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Oct 12, 2019 11:43:12   #
Armageddun Loc: The show me state
 
Rose42 wrote:
Another good one!

Joni Eareckson Tada comes to mind. An extraordinary woman with an incredible testimony. She's been a quadriplegic for 50 years.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVXJ8GyLgt0


Amen, she has been such an inspiration over the years.

Reply
Oct 24, 2019 13:36:38   #
Armageddun Loc: The show me state
 
Armageddun wrote:
Amen, she has been such an inspiration over the years.




BIG GOD

"I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
Matthew 17:20

"You might as well shut your eyes and look inside to see whether you have sight, as to look inside and discover if you have faith."
---Hannah Whitall Smith

Many times we put our faith in faith. We take Jesus' teachings about mustard seeds and mountains to mean that faith is the object we are to desire most. But we must be careful. Though Jesus is consistent and frequent in His praise of faith, He never says that faith is the end of the matter. It is not faith in our own ability to have faith that is the key to answered prayer. It is faith in Him.

A bleeding woman came to Jesus for help in Matthew 9:20-22. She never said to herself, "if only I can muster up enough faith, I will be healed." Rather, she says: "If I only touch His cloak, I will be healed." Jesus is the object of her faith. He commends her unbridled pursuit of Him and His power, not the self-cultivation of spiritual development. In her mind, there is nothing of herself in this pursuit---no strain to believe more, no determination to be better or to grow in knowledge. It's simply Jesus. He is the variable that matters.

Jesus' commendation of faith is a far cry from some modern ministries' emphasis on the faith of the believer. In fact, if we stressed the power of Jesus and never considered the quantity of our faith, we would be in a league with those whom Jesus rewards with words of approval. The substance of faith is never what matters; it's the object of faith. How much we have isn't the issue. It's the One in whom we trust.

Have you struggled to have more faith? Take your eyes off your faith and put them on God. Your understanding of God is your faith. Your belief will never grow larger; your view of God will. Meditate on His grandeur and you'll find yourself trusting Him more. And you'll also find that nothing is impossible.

Reply
Oct 29, 2019 20:49:02   #
Armageddun Loc: The show me state
 
Armageddun wrote:
BIG GOD

"I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
Matthew 17:20

"You might as well shut your eyes and look inside to see whether you have sight, as to look inside and discover if you have faith."
---Hannah Whitall Smith

Many times we put our faith in faith. We take Jesus' teachings about mustard seeds and mountains to mean that faith is the object we are to desire most. But we must be careful. Though Jesus is consistent and frequent in His praise of faith, He never says that faith is the end of the matter. It is not faith in our own ability to have faith that is the key to answered prayer. It is faith in Him.

A bleeding woman came to Jesus for help in Matthew 9:20-22. She never said to herself, "if only I can muster up enough faith, I will be healed." Rather, she says: "If I only touch His cloak, I will be healed." Jesus is the object of her faith. He commends her unbridled pursuit of Him and His power, not the self-cultivation of spiritual development. In her mind, there is nothing of herself in this pursuit---no strain to believe more, no determination to be better or to grow in knowledge. It's simply Jesus. He is the variable that matters.

Jesus' commendation of faith is a far cry from some modern ministries' emphasis on the faith of the believer. In fact, if we stressed the power of Jesus and never considered the quantity of our faith, we would be in a league with those whom Jesus rewards with words of approval. The substance of faith is never what matters; it's the object of faith. How much we have isn't the issue. It's the One in whom we trust.

Have you struggled to have more faith? Take your eyes off your faith and put them on God. Your understanding of God is your faith. Your belief will never grow larger; your view of God will. Meditate on His grandeur and you'll find yourself trusting Him more. And you'll also find that nothing is impossible.
BIG GOD br br "I tell you the truth, if you ... (show quote)




HARD TEACHINGS

"You do not want to leave too, do you?" John 6:67

"Discipleship is more than getting to know what the teacher knows. It is getting to be what He is."
---Juan Carlos Ortiz....

A huge controversy is brewing on the lakeshore. Jesus has begun to talk about the necessity of eating His flesh and drinking His blood, mentioning also that He came straight out of heaven to this planet. There are people there who cannot handle it. Not just observers, but "disciples"---people who have followed Him devotedly. They leave. And Jesus asks the Twelve if they plan to do the same.

The benefits of following Jesus are incredible. There are miracles to be seen, lives to be changed, hearts to be softened, and deep, deep teachings to be absorbed. But it is a difficult path to follow. It involves recognizing who He really is, a theological stumbling block for many. It also involves not just following Him as a separate individual, but consuming His flesh and drinking His blood---absorbing all that He is and taking on His own character and nature. And it inevitably involves moving in the direction of the Cross. (The Resurrection, too, of course, but the Cross comes first and often looms larger to the human eye.) The benefits of discipleship are great, but they come in a package of hard faith and a rejection of our own nature. It's a difficult package to carry.

Do you know people who are into Jesus for the benefits but shun the difficulties of discipleship? At all costs, avoid their example. They are like the disciples of John 6:66 and the seeds of Matthew 13:20-22. They follow Jesus in their minds but are far from Him in their hearts. They seem to have it made, enjoying the benefits of Christ and His body, but they probably do not really know Him---not with any depth, anyway.

His way is more difficult. It means wrestling with His words just as the Twelve Disciples did. It means partaking in His flesh and His blood, with all it's blows to the human ego and its abandonment of worldly goals. We cannot just observe Him; we must become His flesh and blood. But there is truth and resurrection in His way. It is the way to life.

Reply
 
 
Nov 1, 2019 01:17:32   #
Zemirah Loc: Sojourner En Route...
 
“Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord GOD, “when I will send a famine on the land — not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD." (Amos 8:11)

These are hard teachings indeed, for as prophesied long ago, a famine of the Word of God is fast approaching... lest any man may become rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, whereby we may be saved.

“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 12:14)

John 6:66: "After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him."

And they returned to their quondam teachers, the Scribes and Pharisees, and to the law of works, and to seek for righteousness by it; setting up their own righteousness, and not submitting to the righteousness of Christ; and thus to look back and draw back, is a sad case indeed:

They never returned to him, or went with him from place to place as before: never more attended on his ministry, or had any intimacy and fellowship with him: and so it commonly is with apostates from the profession of Christ; they seldom or ever return, or are recovered; it is difficult, if not impossible, which is sometimes the case, to renew them again to repentance.


Matthew 13:20-22: "As for what was sewn on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy,
21 yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away.
22 The seed sown among the thorns is the one who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful."

Such a hearer, who is like the stony ground on which the seed fell, is not an accidental hearer of the word; not one that is careless and negligent, but diligent and attentive, and has some understanding of what he hears;

He is one that not only constantly attends upon it, but he receives it; he gives an assent to it, he believes in it historically, makes a profession of his faith in it, and holds it for a while, being under some convictions of the truth of it: and having some speculative notions of it, and light in his understanding and judgment in it, he has some flashes of natural affection for it, and delivers some outward expressions of pleasure and delight in it; but has no heart work, and so is like the rock in stony ground; the natural hardness of his heart continues, it remains unbroken by the word, without any true sense of sin, and repentance, and destitute of spiritual life, and of true faith, love, and joy: as his profession of faith has been taken up in haste, upon a flash of affection, and too little head knowledge, it does not last long, nor prove honorable.

Yet hath he not root in himself; Nor in Christ; for the word is not rooted in Him, or the truth of grace in himself:

He endureth for a while; but when tribulation or persecution ariseth, because of the word; which must be expected by those who embrace the Gospel, profess the name of Christ, and are willing to live godly in him. Tribulation for the sake of Christ, and his Gospel; such as the revilings and reproaches of men, loss of character, and trade, and persecution may design something more public and vehement; such as confiscation of goods, imprisonment, and danger of life, the most exquisite tortures, and death in the most cruel form and shape; things very disagreeable to flesh and blood, which cannot be endured, and submitted to, by persons without a principle of grace from God, by one that has no root in himself.

Luke calls this a time "of temptation", or trial, as it is either way, both by private troubles, and more public persecutions: these try men's principles and professions, and whether the truth of grace is in them or not; at the cross; he shrinks back from it, does not care to take it up, and follow Christ; but drops his religion, and the profession of it; apostatizes, falls away, and comes to nothing.



Armageddun wrote:
HARD TEACHINGS

"You do not want to leave too, do you?" John 6:67

"Discipleship is more than getting to know what the teacher knows. It is getting to be what He is."
---Juan Carlos Ortiz....

A huge controversy is brewing on the lakeshore. Jesus has begun to talk about the necessity of eating His flesh and drinking His blood, mentioning also that He came straight out of heaven to this planet. There are people there who cannot handle it. Not just observers, but "disciples"---people who have followed Him devotedly. They leave. And Jesus asks the Twelve if they plan to do the same.

The benefits of following Jesus are incredible. There are miracles to be seen, lives to be changed, hearts to be softened, and deep, deep teachings to be absorbed. But it is a difficult path to follow. It involves recognizing who He really is, a theological stumbling block for many. It also involves not just following Him as a separate individual, but consuming His flesh and drinking His blood---absorbing all that He is and taking on His own character and nature. And it inevitably involves moving in the direction of the Cross. (The Resurrection, too, of course, but the Cross comes first and often looms larger to the human eye.) The benefits of discipleship are great, but they come in a package of hard faith and a rejection of our own nature. It's a difficult package to carry.

Do you know people who are into Jesus for the benefits but shun the difficulties of discipleship? At all costs, avoid their example. They are like the disciples of John 6:66 and the seeds of Matthew 13:20-22. They follow Jesus in their minds but are far from Him in their hearts. They seem to have it made, enjoying the benefits of Christ and His body, but they probably do not really know Him---not with any depth, anyway.

His way is more difficult. It means wrestling with His words just as the Twelve Disciples did. It means partaking in His flesh and His blood, with all it's blows to the human ego and its abandonment of worldly goals. We cannot just observe Him; we must become His flesh and blood. But there is truth and resurrection in His way. It is the way to life.
HARD TEACHINGS br br "You do not want to lea... (show quote)

Reply
Nov 2, 2019 09:18:06   #
bdamage Loc: My Bunker
 
Zemirah wrote:
“Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord GOD, “when I will send a famine on the land — not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD." (Amos 8:11)

These are hard teachings indeed, for as prophesied long ago, a famine of the Word of God is fast approaching... lest any man may become rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, whereby we may be saved.

“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 12:14)

John 6:66: "After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him."

And they returned to their quondam teachers, the Scribes and Pharisees, and to the law of works, and to seek for righteousness by it; setting up their own righteousness, and not submitting to the righteousness of Christ; and thus to look back and draw back, is a sad case indeed:

They never returned to him, or went with him from place to place as before: never more attended on his ministry, or had any intimacy and fellowship with him: and so it commonly is with apostates from the profession of Christ; they seldom or ever return, or are recovered; it is difficult, if not impossible, which is sometimes the case, to renew them again to repentance.


Matthew 13:20-22: "As for what was sewn on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy,
21 yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away.
22 The seed sown among the thorns is the one who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful."

Such a hearer, who is like the stony ground on which the seed fell, is not an accidental hearer of the word; not one that is careless and negligent, but diligent and attentive, and has some understanding of what he hears;

He is one that not only constantly attends upon it, but he receives it; he gives an assent to it, he believes in it historically, makes a profession of his faith in it, and holds it for a while, being under some convictions of the truth of it: and having some speculative notions of it, and light in his understanding and judgment in it, he has some flashes of natural affection for it, and delivers some outward expressions of pleasure and delight in it; but has no heart work, and so is like the rock in stony ground; the natural hardness of his heart continues, it remains unbroken by the word, without any true sense of sin, and repentance, and destitute of spiritual life, and of true faith, love, and joy: as his profession of faith has been taken up in haste, upon a flash of affection, and too little head knowledge, it does not last long, nor prove honorable.

Yet hath he not root in himself; Nor in Christ; for the word is not rooted in Him, or the truth of grace in himself:

He endureth for a while; but when tribulation or persecution ariseth, because of the word; which must be expected by those who embrace the Gospel, profess the name of Christ, and are willing to live godly in him. Tribulation for the sake of Christ, and his Gospel; such as the revilings and reproaches of men, loss of character, and trade, and persecution may design something more public and vehement; such as confiscation of goods, imprisonment, and danger of life, the most exquisite tortures, and death in the most cruel form and shape; things very disagreeable to flesh and blood, which cannot be endured, and submitted to, by persons without a principle of grace from God, by one that has no root in himself.

Luke calls this a time "of temptation", or trial, as it is either way, both by private troubles, and more public persecutions: these try men's principles and professions, and whether the truth of grace is in them or not; at the cross; he shrinks back from it, does not care to take it up, and follow Christ; but drops his religion, and the profession of it; apostatizes, falls away, and comes to nothing.
“Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord G... (show quote)


That's a lot of things to absorb.
I am but a simple man, so to simply put it...



Reply
Nov 2, 2019 09:38:26   #
Rose42
 
bdamage wrote:
That's a lot of things to absorb.
I am but a simple man, so to simply put it...


It is a lot to absorb and you’re not simple minded. You condensed it nicely.

I’ve been thinking about this one a lot lately. It has so much depth to it and the more I read it the more I learn.

Reply
Nov 2, 2019 09:55:14   #
bdamage Loc: My Bunker
 
Rose42 wrote:
It is a lot to absorb and you’re not simple minded. You condensed it nicely.

I’ve been thinking about this one a lot lately. It has so much depth to it and the more I read it the more I learn.




Just think, people wonder why California is a blaze.



Reply
 
 
Nov 2, 2019 16:31:09   #
Rose42
 
bdamage wrote:


Just think, people wonder why California is a blaze.


California is sinking pretty quick. Its sad to see.

Reply
Nov 2, 2019 18:07:11   #
Armageddun Loc: The show me state
 
bdamage wrote:
That's a lot of things to absorb.
I am but a simple man, so to simply put it...


Amen and Amen

Reply
Nov 2, 2019 18:08:59   #
Armageddun Loc: The show me state
 
Zemirah wrote:
“Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord GOD, “when I will send a famine on the land — not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD." (Amos 8:11)

These are hard teachings indeed, for as prophesied long ago, a famine of the Word of God is fast approaching... lest any man may become rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, whereby we may be saved.

“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 12:14)

John 6:66: "After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him."

And they returned to their quondam teachers, the Scribes and Pharisees, and to the law of works, and to seek for righteousness by it; setting up their own righteousness, and not submitting to the righteousness of Christ; and thus to look back and draw back, is a sad case indeed:

They never returned to him, or went with him from place to place as before: never more attended on his ministry, or had any intimacy and fellowship with him: and so it commonly is with apostates from the profession of Christ; they seldom or ever return, or are recovered; it is difficult, if not impossible, which is sometimes the case, to renew them again to repentance.


Matthew 13:20-22: "As for what was sewn on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy,
21 yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away.
22 The seed sown among the thorns is the one who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful."

Such a hearer, who is like the stony ground on which the seed fell, is not an accidental hearer of the word; not one that is careless and negligent, but diligent and attentive, and has some understanding of what he hears;

He is one that not only constantly attends upon it, but he receives it; he gives an assent to it, he believes in it historically, makes a profession of his faith in it, and holds it for a while, being under some convictions of the truth of it: and having some speculative notions of it, and light in his understanding and judgment in it, he has some flashes of natural affection for it, and delivers some outward expressions of pleasure and delight in it; but has no heart work, and so is like the rock in stony ground; the natural hardness of his heart continues, it remains unbroken by the word, without any true sense of sin, and repentance, and destitute of spiritual life, and of true faith, love, and joy: as his profession of faith has been taken up in haste, upon a flash of affection, and too little head knowledge, it does not last long, nor prove honorable.

Yet hath he not root in himself; Nor in Christ; for the word is not rooted in Him, or the truth of grace in himself:

He endureth for a while; but when tribulation or persecution ariseth, because of the word; which must be expected by those who embrace the Gospel, profess the name of Christ, and are willing to live godly in him. Tribulation for the sake of Christ, and his Gospel; such as the revilings and reproaches of men, loss of character, and trade, and persecution may design something more public and vehement; such as confiscation of goods, imprisonment, and danger of life, the most exquisite tortures, and death in the most cruel form and shape; things very disagreeable to flesh and blood, which cannot be endured, and submitted to, by persons without a principle of grace from God, by one that has no root in himself.

Luke calls this a time "of temptation", or trial, as it is either way, both by private troubles, and more public persecutions: these try men's principles and professions, and whether the truth of grace is in them or not; at the cross; he shrinks back from it, does not care to take it up, and follow Christ; but drops his religion, and the profession of it; apostatizes, falls away, and comes to nothing.
“Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord G... (show quote)


Amen and Amen

Reply
Nov 9, 2019 13:25:31   #
Armageddun Loc: The show me state
 
Armageddun wrote:
Amen and Amen



MEDITATE ON

"It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was too old. She believed that God would keep His promise."
Hebrews 11:11 NLT

GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISE

How do you continue to believe God for the breakthrough that you need when you don't feel that you have the faith to go on?

My friend, the answer lies in today's scripture. Sarah was "barren and was too old" to have a child, but, "by faith" she received strength to conceive and gave birth to Isaac. Her faith was involved. How did Sarah exercise her faith to receive her miracle? She simply "believed that God would keep His promise." In other words, she banked on the faithfulness of God. Her eyes were not on her faith or lack of it, nor were they on how tough her natural circumstances were.

When you feel that your faith has run out, just rest in how God is always faithful ! Count in His faithfulness, not your faithfulness. Lean hard on the fact that He remains faithful even when you're wavering in your faith (2nd Timothy 2:13)

Beloved, once God gives you a promise from His Word, it's not for you to struggle and conjure up faith to make His promise come to pass. You cannot make the miracle happen---only God can. You are to rest in Him who has promised, rest in His faithfulness, and you will experience your miracle !

Reply
 
 
Nov 11, 2019 06:54:24   #
bdamage Loc: My Bunker
 
Armageddun wrote:
MEDITATE ON

"It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was too old. She believed that God would keep His promise."
Hebrews 11:11 NLT

GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISE

How do you continue to believe God for the breakthrough that you need when you don't feel that you have the faith to go on?

My friend, the answer lies in today's scripture. Sarah was "barren and was too old" to have a child, but, "by faith" she received strength to conceive and gave birth to Isaac. Her faith was involved. How did Sarah exercise her faith to receive her miracle? She simply "believed that God would keep His promise." In other words, she banked on the faithfulness of God. Her eyes were not on her faith or lack of it, nor were they on how tough her natural circumstances were.

When you feel that your faith has run out, just rest in how God is always faithful ! Count in His faithfulness, not your faithfulness. Lean hard on the fact that He remains faithful even when you're wavering in your faith (2nd Timothy 2:13)

Beloved, once God gives you a promise from His Word, it's not for you to struggle and conjure up faith to make His promise come to pass. You cannot make the miracle happen---only God can. You are to rest in Him who has promised, rest in His faithfulness, and you will experience your miracle !
MEDITATE ON br br "It was by faith that even... (show quote)


Amen Brother!

Reply
Nov 15, 2019 11:51:37   #
Armageddun Loc: The show me state
 
bdamage wrote:
Amen Brother!




GUARDING THE TRUTH

"False Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and miracles to deceive the elect---if that were possible." Mark 13:22

"The best protection against Satan's lies is to know God's truth."
---Anonymous ....

Jesus warns of false Christs and prophets---deceivers who are subtle and impressive enough to lead true believers away, at least for a time. It's a sobering thought. We like to think we are so devoted to Jesus that we're immune from the deceptive spirits of this age. Not so, says Jesus. Even His well-trained disciples, who saw Him in the flesh and learned straight from the words of His mouth, are given strong warning. The false Savior's are coming, armed with miracles and signs. And we are their prey.

In fact, many of them have already come. Jesus' prediction is frighteningly accurate. There are those who have already said, "Look, there He is!" (v 21), and many have believed them. There are cults all over this planet, many of which have begun by someone speaking lies in the name of Jesus. Their membership consists primarily of those who have once sat in the pews of our respected, faithful congregations. If these have been led astray, so can others. How can we protect ourselves against deception ?

Jesus gives us the answer in verse 23: "Be on your guard." Deception usually comes to those who were not wary of their vulnerability. Perhaps they started adding a little unbiblical philosophy to their biblical faith. Perhaps they saw quick results that their patient discipleship would not match. Perhaps they assumed that they knew enough of God's Word to put it on a shelf and safely entertain competing worldviews, never noticing their foundation eroding beneath them. Whatever the case, they thought they were safe. But they weren't.

What are you doing to be on guard? Deception can have eternal consequences for you and those you influence. Pray earnestly for discernment. Cling to Jesus' Word as if your life depends on it. In many ways, it does.

Reply
Nov 16, 2019 00:20:09   #
Zemirah Loc: Sojourner En Route...
 
Truly, you have said it all!

1) First and foremost, "Cling to Jesus Word."

2) Pray without ceasing for spiritual discernment.



Armageddun wrote:
GUARDING THE TRUTH

"False Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and miracles to deceive the elect---if that were possible." Mark 13:22

"The best protection against Satan's lies is to know God's truth."
---Anonymous ....

Jesus warns of false Christs and prophets---deceivers who are subtle and impressive enough to lead true believers away, at least for a time. It's a sobering thought. We like to think we are so devoted to Jesus that we're immune from the deceptive spirits of this age. Not so, says Jesus. Even His well-trained disciples, who saw Him in the flesh and learned straight from the words of His mouth, are given strong warning. The false Savior's are coming, armed with miracles and signs. And we are their prey.

In fact, many of them have already come. Jesus' prediction is frighteningly accurate. There are those who have already said, "Look, there He is!" (v 21), and many have believed them. There are cults all over this planet, many of which have begun by someone speaking lies in the name of Jesus. Their membership consists primarily of those who have once sat in the pews of our respected, faithful congregations. If these have been led astray, so can others. How can we protect ourselves against deception ?

Jesus gives us the answer in verse 23: "Be on your guard." Deception usually comes to those who were not wary of their vulnerability. Perhaps they started adding a little unbiblical philosophy to their biblical faith. Perhaps they saw quick results that their patient discipleship would not match. Perhaps they assumed that they knew enough of God's Word to put it on a shelf and safely entertain competing worldviews, never noticing their foundation eroding beneath them. Whatever the case, they thought they were safe. But they weren't.

What are you doing to be on guard? Deception can have eternal consequences for you and those you influence. Pray earnestly for discernment. Cling to Jesus' Word as if your life depends on it. In many ways, it does.
GUARDING THE TRUTH br br "False Christs and ... (show quote)

Reply
Nov 16, 2019 09:47:52   #
Rose42
 
Armageddun wrote:
GUARDING THE TRUTH

"False Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and miracles to deceive the elect---if that were possible." Mark 13:22

"The best protection against Satan's lies is to know God's truth."
---Anonymous ....

Jesus warns of false Christs and prophets---deceivers who are subtle and impressive enough to lead true believers away, at least for a time. It's a sobering thought. We like to think we are so devoted to Jesus that we're immune from the deceptive spirits of this age. Not so, says Jesus. Even His well-trained disciples, who saw Him in the flesh and learned straight from the words of His mouth, are given strong warning. The false Savior's are coming, armed with miracles and signs. And we are their prey.

In fact, many of them have already come. Jesus' prediction is frighteningly accurate. There are those who have already said, "Look, there He is!" (v 21), and many have believed them. There are cults all over this planet, many of which have begun by someone speaking lies in the name of Jesus. Their membership consists primarily of those who have once sat in the pews of our respected, faithful congregations. If these have been led astray, so can others. How can we protect ourselves against deception ?

Jesus gives us the answer in verse 23: "Be on your guard." Deception usually comes to those who were not wary of their vulnerability. Perhaps they started adding a little unbiblical philosophy to their biblical faith. Perhaps they saw quick results that their patient discipleship would not match. Perhaps they assumed that they knew enough of God's Word to put it on a shelf and safely entertain competing worldviews, never noticing their foundation eroding beneath them. Whatever the case, they thought they were safe. But they weren't.

What are you doing to be on guard? Deception can have eternal consequences for you and those you influence. Pray earnestly for discernment. Cling to Jesus' Word as if your life depends on it. In many ways, it does.
GUARDING THE TRUTH br br "False Christs and ... (show quote)


Wonderful post! Thank you.

Reply
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