Bible Topics and Questions

[kreagle]

Assets,.......and.......Liabilities


Earlier, in post #437, I made the comment about what 'sin does to you',.......and.......what 'righteousness does for you'.


This particular 'order' never changes, for the very spiritual nature of these two polar 'opposites' are 'hard-wired' to perpetually produce these same results over and over again,....with no change.


Righteousness is an 'Asset to the Soul', and is perpetually, ( and consistently),.....doing things 'for you',.....adding Divine favor to your life.

2 Peter 1:4-8 (KJV)

4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Conversely,.....Sin is a 'Liability to the Soul', and can never add anything beneficial to our lives, but can only 'detract and siphon off' any good, ( asset), that we might be trying to accumulate for our 'earthly lives'.


The 'proverbial' saying of 'burning a hole in one's pocket' comes into full play, here,....as the 'victim' is blinded by their 'individual lust'.

James 1:14-16 (KJV)

14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.

Don't allow Satan, ( and Sin), to 'take away' from the quality of life that God has in store for you,....leaving you morally bankrupt and completely depleted, my dear friends! Sin will, indeed,.....do this 'to you'!


Let God do something,......'for you'!!!!


May this post be 'an asset to all',......by dear brothers, and sisters!


God 'richly' Bless you!,........kreagle

[kreagle]

RED HOT TOPIC,.........GUN CONTROL!!!



President Barack Obama signs executive orders on gun violence during an event at the White House in Washington, January 16, 2013. Jason Reed / Reuters


This particular topic has a great deal of Americans seething, especially my brother-in-law, who lives in North Alabama. He, like a number of Americans, has a rather large arsenal of weapons, and he also has the capability to produce a large portion of his ammunition. I'm afraid he will echo the sentiments of Charlton Heston if the government attempts to take any of his weapons away,....for they will literally have to pry his weapons,....."From His Cold Dead Hands".


I fully realize that the 'core issue here is security', but as a 'Spirit-filled' child of God, I have always wondered, ( and seriously questioned), whether this '2nd Amendment Right to bear arms' really produces a comforting level of genuine security, or not. Is there a possibility that these carefully laid-out efforts, ( to 'arm oneself'), are instead counter-productive and give the 'gun owner' a 'false sense of security'?


I have, personally, never owned a gun, nor do I have any intentions of acquiring one in the future. My sense of 'security' comes from an entirely 'different direction' that totally surpasses any weaponry, or arsenal, that mankind can produce.


While 'fear and the desire for security' has motivated scores of individuals to flock to the 'arm's dealers' in droves,......it was the 'Fear', ( ie. 'total respect'), of God that caused me, personally, to trust Him with my, ( and my family's), security.

1 John 4:18 (KJV)

18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

When 'others' don't hesitate to 'reach for a gun' at the first sign of fear/trouble,......I have learned to 'reach for Him', and rely upon His presence,... protection,....and comfort.

Psalm 23:4 (KJV)

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

I have learned that 'though I may be encased in a body of flesh' to not be a 'prisoner of my flesh' and the 'defense mechanisms that the flesh has devised!'

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (KJV)

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds)

5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

While it may appear that I am an advocate for 'no arms at all',.....that is certainly not my position at all. I have several other Christian brothers/sisters who do possess guns themselves. Most of them are in the form of 'hunting rifles, etc.',......but some have personal handguns, too. My concerns are where one's 'fears and security needs 'are placed, and if the affected party is 'relying upon God,.....or.....a gun?'


At the 'first sign of trouble/fear',......what will they reach for 'first',......God....or...the gun?


For me, personally,.....I will continue to,.....'Stick to my Gun', ( ie. the 'only' Gun I know!)


I will 'reach for Jesus Christ'!!!


Please share 'your thoughts' on this current 'RED HOT TOPIC',.....GUN CONTROL


Your Brother, friend, and servant,........kreagle

[AwakeInADream]

When threatened by an aggressor you should lower your shoulders and completely relax your whole body posture, look calm and have faith, confidence and above all, no fear. This is entirely psychologically devastating to the opponant, who seeks dominance, power and control, and yet realizes he has none. Suddenly the tables are turned and it is your attacker who feels fear (and shame). I know this method works because I have (sadly) had cause to use it in life.

To 'turn the other cheek' shows true strength.

I don't know if this would work if your attacker had a gun (I've never even seen a gun), but in principle it should work even better.

Anyway, God say's "Fear not" numerous times in the Bible, and I would argue that this is one of the most important and practical lessons therein, and if fearlessness is your greatest defence, so love is your greatest weapon.

The Father teaches these things so that his children may be able to stand on there own two feet, but of course he will always step in if the going gets tough.

[kreagle]

When the Bride and the Bridegroom meet,.......
.......they will 'already know each other'!

Revelation 19:7-8 (KJV)

7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

There are many societies today where marriages are pre-arranged by various family members and the prospective 'bride and bridegroom' know very little, ( if anything), about one another until they are actually married. Traditions in the Middle East,.....Japan, China, and especially India, still mandate many 'marriages' like this,.....tying many 'couples' together, whether they want to or not.


As 'completely foreign' as this 'marriage system' may appear to many of us, I'm afraid that this type of 'methodology' has crept over into the 'Christian realm' to the point where many 'professing Christians' don't really have a 'clear view or understanding' of exactly who their 'Heavenly Husband' really is!


Notice some of the following passages of Scriptures, ( regarding the 'Husband,..or Bridegroom'),......

Isaiah 54:5 (KJV)

5 For thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.


ALSO,.....


Isaiah 62:5 (KJV)

5 For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.


AND,.......



2 Corinthians 11:2 (KJV)

2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

Passages like the ones above literally leave a lot of 'believers' scratching their heads in a state of confusion. We have a scriptural procession, here, that begins by telling us that,.....our Husband/Bridegroom is,.......1) Thy Maker,.....2) the Lord of Hosts,.....3) Thy Reedemer,.....4) the Holy One of Israel,.....5) the God of the whole earth,......6) Thy God,......and 'last, but not least',.....7) recognized as 'one husband',....Christ, ( Jesus)!


Let it be duly noted, here, that there is no discrepancy or 'typo' in these scriptural references as presented but rather a 'revelation' to those who will allow their eyes to be open to what the passages are attempting to reveal.


It seems that the 'manufactured doctrine called Trinity' has been a main culprit in creating a majority of this 'confusion', by specifically separating, ( and dividing), His Divinity from a absolute of One,......to 'three'. Even though we, do indeed, have 'three offices which God has operated through',......( ie.,...Father ( when He created us),......Son ( when He robed Himself in flesh and redeemed us),......and...Holy Ghost ( as His Spirit indwells within us when we are 'Born Again'),......this still does not mean that He isn't 'One' in property as the Scriptures clearly, ( and concisely), point out.

Deuteronomy 6:4 (KJV)

4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:


AND,.......


1 John 5:7 (KJV)

7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

Make no mistake, my dear friends,.....a 'Marriage is definitely being arranged'! You can equally rest assure that 'both parties',......(the Bride and the Bridegroom), will be 'very well acquainted',.......long, long, before this Heavenly Marriage will take place.


No wonder the Apostles 'exclusively baptized everyone in the sole name of Jesus Christ!' ( Acts 2:38, 8:16, 10:48, 19:5),....and NEVER resorted to simply using His Titles of.....Father,....Son,....and Holy Ghost,......when performing baptisms.


It seems the Apostles truly knew who the 'one husband', ( 2 Corinthians 11:2), was,......specifically by 'His name!' ( Jesus)


This 'level of understanding' is only obtained by revelation from Him!

Luke 24:45 (KJV)

45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

Your brother, friend, and servant,........kreagle

[humanalien]

Much of the wording, just on this page alone, indicates
that we humans, should use the example of jesus christ
and just lay down our lives freely, without ever once trying
to fight back. Go ahead and let criminals and now our
governments, kill us, without a fight, like sheep being
lead to the slaughter.

I understand that it is not the flesh that is important here
but the spirit/soul but doesn't the flesh have a right to
life to? God put us on this planet to live, not to get killed
by the evil elements that try to control us at every turn.

If living in the flesh is not important to God then why did
he create us or more overly like, why did he allow us to
continue living after the original sin of adam and eve?

If fighting for what is right, doesn't matter, why did God
fight lucifer in heaven when lucifer sought to be equal or
above God. If God had the mentality to act like a sheep
and let lucifer win, we wouldn't be here now talking about
it.

Why did God command human armies, to go out and kill
others for their land, if the flesh life didn't matter? God
didn't command them to lay down like sheep and let others
kill them. He wanted them to live.

I think that maybe killing for things or objects, like money
or jewelry or your big screen tv is the wrong thing to do
because these are things made by mankind but if your
life is being threatened, this is something that God created
and is well worth fighting and killing for. I'll include being
put into bondage here to but i'm not entirely sure about it.

What i'm driving at is that things can be replaced, your
life can't. This is a gift from God.

[161803398]

http://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/t/text...xt;xc=1;g=mqrg Message of Job and it should have been the 11th Commandment: Don't suck up!

[kreagle]

humanalien,

Posted by humanalien (here)
Much of the wording, just on this page alone, indicates
that we humans, should use the example of jesus christ
and just lay down our lives freely, without ever once trying
to fight back.

Brother, I'm not advocating that we simply 'lay down our lives freely',.....but rather, how we are to 'fight the battle,....and what 'ammunition we are to use!'


I understand your concern over 'protecting our fleshly existence', for that is the 'natural response' when faced with hazardous/dangerous situations that suddenly have been thrust upon us. My entire reason for bringing up the 'Gun Control' issue was to simply highlight where we humans are so 'trigger happy' to reach for the 'protection this world affords',.......INSTEAD......of relying upon God to 'provide protection for them in a time of imminent need!'


It's 'one thing' to acknowledge the passage of Scripture that says,......"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;.......( Psalms 23:4)


It's 'another thing', ( altogether),.....to 'actually believe it!!!'


'This type of faith' is very hard to come by, and has all but 'disappeared' in the world we live in today. It seems that most people, today, have an extremely hard time believing 'if' God is really capable of the type of protection He claims to offer to us.


I will candidly tell you, humanalien, that 'this type of faith' can only be truly implemented by those who have been 'born again' and filled with the Spirit of God. Only then, will the believer fully 'understand and appreciate' the 'magnitude of these passages of Scriptures' and the power that's behind them.

Job 11:18 (KJV)

18 And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea, thou shalt dig about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest in safety.

And,....


Psalm 91:5 (KJV)

5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

And,....


Psalm 112:7 (KJV)

7 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.

And,....


Proverbs 3:24 (KJV)

24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

And,....


Hebrews 13:6 (KJV)

6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

And,....


1 Peter 3:13 (KJV)

13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

While the 'world today' sarcastically says,......."Yeah, right!" to the Scriptures proposal of God providing safety/security for His people,.......


The 'Born Again Believer' realistically says,......"Yeah,....that IS, indeed, right!"


Take it from 'someone who knows', my dear brother!


When used,.....the 'name' of JESUS 'still packs all the power/protection you need'!


'This' is how we 'fight the battle, and the 'ammunition' we are to use, my friend!'

Hebrews 13:8 (KJV)

8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

Your brother, friend, and servant,.......kreagle

[Mark (Star Mariner)]

Posted by kreagle (here)
Assets,.......and.......Liabilities


Earlier, in post #437, I made the comment about what 'sin does to you',.......and.......what 'righteousness does for you'.


This particular 'order' never changes, for the very spiritual nature of these two polar 'opposites' are 'hard-wired' to perpetually produce these same results over and over again,....with no change.


Righteousness is an 'Asset to the Soul', and is perpetually, ( and consistently),.....doing things 'for you',.....adding Divine favor to your life.

2 Peter 1:4-8 (KJV)

4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Conversely,.....Sin is a 'Liability to the Soul', and can never add anything beneficial to our lives, but can only 'detract and siphon off' any good, ( asset), that we might be trying to accumulate for our 'earthly lives'.


The 'proverbial' saying of 'burning a hole in one's pocket' comes into full play, here,....as the 'victim' is blinded by their 'individual lust'.

James 1:14-16 (KJV)

14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.

Don't allow Satan, ( and Sin), to 'take away' from the quality of life that God has in store for you,....leaving you morally bankrupt and completely depleted, my dear friends! Sin will, indeed,.....do this 'to you'!


Let God do something,......'for you'!!!!


May this post be 'an asset to all',......by dear brothers, and sisters!


God 'richly' Bless you!,........kreagle

Hey Kreagle, guys, one and all. Just dropping in to say hello, and to add a few thoughts to these important and very interesting topics.

Particularly this one here struck me, Kreagle, to do with sin, virtue, human ethics and spiritual morality, for it is a subject I ponder over a lot.

I fully understand, and very much respect the Christian concept of sin, and of righteousness its polar opposite. First of all I submit to you (and you may agree or you may not), that we reap what we sow: that the goodness you do, or the wickedness, shall be returned to you, and done unto you. And not necessarily right away, this ‘law of all things balancing out,’ keeps no timetable. Indeed, one’s bountiful crop, a reward for a job well done down here on earth, may not come to you until the life hereafter.

This may not fall in-line with Christian teaching. But God works in mysterious, as well as subtle ways, does he not? So I submit also, that no deed shall go unnoticed by Him, whether it is a good one or bad one. All that you do, good or bad, is known instantly. What’s more, what was in your heart and mind in the moment you did it, is known also. So there can be no misunderstandings/misinterpretations in (if you wish to call it this) the Courts of Heaven, and so no injustice (unlike the earthly courts of Man) Ever. we reap what we sow: that the goodness you do, or the wickedness, shall be returned to you, and done unto you.

Just wanted to add those things anyway, to see what you think... and whether or not it complies with your understanding. Another thing here I wish to highlight:

Conversely,.....Sin is a 'Liability to the Soul', and can never add anything beneficial to our lives, but can only 'detract and siphon off' any good, ( asset), that we might be trying to accumulate for our 'earthly lives'.

I wish to add a slightly new twist to this, Kreagle, and a counter-argument ( what else! Lol. You know me mate, haha).

Sin Can and does add something very, very beneficial to the soul. Something absolutely priceless in fact. And that is experience. We cannot understand the concept of goodness, and righteousness, if we have not first ploughed the lowly depths. We can only understand what is right, if once we have erred. And we can only recognise what sin, immorality – wrongdoing, actually is, if we ourselves have come from that place, and found the path to righteousness.

Sin may very well 'detract and siphon off' any good in our lives, but it is from this spiritual starvation that an individual is afforded an opportunity to at last see, recognise, and find, the hunger in his heart for God – to redeem !

What I am saying then is Sin, does have its place. It is a tool by which many are actually redeemed. For who here has not sinned? And who here has not learned something very valuable from those sins, and the mistakes they have made? There is not a righteous man that has ever lived, who came to his perfect place without first passing through hell and high water, and Sin, along the way. That is how it works my friends. That is how we find ourselves. And God.

Adios, Love and Light to all!

[kreagle]

Posted by Star Mariner (here)
Hey Kreagle, guys, one and all. Just dropping in to say hello, and to add a few thoughts to these important and very interesting topics.

Particularly this one here struck me, Kreagle, to do with sin, virtue, human ethics and spiritual morality, for it is a subject I ponder over a lot.

I fully understand, and very much respect the Christian concept of sin, and of righteousness its polar opposite. First of all I submit to you (and you may agree or you may not), that we reap what we sow: that the goodness you do, or the wickedness, shall be returned to you, and done unto you. And not necessarily right away, this ‘law of all things balancing out,’ keeps no timetable. Indeed, one’s bountiful crop, a reward for a job well done down here on earth, may not come to you until the life hereafter.

This may not fall in-line with Christian teaching. But God works in mysterious, as well as subtle ways, does he not? So I submit also, that no deed shall go unnoticed by Him, whether it is a good one or bad one. All that you do, good or bad, is known instantly. What’s more, what was in your heart and mind in the moment you did it, is known also. So there can be no misunderstandings/misinterpretations in (if you wish to call it this) the Courts of Heaven, and so no injustice (unlike the earthly courts of Man) Ever. we reap what we sow: that the goodness you do, or the wickedness, shall be returned to you, and done unto you.

Just wanted to add those things anyway, to see what you think... and whether or not it complies with your understanding. Another thing here I wish to highlight:

Conversely,.....Sin is a 'Liability to the Soul', and can never add anything beneficial to our lives, but can only 'detract and siphon off' any good, ( asset), that we might be trying to accumulate for our 'earthly lives'.

I wish to add a slightly new twist to this, Kreagle, and a counter-argument ( what else! Lol. You know me mate, haha).

Sin Can and does add something very, very beneficial to the soul. Something absolutely priceless in fact. And that is experience. We cannot understand the concept of goodness, and righteousness, if we have not first ploughed the lowly depths. We can only understand what is right, if once we have erred. And we can only recognise what sin, immorality – wrongdoing, actually is, if we ourselves have come from that place, and found the path to righteousness.

Sin may very well 'detract and siphon off' any good in our lives, but it is from this spiritual starvation that an individual is afforded an opportunity to at last see, recognise, and find, the hunger in his heart for God – to redeem !

What I am saying then is Sin, does have its place. It is a tool by which many are actually redeemed. For who here has not sinned? And who here has not learned something very valuable from those sins, and the mistakes they have made? There is not a righteous man that has ever lived, who came to his perfect place without first passing through hell and high water, and Sin, along the way. That is how it works my friends. That is how we find ourselves. And God.

Adios, Love and Light to all!

Hey Star Mariner,

As fully indicated by your 'well thought out reply', the Biblical concept of 'reaping what you sow' is 'always' applicable and I completely agree with your assessment that there is seldom, ( if ever), a precise timetable as to when things will come full circle for any Godly retribution, whether good, or bad. Indeed, the records of God are precise, ( as you have indicated), and for those who are hoping that their deeds have been 'forgotten,.... or somehow swept under the rug' they will eventually find out just how good His memory, ( and records), actually are.


The design behind the post,....'Assets,....and....Liabilities' was to specifically highlight what 'sin does to you',......as opposed to what 'righteousness can do for you'. 'Reaping what you sow' was not a particular angle that I was addressing, here, but I, nevertheless, greatly thank you Star Mariner for bringing this to our attention and consideration.


I'm, especially, very concerned that most individuals don't fully realize what a 'life of sin is doing to them' The passage from the Epistle of James that I shared, ( and will do so, again), shows the 'crescendo of sin',....how 'sin' generally always incubates out 'minute and small',....but gathers 'momentum', ( and 'fleshly desirability'),......finally reaching it's 'apex',......before careening to a 'crashing', ( and disastrous), result. Note again, the wise council of James.

James 1:14-16 (KJV)

14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.

I, literally, have drawn a small 'scale' in my Bible next to this passage in James 1:14-16 to highlight, ( and personally remember), the 'crescendo of sin' and it's 'final destination'. These are the 'Four Steps of Sin', (verse 15), and what 'sin will do to you',......if this 'sinful nature is left unattended'.

15 Then 1)when lust hath conceived, 2)it bringeth forth sin: and 3)sin, when it is finished, 4)bringeth forth death.

For any man/woman who has contemplated, ( or committed), an 'adulterous affair',....( or any 'other' type of sin). These basic 'Four Steps to Sin' accurately describe the progression of this 'act'. Step #4 is always the 'killer that everyone tries to avoid',......but 'death', nevertheless, still is the by-product of such an encounter. 'Death' may not always be in the 'natural sense',....for it often comes in the form of 'lost loved ones,....children,.....lost home life,......lost homes, themselves,......lost careers,.....and the list goes on, and on. And,....yes,.....many times the 'death that is experienced from sin' can literally be in the 'natural sense',.....when angry spouses resort to murder, ( as revenge), or when 'suicide seems to become the only option'.


It always seems that the 'violator/perpetrator' of sin, ( whomever that might be), never realizes and takes into account the 'true cost and direction of sin'. It's times like these where they have allowed themselves to become a combination of,.... 'blinded by their own individual lusts',......and.....'gamblers' who take irresponsible risks that 'they won't be caught, or found out'. We know how that 'always' turns out,.....don't we?


This is what 'sin' will do 'to you',......and it is never a pretty picture, or result.

Sin Can and does add something very, very beneficial to the soul. Something absolutely priceless in fact. And that is experience. We cannot understand the concept of goodness, and righteousness, if we have not first ploughed the lowly depths. We can only understand what is right, if once we have erred. And we can only recognise what sin, immorality – wrongdoing, actually is, if we ourselves have come from that place, and found the path to righteousness.

You bring up a 'very interesting, and extremely valuable point', here, my dear friend, Star Mariner. I agree, completely with the 'point you are trying to make', here, but the only problem is that mankind, ( in general), does not recognize what 'sin' actually is,.....unless they are 'shown' that it is 'sin' in the first place. The 'unregenerate man/woman' needs a 'mirror', of sorts, to see the reflection of what's really going on. That 'Mirror',.....is God's Law,......His Holy Word,.....that correctly reflects to mankind what 'sin actually is and what it looks like!' Without this 'Mirror',.......'unregenerate mankind' doesn't have a clue what 'sin actually is,.....and what it is doing 'to them'!

Romans 7:7-8 (KJV)

7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.

8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.

In the passage above, Paul candidly tells the Church in Rome that,....."by the law,....he came to recognize what sin actually was,.......and that......without the law,.....sin was dead, or never truly existed to begin with."


Once again, I completely concur with the 'point you are making' regarding the benefits of 'recognizing sin',.....and then, consequently,......'dealing with it!' The 'sinful experience' can NEVER be beneficial unless one recognizes that it is 'sinful to begin with'.


Likewise, a person could have a 'skin cancer', ( a mole on the face, etc). This same person might be oblivious to the potential danger he/she was in unless someone educated them to the hazards this 'skin cancer' presented to their life. 'Sin' here,....is comparable to the 'skin cancer',...only 'sin is the cancer of the soul!' By itself,...the 'skin cancer' can NEVER be beneficial to the person it has afflicted,.....( nor can 'sin, by itself be beneficial to the soul!') Without 'looking in the mirror, first,......and recognizing that it's there,.....then educating themselves on the effects of it,......and finally taking corrective measures', then the problem, ( skin cancer), is never dealt with from the onset. It simply goes unattended.


Unfortunately, some people 'look in the mirror',....and 'still don't recognize what they see!',.......or they simply don't care!

James 1:23-24 (KJV)

23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

Your final paragraph is certainly 'on spot', my dear friend.

What I am saying then is Sin, does have its place. It is a tool by which many are actually redeemed. For who here has not sinned? And who here has not learned something very valuable from those sins, and the mistakes they have made? There is not a righteous man that has ever lived, who came to his perfect place without first passing through hell and high water, and Sin, along the way. That is how it works my friends. That is how we find ourselves. And God.

Romans 3:23 (KJV)

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Yes,......'all' of humanity has been 'affected, ( and infected), by 'sin'.


It does terrible things 'to us'!


But He has so much in store,.......'for us'!!!,.....my dear, dear friends!


God Bless,.....your brother, friend, and servant,.......kreagle

[kreagle]

Heaven on Earth


Unfortunately, a great deal of people live in conditions that make their lives a literal 'hell on earth!' It doesn't have to be that way!!!

I sincerely hope this song is enjoyed by 'all',....and that a glimpse is attained of what one can have, instead!


Heaven on Earth

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=AGQa4tfTV4c

Your brother, friend, and servant,.......kreagle

[Akasha]

Posted by kreagle (here)
Heaven on Earth


Unfortunately, a great deal of people live in conditions that make their lives a literal 'hell on earth!' It doesn't have to be that way!!!

I sincerely hope this song is enjoyed by 'all',....and that a glimpse is attained of what one can have, instead!


Heaven on Earth

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=AGQa4tfTV4c

Your brother, friend, and servant,.......kreagle

E B F#. A very emotive chord progression ...... (with or without the christian lyrics)

[kreagle]

Akasha,

Thanks for your comments, brother! I wish I had the ability to recognize chords like you. Even though I am unable to read music, I can read what is on the faces of those singers as they sing under the influence of His Spirit. I've been there and done that myself!

God Bless,.......kreagle

[Akasha]

under the influence of His Spirit

Under the influence of E B F# me thinks.

Before I woke up, I was very involved in the worship sessions at the local baptist pentecostal church which I had grown up in and would often lead worship within the youth group meetings so I'm not without experience on this subject. The songs which followed that chord progression, or transpositions there-of always got more hands in the air and sometimes a tear too regardless of the value of their lyrical content.

It's also worth noting that many of the most popular rock and pop tunes of the last 50 years have also used the above chord progression (or transpositions of it) to great effect.

So three questions for you, Kreagle;

Is it the spirit or the music?

How popular would the modern day pentecostal movement be without it's worship sessions?

Why do you need a musical vehicle to worship God?

[kreagle]

Posted by Akasha (here)
So three questions for you, Kreagle;

Is it the spirit or the music?

How popular would the modern day pentecostal movement be without it's worship sessions?

Why do you need a musical vehicle to worship God?

Akasha,

Is it the spirit or the music?

Without the 'spirit',......there is no music,.....one way or the other, my dear friend. Music, itself, is derived from the desires of mankind to 'express him/her self'. It's for this very reason that we hear the early morning bird gleefully 'expressing him/her self'. Any student of music should readily recognize the components of music that enables one to 'harmonize with each other in song'. This, in turn, produces 'soul-stirring' tones, ( and melodies), that causes us to not only be in 'harmony with one another,......but more importantly,.....with God, Himself!'

Psalm 28:7 (KJV)

7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

The Scriptures are replete with numerous examples of God's Divine directions for His people concerning music, and it's place in their lives. Given His attention to the 'finest details', God certainly made it a 'specific point' to appoint a musician/singer section for His people. In 2 Chronicles 5:12, we find from the Levitical Priesthood came this 'section',....the musicians Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, their sons and relatives, for this very 'needful and vital role' in the lives of the children of Israel. As the children of Israel marched onward towards their journey to the 'Promised Land' we find that these 'singers/musicians' were 'out front, leading the way', ( even during times of battle), fully indicating how important their role actually was. It was their 'songs of worship/praise' that encouraged God's children and played such a vital role in their every day lives. When the 'enemies of Israel heard them coming',.....it literally struck fear in their hearts as they 'heard the confidence in God that was woven into the songs sung by these singers'. This 'Godly principle' still works today,.....for those who will still employ it! A 'Spirit-filled song',....STILL....encourages, ( and edifies), the local assembly of believers,.......and.......continues to 'strike fear in the hearts of His people's enemies!'


The following Scripture fully indicates, exactly, who is a valid candidate to sing praises unto the Lord. As you will see, by Scripture, ( and in the following video),.....'every thing that hath breath',...( ie.,....'us',...birds, animals, insects, and even nature itself),...are directed to sing our praises unto Him!

Psalm 150:6 (KJV)

6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=huFfcD6LEEw

( Note: in the preceding video, we literally see 'nature's symphony' in full action as it orchestrates some of the most 'beautiful praises to our God,...it's Creator!' With that in mind,.....I think nature is trying to 'conduct class, here',.....if one will only avail themselves to be a 'willing student!' This 'classroom session' is only 10 minutes long,....and worth 'every minute of it',....if you'll just take the time to 'listen'!)

1 Corinthians 11:14 (KJV)

14 Doth not even nature itself teach you,........

How popular would the modern day pentecostal movement be without it's worship sessions?

Just how popular/powerful would the United States of America be without their 'Armed Military Forces'? Do you see my point, brother? Yes, my friend, the 'worship/praise sessions' are to the Apostolic Pentecostal movement,.....what the 'Armed Military Forces' are to the United States of America! I can assure you that the enemies of the U.S.A. would 'lick their chops' at the thought of America 'disarming themselves'. Equally,....Satan, ( and his minions), would love for the 'Born-Again believer' to lay their worship/praise down,....so he might then be able to destroy them! The 'intelligently trained',....'Born-Again believer',....fully recognizes where his/her 'true power/protection comes from' and would never consider allowing themselves to become 'Spiritually disarmed!'

Zechariah 4:6 (KJV)

6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.

Why do you need a musical vehicle to worship God?

Brother, anyone should readily recognize the value of having a 'reliable mode of transportation at their disposal' and using it to expedite their journey, should they not? I'm afraid, ( and very dismayed), that a great deal of individuals are using 'antiquated methods,....perhaps even a 'horse and buggy' approach', in their quest for God's presence and blessings. With your choice of words,....I make no 'bones about it',.....and readily agree that I have gladly accepted this 'musical vehicle' to worship God with. I can assure you that this 'vehicle' will help anyone reach their destination with God, and His presence, a great deal quicker, than anything else you could possibly use!


( in conclusion )


In my opening comments, I used the illustration of the 'morning song bird'. No doubt, we've all heard him/her singing outside of our respective homes at one point or the other. The 'singing' you hear comes from a heart that is in 'harmony with nature' and is happy. In turn, this 'sound of happiness, ( and fulfillment)', has a simple way of finding it's way into 'our' ears,....for 'us' to hear,.....and equallly spreading the 'harmony and happiness' in our direction, too!


'Nature',.....at God's behest,......teaches such wonderful lessons!



God Bless,......your brother, friend, and servant,......kreagle

[kreagle]

Posted by Akasha (here)


Before I woke up, I was very involved in the worship sessions at the local baptist pentecostal church which I had grown up in and would often lead worship within the youth group meetings so I'm not without experience on this subject. The songs which followed that chord progression, or transpositions there-of always got more hands in the air and sometimes a tear too regardless of the value of their lyrical content.

Akasha,

I remember, very well, the 'hurt' you expressed in an earlier post of this thread, regarding your early church experiences. It might surprise you to know that I 'completely agree' with your assessment concerning you finally receiving a 'wake up call' and separating yourself from that experience. One has to become completely 'fed up and disgusted' before a move in another direction is usually undertaken.

The 'term' Pentecostal has had quite a few adjectives/names attached to it over the course of it's existence, which is traced back to the 'Day of Pentecost' in Acts chapter 2. With these multitudes of adjectives, ( and names), has come quite a variety of different directions that are completely contradictory to the original intention, ( and design), of the pure Pentecostal movement, itself. It's for this reason that I have expressed the term 'Apostolic Pentecostal' which simply denotes that the Apostles, themselves, originated this movement and set the original Church in motion, as indicated in Acts chapter 2.

Acts 2:42-47
King James Version (KJV)

42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

I am sharing this with you, brother, because I am deeply concerned, ( and sympathetic), towards your situation and the hurt/bruising that you have undergone in your past. Please don't judge/condemn the 'entire Pentecostal movement' based upon your experiences with a group who may have 'very well been completely detached and misguided' from the pure 'Apostolic Pentecostal' experience as recorded in the Word of God. To do so is the equivalent to 'throwing the baby out with the bath water!'


The 'original' Apostolic Pentecostal Church had It's problems/difficulties that were consequently dealt with by Peter, Paul, John, etc.


Today's Apostolic Pentecostal Church,... ( yes 'It' is still alive and well),...continues to have It's problems/difficulties,.....that 'we' deal with, likewise.


However, my brother,.....we protect and nurture 'the baby', ( the Church),....at 'all costs!'


Your brother, friend, and servant,.......kreagle

[Akasha]

Cheers for your answers and for your concern regarding my "bruising" Kreagle, but as I've mentioned in previous posts, you needn't to worry. Those experiences were all essential parts of the process that got me to where I am now: a much better place - at least from my perspective.

I suspect the congregation I was surrounded by during my life in the church was no more "detached and misguided" than any members of the movement that I observe these days. I'm sure they were as genuine as the folk in your choir video above, although maybe not quite such good singers.

[AwakeInADream]

Posted by Akasha (here)

under the influence of His Spirit

Under the influence of E B F# me thinks.

Is it the spirit or the music?

Hi Akasha! I love music, and it certainly has power, but music has no power of it's own as a deaf man would testify.

Without our ears, brain and psychology music would do nothing. Like The Man said "He who has ears to hear, let him hear".

I love music because God gave me that perception and ability to interpret, in fact everything I love, I love because God gave me the ability to love.

So 'to love' is to love God. God is love. God is music. God is fine art, poetry, fine food, family, friends. Anyone who loves, loves God.

P.S. (E B F#) Yeah! it is a nice progression! Sentimental. Thank's for pointing it out. I may use it in my next composition.

[Akasha]

Well said, AwakeInADream, although I think if you gave that deaf man a good gong bath he would experience the power......hell, he might even start hearing again!

P.S. If you're gonna use that progression in your next composition try and disguise it a bit.....it's been properly rinsed in its naked state.......not that that will stop the next pop idol................kinda like the four chord song really.

[kreagle]

Revelation Song


Another great song to help your spirit soar!

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=_P34RvexH18

Love and Peace,........kreagle

[Akasha]

Nice music, Kreagle, but you've kind of proved my point regarding chord progressions. The "Revelation Song" above is essentially using the same progression transposed down from F sharp to D with an A minor slipped in for variety. To be fair the phrase does start on the root (D) rather than 2 semi-tones down from the root (E) in the case of "Heaven and Earth" but the cycle though starting in a different place for each tune is, once transposed, essentially the same.