God's Truth In Love

Archive for the ‘End Times’ Category

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Training or Medicine

In Advice, Agape Love, Apostasy, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Devotional, Encouragement, End Times, Exhortation, Fruits of the Holy Spirit, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Love, Persecution, Prayer, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Remnant, Revival, Rhema Words, Spiritual Activism, Spiritual Activists, Spiritual Fruit, Spiritual Remnant, Truth, Uncategorized on June 24, 2014 at 6:00 am

You may submit your own question via the contact information on the “ABOUT” page. A link to the about page can be found at the top of any of the website pages.

Question Summary:

I will be combining and summarizing several questions on the same topic into this one question summary. Additionally I have chosen to omit information that I believe too personal to the individual to make known publically or publish here.

This question was actually mentioned in an earlier piece where I addressed the issue of persecution. I mentioned then I would address one specific reader’s questions more directly. However, due to the very sensitive nature of her circumstances I will not give many details about her situation.

Nevertheless, here is a summary of her issue and question.

This is a Christian mother, a godly woman form what I can tell, who has three children in public school. Her issue is with attempting to reconcile her Christian beliefs with the environment she is forced to deal with within the public school system. Basically, she is being told that if she wants her children to go public school she will have to medicate two of them with psychotropic drugs. The details of her situation are lengthy and not appropriate for sharing publically but what I do have the okay to share is that it deals primarily with ADHD and ODD.

This Christian mom wants to know how she can possibly train up her children in the way they should go as Proverbs 22:6 teaches, according to their own temperament and how God created them if she complies with what is being asked of her. Her primary focus is on whether or not the squelching of “passions” is a real agenda for those pushing the ADHD diagnoses.

Reply:

Let me first say, my heart goes out to this mother. My child, 27 years old now, went to public school and during the last few years things were getting pretty odd within the system. I symphonize with any Christian parent who has to deal with the bureaucracy of raising a child today.

Secondly, let me make this plan. As this reader knows, I am not a medical doctor, nor have I ever claimed to be a medical doctor. I have study psychology and psychiatry extensively as well as some sociology but again I am not a doctor and my thought and opinions are just that, mine. My thoughts and opinions are based on what I read and study, what I learn from actual psychologist and psychiatrist, what I learn from other Christian spiritual leaders and my personal beliefs based on Scripture and theology.

per Merriam-Webster’s Medical Desk Dictionary

ADHD is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

ODD is oppositional defiant disorder.

ODD is typically something younger children are labeled with and it involves anger, outburst, aggression, as well as other aspects of behavior. Before the world became so psychologized we called this the terrible two, which if dealt with at the age of two or three would not become a situation where you had a defiant child. If not dealt with early in a child life, a child would become willful and defiant seeking to control their environment at any cost – potentially, if not corrected, getting worse and worse as they grew older.

We live in a society that wishes to make an excuse for almost any unacceptable behavior. It is a society that for the most the part no longer believes in the true biblical definition of sin or evil. A society that hates personal responsibility, loves to blame others, and refuses to believe personal choice and self-control are more important than drugging oneself into submission. A society that drugs their children into submission because it is easier than putting forth the huge amount of effort it takes to train them up according to God’s Word. What is sadder is that in the post-modern churches, the pews are filled with individual, and parents, who are themselves filled with psychotropic drugs.

We live in a society, which is psychologized in almost everything they do. We have a church who has embraced much of the same. However, do people think about how these experts’ opinions have changed repeated over time? Example: In the late 1970’s, early 1980’s it was the official position of the APA that homosexuality was a mental illness, yet, today some thirty years later they actively promote the opposite. God’s Word about how we should we act and how to handle our problems does not change. Whom would you rather depend on, because it is very difficult to depend on both? It is very difficult to reconcile the two.

The ADHD label typically comes a bit later in a child development. The daydreamers and those who can’t sit still end up with this label. Do people stop to think about what is doing on in the daydreamers mind or why the child who cannot sit still thinks life is so exciting? It is usual only after someone tells these children/people something is wrong with them that they begin to think something might be wrong with them, beforehand most of them were fine with how God created them.

This godly woman just cannot believe that her child has a mental illness or is deserving of a mental diagnosis such as ADHD because they possess characteristics that are typical for their age and other characteristics that she even considered good qualities, once those characteristics are brought into balance through godly instruction and personal maturity. However, the list she gave is accurate and her concern about “passions” is believed by many, if not most, in the psychiatric profession.

Here are some of those negative symptoms/traits that caused her teenager to be slapped with a label of ADHD and therefore, be in need of medication.

energetic

disinterested if not challenged

sensitive

daydreams

feels passionately

absentminded

hyper focused

excels in a specific area to the exclusion of other areas

Overall, the issue that concerned her regarding the “passions” aspect of the diagnosis is that children or people with ADHD will be ‘hyper focused people who will excel at their passion.’ Now isn’t that a horrible thing to have happen to your child. Isn’t that how we got the great artists, the great writers, the wonderful researchers, great surgeons, marvelous concert pianists, brilliant legal minds, or some of the world’s greatest thinkers and theologians? Billy Graham, now in his nineties, has spent his entire life focused on doing one thing, spreading the Gospel of Jesus – sharing the same message over and over and over. Some of our greatest inventors in history were so absentminded they could barely remember to wash their face and comb their hair each day.

A lot of something, usually outweighs a little of everything. Have I missed something here? Are we all supposed to be good at everything or most of us good at nothing in particular?

Mediocrity per Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary: 1 a: the quality or state of being mediocre b: moderate ability or value 2: a mediocre person

Mediocre per Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary: of moderate or low quality: ORDINARY

The spreading or promotion of mediocrity is among one of the greatest things that can later be used to control people.

 

Regarding worldviews:

Secular sources – self-help, advice, mass media – some of these resources can be useful in obtaining knowledge about what is going on in our world but they are not credible sources for a Believer when it comes to establishing beliefs, opinions, and directives for life. The gap between the two foundational platforms (biblical vs. secular) is too vast at this point in our present day society to bring reconciliation between the two. A Believer should seek out Christian lifestyle training, godly counsel, and Christian forms of mass media using those to shape their approach to life.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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Troubles Source

In Advice, Agape Love, Apostasy, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Devotional, Encouragement, End Times, Exhortation, Fruits of the Holy Spirit, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Love, Persecution, Prayer, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Remnant, Revival, Rhema Words, Spiritual Activism, Spiritual Activists, Spiritual Fruit, Spiritual Remnant, Truth, Uncategorized on June 23, 2014 at 5:00 pm

You may submit your own question via the contact information on the “ABOUT” page. A link to the about page can be found at the top of any of the website pages.

Question Summary:

Does trouble in our lives always mean there is sin in our lives? My friend told me that where there is trouble there is sin.

Reply:

The first thing I would like to recommend dear reader is that you go back to you friend and ask for clarity about what he or she meant. People will often make statements that relate to one aspect of a circumstance or truth but it does not reflect a firm belief they have that can be applied across the board to all circumstance. It is hard to understand fully what a person believes based on one or two statements they make. Moreover, it can be detrimental to jump to assumptions about what they believe. This happens often to minister and teachers because typically when they are making a point they do not have the time to address a principle exhaustively.

Trouble in someone’s life does not always mean the person has sin in his or her life. Trouble can come into a person’s life due to persecution. Trouble can come upon a person because they are suffering from the sin of another. Trouble affects people’s lives because of the collective sin of our world, society, families, environment, et cetera. Trouble comes into our lives for many reasons not just our own sin nevertheless; trouble can come into our lives because of our own sin.

Richard Sibbes, a seventeenth-century Puritan, was known for saying, “you can read the sin in the cross.” He meant, we can often determine what sins we might have committed based on the affliction, trouble, or trial we find ourselves bearing – trial being what he referred to as a “cross” in his statement.

When we do find ourselves in the mist of trouble, in a trial, or suffering an affliction it should be our practice to look at ourselves first, and then look for a secondary source. In a society that loathes taking personal reasonability the first reaction is typically to look everywhere else and at everyone else to place blame first, before we embark on self-examination. However, even in the most difficult circumstances where we have been clearly wronged, where trouble is found at our door due to another, we should still examine ourselves before God to see if He would have had us do anything differently at that time or in the future, should we find ourselves in similar circumstance.

If we allow ourselves to live under constant stress, we abuse our bodies, or we neglect our personal care how can we then seek to blame another, God, or Satan when our bodies break down and we become afflicted with an illness that could have been prevented – as God’s Word tells us to care for our temples, our bodies. If we neglect our marriage or our friendships how can we blame our spouse or our friend when they lose interest in us and we are faced with the trial of being alone – as God’s Word tells us we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. How can we sin by stealing a man’s property then be angry because we find ourselves in trouble with a business owner or worse yet, the law – as God’s Word tells us not to steal. If we are poor stewards of the money and things that God gives us then we have no cause to moan because we do not have more or because we have financial problems – as God’s Word tells us to be good stewards. If we are cruel to people we know or to strangers why should we view the cruelty directed toward us as an unjust affliction – as God’s Word tells us we will reap what we have sown. If we take it upon ourselves to make a decision without seeking godly counsel that turns out to be a poor decision which brings trouble to our lives how can we then complain about our troubles – as God’s Word tells us there is safety in seeking godly counsel. Through these few examples, you should be able to understand my point about when trouble might be a result of our own actions or sin.

It is true that trouble is not always due to our sin but when trouble, affliction, or trial comes, let us let us first look inside our own selves, within our own lives, cleaning up the mess there that might be affecting us before we start chasing demons or blaming others.

 

 

Regarding worldviews:

Secular sources – self-help, advice, mass media – some of these resources can be useful in obtaining knowledge about what is going on in our world but they are not credible sources for a Believer when it comes to establishing beliefs, opinions, and directives for life. The gap between the two foundational platforms (biblical vs. secular) is too vast at this point in our present day society to bring reconciliation between the two. A Believer should seek out Christian lifestyle training, godly counsel, and Christian forms of mass media using those to shape their approach to life.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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Hobby Lobby

In Advice, Agape Love, Apostasy, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Devotional, Encouragement, End Times, Exhortation, Fruits of the Holy Spirit, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Love, Persecution, Prayer, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Remnant, Revival, Rhema Words, Spiritual Activism, Spiritual Activists, Spiritual Fruit, Spiritual Remnant, Truth, Uncategorized on June 23, 2014 at 10:40 am

Everyone please pray.  The Supreme Court is hearing Hobby Lobby’s case today.  Then the justices will be considering the case in the days to come. Please pray.

This company has set a superlative example of how Christians should interact with the world in a godly manner that is also professionalism at its best when it comes to conducting business with the unsaved and the world in general. The Green family has fought hard to retain their ability to live out their faith and do business with the world – this decision will be extremely important to Religious Freedoms in America.

http://www.hobbylobbycase.com/

 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2014/03/24/heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-hobby-lobby-case/

Again, please pray.

 

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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Stand Up

In Advice, Agape Love, Apostasy, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Devotional, Encouragement, End Times, Exhortation, Fruits of the Holy Spirit, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Love, Persecution, Prayer, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Remnant, Revival, Rhema Words, Spiritual Activism, Spiritual Activists, Spiritual Fruit, Spiritual Remnant, Truth, Uncategorized on June 23, 2014 at 9:25 am

 

Christian’s you need to stand up while you still can.  You did not give up your rights to man, you gave up your rights to Christ. 

 

 

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Size or Quality

In Advice, Agape Love, Apostasy, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Devotional, Encouragement, End Times, Exhortation, Fruits of the Holy Spirit, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Love, Persecution, Prayer, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Remnant, Revival, Rhema Words, Spiritual Activism, Spiritual Activists, Spiritual Fruit, Spiritual Remnant, Truth, Uncategorized on June 22, 2014 at 10:30 am

You may submit your own question via the contact information on the “ABOUT” page. A link to the about page can be found at the top of any of the website pages.

Question Summary:

I will be combining and summarizing several questions on the same topic into this one question summary. Additionally I have chosen to omit information that I believe too personal to the individual to make known publically or publish here.

This is a question that is asked frequently. Godly men and women wonder why their churches and ministries are small and yet, they see other pastors and leaders with large churches and large ministries, leaders whom they know are not dividing the Word of God properly and/or are allowing ungodly things to go on. These individual often want to know, if they are following God and serving Him with integrity and righteously why do they remain small in numbers while others fill stadiums, huge church building, civic centers, and coliseums.

Reply:

The answer while simple is difficult to accept.

Error will always have more followers than Truth.

You can search your Bible from cover to cover and find from Noah and Lot, to Jesus and John the beloved that sin and religion have always attracted more individuals than holiness and godly spirituality.

Syncretism has become the apostate church’s new politically correct thing to do. When they are called on the carpet about the ungodly practice, they sound the trumpet of loving people to Christ or bringing peace to the world as their defense for their practice of combining different belief, godly and ungodly, in order ultimately to reach people. Jesus never practiced compromising the Father to win a convert or to influence the religious community around Him. To infuse what is godly with what is ungodly in order to find middle ground is apostasy.

I will repeat something I wrote in an earlier piece, “Godly love will always tell people, and present people, with the Truth. Godly peace can only be found in the presence of Truth, of which Jesus is central.”

The Greek language defines the term “false prophets” as found in the Scriptures below, as a “religious imposters” and the church has been inundated with them. Many of which have become the societal face of Christianity, at least in America.

1 John 4:1 (NKJV)

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Matthew 24:11 (NKJV) – Jesus speaking

Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.

As a whole people do not like hearing the truth and being presented with God’s Truth is definitely something they do not enjoy or embrace. People leave churches because they do not like the Truth being taught because it confronts their sin or attempts to move them to change. People leave study groups, friendships, and even family because they find Truth to be so offensive. Truth cuts through people and reaches into their spirits. If their spirits are filled with ungodliness then Truth is their enemy, thus, if Truth is their enemy the person speaking the Truth becomes their enemy.

Jesus is, and was, the literal embodiment of Truth and He is the Authority present when Truth is taught, preached, presented, or spoken. People, for the most part, have always rejected Truth and fought against Truth. This is not likely to stop in this world. Jesus, being Truth, made it clear He came not to bring peace but to bring a sword. Truth will always be a sword between you and the one who does not wish to hear Truth. Additionally, Truth sets people free. Jesus is, and was, the Truth that sets people free and through His Truths, He continues to set people free bit by bit throughout their walk with Him over the course of a lifetime, manifesting the freedom He bought for them on Calvary and imputed to them at conversion. Satan does not want anyone to be free, to find their freedom in or through Christ, and he will fight to keep them in bondage, blinded, and in error.

John 14:6 (NKJV) – Jesus speaking

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Matthew 10:34–39 (NKJV) – Jesus speaking

34 “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. 35 For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; 36 and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ 37 He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39 He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.

John 8:32 (NKJV) – Jesus speaking

And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

It is a world idea that bigger is better, when most of the time that is simply not true. The idea that a large church must be a right church is again something that is based in the idea that people are attracted to what is good. No, people are attracted to what they want, what meets their needs on their terms. Godly success is simple not based on size, worldly success is based on size. Jesus was successful on the cross of Calvary but as best as we can determine from history He only had a few Followers with Him at that point in His ministry.

Again, remember, error will always have more followers than Truth.

 

 

Regarding worldviews:

Secular sources – self-help, advice, mass media – some of these resources can be useful in obtaining knowledge about what is going on in our world but they are not credible sources for a Believer when it comes to establishing beliefs, opinions, and directives for life. The gap between the two foundational platforms (biblical vs. secular) is too vast at this point in our present day society to bring reconciliation between the two. A Believer should seek out Christian lifestyle training, godly counsel, and Christian forms of mass media using those to shape their approach to life.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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Persecution – Why?

In Advice, Agape Love, Apostasy, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Devotional, Encouragement, End Times, Exhortation, Fruits of the Holy Spirit, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Love, Persecution, Prayer, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Remnant, Revival, Rhema Words, Spiritual Activism, Spiritual Activists, Spiritual Fruit, Spiritual Remnant, Truth, Uncategorized on June 21, 2014 at 3:33 pm

You may submit your own question via the contact information on the “ABOUT” page. A link to the about page can be found at the top of any of the website pages.

Question Summary:

I will be combining and summarizing several questions on the same topic into this one question summary. Additionally I have chosen to omit information that I believe too personal to the individual to make known publically or publish here.

There have been a number of questions regarding persecution. People who have seen an increase in injustice and mistreatment as they have grown in their walk with God and/or taken steps to follow God in a particular direction or action that He has requested of them. In each occurrence I read, they seem to be legitimate cases of persecution against the godly who are behaving in ways that honor God. One incident of which I will address more specifically in answering another question.

Overall, the general feeling these people express is a feeling of aloneness among their brothers and sisters in Christ as well as aloneness within their families and society. I am pleased to report that each individual indicates that although they are alone in the natural, they do sense God’s presence with them.

The primary question seems to be why the persecution is happening.

Reply:

I will answer this question in a general way. There are forces that attack specific people for a specific purpose, attacks that can be deemed persecution. However, addressing publically the possible reason for their specific persecution is not profitable to all. This is why I have chosen to limit my reply to generalities.

If an individual is truly walking with God, following the Holy Spirit, they can and should expect persecution from the people within the church who are the religious, those whose godly spirituality is shallow and is about form and practice more than lifestyle and relationship, as well as persecution from the world.

Jesus, the apostles, and Jesus’ disciples were persecuted by the religious community of their day, the government of their day, and the worldly people of their day. Sadly, we can expect no less. The frequency and degree of persecution will rise again as the end draws nearer and America (for those of you in America) strays further and further from God.

Some of the attitude I have read approach persecution as meaning something is wrong with them. Persecution comes to them as a surprise and they view it as a negative thing. Suffering persecution, when suffered because of godliness, is a good thing and in some ways should be considered a badge of honor for the faithful. For if you were not faithful, you would not be persecuted. The world and Satan does not bother with individual who are not going to make any impact on their environment for Christ. People with nothing to say, no examples to give, no cause, no compass of Christ, who take no stand, and who generally make no difference for the Kingdom of God are not going to be bothered or messed with. Therefore, if you are being bothered, if you are being messed with, or if you do find yourself in persecution rejoice someone deems you a godly threat to ungodliness.

Jesus during His Sermon on the Mount ends His teaching, which we call The Beatitudes, addressing the issue of persecution.

Matthew 5:10–12 (NKJV) – Jesus speaking

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Jesus made it clear persecution would be part of the environment for the faithful.

Matthew 24:9 (NKJV) – Jesus speaking about the signs of the end.

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.

Instead of asking why we are being persecuted we should be more concerned if we are not being persecuted.

That said we might also seek the comfort and encouragement of a more mature Christian who has gone through persecution themselves. Only someone who has been persecuted for their godliness can truly understand the complex feelings involved in being maltreated and/or falsely accused for doing what is right, for doing what is godly, or for doing God’s Will. We are human, it hurts at times, and we need God’s help and the help of those who understand persecution in order to ensure it does not damage our faith.

"You can never really possess the Kingdom of God until the cause of God becomes more important than your own life." Charles Allen

When God’s Will, God’s desires, God’s Ways, and God’s agenda becomes more important than anything else to in our lives, then we can truly experience God in ways beyond the ability to describe in words.

2 Corinthians 4:7–10 (NKJV)

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 8 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

Philippians 3:12–14 (NKJV)

12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

What choice does a devoted Follower of Christ have but to press on and go forward? We have none, because, if we take our focus off following God, we will lose our purpose for existing as individuals and as the Body of Christ.

 

Regarding worldviews:

Secular sources – self-help, advice, mass media – some of these resources can be useful in obtaining knowledge about what is going on in our world but they are not credible sources for a Believer when it comes to establishing beliefs, opinions, and directives for life. The gap between the two foundational platforms (biblical vs. secular) is too vast at this point in our present day society to bring reconciliation between the two. A Believer should seek out Christian lifestyle training, godly counsel, and Christian forms of mass media using those to shape their approach to life.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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Apostasy or Love

In Advice, Agape Love, Apostasy, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Devotional, Encouragement, End Times, Exhortation, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Love, Persecution, Prayer, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Remnant, Revival, Rhema Words, Spiritual Activism, Spiritual Activists, Spiritual Fruit, Spiritual Remnant, Truth, Uncategorized on June 20, 2014 at 5:00 am

You may submit your own question via the contact information on the “ABOUT” page. A link to the about page can be found at the top of any of the website pages.

Question Summary:

I will be combining and summarizing several questions on the same topic into this one question summary. Additionally I have chosen to omit information that I believe too personal to the individual to make known publically or publish here.

Several Catholics, some of whom could be considered Christian Catholics, are concerned over the actions of the Pope on Sunday, June 8th 2014 and wonder if his actions can be connected to End Time Prophecy.

They are struggling with how to remain faithful to the Catholic Church or even if they should in light of the Pope’s choice to embrace the Muslim religion and Judaism. One individual specifically wonders if this can be justified, based on 1 Corinthians 9:-19-23.

Reply:

I spent Sunday, June 8th celebrating my birthday and it was only later that I heard about what took place at the Vatican with the Pope and these various religious leaders. I can understand and I sympathy with Catholics who are disturbed by what has happened and who are being persecuted by their own religion for pointing out the error of the Pope in this matter or even questioning his decision on this matter.

In summary, on that Sunday the Pope brought together leaders of the Muslim religion and Judaism at the Vatican and participated in a service where prayers from all three groups were read. This meeting was supposed to be for the purpose of ‘a coming together of the three religions in a reconciliation treaty.’ The idea was that love should supersede beliefs and the three religions should join in unity for the sake of peace.

I Corinthian 9:19-23, is not a justification for such actions. Yes, these actions can be viewed as a clear sign of the end times. The idea of a one-world religion and one-world government are very much at the heart of the end times. That said, we are not to worry or attempt to predict when the end will come instead we as Believers, are to do as Jesus instructed, watch and wait being faithful to Him along the way.

Please read Matthew 24:3-31 and Matthew 25:1-13 for context.

Matthew 25:13 (NKJV) – Jesus speaking

“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

Apostasy has been on the rise for some time now within the Body of Christ. Christ’s return will be preceded by apostasy to a huge degree. What we have seen in these actions is a form of apostasy. People, society, political leader, and church leaders are using the idea of love and peace, especially world or universal peace, as a justification for their apostasy. Loving people, being at peace with people, was and is one of Jesus’ desires for us but it was never His intent that peace or love would come through the compromising of God’s Word, devotion to Him, or holiness.

Godly love will always tell people, and present people, with the Truth. Godly peace can only be found in the presence of Truth, of which Jesus is central.

Luke 18:8 (NKJV) – Jesus speaking

I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”

This idea of universal love and peace is a worldly concept of bring about a utopian society or practicing utopian socialism. This practice is man trying to create a counterfeit of the New Jerusalem, the Kingdom of God, heaven. Once again, you have man trying to play God, which seems to be the endless struggle of the sin nature to some degree.

Many people and spiritual leaders have been caught up in doing this to the degree of apostasy because originally they wanted to do a godly thing and love people to Christ. However, along the way they relinquished one godly principle and command after another until they became lost in their cause and drifted from true devotion to Christ. We have a major Evangelical Christian Pastor in California, with an astronomically huge church, a leader, which I once respected, that has fallen into this apostasy. Then on the other side of the coin, we have the leader of a major Evangelical Christian Denomination who recently openly wept in repentance for knowingly allowing a Muslim to infiltrate their seminary, with his approval. This issue is polarizing and we are finding members of the Body of Christ on both sides, with one side currently growing rapidly as Christian begin to wake up and realize something has gone terribly wrong within the Body of Christ.

It is taught in the Muslim religion that it is okay to lie to the infidel, anyone who is not a Muslim, in order to infiltrate their group or win their trust so later you can ‘destroy from within, without lifting a sword’ as Muhammad stated. I have little doubt that is what is happening here, and has happened in our national government, other churches, civic organizations, et cetera. Muslims, Islam, may make a treaty with the Catholic Church but if this is an end time prophecy coming to fruition, then three and one half years into this treaty they will break the treaty and turn on the Catholic Church.

How can any individual remain in a situation where apostasy is openly taking place? They cannot if they value their personal spiritual health. God has called some individuals to address and confront apostasy but for the average Believer in Christ, exposing themselves to these environments will slowly erode their faith until they themselves will become blinded and deceived. If we vex the Spirit of God within us through either wrong actions, wrong teachings, wrong thinking, or wrong beliefs we will find ourselves lost and distant from God – no longer able to feel His Presence, hear that small inner voice His voice, or sense the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

 

 

Regarding worldviews:

Secular sources – self-help, advice, mass media – some of these resources can be useful in obtaining knowledge about what is going on in our world but they are not credible sources for a Believer when it comes to establishing beliefs, opinions, and directives for life. The gap between the two foundational platforms (biblical vs. secular) is too vast at this point in our present day society to bring reconciliation between the two. A Believer should seek out Christian lifestyle training, godly counsel, and Christian forms of mass media using those to shape their approach to life.

 

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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Updates – Godly Spiritual Activism

In Advice, Agape Love, Apostasy, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, End Times, Exhortation, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Love, Persecution, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Remnant, Revival, Rhema Words, Spiritual Activism, Spiritual Activists, Spiritual Remnant, Truth, Uncategorized on May 28, 2014 at 5:15 pm

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

I want to thank each one of you who are actively involved in godly spiritual activism on behalf of the godly men and women in the United States of America. We give up our rights to Christ, we do not give up our rights to man and we certainly never betray or deny God and His Principles to make life within our society easier for us. We are perhaps at one of the most difficult periods in American history to be a Devote Follower of Christ and sadly, I believe it will get worse before it gets better. However, biblical history and general history has proven that the persecution of the Body of Christ results in revival and growth. I personally believe godly spiritual activism is going to be one of the most powerful weapons of spiritual warfare used of God in the very near future to further His Will and His Causes among His people and in the world as a whole. I fully intend to allow God to use me in such a capacity according to His Will and encourage you to do the same.

Thank you to everyone who used godly spiritual activism to bring about a positive result in the Florida Atlantic University Jesus stomping issue. Whether you made your voice heard through going to the university in person, calling, or emailing; it worked, they were so overwhelmed with Outraged Christians that they issued a formal apology and stated that the practice of having students write the name of Jesus on a piece of paper then stomp on it, would never be used again at that university. The professor who facilitated this assignment and then persecuted the student[s] who would not participate claimed he was only doing what the textbook in use, instructed him to do. Textbooks…the common core teaching curriculum is going to be a tough issue for Christian parents. As there is much for concern in that material. However, for now, a victory for God’s people and those who stood up for their right to respect Jesus’ name.

One of the current moves against godly men and women who are ordained ministers is the act of being deliberately sought out by homosexual couples or a homosexual individual for the purpose of asking that ordained minister or pastor to perform a wedding ceremony for them. If the man or woman of God refuses to perform the same sex marriage, they are then reported to authorities as discriminating against said couple – a couple who often do not even exist as an actual two party couple. The goal of the homosexual community is to have the ordained minister or pastor criminally prosecuted for a crime, one preferably that is considered a hate crime. States are attempting to pass special legislation, amendments, that would protect ordained ministers from being able to be targeted with this form of persecution. However, the legislation has to be supported and passed, so please speak up and speak out, let the Christian voice be heard. Pass this legislation in your state if your state offers this form of protection to its ordained ministers. Far too frequently, people are able to retain political power even when they fight against the causes of protecting the very rights and freedoms of the people they were elected to protect and serve. The Governor of Kentucky is the child of a Baptist Preacher yet, vetoes the amendment to protect ordained ministers from unconstitutional prosecution, which is nothing more than persecution for ones religious beliefs. [Side note: We know it is always the will of evil to try to use the children of God’s called men and women to do his bidding, often succeeding for a season; yet, a glimpse through history shows us that the majority of these children return to Christ and become an even more powerful force for godliness and God’s agenda than they might have originally. Thus, proving the general principle found in Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV) “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.”] Nevertheless, ask yourself where this country will be if people who claim to support freedom and adherer to conservative belief are allowed to continue in office when they would veto such legislation.

I ask for your prayers, as I have been under much spiritual attack lately in my physical body. God has reminded me recently that He allowed Satan to attack Job because God had a purpose. I have, and am, allowing God to reveal changes in my life, lifestyle, and schedule He wants made so I might benefit from why He has allowed this attacked. One the other side, Satan brings this attack at a time when he could use it to attempt to hinder my work in spiritual activism and my work with a specific individual whom God has intended to use for His glory. This attack comes at a time when this individual is close to finding their freedom from bondages and their true purpose in Christ. Satan has sent people to stop this, Satan has brought personal division and strife to stop this, and now Satan is attacking me personally in an attempt to stop this and keep his claws in this person. Therefore, I ask each of you to pray for me and pray for the situation that God would be glorified and Satan would be defeated.

Lastly, I know I am behind on quite a few questions and the follow-up comments on answers. I will be moving forward as quickly as possible. If you feel your question is urgent, please send me a message indicating so. I will not be adding follow-up comments to the questions and replies unless an additional question is prompted. This is not personal in any way; it is merely policy for me. I have never allowed publically posted comments and will not be doing so with the Q&A series. However, I will still respond to your comments privately and personally, so please continue to submit them. The intent of this forum is to promote Truth and only to promote Truth, which is why no comments or names are allowed and why I do not even list my name or ministry. I am here to promote Jesus and His Truths not to promote anyone else, including myself.

 

Regarding worldviews:

Secular sources – self-help, advice, mass media – some of these resources can be useful in obtaining knowledge about what is going on in our world but they are not credible sources for a Believer when it comes to establishing beliefs, opinions, and directives for life. The gap between the two foundational platforms (biblical vs. secular) is too vast at this point in our present day society to bring reconciliation between the two. A Believer should seek out Christian lifestyle training, godly counsel, and Christian forms of mass media using those to shape their approach to life.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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Peace and Unity

In Advice, Agape Love, Apostasy, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, End Times, Exhortation, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Love, Persecution, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Remnant, Rhema Words, Spiritual Activists, Spiritual Remnant, Truth, Uncategorized on April 23, 2014 at 5:10 pm

Question Summary:

The quest for peace and unity or oneness in all circumstances, is that always good? Like in the case of world peace, community peace, family peace or unity, religious unity, and so on.

Reply:

As stated in the past, without specifics about a person’s circumstances it is hard to address a situation in an absolute way that will honor God and be a wise godly answer. However, I can provide some various insights about the topic.

This I can state with absolute authority that honors God and is in keeping with His Will and His Word. If keeping the peace or having unity or bringing about oneness requires an individual or group to compromise God’s Word, God’s Will, or God’s Purpose then it is an ungodly form of peace, unity, or oneness. Satan often brings a form of peace that is ungodly in order to bring about some form of evil. Again, if it causes you to dishonor God, then it is wrong.

Religious unity is not of God and is not supported anywhere in Scripture. Scripture teaches the opposite on numerous occasions. An example can be found with Muslims, the Koran states that Christians are considered infidels and if they refuse to renounce Christ when asked to do so, they are to be killed. As peace loving as some Muslims may appear, the text they consider holy gives this mandate. Some Muslims will even deny the Koran states this mandate. This is why these two groups Christians and Muslims, and their members, cannot be reconciled as friends. Now unity of Jesus’ Church, The Body of Christ, is supported throughout the New Testament.

Unity among Believers and unbelievers is not supported by Scripture for we are not to be yoked with unbelievers in any form of attached relationships, (2 Corn. 6:11-17) however, we can live at peace with unbelievers provided doing so does not cause us to dishonor God.

2 Corinthians 6:11–17 (NKJV)

Be Holy

11 O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open. 12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections. 13 Now in return for the same (I speak as to children), you also be open.

14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:

“I will dwell in them

And walk among them.

I will be their God,

And they shall be My people.”

17 Therefore

“Come out from among them

And be separate, says the Lord.

Do not touch what is unclean,

And I will receive you.

Keeping the unity of a family or keeping peace within a family, again, is subject to whether or not the Believer in Christ can honor God and remain in unity or keep peace with other family members. This is not always possible as beliefs will differ and bring about division and even the simply desire to honor and follow God will bring division.

Luke 12:49–53 (NKJV) Jesus speaking

Christ Warns of the Costs of Discipleship

49 “I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished! 51 Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. 52 For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three. 53 Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”

The idea that following Christ brings about some type of utopian love-fest with all people is simply not true and has not bases in Scripture. If Jesus states that following Him would bring division within families, in the most intimate relationships, will it not bring division among, friends, colleagues, associated, and people in the world? Of course, it is going to do so. If you believe you are doing all God has instructed you to do in following Him and find yourself at peace with all people and everyone likes you, something is very wrong with your walk with God.

Additionally, many times in Scripture we find that had people not left family and homeland to go where and do what God had called or asked them to do they would have never been able to fulfill His Purposes for their life. Abraham, the Father of our Faith had to leave his family and homeland (Gen. 12 & 13) to fulfill God’s Plan for His life and our ultimate enfolding into the gospel message.

Community and/or global peace are much larger issues. Global peace and unity sounds wonderful and seems like such a noble idea but it is clearly the work of an Anti-Christ Spirit. (See the books of Revelation and Daniel.) It may seem great for a season to unbelievers and immature or carnal Christians but it is a concept whose end will be horrible for True Christians, the CURRENT Spiritual Remnant of God and mankind in general.

The idea of a utopian society has been around since just after the fall of man and early creation. It is a notion driven by and based in sin. It is about the desire to be independent from God or to reach God and/or heaven on one’s own terms or to ascend to god-ship one one’s own terms. Man wants to be their own god and man wants to reach God on their own terms. That is a concept, idea, and practice God has been disturbing from the beginning and will continue to frustrate and disrupt until the end of time. Only God will bring about the true world peace and Divine unity in the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21). Therefore, we do not compromise God’s Word or dishonor God even for community or world peace.

The earliest reported account of an example of man’s attempt at this ascension is found in the Book of Genesis. God’s response then, and ever since, has been to bring about circumstances that disrupted man’s ability to succeed at such behavior.

Genesis 11:1–9 (NKJV)

The Tower of Babel

11 Now the whole earth had one language and one speech. 2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar, and they dwelt there. 3 Then they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They had brick for stone, and they had asphalt for mortar. 4 And they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.”

5 But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built. 6 And the LORD said, “Indeed the people are one and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them. 7 Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.” 8 So the LORD scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they ceased building the city. 9 Therefore its name is called Babel, because there the LORD confused the language of all the earth; and from there the LORD scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth.

It amazing me when I see individual people, a community, or a society that thinks they are going to be in charge of life, they are going to create and make their own destiny, or they are going to live independent of God on their own terms. No they are not, only if God allows them to live as such! At any moment, God could require their life of them, yet they think themselves so in charge.

Ezekiel 3:16–21 (NKJV)

Ezekiel is a Watchman

16 Now it came to pass at the end of seven days that the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 17 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me: 18 When I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. 19 Yet, if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.

20 “Again, when a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die; because you did not give him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; but his blood I will require at your hand. 21 Nevertheless if you warn the righteous man that the righteous should not sin, and he does not sin, he shall surely live because he took warning; also you will have delivered your soul.”

Well here is your warning…

As I stated at the beginning of this reply; this I can state with absolute authority that it honors God and is in keeping with His Will and His Word. If keeping the peace or having unity or bringing about oneness requires an individual or group to compromise God’s Word, God’s Will, or God’s Purpose then it is an ungodly form of peace, unity, or oneness.

 

Regarding worldviews:

Secular sources – self-help, advice, mass media – some of these resources can be useful in obtaining knowledge about what is going on in our world but they are not credible sources for a Believer when it comes to establishing beliefs, opinions, and directives for life. The gap between the two foundational platforms (biblical vs. secular) is too vast at this point in our present day society to bring reconciliation between the two. A Believer should seek out Christian lifestyle training, godly counsel, and Christian forms of mass media using those to shape their approach to life.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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Faith and Freedom

In Advice, Apostasy, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Devotional, Encouragement, End Times, Exhortation, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Love, Persecution, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Remnant, Revival, Rhema Words, Spiritual Activism, Spiritual Activists, Spiritual Remnant, Truth, Uncategorized on April 18, 2014 at 6:37 pm

Alliance Defending Freedom Online Town Hall

 

Living out Your Faith in an Increasingly Hostile Culture

 

http://www.alliancedefendingfreedom.org/home/detail/8962

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Fruit or Vegetable Series ~ Part Sixteen – Self-control/Temperance

In Agape Love, Apostasy, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Devotional, Encouragement, End Times, Exhortation, Fruits of the Holy Spirit, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Love, Persecution, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Remnant, Revival, Rhema Words, Spiritual Activism, Spiritual Activists, Spiritual Fruit, Spiritual Remnant, Truth, Uncategorized on April 7, 2014 at 6:12 pm

Monday, April 07, 2014

In this segment, we will look at the virtue of “self-control” and “temperance” which is an aspect of the fruit of the Spirit. What we will examine is godly temperance and godly self-control not the worldly version of self-control or self-discipline. When self-discipline is applied in a worldly setting, it commonly has the undertones of refining oneself into a self-god. Self-discipline is mainly applied to accomplish ones own goals or remake oneself in one’s own desired image. Godly self-control is about walking out the steps necessary for God to manifest His Will in your life. Temperance is about bringing balance and simplicity to life through bringing all things into subjection under the Will of God for your life. Though the differences may appear slight, the attitudes and motives behind the differences vary vastly.

What does it mean to be in subjection to God’s Will? Subjection per Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary means, “to make (as oneself) amenable to the discipline and control of a superior.” In order to come under God’s Will, and stay under God’s Will, a person must make any number of choices daily that places his or her will aside and chooses God’s Will instead. When we make those choices, we are exhibiting the virtues of the fruit of Spirit known as godly self-control and temperance.

Galatians 5:22–23 (NKJV)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness [KJV – gentleness], goodness, faithfulness [KJV – faith], 23 gentleness [KJV – Meekness], self-control [KJV – temperance].

As stated previously in earlier writings, the word or term used in the King James Version of the Bible is the word needed in order to look up the exact meaning of said word in the Greek or Hebrew language. When researching biblical words one must always go back through the KJV 1611 Bible. Therefore, whereas the NKJV uses the word self-control the KJV uses the word temperance in this verse. The definition in the Greek Language for the word “temperance” used in Galatians 5:23 is as follows.

“temperance”

1466. ἐγκράτεια ĕgkratĕia, eng-krat´-i-ah; from 1468; self-control (espec. continence):— temperance.

1468. ἐγκρατής ĕgkratēs, eng-krat-ace´; from 1722 and 2904; strong in a thing (masterful), i.e. (fig. and refl.) self-controlled (in appetite, etc.):— temperate.

2904. κράτος kratŏs, krat´-os; perh. a primary word; vigor [“great”] (lit. or fig.):— dominion, might [-ily], power, strength.

Note: Continence has to do with sexual appetite and desires.

Let me make a distinction here. Self-control and temperance are not exactly the same things. They would affect, or effect, two different areas of a Believers life. Temperance will bring about a form of habitual moderation, which will spread over the entirety of the individual lifestyle. Self-control will deal with bringing control to a person actions, emotions and impulses. God uses the one, temperance, to allow God’s character to be walked out in a person over the course of a lifetime in every area of life. God uses the other, self-control, to break the bondages, bring order, and give victory to the individual in areas where their life does not exhibit godliness and could even be out of control.

For the reasons explained in the previous paragraph, I believe the change in Bible translations that brought about the use of the word “self-control” in place of the use of the word “temperance” has damaged the overall meaning God intended for this verse. This change, like so many others, has to do with the societal vices of our day and society’s attitudes toward excess. Habitual moderation in all things is extremely unpopular among the world and carnal Christians.

I also want to touch on another point very lightly. Temperance is connected to having “a sound mind” as described in 2 Timothy 1:7. Having study the various aspect of the mental health profession for many years, I can tell you that in almost all psychological problems an imbalance in behavior or thinking is present and is a factor in the cause of the problem. Just review in your mind the symptoms of most disorders and you will find a pattern of imbalanced behavior and/or thinking. Balance brings order to a person’s life, mind, and relationships. Extremes and excess bring disorder and destruction.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. – 2 Timothy 1:7

The definition in the Greek Language for the term “of a sound mind” is as follows.

“of a sound mind” =

4995. from 4994; discipline, i.e. self-control:— sound mind.

4994. from 4998; to make of sound mind, i.e. (fig.) to discipline or correct:— teach to be sober.

4998. from the base of 4982 and that of 5424; safe (sound) in mind, i.e. self-controlled (moderate as to opinion or passion):— discreet, sober, temperate.

4982. “safe”); to save, i.e. deliver or protect (lit. or fig.):— heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.

5424. (to rein in or curb; comp. 5420); the midrif (as a partition of the body), i.e. (fig. and by impl. of sympathy) the feelings (or sensitive nature; by extens. [also in the plur.] the mind or cognitive faculties):— understanding.

5420. apparently a strengthening form of the base of 5424; to fence or inclose, i.e. (spec.) to block up (fig. to silence):— stop.

Note: “moderate as to opinion” is not inclusive of, nor an excuse for, compromising or watering down God’s Word.

Here are some examples of how we might express godly self-control/temperance toward God, self, and others as well as through service.* When we practice temperance in our daily schedule, we do not become too busy to spend a bit of time in solitude with God each day. We exhibit self-control and temperance toward ourselves by exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, balancing our work and recreation, and not eating to excess. By deferring to other people’s desires and wishes in a balanced way, where the relationship benefits both parties, a person is showing temperance. Not allowing your Christian service to place you in a position where are too busy for quiet time with God or too busy for your spouse and friends is an act of using temperance, and through being balanced the quality of what you give to those you serve will honor God.

“the more holy the life the more mysterious it becomes by its apparent simplicity and littleness.”

Rev. Jean-Pierre De Caussade S.J.

*I have a question for all of you. I have written this series from a template I set up at the beginning of the series. That template included the following sentence. “Here are some examples of how we might express godly ________________ toward God, self, and others as well as through service?” Does anyone see a problem? The question mark is the problem. This is not a question it is a statement. All of you let me write this entire series and never once mentioned I had misused a question mark. Now I know several of you are writers yourself, others teachers, pastors, psychologists, etc. I guess that since it took me until the end of the series to catch the typo myself, then perhaps, most of you have suffered from word blindness and like me just placed a period there instead. Like I often say, thank goodness for proofreaders. Although I am not interested in hearing about every little typo, in the future, if you see me repeating the same mistake over the course of several postings please send me a comment or note and let me know. I would be grateful. As a Christian Community, are we not suppose to be our brother’s keeper? We are all supposed to be helping one another to be better, to do better, and not to inappropriately use question marks.

I hope you all have enjoyed the series. This concludes the Fruit or Vegetable Series and I will be undertaking your questions with my next posting. I have quite a few questions and I am currently sorting though how to tackle them. Questions I currently have, or that come in, which I consider high priority will be, answered a soon as possible. Other questions, I may just put in order by what book of the Bible they might apply to or if the topic has particular relevance in society at the time.

 

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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Thoughts and Answers

In Agape Love, Apostasy, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Devotional, Encouragement, End Times, Exhortation, Fruits of the Holy Spirit, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Love, Persecution, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Remnant, Revival, Rhema Words, Spiritual Activism, Spiritual Activists, Spiritual Fruit, Spiritual Remnant, Truth, Uncategorized on April 3, 2014 at 9:25 am

Thursday, April 03, 2014

Here are a few thoughts, pebbles of wisdom that will provide the answers to many questions, which have come up as of late. I realize these appear to be only one or two sentence answers to questions, which for many people are profoundly life changing, but I assure you often the answers in life are truly simply but accepting them and applying them can be extremely difficult.

If you are not confident that God loves you then you will never truly be able to love beyond yourself, with godly love.

A life void of individuals who will tell you the truth is a life lived like a masquerade party; no one ever knows what is behind the mask.

You cannot give away what you yourself do not acquire, apply, and cling too consistently.

It is better to feed a few spiritual thirsty Devoted Followers well than to pour yourself out on religiously dry bones found among the masses. Keep in mind Jesus’ core group consisted of twelve.

What is done over the course of a lifetime is what matters; you cannot live off one huge victory/success nor should you allow one huge failure/mistake to define your life.

The holiness of a Devoted Believer’s life should be both disturbing and soothing to non-believers.

 

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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Fruit or Vegetable Series ~ Part Fifteen – Gentleness/Meekness

In Agape Love, Apostasy, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Devotional, Encouragement, End Times, Exhortation, Fruits of the Holy Spirit, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Love, Persecution, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Remnant, Revival, Rhema Words, Spiritual Activism, Spiritual Activists, Spiritual Fruit, Spiritual Remnant, Truth, Uncategorized on March 28, 2014 at 5:06 pm

Friday, March 28, 2014

In this segment, we will look at the virtue of “gentleness/meekness” which is an aspect of the fruit of the Spirit. What we will examine is godly gentleness/meekness not worldly apathy and passivity. Gentleness/Meekness, like many of the virtues found in the fruit of the Spirit, is both and inner and outer quality. A person can appear to be very meek and humble on the outside but on the inside, they sit with a constant sense of superiority rarely vocalizing the inner judgments they feel and the mental tearing to shreds of the people around them they participate in, all the while veining a mask of false modesty and false gentleness.

Galatians 5:22–23 (NKJV)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness [KJV – gentleness], goodness, faithfulness [KJV – faith], 23 gentleness [KJV – Meekness], self-control [KJV – temperance].

As stated previously in earlier writings, the word or term used in the King James Version of the Bible is the word needed in order to look up the exact meaning of said word in the Greek or Hebrew language. When researching biblical words one must always go back through the KJV 1611 Bible. Therefore, whereas the NKJV uses the word gentleness the KJV uses the word meekness in this verse. The definition in the Greek Language for the word “meekness” used in Galatians 5:23 is as follows.

“meekness”

4236. πρᾳότης praiŏtēs, prah-ot´-ace; from 4235; gentleness, by impl. humility:— meekness.

4235. πρᾷος praiŏs, prah´-os; a form of 4239, used in certain parts; gentle, i.e. humble:— meek.

Just as we should not misinterpret apathy, passivity, or false modesty as true godly meekness we must not misinterpret holy boldness and godly confidence as a lack of inner or outer gentleness and meekness. Just as individuals have their own temperament, the fruit of the Spirit is exhibited through that temperament in a way specific to that particular temperament. We are not all cut from the same mold but we are created in the same likeness, the likeness of our Creator, the Almighty God.

Humility is very much a part of meekness. If we cannot evaluate ourselves accurately, which is what true humility is, then we cannot be gentle or meek when we relate to others. A person who exercises true humility recognizes both their strengths and their weaknesses, understanding their capabilities and their limitations; essentially, they understand who and how God created them to be.

Here are some examples of how we might express godly gentleness/meekness toward God, self, and others as well as through service? With God, we exercise the greatest form of meekness when we subject ourselves to His Will, showing reverential fear for Him, and change in the areas in which He desires us to change. “God will hear, and afflict them, Even He who abides from of old. Selah Because they do not change, Therefore they do not fear God.” Psalm 55:19 (NKJV) By understand and accepting ourselves as God created us we show the greatest amount of gentleness we can ever show to ourselves. People’s continual struggle with who they are, how they look, etc. is ultimately their greatest source of pain and the prison in which others can lock them. Choosing to deal with a sincerely distressed person, not an attention seeker, with gentleness and meekness shows them we love them. Giving time to, and showing care for, those individuals the world deems all put worthless and who are often overlook, is meekness found in the form of humility and gentleness; a great act of service for people who often have no way of repaying your kindness.

Meekness and gentleness is not a form of weakness. On the contrary, it is the exact opposite for it takes great personal inner strength to be gentle and meek. Jesus was our example of the highest form of meekness and gentleness.

 

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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Fruit or Vegetable Series ~ Part Fourteen – Faithfulness/Faith

In Agape Love, Apostasy, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Devotional, Encouragement, End Times, Exhortation, Fruits of the Holy Spirit, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Love, Persecution, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Remnant, Revival, Rhema Words, Spiritual Activism, Spiritual Activists, Spiritual Fruit, Spiritual Remnant, Truth, Uncategorized on March 22, 2014 at 6:51 pm

Saturday, March 22, 2014

This part of the Fruit and Vegetable Series will be the most important part by far. The virtue of faith and/or faithfulness is without a doubt the aspect of the fruit of the Spirit that will impact the life of a Believer the most and leave the most lasting results, either positive or negative upon their life.

As we will look at the virtue of “faithfulness/faith”, what we will examine is godly faithfulness and faith not a worldly concept of dedication and positive thinking. Often the world and religious legalism are dedicated to a project or practice because it makes them look good or feel good about themselves. These practices and projects are not things done out of faithfulness to God and faith in what God has ordained.

Immediately I need to bring clarity to difference between faith and faithfulness and why they cannot be separated spiritually. Faith is about what we believe. Faithfulness is about what we do. What we believe will directly impact what we do. What we do and do not do will directly impact our faith. If we do not believe we will not act and if we do not act our ability to believe will never grow, thus, deeper faith will be allowed to develop. Some people believe what they choose, others believe what they know; the latter is faith. Any aspect of the fruit of the Spirit, along with all faith, originates with God but once originated God allows us to choose what we will do with that faith.

Galatians 5:22–23 (NKJV)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness [KJV – gentleness], goodness, faithfulness [KJV – faith], 23 gentleness [KJV – Meekness], self-control [KJV – temperance].

As stated previously in earlier writings, the word or term used in the King James Version of the Bible is the word needed in order to look up the exact meaning of said word in the Greek or Hebrew language. When researching biblical words one must always go back through the KJV 1611 Bible. Therefore, whereas the NKJV uses the word faithfulness the KJV uses the word faith in this verse. The definition in the Greek Language for the word “faith” used in Galatians 5:22 is as follows.

“faith”

4102. πίστις pistis, pis´-tis; from 3982; persuasion, i.e. credence; mor. conviction (of relig. truth, or the truthfulness of God or a relig. teacher), espec. reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstr. constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself:— assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.

3982. πείθω pĕithō, pi´-tho; a primary verb; to convince (by argument, true or false); by anal. to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); refl. or pass. to assent (to evidence or authority), to rely (by inward certainty):— agree, assure, believe, have confidence, be (wax) confident, make friend, obey, persuade, trust, yield.

You cannot separate faith and obedience of which faithfulness is a part. Faith and obedience are kind of like two sides of one coin. Noah believed God and built an ark. Abraham trusted God and went. In order to have such faith one must be willing to grow their faith through faithfulness and the testing of that faith/faithfulness.

In order for a person to walk in faith, they must walk in Divine protection. Authentic godliness rather than religiousness is our best defense against Satan’s seductions and attacks. One’s godliness must be tested if they, or anyone else, are to know the depths of their faith. There is a peace that comes from walking in godliness and faith, and then there is the peace with which Satan seduces people.

Satan’s false peace is a peace that comes not from overcoming in a godly way but instead is produced from the evasion of apathy and deadness into ones faith that leaves them lethargic, numb and sleeping in the light – faith is decaying or all but dead in individuals who experience this form of peace. They are spiritually lifeless people with little or no passion in life, drones living off of the faith of those around them. Again, testing the spirits of people exposes these individuals and the depth of their faith.

I do not know a godly spiritual leader who has not had their faith and faithfulness tested, otherwise they would not have been found ready to be a leader. Testing of one’s faith is a tough and often painful process but absolutely necessary. The Bible is filled with examples of tested faith. Jesus did not sweat blood in the garden because He was breezing through His assignment. He struggled, He sought another path, and then He obeyed. He lost everyone and went to the cross alone. Most of the prophets and apostles struggled alone with their faith and the resulting persecution.

Why alone? Dejected identity – rejection causes people to loss heart – test the depth of someone’s faith by putting them in a position of rejection and see how they respond. This will tell you a great deal about their faith and faithfulness. You will quickly discover who cares enough to fight for what they said they believed in, their desires, their beliefs, their relationships, their godly passions and purpose, etc. or do they fall into self-pity and respond with no action, or even worse, they pull back or turn back. Faith not worth acting on is not much faith. Faithfulness that cannot overcome a few roadblocks is not a characteristic that is rooted very deeply in a person.

There is a Jewish practice, which is also used by Christian Spiritual Leader to test people’s faith and faithfulness before giving them a place of leadership and authority, as the novice Believer should not be a leader. 1 Timothy 3:6 (NKJV) not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. This practice is typically reserved for proselytes and is meant to detect godly faith in Truths verses intellectual ascent to Truths. The practice has its roots in Scripture and was done many times. Essentially the practice is to reject or rebuff a proselyte (new convert) three times, in varying degrees of severity, both to see if he or she is sincere in their faith and faithfulness and to show him or her that it is hard to be a Devoted Follower and live a life of faith and faithfulness to God. How the individual responds tells the Spiritual Leader what they need to know about the person’s preparedness, commitment, faith, and faithfulness.

Here are some examples of how we might express godly faithfulness/faith toward God, self, and others as well as through service? By trusting in God and obeying His directives, we show Him our faith as well as our faithfulness to Him and His purpose for us. We express godly faith/faithfulness toward ourselves when daily, in our private lives, we follow the personal directives we have been given by God based on His priorities for our life. Our faith and faithfulness shows to people as we continue in our commitment to them and our commitment to godly covenants, such as marriage. By being there for people, time after time despite the hardships, we show them our faith and faithfulness through the act of service to them.

Faith in the faithfulness of an Unchanging God is something that is developed to a greater and greater degree as each year passes and you continue in faith and faithfulness. It can grow to the degree that there is almost nothing you do not believe can happen, or you can do, if God tells you it is going to happen or you must get it done. That is a glorious day! That makes for a glorious life!

People complain about never getting a chance in life, yet, they never take any risk in life. The difference between people who make a difference in society, their world, their community, their Christian Fellowship, who stand for something, and who fulfill their godly purpose in life and those who never do hinges greatly on their faith and their faithfulness.

 

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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Updates – Name and Questions

In Agape Love, Apostasy, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Devotional, Encouragement, End Times, Exhortation, Fruits of the Holy Spirit, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Love, Persecution, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Remnant, Revival, Rhema Words, Spiritual Activism, Spiritual Activists, Spiritual Fruit, Spiritual Remnant, Truth, Uncategorized on March 22, 2014 at 1:14 pm

Saturday, March 22, 2014

I wanted to take a few moments and post a couple of information updates before releasing the next posting in the Fruit and Vegetable Series on faith and faithfulness.

The other night I went to a movie called, God’s Not Dead and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves Jesus, the TRUE Christians, the Spiritual Remnant of God, and especially those that can see that Christian Liberties are being stripped away in America.

God’s Not Dead

http://godsnotdeadthemovie.com/

At the end of this movie, they listed a website, which I did not recognize and that surprised me so I investigated. I learned something I had not realized and want to pass the information along to any of you who might not know yet. The long cherished Christian advocacy organization, which the former head of International Christian Media helped establish years ago is no longer the Alliance Defense Fund, the organization changed its name to Alliance Defending Freedom. They are still affiliated with all their ministries, doing the same powerful work, and still providing their Christian Allied Attorneys to those in need; all that has really changed is the name, but what a change.

In my view, the name is more aptly applicable today in our oppressive society where government and secular mass media are rapidly becoming so generalized and socialistic that only empty generic religion will be tolerated and having true godly principles that you voice and/or stand up for is becoming a crime, socially and legally. From what I can surmise, in part, the name change was a desire to make a stronger statement about their intent to defend Christian liberties and the right to free speech as well as freedom of religion in the United States.

On another note.

Whereas there are many questions that need to be addressed and answered via the blog, I would like to finish the current series before addressing any more questions. Questions are emerging from secondary sources outside of blog subscribers, therefore, I am going to open the blog up so questions can be sent directly though the “comment” link at the end of each posting on the main page. As always, you have my assurance questions will be handled in a generic fashion and the privacy of the individual asking the question will continue to be honored, as it always has been. Questions can also be submitted anonymously via the “comment” link.

Please continue to send your questions and comments and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

 

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.