Denominationalism

[rancherforChrist]

Hi Vicki,

I've read some of the responses that you posted. I know you have a lot of questions and have quoted many scriptures, as have others here. I totally believe all those scriptures, but I've watched many here make this about me. This thread isn't even about the discussion anymore. It's become about me and how wrong others believe I am. I love to share all of the stories and testimonies I have from the many journeys God has taken me on, because they all glorify God and show His unending faithfulness. However, many of the questions asked of me by many here, are often accusing, bitter, angry, full of skepticism and fear. The fear is often the root for the rest of it. I understand the fear, because I have encountered it in many people. I mean think about it, if God would actually tell this guy to go sleep on the streets for a time, then there is that possibility that God might tell you or someone else to do the same, and that's a scary thought. Believe me, it was a scary thought for me in the beginning. You asked me how I know that it's God voice that I'm hearing. That's a very reasonable and good question. There are many ways to discern God's voice. One very basic way that I'm aware of through scripture is

1 John 4:1-6
1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.
4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. 6 We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

Discernment of spirits is also a gift of the Holy Spirit. Not only is one of God's children able to discern the spirit behind the voices that one hears internally, but is also able to discern the spirit behind the voices that come from external sources as well. This also works really well in finding out who is hearing God real good, and when they speak, who is speaking out of their flesh.

Do you agree with that Vicki? If not, then where can this discussion between you and I possibly go from here. I mean, there's just no way that you're gonna convince me that I'm not hearing God's voice, because He has been so faithful to show up everywhere He leads me. He has confirmed His voice to me in so many ways. On the other side of this, if you don't at least believe in the gift of discernment of spirits and that it is real and available to God's children, then how will I ever convince you otherwise. If you don't believe that, then I can answer your questions and the questions of others all day long and what will it change. People will believe what they want to believe about me. What another person believes about me doesn't change one thing about my life.

Or maybe, is it possible that you want to believe that God speaks that clearly to His people? Is that why your asking the all the questions about me? If this is the reason behind all your questions, then I would be happy to share every story of everything God has done in my life, and maybe those testimonies will give glory to God in your eyes. If that is the case, I will share my stories with you privately. My stories hold the answers to all of the questions that you've asked of me.

I love you,
Chris