Those 3 WILLS of GOD....

...that ye may prove

what is that good,

and acceptable,

and perfect,

WILL of GOD.

Romans 12:2
.

At a church picnic last summer, I happened to be sitting near a group of older teen-agers / young adult sisters. One of them was sharing an experience, a situation, that had befallen her and she was troubled and unsure if she had done the right thing. In the midst of their youthful but serious discussion, I heard one of the sisters offer comfort from the Word of GOD.

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In brief, she said there is a GOOD WILL of GOD and then, there is that ACCEPTABLE WILL of GOD , and thirdly, there is that PERFECT WILL of GOD.

.

So, in case one misses that perfect WILL of GOD, one should be okay if he or she does either HIS GOOD WILL or HIS ACCEPTABLE WILL ! They all nodded and agreed this was so, for wasn't this so in the Scriptures and teachings that they heard ?

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Aha! So now, Christendom, there are 3 ... yes, three... possible "WILLS of GOD" for any given situation.

.

? ? ?

.

Is this rightly dividing

the Word of GOD?

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From Romans 12:1 and 2 ~

.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of GOD,

that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,

holy, acceptable unto GOD,

which is your reasonable service.

.

And be not conformed to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove what is that

good,

and acceptable,

and perfect,

Will of GOD.

.

Even a school child can look at these verses, specifically the last phrase of verse 2 of Romans 12, and see that WILL is SINGULAR, not plural. There are NOT 3 different "wills" of GOD in CHRIST JESUS concerning us.

.

The trouble develops NOT because of misunderstanding the grammar. The trouble... and deliberate teaching ... develops because of the REJECTION of our cross. Not HIS+ cross... our cross.

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What is being rejected is exactly what is written in this very verse, directly above the "3 Wills-of-GOD" phrase: and be not conformed to this world.

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Christians become a target for oppression and torments when they ignore this instruction by the Apostle Paul, written under the inspiration of the HOLY SPIRIT.

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The next phrase in this verse says: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.

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How do we "renew" our mind SO MUCH SO that we become transformed ? We learn to separate ourselves from the world's values and the world's systems. Yes, it is GOOD to change our manner of dress so that we give a visible witness of CHRIST. It is good to cease going to movies and worldly concerts and doing other activities (perhaps on the computer ?) that do not reflect CHRIST JESUS.

.

But the KEY to renewing our mind is to REJECT the world's values with which we have all been raised ...and replace those values with HIS+ values, what HE+ considers important. For example, when we are in the office, do we learn how to crush others down and exalt our own prowess? Or, do we learn how to speak well of others and promote them, instead?

.

Do we point our children to ways of worldly success... or are we content to point them to CHRIST and teach them how to work honestly as UNTO CHRIST... no matter what line of work they prepare to do?

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As we learn NOT to conform (to the world) ourselves, our lives, our dress, and our values that we teach our children, AND REPLACE THESE VALUES with HIS+, then we will have our mind "renewed."

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And, when we renew our mind in this way, we will be transformed into HIS+ likeness and image, in our heart.

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When we Christians walk in MATURITY and take seriously the need to be transformed by the renewing of our mind, then we will indeed prove what is that ONE...

GOOD, PERFECT, and ACCEPTABLE

WILL

of

GOD

in CHRIST JESUS concerning us.

.

At that point, we Christians may be able, in SPIRIT and in Truth, to actually present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service.

.

However ~ until we separate our values and our activities and our ways from the world, we will NOT be renewed in our minds... regardless of how many Scriptures we read... and we will NOT be transformed into HIS+ likeness and image.

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Worse, we will not be able to rightly divide the Word of GOD and will end up teaching and confusing the young CHRISTIANS with absurd renderings ...which will allow them to snuggle up to the world and change nothing.

.

So when the CHURCH

teaches

AGAINST the Word of GOD,

is it not ripe for judgment?

.

This is but ONE instance of the organized church going directly against the plain teachings of the Apostles and the PLAIN and STRAIGHTFORWARD Words of CHRIST,

and instead teaching for doctrines the compromising thoughts of men.

.

When this happens over and over again....

the Church is ripe for chastening of a severe nature, and judgment begins at the house of GOD, not the house of sinners.

THINK on this....

.

+ + +

.

In the name of The FATHER,

Whose Will was to send forth HIS Beloved SON+

to deliver us from sin and death;

In the name of The SON+

Who+ fulfilled the Will of His+ Heavenly FATHER;

In the name of The HOLY SPIRIT,

Who enables us

to fulfill the Will of CHRIST.

Amen

HANDS... the LAYING ON of....

HOLY HANDS

...for praying, for ministering,

for blessing, for worship...

Furthermore,

where does "laying on of hands" come in ?

.

Is this use of our hands in accordance with Scripture?

Is it in accordance with the SPIRIT of GOD?

.

The laying of on hands is found in only a few Scriptures. If one walks into many churches nowadays, one will find the "laying on of hands" going on with familiarity and ease... with everybody jumping into "doing" this. Is it in keeping with the WORD+ of GOD, both in Spirit and in Writing?

.

<(((><

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Let's look at the Scriptures pertaining to the laying on of hands and evaluate: is it being done as the WORD+ of GOD teaches us to do it?

.

.

But before we begin with Scriptures, let me share about three separate incidences of laying on of hands.

.

The first one occurred in a conservative Anabaptist church. A church family was preparing to leave on a missionary journey. At the end of the church service, the congregation was called to "lay hands on the family" and pray. So, the men, women, and children of the congregation gathered around the family and did that. Later, the sisters were summoned to a Sunday School room and, after a time of sharing by a visiting sister, they laid hands on her and prayed.

.

The second incident was in an evangelical Baptist church... one known for being on fire for GOD... and a similar situation occurred. Men, women, and children laid hands on the couple going forth on the missionary trip and prayed for them.
.

The third incident happened in a small charismatic prayer meeting in a pastor's home, where, after a time of sharing, a lady was encircled for prayer. The pastor called for the sisters to come forward and lay hands on the lady during the prayer. So... we did.

.

.

Was all that... or any of that... Scriptural? In other words, were these seemingly well-meaning activities which were sanctioned by the pastors and leaders of 3 very different church groups done IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE WORD+ of GOD ?
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Now that we have started with the examples of the activities of current day Christians, let us return to the TRUE PLACE where we ALWAYS should start: with the WORD+ of GOD.... written for our benefit, for:

.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of GOD, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in RIGHTEOUSNESS: that the man of GOD may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (Written by the Apostle Paul to Timothy... 2 Timothy 3:16,17)

.

<(((><

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The first passage in Scripture is found in Acts 8:17-19 ~

.

Then laid they (Peter and John) their hands on them (the new Samaritan believers) , and they received they HOLY GHOST. And when Simon saw that through laying on of the Apostles' hands the HOLY GHOST was given , he offered them money, saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the HOLY GHOST.

.

~ ~ ~ So we see here that the Apostles laid hands on the new believers and prayed for them (see verse 15) and the new believers received the HOLY SPIRIT. That is, the church leaders in authority did the laying on of hands and the result was the baptism of the HOLY SPIRIT.

.

~~ The second passage is found in I Timothy 4:14, where the Apostle Paul is speaking to Timothy with words of advice ~~

.

Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

.

Here we see that a Spiritual gift was bestowed upon Timothy. It came through the means of prophecy at the time of the laying on of hands. The hands-laying was those of the presbytery, or ordained eldership, the brothers appointed to be in charge.

.

<(((><

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~ ~ ~ In the third passage, which is found in Hebrews 6:2, we have the Apostle admonishing the Brethren, saying they should be ready for MEAT but instead, they are in need of being re-taught as babes that need MILK. He says:

.

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of CHRIST, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward GOD, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

.

In other words, the Apostle is saying let us not do again... over and over... the primary, beginning things of a Christian's walk. He is not saying let's stop these things totally, but let us not make these things the SUM TOTAL of Christianity. For, it is not the totality.

.

But rather, let us GO ON towards maturity, REALLY picking up one's cross and following CHRIST as HE+ instructed us to do... to bring forth that good fruit which the Husbandman (The FATHER) is looking for... to decrease so that CHRIST+ would increase in our lives.

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~ ~ ~ ~ Also, in I Timothy 5:22, the Apostle is instructing Timothy in the order of the Church. He says:

Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~ The last Scriptural passage I found was in Acts 13:1-3 where Saul and Barnabus were separated out by the HOLY SPIRIT for their work. The Prophets and Teachers in the Antioch Church ministered to the LORD and fasted. Then the HOLY SPIRIT spoke to them about Saul and Barnabus.

.

And when they (the prophets and teachers, all ordained brothers of the church) had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them (Saul and Barnabus), they sent them away.

.

<(((><

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Now, to return to our topic:

Is laying on of hands Scriptural?

.

YES... if it is done the same way as it was done in Scripture.

.

By whom was it done?

The Apostles, prophets, or elders

( the brothers ordained to lead the church)

did the laying on of hands.

.

<(((><

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Nowhere in Scripture is laying on of hands done by the congregation at large, the brothers and sisters in a prayer group, the unordained brothers, any of the sisters, or the children. It was considered a very serious thing to transfer very serious anointing and authority upon the one being prayed for.

.

<(((><

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If we want The LORD'S blessing

then we must do it HIS+ way;

.

HE+ is not obliged to honor

strange fire on the altar.

.

In fact, HE+ loathes

the disregard of HIS+ Word.

(See Levitucus 10:1)

.

.

O LORD GOD, FATHER of all mercies, help us to do Thy Work Thy way, so that it will be acceptable unto THEE. Deliver us from being out-of-order before Thy Majesty. Alert us when we are moving in opposition or in ignorance to Thy Holy Word. Awake in us a desire for pureness and holiness when we come before Thee. Help us to turn away from following the crowd in practices that are not sanctioned by Thy HOLY SPIRIT. Keep us from presumptuous sin. This we ask through Thy Great Mercies, in the name of Thy SON+ JESUS CHRIST, our LORD. Amen.

.

+ + +

ESTABLISHING the WORK of our HANDS...

So teach us to number our days,

that we may apply our hearts unto Wisdom+.

.
Return, O LORD, how long?

and let it repent THEE concerning Thy Servants.

.
O satisfy us early with Thy Mercy;

that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.

.
Make us glad according to the days

wherein THOU hast afflicted us,
and the years wherein we have seen evil.

.
Let Thy Work appear unto Thy Servants,

and Thy Glory unto their children.

.
And let the beauty of The LORD our GOD be upon us:

and establish THOU the work of our hands upon us;

yea, the work of our hands establish THOU it.

Psalm 90: 12-17

<(((><

This lovely, inspired passage in the Psalms seems to be talking about The LORD JESUS CHRIST, the ONE+ Who+ was in the beginning with GOD, the ONE+ Who+ was known as Wisdom+ , the Daily Delight of GOD the FATHER in Solomon's writings (Proverbs 8:30).

.

Let us ponder more closely the phrase: Establish THOU the work of our hands... in that last verse of this passage.

.

We know what is the Work of the LORD'S hands, don't we?

Putting clay on the eyes of one born blind, touching the leper for cleansing, taking the damsel by HIS+ Hand and telling her to arise... We recall the scourge HE+ made WITH HIS+ HANDS of small cords and drove the money-changers out of the Temple. And the Greatest Work of all... yielding HIS+ HANDS to the nails of the Cross. This was the Work of our LORD'S HANDS.

<(((><

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Yet, what exactly is "the work of our hands ?"

.

<(((><

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Since this passage is spiritually-oriented, it stands to reason that "the work of our hands" should be considered spiritually-oriented also.

.

Our Praying Hands

Hands clasped together in prayer... in worship, in thanksgiving, in supplication for friends and enemies... are working hands, in the eyes of GOD, are they not ? Do you suppose these "working hands" are more lovely to Our Savior+ than hands that, perhaps, are busy holding a deck of cards... ? Don't you suppose HE+ sees us using our hands for all manner of things, both good and bad ?

.

Do we want The LORD to establish "the work of our hands" when we use our hands to lock our doors and perhaps slam things around in our irritation with someone, things, or life in general... when we don't get our way? Is that the fruit we want to be established? Is that the testimony we want to have established upon us?

.

.

Our hands should be used for HOLY purposes. As John Michael Talbot sang, "These are HOLY hands."

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<(((><

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A second HOLY work our hands can perform is making the sign of the Cross. Our friends in the Roman Catholic branches have been making the sign of the Cross for a long time, but...

the sign of the Cross

did NOT originate

with Roman Catholicism .

.

Making the sign of the Cross is recorded by Tertullian as early as the year 197 AD, so it must have been done before that year, at least.

.

Here is what some of the writings tell us about making the sign of the Cross long before the Roman Catholics acquired it; they simply retained the Early Christian practices. [ All quotes are from David Bercot's Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs, Scroll Publishing.]

From Tertullian ~

"At every forward step and movement, at every going in and out, when we put on our clothes and shoes, when we bathe, when we sit at the table, when we light the lamps, when on the couch, on a seat, and in all the ordinary actions of daily life, we trace the sign upon our foreheads." (c. 211, Western writer, 3.94.95, )

From Lactantius ~~

" HE+ is the salvation of all who have written on their foreheads the sign of blood. I am referring to the sign of the Cross, on which HE+ shed HIS+ Blood... But I will show in the last book in what manner or in what region all will be safe who have marked on the highest part of their body this sign of the true and divine Blood+. " (c.304-311, Western writer, 7.129).

"While the Emperor Diocletian sacrificed, some attendants of his, who were Christians, stood by and they put the immortal sign on their foreheads. At this, the demons were chased away, and the (un)holy rites were interrupted. (c. 320, W, 7.304).

From Cyprian~~~

"Women did not benefit from that sign of circumcision. However, all are sealed by the sign of The LORD." (c. 250w, 5.510).

"Only those can escape who have been born anew and signed with the sign of CHRIST. 'Have no pity upon old or young. And slay the virgins, the little ones, and the women, that they may be utterly destroyed. But do not touch any man upon whom is written the mark.' What this mark is and in what part of the body it is placed, GOD sets forth in another place, saying 'Go through the midst of Jerusalem and set a mark (tau ... like a T) upon the foreheads of the men who sigh and cry for all the abominations that are done in the midst thereof.' This sign pertains to the passion and blood of CHRIST. Whoever is found in this sign is kept safe and unharmed."

<(((><...

We who are NOT of the Roman Catholic persuasion might do well to reconsider the practice of the signing of the Cross as part of our daily routine during worship and prayer. The Early Christians seemed to think it was a valid and genuine use of HOLY hands.

<(((><

O, LORD, THOU+ Whose+ hands were Most HOLY, help us to sow to the Spirit always, and establish THOU+ the work of these hands... made HOLY by Thy+ Blood and Spirit. Then, may our prayers be set forth before THEE+ as incense; and the lifting up of our hands as the evening sacrifice.

<(((><

.
In the name of The FATHER, Who created thee;

His+ HOLY SON+ JESUS, Who+ saves thee;

And The Blessed HOLY SPIRIT, Who sanctifies thee.

+ + +

GO YE THEREFORE AND...

TEACH , didaskO , all nations... ?

.

NO,

.

The LORD JESUS

.

did not say that;

.

the translators said that.

.

Our LORD said to

go to all nations

.

and MATHATEUO them.

.

That word means "to disciple".

.

<(((><

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So, there IS a distinction, a difference in these two words which JESUS HIMSELF+ made during His+ last earthly words of instructions to His+ students... ???

.

NO...

but rather,

.

to His+ DISCIPLES.

.

<(((><

.

In those two last verses of the book of Matthew, the Greek (from Jay P.Green Sr.) accurately reads:

.

Go ye therefore

and DISCIPLE (mathateusate) all nations,

baptizing them

in the name of The FATHER,

and of The SON+,

and of the HOLY SPIRIT,

.

TEACHING (didaskontes) them

.

to observe all things

.

whatsoever I+ have commanded you;

.

and behold, I + am with you all the days,

.

unto the completion of the age.

.

Amen.

.
So, dear friends, how does one make or become a disciple of The LORD JESUS CHRIST versus a student ?
.

What is the distinctive difference

.

between

.

a disciple and a student ?

.

<(((><

.

Which are we ?

.

Which should we be, after our baptism

.

into CHRIST JESUS our LORD ?

+ + +

BLENDERS...

Blenders ... instead of CHRISTIANS ?

Are we blending into the world...

or are we a distinct people?

There are ways for us to measure ourselves.

.

<(((><

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One of the first signs of a true disciple of CHRIST ~ one who applies discipleship to his own life ~ is the fruit that is growing quietly. The ripening and maturing of the fruit is visible to all who come near. Everbody notices it. The neighbors see it, the friends sense it, the children feel it, the husband or wife become slowly aware of it... everybody notices the fruit of discipleship.

.

<(((><

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What is some of that fruit?

.

Fruit that is Holy makes a distinction between the disciple and the world, which can be seen at a glance. For instance, one fruit of discipleship is the thought-life. Thoughts are made evident to others through conversation, or more apply put, perhaps, through those things NOT said nor discussed. The early Christians were distinct because of how they conducted their conversations ~ and the topics that DID NOT INTEREST them. [Now, that's a thought!]

.

<(((><

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Thoughts are apparent through attitudes. Are we defensive? Ready to argue? Grim when things are done NOT our way? These are some of the measuring sticks to see if we qualify as disciples or spiritual babies.

.

Discipleship will change all that. A disciple ~ a true disciple of CHRIST ~ will be so involved in CHRIST JESUS that earthly concerns will not matter too much anymore. PEACE will be one distinct fruit. Irritability will be gone with little effort, you see, when one's mind is on Spiritual things of The LORD. A disciple keeps his mind on things which The LORD deems important.

.

<(((><

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Another measuring stick to see if we qualify as disciples of CHRIST is our visible, silent witness. Many people will not go into a church because they are afraid "they" will "GET" them ! [Who they is, is not quite clear... but to those who are afraid, they is real.] Supposedly, to be "gotten" by a church (?) means that some kind of discomfort is very real in the mind of that fearful person. So, how does one witness to such a person? How could one let him / her know that CHRIST is available to meet the needs of whosoever would come unto HIM+ ?

.

<(((><

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Again, separation from the world is the rule to follow. How do we measure if we Christians are sufficiently separated? This one is simple: we use our eyes. While we are walking in the supermarket or across the parking lot, can someone SEE AT A GLANCE that we follow CHRIST? If not, then we must change our clothing so that a constant visible witness THAT MARKS US AS CHRISTIAN is evident, even without the spoken word.

.

<(((><

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This is not radical: we all recognize policemen, firemen, soldiers, and ball team members AT A GLANCE, don't we? We recognize orthodox Jews and orange-clad disciples of an eastern religion at a glance. Even children in Britain and many other countries usually wear uniforms to school to set them apart.

.

The early Christians dressed oftentimes to blend in with the earth, not the crowd. In other words, their simplicity and modesty and lack of adornment marked them as belonging to CHRIST. And they lived in a most pagan era!

.

<(((><

.

When we look over the playground, do our little boys stand out as CHRISTIAN by the way we dress them... or do they blend in with the crowd? Are our girls separated from the world SO MUCH SO that you can identify "those girls are from a Christian family" on the playground or in the neighborhood? We know of two families ~ one in Kentucky, one in Alabama ~ who are NOT members of a "group" which tells them what to do. But their walk with CHRIST is such that they dress their children so noticably Christian that anyone looking will know they come from a Christian family. And that simple fact opens up the doors for witness.

.

<(((><

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Why is it important for the children to be dressed differently? One important reason is the witness for CHRIST: others who see the Christian children will come looking for their parents if they are spiritually hungry.

.

<(((><

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The other important reason is that we are training the children, no matter how young, to be different from the worldlings... instead of blending in with the non-disciples. We train them to be comfortable with a separate identity.

.

Yes, we can choose their clothes for them now, but we will not be able to choose the consequences for them later... if we train them up to enhance their "self" identity. Self expression instead of expressing CHRIST is the lesson the children learn, much to our regret in later years. Then we hear the parents' lament, "Oh, what have I done wrong?" And then, it is too late.

.

<(((><

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Being conservative, decent, hard-working, and modest citizens of ANY country is not equivalent to being Christian. Many, many persons live and dress moderately. Many, many persons love their children deeply and work hard. They wouldn't even think of robbing a bank or committing murder.

.

But... they bear no witness for CHRIST JESUS the LORD. In their public talk, walk, thoughts, attitudes, and dress no-one would run to them for spiritual help. No stranger laden with sin and dispair would even imagine that CHRIST may dwell in the hearts of the blenders.

.

<(((><

.

Instead, a person troubled over his spiritual plight would slip next to a priest, a nun, or even an Old Order Mennonite / Amish to talk with them about their problems. Why? Because they can identify them at a glance!

.

The evangelical Christians who do know CHRIST JESUS simply are blending in with the majority of conservative society today. And the witness is greatly blunted, if not eradicated altogether.

.

<(((><

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True, we may not be able to go to the far-out tribes in the Gobi Desert to witness for CHRIST, but we can do those little things at home and in the public ~ right where we live ~ to lift CHRIST JESUS up. The promise is certain because HE+ said it: If I + be lifted up from the earth, I + will draw all men unto ME+ .

.

What, dear friends, is keeping us from doing that?

.

Let us make a decided effort to discipline ourselves to separate from the world and its ways and learn to lift JESUS up as our LORD in everyday things, in everyday life... every day.

.

<(((><

.

Come out from among them;

and be ye separate,

saith the LORD,

and touch not the unclean thing;

and

I+

will receive

you.

.

(The Apostle, 2 Cor. 6:17,

quoting the Prophet Isaiah )

.

Shake loose the rocks; break up the fallow ground and the hard-packed soil. In our prayer closets, then, let us judge and measure ourselves lest we be judged... and found wanting in the balance.

.

<(((><

.

In the name of The FATHER,

Who created thee;

The SON+

Who+ saves thee;

and the blessed HOLY SPIRIT,

Who sanctifies thee.

.

Sister Judith Hannah + + +

A Return to Discipleship...

A Return to Discipleship...

...is not an option.

.

<(((><

.

Discipleship is what keeps the train on the track. It is what keeps us moving forward, on toward CHRIST.

.

.

Some Christian Believers have discovered discipleship through a submissive obedience to the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT. Others have stumbled across the necessity of discipleship purely by accident... when they have been frustrated with ~AND REJECTED~ their bone-dry "walk" with CHRIST. Still others have been pushed to it by sorrow, injury, illness, or handicap.

.

.

One thing is certain: there is no growth without a determined, purposeful discipleship.

.

.

WRONG.

.

In all truth, there really is growth... but not towards CHRIST. The growth will be towards the world in dress and thought, towards secret and open indulgences of the flesh, towards deadness and numbness and coldness towards CHRIST. In our daily busy-ness of mind, body, and duties... is our on-fire effort going toward something(s) other than CHRIST ?

.

.

Many of us have come so far from the old man. Is it worth losing what we have gained in CHRIST through so many tears and renderings of our flesh...

...to let it slip away

due to

spiritual laziness?

.

.

Are we content with this ?

.

.

Making the effort toward a determined discipleship is NOT SALVATION BY WORKS: it is simply staying on track towards The LORD JESUS our King.

.

Now, here's the scary part:

.

HE+ won't keep you on track...

.

...unless you make the effort.

.

<(((><

.

.

And HE+ said to them all,

If

any man

will come after ME+,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross daily,

and

follow

ME+.

.

~ The Word of The LORD,

recorded in Luke 9:23

+ + +

.

In the name of The FATHER, Who created thee~

The SON+, Who+ saves thee~

And

The Blessed HOLY SPIRIT, Who sanctifies thee.

.

Sister Judith Hannah + + +

WHO-- or What--- are we LIFTING UP?

There is a way which seemeth right

unto a man,

but the end thereof are the ways of

DEATH.

Proverbs 14:12

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of GOD, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

James 1:2-5

We are told by James to ask for wisdom. We are not told to ask for strength here, nor even patience. As one Brother shared on the LORD'S Day, "Love keeps us faithful to HIM+ ."

During the recent 9/11 remembrances, let us ask: who... or what... are we lifting up?

Are we lamenting the loss of lives? That is acceptable sorrow.

Are we lamenting the fact that likely most who lost their lives so abruptly did not follow the LORD JESUS CHRIST, as they went to their eternal abode ? Now that is only the sorrow that Christians can carry.

Are we vowing to fight terrorism? Regardless of who we think is to blame ... those of Ben Laden's camp or those of Hunt-the-Boeing camp...

IS FIGHTING TERRORISM THE ARENA for CHRISTIANS ?

.

Confused?

.

Then let us UN-confuse ourselves and check out the Word of Truth, as found in Romans 12:19-21...

.

Dearly Beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, VENGEANCE IS MINE; I WILL REPAY, saith The LORD.

.

Therefore,

if thine enemy hunger, feed him;

if he thirst, give him drink:

.

for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

.

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

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Yes, this does sound familiar... the teachings of The LORD JESUS CHRIST and the living out of HIS+ Life, being our example... shows us that there is no conflict with the WORD of GOD... by leaving vengeance in HIS+ very, very capable Hands.

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Fighting against terrorists (political or military) is NOT the realm nor calling of the Christian.

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For, what does it profit to slay the un-regenerated ?

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The world would never sorrow over the death of the unsaved... but we who follow CHRIST JESUS do. Therefore, we do NOT pick up the sword but rather we pick up our cross and die daily to our Selves.

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In order to be ascetic? NO.

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But rather, in order to share the GOOD NEWS that CHRIST JESUS came to save sinners from death, hell, and the power of the grave.

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We practice denying our flesh in order to have the life of CHRIST living unhindered by our flesh... in order to share the GOOD NEWS that CHRIST JESUS came to save sinners... of whom I am chief!

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So, if HE+ cleansed me from sin,

HE+ can cleanse anybody...

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including those in the enemy camp.

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Thus, instead of wasting our energies doing what the worldlings do on 9/11, let us Christians spend that time in our prayer closets, wearing out the skin on our knees.

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Let us beseech the LORD GOD of the HEAVENLY ARMIES to smite the wicked spirits and put those wicked spirits to flight... those wicked creatures who stir up men to shed blood and produce hate.

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In so doing, those wicked spirits accomplish 2 things:

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One is they plummet hundreds of people prematurely into HELL, cutting off all chance of them coming to The LORD JESUS CHRIST.

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Secondly, the wicked spirits stir up human hatred and revenge amongst the Christians and urge them to pick up the sword, avenging in righteous indignation, and drop the cross... and transgress against our SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST... Who+ desires that all men, everywhere, be saved.

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Who... or what... are we Christians lifting up?

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Yes, in these days of "national emergencies," let us learn to be more FAITHFUL to OUR KINGDOM, which is in Heaven than to the flag of whatever nation we sojourn in.

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Let us learn to lift up The LORD JESUS CHRIST... not simply to comfort the victims but also to batter the Kingdom of darkness with prayers for Truth to be victorious and salvation for

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the dreadfully unregenerated ones...

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for a dreadful eternity in HELL awaits them.

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There is a way that seemeth right unto a man,

but the end thereof are the ways of DEATH.

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In the name of The FATHER, Who created thee,

And His SON+, The LORD JESUS CHRIST, Who+ saves thee,

And the Blessed HOLY SPIRIT, Who sanctifies thee.

Amen.

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