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Before I tell you my tale, let me say, I am a God Fearing Literal Bible Believing Southern Christian Woman.

I also have an ability most folks scoff at. I see Ghosts. I call them ghosts because I see people no one else sees. I have never tried to conjure these visions, they are just there. These people NEVER try to interact with me or seem to notice my presents at all. It is simular to a soundless Film clip. Most I see are from other eras of time. I also pick up "Feelings" from objects. I don't see anything real clear, but I can tell you whether the object was ever used for evil purposes and I can generally tell whether the owner or builder of the object was a Good or Bad person. I will give a couple of examples and then you folks can tell me whether this is a gift or a curse and why.

I once picked up a knife at a Yardsale and instantly knew it had been used to kill a person. I could see it covered in blood in a man's hand and a blurry body laying beyond. I have no idea when or where  the item was used.

Here is one more example. I was given a Book of Mormon. I recieved the most horrid sence of Evil anytime I tried to read it, that I finally burned the thing.

Ok, you tell me. Gift from God? If so, How am I supposed to use it to Glorify God?
Curse from Satan? If so, How do I get rid of it?

A quick response so you know I've read this............
There is a spirit world, it's very real.
As far as visions from the past?  We are eternal, and there is no time in eternity.

I've gotta study on this!  I look forward to seeing what others answer.........

Thanks Terri,
 I have asked this question on other forums, but discussion either got shut down real quick, or entered the space alien type thing. I would really like see some real Christian's thoughts on this.

Well, Okie, I've kind of "been there", only it was a little different than what you've experienced.  I had come to the conclusion it was of an evil nature, and ended up praying against it.  It took a while, and I prayed the Blood a number of times, but I don't understand why we should shun discussion of it.  The spirit world is real, and we need to know how to deal with it or we could end up lukewarm.  I think that's why horror movies, Halloween, etc. are so popular.  Satan wants us to be lukewarm and unaffected.  JMHO anyway!
I'll keep studying!

Not ever experiencing such myself, I can only offer what scripture says....

1Jo 4:1  Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
1Jo 4:2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God;
1Jo 4:3  and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world.


I believe John is speaking about not only SPIRITS, but doctrine or teaching as well when he says "every spirit".   I would say if this is a gift from God, it should point toward all truth in Christ, with the soundness of scripture lining up perfectly.  I'm not sure how picking up a knife and knowing its previous owner was good or bad does that, so I really don't know.

Let me ask you this....Did you have this ability before you surrendered your life to Christ?  I ask, because we do not receive gifts of the spirit until we are given the Holy Spirit through salvation.   I do know that there are many folks who are unbelievers who claim to have such abilities, but I'm not sure I would attribute those cases as God given.

That's all I can offer at the moment, but I will give it some more thought and prayer.

Blessings!

You know, I have been sitting here thinking, I can't remember whether I had these feelings and sightings before I accepted Christ as my savior or not. I was raised in a Church of Christ Church and I just really don't remember ever not being a believer. The sightings and feelsing were there before I was Baptized, but I was a believer and accepter of Jesus Christ as my savior for many years before I was Baptized. ;)

OK, a few more thought to my previous post...

Any spiritual gift we receive from God, will point to and Glorify Jesus Christ.  Thats not something we Will to happen....its the Spirit working through us which brings Glory to Him automatically.   Also, God is not the author of confusion 1Co 14:33, which this thing seems to be causing some for you.

I want to be very careful here...because I don't want to say it is or isn't from God.  Obviously this is something you need to take up with God, but If it is a gift of God, it should apparent as it would bring ultimate Glory to Christ through its working.

A few more verses following those from the previous post as food for though...

1Jo 4:5  They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
1Jo 4:6  We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

Do believers about you, know and sense Gods truth when this ability shows itself?  On the other hand, do Unbelievers take notice when it happens?  

So...

Gift of God...Points to Christ in the Flesh, believers knowing Christ, hear His word and see His workings.

Not a gift of God - denies Christ in the flesh, speaks of worldly things (could be laced with some truth), and unbelievers listen and take notice.


Again, please take this to the Lord in prayer.   Ask Him to reveal His truth to you regarding this.  I don't want to speak for Him in this matter, but I certainly have some concerns, as its not clear to me which way this works yet.

Blessings!

I would have to agree that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are given for God's glory and His alone. With that thought in mind what purpose would this have to glorify Him? I'm not saying that it can't but at this moment I can not think of any.

I am glad to hear that there is no interaction between you and them for we are told in several places that we are not to have association with "familiar spirits", wizards and such.

One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is the "discerning of spirits". With this gift a person is able to discern whether that spirit is good or evil and is normally one of the spirit in those that are still alive in the flesh.

We are also told in the last days that "your young men shall see visions" but it says nothing about seeing spirits.

We do know from scripture that evil spirits can bother even Christians although they cannot possess us.

I do believe that I would be spending a lot of time in prayer asking the Lord to reveal the truth of this matter to me and that if it is not from Him then to remove it from me.

I have prayed over this for years. LOL
It isn't like I see these things constantly or feel vibrations from ever object. I have wondered about the visions being like a recording in time that somehow bleeds through and somehow I am able to see them. If that were true, then they are not truely spirits at all but simular to an echo that I pick up on my odd frequency.
 As for the vibrations I get from objects. Again maybe it is an odd frequency. I don't know. That is why I asked. But I guess most Christians think anything they can't put a label on must be from Satan.
That is what I have gotten from most Christians, except for a few that also have these abilities and questions as to where they came from and why.

Oh and just for the record. My spirits or whatever are not "familiar" to me. I have never had a vision of anyone I recognized.

The word familiar here does not mean spirits that we know. It was a term that was used for those that spoke to any dead and then some that faked it through ventriloquism. As you said you have no interaction with them therefore this is not the case as you describe it.

I don't see anyone here that has said that this is definitely of the devil. So far we have all said that we don't know if it is of the devil or of God. Many have seen spirits thinking they are of God when they are not.

I will join you in prayer asking that the truth be revealed to you.

 

Okie, I "examined" what I was experiencing and found it to be evil in nature.  What I experienced was not the same as you, like I said, and hope you don't think I've drawn the same conclusion from your experience.  I think probably God is the one who can give you that conclusion, like has been suggested.  I'll be praying for you over this matter.

I am sorry if my previous post sounded like I was pointing fingers or if it sounded too harsh. I have had many Christians imply that If something abnormal is happening and you can't prove it is God given, it has to be from Satan.
I admit, I don't see how these things can glorify God. Maybe the sencing vibs could in some cases, but it is too random and seldom of an occuring thing to count on.  :)

On the other hand. How would either of these things glorify Satan? I don't see how they would unless I used them in some sort of way.

I guess I will leave them chalked up as one of those Mysteries God tells us exist.

Yeah, Like PR and HimAll4, I certainly have not drawn any conclusions either, nor am I seeking a label to call it by.  I don't doubt that it is frustrating wanting answers, and having a hard time finding them.

I will say however, as you pointed out in another thread, scripture is our ultimate truth, and guide.  Knowing this, truth regarding our spirituality - label or not, can be found within those pages in fullness!.  I do believe the verses I provided are relevant to your situation.  I only wish I could tell you how to apply it better to your particular experiences.

With certainty I can say.... if these happenings are not specifically bringing glory to Christ, and in perfect agreement with scripture, its prudent to exercise caution, and test whether or not they be of God as the Word says.  Certainly God would not be upset about following His own instructions in regards to such a thing, right?

I do sense your frustration with this though, and will be praying with you about it Sister.  (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v507/2ndtimothy/smilies/nod.gif)

Blessings!

Edit to add:  I was responding while you posted, and wanted to say....   I didn't take it like you were pointing fingers sis.  Like I said, I'm sure its frustrating and can understand perhaps others not being able to relate.  Let me assure you God knows whats going on with all of this, and you are not alone in that regard.   (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v507/2ndtimothy/smilies/hug.gif)  In that we can stand on common ground together, and believe that God will provide you with the answers for this.   (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v507/2ndtimothy/smilies/thumb.gif)

I will be praying for you Okie.

Okie, just an honest question as I also do not wish to put a "label'' on this.

Have you ever been involved in the occult in any way?  Or have you ever read any books on the occult?  These answers might provide more insight.

As others have recommended, I would plead the Blood of Jesus in prayer, that if this is not of God, that the Lord would protect you and remove it.

Brothers and Sisters,

I will simply say that the powers and forces of darkness are just as real as the powers and forces of LIGHT. Further, I would say that Christians should expect to be attacked by the powers of darkness from time to time, especially during a time of weakness when our strength in CHRIST isn't what it should be. HERE, I'm talking about a time of spiritual weakness when we aren't feeding and partaking of GOD'S provisions for us in the way that we should. In other words, I'll say that the devil loves to hit Christians when they are down or weak spiritually.

Please - these are very general comments, and I have no intention to offer them about this specific situation. On the other side of the coin, these comments can pertain to every portion of Christian life. There is a reason why portions of the Bible tell us to put on the full armor of GOD. The obviously doesn't apply to a funny looking metal suit, rather the strength and power of GOD that HE wants to give each of us from HIS WORD. A Christian must also make a priority of KNOWING that the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD lives in our hearts. HE is there as a guide and comforter, but we should also know that we must ask in reverence for HIS help and WANT HIM in all portions of our life.

In short, we must want to give GOD dominion and LORDSHIP in our lives. GOD won't force us to partake of the spiritual riches and blessings that HE wants to give us. HE will help us grow stronger if that is what we really want. NOW - here's the secret - the STRENGTH is in HIM and is HIM - not us.

I think that the advice given in this thread is excellent. In fact, this is a wonderful thread for every Christian to read and think about. Christians should test all things with GOD'S WORD and prayer. If any doubts remain, we should simply stay in GOD'S WORD, keep praying, and wait upon the LORD. I would like to make one sure statement, and that statement has already been made:  if it is from the powers of LIGHT or the HOLY SPIRIT, it will Glorify GOD. There isn't any question about this short and simple statement. Other statements have also been made here that are etched in concrete as absolutes:

1 REPEATED - If it is from the powers of LIGHT or the HOLY SPRITY, it will and MUST Glorify GOD.

2 - It MUST be and will be in agreement with the Holy Bible.

3 - It MUST be and will be TRUE.

Brothers and Sisters, I think this is a beautiful thread, and I'm happy that we are having this conversation on the forum. I hope that the final result will be every Christian here wanting to gain in the strength of the LORD and partake of all the Spiritual Blessings that GOD wants to give us. There is an excellent analogy between food for our physical bodies and food for our Spiritual Being. Both must be fed, and both will have times during this short life of weakness or illness. There are temporary things that can be done to help our physical bodies in this short life, even though we know that it will return to dust. GOD HIMSELF will help us with our Spiritual Being, and this will be for eternity. Here's something beautiful - Christians are already in JESUS and the HOLY SPIRIT is in us. This is TRUE for us RIGHT NOW! Part of our fellowship and joy during this short life is praying for each other, and we should do this every day.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Philippians 4:4 NASB  Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!

Yes, I have read many books on the occult and similar things. I started reading the books to see if I could figure out what this was after my Preacher told me I must be spawn of the Devil.(I also quit going to that Church.)  8)
As for reading the books. I was already a true believer in our Lord Jesus Christ as Savior before I read any books on the Dark Powers that exist.
It may help you to know that most members of my family on my Daddy's side have some sort of "extra" sense. This goes back for at least four generations. We have some that are finders. They find lost objects and lost people. We have those that can move objects without touching and many of us can locate water with  wire rods or willow limbs. We have weather forecasters that will beat the guy on TV everytime. ;)
There are many other "Gifts" that are used for good. I don't know of any of the clan that have used their gifts for dark causes or for any kind of money making thing.

I think this thing bothers me so much because it does involve so many family members.
I was full grown with kids before I knew about  other family members having something extra. It is something we just don't generally talk about. Cyber space makes it easier to discuss. In fact, I found out about the past generations of special people in my family on a family web site.
I appreciate all input on this, but will probably always wonder if it is a genetic thing or a  gift/curse thing bestowed on a past ancester.

Okie, let me be blunt....and please take this in Love Sis....

1. You are not spawn of the devil ok?  This is non-sense, and if you have truly accepted Christ as your Saviour then you are saved.
2  looking to the occult books etc for answers will most certainly open your mind to the wrong answers.

I know you really want answers to this thing, but the more light you shed on this the clearer its becoming that this is not from God.   God doesn't need occultic books to provide answers for His children.  He has given us His Spirit Breathed word to live from.

I will post this passage again in its fullness for you to read carefully.

1Jo 4:1  Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
1Jo 4:2  Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
1Jo 4:3  And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
1Jo 4:4  Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
1Jo 4:5  They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
1Jo 4:6  We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.


Satan is a liar!  He can manifest himself as an angel of light.  He speaks in half truths and is a master deceiver.  This adversary is real and he means you and everyone else harm.


Please!!! put away the extra sources and stick with the truth.   Again, I remind you about the thread where you yourself said you left another forum because they were using extra books to glean truth from.   Take your own advice and stick with the Word ONLY.  You wont go wrong there, and you wont receive lies there either.

We are here to help you with this and pray with you about it....OK?

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v507/2ndtimothy/smilies/hug.gif)

Now just a minute here. I think there has been a little misunderstanding. I was asked if I had EVER read any occult books. I answered yes, but I guess I didn't go far enough. Yes I have read those books, but it has been over 30 yrs since I read any and never did find any kind of answers there. The Bible has given me partial answers, but not a concrete answer as I would find about let's say murder.
I have studied and prayed about this for years. What I have come up with is this. It is either (A)a God Given gift that I don't know how to put to use for the Glory of God,(B) One of the gerational things that is from sins of the Fathers, (C) one of the mysteries God tells us we are not to understand.
I tend to lean toward (c). 8)

God doesn't punish sins of the father. I'll look for verses to support this

Take a deep breath Okie, no one is accusing you of anything.   :)   Please don't feel defensive, or take anything personal.  No one is saying you are a bad person or anything like that  We are on your side here!!!    ;) 


OK?

I believe the reason Debp asked if you have ever read any material about the occult, was just a question trying to understand more about this.  I'll let Debp speak for herself, but I have heard stories where persons have opened themselves up to attack by simply picking these books up and just glancing through them. Even believers!  Again, not that this makes YOU a bad person or anything like that, but I do believe it could open up things for worse issues is all.



I can't say I blame you for wanted to quit.   Your pastor should have spent some time with you on this if he didn't.  Saying that you are spawn of the devil was wrong.  You are not some odd person or any such thing.  You simply have something of a spiritual nature happening to you that you don't understand (whether it be good or bad).



I am glad to hear that you are no longer looking to this material for answers.  Even believers can be deceived by such things if they choose stray from Gods word.   So hopefully that stuff is not in your library any longer.




From the passage that I provided in the previous post....Has this gift ever given Glory to Christ of its own accord or  truth that Christ came in the flesh?   If not, does it manifest itself in relevance to earthly things or earthly knowledge?

These are two CONCRETE answers from scripture on how to discern spirits.  I know you are looking for specifics....but how much more specific does the answer need to be than this?

What do you think?


Blessings!

John 9

1 As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. 2 “Teacher,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it a result of his own sins or those of his parents?”
3 “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “He was born blind so the power of God could be seen in him. 4 All of us must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent me, because there is little time left before the night falls and all work comes to an end."

I have heard that reading books on the occult can definitely open a door to the wrong spirits....and I would think this is even more dangerous when one is "searching" for answers in them.   I hope you have gotten rid of (hopefully destroyed) these books.  I've heard that keeping such books can keep that influence in a person's life.

I do not agree that the pastor should have called you "spawn of the devil"!!  It's good that you left that particular church.....but I wish you would have sought out another more caring pastor to talk with, rather than search in occultic books.

As others here have said, spiritual gifts should bring glory to God.  Also, I find when using my spiritual gifts, I have joy in ministering to others with them.  When these occurrences of seeing people and touching items happen to you, do you have joy or fear?  We know that the Holy Spirit will not cause fear in one's life.

Sorry to get off subject here, but... what a WONDERFUL thing here.... Here it is in the Holy Word that our Heavenly Father has given each of us our own 'thing to do' ... a purpose. What a powerful statement of Scripture! What a REVIVAL in my heart!!

Amen Sister Tina!

I was hoping this thread would have a positive purpose for all of us. We all have our strengths and weaknesses and hopefully a desire to become stronger in CHRIST. If we pray and mean it, the HOLY SPIRIT in our hearts will guide us and direct us to more and more strength in CHRIST. If we yield completely, GOD can worry about our weaknesses and direct us to paths that HE already wants us on. May GOD help us to yield to HIS desires for us, not our own desires for us. HIS ways will always be the best ways for us, and our greatest joys during this short life will always be on the paths that GOD wants for us.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Hebrews 12:1-2 NASB  Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 It doesn't cause fear. It startles me at times, but has never scared me. I take that back. I recieved feelings of evil from a place we went one time. We had planned on having a family picnic in a clearing on the Arkansas Riverin Colorado. I kept getting the feelings of evil so strong that we packed up and left. Later that week the news told of a body that had been found there and they thought some local Satanic group had sacrificed the person. It scared me to think of what might have happened if we had happened upon them.
 As for seeing the people, it used to bother me. Not scare me, but it bothered me that there may be souls trapped somehow. After much praying and reading the Bible, I don't believe that could happen. So what do I see? I think it is simular to a recording. I mean, the Earth is a big magnent. Magnetic fields are what makes recordings on tapes. Maybe some kind of sun spot or something beams enough of a past time recording  through so that I somehow pick it up. I really don't know.8)

 
 

I realize that Christians can sometimes get a feeling to leave a particular place, when it is a dangerous or evil situation.  This would be the Holy Spirit warning us for our safety.

My concern with your situation is that you did read occult books seeking answers.  (Are these ideas of magnetic fields something you learned in the occult books?)  Also, do you still own these occult books?  If you do, personally, I would get rid of them.

Are you attending church now?  What does your pastor say about your seeing people and "getting vibrations" from objects?

Okie, my prayers are with you.  I can imagine your frustration, especially when other Christians in the past have shunned the subject, or attributed it to Satan.  It's a blessing to be a member of Christians Unite, where you can receive sincere responses that are not judgemental.  As others have said, seek guidance from God.  May God bless you, and provide the answers you seek.

No, I do not have the occult books, haven't had one for over 30 yrs. I don't read horescopes,carry a rabbits foot or throw salt over my shoulder either. 8)

I do not attend a Church regularly. The Churches around this area seem to have waxed cold. I attended every Sunday for two years and never heard Hell mentioned at all. My daughter and I are home schooling her 4yr old daughter and 12 yr old step daughter. Bible Study is part of the Schooling. I usually spend and hour or more reading the Bible everyday and visit 6 different Christian Forums.

You know, my brother and I had an experience with and Ouija board that my parents got thinking it was nothing more than a toy, and allow me to reiterate what's already been said, THEY ARE NOT TOYS!  This needs to be taken seriously.

Okie - I would think if you're not scared about your visions and all, and you have them under the subjection of Christ, then what others say who don't understand it shouldn't really matter.  The important thing is you being in line with God.  He'll reveal whether it's something that needs cleansing or if it is something that He is pruning in order to use that "gift" for some good. 
Like I've said, I wish Christians were more aware of the reality of the spirit world.  I truly believe lukewarmness vanishes when the reality of our need to be cleansed by the blood of the Holy One and being "on His side" is experienced in this way.  Too easy to sit in our fleshly "easy chairs" and not even think twice of the spiritual battles already taking place.

I, too, am glad you've brought this up.

Brothers and Sisters,

I'm absolutely certain there are spiritual battles going on around all of us every day. We can impact many of those battles by continually praying that GOD helps us, our families, our friends, and people we don't even know. We can and should use all of the opportunities that GOD gives us. If we carefully watch, GOD does give all of us many opportunities to serve HIM in hundreds of ways. Our health and other circumstances don't make any difference when GOD gives us an opportunity. It's TRUE that GOD even gives Christians opportunities on their death beds, and every opportunity should be treated as an honor and privilege to know that GOD wants to work in us and through us. Even the smallest task should give us JOY to yield and serve.

May GOD get all of the Glory!

Love In Christ,
Tom

Psalms 111:7-8 NASB  The works of His hands are truth and justice; All His precepts are sure.  They are upheld forever and ever; They are performed in truth and uprightness.

Hi, I definitely believe in the reality of the spirit world....that is why I believe it is dangerous to delve into books on the occult.  The Bible also says to try the spirits to see if they are from God.

love in Christ, Deb

Hi Okie, glad to hear you don't have those books anymore.  I hope you can find a good church where you can worship and have fellowship with other believers.

Brothers and Sisters,

I know there are place now where it might be difficult to find a good church with a priority of worshiping GOD. Please remember that Christians can have church wherever we want to. Wherever two or three are gathered in HIS Name, GOD is with them.

Assembling together is important for encouragement, strength, and prayer. This is one of the purposes of Christians Unite, and I'm certain that GOD is with us. I just wanted to point out that we can't let the devil discourage us from getting together to worship GOD and have fellowship. We can have church in our homes, with friends, with neighbors, and in many ways that are helpful to others maybe in the same circumstances of looking for a church. In fact, many Godly churches are very small. Being big, fancy, and with huge membership roles has nothing to do with worshiping GOD.

We really don't need a building. We can have church in a back yard or under a tree that is just as honoring to GOD and maybe more so. I am somewhat biased in my feelings that very small churches are many times the best. Biased or not, that's all I've ever known during my life, and GOD was the priority. In fact, I'm familiar with many very small churches with wonderful involvement in glorifying GOD. Everyone has a part in many of these small churches, and there is very little or almost no money to do anything. GOD provides a way for what HE wants done, and HE equips those HE calls for the work HE wants each person to do. The task might be small or large, but everyone works together. There's a lot of joy in the small places I'm thinking about.

I can tell you for sure that GOD doesn't need 400 foot stained-glass windows and other big or fancy things. GOD is just as Powerful and Real under a tree or a tent.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Romans 1:17 NASB  For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH."

True, Tom, we can meet under a tree or in a tent, but the important thing is that we do not forsake the assembling of ourselves together.  Okie, I hope you will find some other Christians to gather with for worship.

The church I attend is in a large building....when it was built about 1929, it was filled and overflowing, so a large building was needed then.  Now the congregation is small, but the sense of worship there is overwhelming.  Also, the pastors are very good and always stick to the Bible.

Hello Debp,

You mentioned that you attend a church that sticks to the Bible, and the congregation has gotten much smaller over the years. Sister, it's not a matter of imagination that churches that believe and preach the Holy Bible are becoming pretty unpopular. The Bible told us this would happen, so this shouldn't be much of a surprise for people who study their Bibles.

I'm positive that GOD doesn't have much use for preachers who tries to please the world and be popular. Large numbers in a brick and mortar church aren't important, but the message given there is. Many people do have itching ears, and they are unwilling to endure sound doctrine.

It's sad but true that many churches have stopped preaching the truth about Salvation to remain popular and keep the pews filled. Many people just don't want to hear about sin, death, JESUS and the CROSS these days. GOD cares about the TRUTH of HIS WORD - not about being popular to the world. In short, it's better to be with a few concentrating on GOD'S WORD than many concentrating on the world.

I might be naive, but I'll say it anyway - I think that Christians can still find many assemblies that worship GOD in this part of the world. I know this becomes pretty difficult in portions of the world where it might mean a death sentence to possess a Bible. Thankfully, we don't have that problem in this part of the world - YET!

Love In Christ,
Tom

Matthew 6:19-21 NASB  "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal;  for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

What you said is so true.  Actually, in the "old days" this church had about 5,000 members I think...they had to put them in separate rooms with the service piped in from the sanctuary!   About 4 years ago half of the church (about 76 people) wanted a particular pastor to become the permanent pastor.  When he didn't get voted in, most of those people left this church.  I also liked his preaching very much, but I stayed along with a few others that liked him.  The rest of the people remaining are very elderly.

Now we do have another good Senior Pastor and have been getting several new members (even some younger people) every few months since he's been here.  There is a Presbyterian church (USA) down the street (extremely liberal about the gay stuff, etc).....sometimes we get someone who transfers over from that church, who wants to hear the Bible and have a worship service.....not have a "gay" agenda pushed on us (I came from there, too).