stacey c

Because some people actually like them, although I cannot figure out why. And because they never go bad. Ever. People continue to make them and buy them because of people like me! I'm a fruit cake who likes fruit cake!

I do, I have two children that will always be a special child of God. ICL Dennis Praying for you and your son. And I also know how hard it is. My daughter is one of God's special angels He's blessed me with. Blessings stacey c

They believe it is a pagan holiday. There is a conspiracy theory floating around that Christmas in its original form is based on sun worship and that all the customs go back to ancient Babylon and so forth. There is no real historical basis for that claim, but they operate from a revised version history. I think anything can be twisted and turned to be formed into something pagan and evil....... How about using it to Glorify the King of Kings! We should see Christ and glorify Him in everything we do every day!

I totally agree!!!! We dont have alot of money for gifts but I love making christmas cookies and fudge for everyone, even my neighbors who I dont really know, cooking a big dinner for all who want to come. And the spirit of giving and unity it promotes. What a wonderful time of the year!

I understand that Christmas isnt plainly laid out in the Bible and it's not Jesus' birthday, but why all the contempt by some of a day that promotes a spirit (in the general sense) of family, love. giving, and in many cases selflessness and self sacrafice. All attributes that Christ himself wants us to show.

I think my best and worst Christmas was 23 years ago On Dec. 23 1988 my first child was born, my beautiful daughter, but she was born with serious complications and I was able to go home Christmas day but she had to stay in the neo-natal unit for 3 more weeks. The nurses had decorated her incubator with Christmas decorations and santa stickers and the nurses had bought her Christmas gifts, it was so sweet. The best news I got that Christmas is that my precious baby would survive! The worst part was going home empty handed without my baby it was a horrible feeling.

Some country, hubby's a country boy an got me listening to some of it But I'm definately old time rock an roll Bob Seager Boston Lynard Skynnard Genesis The Who Eagles Fleetwood Mac Aerosmith Peter Frampton I could go on and on........

Well I came out of a Prosperity Church after many many years of deception and control, and you dont see it until you do walk away. The Pastor was very dynamic, charming but also very controling. I wont go into alot of details because one I dont have the time but two I dont wish to gossip, and I do still have a deep seated bitterness that rears its ugly head once this topic is involved. Needless to say that most people who come out of this type of church are very hurt and bitter and its shame. Dont get me wrong there was some awesome teachings and fruit that was produced. But 2 things opened my eyes and made me leave 1 The pastors right hand came to me on Pastor's authority and told me I was cursed because I had unbelief because I didnt have a over flow of money, mind you I was a widow who worked in their pre-school 40 to 50 hours a week to make ends meet for me and my 6 kids, and I did tithe religously 10% every week. 2 Several months later I had a new fiance and we had gotten into a financial situation where I asked for a loan against my paychecks, I was told that would be fine on the condition I left my husband as pastor didnt like him. I have not returned since, and my husband is now very bitter against church as this was his first expierience in church as an adult. The damage they do is very deep rooted and spiritually devastating.

No. The instant I recieved Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savour my salvation was a done deal, I needed no "works" at that time. My works of faith come throught out my walk as evidence of Christ in me.

Are works not needed to go along with faith? Will faith alone save? So I can NOT obey and receive salvation? . Faith in what Christ did on the cross saves you. Works of faith are an outward expression of your salvation. If one truly loves God they want to obey. If man could work his right into heaven Jesus would not have needed to die on the cross. Man cannot work his way into heaven. Nor can man believe his way into heaven. Faith without works is dead, and ineffective. Belief in Jesus Christ and what He did gets me into heaven, not what I can do. After your salvation, your outward expression is obedience to Christ. If there is no expression of faith in Christ after salvation, one needs to reexamine whether they were truly saved or not.

So works ARE needed for salvation? . You are twisting my words. Works are not nedded for salvation itself, they are a outward expression of your salvation.

Psalm 91 What an awesome promise of God's protection!

Are works not needed to go along with faith? Will faith alone save? So I can NOT obey and receive salvation? . Faith in what Christ did on the cross saves you. Works of faith are an outward expression of your salvation. If one truly loves God they want to obey. If man could work his right into heaven Jesus would not have needed to die on the cross.

It takes more than just faith and acceptance for what Christ did for salvation! James 1 [21] Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. [22] But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. [23] For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: [24] For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. [25] But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. We have to DO something for salvation! Some sort of act MUST be taken. For if we have faith only but do not act upon it we are left with dead faith! I can have faith in God all I want...but until I prove my faith by taking action my faith is dead? Let's go and read the next chapter of James where he tells us this; James 2 [14] What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? Well? Can faith alone save a man? And just WHAT is it that we are to be saved from? Afterall....that's what salvation is....being saved FROM SOMETHING! Let's continue while you think about that for a moment..... [15] If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, [16] And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? [17] Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Now let's read of one example James gives us that shows some sort of action, some sort of deed, some sort of WORK is needed to go along with the faith we claim. [21] Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? And what was the 'work' that Abraham performed proving his faith in the Lord? He drew back the knife! [24] Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Just because Paul does not use works as an example does NOT mean works is not needed! Let's read some more... [26] For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. So...are we to ignore the writings of James because Paul tells us that; Eph.2 [8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast. No we are not. What we MUST understand is that when Paul speaks of 'works' and 'deeds' of the law, he is speaking about ANOTHER set of laws. A set of laws other than the ones he tells us to keep and that he says are holy, just and good! Will you search God's word to find that Paul speaks of TWO sets of laws in his writings? God's word tells us we will be judged by our works! But does that mean faith is not needed? No! It just means that BOTH are a requirement for salvation! . It is because of our salvation, that we work the works of faith. If we are truly saved then we have the love of Christ in us, for Him and our fellow man that requires us to go forth and show that love to others. We are to be a light, and hows that? We show the love of our Father to a dark and dismal world, by our acts of faith and love. If you donot have a Agape love for those in need, does it show a true salvation. Our works of faith are a outward expression of what Christ has done for us, it doesnot get us into heaven, but if we donot show this outward expression are we truly saved to begin with?

Sin, which is something you do, can destroy your faith. Right? We all fall short on a daily basis, we are human, whether it be lies, pride, anger....ect.... Does it destroy my faith because I screw up? No, it makes me even more thankful and contrite when I fall to my knees before my Lord and ask for His forgiveness, because He is merciful and just to forgive me. That knowledge of Daddy's love for me makes my faith stronger. Does that give me a pass to go out an willfully sin? No, it makes me seek harder after His Righteousness. I can do nothing to earn my salvation, it was already sealed when I accepted what He did for me on Calvary. Blessings stacey c

I enjoy Halloween........ With 8 kids and my husband, the older kids and hubby take th little ones trick or treating mommy gets a break!!!! They don't realize mommy gets the real treat, peace and quiet for a few hours!!! :laugh:

We seem to look over 1 of the basic statements of the op. He stated that a person does not know whether their name is written in The Book of Life until they stand before the throne on Judgement Day. Here is the problem with that as I see it......... Lack of faith in the foundation of our christian walk Jesus said "He is the way, the truth and the Life, and those who believe in Him shall have Eternal LIfe." If we can't believe that first, how can we have faith in anything else God has given us in His Word. We either believe all of it or none of it...... Without faith it is impossible to please God. It's not about anything I can do to earn my way in to heaven, but all about Him who thru His marvelous Love and Grace has GIVEN us entrance thru acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior. Blessings stacey c

The problem Candice is that most people make no distinction between the two. Most people assume they are one and the same and that has led to a lot of confusion. Many critics of OSAS believe that it is just another term for ES and it isn't. What is the difference between the two? (Ligit question because I dont know) I was taught that OSAS are those who at some time in their life accepting Christ , then for whatever eason returned to their ways , and they believe they are "saved" because at the one time in their lives they followed Christ. So I know about the scriptures where God states He has sealed us, saved us and will keep us until the end, no man can pluck us out of His hand, ect....... So you donot believe a man can willfully turn his back on God after salvation? Blessings stacey c The difference between Eternal Security and OSAS begins with their premises. OSAS begins with the premise that man can live any way he wants after salvation. He can live in continuous sin and God will simply give him a pass. Eternal Securty begins with the premise that a person who has an authentic profession of faith WANTS to live in holiness. They have a desire to live for the Lord and please Him in all things. We may stumble in a sincere attempt to serve the Lord, but that does jeopardize our salvation. We are not secure so we can live any way we want. Rather the security comes from the understanding that God wil always be faithful to His promises. We are eternally secure because God is not going to change His mind and rescind our salvation. He is not going to take back the gift of eternal life He has given us through Christ. So, those who profess Christ but live in sin do not have an authentic profession of faith. They did not "lose" salvation, as you cannot lose what you never had in the first place. They are at best, religionists. They are not Christians and their "salvation" is nothing more than a delusion on their part. I do not believe that a person who has authentic profession of faith will or ever has become apostate. Ok, Thank you. Then ES is alot different than OSAS. This is the way I believe but never put the name ES to it! I believe God's promises are yes and amen, that He will finish this work in me, and that His Grace and Mercy will see me thru my short comings until the end. He will never turn His back on me because of my short coimings! Praise God!!!!!!!

The problem Candice is that most people make no distinction between the two. Most people assume they are one and the same and that has led to a lot of confusion. Many critics of OSAS believe that it is just another term for ES and it isn't. What is the difference between the two? (Ligit question because I dont know) I was taught that OSAS are those who at some time in their life accepting Christ , then for whatever eason returned to their ways , and they believe they are "saved" because at the one time in their lives they followed Christ. So I know about the scriptures where God states He has sealed us, saved us and will keep us until the end, no man can pluck us out of His hand, ect....... So you donot believe a man can willfully turn his back on God after salvation? Blessings stacey c

Someone asked on FaceBook, and I thought to repost here to get your opinions, Everyone has their preference of Bible Translations, and we know that pastors from the past has published Bibles with their own commentaries in it, do you use one and if you do which one and why, if not why? My answer is I have had them in the past but I dont care for them, because I find them biased according to each individuals denomination. And while I am not opposed to learning from others or being corrected I dont want man's opinion on what certain passages mean. What say you?

This is one of my favs. from Hillsong. We sing it in church all the time. A great praise song!

Greetings Monarchy, There's so many scriptures that can back your question up...but I feel if you don't have them in your spirit or heart during times of trial or afflictions they become (because of our mindset) useless. The Words purpose is to operate in whatever stage of life we find ourselves in.. it exalts us to go higher and during times of trial, afflictions or whatever may come to distract us...be there to not only help us to examine ourselves, but to sustain us, to encourage us to hold on...to press on...to see what the end will be. Christ redeemed us through His blood...all we have to do is believe and receive. The Word of God acts as a receipt and guarantees that as long as we trust in Him..we are His own. These are trying times for the saints of God...simply because the time is so near...hold fast to your faith in knowing that you are Gods property. Search His word and let Him speak to your spirit-man and as He does this the Holy Ghost will be fed and exercised...He is our Helper, and when we may lose our train of thought..He reaches in and brings Gods promise back to us. When times like this comes (yes, I've been there) I repent and began to speak positive to what ever the enemy maybe saying to me...I turn the Word on him.... I am the child of the Most High God, the sheep of His pasture, I know His voice, no stranger will I answer, I'm fearfully, wonderfully made in Him will I trust, when you satan.. my enemy comes in like a flood, God lifts up a standard before you....Greater is He thats in me..than he that in the world...God so loves me, that He give His only Son and because I believe and has received Him...I have everlasting life... start calling things that be not (or feel not) as if they were, and they shall become. Whatever we need from God concerning any area of our lives...search His word, fill up on it... Monarch, you will find that you are God's property... 2J Amen

Here's the problem's I have with the ideaology that we do not have free will, and everything is done by the will of God. oak touched on these but I would like to elaborate as I see them.......... 1 if we have no free will according to salvation that means some were born for life eternal and others to eternal damnation, God is a merciful and just God and sent His Son for the sins of the world, (John 3:16) 2 we are told to preach the gospel to everyone, the gospel means Good News. How can it be the "good news for the world, if many dont even have the option to recieve it? It would be their death sentence. 3 God tells us that Satan is the prince of the powers of the air, and he has governors under him, and that satan has come to kill, steal, and destroy. Now if there is no free will and God does it all according to His sovereign will, it means He kills, steals and destroys, but the Word tells us that all good and perfect gifts come down from above. So is the Word lying? Heaven forbid! God knows all, He knows the decisions we will make, good or bad, He knows who will accept Him and who wont, He knows the paths we take in this life, giving us free will by know means takes away from His soverinity. Blessings stacey c

Lets see what the Bible says about trials and afflications..... Romans 5:1 "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; v.2 "By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God" v. 3 "And not only so, but we glory in tribulation also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience;" v.4 "And patience expierience, and experience, hope," v. 5" And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us." 2Corinthians 13: 10 "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessaties, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong." Trials and tribulations are to be expected during our work, the Lord calls it the trying of our faith, when you are going through them, it does not mean God has forsaken you, instead it's God testing your faith to bring from glory to glory. Blessings stacey c

Who do we listen to when two people claim that the Holy Spirit is leading them in opposite directions? The one who leads us in truth to Truth... The Word alone to Christ alone with nothing in between... Love, Steven What if two people disagree about what the Word says and claim a different intepretation from the Holy Spirit? Man will never have perfect interpretation of the Word, we are faliable and will mess up. But God is faithful to lead us back into the right direction. Our walk with God will always be a learning expierence, it's line upon line precept upon precept. God says it's a trying of our faith. Blessings stacey c Jesus promised the Church that the Holy Spirit would lead it into ALL truth, not some truth and some falsehoods. Jesus didn't write a book, he started a Church. When the early Christians had a question about faith or morals, they asked the Church for the answer. That's what most Christians still do today. Jesus promised all believers that the Holy Spirit would lead them into all truth. Sometimes as humans we miss the mark, but He will redirect us as we seek His Word. No Jesus didnt write a book, He is the Word made flesh and dwelt among us, John 1:1, and He came to save the world, John 3:16. And I can't speak for everyone, but myself if I need an answer I seek my Lord's face and search His Word for my answer it's all in there.