Had anyone mentioned in my early years as a Christian I would in any wise become a bold defender of the truth when called to be so, I would never have seen that coming. But we do grow and become that which He uses with the Spirit He has given us to do so.
I also think as we grow and become more like Christ we acquire the fruit of the Spirit/other gifts as well for whatever the circumstances might require....though certain ones might be dominate...we become stronger in the Lord, more well versed in the scriptures, and therefore available to Him for more diverse situations.
I believe as the final days come into view more of us as Christians will be called to face down the deceptions which are quickly taking hold across our nation. We need to be informed of what they are and those churches, groups and organizations promoting these. Further to genuinely be aware of the enemies devices so we can spot those deceptions.
As that battle rages we will need to discern that it isn't just about leading folks to the Lord, as we have known so well in the past, but also of rescuing, and fighting for those who get caught in the thickets, or on their way, as they stray or are enticed away from the foundations of Christianity. I see this happening often now.
The enemy of men's souls knows his time is short so he is picking up the pace in many areas....while he does so it seems to me the Lord is gathering Christians out of the thickets caught in as the process to integrate the religions appears now to have begun. True believers will not be a part of this “Universal” push for all faiths to become one.
As that battle rages we will need to discern that it isn't just about leading folks to the Lord, as we have known so well in the past, but also of rescuing, and fighting for those who get caught in the thickets, or on their way, as they stray or are enticed away from the foundations of Christianity. I see this happening often now.
It is as if, in the past, barely rooted Christians had the time to wallow in intellectual agnosticism - but no more.
In these battles, the doctrinal differences among us are not at issue - but rather forming a bulwark against the onslaught of the spirit of anti-Christ, protecting the vulnerable "young" Christians. We don't know who they are, but we know that they are. We know there is a final cause for the work to which we have been drawn.
And, as you say, God has equipped all of us with gifts of the Spirit which are up to the task. Indeed, I am humbled by the effectiveness which can only be attributed to His grace.
He has brought together in this great debate philosophers, scientists, attorneys, mathematicians, preachers, writers - bound by a common love of God and Spiritual language.
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned. - I Corinthians 2:14
Exactly Alamo-Girl....
Had anyone mentioned in my early years as a Christian I would in any wise become a bold defender of the truth when called to be so, I would never have seen that coming. But we do grow and become that which He uses with the Spirit He has given us to do so.
I also think as we grow and become more like Christ we acquire the fruit of the Spirit/other gifts as well for whatever the circumstances might require....though certain ones might be dominate...we become stronger in the Lord, more well versed in the scriptures, and therefore available to Him for more diverse situations.
I believe as the final days come into view more of us as Christians will be called to face down the deceptions which are quickly taking hold across our nation. We need to be informed of what they are and those churches, groups and organizations promoting these. Further to genuinely be aware of the enemies devices so we can spot those deceptions.
As that battle rages we will need to discern that it isn’t just about leading folks to the Lord, as we have known so well in the past, but also of rescuing, and fighting for those who get caught in the thickets, or on their way, as they stray or are enticed away from the foundations of Christianity. I see this happening often now.
The enemy of men’s souls knows his time is short so he is picking up the pace in many areas....while he does so it seems to me the Lord is gathering Christians out of the thickets caught in as the process to integrate the religions appears now to have begun. True believers will not be a part of this “Universal” push for all faiths to become one.
I could not have said it better.
Having been a charter member in the wimps brigade of my baby boomers era . . . as I’ve aged, a much greater strength and even fierceness has arising within my heart, mind, soul, spirit. I believe that’s God’s doing as you mention—for these END TIMES.
If this is the training, God have mercy for the battle! LOL.