Home » Discussion Area » Rant/Rave » Last Days
Last Days [message #5975] |
Tue, 21 July 2009 23:05 |
james Messages: 2140 Registered: April 2008 Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God;
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." ~ II Tim.3:1-7
Here is an example of the times we live in, people are not only turning away from God but making a mockery of it...
http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2009-07-21-atheists-de baptism_N.htm?
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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Re: Last Days [message #5986 is a reply to message #5975] |
Thu, 23 July 2009 21:28 |
james Messages: 2140 Registered: April 2008 Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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This is a follow up link that really amplifies the fact that we're in the last days. While I know this is the exception and not the rule, yet still that it is allowed among professing Christians, is hard to believe. And it's not just in Christianity, Judaism seems to have embraced it in places.
Just for the record, homosexuality is wrong, it is an abomination unto God...It is not a lack of love to point this out. We are to love the sinner, but not the sin; and sure not embrace it in The House of The Lord. ( also, just for the record, hetrosexuals living in sin is wrong as well... the church needs purging from all manner of ungodliness )
http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2009-07-23-gay-church_ N.htm?csp=34
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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Re: Last Days [message #5989 is a reply to message #5986] |
Mon, 27 July 2009 21:08 |
james Messages: 2140 Registered: April 2008 Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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The Anglican Church, which has 77 million members worldwide, seems to be the next to cave in to the worldwide homosexual 'movement'. Instead of firmly standing on The Word of God and denouncing the wickedness of this sin; they are trying to find ways to allow it without offending 'non-gays', in the name of 'church unity'.
Already the Episcopal part of this group has sanctioned it in their 'church', even to the extent of ordaining homosexual bishops in their pulpits here in America.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2009-07-27-anglican-ep iscopal-gay_N.htm?csp=34
[Updated on: Mon, 27 July 2009 21:21] “But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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Re: Last Days [message #6030 is a reply to message #5995] |
Wed, 05 August 2009 17:13 |
james Messages: 2140 Registered: April 2008 Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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At a seminary here in Birmingham a poll was taken of young preachers and students who had given sermons before; they were asked if they had ever preached on hell...NONE had. This is what used to be known as a conservative seminary. I hope this article isn't a reflection of all young bible students and pastors, but I'm afraid it's too true.
http://usatoday.com/news/religion/2009-08-01-hell-damnation_ N.htm
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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Re: Last Days [message #6032 is a reply to message #6030] |
Thu, 06 August 2009 14:27 |
james Messages: 2140 Registered: April 2008 Location: Birmingham, AL |
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I recently saw a person on TV who was presenting themselves as a minister of The Lord, trying to get people to send in money so that they could continue to be on the air ( to beg for more money...) He wasn't preaching the gospel, he wasn't teaching The Word, he wasn't using the gifts of God to bring healing or comfort to people; he was just begging for money and offering something from Israel along with a book he had written, as a 'special offer' for those who would give X amount of money.
Merchandising the gospel is so prevalent today, yet really, they're not even selling the gospel( if they were, there might could be an argument made that they were at least putting Jesus' name and some teachings of scripture up for sale); they're selling themselves and a 'charsmatic worship' experience, and capitalizing on peoples emotions and desire to 'obey' God's ministers, and to prosper.
Ever notice how each year they designate as something special, like; the year of Juilee, or a Macedonia experience, or the year of 'Breakthrough', revival in america year; then make people feel as if they didn't give their "best", "100 fold", "above and beyond", "seed", offerings, then they'd miss out of God's blessings. Hey! Nobody wants to miss God, and if they're on TV, then they must be God's messengers. But it's always promises unfullfilled, moves that never 'move', revivals that never 'revive', breakthroughs that never 'breakthrough'.
Yet, they stay on year after year, Sunday after Sunday, begging for money, and offering nothing but empty promises, no anointing, just the hope of it finally being viewers time for God to really bless them, if they'll only plant one more 'special seed'.
"Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain." ~ Proverbs 25:14
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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Re: Last Days [message #6033 is a reply to message #6032] |
Thu, 06 August 2009 20:22 |
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GWB Messages: 708 Registered: March 2008 Location: Louisville, Ky area |
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Good posts, James.
In the OT Prophets book by, Dr. Freeman, in Chapter 23, Zechariah speaks of the judgment of the Gentile nations, world powers, and those who rise up against her. He sends out a call of repentance. He speaks of Israel's cleansing and deliverance with the establishment of the millenium. False prophets (and beggers of money in His name ) and idolatry are condemned.
"And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone too heavy for all the nations to lift. All who try to lift it will be severly injured. All the nations in the world will gather against Jerusalem." Zech 12:3 KJV
I pray for the peace of Jerusalem. I pray that our President make Godly decisions and that he has a heart for Israel. Like I stated in another thread, , if not.
Blessings,
GWB
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Re: Last Days [message #6042 is a reply to message #6033] |
Fri, 14 August 2009 02:14 |
james Messages: 2140 Registered: April 2008 Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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I don't know what to think about some of the stuff I read, but churches buying lottery tickets just seems wrong. I wonder what the woman pastors' sermon was on after winning $70,000. in the Michigan state lottery. It's gotta be the last days, can things get any crazier in 'the church'? Next thing ya know, they'll be sponsoring poker players in Texas Hold'em tournaments in Vegas...
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-08-13-church-wins-l ottery_N.htm?csp=34
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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Re: Last Days [message #6046 is a reply to message #6042] |
Sun, 16 August 2009 15:46 |
james Messages: 2140 Registered: April 2008 Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Lately I've read and seen on the news, quite a bit about the 'changes' going on in the institutional churches,(and posted some of it). It seems that no denomination is exempt from the onslaught; from homosexuality to subtle undermining of the authority of God's Word; everyone seems to be compromising to apease the masses(and to keep the machine running, which requires money...not to mention the 'love boat' gospel that teaches we're all OK and don't be rocking the boat by preaching against sin; or being 'critical' of those who have chosen another path to 'enlightenment' through whatever 'god', cause there's multiple paths to God...don't offend anyone with the truth)
So here we have all these 'christian' denominations compromising the message of the gospel, left and right, and along come the Mormons (who we know are off in their doctrines and teachings) standing up against the 'gays' and being persecuted for it.
There's something seriously wrong in 'religion' today "...having a form of godlines, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."
http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2009-08-15-mormonkiss_ N.htm?csp=34
[Updated on: Sun, 16 August 2009 16:07] “But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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Re: Last Days [message #6094 is a reply to message #6051] |
Fri, 18 September 2009 16:20 |
james Messages: 2140 Registered: April 2008 Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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As I was reading the headlines of the 'religious' section of USA Today this morning, I noticed several stories that drew my interest. One centered around the statistics concerning women preachers. A study shows that the number of female senior pastors have doubled over the 'last' ten years.
Another focused on 'mega-churches' with Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston,Tx. leading the way with 43,000+ members, but also questioned the 'drop-out rate' from these huge churches.
Oh, and in case anyone was breathlessly waiting, Rick Warren has a new book coming out in a couple of months. He is having a contest with the winner getting $5,000 and the honor of designing the book's cover. He's entitled this one, 'The Hope You Need', and it's predicted to be another blockbuster.
Then there's the article about 'religious leaders' conflicting views on the push for universal healthcare in America. Some oppose it because it would be endorsing abortion; others are for it because they believe medical science is the way of healing.
One survey said that of all churches questioned, only 19% reported being financially sound. In most cases churches have become just a reflection of society around them, rather than being an influence upon society.(imo)
Wouldn't it be wonderful if 'religious leaders' actually lead the body of Christ to a closer relationship with Jesus; instead of conforming to the world and it's systems?
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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Re: Last Days [message #6095 is a reply to message #6094] |
Sat, 19 September 2009 13:02 |
james Messages: 2140 Registered: April 2008 Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Surely a few Christians fasting with Muslims during Ramadan is the exception and not a widespread practice; yet it is a reflection on the times we live in...the last days.
This article does shed light on how, especially the 'emergent church' as well as those who, through humanistic theology, have decided that the way into heaven has more pathways than just through Jesus, have compromised the Word of God.
Christians fasting with Muslims? What next, will professing Christians stop eating beef and join in with the Hindus to honor their worship of cows?
http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2009-09-18-ramadan-chr istians_N.htm
This is the rant section, right? Maybe I'll start a thread with articles about things the church is doing right...I'm sure I can find many examples of chruches that are following after righteous....but probably not in any national media outlets.
[Updated on: Sat, 19 September 2009 13:12] “But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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Re: Last Days [message #6096 is a reply to message #6095] |
Sat, 19 September 2009 14:52 |
sparkles Messages: 246 Registered: March 2008 |
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What an eye opening article to show how some who are professing christians would be in fellowship with the antichrist spirit of the Muslims.
We are seeing how the devil is using the antichrist news medium, whether it be TV, the newspaper, the internet, news magizines or even the local small town newspapers to make a mockery of the christian and Jesus Christ. Don't for one minute think the devil doesn't laugh and make fun of the christian when they do such things as partake of a false religions celebrations. Why else would something like this be in a major newspaper? It sure isn't to promote Jesus Christ.
And we see Brian McLaren, one of the Emergent Church leaderships, talking about how it sends a message about finding peace and common ground. I would say to Mr. McLaren to show us in God's word about finding peace and common ground outside of Jesus. For the believer it won't happen. Jesus Christ is our peace.
John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
John 16:33 "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
Romans 5:1 "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:"
We can give our opinions all we want but we need to see what God says in His word.
2 Corinthians 6:14-18 "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellwoship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?
and what communion hath light with darkness?
and what concord hath Christ with Belial?
or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God;
as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."
Mr. McLaren also said:
"Some Christians in the U.S. are becoming more anti-Muslim,"
There probably are some "christians" who are anti-muslim, but because someone stands up for the Word of God and calls this a false religion and speaks out against its teachings does not make a person anti-muslim, but rather it makes them a proclaimer of truth. How can they be saved except they hear the truth of Jesus Christ.
John 3:17-19 "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten son of God.
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil."
John 3:36 "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."
As we see more and more christians compromise the clear teachings of Gods word, it makes it easier to see how the anti-christ will seduce the world.
May God give us discernment in these last days and walk in the truths of the Word so we can be a light on a hill, not to be put under a barrel just so we don't offend someone so as to be "politically correct."
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Re: Last Days [message #6111 is a reply to message #6096] |
Sun, 04 October 2009 17:11 |
james Messages: 2140 Registered: April 2008 Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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International Blasphemy Day, first annual celebration for free speech and freedom from religion; the wickedness of man has no bounds. Here's a link to the article, may God have mercy on their souls...surely the cup of iniquity is overflowing.
http://usatoday.com/news/religion/2009-10-02-blasphemy-day_N .htm
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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Re: Last Days [message #6112 is a reply to message #6111] |
Mon, 05 October 2009 17:17 |
sparkles Messages: 246 Registered: March 2008 |
Senior Member |
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I wonder what these people will think the moment after they die?
May God open their eyes to truth of Jesus Christ and save them from the deception they are under.
Sure makes me so humbled that God would choose me to serve Him, and open my eyes to the truth of the Word of God.
I must say the article almost leaves me speechless, but then there have always been people like this, only now their message can be see/heard all over the world in an instant with the internet. Well, so can ours.
Acts 16:31 "Whosoever believes on the Lord Jesus Christ shall be saved, and their house."
Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever.
God is not a man that he should lie, neither the son of man that he should repent. Hath he said and shall he not do it? Hath he spoken and shall he not bring it to pass?
Our God is faithful to fulfill all that He has promised, including eternal damnation to those who would blaspheme God and not repent of their sin.
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Re: Last Days [message #6115 is a reply to message #6112] |
Fri, 09 October 2009 14:44 |
james Messages: 2140 Registered: April 2008 Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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I don't know how this fits in with the end times, except to show how easily people can be deceived by false promises and smooth talk.
Today, Barack Obama was awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize...
Ya got to be kidding me.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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Re: Last Days [message #6141 is a reply to message #6115] |
Mon, 19 October 2009 21:22 |
james Messages: 2140 Registered: April 2008 Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Since we are in the last days, I suppose any news could be considered 'end times' news; but this news could also go in the thread about 'deception using creation teachings'. It's about evolution taking another step to become the accepted view in America, and guess who's behind it? Yeah well we know it's satan, but he's using Uncle Sam.
The U.S. Government is putting in the Smithsonian Institute, a permanent exhibit on 'the discovery and understanding of human origins'. There is a committee put together to help merge science and religion so it won't be offensive to the 'religious'. The co-chair person of the committee, who is also a official of the Presbyterian's Science and Faith Association, says about the evolution exhibit,..." they're not here to make a religious point." OBVIOUSLY NOT!
http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2009-10-16-smithsonian -evolution_N.htm]
[Updated on: Mon, 19 October 2009 21:39] “But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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Re: Last Days [message #6142 is a reply to message #6141] |
Tue, 20 October 2009 15:33 |
james Messages: 2140 Registered: April 2008 Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Catholics offer membership to Anglicans...
The Roman Catholic Church has opened it's arms to the worldwide Anglican Church(77 million)members. Many Anglicans are disappointed with the direction the leaders of that group are going in. The ordaining of women, gay ministers, gay approved marriages are among some of the disagreements within the church membership. The Pope is going to allow them to keep their style of worship...thus sayeth the news from Vatican City.
I read the article, and there's nothing supprising about the offer from the Catholic Church, nor that many Anglicans want to go back to catholicism. But what caught my attention was in the comments made by people below the article. One person quoted John 10:16 in reference to this happening.
"And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd."
If that's not a perfect example of twisting the scriptures, I don't know what is...out of context? That's scary, that someone(and I'm sure it's a lot more than one person) would believe that to mean...other sheep are the Anglican Church; with God telling them to join in with the catholics(his voice); 'one fold' is the Roman Catholic Church; and one shepherd is the pope.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2009-10-20-vatican-ang licans_N.htm
Who knows how many will join the Catholics, but 'one world-one church' all-powerful one shepherd, Pope....the last days are unfolding right before our eyes, all around us, making way for the antichrist.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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Re: Last Days [message #6143 is a reply to message #6142] |
Wed, 21 October 2009 02:10 |
sparkles Messages: 246 Registered: March 2008 |
Senior Member |
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Matt. 10: 16-22 "Behold , I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;
And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.
But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.
For it is not you that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.
And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.
And you shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved."
These are not the days to be spiritually slumbering, because the subtilties, and not so subtilties of our adversary the devil is deceiving multitudes. Seems like there is a weariness in the fight, but be encouraged, God is in control and is putting everything in place for the end to come, when time as we know it will be over and we will be with our Lord forever and ever! We will hear those words we have been longing to hear: Well done thou good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord.
James has shared some very enlightning things of what is going on in these last days. The most recent post about the Catholics and Anglicans is very telling as to the discernment, or lack thereof, in the Anglican church. We hear all over this cry for Unity, but there will be no true unity without it being a unity of the Spirit. We must all strive to be that follower of Jesus that we have been called to be, and pray for God to give us discernment in these last days, so as not to follow the false unity we see everywhere.
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Re: Last Days [message #6156 is a reply to message #6143] |
Tue, 27 October 2009 21:32 |
james Messages: 2140 Registered: April 2008 Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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I have been watching and reading the reactions to the Pope offering The Anglican/Church of England the oppertunity to come back to Catholicism, but keep some of their 'religious traditions' such as allowing the priest to marry and their style of worship.(I'm sure there are others)
In reading an online Anglican news report, one writer says," it is a fascinating moment in a confrontation as much a struggle for the soul of the Church of Rome as the Church of England." Another said that many English traditionalist 'warmly welcome' the Popes offer.
The BBC News reports that a conservative group of about 600 Anglican priests are ready to join the Roman Catholic Church. The more active group among the Anglicans call their movement 'Faith Foward', and the leader, father Geoffrey Kirk, says he intends to convert to Catholicism.
Another quote said that,"the Church of England/Anglican is becoming the church of political correctness."
I never knew anything about the Anglican Church until recently, and with all the controversy surrounding what's going on in America with the Anglican/Episcopal denomination, and now worldwide, I see how easily Satan has deceived these people. They have no root in the Word of God, they stand on their traditions, works, and formal forms of religion.
If there ever was a time for a passage of scripture to apply to anyone, I would think II Corth.6:14-17 applies to those in the Anglican Church who are Christians. Why in the world stay in a man made institution that is so messed up spiritually? Especially when some know better...
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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Re: Last Days [message #6157 is a reply to message #6156] |
Tue, 27 October 2009 22:45 |
sparkles Messages: 246 Registered: March 2008 |
Senior Member |
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It is sad to see the way the Anglican/Church of England is desiring to join up with the Catholic Church. Makes a person wonder if there is any discerning person in the upper levels of decision making. For them to want to be accepted by the anti-christ Catholic church surely is another way we can see how the Anti-Christ will deceive the whole world. When one wants to become a part of a group that has baptismal regeneration, praying to Mary, praying to the saints, purgatory, lighting candles for dead people(with a money donation, of course), making the wafer and wine the literal body and blood of Christ, bowing down to the Pope, kissing the ring on his finger, the murder of multitudes of christians (in the past and also today in other countries), priests and nuns that can't marry, not eating meat during lent, and many other deceptions and errors, you would think any true born again believer would want to run away from them as fast as they could.
Now before some may get a little offended, I am not saying there are no christians in either church, but I am saying that God has better for the believer than being in a compromising, false religion church. Jesus said No man comes to the Father but by Me. In the basic reading of scripture this would leave out Mary and the saints who are to intercede on behalf of people as the Catholic church teaches.
May the God of truth and freedom open the eyes of the people in these churches to the truth of who Jesus is, and how one is to be born again.
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Re: Last Days [message #6164 is a reply to message #6157] |
Fri, 30 October 2009 17:58 |
james Messages: 2140 Registered: April 2008 Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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We've all heard the expression, 'when hell freezes over'; meaning that the odds of something happening are slim to none.
Well here's something that made me wonder... if hell had frozen over. The Vatican (that'd be the Pope of Rome ) released a statement warning parents that Halloween is 'anti-Christian'. A direct quote was, "Halloween has an undercurrent of occultism and is absolutely Anti-Christian."
I said one time if I saw the national news media reporting something positive I'd post it, well they did, and I did.
And while I'm at it, I saw where a church in upstate New York called 'Sleepy Hollow' refused to marry a couple on Halloween in their church. The couple wanted to wear Halloween costumes and play music from horror films, the pastor said no way.
both articles were in USA Today...today
and NO, I'm not coverting to Catholicism...that'd be the Anglicans
The last days.......
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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Re: Last Days [message #6357 is a reply to message #6164] |
Sun, 29 November 2009 16:35 |
james Messages: 2140 Registered: April 2008 Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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America, a nation that has forgotten The Lord...
"And it shall be, when the Lord thy God shall have brought thee into the land which He sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not,
And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full;
Then beware lest thou forget the Lord." De.6:10-12
Today the headlines of Alabama's largest newspaper read: "1 in 6 Alabamians Receive Food Assistance"; that'd be Food Stamps in reality. I was curious as to what the national numbers were, so I checked; about 1 in 10 Americans receive Food Stamps (that's a little over 30 million). This social program is SO abused it's unreal; a person is not supposed to have assets in excess of $2,000 (bank account) plus several other criteria that must be met, proving that the person or persons NEED assistance. I am not against helping others who have needs, in fact I'm FOR it; but what this government has fostered over the last 40 years has resulted in a welfare state (both locally and nationally).
Many lazy people have discovered (and been taught by way of example of their parents) that they can 'work' the system to the point they don't have to 'work'; they can draw SSI disability, Food Stamps, free health care, free lunch programs for the kids at school, government assisted housing, HUGE refunds on their taxes(often times more back in refundable tax credits than they earned in wages), and grants for schooling(should they have the ambition to futher their education, which few do). It's became a way of life to so many that I wonder if anyone ever stops to think how it got this way.
The Word of God says if a man won't work, then he shouldn't eat; are there exceptions where someone is truly disabled, really needing help? Of course there is, and we as christians and as a society should be willing to help. But it's turned into a MASSIVELY abused means by which far too many are using to 'get over' on the system. In our livetimes America has gone from the wealthiest nation to a welfare state(yes, there are still many individuals with tremendous wealth, but the numbers are dropping fast...both individually and as a nation...bailout? recession? bankruptcies? foreclosures?) We're seeing a redistribution of wealth, we'll never repay China what we owe them, and what's such an example of why America is in this state, the corruption of those in authority, both in government and the private sector, has squandered most of the money we borrowed to 'bailout' our economy, and we're about where we started...still in a depression/recession.
No, I've not changed my convictions about a christian becoming involved in the affairs of government, nor avocating getting out and voting; I'm just making observations and commenting on what's going on and my opinion of why...America, as a nation has forgotten God. (an argument could be made that America never has been a christian nation...but I'll not go there today)
I believe we're in the 'Last Days', and what's going on all around us reflects that fact.
Nevertheless, in the midst of turmoil and confussion our God remains faithful to all those who will put their trust in Him. Ps.91, there's no better 'assurance' program available to man.
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee." Is.26:3
[Updated on: Mon, 30 November 2009 00:48] “But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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Re: Last Days [message #6387 is a reply to message #6372] |
Fri, 04 December 2009 19:31 |
james Messages: 2140 Registered: April 2008 Location: Birmingham, AL |
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The Bible warns us that in the last days there will be false christ's rise up.
According to our local news and USA Today we have one here in Birmingham, AL.
Apparently this woman legally had her name changed to Jesus Christ.
Mark 13, In answering Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Jesus started by telling them to take heed lest any man deceive you.
He tells them(and us) all the different signs that will lead up to the fullfillment of the promise of His return.
V22"For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect."
I don't know if she has shown any signs and wonders yet, but nothing surprises me anymore.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2009-12-03-jesus-chris t-name_N.htm
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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Re: Last Days [message #6398 is a reply to message #6387] |
Sun, 06 December 2009 17:50 |
james Messages: 2140 Registered: April 2008 Location: Birmingham, AL |
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It appears that the Episcopal church is determined to see just how much reproach they can bring upon the name of Christ. Now not only have they ordained openly 'gay' homosexual men as Bishops over diocese; in the Los Angeles diocese of 70,000 parishioners they have elected a 'lesbian' woman as Bishop.
I have no idea if the Episcopals/Anglicans ever were Biblical in their doctrines, I'm almost certain that most of their ritualistic litanies and formal attire has carried over from Catholicism. But today they are so far from anything that resembles the pattern of a church as shown in the NT that it's amazing.
The head Bishop Diocesan J. John Bruno had this to say on their website, in defense of Mary Glasspool, the new woman homosexual Bishop..."If by chance people are going to withold consents because of Mary's sexuality, it would be a violation of the canons of this church."
Heb.12:1 speaks of the 'great cloud of witnesses' who have gone on before us...wonder what they think of many of these churches of today?
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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Re: Last Days [message #6399 is a reply to message #6398] |
Sun, 06 December 2009 18:28 |
sparkles Messages: 246 Registered: March 2008 |
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James wrote:
"The head Bishop Diocesan J. John Bruno had this to say on their website, in defense of Mary Glasspool, the new woman homosexual Bishop..."If by chance people are going to withold consents because of Mary's sexuality, it would be a violation of the canons of this church."
With all due respect I couldn't care less what the canon of a church is when it clearly violates the Word of God. Whether it is homosexual men or women, or baptismal regeneration(which I am not sure the Episcopal churches teaches or not), praying to the dead saints, praying to Mary, lighting a candle to help get a loved one out of purgatory quicker, bowing down to a man they call a pope, confessions to a man so you can be forgiven your sins or any other clear violation of scripture.
As far as the sodomite issue and other clear compromises the bible is very clear in 2 Cor 6:14-18 about coming out from among them. The Lord commands us to come out from among them and be separate, and touch not the unclean. Then the Lord gives us a promise: "I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." Does this imply that He will not be a Father to the person who stays with the unclean, the unrighteous, the idols, the unbelievers and darkness? You read the scripture and make your own conclusion, it is very clear.
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Re: Last Days [message #6400 is a reply to message #6398] |
Sun, 06 December 2009 18:33 |
Mark L Messages: 855 Registered: October 2006 Location: Canada |
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I have no idea if the Episcopals/Anglicans ever were Biblical in their doctrines
The short answer is they were. Very. There still are a great number of Anglicans who are orthodox and born again. Including some who I have a great deal of respect for. Like J I Packer. It was the Anglicans who translated the KJV. There are some words and phrases in the KJV that are true to the original but not carried by any of the modern translations. Referring to spiritual beings and other odd concepts. My point is that only clued in xians would have picked up on what the original language was saying.
It is also for the most part third world anglicans who are standing against the whole gay thing in their church. Not sure if they have the HS but seem to be born again.
It was J I Packer the Anglican who headed up the (formal) resistance to the liberals in english evangelicalism. They were very successful to a large degree in turning the tide against them. This would have been about 50 yrs ago.
I don't have a lot of in depth knowledge on this subject but I do know that the original church was orthodox and biblical. I have long suspected that much of the original Anglicans and Puritans had the Baptism HS. I realize here that your interest is more 20/21 century and US focused. I also know that there is a great number of US episcapalians who are orthodox and standing against this nonsense.
I would recomend anything written by J.I. Packer or John Stott. Both very elderly non charismatic Anglicans who have written extensively on matters of the faith. Both men were bastians of Orthodoxy standing against the inroads by the liberals in the mid 20th century.
What US Episcapalians need is an Amos to come roaring into the church calling them back to orthodoxy. Unfortunately there doesn't appear to much in the way of leadership anywhere in christiandom today.
I'd also like to add on a personal note that I usually only comment here when something catches my interest. It doesn't mean I'm not around or not reading. I consider this place my home on the web.
You can read
"Meanderings on Scripture by Mark
https://mlederman.substack.com/
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Re: Last Days [message #6401 is a reply to message #6400] |
Sun, 06 December 2009 18:51 |
james Messages: 2140 Registered: April 2008 Location: Birmingham, AL |
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Thanks for the insight, Mark and glad to have 'caught' your interest.
Just a question you might have knowledge of, are these churches in Canada (Episcopalian and Angelican) as liberal as the ones here in America? I personally know a young man who is in an Episcopalian seminary studying to be a minister. I know they're very formal in worship and use a book called 'Book of Common Prayer' for much of their services. They wear robes and have the inside of the churches designed much like the Catholic churches.
If they originally had the Baptism, wonder why they've gotten away from it? This guy has matter of factly(after all, he IS in the seminary)stated to me that all gifts ended in 70 A.D.and the Baptism is not from God today. I guess he's implying that I got it from another source...But like most 24 year olds, he already knows everything, so what ever I share with him he has the correct answer to refute it.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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Re: Last Days [message #6415 is a reply to message #6400] |
Mon, 07 December 2009 20:36 |
james Messages: 2140 Registered: April 2008 Location: Birmingham, AL |
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Hardbones wrote on Sun, 06 December 2009 12:33 |
I would recomend anything written by J.I. Packer or John Stott. Both very elderly non charismatic Anglicans who have written extensively on matters of the faith. Both men were bastians of Orthodoxy standing against the inroads by the liberals in the mid 20th century.
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First of all Mark, I'm not trying to be argumentative or coming against your opinion, I just have questions about these men. When I did the 'Christianity Explored' class put on by the folks from the local Presbyterian and Episcopal churches, there was several references made of these men by the guys. Then when they wanted to have a men's Bible study(using a scripted study guide with many commentaries from different people, with very little actual 'studying' of the Bible) both of these guys were used quite often. So in doing a little reading from the 'bible study guide' in advance, I came upon numerous quotes attributed to them or books they'd written. (I had/have very little background knowledge or understanding of those denominations, Church of England/Anglican, Episcopal,or Presbyterian)
I read a quote from J.I.Packer concerning unity of the different 'faiths' and a book or document about it; so I checked into it and according to what I read, he, J.I.Packer endorsed the ECT, Evangelicals and Catholics Together in 1994. I have read that he is conservative and is against the ordaining of homosexuals and women in the Canadian Anglican Church. I also know the book he's most well know for,"Knowing God", is scripturally sound and highly thought of. But when men of their influence embrace Roman Catholicism and refuse to acknowledge the Baptism of The Holy Spirt as for today, I can't see give that much credence to what they have to say.(or at least am very guarded and careful when reading their opinions...and they ARE opinions, when they state as doctrine that all gifts and evidence of The Holy Spirits' presence with the evidence of speaking in tongues ceased after the apostles died out.)
Isn't that how deceptions are slipped into the church, in subtle things like accepting the Catholic doctrines for the sake of 'unity'? It does appear that a majority of what they write is fundamentally right and that they are really trying to point their church(Anglican) back away from the liberialism it seems to have fallen into over the last few decades.
The perfect example of it is the young men who attended the class and are now having the weekly bible study(I decided not to do the bible study, after reading the material). They are in the seminary (one studying to be a Presbyterian minister and the other to be an Episcolalian minister) and look up to these men and are highly influenced by their writtings.(when we would discuss things like the pattern of a church, and I'd refer to the book of Acts and the 'gifts' and The Holy Spirit, they would quote J.I.Packer or some other esteemed man their denomination believed to be right, instead of quoting The Word of God as the reason why they believed or didn't believe in the supernatural power of God.)
From reading the material endorsed and put out by their church, there is more credence given to the writtings of J.I.Packer than those of Paul. Here we have 'kids'(early 20's) explaining away what God's Word teaches, using as proof text the writtings of men who don't even have The Holy Spirit. And while you and I can probably read through and gleen meat from the bones, those young in the Lord and without proper teaching and discernment are being deceived into believing that the NT church WAS just that, a church in The New Testament...and the formal, dry, dead, works driven man-made system they're attending and preparing to be leaders in, is in fact what Jesus had in mind when establishing HIS CHURCH.
Have I missed it somewhere, or gotten too narrow, should we just go along to get along? I just see right before my eyes what happens when we don't have God's Word as our foundation, the houses we build aren't structurally sound and will fall at some point. Here comes a new generation of leadership in the 'church' and they're not equipted to lead God's people, so people wind up farther and farther from God, while getting busier and busier with works that are wood, hay, and stubble. They really push 'planting churches' and community action and good works; which is good if done with the right motives, but it's like we've seen over and over, the sheep aren't being feed the Word of God or being introduced to a 'relationship' with Jesus...just fundraising and programs and the propagating of THEIR church doctrines.
I think it's important what we read, believe, and endorse. That's my purpose in sharing this, not to come against you personally, my brother. I appreciate you and love you in Christ.
God bless,
james
[Updated on: Mon, 07 December 2009 22:40] “But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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Re: Last Days [message #6416 is a reply to message #6400] |
Tue, 08 December 2009 00:25 |
james Messages: 2140 Registered: April 2008 Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Hardbones wrote on Sun, 06 December 2009 12:33 |
What US Episcapalians need is an Amos to come roaring into the church calling them back to orthodoxy. Unfortunately there doesn't appear to much in the way of leadership anywhere in christiandom today.
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I was reading an online news site called, "VirtueOnline"...The Voice for Global Orthodox Anglicanism. This link I'm providing takes you to a liturgy given by an Episcopal PRIEST in Arkansas, on 'All Saints Day', Sunday Nov.1, 2009 called, 'Litany of all the Saints of God'.
AMAZING!!!
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php? storyid=11596
And in response to questioning the bishop says it's been done for 10 years and that..."The liturgy is the primary method by which we teach theology in the Episcopal Church".
Well, that would explain why they're in the spiritual condition they're in today.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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Re: Last Days [message #6438 is a reply to message #6417] |
Thu, 10 December 2009 22:28 |
james Messages: 2140 Registered: April 2008 Location: Birmingham, AL |
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USA Today had an interesting article in the religious section today about the mixing of religious beliefs (such as Eastern Religion and New Age)into christianity. The Pew Forum conducted a survey and concluded that the church is in trouble.(my paraphrase)(not the true Church, The Bride of Christ; but the institutional manmade church)
http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2009-12-10-1Amixingbel iefs10_CV_N.htm
btw: Even though I regularly read through the religious section of USA Today and post links to articles that depict the decline of 'the modern church' or stories about what's going on within the church system, I don't use that as the source my conviction that we're in the 'last days'. But it does give some insight(imo) as to what's happening throughout christianity.(yeah, mostly the bad....and I'm sure someone reading will say to themselves, 'not in my church'...Praise God that there are groups of believers/assemblies/bodies who aren't caught up in the downward spiral; but many, many are...as evidenced by just looking around and talking with 'professing christians', it's pretty much like what's portrayed)
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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Re: Last Days [message #6447 is a reply to message #6438] |
Sun, 13 December 2009 00:10 |
james Messages: 2140 Registered: April 2008 Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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This posted link is just for the 'guys' who don't attend church regularly...no peeking ladies
http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2009-12-11-football-me n-church_N.htm
Hey William, think this could work with your Sunday school class?
Hey now, don't roll your eyes, here's the pastors response:
"If we can attract one man to come to church, heaven will be happy."
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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Re: Last Days [message #6448 is a reply to message #6447] |
Sun, 13 December 2009 02:40 |
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william Messages: 1463 Registered: January 2006 |
Senior Member Administrator |
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Quote: | "If we can attract one man to come to church, heaven will be
happy."
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Jesus said it best:
Mt 23:15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye
compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make
him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.
Men don't go to "church" because there is nothing more pathetic than to
be told when to sit, when to stand, and when to open up your pocketbook
and give till it hurts. After that turn around and tell your neighbour
"God loves a cheerful giver".
Today's sermon: Tithing Secrets (or how to get a hundredfold return on
your investment).
Before we get started can we have all of the men stand up... men, we
want to honour you today... everyone, let's give our men a round of
applause for being "men". <cheers, whistles...>
Next we'd like to also remember all of those who are killing those
scum-bags over in the desert... <cheers, whistles, huge roar of
approval!> Let's not forget our missionaries... they are over in
foreign lands making proselytes out of those ignorant people who walk
around half naked. Don't forget the Dress Pantry in the back... donate
your old dresses ladies... let's get those people properly dressed.
And who can forget those "darlings of tomorrow" -- our children!
<cheers, whistles, roar of approval!> Before we let them go to their
classes, lets take up the offering...
Ushers, you can make your way to the front now... be seated everyone
while Frank Sinatra sings "I did it God's waaay".
----Do this every week for 30 or 40 years and the only men left are
those who have been lobotomised.----
Women may hang around because they are stuck with all of the jobs around
the church... cooking, cleaning, fund-drives, organ-grinding...
essentially everything that needs to be done in the church-- except of
course, the preaching.
----You want to puke now, or do you want to hear the message on tithing
first? <grin>
This is the "Rant" section, right?
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Re: Last Days [message #6449 is a reply to message #6448] |
Sun, 13 December 2009 03:04 |
james Messages: 2140 Registered: April 2008 Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Yeah, let's hear the tithing one; and while you're at it throw in some 'seed' sowing advice, about 100% return, financial anointing, restoration of every dime I've ever given to charlatans, and what the lastest prophetic 'word' number is for 2010.
Guess I shouldn't 'rattle' cages if I'm skeerd of the results.
You need to chill out...Go click on that foreign opera singer ya'll think sounds so 'beautiful'...<really grinning>
I wuz just trying to get ya to wear your Mark Ingram jersey to church tomorrow...
[Updated on: Sun, 13 December 2009 03:04] “But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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Re: Last Days [message #6451 is a reply to message #6449] |
Sun, 13 December 2009 14:24 |
james Messages: 2140 Registered: April 2008 Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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It's so good to see the influence the church of today is having upon society. In Houston, Texas there are more 'mega churches' than anywhere else, here's just a few of the larger ones; Lakewood Church 43,500 (Joel Osteen); Second Baptist Church 23,659(Ed Young); Fellowship of the Woodlands 15,600; New Light Christian Center 13,500; Fountain of Praise 11,752; The Church Without Walls 8,250...these are the ones I could find, add all the hundreds of smaller ones and you've got some major church membership in that city.
Yet with all those mega-church and their cell groups, church planting, emerging, social programs, political influences, and vast community presence.......
Yesterday Houston elected a homosexual(lesbian) mayor to run their city. Now Houston is the 4th largest city in America so obviously everyone living there doesn't attend church, but if asked, I'd imagine that the vast majority of the citizens would profess to be 'christian' and truly believe that we are still 'one nation under God' and under His blessings. It's hard to believe that in our livetimes that this nation has fallen SO far, yet it doesn't really supprise us, does it?
God's judgement is coming, surely we are in the last days. Pray that we may be counted worthy at His coming... Pray for God's mercy on America.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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Re: Last Days [message #6455 is a reply to message #6451] |
Sun, 13 December 2009 16:46 |
Mark L Messages: 855 Registered: October 2006 Location: Canada |
Senior Member |
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First of all Mark, I'm not trying to be argumentative or coming against your opinion, I just have questions about these men.
OK Here's what I think James.
The issue of RC's and evangelicals together? I'm not sure of my opinion on that. I think they were dealing with born again RC's trying to find common ground.
Both the men I mentioned and others as well stood as bastions (sp?) of orthodoxy back in the mid 20th century and they were very effective. This was mostly prior to the charismatic movement which started in the mid 60's.
I agree with your concerns about the Baptism HS and leadership. I think in this end time every true born again Xian (including John Macarthur) is going to get it. Whether they like it or not. There will be no other way for a Xian to stand. Lots to say on that.
Probably the easiest way to explain where I stand is to share what happened to me.
Have you ever noticed that charismatic authors only write books on charismatic issues. Freeman for e.g. All his books were on charismatic issues except 2. And they are both pre BHS.
On my bookshelf close to me
Charnock on the attributes
Bright on the Kingdom
Warfield /Walvrood/London Christology
Hodge/Robertson/Young/Archer/Eric Sauer/Lightfoot/Watson/
All classics and as far as I am aware all noncharismatic. The charismatic movement has gone on for 40+ yrs and we simply don't write anything. Except on charismatic issues and end times.
I also realize I'm generalizing here. One would think with the BHS we would be getting books with deep understanding. Yet we simply don't write anything. Look at all the prophets running around the charismatic church. Now I agree with your opinion on that but I also think there are some true ones. So why (rhetorical question here) does it seem to be the only thing they can do is read everyone’s mail. One would think we would be getting deep or deeper revelation on whats coming or the doctrine of Christ.
I am charismatic BHS and faith message to the core. I thank God for the ministry of Hobart Freeman in my life. When I first got into this (way back) I embraced it wholeheartedly. To some extent unthinkingly. The unintended result at least in my life was it built walls around me. After Freeman’s death and the breaking up of our faith church I was left more or less on my own. God began to deal with me on his plans for me and I began to study.
Some of Freemans material (theology/ Jeremiah) Proverbs on Sunday mornings (because did I need wisdom) Then books started coming my way. I started getting Christianity today magazine (the lord didn't want me to get charisma) I found the magazine somewhat dry but I started finding some of the authurs wrote articles that spoke to my heart. I found that the books and articles were written by men (mostly) some passed on some still with us that were lively interesting knowedgable that spoke to my heart knowledge and understanding about God and spiritual things. As far as I am aware mostly noncharismatic men. As I read and studied the walls the faith message had built around me began to come down. They came down mostly because of the writings of noncharismatic men.
I think we are now in the time when the bridegroom has delayed his coming. There isn't a whole lot going on. We in the faith message are waiting on God. Almost like the calm before the storm. I think there is a storm coming. Both in the world and spiritually. I don't think we have gotten to the beginning of sorrows yet. As I said earlier I believe every Xian in the world is going to get the BHS and speak in tongues. There will simply be no other way to survive.
So here I think is where I answer your question James. I have affection for many of these authors because of their effect on my life. I think they write intelligently & spiritually on the things they know about. One can only wonder how far they could have gone if they had received the BHS. And that is a shame. But and to my mind it is a big but I really don't think it matters too much. Not because the BHS doesn't matter because it does. I think it is essential. But because we are in a time of calm and preparation and not much happening and it doesn't matter a whole lot what anyone does. The storm is coming and these matters will be straightened out.
Lastly I'd like to say that 11 Tim 3/5 is in the bible too. And right in the context of perilous times and the last days.
"Having a form of Godliness but denying the power thereof. From such turn away"
To be honest I simply don't know how to deal with that. I guess in context to everything I said above I just think as we get further into the end times things will become much more black and white.
Well If I made any sense here and you're not just throwing your hands up in the air over such a one as I then feel free to comment
[Updated on: Sun, 13 December 2009 16:48] You can read
"Meanderings on Scripture by Mark
https://mlederman.substack.com/
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