Leaderboard

We have arrived in Washington and have begun service in the church here. This last Sunday was our first Sunday, and the Lord blessed. The church has been running a steady attendance of 6 regular people for months. We had 14 here Sunday, including my son and I and 6 visitors. and there was an easy liberty to preach. I preached a short, simple message from Luke 8 on the woman who touched the hem of Christ's garment, contrasting her with all of the throng who was jostling Jesus, but never did "touch" Him. I just wanted to update everyone, and ask for continued prayes

Text : 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Title : Abounding in Good Works Date : February 25, 2018 1. Furnished Unto all good works perfectly and Throughly - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. Scripture perfects a man and equips him for every good work. By "perfect" is meant complete, matured, and filled. No person is complete or mature apart from Scripture. Man was made for God and he is to live by the Word of God. If he tries to live without God and His Word, man fails in life. He lives an incomplete, immature, and mis-fitted life. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 9Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. 98Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. 99I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. 100I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts. Psalms 119:9, 98-100 11Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them! Isaiah 5:11 2. Filled with all the Fullness of God - Ephesians 3:19 And tknow the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Ephesians 3:19 The believer possesses the indwelling presence of the Spirit, Christ, and of God. When Jesus Christ was promising to send the Holy Spirit to believers, He promised that the trinity—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—would all three come and indwell believers. The point is this: each Person of the Godhead has a different function within the believer. Therefore, the believer is to ask specific things concerning each. He has already prayed to be strengthened by the Spirit and to have Christ dwell within and control his heart. Now the believer is to pray for "all the fullness of God Himself"—for God and His presence in all its fullness to fill and flood him, ruling and reigning and having His perfect way in the life of the believer. Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. Zechariah 4:6 3. Forwardness and sincerity in the grace of giving - 2 Corinthians 8:7 Paul does not command the Corinthians to give. If giving is forced or coerced, it benefits nothing; it does not please God. God is pleased only with gifts that are willingly and cheerfully given. He blesses only those who willingly help others. Therefore, giving must be based upon three things. a) Giving must be based upon love for those who are lost and needy. b) Giving must be based upon love for the Lord Jesus who has commanded us to go into all the world to reach and help the people of the world. c) Giving must be based upon the example of those who give sacrificially. In the case of the Corinthians, they had the dynamic example of the Macedonians. The Corinthians should have been stirred to follow the example of such sacrificial giving. In our case, we should be stirred to follow the dynamic example of all those who give willingly and sacrificially. 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 1Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; 2How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. 3For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; 4Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. 6Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. 7Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. 8I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. 9For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. 10And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. 11Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. 12For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. 13For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: 14But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: 15As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 2 Corinthians 9:8 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 17Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 1 Timothy 6:17-18 Abounding in good works.docx Edited by Mod: Added content of PDF to post

Brother Wretched, I certainly appreciate your respect toward me (now and in the past). Although we have not always agreed, I have definitely come to respect you a great deal through our various interactions. Even so, I desire that the following post not be taken as disrespectful; for I do NOT intend it as such. Nevertheless, I do intend it to be somewhat corrective (which some take as disrespectful). (Note: I have pondered much on how to present the following. I pray that it will truly be "good to the use of edifying.") With your linked phrase (tells us "believe"), you make reference unto the parable of the sower as recorded in Matthew 13:3-8, 18-23, in Mark 4:3-9, 14-20, and in Luke 8:5-8, 11-15. In relation to the parable of the sower, you speak about "tares" and seem to indicate that "they on the rock" should be viewed as such "tares." However, I am compelled to contend that there are NO "tares" whatsoever at all in the parable of the sower. The ONLY seed sown in the parable of the sower is the "good" (incorruptible - see for reference 1 Peter 1:23) seed of God's Word; and the ONLY sower in the parable of the sower is a "good" sower of the incorruptible Word (as implied by the fact that he is sowing the "good" seed of God's Word). From my perspective, to indicate or imply that the incorruptible seed of God's Word can produce (germinate into) "tares" is somewhat offensive against the incorruptible character of God's Holy Word. On the other hand, the only place wherein "tares" are directly referenced in the New Testament is in the parable of the tares as recorded in Matthew 13:24-30, 37-43. In the parable of the tares, there are TWO DIFFERENT kinds of seed that are sown: (1) "the good seed" and (2) the "tares" seed. Furthermore, in that parable there are TWO DIFFERENT sowers of seed: (1) the good sower of the good seed, "the Son of man," and (2) the "enemy" sower of the "tares" seed, "the devil." If we seek to correlate the two parables, it would seem to me that the correlation between them is at the point of "the good seed," the incorruptible seed of God's Holy Word. This good, incorruptible seed of God's Word produces (germinates into) wheat, NOT tares. Thus I would further contend that the "belief" presented in Luke 8:13 is genuine faith in the gospel of Christ, through which the Word of God germinates in their hearts and through which they pass from death unto life (as indicated by the very fact that there IS plant growth). The germination and LIFE of God's Word in an individual's heart is itself an evidence that an individual is "born again." (See for reference 1 Peter 1:23)

How many times did Jesus die and rise again? If he died once, then we should be baptized once. To add anything more destroys the picture. Also, I'd really like to see your cemetery if you only bury people's heads...

This is a bit of a straw man... I doubt any here would argue in favour of baptizing babies. The definition of children too young to be baptized can (and is being) debated. IMO, both of the choices mentioned here are equally inappropriate. A church that does not baptize is just as doctrinally in error as one that baptizes babies. 10... what? The difference between catholic and baptist churches is good doctrine vs bad. 5, 10, or 20 are just numbers that mean nothing. I would probably hold toward baptizing children cautiously, and not too young (whatever that means). But let's base this decision on true facts/doctrine and not poor arguments.

Brother JimR, I do not feel that my toes are "stepped on," nor do I feel offended. I only care with deep conviction and commitment that Biblical authority be that which is used to determine such spiritual and church issues. Thus I would contend that the age for marriage or military service is not at all relevant to the case in question. God's Word indicates (as you referenced) that Biblical baptism is for genuine believers. Thus if a younger child can genuinely believe on Christ for eternal salvation, then that younger child is qualified for believer's baptism. Even so, the real question is whether younger children can genuinely believe on Christ for eternal salvation. From my perspective the very best person to answer that question is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, as per the passage that I quoted from Matthew 18:5-6. Biblical truth is found in the Bible alone.

I prefer to remain cautious in regard to Baptism of the very young, and for all the reasons you stated. It goes even further than what you outlined though. I have first hand knowledge of children being supposedly saved and Baptized as young as five years old. I would never be so adamant as to insist that a five year old was really saved, simply because with God all things are possible. But still I prefer to remain cautious in these situations.

In his conservative choices of Judicial appointees, and confirmed by the United States Senate, President Trump is reversing the judicial trend of "legislating the liberal agenda from the bench," and bringing back judges in our Judicial system that will adhere to the United States Constitution in making their judicial decisions. The New American website has been keeping close track of the judicial appointees of President Trump since his inauguration, they state, "Since his inauguration, the president has nominated 230 people to the federal bench and expects that more than 180 of them will have been confirmed by the end of the year. Erielle Davidson of The Federalist Society, which has provided vetting for Trump’s appointments, is delighted: “Almost 30 percent of all circuit judges in the United States are now Trump appointees [with] nearly one in five … district court judges … Trump appointees.” Their average age, according to Davidson, is 49, which translates to 30 years or more of “originalist” interpretation of the Constitution in cases brought to their consideration. The White House calls this “a historic transformation of the judiciary,” noting that many of Trump’s appointments “have already tipped the balance of numerous Federal courts to a Republican-appointed majority.” Taken altogether, those judges “are expected to give the nation more than 2,600 years of combined judicial service.” In a meeting with Republican senators last month, the president said, “We should have, within the next short period of time – like two months – we should have about 182 federal judges.… They will uphold our Constitution as written.” https://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/constitution/item/34248-senate-confirms-another-originalist-trump-appointee-to-the-federal-bench The selections of President Trump for judicial vacancies have been wise, prudent and have proven to be beneficial to all citizens of the United States as intended by our forefathers when they framed the Constitution. Quite frankly, President Trump is keeping America great by appointing judges who will adhere to the law of the land: the Constitution.

I respect your decision brother.

Thanks, LuAnne! I forwarded the suggestion to my mom. She appreciated the lead!

Indeed, Brother Wretched, I also am not concerned about winning debates, but am much concerned about exalting Biblical truth. Even so, I must contend that my primary point from my posting above still stands - (Even if we remove any reference unto 1 Peter 1:23) There are NO tares in the parable of the sower as recorded in Matthew 13:3-8, 18-23, in Mark 4:3-9, 14-20, and in Luke 8:5-8, 11-15. You implied that there were, but our Lord Jesus Christ Himself NEVER mentioned them therein. Indeed, in relation to this my primary evidences also still stand: 1. In the parable of the sower as recorded in Matthew 13:3-8, 18-23, in Mark 4:3-9, 14-20, and in Luke 8:5-8, 11-15, there is ONLY ONE seed that is sown. Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself defined that ONE seed as the Word of God. (Luke 8:11 -- "Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God." Mark 4:14 - "The sower soweth the word.") However, in the parable of the tares as recorded in Matthew 13:24-30, 37-43, there are TWO DIFFERENT seeds sown: (1) The good/wheat seed and (2) the tares seed. Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself defined the good/wheat seed as "the children of the kingdom" and defined the tares seed as "the children of the wicked one." (Matthew 13:38 - "The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one.") It is worthy of notice that our Lord Jesus Christ did NOT even define the "good" seed from each of these two parable in the same way. In the parable of the sower, the "good" seed is the WORD of God; whereas in the parable of the tares, the "good" seed are the CHILDREN of the kingdom. (For your consideration, our Lord Jesus Christ did NOT define the two different seed in the parable of the tares as: (1) the Word of God rightly divided and (2) the Word of God corrupted by misuse. Indeed, I would plead with you to consider your own warning above about seeing and using God's Word as a reference for already settled "theological ideas.") 2. In the parable of the sower as recorded in Matthew 13:3-8, 18-23, in Mark 4:3-9, 14-20, and in Luke 8:5-8, 11-15, there is ONLY ONE sower of the seed. Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself did not directly define this one sower, but He did only reference ONE sower. However, in the parable of the tares as recorded in Matthew 13:24-30, 37-43, there are TWO DIFFERENT sowers of seed: (1) the sower of the good seed in his own field and (2) the enemy who sowed tares among the wheat. Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself defined the sower of the good seed as "the Son of man" and defined the enemy as "the devil." (Matthew 13:37 - He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man." Matthew 13:39a - "The enemy that sowed them is the devil.") Now, in the parable of the sower as recorded in Matthew 13:3-8, 18-23, in Mark 4:3-9, 14-20, and in Luke 8:5-8, 11-15, there is NO enemy sowing a different seed than that of the "good" sower of God's Word. Indeed, the wicked one, Satan, the devil IS present in the parable of the sower; however, he is NOT sowing any seed in that parable. Rather, he is taking AWAY the seed of God's Word out of individual's hearts. (Matthew 13:19 - When anyone heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side." Mark 4:15 - And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts." Luke 8:12 - Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.") So then, since there is ONLY ONE seed sown in the parable of the sower as recorded in Matthew 13:3-8, 18-23, in Mark 4:3-9, 14-20, and in Luke 8:5-8, 11-15, the seed of GOD'S HOLY WORD - IF there are tares in the parable of the sower, then the seed of God's WORD had to produce (germinate into) those tares. Furthermore, since there is ONLY ONE sower in the parable of the sower as recorded in Matthew 13:3-8, 18-23, in Mark 4:3-9, 14-20, and in Luke 8:5-8, 11-15, the "good" sower of God's Word - IF there are tares in the parable of the sower, then the "good" sower had to be responsible for sowing them. Yet since in the parable of the tares as recorded in Matthew 13:24-30, 37-48, the ENEMY who sowed the tares is the devil, and since in the parable of the sower as recorded in Matthew 13:3-8, 18-23, in Mark 4:3-9, 14-20, and in Luke 8:5-8, 11-15, the devil is NOT SOWING ANY SEED, but is actually STEALING AWAY the good seed of God's Word, then we have NO grounds for inserting the idea of tares into the parable of the sower. The correct context for tares is the parable of the tares as recorded in Matthew 13:24-30, 37-48, NOT the parable of the sower as recorded in Matthew 13:3-8, 18-23, in Mark 4:3-9, 14-20, and in Luke 8:5-8, 11-15. Thus I repeat again - There are NO tares in the parable of the sower as recorded in Matthew 13:3-8, 18-23, in Mark 4:3-9, 14-20, and in Luke 8:5-8, 11-15. __________________________________________________________________ Concerning any correlation between the seed in the parable of the sower as recorded in Matthew 13:3-8, 18-23, in Mark 4:3-9, 14-20, and in Luke 8:5-8, 11-15, the seed in the parable of the tares as recorded in Matthew 13:24-30, 37-48, and the seed in 1 Peter 1:23, consider the Biblical definition for the "good" seed in each case - 1. The case of the parable of the sower: Luke 8:11 -- "Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God." Mark 4:14 - "The sower soweth the word." 2. The case of the parable of the tares: Matthew 13:38 - "The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one." 3. The case of 1 Peter 1:23: "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." It appears to me that in BOTH the case of the parable of the sower and the case of 1 Peter 1:23, the "good" seed is Biblically defined as the same thing, as "THE WORD OF GOD." However, it appears to me that in the case of the parable of the tares, the "good" seed is Biblically defined as something completely different, as "the children of kingdom." So then, I would ask -- Of the three cases, IF there is any correlation, which cases correlate between better with each other?

Glad to hear about your first sunday. I'm looking forward to hearing more future updates about the church and your ministry there.

Sorry, Scott. I gave you the wrong impression. I agree with you that evidence of a changed life is not necessary for baptism. I only asked you about it because this week i listened to an IFB sermon that said that. I did not say exceptional kids who have true faith should not be baptized. I just noted the average age is declining and pointed out that some who were baptized young later decided it was not valid because they did not understand and were going along due to peer pressure. This makes me worry that the trend is not good. The difference between baptists and others is shrinking. Romans 10:9 works for me: 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. Philip baptized the Ethiopian straightaway after he believed. Baptism is an outward sign of an inward change. I hope those scriptures are sufficient foundation for my position.

Sister Salyan, I do NOT stand in disagreement with your point. However, I did wish to spring off your thoughts with an important distinction in the matter of this "debate." According to God's Word the issue is NOT whether a church does or does not baptize babies because of their age. Rather, according God's Word the issue IS whether a church does or does not baptize UNBELIEVERS regardless of their age. In accord with the teaching of God's Word, I will NOT baptize anyone from babyhood unto "ancient-hood" that does not have a testimony of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior. If a baby cannot or has not believed in Christ, then that baby should not be baptized. If a young child cannot or has not believed in Christ, then that young child should not be baptized. If an older child cannot or has not believed in Christ, then that older child should not be baptized. If a teen child cannot or has not believed in Christ, then that teen child should not be baptized. If a young adult cannot or has not believed in Christ, then that young adult should not be baptized. If an older adult cannot or has not believed in Christ, then that older adult should not be baptized. If an "ancient" (Bible word) adult cannot or has not believed in Christ, then that "ancient" adult should not be baptized. However, if ANY INDIVIDUAL has placed genuine faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior, then that individual IS Biblically qualified to be baptized. Thus we return to the question - At what age can a child come unto genuine faith/belief in the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior? This is the doctrinal question that needs to be answer FROM THE TEACHING OF GOD'S WORD.

Amen. I was saved at a similar age as well but not baptized until 16. At five I had no doubt that Jesus Died for me and would take me to Heaven if I trusted in him. I would even witness to others about What Christ did and their need to trust in Christ. It was only the doubt of others that could not believe such a young child could have genuine faith that caused me to struggle and doubt my salvation.

Personal experience: Saved at the age of 4; baptized by immersion at the age of 5 (time difference due to a fear of drowning); NEVER any doubts or questions concerning salvation. Biblical truth: Matthew 18:5-6 - "And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea."

Brethren, In my travels on our furlough I have had a pastor friend express a desire for me to continue this study on the prophesies of the Old Testament, concerning the literal 1,000 year Kingdom on the earth, as written in Revelation 20:4-6. Before I begin a new lesson, are there any specific questions on previous lessons, or passages someone would like to study, that need to be addressed? I would like to bring out one thought in my talk with my pastor friend that I will address in any future lessons. Throughout this series of lessons I primarily quoted from false teachers, the cults, and others who spiritualize the prophecies in the Old Testament, in an effort to show how these false teachers are incorrect. I will probably, in an effort to show that independent, fundamental, Baptist, brethren have traditionally taught that Revelation 20:4-6 is a literal 1,000 years, and that the prophecies relating to Revelation 20:4-6 are to be fulfilled literally, quote from those IFB brethren, and other fine men, who taught a literal reign of Christ on the earth. May God bless all of you. Alan

Brother Wayne, I myself would agree (I think). For I would contend that the repentance necessary for salvation includes, NOT a repentance from individual sins of unrighteousness (per se) unto a walk of righteousness, BUT a repentance from utter sinFULness in character unto the Savior from all sinfulness. (1st Note: I also believe that the repentance for salvation includes a repentance toward God (unto the truth) and a repentance from dead works (as a means of salvation).) (2nd Note: I would acknowledge that a confrontation of an individual sin may be the means by which a lost sinner comes to recognize his or her utter sinFULness, as per the case of the Samaritan woman in John 4.)

Yes, Brother Wretched, it makes sense . . . IF we are parsing sinful actions from sinful attitudes in relation to the matter of repentance, and IF the wickedness of Simon was the sinful attitude of unbelief. However, I myself would take issue with this for the following reasons: 1. I would NOT parse sinful actions from sinful attitudes in relation to the matter of repentance. Rather, I would contend that the matter of repentance encompasses any and all sinfulness, including BOTH sinful actions and sinful attitudes, BOTH sinful speech and sinful thoughts. 2. I would contend that Simon's wickedness was NOT the sinful attitude of unbelief, but was the thought that spiritual blessings can be purchases with carnal money (in principle - the thought that carnal means are the way to spiritual progress). Consider Acts 8:18-23 -- "And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity." Throughout this I do not see any place wherein Peter accuses Simon concerning the sinful attitude of unbelief. Rather, it appears to me that Peter accused Simon concerning the sinful attitudes of materialism (as the means for spiritual progress) and of bitterness. In fact, the Holy Spirit inspired Word of God itself reports that Simon DID believe. Even so, BEFORE the event of Acts 8:18-23, the opening line of Acts 8:13 reports, "Then Simon himself believed also."

Trying to find any info on this guy on the internet wasn't very much, your site was very helpful and informative, thanks for what you do.

So, which "God" is being referenced in Romans 1:19? The same "God" that is referenced in Romans 1:18, since Romans 1:19 is grammatically a part of the same sentence as Romans 1:18. That sentence begins at the beginning of Romans 1:18 and ends at the end of Romans 1:19. So then, who is this God? He is the God who reveals His wrath "from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men." (See Romans 1:18). To me that sure seems like a reference unto THE God of heaven and of all-holiness.

I would be so grateful if I could get some strong prayers/be put on your prayer list. I feel The Lord working on my heart about something very important and I need prayers for my doubts and my walls around my heart, to fall. I would appreciate it, so much. I also appreciate you, all! You all have been very helpful in helping to teach me things, that I was having difficulty with. Thank you!

Hi TJ S, In the English language, God preserved His Word in the King James bible. Nearly every other bible traces its roots to the Sinaiticus which was written by Constantine Simonides on the Isle of Mount Athos for his uncle Benedict in the 1840s. None of these modern translations that trace their roots to this fraudulent bible agree with one another. Is God the author of confusion?

I’m dealing with something very difficult and need to get it right. I’m having an extremely hard time. Please pray hard for me!!

I would add a note regarding birth control. It's one thing to keep conception from occurring, but another thing entirely to end a life that's already begun. Most commonly available methods of birth control act as an abortionaid either primarily, or in addition to the contraceptive properties. Often they will change the environment of the womb to prevent implantation. The problem with this is that the baby has already been conceived prior to attempting to implant, so preventing implantation forces an abortion. This, of course, is murder and obviously wrong. Do your research carefully!

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

President Trump is truly a great leader of the United States of America and is using the office of the Presidency for the citizens of the United States in order to make America the great country it used to be and as our Founding Fathers sought it to be. President Trump said, "The future does not belong to globalists. The future belongs to patriots. The future belongs to sovereign and independent nations." President Trump said, "It is why we in the United States have embarked in an exciting program of national renewal." "Excerpt from The anti-Globalists Speech" President Trump on September 24, 2019 before the United Nations General Assembly

Brethren, I stated the above statement on August 9, 2016. Today, I saw the attached article, "Trump and Reagan Shared a Common Goal, American Greatness." http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2018/01/20/trump-and-reagan-shared-common-goal-american-greatness.html The article explains my thoughts on the purpose of this thread. I want America to be a great country with high ideals, patriotism, cleanse our government of wasteful agencies, and regulations, run our government on the Constitution of the United States and not on Socialist, Communist, activists, liberal, or Muslim agendas. God Bless America! Alan

Thus far it is also my thoughts that president Trump has succeeded in helping the American economy, the Judicial system, cleaning some of the government bureau's of dead weights, and has accomplished draining the swamp somewhat. Now, if some of the liberals, Socialists, activist groups, and RINO's would stop their relentless attacks, the Lord God above could use President Trump to accomplish more for America.

Thus far he's been quite successful despite the relentless attacks from all sides and within his own ranks. Satan is not happy. There is only so much one man, or a group of men and women can do on their own. With the Lord however, they can accomplish anything. We should keep praying for the President and his salvation, and that of his staff and growing in grace for those who are genuinely saved as I believe VP Pence is. If they thought people hated them now, what if Trump announced his salvation and started following the Word? I reckon it'd be similar to what happened after Moses came down from the mount.

BabeinChrist and Brethren, I fully understand the faults of President Trump and the degrading power of politics in our country. As I have previously brought out on several occasions, and JimAlaska, a Moderator, found it appropriate to agree with my thoughts, that this thread is limited to only the polices of President Trump is doing to make our country great again by defeating the legislative actions of the previous administrations. As JimAlaska, and I have brought out previously, if you want to bring out President Trumps' bad characteristics, associations we do not agree with, and other detrimental characteristics that he has, please do so in your own thread. As a polite reminder, here are three of the admonitions that I am referring too: I humbly request that only those policies that President Trump creates that will help America great be brought to our attention. All other issues need to be in another thread as per the admonition of JimAlaska. I want to thank all of you for adhering to my request. Alan

I don't know that we have to go outside of the three verses, and one in particular. "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." Paul preached the same gospel of Jesus Christ as any disciples did. He was commissioned by the Lord Jesus as an Apostle of the Lamb, (unlike Matthias, who was appointed by the other Apostles and drawing of lot), and as such, carried an authority the same as the other Apostles. Paul was the Apostle to the Gentiles, just as Peter was the Apostle to the Jews, (though Peter first preached to the Gentiles, in fulfillment of Matt 16:19, and Paul certainly preached to the Jews). But also, he only expected anyone to follow him as he followed Jesus, so Jesus was the actual authority. The Corinthian church, addressed here, we know had issues with authority-they were called carnal and contentious because they wanted to be known by the name of men, (I am of Paul, I of Cephas, etc), so while they WERE to follow Paul, it was not for Paul's sake, but for the Lord's, in recognition of the authority He gave Paul, and as Paul was faithful to Christ. It is the same way we would follow any pastor today-only as far as they are following Jesus Christ.