Subject: Renewal Conference From: Karen Poe To: All Date Posted: Thurs, Jul 29, 1999 at 23:21:52 (EDT) Email Address: NPoe705954 Message: Dear Brother Given: Just a word to say thank you for the invitation to attend the 9th Renewal Conference in Crown Pointe. Phil and I were blessed more than we have been in years. It truly was refreshing. The messages were edifying and the singing was wonderful. The fellowship was truly sweet and helped to build us up in our most holy faith. Pray for Phil as he ministers the Word of God this coming Sunday and as we seek the Lord's leading for a full-time ministry. Justin graduated tonight from the police academy and was selected to give a reponse on behalf of all the recruits. A 10 min. speech. We were proud as parents and thankful to the Lord for His work of grace in His life. E-mail us anytime. Give our love to Sister June and family. Co-workers together with you. Phil and Karen

Subject: Trust God and Obey Him From: Marc LeBlanc To: All Date Posted: Mon, Jul 26, 1999 at 23:11:02 (EDT) Email Address: LeBlancFamily@yahoo.com Message: Hi! I really mean this. We must trust God and love Him with all our hearts. He has set the standard of love by sparing nothing, not even His son, for the remission of our sins. Faith in Jesus Christ is obedient faith, that follows Jesus everywhere He leads. For us today, there is the Bible. How are we to follow Him if we don't know what He said, what He did and what He has told us to do? How can we claim to be seeking Him if we're not passionate about His words? Why do we want to follow Jesus? I'll tell you why...because He will bring us to Heaven! He will shut up evil for ever and replace it with good and love! He will wipe off the tears of those who are trusting in Him! We must trust and obey God with every part of our lives. This is our great gift. This is the only gift worth persuing. This life is short, then comes judgement and then a life that never ends. Please don't waste your time. Give your heart to God now. God will not run away from you. Pick up a Bible, and read it. Start with the Gospel, read Acts too. Find what it says we should do and do those things. Your faith in Him will be rewarded. In Jesus, brother Marc <'}}}><

Subject: Prayer From: Leo Bracciale To: All Date Posted: Wed, Jul 21, 1999 at 16:33:28 (EDT) Email Address: leo_037 Message: Send any prayer requests you might have to leo_037@yahoo.com <(((((>< LRB

Subject: How Do I Know? From: Anonymous To: All Date Posted: Tues, Jul 20, 1999 at 13:27:21 (EDT) Email Address: seeking@oal.com Message: Hi everyone. I want to ask, 'how do you know there is a God?' I have been struggling with this lately. Thanks.

Subject: Re: How Do I Know? From: Marc LeBlanc To: Anonymous Date Posted: Mon, Jul 26, 1999 at 10:32:31 (EDT) Email Address: leblancfamily@yahoo.com Message: Hi everyone. I want to ask, 'how do you know there is a God?' I have been struggling with this lately. Thanks. --- Hi there, A starting point... I am reminded of creation. The Bible says: For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. - Romans 1:20 In Jesus, brother Marc <'}}}><

Subject: Full Circle From: Marc LeBlanc To: All Date Posted: Wed, Jul 14, 1999 at 10:32:15 (EDT) Email Address: leblancfamily@yahoo.com Message: Good morning! This is not a question. It's just a perception. I have this feeling that I've done a full circle going from one big church to finding God's salvation in another to finding myself in a cold church again. I once tackled this feeling away by putting the burden of being friendly and warm on my own shoulders. It's on my mind these days that there is not just a 'more accurate' plan of salvation but there is a love missing sometimes in our manigances. I still hear people say things like: 'We're united in Truth'. I believed that wholeheartedly but my balloon was busted once I got to know more Christians. We're a very diverse group of people. I don't mind the diversity, I mind the lack of togetherness. I don't want someone to tell me what a Christian is or should be. I want to be with Jesus in Heaven. <>

Subject: Re: Full Circle From: Samuel To: Marc LeBlanc Date Posted: Thurs, Jul 15, 1999 at 12:57:20 (EDT) Email Address: samhuffman27@hotmail.com Message: Hello, Mark. Samuel here. I well identify with your perception. After having been raised in traditional 'Christianity', several years later (in time of crisis) I was actually cleansed from sin and made a new creation within. Upon giving that testimony I found that an overwhelming majority of the church people did not identify with actually being born-again within. They knew the verses and could teach the doctrines, but seemingly He had not actually entered their lives yet. They just had a mass of book knowledge and traditions, no life. Only occasionally did somebody say 'Hey, Buddy! You mean he's freed you from sin and changed your life, too!? Wow! Me, too! Let's eat lunch together! Tell me how He's changed your life!!!' Mark, if you're around people who identify the word 'saved' as just meaning going to heaven when you die, you're not going to find very much heart-to-heart fellowship. However when you find somebody who knows 'saved' means 'rescued' from a life of sin and made a complete new person within, then you'll find that close fellowship you're seeking (if that's what 'saved' means to you). Mark, look around for those who testify openly that their lives ahave been cleansed of sin and made new by the power that has raised messiah Jesus from the world of the dead. These are probably your true believers. Chances are the others have either gone to sleep or have not yet awakened to the resurrection of God's Hebrew Christ, the son of David. Mark, don't seek your fellowship among the religious 'dead'. Seek fellowship among the 'living'. Search for them. Seek and ye shall find. Your friend, Samuel samhuffman27@hotmail.com

Subject: Re: Full Circle From: Marc LeBlanc To: Samuel Date Posted: Thurs, Jul 15, 1999 at 17:56:23 (EDT) Email Address: leblancfamily@yahoo.com Message: Hi brother Samuel, Thanks for your reply. I've thought about what you said and also about what I said. You know, I shouldn't give the impression that there is something wrong with the people I church with. Really, yesterday, I was discouraged. I've resigned from my job last week and things are a bit tense right now. I'm trying to focus on Jesus. Up! Up! Up! I agree with you, sometimes it seems we're all swimming in Mod Podge. 'The candle is ready but there's no flame.' Yes, I have that impression sometimes. But who am I to make that kind of a judgement on others? That's what bothers me about my message entitled 'Full Circle'. I realize I must lift up my eyes, and ask God to give me the strength to bless others. Perhaps it's my heart who's gotten cold. I need Jesus! I remember a time when I didn't bother with any of these thoughts. I'd go to church on Sundays and that was the hour of the week I loved the most. All my worries and troubles were gone for that period of time. I'd carry my Bible and a journal so I could take notes on the sermon. Sometimes we'd have potlucks or baseball games after the worship service. That was fun. We'd hug each other and shake hands and talk just before worship and we'd always stay a while in the hall after service to drink coffee and talk. Now I go to a different group because I've moved from one city to another. The group is smaller and the athmosphere is more serious I guess. But nevertheless, we've all developed friendships. I'd like to keep on feeding the fire in chuch with smiles, prayer, love, laughter, games, excitement for the Word, people who are happy to see each other, more prayer, food, more smiles, more joy, dedication to the Lord, more prayer, song of praise and worship to the Lord, hearts for the Lord, more praise, more worship, studying of God's word, excitement for the words He left us, more prayer, love, smiling faces, remembering Jesus, the fruits of the Spirit abounding, a big family waiting for Him... Ahh! I'd like to be in Heaven playing a good game of volley ball with Jesus, children and the family. :-) Have a good weekend Samuel! In Jesus, brother Marc <'}}}><

Subject: Re: Full Circle From: Samuel To: Marc LeBlanc Date Posted: Tues, Jul 27, 1999 at 15:16:27 (EDT) Email Address: samhuffman27@hotmail.com Message: Hello, Mark. Samuel here. Perhaps I'm hearing you wrong, Mark, but your description of what you're identifying as 'serving the Lord' sounds more like a social club than a gathering of people who have been freed from sin, (the power of Satan), and made new creations unto the God of Jacob. Has the power of the same divine spirit that raised Messiah from the world of the dead come into you and changed you within, my friend? Someone didn't trick you into saying one of those 'come into my heart, Jesus' prayers did they? And then tell you that that was getting 'saved' and your ticket to heaven when you die? I certainly hope not. That's an invention of the Gentile culture, Mark, not of the Eternal God of the Hebrews and His risen son whom we serve and obey. Help me out here, Mark. You sound more like you want a Sunday social group instead of the divine nature that enters into a believer when conversion occurrs within them. You haven't been taught the religious social doctrines and traditions of man instead of the kingdom of our God since your first believed, have you? Give me some feedback. Help me out here. Samuel. samhuffman27@hotmail.com

Subject: Re: Full Circle From: Marc LeBlanc To: Samuel Date Posted: Tues, Jul 27, 1999 at 17:39:20 (EDT) Email Address: leblancfamily@yahoo.com Message: Hi Samuel, No, I am not encouraging moral looseness. I am encouraging obedience to Christ as it is found in the Bible. I want to love people into Christ, to be a blessing to others, and to refresh people who say they are Christian. However, I cannot trade the truth for fellowship. With some people, that means I will have limited fellowship at best. That makes me sad. For example, if someone tells me they are saved and that they have Jesus into their heart, and if they do not want to be baptised, I understand what they mean, but I can't agree. I've spent these last 4 years of my Christian walk seeking Jesus. I love Him and I've committed my entire life into His hands. I've obeyed His commands as far as I understand them and I try my best to stop sinning. I've also braught the Gospel message to all my friends and to all my relatives. If I am wrong, and the Bible can show me so, by the grace and mercy of God, I will change and do what is right. Full Circle was a perception about church life. Where is the love and the friendship and the caring that Jesus wants us to have for each other? If we don't love our brothers and sisters in Christ, the Bible says we're in the dark still. As I am growing in Christ, I am living these things. These are not etheral questions I swing up in the air. They are real in my life. So yes, believe in God but just a belief is not enough. You must obey Him. And then some say you are saved by baptism. Yes, you must be baptized and anywhere salvation in mentioned, baptism is always closely related, and yet this is not enough, if you don't love God with your whole heart and if you don't love your brethren. And what is love? GOd set the standard of love by sparing absolutely nothing. He gave us His Son to die for our sins. That is the standard of love. I hope this helps. Please don't give up on me. I hope you are not offended by my tone. We can be best of friends and brothers in Christ, but I will preach His word first. In Jesus, brother Marc with a c :) <'}}}><

Subject: Re: Full Circle From: Samuel To: Marc LeBlanc Date Posted: Fri, Jul 30, 1999 at 17:48:25 (EDT) Email Address: samhuffman27@hotmail.com Message: Hello, my friend Mark. Walk in the power of his resurrection. I've sent you some e-mail. Let me know what you think. Samuel. samhuffman27@hotmail.com

Subject: Free Books help the Hurting From: Becky Johnson To: All Date Posted: Mon, Jul 12, 1999 at 10:27:13 (EDT) Email Address: BkyJohn@aol.com Message: Dear Friends, Give and it shall be given unto you, that's my motto. Recently I visited a web site of many people in great despair, hurting, hungry and very discouraged across the world. My heart cried out to help them all. I began to put together a few books containing testimonies and encouraging words of scriptures. I do realize not everyone is into God, however there are millions and millions that would greatly be encouraged and get a second wind in life, to just hear God loves and cares for them. Freely I offer these books to them all and freely accept any love and support donation from all who feel this is a worthy cause. I will also donate back from all proceeds or love donations of 15% to the hungry and homeless shelters in your area. I need and would love to publish this offer all over, starting with you. If you see this as a good cause, will you please support by publishing this outreach? As I said, FREELY I give and gratefully I receive any support donations from any and all who love people. Books are: (1) Dawn of Hope (2) Precious Life Hidden in Darkness (3) Building teen character FREE Send to B.J. 1350 Laguna Ct. C. Hanover Park, IL. 60103

Subject: Family problems Help! From: BB To: All Date Posted: Sun, Jul 11, 1999 at 21:34:58 (EDT) Email Address: bbrande123@aol.com Message: My husband and I have been married 31 yrs and have a wonderful marriage blessed by God. Our children are grown and doing much better now. We are all saved by the grace of God.Our problem is my husbands family. We have had various ongoing problems with his sister who is a very jealous envious liar and has done nothing but cause problems for 31yrs for us. She has kept my husband and his parents at odds for years. She will not own up to any of her stories she tells about me (grievances from 31yrs ago and still going) and my husband and her got into it 4yrs ago over it. He told her he didn't want anymore to do with her or her kids as her grown children caused our daughter to attempt suicide and become adicted to drugs. To make a long story short a family member from Arizona came for a visit and we were invited by my husbands aunt to attend a family gathering. We did and his family refused to show up because we were there! My husbands father said I was the cause of all the family problems and I was the liar and my husband. He futher stated I was being divorced and cast out of the family and that I was no longer welcome. My husband and I are very upset and can't understand how a family can act like this? We have been treated like this on and off for 31yrs. I feel so bad for my husband and he is filled with rage and anger at them and never wants to see them again. He is in the process of writing his father a long long letter telling him of all his grievances over the years and how the family has hurt us both continuously over the years. I have had serious health problems because of them and they all know this but still don't care. Please pray for us and help us to find forgiveness for them. My husbands deceased mothers' side of the family is on our side and always have been. We haven't spoke to any of them in four years except his father and now this. I'm afraid this time its a permaent seperation from them as we get continuously hurt by them. My husband is seeing them for what they are for the first time, you would not believe the things they have done to us! Thank You, BB

Subject: Re: Family problems Help! From: Given O. Blakely To: BB Date Posted: Mon, Jul 12, 1999 at 12:13:03 (EDT) Email Address: GivenB@aol.com Message: Jesus said the time would come for many when their foes would be those of their own house (Matt 10:34-36). It is not a pleasant experience, and is not intended to be. You must not be discouraged by the things you have mentioned, but run quickly to Jesus, pouring your heart out to Him. He will give you grace to conduct yourself honorably and subdue any inclinations to strike back. He will also direct your heart on the matter of forgiveness--when it is appropriate, and how to express it. The main thing for you is to keep close to the Lord. Your faith will be rewarded, and you will not be ashamed. Given O. Blakely

Subject: I Enjoy Your Site! From: Leon M. Roberts To: All Date Posted: Fri, Jul 09, 1999 at 07:46:03 (EDT) Email Address: LRobe22475@aol.com Message: I enjoy your daily devotionals very much but wish you could switch from the KJV to the NKJV, NASB, or NIV as your text for easier readability. Keep up the good work brother!

Subject: Reject 'Promise Keepers' From: Vic Eagle To: All Date Posted: Tues, Jul 06, 1999 at 17:26:37 (EDT) Email Address: roost7@hotmail.com Message: The name 'Promise Keepers' (PK) is anti-Christian because the Bible tells us not to make promises: Deuteronomy 23:21-23, Proverbs 20:25, Ecclesiastes 5:4-7, Matthew 5:33-37, 21:28-32, James 5:12. In fact, the Bible really advises against making vows/oaths/promises. God is the only true promise keeper. Swearing by God's name is necessary (Romans 10:9-13) but it isn't really a promise to do anything. It's lawful to make a vow about payments or tithing so long as you quickly fulfill it, but not boastful promises about performance like, 'This year, we will go deeper' (from a PK pamphlet). The Bible only condones: 1. vowing and then quickly fulfilling payments/tithes, which can only be made to God, not man, 2. calling on God as your witness for present actions only, as in Galatians 1:20 and Romans 1:9, and 3. swearing/confessing in God and/or Jesus, of which the sacraments are a symbolic form. Any other kinds of vows/oaths/promises are mistaken and should be cancelled. For example, wedding vows are misguided, sentimental, unrealistic promises to behave perfectly towards your spouse until death separates you. Does anyone know anyone who has kept them? We're not all prophets who can make such predictions. I'm not against marriage, Roman Catholics are, I'm just against marriage vows. Besides the problem with PK's name, Roman Catholic 'priests' took the podium and addressed the 1997 'Stand in the Gap' rally in Washington, D.C. Any affiliation with the RCC or PK should be rejected. Contrary to popular misconception, the Bible calls us to be judgmental. Neither PK nor the RCC is exempt from these criteria for breaking fellowship (all NASB quotes): 1 Corinthians 5:9 I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; 1 Corinthians 5:10 I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters; for then you would have to go out of the world. 1 Corinthians 5:11 But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he should be an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler-- not even to eat with such a one. Ephesians 5:11 And do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; Ephesians 5:12 for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. Ephesians 5:13 But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. Ephesians 5:14 For this reason it says, 'Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.' Ephesians 5:15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, Ephesians 5:16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep aloof from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us. 2 Timothy 3:1 But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. 2 Timothy 3:2 For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 2 Timothy 3:3 unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, 2 Timothy 3:4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; 2 Timothy 3:5 holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; and avoid such men as these. Titus 3:10 Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, Titus 3:11 knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned. 2 John 1:9 Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son. 2 John 1:10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; 2 John 1:11 for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds. These aren't suggestions, they're commands. We can't take people at their word, even though they confess the name 'Jesus' (see Matthew 7:21-23). The New Testament repeatedly warns of false prophets, false witnesses, false brothers, and false teachers. We're commanded to be discerning: 1 Corinthians 2:15, Philippians 1:9-10, 1 Thessalonians 5:21, 1 Timothy 4:16, Hebrews 5:14, 2 John 1:8, Revelation 2:2. Some websites exposing PK's heresies: http://www.livingwrd.org/promise.html http://www.godswordfellowship.org/home.html http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/8988/index.html http://www.watch.pair.com/pray.html http://www.clark.net/pub/apettey/deception3.html http://www.jesus-is-lord.com We can expect only bad fruit (though it may taste sweet) from such a heretical organization, which used to charge about $60/man just for stadium rally attendance. Pastors need to go beyond withdrawing support from PK to exposing PK's heresies and strongly warning their congregations. I've heard that PK representatives sometimes use dirty 'coercion tactics' on churches that don't tow their line, but this shouldn't scare us. Only God is to be feared (Matthew 10:28). Ecumenism is not the answer. In Jesus, Vic

Subject: Re: Reject 'Promise Keepers' From: Barry To: Vic Eagle Date Posted: Tues, Jul 06, 1999 at 22:59:54 (EDT) Email Address: pastorshelper@yahoo.com Message: Vic, I'm sorry, but you are extremely misguided and misinformed on this issue. I, for one, will promote any organization/event that calls us to unity based on the Lordship of Christ. Perhaps, rather than tearing down, you should begin to build up and encourage the body? In Christ, Barry

Subject: Re: Reject 'Promise Keepers' From: Vic Eagle To: Barry Date Posted: Wed, Jul 07, 1999 at 17:44:40 (EDT) Email Address: roost7@hotmail.com Message: Barry, You have not refuted any of the indicting information I gave about PK, nor can you, because it's all in the public domain. Anyone can easily examine it for themselves. The Scriptures I cited call us to reject unconditional unity. Since this is a Biblical principle, it can only build up and encourage the body of Christ, not tear it down. In Jesus, Vic

Subject: Re: Reject 'Promise Keepers' From: Barry To: Vic Eagle Date Posted: Thurs, Jul 08, 1999 at 19:31:54 (EDT) Email Address: pastorshelper@yahoo.com Message: Vic, I did not, nor do I need to, refute anything. I read no indicting information in your post, only a gross misunderstanding of scripture. The Promise Keepers have done more to promote godly values and return to the Lordship of Jesus Christ than any movement in modern history. I believe God called Bill McCartney to found this ministry and that God is in it through and through. Are they perfect? No. Are there things they can improve on? Of course. But to try to say they are anti-Christian is a far cry from the truth. I uphold any movement/group/fellowship/church that calls us to repentance and the Lordship of Jesus Christ. In Christ, Barry

Subject: Re: Reject 'Promise Keepers' From: Vic Eagle To: Barry Date Posted: Fri, Jul 09, 1999 at 15:50:26 (EDT) Email Address: roost7@hotmail.com Message: Barry, You said I have a gross misunderstanding of Scripture, but you didn't explain exactly why. You did not deal with any of the points about making promises, ecumenism, false brothers, fellowship, or the websites I listed. I suppose that by the world's standards, you really don't have to, but your stubbornness and lack of concern is diametrically opposed to the Bible. In Jesus, Vic

Subject: Re: Reject 'Promise Keepers' From: Marc LeBlanc To: Vic Eagle Date Posted: Thurs, Jul 08, 1999 at 11:18:42 (EDT) Email Address: leblancfamily@yahoo.com Message: Perhaps the group should change their name to 'Men of prayer and worship, faithful to Jesus, who genuinely intend to serve God and love their neighbors'. Saying that the title 'Promise Keepers' is contradictory to the Bible is like saying that Wisconsin is condemned because it contains the suffix 'sin'. However, I have similar concerns to yours Vic, but I still go to Promise Keepers meetings because I love to eat donuts with the guys. It also gives me a good chance to share my faith in Jesus with the group. I love them very much. It is entirely possible that men who are genuinely committed to Christ and genuinely interested in Scripture come to different conclusions in some areas. As all this pertains the Jesus' Words to love God with all we've got and to love others, and to be gentle as doves and to even pray for our enemies...well, in this context, there's really not so many barriers except our willingness to serve Him in faith. Touching someone with the Love of God is not going to put you at odds with the Lord. I'm not asking you to do something that contradicts the Bible, but think about the people around you, those who need refreshing in Christ, and those who need the Lord. Pray about Promise Keepers. There is only one bride for Christ in all the world. Jesus, He knows who's got their wedding dress ready. I hope this helps. In Jesus, brother Marc <'}}}><

Subject: Re: Reject 'Promise Keepers' From: Vic Eagle To: Marc LeBlanc Date Posted: Thurs, Jul 08, 1999 at 16:12:23 (EDT) Email Address: roost7@hotmail.com Message: Marc, It's a subversive movement by any name. What they're doing is just plain wrong. PK's leaders are wolves in sheeps' clothing. The Bible says have nothing to do with the works of unrighteousness. Interpretation of the Bible is either right or wrong. There are no shades of gray. We are not supposed to do bad things so that good things will result. To be in fellowship, Christians must share the same beliefs. It isn't an option. The problem isn't just between you and me, it's also between you and God. I pray that you and others involved with PK will repent and renounce it. In Jesus, Vic

Subject: Re: Reject 'Promise Keepers' From: Given O. Blakely To: Vic Eagle Date Posted: Fri, Jul 09, 1999 at 03:17:16 (EDT) Email Address: GivenB@aol.com Message: Brother Vic, I have been a serious student of God's word for more than 50 years. I do not recall ever reading the word 'beliefs' in Scripture. Both belief and faith are always in the singular, and the object of our faith is always specified as God and Christ Jesus. Faith, not beliefs, is the basis for unity. That is why it is called 'the unity of the faith' (Eph 4:13). All of the commandments are summarized in two statements--'And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as He gave us commandment' (1 John 3:23). I trust you are not suggesting this is not an adequate starting point. Further, the Spirit affirms, 'Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth Him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of Him' (1 John 5:1). Unless you are prepared to prove that no member of the Promise Keepers has been begotten of God, I am afraid you have gotten yourself in some serious trouble. Those who have fellowship are not required to all have the same beliefs--or, to state it more precisely, to see things exactly alike. Our aim is to have 'the same mind, and to speak the same thing' (1 Cor 1:10). However, that is not speaking of a mythical belief system, but of spiritual focus. The very notion that we are required to 'have the same beliefs' is so absurd, it should not be necessary to say anything about it. If this erroneous postulate were true, how could we have fellowship with Christ Jesus? After all, we have been called into that fellowship (1 Cor 1:9). Or are you prepared to say you see everything exactly as Jesus does? I do not believe you would make such a claim--but if you did, you would not be telling the truth. How is it that Jesus can have fellowship with you, even when there are serious matters of disagreement between you? And if you expect Jesus to have fellowship with you, and help you through any difficulties of understanding you may have, how is it you would withhold such fellowship from another believer. You must know, brother Vic, that God will judge you with precisely the same kind of judgment you have leveled at others (Matt 7:2). If you want mercy from your Lord, you had best be about extending it to others--whether you agree with them or not. Because if you do not show mercy, you will not receive it--and it is just that cut and dried. Jesus once said, 'he that is not against us is for us.' It is interesting that He said this to His disciples after they had forbidden a man to cast out demons, because he was not with them--and they were with Jesus (Lk 9:49-50). Are you prepared to say that every single person associated with Promise Keepers is against Christ, and not for Him? Jesus addressed a church that had a serious and influential false teacher in it. Yet, He did not withdraw from that church, but sought to influence those remaining tender to Him (Rev 2:20-24). The Epistles dealt with serious misunderstandings that existed in the early church. The Corinthians had some who did not believe the dead are raised (1 Cor 15:12), and others who did not know there is only one God (1 Cor 8:6-7). The Roman brethren had some among them that thought they could only eat herbs (Rom 14:2-5). The Ephesian church had some within it that stole (Eph 4:28), and the Galatians were reverting back to law and thereby falling from grace (Gal 5:4). Yet, these people were never disowned, or treated as though they were unworthy of fellowship. In fact, that was the means chosen to bring them higher. You have been hard on the Promise Keepers, brother Vic. I do not condone everything they say, and know of no person who does. But I do condone what they say about Jesus, and I do condone the desires for Jesus that is kindled among them. However, I have a strong feeling that you are not as close to the Lord, or as knowledgeable of Him and His ways, as you have represented. Perhaps I am wrong, but I am still going to call you to a more godly frame of mind. God is not looking for a reason to condemn people. If He were, you already know what our lot would be. And if He is not looking to condemn, but rather to save, I suggest it is on the part of wisdom for you to do the same. Now, let's start seasoning your speech with grace so it can do some good (Col 4:6). Given O. Blakely

Subject: Re: Reject 'Promise Keepers' From: Vic Eagle To: Given O. Blakely Date Posted: Fri, Jul 09, 1999 at 16:16:51 (EDT) Email Address: roost7@hotmail.com Message: Given, Please don't call me your brother because I don't know you and am not in agreement with you. There are many errors and problems with what you said. Beliefs essentially constitute doctrines, etc. as mentioned in: 1 Timothy 1:3 As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus, in order that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, 1 Timothy 4:1 But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, Titus 3:9 But shun foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law; for they are unprofitable and worthless. (NASB) Titus 3:10-11 goes on to say that if you correct someone but they will not listen, to have nothing more to do with them. We have to go with what we know. If I know something is wrong, the Bible commands me to address it. I am not supposed to sweep it under the carpet or ignore it. In Revelation 2, the false teacher was recognized and corrected and rebuked, but that is not occurring in PK. Likewise with the other NT churches you mentioned. You equate correcting, rebuking, and breaking fellowship with condemnation, which none of them is. In Jesus, Vic

Subject: Re: Reject 'Promise Keepers' From: Given O. Blakely To: Given O. Blakely Date Posted: Fri, Jul 09, 1999 at 20:25:54 (EDT) Email Address: GivenB@aol.com Message: Mr. Eagle, So you only permit people to call you 'brother' whom you personally know? That is a most interesting approach to things. Just how many people are included in this circle of 'brethren?' No one with a love for the truth has any difficulty opposing, and strenuously so, the propogation of false doctrine. However, you delivered a diatribe against the entire constituency of that movement, lumping everyone together into one. This is not the manner of Jesus or the Apostles. Where there was genuine faith, they recognized it--even in Sardius and Thyatira. I am going to ask you again to season your speech with grace--like the Lord tells you to do. Incidentally, which of these false teachers have you personally admonished, in keeping with the Word of the Lord. What was their response? Please share that with us. Given O. Blakely

Subject: Re: Reject 'Promise Keepers' From: Vic Eagle To: Given O. Blakely Date Posted: Sat, Jul 10, 1999 at 13:08:02 (EDT) Email Address: roost7@hotmail.com Message: Given, I'm only comfortable with people calling me 'brother' as my faith permits. I have no set-in-stone rule about it. I am not in much of a fellowhship, if that's what you meant by 'circle of brethren.' What difference does it make how large it is? What's the total number of people Jesus himself was in fellowship with? It was a small number. There is no excuse for anyone being involved with the works of darkness. God will hold everyone involved with PK accountable. We are commanded to test the spirits according to the Word to help determine whether they have genuine faith. I've never been in fellowship with PK's leaders or teachers, and according to the Scriptures I cited (like 2 John 1: 9-10) I don't seem to be obligated to personally confront them. However, I am obligated to expose them (Ephesians 5:11). In Jesus, Vic

Subject: Re: Reject 'Promise Keepers' From: ecclesiastes To: Vic Eagle Date Posted: Mon, Jul 12, 1999 at 16:31:44 (EDT) Email Address: acts238@usa.net Message: vic, Your wasting your time, Don't wrangle about words. You have already warned a factious person more than twice. Go on and find some lost soul to share Christ with. Keep your head up and fight the good fight of the faith. I can't judge Bill McGartney (?) since i don't know his heart. But i know i wouldn't trust him with my football program unless I wanted someone to recruit hoodlooms and break ncaa rules.

Subject: Re: Reject 'Promise Keepers' From: Given O. Blakely To: Vic Eagle Date Posted: Mon, Jul 12, 1999 at 12:07:26 (EDT) Email Address: GivenB@aol.com Message: Vic, it makes a very big difference how large your circle of fellowship is. It must be no smaller than our blessed Lord's. If we love Him who beget us, we will love those who are begotten of Him. You nor I are at liberty to withhold fellowship from anyone God has received. You are familiar with the Word of the Lord, and there are numerous people the Lord has received who are something less than perfect in their understanding. They are in the process of being conformed to the image of His Son. We receive you on the same basis. In Jesus, Brother Given

Subject: I NEED YOUR HELP AND QUICKLY! From: Lucy To: All Date Posted: Sat, Jul 03, 1999 at 01:56:12 (EDT) Email Address: in the sky with diamonds Message: I have a friend, 'Sophie', who is depressed and suicidal right now. It gets much worse from here . . . She has also lost her faith in Christianity and lives in another part of the country. I can't do much to help her except to be a friend and offer some advice. I don't really know what she believes in now, so religious advice needs to wait a little so that I can analyze the situation. Can someone please help me in dealing with this situation? I don't know what to do. Even if you can't give me any sound advice please put both me and Sophie in your prayers. It will be much appreciated. Pax Christi Lucy

Subject: There is *always* hope From: Vic Eagle To: Lucy Date Posted: Tues, Jul 06, 1999 at 17:22:24 (EDT) Email Address: roost7@hotmail.com Message: Lucy, I am praying for 'Sophie' and God can help solve her problems, even through a miracle. God has done miracles for me when nobody could help. I also think Sophie should ask God for a very specific, private sign (like a certain bird, rainbow, voice, or anything) to give her hope and encourage her faith. It may not come immediately. Sometimes when things looked very bad, God has given me (and some others I know) surprisingly meaningful and encouraging signs. In Jesus, Vic

Subject: Towel-N-Basin Christian Church From: Roger L. Wever To: All Date Posted: Wed, Jun 30, 1999 at 01:18:56 (EDT) Email Address: gr8god4u@aol.com Message: Our ministry team to plant this congregation at Lake Tahoe, NV is coming together as the Lord draws them to this place. We have over 100 prayer warriors for this effort. We are now in need of over 100 stewardship warriors to help cover relocation expenses for the ministry team, to purchase basic sound equipment, to rent space for fellowship/teaching/worship, to send out a mailing to 26,000 mail recepticles. Let us know if you have and are willing to share resources to accomplish the task of 'drawing all men unto himself' with us.

Subject: Is smoking a sin? From: Bill T. To: All Date Posted: Tues, Jun 22, 1999 at 17:02:33 (EDT) Email Address: TheHHF@aol.com Message: My question is, 'Is smoking a sin?' Bible references would be helpful, thank you.

Subject: Re: Is smoking a sin? From: Roger L. Wever To: Bill T. Date Posted: Wed, Jun 30, 1999 at 01:02:17 (EDT) Email Address: gr8god4u@aol.com Message: My question is, 'Is smoking a sin?' Bible references would be helpful, thank you. --- It would sure be nice if 'Thou shall not smoke.' Hezekiah 5:5 were a part of God's Word, but it's not; yet there are other passages which are general stewardship principles which cover a host of unmentionables throughout His Word. Search the Scriptures: 'Your body is temple of Holy Spirit' Avoid polluting it with questionable practices can be a blessing to many encountered. Hope this helps you get started on your journey of discovery. In His Love, Roger

Subject: Re: Is smoking a sin? From: Given O. Blakely To: Bill T. Date Posted: Tues, Jun 22, 1999 at 22:34:25 (EDT) Email Address: GivenB@aol.com Message: The Word of God does not say smoking is a sin. That is one of those things each person must decide for himself. It does say some things that assist the individual in making a choice that will honor God. (1) Whatever we do it to be done in the name of the LORD, giving thanks to God (Col 3:17). Smoking, then, must be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to Him. (2) Whatsoever is not of faith is sin (Rom 14:23). This particular text deals with the conscience. It teaches that no person can do unto the Lord what they doubt is right. The persuasion of faith must accompany what they do. The person who smokes must do so with a good conscience, determined to honor God by it. (3) Our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, God is to be honored in our bodies (1 Cor 6:19-20). Although the particular sin of this passage is fornication, it does state a principle of spiritual life. Because our bodies were purchased by Jesus, He is to be honored by them. If a person would not mind a picture of Jesus with a cigaret or cigar in his mouth, then he probably could see nothing wrong with smoking. (4) Whatever overcomes a person makes him a slave to it (2 Pet 2:19). Enslavement takes various forms. One can be a slave to false teaching, sin in general, or even a particular sin, like drunkenness. If a person can be overcome by smoking, becoming enslaved to it, it would be wrong. The answers to most of these things are quite obvious to some of us. Others, however, have difficulty seeing any correlation between these texts and smoking. There is, however, a solemn obligation laid upon every individual to see to it they honor God in whatever they say or do, keep their bodies undefiled, and do nothing that does not easily blend with their walk with the Lord. That puts the matter squarely in the lap of every person. The decision to smoke of not to smoke is not one to be imposed by one person upon another. Rather, it is another area where we 'work out our OWN salvation with fear and trembling' (Phil 2:12-13). Given O. Blakely

Subject: Re: Is smoking a sin? From: preacher To: Given O. Blakely Date Posted: Mon, Jul 12, 1999 at 23:04:51 (EDT) Email Address: acts238@usa.net Message: that is a wimpish reply. You know better. What would Jesus say? Smoking is one of the most harmful things you can do to your body. I don't even answer such stupid questions anymore. Don't answer a fool according to his folly. Would to God that someone would of told my father it was a sin before it was too late. Now he fights for his life. Jesus rode on a camel he didn't smoke one. Come on preacher, people are reading these things. Be a man.

Subject: Matthew 12:31-32 From: Marc LeBlanc To: All Date Posted: Tues, Jun 15, 1999 at 16:32:22 (EDT) Email Address: leblancfamily@yahoo.com Message: Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Jesus said: 'Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. 32. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.' Can anyone help me understand this verse? I honestly don't know what this means: '...but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come...' I would like some help with this. << God, give us Spiritual Understanding. In Jesus' Name! >> Love and prayers in Jesus, brother Marc <'}}}><

Subject: Re: Matthew 12:31-32 From: Given O. Blakely To: Marc LeBlanc Date Posted: Wed, Jun 16, 1999 at 12:03:35 (EDT) Email Address: GivenB@aol.com Message: The text certainly confirms that all sin is not the same, as some imagine. Our Lord does not precisely define this sin--or state that it is a specific action or deed. It is not something that can be done inadvertently, accidently, or ignorantly. It is a condition that is deliberate, driven by a hardened heart and a hatred for truth and the Lord. Our Lord's words were occasioned by the charge that He cast our demons by the power of Beelzebub, a term applied to Satan (Matt 12:24). The Scriptures do not say Jesus heard what the opponents (the Pharisees) SAID, although He may well have done so. Rather, we are told, 'And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them . . . ' (Matt 12:25-32). He then unveiled the absurdity of thinking Satan would fight against himself by empowering anyone to cast out demons. Demons are not the only spirit with which men must contend. There is also the Holy Spirit, who strives with men (Gen 6:3), convicts them (John 16:8-11), and opens the words of Jesus (John 16:13-15). Those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit repudiate His influences and degrade His Person. They are so calloused to His Presence that they deride Him like Pharaoh did God (Ex 5:2). There is a line man can cross that makes his situation utterly hopeless, God has not identified that line, and we are out or line trying to identify it. However, He knows where it is. Once crossed, the person's state becomes 'worse' that it ever was before (2 Pet 2:20). It is a condition from which recovery is not possible (Heb 6:4-6). This state is reached by refusing to give heed to the Spirit, choosing rather to quench and grieve Him (1 Thess 5:19; Eph 4:30). Eventually, the point comes where the person becomes so hard and so calloused that even the Spirit of God cannot convict them. Such people are pictured as blaspheming against God even when He pours terrible judgments upon them (Rev 9:20; 16:9,11). Those who 'draw back,' refusing to yield to the convincing power of the Spirit, are moving into a dreadful condition. Unless their backward movement and hard hearts are corrected, they will move into the realm where they willingly blaspheme against the Spirit, repudiating everything holy. Such people are said to be 'reprobate' (Jer 6:30; 2 Tim 3:8; 2 Cor 13:5), with no hope of recovery. Judas was such a man. If Jesus had identified the point at which this sin takes place, unthoughtful men would have lived as close to it as they could, thinking they could avoid it through sheer will power. However, when we take Jesus' word seriously, we will not tamper with our souls, refuse His Word, or wander aimlessly in forbidden territories. Any transgression has the potential of leading into the sin which never has forgiveness. No child of God is promised they can dabble in transgression without becoming insensitive to God and placing themselves in danger. The sin that can never be forgiven is the result of hardening the heart, resisting the Spirit, and repeatedly refusing Christ Jesus. No man knows when it occurs, but God does. One further thing. No person who is concerned about having committed this sin has committed it. Their concern reveals they are still sensitive to God, and their conscience is not 'seared' (1 Tim 4:2).

Subject: Re: Matthew 12:31-32 From: crystal To: Given O. Blakely Date Posted: Wed, Jul 21, 1999 at 21:34:58 (EDT) Email Address: cwhitmor@bellsouth.net Message: In Revelation, the beast is given a 'mouth' to speak *great things* and *blasphemies* against God. Would these words be both good and evil? (Re.garden of eden) Who gives the beast the mouth to speak? Where is Satan's throne? His power and authority? The only place that Satan seeks to kill and destroy the 'seed' of the woman (Israel) is in the churches. He is the abomination that causes desolation. As Satan already has 'the world', he seeks out to kill and destroy through the voice of the false prophet; which is within the churches. Those who 'think to do' God a service, and do not test the spirits to see if they are of God, will fall prey to the captor at his will. They are 'caused' to worship the beast and his image due to their lust, and wantonness, their self-will instead of the will of God. (2Th. - son of perdition). One must remember that Satan is not a human but is the spirit of Antichrist. Just as Christ has a body with many members, so also Satan has a many membered body. 'Legion' may fit the category of numbering. The 'beast' is the 'creature' and not the 'creator'. Which, if recalling the condition of the Pharisee's, and their teaching as doctrine the commandments of men; and as they also were referred to by Jesus as 'sons of God', re. 'have I not called ye God's?' These then, also of Abraham's seed, but uncircumcised in heart, as a body of people, were thoe Christ referred to as of 'the synagogue of Satan'. Here then, we see the faux appearance of righteousness, for they worshiped the 'creature'(themselves) and not the 'creator', God. These were the condition of men then, and this the condition of men now - some good and some evil. Some the sons of God and some the sons of perdition. You have thus met the 'beast' within us. hope this sheds some light on the subject.

Subject: Re: Matthew 12:31-32 From: Marc LeBlanc To: Given O. Blakely Date Posted: Wed, Jun 16, 1999 at 17:03:40 (EDT) Email Address: leblancfamily@yahoo.com Message: Thank you much brother Given for your reply. This answers my question. God is awesome! Praise be to Him! In Jesus Name! In Jesus Christ, brother Marc <'}}}><

Subject: Can you lose your salvation??? From: Bill T. To: All Date Posted: Mon, Jun 14, 1999 at 02:46:50 (EDT) Email Address: TheHHF@aol.com Message: Hello to all, I have yet another question about salvation. Can you lose it? This is one I struggle with. Thanks for your time on this. In Christ, Bill Thompson

Subject: Re: Can you lose your salvation??? From: Lucy To: Bill T. Date Posted: Thurs, Jul 01, 1999 at 18:31:15 (EDT) Email Address: johndoe@somewhere.com Message: My views on salvation are quite complicated, but I will attempt to answer this. Generally speaking, I believe a person can lose thier salvation. The Lord says that we must repent of our sins and that we must be obediant to Him. Christ reconciled us to the Father and He gives us many choices to stay in a State of Grace. Although I cannot defend my stance very well I know of one who could, Arminius. I highly advise you to read this man's works, he will show you much better than I ever could why men can lose thier salvation.

Subject: Re: Can you lose your salvation??? From: Roger L. Wever To: Bill T. Date Posted: Wed, Jun 30, 1999 at 01:05:51 (EDT) Email Address: gr8god4u@aol.com Message: Hello to all, I have yet another question about salvation. Can you lose it? This is one I struggle with. Thanks for your time on this. In Christ, Bill Thompson --- Read Hebrews chapters 6 & 10. God's Word is quite clear. These passages demonstrate to me that a struggle on this issue is not really a necessary reality.

Subject: Re: Can you lose your 'rescue'??? From: Samuel To: Bill T. Date Posted: Wed, Jun 16, 1999 at 12:53:09 (EDT) Email Address: samhuffman27@hotmail.com Message: Hello, Bill. Samuel here. Sometimes understanding comes when we skirt trying to get a theological answer, and instead seek for a real-life practical answer. I mentioned in earlier postings that instead of using the term 'saved' which to masses of people means a ticket to heaven when they die, you may want to use a different term. Try 'rescued' or 'delivered from the sinful evil'. Instead of asking 'am I saved?' ask 'have I been rescued, delivered from the sin that was destroying my life? Has the same spirit that raised Messiah from the realm of the dead entered into me and made me new?' If you confess with your mouth Jesus as lord (ie. risen master who has freed you from the lordship of the temptor) and believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead you will be saved (rescued, delivered)...' Bill, this activates in a believer's life now, not just is the sweet by and by. Believers have been freed from their previous oppressive lord (the devil), and have now come under the lordship of the one who has been raised in victory over sin and death. Messiah Jesus. This free gift from Jehovah our God is for believers...not doubters, fakers, or quitters. The baptist sect has a good expression called 'eternal security of the believer'. I've told people over the years that they are just as eternally secure as the risen one in whom they put their trust. The one who has freed you from sin, the power of the satan. This eternal security is for the actual believers only. Not for the doubters, make-believers, or quitters. Believers are secure. Their 'rescue' is a gift from their God, and He stands by those whom He has freed from sin, 'rescued', 'delivered' from the power of the enemy. Bill, I've tried to avoid giving a theological answer which often tends just to spawn debates and conter-debates. Broken drug atticts, shattered prostitutes, and people whose lives are crippled by thier sins aren't interested in a 'ticket' to heaven when they die. They need 'rescue' now. This was the type of people who flocked after Jesus and the apostles seeking to be saved (rescued) from the satanic sin that was tormenting them. The scholarly theologians, on the other hand, just tried to discredit and get rid of Messiah and his apostles. The common uneducated people, though, believed the message of the kingdom and were saved (rescued). So here's the question, Bill. Do you know personally that the same divine spirit that raised Messiah Jesus from the world of the dead has come into you and made you a new person, right and clean with the God of Israel? I'm asking this, Bill, because I know that many others will read this comment as well as you. I've had several people who have read my comments about the power of Messiah's resurrection, and have e-mailed me with more questions. It often seems that being 'born-again' by the spirit that has now raised Jesus from the world of the dead (and revived his body, too) has just been a topic of bible debate for them, and not a personal reality. They were still searching, analyzing, debating,...not yet believing. 'Believers' are secure. Their 'rescue' is a free gift from their God whom they trust and believe, and to whom they cling. Wishy-washers, pretenders, and quitters are still in grave jeopardy. Samuel. samhuffman27@hotmail.com

Subject: Re: Can you lose your salvation??? From: Given O. Blakely To: Bill T. Date Posted: Tues, Jun 15, 1999 at 21:22:23 (EDT) Email Address: GivenB@aol.com Message: Salvation cannot be 'lost.' Nor, indeed, can anyone take it from us. That does not mean, however, that we are locked into salvation when we enter Christ. Salvation is obtained and maintained by faith, and faith must be fed and maintained. At the point a person ceases to believe, he ceases to possess salvation, for we are saved 'by grace through faith' (Eph 2:8-10). A person can make 'shipwreck of their faith,' dashing it upon the rocks of neglect and indifference (1 Tim 1:19). The faith must be 'kept' until the end (2 Tim 4:7). Jesus spoke of some who believed 'for a while' (Lk 8:13). They got off to a good start, but did not 'go on to perfection' (Heb 6:1). That is why God says, 'Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him. But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul' (Heb 10:38-39). All of this does not mean we are in and out of salvation. Faith is the victory that overcomes the world, although it sometimes grows faint and even weary (1 John 5:4-5). As long as the individual IS believing, there is nothing in heaven, earth, or under the earth that can separate the individual from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus (Rom 8:36-39). If, however, faith is neglected, and one ceases to believe and trust in the Lord, ones grip on salvation becomes loose. Every one who IS believing is safe. Everyone who is NOT now believing is in danger of rejection by the Lord. Eternal life, it must be remembered, is knowing god and the Lord Jesus Christ--knowing them intimately and personally (John 17:3; 1 John 5:20). Salvation is as secure as our knowledge of, or involvement with, the Lord by faith. In Jesus, Brother Given

Subject: Re: Can you lose your salvation??? From: brick To: Given O. Blakely Date Posted: Tues, Jul 13, 1999 at 17:35:52 (EDT) Email Address: rcbricker@netzero.net Message: If you were given a million dollars would you be wondering if you could loose it or would you be wondering how to use it. I am more concerned about how to use my salvation in service to God than the treat of loosing it. USE IT AND YOU WILL NOT LOOSE IT.

Subject: Re: Can you lose your salvation??? From: Bud To: brick Date Posted: Wed, Jul 28, 1999 at 13:40:27 (EDT) Email Address: Bud@philosophers.net Message: brick, In light of Y2K, many people ARE wondering if they can and will lose their money. :-) I suppose the question is: Are there any potential 'Y2K bugs' in the salvation process? Peace, Bud

Subject: Re: Can you lose your salvation??? From: brick To: Bud Date Posted: Thurs, Jul 29, 1999 at 06:40:41 (EDT) Email Address: acts238@usa.net Message: Not on God's part.But many like Demas, are 'bugged' by the love of the world.

Subject: What's the Devil?? From: Robert Tewart To: All Date Posted: Fri, Jun 11, 1999 at 06:20:43 (EDT) Email Address: . Message: My five year old came up to me yesterday and asked me 'daddy, what's the devil?' I told her to let me look at my bible and tell her. I want to be truthful but sensitive to a five year old mind. Any suggestions?

Subject: Re: What's the Devil?? From: Roger L. Wever To: Robert Tewart Date Posted: Wed, Jun 30, 1999 at 01:08:24 (EDT) Email Address: gr8god4u@aol.com Message: My five year old came up to me yesterday and asked me 'daddy, what's the devil?' I told her to let me look at my bible and tell her. I want to be truthful but sensitive to a five year old mind. Any suggestions? --- The Devil is an angel who is fallen; a Fallen Angel.

Subject: Re: What's the Devil?? From: Given O. Blakely To: Robert Tewart Date Posted: Fri, Jun 11, 1999 at 15:04:49 (EDT) Email Address: GivenB@aol.com Message: First, it is not 'WHAT is the devil?' but 'WHO is the devil?' He is a person, like God is a person. God is the ultimate Holy One, and Satan is the ultimate wicked one. He is not a human, but influences humans. The Bible says from the beginning, the devil has sinned (1 John 3:8). The words 'the beginning' refer to the the beginning of this world, as indicated in Genesis 1:1 and John 1:1. Little is known about the devil before 'the beginning.' Enough is said so that we know he fell from a lofty position (Isaiah 14:12-16; Ezekiel 28:13-17). So far as your daughter is concerned, the devil tempts us to sin, trying to make us think we will be better off by doing something God has forbidden, or not doing something He has told us to do. Satan is also the father of all lies (John 8:44). He is the one who promotes sin. Only Jesus has defeated the devil, and only through Him can we resist the devil. Young children must be encouraged to associate sin with the devil, and sinning with giving in to the devil. They must also be taught that when they refuse to sin they have overcome the devil by God's grace. Given O. Blakely

Subject: Re: What's the Devil?? From: Samuel To: Robert Tewart Date Posted: Fri, Jun 11, 1999 at 12:04:04 (EDT) Email Address: samhuffman27@hotmail.com Message: Hello, Robert. Samuel here. About a year ago I was explaining the 'devil' at the home of some friends of mine, and their 6 year old son said, 'Sam, do mean that the devil doesn't have horns?!!!' This little boy had obviously been taught the standardized religious illusions and traditions just as I had been as a boy. His eyes spread and his mouth gawked in surprise. He had been sucessfully taught a lie, and had believed it. So how was I describing the 'devil' to this child and his parents? Simply this; and if it seems a bit detailed for a child to grasp, it isn't. More likely it's too detailed for the 'adults' to grasp... For his parents' benefit I shared that the Greek word translated 'devil' was a legal term used in law cases. It means a slanderer, a false accuser. Although it is sometimes capitialized in our English bibles, it isn't a name. It's a descriptive legal term in the mind of the new testament writers. Likewise the word 'satan' is a legal term meaning 'an adversary'. It's not a name. It's a descriptive legal term. For the benefit of the boy, I asked if he had ever walked into his mom's kitchen and smelled cookies baking, or if he had ever smelled onions when she was cooking them. I described that just as a 'smell' or a 'fragrance' has no particular form or shape but is an invisible presence all around you, so is the presence of the 'devil' spirit. It is a shapeless, formeless, faceless spirit presence in the air around us that constantly nudges us to disobey Jehovah God's laws and commands. It is an 'adversary' to what is right and pure in Father's eyes. It has no horns, hooves, or pentagrams. It is a 'spirit' presence, like the wind. 'The prince of the powers of the air.' For his parents' benefit I used the example of walking into a room full of fragrant flowers and enjoying the smell. Then after a bit you start to get a headache, then dizzy, then faint or worse. No one warned you that the sweet smell was a deceptive mask to cover odorless carbon monoxide, a poisinous gas. The little boy caught on to that illustration. A deceptive fragrance covering a poison gas. He understood what I was saying. His parents saws that that illustration had clicked with him. They also realized that they had been teaching a deception in their Sunday School classes without having realized it. They had been teaching the traditions of man. No shape, no form, no face. A spirit presence intent on confusing the realm of diety (kijngdom of our God). Thankfully we have a much superior spirit who give us guidance. That's Jehovah our God's own divine spirit dwelling within us. the same spirit that has now raised Jesus the hebrew prophet and messiah from the realm of the dead, and raised his body as well. Twice alive! Well, Robert, I hope this helps. Remember that Jesus and Father are not theologians. Tthey can give a child understanding which baffles the scholarly adults. Samuel. samhuffman27@hotmail.com

Subject: Re: What's the Devil?? From: Vic Eagle To: Samuel Date Posted: Wed, Jul 07, 1999 at 18:25:38 (EDT) Email Address: roost7@hotmail.com Message: Samuel, I think Satan can take on different, visible forms if he wants to. In fact, I have seen demons a couple of times. One time I was walking in the woods in back of a friend's house when I felt an eerie presence and soon noticed a little 'man' sitting under a tree not too far away. He was probably only about 4 or 5 ft. tall, and his clothes were entirely gray with a small, round gray hat. I could see a pudgy, flesh-toned face but no features. He reminded me of tales of leprechauns and fairies. I immediately throught it was demon and was a little frightened so I prayed to God for protection. A couple seconds later, it waved to me and I sort of waved back. Then I walked off, praying to God for protection and turning around to make sure it wasn't coming after me. In Jesus, Vic

Subject: Re: What's the Devil?? From: Marc LeBlanc To: Samuel Date Posted: Fri, Jun 11, 1999 at 14:52:23 (EDT) Email Address: leblancfamily@yahoo.com Message: > No shape, no form, no face. Mat 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. Mat 4:2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. Mat 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. Mat 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Mat 4:5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, Mat 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Mat 4:7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Mat 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; Mat 4:9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Mat 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Mat 4:11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

Subject: Book: Fresh Wind Fresh Fire From: Robert Tewart To: All Date Posted: Thurs, Jun 10, 1999 at 10:52:13 (EDT) Email Address: . Message: I also started reading Jim Cymbala's book, 'Fresh Wind Fresh Fire.' It's about the Brooklyn Tabernacle and it's tremendous growth and blessings. Pretty good so far. Anyone else read this one?.....Given?......Marc?

Subject: Re: Book: Fresh Wind Fresh Fire From: Marc LeBlanc To: Robert Tewart Date Posted: Fri, Jun 11, 1999 at 15:34:43 (EDT) Email Address: leblancfamily@yahoo.com Message: Greetings brother Robert, I did not read that book yet. Have you read anything by Max Lucado? Love and prayers in Jesus Christ, brother Marc <'}}}><

Subject: Re: Book: Fresh Wind Fresh Fire From: Robert To: Marc LeBlanc Date Posted: Sun, Jun 13, 1999 at 06:30:41 (EDT) Email Address: . Message: No Marc, I haven't. But I plan to.

Subject: Re: Book: Fresh Wind Fresh Fire From: Marc LeBlanc To: Robert Date Posted: Mon, Jun 14, 1999 at 11:15:11 (EDT) Email Address: leblancfamily@yahoo.com Message: No Marc, I haven't. But I plan to. --- Hi brother Robert, Would you like to do a book exchange? When you finish your book and I finish mine, we could swap...Just a thought... In Christ, brother Marc <'}}}><

Subject: Romans From: Robert Tewart To: All Date Posted: Mon, Jun 07, 1999 at 06:34:55 (EDT) Email Address: . Message: I am starting a study on Romans. Any suggestions or insights? Robert

Subject: Re: Romans From: Marc To: Robert Tewart Date Posted: Wed, Jun 09, 1999 at 10:57:38 (EDT) Email Address: leblancfamily@yahoo.com Message: I am starting a study on Romans. Any suggestions or insights? Robert --- Hi brother Robert, I pray for you that the Lord would give you spiritual understanding and that He would help you along throughout the study. Love and prayers in Jesus, brother Marc <'}}}><

Subject: Re: Romans From: Given O. Blakely To: Robert Tewart Date Posted: Mon, Jun 07, 1999 at 14:28:16 (EDT) Email Address: GivenB@aol.com Message: First, get the text into your heart and mind -- without any other filters (commentaries, footnotes, doctrinal positions, etc.). Make every effort to avoid fitting it into theological positions to which you may have been subjected. It is the Word itself that is 'living and powerful' (Heb 4:12), not the views even good and holy men have of it. As with all Scripture, look for the Lord, and what He is declared to have accomplished. Do not try and understand every verse at first -- make every effort to get the overall picture. Ask the Lord to give you understanding of the text. You will have a most rewarding experience. Given O. Blakely

Subject: Bible Copyrights From: Marc LeBlanc To: All Date Posted: Fri, May 28, 1999 at 10:06:22 (EDT) Email Address: leblancfamily@yahoo.com Message: Do you know of any 'Public Domain' Bible versions other than the King James Version? In French or English or any other language? The purpose of this is to be able to distribute the Word electronically. For now I've put up a web page and database for this purpose using the King James Bible. I haven't heard that this is wrong. I think it's a great tool. It's helped my wife and I tremendously. You can reach this page by following this link: http://www.friendshipletter.com/scripture.html In Jesus, brother Marc <'}}}><

Subject: Star Wars From: Bill T. To: All Date Posted: Fri, May 28, 1999 at 00:59:25 (EDT) Email Address: TheHHF@aol.com Message: Is it wrong for Christians to watch Star Wars? I've heard both sides of the argument. What do you think? In Christ, Bill Thompson

Subject: Re: Star Wars From: Given O. Blakely To: Bill T. Date Posted: Fri, May 28, 1999 at 15:16:12 (EDT) Email Address: GivenB@aol.com Message: This is an area of conscience, in which one believer cannot dictate to another one. Each one has a personal view of the matter--but that is precisely what it is, a PERSONAL view. On matters like this, the Scriptures affirm, 'Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind' (Rom 14:5). In that particular text he was speaking of matters regarding eating meat and the observance of specific days. Both were matters of conscience, not revelation. The Lord asks you to do whatever you to before Him, always aware of His eye being upon you (Col 3:17). That is intensely personal, and we must keep it just that way. If, in the process, our minds are contrary to the mind of the Lord, and IF we maintain a good conscience, the Word says, 'if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you' (Phil 3:15). All of us must be willing to depend upon that taking place. Given O. Blakely

Subject: Re: Star Wars From: Marc LeBlanc To: Given O. Blakely Date Posted: Tues, Jun 01, 1999 at 10:03:01 (EDT) Email Address: leblancfamily@yahoo.com Message: This is an area of conscience, in which one believer cannot dictate to another one. Each one has a personal view of the matter--but that is precisely what it is, a PERSONAL view. On matters like this, the Scriptures affirm, 'Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind' (Rom 14:5). In that particular text he was speaking of matters regarding eating meat and the observance of specific days. Both were matters of conscience, not revelation. The Lord asks you to do whatever you to before Him, always aware of His eye being upon you (Col 3:17). That is intensely personal, and we must keep it just that way. If, in the process, our minds are contrary to the mind of the Lord, and IF we maintain a good conscience, the Word says, 'if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you' (Phil 3:15). All of us must be willing to depend upon that taking place. Given O. Blakely --- Good morning, I'm sorry, I apologize for my previous post. Thank you for your post. Love and prayers in Jesus, brother Marc <'}}}><

Subject: Re: Star Wars From: Marc LeBlanc To: Bill T. Date Posted: Fri, May 28, 1999 at 10:22:58 (EDT) Email Address: leblancfamily@yahoo.com Message: Is it wrong for Christians to watch Star Wars? I've heard both sides of the argument. What do you think? In Christ, Bill Thompson --- Hi brother Bill, Forgive me for sending a blank e-mail. I was very hesitant to reply to this question. I read it twice and canceled the reply. I once asked on a Christian list what people thought of TV watching... I got many many responses. Some in the order of 'I don't watch TV or movies at all...' Some of these posts I wanted to reply with this: 'Dear brother Pharisee, what other sin have you not committed?' Moving on...The question gives me spiritual malaise. I love to watch movies and I intend to see Star Wars. I just am constantly making efforts to control the amount of TV I watch and I also refrain from certain types of movies. I've tried using my free times to hobby on better things. These days, I spend much time in the garden. My wife and I both love to do this. We also replaced much of our TV watching for reading bed time stories (right now we're reading Max Lucado) because both of us agree that most of what we can get on our antenna is not good. I can't praise Him after watching violence. On the other hand brother, when I get a glimpse of God's unending love, I want to praise Him. I find my heart signing like a canary. I love God and I know He loves me and I want to please Him. For now that involves moving on, pressing on and I feel some types of TV watching and movies are often a in the way. . . I didn't answer your question. :-) Ok. No, I can't encourage you to watch Star Wars. I'm sorry. Whenever I see a movie of this type, I feel I've sinned. Yet, I am very curious about seeing it myself. Forgive me I sound like a hypocrite. Love and prayers in Jesus Christ, brother Marc <'}}}><

Subject: Re: Star Wars From: Marc LeBlanc To: Bill T. Date Posted: Fri, May 28, 1999 at 10:07:40 (EDT) Email Address: leblancfamily@yahoo.com Message: Is it wrong for Christians to watch Star Wars? I've heard both sides of the argument. What do you think? In Christ, Bill Thompson ---

Subject: His Hand, His Feet, His People From: Roger L. Wever To: All Date Posted: Sun, May 23, 1999 at 16:19:54 (EDT) Email Address: gr8god4u@aol.com Message: Awaiting His provision financially for His call upon me to develop a ministry team to plant Towel-N-Basin Christian Church. The team is slowly being raised up. There are lots of people encouraging, praying; yet very few are being faithful in supporting via their pocketbook, but this is common occurance which breaks my heart. Thanks for being there brothers and sisters as I experience the growing pains of depending more on the Lord in this passionate project of expanding God's kingdom. Thanks for listening.

Subject: The Love Prayer From: Marc LeBlanc To: All Date Posted: Fri, May 21, 1999 at 15:11:33 (EDT) Email Address: leblancfamily@yahoo.com Message: Let Jesus come into your heart. Open your hands to someone. Vanquish idleness and Extend yourself to someone today. Brother Marc <'}}}>< May, 1999

Subject: New snip: What is this about? From: Marc LeBlanc To: All Date Posted: Wed, May 19, 1999 at 16:50:54 (EDT) Email Address: leblancfamily@yahoo.com Message: I found this news snip on the JVIM web site (http://www.jvim.com/cgi-bin/update.cgi). Some of the news published there seems far fetched. This one I don't understand, but I am very curious. Can someone explain? TEMPLE MOUNT FAITHFUL CLAIM CONFIRMATION OF WATER FLOWING FROM TEMPLE MOUNT ROCK May 19, 1999 Publications from the group known as the Temple Mount Faithful in Jerusalem, who are set on laying the cornerstone of the Third Jewish Temple in Israel, reported this week that supposedly it has been verified that water has begun flowing from the holy rock of Abraham and Isaac on the Temple Mount which was in the midst of the First and Second Temples. They say, however, that Muslim authorities who control the Temple Mount area have denied the report and have even unsuccessfully attempted to stop the flow of water. The report said: 'This special news has caused much excitement in Israel. Since the destruction of the Second Temple the Jewish People have anticipated this event with great desire and prayers because we always knew that this would be one of the signs of the last days and the redemption of Israel and that the Third Temple is soon to be built and Mashiach ben David is soon to come...' The group’s enthusiasm is based upon Ezekiel 37:1-12 describing the conditions of the millennial reign of Christ.

Subject: about 'mother' From: Robert Tewart To: All Date Posted: Tues,