Home » Discussion Area » Rant/Rave » Last Days
| Re: Last Days [message #9388 is a reply to message #9387] |
Fri, 22 March 2013 05:02   |
 |
 GWB
Messages: 708
Registered: March 2008
Location: Louisville, Ky area |
Senior Member |
|
|
Before, during, and even after WW11 people compromised about protecting Israel and the Jew.
Then again, there was Corrie Ten Boom.
It is not coming. It IS here. You are a target when you take a stand and you do not blend in. "Come out from among them and be separate from this world."
I have been, and am, a target. Others on OO have experienced the same.
God is faithful to keep us under the shadow of His wings. It might be in a concentration camp, though.
We have to be willing to die spiritually and physically. This, combined with love filled faith is powerful and unstoppable.
Even if we are killed for our beliefs, what we have claimed is done! "It is finished."
This absolutely drives my occult, satanists relatives crazy!!!!
His delivering powers are mighty to behold. His will might be for us to believe unto Glory.
What is so bad about that!?!
[Updated on: Fri, 22 March 2013 05:19]
Shalom,
GWB
"Be still and know that I am God."
|
|
| | | | |
| Re: Last Days [message #10222 is a reply to message #6456] |
Tue, 05 November 2013 21:53 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
| james wrote on Sun, 13 December 2009 13:11 |
I haven't done that much reading of christian literature outside of Bro. Freeman..
Anyway, it's hard to say everything in a post, I just endevor to guard the faith I've been given, and don't want anything in my head that would undermine The Truths I have received. Have I missed out of anything by having this mindset? I don't know, I guess time will tell.
Thanks for sharing, God bless,
james
|
I wanted to share a brief testimony concerning growth and changes that I've experienced since I wrote the above message 4 years ago. It was true that I didn't read very much Christian literature besides HEF, but after reading the reaction that statement caused I decided to examine myself as to why. I think it was because I was afraid I would 'open a door' to something unscriptural and it would wreck my faith. That told me there was something wrong with my faith if after almost 30 years I wasn't mature and grounded enough in my relationship with Jesus and His Word that I couldn't discern truth from error.(now I'm not saying I will read just anything that comes down the pike, there's a lot of 'trash' published in the name of Christianity just to make someone wealthy.)
I've read some books that in the past I wouldn't have looked twice at, and several have had a huge impact on my walk and relationship with Jesus. No, I haven't agreed with every word written or every doctrine presented, but there have been nuggets within that have blessed me tremendously. I might could have defined Grace with words, but over the last couple years I learned what Grace is...and it was totally an act of Grace that God revealed that to my heart...starting with something I read in a book by a 'mainstream' Christian writer.
Also pertaining to protecting the truths I'd been given, I have discovered that by reexamining those doctrines/truths I held so dear(with the help of the members of OvercomersOnline) such as medical science being occult across the board with no room for execptions, that I was inconsistent and holding to 'truths' that didn't hold true. I guess one of the biggest changes that occured within my relationship/walk with Jesus is that I no longer 'feel' I need to protect or defend what I've been taught(including FA & HEF), if it's God(and I'm convienced the vast majority is/was) then it'll stand up to any examination and scrutiny. And when I find something that isn't God(maybe just a man's opinion) I, by God's grace, discard it(as hard as it seems to do sometimes).
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
| |
| Re: Last Days [message #10235 is a reply to message #10232] |
Wed, 06 November 2013 06:47 |
 |
william
Messages: 1464
Registered: January 2006 |
Senior Member
Administrator |
|
|
| Gary wrote on Wed, 06 November 2013 00:09 |
I wouldn't throw the baby out of the bath water just yet!
They'll come a time when men will not be able to run to man unless they have a mark so they can buy, sell, or trade.
Jesus constantly talked about faith in God and putting our whole trust in Him.
It is better to trust in the Lord then to put your confidence in man.
Gary
|
Hi Gary,
I don't think that James meant what you think... his comments, at least concerning the medical science issue, was in reference to a thread on the forum where we had a long discussion over one aspect of the teaching we received. It involved the branding of *all* medical science as occult (which we were taught) verses the idea that not all of what science has given us is necessarily *from Satan*.
To question that absolute statement --that "ALL medical science is occult", is not the same thing as saying that we should now trust in the arm of the flesh (or trust in medical science).
I think teaching that *all* medical science was from the occult was flawed at its foundation but that said --I trust fully in the atonement of Jesus for the healing of my body, I think that James does too!
A lack of faith is a serious thing for a believer, but it isn't nearly so serious as teaching that someone who avails themselves of medical technology is turning to Satan for their remedy and now needs to go through occult deliverance for doing so.
Blessings,
William
I want to believe!
|
|
| |
| Re: Last Days [message #10675 is a reply to message #10239] |
Thu, 19 December 2013 14:43 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
"And He said unto them,Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth." Luke 12:15
I just noticed on the news about a woman in Georgia winning one half of the Mega Millions Lottery of $636 million, Her take it now, one time lump sum after taxes will be about $120 million. Each year it seems those 'playing the lottery' buy more and more tickets, pushing the totals to be won higher and higher. So many people think that will be the answer to their problems, yet there are many horror stories of how the money destroyed lives and familes. Without Jesus it's all vanity and vexation of spirit.(Ecclesiastes 1:14)
Another story I noticed was about a man on a TV show called "Duck Dynasty" (about a family in Louisana who makes duck calls for hunters<really!>) Anyway, he stated in an interview that homosexuals wouldn't go to heaven(along with mentioning other unforgiven sins) so now they (the network that airs the show) have suspended him and the 'gay community' are all up in arms.
Last Days? Certainly a reflection of our society...SOOO needing Jesus.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
|
| Re: Last Days [message #11486 is a reply to message #10675] |
Wed, 28 January 2015 15:18 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
This thread took several twists along the way with several topics discussed, but if I may I'd like to make a comment concerning same-sex-marriage.(I've tried to get away from ranting and raving so much over the last few years and start finding constructive, encouraging, and edifying things to share.)
Alabama is now in the process of allowing same-sex-marriage, though I must say the governor, attorney general, and other state officials are fighting it in court. No other state has won on appeal to date and most likely Alabama won't either. I expected it would happen,but, I sure didn't think it would happen this quickly.
36 states have same-sex-marriage and the others are fast approaching it. 25 of those states were forced by court decision to comply, 8 by state legislation, and 3 by popular vote. 14 states banned it through constitutional amendments and state laws...yet still the federal court system is over-ruling these states one at a time. Alabama is going through the appeals system to block it but the hand writing is on the wall...
Like William said a couple years ago in discussing prayer in schools, ten commandment in the court house ban, ect. it's the way of the world and as American society continues it's downward fall it will only get worse.
But with all that said, still it grieves my soul to see the evil of man's heart being revealed and society defending it as civil liberties and personal freedoms...equal 'rights'. My encouragement to anyone reading this is this, let's don't become jaded and start winking at sin just because it seems like an overwhelming task to speak the truth (in love) and stand against moral decay in society, and I don't mean to 'stand' in protest holding signs and marching. We are called to be salt and light, how that applies in day to day The Holy Spirit will guide us in, if we will seek His guidance.
How many more days/weeks/months/years are left until the return of The Lord? No one knows, but the prophecies given in The Bible point to this being the "last days" we're living in.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
| |
| Re: Last Days [message #11523 is a reply to message #11488] |
Thu, 05 March 2015 21:06 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
Satan's Wiles...
I sometimes have the radio at work tuned to a sports talk show and listen to discussions about college football. Sometimes after commercial breaks they come back on air with some popular song chorus playing to lead into the next segment. Today I heard a song that seemed so catchy and smooth titled: "Take Me to Church" by a Irish musician named Hozier. I thought I'd look it up on YouTube and listen to it and find the lyrics. As I did I found that it is extremely popular (nominated for Grammy awards this year)... and the song and video promotes overt sexual immorality, homosexuality, and is blasphemous against God.
I looked around and found the guy was raised Catholic and apparently is alluding to the 'religion' he was raised in and 'the church'. He isn't receiving criticism from mainstream religion as some music groups of the past did; people like Judas Priest, Marilyn Manson, Black Sabbath, Kiss, ect.
Why? Because Satan has found that it's easier to deceive people with a catchy melody and harmonious words than "in your face" heavy medal, screaming, demonic looking musicians. I wonder how many unsuspecting, undiscerning Christians go around humming along with the radio this song?
My rock music 'soapbox' isn't so high and mighty, nor am I lily white when it comes to my musical roots; but I do warn anyone unaware of the power of music and the wiles Satan employs to trap and deceive people...be careful of what you listen to, watch, and read. Once a stronghold is established it's much harder to rid ones mind and memory of the trash taken in. A scripture comes to mind found in Romans 13:14 "But put ye on The Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof."
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
|
| Re: Last Days [message #11524 is a reply to message #11523] |
Fri, 06 March 2015 10:08 |
 |
Gary
Messages: 1025
Registered: August 2008
Location: Indiana |
Senior Member |
|
|
| james wrote on Thu, 05 March 2015 16:06 |
Satan's Wiles...
I sometimes have the radio at work tuned to a sports talk show and listen to discussions about college football. Sometimes after commercial breaks they come back on air with some popular song chorus playing to lead into the next segment. Today I heard a song that seemed so catchy and smooth titled: "Take Me to Church" by a Irish musician named Hozier. I thought I'd look it up on YouTube and listen to it and find the lyrics. As I did I found that it is extremely popular (nominated for Grammy awards this year)... and the song and video promotes overt sexual immorality, homosexuality, and is blasphemous against God.
I looked around and found the guy was raised Catholic and apparently is alluding to the 'religion' he was raised in and 'the church'. He isn't receiving criticism from mainstream religion as some music groups of the past did; people like Judas Priest, Marilyn Manson, Black Sabbath, Kiss, ect.
Why? Because Satan has found that it's easier to deceive people with a catchy melody and harmonious words than "in your face" heavy medal, screaming, demonic looking musicians. I wonder how many unsuspecting, undiscerning Christians go around humming along with the radio this song?
My rock music 'soapbox' isn't so high and mighty, nor am I lily white when it comes to my musical roots; but I do warn anyone unaware of the power of music and the wiles Satan employs to trap and deceive people...be careful of what you listen to, watch, and read. Once a stronghold is established it's much harder to rid ones mind and memory of the trash taken in. A scripture comes to mind found in Romans 13:14 "But put ye on The Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof."
|
I know exactly what you mean here. Music is a powerful force on the human mind and flesh. Ever walk into a place and hear some old song from long ago when we were young. All the old memories return and its like it takes us back in time, where you can remember the place that you first heard the song or listened to the music.
I tried to look up the scriptures one time to show someone that satan use to be in charge of the worship in heaven. At least that is the way I was taught it. In looking up the scriptures its very vague what he actually did in heaven. The only thing that is clear is that he led a rebellion and influenced a third of the angels to rebel against God.
With that said, I realize that he does have a very real place in music. I heard a story about this black blues guitar player that was not that good when he started out. Supposedly he disappeared for a while and went down to the "crossroads" and sold his soul to the devil. Whatever took place they say when this man came back be was an outstanding musician. You hear a lot of rock stars who incorporate this in their music, how they went down to the crossroads.
Sadly rock and roll has a seat in the church world that exists in this end times.
Gary
|
|
|
| Re: Last Days [message #11525 is a reply to message #11524] |
Fri, 06 March 2015 14:47 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
You're speaking of the Blues guitarist Robert Johnson who died at an early age (like so many others). Eric Clapton always has said that Johnson was the major influence behind his love for Blues music. The song "Crossroads" was written by Johnson and recorded by several artist including Clapton.
I wonder about the saying that many people have 'made deals' with the devil to become famous musicians. Johnson died in his twenties, as did Joplin, Hendrix, Morrison, Holly, Allman, Van Zant, Redding, Hank William, and many more.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
|
| Re: Last Days [message #11526 is a reply to message #11486] |
Fri, 06 March 2015 18:59 |
|
william
Messages: 1464
Registered: January 2006 |
Senior Member
Administrator |
|
|
| Quote: |
But with all that said, still it grieves my soul to see the evil of man's heart being revealed and society defending it as civil liberties and personal freedoms...equal 'rights'. My encouragement to anyone reading this is this, let's don't become jaded and start winking at sin just because it seems like an overwhelming task to speak the truth (in love) and stand against moral decay in society, and I don't mean to 'stand' in protest holding signs and marching. We are called to be salt and light, how that applies in day to day The Holy Spirit will guide us in, if we will seek His guidance.
|
I think the 'how-to-stand-against-moral-decay' in society is the real question here. I mean it's not like we have a lot of control over what the non-christian society does or says. We do have influence however, and if the way we live out our lives has an affect on others that's well and good but there are problems when it goes beyond influence and becomes a whip. Can anyone be whipped into obedience to Christ? Obviously no, but sometimes outward conformity can be coerced! (Not that I'm in any way advocating for this!<grin>)
We've probably all heard sermons about all of the compromise that permeated the life of Lot... you know, how he lived right in the midst of all that categorized Sodom and seemingly did nothing about it. (Of course those that know the Bible can easily point to a passage that perhaps gives one pause before judging Lot too severely!)
It all boils down to how morality is achieved.
For the Christian morality stems from our love for God and His revelation to us concerning Himself. We are given the ability, as free-born men and women, to choose the good over the evil. This ability is a result of being set free from the slavery of sin. This ability is not present in those who are still slaves to sin.
For the world there are limits as to what morality even means. If it means doing this (something deemed good) and not doing that (something deemed evil,) then there are some merits that, while not redemptive, do benefit society as a whole. This kind of morality can be achieved through coercion, through societal taboos, and probably some other ways, but overall this keeps a measure of peace even if it's only temporary. e.g. God's judgment in the time of Noah happened when the cup of iniquity was filled up; Sodom was destroyed because that cup was full; Babylon's time will come when the cup of iniquity starts to run over!
This is kinda like what we see in Romans 13 concerning the superintending Hand of God using the secular authority as a sword that executes His judgment, or we could say --His wrath against evil.
I can't see any redemptive purpose here unless we consider that by keeping these things in check one is given more time to repent. God is, after all, merciful and not willing that any should perish - 2Pet 3:9. In other words there isn't a meritorious redemptive aspect achieved by following some moral code apart from repentance. Sure, one can stay away from his neighbor's wife as a result of societal taboos against adultery (which is almost non-existent now as our cup of iniquity is almost filled up!) and this is a good thing, but it won't save anyone.
I guess what I'm saying here is that we aren't necessarily 'winking at sin' if, like Lot, we aren't trying to run for city council (or plug in whatever method that one uses in their attempt to coerce society to behave godly).
(James, I know this isn't what you meant when you used the phrase 'winking at sin', I'm only referring in a general way to those who berate us for not doing all we can to get those 10-Commandments back into the capital!<grin>... you, just like Lot, are grieved by seeing the state of our world --that is the natural response of the godly. 2Pet 2:7-8)
Blessings,
William
[Updated on: Fri, 06 March 2015 19:16]
I want to believe!
|
|
|
| Re: Last Days [message #11527 is a reply to message #11526] |
Fri, 06 March 2015 21:02 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
I guess the reason for me giving my thoughts about the moral decay all around stems from my job; I get a glimpse into the lives of people when I have to ask certain questions while preparing their tax returns. I hear comments that reflect a total absence of a moral compass or standard in many people. The ones who aren't necessarily personally involved in it often have the attitude of "I'm OK, you're OK" or "to each his own" or "live and let live". I do have some clients who are Christians and live godly lives; but I also many with their hearts hardened against sin. No shame whatsoever with being homosexual, or living with someone without being married, or having cheated on their spouses, or lying in order to reduce their tax debt or increase their refund.
I suppose I was just 'preaching' to myself.......again. <grin>
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
|
| Re: Last Days [message #11528 is a reply to message #11527] |
Sat, 07 March 2015 02:42 |
|
william
Messages: 1464
Registered: January 2006 |
Senior Member
Administrator |
|
|
No, not just to yourself... I agree with you. Like you said, there doesn't seem to be any shame any more.
The lack of shame in the world I think comes from a failure of those moral taboos that are imposed by the rest of the culture or society... those have pretty much been on the decay for a long time. They do work, at least on a superficial level but when the values of the society decay then there is little reason for people to continue to abide by them. A rotten heart may try to avoid evil if the pressure of the societal norms is great, but once people on a wide scale begin to call evil good and good evil then there isn't enough reason left for them to go against the grain.
The value of our Christian influence on these people can't be underestimated either. That's why it is so important for us to be that salt and light, again not in a coercive kind of way (we can't impose our morality on them) but as we uphold the righteous standard even as the world's standards decay we are showing that it is still possible to, by God's Grace, walk in the light.
And this kind of influence isn't on the same level as a societal taboo; it's much deeper, it is on a heart level which is why having a heart transplant is so important! Our responsibility is to preach this (the gospel). We know that this is effective because we've experienced it. But if we are simply trying to get the world to change its ways by conforming to some outward so-called-christian standard then we may as well stick our heads in the sand somewhere for all of the good that that will do.
Trying to pass laws against homos*xual marriage (and the aforementioned 10 commandments in the state building) isn't our job. To give the state any say as to what constitutes a valid marriage is to give away the farm, so to speak... and yet that is exactly what many Christians have done.
Remember the biblical definition of marriage from the ethics series? A marriage is when two people (not two people and the state) come together for the purpose of creating a family. Sure, it is useful to let the community know (especially the faith community) what has taken place and it is helpful for legal reasons for these two people to see this as a permanent arrangement that will have future implications (children, finances, etc.) but in the final analysis this decision hinges on the central players --the two people coming together.
Enter the state. When we allow the state to define a marriage there's always going to be conflicts as we can see in the current debate. It's not that they don't have a valid interest, they do, but if we are expecting them to uphold our own Christian values (one man, one woman) then we are expecting a lot and most likely will be disappointed. It's not up to the state to be defining what has been defined since the beginning of time, but since Christians have long ceded this definition to the state we now are paying the consequences.
Blessings,
William
I want to believe!
|
|
|
| Re: Last Days [message #11529 is a reply to message #11528] |
Sat, 07 March 2015 12:19 |
|
Gary
Messages: 1025
Registered: August 2008
Location: Indiana |
Senior Member |
|
|
| william wrote on Fri, 06 March 2015 21:42 |
No, not just to yourself... I agree with you. Like you said, there doesn't seem to be any shame any more.
The lack of shame in the world I think comes from a failure of those moral taboos that are imposed by the rest of the culture or society... those have pretty much been on the decay for a long time. They do work, at least on a superficial level but when the values of the society decay then there is little reason for people to continue to abide by them. A rotten heart may try to avoid evil if the pressure of the societal norms is great, but once people on a wide scale begin to call evil good and good evil then there isn't enough reason left for them to go against the grain.
The value of our Christian influence on these people can't be underestimated either. That's why it is so important for us to be that salt and light, again not in a coercive kind of way (we can't impose our morality on them) but as we uphold the righteous standard even as the world's standards decay we are showing that it is still possible to, by God's Grace, walk in the light.
And this kind of influence isn't on the same level as a societal taboo; it's much deeper, it is on a heart level which is why having a heart transplant is so important! Our responsibility is to preach this (the gospel). We know that this is effective because we've experienced it. But if we are simply trying to get the world to change its ways by conforming to some outward so-called-christian standard then we may as well stick our heads in the sand somewhere for all of the good that that will do.
Trying to pass laws against homos*xual marriage (and the aforementioned 10 commandments in the state building) isn't our job. To give the state any say as to what constitutes a valid marriage is to give away the farm, so to speak... and yet that is exactly what many Christians have done.
Remember the biblical definition of marriage from the ethics series? A marriage is when two people (not two people and the state) come together for the purpose of creating a family. Sure, it is useful to let the community know (especially the faith community) what has taken place and it is helpful for legal reasons for these two people to see this as a permanent arrangement that will have future implications (children, finances, etc.) but in the final analysis this decision hinges on the central players --the two people coming together.
Enter the state. When we allow the state to define a marriage there's always going to be conflicts as we can see in the current debate. It's not that they don't have a valid interest, they do, but if we are expecting them to uphold our own Christian values (one man, one woman) then we are expecting a lot and most likely will be disappointed. It's not up to the state to be defining what has been defined since the beginning of time, but since Christians have long ceded this definition to the state we now are paying the consequences.
Blessings,
William
|
Not trying to take away from what you have shared but adding some thoughts here. Look at society as a whole, first people all take birth control and then move in together and could careless to being married. I was at a wedding several years ago and no one wanted to catch the bouquet of flowers tossed in the air by the bride. One teenager piped up and said, "who wants to get married anyway".
I think there's been a major breakdown in society long before gays decided they all want to get married. The cup of sin is full as you stated. But we hear very little concerning that the straight community is all living in fornication and adultery.
This whole scenario is sort of a "catch 22" unfolding before our eyes.
I think for us who were raised in a different generation its a bit of a shock but we came from a time when society had some type of moral compass. We can all remember how it use to be when we were young, society was our conscience. I did not come from a Christian home but my parents had all kinds of strict rules.
But the thing with our generation was that sin was more underground and not out in the open like today. Society looked down on certain types of sin and maybe Christianity had influence here that everyone followed. The baby boomers broke out of the shell and had a huge change on what society thought.
But we were just as evil and fleshly as this generation we now see. We were all children born in sin. Fortunately God intervened in our lives.
I agree that running around with signs and protesting what is going on in the world has no effect but is giving society fuel to despise Christianity.
At this point in time a true Revival would break the cycle of sin.
Its going to be interesting to see how all of this plays out in our life time.
Gary
[Updated on: Sat, 07 March 2015 12:19]
|
|
|
| Re: Last Days [message #11541 is a reply to message #11529] |
Tue, 17 March 2015 13:47 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
I happened to watch a little of C-Span2 this morning around 4am and there was a Senate subcommittee meeting with the Social Security Administration's top leadership being broadcast again(originally they had met on Monday during business hours). Some senators were drilling the SSA on the huge amount of money being wasted in various ways including funds paid out to undeserving people. There was testimony of people receiving benefits for 20-25 years for a person who'd been dead for all those years.
They said that it was due to the incompetence and 'glitches in the system', usually they blamed individual states for not filing death notices when people pass away. Accord to their numbers, there are 6.5 million active social security numbers for people 112 years old and older. The director stated that there were probably less than 100 people alive in America 112 years old or older.
For years we've heard how the money for social security was running out and it would be bankrupt in so many years....no wonder. The people in charge danced around the questions about like the baseball players did a few years ago when they were brought before the senate committee investigating steroids in baseball.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
| |
| Re: Last Days [message #11543 is a reply to message #11542] |
Wed, 18 March 2015 13:57 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
If, Social Security goes under it will hurt millions of people who depend on it as their sole source of income; children, widows, and those really disabled. But the elderly will be hurt the most, they're already dealing with the effects of inflation. They worked in a time when the income wasn't near what it is today for so many and their benefits are meager compared with the generations following them. Often medical expenses (not to mention the increasing cost of Medicare, now $1,259 per year)) consume all the elderly's SS income.
A client mentioned Mr. Dollar and his plea for funding for the deluxe Gulfstream....I Googled him and found he had taken it off his website, it seems the backlash of public opinion and comments caused him to reconsider. The false prosperity message is growing like wildfire among the church, especially the 'charismatics'. I'll stop with that, before I start ranting and raving. 
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
|
| Re: Last Days [message #11628 is a reply to message #11543] |
Tue, 30 June 2015 13:58 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
How Did We Get To This....
I enjoy most sports, football, baseball, basketball, tennis, golf, ect. and ESPN has given sport fans tons of coverage of almost any sport one could imagine. So a few years ago ESPN started giving awards to people in various sports and sport related accomplishments. These awards rival the Oscars, Golden Globe Awards, CMA and others. They're known as the ESPYS; I see today where they are awarding Bruce Jenner, now going by the name of Caitlyn Jenner, the Arthur Ashe Award for "courage". This warped, twisted, society we live in thinks that the perverse act of changing ones gender and dressing as the opposite sex is an act of courage.
God told Joshua to be of good courage in leading Israel into the promised land, he exhibited courage as a leader and as a man who feared God and obeyed Him. We live in a world where people think courage is being proud of being a homosexual, or transgendered, or any of the other immoral positions people take and openly flaunting it. The leaders who make the final decisions concerning legal and moral acts in society (Supreme Court) in matters such as abortion and same-sex-marriage are ungodly men indoctrinated with a false standard of right and wrong.
So to answer my own question, we got here by every man doing what is right in his own eyes and total disregard for God and His Word. There is no standard whereby people live, and therefore without convictions of righteousness to guide a mans conscious we wind up with what we have.....a godless, self centered, pleasure seeking society....spirling downward at an ever increasing speed.
[Updated on: Wed, 01 July 2015 11:49]
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
| | | |
| Re: Last Days [message #11921 is a reply to message #11777] |
Wed, 16 December 2015 20:29 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
Every now and then I'll glance at Charisma magazine online, today I read a article in the SpiritLed Woman section written by a woman named J D King titled "Why We May Not Be Living In The Last Days". Her perspective is that when The New Testament writers spoke of 'the last days' it was for that time period, the end of the old covenant and the starting of something new and beautiful.(honest, that's what she wrote) She thinks we're living in a wonderful time and all who disagree have misunderstood The Word.
It has amazed me ever since the Lakeland Revival/Todd Bentley and Charisma Magazine's endorsement, just what they will allow to be published in that 'charismatic' magazine and what they will promote as 'moves' of God.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
|
| Re: Last Days [message #11922 is a reply to message #11921] |
Thu, 17 December 2015 11:00 |
|
Gary
Messages: 1025
Registered: August 2008
Location: Indiana |
Senior Member |
|
|
| james wrote on Wed, 16 December 2015 15:29 |
Every now and then I'll glance at Charisma magazine online, today I read a article in the SpiritLed Woman section written by a woman named J D King titled "Why We May Not Be Living In The Last Days". Her perspective is that when The New Testament writers spoke of 'the last days' it was for that time period, the end of the old covenant and the starting of something new and beautiful.(honest, that's what she wrote) She thinks we're living in a wonderful time and all who disagree have misunderstood The Word.
It has amazed me ever since the Lakeland Revival/Todd Bentley and Charisma Magazine's endorsement, just what they will allow to be published in that 'charismatic' magazine and what they will promote as 'moves' of God.
|
This lady lacks discernment and obviously charisma magazine goes along with it.
I can see where Jesus is talking to His disciples and many of the things foretold came to pass shortly after He ascended to Heaven. But there is also an indication He is speaking of the end of the world where many of these same events will take place in that time.
Having not read the article I don't know what she is intending to say concerning, this is a "wonderful" time here on the earth.
The saints of old had a different perspective but they were at times under periods of intense persecution for proclaiming Christ.
I was just reading about Irenaeus, who was being taken to be fed to the wild beasts. It is written that: "as one of our people said, when he was condemned to the beasts on account of his testimony unto God, I am God's wheat, and by the teeth of wild beasts am I ground, that I may be found pure bread".
| Quote: |
For they loved not the present world, but Him that died for our sakes and was raised by God for us.
|
He also stated: I know what is expedient for me. Now do I begin to be a disciple. May nothing of things visible and things invisible envy me; that I may attain unto Jesus Christ. Let fire and cross and attacks of beasts, let wrenching of bones, cutting of limbs, crushing of the body, tortures of the devil-let all these come upon me "if" only I may attain unto Jesus Christ." [/quote]
The attitude today is; your born again so your going to make it in, your not saved by works so there's nothing you can do, so why all the striving to attain Him. This world offers a lot of distractions.
Why would these Christians of old see that they had to "attain Christ" if their already going to heaven?
Maybe they heard and saw something that the modern day disciple cannot "see".
They were willing by their testimony and the testimony of eye witnesses to forsake all to win Christ. There was nothing in this old world that shined as bright, as the Son of God.
Paul wrote:
| Quote: |
Philippians 3:9-11
9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
|
Paul states "if by any means" "I may attain".
It appears they wanted to strive to "know Christ" and nothing was that important that would keep them from it. This involves a measure of separation from the world and its ways. Why? This life is only temporary as a little cloud of smoke, here one minute and gone the next. Eternity is forever, winning Christ is worth more then all this world could ever offer.
I know you understand this as well, but the attitude of this woman and Charismas endorsement, conveys the attitude of most, they have lost sight of what the scriptures are telling us. Their fulfilling a sign, and that is; that we are in the last days.
Jesus said; I will come as a thief in the night when they least suspect it, be not like those who sleep.
Its hard to write some things because it can lead down many roads of thought and you cannot say everything in a small post without it being misinterpreted, or if nothing else not fully understood.
Like Paul said: "if by any means I may attain to the resurrection of the dead". The only "wonderful time" were living in is, "that Jesus may come soon and take us out of here."
Gary
|
|
|
| Re: Last Days [message #11979 is a reply to message #11922] |
Mon, 15 February 2016 18:19 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
With the death of Antonin Scalia and the opportunity for the current president, Barack Obama to recommend a new Supreme Court Justice, will this change the balance of power? I would think so, especially since the person replacing him will be a liberal. Can the Republicans delay the conformation long enough for someone else to be in the presidency? Maybe a Republican?
Isn't it a blessing to know God is in control and we don't have to worry about all these political power struggles that so many get caught up in? Donald, Ted, and Marco, or Bernie and Hilary...I can't imagine the future with any of these people, yet more than likely one of them is God's predetermined choice to help fulfill His plan. Just as the new Supreme Court Justice will be.
Thought I'd comment since the board has been slow lately...<grin>.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
|
| Re: Last Days [message #11984 is a reply to message #11979] |
Wed, 17 February 2016 16:19 |
steve
Messages: 3
Registered: February 2016 |
Junior Member |
|
|
Been awhile since posting on forums, so having a little difficulties with the quotes. I hope that is ok just to jump in and give my two cents worth.
Several times have people speak against lot.
Lot was called a righteous man by God. Who are we to think differently because he chose the best piece of ground (which turned out to be a bad choice). If he had not been under Gods' protection, he would have been killed a long time ago, before the angels came to rescue, him for telling people what they were doing was wrong. Have very little doubts that he spend a lot of time at the gates warning people not to stay the night in the city. Lot was called righteous, not his family.
Sports. This is me, not meant as judgment against others. One day while watching a football game, realized that while jumping up and down with a good play that when ever a preacher made a good point the thought up jumping up and down did not occur. Well, kinda lost taste for sports.
This homosexuality thing. I do find it offensive that if one does not go along with it, it often will come with a harsh price. Have heard stories about bakers and flower shops not doing homosexual wedding paying a harsh price. "We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone, "except homosexuals". God said it was going to be this way.
My rants.
Noticed a couple of years ago that people lie without any conscious.
People are getting rich off of selling the gospel.
No christian, my beliefs again, should have anything to do with politics. They are full of professional liars. Everything the Godly party does is un Godly. In a spiritual sense, one party is legalism and other is lawlessness. What a choice.
The wayward church. Somebody lays on hand and the person can: make roar like a lion, bay like a jackal, fall to the ground with uncontrollable laughter/tears. The list goes on. The new gifts?
There are even theologians that justify this, names are not remembered on purpose.
The letters to the 7 church in Revelation. They were real churches and are in the book to warn us not to fall prey to their errors. Am in disagreement with being ages time that man has/is going threw.
Well, pretty much all my rants in one post.
It nice to voice this, now (hopefully) can move on without carrying these irritations to the point of getting lost in them.
[Updated on: Wed, 17 February 2016 16:20]
|
|
|
| Re: Last Days [message #11985 is a reply to message #11984] |
Wed, 17 February 2016 19:02 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
| steve wrote on Wed, 17 February 2016 10:19 |
Well, pretty much all my rants in one post.
It nice to voice this, now (hopefully) can move on without carrying these irritations to the point of getting lost in them.
|
 It's good to get stuff 'off' our chest....
I do like sports, especially SEC football(Auburn), but I get your point...Often our (meaning believers in Christ) enthusiasm for secular activities are more demonstrative than our zeal and fire for godly things...not that I believe sports are ungodly...but there's a bunch of ungodly things that go on around sporting events and venues.
I better get back to work before the boss gets on my case... 
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
|
Goto Forum:
Current Time: Thu Nov 14 03:01:12 UTC 2024
Total time taken to generate the page: 0.01358 seconds
|
Members
Search
Help
Register
Login
Home
E-mail to friend 
