dominionism” or “triumphalism.” This is the idea that those who have enough faith can enjoy right now all or most of the physical and health benefits promised during the coming Millennial Kingdom of Christ on earth. This is nothing more than the “health, wealth, and prosperity” gospel repackaged with a new name. Wealth, health and good times are promised in the name of “faith.” This treats God like a spiritual ATM who must give what we ask, rather than a holy God deserving of our submission to His perfect will and His sovereign purpose. With a teacher from this persuasion, the Alpha Course can be used to promote the idea that the Holy Spirit can be called upon to perform His works in response to man’s demand. This, of course, is not biblical. It incorrectly applies passages such as John 14:12 where Jesus says, “Anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these.” Jesus, in His incarnation, was limited to one space at one time as He laid aside the prerogatives of His divine nature (Philippians 2:6-8). The sending the Spirit to live in the hearts of the apostles and believers has brought untold millions to faith in Him, and that is the “greater” works referred to here, not the miracle signs that accompanied Jesus’ ministry on earth to authenticate Him as the Jewish Messiah. The Lord Jesus Christ told the disciples and all who would believe upon Him through their testimony (John 17:20) that He had to go away to prepare a place for us but would not leave us comfortless or orphans but that the Father would send another Comforter. This Comforter is another of the same kind and quality as Christ Himself, and He would be with them and in them (John 14:17). Never is it said that He would come upon them and cause them to lose control of themselves. We are called to do “all things decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40). Nowhere in Scripture do we see the Lord Jesus ever laying His hands on the disciples and producing manifestations of uncontrollable laughter, shaking, animal noises, the need to be restrained to protect oneself from harm, or the loss of bodily control. Rather, Jesus rebuked the demons or devils that caused these manifestations and healed those that were possessed of them (Matthew 4:24; 8:16, 28; 9:32; 12:22; 15:22). Peter warns us in 2 Peter 2:1 about false prophets and false teachers, who would “introduce destructive heresies and even deny the sovereign Lord.” Although there are many positive things about the Alpha Course, due to its ecumenicalism, it is easy for false and dangerous ideas to be introduced. The apostle Paul said, “a little leaven, leavens the whole lump” (1 Corinthians 5:6; Galatians 5:9). As believers, we are to test the spirits and to be informed and not deceived by the false teachers that abound today, whom the apostle Paul warned of in his day (2 Corinthians 11:13; 2 Timothy 3:1-7). And these valuable lessons are left for us to use and apply in every age. Again, as with any course or teaching, we must be diligent and discerning. We must diligently study God’s Word on our own and reject anything which contradicts the Bible. We must be discerning in evaluating the qualifications of the person or people teaching the course.

@Melinda12 I commend you for asking this question of frienduff. I'm starting a thread that sheds light on the dangers within the Alpha Courses. I hope it is helpful to you.

To the hurting one out there reading this right now: Jesus loves YOU... more than you know. Reach out to Jesus. He is reaching out to you.

@Debp This is a great topic for a thread! Thanks for your caring . May hope be given to those who are hurting out there. My prayer is that they will find this and be ministered to by it.

@angels4u I absolutely love this! As someone who champions right to life, I can only say praise God, this is wonderful.

@BeauJangles Thanks for posting this scripture. It brought this promise to remembrance for me...

@frienduff thaylorde This is true. But sorry it backfired on you...praying you feel better soon.

THANKSGIVING Thanksgiving comes but once a year And now that day is almost here To count our blessings; and in love Bring praises to our God above *Gifts come down from the God of light And we're beloved in His sight We don't deserve the wondrous grace He offers to our human race *For Jesus died on Calvary So we could live eternally And in great victory rose again To bring salvation to all men To those of us who know Him In this, we shall rejoice And to our precious Savior We will lift a grateful voice For on this day we celebrate With so much to be thankful for We'll fellowship and eat our feast But it's Christ we shall adore * "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." (James 1:17) * "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time." (1 Peter 1:3–5)

@marvelloustime Here is the video I promised to post. I hope it is a blessing.

@marvelloustime That makes me think of an encouraging song. I will post it for you over in videos. Here are the lyrics. This is definitely cause for Thanksgiving! Midnight Cry When Jesus steps out I hear the sound of a mighty rushing wind And it's closer now than it's ever been I can almost hear the trumpet as Gabriel sounds the chord At the midnight cry we'll be going home When Jesus steps out on a cloud to call His children The dead in Christ shall rise to meet Him in the air And then those that remain will be quickly changed At the midnight cry when Jesus comes again I look around me, I see prophecies fulfilling And the signs of the times, they're appearing everywhere I can almost hear my Father, as He say, "Son, go get my children" Oh yeah, at the midnight cry, the bride of Christ will rise When Jesus steps out on a cloud to call His children The dead in Christ shall rise to meet Him in the air And then those that remain will be quickly changed At the midnight cry when Jesus comes again And then those that remain will be quickly changed At the midnight cry, oh yes, at the midnight cry, yes At the midnight cry when Jesus comes again Jesus comes again

I hope you had or are having a special gathering. I know that Thanksgiving Day is nearly over now. But I wanted to share this with you guys and bring a laugh your way before the day is done.