Being Different From the World

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Mayflower

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I wonder if verses 14 through 16 were specifically mentioned for those ordained in ministry. It encourages me to think on the Word and share the Word of God. That is where my mind jumped to first. Just trying to get the context of the verses here.

1 Timothy 4:14-16

14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.

"Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee."
 
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Heart2Soul

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I agree with that too. I see grumblings about the negative things more then the actual things said, because I don't read debates often. And this isn't meant to be a grumbling either. This was something God laid on my heart when thinking about transformation and not being like the world.
He is good at putting things on our heart that He wants us to focus on. I have shared this very thing with 3 or 4 people this past week...
Be not conformed to the world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind...Romans 12:2
 

Mayflower

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He is good at putting things on our heart that He wants us to focus on. I have shared this very thing with 3 or 4 people this past week...
Be not conformed to the world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind...Romans 12:2

It is our verse this year at church. Every Thursday and Sunday we say it together.
 
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amadeus

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One time I had this dream I was riding in a monorail on a subway. I was speeding through the darkness. Looking out the window, I saw two men arguing at the top of their lungs over politics. One was a Democrat and the other was a Republican. Then the dream flashed and I was sitting on a wooden chair. I opened my Bible and it was like a pop-up of two people with the Words of God written over them. They were arguing and yelling at the top of their lungs on what the scriptures meant.

Regardless of what anyone thinks about dreams, this had a pretty profound impact on me. How often is what we say and do as Christians like that of the world? I can hardly stand politics, so I am thinking if I was an unbeliever, if I saw Christians arguing like that over the Bible, I would be putting it down. This is what unbelievers see quite often though. An average trip to a Christian forum shows a plethora of beliefs and debate. Christians are divided in pretty much everything. It isn't the differences in beliefs as much as it is the attitude toward one another that is bothersome. Christians tear other Christians apart about things that matter little from an eternal perspective.

Romans 12:2 says, "And do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you will be able to prove what the will of God is, that which is good, and acceptable, and perfect." Presenting our bodies as a living and Holy sacrifice is what matters in regards to eternity. What fruits of the spirit shine in your life? What spiritual gifts does Romans 12 talk about that you are using for the kingdom of God? The transformation that people see in believers is what will matter in the long run. Living by God's Word is what will speak louder then words.

Then there is 1 Peter 3:15- "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..." As Christians, should we be able to defend what we believe? Yes. But with our transformed minds and embolden spirits, do we need to backbite, gossip, and explain the why in a demeaning way? Not according to 1 Peter 3:15. Sometimes it may be as Jesus had to do, flipping over tables in the temple, but by no means are we to look like the world. The difference is Jesus finished it. Actions speak louder then words. Christians need to shut up and get up. I say that with all gentleness and respect, to myself as well.

I leave with this thought, 1 John 1:7 in Amplified: "but if we [really] walk in the Light [that is, live each and every day in conformity with the precepts of God], as He Himself is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another [He with us, and we with Him], and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin [by erasing the stain of sin, keeping us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations]." Walking in the precepts of God is the best way to prove the will of God. Whatever is going on in the world, the answer is still growing closer to God and growing in understanding of His Word. Present the Truth in love, church! Don't look like the world or be distracted by it!
I guess I missed seeing this one before. Thanks for this sister! I really dislike the existence of so many "my way or the highway" presentations and so many unnecessary head-bumpings. It is very good to see I am not alone in this as shown by your words and those of others here.

Give God the glory!
 

farouk

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I wonder if verses 14 through 16 were specifically mentioned for those ordained in ministry. It encourages me to think on the Word and share the Word of God. That is where my mind jumped to first. Just trying to get the context of the verses here.

1 Timothy 4:14-16

14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.

"Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee."
@Mayflower Now we have eaten supper ( :) ), back to 1 Timothy....

Yes, it would seem that the context of verse 14 relates to local public ministry. In verse 17 of chapter 5 Paul refers to: (them) "that labour in the word and in doctrine".

Bearing in mind also that it is ultimately the Holy Spirit Who is at the origin of spiritual gift.
 
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Hidden In Him

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I wonder if verses 14 through 16 were specifically mentioned for those ordained in ministry. It encourages me to think on the Word and share the Word of God. That is where my mind jumped to first. Just trying to get the context of the verses here.

1 Timothy 4:14-16

14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.

"Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee."


That's correct, but it is more specifically an exhortation to Timothy in particular, to meditate on the calling, gifting and anointing that the Lord had placed on his life through the laying on of hands and prophetic utterance. It essentially means, "Continue strengthening yourself in your calling, and in the spiritual responsibilities God has placed upon your life." We tend to forget these things. We think the gifts are ours to do with as we please, and so we can set them aside if we choose not to walk in them. But that is to forget that God gave them to us, and for a specific purpose He has called us to.

The key word is to "continue" in them, i.e. in both the gifts and in the doctrine, for this is to continue in your calling.

12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13 Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. 15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your advancement may be evident to all. 16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
 
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farouk

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That's correct, but it is more specifically an exhortation to Timothy in particular, to meditate on the calling, gifting and anointing that the Lord had placed on his life through the laying on of hands and prophetic utterance. It essentially means, "Continue strengthening yourself in your calling, and in the spiritual responsibilities God has placed upon your life." We tend to forget these things. We think the gifts are ours to do with as we please, and so we can set them aside if we choose not to walk in them. But that is to forget that God gave them to us, and for a specific purpose He has called us to.

The key word is to "continue" in them, i.e. in both the gifts and in the doctrine, for this is to continue in your calling.

12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13 Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. 15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your advancement may be evident to all. 16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
@Hidden In Him I was looking at a documentary about C H Spurgeon and it was suggested that in his ministry he very much emphasized the sense of calling among believers.

Reflecting on this, I can well believe it.
 

Stumpmaster

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I wonder if verses 14 through 16 were specifically mentioned for those ordained in ministry. It encourages me to think on the Word and share the Word of God. That is where my mind jumped to first. Just trying to get the context of the verses here.

1 Timothy 4:14-16

14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.

"Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee."
Paul was among the elders that laid hands on Timothy and spoke forth the Will of God as it was revealed concerning him, so mentioned in these three references.

  • 1Ti 1:18 This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare,

  • 1Ti 4:14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.

  • 2Ti 1:6-7 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. (7) For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
It seems Timothy was shy, hence Paul's urging him to make use of his known gift, something the Christians at Rome were also advised to do.

Rom 12:6-8 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; (7) or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; (8) he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
 

Mayflower

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Thanks for y'all's added insight. I got curious about the passage because what encouraged me about verse 16, is the best thing, in my opinion, that you can do in spiritual warfare, is to keep serving through it. These verses may mean in specific for those in ministry with their gifts, but when I minister to others as believers, others feel uplifted as well as myself. Rest is good too. Sometimes I think a time of learning and growing in areas is needed to effectively be able to minister. But I think we should always be serving in some way. Too early to go verse looking. Drinking my coffee. LOL. But this is my thought.

And going back to Romans 12 with this, I think in verse one in "presenting your bodies a living and holy sacrifice" and "proving the will of God." Those fruits shine through in your life. @Pearl has a thread on winter trees, and she mentioned something along the line of in winter the trees show it's strength and beauty. (I'll have to go back to get the exact quote I'm thinking of. I'm waking up and the babies are waking up here, so I'll need to step away from the morning. If not before I leave, I come back on a bit later. :wave:

I'm looking forward to four days off after today!!!
 

Mayflower

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Oh yeh one more then and then I'm slugging out of bed. LOL

@Pearl this is what stood out to me when Farouk mentioned 1 Timothy 4 from what your thread said.

"During spring summer and autumn the trees are lovely in their leafy coverings but only when the leaves have fallen and they stand naked at this bleak time of year do they show their true strength; what they are really made of; the part of themselves that stands firm in all weathers."
 
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Hidden In Him

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Paul was among the elders that laid hands on Timothy and spoke forth the Will of God as it was revealed concerning him, so mentioned in these three references.

  • 1Ti 1:18 This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare,

Good verse citations, Stumpmaster.

Let me add another to it for you and show you why it may have been more about him having to strengthen himself as a soldier, and continue to fight the good fight of faith (rather than being shy):

This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage a good warfare... (1 Timothy 1:18)

1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier... I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11 This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him. 12 If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. 13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. (2 Timothy 2:1-13)

If you are a threat to the enemy, he directs his attacks at you especially, and after a time it can really beat you down, emotionally and spiritually especially. Hence the need to be reminded of the fact that we are called of God and have a job to do, and that this is war, not a picnic.

I was talking with a friend elsewhere, and he shared this about the prophetic ministry which I think is true:

"Like you I am an emotional person and as I am sure you can attest to: If you feel anything, you really feel it, so the feeling of rejection can be harsh and honestly I have been severely attacked in forums to the point that for a long time I ignored my calling fearing any more attacks from people."

I think this is the sort of thing that Paul was warning Timothy not to let happen to him. Sometimes getting beat to a frazzle is to be expected if you pose any real threat to the enemy, but we must remind and encourage one another to brace ourselves and arm for battle again, because the war is never over until we go on to be with the Lord.
 

amigo de christo

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I guess I missed seeing this one before. Thanks for this sister! I really dislike the existence of so many "my way or the highway" presentations and so many unnecessary head-bumpings. It is very good to see I am not alone in this as shown by your words and those of others here.

Give God the glory!
Its not about our way , but about JESUS way . Things would be a whole lot simplier
if we had just stuck to bible doctrine and not the precepts of men .
Love is gonna correct , its gonna point to Christ and its gonna love HIM above all .
Thus i say, get back in bibles Everyone and let us start learning that afresh and anew .
One would marvel at the beauty of how simple it all could have been .
If our ways our contrary to His ways , then we in dire trouble . If our love is contrary to the examples and all teachings of Christ
then we are in dire trouble . IF our love contradicts the truth and pattern of Christ and the apostels , then we are in dire trouble .
Same with any word , IF our freedom does , if our liberty does , if our unity does , i pray and hope folks get this simple point .
Because satan can use all those words as well , but rest assured his meanings wont be the same as the biblical meanings .
Many are not gonna make it amadues . For they heed this sensual love , this sensual unity , this sensual
liberty which serves the flesh , this freedom that embraces sin and thus is bondage . Satan knows how to use the name of jesus
and he darn sure knows how to use any word , but HE is darkness and will point only to darkness .
 

amadeus

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...
If our ways our contrary to His ways , then we in dire trouble . If our love is contrary to the examples and all teachings of Christ
then we are in dire trouble...
Your words brought to my mind a great Bible study presented by a man of God who recently left this natural life. It was focused on these and surrounding verses in Leviticus:

"And if ye will not be reformed by me by these things, but will walk contrary unto me;
Then will I also walk contrary unto you, and will punish you yet seven times for your sins.
And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the quarrel of my covenant: and when ye are gathered together within your cities, I will send the pestilence among you; and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy." Lev 26:23-25

Ultimately God has never changed. God never changes. It is you and I who need to change [be changed] continuously by the power of His Spirit to become more like Him! The way we walk matters. Alone we cannot walk the right Way!
 

amigo de christo

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Your words brought to my mind a great Bible study presented by a man of God who recently left this natural life. It was focused on these and surrounding verses in Leviticus:

"And if ye will not be reformed by me by these things, but will walk contrary unto me;
Then will I also walk contrary unto you, and will punish you yet seven times for your sins.
And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the quarrel of my covenant: and when ye are gathered together within your cities, I will send the pestilence among you; and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy." Lev 26:23-25

Ultimately God has never changed. God never changes. It is you and I who need to change [be changed] continuously by the power of His Spirit to become more like Him! The way we walk matters. Alone we cannot walk the right Way!
I have walked most of my life alone . YOUR RIGHT on our own we can do nothing . praise GOD for the mercy of HIS
grace which was given me in CHRIST JESUS just over fifteen years ago . WITHOUT HIM i am but the old dead man i once was .
There is something else i want to remind you about . I said remind cause i am sure you already know this .
But as you also know we all need reminders daily . At least i do . As i said i can do nothing without Christ .
You do realize that there is a far worse punishment for those who reject the NEW COVENANT IN JESUS CHRIST .
Paul speaks of it in hebrews . See , back in the day , under the law they could be put to physcial death by breaking the law
under two or three witnesses . BUT HOW MUCH sorer a punishment awaits all who rejected CHRIST .
I gaurantee that is a fact. Most folks want nothing to do with that reminder . BUT IT IS TRUE none the less .
WE gotta get these folks POINTED TO CHRIST and fast .
To deny the law meant certain death under two or three witnesses . HOW MUCH WORSE when one DENIES JESUS .
Amadues , what is worse than to be put to physical death . ITS SPIRITUAL DEATH IN THE LAKE FULL OF FIRE
that is far worse than regular death . I might seem as a dumb un educated , non scholary man ,
BUT I KNOW with NO DOUBT that FAITH IN JESUS alone is what saves a soul and that if a soul rejects HIM , WOE WAIL UNTO IT .
 

Stumpmaster

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Good verse citations, Stumpmaster.

Let me add another to it for you and show you why it may have been more about him having to strengthen himself as a soldier, and continue to fight the good fight of faith (rather than being shy):

This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage a good warfare... (1 Timothy 1:18)

1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier... I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11 This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him. 12 If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. 13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. (2 Timothy 2:1-13)

If you are a threat to the enemy, he directs his attacks at you especially, and after a time it can really beat you down, emotionally and spiritually especially. Hence the need to be reminded of the fact that we are called of God and have a job to do, and that this is war, not a picnic.

I was talking with a friend elsewhere, and he shared this about the prophetic ministry which I think is true:

"Like you I am an emotional person and as I am sure you can attest to: If you feel anything, you really feel it, so the feeling of rejection can be harsh and honestly I have been severely attacked in forums to the point that for a long time I ignored my calling fearing any more attacks from people."

I think this is the sort of thing that Paul was warning Timothy not to let happen to him. Sometimes getting beat to a frazzle is to be expected if you pose any real threat to the enemy, but we must remind and encourage one another to brace ourselves and arm for battle again, because the war is never over until we go on to be with the Lord.
Indeed calls to endure, and various military analogies do crop up in Paul's epistles.

But we can see how Paul is very specifc in his training of Timothy, picking up on things he needed to address, namely being fearful and sensitive to put downs.


1Co 16:9-11 For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. (10) And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. (11) Therefore let no one despise him. But send him on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brethren.

Quote from Albert Barnes' Commentary:
2 Timothy 1:8
Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord - Do not be ashamed to bear your testimony to the doctrines taught by the Lord Jesus; Joh_3:11, Joh_3:32-33; Joh_7:7; compare Act_10:22; Act_20:24; 1Co_1:6; Rev_22:16. Paul seems to have apprehended that Timothy was in some danger of being ashamed of this gospel, or of shrinking back from its open avowal in the trials and persecutions to which he now saw it exposed him.


Quote from Jamieson Fausset Brown Commentary:
1 Timothy 4:12
Let no man despise thy youth — Act so as to be respected in spite of thy youth (1Co_16:11; Tit_2:15); compare “youthful” as to Timothy (2Ti_2:22). He was but a mere youth when he joined Paul (Act_16:1-3). Eleven years had elapsed since then to the time subsequent to Paul’s first imprisonment. He was, therefore, still young; especially in comparison with Paul, whose place he was filling; also in relation to elderly presbyters whom he should “entreat as a father” (1Ti_5:1), and generally in respect to his duties in rebuking, exhorting, and ordaining (1Ti_3:1), which ordinarily accord best with an elderly person (1Ti_5:19).
 
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Hidden In Him

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But we can see how Paul is very specifc in his training of Timothy, picking up on things he needed to address, namely being fearful and sensitive to put downs.

1Co 16:9-11 For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. (10) And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. (11) Therefore let no one despise him. But send him on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brethren.


You're right. There does seem to be a timidity on his part, not just with potentially facing the world but with having to face older men in the Lord who might challenge his leadership.
 

Angelina

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One time I had this dream I was riding in a monorail on a subway. I was speeding through the darkness. Looking out the window, I saw two men arguing at the top of their lungs over politics. One was a Democrat and the other was a Republican. Then the dream flashed and I was sitting on a wooden chair. I opened my Bible and it was like a pop-up of two people with the Words of God written over them. They were arguing and yelling at the top of their lungs on what the scriptures meant.

Regardless of what anyone thinks about dreams, this had a pretty profound impact on me. How often is what we say and do as Christians like that of the world? I can hardly stand politics, so I am thinking if I was an unbeliever, if I saw Christians arguing like that over the Bible, I would be putting it down. This is what unbelievers see quite often though. An average trip to a Christian forum shows a plethora of beliefs and debate. Christians are divided in pretty much everything. It isn't the differences in beliefs as much as it is the attitude toward one another that is bothersome. Christians tear other Christians apart about things that matter little from an eternal perspective.

Romans 12:2 says, "And do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you will be able to prove what the will of God is, that which is good, and acceptable, and perfect." Presenting our bodies as a living and Holy sacrifice is what matters in regards to eternity. What fruits of the spirit shine in your life? What spiritual gifts does Romans 12 talk about that you are using for the kingdom of God? The transformation that people see in believers is what will matter in the long run. Living by God's Word is what will speak louder then words.

Then there is 1 Peter 3:15- "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..." As Christians, should we be able to defend what we believe? Yes. But with our transformed minds and embolden spirits, do we need to backbite, gossip, and explain the why in a demeaning way? Not according to 1 Peter 3:15. Sometimes it may be as Jesus had to do, flipping over tables in the temple, but by no means are we to look like the world. The difference is Jesus finished it. Actions speak louder then words. Christians need to shut up and get up. I say that with all gentleness and respect, to myself as well.

I leave with this thought, 1 John 1:7 in Amplified: "but if we [really] walk in the Light [that is, live each and every day in conformity with the precepts of God], as He Himself is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another [He with us, and we with Him], and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin [by erasing the stain of sin, keeping us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations]." Walking in the precepts of God is the best way to prove the will of God. Whatever is going on in the world, the answer is still growing closer to God and growing in understanding of His Word. Present the Truth in love, church! Don't look like the world or be distracted by it!

I don't think many Americans realize how closely linked, their political beliefs are in conjunction with their Christian beliefs. As an observer, viewing from another part of the world, I gather that the majority of believer's in Christ are somehow connected with the Republican party or at least have some form of Christian relatedness. Whereas those who have democratic leanings are seen as unsaved or secular, tree huggers or anti gun advocates. This is what I descern in this dream. The Spirit of Division. It's a Strongman over your nation.....Blessings and Peace!
 

Hidden In Him

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Whereas those who have democratic leanings are seen as unsaved or secular, tree huggers or anti gun advocates.


It's not quite that simple, Lol. Most of the Christians I know oppose the Democratic Party in the US because the Democratic Party is generally opposed to conservative values with regard to things like the family. Over the last 40 years now, they have consistently sided with abortion and homosexual rights, while the Right has stood consistently against these things. So a person's Christianity and moral values do enter into the conversation, yes, but that's just it. Satan plays many people into getting divisive over it, and this is primarily the fault of the U.S. media, which as I said plays off the division and the polarization for the sake of gaining more viewership.

Is it a spirit? Yes, and truly devout, Spirit-led Christians from both sides should know better than to get caught up in strife. The problem is that only a relatively small portion of believers in the U.S. are Spirit-filled. Most are mainline denominationalists, such as Catholics, Presbyterians, Lutherans, Methodists, and Baptists.
 
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