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Christianity differs from all other religions in three areas.

The first area is the love, humility and faithfulness of God.  Christianity teaches that God loves us so greatly, that although we were unfaithful to Him and betrayed Him He humbled Himself and took a human form and sacrificed His life to save us from eternal death and bring us forgiveness of our sins (John 3:16).

The second area is the about Christian life.  As Christians we have to love others the way God loves us (John 15:12). We have to love our enemies, do good deeds for them and pray for them; if someone takes our coat, give them our shirt as well; offer the other cheek if someone slaps us on one; lend and do not expect it back; and be merciful like our heavenly Father (Luke6:27-36).  Furthermore, we have to forgive our enemies unceasingly (Luke 17:4); not pay evil with evil, never take revenge; feed our enemy; not allow evil to defeat us; and over come evil with good (Romans 12: 17-21).  Furthermore, legal dispute is incompatible with Christianity; and it is better for us to be wronged or robbed than to wrong others or rob them (1 Cor. 6:7).

Third area is about marriage. We are to love our spouse the same way as Christ loves His Church (Ephesians 5:25). Christ never abandons His Church. We, therefore, can never divorce our spouse. Furthermore, when we marry, we and our spouse become one.  It is therefore, a one to one relationship. Remarriage after divorce, therefore, is adultery; and a person can have only one spouse (Mk 10:11-12, Luke 6:18; Matthew 5: 31-32).

Are there any other areas?

There are false religions that teach love of all and that also teach monogamy.

What is the difference between Christianity and religions? We serve the one true God, a Saviour that came to us in the flesh, died for our sins and rose again to live eternally. A gift to all that accept Him as Lord and Saviour, by the grace of God not by works.

Christianity is not legalism. It is not just a religion. It's a relationship with God. We love God because He first loved us.

Hello Surrendersacrifice,

There are also false religions that take scripture out of context and butcher the teaching, intent, and purpose of GOD. As an easy example, we aren't living in the Kingdom Age yet, so the swords have NOT been beat into plow-shares yet! GOD still uses war for HIS purpose, and that time has NOT ended yet! The worst wars are yet to come, and CHRIST HIMSELF will lead the armies. GOD has sent his people into war, and that time has not ended. We also live in a time where evil is confronted as a duty.

Bluntly, much of what you teach is horribly confused and wrong! The earthly Kingdom of CHRIST has not been established yet, but it most certainly will be! CHRIST has not subjected all things under HIS feet yet, but HE most certainly will at HIS Appointed Time! CHRIST HIMSELF has not lead Heavenly Hosts into Battle yet, but HE most certainly will at HIS Appointed Time. CHRIST has NOT taken HIS Throne in Jerusalem to rule and reign over the earth yet, but HE most definitely will at HIS Appointed Time. Christians are not taught to lay down and give up without a struggle with the devil! Christians are NOT taught to be pacifists! We are taught that we WILL wrestle with the powers of darkness in this Age. There is a definite and obvious reason why Christian soldiers have been and still are some of the most mighty warriors in history. That time is NOT over yet! Your biggest problem is we aren't living in the KINGDOM AGE yet! We won't be until CHRIST HIMSELF has lead HIS Heavenly Hosts into battle and crushed evil. Over 200 million will die in just one battle, and CHRIST HIMSELF will lead the victorious army!

The diference is what no mand can do for it was by the shedding of blood for the remission of our sin and it ws done out of great love and mercy through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Not only did He die on the cross, but rose to prove every word true.  To even think there is a difference is to decieve ourselves, for in the that day, which will come soon no one will be asking the difference but trembling before the Lord..all men will come before the Lord even Budda and those who are not covered by the blood will be eternally in hell. People do not want to talk of hell, but the time has come to give the whole truth not the prosperity but the fact that without the Lord there is hell.

Romans 10:9  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved

Many other religions are based on works, but accepting Jesus is the only way to heaven.

Ephesians 2:9  Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Love in Christ, Eva

So, what do you think this means? I can guess, but I think everyone would rather hear it from you.

"Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
The Kingdom of God is already here.  It is in the hearts of the believers. Those who believe in Jesus already have peace in their hearts. On the other hand those who have not truly accepted Him resort to war, hate and selfishness. People who rejected Jesus could not understand this.  They expected Him to fight the Romans.  He, insted, taught us to love our enemies. He was killed because His teaching were not accepted.

Should not true Christians follow Luke 6: 27-36 ?
27"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 30Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31Do to others as you would have them do to you.
 32"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. 33And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. 34And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. 35But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

There is only one name given in Heaven & on Earth that you can be saved by,
I serve him & None other, weather you call me a Christian, Follower of the way, Jesus Freak or any other
label that has been given to us thru the years..
I don't follow idololegies or Religions, Just the Sound Doctrine that was given to us by our Father
in Heaven...
Personally, after what i've seen some Preachers & Christians do, I would perfur to be call "A Follower of the Way"
Thats what they called us before they called us Christians in Antioch...
Prophecy fulfilled: False Preachers & some Christians have made the Word of God, Evily Spoken of & have kept the ungodley
from seeking the Lord...
The word Christ(ian) is a greek word for Messiah,
I am a Messiahian
I am a Son of God
I am a Watchman
I am a Gatherer
I am a Brother to All who call on my Father
I am a Littleboy
I am no one without Jesus...
YLBD

AMEN BROTHER!

Littleboy, I also grow tired of man's labels and tags. All tags and labels will be thrown away one day. The term "Christian" means many things to different people these days, so this term has been misused, confused, and abused.

I'm just a sinner Saved by GOD'S Grace. I'm a purchased possession of JESUS CHRIST, and I give thanks that I belong to HIM. I'm not worthy of HIS Precious Blood that HE shed on the CROSS in my place. I'll just give thanks that HE gave HIMSELF freely as a perfect Sacrifice for all who will believe, repent, and ask HIM to be the LORD over their lives. HIS Blood rescued me from the curse of sin and death, so I am FREE and have Eternal LIFE in JESUS CHRIST.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Hello surrendersacrifice,

I thought you would think that we already live in the Kingdom, but we don't.

The life and crucifixion of JESUS CHRIST did fulfil many Old Testament Bible Prophecies, but only a portion of them. There are many Bible Prophecies left to be fulfilled, and they will be fulfilled most perfectly at GOD'S Appointed time. There are many portions of the Bible that you have conveniently forgotten or thrown away.

Before the Earthy KINGDOM of CHRIST can happen, many large events must take place:

1 - The 7 year Tribulation Period including MANY foretold events.

2 - The Rapture of the CHURCH WHICH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST - including the dead in CHRIST and their resurrection. We will be given glorified Bodies fit for our inheritance in Heaven.

3 - The Anti-Christ will rule and reign over the earth in a time of the greatest horror and bloodshed that this world has ever seen.

4 - The Tribulation Period will end with the SECOND COMING OF CHRIST in great wrath. HE will prove that HE is GOD and subject all things under HIS FEET. CHRIST HIMSELF will ride into battle with Heavenly Hosts behind HIM, and evil men will be completely defeated. About 75% of the entire population of the earth will die, including over 200 million in a single battle fought by CHRIST.

5 - CHRIST will claim HIS rightful Throne in Jerusalem and rule and reign over the earth for 1,000 years. Israel will be restored. CHRIST is and has been the Anointed KING of Israel, and HE will not be denied HIS KINGDOM. CHRIST is and was the MESSIAH, and all of GOD'S Promises to Israel will be fulfilled. The nations will practice the art of war NO MORE!

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 NASB
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.

Ezekiel 39:1-7 NASB
"And you, son of man, prophesy against Gog and say, 'Thus says the Lord GOD, "Behold, I am against you, O Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal; and I will turn you around, drive you on, take you up from the remotest parts of the north and bring you against the mountains of Israel. "I will strike your bow from your left hand and dash down your arrows from your right hand. "You will fall on the mountains of Israel, you and all your troops and the peoples who are with you; I will give you as food to every kind of predatory bird and beast of the field. "You will fall on the open field; for it is I who have spoken," declares the Lord GOD. "And I will send fire upon Magog and those who inhabit the coastlands in safety; and they will know that I am the LORD. "My holy name I will make known in the midst of My people Israel; and I will not let My holy name be profaned anymore. And the nations will know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.

Ezekiel 39:17-22 NASB
"As for you, son of man, thus says the Lord GOD, 'Speak to every kind of bird and to every beast of the field, "Assemble and come, gather from every side to My sacrifice which I am going to sacrifice for you, as a great sacrifice on the mountains of Israel, that you may eat flesh and drink blood. "You will eat the flesh of mighty men and drink the blood of the princes of the earth, as though they were rams, lambs, goats and bulls, all of them fatlings of Bashan. "So you will eat fat until you are glutted, and drink blood until you are drunk, from My sacrifice which I have sacrificed for you. "You will be glutted at My table with horses and charioteers, with mighty men and all the men of war," declares the Lord GOD. "And I will set My glory among the nations; and all the nations will see My judgment which I have executed and My hand which I have laid on them. "And the house of Israel will know that I am the LORD their God from that day onward.

Ezekiel 39:25-29 NASB
Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, "Now I will restore the fortunes of Jacob and have mercy on the whole house of Israel; and I will be jealous for My holy name. "They will forget their disgrace and all their treachery which they perpetrated against Me, when they live securely on their own land with no one to make them afraid. "When I bring them back from the peoples and gather them from the lands of their enemies, then I shall be sanctified through them in the sight of the many nations. "Then they will know that I am the LORD their God because I made them go into exile among the nations, and then gathered them again to their own land; and I will leave none of them there any longer. "I will not hide My face from them any longer, for I will have poured out My Spirit on the house of Israel," declares the Lord GOD.

Isaiah 9:2-7 NASB
The people who walk in darkness Will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them. You shall multiply the nation, You shall increase their gladness; They will be glad in Your presence As with the gladness of harvest, As men rejoice when they divide the spoil. For You shall break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders, The rod of their oppressor, as at the battle of Midian. For every boot of the booted warrior in the battle tumult, And cloak rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire. For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.

surrendersacrifice, the above is just a small sample. These things haven't happened yet, BUT THEY WILL! BLUNTLY, you are horribly confused. The times for battle are not over. GOD has sent his people into battle countless times in the history of mankind. The greatest battles are yet to come. You must not confuse Christian love with EVIL, things that GOD abhors, and things that are an abomination in the eyes of GOD.

Amen Brother Tom , I'm bought & paid for too, It's a good feeling to know your in the hands of God, Huh?
I Love this part Brother, My/Our Lord could'nt have said it any clearer:

I'm just a sinner Saved by GOD'S Grace. I'm a purchased possession of JESUS CHRIST, and I give thanks that I belong to HIM. I'm not worthy of HIS Precious Blood that HE shed on the CROSS in my place. I'll just give thanks that HE gave HIMSELF freely as a perfect Sacrifice for all who will believe, repent, and ask HIM to be the LORD over their lives. HIS Blood rescued me from the curse of sin and death, so I am FREE and have Eternal LIFE in JESUS CHRIST.

Love In Christ,
Tom

I too Humble myself before our God
YLBD

Hello Littleboy,

We are living in increasingly evil and hard times. It is wonderful to know that this world isn't our HOME. I also think that it's good for every Christian to concentrate on the Promises of GOD often. I'm convinced that things are going to get harder for Christians by the day, even in this part of the world. We have already seen that Christians aren't immune from persecution in this part of the world, and I firmly believe that things will get much worse.

However, things are different for us than the lost. Our HOPES aren't of this world. We must live in this world for a short period of time, but we're just passing through. When things get hard, we should think about GOD'S Promises and know who we already are in CHRIST. Physical death for us simply means "Absent from the body - present with the LORD." Our HOPE is Eternal and TRUE because it is a Promise of GOD. Brother, GOD has already told us what our future holds. It's with HIM and in HIM.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Ephesians 1:18-23 NASB I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

I can't wait to go home. Read verse in my signature.

AMEN BROTHER DAVID!

I love that Verse, and it's SO TRUE! GOD has made many Promises to us, and they are beautiful beyond our imagination.

Revelation 21:4-23 NASB
and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away." And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." And He *said, "Write, for these words are faithful and true." Then He said to me, "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. "He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. "But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and spoke with me, saying, "Come here, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb." And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Her brilliance was like a very costly stone, as a stone of crystal-clear jasper. It had a great and high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels; and names were written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel. There were three gates on the east and three gates on the north and three gates on the south and three gates on the west. And the wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. The one who spoke with me had a gold measuring rod to measure the city, and its gates and its wall. The city is laid out as a square, and its length is as great as the width; and he measured the city with the rod, fifteen hundred miles; its length and width and height are equal. And he measured its wall, seventy-two yards, according to human measurements, which are also angelic measurements. The material of the wall was jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. The foundation stones of the city wall were adorned with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation stone was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald; the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprase; the eleventh, jacinth; the twelfth, amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates was a single pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.  I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.  And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb.

I know in my heart & without a doubt the lord is about to give his shout!
Watch & ready yourselves for the Bridegroom, Just like a jewish wedding 7 days of feasting,
so shall the marriage supper. The raptured Bride takes part in this.
I love Weddings, I cant wait!
YLBD

Because it is the only religion where we have a saviour JESUS CHRIST who died for us on the cross at calvary
to atone for our sin and then rose from the dead on the third day.He ascended into heaven and now is seated
at the right hand of God.Halleluyah

There can be no difference between christianity and religion due to religion being made from a man's mind sand christianity coming from God himself by giving us hope through His Son Jesus..I think it is foolish to try to compare man with God.It is what is wrong with society today..All want to be important to be like a god themselves..trying to fix what is wrong in their life without God..Self help books continue to be best sellers when the Word of God is overlooked..made fun of..mocked..If there is any religion that is dangerous it is the religion of prosperity..Not once is it said the Lord told John the poor have the gospel..People in church are measured by what they look like and what they have..The newest religion is that of how many have the best praise band..I was told if the music in our church was any good..and if it was praise songs sung on the radio..not once did this person mention Bible anything..We live in a feel good society..That is what has become of repentance preaching..Pastors who envy pastors with huge churches that half of these pastors are not preaching the gospel but have opened a country club full of programs that have nothing to do with the bible..and it is called fellowship..So much has changed that those who are lost do not know the real from the fake unless they are shown the gospel because the Holy Spirit draws to Jesus not to a program..This    nation alone is filled with lost more than it has ever been..and it is not a question of religion but of hope they need..hope that is eternal..only found in Jesus Christ the Lord..

AMEN MARYJANE!

This part of the world is now a giant mission field, and a growing portion of the population is being devoured by the devil. It's extremely sad that many of our churches are simply sprinkling some spices on the victims so they will be more tasty for the devil. This is the day of:  be happy and do whatever you want to do. Humanism is a great vehicle for the devil to use, and we can now hear the roar of humanism almost everywhere. IT'S EASY AND PLEASES THE EAR!

On the other side of the coin, the GOOD NEWS is still the most powerful message on the face of the earth:


1:  Romans 3:10 NASB  as it is written, "THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD; ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE."

2:  Romans 3:23  NASB  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

3:  Romans 5:12  NASB  Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned--

4:  Romans 6:23  NASB  For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

5:  Romans 1:18  NASB  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

6:  Romans 3:20  NASB  because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.

7:  Romans 3:27  NASB  Where then is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith.

8:  Romans 5:8-9  NASB  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.

9:  Romans 2:4  NASB  Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?

10:  Romans 3:22  NASB  even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction;

11:  Romans 3:28  NASB  For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.

12:  Romans 10:9  NASB  that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;

13:  Romans 4:21  NASB  and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.

14:  Romans 4:24 NASB  but for our sake also, to whom it will be credited, as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead,

15:  Romans 5:1  NASB  Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

16:  Romans 10:10  NASB  for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.

17:  Romans 10:13  NASB  for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED."

     CHRISTIANITY diffres from other religions primarily because JESUS CHRIST is the foundation upon which the church is built upon. MATTHEW 16:16-20. And we know that according to
1 Corinthians 3:11 there can be no other foundation besides Christ Jesus.

                          Sis. Maryjane said           

     

Prosperity is not a religion. Many pastors throughout this nation preach prosperity because many Christians believe that it is the WILL of GOD for his people to live in poverty. When you search the Word, you can see that it is exactly the opposite.
 PSALMS 35:27 says  Let them shout for joy and be glad,Who favor my righteous cause; And let them say continually, “Let the LORD be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.”  And Jesus said

John 10:10  ....I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

   Christians were never meant to live in lack, debt, and poverty. It is His Will for us to live a prosperous life. That doesn't mean that we will all be millionaires. It just means that we will not live in "lack". That means lack of finances, food, clothing, or any thing that is necessary for us to live this life.  NECSSARY not want. In all churches, people are not measured by what they have. It is a blessing to see those in  the body prosper. And because I put God first, I don't get jealous when He blesses someone through financial gain, debt cancelation, or some other form of blessing. But I look at  their testamony and know if He could do it for them then I know that He is more than able to do it for.  If we allow ourselves to be envious (which is a work of the flesh and not of the Spirit) because what God is doing in someone elses life or ministry, then GOD can't and won't bless us because our hearts are not right before Him. We need to yield to the direction of the HOLY SPIRIT and He we lead us in the right direction and teach us how to love and live life according to the Word.

Hebrews 12:1-3
   1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.
   

Maryjane was totally correct. Prosperity theology is the teaching that authentic religious belief will result in material prosperity for the believer. Prosperity theology is also known as prosperity doctrine or perhaps most commonly the Prosperity Gospel. The doctrine holds that material prosperity, particularly financial prosperity and success in business and personal life, is to be expected as external evidence of God's favor. This favor may be preordained, or granted in return for efficacious prayer, merit-making and/or appropriate faith.

The Prosperity gospel is indeed a false gospel. God does promise us such prosperity to this extent as it is being taught in the prosperity movement. The riches that He does promise are not riches of this world. Yes, He does tell us that He will meet our needs but He does not promise us worldly riches as the prosperity gospel teaches. This movement has indeed made a false religion of this teaching, mis-leading those that follow it.

Many of the most faithful men of God were worldly poor yet they were indeed the richest of men.

Brothers and Sisters,

I give thanks that our REAL RICHES are not of this world. Our RICHES are in CHRIST, and we have them for Eternity.

Ephesians 3:14-19 NASB
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.

Titus 3:4-7 NASB
But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Brothers and Sisters,

As Children of the KING OF KINGS we have an inheritance with the Saints in LIGHT, and that LIGHT is JESUS CHRIST, our LORD and SAVIOUR forever! As Christians, our measure of wealth in this short life is not measured in the same way that the world measures wealth. We are just passing through, and this world is NOT our HOME. Our Citizenship and HOME is in Heaven with JESUS CHRIST for Eternity.

Ephesians 2:19-22 NASB
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.

Philippians 3:20-21 NASB
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;  who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.

As Children of the KING OF KINGS, our Real Riches are beyond human imagination. They are measured in LOVE and the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Colossians 2:2 NASB
that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ Himself,

Then if preaching about prosperity is wrong  and considered a false doctrine, then that would mean that those who "buy" into that vision will be punished for believing such things. And do you know how many people, thousands upon thousands of people, believe according to this " prosperity doctrine". So does that mean that they will go to Hell because they bought into the man of God's vision of living a prosperous and sucessful life. Like I said before, being prosperous doesn't mean necesarrily mean that you will be a millionaire or live in the biggest house. It just means living a life without lack. Not being poverish. And I know that there are people who do not have it, yet they are content with what they have and are strong and rich in the Word. Everyone (in the body)  can't move out of the"ghetto", or else there wouldn't be a light to shine in the "ghetto".  Hebrews 11:6 says that God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. Seeking Him. Not the thing.

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

I don't believe preaching about prosperity is wrong. But if the individual who hears the word "prosperity", and makes that their reason for seeking Him, then they are the ones whonare in the wrong. I've heard plenty of teaching on prosperity and the one teaching it always makes sure that their hearers(the ones that they're teaching) have an understanding that sin against God's Word and a desire just for material possession is against God. Thereby disqualifying them for the blessing. In all that wew do, WE must put God first.

Amen!




AMEN AND AMEN!!

Hello Armorbearer,

Brother, I do think that the teaching of Prosperity, Health, and Wealth Gospels is WRONG, mainly because they don't exist, and they are not taught by the Bible. GOD didn't promise Christians an easy time in this life. In fact, HE promised the opposite if we are not conformed to the world. We should also be quickly familiar with the teaching about loving money, the world, and the things of this world. When GOD talks about Riches, they are not the Riches of this world.

Many famous preachers these days are little more than con-men trying to get more money for their multi-million dollar mansions and their lavish lifestyles. One I'm aware of thinks nothing about living in $10,000 a night hotel rooms and still preaches his MONEY SERMONS for more when there are hosts starving to death around the world. Some try to convince the elderly and ill that their problems are caused by not being right with GOD and giving enough. Many of these people are living on tiny fixed incomes, but they are convinced by the preacher con-men to send money to these fat cats calling themselves preachers. Some do without needed medications and food to send their offerings to the con-men. YES - I think this is WRONG! In fact, I KNOW IT'S WRONG!

The facts are really pretty simple. Many extremely STRONG Christians are poor by the standards of the world, but they are RICH by the standards of GOD. As Christians, we go by the standards of GOD. All people eventually get sick and die in this short life, including the con-men preachers who say that people are ill because they aren't right with GOD or ill because they don't give enough to GOD. If one looks at how the con-men preachers use the money sent to them, one would be quickly convinced that it wasn't GOD receiving the offerings.

What we are really talking about is false gospels being taught that are hurting the real work of GOD. The REAL WORK of GOD still has needs that are not being met because of the money taken under false pretences and con games. The REAL WORK of GOD is also harmed because it might now be viewed in the same light as the con games. It's a bad thing for GOD'S WORK to be compared to the work of snake-oil salesmen, circus acts, and carnival games.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Ephesians 1:18-23 NASB I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

I am not saying prosperity is wrong..but it is wrong when it is the focal point of christianity..When it is used for selfish gain at the expense of baby christians who are not discipled but asked to send their last dollar waiting not on God but on the word of what has been told to them by false doctrine from these preachers and  these baby christians believe they will  have what they desire..It is the same as going to a spiritualist or psychic..When ther is no mention of the precious BLOOD OF JESUS, no mention of REPENTANCE, no mention of GET INTO GOD'S WORD..then these poor souls will be lost and even harder to come to the Lord because false doctrine led then to believe christianity was to make them rich or if they are not rich, they have a spirit of poverty..If there is anything that will truly seperate religion from christianity it is definately knowing God's Word..Looking up in the Word what you are being preached for yourself..to disciple the weaker and lead them to look into the word and study it daily..We are in tough times where it is the Word the very word of God that instructs us in all things to give us discernment..

Hello MaryJane,

Sister, I hope that nobody thinks I was hinting that it's wrong to be prosperous. You mentioned some of the things that are the most IMPORTANT: the BLOOD of JESUS, Repentance, Getting into GOD'S WORD. Here, we are talking about things too precious to have a price tag on them. We are living in an age where being Strong in GOD'S WORD is extremely important. This Perfect Truth and Ultimate Knowledge in the Holy Bible helps us to judge all other things and discern their truth or fiction with the BIBLE. If we haven't learned the Great Truths of the Holy Bible, we are ill-equipped for these evil days. It would be as if we are going forth into battle without a weapon and without armor.

Ephesians 6:10-17 NASB
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

I give thanks that we don't depend on our own strength when we go forth into battle, rather the Strength of GOD in us. We obtain that Strength by praying for GOD to help us and by eating the Spiritual Food GOD has provided for us - HIS WORD. By the way, I love the portion of Scripture above. It provides the beginning of a beautiful Bible Study. When everything is boiled down to the simple facts, we are Nothing without CHRIST! We can do many things in CHRIST because of HIS Strength and Righteousness - not our own.

Love In Christ,
Tom

2 Timothy 4:16-18 NASB
At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion's mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Colossians 1:9-12 NASB
For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.

Philippians 4:12-13 NASB
I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.  I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Romans 15:1-3 NASB
Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, "THE REPROACHES OF THOSE WHO REPROACHED YOU FELL ON ME."

     This difficult for me to digest. I'm mean prosperity, health, and wealth. This is a doctrine that hundreds of preachers preach on. Who also show evidence that they are filled with the Holy Ghost by speaking in tongues. They give scripture after scripture showing proof that God does want HIS people to live a prosperous life. And if these teachings be false, then we as believers have hell on our hands because there are a lot of people being deceived by this doctrine if indeed it is false. So are these preachers misinterpreting the Word? How is it that so many thousands(and i would venture to say millions) of people are being deceived by the Word of God given by these preachers. And i'm not just talking about baby christians. Yes those who wax strong in the Word and spirit. IF THIS IS A FALSE DOCTRINE

     Now i know that there are preachers out there who are nothing but con-men and call themselves christians. These cons cause a snare to those who are genuinely speaking the truth. Why? Because if you have one person who says they represents Christ and cons a lot of people out of money, then all of a sudden everyone who preaches prosperity becomes a crook. Those who do so will receive their due punishment in that day when Christ will judge the world.

    Moreover, some of these big time preachers, they give so much back to the communty. I mean i know of some that have paid off peoples mortgages, bought cars for those in need. Some go over to Africa and help dig water wells for people so they don't have to walk 5 miles just so they can have water. A lot of these preachers do give back. They don't just speak prosperity as a means to get money, but they teach so that you will be impowered to be a blessing on behalf of someone else.    

     John 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

   3John2    Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

   And yes we as believers are called to search the scriptures ourselvs. The Apostle Paul praised the Phillipians for doing such things. We must get stronger in the Lord, in HIS WORD so that we won't fall to any deceptions that may come our way. As believing whether it's wrong or not to preach prosperity, you know my answer. 

1 Corinthians 3:10-11 (New King James Version)
10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

I know some people would say that my muscular dystrophy is because of lack of faith or a sin. Kenneth copeland is one of these.
I used to get a kids magazine from them. In one issue, there was a story about a person sick in a hospital. I didn't read it because Dad had read it and threw it out. He said it said that it was that person's fault that they were sick. Dad didn't want me to think it is my fault I have muscular dystrophy.

Hello Brother David,

The con-men preachers will eventually get sick many times, and they will eventually die just like everyone else. Further, they go to doctors just like everyone else.

The original sin of Adam and Eve introduced illness, death, and a host of all kinds of problems for mankind. This is called the "Fall Of Man", and Adam gave an inheritance to all mankind of the curse of sin and death.

Brother David, your Dad was right about throwing that magazine out. It was false teaching. David, you are now a Christian, and JESUS CHRIST has rescued you from the curse of sin and death. Your hope and riches aren't in this world because this world is NOT your HOME. Your citizenship is in Heaven for Eternity with JESUS CHRIST. As Christians, GOD has also Promised us a Glorified Body at HIS Appointed Time. We will leave our corruptible bodies of flesh, blood, and sin behind. There won't be any more pain or sorrow. JESUS CHRIST has gone before us to prepare a place for us, and that is our HOME - NOT this world. What GOD really wants for us is NOT in or of this world, but our time here will be very short. We're just passing through. OUR REAL CITIZENSHIP AND HOME IS FOR ETERNITY!

Romans 8:16-23  The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

Brother David, even the Apostle Paul had a "Thorn in the Flesh" (illness). Paul prayed numerous times that GOD would remove it, but that wasn't GOD'S Will. And Paul, like the other New Testament Writers, was martyred for CHRIST.

Love In Christ,
Tom

 

Hello Armorbearer,

Brother, this is a false doctrine, and it isn't taught in the Bible. Many are deceived, and this is very sad. However, there is a bright side to this mass deception. Many of the deceived are Real Born-Again Christians with JESUS CHRIST as the LORD over their lives. JESUS CHRIST is the ultimate TRUTH, and HE is absolute REALITY!

Love In Christ,
Tom

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 NASB
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.

1 Corinthians 15:50-58 NASB
Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, "DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory. "O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O  DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.

Mat 24:11  And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

Mat 24:24  For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.


Many are deceived and many more will be deceived. We are warned of such many times in the Bible. It clearly tells us that there will be teachers that will come showing "evidence" by doing miracles and showing great signs. These will deceive many with their false teachings. Most of these have shown themselves to be false prophets and teachers by rejecting the true word of God, by elevating themselves, by being the only holders of truth through revelation alone, and by giving false prophecies.

Amen brother Tom.
I know that compared to eternity, life is a blink. I patiently wait for everything God has promised me.

Hello Brother David,

More and more, events around the world are looking like the End Days of this Age of Grace. I doubt that any of us will be waiting very long for JESUS to take us HOME. We will LOVE HIS Glorious Appearing.

Love In Christ,
Tom

 

I never understand why "Christianity" is somehow a "religion". Who made religion ideas, anyway?
I know, we had to faith our Lord, but his action is just too much for me.

I always saw so many fools are too blind to see it. I always thought maybe fools lived inside a shells too much.

Hey brother, I have been sick all my life, literally, but God loves me and I love God amen!
People like us, who suffer and refuse to surrender to bitterness and refuse to listen to ignorant wanna be prophets who tell us we're suffering because we're not right with God are great inspirational living testimonies to the world my friend.
There are many people right here who are suffering with very poor health who are extremely faithful and strong Christians - Tom and Roger for example...here’s two more extremely faithful and inspirational men of God.

great post my friend straight from the heart!

John

David, I think you will enjoy this.

This is a true story!!

The son asked his father, 'Dad, will you take part in a marathon with me?'.  The father who, despite having a  heart condition, says 'Yes'.   They went on to complete the marathon  together.  Father and son went on to join other marathons, the father always saying 'Yes' to his son's request of going through the race  together. One day, t he son asked his father, 'Dad, let's join the  Ironman together.'  To which, his father said 'Yes' too.

For  those who don't know, Ironman is the toughest triathlon ever.   The race  encompasses three endurance events of a 2.4 mile (3.86 kilometer) ocean swim,  followed by a 112 mile (180.2 kilometer) bike ride, and ending with a 26.2  mile (42.195 kilometer) marathon along the coast of the Big Island    Father and son went on to complete the race together. View this race  at.....

NOW WATCH THIS VIDEO:

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=8cf08faca5dd9ea45513

It's great to see you posting here Brother John.


Amen! The Father's love for His son ...

Hello Bronzesnake,

Brother John, it's great to hear from you. You are in our prayers every day and we know that you are going through difficult times in more than one way. Our difficulties can become a beautiful thing if we are IN CHRIST and allow HIM to take over.

There are many examples in the Bible that can encourage us and show us the way. The first thing we must learn is that CHRIST is our life and strength, and HE is the only one who should receive GLORY. FAITH in HIM is obviously a big key. We can even use many examples in the Old Testament to illustrate the absolute truth of GOD'S Love, Grace, Strength, and other good things that HE wants to give HIS Children.

Think about Samson for a moment - the source of his strength - and the problems he faced because of not yielding. Bluntly, Samson didn't have any strength of his own.

Think about King David and his life. All good things were given to David by GOD because of faith - and it pleased GOD. We know that King David committed a horrible sin that could have been and should have been a death sentence. However, GOD forgave him, and one of the most beautiful times in David's life was the forgiveness GOD gave him. We also know why GOD forgave David. David was humble and cried out for GOD'S forgiveness - not because of fear - rather because of love and fellowship David treasured with GOD.

Think about the Apostle Paul and the illness he suffered for much of his ministry. We should also consider the persecution and eventual martyrdom of the Apostle Paul and how he considered those things in comparison to what he had in CHRIST.

Brother, the examples are endless, but the end result is the STRENGTH, LOVE, RIGHTEOUSNESS, GRACE, FORGIVENESS, AND GLORY OF GOD. All of the good and lasting things are IN CHRIST! As for us, we aren't worthy for anything, so it should be a matter of THANKS and PRAISE to GOD for everything HE give us. We should consider it a great honor and blessing that GOD will use us and work in and through us for HIS Will and Purpose. Just the thought of this should give us pause and make us fall on our faces before GOD in thanks and praise. HE is the KING OF KINGS and has made us HIS Children. It can't be because of anything we're worth or anything we've done or capable of doing. It's because of CHRIST and the CROSS - AND OUR FAITH IN HIM!

Beautiful studies throughout the Bible clearly prove that all GOOD THINGS are from GOD. Further, Salvation has always been because of GOD'S Grace - GOD'S Great LOVE - and our faith in HIM. We all eventually get sick and die because of the FALL OF MAN - the SIN of Adam - and the inheritance from Adam of the curse of sin and death. However, we all know that our LOVING GOD - FULL OF GRACE - AND MOST MERCIFUL sent HIS SON to die on the CROSS for our sins and in our place. SO GOD has given us a SAVIOUR who wants to rescue us from the curse of sin and death and give us ETERNAL LIFE WITH HIM! There is no greater LOVE and GIFT than this. It's all about GOD and HIS GLORY - not us. This is the most POWERFUL AND PRECIOUS TRUTH IN HUMAN HISTORY!

Hello my brothers!
Thank you Tom and Roger…hello Bob.

I have started a new post so I could tell my story in more detail...and it relates to what you have referred to Tom.
The new post is called "My New Testimony" In the "Testimonies" thread.

Thanks friends!  :D

John

Christianity is not a religion.Religion is mancenter, christianity is Christcenter.The big defence of christianity is Jesus Christ the Savior.All religions do not have a savior.
Prosperity is a blessing from God. Poverty is a curse. Health is a blessing from God.Sickness is a curse.Deuteronomy 28.
Christ has redeem us from the curse of the law.

Hello Marios Pontos,

WELCOME!


I sincerely hope that you enjoy Christians Unite, and I look forward in having fellowship with you. I think that I understand what you're saying - let's see. As Christians, our riches are in HEAVEN and beyond the imagination of man. What the world calls wealth is temporary. Thus, I know many strong Christians who are poor by the world's standards but RICH IN CHRIST. Likewise, SPIRITUAL HEALTH is forever IN CHRIST but temporary in this short life.

As Christians, we are Children of the KING OF KINGS, and this world has NOTHING to offer us. Our citizenship is in HEAVEN and so is our HOME FOREVER with JESUS CHRIST. I definitely understand your statement about Religion versus CHRIST. CHRIST is our ALL IN ALL!

Love In Christ,
Tom

By definition, Christianity is a religion.

Hello Marios,

Welcome to Christians Unite.

Unfortunately there are those today that take this teaching much too far. When God promises riches He is speaking of spiritual riches not earthly riches. today we see a Health and Wealth theology that is also called the Prosperity Gospel. It is a false gospel teaching. If it were true then no Christian would grow old and die or suffer from the many physical ailments that go with a fleshy body, especially those that accompany an aging body. Meeting our needs does not mean providing health and wealth.

Amen Brother Roger!

Amen.

Perfect example number 1
The Apostles all left wealthy positions to follow Christ.  They were getting their needs supplied but left it all behind to follow Christ and they did not get eartlly rewards.

Perfect example number 2.
What did Jesus tell the young rich ruler?  Give all your stuff to the poor and follow me.
That is what Jesus said to the young ruler and he left saying that he could not accomplish that task

Amen and we can see many more such examples throughout the Bible in addition to these two.

Marios, please type outside the quote box.

God doesn't want us sick or make us sick.

Hello Marios,

There is NO hint that GOD gives worldly wealth and physical health to Christians in this short life. In fact, there is no hint that things will be easy for Christians in this short life - just the opposite. The Apostle Paul was sick for most of his ministry, and the Apostle Paul also suffered LACK. You are confusing a specific ministry that was for a specific TIME, and that TIME is not now.

2 Corinthians 1:1-11 NASB  Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God which is at Corinth with all the saints who are throughout Achaia:  2  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,  4  who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.  5  For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.  6  But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer;  7  and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are sharers of our sufferings, so also you are sharers of our comfort.  8  For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life;  9  indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead;  10  who delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope. And He will yet deliver us,  11  you also joining in helping us through your prayers, so that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed on us through the prayers of many.


Romans 8:16-28 NASB  The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,  17  and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.  18  For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.  19  For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God.  20  For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope  21  that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.  22  For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.  23  And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.  24  For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees?  25  But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.  26  In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;  27  and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.  28  And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.


2 Corinthians 5:1-21 NASB  For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.  2  For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven,  3  inasmuch as we, having put it on, will not be found naked.  4  For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life.  5  Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge.  6  Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord--  7  for we walk by faith, not by sight--  8  we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.  9  Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.  10  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.  11  Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest to God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences.  12  We are not again commending ourselves to you but are giving you an occasion to be proud of us, so that you will have an answer for those who take pride in appearance and not in heart.  13  For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you.  14  For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died;  15  and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.  16  Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer.  17  Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.  18  Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation,  19  namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.  20  Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.  21  He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.


All Christians eventually get sick and die, even the strongest Christians. So, it just isn't true that illness is from a lack of faith. It also isn't true that Christians are supposed to be rich in this short life if they are right with GOD. Many of the strongest Christians have very little of what this world calls wealth. This is simply false teaching. This world is not our HOME, and we are not to love this world NOR the things in this world. Our Citizenship is in HEAVEN.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Marios

Do you think you could provide a verse that tells us that if we lay hands on a person then they will be healed? 
I think you will find that there are none.  And you will also find that there are no verses where we are to promise someone a miracle.  We have no control over the miracles of God.
The one thing we do find throughout the Bible is that God will answer our prayers.  But there is nothing that says He will answer it in the manner we would like...in other words He could say "No."

There is nothing in the Bible that also describes that if a person is a strong Christian then they are guaranteed to have wealth and good health.  But what is in the Bible is that God will provide what we need and will never push us beyond what we can handle.  To consider that in order to be a good Christian you will have lots of money, is assuming that only good Christians can handle their money exceptionally well.  And that is not the case. 

The concept of the prosperity gospel falls flat every time when you consider what the Bible has to say.  And it is incredibly harmful in that good people with a heart for Jesus and a will to do God's will feel weak and ineffective because they are not rolling in financial wealth.   

Hello brothers, God bless you all.
These verses are for you brother Jerry.
And He said unto them,go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.He that believes and is baptized shall be saved;but he that believe not shallbe damned. And these signs shall follow THEM THAT BELIEVE;IN MY NAME SHALL THEY(the believers not the Apostoles)cast out devils;they shall speak with new tongues;they shall drink any deadly thing,it shall not hurt them ,THEY SHALL LAY HANDS ON THE SICK,AND THEY SHALL RECOVER.MARK 16:15-18
Is any sick among you?let him call for the elders of the church;and let them pray OVER HIM,anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord;and the PRAYER OF FAITH SHALL SAVE THE SICK,ANDTHE LORD SHALL,RAISE HIM UP....JAMES 5:14-15
Did you notice in both cases is a definite "yes" answer,they shall recover and the Lord shall raise him up?
If we don't know God's will for an issue,the only prayer we can pray is "God reveal your wil for me on this issue" or if you want to answer you with yes or no, you ask "God is this your will?" The basic prerequisite to pray the prayer of faith YOU MUST KNOW GOD'S WILL.
Brother Tom, are you saying that there was a time God was healing the sick and now only comforts them?

So Marios.  Do you believe that Paul could heal anyone he wanted too at any time? 

Brother Jerry,of course not,as he couldn't lead to salvation anyone he wanted. The Lord Jesus in His town He COULDN'T(not wouldn't) heal anyone He wanted! Mark 6:5. 

But you were trying to use the verses mentioned above that we can cast out devils, heal the sick and sorts of other fun stuff.  As if any believer can simply smack the skull of a sick person and cast out the illness.

What you are failing to identify is that those gifts were being removed even from the Apostles.  For Paul mentions in 2 Timothy 4 that Paul left Trophimus in Miletum sick.  Paul could not heal him.  The miracle powers were waning in the Apostles, it was moving more and more towards a faith movement.

Marios,

The verse Mark 6:5 is misleading. Jesus could have done anything that He so desired to do, after all He is very God. If we look at the same verse in Mat and in the preceding and following verses in Mark we see the entire story here. Jesus did not do any mighty works here because the people did not believe not because He "couldn't". This is not necessarily the same thing with Paul as Paul is not the one that did the healing. It was God working through Paul and we see several times that Paul prayed for healing for himself and for others where the healing did not take place nor was this due to a lack of faith. None were of more faith than Paul who saw the miracles of God first hand.

Much of your comments here seem to indicate that you are of the Word of Faith movement. This is a false gospel that is being taught in many modern churches. Yes, God does have the power to heal anyone that He so chooses both physically and spiritually. It is not done in the manner that so many in this movement claims it to be done.

Brother Jerry,you asked me for a verse promising that the believers when they lay their hands on the sick they would recover. I just wrote these verses as an answer. These funny stuff as you call it,I didn't say it, Jesus said it.
Now let us see how much the miracle power waned in Apostle Paul based on the 2Tim.4 as you said.
After a few years (not before)that he had left Trofimus at Miletum sick(Acts 20)in Acts 28 we see Paul be bitten by a venomous viper and nothing happens to him....... and it came to pass that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux;to whom Paul entered in and prayed, and laid his hands on him and healed him. So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came,and were healed ACTS 28:8-9.   
But I would agree that after the early church,  we see the church loosing her first glory and enter into the darkness of the middle ages(if we can call church that thing). Every good thing waned in the church but it wasn't God's will. Out of  that darkness the church emerged and God is restoring her first glory until the coming of the Lord. 
God never removed His gifts or His power from us,we are the ones,that we don't take what is freely given to us. We think that we can make it without the manifestation of the Spirit,something that even the Apostles couldn't do it .

Pastor Roger
When  Mark says that Jesus couldn't do mighty work in His town,obviously he didn't mean inability for the Lord's side. He couldn't because of their unbelief which was so big that He marvelled.
God does nothing to us by force. God wants everyone to be saved, and He did all that is necessary towards that cause through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ but all those who do not believe Him and what He did they will perish in spite God's willingness to save them.
Jesus was moved always with compassion healing the sick, the same Jesus is in you pastor Roger and He wants to reach out to the sick in your church and heal them but He have no hands to lay on them but your hands and no mouth to speak the word of healing but your mouth.










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Marios,

What you will find over and over again is that the miracles that were performed were for a sign.  Christians do not need signs.  Our acceptance is solely on faith alone.  What you will find is that in Romans Paul talks about things being a sign, for the Jews.  It was the Jews that needed signs.  They needed to see miracles in order to believe and acknowledge it was from God.  We see this even in the OT in that many would start to turn away until God came and did something big.  The Bible indicates that the time for signs is over. 

Now keep in mind this is in no way saying that God cannot do these things.  God could if that is what He desired.  But God does not want us to ask Him to prove it.  Remember the whole temptation of Christ thing....  We are not to be going to God saying things like "If you are God then heal this person"  And that is exactly what we are doing and what people are doing going to services where that sort of thing is going on...."Lord if you will just let this preacher heal my sick grandma then I will follow you anywhere." when it should be "Lord I will follow you anywhere." 

"blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed"

Where is Faith if it's built on the sand?
Where is faith if we must first see?
Where is faith if it must be proven?
Where is faith if there must "evidence"?


Heb 11:1  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.



God's will is always done in His time and in His way. His power, His will in the church did not wane at any time. Yes, many fell away from the truth and are doing so today. Many are requiring signs and demanding God to do things. This is the theology of the "name-it-and-claim-it" group that I prefer to call "blab-it-and-grab-it". God is not one that we can demand anything of. We ask in all humility and count our blessings whether His answer is yes or no.


This is where you are definitely wrong. Jesus does not need our hands and our mouths. Yes, He can definitely use them to fulfill His will but He does not need them. He has His own hands and His own mouth and He can and does use them still to fulfill His will.


Amen, without requirements, without demanding anything, without any strings attached. I am yours dear Lord to use as you will, whether you heal me of my physical afflictions or not, I am still yours. I give of myself freely. This is what He wants and what we should be doing and saying.

God told us that there would be a falling away in the end times and this is exactly what we are seeing with so many false gospels arising.

Pastor Roger
The Lord commissioned the church to preach the gospel, and He empower His church by His Spirit  to do it. Jesus said "Go YOU into the world and preach the gospel..." . Paul says....how then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed?and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?and how shall they hear WITHOUT A PREACHER? Pastor Roger, do you think Paul was definitely wrong? because he didn't say, God may use a preacher but actually doesn't need him because He has His mouth and He does the preaching fulfilling the great commission.
As for the other things you are saying base on some of my phrases,I have to say this,your not only using what I wrote out of context but out even from a sentence,by this way somebody can say that the Bible declares there is no God!

This is not what I was talking about and you know it. Yes, God does give us all the commission to teach his Gospel. What I was referring to was in regards to the physical healing that we have been discussing since you first posted here. Unfortunately you connect physical healing with the Gospel and you seem to have a strong desire to preach it as the gospel.

I will reiterate this once more. The health and wealth gospel is a seductive teaching because it proclaims that not only does God want to bless you in the future (Revelation 21:1ff.), he wants to bless you right now with the best health and the best things money can buy. These perversions of the gospel are illustrated by such statements as, “If you are truly a disciple of Jesus, he will give you what you want. . . . If you are sick, it is because you are outside of God’s will.” The wealth gospel worships materialism, and the health gospel’s idol is the human body.

The health and wealth gospel devalues the TRUE message of the Gospel which is the grace of God demonstrated in Christ Jesus for the forgiveness of sins. When we add physical healing, material prosperity, and personal success to the call of taking up your cross and following Him, we devalue and confuse the REAL message. We invent another gospel.

Paul didn't take the soft approach when confronted by false teaching and neither will I. This is a false gospel that you are teaching and it will not be tolerated here on this forum. It has been shown to you through scripture that even the Apostles suffered many ailments of the flesh and God would not heal them and that it was not due to a lack of faith yet you continue in your false teachings. This is against forum rules and will not be tolerated any longer.

moderator

1 Corinthians 13:8-13 NASB  Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away.  9  For we know in part and we prophesy in part;  10  but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away.  11  When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.  12  For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.  13  But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.


Brothers and Sisters,

The miracle SIGN GIFTS have ceased. They were used by GOD for a specific purpose at a specific time. The purpose was to encourage people to believe the NEW information they were being given. YES - it was NEW information for everyone - the Jews and the Gentiles. JESUS CHRIST being GOD was a NEW revelation for the Jews, and the Jews do require a SIGN. Multitudes were witnesses to SIGNS and MIRACLES during the ministry of CHRIST. CHRIST then died on the CROSS by crucifixion, but HE arose from the dead. This was the GREATEST sign and miracle of all TIME, and it was the ONLY PERFECT AND HOLY SACRIFICE IN HISTORY. In fact, this is the most written about event in HISTORY. For hosts, it is the most PRECIOUS event in HISTORY. As Christians, this is something we give THANKS for every day. We have PEACE WITH GOD, and our sins have been washed away. As Christians, we are seen IN CHRIST and have righteousness ONLY BECAUSE WE ARE IN CHRIST AND SEEN IN CHRIST. GOD THE FATHER is well-please with the PERFECT SACRIFICE OF HIS SON, SO HE IS ALSO PLEASED WITH THOSE IN CHRIST!

The "PERFECT" is the completed CANON OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. When the last book was added, it was PERFECT. It IS GOD'S WORD AND WILL ENDURE FOREVER. The miracle SIGN GIFTS bestowed on man for the purpose of aiding the belief of the GOSPEL has CEASED! GOD still does as HE Pleases in Heaven and on Earth, but men DON'T! Men can pray and GOD can answer if it's HIS WILL! All of mankind has been given GOD'S WORD! GOD'S WORD IS COMPLETE, PERFECT, HOLY, AND WILL ENDURE FOREVER! As Christians, living or dead, we have NOT been given our glorified BODY yet. SO, even the strongest and most faithful Christians are going to get sick and eventually die in this short life. GOD DID NOT Promise Christians health or wealth for this short life. This should be obvious with 2,000 years of evidence to prove this statement. As Christians, this world is NOT OUR HOME. Our Citizenship is in Heaven, and this is why GOD tells us not to love this world or the things in it. This world is evil, and the love of material THINGS is evil. As Christians, we should give THANKS for bare necessities in this short life. GOD did NOT Promise us anything easy in this short life. In fact, GOD Promised the Opposite. Many of the most FAITHFUL Christians in history were persecuted, beaten, imprisoned, and killed in brutal ways, and this continues TODAY! We should consider it an honor and privilege to suffer anything in the NAME OF CHRIST! We are Children of the KING OF KINGS - our HOME, citizenship, and Inheritance is in Heaven.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Philippians 3:7-21 NASB  But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.  8  More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ,  9  and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,  10  that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;  11  in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.  12  Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.  13  Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,  14  I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  15  Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you;  16  however, let us keep living by that same  standard to which we have attained.  17  Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.  18  For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ,  19  whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.  20  For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;  21  who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.

Amen BEP  and Amen Roger.

Pastor Roger
I thought that I was welcome even if  we don,t agree,as long we can discuss anything in love and respect to each
other. Please if anything I write must be in agreement with you, erase me from the forum. 

You are welcome here however there is no pulpit here for the teaching of a false gospel. For that reason the posting of any false gospel is not allowed. The gospel is simple, so simple that a child can understand it. When a person adds, changes or detracts from it then it becomes a false gospel and as it has already been said this will not be allowed. This is not debatable either. The subject is closed.

I especially don't like it when people claim disabilities are because of lack of faith. I was hurt when I heard it on tv.

Brother David, please don't let the ignorance of others hurt you in that manner. It is their error and not yours.

Hello Brother David,

I agree 100% with what Pastor Roger has already told you, and I hope you already know the TRUTH. I feel almost certain that you do know the TRUTH.

The people who teach and preach the false health and wealth so-called gospel will ALL eventually get sick, and all of them will also die. It's very sad that some people CONFUSE a specific and limited time that GOD used his messengers with the rest of all recorded history. GOD explained in the Holy Bible what HE did, when HE did it, why HE did it, and when HE ended it. GOD does as HE pleases in Heaven and on Earth, but men don't. It is MOST OBVIOUS that men don't do what they want to, AND men don't have any supernatural power unless it comes from the devil. As Christians, we have THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD living in our hearts. We all should know that GOD is ALL-POWERFUL, and HE can do whatever HE wants to. The Bible teaches us about GOD'S Will, and GOD'S Will is the most important fact for Christians to consider in this day and age. We can pray for things, but we should know that GOD won't give them to us unless it's HIS Will. We should also know that GOD'S Will for us will always be the best for us in this short life. This is hard, especially for the lost, to understand. In fact, no man understands fully the Will, Power, Purpose, and Majesty of ALMIGHTY GOD! We are just men, so how could we know ALL of these things about the CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE? GOD told us what HE wants us to know in HIS WORD - the Holy Bible. This is why we should be reading and studying the Holy Bible every day. We should begin our Bible Studies with prayer - asking that the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD helps us to understand what we study in the Bible. Any Christian who is serious about wanting to study the Holy Bible will form this habit and keep this habit until the end of their days. Visualize an elderly pastor who has spent much of his life in studying GOD'S WORD. He will still be praying for GOD'S Help before his studies. WHY? The greatest TRUTHS of the Holy Bible are SPIRITUALLY DISCERNED. The lost don't have the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD living in their hearts, so they won't understand many parts of the Bible. In fact, many of the lost make fun of and mock GOD'S WORD. The "DEPTH OF THE RICHES" is impossible for men to define when we're talking about GOD'S WORD.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Ephesians 3:14-19 NASB  For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.

Romans 11:33 NASB  Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!

Amen! I do know