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| Volume 1 Number 7 |
Today: 10.9.2003 |
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Greetings friends and Brethren, Thank you for taking time to view and consider the relevant content and information on our website. I recently commented, “It is not essential one way or another for one to argue over “pre-trib. / post-trib.” doctrines.” I do try my best not to engage in speculative arguments on such doctrines because according to the Bible... "We will not know the day or hour of such events...not even the Son knows but only the Father knows." Please remember that we are also warned to avoid such arguments that only cause division and precipitate confusion amongst believers. I do however lean toward the belief of a "so-called" Pre-trib or Mid trib because of what sequence of events are foretold in scripture. It is clear to me that there are two resurrections taking place. The first is indicated as a multitude of those who come out of the tribulation (Revelations 7: 9-17), from many tribes, culture and tongues and the final one being the “remnant of Jews” that have been given “new hearts of flesh.” We all must refuse to take the “mark of beast and man.” I also believe that because all suffer and are suffering, the suffering will increase in these latter days... and that our Lord is merciful and He will not let His children suffer more than is necessary in order to straighten their lives out. This is called sanctification. I believe that what is termed the "Tribulation" is reserved for those whose choices are opposed to the will of God. In other words; there will be those who will be delivered into the worst of torments and receive the worst of wrath by their own choices and refusal to abide by the teachings of Christ Jesus. We know that great torment is promised for those who reject the salvation that Jesus authored and we are promised... "that these days will be cut short on account of God's Elect." I can honestly testify that we are all undergoing various degrees of tribulation right now but this is not what men call the "tribulation." Mark my words, "It is going to get a lot worse before it gets better." declares the Spirit in me. A young female believer recently wrote and sought feedback
on her statement of faith. The following is her statement and
my response. 1) I REJECT the Once Saved Always Saved as a false doctrine; It is very rare to see a church which allows women to pray
or prophesy 13) I believe the salvation is FREE; Bravo on your rejection of the once saved always saved doctrine! If that were true what incentive would we have to always be abounding in the divine works of our Lord? The problem with that silly doctrine is that most people are lazy and still trying to maintain their selfish, perverted lives without attempting to walk the fiery trail of sanctification. Many stop at Romans 10:9 and never progress through verse 10. Belief is supposed to result in righteousness yet we see many defiling themselves and are unable to "walk in the same manner that Jesus walked." I have often been found reproving arrogant and selfish minded men for their poor examples especially when they boast of having been saved some number of years ago. They're cheating or beating on their wives, abusing their children or teaching factious precepts and on and on... I have asked such men, "What are you saved for, destruction?" The biggest problem I have with that doctrine is that according to scripture, "our sins separate us from God because He can have no part in sin.” Pre-destination is another perversion of men. With the exception of the patriarchs and God's Elect or Chosen, the only relevancy to pre-destination is that the Word of God long ago thus established these things and it is predestined that the entire Word of God will be fulfilled as is promised. So many carry out and speculate over this predestination with a "self-like or me attitude." The Word of God tells us that “He is partial to no one.” So, predestination theories vaporize under this biblical standard for we know that partiality is a sin as described in Prov. 28:21, Matt. 22:16, Acts 10:34, Rom. 2:11. Spiritual authority is shared amongst those whom are anointed or possessing of the Holy Spirit. We know without doubt that the Holy Spirit only dwells within those who obey the teachings of Christ our Lord. Please see Acts 5:29-32. This fundamental truth correctly aligns with all of Christ's teachings along the line..."If you love me, you will do what I command you." Points 4-7 are music to my ears, well done! Although, point number 7 causes me concern because you fail to mention the two most important ordinances which were left for us to attend, "To love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind... and to love your neighbor even as yourself." We are told that these two are the fulfillment of both the perfect law and the message of all prophets and promised fulfillment therein. We cannot afford in any case to neglect that which is paramount to all believers. That is how any of us may witness the presence, witness and testimony of Jesus in our lives. Point number 9 is related to the "Trinity" doctrine and is incomplete as you have stated it. My understanding of the true Trinity is slightly different than what is taught in many churches today. I believe with my whole heart what scripture points out is that God has manifested Himself in three persons, God, the Father and Creator, Christ Jesus the Word of God and finally the divine Spirit of our Father aka Holy Spirit. It is easy to become confused by the contemporary version of the Trinity because as it is taught it does not make much sense. What I believe to be the truth about the Trinity is What John points out in His letter "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God." There are two distinct persons being spoke of here and not just one. They are the Father and the Son. In Genesis, a commonly over looked verse is found in Genesis 1:26 "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in our image," and also in verse 3:22 "Behold, the man has become like one of Us." Again, there are two distinct persons being referred to here using the word, "Us." Later on, through the New Testament, Jesus referred to Himself as being "one with the Father." This did not at all mean that He was the Father but that He was the Son who was one with the father in all like manner and respect to the Father's image. If my own son grows up and becomes like me in all like manner and respect to what I've become then he could also say that he is like me and therefore one with me because he took on my likenesses and attributes and manner or characteristics. We also know that the deity of God is found within the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit whom was given as a pledge and a promised helper but this was not possible until after the resurrection of Christ Jesus. As I pointed out earlier, the Spirit dwells with those who obey God. As indicated in John 16:13, Jesus said, "When He, the Spirit of Truth comes, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come." To prove out my statement that God is three persons and not one, you only need to grapple with the passage given in John 15:1-11. The very essence then of "one" is to "abide in." If we abide in Him (Christ and His teachings) we are promised that "both the Father and Son will abide in us." That my dear is becoming one and describes more accurately the three persons of God. After all, are we not three part beings ourselves, body, spirit and soul? Jesus is the Appointed Christ of God who was thus anointed with all power and authority here on earth and in heaven and even while in the flesh of man. Yes, Jesus is my Lord too but He sits at the right hand of the Father and then therefore there is the Father who was our Creator and His Son who became our Lord through the purchase and redemption of His shed blood. I love your statement in verse 12, Hallelujah sister! But I want you to remember, just as was the case in Jeremiah's time, when there are no worthy God fearing men to do a task, a God fearing woman is most acceptable to the Lord when His will needs to be done. Remember, we are His vessels created for specific purpose. Please see Jeremiah 31:21-26 and note the long rebuke of the hearts of men continuing to go astray in the preceding passages. It was necessary for God to create a new thing in the female creature in order to get the job done. I am in agreement with you that men are supposed to be the spiritual leaders of faith but I so often find contemporary men be weaker minded and worse, selfish in their motives and deeds. I question, “Who fears God today?” Salvation is free but who is willing to act, respond and behave as though Jesus is their Lord? How many today are divided in their alliances and how many are submitting themselves to many divisive authorities? As for myself, salvation is not something to toy with and it does not come easy. We are guaranteed suffering so that we may share in the sufferings of our Lord. Who is willing to go to the cross or to die in place of another? Who dies to a selfish lifestyle and submits to a selfless lifestyle? The price was paid but so that we would follow the example of Christ and not take His salvation for granted. We are belonging to Him and our lives are hidden in that appointment (in Christ) as disciples and as I understand it... we have a duty and responsibility to Him whom we serve! I found that the remainder of your statements are well balanced and would love to hear from you again. I hope that I was a help and that you gain strength, knowledge and wisdom in your walk with Christ. We each have a roll to play and salvation is our duty and responsibility. If I could leave you with anything else it would be this... While the deceiver and his deceived are advancing their assaults against God's children know that almost everything is under attack and there is only one place you can go to get the accurate and most balanced teaching... our Bible. Trust the Word and only the Word and nothing but the Word so help you God, AMEN These are the words and dictates of the Spirit in me and I
tell you true, He wants your complete and undivided attention.
In other words, Jesus is looking for those who will be fully
surrendered and submitted unto Him, giving their lives and bodies
as useful tools for ministry and that this would be our selfless
sacrifice, acceptable to God and Christ our Savior. His way simply
means to serve your fellow man, brother and neighbor and you
don’t need a certificate or degree to achieve what Jesus
made possible by going to the cross. May it always be according
to His Word. AMEN We are so thankful and grateful for the interaction and outpouring of comments and support from some of our newest friends and fellow part-takers. From our household to yours, we bid you Christ's indwelling peace made available to those whom obey the very pattern Jesus thus established and demonstrated. We are pleased to hear from you and filled with joy about your searches, inquiries and shared joy. Please understand we lend ourselves to no man's religion! We are of the type that was long ago thus established in the earliest recorded gatherings (Churches) as described in the Book of Acts. We understand and submit that as defined by the Holy Writ (Holy Bible), we are those whom are gathered together unto our Lord Christ Jesus and according to the Faith which is in Him and no other god man has thus designed. We do not consider ourselves a "church" as defined by the ever changing definition of the English language. We are submitted unto God and His authority by which Christ is our head and Lord over our lives. For we have thus died to the worldly ways and schemes of man and beast. Again, we have died and our lives are thus hidden in Christ for no one can say he has paid a greater price than that which Christ paid for the redemption of our souls. We view salvation as a duty and responsibility to our Lord and not merely a free ticket into heaven. The world today proves itself to be selfish and vain and we know our Lord demonstrated a selfless way of life which ultimately led Him to be hated and persecuted for the very freedom He thus afforded us. We believe we are correct in our stance because we are continually hated and persecuted for the same unwavering and bold faith for which He stood. It is interesting to point out, that by in large, it is those whom are called by my Lord's Name (Christians) that are hateful and full of envy because they keep trying to destroy us. If this aligns with your understanding of what is expected of us who are called to follow then we would embrace your company and welcome you to our fellowship. Please understand that because we are few in number (Discernment Ministries), we do not have a large following and that is expected if you trust what the Word of our Lord does say, "Many are called yet few are chosen." The result of this small gathering is such that few are they who tithe because we refuse to "tickle their ears" and feed their lusts and pursuit of wealth and prosperity. Clearly, the wealth and prosperity as prescribed in the "New Testament" has little to do with worldly wealth but instead speaks of shedding all such encumbering virtues and pursuits and pick up your burden (Cross) and follow after Jesus. I tell you this now so that you truly understand; we are not rich by any means and expect those with whom we gather, to bring with them what they themselves are willing to share, in whatever measure. Some of you have surprised us with unforeseen support and we are very grateful for what you offer. For in the Gospel of Luke it is clearly said by our Master, Luke 11:40-41"Ye fools did not Him that made that which is without make that which is within also? But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you." In other words, "All things are made clean to those who
give freely that which is inside them for that which they give,
comes from the abundance of their heart." Says the Spirit. The "Way" unto the "Salvation" Christ thus authored is simply said, He died for our sakes (sins) that we may have a better example to follow. It is this very example He thus demonstrated that each of us who are called should heed His teachings and abide His simple commands. The yolk we carry is a much lighter yolk indeed but does not make sense to the masses of contemporary Christians out there who are being led astray. Would you not agree my friends? Our faith is indeed strong and the conviction He places upon our hearts is even stronger. This is the evidence I offer you while some of you are considering deeper fellowship with us. The conviction we have upon our hearts is the very evidence of the Spirit that dwells in me and any who follow His pattern. John 16:7-11"Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged." I offer you these words, testimony and exhortation so that you may more carefully consider who and what we are and what our mission and purpose in this life is. Please, feel free to tour our website offerings and freely promote that which the Lord has thus freely shared with me. The hour approaches and darkness is setting in. We all need a safe refuge and place to fellowship. May He bless you all richly with divine wisdom, discernment and the necessary courage to follow. With all sincerity and love for the truth and our scattered brethren abroad, Nicholas A. Stivers, humbled man, scribe and messenger. |