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  • The Harlot

    Hey Pastor John,

    Who do Christian ministers say the Great Whore in Revelation is?

    Michelle 

    ==========

    Hi Michelle.

    It will depend on which Christian minister you ask.  Pentecostal ministers used to teach that the Great Whore was the Catholic Church, and I feel sure that some still do.  But I am out of the loop with that now.

    One thing is certain, though.  It would be hard to find a Christian who would state the obvious, the Great Whore and her harlots daughters are the religious system called Christianity.

    Thank you for the question.

    Pastor John

    ==========

    Pastor John,

    I remember growing up hearing Pentecostal ministers saying it was the Catholic Church but I don’t think I’ve ever heard what any other denominational minister would say it is.  

    I was reading the Random Thought last night about “coming out of her”.  I had the thought, how sad it is that God’s children are running into that institution (Harlot) thinking they are running into safety but in the end it will be destroyed.  They just need to run to Jesus and they can find him on their knees, not in an institution.  In him is our safe hiding place.  

    * https://www.goingtojesus.com/gtj_thoughts.html?tname=rdt03-13

    Michelle

    Tell us what you think:

    https://x.com/WitnessofSpirit/status/1851059852333736069

  • God’s Government

    Pastor John,

    The “Remembers” from the upcoming Father and Son #23 reading are really something! (Father and Son 23 PDF) It is really good and clear:

    • The basic function and greatest benefit of government is to provide for the establishment and maintenance of right relationships.
    • By nature, both men and animals are wild, and fleshly nature will oppose God’s order as long as the flesh is alive.
    • The best that human governments can do is to muzzle the dog so that it won’t bite, but they cannot change the nature of the beast.
    • It is the nature of the flesh, whether human or animal, to resist being governed because it thinks of being governed only as being controlled.
    • God’s form of government is to replace our nature with His so that we are freed from our natural rebelliousness and have the strength both to want to do His will and to do it.

    I was reading these Remembers this morning and thinking about how we have to be recreated to understand and love God’s government, and how God is a God of relationships, and how that God recreating us to love His government enables us to obey His will and receive the greatest benefits. 

    Wow! This is really good, Pastor John.

    Beth D.

    Tell us what you think:

    https://x.com/WitnessofSpirit/status/1847659566667858342

     

  • The Who of Christianity

    Pastor John,

    I have a question from yesterday morning’s Father and Son reading,

    ( Father and Son 22) .

    We know the current condition and future salvation of our souls depends on our faithful following of a who in Christ, and not a what; as the Apostle Paul said, “Follow me as I follow Christ.”  So we know that God’s children are called by God to follow His representative(s) that He sends to lead them home. 

    However, in the religious system of Christianity, members appear to follow after the Christian institution instead of following a true representative of Christ.

    For example-

    Brother Brad pointed out this morning that Christianity’s ministers often are hired and fired, or move on to other positions in the institution, leaving their sheep behind.  I have seen Christian ministers leave their people behind for better jobs in the institution, and I have seen the minister’s flock stay behind, not following the minister, remaining faithful to the institution—their church—instead of the man.  So, it appears that Christian ministers and their sheep, at least some of them, honor the institution first, above everything else.

    My question is, if life in Christ means a lifelong relationship between an anointed who, a representative of Christ, and his flock, then who is the who (if there is one) that represents the institution of Christianity, since it commands such devotion from people?  Can a dead thing such as an institution, being comprised of a bunch of buildings, symbols, and conflicting ideas, hold on to men’s hearts the way Christianity does?  Or is there a spirit behind it all, a living who that is not Jesus?

    ==========

    Yes, Jerry, there are spirits which brought about the religious system of Christianity and which sustain it.  One is the perverse spirit of fallen man, and the other is Satan.  They work together (cf. Mt. 16:23).

    ==========

    If there is a who represented by the institution of Christianity, such as a spirit, Satan, etc., then that makes Christianity appear more like a place representing “anything but Christ” instead of representing Christ.

    ==========

    Yes, it does.

    ==========

    Finally, if it is not a spirit or Satan behind Christianity that is inspiring such devotion from unwitting men, is it just man’s misconception of Christianity that is provoking their devotion—the misconception that Christianity represents the who, Christ, that men know in their hearts they should be reverencing?

    ==========

    Wrong ideas do not just appear out of nowhere.  They come from living beings.  So this question is the same as your last one: “Is there a who behind Christianity?”

    ==========

    I have heard it said, and I believe it, that God may be allowing Christianity to exist as an off-ramp, so to speak, a place where His children may go to hide from holiness when they do not want to do things God’s way.  But men serve Christianity in a way that makes it appear to be more than just a bad idea.  It almost appears that Christian leaders and organizers feed their people to that institution until folks are consumed.  It sucks the life out of them.  It seems spiritual.

    Thank you,

    Jerry

    ==========

    It certainly is spiritual, Jerry; it does not just seem to be.  Peter warned God’s people that men would come (with their institution) teaching wrong things, that many would follow them, causing the truth to be evil spoken of, and that those men would exploit God’s children (2Pet. 2:1–3).  That is a perfect description of Christianity.

    The most successful lie in history, to date, is that the religion of Christianity represents Christ.  The whole world believes that (cf. Rev. 12:9).  We were all fooled.  I would have given my life for Christianity; indeed, I was giving my life to it.  But Jesus has rescued me, and you, and others, and I am very thankful.  Knowing how much God loves His people, I am hopeful that He will rescue millions more of our brothers and sisters who, as you and I were, are still blinded by the appearance of goodness and the worldly honor that Christianity enjoys.

    Christianity has nothing to do with the real Jesus, other than what it claims.  What an amazing, fearful revelation that was to me when I finally received it!  It is only because He loves them so much, the Father is crying, “Come out of her, my people!”  I am so thankful that I heard that call!

    Now, to be a good example of the meekness and love of Christ.  That is our job, Jerry.

    Thanks for writing.  I hope I have adequately answered your question.

    Pastor John

    Tell us what you think:

    https://x.com/WitnessofSpirit/status/1846183495309115618

     

  • Restoration

    Pastor John,

    After talking with Jesus this morning, I searched the scriptures for the word restoration.  It touches me to know Jesus has heard this prayer before. 

    Psalm 51:12:  Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit.

    Beth

    =========

    Yes, Beth.  That is no new prayer to Jesus.  He has restored so many of us so many times before.  We live because we have hoped in his mercy.

    Pastor John

    Tell us what you think:

    https://x.com/WitnessofSpirit/status/1846178244862541923

  • That Christian Phrase

    John,

    I vaguely recall you touched on this awhile ago.  What’s your take on that phrase, “Hurting people hurt people; healed people heal people”?

    Brad

    ==========

    Hi Brad.

    As with most such clichés, it is misleading.  This is the truth of the matter: Ungodly people hurt people; godly hurt people hurt no one, but take their hurts to Jesus.  And as for the second half of that quote (which I have not heard before now), being healed does not make a person a healer any more than being baptized makes a person a baptizer.

    Pastor John

    Tell us what you think:

    https://x.com/WitnessofSpirit/status/1842288853597774185

  • Life over rules

    Pastor John,

    Beth and I were discussing a doctor’s testimony that she heard recently.  

    The doctor had declared that he was an atheist all his life, though he had respect for a particular colleague who feared God—while also counting him as foolish for his beliefs. 

    The unbelieving doctor was then struck with a sudden and incurable illness that he knew, unquestionably, he could not recover from. He knew he was about to die at any time. He said he felt an urgency that he must speak to his colleague who had always had faith in Jesus.

    (The sickly doctor noted: “It is easy to be an atheist – until you are lying on your deathbed.”)

    The doctor received the much-wanted visit from his colleague and, in earnest, submitted to the man’s efforts to help his soul. The sickly doctor said with all sincerity that he repeated the “Lord’s prayer” with his newfound friend and that he sincerely believed.

    That once-ailing doctor said that he went on to recover 100% from that incurable disease and that his life completely changed after that.

    When Beth finished telling me that story, I felt such love for that man and his experience. I understood, because of the goodness of God revealed to us through Jesus, that the doctor’s sincerity meant everything to Jesus, and the manufactured prayer he was offering up didn’t do a thing to hinder God’s love for him. I also realized that everything any of us have ever had to offer God is “manufactured” until the Son gives us something acceptable to offer 🙂

    After hearing of the doctor’s experience, considering his testimony, and feeling such love for him, I felt myself (internally) countering that by considering what the apostle Paul had told the Galatians (Gal 1:8-9): “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we preached unto you, let him be accursed.”

    I then thought (out loud, and to Beth), “Doctrine matters. It matters what we believe—Paul said so. But then, it doesn’t matter, not in the light of sincerity towards the Lord.”  And for just a moment, I could feel how those things appear so conflicting; I understood how they both exist, and how both are true and are right, but I felt almost helpless at that moment to express it. I then (almost involuntarily) asked aloud, “So what is right?” And I heard myself respond, “Everything, and nothing. Because it isn’t ‘what’ is right; it is ‘Who’ is right.”

    Oh, the sweetness of that answer—and I felt like all the years of hearing you say that the truth is a Who, not a what, sank just a little deeper into my heart.

    Whew. Nothing is good or bad in itself. Or, as I heard the Spirit once say so sweetly, “There is no right or wrong, there is just Jesus.”

    Glory to God that is good!

    You can’t be wrong with Jesus, and you can’t be right without him. 

    We can’t be saved without Him. It’s impossible.

    So good.

    Jerry

    Tell us what you think:

    https://x.com/WitnessofSpirit/status/1840554626556268808

     

  • Sweet Thoughts from Jesus

    Hey Pastor John,

    I wanted to share something that happened this morning. I had a follow-up doctor appointment for some additional testing. Nothing major that we are aware of, just the doctor being proactive. When I was finished the tech told me I would get notified mid-week next week. I am thankful for the most part that Jesus has allowed me to have wonderful health in my youth. So, I could feel myself getting a little anxious and the what if’s coming and having to wait a week for results. I didn’t want to let my mind go there.

    Standing there looking in the mirror I was thinking I am not going to get worked up about this. I wouldn’t be able to change it anyways so why get anxious? It was that “it is what it is” mentality. Before I could even finish my thoughts the next thought that came stopped me. I heard, “things can change”. I wasn’t confused when Jesus brought the thought.

    The next thought that came was Jesus that is right!!! We can change things, YOU can change things. Then I started thinking about James 5:16 where it says, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Why settle when Jesus is standing there waiting for us to ask? It changed my entire thought process in that moment. Instead of saying eh I couldn’t change it either way, how much better is it to ask and tell Jesus about it?

    As we all know his will is going to be done and he works it all for our good, regardless. But what a sweet and wonderful Jesus!! It took all of the anxiety away and gave me so much peace knowing that regardless of any of our circumstances Jesus is standing right there! 

    I wanted to share because it was such a sweet feeling. 

    M.S.

    Tell us what you think:

    https://x.com/WitnessofSpirit/status/1840551976012034252

     

  • Interesting

    Pastor John,

    I just saw a video where an inner-city Chicago resident addressing his local council meeting told everyone present that mega churches in the inner city were no good and to “come out of her – come out of Rome.”

    There was nothing extraordinary otherwise. But he said an extraordinary thing, like it was common knowledge.

    People are seeing some truth, aren’t they? The truth always will lead to exiting that abomination in Jesus’ name.

    Jerry

    =========

    Many times, people say things they feel without understanding their feelings.  I have done it myself.  I hope God explains to that man what he said.  If He does, that man will be amazed, and very happy.

    Pastor John

    Tell us what you think:

    https://x.com/WitnessofSpirit/status/1838362779276697660

  • “A Son” vs “The Son”

    Pastor John,

    I have a question about this, from Matthew 8 (King James Version).

    Matthew 8:28–29 “And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.  And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?

    Since Jesus’ true identity as God’s “fellow” (above everything but God Himself) was hidden from everyone and everything at the time, would the text from Matthew be an instance where a demon is declaring Jesus to be “a Son of God” versus “the Son of God,” even though it sounds like he is confessing the latter?  The demon did accuse/question Jesus about coming early to torment him, which sounds like it would be specific to Christ versus just one of many of God’s creations who might be called a son of God.

    ==========

    As you may recall, Jerry, the phrase, “the Son of God” was used by the Jews of the time as a synonym for the Messiah.  That is what the demons meant by that phrase.  Everyone in heaven knew that Jesus was the Messiah and had no qualms about calling him the Son of God, and the angels in the sky did the night Jesus was born.

    That is what made the Messiah distinct from the many “sons of God” in heaven, as mentioned in Job, chapter 1.

    ==========

    I feel like you have explained this before.  I seem to recall now you saying that Jesus’ presence could provoke a demon to speak the truth even if it didn’t know what it was saying.  (I believe that can happen right now on earth – with God’s saints who are full of the spirit.)

    Is that the case here?

    Thank you! 

    Jerry

    ==========

    Jesus’ powerful presence does bring out true confessions, and I am sure that played a part in some scenes such as you described.  The powerful presence of God certainly moved the prophets to speak of things far beyond their understanding, didn’t it?  It even moved a donkey to reprove the prophet Balaam!

    Thank you for the questions.  I hope that helps.

    Pastor John

    Tell us what you think:

    https://x.com/WitnessofSpirit/status/1837604311859069173

     

  • True Over and Over Again!

    Good morning, Pastor John,

    I had the best drive with Jesus this morning!  I have been listening to our music and feeling wonderful, and an ad for mental health kept popping up between songs.  After about the third time it came on, the thought came, “How about getting spiritually healthy?  That is what you need.”  Then the best thoughts took over!

    If we have the mind of Christ, our mental health is perfect.  There is nothing wrong with the Lord’s mind!  In fact, if we are full of the holy ghost, we are perfect just like our Father!  The answer is always the same: just stay full of the holy Ghost!  How absolutely wonderful God’s design is!

    What a relief to know that staying full of Jesus and having the mind of Christ is a cure for depression, anxiety, doubt, anger etc. You name it.  Jesus fixes it!  Jesus is our healer!  That’s how God designed it.

    And even if these bodies fight sickness and disease at times, the mind of Christ will carry you right through it!  Sometimes, he just carries us on home, and what a wonderful way to go!  The only way to go!

    I think what I love most is how true it is, over and over again.  I keep hearing it, and it is absolute truth over and over again!  Year after year, it doesn’t change! 

    Whew!  I could go on and on telling of how much I love God’s design and His Truth, but I better get back to work. 

    1Corinthians 2:16 “Who has known the mind of the Lord, or who will instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

    Romans 15:5 May the God of patience and comfort give you the same mind toward one another in Christ Jesus,

    1Corinthians 1:10 I urge you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing and that there not be divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in the same mind and in the same judgment.

    2Thessalonians 2:2  Not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed by either a spirit, or a speech, or by a letter purporting to be from us, to the effect that the day of Christ has come.

    1Peter 1:13 Wherefore, girding up the loins of your mind, being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ,

    Matthew. 5:48 So, be perfect, just as your Father who is in heaven is perfect.

    Romans. 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind so that you might discern what is the good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.

    Philippians 3:15. Let us, therefore, as many as are perfect, think this way, and if you think any other way, God will reveal even this to you.

    Beth D.

    Tell us what you think:

    https://x.com/WitnessofSpirit/status/1837601875425710445

     

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