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1

Bible Discussion / Dreams and Visions

« on: July 04, 2023, 01:39:14 PM »

"The Lord spoke to me in a dream!"

Just go to Youtube and type in: "prophetic dream".  You could waste hours watching people tell their accounts of dreams and visions that "the Lord has given" them.  Sadly, these people are confused and deceived.  They don't quite understand how the devil works, so they fall into the same trap that I did before I was born again.  (Believing that I had prophetic dreams that could only come from God)

It's crazy how many people are ready to hear the "word of the Lord" from a cat lady who claims to have had a dream from God rather than going to the Bible.  Some of these videos have tens of thousands of views (I saw one that had 253K views all from just one MONTH ago) and comment sections filled with "Praise the Lord!" and "Maranatha! Jesus is coming soon!"

And all this praise is because of someone's pathetic unbiblical dream.

The most exciting Youtube prophets seem to be the ones that share their "rapture dreams".  These accounts are  most definitely ear tickling fodder for those who lack discernment.  I saw that one of these videos (from 8 days ago) has already been viewed by 6K people.  The woman's channel is called FaithInTheFire777 so you know that with a name like that, she just has to be born again. 

Of course I'm being sarcastic, but it really is sad to see so many deluded people like this who think that they'll be translated into the Kingdom of Heaven.  This is nothing to laugh at, and to hear Jesus say "I never knew you: depart from me" would be the worst thing that anybody could ever hear.

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Matthew 7:22-23

Unfortunately, the reality of this verse will become clear to this woman if she doesn't fall to her knees in humble repentance.  If you watch her video all the way through, you can see that her testimony lacks godly sorrow and grief over sin.  Instead, it's all about having a "divine appointment" making a "profession of faith" and "becoming born again".  This is NOT a testimony!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvnizBtUKVY

But this post isn't about a Youtuber's testimony.  (I just wanted to point out the churchianity/easy believism that we see all to often in the world.)  Instead, this post is about the danger and deception of prophetic dreams.

As I was reading in Matthew 27, I came to this passage (vs 17-18 are posted for context):

17. Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? 18. For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.

19. When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.
Matthew 27:17-19

Some might be tempted to say that this was a dream from God.  I mean, Jesus was a just man!  All that was true, so what would be wrong with someone having a dream that, if obeyed by her husband, would've saved Jesus' life?  The dream seems so innocent and good on the surface, but when you look at it up close, you can see how destructive it was meant to be.

The dream was given to the wife of the governor (Pilate). Not only was she (most likely) able to influence him with her opinions, but this was a prophetic dream that carried even more weight.  Pilate was the one person who had the power to overrule the mob's decision and release Jesus. 

Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?
John 19:10

This dream was a warning for Pilate not to be a part of the judgement against Christ, but was it also satan's attempt to ultimately stop God's plan of redemption? Or was this simply a case of Pilate's wife being troubled in her own mind and then eating something spicy before bed?  Why is this dream recorded in the Bible? 

We know that God DID give dreams to certain people throughout the Bible, but we see other instances of vain dreams from the devil. 

For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they went their way as a flock, they were troubled, because there was no shepherd.
Zechariah 10:2

We also know that satan transforms himself into an angel of light, so these false dreams can seem like they're good.

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
2 Corinthians 11:14

Before I was born again, I had numerous "prophetic dreams" that really ended up happening.  I used to think that they were a gift from God, but now I know that they were actually a wicked divining spirit.  The dreams were innocent enough, like I dreamed very specific things about people's pregnancies, injuries and other events.  In one case I dreamed that my grandmother hit her head on the fire place and laid there all night.  In my dream I couldn't pick her up or help her, but I stood in her kitchen and just watched over her all night long.  In the morning I called my mom to see if my grandma was okay (because when I would have these dreams about people, I was used to them being true.)  My mother told me that she wasn't okay, she had hit her head on the fireplace and laid there all night...just like in my dream.

Why would I now (since I've been born again) think that these dreams were from a wicked spirit and not a gift from God?  Because they did what they were supposed to do.  They made me feel like I was special, and I took pride in the fact that people were in awe of my "prophetic dreams".  It kept me on the wrong track to hell when I believed that I was going to Heaven because "God wouldn't give me a gift like that unless I was one of His".  Meanwhile, I never picked up a Bible to read God's written word.  My "spirituality" was based on my dreams, experiences, and foolish deceitful heart.

It's a miracle that I received salvation, and I praise God because I was once one of those who was fixated on rapture dreams, feelings and experiences, but now I see that it's complete nonsense.  God's word is the objective standard of truth, and nothing else. 

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
John 17:17

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2 Timothy 3:16

The verse doesn't say, All DREAMS and experiences are given by inspiration of God, but so many people look to them as the final authority for all matters of faith and practice.  The woman (in the video) that I mentioned earlier might have read the next verse, but she still puts more faith in her "rapture dream" wherein she heard from an angel that her family was going to be raptured.

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Galatians 1:8

When people have dreams about the rapture and then see it as proof that "the believing will soon be leaving" (a cutesy catch phrase I've heard from pre tribbers); I just see it as satan having a hay day with those who follow their heart and trust in their experiences.  These foolish "prophets" are deceiving and being deceived when they boast their rapture dreams.

3. Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!

6. They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word.  7. Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith it; albeit I have not spoken?  8. Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord GOD.
Ezekiel 13:3,6-8

Pre trib rapture dreams should be seen for what they are; a "gift" from another god (the god of the dreamer's wicked and vain imagination).

For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.
Ecclesiastes 5:7

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Bible Discussion / Body of Corruption

« on: June 28, 2023, 06:59:42 PM »

As I was listening to Chris' teaching this last Sunday (6/25/23) on 1 Corinthians, I was blessed with some understanding of how I'm supposed to see things.  It was a correction of how I'd been looking at Job's life and his walk through that fiery trial. I hope that you'll all be able to follow me as I go through this.

You see, when I read Job, I can feel his pain.  I have a disease that is similar to Job's condition in that I have painful sores that don't go away.  These sores are only one of the aspects of the disease, but I don't really want to go into the ways I'm affected and/or the symptoms at this time.  That's not what this is about.  The point is that I identify with Job's suffering in a direct way.

The things he says, the way he describes his agony, his wondering why, his weariness of living, and even his friends advice and false accusations...I've experienced it all just like I'm sure you all have in one way or another in your own trials in life.  The problem was that I kept thinking that God was going to take this disease away, that I was going to see my suffering end, my life change for the better, I would gain back what I had lost and I would come out with the Lord blessing me in the latter end more than the beginning!

Forgive my naiveté, but I suppose it has much to do with a desire for this struggle to end, and also to get on to the business of living a "normal life".  So, I thought there might possibly be a happy ending to my own situation since I'm now saved and walking with the Lord.  Reading about more blessings being bestowed upon Job at the end of his trial sounded really good to me.

I want to post what I heard Chris say in his teaching on Sunday so you can listen if you want, but I can tell you that he was speaking on 1 Corinthians 15:38-45.  The specific verse that he was speaking about is 1 Corinthians 15:43 when all of a sudden I was reminded of Job, and glory to God, my understanding of that book was opened up in a new way.  https://ia902709.us.archive.org/29/items/bereansonline0453/bereansonline0453.mp3

This is Chris' commentary on the verses that led up to the understanding I got.

The glory (or the splendor and magnificence) of a blade of grass is certainly not comparible to the glory of the sun, and the idea is that we have a terrestrial body now, but the saints of God will receive a spiritual body that will be more glorious than the fleshly body, which is a simplistic way to give us a concept of the glory which is to come after Christ's return.

[v41] There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.

The sun, moon, and stars all have their magnificence, but the sun far outshines the moon, and the moon far outshines the stars. Paul is pointing out the differences between them to make the next point.

[v42] So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:

Just as there are differences in celestial bodies, there will also be differences in the glorified bodies of the saints in the reign of Christ, but all who repent and believe will be raised alive. Just as the seed breaks down in corruption, and is raised up without corruption, so shall the saints of God, having the same body, but different than what it was.

[v43] It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:

Christ, as the only sinless man, was beaten, bruised, and pierced in His crucifixion, but after His death, He was raised in glory. We were sown into this world as sinful, shameful, and unclean, but by the grace of Christ, we will be raised into glory. We were sown in weakness, not just as babies who have no means to live on their own, requiring everything to be done for them, but also weak in that we are foolish, ignorant, subject to injury, starvation, and disease; yet, when we are translated into the Kingdom of God (Col 1:13), we will be raised in His power, having a clear understanding, and no longer subject to the weaknesses of the flesh.

If you listen to the teaching on audio, Chris adds a little more commentary which was part of what made me think about Job.  He said:

I'm going through the process of a seed. I'm slowly decaying, and I will die, and upon that death, then I will be raised incorruptible; far, far better than when I was younger.

...So, for us Christians, that's why we don't worry about those things [ie. ailments, the body breaking down, decaying and dying] it's because we're getting them [vibrant bodies] back, and not just getting them back, but getting much, much more.

*The brackets in these quotes were my understanding of what Chris was saying, so please forgive me if I got that part wrong.

If you want to listen, this part is at about @17:42-18:38 in the audio.

It was at this point that I thought about the story of Job. Yes, the book of Job is to be taken literally, but there is another way that I take it now.  Job's trial was difficult; so difficult, in fact, that he just wanted to die/wished that he had never been born, but Job endured and never cursed God.  He went through his trial magnifying God and trusting Him through the storm.

Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.
Job 13:15

At the end of his trial, Job received back the abundance of what he had lost, and even much, much more.

So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses.
Job 42:12

When Job truly understood his foolishness to question Almighty God (God's timing and why this had happened to Job) then he abhorred himself (had godly sorrow and grief/repentance).

1 Then Job answered the LORD, and said, 2. I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee. 3. Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. 4. Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. 5. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.

6. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.
Job 42:1-6

Job's body (when it was covered in sores) is a picture of a body sown in corruption. Through repentance and faith, we receive salvation/the gift of grace.  Job's trial is a picture of the way we are to pick up our cross and follow Jesus; by living in obedience, holding fast to His precepts, reading God's word, keeping every thought captive, and striving against sin.  With patience and trusting God through trials, we shall come forth as gold.

10. But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.  11. My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.  12. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
Job 23:10-12

Suddenly it became clear to me that the end of Job's life was a picture of being raised in glory.  His healed body is a picture of being raised in power; in a sinless, incorrupt and spiritual state. The abundant blessings that came after his trial are a picture of our new bodies and treasures in Heaven.  Yes, Job experienced more blessings than before in this life while he lived out the remainder of his days on earth, but that's not the case for many people.  We are told that we will suffer affliction and go through this life having tribulation.

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33

Receiving healing blessings and being able to "live life" at this time would be a wonderful thing, but I have to keep in mind that the suffering in this life is nothing compared to the glory that I will see in Heaven.

17. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
2 Corinthians 4:17

15. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.  16. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:  17. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.  18. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Romans 8:15-18

So, this was just a little more of a reality check for me and helpful for my growth, and I just wanted to share what I learned about the lesson in Job with everyone here.

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General Discussion / Re: Chicken or Egg? (The Entertainment Industry and it's Bizarre Downward Spiral)

« on: June 10, 2023, 05:11:35 PM »

I know a lot of the stage shows feature choreographed dancing and I wonder if there's a similarity between those move sets and the move sets used in martial arts or "katas" as they're known. Eric Wilson, formerly a very high ranking in numerous styles of martial arts (while he does have a testimony of being saved, he for some reason decided to join the seventh day adventists and defends Ellen G White, so...leavened for sure.) said that after he turned his back on the martial arts world he saw that a lot of the forms and katas that he used to do, if you look at them from above, they draw out certain characters or symbols if seen from above.

Wow.  I didn't know that about the "katas", but that is interesting.  I do know that certain dances are to gods like the cosmic dances to the Hindu god Shiva.   Shiva is often depicted as a dancer of the tantric Tandava dance. My best friend of 30 years (now ex best friend since being born again) was taking lessons on this form of tantric dance.  There is also a pose in yoga (something we were both participating in) that depicts a dancing figure of Shiva. 

Some people, are naive to the deeper meaning of all these forms of dance and/or poses.  I just saw dance as exercise, fun and also fulfilling the lusts of the flesh (pride in my ability/drawing attention from men and women...ALL BAD, ALL WRONG!)  It was not in ANY way used for good or innocent, but I wasn't really diving into the meaning. 

Other people do the dances to specifically invoke and worship these gods, and they know exactly what they're doing.

This is a quote from wikipedia about sacred dance:

Sacred dance is the use of dance in religious ceremonies and rituals, present in most religions throughout history and prehistory. Its connection with the human body and fertility

*emphasis added

The theologian W. O. E. Oesterley proposed in 1923 that sacred dance had several purposes, the most important being to honour supernatural powers; the other purposes were to "show off" before the powers; to unite the dancer with a supernatural power, as in the dances for the Greek goddesses Demeter and Persephone;[2] making the body suitable as a temporary dwelling-place for the deity, by dancing ecstatically to unconsciousness; making crops grow, or helping or encouraging the deity to make them grow, as with Ariadne's Dance as described in the Iliad;[3][4] consecrating a victim for sacrifice (as with the Israelites circling the altar, or the Sarawak Kayans circling a sacrificial pig); paying homage to the deity present for an initiation ceremony; helping warriors to victory in battle, and appeasing the spirits of the enemy killed in battle; averting the dangers associated with marriage, at a wedding ceremony; and at a funeral or mourning ceremony, purposes such as driving away the malevolent ghost of the dead person, or preventing the ghost from leaving the grave, or frightening off any evil spirits attracted by the corpse, or temporarily and invisibly bringing the dead person back to join in the dance, or simply honouring the dead person.[4]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacred_dance

There are other dances, music and poses designed to worship or invoke false gods/devils, but it that would be a whole study that would be most helpful if you had a child or teenager who wanted to get into these forms of dance/yoga/music etc.  Hopefully by seeing the deeper meaning, it would open their eyes to the danger in it.

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General Discussion / Re: May I return?

« on: June 10, 2023, 04:31:11 PM »

Dan,

After writing my response to you, I was led to go back through more of your previous posts.  I had not read your posts on conspiracy theories because, frankly, I wasn't interested in moon landing questions and chats about 9/11 (which are what you were writing about.) 

After reading further, now I see that your first 9/11 post https://www.creationliberty.com/forum/index.php?topic=1666.0 was VERY important; even more important than both your introductions https://www.creationliberty.com/forum/index.php?topic=1663.0 https://www.creationliberty.com/forum/index.php?topic=1732.0
and apology
https://www.creationliberty.com/forum/index.php?topic=1703.0(which is what I based my initial response on).  The conversation and what was said in that thread gave me even more of a picture of your confusion about repentance. 

Since reading the conversation between you and Chris, it has given me more insight and I can see that Chris has been very patient with you in trying to point out your contradictions and lead you to more understanding.  It's easy to see that he had done all that he could for you.  Saying anything more to you would have just been redundant.  I hope that you can see why he didn't continue a conversation with you.  It would have been pointless.  You weren't hearing or understanding him.

Based on what I've read, I agree with what Chris said.  I'm not convinced that you've truly been born again.  At first,was unsure thinking that you were simply a new baby Christian, but after going through the 9/11 post (where you were talking about repentance) things became more clear to me. 

This is why growing up going to "church" buildings is so dangerous.  It's so difficult for a person who has attended and been indoctrinated with the language, doctrine and traditions to come to an understanding of TRUE repentance.  In my opinion, it's probably way harder for someone who was in a church for so long, to see their own wickedness and need for salvation than it is for a satanist to receive repentance.

What I said in my response to your question was pretty much just a shorter version of what Chris has already said to you about repentance.  However, you did ask for a response, and based on what I had read, that's how I formed my post. So, I really hope that you come back and read this because I want to add something to my prior post, and that is this advice:

Although it was pretty much implied, I'll say it a little more clear...
Examine yourself.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
2 Corinthians 13:5

Humble yourself and pray for God to give you repentance.  Ask Him to break your heart and show you the wickedness of a life of sin. 

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
Matthew 7:7

I would not just go to another church or forum for answers (because you might be getting more false info and confirmation that your beliefs on repentance are "a okay") until you have spent some time on your knees in prayer and reflection, alone with God.

Being a part of something and having fellowship with other born again believers is definitely a wonderful thing.  It's edifying, helps with refining, and it aids in growth, but it's not what should be at the top of anyone's list of desires.  God's truth and repentance to salvation should be at the top of that list.  A relationship with Jesus is WAY more important than any forum or group...and that relationship is impossible without His gift of repentance.  That is why I'm writing this to you or any person who comes to the forum and happens to read this. 

But seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Matthew 6:33
*emphasis added

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. 45Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: 46Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
Matthew 13:44-46

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General Discussion / Re: Chicken or Egg? (The Entertainment Industry and it's Bizarre Downward Spiral)

« on: June 09, 2023, 10:35:26 PM »

"Some Taylor Swift fans are reporting “post-concert-amnesia,” with some fans taking to social media to share their symptoms and feelings. Symptoms include not being able to remember key moments from the show and entering a dream-like state. Psychologists say emotions might be behind the amnesia. Dr. Michelle Phillips, senior lecturer in music pyschology at the Royal Northern College of Music, says it’s not that fans won’t remember the show but that fans will remember only some aspects of the show."

This is the purpose of Hollywood and the entertainment industry.  It is to lull the idolaters into a trance and distract them from every coming to the truth of the Bible. It's very effective too; hence part of the reason they get paid so much. These idols are tools of Satan, used to influence behavior and bewitch minds.

As you probably already know, druids/wizards/sorcerers used holly wood (wood from the holly tree) for their magic wands, and we know that Hollywood is a coven of witches who are placed there to bring a spell over those who watch and listen to their garbage.  Similar to the wand of holly wood.

The "artists"/spell casters are well aware of their power.  Here are some quotes that I found concerning the hypnotic/trance inducing power of music.

Max Richter:

The idea of music having a use goes back centuries. The beginnings of written-down music was the liturgy, and obviously that has a connection with the idea of a meditative state and all of that. So music can really be useful in that way.

Elton John:

Music has healing power. It has the ability to take people out of themselves for a few hours.

Jimmy Hendrix:

You can hypnotize people with music, and when you get them at their weakest point, you can preach into their subconscious whatever you want to say.

...and then, he also said:

The idea of a hypnotic riff as the prime mover of a piece of music has been around for a long time, whether you’re talking about the Delta blues or music from Middle Eastern and African cultures.

***

Beats take people into a trance and when you combine that with dance, you can go deeper. 

Goa Gil:

Dance is active meditation. When we dance, we go beyond thought, beyond mind and beyond our individuality to become one in the divine ecstasy of the union with the cosmic spirit. This is the essence of the trance dance experience.

Their are too many quotes to mention, but you get the idea.  Music, especially the satanic music coming from these idols is a tool of the enemy.

I agree with what you said here:

I'm calling it a two part problem, part one, this would have to be some kind of demonic influence on a crowd which does happen at these kinds of concerts as well as from major celebrities who have sold themselves for money and fame, and I think the second part is people opening themselves up to receive things like this. Also I have to wonder if the demonic influence is becoming greater these days too

I remember when I used to be in the electronic music scene.  As I danced to the music I literally felt as if something took over.  As creepy as it sounds, I gave myself over to the music.  My body was able to do things that I could not do on my own.  It seemed as if something else was bending and moving me.  When I look back, I'm convinced that it was possession.

Praise God that once I was born again, God took the love of that kind of music out of me.  I remember driving down the road shortly after I was saved.  I was listening to my favorite music and I came to a stop sign.  At that very moment I thought, "I can't listen to this anymore!" It was the conviction of the Holy Spirit.  Immediately, I turned off the music and it hasn't been turned back on.  That was almost four years ago.

6

General Discussion / Re: May I return?

« on: June 08, 2023, 07:38:27 PM »

Hi Dan,

In response to your question of whether or not you can "participate in this forum normally", l do not have the answer for that.  I did, however, just want to ask a question (and I'm not looking for you to answer me, you can simply ask yourself this question). 

What makes the time you said:

I fully repented and came to Jesus Christ in January of 2023.

any different from the time you said:

and I repent for all of the lies, deception, and contention I've caused on the forum. I repent for all I have done, and for lying to you guys and to Jesus Christ, and I assure you that my repenting is not one akin to Hebrews 12:15-17.

or from the time you said:

I have repented in Jesus Christ after looking back at my deception and sin two months ago.

or from the time you said this:

I also apologize for deceiving myself and others regarding my repentance, and I hope that you guys believe me when I say that I've since repented for my sins (including my deception and contention).

Like I said, these are questions you should ask yourself.  In my experience I need to think about questions like this and talk with God about them.

16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Repentance is serious, and if you are confused about it, then you should really be going to God in prayer.

I like to pray these verses: (not like a ritual, but in humble sincerity/understanding and hating the wickedness of my sin)
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23-24

Once a person is TRULY born again, and receives repentance...
(repentance is a gift from God)
25In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; IF GOD peradventure WILL GIVE them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth
(2 Timothy 2:25) ;
*emphasis added

...THEN, at that very moment, they are a new creation in Christ Jesus.  They're not perfect, but they're transformed by the power of God (born again), given a new heart for God and new desires.

I understand that you want to go to a forum where you can discuss doctrine with born again believers, but before all that happens, it's really important that you address the most serious issue at hand and that is your salvation and how you understand repentance.  This is a conversation between you and God. 

I hope this is helpful.

7

Evangelism / Re: "He's already got us"

« on: June 06, 2023, 11:31:43 AM »

It's not really a wonder why Pride is at the forefront of sin in t he bible

I think that pride and fear are at the root of all sins.  Every sin (that I can think of) involves these two motivators.

8

Evangelism / "He's already got us"

« on: June 03, 2023, 08:07:01 PM »

Today I was passing out tracts and it went rather well (I passed out more than my goal).  However, I noticed that the people who didn't want to even take a tract or chat were the ones that said things like, "I'm already a resident of Heaven" or "I already read mine every day" (I wasn't passing out Bibles), but the one that really got me was "No thanks, He's already got us".  I barely heard what she said as the woman and her friend walked off, but then looking back over her shoulder she said, "I'm glad He has you too!"

I'm not very quick, but there was so much I could have said at that point.  There was no humility from what I could see as they walked off, but her comments stuck with me. 

...He's already got us.  I'm glad He has you too.

  It got me thinking, Wow, what a prize I am.  Isn't God just blessed to have us? (sarcasm)

Really, what would God want with me?  I kinda look at it the other way around because I did NOTHING to deserve salvation in Jesus. I wonder "why me?" sometimes.  Why would God lead ME to salvation?  I lived my whole life a fool and disgrace.  I'm surprised that He didn't give me over to a reprobate mind, but I don't think that "He's got me" now, so the Kingdom is that much better off.  Rather I think that I have received salvation all Glory to God!  Now I have HIM for a Father.

It's just a little experience that I had today that I wanted to share.  I was glad to have some conversations with people that I didn't expect and they went well.  One man said that he was "working on it".  I'm assuming that he meant salvation, so I told him that he couldn't work on it.  "Well what am I supposed to do?" he asked.  "I ask for forgiveness all the time".   I was then able to tell him that repentance is godly sorrow over sin, he must have repentance and faith and then gave him a bit of my testimony.  (He took a tract with him)

Anyway, the lady's comment made me ponder. 

9

Bible Discussion / Re: Was Jeremiah Referring to Psalms?

« on: March 17, 2023, 05:30:01 PM »

This morning I just saw another Psalm that Jeremiah could be referring to! 

Psalm 36

How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.
Psalm 36:7

10

Bible Discussion / Was Jeremiah Referring to Psalms?

« on: March 16, 2023, 07:06:23 PM »

Reading in Lamentations today, I saw this verse:

The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the LORD, was taken in their pits, of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the heathen.
Lamentations 4:20

It just made me wonder if Jeremiah was referring to Psalm 91 when he was reflecting, "...of whom we said"

Here's the verse in Psalm 91 that made me think that:

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1

If he's not referring to Psalm 91, does anyone have more of an understanding of this passage (Lam 4:20)?

If Jeremiah is referring to Psalm 91, it's really cool to see how the Bible unfolds and it just makes it more alive to me.  It paints a broader picture when I see instances like Jesus talking about Jonah, Paul quoting from the OT, Jesus pointing back to Isaiah (pointing out prophesy of Himself) and Jeremiah possibly referring to Psalm 91. 

11

General Discussion / Re: "Apostle" Kathryn Krick

« on: March 11, 2023, 12:10:58 AM »

Pretty much everyone in the New Apostolic Reformation.

Okay, I've heard of NAR, but I didn't know that this is what it was.  Good to know.  Although, I guess the "Apostolic" part should have been my first clue.  LOL!

12

General Discussion / "Apostle" Kathryn Krick

« on: March 10, 2023, 03:37:23 PM »

Yesterday, in the church meeting, I mentioned the false apostle Kathryn Krick.  Today when I went to my computer I received a reply to my comment that I made to her.  When I clicked on it, I realized that I had left the comment under my other channel, so apparently it had not been erased like I initially had thought.

Just for some back story for anyone who was not at the meeting, a video of Kathryn Krick was recently sent to me and the sender asked me what I thought about her.  It's obviously hot garbage, but if you want to see what I'm talking about, here is the video:

https://youtu.be/GRTSnO0zlB0

I realize that you can get an idea just from the title that this woman has given herself, but it's definitely trippy that so many people can be deceived by such nonsense. 

Here's the comment I left in her comment section:

Morgellons is Nanotechnology
2 days ago

Kathryn Krick:  If you have the fear of God and you call yourself a "Christian", then you need to get on your knees and beg God for forgivness of your MANY sins that you are commiting here.  You're a deceiver, a profiteer, and a false apostle. (Just to start with)   Don't you believe the word of God?

1 Tiimothy 2:12  But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

Don't you fear God???
James 3:1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.


You are walking on THIN ice, lady.  Deceiving all these lost souls and making MERCHANDISE of them all.

2 Peter 2:3
And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

I would NOT want to be you.  No way!

I would not want to stand in front of a Holy God and hear Him say: I NEVER knew you. DEPART from Me!  The thought of that should scare the white pants off of you.  Cause that is what you are going to hear.

Matthew 7:21-23 KJV
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

To the rest of you.  This is a pathetic grifter.  Kathryn is A SINNER who needs salvation.  This is just another case of the blind leading the blind.  Repent and seek Jesus now before it's too late.

This is what I received in my inbox this morning:

†𝟏𝟓𝟎𝟏𝟒𝟒𝟔𝟕𝟎𝟏­𝟕👈𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐬𝐚̀𝐩𝐩 replied to Oso Weak But He Is Strong's comment
   Revival is Now South Africa
   
†𝟏𝟓𝟎𝟏𝟒𝟒𝟔𝟕𝟎𝟏­𝟕👈𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐬𝐚̀𝐩𝐩
Thanks for watching Get in touch directly!!!⬆️ Thanks🎗️🎗️.
REPLY

Actually, now that I'm looking at it, I see that she replied to this comment which IS from my channel, Oso Weak But He Is Strong:

Oso Weak But He Is Strong
22 hours ago

Kathryn Krick the DECEIVER!!  You are of your father, $*t@n and not of God/Jesus of the Bible.

I don't plan on calling this woman.  My thoughts are that she's a deceiver and this could possibly even be a scam or trap.  It did, however, make me wonder; does anyone have an account of preaching to a charismatic or a person who calls themselves an apostle?  Where would you even start with someone so deceived?  Are there any verses that you could point to that would make them think about this doctrine of devils and possibly help wake them up?

13

Evangelism / Re: Passing Out Tracts

« on: March 07, 2023, 06:04:27 PM »

Thank you for your input Kevin. I do see your points.

Unfortunately it might do more against the gospel message than for it.

Yikes! Okay, this is what I don't want, so my next question is, do you have a different more effective way?  Any suggestions that might help me get over 600 bible tracts out there?  How have you done it?  Thanks again.

14

Evangelism / Re: Passing Out Tracts

« on: March 06, 2023, 07:17:59 PM »

Thank you all for your ideas, encouragement and advice.  I'm so glad that I was able to wake up to some helpful edifying posts from those of you who have more experience with this.  They were beneficial to read before I went out.  For example:

Posted by: creationliberty
« on: Today at 09:10:24 AM »Insert Quote
Quote from: Rowan M. on Today at 06:30:27 AM
One thing I used to do, and maybe could do again, was be a sort of "Gospel mailman" and just drop tracts in letterboxes.
Be careful about that in the U.S. There are laws against putting things inside mailboxes from anyone who is not a postal worker.

I didn't know this for sure.  I thought that Rowan's idea sounded like a good one, but it's good to know that this is something I should not do.

I loved this advice from Aussie Chris

Go nuts 

And followed Kenneth's advice:

Just do it.

So I ended up going to a bus transfer station and placing them on car windows again.  Then took one and put it at the bus stop.  I had two left and remembered that Chris and Rowan had said the library, so I decided to place the last two there.  When I was pulling into the parking lot, I saw two people (a male with lots of tattoos and an older female) outside smoking cigarettes.  I asked for God to give me a boldness if He wanted me to give the last two to them. 

Praise God, He DID!

I remembered reading what Rowan had said:

Occasionally, I even hand them directly to people! When I do that, I usually just ask them, "Would you like something to read?"

So, that was my exact approach.

They both were very receptive and I was even able to give them my testimony in a nutshell.  I just told them that Jesus had saved my life from 24 years of meth addiction and almost committing suicide, and I just wanted to share with people what Jesus did for me.  The female was smiling and she said that Jesus had saved her too.  At that point, I was even able to go on further in discussion.

I told her that we can compare ourselves to other people and think that we are good, but the only thing that we should actually compare ourselves to is the law of God, and when we know that we aren't as good as we thought, then we reach out to Jesus for salvation. 

I know it wasn't perfect, but I was very nervous and I just pray that God will water those seeds that I planted.  The tracts I gave them explain the law and everything that I didn't say, so I'm happy about that.

I'm sure that this will all get easier and I'll get more used to it, but since passing out tracts is new to me, it really did help to read your replies before I set out.  Thanks again for the encouragement.

15

Evangelism / Passing Out Tracts

« on: March 05, 2023, 07:49:55 PM »

I've never passed out pamphlets before, but recently I aquired a large box of Bible tracts.  I was very excited to get started so I prayed that God would lead me to where I should go.  Today was a nice enough day (not rainy), so I decided to put them on car windows at a location where there are a bunch of differents bars and restaurants in one area.

As I was putting the tracts under the wiper blades of random cars, I wondered if that was such a great idea.  Am I being lazy by not handing them out to individual people...face to face?  Is there a more effective way I could be doing this?  My goal, of course, is for these to be read and not tossed out.  I know that even if I hand them out the same thing could happen, but at least it would mean that the recipient was willingly accepting something. When I put them on car windows, I'm kind of forcing something on them.  Or am I?  Maybe this method is okay.

I was just wondering if anyone could give me some feedback.  Have you passed out Bible tracts before?  How did you do it?  Do you have any advice or tips for me?  Is the car window idea a good one or not?  Thank you for any and all advice.

By the way, yesterday I actually gave out my very first tract to a person who knocked on my door.  They were asking for a donation for their little league.  One thing I know for sure, if you're a random person who knocks on my door, from now on, you're gonna get a Bible tract. 

16

Bible Discussion / Re: A Time In The Wilderness

« on: March 04, 2023, 01:51:17 PM »

I just wanted to add that I happened to be reading Proverbs Chapter 3 yesterday and I was able to see the truth of this passage as God was giving me more understanding:

13Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.

14For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.

15She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

16Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.

17Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

18She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
Proverbs 3:13-18

What a blessing it is to receive anything from God.  He truly does know how to give good gifts.

17

Bible Discussion / Re: A Time In The Wilderness

« on: March 03, 2023, 11:33:34 PM »

Thank you so much for all your added insight. 

Aussie Chris:

find something you can do that serves him, and ask for a way to do it, and he will provide you either understanding to use the skills you have to do it, a way to get the tools/knowledge to do it, or bring you to a place where you can do it.

God knows that this is something I have been asking for, so perhaps I'm getting to a place where He's going to answer that prayer for me and this new insight is some understanding that will help me as I go out and do His will/spread His word.

To Kevin:

It would seem to be more correct that the pit is the fire of Hell.

In Isaiah 51:1 God was only referring to those who follow after righteousness, and those that seek the LORD that were digged out of the pit.  The rest of the people had their place in the pit, the fire of Hell.

Okay, so I was looking at the pit as a life of sin, but now I see it.  Jesus is "the Rock from whence ye are hewn" and the pit is the fire of Hell "whence ye are digged" and that makes more sense. Got it!

Rowan:

I suppose "the pit" could in some ways also represent our old life, which we were stuck in until Jesus saved us.

That's how I was seeing it, but I guess it's kind of the same because in our old life we we're condemned to hell already.

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 3:18

As for Egypt, I generally understand that to represent the world. The reason why many of the Israelites wanted to go back to Egypt is because they loved the world and not God, despite everything He had done for them.

Okay, that makes sense too.


Kenneth:

You just opened up a can of worms for me.  It looks like I need to do a study on sanctification. I'm sure Chris must have a teaching on it. 

I see it as a reward for doing what pleases him.

Praise God! This is all I want to do.

18

Bible Discussion / Re: A Time In The Wilderness

« on: March 02, 2023, 05:53:57 PM »

My mind is getting blown right now.  I was just praying and thanking God for that understanding, and I just realized that I need to not look back to Egypt! Which is a picture of my own life of sin!  (mind blown)  and just continue on (trusting and being content), by the grace of God, until I reach that Promised Land!

Not that I do look back longing for that life of sin, but it's just a picture of what God expects from me. I actually look back in disgust and the thought of my old life makes me groan audibly at times. 

(Side note) This is something that, when it would happen, I was told that it was from the devil who likes to remind me because he's trying to steal my joy and that when that happens, I should thank God for my salvation.  I want to thank Ellie for showing me the verse Isaiah 51:1

Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged.
Isaiah 51:1

Now I have a question?  Is "the pit whence [they] are digged" refering to Egypt?

I also wanted to mention, that in the post above, I wrote:

Just so you all know, I can be a little slow sometimes when it comes to "getting it"

While that statement may be true in some cases (LOL!) it does not appy in this case because it has nothing to do with me.  GOD is the one who gives me understanding when HE is ready to do so, and when I'm ready for it, so I just wanted to make it known that He also just reminded me of that.

Like I said, I feel incredibly blessed for ANY amount of understanding.  When anything clicks, it's ALL because God makes it click for me.  Glory to Him!!



 

19

Bible Discussion / A Time In The Wilderness

« on: March 02, 2023, 04:33:00 PM »

Just so you all know, I can be a little slow sometimes when it comes to "getting it".  I don't know why I never saw this before.

And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness. And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust.Psalm 78:17-18
 
When the Israelites were in the wilderness God was providing for them already.  They had everything that they needed, but it wasn't enough for them.  They asked for meat and complained about all the things that they had in Egypt; never thinking about the promised land where they would have milk and honey and all the good stuff. 

I looked at my own life and how I have complained and been unsatisfied with what I have at times.  (Especially as a baby Christian) when I should have been looking forward to the Promised Land which is Heaven!  I don't know why that just hit me so hard. Their time in the wilderness is a picture of our time here on earth!   Why am I just getting that now?

I should never complain!  I don't want to provoke God.  He makes sure that I have what I need. (Plus, God makes it clear that He hates murmering and complaining).  Instead, I should always be looking to the Promised Land that is soon to come.  This world is not my home; just as the wilderness was not their home.  While I'm here I just need to trust God that I will get exactly what I need and not seek to make my life more comfortable here.

I just had to sit down and right this because it's always a blessing and I'm filled with the joy of the Lord when He gives me ANY understanding.  It's something probably everyone already knows and gets, but I'm just happy to get a better grasp of how God wants me to live. 

20

Bible Discussion / Re: Hananiah - What He Shows Us About False Prophets and False Teachers Generally

« on: February 24, 2023, 08:14:51 PM »

Yes!  You said it much clearer, but this is exactly what I was referring to:

Infant baptism is a Catholic hijacking of Biblical baptism, which is only for adults (like a number of cults, they teach the heresy of baptismal regeneration - infant baptism becomes "logical" when you believe in that). The Eucharist, aka Mass, is a blasphemous mockery of the Lord's Supper. Just the name "eucharist", which comes from the Greek for "to thank", sounds so pretentious (and Rome loves putting on a grand show as well). With the confession of sins to a priest, that's more blasphemy in that they are trying to put a man in the place of God (when you think about it, the Roman clergy are trying to "be as gods").

Thank you for fleshing it out. 

His successor, Benedict XVI, was quite creepy-looking, so couldn't pull off the fake lamb act too well.

I couldn't agree more.  That guy looked absolutely demonically possessed and scary.  I can't imagine being a Catholic and thinking, "This is a man of God!"