Discuss Titus 3 Page 2

Kathy GBU ....Lemme mention some thing about what Jesus did at Calvary...Jesus said if i be lifted up i will draw ALL men unto me...Thats what the Cross was for ppl like this young man that was in bondage to something or other....any sinner...While we were yet sinners Christ DIED for us..Thats all inclusive...Our conduct has nothin to do with it...Its what Jesus did at Calvary that the father sees.... Romans 10:20 kjv....I was found of them that sought me not and made manifest unto them that asked not after me...This N.C. at Calvary is all inclusive....I will KNOW them ALL from the least to the greatest and they shall no more teach know the lord for they shall all know me... Jeremiah 31:34....Remember Jesus said i come to set the captive free....I come not to destroy mens lives but to save mens lives

...... Titus 3:57.....Not by works of righteousness which we have done but by his mercy and regeneration of the H.G. that we are saved....Its not about us....When Jesus said it finished there are no more works we can do to obtain salvation....The H.G. is the gift of God....To humanity....God so loved the world....But we have to wait for his book to be opened b/f the Kingdom can come....The Kingdom is not here just yet...Remember God told Daniel do thy way Daniel till the words of book that is sealed is opened... Daniel 12 :8 kjv....That N.C. in his blood....I am the light of the world but the nite comes when no man can work...But Micah 5:3 tells us that God was gonna give them up till the woman is in travail and birth pains....And Rev. 12 :10 kjv says that NOW IS COME Salvation and THE KINGDOM of our lord and his Christ...etc...But plz note the kingdom does not come till the book is opened and the woman gives birth to the Children of the Kingdom....Unless you receive the Kingdom as lil Child you will in no wise enter there in....But not to worry as Jeremiah 30:6 Jeremiah sees all all all men in travail and birth pains...A time of Jacobs trouble which is an Israel of God .

Need a Bible kjv

Adam Gbu But remember Paul was a wolf and he was killing christians....He was a murderer....But God saved him....If God saved Paul a murderer he can save anybody....Paul was behind the stoning of Steven and others he mentions....There was none righteous no not one....Its that New Covenant at Calvary by his blood that saves folks....By the regeneration of the H.G....Thats y he is saying that which is born of the spirit is spirit which is the H.G. That Child of Promise...our new hearts and new spirit... Titus 3:5...Not by works of righteousness which we have done but by his mercy he saved us...And the regeneration of the H.G...Which is the multiplication of Christ in us...via that good seed

And remember legion who had all the devils...But Jesus saved him anyway....Then he wanted to be desciple...ok gbu

Hi Logan.

Join the party my friend.

None of us are worthy! It's all God's mercy and Grace!

Titus 3:3-7.

No one had to qualify.

We had to believe on him whom God sent. Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, WHILE WE WERE YET SINNERS, CHRIST DIED FOR US.

God bless you.

Amen Gerald.

We have to live in the strength of God's Spirit as mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23.

Being born from above is not just sins forgiven, its a new creation taken place where the truth in the inerrant scripture shapes us.

It's not just hearing what Christ is saying, It's living what Christ is saying by virtue of the word and not what we achieve in the flesh.

Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

God bless you and all that you do brother.

Gal 2:7 gospel of the circumcision and gospel of the uncircumcision.

gospel of the kingdom Matthew 4:17 and the gospel of our salvation Eph 1:13

It's not my view. It is what scripture says.

Titus 3:10-11 grace and peace

alex1939....Hiya Neville.... Matthew 19:28...Blessed are them that follow me in the REGENERATION when the son of man is revealed...The last days when the book is opened and the seals are loosed.. that book that he wrote with his own blood...Thats when they all sang that new song ( the new Covenant) when Jesus will regenerate himself with his seed sown in humanity the contents of the book (words) of that book...Rev.12:5 is a picture of Regeneration of Christ...Her Child is the H.G. The Promise

..... Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness that we have done but by his mercy he saved us...By the washing and REGENERATION of the H.G.

.....That last generation is his (Jesus) GENERATION...Thats when the woman becomes pregnant for his Children, The Children of Promise,The H.G. are the Children of PROMISE....Our New Heart n New Spirit...As that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit ...

....Which is the H.G. The Israel of God...That Heavenly Jacob..Read Romans 9:8 KJV

People accused Jesus of going to eat dinner at the house of a "tax collector." Luke 19:1-10. Jesus spent time with an "adulteress" John 4. He spent much of His ministry around "sinners." We're all sinners.

But yes, there are verses supporting avoiding people and avoiding trouble. Jesus fled to avoid being arrested/beaten, before it was His time. He left people to be alone to pray. He said He wasn't respected in His own town with His own family. It says this about not being welcomed: Luke 9:5. It says avoid foolish arguments Titus 3:9-11 and avoid divisive people or heretics. It says this specifically about Christians ( Matthew 18:16-17) when confronting about an issue like sin. So it seems the answer is it depends.

Found this page too which might have more verses: Link God bless.

Love your testimony Sandhiya so encouraging. Ive put you on my prayer list and will agree in prayer Matt 18:19 for your seed sown, Titus 3:18. We may ask *FATHER* for any of the seven Spirits before the Throne WISDOM, UNDERSTANDING, COUNSEL, KNOWLEDGE, MIGHT, FEAR OF THE *LORD*, SPIRIT OF THE *LORD*.and experience great grace, even if already Holy *GHOST* filled Jude 20 Saint, tho feeling are not so important, like in Ephesians 2:6 decreed, just believing, hearing and doers, as you would know. SHALOM in *JESUS* precious Name Amen. See you in GLORY with our seed to welcome us or we welcome them. Isaiah 49:24,25. Malachi 4:3 I have experience the catching away by gifted 3x Visions and treasure them for sure as you can imagine, they were given me after a disciplining time.

5 Children and many Grandies so greatly treasure > Isaiah 49:24-25 24 Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, Or the captives of the righteous be delivered? 25 But thus says the Lord: "Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, And the prey of the terrible be delivered; For I will contend with him who contends with you, And I will save your children. Hallelu *YAH* indeed so gloriously FAITHFUL. Psalm 19:12 been a shield too when a little unsure at all of anything said or omitted.Shalom again Saint.

God's Mercy To Us

Titus 3:3-8

3. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lust and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

4. But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared,

5. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

6. Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior;

7. That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

8. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

Giannis....Gbu...You have such a sweet spirit...But lemme give ya this scripture in Titus 3:5....Not by works of righteousness that we have done but by the regeneration and washing of the H.G.....He saved us etc....The H.G. Can regenerate himself in us sinners...Its a type of seed sowing in humanity...in the spirit....The H.G. Wants to regenerate himself in humanity...resulting in a Birth of Christ in us...The son of man....The H.G. is a living being and every living thing on this planet can reproduce himself via his seed the living word....ok lemme go

Taking a verse out of context generally gets dicey when the motivation is to manipulate the Scripture to say what we want it to say.

For example, Titus 3:9 tell us to avoid settling disputes, and quarreling about genealogies, by involving (lawyers) for they are unprofitable and vain.

But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions/quarreling, and strivings about the law/Lawyers; for they are unprofitable and vain.

1 Corinthians 1:17. Here's a verse where the emphasis is often placed on whether Paul baptized or not, when thw focus should be on the division amongst believers. Here's the key text. 1 Corinthians 1:11-13..

....IS CHRIST DIVIDED? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

NO! Christ is not divided.

Notice vs 17.

For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, LEST THE CROSS OF CHRIST SHOULD BE MADE OF NONE EFFECT.

There's power in preaching the cross UNITES BELIEVERS and it is not in man's intellect. It's not in joining another's belief system! It's the baptism of the Holyspirit that puts you into the body of Christ where you become children of God. And the Spirit causes you to love your brother. But it divides unbelievers and believers. Vs18. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

Read on through

1 Corinthians 1:18-31.

Also 1 Corinthians 2:1-5.

I'm at odds with heresies and I respond to those who undermine the truth. But I don't hate them.

Here's verses I try to keep in mind when it seems to be tares, apostates or contentious brothern present.

2 Thessalonians 3:14-15.

2 John 1:10-11.

Galatians 1:8-10.

Titus 3:9-11.

The thing is it's discernment not partiality. You don't know them by their works, You know them by their fruit. And it certainly seems that certain doctrine is sown to the flesh and produces corruption and is at odds with the truth.

Therefore they're are fruitless.

We also sometimes walk in the flesh "trying to put on politeness" and say something polite by telling these tares they have something to offer, But scripture says otherwise.

You can politely rebuke them with scripture. But any carnal establishment or person will say you're contentious.

1 Peter 3:14-17.

God bless.

2 Timothy 2:15 is a powerful verse. If we do not learn how to rightly divide the word of truth, we will be lost understanding the chain of events from the time God brought the Hebrews from the Land of Egypt until The Christ Lord Jesus died on the cross up to our time today which is approximately 2,000 years. Honestly, we do not have time. As you all noticed the rapid days go by quickly as God says 2 Peter 3:8 and you see Psalms 2:1-12

I do not mind repeating to all that the Bible is a complete book Revelation 19:13 for us today to prepare ourselves and others. I pray all to be saved. We cannot have the people caught unaware of Matthew 24:37. To rightly divide is to know for us today what we need to do. So I will say that the 11 apostles messages are important for the physical Jews Matthew 10:5-7 at the end time; and there are verses in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John that pertains to a spiritual Christians of today.

God had chosen Paul to be His vessel so we can read and believe not in vain. Study the Book of Romans to Philemon because he was the Last and believe it or not the 12th Apostle Galatians 1:1, Acts 9:15, Acts 13:47, Acts 22:21, Roman's 11:13, Ephesians 3:8, 1 Timothy 2:7, Galatians 1:16. After Jesus died He says Hebrews 9:14-17. Then you are Ephesians 1:12-14, 2 Timothy 2:19 and 2 Corinthians 1:22. Therefore, 1 Corinthians 9:2 just like Romans 15:28. Ephesians 4:30 and sing Psalms 49:8, 111:9, 130:7. In conclusion my fellow-believers, Paul is sealed 1 Corinthians 9:2 by God to be our apostle today. Weneedtoputtheworkof Paul not in vain Galatians 6:11. Paul tells us Romans 2:16, Romans 16:25, 2 Timothy 2:8. And the gospel is 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. Then we are sealed Ephesians 1:13. Perhaps you are not understanding me because Revelation 18:4, Proverbs 20:1, Roman's 7:11, 1 Corinthians 6:9, 1 Corinthians 15:33, Galatians 6:7, 1 Timothy 2:14, 2 Timothy 3:13, Titus 3:3, and lastly Revelation 18:23. Psalm 37:1-40 then we meditate Psalms 27:1-3. Shalom/Agape.

Continued from previous.

What should be asked and a great concern is what should salvation look like in a believer because many shall be deceived.

First of all shall you continue in sin?

Paul answers that here in

Romans 6:1-4.

We have been REGENERATED, REBORN, Given a new heart and ready to present Christ work through us. Titus 3:4-6.

We have eternal life now that can bare fruit such as faith ect...

This is what James is saying in James 2:17-18.

What James is saying is he's going to show that this gift is in him by his works. You see a Christian is saved UNTO good works. Ephesians 2:10.

When you are saved, you are baptized into Christ. It is he that works in you. Philippians 2:13.

Also;

Philippians 1:6. Being confident of this very thing, THAT HE WHICH HATH BEGUN A GOOD WORK IN YOU WILL PERFORM IT UNTIL THE DAY OF JESUS CHRIST:

If you can loose your salvation all these scriptures means nothing.

Here's another scripture often used.

John 14:15. "If ye love me, keep my commandments."

Well look at the next verse.

Vs 16. "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, THAT HE MAY ABIDE WITH YOU FOR EVER; This Love is a fruit, so who is causing you to Love Christ? CHRIST SPIRIT, The HG.

Most people say you can loose your salvation also believes you can earn salvation which you can't do. And if they hold to that it's sad to say but the scripture says they have fallen from Grace. Galatians 5:4.

I believe this means comes up short.

Now if you come up short you will hear this. "And then will I profess unto them, I NEVER KNEW YOU: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Matthew 7:23.

I never knew you can never be told to a believer because of this verse. "My sheep hear my voice,.... AND I KNOW THEM,.... and they follow me: John 10:27.

Now if a person have habitual sin in their life, Chances are you're not saved. And you can't loose what you don't have.

I hope this helps.

God bless.

Hiya Grae luv ya....And Jesus was not his own Father but he was the father of the H.G....The very fact that we have a Father and a son begs the Question of a Granson a heavenly Jacob that Isaiah mentions in Isaiah 49....An Israel of God

....And the very fact that they call Jesus the bridegroom implies heavenly Children....Gods the H.G. Plural as the Stars of Heaven

But the scriptures says Hebrews 1:8....But unto the SON he says thy throne O GOD is forever and ever...A sceptre of righteounsess is the septre of thy Kingdom...

......Even in the natural a bridegroom always becomes a Father and the Children always becomes fathers....Everything has to multiply after its Kind....Even the H.G. which is the Child of Promise wants to regenerate himself in ppl....Washing us with his Word..... Titus 3:5 kjv....Multiplication of Christ Seed was that great Promise.

......Remember Jesus said blessed are them that follow me in the REGENERATION when the son of man is revealed ....Which is when he will go forth and sow his seed in humanity the contents of the book that he finished with his own blood...That New Covenant....Bringing forth the sons of God in Humanity

When he said all mine is thine and all thine is mine proves he is equal to his FATHER and he thought it not Robbery to be equal to God his FATHER....But the law said we must honor our fathers thus he gave all honor to his father....Saying my Father is greater then i.....But even in the natural a son always becomes equal to his father and we fathers loves it so.

Even in the natural there is not 1 man who wants to see his son inferior to him....We want our sons to become equal to us....No man wants an inferior son....This is my beloveth son in whom i am well pleased...Jesus was God the son or his father was not God the father...period...ok lemme go

Brothers and Sisters.

The clarity of scripture.

Matthew 7:15-20.

They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, "THAT THEY MIGHT BE MADE MANIFEST" that they were not all of us. 1 John 2:19.

These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,

A FALSE WITNESS THAT SPEAKETH LIES, AND HE THAT SOWETH DISCORD AMONG BRETHREN. Proverbs 6:16-19.

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. Romans 16:17-18.

This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. Titus 3:8-9.

These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.

But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;

How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.

These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. Jude 1:16-19.

Matthew 7:15-20 !!

1 Peter 5:9-11.

Amen and God bless.

Hi David.

Titus 3:4-6. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of ( REGENERATION,) and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

God bless.

Part 2.

Titus 3:4-6. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of REGENERATION, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Which he shed on us abundantly THROUGH Jesus Christ our Saviour;

Let's look at this word regeneration. Greek:

Transliteration: paliggenesia

Pronunciation: pal-ing-ghen-es-ee'-ah

Definition: From G3825 and G1078; (spiritual) rebirth (the state or the act) that is (figuratively) spiritual renovation; specifically Messianic restoration: - regeneration.

We have been REGENERATED, REBORN, Given a new heart and ready to present Christ work through you.

So we have the words Quickening.

Greek:

Transliteration: zopoie

Pronunciation: dzo-op-oy-eh'-o

Definition: From the same as G2226 and G4160; to (re-) vitalize (literally or figuratively): - make alive give life quicken.

KJV Usage: quicken(9x), give life(2x), make alive(1x).

It means to make alive or give life.

Here in

1 Corinthians 15:45.

We know Jesus is that Quickening spirit which is also the Holyspirit that gives life in Romans 8:11-14.

( If you notice verse 14 you have to be led by the Spirit.)

A life now that can bare fruit such as faith.

This is what James is saying in James 2:17-18. Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

What James is saying is he's going to show that this gift is in me by his work. You see a Christian is saved UNTO good works. Ephesians 2:10.

This is why the Lord says you shall know them by their fruits. It doesn't say you shall know them by their works! You see your fruits is something only God can produce such as Love/Agape, Faith, ect.. and fruit determines what type of works it is. "OF God/Spirit. or of Self/flesh. Matthew 7:15-20.

God bless.

Being saved by grace: Genesis 6:8, Genesis 19:12,13,15,16, Exodus 33:12,17,

By The law: Romans 3:10-31,

Faith : Romans 4, Romans 5,

Obedience, yeilding to GOD: Psalms 84:11, Romans 6, Romans 12, 1Corinthians 3:9-15, 2Corinthians 9:8, Ephesians 2:1-10, Titus 3:7,8, 1Peter 4:10, 1Peter 5:1-11,

Romans 11:16-22, Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 7: , Hebrews 10, James 2,

Watch out for: Jude 1:4,

Hopefully these are helpful in your walk, with GOD

Another Scripture is found in Titus 3:4-6, "But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour."

In fact, these verses tell us that no 'works of righteousness', not even one, will entitle us or enable us towards God's Salvation - salvation is all of God's Mercy shown towards us, where regeneration & renewal is the outcome through Christ's Blood & Work of His Holy Spirit. If even one effort on our part is made to secure, or make doubly sure, of our salvation, then salvation is by our efforts which most religions pursue, but never realized. Then salvation comes through man & God's Grace can never work for them.

Romans 13 is a good chapter for this... part 2

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers - This is a very strong saying, and most solemnly introduced; and we must consider the apostle as speaking, not from his own private judgment, or teaching a doctrine of present expediency, but declaring the mind of God on a subject of the utmost importance to the peace of the world; a doctrine which does not exclusively belong to any class of people, order of the community, or official situations, but to every soul; and, on the principles which the apostle lays down, to every soul in all possible varieties of situation, and on all occasions. And what is this solemn doctrine? It is this: Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. Let every man be obedient to the civil government under which the providence of God has cast his lot.

For there is no power but of God - As God is the origin of power, and the supreme Governor of the universe, he delegates authority to whomsoever he will; and though in many cases the governor himself may not be of God, yet civil government is of him; for without this there could be no society, no security, no private property; all would be confusion and anarchy, and the habitable world would soon be depopulated. kind of like we see today....

Romans 13 is a good chapter for this

Subjection to civil governors inculcated, from the consideration that civil government is according to the ordinance of God; and that those who resist the lawfully constituted authorities shall receive condemnation, Ro 13:1, Ro 13:2. And those who are obedient shall receive praise, Ro 13:3. The character of a lawful civil governor, Ro 13:4. The necessity of subjection, Ro 13:5. The propriety of paying lawful tribute, Ro 13:6, Ro 13:7. Christians should love one another, Ro 13:8-10. The necessity of immediate conversion to God proved from the shortness and uncertainty of time, Ro 13:11, Ro 13:12. How the Gentiles should walk so as to please God, and put on Christ Jesus in order to their salvation, Ro 13:13, Ro 13:14.

Actually the term "separation of church and state" does not exist in the U.S. Constitution or Bill of Rights. The first Amendment protect the free exercise of religion for all people in the U.S.. The recent Supreme Court decision concerning the football coach from Bremerton, WA. is a good example of correct viewing of the First Amendment concerning free exercise of religion and the government not infringing nor prohibiting this right to free exercise. This amendment also includes that the government will not establish a specific religion such as is in the U.K. or Sweden. This means that the government cannot make it law that citizens need to adhere to a specific religion and pay the government to support this established religion.

Hello, Richard. It seems that we perhaps have similar points of view here, but coming from differing angles. I was just out of college when Reagan was elected. He set the stage for some real positive steps for democracy. I remember when the Berlin wall came down. What a wonderful event that was for the world, but especially for east and west Germans. I remember when Poland revolted against communism with the Solidarity movement and succeeded in wresting control away from the U.S.S.R. Soon many other eastern bloc countries were able to break away from the U.S.S.R. until finally the U.S.S.R. was broken up and we now have the various countries around the Black and Caspian Sea that are independent along with some along the outer western part of Russia. I remember when interest rates were up to 16% and there were long lines for gas as it was being rationed during the Carter administration. Those were hard times and it took two administrations of Reagan to undo the damage Carter's policies did to the U.S. citizenry. I remember growing up when one income was sufficient for the average family. You could be a butcher, milkman, postal deliverer, etc. and supply what was needed for your family. "Common decency" was a real thing in communities and provided much safety for children growing up. But I realize this wasn't true for all communities. I have witnessed the steady deterioration of the nuclear family and alienation of neighbors in neighborhoods that once were close knit and watchful for ALL that lived there.

.

All of these events made me one who was very politically aware of how our country was being governed and to remain vigilant about standing up and speaking up about things that would help, not harm our country.

Paul had a calling to be an evangelist and apostle. He knew full well what he was to do. Some of us have callings to serve in the ministry, others in the military, others in the government and most of are to fulfill our duties as citizens.

Nice to hear from you again. Not sure what is disagreed upon-I don't have any real problem with your response. I was listening to a program about Reagan's life last night. What was confidential until recently was his personal action to let out a group of Pentacostal believers who were detained in Russia in the 80's. He also personally visited an apartment where Jews were being mistreated; as well as a stopover to discuss with refugees his vision of the future. As to his own confused doctrinal stance; I am aware issues exist. My point is taking a personal approach is helpful; as he did with Gorbachev (even though he still spoke out against evils). You would probably agree that it is the REASON we are standing for our freedoms that is more important than going out and supporting a "humanitarian" concept. It is always secondary; as it was with Paul to the Gospel being preached. Thus; there was a convenient season to rejoice in being beaten in jail and worship/sing to Christ and he was miraculously delivered; and there was the time he used the Roman citizenship as a playing card. Again; in that case he was probably looking at the importance of being free to continue his ministry and perhaps the other person imprisoned with him and his welfare as well. It is much like his talk to the Corinthians about his suffering in his rather sarcastic commentary-it was necessary for their edification and growth to understand his apostolic ministry. It wasn't mentioned to other churches; and again his main concern and what he spent day and night weeping and praying for was for the state of the churches and the doctrines therein. When his incarceration was used as a vehicle to save those on the ship and minister to the Cretians; as well as travel elsewhere under house arrest it benefited the gospel. The church should make all efforts to be a safe haven for single moms; and others in need so government can be trimmed back to original parameters of law and order.

Humbly I request, what happened to the separation of Church and State?

Dear Richard,

You have given a reasoned reply to Sheila. some of it I agree with and some of it I do not. You can read my reply to T. Levi below if you wish to know my thinking. As a believer, I know my citizenship is in heaven, but also, as a U.S. citizen, I believe that I am to exercise all of the rights afforded t me in our nation's Constitutions for my welfare and that of my family and neighbors.

I do know that the Word says that we are to live quiet and godly lives among the wicked. But I don't think that that means to be pacificist nor just let evil prevail. I think we are to rise up when necessary and endeavor to resist, speak out, vote, and fight for what we know is best for our nation, as what is best benefits ourselves, our families, our neighbors, our communities, our nation, and the world.

Thank you T. Levi, and Happy Independence Day to you. Indeed God has richly blessed the U.S.A. over and over again. Citizens of this blessed nation have more individual rights than any other government in history. We have more freedom in this country than in any other country in history. We should be thankful for God's guidance and providence in the forming and continuance of our nation.

We also should exercise our rights afforded by the Constitution to protect ourselves and other citizens from governmental abuse and lawlessness. Because of this remarkable we should not shrink back from our duty to vote, engage in public and political affairs, and speak out for what we believe is best for our country.

There are those who decry patriotism as being incompatible with the Christian walk. But I disagree. Even Paul appealed to his Roman citizenship when being incarcerated and interrogated. I believe our country is worth preserving and improving. It has been used of God to bless the world in so many ways-even extraordinarily. I do not think we should just be pacificist and just let things happen. We, believers are a "stop gap" to the works of evil in our country and the world. We believers have the freedom to evangelize and speak freely about our Savior, unlike so many other countries. I for one, do not want our country to become Communistic or under Muslim control, since these forms of government persecute and execute those who want to share the gospel. I do not want to see the advent of the One World Government come in my life time. I will use my rights as a citizen to resist this for as long as I am able to do so.

We should not be so defeatist and fatalistic in thinking that it is inevitable and so there is nothing we can do to stop it. We are a restraining power because of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. We should not quench the Spirit even in such things as exercising our rights and working to preserve the truly good aspects of our nation.

Addendum...The church should be aware of how it will be judged first; in this regard. Much of today's poor decision making (i.e. leniency on criminals; women's rights issues) has been growing due to it's inception in churches today. The root issue of many vices is lack of fathers at home; which in many ways developed with lax views of the marriage covenant allowing for widespread divorce; single parent homes and remarriages. Without the discipline and order as God designed it; things have gradually unraveled in society. These mindsets have largely developed because of worldly doctrines infiltrating what used to be mainline trusted denominations that preached God's Word. Much also; it seems has come from an unbalanced promotion of God's love at the expense of balancing His wrath and disregarding a literal hell; as well as not discussing His judgment on the nations which is just ahead. We don't preach about the Tribulation very much these days; and we have to evaluate our own attitudes as to our comfort level in this world. We need to be careful not to "Americanize" our view of the Gospel; as well as accepting that we are inexorably headed toward One World Government; and much as was in the case of Babylon; we are not to expend needless energies to stop it. We also must demonstrate a good work ethic; as our society has largely gotten used to over reliance on government handouts and lost much wisdom on survival skills.

We must avoid overreacting as we yet are not being executed for our faith in this land. God has given grace to those who for a time were pressured into getting the "V". Again; we should only focus on what is clearly against scripture. In other matters we must demonstrate PATIENCE so we can endure to the end and not lose our reward. Trusting God to meet our earthly needs is key to joy in such a hedonistic culture; and goes against the "Christian music industry" and other megachurch behaviors that characterize the Laodicean era.