dpversion

dpversion 2CORINTHIANS 3: 3-6
For as much as you are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.
Who also has made us able ministers of the New Testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit... (2 Cor.3: 3, 6a.)
But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. (1 Thes. 4: 9)
"If U have the Word of God in your heart. U are a walking version of the Word of God." dplversion 2009  

Life is in the Word. (Heb. 4: 12)
There are those who believe that only the King James Bible is the true Word of God. However, the King James version is only an English transliterated copy, of the original writings or 'Classics' of God's Word. The original Classics were in Hebrew. Then there was a Greek translation in the 3rd century before Christ, called the Septuagint. The Holy Writ God inspired by His Spirit in the hearts of men to write (2 Tim. 3: 16 and Rom. 16: 25-26 w/ Jn.5: 39).
There are transliterations in today's King James Version that are not as clear as they could be do to the evolving usage of words. The King James English is now the new classic.
The original Hebrew classics were also in all capitalized letters, as well as without punctuation.
 ( "quick" from Heb. 4: 12 - Strong's Concordance, greek appendix. 2198 dzah'-o, ALIVE)

The Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword... (Heb. 4: 12a.)

As long as you are being taught by the Holy Spirit, He will guide you into all truth (John 16: 13). Because God's Word is alive, and has it's own power, it (the living Word of God) is able to teach you how to live as God wants you to (2 Tim. 3: 16-17). He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath give unto us His Holy Spirit (1 Thes. 4: 8).
We all know that regular reading of the Bible and prayer are necessary to Christian maturity. But here is a twist on Bible reading for those who desire the Righteousness of God. Instead of reading the Bible, let the Bible read you. In other words, as you read it, you realize the things in your life God either approves or disaproves of. The things HE disaproves of you need to follow the four precepts found in 2 Chronicles 7: 14 , humble, pray, seek his face (learn HIM through HIS Word) and "...turn from your wicked ways", 'Repent'.

Jesus prayed for those who would be saved, to be sanctified (set apart from the world) by God's Word, which is truth (John 17: 17). Only those who have been born again by the Spirit of God, will understand and believe that the Bible is God's Word, and that it is Truth (1 Cor. 2: 14). ...for thou hast magnified thy Word above all thy name (Psalm 138: 2b). Abba Father, holds HIS Word above everything else in all of HIS creation, both in heaven and on earth. If HIS Word is that important, we should be looking into it. John 5: 39 Jesus says the scriptures are all about him. See St. John 1: 1 - 18
...search the scriptures daily... (exe.Acts 17: 11) Jesus said in John 5: 39, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me."
As long as you are seeking God (2 Chron.7: 14 ...seek His face...do this by studying His Word), with the guidance He Himself gives (1 Thes.4: 9...ye yourselves are taught of God...), it does not matter which version you read. Although some translations are stronger in context than others, it is the Holy Spirit that will guide and teach you. Little by little as you prepare your heart to receive (Isa. 28: 12-13) over time, you will be taught all God wants you to know. Prepare (humble) your heart and ask Him for knowledge, understanding, and wisdom (Pro. 2: 1-6) and He will give them to you.

When you go out the door of your house and you are among people, you will be a walking version of the Word of God.

Be sure you understand and obey Mark 12: 30-31, or you might be a contridiction, instead of the truth. I'm deliberately not printing this passage, in hopes you will follow the first two precepts of 2 Chronicles 7: 14. Humble yourself and Pray. The third precept is Seek HIS face (look it up, reading God's Word is how we Seek HIS face, To Know HIM), and ask HIM to give you revelation. You might be surprised to find, HE has a lot more to say about it, than you think you already know. When you read Mark 12: 30-31, HIS Spirit will tell your spirit, how one could be, "a contradiction, instead of the truth."
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Characteristics of the Spirit led believer

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law (Galatians 5: 22,23)

I've been told (from the pulpit) that Agape is Greek for Godly love. Fact is, according to Strong's Concordance "agape" which is translated as the word love in Galatians 5: 22 is affection or benevolence. -a love feast.-feast of charity.

Look up benevolence in Websters Dictionary and you will find, Benevolent: Disposed to promote the prosperity and happiness of others.

It's not too big a stretch for preachers to simplify the definition of Agape Love as, Godly love.

The definition of benevolence here best represents the word love in Galatians 5: 22. Disposed to promote the prosperity and happiness of others. This particular form of love is the same love Jesus taught, as in Luke 6: 27 when he said we must love our enemies.

Promoting the prosperity and happiness of our enemies? What? Seriously?

Now that's a stretch. At least it is for people not led by the Holy Spirit of God. Even people trying hard to obey God's Word pause, when they realize this is a characteristic of a true believer.

Furthermore, if we truly want to follow the Lord, we must obey the Lord. His commands in Mat. 5: 44 Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. And Luke 9: 23 If any man will come after me, let him DENY himself, and take up his cross DAILY, and follow me. If truly believed, meditated on, and obedience is complete. Then to stand up for one's "rights" is NOT obeying and following Jesus.

Here is where I may become very "un" popular among most Christians. By advising my fellow Christians that they must never stand up for their rights at any time, in any way shape or form. If they want to fulfill what Jesus says they must do in order to be one of his true followers, according to the verses above.

Everytime I see a Christian, especially a Christian who claims to be of Cleric stature, insisting apon having "their rights" in any given situation, I am saddened that Chirstianity in the truest sense of "Christ" still is not understood, and more espcially is not portrayed correctly to a lost and dieing world.

If you claim to be a Christian, you must realize, that even though you may have rights, you must always forsake them, if you want to be christ like. Christ Jesus sacrifieced everything, including his life, for the prosperity and happiness of everyone. Even those who are mean and hateful, unworthy of such love.

The following confession of faith is not my idea. I don't know who first turned Galatians 5: 22, 23 into a confession of faith. But here is a rendition I have been working on for some time. My rendition follows the one I first saw, but is not the same.

I choose love: No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. Today I will love God and what God loves.

I choose joy: God is the God of every circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical, which only interrupts my walk with the Lord. God's grace and mercy is always greater than any problem.

I choose peace: I will live forgiven, I will forgive so that I may live. I will refuse to see people as anything less than God's creations in His own image.

I choose patience: Instead of complaining I will face changes, inconveniences, and new tasks with courage, and trust in God's will and purpose for me.

I choose gentleness: If I raise my voice may it only be in praise. If I clench my fist, may it only be in prayer as I take my God given authority over the evil one. If I make a demand may it only be of my self. I will be kind to the poor, the rich, and the unkind, for such is how God treated me.

I choose goodness: I will go without before taking dishonest gain. I will confess before I accuse. I will be over looked before I will boast. I will keep virtue with integrity.

I choose faith: I will trust God always. I will keep the faith with prayer and meditation on His Word. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God work in my life.

I choose meekness: I will yield the right-of-way, when someone takes my place. Instead of arguing, I will invite them to do so, and when the wait is long, I will use the time to pray.

I choose temperance: I will practice self-control. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot rule the eternal. I will be impassioned only by my faith, and influenced only by God.

To these, In Jesus Christ name, I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will rush boldly to the thrown of grace, where I will find mercy, and grace to help me succeed every time (Hebrews 4: 16). For God's grace is His divine intervention in my heart, strengthening me to live and love as He does. Glory to the Father in Jesus name, Amen.

Solifidian: One who holds that faith alone, without achievement or personal merit, is sufficient to insure salvation

According to the Copyright 1958 by G. & C. Merrian Co. Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary, Religion is defined as:

1. The service and adoration of God or a god as expressed in forms of worship.

2. One of the systems of faith and worship.

3. The profession or practice of religious beliefs; religious observances collectively; rites.

4. Devotion or fidelity; conscientiousness.

5. An awareness or conviction of the existence of a supreme being, arousing reverence, love, gratitude, the will to obey and serve, and the like; as, man only is capable of religion.

The word 'religion' appears five (5) times in the King James Version.

Acts 26: 5 .... (2356 threskeia, thrace-kee-ah, ceremonial observance, worshipping)

Gal. 1: 13, and 14 .... (2454 loudaismos, ee-oo-dah-is-mos, Jewish faith, religion)

James 1: 26, and 27 .... (2356 see above)

The word 'religious' appears two (2) times.

Acts 13: 43 .... (4576 sebomai, seb-om-ahee, to revere, i.e. adore, devout worship)

James 1: 26 .... (2357 threskos, thrace-kos, ceremonious in worship 'demonstrative' i.e. pious)

The numbers in parentheses are references to definitions of the original Greek word used in, The New Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of The Bible, Copyright 1995, 1996 by Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Focusing on James 1: 27 of the King James version which we read,
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.


What we do for God is our Religion. It is practicing our faith. Going to church to worship Him, study His Word to know what He wants from us. Helping the less fortunate in His name. Keeping our selves from various sin. Testifying, sharing with others the Praises of God, for what He has done for us personally, and the good news of salvation as His first and most important gift to us. These things make us religious. We are being religious by doing them.

But doing things for God, does not achieve merit toward salvation.


According to Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary Copyright 1958 by G.& C. Merrian Co.
Solifidian is defined:
One who holds that faith alone, without achievement or personal merit, is sufficient to insure salvation.

Our religion celebrates what The Lord Jesus Christ did for us. He saved us from an eternity of separation from the Creator, Father. And it celebrates the love of the Father for us, in that He gave us His Son Jesus as a propitiation for our sins that separated us from Him in the first place. Our religion is not what brings us back into the Grace of God. If it did, then salvation would not be a gift of grace at all. Salvation would be an achievement of our own merits.

For by grace are we saved through faith; and that not of ourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them (Eph. 2: 8,9,10)
But now in Christ Jesus we who were seperated are made close by the Blood of Christ (Eph. 2: 13)

Now...the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calls you, who also will do it. (first Thessalonians 5: 23, 24)

Ask God to teach you..Proverbs 2: 1-12

THAT WE MAY LEARN THE WORD OF GOD, AND PRAY IN THE SPIRIT OF HIS WORD, THAT WE MAY OBEY HIS WORD.

Here are twelve passages from the Word of God that I want to begin with.

(* words spoke by Jesus)

*Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God..(JOHN 3: 5)

Not by works of righteousness..., but according to His mercy He saved us, by washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost;..(TITUS 3: 5)

That He (Jesus) might sanctify and cleanse it (the church, and the individual) with the washing of water by the word..(EPHESIANS 5: 26)

*Sanctify them through thy truth: Thy word is Truth.....(JOHN 17: 17)

*If you continue in my word, then are you my disciples...and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free..(JOHN 8: 31-32)

...but you are washed, sanctified, justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. .......(1 COR 6: 11)

*Now you are clean through the word which I (Jesus) have spoken unto you. (JOHN 15: 3)

With what and how shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed and obeying God's word. .......(PSALM 119: 9)

Being born again ... by the word of God, which lives and abides forever. (1 PETER 1: 23)

...be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind. ..........(ROM 12: 2)

...be renewed in the spirit of your mind ..........(EPH 4: 23)

And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him ........(COL 3: 10)

What is my point in showing these 12 passages of God's Word? Simply this; Only if we "Let the Word of Christ DWELL in you (us) richly in all wisdom..." (Col. 3: 16a), can we hope to know God. Notice in Rom. 12: 2 and Eph. 4: 23, our minds, and the spirit of our minds, are renewed.

The Word must dwell, that is, it must LIVE in you. You must know the Word of God. However, if you don’t pray, knowing won’t be good enough. The Devil knows God's Word. Studying God's Word helps us get our minds right. Prayer, is our direct link to God, for the "spirit of our minds", so HE can "renew" our spirits, and our minds.

Unlike the Devil, you have a choice. In 2 Chronicles 7: 14 we are told by God to first HUMBLE ourselves. Second we are told to PRAY. Third we are told to SEEK God's face (this means study His Word). Last we are told to REPENT (turn from our wicked ways). HUMBLE - PRAY - SEEK - REPENT.  The order in which we are given these four precepts, is not an accident.

def: PRECEPT any commandment, instruction or order intended as a rule of action or conduct; esp., a practical rule guiding behavior, technique, etc.

Notice PRAYER comes before SEEK. Don't confuse seeking with prayer. Seeking is a matter of learning what God wants from us.

A lot of people today, not knowing what the Word says,  will say, "I tried God, but he didn't do anything for me." So they reckon God isn't worth obeying or even trusting. They totally ignored the very first step in approaching Him. They do not humble themselves.

God is not someone to try. He is God. He is THE ONE to obey.

But that dosn't mean He is an angry, mean disciplinarian, watching to see if you are going to obey, so He can administer punishment if you don't. Instead, He is a God who administers love and mercy without end. Psalm 136 is 26 verses long, and everyone of them ends with, "for His mercy endures forever."

The first 9 verses praise God for His greatness, the next 17 are about God killing the enemies of Israel. "O wait," you say, that dosn't sound like mercy. That sounds like one of the many contridictions we hear  people going on about. But if you truely seek God through His Word, you will understand that what sounds like a contridiction, is not contridictory at all.

God's mercies are toward those who put their trust in Him and obey Him (Ps.144: 8-20). He is willing to forebare with the non-believer for a while. But once they cross the line with those who trust and obey Him, then they make themselves His enemy, and He rises up to defend His people.

Today we live in the age of Grace. The Old Testament was a covenant of the blood of animals. Where the grace of God was only extended year after year for the temporary covering of our sins.

The New Testament is a covenant sealed with the Blood of Christ (Mt.26: 28; Mk.14: 24; Lk.22: 20; 1 Cor.11: 25). Now through the man, and Son of God, Jesus, who is the Christ (God in the flesh Jn.1: 1,10-11,14,17), we can recieve the mercies and grace of God the Father, permanently, once and for all.

Anyone who is already a believer is being constantly taught by God. Their ability to hear Him and learn, depends on how much they pray.
Anyone who is called by the Holy Ghost to be born again into the Kingdom of God, must begin with believing in their heart God raised Jesus from the dead (we know He died for our sins Rom.3: 25; 1 Jn.2: 2 and 4: 10).
Then a confession of faith in Jesus as Lord must be made (Rom.10: 9-10).
As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name (Jn.1: 12).
But you have to Humble yourself, PRAY, Seek Him (study His Word), and after He reveals to you what He finds in you to be disobedience; Repent.
Our being perfected is something the Holy Spirit does over time (1 Cor. 6: 11; Jn.8: 31-32; Rom.12: 2; Eph.4: 23; Ps.119: 9).
But regardless of our progress, if we first obey Rom. 10: 9-10, then from that moment on, Jesus has made a way for us to enter into, and remain in the Kingdom of God.
All we have to do from the moment we first believed, until the day we leave this world, and live our eternal life with Him, is continue as best we can. Learning about Him, trusting in Him (to meet our needs), and sharing the praises (of how HE meets those needs Mat.6: 33).
Also, we must share the love and mercies of God, in the name of Jesus, with all whom He causes to cross our path. That is our duty toward Him (Eccl.12 :13; Mat.5: 44-45; Mk.12: 30-31), (HE forgives us, so we must forgive others Mat.6: 14-15).

JUDE 24-25
Now (I commend all who took the time to read this) unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His Glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

Tongues: The most controversial topic in Chrisindom

Jude 20 says, "build up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost."

Romans 8: 26 says, "the Spirit also helps our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered."
(uttered from the greek writings of Paul is "alaletos", al-al'-ay-tos, meaning, words one speaks that can not be repeated, copied, understood or talked about by others). Some mis-informed well meaning christians take the english translation literally, to the harm of their own spiritual well being. When the King James Version was translated, there was not an english word that could convey the full meaning of alaletos. The next verse gives more meaning as to what is really happening.

1 Corinthians 14: 2 says, "he that speaks in an tongue speaks not unto men, but unto God, for no man understands him; howbeit in the spirit he speaks mysteries." (Those who will dispute the validity of a personal prayer-language or "tongues" as it is called, will come up with some very odd at best ways of discounting tongues after reading this paticualr english translated verse)

One does not have to speak in the controversial prayer language known as tongues to be saved. But to deny oneself, or others to do so, according to these verses, is unscriptural. It is a tool in the tool box of the christian's life. That makes the job of living for God easier.

Anyone who begins to explain any truth in error (their own way), and leave off God's way, starts down a path that gradually gets further and further away from all truth. Like my Dad used to tell me, one lie leads to another lie. When you try to cover up the truth once, it takes more lies to continue hiding the truth that seeks to be revealed.

We are not humans who have occasional spiritual experiences, we are spirits having a one time human experience.

Tongues is something, for anyone who has a problem accepting it, to seek the Revealer of all Truth, the Holy Ghost Himself for confirmation on.

Any one can debate Jude 20 , Romans 8: 26 and 1 Corinthians 14: 2. But they won't be debating with me, they will be debating with God. .. um, good luck with that.

How to be a Messenger of Christ

Who also has made us able ministers of the New Testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter kills, but the spirit gives life. (2 Corinthians 3: 6)

...letters written in our hearts, known and read of all men. (2 Corinthians 3: 2)
If one has the Word of God in their heart, then they are a walking version of God's Word.  DPLinderman (aka dplversion)

By the Word of God you judge all the things of this life.
Paul said in 1 Corinthians 6: 2-3, "Don't you know that saints shall judge the world? And if the world shall be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Don't you know that we shall judge angels? How much more things that pertain to this life?" (1 Cor. 6: 2-3).

In Chapter 2 verses 9-16 Paul says, " But as it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him.
But God has revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.
For what man knows the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knows no man, but the Spirit of God.
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ." (1 Cor. 2: 9-16)

"We have the mind of Christ" means, He makes known to you what He thinks about everything, as long as you bring it to Him in prayer. And since He Himself is Truth, how well you recieve what His thoughts are, about anything, will be determined by how truthful you are with Him and yourself. Some people are not even true to themselves, much less anyone else. They are more willing to believe the lies they tell themself, rather than hear the truth from God. But that's another subject.

Unless a person is born again, and has the Spirit of God living in them, they are not going to be able to make sense of things spoken to them about spiritual things. At least not things pertaining to the Holy Bible.
In verse 14, Paul tells us, "But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."

So how can we reach those who are "Lost", with the message of the gospel?

God would have all to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2: 4)
Everyone gets called to receive the salvation of God. Those who anser the call receive power to become the sons of God (John 1: 12). With this power we are given His Righteousness, His Royalty, His Holiness. He equips us (gives us His Grace) to show others His goodness in our lives (1 Peter 2: 9), so they too can have faith in the salvation He has provided through His Son Jesus. And since faith works (or is produced) out of love (Gal. 5: 6), then as we show others God's goodness by how we love them. Then when we tell them about the power of God to be saved, their faith will come as they hear the good news about Jesus (Romans 10: 17).

If you can use anything Lord, you can use me.

I will judge my thoughts and intentions by the Word of God, before I say anything to anyone about God's word, in the light of Mark 12: 30-31. In loving service to the Master, serving His people in love, by the example and pattern of Christ according to John 13: 14-15.

These days are dark and getting darker to anyone who believes the prophesies concerning the coming of the end of this age. Obedient believers have nothing to fear. But to be silent and not speak about the salvation of God to the lost who will perish, is a direct disobedience to 'the Great Commision'.

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to oberve all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world" (Mat. 28: 19-20).

They may have "heard it all before", but who can know whether or not the Holy Spirit will turn a heart toward the Lord, by one who knows the truth, speaking with the love of Christ?

My heart was hot within me, while I was meditating the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue (Ps.39:3).

The Prophet Jeremiah tried not to speak to the people of Israel in the days his nation was being beseiged by the armies of Nebuchadrezzar. The people wanted to hear only that the Lord would save them. When in fact this was the time of being carried away captive as judgment for disobedience toward God (Jer.19: 15). The people who Jeremiah prophesied to, treated him with derision, causing great harm and shame.

Then said I, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay (Jer. 20: 9).

"I could not stay", he couldn't be silent about what God had given him to say any longer.

Forgive and be forgiven .. MATTHEW 6:14-15

I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live. (Mat. 6: 14-15 dplv)

C.S. Lewis once said, "Every one says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive."

Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians and said, "Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you." Eph. 4:32

"Their is no love without forgiveness, and there is no forgiveness without love." Bryant H. McGill

"Any one can criticize, condemn, and complain but it takes character and self control to be understanding and forgiving." Dale Carnagie

"We love God, because HE first loved us." 1 John 4:19

With a love that we didn't deserve. He loved the unloveable (Eph. 2: 1-7). How can we not rely on HIS love in us to forgive those who have hurt us?

"You will know that forgiveness has begun when you recall those who hurt you and feel the power to wish them well." Lewis B. Smedes

"Forgive and you will be forgiven." Jesus .. Luke 6: 38

Lady Preachers

... there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28

The Church today is called the Bride of Christ.

In the venacular of the Bible, the words man, men, and sons, usually leaves out the female gender in its terminology.
However in God's eyes we are not humans who have spiritual experiences.
We are spiritual beings having a human experience.

The Church today is called the Bride of Christ (Rev.21:9-10).
Our human minds can hardly understand the rationale of the spiritual experience in this analogy, but its there in the souls who are with God after the 'Catching Away' (1 Thes. 4: 17; Rev. 21: 9-14).

According to Jesus in Mat. 22:30, spirits have no gender.
Here is a personal quote just for this. I hope everyone, male and female, see the humor in it.
"If men can deal with being members of the Bride of Christ, women can deal with being members of the sons of God."           D.P. Linderman

In Matthew 3: 6 Jesus says, "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." When the Bible talks about man, men, or sons; Ladies, it's talking about you too.

In the Bible there are women elders, deaconesses, and prophetesses.
Believe it or not, prophet and preacher are interchangable. Deacons preach to. One only need to know how to use a concordance to prove this.

As for some saying Paul orderd women not to speak in church. We need to learn the whole truth, not just what suits us.

Apostle Peter wrote in 2 Peter 3: 16 about Paul's writings saying this, "...some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also other scriptures..." The word 'wrest' comes from the greek word 'strebloo', Strong's Conc. 4761, (streb-la-o), which means to pervert. Some pervet, or explain falsely what they can't explain by what they know.

If the Word preached edifies (strengthens your faith), exhorts (encourages your faith), and comforts (makes you feel safe in your faith), as Paul said preaching should do in 1 Cor. 14: 3, then it dosn't matter if it was preached by a man or a woman.

Being a Christian means God talks to you (personally) .. Romans 8:16

Afflatus, af-fla-tus, [af-FLAY-tes], A divine imparting of knowledge; REVELATION. Inspiration.

People who are not born again, can not understand the deeper meanings and life giving benefits of the Word of God, because the scriptures are spiritually discerned (First Corinthians 2:14).
Until they except the power of God to be saved, which is the gospel of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:16-17).

They may expound what seem to be great things, from the Holy Writ. However, as long as they are still trying to achieve there own salvation, the truths they expound on, will always have a sense of heaviness (Mark 7:7; Pro. 14: 12-13).
"Wherefore The Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men" (Isa. 29: 13)
I've seen people leave church services feeling good. Then shortly after, suffer the grief of not knowing if they were worthy of eternal life in the Kingdom of God.

Jesus said we must be born again to see the Kingdom of God (John 3:3). In verse 6 He said that which is born of the flesh is flesh, that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  

In Matthew 13: 11 Jesus says, "Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given." People who are not "Born Again" won't see the mysteries even when they look right at them (Mat. 13: 15). God deliberatley vails the hearts of those who refuse to have faith in His Son, and the salvation He provided (2 Cor. 3: 14-16).
According as it is written, God has given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear (Rom. 11: 8; Isa. 29: 10-13).

The Holy Spirit tells us what Christ thinks about everything we bring to the Lord in prayer (First Cor. 2:16...But we have the mind of Chirst).
How much time you spend in prayer (Lu.9:23 daily - Mk.14:37 one hour) determines how well your spirit hears the Holy Spirit (Rom.8:16).
In First Thessalonians 5:17 the Apostle Paul says to pray without ceasing. In Jude 20 we are told to build ourselves up, praying in the Holy Ghost (praying in the Holy Ghost can't be any clearer than is stated in 1 Cor. 14: 2, and Rom. 8: 26 says why we do this).
In Ephesians 3: 16 "...to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man," can only be accomplished by praying in the spirit as Jude 20 says.

First there has to be a belief in the heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, after He died for your sins. With this belief there has to be a confession of faith in Jesus as Lord (Rom. 10: 9-10). This can only happen if the Holy Spirit calls you out of the Kingdom of Darkness into the Kingdom of Light. You are being called even now, if you haven't received Jesus as Lord, because God would have all men to be saved (1 Peter 2: 9; 2 Tim. 1:9; 1 Tim. 2: 4).
As you learn about your relationship with Him (Col.3:10; Eph.4:23), and as you spend time with Him in prayer (Luke 9:23; Mark 14:37), it becomes a natural way of life.
Confess the Lord Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection (Rom. 10: 9-13).

Then listen to the Holy Spirit, He will be talking to you in your spirit (Rom.8: 16). The more you pray and read the Bible, the better you will hear. Being a christian means God talks to you. But are you listening?

Sin vs Addiction

Christ centered groups for people struggling with addictions, realize that their addiction is not the problem, it is only a symptom. The problem is sin.
The groups that meet in a secular setting, where people are expected to give their wills over to a "Higher Power", or god as they "understand" him, but not the One and only God who created all things, do struggle, and even admit they do. There refusal to except a God who will not only forgive them of all sin, but will deliver them from the power of sin which keeps them in a continuous cycle of repetative behavior, is the reason why they continue to struggle. In Luke 4:18 Jesus says, "...to preach deliverance to the captives...to set at liberty them that are bruised." Here the word 'bruised' is a primary verb, 2352 thrauo (throw-o), which means, To crush. These people are crushed under the weight of their sin.

Jesus said, in Matthew 11:28 "Come unto me, all you that labor and are heavy burden, and I will give you rest." He was talking about the burden of sin.
People who won't take this burden to the cross of Christ, and leave it there, are going to continue to struggle with this load of sin. 

The "rest" Jesus was refering to is the feeling of having that burden of guilt lifted (Rom.8:1-2). But He takes it a step further, and deliveres us from the bondage of sin (For sin shall not have dominion over you...Rom 6:14a., ...shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption Rom. 8: 21). People who don't get this deliverence will continue to struggle under the load of sin that they choose to carry themselves by refusing to except the gospel of Christ, which is the "Power of God to Save" (Rom.8:21).

By the Blood of the Lamb, and the word of our testimony, we can overcome the enemy and all his devices that tempt us to sin (Rev. 12:11). As we confess Christ's death, burial and resurrection. We are continuously washed and regenerated by the Holy Spirit of God (Titus 3:5). The testifying to others and our giving praise to God for what He is doing in our lives through Christ in us, plus praying in the spirit to build up our inner man in our most holy faith (Jude 20; 1 Cor. 14: 2; Rom. 8: 26), literally empowers us to defeat the will of the soul man in favor of the will of the spirit man.

Colossians 1: 9-14
We ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will, with all the wisdom and understanding that his Spirit gives. Then you will be able to live as the Lord wants and will always do what pleases him. Your lives will produce all kinds of good deeds, and you will grow in your knowledge of God. May you be made strong with all the strength which comes from his glorious power, so that you may be able to endure everything with patience. And with joy give thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to have your share of what God has reserved for his people in the kingdom of light. He rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us safe into the kingdom of his dear Son, by whom we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven. (Col.1: 9b.-14 GNT).

Best Medicine

Arduously study God's Word. Make it the foundation of your character. It will restore your life (everything tangent to you), and give you perfect health (Pro. 4: 20-22 dplversion).

Getting old is normal, but getting fat and deteriorated dosn't line up with God's Word. You don't have to be happy with a deteriating condition. Instead be a good steward as God requires as in Luke 12: 45-46 where the steward decided he could get away with it, but the Lord warns he won't.

In Ecclesiastes 10: 17 we are told to "...eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness."

"For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags" (Pro. 23: 21). Eat right and stay active. Two powerful messages in one verse. Eating anything you want, when ever you want to, is the sign of a serious disorder. Mostly just the disorder of no self-discipline. Eating like this makes one lethargic (morbidly drowsy). Its not too hard of a stretch to figure out that is why the Lord placed "and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags," with a message about eating right.

Proverbs 16: 31 says, The silver head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.
Just because someones head is grey dosn't mean they have to be decrepit (broken down with age, worn out).

In Luke 12: 40-48 Jesus warns us not to take what we have for granted. The second part of Pro. 16: 31 says, ..."IF it be found in the way of righteousness". There is a difference between being grown up, and mature. A lot of people grow up physically but never fully mature mentally. This is not always there fault to start with. Could be the way they were raised. But the Lord does teach (Pro. 2: 6), and He expects us to mature with His teaching. To not act on what the Lord teaches you, is to not mature spiritually.

Once grown and you 'know better', you can not blame those of your past who were responsible for how you grew up anymore. Now you must take responsibility for your self.

Learning about forgiveness is a major step in maturity. Forgive those who were responsible like Jesus said to do in Mat. 6: 14-15 and begin to let the Lord show you how to live the right way now. This is being mature.

At the time I posted this, in Nov. 2009, I was 56, so I know what I'm talking about when I say, the older we get, the harder it is to excersise. I make the time. I have to force myself sometimes, but I always feel better afterwards. And eating right just makes good sense. As we were told in Eccl. 10: 17 and Pro. 23: 21 above.

In Genesis 6: 3 God says we have 120 years. Is He a liar, or is the man that says, "no you don't?"
I think I will believe God. If I don't make it, it will be because I was in error somewhere, not God. According to Pro. 4: 22 He planned on you to have good health the whole time. But we must do what He says in verse 1 and 2, attend to His Words, and don't let them go.
Studying His Word is something you have to keep doing.
Exercising is something you have to keep doing.
Eating right is something you have to keep doing.
Saying, "Oh, I don't have the time," or some other excuse, only means soon you really won't have the time. You'll die early.
Live for God and He will both give you a reason to live (healthy relationships), and He will provide the means and ways to live (a healthy life style).

"For He shall be unto you a restorer of your life, and a nourisher of your old age" (Ruth 4: 15a.)

Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. (Ps. 68: 19)

Receiving vs. Achieving #1

Solifidian, sol-i-fid-i-an, One who holds that faith alone, without achievement or personal merit, is sufficient to insure salvation.

If you truly understand what it means to call on Jesus name to be saved as in Romans 10: 13, then according to Second Thessalonians 5: 24..Faithfull is HE that calls you, who also will do it.

Jesus is going to save you, you are not going to save yourself. If you have to do more than what grace has done, is doing, and even will do, then you havn't recieved salvation, you are still trying to achieve salvation.

...of Abraham...what was his experience?
If he was put right with God by the things he did, he would have something to boast about - but not in God's sight. The scripture says, "Abraham believed God, and because of his faith God accepted him as righteous" (Gen. 15: 6).
A person who works is paid wages, but they are not regarded as a gift; they are something that has been earned. But those who depend on faith, not on deeds, and who believe in the God who declares the guilty to be innocent, it is this faith that God takes into account in order to put them right with himself.
This is what David meant when he spoke of the happiness of the person whom God accepts as righteous, apart from anything that person does:
                       "Happy are those whose wrongs are forgiven,
               whose sins are pardoned!
                        Happy is the person whose sins the Lord will not keep account of!" (Ps. 32: 1, 2 ; Rom. 4: 2-8 Good News Version)

Receiving vs. Achieving #2

Solifidian, sol-i-fid-i-an, One who holds that faith alone, without achievement or personal merit, is sufficient to insure salvation.

Jesus finished the work of salvation. Then rested in the place of authority, because the work was DONE. Knowing the fulfillment of all things would soon be accomplished. BY HIS OWN BLOOD, HE PERFECTED FOREVER them that are sanctified (Heb.10:14). Verse 15 says the Holy Ghost is a witness to us that we are perfected by the sanctification we recieved in Jesus.

On the way to Calvary Hill, the church leaders had no idea they were being led captive in Jesus's victory procession, which was freeing Him from their authority. They thought they were killing Him, when in fact He was destroying their unjust authority, freeing Himself and all who would follow Him as Lord.

Having all requirments of the Law nailed to the cross, Jesus totally disarmed the enemy of God's people - Satan, and the unjust leaders of the church (Col. 2: 14-15). The unjust leaders used "traditions of men" and "set aside God's Word" (Mt. 15: 3,6; Mk. 7: 5-9). Satan used guilt by the requirments of the Law.

It was the requirments of the Law that kept people in bongage to guilt. When Jesus had those requirments nailed to the cross He removed our guilt (Heb. 10: 14).

There may be times after being saved, we will do things that displease and dishonor God. If we don't turn to Him with confession and repentance, we loose the benefit of His blessings (Ps. 68:19).
Jesus said to "watch daily, 1 hour, that you don't enter into temptation" (Lk.9: 23; 22: 40, 46; Mt. 26: 40-41).
When the Holy Spirit reproves believers of what is right (Jn. 16: 10), but by an act of spiritual ignorance we fail to recognize the leading of the Holy Spirit; Or we do recognize His leading, but are not spiritually strong enough to follow. Then we loose the benefits of grace, and the blessings of God. This is why it is important to strengthen our inner man by praying in the Spirit, as Jude 20; First Cor. 14: 2 and Rom. 8:26 says to do.

When a child disobeys a parent, the child looses priveledges. So it is with God and us. The child is not cast out into the street. Left to go hungry and die. Instead the child is made to re-evaluate its behavior.

God's own Holy Spirit in us, is who will see to it that the work of salvation is completed in us. We can try to ignore the Holy Spirit, and sadly some do. But that is only when the progression of sin has so hardened that persons heart, that they no longer can hear the Holy Spirit. Until God lets them go to a point of being so broken by circumstances, they will call out to God abundantly aware that they have sinned. Just like the child that has been made to re-evaluate its behavior. These circumstances are the result of doing things out from under the grace and blessings of God. These results will turn out to be nothing short of being chastened by God (1 Cor. 11: 31-32). Try to ignore Him and the Holy Spirit will bring you to your knees in broken repentance. This is the love of a parent. Who will not let the child continue in a path of self destruction.

Once broken, God has made the way back into His favor in First John 1: 9. We need only to confess sin. In the moment we do, He is right there with forgiveness. And once again whether we deserve it or not, by something called grace, He restores us to all the blessings with favor.

But nothing we do will achieve salvation for us, we can only receive it as a free gift by faith in Jesus Christ's finished work on the cross at Calvary (Jn.17: 4), and it will be finished in you, by His own Holy Spirit.

Being confident of this very thing, that he which has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Christ (Philippians 1: 6).

Faithful is he that calls you, who also will do it (1 Th. 5: 24).

Receiveing vs Achieveing #3 .. it is finished

Solifidian, sol-i-fid-i-an, One who holds that faith alone, without achievement or personal merit, is sufficient to insure salvation.

A believer who sins, is still a believer. They will suffer a diminished walking in the blessings of God as the pattern of sin progresses. Because sin is progressive. Just as walking in the light is progressive. The more Word one gets into their heart, the more light they walk in. The more sin they get into their heart, the more darkness they walk in.

When a believer starts down the path of sin. They go deeper and deeper into darkness, and the Light of the Truth (His Word), becomes vailed by the deceitfulness of sin (Heb. 3:13; Jn. 12:40; 2 Cor. 3:15). Until their conscience is so seared, they don't see it at all (1 Tim. 4:2 and Eph. 4:19). However, The Holy Spirit, using the circumstances which will occur, will bring them back to their knees in broken repentance. Jesus started the work in you, and He will finish it (Philippians 1: 6 and 1 Thes. 5:24).

Rom. 11: 29 says the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. Some who believe one can loose their salvation will say that the Apostle Paul was talking about the gifts of the ministry.
Read the entire passage of Romans 11: 1 through 12: 1 which includes 11: 29 and one will see Paul was talking about repentance and faith, not the ministry or the gifts of ministry. The 's' after the word gift(s) is the basis for their argument. Really? one letter (s), in a chapter of 36 verses clearly talking about repentance and faith?

Whether they are the gifts of the ministry, or the gift of salvation. "Without repentance" means God does NOT take back His gifts. He didn't put any condition on that. (never cast out JN 6:37, nothing can remove them 10:28,29; If they loose their salvation they were never saved - never truly believed 1st JN 2:19)

In 1st Corinthians 3: 13-17....we are told that what we do in this life will either be rewarded, or we will suffer the loss of reward. Those rewards are for doing good works. Not the reward of eternal life. Eternal life is not a reward, it is a free gift. You can not earn it, you can not achieve it, you can only receive it, and it is not taken back.

Show me a person who has stopped believeing they are saved by grace, that they must continue in good works to remain saved, and I will show you someone who did not receive the correct truth of the gospel. They did not receive faith in the power of God to save by grace (Gal. 3: 2-3; 1JN 2: 19).

Fearing the loss of salvation is the Devils work. The poor soul who believies they can loose their salvation, is kept in bondage to the idea they must continually achieve it. Ephesians 2: 8-9 says, we are saved by grace through faith. We can not achieve it. Or we would be able to say we did it without the blood of Christ, by our own merit.

Know that HE which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus...(2 Cor. 4: 15)

PRAISE THE LORD
GLORY TO GOD
HALLELUJAH
THANK YOU JESUS 

dplversion 2 CORINTHIANS 3: 3-6

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You might be the only Bible someone might read today. (author unknown)

I wish I could remember where I read those words. Especially who authored them. It was shortly after I had one of those epic moments when studying the Bible, I read something that contained that quote.

In a quiet moment, when I was prayerfully reading God's Word. The Holy Spirit spoke to me in my heart and said, "If you have the word of God in your heart, you are a walking, talking version of His Word."

For as much as you are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.
Who also has made us able ministers of the New Testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit... (2 Cor.3: 3, 6a.)

It was shortly after DaddyGod gave me this revelation, that we are walking versions of HIS Word that I read these words. "You might be the only Bible someone might read today". I could hear the Holy Spirit saying to me (not in words) in my heart, that this what I was reading was confirmation to my revelation.

Every book has a spirit which is the life of what is written in the words. There are those who believe that only the King James Bible is the true Word of God. However, the King James version is only an English transliterated copy, of the original writings or 'Classics' of God's Word. The original Classics were in Hebrew. Then there was a Greek translation in the 3rd century called the Septuagint. The Holy Writ God inspired by His Spirit in the hearts of men to write (2 Tim. 3: 16 and Rom. 16: 25-26 and Jn.5: 39).

There are transliterations in today's King James Version that are not as clear as they could be do to the evolving usage of words. The King James English is now the new classic.

The original Hebrew classics were also in all capitalized letters, as well as without punctuation.

( "quick" from Heb. 4: 12 - Strong's Concordance, greek appendix. 2198 dzah'-o, ALIVE)

The Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword... (Heb. 4: 12a.)

As long as you are being taught by the Holy Spirit, He will guide you into all truth (John 16: 13). Because God's Word is alive, and has it's own power, it (the living Word of God) is able to teach you how to live as God wants you to (2 Tim. 3: 16-17). 

He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath given unto us His Holy Spirit (1 Thes.4: 8). If you are representing The Lord Jesus properly, the world is going to hate you just as they hated Him. see St. John chpt. 15: esp. vs. 18

Jesus prayed for those who would be saved, to be sanctified (set apart from the world) by God's Word, which is truth (John 17: 17). 

Those who have been born again by the Spirit of God, understand and believe that the Bible is God's Word, and that it is Truth (1 Cor. 2: 14).

As long as you are seeking God (2 Chron.7: 14...seek His face...do this by studying His Word), with the guidance He Himself gives ( 1 Thes. 4: 9...ye yourselves are taught of God...), it does not matter which version of the Bible you read. Although some translations are stronger in context than others, it is the Holy Spirit that will guide and teach you. Little by little as you prepare your heart to receive (Isa. 28: 12-13) over time, you will be taught all God wants you to know. Prepare (humble) your heart and ask Him for knowledge, understanding, and wisdom (Pro. 2: 1-6) and He will give them to you.

The best passage I have found to instruct me on how to best represent The Lord Jesus Christ is this:

And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together , and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? And Jesus answered him, "The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself, There is no other commandment greater than these (Mark 12: 28-31).

However, to be HIS representative in truth, and not a contradiction, we must know, understand, realize and obey this passage:

"You have heard that it has been said, You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you: That you may be the children of your father which is in heaven: for he makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust (Mat.5: 43-45)

Then when you go out the door of your house and you are among people, you will be a walking version of the Word of God.

"If U have the Word of God in your heart. U are a walking version of the Word of God." (dplversion 2009)




"

GRACE IS

Websters Dictionary - GRACE: divine influence given man for his regeneration or sanctification.

Strong's Concordance - GRACE: 5485 Gr. charis, divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life.

Holy Spirit, empower me with grace and mercy from God the Father to live and love the way Jesus does (Heb. 4:16 dplversion)