Refuges

[peh]

Has anyone else been spoken to by the Lord about providing refuges, or as some might call it, "places of rest" for His people?

While I was still in California, the Lord began to speak to me about a Refuge for His people. He coupled this with a vision of the planet Earth being encircled by rapidly moving steel tracks that wound around it tighter and tighter until the middle was squeezed like a waist.

He led me to see that the devil, thru his abilities as the prince of this world system, has been for many years speeding things up, until many of God's own people are so busy they have no time for Him, or if they spend some time seeking Him, it is blighted by the "busyness" of the world.

I "saw", as if as an example, a large house with a four car garage, and mom and some kids in one SUV and dad in another speeding somewhere, to tennis lessons, piano lessons, soccer practice, after school events, appointments, and so on.

The implication was that the bills on the huge house, multiple cars, and lessons for the kiddies were so overwhelming the parents yielded to the "speed" of life as a way to avoid facing a collapse of life as known to them.

Also, that the very busyness was a snare to keep them from realizing they have no relationship with God, and no idea how that might happen, or so much as realize why they might need such a relationship.

He indicated the need for Refuge, that is, places where His people could spend time, and give to the Lord the attention He deserves and for our own well-being. This refuge idea is not that of a retreat or a campground, but a place where some might decide to live, while others come to stay variable lengths of time as they are able: a quiet place, a restful garden, and a place where help could be found in the seeking of God and a relationship with him from other Christians who have given the time and have the relationship.

The Refuge places would also be a safe place for those fleeing persecution, though I didn't see that part at the beginning of the speaking and impressions.

Since then, I have done what I can to set up such a place here in KY, buying land and having utilities put on it for use when it is needed by the people of God.

Not long after I first heard from the Lord on this subject, I began to hear of many others who have had the same kind of speaking, some have already been able to establish such places.

I read a book called "The Second Exodus" of Jews out of Russia and other lands in their coming back to Jerusalem. In the book, which I read after the Lord had already been speaking to me about the Refuges for some time, it is mentioned on several occasions about people being warned ahead of time to get places ready for visitors and their buying of lands and buildings to provide shelter. In many cases, the lands and buildings were in use shortly after the Lord's speaking came to the providers.

I feel as if there is something else I should be doing now, as the land is just basically sitting there. In fact, I have it up for sale, as it may not have been the right location. There is another person's land between the acreage I have and the road and to enter mine, you have to pass right by their house. I may be able to buy their land, which would increase the size of the land available and give better access. Or if I get the price I'm asking, I will be able to buy a larger parcel. I'm open to the Lord for whatever He wishes to do with the land, and with me, in accordance with His desire for the Refuge.

I'm very interested to know if anyone else has heard similar things from the Lord. I have already met one here in KY who has a similar vision and have recently heard of another who was to look at the acreage I have and was looking for land to do exactly the same thing.

[JudgeNot]

Has anyone else been spoken to by the Lord about providing refuges, or as some might call it, "places of rest" for His people?

YES!
I am being moved in a very similar way!  Praise Him!
Some months back we decided to cash out of California and relocate “home” to the Texas Hill Country.  As time has passed the importance of having enough acreage to be ‘self supporting’ has repeatedly flashed in my mind.  Right now the house I’m living in near San Francisco will sell for more than 10-times what it would if it were in, say, Des Moines.  With the blessing the Lord has given me I can pay cash for a house on 20 to 40 acres in the area we want to live.  I keep seeing a “No Trespassing” sign on one side of the road and a sign saying “Christians Welcome” on the other…  

So, peh, this all means what???    ......

[peh]

Oh, wow, I've got hair standing on end...it is SOOOO exciting to have heard from someone else who has had the same speaking in realtime!

I believe I did get further speaking that I wasn't prepared to put into public view at the time of the original post, but since you asked....

I call them "prayer impressions", a phrase a dear friend provided, rather than "visions" because the latter sounds a little OT, if you know what I mean, and of course, I'm unworthy of anything approaching any of the prophets back then.  

However, for whatever of His own reasons, the Lord has given me prayer impressions over several years of catastrophic occurences to come, including darkness covering the land even to the point of not being able to see Christians as the points of light I usually "see".  

Anyway, you asked what I think this means, and not what I've "seen", so having pointed the way, I think you know where this is going....I believe times such as not known before in USA are coming.   It seems, according to the prayer impressions, that Christians may not be raptured out of the mess to come, but will be in need of refuges from persecution, instead.  

Now the terrible events I've "seen" seem to be a good ways off timewise, perhaps even after I'm long gone from the earth, but in the meantime, He wants His people to have the knowledge of how to have a relationship with Him in which they can entrust their own and their loved ones lives to Him NO MATTER THE CIRCUMSTANCES AROUND THEM.  This applies whether catastrophe strikes or if the "busyness" has just gotten to them.

You posted, "I keep seeing a “No Trespassing” sign on one side of the road and a sign saying “Christians Welcome” on the other… "  In some of the "impressions" concerning the makeup of the refuge He plans for me to provide, He has made it clear that there is to be no "tolerance" for non-believers, or for those who come to "spy out the freedom" we enjoy as brothers/sisters.  

Apparently, you are to be part of the supply of refuges.   I'm excited, for you, and because I KNEW there had to be others serious about this.

I'm going to be praying for you and yours, Judgenot, and hope you will do the same for me, mine,  and the plans God has for you and I and the others who are hearing the call.

Thank you, Lord for letting Judgenot see my post, and thank you Judgenot for replying.

[felix102]

I am in a position where the Lord could use me for that purpose.

I am currently majoring in Civil engineering and may specialize in structural engineering. But some time ago I had the ambition to build a city where people would live Christ day by day...that's maybe what you are talking about: refuges. I think this is why I am here. I have another Christian brother who is a civil engineer who has the same vision.

Maybe this is the purpose of the Lord. I'm not sure. It wont be manifested until probably 10 years later. I'm still an undergrad. Then I'll have to get into a graduate program. And then spend sometime in an engineering firm before I can get anywhere for the Lord's purpose. That seems to be the most likely scenario.

It seems, according to the prayer impressions, that Christians may not be raptured out of the mess to come, but will be in need of refuges from persecution, instead.

Brother, this is true! Are you talking about the Rapture? If so, I do not believe that all Christians will be raptured.

Now the terrible events I've "seen" seem to be a good ways off timewise, perhaps even after I'm long gone from the earth

I think so too. I feel that after those cities which live Christ day by day are established, some of them may become the Church in Laodicea as prophesied in the book of Revelation. This may be some time away. I think it will take another generation after the cities are established before they start to become degraded.

Just some thoughts on what may happen.

He wants His people to have the knowledge of how to have a relationship with Him in which they can entrust their own and their loved ones lives to Him NO MATTER THE CIRCUMSTANCES AROUND THEM.

Amen brother! Praise the Lord. No matter what the circumstance!

[peh]

I am so impressed by the Lord and His workings in people with means and motives to set up the refuges for His people.  that is precisely what happened in the book, The 2nd Exodus, when different folks, in different countries and of different denominations were all impressed to ready shelters for many people.

I wouldn't limit the Lord and what He can do with you as an undergrad.   It is my impression that in days to come, though they may be an entire generation away, those terrible times could come on us unaware as well, that degrees and education will count for less than nothing. It will be the skills and spiritual walk with the Lord that will be needful.

Your vision of entire cities is very much larger than mine of a simple "campground" sort of place, but how wonderful it would be to have entire "Cities of Refuge"!

Don't be discouraged, my brother, and be watchful for opportunities to use what you've learned already!    

(btw   I am a sister  )

[felix102]

Ah, a sister. Sorry about that  .

Thanks for the word sister. May God continue to operate in and through you.

btw, the cities of refuge was just an ambition and idea of mine and also of another brother. Not sure if that will happen. But I feel strongly about the Church of Laodecia coming out of a church or city of true worshippers.

I was just thinking about getting out of college when I came across what you said. And I recognized that that had a lot to do with what originally compelled me into Civil engineering and structural engineering (a city for God or building sanctuaries for refuge). I still ponder what I am doing in school, but I know that God is leading me and I will continue to walk by faith.

[JudgeNot]

Felix102 –
Civil engineering is a noble career.  Of course – I’ve been in civil engineering for 30 years, so I could be biased.  
If I had my choice, when seeking refuge, I would choose the group with a civil engineer on board.  (It is amazing how many folks don’t realize that brown trout only swim down stream.  )

For me, the ‘refuge’ impulse is ingrained.  I was only 6 during the ‘Bay of Pigs’ but I remember sensing the impact on the adults.  There was a run on gardening and canning equipment.  That sense of urgency has never really left me – but I’ve always known in my heart that it is all part of the Lord’s plan.  
Do you ever feel like you are being ‘pigeon-holed’ as one of those “survivalist” wing-nuts?  It’s hard for me to be forthcoming with my desire for a ‘refuge’ because I’m afraid I could be classified as a cultist similar to a David Koresh follower.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  I don’t want a ‘compound’ – a ‘refuge’ is the perfect description.  

Psa 9:9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.

Deu 33:27 The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.

God Bless,
JN

[peh]

felix102:
Civil engineering may be just the thing the ones who are setting up the refuges will be needing, so I'm glad you are not considering dropping out of school.  I have spent many years in school, only to find that it helped me not at all with what was really important in my life, and that is seeking hard after Him.  However, if the Lord has you in school, there is a reason.

jn: Amazing how close your ideas are to what the Lord implanted in me.   I too don't see the refuges as being places of "withdrawal" and embattlement against the world, but rather, at least in the current times, simply places where one can go and in peace and quiet, contemplate the life we are living and what the Lord has to say about it, as well as to get direction for closer walk with Him.   That is some who come might need guidance to even know how to attempt a relationship with Father God, while others are able to help another find the way to still themselves, as David wrote, as a weaned child, so that they can hear the Father's voice and sense His presence.  

Of course, hearing and sensing Him can be done in normal 9-5 lives as well, but the impressions I received is that the enemy is making certain that time is so limited, some will never find a way to the Lord without a retreat setting.


felix102, you wrote, "But I feel strongly about the Church of Laodecia coming out of a church or city of true worshippers."

I'm not sure I follow you on this.   It is intriguing but confusing as I know the church in Laodecia spoken of in REv as the luke-warm end of Christianity, so how do you see that coming out of "true worshippers"?   I'm sure I'm just missing something, but enlighten me if you care to.

[felix102]

Judgenot:
About civil engineering I was thinking about my competance in it. You know what I came up with?

If I was ever to build a bridge, I will put up a sign before people could cross that would read, "Accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior before crossing."

I would then be doing a service for both God and the people. The people would find that to die is truly to gain (phil 1:21).  




Peh:
You asked about the Church of Laodecia

felix102, you wrote, "But I feel strongly about the Church of Laodecia coming out of a church or city of true worshippers."

I'm not sure I follow you on this.  It is intriguing but confusing as I know the church in Laodecia spoken of in REv as the luke-warm end of Christianity, so how do you see that coming out of "true worshippers"?  I'm sure I'm just missing something, but enlighten me if you care to.

I am glad you asked sister. This contains a lot of stuff.

As you know, the seven churches prefigure the "Churches" of today. The Church in Thyatira is the Catholic Church. The Church of Sardis represents the Protestant Churches coming out from Thyatira, the Catholic Church. And finally, the Church of Philadelphia prefigures the recovered Church which came out of the Protestant Church.

This was a personal experience for me. I had been a Christian since 1998. But after 5 years of being very religious, I finally noticed that on the outside, though I was a "strong" Christian, on the inside there was unbearable pain and death. I noticed this death inside me.

One day, I came across John 4:24 God is spirit and those who worship Him must worship in Spirit and in truth. I told God, I don't quite understand what the Spirit is but I want to worship you in Spirit and in truth! I then had an experience in Taiwan where I touched my spirit.

When I got back to America, God immediately lead me out of the protestant church into a body of other worshippers who worshipped in spirit and truthfulness. God lead me out of the protestant churches and into the Church in Philadelphia.

In the book of Revelation we see that the Church in Laodecia comes after the Church in Philadelphia. To me the Church in Philadelphia is the church of true worshippers...that is why I say,"the Church of Laodecia will come out of the church or city of the true worshippers" As the Church in Laodecia will come out of the Church in Philadelphia.

I believe that the Church in Laodecia has not come yet...but I am not at all sure. I believe they will come out of the Church in Philadelphia...what I call the true worshippers. So I have felt before that there will be made entire cities that live Christ day by day. But the generation after these people will find the activities of the church life to be mundane that they become lukewarm. Because of the rich church life they had before they will say they are rich and did not need anything. But they are truly lacking again. This will be the last of the Church. That may not be too far off. As I know the Church in Philadelphia is already here.

bless you sister. Keep speaking forth the will of God!

[peh]

Hi, felix102  I appreciate your posts very much.

You posted, "When I got back to America, God immediately lead me out of the protestant church into a body of other worshippers who worshipped in spirit and truthfulness. God lead me out of the protestant churches and into the Church in Philadelphia."

Are you referencing the church spoken of in Rev or a group of people who now call themselves the "Church in Philadelphia"?  Why do you say the Lord led you out of "protestant" churches?

I know that is a lot of questions, but I want to understand more fully what you are saying.  I attended the Church in San Diego under Witness Lee back when he was in LA, CA., and learned a very great deal about the faith that is not taught in "protestant" churches and probably not in Catholic either.  Part of the doctrinal teaching there was that denominations of any kind were against Scripture.  I believe that to be true, also.  

Anyway, I have yet more questions,  :
See if you can follow along with me, hopefully my logic is not too cloudy:

Look at Rev 20.  The enemy is chained for a thousand years. During that same time period, verse 4,6 says, "...I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years."

Then look with me at Rev 15, these same blessed and holy ones sing the song of Moses and the Lamb  saying "4 Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest."
 
Ok, so the nations come and worship before Him until the end of the 1000 yrs when Satan is again loosed for a time (Rev 20:7).   He deceives the nations, and here I need to say the following is MY OWN take on the Scriptures and not doctrine of any church that I know of.  

 I would like to hear what you have to say on it:

I believe the "deception" of the nations who have been worshipping God for 25 generations can only take place because they have come to the place exactly as you put it "..find(ing) the activities of the church life to be mundane....they become lukewarm." (I would have to exchange "worship of God" for "church life"  to make more sense of what I think I'm seeing but the idea is the same)

So what do you think, do you think the church of Laodicea might be the one involved in Armageddon?  

It is very exciting to me to think so, cuz I believe also that we are in the Church of Philadelphia time period, and that means we are at the end of the church age, really, that is, that the next thing could be a rapture (another subject I'm pretty unclear on).  
   
what do you think?

Also, to keep this on the thread topic:   This may be another reason why refuges for His people have become so important to me and to others hearing from Him about it.  In order for His people to be ready to meet Him, they must know Him, right?(PHil 3:10).  

[Evangelist]

If I may be allowed, here.

Ahem...  

The church letters in Rev. tell us several things, and relate directly to several interpretations simultaneously.

First, as evidenced that John was writing to churches that then and there (c.95 AD) existed, it is a definite indication that they can, and do, co-exist, regardless of the "age" we're in.

Second, it also gives us a "time-line" glimpse at how the church(s) in general evolve over time, with one being particularly dominant at any given point in time.

Lastly, it also refers to the kind of church that will primarily be in existence at the time of His return.

As an example, the "Philadelphians" existed during the time of the Sardis church, although they were few and far between, usually hiding to escape the persecution of the predominant group.

The Laodiceans (at least in the US) are the predominant type of church, relying upon wealth, knowledge, alleged intelligence, etc., and preferring to let others "do the work."

I think the best parallel to what is happening today, and the Philadelphian church, is to remember Elijah.  After whupping the baal worshipers at Carmel, he ran "in the power of the Spirit" all the way back to Jerusalem, but when Jezebel frowned at him, he ran for the wilderness.  After a few days (weeks? months?) of whining and crying, God said very plainly: quit thinking you're the only one...I have 7,000 more just like you, who have not bowed down their knee to the false gods.

So, even among all the Jezebels, and Hinns, and Parsleys, there are a few........and most of them come to CU!

[felix102]

Hey Peh!

I am a little short on time since I'm studying for finals right now. But I'll eventually get to all the questions. I hope I can answer them clearly. I am really happy that you asked!

Are you referencing the church spoken of in Rev or a group of people who now call themselves the "Church in Philadelphia"?  Why do you say the Lord led you out of "protestant" churches?

I am referencing to the church spoken of in Revelation. These groups of people do not call themselves the "Church in Philadelphia." They do not know that I have experienced this yet. I have, in fact, never talked about this before until now.

I know that the Lord took me out of the church in Sardis into the church in Philadelphia. I had experienced this.

Revelation 3:1-3    

To the Church in Sardis
  ......I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.

"You have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead." This is what I saw and this was what I felt. That on the outside people seemed alived, but inside they were dead. This was when I went to protestant churches.

Then on Christmas of last year I went to Taiwan. It was there that I had that experience with God. I actually had 3 experiences: the first one dealt with the dead church and the second one was where I touched my spirit. Before this, in my 5 years as a Christian, I had never really seen miracles. But after that second trial God opened my eyes to see His working.

After I got back to America, I was immediately lead to a group of Christians who just refered to themselves as the Church in Austin (I go to school in Austin, Texas). God had answered my prayers: that I had wanted to worship God in spirit and truthfulness. It was then that the deadness inside me was filled with life. And this life came by the Spirit.

Even after that second trial, where I had touched my spirit...I did not quite understand that I had touched the spirit. But after I met with the brothers and sisters, I learned what had happened. Before I had just assumed that the soul and spirit were the same things. Didnt think much of the 'spirit' spoken about in the bible. However, I believe it is monumentaly important...as only the true worshippers are those who worship in SPIRIT and in truth. Praise the Lord! I now live and walk by the spirit.

I am now experiencing the Church in Philadelphia. It's hard to be objective about what you are now experiencing because you are still in its process. Peh, I think you believe me but I am also writing for others so I think I'll have to prove it... (I think the posts of mine on CU is testimony to this in itself. Right before the trip to Taiwan I think I posted a thread on "The Holy Spirit." This was on Dec 10, 2004. I haven't checked but I believe there should be noticeable differences before and after that time because I was powerfully changed by that experience)

rev 3:8,9
To the Church in Philadelphia
     I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.

Philadelphia means "Brotherly Love." This was what I felt, and this is eventually what I practiced when God first lead me to the church in Austin.

"I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name." rev 3:8

I know that you have little strength...
I dont think I need to prove this but this is very true in regards to my life. I have never been able to accomplish much...my will and focus is very weak.

yet you have kept my word...
After growing together with the bros and sisters, for the first time I started to really receive the word into my being. It was then that I could truly keep the word instead of just knowing it. Since I was 12 I fervently read the bible. In the next 5-6 years I just knew a lot about the bible. However I had no life, because I did not receive the word by my spirit. But I know now how...the word is truly spirit and life! I now live and hold fast to the Lord's word. Something I did not do when I simply knew scripture in my mind and not by spirit.

and have not denied my name...
I now do something very often...call upon the name of the Lord. The name of the Lord is now something I acknowledge before men. I mentioned something similar in General Theology- "Fruits of the Spirit" which was a recent post.


"I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you."

There's a pretty big story on this one. I'll try to finish it when I can...

God bless!


Sister peh, I follow your logic on the other stuff. I've gotta think about that one. It would be really exciting if that was the case! Then our time is near! That would seem like a really good reason why God would give you the prayer impressions of those refuges now.

I guess we can just keep fighting the good fight of faith in the meantime.

[felix102]

The following link can bring to light some more things...

The Church
http://forums.christiansunite.com/index.php?board=3;action=display;threadid=7192

This was before I had the full revelation that I was in the Church in Philadelphia. I thought that the church I was now in was the church everyone else should be in. It was also around this time that I learned that God had really taken me out of a dead church to a living church. But at this time I did not understand the letters to the seven churches.

But after understanding the seven letters to the seven churches, I found out that the Catholic and Protestant churches will exist and there is really nothing I can do about it. I believe I can only show them the door (rev 3:8 See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut).

What Allinall said at the end of that thread was partially true...that I was judging by my experiences. I certainly believe that there are overcomers and true worshippers in the Catholic and Protestant churches and not everyone applies to my experience.

However, I think the message itself is important...we need to worship God in spirit and in truth. We need oil for our lanterns so that we may be ready when the Lord comes back. That oil is God, who is in us as the Holy Spirit, that will make us shine out the light for all men. We need to be ready for the Bridegrooms return!

To the Church in Sardis

Rev 3:3
Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.

[peh]

Oh, my, oh my,  I can't begin to tell you, felix102, how very satisfying it is to read your posts and find a "like-minded" one.  My God is good, and knows what we need at any given time.   I so agree with everything you've posted so far, that it is almost scary.  

There is very little to which I can give a whole-hearted Amen on the forums where I post.   Not because I desire to be disagreeable or pontific about my "point of view" but just that the Spirit of truth which I love and have asked never to let me be held in deception of any kind is at work and any thing that rings of human "motives" or "agenda" is distasteful.  "Flesh" in action can be extremely disagreeable, as I'm positive you know all too well.  

It is all so draining that I cry "Oh, for the purity of the Scripture, of God's Holy speaking!!!!"

Yes, yes, we all think wrongly on some points, we know now "in part", and even "whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away", so to "teach" a motive or agenda when the Word is all that matters and all that will stand is a total waste of time.  Not my interpretation or anyone else's but the Truth that is inherent in the Word is ALL THAT MATTERS.  

Well, you're probably wearing a crease across your forehead trying to figure out what started this "harangue".  And yet, I hope you hear my heart and no other thing.   I'm TERRIBLY grateful for this fellowship and giving all glory to God!

You are so correct in this statement "Didnt think much of the 'spirit' spoken about in the bible. However, I believe it is monumentaly important..."    One thinks just of the one Scripture which says "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God" (Rom 8:14).   How much more important could it be to know, follow, listen to, and embrace in every respect this wonderful Comforter, and Guide to all truth?  

You posted, "It was then that the deadness inside me was filled with life. And this life came by the Spirit. "  Oh, hallelujah!   Our God is awesome in all His ways!   I'm so glad you have tasted and seen that He is good, and that His mercy endures forever!

BTW, I attended the Church in San Diego, a branch of the Church in Austin, I do believe.  I was there several years ago while Brother Lee was still alive.

I don't have time just now to respond to your comments on Rev 3:7-12.   But I greatly desire to consider and speak to them at a future time, hopefully today.

In the meantime, dear brother, be blessed, go with God and live in His marvelous light!

[peh]

Quotes from felix102 post:

"I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name." rev 3:8

I know that you have little strength...
I dont think I need to prove this but this is very true in regards to my life. I have never been able to accomplish much...my will and focus is very weak.

How well I recognize your truth as it is mine also.  And the Lord lead me to the Philadelphia church verses when I was also new born of the Spirit.

"yet you have kept my word...
...I now live and hold fast to the Lord's word. Something I did not do when I simply knew scripture in my mind and not by spirit..

We also keep it by not denying its truth.  And the Spirit of Truth.  And by not wrongly dividing the Word.

and have not denied my name...
I now do something very often...call upon the name of the Lord...

Yes, yes, yes!   Romans 10:13, one of THE most important verses in the Bible, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."   and the best of it is, it is an open-ended statement, to which you could ask, "saved from what?" and the answer can be "from anything you need saving from", whether deadness of letter, lack of love, temptation, pride, divisiveness, or hell, you name it.

I just spoke to a friend who also attending the church in San Diego and she is coming to the forum to read your posts, felix102.   She is a mighty warrior of the Word and will get great enjoyment from them, as do I.