My dear brother. I'm goingto commit myself to pray for you daily. To know as much scripture as you do must mean there was once a love for God. I just read last week in my deer stand that you can't say that you love God and not love the brethren. You and I have similiar problems it appears. You've seen alot of flaws in the local church. You are 100% right. But my dear brother..it's the vehicle that God has chosento use. "And the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it." January 1st I'm going to commit myself to a local church..not to be blessed{ but to be a blessing ..to serve my dear friend} We were calledto be a blessing. To love in deed and not with our lip service. We need to both seek God to see where we can serve best. My Dave Wilkerson messages are about gone and I sense God leading me to serve in a local church. For some of us this is not easy but never the less it is God's will. ..to not forsake ourselves in the assembling ourselves together. To serve one another.especially those of the house hold of faith. ..to use our gifts for edification. Mgman {Bill} you are in my prayers brother...these are the days my dear friend that Jesus warned us about "In the last days many hearts shall wax cold." Dear friend..everyone in the local church is not corrupt. Paul was going to leave Corinth to BUT God said" Wait Paul, stay another 2 years , I've got people here." And the same with us. Serve in love...God has people that need touched by His grace." We are old enough where we should be seeking to serve..not to be served.
c7
Good point. No church is perfect and never will be b/c it is full of saved sinners who are not perfect and lost sinner as well. Yes, there are many people in churches today that are just as lost as the rest of the lost world. But, that doesn't mean we forsake the church all together. Let me give a story, which is true since it involves my dad.
As I was growing up, my mom took us to church each week, but my father never went. When I was in grade school, I asked my dad why he didn't go to church and he said it was full of hypocrites. Well, I am now 40 and my dad is 72. Seven years ago on my fathers 65th birthday, the Lord spoke to my father in a dream that night and said, "John, give you life to me before it is too late." He woke up in a cold sweat and my mother asked what was wrong. All he said was he wanted to go to church that coming Sunday, which she was extremely supprised.
That Sunday he went to church and surrendered his life to the Lord. He started drinking beer when he was a teenager and always did up until that point. But, once the Lord got a hold of him, he hasn't touched it since that night seven years ago and it doesn't even tempt him. He is a new person, the dad I always wanted. He is now attending church every week and the love of God is shown through everything he does. He also knows that there are still hypocrites in the chruch, but his love for the Lord and focus on the Lord helps him not see the hypocrites.
I say this to say sometimes we are more focused on the problems than the one who can solve the problems. The same holds true for the church. Hope this helps.
I now have the best father in the world and the best father who is out of this world too......PTL.
__________________
In Christ alone I place my trust.
Christians aren't perfect, just sinners saved by grace.
Love to fish, hunt, ride atv's, music at church, football, family and friends.
My dear brother. I'm goingto commit myself to pray for you daily. To know as much scripture as you do must mean there was once a love for God.
Since Salvation is Eternal, the ability to Love God never leaves the objects that God chooses to Love. I know this cannot be understood by men who have been mislead to believe they can lose their salvation, but it is God's Word.
Quote:
I just read last week in my deer stand that you can't say that you love God and not love the brethren.
Very True. It is the intense love of God's People that drives the true minister to warn his brothers about the evil taking hold of the local congregations.
Quote:
You and I have similiar problems it appears. You've seen alot of flaws in the local church. You are 100% right. But my dear brother..it's the vehicle that God has chosento use.
"
While God surely used the local congregations to further the Gospel for many years, God also CLEARLY pointed out that the time would come when satan would take over the local congregations, and the True Believers would flee......Matthew 24:15-16
Quote:
And the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it." January 1st I'm going to commit myself to a local church..not to be blessed{ but to be a blessing ..to serve my dear friend}
The Bible teaches that the True Believers will flee the congregations, yet sadly many deceived people will flock to them in droves.
Quote:
We were calledto be a blessing. To love in deed and not with our lip service. We need to both seek God to see where we can serve best.
Man does nnot seek God. God seeks out man, and places Him in service of Sheepfold. Satan seeks to have man serve rituals, religions, and cults.
Quote:
My Dave Wilkerson messages are about gone and I sense God leading me to serve in a local church.
Dave Wilkerson serves himself
Quote:
For some of us this is not easy but never the less it is God's will. ..to not forsake ourselves in the assembling ourselves together.
While the Scripture in Hewbrews about "assembly" has been used by religous profiteers to keep people coming back to the collection plate, it has NOTHING to to with that. The Scripture about Assembly of ourselves is pointing to our being prepared when Christ returns on the Last Day. Here is the Scripture in context.......
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.
Quote:
To serve one another.especially those of the house hold of faith. ..to use our gifts for edification. Mgman {Bill} you are in my prayers brother...these are the days my dear friend that Jesus warned us about "In the last days many hearts shall wax cold."
The coldest hearts are those in the religous churches. This is soo because this is where satan stands.
Quote:
Dear friend..everyone in the local church is not corrupt. Paul was going to leave Corinth to BUT God said" Wait Paul, stay another 2 years , I've got people here." And the same with us.
Every True Believer has roots in the local congregations. While it is true that God is saving many out of the local churches, the fact remains that those who stay will fall under the delusion of satan because they were never the Children of God. Simply put, no True Believer will be setting in a pew when Jesus returns. The Bible teaches this, regardless if you direct it.
Quote:
Serve in love...God has people that need touched by His grace." We are old enough where we should be seeking to serve..not to be served
The fact that you are once again joining ranks with another religous sect only proves that you are being tossed about on the waves. The fact is, a True Minister always has a congregation. Granted, they may not be found in a nice climate controled building called a "church", but nonetheless we are in contact with the Brotherhood daily.
You see religous people cannot grasp the power of God. They think their created denominations, and cults are the "holy place", and that they have significance, yet we who Trust God understand that the Church is where it is found. In a bus station, on a construction site, in a mall, along the roadside, or in a restaurant. We true believers serve our Brothers without stealing from a collection plate. We give our gifts without fanfare, or notority, and public exhibition. We pray quietly, to God, not openly in public for all men to see.
I do understand that religous people need that though.
Since Salvation is Eternal, the ability to Love God never leaves the objects that God chooses to Love. I know this cannot be understood by men who have been mislead to believe they can lose their salvation, but it is God's Word. Brother ,God has instructed us numerous times to leave ALL judgement to Him .Why can't you obey Him.NO one judges more than "The accuser of the brethren,"
[blockquote]ote:
I just read last week in my deer stand that you can't say that you love God and not love the brethren. [/blockquote]
Very True. It is the intense love of God's People that drives the true minister to warn his brothers about the evil taking hold of the local congregations.
[blockquote]quote:
You and I have similiar problems it appears. You've seen alot of flaws in the local church. You are 100% right. But my dear brother..it's the vehicle that God has chosento use. [/blockquote]"
While God surely used the local congregations to further the Gospel for many years, God also CLEARLY pointed out that the time would come when satan would take over the local congregations, That is not in the WORD..there's always been hypocrites..actually our Lord said "Let them grow together."
[blockquote]quote:
And the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it." January 1st I'm going to commit myself to a local church..not to be blessed{ but to be a blessing ..to serve my dear friend} [/blockquote]
The Bible teaches that the True Believers will flee the congregations, NO IT DOESN"T...we are to be examples to the flock.to let our light shine ot those "Who are without" yet sadly many deceived people will flock to them in droves. ..and why do we flock..to b ean example of serving.
[blockquote]quote:
We were calledto be a blessing. To love in deed and not with our lip service. We need to both seek God to see where we can serve best.[/blockquote]
Man does nnot seek God. God seeks out man, and places Him in service of Sheepfold. Satan seeks to have man serve rituals, religions, and cults. GET YOUR EYES OFF SATAN MY BROTHER..and SERVE THE LORD
[blockquote]quote:
My Dave Wilkerson messages are about gone and I sense God leading me to serve in a local church.[/blockquote]
Dave Wilkerson serves himself ..Why do you say that.?? Prove it and show me.
Whoops got to go to work..Be back later. Time has run out. C7
[blockquote]quote:
For some of us this is not easy but never the less it is God's will. ..to not forsake ourselves in the assembling ourselves together.
[/blockquote]
While the Scripture in Hewbrews about "assembly" has been used by religous profiteers to keep people coming back to the collection plate, it has NOTHING to to with that. The Scripture about Assembly of ourselves is pointing to our being prepared when Christ returns on the Last Day. Here is the Scripture in context.......
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.
[blockquote]quote:
To serve one another.especially those of the house hold of faith. ..to use our gifts for edification. Mgman {Bill} you are in my prayers brother...these are the days my dear friend that Jesus warned us about "In the last days many hearts shall wax cold."[/blockquote]
The coldest hearts are those in the religous churches. This is soo because this is where satan stands.
[blockquote]quote:
Dear friend..everyone in the local church is not corrupt. Paul was going to leave Corinth to BUT God said" Wait Paul, stay another 2 years , I've got people here." And the same with us.[/blockquote]
Every True Believer has roots in the local congregations. While it is true that God is saving many out of the local churches, the fact remains that those who stay will fall under the delusion of satan because they were never the Children of God. Simply put, no True Believer will be setting in a pew when Jesus returns. The Bible teaches this, regardless if you direct it.
[blockquote]quote:
Serve in love...God has people that need touched by His grace." We are old enough where we should be seeking to serve..not to be served
[/blockquote]
The fact that you are once again joining ranks with another religous sect only proves that you are being tossed about on the waves. The fact is, a True Minister always has a congregation. Granted, they may not be found in a nice climate controled building called a "church", but nonetheless we are in contact with the Brotherhood daily.
You see religous people cannot grasp the power of God. They think their created denominations, and cults are the "holy place", and that they have significance, yet we who Trust God understand that the Church is where it is found. In a bus station, on a construction site, in a mall, along the roadside, or in a restaurant. We true believers serve our Brothers without stealing from a collection plate. We give our gifts without fanfare, or notority, and public exhibition. We pray quietly, to God, not openly in public for all men to see.
I do understand that religous people need that though.
Brother ,God has instructed us numerous times to leave ALL judgement to Him .Why can't you obey Him.NO one judges more than "The accuser of the brethren,"
This is simply anuntrue comment. God is very clear that the Brothers are to judge those within the congregations. This is why Brother Paul judged the Corintians as perverts, and why he called the Galatians fools. While satan has decieved many into thinking that a True Believer is not to judge, the Word of God speaks clear.......
But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?
Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
Quote:
That is not in the WORD..there's always been hypocrites..actually our Lord said "Let them grow together."
Yes it is Chuck, you are just ignoring Gods Word. The Scriptures, such as Matthew 24:15-16, and Ezekiel 34:4-6 give the True Believers a sound warning that the day will come when greedy pastors will feed themselves {as we see by the pastors today who feed from the collection plate instead of working a job} , and starve the congregation, thus driving out the True Sheep. However, God gives us a promise that He will come to our rescue, and feed us.....Here is God's Word found in the mouth of the Prophet Ezekiel................
1And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
2Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?
3Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock.
4The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.
5And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered.
6My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them.
7Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD;
8As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock;
9Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD;
10Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them.
11For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.
12As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.
13And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.
14I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel.
15I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD.
16I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.
While the hired religous hustlers will no doubt gnash their teeth at this Scripture, it is no doubt still the Word of God. All the leaders of the various sects, cults, "religions", denominations, religious corporations, and establishments may feed at the trough now, and exhalt themselves, while the True Believers are mocked, and driven out, but they will be, as God said, "fed with judgement", while those they drove out will feed upon "good pasture"
Hey, the Pharisees accused Jesus, and His Followers of coming out of "left feild", so it's only natural for religious folks today; their posterity, to do the same when the True Gospel is preached.
To Mgman
