Keep It Secret, Keep It Safe

[KevinPolyaNazaroff 0]

πόρνος / pornos G4205

fornicator, whoremonger,

a man who prostitutes his body to another’s lust for hire, a man who indulges in fornication, a fornicator

 

 

The subject of porn is foreign to most, especially the church.

Especially the molokan church.

You might hear it mentioned vaguely, but that at most.

And when it is mentioned, everybody starts to cringe.

 

 

It would seem that because the church is silent, then God also must be silent.

Hmmmmmm......

 

Lets compare scripture with the typical attitude, and see what we get.

 

 

Here are some typical attitudes that favor silence on the subject...

Humans are afflicted by many sins, porn is not the only one.

God bless you for following the calling that you feel that God has for you,

but my opinion, is that some subjects are better handled in a discrete manner.

 

Personally Kevin, I think you spend way to much time thinking about your sexual hangups...even now. You talk about it like you are proud or something. Not everyone is ****** to pics of naked men on the internet, and not everyone wants to hear that you are possibly attracted to others more than your wife. Maybe you ought to just unplug the ethernet cable instead.

 

We have bigger fish to fry...with spiritual adultery, and worshipping false gods.

 

This discussion (if you can call it that) is not about what I think of Molokans....but yes, they sin just like everyone else. So what.

 

What bothers me is when a so-called "brother" starts publicizing his being caught red handed by his own wife messing around with the ****** in front of his computer and using that as a pedestal for his new founded christianity. Why not simply preach Christ's redemption and quit making a darn mockery of it all. It's all just turnin into a hippie love in with all the trappings and trimming of Christ, but no real Christ.

 

Where's the beef? ; )

 

 

 

 

It looks like the average consensus is, keep it secret, keep it safe.

 

The bible on the other hand, is pretty specific on this issue.

And the bible is very vocal about it.

 

9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators(pornos), nor idolaters(eidololatres) , nor adulterers(moichos) , nor effeminate(malakos) , nor homosexuals(arsenokoites) ,

10 nor thieves(kleptes) , nor the covetous(pleonektes) , nor drunkards(methusos) , nor revilers(loidoros) , nor swindlers(harpax) , will inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Co 6:9-10 NASB

 

 

Lets start with pornos, and move through the others as time permits.

4205 πόρνος [pornos /por·nos/] 10 occurrences; AV translates as “fornicator” five times, and “whoremonger” five times.

1 a man who prostitutes his body to another’s lust for hire.

2 a male prostitute.

3 a man who indulges in unlawful sexual intercourse, a fornicator.

Strong, James: The Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible

 

 

 

Here are some other occurrence in scripture for the exact same word, pornos, but translated into various English words.

I will put in bold where the English equivalent to pornos occurs.

1 Cor 5:9 …in my letter not to associate with immoral people;

 

1 Cor 5:10 …I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the …

 

1 Cor 5:11 …any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, …

 

1 Cor 6:9 …God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, …

 

Eph 5:5 …you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who …

 

1 Tim 1:10 and immoral men and homosexuals and …

 

Heb 12:16 that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, …

 

Heb 13:4 …marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.

 

Rev 21:8 …and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all …

 

Rev 22:15 …the dogs and the sorcerers and the immoral persons and the murderers and the idolaters, …

 

Does anybody harbor this secret sin in their heart?

What are you going to do about it?

 

 

 

Keep it secret, keep it safe.

 

Kevin Nazaroff

[GoodDay 0]

Brother Kevin,

 

Praise God, you have been able to openly use an addiction to help others that are struggling with the same thing. It's a very common addiction but for some, an uncomfortable addiction to talk about.

 

It's a strange world that we live in. The world can openly talk about sex, porn, adultery, homosexuality etc.. and the world can either accept it or cringe a little and then continue on as though it will all just disappear someday on it's own. Sexual sin will never disappear on it's own.

 

If everyone kept silent about their addictions, they will continue to increase as they already are. If repented sinners allow God to Work through themselves, they cannot only help a person come to repentance but also to break free of that sin.

 

We all know that some sins are easier to talk about than others- Does God see sins as being not as bad as others? The Bible is clear on this subject. Why is it that God who created all and forgives all for all sins understands that no sin is greater or worse than the other? (Apart from the unpardonable sin), but we as men, treat some sins as no big deal and others as disgusting? Are not all sins equally pathetic and insulting to God?

 

Jeffrey Dahmer ate people as he was a cannibal. He was accepted into God's kingdom before his death thankfully. His testimony can help others out there I am sure. I cringe too when I try to picture it, but isn't stealing a penny just as bad in the eyes of our Lord?

 

People who fall into the sin of beastiality can assist others if they first came to The Cross. It sounds horrid but in God's eyes, no different than drunkenness and gluttony and pride etc..A person who is apart from God is just as filthy wether they are proud or having a affair with an elephant or slanderering or gluttonous or sexually lustfull etc. When they are called to Jesus, His Blood washes them ALL clean and they are both acceptable to God and whitewashed clean in His eyes.

 

God Bless you Kevin on your walk as you help others defeat Satan's tricks and lies!

 

Paul W. Orloff

[Nick Shubin 0]

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working

 

What does the above verse mean to you? To me, it means that we are to confess to another believer, or believers. That the prayer of a righteous person, would work. What good does it do to stand on a street corner airing out your dirty laundry? God gives us wisdom, why not make use of it? Why would you put your family in harms way to make a public confession? Is public confession in front of all, both believer and non believer scriptural?

 

Kevin, please don't assume to know my thoughts, or attitude, as we don't know one another. The last time i saw you, you were a kid, picking up stumps in my dads vineyard. I think that hardly qualifies either one of us to make judgements, as to the others attitudes.

 

I have learned many lessons, and have made many observations since i began my journey, both about myself, and others. The one that to me, is the most glaring, is that we become instant experts when it comes to matters of faith. It seems that in our zeal, we charge in head first, making bold statements, trying to correct everyone, yet we lack wisdom!

 

I pray that God gives us wisdom in all that we do, and that when we speak His message, we do so in full knowledge, and understanding. All for His glory!

[KevinPolyaNazaroff 0]

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working

 

What does the above verse mean to you?

No comment, it seems pretty self explanatory.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What good does it do to stand on a street corner airing out your dirty laundry? God gives us wisdom, why not make use of it?

It doesn't do any good.

Why would you ask this question?

I never said that it should be done like that.

 

Our conversation on your humor thread did not involve any personal confession.

I simply brought up some of the gloom that I see in this world around us.

I did not bring up myself.

You are the one who brought up my "calling" in that area.

I made the observation that Christian families are hurting by not only sexual sins,

but other sins as well.

 

Sounds like you were the one trying to air out dirty laundry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why would you put your family in harms way to make a public confession?

I have never made a public confession.

There is a difference between public confession and acknowledgment.

David confessed his sin to God, but God acknowledged them by writing them in the bible.

Paul confessed his sin to God, but God acknowledged them by writing them in the bible.

Peter confessed his sin to God, but God acknowledged them by writing them in the bible.

This list goes on and on.

 

 

I confessed my sins to God and repented of them over two years ago through a godly ministry.

God dealt with my past issues before I ever started reading and posting on this or any other forum.

 

 

What I did do here last year, is to acknowledge my past sins, for the purpose of bringing to the light the issues that many other men and women are struggle with, but are too ashamed to talk about.

 

My family is not in harms way because of this.

Why would you assume that?

What harm would come from proclaiming God's truth to those who are caught in the web of sexual sin?

It is not the most glamorous ministry, but you and others can't seem to get past it.

 

God addressed sexual sin throughout the scriptures.

We also should address these very same issues.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is public confession in front of all, both believer and non believer scriptural?

I don't know anybody who has made a public confession in front of believers and non-believers.

Do you?

 

Again, God chose to expose all of the saints of the past.

The bible writes the good and the bad.

God did not protect their reputation by omitting their sins.

 

Is that what you are calling public confession?

Both believers and un-believers can read the bible and read about the past sins of all of God's saints.

Was God in error for recording their past sins?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kevin, please don't assume to know my thoughts, or attitude, as we don't know one another.

Where am I assuming your thoughts?

This is a public forum.

We make public statements about what we believe and don't believe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The last time i saw you, you were a kid, picking up stumps in my dads vineyard. I think that hardly qualifies either one of us to make judgements, as to the others attitudes.

I am not judging your attitude, just your words.

 

You made a public statement in regards to keeping porn "discrete".

 

Did you not say that?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have learned many lessons, and have made many observations since i began my journey, both about myself, and others. The one that to me, is the most glaring, is that we become instant experts when it comes to matters of faith. It seems that in our zeal, we charge in head first, making bold statements, trying to correct everyone, yet we lack wisdom!

 

I pray that God gives us wisdom in all that we do, and that when we speak His message, we do so in full knowledge, and understanding. All for His glory!

I am not an expert.

That is why I like to discuss these issues.

 

You are more then welcome to continue the discussion here about whether this sin should be kept secret or not.

But if you want to keep getting personal, I don't see the benefit of it.

 

This conversation went sour really quick.

I apologized to you in your humor thread for ruining it.

If I could, I would take my comments out and share them somewhere else.

I never brought up you or your personal life, but you chose to make comments about me and my personal life.

Can we move on?

 

 

 

Also, I have spent two nights a week for the last two years listening and sharing with men who are struggling with sexual sin.

God broke the chains of sexual sin in my life.

So I at times share the insight that God has provided about this subject.

 

This does not make me an expert.

But I do feel I have the right to share at times when appropriate.

 

 

Kevin Nazaroff

 

 

 

 

[GoodDay 0]

Amen Kevin!

 

I am surprised how others feel the need to try and jump in and halt the "Calling" that God does in others personal relationships with Him. I fail at this too.

 

Kevin is sharing his past and how Jesus Christ broke the bondage of sexual sins that Satan had on him, and in obedience to His Lord he is help others. This can not only help believers get closer to Jesus, but also to their wives and family. This can also help Non-believers understand thier sin and get to know The grace of God and come to confession and repentance of their sin.

 

read further down in James 5 to see it in proper context;

13Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. 14Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

17Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. 19My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, 20remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

 

Pornography is filthy. It's a massive money making industry that feeds off our flesh. Females and Males were made in beauty for the opposite sex to be attracted to. If God's plans get to be accepted by others, with the devil's perversion thrown in, it easily becomes a filthy sin which is easy to get caught up in. It is a filthy sin just like all other sins. To be honest, the less it gets talked about and the more it is accepted by the world, the filthier it sounds when a person opens up their addiction to it when in reality it is just a sin that can be over come.

 

I try to pick on Molonism of today less and less and I am not picking on it now. But the reality of it is, is that there is not ONE single ounce of help in their community to get professional help or Non-professional help with other Christians to have support groups etc. Their are some Molokans that started a sort of "Help our own," Ministry (I am leaving my personal thoughts out). I recently heard that they are getting flack from some of their own. They are just trying to reach out and help their own who may need food or clothing or prayer etc. and they are getting flack for that. What that means is that Molokans with Drug, Alcohol, Sex addiction and other real live struggles are in a lose-lose situation and need to seek help "out-side" but keep it hush hush. Kevin mentioned he heads aa support group weekly on this addiction. This is a GREAT work! He openly posts about it and as it already has, it can do wonders for people and thier lives. Everyone need not follow this example in Kevin's walk, but then again, no one should do something because another man told them to. Also, no one should NOT do a work for the Lord because a man told them not to.

 

Kevin is not a little boy and is a married man with a family who Loves The Lord and is capable of using The Wisdom that The Lord has bestowed upon him. His zeal for The Lord is not a bad thing. I am many years older than he which means not a thing. I am single and without family and in many ways, his wisdom surpasses mine. Also, True Spiritutal Wisdom is not about about our physical birth to this day but about our new Spiritual birth.

 

The ones who are choicefully lost in the sexual world of pornography are the ones who need discouragement, not the ones who are following the Lord, making a difference. Of course persicution or losing some 'friends" may come with that along the way, BUT it's for God's GLory and Kingdom and not mans.

 

'Man' hates anything that builds up the Kingdom of God.

 

Lets encourage each other-

 

Paul W. Orloff

Edited June 15, 2010 by GoodDay

[stevepiv 0]

Kevin, you are missing what Nick wrote. You did not need to chop up his response like that. If you read what he wrote, it was NOT to keep porn discrete or any sin discrete. He said it should be handled it in a discrete manner.

 

I agree with him on that. There are certain sins, issues, problems that should be entrusted to men who are strong in the Lord and that can handle you bringing up something like that to them. Galatians 6 does give a warning to the spiritual Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

 

No one is trying to stop anyone from a "calling". Since this is a public forum and I will say that this is a type of public confession, not so much an acknowledgement.

 

 

[Guest Guest]

AMEN STEVE!

calm down kev

 

 

Kevin, you are missing what Nick wrote. You did not need to chop up his response like that. If you read what he wrote, it was NOT to keep porn discrete or any sin discrete. He said it should be handled it in a discrete manner.

 

I agree with him on that. There are certain sins, issues, problems that should be entrusted to men who are strong in the Lord and that can handle you bringing up something like that to them. Galatians 6 does give a warning to the spiritual Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

 

No one is trying to stop anyone from a "calling". Since this is a public forum and I will say that this is a type of public confession, not so much an acknowledgement.

[KevinPolyaNazaroff 0]

Kevin, you are missing what Nick wrote. You did not need to chop up his response like that. If you read what he wrote, it was NOT to keep porn discrete or any sin discrete. He said it should be handled it in a discrete manner.

 

I agree with him on that. There are certain sins, issues, problems that should be entrusted to men who are strong in the Lord and that can handle you bringing up something like that to them. Galatians 6 does give a warning to the spiritual Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

 

No one is trying to stop anyone from a "calling". Since this is a public forum and I will say that this is a type of public confession, not so much an acknowledgement.

I understand Nick's point, I just disagree with him.

Isn't that the point of this discussion, to discuss these important issues.

I am not sure why you would say I should not have chopped up his responses.

He is an adult, and he made some adult comments.

If he didn't want dialog, he shouldn't have made his comments.

 

I got off his thread, apologized, and told him politely that I don't agree with him.

That is why I started this thread.

 

 

But what I want to say above any of this, is that I want to apologize to you and Nick for posting the holy laughter link. I can now see that I was bringing out a distinction that was not necessary.

I was wrong for doing that, and want to re-extend my apologies to both you and Nick.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also, what do you guys mean when you say "handle in a discrete manner"?

 

I myself have been discreet every time I mention that topic.

Even in the past in my testimony/acknowledgment, I was very vague and discrete.

It was the anonymous posters who threw in all kinds of garbage and false accusations that were unnecessarily explicit.

 

It seems to me that you both are implying that this topic should not even be mentioned in public or on this forum.

Am I wrong to assume this?

 

Also, many on this site (including Nick and yourself) have discussed the sexual perversion in the spirit and life book.

Do you feel that you were discreet in your dealings with those discussions?

 

And lastly, I would like to leave you with Apostle Paul's testimony to the unbelieving King Agrippa.

Paul was not confessing his sins to King Agrippa, but testifying to the mercy and forgiveness through Jesus.

9 “Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

10 This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11 And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities. Acts 26: 9-11 NKJV

 

Kevin Nazaroff

 

[Disciple 0]

Just to add a thought for all to ponder on. There are some sins that are popular to confess overcoming, but there are other sins that many try to say are "best to be kept secret." There are several threads on this very forum addressing drunkenness and other sins that people need help with.

 

When some men confess the power of God overcoming sin in their lives it is honourable, but when others do it is shameful. Why is that?

[LTTBT 0]

 

 

 

Pornography,stealing, lying, etc..... the participation in it, isn't the sin, it is the manifestation of sin.

Without knowing the details, I would say the motive of participation in Ponorgraphy would be lust, and therefore lust would be the sin.

Dig past the actions and get to the motivation, to reveal the sin.

 

When we stand before God at out appointed time, we will be judged on the motives of our actions and not the actions themselves.

 

This is what I believe, and if you don't agree with it, no problemo.

[KevinPolyaNazaroff 0]

Pornography,stealing, lying, etc..... the participation in it, isn't the sin, it is the manifestation of sin.

Without knowing the details, I would say the motive of participation in Ponorgraphy would be lust, and therefore lust would be the sin.

Dig past the actions and get to the motivation, to reveal the sin.

 

When we stand before God at out appointed time, we will be judged on the motives of our actions and not the actions themselves.

 

This is what I believe, and if you don't agree with it, no problemo.

Good to hear from you LTTBT,

 

You are exactly right.

 

The key word here is "sinful nature".

9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Je 17:9 KJV

All sin is a by-product of a self-centered lifestyle.

21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Mt 6:21 NASB

 

 

 

 

We can treat the symptoms of an evil, wicked heart.

But if the heart is not changed, the symptoms will continue.

37 And He said to him, “ ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ Mt 22:37 NASB

 

 

It is like a man who is suffering from an illness.

You can treat the symptoms of the illness, but that will not cure the disease.

Only when the disease is cured and "removed", will the person be well.

 

A person can "treat" the sexual sin, but until the selfish nature is dealt with, sin will remain.

A person can "treat" the sin of drunkenness, but until the selfish nature is dealt with, sin will remain.

A person can "treat" the sin of idolatry, but until the selfish nature is dealt with, sin will remain.

A person can "treat" the sin of covetousness, but until the selfish nature is dealt with, sin will remain.

A person can "treat" the sin of stealing, but until the selfish nature is dealt with, sin will remain.

 

 

 

 

 

So how does one "rid" himself of sexual sin?

 

Kevin Nazaroff

 

 

[LTTBT 0]

So how does one "rid" himself of sexual sin?

 

Kevin Nazaroff

 

This is a hard question to answer.

If you have repented and asked the people whom you offended and God to forgive you, then you have "rid" yourself of the sin that has happened.

Now, if sexual sin is your weak point, and the Deceiver knows it, he will continually tempt you. This temptation is what we battle. I don't know if you will grasp this, but let me give it a try. Every time that I am tempted, I have three words that I say over and over to myself, I meditate on them, and believe that they are true and therefore carry me past the temptation. These three words are powerfull, they are convicting, they are comforting, they are the truth, and they are my strength.........

 

 

 

 

 

God loves me

God loves me

God loves me

God loves me

God loves me

God loves me

God loves me

[KevinPolyaNazaroff 0]

So how does one "rid" himself of sexual sin?

 

Kevin Nazaroff

 

This is a hard question to answer.

If you have repented and asked the people whom you offended and God to forgive you, then you have "rid" yourself of the sin that has happened.

Now, if sexual sin is your weak point, and the Deceiver knows it, he will continually tempt you. This temptation is what we battle. I don't know if you will grasp this, but let me give it a try. Every time that I am tempted, I have three words that I say over and over to myself, I meditate on them, and believe that they are true and therefore carry me past the temptation. These three words are powerfull, they are convicting, they are comforting, they are the truth, and they are my strength.........

 

 

 

 

 

God loves me

God loves me

God loves me

God loves me

God loves me

God loves me

God loves me

Right on brother.

Thanks for sharing that.

What you described is exactly what Apostle Paul said about what will deliver us from sin.

16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. Ga 5:16 NASB

 

Thats it.

It is very simple.

walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.

 

Now....all we need to do is walk by the spirit 100% of the time, and we will be ok....

But who can say they are constantly walking by the spirit?

How do we "walk by the Spirit"?

 

We can only find real victory in God, and God alone.

Some men have written books about "every mans battle", and their advice is very shallow.

They suggest men to "roll their eyes" and "snap a rubber band on their wrist" in order to "escape" the temptations that surround us.

These are simply secular teachings of "behavioral modification" that have crept into the church.

These types of "suggestions" are powerless to deliver anybody from sin, and are powerless to provide the lasting victory that God wants for all of His children.

 

 

To walk by the Spirit is a gift from God.

There is nothing we can do but call on God for His mercy and His grace.

To call on God at the foot of the cross, in brokenness and in mourning, is the place He wants all of us to be.

 

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Mt 5:3 NASB

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Mt 5:4 NASB

So....we see that brokenness (the poor in spirit), and mourning lead to repentance.

9 I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us.

10 For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death. 2 Co 7:9-10 NASB

 

 

 

 

 

God produces true repentance in us so that we will turn to Him.

And in so doing, leave our former life of sin behind.

3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality;

4 that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor,

5 not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God;

6 and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you.

7 For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification.

8 So, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you.

1 Th 4:3-8 NASB

 

 

 

Kevin Nazaroff

 

 

 

[KevinPolyaNazaroff 0]

9 How can a young man keep his way pure?

By keeping it according to Your word. Psalm 119:9 NASB

 

11 Your word I have treasured in my heart,

That I may not sin against You. Psalm 119:11 NASB

[KevinPolyaNazaroff 0]

I would like to share this from a book I am reading by Steve Gallagher.

It addresses some of the "stumbling blocks" that struggling sinners face...

(in bold added by me )

K.

 

 

 

The life of James Kenworth (a pseudonym) is a classic example of someone whose problems were exacerbated by psychotherapeutic treatments. Plagued from childhood with social awkwardness, James became increasingly more detached from those around him as he grew into his teen years. His deep-seated fears limited his ability to interact with the other children at school. As he grew older he began dabbling in pornography, which caused him to withdraw even more. During his early twenties, he went regularly for counseling and attended twelve-step groups. After two years of this, his problems became so overwhelming his parents sent him to a Christian treatment center where anti-depressants were tried as a cure. Five weeks after leaving that facility he attempted suicide. His parents rushed him to the leading sexual addiction treatment center in the world. When they came to visit him several weeks later, they were shocked to find him curled up in a ball, holding a teddy bear. With his medical insurance about to run out, the staff began looking for another place to send him. Someone mentioned Pure Life Ministries.

The first day at Pure Life’s live-in facility, he abruptly left the church service and ran down the street. Nevertheless, the biblical counselors at Pure Life brought him back and began working with him. He had always been told that he was a victim, but for the first time in his life, he accepted responsibility for his actions. The counselors required him to maintain a daily regimen of Bible study and prayer and to treat others with kindness. They told him, “You must live out in your daily life what the Bible teaches you should do.” James faced tremendous battles with his flesh and with his thinking, but his counselors always provided encouragement and showed him patience and love. He began to respond almost immediately. Within weeks, he was a new person. Jesus Christ had come into his dark inner world and completely transformed him. It took a couple of years for him to work through some of his issues, but the fact is that he owes his soundness of mind to Jesus Christ alone.

His story is a case in point, which illustrates the difference between psychotherapy and biblical counseling. The one pampered him, using futile techniques and human pity which encouraged victim mentality and large-scale blameshifting. The other confronted him in a loving way about the selfishness of his sin. When he had viewed himself as a victim, he felt hopeless. When he saw that the problem was of his own making and that he needed to repent, immediately he saw also the way out. In other words, instead of being furnished with excuses for his behavior, he was required to take responsibility for his actions. He was pointed to Jesus Christ who is the only answer to the problems we have created for ourselves, even if others contributed to those problems. James discovered that Jesus never disappoints the seeking heart. His testimony is an irrefutable testimony to what God can do in a person’s life who is willing to obey.”

[KevinPolyaNazaroff 0]

I wrote once, “The torment of the temptation to sin is nothing compared with the consequences of sin.” The consequences can last for a lifetime or an eternity. It’s the consequences that are so terribly tormenting.

The solution of course, as in every thing with the Lord, is in the Word of God. God’s Word is where every solution is found to every problem or issue that a man or woman faces. There is no place for help like the Word of God. All God’s healing work begins with His Word.

The subjective emotion and thinking of the addict is, “I’m too unclean, too unworthy, too unholy, too undeserving to read the Bible.” That is a lie! God’s Word is written for such people, to show them the way Jesus Christ has made for them to get out of the pit or hole they dug for themselves.

Or they say, “I have failed so badly. How can I ever be good enough again so God can hear me?” You don’t get good and get to God, you get to God and God makes you good. Getting to God is getting into His Word.

The Word does the work!

Read it when you feel guilty; read it when you don’t get anything from it; read it in the face of the devil and his accusations against you; read it when you are not even sure you believe it, just read it!!

The Word does the work!

The Word of God washes the mind as soap does the hands. The Word is like soap in that it is only effective when used.

All you have is the Word!

Life’s greatest failure is not your sin, but in failure to read the Word.

The only way the Word can wash your mind is when you read it. Reading the Word is the only way God can do His work in your life.

Christianity is not difficult to live, it’s impossible. It is Christ living in you that is real Christianity. That is where the life of Christ is. Not what you try to do, but what He does in you.

The Word pays no attention to your sin, emotions, or actions; it merely does its work when you read it.

God’s Word never changes, we do.

It doesn’t make us feel guilty, we do that to ourselves. It gives us a way out of our feelings, habits, desires and wants. God’s Word is our source of life and blessing.

 

The Late Dr. Edwin Louis Cole

Founder and President

Christian Men’s Network

 

 

13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NASB95)

 

 

36 “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.

John 8:36 (NASB95)

 

 

16 Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.

17 For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,

18 while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NASB95)

 

 

[KevinPolyaNazaroff 0]

I wrote once, “The torment of the temptation to sin is nothing compared with the consequences of sin.” The consequences can last for a lifetime or an eternity. It’s the consequences that are so terribly tormenting.

The solution of course, as in every thing with the Lord, is in the Word of God. God’s Word is where every solution is found to every problem or issue that a man or woman faces. There is no place for help like the Word of God. All God’s healing work begins with His Word.

The subjective emotion and thinking of the addict is, “I’m too unclean, too unworthy, too unholy, too undeserving to read the Bible.” That is a lie! God’s Word is written for such people, to show them the way Jesus Christ has made for them to get out of the pit or hole they dug for themselves.

Or they say, “I have failed so badly. How can I ever be good enough again so God can hear me?” You don’t get good and get to God, you get to God and God makes you good. Getting to God is getting into His Word.

The Word does the work!

Read it when you feel guilty; read it when you don’t get anything from it; read it in the face of the devil and his accusations against you; read it when you are not even sure you believe it, just read it!!

The Word does the work!

The Word of God washes the mind as soap does the hands. The Word is like soap in that it is only effective when used.

All you have is the Word!

Life’s greatest failure is not your sin, but in failure to read the Word.

The only way the Word can wash your mind is when you read it. Reading the Word is the only way God can do His work in your life.

Christianity is not difficult to live, it’s impossible. It is Christ living in you that is real Christianity. That is where the life of Christ is. Not what you try to do, but what He does in you.

The Word pays no attention to your sin, emotions, or actions; it merely does its work when you read it.

God’s Word never changes, we do.

It doesn’t make us feel guilty, we do that to ourselves. It gives us a way out of our feelings, habits, desires and wants. God’s Word is our source of life and blessing.

 

The Late Dr. Edwin Louis Cole

Founder and President

Christian Men’s Network

 

 

13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NASB95)

 

 

36 “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.

John 8:36 (NASB95)

 

 

16 Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.

17 For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,

18 while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NASB95)

 

 

[LTTBT 0]

The Word does the work!

The Word of God washes the mind as soap does the hands. The Word is like soap in that it is only effective when used.

All you have is the Word!

Life’s greatest failure is not your sin, but in failure to read the Word.

The only way the Word can wash your mind is when you read it. Reading the Word is the only way God can do His work in your life.

 

I do not agree with the above statements.

 

This is how I see it:

The Spirit does the work!

The Spirit of God washes the mind as soap does the hands. The Spirit is like soap in that it is only effective when allowed to work thru you.

All you need is the Father, Son, Holy Spirit !

Life’s greatest failure is not your sin, but in failure to have the Holy Spirit work thru you.

The only way the Holy Spirit can wash your mind is when you do not hinder it. Surrendering to the Holy Spirit is the only way God can do His work in your life.

 

 

[KevinPolyaNazaroff 0]

The Word does the work!

The Word of God washes the mind as soap does the hands. The Word is like soap in that it is only effective when used.

All you have is the Word!

Life’s greatest failure is not your sin, but in failure to read the Word.

The only way the Word can wash your mind is when you read it. Reading the Word is the only way God can do His work in your life.

 

I do not agree with the above statements.

 

This is how I see it:

The Spirit does the work!

The Spirit of God washes the mind as soap does the hands. The Spirit is like soap in that it is only effective when allowed to work thru you.

All you need is the Father, Son, Holy Spirit !

Life’s greatest failure is not your sin, but in failure to have the Holy Spirit work thru you.

The only way the Holy Spirit can wash your mind is when you do not hinder it. Surrendering to the Holy Spirit is the only way God can do His work in your life.

Good afternoon LTTBT.

Good to hear from you.

 

The quotes were not denying the crucial work of the Holy Spirit.

He was not excluding the Father or the Holy Spirit.

Dr. Cole was emphasizing and re-emphasizing the importance of the Word of God.

 

 

 

 

All three of the following verses are true.

But if I only read one of the verses, there is a possibility of over emphasizing it, and forming an unbalanced view of scripture.

16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. Ga 5:16 NASB

 

9 How can a young man keep his way pure?

By keeping it according to Your word. Psalm 119:9 NASB

 

11 Your word I have treasured in my heart,

That I may not sin against You. Psalm 119:11 NASB

[LTTBT 0]

The Word does the work!

The Word of God washes the mind as soap does the hands. The Word is like soap in that it is only effective when used.

All you have is the Word!

Life’s greatest failure is not your sin, but in failure to read the Word.

The only way the Word can wash your mind is when you read it. Reading the Word is the only way God can do His work in your life.

 

I do not agree with the above statements.

 

This is how I see it:

The Spirit does the work!

The Spirit of God washes the mind as soap does the hands. The Spirit is like soap in that it is only effective when allowed to work thru you.

All you need is the Father, Son, Holy Spirit !

Life’s greatest failure is not your sin, but in failure to have the Holy Spirit work thru you.

The only way the Holy Spirit can wash your mind is when you do not hinder it. Surrendering to the Holy Spirit is the only way God can do His work in your life.

Good afternoon LTTBT.

Good to hear from you.

 

The quotes were not denying the crucial work of the Holy Spirit.

He was not excluding the Father or the Holy Spirit.

Dr. Cole was emphasizing and re-emphasizing the importance of the Word of God.

 

 

 

 

All three of the following verses are true.

But if I only read one of the verses, there is a possibility of over emphasizing it, and forming an unbalanced view of scripture.

16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. Ga 5:16 NASB

 

9 How can a young man keep his way pure?

By keeping it according to Your word. Psalm 119:9 NASB

 

11 Your word I have treasured in my heart,

That I may not sin against You. Psalm 119:11 NASB

 

 

 

Way too many people now days rely on the written word and nothing else.

By Scriptures alone you end up like a Pharaceeeee.

The word is: the Holy Spirit, who reveals to you what God wants.

The Scriptures are a tool.

[Guest Guest]

Way too many people now days rely on the written word and nothing else.

By Scriptures alone you end up like a Pharaceeeee.

The word is: the Holy Spirit, who reveals to you what God wants.

The Scriptures are a tool.

When you rely on the written Word, you are given the Father and Holy Spirit, they can not be separated becoming a Pharisee as you assert. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and these three are one.

 

The Scriptures are for testing, reproving, correcting and instructing in righteousness conforming to the Spiritual image of God, the Scriptures do not produce Pharisees.

 

[LTTBT 0]

Way too many people now days rely on the written word and nothing else.

By Scriptures alone you end up like a Pharaceeeee.

The word is: the Holy Spirit, who reveals to you what God wants.

The Scriptures are a tool.

 

When you rely on the written Word, you are given the Father and Holy Spirit, they can not be separated becoming a Pharisee as you assert. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and these three are one.

 

The Scriptures are for testing, reproving, correcting and instructing in righteousness conforming to the Spiritual image of God, the Scriptures do not produce Pharisees.

 

 

The written word is a shadow of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. If you don't have the Holy Spirit dwelling in you, you have nothing but the written word.

I agree: They, triune God, can not be seperated.

The person who has only the Scripture, and not the Holy Spirit, can and will become a Pharisee.

[KevinPolyaNazaroff 0]

Way too many people now days rely on the written word and nothing else.

By Scriptures alone you end up like a Pharaceeeee.

The word is: the Holy Spirit, who reveals to you what God wants.

The Scriptures are a tool.

 

When you rely on the written Word, you are given the Father and Holy Spirit, they can not be separated becoming a Pharisee as you assert. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and these three are one.

 

The Scriptures are for testing, reproving, correcting and instructing in righteousness conforming to the Spiritual image of God, the Scriptures do not produce Pharisees.

 

 

The written word is a shadow of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. If you don't have the Holy Spirit dwelling in you, you have nothing but the written word.

I agree: They, triune God, can not be seperated.

The person who has only the Scripture, and not the Holy Spirit, can and will become a Pharisee.

I think I understand the point LTTBT is trying to make.

I don't think LTTBT is saying not to read the bible.

I don't know if I would put it the way he did, but still, he brings out a very good point.

 

I will use myself as an example...

 

In the past, I would read the scriptures to increase my knowledge in order to show off to anybody who would listen.

My personal devotion time was not driven by a desire to know personally and intimately our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

My devotion time was for SELFish reasons.

My devotion time was religious pride at its best.

 

Now, in saying this, is it the fault of the Word?

What was the root of the problem?

 

 

Maybe we can "bring this home", and apply what we are saying.

 

If a man (or woman) is struggling with sin, what should their personal devotional time be like?

Do they need to read the bible every day?

Or, let me ask it this way........Would it be beneficial for that person to read their bible every day.

 

How important is it for a "struggling" man to read the bible?

 

What if they do not read their bible at all?

Would you be concerned about a Christian who doesn't read the word of God?

 

Also, what about the "heart" of the quote by Dr. Cole?

What about the heart of his message?

Can you see the difference between his advice, compared to the weak psychological advice given by Christian counselors?

(This is a general statement. I am not saying all Christian counseling is bad. Their are some Christian counselors who base their counseling method off of secular methods, rather than scripture. Also, their are some that base their counseling method on the scriptures, and the scriptures alone. My opinion is based on my personal experience with Christian counseling, as well as my continued study on Biblical Christian counseling.)

 

I really appreciate Dr. Cole's advice to go the the Word of God as our exclusive source of daily direction.

 

13 For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 NASB

 

 

[LTTBT 0]

Way too many people now days rely on the written word and nothing else.

By Scriptures alone you end up like a Pharaceeeee.

The word is: the Holy Spirit, who reveals to you what God wants.

The Scriptures are a tool.

 

When you rely on the written Word, you are given the Father and Holy Spirit, they can not be separated becoming a Pharisee as you assert. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and these three are one.

 

The Scriptures are for testing, reproving, correcting and instructing in righteousness conforming to the Spiritual image of God, the Scriptures do not produce Pharisees.

 

 

The written word is a shadow of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. If you don't have the Holy Spirit dwelling in you, you have nothing but the written word.

I agree: They, triune God, can not be seperated.

The person who has only the Scripture, and not the Holy Spirit, can and will become a Pharisee.

I think I understand the point LTTBT is trying to make.

I don't think LTTBT is saying not to read the bible.

I don't know if I would put it the way he did, but still, he brings out a very good point.

 

I will use myself as an example...

 

In the past, I would read the scriptures to increase my knowledge in order to show off to anybody who would listen.

My personal devotion time was not driven by a desire to know personally and intimately our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

My devotion time was for SELFish reasons.

My devotion time was religious pride at its best.

 

 

 

Now, in saying this, is it the fault of the Word? The word of God is faultless

What was the root of the problem? Pride

 

 

Maybe we can "bring this home", and apply what we are saying.

 

If a man (or woman) is struggling with sin, what should their personal devotional time be like? Depends on the individual, we all struggle with sin.Do they need to read the bible every day? depends on the individual

Or, let me ask it this way........Would it be beneficial for that person to read their bible every day. depends on the individual

 

How important is it for a "struggling" man to read the bible? It is important to read the Bible, but to walk in the Spirit is better.

 

What if they do not read their bible at all? Unless you have the faith as Abraham, you need the Scriptures.

Would you be concerned about a Christian who doesn't read the word of God? depends on the individual

 

Also, what about the "heart" of the quote by Dr. Cole?

What about the heart of his message?

Can you see the difference between his advice, compared to the weak psychological advice given by Christian counselors?

(This is a general statement. I am not saying all Christian counseling is bad. Their are some Christian counselors who base their counseling method off of secular methods, rather than scripture. Also, their are some that base their counseling method on the scriptures, and the scriptures alone. My opinion is based on my personal experience with Christian counseling, as well as my continued study on Biblical Christian counseling.)

 

I really appreciate Dr. Cole's advice to go the the Word of God as our exclusive source of daily direction.

 

13 For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 NASB

 

 

[LTTBT 0]

Can you know God by a book or by the Holy Spirit?

[Guest El Scorcho Grande]

Can you know God by a book or by the Holy Spirit?

 

I would have to say that you need both. If your knowledge of God is in conflict with or contrary to his word then the Spirit that has been leading you is not the Holy Spirit but the spirit of deception. The devil can and will use false means to mislead, the scary thing is how they can feel so right at the time. Far too may people read the Bble with an eye to make something that they desperately desire but is contrary to His Word fit. They read it over and over until a Spirit tells them their opinion is correct, you have to read the Bible with an open heart and take it for what it says in context. A great example is the S&L, so many people have sought secret meaning in the Bible to make it fit, but the Truth is any spirit that allows you to believe that something so contrary to God's Word is right and good is not a spirit sent by God. That being said LTTBT, I don't believe that you feel this way so please don't think this was pointed at you.

[lastinline 0]

Can you know God by a book or by the Holy Spirit?

But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say,

People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

 

Он же сказал ему в ответ: написано: не хлебом одним будет жить человек, но всяким словом, исходящим из уст Божиих.

 

lastinline

[LTTBT 0]

Can you know God by a book or by the Holy Spirit?

But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say,

People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

 

Он же сказал ему в ответ: написано: не хлебом одним будет жить человек, но всяким словом, исходящим из уст Божиих.

 

lastinline

 

And the word that comes from the mouth of God is thru the Holy Spirit.

Jesus also said, "I am the Way the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except thru Me"

I know Jesus is not in any book. His Spirit dwells within us.

All I am saying, if people think they are going to spend eternity in the presence of God by reading

Scriptures or any other books, and not having the Holy Spirit in them, they have not seen the Truth yet.

[KevinPolyaNazaroff 0]

The person who has only the Scripture, and not the Holy Spirit, can and will become a Pharisee.

LTTBT,

Thank you again for bringing out this truth.

This is such an important topic.

I know there are so many men out there who are battling with sin and are not sure what they should do.

 

Do you have any further insight on what it actually means to "have the Holy Spirit"?

16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.

Galatians 5:16 (NASB95)

 

I think that is one of the key aspects, (along with daily bible devotions and prayer), to living a victorious life in Christ.

 

I know that when I am struggling the most, is when I have taken my eyes off of the author and finisher of my faith.

And that can put me in a position to be swayed more and more by the spirit of this world, rather than the Holy Spirit of God.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the topic of phariseeism .....

A modern day pharisee is someone who has a form of godliness, although they have denied its power 2 Timothy 3:5, but on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.

Matthew 23:27

 

The problem with the pharisee was not that they didn't have God's spirit, although they didn't have God's spirit.

The problem was that they were unconverted sinners, who had an appearance of godliness.

They were self-ish, self-centered, and self-righteous.

I doubt that they studied the Word of God on a regular basis.

But even if they did, it was for selfish reasons.

Jesus revealed their hearts when He said,

25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence.

Matthew 23:25 (NASB95)

 

 

The main problem with the pharisees was their evil hearts.

Jesus said they were full of "robbery and self-indulgence".

 

Kevin Nazaroff

[KevinPolyaNazaroff 0]

The word is: the Holy Spirit, who reveals to you what God wants.

I was reading a devotional that brought out some biblical truths that I want to share.

There is a wonderful truth tucked away in Genesis ch. 24 that is brought out.

This brought to life even more the truth of God's word.

I hope it touches each of you, in the same way it did me.

Kevin Nazaroff

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE HOLY GHOST IS RECEIVED BY FAITH!

by David Wilkerson

"This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?" (Galatians 3:2). Saints, this message should ignite your faith, and by faith you should lay hold of God's great promises! "Let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord" (James 1:6–7).

 

Have you asked God for this gift? Are you seeking the Holy Ghost? Are you continually knocking? "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" (Luke 11:13).

 

Simply ask and you will receive! Seek your heavenly Father for the baptism of the Holy Ghost and he will give it to you!

 

We face a mad devil on the loose in our world today. He is unleashing all the power at his command, and legions of evil powers are digging in for the final conflict with heaven. But Satan cannot stand up to a righteous, Holy Ghost-filled child of God who walks in faith and obedience. Show me a truly Holy Ghost-possessed believer and I'll show you one who puts the legions of hell to chase.

 

God, send the Holy Ghost! Fall upon us! Baptize us mightily. And send us forth against satanic strongholds with an uncompromising faith that he will prevail in our day!

 

The apostle Paul said, "Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16). He also said, "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit" (5:25).

 

As Christians, we have heard this phrase throughout our lives: "Walk in the Spirit." Many believers tell me they walk in the Spirit—yet they cannot tell me what that truly means. Now, let me ask you: Do you walk and live in the Spirit? And what does that mean to you?

 

I believe "walking in the Spirit" can be defined in one sentence: Walking in the Spirit is simply allowing the Holy Spirit to do in us what God sent him to do.

 

I believe you cannot allow him to do that work until you understand why God sent the Holy Spirit.

 

The Holy Ghost has been sent down to us from the Father to accomplish one (and only one) eternal purpose. And unless we understand his mission and work in us, we will make one of two mistakes: One, we will settle for a small portion of his work—such as a few of the spiritual gifts—mistakenly thinking this is all of him and missing the grand work of his eternal purpose in our lives. Or, two, we will quench the Spirit within us and ignore him completely, believing he's mysterious and that his presence is something we must take by faith and never understand.

 

The Holy Spirit has come to dwell in you and me to seal, sanctify, empower and prepare us—he has been sent into our world to prepare a bride for marriage to Christ!

 

An Old Testament type of this relationship between believers and the Holy Spirit is found in Genesis 24. Abraham sent his eldest servant Eliezer to find a bride for his son Isaac. Eliezer's name means "mighty, divine helper"—a type of the Holy Spirit. And just as surely as this mighty helper came back with Rebekah to present her as a bride to Isaac, likewise the Holy Spirit will not fail to bring back a bride for our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

God chose Rebekah as a bride for Isaac—and the Lord led Eliezer right to her. The servant's entire mission and purpose was focused on one thing: to bring Rebekah to Isaac—to get her to leave all she had, and to be enamored of Isaac and espoused to him. Rebekah's parents said to Eliezer, "The thing proceedeth from the Lord…take her, and go, and let her be thy master's son's wife" (Genesis 24:50–51).

 

And, so it is with you and me! God chose us to be his bride. Our salvation—our being chosen for Christ—was done by the Lord. He sent the Holy Spirit to lead us to Jesus—and if we trust him, the Spirit will bring us safely home as Christ's eternal bride!

David Wilkerson

[KevinPolyaNazaroff 0]

The grip of sin is "loosened" by God through the finished work of Jesus Christ.

There is no other way to live a life of victory and freedom from sin.

Behavior modification is possible, but this is only a temporary solution.

Only God can modify(change, replace) the heart.

 

Scripture is clear that if a man wants to live in the victorious manner that God desires, he must "Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16)

 

Scripture also breaks it down even further.

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit" (Galatians 5:25)

 

I have found that David Wilkerson has hit on the heart of the issue of "walking in the Spirit".

Here is another God-anointed message about the Holy Spirit.

Kevin Nazaroff

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“ABBA, FATHER”

by David Wilkerson

 

 

The Holy Ghost has a way of simplifying our relationship with God the Father and Jesus. He is the One who teaches us to say, "Abba, Father."

 

This phrase refers to an oriental custom of Bible days, regarding the adoption of a child. Until the adopting papers were signed and sealed by the adopting father, the child saw this man only as a father. He had no right to call him Abba, meaning "my."

 

Yet, as soon as the papers were signed, registered and sealed, the child's tutor presented him to the adopting father—and for the first time the child could say, "Abba, Father!" As the father embraced him, the young one cried, "My father! He's not just a father anymore. He's mine!"

 

This is the work and ministry of the Holy Spirit. He tutors you of Christ. He presents you to the Father. And he keeps reminding you, "I have sealed the papers. You are no longer an orphan—you are legally a son of God! You now have a very loving, wealthy, powerful Father. Embrace him—call him 'my Father.' I have come to show you how much you're loved by him! He loved and wanted you!"

 

Our cry should be one of exceeding joy and thanksgiving. The Spirit in us literally cries out, "You are an heir, an inheritor of all that Jesus won." And what an inheritance you have, because your FATHER is the wealthiest in the whole universe! Don't shy away from him, he's not mad at you. Stop acting like an orphan who's poverty-stricken, lacking joy and spiritual victory. You are not forsaken—so enjoy him!

 

Not only are we not forsaken but the Holy Spirit is there with us during moments of confusion and suffering.

 

The Holy Spirit's mission is to comfort Christ's bride in the absence of the Bridegroom. "He shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever" (John 14:16). "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost" (v. 26).

Comforter means "one who soothes in a time of pain or grief"—one who eases pain and sorrow, brings relief, consoles and encourages. But I like this definition from the Greek: "One who lays you down on a warm bed of safety." During the cold, dark night of your soul, he lays you down on the soft bed of his comfort, soothing you with his tender hand.

 

By calling the Holy Spirit the Comforter, Jesus made an infallible prediction. He was predicting his people would be suffering discomfort, and would be in need of comfort—that there would be a lot of pain and suffering among his people in the last days.

 

The Holy Spirit brings comfort by reminding you that he lives in you with all the power of God inherent in his being. And that's why you can say, "Greater is he that is in me than all the world powers combined—greater than all demon powers!" God sent the Spirit to use all his power to keep you out of the clutches of Satan—to lift your spirit, drive away all depression and flood your soul with the love of your Lord.

 

"We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience…. And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us" (Romans 5:3, 5).

David Wilkerson

 

 

 

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The Sinful Flesh.

 

19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,

20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,

21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Galatians 5:19–21 NAS

 

The deeds of the flesh.

Is there anything good about the flesh?

Seems like there was something wrong even in the beginning...

 

12 God looked on the earth, and behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth.

Genesis 6:12 NAS

 

And although there are outside influences(the world and the devil), we are still held accountable first and foremost for our flesh.

14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.

James 1:14 NAS

His own.

Our own.

Satan can dangle a carrot in front of us and thus tempt us, but there is still something within each and every one of us that desires to take that carrot.

It is our own lust.

And it must be dealt with.

 

 

 

Physical drive, hunger, thirst, and sleep are amongst the strongest that are in our flesh.

But when in their proper place, they are not sin.

 

Mankind needs to be reproduced.

We need to eat and drink to survive.

We need to sleep to survive.

But it is when in excess (when lust is conceived) that sin is "birthed".

 

5 For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.

6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,

7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so,

8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God...

13 for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

Romans 8:5–8,13 NAS

 

 

I think there are many, far too many who minimize their sin.

Their own sin.

It is just too easy to blame the devil or the world.

 

This is part of the delusion that Paul is talking about.

What a terrible, terrible place to be...

28 And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper,

29 being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips,

30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,

31 without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful;

32 and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.

Romans 1:28–32 NAS

 

 

 

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6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.

Romans 6:6–7 AV

_____________________________________________________________________

 

 

Freedom from sin.

Who does not want to be free from sin?

And certainly all the more for Christians.

 

But how exactly is freedom obtained?

 

If you were asked by a new Christian for help, how would you counsel him/her?

If they are still struggling with various sins, what scriptures would you use to help "restore him/her".

1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

Galatians 6:1 AV

 

 

 

Is freedom from sin done completely 100 percent by God? Are we asked to just simply "believe", and "reckon" it to be true?

Is a person freed from sin by "believing" he is free?

Or, does God empower(enable) Christians to learn to practice to live a holy and sanctified life, on a daily basis, through His Word and Spirit.

 

 

We know salvation is 100 percent by the grace of God.

There is nothing I can do to get saved.

Not even my belief will save me, "Believing" is a work.

And no work has anything to do with the finished work of Christ Jesus concerning His plan for salvation.

 

But what does the bible say about sanctification?

 

To make this practical, lets look at an example.

Joe Christian has been truly, genuinely saved.

Joe is a changed man, and is very grateful that God saved him.

But after a while, Joe finds himself feeling not satisfied with his current spiritual status.

He has become more sensitive to the Word of God and the Holy Spirit.

He sees himself in comparison to Jesus, and notices a huge difference.

He does not want to continue to life for "self".

He has a strong urge to live a more obedient life toward God.

 

What would you tell Joe Christian?

I see there are two things to tell him.

 

1. Joe, don't worry man. That's satan tempting you, trying to bring you down. God doesn't want you to doubt. Satan is trying to get you to doubt your salvation. Just keep believing. God loves you. Jesus took all of your sins, and now you are white as snow. Where's your faith?

 

or

 

2. Joe, I'm so glad you are being convicted by God to be holy and obedient! Praise God that He is working in you and working in your life. Jesus loves you and wants you to be holy. God wants to change you into His image, and wants you to learn what real love and true obedience is.

God has your life planned out, just keep seeking Him. God wants you to seek Him and talk(pray) to Him. God wants you to continue to surrender all aspects of your life over to Him. God wants to be involved with all of your life. He has enabled you to seek Him, He reached out His arm and saved you, and He has you in the very palm of His hand. It pleases Him when you cling on to Him and thank Him and praise Him. Keep reading His word, keep praying and talking to Him. etc....

 

 

 

So, what would you do?

 

Here are some scriptures for born again, saved-from-the-wrath-of-God believers, that teach us about the "practice of the presence of God".

 

9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:9 NAS

 

10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

2 Peter 1:10 AV

 

 

 

 

 

[KevinPolyaNazaroff 0]

Struggling with Sin

14 So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. 15 I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. 16 But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. 17 So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.

 

18 And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. 19 I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. 20 But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.

 

21 I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. 22 I love God’s law with all my heart. 23 But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. 24 Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?

25 Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.

 

Life in the Spirit

 

8 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. 3 The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins.

 

Romans 7:14 to 8:3 NLT

[KevinPolyaNazaroff 0]

Maintaining a ‘love affair with the world’ is akin to having a mistress. In many of today’s cultures, keeping a mistress is an acceptable practice, providing some excitement to an otherwise boring life and marriage.

 

The modern-day Church, especially in the West, has its own mistress, having fallen head-over-heels in love with the world. The average believer can talk for hours about ‘the things of the world’ but then try asking about their relationship with the Lord and they quickly run out of words. The Bible says ‘out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.’

 

When a person is in love, they will enthusiastically tell you all about their lover. Paul warned us that in the last days, men would be lovers of money, lovers of pleasure, lovers of self more than lovers of God. These are some of the ‘lovers’ that creep into our lives and gradually erode our relationship with God. Jesus said in the last days the ‘love of many would wax cold’. How well this describes the condition of the present-day Church. Over time, the Church’s passion for Christ has cooled from its former fervency and fire to what is now only a smoldering ember.

James refers to those who love the world as adulterers. Tragically, the vast majority of Christians are even now pursuing an ongoing love affair with the world. Every Sunday they convey a false image to others that their marriage to Christ is impeccable, yet in reality they derive far more excitement from their interaction with the world. The spirit of this world is a powerful and cunning seductress that few seem able to discern and from whom even fewer seem able to disengage themselves. She craftily flatters with her lips, deceiving people into a false sense of security while they partake of her enticements. But as the book of Proverbs says ‘many are the victims she has cast down and numerous are all her slain. Her house is the way to Sheol.” (Prov. 7:25-27)

 

Imagine what it would be like on your wedding day to hear your spouse say these words: “I _______ take you _____ to be my lawfully wedded ______. I promise to remain faithful to you on Sundays only. I refuse to forsake all former lovers, choosing rather to cling to them and meet with them throughout the week.” No one in their right mind would agree to such an arrangement! And yet, that is exactly how many Christians treat the Lord—our Heavenly Bridegroom.

 

 

David Ravenhill

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The chains of sin are to light to be felt until they are too heavy to be broken.

Tom Drout

 

13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.

14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.

15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.

16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.

James 1:13–16 NAS