John UK wrote:
[snip]
You're already evaluating my present condition and making it known to me. And I appreciate that. I really do. Until I read Madame Guyon's autobiography I might have gotten angry or upset, but her words have had a great effect upon how I view things and circumstances. I have a long way to go, because she had all her fortitude from a deep fellowship with God, and I am only just learning, but I have set out and already it is a great help. I have no ill will towards you, and wish you every blessing. I love you in Christ Jesus. And I am sorry that you misunderstand my motivation.
So please set me a good example of a Christian way of evaluating the problems faced by the church today (that's you and me), and the best way to get those problems sorted out, that God may be glorified in both the salvation of sinners and the godly walk of the saints. Thanks.

Seek for answers, but don't condemn others until you have the answer yourself and then show everyone the answer in words and deeds.

John UK wrote:
What you're experiencing is the sinful nature rearing up. Maybe you didn't know it was there; maybe you thought you were doing just fine. It could even be that you are so much finer a Christian than myself that you could find it in your heart to judge me.
Hey, you should listen in to my prayers last thing at night. That should cure your misrepresentations. Yep, I could even type them out for you to read, except it might upset you too much.
I wonder how often you pray, "God have mercy on me, a sinner?
Let me give you a chance. What do you think is wrong with the church today, that God's blessing is not on it? Just speak freely, and with grace. Thank you.

John UK wrote:
[snip]
As for exalting myself, I am not aware of saying anything like that. Indeed, being a realist, I debase myself and eat dust. I deserve nothing from God; he gives me everything.
Me - self-righteous?

John UK wrote:
He is not capable of thought, ....

"My hope is that we would all get on, despite any differences, and gently speak out on various things, knowing that understanding only comes by the revelation of God. The way some people speak, you'd think that Christianity was something to be intellectually grasped, whereas we know that without the quickening and enlightening of the Spirit by God's will, we would not even understand the cross and what it means to be born again."

Seems the self righteous do not like their flaws pointed out.

A few trips out street preaching and all of a sudden he is the authority on true spirituality and power. Truly amazing.

John UK wrote:
[snip]
Think, man!

Until you have the answer, which you clearly don't, then it is best to keep your mouth shut.

Regarding revival, who doesn't want one? Perhaps you should remember that Spurgeon's ministry was conducted under revival conditions!

But, revivals are extraordinary works of God, which cannot be commanded. So what are we to do when there is no revival? Look for spooky coincidences and label them "words of knowledge" so we can claim power? Or abandon orthodox views in the hope that somehow being unfaithful will produce power?

If you hold yourself up as an example of a thoughtful person, then forgive me, but I'll pass.

John UK wrote:
[snip] we hold him up and recommend our folks read him, yet we remain as powerless as ever, simply because we ignore how he went about it.

Mike wrote:
So how's this self-therapy of yours going, Jim? Maybe you could suggest to the ones in the various college crying rooms.

John UK wrote:
Mike, I believe it is both possible and needful.
Check out "And can it be" which Wesley based on scripture.
"Long my imprisoned spirit lay"
(I lived a long time without spiritual free will)
Fast bound in sin and nature's night;
(By nature, dead in sins and tied up)
Thine eye diffused a quick'ning ray,
(God sent his quickening Spirit like a laser beam into my heart)
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
(Because of this I awakened out of death, and "saw the light")
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
(God untied me and set me free from my imprisonment, restoring my free will)
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
(Out of love for him who had released me from jail, I got up, left my prison cell, and devoted the rest of my life to his service)
You see bro how repentance and faith is "wrought" in a sinner; it is all a work of God, not an ABC formula for salvation. It is God's work from start to finish.

Jim Lincoln wrote:
John MacArthur wrote:
A Plurality of Elders
The consistent pattern throughout the New Testament is that each local body of believers is shepherded by a plurality of God-ordained elders. Simply stated, this is the only pattern for church leadership given in the New Testament. Nowhere in Scripture does one find a local assembly ruled by majority opinion or by a single pastor.

Jim Lincoln wrote:
Phil Johnson wrote:
...from the night of my conversion until today, I have deliberately steered clear of partisan politics

John Yurich USA wrote:
Good that those churches are protecting themselves from suits by fruitcakes. Take proactive measures to cut off those fruitcakes before they have a chance to file a lawsuit.

I have found that if I ask someone to forgive me, it seems to produce a sphere of holiness. The hearer realizes this is heavenly expression. Saying "I apologize" produces nothing lasting and seems plastic.

Example. Forgiveness vs apology.

As you can see one is biblical. Jesus said "The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life."

Mourner wrote:
Scripture:
1Co 15:56 *The sting of death is sin;*
(I would think original and actual)
*and the strength of sin is the law.*
(it's strength is over our fallen inability to understand or keep the law as expressed in Ephesians 2)
Now read all of Romans 7
Ephesians 2:1-6 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature (the fallen nature imputed by Adam's original sin and practiced by our actual sin) the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were *dead* in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

AGAIN, the judgment of God is coming, BUT, to say it will hit here and there, it will come in the form of fire here and there is not found in scripture. The very verses you quote speak clearly against what this man prophesied. The judgment of God will be unleashed on the entire world, not just N.Y., or the major cities in America. What about the wicked in Australia, or the U.K., or Iran, or Africa? Will they escape judgment?

The results
yes = 70%