MsAtta2d Loc: Oregon

And you're correct in saying that: however, IF it is not His plan to come back at this point in time, then we must deal with what is happening around us. So I wouldn't call it fruitless to stand against the evil we see happening. God does tell us "that as much as within you lies, be at peace with all men", but he does not deny us the ability or where with all to stand up against evil. So each person acts according to what his conscience is clear with doing.
I don't believe God has ever wanted us to give in to evil or to fall down and submit to it when we have had other options. And fighting for our freedom is definitely one of our other options. Our forefathers did it and they brought forth a country greater than perhaps any in history; and they were God-fearing men or we would never have been handed the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, or our Constitution.

bdamage Loc: My Bunker

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robby1

I am not talking about fighting against the evil of this world. I am saying this will continue until Jesus comes back. We may be dead when He comes back. What I am saying is, God will let this world continue as it is until He stops it. Jesus said in rev 1 7. He will come as a thief in the night. Every eye will see Him. The whole earth will mourn. I, for one will not be mourning. I will be jumping for joy.

eagleye13 Loc: Fl

I agree with you totally. That is what Ephesians is all about.



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MsAtta2d Loc: Oregon

Well, I certainly didn't mean to read that the wrong way, and I must agree with you - He can't come soon enough for me either no matter which way it happens.

robby1

One thing I know for sure, we all learn at different levels. That is why we share the word of God. I remember times when someone shared something from the Bible with me, I exploded with joy when Holy Spirit showed me the t***h of it. It is a great thing when God teaches me something. This is how I know I am saved. IN Romans chap. 11 vs 29 says Gods gifts and calling are irrevocable. You can't lose your salvation if God saves you. God is true to His Word.

MsAtta2d Loc: Oregon

There is so much t***h in that - you have to literally denounce God and walk away from Him in order to lose your salvation, and anyone who would do that - well, I guess I just can't imagine that. However, there are those who live on the fringes thinking one hour a week on Sunday morning is all that is required of them. So go figure, eh?

bdamage Loc: My Bunker

The Christian churches with all their "denominations" have been modified, watered down, and customized to suit those who will go only because "they" have made it easier on their conscious to do so. These "churches" have conformed to their congregations needs for better attendance.
It instead should be the "people" who should be the ones to "modify" their ways of thinking and lifestyles to conform to the TRUE word of God....and nobody said that will be an "easy" task and it's not supposed to be.

bdamage Loc: My Bunker

Hmm....I received this in my email AFTER I wrote the above post.....

Verse of the Day for Saturday April 11th, 2015:

These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. — Colossians 2:17

Thoughts on Today's Verse....

In the world of religious ideas, Paul reminds the Colossian Christians that while the shiny religions around them may sound good and may better fit their desired lifestyle, these religions are only a shadow of what God offers us in Jesus. In Jesus, we have reality: spiritual reality and human reality. God has become one of us in Jesus so we could be one with him. What is real is what we find in Jesus.

MsAtta2d Loc: Oregon

I fully agree. I remember when we went to Saudi and we were told we could not bring in a Bible or any religious icons, crosses, etc. Well, I did anyway and was able to get one Bible and 3 hymnals past them, and we had services every Sunday with our kids in our home. Nobody talked about it.
Churches today have no concept of 'religious persecution' and it has been exactly as you have described. How many churches still consider baptism to be immersion in water? Not many, and even those who still do, do not always stick to the T***h after the fact. No wonder God is sick to death of us!
I think the one that gets me the most is John 3:16. That is used and used and used to assure people all they have to do is believe and all is okay. They play on the emotions of people rather than dealing with a personal commitment. That "Just come forward and confess that you believe, and God will save you." It is bull pucky and it drives me nuts.
EVERY, and I do mean EVERY conversion in the book of Acts ends with baptism EXCEPT one, and that was King Agrippa. Acts 26: 1-29. At the end of Paul's testimony he asks the King what hinders him from being baptized, and Agrippa says "ALMOST thou doth persuadeth me..." and the Paul responds with this: 27 "King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? I know that you do."
Paul KNEW Agrippa believed!!! And yet Agrippa's belief did NOT save him because he did not take the step necessary to become a Christian! Because once a person believes what he hears of God's word, the onus is on him to take the step necessary to actually 'become' a Christian. Going forward and saying, "I believe, I believe" and not following through just doesn't hack it!

bdamage Loc: My Bunker

I concur....for even the evil one "believes"!

MsAtta2d Loc: Oregon

YES!!! Excellent point. If no one believes - Satan most assuredly DOES!!

bahmer

How true.