"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)
I'll be honest -
This forum does mean a lot to me. I was a member back in 2006 off and on while I was an itinerant. There are even some articles and sermons I preached on here. I've seen and experienced things in my walk with God that none of you will ever experience. I've been used as an instrument in revival; I've preached to hundreds of thousands of screaming lost men and women; I've seen souls saved, and people spit in my my face at the proclamation of the Gospel. I've stood in pulpits across the country and spoken the word of God.
And it's all meaningless in the last analysis.
Paul said that the life he NOW lives, he lives by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I find myself, after all is said and done, living a mundane and menial existence bound to this forum by obedience - and therefore, bound to all of you as well.
I've made harsh statements, called some of you out for things that you yourself may not even yet be able to understand - and have done so with absolutely no thought of my reputation or what any of you think of me afterwards.
A few of you have reached out to me, and we have had fruitful conversations as a result.
One brother was even used of the Lord in His sovereignty to answer prayer, and then again to speak words of life to me as the Lords instrument to aid in my crucifixion of my own theology.
I've been called to a life of faith in the Father for all things - but also as an intercessor for a lost family, for whom I spend every day interceding in the way we are called to intercede - not the cop out of some form of prayer, but the literal bearing of their burdens, their reproach, their sin, as I act as a priest for them and they see my daily walk with the Lord. I can't be something in a forum, and something else in my life - what I write issues directly out of my life and the minute by minute abiding in Jesus and His conscious presence.
Why am I saying any of this?
In esteeming others better than ourselves, we are forced to bear the cross and deny self. This is the mind that was in Jesus - He is God and still made Himself of no reputation in order to die the death of the cross and bear away our sin.
This forum represents a good majority of my interaction with anyone who names the name of Jesus - as pathetic as that sounds. Where I live, EVERYONE is a Mormon. There is not a single believer for 50 miles in any direction.
I walk with God alone - called to live a prophetic life in the midst of a place where the irony of my existence is compounded by the fact that everyone here bows the knee to a literal, self proclaimed false prophet.
I was apprehended by Jesus Christ in a similar way Paul was, out of the blue and in a way that leaves nothing to question regarding my calling and election - but also as Peter, after following Jesus for a long time and then denying Him grievously. He found me back in the world, in my boat as it were, and destroyed my self life before calling me to again follow Him.
How does talking about myself esteem you all better than myself? Because I am constrained to every member of this forum in a way that seems stupid even to myself... It's an online forum. But it represents something deep and profound - because this site contains some of the most important teachings from men of the past God has used.
So when you all devolve into pointless bickering, strife, self seeking and self aggrandizement - it's a grief to me and a grief to the Holy Spirit.
I will continue to labor for you all, both in prayer and delivering the words of God for you. But know this, unity is only achieved between brethren who are willing to esteem others better themselves, and who will put the souls of those to whom they write, speak, and labor for before even their own.
This is the mind that was in Jesus, and if you claim to have the mind of Christ, and yet still esteem yourself and your own way, experience, views or even your own soul as better than the person to whom you speak, you are living from self and not from Jesus.
Maybe this, like many of my posts will fall on deaf ears and go unheeded - but when I write I understand the gravitas of addressing eternal souls in the name of God Almighty, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent and eternal - and may He receive the glory and praise, as all things are created for Him.
I'll end this as John ends his first epistle, "little children, keep yourselves from idols".
Brother, I’m just seeing this now!
I first came on SI back in 2008! I have keep my same name.
I use to post a lot on here years ago and then stopped posting for a long season.
I just started posting again and saw the "on tongues” thread, so I got a little excited and thought I would proclaim how good God is and a little of what He’s done in my life.
I’m assuming now because of the posting of others that your name is Evan, but other than that I don’t know you and you don’t know me.
You may have done a lot in your life by the grace of God. You may have done much more than me in the Kingdom of God. I hope you have reached a lot of people for Jesus and have done so much more.
My posting was about how real God was to me…a nobody…and what amazing things He did in me and cause me to do. I was exalting him and that speaking in tongues was so real in me. It was nothing I did or deserved but all God.
I’m sorry I offended you and you can criticize me again on this thread brother if you desire but why do we feel like we have to find fault or criticize another brother.
Anyway, I hope you the best in Christ! I praise God for you and I do believe that if we were in the same room together in real life we would find that we believe the full gospel message of Christ. Paul said many are the enemies of the cross of Christ but I don’t believe you nor me are one of those but we proclaim that through the cross is the power of God.
Blessings brother in Christ love!
rbanks
Rbanks,
The Gospel is the power of God for salvation to all that believe. Jesus esteemed each of us better than Himself, God of all creation, humbling Himself to take on mortal flesh and live in obscurity for 30 years, turn the world upside down for 3, and than get hung a cross in brutal death to bear our sin in His own body, and shed His blood for the forgiveness of sins.
His resurrection is ours, as He lives, so to do we. In His death we died to sin, but even more, in His resurrection we are raised to newness of life, alive to God with His love shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit - love for God, and love for all of those that bear His name and share in His life.
The Holy Spirit of Christ is sent as our paraclete to indwell us, so that our natural lives can be transformed into spiritual lives in living in the presence of Jesus, for the glory of Jesus, by life of Jesus within us - and the test of our love for God is in inspired and spontaneous obedience to His commands, loving God and loving the brethren in self effacing and sacrificial ways - in deed, not in word.
Jesus calls us to deny ourselves as He denied Himself, by His power and through His grace. The Holy Spirit denies Himself in only exalting Jesus; Jesus denies Himself in doing only what pleases the Father; the Father denies Himself in offering up His only Son as a propitiation for sin - and all of this in triune love and self denial - each member of the Trinity loving the other, and esteeming the other as better than themselves.
Christian unity is bound up in the triune God - and exemplified there.
This is true Christianity - not transfigurative mountain tops, but demonized valleys and self denying love for others.
What a wonderful gospel.
yes…amen brother!
Matthew 16:24 (KJV) Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Matthew 10:38 (KJV)
38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
Mark 8:34 (KJV)
34 And when he had called the people [unto him] with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
1 Thessalonians 3:3 (KJV)
3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.
2 Timothy 3:12 (KJV)
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
1 Peter 4:1,2 (KJV)
1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2 That he no longer should live the rest of [his] time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
Philippians 3:17-21 (KJV) 17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. 18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, [that they are] the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end [is] destruction, whose God [is their] belly, and [whose] glory [is] in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
Luke 24:46-49 (KJV) 46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And ye are witnesses of these things. 49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
Acts 1:7-8 (KJV) 7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Luke 12:2-5 (KJV) 2 For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. 3 Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops. 4 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.
Hebrews 12:14 (KJV) Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Hebrews 12:28-29 (KJV) 28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 29 For our God [is] a consuming fire.
2 Corinthians 5:9-11 (KJV) 9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad. 11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.
Romans 6:1-4 (KJV) 1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:11-12 (KJV) 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
1 John 2:3-6 (KJV) 3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
1 John 3:4-6 (KJV) 4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
1 John 3:7-9 (KJV) 7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
Hebrews 10:24-31 (KJV) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 26 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. 28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance [belongeth] unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 [It is] a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Revelation 21:7-8 (KJV) 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (KJV) 9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
Galatians 5:19-26 (KJV) 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Galatians 2:17-21 (KJV) 17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, [is] therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. 18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness [come] by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Philippians 2:5-11 (KJV) 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth; 11 And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:12-13 (KJV) 12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.
Titus 2:11-15 (KJV) 11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
1 John 4:7-8 (KJV) 7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
1 John 4:9-10 (KJV) 9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins.
1 John 4:11 (KJV) Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
1 John 4:12-13 (KJV) 12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. 13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
1 John 4:14-16 (KJV) 14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son [to be] the Saviour of the world. 15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. 16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
1 John 4:17-19 (KJV) 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 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. 19 We love him, because he first loved us.
1 John 4:20-21 (KJV) 20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (KJV) 1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become [as] sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed [the poor], and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (KJV) 4 Charity suffereth long, [and] is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
1 Corinthians 13:8-10 (KJV) 8 Charity never faileth: but whether [there be] prophecies, they shall fail; whether [there be] tongues, they shall cease; whether [there be] knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
1 Corinthians 13:11-13 (KJV) 11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these [is] charity.
Jude 1:20-21 (KJV) 20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 (KJV) 12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all [men], even as we [do] toward you: 13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
2 Peter 1:2-4 (KJV) 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
2 Peter 1:5-11 (KJV) 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make [you that ye shall] neither [be] barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
@rbanks :)
@brother Evan, you have literally poured out your heart so I find. And I so bless God for the person you have thereby revealed. I have often thought you sounded like a virtuous man of God (a pious Christian veteran - worthy of being esteemed in Christ) - but I, seemingly as often, got confused when I would think you would rebuke me contrary to what I felt was warranted. I will not add much details hear but hope to email you (something that should best explain one conduct you may have felt required censoring). Either than that, I agree I am as much indepted to esteeming others better than myself - as the scrptures exhorts.
PS. Oh, while I did not post until few years back, I came across SI from around 2009 and so appreciated what it had to offer - especially on revivals, the need of which is evident in many parts.
Do you have any videos of you preaching Eschable ?
/I've seen and experienced things in my walk with God that none of you will ever experience./
Really? Are you completely sure of that? I'm just speaking for myself, but it strikes me as sort of setting yourself apart from the rest of "us" in some manner or way even though you went on to give some further comment regarding this statement.
/Paul said that the life he NOW lives, he lives by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I find myself, after all is said and done, living a mundane and menial existence bound to this forum by obedience - and therefore, bound to all of you as well./
So, being bound to us on this forum causes you to exist in a mundane and menial way? Or are "we" the mundane and menial you are bound to by obedience? Maybe I misunderstood your words, but the way you use mundane and menial makes me feel a little less than you. If I have misread your words, I am open for correction.
/I've made harsh statements, called some of you out for things that you yourself may not even yet be able to understand - and have done so with absolutely no thought of my reputation or what any of you think of me afterwards./
Again good bro, and I mean that, you seem to set yourself apart a bit from other folks by saying God had me call you out and gave me such words for you that even you may not have understood them. I don't buy into that to the degree that you meant it. Judging from these statements and others you have made before, I discern a certain naiveness on your part in regard to how such statements can come across to others. At least on my part. I realize I may not be speaking for others. But I don't see God giving words through one part of the Body that other parts can't understand. It's been my experience also that those who a true prophetic calling from God are not mentioning it often so as to make others aware of it. This type of real prophetic gift or office makes way for itself. It doesn't have to be heralded.
Are you part of a church body anywhere, maybe even a home fellowship? Are there any other believers in the Mormon land in which you dwell? I would think there would have to be other believers somewhere, maybe even closer than you think. God can mold and form saints in any way He chooses, but the best and most effective way is the midst of other believers you are bound to in a local setting. If you do happen to be alone at this point, I would seek out other believers wherever they may be in that locale. The Lord's hand is not so short I don't think. He has His people there somewhere I would bet. I have a picture of you also finding an older and wiser mentor who can pour his wisdom and experience into you. Someone you can trust and love.
I hate to even have gone in some of the ways I have in this reply. That's because esteeming others in love better than myself is a theme the Lord is sharing with me about at this point in my walk. I've known it before, but He has returned to this theme and is trying, or beginning to try, and make it more real in my own life. You hit the nail on the head in posting about this. And certainly the bickering and in fighting are produced by the FLESH which is a way the old Adamic nature still wants to express itself through us. Lord help me foremost of all.
Blessings. Not wanting to offend, just share.
Docs,
You are right on all points, about me and about truth. But that's the glory of the gospel isn't it? That even though we can see the plethora of shortcomings and faults as we perceive them, God still uses the weak and foolish things to accomplish His purposes.
There is no reason to believe anything I say, and every reason to brush me off as an immature fanatic with no history in God. 20 years is a blip compared to some - especially thinking about how much of it I wasted and frittered away on selfish pursuits.
But nevertheless, I will correct you on one point. This forum is just a part of the deepest lesson the Lord has taught me so far - as long as you walk with Him, it doesn't matter where what you are doing, as long it's what he wants - this includes working a 9-5, or any other thing that modern Christianity looks down on as not spiritual, because that is where the Father is, with the weak and beggarly, the mundane and repetitive daily existence of those that have nothing to boast in anymore, because its all dung apart from Him, our life.
I find Evan spot on when he uses righteous judgement towards someone.
The Lord does put us aside at times even 40 years for some in scripture. He has caused me to dwell a great deal of the time without direct fellowship or a church. At present I think I have left the local, homegroup midweek meeting after a joke made when someone said they were a milkman's son. I did not catch the remark after that but recognized the type of laughter which followed. It was a Pentecostal group of very worldly people. But then, the pastor has a Jaguar XJS.
I am so thankful for the time out where He has taught me the most I know and drawn me into such close fellowship with Him that nothing else matters.
Evan has enough discernment to know what God wants of him.
Evan..
You said to David…
You are right on all points, about me and about truth. But that's the glory of the gospel isn't it? That even though we can see the plethora of shortcomings and faults as we perceive them, God still uses the weak and foolish things to accomplish His purposes.
There is no reason to believe anything I say, and every reason to brush me off as an immature fanatic with no history in God.””””””-
Brother, the glory of the gospel is not about us being stupid or glorying in our flesh, or mistreating others…or criticizing, judging others or hurting our brethren…nor even putting ourselves down or making excuses…
Blessings to you brother
rbanks
Brenda,
One thing that rings true daily is that it's not really even about discernment, knowing the Lord's leading, or any of these "spiritual" things that sound good - it's about us all coming to a mutual place where we fellowship with Jesus and trust His ability to lead, knowing our ability to follow is non-existent.
If we are in fellowship with Jesus, we will rarely know where we are even headed, but as long as He leads the way and we stay on His heels, nothing can come against us - and we will end up where we need to be, because where He is, there we shall be also.
@brother Evan. It would be nice of you to reply to brother David Keel's question even if you have no intentions of sharing any sermon video now. I do not know if I am just oversensitive but I think it is this type of things that can bring about skepticism or questions over one's Christian person.
Yes I shall fully understand if you have somehow altogether missed it.
PS. Ah, another good explanation is if your hands got full and it slept out of your mind. No pressures in that case too.
@brother Evan. Do you pray for the sick? Are you aware of any gift you have that relates to this? Thanks
"All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.” (1 Corinthians 12:11)
Thanks for the reply but I still do not know if it implies a yes or a no. Or do you mean anyone with the Spirit can operate in any gift?
PS: In case I was not clear, I have sick cases I was hoping you would pray for if applicable - but I understood that not all have the same gifts though we all have the same Spirit. That's why I asked.
//If we are in fellowship with Jesus, we will rarely know where we are even headed, but as long as He leads the way and we stay on His heels, nothing can come against us - and we will end up where we need to be, because where He is, there we shall be also.//
Nearly missed this one Evan.
Agreed we are to be like Abraham, stepping out without knowing where to, but you say nothing can come against us. Scripture however, is full of warnings like: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8. He must be able to 'devour' then.
So I wonder whether your words come a little too close to Quietism?
I do know that there is a sense in what you said, as on one occasion, it seemed like Satan was trying to stop me going to a church: a car crash on the way there, and other road traffic incidents, like people pulling out in front of me, and other things, and it made me dig my heels in and be more determined.
However, I later found out that it was a trick from the enemy, knowing how I would react and I should have left sooner than when I did (spiritual abuse).
Brenda said:
"So I wonder whether your words come a little too close to Quietism?"
Not sure what 'quietism' is, but like any -ism, I wonder if it's Satans way of putting truth into a category with a some lies, so that in the categorical rejection, we lose the truth contained within it also.
Well I did say there was a sense of what you said. But what I am saying is that there is also a danger.
Maybe Passivism is a better word.
Do you just prefer to answer to sister Brenda or I am missing something, brother Evan? You were answering to her when I asked you to answer brother Keel too last time. I am lost for words.
That's does not seem Christ-like at all I would tell you that.
PS: It seems like while you may mean good, you are also cought up into some serious deception.
PS. Please kindly do not reply (should you consider) with much details as the troubles I am going through now makes it hard to chew on lenghthy posts. Especially when already skeptical over it.
Where I live, EVERYONE is a Mormon. There is not a single believer for 50 miles in any direction.
Sounds like a great mission field. June Volk wrote in her autobiography of her ministry to a group of Mormon women with some amazing results, I encourage you to read it, the book is titled The God Who Answers by Fire.
June and Shelley Volk are messianic Jews and were part of Ben Israel back in the day. Their story is encouraging.
Ron wrote:
"Sounds like a great mission field. June Volk wrote in her autobiography of her ministry to a group of Mormon women with some amazing results, I encourage you to read it, the book is titled The God Who Answers by Fire.
June and Shelley Volk are messianic Jews and were part of Ben Israel back in the day. Their story is encouraging."
I'll have to take a look.
The biggest challenge is that they, on the surface, agree with everything you say - no matter what you say. It's easily the most challenging place to preach the gospel I have ever been. It reminds me of something Francis Chan said, that unless God does a sovereign work, nothing we say matters.
It's interesting because they, many times, come right to my front door, so often I don't even have to go anywhere to talk to them. Once lights turn, the missionaries rarely return though, but one plants, another waters, it's God that gives the increase.
Ben Israel and Art had a huge impact on me early in my walk (and still to this day on many ways through Reggie and recordings), so I'll see if I can track down the book at some point, thanks for mentioning that.
Kervin,
I haven't felt any liberty to reply to you, and I haven't understood why until right now.
My post and it's intention seem to be lost on you, and maybe others as well. I mentioned details about my past to point people to the fact it's all meaningless, because Jesus has deemed it so - He is all that matters and past service means nothing in the light of current abiding, and tomorrow can worry about itself.
I don't want to say this the wrong way, but I think you need to step back and stop seeking men of God, and seek the God of the men.
You have a demanding way about you, whether it's cultural, language barriers, or just personality I can't tell over a forum, but there is enough there for the Lord to only allow me this reply to explain this to you, and tell you that your lowered opinion of me, and the fact you have lost confidence in me as a result was the point - I am dust, but if you need healing, or literally anything else, I will point you in the direction of Jesus, the great physician.
Like I have and will continue to fall short of your expectations, so too will all men because all man is flesh. God however is forever faithful and cannot fail, and does all things well.
I think I understand and hope the same applies to brother Keel's question. Seems we have miss that point.
But the bible says is: any sick? Let them call for the elders. Interestingly, it starts by saying: is any afflicted, let him pray (to God or the Christ you seek to point me to). But for the sick, they are pointed to a man of God and not the God of man as you implied. Are these then really not just grounds to not understand your dealings/theology, brother?
Kervin said:
"But for the sick, they are pointed to a man of God and not the God of man as you implied."
Did it ever occur to you, if you sought Jesus, you could be that man?
Brother, I have continued under the Spirit of travail in prayer for years now. I get to groan under the same Spirit even as I get on with tasks around home (groaning steadily as I type this even now). But it never occurred to me that God has committed to me a healing gift. I do not recall him healing any sick I prayed for. Despite him working mightily in me thus in prayer.
PS. And brother, it does not change the fact that scriptures are pointing the sick to a man of God and not the God of man as you mantained.
"Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)
Updated
While that is plausible, I did not think any one can, with their sound faith, speak in tongues if God never gave that gift to them. Or can they?
PS. And are you not contradicting the verse about calling for the elders by all means, brother? Notice the afflicted can pray using the same faith. But the sick needs to call for the elders despite their 'possibly sound enough' faith.
PS. I hope you see now that it is neither cultural, language barrier nor personality - but simply scriptures :(
I would like to account specifically for the following in details:
"You have a demanding way about you, whether it's cultural, language barriers, or just personality"
I believe as Christians we are obligated to each other in Christ. The demands I may make are not at all at a personal level but Christian level and done in Christ. When I ask you to account, it is in Christ and not a request for personal gratification. Many would not like indeed to answer questions they are asked if they personally did not feel like it. But we need to ask ourselves the question: What would Christ, my Lord, expect me to do.
While on it, may I also comment on this:
"I mentioned details about my past to point people to the fact it's all meaningless, because Jesus has deemed it so"
Do you by this imply you will not minister to any in the same ways should there be a present need because it is thus meaninglessness? Our gifts and ministry are to be meaningless for the purpose of vain glorying on them but they are ever miningful if used for the benefit of the church as pramarily purposed - or not?
Hi Eschaible.. the reason I wanted a link to any audio or video of your preaching.. was so that I can figure out what your message is all about and how it is coming across in your speaking. ... I can't do a lot of reading so I'm unable to go through all of your posts on this forum.
Davidkeel,
I don't have anything, I apologize. The best I can do is the blog I post to (there are a couple of my older messages here on sermon Index from my time in CA, but they are over a decade old at this point).
www.Abidings.blogspot.com
I created a forum as well to maybe fill in the gap for those of us here that still wanted regular interaction: www.oldpath.boards.net and as I am allowed, I can answer any questions you have the best I know how.
Honestly though, the gist of my message is follow Jesus to the exclusion of all else, and don't ask Him why, how or where, just follow Him in obedience and faith. Following Jesus is the solution to everything that has crippled humanity, He is made to us everything.
Thanks for the links. I'll take a look at them in my time.. I've got chronic fatigue syndrome and my mind won't clear... so can't read a lot. For some reason listening is easier than reading..thanks.
Hi David
I have a cfs diagnosis. This may be of interest:
//ggenereux.blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/extinguishing-the-fires-of-hell2.pdf
I just started the low vitamin A diet.
Thanks Brenda. I'll take a look at it.
Brother Keel, I recommend you try Microsoft Sam's TTS available on Edge (on Windows). You can select passages of text and then click to have them read out aloud and that at varying speeds.
May you listen and judge for yourself (with the Spirit's help). As for me, I do not always find brother Evan's theological applications to make evangelical sense, as earnest and learned as he may seem to be. May the Lord have mercy on him.
PS. The universal 'dogmatic' mode of delivery makes the issue very concerning
Many thanks for that recommendations Sam.. I need to get myself right.
Hi Eschaible, I'm sorry but one of the two links you gave me is getting blocked by my web browsers. The Old Path Boards.
Ive just tried with Microsoft Edge, Google chrome and Opera browser. Maybe the security certificate needs to get updated or something ?
Try typing them into your address bar, I'm not much of a coder, but that works for me usually.
If it is happening on all browsers, then it coud be your Anti-virus getting triggered. It could be a false alarm looking at how reputable ProBoards should be. But yes it could still be a real threat.
I personally still do not think using a freely offered service in return of showing unmanagable ads is the cleanest way (in Chhrist) to go. I have, over my SI time, emailed brother Greg twice about ads and the migration has been the ultimate enabler from his words. And when I sent may last email, SI was using an Ad Network I hoped allowed a degree of management of the ads. But ProBoard does not seem so - and I see I got no reply there despite asking for brother Evan's comment.
Another thing to note I think is that the way Christ and the desciples did signs and wonders differ from how the same were done after the day of Pentecostal (where the Spirit came upon them). So just quoting pre-Pentecost verses just like that does not appear justified at all.
After Pentecostal we hear of the gift of faith vs common but sound faith. We also hear of the gift of healing vs not having it - because Paul suggests that we do not all have/get all or the same gifts.
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