First or second person believer. Which are you.

Are you a first or second person believer?
Does that question cause some curiosity?
Your one or the other so isn't it a time to find out?

As we have stated before that "to do anything outside of faith is sin." Romans 14:23b.
When we become Christians it is crucial for us that we come to terms with "faith" in it's full scriptural application so that we "sin not." This include how we approach our "walk with God", how we "grow in grace", how we understand the Scriptures, God's Holy Word. In fact nothing, nothing at all, can happen outside of faith!
Allow me to be forcefully emphatic here again............Nothing, not anything can be done outside of faith lest it be sin! Putting it blankly: Sin constitutes anything you think, do or say outside of faith.
All principles of Scripture are received by, and performed by faith, and faith alone. Nothing in God's Word comes "to us" or "through us" except by faith. Faith in God's Word, ( and we can have no other faith in anything as nothing on earth, man, beast, society, company, or entity, has the qualities that make God King of Kings and Lord of Lords) to believe in or give hope.
We have faith in God because He is Omniscient, Omnipotent, and Omnipresent, without beginning or end, changeless in proclamation, and unwavering in Unconditional Love. He alone has offered the "real or True" things of this creation which is salvation and eternal life. Life as we see it or experience it now is temporary by God's design, and will fade or fail, but His promise (Jesus Christ) is eternal in the heavens, timeless here, and irrefutable both now and forever.
Again I must submit Romans 3:4 "Let God be True and every man a liar."
God implemented faith so that we can reunite with Him, both through salvation, "We are saved by grace through faith," and so that we can experience His promises in Christ "we must decrease, He (Christ) must increase," and "these things I (Christ) do you will do also, and greater things."
This encompasses the entire experience we call Christianity and none of it can be done outside of faith in God. "Have faith in God,"

With that background set we can answer our first question: "Are you a first or second person believer in God?"
Some now are asking: "Scripture doesn't make this differentiation, where is this coming from, is the author making up his own doctrine?"
Absolutely not. All of Scripture is full of this little seen fact, that truly there are both first and second person believers.
What is the difference? Simple. First person believers are those who "followed/were led by" God and God alone. They had a "relationship" with the Creator of the universe face to face or in a sense by dream or vision. These would be mentioned for just a few, Adam, Noah, Moses, Ezekiel, most of the major OT prophets, then Paul, Peter, James, John, most of the Apostles (as they followed Christ on earth), not a complete list but "witnessing" to the fact that many OT and NT had a relationship with God that was direct and without intervention of anyone else, sort of "face to face".
A note here is that all of these men had a personal encounter with their Creator and "heard His voice and followed." A strong encouragement here is that "these" are the men who "walked in power of the Holy Spirit and worked many great and mighty signs glorifying their Father in heaven." They, (the first person believers), were the ones that God used to "witness" His kingdom come through all the earth. And it is the same today.........though God will use any believer to work His will, there is certainly a division in who will be used the most, and who will be used because they are there and someone has need.
Elisha and Elijah were first person believers and both worked "signs and wonders" because they believed in the one who called them and heard His we small voice. Few others were used of God in raising the dead or healing the sick or averting disaster in Israel in the OT, them not being exclusive, but I won't go into all of the "men of God" or should I say "men used of God" during that time.
Again in the NT we had Peter, John, Paul, Stephen, Philip, and a few others that were "mighty in spirit, filled with the Holy Spirit", who were mightily used of God to proclaim His Kingdom, and to manifest His glory proving the Truth of His message through Christ and His salvation, and that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life/Light. God using man who communicated with Him face to face, their ears to His voice, and heart to His Spirit, to turn the world upside down as the Truth set hearts free and gave hope to a sinful and dying generation, and then to all who will come till creation ends.
I do not see anywhere in Scripture where this power, or anointing, given to halfhearted believers who having received their "ticket to the golden shore through Christ" would do any more to advance the Kingdom of God or make any effort to "grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." Herein is the sadness of "those of little faith" in this great Kingdom.
Keep in mind there is still to this day only a remnant contingency in the bride of Christ that still follow God through Jesus Christ and seek His presence "face to face."
Am I saying that the "remnant" are the only saved believers, soldiers in the army of God? Not at all. In the time of David the King there was a difference between his fighting men. Those who were his "Mighty Men" and those who fought behind them. The Mighty Men were in the forefront of battle, and by God's anointing, changing the tide in victory, and there were those behind participating but not to the degree that they were made mention of except that they were there.
Does this mean to say that we all don't make a difference? The true answer lies in the proof of your life. Everyone that calls upon the name of Jesus will be saved and used of Him for as much as they will "here His voice." Great or small, leader or servant, everyone has been given the ability to "be baptized in the Holy Spirit", "receive power from on high", walk in that Spirit", and to "do, (make manifest) the will of God. Everyone!
The only difference between face to face believers is that they "obey and fallow". They want God to make a difference through His intervention with mankind and are willing to "sacrifice" their "will" for His.

That being said then what are second person believers?
A second person believer is one that "needs" someone to stand between him and Christ or the Holy Spirit. They don't realize that the purpose of the pastors, teachers, prophets, or anyone who leads in Christ's church are there for encouragement, instruction, rebuke or guidance in the faith as they are led by the Holy Spirit. They are not in position to "replace" your personal, intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ. They are His servants using His administrations and gifts through the Holy Spirit to "grow your faith" and encourage you in your relationship with "your" Father in heaven. They are not there for "position, praise, adulation, or special attention", but as servants, ones who are called and empowered by God, as under shepherds of Christ. Jesus gave us strong warning about the "Master and the student", He said: "the student can only be equal to his master." If man is "the master" (second person position), then his students can only attain equality to him. But if Christ is our "Master" then we can have the "Mind of Christ" and we become "His representatives here on earth."
So clearly in Scripture a person is a "second person believer" when he/she "needs" someone between them and Christ to continue their instruction of faith to maturity. They don't seek Scriptural promises such as the "Baptism in the Holy Spirit", they don't "listen for the we small voice", they don't communicate with God our Father through the Lord Jesus Christ, they have no passionate heart to "follow in His ways, and they make little effort to acknowledge Him in all their ways.
Are these believers? Yes. Scripture says that "all" who call upon His name shall be saved. The motivated and the sluggard. A lot of which way the second person believers walk goes depends on the church they attend. Some church's encourage to be used of God according to the gifts and administration shown in Scripture, others don't acknowledge that any of these exists or are still in use by God.
Second person believers would rather (whether by ignorance or denial) follow the doctrines of man rather than God because it's less complicated, demanding, or just plain easier. Having been told that the gifts and calling and elections of God have been eliminated by dispensation they have no hope of anything better. They pass through this life asking questions about "why this God or why that" because they have no "personal revelation" of who God is or what He can and will do. God, for them is standing behind man, not Christ, as the filter for approval. This just can't work as clearly Jesus Christ is the Gate to God's fellowship and Fatherhood.
Second person believing is always fraught with "lack of faith", "lack of hope", and "lack of victory." Does God Love them and desire to use them for His Kingdom? Absolutely!
Sadly, the only thing that stands between any believer in Christ and intimacy with God is themselves, a closed heart, and a lack of faith being that: "though they hear the Word they comprehend it not", and "faith comes by hearing and that by the Word of God."
Sometimes the only effect that God's Word is guaranteed is that "it won't come back void."
The "catch all guarantee", made necessary, God already knowing the "heart of man" before He "created all things."
Second person believers can have hope, as do we all, because all they have to do is change "focus" from man as master and "turn their eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face", making Him the object of all intimacy, and man only as one who completes his God given revelation in the "Body of Christ." At this time God will make good all His precious promises which avail themselves to every believer in Christ by faith.

In closing:
You alone have a choice as to "how you will follow Jesus and fellowship with God."
Choose wisely because your life in Christ will be strongly effected.
Christianity is an "experience in faith through Christ." Living, powerful, full of victory and hope.
Being used of God according to Scripture is one of the most humbling but encouraging experiences you can ever know.
Emmanuel: God in us.
The greatest miracle of eternity.
Jesus properly enthroned in our hearts "working the will of the Father" through us.

Pray for pastors, teachers, prophets, deacons and elders that are "led of the Spirit."
Follow the masters that follow "the Master", and seek His face and intimacy with Him,
God bless and keep.
In Christ
J&E in Tn

2nd post of Isaiah 40:31 "Waiting on the Lord" because of the times we live in.

Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.
Let’s start by asking the question here: "When is your time to wait upon the Lord?" 
Start of day?
Midday?
End of day?
During the "night watch?"
How about "all of the above?"
Let’s look at the way the Scripture above starts: “But they that wait upon the Lord”. Notice that there is no reference to time here. Not beginning of day, nor any specific time of day at all, but only “those that wait.” We wait by “staying” our minds on Him. 
Isaiah 26:3: 
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace who’s mind is stayed on thee.”
When our mind is “stayed on thee” we automatically “bring every thought into captivity.”
2 Corinthians 10:5 
 “and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”
When all our thoughts are “obedient to Christ’s” He doesn’t have to “get our attention”, He already “has our attention.” All the time, anytime! To have this function in our hearts makes our hearing “of the we small voice” keener and our moving into “His presence” a natural part of our life. Most of us know that we are always in His presence because “in Him we live and move and have our being”, but whether or not we are aware of that as a focus is another matter. If we are mature enough in Christ our focus is always to “here the Master speaking and do His will.” Thus the “waiting” upon the Lord merely becomes a practice in sensitivity. 
Also note that the opposite of waiting is “impatience” which everyone has experienced along with the side effects of “being wrung out”, tired, weary. But waiting “renews our strength,” and mounts us up with wings as eagles.” There by experiencing times of refreshing, revelation, and deliverance.
The more you are filled with His Word, the more you will see His glory set forth in His creation and your waiting will be satisfied by His meeting you where you are, ”always, all ways and any time day or night.” For me this can take place in a “wake up call” during the night, reading/ listening to His Word, hearing a worship song, or just expressing a prayer of thanksgiving as I walk or work. The times of “waiting on the Lord” are as endless as life itself and the sooner we “seek” them the sooner we will be satisfied with “strength.” Then the rest of the verse can come to past “they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.”
This is the reward of “perfecting the presence of God.”
God bless and keep.
Love
J&E

Thoughts on Man, Woman and Unconditional Love

Anne Graham Lutz, Greetings in Jesus name, I agree with your premise and explanation but feel one area needs to be represented that it missed. The point that we all have a void to be filled by Jesus as Savior is universal for all and for all time. That settled I would like to introduce the "next in line" participant to "complete" what is missing in most women's lives. A God fearing, Unconditionally Loving Man. I believe that most women today suffer oppression in the everyday things of life because most men don't know how to express Unconditional Love to their wives, and more so to woman, married and unmarried alike. Somewhere along the line of time and tradition men became less Godly and that made them less manly. Because the man is the head of woman in the line of succession, and Christ the Head of man, our relationship in Love to our wives and other women are in direct alignment with where men are with Christ as their Head. Simply put: close to the heart of Christ, close to the heart of wife/woman. Men who have experienced (in a real sense) the Unconditional Love of God through Jesus Christ, can then pass it down in the treatment of woman/wife. When a man shows a woman Unconditional Love she is twice completed. Once by Christ who fills that which is lacked, an secondly by the Unconditional Love of God in man from whence she was taken at creation. She was made our help meet by God by completing "what we are not" adding the more tender effeminate personality to our nature. I believe no one, and especially no man, can be loving and kind of himself, thereby "the Love of God is shed in our hearts by the Holy Ghost" as a guide to, and instructor in Unconditional Love. My story is thus so. I always loved (notice small l in the word loved) my wife from day one. The kind of love that showed care, provision, concern, and kindness. We have always had a very good relationship. Then at the age of 31 Christ became my Savior and I started to learn how shallow my love was. I would continually pray to be filled with His Spirit and to teach me to Love as He Loves. He is faithful and He did. This happened in several supernatural ways. First was a dream where I was taken into heaven for the whole night and sat before Christ as He instructed me on Unconditional Love. Second time was a vision wherein His very presence radiated so much Love that I had to collapse before Him and worship Him. I speak this not as some sort of show of godliness or self adulation but only to point out what degree God will go to show and give us Unconditional Love. If all women were treated by men with the preciousness that God designed them to have they wouldn't have to add other things to make them fill fulfilled. That doesn't mean that women can't have jobs or any interests but it does mean that they won't have to fill the thing that completes them with distractions. Men, Godly men, Unconditionally Loving men, will add the missing piece to the lives of women, if they are so inclined to be married. Then having received that from man and adding their own personal experiences with Unconditional Love through Christ, life will be good indeed. Just a short but not complete representation of the subject. Of course Godly women, without men are complete in Christ and His Unconditional Love.

Thoughts on our present time

Everyone has some perception of "the spiritual realm" of some kind. Many false, (not based on the Holy Bible), and many True, (based on the Word of God.)

Wherever your "application" falls that's your business.

Many say "I don't discuss politics or religion", and for them that's good.

Because God is Omniscient, (knowing all things from before the beginning till the end), the fact of the matter is that every facet of creation, life, and the governance thereof, has to do with faith, (wrongly stated as religion).

The way you believe about everything is faith based whether you admit it or not. Here in is the fault of having "little faith".

I do not know where you are at with "your faith", as faith relates to your experience in what you believe about God and HIs Word Jesus Christ. You may believe all that scripture has to say or you may "pick and choose" what it has to do with you personally, or not.

I believe squarely on the Absolute Truth of Scripture for "every Word of God be true." Romans 3:4 "Let God be True and every man a liar."

So, my experiences of Faith in God has come directly from Scripture and has been confirmed so. This statement is not for argument or comparison with you, but it's a testimony to what my faith in God's Word has proven True in my life.

That being settled here is what I believe about our present condition in this Great Nation:

It is clear in Scripture that everything represented in this physical world was know of God before he began creation, and has it's true form in the spirit realm.

Many believe that "we" physically control what happens here because our "faith" is week or not based on Scripture, kind of like a "pipe dream", even though we allow our "vain imaginations" to rule our thoughts and opinions like a merciless task master. We fight and scream "we're right" when in essence "your wrong" based on "little faith", and the thought that your opinion is final, even when it's against Scripture.

Here is the perfect verse that sets the "why" of whats going on now, and throughout "all time" since creation, perfectly stating what realm we are warring against:

Ephesians 6:12King James Version (KJV)

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

These principalities, powers, and rulers of darkness have been at play working in the hearts of man since "the beginning" of man in creation, in this worldly realm that we call reality. The here and now. The same that it was "in the beginning" which has now been deemed the past. They have always been active, destructive, perverse, demanding, destroying, twisting the human heart against God and HIs Word Jesus Christ. Remember that Jesus Christ was there in the beginning with God:

John 1King James Version (KJV)

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 The same was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

As shown in Ephesians these demonic influences has been here twisting our hearts and thoughts whether or no you believe it and they influence every human heart that is now or has ever been. The only victory over these hateful and demonic spirits is to have Jesus Christ supremely seated in your heart as Lord and Savior, and bringing every thought into obedience of Him. Even weak Christians, (those of little faith) will succumb to these pervasive temptations, even acting upon them, if the Word of God is not fully given place in every "thought, word and deed. "Jesus is the Word and the Word (Truth) sets free." Sadly there are many Christians who believe not the whole Word of God, but again pick and choose what should apply to them and what doesn't.

"God's Word is Spirit" and only those who have the Holy Spirit constantly refilling them will be able to "discern the Truth" and embrace it. Others will not give God's Word rule over their lives by faith and so suffer the deceptions of the devil.

Let it be known at this time that there are those who "completely believe", the "remnant", who do spiritual warfare daily for this nation, and because of them "we have hope". Mighty winds of change has come because of these "prayer warriors" and we now have a "time of blessing" ushered in by God's hand in the form of our new administration.

There are many antagonist against this "act of God", who vehemently and continually attack his efforts to stop this immorality, abortion, and other "allowances" that fly in the face of true righteousness.

Now, for sure, those who are politically polarized against this new administration, will be the first to "fly off the handle" with cursing, blame, accusation, and all forms of argument. But that is because their faith is small and their vision of who God actually is, (not what they think He is"), is also flawed.

He (God), knows all things, from the beginning of time till it's end. That's called Omniscience.

He (God), is all powerful and reigns over all creation. Omnipotence.

He (God), is everywhere, at once, in all His creation. Omnipresent.

Because of this, He (God) knew our present time, situation, and needs so that He could intervene with the answer to our problems. These problems exists because we have "agreed" with the powers of darkness to get rid of God in all the earth by allowing governance to regulate HIm out of our daily expressions of life, faith, and worship. This statement is an "in general" statement representing our present, average person participating in this governance. It has nothing to do with those who "pray without ceasing" knowing the power of God and HIs actual Kingdom position in all the earth.

For once we have a president that invites prayer back into the White House and wants to lead by Gods direction, (for what he knows of such), and the country, (which calls itself basically Christian), is appalled, contentious, and condemning of these actions.

Does anyone see that the violence and malice of these protests are beyond carnal but demonic in expression? Not that everyone must agree on one application but that these are driven beyond the human realm into the demonic. Am I saying that those who appose this administration are demonic? No. But I am saying that they are swayed by their "little faith, or lack thereof" to participating in an aggression that is demonic. We can all have our "opinions" with civility and order. God is Love and anything outside of Love is not of God. So Christians beware on who's agenda you are supporting. If you don't agree with this new governance so be it, but to act out, speak out. and lash out with malice and hate, puts you on the "other sides" team. I disagree with many things on the wise of this worlds present path, but I don't express myself with hate and malice.

So now do you still think that politics and faith are not the same? Do you have a better knowledge of God's involvement in our present condition?

My faith tells me that He has once again "intervened" in our lives to bring us back to His standards (His Word), because He is about to return and claim those true believers, who await His coming.

Nothing that has happened in all of time has ever been outside the eyes of God or the means of His intervention for good.

I believe that our present condition is to bring us back to His grace by His Love, so that we might have a time of reprieve from the ever increasing wickedness going on in all the earth, (and especially America), and (if we cooperate), once again make us the "light" on a hill.

Right now both Christians and non believers are fighting for the right of abortions, sodomy, same sex marriages, and a plethora of other sinful ways to be legislated in as acceptable, without the allowance that any other "view" be allowable. This is why this renewed time of grace is being brought in by God to stem this flowing wickedness.

Isaiah 59:9

So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west and His glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.

I believe that God has, by moving in our hearts, brought in this administration so a standard can be raised against this flood of perverseness that our wicked hearts have given rise to.

Seek Gods face with prayer and fasting.

Know what His Word says.

Agree with Him.

Be a part of this revival that is to come.

Love

J&E in Tn

His Word

God's Word is important!

It's important to read,

It's important to hear,

It's important to speak,

It's important to obey,

It's important to have faith in.

What you believe about His Word will be shown in every decision you make and action you take.

What you believe will bare the "fruit of life" that is either good or bad.

What you do with His Word will either become a blessing or curse to you.

Remember that it is so important that "in the beginning was the Word." Creation started by "the Word." Creation will end by "the Word." The Word is "life and light." Truth is at it's foundation as "every Word of God is true".

Treat His Word as such. Truth, "Truth that sets free."

Always remember that it is His Word, not mans word, God's Word!

Without beginning, without end, eternal in heaven, on earth, and throughout creation.

Love His Word and it will teach you to love others.

God bless and keep.

Good night,

Love

J&E in Tn

Salute to live and love.

I look at life's dusk moments with a greater and more emphatic presence to need to express myself to you ward.
We've laughed, we've cried, and life has moved us to this point when fellowship is real, and love is true. We (all of us), has tasted of life and it has been sweet, not without some sorrow, but sweet and rife with the pleasures of intimacy through communications, hugs, kisses, and the presence of one another. That comforts me, this reunion of life in our passing days. The thoughts, memories, and conversations that we share and have shared, the laughs and glasses of wine or good food that has blessed our bellies and warmed our souls, all things good that have been appropriated and shared because we dared to live as one with love and appreciation.
Salute to those who,
Experience joy unspeakable,
Salute to those who,
Embrace life like God designed it,
Salute to those who,
Put aside trivial half truths and see the reality of fellowship,
Salute to those who,
Love without end, who truly care for others,
Salute to those who,
Embrace others "just because" they need embracing,
Salute to those who,
Ignore contention and call the offenders "friends",
Salute to those who,
Would be like Christ for the sake of all, regardless of cut or character.
Salute to those who,
Would sacrifice self for the greater glory, for the good of mankind.
God bless those who would sow the seeds of God's will upon the earth, without rhyme or reason as to where it would land just because it's the only hope for good in the earth.
God bless and keep,
From
J&E in Tn

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Relationships

It's in the "longevity of life" that we learn the preciousness of relationships.
It's in the "relationships of life" that we experience the value of ourselves and others.
It's in the "value of this experience" that we can make a difference in others.
It's in the "difference we make" to others that our fruit are proven good or bad.
Every interaction sets up a level of relationship and thereby responsibility.
God's heart toward us and our relationship with him was important enough to send His only Son to "seal the relationship".
Whats in your heart to do to seal your relationships?
A heart that prompts a smile, kind word, listening ear, or gentle action is a heart that has precious relationships and offers the story of a mature life.
Love
J&E in Tn