PG4Him
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Post by PG4Him on Jan 2, 2019 11:16:13 GMT -5
The apostles gave us many urgent warnings about the risk of falling away in this Christian walk. While we often hear this preached in reference to sinful lifestyles, outright “sinful” behavior is not the only way to get in trouble. Our calling and election are all about walking in obedience to God, and sometimes we must crucify seemingly harmless (or perhaps even spiritual) unprofitable distractions.
They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. — John 16:2
For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. — Romans 10:2
This is a very serious matter which we cannot overlook. Foolish zeal can cause us to oppose God’s will at the very moment we think we’re pleasing Him. It isn’t enough to be hungry “for the things of God” if we’re not checking our appetite every day. We must hunger and thirst for God’s perfect will, not for the things presented to us as God’s will.
Here is a list of behaviors which the apostles specifically tell us will cause a departure:
1) Defending a deliberate habitual sin
Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness... For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. — 2 Peter 2:14-15, 20-21
2) Constructing humanistic formulas that appear to be deeply spiritual
But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain. — Galatians 4:9-11
3) Refusing to believe what God has clearly told you (whether a general Scriptural truth or a matter of personal instruction)
Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest. Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. — Hebrews 3:8-12
4) Having an unhealthy urge to question all authority and argue every point
Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. — 1 Timothy 6:1-5
As you can see, a deceitful form of righteousness will destroy us just as quickly as deliberate sin. We must be extremely careful on what we pursue and whom we take advice from. We must be able to discern a soulish emotional impulse from a legitimate spiritual truth. Time after time I see this as the biggest failure among modern Christians.
There may be others to add to the list, but this should be enough to make us take a serious look at falling away.
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Post by 2fw8212a on Jan 2, 2019 15:49:01 GMT -5
#3 is true and I am suffering. I kind of know the spiritual attacks I have been into is an attack of lies.
But it has been hard to stop, I know the purpose of the attacks is to cause me to walk out of the track.
It is enticing me, but I cannot just throw everything and start walking in rebellion.
I have made some progress, but I still need some time to finally see an end to this (prayers are welcome).
Blessings!
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PG4Him
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Post by PG4Him on Jan 2, 2019 16:28:03 GMT -5
I know the fight can be difficult.
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Post by 2fw8212a on Jan 2, 2019 16:38:06 GMT -5
I know the fight can be difficult. Do you have fights too?
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PG4Him
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Post by PG4Him on Jan 2, 2019 16:48:16 GMT -5
I know the fight can be difficult. Do you have fights too?Oh yes.
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Post by frienduff on Jan 2, 2019 19:03:13 GMT -5
#3 is true and I am suffering. I kind of know the spiritual attacks I have been into is an attack of lies.
But it has been hard to stop, I know the purpose of the attacks is to cause me to walk out of the track.
It is enticing me, but I cannot just throw everything and start walking in rebellion.
I have made some progress, but I still need some time to finally see an end to this (prayers are welcome).
Blessings! Whathas been hard to stop . remember the formula , confess ye your faults one to another and pray ye may be healed . IF you want to email me in private do so. And we can pray as one for you to be strengthend in Christ .
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Post by John on Jan 2, 2019 20:20:28 GMT -5
#3 is true and I am suffering. I kind of know the spiritual attacks I have been into is an attack of lies.
But it has been hard to stop, I know the purpose of the attacks is to cause me to walk out of the track.
It is enticing me, but I cannot just throw everything and start walking in rebellion.
I have made some progress, but I still need some time to finally see an end to this (prayers are welcome).
Blessings! Moses had trouble believing he could fulfill the task God gave him to do, as he said he was a man of slow speech. If Moses could struggle over his ability, anyone can. Of course we all know that Moses did do what God called him to do, but because of his unbelief, Aaron was his interpreter.
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Cletus
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Post by Cletus on Jan 3, 2019 0:26:44 GMT -5
#3 is true and I am suffering. I kind of know the spiritual attacks I have been into is an attack of lies.
But it has been hard to stop, I know the purpose of the attacks is to cause me to walk out of the track.
It is enticing me, but I cannot just throw everything and start walking in rebellion.
I have made some progress, but I still need some time to finally see an end to this (prayers are welcome).
Blessings! you got it.
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Post by frienduff on Jan 3, 2019 11:50:02 GMT -5
#3 is true and I am suffering. I kind of know the spiritual attacks I have been into is an attack of lies.
But it has been hard to stop, I know the purpose of the attacks is to cause me to walk out of the track.
It is enticing me, but I cannot just throw everything and start walking in rebellion.
I have made some progress, but I still need some time to finally see an end to this (prayers are welcome).
Blessings! Moses had trouble believing he could fulfill the task God gave him to do, as he said he was a man of slow speech. If Moses could struggle over his ability, anyone can. Of course we all know that Moses did do what God called him to do, but because of his unbelief, Aaron was his interpreter.
Moses did what is common to man . And this did anger GOD . God even said WHO gives man a tongue . MEANING GOD would haven given moses the words . See, we think oh I cant do this or that , BUT let no man forget this , I CAN DO ALL THINGS through CHRIST who strengthens me . IN FACT let all also say this APART from CHRIST I can do nothing but stumble fail and die in sins . BUT IN CHRIST , OH YES , the FATHER WILL give us words to say . For it is not you that speak BUT the Father . We can have no TRUST in us or our abilities , BUT WE CAN HAVE ALL HOPE and TRUST that IN HIM and BY HIM we CAN and shall overcome .
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Post by frienduff on Jan 3, 2019 12:02:42 GMT -5
Tell that to the prosperity have faith in YOU . them folks got it all backwards . NO FAITH IN US , NO TRUST IN US , TRUST and HAVE FAITH ONLY IN CHRIST and then BEHOLD the power OF HE who is within us . And marvel not at the ability , but rather REJOICE that your names are wrote above . Let no man be as Lucifer who had been given much gifts , yet became enamoured at the gifts as though they had come FROM HIM and NOT GIVEN BY GOD. Lots of folks do this and thus lots of folks fall into the very condemnation satan did . PRIDE . We need to get to this understanding and fast . OH Lord we are but simple men , saved soley and changed soley by grace . We are naught without you and have no goodnesss outside of You . We are the lowly , YOU THE EXALTED . Apart from you we can do nothing But in you all things are possible , we can walk as we ought by your SPIRIT ALONE . You are GOD and not us . We are created to serve YOU and NOT YOU to serve us . Our KING was , is greater than all, YET walked lowly , suffered , was persecuted , took on the form of a servant , THOUGH HE WAS AND IS KING OF ALL. Let us not be highminded , but fear , for IF You spared not the natural branches , LET US take HEED unto YOU that we too not be cast out . Let us LORD nothing over no man , But simply learn OF YOU . And thy SON wore a crown of thorns , SO LET us embrace that , and not kingly gold crowns of men exalted . Let us follow ONLY the LAMB and let us learn to walk as did HE . For all men are but vanity and lighter than even air , IN YOUR SIGHT . YOU ONLY are the exalted ONE and we but greatful ones for having even been spared the death sentence we earned . Let us rejoice in thy salvation And from lowly and thankful hearts let each PUT YOU FIRST above all , and even esteem and take care of others who lack , before even our selves . Let the pure Love that eminates from YOU be on our hearts and in our minds . And prepare us for each day and the times which are coming upon us . Let the wicked forake his way and rush to Christ . And let the righteous in CHRIST not stumble into the error of the wicked . ALL GLORY , ALL HONOR belongs to YOU ALONE and WORTHY is THE FATHER of OUR LORD and SAVOIR CHRIST . No matter what we suffer for your sake O LORD , let us rejoice when counted worthy to suffer. Let none be moved by fear of any threat of harm or even death . LET the weak say I AM STRONG IN CHRIST . And thank you O LORD that you have showed us things and we can see clearly the signs of the times , BY YOUR GRACE ALONE . Now let all raise those hands AND PRAISE THE HOLY LORD .
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Post by justinadams on Jan 5, 2019 8:29:52 GMT -5
A major issue about falling away is, like deception, it is unknown to the subject.
When our government entices us to sin, we are on a very slippery slope indeed.
We can still blather away and quote scripture, but often reality is far away from us.
If we subscribe (wittingly or unwittingly) to a Godless system, are we not on that slippery slope?
While we make noises about the MOB, are our minds and hands linked to the adversary's diabolic plans?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 5, 2019 12:13:53 GMT -5
A major issue about falling away is, like deception, it is unknown to the subject. When our government entices us to sin, we are on a very slippery slope indeed. We can still blather away and quote scripture, but often reality is far away from us. If we subscribe (wittingly or unwittingly) to a Godless system, are we not on that slippery slope? While we make noises about the MOB, are our minds and hands linked to the adversary's diabolic plans? Are you admonishing or warning about something here brother? Please don't hesitate to clarify and be more frank....a trumpet needs to give a clear sound. If you are seeing a problem, I hope you will explain further.
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Post by justinadams on Jan 6, 2019 7:11:40 GMT -5
The 'trumpet' is a method of awakening. Then the senses of the individuals, once roused, can appraise the dangers. If we read 1984 and watch The Hunger Games and its sequels, we will get a very good picture of what we should be alerted to. Holly-weird is often used by our Lord to highlight issues that may have overcome us all. We are desensitized. Take 'Prometheus' and its original script for instance. Uncanny in its presentation of a truth we are afraid to face. (Gen 6) There is nothing new under the sun, just differing ways to present anathema and make it more 'palatable'. You may have read, 'one man's meat is another man's poison'. This is a very telling commentary on the duality we all face.
We so often contend about borderline issues and expend energy on the partially known and the imagined. Just look at the 'tube' videos and the Face-ache blather; and 'squawks' of the various media entities is incessant.
A squawk used to be a notice in an airplane flight log to annotate a problem. Or ATC would ask a crew to 'squawk ident' on their transponder. But today everyone seems intent on squawking drivel. What is true and what is not is not the issue - WHAT I THINK is the issue, so give me a 'like' and I will be content for ten seconds.
If enough lemmings give me a 'like' then we can all call it fact.
Opinion has replaced reality. As Hitler said, 'say it often enough and loud enough, then the people will believe it'.
The media is intent on inflaming our emotions at every turn. Then it facilitates turning that emotion into fact. And you just cannot argue with fact no matter what.
That is the problem. The frog has been boiled nicely. Who is left to hear the trumpet?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2019 9:02:13 GMT -5
The 'trumpet' is a method of awakening. Then the senses of the individuals, once roused, can appraise the dangers. If we read 1984 and watch The Hunger Games and its sequels, we will get a very good picture of what we should be alerted to. Holly-weird is often used by our Lord to highlight issues that may have overcome us all. We are desensitized. Take 'Prometheus' and its original script for instance. Uncanny in its presentation of a truth we are afraid to face. (Gen 6) There is nothing new under the sun, just differing ways to present anathema and make it more 'palatable'. You may have read, 'one man's meat is another man's poison'. This is a very telling commentary on the duality we all face. We so often contend about borderline issues and expend energy on the partially known and the imagined. Just look at the 'tube' videos and the Face-ache blather; and 'squawks' of the various media entities is incessant. A squawk used to be a notice in and airplane flight log to annotate a problem. Or ATC would ask a crew to 'squawk ident' on their transponder. But today everyone seems intent on squawking drivel. What is true and what is not is not the issue - WHAT I THINK is the issue, so give me a 'like' and I will be content for ten seconds. If enough lemmings give me a 'like' then we can all call it fact. Opinion has replaced reality. As Hitler said, 'say it often enough and loud enough, then the people will believe it'. The media is intent on inflaming our emotions at every turn. Then it facilitates turning that emotion into fact. And you just cannot argue with fact no matter what. That is the problem. The frog has been boiled nicely. Who is left to hear the trumpet? Each individual needs to hear from the Lord themselves, trumpets are to wake us up to be listening and seeking and following the LORD, and His sheep know HIS voice and another they will not follow. We can only serve Him in freedom freely, otherwise we are not really serving Him at all, but another. No one can be coerced or pressured or brainwashed by others into obeying the Lord, that would be an oxymoron, and very antichrist in itself. Is that what you meant by anathema....because that would be anathema. The mark of the beast concerns our hearts first and foremost and it will test us.......and I think we can't discount the fact that what's in the heart of man has real and concrete manifestations. "Show me your faith by your works." Things are coming to a head at the end of the age, everything is maturing and coming to the full.....sin/transgression, as well as the wheat and the tares....all fully grown. That is clearly what scripture tells us. And the things that are shaping up just all seems to uncannily follow the pattern of Babel very neatly (He had the things about Babel written down for better reasons than to give us a history lesson).....except that in the end God is giving fallen man and devil enough rope to all but hang himself, apart from a few survivors. Why...ultimately to prove Himself true. And to wipe the slate clean and begin again with a new heavens/earth. Even so, this is just my share of watching and we only see and know in part.....and I'm not married to what I think I know.....it could all be out in left field and I'm more than willing to lay it all down and declare myself a fool. Actually I don't have to wait to say it....I am a fool already, in spades, lol, and that is why my soul waits for the LORD, and pray for His help even to be able to know when it's Him.....He is the only one who isn't a fool. To hear from the Lord we often have to shut out all other voices (including our own) in order to be able to hear HIS still small voice. It's one reason in His wisdom that He led me out of the churches and why we all need to have a habit of shutting ourselves in with Him and ask Him to sift what we think we know. We're all going to be wrong on some things, in some ways, but the point is to be looking to HIM and not to ourselves or to others. One thing He has taught me is that He is the only one who can keep my soul, I can't keep myself. Having the right information won't keep me from falling, only the LORD can, and that is why we will all with perfect justness lay our crowns at HIS feet. Yes, Hollyweird does give us a pretty clear view of what is in the imaginations of man....and since man follows his own vain imaginations, we shouldn't be too surprised when things end up there in reality. The movies are all so dark now. Hollywood has an awful lot to answer for in how it has led and is leading the whole world astray. God knows.
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Post by justinadams on Jan 7, 2019 5:39:40 GMT -5
You are right on the money Watchful. I capitalized your name for a reason. Thanks.
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