But I say unto you , Love your enemies, bless them that curse you , do good to them that hate you , and pray for them which despitefully use them and persecute you ; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven….
Matthew 5 v 44
- Thread starter BBerean
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I have found it true that prayer is so effective in helping over come evil , especially curses , I often can tell when someone curses , I even can sense that persons presence sometimes, but when you bless them they go away or at least the curse does and you get the blessing instead . So we reap what we sow as believers. I’m not sure about the other end . But they do need the blessing because evil is destroying them and they don’t know it . We are instructed in Jude v 20 But ye, beloved building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost , Keep yourselves in the Love of God , looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life . ( here Jude is touching on faith , Love and hope in a practical way , prayer being the key . Jesus said to his disciples often watch and PRAY ! God bless as you find truth that sets you free !
Good verse, which I have learned to apply since joining CC when experiencing hurt feelings from people calling me names
for my beliefs, which I view as mainstream (Baptist except OSAS).
Jesus sheep never perish that what he said . How they are rewarded depends on how they live here . I have known some Baptist , I think the Lord has some sheep among them . But the denomination and there are many versions of Baptist some even say baptist with a small b . The same problem with all denominations are the doctrines of men . Reading the word roots them out , it takes time and effort. And only the Holy Spirit can teach truth . The doctrines of men are very well entrenched and very difficult to overcome. Only The Holy Spirit can overcome these errors . I’m thankful many things I was taught in churches I found to be doctrines of men . The truth set me free . A willing and trusting heart is the key . It says that those that error because they do not love the truth . I have always held the position I want the truth even if it hurts , because then I can still repent and seek Gods mercy , and he loves to have mercy rather than judgment for sin . Thank God he is loving kind, merciful and forgiving us poor sinners. Amen
Yes, there may be sheep in every denomination, and there may be goats who judge themselves to be sheep or wolves who resemble sheep, so it is necessary to learn Bible doctrines helpful for becoming discerning and spiritually mature (Eph. 4:11-15).
Yes, delving deeper takes time and effort, which too many do not do, perhaps because they have pastor-teachers who don't.
Yes, Truth/GW/love is taught/learned/acquired via the Holy Spirit.
I know from experience in discussions since joining CC that men's problematic doctrines of TULIP, Sabbatarianism and water baptism are entrenched in some folks and very difficult to overcome. I also am thankful for learning what GW teaches about these doctrines and being set free of those weights.
Yes, loving Truth so much that one is willing to learn/believe the whole/harmonized Scripture--even if it hurts or makes one feel guilty for having been ignorant--is the key, because God forgives those who confess being wrong.
Ditto amen re God being loving and forgiving toward all sinners!
I have been to many church types including about 4 types of Baptist. I decided to stick with the word of God and it takes more determination to read it often , instead of going to a meeting place . I still have some correspondence with former leaders one is a Baptist pastor , other an independent type . he still prays for me . And I for them , I’m hoping to show them some truth I have learned but I realize that may not be possible. It would mean some serious Bible study with open bibles . Not really possible when they are far away . A real New Testament church is like a dream . I have never seen one ( functioning according to the NT) We are living in a fractured church world putting it mildly. But Jesus knows those who are his . Some Baptist are among the better ones in my experience. In Europe there was an attempt to go back to the Bible , leaving established churches , they were known as Plymouth brethren. Their attempt was quite good , but they missed out on some things too , and false teachings spilt the brethren and did much damage. There are books written about it this was in the 1800s , since then they have gone astray like most others . Again there are some sheep among them I’d say or was . George Muller was a good leader and original as well . They where about as close to a NT church I knew of but that was well over 150 yrs ago . Many make claims these days but do not measure up to the Apostles teachings and will not acknowledge their errors . So come out from them is the right thing to do . The last days are perilous times . Stick with the word it’s a lamp unto our feet . And pray always ! God bless you as the truth will prevail!
I also have attended many types of churches, including Baptist, Roman Catholic, Episcopal, Methodist, Lutheran, Orthodox, Pentecostal, and Bible. I have administered Baptist and military Protestant churches. I realize no church will be perfect, but currently I am seeking a church in which I can serve as a Bible teacher while participation on CC is my main ministry. The church in which I served as Minister of Education and Youth was good, and I did the best I could as a military chaplain, but I would like to find a preacher who applies GW to modern issues.
The best I can suggest is that we TSers enjoy fellowship here on CC as we learn more of GW from each other in various threads.