ONE Can Happen

Jesus prayed we'd be 'ONE' with each other in Him that the world will know! (John 17)

Category: Personal Page 4 of 6

What about the thief on the cross? He wasn't required to do works | 'Sweaty ministry' VS "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me…"

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On February 7, 2011

In Doctrines Demystified, Personal, Who Goes to Heaven

A few days ago, I heard a person use “the thief on the cross” as biblical evidence that we don’t have to do anything except ‘believe’ to go to heaven. Here is my response, starting with:

Dan Corner’s response to an email (Google’s cached version of www.evangelicaloutreach.org/emails092709.htm)

(EMAIL) If works and turning away from your sin’s along with the output of works is necessary for salvation then explain the salvation received by the thief on the cross next to Jesus that simply believed and Jesus told him plainly “that today you will be with me in paradise.” The thief did not have an opportunity to turn from his sin’s or perform works [I explain ‘works’ below – jeff]. So, Please if you could explain to me his salvation or maybe you’re suggesting that he wasn’t saved at all and Jesus was a liar incapable of securing this man’s salvation by simple belief. Thank you for your time and I look forward to your response.

(RESPONSE) Greetings in Jesus’ name. The ONLY way that thief could have gotten forgiven (which is what happened) was for him to repent (turn from his sins). In his HEART he turned away from wickedness and essentially asked Jesus for mercy. If he didn’t he could not have been forgiven. Jesus taught one MUST repent (Lk. 13:3,5; 24:47; etc.) just as his disciples did (Acts 3:19; 20:21; 26:20) to get forgiven. He sincerely and humbly asked for mercy as he repented. See also Lk. 18:13,14. His spiritual identity changed from “thief” to “righteous” in a moment’s time and he was therefore of the PURE HEART needed to enter “Paradise.” The sins that were dragging him to eternal fire were forgiven INSTANTLY. Had he been able to come down from the cross he would have proven his repentance by his deeds (Acts 26:20).

Paul says in Acts 26:20

19 “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to them of Damascus, at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance.

Clarifying a few things
How can Paul speak against works while hear and elsewhere speaking for them?
When Paul said we’re not justified by works, he was talking about the works of the law. Now we are to be led by the Spirit, walking according to the Spirit. See Romans 8:1a&b (b is missing in most modern ‘Bibles’) in Who-Goes-To-Heaven Scriptures — Narrow is the Way | Who are the Children of God?. We’re not talking about “I have to do this today to go to heaven.” I never think that way, personally. I do this website because it’s natural for me. I have a burden on my heart. I’m afraid for us if we don’t get ONE happening soon, before it’s too late for many, because a crash course can’t happen at the last minute,” because people are so full of demons, God said 10 years ago. “Do you realize that what is to come is so full of wrath, and you want to be on the winning side at all costs.”
From my prophecy Let Us Be ONE, Part 23 of 33

Failed Churches…Hate that Destroys the Yoke of Unity

There is much to learn. Many have gone awry. Many despair, thinking they know the answers, but they don’t work. You’ve seen it, churches that failed, and then there are others that mock but look pretty as you stand inside. But you can feel the muck.

Look around; see the light that wants to illuminate all who remain steadfast, not moving where they say, but doing what is right—a love of a different kind. Not regulations that kill and destroy the life I have for everybody, but a new way.

Hope for iniquity to be found out, so we can become clean as a body. Pray for it: the anger to cease, the hate that destroys the yoke of unity. It is a yukky, terrible thing, full of lies that destroy: that we can be one and still have love when hate lingers, festering.

Listen. See My face. It is above, full of anger at My church when they hate. I hate wrath that is unholy, that is directed at those inside who obey.

Jealousy, there is so much. Why not pray? Why not be like Me. Do you realize that what is to come is so full of wrath, and you want to be on the winning side at all costs.

Give your life to Me, now, while there is still time to prepare. If you wait, others cannot take you into where you belong. A crash course can’t happen at the last minute, enough to get you in, because you are festering with demons.

Your heart won’t change if you let rebellion keep you from Me now. Now is the day of salvation. Why wait?

There is a balance here, which I don’t talk or think about much. It is in the Bible that if we harden our hearts to not help people in need we’ll be a goat, not a sheep, for example in Keith Green’s song: [1978 concert video] Keith Green debunked LUTHER’S FALSE SALVATION DOCTRINE that’s now MAINSTREAM in America. Let’s get it right!
The main thing is to keep our hearts right, or our religion is worthless. We abide in Christ, and do what comes naturally, getting the sap from Him, bearing much fruit that remains (John 15).
I’ve been recently thinking about what the second part of what James says pure religion is: “to keep oneself unstained by the world.” But he also has a first part, visiting the fatherless and the widows.

James 1

12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to those who love him. 13 Let no man say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God,” for God can’t be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each one is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then the lust, when it has conceived, bears sin; and the sin, when it is full grown, brings forth death. 16 Don’t be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, nor turning shadow. 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.

19 So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man doesn’t produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore, putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with humility the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he sees himself, and goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of freedom, and continues, not being a hearer who forgets, but a doer of the work, this man will be blessed in what he does.

26 If anyone among you thinks himself to be religious while he doesn’t bridle his tongue, but deceives his heart, this man’s religion is worthless. 27 Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

When we do what in the new covenant have replaced the 10 commandments, the greatest two commandments — loving the Lord, our God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength, and loving our neighbors as ourselves, we keep our hearts pure, and our religion is worth a lot! It’s pure and undefiled. We need to radically depart from what is mainstream ‘Christianity’ today, which doesn’t teach that we have to keep ourselves unstained by the world, so this religion is worthless.
What each of us then do will be what God puts on our hearts to do. For example, I’m not a helps person. I’m not gifted with the “gift of helps” (1 Cor. 12:28), but I am gifted in doing this, having other 1-Cor.-12 gifts.
We should all do what is natural for us to do when we are resting in God from dead works and worldly goals, being right with God and all of our fellow man = peace. What we do will feel right, and there will be some joy from God in doing it. This isn’t a sweaty ministry.
I remember a Bible teacher at Abbott Loop, teaching in the early ’80s talking about sweaty ministries versus in-Christ, flowing-from-the-Vine ministries. Sweaty ministry is doing things for God on our own. This could be doing things we were never called to do, but think we have to do them. Or it could be doing what we’re supposed to do but while not being right in our hearts with God and our neighbors.
Everything should flow from Him. Life should be a joy!
Purity of the heart is the main thing that matters, abiding in the Son, keeping ourselves unstained by the world. That’s why in Paul’s most comprehensive who-goes-to-hell list in Galatians 5, Paul doesn’t mention a lack of works. He lists things that defile a man’s heart. While what he lists in in his “Those who are Christ’s” list aren’t works to be done, but the resulting clean heart from leading an undefiled life, resting in God.
Resting in God is resting from our own works to do His, which is an easy yoke, a light burden in comparison to heavily burdened sweaty ministries, not resting in the Son.
Jesus in Matthew 11

28 “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened [doing sweaty ministries – Jeff], and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Two more things about the thief on the cross:
One is that the Holy Spirit had not yet been given. The thief was still under the old covenant, and we must keep this distinction in mind when using pre-Pentecost examples to determine what is true for us, who now can walk according to the Spirit. Things were much different prior to Pentecost.
I don’t think this hermeneutical principle makes a big difference in this case, but it does in others, such as Judas. Some say that Judas was an example of losing his salvation and going to Hell, which then shows we can lose ours also. I definitely believe we can lose our salvation (I think most are currently in this state), but I won’t use Judas as proof, or any other pre-Pentecost people.
Conversely, I also point out that the Pharisee who Jesus told to tithe was still under the old covenant. So it a violation of hermeneutical principles to apply what Jesus said to him to us.
This thief-on-the-cross subject reminds me of what Dick Benjamin once said from the pulpit at Abbott Loop Christian Center (now called Abbott Loop Community Church — Dick Benjamin the founder). Dick used to minister at the rescue mission, and he said they used to say this about how to keep the street people that were converted from losing their salvation. I think they would see the same people respond to the altar calls repeatedly.
They would say that maybe the only way for these street people to not lose their salvation would be like three stations. The person would get saved, then they’d submerge them in the baptismal tank, and then put them on the electric chair. Otherwise they’d go right back to their sin.
In reality, it is possible for a person to sincerely repent and dedicate their lives to Christ and then go right out and commit sins leading to death. I’ve seen it in jail ministry, for example. But probably what happens more often is the people don’t fully repent and fully commit to live for Christ. The prayer must be sincere. And for many non-street truly born-again ‘Christians’ who I know. I think at one time they were committed to living holy, but the once-saved-always-saved doctrine has watered down Christianity so much that they have over time backslid to where they are no longer resting-in-God disciples of Christ.
Many of these born-again ‘Christians’ have since hurt many people who they now need to get right with before they can again rest in God. This is the bad fruit that comes from the OSAS doctrine. Had the truth about who goes to heaven been preached, many would not be in the predicament they are now in: afraid of what men will think when they apologize while afraid of what God thinks if they don’t.
Most are letting the fear of man override the fear of God — including most pastors.
Frank used to say in Bible school: we can either fall on the Rock or the Rock will fall on us.
We better fall on the Rock real soon, you all or the Rock will fall on us and then it will be too late to get right with those we’ve hurt. Now is the day of repentance, while we still have the ability to do what we need to do.
All it would take is two EMP nukes over America and 9o-95% of the people would die within months, it’s predicted. And I had a dream about all cars stopping in Anchorage. We are that vulnerable. Imagine life without electricity, water, food, heat, transportation, …. This is the predicament we’re in. And the missiles probably wouldn’t be Al Queda, but rather China or Russia. China may have successfully launched one already. This is no joke. We’re living on the edge!

A shot across the bow: Missile expert says southern California projectile was a foreign-made cruise or ICBM missile launched from a submarine

ONE needs to happen now — while we still have the internet and the ability to meet in small and large groups.
I can’t wait to see large groups meeting all in Christ — lifting up truly holy hands in unison to God our Father Who loves us so much — and Who has given us His standards so we can be free in Him, right with each other.
“This is no joke.” Don’t be deceived. We must be right with each other for ONE to happen — clean hearted!
Jeff Fenske

The Container is Completed

By

On January 31, 2011

In Abbott Loop CC / Unite Church, Personal, Prophecies Dreams & Visions, Revival

[This is a mirror of the post I just posted at my personal blog]
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Read about the container here:

My Dream of ‘ONE’ Happening at Abbott Loop CC!

I had a dream a number of years ago in which I was closing up an LD3 container (an airline freight container that we use at work) in the middle-back of Abbott Loop Community Church (ALCC).

It was a very complicated container . . . .

This does NOT mean I won’t be writing and posting more articles at ONEcanhappen.
It means that the articles I’ve felt necessary for me to post for revival to come have all been posted — with 6 minutes to spare. I wanted to have it done by the end of January.
I posted 78 posts at ONEcanhappen in January, far more than any previous month, much of it original.
January posts that made it into Jeff’s Writings (I mostly kept Jeff’s Writings list updated too in January):

MAJOR WRITINGS

How does 2 Thess. 2:10,11 work? Does God actively deceive people who willfully reject truth?

Can ‘Christians’ use Paul’s “Forgetting the things which are behind…I press on” statement as an excuse to not get right with those they’ve hurt? Paul also said: “I also practice ALWAYS having a conscience void of offense toward God and men.” What if you don’t repent? And what will happen when you do? The Third Great Awakening can start with us!!! We can all be happy — ‘ONE’!

NIV alterations that greatly affect Christian doctrine — including my pet peeves. The NIV is destroying the church! Here’s proof.

My Dream of ‘ONE’ Happening at Abbott Loop CC!

How CLEAN do our HEARTS have to be from the Hebrews-12 root of bitterness that defiles many so they lose their reward? Where is the place of SAFETY — RESTING, KNOWING for SURE we’re going to heaven? Selah …

Can a Christian Have a Demon? Absolutely! Most Have Many!

Paul’s Elders’ qualifications revisited: What does ‘BLAMELESS’ mean? — Most pastors are biblically disqualified
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SELECT SHORT STUFF & TRANSCRIPTIONS

John Wimber Signs and Wonders: Westernized Churches — The pursuit of study has become an end in itself. But to study it without acting upon it is incomplete. We need the Word and the works.
Francis Frangipane: Holiness Precedes Power | More of my experiences at Trinity and in the Vineyard Movement | Why did John and Chris Whimber die?
D. A. Carson: The Problem of the Canon Within the Canon — A subset of scriptures taught in exclusion of those that would result in true doctrine
The Azusa Street Revival (1906-15): The biggest move of miracles in the history of America — The fire of God’s glory on the roof! “Even the fingernails grew back!” In 1909, Seymour prophesied the next revival will come in about 100 years! We’re due!!!
Azusa Street Revival — I was there (in the studio audience)
Daniel Rodes: A Man Dedicated to God
All of My Rhydian Roberts posts
The Welsh Revival of 1904-05 by J. Edwin Orr: A Countrywide Asbury-like REVIVAL! The 4 Points: #1 Confess any known sin, and put any wrong done to man right again. #2 Put away any doubtful habit. #3 Obey the Spirit promptly. #4 Confess your faith publicly.
Francis Chan left his 1600 member church to reassess. “There’s a LACK OF PEACE in so many people … WE PRETEND.” “There is this NARROW ROAD … FEW will find it.” “Let’s go back to what THE TRUTH has always been…and has NEVER BEEN POPULAR.”
THIRD ANNIVERSARY of “Who-Goes-To-Heaven Scriptures — Narrow is the Way”
Westcott and Hort Magic Marker Binge! Would you take a magic marker to your Bible and cross out words from passages? Do you read the NIV?

Bruce Springsteen & Neil Young: All Along The Watchtower — “No reason to get excited,” the thief [through all-smiles pastors] he kindly spoke. … Let us not talk falsely now, the hour is getting late!”
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WordPOWER! SERIES (Key Scriptures)

ALCC Cups

Can ONE happen at ALCC in 2011?!!!!
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[WordPOWER!] Psalm 37: “Don’t fret because of evildoers…. The perfect, their inheritance shall be forever. They shall not be disappointed in the time of evil. In the days of famine they shall be satisfied. But the wicked shall perish.”

[WordPOWER!] Jesus in Matthew 10:34-38 — Don’t let relatives keep you from taking up your cross and following Christ — ”A man’s foes will be those of his own household. He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more….”

[WordPOWER!] David in Psalm 38: “…neither is there any HEALTH in my bones because of my sin. … Those who SEEK MY HURT…meditate deceits ALL DAY LONG. … Those who HATE ME WITHOUT REASON…render evil for good…BECAUSE I FOLLOW WHAT IS GOOD.” — Check your HEART. Are you one of the James-3 cursers?

[WordPOWER!] 1 John 4 “Perfect Love Casts Out Fear” means us perfectly loving, not us perfectly accepting His love for us (as is commonly taught). Let’s love perfectly!

[WordPOWER!] Jesus Ups the Ante – Matthew 5:21-22: “YOU HAVE HEARD that it was said…, ‘You shall not murder’…. BUT I TELL YOU, that everyone who is ANGRY with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment”

[WordPOWER!] Jesus Ups the Ante – Matthew 5:27-30: “YOU HAVE HEARD that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery;’ BUT I TELL YOU that everyone who GAZES at a woman to LUST after her has committed ADULTERY with her already in his heart. …your whole body to be CAST INTO GEHENNA.”

[WordPOWER!] Acts 17:30-31 God Upped the Ante when He Sent the Holy Spirit — “The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked. But now he commands that all people everywhere should repent…”

[WordPOWER!] 1 Peter 1:22 — “Seeing you have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth through the Spirit in sincere brotherly affection, love one another from the heart fervently”

[WordPOWER!] Jesus on reconciliation in Matthew 5: If you remember that your brother has anything against you, reconcile quickly or . . .

[WordPower!] Jesus on forgiving to be free from demons in Matthew 18: “So my heavenly Father will also do to you, if you don’t each forgive your brother from your HEARTS for his misdeeds.”

[WordPOWER!] Acts 9:31: Where ‘ONE’ Happened Throughout the Land! The Key Ingredient Missing Today = The Fear of the Lord!

[WordPOWER!] Acts 5: Great FEAR came on the whole assembly, many signs and wonders were done. They were all with ‘ONE’ accord. None of the rest (the unrepentant) DARED to join them, however the people honored them. More believers were added.

I still posted 123 posts at ToBeFree, but not as many original as I have been. This was in part to major on ONEcanhappen. But also, I think people are finally getting it that we’re in big trouble, which is a major reason why I do ToBeFree. I’m also very interested in timing, to see when things will happen.
I’ll keep posting at all three sites, but I plan on being more in coast mode starting now to get ready for my March photography exhibit at Jitters.
Power to the peaceful!
Jeff : )

How CLEAN do our HEARTS have to be from the Hebrews-12 root of bitterness that defiles many so they lose their reward? Where is the place of SAFETY — RESTING, KNOWING for SURE we're going to heaven? Selah …

By

On January 30, 2011

In Demons in Christians?, Doctrines Demystified, Forgive & Be FREE, Getting Right with Each Other, heart, soul, mind, gut?, Personal, Who Goes to Heaven

[Updated 1/31]

What about K-Love
“positive/encouraging”
where everything is okay?

Jeff, aren’t you being legalistic?

Do I always have to wonder?

What does the Bible really say?

This is the place of rest.

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I’ve been thinking about this text lately and applying it to my own life — Hebrews 12:

14 Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man will see the Lord, 15 looking carefully lest there be any man who falls short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and many be defiled by it….

How do we make sure we have no root of bitterness in our hearts that will defile us?
I’ll start with the Lord’s prayer, including the words after the Amen. Jesus established that if we don’t forgive those who sin against us, our Father won’t forgive our sins. Matthew 6:9-15

Pray like this:

‘Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.

Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done, as in heaven, so on earth.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors.

Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.’

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don’t forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

The writer to Hebrews states that we need to look carefully to make sure we don’t have a root of bitterness that will defile us so that we’ll fall short of the grace of God [The meaning of “Grace” (χαρις) in the Bible: It’s not what you think?]. We won’t see the Lord unless we follow after peace with all people, “and the sanctification…. Hebrews 12

14 Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man will see the Lord, 15 looking carefully lest there be any man who falls short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and many be defiled by it; 16 lest there be any sexually immoral person, or profane person, like Esau, who sold his birthright for one meal. 17 For you know that even when he afterward desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for a change of mind though he sought it diligently with tears. …

25 See that you don’t refuse him who speaks. For if they didn’t escape when they refused him who warned on the Earth, how much more will we not escape who turn away from him who warns from heaven, 26 whose voice shook the earth then, but now he has promised, saying, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heavens.” 27 This phrase, “Yet once more,” signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that have been made, that those things which are not shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, receiving a Kingdom that can’t be shaken, let us have grace, through which we serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe, 29 for our God is a consuming fire.

I’ve been thinking a lot about this root of bitterness lately. It’s probably an actual demonic stronghold like the love of money which is the root of all evil. We’re supposed to look carefully to see if one exists inside. How is our heart. Are we wishing well of everyone? Do we want all who we know to overcome? It’s so easy to be defiled. Luther didn’t like Hebrews, which disagreed with his false grace doctrine, so he called it a subordinate book Martin Luther’s Subordinate Bible Books: Hebrews, James, Jude & Revelation. And much of the modern ‘grace’ teaching is based on Luther’s false doctrine. But we need to go by what the Bible really says. “Work out your salvation through fear and trembling” (Paul) is similar to verse 28, above. I get the sense that many knee-jerk react to the truth about the fear of God and how clean the Bible says we need to really be, but consider if the truth would have been taught us from little on — and our parents would have been taught the truth too — going back generations. It would then be normal to check our hearts to make we don’t have a root of bitterness that is defiling us. I’m learning that a good test for me is how I react when a driver on the road treats me meanly. What’s going on in my heart? Whatever it is, we should be examining ourselves to make sure we are root-of-bitterness free. Do we love our enemies, all of our neighbors as ourselves? If we’re Christians, through God’s grace we will. Otherwise, we should be fearful that we’re not in a safe place with God, on our way to heaven. I don’t often get prophecies for people, but have on rare occasions. A few days ago, I was reading through a long prophecy I got for a pastor years ago. Many ‘Christians’ have trouble with the concept that God will judge and not allow in heaven those who willfully hurt others, and I must say I’ve at times struggled with this. But reading this word again really helped me understand God’s heart. God is so for this man doing well. He was incredibly encouraging, while also being absolutely serious about how this man is in sincere danger unless he repents of hating others, including James-3 cursing them. God told him even how high the flames would be, and he said:

Show them the way into repentance, and I will give you a crown of life, forever with Me. Otherwise you are in danger of hellfire and brimstone around your neck. That high will the flames be. Can you bear it, for all eternity? This is the price you will pay. I’m serious, My son. Forgive, or you will be tormented forever in underground magma, fires that will lick your sides. It is no joke. You teach not truth and expect to go to heaven. I have a different way, for I call the shots, and you will go down if you disbelieve. This is not right. Obey and you will go high. You choose. Now you know and are responsible for your actions. Will you come with Me? Seek My face in horror of failure and you will be wise. Ignore this and peril will take over your life. You choose. There is no better way.

Christianity isn’t a hobby. Abiding in Christ isn’t an option. Teachers will get a stricter judgment, and this man negatively affected many, but we’ll all go down if we don’t keep our hearts pure. It doesn’t matter what Luther said, or what pastors like this man above say. What matters is what God’s word says. I recently heard a ‘grace’ pastor say that most ‘Christians’ feel condemnation inside. If we don’t feel right inside, we should be very concerned. Romans 8:

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who don’t walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death. 3 For what the law couldn’t do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God did, sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh; 4 that the ordinance of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

If we feel condemnation we shouldn’t brush it off as just ‘conviction,’ like the false grace teachers teach. We should be thankful that the Holy Spirit is warning us so we get right with whomever we’re hurt (or whatever it is) so we can feel right before God. This morning, I thought I need to test my heart to see if it’s easy to love God with all of my heart. I don’t always, but often I’ll color the word heart in my posts (I’ll stop now because I’ve made my point). I’m trying to help people realize that the heart is an actual place in our bodies. It’s the center of our emotions. It can also be the center of sin problems, which is why we need to forgive everyone from our hearts, not just our heads. Science has discovered that the heart is more than a pump. It has brainlike tissue. Even the gut does somewhat. We feel emotions deeply, and this all must be clean, not lusting after humans in our heart, or unforgiving people from our heart. I was making sure this morning that I could easily love God from my entire heart. It was easy. But honestly, there probably were many times as a ‘Christian’ when I probably wouldn’t have passed this Greatest Commandment test: Love the Lord, your God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength. Lovers say to their lover: “I love you from the bottom of my heart.” Can we say that to God? I think this is a legitimate test, and I’m talking about the actual heart area, and even below in the depths of our soul, which may be the gut, where brainlike tissue also is, where we often also feel emotion deeply. This subject is why I have the “heart, soul, mind, gut? category in the pull-down menu on the right. We only have this one chance to get it right. It’s popular to just go with the “never let go” heresy that prevails on the radio and from the pulpits. “Don’t worry, be happy,” when we should be worried, unless our heart is clean. The writer to Hebrews talks about how we should make sure to enter into our rest. There should be peace in our hearts. If we’re not resting in our hearts, let’s find out why not? God will show us; we probably already know who we need to forgive, who we need to say we’re sorry to. The Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth, regardless of what the mainstream preachers say. What does the Bible say? How in the world did it become so popular to not investigate the Bible to make sure we’re being taught the truth — the way, it was called in early Christendom? John gives us practical advice as to how we know we know we have eternal life. 1 John

1 Behold, how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! For this cause the world doesn’t know us, because it didn’t know him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it is not yet revealed what we will be. But we know that, when he is revealed, we will be like him; for we will see him just as he is. 3 Everyone who has this hope set on him purifies himself, even as he is pure.

4 Everyone who sins also commits lawlessness. Sin is lawlessness. 5 You know that he was revealed to take away our sins, and in him is no sin. 6 Whoever remains in him doesn’t sin. Whoever sins hasn’t seen him, neither knows him. 7 Little children, let no one lead you astray. He who does righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. To this end the Son of God was revealed, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whoever is born of God doesn’t commit sin, because his seed remains in him; and he can’t sin, because he is born of God. 10 In this the children of God are revealed, and the children of the devil. Whoever doesn’t do righteousness is not of God, neither is he who doesn’t love his brother.

11 For this is the message which you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another; 12 unlike Cain, who was of the evil one, and killed his brother. Why did he kill him? Because his works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.

13 Don’t be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. He who doesn’t love his brother remains in death. 15 Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life remaining in him. 16 By this we know love, because he laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 17 But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and closes his heart of compassion against him, how does the love of God remain in him? 18 My little children, let’s not love in word only, neither with the tongue only, but in deed and truth. 19 And by this we know that we are of the truth, and persuade our hearts before him, 20 because if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. 21 Beloved, if our hearts don’t condemn us, we have boldness toward God; 22 and whatever we ask, we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do the things that are pleasing in his sight.

1 John has long been a mystery to me, because in places John seems to contradict himself. I still don’t understand it all, but I’m getting closer. Most of the ‘church’ seems to major on 1 John 1:8-9, which just about everyone knows, but 1:8-9 isn’t the theme of 1 John at all. Holiness and not sinning is in order to be real Christians. If we do sin, we confess our sin, get it right, and then go right back into our rest with God and each other, life in the Son — where we love our brother — where we make sure no hate exists. And then:

if our hearts don’t condemn us, we have boldness toward God; 22 and whatever we ask, we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do the things that are pleasing in his sight.

But this isn’t happening yet in our ‘Christian’ communities. Why not? Could this be one of the tests Francis Frangipane is talking about: Francis Frangipane: Beware, It is Easy to Fake Christianity — “The moment we STOP OBEYING God we START FAKING . . . .” “If our Christianity DOES NOT WORK in this life where we can test it, it is foolhardy to hope it will successfully transport us into eternity . . . if we fail THE TEST, we suffer eternal separation from God.” “Let us re-examine what we have been taught.” When we have God’s standards set before us, we can be free internally, resting in Him. There won’t be internal strife. We can know for sure. When a group of us are at peace inside, then God can show up, and His glory will help us to even more fully be ONE with each other in Him. (John 17) I’m not the enemy. Some see me as the enemy. How could Jeff be right when almost everyone else is saying “I’m okay, you’re okay;” “Don’t worry, be happy.” But hardly anyone is happy because hardly anyone is okay. This is the Devil putting everyone to sleep through positive/encouraging K-Love. Exhortation is out of vogue. And now we’re losing our country and our comfy way of life. Am I being legalistic, or just biblical? I’m only saying what the Bible really says, and if we did what the Bible said we’d be so happy, full of life in Christ! Most are still under the mistaken notion that the new covenant requires either less than the old covenant, or requires nothing at all: grace + nothing is the jingle. These are lies. Those in the old covenant were under the law, now we are to be led by the Spirit. We have a greater anointing to fulfill this higher requirement to be led by the Holy Spirit to actually love our neighbors as ourselves. Galatians 5

14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, be careful that you don’t consume one another.

16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won’t fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, that you may not do the things that you desire. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, 21 envyings, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, 23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts.

If we have peace in our hearts we “belong to Christ.”
“Which list are you in?” We must always make sure we are fully in list #2 (verses 22-24). In list #2 is rest. If we’re not fully in it we should be worried and fearful and make sure we get right back in — our place of safety in God.
List #2 is that rest that the writer to Hebrews talks about.
List #2 is the ~”how we know we have eternal life” in 1 John.
This is the place of no condemnation that Paul discusses in Romans 8:1a & b (and b is for those who still read the NIV, NASB, etc.)
List #2 is the place of safety in Christ that we should all be in 24/7 — ONE with each other in Christ!
All other ground is sinking sand.
Let’s be ONE!
Jeff : )
[NOTE: many of these other articles apply as well, like making sure we’re right with those we’ve hurt.]
Related:
Who-Goes-To-Heaven Scriptures — Narrow is the Way | Who are the Children of God?
Asbury Revival, 1970: “‘Dr. Kinlaw, I am a liar. Now what do I do?’ … Three days later, she came to me radiant, and she said, ‘Dr. Kinlaw, I’m free!’” Many need to get right with people they’ve hurt to be free! Then God can move!

Let that Dirty Thing Go, The Monster That Hides Inside

Francis Chan left his 1600 member church to reassess. “There’s a LACK OF PEACE in so many people … WE PRETEND.” “There is this NARROW ROAD … FEW will find it.” “Let’s go back to what THE TRUTH has always been…and has NEVER BEEN POPULAR.”
Can ‘Christians’ use Paul’s “Forgetting the things which are behind…I press on” statement as an excuse to not get right with those they’ve hurt? Paul also said: “I also practice ALWAYS having a conscience void of offense toward God and men.”
The meaning of “Grace” (χαρις) in the Bible: It’s not what you think?
How Many Will Be in Heaven? How Many Find the WAY? Only 1 in 40 — 2.5%!?!!
‘CARNAL’ CHRISTIANS – Saved or Not?
“We Must Be Holy” by J. C. Ryle (1816-1900)
The CHIEF PILLAR of Eternal Security (OSAS) Toppled!
Martin Luther’s Subordinate Bible Books: Hebrews, James, Jude & Revelation
Luther: Let us BANISH the epistle of James, for it is ‘WORTHLESS’ — written by a non-Christian and can’t be reconciled with Paul
Francis Frangipane: Beware, It is Easy to Fake Christianity — “The moment we stop obeying God we start faking . . . .” “If our Christianity does not work in this life where we can test it, it is foolhardy to hope it will successfully transport us into eternity . . . if we fail the test, we suffer eternal separation from God.” “Let us re-examine what we have been taught.”
A Gift that Will Set Many Free! (A Death Warrant is Out for Your Souls)
I’ve finally shared much of what I know about and what can be done through the TREMENDOUS and mostly misunderstood and underused gift of tongues. A reader thankfully put me over the edge : )
THE PATRISTIC INTERPRETATION of ROMANS 7:14-25 — The early church did not understand Rom 7:14-25 to teach the necessity of sin in believers
[1978 concert video] Keith Green debunked LUTHER’S FALSE SALVATION DOCTRINE that’s now MAINSTREAM in America. Let’s get it right!
The Didache (70-100 AD): Reconciliation was required to attend early church meetings! “Let no one who is at odds with his fellow come together with you, until they be reconciled, that your sacrifice may not be profaned.”
Can ‘Christians’ use Paul’s “Forgetting the things which are behind…I press on” statement as an excuse to not get right with those they’ve hurt? Paul also said: “I also practice ALWAYS having a conscience void of offense toward God and men.” What if you don’t repent? And what will happen when you do? The Third Great Awakening can start with us!!! We can all be happy — ‘ONE’!
[WordPOWER!] Jesus Ups the Ante – Matthew 5:21-22: “YOU HAVE HEARD that it was said…, ‘You shall not murder’…. BUT I TELL YOU, that everyone who is ANGRY with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment”
[WordPOWER!] Jesus Ups the Ante – Matthew 5:27-30: “YOU HAVE HEARD that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery;’ BUT I TELL YOU that everyone who GAZES at a woman to LUST after her has committed ADULTERY with her already in his heart. …your whole body to be CAST INTO GEHENNA.”
[WordPOWER!] Acts 17:30-31 God Upped the Ante when He Sent the Holy Spirit — “The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked. But now he commands that all people everywhere should repent…”
Wes Hall: “Beloved, grace has nothing to do with freedom to sin. … Grace is the power to be free from sin. … Examine yourself to see if you are in the faith.”
Military BOOT CAMP kills the conscience so soldiers can do evil without being convicted in their hearts
WITHOUT REVIVAL THE PEOPLE PERISH: Why the Present Church Doctrine Makes Revival Unlikely [Or Why Sound Doctrine Would Make Revival Likely]
BE YE THEREFORE PERFECT (Matthew 5:48): Thirty-eight Sermonettes on SIN, SALVATION

What the Lord’s Prayer really says about FORGIVING. Jesus made it clear right after “Amen”: “IF YOU DON’T forgive…” VS. Luther’s Catechism: “God forgives WITHOUT CONDITION,” forgiving even “REVENGE!!!”
[Lust FREEDOM — “The Poison that Kills the Soul”] My experience: How DEMONS DRIVE heterosexual and homosexual lust in ‘Christians’ — The bad news is that demons drive lust. The good news is that demons drive lust, because…
[WordPOWER!] In Psalm 50 God Warns: “You have done these things, and I kept silent. You thought that I was just like you. … Now consider this…lest I tear you into pieces and there be none to deliver” (Hell?)
“Grace”: To Give You Life to Overcome—Not a License to Sin
All of my Who Goes to Heaven Posts

Francis Frangipane: Holiness Precedes Power | More of my experiences at Trinity and in the Vineyard Movement | Why did John and Chris Wimber die?

By

On January 22, 2011

In Doctrines Demystified, FreedomQuotes, James-3 Cursing People, Personal, Power OVER or under, Revival

“A mature Christian will be both holy and powerful,
but holiness will precede power.”

– Francis Frangipane

* * *

I read Holiness, Truth and the Presence of God, by Francis Frangipane during the Vineyard Movement, when I first attended Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in ’89-90.
It was so much fun to attend the Evanston Vineyard (where I bought Francis’ book) — the presence of God and the peace that passes all understanding was so evident.
The fire spread to other students, and Professor Wayne Grudem was wonderfully also involved.
The effect this was having on the students greatly angered many of the cessationist adhering faculty members. There were us smiling students and then there were the eyes that looked away as we approached on the campus sidewalks. It was almost like in the days of Jesus, how he was hated by the religious leaders while saying “blessed are the peacemakers.”
Some of the faculty even openly opposed the movement (writing papers), which died soon after I left, so that when I returned to Trinity a few years later things were back to dead-normal; though, TEDS did add a course finally in Systematic Theology on the person of the Holy Spirit: ST 5103 (603)!
When John Wimber and his son, Chris Wimber (head of Vineyard Music) physically died, I knew why: Dennis Cramer: “Most ‘Christians’ curse for the purpose of retaliation and vindication … ‘Christian’ leaders are even more vulnerable” I knew why when John was sick and couldn’t figure out why. “Christians” can be so mean, diabolical!

[WordPOWER!] David in Psalm 38: “…neither is there any HEALTH in my bones because of my sin. … Those who SEEK MY HURT…meditate deceits ALL DAY LONG. … Those who HATE ME WITHOUT REASON…render evil for good…BECAUSE I FOLLOW WHAT IS GOOD.” — Check your HEART. Are you one of the James-3 cursers?

During the second time I studied at Trinity, I had a dream in which I was told that if I didn’t pray an hour a day (in tongues) that I wouldn’t make it. Here, God shows how this works: A Gift that Will Set Many Free! (A Death Warrant is Out for Your Souls). The gift discussed here is speaking in tongues, which unfortunately the Vineyard Movement largely ran from; even though, they embraced many of the other spiritual gifts, like healing and the word of knowledge. Had they embraced tongues, I think it’s probable that John and Chris would still be alive today. There is no doubt that John was hated fiercely by the old guard. Instead of admitting they were wrong, they James-3 cursed him. Many were Calvinists basically doing what their founder did:

John Calvin Had Servetus Burned at the Stake for Having Doctrinal Differences — His Ashes Cry Out!

Some of us saw Francis Frangipane and John Wimber speak (I think even Jack Deere was there, former professor Dallas Theological Seminary — Dallas excludes those who believe in the gifts) in a Chicago auditorium at a Vineyard conference during this time, including Wayne Grudem. I discuss some of this here:

“The Perfect Storm” by John Paul Jackson. What to expect in the next 10 years. To overcome, we must be right with each other: “You must have clean hands and not harmed others. And if you have, you must repent so that you can be clean” | My experience at Trinity.

In this post, I state a key reason why I believe the movement died — the introduction of tithing. They built a new building at their headquarters in Los Angeles. Prior to this, they taught the people to be led by the Holy Spirit in giving, determining in their hearts what to give, like Paul actually taught:

The Day that Tithing Ended—To Now Be Led By the Holy Spirit

Another key reason the Vineyard Movement died is that John Wimber, himself was a Calvinist. Vineyard did not teach the truth about who goes to heaven: Who-Goes-To-Heaven Scriptures — Narrow is the Way | Who are the Children of God?
In the ’90s, when the worship music died, there was much sin in the camp and they were still trying to worship God in song. People sought the gifts and not the Creator. Though, in the late ’80s, there was a strong holiness emphasis, influenced to a great degree by Francis Frangipane’s book: Holiness, Truth and the Presence of God. And this is the main reason why God responded in signs and wonders during this period. The glory of God, His presence was so often evident.

May we get it right this time:

no tithing;

include tongues

and the truth about who goes to heaven.

jeff fenske
Anchorage, Alaska

—–
From: An email from Francis Frangipane

Holiness Precedes Power

Many Christians look for shortcuts to the power of God. To try shortcuts is to become, at best, frustrated; at worst, a false teacher or prophet. Listen very carefully: there is tremendous power for us in God but not without holiness. Holiness precedes power.

When John Saw Jesus

Then Jesus arrived from Galilee at the Jordan coming to John, to be baptized by him. But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” But Jesus answering said to him, “Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he permitted Him. After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him, and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.”        Matthew 3:13-17

Let us understand this prophet, John the Baptist. According to the Scriptures, John was filled with the Holy Spirit “while yet in his mother’s womb” (Luke 1:15). We are also told his coming was in the spirit and power of Elijah. Historians tell us that John’s penetrating, uncompromising ministry led nearly one million people to repentance. Vast multitudes left their cities and towns and went into the wilderness to hear the prophet and be baptized into repentance in preparation for the kingdom of God.

Only Jesus knew the fallen condition of the human heart more perfectly than John. No class of people escaped the Baptist’s judgment: soldiers and kings, sinners and religious leaders alike were all brought into the “valley of decision.” John’s baptism was more than a simple immersion in water. He required a public confession of sins as well as the bringing forth of righteousness (Matt. 3:6, 8).

Jesus testified that John was “more than a prophet.” He said, among those born of women, “there has not arisen anyone greater than John” (Matt. 11:9-11). John was a “seer prophet,” which meant he had open vision into the spirit realm. He testified that “I have seen the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven” (John 1:32). He saw “the wrath to come” (Matt. 3:7). He witnessed “the kingdom of heaven” (v. 2). John had insight into the secrets of men’s hearts. His vision penetrated the veneer of the well-respected Pharisees; within their souls he saw a “brood of vipers.” Understand this about prophets: they are aware of things that are hidden from other men.

But when Jesus came to be baptized, before the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit descended, John saw something that was overwhelming even to his standard of righteousness. He gazed [into] Jesus’ heart, and he saw no sins, no lies, no lusts. John saw a level of holiness that, without knowing he was gazing at the Messiah, caused him to utter with astonishment, “I have need to be baptized by You” (v. 14).

Jesus, as the “Lamb of God” (John 1:36), was without spot or blemish. This is exactly what the prophet beheld in Jesus: spotless purity of heart. Christ’s virtue took John’s breath away! The powerful emanation of Christ’s inner purity made John immediately aware of his own need. When John saw Jesus, he discovered a level of righteousness that was higher, purer than his own. This great prophet looked into the heart of Jesus, and in the brightness of Christ’s holiness he cried, “I have need.”

And so it is with us. Each time we see Jesus, each successive revelation of Christ’s purity makes our need more apparent. As Christ’s holiness unfolds before us, we cannot but echo the same cry of John the Baptist: “I have need to be baptized by You!”

Yet, in the beginning of our walk, we embraced life in our own strength, trusting in our own skills for success and attainment. Yes, we turned to God, but mainly in times of grief or trial. However, as the Lord brings us into maturity, what we once considered strengths are actually discovered to be weaknesses. Our pride and self-confidence keep us from God’s help; the clamor of our many ideas and desires drown the whisper of the still small voice of God. Indeed, in God’s eyes, the best of human successes are still “wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked” (Rev. 3:17).

In time, we discover that all true strength, all true effectiveness–yes, our very holiness itself–begins with discovering our need. We grow weaker, less confident in our abilities. As the outer shell of self-righteousness crumbles, Jesus Himself becomes God’s answer to every man who cries for holiness and power in his walk.

We may think we have spiritual gifts, we may presume we are holy, we may rejoice with human successes, but until we see Christ and abandon our reliance upon our self-righteousness, all we will ever have, at best, is religion.

Oh, let us grasp this truth with both hands; let it never slip from us. Jesus Himself is our source of holiness! We are so eager to do something for Him–anything, as long as we do not have to change inside. God does not need what we can do; He wants what we are. He wants to make us a holy people. Let us not be anxious in this process. Allow Him to do the deep inner work of preparation. Jesus lived thirty years of sinless purity before He did one work of power! His goal was not to do some great work but to please the Father with a holy life.

Hear me; our goal, likewise, is not to become powerful but to become holy with Christ’s presence. God promises to empower that which He first makes holy. Do you want your Christianity to work? Then seek Jesus Himself as your source and standard of holiness. Do you want to see the power of God in your life? Then seek to know Christ’s purity of heart. If we are becoming the people Jesus calls His own, we should be growing in holiness. A mature Christian will be both holy and powerful, but holiness will precede power.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The preceding article came from Pastor Frangipane’s first book, Holiness, Truth and the Presence of God. This book was recently re-published by Charisma House. Look for the new edition to be in stores March 1. However, we still have a number of the previous edition, which has the same content. If you are interested in this powerful classic, we are making the old version available for just $4.95. This is available on a first-come, first-served basis as quantities are limited.

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D. A. Carson: The Problem of the Canon Within the Canon — A subset of scriptures taught in exclusion of those that would result in true doctrine. "We badly need to listen to one another, especially when we least like what we hear."

By

On January 21, 2011

In Doctrines Demystified, Personal

Many are pushing the delete key:

The canon is the entire Bible, but most have their own personal “canons” within the canon.

* * *

The English word canon goes back to the Greek word kanon and then to the Hebrew qaneh. Its basic meaning is reed, our English word cane being derived from it. Since a reed was sometimes used as a measuring rod, the word kanon came to mean a standard or rule. It was also used to refer to a list or index, and when so applied to the Bible denotes the list of books which are received as Holy Scripture. Thus if one speaks of the canonical writings, he is speaking of those books which are regarded as having divine authority and which comprise our Bible. (source)

* * *

“Everyone has a canon within the canon, Zahl suggested, that sums up the Bible’s message. Most of us, he added, find it difficult to live with other parts of scripture that conflict with our personal canon. ‘God’s grace to sinners and sufferers,’ said Zahl, is his own canon. ‘The hurting person that lives inside me is galvanized by that saying.'”

– Joseph Wakelee-Lynch — Scripture’s Truth and Diversity

* * *

Two things will help us to escape from these traps. First, we badly need to listen to one another, especially when we least like what we hear; and second, we need to embark, personally and ecclesiastically, on systematic studies of Scripture that force us to confront the entire spectrum of biblical truth, what Paul calls ‘the whole counsel of God’.

The name of the game is reductionism. … The tragedy of all these procedures is that by some route we may avoid hearing the Word of God precisely where we most need to hear it. In this way, an issue [that is] at first hermeneutical is in danger of overturning the reforming authority of the Word of God.

– D. A. Carson [text is below]

* * *

Having a canon within the Canon is a huge problem — a major reason why false doctrines are forefront in most ‘churches’!

For example, many of the texts I present in Who-Goes-To-Heaven Scriptures — Narrow is the Way | Who are the Children of God? were missing in our systematic theology text at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

In order to understand the truth about a subject, we must look at all the texts that discuss a subject — and in context in relation to the writer’s style.

Which is where Biblical theology (as opposed to systematic theology) comes in. I explain how Biblical theology affected my Who-Goes-To-Heaven essay here:

who-goes-to-heaven-scriptures/#comment-191

who-goes-to-heaven-scriptures/#comment-1058

Thanks to Jerry W’s wise advice, I took every Biblical theology class I could at Trinity, including Johnannine Theology with D. A. Carson. My paper is linked at the bottom.
Incidentally, I never did finish my seminary education, but am so glad that I was able to see firsthand what is going on in religious higher education. At this time, seminaries are basically toxic. There is too much disinformation and pressure to conform, mixed with “knowledge puffs up.” This is pretty good, though.

jeff

—–

From: http://www.maxddl.org/….pdf BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION AND THE CHURCH: TEXT AND CONTEXT, edited by D. A. Carson

A Sketch of the Factors Determining Current Hermeneutical Debate in Cross-Cultural Contexts

D. A. CARSON Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

[…]

C. THE PROBLEM OF THE CANON WITHIN THE CANON

Long recognized by biblical scholars, the problem of ‘the canon within the canon’ is that although the church officially recognizes a written ‘canon’,viz, the Bible (whether the sixty- six books of Protestantism, the inclusion also of the Apocrypha in Roman Catholicism, or some other refinement), it invariable shapes its theology by greater reliance on some parts of this canon that on others. This creates a shorter ‘canon within the canon’ that will almost certainly be at variance with some other ‘canon within the canon’ utilized by some parallel ecclesiastical grouping. In other words, two churches or two Christians may share a common canon, but disagree implicitly or explicitly over their respective ‘canons within the canon’. In such a case it is not surprising that their respective theologies differ substantially from each other. Whether this difference is the result or the cause of the disparate ‘canons within the canon’ cannot always be determined; and it is easy to suspect that with the passage of time result and cause intermingle.

What is not always perceived, however, is that there are at least three different ways in which the problem of the canon within the canon may develop. First, an ecclesiastical tradition may unwittingly overemphasize certain biblical truths at the expense of others, subordinating or even explaining away passages that do not easily ‘fit’ the slightly distorted structure that results. Galatians, say, may define a church’s grasp of justification and grace in such a way that 1 Corinthians or the Pastoral Epistles are somewhat muted. Second, an ecclesiastical tradition may self-consciously adopt a certain structure by which to integrate all the books of the canon, and earnestly believe that the structure is not only sanctioned by Scripture but mandated by it; and as a result, some passages and themes may automatically be classified and explained in a particular fashion such that other believers find the tradition in question sub-biblical or too narrow or artificial. Dispensationalists and covenant theologians, for instance, are on the whole equally convinced that their opposing numbers have imposed a grid on Scripture in such a way that the canon cannot enjoy its free and reforming power: some other, lesser canon has intervened. Third, many others reject parts of the canon as unworthy, historically inaccurate, mutually contradictory or the like, and adopt only certain parts of the Scripture. The parts they accept constitute their ‘canon within the canon’. Of course, this third alternative is the most serious, and reduces in one way or another to the question of the truthfulness and authority of Scripture.18 Even some who lie more or less within the evangelical camp have now defended the position that the New Testament documents, for instance, do not provide us with any unified theology, but with a range of acceptable (yet at places mutually contradictory) theologies.19

I have treated this question at some length elsewhere;20 [D. A. Carson, ‘Unity and Diversity in the New Testament: On the Possibility of Systematic Theology’, Scripture and Truth, ed. D. A. Carson and John D. Woodbridge (Grand Rapids and Leicester 1983) 65–95, 368–375]….

Suppose, for instance, that a pastor wishes to encourage people to accept his authority and to follow his leadership almost without question. This might arise because he is a demagogue; or it might arise because in his cultural setting people naturally reverence leaders and eschew iconoclasm. He can foster what he regards as a healthy spirituality in this respect by citing passages such as Heb. 13:17 ad nauseam; but he will probably be less inclined to cite 1 Pet. 5:11ff. or Matt. 20:24–28. Such a leader may have a theoretically unified canon; but he operates with a canon within the canon when it comes to certain preferred doctrines. The resulting aberration may be entirely unwitting, or it may be perverse; but either way it distorts the Scriptures and has important ramifications in the life of the church.

Many western Christians, for instance, simply do not hear the Scriptures when they speak about the poor; their own experience has been limited to segments of society which from a world perspective are immensely privileged. Their counterparts in the third world may feel very deeply the passages in Scripture which treat poverty; but by the same token they may focus primarily on a subset of those passages—viz. those which insist the rich be far more generous and which warn against hoarding. This situation is somewhat paralleled, at the microcosm, by the pastor of a small church who is very concerned to get across to his congregation the responsibility for the church to pay good teachers with ‘double honour’ and a respectable stipend, while the church leaders themselves may be very exercised about those passages which insist that spiritual leaders must be free from greed and covetousness and love of material goods. Not only is each side focusing a disproportionate amount of attention on passages which most tellingly apply to others rather than to themselves, each side is also developing, wittingly or not, a canon within the canon.

Two things will help us to escape from these traps. First, we badly need to listen to one another, especially when we least like what we hear; and second, we need to embark, personally and ecclesiastically, on systematic studies of Scripture that force us to confront the entire spectrum of biblical truth, what Paul calls ‘the whole counsel of God’.

The name of the game is reductionism. … The tragedy of all these procedures is that by some route we may avoid hearing the Word of God precisely where we most need to hear it. In this way, an issue at first hermeneutical is in danger of overturning the reforming authority of the Word of God.

Related:

A Call to Intimacy: The Holy Spirit in John’s Gospel & Epistles A paper I wrote for D. A. Carson’s Johannine Theology class at Trinity

The BIBLE is NOT a bag of TRAIL MIX. You can’t just pick out the pieces you like and ignore the rest.

Azusa Street Revival — I was there (in the studio audience)

By

On January 19, 2011

In Personal, Pray Perfectly in Tongues!, Real History, Revival

I was shocked when I found this online a few days ago! I was in the studio audience during this particular show — the only time I visited TBN.

I think this was during the time I was visiting Fuller Theological Seminary — checking out the library and sitting in on some classes. John Wimber (Vineyard) taught his signs and wonders class here.

There were only a handful of us in the audience, so we could hear the pre-recorded people-clapping track when the show began. And it can be heard here too.

Regarding Cecil Roebeck’s statement that I quote, soon, we all may be poor — and desperate. But why wait until then to get the Third Great Awakening, which is just real, biblical Christianity happening!

Jeff

“It’s very interesting that revivals almost inevitably
take place among the lower classes….
When that desperation turns to a quest after God….”

– Cecil Mel Roebeck
Fuller Theological Seminary

• • •

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NE8N36OrnWs

The Azusa Street Revival Full Documentary

Published on Jan 15, 2013

I believe a mighty move of God is coming to shake the nations one more time before our Lord Jesus Christ Returns
markus777 | May 17, 2008

The Azusa Street Revival was a Pentecostal revival meeting that took place in Los Angeles, California and was led by William J. Seymour, an African American preacher. It began with a meeting on April 14, 1906 at the African Methodist Episcopal Church and continued until roughly 1915.

The revival was characterized by speaking in tongues, dramatic worship services, and inter-racial mingling. The participants received criticism from secular media and Christian theologians for behaviors considered to be outrageous and unorthodox, especially at the time. Today, the revival is considered by historians to be the primary catalyst for the spread of Pentecostalism in the 20th century.

Read More

[WordPOWER!] David in Psalm 38: "…neither is there any HEALTH in my bones because of my sin. … Those who SEEK MY HURT…meditate deceits ALL DAY LONG. … Those who HATE ME WITHOUT REASON…render evil for good…BECAUSE I FOLLOW WHAT IS GOOD." — Check your HEART. Are you one of the James-3 cursers?

By

On January 16, 2011

In Demons in Christians?, Doctrines Demystified, Forgive & Be FREE, Healing, James-3 Cursing People, No Enemy, Personal, WordPOWER

I awoke, hearing “Psalm 38,” again. This has happened to me before.
I get cursed a lot, what I call James-3 cursing, when its from ‘Christians.’ And unless we forgive everyone, 100% from our whole hearts the arrows have a right to pierce us, which Jesus describes in Matthew 18:

Jesus on forgiving to be free from demons in Matthew 18: “So my heavenly Father will also do to you, if you don’t each forgive your brother from your HEARTS for his misdeeds.”

[WordPOWER!] 1 John 4 “Perfect Love Casts Out Fear” means us perfectly loving, not us perfectly accepting His love for us (as is commonly taught). Let’s love perfectly!

So the problem is us and them. We can pray for them, which helps us and them:

I’ve finally shared much of what I know about and what can be done through the TREMENDOUS and mostly misunderstood and underused gift of tongues…

But what should even be more important in our thinking is to totally release and forgive — and perfectly love. And at this point, hardly anyone, including myself seems to be able to walk in this 24/7.
I was just reading this, which I think is another huge key.

Holiness Will Excise Darkness — Many will follow and run from iniquity when you are holy, when your sights are set on Me, up, where they belong.

God allows us to be cursed, which often even causes illnesses,  so we get fed up with being tormented, so we learn to walk in total love, where perfect love casts out fear.
It’s hard to walk in perfect love when there is so much hate and anger coming our way — if and when we stand up for righteousness in the mostly dark days we are in. But are warfare is not against people who are actually demon driven to hate and attack us, ‘Christians’ James-3 cursing brothers and sisters in the Lord.
We’re living in a dark period, but many will follow and run from iniquity when we are holy…!
Power to the peaceful! Peace starts with us!
I’ll comment on David’s Psalm 38 via highlighting and putting comments in brackets.

Psalm 38

1 Yahweh, don’t rebuke me in your wrath, neither chasten me in your hot displeasure. [Notice how the Lord was angry in Mt. 18 when the servant wouldn’t forgive. God can get angry with us when we willfully withhold love no matter what revisionist pastors say]

2 For your arrows have pierced me, your hand presses hard on me. [God disciplines those He loves, being His sons and daughters. It appears that the “arrows” are evil spirits (Mt. 18 ‘tormentors’) allowed to affect us until we walk in perfect love, not giving them a right to enter. Evil spirits can actually grab body parts, which could feel like pressure. Look at the source of these arrows which David shows starting in verse 12 — the hate and anger, the James-3 cursing!]

3 There is no soundness in my flesh because of your indignation, neither is there any health in my bones because of my sin.

4 For my iniquities have gone over my head. As a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me.

5 My wounds are loathsome and corrupt, because of my foolishness.

6 I am pained and bowed down greatly. I go mourning all day long.

7 For my waist is filled with burning. There is no soundness in my flesh.

8 I am faint and severely bruised. I have groaned by reason of the anguish of my heart.

9 Lord, all my desire is before you. My groaning is not hidden from you.

10 My heart throbs. My strength fails me. As for the light of my eyes, it has also left me.

11 My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my plague. My kinsmen stand far away.

12 They also who seek after my life lay snares. Those who seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and meditate deceits all day long.

13 But I, as a deaf man, don’t hear. I am as a mute man who doesn’t open his mouth.

14 Yes, I am as a man who doesn’t hear, in whose mouth are no reproofs.

15 For in you, Yahweh, do I hope. You will answer, Lord my God.

16 For I said, “Don’t let them gloat over me, or exalt themselves over me when my foot slips.”

17 For I am ready to fall. My pain is continually before me.

18 For I will declare my iniquity. I will be sorry for my sin.

19 But my enemies are vigorous and many. Those who hate me without reason are numerous.

20 They who also render evil for good are adversaries to me, because I follow what is good.

21 Don’t forsake me, Yahweh. My God, don’t be far from me.

22 Hurry to help me, Lord, my salvation. For the Chief Musician. For Jeduthun. A Psalm by David.

Related:
James-3 cursing:

Many Curse Others From Their Hurts Deep Within

A Gift that Will Set Many Free! (A Death Warrant is Out for Your Souls)

Dennis Cramer: “Most ‘Christians’ curse for the purpose of retaliation and vindication … ‘Christian’ leaders are even more vulnerable”

Strand: Most ‘Christians’ James-3 Curse & Matthew-5 Lust

‘Pastor’: You can pray AGAINST people too. “It’s well worth it!” – Vs – God: “Bless and don’t curse;” “This wisdom is…DEMONIC;” “Overcome evil with good,” “that you may be children of your Father”

Martin Luther Cursed from His Heart Catholic Leaders, ‘Every Day’

[WordPOWER!] James — Demons WITHIN drive ‘Christians’ to curse people. “If you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition IN YOUR HEART” you’re probably a James-3 curser. If so, “don’t lie against the truth.” Instead, be a PEACEMAKER, “for they shall be called children of God.” – Jesus

[WordPOWER!] Romans 12: Repay No One Evil for Evil — Don’t Curse — Give Place to God’s Wrath

[WordPower!] In Psalm 50 God Warns: “You have done these things, and I kept silent. You thought that I was just like you. … Now consider this…lest I tear you into pieces and there be none to deliver” (Hell?)

Totally Forgiving

Why 9/11? | Forgiveness is the Key to Repentance

Forgive and Be Free

A Heart that is Clean Can Shake Mountains

Holiness Will Excise Darkness — Many will follow and run from iniquity when you are holy, when your sights are set on Me, up, where they belong.

Art Mathias on It’s Supernatural: Spiritual Roots of Disease — Healed Through Forgiving (If there is pain in a memory there is unforgiveness)

Forgiving-Others, Freedom Prayer!

Have-We-Forgiven Gauge: “If There is Pain In a Memory There is Bitterness”

John Tesh & Friends: How Important is FORGIVENESS in a Relationship? | FORGIVING: Our GREATEST OPPORTUNITY to SHOW the LOVE of Christ!

Greg Boyd’s Prayer: Teach us to be free, forgiving even our worst enemy

Greg Boyd: In the kingdom of God, we are not allowed to have any enemiesEd Young: Joseph—Betrayal, Forgiving, Trust, Patience & Loyalty—”Let God Take Care of Revenge”

[WordPower!] Jesus on forgiving to be free from demons in Matthew 18: “So my heavenly Father will also do to you, if you don’t each forgive your brother from your HEARTS for his misdeeds.”

[WordPOWER!] Romans 12: Repay No One Evil for Evil — Don’t Curse — Give Place to God’s Wrath

[WordPower!] Philippians 2: Loving Others More than Ourselves to Love Others as Much? The Greatest Key to Forgiving & Holiness?

Rhydian Roberts' Spiritual Testimony

By

On January 16, 2011

In Music Videos, Personal

NOTE: I hesitated putting these up at first because of some significant compromise that Rhydian has elsewhere admitted, and at times has been obvious — which contradicts some of what is said here.

Nevertheless, I am impressed and blessed! And this is pretty cool!

* * *

It’s interesting that Rhydian Roberts is from Wales,
where the 1904 Welsh revival began with Evan Roberts.

But Rhydian, if you ever read this, you’ve greatly inspired me
to sing more fully and press on more strongly!

Thank you VERY much!
Press on, brother. Be pure no matter what!

Let’s get the Third Great Awakening to happen soon,
where we can all be ONE in Christ —
A PLACE WHERE WE’LL BE SAFE!

Jeff Fenske
Anchorage, Alaska

* * *

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmsoWjiihIs]Rhydian’s Testimony

premiertv2006 | July 22, 2010 | 7 likes, 0 dislikes

Taken from Premier Christian Radio’s Inspirational Breakfast show interview with, X Factor Finalist, Rhydian Roberts.

* * *

Interview & Performance (audio left channel only)[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyV2mluMbik]The Prayer sung by Rhydian
also interviewed by Aled Jones on Songs of Praise VTS 01 1 xvid 009

Related:
All of My Rhydian Roberts posts

THIRD ANNIVERSARY of "Who-Goes-To-Heaven Scriptures — Narrow is the Way"

By

On January 14, 2011

In Personal, Who Goes to Heaven

Today is the THIRD ANNIVERSARY of Who-Goes-To-Heaven Scriptures — Narrow is the Way!
It’s been up for 3 years and…
No one has been able to refute it; even though:

I’m offering $6,000 to anyone who can.

So far it’s hardly taught (but that will change, eh?).

It’s the #1 post on my site.

It’s usually #1 in a “Who goes to heaven” Google search.

It’s a radical departure from “Once Saved, Always Saved.”

It’s radically different from what Luther and Calvin taught…

And I and others who discovered this could have gotten Luther’s Ph.D. cap:

Once Luther remarked that he would give his doctor’s beret
to anyone who could reconcile James and Paul.

It’s the #1 key to the Third Great Awakening/ONE happening!

CHANGES

It’s now reinforced with “Who are the Children of God?”

Romans 8 has been expanded to show what happened to Rom. 8:1b in the NIV

Many links added, such as:

What is HORRIBLY WRONG with Modern Bible Translations like the NIV?
Most modern versions slavishly depend on
the Egyptian and Vatican corruptions of the New Testament!

It’s my baby. I’ve never married, and haven’t even dated for decades, and I don’t have the gift of singleness. This is my baby. I hope you check it out so ONE can happen!
From: my Let Us Be ONE prophecy (my other baby, the “sleeping giant,” 9 years-old now), Part 2 of 33

On the night before Jesus sacrificed his life for us, he prayed that those who would follow would be one. His heart still longs to see this fulfilled in our lives – “that the world may know.”

Not for these only do I pray, but for those also who believe in me through their word, that they may all be ONE; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be ONE in us; that the world may believe that you sent me. The glory which you have given me, I have given to them; that they may be ONE, even as we are ONE; I in them, and you in me, that they may be perfected into ONE; that the world may know that you sent me, and loved them, even as you loved me.
(John 17:20-23)

This year?

ONE can happen this year!

If we build it He will come!

Power to the Peaceful!

That the world may know!

Jeff : )

My Dream of 'ONE' Happening at Abbott Loop CC!

By

On January 12, 2011

In Abbott Loop CC / Unite Church, Filled with the HOLY Spirit, Personal, Prophecies Dreams & Visions, Revival, The Third Great Awakening

Abbott Loop CC Cross:
We MUST Die In Order To Live!!!

NOTE: The dream I’m sharing here is the second dream I had in which ‘ONE’ was happening. The first one I saw in the late ’80s, where a former elder was leading and everyone was happy!
Also, I have no doubt that this is a word from the Lord. Does that mean it will happen, or that it has to happen?

I believe that God shows us things that He wants to happen. “Those who are led by the Spirit are the children of God” (Romans 8). He wants to lead us. But He also gives us free will. Many things that God shows people only can happen if we do what He’s leading us to do. And in this case, many people are involved.

God wants this to happen, and I personally believe this will happen, based upon what I know of the people involved; though, I think most of what God directs people to do never happens, because most don’t hear and obey. But we don’t have to be like most people. And we can change the climate so the percentage of people hearing and obeying greatly rises.
So there is no doubt that God will help us do our parts so His will will happen. But we must do our parts. And a big part of that for me is being patient, doing my part under authority without bothering anyone, like in the dream.
– Jeff
– –

Something Good is Going to Happen?
Abbott Loop CC Cup — “Jesus is Lord.”
We MUST Die In Order To Live!!!

I had a dream a number of years ago in which I was closing up an LD3 container (an airline freight container that we use at work) in the middle-back of Abbott Loop Community Church (ALCC).
It was a very complicated container (way more than they really are in the natural), and I was making a lot of noise trying to close it — “button it up — but it didn’t bother anybody in the auditorium, who were listening to a man whom I didn’t recognize speak from the pulpit.
When I finished putting together the container, I walked forward and the leader had me lead worship [Years ago, I had led worship many times, but never in the main auditorium]. I led from within the midst of the people, on the main floor, in the center, maybe 10 rows back, singing “Holy and Anointed One.”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkW_PhFw0zM]Holy and Anointed One (with lyrics)

As soon as I started singing the first word, “Jesus,” everyone’s hands went straight up! No one was worshiping part way!
I interpret this to mean (if someone has more insight I’m open to suggestions):
I was doing my part, by myself, loading this extremely complex container. This is probably my research, shown here on this site. And there has been a lot of specific prayer, which I explain here.
Working on the container made a lot of noise, but it didn’t bother the people. I’ve been very careful to give people space, having learned from my previous mistakes.
The people were getting taught by the leader, while I was doing my thing, apart from them. But we were in the same building and they could here the noise of my work. The people at ALCC have been learning some significant things, like the importance of forgiving — that demons can directly affect Christians — etc..
And when I was done with my project, the leader let me lead worship this one time and everyone worshiped, their arms straight up toward God. When the leader(s) and I got on the same page, doctrinally (especially!), then ONE (Jesus’ prayer for us in John 17) happened. Everyone was right with God and each other so they could totally worship in Spirit and in truth, absolutely holy hands raised high, no holding back — pure!
That must mean that there was complete reconciliation in God’s eyes. And I couldn’t see the power and comfort of God that everyone felt, but having been in many mini-revivals I can only imagine…!
So my best guess is that the scriptures in the header at the top of this site were all fulfilled, and we were ready for anything that might come our way.
Unity happened at Abbott Loop!

Abbott Loop CC’s Sign —
“Our Vision: A Pursuing Love of God
and One Another”

Jeff : )

(((stereo)))[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olBnC2nxCNw]Brian Doerksen: Holy and anointed one

Related:

The Coming Revival (from my personal blog, 1/10/11)

My 1990 Key-to-Revival Prophecy: “There is might and there is power and there is glory, but it is being withheld until these relationships are made right, until we love our brother enough to…”
(video) Asbury Revival, 1970: RECONCILIATION the KEY! — “‘Dr. Kinlaw, I am a liar. Now what do I do?’ … Three days later, she came to me radiant, and she said, ‘I just hit my 34th person and I’m free!’”
The Welsh Revival of 1904-05 by J. Edwin Orr: A Countrywide Asbury-like REVIVAL! The 4 Points: #1 Confess any known sin, and put any wrong done to man right again. #2 Put away any doubtful habit. #3 Obey the Spirit promptly. #4 Confess your faith publicly.
Effects of the WELSH REVIVAL 1904-05: Whole communities were radically changed FROM DEPRAVITY TO GLORIOUS GOODNESS. The CRIME RATE dropped, often to nothing. THE POLICE had little more to do than supervise the coming and going of the people to the chapel prayer meetings. THE UNDERGROUND MINES echoed with the sounds of PRAYER and HYMNS, instead of nasty jokes and gossip. People who had fallen out BECAME FRIENDS AGAIN!!!!!!!
The Achan Factor — Because of one man’s disobedience the entire nation of Israel had to deal with the “Achan factor” among them before they could come under the umbrella of Almighty God’s blessings once again!
The Didache (70-100 AD): Reconciliation was required to attend early church meetings! “How upside-down the ‘church’ is today.”
The R-Word: ‘Reconciliation’ is Required to Worship in Spirit and in Truth — Why is this key to revival a taboo subject?
Can ‘Christians’ use Paul’s “Forgetting the things which are behind…I press on” statement as an excuse to not get right with those they’ve hurt? Paul also said: “I also practice ALWAYS having a conscience void of offense toward God and men.” What if you don’t repent? And what will happen when you do? The Third Great Awakening can start with us!!! We can all be happy — ‘ONE’!
Wes Hall to church leaders: “There’s a cry in your heart saying ‘I am not prepared to walk forward another step in dead works and dead religion”
Paul’s Elders’ qualifications revisited: What does ‘BLAMELESS’ mean? — Most pastors are biblically disqualified
(video) The Azusa Street Revival (1906-15): The biggest move of miracles in the history of America — The fire of God’s glory on the roof! “Even the fingernails grew back!” In 1909, Seymour prophesied the next, even greater revival will come in about 100 years! We’re due!!!
Wes Hall [IHOP] on William Seymour’s *1909 prophecy* of the SHEKINAH GLORY RETURNING to the church *in 100 years*: “Let me tell you about the church in the book of Acts. ..the fear of God was on the community, and…they were highly esteemed” | My theory …
“No snowflake in an avalanche ever feels responsible”
Leaders Who Have Hurt People But Refuse to Repent
My comment on Francis Frangipane’s post: “Francis, do you remember how you prophesied in Wasilla, Alaska about the REVIVAL happening up here to such a great degree that…” | Paul made sure he was right with everyone, but how many pastors can say that today? | “There is might and there is power and there is GLORY, but it is being withheld until these relationships are made right…
(video) A taste of JESUS’ AGONY because His people have HURT SO MANY… – Gary Clark Jr: When My Train Pulls In (Live at Farm Aid 2014)
Awakening Meetings End at IHOP. Why?
Benny Hester: “When God Ran” — God will RUN when we come back to Him!
Who-Goes-To-Heaven Scriptures — Narrow is the Way | Who are the Children of God? — “There is therefore now *no condemnation* to those who are IN CHRIST Jesus, who don’t WALK according to the flesh, but ACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT.”
‘Let Us Be ONE’ Prophecy Continues 10/8/08: “It’s TOO LATE to REVERSE what’s been done for MY MEN have been REJECTED … Now is the Time to OVERCOME and GET RIGHT With ALL … FREEeeeeeeeeeeeee———DOM at last … Your HEART will SWELL with LOVE and it will be EASY to REMAIN In Me when others are On The BOAT With You”
If we build it He will come:
“Let Us Be ONE” (A Revival Prophecy)
[photo] Abbott Loop Christian Center (Abbott Loop Community Church) — 1985
All of my Revival posts (latest appear first, 10 posts per page)

'Jeff's Writings' Updated & Expanded

By

On January 3, 2011

In Personal

I updated Jeff’s Writings,
if you’re interested.

I threw out some of the chaff,
but many are still gems.

I changed some stuff up,
added my most recent faves —
as well as a few photos.

Big job —
but I hope you enjoy it.

I’ll try to again keep it updated.

God bless!

Jeff : )

LUST ‘the poison that kills the soul’ FREEDOM! *My experience*: How DEMONS DRIVE HETEROSEXUAL and HOMOSEXUAL lust in ‘Christians’ — When we realize demons drive lust we can be FREE!

By

On December 2, 2010

In 'Homosexuals Will Arise', Demons in Christians?, Doctrines Demystified, Doctrines of Demons?, Forgive & Be FREE, heart, soul, mind, gut?, Lust Freedom!, No Enemy, Personal, Prophecies Dreams & Visions, Revival

UPDATE 7/21: I was just asked to explain the difference between lust and the natural desire for a mate. Clearly, God has given us a natural attraction for the opposite sex, but God prohibits us from thinking lustful, sexual thoughts about anyone who we’re not married to. If we do, this opens the door for demons to then drive lust, which then becomes an addiction. Constantly thinking about lust is not normal, and is a clear indication that lust demons are now driving the desires, and this includes when sleeping. If we’re lusting in our dreams it’s lust demon driven, despite what secular psychologists claim. We can be FREE 24/7! “Submit to God, resist the Devil and he’ll FLEE!”

How Lust Works

By Jeff Fenske

I saw this testimony from Henry Makow’s site showing how demons and homosexuality came hand in hand: Homosexuality & Demonic Possession. This encouraged me to share….

From my many experiences in dealing with demons, having now been a Christian for 35 years, my educated guess is that if there is homosexuality there are demons probably 100% of the time. And the same goes for heterosexuality outside of the marriage covenant.

These are lust demons.

The bad news is that almost everyone we know have lust demons of one type or another in them, because most don’t make sure they live holy enough to get and stay free. The good news is that once born-again, Holy Spirit indwelt Christians determine to get and stay free the demons have no right to stay and it’s easy to be free: “Submit to God; resist the Devil and he will flee” (James 4 — the overcoming-partysville chapter).

When I say it’s “easy” though, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s easy overall.
It’s easy and even automatic to stay free once we have committed 100% to keep our thoughts pure and not do what we know we shouldn’t. It takes total cold-turkey. If we give the devil a place he (or the demons) will enter, often instantly. And once they’re in, which is I think the condition of most modern Americans Christian or not, then the person is lust-demon driven. Many don’t even know what it even feels like to be free. But once a person is free and then willfully lusts (commits adultery in his/her heart – Mt. 5), then I would think any spiritually aware person would notice the great difference. All of a sudden it’s hard not to lust, for example, whereas before it was easy to not think those thoughts at all.

Sadly, there have been churches that teach that demons can’t be in Christians even though the Bible, the Holy Spirit (Whom Jesus said will lead us into all truth) and experience definitely teach otherwise. The result is truly born-again Christians how to break sin problems. And many ‘Christians,’ unware have hate and anger demons in them, pride demons, etc.. And if they think they can’t be influenced by demons directly the demons have their way because the ‘Christian’ is unaware of their schemes because of bad doctrine.
And it’s often in the heart where the demons hide and do their thing. Jesus said in Matthew 5:

27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery;’ 28 but I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna. 30 If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna.

David said: “Create in me a clean heart, Oh God, and renew a right spirit within me.”

The heart is the seat of the emotions. It’s the deepest source of good or evil.

We’re to love God with all of our heart — the Greatest Commandment.
Jesus said in Matthew 18 we’re to from our heart forgive our brothers, otherwise the tormentors have a right (a place – Eph. 4) to torment us. This is God’s way of encouraging us to learn how to totally forgive and walk in love. “Perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4). Less than perfect love doesn’t.
1 John 5 says how we are to keep ourselves free from the evil one by not sinning in the ways that give demons a place: “We know that whoever is born of God doesn’t sin, but he who was born of God keeps himself, and the evil one doesn’t touch him.”

Paul said in Galatians 5 that going-to-heaven Christians have crucified their flesh. Whether today’s pastors teach this or not, this is what the Bible teaches, which I explain more fully in Who-Goes-To-Heaven Scriptures — Narrow is the Way | Who are the Children of God? This fits with 1 John 5.

I’ve shared this VISION on this site before. I could see myself from a few feet away, and there was a spirit over my right shoulder. I could tell that I had been lust free, but when I willfully lusted (in my thinking only) the demon, seemingly with great glee went something like “A hah!” with a big smile, and went right into my body. Apparently, they greatly enjoy driving humans sins, pushing the gas pedal to the metal, if they can.

And that’s how easy it is to be imprisoned by lust demons — the demons that drive lust, because we give them a right when we willfully sin. And seeing a UFO (for us guys — an Unclad Female Object) isn’t sinning. It’s sinning when we willfully keep looking, when we don’t look away, willfully thinking things we know we shouldn’t, giving ourselves over to the dark side in this lust area, actually.

I’ve only felt a homosexual spirit once, but the process is similar. I don’t remember if I was totally lust free at the time (This was at least 20 years ago), but I remember part of this clear as day. Probably not, because otherwise I don’t think I would have felt any kind of lust spirit.

Have you ever been a few feet away from a person of the opposite sex and have felt a sexual attraction, a pulling even though you may have not even really looked at the person at all? I think we’ll only feel these lust spirits if we’re not totally, 100% lust free. For example, I was sitting in a college class more than 20 years ago, not even thinking about the woman sitting next to me, but I felt this lust spirit. I found out later she was an actual prostitute. But my guess is that I probably wouldn’t even have felt the lust spirit(s) if I was totally lust free at the time.

Many people give into these spirits and do things they shouldn’t, instead of recognizing what they are and totally getting and staying free. Most sex is lust, not love driven. We must keep our hearts clean to be free!

Continuing my once-in-a-lifetime homosexual-lust demon experience, I was sitting in a small room with the guys I was working with, and all of a sudden I felt this strong lust spirit. And the only people around me were guys. I didn’t try to figure out which guy it was. I just got out of there and I think prayed in tongues (perhaps the best way to deal directly with the demonic), and I never felt a homosexual lust spirit again.

But if I wasn’t that aware or that dedicated, who knows where that could have led? And many times this happens with children, who really don’t understand at all why they’re feeling like they are.

We need to be really, really non-judgmental and totally accepting of homosexuals. They, perhaps you are in a demonically driven lust trap. This is what happens when people worship the creation instead of worship the Creator. And I think Romans 1 applies to heterosexual lust too. Many reverse-Christians bash homosexuals with Romans 1 when they’re not heterosexual-lust free themselves. Here is God’s view of homosexuals, from my Let Us Be ONE prophesy, part 17 of 33:

The Homosexuals Will Arise

The homosexuals will arise. They have been hurt so badly in their heart. They are not the enemy. They are full of hurt, and are looking for a way out. You can help if you don’t judge. Don’t criticize; show them the way through your smile. They are not worse than you, just unforgiven. They have a long way to go, but are not weird, as some would say. Do not mock. Lift them up. Give them space to watch.

Pray with them when you get a chance, but until then be slow. Their hearts are brittle, hardened by sin that has often been done unto them, not of their own accord. Have grace and Mercy, not judgment, or pain will come to you both, and alienation from the things of God, the life I can give.

It can happen. Love can start with you. It just takes one. Find it and run, run with arms outstretched, praying as you go, praying in tongues a lot. Don’t hold back. This is a precious gift. Use it now; it is for you to be free, to be built up in the might of My Spirit. Pray often, and do not faint. Do not let the world take control. I have overcome the world. You will too, if you walk in My steps, living a life of love.

‘Christians’ have elevated homosexuality way above heterosexual lust sinning, and I don’t see this in the Bible. All willful lusters are in danger of going to hell. See Paul’s who-won’t-inherit-the-kingdom list in Galatians 5, written in Who-Goes-To-Heaven Scriptures — Narrow is the Way | Who are the Children of God?

Guys, stop judging homosexuals. Instead, we need to “show them the way through our smile,” God says.

Heterosexual or homosexual lust freedom is not that hard IF we go cold turkey, 100% “I won’t go there at all, period!”

Lust freedom is only a hair’s breadth away. And we can help each other be free forever.

Lust freedom is a key way for revival to happen, which I believe will be the Third Great Awakening, when we are ONE with each other in Christ. “Then the world will know.”

The bad news is that demons drive lust. Demons are yukky, and who wants to be inhabited by an evil spirit, which I believe most ‘Christians’ are, let alone non-Christians.

The good news is that demons drive lust, because many people think they can never become lust free. They don’t understand that there is a creature driving their lust. Once we realize how lust works it’s easy to be free IF we go cold turkey, 100% “I won’t go there at all, period!”

And pray in tongues, you all. The Devil hates it when we use this gift. But praying in tongues deals with demons. God gives us precisely targeted prayer language to do the job without us having to see specifically the demons in order to drive them out in some other yukky way. Praying in tongues rocks!

You don’t have to pray in tongues. It’s possible to get free without using this gift of the Holy Spirit. But why wouldn’t you when it’s so effective and God tells us to?

“Submit to God (100% ‘I won’t give lust demons a place’); resist the Devil (pray in tongues) and he will flee!”

And you will be free.

And we will be ONE with each other when we crucify the flesh (Gal. 5) so demons cannot have a place (Eph. 4).

Power to the peaceful!

We need to NEVER EVER put condemnation trips on homosexuals. Please! Many homosexuals are a heartbeat away from really rocking in God!
I’m doing my best to show them the way through my smile. Praise God for the Holy Spirit and prophesy that helps show us the way! Not many people so far have read and have been changed by my Let Us Be ONE prophesy, but I have.

We shouldn’t hold a person’s sin-history against anyone, period. We can all break free from these lust demons so homosexuals are no longer homosexuals. Heterosexual lusters will no longer be hetero-lusters. Alcoholics will no longer alcoholics (it’s probably demon driven too).

Let’s be ONE — okay?

Jeff Fenske

To Be Free!

: )

Related:

The Low-Cut Top Epidemic: May We Be Holy

To my homosexual friends: May we all be ‘ONE’ in Christ! What is the ‘fury fire’ that Piper Perabo talks about? How can it be tamed? What is God’s true perspective in “The Homosexuals Will Arise” prophecy and what does Romans 1 really say?

Against Masturbation: “Men rob themselves of the very essence and energy that fuel their lives and protect their health”

When Sin Looks Delicious: TAKE THE BLAME for wanting to sin; RESIST Satan; RESOLVE that you will not sin; GIVE THANKS for Jesus’ enabling grace

(video) Freud, Zionism and Sexual Revolution: Resentment against Christ and Gentiles is a motivating factor in promoting sexual degeneration and pornography

Who-Goes-To-Heaven Scriptures — Narrow is the Way | Who are the Children of God? — “There is therefore now *no condemnation* to those who are IN CHRIST Jesus, who don’t WALK according to the flesh, but ACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT” — Includes my dream of being in danger of going to hell just for lusting while watching TV

[science] Why is Lust Addictive? — SEX increases dopamine by 200 units (1/6 the height of a METH euphoria)

2014 Pornography Survey of ‘Christian’ Men: MAJORITY not only lusting, but into porn!!

Bikini Facts: The bikini was introduced by inspiration of Satan. When the bikini was first invented…

[ video ] Jessica Rey: The Evolution of the Swimsuit — Can Modesty Make a Comeback?

[FreedomQuote] “Women, the way a man looks at you is out of your control, but what you reveal is up to you.”

[Lust Freedom!] As Cautiously as Folding Our Own Parachute — “We ought to think out each step with the same kind of rationale and determination that a man uses when he folds his own parachute. Small, careful decisions can save his life. 5 minutes of pleasure earned Esau the loss of a lifetime of blessing and the enmity of God. Is it worth it?”
Lust: Another Name For Adultery – Dan Corner

ROMANCE NOVELS Can Become ADDICTIVE — Women experience the same addicting chemical release as men do from viewing porn

Charles Finney (1835): Instruction of Young Converts — “AIM AT BEING PERFECT. It should be their constant purpose to live wholly to God…. IF THEY SHOULD SIN it would be an inconsistency…. THEY OUGHT NOT TO SIN AT ALL; they are bound to be as holy as God is. And young converts should be taught to set out in the right course OR THEY WILL NEVER BE RIGHT”

I’ve finally shared much of what I know about and what can be done through the TREMENDOUS and mostly misunderstood and underused gift of tongues. A reader thankfully put me over the edge : ) I need to re-write this someday so it’s not written mostly in a comment. But it’s all there.

The Red Gate Prophecy — What If I Open It Just a Little Bit? The believers, not the non-believers, have opened the gate to sin, which is why this country has deteriorated

Can a Christian Have a Demon? Absolutely! Most Have Many!
A Gift that Will Set Many Free! (A Death Warrant is Out for Your Souls)

Let Us Be ONE, Part 13 of 33

A Gift that Will Set Many Free!

There is another day, a day that will happen if you let it.

I want you to be free, free from anxiety. A death warrant is out for your souls. It will get you if you let it. You must pray.

Many die from unknown causes. They are weak from attacks from the Devil who never gives up—curse after curse—toward My people. Many have given in, unable to walk.

Tongues, I’ve given you the gift of tongues from My heart to you. It is a gift that will set many free if you use it regularly. It is for you to walk holy, set free in forgiveness while you pray.

The two work together. One attacks the Devil, while you release those who have hurt you deeply, wounded your soul.

Pray for them. You can focus; you don’t have to pray in general all the time. I will give you the gift of life as you pray.

This is how it works. Believe in your heart you are praying for one another; though, it will come from the Holy Ghost, the words you emit that I give you to speak. Focus on these people, and pray until your tongues cease. I will tell you who to pray for, but this isn’t necessary. You can pray for anyone that way.

Believe in your heart; direct your tongues. I will fill your mouth as you speak and set people free. I will pray perfectly, as you obey, giving your life to others through prayer.

Amazing things will result! Your heart will be glad!

Watch Me do it. Prove My point. Try it now. Focus on someone who needs prayer. Believe in your heart you are praying for them as you speak words from above that fill your mouth. Pray it out, and watch them change, for I will release them from anger and all kinds of oppressions as you pray. You will see it, and it will amaze your intelligence. Many will be set free. Do it now. This is an important point.

And as you pray, forgive, release them from all kinds of cares and bondages. The two work hand in hand. You forgive and I pray through your words that I give you.

This is freedom! Set them free. Do it now; why wait when you can have the chance to move mountains, have an impact on society that many will see and feel. Your heart will be glad. Many will walk holy.

Pray for your elders. Many are not in the ministry to give life. Many are sucking you dry. They need to give up the ghost of unforgiveness and get on the bandwagon of love.

The seal of approval, you all want it. You can have it now. Why wait? You can be in Me as we speak. You can know for sure that you are sons of God, that I am in you and you are in Me. You will feel it. Your heart will be glad, and you will pray.

I will take you to heights unknown. Miracles will take place all around you as you obey. Many will be glad that you took the step of faith to lead. When all looked hopeless, you got up from your seat and prayed.

Pray. Let your heart be glad, and don’t give up. Pray until your tongues stop. This is an amazing gift that has much power to change.

Anyone can pray in tongues. It is a gift for all who obey, all who call on Me for Mercy.

Drink deeply, and let it give you life, freeing you, while you relax and find peace in a home here on earth.

We are together. Let us pray.

I have a category called heart, soul, mind, gut? Notice all of the references to the heart in the above prophecy and in the Bible itself. “The heart is more than a pump.”

Survey of Christian Men on the Subject of Women’s Clothing — Men responded: “This area is the greatest challenge in my life!” • “Men are created in such a way as to be stimulated by sight.” • “Demon influence and demon possession is rampant. Evil triumphs when the church does nothing!” • Many more

[Princeton study] Is it wrong to wear a bikini? — The fully-clothed women were seen as being in control of their own actions, whereas the immodest ones were objects to be acted upon

What does God say? Women, children and men exposing themselves to TSAs in NAKED BODY SCANNERS!

David Bercot’s CD teaching: Separation from the World — What the Early Christians Believed About Separation from the World. D. Bercot. The Bible exhorts us: “Adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” So…
 
 

A Nation ‘Bewitched’: Farrah Fawcett — “When the show [Charlie’s Angels] got to be No. 3, I figured it was our acting. When it got to be No. 1, I decided it could only be because none of us wears a bra”

1942 Minnesota: Bathing beaches prior to the low-cut top epidemic
Amazing Dress: India Arie singing with Carlos Santana on The Tonight Show. This is grace!

All of my Lust Freedom! posts [latest appear first, 10 posts per page]

Drudge kicking demon butt on the naked body scanners and full body pat downs! Will we help him? What Would Jesus Do? What would Jesus have us do? Get ready for Auschwitz?? Seriously, the pastors are almost totally silent as the sheep willingly show their naked bodies to government agents.

By

On November 22, 2010

In Lust Freedom!, Personal

No nakedizing radiating scanner for me.
I went for the full body pat down
at Fresno, California on 10/31.

“We have an opt out.”
And I was the only one.
Everyone else went through the nakedizer!!!

Where is your line in the sand?
Will you stand up for what is right?

Satan wants us all physically and emotionally stripped naked —
ready for the death camps.

It won’t be long
unless we all say enough is enough now!

– Jeff

Breaking The Will Of The People:
The Real Purpose Of Body Scanners

Benjamin Franklin on naked body scanners:
“They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety
deserve neither liberty nor safety”

All 45 of my Naked Body Scanners posts at ToBeFree

———

Drudge Report
11/22/10

He’s been hitting the scanners hard.
Now he’s going after the pat downs.

 

Aniticipating the Third Great Awakening: New Bumper Sticker On the Way!

By

On November 18, 2010

In Abbott Loop CC / Unite Church, Personal, Revival

Soon it will be on NOHATE


From: Northern Sun

A. W. Tozer: The church needs the SPECIALISTS, the TROUBLESHOOTERS whom they've labelled 'extreme'

By

On November 13, 2010

In James-3 Cursing People, Personal, Photos, Revival

 

From: Johnthebaptisttv… (Andrew Strom)

A.W TOZER – The “DRASTIC RADICALS” NEEDED

Great industrial concerns have in their employ men who are needed only when there is a breakdown somewhere. When something goes wrong with the machinery, these men spring into action to locate and remove the trouble and get the machinery rolling again.

For these men a smoothly operating system has no interest. They
are specialists concerned with trouble and how to find and correct it.

In the Kingdom of God things are not too different. God has always
had His specialists whose chief concern has been the moral
breakdown, the decline in the spiritual health of the nation or the
Church. Such men were Elijah, Jeremiah, Malachi, and others of
their kind who appeared at critical moments in history to reprove,
rebuke, and exhort in the name of God and righteousness.

A thousand or ten thousand ordinary priests or pastors or teachers
could labor quietly on, almost unnoticed, while the spiritual life
of Israel or the Church was normal. But let the people of God go
astray from the paths of truth, and immediately the specialist
appeared almost out of nowhere. His instinct for trouble brought
him to the help of the Lord and of Israel.

Such a man was likely to be drastic, radical, possibly at times
violent, and the curious crowd that gathered to watch him work
soon branded him as extreme, fanatical, negative. And in a sense
they were right. He was single-minded, severe, fearless, as these
were the qualities the circumstances demanded. He shocked
some, frightened others, and alienated not a few, but he knew
Who had called him and what he was sent to do. His ministry
was geared to the emergency, and that fact marked him out as
different, a man apart.

To such men as this the Church owes a debt too heavy to pay.
The curious thing is She seldom tries to pay him while he lives,
but the next generation builds his sepulcher and writes his
biography, as if instinctively and awkwardly to discharge an
obligation the previous generation to a large extent ignored.

Such a man as this is not an easy companion. The professional
evangelist who leaves the wrought-up meeting as soon as it ends
to hurry over to the most expensive restaurant to feast and crack
jokes with his sponsors will find this man something of an
embarrassment, for he cannot turn off the burden of the Holy Ghost
as one would turn off a faucet. He insists upon being a Christian
all the time, everywhere; and again, that marks him out as different.

Toward him it is impossible to be neutral. His acquaintances are
divided pretty neatly into two classes, those who love him with all
admiration, and those who hate him with perfect hatred!
[‘Christians’ James-3 cursing Christians – ed.]

-SOURCE: “Why Revival Tarries” by Leonard Ravenhill. -One of
the best books you will ever read.

Related:

‘Let Us Be ONE’ Prophecy Continues 10/8/08: “It’s TOO LATE to REVERSE what’s been done for MY MEN have been REJECTED … Now is the Time to OVERCOME and GET RIGHT With ALL … FREEeeeeeeeeeeeee———DOM at last … Your HEART will SWELL with LOVE and it will be EASY to REMAIN In Me when others are On The BOAT With You”

I just posted this at ToBeFree: Why did Joe Miller lose to Lisa? The ROOT PROBLEM in America!

By

On November 3, 2010

In 'Church' is the Cause of the Crash, Personal, Reverse-Christianity Responsible

The Dan Fagan Show discusses why Joe Miller apparently lost the Senate race to Lisa
during much of the show, today.

Listen to the podcast here
(Will be replaced with tomorrows show in late afternoon, tomorrow)

My take is the root problem is the once-saved-always-saved doctrine
that Joe Miller’s church openly professes.

In this doctrine, ‘Christians’ can break rules and lie about it, whatever
and still be assured of going to heaven.

I’m convinced that this is the doctrine that is destroying America.
Christians are supposed to be salt and light,
not a mixture of light and darkness.

I discuss this in depth at my spiritual site:
ONEcanhappen.wordpress.com,
if you’re interested.

And this is a very interesting vision of how
willfully disobeying ‘Christians’ are the root cause for why America is falling.

The Red Gate Prophecy — What If I Open It Just a Little Bit?

It’s not the homosexuals.
It’s not Hollywood.
It’s not corrupt politicians.
It’s not the twisting and deceiving mainstream media.
It’s not the globalist kingpins pulling the strings.

The main group that is destroying America are the willfully sinning ‘Christians’
who believe without question the deceptive once-saved-always-saved doctrine.

We need real revival — a Third Great Awakening.
We need real Christianity now,
which is what ONEcanhappen is all about!

We must be right with God and people or we’re not real Christians.

It’s very clear. See my article that no one can refute:
Who-Goes-To-Heaven Scriptures — Narrow is the Way

Sincerely,
Jeff Fenske

Related:

All of my Who Goes To Heaven posts at ONEcanhappen
Asbury Revival, 1970: “‘Dr. Kinlaw, I am a liar. Now what do I do?’ … Three days later, she came to me radiant, and she said, ‘Dr. Kinlaw, I’m free!’”

More personal words and dreams at my personal blog

By

On October 16, 2010

In Personal, Prophecies Dreams & Visions

I thought I’d mention that some of my personal words, dreams and etc. are at my personal blog, jefffenske.com, if you’re interested.
I’ve thought about putting them in this site as well (or just in this site), but for now, I’m inclined to post them most often in my personal blog.
I’m open to suggestions. Please feel free to comment. And commenters can be totally anonymous. No email or name is required at all of my sites. If that will help you really speak your mind, please go for it — no problem.
All of my Prophesies & Visions posts at this site are listed here. The Let Us Be ONE prophesy is in the earlier posts.
It seems that there isn’t much time to get our act together.
Let us be ONE,
Jeff : )

It's all about integrity

By

On October 6, 2010

In Getting Right with Each Other, Personal, Revival

I feel led to share this today.
I think Alex Jones is rightly saying: “We’re entering into the end-game.”
I heard two years ago: ‘Let Us Be ONE’ Prophecy Continues 10/8/08: “It’s TOO LATE to REVERSE what’s been done for MY MEN have been REJECTED … Now is the Time to OVERCOME and GET RIGHT With ALL … FREEeeeeeeeeeeeee———DOM at last … Your HEART will SWELL with LOVE and it will be EASY to REMAIN In Me when others are On The BOAT With You”
It’s all about integrity now. All of our decisions should be about doing the right thing, not letting the love of money have any influence in our lives.
We must be right with all. For those who aren’t, please watch this amazing testimony as to what happened during the Asbury Revival: Asbury Revival, 1970: “Dr. Kinlaw, I am a liar. Now what do I do?”
Revival isn’t rocket science. It’s simply doing what we already know we should be doing no matter what the cost, including monetary. It’s better to be poor with integrity…

Proverbs 19:1 — Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in his lips and is a fool.

Matthew 16:26 — For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life?

Now is the time to get right with all — and stay right no matter what others are doing.
When we take what God’s word says seriously, and do what He says, walking in victory, then the fruit of the Spirit will flow in our lives. Then the world will know — and we’ll be so happy: “the joy of the Lord is our strength!”
It’s all about integrity. And the proof will be when God shows up.
Many think they can fool man (but often really don’t), acting like everything is okay. But this is a facade. We need real integrity to overcome in these last days.
Let’s live in reality, knowing we will give account for even every idle word we speak.

Matthew 12:36 — I tell you that every idle word that men speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.

No messing around. This is serious. We can’t just do what we want….
Our standard must be absolute integrity.
Let’s overcome together!
Jeff : )

ALCC — The gathering of the clans

By

On October 2, 2010

In Abbott Loop CC / Unite Church, Getting Right with Each Other, Personal, Revival

We need each other to be a complete, functioning body.

We need the gathering of the clans.
We need to reach out, admit where we were wrong
and welcome them back into our midst.

May we be one in Christ —
strong and healthy.

“Then the world will know” —
John 17 realized among us!

: )

Related:
Wes Hall [IHOP] on William Seymour’s 1909 prophecy of the shekinah glory returning to the church in 100 years: “Let me tell you about the church in the book of Acts. …the fear of God was on the community, and no one dared join them. But they were highly esteemed. Why did no one dare join them?” | My theory …
Asbury Revival, 1970: “Dr. Kinlaw, I am a liar. Now what do I do?”
[Mike Bickle IHOP 3/08] Making a Purity Covenant: Seven Practical Commitments — The Lord will visit IHOP-KC with an open door of glory in the spirit and a door of ministry to the nations. When Jesus opens a door of glory to release more of His manifest presence then He requires more agreement with His heart (a higher standard of obedience). … This is a promise with a warning of judgment.

"If we build it He will come"

By

On October 2, 2010

In Abbott Loop CC / Unite Church, Personal, Revival

The Third Great Awakening may begin here in Alaska
(I’ve been saying this for years).

“Great doctrine produces
great Christians and great churches.”

One can happen at Abbott Loop!

: )

Related:

Kevin Conner: Doctrine Determines the Health of the Church

 

[Photo] My Car: NOHATE

By

On September 24, 2010

In Forgive & Be FREE, FreedomQuotes, FUN or AMAZING Stuff!, Getting Right with Each Other, Jesus Wept, No Enemy, Personal, Photos, Power OVER or under

My ’95 talon

Valedictorian explains why false doctrines still rule: "We are all expected to be the same. We are trained to ace every standardized test, and those who deviate and see light through a different lens are worthless… and therefore viewed with contempt"

By

On September 11, 2010

In James-3 Cursing People, Personal, Revival, The Church is Getting Jacked!

Valedictorian Erica Goldson was speaking of public education, but isn’t this true within Chrisendom as well?

Between these cinderblock walls, we are all expected to be the same. We are trained to ace every standardized test, and those who deviate and see light through a different lens are worthless to the scheme of public education, and therefore viewed with contempt.

“Viewed with contempt” often means getting James-3 cursed. Dissenters from the established norm are pressured to conform. And the more we hold our ground, the more evil is wished upon us — those of us who won’t believe something just because we’re told to.
And that’s why revival-killing, false doctrine prevails to at least some degree in every single church that I know of. Education (and preaching) is too often indoctrination, instead of  encouragement for us to seek God so we can all come to the knowledge of the truth.
And I can’t tell you how much pressure was put on me to adhere to the norm. And much of this is through the reverse-Christian, James-3 curses (‘prayers’): Dennis Cramer: “Most ‘Christians’ curse for the purpose of retaliation and vindication … ‘Christian’ leaders are even more vulnerable”, which is not just for retaliation and vindication, but also to control, to bring those who question into line.
The old wineskins can only be replaced by the new wineskins (that can hold the new wine without bursting) when the church is encouraged to seek the One who has promised to lead us into all truth. And then when we find that truth, let’s embrace it and those who have persevered to find it.
Erica also said this:

We are thinkers, dreamers, explorers, artists, writers, engineers. We are anything we want to be – but only if we have an educational system that supports us rather than holds us down. A tree can grow, but only if its roots are given a healthy foundation.

Thank God for the rare teachers who had the courage and love to encourage us even when they saw us thinking outside of the box! I thank God for Jerry W., in particular. He encouraged and helped equip me no matter what.
Leaders should be power-under, not power-over, encouraging everyone to draw near to God so God can draw near to us.
Revival will only come when the whole body is functioning together. Most pastors and teachers like to think their doctrine is totally sound. Then why isn’t revival happening — real Christianity according to the Scriptures I have listed in my header?
Full revival isn’t happening because our doctrines aren’t yet cisterns that are sound enough to be able to hold water. Our doctrines still have huge holes in them.
Churches should create a nurturing atmosphere in which those who question will be appreciated and seen as vital to real Christianity happening — instead of acting like we’ve already arrived.
We need each other, even the parts that seem ‘divisive,’ when in reality we just refuse to accept the sub-biblical goals that keep the church from really being the church.
We’ll know when we’ve arrived when God arrives to where we are all one with each other, resting in Him. Then the world will know (John 17)!
Let’s break out of the box and embrace what is true, loving the Lord, our God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength, and our neighbors (even the ‘renegades’ who just happen to be wired differently for a really good reason) as much as we love ourselves.
Jeff : )

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9M4tdMsg3ts]Valedictorian Speaks Out Against Schooling

misserizzlefoshizzle | August 05, 2010

Please excuse the nervousness of my voice.

The full text can be found here:
http://americaviaerica.blogspot.com/2…

From: americaviaerica.blogspot.com…

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Coxsackie-Athens Valedictorian Speech 2010

Here I Stand
Erica Goldson

…the dilemma I’ve faced within the American education system. We are so focused on a goal, whether it be passing a test, or graduating as first in the class. However, in this way, we do not really learn. We do whatever it takes to achieve our original objective.

Some of you may be thinking, “Well, if you pass a test, or become valedictorian, didn’t you learn something? Well, yes, you learned something, but not all that you could have. Perhaps, you only learned how to memorize names, places, and dates to later on forget in order to clear your mind for the next test. School is not all that it can be. Right now, it is a place for most people to determine that their goal is to get out as soon as possible.

I am now accomplishing that goal. I am graduating. I should look at this as a positive experience, especially being at the top of my class. However, in retrospect, I cannot say that I am any more intelligent than my peers. I can attest that I am only the best at doing what I am told and working the system. Yet, here I stand, and I am supposed to be proud that I have completed this period of indoctrination. I will leave in the fall to go on to the next phase expected of me, in order to receive a paper document that certifies that I am capable of work. But I contest that I am a human being, a thinker, an adventurer – not a worker. A worker is someone who is trapped within repetition – a slave of the system set up before him. But now, I have successfully shown that I was the best slave. I did what I was told to the extreme. While others sat in class and doodled to later become great artists, I sat in class to take notes and become a great test-taker. While others would come to class without their homework done because they were reading about an interest of theirs, I never missed an assignment. While others were creating music and writing lyrics, I decided to do extra credit, even though I never needed it. So, I wonder, why did I even want this position? Sure, I earned it, but what will come of it? When I leave educational institutionalism, will I be successful or forever lost? I have no clue about what I want to do with my life; I have no interests because I saw every subject of study as work, and I excelled at every subject just for the purpose of excelling, not learning. And quite frankly, now I’m scared. …

Between these cinderblock walls, we are all expected to be the same. We are trained to ace every standardized test, and those who deviate and see light through a different lens are worthless to the scheme of public education, and therefore viewed with contempt.

H. L. Mencken wrote in The American Mercury for April 1924 that the aim of public education is not

    • to fill the young of the species with knowledge and awaken their intelligence. … Nothing could be further from the truth. The aim … is simply to reduce as many individuals as possible to the same safe level, to breed and train a standardized citizenry, to put down dissent and originality. That is its aim in the United States. (Gatto)

To illustrate this idea, doesn’t it perturb you to learn about the idea of “critical thinking.” Is there really such a thing as “uncritically thinking?” To think is to process information in order to form an opinion. But if we are not critical when processing this information, are we really thinking? Or are we mindlessly accepting other opinions as truth? …

The majority of students are put through the same brainwashing techniques in order to create a complacent labor force working in the interests of large corporations and secretive government, and worst of all, they are completely unaware of it. I will never be able to turn back these 18 years. I can’t run away to another country with an education system meant to enlighten rather than condition. This part of my life is over, and I want to make sure that no other child will have his or her potential suppressed by powers meant to exploit and control. We are human beings. We are thinkers, dreamers, explorers, artists, writers, engineers. We are anything we want to be – but only if we have an educational system that supports us rather than holds us down. A tree can grow, but only if its roots are given a healthy foundation.

For those of you out there that must continue to sit in desks and yield to the authoritarian ideologies of instructors, do not be disheartened. You still have the opportunity to stand up, ask questions, be critical, and create your own perspective. Demand a setting that will provide you with intellectual capabilities that allow you to expand your mind instead of directing it. Demand that you be interested in class. Demand that the excuse, “You have to learn this for the test” is not good enough for you. Education is an excellent tool, if used properly, but focus more on learning rather than getting good grades.

For those of you that work within the system that I am condemning, I do not mean to insult; I intend to motivate. You have the power to change the incompetencies of this system. I know that you did not become a teacher or administrator to see your students bored. You cannot accept the authority of the governing bodies that tell you what to teach, how to teach it, and that you will be punished if you do not comply. Our potential is at stake. …

So, here I stand. …

I'm Doubling My Salvation Bible Doctrine Challenge to $6,000!

By

On September 8, 2010

In Personal, Who Goes to Heaven

Starting today, I’m doubling my $3,000 challenge, to now offer $6,000 to anyone who can refute my Who-Goes-To-Heaven Scriptures — Narrow is the Way, which now also includes “Who are the Children of God?”
Please spread the word. If I’m wrong, one of the hundreds of thousands who teach otherwise can cash in. But if not even one can, then why is anyone still teaching once-saved-always-saved or “it’s hard to lose one’s salvation” — the doctrines that are mainstream in ‘Christianity,’ today.
It’s time to get our act together. The consequences for those teaching false doctrine is even heavier than for those who believe what they say.

Let not many of you be teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive heavier judgment. (James 3:1)

We need to make sure we’re right. Our country is crumbling, steeped in false doctrine. Only sound Bible doctrine will help bring in the Third Great Awakening — real Christianity — full revival that will be so sweet!
Could it be that doctrines of demons rule the day, and this is why America is so sick?
ONE can happen — Jesus’ heartcry for us to be one with each other in Himself (John 17)!
Jeff Fenske
Anchorage, Alaska
Details are here:
My $6,000 Challenge! I will give $6,000 to anyone who can refute my “Who-Goes-To-Heaven Scriptures — Narrow is the Way” article

My "Who Goes to Heaven" article has been up for over 2.5 years — without refutation!

By

On September 6, 2010

In 'Church' is the Cause of the Crash, Personal, Power OVER or under, Revival, Who Goes to Heaven

My article, Who-Goes-To-Heaven Scriptures — Narrow is the Way article [which now includes Who are the Children of God] has been online since January 14, 2008.
And it’s long been the number one hit in Google if you type in: <who goes to heaven>.
So it has been online for 2.5 years, and has been widely read, and no one can refute it even though I’m offering a monetary reward to anyone who can.
So why aren’t ‘churches’ dropping their false doctrines and teaching the truth so real revival can come?
It’s so clear!

How low does America have to fall before we teach what the Bible really says — before we come alive — ONE with each other in Christ! (Jesus’ heart-cry for us in John 17)

When will we wake up that: [music video] Seawind: The Devil Is A Liar — “Don’t let the Devil do his number on you, child”
There is no longer any excuse.
Let’s for once be truly Biblical: right with God and each other so the Holy Spirit can come, indwelling our hearts with peace, joy and power!
But this power is power-under, not power over.

We must follow and be led by the Prince of Peace, under His authority, not the too often reverse-Christian globalist controlled Fox News channel: Is Murdoch’s NIV the ‘N’ew ‘I’lluminati ‘V’ersion? Has the Word of God Been Corrupted to Bring US Into the New World Order?

The Devil is a liar, but the Holy Spirit is life, peace and joy!

More of my research into Fox News and how they control the right with their globalist ‘Christian’ and etc. personalities can be seen at ToBeFree. See in particular these categories:

Sarah Palin
Mike Huckabee
Glenn Beck Deception
George Bush Family
Media Bias Exposed
‘Christians’ Trashing America
Republicans Blackmailable

The Republican party has been almost totally hijacked, and the globalists do it through the naivety of ‘Christians,’ who aren’t learning the truth from their pastors — of whom most are Biblicaly disqualified to lead — which I’ll prove in an upcoming article.

The ‘church’ is the cause of the crash because we haven’t held up the standard. See The Red Gate Prophecy — What If I Open It Just a Little Bit?. We’ve let the sin into our own lives; though, we blame the homosexuals, the Muslims, the Democrats, etc. — when we’re responsible for the collapse of America.

Jesus in Matthew 7:3-5

Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but don’t consider the beam that is in your own eye? Or how will you tell your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye;’ and behold, the beam is in your own eye? You hypocrite! First remove the beam out of your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother’s eye.

Do we still even care what Jesus says? I often wonder. Do evangelicals really care about what the Bible really says and about what the Holy Spirit is really saying?
Is Jesus really Lord of our lives; though, we say “Lord…”

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will tell me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?’ Then I will tell them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.’

– Jesus in Mat. 5:21-23

Let us be ONE!
Jeff Fenske
Anchorage, Alaska

Spam: "Your guide to successful adultery"

By

On August 24, 2010

In Lust Freedom!, Personal

I just got a spam email entitled: “Your guide to successful adultery.”
No, I didn’t open it. But it’s kind of shocking to see how far America has fallen when spammers blatantly use biblical terms.
It reminds me of Luther’s Martin Luther: Sin Boldly — “No sin can separate us from Him, even if we were to kill or commit adultery thousands of times each day”
I also think of Coach Daubenmire: The Death of Shame, in which he says: “If it feels good, do it” has replaced “Thou shall not.”
We can do better!
jeff

My friend, David Anders on Catholic TV

By

On August 8, 2010

In Catholic Church, Doctrines Demystified, Doctrines of Demons?, Personal

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qibg-m2vUno]EWTN Live – Protestant Theology – Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J. with David Anders – 06-23-2010

EWTN | June 24, 2010 | 56 minutes

I got an email from Dave Anders’ wife, Jill, giving me the link to this TV interview of one of my best friends ever. Dave and Jill are really great people!
Dave, Jill and I became good friends while Dave and I were attending seminary at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. I’ve said to them more than once that I wish we could have lived across the street from each other since, instead of being thousands of miles away. My guess is that if we had stayed in close fellowship we’d probably be on the same page now, theologically. But even if this never happens, I know we’ll always be close friends, even if our conflicting faiths try to keep us apart.
Dave is a history buff, going on to get his Ph.D.. He has a lightning quick, nearly photographic memory and can digest a huge amount of material. Whereas, my memory is probably just average, and I’m slow and methodical, covering much less territory, but with a fine-tooth comb. I chew on stuff, thinking it through, making sure. And history was my minor, not my major. Dave and I come to conclusions much differently.
Having been geographically apart for so many years, I’m only now seeing the reasoning he used to come to his decision to leave evangelicalism and become a Catholic. It’s interesting that we’ve both seen the contradictions in evangelical thought, but we used different tools and methods to end up on these way different pages.
I absolutely know that Dave has a pure heart, and he won’t be offended by this critique. But I’m going to challenge him too. We still have time to work this out. I think at the very least, when he sees ONE happen (Jesus’ heart-cry for us in John 17 — what this site is largely about) outside of the Catholic church, he’ll know, just as Jesus said in John 17: “Then the world will know.”
Much of the world sees the serious problems in today’s evangelicalism (which both Dave and I observed), but it’s also obvious to the world that the Catholic church leaders have a severely reverse-Christian reputation, because… You know. At least the Catholics aren’t pushing pro-reverse-Christian wars like the protestants are.
But it’s also clear that the scriptures I present in my header at the top of this site aren’t being realized in either of these religions, currently. To me, if we’re not doing the greatest two commandments then we don’t have real Christianity, the true church — “by their fruits you will know them.” But apparently, for Dave, the true church always exists as the Catholic church, whether there is good fruit or not.
I believe that real Christianity happened for a time in the early church. Like in Acts, when they were all in one accord and the presence of God was so strong that those outside were literally afraid. And there was great respect for the church. “Then the world will know” already happened then, but it was soon falling apart, even in what we read in Jesus’ letters to the churches in Revelation.
Like Dave, I’ve found the early church fathers’ writings to be interesting, but I think we’re looking for different things. In my studies, I’ve been looking for evidence of where God was actively showing up, where there was the presence of God, not just mere mental ascent. Paul said: “don’t be drunk with wine but be filled with the Holy Spirit.” In one of these interviews, Dave talks about not feeling anything and that’s okay. But I believe we’re supposed to be filled with the Spirit, and that this will be a tangible thing.
So unlike Dave, I’m not impressed with Augustine, or the so many church fathers who I think really didn’t really understand and experience real Christianity the way it is supposed to be. Dave thinks Augustine is significant, while I think he didn’t get it. While we both agree that Luther and Calvin didn’t get it. Neither understood Paul.
I still believe in restoration theology: that the church did at one time have it together, and has at times since, while Dave now believes that basically, “the church” never really lost it, because of apostolic succession. “The Church” has always been the church.
We both agree that sola scriptura (the Bible alone) is not a biblical concept; though, I don’t believe that our traditions can be correct if they disagree with the Bible. I believe the Bible can be totally trusted.
Apparently(Dave, correct me if I’m wrong), Dave now believes the Catholic leaders decide what true doctrine is — that tradition is king.
I don’t believe in apostolic succession, or in Popes, or in “Fathers,” or in the continuation of the priesthood into the new covenant. The veil has been rent. Jesus is our only priest. Now we go directly to Him.
As does David, I discount sola scriptura (scripture only), but not because I elevate tradition. Rather, I believe that God gives the people the ability to determine what is right, because He’s given us the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth. John said in 1 John 2:26, 27:

These things I have written to you concerning those who would lead you astray. As for you, the anointing which you received from him remains in you, and you don’t need for anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, you will remain in him.

I’m very surprised that Dave is saying hardly anything about the Holy Spirit. But for the Bible writers, the Holy Spirit is a huge factor — God, Himself giving us the ability to understand all things without someone dressed in a robe telling us what to do.
I also believe that true leaders will teach the people how to be led by the Holy Spirit. True leaders will teach the people how to abide in Christ to the degree that we will hear His voice and follow Him.
To me, the Bible and the Holy Spirit should be the emphasis. To Catholics, apparently the church leaders’ doctrines are the emphasis. To evangelicals, what pastors and K-LOVE says seems to be the emphasis; though, some claim sola scriptura. But they clearly have a canon within the Canon, emphasizing their favorite texts while totally ignoring those that disagree with their once-saved, always saved (or “it’s hard to lose one’s salvation) doctrines.
Paul said “follow me as I follow Christ.” Catholic leaders just say “follow us, regardless.” And Dave said he struggled with the bad popes, but then decided that God’s plan was carried out through even them. Huh? Dave? I wonder how many billions of people are in hell because of the Catholic church right now, based upon what the Bible really says about who goes to heaven. People are blindly trusting in biblically disqualified leaders instead of making sure they are abiding in Christ, themselves. This deception is huge!
And for those who have read my writings, you know that I don’t think the evangelicals are doing much better. Many are doing even worse in their once-saved-always-saved (or similar) deception.
Dave considers the sacraments to be much more important than I do. And he believes that the bread and wine in the Eucharist/communion isn’t just representational. I’m open to the idea that the sacraments should mean more than they do to evangelicals. And I don’t know what to think regarding “the real presence” and the other theories about the bread and the wine being Christ’s body and blood or not. Perhaps the Holy Spirit will lead us into what is fully true regarding this, but I still think this is minor when compared to these other things.
I don’t see evidence for baptizing infants in the Bible or in the Didache (an early church fathers’ writing that I think is significant). The person getting baptized believing is mentioned in both cases. I don’t think converts should put it off though, like I did for a few years.
I was surprised to hear that Dave no longer believes in a born-again conversion when one is old enough to commit. Apparently, he believes that Catholic baptism + nothing = salvation. This is close to what the Lutherans still teach; though, it would be a Lutheran baptism. This is a huge deception — very dangerous, especially when there are so many clear texts that say what is required to go to heaven that don’t mention baptism at all.
The Bible teaches personal responsibility, now that we have the Holy Spirit inside of us. The Catholic Church teaches putting full trust in the priests and sacraments. I don’t see it. This is yuck to the max! The Devil must like and support this just as he pushes and enjoys once saved, always saved.
“By their fruits you will know them” indicates that the Catholic Church and the evangelicals aren’t yet fully enough them. What the Bible says the church is supposed to be isn’t happening in either camp. The Devil wants us to sit on our laurels and act like we’ve arrived, when we clearly haven’t.
When ONE happens, “then the world will know.”
Let us be ONE!!!

——-

An earlier interview from: EWTN…

20. Program Name: Former Presbyterian
smallspeaker.gif (241 bytes) Listen Now
Download Download
Series Name: The Journey Home
Host: Marcus Grodi with Dr. David Anders
Date Produced: 2/8/2010
Description: Dr. Anders shares with us his experience as a Presbyterian seminarian studying the Church Fathers especially Augustine and what happened to Faith Alone, the Bible Alone among others, on his Journey Home.

David wrote How John Calvin Made me a Catholic, in which he says this in a comment:

I concluded – on the basis of hard, cold, unemotional exegesis – that Luther profoundly misread Paul. From this, I reexamined ecclesiology, and ultimately authority, and concluded that the Catholics had the better arguments.

I have given a broader account of my conversion here:
http://www.chnetwork.org/newsletters/may10.pdf

I have also given an interview that goes into more of the doctrinal basis for my conversion.
It is available online [the Marcus Grodi with Dr. David Anders interview posted above – editor]:
http://www.ewtn.com/vondemand/audio/seriessearchprog.asp?seriesID=-6892289

Also, in response to my historical claims about Calvin and Bolsec.
I deliberately left out most of the footnoting I would have included in an academic article.
If you would like more documentation, please examine my dissertation.
It is available at: http://disexpress.umi.com/dxweb#search

Prophets from the ranks of shepherds: John Calvin and the challenge of popular religion (1532–1555)
by Anders, Albert David Ph.D., The University of Iowa, 2002, 712 pages.

Related:
My Ph.D.-genius-friend, John Calvin expert: “In all my reading of Calvin, I don’t recall him ever apologizing for a mistake or admitting an error.” | According to Paul, can John Calvin be in heaven?
All of my The Catholic Deception posts
Who-Goes-To-Heaven Scriptures — Narrow is the Way

My Ph.D.-genius-friend, John Calvin scholar: "In all my reading of Calvin, I don’t recall him ever apologizing for a mistake or admitting an error" | According to Paul, can John Calvin be in heaven?

By

On August 8, 2010

In Biblically Disqualified Leaders?, Calvin Didn't Get It, Catholic Church, Getting Right with Each Other, Personal, Power OVER or under, Real History, The Church is Getting Jacked!

Dave and I became close friends at seminary. Afterward, he shared with me what he had learned about John Calvin’s character. This is the first time I’ve seen it in writing from him.
If there is anyone who should know, it’s Dave. He’s probably read everything from at least every American library written by or about John Calvin, often even in the original languages. Dave is pure genius, having this amazing memory!
In Birmingham (his home), I went with him to the library one day to drop off and pick up the books he ordered. I watched him exchange about 30 books for the 30 books he was getting. I think he said he did this every week. His Ph.D. thesis blew the professors away. Apparently, it had this bibliography that was almost endless. I’ll have to ask him again about the specifics. He’s not one to toot his own horn.
From: calledtocommunion

How John Calvin Made me a Catholic

Jun 1st, 2010

This is a guest post by Dr. David Anders. David and his wife completed their undergraduate degrees at Wheaton College in 1992. He subsequently earned an M.A. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in 1995, and a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa in 2002, in Reformation history and historical theology.  He was received into the Catholic Church in 2003. He will be on EWTN Live on June 23rd, 7:00 pm Central (8 EST), and may be discussing some of the material from this article.

[…]

When I finished seminary, I moved on to Ph.D. studies in Reformation history. My focus was on John Calvin (1509-1564), the French Reformer who made Geneva, Switzerland into a model Protestant city. I chose Calvin not just because of my Presbyterian background, but because most American Protestants have some relationship to him. The English Puritans, the Pilgrim Fathers, Jonathan Edwards and the “Great Awakening” – all drew on Calvin and then strongly influenced American religion. My college and seminary professors portrayed Calvin as a master theologian, our theologian. I thought that if I could master Calvin, I would really know the faith.

Strangely, mastering Calvin didn’t lead me anywhere I expected. To begin with, I decided that I really didn’t like Calvin. I found him proud, judgmental and unyielding.

[…]

I already knew that Calvin himself, for all his insistence on unity and authority, had been unable to deliver the goods. His own followers descended into anarchy and individualism.

I realized instead that Calvin was part of the problem. He had insisted on the importance of unity and authority, but had rejected any rational or consistent basis for that authority. He knew that Scripture totally alone, Scripture interpreted by each individual conscience, was a recipe for disaster. But his own claim to authority was perfectly arbitrary. Whenever he was challenged, he simply appealed to his own conscience, or to his subjective experience, but he denied that right to Bolsec and others. As a result, Calvin became proud and censorious, brutal with his enemies, and intolerant of dissent. In all my reading of Calvin, I don’t recall him ever apologizing for a mistake or admitting an error.

Entire Article Here

• • • • •

So can John Calvin be in heaven?

Unlike Calvin, Paul actually did ~”work out his own salvation through fear and trembling.” He made sure he ALWAYS right with everyone and God.

“Herein I also practice *always* having a conscience void of offense toward God and men.” (Acts 24:16)

He overcame sin by the power of the Holy Spirit. He once lived in Romans 7 before he became born-again. Then he lived in Christ, not walking according to the flesh, but according to the Holy Spirit:

“There is therefore now *no condemnation* to those who are IN CHRIST Jesus, who don’t WALK according to the flesh, but ACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT.”

Consider Paul’s words in Paul in Galatians 5 & 6. In which list do we find John Calvin?

13 For you, brothers, were called for freedom. Only don’t use your freedom for gain to the flesh, but through love be servants to one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, be careful that you don’t consume one another.

16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won’t fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, that you may not do the things that you desire. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, 21 envyings, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, 23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts.

25 If we live by the Spirit, let’s also walk by the Spirit. 26 Let’s not become conceited, provoking one another, and envying one another.

1 Brothers, even if a man is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to yourself so that you also aren’t tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if a man thinks himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each man test his own work, and then he will take pride in himself and not in his neighbor. 5 For each man will bear his own burden.

6 But let him who is taught in the word share all good things with him who teaches. 7 Don’t be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. But he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

9 Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let’s do what is good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith.

Related:
John Calvin Didn’t Follow Christ: “If you can burn people at the stake, and drown people in the river, and drive them out of town into a Swiss winter, and say you got that from the Bible, you’re not an exegete. And that’s the kind of man John Calvin was” – Mike Floyd
John Calvin Had Servetus Burned at the Stake — His Ashes Cry Out!
The Protestant Reformers Were Frauds: By their Fruits You Will Know Them — Martin Luther was a false teacher, a racist, a persecutor and a murderer! John Calvin was a false teacher, a deranged tyrant, a persecutor and a murderer!
John Calvin was a Persecutor
Felix Manz (1498-1527) – Drowned by Zwingli for Rebaptizing — Manz wanted to bring together those who were willing to accept Christ, OBEY the Word, and FOLLOW in Jesus’ footsteps, to UNITE with these by baptism
Who-Goes-To-Heaven Scriptures — Narrow is the Way | Who are the Children of God? — “There is therefore now *no condemnation* to those who are IN CHRIST Jesus, who don’t WALK according to the flesh, but ACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT.”
My friend, David Anders on Catholic TV (I don’t recommend Catholicism, but I’m a big fan of Dave)

Richard Dreyfuss (who plays Moses in THE WORD OF PROMISE AUDIO BIBLE) interviewed by Tavis: The dread he feels about America's future, one man owns half of the news media, “If you're against the policy, you're against the troops,” DARKness and LIGHTkeepers!

By

On August 3, 2010

In Personal

It’s not often that an interview surprises me in a great way! So I thought I’d share it with all of you.

I’ve been enjoying listening to The Word of Promise audio Bible (Jim Caviezel plays Jesus), so I was curious to find out more about Richard Dreyfuss, who plays Moses. I had no idea how cool he is!

As I watched, my jaw dropped open. I’ve hardly known anything about this man.
.

A few words about The Word of Promise audio Bible:

I recommend it for a number of reasons. Some of the actors are amazing, and they’re allowed to relax. It’s much easier to get into.

Apparently, most of the narrators in past audio Bibles were forced to speak rapidly so their words could be contained on fewer cassettes or CDs. I think in one case, they even electronically sped up the narrator’s voice. How can one meditate on the words when being force-fed. Listening to the word of God should not be just a mental exercise?

And from what I’ve heard so far, the music seems to add, not distract. It’s not canned music, but a real orchestra and musical score.

My biggest surprise was listening to Revelation, which usually isn’t this gripping, this enjoyable. It’s phenomenal!

It can be purchased as the entire Bible or just the New Testament. And it’s available in MP3 or standard CDs. The Amazon link above is for the entire Bible, which also has some video and audio excerpts.

Very nice!

God bless!

Jeff : )

• • •

Watch, Listen or Read Tavis’ Interview
HERE

Richard Dreyfuss

airdate May 7, 2010

Dreyfuss: … I lived a blessed life. I was able to do for 50 years something I adored doing and I was rewarded and praised for it. Then when it ceased to being as intense a love affair and, as the Bible says, for everything there’s a season, when I got older and I stopped being given the highest salaries and the best parts, I also was not allowed to have my opinions heard and that made me quit.

I said to myself what I had promised myself when I was 12. When I was 12, I said, “You’re gonna be an actor and a star. You’re gonna go into politics and then you’re gonna teach history.” So when I was 56, I quit being an actor, meaning I quit developing. I quit trying to raise projects up and all that.

I went to Oxford for four years and I knew Cassandra’s Curse. You know, she had the ability to see the future and no one would believe her. Well, I wrote a piece for the San Diego Tribune and I said, “I have not been able to find the words that you would make you feel the dread I feel about the future of this country.”

I would ask you, when you think about the future of America, do you have a sense of ease and comfort and relaxation or do you sense some unease and something wrong even if you can’t name it?

Tavis: I feel the same thing you feel. …

Dreyfuss: There are two things that’ll make me lose my sense of humor. When someone says, “You have no right to that flag” or when they say… “If you’re against the policy, you’re against the troops.” Those things get me really angry because I’m an American and I love America more than I can possibly tell you. …

Dreyfuss: …patriotism means that people can understand that this country uniquely has an inherent meaning and most countries are just accidents of history.

This country was intended for something and, if we had tried it in Europe, they would have killed us to the last man. It was only the Atlantic Ocean that protected us. But we have a meaning and what is it? It’s that we put the Bill of Rights up on a wall so that everyone could see every time we failed and every time we succeeded and we had the guts and the naivety and arrogance and cockiness to say this is our picture of our moral future.

That is an act unequaled in history, so that we said that’s our goal. We announce it now and every time we failed it, it’s headlines and every time we succeed at it, it’s commonplace. And it’s what makes America completely unique in the story of nations. …

You can’t deny that we are a picture of a country that is like after the Big Bang. Everything is going this way and, when you don’t hold people accountable and when you allow illegal wars and when you can’t define the party principles because the win is more important than the principles, then you know you’re in trouble. …

Tavis: …why are you hopeful?

Dreyfuss: Because I believe, first of all, that individuals make history. I don’t believe that it happens by itself. I believe that America is hard and it takes maintenance and you can’t forget that you’ve got to take your car into the shop every six months and lube it up.

You cannot take for granted the complexity and complement of Republican democracy. Republican democracy actually says that the citizenry is as important as any other sector in the government. So why do we not teach those kids how to run the country? We teach our kids what we want them to know and we don’t teach them what we don’t want them to know, so someone is saying that.

By the way, if all of the news information industry is owned, let’s say, 35 to 55 percent by one guy, that’s a subject for discussion and if his name happens to be Rupert Murdoch, he’s got five passports and one of them is Chinese. So when he was [unintelligible] to the president’s ear, who’s he talking for, and you have a right to ask that. You have an obligation. …

Tavis: Tell me about Lightkeepers. …

Dreyfuss: This is a movie about a guy who has made an oath to keep the light on and that means no matter what, the light never goes off because, if the light goes off, people will die and that’s the oath that all lightkeepers took. That is as clear a metaphor about this country as you can get because the darkness which is the overwhelming history of mankind has come back.

We live in a senseless, Alice in Wonderland world where nothing is logical, where no one is punished, where people who are rewarded are only rewarded because they were born to it and now the Supreme Court has actually, in a way, by saying the corporations are unfettered, giving political contributions, you know what that really is? That’s closing the circle.

We came here to get away from that and now our own Supreme Court has brought it back. A caste and class system that says money is the only counter and, if you don’t have it, you’re out. That is actually bringing history back to where it began at the birth of this country.

I’m taking back my personal blog… It’s time to get serious!

By

On July 4, 2010

In Personal

Greetings,
This is my official announcement that I’m taking back this blog [my personal blog: jefffenske.com]. I kind of loaned it out to my friends at what was NWA Cargo, Anchorage. I’ll leave all of these nostalgic photos up. Everyone is always welcome to visit and copy the photos as long as they’re not used for profit.
I’m going to try to now continue with what I first intended this blog to be.
My original idea was to actually share some of what I was up to personally, partly as an incentive to achieve some of my goals, like being able to forgive everyone from my entire heart, nonstop, fully.

Continue Reading at

jefffenske.com

"Magnificent Seven Theme" (((Stereo))) — Let's Ride Together In Love Against Witchcraft, Magnificently — Until 'ONE' Happens!

By

On July 1, 2010

In Personal, Power OVER or under, Revival

I’ve always loved this song: OVERCOME no matter what!! TOGETHER, we can do it — no matter what happens! They can’t take our soul if we stay together in the LIGHT, fighting darkness!

I saw the movie for maybe the first time a few days ago, as it came out just 3 years after I was born. Seven guys get together to free the poor farmers from the oppressors!

Alone, they couldn’t have done it, but together…!!!!!!!

Awesome! We need to ride again, this time without guns, standing up for what’s right, against the dark side — bringing in the LIGHT!

It’s not too late. ONE can happen, today!

Fight the GOOD fight!

To Be Free : )

TURN IT UP!

Lets Ride

TOGETHER!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45KAjt7v4t4]The Magnificent Seven – Elmer Bernstein

Erich Kunzel & Cincinnati Pops Orchestra

Elmer Bernstein wrote the theme songs or other music for more than 200 films and TV shows

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iteRKvRKFA]Magnificent Seven Theme

Related:
U2 — ‘Magnificent’ Live on Letterman!!!!!!! “Till we die, you and I will magnify The Magnificent!”

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