Results 21 - 40 of 74
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Results from: Notes Author: teragram123 Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
21 | God has not changed | Mal 3:1 | teragram123 | 54831 | ||
God is still a covenant God. 2 Tim. 3:1-3 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. [2] For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, [3] Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, The apostacy of these last days does not change what God is, even though mankind has broken his part of covenants, God still will require it at our hands. No sin is unpardonable if we confess it (except blasphemy of the Holy Spirit) but the American gospel has hardened us against repentance. What God calls sin is sin and must be confessed and cleanse or be required at our hands. The church must get back to the Commission of Christ.. the gospel. Eze 3:17-20 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. [18] When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. [19] Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. [20] Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 21 Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul. |
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22 | title deed to the earth | Matt 4:8 | teragram123 | 60301 | ||
It is clear in this passage that Christ did not refute the statement that satan had made.. that he had the claim of the earth and could give it over to Christ without Him having to go to the Cross. The title deed to the earth was held at this time by satan, but Christ would soon win it from him in the battle on the cross and lead captivity captive. |
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23 | RAVENING WOLVES OF DECEPTION | Matt 7:15 | teragram123 | 62567 | ||
RAVENING WOLVES OF DECEPTION Wolves will be among the flock... Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Acts 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. RAVENOUS - extremely hungry; famished; starved, searching greedily for prey WOLF - a predatory or greedy person. PREDATORY - living on the flesh of other animals The enemy feeds on the flesh of man... his fate is to eat dust... man is made of the dust. Walking in the flesh thus feeds satan and strengthens his hold on the Christian. Christ warned of deception... Matthew 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. There would be many... Matthew 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. They will have the power to convince... Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. elect - eklektos, select; by implication favorite, chosen, elect. Heresies come by them... 2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who private shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. heresies - hairesis, properly a choice, i.e. (special) a party or (abstract) disunion - heresy [which is the Greek word itself], sect. We are warned to not to assume anything... 1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. assume - 1. to suppose (something) to be true without evidence; take for granted: 2. to take something as a matter of fact without proof. The Bereans were commended for being cautious... Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Discernment is not assumption... Discernment - diakrisis, judicial estimation - discern (-ing), disputation. Judicial - proceeding from a court of justice We are told to “mark” the deceivers... Romans 16:17-18 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. [18] For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. Wrong thinking corrupts the whole... 1 Cor. 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. corrupt - phtheiro(to pine or waste); properly to shrivel or wither, i.e. to spoil (by any process) or (genitive) to ruin (especially figurative by moral influences, to deprave) - corrupt (self), defile, destroy. Galatians 5:9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. conversation - generally the going out and in of social intercourse (Eph. 2:3; Eph. 4:22; R.V., “manner of life”); one's deportment or course of life. This word is never used in Scripture in the sense of verbal communication from one to another satan has a planned strategy to capture by it... Eph. 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; The wrath of God comes upon those who are led astray by it... Eph. 5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. |
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24 | RAVENING WOLVES OF DECEPTION | Matt 7:15 | teragram123 | 62568 | ||
RAVENING WOLVES OF DECEPTION Wolves will be among the flock... Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Acts 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. RAVENOUS - extremely hungry; famished; starved, searching greedily for prey WOLF - a predatory or greedy person. PREDATORY - living on the flesh of other animals The enemy feeds on the flesh of man... his fate is to eat dust... man is made of the dust. Walking in the flesh thus feeds satan and strengthens his hold on the Christian. Christ warned of deception... Matthew 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. There would be many... Matthew 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. They will have the power to convince... Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. elect - eklektos, select; by implication favorite, chosen, elect. Heresies come by them... 2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who private shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. heresies - hairesis, properly a choice, i.e. (special) a party or (abstract) disunion - heresy [which is the Greek word itself], sect. We are warned to not to assume anything... 1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. assume - 1. to suppose (something) to be true without evidence; take for granted: 2. to take something as a matter of fact without proof. The Bereans were commended for being cautious... Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Discernment is not assumption... Discernment - diakrisis, judicial estimation - discern (-ing), disputation. Judicial - proceeding from a court of justice We are told to “mark” the deceivers... Romans 16:17-18 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. [18] For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. Wrong thinking corrupts the whole... 1 Cor. 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. corrupt - phtheiro(to pine or waste); properly to shrivel or wither, i.e. to spoil (by any process) or (genitive) to ruin (especially figurative by moral influences, to deprave) - corrupt (self), defile, destroy. Galatians 5:9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. conversation - generally the going out and in of social intercourse (Eph. 2:3; Eph. 4:22; R.V., “manner of life”); one's deportment or course of life. This word is never used in Scripture in the sense of verbal communication from one to another satan has a planned strategy to capture by it... Eph. 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; The wrath of God comes upon those who are led astray by it... Eph. 5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. |
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25 | RAVENING WOLVES OF DECEPTION | Matt 7:15 | teragram123 | 62569 | ||
Eph. 5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. vain words - kenos, empty (literal or figurative) - empty, (in) vain. 1. not leading to a desirable or lasting effect; futile; fruitless We are warned that things will get worse with time... 2 Tim. 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. These deceivers are not outside the Church!... Titus 1:10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Christ Himself will reward the watchful believers... Luke 12:37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. Steadfast continuance is required .... Eph. 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; watching - agrupneo, 1 (a) (as negative particle) and Greek 5258 (hupnos); to be sleepless, i.e. keep awake - watch. The enemy makes use of our idleness... Matthew 13:25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. 222 references to truth Those who know God personally are open to the gospel... 1 John 4:6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. Those who desire to live un-righteously are deceiving themselves... 2 Thes. 2:7-12 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. [8] And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: [9] Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, [10] And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. [11] And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: [12] That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. NIV - 2 Thes. 2:10-12 and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. [11] For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie [12] and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness. apate, delusion - deceit (-ful, -fulness), deceivableness (-ving). 2 Thes. 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: delusion - plane, (as abstract); object fraudulence; subject a straying from orthodoxy or piety :- deceit, to deceive, delusion, error. Unbelief will damn the soul... 2 Thes. 2:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. Faith will be greatly challenged in the last days... 1 Tim. 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Christ spoke of lack of faith on the earth... Luke 18:8 Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? |
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26 | RAVENING WOLVES OF DECEPTION | Matt 7:15 | teragram123 | 62570 | ||
Eph. 5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. vain words - kenos, empty (literal or figurative) - empty, (in) vain. 1. not leading to a desirable or lasting effect; futile; fruitless We are warned that things will get worse with time... 2 Tim. 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. These deceivers are not outside the Church!... Titus 1:10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Christ Himself will reward the watchful believers... Luke 12:37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. Steadfast continuance is required .... Eph. 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; watching - agrupneo, 1 (a) (as negative particle) and Greek 5258 (hupnos); to be sleepless, i.e. keep awake - watch. The enemy makes use of our idleness... Matthew 13:25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. 222 references to truth Those who know God personally are open to the gospel... 1 John 4:6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. Those who desire to live un-righteously are deceiving themselves... 2 Thes. 2:7-12 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. [8] And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: [9] Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, [10] And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. [11] And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: [12] That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. NIV - 2 Thes. 2:10-12 and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. [11] For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie [12] and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness. apate, delusion - deceit (-ful, -fulness), deceivableness (-ving). 2 Thes. 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: delusion - plane, (as abstract); object fraudulence; subject a straying from orthodoxy or piety :- deceit, to deceive, delusion, error. Unbelief will damn the soul... 2 Thes. 2:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. Faith will be greatly challenged in the last days... 1 Tim. 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Christ spoke of lack of faith on the earth... Luke 18:8 Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? |
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27 | freely YOU have recieved... go do likewi | Matt 10:8 | teragram123 | 62991 | ||
Andrew Strom, Thunder Ministries, PO Box 12-1022, Henderson, NEW ZEALAND 1008 From: Andrew Strom In regard to "The church charging", this is something that God has challenged me about personally over the years,in very practical areas. Let me share with you some of the ways He has led us to do things. As you probably know, we make entry Free to all our conferences and so on. I just cannot go along with the idea of charging people to come and hear the word of God. I mean, what is next - charging people to come to church on Sunday? Isn't it the same principle? I have been strongly influenced in my attitude toward this by Keith Green, who stated: "I will never do a ticketed concert. If the Lord chooses to increase my standard of living, then I will increase my standard of giving. I don't think a Christian should get rich off Jesus, except spiritually." - Challenging words - especially in today's climate. As much as possible, we now make our CD's and books available for a donation rather than a set price, so even people with little money can get a copy. (Again, this is very similar to Keith Green's policy). However, we recently had to put my new book "The Coming Street Revival" into Christian bookstores across NZ, and so I had to come up with a set retail price. It now sells in the shops for the equivalent of 4 dollars U.S or so. I just can't understand why so many books need to be so expensive in Christian shops. Having said all of that, I am now virtually full-time in Christian ministry (apart from a little English tutoring that I do). And I am constantly faced with the dilemma of how we are going to survive as a family long-term. We have six children and a mortgage, and I left a secure job as a teacher several months ago because it just got too overwhelming trying to do ministry and work full-time. So I can see why many ministries try and make things more "secure" in the financial area by charging money for things. However, I cannot believe that it is right to do so. I do believe in "muzzling not the ox who treads out the corn" and also "counting those who teach well as worthy of double honour." I feel it is right that there be financial blessing in the lives of God's servants so that all of their needs are met. Those who are being fed by a particular ministry should be sowing into that ministry. But I cannot believe that preachers should be living like kings. And I cannot believe that they should be spending 20 minutes begging for offerings. No wonder the world stands aghast! Below are a few other brief emails on this. God bless you all. - Andrew Strom. ****************************************** I recently went to a well-known female minister's seminar in our local colliseum. At least one fourth of her time was spent pushing and selling her books and tapes. It was almost like she was a one-woman corporate entity... not a ministry. God Bless her... but there were alot of poor minority people in the audience... Everyone was told to give 100 dollars to the ministry. (Suggested, not commanded). It grieved me terribly. A lot of the people in the audience were economically disadvantaged. This dear woman, who probably does have a gift of teaching, stood there in her fancy clothes with rhinestones and pressured people to buy, buy, buy... as if that was the answer. Yes, Jesus was preached and also the Gospel... It's become so accepted in our church culture. I thought I was weird to be so strongly turned off. Economically disadvantaged people are often the easiest to fall prey to these techniques and the myth that if you buy this tape set... your problems will go away. --------------- Thank you for that timely reminder about making the Church a vehicle for commerce. For some time I have been concerned about the commercialisation of the Gospel, and feel that Christians should think carefully before supporting these high profile profiteers with high priced seminars, books and tapes. They would not be able to continue this exploitation without the compliance of sincere, well-meaning, but gullible followers who attend their seminars and buy their wares. While I have no objection to authors and speakers defraying their expenses, I am saddened to see folk contributing to these people without question. ------------- It has always bothered me when you have to pay to go to a conference or some special meeting. The Gospel is free and why these men who put them on cannot trust the Lord to cover the conference or whatever is a mystery to me. I don't have anything against men selling books or CD's or whatever, but I do have a problem when someone says come to this or that but there is a cover charge of 35 or 55 dollars or more, just to get into the meeting. To me this is wrong and we as Christians need to stop supporting these types of meetings and then see what these Ministers do? |
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28 | freely YOU recieved... go do likewise | Matt 10:8 | teragram123 | 62992 | ||
Andrew Strom, Thunder Ministries, PO Box 12-1022, Henderson, NEW ZEALAND 1008 From: Andrew Strom In regard to "The church charging", this is something that God has challenged me about personally over the years,in very practical areas. Let me share with you some of the ways He has led us to do things. As you probably know, we make entry Free to all our conferences and so on. I just cannot go along with the idea of charging people to come and hear the word of God. I mean, what is next - charging people to come to church on Sunday? Isn't it the same principle? I have been strongly influenced in my attitude toward this by Keith Green, who stated: "I will never do a ticketed concert. If the Lord chooses to increase my standard of living, then I will increase my standard of giving. I don't think a Christian should get rich off Jesus, except spiritually." - Challenging words - especially in today's climate. As much as possible, we now make our CD's and books available for a donation rather than a set price, so even people with little money can get a copy. (Again, this is very similar to Keith Green's policy). However, we recently had to put my new book "The Coming Street Revival" into Christian bookstores across NZ, and so I had to come up with a set retail price. It now sells in the shops for the equivalent of 4 dollars U.S or so. I just can't understand why so many books need to be so expensive in Christian shops. Having said all of that, I am now virtually full-time in Christian ministry (apart from a little English tutoring that I do). And I am constantly faced with the dilemma of how we are going to survive as a family long-term. We have six children and a mortgage, and I left a secure job as a teacher several months ago because it just got too overwhelming trying to do ministry and work full-time. So I can see why many ministries try and make things more "secure" in the financial area by charging money for things. However, I cannot believe that it is right to do so. I do believe in "muzzling not the ox who treads out the corn" and also "counting those who teach well as worthy of double honour." I feel it is right that there be financial blessing in the lives of God's servants so that all of their needs are met. Those who are being fed by a particular ministry should be sowing into that ministry. But I cannot believe that preachers should be living like kings. And I cannot believe that they should be spending 20 minutes begging for offerings. No wonder the world stands aghast! Below are a few other brief emails on this. God bless you all. - Andrew Strom. ****************************************** I recently went to a well-known female minister's seminar in our local colliseum. At least one fourth of her time was spent pushing and selling her books and tapes. It was almost like she was a one-woman corporate entity... not a ministry. God Bless her... but there were alot of poor minority people in the audience... Everyone was told to give 100 dollars to the ministry. (Suggested, not commanded). It grieved me terribly. A lot of the people in the audience were economically disadvantaged. This dear woman, who probably does have a gift of teaching, stood there in her fancy clothes with rhinestones and pressured people to buy, buy, buy... as if that was the answer. Yes, Jesus was preached and also the Gospel... It's become so accepted in our church culture. I thought I was weird to be so strongly turned off. Economically disadvantaged people are often the easiest to fall prey to these techniques and the myth that if you buy this tape set... your problems will go away. --------------- Thank you for that timely reminder about making the Church a vehicle for commerce. For some time I have been concerned about the commercialisation of the Gospel, and feel that Christians should think carefully before supporting these high profile profiteers with high priced seminars, books and tapes. They would not be able to continue this exploitation without the compliance of sincere, well-meaning, but gullible followers who attend their seminars and buy their wares. While I have no objection to authors and speakers defraying their expenses, I am saddened to see folk contributing to these people without question. ------------- It has always bothered me when you have to pay to go to a conference or some special meeting. The Gospel is free and why these men who put them on cannot trust the Lord to cover the conference or whatever is a mystery to me. I don't have anything against men selling books or CD's or whatever, but I do have a problem when someone says come to this or that but there is a cover charge of 35 or 55 dollars or more, just to get into the meeting. To me this is wrong and we as Christians need to stop supporting these types of meetings and then see what these Ministers do? |
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29 | freely recieved.. do thou likewise | Matt 10:8 | teragram123 | 62993 | ||
I want to share this email with the forum Thunder Ministries From:Andrew Strom In regard to "The church charging", this is something that God has challenged me about personally over the years,in very practical areas. Let me share with you some of the ways He has led us to do things. As you probably know, we make entry Free to all our conferences and so on. I just cannot go along with the idea of charging people to come and hear the word of God. I mean, what is next - charging people to come to church on Sunday? Isn't it the same principle? I have been strongly influenced in my attitude toward this by Keith Green, who stated: "I will never do a ticketed concert. If the Lord chooses to increase my standard of living, then I will increase my standard of giving. I don't think a Christian should get rich off Jesus, except spiritually." Challenging words especially in today's climate. As much as possible, we now make our CD's and books available for a donation rather than a set price, so even people with little money can get a copy. (Again, this is very similar to Keith Green's policy). However, we recently had to put my new book "The Coming Street Revival" into Christian bookstores across NZ, and so I had to come up with a set retail price. It now sells in the shops for the equivalent of 4 dollars U.S or so. I just can't understand why so many books need to be so expensive in Christian shops. Having said all of that, I am now virtually full-time in Christian ministry (apart from a little English tutoring that I do). And I am constantly faced with the dilemma of how we are going to survive as a family long-term. We have six children and a mortgage, and I left a secure job as a teacher several months ago because it just got too overwhelming trying to do ministry and work full-time. So I can see why many ministries try and make things more "secure" in the financial area by charging money for things. However, I cannot believe that it is right to do so. I do believe in "muzzling not the ox who treads out the corn" and also "counting those who teach well as worthy of double honour." I feel it is right that there be financial blessing in the lives of God's servants so that all of their needs are met. Those who are being fed by a particular ministry should be sowing into that ministry. But I cannot believe that preachers should be living like kings. And I cannot believe that they should be spending 20 minutes begging for offerings. No wonder the world stands aghast! Below are a few other brief emails on this. God bless you all. - Andrew Strom. ****************************************** I recently went to a well-known female minister's seminar in our local colliseum. At least one fourth of her time was spent pushing and selling her books and tapes. It was almost like she was a one-woman corporate entity... not a ministry. God Bless her... but there were alot of poor minority people in the audience... Everyone was told to give 100 dollars to the ministry. (Suggested, not commanded). It grieved me terribly. A lot of the people in the audience were economically disadvantaged. This dear woman, who probably does have a gift of teaching, stood there in her fancy clothes with rhinestones and pressured people to buy, buy, buy... as if that was the answer. Yes, Jesus was preached and also the Gospel... It's become so accepted in our church culture. I thought I was weird to be so strongly turned off. Economically disadvantaged people are often the easiest to fall prey to these techniques and the myth that if you buy this tape set... your problems will go away. --------------- Thank you for that timely reminder about making the Church a vehicle for commerce. For some time I have been concerned about the commercialisation of the Gospel, and feel that Christians should think carefully before supporting these high profile profiteers with high priced seminars, books and tapes. They would not be able to continue this exploitation without the compliance of sincere, well-meaning, but gullible followers who attend their seminars and buy their wares. While I have no objection to authors and speakers defraying their expenses, I am saddened to see folk contributing to these people without question. ------------- It has always bothered me when you have to pay to go to a conference or some special meeting. The Gospel is free and why these men who put them on cannot trust the Lord to cover the conference or whatever is a mystery to me. I don't have anything against men selling books or CD's or whatever, but I do have a problem when someone says come to this or that but there is a cover charge of 35 or 55 dollars or more, just to get into the meeting. To me this is wrong and we as Christians need to stop supporting these types of meetings and then see what these Ministers do? |
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30 | freely YOU have recieved... go do likewi | Matt 10:8 | teragram123 | 62997 | ||
sorry for the duplicates... my pc is slow... clicked to many times.. | ||||||
31 | Where is the Cross? | Matt 16:24 | teragram123 | 58094 | ||
In Christ's Image Weekly Message August 16, 2002 Pastor Francis Frangipane * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * WHERE IS THE DISCIPLE'S CROSS? We in our world have a different version of Christianity than that which Christ founded in the first century. Our version secures a hope in the afterlife, but does little to change us in the present life. We are still as easily offended and as unloving as those who do not know Christ -- and we are certainly just as divisive. Yes, we marvel at what Christ accomplished at Calvary, but we shrink from what He desires to fulfill in us. We desire His blessings, but not His backbone. Because we have diluted the full purpose of Christianity, which is conformity to Christ, the power to transform us is likewise diluted. As a result, our leaders fall, marriages fail and the gospel is reduced to a course on ethics, which we can take or leave since God forgives us anyway. As awesome as being forgiven is, the Son of God did not lay down His life only to secure forgiveness; the eternal goal of His sacrifice was to secure our full transformation. Forgiveness is but the first stage of transformation. Thus, when Paul writes of knowing the "power of [Christ's] resurrection" he unites attaining Christ's power with "being conformed to His death" (Phil 3:10). Conformity to Christ's death is the purpose of the disciple's cross; it is the gate into the resurrection power of Jesus Christ. Beloved, it is time to rediscover first century Christianity and the power that comes from carrying the cross of Christ. The Anthem of the Cross Why do we not hear more messages about the disciple's cross? We hear much on inner healing; we know basically how to lead people to Christ. We have even adopted and adapted into our Christian theology terminology from modern psychology -- we know when something needs "closure" or the problems associated with "dysfunctional families." But when will we discuss the power of Christ's cross? When will we rediscover the power of the crucified life? It is not as though the symbol of the cross is absent from our culture; on the contrary. The cross sits majestically on top of our great cathedrals and it adorns our most humble worship centers. It embellishes Bible covers and religious books alike. Not only is it incorporated into the sacred emblem of our many ministries, it is also the insignia for numerous charitable foundations, hospitals, and relief agencies. Row upon row, it stands guard in our cemeteries. It has even become a popular jewelry item, worn by Christians and non-Christians alike. Yet, when was the last time you heard a sermon on the disciple's cross? Or asked the clerk at the Christian bookstore for the section on carrying the cross? Or when did you last participate in a worship service that included just one song about triumphantly bearing the cross? Apart from a hymn or two, the emphasis on the cross is missing. We hear of faith, hope and love; we seek gifts, blessings and prosperity, but why is there no emphasis on the cross? My goal is not to expose what is lacking with Christian music or bookstores, but what is lacking in today's Christianity. From my heart I commend our psalmists for their majestic melodies; their worship songs truly communicate deep and intimate adoration of God. But where is the anthem of the cross? Where are the musical scores that centralize and exalt the very crest of heaven, the triumphant sign of the Son of Man? When will we hear songs that, like banners, unfurl before the army of God, inspiring us to embrace the life and redemptive path of our crucified King? In truth, we lack lyrics about the cross because we avoid teaching the disciple's cross. Our minstrels are only writing songs inspired by current theology. The fault lies in the pulpit and with those of us who are Christian leaders. Under the guise of compassion for the weak, we have presented a gospel that is weak. We present comfort, but not challenge and sympathy without standards. My friends, let us not deny the weak their comfort nor the infirm their healing, but let us also press to the full stature of Christ. Jesus said uncompromisingly to His would-be disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me" (Matt 16:24). It is time to get serious with God, to pick up the cross and discover again the power that accompanies a crucified life. The cross is the power of God. Lord Jesus, for too long I have lived in spiritual immaturity. I have sought to be coddled instead of crucified. With all my heart I desire to become like You, Jesus. Forgive me for being so easily distracted and so drawn to comfort. Hear my heart, O Lord, and restore me to true conformity to You in all things. Amen. |
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32 | Where is the Cross? | Matt 16:24 | teragram123 | 58103 | ||
PEDAL I used to think of God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there, sort of like a president. I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I didn't really know Him. But later on when I met Christ, it seemed as though life were rather like a bike, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Christ was in the back helping me pedal. I don't know just when it was He suggested we change places, but life has not been the same since I took the back seat to Jesus, My Lord. Christ makes life exciting. When I had control, I thought I knew the way, but it was rather boring, but predictable. It was the shortest distance between two points. But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places and at breakneck speeds; it was all I could do to hang on! Even though it often looked like madness, He said "Pedal!" I was worried and anxious and asked, "Where are you taking me?" He laughed and didn't answer, and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life and entered the adventure. And when I'd say, "I'm scared", He'd lean back and touch my hand. He took me to people with gifts that I needed, gifts of healing, acceptance and joy. They gave me their gifts to take on my journey, our journey, my Lord's and mine. And we were off again. He said, "Give the gifts away; they're extra baggage, too much weight." So I did, to the people we met, and I found that in giving I received, and still our burden was light. I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life. I thought He'd wreck it, but He knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, jump to clear high rocks, fly to shorten scary passages. And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places, and I'm beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion, Christ. And when I'm sure I just can't do any more, He just smiles and says ... "Pedal." -- Author Unknown |
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33 | covenant breakers... sign of our days | Matt 19:12 | teragram123 | 56194 | ||
Joshua 9:3-18 And when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done unto Jericho and to Ai, [4] They did work wilily, and went and made as if they had been ambassadors, and took old sacks upon their asses, and wine bottles, old, and rent, and bound up; [5] And old shoes and clouted upon their feet, and old garments upon them; and all the bread of their provision was dry and mouldy. [6] And they went to Joshua unto the camp at Gilgal, and said unto him, and to the men of Israel, We be come from a far country: now therefore make ye a league with us. [7] And the men of Israel said unto the Hivites, Peradventure ye dwell among us; and how shall we make a league with you? [8] And they said unto Joshua, We are thy servants. And Joshua said unto them, Who are ye? and from whence come ye? [9] And they said unto him, From a very far country thy servants are come because of the name of the Lord thy God: for we have heard the fame of him, and all that he did in Egypt, [10] And all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites, that were beyond Jordan, to Sihon king of Heshbon, and to Og king of Bashan, which was at Ashtaroth. [11] Wherefore our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spake to us, saying, Take victuals with you for the journey, and go to meet them, and say unto them, We are your servants: therefore now make ye a league with us. [12] This our bread we took hot for our provision out of our houses on the day we came forth to go unto you; but now, behold, it is dry, and it is mouldy: [13] And these bottles of wine, which we filled, were new; and, behold, they be rent: and these our garments and our shoes are become old by reason of the very long journey. [14] And the men took of their victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the Lord. [15] And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them. [16] And it came to pass at the end of three days after they had made a league with them, that they heard that they were their neighbours, and that they dwelt among them. [17] And the children of Israel journeyed, and came unto their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, and Chephirah, and Beeroth, and Kirjath-jearim. [18] And the children of Israel smote them not, because the princes of the congregation had sworn unto them by the Lord God of Israel. And all the congregation murmured against the princes. 2 Samuel 21:1-3 Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David enquired of the Lord. And the Lord answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites. [2] And the king called the Gibeonites, and said unto them; (now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn unto them: and Saul sought to slay them in his zeal to the children of Israel and Judah.) [3] Wherefore David said unto the Gibeonites, What shall I do for you? and wherewith shall I make the atonement, that ye may bless the inheritance of the Lord? God takes Covenant more seriously than man does. When a man/woman makes a covenant... God will judge accordingly! Eccles. 5:1-5 Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. [2] Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few. [3] For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words. [4] When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. [5] Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay. This a sign of our days 2 Tim. 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, |
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34 | covenant breakers... sign of our days | Matt 19:12 | teragram123 | 56195 | ||
Marriage is not between only two... but a three fold cord... Man/woman/ and God Malachi 2:14 Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the Lord hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant. |
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35 | Can a person push God too far?? | Luke | teragram123 | 54972 | ||
I would ask in return... what view do you have of God Almighty? Why would one "push" HIM at all. Grace is for the broken and contrite heart... Not for the heart that wants to push HIM. John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. Many say...God loves me too much to put me in Hell.. ney but I would say... He loved me and died for me... now He waits to see how much I love Him... His love has already been shown... now it is my turn. |
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36 | I AM is HOLY Christian | Luke 7:35 | teragram123 | 60297 | ||
The fruit of ones life is the truest indicator of the author of the life... if one is truly born again from above. To say one is wise yet lack the fear of the Lord is be but a fool in deeds. The righteous man is known by his deeds. Yet so many believers claim to be children of the most holy God and continue to walk in carnality and darkness without the slightest concern. I AM is Holy Christian We serve a Holy God His life overflows with Holiness We stand on Holy sod I AM is Holy Christian Holiness comes from Him Thus people can not Holy be Unless they have been born again I AM is Holy Christian His beauty awes life’s powers And real untainted beauty comes When His life shines thru ours I AM is Holy Christian We serve the Holy One The essence is He hates all sin He hates what sin has done I AM is Holy Christian O that this truth were known All mankind and all would fall And worship at HIS throne. I AM is Holy Christian May this truth transform you Fir since I AM is HOLY We must be HOLY too ------ Russell Kelfer |
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37 | Heresy or true? | John 3:18 | teragram123 | 63600 | ||
This reminds me of the tragedy of the Titanic.. I understand that the call and flares for help were sent in plenty of time for a safe rescue from the ship nearest to them; However do to indifference and lack of concern they delayed the rescue. Only a portion of the people were therefore reached in time. So who was to blame? All could have been saved or at least given the chance. Grace was available but the vessels God would have used did not respond. The commission has been given to the church to go into all nations and tell the good news. Yet have we even concerned ourselves with our own neighbors? When a missions service is scheduled at our churches... many of the “Christians” stay away! Ezekiel 3:18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 1 John 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? Christians today are simple not taking up HIS cross. |
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38 | Is it true worship? | John 4:23 | teragram123 | 62996 | ||
IS IT REALLY WORSHIP? I wondered why it was that in situations of "praise and worship", that I at times felt a distinct unease as to the credence of much of what was being done in the name of God, and felt a reluctance to join in with what my heart could not witness. I asked Jesus to please show me what it was that caused me to so feel so ill-at-ease, or to hold back. He has since shown me that much of what is offered as Praise and Worship is in fact self-centered and self-seeking. We think that God wants our Praise, so like idol worshipping pagans we tender our praise hoping that in return the god(s) will hear and grant us what we desire in return. This is not what God wants, He wants us to come to Him with a pure heart desiring only to Know Him - for this is eternal life. Some time ago, I heard a widely published and well respected speaker say to a congregation that we were to give God all the Glory because He wants it and He needs it. The Holy Spirit spoke up on the inside of me and said, "no I don't need it, I have all the Glory I will ever need because I am Glory". God's Glory, or the Glory which results from us doing the will of God, is like a loaded gun in the hands of a child. We are to commit it to Him, for safe-keeping. This is the treasure we are to lay up in Heaven, this is also your eternal reward for your earthly obedience, and your "good deposit", or storehouse. (Matt 6:19-21, 12:35, Mark 10:21, 2 Cor 4:17). I recently watched a replay of T.D. Jakes speaking at the "Woman thou art loosed - 2001" conference, and it electrified me! What The Lord opened to me through this was that when people want what we have they will seek to gain it through giving us what they believe we want. This is the basis of most transactional exchange. So when advertising salespeople come into my shop trying to sell to me, the first thing they invariably do is to try and "stroke" my ego be telling me what a wonderful shop I have, and or what a nice guy I am, thinking this will gain my favor. This is all based in fear, greed and manipulation. So, if we are given to the thought that God "wants" or needs our praise and worship, and that we in turn "want" what God has for ourselves, then we will try to make the transaction by attempting to buy His favor with our "adoration". We try to manipulate God, when we still hold (any of) our own life in our own hands. Our (real) life is hid with Christ in God, so if and when we do not live in true submission to the Will of God and under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, (why do you call me "Lord", and do not the things which I say?) then we seek to manipulate Him by maintaining lordship over our own will - get it? When we hold up our up-turned hands in true Praise and Worship, and yield ourselves as a vessel of and to righteousness, we cease from manipulation. We ought then also see our manipulating of others for what it really is, and so seek deliverance from this most odious and onerous of human character traits. If we come seeking to "worship" God, and there is any duplicity in our heart, any unresolved unforgiveness, unrepented attitudes and actions which contradict the Word of Truth and the Love nature of God, then we deceive ourselves, because we do not "know" the Truth, and they that (truly) worship Him, must worship Him in Spirit and in Truth, with clean (empty) hands and a clean heart. As in communion, if we do not "rightly discern the body, we eat and drink judgment to ourselves." Jesus told me that the reason He wants our Praise and Worship is not for His sake, it is for our sake - it is so we can learn how to love unconditionally with the unconditional Love of God which is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost. So we can learn to align our will with His Will and walk in the righteousness He has established for us, and in the freedom He bought for us with His life's blood. -- Strom |
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39 | Is it true worship? | John 4:23 | teragram123 | 62998 | ||
Is it true worship?---- con't It is not about making God feel good about Himself any more than it is about making us feel good about ourselves. He is complete, He is not an egotist who needs building up, He is God! For goodness sake, where did we ever get the idea we could add to the sum of who God is and what God is? Did we think, like Zebedee's wife, that we could come and bow before Him to seek our own will? The religious mind likes to think that all of God's creation is about God and that we are here just to serve Him and for His pleasure - and there is an element of truth in this, but we need to look deeper. Why did God want dear children, why did He, who was complete in Himself, want a family? Because Love, by His very nature, has an innate desire to reproduce, to expand, to fulfill, to provide, to be expressed. Praise and Worship is so much more than thanking God for what He has done, it is loving God for who He is. Love is unconditional, Worship is unconditional. I love my wife not for what she can do for me, but for who she is. I am learning to love her in a deeper way, by learning to "know" Love, and when I am in agreement with Love, I am the Oneness I am with Love, and so Love is being perfected in me and I love with the Love of the Lord. Just Love God for who He is, for He is Love.-- Strom |
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40 | He wept not for their grief | John 11:35 | teragram123 | 55834 | ||
Joh 11:35 Jesus wept. Joh 11:21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. Joh 11:32 Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. I find it very interesting that Martha said the same thing to Jesus, but when Mary said it He wept. I find it difficult to believe He wept for their grief or pain, since He was about to do such a wonderful thing for them. John 11:15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. Why would He have wept? He knew why He was sent there by His father - to resurrect Lazarus! There was no reason for Him to weep over the grave of the one that would be up walking within the hour! Why would He weep for the loved ones that would be shouting glory in just a few minutes? However I do believe that her lack of faith is what cause His grief. Had she not sat at His feet more than Mary? Had she not known Him in a very personal friendship... she had received much from Him as her teacher and savior. He came expecting to find fruit of faith... more than that of Martha. To whom much is given, much is required. He was expecting more from her faith than He did from Martha. For the same reason teachers will be expected to have greater faith... "..Because a teacher has great influence, he will be held more accountable (see Luke 20:47; cf. Matt. 23:1-33)." "3:1 teachers. Since teachers use their tongues (to instruct others) more, they will be judged more strictly." (2) |
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