tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post3869334740823113800..comments2023-10-07T04:07:56.527-04:00Comments on The End Time: Hello, Holy Spirit!!Elizabeth Pratahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04341086233512507156noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-44431055390067368332014-03-05T18:57:45.940-05:002014-03-05T18:57:45.940-05:00O.K. thanks for explaining. I do wonder why such ...O.K. thanks for explaining. I do wonder why such deep colors are used sometimes to represent the rainbow, when rainbows are naturally more like pastel colors. I love the dark colors, but they remind me more of Joseph's coat of many colors :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-3941044524279243702014-03-05T15:56:22.450-05:002014-03-05T15:56:22.450-05:00You mean from my avatar? It was Christian wallpape...You mean from my avatar? It was Christian wallpaper from a link provided by Tim Challies. It's not a flag. I'm sorry you find it troubling. I find it beautiful. To me it represents that life in abundance and joy abounding comes from Jesus and Him alone.<br /><br />Genesis 9:13, "I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth"<br /><br />Yes it's troubling that the gay movement has co-opted the rainbow, but they don't own it.Elizabeth Pratahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04341086233512507156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-53420121656957213362014-03-05T15:04:21.803-05:002014-03-05T15:04:21.803-05:00What's with the rainbow flag over the cross (o...What's with the rainbow flag over the cross (of Jesus?) ? I find that troublesome considering that the gay movement using the rainbow flag as their symbol..Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-6533044889345035362013-10-01T06:06:44.536-04:002013-10-01T06:06:44.536-04:00Hi CT, At the GTY.org website there is a new short...Hi CT, At the GTY.org website there is a new short video discussing the fundamental flaw of the Charismatic movement. It is that they depreciate the word of God by adding to it.<br /><br />http://www.gty.org/Blog/B131001<br /><br />It all comes down to the fact that they take so many verses out of context. There are many false religions that are thriving, seemingly even Christian religions, where they are based on bible verses but are still false. The Catholic church is one such of these, claiming that Peter was the first pope based on Matthew 16:18. So just because something is based on the bible isn't necessarily true. Look at how satan twisted God's word at the Garden, and made Eve doubt. Satan USES the bible for just this purpose.<br /><br />Keep praying to the Holy Spirit for wisdom and discernment. He will deliver it. He will.Elizabeth Pratahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04341086233512507156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-56185390885595119142013-10-01T05:58:19.156-04:002013-10-01T05:58:19.156-04:00Hi CT,
I only WISH I was at that church! No, it&#...Hi CT,<br /><br />I only WISH I was at that church! No, it's in southern California. I am on the other side of the US in CA. However they have an active media ministry which you can hear their messages or see them in video, and after a short while all their sermons transcripts are posted too. And the pastor there has a blog, which is online and other things which are online like women's ministry bible studies. He also runs a wonderful seminary called The Master's Seminary and all their teachings are online too! Here are some of their website addresses for you to check out<br /><br />Grace To You is their media outreach website<br />www.gty.org<br /><br />Grace To You blog: <br />http://www.gty.org/Blog/<br /><br />Grace To You sermons<br />http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons<br /><br />As for the sermons, the pastor there has been preaching at Grace Community Church for 43 years. He preached thru the New Testament verse by verse. All those sermons are at the above site!<br /><br />Here is their church website, and a link to woman's ministries<br />http://www.gracechurch.org/media/?filter=ministry&id=68<br /><br />Here is the Master's Seminary, with complete online library. There is MUCH here that is free<br />http://www.tms.edu/<br /><br />and here http://www.theologicalresources.org/<br /><br />You could spend 100 years and not get thru all that is available for your edification and encouragement at these sites. They are all under the umbrella of Dr John MacArthur :)Elizabeth Pratahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04341086233512507156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-64725642363891954872013-10-01T00:26:09.770-04:002013-10-01T00:26:09.770-04:00Hi Elizabeth,
I have watched the videos and noted...Hi Elizabeth,<br /><br />I have watched the videos and noted the constant highlight on how dangerous private revelations through prophecies etc. can be. I understand the reasons and can say that my church does caution members on always checking the released words and works against the word of God.<br /><br />However, as the videos pointed out problems with the works of the Holy Spirit, I'm trying to reconcile that with my church's belief in the works of the Holy Spirit in healing, speaking of tongues etc, My church (though not called a Charismatic Church, in fact is a Baptist one) also allows sharing of vision and believes in deliverance and teaches it through spiritual warfare sessions. These sessions are based on biblical verses such as the Mark 16:15-17, Matt 12:28 I mentioned earlier. I'm trying to understand how these are not 'right' according to the videos.<br /><br />I am also trying to reconcile Mark 16:15-17, Matt 12:28 with Matt 7:22-23. <br /><br />Could it be that Matt 7:22-23 refers to a specific group of false teachers (which does not include those who perform miracles according to the word as stated in Mark 16:15-17 and Matt 12:28)?<br /><br />I pray I could have the wisdom of God to discern what is right and what is almost right. I thank God for people like yourself who is able to shine the light for those who are still seeking, including Christians.<br /><br />CT <br /><br /> CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-50391370396913826642013-09-30T22:49:34.085-04:002013-09-30T22:49:34.085-04:00Thanks for your reference to the Grace Community C...Thanks for your reference to the Grace Community Church. I would love to attend it to hear the messages. However, I'm on the other side of the world.<br /><br />I wonder if the full sermons of those mini video clips would be on its website in days to come.<br /><br />By the way, are you from that church too? :)<br /><br />Thanks!<br />CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-87242185638179908832013-09-30T06:12:39.083-04:002013-09-30T06:12:39.083-04:00thank you for your comment and also your suggestio...thank you for your comment and also your suggestion. I'll consider it. Meanwhile, I can offer the following resources that point to your question:<br /><br />"What is deliverance ministry, and is it biblical?"<br />http://www.gotquestions.org/deliverance-ministry.html<br /><br />Can a Christian be demon-possessed?<br />http://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-demon-possessed.html<br /><br />Here are over 20 two-minute videos all discussing the work of the Holy Spirit<br />https://www.tmstrangefire.org/media#.UklN41NjHFI<br /><br />As for demons and our dealings with them, we must be cautious of going beyond scripture or to assigning to the Spirit things He has not done, because of this verse which reveals that on His Day many who thought their deliverance ministry was genuine...was not,. nor were the people in it<br /><br />"On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’" Mt 7:22-23<br /><br /><br />Elizabeth Pratahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04341086233512507156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-37920010803095910652013-09-30T05:55:01.941-04:002013-09-30T05:55:01.941-04:00I cannot begin to tell you how much comfort and un...I cannot begin to tell you how much comfort and understanding your article has given me. Thank you so much.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05700606205436655991noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-71747171203086257342013-09-29T21:44:02.249-04:002013-09-29T21:44:02.249-04:00Dear Elizabeth,
Thanks for your sharing on the Ho...Dear Elizabeth,<br /><br />Thanks for your sharing on the Holy Spirit. I have reading and trying to understand the works of the Holy Spirit, in particular its role in deliverance and healing. Today, in my church, the work is preached in reference to <br /><br />Mark 16:15-17<br /><br />New International Version (NIV)<br /><br />15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;<br /><br /><br />I also read <br /><br />Matthew 12:28<br /><br />New International Version (NIV)<br /><br />28 But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.<br /><br />However, I understand that some Christians do not believe in healing and deliverance in today's context. <br /><br />It would be great if you could do a blog post on the works of the Holy Spirit and explore this subject further.<br /><br />Thanks so much!<br />CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-63855039643491333912013-06-06T21:00:49.139-04:002013-06-06T21:00:49.139-04:00I can't help but think of the times prior to N...I can't help but think of the times prior to Noah entering the ark. Could it have been much different than it is now? It doesn't matter that technology has advanced so much. What matters is that hearts are still evil. Sin has a hold on the human race. I can't imagine what this world will be like once the Spirit of God is taken away. But of course we know that God's Word goes out and accomplishes that which He desires.Michael Kolbnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-69200996868057227962012-02-02T13:47:19.885-05:002012-02-02T13:47:19.885-05:00Blessed sister, we pray to God directly but we als...Blessed sister, we pray to God directly but we also pray all three. And what a blessing THAT is! <br /><br />The Spirit teaches us, aids us in the war against the flesh, intercedes for us, seals and secures us, guiding us away from the path of temptation, empowers us in the face of sin. Why WOULDN'T you want to pray and thank Him? <br /><br />Don't be so legalistic, dear one. God is One in three persons. They all deserve praise and prayers of thanks but they all are One. Here is a biblical teaching on the indispensable ministry of the Holy Spirit http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/90-418/the-indispensable-ministry-of-the-holy-spirit You can listen or read it.Elizabeth Pratahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04341086233512507156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-79175533881026960502012-02-02T13:20:23.691-05:002012-02-02T13:20:23.691-05:00uh oh. I have read your blog on Beth Moore and to...uh oh. I have read your blog on Beth Moore and totally agreed with you about her. But I have a small dispute with praying to the Holy Spirit. I even have a problem praying TO Jesus. We pray TO God the Father THROUGH the Holy Spirit BECAUSE of Jesus. They all three have different offices and titles and duties. Although they are one they are three seperate personalities. In Matthew when Jesus was instructing his disciples on prayer by giving them a pattern, he only mentions praying to THE FATHER. He only prayed to THE FATHER. He instructed to ask the FATHER in MY NAME, not simply tack "in Jesus name" to the end. Not once did he instruct to pray to the Holy Spirit. Read all of Paul's prayers. He never mentions talking to the Holy Spirit but to God the Father. This is a false teaching much as Benny Hinn taught in his erronious book, GOOD MORNING HOLY SPIRIT.<br /> Your dsicenrmnet of Beth Moore was sopt on. Please research praying to the Holy Spirit as closely as you did her. Arnold Fruchtenbaum from Ariel Minitreis has a wonderful teaching on prayer. I used that for an entire summer with three other women as a study. I suggest reading it. There are several topics and one addresses whom we actually pray to. It is the best and most informative teaching on prayer I have ever done.<br /> Also we need to be careful when we interpret "hearing the voice" of God, the Holy Spirit or any other spiritual entity.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-33613112668200770982011-12-04T15:11:02.742-05:002011-12-04T15:11:02.742-05:00Hi Debbie,
Thank you for your prayers and calls fo...Hi Debbie,<br />Thank you for your prayers and calls for blessing! I have not read Charles Stanley's book but he is a good resource. Good for you! Keep praying, keep studying, keep asking, and all will be added to you!Elizabeth Pratahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04341086233512507156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-67708359270790341772011-12-04T14:41:20.985-05:002011-12-04T14:41:20.985-05:00Wow Thank you so so so so much for all that inform...Wow Thank you so so so so much for all that information Elizabeth! I really do love yearn to learn about The Holy Spirit because I feel I know so little about Him. The only preacher I know that really places emphasis on the Holy Spirit is Pastor Charles Stanley. I wanted to get his book called "The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life" and was wondering if you had read it.<br /><br />Anyway, you are so awesome, reliable and full of God's wisdom, I pray our Father will bless you richly in Jesus' name.Debbiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06130520759134992268noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-49698523918134681052011-12-04T08:12:55.766-05:002011-12-04T08:12:55.766-05:00Hi Debbie,
The Holy Spirit is like the forgotten ...Hi Debbie,<br /><br />The Holy Spirit is like the forgotten orphan of the Trinity. But He is equal to God and Jesus and carries out an important ministry on earth and in our lives. I'm so glad you are speaking of Him and to Him!<br /><br />He speaks to us through the Word. The Word is the final revelation of God to us (the first being the earth & universe, (Romans 1:18-20), the next being the Law and the Prophets, then Jesus while on earth and finally Jesus as the Word (Hebrews 1:2).<br /><br />Discerning the Spirit's voice is important because our own feelings and desires will try to sneak in. Our heart is deceitful (Jer 17:9) and the mind can be blinded if we let unrepented sin linger too long (John 12:40, Romans 9:18).<br /><br />This website has a good listing by scriptures of the Holy Spirit's ministry<br />http://carm.org/holy-spirit<br /><br />Another short essay on Who the Spirit is:<br />http://www.gotquestions.org/who-Holy-Spirit.html<br /><br />What does the Spirit do for us? He hears and responds to our prayers through which we have immediate, instant, intimate access with God who supplies all our needs. He gives revelation to us as we have not only the Scripture but the resident Teacher in us who explains the Truth of Scripture to us. He is a model of authority for our own lives in the glorious Christ, and He gives to us personal intimate daily direction in terms of God's will.<br /><br />I learned to listen to the Holy Spirit through prayer, which brings me close to God, reading the bible, which is Jesus speaking back to me, and daily submitting to the Spirit's ministry in prayer and in action. The closer I walk with God-Jesus-Spirit the more I can discern Him.<br /><br />I also have learned my spiritual gift and usually He has me doing things that are consistent with the gift(s) He has distributed in me.<br /><br />James 1:5 says "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him" and I do ask. The key is also to listen for the answer, in prayer, from the Word, and in circumstances in life.<br /><br />Be patient and go slowly, being careful not to mix our own desires with His. But ultimately, if we are consistently walking with Him in the ways I described above, He will send us desires that match His!<br /><br />One little pamphlet-book I have is really good at answering this question, which is really asking "How do I know I am in His Will?" is from John MacArthur. It is really short and readable. You can order it here for $1.50<br />http://www.gty.org/products/Booklets/451004/Found-Gods-Will<br /><br />Other resources are<br />"How doe we walk in the Spirit?"<br />http://www.gotquestions.org/Spirit-walk.html<br /><br />How do I identify my Spiritual Gift?<br />http://www.gotquestions.org/spiritual-gift.htmlElizabeth Pratahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04341086233512507156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-78820472496378864852011-12-04T01:42:38.088-05:002011-12-04T01:42:38.088-05:00I'm still learning to discern the voice of The...I'm still learning to discern the voice of The Holy Spirit...<br /><br />Sometimes it's a nudge or a feeling to do or not do/say something, one that I never ever experienced before becoming a Christian but I feel I'm doing something wrong by assuming a feeling/nudge is The Holy Spirit. I've started to rely on that "feeling" and I don't know how I can be sure it's always The Spirit and not just me.<br /><br />I can say I know and understand clearly when He's speaking through The Word of God. It's powerful and unmistakable when He does.<br /><br />But sometimes if I commit something to God like a health issue or emotional problem like anger, I will get those "nudges" or something holding me back when I'm in the midst of those things. I hope this all makes sense! Is this what you experience? I was wondering how you have learned to discern The Holy Spirit speaking to you? I really do love your blog and love it even more now because many don't talk so much about The Holy Spirit...Thanks and God bless!!Debbiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06130520759134992268noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-42847879532421182462011-11-27T16:34:26.457-05:002011-11-27T16:34:26.457-05:00Hi Anonymous, yes, I remember vividly...My very fi...Hi Anonymous, yes, I remember vividly...My very first memory at aged three years two months is the Beatles performing on Ed Sullivan. I was annoyed that the screaming was so loud that I could not hear the music, lol!<br /><br />Growing up in American suburbia, my mom would boot us out the door and we'd roam the neighborhood. My fondest memories are of playing down the road at the brook, and of playing in the cemetery under the trees. We went even further on our bikes, here, there, and everywhere. And I was 6, 8, 12 years old. Could never do that today.<br /><br />I can't wait for His coming to get us, that's for sure.Elizabeth Pratahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04341086233512507156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-1208586451527307732011-11-27T16:25:21.166-05:002011-11-27T16:25:21.166-05:00After the gulf of mexico last year & fukushima...After the gulf of mexico last year & fukushima this year......Not long to go now.........Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-71562165503847775872011-11-27T16:23:17.388-05:002011-11-27T16:23:17.388-05:00You are 51 & remember your formative images of...You are 51 & remember your formative images of the 60's & 70's?<br /><br />I'm 32 and already feeling like a dinosaur.<br />1997 seems so distant! Things are moving so fast that i can't keep up! Ahhhh......back in the day when we had bulky brick-like handphones & dial-up internet on the 486 :)<br /><br />All i can say is that you had your turn on this earth.....i might just have half a turn or less, but i'm still glad Jesus is coming real soon! Can't wait to go home !Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-79539637548862335602011-11-26T02:41:45.882-05:002011-11-26T02:41:45.882-05:00We do live in exciting times. I too feel like thi...We do live in exciting times. I too feel like things are "speeding up". I think you wrote about the sand in the hourglass awhile ago. God has been speaking to me about that too - time is running out. All we can do is cling to Him and share the gospel message of repentance and God's amazing saving grace through Jesus Christ. The closer we draw to Him through reading and studying the Word and prayer, He changes our heart and the old life and desires seem to fall away and we just don't crave the things of this world so much.<br />Blessings, TracyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com