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What is a critical spirit.

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Posted by: JG

This was a response I sent to a friend of mine named Frederik when he asked me why I did not have a critical spirit. He wanted me to critize some video he sent me about people laughing in church.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Frederik

I don't understand why you are not critical at all.

Do you have a Critical Spirit?

Romans 14:10 “Why do you criticize and pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you look down upon or despise your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God.(12) And so each of us shall give an account of himself - give an answer in reference to judgment - to God. (13) Then let us no more criticize and blame and pass judgment on one another, but rather decide and endeavor never to put a stumbling block or an obstacle or a hindrance in the way of a brother.” (The Amplified Bible)

What Exactly is a Critical Spirit?

A “critical spirit,” is an obsessive attitude of criticism and fault-finding, which seeks to tear others down — not the same thing as what is sometimes called “constructive criticism.” The only criticism that is ever constructive is that which is expressed in love to “build up,” not to tear down — it is always expressed face-to-face, never behind their back.


The person with a critical spirit
usually dwells on the negative,
seeks for flaws rather than good.

They’re a
complainer,
usually always upset, and
generally have a problem or a
complaint about something.

They often have little control over their tongue, their temper, and have tendencies for gossip and slander, which Paul said were sins “worthy of death” (Rom. 1:29-32).


What Causes a Critical Spirit?

1. Negativeness - A bad attitude and a negative view of life. A person may have unconfessed sin in their life (Rom. 2:1), or may harbor unforgiveness or bitterness toward someone who may have offended them (Heb. 12:15).

2. Insecurity - Criticism is often a subconscious means to “elevate one’s own self image.” By putting others down, they are inwardly trying to feel more important or that “they know more.” Jealousy toward the spiritual victories of others is often the cause of criticism and belittling comments. Popular ministers of the Gospel are often the target of such tactics.


3. Immaturity - Believers must always keep their focus upon Christ and His Word, not man, who will often fail (Heb. 12:2). The young or immature believer who has not progressed very far in their own faith, remain overly dependent upon the faith of those within the body of Christ. Unfortunately, when they begin to notice the flaws in their brethren, subconsciously, this becomes a threat to their own sense of victory. Criticism becomes a reaction of disappointment, because their expectations in others have been crushed.


4. An Unrenewed Mind - Put-downs, making-fun-of, criticism, sarcasm are the world’s ways of reacting to the faults of people. However, as Christians we don’t behave this way. Our thinking and attitude should be renewed by the Word of God, which teaches us to bear the infirmities of the weak, to love, and show compassion and encouragement (Rom. 12:2).


5. The Devil - As we may realize, the Devil specializes in influencing obsessive behavior. He may use any or all of the above channels, or other techniques, to influence a complaining or critical attitude to stir up turmoil and strife within the body of Christ (Eph. 6:12). We must be on guard that none of us would be used as a tool of the Devil to bring harassment or discouragement upon our brothers or sisters through continual criticism, as the Bible warns us not to “give place” to the Devil (Eph. 4:27). Remember that Satan is specifically called “the accuser of the brethren” (Rev. 12:10). Are you an accuser of the brethren?
======================================

The Bible says that the reason that we are to come together as a church is, not to criticize, but to “exhort” (encourage) one another (Hebrews 10:25). “Cursing the darkness” won’t change anything, but we must light a candle and “expose the light” of God’s Word. By sharing the truth of God’s Word, and encouraging people to live in its truth, people will change. Love and encouragement is a “motivational force.”


If we ever hope to bring improvement in others, we need to become people of encouragement. This is the only attitude that will change people, and our actions and words must be devoted to encouraging the spiritual progress of our brethren.


The Christian’s tongue should never be used for anything but good. “Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word, nor unwholesome or worthless talk (ever) come out of your mouth; but only such speech as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it” (Eph. 4:29 The Amplified Bible).


This is an article by Dale Robbins I found it interesting. I hope you read it all.


Posted by: Frederik

I did not ask you why you do not have a critical spirit, I asked you why you are not critical of such things. I mean being critical is not necessarily bad. The bereans were also criticial.
And it wasn't only about the laughing, on these videos there was much more which concerned me than only the laughing.


Posted by: GODS Grace

Part of original post;
Dear Fredrick,
I would encourage you to please read All of Eph. 4. (as mentioned above)
It clearly discribes in these scriptures orderly confrontation with believers that is always motivated by love and for God's glory, not man's.
I hope this is helpful to answer your questions.
Blessings!!! Grace

Frederick,
Eph. 4 is a wonderful verse, but it wasn't the verse that I was thinking of "orderly confrontation with believers". Nor did the verse I was thinking of apply to "this" situation. Yikes!
My apologies, Grace

Thank You Pastor Jerry,
I could repeat the responses given here by my sisters in Christ (below)
This is a wonderful teaching. Grace


Posted by: JeriRose12

The Bereans were not critical. It says "they searched the scritpures to see if these things were so." They were WISE. They looked to God's Word as their final authority. That is snot critisism, that is right deviding The Word Of Truth.

I plainly see a criticle spirit in this family -- from my brother-in-law down to his children (his father had it, too). You just named for me the thing I was trying to put my finger on in my niece. The first thing she said when she came home last night was something criticle and negative. She will criticize the tiniest little thing (her Dad is the same way). So, this can also be a familiar spirit. It's what my nieces and nephews are used to, and I see them repeating the very same pattern. Even though they are saved, and he has strayed into the cult, they have this spirit influencing them. Now, I know what to pray is broken off of their lives.

~JeriRose~


Posted by: rainbow788

Thank you Pastor Jerry for this wonderful teaching, it is very informative and something i needed to hear. After reading this, i can really see that this critical spirit is in operation in my own family and in my husband's family also. I can see how it has influenced several generations on both sides, but i didnt realize it was due to a familiar spirit. I guess i thought it was more like a pattern of behavior we learn as children from our parents and other role models. some family members are negative and critical about most everything to the point that its hard to even be around them so i tend to avoid them when possible but then feel guilty about this. when i am around negative/critical people it seems to really exacerbate my depression and anxiety. due to the depression and chronic illness I am always fighting against the negative thoughts myself and so when around very negative or critical people, it can become almost unbearable.


Posted by: Rachel R

"Do you have a critical spirit?"

Yes.

I keep rereading this and I fall into all of those categories.

One of the reasons that I know that this is a spirit of criticism is that it is always the same.

My prejugdements run fast, strong and deep.

They leap on me suddenly.

They don't SEEM critical to me, they just seem LOGICAL to me.

I look at the patterns and well, when the pigeonhole fits, then they should wear it. Right? Now, THAT, folks, is a critical spirit.

Thanks, JG. Taking it to heart...

Rachel R


Posted by: BrendaMagana

Lord God, bind and gag the spirit of criticism in me.

Create in me a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Thank you Pastor Jerry. I have been blessed


Posted by: JeriRose12

I have this spirit, too, perhaps a familiar spirit on my side of the family -- mother definitely had it or still does. I bring myself down with my criticle thoughts of others (I tend to think it more than speak it -- for I have learned that speaking it is death to the hearer). But I stilll need free of it! I do not even want to THINK the criticle thoughts! One way I battle it, is when I think something criticle toward someone (and it might even be true -- like thinking they are lazy), I turn them over to God in prayer.

The devil has the ultimate criticle spirit. He is called the accuser of the brethren. I am praying, HARD, to be free of this spirit, for I DO NOT want to be lining up with him any way, shape or form!

~JeriRose~


Posted by: JG

Frederik:

This is why I posted the Critical Spirit lesson.
Have you ever met anyone who sounds just like the person described in the Critical Spirit Lesson I posted above.

Jerry


Quote:
Originally Posted by Frederik
I did not ask you why you do not have a critical spirit, I asked you why you are not critical of such things. I mean being critical is not necessarily bad. The bereans were also criticial.
And it wasn't only about the laughing, on these videos there was much more which concerned me than only the laughing.



Dear Frederik:

Here is the full text of the conversations we had going on in the Private Message section.

You posted
Quote:
Originally Posted by Frederik
Okay.
Let's say you enter a church and christians are praising God, laughing and dancing while they're entirely nude, would you also say. Oh well, that's just great! Praise God for all the variety.



I don't understand why you are not critical at all. I have shown the video to a few other christians and all of them thought that this stuff is disturbing and not from God! I don't understand why you think this is okay. Imagine an unbeliever enters the church and sees this what would he think? Do you think that Paul did such weird stuff and lie on the floor while shaking and screaming? I really hope not.
If it already disturbed me, as a christian, how much more will it disturb a non-christian? This cannot be the way. I cannot believe that God does such strange things, this makes God look strange too. This makes God look as if he is only a God of weirdos and this would mean that God is also weird. But God isn't weird. I don't want to be weird, either.
If being a christian means acting like this then I don't even know if I want to be a christian. This is why I am thankful for every normal christian out there who acts normal and proves that there are also normal christians.


Quote:
Originally Posted by JG
Quote:
Originally Posted by Frederik
Um...where exactly do you know that the pastor was anointed by God?
You say you cannot say anything, okay. But then how can you say he was anointed by God?
And the "don't touch God's anointed" argument doesn't convince me. I mean this argument can be used by virtually everyone even by a false teacher who uses it to shut people up. This cannot be God's intention. It has to be allowed to be sceptical and to criticize pastors if there is a reason to criticize them because otherwise we are all lie stupid sheep which follow everybody no matter if he is for real or not.


As you can see the Lord anoints everyone, even you. It is not up to me to criticize what the Lord chooses to do in you. It is up to me to pray for you to do it well.

I just love the variety of the wisdom of the Lord. I love watching Him bless so many different people differently. I do not criticize laughing, crying, singing or quiet. I just love watching the variety the Lord chooses to use.

1Jo 2:20 But ye have an unction (the anointing) from the Holy One, and ye know all things. 1Jo 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.




You had given me some links to some videos you made. I watched them but you did not like my comment.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Frederik
Quote:
Originally Posted by JG
Quote:
Originally Posted by Frederik
I uploaded videos which I made with my cellphone on this one evening in the charismatic church. I uploaded them. Would you mind watching them and telling me what you think about this? Is this from God? Or can you not say this only from seeing the videos?

http://youtube.com/watch?v=pMgsNrfgfkA

http://youtube.com/watch?v=6slHdWz28aQ

http://youtube.com/watch?v=1op5Q7N3g-w

http://youtube.com/watch?v=kF1J-ufhgnc



I have no comment.
The first one you can see almost nothing on my computer.
The next three all you hear is someone saying fire
I think I heard someone laugh
Then someone say OH

So I have no comment
I was not there to hear the message or see what what was going on.

Thank you for sharing them with me though.

Jerry


Frederik: you then said



Quote:
Originally Posted by Frederik
But what about the woman lying there and screaming while shaking their arms in the air? Is this not really weird and disturbing? Can you not somehow spiritually
discern this and tell me if God does such things or not? I mean it really disturbed me. So I would like to know if God does such things or not.
I have asked a christian on youtube and he watched these videos and he told me that this is definitely not from God.
But maybe he's wrong. I don't know.


I never saw a woman screaming. I did see one woman and only one of many people who seemed like she was being blessed. Who am I to critize or judge what was going on with her. How could I take a 30 second video of her whole life and judge her base upon that moment. God Bless her.



Posted by: Rachel R

God can be pretty wierd.

David danced before the ark of the covenant until his clothes came off.

That always bugged me because I am pretty sure I would have responded like the wife did, and God punished her.

I think there is one thing that God really likes.

I think he likes to be given control.

And when he takes control, sometimes it gets pretty strange.

To an average protestant like me, it can get pretty scarey.

But I don't run away anymore.

One man told me that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and he ought to get to do what he wants in his own temple.

I just hang around the edge and watch, but who knows? Maybe I'll jump in there someday!

Rachel R


Posted by: sonrise

Rachel, one day I truly pray that you will jump in with the leading of the Holy Spirit. You will find freedom that will lead to overcoming many roadblocks we put in our own way. When we are led of the Holy Spirit we are on track and have no cause for worry being in the wrong.

Some have written that a critical spirit runs in their family, then break it in your family as it has become a generational sin and you have the power in Christ to do so. When the father sees a wife, a child, walking in sin and does nothing, that sin is on his head and will run thru the generations unchecked until it is remitted.

My mother walks in a crictical spirit and my father was afraid to confront my mom and let it be. I have seven brothers and sisters and guess what --we all walked in it. We learned it well and now I have nieces and newphews walking the same way. Praise God, my husband took authority over it in our familly and I repented of it. Our children do not walk in it.

I just had an interesting conversation with a gentleman who had been specifically asked to come to town to a particular church because in the last 20 yrs., 15 pastors died in that church. He would go in at night and begin to worship and he would worship in that church night after night. It was discerned there was a critical spirit that the "elders" had and it was aimed at the pastors.

That spirit is now rendered impotent, the elders were disbanded, the church repented and joy has broken out in a once very staid baptist church!!! Hallelujah!!!!!!

I have learned to use the 5 Rs in breaking free and you may find them very useful too in breaking the critical spirit. 1. Recognize it for what it is 2. take Responsibility over it 3. Renounce it 4. Repent for it 5. Rejoice in your new found freedom!!! blessings !!!


Posted by: Rachel R

Wow!

That is such a good word, sonrise.
For breaking free:

Recognize it for what it is.
Take Responsibility for it.
Renounce it.
Repent for it.
Rejoice in your new found freedom!

I am going to use that on the blockades in my life.

There is freedom in those words.

Thanks,
Rachel R


Posted by: JeriRose12

Thanks for sharing sonrise. So, if I break it in that way in my life (by taking responsibility, etc.), how do I pray it off my family as well? So far, I have done the get a little better than go back, get a little better than go back routine (all the while getting slightly better). Sometimes, we ENJOY being criticle (I don't know why -- maybe because it is famailiar) and we don't want to take responsibility. (I have recongnized it, and Jerry, through this thread called it exactly what it is). It's the taking responsibility and renouncing and repenting that is hard. My mind set seems to tell me I can never break free (I am also very criticle of myself).

As to the criticle thing regarding what goes on in a church. There is no gift of The Spirit called "the gift of criticism." We are not called to criticize but to pray for them. If The Holy Spirit has truly told you something is wrong, pray those people repent of it. But be sure it is not just your discomfort. With the new way The Spirit moved in our family the othern night, I was feeling unsure, too. But when I got in the circle to pray for my sister (a birthday blessing), I knew that it was really right.

~JeriRose~


Posted by: sonrise

jerirose, we break it over our families the same way, my husband named each of our children and broke the chain of generations. To walk out the freedom is a daily walk,because now we have to renew the mind on a daily basis. If I caught myself becoming critical, then i would change my words and begin to bless the situation or person. Over years we learned the behavior to be critical and now we have learn a Godly behavior and mindset to replace the old one. It may take time, but the Holy Spirit is faithful to teach and lead us as we walk out our renewed life. Oh, I also repented to my children for the wrong spirit I exemplified, and they were great in reminding me if thy saw me leaning towards that behavior. I pray this helps. blessings!!!!


Posted by: JeriRose12

The woman shaking was shouting "Oh! Fire!"

The rest were laughing.

Some were praying "Fire!" on people.

I do not see anything out of the ordinary for a God filled meeting. (I've been in such meetings.)

Obviously, God was filling the building AND the people.

When Paul and Silas praised in jail, the jail shook, shaking open the prison doors. When the Christians prayed with the disciples for boldness, the building shook. If The Spirit can fill a building to the point of shaking, why not our frail, human bodies? We are but dust.

What about the mighty rushing wind and the tongues of fire? The Spirit is not tame or safe. The Bible says our God is a consuming fire! Why are we as Christinans so afriad of these kind of manifestations? (Okay, I need to jump in more myslef.)

As to laughing the fruit of The Spirit is JOY. Yet, Christians get uneasy when people laugh this way in church. They are being touched by The Spirit. And why is that wrong?

What is a "normal Christian" anyway? There was Ezekiel who lay on his side by a fire for 365 days eating bread. Isaiah was told by God to walk around naked. Gideon's men had to get down and lap water like dogs. . . .I really haven't seen many in the Bible who weren't weird. Jesus performed all manner of strange and fantastic miracles. So I don't really understand all the Christians out there who want us to act "normal." What is the definition of a "normal Christian"? I really can't find a definition for that in the Bible. But we are asked to do weird things like love our enemies, forgive those who hurt us, let God get revenge, turn the other cheek, give a man TWO coats when he asks for one and. . . .so on. There is a book about us called "The Backwards Kingdom." And that says it pretty well.

~JeriRose~


Posted by: JeriRose12

Our family had an awesome prayer time recently. I want to bring this up as a subject for prayer in our next prayer time. Perhaps, I should start by repnting of it before all of them. I do not think we can get far in ministry with this on us. But then, those who minister the most have the least criticle spirits, too. Those that move the most in The Spirit have the least criticle spirits of any of us. Those who I pray for to get the fire of The Holy Ghost the most have the most criticle spirits. Obviously, being full of The Spirit is a HUGE help in this!

~JeriRose~


Posted by: Rachel R

Criticism is strife, isn't it?

The Holy Spirit comes when people get in agreement, in 'one accord'.

Seems like criticism is a tool of Satan to get us cursing instead of blessing.

"If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."

I sure wish I had followed that all my life!

Rachel R


Posted by: JeriRose12

I do not believe I am to call out individual names of people with this spirit (because they probably won't be receptive). So I am praying for the right opening at our next family prayer time (which may be as soon as July 1st). Pray The Spirit leads in this. Perhaps, the next time is not the time, but I am praying towards it happening then. I will begin praying the five Rs prayer over all of them, and I pray they will be convicted and step forward for prayer on July 1st. Your prayers in this are appreciated. Being around these people can REALLY bring you down (my sister lived with it all of her married life, and since her ex is gone it is so much more peaceful in her home [now mine, too.]) But we grew up with it, too, on my Mom, so I need to be praying it off her, too.

~JeriRose~


Posted by: akabezalel

Are you trying to do the Holy Spirits job JeriRose? You appear to have set your course of actions already. I hope you step back and think twice before doing what you are hinting at.


Posted by: Mrembo

Thank you Pastor Jerry for this teaching. I must confess that i too sometimes have the critical spirit in my daily life and i pray to be fillied with the Holy Spirit and i pray to lead a less judgemental life from now on. God bless you .


Posted by: Mrembo

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rachel R
Criticism is strife, isn't it?

The Holy Spirit comes when people get in agreement, in 'one accord'.

Seems like criticism is a tool of Satan to get us cursing instead of blessing.

"If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."

I sure wish I had followed that all my life!

Rachel R

I am in total agreement with you Rachel sis.


Posted by: Frederik

I do not think it's that clear after all.
I have shown the same videos to other christians and they were pretty sure that what you see there is not from God. You guys on the other hand seem to think it's from God. Now who's right?
All I can say is that this stuff disturbed me and not just me. I know that there are at least a few people which felt the same way I did.
I wonder what's so great about hysterical laughter?
And what's so great about people lying there and screaming as if they are giving birth to a child? This stuff is scary!!!!
Or what's so great about people bending forwards and backwards as if they are having seizures? Sorry, but this stuff creeps me out!
And only because David danced around doesn't mean that this is for all christians. I think that those verses cannot really be used to justify or prove everything. How in the world do you know what's from God and what isn't from God? Do you simply accept everything as from God?
What amazes me is that those things which are really disturbing do not seem to disturb you guys at all, you don't even seem to mind. I think those videos are disturbing. Did you not hear those groans in one of the videos? And the woman there was shaking and screaming and laughing hysterically. To me it's like a scene out of a horror movie.

And what's the consequence of this thread?
Now everyone of you thinks he has a critical spirit. Maybe you have a critical spirit, maybe not. Maybe I also have one, who knows? But what's the consequence now? Does this mean that from now on I have to keep quiet and simply try not to be critical and accept everything as from God? This is also dangerous. What do you do if a false prophet comes to your church doing some new-age stuff and selling it to you as being from God? Do you then think to yourself: That's a bit obb, but wait! I don't want to be critical and this means that I will simply dive into it. Yay.
And then you find yourself rolling on the floor or barking like a dog and think that this is a new move of the Holy Spirit...
The so called "Dog anointing".
Do you not see that this way you are totally open to everything? Every false teacher can come along and sell you something new and you totally embrace it. I'm not gonna do this.


Posted by: eagle4him

Being in agreement is not the same as being of "one accord". You can still be of one accord and disagree, however you submit to the authority over you.

As far as the critical spirit is concerned, here is what I hear preached one time on the subject. This is how you know the difference of whether or not you have the gift of discernment or are just operating with a critical spirit.

If you are willing to lay down your life for the person, then you just might have the gift of discernent. If, however, you are only trying to point out someone's fault, then you are of a critical spirit.

As far as the variety and stuff that goes on in church only God knows Himself which is of him and which is man-made. There is a phenomenon that takes place whenever a group of people gather together. Emotional hype caused by the 'gang mentality'. Whenever large numbers of people gather together, be it for a rock concert or praise and worship, sometimes the emotional hype takes over, and riots break out: some controlled, some uncontrolled.

I think too much of what takes place in some churches today is blamed on or given credit to the Holy Spirit, when in fact it is nothing more than a social phenomenon.

This is only my perspective, and I know that some of you will call me out on this saying that I have a critical spirit, or that I am misleading "new believers". You will even go so far as to say that I do not have the Holy Spirit operating in me, that I have been hurt so bad by religion that I cannot be of service anywhere! Baloney--Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Isaiah were all mistreated by religion. Yet God annointed them and appointed them to call people out for turning away from Him. God told Jeremiah to go to the people, but for their part, they will not listen! To another prophet (I think it was Ezekiel) God said that he must tell the people the message anyway, that if they choose not to listen they will be judged for it, but if he chooses not to deliver the message he would be judged for it!

If you have been a believer for more than 5 minutes, then you have the gift of the Holy Spirit living within you. Ask Him for the truth! Because then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free! Don't take my word for it, or whatever you hear somewhere else! The Bible says to "test all spirits"!


Posted by: Rachel R

Eagle is right!

We haven't talked about 'testing the spirits'.

How does that work in a practical way?

Is that 'by their fruit you will know them'?

That is more long term.

Is there a way to 'test' right away?

Rachel R


Posted by: diamondcreates

Well, when I was younger my grandmother was apart of a Apostlic (sp?) faith. And we would be in there from 8/9 a.m until mid afternoon. And it was 'common' for them to run around the church with the 'spirit' within them. It made me scared as a child to see people hollering the way they were, and running around, shouting. I was scared for the 'spirit' to touch me. Why did they do this? I don't know. As a child we thought it was a popularity contest to see who 'caught' the spirit and for the length of time. But that was when I was younger and didn't have a relationship with God like I do now.

Everyone praise HIM in their own special way. Some do praise dance to music, some sing, some even test their faith by holding a posion snake that vemon can kill them in a matter of minutes. I had clicked on the link to see the video after it was 'removed' from that site. So I can only go by my own personal experiences in my child hood and adulthood by what you described here. There is no wrong way or right way to praise HIM, to worship HIM. Catholics worship HIM one way, Baptists praise HIM another way. Who's right and who's wrong? NONE. They praise HIM in their way that they feel is right in their heart.


Posted by: Frederik

Quote:
Originally Posted by diamondcreates

Everyone praise HIM in their own special way. Some do praise dance to music, some sing, some even test their faith by holding a posion snake that vemon can kill them in a matter of minutes.


Woah, wait a minute.
To do THAT is just plain dumb. Thou shall not tempt the Lord thy God!
Everbody who nails himself to a cross in order to be like Jesus or who drinks poison or plays with snakes is silly and deceived.
This is exactly what I am talking about, it's this typical "Oh, who cares. Everybody shall simply do whatever he thinks is right" attitude which cannot be the answer! Then we can as well say "Who cares, let everybody believe in what he thinks will save him, who am I to judge others?" Then we can as well join hands with muslims,mormons and the raelians and welcome the antichrist.

Quote:
Originally Posted by diamondcreates
They praise HIM in their way that they feel is right in their heart. [/color][/size]



Let me ask you, when did the heart become a legitimate foundation for judging spiritual things? What about the homosexual christian who is totally convinced in his heart that God made him this way? What about the muslim who is absoluetly sure in his heart that he is going to heaven? Feeling right in your heart doesn't mean anything.

Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

This is exactly the kind of attitude which is common among christians and I think that many even think that being totally tolerant is a good thing. But if christians had had this attitude in the past then we would still all be enslaved by the catholic church and we still wouldn't have our own bibles! Something to think about. There were people which didn't take it so easy and which cared about details and which did not keep their mouths shut simply for the sake of "harmony". This is kind of attitude leads directly to ecumenical christianity! There are things which matter and which cannot and must not simply be accepted or neglected!



Posted by: Christian Commando

Hehe, hold on now my friend-

Because God declares, all things are possible in Him, how is it you limit God to a box or ascribe Him to the practices of false gods?

If these are True Children of God doing such things, who are you to say if its of God or not? God Gifts people with special abilities in particular areas and as such, if use that ability to Glorify God, why would you speak down of it, even if your not Gifted as such, but in some other area? According to your thinking then, what your Gifted with would be a lie of satan for you to use that to Glorify God.

But, according to God that is not the case, but quite the opposite. God declares we are to praise and Worship Him and be thankful in all things of Him for Blessing us as such. If thats what they are doing, do not malign them, but be thankful God Blessed someone with that ability and is willing to boldly Glorify God using it as such.

God Bless!!


Posted by: JeriRose12

I do not wish to explain all the reasons I feel led toward praying this off my family. I AM waiting on The Lord to lead. I have already decided that our next get together may not be the time. I was just excited over the stuff we were able to pray off people last time -- all by revelation of The Spirit. This has been a revelation of The Spirit to me, and I know that at some time our family will pray with each other on this. For now, I am willing pray it on their behalf. In acutality, I am afraid how to approach it or bring it up. So GOD has to lead. I know I would just botch it all up. I am far more bold on here than I am toward my family. But my family is really starting to come together in unity, so I believe God will prepare us and make us receptive, each in his or her timing. We are told to lay hands on people and see them delivered, so I know at some point we can pray this way on the criticle spirit for each other.

It just did not sound like a SCREAM to me. She was excited, yes. But it was more of a shout.

The laughter was NOT hysterical. Think I am not normal if you want, but I have laughed in The Spirit. And it has never sounded hysterical.

This seems like your preceeption of it.

The reaosn we don't find it disturbing (hehe) is we have been there done that. I have bent over laughing in The Spirit. The person praying was no where near me and laughter hit me and I doubled over.

People scream at football games, if they win a prize, if they meet a famous perosn. . . .They laugh uproarously over dirty jokes, laugh hysterically over something funny that happened. Yet I can't bet excited about God? If the JOY OF THE LORD is my strength and the sound of JOYFUL SHOUTING and salvation is in the tents of the righteous, then why can't I shout and laugh in a Christian gathering?

There is nothing in The Bible that condems or speaks against any of this. We have to use The Word as our authority. If The Word said not to laugh or scream in church, then I guess we better not do it. But that IS NOT what The Word says. The Word indicates we should be joyful in the congreation. Read how many scriptures say to rejoice or joy in God or that we should be rejoicing. Rejoice in The Lord always and AGAIN I say rejoice. . . . Laughter sounds like rejocing to me.

I guess I missed the moans. But it wouldn't be so strange. The Spirit prays for us with groans that can't be uttered. So at times we might be moved in such a way as to moan or groan.

If you can give us scritpures that say that what these people are doing is wrong, then I would say you have a leg to stand on. As is, I do not believe you can find such scriptures. There are scriptures where people trembled or fell down in God's Presence. . . .also something which disturbed you in the video. Seriously, none of this in the video is contrary to scripture.

New age teaching is teaching that makes Jesus out to be less than God, makes God out to be some kind of cosmic force, pretty much ignores The Holy Spirit altogether. They say there is no sin, so why wold they need The Blood? Just because I accept what these people do, it does not follow that I will swallow new age teaching. If what they teach is contrary to God's Word I reject it.

Anyway, etc. You know where I stand on such things from our past discussions. . . .

I continue to pray that God will reveal Himself to you in such a way, Frederik. Some day you will have an experience rather than an argument.

~JeriRose~


Posted by: Jon Henry

How to prove the spirit? A question that warrants some serious discussion

How are we to know when we are being lead by the spirit and when we are being mislead by the enemy? Jesus, Himself warns us to be weary.

Matt 24:24 "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

25 Behold, I have told you before."

Paul spoke of the need to test things 1 Thes 5:21 "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good."

and so did John the beloved,

1 John 4:1-4 "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."

So where do we start?

Acts 17:11 "..............searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."

God speaks to us through the proverbs of Solomon, the wisest man God ever blessed with wisdom.

Prov 3: 5 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." To me this says, don't trust my own reasonings. That my logical mind can be deceived. So again how can we know? Can the Holy spirit tell us? The scripture says YES, the Holy Spirit can and will show us the true knowledge.

John 16:13

"However, when he, the Spirit of true knowledge, has come, he will be your guide into all true knowledge: for his words will not come from himself, but whatever has come to his hearing, that he will say: and he will make clear to you the things to come."

Then how do we get this magnificent Spirit to share His undeniable and irresistible wisdom from above? Again, I found the answer in scripture.

James 1:5

5 "But if any man among you is without wisdom, let him make his request to God, who gives freely to all without an unkind word, and it will be given to him."

Does this mean we can expect email from Above or some special revelation from a VIDEO (please forgive my sarcasm)? or is there some other prescribed manner to receive this wisdom? What does God's word say?

Acts 17:11 "..............searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."

Is our only source of information regarding God's perfect will and purpose to come from some gifted charismatic evangelist on some podium in church on Sunday? Or can we know for ourselves if what we see and hear is right?

Heb 8:11 "11 And there will be no need for every man to be teaching his brother, or his neighbour, saying, This is the knowledge of the Lord: for they will all have knowledge of me, great and small."

And what will this wisdom from above look or feel like?

James 3:17 "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

Phil 4:7 "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

I understand this to say that the knowledge I need to know what is of God and what is not is as recognizable as the heat from a fire of the cold from a winter’s day. I may not be able to see it with my eyes, but I know what it means with all certainty just the same. I can feel it. When it is from God, it will be first pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to be intreated, full of mercy, and above all else, will give me the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. Then I know it’s from Him.

Heavenly Father, master of all creation in heaven and on earth, blessed be Your precious name. Thank You Father God for this group of saints to share my faith and fellowship with. Even in controversy, they are a true blessing beyond words. I come to You in faith and believing asking for discernment and understanding on us all. Shine Your righteous light down on our hearts and reveal Your truth and wisdom in all things. Anoint our minds and thoughts that we might know Your prefect will and purpose for each of us to the glory of Your kingdom. I thank You for Your infinite and limitless grace, mercy and loving kindness. I especially thank You for the sacrifice of Your precious Son Christ Jesus for the remission of the sins of the world , including my own and I thank You for the precious gift of eternal salvation by the grace of the shed blood of the cross of my Redeemer, Jesus Christ. I praise You and Your Son’s holy names. All these things I ask and pray in the beloved name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. amen and amen

I love you all so much.
YBIC - Jon Henry





“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:” 2Cor 9:8



Posted by: JG

Dear Frederik:

You have posted here many times that you do not feel a need to praise the Lord.

You have posted many times here that you do not sing nor do you like singing to the Lord.

You have posted many times that you do not go to church on a regular basis and find no need to worship the Lord that way.

So I ask those of you reading Frederiks post of criticizing the form of worship of others please pray for him. Because he has never understood what it means to be touched by God that way.

Frederik no one was barking like a dog on the tapes you posted so it was not kind to try and say this is where it will take you. That is exactly the critical spirit we are talking about.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Frederik
You said: "And then you find yourself rolling on the floor or barking like a dog and think that this is a new move of the Holy Spirit...
The so called "Dog anointing".
Now for the rest please have a spirit of peace. Do not judge but pray for all concerned. In your desire to please the Lord, some have really shown the same critical spirit the Lord does not want us to have.

As was stated above
James 3:17 "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

Phil 4:7 "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

What is pure, kind gentle and holy. Let us have a spirit of peace not anger.


I wanted to thank all of you for taking this lesson to heart.
A critical spirit can rip you apart.
So we always need to be on guard for that.

Yes we have to be careful.
Yes we have to measure everything with the word
And Yes we have to have the Holy Spirit guide us in all things.


Posted by: Jon Henry

amen and amen brother Jerry, amen

love you all
YBIC - Jon Henry


Posted by: Frederik

Quote:
Originally Posted by JG


Yes we have to be careful.
Yes we have to measure everything with the word
And Yes we have to have the Holy Spirit guide us in all things.


Then tell me how can you estimate if something is legitimate and from God or not? Many here simply use the "do not limit God" argument but this argument is superficial and totally opens the doors for literally anything!!
I will give you an example and I want you to tell me HOW to judge if something is from God or not. And please do not tell me that you cannot simply say this and that you have to be there and experience it because then we directly have the problem that 2 people experience the same thing and come to a different conclusion and then everything is unclear again. If you can really use the bible to judge these things then do it with this example here.

Let's say you're a member of a church and the pastor has invited a guest speaker. The guest speaker is said to be very anointed. He has even been to heaven and was given special advice from God, at least this is what he says. He is heavy on spiritual warfare. He considers this his "speciality". He starts preaching about his insights and about spiritual warfare and how to do spiritual warfare and then he comes up with something which he claims God showed him, it's the setting free of the "Lion of Judah" anointing and you do this by roaring like a lion. He says that by roaring you are actually setting a sign in the spiritual world and you're telling Satan to back off. He asks somebody from the audience to come forward and to roar into the microphone and to tell Satan to back off. A person gets up and roars into the microphone and yells at Satan to take his hands of her family. Other people in the audience start to clap and say amen and some of them also start roaring and yelling at Satan and soon the whole church is roaring and yelling at Satan.
But there are some in the church which just shake their heads and think this is crazy. The speaker obviously recognized them and then addresses them and tells them that God chooses those things which look foolish to the world. And he also warns those people not to limit God and to resist the Holy Spirit while raising his finger in a threatening manner.

Now what do you do? How can you use the bible to judge wether this is of God or not? Tell me.
This example is fictional but I would not be surprised if it really happened in a church somewhere. In fact I have once even read an email from a christian ministry about roaring as a tool of spiritual warfare.


Posted by: JG

Quote:
Originally Posted by Frederik
Then tell me how can you estimate if something is legitimate and from God or not? Many here simply use the "do not limit God" argument but this argument is superficial and totally opens the doors for literally anything!!
I will give you an example and I want you to tell me HOW to judge if something is from God or not. And please do not tell me that you cannot simply say this and that you have to be there and experience it because then we directly have the problem that 2 people experience the same thing and come to a different conclusion and then everything is unclear again. If you can really use the bible to judge these things then do it with this example here.

Let's say you're a member of a church and the pastor has invited a guest speaker. The guest speaker is said to be very anointed. He has even been to heaven and was given special advice from God, at least this is what he says. He is heavy on spiritual warfare. He considers this his "speciality". He starts preaching about his insights and about spiritual warfare and how to do spiritual warfare and then he comes up with something which he claims God showed him, it's the setting free of the "Lion of Judah" anointing and you do this by roaring like a lion. He says that by roaring you are actually setting a sign in the spiritual world and you're telling Satan to back off. He asks somebody from the audience to come forward and to roar into the microphone and to tell Satan to back off. A person gets up and roars into the microphone and yells at Satan to take his hands of her family. Other people in the audience start to clap and say amen and some of them also start roaring and yelling at Satan and soon the whole church is roaring and yelling at Satan.
But there are some in the church which just shake their heads and think this is crazy. The speaker obviously recognized them and then addresses them and tells them that God chooses those things which look foolish to the world. And he also warns those people not to limit God and to resist the Holy Spirit while raising his finger in a threatening manner.

Now what do you do? How can you use the bible to judge whether this is of God or not? Tell me.
This example is fictional but I would not be surprised if it really happened in a church somewhere. In fact I have once even read an email from a christian ministry about roaring as a tool of spiritual warfare.



As I said Frederik, You are a man who has never been filled with the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. These are your words. You are a man who does not like to worship, praise or sing to our Savior. Therefore there is no example I could give you that you would understand because you are blind to these things.

Jesus told Nicodemus except you are born again in the Spirit to these things you can not see them. I am so sorry to say that until God touches you this way there is no answer that will satisfy you.

Jesus spit in a mans eyes and put mud in them. That was never in the bible before so was it from God. Elisha told a man to jump in a muddy river seven times so do we have muddy river services, Isaiah laid naked for 18 months. Elisha told the king to beat arrows on the ground. There are many prophetic examples like this in the bible. So it is not for us to be critical. It is for us to pray for a spirit of peace and pray for the Holy Spirit to lead. As has already been said David sang, danced and laughed before the Lord so emotionally people were offended with him. Then when chastised he said the next time he did it he would do even more.

Have you ever laughed and danced before the Lord. You have said if God required that of you, you would not be a Christian.

We love you Frederik but as I said there is no answer I could give that would help you.


Posted by: GODS Grace

Dear Frederik,
Could we be having a translation era into German from English of the meaning of “unity” and “conformity”? Because these words are quite different.

Quote from Frederik: “This is exactly the kind of attitude which is common among christians and I think that many even think that being totally tolerant is a good thing. But if christians had had this attitude in the past then we would still all be enslaved by the catholic church and we still wouldn't have our own bibles!

Conformity
Jesus described this dynamic above in scripture as people holding to the “traditions of men” instead of the commands of God. (Mark 7:8; Matt. 15:3). Let us be clear that no one here has said that that God doesn’t want us to question or ignore our attitude and beliefs, feeling or behaviors. Let’s say even if it were so, which it’s not. Look what God did in Gen. 11:1-7. Is your faith so little as to think God could not do this again? First, as brothers and sisters in Christ please let us strive to listen, seek first to understand and then to be understood. (James, chapter 1)

Quote from Frederik: Something to think about. There were people which didn't take it so easy and which cared about details and which did not keep their mouths shut simply for the sake of "harmony". This is kind of attitude leads directly to ecumenical christianity! There are things which matter and which cannot and must not simply be accepted or neglected!”

Unity:
In the bible, Paul wrote to vastly different cultures. The solutions written in the bible are the same.
Corinthians: immorality
Philippians: personal issues
Romans: doctrinal
In every letter, Paul wrote about unity. As believers, unity comes from knowing that we recognize the same head of the church as Christ Jesus. Matt 16:15-18 Yes, certain doctrines about which the entire church must agree--on there can be no compromise, no tolerance for conflicting philosophies or teaches. (Please see basic doctrines)
Pastor Jerry is teaching the same thing as Paul wrote to the early churches.

Quote from Frederik: “I want you to tell me HOW to judge if something is from God or not.”

Test the Spirits
1 John 4 tells us… “How we can judge it’s the Spirit of God”
1Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. 4You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 5They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. 6We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit[a] of truth and the spirit of falsehood.
God's Love and Ours
7Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son[b] into the world that we might live through him. 10This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for[c] our sins. 11Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 13We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. 16And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. 17In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. 18There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 19We love because he first loved us. 20If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. 21And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.
We are known for our love for one another. Ephesians 4:1-6, Romans 12:9-18, Phil.4:4-9, Col. 3: 12-15, Galations:22-6:3 (note; God's Spirit and true love requires lowliness, gentleness and longsuffering.)

Extra; Is it also good to remember... "whenever we point a finger at others , we have three more fingers pointing back."

Hope this helps you to know "How" to discern God's Holy Spirit! Grace


Posted by: diamondcreates

Dear Frederick,

May I ask a question without offending you? Why in your posts you sould as though your heart is full of hate, hurt towards God? What are you really looking for at this site? Some people are touched by God's anointing in different ways. Why is it 'normal' for people to paint themselves for a foot ball game in 2 degree weather on a Sunday than be in service? Why is it normal or believible that there is a Santa Claus or Easter Bunny than God? But yet in still the government removed God from being spoken or taught in schools but yet in still on every thing we purchase with currancy states 'IN GOD WE TRUST'. Why do you hestitate to trust in HIM?


Posted by: BrendaMagana

Quote:
Originally Posted by JG

As I said Frederik, You are a man who has never been filled with the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. These are your words. You are a man who does not like to worship, praise or sing to our Savior. Therefore there is no example I could give you that you would understand because you are blind to these things.

Jesus told Nicodemus except you are born again in the Spirit to these things you can not see them. I am so sorry to say that until God touches you this way there is no answer that will satisfy you.

Jesus spit in a mans eyes and put mud in them. That was never in the bible before so was it from God. Elisha told a man to jump in a muddy river seven times so do we have muddy river services, Isaiah laid naked for 18 months. Elisha told the king to beat arrows on the ground. There are many prophetic examples like this in the bible. So it is not for us to be critical. It is for us to pray for a spirit of peace and pray for the Holy Spirit to lead. As has already been said David sang, danced and laughed before the Lord so emotionally people were offended with him. Then when chastised he said the next time he did it he would do even more.

Have you ever laughed and danced before the Lord. You have said if God required that of you, you would not be a Christian.

We love you Frederik but as I said there is no answer I could give that would help you.


That's it Pastor Jerry! Super!


Posted by: Frederik

That's just great. I knew that it wouldn't make sense to try to debate this here. I was only looking for an answer to how to judge those things because it's kinda cool when you know what's going on so that you don't end up engaging in new-age stuff or demonic stuff or whatever. This is what it was all about. I am being told that this is from God and that I am wrong and that I have a critical spirit and when I go on asking how to judge those things then I am simply told that I am blind and that I don't have the baptizm of the Holy Spirit and that I'm note even born again (saved). That's really great. This is how you silence people. Either they have a critical spirit or they are blind or they aren't even saved. It's so easy.


Posted by: Christian Commando

My friend, I apologize if any of us have offended you, but... the evidence of the root from the "fruit" you bear is clear, you don't have the "Baptism of the Holy Spirit". If you did, you would be more readily able to learn such things God has tried to teach you here at annointed, plus, you'd be more willing to do as God has instructed you.

Yet, all we've heard from you, is I can't do this, I can't do that, you don't have the enthusiasm to go to Church, even if a distance and some changing of modes of travel to get there, plus alot more.

You've come to annointed alot asking questions of us about Biblical topics, events etc, as tho you appeared to trust our sharing with you. Well, trust us now, rather than being critical of us, when you've had to finally hear a particular Truth from us.

You know Pastor and the rest of us love you dearly, which is why we've taken so much time to try to help you. Well, can you not return that love and compassion towards us now, when we are still trying to help you understand things, instead of speaking down of us.

Lord-

I pray you will remove this critical spirit from Frederik and open his heart and mind to the Truths all have spoken here to him. Help him to understand he will always lead a defeated life, so long as he stays in negative or critical thinking and needs to change over to positive joyful and enthusiastic thinking and operating, so that he puts his whoe heart into fervently seeking you with all he is and won't let satan or his demons deter him from that. In Jesus Name- Amen!!


Posted by: GODS Grace

Dear Frederik,
I sorry , but I don't understand how you precieve these things from what has been shared by fellow brother and sisters in Christ?
No one has banned or silenced you from sharing your opinion nor have they agreed with it. How's this a "debate"... saying false accusations?

You asked "How to discern the Holy Spirit? The answer is 1 John 4. Your reply is,"I am being told that this is from God and that I am wrong and that I have a critical spirit and when I go on asking how to judge those things then I am simply told that I am blind and that I don't have the baptizm of the Holy Spirit and that I'm note even born again (saved)."

If you are looking for someone (Jerry) to trying to make everyone think exactly alike, and develop a systematic theology for the churches, as well as a code of behavior, you will has to join a cult because they take that stance as well. Paul's letters admonish unity (not conformity) on the basis of love and putting up with one another much more so than complete doctrinal conformity. He even identified the Corinthian problem as spiritual immaturity, being men-pleasers and idolaters, rather than as a doctrinal problem (1 Cor. 3:19).

Pastor Jerry is teaching from God's word. The bible is God's word and counsel. We shouldn't just pick out what me want to hear. Maybe your disagreement or "debate" is with God's word instead of Man?
Proverbs 6:16-19
16 There are six things the LORD hates,
seven that are detestable to him:

17 haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,

18 a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,

19 a false witness who pours out lies
and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.


With this shared, sadly I repeat Pastors Jerry's loving words...
"We love you Frederik but as I said there is no answer I could give that would help you."
God Bless you!!! Grace

I think this is worth repeating...
"Anytime we point a finger, we have three pointing back."


Posted by: GODS Grace

Originally Posted by Frederik
Okay.
Let's say you enter a church and christians are praising God, laughing and dancing while they're entirely nude, would you also say. Oh well, that's just great! Praise God for all the variety.

Hello Jerry,
God doesn't want me "caught” by the sin of gossiping about other, because "false rumors" greatly dishonor and grieve Him.
So, please forgive me in advance if this is offensive to you or anyone.
I didn’t see the video (nor care to) and I'm assuming this statement about recorded nudity in church is "made up" imaginations.
My point in mentioning this is...
I know Godly men in the bible went exposed, and so I'm not to look down or judge them, but I would be quoting (out of context)...

1 Corinthians 12:22-25 (New International Version)
22On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.

...And questioning God if this is His will for me!
I hope this causes you to laugh and doesn't "stir up" controversy with anyone who isn't "endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Many years ago, I experience this unexplainable joy that bubbled up inside and came out. It was during a dark time and I was sooo grateful that God allowed me to experience this wonderful thing that He did in my life.
God Bless You!!! Grace
BTW: No need to reply.


Posted by: JG

Quote:
Originally Posted by Frederik
Christians which I know simply fell off

that's a shock!
in a forum where i have been posting for a few years now there have been two people which used to be christians which both fell off within a very short time.
one became an agnostic the other one an atheist!

this is really shocking. the one who is now an atheist always knew pretty much. definitely more than me. he also sometimes argued with me when i claimed that the king james bible is the best bible and then he said that this isn't true and that all bibles have some mistakes and so on. maybe reading too much stuff like he did destroys your faith.

but this is scary. i mean people which you think are christians simply fall off and that's it. what if the same thing happens to you or me?

how can we know? what if we think this will never ever happen but what if one day we wake up and everything is different? i mean people change over the time. what if one day we also simply fall off? this is scary.

what also shocked me is that the one who is now an atheist now said that he doesnt even believe that the jesus in the bible existed and that we dont know much about the historical jesus. how can he say this? this scares me because in this moment i get those thoughts and ask myself what if there are things out there which i dont know or which the christians dont know which would destroy the christian faith and we just dont know them and only because of this we can still believe? this sucks.

he also said that he couldnt find satisfying answers to the foundational questions regarding christianity and that often christians are not even able to defend their faith and that they give standard answers. he's right. this is really true. he also said that for a long time he tried to suppress these questions and tried to immunize himself against them but now he cannot do this anymore.

isnt it true that too often christians are being given standard answers which they heard somewhere else? for example the question about what happens to those which didnt hear about jesus. this is such a question. nobody can really answer it. or some simply say that they go to hell and that they were chosen for hell anyway and that's it. some christians can live with such an answer but others cant.

but there are so many questions which i also dont have an answer for and when you ask them then you are either given a standard answer or you're threatened not to question God and so on and then you get scared and dont ask any further but the problem is that those answers do not really satisfy you and then sooner or later the exact same question comes up again.

i simply think this sucks. i mean why are there christians which do not even have such intellectual problems because they experienced God all the time and why are there christians which struggle with such questions every day and then fall off?

why do there seem to be 2 classes of christians? as long as you havent really experienced God you can still fall off because it's all intellectual and as soon as you cannot defend your faith anymore you're done. this is the huge danger. this is why I want to experience God somehow. this is really like a race and either you make it or you're out.



Dear Frederik:

Now you know why You must be saved by faith.
Faith is not just belief in something.
Faith is a gift from God that allows you to stand on the word of God no matter what.

The fact that your friend fell proves only that he fell.

Einstein, Sir Isaac Newton and many more of the smartest men on earth believed in God and Jesus.

Now you know why you have to work out your salvation on a daily basis.
Now you know why you must fall in Love with the Lord in prayer and praise.

As I have said Frederik until you come to the point of loving God more than the fear and doubt you have, you will always be this way.

Now you know why I said read Psalms 91 over 1,000 times and spend 100 days in the Lords word without questioning it just thanking Him for it.

The Cost of Following Jesus
(Luke 9:56b-62) And they went on to another village. 57 As they were going along the road, someone said to Him, "I will follow You wherever You go." 58 And Jesus said to him, "The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head." 59 And He said to another, "Follow Me." But he said, "Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father." 60 But He said to him, "Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God." 61 Another also said, "I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home." 62 But Jesus said to him, "No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."

God is looking for those who understand the cost my friend. As long as you have breath you have the ability to come to the peace that passes understanding.


Posted by: Christian Commando

Dear friend Frederik-

As Pastor plainly shows, at what cost are you willing to follow God thru Christ? When will you be willing to drop your cares at God's Feet and sincerely and fervently seek and follow God thru Christ, letting satan keep his worry and you decide to joyously and willfully only look to God in all things, making Him and Christ, your focal points in your life?

When will you decide to let God take care of your cares and start being patient enough to wait on God's workings in your life and watching for them more, than being distracted by so many other things that constantly distract you?

As Pastor said, it takes a daily committment to be able to accomplish such things. God helps us freely, and Blesses us with His Promises, but, we have to do our part to be comitted to following and open to His leading, not distracted by anything that comes along.

Frederik, your a good young man in your heart, I can see that, but for the years I've talked with you here, you've claimed how comtted you are to God, yet when we have shared with you from your questions, what you must do, from God's Word, you've always given us excuses why you can't do them.

Yet, they are just that, excuses. There were lots of ways around them which you were given, plus you could pray to God to supply ways around your problems, yet you've told me too, it bothers you when read God's Word. That is satan not wanting you to read It, which is even more reason to force yourself to and call in the Name of Christ for satan or his demons to leave you be to do so.

Satan works harder against those with a strong comittment to God and Christ. Satan wants to break them down. But thats where the faith comittment comes in to stand against those attacks. Sit down every day and read some of God's Word and comitt to doing tht eah and being in prayer to God. It will work if you trust and hae faith God will provide, without worrying so much about it.

God Bless!!


Posted by: Frederik

Bothered is not a good word. I simply don't understand the bible and don't really find satisfying answers. When you read something and do not get answers but only get confused then it's not rewarding and also not encouraging.
If the bible is so easy to understand why do we have all the different denominations? Why do some say that tongues do not exist anymore and so on while others say the opposite? This is what bothers me!
Everybody uses the bible and quotes from the bible even Fred Phelps quotes the bible and uses it to prove that God hates everybody. Just because you use a lot of bible quotes doesn't mean you're right and because of this the argument "It's in the bible" also doesn't work because you can also use bible quotes to support wrong doctrine.


Posted by: Rachel R

Is it possible that this could be a gifting thing?

I wonder if the leading gift in Frederik's life is discernment?

People that are called to discernment can have a hard time finding contentment, because their knee jerk reaction is to analyze.

Frederik, what do you think?

Could peace come in your life if you started to just believe in what it says in the Word, instead of what others SAY about what it says?

Waiting for everyone to agree is beating your head against an extremely hard tree, day after day after day.

People are not going to agree.

I am not certain that they should agree.

God has individual messages for individual people.

The point is, do you believe in what Jesus did for you personally and do you trust in HIM for your immortal soul?

That's what counts.

I am just crazy about you, Frederik, you are the MOST interesting person.

Let's keep going head to head!

Rachel R


Posted by: hjbigrapids

Frederick,

The denomination thing is not a Bible thing, it is a man thing. Men wanted things to be what they thought rather than what the Bible actually says. It is typical of men to take the easy way out rather than having to spend time getting to know the Lord in a close relationship. That is why at most churches these days you see people spend their hour and a half for the week and call it good.

The unfortunate thing is Paul says very plainly,"that in the end times people will say Lord we did all these things in your name. His reply will be that I never knew you". It comes down to relationship. A personal relationship with Jesus Christ. That is why so many people will be left out when the time comes because they have never understood that just going to church and reading the Bible does not count. You have to have the personal relationship.

The one thing that I see from your posts is that you say these things to see how much you can stir up. It is not because you really want to know. You enjoy your posturing. A lot of people say they know God and have a relationship with Him, yet deny everything that the Bible says. All I can say is some time you will come before the Lord and have to account for everything. At that time I hope you are not one of the ones to whom He says, I HAVE NEVER KNOWN YOU......


Posted by: Frederik

Quote:
Originally Posted by hjbigrapids
The one thing that I see from your posts is that you say these things to see how much you can stir up. It is not because you really want to know. You enjoy your posturing. A lot of people say they know God and have a relationship with Him, yet deny everything that the Bible says. All I can say is some time you will come before the Lord and have to account for everything. At that time I hope you are not one of the ones to whom He says, I HAVE NEVER KNOWN YOU......


Thanks for this encouraging post, I already feel a lot better now. It's really fascinating what you want to know from reading my posts, maybe you should have gone to the FBI.

* Rachel R

Thanks for the kind words.

Of course I believe in Jesus. But I'm having a hard time deciding what's the right way. I don't want to miss anything which is from God but I also don't want to get anything which is not from God. You suggested simply believing what the bible says and not listening to others. The problem is that often I don't really know what the bible says. But if I don't even know if I understand the bible correctly then how can I simply decide to believe what I think it says? It's all about perception. Everybody interprets things differently but how do I know that my interpretation is right? Others think the same about their interpretation.


Posted by: Rachel R

Dear Frederik,

I commend you!

You are the exception and not the rule.

It is terrible how many people just parrot whatever religious idea they hear.

They copy instead of create.

They develop a church language that shuts them into a religious culture and closes out the people that they need to minister to.

They don't struggle to make sure that they are following the truth and only the truth.

You are who you are because God made you and has something wonderful for you to do.

The Holy Spirit is the Teacher.

It is so important that you allow the Holy Spirit to teach you.

I commend you.

You have chosen the Best Teacher!

Rachel R


Posted by: diamondcreates

Rachel - I agree with you. So many people I know (and relatives) don't join a church because of what they was 'fed' during the service. But because of who is there. Or the fact that the minister has his 'teachings' aired on the local access channel. Some of these people get dress for a 'red carpet' with the loud colors to be 'seen' on tv. They miss the whole message because they are too busy trying to be on tv to show to their friends when it is aired that they go to that church and to see them on tv. Its a show case instead of trying to be in attendance to hear the word that is being taught they use it as Showtime at Apollo. Instead of following or even listening to what their hearts says they want to out shine the next person. So those people come to church all for all the wrong reasons. But there are still some in the church that takes what is being taught very seriously. And listen whole heartedly of each and every word that is being said.

May God bless you and guide your heart Frederick to the path that will be most pleasing to HIM as well as yourself.


Posted by: Frederik

Thanks Rachel & Michelle, but actually every christian should only want what is from God. That's normal. And especially since there are false prophets and false teachers and wolves in sheep's clothing out there we have to be very careful! And this is when it becomes frustrating when you don't know what's real and what isn't. I certainly do not want to limit or grieve the Holy Spirit, but I also don't want to simply accept everything as being from God especially when it disturbs me. I told God that I only want what's from Him and now I simply have to trust that God will guide me. I'm willing to be guided and I don't want to get on a wrong path so all I can do is simply ask God to protect me from all false stuff.


Posted by: Rachel R

That is great!

The Word says to work out YOUR OWN salvation.

Make the decision to trust yourself.

I can't wait to hear how it goes.

Rachel R


Posted by: JG

Quote:
Originally Posted by JG
Now you know why You must be saved by faith.
Faith is not just belief in something.
Faith is a gift from God that allows you to stand on the word of God no matter what.

The fact that your friend fell proves only that he fell.

Einstein, Sir Isaac Newton and many more of the smartest men on earth believed in God and Jesus.

Now you know why you have to work out your salvation on a daily basis.
Now you know why you must fall in Love with the Lord in prayer and praise.

As I have said Frederik until you come to the point of loving God more than the fear and doubt you have, you will always be this way.

Now you know why I said read Psalms 91 over 1,000 times and spend 100 days in the Lords word without questioning it just thanking Him for it.

The Cost of Following Jesus
(Luke 9:56b-62) And they went on to another village. 57 As they were going along the road, someone said to Him, "I will follow You wherever You go." 58 And Jesus said to him, "The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head." 59 And He said to another, "Follow Me." But he said, "Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father." 60 But He said to him, "Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God." 61 Another also said, "I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home." 62 But Jesus said to him, "No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."

God is looking for those who understand the cost my friend. As long as you have breath you have the ability to come to the peace that passes understanding.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Frederik
If faith is a gift from God then does this mean that a real christian can never doubt?

Then how do I even know that I have faith?
This is confusing.
And I love Jesus! Your statement doesn't make sense to me. You make it look as if all I have to do is love Jesus more and then I cannot doubt again. This doesn't make sense. Have you never been afraid of losing something which you loved? It's the same with Jesus.I love Jesus but I cannot express it that well because I don't get so emotional.
Do you not think I would like to have this indestructible faith? Of course I would.


Dear Frederik:

You asked if you could doubt.
Well again what does the bible say about doubt.
You seem to hold it up as something good.

I found this study on
DOUBT

I. Bibilical references to "doubt."

A. Greek word distazo - from dis meaning twice or double.
Matt. 14:31 - (to Peter) "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"
Matt. 28:17 - (disciples) "they worshipped Him, but some were doubtful."
B. Greek word diakrino - dia = through; krino = to judge, determine
Matt. 21:21 - "if you have faith, and do not doubt"
Mark 11:23 - "does not doubt, but believes..."
Rom. 14:23 - "he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because not from faith"
James 1:6 - "ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the
sea driven and tossed by the wind."
Jude 1:22 - "have mercy on some, who are doubting."
C. Greek word dialogismos - dia = through; logizomai = to reckon, consider
Luke 24:38 - "why do doubts arise in your minds?"
D. Greek word diaporeo - dia = through; aporeo = perplexed (KJV)
Acts 2:12 - "they continued in amazement and great perplexity"
Acts 10:17 - "Peter was greatly perplexed in mind"
Acts 10:20 - "accompany them without misgivings"

II. Defining "doubt."

A. English word derived from Latin dubitare or dubius from which we get "dubious."
B. Two different concepts of "doubt."
1. Unbelief, disbelief, rejection, denial, agnosticism, faithlessness.
a. "Cartesian doubt" begins by doubting all things, but refuses to doubt its doubts.
b. Skeptics and scoffers begin with contempt and derision to prove their preconceived
unbelief.
2. Uncertainty, lack of confidence, reservation, problematic, misgivings, skeptical, questioning,
wavering, indeterminate.

III. Faith and doubt.

A. Differentiating between belief and faith. Greek word pistis.
1. Belief * Mental assent, cognitive acceptance, dogmatic assertion comprising intellectual
certainty. (static)
2. Faith * Volitional receptivity and availability allowing for functional certainty of God's
activity. (dynamic)
B. Relating doubt to belief and faith.
1. Belief and doubt.
a. The intellectual certainty of mental belief does not allow for unbelief, rejection or denial.
b. The intellectual certainty of mental belief does not allow for the uncertainty of
questioning, reservations or misgivings.
(1) This is the basis of fundamentalism, fideism, credulity and "blind faith."
2. Faith and doubt.
a. The functional certainty of receptive faith is founded upon belief in God, and therefore
not functional when there is unbelief and rejection of God.
b. The functional certainty of receptive faith is not functional if we consider it impossible,
unlikely or doubtful that God will function faithfully and sufficiently in accord with who
He is.
(1) The divided mind or double-mindedness of doubt affirms belief in God (a), but
questions God's character or ability (b).
(2) Most of the New Testament references pertain to such double-mindedness.
c. The functional certainty of receptive faith allows for mental and emotional questioning,
reservations and uncertainty.
(1) When we are living by faith that is receptive and available to God's function in our
lives:
* We don't know where God is taking us into the unknown and uncharted territory.
* We don't know where this adventure will end.
* We don't know what God will do next.
* We don't know how God is going to work this out.
* We don't know when this situation will be settled.
* We don't know why God is allowing this circumstance or why God is acting as He
does.
(2) The situation where we find ourselves is indeterminate and problematic. We are
questioning, uncertain and perplexed. We are forced to recognize our inadequacy,
inability and our own lack of faith as we remain receptive to God's activity.
* Mk. 9:24 - "I believe; help my unbelief."
* Jude 1:22 -"have mercy on some who are doubting"
(3) God is big enough and understanding enough to accept our doubts, to convince us
and assure us of His character and sufficiency, and to bring us along to increased
faith.


Posted by: diamondcreates

I totally agree with you Frederick, of being aware of the 'false prophets' that are out there. And there are many. YOU must trust your intutition about things. And you are indeed on the right path when you pray and ask GOD to protect you from those that are false and not out to for good but for evil. I once visited a church where a friend of my mother's attends (and still attend) where instead of the Cross there was the picture of the 'founder' of this church, and they believe in the new age things and that this founder will come again. And when they pray - there prayer has the founder's name all through out it as if he was GOD. Being there was a little uncomfortable. It was more like an occult. So yes there are several wolves in sheeps clothing for sure.

Father God, continue to protect dear Frederick from all those false prophets. Guide him down the path way that YOU and only YOU have provided for him. Bind all those whom don't come to Frederick in YOUR holy name Father God. Bind them and remove them from Frederick's path way that he shall continue to a cleared path that YOU have lovingly provided for him. This I pray in YOUR holy name Father God, Amen,Amen,Amen.... Be bless.


Posted by: Christian Commando

Frederik-

God tells us to take His Word, line upon line, precept upon precept, in other words, as literally written for what it means. As even an unsaved person can understand the literallly written meaning of God's Word, it is the spiritual understanding which they cannot understand.

That we are to think and o only that which is of good report. As we witness things, we are to test the spirit of it.

But, that is not doubt, it is seeking to find the true "root" of what is witnessed. It is neither believing or disbelieving, until the spirit of such witness has been proven of God or not.

Doubt is not a good thing. Notice the Scriptures Pastor shows, should we doubt as Peter did Christ when told to walk to the Lord across water? Should we doubt God as Thomas had? Should we doubt as the young rich man had who asked Christ how to recieve eternal life?

Doubt is a result of questioning what is possible in God. Remember, God declares He can even turn evil over to something good.

As physical beings living in this limited world, we have been raised to believe in limitations. Thus, when we come to belong to God, one of the hardest things to let go of, is limiting God in our minds, for what He can do or accomplish, even tho God is not limited by the limitations of this physical or any other world or existance.

God created all things. That statement alone, shows He has no limitations, for He couldn't have, to have "created"- which means- "bringing forth somethng into existance, from nothing", all things.

Whenever I witness something and wonder if of God or not, I go to God's Word, open It up to areas I recall that relate to such a thing. Before I start, I pray to God, He will lead me to Scriptures to prove if of Him or not. I'm not doubting it, nor am I accepting it, I simply stay neutral in my thinking until the place God shows me the Truth of what was witnessed.

I pray this helps

God Bless!!


Posted by: JeriRose12

Are you doing as the Bareans and checking The Word to see if these things are so? The only thing I can not find mentioned in scripture, of all the things you are questioning, is the barking. There are even scritpure about God roaring in Zion (Joel 3:16, Amos 1:2).

Really, just become a student of God's Word. There are things that will happen during a prayer time or service that I will question, and shortly I will find a verse or passage that confirms that it really was from God. In this way, I know I am not just saying what others are saiyng. I am going to God's Word and finding it there.

You keep worrying you will fall away. But by reading God's Word you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. If you can not understand God's Word, ask The Holy Spirit to help you understand. Once I began asking The Spirit to show me what The Word meant, He was fiathful to do it.

~JeriRose~


Posted by: Frederik

Context also matters. Just because something is in the bible doesn't mean that the problem is solved. Speaking in tongues is in the bible, isn't it?
Does this mean that if you enter a church and everybody is speaking in tongues then this is what God wants?

According to your logic it is perfectly fine because speaking in tongues is in the bible and this means it's totally okay if everybody speaks in tongues. But what does Paul say about this?

1Co 14:23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

You cannot simply pick 1 verse from the bible and use this to form a whole doctrine. Otherwise you could also claim that God is a bird because the bible says he has feathers and wings.

Psa 91:4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.


Posted by: GODS Grace

I'm not sure about "barking", but I did just read Isaiah 52:5 that talks about that Jerusalem’s oppressors made her to "howl" or mourn.
God convicted me of having this "criticizing" spirit. My husband and I attended a church that could sounds very similar to the one Frederik mentioned. For over a year, everytime we come together, people would laugh uncontrollably for hours. My husband and I enjoyed the people but wanted to go to a church that taught God's word. We went elsewere. One night God gave me dream. My husband and I visited this minister. The minister very lovingly greeted and invited us inside. I couldn't help notice that the building wasn't balance. I was deeply disturbed and was searching scriptures pointing out "truths". Meanwhile, my husband was showing Christ love to the minister. I woke up knowing my husband was doing what Jesus wanted me to do. "Love God, and love your neighbor as yourself." It’s about relationship. Certainly, the Bible contains rules (does and don'ts), principles of the wise, and philosophy of life, principles for the wise...But to believer the bible is a living book about relationship, Relationship of God to people, people to God, and people to each other. Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and your entire mind." The second greatest commandment is the like: “love your neighbor as yourself. “All the law and prophets hang on these two commandments" Matt 22:37-40

Loving God and our neighbors is difficult...that's why there are so many other passages!

I've heard people say that they had died and stood before Jesus and he asked them, “Did you learn to love?" That's really what mattered.

I still need God's help after all these years. God has always been so patient with me! Grace


Posted by: Frederik

Well, but I would rather go to a church without all the freaky stuff.


Posted by: Christian Commando

http://www.annointed.net/ForumTopic_52029__15.htm

Ok now, before anyone else speaks about a Church or service they find strange or not like, I ask them please to check out the thread listed above and read Pastor's responces.

Pastor most certainly and clearly, pointed out why we should be less critical and more open minded to God's Spirit working within Churches.

Be assured yes, God does teach us to "test the spirit" when unsure of something witnessed. But also be assured God will show His Truth to you of whatever It may be.

But, what we must realize it, God gives us explainations as necessary where needed when He is trying to tell us something. If a scripture comes across unclear, simply go out and get a Bible Dictionary that matches the version you have, so as to look up particular words in a Scripture for better clarity of understanding what God mean't.

My friend, look at the Scriptures before and after I Cor. 14:23, does Paul by the Holy Spirit ever say a whole Church can't be speaking in tongues. no. Yes, maybe people will think thier nuts, but no different than on the Day of Pentecost" when they all stood up speaking in other tongues and most thought they were drunk, but, several thousand souls were saved.

Ok, Paul does say to keep it down to two or three, so what? This is at a time where God is pouring out His Spirit upon the earth my boy. This isn't the same as it was in the Apostle's day. This is the beginnings of revival time for God.

that is not forming a whole doctrine, but only a "Concept" of God. God's Word is a doctrine, a way of life to be lived. Within that "doctrine", God has many many "Concepts" to form the doctrine.

Ps. 91:4 is a classic example of the same type of "context" used in understanding Jesus when He declared- "I am the door, by Me, if any an enters in, he shall be saved".

Use logic my friend. Jesus is standing there as man of flesh, of course He won't be a physical door with a knob to grab and turn to open Him. What your example and Jesus' above show, is God using a form of "symbolism" for the representation of what Christ stood for here and God's Power and love for us in Ps 91.

If I told you, I'd seen a girl go flying down the driveway outside, would you then think I was saying she had wings on her back or feet to actually lift her off the ground and fly down the driveway? Use good Godly common sense for logical thinking when reading God's Word and very little will be hard to understand.

Think about these things people and check out that thread, maybe people will be less critical of Churches and Holy Spirit movings in Churches, as God's Word shows, in this time of a reviving of a move of God, so we move towards Him at greater levels.

I pray this helps-

God Bless!!


Posted by: GODS Grace

[QUOTE=Christian Commando]http://www.annointed.net/ForumTopic_52029__15.htm
Ok now, before anyone else speaks about a Church or service they find strange or not like, I ask them please to check out the thread listed above and read Pastor's responces.
Pastor most certainly and clearly, pointed out why we should be less critical and more open minded to God's Spirit working within Churches. QUOTE]
Please forgive me if I offend you or anyone. The minister and church members I mentioned in the last post are all wonderful and very loving people. My husband and I love them dearly, but we were hungry to hear more of God's word and went elsewhere.
I share the experience in hope to show how God used the dream to changing me and show me that I had a wrong attitude by wanting to change others. Being an imperfect person, "we can tend to judge others by their conduct irrespective of what is in their heart, while we judge ourselves by what's in our heart." It's a double standard Jesus refers to as the log in the eye.
I’ve learned a lot since that dream…most importantly is that God cares about the “church" much more that I and that I need not be anxious. He hears my concern and answers prayers. He is very trustworthy.



Grace to all!!!


Posted by: JG

Quote:
Originally Posted by Frederik
Well, this study does not really help me. Knowing which words are used in greek to describe doubt doesn't do much for me.
I am neither a scoffer nor a sceptic, or am I a sceptic? Anyway I don't want to be a sceptic!
Have you never met a person which didn't want to doubt and yet struggled with doubts? Can you not imagine that this exists? It does. Not everybody who doubts is a scoffer.



Dear Frederik:

As the word of God says:
If you doubt the word you are a double minded man.
You are unstable in all your ways
You will never get anything from God

James1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom,
let him ask of God,
who gives to all liberally
and without reproach,
and it will be given to him. 6
But let him ask in faith,
with no doubting,
for he who doubts
is like a wave of