Isn't it hateful to ignore or shun other believers ?
If done deliberately with malicious intent then yes of course . I'm a member of a very large congregation and I confess that I don't speak to every member regularly and they don't all speak to me regularly . There are only so many hours in the day and it would be impossible for us all to talk to each other , every one of us , all the time .
Then there are occasions when I get the sense that someone maybe doesn't like me much and that they would rather not speak to me , on those occasions I do them a favour by not foisting myself upon them .
A brother at my church married out of our denomination and was dis-fellowshipped for a while . His wife eventually joined us and he was re-admitted . However , she was his second wife , his first wife having commited adultery against him and he divorced her . So , he was no longer allowed to hold any office in our congregation because of his second marriage .
I can't say I agree with that , if your in , your in and a member of the body . But it wasn't up to me , so I have to be quiet and concede to my elders .
We don't always like everything that goes on in our congregations but if we don't have any power to change things what can we do other than keep silent for the sake of peace ?
Our Lord JESUS said: Mat.13:30-> In the time of harvest I will say to the reapers,Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
Do ye not know that the saints shall Judge the world?and if the world shall be Judged by you,are ye unworthy to Judge the smallest matters?Know ye not that we shall Judge angels?(angels of the Churches) 1Corinthians 6:2-3.
By the way, JESUS said more: John 4:36-37:->36 He that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. 37 And herein is that saying true,One soweth(JESUS sowed),and another reapeth.
And Daniel prophesied:Dan.7:22&27: ->22Judgment was (will be)given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom( Revelation 11:15-18. Take a look.). 27 And the Kingdom and dominion,and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.
Daniel 2:44-47
44And in the days of these kings shall the GOD of heaven set up a Kingdom( Revelation 11:15-18), which shall never be destroyed: and the Kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
45Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver,and the gold;the great GOD hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter:and the dream is certain,and the interpretation thereof sure.
46Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face...Of a truth it is, that your GOD is a GOD of gods( Psalms 82:1-2&6-8 and John 10:34-36 combined with Isaiah 41:22-23),and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets,seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.
Scripturally, excluding a person from the church is preceded by admonition and counsel; it is only employed in cases of bona fide heresy, obdurate divisiveness, or blatant, unrepentant sin; and it is a last resort. After excommunication, the relationship between the former member and the church naturally changes, and the "shunning command"-not to eat with such a person-may come into play. However, the church still has the responsibility to pray for the one being disciplined and to extend forgiveness when repentance is evident. Shunning, as defined as a refusal to speak to someone or a total severing of all ties, goes beyond what the Bible advocates.
PARTIALITY.
This is another evil we see amongst believers.
The chapter of James 2 covers this. ( James 2:1-26)
Let's take on just a few verses.
If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
So, speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
We are to be at peace with one another, forgive one another, have mercy on one another.
Just a few references.
1 Thessalonians 4:9
Ephesians 4:32
Galatians 5:26
Galatians 6:2
Matthew 7:12
1 John 4:7
However, we don't lie or deceive one another for the sake of peace. The truth hurts sometimes but it promotes spiritual growth providing that the Christ spirit is in the person.
BELEIVERS SHUNNING OTHER BELEIVERS.
To shun is to deliberately avoid something or someone. In the Bible, the word shun is applied to evil. Job 1:8, Job 28:28, Proverbs 3:7-8Proverbs 14:16. So, shunning evil is good.
There is scripture that promotes excommunication. Matthew 18:15-17; 2 Thessalonians 3:14. but do we do it for harm or Good? What's the intent?
In any case, it would seem that extreme forms of shunning, such as considering someone "dead," utterly ignoring him, or refusing to acknowledge his existence, go beyond what Scripture commands.
After all, Jesus said that, when someone is put out of the church, he should be treated as "a pagan or a tax collector" Matthew 18:17. In other words, treat an intractable offender as an unsaved person.
How are we to treat the unsaved? With love and grace.
The "pagans and tax collectors" need to be evangelized. We are to love even our enemies ( Matthew 5:44).
The goal of excommunication and any form of shunning is restoration ( Galatians 6:1).
The purpose of any type of discipline is to prompt repentance and, ultimately, to reunite our fallen brother or sister with the church body. Being officially ostracized from the church, the sinner might be brought to repentance.
When the man in the Corinthian church later realized that he had sinned against God, he repented and came back to the church for forgiveness and reinstatement. Fellowship with the Corinthian believers was restored ( 2 Corinthians 2:6-11).
Isn't it hateful to ignore or shun other believers?
Troubles of the World are tossing us like a storm upon the sea.
Satan and his army is at work and attacking us on every side.
He is tearing up homes and breaking up families.
We all hear and see how he is fighting, warring , against the household of faith around the world.
(Ma. 5:10)
We need to love one another.
(Eph.3:17)
Richard's article helped me to realize that we can never isolate ourselves from other human beings.
All though we carry our own burdens daily, our Lord strengthens us to reach out to others through the power that works in us.
In the beginning Satan tore out the heart of two parents who had to continue to love one child after he killed another child, his brother.
It hurts bad when we lose our love ones by any means.
Family against family
tears at the soul.
Families today are suffering for loss of children
and even babies by violence. Yet, God is our strength.
In my opinion satan has definitely targeted the household of faith to destroy and to tear down the Kingdom in which Grace and Mercy dwell: everlasting life,
that God has offered to us through the sacrifice of his Son on Calvary. The Gates of Hell
shall not prevail against it.
(Kjv Ma. 16:18)
(Online__Darvaza)
In the past were crucifixions, now Mass shootings in the church. Lord, help us.
Death and Satan teamed up for the Crucifixion of Jesus. Satan thought if he stirred the rulers to take Jesus' life, he, himself, could depend on death to hold him in the ground. Well, we know how that turned out. (Lk.24:39)
On the cross Jesus said, "They know not what they do."
We must continue to pray.
That is what Jesus did.
As we recognize the "War" let us put on the whole armour of God ( Eph. 6:13)and prepare ourselves for the battle.
The poor man cried, the Lord heard him and delivered him out of all his troubles.
( Ps. 34:6)
I am praying that I stay close enough to the Lord so that Satan can't squeeze in between us and separate us.
Having explored with gravity the situation of those afflicted with emotional problems of darkness and depression we also have to look at other things such as anger; and euphoria. I cannot emphasize enough this point that I am about to make; there is NO love like God's and what His saints will share in heaven and on the new earth for all eternity. Of course Satan will stop at nothing to find ways to circumvent God's laws particularly related to marriage to find a "soulmate" on earth. Without going once again into the subject of what is considered a legitimate marriage; I will leave it at this; a marriage in the Lord is part of God's community and Christ's body on earth. While the struggle with desires of the flesh isn't something unusual; the fact that many who already in theory should be having their needs met are looking to find grass that's greener elsewhere is a peculiar trait to human beings. Somehow we think that we can shortcut God's plan; looking at Abraham and Sarah we see how well that worked when she pushed Hagar on him after the fact. The fact that some seem to find better success finding their future spouse in a bar than even an online "Christian" dating service is telling; and it seems a foreign concept to expect the Lord to provide someone simply by obediently attending church (although the demographics in my church for example are more to old folks like myself).
Looking beyond trying to find love in all the wrong places; we often forget that our other emotions (jealousy; rage; anger and other bad fruits) often get in the way of reaching out to others for a viable friendship so that anything more is snuffed out at the inception. Again; it is our own deception that makes us think we can change someone after we marry them. I would STRONGLY advise premarital counsel in the church to avoid what happened to me (a divorce after 25 years of marriage).
In today's society an often soft fabric of emotionally immature individuals CAN be some advantage over the proud generations of parents and especially the grandparents from two generations ago. We see many young people brought up in church and perhaps having some childhood faith going strong into the world; but if they survive long enough they come back to their senses. The problem is of course that many are drawn into a church that appeals to their emotions or worse tickles their ears.
Of course we have the enemy taking advantage of both sides as he always does; being loyal to no one but himself but gladly pitting his subjects against each other; and if we aren't paying attention; his enemies as well.
On a personal note; I lost a friend about 13 years ago to suicide. She was bipolar; and seemed to have a viable testimony of faith. She was joyful to be around on her emotional high but I saw her once in an extreme low. Sadly she decided to stop taking medication and she was found dead a few months later. I won't detail it since where I lived someone may be familiar with it in regard to where she was found. What I will say is that in her case her emotions dictated what she felt was her necessity to stop taking meds (perhaps rationalized in her mind). I feel it is necessary to state this here because some will give advice to give everything to the Lord and quit taking medicine. I would just go to scripture and say that we should go to the physician (at that time the priests) to verify healing. This also shows that some need to have supervision; especially anything involving substance abuse or mental illness. I am certain some have in fact been able to get off medicines; but the best way we can help others at times is to make sure we are doing the best to take care of ourselves with God's guidance.
That being said; there is no doubt the enemy is behind the insane number of suicides in our nation today.
Yesterday perhaps the enemy (although I suspect it is my pinkie left finger touching the esc key) caused the first part of what will probably be a lengthy dissertation on Satan's methods to be wiped out. It gave me an opportunity to think about some more stuff today. I thought an outline at present would help; perhaps finding some interest out there to detail a particular area.
Here's a brief summary of what I was starting yesterday.
1. Self-We are our own worst enemies.
Attacks on emotions; mind and soul (will present scriptures to follow).
I wanted to touch on "presumtion" along with other thought patterns within fallen man that can trip us up as well.
2. Others-Peer pressure; manipulation; flattery and any wrong done by others. This of course is rarely not associated with our own actions; particularly ruminating and fretting rather than taking things to God in prayer
3. Spiritual warfare: Again; not isolated but oppression for a believer; possession possible for non believers; and all things in the world system. This would include false religions.
4. Deception. This may be the most concerning and potent weapon the enemy has. The "Trojan horse" approach allows the enemy in the gate whether it is in our hearts or in a particular local church in general.
General thoughts before we begin the main study.
When we look at the Antichrist (Satan's main exhibit) we see characteristics of a SUBSTITUTE for as well as blatent blasphemy AGAINST the true Christ. The enemy will always work in two ways; either giving us what we want (in reality being void of real substance); OR he will directly cause persecution (usually through people and often in seemingly ordinary events) but at times goes full force. This outward persecution shows that he has failed in deception and therefore we understand why Paul said he thanked God he was worthy to suffer persecution for His Name's sake. God ultimately allows all Satan does
God is the god of the living and Jesus explained that they are in the presence of Him who made man a living soul. So life must be understood as living two words as one. We have spiritual aspects which cannot be seen separate from our physical bodies. At the mount Jesus transfigured before his three disciples. It is a spiritual body. 2 Co.5:1. It is building of God, eternal in heavens so physical death for the living is to be in their glorified bodies. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ.(Ro.8:1).Living or dead they hear. Eye of faith and ear of faith is applied to our inner man. Lazarus heard Jesus and when the last trump is sounded all shall hear. Much of the evil we see in the churches is a lack of appreciation for godliness. Glory of money and celebrity status are all temporary. No man shall continue for long and keep them. They rewarded themselves with 'other man's riches' but shall find to their cost that nothing ever comes free. Satan tempted Jesus with this glory and he refused to take it. Foolish think only of life here and now. Life abundant is living in Christ so death is merely change of vile bodies,-formed out of ground, for spiritual bodies.
In the Old Testament; there were 2 types of roles for a Prophet. In 1 Chronicles 21:9-13 we have Gad who is David's "seer".
He was given the task of telling David after the Satanically inspired census that there were 3 punishments that would result.
He had no need at that time apparently to mention what the punishment was for as David apparently realized the error of his ways. That is different than Nathan the Prophet at the time he took Bathsheeba as his wife and had Uriah the Hittite set up to die on the front lines in 2 Samuel 11. It would seem that Proverbs 6:34 showed Solomon's wisdom in avoiding showing feigned favor to the husband of a woman someone else is involved with; perhaps it was inspired from what happened in part with David and his mother years previous.
The second role was more of a general statement of future events covered in much of the "major prophets" such as Daniel; Jeremiah; Isaiah and Ezekiel and the minor ones (with smaller overall text) such as Zechariah; Zephaniah; etc.
I am no expert on the office of Prophet today but it seems cessationists may say a Pastor teaching from the Word is also in that type of ministry. I would also say that those who use the Word only as a warning could be in that category. The controversy is if these "signs and wonders" gifts have ceased. I would first eliminate all the pretenders who clearly make things up from their imaginations and false prophets and those who have no factual basis or vary vague statements about persons or events that are very subjective. We are also warned that should someone say something that doesn't come to pass OR that DOES but incites us to worship a false God is to be ignored and kicked out of any church if they try to do this. (See Deut. 18:22 and Deut. 13:2).
We must also avoid fear of things to come. Someone telling the truth should offer some hope even in the worst warnings. The biggest red flag is always predicting prosperity.
The other day I discussed roles of men and women; and showed the case of Miriam and good and bad things about her behavior.
This situation shows how in general how a true Prophet can have certain sins that cause a downfall. Another example is in 1 Kings 13 starting in verse 11. His disobedience in stopping anywhere to eat on his journey back from a prophetic mission cost him his life. This story shows not only his disobedience; but the obstinance of the other prophet who enticed him to eat with him. The Spirit entered him much as it did with Balaam after he accepted the offer with a true word from God (in this case about his demise). We could look at Cephus as another example in John 11:50. So we can see several situations here:
1. A TRUE Prophet that errs in obedience to God
2. A FALSE Prophet that the Lord still uses to some extent for His purposes
3. Someone not designated as a Prophet who still says something to that affect.
We could look at the third example in the case of Pontius Pilate; who put the inscription in Matthew 27:37 on being the King of the Jews. John 19:22 further expounds on this theme in Pilate's declaration that it should stand. Whether his reasonings were mocking; or an honest assesment of his innocence could be questioned-it is clear that he never came to true repentance even if his sins were less serious than those of the others who were complicit or outright demanded he be crucified and a murder (Barabbas) released.
The story of Balaam in Numbers 22 should teach us some object lessons as well. One may assume that his story was an ancient tale and not of any importance today other than looking for false prophecies in general. This isn't true because this man was hired for money and we see evidence in the last days of those looking for "filthy lucre" ( 1 Timothy 3 and a couple other places in the N.T.) To say what a megachurch Pastor wants to hear to draw multitudes occurs today.
1The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he SENT and SIGNIFIED it by His angel unto His servant John:
16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;
20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
The battle of Michael is against three unclean spirits like frogs(why frogs),that FIRST manifest by the MOUTH of the dragon,the MAN Beast like a lamb(a false lamb,a false Jewish messiah- Revelation 13:11 combined with John 5:43-47,actually the MAN of sin,son of perdition)having two horns(i.e. representing two ancient kingdoms),and this false messiah,in fact an esoteric,and kabbalistic, and spiritist messiah, knowledgeable in Torah,a FALSE prophet,and he shall oppose and exalt himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God will be enthroned in the temple of God-the Holy City, showing himself that he is God-2Thesslonians 2:3-4 and 9-12.
The battle also is against the unclean spirit of the Beast of sea having 7 heads,10 horns,and upon his 7 heads a NAME of blaspheme.The false messiah will give to the Beast of sea his Power,and his Throne,and great Authority, hen the false messiah, the dragon-Re.13:11-shall take and link the whole structure around the world(Europe,Asia,Africa,Oceania(Australia),North America, Central America and South America) of the Roman Catholic Church to his body, i.e. the 7 heads of the Beast of sea, a Gentilic Beast,which shall sit on the throne of false messiah in Jerusalem in the FIRST half of the last week,week 70th Daniel 9:24-27.So, as JESUS prophesied, Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled- Luke 21:24.
The false messiah from the tribe of Dan- Genesis 49:17-represents the 10 horns of the dragon's body.The dragon's TAIL-Re.12:4-are all false preachers of the Word of GOD- Isaiah 9:15-16.
14For they are the spirits of devils,working miracles,which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world,to gather them to the battle of this great Day of GOD Almighty,the sevenh and last Day,or seventh and last millennium.
15Behold,I come as a thief.Blessed is he that watches,and keeps his garments,lest he walk naked,and they see his shame
The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. ( Genesis 49:10)
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. ( 1 Peter 4:11)
When taking a look at scripture; there are roles women play as Prophetess; prayer; teaching children; or the "virtuous woman" summing up Proverbs 31. When it comes to the 10 Commandments and the laws of the Lord in the Old Testament; or the rules about women remaining silent in the New Testament ( 1 Corinthians 14:34-35) it seems in regard to instruction in law continues as a man's responsibility. That would have further implications in regard to teaching established DOCTRINE related to the law; or the Gospel of Grace which expounds the full meaning of what is concealed in the Old Testament but revealed fully now.
When we try to fully grasp these concepts in human understanding; of course we fall short. An example that gives us insight is in Exodus 15:20 which shows Miriam; the older sister of Moses and Aaron as the first Prophetess in scripture. We could say in some way that Moses acted as the first Prophet in the Bible; at least in predicting what would happen to Israel in the last days in Deuteronomy 4; but Deuteronomy 18 talks about the coming Prophet like Moses who must be heeded (Christ). Technically Abraham was called a Prophet; the first example in the Bible but his predictions were toward his descendants when giving the family blessings at his death.
We see with Miriam that she foolishly spoke out about the second wife of Abraham of African descent and was struck with leprosy temporarily. Her best moment was in the role of the victory song as they crossed the Red Sea.
Mathew 18:20 says "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
A relationship with Christ Is not private, but communal, and the center of a person's relationship with Jesus is in the church. (Not necessarily the local Church but in the presence of other believers.
Read Hebrews 10:16-25.
We are to respond to his invitation and follow Jesus' example of how to live and treat others, giving him first place in your daily life.
A Desciples is someone who follows one's teachings.
In our rebirth Christ gave us his Spirit to guide us out of darkness.
Christ is faithful and said he will never leave you so your faith should be in his work on the cross not your baptism.
We pray to God for strength and wisdom and turn from the things that hinder us.
A Christian can not continue in sin!
God is love but he also is a righteous Judge.
He is rich in mercy forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty;
Our salvation hangs on God's promise once we have believed on his son, Christ Jesus!
Have you truly trusted him in his finish work on the cross?
If so we are persuaded to love his precepts the Brothern.
Your words on this site are so helpful for me. You put into words some thoughts I have but have never heard them discussed.
It also causes me to check myself. I can be narrow-minded at times. ( Not intentionally)
Like when a group chose the rainbow as their color. I said,
"Oh my Lord! They taking God's token of the covenant between him and Noah , ("God's people right?), to represent one Group of
People." This is is so wrong."
Well, I read Genesis 9:16 again!
and got a different understanding.
The scripture clearly says,
" And the bow shall be in the cloud. I shall look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting Covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh
upon the earth."
"all flesh" and it never said anything about "God's people."
Again in verse 17:
It was important enough to say it twice.
Was I surprised!!!
Keep up the good work.
You also offer thoughts on how churches can, "check themselves" to make sure they have the clear mission of the Church as a place that prepares us for ministry.
You mentioned a truthful relationship between parents and children.
And that Worship is to be more important than the "House" we worship in. Amen!
Thank you for your responses. I'm seeking Truth and will continue to thank. I sincerely appreciate it. I been lied to my whole life in school and churches so I question everything but it has given me a passion for the Scriptures and to learn new words and languages.
There was a Day when the sons of GOD came to present themselves before the Lord,and Satan came also among them- Job 1:6.
Now another Day arrived,the Lord's Day,seventh and last Day, seventh and last millennium,again Satan is also among the current sons of GOD( John 1:11-12),but strongly structured,more than in the time of Job,i.e. now he is with 7 heads,10 horns and a terrible TAIL- REVELATION 12:3-4-,it's a world religious MONSTER whose satanic system is established through a false Christianity in seven Continents-Europe,Asia,Africa,Oceania(Australia),North America, America Central and South America(7 regions of the Earth-7 heads of the dragon).His main partner is Catholicism ruled by the MAN Beast of sea,the current guide and leader/ruler of the Roman Catholic Church which rides upon the Beast, followed by Orthodox, and Anglicanism and Protestantism and their respective divisions called denominations and sects and movements gospel.Total adherents to Christianity are currently around 2.5 billion,but Scriptures warned:The Spirit speaks expressly,that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith,giving heed to seducing spirits,and doctrines of devils;Speaking lies in hypocrisy;having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 1Timothy 4:1-2combined with Romans 1:18-25.This is the devilish scenary of the 7 heads of the Devil,the red Dragon.
But there is also the religious esoteric,and kabbalistic,and spiritist Judaism, practiced in Israel,represented by ten tribes of the ancient Kingdom of Israel and its 10 Princes,one from each tribe.The MAN of sin,son of perdition,is from one of the 10 tribes,he should be of the tribe of Dan,and he is the little horn,the ileventh horn,which will manifest himself as Messiah,AN IMPOSTER- John 5:43-47 combined with Re.13:11,and will enthrone himself in Jerusalem. The next Pope to be elected in this current year, he will sit in the throne of the Messiah in Jerusalem-Re.13:2-first half of the last week,week 70th Dan.9:24-27
"But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all."
This was what bravado where oath of man falls contrary to the sovereignty of the word so a mighty warrior like Jephthah is shown as wimp and St Peter proved to be no less. Jesus showed why. " Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away."(13:31). Jesus as the fulfilment of Law places all events consequently in his deity as well as in his humanity. "I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil./For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." At the outset of his earthly he presented the doctrine of his Father and condemned the doctrine of man as coming from the devil. (John8:44). From the manner the disciples could not understand him the Spirit shows why. It is not the words themselves as the controversy over KJV or other translations have raked up but the simple reason their flesh was weak. Even in our times imposter church keeps man from loving God with all might and will all their heart. "Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word."(John8:43) They literally follow the scriptures and flat earthers for example, they may quote," It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth," Does that mean the earth is one? (Is.40:22).
"In thee is the fountain of life" Jesus said "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life./.... Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father."(John6:63-65; Ps.36:9) In the same night the disciples will fail their master at Gethsemane and forsake him. "My word " speaks of Christ's spirit of obedience and was for the glory of God. So abiding life means walking with him and understanding His will concerning us. That is true Light
PUNISHMENT OF THE ANCIENT AND CORRUPT CHURCH OF ROME FROM NOW ON -THE ANTICHRIST'S CRADLE
Revelation 18:1-5
1And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven,having great power;and the earth was lightened with his glory.
2And he cried mightily voice,saying,Babylon the great is fallen,is fallen,and is become the habitation of devils,and the hold of every foul spirit,and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird
3For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication,and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies
4Come out of her,my people,that ye be not partakers of her sins,and that ye receive not of her PLAGUES
5For her sins have reached unto heaven,GOD hath remembered her iniquities
In my foresee,I wrote in another site at April 19,2021-Death of Pope Francis-it must happen soon,until 2024 at the latest,no more.
- The Beast of the earth(of Israel-the clay-Is.64:8)with two horns LIKE A LAMB rises up-Re.13:11
-Election of the a new Pope-his nickname may be Paulus VII(?)
-The Beast of the earth LIKE A LAMB manifests himself as God in Israel;in fact a false messiah,an esoteric,and kabbalistic and spiritist false messiah; John 5:43-47
-The kabbalistic false messiah of the Jews,Beast of the earth, makes great signs and wonders of lie,even makes fire come down to the earth before men;(things of spiritism)
-The Pope(Paulus VII?)will meet the Beast like lamb;
-Both will develop a union between the RCC and Judaism,iron with clay-Dan.2:41-43,but they shall not cleave one to another, as iron is not mixed with clay;
-A religious and universal satanic Empire will be build by both religious leaders;Re.11:1-2;
-The esoteric Beast of the earth will make a deal with the Beast of sea and will give to the Beast of sea his Power,his Throne and great Authority-Re.13:2.The Antichrist's Empire is conceived by both Beasts.Then begins the last week-Dan.9:27
The cradle of Antichrist is the primitive Church of Rome-1Jo.2:18-21
The Word of GOD reveals the birthplace of Antichrist by the VISUAL testimony of Apostle John about the Church of Rome
18 Little children,it's the last time:and as ye have heard that Antichrist shall come,even NOW are there many Antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
19They(Church of Rome)went out from us(apostate),but they were not of us;if they had been of us,they would no doubt have continued with us:but they went out,that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
20Ye have an unction from the Holy One,and know all things.
Re.13:1-18,written around 65 years after JESUS's ascension,two distinct Beasts are described:The first lasts around 2000 years,we can discern and foresse both Beasts will lead two distinct satanic religious systems in near future.The FIRST MAN Beast of sea exists millennia ago,the another MAN Beast has not yet,but he will manifest in near future.Catholicism&Judaism.
The Beast of sea,a satanic religious system developed within the former Church of the Lord in Rome and into Roman Empire,after Satan corrupted the church established by Apostle Paul,killed by persecution,then was developed satanic Antichrist's movements through the corrupt church of Rome,called first Catholic Church.Revelation describes 7 churches,church of Rome would be the eighth,but it was left out because was completely disapproved by JESUS.
The religious structures and organizations of the RCC,which rides upon the Beast of sea,the Pope,within the Roman Empire,since the confuse election of the first Pope in first century,it can be Linus or Clement,later to increase the confuse election of whom really is the first Pope,Satan,the main leader of the blasphemer movement of Antichrist in the church of Rome,he himself,time after,around the 2nd or early 3rd century by convention began of regarding Peter as the first pope.It's more a satanic blasphemy of the MAN Beast of sea.
In continuation to the previous post Jesus knew beforehand that his disciples would flee from him in 'the evil hour. As it was written of him in the scriptures they were also written and in the same quote from Zachariah we read thus, "Smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones." The eleven disciples are 'the sheep' mentioned there. By the principle of Association the little ones include us as well. We received the gospel of salvation as 'the little ones'. We were called before the worlds began but how did we receive it?"and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;/And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen"(1 Co.1:27-28)
God chose man and not nations. "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come."( 1 Co.10:11)These are examples for our spiritual instruction
The point we need see here is the word of God is given to us to profit withal. "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal"(1 Co.12:7) This shall explain the Law of Gradation where all things are held together in Christ. Moses doubled for Jesus and how the Spirit has organised his going up the mount we have here in v.26. "And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives." The mount of Olives is a sign. Jesus was taken in because as the word of God had foreshadowed the evil hour was to manifest, as the golden calf leading to the imposter church of our times, and many other events all these leading to the final battle. (Re.19). These kangaroo events teach us, "There is nothing new under the sun.(Ec.1:9)"
"And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered."
I shall not detail what I have mentioned of this quote from Prophet Zechariah (13:7) while I coverd Matthew. The point is simple. Jesus as the Word become flesh obeyed his God completely so much so he knew the evil hour closing in on him, down to the exact minute. Jesus says further down in this chapter, "I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled."(14:49). Luke present us one curious aspect of time. "When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness."( Luke 22:53). The power of darkness also has been at work equally as the word that God commanded, "Let there be light." Why did Jesus Christ manifest? "He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil."( 1 John 3:8). So both good seed and tares growing in the field is nothing to marvel at. While Moses was with God down below the golden calf being set up was no coincidence. The evil work had succeeded throwing off some from the fellowship of God with Man. Moses as a double for the Son went up even as Jesus' Ascension gives it as a kangaroo event. So what we find of the Church of Rome setting up their golden calf is no brainer. The ten spies who brought evil report and brought God to intervene (Nu..14) we have even now as Evangelical Right, lining up behind a captain as bizarre as the Pied Piper of Hamelin. "And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt."(14:4). New Canaan is impossible for the reprobate minds. The point we need see here is the word of God is given to us to profit withal. (1 Co.12:7)
In terms of my quote of Malachi; I am praying that children can come to faith and bring their parents to salvation as well as vice versa. Serious efforts at children's prayer groups could bring that about. Also children's ministry that uses music with scripture memory is good. I sense there has to be a balance between presenting a content suitable for children and yet not underestimating their ability to understand spiritual things. We should certainly not be what retards them from growth; but so many distractions from entertainment make that a challenge today. Parents of course need to make clear that they FEAR the Lord and are in AWE of His mighty power. In line with that message there needs to be a relationship between husband and wife that shows attitudes scripture mandates such as 1 Peter 3 and verses in Ephesians so that their roles are clear and discipline can be swift and firm; yet loving. Kids need to emulate what they see and if the parents are disingenuous then if the kids do find the Lord it often is after a long period of rebellion. Many who know what they are talking about will attest to the fact that a lack of discipline brings fear and insecurity; sometimes even more than those in less than idyllic home situations. Cross generational outreach for one and two generations each have a valuable benefit and a healty church helps to facilitate such interactions.
Outreach is commendable; however there always should be caution that other organizations aren't preaching false doctrine and of course are financially sound. I would say that benevolence is best when it can be among individuals when a need arises.
A friend of mine who has recently lost his job and whose tires were blown out Sunday has been faithful coming to church; and I have helped him out. Without the Pastor and others helping as well it wouldn't have been enough. Thankfully they were there for him this past Sunday.
A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. ( Galatians 5:9).
And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. ( Malachi 4:6)
The first verse serves as a warning for any so called "revivals"; the last is related to the end times witness of Elijah and probably John the Baptist as a forerunner in his time. A church consists as any other element of society of individuals and a collective group and the sum is greater than its parts at least in the case of a healthy church. If we study the Laodiceans in particular however we could say the opposite; that the power is truly only in the hands of a few that will receive a reward; and/or make the Rapture (at least for those who are deceiving themselves as to having saving faith).
One major concept that needs to be grasped is that we are all as the Body of Christ working for the same goal and should find ways to work with different local and international ministries that are preaching truth. There of course needs to be careful consideration for any signs of associations with those ministries that clearly have spurious doctrines about key theological issues. In general the vision should focus on fulfilling the Great Commission rather than always planning on grandiose and exorbitant construction of new facilities; conferences etc. To help discipleship efforts within and without must be a key priority. Leadership needs to be open to the Spirit's leading in regard to changes and transitions in the future; having competent financial accounting but not making a corporate business structure the chief pursuit. Short term mission trips are great for youth especially; as well as having missionaries come visit home churches and do witnessing in our country as well. Group efforts in sharing the Gospel on a regular basis should be a foundation as well.
Exercising authority in church bears with it proportionate levels of accountability ( James 3:1). There are crowns for those ( 1 Peter 5:4) who are overseeing the flock in any capacity. While we cannot dismiss someone receiving such a crown who has a sizeable and successful ministry from outward appearances the urge to compromise leads to the situation in Matthew 5:19.
One thing is for sure; no one is going to receive rewards for teaching heresy; and continued unrepentance in this area like any other sin shows that an individual is unsaved.
It is by no means a guarantee of God's calling; but it does help when other brothers can see we have a gift and calling to be a Pastor. It seems to be a favorite rationale for getting a degree in Divinity; but I admire a brother I met some years ago who had a desire to be an elder specifically; not a Pastor. (Techinically these require the same gifting). In light of that observation; ;I have found that many large churches seem to rarely if ever give credit to Associate Pastors or even mention those under them. It could be the sheer size of the staff that is prohibitive. As I have probably pointed out before on this site; it is NOT wise for a Pastor to have NO elders or deacons working to help them and guide them; but I have seen this happen on occasion.
It is often a sign of an immature or prideful man in leadership when this situation continues. Thankfully in the one case I am aware of one of my friends was elected to be an Elder; clearly gifted in counselling others and teaching abilities.
I hope myself not to be hypocritical even with my own "sermons" online. We all need to learn from each other; and no gifting should be considered the "penultimate" position. Laypersons also should be involved; at least as members in voting in areas of church polity. Room for dissenting opinions in regard to large financial expenditures should involve preliminary data for transparency
Thank you yet, Not sure we believe in the same thing cuz..#1. God's word is what it is. We, as believers, are to read, study & learn what He meant. So as not to twist things as so many "religions" do. The original languages the Bible was written in.. well, their words mean something different then our English language so, again, read His word, study what He meant it to be & learn for yourself, Not merely listening to others..#2. No one is pure, or ever can be, except Christ.! Or His DBR was in vain. #3. I too find most things in life a waist of time. I work, go to church or watch on computer, when can't go to a building & spend my spare time cooking, making toiletries, BBQ sauce & fresh animal food.! God comes first, ALWAYS.! If all of that is what you meant..praise God..if not, I shall pray you come to find the true Jesus Christ & go up w/the rapture & not have to deal w/hell on earth w/ the anti- Christ.! Yet whatever you do..DO NOT get the mark of the beast. It is the only sin God will not forgive, it's blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.! Yet if you read His word, you know all this.
It has been said by those at least somewhat aware of the state of the church in this hour that we are far too obsessed on ourselves; especially in relation to this life. Living our "worst life now" I find humerous and sobering as Paul Washer has stated in the past in regard to another (I'll keep anonymous" person emphasizing the opposite sentiment. There has been much said about a very popular psychologist who has passed a few years back who tried to incorporate "moral and Christian values" with tenets of Psychology. Sophia; the founder of the "Rainbow Redemption Project" recently commented on the concept of "Gender Dysphoria" and how it is a harmful concept (I suggest you read her testimony on the site). There are some in the conservative media who realize the harm of "vitimization" is in society today with spoiled; lazy kids which is inexorably tied into the concepts of Dr. Spock from the 1960s and the disintegration of the two parent household and associated marriages.
With that introduction; I once again will point out that we can go to extremes such as what I mentioned in the last point of self depreciation constantly. That in ITSELF can be a pride issue. Ultimately we should let the Spirit of God work in us; and have His way and we can simply put less focus on ourselves and more on Christ being "on display". Psalm 139 states we are "fearfully and wonderfully made" at birth; certainly after the new birth. I can relate a brief experience i had about 15 years ago when someone on the street who was panhandling and seemed to have some problems suddenly seemed convicted that I was a real "man of God" and he said he was ashamed of himself. I can only pray that he is clean and sober today. We can have confidence no one will touch us unless God allows it. We have the fullness of life now or the abundant life ( John 10:10) and that verse contrasts that with Satan who steals; kills and destroys.
I have often kidded around about having someone memorize the first 6 or 7 chapters of 1 Chronicles. Genealogies aren't to be obsessed over ( 1 Tim. 1:4); however they are vital in seeing the lineage of God's people. The beginning of Matthew; for instance gives us the lineage from Abraham to Joseph; and Luke from Mary's lineage all the way back to Adam. This of course goes back to Genesis 3:15 and the "seed of the woman" prophecy. These two lineages probably are enough to know in themselves from the whole Bible in regard to that subject. If we go deeper into meanings of names particularly in the first generations it appears there is a prophetic indication of Christ to come if we list the names and their meanings in order in Hebrew. There are no doubt patterns of equidistant letters that are unique in scripture pointing to certain events. Again; like genealogies; they are best not obsessed over; for we already know Christ is the living Word so we don't need hidden clues as to who He is. We can look to past events; and I have stated that Michael Drosnin's prediction of Rabin's assassination in 1996 may have been something the Lord allowed so others wouldn't meet the same fate. Since we are now still in the Church Age; we are not in the time of Revelation when prophets once again are on the earth in that role and there is a known 7 year template for all the judgments to occur. God has ultimate truths that must come to pass; but some things are conditional which only He knows that prayer and action now can possibly delay judgment; as we see with the example of Nineveh.
We can look to history and scientific facts as authenticated from the Bible; with more coming all the time. For the skeptic who God chooses to enlighten it may be a good witnessing tool; but we shouldn't make such methods are only talking points for apologetics. First we must see if someone is serious about wanting to hear the truths of the Word
I will attempt to dive into the differences between individual and group Bible study. We could also divide a study with others into informal small group and formal Sunday school and/or what is covered in a main church service. The differences in approach are something I haven't really considered until now but it seems worth investigating.
The first difference I see is what is often the question and answer part of a group study in the informal setting. My recent experience seems to show that often Pastors aren't the best people to ask questions (I often here very general ones). If and when discussions are encouraged any church were there are at least some that take God's Word seriously we all are bound to learn something; through personal experiences or those with wisdom in citing relevant passages that help to further bolster an idea or concept. In reality it is good to have such an informal situation and allow certain latititude for "rabbit trails" and occasional cans of worms to be exposed. There certainly needs to be serious study in a sermon as well; where normally there isn't response but hopefully good discussion afterward.
I have said this frequently but in regard to prayer and Bible study these are two bedrocks of a strong church. Often they seem to support one for another; if anything reminding us of verses that we use to edify others. One thing brought up this past Sunday in Sunday school was a question in regard to the hymns and Psalms frequently sung in the time of the Apostles and early church. Rejoicing in such praise is certainly a good way to begin fellowship; rather than griping about our problems (that was pointed out). I agree and pray that someone will do that on occasion who is gifted musically or maybe not but wishes to rejoice.
I have found out that certain websites are helpful; particularly those that bolster archaeology with scripture; or Creation science sites.
If done deliberately with malicious intent then yes of course . I'm a member of a very large congregation and I confess that I don't speak to every member regularly and they don't all speak to me regularly . There are only so many hours in the day and it would be impossible for us all to talk to each other , every one of us , all the time .
Then there are occasions when I get the sense that someone maybe doesn't like me much and that they would rather not speak to me , on those occasions I do them a favour by not foisting myself upon them .
A brother at my church married out of our denomination and was dis-fellowshipped for a while . His wife eventually joined us and he was re-admitted . However , she was his second wife , his first wife having commited adultery against him and he divorced her . So , he was no longer allowed to hold any office in our congregation because of his second marriage .
I can't say I agree with that , if your in , your in and a member of the body . But it wasn't up to me , so I have to be quiet and concede to my elders .
We don't always like everything that goes on in our congregations but if we don't have any power to change things what can we do other than keep silent for the sake of peace ?
Do ye not know that the saints shall Judge the world?and if the world shall be Judged by you,are ye unworthy to Judge the smallest matters?Know ye not that we shall Judge angels?(angels of the Churches) 1Corinthians 6:2-3.
By the way, JESUS said more: John 4:36-37:->36 He that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. 37 And herein is that saying true,One soweth(JESUS sowed),and another reapeth.
And Daniel prophesied:Dan.7:22&27: ->22Judgment was (will be)given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom( Revelation 11:15-18. Take a look.). 27 And the Kingdom and dominion,and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.
Daniel 2:44-47
44And in the days of these kings shall the GOD of heaven set up a Kingdom( Revelation 11:15-18), which shall never be destroyed: and the Kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
45Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver,and the gold;the great GOD hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter:and the dream is certain,and the interpretation thereof sure.
46Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face...Of a truth it is, that your GOD is a GOD of gods( Psalms 82:1-2&6-8 and John 10:34-36 combined with Isaiah 41:22-23),and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets,seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.
The Word is GOD,self-executing, understand?
Part 4 and final.
Clarity on shunning.
Scripturally, excluding a person from the church is preceded by admonition and counsel; it is only employed in cases of bona fide heresy, obdurate divisiveness, or blatant, unrepentant sin; and it is a last resort. After excommunication, the relationship between the former member and the church naturally changes, and the "shunning command"-not to eat with such a person-may come into play. However, the church still has the responsibility to pray for the one being disciplined and to extend forgiveness when repentance is evident. Shunning, as defined as a refusal to speak to someone or a total severing of all ties, goes beyond what the Bible advocates.
PARTIALITY.
This is another evil we see amongst believers.
The chapter of James 2 covers this. ( James 2:1-26)
Let's take on just a few verses.
If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
So, speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
James 2:8-13.
That is all for now.
God bless.
Part 3.
How should Christian treat one another?
We are to be at peace with one another, forgive one another, have mercy on one another.
Just a few references.
1 Thessalonians 4:9
Ephesians 4:32
Galatians 5:26
Galatians 6:2
Matthew 7:12
1 John 4:7
However, we don't lie or deceive one another for the sake of peace. The truth hurts sometimes but it promotes spiritual growth providing that the Christ spirit is in the person.
BELEIVERS SHUNNING OTHER BELEIVERS.
To shun is to deliberately avoid something or someone. In the Bible, the word shun is applied to evil. Job 1:8, Job 28:28, Proverbs 3:7-8 Proverbs 14:16. So, shunning evil is good.
There is scripture that promotes excommunication. Matthew 18:15-17; 2 Thessalonians 3:14. but do we do it for harm or Good? What's the intent?
In any case, it would seem that extreme forms of shunning, such as considering someone "dead," utterly ignoring him, or refusing to acknowledge his existence, go beyond what Scripture commands.
After all, Jesus said that, when someone is put out of the church, he should be treated as "a pagan or a tax collector" Matthew 18:17. In other words, treat an intractable offender as an unsaved person.
How are we to treat the unsaved? With love and grace.
The "pagans and tax collectors" need to be evangelized. We are to love even our enemies ( Matthew 5:44).
The goal of excommunication and any form of shunning is restoration ( Galatians 6:1).
The purpose of any type of discipline is to prompt repentance and, ultimately, to reunite our fallen brother or sister with the church body. Being officially ostracized from the church, the sinner might be brought to repentance.
When the man in the Corinthian church later realized that he had sinned against God, he repented and came back to the church for forgiveness and reinstatement. Fellowship with the Corinthian believers was restored ( 2 Corinthians 2:6-11).
Isn't it hateful to ignore or shun other believers?
See part 4.
Troubles of the World are tossing us like a storm upon the sea.
Satan and his army is at work and attacking us on every side.
He is tearing up homes and breaking up families.
We all hear and see how he is fighting, warring , against the household of faith around the world.
(Ma. 5:10)
We need to love one another.
(Eph.3:17)
Richard's article helped me to realize that we can never isolate ourselves from other human beings.
All though we carry our own burdens daily, our Lord strengthens us to reach out to others through the power that works in us.
In the beginning Satan tore out the heart of two parents who had to continue to love one child after he killed another child, his brother.
It hurts bad when we lose our love ones by any means.
Family against family
tears at the soul.
Families today are suffering for loss of children
and even babies by violence. Yet, God is our strength.
In my opinion satan has definitely targeted the household of faith to destroy and to tear down the Kingdom in which Grace and Mercy dwell: everlasting life,
that God has offered to us through the sacrifice of his Son on Calvary. The Gates of Hell
shall not prevail against it.
(Kjv Ma. 16:18)
(Online__Darvaza)
In the past were crucifixions, now Mass shootings in the church. Lord, help us.
Death and Satan teamed up for the Crucifixion of Jesus. Satan thought if he stirred the rulers to take Jesus' life, he, himself, could depend on death to hold him in the ground. Well, we know how that turned out. (Lk.24:39)
On the cross Jesus said, "They know not what they do."
We must continue to pray.
That is what Jesus did.
As we recognize the "War" let us put on the whole armour of God ( Eph. 6:13)and prepare ourselves for the battle.
The poor man cried, the Lord heard him and delivered him out of all his troubles.
( Ps. 34:6)
I am praying that I stay close enough to the Lord so that Satan can't squeeze in between us and separate us.
Pray for me.
Having explored with gravity the situation of those afflicted with emotional problems of darkness and depression we also have to look at other things such as anger; and euphoria. I cannot emphasize enough this point that I am about to make; there is NO love like God's and what His saints will share in heaven and on the new earth for all eternity. Of course Satan will stop at nothing to find ways to circumvent God's laws particularly related to marriage to find a "soulmate" on earth. Without going once again into the subject of what is considered a legitimate marriage; I will leave it at this; a marriage in the Lord is part of God's community and Christ's body on earth. While the struggle with desires of the flesh isn't something unusual; the fact that many who already in theory should be having their needs met are looking to find grass that's greener elsewhere is a peculiar trait to human beings. Somehow we think that we can shortcut God's plan; looking at Abraham and Sarah we see how well that worked when she pushed Hagar on him after the fact. The fact that some seem to find better success finding their future spouse in a bar than even an online "Christian" dating service is telling; and it seems a foreign concept to expect the Lord to provide someone simply by obediently attending church (although the demographics in my church for example are more to old folks like myself).
Looking beyond trying to find love in all the wrong places; we often forget that our other emotions (jealousy; rage; anger and other bad fruits) often get in the way of reaching out to others for a viable friendship so that anything more is snuffed out at the inception. Again; it is our own deception that makes us think we can change someone after we marry them. I would STRONGLY advise premarital counsel in the church to avoid what happened to me (a divorce after 25 years of marriage).
I have seen how uncontrolled rage can destroy.
In today's society an often soft fabric of emotionally immature individuals CAN be some advantage over the proud generations of parents and especially the grandparents from two generations ago. We see many young people brought up in church and perhaps having some childhood faith going strong into the world; but if they survive long enough they come back to their senses. The problem is of course that many are drawn into a church that appeals to their emotions or worse tickles their ears.
Of course we have the enemy taking advantage of both sides as he always does; being loyal to no one but himself but gladly pitting his subjects against each other; and if we aren't paying attention; his enemies as well.
On a personal note; I lost a friend about 13 years ago to suicide. She was bipolar; and seemed to have a viable testimony of faith. She was joyful to be around on her emotional high but I saw her once in an extreme low. Sadly she decided to stop taking medication and she was found dead a few months later. I won't detail it since where I lived someone may be familiar with it in regard to where she was found. What I will say is that in her case her emotions dictated what she felt was her necessity to stop taking meds (perhaps rationalized in her mind). I feel it is necessary to state this here because some will give advice to give everything to the Lord and quit taking medicine. I would just go to scripture and say that we should go to the physician (at that time the priests) to verify healing. This also shows that some need to have supervision; especially anything involving substance abuse or mental illness. I am certain some have in fact been able to get off medicines; but the best way we can help others at times is to make sure we are doing the best to take care of ourselves with God's guidance.
That being said; there is no doubt the enemy is behind the insane number of suicides in our nation today.
Yesterday perhaps the enemy (although I suspect it is my pinkie left finger touching the esc key) caused the first part of what will probably be a lengthy dissertation on Satan's methods to be wiped out. It gave me an opportunity to think about some more stuff today. I thought an outline at present would help; perhaps finding some interest out there to detail a particular area.
Here's a brief summary of what I was starting yesterday.
1. Self-We are our own worst enemies.
Attacks on emotions; mind and soul (will present scriptures to follow).
I wanted to touch on "presumtion" along with other thought patterns within fallen man that can trip us up as well.
2. Others-Peer pressure; manipulation; flattery and any wrong done by others. This of course is rarely not associated with our own actions; particularly ruminating and fretting rather than taking things to God in prayer
3. Spiritual warfare: Again; not isolated but oppression for a believer; possession possible for non believers; and all things in the world system. This would include false religions.
4. Deception. This may be the most concerning and potent weapon the enemy has. The "Trojan horse" approach allows the enemy in the gate whether it is in our hearts or in a particular local church in general.
General thoughts before we begin the main study.
When we look at the Antichrist (Satan's main exhibit) we see characteristics of a SUBSTITUTE for as well as blatent blasphemy AGAINST the true Christ. The enemy will always work in two ways; either giving us what we want (in reality being void of real substance); OR he will directly cause persecution (usually through people and often in seemingly ordinary events) but at times goes full force. This outward persecution shows that he has failed in deception and therefore we understand why Paul said he thanked God he was worthy to suffer persecution for His Name's sake. God ultimately allows all Satan does
In the Old Testament; there were 2 types of roles for a Prophet. In 1 Chronicles 21:9-13 we have Gad who is David's "seer".
He was given the task of telling David after the Satanically inspired census that there were 3 punishments that would result.
He had no need at that time apparently to mention what the punishment was for as David apparently realized the error of his ways. That is different than Nathan the Prophet at the time he took Bathsheeba as his wife and had Uriah the Hittite set up to die on the front lines in 2 Samuel 11. It would seem that Proverbs 6:34 showed Solomon's wisdom in avoiding showing feigned favor to the husband of a woman someone else is involved with; perhaps it was inspired from what happened in part with David and his mother years previous.
The second role was more of a general statement of future events covered in much of the "major prophets" such as Daniel; Jeremiah; Isaiah and Ezekiel and the minor ones (with smaller overall text) such as Zechariah; Zephaniah; etc.
I am no expert on the office of Prophet today but it seems cessationists may say a Pastor teaching from the Word is also in that type of ministry. I would also say that those who use the Word only as a warning could be in that category. The controversy is if these "signs and wonders" gifts have ceased. I would first eliminate all the pretenders who clearly make things up from their imaginations and false prophets and those who have no factual basis or vary vague statements about persons or events that are very subjective. We are also warned that should someone say something that doesn't come to pass OR that DOES but incites us to worship a false God is to be ignored and kicked out of any church if they try to do this. (See Deut. 18:22 and Deut. 13:2).
We must also avoid fear of things to come. Someone telling the truth should offer some hope even in the worst warnings. The biggest red flag is always predicting prosperity.
The other day I discussed roles of men and women; and showed the case of Miriam and good and bad things about her behavior.
This situation shows how in general how a true Prophet can have certain sins that cause a downfall. Another example is in 1 Kings 13 starting in verse 11. His disobedience in stopping anywhere to eat on his journey back from a prophetic mission cost him his life. This story shows not only his disobedience; but the obstinance of the other prophet who enticed him to eat with him. The Spirit entered him much as it did with Balaam after he accepted the offer with a true word from God (in this case about his demise). We could look at Cephus as another example in John 11:50. So we can see several situations here:
1. A TRUE Prophet that errs in obedience to God
2. A FALSE Prophet that the Lord still uses to some extent for His purposes
3. Someone not designated as a Prophet who still says something to that affect.
We could look at the third example in the case of Pontius Pilate; who put the inscription in Matthew 27:37 on being the King of the Jews. John 19:22 further expounds on this theme in Pilate's declaration that it should stand. Whether his reasonings were mocking; or an honest assesment of his innocence could be questioned-it is clear that he never came to true repentance even if his sins were less serious than those of the others who were complicit or outright demanded he be crucified and a murder (Barabbas) released.
The story of Balaam in Numbers 22 should teach us some object lessons as well. One may assume that his story was an ancient tale and not of any importance today other than looking for false prophecies in general. This isn't true because this man was hired for money and we see evidence in the last days of those looking for "filthy lucre" ( 1 Timothy 3 and a couple other places in the N.T.) To say what a megachurch Pastor wants to hear to draw multitudes occurs today.
1The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he SENT and SIGNIFIED it by His angel unto His servant John:
16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;
20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
The battle of Michael is against three unclean spirits like frogs(why frogs),that FIRST manifest by the MOUTH of the dragon,the MAN Beast like a lamb(a false lamb,a false Jewish messiah- Revelation 13:11 combined with John 5:43-47,actually the MAN of sin,son of perdition)having two horns(i.e. representing two ancient kingdoms),and this false messiah,in fact an esoteric,and kabbalistic, and spiritist messiah, knowledgeable in Torah,a FALSE prophet,and he shall oppose and exalt himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God will be enthroned in the temple of God-the Holy City, showing himself that he is God-2Thesslonians 2:3-4 and 9-12.
The battle also is against the unclean spirit of the Beast of sea having 7 heads,10 horns,and upon his 7 heads a NAME of blaspheme.The false messiah will give to the Beast of sea his Power,and his Throne,and great Authority, hen the false messiah, the dragon-Re.13:11-shall take and link the whole structure around the world(Europe,Asia,Africa,Oceania(Australia),North America, Central America and South America) of the Roman Catholic Church to his body, i.e. the 7 heads of the Beast of sea, a Gentilic Beast,which shall sit on the throne of false messiah in Jerusalem in the FIRST half of the last week,week 70th Daniel 9:24-27.So, as JESUS prophesied, Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled- Luke 21:24.
The false messiah from the tribe of Dan- Genesis 49:17-represents the 10 horns of the dragon's body.The dragon's TAIL-Re.12:4-are all false preachers of the Word of GOD- Isaiah 9:15-16.
14For they are the spirits of devils,working miracles,which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world,to gather them to the battle of this great Day of GOD Almighty,the sevenh and last Day,or seventh and last millennium.
15Behold,I come as a thief.Blessed is he that watches,and keeps his garments,lest he walk naked,and they see his shame
The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. ( Genesis 49:10)
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. ( 1 Peter 4:11)
When taking a look at scripture; there are roles women play as Prophetess; prayer; teaching children; or the "virtuous woman" summing up Proverbs 31. When it comes to the 10 Commandments and the laws of the Lord in the Old Testament; or the rules about women remaining silent in the New Testament ( 1 Corinthians 14:34-35) it seems in regard to instruction in law continues as a man's responsibility. That would have further implications in regard to teaching established DOCTRINE related to the law; or the Gospel of Grace which expounds the full meaning of what is concealed in the Old Testament but revealed fully now.
When we try to fully grasp these concepts in human understanding; of course we fall short. An example that gives us insight is in Exodus 15:20 which shows Miriam; the older sister of Moses and Aaron as the first Prophetess in scripture. We could say in some way that Moses acted as the first Prophet in the Bible; at least in predicting what would happen to Israel in the last days in Deuteronomy 4; but Deuteronomy 18 talks about the coming Prophet like Moses who must be heeded (Christ). Technically Abraham was called a Prophet; the first example in the Bible but his predictions were toward his descendants when giving the family blessings at his death.
We see with Miriam that she foolishly spoke out about the second wife of Abraham of African descent and was struck with leprosy temporarily. Her best moment was in the role of the victory song as they crossed the Red Sea.
Mathew 18:20 says "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
A relationship with Christ Is not private, but communal, and the center of a person's relationship with Jesus is in the church. (Not necessarily the local Church but in the presence of other believers.
Read Hebrews 10:16-25.
We are to respond to his invitation and follow Jesus' example of how to live and treat others, giving him first place in your daily life.
A Desciples is someone who follows one's teachings.
In our rebirth Christ gave us his Spirit to guide us out of darkness.
Christ is faithful and said he will never leave you so your faith should be in his work on the cross not your baptism.
We pray to God for strength and wisdom and turn from the things that hinder us.
A Christian can not continue in sin!
God is love but he also is a righteous Judge.
He is rich in mercy forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty;
Our salvation hangs on God's promise once we have believed on his son, Christ Jesus!
Have you truly trusted him in his finish work on the cross?
If so we are persuaded to love his precepts the Brothern.
Keep reading his word and obey him.
God bless.
Your words on this site are so helpful for me. You put into words some thoughts I have but have never heard them discussed.
It also causes me to check myself. I can be narrow-minded at times. ( Not intentionally)
Like when a group chose the rainbow as their color. I said,
"Oh my Lord! They taking God's token of the covenant between him and Noah , ("God's people right?), to represent one Group of
People." This is is so wrong."
Well, I read Genesis 9:16 again!
and got a different understanding.
The scripture clearly says,
" And the bow shall be in the cloud. I shall look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting Covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh
upon the earth."
"all flesh" and it never said anything about "God's people."
Again in verse 17:
It was important enough to say it twice.
Was I surprised!!!
Keep up the good work.
You also offer thoughts on how churches can, "check themselves" to make sure they have the clear mission of the Church as a place that prepares us for ministry.
You mentioned a truthful relationship between parents and children.
And that Worship is to be more important than the "House" we worship in. Amen!
I look forward to reading your writing.
Now another Day arrived,the Lord's Day,seventh and last Day, seventh and last millennium,again Satan is also among the current sons of GOD( John 1:11-12),but strongly structured,more than in the time of Job,i.e. now he is with 7 heads,10 horns and a terrible TAIL- REVELATION 12:3-4-,it's a world religious MONSTER whose satanic system is established through a false Christianity in seven Continents-Europe,Asia,Africa,Oceania(Australia),North America, America Central and South America(7 regions of the Earth-7 heads of the dragon).His main partner is Catholicism ruled by the MAN Beast of sea,the current guide and leader/ruler of the Roman Catholic Church which rides upon the Beast, followed by Orthodox, and Anglicanism and Protestantism and their respective divisions called denominations and sects and movements gospel.Total adherents to Christianity are currently around 2.5 billion,but Scriptures warned:The Spirit speaks expressly,that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith,giving heed to seducing spirits,and doctrines of devils;Speaking lies in hypocrisy;having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 1Timothy 4:1-2combined with Romans 1:18-25.This is the devilish scenary of the 7 heads of the Devil,the red Dragon.
But there is also the religious esoteric,and kabbalistic,and spiritist Judaism, practiced in Israel,represented by ten tribes of the ancient Kingdom of Israel and its 10 Princes,one from each tribe.The MAN of sin,son of perdition,is from one of the 10 tribes,he should be of the tribe of Dan,and he is the little horn,the ileventh horn,which will manifest himself as Messiah,AN IMPOSTER- John 5:43-47 combined with Re.13:11,and will enthrone himself in Jerusalem. The next Pope to be elected in this current year, he will sit in the throne of the Messiah in Jerusalem-Re.13:2-first half of the last week,week 70th Dan.9:24-27
Get ready
"But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all."
This was what bravado where oath of man falls contrary to the sovereignty of the word so a mighty warrior like Jephthah is shown as wimp and St Peter proved to be no less. Jesus showed why. " Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away."(13:31). Jesus as the fulfilment of Law places all events consequently in his deity as well as in his humanity. "I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil./For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." At the outset of his earthly he presented the doctrine of his Father and condemned the doctrine of man as coming from the devil. (John8:44). From the manner the disciples could not understand him the Spirit shows why. It is not the words themselves as the controversy over KJV or other translations have raked up but the simple reason their flesh was weak. Even in our times imposter church keeps man from loving God with all might and will all their heart. "Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word."(John8:43) They literally follow the scriptures and flat earthers for example, they may quote," It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth," Does that mean the earth is one? (Is.40:22).
"In thee is the fountain of life" Jesus said "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life./.... Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father."(John6:63-65; Ps.36:9) In the same night the disciples will fail their master at Gethsemane and forsake him. "My word " speaks of Christ's spirit of obedience and was for the glory of God. So abiding life means walking with him and understanding His will concerning us. That is true Light
Revelation 18:1-5
1And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven,having great power;and the earth was lightened with his glory.
2And he cried mightily voice,saying,Babylon the great is fallen,is fallen,and is become the habitation of devils,and the hold of every foul spirit,and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird
3For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication,and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies
4Come out of her,my people,that ye be not partakers of her sins,and that ye receive not of her PLAGUES
5For her sins have reached unto heaven,GOD hath remembered her iniquities
In my foresee,I wrote in another site at April 19,2021-Death of Pope Francis-it must happen soon,until 2024 at the latest,no more.
- The Beast of the earth(of Israel-the clay-Is.64:8)with two horns LIKE A LAMB rises up-Re.13:11
-Election of the a new Pope-his nickname may be Paulus VII(?)
-The Beast of the earth LIKE A LAMB manifests himself as God in Israel;in fact a false messiah,an esoteric,and kabbalistic and spiritist false messiah; John 5:43-47
-The kabbalistic false messiah of the Jews,Beast of the earth, makes great signs and wonders of lie,even makes fire come down to the earth before men;(things of spiritism)
-The Pope(Paulus VII?)will meet the Beast like lamb;
-Both will develop a union between the RCC and Judaism,iron with clay-Dan.2:41-43,but they shall not cleave one to another, as iron is not mixed with clay;
-A religious and universal satanic Empire will be build by both religious leaders;Re.11:1-2;
-The esoteric Beast of the earth will make a deal with the Beast of sea and will give to the Beast of sea his Power,his Throne and great Authority-Re.13:2.The Antichrist's Empire is conceived by both Beasts.Then begins the last week-Dan.9:27
The Word of GOD reveals the birthplace of Antichrist by the VISUAL testimony of Apostle John about the Church of Rome
18 Little children,it's the last time:and as ye have heard that Antichrist shall come,even NOW are there many Antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
19They(Church of Rome)went out from us(apostate),but they were not of us;if they had been of us,they would no doubt have continued with us:but they went out,that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
20Ye have an unction from the Holy One,and know all things.
Re.13:1-18,written around 65 years after JESUS's ascension,two distinct Beasts are described:The first lasts around 2000 years,we can discern and foresse both Beasts will lead two distinct satanic religious systems in near future.The FIRST MAN Beast of sea exists millennia ago,the another MAN Beast has not yet,but he will manifest in near future.Catholicism&Judaism.
The Beast of sea,a satanic religious system developed within the former Church of the Lord in Rome and into Roman Empire,after Satan corrupted the church established by Apostle Paul,killed by persecution,then was developed satanic Antichrist's movements through the corrupt church of Rome,called first Catholic Church.Revelation describes 7 churches,church of Rome would be the eighth,but it was left out because was completely disapproved by JESUS.
The religious structures and organizations of the RCC,which rides upon the Beast of sea,the Pope,within the Roman Empire,since the confuse election of the first Pope in first century,it can be Linus or Clement,later to increase the confuse election of whom really is the first Pope,Satan,the main leader of the blasphemer movement of Antichrist in the church of Rome,he himself,time after,around the 2nd or early 3rd century by convention began of regarding Peter as the first pope.It's more a satanic blasphemy of the MAN Beast of sea.
Get ready
"And they all forsook him, and fled."
In continuation to the previous post Jesus knew beforehand that his disciples would flee from him in 'the evil hour. As it was written of him in the scriptures they were also written and in the same quote from Zachariah we read thus, "Smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones." The eleven disciples are 'the sheep' mentioned there. By the principle of Association the little ones include us as well. We received the gospel of salvation as 'the little ones'. We were called before the worlds began but how did we receive it?"and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;/And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen"(1 Co.1:27-28)
God chose man and not nations. "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come."( 1 Co.10:11)These are examples for our spiritual instruction
The point we need see here is the word of God is given to us to profit withal. "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal"(1 Co.12:7) This shall explain the Law of Gradation where all things are held together in Christ. Moses doubled for Jesus and how the Spirit has organised his going up the mount we have here in v.26. "And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives." The mount of Olives is a sign. Jesus was taken in because as the word of God had foreshadowed the evil hour was to manifest, as the golden calf leading to the imposter church of our times, and many other events all these leading to the final battle. (Re.19). These kangaroo events teach us, "There is nothing new under the sun.(Ec.1:9)"
"And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered."
I shall not detail what I have mentioned of this quote from Prophet Zechariah (13:7) while I coverd Matthew. The point is simple. Jesus as the Word become flesh obeyed his God completely so much so he knew the evil hour closing in on him, down to the exact minute. Jesus says further down in this chapter, "I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled."(14:49). Luke present us one curious aspect of time. "When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness."( Luke 22:53). The power of darkness also has been at work equally as the word that God commanded, "Let there be light." Why did Jesus Christ manifest? "He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil."( 1 John 3:8). So both good seed and tares growing in the field is nothing to marvel at. While Moses was with God down below the golden calf being set up was no coincidence. The evil work had succeeded throwing off some from the fellowship of God with Man. Moses as a double for the Son went up even as Jesus' Ascension gives it as a kangaroo event. So what we find of the Church of Rome setting up their golden calf is no brainer. The ten spies who brought evil report and brought God to intervene (Nu..14) we have even now as Evangelical Right, lining up behind a captain as bizarre as the Pied Piper of Hamelin. "And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt."(14:4). New Canaan is impossible for the reprobate minds. The point we need see here is the word of God is given to us to profit withal. (1 Co.12:7)
In terms of my quote of Malachi; I am praying that children can come to faith and bring their parents to salvation as well as vice versa. Serious efforts at children's prayer groups could bring that about. Also children's ministry that uses music with scripture memory is good. I sense there has to be a balance between presenting a content suitable for children and yet not underestimating their ability to understand spiritual things. We should certainly not be what retards them from growth; but so many distractions from entertainment make that a challenge today. Parents of course need to make clear that they FEAR the Lord and are in AWE of His mighty power. In line with that message there needs to be a relationship between husband and wife that shows attitudes scripture mandates such as 1 Peter 3 and verses in Ephesians so that their roles are clear and discipline can be swift and firm; yet loving. Kids need to emulate what they see and if the parents are disingenuous then if the kids do find the Lord it often is after a long period of rebellion. Many who know what they are talking about will attest to the fact that a lack of discipline brings fear and insecurity; sometimes even more than those in less than idyllic home situations. Cross generational outreach for one and two generations each have a valuable benefit and a healty church helps to facilitate such interactions.
Outreach is commendable; however there always should be caution that other organizations aren't preaching false doctrine and of course are financially sound. I would say that benevolence is best when it can be among individuals when a need arises.
A friend of mine who has recently lost his job and whose tires were blown out Sunday has been faithful coming to church; and I have helped him out. Without the Pastor and others helping as well it wouldn't have been enough. Thankfully they were there for him this past Sunday.
A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. ( Galatians 5:9).
And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. ( Malachi 4:6)
The first verse serves as a warning for any so called "revivals"; the last is related to the end times witness of Elijah and probably John the Baptist as a forerunner in his time. A church consists as any other element of society of individuals and a collective group and the sum is greater than its parts at least in the case of a healthy church. If we study the Laodiceans in particular however we could say the opposite; that the power is truly only in the hands of a few that will receive a reward; and/or make the Rapture (at least for those who are deceiving themselves as to having saving faith).
One major concept that needs to be grasped is that we are all as the Body of Christ working for the same goal and should find ways to work with different local and international ministries that are preaching truth. There of course needs to be careful consideration for any signs of associations with those ministries that clearly have spurious doctrines about key theological issues. In general the vision should focus on fulfilling the Great Commission rather than always planning on grandiose and exorbitant construction of new facilities; conferences etc. To help discipleship efforts within and without must be a key priority. Leadership needs to be open to the Spirit's leading in regard to changes and transitions in the future; having competent financial accounting but not making a corporate business structure the chief pursuit. Short term mission trips are great for youth especially; as well as having missionaries come visit home churches and do witnessing in our country as well. Group efforts in sharing the Gospel on a regular basis should be a foundation as well.
Exercising authority in church bears with it proportionate levels of accountability ( James 3:1). There are crowns for those ( 1 Peter 5:4) who are overseeing the flock in any capacity. While we cannot dismiss someone receiving such a crown who has a sizeable and successful ministry from outward appearances the urge to compromise leads to the situation in Matthew 5:19.
One thing is for sure; no one is going to receive rewards for teaching heresy; and continued unrepentance in this area like any other sin shows that an individual is unsaved.
It is by no means a guarantee of God's calling; but it does help when other brothers can see we have a gift and calling to be a Pastor. It seems to be a favorite rationale for getting a degree in Divinity; but I admire a brother I met some years ago who had a desire to be an elder specifically; not a Pastor. (Techinically these require the same gifting). In light of that observation; ;I have found that many large churches seem to rarely if ever give credit to Associate Pastors or even mention those under them. It could be the sheer size of the staff that is prohibitive. As I have probably pointed out before on this site; it is NOT wise for a Pastor to have NO elders or deacons working to help them and guide them; but I have seen this happen on occasion.
It is often a sign of an immature or prideful man in leadership when this situation continues. Thankfully in the one case I am aware of one of my friends was elected to be an Elder; clearly gifted in counselling others and teaching abilities.
I hope myself not to be hypocritical even with my own "sermons" online. We all need to learn from each other; and no gifting should be considered the "penultimate" position. Laypersons also should be involved; at least as members in voting in areas of church polity. Room for dissenting opinions in regard to large financial expenditures should involve preliminary data for transparency
It has been said by those at least somewhat aware of the state of the church in this hour that we are far too obsessed on ourselves; especially in relation to this life. Living our "worst life now" I find humerous and sobering as Paul Washer has stated in the past in regard to another (I'll keep anonymous" person emphasizing the opposite sentiment. There has been much said about a very popular psychologist who has passed a few years back who tried to incorporate "moral and Christian values" with tenets of Psychology. Sophia; the founder of the "Rainbow Redemption Project" recently commented on the concept of "Gender Dysphoria" and how it is a harmful concept (I suggest you read her testimony on the site). There are some in the conservative media who realize the harm of "vitimization" is in society today with spoiled; lazy kids which is inexorably tied into the concepts of Dr. Spock from the 1960s and the disintegration of the two parent household and associated marriages.
With that introduction; I once again will point out that we can go to extremes such as what I mentioned in the last point of self depreciation constantly. That in ITSELF can be a pride issue. Ultimately we should let the Spirit of God work in us; and have His way and we can simply put less focus on ourselves and more on Christ being "on display". Psalm 139 states we are "fearfully and wonderfully made" at birth; certainly after the new birth. I can relate a brief experience i had about 15 years ago when someone on the street who was panhandling and seemed to have some problems suddenly seemed convicted that I was a real "man of God" and he said he was ashamed of himself. I can only pray that he is clean and sober today. We can have confidence no one will touch us unless God allows it. We have the fullness of life now or the abundant life ( John 10:10) and that verse contrasts that with Satan who steals; kills and destroys.
I have often kidded around about having someone memorize the first 6 or 7 chapters of 1 Chronicles. Genealogies aren't to be obsessed over ( 1 Tim. 1:4); however they are vital in seeing the lineage of God's people. The beginning of Matthew; for instance gives us the lineage from Abraham to Joseph; and Luke from Mary's lineage all the way back to Adam. This of course goes back to Genesis 3:15 and the "seed of the woman" prophecy. These two lineages probably are enough to know in themselves from the whole Bible in regard to that subject. If we go deeper into meanings of names particularly in the first generations it appears there is a prophetic indication of Christ to come if we list the names and their meanings in order in Hebrew. There are no doubt patterns of equidistant letters that are unique in scripture pointing to certain events. Again; like genealogies; they are best not obsessed over; for we already know Christ is the living Word so we don't need hidden clues as to who He is. We can look to past events; and I have stated that Michael Drosnin's prediction of Rabin's assassination in 1996 may have been something the Lord allowed so others wouldn't meet the same fate. Since we are now still in the Church Age; we are not in the time of Revelation when prophets once again are on the earth in that role and there is a known 7 year template for all the judgments to occur. God has ultimate truths that must come to pass; but some things are conditional which only He knows that prayer and action now can possibly delay judgment; as we see with the example of Nineveh.
We can look to history and scientific facts as authenticated from the Bible; with more coming all the time. For the skeptic who God chooses to enlighten it may be a good witnessing tool; but we shouldn't make such methods are only talking points for apologetics. First we must see if someone is serious about wanting to hear the truths of the Word
I will attempt to dive into the differences between individual and group Bible study. We could also divide a study with others into informal small group and formal Sunday school and/or what is covered in a main church service. The differences in approach are something I haven't really considered until now but it seems worth investigating.
The first difference I see is what is often the question and answer part of a group study in the informal setting. My recent experience seems to show that often Pastors aren't the best people to ask questions (I often here very general ones). If and when discussions are encouraged any church were there are at least some that take God's Word seriously we all are bound to learn something; through personal experiences or those with wisdom in citing relevant passages that help to further bolster an idea or concept. In reality it is good to have such an informal situation and allow certain latititude for "rabbit trails" and occasional cans of worms to be exposed. There certainly needs to be serious study in a sermon as well; where normally there isn't response but hopefully good discussion afterward.
I have said this frequently but in regard to prayer and Bible study these are two bedrocks of a strong church. Often they seem to support one for another; if anything reminding us of verses that we use to edify others. One thing brought up this past Sunday in Sunday school was a question in regard to the hymns and Psalms frequently sung in the time of the Apostles and early church. Rejoicing in such praise is certainly a good way to begin fellowship; rather than griping about our problems (that was pointed out). I agree and pray that someone will do that on occasion who is gifted musically or maybe not but wishes to rejoice.
I have found out that certain websites are helpful; particularly those that bolster archaeology with scripture; or Creation science sites.
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