Introducing Myself

[jabcat]

Useful and helpful bro.  What the humble servant may consider as dung, many others may consider treasure.  Glory be to God.

[Molly]

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. --That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.


--In CONGRESS, July 4, 1776

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America



I was raised with a love of freedom as my God given right.  It is a gift from God to all men.


And for this I'm also grateful:  He did not create us to be animals living by the law of the jungle--


22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.




--Gal 5

[Cardinal]

 :cloud9: Thank You Father, for your servant James....... :thumbsup: Blessings.....

[jabcat]

[
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

--Gal 5

Where's the love?  To paraphrase, if I know everything and have not love, then what good is my message?


Quoting Card here:  Paul was what the Lord called to me, an "overlapper", in that he walked in the flesh in his time allotted to him on earth, but he walked in the Spirit in things that were for the next age. Paul was the type of man that was to know Him, not after the flesh but after the Spirit. This RELATIONSHIP is what gave him preeminence over the other disciples, because his relationship MANIFESTED Him.

True authority is not in ruling over another after the flesh man, but true authority comes out of the heart of Christ within, for that heart has been circumcised and made upright, able to reproduce His nature in others, and it comes to you in the nature of a lover, ie. love is kind, love is gentle, ect.

Love does not beat the sheep with the rod of authority, presuming to take them captive for themselves that they might direct their path, but "marks" them by instilling the mind of Christ into them, and thereby separates them unto Him, that they can learn to hear His voice and follow Him for themselves, producing the fruit of a true shepherd who leads the flock to the Master, ie. "Where can we go, for thou hast the words of life?" Blessings...

[pneuma]

Hi Witness

The word subject is the Greek word hupotasso and has two different aspects.

It is a Greek military term meaning to arrange troop divisions in a military fashion under the command of a leader.

There is only one leader/ONE Head to this army and that is Christ and all must subject themselves and give obedience to Him and NONE other.

The other aspect of subjection is a voluntary attitude of cooperating with one another, assuming responsibility for one another and carrying the burdens of one another.

So when Peter says for the younger to submit themselves to the elder, Peter is saying for the younger to voluntary cooperate and carry the elder's burdens.  Thus Peter goes on to say to ALL that we are to do likewise, subjecting ourselves one to another, voluntarily carrying one another's burdens.

This aspect is NOT about rule but about the proper method of using each member of the body where needed.

1Peter 5:5

[CHB]

reFORMer,

Just wanted to say, you did a wonderful job writing your posts. I agree with everything you said.  :thumbsup:

CHB

[CHB]

Witness,

I just thought of something while writing a post in another thread.

Paul said in (Eph. 2:6) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ.

(Col. 2:12) Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

If we are sitting in Christ in heaven and are a citizen of heaven now, why the need to follow any man? We are spiritually already there. We don't need any man to teach us if we are sitting in Christ and are already a citizen of heaven do we?

CHB

[Cardinal]

 :cloud9: I like that study there Pneuma..... :thumbsup:

[Cardinal]

Taffy, what you have done doesn't look good because it isn't good. But you don't care about the latter, only the former – how things look. You are a proud and wretched creature, and you will know it.

:cloud9: Paul, I read this night before last, and I was appalled. I decided to sleep on it as I was tired and edgy. Today I'm not tired and I'm not edgy, and I STILL feel I want to reply to this, so here goes.

I have been listening the voice of the Lord for nearly 24 years now, and the first 2 years of my walk, He told me I was going to walk in His judgment (dispensing it as well as Him judging MY flesh with it), and I did. I didn't want to give some of the words I did; I hated seeing prosperous churches close their doors within 2 - 4 months (or remove the pastor in one way or another), after such a word was given to the pastors, but I was obedient.

But in all that time, and as the bearer of some pretty stern words, I have NEVER heard the Lord speak to degrade or humiliate (even over some of the vilest hidden sins imaginable that were revealed to me), ANY of those He chastised. Instead He spoke lovingly of what He had purposed them for, urged repentance over the revealed missing of the mark, and then revealed what would come to pass if they did not choose to hear Him in the matter.

God has a pattern to His use of the speaking gifts, beyond what I have shared here, and you are not displaying it. You are not displaying it, because it has not been given to you to speak to the body, and will not be, until you first go through a cleansing of the motives of your heart for doing so. This is a process we have to go thru because otherwise,  spirits of rape, murder, hate, vengeance, ect., will contaminate or even instigate, the message, causing the tongue to "fork" (think serpent), ie. unable to hit the mark. I hope you sit before Him on this before you reply, if you do. Blessings.....

[Witness]

james, it isn't my opinion that you're picking and choosing the Scriptures you want to believe.  it's what I see you doing.  I gave you Matthew 23, and you simply discarded it (or explain it away) talking about a "super literal translation of that verse." 

I also gave you this- God also said, "2 Corinthians 6:17-18  Therefore come out from among them and be separated, says the Lord, and do not touch the unclean thing. And I will receive you  (18)  and I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."

but you don't even acknowledge the clear directions the scriptures give!

as to the type of separation, I was directly led there, as I tried to describe to you, but I was also warned that it would happen (and I didn't believe it)!  Then the Lord did that with me, and I was amazed and i knew that Victor and paul had spoken to me the truth.

i don't really understand why you keep implying that my letters are being written for me.  I have been fully expressing myself to you!  and if I have gotten help from those over me in the Lord, what is that to you?  Why do you leap to the conclusion that it's an evil thing?  does the Lord not say He is a Body?  that is how he has made us to be. 

CHB- I wasn't meaning to imply that I have been given ALL the truth.  but if the Lord is the Truth, and He is in me, then I do have all the Truth! isn't this according to the Scriptures?  yes, it was said of the Son that he didn't know the day the Father would restore the Kingdom, but what He didn't know, he knew he didn't know and didn't say!  when a man of God is given something to say to you (as Paul and victor were), you can't disregard it saying "you can't know ALL things"!  what they know from the Lord, they say, and they don't go beyond that.  So when everyone here disregards the word God gave them to preach, they throw God away, for He is who gave it to them!!!

reformer- it seems that you were fishing for the praise of men for your post, and now you are receiving it.  you now have your reward, according to Jesus-

Matthew 6:2-3  Therefore when you do your merciful deeds, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may have glory from men. Truly I say to you, They have their reward.  (3)  But when you do merciful deeds, do not let your left hand know what your right hand does.

and you weren't even doing a merciful deed!  because your post was full of twisting of the scriptures! just like Peter said many did with apostle Paul's letters.  all you did was what I described the other james doing- picking and choosing what you want to beleve.

You said-

We really only need quote in context to what you refer:
Galatians 2:1-11 (CLV)...
1 Thereupon, after the lapse of fourteen years, I again went up to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus also along with me.
2 Now I went up in accord with a revelation, and submitted to them the evangel which I am heralding among the nations, yet privately to those of repute, lest somehow I should be racing or ran for naught.

What is stated is that it was the Gospel he preached that was submitted to them, not his own person.

3 But not even Titus, who is with me, being a Greek, is compelled to be circumcised.
4 Yet, it was because of the false brethren who were smuggled in, who came in by the way to spy out our freedom which we have in Christ Jesus, that they shall be enslaving us-
5 to whom, not even for an hour do we simulate by subjection, that the truth of the evangel should be continuing with you.
6 Now from those reputed to be somewhat-what kind they once were is of no consequence to me (God is not taking up the human aspect)-for to me those of repute submitted nothing.

This is how he regards those "supposed to be pillars!"  He refuse to submit to those with James keeping the laws of Moses and says of the apostles that they are of no consequence" to him because, God is no respector of persons, He, "...is not taking up the human aspect."

You can see from what comes before verse 6, that apostle Paul is not talking about the other apostles in verse 6, but is talking about "false brethren."  The apostles of God are not false brethren!!!  (wow! look at all the work I could have saved you with all your reasoning that now you have to throw away!)

as for "obeying the rule" vs. "yielding to the caretaking" in essence what's the difference?

when I've obeyed the rule, I am yielding to the caretaking!

Hebrews 13:17  Yield to those leading you, and be submissive, for they watch for your souls, as those who must give account, that they may do it with joy and not with grief; for that is unprofitable for you.

the authority of men of God is everywhere in the scriptures, here are a couple more verses-

1 Timothy 5:17  Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in Word and doctrine.

2 Corinthians 10:8-9  For even if I also should boast somewhat more fully of our authority (which the Lord has given us for building up, and not for pulling you down) I will not be put to shame;  (9)  so that I might not seem to terrify you by letters.

building up is only for those who are Christ's! those are the ones God corrects!

Hebrews 12:8  But if you are without chastisement, of which all are partakers, then you are bastards and not sons.

james-jabcat, back to you (sorry this is scattered).  You asked me once:

In other words, had you called on Jesus, believed on Him as your Savior before, but needed some things clarified, taught to you, changes made in your life before you could enter into what you now consider "the true", i.e., Victor and Paul's ministry?  Thanks, James.

I had believed myself a christian all my life.  then when I was a teen, I had a conversion experience to the Lord wherein i began to call upon His name seeking the truth.  i also became very religious.  for about a year and a half, I listened to many different christian programs and tv and read many books. i  was hungry for the truth from God.

It was only when i met paul and Victor that I knew that I was hearing true words directly from Him!  it was so exciting.  As I was led, step by step, through repentance of my false religious ways, and as my family situation grew hotter and hotter (my mother also being religious didn't like what was happening to me at all!), I knew there was no way I could try to play both sides.  I couldn't hold onto my church and family but also walk with god, who was calling me to be His!

through the steps of walking with the Lord through His servants, Victor and Paul, I have experienced victory over sins- masturbation in particular (with which I was in bondage for as long as I can remember, even though religious and wanting to quit!!!) and I was delivered from devils (once again, being religious and holding certain doctrines couldn't help me there!).  I also received the Spirit through them, as i described, and what a wonderful thing to have the Lord within me!

perhaps you thought I was speaking loosely when i spoke of the freedom experienced when realizing it is about the Lord, not about doctrines – He came to give us life!  but until you experience these things for yourself – His direct hand in healing, delivring, causing you to walk with Him in truth, all you have is theory!  and that is what I see here, in this forum,  a bunch of theory – and a lot of bad theory at that- the Scriptures don't line up with what you people are saying!

you can wonder how my belief in UR fits in with all of this.  I know for a fact that God is going to bring everyone to this same knowledge of Him, through His work in their life.  His people speaking the truth and confronting darkness is part of that great work from Him.

reformer, you said that the scripture I quoted at top here (2 Cor. 6:17-18) is talking about Babylon.  yes, it is.  it is babylon that the Lord caused me to forsake.  it is babylon that I see all of you partaking of – confusion.  that is why you theorize and explain away the basic truths of Scripture without knowing God!

2 Timothy 3:7  ever learning and never able to come to the full knowledge of the truth.

james -jabcat, you suspect I am a little one.  it is true, i am a little one, and the Lord prayed-

Matthew 11:25-26  At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank You, O Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the sophisticated and cunning, and revealed them to babes.  (26)  Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight.

so, firstborn, all of this that I relate answers what you said-

Paul and Victor are failures as we all are. They will fail you witness. They are cursing what God has blessed and that is just so much B.S.

in the flesh, yes, paul and Victor are failures just as we all are!  but the Lord is with/in them, giving them truth to speak in the Spirit, and in that truth He has made them faithful!  they are walking in the Lord, in what He has given to them, and if a person is doing that, they are not a failure!  the Lord is that person's savior!!!

Victor and Paul did not curse what God has blessed.  they have not even cursed anyone here!  they told the hard truth to those who needed to hear it.  and what they had to say to me brought me to deliverance and faith in the Lord, and what they had for you was true and necessary, and none of this is B.S.!

CHB- you just asked me a question.  all of the above amply answers it.  please let me know if for some reason you think it doesn't.

firstborn, you say God is your God without them. if your god is not their God, your god is not the true God.  Amen!

[jabcat]

"james, it isn't my opinion that you're picking and choosing the Scriptures you want to believe.  it's what I see you doing."

:sigh:    :faint:    As far as I know, you're not as yet immortal.  So because you're human, much of what you think is an opinion, an understanding, an interpretation, some things perhaps a revelation...and it often comes across as judging and/or criticizing. This included your opinion/judgment that I'm picking/choosing/manipulating scripture.  Don't you realize if I wanted to be judgmental and critical, I could say the same about you?  You don't know what God's done in my heart and life, as man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart. 

Do you grasp that all of us understand in part?  That we see through a glass darkly?  It sounds as if you believe you have the absolute truth/that if anyone doesn't say the words correctly as approved by your leaders, then perhaps they don't know God?  Is that correct?  Is there anyone in the world besides the exact number in your group that are saved?  You answer my questions about your thoughts and conversations being guided by others, with questions...not openly/transparently/directly answering my questions.  I suspect there's a reason for that.  I'm afraid you may be past the point of being able to hear what a brother or sister outside your immediate realm of influence says. If so that's sad. 

It's great that God has done gracious things in your life.  But if you judge and condemn your brethren, remember;  I'll say again...call upon the name of the Lord and you will be saved.  Believe on the Lord Jesus and you and your house will be saved.  With what measure of judgment you mete it will be meted to you.  Selah.

Will continue praying for you, James.

[Paul Hazelwood]

All I really perceive here Witness is people partaking in what almost everyone does their whole life, trying to work through the bits of truth that are given us.


I have read some of Paul and Victors writings and I find things I agree with.   My agreement or disagreement has nothing to do with whether they can claim to have the whole truth.

Their comments about me are entirely irrevalent as they have no clue and are apparently not even interested in the path my life has taken.

If they think they are walking in the spirit by what they have said, then I'll be glad for the destruction they believe is coming my way, because I will not be like that because that is not what God has worked on me to be.

I write this for the readers of this thread as Paul thinks I am arguing with him when I respond to his assertions so he needs to understand that I am not doing so to try to convince him otherwise.   In fact if he wants to copy and past this into his cute "Blog war" and make a comment on it.  great.  Go ahead, if thats walking in the spirit, you can have it, thanks.

[peacemaker]

So when everyone here disregards the word God gave them to preach, they throw God away (?), for He is who gave it to them!!!

It was only when i met paul and Victor that I knew that I was hearing true words directly (?) from Him! 

I also received the Spirit through them (?), as i described, and what a wonderful thing to have the Lord within me! (Last acknowledgment is without question)

He came to give us life!  but until you experience these things for yourself – His direct hand in healing, delivering, causing you to walk with Him in truth, all you have is theory!  and that is what I see here, in this forum, a bunch of theory – and a lot of bad theory at that - the Scriptures don't line up with what you people are saying! (Nor entirely to what is indicated by the question marks)

2 Timothy 3:7  ever learning and never able to come to the full knowledge of the truth.

The perpetual correctors understand the importance of truth, but often fail in the requirements of love, and kindness. And they will promptly defend their own thoughts, not at variance with their personal expectations, nor contrary to their own interests.

"Faith doesn't start with head knowledge, it begins with experiences."

And, you LORD are the AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF MY FAITH!

So, LORD, what is it you want me to do?

I know you want me to walk in your ways, learn of you, cast my burdens on you, and stand on your Word.

You are the anchor of my hope and the things you desire for me are good. I'm waiting on you, Lord, to renew my strength. Your "Spirit of Truth" will not lead me into error. Your Word is life-giving. You are the discerner of the thought, and intents of the heart – not man.

My Lord and my God, your ears are open to those who walk righteously before you. You tell me to ask for wisdom in faith and you shall give it to me liberally. Search me, Lord, reveal through your "Spirit" any way that is not pleasing to you. Let me be sensitive to the engrafted Word that can save my soul.

Your Holy Spirit residing within me will teach me all I need to know. You reward those who diligently seek you. Your face, Lord, do I seek. I desire to obey your Word and walk after you; to leave the past behind and go forward in the hope of your high calling.

I desire things that are spiritually discerned. Yes, my soul thirsts for the "living God." This entire world is vanity, but your Word endures forever. I call to you and you hear me. Your ear is inclined from heaven toward me. You guide me with your eye, and establish my comings and goings. Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I. Cover me in the shelter of your wings. Do not forsake the work of your hands.

A man devises his way, but, you, Lord, direct my steps. I look not to the right or left, but keep my eyes fixed on you from whom my help comes. Nothing can separate me from your love or pluck me out of the Father's hand. My members are written in your life; even the hairs of my head you have numbered.

I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I am your workmanship, a masterpiece in Christ Jesus created for good works, which you preordained. Your thoughts are higher than my thoughts, and your ways are higher than mine.

The Holy Spirit, who searches the deepest things of God, and who you gave me as a comforter, testifies with my spirit of your will and truth. Jesus, even now, you are at the right hand of the Father continually interceding on my behalf. You knew me and loved me before the foundation of the world. You have predestined me to be conformed to the image of your Son. Though my faith must be purified by fire, I know that you will never leave me nor forsake me.

Lord, you have all the answers, seeing the beginning from the end. Hear now the supplication of your child that I may discern and obey your will. Reveal to me by faith through divine revelation (not by sight, feelings, or mans opinions) – the steps I must take to walk in the center of your will. Your wisdom is first pure, then holy, gentle, reasonable, kind and impartial.

Lord, you work all things together for the good of those who love you, and who are called according to your purpose. I thank you, Lord, for the painful situations you have allowed in my life for they have turned my face back toward my first love. If it be your will, I will be healed from these infirmities. If not, your grace and provision of unfailing love shall be sufficient for me.

Thank you for the gifts you have given me and for the talents I have yet to discover. I give them back to you. Do whatever you will with them for your pleasure. Thank you for helping me to pray, and for showing me how to forgive. May I continue to mature in you.

Father, you are so worthy of praise and adoration. You loved me so much that you sent your Son into the world, giving me life more abundantly, so that I could be restored to you. Filling this life with your presence. Put a new song of praise in my heart. Purify my heart and tame my tongue.

The bondage I was once in has no place in the "Spirit-filled life." I choose to lay it all at the foot of the cross and leave it there. Anyone whom the Son sets free is free indeed. When you ask, "Will you be made whole?" I answer, yes!  May my hearing be opened and the eyes of my understanding behold who you truly are in me, and what you truly think of me. Before a word is in my mouth, Lord, you know it already. You know the desires of my heart better than I do.

I trust you, Lord, and love you with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength. Order my steps in the way that is pleasing to you – and you alone. Fill me with your peace and lead me in the way I should go. Though I am a sinner, Lord, you uphold me with your righteous right hand. Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. In you there is no darkness at all. Everything is revealed and clear in your eyes.

You are my strength and shield, my protector, my provider, my healer, my ever-present help in times of trouble. You shall not let me be moved. You are my high tower, my Father, prince of Peace, savior, friend, and the precious one who is with me – wherever I go. You are my rock, my defense, my counselor and my hope. With you, Lord, all things are possible.

I commit my way to you, Lord, knowing that you  establish my thoughts. I will be joyful because you have overcome the world. You know what I need and I trust you, standing on your promises because you cannot lie.

Thank you, Lord, for being patient with me and for pulling my feet out of the miry clay, setting me on a rock. I look to you, Lord, Author and Finisher of my faith, for I know that if I ask anything according to your will, you hear me and will grant the petitions I seek from you.

Blessed is the name of the Lord!

"We are not predestinated to sin, that's choice; but we are predestined to holiness."

peacemaker

[jabcat]

Witness, honestly, do any of these things look familiar to you?


The group is focused on a living leader to whom members seem to display excessively zealous, unquestioning commitment.

The group/leader is always right.

No tolerance for questions or critical inquiry.

The leadership dictates sometimes in great detail how members should think, act, and feel (for example: members must get permission from leaders to date, change jobs, get married; leaders may prescribe what types of clothes to wear, where to live, etc.)

The leadership induces guilt feelings in members in order to control them.

Exploit Personal Crisis - They use an existing crisis as a means of getting you to participate. They exploit vulnerability arising from:
Broken relationships
Death in the family
Loss of job
Move to new location
Loneliness/depression
Guilt/shame
Stress/fear

[firstborn888]

they told the hard truth to those who needed to hear it. 

So did I.

[Zeek]

So when everyone here disregards the word God gave them to preach, they throw God away (?), for He is who gave it to them!!!

It was only when i met paul and Victor that I knew that I was hearing true words directly (?) from Him! 

I also received the Spirit through them (?), as i described, and what a wonderful thing to have the Lord within me! (Last acknowledgment is without question)

He came to give us life!  but until you experience these things for yourself – His direct hand in healing, delivering, causing you to walk with Him in truth, all you have is theory!  and that is what I see here, in this forum, a bunch of theory – and a lot of bad theory at that - the Scriptures don't line up with what you people are saying! (Nor entirely to what is indicated by the question marks)

2 Timothy 3:7  ever learning and never able to come to the full knowledge of the truth.

The perpetual correctors understand the importance of truth, but often fail in the requirements of love, and kindness. And they will promptly defend their own thoughts, not at variance with their personal expectations, nor contrary to their own interests.

"Faith doesn't start with head knowledge, it begins with experiences."

And, you LORD are the AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF MY FAITH!

So, LORD, what is it you want me to do?

I know you want me to walk in your ways, learn of you, cast my burdens on you, and stand on your Word.

You are the anchor of my hope and the things you desire for me are good. I'm waiting on you, Lord, to renew my strength. Your "Spirit of Truth" will not lead me into error. Your Word is life-giving. You are the discerner of the thought, and intents of the heart – not man.

My Lord and my God, your ears are open to those who walk righteously before you. You tell me to ask for wisdom in faith and you shall give it to me liberally. Search me, Lord, reveal through your "Spirit" any way that is not pleasing to you. Let me be sensitive to the engrafted Word that can save my soul.

Your Holy Spirit residing within me will teach me all I need to know. You reward those who diligently seek you. Your face, Lord, do I seek. I desire to obey your Word and walk after you; to leave the past behind and go forward in the hope of your high calling.

I desire things that are spiritually discerned. Yes, my soul thirsts for the "living God." This entire world is vanity, but your Word endures forever. I call to you and you hear me. Your ear is inclined from heaven toward me. You guide me with your eye, and establish my comings and goings. Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I. Cover me in the shelter of your wings. Do not forsake the work of your hands.

A man devises his way, but, you, Lord, direct my steps. I look not to the right or left, but keep my eyes fixed on you from whom my help comes. Nothing can separate me from your love or pluck me out of the Father's hand. My members are written in your life; even the hairs of my head you have numbered.

I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I am your workmanship, a masterpiece in Christ Jesus created for good works, which you preordained. Your thoughts are higher than my thoughts, and your ways are higher than mine.

The Holy Spirit, who searches the deepest things of God, and who you gave me as a comforter, testifies with my spirit of your will and truth. Jesus, even now, you are at the right hand of the Father continually interceding on my behalf. You knew me and loved me before the foundation of the world. You have predestined me to be conformed to the image of your Son. Though my faith must be purified by fire, I know that you will never leave me nor forsake me.

Lord, you have all the answers, seeing the beginning from the end. Hear now the supplication of your child that I may discern and obey your will. Reveal to me by faith through divine revelation (not by sight, feelings, or mans opinions) – the steps I must take to walk in the center of your will. Your wisdom is first pure, then holy, gentle, reasonable, kind and impartial.

Lord, you work all things together for the good of those who love you, and who are called according to your purpose. I thank you, Lord, for the painful situations you have allowed in my life for they have turned my face back toward my first love. If it be your will, I will be healed from these infirmities. If not, your grace and provision of unfailing love shall be sufficient for me.

Thank you for the gifts you have given me and for the talents I have yet to discover. I give them back to you. Do whatever you will with them for your pleasure. Thank you for helping me to pray, and for showing me how to forgive. May I continue to mature in you.

Father, you are so worthy of praise and adoration. You loved me so much that you sent your Son into the world, giving me life more abundantly, so that I could be restored to you. Filling this life with your presence. Put a new song of praise in my heart. Purify my heart and tame my tongue.

The bondage I was once in has no place in the "Spirit-filled life." I choose to lay it all at the foot of the cross and leave it there. Anyone whom the Son sets free is free indeed. When you ask, "Will you be made whole?" I answer, yes!  May my hearing be opened and the eyes of my understanding behold who you truly are in me, and what you truly think of me. Before a word is in my mouth, Lord, you know it already. You know the desires of my heart better than I do.

I trust you, Lord, and love you with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength. Order my steps in the way that is pleasing to you – and you alone. Fill me with your peace and lead me in the way I should go. Though I am a sinner, Lord, you uphold me with your righteous right hand. Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. In you there is no darkness at all. Everything is revealed and clear in your eyes.

You are my strength and shield, my protector, my provider, my healer, my ever-present help in times of trouble. You shall not let me be moved. You are my high tower, my Father, prince of Peace, savior, friend, and the precious one who is with me – wherever I go. You are my rock, my defense, my counselor and my hope. With you, Lord, all things are possible.

I commit my way to you, Lord, knowing that you  establish my thoughts. I will be joyful because you have overcome the world. You know what I need and I trust you, standing on your promises because you cannot lie.

Thank you, Lord, for being patient with me and for pulling my feet out of the miry clay, setting me on a rock. I look to you, Lord, Author and Finisher of my faith, for I know that if I ask anything according to your will, you hear me and will grant the petitions I seek from you.

Blessed is the name of the Lord!

"We are not predestinated to sin, that's choice; but we are predestined to holiness."

peacemaker

AMEN and PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME.  THANK YOU ABBA

[Cardinal]

 :cloud9: Amen PM...... :thumbsup:

[CHB]

CHB- I wasn't meaning to imply that I have been given ALL the truth.  but if the Lord is the Truth, and He is in me, then I do have all the Truth! isn't this according to the Scriptures?  yes, it was said of the Son that he didn't know the day the Father would restore the Kingdom, but what He didn't know, he knew he didn't know and didn't say!  when a man of God is given something to say to you (as Paul and victor were), you can't disregard it saying "you can't know ALL things"!  what they know from the Lord, they say, and they don't go beyond that.  So when everyone here disregards the word God gave them to preach, they throw God away, for He is who gave it to them!!!

Witness,

Please don't be offended by what I am about to say. I mean no harm and am saying this only to try to show you that you are following men and not God.

In the above you said "if the Lord is the truth and he is in me, then I do have all the truth". Then you go on to say what paul and Victor has given you. From reading your posts it seems to me that you are more in Paul and Victor than you are in Christ, or Christin you. You speak about how through Paul and Victor you received the Spirit, and how they are from God, how they are sent by God. Your posts seem to give more honor and glory to Paul and Victor than they do Christ for the things that have happened in your life.

John said, "the truth shall make you free". (John 8:36) If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. by the sound of your posts  you are not free, you are in bounds to men.

I am just trying to get you to see what you are saying and the way it sounds. Go back and read your posts and pretend someone else wrote them and you can see what I am talking about.

I use to be where you are now and it grieves me to see someone else in the same frame of mind I was, looking to man for your spiritual well being. You do have one advantage that I didn't have at that time, you believe in the salvation of all, thank God for that. Thank God for bringing me out of the frame of mind of thinking I needed a man to teach me.  :happy3:

CHB

[jabcat]

Let no one, then, judge you in eating or in drinking, or in respect of a feast, or of a new moon, or of sabbaths,  which are a shadow of the coming things, and the body is of the Christ;  let no one beguile you of your prize, delighting in humble-mindedness and in worship of the messengers, intruding into the things he hath not seen, being vainly puffed up by the mind of his flesh, 
If, then, ye did die with the Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances?   -- thou mayest not touch, nor taste, nor handle --  Colossians 2:16-20

'And judge not, and ye may not be judged; condemn not, and ye may not be condemned; release, and ye shall be released.Luke 6:37

no longer, therefore, may we judge one another, but this judge ye rather, not to put a stumbling-stone before the brother, or an offence.  Romans 14:13

But if ever we also, or a messsenger out of heaven, should be bringing an evangel to you beside that which we bring to you, let him be anathema!  Galatians 1:8

[Witness]

james, I have given you scriptures and the understanding God has given me, which you and no one else here can argue against.  that is not opinion.  you only answer me with opinion, and expect that to override facts!

definition of opinion: "a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty."

i have both proof and certainty. you have neither. do you think, therefore, it is impossible to have both?

you said-

This included your opinion/judgment that I'm picking/choosing/manipulating scripture.  Don't you realize if I wanted to be judgmental and critical, I could say the same about you?

no, you can't say the same about me, james. but you subtly do so now anyway, because you are a false accuser.

you also say-

It sounds as if you believe you have the absolute truth/that if anyone doesn't say the words correctly as approved by your leaders, then perhaps they don't know God?

this isn't about getting words correct. it's about having (or not having) the repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that you claim to have.  when someone makes claims, it is required of me to see the fruits before i believe those claims. but I see evil fruits from you- false accusing and insinuating evil where there is none and no proof of any.

you also say-

You answer my questions about your thoughts and conversations being guided by others, with questions

obviously you didn't pay attention to the straightforward answer I gave before my questions.

i'm not judging and condeming my brethren- you are not my brother in Christ.  you come at me subtly as an enemy, and expect that I would esteem you as a brother?

but you know who the accuser of the brethren of christ is!

Genesis 3:1 HNV  Now the serpent was more subtle than any animal of the field which the LORD God had made. ...

Revelation 12:9-10 MKJV  And the great dragon was cast out, the old serpent called Devil, and Satan, who deceives the whole world. He was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.  (10)  And I heard a great voice saying in Heaven, Now has come the salvation and power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ. For the accuser of our brothers is cast down, who accused them before our God day and night.

so no, james, none of your marks of a cult apply to me and my beloved brothers and sisters in Christ.

i challenge you to see the Lord's standard, however, of a cult.

Read The True Marks of a Cult.
(http://www.thepathoftruth.com/falsehoodexposed/truemarkscult.htm)

you keep quoting, james, "with what measure of judgment you mete...."  that certainly applies to you, who judge unrighteous judgment (hence your false accusations, subtle hints, and opinions). to his saints, jesus said-

John 7:24 MKJV  Do not judge according to sight [you do nothing but, james], but judge righteous judgment.

paul H. you have some sarcasm in your post.  Is that walking in the Spirit?

also, you say-

Their comments about me are entirely irrevalent as they have no clue and are apparently not even interested in the path my life has taken.

why do you say they are not interested?  because they are not on this forum answering you? don't you know they were kicked off?

besides they demonstrated their interest in your life by answering you with substance on their site.  if you want to talk to them, why don't you write them rather than complain about them behind their backs on a blog they can no longer access?

I can safely say, peacemaker, that you don't know the Lord, and therefore you do the opposite of what your name describes.  you need to stop being religious and comforting yourself with your false prayer.  what else could a prayer be that is coming from another subtle accuser of the brethren?

also, Jesus said-

Matthew 6:5-7 MKJV  And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, They have their reward.  (6)  But you, when you pray, enter into your room. And shutting your door, pray to your Father in secret; and your Father who sees in secret shall reward you openly.  (7)  But when you pray, do not babble vain words, as the nations. For they think that in their much speaking they shall be heard.

you may have spoken what is hard, firstborn, but I saw no truth in any of your posts.

CHB- i'm not the one who is making Victor and Paul the issue here. you are by trying to discredit them, so you can throw out the truth they told you. 

you say-

In the above you said "if the Lord is the truth and he is in me, then I do have all the truth". Then you go on to say what paul and Victor has given you.

no, i didn't go on to say what paul and victor gave to me.  I went on to say that when a man of God is given something to say to you (as they were to those on this forum), you can't discard it, for the reasons I gave.

and if I did receive all those things that I related, and I did, through the ministry given to Victor and Paul, by the will and grace of God, why do you argue and fight against that? haven't I given you ample evidence against the position you take- that believers don't need a man of God to teach them?

why do you think God appointed these ministries in the Body of Christ?

1 Corinthians 12:28-30  And God set some in the church, firstly, apostles; secondly, prophets; thirdly, teachers, then works of power, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, kinds of languages.  (29)  Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of power?  (30)  Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak languages? Do all interpret?

what do you do with all these, CHB? 

if no one is in need of teaching or correction, why are there teachers, prophets, and apostles appointed?

but these are appointed for the Body of Christ, not for independent tares.

[jabcat]

OK Sarah, I tried to gently reason with you.  At this point I will choose to turn the other cheek.  Your unrighteous judgment of me is between you and God.

However, as a moderator, I clearly inform you that directly presuming to pass judgment on someone's salvation is considered a personal attack and is not allowed on the forum.  Although I won't directly remove your posts or ban you for further personally attacking me, if you continue that mode of behavior, be informed that another mod may choose to do so.  And if I observe you directly attacking someone other than myself, then I will do so.   

As God empowers me, I will be forgiving and praying for you.  Your unrecognized brother, James.

[reFORMer]

It is surprising how many cannot even accept and even revile the direct unmediated authority of God Himself to His people; yet, they go to great lengths to defend the authority of men who stand in God's place!  They call me rebellious, they say I have a spirit of deception, that I'm an anarchist for this reason.  Do you realize (in my experience,) the common people hear me gladly? it is the religious professionals who're robbed of sight and that do the reviling?

reformer- it seems that you were fishing for the praise of men for your post, and now you are receiving it.  you now have your reward, according to Jesus-

Matthew 6:2-3  Therefore when you do your merciful deeds, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may have glory from men. Truly I say to you, They have their reward.  (3)  But when you do merciful deeds, do not let your left hand know what your right hand does.

and you weren't even doing a merciful deed!  because your post was full of twisting of the scriptures!

You keep mentioning my post (#147 ?) but I made 2 (two) posts!!!  I may have the wrong impression, but it seems you skipped over my post # 146.  Very important stuff in it!  Doubly so for you!!  I hoped you personally would get the grand idea that in various ways I seek to point out.  It is simply that to directly connect us to God Jesus suffered and died, and is raised to permanent life as the Kurios "the ultimate authority" and as our only mediator.  Once brought into intimacy with  THE LORD all other relationships are beneath us!  All genuine authority at best is secondary and derived from the Lord Jesus.  He allows no other mediators.  Our being directly related to Him is to be under His own highest authority.  No one else is to be in bed with Jesus and His virgin bride.

John 5:41-44 (CLV)...
41 "Glory from men I am not getting.
42 But I know you, that you have not the love of God in yourselves.
43 I have come in the name of My Father, and you are not getting Me. If another should be coming in his own name, him you will get.
44 How can you believe, getting glory from one another, and are not seeking the glory which is from God alone?

As for "fishing for the praise of men," as you say, a little reflection on your part and you would realize:  I certainly display enough intelligence to chose words that flatter the authorities of other men if their praise (and monies) was my aim.  In other words, I could do so much better that repudiate any and all authority in the Church that is claimed by multitudes of men.  Can you imagine any of them hiring me for a "pastor/teacher?"  I would have the passive audience change to every-member participation, doing the Pastors work and more, while we would guard the Liberty, preventing whoever would take over the meeting from doing so.  Have I done this to myself for my own gain?  If it was from a deception of the devil why would I point men to Jesus and Jesus alone?  Surely His reality over-rides every other source!!!  Come to Him and devils or other men (including your own heart) could never deceive you!

reformer- it seems that you were fishing for the praise of men for your post, and now you are receiving it.  you now have your reward, according to Jesus-

Matthew 6:2-3  Therefore when you do your merciful deeds, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may have glory from men. Truly I say to you, They have their reward.  (3)  But when you do merciful deeds, do not let your left hand know what your right hand does.

and you weren't even doing a merciful deed!  because your post was full of twisting of the scriptures! just like Peter said many did with apostle Paul's letters.  all you did was what I described the other james doing- picking and choosing what you want to beleve.

You said-

We really only need quote in context to what you refer:
Galatians 2:1-11 (CLV)...
1 Thereupon, after the lapse of fourteen years, I again went up to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus also along with me.
2 Now I went up in accord with a revelation, and submitted to them the evangel which I am heralding among the nations, yet privately to those of repute, lest somehow I should be racing or ran for naught.

What is stated is that it was the Gospel he preached that was submitted to them, not his own person.

3 But not even Titus, who is with me, being a Greek, is compelled to be circumcised.
4 Yet, it was because of the false brethren who were smuggled in, who came in by the way to spy out our freedom which we have in Christ Jesus, that they shall be enslaving us-
5 to whom, not even for an hour do we simulate by subjection, that the truth of the evangel should be continuing with you.
6 Now from those reputed to be somewhat-what kind they once were is of no consequence to me (God is not taking up the human aspect)-for to me those of repute submitted nothing.

This is how he regards those "supposed to be pillars!"  He refuse to submit to those with James keeping the laws of Moses and says of the apostles that they are of no consequence" to him because, God is no respector of persons, He, "...is not taking up the human aspect."

You can see from what comes before verse 6, that apostle Paul is not talking about the other apostles in verse 6, but is talking about "false brethren."  The apostles of God are not false brethren!!!  (wow! look at all the work I could have saved you with all your reasoning that now you have to throw away!)

After speaking of the false brethren, he changes to whom he refers and comes to another point in saying, "Now." (v.6)   Something similar is seen in 1 Corithians where he repeatedly takes up various topics, introducing them with the phrase, "Now concerning..." Here, it is, "Now from those reputed to be somewhat..."  He has returned to the apostles with whom he was interacting.  In the very next verse (7) he says, "But, on the contrary, preceiving that I have been entrusted with the evangel of the Uncircumcision..."  Who these were that were perceiving Paul were those who offered, "The right hand of fellowship." (v.9)  This "fellowship" was not accepted from those Paul refused submission to for the sake of the gospel!  Those of "repute," meaning:  "create an opinion by the impression produced on the senses or mind or imagination, not necessarily true" (A. E. Knoch) were NOT "the false brethren who were smuggled in" (v.4) who were those of ill repute!  The other apostles, "James, and Cephas and John..." which Paul goes on to speak of their repute as, "....supposed to be pillars," give to Paul  "and  Barnabas the right hand of fellowship." (loc.cit., Ga 2:9, CLV)

[reFORMer]

(continued...)

as for "obeying the rule" vs. "yielding to the caretaking" in essence what's the difference?

when I've obeyed the rule, I am yielding to the caretaking!

Hebrews 13:17  Yield to those leading you, and be submissive, for they watch for your souls, as those who must give account, that they may do it with joy and not with grief; for that is unprofitable for you.

the authority of men of God is everywhere in the scriptures,

The authority of men of God is GOD!!! not themselves.  They cast their crowns at Jesus throne, showing they accept no authority of their own.  They establish the authority of God in others lives, not their own authority over them.  True men of God connect us to Christ Jesus our head, securing and enlarging that connection.  They do not usurp His Headship by establishing their own authority!  But, do continue...

here are a couple more verses-
1 Timothy 5:17  Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in Word and doctrine.

2 Corinthians 10:8-9  For even if I also should boast somewhat more fully of our authority (which the Lord has given us for building up, and not for pulling you down) I will not be put to shame;  (9)  so that I might not seem to terrify you by letters.

How good if you continued through what Paul called his inappropriate boasting to arrive at this central imperative that cannot be compromised!  "Betroth[ed]...to one Man!"  There are no other mediators!  There is no "chaste virgin" presented "to Christ" if any other man is your mediator!
2 Corinthians 11:2-4 (CLV)...
2 for I am jealous over you with a jealousy of God. For I betroth you to one Man, to present a chaste virgin to Christ.
3 Yet I fear lest somehow, as the serpent deludes Eve by its craftiness, your apprehensions should be corrupted from the singleness and pureness which is in Christ.
4 For if, indeed, he who is coming is heralding another Jesus whom we do not herald, or you are obtaining a different spirit, which you did not obtain, or a different evangel, which you do not receive, you are bearing with him ideally.
What part of "singleness" don't you understand?

building up is only for those who are Christ's! those are the ones God corrects!

Hebrews 12:8  But if you are without chastisement, of which all are partakers, then you are bastards and not sons.

What determines who are bastards is in the mothers.  It is the same Father; but, is the mother Hagar or Sarah?  The mother which is called "the Jerusalem which now is..." which is the earthly tabernacles of the saints scattered thoughout the world that comprise the capital city, the official seat of government of God's Israel "...she is in slavery with her children." (loc.cit., Ga 4:25, CLV)  Until death is swallowed up in victory it works in our members and, "...sin reigns in death." (Rm 5:21)  "...the holy city, new Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband"  (Rv 21:2, CLV)  is who we are already in spirit.  "Yet the Jerusalem above is free, who is mother of us all.  For it is written, "Be glad, barren one, who art not bringing forth! Burst forth and implore, thou who art not travailing! For many are the children of the desolate, Rather than of her who has the husband."  (Ga 4:26-27, CLV)  Again, a virgin, not having other authorities; but, free!

"...we had the fathers of our flesh as discipliners, and we respected them. Yet shall we not much rather be subjected to the Father of spirits and be living." (Hb 12:9)  Other than fathers of our flesh it is "to the Father of spirits" to whom alone were are subjected in order to, "...be living."  God is JEALOUS and His glory He will not give to another!  Don't you understand the many martyrs who were slain because they would not offer the little pinch of incense to another authority identifying with the Divine.  If they could refuse, can you?  You cannot have the true God through other mediators.

Galatians 4:21-5:1 (CLV)...
21 Tell me, you who want to be under law, are you not hearing the law?
22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, one out of the maid and one out of the free womam.
23 But the one, indeed, out of the maid is begotten according to flesh, yet the one out of the free woman through the promise:
24 which is allegorizing, for these women are two covenants; one, indeed, from mount Sinai, generating into slavery, which is Hagar.
25 Yet Hagar is mount Sinai in Arabia; it is in line with the Jerusalem which now is, for she is in slavery with her children.
26 Yet the Jerusalem above is free, who is mother of us all.
27 For it is written, "Be glad, barren one, who art not bringing forth! Burst forth and implore, thou who art not travailing! For many are the children of the desolate, Rather than of her who has the husband."
28 Now you, brethren, as Isaac, are children of promise.
29 But even as then, the one generated according to flesh persecuted the one according to spirit, thus also it is now.
30 But what is the scripture saying? Cast out this maid and her son, for by no means shall the son of the maid be enjoying the allotment with the son of the free woman.
31 Wherefore, brethren, we are not children of the maid, but of the free woman.
1 For freedom Christ frees us! Stand firm, then, and be not again enthralled with the yoke of slavery.

reformer, you said that the scripture I quoted at top here (2 Cor. 6:17-18) is talking about Babylon.  yes, it is.  it is babylon that the Lord caused me to forsake.  it is babylon that I see all of you partaking of – confusion.  that is why you theorize and explain away the basic truths of Scripture without knowing God!

2 Timothy 3:7  ever learning and never able to come to the full knowledge of the truth.

Babylon is where the authority called "the head of gold" tops the false image.  God's priestly nation, by having dead images to which they submitted, "fornicating" with them while being the chosen spouse of God, were exiled to be under that other authority.  There are many who are submitted to what are no Gods and yet claim they are God's bride.  Religious systems with their heirarchies of authority are not God.  Intimacies with those authorities pays the whorish.   "Come our of her!"

firstborn, you say God is your God without them. if your god is not their God, your god is not the true God.  Amen!

(I'm going to give a lovely little response to this.)
"I am aware where you are dwelling-where the throne of Satan is-and you are holding My name, and do not disown My faith in the days in which Antipas, My faithful witness, was killed among you, where Satan is dwelling." (Rv 2:13, CLV)  "Antipas" means "against all."  Jesus calls him, "My faithful witness."  Love, "is forgoing all, " or, more literally is "excluding" all.  It is a term based on the small shield on the arm used in close combat.  You just won't allow anything between you and your beloved Jesus!!!


your brother, James Rohde

[Cardinal]

definition of opinion: "a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty."

:cloud9: Definition of irrational: refusing to the let the facts interfere with that opinion.

[Cardinal]

It is surprising how many cannot even accept and even revile the direct unmediated authority of God Himself to His people; yet, they go to great lengths to defend the authority of men who stand in God's place!  They call me rebellious, they say I have a spirit of deception, that I'm an anarchist for this reason.  Do you realize (in my experience,) the common people hear me gladly? it is the religious professionals who're robbed of sight and that do the reviling?

:cloud9: That's certainly been my experience, also......awesome word James. Blessings...