I
Imagican
Guest
While there are admittedly 'more' than ONE spirit that exist in this world. How do we discern that which is of the Holy Spirit from that of 'other' spirits?
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Desire to be a vessel of honor unto the Lord Jesus Christ?
Join For His Glory for a discussion on how
https://christianforums.net/threads/a-vessel-of-honor.110278/
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Taking the time to pray? Christ is the answer in times of need
https://christianforums.net/threads/psalm-70-1-save-me-o-god-lord-help-me-now.108509/
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Depending upon the Holy Spirit for all you do?
Read through the following study by Tenchi for more on this topic
https://christianforums.net/threads/without-the-holy-spirit-we-can-do-nothing.109419/
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How are famous preachers sometimes effected by sin?
Join Sola Scriptura for a discussion on the subject
https://christianforums.net/threads/anointed-preaching-teaching.109331/#post-1912042
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A
Alannah
Guest
I forget where, but there is a passage somewhere in the gospels that tells us.
N
Novum
Guest
Imagican said:
What other spirits? These?
O
Oscar3
Guest
Imagican said:
I could be wrong, but does not John tell us in 1 john to test the spirits?
That if one can't confess that Jesus Christ is Lord he is of the devil.
Something like that. I will look for the verse.
jgredline
Member
oscar3 said:
Oscar
Thanks for the heads up on this verse. This verse describes many people on this board.
Warning Concerning Antichrists
18 Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us. 20 But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.2 21 I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth. 22 Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. 23 No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also. 24 Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that he made to usâ€â€eternal life.
26 I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. 27 But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everythingâ€â€and is true and is no lie, just as it has taught youâ€â€abide in him.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (1 Jn 2:18-27). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
and here is aother section of scripture in contex
Test the Spirits
4 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. 4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (1 Jn 4:1-6). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
S
Solo
Guest
1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. 6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. 1 John 4:1-6
3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. 1 Corinthians 12:3
One that has not been born of God has not the Spirit living within him, therefore, that one cannot say that Jesus is the Lord God almighty. They can only make up things like he was created, or he really isn't an eternal person, or ETC. ETC.
4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. 6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. 1 John 4:1-6
3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. 1 Corinthians 12:3
One that has not been born of God has not the Spirit living within him, therefore, that one cannot say that Jesus is the Lord God almighty. They can only make up things like he was created, or he really isn't an eternal person, or ETC. ETC.
I
Imagican
Guest
Novum said:Imagican said:
What other spirits? These?
And 'see', I KNEW there was something 'wrong' with YOU. Too much Knob Creek.
N
Novum
Guest
Imagican said:Novum said:Imagican said:
What other spirits? These?
And 'see', I KNEW there was something 'wrong' with YOU. Too much Knob Creek.
Can't take a joke, can we, Imagican? ;)
I
Imagican
Guest
I kinda 'figured' this would happen. More 'trinity' stuff.
I was hoping for 'more' of the things like the 'fruit' that one bears who is led by the Spirit.
For what has been offered by everyone, so far, excluding Nov's attempt at spirit-ual humor, has delt with an issue that means little UNTIL one comes to an understanding of the 'WHO' behind Christ.
And, let me add that, what was offered by both has NO bearing on the 'truth' behind 'trinity'. I confess OPENLY that Jesus was/IS the Christ, The Son of God. I have NEVER denied that Jesus Christ IS the Son of God. You two, however, have insisted what the scriptures that you posted STATE somehow that Jesus Christ IS God and ANYONE that does not 'accept' your offerings is 'anti-Christ'. Wow. That's showing 'The Spirit.
So, what I believe God IS, is what God has stated He IS over and over throughout the old and new Testament; God IS LOVE. So, His Spirit could be NOTHING less than what He Himself IS. So, it seems OBVIOUS to me that ANYONE even 'claiming' to be led by The Spirit would, by necessity, would HAVE to be able to exhibit the characteristics of 'what God IS'. For one to 'claim' to be 'Spirit filled', yet exhibit a 'lack of love' towards their brothers or sisters is simply 'fooling themselves' into to believing what 'they want'.
So, I believe that the single MOST important attribute of one who is 'truly' filled with The Spirit would be one that was capable of exhibiting LOVE. For Christ Himself stated that ALL the law and ALL the prophet hang on two commandments; Love God with all your heart mind and soul, and LOVE your neihbor AS yourself. Herein lies the 'true' answer to what it means to be Spirit filled.
What think ye?
I was hoping for 'more' of the things like the 'fruit' that one bears who is led by the Spirit.
For what has been offered by everyone, so far, excluding Nov's attempt at spirit-ual humor, has delt with an issue that means little UNTIL one comes to an understanding of the 'WHO' behind Christ.
And, let me add that, what was offered by both has NO bearing on the 'truth' behind 'trinity'. I confess OPENLY that Jesus was/IS the Christ, The Son of God. I have NEVER denied that Jesus Christ IS the Son of God. You two, however, have insisted what the scriptures that you posted STATE somehow that Jesus Christ IS God and ANYONE that does not 'accept' your offerings is 'anti-Christ'. Wow. That's showing 'The Spirit.
So, what I believe God IS, is what God has stated He IS over and over throughout the old and new Testament; God IS LOVE. So, His Spirit could be NOTHING less than what He Himself IS. So, it seems OBVIOUS to me that ANYONE even 'claiming' to be led by The Spirit would, by necessity, would HAVE to be able to exhibit the characteristics of 'what God IS'. For one to 'claim' to be 'Spirit filled', yet exhibit a 'lack of love' towards their brothers or sisters is simply 'fooling themselves' into to believing what 'they want'.
So, I believe that the single MOST important attribute of one who is 'truly' filled with The Spirit would be one that was capable of exhibiting LOVE. For Christ Himself stated that ALL the law and ALL the prophet hang on two commandments; Love God with all your heart mind and soul, and LOVE your neihbor AS yourself. Herein lies the 'true' answer to what it means to be Spirit filled.
What think ye?
S
Solo
Guest
I think that you ignore and/or distance yourself from the scripture that reproves your claims (belief). It is very important to accept the total, complete Word of God when seeking the truth. Perhaps the Spirit is attempting to correct your false doctrine so that you may be born of God. If you continue to believe in God as the Jehovah Witnesses believe, you will die in your own sins, and the grace of God given you through the love of Jesus Christ will be for naught.Imagican said:
S
Solo
Guest
Solo said:
16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 1 Timothy 3:16
.
I
Imagican
Guest
Novum said:Imagican said:Novum said:Imagican said:
What other spirits? These?
And 'see', I KNEW there was something 'wrong' with YOU. Too much Knob Creek.
Can't take a joke, can we, Imagican? ;)
I thought my 'comment' was a Joke. You didn't get it though.
Yes, I thought it was 'quite' humorous. In a 'twisted, bent, angled' sort of way.
F
Fulton Sheen's Warrior
Guest
+JMJ+
In order to determine what is of the Spirit we would have to ask, what is the pillar and foundation of truth.
In order to determine what is of the Spirit we would have to ask, what is the pillar and foundation of truth.
M
MrVersatile48
Guest
John 1, Colossians 1 & Hebrews 1 make it crystal clear that Jesus is the Almighty Creator in human form
That's why He accepted worship (as when Thomas said, 'My Lord & my God')
That's also why He alone could pay the penalty for every sin: He alone is perfect
That's why He is consistently called 'the Lord'
& that's the significance of 'believing that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh'
Not that He was just a man, but the unique 'God-man'
It includes taking God at His Word: if any 'prophecy' clearly disagrees with God's revealed will in the Bible, it's a false prophecy - that may be behind the question in the OP, as many claim to be speaking by the Holy Spirit, but, as Jesus prophesied in Matt 24, etc, there are many false prophets/ christs/messiahs
The Bible says that 'the devil himself masquerades as an angel of light & so do his minions'
False prophets nearly always deny the Deity of Christ & the way of salvation (by the sheer grace of God, thru faith in Christ's once-for-all atoning sacrifice, as per John 3, Romans 3, Galatians 2:15-16, Ephesians 2:8-9, etc)
That's why He accepted worship (as when Thomas said, 'My Lord & my God')
That's also why He alone could pay the penalty for every sin: He alone is perfect
That's why He is consistently called 'the Lord'
& that's the significance of 'believing that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh'
Not that He was just a man, but the unique 'God-man'
It includes taking God at His Word: if any 'prophecy' clearly disagrees with God's revealed will in the Bible, it's a false prophecy - that may be behind the question in the OP, as many claim to be speaking by the Holy Spirit, but, as Jesus prophesied in Matt 24, etc, there are many false prophets/ christs/messiahs
The Bible says that 'the devil himself masquerades as an angel of light & so do his minions'
False prophets nearly always deny the Deity of Christ & the way of salvation (by the sheer grace of God, thru faith in Christ's once-for-all atoning sacrifice, as per John 3, Romans 3, Galatians 2:15-16, Ephesians 2:8-9, etc)
I
Imagican
Guest
Firstly, let me state with all sincerity. I am NOT a JW. I am NOT a Protestant. I am NOTHING other than a believer and follower of what I understand. I CAN be NOTHING other than what I have been given. I follow the 'doctrine' of NO men.
I believe in The Church with Christ AS the Head. That puts me in a position to discern the doctrine of ALL churches with 'truth'. And from what I have personally witnessed, the churches are mostly following 'man-made' doctrine rather than the Word.
I have NO affiliation with any church. I admire the perseverance and dedication of the JW's, but MUCH of their understanding is flawed. Russell was a bit bent in that he refused to accept the Word as 'given' and decided to 'write his own Bible'. Add to this his insistence that he would witness and thereby, be able to 'predict' the coming of Christ and one quickly sees that this man was a 'bit off center'.
If I were asked my 'opinion' about denominations and 'which' is 'closest' to the 'truth', I would have to say the Baptist. But, having visited their 'churches', they too have bowed to the will of man rather than uphold the doctrine that their 'religion' was based on.
Solo, I have accepted what has been revealed to ME. Jesus Christ IS the Son of God. God IS the Father of Jesus Christ. You would have me accept that Christ IS God. A part of God I have NO doubt, but I accept exactly WHO Christ stated He IS. Men are NOT to be trusted. I trust in God and that He orchestrated the means to my Salvation through His Son.
If this 'dooms' me somehow, then doomed I will be. But I am totally aware of the influence God has had in my life and KNOW that this was NOT Satan. For you see, that WAS my father for MOST of my life. So, I KNOW him quite intimately and am able, without doubt, to recognize him and his ways. HE would NOT be able, nor would he were he, to offer what I have been so freely given since.
I don't know the answers to EVERYTHING nor will I 'pretend' to. I don't know how God deals with 'trinity'. All I know is that 'trinity' has NOT been revealed as 'truth'. EVERYTHING I have studied concerning this issue has led to ONE answer. That being what I have offered openly and freely over and over again. What consequences one can expect from accepting or denying 'trinity' I have also offered.
Now, I have come here openly and freely to offer what has been given to me. I demand that NO ONE accept what I have to offer. I simply offer it in the hopes that some others may open their hearts and allow God to lead their lives out of this world and into His.
I'm not here to accuse or slander or 'falsely witness' against ANY. I wish for nothing other than that the Spirit be offered to ALL in the hopes that 'some', 'a few', ONE even, be able to benefit from my offerings.
Now, these are 'my' intentions. NO agenda other than to offer what I have been offered. I leave up to those that are 'willing' to judge what I offer.
I believe in The Church with Christ AS the Head. That puts me in a position to discern the doctrine of ALL churches with 'truth'. And from what I have personally witnessed, the churches are mostly following 'man-made' doctrine rather than the Word.
I have NO affiliation with any church. I admire the perseverance and dedication of the JW's, but MUCH of their understanding is flawed. Russell was a bit bent in that he refused to accept the Word as 'given' and decided to 'write his own Bible'. Add to this his insistence that he would witness and thereby, be able to 'predict' the coming of Christ and one quickly sees that this man was a 'bit off center'.
If I were asked my 'opinion' about denominations and 'which' is 'closest' to the 'truth', I would have to say the Baptist. But, having visited their 'churches', they too have bowed to the will of man rather than uphold the doctrine that their 'religion' was based on.
Solo, I have accepted what has been revealed to ME. Jesus Christ IS the Son of God. God IS the Father of Jesus Christ. You would have me accept that Christ IS God. A part of God I have NO doubt, but I accept exactly WHO Christ stated He IS. Men are NOT to be trusted. I trust in God and that He orchestrated the means to my Salvation through His Son.
If this 'dooms' me somehow, then doomed I will be. But I am totally aware of the influence God has had in my life and KNOW that this was NOT Satan. For you see, that WAS my father for MOST of my life. So, I KNOW him quite intimately and am able, without doubt, to recognize him and his ways. HE would NOT be able, nor would he were he, to offer what I have been so freely given since.
I don't know the answers to EVERYTHING nor will I 'pretend' to. I don't know how God deals with 'trinity'. All I know is that 'trinity' has NOT been revealed as 'truth'. EVERYTHING I have studied concerning this issue has led to ONE answer. That being what I have offered openly and freely over and over again. What consequences one can expect from accepting or denying 'trinity' I have also offered.
Now, I have come here openly and freely to offer what has been given to me. I demand that NO ONE accept what I have to offer. I simply offer it in the hopes that some others may open their hearts and allow God to lead their lives out of this world and into His.
I'm not here to accuse or slander or 'falsely witness' against ANY. I wish for nothing other than that the Spirit be offered to ALL in the hopes that 'some', 'a few', ONE even, be able to benefit from my offerings.
Now, these are 'my' intentions. NO agenda other than to offer what I have been offered. I leave up to those that are 'willing' to judge what I offer.
I
Imagican
Guest
j,
Passionate I AM if NOTHING else. For you see, I was LOST, (and brother do I mean it), and now AM FOUND. A man that nearly destroyed EVERYTHING in his life for the sake of self. Why God would choose such a one as me to offer what He has is a mystery. Other than what we have been told as concerning His love for each and everyone of us. All I KNOW is that it has happened and I am witness to this. How could I NOT be passionate about it?
Respect? If that means that you accept that I am NOT here for 'pleasure' or 'a personal agenda', then I guess that's a compliment of sorts. And I hope that we ALL can learn to respect each other REGARDLESS of 'their views' concerning 'religion'.
I will NOT judge anothers 'relationship' with God. That IS between them and Him. I am certainly able to agree or disagree with ANYONE concerning that which I understand. But I 'need NOT' attempt to judge ones 'relationship' according to their understanding. The CC used this method to persecute, torture and murder for hundreds and hundreds of years and I believe that it was NOT Christian behavior in ANY sense of understanding. Ours is NOT to judge our brothers and sisters, but to offer them LOVE REGARDLESS of their beliefs.
For what kind of testimony would offer; Believe in MY understanding or, 'you stink'. Christ came for ALL men and we know by HIS EXAMPLE how we should treat others. Once again, a doctor is NOT needed by those that are NOT sick. Christ came TO THE LOST, not those that 'think' they are righteous.
So, hopefully this is 'behind' us. And now we can get on with the 'topic of the thread'. How do we REALLY know signs of The Spirit?
I don't know about others but I find it OBVIOUS when there is LOVE in ones heart. I believe that ONE must have The Spirit to even understand or exhibit 'true love' in the least. NO, I do not believe one must 'be in The Spirit', but one MUST have accepted The Spirit into their hearts to 'understand' even the 'very basics' of Love.
There are those out there that will 'give to others' for the simple position of superiority that it affords them. A sense of power, you might say. This is NOT The Spirit. There are those out there that will give in order to tell others what 'great people' they are. Neither or these led by The Spirit.
Our examples come from Christ and MOSTLY through His parables. Those that truly LOVE give for the 'sake of giving'. NOT for personal gain, but for the simple compassion that they are able to afford to another.
One thing very important to an understanding concerning 'giving': Money, or 'physical' possessions are only a 'portion' of 'our wealth'. Many times compassion is MUCH more important than money, food or possessions. Offering an understanding of others and their problems can be as important, and sometimes, MORE important than ANY amount of money that we could offer.
SO many suffer from a lack of spiritual compassion from others that they will reject the love that they SO need simply because no one will 'take the time' to truly 'see' what another may 'need'. We NEED to remember this. We were commanded to 'remember', CHARITY is the most important 'gift' of ALL. For without Charity, there is NOTHING that we can do that is righteous. And NO, we do not, 'Do IT' for the sake of 'being righteous', it is something that we will do 'because' it IS the RIGHT thing to do. Not for ourselves, but for the 'sake of others' and 'as a testimony' to Jesus Christ and the example that HE taught US.
The BIGGEST problem with the 'written law' given by Moses was that the people simply learned to 'follow the law' Regardless of any 'feeling' in their hearts. Instead of allowing the 'law' to bring them closer to God. They simply learned to 'follow the law' for it's OWN sake. The written law was given to be a 'teacher'. What was it meant to teach? Ultimately, when you break it all down into it's simplest terms...........Love. And THAT my friends is HOW Christ 'fulfilled' the 'written law'. His EXAMPLE of Love towards US ALL. The 'law' laid down what one had to 'do' in order to 'please' God. Christ fulfilled it. He was the ONLY human that EVER did so.
God Bless
MEC
Passionate I AM if NOTHING else. For you see, I was LOST, (and brother do I mean it), and now AM FOUND. A man that nearly destroyed EVERYTHING in his life for the sake of self. Why God would choose such a one as me to offer what He has is a mystery. Other than what we have been told as concerning His love for each and everyone of us. All I KNOW is that it has happened and I am witness to this. How could I NOT be passionate about it?
Respect? If that means that you accept that I am NOT here for 'pleasure' or 'a personal agenda', then I guess that's a compliment of sorts. And I hope that we ALL can learn to respect each other REGARDLESS of 'their views' concerning 'religion'.
I will NOT judge anothers 'relationship' with God. That IS between them and Him. I am certainly able to agree or disagree with ANYONE concerning that which I understand. But I 'need NOT' attempt to judge ones 'relationship' according to their understanding. The CC used this method to persecute, torture and murder for hundreds and hundreds of years and I believe that it was NOT Christian behavior in ANY sense of understanding. Ours is NOT to judge our brothers and sisters, but to offer them LOVE REGARDLESS of their beliefs.
For what kind of testimony would offer; Believe in MY understanding or, 'you stink'. Christ came for ALL men and we know by HIS EXAMPLE how we should treat others. Once again, a doctor is NOT needed by those that are NOT sick. Christ came TO THE LOST, not those that 'think' they are righteous.
So, hopefully this is 'behind' us. And now we can get on with the 'topic of the thread'. How do we REALLY know signs of The Spirit?
I don't know about others but I find it OBVIOUS when there is LOVE in ones heart. I believe that ONE must have The Spirit to even understand or exhibit 'true love' in the least. NO, I do not believe one must 'be in The Spirit', but one MUST have accepted The Spirit into their hearts to 'understand' even the 'very basics' of Love.
There are those out there that will 'give to others' for the simple position of superiority that it affords them. A sense of power, you might say. This is NOT The Spirit. There are those out there that will give in order to tell others what 'great people' they are. Neither or these led by The Spirit.
Our examples come from Christ and MOSTLY through His parables. Those that truly LOVE give for the 'sake of giving'. NOT for personal gain, but for the simple compassion that they are able to afford to another.
One thing very important to an understanding concerning 'giving': Money, or 'physical' possessions are only a 'portion' of 'our wealth'. Many times compassion is MUCH more important than money, food or possessions. Offering an understanding of others and their problems can be as important, and sometimes, MORE important than ANY amount of money that we could offer.
SO many suffer from a lack of spiritual compassion from others that they will reject the love that they SO need simply because no one will 'take the time' to truly 'see' what another may 'need'. We NEED to remember this. We were commanded to 'remember', CHARITY is the most important 'gift' of ALL. For without Charity, there is NOTHING that we can do that is righteous. And NO, we do not, 'Do IT' for the sake of 'being righteous', it is something that we will do 'because' it IS the RIGHT thing to do. Not for ourselves, but for the 'sake of others' and 'as a testimony' to Jesus Christ and the example that HE taught US.
The BIGGEST problem with the 'written law' given by Moses was that the people simply learned to 'follow the law' Regardless of any 'feeling' in their hearts. Instead of allowing the 'law' to bring them closer to God. They simply learned to 'follow the law' for it's OWN sake. The written law was given to be a 'teacher'. What was it meant to teach? Ultimately, when you break it all down into it's simplest terms...........Love. And THAT my friends is HOW Christ 'fulfilled' the 'written law'. His EXAMPLE of Love towards US ALL. The 'law' laid down what one had to 'do' in order to 'please' God. Christ fulfilled it. He was the ONLY human that EVER did so.
God Bless
MEC
S
Solo
Guest
Mike,Imagican said:
The doctrines of the churches and of individuals that align with the Word of God should be supported wholly by the body of Jesus Christ. The doctrines of the churches and of individuals that do not align with the Word of God should be reproved and corrected. These doctrines are doctrines of devils.
Since your revelation is solely that which is revealed to you by Jesus Christ, what does the following verse of scripture mean to you:
16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 1 Timothy 3:16
Michael