Bible Discussion Replies PAGE 96

1 Cor.4.6-7) "Ear of faith"

"That ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another./For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?"

It is thus we have been blessed by God a Spirit, It is not by our own merits but in his Son. When we say we are complete in him we need remember our ear and our eyes which are singular and refer to the world of the Spirit. What makes us differ then. Some do not use it. They are blind so what they read gives them leads them more to their confusion.

Lazarus of Bethany was four days dead but he heard Jesus, just the same. Many cannot put two and two together where faith is concerned. Their literalism lead them to say 22. So much for their belief.

Without accepting these two worlds of the body (Heb.10.5) and of the Spirit faith is to all intent and purpose is nil. Hence even after some 50 years in service one wonders,' Can believer truly saved ever lose salvation? What meaning does he apply for 'I am the truth'?

Hi Crjbob, exactly the way you phrase your sentence and question does not exist. But if you go a little further down the page here now, it is not long ago that "Jesse" and "Chris" have given complete answers to what is the essence of the work of salvation. It will stand forever. Good luck finding answers if this is not what you meant, may the Lord Jesus give you answers. Amen

Acts 4 23-31 love u

Mt.13.45-48 "Pearl of great price"

'Kingdom of heaven is among you' or as with you. "And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation/Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." (Lk.17.20-21)Jesus was among men and the Jews who sought it was looking with their physical eyes. Jesus before explaining the parables told his disciples, "But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear." (Mt.13.16) These eyes are of faith. These ears are of faith? How shall they know with faulty vision when they cannot distinguish glass from pearl?

The Parable of the Pearl refers to the believers and they trade,-those who know the worth since the living word by correct use has given them wisdom, which is from above. It is thus many have left belief-systems of the their fathers or taught by precepts of men "Beware lest any man spoil you throu.gh philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ./ For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily./And ye are complete in him." (Col.2.8-10)

What does this Parable tell of the kingdom? It is validation of Heb.11.3. When we have received Jesus and he abides is us our work constitutes as possessing this pearl. We are among the lawless and we walk not by sight but in faith. When our term expires, we are dying in the Lord. We shall hear,'Come up hither.' We are with him, and complete in him Our single measurement,man angel are both as one single pearl. It is how the holy city is adorned. "And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl."(Rev.21.21, 13)

Hallelujah Praise be to God Almighty! Our Lord and Master, Our King! Hallelujah You Who Live Jesus Christ. We thank You for everything You have given us. We thank You for the salvation that You give at exactly the right time. So that we can be shaped and healed under Your command!. Thank you for Your Holy Spirit so we have no excuse, You are always with us. Thank God for in ourselves we are nothing. Because You Are. You Jesus should have all the honor and attention, Hallelujah Amen.

Thanks brother Jesse for sharing these precious thoughts and promises from God's Word - all given to Christ's own, assuring us of our secure position in Him, simply because salvation is all of Him & not of ourselves. If we had contributed in any way to secure or even to maintain our security in salvation, then indeed, we would have much to fear & be tossed about. As one old missionary often stated (in reference to Philippians 2:12): 'God has given you His salvation, now work it out in your life in great earnestness and care'; let us not ever consider this undeserved Work of Love in us with carelessness or frivolity.

I perceive that the major problems that cause some believers to think that Christians can lose their salvation are, not understanding the perfect eternal Work of God's Spirit (that He makes no mistakes in choosing to indwell the truly repentant); the true meaning of 'Christian', the one who has been changed by the Spirit, following Jesus & living a Christ-centered life; and God's special act of Adoption into His family (He cannot 'un-adopt' us). All these Truths should confirm in our hearts, that absolutely nothing can "separate us from the Love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord", and certainly not from our own choosing to do so - would a believer who has been so regenerated and blessed in life & in hope for all that is to come, even want to turn from such a loving and merciful God? His Spirit in us will carry us through every situation we face in this life: in joy or sorrow, in persecution or death. His ministry in us is continuous - we may at times falter but He doesn't; He raises us up every time to continue our walk Heaven-ward. Every blessing brother.

Can a true believer commit apostasy (fall away)?

(Part 2):

So, if we choose to walk away, where will we go? Christ is coming for us. He owns us. His Spirit is the mark of ownership.

In 2 Corinthians 1:22, we see that God has sealed us, and He has given us His Spirit as a guarantee or pledge in our hearts that we belong to Him, and that He's coming for us. Christ has purchased us. He just hasn't come to pick us up yet but the giving of His Spirit to us is the guarantee that He is coming for us.

I like to describe it as purchasing tickets to a sporting event. We own the tickets, but we have not picked them up yet. They are sitting at the will-call. It's the same with us as believers. We are sitting at the "will-call" so to speak, waiting for Christ to come for us. We're not going anywhere until He comes for us.

It is my belief that a true believer (one who has been born from above) cannot commit apostasy. A person who belongs to Christ will always belong to Christ. They will never leave.

1 John 2:19 says, "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for 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."

Those who fall away were not true believers. If you look at the words "they" and "us," it's obvious that this is speaking of two classes of people, those who belong to Christ, and those who don't. According to this verse, those who walk away never were part of the "us," true born-again believers. A true believer will never walk away. I have been in discussions with people who say that salvation can be lost, that a believer can walk away from their salvation, and leave Christ. My response and challenge to them was to tell them that if they felt that they could walk away and denounce Christ and their salvation, go ahead and give it a shot. Prove it! They refused to take me up on the challenge. They mean someone else, not them! Go figure!

Blessings in Christ!

Can a true believer commit apostasy (fall away)?

(Part 1):

Some say that a Christian can one day decide they no longer want to be a Christian and just walk away, fall away, or defect from Christ. But if this is true, what happens to the Spirit of Christ that indwells the believer?

At the point of salvation, God's Spirit comes into a person's spirit, and they become a new creation in Christ. Jesus says He will never leave us, nor forsake us, so if a person chooses to walk away, where does His Spirit go? It doesn't make much sense to believe that Jesus will leave us when He says the opposite.

When a person receives Christ, they are given the gift of the Holy Spirit, and they are sealed with the Spirit forever. Those who believe in eternal security (which I am one) see this sealing as a guarantee of our salvation and inheritance. The only one who can break this seal is the One who did the sealing. A seal marks ownership. It is Christ who owns us. He purchased us. He redeemed us. We cannot break the seal, only Christ (God) can break it. So, if one chooses to "walk away," guess what? That person is still sealed with the Spirit. Christ isn't going anywhere.

Please consider Ephesians 1:13-14. Once we place our trust in Christ, once we believe, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. We have the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession. Again, we are purchased. Christ purchased us. He sealed us and only He can break the seal. Ephesians 4:30 tells us that we are sealed with the Spirit of God "until" Christ comes.

Let's consider this.

What would happen if a layperson would steal from the offering plate? Suppose it was a church member. I think it is safe to say they would receive a much more severe repercussion than some of today's megachurch pastors if we can call them that who are unaccountable for millions of dollars at times of funds.

I won't mention any names here; but again with any other issue a layperson should be and in fact is responsible to say something when those in leadership are bilking a congregation; not spending funds on what they promise or using unjust techniques to "borrow from Peter to pay for Paul" as the old saying goes.

We are told in Corinthians that the church should judge matters themselves (In 1 Cor. 11:13 it is involving women's coverings); but we are not supposed to sue one another ( 1 Cor. 6:1-11). The concept of letting ourselves be defrauded in verse 7 of this passage only goes so far. We are responsible for God's house and certainly should be defending OTHER members who are bilked. Yes; I will go so far as to say that a congregation should be paid BACK if fraud exists at least if things do get to civil courts; handled within again they should be kicked out permanently from leadership. The same concept exists for a child molester; something I hate to even bring up but abuse is everywhere; and in that case of a person's safety legal action should occur. It isn't that we live by the law the same way the world does; but we cannot have a double standard and have to demonstrate righteousness and not even a hint of evil; read Ephesians 5:3.

Those spiritually mature should be able to avoid situations where they are taken advantage of this way; and not fall for some get rich scheme or having their ears tickled. The true church overcomes evil with good ( Romans 12:21). When we seem to find more fair and impartial scriptural knowledge from artificial intelligence than is preached in many churches we know something ain't right.

Note: I meant to say in the last post living in unwarranted marriages that are not covenant ones; often trading in their former spouse for s new model; as it were. No doubt this encourages others to do the same as they are able to escape any discipline even when they are caught in an admit their "indiscretions" and are swiftly put back to their former place of teaching after a brief time rather than given any structured discipline for an agreed to length of time which a layperson no doubt would be asked to do many times who does the same thing. Not being trustworthy they should NOT as I see it ever return to a position of authority in a local church.

4I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah. 15Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets; Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall: for from the prophets of Jerusalem is profaneness gone forth into all the land. 16Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD. 17They say still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.

Jeremiah 23:14-17

Let us examine this passage in order to understand what false prophets do. They follow a pattern that apparently Sodom and Gomorrah did and there were many adulterers in the midst. We see the same characteristic patterns today from so called prophets living in marriages and other relationships of adultery; along with the spiritual adultery; as it were that accompanies this lifestyle.

These verses seem to focus on those who make general predictions of peace and more often financial prosperity for the listener. How often is there even a delineation between those who are of the Lord and those tares who are in a congregation when these preachers make such proclamations? They are only negative; of course toward those who aren't forthcoming in giving moneys.

Of course in the end once left behind in the Tribulation (which everyone here would agree is the case for truly false converts) then there are only two options; face the music and repent; or go whole hog to abandon any remnant of doctrine from scripture and embrace one world religion leading to Antichrist worship.

JennyLove - I am not new in Christ, but very young in understanding. There are so many voices shouting from so many directions, it is somewhat difficult to discern the sound of righteousness. I am not what you would call a beginner. I have believed since I was very young, but during my search I have not matured as I should have. Denouncing bad teachings, and clearing the way for definitive change is where I am in my walk. I long to know Jesus Christ in the fullness of His wisdom and understanding, e.g., fully submitted and committed to Him. Neither am I new to your commentary. I think I've only joined the conversation once before. I'm sorry to hear about the distress with your parents. It is very difficult to lose those we love. I mostly read to enhance my belief and solidify what the word of God means. Thank you, again, for your help with my question. I truly appreciate it. As I grow up in Christ, should I feel competent enough to express it, I will keep you posted. God bless and keep you always.

Praying your dad be saved, healed and delivered. Good for you coming to take care of your parents. So many these days do not. All blessings! Enjoyed your post very much.

However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. ( John 16:13).

In this passage I don't want to focus on what is commonly known as "extrabiblical revelation" but the Spirit making clear what the Word means as to future prophetic implications in particular. As per my earlier post; I want us to get beyond the whole concept of "rugged individualism" and the pride that comes with it. Yes; truly only a few stand out in this generation; a remnant within professing Christendom truly in the faith and focused on the Lord with great vigor. Thus it is all the more important that we can sense the part of His body we represent as what affects others also affects us; and vice versa. Other countries probably get it with cultures that focus on the family lineage although they could tend to go too far the other way and in its most severe form we end up with a caste society; which sadly enough happens in regard to Christians in places such as India.

Naturally if there is a specific word of knowledge (assuming we are not ascribing a cessationist definition that obscures clear messages from the Lord) it will; nonetheless echo the sentiments of other believers in our midst; and hopefully those we attend with in a local church. If in any matter; it certainly is in regard to the enemy and his minions who we can't expect to be on vacation. Some ascribe to the concept Satan is already bound under the earth who are of a certain eschatological camp. All I can say is if they are right then I am uniquely delusional in the spiritual conflict i am in; truly a madman of my own Don Quixote windmills of my mind; as it were. Of course man's evil is enough to destroy the earth; but according to Revelation men will not learn the art of war anymore when Satan is bound; but will go to swift destruction once Satan has his last fling.

What scripture does Paul talk about never losing your salvation?

No problem. I have time to spare as I'm currently off a part time job and thankfully in my old age I can afford to only work part time. I have a couple ventures with buying and selling coins and am working some time in the next week or two with some property I was able to get in Upstate NY with a great deal. I came home to take care of both parents a few years back and my mom passed in Januray and my Dad is in a facility. I may as well be productive when I can; and since I'm in the house alone at this point I hear the cell phone alert whenever it goes off so maybe it is just paranoia on my part.

I'm a shade over 60 and it seems you are fairly young. There are some older women who are excited about their walk who may be new believers; although a rarity today. If we could only remain open hearted and minded always having enthusiasm about our walk. I am looking for discipleship opportunities; albeit anonymous contacts here but I suppose that is good as in person another woman would be more suitable in that regard. I hope to hear from you as you grow in the Lord and see answered prayers. I never had the chance to have kids of my own so I suppose it is like having a legacy with these communications.

As Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 9:10 we are to do with all our might what our hands can produce. Of course he messed his life up big time. Frankly after I was in the way of a stranger earlier as you may have seen in my earlier post I got cussed out so it is nice to see some kindness come my way with someone who wants to seek the Lord.

I'm not sure what your scripture knowledge is since you seem to have appeared here suddenly. I suggest you read what the prophets experienced in seeking His face. If you are as open hearted as you seem and seeking His face I suspect the tough things regarding men's evil hearts and the sins of the nation are things you would rather not consider. I'm assuming you've faced your old self and are fully surrendered to Him.

1 John 2:1

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

1 John 1:10

If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

we are goanna sin daily and no one is perfect or without sin. If we could live a life sin free, God would not have sent his only son to die for us.

I understand we can't live however we want to and practice our sin. For the spirt is willing but the flesh is weak.

JennyLove: Thank you for your kind and quick response re Psalm 37:4. You have shared knowledge to an almost fainting heart...certainly a thirsty one. I am encouraged. Please pray for my deepened prayer life as sometimes I'm at a loss how to pray what I feel for others as well as myself. God bless you with much wisdom and knowledge. Thank you!

I meant to say that it does include all things; if our hearts are right so don't let the prosperity preachers take out the baby with the bathwater; so to speak on that issue because of their duplicity and greedy gain.

I'm excited to hear how He works in your life.

Agape; Rich P

Dear Mr or Ms Jgledbetter:

I certainly cannot disparage such sentiments; as to who receives tongues God does distribute severally as He wishes ( 1 Cor. 12:11). Paul evidently spoke in tongues more than anyone although there is no definitive verse saying we will recieve a particular gift and certainly I will not go as far as some Pentecostals saying if we don't speak in tongues we aren't saved.

I pray now that He indeed will grant you this; along with other desires of the heart. He does provide all good gifts; and this doesn't include material or other things as He sees fit. All other things are promised if we put the Kingdom of God first as Matthew 6:33 states. I personally haven't spoken in tongues; may have been close at times.

Obviously whatever He gives you are for ministering to the saints and personal edification; although as Paul points out there are certain aspects of personal edification that tongues uniquely places us in; with interpretation in order expected in public worship.

I think the focus needs to be on gifts in general for use in the corporate body as Paul emphasized. Whatever else He has gifted you in likely will be a catalyst for receiving tongues. Spiritual warfare in particular is an emphasis where we can be stoking the fire of the Spirit as was mentioned in scripture ( 2 Timothy 1:6). As with anything else there are warnings not to be too hasty and to make sure we know what spirit is operating when we lay hands on others; for instance.

Deep intercessory prayer is essential. Gifts of course in tongues are in a public environment actual foreign languages at times as Acts showed in the beginning; heavenly languages of course need an interpreter but the emphasis on breaking strongholds in heavenly places is the key. This; I would say with the discernment He has given me enables us to pray for other believers we haven't met physically around the world. He tells us where to go and what to do as well as what not to do.

Blessings.

Matthew 25:41

"Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:"

Revelation 14:11

"And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name."

Revelation 20:10

"And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever."

Jude 1:7

"Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire."

Blessings

Sorry! PRIDAY.... is what I meant to type.

Mr. Friday, Psalm 37 says to delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart. Can you say what desires this is referring to, please? Surely, not fleshly... I want to receive the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. It is a promise that we receive the Comforter. Can this be considered a desire?

Work of the Spirit in the Tribulation

While we can't hold all spiritual truths to the exclusion of the Tribulation there are some things; no doubt functionally that He will work with once the church is removed and the restrainer mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:3. Joel 2:32 states along with verses in Romans that all who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved; but the focus in Joel is no doubt the Tribulation with God's judgments on the earth; albeit the earlier fulfillment at Pentecost.

There are other verses which warn in the end that although men cry out to the Lord He will not hear them and they are destroyed.

Whatever happens at Armageddon; no doubt the fate of those are sealed who have taken the mark and fight against Christ at His return.

In terms of Predestination I quote in Revelation 13:8

8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

This fits into other scripture such as Daniel 12:10 that only the wise will understand what is going on at that time.

Thus; the finality of the wheat separated from the chaff occurs. I would say that begins with the false one world religious "Babylon" which has an economic and religious headquarters and power structure. The beast himself destroys this at the midpoint of the Tribulation in accordance with the wishes of the 10 rulers who rule with him for one hour so as to receive worship only for himself. ( Rev. 17:16).

We all need to remember that this horrible time; the worst the world has ever or will ever again endure is all in God's plan to finish the work of purifying His people including the nation of Israel ( Zechariah 13:8 and many other verses). His saints; therefore will be the living testimony along with Christ's physical return of His faithfulness and will usher in the promised Millennial reign. Sadly that will end with one more rebellion; sinful man can never learn on their own.

Work of the Spirit: Enduring to the end

Matthew 24:13 "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."

Much of what is stated in Matthew 24 and related passages may be primarily focused on the Tribulation but certainly has implications now. Now I am a firm believer in Predestination and the Spirit's work in all this sanctification with glorification the end result; but as with anything else it is not mere assent to doctrinal truths that saves us or that sustains us in a righteous life and spiritual condition.

The battle we are all in as individuals is between following the course which we came into this world following blindly; and that of the Spirit who is the light of our path ( Psalm 119:105). In all things in life and even through our own death there is trusting in God as Psalm 23 states in the valley of the shadow of death fearing no evil.

I can look behind now to some things; most recently my mom's passing and my Dad's institutionalization and my responsibilities for their care and things I have learned from whatever small sacrifices I had to make on their behalf. It is saddening that there was no evidence of repentance and true faith for either my mom; my cousin or my Aunt who all passed this year. No doubt withiout a miracle the same holds true for my Dad but I must trust God as to that and my repeated visits as long as he lives on this earth.

One thing we can be certain of other than His chastisement for our sanctification and our ultimate good is that God will use any and all situations. Isaiah 55:11 says So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

When we are at work; for instance with no time to get into scripture to any in depth discussion we are to live out what we believe in conduct; actions and decisions. We need to prepare for brief moments to share which come up also

The work of the Spirit: The wheat and the chaff.

Whatever our view as to anyone who is a professed believer now being left behind after the Rapture; there is no doubt that the final implications of separation of the wheat and chaff occur with the fires of the Tribulation and the harvest of souls at that time; whether for eternal life or eternal damnation. This is not a pleasant topic; that is surely the understatement of the week.

I feel the burden of the Lord upon me on this most serious issue; and it stands out to me that few seem to be considering this in many churches today as to those growing together until the harvest today ( Matt. 13:30). Our Lord said many times; as indicated in my previous post about division. 2 Timothy 3:5 is something we should consider; I'll let the reader look that up and do some homework. So often it seems to be "us and them" as the mindset in church but remembering those Jesus excoriated the most BY FAR being the religious leaders of the Jews of that day; we need to take great care in not being Parasitical as well. One of my beefs is when discussion is not of the Lord on Sunday mornings; and that isn't so much for taking worship lightly (although that alone is a serious issue); but the fact that the camaraderie oftentimes is the only time all week many get to interact. Oftentimes; and I've probably said this many times before when there is known sin in a congregation leadership doesn't take an aggressive stance and laypersons assume it isn't their responsibility to deal with it.

I don't know about anyone else but I don't want fellowship with demons; which sounds extreme but without the Spirit being in our hearts what do we expect to be there? An immature brother from my experience is often more vocal about his own sins as someone who seems outwardly mature. Or to quote scripture; open rebuke is better than hidden love ( Prov. 27:5). Tact is a good thing but politeness simply to be nice and get along can be deadly.

The routine work of the Spirit.

Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

I am always afraid to pray this prayer; perhaps some bolder people out here can pray for me on that end.

We live today in 2025 in an undisciplined culture; where certain behaviors are crying out for parents to exercise discipline when they often prefer to shove the latest toy or video game their way that more often than not promotes visual stimuli for further rebellion. The other reaction is simply yelling without any desire or care for the soul of one's own offspring; and not showing as a parent the right way to act and stupidly thinking kid's can't see into such hypocrisy.

With such an appalling environment; it makes it all the more wonderful to see those who God has changed from their lifestyles of sin to being truly saved. It is a recurring frequent pattern of kids from Christian homes (whether in name only or truly with saved parents) who go from increasing lives of abandonment to sin to a point the Lord reaches them and they are radically transformed. Malachi 4:6 says 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. Perhaps that is indicative of the times we are living in. No doubt in the Tribulation we will see families coming to destroy one another. Matthew 10:21 states: And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.

We should recognize as parents that children are a heritage from God ( Psalm 127:3) and after doing the best we can to entrust God to work on them. This is a tough issue; but often He will use the enemy to put the fear of God in someone after his minions torment people after promising the world. Some have to be broken to call out to God; thankfully some remain close to home.

Should we pray for revival?

The prayer for revival is something I hear repeated; well repeatedly by certain people in particular in routine prayer meetings.

Given the fact that it seems we are in the last days and many will fall away; I can't dogmatically state that it can't happen but the trend; of course unless His coming is centuries away is that it isn't something that will characterize today's environment and even if it occurs we need to realize these things normally phase out in a matter of months to a few years and also recognize pitfalls of certain accompanying phenomenon which the enemy uses to mimic the work of the Spirit through His machinations.

Of course it is said that revival starts in our hearts. AI states that Peter Cartwright mentioned this during a 19th Century Great Awakening. The church must have the fear of God to be salt and light and demonstrate Agape love to the world. We all need to ask ourselves is our church really an environment fit for revival? Is there discipleship going on; something sorely lacking from many past such ventures? Many of us no doubt need to ask God to give us the desire to see such things and the ability to take on such responsibility. With restoration of ourselves no doubt we are prepared; although in many churches we will see that people are not on board and in some cases not saved or helpful to us. The situation is further complicated when there are no links with other pertinent ministries or churches we can recommend since many aren't within a reasonable distance to commute to a given church. This would require a joint vision and action preparing for such an event; which no doubt encompasses prayer beyond the comfort zone many are used to being involved with; say all night prayer from time to time.

My former church in Pittsburgh did this a few months back; it is easier of course when people can rotate in a larger church.

We all need to be doing our own routine witnessing and prayer to prepare also.

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; ( 1 Timothy 4:1)

2 Timothy 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

I will repeat once again that the concept of John 16:8; in the fact that sin; righteousness and judgment aren't exactly the focus of many of today's confessions in professing Christian churches. The basic issue is that the end result of hell is downplayed; and people aren't expected to change from the state when they are welcomed into the fold the first time as a visitor. What they are pressured into is a particular agenda quite often that follows a course designed to promote whatever the leadership wants which often is exaltation of a Pastor and promotion through media and hype which is puffed up far beyond anything God ever intended. Rule 1 against this abuse of power is before committing to membership we should determine what the accountability for all including leadership is with doctrinal statements and proper scriptural approach mandated by Christ Himself when we see a brother in sin. PASTOR'S AREN'T IMMUNE TO SUCH DISCIPLINE!! At least in Reformed circles this is generally accepted in most congregations; it doesn't guarantee the outcome as being correct as flawed humans are involved with that process but we should avoid any leader that will not accept this for their own teaching; that can particularlly be an issue with a "stand alone" type church where there aren't elders or deacons balancing things out.

On the other side of the coin is accountability we each have as laypersons to obey the things which those in authority who enforce scripture teach and require. On the line is whether we really want Christ to rule and reign in our hearts or fall for the "rugged individualism" our nation tends to proudly stand on. Without it; we are a group who meet Sunday all flying solo.

Some thoughts on walking in the Spirit

In tandem with my earlier post I thought it would be good to consider what it means to walk in the Spirit. I am underscoring this message with what should be an obvious general attitude and spiritual mindset of loving and obeying the Lord; having personal time with the Lord; having a forgiving and open heart; and service whenever able to help to be a support in the Christian community.

I feel unqualified based on my own history to comment on this subject based on personal experience; but I will say that a godly husband and wife can do much with maintaining a testimony in their personal conduct as well as whenever possible opening up their home for prayer meetings; or Bible study. Interaction among families is stronger depending on the demographics of a fellowship and maturity of one's walk in the Lord.

We are ever mindful of Revelation 3:11 and I thought I should also quote the previous verse:

10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

I will say once again as I have before that may His work be done; let someone else take my reward for the sake of reaching lost souls; for His purposes to be accomplished and so that I can join in acclamation of their reward justly deserved. I'll deal with my own loss privately there is no reason in heaven; of course for unwarranted jealousy.

The Spirit works in a believer; and no doubt is involved as the restrainer ( 2 Thessalonians 2:3). God will use a donkey if necessary; and also in the end of the Tribulation will use mighty angels for a final warning for those living under the Antichrist's rule to worship God and not take the mark.

I'll have to continue these thoughts in the next post.

Agape.

There are no coincidences in life

Today; as I took an impromptu trip to Walmart near me I was confronted with a man swearing at me because I was confused which direction he was parking his car. I chose to take his advice that if I knew what was good for me I'd keep walking. I didn't find a decent pair of sneakers for work which I was looking for so it may have seemed it was a waste of time. I figured I'd learn to be more cautious in the future if my judgment was off and pray for the man's soul.

The bigger quest I am seeking to endeavor is on Saturday when once again I visit my Dad. My purpose is to give a decent personoal overview of my life and how God saved me from death and hell so my Dad can hopefully consider these things for himself. It is truly disheartening reading many of the old cards my mom saved from holidays that said he would try to be nicer and more considerate which ended up being sanctimonious hogwash. He has changed for the better as far as his disposition likely due to his Dementia which gives me a window of opportunity to share. Keep me in prayer on that and for those at the facility that know the Lord; I know of 2 at present.

In my earlier posts I was balancing the imminency of the Rapture based on what we see today and still planning in case His coming is delayed for a while. The main concept is preparation spiritually and in other ways and maintaining being "on fire" in the Spirit no matter what the outcome. Being aware of all 10 virgins sleeping when the bridegroom delays we need to be unique in continuing to patiently watch as there is a spiritual crown for that. ( 2 Tim. 4:8). It is hard for me to know exactly what the sign is when all the virgins wake up that He is coming; perhaps a warning of some sort; it seems all truly in the faith will be aware but not all ready for the event. There won't be time at that point to produce spiritual fruit it would appear and that could be a matter of days at best to prepare.