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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11141 is a reply to message #11006] |
Fri, 02 May 2014 19:39   |
 james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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What God's Grace teaches us...
"For the Grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Who gave himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." Titus 2:11-14
The good news of Grace (The Gospel)teaches us that God loves us and sent His Son Jesus to pay the penalty for OUR sins, that penalty (punishment) required the shedding of blood, yet the sacrificial offering had to be spotless and without blemish (sinless...which totally disqualified you and me). So in His great love He offered up of Himself, suffering and dying on The Cross to redeem/reconcile us unto God. Not only did He purchase our pardon, setting us free from the penalty of sin, but He was resurrected from the dead and has given life eternal to all those will will receive/believe this wonderful news.
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
It's sad when we get it wrong, works never saved anyone...Grace alone saves; a true revelation of Jesus' work at Calvary and God's love in offering salvation to man who is so undeserving of it, can not but result in a humility and thankfulness that will then start producing fruit/works. Getting it backward results in false religious pride...getting it right produces Christlike disciples who serve out of gratitude, understanding it's all by Grace...favor that is completely unmerited by us.
"For by Grace are ye saved through faith; and THAT NOT OF YOURSELVES, it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of The Holy Ghost." Titus 3:5
I wonder how it ever was that the very thing (The Gospel) that should have brought profound humility in many of us, resulted in religious pride in some of us. In hindsight it's clear to me that some never truly understood the revelation of God's Grace in their hearts, only intellectually. That's how legalism was able to get such a foothold among people who wanted to follow The Lord zealously, Grace wasn't fully understood and therefore it was never enough just to "TRUST" in Jesus, we had to have lists of do's and don'ts, thinking (probably subconciously) we could 'earn' His love by self sacrifice, rather than simply believing what He told us in His Word.
That He (God/Jesus/Holy Spirit) would lovingly correct this wrong theology/mindset at all shows the extent of that great Grace.
Thank You, Father; thank You Jesus; thank You Holy Spirit; may Your Grace continue to open our hearts and spiritual eyes to truly see the wonders of Your Love to us.
btw: Just for complete honesty, this message was for me and if anyone else needs to hear it then that's why I posted it. I'm reading a book (surprise! surprise!) by a young man named J.D. Greear, titled: Gospel:Recovering The Power that made Christianity Revolutionary. I'm only 87 pages into it but already it's revealing truths I needed to hear. Funny, only a few short years ago I made the statement on here how I basicly only read HEF books...since then The Lord has used a few authors from 'mainstream christianity' to help open my eyes to see God's Grace in a whole new light. Philip Yancey's book, "What's So Amazing About Grace" that I read a couple years ago was helpful as well.
[Updated on: Sat, 03 May 2014 01:30]
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11158 is a reply to message #11141] |
Mon, 05 May 2014 21:31 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Here is something the author of the above mentioned book prays each day, as a reminder of what Jesus has done for us.
"In Christ, there is nothing I could do to make You love me more: nothing I have done that makes You love me less."
"You are all I need today for everlasting joy."
"As You have been to me, so will I be to others."
"As I pray, I'll measure Your compassion by the cross and Your power by the resurrection."
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11162 is a reply to message #11160] |
Tue, 06 May 2014 14:03 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
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All praise and honor unto Jesus, Marilyn. Thank you for the encouragement, by God's Grace I will continue to share as He gives freely.
This was one of my chapters for today's daily reading, Psalms 50(as an assembly we are reading through The Bible together). Verse 23 was made into song back in the day and I still enjoy singing it.
"Whoso offereth praise glorifieth Me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God."
I was walking this morning and was 'trying' to keep my mind focused on The Lord and His Word(offering Him praise, meditating on various ways of how we can 'order our conversations aright'.) I mentioned I was trying because I was constantly being distracted by my mind wandering back to my circumstances, and putting my focus on myself and things I'm going through rather than walking (literally<smile>) with my mind stayed on Him and abiding in Him. I had this clear question come to mind, (I believe to have been asked by The Holy Spirit) Are you going to allow circumstances to dictate you joy, or are you going to look to Me?
I've been reading a book about centering our lives around The Gospel and the prayer the author prays to remind himself of what Jesus did. One part says, "Your presence and approval are all I need for everlasting joy." That is my heart's cry, to dwell/abide/continue in/make my home in the presence of The Lord. Not just during quite time, or corporate worship, but 24/7...to experience Him as He desires me/us to experience Him. To have His JOY to be my strength; to walk in perfect peace as my mind is continually stayed upon Him, trusting in Him.
So my response to the question is, by God's Grace I am going to look unto Him, the author and finisher of my faith, for His Presence to be all I need for everlasting JOY.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11169 is a reply to message #11162] |
Wed, 07 May 2014 01:39 |
Marilyn Crow
Messages: 598
Registered: September 2013
Location: Australia |
Senior Member |
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Hi James,
We are appreciating your flow in the Lord. And that is a big one - re: circumstances trying to dictate to our mind. As 2 cor. 10: 3 - 6 as we all know speaks of this continual battle -
`Inasmuch as we refute arguments & theories & reasonings & every proud & lofty thing that sets itself up against the true knowledge of God; & we lead every thought & purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ.` (AMP)
When I find circumstances or sad thoughts etc crowding in then I turn it to a prayer. Today I`m praying for those kidnapped girls overseas.
`Dear Lord, we uphold these young girls to you & pray that you will make yourself known to them in this difficult time. May they in their hearts turn to you & know your presence amid the horror. Comfort their parents & may they seek you.
I pray also for their captors that they would be quickened in their consciences & treat these girls as sisters. May there be a resolution to this situation, with many arising to help at this time.`
Marilyn C
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11191 is a reply to message #11169] |
Fri, 09 May 2014 14:52 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Great psalm and song...
"I will love Thee, O LORD, my strength.
The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
I will call upon The LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let The God of my salvation be exalted." Psalms 18:1-3&46
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11201 is a reply to message #11191] |
Sat, 10 May 2014 15:08 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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I'm not too big a fan of 'contemporary Christian music' in general, but there are some beautiful praise and worship songs being written and sung today that would fall into that genre, I suppose. Matt Redman, Hillsong United, and Phil Wickham come to mind. Here are the lyrics to a song by Wickham that really blesses my heart and I can't stop singing it.
"This Is Amazing Grace"
Who breaks the power of sin and darkness
Whose love is mighty and so much stronger
The King of Glory, The King above all kings
[Chorus]
This is amazing grace
This is unfailing love
That You would take my place
That You would bear my cross
You lay down Your life
That I would be set free
Oh, Jesus, I sing for
All that You've done for me
Who brings our chaos back into order
Who makes the orphan a son and daughter
The King of Glory, the King of Glory
Who rules the nations with truth and justice
Shines like the sun in all its brilliance
The King of Glory, The King above all kings
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
Worthy is the King who conquered the grave
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
Worthy is the King who conquered the grave
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
Worthy, worthy, worthy
He is so Worthy, Jesus, The King of Glory...Hallelujah!
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11208 is a reply to message #11203] |
Sun, 11 May 2014 12:24 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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| Marilyn Crow wrote on Sat, 10 May 2014 17:55 |
Wish I could hear you sing. 
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Marilyn, that's funny, you'd only make that wish one time...lol
I 'make a joyful noise unto The Lord', but in my heart I sing in perfect tune. I don't care for the music videos that are so popular today, I just enjoy the music without the 'look of a rock concert'(glitz). You can YouTube Phil Wickman or the song title and listen to it.(surely you already know this, since I'm the almost always last to catch on the the lastest technology. 
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11221 is a reply to message #10976] |
Mon, 12 May 2014 20:17 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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The Importance of Keeping Our Eyes On Jesus...and the cost when we don't...
The two examples that come to mind are found in the OT and have lasting repercussions. First is Israel when they were afraid to trust God to deliver the promised land into their hands.[Numbers 13 &14] They refused to go and take the land, only Joshua and Caleb trusted The Lord to do as He had said. The results of their lack of faith cost every person except Joshua and Caleb above the age of 20 years their life as they perished in the wilderness over the span of 40 years.
Second is David when he took his eyes off Jesus and 'glanced' at Bathsheba, his 'look' lead him to lust after her, and just as James 1:14-15 explains, the results was death. Death of his child, death of Uriah the Hittite, plus adultery... and violence and death followed David the rest of his life. II Samuel 11&12.
Israel continued to be blessed by God and He continued to forgive them when they would repent and seek His face, yet the sin of unbelief cost them dearly. Same with David, God forgave David and continued His blessings upon David, yet he too paid dearly. Psalms 51 is David cry unto God after he had committed these hideous sins. He recognized the seriousness of his sins, he threw himself upon The Mercy of God, he confessed his sins and God forgave him. But we know his life wasn't what it could have been due to his actions of disobedience.(Thou shalt not kill...Thou shalt not commit adultery)
Two examples that had huge ramifications, not only for those directly responsible (the 10 spies and David) but to their families and fellow Israelites. Joshua and Caleb had to waste 40 years of their lives because the other 10 were afraid (along with the congregation of Israel) and The Jewish nation of Israel had to wait for a Temple because God wouldn't allow David to build it because of his sins.
Lesson for us? He forgives and restores us, yet there are times when the consequences follow us, hindering what could have been if we'd only believe and obey. Obedience is better than sacrifice...Trust and obey, look to Jesus, trust in what He tells us, he is able to bring it to pass.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11228 is a reply to message #11221] |
Tue, 13 May 2014 07:09 |
Marilyn Crow
Messages: 598
Registered: September 2013
Location: Australia |
Senior Member |
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Hi James,
My all time favourite song as I`ve posted some time back -`Turn your eyes upon Jesus.` It never ceases to stir my spirit & focus me on our precious Lord. Thank you for your insightful comments.
Marilyn C
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11242 is a reply to message #11221] |
Thu, 15 May 2014 18:07 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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A Testimony of Grace...
"Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare all He hath done for my soul.
I cried unto Him with my mouth, and He was extolled with my tongue.
If I regard iniquity in my heart, The LORD will not hear me:
But verily God hath heard me; He hath attended to the voice of my prayer.
Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor His mercy from me." Ps.66:16-20
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11249 is a reply to message #11242] |
Mon, 19 May 2014 13:30 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Thoughts on Beholding The Glory of God...
"But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost.
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus The LORD, and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." II Corinthians 4:3-6
Gary has brought out in searching the 'gospels' the importance of being able to "see" and "hear" the good news of God's grace. I've been mediating and pondering the depths of God's Grace and The Gospel, and the ultimate purpose of God as revealed in scripture. God's Word reveals His character and attributes, it reveals His will for mankind, and it reveals His plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. But the revelation of Him and His plan for redemption of man has a purpose deeper than just keeping us from His wrath and judgment; He wants us to be able to "Behold" [see] His Glory. In the Corinthian letter He [God] uses Paul to share with the church how that the gospel [good news] of Christ (who is the image of God) who shine light upon those who recieved it and open their [our] eyes. Verse six tells us that God Himself shined that light into our hearts (so that we now see), and what do we see? What does He want us to see?
"Knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." He wants us to see His glory and it's only through Christs' sacrifice at Calvary and resurrection that we can be restored unto God, and by that cleansing power of His shed Blood we can begin to Behold The Glory of God. We can't obey the instruction to "glorify God" in all our actions if we haven't been able to "see" Him as He desires us to see Him and learn to give Him glory through worship and praise. Isaiah 40:9 is part of the prophecy Isaiah was giving of when all things will be restored, sins pardoned, and God's glory revealed, His Word is once more declared to be everlasting, and the good news cried out, to "Behold your GOD."
Remember no one could behold God in His glory due to mans' sin, even Moses had to hid in the rocks to only see the passing by of God's Glory and even that caused his face to shine. But through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ the day will come when we [and all the saints who have gone on before us] will behold the Glory of God even as He desires. But even now He wants us to learn to 'see' His Glory daily as we gaze with spiritual eyes upon our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ {who is the image of God] to bring glory and honor unto Him by our lives. The promise of a day coming when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess Jesus Christ as Lord is easier to understand when we begin to see the glory of God and realize that when all men behold His Glory there can be nothing else for them to do except confess who He is...The Glory of God will be such that no man can or could deny it...as we "Behold our God"
This is cause for Christians to share this great news, knowing that even though Satan has blinded many peoples eyes, through the living water of God's Word presented in love, the truth can and will set free the captives....that, they too, may know the one true God and Jesus Christ our Saviour, to behold God in His great Glory.
Beautiful song titled "Behold Our God" by Sovereign Grace Music:
[chorus]
Behold our God seated on His throne
Come, let us adore Him
Behold our King-nothing can compare
Come, let us adore Him
[Updated on: Tue, 20 May 2014 13:40]
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11250 is a reply to message #11249] |
Tue, 20 May 2014 14:33 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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More Thoughts on Beholding God's Glory...
"In the year that king Uzziah died I saw The LORD sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple.
Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.
And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, Holy, Holy, [is] The LORD of hosts: the whole earth [is] full of His Glory." Isaiah 6:1-3
And down in verses 9-13 we see God causing spiritual blindness upon the people until the fulfillment of His plan was acomplished.
"And He said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.
Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.
Then said I, Lord, How long? And He answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate,
And The Lord have removed men far away, and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land.
But yet in it shall be a tenth, and it shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance is in them, when they cast their leaves: so the holy seed shall be the substance thereof." Isaiah 6:9-13
So in looking at both OT and NT we can see that for God's plan of reconcillation of both Jew and Gentile there was a spiritual blindness sent upon the Jewish nation of Israel until the time of the Gentiles is fulfilled. Then in II Corinthians 4:3&4 we see the gospel hidden from the lost because the god of this world [Satan] has blinded them. I see a big difference here, with Israel it's God's will that they be blinded (obviously because of their rejection and rebellion against Him <on their part>, on His part it was all part of His sovereign plan of restoration of man unto Him through Jesus Christ, remember, He said throughout the OT that He had a remmant and He promised that in the end He would restore Israel unto Himself). But with the Gentiles (us) Satan is the blinder and it's our calling as followers of Christ to share/present/preach that glorious Gospel of Christ unto them that are lost; that they too might receive the 'light' of the knowledge of the Glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ... to Behold The Glory of God.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11251 is a reply to message #11250] |
Fri, 23 May 2014 13:00 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Scriptures on The Image of God and His Glory, Revealed in Jesus...
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in times past unto the fathers by the prophets,
Hath in these last days spoken unto us by [His] Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds;
Who being the brightness of [His] glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high." Hebrews 1:1-3
"Wherefore GOD also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name:
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] under the earth;
And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] LORD, to the GLORY of GOD The Father. Phil. 2:9-11
"Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given me, be with me where I am; That they may behold my Glory, which Thou hast given me : for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world." John 17:24
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11255 is a reply to message #11251] |
Thu, 29 May 2014 17:09 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"For a day in Thy courts [is] better than a thousand, I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than dwell in the tents of wickedness."Ps. 84:10
Chew on this scripture a while, here's King David who had experienced God like few people ever had, fallen into sin that changed the lives of many people (for the bad), had power like few ever experienced, and had wealth beyond description, yet he says he'd rather just be a doorkeeper in the house of God than be in the place of the wicked. He had known the place of despair and guilt that sin brought on and he had known the restoration back into fellowship with God...he knew there was no comparison. A day with The LORD was far better than a thousand in any others company.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11262 is a reply to message #11255] |
Thu, 05 June 2014 13:54 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him."Hebrews 11:6
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast." Eph 2:8-9
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11263 is a reply to message #11262] |
Fri, 06 June 2014 12:23 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"Unless The LORD had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence.
When I said, My foot slippeth: Thy mercy, O LORD, held me up.
In the multitude of my thoughts within me Thy comforts delight my soul." Psalms 94:17-19
What a testimony, I think it should be the testimony of every Christian; humbly remembering how God has delivered us time after time...and taking great delight and joy in meditating upon all He has done for us...most importantly, revealing Himself and His plan of restoration that we might learn to delight in Him and His great Glory.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11265 is a reply to message #11263] |
Sat, 07 June 2014 23:16 |
Marilyn Crow
Messages: 598
Registered: September 2013
Location: Australia |
Senior Member |
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Good post, James,
`the multitude of my thoughts....`
& God says we are to destroy speculation & `every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, & we are taking EVERY THOUGHT captive to the obedience of Christ.` (2 Cor. 10: 5)
Oh our thoughts, who can tame them, once a memory or reminder or something someone has said....takes hold we must pull ourselves up & put Christ`s thought`s, scripture, song etc in its place - A constant battle.
Blessings & so appreciate God`s thoughts at this time thank you James.
Marilyn C
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11268 is a reply to message #11265] |
Sun, 08 June 2014 20:52 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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The Enemy Must be Completely Destroyed...
"Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree.
And ye shall overthrow their alters, and break their pillars, and burn their groves with fire; and ye shall hew down the graven images of their gods, and destroy the names of them out of that place." Deuteronomy 12:2-3
"utterly destroy all the places"; overthrow alters, break pillars, burn groves, hew down graven images, destroy the names....Everywhere! Upon high mountains, upon hills, and under every green tree...God was serious, He knew the power of an enemy stronghold and He demanded total destruction of every trace of them. The warfare continues today, Satan is seeking strongholds in the lives of God's people; God is calling us to total obedience, knowing that without the destruction of the idols [besetting sins]we cannot be effective in the carrying out of our calling.
Satan has a lot of power, but he can't exercise it over Christians unless we give him the right or authority through opening a door to him by sin. God has given unto Christians power as well as authority, but too often we're rendered ineffective because of strongholds of the enemy in our lives. Doubt, unbelief, fear, lukewarmness, apathy, traditions of religious institutions, hidden sins, rebellion, self-centeredness...all are standing between man and God, all are 'idols, graven images, and alters to another god'. All nulify what God has offered the believer, power and authority to cary out His command to show the world the Glory of God...to preach the Gospel...to live the Gospel.
We can't be servants of God while enslaved to the enemy. Remember, Satan is always subtle, his idols and groves and high places today don't look so bad, in fact it's often hard to distinguish between what's right and wrong, unless guided by The Holy Spirit and a humble and obedient heart. How many men of God fell to false idols and false gods in the OT?(remember Solomon) How many men of God have fallen in the last 20-30 years due to letting down their guard and allowing Satan to get a stronghold in their lives?
The admonition is to be diligent to take heed to God's Word and remember it's written for example that we don't fall into the same traps that others fell into, Satan's time is limited, he's going about with one purpose, the distruction of The Body of Christ through whatever method he find effective...Our duty, put on the whole armour of God and recognize we're in a war 24/7 and it's not the time to be lackadaisical, utterly destroy all the places that Satan has set up shop, break those stronghold and renounce his power and refuse to give him authority. Start walking in fellowship with Christ and His Power and Authority.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11270 is a reply to message #11268] |
Sun, 08 June 2014 23:13 |
Marilyn Crow
Messages: 598
Registered: September 2013
Location: Australia |
Senior Member |
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Hi James,
Some really good detail there of Satan`s tactics. What especially caught my notice was - `Satan is always subtle...`
Lately I have been reading & discussing with a friend `passive control` by the enemy. It is where he gets into people`s thinking so that they `passively,` without discerning, believe that all manifestations are from the Lord. eg. This or that happens then it must be the Lord .....etc
My friend & I are concerned & praying for another friend who is caught up in the `Dominionist thinking,` where they have to go to mountains, do special walks, etc, etc thinking that they are on some special mission from God.
Have you heard of such teaching? It is pervading all areas.
Marilyn C
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11272 is a reply to message #11270] |
Mon, 09 June 2014 14:04 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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| Marilyn Crow wrote on Sun, 08 June 2014 18:13 |
Lately I have been reading & discussing with a friend My friend & I are concerned & praying for another friend who is caught up in the `Dominionist thinking,` where they have to go to mountains, do special walks, etc, etc thinking that they are on some special mission from God.
Have you heard of such teaching? It is pervading all areas.
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Hi Marilyn,
No, I'm not familar with "Dominionist thinking".....but, thanks to Google (saved me hours of research at the library going through dozens of books...yeah! right.<grin>) I have now 'heard' of it. I read your post early this morning but had something to do before I could respond...I had to take my morning 'special' walk up on the 'mountain'...it's my 'mission'....Just kidding! I do walk up a small mountain every morning and pray as I go and I do believe I'm on a mission from God, but that's not it. lol (I saw a coyote this morning, some mornings I see deer and other wildlife)
After reading a bit on Dominionism I'd say that it has 'some' influence in many denominations, especially in the area of changing society through active involvment in government, protest, voting, enforcing 'christian value' upon society. Don't misunderstand what I'm saying, Christian(God's) values in our society and dictating our laws would be wonderful (and I pray for our leaders to repent and seek God and His Standards as the guide to their decision making) but I can't find in scripture where we as Christians are called to become part of this world's kingdoms, we are to be active in God's Kingdom...btw: most definitly not the same, contrary to many Americans beliefs.
Seems like there is always something Satan is using to take the focus off God and divert it to some 'cause' that 'seems' noble. So with that thought in mind, I think I'll not waste any more of my time on 'Dominionism' or it's 7 Mountains...unless The Lord has me learn more in order to share the error of it with someone.
But if you have friends being lead astray with this false teaching, then certainly you have reason for concern and sharing the truth with them. C Peter Wagner, here in america, seems to be behind much of this teaching...he's know for promoting 'out there stuff' inside charismatic circles(part of the group that gave Todd Bentley his apostolic approval in Lakeland Revival 2008)
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11273 is a reply to message #11272] |
Tue, 10 June 2014 10:40 |
Marilyn Crow
Messages: 598
Registered: September 2013
Location: Australia |
Senior Member |
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Hi James,
Well you certainly gave a good over view of Dominionism. It is more subtle in Evangelical circles but quite dominant in charismatic & Pentecostal groups. The words of the songs are the main `teaching` tools that get into people`s thinking.
Anyway it is a continual warfare as you so rightly said. I`m so glad you can get away & climb a small mountain & focus on the Lord. Fancy seeing a coyote. On my walks through the trees & by the channel I see all manner of bird life & a few rabbits & hares.
God bless, my brother as you seek Him & His word of encouragement for us all. It really is not many years till all of us will be with Him & each other....forever.
Marilyn C
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11274 is a reply to message #11273] |
Tue, 10 June 2014 13:13 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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| Marilyn Crow wrote on Tue, 10 June 2014 05:40 |
Well you certainly gave a good over view of Dominionism. It is more subtle in Evangelical circles but quite dominant in charismatic & Pentecostal groups. The words of the songs are the main `teaching` tools that get into people`s thinking.
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As a music teacher I am sure you're even more aware of this than I, but the lyrics to songs are very important. It breaks my heart to see so many who love The Lord and want to follow Him being deceived by another subtle tatic of the enemy. I don't know what percent, but it seems like at least half the songs played on 'christian radio' have unscriptural lyrics and some are even heretical. A good example is a song titled "Forever" by Kari Jobe, this song sounds beautiful and has some solid truthful lyrics, but there is a verse that says this:
"One final breath he gave
as heaven looked away
The son of God was laid in darkness
a batle in the grave
The war on death was waged
The power of hell forever broken"
This is from the JDS (Jesus Died Spiritually/ God forsook Jesus/ He had to go to hell and be born again, ect...E.W.Kenyon, K. Hagin, K.Copeland, Joyce Myers, and many others) teachings. Music has such power over the human mind and emotions and the words become entrenched in our memory and effects our thinking. Another example, I grew up in the culture of the 60's and the music I listened to(Stones, Allman Brothers, Zeppelin, Hendrix...ect) I still know the words to forty years later. I know Hillsong, from there in Australia, has some beautiful music, but there are [some] songs from them that are, at best shakey scripturally. I know Bethel out in California, The Vineyard, IHOP, and some of the 'charismatic' churches that promoted a lot of false worship have all got music teams that write and sell CD's of their music that often have unbiblical lyrics.
Yes, Satan is subtle...it is a warfare, but God gives wisdom and discernment.....and Grace. May eyes be opened and those who seek to follow Him live to bring God Glory.....not ourselves.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11275 is a reply to message #11274] |
Thu, 12 June 2014 01:15 |
Marilyn Crow
Messages: 598
Registered: September 2013
Location: Australia |
Senior Member |
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Hi James,
I`ve been thinking on what you have just said concerning JDS & the words of that verse. Could you please show me how those words show JDS. By the way I`m not very familiar with JDS & have only seen it mentioned in passing in things I`ve read.
Good to be able to discern. Marilyn.
Marilyn C
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11276 is a reply to message #11275] |
Thu, 12 June 2014 12:44 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Marilyn if you will go to "Bible Issues" and read the thread on "Teaching on Jesus Becoming Sin" there is some background mentioned. What I am saying concerning the lyrics to "Forever" is the influence of the teaching is seen in the wording of the song. While it isn't as blatantly stated as some, it's still there. "as heaven looked away" is a description of God turning his back on Jesus and forsaking Him. "a battle in the grave, the war on death was waged" sounds like the teaching that Jesus had to go to hell and battle Satan for three days and nights in order to defeat him and complete our redemption. If you aren't familiar with this heresy teaching I'd suggest doing a study on it, it's extremely important and it's influencing millions of people. It started with E W Kenyon and today is taught by many 'WOF' (word of faith/prosperity) teachers such as Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, Joyce Myers, and the list is long.
The atonement occured on The Cross with the shedding of Jesus' Blood, NOT in hell battling the devil.(Col. 1:20 Rom.5:9) When Jesus cried out "it is finished"...It was finished, the debt was paid in full!
I don't know the heart of this young woman(and anyone else who writes songs) and I'm not condemning her as a person, it's the influence of the music and where the influence came from and what the influence is, and what the results of that influence can be......a false understanding of who Jesus is, both before the Cross and after. He never sinned, He never was subject to Satan, He never had to be reborn, He was never forsaken by God, He never died spiritually.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11277 is a reply to message #11276] |
Fri, 13 June 2014 01:30 |
Marilyn Crow
Messages: 598
Registered: September 2013
Location: Australia |
Senior Member |
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Thank you James,
That information was very helpful to me. I will certainly read up on this false teaching. I also hear your heart that you are concerned re: the heresy & not to condemn anyone & may they come to know the truth.
Blessings, Marilyn.
Marilyn C
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11283 is a reply to message #11277] |
Wed, 18 June 2014 12:12 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Comfort and Encouragement from Isaiah...
Isaiah chapter forty has some wonderful encouraging words from The Lord for His people, the whole chapter offers encouragement to those who will receive and believe. The chapter starts with:
"Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God."
and verse eight tells us:
"The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the Word of our God shall stand for ever."
Then He reminds us in verse twenty eight who He is and that we can rest in Him.
"Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, The LORD, the creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of His understanding."
Then verse thirty one has this reminder and encouragement:
"But they that wait upon The LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
[Updated on: Wed, 18 June 2014 12:17]
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11284 is a reply to message #11283] |
Fri, 20 June 2014 11:49 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same The LORD'S name is to be praised."Psalms 113:3
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11294 is a reply to message #11284] |
Sat, 28 June 2014 12:37 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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After the assurances given in Romans chapter eight, especially verses twenty eight through thirty, verses thirty one and two really drives home the promise...
"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
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.8:31-32
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11299 is a reply to message #11294] |
Mon, 07 July 2014 11:59 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Psalms 139:23-24
"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11300 is a reply to message #11299] |
Fri, 11 July 2014 12:09 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering.
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body, and be ye thankful.
Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns
and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to The LORD." Colossians 3:12-16
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11301 is a reply to message #11300] |
Mon, 14 July 2014 16:02 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee."Isaiah 26:3
Experiencing anxiety or fear? Look to Jesus; meditate on God's Word; delight in the promises of God; worship God with all your heart; rest in Him; keep your mind focused on Jesus; walk in the spirit; sing praises unto Him; expect Him to fulfill His Word; thank Him for His great Love; rejoice and bless His Name.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11302 is a reply to message #11301] |
Sun, 20 July 2014 17:35 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Food for Thought...
"Patience is the capacity to 'wait and to endure' without murmuring or disillusionment- to wait in the unplanned place, and endure the unplanned pace."
[Updated on: Mon, 21 July 2014 01:35]
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11306 is a reply to message #11305] |
Tue, 22 July 2014 08:35 |
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Gary
Messages: 1025
Registered: August 2008
Location: Indiana |
Senior Member |
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Thanks Brother, I did not know what you meant at first I thought you was giving the weather down there.
I can understand a little better how life does not consist in the abundance of "things". All the toys in life seem important until you have to move them. We're planning on scaling way back and getting rid of all the clutter.
Ya'll understand what I mean. LOL
I'll have to shut down the computer soon, I hope I can remember where all those wires go to. I can get stuff on my phone but its a hassle to try and type on those things.
Not to change the subject, I thought of you recently watching those Eagles. We have several baby Robins hopping around in our fenced yard and we cannot let the cats out or they'll try to kill them. I did not realize how vulnerable birds are its surprising so many even survive considering all the predators out there.
Birds spend some time on the ground while trying to learn to fly. The parents are helpless in trying to protect them. This is a part of this world that I never paid attention to and that is, the animal kingdom suffering because of man's sin.
Its kind of sad to see anything die.
We've had to rush outside several times pulling our cats away from those little birds. Cats love killing stuff. This probably sounds crazy to someone who loves to hunt and kill animals, I'm talking about people out there in general who do hunt.
Anyway my wife said, we're like those little Robins, surrounded by predators (powers of darkness) that we're unaware of and the Lord is there constantly watching over us and protecting us.
I thought it was a good analogy.
Did you ever hear that story that Stan Hill shared in a sermon years ago? I think it went like this:
There was a massive forest fire that took place out west. It totally destroyed all the landscape and there was nothing left of this large forest but charred remains. After the fire finally went out there was a number of Rangers walking through the area and surveying the damage and documenting all the destruction that took place. While walking along one of the Rangers kicked a small black charred clump and out of it ran a bunch of baby chickens. They found; It was the mother hen, who put her wings over them and protected them from the fire.
Praise God were hiding under the shadow of His Wings and protected from this old world, with its black charred sin.
I never forgot that true story he had shared.
Anyway I thought of you watching the mighty Eagles and here in Indiana I'm watching two Robins. I sure hope they learn to fly soon. 
In Him,
Gary
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11307 is a reply to message #11306] |
Tue, 22 July 2014 12:34 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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That's a very good observation your wife made, we are totally dependant upon God, we can do nothing of ourselves including chosing Him.
Cats do have a 'mean streak' in them, most of the time they don't even eat what they kill, they just love the 'hunt'. I do understand the hunter mentality because I once was a hunter, but The Lord changed my heart about 32 years ago and now I too am a lover of life, even for the 'little critters'. I enjoy watching wildlife and nature...though I don't comdemn anyone hunting for food.
I came to the realization that things don't matter years ago when I found out just how easily it can all disapear and what really has value. It's usually not an over night change of heart but The Holy Spirit will work within us if we'll seek those 'things' which are above. Recently someone died that some of my family members were close too, he was very wealthy; in talking with my brother about having our priorities in order(God, and that we couldn't take 'it' with us) he stated: "Yeah, you're right, I didn't see a Wells Fargo bank truck following the hearse."
Suggestion: take some tape and label your wires and jot down a few short notes on what went where concerning electronic 'stuff'...
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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