Pam asks, "Where Is the Right Church? Does One Exist?"

Hi -

Here's an excerpt from Pam's piece:
 

Of course there  will  always be the diehards who quote the scripture about not forsaking the assembling of yourself together with the brethren. Point out to them that when the scripture itself was written, the institutional church did not exist.  So the Apostle Paul certainly was not referring to Sunday morning worship.

I think if Paul was aware of our modern methods of communication, he would approve of our online Christian fellowship called RESCUE.

Here's the link to her entire piece:

http://leavethechurch.me/2014/03/05/where-is-the-right-church-does-one-exist/

Tithes for the Stranger, the Fatherless, and the Widow?

Hi -

Okay, a lot of ministers, pastors, etc. tout the tithing practice using the OLD TESTAMENT scripture Malachi 3:10 - KJV, "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse,..."

###

Well, today, I found this OLD TESTAMENT scripture from Deuteronomy 26:12 - KJV (I added the CAPS for emphasis):

"When thou hast made an end of tithing all the tithes of thine increase the THIRD year, which is the year of tithing, and hast given it unto the Levite, THE STRANGER, THE FATHERLESS, AND THE WIDOW, that THEY may eat within thy gates, and be filled;"

###

Does anyone on here know of any ministers, pastors, etc. who are doing the THIRD year giving tithes, that they (pastors, ministers...) so faithfully believe in, to the STRANGER, the FATHERLESS, and the WIDOW - according to the OLD TESTAMENT scripture that I just cited from Deuteronomy?

There's an old saying, "What's good for the goose is good for the gander."  I ask, What's up that the ganders ain't getting their THIRD year props?

For those inclined to learn more about the error of the popular teaching on tithing, here's a link www.tithing101.com

Can the Holy Bible Be an Idol?

Hi -

I recently learned...that the Bible can be an idol.  Two articles, in particular, convinced me...

http://www.thelightside.org/EARSite/ears_bibleidol.html

 http://www.oodegr.com/english/protestantism/is_bible_idol.htm 

Update: Today, Tuesday February 25, 2014,  I found more links.

http://joyinthisjourney.com/2011/07/when-the-bible-becomes-your-idol/

http://joyinthisjourney.com/2011/07/the-bible-and-perfection-when-modern-and-ancient-collide/

http://joyinthisjourney.com/2011/07/semantics-and-shipwrecks-how-what-you-believe-about-the-bible-could-destroy-your-faith/

http://joyinthisjourney.com/2011/07/god-never-said-the-bible-is-inerrant/

http://www.born-again-christian.info/answers/making-the-bible-into-an-idol.htm

http://www.lighthouselibrary.com/pdf/WHITE,%20TERRI%20L/CAN%20THE%20BIBLE%20BECOME%20AN%20IDOL%20%5BTerri%20L.%20White%5D%203-22-02.pdf

Below is a helpful very brief video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K29xp_z6z68

If you're inclined, please read the next topic here right below this one. 

GOD Knows Who Is Religious and Who Is Authentically Saved

There's nothing going on that's NOT on GOD's radar. With GOD, ALL things are possible. NOTHING is impossible with GOD. GOD can move fast, slow or however HE DEEMS fit to do what He decides for HIS GOOD PLEASURE and for the gospel of HIS KINGDOM.

GOD is forever MOST HIGH. And only Jesus is the resurrection, the way, the truth and the life who rose from the dead in the flesh. No one can come to the Father GOD but by Jesus Christ.  Jesus is the Author of salvation, the first begotten of the dead, the Word that became flesh, the Author and the Finisher of our Faith, the Captain of our salvation and more...

GOD reigns.

###

People doubt and some doubts are in order...

###

Does GOD know that you're an AUTHENTIC Christian? Does GOD know that our SALVATION is authentic? Does Jesus KNOW that He is authentically in our testimonies and in the lives that we live with SINCERE purpose to perfect holiness - 2 Corinthians 7:1? Are our authentic born-again experiences PROVEN TO GOD/JESUS/HOLY SPIRIT? When GOD has His proof..., UNLESS HE INSTRUCTS US otherwise, we're NOT obligated to prove our authentic born-again experiences to others... Certainly, it's helpful to share but there's a difference in sharing and believing that there's an obligation to prove... Let GOD LEAD as to how much to share and explain...

Yes, we should exhibit and demonstrate godly fruits and evidence that we walk in truth. But when all is said and done, ONLY GOD knows the fulness of every heart. And truly, GOD to the FULLEST extent, knows who is authentically saved and who is not.

So, yes, we FIRST need to have a lifestyle of ministering to our Lord. Only then are we fit to minister to others. Jesus teaches us to share the gospel. He also tells us to judge RIGHTEOUSLY... We plant and we water but GOD gives the increases within people...

Yes, we are to examine ourselves and to work out our OWN salvation with fear and trembling. Yes, we are to seek advice from and to learn from others. But perspective is key. ONLY GOD IS THE SOURCE - ALL else is resource. Yes, GOD uses resources but certainly resources CANNOT substitute for GOD/JESUS/HOLY SPIRIT.

GOD IS THE MOST HIGH - THE ONLY SOURCE. Resources are certainly to be appreciated - we need both - SOURCE and resources.

Again, with GOD, all things are possible and NOTHING is impossible with GOD. He does whatsoever He pleases...when, how, what, who...

###

Religious people, priests and elders..., crucified Jesus. They likely thought that they were saved.  Also, there are numerous people who attend church who ignorantly believe that they're saved.  Rather, they are bound by doctrines of devils, and traditions and commandments of men.  They don't dwell in GOD/JESUS/HOLY SPIRIT.  And they don't worship GOD in spirit and in truth, as is shown in the Holy Bible.

If you have any doubts as to whether your born again experience is authentic, sincerely seek GOD about it and He will reveal. Don't base your experiences, necessarily, on the experiences of others. GOD can move fast, slow or however He deems fit for each individual. We're all unique.  GOD knows that and deals with us, accordingly. Note: Yes, we body-of- Christ members have commonalities but we need to be mindful of our unique aspects...and NOT seek to be like anyone other than who GOD has uniquely created us to be...

The truth is that we all have areas of ignorance. It's a good practice to ask GOD to expose areas of untruths to us and areas of error so that we can learn how to dispossess what isn't of GOD and to embrace what is of Him - and HIS GOOD PLEASURE.

Jesus said in John 6:44 - KJV, "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him:..."

2 Timothy 2:19 - KJV
Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

###

Dishonesty can sure kill testimonies. When dishonesty has been discovered, it can affect testimonies and it can affect/damage and even destroy credibility. And dishonesty sure isn't one of GOD's fruits - and truly, when He deems fit, He judges it, and ALL else that's contrary to His will. The remedy: Be honest and credible...and when NOT, seek forgiveness and cease dishonesty and all else that displeases GOD.

Sunday January 26, 2014

Championship Conduct

Hi -

Do you know of some young folks or any folks who need to learn about courtesy? 

Are you weary of rude, inconsiderate and incompetent conduct that has become routine in our society? Come on board to proactively address it. Clearly, major change is long overdue. Top level conduct is the best response to the low standards that are now commonly on display. You're invited to join the team of folks who make championship choices. United, we make the best things happen. 

 We can be change agents in this world of disintegrating manners. It’s our responsibility to add to the harmony on this great planet on which we reside. Business as usual isn’t an acceptable stance for champions. We owe it to our present, and to our future generations to be engaged in reform for the common good of we the people.

Let’s be examples of excellence as witnesses of the power that develops when teams unite for worthy causes. Let’s wear care, integrity, courtesy and competence as badges of honor.
There’s expectation that championship conduct will prove contagious. Who will catch it?

My e-Book, Championship Conduct - Excel in Care, Courtesy and Customer Service is only $.99 on Amazon. The Amazon link is below.  Also, if you're inclined, you can go to www.sandrasbookdepot.blogspot.com to learn how to obtain from other places such as Apple, Sony and Barnes & Noble, etc.

http://www.amazon.com/Championship-Conduct-Courtesy-Customer-Service-ebook/dp/B00F27SUNU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392559812&sr=8-1&keywords=sandra+renee+hicks

Thank you for your consideration, and hopefully, patronage.

Is It REALLY Wrong?

Hi -

Is it wrong because we don't believe it or is it wrong because we allow pride and rebellion to keep us from accepting that we ain't right...

Is it REALLY wrong or is it that - we AIN'T RIGHT?!

And when we're proven wrong...do we have the character to apologize, seek forgiveness and to amend our WRONG directions?

Abiding in the GOD of Truth with the Author of Salvation, JESUS

Hi -

I recorded the subject message on November 9, 2013.  Today, it's been re-posted to encourage and to assure that NOTHING is too hard for GOD...

Since this recording, more has been taught to build more of my understanding about the gospel of the kingdom of GOD...

If you're inclined, please click on the link below to listen to words to encourage, to remind and to assure that - TRULY, NOTHING is too hard for GOD.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/winningthoroughbredstyle/2013/11/09/abiding-in-the-god-of-truth-with-the-author-of-salvation-jesus

GOD Knows Who Is Authentically Saved and Who Is Just Religious

Hi -

There's nothing going on that's NOT on GOD's radar. With GOD, ALL things are possible. NOTHING is impossible with GOD. GOD can move fast, slow or however HE DEEMS fit to do what He decides for HIS GOOD PLEASURE and for the gospel of HIS KINGDOM.

GOD is forever MOST HIGH. And only Jesus is the resurrection, the way, the truth and the life who rose from the dead in the flesh. No one can come to the Father GOD but by Jesus Christ.  Jesus is the Author of salvation, the first begotten of the dead, the Word that became flesh, the Author and the Finisher of our Faith, the Captain of our salvation and more...

GOD reigns.

###

People doubt and some doubts are in order...

###

Does GOD know that you're an AUTHENTIC Christian? Does GOD know that our SALVATION is authentic? Does Jesus KNOW that He is authentically in our testimonies and in the lives that we live with SINCERE purpose to perfect holiness - 2 Corinthians 7:1? Are our authentic born-again experiences PROVEN TO GOD/JESUS/HOLY SPIRIT? When GOD has His proof..., UNLESS HE INSTRUCTS US otherwise, we're NOT obligated to prove our authentic born-again experiences to others... Certainly, it's helpful to share but there's a difference in sharing and believing that there's an obligation to prove... Let GOD LEAD as to how much to share and explain...

Yes, we should exhibit and demonstrate godly fruits and evidence that we walk in truth. But when all is said and done, ONLY GOD knows the fulness of every heart. And truly, GOD to the FULLEST extent, knows who is authentically saved and who is not.

So, yes, we FIRST need to have a lifestyle of ministering to our Lord. Only then are we fit to minister to others. Jesus teaches us to share the gospel. He also tells us to judge RIGHTEOUSLY... We plant and we water but GOD gives the increases within people...

Yes, we are to examine ourselves and to work out our OWN salvation with fear and trembling. Yes, we are to seek advice from and to learn from others. But perspective is key. ONLY GOD IS THE SOURCE - ALL else is resource. Yes, GOD uses resources but certainly resources CANNOT substitute for GOD/JESUS/HOLY SPIRIT.

GOD IS THE MOST HIGH - THE ONLY SOURCE. Resources are certainly to be appreciated - we need both - SOURCE and resources.

Again, with GOD, all things are possible and NOTHING is impossible with GOD. He does whatsoever He pleases...when, how, what, who...

###

Religious people, priests and elders..., crucified Jesus. They likely thought that they were saved.  Also, there are numerous people who attend church who ignorantly believe that they're saved.  Rather, they are bound by doctrines of devils, and traditions and commandments of men.  They don't dwell in GOD/JESUS/HOLY SPIRIT.  And they don't worship GOD in spirit and in truth, as is shown in the Holy Bible.

If you have any doubts as to whether your born again experience is authentic, sincerely seek GOD about it and He will reveal. Don't base your experiences, necessarily, on the experiences of others. GOD can move fast, slow or however He deems fit for each individual. We're all unique.  GOD knows that and deals with us, accordingly. Note: Yes, we body-of- Christ members have commonalities but we need to be mindful of our unique aspects...and NOT seek to be like anyone other than who GOD has uniquely created us to be...

The truth is that we all have areas of ignorance. It's a good practice to ask GOD to expose areas of untruths to us and areas of error so that we can learn how to dispossess what isn't of GOD and to embrace what is of Him - and HIS GOOD PLEASURE.

Jesus said in John 6:44 - KJV, "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him:..."

2 Timothy 2:19 - KJV
Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

###

Dishonesty can sure kill testimonies. When dishonesty has been discovered, it can affect testimonies and it can affect/damage and even destroy credibility. And dishonesty sure isn't one of GOD's fruits - and truly, when He deems fit, He judges it, and ALL else that's contrary to His will. The remedy: Be honest and credible...and when NOT, seek forgiveness and cease dishonesty and all else that displeases GOD.

Sunday January 26, 2014

Note: You may be inclined to read an e-Book titled, The Church Zone, by Wenona Russ.  I HIGHLY recommend that book.  It's available on Amazon, among other places.

GOD Knows

Has Tongues Ceased?

Greetings -

Below are some excerpts from the postings of Pam Sheppard, a licensed Christian counselor who does deliverance mentoring/counseling. She has a Master’s degree in social work and is retired from NY state government. Prior to becoming born again, Pam was an atheist involved in the occult. After being born again, she became an ordained minister and was in that position for twenty-five years.

It's a certainty that some occult practices have made their way into church buildings...

There are times that we rush to judgment relative to disagreements. Surely, it isn’t wise to be open to any wind of doctrine or teaching nor is it wise to outright reject information without being sure that we don’t need to alter our beliefs. It’s reasonable to seek the Lord…examine, study, research, etc. We can be wrong and we can be right. Only GOD is never wrong.

For sure - without love..., we are nothing. Love is action and walking in truth and love certainly pleases our Lord.

3 John 4 - KJV
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

###

That said, if you’re inclined, please read Pam’s excerpts below and if you’re further inclined, please go to my post directly below this one and click on the various links to read more fully what Pam has expressed relative to the speaking in tongues issue.

Thank you.

Pam’s excerpts:

Sept. 25, 2011

My Personal Experience with Tongues

Another good question. So, until recently, I never suspected that tongues could be “of the devil.” Even so, I would not be the first to share such a supposition. Tongue talkers have been accused of “having a demon” by countless professing Christians and non Christians. So what is going on “today?” In terms of “what is going on in my life today, this week, I cast out 8 Hindu deities from one former yoga practitioner who is a Christian: Shiva, Hakini, Savashiva, Isha, Vahni, Vishnu, Rakini and Brahma in the name and by the authority of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Practically each of these demons came out ranting at me using its captive to speak in tongues—a very similar sound to the tongues that I have heard uttered among those who profess to be speaking “a prayer language.”

Sunday September 25, 2011

The Purpose of Tongues

Along these lines, a general statement of warning is in order, relative to taking scriptures out of context without connecting the selected verse to the “who, what, where, how and why” of the entire book. With these general statements made and without throwing out of context scriptures back and forth in a useless debate, I think we can all agree that God is a God of order, and within his order, there is always a divine purpose.

June 15, 2012

Why the Enemy Needs Tongues

I believe that tongues have ceased. The reason I believe that all tongues spoken today is a counterfeit is based on simple logic and basic commonsense. I found that as I conducted research for the book “the fake Jesus,” tongues actually DID cease as Paul told the Corinthians that they would. History reveals that tongues ceased for 19 centuries.

Think about it. No Christian needed or ever heard of “a prayer language” for 1900 years!!!!!.

Why did tongues cease?

Well, because its purpose had been fulfilled.

More Truths for the New Year and Beyond

Hi -

It's time...

We've come to a new year and my earnest aim is to continue to forsake areas of darkness and deception.  We all have areas of ignorance and need to learn more...  Also, it's possible to be sincere but to be SINCERELY wrong... GOD knows the fulness of our hearts, our intentions, our motives, etc.  He knows those who deliberately practice wrong and those who just don't know any better. 

Our Lord does expect us to remain humble and teachable...  Of course, we shouldn't just believe "anything" but to seek Him for further enlightenment...  Yes, trying the spirits...  Living, learning and amending where necessary for spiritually prosperous journeys.  Truly, it's an ongoing process for us all.   

Lately, I've been largely absent from posting because of being in further learning mode.  In recent months, after about four Christians shared that they believe speaking in tongues is of the devil..., three of those Christians I know were former tongue-speakers..., I  began to pay attention.  And yes, I'd been a tongue-speaker for years...  Once I got the truth instilled in my spirit by our Lord, I no longer speak in tongues and the results are CERTAINLY spiritually PROFITABLE...  I'm immensely grateful for the people who GOD used to teach TRUTHS about the controversial issue of speaking in tongues.  Thank you, Pam, Wenona, Andre, etc.

After the first two folks mentioned that speaking in tongues is of the devil, I wasn't inclined to believe it.  But then shortly after, the information came from another Christian person and then another... So about then, I thought, okay, this matter won't go away from me.  I prayed and asked the Lord to show me the TRUTH.  He did.  The popular teaching about speaking in tongues is NOT of GOD.

Of course, many shall disagree just as I disagreed until GOD proved to me that speaking in tongues is NOT of Him.   I'm NOT here to convince anyone - that's GOD's decision - but to share what He revealed to me.  I'll NOT debate the issue...

3 John 4 - KJV:
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

James 4:17 - KJV:
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

###

For those who are inclined to seek the Lord in earnest about the tongues matter and to do some in depth studying, viewing and reading about it,  below are some links that proved helpful to me.  The person who mainly helped is Pam Sheppard.  She spoke in tongues for more than twenty-five years until GOD taught her that it's NOT of Him.  Pam is a licensed Christian counselor with a Master's degree in social work, and retired from NY state government.  Presently, she does deliverance mentoring/counseling.  Pam also has bunches of videos on youtube.  They, too, are deeply helpful for whosoever will pursue more TRUTH. 

In addition, prior to her salvation experience, Pam was an atheist and involved in the occult. She was an ordained minister in a denominational church for more than twenty-five years.

There are folks in the occult who speak in tongues. Also, some occult practices have made their way into churches...

Note: I found it striking that Pam shared of the number of people who come to her for deliverance are tongue-talking "Christians"... And she discovers that some of her tongue-speaking clients are religious church goers but they aren't saved. Later, some of them are drawn by GOD and saved... 

Also, she mentioned about tongue speakers who don't demonstrate the fruit of love...

http://leavethechurch.me/2011/09/25/my-personal-experience-with-tongues/

http://leavethechurch.me/2012/06/15/why-the-enemy-needs-tongues/

http://leavethechurch.me/2011/11/07/tongues-opens-a-demonic-doorway-to-your-spirit/

http://leavethechurch.me/2011/09/25/tongues-in-church-history/

http://leavethechurch.me/2011/09/25/the-original-purpose-of-tongues/

The following links relative to tongues are from Andre Watson:

http://leavethechurch.me/2013/05/13/tongue-talking-what-the-bible-says-pt-1/

http://leavethechurch.me/2013/05/13/tongue-talking-what-the-bible-says-pt-2/

http://leavethechurch.me/2013/05/21/tongue-talking-what-the-bible-says-pt-3/

http://leavethechurch.me/2013/06/03/tongue-talking-what-the-bible-says-pt-4/