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I think the problem of lukerwarmness is the major problem in true Christianity nowadays. Christians often compromise themselves with the sinful world. This is satan's victory over us. Lukerwarmness is just a step before a sinful life. If he manages to drive us there then the next stage is not far away. Satan doesn't care especially with the main stream denominations. Those are dead churches anyway, they don't produce work, they don't preach salvation, they give the impression to their followers that if they attend their litturgies and join in the celebrations and their churche's customs and try to be good people then they are saved, which is wrong. There are genuine believers in those churches that love God but they are not many and they are confused about God's things. So the attention of devil is on true/reborn christians. Since he knows that he can not drive true christians to sinning easily, he tries to make them looser and looser bit by bit, bit by bit and then if he manages that he drives them to sinning and eventually to destruction, salvation can be lost if one stays in their sins and dies in them (my opinion).
If we want to be used by God in His work on earth we must devote ourselves in Him, there must be no compromise. Light can not be compromized with darkness, if so then the light becomes less bright and eventually goes off, like in the 5 unwise virgins.
Have a blessed week.
I suppose this could be a sixth fact or point. Recognition of when a prayer is being answered needs to be addressed. My earlier comment on God answering things NOT according to our request is probably more common than we sometimes like to admit.
One personal example is my dad who was very much against believing that Jesus is Lord; or sin; the Rapture and basic concepts whose mind has gone to the point that he is asking questions about basic facts about Jesus. In this case His not remembering has allowed him to disengage from all his defenses and perhaps that can allow at least a less biased reaction to information he is given. His salvation BTW is something others can be praying about.
When it comes to family members; God often uses others to reach them as it is always harder to "see the forest through the trees" or practically speaking avoid seeing the sins that those who are in the immediate family have that can be used against their testimony. We can be thankful that there are those out there who are coming forward among the youth today out of all sorts of sins and many great testimonies can be seen on You Tube. I think that there needs to be a better way to incorporate these testimonies in videos shown at other churches; as well as facilitating to get these people involved with ministry travelling to other churches. That should really be the focus of Christian musicians as well (I won't get into the whole "Christian music industry" here other than that comment). In prayer specifically we need to seek those as we seek that one lost sheep. When preaching the Gospel we should be ready to offer prayer and we should never just be content with scheduled prayer. Life simply doesn't work that way. Needs come up and should be met; a proactive approach should occur more often in church; and that involves at times those trained in discipling. Men need to equip men; and women other women. The more we know God the better we pray.
The following are the fundamental rules of Bible study that the Bible lays down:
> Christ is the author of the whole Bible. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we behold his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:1,14
> the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit 2 Peter 1:21
> Christ spoke in parables (earthly stories with a spiritual meaning). But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples. Mark 4:34
> We compare spiritual with spiritual. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:13
The historical-grammatical method of interpretation employed by the churches seeks to discover the writer's intended meaning, customs of the times, and the writer's intended audience and thus fails to recognize that God is the author and that the Bible is written for us today.
Moreover, the method of Bible interpretation employed by the churches fails to recognize that as we approach the end of the world, and the coming of the bridegroom, God is unsealing truths that have been kept sealed until the time of the end ( Daniel 12:9-10). This is spoken of in the Bible as a vision that will speak at the end and not lie ( Habakkuk 2:2-3).
God ultimately must lead us into truth as we apply these principles and pray for understanding with a view to being obedient to His Word.
Perseverance in prayer. In light of the previous discourses; the proper attitude toward God is paramount. This is why certain charismatics or anyone else "declaring" blessings is on thin ice. God blesses who He chooses and curses as well; we can see this principle in Romans 9:18. Genesis 49:25 states how God blesses universally for those who FEAR the Lord. Clearly fear of the Lord is necessary for the beginning of understanding ( Prov. 9:10 and many other texts).
The basic thought here is that if a motivation is wrong clearly one can spend all day pounding the table whether alone or with a whole crowd and not expect results. Once we can establish that we aren't aware of wrong motives; then we still stand the chance that God is going to say "no" to the request. What is fairly certain is that He will reveal either a different answer to the prayer; or He will after some length of time answer it. One fairly clear indicator of which prayer we are asking for is whether if He delayed it 20 years if we would even want to see it happen; case in point someone who we want to marry; how will they look like or act a couple decades later? If God answered it at that time we'd better not pin our hopes on superficial things alone that pass by; but on eternal character issues. Oftentimes I have found after years of time an answer just seems to occur when we have forgotton about certain issues. We should certainly be encouraged from examples of individuals praying for family members to be saved for decades where it finally happens. We should rejoice when a dictatorship is finally overthrown after a great amount of time such as Communism in Russia; or a breakthrough such as in with abortion when it can finally see a downturn after countless millions in the US have been slaughtered.
Fact Five: We should focus prayer on our enemies at least as much as our friends. It is hard to find fault for those praying for their enemies to be saved.
Fact Two (continued). The emphasis of prayer related to the edification of the Body should be fairly obvious with the overwhelming emphasis on such in the Epistles. Other than the Book of James we should note that there is not ANY instruction about right vs. wrong types of prayer in scripture. When we consider the nature of Paul's sufferings often associated with imprisonment; we see that his concern was for the state of the churches; with only a passing request for his own needs. It should go without saying that we should put the needs of others above our own (Phillippians 2:3-4). We are asked to remember those with "like temptations" ( 1 Peter 5:9). Although this doesn't directly address prayer; it does discuss the Devil prowling about; certainly in spritual warfare prayer is tied in (see Ephesians 6:18-20). The preceding verses in this chapter explain about the full armor of God which probably is a separate fact for praying with authority.
Fact Three: Personal application. When we have a proper perspective on lifting His name up in praise and considering the saints above ourselves; we then get to our personal devotions and prayers. I think it should be said that we should do as much work as we can with the opportunities available to be the "hands and feet" of Christ in service. For our own needs; we pursue possibilities; and seek "in and out of season" ( 2 Tim. 4:2) to perform our jobs and live our personal lives working "heartily unto the Lord." ( Colossians 3:23-24). This is not to puff ourselves up; but to ensure that our own laziness; or any other vices may not interfere with God answering prayers; or unnecessarily turn people off when opportunities arise. To trust God for blessings based on His promises rather than seeking self gain may only be something God Himself can judge in each individual case. Gaining access to "more of the Holy Spirit" certainly is a win/win situation ( Luke 11:13).
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 exhort us to pray continually. We should note that giving thanksgiving and rejoicing in Christ are other factors. Meditating on the Word day and night ( Joshua 1:8) certainly would be the other principal act associated with answered prayers. This verse in greater detail gives the exhortation to DO the things in the Word; and gives the added benefit of prosperity and success. This causes us to look at Solomon's prayer for wisdom when God also gave Him what He DIDN'T ask for in terms of exceedingly great riches. 1 Kings 3:5-15 shows this coming to pass; but of course the later sins that Solomon committed despite being warned of God to avoid basically caused the downfall of Israel.
There are obvious guidelines of what to avoid in seeing answered prayer in the Book of James chapter 4. We should note that this passage can be broadly taken for ANY type of lust (sexual; power; material gain) that comes from the world; flesh or the Devil. This would be something that hopefully would be limited to new; immature believers or the prosperity preaching crowd.
There are a number of basic concepts that need to be covered here providing that we are at least attempting caution as to the warnings in James; including our character not being "double minded" for example; where a person is warned that they should expect nothing from God. (see James 4:8).
Fact One: The primary purpose of prayer should be for the sake of God's Kingdom. The most obvious conclusion should of course be in accordance with the Lord's Prayer that HIS will is done and His Kingdom comes; and that He gets all the power and glory. ( Matthew 6; Luke 11 version somewhat abbreviated). That prayer is written as a general concept of prayer; only asking for "daily bread" as a request for human needs. It is not to be rehearsed as a mantra.
Fact Two: Prayers need to be secondarily for the edification of the Body. (more in next section)
Amen.
For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 1 Peter 4:17
I believe the Bible teaches that 1 Peter 4:17 applies particularly to the day in which we are living. And that God has commanded all true believers to leave the local churches and congregations. If you go into virtually any church today and drill down to what they believe, the Bible is NOT the ultimate authority. And that they are teaching a works / grace gospel which is not the gospel of the Bible. The Bible teaches, I believe, that we are in the period of The Great Tribulation, Read Matt 24, where Christ has abandoned the local churches and congregations, God the Holy Spirit is no longer saving there, and Satan is actually rulling there.
Wonderfully though God, in His incomprehensible Mercy, is still saving OUTSIDE of the churches "a great multitude which no man can number" Rev 7:9 during this period of the Latter Rain.
I'm sure many will take issue with this. But I would encourage anyone to check out searchinghisword for messages and literature that are faithfully declaring what the Bible is teaching about our day.
May God lead us into truth as we search out His Word, the Bible.
Rev 22:18,19
For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Matt 24:24
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Eze 36:24-31For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.I will also save you from all your uncleannesses: and I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you.And I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field, that ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen.Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations.
The action here is ALL of God. WE CAN DO NOTHING TO ACCOMPLISH OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR SALVATION IN ANY WAY.
Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith OF Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith OF Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Read Jonah 3 & Matt 12:41
Meditating on Matthew 22:37
"You shall love the LORD your God with all of your heart, with all of your soul, with all of your mind."
This verse has come to me repeatedly over the past week or so. It is so lovely. I so want to live it out.
I would like to hear from others what they think loving God with all of one's heart means.
or
What loving God with all of one's soul means
or
What loving God with all of one's mind means.
Being the greatest commandments, as Jesus said, I would like to understand it better and learn to live it out better. I appreciate anyone responding. Thanks
That do mean to give all you are away to God. Every second you have any consciousness of life, and since you have given it all away, you will not demand rulers rights over what is experienced. This makes it possible for God to terminate all anger from your expression, and all anger present will alert you that you are keeping something for yourself you now can give to God. This process happens within you and begins to purify all your acts.
Therefore Christ tolerated and drank His passion with love, for everything He had given in the hands of His allmighty Father.
You cannot approach God in your natural birth! You are still in Adam and all ethnic groups have to come to God by the blood of the cross. John 14:6.
Salvation didn't come by genealogy religion or ethnic group Salvation didn't come by anything Adam had to offer. Salvation came by the seed of the woman that's Christ.
There's your new birth.
If you belong to any ethnic group, religion, church or political party, without Christ you will be told I never knew you.
Matthew 7:21-23.
Abraham was asked to leave his father's pagan land and was promise a land flowing with milk and honey. In Hebrews it says this is the new Jerusalem. Hebrews 11:8-10.
God said he will make a nation out of Abraham. (There is no value in the pagan land in which he came and there was no value in him when he came) He had to come to God by instrument of faith to receive grace, "as do we".
We are the seed of Abraham and sons of God through faith.
Salvation didn't come by the nation of Israel. The nation of Israel demonstrated there is no good thing in the flesh.
God will put his spirit in Israel and Israel as a nation will be saved as we. Acts 15:8-11.
There will be a new fold and One shepherd. John 10:16.
God bless and good night.
God bless.
Part 3.
Letters to Pergamos and Thyatira.
And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
19) I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
20) Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
21) And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
22) Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
23) And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
24) But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
25) But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
26) And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
27) And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
28) And I will give him the morning star.
29) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Again, we have the commendation in verse 19.
Verse 20 we have the condemnation for suffering or allowing that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
Verses 24-29 we see he is not accusing all of them for committing fornication.
The rebuke is to those who suffer it.
GB
Part 2.
Letters to Pergamos and Thyatira.
The mention of Balaam referred to being spiritually unchaste, married to the world (sound like the translation of the city's name?), selling their spiritual gifts for profit and sacrificing eternal riches for temporal gain. Sounds a lot like our world today.
Look at Revelation 2:14-16. and notice what the complaint is! obviously spiritual fornication is the indictment but look at what else is often overlooked.
First notice the commendation he gives them in verse 13.
"I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth".
Now notice the rebuke.
But I have a few things against thee, (BECAUSE THOUHAST THERE "THEM" THAT HOLD THE DOCTRINE OF BALAAM,) who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
(SO HAST THOU ALSO "THEM" THAT HOLD THE DOCTRINE OF THE NICOLAITANS,) which thing I hate.
Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
The Lord is not accusing all of them for fornication, but he is condemning them for suffering it or allowing it.
You see the same thing in the Letter to Thyatira. It come across clearer.
Revelation 2:18-29.
And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee,.. (BECAUSE THOU SUFFEREST THAT WOMAN JEZEBEL).., which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
See Part 3.
It has been said that such practices were also done with children and/or slaves in ancient Rome. It has also been stated that the verses about "like the time of Lot" may have referred to same sex marriages at the time.
The intentions of the heart are addressed in scriptures with sins such as adultery and violence (or thoughts of murder) against a brother. It is the mind where all sins begin. God's design is not just a physical one but spiritual as well; making two come together as one is only possible with a man and a woman; and is only approved by God by the covenant made in a marriage vow. Without such things; one becomes one flesh with someone but without the Lord having established the union; basically Satan has become the one in charge.
The whole cultural and lifestyle part of living in relationships not heterosexual is something apparently that was missing with such deviancy in ancient times. It was a sick cultural caste system sort of mentality where someone was the perpetrator and another a victim (that is the best I can put it here).
One of the most encouraging things to go is to see (especially on You Tube) the MANY testimonies of those who used to live that kind of lifestyle who have come to Christ. Becket Cook is one such example; who has interviewed others; including Rosanna Butterfield who was patiently discipled by a former Pastor of mine (Ken Smith) over 2 years time who is now married with 4 kids. There is much more to her story besides her past lifestyle-I highly recommend that you read her book "an unlikely convert" (can't recall the full title). God can and will give a close bond of friendship that is Agape love that is in no way sensual like others.
I HATE racism and prejudice of any kind. So, it saddens me to read it on this site. But Jesus died for this person, too. We all have our faults and faulty thinking. This person has faulty thinking that is not grounded in historical facts. But we can pray for him.
As to reaching lukewarm Christians, certainly our example of commitment to the Lord and our sincere love for Him may draw some into a deeper walk with Him. Engaging such in bible study can be fruitful with any believer, but with lukewarm ones, being in a very focused group in the Word may give opportunity for the Holy Spirit to move them past their middle of the road-don't upset the apple cart approach to their faith.
As far as leadership in churches, we should certainly pray regularly for them.
But in the end, it is the Lord who will set them straight because He loves them and will finish the work begun in each believer.
Have a good night, Steven. We'll meet again on here tomorrow.
Part 1.
We know spirit of the world is prideful and causes partiality obviously racially and also economically. "That is the world" A carnal or false Christian will hide this in their heart also. When we see a Christian slip into this, we should talk to him in a way scripture tells us to.
When we see the world do what it has been doing since the world began and will continue until Christ return, we shouldn't act surprised and use the opportunity to open scripture.
"Pergamos". Pergamum ("married") - from the Greek word pergamos, which is a combination of two Greek words: pergos and gamos. These words combine to mean either "citadel" or "united by marriage.
You will find the world has influenced Church because they joined it.
I have visited 3 different types of churches. A predominantly white church. A predominantly black church and a mixed church. I have seen the same level of partiality in all 3 Churches from a leadership position. This obviously can stunt the spiritual growth of a church.
What is sad is that don't necessarily define the lukewarm group.
That represents the Cold members, probably the false Christian. However, this group can probably be reached easier than the next group.
This is the group that don't say anything because they like the numbers, position, praise or just don't have that fight in them or don't care. these numbers, praises, and comfort cause them to say I'm in need of nothing. Therefore, this group love their Lukewarm comfortable position.
How do we witness to a world that doesn't fill they need to change, Afterall what can we tell them if we look and sound the way they do? They look for a president, ruler or Government to change the world.
We're looking for Revelation 21:1-4.
Some hold the view the millennium kingdom has already started and it up the church to prepare the way before Christ returns.
That is not a view I hold but we are not getting into that here.
any help or comments welcomed
see Part 2
God bless you.
LUKEWARMNESS.
Here I'm skipping alone to C H Spurgeons closing statements.
"This is my closing word, there is something for us to do in this matter. We must examine ourselves, and we must confess the fault if we have declined in grace. And then we must not talk about setting the church right, we must pray for grace each one for himself, for the text does not say, "If the church will open the door," but "If any man hear my voice and open the door." It must be done by individuals: the church will only get right by each man getting right. Oh, that we might get back into an earnest zeal for our Lord's love and service, and we shall only do so by listening to his rebukes, and then falling into his arms, clasping him once again, and saying, "My Lord and my God." That healed Thomas, did it not? Putting his fingers into the print of the nails, putting his hand into the side, that cured him. Poor, unbelieving, staggering Thomas only had to do that, and he became one of the strongest of believers, and said, "My Lord and my God." You will love your Lord till your soul is as coals of juniper if you will daily commune with him. Come close to him, and once getting close to him, never go away from him anymore. The Lord bless you, dear brethren, the Lord bless you in this thing."
I believe as brothers in Christ and to be likeminded and of one accord when we come together, and one is teaching or preaching amongst an audience, The person speaking is representing all of us in the eyes of the audience.
We shouldn't be stuck in the middle or silent if this person is in line with scripture or not.
Offer them help! They should want it and if not it's not their place to hold back truth.
In this you can't be partially picking and choosing what should be addressed or who needs to be addressed.
This is an area where we are fundamentalist in doctrine, but liberal in our walk and this is where lukewarmness is displayed without wealth playing a role.
Pergamos next-
My opinion about your dream and what it means.
It looks like it is a message from God to you (it also applies to all of us).
The dragon is obviously the devil.
The sword in your hands is the Word of God (see God's armour in Ephesians 6:13-17).
We fight devil not by using human arms, but with God's arms given to us. The fight is strong. Satan doesn't go away/fall down with the first blow. Jesus faced satan in the dessert in the begining of His ministry. That can be seen as a fight of Jesus against the devil. Jesus always faced his attacks only by using the Word of God, nothing else. Satan didn't quit after Jesus answered him the first time, he kept attacking Him even by using himself the Word of God and misinterpreting it. But Jesus was always fighting back using the Word of God. Finally satan left, he lost that fight. But he will come back sometime later on. And again, and again ..., such fights will keep going on until we finally reach the end of our christian course. Notice that satan came to Jesus when He felt hungry. He always comes to us when he sees that we are somehow volnurable, in some sort of need. He always tries to discourage us and make us go back to our old sinful lifes. So keep your faith (which is your shield against his attacks) and fight using the written Word of God. This means that in every challenge/trial/difficulty/temptation in your life do what God advices us to do in His Word, this is the only way to withstand satan's attacks and win.
What you should do then? Keep reading the Word of God (the Bible) to know how to act in every situation in your life and be always in prayers so that God gives you strength to withstand and fight back. ( Matthew 26:41 "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak"). Also in every matter in your life, do what David was always doing. He was asking God to guide him and tell him what to do. Nothing has changed since that time.
GBU
Thank you for a helpful group of postings today. Much appreciated.
The New Testament lists miracles of Christ which can be close enough to likely be the same event which may have varying details revealed in one version; or a different event based on supporting evidence. That would relate to the turning of the moneychangers tables. It appears in John 2:14 and Matthew 21:12-13. The time frame clearly show that it straddled pretty much the whole ministry of Christ (was several years apart). The case in Mark would likely be right before the crucifixion as the text indicates; although for some reason some seem to think He did this 3 times.
Another time frame issue comes from the verses on the signs given to the early church on healing and tongues that apparently were widespread events at that time. No one can doubt that the scriptures prophesied such things as for instance Isaiah 53 makes clear. The controversy is what is applicable today. It is important to understand that since no one since the time of the Resurrection has escaped physical death than there is a specific application to the dispensation (or time frame) that we are in prophetically. What we can claim as promises need to be looked at with the light of scripture; for even with the case of Paul; Satan gave him a thorn in the flesh and Phillippians 2:27 where Ephaphroditus nearly died and was "sick to death". We can certainly apply a total healing to eventually involve the mind; body and soul or spirit of an individual and also say that He can expidite certain miraculous events when He chooses. We can look to verses on material blessings as well and legitimately claim certain promises; but of course as James warns us if we do it to consume upon our own lusts or are doubleminded we shouldn't expect results.
Finally; it is important to make sure we are correctly interpreting a a verse as well as connecting it with an appropriate cross reference; and good teaching stills help along with growing in wisdom/truth.