Mysteries revealed

WHY ARE WE EXPECTED TO THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS TO GUESS AT THE MYSTERY HE'S LAID DOWN FOR US?  DOES IT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH OUR LEVEL OF UNDERSTANDING?

Yes, our understanding of God's word will unravel the mysteries, for Jesus was the mystery of the old covenant revealed.

Rom 16:25  Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
Rom 16:26  But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
Rom 16:27  To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

Acts 4:10  Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
Acts 4:11  This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
Acts 4:12  Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

  The church is a mystery revealed. Salvation has come to the Gentiles.  

  Rom 11:25  For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
Rom 11:26  And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
Rom 11:27  For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.    

EagleBearAllen

Super! walked about one mile today not favoring my left leg--tremors are better less frequent--will not do crown surgery at this time knowledge of meds now taking revamped that SOmebody had to tell somebody GUESS WHO?  WENT TO KIDNEY DOCTOR FRIDAY GUESS WHAT DOESNT WANT TO SEE ME ANY MOREEEEEEEEEE ! PRAISE GOD WANTED (to) SHARE-- praying your family and others doing better also   EAGLE BEAR

Free Bible helps

  e-Sword Bibles Gary, this software is available FREE, you can download MANY versions of the Bible, Commentaries, Dictionary, maps, Christian graphics, you name it, OUTRAGEOUS and AWESOME Bible software program to use ON or OFFline... check it out if you don't have something like this already... it will take me days to download everything I want to download, but this is just a GREAT RESOURCE!!! Wanted to share it with you too. Hope all is well with you. The Lord is really moving in my life. (not all are free, so be selective)

Re: Facing a Decision

  Good devotion!   May I add:    When praying for direction, consider these five basic prayer principles:  

A humble approach... Thanking God no matter what the situation...(Romans 8:28) Request for forgiveness of known and unknown sins...(1 John 1:9) Recite God's word back regarding the situation... Tell God you will have faith in his answer yes, no or wait.     I try to use these principles in prayer.  It seems to fit in with todays devotional.   -Bill-

Coming to the master

The doctor was holding the handle of the door; on the other side came a sound of scratching and whining, and as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.

Turning to the patient, the doctor said, "Did you notice my dog? He's never been in this room before. He didn't know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear. I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing. I know my Master is there and that is enough."

  The story of the dog running to the master was very good. We have a father waiting for us to spring forth into his presence. A Lord Jesus with arms to greet us, a voice to welcome us, a place prepared just for us. It is good to think on these things.  

Luke 15:18  I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
Luke 15:19  And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
Luke 15:20  And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
Luke 15:21  And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
Luke 15:22  But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
Luke 15:23  And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
Luke 15:24  For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
Luke 15:25  Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing.
Luke 15:26  And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
Luke 15:27  And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
Luke 15:28  And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and entreated him.
Luke 15:29  And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
Luke 15:30  But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
Luke 15:31  And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
Luke 15:32  It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

 

Re: Women's role

I question this as I am a woman with no husband and a child. How am I to follow the word of God if no man will help me. In todays society it is necessary for both man and women to work if the household is to survive. So then can a married couple follow this word if it is not possible to live on one income alone. I take in consideration the lack of the nations ability to give men good jobs to support their family so this then is impossible but the word says it is a sin. Tell me how can God judge this justifly in the state we are in today?  

God will be your husband. This is about church order and the roles of men and women. Do what is necessary within the position you are in. Sin in the world corrupts God's best way. Seek him with all your heart, trust him and he will show you a way.   Gary

Salvation

There is a lot said about receiving the baptism of the holy Spirit amongst Pentacostals. The Baptists do not mention it at all. They say Eph 2:8,9.  

Eph 2:8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9  Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Eph 2:10  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.  

Jesus made it simple...  

John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:17  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
John 3:18  He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.  

To believe in this instance is to trust and to be committed to him.   John's baptism was for repentance, Jesus' baptism for forgiveness and the filling of his spirit. Water baptism is in obedience. We are filled for service, not for salvation. Salvation is God's work in our hearts by faith in him...  

John 1:12  But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

(The power is his Spirit)

John 1:13  Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.  

 And these are favorite verses for salvation:  

Rom 10:8  But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
Rom 10:9  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Rom 10:10  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Salvation is God's work through our faith. It requires repentance and a humbling of ourselves before him, confessing him and belief in the heart.  

Mark 6:12  And they went out, and preached that men should repent.  

The work of salvation results in the presence of His Spirit within.

  Rom 8:9  But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.  

 John 3:7  Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
John 3:8  The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.  

We don't know how we get the Spirit, but God gives it following our coming to Jesus.

Gary

To give up or to keep

As a practical matter, leaving her jar meant the Samaritan woman could accelerate her return to the city in order to get the Good News to her people faster.  Certainly this would be a blessing to them all.  She teaches us an important lesson here: Those tasked with spreading the Gospel must not burden themselves with anything that will hinder them. 

Here is another example of leaving behind the old life and what we trusted in, to follow Jesus.  

 Mat 4:18  And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
Mat 4:19  And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
Mat 4:20  And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

  Not always do we leave everything behind, in keeping with the starting example of the woman at the well, we leave behind that which hinders.  Sometimes we keep the things we are familiar with to serve the Lord. An example is Moses who was called to deliver Israel from bondage in Egypt. Moses had been a shepherd for forty years. He used the tool of the shephard, a rod, to bring God glory.   Exo 4:2  And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.

Exo 4:3  And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it.
Exo 4:4  And the LORD said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand:
Exo 4:5  That they may believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee.

God used that rod to perform miracles in Egypt. The thing to see is the Lord may use the tools we are skilled to use, for his glory.  A musician, plays music for the Lord. An artist makes art for the glory of the Lord. What ever we have the Lord will use for his glory. Sometimes we are to put all aside. I see this as to rely on the Lord as he leads, it may be to leave behind a trade or profession. It couldbe to use the trade or profession for his glory.  

Gary

Re: More on prosperity and the role of women (Lianne)

I agree with you and the Scripture you quoted. I have every comfort that a person could desire, all because the Lord God is supplying all my needs in Christ Jesus, Yet money is very limited in my income.

As far as the position of women in the economy of God's kingdom goes, their position is as valuable as that of the man, never the less she is not to be as the man.
Both have a proper place before God, and each should be content therein. In teaching the position of the woman in the economy of God as being under that of the man is not derogatory, but is just explaining her place as the handmaiden of the Lord God, performing those things that God expects of her.  Men are to love their wives as they love themselves. This places them on the same intellectual plain as the man, yet filling a different position in the Lord, and the family on earth,

Keep your faith, for you are beloved in the Lord Jesus.   Hiram

Completing your calling

Conventional wisdom says to toot your own horn and draw attention to
yourself.  It’s normal to advertise the only One who can save you for all
eternity.  Jesus has an incredible interest in you.  Show Him you have an
interest in him as well.  Be on the lookout for His interests today.  That’s
the normal thing to do.

I want Jesus to be glorified. My life is about his business. As our retired pastor said in church; God has given you a special calling. Obstacles will get in the way of that calling, but like a river we flow around them, and over them, because he has purposed it in our lives, it will come about as he has spoken. I like that...

God's wrath and the sealed

 

I wonder if the "seal on the forehead" is not unlike the (or contrast to) "God's word on the forehead, hand or arm, door, gate, fence post" as listed in various verses in the old testament.  If so, the seal could be the rebellious nature of a non-repentant person, just as having the word of God on your forehead would represent a person who is dedicated to keeping the commandments of God.    I would like to know what verses in revelation indicate the suffering did not affect Godly people.  

 Hi Bill, the study is from a good friend Hiram a retired Pastor. I can answer your question, if you have time...Let's go to the verses in Rev.

  Rev 6:17  For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

Rev 7:2  And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
Rev 7:3  Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.  

 The seal was to not mark those who were to be hurt, rather it was to select a group of anointed witnesses. We cannot witness without the power of the holy spirit. The believer is sealed with the holy spirit, as in these verses...  

John 6:27  Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
John 6:28  Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
John 6:29  Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

  2 Cor 1:21  Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;

2 Cor 1:22  Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

  Eph 1:13  In whom ye also trusted,after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

  Eph 4:30  And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Rev 7:4  And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
Rev 7:5  Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand...  

 These were 12000 Jews chosen by God from twelve tribes of Israel. They were sealed with the holy Spirit and sent out to witness to the nations, especially to Israel who would receive Jesus, their Messiah. Many of these will be martyrd.  

>>I would like to know what verses in revelation indicate the suffering did not affect Godly people.  

In the time of the antichrist, there will be great persecution against God's people and many will be killed. But, God will not send his wrath upon his own people. To ilustrate this, we go back to the plagues of Egypt sent through Moses. These did not touch God's people. The last plague was the killing of the firstborn. Those of God's people who obeyed and put the blood of the lamb around their door, were passed over by the death angel. This is the Passover that is remembered each year by the Jewish people.  

 Two things to remember, (1  Satan will persecute believers  (2 God keeps us from his own wrath against the ungodly; he keeps his own.  

 John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:36  He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

Rom 5:9  Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

Eph 5:5  For this ye know, thatno whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Eph 5:6  Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
Eph 5:7  Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
Eph 5:8  For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

1 Th 1:10  And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

1 Th 5:9  For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
1 Th 5:10  Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
     
   

Re: About Prosperity

 

What kind of father wants to see His kids begging for bread, without clothes or shelter?

If we are led by his Spirit we feed the poor, cloth them and shelter them.  

  (Joseph of Arimathaea was rich.  Matt 27:57 and I believe that most of His apostles were men of wealth.  Abram was wealthy also.  They all had one thing in common...they loved God more than they loved their wealth.)  

They used their wealth for the Lord. Abraham was called out of the world to a city of God, he walked in faith.   Joseph as well as Nicodemus were secret Christians, who came to bury the Lord. The prophecy was fulfilled that Jesus would be laid in the grave of the rich after first dying with thieves.

  Isa 53:9  And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

(He blesses us so that we may be a blessing to others.)

  Yes, but being rich is not our goal, but serving God.

     (This man had no hope...his wealth was his god.)

  True,  

 (These were godless people.)  

 Yes, money was their God. Some big time ministries think they are ok because they drive expensive cars and live in extreme luxory...Jesus had no place to lay his head. What do they preach? Are they preaching the gospel message? They are known by their fruit. I have nothing against the Copelands, they speak positive words. 

Wealth is not the focus as we see through God's greatest servants, our Lord Jesus Christ and Paul. Peter and John were fisherman who became fishers of men.   Ministries who run on a large budget that are doing the Lords will, these are ministries blessed for his service.

Always there is the temptation of putting wealth before God. We must be good stewards of what hehas supplied, not to use the abundance to feather our own nest. Looking rich, is not a virtue. Being rich in him is.  

 Psa 37:25  I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

Mat 25:34  Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
Mat 25:35  For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
Mat 25:36  Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
Mat 25:37  Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
Mat 25:38  When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
Mat 25:39  Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
Mat 25:40  And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

We are children of the king and shall inherit all things the same as Jesus. His life we pattern ourselves after.   Gary

Re:Practice what we preach

Yes we are to do the things that we preach or learn. Learning is changed behavior. When we are less than Jesus wants, his name is maligned because of our failings. The world looks for inconsistencies seeking some proof that we are false and hypocrits.   Gods word spoken in love from a person who is not an offense in his actions will be as the light and the salt. The world needs salt and light. The strange thing is, when we are sometimes afraid to speak of sin in hell. These are absolutes that give meaning to life. Jesus is the way to life, the life giver. When I returned to the church after an absence of 8 years, many years ago. It was the preaching of the word, the absolutes, sin and salvation, repentance and grace, these gave me a great security. At last I knew the source of all truth, it is written in the Bible, all true, the living word of God...Gary

Answered prayer

    Praise God, when I was prayed for in our Grace 4U2 Bible study, I awoke in the morning and was able to get out of bed with no pain. My lower back was giving much pain when i would stoop down or get in the car or out of bed. Give God the glory with me...Gary

God answers prayers

Super !! want to share with people who pray--since last friday-no pain medicine--great news from all tests that were run Mon-tues this week first positive in a good while on heart-kidneys-sugar even like having parkey(parkinsons) now-- who ever is talking to Jesus keep talking.  Eagle- wanted to share with our people in study.  

 EagleBearAllen

All is Forgiven...they are no more ( from Lucky )

 Recalling that Neil Anderson missive last week on forgiveness, I believe he was pretty much right.  If I remember right, he suggested it is a sin to recall past sins that God has forgiven.  When we repent, God erases those sins right up to the moment of repentance.  Forgiveness occurs in that second, and if you ask forgiveness again you're asking forgiveness for something that does not exist.  We sin daily, and we keep those sins covered and erased, even in a busy schedule or atmosphere.  I think anyone who walks with the Lord is aware when any sin has occurred, be it even a thought, but even if he doesn't know he Sinned, he can keep it covered by his daily walk with jesus.  I dont think you can be in conversation with God, or being used by the Holy Spirit, and slip unawares.  Some people make such a big thing out of forgiveness, when Jesus made it so simple when He said whosoever cometh to the father by Me hath everlastng life.  The precious blood of Jesus blotted out our sins when we accepted him as personal Savior, and if you have the Holy Spirit, he will qicken you when something occurs that is not pleasing to God, and you can deal with it that very moment, and retain that closeness to Jesus. .............Past sins are an awful load, and I simply refuse to be controlled or manipulated by anyone but Jesus.  Lucky

Biblical Healing

Amen Brother Gary.... I definately believe in the process of renewing the mind.... Repentance, going back & repenting 4 sins that U may have never repented 4.... I'm not talking about worrying about the past & getting in2 legalism, I'm talking about acknowledging the Truth & repenting 4 that which U've done 2 offend God.... Meaning taking responsibility & that's difficult when U don't even take time 2 recognize the sins which U've commited.... I'm not perfect & I have yet 2 think about all the sins which I've committed, but I do believe we should take more time 2 repent than just saying, Dear Father, I pray that U 4give me 4 all of my sins.... I understand praying that as U accept Jesus & even @ other times, but 2 accept responsibility, I believe it helps 2 be aware of what you're asking 4giveness 4.... U may be thinking, U'll never know every sin U've committed.... 1 thing is 4 sure, if U remembered all @ once, your mind might overload.... God will never give us more than we can handle, yet I believe if we take in2 account the sins we remember & take the time 2 repent 4 those, God will be faithful in bringing 2 mind other sins 2 memory so that we can repent 4 those as well.... Hince, restoration of the mind through repentance.... Which I believe is a large part of restoring the mind.... Getting the fear out, getting out the thoughts of anger, bitterness & so on.... In 2Tim 2:24-26, it goes on 2 say,  if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his (Satan's ) will." .... We R given repentance 2 the "acknowledging of the truth & then may we recover ourselves out of the snare of the devil.... I will say turning from God is bad 4 your health, I know b/c I've done it in the past & it aint good 4 ya.... We can't reject knowledge & expect not 2 suffer some kinda consequences.... I have alot of concern 4 those sick physically, emotionally, & mentally.... I've seen God do some amazing things through understanding & applying Biblical principles 2 our lives such as 4giving others as well as repenting among other things.... 8R's 2 Freedom.... 1. Recognize the problem & the enemy.... 2. Take Responsiblity 4 what U recognize.... 3. Repent 4 your participation w/what U recognize.... 4. Renounce. Fall completely out of agreement w/your sin.... 5. Remove what is causing U 2 sin.... 6. Resist. Draw nigh 2 God & resist it comming back.... 7. Rejoice. Give God thanks 4 your freedom.... 8. Restore. Free others held captive.... I do believe there R certain spiritual issues that cause around 80% of all diseases, yet It's alot easier 2 speak of when U've spoken 2 a person & understand where they're @.... I will leave 1 ex.... Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression) & BD2.... It is usually caused by 1 or more of the following.... Generational lack of self esteem, self rejection & lack of nuturing in childhood; oppression & heaviness.... The information I learned & the characteristics following were amazingly accurate when dealing w/some issues I had going on back then.... The man who founded this program grew up w/parents who were ministers & he was in school 2 become a doctor when HE was called 2 start a ministry dedicated 2 the eradiction & prevention of disease based upon Gods Word.... The man teaches strictly from the KJV, along w/the Hebrew & Greek.... I'll send U a link 2 the ministries website & I would like 2 know your thoughts on it.... It's not a large website, but it will give U a taste 4 what they believe & teach.... I know 1 thing, they always said, be like the Bereans & don't take our word 4 it, look it up in Gods Word.... Don't use our material 2 replace reading Gods Word.... They were very strong on staying in Gods Word, along w/accuracy.... I saw some amazing things while I was there & met some amazing people w/some miraculous stories of healing.... I do realize Satan can perform great signs & wonders, so I don't base my beliefs on that.... However when some1 teaches word 4 word out of the Bible & uses those teachings 2 help others live a more healthy life, I can't complain.... Believe me, though their ministry is used 2 bring healing 2 those who suffer from illnesses, they R constantly giving Jesus all the glory & they R always encouraging people 2 seek GOD 1st.... Here is the link if you're interested.... Pleasant Valley Church .... w/OUR LORD.... Adrian 

Christian Site and Women in Ministry

  Mr. Gary, I thought U might really enjoy this site.... It has alot of material on it.... It's filled w/Gods Word, along w/many other Biblical insights.... There's a page dedicated 2 revealing the false w/documented times, dates, & sources of info.... May God Bless U.... Adrian

  MyFortress: "For The Seeker, Skeptic, Or Christian, To Help Them Know Jesus Christ      

 That was a really informative site. I read what it said about women teaching in the church. Our church allows this , under a mans authority. Our denomination allows women pastors...not so in God's word. Outside the formal church setting, women may be evangelist. The Samaritan woman in John 4, and Mary Magdalene sent to the apostles.   Jesus was kinder to women then were the religious leaders. In the church as in the home, the woman is to be in a supportrng role.They complete the man, NOT compete with the man. Pontius Pilate's wife received a dream about not to be against Jesus.  

 Mat 27:19  When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.

I see the church as a reflection of the home. The man is supposed to lead, the woman is to be a help-meet and raise the children. She has the greatest influence on her children and grandchildren.   Women are equally gifted and may do anything a man does outside of the formal church setting. But, in truth, most of the soul winning and teaching is outside the church context. In meeting places, in homes, in the streets, in schools, wherever the gospel and word can be taught. Jesus loved the women and liberated them, but the church and home are to follow the patterns set down in God's word.  Gary

Women in the Pulpit

Re: 47 yrs in prison for preaching in public

Afa petitions sent me an email about this, it's digusting.... This country was founded on Gods Word & it's b/c of Gods Grace & the prayers of Christians that this country has been so productive & been looked after so well.... May all Christians stand up & be willing 2 do whatever it takes 2 speak & walk the Truth.... We'll be held accountable 4 letting these things happen silently, we've been given the authority.... Thanks 4 sharing the email.... Adrian  

Yes, it is because we were not living in the authority we were given that satan has taken so much from us. Well? If they do not want Jesus in public? We go to the street corners...Gary 

  Amen Brother Gary.... That's what I'm talking about.... Take IT 2 the back yards.... Take IT 2 the corners.... Take the Word of God 2 individuals & be consistent.... Walk in the authority & show love as we speak absolute Truth.... Don't just believe Gods Word, know it so much that it's fact & w/o a doubt, True.... Be convinced & show that by living righteously.... We must street preach.... That's what God has me wanting 2 do.... Take HIS Word 2 people.... We aint got time 2 wait on others 2 come 2 us, nor do we got time 2 worry about these petty laws that R trying 2 sway us.... Now is the time.... The Disciples spoke reguardless of the consequences, most of all, our example, Jesus did this as well.... Obedience is key.... I will say I've been very blessed w/a Godly location.... There's many God loving folks down here in Aiken SC.... I occassionally read our local newspaper & there's write ups where people have written in talking about Jesus & HIS Word.... I'm happy 2 know they still print the Truth from time 2 time.... Though all this is going on, there's still much work 2 be done around here & many need 2 hear the Truth directly.... While I'm thinking about it, I wanna encourage U as I've tried 2 encourage others, we need 2 be praying 4 the Election in 08'.... I'm not talking about worrying about the election & dwelling on the future, I'm talking about preparation & commitment.... Many of us, including me, have waited till months be4 the election & then tried 2 be super obedient & pray all the time.... No no No.... It's now.... We gotta follow 2 Chronicles 7:14 "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. ".... I love what this sais.... God said, "If who?.... "My people".... Yes Brother Gary, I say this puts the responsibility on Gods people.... That's us.... The shape of our world is on us, b/c God has given us this authority, but many times we allow Satan 2 side track us & so on.... I'm guilty of this, but thank God, I'm encouraged by negativity & when I hear things like this incident w/those being jailed 4 speaking Truth in PA, I get motivated 2 step up & really seek God.... I know it should't be like that exactly, but God does use things 2 lead us closer 2 HIM.... I pray that I stay constant, b/c we need those who love Jesus 2 step up.... We know Jesus said, if U love me, U'll obey me.... It's been spoken, & the rest is on us 2 obey.... May God bless us w/the courage, strength, determination, & willingness 2 share the Truth & may the words spoken be the Word of God.... From the internet 2 the inner streets, we must speak Gods Word w/authority.... Adrian 

Lord of Today (Vance Hafner)

My Grandma sent me this from her devotion, I believe we could all use the reminder....

 

This morning, I read, as I usually do, a devotion entitled "And Today" by Vance Havener.  Brother Havener was recognized as one of Americas most traveled evangelists and popular Bible conference speakers.  He died in 1986.  He was a North Carolinian by birth and had a voice which if you ever heard it - you recognized it thereafter.  His had a unique style and charm in expressing himself.  You cannot miss his message easily.

I pray that God will bless it to your heart as He did to mine.

 

 

“And Today 

 

Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and today, and forever.  Hebrews 13:8

 

It is said that George Muller kept on his desk a motto bearing the central words of our text, “AND TODAY.”  Well might he do so and surely few men have demonstrated better the truth of it.  It is not difficult to believe in Jesus Christ the same yesterday.  And He will prove one day that He is the same forever.  But “Jesus Christ the same today” – what a time we have with that middle span!  Amid the dull monotony of things as they are, when the skies seem leaden and nothing breaks on the uninteresting scene, it is easier to visualize the Christ of the Galilean Past or the Christ of the Glorious Future than to expect great things from the Christ of the Glamourless Now.

 

 But our text stoutly insists and today.  We may not see Him in the flesh as they saw Him yesterday, and we see not yet all things put under Him as one day we shall, but He said He would be with us “all the days,” and that includes today

 

 

Is not many a Christian experience like this verse with “and today” in very fine type – strong in faith in the Christ of yesterday and forever, but very weak in faith in His presence and power today?

 

  Prayer of St. Francis – Whatever it takes

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace
Where there is hatred let me sow love
Where there is injury, pardon
Where there is discord, unity
Where there is doubt, faith
Where there is error, truth
Where there is despair, hope
Where there is sadness, joy

Divine master, grant me that I may seek
Not so much to be consoled, but to console
Not to be understood, but to understand
Not so much to be loved, but as to love

For it is in giving that we receive
It is in losing ourselves
That we find ourselves
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

(from Adrian)

Animals in Heaven?

 

Do U believe animals will be in Heaven?... I know they don't inherit the Kingdom, as in being saved, it's not possible, but 4 the pleasure of his children?... I've read verses in Isaiah that leads me 2 believe 1day children will sit w/lions & wolves will eat w/sheep.... & so on....

Earth will be restored for 1000 yrs, as before the Fall. Jehovahs Witnesses preach this as their hope, but there is more; for satan will be loosed again at the end of the millenium and many of the children of those who were trusting Jesus will rebel and come under God's wrath. Thank God that those who came back with Jesus will not see God's wrath. The JWs do not see Jesus as Lord...probably will not be in the millenial kingdom.  

Rev 20:5  But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
Rev 20:6  Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. Rev 20:7  And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
Rev 20:8  And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
Rev 20:9  And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.
Rev 20:10  And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
 
 

Re: Believing truth (Hiram)

Salvation is, from it's beginning to it's finish a matter of choices. One must choose to believe the gospel, then that one must choose to repent according to the plan found in the gospel. He must choose to receive the Holy Spirit. He must choose to walk in the light. These choices are based on what he finds in the truth of the gospel.

From Romans 10: starting with verse 11 and reading through verse 15. "For the scripture saith, whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
for there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent?
As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things."

Serving Christ Jesus is a matter of choice, so belief, faith, trust, and obedience is a matter of choice. Joshua 22: 14 reads: "Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve Him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Choose to serve the Lord if you will, but do it in sincerity and willingly.

Hiram  

Spirits and soul bonding

We spoke earlier of spirits. You were saying grampa saw spirits in objects and birds and animals? Well Gods spirit made them all, but Men and women have a soul and a spirit. Jesus came to bring his spirit to us, so that we can overcome the devil. The devil is bad and wants to destroy us, and anything good that God has made.   We are to seek Gods things and think on those.   

 Phil 4:8  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
  Pray to get out bad thoughts from the devil. Pray for protection. If you have no words to pray? Then pray in sounds. like groanings and let God help you inside and ourside.

   Rom 8:24  For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
Rom 8:25  But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
Rom 8:26  Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Rom 8:27  And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Rom 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Rom 8:29  For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Rom 8:30  Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
Rom 8:31  What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
Rom 8:32  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
Rom 8:33  Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
Rom 8:34  Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Rom 8:35  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Rom 8:36  As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Rom 8:37  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Rom 8:38  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Rom 8:39  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
  Do not be bound together with bad people or things. Get away from them, for they do not seek the things of God, they have not sacrificial love, like God has for us through Jesus. All they know is to steal from us. That is lust love, to steal from us.   John 10:10  The (devil) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.  

 2 Cor 6:14  Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
2 Cor 6:15  And what concord hath Christ with (the devil)? or what part hath he that believeth with (a bad person)?
2 Cor 6:16  And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

  We forgive, but we do not continue with those who hurt us. We do not continue in ways that oppose the things of God.  

 Mat 6:24  No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Mark 12:30  And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
Mark 12:31  And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.  

 Avoid evil and seek after that which is in good. Start by attending church and making good friends there. If you feel you do not fit in, go to the Pastor or his wife. They are there to care for you.   

   John 8:36  If the Son (Jesus) therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
Gary

Flat fixed for Jesus

My daughter called from church, she had a flat tire. I told her I would come to help her. When I arrived, there were three men from church changing her tire. Our pastor was doing the work, removing the tire and replacing it. He said that he would do this for Jesus, why not for my daughter?  His hands were covered with dirt and the wind was very cold, but he showed the love of Christ in his actions. Thank you Pastor.

Do we pray to Jesus?

Hi got a question I'd love to ask. Hope you can answer this for me.

Where in the old and new Testaments does it say we are to pray to Jesus?

Someone asked me this.  

When Jesus was on earth as a man, he taught us to pray to the Father, in Jesus name. They are one, so you can pray to either or both. God is the savior, Jesus is the savior. We pray through the Spirit. Any other arguments are to cause strife and debate. Remember that Jesus is our advocate who is at the right hand of the father. He is there to be sure we are forgiven.  Gary

Re: One God?

    umm? can i ask questions about this? well im gunna and if u dont want to answer its ok . ..u say theres only one god right? well my papa  is indian and when we go to the rezervation , he tells me of the spirit ofthe waters aand different things .. are the spirits he talks about concidered gods?... and when uncle died his funeral was on the rezervation and papa bill told me that the spirits keep him with us for one year,then the next year we go to the grave and let his spirit go.... so are there these spirits?..imconfused .like i said u dont have to answer if u dont want to or dont feel like it ...

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There is one true God, his spirit is on earth doing good. If these the Indians refer to are good? It is God's Holy Spirit. Do not be angry with me, but many peoples worship spirits and have traditions about these. Some are fallen angels, not serving God, but under satan's authority. We never leave the truth of God as explained in the Bible, for "other" spirits and gods. We know the truth. Is your dad a true worshipper of God? Is his life controlled by God's Holy Spirit?  Some churches have traditions of man, that are not in the Bible. The word of God is true. Jesus is the way to God...Gary