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*Light*

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  1. Like
    *Light* got a reaction from Alan in Trust in the Lord   
    The amount of times that Psalm 37:4 & 5 have been taken out of context by well-meaning bible teachers is astounding -- especially by the WOF prosperity teachers. It's not that God will give us a private jet with our own airport, or having figurines of biblical figures that cost more than some people's homes; it is all about receiving the good gifts that comes down from the Father of Lights (Jas.1:17). If we delight ourselves in the LORD, then naturally our "desires" will be in accordance with God's will (cf.Matt. 7:10); gifts such as the means to start a ministry, or our desire to bring the lost to Christ so that He may be glorified through us. God is not a "genie" . . . and I am grieved that the reason why so many people become "Christians" is, "what can God do for me? rather than what can I do for God as a living sacrifice?"
    God Bless!
  2. Like
    *Light* reacted to Alan in Trust in the Lord   
    Brethren,
    "Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass." Psalm 37:4 & 5
    As we trust in the Lord, delight ourselves in Him, commit our ways of life, our way of living, ourselves to the Lord; the Lord can mold us, change us, and restore us to a thing of usefulness. The Lord can change the evil desires of our hearts for good; and then bring to pass those good desires of our heart.
    My friend, brother Stafford, "Faithfully Restored," made another video on the restoration of a 1940's Lowboy Chest. The video gives a graphic illustration of how God, the master craftsman, can restore a person from a life of decay and mis-use, to a life of usefulness, purpose, and beauty. The video is a blessing to my heart and I hope to your heart as well. I do want to thank brother Stafford for sending me the video for my devotion.
    Here is the link to brother Stafford's website for videos on his furniture restoration with biblical applications.
      https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV5HTN_favhjRSX5Ttxm77w/videos
    May the Lord bless all of you.
    Alan
     
     
  3. Like
    *Light* got a reaction from Alan in The Characteristics Of Love   
    TRUE Love for the LORD is accompanied by absolute devotion and commitment. Peter's claim to love the LORD was not supported by his past actions. Peter went to the shores of Galilee to await Jesus' command to meet Him there. Fishing was their livelihood, but now Jesus demanded that their absolute devotion to Him would lead them to be fishers of men. Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him more than the fish, and Peter answered, Yes! Whenever there are two synonyms which are placed closely together in context (e.g.,"love"), and has different meanings; it is placed there for emphasis (Jn. 21:15-17).  Peter TRULY did love the LORD, and used the Greek word *phileo" instead of *agapao* because he had denied the LORD in the past and was most likely reluctant in choosing his words for that matter. Jesus knew Peter's heart . . . and knew that Peter did indeed love the LORD, but that there was a lack of absolute devotion and commitment. Jesus demands our love for Him to be sacrificial and from the heart; anything less than that is not worthy of the LORD.

    God Bless!
  4. Like
    *Light* reacted to Alan in The Characteristics Of Love   
    God devotion on the characteristics of love. I appreciate the following;
    "4. Love cannot be described.
    No words adequate enough to describe love. (“so much” as in John 3:16)
    Love is seen in action, not in words. (Calvary)."
    Thank you Irishman.
  5. Like
    *Light* got a reaction from Alan in Analyzing the Chinese word, 'Righteousness.'   
    Chinese, to me, is the most difficult language to learn in the entire world; not to mention the variety of dialects such as Mandarin, Cantonese, etc. I'm thrilled that more churches are being planted in China, and I have seen them prosper mightily in the Lord.
    God Bless!
  6. Like
    *Light* got a reaction from Alan in Psalm 19:1 Integrity   
    Thanks for sharing your devotionals as they have benefited me greatly. We often don't hear or see integrity on display, even among Christians. Jesus said, "Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" And, "be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." The lack of discipline and unchristlike behavior is monumental and unprecedented in Christendom today -- which is a sign leading to the Greate Apostasy spoken of in scripture. It is almost as if "Christians" go out of their way to behave worse than the unbelieving world, and keep NOT the commandments of God out of love for Him. The Lord will separate the sheep from the goats, and the wheat from the tares at the harvest. Just keeping the commandments alone does NOT prove oneself to be a Christian; it is the outward manifestation of the inward man/woman which shows what is truly in their hearts (Matt.12 :34-37). It is our "desire" to  "please" the Lord with our obedience which is the correct beatitude attitude. Anything other than that is wood, hay, and stubble.
    God Bless!
  7. Like
    *Light* reacted to Ronda in Psalm 19:1 Integrity   
    One of my favorites as well.  Truly praising the Lord in song, as hymns should be. Imagine.... when one day we shall also be in the presence of the Holy One and I believe we will be in awe beyond description... at His holiness, His righteousness, His pureness and goodness. I believe we will fall down stunned by the true holiness of Him and worship Him with an understanding we never could fully grasp in these human bodies. He truly does deserve our reverence. Sadly I believe that very reverence is lacking in today's "modern professing christian", where the focus has been taken off of God and mistakenly placed on mankind's "feelings" and worldly desires.  I am eagerly awaiting the blessed hope and the desire to be away from all the evil sinfulness of this world. Imagine being in the very presence of He who never sinned! As we ourselves and those around us in glorified bodies will also have shed the sin nature forever. What wonderful promises we have to look forward to! Maranatha!
  8. Like
    *Light* reacted to Alan in Psalm 19:1 Integrity   
    The essence of integrity is Holiness. Job purposed in his heart to have personal holiness, integrity, in his life.
    May we purpose in our lives to be like Christ. In Holiness and Integrity.
    Alan
  9. Thanks
    *Light* reacted to Alan in Four Principles for Building a Church   
    Hello Brother,
     
    Hope all is well with you. I will somewhat answer your questions in a hesitant manner as some of the questions, in my thinking; have to deal with matters that are not primarily connected with the devotion.
     
    In the devotion, “Four Principles in Church building,” the message was primarily directed to encourage those active in church building and not necessarily dealing with the subject of exclusivity. So, I will answer your questions in a broad manner.
     
    So, I am of the opinion that some of the issues you addressed may be better handled in a different thread, (or lesson), for that particular subject. You may start your own quesitons under the forum, "The Bible and Christianity/Biblcal Issues/Questions for Baptists."
     
    In my discussion, I will adhere to the definition of ‘exclusive’ as defined in, “The American Heritage Dictionary.”
               1. Not divided or shared with others.
              2. Excluding, or tending to exclude.
             
    Very briefly, as you mentioned, sometimes exclusivity does sometimes interfere with building a church. We need to remember that the Lord Jesus is the head of the church, the pastor is his under-shepherd, and the scriptures is our guide.
     
    As you mentioned, one of his primary functions of the pastor is to denounce heresy and keep the church pure from heretical doctrines. One of the qualifications of a pastor is to warn against the false prophets and teachers. Study 2 Peter 2. At the same time, build the church.
     
    So, the pastor must be selective on whom he allows to teach, be a deacon, or any other public function in the church. The office of the pastor is very exclusive: please see the qualifications listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:7-9 and 1 Peter 5:1-4 This is why I mentioned the, “A Polite Reminder,” my devotion.
     
    Also, Paul the Apostle routinely preached holiness and separation in the life of the members of the churches that he started. In fact, Paul told the elders of the church at Corinth (which he started), to get rid of the unholy members of the church: 1 Corinthians 5:11-13 Study Galatians 5:5-12, Colossians 3:8 & 9 and 1 Timothy 1:19 & 20
     
    As to your questions concerning having a forum to non-Baptists that deal with issues such as church building, Revelation (or prophecy subjects); I am sure that there are such forums with different policies. If you have any policy questions OnLine Baptist and how they handle non-members, or non- Independent Baptists, I would suggest you contact Matt.
     
    The study that I invited you on, “Revelation Bible Study,” is a continuation of a previous study, “Revelation chapter 19-22 Study,” that I had previously led. Here is the link to that thread: http://www.onlinebaptist.com/home/topic/23115-revelation-chapter-19-22-study/?page=1
    You can read that thread, but, because it is now “locked,” nobody can comment.
     
    The current “Revelation Bible Study,” is covering items not fully developed in the, “Revelation chapter 19-22 Study.” If you want to ask a moderator to move the current, “Revelation Bible Study,” thread to the, “The Bible and Christianity – End Times/Bible Prophecy,” thread so you (and others), can comment, they I would whole-heartedly agree with that move. I do not want to be in any way exclusive in any of my threads.
     
    I am glad to hear that you have seen the error of the Pentecostal Movement. I have heard of some Baptist churches align with that erroneous belief, but, in the Independent, Fundamental, Baptist churches that I have been a member of, or visited, I have not noticed this problem, nor some of the other erroneous doctrinal problems in our age.
     
    Golgotha, I have four suggestions. That you find a good Independent, Fundamental, Baptist church and join it, listen to some of the brethren here on OnLine Baptist as they discuss the issues, start your own thread (or lesson), on subjects that are on your mind.
     
    It is my personal hope that you will continue to read, and comment, on any of my other devotions.
     
    Your Friend,
    Alan
     
  10. Like
    *Light* reacted to Alan in Four Principles for Building a Church   
    P.S.
    After finishing the above comment I read todays Lighthouse Trails booklet called, "Remaining Faithful Through it All." I think is appropriate to include a small portion of the booklet in this comment. Here is part of the that article:
    We Are to be Faithful in Even the Least of Things
    He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own? (Luke 16:10-12)
    His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. (Matthew 25:23)

    Alan
  11. Like
    *Light* reacted to Jim_Alaska in Four Principles for Building a Church   
    Alan,
    When I still lived and worked in Alaska I had the privilege to meet and work with a Chinese man who became a good friend. We both worked for a scientific research facility. He was a Plasma and Atomic scientist from Beijing. His name was Chung Wu.
    He did not speak english well and we quickly made a deal for me to teach him English and him to teach me Chinese. The result was 50/50 he learned English and I did not learn Chinese. lol I still retain three words of Chinese, but that's about it, it is a difficult language to learn, at least for me.
    He had never driven a motor vehicle, only rode a bike in China. So I also taught him to drive, which made him very happy.
    We became fast friends with me inviting him to dinner at my house where we usually had language lessons after dinner. When he learned that I attended church he became interested and began to attend with me. We had many opportunities to talk about The Lord in private also. I believe he came to know The Lord at that time. He never actually gave a testimony to that fact, but he did show evidence of being saved in that he developed a burning desire to take his newfound Christianity back home to his people when he returned home. We had many private Bible studies together.
    Unfortunately shortly after he had to return to Beijing he passed away. I believe he is now with The Lord. He was a dear friend and I sorely miss him, but rejoice in his conversion and enthusiasm for spiritual things. I thank The Lord often for putting Chung Wu in my life and the opportunities we shared.
  12. Like
    *Light* got a reaction from Alan in Right in the Sight of the Lord   
    This seems to be a major issue among those who follow their own heart and desires rather than submitting to what it "right" in the sight of the Lord; this includes judging righteous judgment (Jn. 7:24) -- and discerning the fruits of the spirit.
    1) Our fruit is everything about us, both how we behave and what we say.  We can't tell what people are thinking, but we can hear and evaluate their words and see and discern their deeds. That is discernment not "judging". "Judging" in the sense used here has to do with condemning others in our hearts or with our words (or deeds, occasionally).  We can be wise about staying away from problematic people without violating this command not to "judge".  
    And so we should indeed do:
    I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. (Corinthians 5:9-13)
    So by all means we should make it our policy to stay away from people who are deep into gross sin and who want to tempt us into it as well . . . ESPECIALLY if they call themselves "Christians".
    2) Solomon was wise, but wisdom is not enough. Wisdom is knowing what is right.  But doing what is right is an act of willful obedience to the Lord.  In fact, if we know what is right and don't do it, that is worse than doing something out of ignorance (Lk.12:47-48).  Solomon's problems with knowing what was right but doing what was not increased with his age:
    For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. (1 Kings 11:4)
    As a result, the kingdom was split in the time of his son into two parts (1 Ki.11:5ff.).  
    God Bless!
  13. Like
    *Light* got a reaction from Alan in Hell   
    I have been asked by non-believers as to what happens to Christians who have loved ones who are in hell? I think the scriptures which apply say it all:
    For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and [God shall wipe away all tears] from their eyes. (Revelation 7:17)
    And [God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes]; and there shall be no more death, [neither sorrow], nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. (Revelation 21:4)

    And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh. (Isaiah 66:24)
    Holiness produces a *godly* hatred towards sin; and it will be made manifest as we  gaze upon those who REFUSED to REPENT of their sins and those who continually REJECT the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
    Crying is an OUTWARD manifestation of sorrow which comes from mourning and grief. Jesus Himself was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: (Isaiah 53:3-4). The characterizations included by those who seek such answers no doubt seek to explain these passages are a case of "going beyond what is written".  I see no reason for doing so in this case inasmuch as the above seems very clear to me.  We are not going to be troubled by anything in resurrection -- and it won't be because we are less and know less:  we will be more and know more in every conceivable way (and in ways which are as yet inconceivable). That being the case, it is a trap and a waste of time and energy to worry about departed loved ones whose status at present we cannot know for certain. For those who are still with us and not saved, we do what we can to lead them to the truth (recognizing that this is their decision) -- and such we should do whether or not we knew how we would "process" these things on the other side.
    God Bless!
     
  14. Like
    *Light* reacted to Alan in Hell   
    The sermon on hell is a reminder to have compassion on the lost and for us to seek the salvation of the lost. "And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh." Jude 22-23
  15. Like
    *Light* got a reaction from Alan in The Stubburnness Of My Own Will   
    Pride is the source and origin of all sin; because it stems from the heart of the author of sin itself -- Satan. It's a good thing that this refuse and scumbag of the Universe will one day be thrown into the Lake of Fire to be TORMENTED FOREVER, and then he will no longer be a threat to humankind. 
  16. Like
    *Light* reacted to Alan in The Stubburnness Of My Own Will   
    After reading this devotion, and looking at my own life, my thoughts concerning the stubborness of my, or our own will, brought me to Proverbs 14:6, "A scorner seekieth wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth." 
    Thank you for the good devotion. 
  17. Like
    *Light* reacted to swathdiver in Closed Communion   
    You need not pray so much as read your bible.  1st Corinthians 5:6-13 deals with the unrepentant in the Lord's house.  Remember that Matthew 18:15-17 tells the Christian how to deal with other Christians within his local church.  Finally, re-read 1 Corinthians 11 very carefully paying attention also to the context and who Paul was addressing.  He is addressing the local church at Corinth.  
    Now as for membership, we find that again in 1st Corinthians 5 in the matter of church discipline.  How can you discipline a non-member, someone who comes and goes?  How can the Lord's table be safeguarded from an unrepentant sinner if the congregation knows not that person?  What if they are a wine bibbler or fornicator or baby sprinkler?  Don't the scriptures teach that the church is responsible for who it allows to partake in the Lord's Supper?  Wouldn't God hold them to account for knowingly allowing an extortioner to the table?  How can you apply Matthew 18 to someone who is not united with your group?
    Let me address a thought forming in your mind right now.  That is, the member who is sinning and nobody knows about it.  Well, then if I heard that so and so cheated on his taxes, I should approach him in the manner of Matthew 18.  If he tells me that he's repented, then that's it, it's between the Lord and him now.  
    What is the meaning of the word church in the bible?  In short, it's a local, visible assembly of saved believers, covenanted together to serve God.  If you have no membership, you have no biblical assembly or church.  The universal, invisible church is heresy and only exists in the minds of the Catholic and her harlots for that is the only way they can claim legitimacy.
    Finally, membership is found in the book of Acts.  Acts 2:41, three thousand souls were "added unto them".  Added to what?  To the local, visible, church in Jerusalem.  Can you add to an invisible assembly, that does not unite, that has no rolls?  Of course not!  Elsewhere in Acts you'll find the biblical example of voting people into the local, visible church for membership.
    Please reread Jim's excellent post , particularly "It Is Restricted By Doctrine".
  18. Like
    *Light* reacted to Believer (ish?) in Closed Communion   
    Thank you for your response.  After two days of prayer, bible reading (KJV) and fasting, I came to the same conclusion.  I have contacted the pastor, advised him that my sinful pride of being baptized where Jesus was baptized had been a sticking point which prevented me from asking to join the membership.  I also asked to be baptized and offered to destroy the Jordan baptismal certificate, if he believed I should.  He accepted me for local baptism and scheduled it for the 13th.  He also advised me to keep the certificate and pride of that baptism,  but to recognize that it's was meaningful to Christ, but lacked the scriptural requirements for a local church.  
  19. Like
    *Light* reacted to Alan in Four Principles for Building a Church   
    Ukulelemike,
    King Hezekiah is a good example to all those directly involved in the minstry of the Lord. Your thoughts on Hezekiah and the problems that arose, and those who openly mocked him, is a good lesson for all of us and is a welcomed addition to the devotion. 
    Our dedication to the Lord, and to His work, is a spiritual battle and we should keep our eyes on what is right and not what the world, backslid saints, and others think about it. In spite of what others are doing, and in spite of what others may do to the work that Lord has us to do after we are gone, we need to be faithful. 1 corinthians 4:2, "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful."
    The Kings that followed King Hezekiah and led the nation of Israel into idolatry is likened to what Paul said in Acts 20:29, "For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock." False prophets, false teachers, and backslid saints with their own agenda and fleshly lusts, attempt to destroy the work of the Lord. You are correct, maintianing a good church is as hard as starting a good church.
    Thanks!
    Alan
     
  20. Like
    *Light* reacted to Ukulelemike in Four Principles for Building a Church   
    Good post and timely.
    Sunday I am preaching a lesson on Hezekiah, particularly when he opened the doors of the temple, and called on Judah and Manasseh and the others of the southern kingdom to come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover, and to humble themselves before the Lord, after 16 years of his wicked father building up paganism and idolatry. And how, even though it was the command of the king to do that which God commanded, yet many who read the message mocked and scorned the very idea. I will bring this around to how many good, godly churches, teaching the truth of God and just wanting to Honor and obey Him, are often more and more emptying out, as people become 'seekers' seeking entertainment, and distraction and programs.
    We have grown pretty small, and inevitable, someone looks around and says, "Is this all today?" It can be discouraging, but my point it, right is still right, and even a minority of people doing God's will, is still the right thing to do, and with the Lord, we are never the minority, and we WILL be blessed if we continue to do well, though so few might want to.
    Building a church is tough-so is maintaining it. Solomon built the temple, and later kings kept shutting it down and turning the people to idolatry, and then another king would have to start from scratch. I'm celebrating 14 years as pastor and we are running about 7 right now. One person is a mess-he wants to raise his hands during prayer, just to do it because someone, sometime, ONE time said to him that it was what Christians do in church. Now, last Sunday, during a song, he put his book down and laid prostrate on the floor until the song was over. Apparently he saw or heard something about that. And of course, we had a guest family, who I suspect we won't see again. And while it is a small disturbance, it's not really anything WRONG I can point to, but I suspect he doesn't help anyone want to be here. Not like open sin or rebellion that I can send him out for.
    Sorry, starting to complain. God lesson above. Thanks 
  21. Like
    *Light* reacted to Alan in Four Principles for Building a Church   
    Jim,
    Thank you very much for the kind words and encouragement. We appreciate them very much. "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." Proverbs 25:11
    It is a blessing to all of us in relating that your church that you were saved in was a mission work. That speaks volumes of the missionary pastor and the folks who had a hand in starting it. I am sure in eternity there will be a lot of shouting when we hear the whole story.
    A new church plant with four missionaires! It took real courage for those early missionaires to go to Russia and stick it out. It is very encouraging to all of us in knowing that there are two good IFB works going strong.
    God bless all of you!  
    Alan
     
     
     
  22. Like
    *Light* reacted to Alan in Right in the Sight of the Lord   
    Brethren,
    I do hope that the devotion on 1 Kings 15:11-15, 'Right in the Sight of the Lord' is a blessing to your heart and an encouragement as you walk with the Lord.
    Hope you enjoy the accompanying photograph with the 1 Kings 15: 11 scripture verse as a visual reminder.
    Cedar Tree Clothed with Snow.
     

    Note on the photo. I am in the process of learning how to edit my photos with the
    Linux Gimp 2.8 Photo Editor. If you have any problem uploading the photo please let me know.
    As before, all of my photos are not copyrighted and are are available as you see fit.
    May the Lord bless you all.
    Alan
  23. Like
    *Light* reacted to Alan in Right in the Sight of the Lord   
    Brethren,
    I do hope the inspriational music is a blessing to you.
    Alan
     
  24. Like
    *Light* reacted to Alan in Right in the Sight of the Lord   
    The scripture reference should by 1 Kings 15:11-15 instead of 1 Kings 15:9-15 and delete the 1 Kings 15:11 reference after the scripture quotation.
    I do not know how to edit (or delete), the scripture reference numbers (15:9-15), in the devotions as the reference itself is generated (highlighted in blue), by the computer. If anyone can show me how to edit please let me know. I tried 'edit' under 'Entry Actions' (twice), but I could not edit the computer generated scripture reference numbers.
    I finally was able to fix the scripture reference.
    Alan
  25. Like
    *Light* got a reaction from Alan in Spreading The Seed   
    The parable found in John 15 teaches us about how spiritual fruits are produced in our lives. The "problem" with the word "fruit" is the difference between English and, in this case ("fruit of the Spirit"), Greek.  In Greek, the word karpos, often translated "fruit" is wider in its meaning than the English word (which can be used metaphorically it should be added, as is the case in Galatians 5:22).  "Fruit" is the product of all plants which is also edible (not just what we call "fruit" in a technical sense as opposed to, e.g., vegetables or grains -- karpos covers all of these categories). However, in the parable of the "vine and the branches", Jesus speaks of fruits only being produced as a result of "abiding" in the vine (i.e., Christ). He is undoubtedly making a metaphor using "literal" fruits (cf. Gen. 2:9; Rev. 2:7; 22:2,14,19). Fruits have seed on the *inside* rather than on the outside. Jesus said:
    Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, [and that your fruit should remain]: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. (John 15:16)
    We should take note that the "fruits" of the Spirit REMAIN and reproduce due to the fact that fruits have seeds on the INSIDE.
    Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; [for his SEED remaineth in him]: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. (1 John 3:9)
    Unlike *superficial* Christianity and Christians who are OUTWARDLY religious, but have no fruits of TRUE repentance.
    God Bless!
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