Teaching (no posting) Spiritually guided messages.

I was thinking in human terms. I wouldn't think it odd for a follower of Islam to be disowned, excommunicated, killed etc. if they converted to Christianity. I wonder if they find it odd that the Christian religion (I know, no one likes that word) doesn't do the same (omitting murder) for theirs. I wonder if they find it incredibly odd how diverse the Christian faith is. Do we look crazy to them? Hypothetical food for thought. How divided does our faith appear to the world? Why is it that everyone can see this but the majority of churchgoers/us? Let us pray for unity in the Church of Christ through the Word.

Article on Spiritual Discernment and Truth. Without regard for respect of persons/denominations/traditions/divisions in the Body of Christ. Stand on God's Word.

SERPENTS AND DOVES

I don't find someone unfamiliar with spiritual manifestations/happenings to be a credible source of approval regarding spiritual manifestations and happenings. They won't be able to spot the problems lying beyond surface theological study in the charismatic left-wing.

A parable.

Would you rather have a fresh out-of-grad school doctor oversee your brain surgery or a senior neurosurgeon with decades of experience oversee it?

Another parable.

If I wanted someone to peer review my paper, would I ask my friend from home who's majoring in English, or would I ask my native Spanish-speaking roommate.

They are hardly comparable. I don't mean to be disrespectful/unloving, but I think pioneers of one ministry should not be overseeing and stamping approval on pioneers of another ministry, that is mostly foreign to them. They would probably miss a lot of things.

Most people would find this unimportant, and that's what makes it important.

Perhaps sometimes we mistake "being wounded/unloving" with "being faithful"

I found this video quite interesting. I'm not one to jump to conclusions, but this was one of MANY videos that sparked my interest in Bethel Church. Isaiah 13/Matthew 7:15-23 seems to make alot of sense in this context. This is not a personal attack, rather ministry related duties. Not that I care too much about offending someone by performing ministry related duties. Perhaps people should do more research for themselves and grow in maturity. This video was questionable. Heidi Baker and Bill Johnson are quite influential, but I wonder if they get a free pass from respect of persons. Does no one test spirits anymore? I guess anything goes in the western hemisphere if done in the name of "love". Fascinating. The charismatic left-wing. I've been around the block a few times with demonic possession. My how appearances can be deceiving. Pure intentions? Plausible but the theology may be a bit off in the name of "spirituality".

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7

Sound mind over emotion. Your emotion should never impact your loyalty to God and His believers. What is love, and do we place our faith in people or God? A couple miracles and we don't need correction anymore? That's not Scriptural. What a strange fire.

Perhaps sometimes we mistake "being wounded" with "being faithful".

I found this video quite interesting. I'm not one to jump to conclusions, but this was one of MANY videos that sparked my interest in Bethel Church. Isaiah 13/Matthew 7:15-23 seems to make alot of sense in this context. This is not a personal attack, rather ministry related duties. Not that I care too much about offending someone by performing ministry related duties. Perhaps people should do more research for themselves and grow in maturity. This video was questionable. Heidi Baker and Bill Johnson are quite influential, but I wonder if they get a free pass from respect of persons. Does no one test spirits anymore? I guess anything goes in the western hemisphere if done in the name of "love". Fascinating. The charismatic left-wing. I've been around the block a few times with demonic possession. My how appearances can be deceiving. Pure intentions? Plausible but the theology may be a bit off in the name of "spirituality".

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7

Sound mind over emotion. Your emotion should never impact your loyalty to God and His believers. What is love, and do we place our faith in people or God? A couple miracles and we don't need correction anymore? That's not Scriptural. What a strange fire.

I don't mean to slander anyone, just to open some eyes, to those who follow Christ. 1 Cor. 8:1-13 is an interesting read as well.

I would trust someone WITHOUT a bible degree on these reviews, than someone WITH one. Perhaps credentials and fame get to our head sometimes. Where is the humility? No fear of God, but we're still afraid of what people will think of us? Concerning.

"The rich are wise in their own eyes; one who is poor and discerning sees how deluded they are." Proverbs 28:11

I'm ecstatic that I owe no allegiance to any particular religious person/clique/faction to win their approval/love/relationship.

"“Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread." Isaiah 8:12-13 (ESV).

God's power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Why is the common belief that weakness is a sign of demonic influence? That's not Scriptural. That's a perversion of Scripture. Throughout the entirety of Scriptures, a common denominator is human weakness and mortality, in order to mature and be 'great'. Pride was a main focus of mine for the longest time. If God opposes the proud, why is pride and fearlessness being indoctrinated/overexalted as a large part of the gospel? I think it has a place for encouragement but it's seems to have been blown out of context by an astronomical margin. God had to sacrifice His only Son because we were weakened by the flesh, apart from Christ, we are nothing.

The qualities of wisdom from heaven (regarding prophecy/revelations specifically). I don't believe prophecy/revelation will be contrary to Truth in any way, if it is divinely inspired. This is why the WORD is our guideline and not people of influence/renown. There may be many anointed people but only 1 Savior (Christ). This passage says it all. Absolutes can be tricky waters.

"Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.

For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." James 3:13-18 (ESV).

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

Parable of the Two Sons. Matthew 21:28-32 (ESV, I encourage reading in context)

"“What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him."

"“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." Matthew 7:21 (ESV, I encourage reading in context)

Jesus incorporation is advocating perpetual wickedness because of "grace".

Jesus surrender is advocating perpetual righteousness because of God's loving kindness.

We love because God first loved us. We should be encouraged to love others in Truth and graciousness.

God's Word defines righteous ministry. Perhaps we try to justify our own definition of righteousness based off a few choice Scriptures/Teachings. That isn't healthy physically, or spiritually. We may stumble in many ways, but God's power is perfected in our weakness.

Kingdom of Heaven vs Kingdom of God. An interesting read. Makes me think of the 12 Tribes of Israel spoken of in Revelations and the Torah.

Kingdom of Heaven vs. Kingdom of God - The Doctrinal Difference

Quoted from a random guy with no bible degree, studies the Word and prays. With all due respect, he has done more for the Truth than the average preacher/pastor/religious leader.

"Here are some prophecies that the Bible said would come to pass before the End Times.

(1.) The future will like days of Sodom. (Luke 17:28–30) This is exactly what we see today with gay marriage laws and strong public support for the homosexual lifestyle. Don’t support sin whether it’s fornication or sodomy. Sin leads souls to hell. Warn the people so they will repent and be saved from hellfire.
(2) People will deny that GOD created the universe and that He judged them through Noah’s flood. (2 Peter 3:3, 5, 6) This is exactly what we see happening. Atheists are now claiming that the universe created itself.
(3) The message of the Gospel will reach all the nations. (Matthew 24:14) Remember that Christianity only started out with a few dozen followers. The Bible prophesying that its message will reach the world is proof of its divine inspiration.
(4) Christians will be hated and killed just because of their faith. (Matthew 24:9) This is exactly what we see happening today. Christians in the Middle East are being beheaded just because they are Christians.
(5) Jews will return to Israel, their homeland. (Ezekiel 34:13)
(6) Israel will be a nation for the 3rd time. (Amos 9:14-15)
(7) The future will become frightening. (Luke 21:26)
(8) Blasphemy will be commonplace. (2 Timothy 3:1, 2)
(9) There will be money hungry preachers that deceive Christians and lead them away from the truth. (2 Peter 2:1-3)
(10) Scoffers will mock the Second Coming by claiming these signs have always been around. (2 Peter 3:3, 4)
WE KNOW THAT THE BIBLE IS FROM GOD BECAUSE IT HAS CORRECTLY PREDICTED THE FUTURE TIME AND TIME AGAIN"

Quoted by same guy with no bible degree.

"2.) FACTS FROM THE BIBLE THAT HAVE JUST BEEN VERIFIED BY MODERN SCIENCE:
(1) The Earth free floats in space. (Job 26:7) At the time, people thought the earth sat on a large animal.
(2) The Earth is round. (Isaiah 40:22) At the time, people thought the earth was flat.
(3) Blood is the source of life. (Leviticus 17:11) Up until, the 1700s, people were bled because they thought that would get rid of their sickness. (Genesis 1:15) They should have listened to the Bible.
(4) Women also possess the seed of life 100% PROOF THAT CHRISTIANITY IS THE TRUTH** (FEEL FREE TO COPY/PASTE THIS COMMENT ANYWHERE OR PRINT IT OUT AND GIVE IT AWAY)
(5) The time of year, month or day can be found through lights of the moon and sun. (Genesis 1:14)
(6) Air has weight. (Job 28:25)
(7) Air has a cycle. (Ecclesiastes 1:6)
(8) There are hot water vents at the bottoms of deep seas. (Job 38:16) This fact wasn't verified until the 20th century with submarine technology.
(9) There is a relationship between mental and physical health. (Proverbs 14:30)
(10) Diseases can be spread through the air, by contact, etc. (Leviticus 13:46)"

Godly edification through faith in Truth.

"“Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.” 1 Timothy 1:4 (KJV).

"My son, if your heart is wise,
my heart too will be glad.
16 My inmost being will exult
when your lips speak what is right.
17 Let not your heart envy sinners,
but continue in the fear of the Lord all the day.
18 Surely there is a future,
and your hope will not be cut off." Proverbs 23:15-18

Christ did not die for a mistake. He died for sons and daughters. He died for righteous living according to His Word. He died for salvation. He died to destroy death and condemnation. He died so we could live by faith.

Treasures and wealth in Scripture represent anything that is associated with the greedy pursuit of personal gain. It's not necessarily limited to Mammon (money). Worldly riches. That would be appealing to sensuality, rather than things of the Spirit. Perhaps some words are incredibly nuanced. Let's watch the power of our words.

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21

"I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.
For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." 1 Timothy 4:1-4

"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

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Judging others, and exercising good judgment are not mutually exclusive. Me thinks there is a difference between faith and foolishness.

"But Jesus declared, “It also says, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Luke 4:12

Priorities.

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33

Prosperity can be good. Prosperity is more likely to be a slippery slope.

"Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor." Proverbs 18:12

Did the humility come first, or the honor? (Matthew 6:33). One person's season may not be ideal for someone else. Don't blame God if ya get stung.

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." 1 Timothy 6:10

"“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money." Matthew 6:24

" Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits." James 1:9-11

"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." Galatians 6:7-8

I'm glad for prosperous leaders whom God has blessed to be good stewards.

The books of Timothy are an excellent source of truth regarding false doctrines/teaching. There are some things that ought not be taught, even in faith. James 3:1/2 Peter 2:1-3 makes this very clear. Regardless of this, there is an overabundance of mega-churches/teachers making confident assertions on matters that they remain ignorant of. Lord have mercy on us. Just because something/someone has a lot of followers does not mean it is correct. It can also mean there are a great number of deceived. Safety in numbers? Have you ever read of Korah's Rebellion? That's almost 15,000 people judged in one day. Numbers 16. My motives/intentions are pure. Perhaps the definition of "imputing sin, judgement, and condemnation to people" differs from person to person. God is The Righteous Judge. That is a core part of His nature according to His Word.

Unforgiveness/Grudges are like wandering in a cloud of death and wishing that the other person would die. It affects relationship with others as well. It's not healthy. God doesn't want us to come to Him while we still hate our brother/sister. How can someone profess to love God (whom they have not seen) but hate their brother/sister (Whom they have seen)? The idea is preposterous. It's something that Satan may tempt us to believe as completely possible. To convince us to believe the lie.

I believe "food offered to idols" is a spiritual allusion to "unclean food/actions" *to a lesser degree*. Grace is not a license for perpetual and willful immorality (Jude 1:4). Allow righteousness in Christ to lead to sanctification through love and thanksgiving.

"To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled." Titus 1:15

"So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to let his eating be a stumbling block. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything to cause your brother to stumble.

Keep your belief about such matters between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But the one who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that is not from faith is sin." Romans 113)19-23. The Law of Love (Christ's Law).

"and everything that is not from faith is sin"

I wouldn't read TOO FAR into this. It's not beneficial or healthy for us. We should focus on holy and peaceful living under the assurance of salvation in God's Word/Spirit. It may not always be easy submitting to these things but it becomes easy in the love of Christ. This is knowledge from Scripture. It's better to live righteous-conscious rather than sin-conscious, out of Christ's freedom.

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