RickD wrote:Well,
It seems like PeteSinCa left shortly after his last post here. I need to clear something up here. About 25 years ago, I went through a horrible experience with my family, because of a "ministry" we attended. There was a pastor there who was guilty of false teachings. Signs and wonders, word-faith kind of stuff. Along with "fleecing the flock" of tens of thousands of dollars. He almost tore our family apart. As well as many other families.
With that being said, I have absolutely no tolerance for false teachers, who know better, yet still steal and manipulate the people who trust them to teach scripture, and lead them spiritually. I need to make it clear that I'm not against the people themselves, who are the ones who are duped by these false teachers.
And like it or not, when I see false teachings, and false teachers, I tend to speak up very vocally about it. It may come across as harsh at times, but that's because it infuriates me so much.
I hope Pete returns...
Many of us here have experienced the phony stuff and been hurt by it one way or another so it pays to test all things as the bible says regarding this matter. I think Pete can understand that and see you in a better light as well as others.
However, let us remember that we do have an adversary as it is written: "
Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8 NASB
Some folks scoff at this and confine it to only refer to the first century church but fail to note that this adversary still roars. How so? Well, what would be the best way to keep God's people from walking and living as believers today? Would it not involve sending counterfeits in first to stain the real and lower faith? Would not an enemy attempt subterfuge by telling the learned class that one's authority in Christ to heal and cast out devils was only confined to the first century church age? Would not an enemy lower ones hope in victory through such teachings?
Face it, by in large the church world is weak, unproductive, filled with motivational sermons and gimmicks, bound by control, and in most parts, ineffective. Everything is simply confined to salvation viva modern mass evangelism style programs and methods as well as built upon a marketing model to gin up church growth. People are not experiencing the power of the gospel message of Isaiah 61:1-4 and are instead told not to expect it because it was only confine to a bygone era. Well, the roaring lion roars...
Then you have the flashy abuse of the the Holy Spirit gifts and counterfeit signs and wonders that also hinder our faith in the Lord and often shipwreck many. The devil is having a field day and attends church regularly, he has nothing to fear from us. We are taught, we don't have authority to kick him out so might as well hear the latest motivational message gimmick in from the pulpit and go home. The lion roars and maybe with ironic laughter too...
So ask yourselves , what is you faith really in?
Dr Charles Stanley mentioned in his study notes, The Awareness of God's Presence, page one column two: "
We have no idea what the Spirit of God can do if we surrender everything to him and live with a constant recognition of His powerful presence.
That concept too is roared at but it is true nevertheless. John 14:12, 13, 14, 15, 16 is not confined to the fist century church era but for all those that believe. We need the helper, the Holy Spirit, God more than ever today. Why, the roaring lion...
I find it true that in order to find church I must go outside the church because there you see God's hand move to heal and set free. I have seen to much of the Lord setting folks free, healing an amputated little toe (limb re-appear), almost totally deaf person receive his hearing, as well as had shamans and processed persons charge me and stop their assault with the name of Jesus and cast out what is in them. You don't here about the real deal, because it is outside the big church where only Jesus Christ is glorified and no one can make hefty dollars off the displays. I suffer from physical aliments like everyone else. I no longer wonder why God heals this one and not myself as I can accept his no answer for me as well as his yes for others without question. Seen to much, had the Lord use me as he wills to being light into some very dark areas. It all comes down to stop listening to the roaring lion and just surrender to the Holy Spirit.
Yes, folks will claim that John 14:12-16 is only for a certain kind of work and not another, or that was then but this is now... The devil still roars
Folks, I said it before, because of the false phone displays, do not toss out the baby with the bath water and continue to regulate the Holy Spirit to dwell in some back corner of your heart, silent, never noting He is even there or felt. Instead become filled up by having him occupy all of you heart. If there is one that needs prayer - stop and ask the Lord to Fill you up - empower you, guide your praying, be still for a moment, then pray. You may be amazed how soon the devil stops roaring and turns tail and runs... It is simple. (John 4:13,14)
As for Pete, I hope he comes back and understands equally that folks have been hurt by the hype in the church and be empowered with the Holy Spirit more and more in his life and I ask that for you all reading this as well too. Jesus did not leave us orphans and we do have power, but God will not share his displays alongside our pride....
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We have no idea what the Spirit of God can do if we surrender everything to him and live with a constant recognition of His powerful presence. Dr. Charles Stanley
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