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To: count-your-change; metmom

That is a given, the point being that simply manifesting supernatural power (prophesying, casting out devils, “wonderful works”), while valid when from God (Mk. 16:20; Heb. 2:3,4) is not the same as the “things which accompany salvation,” (Heb. 6:9), which is mainly love for the brethren (which in those days was risky, as it is today in persecuted places).

“But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. {10} For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. {11} And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:” (Heb 6:9-11)

“Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; {4} Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. {5} For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. {6} And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: {7} So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. {8} For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.” (1 Th 1:3-8)

And here is a thought: i think even Lot, despite the negative aspects of his testimony, exampled some virtues that are rare today in the Western church. The man utterly refused to allow the men from God to lodge in the street, but like Lydia, (Acts 16:15) constrained the brethren to abide with his family, loving them more than his own, and risked his own life on their behalf (prohomosexual activists are still pressing against any man or door that withstands them, hence the need for help from angels), and had two daughters were were yet virgins, even in a city given to fornication (how many pastors today can claim that?) while the others were married (to men).


970 posted on 06/01/2012 4:49:31 PM PDT by daniel1212 (Come to the Lord Jesus as a damned+morally destitute sinner,+trust Him to save you, then live 4 Him)
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To: daniel1212
From the fact that Jesus said he never knew these evil doers, these lawless ones, it's for certain they weren't acting with any commission from him but were doing what they wanted without heavenly direction and then, then claiming their acts were virtuous:

“Did we not do this and such in your name”.

Saying in so many words, “You owe me”.

Lot is an interesting fellow. He seems more righteous than good and a real contrast to Abraham.

Wouldn't a discussion of Lot's life be edifying?

977 posted on 06/01/2012 6:43:11 PM PDT by count-your-change (You don't have to be brilliant, not being stupid is enough.)
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