The first churches after Christ vs. today’s church

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Blain

The Word Weaver
Aug 28, 2012
19,212
2,547
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#41
well maybe I didn't express myself quite right, but I was not talking about foreshadowing although Jesus dis say if they hated me they will hate you also

what I am saying, is that I do not believe this rosy picture some so called prophets paint, or the NAR church and so on and I was wondering about this comment of yours:

This power is going to come again and even more so than when the apostles at Pentecost had, God has been creating for himself a children to walk in his power and spirit like never before and this anointing is already on it's way.

anyway...
Honestly I don't understand it either and trust me I understand your skepticism all to well I was severely damaged by so called prophets in my early years of salvation and yet even still these so called prophets mislead and give false words from God to people who follow them my the thousands it absolutely infuriates me. Whether I am a prophet or not is not important to me I was never any one thing for him I offer my willingness but I do know I am very sensitive to his voice and I tell him every day to use me offering my willingness I fear speaking any kind of prophecy because I firstly do not feel worthy of being a prophet I see it as a very high and respectful position in his kingdom but also being a false prophet is my greatest fear and I don't trust myself to not mess that up

But at the same time this is what he told me in my spirit when he speaks through me there is a flow in the spirit and all I know to do is follow it it just happens naturally I don't even understand some of the things he speaks through me but you know me well enough judge my words by the fruits I present and decide for yourself regardless I just spoke as the spirit lead I don't really know how else to say it
 
Mar 28, 2016
15,954
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#42
Honestly I don't understand it either and trust me I understand your skepticism all to well I was severely damaged by so called prophets in my early years of salvation and yet even still these so called prophets mislead and give false words from God to people who follow them my the thousands it absolutely infuriates me. Whether I am a prophet or not is not important to me I was never any one thing for him I offer my willingness but I do know I am very sensitive to his voice and I tell him every day to use me offering my willingness I fear speaking any kind of prophecy because I firstly do not feel worthy of being a prophet I see it as a very high and respectful position in his kingdom but also being a false prophet is my greatest fear and I don't trust myself to not mess that up

But at the same time this is what he told me in my spirit when he speaks through me there is a flow in the spirit and all I know to do is follow it it just happens naturally I don't even understand some of the things he speaks through me but you know me well enough judge my words by the fruits I present and decide for yourself regardless I just spoke as the spirit lead I don't really know how else to say it

Prophecy like many other words are misunderstood by many. Prophecy is the word of God. To prophesy is to declare it as it is written the word of prophecy. There is no new prophecy we have the perfect sealed with 7 seals. False prophets and false prophecy add to it or take way from the perfect it. In that way we defend it as the one source of faith as it defends us .Put on the whole armor of prophecy.
 

Blain

The Word Weaver
Aug 28, 2012
19,212
2,547
113
#43
Prophecy like many other words are misunderstood by many. Prophecy is the word of God. To prophesy is to declare it as it is written the word of prophecy. There is no new prophecy we have the perfect sealed with 7 seals. False prophets and false prophecy add to it or take way from the perfect it. In that way we defend it as the one source of faith as it defends us .Put on the whole armor of prophecy.
Yes this is why I don't understand as to why he spoke this to me, I mean sure I could quote several scriptures on the anointing of the holy spirit how Jesus said we would do greater things than he did ect. but I am not going to try defend it by defiling scripture like that
Beleivers have been asking and wondering for a long time now why the church doesn't in the spirit as the first church and it leads them to false preachers claiming to walk in it false prophets false teachers and false acts of miracles via the holy spirit it is an abomination

But at the same time we should be walking in the spirit like this and obviously we have been in a dry season for a long time but in my studies of bible prophecy which is why I referenced the foreshadowing prophecy often times foreshadows itself which is that it happen more than once each time greater than the next until it is truly fulfilled this is the only reason I can think of as to why he spoke this to me. Even if I do not understand the reason for it we walk by faith not by our own understanding if I am called a false prophet fro it then that wouldn't be the worse I have been called
I am going to be doing some studies to better understand this
 
P

pottersclay

Guest
#44
exactly, not we are strong, but God´s power will shine through even more through our weakness. 2. Corinthians 12, 9&10
And that's why paul boasted about his weaknesses...good catch saint😉😉
 
L

lenna

Guest
#45
Honestly I don't understand it either and trust me I understand your skepticism all to well I was severely damaged by so called prophets in my early years of salvation and yet even still these so called prophets mislead and give false words from God to people who follow them my the thousands it absolutely infuriates me. Whether I am a prophet or not is not important to me I was never any one thing for him I offer my willingness but I do know I am very sensitive to his voice and I tell him every day to use me offering my willingness I fear speaking any kind of prophecy because I firstly do not feel worthy of being a prophet I see it as a very high and respectful position in his kingdom but also being a false prophet is my greatest fear and I don't trust myself to not mess that up

But at the same time this is what he told me in my spirit when he speaks through me there is a flow in the spirit and all I know to do is follow it it just happens naturally I don't even understand some of the things he speaks through me but you know me well enough judge my words by the fruits I present and decide for yourself regardless I just spoke as the spirit lead I don't really know how else to say it
I will always put scripture first. actually the Bible tells us to do so

no dreams, no prophecies, no words or interpretations are ever going to supercede God's word

I have heard many speaking as the 'spirit' supposedly led and few are actually speaking for God

yes I am skeptical.

the New Apostolic Reformation bunch constantly try to prophesy that it is going to keep getting better, even as the world crumbles around their ears

the problem is there are no repercussions for the false words. just the itching ears that receive them

no accountability because they all sit in the same camp offering the same false fires

I hope you do not buy into that
 

Blain

The Word Weaver
Aug 28, 2012
19,212
2,547
113
#46
I will always put scripture first. actually the Bible tells us to do so

no dreams, no prophecies, no words or interpretations are ever going to supercede God's word

I have heard many speaking as the 'spirit' supposedly led and few are actually speaking for God

yes I am skeptical.

the New Apostolic Reformation bunch constantly try to prophesy that it is going to keep getting better, even as the world crumbles around their ears

the problem is there are no repercussions for the false words. just the itching ears that receive them

no accountability because they all sit in the same camp offering the same false fires

I hope you do not buy into that
No it is by no means going to get better it is going to get far far worse anyone paying attention to the signs knows that the tribulation is on the horizon and I have seen so many people on youtube saying how so many wonderful times and rich blessings in our lives are coming and people just eat it up and then if you call them out on it you get attacked by all their followers and then quote God will not be mocked and such

And anyways such people only claim to speak for God for views or for popularity they speak good and hopeful things but part of being a prophet is also to speak things people don't want to hear and you maay be under heavy attacks from others if you only speak good and cheerful things then what will you do if you are called to speak of disaster wrath and destruction? But as for what I said I am going to be seeking God and studying in this I need to know why he spoke it to me and what it actually entails because like you said if it doesn't align with scripture what is the point?
 

Blain

The Word Weaver
Aug 28, 2012
19,212
2,547
113
#47
So I did some digging and apparently revival is correct term the anointing of the holy spirit but not as we know it? I hear of all these testimonies of miracles and things the first church did but always found out they were fake is what the first church did for this age or was that a one time thing? If i spoke incorrectly I apologize and will hold myself accountable
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
26,074
13,777
113
#48
Signs and wonders will return again during the tribulation
Moses and Elijah will perform genuine miracles while the Antichrist and the False Prophet will perform Satanic miracles.
 
Jan 12, 2019
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#49
Wow open my eyes to truth.....guess I need to change my mind here.....wait......nope...my righteousness is as filthy rags.
In fact Jesus imputed his righteousness toward me. Why because I have none.

On a personal note how dare you set a share among the brothers. You know very well that was not your first question.
How dare you have this intent of debate and set your mind on discord.
What is wrong with the church today this very act. You are a prime example .
No wonder new believers avoid this forum. They get caught up in this craftiness and leave not knowing what to believe.
Jesus said suffer the little children to come to him but it's this kind of mind set a foolishness that keep them away. You should be ashamed. You added on to your question turning it into another entirely subject after my reply.
Greater is he that is in me than he of the world. I wear his righteousness, I , we , none are righteous no not one.
By grace we are saved not by our works that you should be proud of.
Christ and him alone his mercy, his grace, his love, his kindness his forgiveness, his sacrifice, his righteousness,.
You are saying after Jesus impute his righteousness to you, you are still not confident that you are righteous?
 

Blain

The Word Weaver
Aug 28, 2012
19,212
2,547
113
#50
Wow open my eyes to truth.....guess I need to change my mind here.....wait......nope...my righteousness is as filthy rags.
In fact Jesus imputed his righteousness toward me. Why because I have none.

On a personal note how dare you set a share among the brothers. You know very well that was not your first question.
How dare you have this intent of debate and set your mind on discord.
What is wrong with the church today this very act. You are a prime example .
No wonder new believers avoid this forum. They get caught up in this craftiness and leave not knowing what to believe.
Jesus said suffer the little children to come to him but it's this kind of mind set a foolishness that keep them away. You should be ashamed. You added on to your question turning it into another entirely subject after my reply.
Greater is he that is in me than he of the world. I wear his righteousness, I , we , none are righteous no not one.
By grace we are saved not by our works that you should be proud of.
Christ and him alone his mercy, his grace, his love, his kindness his forgiveness, his sacrifice, his righteousness,.
Sorry I know this was a much earlier post but I wanted to speak to this. Yes we have sinned we have fallen short and do everyday but there is a difference between being humble and just putting ourselves down and trust me I do this to myself harshly everyday it is a struggle I battle inside all the time
However who does he say of us who does he say we are? We are made righteous through the blood of Jesus Christ we called kings and priests made holy through him that is holy.

You say your righteousness is made from filth and rags but this isn't what I see
 
Jan 12, 2019
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#52
Sorry I know this was a much earlier post but I wanted to speak to this. Yes we have sinned we have fallen short and do everyday but there is a difference between being humble and just putting ourselves down and trust me I do this to myself harshly everyday it is a struggle I battle inside all the time
However who does he say of us who does he say we are? We are made righteous through the blood of Jesus Christ we called kings and priests made holy through him that is holy.

You say your righteousness is made from filth and rags but this isn't what I see
It’s not that surprising. One common teaching in a number of Churches is to keep harping on their members to always think, “I am a sinner saved by grace”

This gives them the impression that by constantly regarding themselves as sinners, even after they believe Christ died for their sins, that is what God wanted for them
 

Blade

Well-known member
Nov 19, 2019
1,783
624
113
#53
We know the first churches had so much power that Christianity grew even in the face of the severe persecution of the church. We are going to be facing the same kind of persecution. Do we have the strength to face death for our faith?

How can we make our church stronger so we have this much power again?
As I see it God has not Changed nor the sweet holy Spirit. Your not going to see this ever as long as "doubt" is there. You just mention Pentecostal, Charismatic, Word of Faith etc and watch the fire works go off. Many Churches are still just as strong today. They say 100 thousand believers die each year and millions every year are persecuted for the faith. That in its self does not mean "more power".

"We are going to be facing the same kind of persecution." Who is we? Whos going to tell those 100k and those millions that they are going to face even MORE persecution? Or is this the "USA Church doesn't know persecution and we some how deserve it?" What your not a real believer in Christ unless you get persecuted? You can go anywhere you want in the USA and try to take a stand for Christ at your job at School at work or with your friends etc. And get real.. not everyone in every Church (homes) got persecuted.


Want to see the real Church be there Wed or some other day then "Sat/Sun". Come 1-2 hours early every day to pray. Do the same each day in your own prayer life and watch what could go wrong does. Satan now takes notice. How many believers in Jesus Christ are no threat to him at all? Back then they had problems we read about it and then in Rev also.

Heres truth you wont like it, get off the bench and get in the front lines and you will see first hand what persecution is like. For the most part this will not happen. Why? God can not lie "The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."

The greatest person I have ever met/talked to.. some you would know. The greatest was a grandmother that prayed 4 hours every day. Had more power of God then any I have seen. You could not even say thank you. ohh she didn't like that. You ALWAYS give the praise and thanks to the lord she said. Today we praise and thank each other then God for the most part.

Want to see this? We all can... there is price.
 

Blain

The Word Weaver
Aug 28, 2012
19,212
2,547
113
#54
It’s not that surprising. One common teaching in a number of Churches is to keep harping on their members to always think, “I am a sinner saved by grace”

This gives them the impression that by constantly regarding themselves as sinners, even after they believe Christ died for their sins, that is what God wanted for them
I try to see myself as he dpoes I think if I could I would be much stronger in Christ but no matter how hard I try I just cannot do it but I still try to and the funny thing is it's easy to see this in others yet I myself and blind to own status.
 

Blik

Senior Member
Dec 6, 2016
7,312
2,428
113
#55
In deed it will but the question is are you that remnant? Do you want to be that remnant?
We must stop waiting for another to rise to the cause and act in the authority that Christ has given us.
The church has become stagnant. Divided and questioning it's self. Exactly what Satan wants "did God say"
The gospel it's self is power the word of the Lord is power.
Many say and believe untill I am led by the Holy Spirit I will not act. This is a lie. Jesus commanded us to go into all the world.
Now follow me here☺ were the apostles sent 2x2 before or after the upper room experience?
My scriptures say they were first sent before.
Jesus gives a parable of the faithful servant in conclusion faithful in little now receive much.
Jesus says I no longer call you servants but friends..... Abraham was a friend of God
Now Jesus before his Ascension gave the command of the upper room to receive power and understanding from the sent helper the Holy Spirit.
Paul now addresses us as saints and sons and daughters of the living God. The heirs.
My question to all is what are you waiting for. If you want to be blessed go, preach, teach what you know. More will be added on.
If the apostles refused to preach as Jesus first sent them what do you think might of happened?

The greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart mind soul....and to love your neighbor as your self.
Perfect love cast out all fear....are you afraid of rejection, confrontation, persecution, name calling, or perhaps failure. Again perfect love cast out all fear. Examine yourself get right with the Lord. Ask and you will receive knock that the door my be open. Trust not in your own understanding trust God.
It seems to me that the problem is in not relying completely on scripture. The Holy Spirit is necessary, but we must be on our guard to check our thoughts that we say is from the Holy Spirit to be certain our thoughts are from the spirit and not from our fleshly self.

When the church began to go to councils that they were told were led by the Holy Spirit to make doctrines for the church instead of to the apostles they began adding to scripture and using "it is from the Holy Spirit" as an excuse to add to scripture. Any time we add or take from scripture it is not right. Satan uses our "common sense" to fool us.
 
Jan 12, 2019
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#56
Moses and Elijah will perform genuine miracles while the Antichrist and the False Prophet will perform Satanic miracles.
Yep, so signs and wonders returning are not necessarily good for people.

That is why I chuckle when Bethel, aka Word of Faith churches, keep preaching that we in the Body of Christ should always pray for signs and wonders to authenticate our preaching, just as when the gospel of the kingdom was preached by the 12 in the 4 gospels (Matthew 10:8), and early Acts, as if it is always good.

Instead, Paul taught us now to walk by faith and not by sight.
 

mustaphadrink

Senior Member
Dec 13, 2013
1,987
372
83
#57
Then why doesn't the Holy Spirit lead to unity? There are many opposing interpretations of scripture, all claiming to have the Holy Spirit's approval yet the Holy Spirit only speaks what is of God and God is in scripture. There is much judgment of anyone who does not agree with their private interpretation in today's churches. Accepting Christ is not enough for them. There are enemies made using the church for an excuse to become an enemy.
if you read the background story of the Old Testament by studying the Prophets and Kings, you will see why the Holy Spirit is unable to produce unity. Because we do not want it, just like the Jews did not want to obey God when the prophets spoke to them and told them of the consequences of not obeying God. Everyone is prepared to submit as long as they are the ones who we submit to.

In all my 66 years as a Christian, I have only been in three churches where the pastor has been a servant. All the others have been dictators. If a pastor is not a servant, he should not be a pastor. We have power when we serve, not when we dictate.

Serving is loving one another. Dictating is you love me and support MY ministry. What does Ephesians 4:11 say? Your ministry is to build up the body of Christ to make them mature and to send them forth to minister. If I visit a church I can tell by the end of the meeting whether the pastor is there for you or you are there for the pastor. A vast number of pastors are there because of rejection in their lives which means they get their self-worth by doing as they feel that gives them acceptance.

Until we ALL surrender to the will of God there will be no unity because denominations are anathema to God.
 
L

lenna

Guest
#58
It seems to me that the problem is in not relying completely on scripture. The Holy Spirit is necessary, but we must be on our guard to check our thoughts that we say is from the Holy Spirit to be certain our thoughts are from the spirit and not from our fleshly self.

When the church began to go to councils that they were told were led by the Holy Spirit to make doctrines for the church instead of to the apostles they began adding to scripture and using "it is from the Holy Spirit" as an excuse to add to scripture. Any time we add or take from scripture it is not right. Satan uses our "common sense" to fool us.

stunning revelation here

can you find it?
 
P

pottersclay

Guest
#59
It seems to me that the problem is in not relying completely on scripture. The Holy Spirit is necessary, but we must be on our guard to check our thoughts that we say is from the Holy Spirit to be certain our thoughts are from the spirit and not from our fleshly self.

When the church began to go to councils that they were told were led by the Holy Spirit to make doctrines for the church instead of to the apostles they began adding to scripture and using "it is from the Holy Spirit" as an excuse to add to scripture. Any time we add or take from scripture it is not right. Satan uses our "common sense" to fool us.
I agree but first and foremost is the relationship the first 11 had with the Christ.
They saw, handled, and heard first hand. Head knowledge of scripture is good but Christ is living we need to walk with him not just read about him.
 
P

pottersclay

Guest
#60
Sorry I know this was a much earlier post but I wanted to speak to this. Yes we have sinned we have fallen short and do everyday but there is a difference between being humble and just putting ourselves down and trust me I do this to myself harshly everyday it is a struggle I battle inside all the time
However who does he say of us who does he say we are? We are made righteous through the blood of Jesus Christ we called kings and priests made holy through him that is holy.

You say your righteousness is made from filth and rags but this isn't what I see
The Lord sees our righteousness as filthy rags. In short we have none.
Jesus imputed his righteousness to us. He did not restore or clean up our righteousness he gave us his.