I believe ALL christians need to ask themselves

[Oregongrown]

if what they believe in, is from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit speaking/interpreting/helping/teaching them the Word of God? Or, and this could be very humbling for some to look at, myself included, are we relying even a little bit on what we've been taught by peers, friends, family, tradition, certain religions that could possibly have man-made doctrine?

Every christian is offered salvation through Christ Jesus, Who payed our Way on the Cross. Only by the blood of Jesus and only "through" Him may we enter into eternal life.

We have to read the bible for ourselves though. We can't rely on family tradition, or religious tradition, or, well, it's just that way, and not look for ourselves. I am convinced that is why they call it a "personal relationship with Jesus". The Holy Spirit comes and dwells in us and He teaches us the Word:

1 Cor. 2:13-16
13 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/tools/printer-friendly.pl?book=1Cr&chapter=2&translation=nkjvp#)These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/tools/printer-friendly.pl?book=1Cr&chapter=2&translation=nkjvp#) But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/tools/printer-friendly.pl?book=1Cr&chapter=2&translation=nkjvp#) But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 16 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/tools/printer-friendly.pl?book=1Cr&chapter=2&translation=nkjvp#) For "who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?" But we have the mind of Christ.

Im sure people will get tired of seeing these verses but they have meant so much to me in the last few months. Only "Spirit" can interpret "Spiritual" things.

And this verse(s):
2 Peter 1:20-21
And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; 20 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/tools/printer-friendly.pl?book=2Pe&chapter=1&translation=nkjvp#) knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/tools/printer-friendly.pl?book=2Pe&chapter=1&translation=nkjvp#) for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

When we are saved and filled with the Holy Spirit, then He will show us all Truth in the Word of God. For some of us it is very hard to let go of what we have been taught when we see the Truth at long last but we must if we are to truly follow Christ.

God bless and love to all, your sister in Christ, denise
PS When we read or hear things from others, we always need to make sure they are indeed reconcilable to the Word of God.

[jh099]

We have to read the bible for ourselves though. We can't rely on family tradition, or religious tradition, or, well, it's just that way, and not look for ourselves. I am convinced that is why they call it a "personal relationship with Jesus".
These words need to be pounded forcefully into the heads of pretty much the entire USA. It's unbelievable how many people I've met that claimed to be Christians, and then when I would talk with them about specific issues later on, they completely disagreed with things in scripture. It boggles the mind how many people consider it acceptable to pick and choose which parts of the Bible they agree with and then continue to call their little invention Christianity. It's everything or nothing. What we think of God is irrelevant. He is who He is, and we're the ones who have to bring ourselves in line with Him.

[Oregongrown]

yes, too many making their own "god" instead of realizing God created us:) I see the biggest problem of all being man/womans ego. The "world" in general isn't willing to bow down to God, but in not doing so, many don't realize they are bowing to satan:( There is no grey area that I can find and believe me, I tried. The fear of the Lord is the second best gift I was ever given, after salvation:)

God bless, your sister in Christ, denise

[HisLeast]

These words need to be pounded forcefully into the heads of pretty much the entire USA.


Because nothing convicts the heart and inspires one to love the Lord than violent force.

[Oregongrown]

christians. All I believe the person was pointing out was how serious this is. It is life and death. I don't understand automatically looking for the worst in something someone says. No one gets far with trying to force someone. And no one gets far in loving our fellow christians by "assuming" the worst from them. Any true believer knows that. But I can also tell you that I believe there will be a time when we are "forced" to make a choice for life over death for eternity. Why not do it now is all I think is being said here. For me it just inconceivable that people will actually choose hell over eternity with God. But some people will.

I think that the main thing is to learn to serve the Lord in the Way He has for each of us and "just do it". I don't believe in force, useless to me, but I don't believe in watering down the gospel either.

God bless, a sister in Christ, denise


Because nothing convicts the heart and inspires one to love the Lord than violent force.

[jh099]

Because nothing convicts the heart and inspires one to love the Lord than violent force.
Figure of speech and you know it. :P

What I am advocating is making a very strong point that it is not okay for a person to pick and choose what parts of the Bible they believe to be true.

[dispen4ever]

It is possible for an authentically born-again Believer to walk in His footprints, having been filled to the brim at the moment of the salvation experience with the Holy Spirit.

There are those who are Christian who don't understand what I have just written. The Bible clearly teaches that those who are saved are saved indeed. The difference for those who walk in His footprints and those Christians who don't is that the latter will be saved, as if by fire. The rewards for faithful service (works following salvation) will be meager to zilch, but they'll still be in Heaven.

[Sold Out]

if what they believe in, is from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit speaking/interpreting/helping/teaching them the Word of God? Or, and this could be very humbling for some to look at, myself included, are we relying even a little bit on what we've been taught by peers, friends, family, tradition, certain religions that could possibly have man-made doctrine?


God bless and love to all, your sister in Christ, denise
PS When we read or hear things from others, we always need to make sure they are indeed reconcilable to the Word of God.


You are so right! That's why I love the book I just read (The Shack). It touches on this subject perfectly!

[ServantofTruth]

if what they believe in, is from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit speaking/interpreting/helping/teaching them the Word of God? Or, and this could be very humbling for some to look at, myself included, are we relying even a little bit on what we've been taught by peers, friends, family, tradition, certain religions that could possibly have man-made doctrine?

Every christian is offered salvation through Christ Jesus, Who payed our Way on the Cross. Only by the blood of Jesus and only "through" Him may we enter into eternal life.

We have to read the bible for ourselves though. We can't rely on family tradition, or religious tradition, or, well, it's just that way, and not look for ourselves. I am convinced that is why they call it a "personal relationship with Jesus". The Holy Spirit comes and dwells in us and He teaches us the Word:

1 Cor. 2:13-16
13 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/tools/printer-friendly.pl?book=1Cr&chapter=2&translation=nkjvp#)These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/tools/printer-friendly.pl?book=1Cr&chapter=2&translation=nkjvp#) But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/tools/printer-friendly.pl?book=1Cr&chapter=2&translation=nkjvp#) But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 16 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/tools/printer-friendly.pl?book=1Cr&chapter=2&translation=nkjvp#) For "who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?" But we have the mind of Christ.

Im sure people will get tired of seeing these verses but they have meant so much to me in the last few months. Only "Spirit" can interpret "Spiritual" things.

And this verse(s):
2 Peter 1:20-21
And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; 20 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/tools/printer-friendly.pl?book=2Pe&chapter=1&translation=nkjvp#) knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/tools/printer-friendly.pl?book=2Pe&chapter=1&translation=nkjvp#) for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

When we are saved and filled with the Holy Spirit, then He will show us all Truth in the Word of God. For some of us it is very hard to let go of what we have been taught when we see the Truth at long last but we must if we are to truly follow Christ.

God bless and love to all, your sister in Christ, denise
PS When we read or hear things from others, we always need to make sure they are indeed reconcilable to the Word of God.


When you hear and believe the gospel message you become a Christian.

Romans 10:17 No one can have faith without hearing the message about Christ.

BUT.......

Romans 10:9 So you will be saved, if you honestly say, 'Jesus is Lord', and if you believe with all your heart that God raised him from death.

BUT......

John 9:10 says...... I came so that everyone would have life, and have it FULLY.

We have the Holy Spirit within us, we have the bible to teach, help people, correct and show us how to live. (need i even say that's 2 Timothy 3:16?)

How many Christians are missing out on so many blessings, because they won't read, study/ learn and most important SUBMIT to God's clearly stated eternal unchanging Will/ Wisdom. They prefer mans cleverness/ foolishness (means the same before God) to God's Wisdom.

Perhaps a wise Christian should write a letter, in the modern day, to churches that learned and accepted salvation and never grew. Point out newer Christians who study the scriptures daily.



Life to the MAX !!!

SofTy For old times sake. :hug:

[Oregongrown]

I would love to know the author and see if I can find the book! God bless your day!! ysic, denise :hug:

You are so right! That's why I love the book I just read (The Shack). It touches on this subject perfectly!

[Oregongrown]

John 9:10 isn't that verse though. NP, I get em mixed up sometimes too:)

Absolutely, we are told to study the Word.

2 Tim 2:15
15 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/tools/printer-friendly.pl?book=2Ti&chapter=2&translation=nkjvp#) Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

I also look at the Bible as The Word of God, not The Words of God. I mean that to take any of the Word out of context is to not get the whole picture, which is Christ. The bible is intricately woven together to bring One Message, Christ, The Good News. One of the worst crimes I see is folks who pick and choose what they want from the bible and live by "that" but they won't have Jesus without accepting and believing all of the Word.

God bless your day, a sister in Christ, denise :hug:


When you hear and believe the gospel message you become a Christian.

Romans 10:17 No one can have faith without hearing the message about Christ.

BUT.......

Romans 10:9 So you will be saved, if you honestly say, 'Jesus is Lord', and if you believe with all your heart that God raised him from death.

BUT......

John 9:10 says...... I came so that everyone would have life, and have it FULLY.

We have the Holy Spirit within us, we have the bible to teach, help people, correct and show us how to live. (need i even say that's 2 Timothy 3:16?)

How many Christians are missing out on so many blessings, because they won't read, study/ learn and most important SUBMIT to God's clearly stated eternal unchanging Will/ Wisdom. They prefer mans cleverness/ foolishness (means the same before God) to God's Wisdom.

Perhaps a wise Christian should write a letter, in the modern day, to churches that learned and accepted salvation and never grew. Point out newer Christians who study the scriptures daily.





Life to the MAX !!!

SofTy For old times sake. :hug:

[keck553]

Yeshua is my rabbi.

[Oregongrown]

I was just thinking of this either lastnight or this a.m. I was going to research and see if the name yeshua is the original from the manuscripts? I am not one to worry about calling God anything but God as He has many names and I can' possible cover them all:) but, He is the same God, the One and Only as far as Im concerned. They called him rabbi in the bible, He didn't call Himself that I don't think?? But rabbi means teacher and He is definitely that:) among all else, He is Everything:) God bless your day in Him, your sister in Christ, denise


Yeshua is my rabbi.