Thu, Aug 30th - 7:04AM

A dear Christian lady who I was visiting to comfort her in her illness,  begged me not to tell certain people she was ill, because she was tired of them condemning her for being sick. She said that some were taking   2 Chron. 7:14 out of context. Already sick, she was tired of being made to feel guilty and even more distressed as well.

¹⁴ If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

2 Chron 7:14 (KJV)

Interestingly, saints (G40 hagios) I did know one lady who used this passage of scriptures for people who were sick, and  also applied it to just about any situation you could name. I believe this was due to misunderstanding the context of this passage to a continual rebellious Israel in the Old Testament.

One day this lady too fell ill, and I offered sympathy and comfort to her, waiting for her to quote 2Chron.7:14  KJV for herself. It never came, not once did she quote it or apply it to herself. I think somehow she finally understood that this passage was never meant to be used out of context.

We are all growing in our understanding of the Holy Bible, through study, sound teaching and preaching. Sadly brethren, misquoting scripture can do a lot of harm. I am thankful for the Holy Spirit continually growing and  teaching us the truth through the brothers and sisters, as well as godly teachers and preachers. We are not meant to learn only from one godly source, but to take freely of all the godly sources that God has given to us. Does sin cause sickness? The Bible teaches us clearly regarding this issue, and how we should truly help those who are sick.

Love

Serola

15 Study to show thyself APPROVED UNTO GOD, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Tim 2:15 (KJV)

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Sun, Aug 26th - 7:18AM

²² And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. ²³ And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

Luke 14:22-23 (KJV)

Brethren, we have got to do as our Lord commands. Note that our Lord sent out only ONE servant. Not having somebody to go witness with is no excuse. Whether with others or not,  our Lord will provide the opportunity for us to tell someone about Salvation.

This is not a competition, or contest to see who can witness the most,  the best nor is it about numbers. It is a co-operative effort of the body, as co-laborers with God in the Gospel.

⁷ So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. ⁸ Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. ⁹ FOR WE ARE LABOURERS TOGETHER WITH GOD: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.

1 Cor 3:7-9 (KJV)

Dear saints (G40hagios) it goes without saying that along with witnessing, living out the scriptures in our public and private lives will also witness and point people to Jesus Christ.  Brothers and sisters we must Study God’s word so we will be able through the Holy Spirit to tell others the true Gospel. We can  go  over the Gospel basics  again and again to ensure we know it and can present it in its simplicity. When I first witnessed, brethren, I did not do it very well, but got better and better as God matured me in understanding His word, and living it out of love for him. Fear not, be willing, and God will provide you the opportunity.

Regarding the lost Lord Jesus says:

⁷ I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

Luke 15:7 (KJV)

The whole heavenly family are called upon to share in the general joy; the Church above and the Church below both triumph; for there is joy (peculiar joy) in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. —Adam Clarke's Commentary

Love

Fri, Aug 24th - 9:49PM

¹ The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? ² When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. ³ Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. ⁴ One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. ⁵ For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

Psalms 27:1-5 (KJV)

Dearly beloveds, every Christian can rest in God’s hands. Our enemies hate us, but we do not hate them, but we hate what they do and stand for. Some might find it hard to understand why Christians witness, why we take the Gospel message to all that we can. Christians are not trying to invite people as it were to a tea party that it makes no difference whether they accept or not. Christians witness with the urgency to  all to believe in Lord Jesus who alone can deliver them from sins, hell, and the wrath of God to come. Beloveds, do not be surprised or fearful of those who want to stop  God’s people from bringing the Good News to as many as they can. Trust God, beloveds and fear not. We witness, saints (G40 hagios),  as we well know- it is a matter of eternal life or eternal death in the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the place where all shall go who reject Jesus Christ. God’s word correctly interpreted is absolute for all men, without any exceptions.

Love

serola

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Mon, Aug 20th - 11:40PM

Prayer changes things. Sometimes, we can be tempted to pray as a last resort, brothers and sisters. I believe that whatever legitimate, godly course we take, we must never leave prayer out. Prayer is God's command to us His people. Prayer is our right, privilege, delight, and direct access to our Lord.

Some of our battles will never be won by physical means. I want to caution, that sometimes God may require actions to accompany our prayer. I am led of the Lord to strongly encourage those who visit this site often, but rarely if ever leave a post, to do so long or short. This is not a put down, dear saints (G40 hagios), all believers are necessary to the body. All believers have different gifts, which God gives us to edify the church in love.

Brethren, tell someone you love them today, for tomorrow is not given. show someone you love them today, as Lord Jesus gives you and me the opportunity. I want to tell each of you today, that I love each and every one of you. And though we may never meet, my prayers/supplications are rendering to the King, that you will have joy, today, and grow in grace, overshadowed continually by God's love. I thank our God, that we can walk beside and support one another in prayer. Thank our Lord, we can be patient in every difficult situation, helping one another to keep on growing in strength and love. Above all, greater is He that is in us than He that is in the world.

love

serola

Mon, Aug 20th - 11:26AM

Brothers and sisters, I wanted to share a post by a brother that I thought you might find of value. I see no problem with Christians in politics, as we understand it does not replace scripture, as true change in people comes about only through changed hearts and minds of those who have faith, believe, trust and rely on Jesus Christ the Messiah, Saviour and Deliverer. I think the writer misses the point that God gives nations the right to defend themselves- but not war just for domination and conquest.The last point I want to make is that Christians according to the Holy Bible are waiting for the Return of Jesus Christ, not revival nor any other movement. That being said beloveds, I think this brother has some important points that I would like to share with you.

love

serola

WHY the "TEA PARTY" is UNCHRISTIAN
-by Andrew Strom.

I write this as a conservative evangelical Christian. I am anti-abortion
and hold all the usual 'conservative' views. But I have come to believe
that the Tea Party is one of the most misguided and misleading
movements in America - especially since it claims to be so "Christian".

I saw a piece written by pro-Tea Party activist recently who quoted
statistics saying that the majority of Tea Party members are
evangelical Christians. He coined the term, "Teavangelicals". He
says they are going to have a new Awakening and "Take Back
America". I don't know what kind of "Awakening" he is talking
about, but it is very different from the true spiritual Awakenings of
the past. America certainly needs a Revival. But not the kind that
these guys are pushing. I believe it is a counterfeit of the real thing.
And if we fall for the counterfeit, then the true can be utterly lost.

So what exactly is the problem with the "Teavangelicals"? Below
is a very basic list of things that, in my view, make this movement
truly un-Christlike and unchristian:-

(1) -An Unhealthy Mixing of Christianity with Nationalism-.
When you "wrap the cross in the flag" so-to-speak, you instantly
distort the entire message and essence of Christianity. You are
taking two totally different "kingdoms" and mixing them together.
Jesus said: "My kingdom is not of this world." So in mixing
Christianity with Nationalism, you are totally distorting what His
kingdom truly stands for. Thus you get "Patriotic" actions such
as saluting the flag or the Pledge of Allegiance being seen as
"Christian" things to do. Marching off to war becomes a "Christian"
activity. The two "kingdoms" are being completely confused. There
is a great deal of this happening in the church in America right
now - and the Tea Party is really pushing it. -Utterly distorting
what real Christianity is all about.

(2) -Being Basically the Biggest Supporters of WAR in America-.
(This is closely related to # 1). One US commentator seriously
stated that without the support of the American Christians the war
would be over much quicker - because they are the staunchest
and strongest supporters of War in the whole country. Now, can
you imagine Jesus being like this? Can you imagine Him telling
his disciples, "I want you to support military invasions and the
shooting, killing and destroying of thousands of people"? -Because
that is what WAR is. Does it sound "Christian" to you? Can we
find anywhere in the New Testament where true Christians had
this attitude? NO! They wouldn't have dreamed of being the biggest
supporters of War in their generation! Just think what a terrible
testimony this is today - to all the unbelievers who are watching.
How un-Christlike. No wonder they call us "War-mongers".

(3) -Siding with the Rich and Against the Poor-. This is the exact
opposite of Jesus - as we see again and again in the gospels and
the entire New Testament. Pay close attention to the following
words of Christ- "Woe to you that are rich, for you have received
your comfort" (Lk 6:24), "How hard it is for a rich man to enter the
kingdom of heaven" (Mt 19:23) and "You cannot serve God and
Money." (Mt 6:24). Jesus also said: "Blessed be you poor, for
yours is the kingdom of heaven" (Lk 6:20) and "I have come to
preach good news to the poor" (Lk 4:18).

Can you imagine Jesus coming across like today's "Tea Party"
Christians - where they seem utterly against the cause of the poor,
and totally for the Rich and the 'Big Money' interests? Perhaps we
have forgotten that Big Business exists largely for MAMMON and
GREED. Can anybody tell me anything "Christian" about that?

4. -Pushing the Idea that "Political" Answers can Solve America's
Problems-. To me, this is the worst deception of all - the idea that
America's problems can mainly be solved with "Political" activism,
or a change of government, or a new President. The USA's problems
are almost entirely SPIRITUAL. It is because she has lost her way
SPIRITUALLY that is causing all the other problems. And to get
the Christians all caught up in a "Political" movement is a total
distraction. A PRAYER movement - Yes! A "Political" movement -
NO! It will not solve the problems in any real way at all. In fact, it
is like a "counterfeit" Awakening - to push the Christians into
Political activism instead of focusing on the SPIRITUAL. It is like
a false savior - a "pseudo" solution. The problems in America are
Spiritual - and they need Spiritual answers. Not this "counterfeit"
that gets everybody caught up in Political fights.

In summary, I want to say that I believe that many of the attitudes
and behaviours of the "Tea Party" evangelicals in America are
totally un-Christlike and unchristian. They come across as ugly,
mean-spirited and anger-filled. It is awful to see real believers
caught up in anything so unlike Jesus.

I would like to challenge every Christian reading this to forward it
to your conservative friends. Tell them to come and meet me over
at our discussion board, if they think they can prove me wrong.
I am open. If they think they can prove from the New Testament
that Christians should be thinking and behaving the way these
"Tea Party" people behave, then let them come. I will be waiting.
THE CHALLENGE is LAID DOWN.





PLEASE FORWARD this EMAIL TO YOUR FRIENDS.

God bless you all.

Andrew Strom.

--
YES! - You have permission to post these emails to friends
or other groups, boards, etc - unless there is a Copyright
notice above which says differently.

Sat, Aug 18th - 10:21PM

Dearly beloveds, a pastor noted that when the church’s long- time volunteer musician passed away, every single volunteer afterwards wanted payment for their services. In response the pastor felt that the church could get along without a musician. The church agreed, as there is no biblical mandate for a musician, and somehow they felt nothing was lost. They noticed that they were not drowned out by the loud music, and could actually hear themselves singing to the Lord, and were all encouraged. The church was small, and actually could not afford the additional expense of a musician. They were careful to support the poor, members of the church, and ministry and did not want any of this to suffer.

A local church board finally came to the point that they had to let the pastor of many years go. He simply would not listen to the board or church as a whole. He hired a band, next a “worship leader”, followed by several assistant pastors, then added an addictions group. This last the church noted never came to church, only to their own meetings and galas. The financial strain became too much for the church to bear, and they let go all but one assistant pastor. The church felt much relieved, their poor ear drums had suffered from the loud music that drowned out everything, and finally they could again support the ministry and community properly.

Some churches ( but never all) do not feel the Gospel is enough to maintain the church!  Brethren, the Gospel is the only thing that will and has the power to maintain the church.  Paul’s instruction to Timothy applies to the church as a whole:

¹⁵ And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶ All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: ¹⁷ That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

2 Tim 3:15-17 (KJV)

We should not put our confidence in carnal methods that appeal only to the flesh, and does nothing for the spirit and growth of the church.

I ponder if the reason why some (but never all) churches are struggling financially is because of the heavy payroll they have allowed to be attached to their ministries, such as music and various directors- who may not even be saved; various and sundry musicians etc.  I believe singing hymns can be a part of worship, but never a substitute for preaching and teaching the Gospel.

Love

Serola

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Fri, Aug 17th - 12:11PM

Is there ever a time when church traditions are harmful? Brothers and sisters? YES: When we elevate our preferred way of doing things over the commandments of God, it is vain worship, which God does not accept as we try to substitute the doctrines of men in place of the commandments of God. Secondly it makes the word of God of none effect. God has a name for men ( or women) who teach the commandments and traditions of men in place of the Bible-hypocrites G5273 (an actor under an assumed character (stage-player), i.e. (figurative) a dissembler (“hypocrite”) :- hypocrite).

Mark 7:6 (KJV)

Close your eyes; bow your heads; stand; kneel; etc. when you pray/worship or before you pray/worship seems “holy”. It satisfies those making such commandments, but actually mean nothing to God who looks on the heart. Well one might say, doesn’t these things mean we are doing things decently and in order? Reference to Cor. 14:39-40 makes it clear that decently and in order means according to the scriptural standards not mere humanistic preferences.

³⁹ Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. ⁴⁰ Let all things be done decently and in order.

1 Cor 14:39-40 (KJV)

Sadly today some do forbid the speaking in tongues and prophesying.

In show business there is something called the warm up act, to set a good mood and tone for the main act. Some churches (but never all) have inserted dancing, singing, plays etc. before the Gospel or teaching to “warm up” or “prepare” the church to hear the Gospel. We must note when Lord Jesus preached He was not preceded by endless songs of the choir; praise dancers; “Christian” comedians; skits and plays etc. Yet when Lord Jesus concluded His teachings the people who heard were greatly impacted: 

²⁸ And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: ²⁹ For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

Matt 7:27-29 (KJV)

³¹ And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days. ³² And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.

Luke 4:31-32 (KJV)

Beloveds, we must adhere to, trust and rely on the Bible correctly understood, above ALL else.

¹ Then some Pharisees and scribes * came to Jesus from Jerusalem, saying, ² "Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread." ³ And He answered and said to them, "And why do you yourselves transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?

Matt 15:1-3 (NASB77)

⁵ Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? ⁶ He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. ⁷ Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. ⁸ For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. ⁹ And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

Mark 7:5-9 (KJV)

⁸ Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. ⁹ For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. ¹⁰ And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

Col 2:8-10 (KJV)

¹⁸ Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; ¹⁹ But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: ²⁰ Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, ²¹ Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

1 Peter 1:18-21 (KJV)

If there is a place for church "tradition" it is Never before the Gospel. If we really believe the power of the Gospel, beloveds let us be dilligent to put God first in everything.

Love (agape)

Wed, Aug 8th - 10:35AM

On prayer

There are so many rules and regulations, traditions, and rituals  that some add to prayer, that some actually do more of these than actually getting down to prayer.

Dear friends of Jesus, I believe none of us should allow our preference, church rituals, traditions, etc., to be elevated above the word of God. Ignorance is no excuse for we must look to the scriptures correctly understood and lived as the/ our sole final and inerrant standard.

Some think/ teach one has to fast, be on their knees, stand, recite certain scriptures, and perform certain rituals before they can ever open their lips to pray. Dearly beloveds, God is looking on the heart and the scriptures clearly states that God is looking thereupon, when we come to Him, whether in private or corporate prayer.

Our Lord Jesus replied when His disciples asked how should they pray,He said: ⁹ After this manner therefore pray ye: OUR FATHER which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Matt 6:9 (KJV)

Please note brethren that Jesus sends us to God directly. Because of Lord Jesus, every Christian can go directly to God in prayer.

⁶ But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door PRAY TO THY FATHER which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

Matt 6:-6 (KJV)

Again, brethren, we can go directly to God in prayer, it is not necessary nor required by God  to perform something to go to God in prayer.

  ¹ I exhort therefore, that, FIRST OF ALL, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; ² For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

1 Tim 2:1-2 (KJV)

Christians are not doing anything wrong by FIRST going to God in prayer. God Himself encourages even commands that every believer come directly to Him, not through rituals, traditions etc.

Christians do not have to perform recitations of any kind  to come to God in prayer:

⁷ But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. ⁸ Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

Matt 6:7-8 (KJV)

Christians must not be filled with hesitancy or anxiety when coming to God in prayer. Let us DO and believe as God says: 

⁶ Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Phil 4:6-7 (KJV)

 ¹⁶ Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

James 5:16 (KJV)

Don’t Christians have to confess their faults to one another before they pray?

James 5:16 does not nullify Christ’s teaching that Christians can come directly to God in prayer. Nor does it teach that a ritual of confession is necessary before prayer.   This passage teaches the priesthood of all believers to one another and the efficacy and power of God through MUTUAL confession AND  prayer to help us turn away from things that displease God. God continually confirms in His word that we can come directly to God in prayer:

Heb 4:15-16 (KJV)

Christians have help in prayer, even when we struggle in prayer and/ or are uncertain about  what to pray:

  ²⁶  the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. ²⁷ And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. ²⁸ And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  Romans 8:26-28 (KJV)

Lord Jesus our everlasting, eternal High Priest over the house of God is always at the right hand of the throne of God making intercession for us His people.

It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Romans 8:34 (KJV)

The Bible gives many examples of prayers. Please note this one:

12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

Col 4: 12 (KJV)

Dearly beloved, let us do and believe as God says, nothing doubting, out of love for him, always in confidence and assurance bringing everything to God in prayer, according to the word of God alone.

Love

Serola

 10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing INSTANT in prayer

Romans 12:10-12 (KJV)

What about John 1:9? I have posted on John 1:9 in detail previously-see past posts. I continue to say brothers and sisters many scriptures have been taken out of context and improperly made a stumbling block to prayer. Please feel free to look up on your own the role and context of forgiving one another.

Mon, Aug 6th - 3:21PM

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Wed, Aug 1st - 6:00AM

TOTAL ABORTIONS SINCE 1973:
54,559,615

The above statistics are much higher than reported by the CDC, because not all abortionist report them. Also some states refuse to report abortions performed within their borders. Adding to this are abortions performed privately, which are not reported. It is possible that the number of abortions performed is double the cited figures.

The United States will enter 2012 with a population of roughly 312.8 million people, or exactly 312,780,968 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's end-of-2011 estimate. What this means is that it is possible that America has allowed more than a third of its population to be murdered by abortion.

Sadly this blood bath of the unborn children, was legalized in 1973 due to the supreme court decision of roe v. wade.

How is it that the mightiest and richest nation that the world has ever seen is invested in the wholesale murder of its children in the womb? How is it that a nation boasting of its generosity and compassion to the cries of the oppressed and needy and helpless would allow children to be ripped out of their mothers in pieces? Oh that the the ears of America would hear the cries of pain and terror from children being murdered in the womb. Oh that the eyes of America would see the rivers of blood and heaped up bodies of its children being murdered around the clock.

⁸ Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. ⁹ Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

Prov 31:8-9 (KJV)

⁸ Open your mouth for the dumb [those unable to speak for themselves], for the rights of all who are left desolate and defenseless;

⁹ Open your mouth, judge righteously, and administer justice for the poor and needy.

 Prov. 31:8-9 AMP.

Brothers and sisters, I by no means advocate the use of violence, but let us continue to open our mouths to God to stop this evil and barbaric practice of murdering children in the womb. Let us continually protest in every place we can. Let us continue to support all authorities that stand against this horror.

Love (agape)