after listening to many of the sermon downloads, i gather this to be true:truth---leads to puritypurity---leads to powerpower----leads to experience (...of God's presence).So many people want to go straight to the power or straight to the experience without FIRST going to the truth. Jesus said "I am the way, the TRUTH, the life......".thoughts? dennis
The power is in the blood. Deliverence is in the truth. So is redemption. The manifest presence of Jesus Christ and the love of the Father is in obedience. You don't hear many "faith" preachers preaching on obedience these days. But it is impossible to be like Christ without being obedient. Jesus was obedient in all things, even unto death on the cross. Want to re-present Jesus? Be obedient unto God. Then you will find the presence of God manifested in your life, and you will be loved by the Father. Not much else will matter after that. You have it all.In Him,Lahry
define power?
Power. 1 a (1) : ability to act or produce an effect (2) : ability to get extra-base hits (3) : capacity for being acted upon or undergoing an effect b : legal or official authority, capacity, or right2 a : possession of control, authority, or influence over others b : one having such power; specifically : a sovereign state c : a controlling group : ESTABLISHMENT -- often used in the phrase the powers that be d archaic : a force of armed men e chiefly dialect : a large number or quantity3 a : physical might b : mental or moral efficacy c : political control or influence
I asked you for the definition because often when we christians talk about power what we'er talking about is manisfestations of God's Spirit in the works of service. An example would be mircles or gifts of healing, deliverences ect.....I believe your original post in the begining placed moral purity (santification) before power. In a perfect world we'd all like to see it that way, however that's not the case, niether historically nor biblically. It would seem that God responds to faith even if the individual expressing faith towards him is less than that which we would claim as a brother or sister.Gal 3:5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he this by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? There have been sweeping revivals that happened where the individuals being used to promote that revival had great manifestations of the Holy Spirit only to leave the meetings and in at least one case I read went out and died in a drunken stuper. I think if the "power gifts" or manifestations of the Holy Spirit are what you make reference to the whole of it from what I see seems to be one of faith, an active faith that seems to step out on a deep inward conviction. That's enough to get this rolling I believe. Blessing In Christ Bro. Daryl
I thoroughly appreciate Richard Owen Roberts when he said:"There's only ONE thing that Satan cannot counterfeit. Holiness."Satan can do all sorts of wonders and even make people feel good, get along... Satan can imitate the church! But when God truly draws near, the Holy God, holiness ALWAYS comes with Him and sin ALWAYS is exposed or convicted of by His Holy Spirit. The devil cannot mimic this and even if he couldn't he wouldn't because that is exactly what he hates most.So when trying to discern what is from God, always ask the question: Is holiness emphasized? Does sin become bitter? Do people come under conviction? These are the indicators of God in our midst.Love in Christ,-Eli
dear dohzman ,you said:.....I believe your original post in the begining placed moral purity (santification) before power. In a perfect world we'd all like to see it that way, however that's not the case, niether historically nor biblically. It would seem that God responds to faith even if the individual expressing faith towards him is less than that which we would claim as a brother or sister.....so faith is exercisable among the ungodly?dennis
I believe one could make an intelegent arguement that the ungodly have exercised a faith toward God (whether the quality of that faith is that of a saint in essence, I can't say)(and the term I use for God here is in a general sense, not as of a specific , which we would use). There's a classic book, I forget the Author , the title is :"Eternity in thier Hearts", it puts forth the evidence that God had revealed himself to people groups in remote unevangelized araes and then gave testamonies from missionaries who made these reports. Interesting read. But to simply answer your question: yes.
I think his name is Don Johnson. He's the same guy that wrote "The Peace Child". Both are awesome books.Lahry
There is a great message from Leonard Ravenhill that mentions the differences between "purity" and "power." It is a message divided into four parts -- but it is one of the best messages that I have heard on the matter. It is called "Purity and Fire," and is found under the Leonard Ravenhill list of messages.Here is a link:Purity and Fire - Part 1https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/mydownloads/visit.php?lid=869Purity and Fire - Part 2https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/mydownloads/visit.php?lid=871Purity and Fire - Part 3https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/mydownloads/visit.php?lid=872Purity and Fire - Part 4https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/mydownloads/visit.php?lid=873I hope it helps. :-) -ChrisMatthew 5:8
denem,This is a very interesting observation: truth---leads to purity purity---leads to power power----leads to experience (of God's presense.One knows that when you have met the LORD, you will become cleansed, so purity will follow which means you have been cleansed by the Holy Spirit who will then empower you be holy so yu will have communion with the LORD Jesus through his Spirit. I love this.. Simple and yet so many can not or will not grasp a hold of it.Another poster said this as well....Ginnyrose
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