BibleForums Christian Message Board - Blogs - MaryFreeman http://bibleforums.org/blog.php/47588-MaryFreeman A free online Christian Community. Active, moderated Christian Message Board. en Sat, 18 May 2013 11:51:51 GMT vBulletin 60 http://bibleforums.org/images/misc/rss.jpg BibleForums Christian Message Board - Blogs - MaryFreeman http://bibleforums.org/blog.php/47588-MaryFreeman <![CDATA[SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP: One Flesh.... Continued....]]> http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/3431-SHOOT-N-FROM-THE-HIP-One-Flesh-Continued Mon, 14 Jan 2013 22:43:08 GMT You cannot properly love other people as Jesus said to love them until you first love yourself the way Jesus said to.... No really.... Watch this: WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?: Mat 22:37-39 MKJV Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord... You cannot properly love other people as Jesus said to love them until you first love yourself the way Jesus said to....

No really....

Watch this:

WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:

Mat 22:37-39 MKJV
 Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. (38) This is the first and great commandment. (39)And the second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:

Did you see it?

AS YOURSELF....

You must first love yourself.... I am not telling you to turn into Narcississ and start kissing every mirror or smooth body of water you come across.... I am telling you to show yourself the attributes of love listed in 1 Cor. 13....

Consider this....

Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy [that is, readiness to help those in trouble] and not sacrifice and sacrificial victims (Matt. 9:13a AMP)....

Here is an excerpt from the amplified bible I am using.... Joyce Meyer is speaking here to the subject "Treasure Mercy"....

"If you do not receive Gods love and then love yourself in a balanced way, how can that love flow through you to anybody else? If you do not receive Gods mercy when you make mistakes, you do not have a reservoir of mercy from which to draw for others."

You cannot show other people or give other people that which you do not have inside of you.... And you cannot have it inside of you if you do not first accept it for yourself.... You cannot love others the way God loves you if you do not love yourself the way God loves you.... And if you do not then you will not make a good wife or husband for anyone....

Because marriage is the ultimate test of a love walk....

You see.... Submission is a mutual thing....

SHOCK!

Jesus submitted Himself as the Substitute for us.... He submitted Himself to what we needed in order that a bridge be built between us an the Father.... He gave Himself up for the church.... "So that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word"....

Ephesians 5:22 Amplified says Wives, be subject (be submissive and adapt yourselves).... Likewise verse 29 reads "For no man ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and carefully protects and cherishes it, as Christ does the church."....

Husbands adapt themselves to the needs of their wives just as wives adapt themselves to the needs of their husbands.... And I want to show you something further.... Look at verse 21....

"Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)."

Submission is in some ways synonimous with subjection.... And it is a mutual thing.... If a husband is busy about the needs of his wife.... And the wife is busy about the needs of her husband.... There is no room for a me attitude.... Both are busy taking care of the needs of the other.... This is how Christ wants husbands and wives.... And the church.... To be....

WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:

Eph 5:30-32 MKJV
 For we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones. (31) "For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two of them shall be one flesh." (32)This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:

The ultimate advocate for equality between genders and the rights of women is the Bible itself.... Jesus Himself being the Chief proponent.... Even so.... We are told that the husband is the head of the wife AS CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH....

The word translated head is kephale.... The definition of it is "head (as the part most readily taken hold of)".... What that means to me is protection from the outside world and provision of ones needs.... To get to me.... You must go through my husband.... To get to the church.... You must go through Christ....

A mans job is to lead and guide his family the way Christ leads and guides the church.... This is his duty.... Naturally he must head up his family if he is to do that.... This does not mean that you wander off into error if or when he does.... We are not talking about blind leading blind or mindlessly following the wider road.... So a man must understand that submission is a willing and deliberate action on the part of either person....

Consciously saying "I am willing to follow and to defer to you because you have shown yourself to be a true man of God, capable of leading.".... Or "I am willing to devote myself to you and love you as Christ loves His church because you have shown yourself to be a true daughter of God"....

I am not saying that a man is any better or any higher ranked than a woman.... As we are both joint heirs and equally share the mind of Christ.... I am saying that submission.... Though it takes on different forms for him and for her.... Is a mutual thing.... Each of us has a duty toward the other we must be willing to submit to.... And they are clearly defined by the bible....

There will come a time in the life of a woman who is devoted to Christ when her husband is not that she will have to say "I am not doing that".... Which is why it is not good.... Even expressly forbidden for one to be unequally yolked with an unbeliever....

Which leads me to something I have been praying about....

A christian can be an unbeliever....

SHOCK!

The definition of unbeliever is one who does not believe; an incredulous person; a doubter; a skeptic.

The definition of unsaved is in danger of the eternal punishment of hell; spiritually or physically doomed or destroyed....

Thomas was an unbeliever.... He would not believe until he was made to.... Until it was proven to him that Jesus was alive.... But he wasn't doomed or destroyed.... Only denying Christ's claim on your life can do that....

A christian can be unbelieving of things just like unsaved people can.... Unbeliever is not the same as unsaved.... There are many things in the bible that christians just don't believe.... Or choose to interpret differently.... Which in those aspects makes them unbelievers.... And if someone does not share like precious faith and does not believe the same way you do.... There is a hard road ahead of you if you join yourself together with that person in any relationship....

But most especially marriage.... Because you can't get out of that.... You cannot say "I married the wrong one!"and expect that bond to be broken.... God hates divorce and gives only one loophole.... Adultery.... So just being the wrong one isn't enough to cut mustard....

He's (she's) the right one now baby....
 ]]> MaryFreeman http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/3431-SHOOT-N-FROM-THE-HIP-One-Flesh-Continued <![CDATA[SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP: One Flesh....]]> http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/3430-SHOOT-N-FROM-THE-HIP-One-Flesh Mon, 14 Jan 2013 22:42:30 GMT Eph 5:22-24 MKJV Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, as to the Lord. (23) For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. (24) Therefore as the church is subject... Eph 5:22-24 MKJV
 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, as to the Lord. (23) For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. (24) Therefore as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.

Recently my spirit bubbled with the thought that submission has been badly misinterpreted and maligned.... Especially by feminists and chauvanists alike.... Women now a days bristle at the thought of submission.... Preferring instead to focus on their own will and wants.... I am going to attempt to put submission back in proper perspective with this SHOOT'N.... Hopefully it will free some folks up here....

Let's start with the verse above.... I looked up the definition of the word submission.... And I am listing the definitions that apply to the subject at hand....

1) The act of yielding to power or authority....
2) Humble or suppliant behavior....
3) Meekness....
4) Yielding to anothers wish or opinion....

Let me first say this.... Some would say "There is not a man on the face of this earth I will submit myself to.".... Don't get too judgmental.... They have been badly injured by men.... So their trepidation is understandable.... Not condonable.... Don't get me wrong.... But understandable none the less....

But if you take that type of rebelious and disobedient attitude.... You will never have a truly obedient man of God as your husband.... The best you will have is one who is equally disobedient.... Most women with that attitude end up with a worldly man.... And some are unlucky enough to get one who is effeminate or an abuser of women.... One of the two....

But why do I say you will never have a truly obedient man of God as your husband?

I have a friend who told me once, " I look around the church and I see women sitting with their husbands, and I ask God, 'When is it going to be my turn? Why can't I have a husband? Is there something about me that I can't have a husband?'".... My response to her was that God loves her too much, and Jesus paid too high a price for her, to give her to just anyone....

And that concept is not exclusive to daughters of God....

If you are a woman with the attitude portrayed above.... God is NOT going to saddle one of His beloved blood bought sons with you.... We are all His children.... Joint heirs with Christ....

WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:

Gal 3:26-29 KJV
 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (27) For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (28) There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. (29) And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Rom 8:16-17 MKJV
 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God. (17) And if we are children, then we are heirs; heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ; so that if we suffer with Him, we may also be glorified together.

1Pe 3:7 KJV
 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:

There are a few other verses I could list.... But why? These work perfectly.... These are my two witnesses that what I say to you is true.... First there is Paul.... Then there is Peter.... But I want to clear up a few things about the scriptures I posted....

1) There are those who think Galatians 3:28 means that when we get to heaven we will be genderless.... Which is not true.... If you are female here.... Your spirit is a female.... And if your spirit is a female.... You will be female when you get to heaven.... The carnality of your body will be changed.... There will be no need for intimacy.... No need to reproduce.... But you will be female....

Someone asked me once how I knew God was not a female.... Because Jesus is God from God.... Deity from Deity.... He is the God man.... And when He took on human form.... He was a man.... When we get to heaven we will be greeted by a male Savior.... And Jesus said "If you have seen Me.... You have seen the FATHER".... A woman cannot be a father.... Sorry girls....
　

2) 1 Peter 3:7 does not refer to a womans mind.... Peter was a fisherman.... He was a big burly worker of fishing nets.... Not puny little poles.... He had to be big and buff to do what he did for a living.... Naturally he would find women less physically capable of some things than men.... And I am inclined to agree with him....

A friend of mine was helping me rip up flooring that had been badly dammaged when my toilet flooded.... We agreed then that it sure would have been nice to have a man around to rip this stuff up.... Because we can....

BUT....

My husband came home and wanted to partake of the experience.... LOL.... He ripped through that flooring as if it was no match for his manly muscles.... I'm not kidding.... He tore it up....

Point being.... His muscles themselves were made for hard heavy work..... He was made powerful like that by God.... Because there are things we women can do.... But God put men here so we didn't have to do them.... Because quite frankly.... They are HARD to do!

[NOTE: It is my opinion that it is against Gods will for women to be weight lifting body builders.... If you are a woman you should not build your body to resemble that of a man.... It is unseemly and ungodly.... This is not to say we women should not work out and tone our muscles.... Or keep our bodies fit for lifes endeavors.... This is to say that we should NEVER bulk up our bodies to resemble the body of a man....

I once had the experience when I was a teenager of "crushing" on someone I thought was really good looking.... This person had what I thought at the time to be the perfect male body.... And then my brother came to me and said "You know that person is a girl right?"
I was so offended and disgusted it wasn't even funny....

People should be able to reasonably assume you are a woman if you really are a woman.... God made women physically appealing to men (and vice versa) for a specific reason....]

But Peter used the word VESSEL.... You are a spirit.... You have a soul (mind, will, and emotions).... And you live in a body.... Which is your vessel.... Peter.... Big buff brute that he was.... Was reminding men to consider the relatively weaker build of their womens BODIES....

But still.... I dare any man out there to even think about childbirth....



You can't do it can you?



This is likewise something a woman was put here to do so men didn't have to.... Our bodies were built for it.... We can take it.... And any man I ever knew would rather be hit by a mac truck than go through childbirth.... We were all built with attributes that pair together perfectly.... Because when we join together in that most holy of covenants (I refuse to use the word INSTITUTION.... That's just nuts).... We are joined together and become one FLESH.... So our physical attributes complement each other nicely....

Our minds.... However.... Are the same.... As long as we are serving Christ....

WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:

1Co 2:14-16 KJV
 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (15) But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. (16) For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:

We have the mind of Christ.... We are all of like mind.... And it matters not what gender we are.... None of us should be weaker in mind and spirit than others.... Our bodies are our only difference.... And that is of necessity....

FOR YOU YOUNG 'UNS....

There is a reason God joins together two of His children.... But first let me say this.... He will not join His child with satans child.... Nor will He condone the joining of His child with satans child.... You are not to marry someone who does not profess Jesus Christ as his or her Lord and savior and bears the fruit of that profession.... It is not enough to say it.... They must be avid doers of the word of God....

For the reason God joins two together in their youth:

Mal 2:13-15 KJV
 And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand. (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. (15) And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.

Because He seeks a Godly SEED.... The best way to perpetuate the kingdom of God and the Gospel of Christ is to raise GODLY offspring.... To raise up another generation who will tell of the goodness and lovingkindness of the God of all creation....

Mal 2:15 AMP

And did not God make [you and your wife] one [flesh]? Did not One make you and preserve your spirit alive? And why [did God make you two] one? BECAUSE HE SOUGHT A GODLY OFFSPRING [from your union]. Therefore take heed to yourselves, and let no one deal treacherously and be faithless to the wife of his youth.

Don't get too comfortable girls.... Replace [his] and [wife] with [her] and [husband].... As I said earlier.... If you are a woman with the attitude portrayed above.... God is NOT going to saddle one of His beloved blood bought sons with you.... We are all His children.... Joint heirs with Christ....

The point of all that was to say that there is not one gender higher than the other.... Not one of us is any better or more valuable to God our Father than the other.... And you can bet that just as sure as He won't give one of His daughters to just anyone.... So He also will not give one of His sons to just anyone....

But I want to focus more on Ephesians.... Paul tells us women to submit TO OUR OWN HUSBANDS.... There are movements out there which have promoted "All women in subjection to all men" to their members.... This is totally unbiblical.... Paul says OUR OWN HUSBANDS....

Pretty self explanitory....

ONWARD!

In verse 23 Paul tells us that our husbands are the head of the wife as Christ is the head of His church.... This does not mean that a woman must silently subject herself to demeaning or harsh treatment.... But if women have the erroneous belief that submission is demeaning and a bad thing then they will resent it.... And then they will marry someone who is either not a child of God or is in error himself.... And then you will be subjected to substandard treatment....

Even a man who is considered a good man by the worlds standards is prone to treating his wife in an ungodly manner....

There is only one kind of man whom I have seen treat his wife in the manner God would have us all treat each other.... The obedient child of God....

And only the obedient child of God would not stop at the verses concerning their wives....

WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:

Eph 5:25-31 LITV
 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly and gave Himself up on its behalf, (26) that He might sanctify it, cleansing it by the washing of the water in the Word, (27) that He might present it to Himself as the glorious assembly, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such things, but that it be holy and without blemish. (28) So, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies, (he loving his wife loves himself), (29) for then no one hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, even as also the Lord the assembly. (30) For we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones. (31) "For this, a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall be one flesh." Gen. 2:24

SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:

The word translated love is agapao.... Better known as Agape.... It is an all consuming love.... An all encompassing love.... An all forgiving love....

WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:

1Co 13:4-8 LITV
 Love has patience, is kind; love is not envious; love is not vain, is not puffed up; (5) does not behave indecently, does not pursue its own things, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil; (6) does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth. (7)Love quietly covers all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (8) Love never fails. But if there are prophecies, they will be caused to cease; if tongues, they shall cease; if knowledge, it will be caused to cease.

SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:

This love is not the kind of love our flesh recognizes.... This is Gods love shed abroad in our hearts.... Our love is selfish.... Our flesh is ready to do the exact opposite of everything you see in these verses.... Our fleshly love expects something in return or you can't have it.... It is hard at first to love someone with the love Paul writes of and God requires....

And one other thing....
(To Be Continued)
 ]]> MaryFreeman http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/3430-SHOOT-N-FROM-THE-HIP-One-Flesh <![CDATA[SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP: Connecticut....]]> http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/3416-SHOOT-N-FROM-THE-HIP-Connecticut Sun, 16 Dec 2012 20:05:45 GMT 1Th 4:13-18 KJV But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, *concerning them which are asleep*, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. (14) For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, *even so them also which... 1Th 4:13-18 KJV


 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. (14) For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (15) For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. (16) For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: (17) Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (18) Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

I want first to address the families of those lost in Connecticut.... But especially 20 families who lost children....

But I have trouble knowing where to begin....

We take the death of children harder than we do the death of adults because they are so young.... So innocent and full of promise.... And when we go to comfort those who mourn their loss.... I at least hardly know what to say.... I know when I read about the viscious act that snatched your precious ones away from you.... My heart shattered.... And I cried to the Lord to please just take me home....

And if my pain were so great.... I wouldn't want to imagine how deep your pain is even if I could.... But know that I hurt for you and mourn the loss of so many who had the potential to better our world just by living in it.... But I can offer you at least one word of hope and comfort....

In the above passage.... Paul is telling us of an event so powerful it wakes the dead in Christ.... What that means for you is that the death of your small one is only temporary.... And that you will see them again....

A WORD OF CAUTION:

Jesus said "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by me."

No man.... No woman.... No one old enough to make the concious decision to follow Christ can go to the Father but through Christ.... Jesus Christ IS the Waymaker.... And your children are safe in His arms.... All of them.... I trust that you will be as well....

WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:

Joh 3:14-19 KJVAnd as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:(15)That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.(16)For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.(17)For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.(18)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.(19)And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

Joh 14:6 KJV
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:

Not all of us will go to Heaven.... There are those of us who wish to be their own god.... Who wish to run their own lives.... Who like what they are doing and how they are living.... And are determined to live their own life even though it will permanently separate them from God....

Jesus said He is the only way to the Father....

So let me postulate this:

IF Jesus IS NOT the only way to the Father.... Then He was either lying.... Or stone cold nuts.... Either way.... That doesn't make Him a good person.... Much less a good teacher.... Now if you cannot attribute either of those charicteristics to Jesus....

Then He is telling the truth....

And let me lay one more thing to rest.... Belief in Jesus in the first century costed many their lives.... Including 11 of the 12 apostles.... IF you believe in Christ and are found out.... You are a dead man walking.... So.... Based on that knowledge.... It hardly seems logical to say that John ( the only apostle not murdered for his faith.... But exiled to Patmos) misquoted Jesus.... John risked his life to write what he wrote....

Would you risk your life for a misquote?

How about a lie?

ONWARD AND UPWARD!:

If.... Perchance.... You are not born again.... If you haven't yet decided to give your life to Christ.... Please please do so now....

WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
Rom 10:8-10 KJV
 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; (9) That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:

Where you came from does not matter.... Where you were going before this stopped you cold does not matter.... What you have or have not done in your life before this does not matter.... Your sin or what level of wrongness it is on does not matter.... Your vices do not matter.... Your social status does not matter.... Your financial status does not matter.... Your current place of residence does not matter.... The road you are on does not matter.... The pit you fell into does not matter.... The only thing that matters is your faith in Jesus Christ and His love for you.... He loves you for you....

Just tell Him you need Him.... Ask Him to come into your heart and be with you always.... Tell Him you believe He died and rose again for you.... Tell Him you accept His forgiveness and grace.... The free gift of salvation.... And tell Him now.... Because there is nothing you can tell Him that He didn't already know.... Before you were born.... He knew you.... Before you breathed your first breath.... He died for you.... Before you let out your first squall.... He ordained you.... Before you got up on hands and knees to crawl.... He ordered your steps.... Before you took your first step.... He flattened and straightened a path for you.... He has a purpose for you and a plan for your life....

WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
Jer 1:4-8 MKJV
 And it happened, the Word of Jehovah came to me, saying, (5)Before I formed you in the belly I knew you; and before you came forth out of the womb I consecrated you, and I ordained you a prophet to the nations.(6) Then I said, Alas, Lord Jehovah! Behold, I do not know to speak; for I am a boy. (7) But Jehovah said to me, Do not say, I am a boy; for you shall go to all that I shall send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. (8) Do not be afraid of their faces; for I am with you to deliver you, says Jehovah.

SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:

Before I formed you with My hands.... I knew exactly who you were and what you were going to do.... I knew before you were born every move you were going to make.... And I still chose you.... Before you cried out to Me.... I called out to you.... Before you were born I called you.... I made you holy with My holiness.... I clothed you with My righteousness.... I gave you a path and a mission before you left your birthplace.... Don't tell Me who you are.... Let Me tell you who you are.... I already know you will do what I will... I already kow you will go where I send you.... I know you will say what I tell you to say.... I know because I knew you before you were born.... I have seen it... And I will be with you always.... I will never leave you nor forsake you.... I will be there in everything you do and every word you say.... I am with you....
　

ADDRESSING AN IMPORTANT QUESTION:

If you are asking where God is in all of this.... I am just the kind of gal to boldly say right where we as Americans put Him.... On the fringes of society.... Relegated to the status of outcast.... Evicted from homes.... Expelled from schools.... Barred from courtrooms.... Impeached from congress....

Right where this nation wanted Him....

God cannot do anything where He is not wanted.... Where He is considered an offense....
Ok.... I'll prove it....

WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
Mar 6:2-6 KJVAnd when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? (3) Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offendedat him.(4) But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.(5) And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.(6) And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.

SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:

I wish to condense this to the words in purple....

And they were offended at Him.... And He could there do no mighty work....
Because of their unbelief....

That is the jist of the whole passage.... It all comes down to belief.... Faith.... Believing in.... Trusting.... Relying on the Lord.... It is when we stop doing that things get out of hand.... Our inner peace is lost.... Chaos wreaks havoc in our land.... Our path gets skewwed....

God can't do anything in places where He is not welcome.... And I will go you one better....

God did not do this to you.... God is not tempted to do evil nor does He tempt any man.... And murdering 20 kindergarteners is just evil.... There was no purpose to it....
Which gives the lie to "Everything happens for a reason".... I would like those of that particular belief to give me one good reason why 20 six and seven year old children had to die.... I am just blunt enough to tell them that they cannot.... Because there are things that happen for evil reasons from evil hearts.... And things that happen for no reason at all....

But I can also tell you that God can work a wonderful thing out of even this.... For you and this nation we all love.... If we only let Him.... Please don't ask me what.... Only God knows what possible good can come out of something like this.... I am waiting to see it just like you....

I have agonized over what to say.... Because I believe it is the God breathed commission of every born again believer to say something.... I have cut out things and started over.... Read and re-read.... And I truly believe that every word in this SHOOT'N was written in love and following the Spirit.... It is my hope that you can find some comfort here....
　
　
 ]]> MaryFreeman http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/3416-SHOOT-N-FROM-THE-HIP-Connecticut <![CDATA[SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP: Fear.... Or fear?]]> http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/3228-SHOOT-N-FROM-THE-HIP-Fear-Or-fear Sun, 29 Apr 2012 04:07:58 GMT Mat 10:28 KJVAnd fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 1Jn 4:18 KJV There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because... Mat 10:28 KJVAnd fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
1Jn 4:18 KJV
 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Fear.... That blinding emotion that has us bracing for the worst.... That thing which allowed satan to destroy everything God had given Job.... That dart that immobilizes a person and renders them useless.... That spirit that causes a small child to think things are there in the dark that are not there when a light comes on....

OR.... Does it bring wisdom with it? Are those who have it blessed? Does it bring you closer to the God who inspires it?

That seems to be what the KJV says.... And still it also says those who fear are not perfected in love.... So is the word of God contradicting itself? I did a word study on the word fear as it is used in the bible.... And I realized two things.... 1) That the Hebrew language often has one word for multiple things.... Unless gender specific.... And 2) The Greek language has many times more words in it than Hebrew.... And multiple words can mean the same thing.... Or sometimes two words can mean one thing but one of those words can also mean something else.....

No wonder folks are confused....

So why is Jesus saying to fear God.... And John says if we do we are not made perfect in love? I think the first thing to remember is that Jesus said "is able to destroy both soul and body in hell".... That is something to be completely terrified of.... But when?

WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:

Heb 10:16-18 ABP+
 This is the covenant which I will ordain with themafter those days, says the Lord,putting my laws upon their hearts; and upon their thoughts I will inscribe them; (17) and their sins and their lawless deeds in no wayshall I remember any longer. (18) But where there is a release of these,there is no longer an offering for sin.
　
Heb 10:26-27 KJV+
 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, (27) But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
Heb 10:31 LITV
It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:

I discovered something.... The word Jesus used had multiple meanings to it when He said to fear the one who can destroy you body and soul....
　
φοβέω
phobeō
fob-eh'-o
T o frighten, that is, (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy to be in awe of, that is, revere: - be (+ sore) afraid, fear (exceedingly), reverence.

John.... On the other hand.... Uses a different word.... With only one choice to it....
　

φόβος
phobos
fob'-os
From a primary
φέβομαιphebomai (to be put in fear); alarm or fright: - be afraid, + exceedingly, fear, terror.

Which proves the point that the definition you give to the word fear must logically fit into the sentence.... So the words of Jesus make more sense if they are crossreferenced with the words of Paul in Hebrews 10....

No one likes being disliked.... No one likes being threatened.... But if you stand up and are counted a Christian.... You are going to be persecuted.... Period.... Jesus said that they hated Him and so they will hate you.... If we walk away from the knowledge we gain.... If we turn from the Lord and choose to reenter the darkness.... Then the covenant made between us and God is null and void.... There is no more grace.... No more forgiveness.... No more sacrifice.... Just terror and judgment.... And knowing that God remembers everything you did....

Verse 18 states that there is no more offering for sin.... Because God said in verse 17 that He will remember them no more.... The word remission is translated from the Greek word aphesis.... Which means freedom.... Or pardon.... Deliverance.... Forgiveness.... Liberty.... So if you are free of sin then a sacrifice is no longer necessary....

But if we put ourselves back into that sin.... If we lock ourselves back up.... If we go back to sin as a dog returns to his vomit.... The sacrifice that was counted payment for our sins is no longer there.... Because we stepped out from underneath it....

A lot of us (myself included) have decided to disappoint God because we wanted someone to like us.... Or because we were afraid someone was going to hurt us.... Or worse.... Which is what happens when we forget that all they can do is send us back where we belong anyways.... When we let phobos rule.... We lose....

But when Jesus said "fear Him who is able to destroy both body and soul in hell".... He used the word phobeo.... Which means much more than just being afraid of someone.... The amplified often translates fear as reverential awe and worship.... So what we should show the Lord is not that we are terrified to make a move lest He strike us down with a convenient bolt of lightening....

Do I mean to tell you not to be scared of God?

Consider this.... No one is afraid of a policeman when they are not speeding.... Or when there is not a policeman nearby.... But when they see a policeman and they are speeding....

In this day and age we have the belief that God is dead.... That He is not nearby surveiling everything happening.... So even the terror of Him.... That fear that you have of Him when you are NOT living for Him.... Seems to be absent.... And in it's place many people have phobias....

The word phobia is derived from the Greek word phobos.... NOT from phobeo.... There is no wonder.... No awe.... No reverence.... In the word phobos.... In fact phobia is defined as an irrational (often illogical) fear.... Like germophobia.... Arachniphobia.... Clostrophobia.... Homophobia....

So if we have no fear at all of the Living God.... Which IS logical.... Then we start fearing things that we shouldn't fear.... Which is ILlogical.... It doesn't make sense to be afraid of all people.... Or small spaces.... Or creepers whos lives you can end with a well placed flipflop.... Or being in a room that is dark....

I had a friend freak out when she saw me walking around my dining room..... In the dark.... I probably should not have found it funny.... But I did.... I didn't show it though.... She said "I don't like people walking around in the dark. It's creepy." I told her it is my house and I am not afraid to traverse it in the dark.... There is nothing in my house when it is dark that isn't there when I turn on a light....

And besides who am I?

The boogywoman????????????

We as a society have traded that which is healthy for that which is not healthy.... Even christians have unhealthy fear.... Especially those who fear the supernatural.... Things such as healing.... Casting out demons.... Speaking or praying in Tongues.... Those things which do not have any human logic to them.... The things our brains don't grab hold of....

But theres more.... A fear of what could happen to your children.... Your spouse getting tired of you.... Your house burning to the ground.... A loved one being struck with a terminal disease.... Financial ruin.... But all these things are tools the devil uses and they are contrary to the knowledge of God....

WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:

2Co 10:3-5 KJV
 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (4) (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) (5) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:

We like to understand that verse five is talking about knowing God.... I rather think that in the case of fear.... When it comes to phobias.... It rather means that those things contradict and try to mask what God knows.... Because His thoughts are not our thoughts.... Which is just another reminder of Gods omniscience and satans lack of it.... He doesn't know what God knows and thats why his fiery darts exalt themselves against what God knows....

You see.... God knows the beginning from the end.... The end from the beginning.... He told Jeremiah He knew him before he was formed.... God knew Jeremiah.... And each one of us.... Before we ever existed.... He knew what we would do and how we would do it.... He knew we would.... Or in some cases would not.... Choose Him....

When God told Jeremiah that he was going where God sent him.... And saying whatever God commanded.... It wasn't an order.... It was a prophecy.... God was telling Jeremiah that He knew what Jeremiah was going to do before Jeremiah ever existed.... And that because of that Jeremiah need have no fear of men.... Because God was with him and would keep him safe (Jeremiah 1:7-8)....

When people ask me am I afraid of my daughter going into the USMC.... I tell them no.... Why? Because God said my children are taught of Him (Isaiah 54:13) and great is their peace.... That every hair on their head is numbered by Him.... That their days and their steps are ordered by Him.... I was given promises by my God concerning my children.... Which casts out all fear....
　
 ]]> MaryFreeman http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/3228-SHOOT-N-FROM-THE-HIP-Fear-Or-fear <![CDATA[SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP: It's just us....]]> http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/3209-SHOOT-N-FROM-THE-HIP-It-s-just-us Tue, 17 Apr 2012 02:50:25 GMT Isa 56:10-12 LITVHis watchmen are blind; they all do not know; they are all dumb dogs; they cannot bark, dreaming, lying down, loving to slumber; (11) yea, dogs greedy of soul; they do not know satisfaction. And they are shepherds; they do not... Isa 56:10-12 LITVHis watchmen are blind; they all do not know; they are all dumb dogs; they cannot bark, dreaming, lying down, loving to slumber; (11) yea, dogs greedy of soul; they do not know satisfaction. And they are shepherds; they do not know to discern; they all look to their own way, each one for his own gain, from his own end, saying: (12) Come, and let me bring wine, and let us gulp down fermented drink; and tomorrow shall be as this day, great, exceedingly abundant.

I once heard a wise person say "We are not on the fringe of this world, the world is on the fringe of the church".... Those who are lost and on their way to hell are on the outside looking in.... What are they seeing? Are they seeing us? Or are they seeing Jesus? If you're thinking "there shouldn't be a difference".... You are right.... There shouldn't be.... But I have seen people professing to be christians.... And they do not act as Jesus would.... For that matter I have been that person.... The one who professes to be a christian while behaving in a manner totally inconsistent with what I was saying.... What bothers me about that?

We're the only ones standing between them and hell....

Lots would say "No it's Jesus standing there".... Which is the case for us.... But not for the average unbeliever.... They haven't accepted the Cross.... They can't see Jesus through any other outlet but us.... They don't know Him.... Have never communed with Him.... Don't read or even own a bible.... Don't go to church.... They can't see Jesus....

But they can see us....

So what are they seeing? Dogs who cannot bark? Who just lay down and sleep while the world goes to hell? Do they see shepherds who run off after their own pleasures? Partaking in the sin of this world? Are they seeing someone who is totally different from them? Who has something new and refreshing in their lives? Someone with something they want but do not have? I am reminded of the Newsboys....

"Shine! Make 'em wonder what you got. Make 'em wish that they were not.... On the outside looking bored."....

WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:

Mat 5:14-16 LITV
You are the light of the world. A city situated on a mountain cannot be hidden. (15) Nor do they light a lamp and put it under the grain measure, but on the lampstand; and it shines for all those in the house. (16)So let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works, and may glorify your Father in Heaven.

SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:

I got tired of it.... Tired of seeing christians behaving as christians ought not.... Got tired of doing so myself.... I stopped and realized that these people are watching me.... They are looking to me for something they don't have.... I remember reading a post online from someone.... And they said "I don't want to be a christian! I would much rather stay where I am. I have seen people who aren't christians treating each other way better!" That is a paraphrase.... But you get the point.... This is what that person saw when they accessed what was supposed to be a christian website....

WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
Joh 13:35 LITV
By this all shall know that you are My disciples, if you have love among one another.
Joh 15:12 LITV
This is My commandment, that you love one another as I loved you.
Joh 15:17 LITV
These things I command you, that you love one another.

SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:

Three times Jesus told us to love one another.... Once He told us why.... "By this all shall know that you are My disciples".... These people need to see us treating each other the way Jesus treats each one of us.... Not the way that poster saw everyone acting on the website....

Don't get me wrong.... It is a christian website.... It just didn't look better than what that poster already had.... At least not from his point of view.... There are people just like him all over this planet.... And they are watching you.... Why?

WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
Joh 9:5 LITV
While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.
Joh 11:9 LITV
Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble because he sees the light of the world.
Joh 12:46 LITV
I have come asa Light to the world, that everyone who believes into Me may not remain in the darkness.
Joh 14:19 LITV
Yet a little whileand the world no longer sees Me, but you see Me. Because I live, you also shall live.

SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:

Look closely.... Jesus said that while He was in the world He was the light of the world.... That people who see the light of the world do not stumble.... He has come as A light of the world.... But then He left this world behind to go prepare a place for us.... And the world can no longer see Him....

But there is still a light of the world....

?

Scroll back....

Mat 5:14-16 LITV
You are the light of the world. A city situated on a mountain cannot be hidden. (15) Nor do they light a lamp and put it under the grain measure, but on the lampstand; and it shines for all those in the house. (16)So let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works, and may glorify your Father in Heaven.

You.... Are the light of the world.... You are the beacon.... You are the lighthouse in a terrible storm.... You are the only thing standing between a lost ship and a rocky shoreline.... One thing that really sobers me.... If I let my light shine.... If I behave as Jesus would.... If I let Jesus live through me.... And an unsaved person in my sphere still dies apart from God.... That's on them....

If I act just like they do.... If I say words that should never come from a christians mouth.... If I partake of substances a christian should never allow to cross their lips.... If I dress in a manner that disrespects and degrades my body.... And that unsaved person dies apart from God....

Because they figure by my example that it's all good....

That one's on me....

And I will stand before the Judge of this world one day.... And I will have no answer for
the question He will pose....

"Lama Sabachthani?"

"Don't let your lights go down.... Don't let your fire burn out.... Cause somewhere somebody needs a reason to believe.... Why don't you rise up now? Don't be afraid to stand out...."

That's how the lost get found....

One day a friend of mine said when she goes by cemeteries she thinks about all the people that are burried there.... And wonders how many will see Jesus at the Rapture.... And that she sometimes thinks of all the lost people out there and prays and cries for hours.... Sometimes crying so hard she chokes up.... Her thought being how could one person make a difference in so many lives....

You can't....

And you cannot possibly pray for all of them.... There are too many.... So why does my friend carry such a burden? Same reason I do.... We both want to do something.... My son shared a story his pastor told him.... There was a boy and his father walking along the shoreline.... And the shoreline was littered with thousands of starfish.... Now everyone knows that a starfish cannot move itself either towards shore or back out to sea.... So when it hits the shoreline that's all she wrote....

This little boy was picking up starfish near him and tossing them back out to sea.... And his father said "Son you know you cannot possibly save all of them....There are just too many.... One person can't make a difference in all those lives..." And the boy picks up a starfish and says "See this one?".... Then he tosses it back in the ocean.... And he says

"I made a difference in that ones life"....

As you may imagine.... My friend felt despair and helplessness for a while.... And she wondered why I didn't feel the same way .... Surely her bible study leader had a heart for the lost? Surely her best friend felt the same way right? Surely I thought about those who are dying and going to hell too? Right?

No....

I have a heart for the lost but I don't think about the lost.... Not all of them anyways.... Because only God can do that without becoming imobilized by the enormity of it.... Just like only Jesus could take the sin of the entire world on His shoulders.... So rather than allow myself to become imobilized.... Rather than allowing the enemy to whisper "what's the use?".... I choose to let God bring the ones whose lives I can make a difference in to me.... By divine appointment.... It's the only way I can get what He has for me to do done.... Because you can eat an elephant.... One bite at a time....

So then the Lord gave me something to share with her.... It goes something like this.... A hillbilly with a shotgun can aim that shotgun and hope to hit his target.... And he stands a good chance of hitting it too.... And a bunch of things he doesn't want and wasn't aiming at.... Things that his shotgun spray made no difference to....

A sniper on a rooftop has a rifle with a scope.... One that is precision tuned to bring into focus that which it is aimed at.... And a sniper is trained to fire that weapon and hit only what he is aiming at.... And how does that sniper know who or what to aim at? He has a communications device stuck in his ear and his commanding officer is telling him what to do and when to do it....

Divine appointment....

WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
Mat 7:6 LITV
Do not give that which is holy to the dogs, nor throw your pearls before the pigs, that they should not trample them with their feet, and turning they charge you.
　

SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:

You cannot possibly hit a bunch of targets with your prayer and your witness and make a difference to all of them.... And not all of the lost wish to be found.... They will simply take what you aim at them and stomp on it.... And then turn and stomp on you.... But if you heed your Commanding Officer.... If you follow directions and aim at the target He guides you to.... You will make a profound difference in that life....

But only if you stand out.... Only if you don't look or act like the same old same old they have had for years of their life.... This is how they can tell you are someone who actually does follow Jesus.... And how they know Jesus is real.... That God's not dead.... That there is something better out there....

You are the only one standing between that person and hell....
]]> MaryFreeman http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/3209-SHOOT-N-FROM-THE-HIP-It-s-just-us <![CDATA[SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP: THROW DOWN!!! Pt 2....]]> http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/2985-SHOOT-N-FROM-THE-HIP-THROW-DOWN!!!-Pt-2 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 20:47:32 GMT SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:
Believest thou this? Can you believe it? Do you? Believe it or not.... Jesus did not come into this world to take life from you.... He didn't come to see to it that your life could not be lived abundantly (and abundantly means more than just the financial.... Do you suffer a disease? Are you broken in any way? Does it diminish the quality of your life here?).... He has never taught anyone anything by causing them to suffer....
Jesus always restored.... Always healed.... Always gave life back.... And gave His life to secure salvation.... Which brings me to another doctrine of man that is very harmful.... And potentially fatal.... The doctrine of "salvation by works".... I have always fought against this.... I will always fight against it.... And I have a purely physical reason for it.... Among a number of spiritual ones....
I did a study once on crucifixion.... And the horror of it is this.... When a person was crucified.... They were stretched beyond the natural length of their arms.... So their shoulders and elbows are forced out of joint.... And then nails (which are NOTHING like a 10 penny..... They were usually about five inches long and had the thickness of a railroad spike) were driven into the wrist (which was considered part of the hand back then)....
There is a nerve running from the hand all the way up the arm.... It is often mislabled the "funny bone".... Bump it sometime.... See if you find it funny.... It is called the Median Nerve.... The nail would pass through it.... Causing the hands to curl.... And extreme pain to run all the way up the arm of the victim.... Which made it nearly impossible to hold oneself up for very long at all....
So the victim usually had to push themselves up from their feet to breathe.... Which were folded one over the other and another spike driven into the middle of the foot.... In which is located the Perconial Nerve.... The "nail" would pass through that nerve.... Causing extreme pain to run all the way up the legs....
Breathing becomes active instead of passive.... Due to the position of the victim on the cross.... One had to push onself up on the feet.... Agitating the pierced deep Perconial Nerve.... And pull with the shoulders.... Causing searing pain from the Median Nerve.... This wore a victim out.... Eventually multiple causes would effect death.... Hours (and sometimes days) later....
And this was after being beaten and scourged (usually with a cat o' nine [a whip with nine tails.... Bone or glass imbedded in the ends] And thick wooden rods).... If the soldiers were in a good mood.... Jewish law would be followed.... If not.... Roman rules applied.... Roman rules called for whipping mercilessly.... Usually flipping the victim onto his front when there was no more untorn flesh on his back side.... The entire body being their target....
I said all that to say this....
There is absolutely nothing you could ever do to earn the rights to such a sacrifice....
NOTHING....
We must all come before a HOLY HOLY HOLY God.... Fully realizing we are sinfull and deserving of the very death His Son so willingly took in our stead.... We must come before Him just as we are.... There is absolutely no cleaning up first.... We will always miss a rather large spot....
Salvation is a free gift.... Freely effected and given while we were yet dead in our sins [Eph 2:1-9].... Causing a quickening in us.... Which brings me to yet another very destructive doctrine of man....
ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED....
Oh balloney.... This is a crock of malarkey.... The thought of anyone taking for granted the graphic depiction above.... Of anyone thinking they can claim it for themselves.... And that they are saved.... And that they will never lose it.... Thus they don't have to do anything in return.... Can then live the life they have always lived.... Is like that stuff that folks spread on their gardens to put nutrients back into the soil....
But we don't want this compost :D growing anything.... Sadly enough though.... It is....
THE SEEKER FRIENDLY MOVEMENT:
The seeker friendly movement.... Started by Rick Warren and his ilk.... Is a searing detriment to the Cross of Christ.... A lie specifically designed to scratch itching ears.... In this movement church leaders design their churches to resemble upscale shopping malls.... Some even have McDonalds restaurants inside them! For petes sake....
It doesn't end there.... Along with marketing all those fleshly "needs" folks think are necessary to persuade them into church.... Church leaders have actually removed all uncomfortable teachings.... Such as the one located just above where we are now.... The teaching of the free gift of God that we can do nothing to earn....
They have cut out things like repentance.... Stating that once you come to Christ there is no reason for you to go on repenting! That God does not require "saved" folk to repent! Their brand of salvation has the "done and over with" flavor to it.... The one time takes care of all attitude is so wrong.... I cannot find anywhere in the scripture that says we are forgiven for all sin past and present and future....
But I can find numerous scripture to state the exact opposite....
WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:

Act 17:30-31 AMP
(30)
 Such [former] ages of ignorance God, it is true, ignored and allowed to pass unnoticed; but now He charges all people everywhere to repent (to change their minds for the better and heartily to amend their ways, with abhorrence of their past sins),
(31)
 Because He has fixed a day when He will judge the world righteously (justly) by a Man Whom He has destined and appointed for that task, and He has made this credible and given conviction and assurance and evidence to everyone by raising Him from the dead. [Ps. 9:8; 96:13; 98:9.]
　
SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:
The most compelling arguments against teaching that God does not require believers to repent is found in the second and third chapters of Revelation.... In letters commanded by Jesus.... Letters to the seven churches....
  • EPHESUS: The enduring church.... This church toiled daily for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.... And yet He called them to repentance [
  • Rev 2:5].... Because they have abandoned their first Love.... Which caused them to stop doing the works they did previously.... And He warned this assembly that if they did not repent and do this that He would remove their lampstand....
  • SMYRNA: The afflicted church.... They were persecuted and slandered by those who say they are Jews.... This is one of only two churches who are not commanded to repent.... Because they have done nothing to repent for!
  • PERGAMUM: The church situated in the city where satan sits enthroned.... Yet still clinging to the name of Jesus.... Still they are called to repentance.... Why? For accepting the teachings of Baalam and the Nicolaitans.... Keep the Nicolaitans in mind....
  • THYATIRA: The loving and faithfully serving church.... Who are called to repentance for tolerating "the woman Jezebel".... And commanded to hold fast to what they have....

  • SARDIS: The dead church.... Looks a lot like seeker friendly churches.... Doing a lot but not meeting any of Gods requirements....
  • PHILADELPHIA: The church of the open door.... This church is the only other church not called to repentance.... They have guarded and kept the word of God with patient endurance.... And so they will be kept out of the "hour of trial" which is coming (the tribulation) to test the inhabitants of earth....
  • LAODICEA: The indifferent church.... This church cares more about ice cream socials than evangelism.... Potluck dinners have superceded missions.... And the next Christmas play matters more than community outreach.... They have grown fat and rich with material wealth.... And have no need (so they say) of a Savior or a hard to hear Gospel.... They teach watered down vagueness.... Encourage behaviors not taught in the bible.... And turn the blind eye to sin....

Remember what I said about the teachings of the Nicolaitans? They remind me sharply of ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED.... Below is an excerpt of an article defining the teachings of the Nicolaitans.....
The doctrine of the Nicolaitans appears to have been a form of antinomianism. (Antinomianism: A belief that is based upon a recognition of the mercy of God as the ground of salvation, but it makes the fatal mistake that man can freely partake in sin because the Law of God is no longer binding. It held the truth on the gratuitous reckoning of righteousness; but supposed that a mere intellectual "belief" in this truth had a saving power....
Nicolaitans of the 2nd century seem to have continued and extended the views of the 1st century adherents, holding to the freedom of the flesh and sin, and teaching that the deeds of the flesh had no effect upon the health of the soul and consequently no relation to salvation.)
You may read more at http://www.wordoftruthradio.com/questions/38.html
The truth of the matter is that seeker friendly churches are destructive and deadly.... They are anti- Christ and anti- Christian.... And have quickly asserted themselves as the apostate that will cause the great falling away.... In fact only about 10 to 20% of these "mega churches" attendees are the unsaved....
These "churches" and their leaders are robbing true churches of their congregations.... Mostly because true churches preach the truth straight from the word of God.... Are evangelistic in nature and mission minded.... Committed to reaching their communities through outreach programs.... And strapped for the cash to doll themselves up like these mega churches do....
And yet these same churches are rich in the saving power of God.... Filled beyond the brim with the Holy Spirit of God.... And submitted and yielded to Jehovah Ropha.... Those same attributes of Jesus Christ's ministry on earth can be found at these churches.... And these churches prove themselves adept at the maturing and equipping of the saints to go into the world and preach the true Gospel....
Folks there is no such thing as once saved always saved.... It isn't true.... And it isn't new.... It is centuries old and has been tried before.... The true church threw it down.... Jesus detests it.... It's time to throw it down....
And the same with the equal and opposite ditch of performance based salvation.... A death such as the one Jesus suffered was the only death sufficient to pay for sin past.... When we come to God and humble ourselves.... When we accept the freely given gift of salvation.... When we walk in it by faith.... It is counted to us as righteousness.... We do have it.... It does belong to us.... We cannot lose it....
But we can indeed deliberately walk away from it.... Because it is not a prize.... It isn't goods and services to sell.... It is a process which we step into and walk out daily.... And we can step out of it....
WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
Heb 10:26-31 LITV
(26)
 For if we arewillfully sinning after receiving the full knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice concerning sins,
(27)
 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment and "zealous fire being about to consume the adversaries." Isa. 26:11
(28)
If anyone did not regard the Law of Moses, that one dies without pities on "the word of two or three witnesses," Deut. 17:6
(29)
 how much worse punishment do you think will be thought worthy to receive, the one trampling the Son of God, and having counted common the blood of the covenant in which he was sanctified, and having insulted the Spirit of Grace?
(30)
 For we know Him who has said, "Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay," says the Lord. And again, "The Lord will judge His people." Deut. 32:35, 36
(31)
It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
　
SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:
How very scary it is to even think of turning aside from the truth.... That we can do nothing to earn salvation.... That we must accept and believe in the Son of God.... That we must put our faith and trust in Him alone for our salvation.... That we must present our bodies a living sacrifice to Him.... That we must put off the old man.... That we must walk in newness of life.... That we are commanded to quit sinning....
Just think of where NOT doing these things puts us.... And there are some who have stepped aside and cannot be restored....
WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
Heb 6:4-9 LITV
(4)
 For it is impossible for those once having been enlightened, and having tasted of the heavenly gift, and becoming sharers of the Holy Spirit,
(5)
 and tasting the good Word of God, and the works of power of a coming age,
(6)
 and having fallen away, it is impossible for them again to renew to repentance, crucifying again for themselves the Son of God, and putting Him to open shame.
(7)
 (For the earth drinking in the rain often coming upon it, and producing vegetation suitable for those for whom it is also worked, receives blessing from God;
(8)
 "but bearing thorns and thistles," it is deemed unfit and near a curse, of which the end is for burning.) Gen. 3:17, 18
(9)
 But, loved ones, even if we indeed speak so, we have been persuaded better things concerning you, even holding fast salvation.
SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:
If I were to add emphesis to this passage the whole thing would be huge bold italicized underlined words.... Because everything in it says that once saved always saved is nonsense.... And that salvation by works is its equal and opposite nonsense.... I cannot emphesize enough the truth found in these verses.... You cannot lose salvation but you can fall away from it.....
Which means you have it already.... Without doing a thing to earn it.... Without getting cleaned up first.... Apart from your own righteousnesses..... Which are as filthy rags.... And bring me to the most misused passage of scripture in the performance based salvation camp....
WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
Jas 2:14 AMP
(14)
 What is the use (profit), my brethren, for anyone to profess to have faith if he has no [good] works [to show for it]? Can [such] faith save [his soul]?
SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:
The easiest way to interpret this verse is "Talk is cheap".... "Actions speak louder than words" is another way.... One cannot win souls to Christ and practice pure religion by merely saying "I believe"..... Not all who cry "Lord Lord" will enter the Kingdom of God.... You aren't proving anything to God.... Or to men.... It is by our good works that we prove we pack the power of God in our lives.....
This does not prove anything the performance based salvation proponents wish us to believe.... In fact.... It is those who were already on the road of salvation.... Those who already claimed belief in Christ.... Whom James was speaking to.... He even mentions himself....
WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
Jas 2:18-20 LITV
(18)
 But someone will say, You have faith, and I have works. Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith out of my works.
(19)
 You believe that God is One. You do well; even the demons believe and shudder.
(20)
 But are you willing to know, O vain man, that faith apart from works is dead?
SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:
Someone once said that you cannot rightly divide the word of truth by pulling out one verse to prove a doctrine.... And that if that were the case she could find a verse or two that will prove Jesus Christ was the leader of a gang of horse thieves.... I found that hillarious.... And true.....
The true reading of James matches perfectly with what Jesus says.... That we will know the followers of Jesus by the fruit they bear.... You can know who is really walking in salvation and working it out with fear and trembling by what they do in life.... In other words.... They are proving they already have it.... Contrary to the belief that this passage is stating they are in the process of earning it....
I cannot stress enough that doctrines of men tend to pick out a few truths and wrap them in error as a woman wraps her fine china in newspaper.... In the end.... Something always ends up busted.... But when you wrap that fine china in bubble wrap.... It stays preserved.... Whole and blameless.... Consider the Holy Spirit your bubble wrap....
Read the truth of God in it's entirety.... Read it literally.... And allow the Spirit of God to bring revelation knowledge to you.... Let it change you..... Get that word down deep where it can live and work and change....
WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
Heb 4:12 LITV
(12)
 For the Word of God is living, and powerfully working, and sharper than every two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of both soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge of the thoughts and intentions of the heart;
SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:
Living and powerfully working.... The amplified says it like this:
Heb 4:12 AMP
(12)
 For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.
You get that word of God in you and let it dig around deep in the innermost reaches of you.... Watch it change you.... I once said to someone that there is not a day that goes by that God does NOT change SOMETHING about me.... I am not the same person I was yesterday.... The truth is that Jesus Christ is in the life changing business.... If He is allowed to He will perform exactly the way He did when bodily present....
There is no change in Him.... No shadow of turning.... If someone says to you that your illness or your physical impairment is the will of God.... If someone says it was Gods will that your child die in a car accident.... If someone tells you that you must earn salvation..... If someone tells you repentance is unnecessary.... Or that holiness is unnecessary.... Or that all sin is forgiven no matter when it was committed..... Or any one of hundreds of thousands of doctrines of men....
THROW IT DOWN....
Because there is nothing more detrimental to you than broken cisterns.....
Jer 2:13 LITV
(13)
 For My people have done two evils:(1) they have forsaken Me, the Fountain of living waters, to (2)hew out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water. (Emphasis mine)
In the end.... We cannot be saved by works.... Salvation is a free gift given by God in His grace.... The just shall live by faith.... We cannot live in sin.... We are not meant to be broken and crippled and sick.... We cannot prove we are followers of Christ by merely stating it.... We must be doers of the word and not hearers only.... The church of Philadelphia will be caught up out of the hour of trial.... Jesus is coming back very soon.... And soon death itself will be conquered.... And that's the Gospel truth....
]]> MaryFreeman http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/2985-SHOOT-N-FROM-THE-HIP-THROW-DOWN!!!-Pt-2 <![CDATA[SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP: THROW DOWN!!! Pt. 1....]]> http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/2984-SHOOT-N-FROM-THE-HIP-THROW-DOWN!!!-Pt-1 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 20:43:54 GMT Jer 1:10 KJV
(10)
 See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.
I am well aware of the fact that this SHOOT'N is going to step on some toes.... It is my hope that some of you are like me.... And will welcome the steppin'.... Because I feel this message deep in my bones.... I was reading Jeremiah this morning.... And I knew last night or before that I was to write another SHOOT'N.... I just didn't know til this morning what it was.... Now I do.... So what is the message?
IT'S TIME TO THROW DOWN!
It's time to tear down strongholds.... It's time to rip apart the fabric of oppression.... It's time to break the chains of bondage.... It's time to throw off every single vestige of the powers of darkness that have laid hold where they do not belong.... And it is time to boldly preach the word....
For so long folks have wandered around in a wilderness of doctrines.... Subjected to wave after wave of theoretical differences.... Fed a watered down gospel with the power to do absolutely nothing in their lives.... And it is time to change that....
It's time to recognize what has gone wrong and alter it according to God's true will....
WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
Jer 2:11 AMP
(11)
 Has a nation [ever] changed its gods, even though they are not gods? But My people have changed their Glory [God] for that which does not profit.
SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:
Yes this does specifically talk about switching to idols from the One True God.... But I submit that the doctrines of men can and do become idols which stand in the way of the One True God.... They keep Him from doing mighty works in our lives.... And God really does want us to see this....
Because we find it carried over into the writings of Paul....
WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
Rom 1:20-25 LITV
(20)
 For the unseen things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things made, both His eternal power and Godhead, for them to be without excuse.
(21)
 Because knowing God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful. But they became vain in their reasonings, and their undiscerning heart was darkened.
(22)
 Professing to be wise, they became foolish
(23)
 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into a likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed animals, and creeping things.
(24)
 Because of this, God gave them up to impurity in the lusts of their hearts, their bodies to be dishonored among themselves,
(25)
 who changed the truth of God into the lie, and worshiped and served the created thing more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:
I'm going to stop just short of the passages that clearly deal with something we aren't talking about here.... I am going to talk here of changing the truth of God into the lie.... I have seen many people saying things that just are not true of God.... And of His truth.... I am going to list a few here.... And hopefully I can clear up a few with my humble attempts....
I am absolutely positive that we can and often times do worship doctrines instead of the One True God.... One such doctrine is "It's God's will".... Here is my question....
IS IT REALLY?
For some odd reason folks want to believe that if they are financially strapped.... Or if they are suffering from depression.... Or if a disease has attacked their body.... Or if they lose a loved one before the due time.... It "must have been God's will".... And this one (oh how I love this one :rolleyes:).... "God must be teaching me something"....
Well here is one question I have....
Why are you fighting it then?
I know some folks's medicine cabinets must be chock full of medications.... Why are you taking them (don't stop taking your pills!:lol: That's not good)? If it is God's will.... Aren't you fighting a losing battle?
I have stated in a previous SHOOT'N that just because Job said it.... Doesn't make Job right.... Job was suffering under a misaprehension.... One that makes for a lovely funeral sentement.... But doesn't truly fit the charicter of our Lord Father....
WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
Job 1:21-22 LITV
(21)
 And he said, I came naked out of my mother's womb, and naked I shall return there. Jehovah gave, and Jehovah has taken away. Blessed be the name of Jehovah.
(22)
 In all this Job did not sin, nor charge wrong to God.
SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:
I want you to notice two things.... Job says "Jehovah has taken away".... Which doesn't really make sense.... Because if you look up a few short verses.... It says this :
Job 1:12 LITV
(12)
 And Jehovah said to Satan, Behold, all that is his is in your hand! Only, do not lay your hand on him. And Satan went out from the face of Jehovah.
Jehovah did not take anything away from Job.... Notice also that it says Job did not sin.... "Nor charge wrong to God".... This means Job did not blame God for his suffering.... And did not sin as a result of his suffering.... He merely suffered a misaprehension of God....
Which is something you do not have to go through.... Nor did he.... Come to think on it.... Because God's true attributes are clearly seen.... Both in nature and in His word.... I submit that when we suffer misaprehensions of God's charicter it allows satan a foothold in our lives.... Just as it did Job's.... And the best God can do to counteract that is to give specific orders to satan....
But hold up a minute! What do I mean.... "The best God can do?".... Shouldn't I be saying "God's in charge folks! Don't worry! He has everything under control and He knows just what He's doing!"....
No.... I should not be saying that.... Because that is a misaprehension....
WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
Gen 1:26-28 LITV
(26)
 And God said, let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the heavens, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over all the creepers creeping on the earth.
(27)
 And God created the man in His own image; in the image of God He created him. He created them male and female.
(28)
 And God blessed them; and God said to them, Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it, and rule over the fish of the seas, and over birds of the heavens, and over all beasts creeping on the earth.
SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:
Go way far back to the Book of Beginnings.... Who really was in charge of this earth?
I want you to notice two things here.... First that God made Man in His image.... According to His likeness.... Which means we are supposed to have all the attributes of God Himself.... Well.... Almost all....
Second that God put MAN in charge of this earth.... He said to fill the earth (with more humans) and subdue it (take control of it).... Not only that but we were to rule over it....
We were blessed to be rulers of this world way before Jeremiah told us God set us over the nations.... But something went horribly wrong.... I don't feel we have to go over the Adam and Eve story again.... Except to say that once again we see that doubting God.... Laboring under misaprehensions concerning His charicter.... Is what caused the fall.... Along with the sin of pride....
Satan convinced Eve that God was holding out.... Eve chose rather to be as like God as she could (not understanding that she was the perfect image of God already).... And to go for that which He was holding back (not knowing what it truly was going to be like to know good and evil)....
And instead of chopping off that snakes head.... Adam knowingly took his own bite....
And here we are.... With a broken and sinful and pride filled world on our hands.... The title deed to which.... And control of which.... To a man or woman.... We have all turned over to satan.... Just as the first couple have....
Only nowadays we actually do blame it on God!
The audacity!
Why did I say that? Because Jesus said something that should have made God's charicter clearly discernable by His children....
WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
Mat 11:27 KJV
(27)
All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, andheto whomsoever the Son will revealhim.
Joh 10:30 KJV
(30)
I andmyFather are one.
SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:
Ok fine.... That was two.... :D.... Jesus said He knows the Father (God) and the Father (God) knows Him.... And that He and the Father are one.... Not only that but that He does nothing of Himself but that which He sees the Father doing [
John 5:19]....
So what do we see Jesus doing? We see Him teaching.... We see Him preaching.... We see Him healing [
Mat 4:23].... We know He was anointed of God to preach the gospel.... To set at liberty those in prison (bondage).... To heal and to restore.... This should make Gods charicter plain to those who wish to see it....
I have often said I don't understand why "it must be God's will" comforts folks.... It doesn't comfort me.... If I were a person who didn't already know God's true charicter.... It would get me ticked something fierce against God.... Like my husband....
Fifty years ago he prayed fervently for God to heal his grandfather.... Because his parents were Catholic.... They taught him to pray to Mary.... He actually told me he never heard anything about Jesus but that He was Marys Son.... If that is not a shame.... I don't know what is.... It made me cry....
At any rate.... His grandfather died.... And his parents told him it was God's will.... And to this day he struggles with thoughts of God not listening to him.... That God was going to do what God was going to do.... And that there is nothing we can do to stop it.... And man is he ever MAD.... At GOD!
But God did not take his grandfather away.... Many times we see Jesus giving people back their loved ones.... Consider the widow of Nain.... Mary and Martha.... The Roman Centurion....
Consider "Talitha cumi"....
The fact is that death was never.... Is not ever.... Will not ever be.... God's will....
WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
Rom 5:12-17 KJV
(12)
 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
(13)
 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
(14)
 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
(15)
 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
(16)
 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
(17)
 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:
There are a multitude of things to learn from the above passage.... I just wish to outline two....
1: Death is a comunicable disease.... "Death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned".... We have all fallen short of the Glory of God.... We have all lived in sin at one point or another.... And just as Adam's sin had it's effect on all mankind and even our natural world.... So our sin has it's effect on those around us.... Death is (especially unnatural and untimely death)a result of sin.... In God's perfect world.... No one dies.... Death wasn't supposed to be here.... But because of Eve's misconception (specifically sinning because of it) and Adam's willful sin.... Not to mention our own.... It is here....
But God didn't do it....
2: There is a cure....
WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
Rom 5:18-21 KJV
(18)
 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
(19)
 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
(20)
 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
(21)
 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:
The free gift.... Paul tells us that the free gift of Jesus Christ is salvation by grace through faith.... Jesus says that those who believe in Him shall not perish (die) but have eternal life.... That those who believe are no longer under judgment and condemnation.... But those who don't are already condemned....
The difference between those who do believe and those who don't is that one (through faith and acceptance of the sacrifice our Lord provided) has stepped out from under the condemnation that Adam brought to the whole world [Romans 5:12].... And one has not....
If you have.... Then the benifits of that step are yours.... The words of Jesus are not just some comforting platitude in an ancient book designed to be good bedtime stories....
WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
Luk 4:18-19 KJV
(18)
The Spirit of the Lordisupon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
(19)
 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
Joh 10:10 KJV
(10)
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Joh 10:27-30 KJV
(27)
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
(28)
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall anymanpluck them out of my hand.
(29)
My Father, which gavethemme, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
(30)
 I and my Father are one.
Joh 11:25-26 KJV
(25)
 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
(26)
And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? ]]> MaryFreeman http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/2984-SHOOT-N-FROM-THE-HIP-THROW-DOWN!!!-Pt-1 <![CDATA[SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP: Preach the message of faith! (Preach the word pt. 2) cont....]]> http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/2933-SHOOT-N-FROM-THE-HIP-Preach-the-message-of-faith!-(Preach-the-word-pt-2)-cont Wed, 24 Aug 2011 21:55:29 GMT Lets take another look at 2 Corinthians 12:7.... An Amplified look: WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY? (AMP): (2Co 12:7 AMP) And to keep me from being puffed up and too much elated by the exceeding greatness (preeminence) of these revelations, there was... Lets take another look at 2 Corinthians 12:7.... An Amplified look:

WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY? (AMP):
(2Co 12:7 AMP) And to keep me from being puffed up and too much elated by the exceeding greatness (preeminence) of these revelations, there was given me a thorn (a splinter) in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to rack and buffet and harass me, to keep me from being excessively exalted. [Job. 2:6.]

SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:

Now I am certain satan sent this messenger to Paul to slap him down.... To break him and destroy him.... Because satan knew that Paul was about to revolutionize the whole known world.... It is not because Paul was Paul.... It is because of what Paul found.... What Paul was determined to tell others about....

Paul was preaching the word....

So telling oneself that "the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away...." is the same mistake Job made.... Which is where that phrase comes from by the way.... And it started when he launched a preemptive strike....

WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
(Job 1:5 AMP) And when the days of their feasting were over, Job sent for them to purify and hallow them, and rose up early in the morning and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed or disowned God in their hearts. Thus did Job at all [such] times.

SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:

Job's sons had a thing about birthdays.... They loved to celebrate them amongst themselves and their sisters.... They feasted on fine food and drank fine wine on each of 10 birthdays.... And Job was an anxious man.... He worried that his children might just be making God angry....

So then there came a day when the eldest was having a birthday party.... And suddenly all Job's servants were swooped down on and murdered.... And all his cattle taken.... And only one servant escaped to tell Job.... Just as he was telling his tale another servant said Job's sheep and the servants tending them had been struck by lightning.... And as that one was telling his story another rushed up and informed Job that the Chaldeans had slaughtered all his camels and the servants tending them.... And as if that wasn't enough.... A great tornado had torn his eldest son's house apart and killed everyone inside....

Job's reaction was to tear his garments and shave his head.... And he fell down and worshiped....
Saying ".... The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away....".... Now Job 1:22 said in all this Job didn't sin or charge God foolishly....

It didn't say he wasn't wrong....

Ignorance is sometimes fatal.... It can be hindering.... It might just be bliss.... But it is not a sin....
Job's words were due to ignorance.... Not because he was stating something true.... But that he was stating something he thought was true.... However the reason Job lost all he had was because his lack of knowledge caused a crack in the door.... And satan exploited it....

God's word says "My people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge (Isa. 5:13)...." And that is what happened to Job.... He lost everything because he was laboring under a lack of knowledge.... And he admits it....

WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
(Job 42:3-6 KJV)Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor

myself, and repent in dust and ashes.

SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:

Notice when he says "I have heard of thee...." The Hebrew word for heard is shema.... Of course meaning something heard.... "That is, a sound, rumor, announcement....".... In other words instead of checking things out for himself.... Job relied on what other folks said to him about God....

And it caused him to fear God in the wrong way.... It caused him to be afraid for his things and for his children to the point he thought up all sorts of dastardly things they may just be doing that might offend God to the point He took them away from Job.... And he showed that lack of knowledge through his offerings....

Kind of like people calling such things as a miscarriage or a death by illness or disease an "act of God".... Or say things like "It was just God's will"..... No wonder one man who lost his daughter said "Well if it was God I hate Him!"....

But the reality of Job's situation before satan rained on his parade is that God protected Job because.... In God's eyes.... Job was blameless and upright.... A man who fears God and eschews evil.... And Job opened the door through lack of knowledge....

One pastor who was eventually healed completely of a fatal blood disease said the Lord told him "You believe as far as you know...."....

You believe as far as you know.....

And knowledge is power.... Right?

So go find all the scriptures on healing.... Go look up God's attributes.... Acquaint yourself with the willingness of the Lord Jesus to heal.... Go read about all the times He walked everywhere just to find people who were willing....

And then preach the word....

Now don't go around saying "MaryFreeman of bibleforums.org told me I didn't need medicines! All I need is to preach the word!"

TAKE YOUR MEDICINE....

When your doctor looks at you astounded.... When he says "I can't explain it and I can't understand it...." .... When your doctor says "You don't need this medicine".... THEN stop taking it....

I have a friend who just keeps going.... Does what the doctor tells her to.... But she also has begun to preach the word to her body.... And she went to her doctor (she had something wrong with her blood) for a check up one day this last week.... And he came back with the results.... The poor man was in shock.... Because her results came back as better than normal.... Not normal for her.... Normal for someone without a blood problem....

When your doctor says "I have no idea what you have been doing but if you keep doing it, I can take you off these pills!"....

That's when you're done preaching.... That's when your body finally understands what it is supposed to do.... That is when you realize you fully believe the battle has already been won.... And there is more to it than just preaching.... Preaching is a statement of faith.... But so is praising.... So is worshiping.... So is singing and dancing and thanking the Lord.... Remember when you ask that if you fully believe.... Then your answer is "granted!".... And when you enter His gate.... Enter with thanksgiving.... Enter His courts with praise....

I am inclined to agree with Pastor Christopher Allam.... He says James Brown was a prophet.... And when you feel "symptoms" coming on.... When you find your body reluctant to cooperate....

GET UP OFFA THAT THANG! AND DANCE TIL YOU FEEL BEDDA!

Glorify the Lord for what He has done for you! Worship the God of yes and amen! Praise the God that healeth thee! Give glory and honor and praise to the Lamb by Who's stripes you WERE healed! And stand still and watch as the Lord puts ambushments in the way of your enemy....

And don't forget....

"All the powers of darkness tremble at what they've just heard..... Cuz all the powers of darkness can't drown out a single word.... WHEN ALL GOD'S CHILDREN SING OUT GLORY GLORY! ALLELUJA! HE REIGNS!"
(Jas 4:7 AMP) So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you.

Resisting the devil is easy.... Just preach the word....

Didn't Jesus say "It is also written...."?
　



 ]]> MaryFreeman http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/2933-SHOOT-N-FROM-THE-HIP-Preach-the-message-of-faith!-(Preach-the-word-pt-2)-cont <![CDATA[SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP: Preach the message of faith! (Preach the word pt. 2)]]> http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/2932-SHOOT-N-FROM-THE-HIP-Preach-the-message-of-faith!-(Preach-the-word-pt-2) Wed, 24 Aug 2011 21:54:38 GMT (2Ch 20:21-25 AMP)
When he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers to sing to the Lord and praise Him in their holy [priestly] garments as they went out before the army, saying, Give thanks to the Lord, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever! And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were [self-] slaughtered; For [suspecting betrayal] the men of Ammon and Moab rose against those of Mount Seir, utterly destroying them. And when they had made an end of the men of Seir, they all helped to destroy one another. And when Judah came to the watchtower of the wilderness, they looked at the multitude, and behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none had escaped! When Jehoshaphat and his people came to take the spoil, they found among them much cattle, goods, garments, and precious things which they took for themselves, more than they could carry away, so much they were three days in gathering the spoil.

Why preach the message of praise? Because praise preceeds the victory! As Jehoshephat and his army marched.... There marched a praise and worship team before them! And when they got to the edge of the wilderness separating them from the enemy.... "They were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none had escaped!"

Oh there is a good message in this passage of scripture.... Look at this closely.... "And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were slaughtered;" When they began to sing and to praise!

You see.... When they began to sing and to praise it was in response.... It was a tangible show of faith in God to perform His Word....

WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
(2Ch 20:15-17 AMP) He said, Hearken, all Judah, you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you King Jehoshaphat. The Lord says this to you: Be not afraid or dismayed at this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. Tomorrow go down to them. Behold, they will come up by the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the ravine before the Wilderness of Jeruel. You shall not need to fight in this battle; take your positions, stand still, and see the deliverance of the Lord [Who is] with you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Fear not nor be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.

SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:

Because Jehoshephat believed that the Lord Himself spoke through Jahziel.... And because Judah believed they would see the deliverance of the Lord.... They put singers and musicians on the front lines.... Which is not something any commander of any squadron would normally do (except the Marines.... Even their cooks can tear it up)....

Unless the commander believed with everything in him that the battle is already won....

And it was when they began to sing and to praise.... Something mighty happened.... Their faith opened a channel for God to move through.... The portal of praise.... Through which God was able to get three factions that were together in the deal to suspect each other of some shady business....

And they slaughtered each other....

The Israelites didn't have to lift a finger....

And it took three days to pack the booty home!

Are you ready for some spoils? Believe the battle has already been won.... Believe the enemy is already scattered.... Believe the Lord has set ambushments against the enemy.... And then praise the Lord....

And claim the spoil....

What is the spoil? Well I know prosperity is yours..... Because Deuteronomy 28 says so.... Blessing and increase.... I know your children will be taught of the Lord.... And great will be the peace of your children.... because Isaiah 54:13 says so....

And I know healing belongs to you....

Because the battle for it has already been won....

WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
(Isa 53:5 KJV)But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
(Rom 8:11 AMP) And if the Spirit of Him Who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, [then] He Who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also restore to life your mortal (short-lived, perishable) bodies through His Spirit Who dwells in you.
(1Pe 2:24 AMP) He personally bore our sins in His [own] body on the tree [as on an altar and offered Himself on it], that we might die (cease to exist) to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed.

SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:

The Spirit of Him Who raised up Jesus from the dead.... Whose Spirit raised Christ Jesus from the dead? Whose Spirit is the Spirit of adoption? Whose Spirit testifies together with our spirit? Whose Spirit is also called the Spirit of Christ?

The same Spirit Who's power created universes and put stars in the sky.... The same Spirit Who's power laced "Lazarus, come forth!".... The same Spirit Who's power packed "Talitha cumi!".... The same Spirit Who's power saturated "Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.".... The same Spirit Who's power infused "Young man, I say to thee, Arise."....

And what is it that causes that same Spirit to move and flow in your mortal body? The same thing that made the stranger in Luke 17 whole.... The same thing that made the woman with the issue of blood well again.... Faith.... It was faith that caused each of them to reach out....

It was faith that caused Jehoshephats people to stand still and praise the Lord while the enemy slaughtered each other.... It was faith that caused Moses to lead the children of Israel.... It was faith that caused Abraham to offer his son Isaac.... Faith that the One who seemed to be requiring the life of the promised child.... Can raise that same child up again....

If you are one who hasn't received your healing yet.... You may be thinking I am telling you that you don't have enough faith.... That somehow you retarded the healing of your body by lacking in faith....

No I am not....

But take a look at this:

WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
(Mar 6:5-6 KJV) And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.

SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:

These folk were from "His own country"..... Which I am assuming means Nazareth.... And they let the fact that they knew Him growing up cloud their better judgment.... Thus spawning unbelief (lack of faith).... And the only folks that got healed that day..... Were folks with colds and allergies.... Aches and pains.... Stubbed toes....

Notice it says "could there do no mighty work".... Not "would there do no mighty work".... Jesus went about the land seeking folks to heal and deliver.... People who would have the faith that He could loose them from their bondage.... So it is obvious from that that He is perfectly willing to heal....

He wants to heal.... It is in His nature to heal....

But there is something in Nazareth stopping Him....

He just can't do it with all that unbelief floating around....

So you know if you have faith that He can heal you.... But you need to know that you need to have faith that He will heal you.... And perhaps you need to know that faith that He has healed you is necessary to bring the change about....

But most of us just simply don't preach the word.....

That's right.... Preach to your body! And keep preaching to your body! Don't stop preaching to your body til it obeys the word of God.... Remind your body the Spirit of the living God resides in you and brings life and health to your MORTAL body.... Remind your body that by the stripes of Christ Jesus you WERE healed.... You were healed of that affliction 2000 years ago.... Now you just have to claim it and preach it....

Some would say "but my dear auntie so and so did all that and she DIED!"

And so did every single person who Jesus preached the word to....

So did every single person Peter preached the word to....

So did every single person Paul preached the word to....

Preach the word anyways.....

There are loads of folks in the Hall of Faith (Hebrews 11) who died while the object of their faith was still afar off (Hebrews 11:13).... Preach the word anyways....

WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
(Heb 11:35-40 KJV) Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:

I have said it before.... And I will say it again.... Man I've got it easy! I am blessed beyond all measure and compare.... I am still not saying those who haven't been healed don't have enough faith..... Because there are loads of other reasons....

Like the teaching of the "thorn in the side" of Paul.... And when he begged the Lord to take it away....

The Lord told him "My grace is enough for you....".... Lets examine that shall we?

WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
(2Co 12:7-9 KJV) And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:

Its that word.... Infirmities.... That throw folks off.... So we are going to find out exactly what Paul's infirmity was....

Starting with the Greek word astheneia.... In 12:9 it is translated weakness.... In 12:10 it is infirmities.... But to find out if Paul meant a sickness or a disease.... Or something more along the lines of a moral weakness.... We must back up a bit....

WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:

(2Co 12:7 KJV) And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:

Pay attention to "lest I should be exalted above measure".... It is said twice.... One thing I have noticed is that there are those who (believer and unbeliever alike) think more of themselves than they ought.... But here is the thing....

They're healthy as horses....

However there have been Christian preachers who have been powerful messengers of the faith.... And have fallen due to a weakness they grew too arrogant and prideful to remember to bring into captivity....

The significance of the double refrence here is that it is a very important topic to Paul.... It is said twice because it matters to him.... Because of the fact that Paul was receiving abundant revelations from God about future events.... Because he had abundant gifts of the Spirit.... Because he had loads of followers whom he taught.... He recognized that human pride could infiltrate and interfere with his ministry....

When he says "lest I be exalted above measure".... He is speaking of something poking at him to keep him from being puffed up.... From thinking more of himself than he ought....

I have no idea what issue or weakness in Paul was poking and prodding him.... I do know that I struggle with a prodigious temper.... I have a bad habit of raising my voice when I can't seem to get through to people.... And I have asked God and asked God to take it from me.... And I have finally come to terms with the fact that His Grace is sufficient for me.... That His strength is made perfect in weakness....

And I like to think He means that in spite of my stupid temper.... He can still use me.... Powerfully.... Which is why I glory in my infirmity.... I praise the Lord Jesus that He can and has used me mightily.... That His power rests upon me.... No matter what my fleshy self is like....

When I come to the end of myself.... I find the begining of Him.... And the quicker I come to the end of myself.... The quicker I can live in Him.... And He in me....

Like I keep telling my friend.... I am so glad I am not the same person I was yesterday....

I don't believe Paul's weakness was an illness.... Or a disease.... The context of the passage doesn't support it.... Have you noticed any instances where getting sick or diseased made anyone less prideful than they were? For that matter have you noticed health and vigor making anyone more humble?

Neither have I.... I don't believe health (or the lack there of) has anything to do with that subject.... If the person was prideful before they will be prideful after.... Health (like money) is a magnifier.... It magnifies the charicteristics you already have.... It doesn't change them or keep them in check.... As
Paul is saying his "infirmity" is doing....

Now watch this.....

The Greek word used for messenger in 12:7 is aggelos.... The primary meaning of the word is "an angel"....

Don't be suprised.... Paul does say we wrestle not with flesh and blood....

WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
(Eph 6:12 AMP) For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.

SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:

The spirit forces of wickedness.... I'm sure.... Is a self explanitory term.... All would call these forces demons.... Yet few think of them as angels.... Which is indeed what they are.... Angels who chose to follow the one who appears as an angel of light.... It is these forces that we deal with on a daily basis....

And it is of these forces that the messenger of satan came to Paul from.... To smack him around (figuratively)....

(TO BE CONTINUED)　
 ]]> MaryFreeman http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/2932-SHOOT-N-FROM-THE-HIP-Preach-the-message-of-faith!-(Preach-the-word-pt-2) <![CDATA[SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP: Preach the Word! Part one....]]> http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/2925-SHOOT-N-FROM-THE-HIP-Preach-the-Word!-Part-one Tue, 16 Aug 2011 17:34:47 GMT (2Ti 4:1-2 ASV) I charge thee in the sight of God, and of Christ Jesus, who shall judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: *_preach the word_*; be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all... (2Ti 4:1-2 ASV) I charge thee in the sight of God, and of Christ Jesus, who shall judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
Last week our church had what we call Campmeeting.... And the message was so good.... And so urgent.... I am passing it on to you.... But first let me clarify something about the above verses.... They aren't just talking to Pastors.... Not just evangelists.... Prophets or teachers.... Ok.... I'll prove it....
WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
　
(2Ti 2:24 ASV) And the Lord's servant must not strive, but be gentle towards all, apt to teach, forbearing,
SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:
See? Read Paul's second letter to Timothy.... Not once does he mention any title of the five-fold ministry.... He is not addressing preachers or teachers.... Pastors or prophets.... Evangelists or healers.... His letter is a generalized letter speaking to Timothy about EVERYONE.... Which means....
He's talking to you....
So as pertaining to 2 Tim. 4:2.... I issue the same charge to you that Paul issued to Timothy....
Preach the word....
Preach the everlasting.... Life changing.... Body healing.... Demon stomping.... Devil chasing Word of the Living God.... It's time to declare the freedom Jesus paid so dear a price to give you....
WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
(Isa 53:5 AMP) But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole.
　
SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:
Peace and well-being.... Prospering in every area of your life (including finances!).... And yes.... HEALING.... Are believers rights (or gifts.... If you prefer).... They are the terms of the blood covenant between you and God.... The blood of Christ sealing the deal.... You give Him yourself.... You get blessed beyond all measure and compare.... You have been grafted in the vine.... You have become joint heir with Christ Jesus.... Everything the Father gives Him.... He also gives you....
Ok fine.... I will prove that too....
WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
(Gal 4:7 AMP) Therefore, you (insert your name here) are no longer a slave (bond servant) but a son; and if a son, then [it follows that you are] an heir by the aid of God, through Christ.
(Rom 8:15-17 ASV) For ye (insert your name here) received not the spirit of bondage again unto fear; but ye (insert your name here) received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we (you and me) are children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him.
SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:
So all that Jesus paid the price to obtain.... And everything God gives Him.... Is yours.... Everything....
So lets start with the one thing NOBODY thinks is a good idea for a Christian to talk about.... For some odd reason.... We are going to dare to talk about MONEY....
Ut oh!
Oh stop.... It isn't some dirty little five letter word.... Try going to the supermarket and getting everything you need for your household without it.... Dare ya.... If you need it.... It follows that we should freely discuss it.... And openly discuss what the bible has to say about it....
First of all it does NOT say that money is a filthy evil thing (although it should say filthy.... Do you know how many hands have touched that dollar bill in your pocket?).... The bible says the LOVE of money is the ROOT of all evil.... In other words greed brings about murder.... And all sorts of other evils....
It is not a sin to have money.... It isn't a sin to have more money than you need.... In fact.... If you are to do what God wants.... If you are to be a blessing to others.... If you are to give to those in need.... If you are called to a ministry.... If you are to go into all the world and preach the gospel.... It stands to reason you should have MORE than what you need....
Right?
Because after all just having what you need only takes care of you....
WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
(Eph 4:28 AMP) Let the thief steal no more, but rather let him be industrious, making an honest living with his own hands, so that he may be able to give to those in need.
(1Th 4:11-12 AMP) To make it your ambition and definitely endeavor to live quietly and peacefully, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we charged you, So that you may bear yourselves becomingly and be correct and honorable and command the respect of the outside world, being dependent on nobody [self-supporting] and having need of nothing.
SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:
I could go on and on.... Give scripture after scripture.... But why? Just these three say everything you need to know.... If we are to work with our hands.... Being dependent on nobody and having need of nothing.... And be able to give to those in need....
We need more money than what we need....
Yes it does too make sense....
And it also makes sense to be certain you are always doing the will of the One who made you.... To the glory of the One who made you.... Because it is only when you are doing the will of God.... When you are dilligently keeping all that He commands.... That you will be blessed....
WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
(Deu 28:1-13 AMP)IF YOU will listen diligently to the voice of the Lord your God, being watchful to do all His commandments which I command you this day, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you if you heed the voice of the Lord your God.Blessed shall you be in the city and blessed shall you be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of your body and the fruit of your ground and the fruit of your beasts, the increase of your cattle and the young of your flock. Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading trough. Blessed shall you be when you come in and blessed shall you be when you go out. The Lord shall cause your enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways. The Lord shall command the blessing upon you in your storehouse and in all that you undertake. And He will bless you in the land which the Lord your God gives you. The Lord will establish you as a people holy to Himself, as He has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in His ways. And all people of the earth shall see that you are called by the name [and in the presence of] the Lord, and they shall be afraid of you. And the Lord shall make you have a surplus of prosperity, through the fruit of your body, of your livestock, and of your ground, in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers to give you. The Lord shall open to you His good treasury, the heavens, to give the rain of your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hands; and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. And the Lord shall make you the head, and not the tail; and you shall be above only, and you shall not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you this day and are watchful to do them.
(Php 4:19 AMP) And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
(Rom 8:32 AMP) He who did not withhold or spare [even] His own Son but gave Him up for us all, will He not also with Him freely and graciously give us all [other] things?
SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:
I want you to focus on Deut. 28:2.... It says " all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you." But it also says "if you heed the voice of the Lord your God"..... So what does that mean for the NT child of God?
Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.... Don't just be a hearer of the word.... Do the word.... THE WHOLE WORD.... Every jot and tittle of it is relevant for today.... Every single word in that bible packs the power to bless our lives.... To bring life to mortal bodies.... To bring health to flesh and bones.... To prosper and cause to succeed.... And I will prove that too.... But first....
Some like to say that we are NT believers and we don't have to follow everything the OT says! Especially not TITHING!
God forbid we make sure our pastors are taken care of so they can focus solely on rightly dividing the word of truth.... And we are entitled to electricity and running water in our churches.... We deserve the latest sound and video equipment at no cost to us! We're entitled to it because we're CHRISTIANS!
Consider the first Christians.... These folks sold EVERYTHING and distributed it amongst the congregation according to the needs of those in the congregation....
And we complain about 10%?
Really?
WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
(Pro 3:9-10 AMP) Honor the Lord with your capital and sufficiency [from righteous labors] and with the firstfruits of all your income; So shall your storage places be filled with plenty, and your vats shall be overflowing with new wine. [Deut. 28:8.]
　
(Mal 3:8-12 AMP) Will a man rob or defraud God? Yet you rob and defraud Me. But you say, In what way do we rob or defraud You? [You have withheld your] tithes and offerings. You are cursed with the curse, for you are robbing Me, even this whole nation. Bring all the tithes (the whole tenth of your income) into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and prove Me now by it, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground, neither shall your vine drop its fruit before the time in the field, says the Lord of hosts. And all nations shall call you happy and blessed, for you shall be a land of delight, says the Lord of hosts.
(1Co 9:11-13 AMP) If we have sown [the seed of] spiritual good among you, [is it too] much if we reap from your material benefits? If others share in this rightful claim upon you, do not we [have a still better and greater claim]? However, we have never exercised this right, but we endure everything rather than put a hindrance in the way [of the spread] of the good news (the Gospel) of Christ. Do you not know that those men who are employed in the services of the temple get their food from the temple? And that those who tend the altar share with the altar [in the offerings brought]? [Deut. 18:1.]
　
　
SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:
What would you call your storage places today? In this 21st century.... What are you storing? Do you store money in a bank? Do you hide it in the cookie jar? Do you store goods? What do you store and where do you store it? What could be considered vats for you? It matters not.... We honor the Lord when we bring Him the firstfruits of all our income.... It blesses Him to see us taking care of the one He sent to lead us and minister to us....
I know some are going to take this as boasting.... But I cannot control their thoughts.... If I could they would love every word I have written to them and put every one of them into practice.... But I can't.... So here goes....
My Pastor and his wife have no other job but the one God has entrusted them with.... Taking care of our spiritual needs.... They were blessed with six children.... And they have a wonderful home and cars.... They tithe over 40% of their income and lack nothing....
And they do not have any outside source of income....
Folks that is how it should be.... But we have folks claiming rights they do not have.... Not only that.... But over half the churches in operation today are out of the will of God simply by existing.... People are starting churches for a variety of vain and selfish reasons.... May as well be glorified country clubs for all the good they do.... So we have glorified country clubs full of ENTITLED God robbing thieves (who expect it to run right and their pastor to keep up with their needs AND get his own job).... And God is supposed to bless this?
Now that just does not line up with the word.... What the word says is to bring all the tithes into the storehouse.... And it even gives the reason for it.... So that there is food in His house.... Meaning that those who are doing His will in ministering to us and devoting themselves to that high goal.... Those who are feeding and keeping His flock.... Do not have to worry about providing for their needs.... They only need to worry about providing our spiritual needs....
And no one should start up a "church" because they feel like it.... Or because they don't like what the church they left preaches.... Or because they think they can do a better job.... Any move not made in the Holy Spirit is a move made against Him.... And they build these churches in vain....
WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
(Psa 127:1 KJV) A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
So.... Who builds a true church?
Watch this:
(Mat 16:18 KJV)And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:
Jesus builds the church.... Jesus is the Man Who has servants under Him.... And Jesus tells them to go here or go there and build this and tear down that.... If it isn't built because Jesus told them to.... Then it is a glorified country club built in vain....
Said all that to say this.... Don't rob God.... Find an honest to goodness God-built church.... A Spirit filled and bible teaching and preaching church.... Get involved in it.... And pay your tithes....
And then.... Claim the blessings of an obedient and prompt to do it giver! Start preaching the word to your checkbook.... Your credit cards.... Your bills.... Your mortgage(s).... Don't just quote Phillipians 4:19.... Preach it.... Declare it.... Tell satan God's promises are the truth.... That when He said He would open up the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing so big there won't be room to receive it thats exactly what He means....
Start preaching the word of God over your career.... Start shaking that old serpent off your livelihood! Start declaring your seed provided and the success and prosperity God has for you!
Here's the thing though.... Don't run around naming and claiming Cadillacs while flipping burgers at Micky D's.... God promises to prosper "the work of your hands".... God will prosper you where you are at.... Take that as a motivator to lift up your eyes from where you are at.... Is there a career you feel led to? If God wants you there.... God will also get you there....
Jesus wanted Peter to follow Him.... Jesus told Peter to let down his nets for a haul.... Peter did so though he had been fishing all night long and caught nothing.... And Peter brought in a net breaking.... Boat sinking haul he had to get help from friends with! There wasn't room enough to receive it....
But that isn't the most exciting part.... That haul provided wages for Peter's family for 3 1/2 years.... The exact length of Jesus' ministry.... But Peter had to heed the voice of the Lord and do what He told him to.... And so did Joshua....
WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
(Jos 1:8 AMP) This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.
SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:
Remember Deut. 28:1-14? Look closely at verse 8.... God promises to "command the blessing upon you in your storehouse and in all that you undertake" and "make you have a surplus of prosperity".... And to "open to you His good treasury.... and to bless all the work of your hands".... Sounds like a career to me.... In this day and age.... That sounds like a job.... A source of income.... A storehouse to me would translate into a bank account.... Or the coffee can buried in the back yard.... The sock at the back of the underwear drawer.... To each his/her own....
Ours is a God of plenty.... A God who gives to us freely all things to enjoy.... And because He loves a cheerful giver.... The AMP says " For God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyoous, prompt to do it) giver [whose heart is in his giving]".... He will pour out a blessing we cannot contain....
Now look at Deut. 28:4.... It says "blessed shall be the fruit of your body".... Verse 11 says a surplus of prosperity "through the fruit of your body".... What is "the fruit of your body"?
WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
(Deu 7:11-14 AMP) You shall therefore keep and do the instruction, laws, and precepts which I command you this day. And if you hearken to these precepts and keep and do them, the Lord your God will keep with you the covenant and the steadfast love which He swore to your fathers. And He will love you, bless you, and multiply you; He will also bless the fruit of your body and the fruit of your land, your grain, your new wine, and your oil, the increase of your cattle and the young of your flock in the land which He swore to your fathers to give you. You shall be blessed above all peoples; there shall not be male or female barren among you, or among your cattle.
SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:
The word of God says your children shall be taught of the Lord.... And great shall be the peace of your children [Isaiah 54:3].... The word of God says the promise is unto you.... And to your children [Acts 2:39].... The word of God says your children are prepared for God [1 Corinthians 7:14].... The word of God says the children of His servants shall dwell safely and continue.... Their descendants shall be established before God [Psalms 102:28].... The word of God says His mercy and loving-kindness are from everlasting to everlasting upon those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him.... That His righteousness is to the childrens children [Psalms 103:17]....
Go through the Psalms.... Seek out all the promises of God to your children.... And then....
PREACH THE WORD!
Begin to speak it over your kids.... And never ever stop or give up.... Keep speaking the word.... When that old serpent whispers in your ear.... Preach the word! When he tells you your children are good for nothing.... That you won't be able to take care of your children.... That you are subject to poverty and lack and that your childrens needs will never be met.... Preach the word!
WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
(Psa 37:25-26 AMP) I have been young and now am old, yet have I not seen the [uncompromisingly] righteous forsaken or their seed begging bread. All day long they are merciful and deal graciously; they lend, and their offspring are blessed.
SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:
Do you want your children to come to the Lord? Are they prodigals? Do they need courage and strength in school? A clear crisp mind? What do your children need? Find God's promises.... And then preach the word!
Preach the uncompromising.... Unmatched.... Unfailing.... Uninhibited.... Unstoppable.... Unbeatable word of the Most High God.... Preach the life changing.... Spirit sustaining.... Soul transforming.... Fruit bearing word of the Great I Am....
The word of the Lord is....
Tested and tried [Ps. 18:30]
Right [Ps.33:4]
Imprinted on His heart [Ps. 105:8]
Holy [Ps. 105:42]
Healer and Rescuer [Ps. 107:20]
Settled in heaven [Ps. 119:89]
A lamp and a light [Ps. 119:105]
Very pure [Ps. 119:140]
Truth [Ps. 119:160]
Magnified above His name [Ps. 138:2]
Tried and purified [Proverbs 30:5]
Not to mention the fact that it....
Adds length of days and years of a life and tranquility [Proverbs 3:2]
Does not return to Him void [Isaiah 55:11]
Accomplishes that which He pleases and purposes [Isaiah 55:11]
Prospers in the thing for which He sends it [Isaiah 55:11]
Stands forever [Isaiah 40:8]
TO BE CONTINUED....
　
　
　
 ]]> MaryFreeman http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/2925-SHOOT-N-FROM-THE-HIP-Preach-the-Word!-Part-one The smallest deed is bigger than the greatest intention.... From FB.... Joplin relief http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/2861-The-smallest-deed-is-bigger-than-the-greatest-intention-From-FB-Joplin-relief Wed, 22 Jun 2011 21:20:00 GMT I am hard pressed to write my thoughts down today.... It's hard to put them into words when you see the degree of suffering close up. I mean, we see it on television all the time.... Live footage of the Japan earthquake pulled at your heart strings.... The news of flood activity.... Twisters everywhere.... The stuff was made for television.... But to see it.... All up close and in your face.... To physically be there.... To see peoples memories.... Their hard work.... Their life.... Stacked up in front of you in piles of twisted debris.... To know they will never get those years back.... It's almost too much to express.... My heart shattered as I looked around the worksite.... What used to be three or four homes in a nicely treed area was now a lot of building materials and lumber.... Or firewood.... And tons of twisted up metal that may or may not have been there before.... Each toy I found.... Each picture.... Each memento.... reminded me the pile of rubbish I was standing on used to be someones home.... And my heart would break all over again....
I walked around the worksite overcome with the magnitude of what happened in Joplin.... Half of a fairly large city was wiped out.... Gone.... And I was cleaning up one site.... One site out of literally thousands.... Like Pastor Greg said.... It was like spitting in the ocean.... And I heard so many stories.... One that particularly moved me was of a woman with two small children.... She lost her life to the twister.... Her girls are in the hospital in Kansas City right now.... She had a 6 year old and an 18 month old.... The 18 month old was found in the arms of a woman no one in the family knew.... This woman lost her life as well.... But she saved this babys life.... So many stories like that.... And some will probably never get told....
But here is one I can tell.... Pastor Bjorklund and Abundant Life Chuirch have responded so beautifully.... They housed folks till they could find family and friends.... They brought aid.... They housed Service International volunteers.... They fed them.... They still do this to this very day.... And their food warehouse is to this day used for disaster relief.... They truly are the hands and feet of Jesus.... They "shall in no wise lose their reward"....
The second day I worked in the warehouse.... We spent from about 8:30 that morning til about 5:30 that evening with an hour break for lunch.... And many sit downs for the less than in shape (Me.... LOL).... First we sorted literally tons of canned goods by what they were.... Then we sorted again by what size they were.... Then we lined them up in nine not so neat layers (but the cans had to all be the same EXACT height.... They could be fat or skinny.... But the EXACT same height.... Or you would be running after about a hundred cans of whatever it was....)and wrapping them up with some industrial strength cling wrap.... I mean this stuff gave new meaning to the jingle "It ain't got a thing if it ain't got that cling!".... And you do NOT want to get wrapped in that stuff.... No it didn't happen.... But still.... Just sayin....

And after these tons and tons of cans were properly stacked one layer on top the other and sufficiently wrapped in the strongest celophane I have seen yet.... We turned our attention to dry goods.... And more sorting.... All cereals and cereal bars in one box.... Granola snacks in another.... And don't even think about trying to box up multipacks of Gatoraide and juice boxes.... The tape on the bottom of the box just will not hold.... And not even a high school wrestler can lift it properly....
But I think the most memorable moment was when Kyna and Tiff stood in front of a fan that would have been able to put a prop engine crop duster in the air with Donna for a picture.... The turbulence ruined their girlish figures.... But I think Tiff has a different memorable moment involving wind....
At any rate.... Enough about wind.... It was really hot in the warehouse considering.... Well considering it is a warehouse.... Very few air conditioned spots in that huge an area.... It just isn't feasable.... So they had.... Like I said.... A fan that could lift a prop engine crop duster in the air.... Maybe even a single engine Cesna.... It was so huge it did not come with a cabinet around it.... They had to BUILD one.... Custom made.... And man it felt wonderful....
So we got the work done for the day.... And found that our Leader was heading back to the ponderosa.... And man his absence was felt.... We went for the third and final day back out to the field.... To clean up more debris.... We went to a different site with different leaders.... Which is why Pastor Gregs absence was felt.... Of course we may just be biased.... Things just weren't as smooth the third day.... But bless everyone.... We all tried.... And got some things accomplished before we left....
When you look at it all.... You think "Man I didn't make a very large dent".... But all of us working together to help.... Well we created what could be equated with the hail dammage on my car.... And just think.... If more created that kind of dammage.... I wouldn't have a car....
And if more folks became large balls of solid ice.... All that hail dammage will ammount to a huge chunk out of a major disaster....
I drove through Topeka today.... Headed to Walmart.... Remembering the site of a bare hill.... Which used to have a Walmart on it.... I needed to see trees with bark and leaves.... Homes and people.... Businesses and cars.... An intact city.... Got to Walmart and was going inside when I saw this lady screaming at this guy to get out of the crosswalk she didn't bother to stop for.... And if anyone knows me.... They know the lady did not get out of there without understanding a thing or two she didn't seem to understand before.... That SHE had the stop sign.... HE was a pedestrian.... And that life is too short to hurry that fast....
I walked through Walmart in absolutely no hurry today.... Had folks begging pardons for getting in my way.... I told them "I am in no hurry...." One lady said "That is the way to be isn't it?".... And I said "I just got back from Joplin".... And promptly started crying ( again).... Luckily she was the "Say no more" type.... Couldn't have said more anyways.... All she said was "OOOO Yeah.... Put's things in perspective doesn't it?"....
I found myself wanting to look at everyone I came across for an extra long time.... I tried not to because they didn't know where I had been or what I had seen.... But I had a deep desire to really look at them.... To remember that I had seen them.... To notice the child in the basket eating the food as mom put it in there.... The father shopping for his family.... The couple buying the party tray for the basketball game.... So I tried hard to really notice them without seeming like I left my mind in Joplin.... For certain I had left my heart in Joplin....
I've wondered what I would say to the person the toys and pictures I was picking up in Joplin represented.... What would I say if I had this child.... That mother.... The man in the picture.... Standing right in front of me? And really.... What can anyone say that would NOT sound like so many petty and cliche platitudes and patronizations? These people lost everything.... And some lost everything.... And then had to bury their loved ones....
And all I can think of when I ask myself this question is "My Redeemer lives".... Regardless of all of it.... The Lord God Omnipotent reigns.... Satan is defeated.... My Redeemer lives....
It blessed my heart to hear that people in Joplin were not blaming God for this.... Because it is Satan that comes to steal and kill and destroy.... I met up with a girl I knew at the carnival I went to right after returning home.... I tried hard to explain to her that the tornado was not God.... That man was given the title deed to this earth and gave it to Satan when they sinned.... And he is the one wreaking havoc in the atmosphere.... I don't think it worked.... But I can pray my words are remembered one fine day....
If you are considering a trip to Joplin.... Don't pray too long about it.... Go.... Serve your King....
And take me with you.... ]]> MaryFreeman http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/2861-The-smallest-deed-is-bigger-than-the-greatest-intention-From-FB-Joplin-relief The power of worship.... http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/2754-The-power-of-worship Wed, 30 Mar 2011 09:44:35 GMT (1Ch 16:29 KJV) Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. Oh worship the Lord! Worship and praise Him! He is the Lord of Glory! He is the Lord of recompense!... (1Ch 16:29 KJV) Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
Oh worship the Lord! Worship and praise Him! He is the Lord of Glory! He is the Lord of recompense! He is the Lord of Righteousness! He is the Lord of Justification! He is the Lord of Sanctification! He is the Lord of Redemption! He is the Mighty King! He is the Glorious King! He is the Healing King! He is the Restoring King! He is Holy Holy Holy! He is mighty to save! He is the Faithful King! He is the True King! He is the only Worthy King! He is Jehovah! He is Emmanuel! Hallelujah!
Come into the Holy of Holies.... Bring all your shame and all your scars.... He is a God of restoration.... Have you walked your own way? Come into the Holy of Holies! Did you build up dreams and did you inflate your hopes? And did it all come crashing down around you? Come into the Holy of Holies! Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! Did you chase after puffs of smoke and put your faith in men? And did it all come crashing down around you? Come into the Holy of Holies! He is the God of Healing! He is the Lord of Mercy! Did you measure your worth on the yardstick of fortune and fame? And did you worship the idol of riches and gold? And did it all come crashing down around you? Come into the Holy of Holies! There is a river there. This river is deep and wide. Jump in! Jump in! As Naaman did in the Jordan deep! Jump in and be healed!
Name it and claim it! Seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness! All these things shall be added unto you! Name that and claim it! Believe in your heart and do not doubt! Walking not in the flesh but in the Spirit, request the desires of a pure and spotless heart and you shall have it! Name that and claim it! Healing is in His provision! Name that and claim it! My God shall supply all your needs not according to your riches and glory! They are nothing! According to HIS riches and glory by Jesus Christ the King of Kings! Name that and claim it! Blessed are you going in and blessed are you coming out! Name that and claim it! Set your heart on things above not on things below! Humble yourself before your God and HE will lift you up! Name that and claim it! He is a faithful God! He is a good God! He is a righteous God! He is a Holy God! All the promises of God are YES and AMEN! Name that and claim it!
Draw near to Me! I'll draw near to you! I will lift you up! I will build you up! I will cleanse you! I will restore you! I will renew you! I will make you new! I will clothe you in MY glory! I will array you in MY righteousness! You will shine for Me! Worship Me and I will heal you and make you new.
We worship a good God! We worship a holy God! We worship the Mighty One! Just and Pure, Holy Holy Holy! Blessed be the Mighty One! Glorious and Mighty to save! Hallelujah! Our King is the Conquering King Who tramples demons! And puts satan under OUR feet! Puts satan under our feet! Gives His people the victory! Praise Him and adore Him! We give You glory and honor and praise Father! We give You shouts of Joy! Shouts of Praise! We give You shouts of Victory! Hallelujah! And I will give You all my worship Father! I will give You all my praise! You alone I long to worship! Amen! And You alone are worthy of my praise!
Blessed be the Lord God Almighty forever! He is Holy Holy Holy! Give Him all your praises! Shout with a voice of Triumph! The Lord has triumphed gloriously! Give Him your worship! You will see mighty works like in the days of Moses! Give Him your praise! You will be bold! You will be fearless! You shall go out with Joy! You shall be led forth with peace! God is a God of promises! And what ever He even thinks shall come to pass! God is a God of promises! And all the Promises of God are YES and AMEN! He is a God of faithfulness! He is a God of Peace!
Amen and we put You first in our lives Father! We put You back in our worship! We put You first in our prayer! We put You first in our day! You are first in our finances! First in our marriages! First in our lives Father! We worship You Father! We glorify You Lord! We glorify You Father!
The Holy Spirit flows like a river. Comes and washes us clean. Flows through us and in us. Washes us white as snow. All the dirt gone. All the shame gone. All the hurt gone. All the blame gone. He flows all around us and lights up the dark. He flows in our hearts and makes us bold. He flows in our bodies and strengthens us. He flows in our bodies and makes us whole. He flows through our spirits and makes us live! He flows through our eyes and makes us to see! He flows to our ears that we may hear! He flows through our being that we may be strong in the Lord and the power of His might!
There is power! Power! Wonder-working Power! In the Blood! It's in the Blood! Of the Lamb! Power! Power! Wonder-working power! In the precious blood of the Lamb! He washes away sin! He washes away shame! He washes away worthlessness and breaks chains! Nothing but the Blood of Jesus can wash the soul! Nothing but the Blood of Jesus can cleanse the mind! Nothing but the Blood of Jesus can purge the body! Nothing but the Blood of Jesus can birth the spirit of a man! There is Power! Power! Wonder-working power!
Forgiven beloved hidden in Christ! Made in the image of the Giver of Life! Righteous and Holy we're born and remain! Accepted and worthy this is our new name! I have named you with a new name! I have given you My righteousness and My holiness! I have set you apart and I have sanctified you! I have done a mighty work in you and it is through My blood and by My power! It is through My blood the Father sees you! It is My Glory cloaking you! It is the weight of My Glory! It is the mantle of My Peace!
Praise be to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Glory to God in the highest! You alone Lord! You alone we will praise! You alone we will worship! You alone are worthy Lord! For You alone we will live! It is in You we live and move and have our being Lord! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! We fall down! We lay our crowns at the feet of Jesus! Amen and we do cry Holy Holy Holy! Yes Lord we do cry Holy Holy Holy is the Lamb! Great and mighty are you Father! And great is the Lord of Hosts! Praise and worship and honor are due the Father of Light and His Christ! Glory strength and honor due Your name and Your name alone!
]]> MaryFreeman http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/2754-The-power-of-worship <![CDATA[SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP: You don't even know who you are!(Conclusion)]]> http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/2725-SHOOT-N-FROM-THE-HIP-You-don-t-even-know-who-you-are!(Conclusion) Fri, 18 Mar 2011 17:01:03 GMT WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:

(Rom 5:12 AMP) Therefore, as sin came into the world through one man, and death as the result of sin, so death spread to all men, [no one being able to stop it or to escape its power] because all men sinned.
(Rom 5:13 AMP) [To be sure] sin was in the world before ever the Law was given, but sin is not charged to men's account where there is no law [to transgress].
(Rom 5:14 AMP) Yet death held sway from Adam to Moses [the Lawgiver], even over those who did not themselves transgress [a positive command] as Adam did. Adam was a type (prefigure) of the One Who was to come [in reverse, the former destructive, the Latter saving]. [Gen. 5:5; 7:22; Deut. 34:5.]
　
SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:
So even if we do nothing wrong (and come on.... We all have sinned) in and of ourselves.... And if we are the model citizens.... And nary a harsh word or wrong move came from us.... Still death resulting from Adam's sin held sway.... We were all born into sin.... All of us were given the choice.... And the freedom of will to make said choice....
So the point of this whole thing is to say if you made that choice.... And you chose to trust in and rely on the One who suffered so much for you.... Then it is time you knew who you really are in Him....
]]> MaryFreeman http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/2725-SHOOT-N-FROM-THE-HIP-You-don-t-even-know-who-you-are!(Conclusion) <![CDATA[SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP: You don't even know who you are!(Pt.2)]]> http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/2724-SHOOT-N-FROM-THE-HIP-You-don-t-even-know-who-you-are!(Pt-2) Fri, 18 Mar 2011 16:59:27 GMT SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:
Now I am reasonably certain you know about the hall of faith.... That is the 11th chapter of Hebrews.... It is an encouragement to Hebrew believers being oppressed in Jerusalem.... A biblical pep talk.... In this chapter we find the writer (presumed to be Paul) talking about the heros of their faith.... Heros such as Moses, Enoch, Abraham and Sarah, Abel and others....
In this chapter they are all referred to as those "of whom the world was not worthy".... And according to Hebrews 11:40 they will not obtain perfection "apart from us [before we could join them]."(AMP).... Which means we who put our faith and trust in Christ alone for salvation will be on the same level.... We will be part of those who "the world was not worthy" of....
And I guarantee you sinners will not be part of that....
Ok this is the part where I tell you I am not saying we are not saved by grace.... Because that would be extremely stupid of me.... There is not one thing on earth we can do that is good enough to get us into heaven.... So it is not a matter of our good deeds outweighing our bad deeds.... That is patent nonsense....
If we were able to work off bad deeds as one would credit card debt.... There would have been no need for the Savior of our souls to die a particularly horrid death on a Roman cross.... And that after a scourging.... Which followed two muggings.... One from the ruling elite of Jerusalem and the other from Roman soldiers....
Here are some details of scourging and crucifixion you may not have known....
FROM Bible History Online ABOUT SCOURGING:
　
The Romans would, according to custom, scourge a condemned criminal before he was put to death. The Roman scourge, also called the "flagrum" or "flagellum" was a short whip made of two or three leather (ox-hide) thongs or ropes connected to a handle as in the sketch above. The leather thongs were knotted with a number of small pieces of metal, usually zinc and iron, attached at various intervals. Scourging would quickly remove the skin. According to history the punishment of a slave was particularly dreadful. The leather was knotted with bones, or heavy indented pieces of bronze.

Sometimes the Roman scourge contained a hook at the end and was given the terrifying name "scorpion." The criminal was made to stoop which would make deeper lashes from the shoulders to the waist. According to Jewish law (discipline of the synagogue) the number of stripes was forty less one (Deut. 25:3) and the rabbis reckoned 168 actions to be punished by scourging before the judges. Nevertheless, scourging among the Romans was a more severe form of punishment and there was no legal limit to the number of blows, as with the Jews. Deep lacerations, torn flesh, exposed muscles and excessive bleeding would leave the criminal "half-dead." Death was often the result of this cruel form of punishment though it was necessary to keep the criminal alive to be brought to public subjugation on the cross. The Centurion in charge would order the "lictors" to halt the flogging when the criminal was near death.
FROM DR. MARK EASTMAN ON CRUCIFIXION:
The victim was then placed on his back, arms stretched out and nailed to the cross bar. The nails, which were generally about 7-9 inches long, were placed between the bones of the forearm (the radius and ulna) and the small bones of the hands (the carpal bones). (Figure 1.)
The placement of the nail at this point had several effects. First it ensured that the victim would indeed hang there until dead. Secondly, a nail placed at this point would sever the largest nerve in the hand called the median nerve.
The severing of this nerve is a medical catastrophe. In addition to severe burning pain the destruction of this nerve causes permanent paralysis of the hand. Furthermore, by nailing the victim at this point in the wrist, there would be minimal bleeding and there would be no bones broken...
The positioning of the feet is probably the most critical part of the mechanics of crucifixion. First the knees were flexed about 45 degrees and the feet were flexed (bent downward) an additional 45 degrees until they were parallel the vertical pole. An iron nail about 7-9 inches long was driven through the feet between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones. In this position the nail would sever the dorsal pedal artery of the foot, but the resultant bleeding would be insufficient to cause death.
The Catastrophic Result
The resulting position on the cross sets up a horrific sequence of events which results in a slow, painful death. Having been pinned to the cross, the victim now has an impossible position to maintain. With the knees flexed at about 45 degrees, the victim must bear his weight with the muscles of the thigh. However, this is an almost impossible task-try to stand with your knees flexed at 45 degrees for 5 minutes. As the strength of the legs gives out, the weight of the body must now be borne by the arms and shoulders. The result is that within a few minutes of being placed on the cross, the shoulders will become dislocated. Minutes later the elbows and wrists become dislocated. The result of these dislocations is that the arms are as much as 6-9 inches longer than normal.
With the arms dislocated, considerable body weight is transferred to the chest, causing the rib cage to be elevated in a state of perpetual inhalation. Consequently, in order to exhale the victim must push down on his feet to allow the rib muscles to relax. The problem is that the victim cannot push very long because the legs are extremely fatigued. As time goes on, the victim is less and less able to bear weight on the legs, causing further dislocation of the arms and further raising of the chest wall, making breathing more and more difficult.
The result of this process is a series of catastrophic physiological effects. Because the victim cannot maintain adequate ventilation of the lungs, the blood oxygen level begins to diminish and the blood carbon dioxide (CO2) level begins to rise. This rising CO2 level stimulates the heart to beat faster in order to increase the delivery of oxygen and the removal of CO2.
You can read more of Dr. Mark Eastmans assessment of crucifixion at http://www.khouse.org/articles/1998/113/
This is what He suffered through after being beaten on two different occasions and then scourged Roman style.... And this He suffered so we could be made righteous.... Because nothing we could ever do would be good enough to get us into heaven on our own account.... In short....
We were blackballed before we were ever born....
 ]]> MaryFreeman http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/2724-SHOOT-N-FROM-THE-HIP-You-don-t-even-know-who-you-are!(Pt-2) <![CDATA[SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP: You don't even know who you are!(Pt.1)]]> http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/2723-SHOOT-N-FROM-THE-HIP-You-don-t-even-know-who-you-are!(Pt-1) Fri, 18 Mar 2011 16:57:20 GMT I'm not de one who is confused! You don't even know who you are!
- Rafiki, The Lion King.
Do you have a computerized bible? A bible program on your computer? Do a word search for me.... Type in SINNER.... See if what you come up with applies to you now that you are saved....
I found twelve instances in the KJV....
Twelve.... In the entire KJV New Testament.... Here are eleven:
WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
(Luk 7:37 KJV) And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,
(Luk 7:39 KJV) Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.
(Luk 15:7 KJV)I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
(Luk 15:10 KJV)Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
(Luk 18:13 KJV)And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much ashiseyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
(Luk 19:7 KJV) And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.
(Joh 9:16 KJV) Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.
(Joh 9:24 KJV) Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner.
(Joh 9:25 KJV) He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.
(Jas 5:20 KJV) Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
(1Pe 4:18 KJV)And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:
Notice that in all of these verses either the writer is making a distinction between sinner and righteous.... Or it is being slanderously applied to Someone who quite patently is NOT a sinner....
There are still those who go about (honestly believing they are being pious) saying they are a "sinner saved by grace".... It grates on the nerves regardless of the persons intended effect on others.... Because only 3/4ths of that sentance is biblically correct....
SAVED BY GRACE....
Honestly.... There is not one sinner who is saved by grace that remains a sinner.... Notice for one thing that James says that one who converts the sinner from the error of his ways.... One what? Because the blind cannot lead the blind as Jesus himself says.... So if the one falling away from God is a sinner.... The one who did NOT err from the truth is a what?
Back up to verse 16 in James 5....
WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
(Jas 5:16 KJV) Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
This statement is more powerful (I feel) in the amplified....
Check it out....
(Jas 5:16 AMP) Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].
SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:
If you go back up to my word search results you will notice that one thing causing contention among the ruling elite in Jesus day was that they did not believe a sinner could perform miracles.... Why would God work so dynamically through a sinner?
Yet just above we see the earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].... Some folks believe that James 5:16 is for healing.... And yes it is.... You can receive physical healing through prayer.... But amplified James 5:16 is for healing and restoration to a spiritual tone of mind and heart....
This is specifically geared to bring the one who erred back into communion with the Lord.... Not to mention saving that person from certain death.... Death in this instance being eternal separation from God....
But what I specifically want you to focus on is what that says about the "sinner" in this equation....
This sinner is on a course of evil (as the amplified says it).... This person has fallen off the wagon.... Strayed from the Truth.... And as the wages of sin is death (eternal separation from the Father).... And the one who converts the sinner is saving him from death (eternal separation from the Father).... And we know the one doing the saving is referred in previous verses as a righteous man....
Do you really wish to be labeled a "sinner"?
Sinners are not saved by grace and remain sinners.... It cannot happen (as we see in James 5:19-20).... Because if it could.... There would be no need for them to be "converted".... The Greek word used in verses 19 and 20 for convert and converteth is epistrepho.... which means to turn about or back.... Or to cause to return.... So if you are going one way.... Or on one path.... And I come and return you to a previous path.... Or you turn back to a previous path.... You have done a complete 180 and are no longer headed where you were.... Or no longer in the position you used to be in....
Regardless of what anyone says.... You cannot go East to go West....
All that to say this....
You cannot be a saint (according to the Apostle Paul) and a sinner at the same time....
That is physically and spiritually impossible....
Said that to say this.... I want you to notice what happened with the woman who came into Simon's (not Peter's) house during dinner and cried so much she soaked Jesus' feet with her tears.... And then wiped them with her hair.... What she was doing was obviously seeking forgiveness.... Which is what you do when you know you have lived wrong and wish to be right again....
You repent....
And because she did.... Her sins (which were many) were forgiven (Luke 7:47).... What I really want you to see is what Jesus says to her in verse 50....
WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
(Luk 7:50 NLT) And Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."
SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:
He says to her that her faith.... The absolute conviction she felt that if she just came to Him and worshipped Him.... Brought Him all her nasty little secrets and changed her mind (repented).... That she would be forgiven and set free.... Had saved her....
Now watch this.... Another instance in which Jesus forgives the sins of an adulteress.... Look at what He says to the woman:
WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
(Joh 8:10 AMP) When Jesus raised Himself up, He said to her, Woman, where are your accusers? Has no man condemned you?
(Joh 8:11 AMP) She answered, No one, Lord! And Jesus said, I do not condemn you either. Go on your way and from now on sin no more.
SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:
He says "and from now on sin no more."
Well isn't that what a sinner does?
If a grower grows things.... And a buyer buys things.... And a carver carves things.... Then by nature a sinner sins....
Yet Jesus is telling this newly forgiven woman not to sin! Which if she followed that directive (and we all know she did).... She is no longer a sinner....
Incidentally the Greek word for condemn(ed) used in verses 10 and 11 is katakrino.... Which means to give judgment against.... When Jesus said "Neither do I".... What He was doing was forgiving the woman of her sins.... The Greek word for forgive is aphiemi.... Which means to give up, or to keep no longer.... Or to lay aside.... So Jesus was laying aside judgment of the womans many sins.... And when He did this she was converted from sinner to forgiven set apart one.... Or saint....
When the Apostle Paul addressed his letters.... He addressed them to "the saints who....".... The Greek word used was hagios.... Which means sacred (physically pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially concecrated).... Holy one....
WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
(Rom 1:7 KJV) To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
(1Co 1:2 KJV) Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
(2Co 1:1 KJV) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:
(Eph 1:1 KJV) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
(Php 1:1 KJV) Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
(Col 1:2 KJV) To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:
As opposed to a hamartolos.... Or a sinner.... Who is "devoted to sin".... One who is "not free from sin".... If that is not you.... You are not a sinner ("saved by grace" or otherwise)....

Said all that to say this.... You will not ever find one instance in the entire new testament at all ever where any one of the writers addresses one who has been forgiven of sins and set free.... One who puts their faith and trust in Christ alone to save them.... As a sinner.... Here's a list of a few of the terms used for Christians:
Saint
Beloved
Brethren
Ambassador
Child of light
Child of God
Little Flock
Little Children
Partakers of the inheritance
Folks this is only a few of them.... And watch what Peter says:
WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
(1Pe 1:1 KJV) Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
(1Pe 1:2 KJV)Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
SHOOT'N FROM THE HIP:
Now what did Peter mean when he said "to the strangers"? Well.... Check it out in the CEV (Contemporary English Version)....
(1Pe 1:1 CEV) From Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. To God's people who are scattered like foreigners in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.
God's people who are scattered like foreigners.... For the folks living at that time.... Peter was talking to the underground church.... They were in hiding because several Roman emperors declared Christianity illegal.... And at least one insane emperor blamed them for the burning of Rome and murdered them for refusing to deny their Savior....
We now a days can look at this differently.... We are not in hiding from an insane dictator.... We don't have to meet underground.... We can go to the markets and buy and sell freely.... But still.... We are indeed strangers....
WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?:
(Php 3:20 AMP) But we are citizens of the state (commonwealth, homeland) which is in heaven, and from it also we earnestly and patiently await [the coming of] the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) [as] Savior,
(Heb 12:23 AMP) And to the church (assembly) of the Firstborn who are registered [as citizens] in heaven, and to the God Who is Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous (the redeemed in heaven) who have been made perfect,
 ]]> MaryFreeman http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/2723-SHOOT-N-FROM-THE-HIP-You-don-t-even-know-who-you-are!(Pt-1)