Donald

I have always made it a point in my Christian life, to derive my Doctrinal views, from God’s Word, rather than what any human being had to say.  Although being a non-college educated pastor, has helped in this regard, I still make it a matter of serious daily prayer, asking the Lord to help me know the truth about His Word and to not be influenced by the “winds of doctrine”, that are blowing in the world.  With all that said, years ago I realized that I had to reject Calvinism, as error while also rejecting Arminianim as error, in the other direction.
Let me get to the point; One of the areas of Calvinism that I reject, is “Conditional election”, because I see the Bible as clearly teaching that Election is conditional upon “God’s foreknowledge”!   Which brings me, to my point.
Most(if not all), of the IFB pastors that I know, seem to “go far beyond Arminianim”, in this area and regularly make it clear, that they believe, “that if they had not witnessed to particular people that trusted Christ, than those people would not have gotten saved!”
Years ago, an elder pastor friend of mine shared a quote with me, that some famous evangelist had once said... “Of course I believe in Election; But it seems like the more people that I witness to, the more get elected!”
Now that sounds cute, but “how does he know, that these people are truly getting saved”, or just making a profession of faith, because of his skills of persuasion!
I am reminded of a Scripture....
“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.” (1 Corinthians 3:6)
Paul, didn’t seem all that concerned about “soul winning”: But simply getting the Gospel out!  
 

I have always made it a point in my Christian life, to derive my Doctrinal views, from God’s Word, rather than what any human being had to say.  Although being a non-college educated pastor, has helped in this regard, I still make it a matter of serious daily prayer, asking the Lord to help me know the truth about His Word and to not be influenced by the “winds of doctrine”, that are blowing in the world.  With all that said, years ago I realized that I had to reject Calvinism, as error while also rejecting Arminianim as error, in the other direction.
Let me get to the point; One of the areas of Calvinism that I reject, is “Conditional election”, because I see the Bible as clearly teaching that Election is conditional upon “God’s foreknowledge”!   Which brings me, to my point.
Most(if not all), of the IFB pastors that I know, seem to “go far beyond Arminianim”, in this area and regularly make it clear, that they believe, “that if they had not witnessed to particular people that trusted Christ, than those people would not have gotten saved!”
Years ago, an elder pastor friend of mine shared a quote with me, that some famous evangelist had once said... “Of course I believe in Election; But it seems like the more people that I witness to, the more get elected!”
Now that sounds cute, but “how does he know, that these people are truly getting saved”, or just making a profession of faith, because of his skills of persuasion!
I am reminded of a Scripture....
“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.” (1 Corinthians 3:6)
Paul, didn’t seem all that concerned about “soul winning”: But simply getting the Gospel out!  
 

I have always made it a point in my Christian life, to derive my Doctrinal views, from God’s Word, rather than what any human being had to say.  Although being a non-college educated pastor, has helped in this regard, I still make it a matter of serious daily prayer, asking the Lord to help me know the truth about His Word and to not be influenced by the “winds of doctrine”, that are blowing in the world.  With all that said, years ago I realized that I had to reject Calvinism, as error while also rejecting Arminianim as error, in the other direction.
Let me get to the point; One of the areas of Calvinism that I reject, is “Conditional election”, because I see the Bible as clearly teaching that Election is conditional upon “God’s foreknowledge”!   Which brings me, to my point.
Most(if not all), of the IFB pastors that I know, seem to “go far beyond Arminianim”, in this area and regularly make it clear, that they believe, “that if they had not witnessed to particular people that trusted Christ, than those people would not have gotten saved!”
Years ago, an elder pastor friend of mine shared a quote with me, that some famous evangelist had once said... “Of course I believe in Election; But it seems like the more people that I witness to, the more get elected!”
Now that sounds cute, but “how does he know, that these people are truly getting saved”, or just making a profession of faith, because of his skills of persuasion!
I am reminded of a Scripture....
“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.” (1 Corinthians 3:6)
Paul, didn’t seem all that concerned about “soul winning”: But simply getting the Gospel out!  
 

This morning early, I woke up and intended to go back to bed and get some more sleep, but while I lay there I started to pray and I started to thank the Lord for all that He had done for me and my family over the years; And I realized the great victory that He had given me over the “fear” of “tomorrow”; That is, the fear of wondering how we were going to be provided for.... in the future!  This is a real victory that God can bless us with.
And as I began to consider this victory; I realized how it all boiled down to, a victory over “the pride of life”..... 1 John 2:16
"For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."
This is a very old(primal), temptation.... Genesis 3:6
"And when the woman saw that the tree [was] good for food, and that it [was] pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make [one] wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat."
------------------------
This is a “place”, where the Lord wants every Christian to come to!  A place in their Spiritual life, where they are placing EVERYTHING in their life, in the LORD’s hands; and trusting Him to totally take care of them!
This place is more difficult to arrive at, if you have been blessed with material wealth; Such as, a lot of money, or a good job, or a respected career, or an exceptional ability etc.  Any of these things, tend to make a person consider themselves, “independent” and not in need of anyone’s help.  But every human being, is in total and complete dependence, upon the Lord, every day of their lives!
Our Spiritual lives start out, with the “knowledge” that we need Jesus, to pay for our sins and take us to heaven.  Then, after we are born again, this knowledge should grow to an “understanding”, that we owe everything that we have, to the Lord.  Then, this understanding should grow to a “deep trust”, in the LORD to provide for our every need, for as long as we are living on this earth........
Matthew 6:31-34
V.31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
V.32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
V.33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
V.34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof.
 

This morning early, I woke up and intended to go back to bed and get some more sleep, but while I lay there I started to pray and I started to thank the Lord for all that He had done for me and my family over the years; And I realized the great victory that He had given me over the “fear” of “tomorrow”; That is, the fear of wondering how we were going to be provided for.... in the future!  This is a real victory that God can bless us with.
And as I began to consider this victory; I realized how it all boiled down to, a victory over “the pride of life”..... 1 John 2:16
"For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."
This is a very old(primal), temptation.... Genesis 3:6
"And when the woman saw that the tree [was] good for food, and that it [was] pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make [one] wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat."
------------------------
This is a “place”, where the Lord wants every Christian to come to!  A place in their Spiritual life, where they are placing EVERYTHING in their life, in the LORD’s hands; and trusting Him to totally take care of them!
This place is more difficult to arrive at, if you have been blessed with material wealth; Such as, a lot of money, or a good job, or a respected career, or an exceptional ability etc.  Any of these things, tend to make a person consider themselves, “independent” and not in need of anyone’s help.  But every human being, is in total and complete dependence, upon the Lord, every day of their lives!
Our Spiritual lives start out, with the “knowledge” that we need Jesus, to pay for our sins and take us to heaven.  Then, after we are born again, this knowledge should grow to an “understanding”, that we owe everything that we have, to the Lord.  Then, this understanding should grow to a “deep trust”, in the LORD to provide for our every need, for as long as we are living on this earth........
Matthew 6:31-34
V.31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
V.32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
V.33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
V.34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof.
 

 

 

When you look back to the days of Ozzie and Harriet and Leave it to Beaver: These television shows worked, because they accurately reflected the real lives that most American families were living during these years(1940-1960).  The vast majority of  people, were generally decent people who had been taught the value of a good character.
For those of you who don’t even know who Ozzie and Harriet were, this makes it even easier for some scoffer, to convince you, that things have “always been this way”.....
2 Peter 3:3-4
V.3 ¶ Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
V.4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as [they were] from the beginning of the creation.”
------------------
There was a time 50 years ago, when you NEVER heard homosexuality or any kind of sexual sin even mentioned on television.  But this wasn’t only, true in the secular realm. Back in the 1940s & 1950s, most Christian Churches used the KJB; But the pressure was even then, being put on pastors and Churches, to stop doing things, in the “old ways”!  Today, the PRESSURE for every Christian to compromise their Biblical principles, is greater than it has ever been; And every day that Jesus doesn’t come back, this pressure is increasing.  The decisions(both political and religious), that otherwise sane and well adjusted people are making today, are being seen as crazy, by anyone who hasn’t got their head in the sand.
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It is obvious, that we are living in the “last” of the last days and that this “sin sick” and “self destructive” and “self consuming” world, that we are living in, is just about to collapse down upon itself.......   2 Timothy 3:13
“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.”
Praise the Lord, Jesus is just about to come back and take us out of this mess!  But until He does, we need to remind ourselves every day, of the fact that this world is becoming more and more deceived and that we need to keep our feet, solidly grounded upon the Word of God!                                    
 

When you look back to the days of Ozzie and Harriet and Leave it to Beaver: These television shows worked, because they accurately reflected the real lives that most American families were living during these years(1940-1960).  The vast majority of  people, were generally decent people who had been taught the value of a good character.
For those of you who don’t even know who Ozzie and Harriet were, this makes it even easier for some scoffer, to convince you, that things have “always been this way”.....
2 Peter 3:3-4
V.3 ¶ Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
V.4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as [they were] from the beginning of the creation.”
------------------
There was a time 50 years ago, when you NEVER heard homosexuality or any kind of sexual sin even mentioned on television.  But this wasn’t only, true in the secular realm. Back in the 1940s & 1950s, most Christian Churches used the KJB; But the pressure was even then, being put on pastors and Churches, to stop doing things, in the “old ways”!  Today, the PRESSURE for every Christian to compromise their Biblical principles, is greater than it has ever been; And every day that Jesus doesn’t come back, this pressure is increasing.  The decisions(both political and religious), that otherwise sane and well adjusted people are making today, are being seen as crazy, by anyone who hasn’t got their head in the sand.
--------------------------------------------------
It is obvious, that we are living in the “last” of the last days and that this “sin sick” and “self destructive” and “self consuming” world, that we are living in, is just about to collapse down upon itself.......   2 Timothy 3:13
“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.”
Praise the Lord, Jesus is just about to come back and take us out of this mess!  But until He does, we need to remind ourselves every day, of the fact that this world is becoming more and more deceived and that we need to keep our feet, solidly grounded upon the Word of God!                                    
 

Not respecting God’s Word:
Over the years I have come to regard those who don’t see the importance of “sticking to the KJB”, as not having a “proper respect for God’s Word”.
Respecting the Bible, is demonstrated by seeing the importance of every “jot and tittle” in God’s Word!
I remember year ago, as a young Christian, reading Luke for the first time and coming to Luke 24:39......
 “Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.”
..... and seeing the significance of Jesus saying “flesh and bones”, instead of the term “flesh and blood”;
And I remember, remarking to a co-worker, who was a “preacher boy”, attending a local Bible college, how interesting it was, that Jesus didn’t say “flesh and blood”, because his Glorified Body did not contain any “blood”!
I remember this “student of the Bible”, lecturing me, that I was making too big of a deal, out of “these words”!  He said... “it doesn’t matter if it says flesh and bones or flesh and blood....”
This is a perfect example of “a lack of respect for God’s Word”!
 

I see a danger, in looking at the bad things of the past and stating emphatically that the way things are today, are not as bad as it was back then.....
2 Peter 3:3-4
V.3 ¶ Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
V.4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as [they were] from the beginning of the creation.
The Bible clearly tells us, that as the Lord’s return gets closer things will get worse....
“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:13)
------------------------
Keep in mind, that I am not leveling any criticism toward any previous posters.
What I am saying, is that none of us, actually lived through these past historical events that we read about.
It could be, that the height of wickedness and Spiritual darkness that we are seeing now, have never been seen by any human being before.
 

I see a danger, in looking at the bad things of the past and stating emphatically that the way things are today, are not as bad as it was back then.....
2 Peter 3:3-4
V.3 ¶ Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
V.4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as [they were] from the beginning of the creation.
The Bible clearly tells us, that as the Lord’s return gets closer things will get worse....
“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:13)
------------------------
Keep in mind, that I am not leveling any criticism toward any previous posters.
What I am saying, is that none of us, actually lived through these past historical events that we read about.
It could be, that the height of wickedness and Spiritual darkness that we are seeing now, have never been seen by any human being before.
 

There are a few kinds of Spiritual blindness talked about in the Bible; The blindness of the unsaved or the blindness of the Jewish nation, etc.  But there is also a Spiritual blindness that can effect Christians.  This blindness that effects Believers, is always caused by unrepentant sin; Sin will blind us to our sinful condition.
Well over the years, I would occasionally run in to a professing believer, who would be infected by a particular form of this Spiritual blindness; That is one, that effects their view of the world.  You could tell this, because when you would talk to them about the soon return of our Lord Jesus Christ, they would talk as if it was hundreds of years off; And if you pressed them about why they have that view, you would find out that they are blind to the great wickedness and depravity that is all around us.
Now for sure, the fish stinks from the head down and 99% of professing believers who have this outlook on life, are either unchurched or have pastors who never preach about sin or wickedness at all, but always exclusively about, the love and mercy of God.  Most recently I was talking to a dear older woman, who was born in 1933 who’s father was a Methodist preacher.  And as usual, I asked her if she “was born again?”  She responded with “of course I am”.  In response to that, I said “Well, I will see you in heaven one day; and you might just get their before I do; But we both might go together, if the Lord returns soon.”. Well, she was shocked to think that I held such a radical view and told me that, she wasn’t expecting His return, any time soon.
------------------------
These kinds of encounters, invigorate me to preach harder against sin and the lost state of this world we are living in.  Even though this kind of preaching isn’t popular and can easily get a preacher fired from his position(2 Timothy 4:2-4).
Each of us, should be aware of the danger we are faced with, in a world of Believers who are blind to the truth’s of God’s Word and we must remain dogmatic about these "fundamentals" of the faith.
 

Not respecting God’s Word:
Over the years I have come to regard those who don’t see the importance of “sticking to the KJB”, as not having a “proper respect for God’s Word”.
Respecting the Bible, is demonstrated by seeing the importance of every “jot and tittle” in God’s Word!
I remember year ago, as a young Christian, reading Luke for the first time and coming to Luke 24:39......
 “Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.”
..... and seeing the significance of Jesus saying “flesh and bones”, instead of the term “flesh and blood”;
And I remember, remarking to a co-worker, who was a “preacher boy”, attending a local Bible college, how interesting it was, that Jesus didn’t say “flesh and blood”, because his Glorified Body did not contain any “blood”!
I remember this “student of the Bible”, lecturing me, that I was making too big of a deal, out of “these words”!  He said... “it doesn’t matter if it says flesh and bones or flesh and blood....”
This is a perfect example of “a lack of respect for God’s Word”!
 

Not respecting God’s Word:
Over the years I have come to regard those who don’t see the importance of “sticking to the KJB”, as not having a “proper respect for God’s Word”.
Respecting the Bible, is demonstrated by seeing the importance of every “jot and tittle” in God’s Word!
I remember year ago, as a young Christian, reading Luke for the first time and coming to Luke 24:39......
 “Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.”
..... and seeing the significance of Jesus saying “flesh and bones”, instead of the term “flesh and blood”;
And I remember, remarking to a co-worker, who was a “preacher boy”, attending a local Bible college, how interesting it was, that Jesus didn’t say “flesh and blood”, because his Glorified Body did not contain any “blood”!
I remember this “student of the Bible”, lecturing me, that I was making too big of a deal, out of “these words”!  He said... “it doesn’t matter if it says flesh and bones or flesh and blood....”
This is a perfect example of “a lack of respect for God’s Word”!
 

Not respecting God’s Word:
Over the years I have come to regard those who don’t see the importance of “sticking to the KJB”, as not having a “proper respect for God’s Word”.
Respecting the Bible, is demonstrated by seeing the importance of every “jot and tittle” in God’s Word!
I remember year ago, as a young Christian, reading Luke for the first time and coming to Luke 24:39......
 “Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.”
..... and seeing the significance of Jesus saying “flesh and bones”, instead of the term “flesh and blood”;
And I remember, remarking to a co-worker, who was a “preacher boy”, attending a local Bible college, how interesting it was, that Jesus didn’t say “flesh and blood”, because his Glorified Body did not contain any “blood”!
I remember this “student of the Bible”, lecturing me, that I was making too big of a deal, out of “these words”!  He said... “it doesn’t matter if it says flesh and bones or flesh and blood....”
This is a perfect example of “a lack of respect for God’s Word”!
 

There are a few kinds of Spiritual blindness talked about in the Bible; The blindness of the unsaved or the blindness of the Jewish nation, etc.  But there is also a Spiritual blindness that can effect Christians.  This blindness that effects Believers, is always caused by unrepentant sin; Sin will blind us to our sinful condition.
Well over the years, I would occasionally run in to a professing believer, who would be infected by a particular form of this Spiritual blindness; That is one, that effects their view of the world.  You could tell this, because when you would talk to them about the soon return of our Lord Jesus Christ, they would talk as if it was hundreds of years off; And if you pressed them about why they have that view, you would find out that they are blind to the great wickedness and depravity that is all around us.
Now for sure, the fish stinks from the head down and 99% of professing believers who have this outlook on life, are either unchurched or have pastors who never preach about sin or wickedness at all, but always exclusively about, the love and mercy of God.  Most recently I was talking to a dear older woman, who was born in 1933 who’s father was a Methodist preacher.  And as usual, I asked her if she “was born again?”  She responded with “of course I am”.  In response to that, I said “Well, I will see you in heaven one day; and you might just get their before I do; But we both might go together, if the Lord returns soon.”. Well, she was shocked to think that I held such a radical view and told me that, she wasn’t expecting His return, any time soon.
------------------------
These kinds of encounters, invigorate me to preach harder against sin and the lost state of this world we are living in.  Even though this kind of preaching isn’t popular and can easily get a preacher fired from his position(2 Timothy 4:2-4).
Each of us, should be aware of the danger we are faced with, in a world of Believers who are blind to the truth’s of God’s Word and we must remain dogmatic about these "fundamentals" of the faith.
 

There are a few kinds of Spiritual blindness talked about in the Bible; The blindness of the unsaved or the blindness of the Jewish nation, etc.  But there is also a Spiritual blindness that can effect Christians.  This blindness that effects Believers, is always caused by unrepentant sin; Sin will blind us to our sinful condition.
Well over the years, I would occasionally run in to a professing believer, who would be infected by a particular form of this Spiritual blindness; That is one, that effects their view of the world.  You could tell this, because when you would talk to them about the soon return of our Lord Jesus Christ, they would talk as if it was hundreds of years off; And if you pressed them about why they have that view, you would find out that they are blind to the great wickedness and depravity that is all around us.
Now for sure, the fish stinks from the head down and 99% of professing believers who have this outlook on life, are either unchurched or have pastors who never preach about sin or wickedness at all, but always exclusively about, the love and mercy of God.  Most recently I was talking to a dear older woman, who was born in 1933 who’s father was a Methodist preacher.  And as usual, I asked her if she “was born again?”  She responded with “of course I am”.  In response to that, I said “Well, I will see you in heaven one day; and you might just get their before I do; But we both might go together, if the Lord returns soon.”. Well, she was shocked to think that I held such a radical view and told me that, she wasn’t expecting His return, any time soon.
------------------------
These kinds of encounters, invigorate me to preach harder against sin and the lost state of this world we are living in.  Even though this kind of preaching isn’t popular and can easily get a preacher fired from his position(2 Timothy 4:2-4).
Each of us, should be aware of the danger we are faced with, in a world of Believers who are blind to the truth’s of God’s Word and we must remain dogmatic about these "fundamentals" of the faith.
 

There are a few kinds of Spiritual blindness talked about in the Bible; The blindness of the unsaved or the blindness of the Jewish nation, etc.  But there is also a Spiritual blindness that can effect Christians.  This blindness that effects Believers, is always caused by unrepentant sin; Sin will blind us to our sinful condition.
Well over the years, I would occasionally run in to a professing believer, who would be infected by a particular form of this Spiritual blindness; That is one, that effects their view of the world.  You could tell this, because when you would talk to them about the soon return of our Lord Jesus Christ, they would talk as if it was hundreds of years off; And if you pressed them about why they have that view, you would find out that they are blind to the great wickedness and depravity that is all around us.
Now for sure, the fish stinks from the head down and 99% of professing believers who have this outlook on life, are either unchurched or have pastors who never preach about sin or wickedness at all, but always exclusively about, the love and mercy of God.  Most recently I was talking to a dear older woman, who was born in 1933 who’s father was a Methodist preacher.  And as usual, I asked her if she “was born again?”  She responded with “of course I am”.  In response to that, I said “Well, I will see you in heaven one day; and you might just get their before I do; But we both might go together, if the Lord returns soon.”. Well, she was shocked to think that I held such a radical view and told me that, she wasn’t expecting His return, any time soon.
------------------------
These kinds of encounters, invigorate me to preach harder against sin and the lost state of this world we are living in.  Even though this kind of preaching isn’t popular and can easily get a preacher fired from his position(2 Timothy 4:2-4).
Each of us, should be aware of the danger we are faced with, in a world of Believers who are blind to the truth’s of God’s Word and we must remain dogmatic about these "fundamentals" of the faith.
 

There are a few kinds of Spiritual blindness talked about in the Bible; The blindness of the unsaved or the blindness of the Jewish nation, etc.  But there is also a Spiritual blindness that can effect Christians.  This blindness that effects Believers, is always caused by unrepentant sin; Sin will blind us to our sinful condition.
Well over the years, I would occasionally run in to a professing believer, who would be infected by a particular form of this Spiritual blindness; That is one, that effects their view of the world.  You could tell this, because when you would talk to them about the soon return of our Lord Jesus Christ, they would talk as if it was hundreds of years off; And if you pressed them about why they have that view, you would find out that they are blind to the great wickedness and depravity that is all around us.
Now for sure, the fish stinks from the head down and 99% of professing believers who have this outlook on life, are either unchurched or have pastors who never preach about sin or wickedness at all, but always exclusively about, the love and mercy of God.  Most recently I was talking to a dear older woman, who was born in 1933 who’s father was a Methodist preacher.  And as usual, I asked her if she “was born again?”  She responded with “of course I am”.  In response to that, I said “Well, I will see you in heaven one day; and you might just get their before I do; But we both might go together, if the Lord returns soon.”. Well, she was shocked to think that I held such a radical view and told me that, she wasn’t expecting His return, any time soon.
------------------------
These kinds of encounters, invigorate me to preach harder against sin and the lost state of this world we are living in.  Even though this kind of preaching isn’t popular and can easily get a preacher fired from his position(2 Timothy 4:2-4).
Each of us, should be aware of the danger we are faced with, in a world of Believers who are blind to the truth’s of God’s Word and we must remain dogmatic about these "fundamentals" of the faith.
 

There are a few kinds of Spiritual blindness talked about in the Bible; The blindness of the unsaved or the blindness of the Jewish nation, etc.  But there is also a Spiritual blindness that can effect Christians.  This blindness that effects Believers, is always caused by unrepentant sin; Sin will blind us to our sinful condition.
Well over the years, I would occasionally run in to a professing believer, who would be infected by a particular form of this Spiritual blindness; That is one, that effects their view of the world.  You could tell this, because when you would talk to them about the soon return of our Lord Jesus Christ, they would talk as if it was hundreds of years off; And if you pressed them about why they have that view, you would find out that they are blind to the great wickedness and depravity that is all around us.
Now for sure, the fish stinks from the head down and 99% of professing believers who have this outlook on life, are either unchurched or have pastors who never preach about sin or wickedness at all, but always exclusively about, the love and mercy of God.  Most recently I was talking to a dear older woman, who was born in 1933 who’s father was a Methodist preacher.  And as usual, I asked her if she “was born again?”  She responded with “of course I am”.  In response to that, I said “Well, I will see you in heaven one day; and you might just get their before I do; But we both might go together, if the Lord returns soon.”. Well, she was shocked to think that I held such a radical view and told me that, she wasn’t expecting His return, any time soon.
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These kinds of encounters, invigorate me to preach harder against sin and the lost state of this world we are living in.  Even though this kind of preaching isn’t popular and can easily get a preacher fired from his position(2 Timothy 4:2-4).
Each of us, should be aware of the danger we are faced with, in a world of Believers who are blind to the truth’s of God’s Word and we must remain dogmatic about these "fundamentals" of the faith.
 

There are a few kinds of Spiritual blindness talked about in the Bible; The blindness of the unsaved or the blindness of the Jewish nation, etc.  But there is also a Spiritual blindness that can effect Christians.  This blindness that effects Believers, is always caused by unrepentant sin; Sin will blind us to our sinful condition.
Well over the years, I would occasionally run in to a professing believer, who would be infected by a particular form of this Spiritual blindness; That is one, that effects their view of the world.  You could tell this, because when you would talk to them about the soon return of our Lord Jesus Christ, they would talk as if it was hundreds of years off; And if you pressed them about why they have that view, you would find out that they are blind to the great wickedness and depravity that is all around us.
Now for sure, the fish stinks from the head down and 99% of professing believers who have this outlook on life, are either unchurched or have pastors who never preach about sin or wickedness at all, but always exclusively about, the love and mercy of God.  Most recently I was talking to a dear older woman, who was born in 1933 who’s father was a Methodist preacher.  And as usual, I asked her if she “was born again?”  She responded with “of course I am”.  In response to that, I said “Well, I will see you in heaven one day; and you might just get their before I do; But we both might go together, if the Lord returns soon.”. Well, she was shocked to think that I held such a radical view and told me that, she wasn’t expecting His return, any time soon.
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These kinds of encounters, invigorate me to preach harder against sin and the lost state of this world we are living in.  Even though this kind of preaching isn’t popular and can easily get a preacher fired from his position(2 Timothy 4:2-4).
Each of us, should be aware of the danger we are faced with, in a world of Believers who are blind to the truth’s of God’s Word and we must remain dogmatic about these "fundamentals" of the faith.
 

From the time that I was basically a toddler, I was an athlete.  I was a busy and hyper little thing, and one of my childhood nicknames was "Rabbit", because I was always running and hopping and jumping.  I am now "paying" for all of the pounding on my feet.  I've had several surgeries on them, but they haven't been successful.  I walk 7 miles per weekday (in increments) to keep my feet limbered up, because if I stop walking....I will stop walking for good.  During the day I am so busy doing this or that, that I don't pay much attention to the pain I have.  Nighttime is another story...that's when the pain hits.  I have learned however...to be content in this state for I am very grateful that the Lord gives me the ability to be so active still.  Oft times I have to remind myself that regardless of the pains of getting older...the loss of dexterity, the increased vulnerability of falling, and the recognition of aging....that it is still "well with my soul"!  I am not exempt from the mental processes of dealing with getting older though, and I truly have to continue to run to the Lord with it.  "If only!"  "If only" I'd had the mind that I have now, with a youthful body!  I know I'm not alone in thinking of that...but we are where we are...and I long to be grateful in and for all things, including the aging process and the aches and pains and suffering of it.  Hopefully we will continue to seek to glorify Him and that our lives will testify of His presence right up to the time that we shall be with Him in glory!

I can't even imagine going through the pain and health issues without knowing Christ and taking everything to the Lord in prayer. It hurts my heart when I think of those without Christ who suffer without the Comforter, without our Heavenly Father to talk to.
I've actually heard some Christians, including pastors, say it's wrong to bring up the Gospel with those who are weak and in pain. What could ever be more important? What greater lasting comfort could a person receive than what comes with being born again in Christ?
Indeed, dealing with pain issues does help to focus our attention. Throughout the day I pray, I'm more aware of sin and quicker to repent, I'm more mindful of others and to pray more for them as well. God does use the pain for His purposes. God also grants healing, relief, comforting and help.
Donald I appreciate you sharing your situation and thoughts on this matter. Sometimes it can seem a lonely thing to deal with. This especially so when some Christians try to hide their pain for fear some will think them weak in the faith. Some others won't talk about their pain because they believe if their faith were stronger they would be fully healed. Considering the comments and attitudes of some towards those who suffer I can understand this. What a shame to hear some telling a person in pain that if they would tithe and give more the Lord would heal them! There is so much wrong with that.
Praise God for He never leaves us, never forsakes us, that is a comfort to cling to.

Hello John81,
As I said, I find myself praising the Lord every day, for His great mercy in the area of my health.  Throughout the day(almost every day), as I am out and about, I have an occasional pain, in an ankle or my lower back or anywhere in-between.
Being a busy person, I am unable to get off my feet or sit down and rest, when these pains come(but must keep going); And praise the Lord, whenever I experience any pain or suffering, He seems to immediately remind me to ask Him to deliver me from it, so I pray about it on-the-go and invariably within just a few minutes the pain is gone!!
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I know that this may sound “simplistic” and “unbelievable” and maybe even “boastful”: But I do my best, to give the Lord all the glory and credit, as frequently as I can.
I am convinced, that if I were to stop praying about these things, that I would be almost unable to move. Truly our LORD answers prayers: and the more we pray, the more He answers.
I am also aware of “God’s chastening hand”, upon unrepentant Christians; Therefore to insure my good health, I try to always be quick to repent(1Corinthians 11:31)!  I have done(and continue to do), a great deal of study of the subject of “pain” in God’s Word and truly believe that God uses pain, to get our attention.  Therefore, I try to be very quick, to respond to even the slightest pain.
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I seem to be rambling here...
But I do believe that what I have said, is covered under Titus 2:1
Have a good evening