The Difference Between Doing Many Wonderful Works and Obeying God
Does Being "Led by the Spirit" Count for More Than the Words of the Bible?
Posted September 20, 2010
Hi D____,This is a very powerful witness to these to men who routinely "think above what is written" and even go to the extent of denouncing and disclaiming "that which is written" as "mere ink on paper".
Your clear, and concise words concerning the function of "many wonderful works in Christ's name", and your clear and concise words demonstrating the Biblical definition of 'love' are a very powerful witness to Des Walters which will burn within Him until his disdain for "that which is written" is burned out of him and he will come to see the spirit that is in those "written" words.
Thanks for sharing this with me.
Mike
Gary,
Normally I would be reluctant to comment on teaching by others but since you sent me notice of this new audio tape I listened. You spoke on this "gospel of inclusion" about forty minutes and I think I counted three or four scripture references which served only to bolster a thought you had at the time. The scriptures you managed to include certainly in no way supported the overall theme upon which you spoke. From this one aspect I have to conclude that you have exceeded that which is written:
1Co 4:6 And these things, brethren, I did transfer to myself and to Apollos because of you, that in us ye may learn not to think above that which hath been written, that ye may not be puffed up one for one against the other, YLT
Rev 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. KJVAs you know we are to test the spirits to see whether or not they are of God. How do we do that? It is NOT, as you say, with the "inner guidance system" of the heart:
Jer 17:9 "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? KJVYou may trust your heart in spiritual matters and doctrine, but I certainly cannot. You may be perfected and have a full knowledge of all things but I emphatically do not. There is much more Truth that I DO NOT see as opposed to what I do see, and this will always be the case. But what God has given me is anchored in "what is written". So, let's test the spirits (words) that you have spoken.
1Jn 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.First, you said that the gospel is the "gospel of inclusion" and that "Muslims, Christians and Jews all believe in the same God"! I think these were your exact words. I did not realize you are the spokesman for all Muslims, Christians and Jews, but nevertheless let's look at this statement. You said it in such a way as to suggest if only they could come to realize that their "belief system" is what is keeping all of us apart then we could all learn to love one another and begin to be free of the law. You say that it is only "ignorance" of the fact that we are all created "spirits" originally and that God does not see us as "sinners".
This sounds too good to be true, and in fact IT IS too good to be true! This is false doctrine of the highest order. Since when is "believing the same God" the criteria for unity among "Muslims, Christians and Jews"? Have you forgotten that it was not the Romans who wanted to kill Christ, it was the Jews. And not only that it was the Jews, it was "the Jews which believed on Him" that wanted to crucify Him:Joh 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, [then] are ye my disciples indeed;
Joh 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Joh 8:33 They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
Joh 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
Joh 8:35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: [but] the Son abideth ever.
Joh 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
Joh 8:37 I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.Do you really think it is any different today? Certainly not! They would still crucify Him as well as the Muslims and Christians. Do you think by convincing them they are really "spirits" and not really sinners and that God loves them is what it takes for conversion? What you are saying is your version of the 30 second sinner's prayer, except in different terms.
YOU say God does not see sin:Isa 59:1 Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:
Isa 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid [his] face from you, that he will not hear.
Isa 59:3 For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.
Isa 59:4 None calleth for justice, nor [any] pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.
Isa 59:5 They hatch cockatrice' eggs, and weave the spider's web: he that eateth of their eggs dieth, and that which is crushed breaketh out into a viper.
Isa 59:6 Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works [are] works of iniquity, and the act of violence [is] in their hands.
Isa 59:7 Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts [are] thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction [are] in their paths.
Isa 59:8 The way of peace they know not; and [there is] no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace.Who is this talking about, Gary? This is you, and this IS me. This IS the "Muslims, Christians and Jews" and every man who is born of a woman, including Jesus Christ. Everyone comes into this age "conceived in sin and shapen in iniquity", NOT spirit as you, Des Walter and Preston Eby seem to be bent on. There was no "age of spirit" where man existed before the foundation of the world. I know you base this on Genesis 1:26, and I'll deal with this later. Let me ask you a simple question: How can God NOT see what He Himself has created? You said in the tape God cannot create anything that is not perfect. And to this I wholeheartedly agree. Have not ALL THINGS been created in Christ? Even corruption and evil? This is confirmed in Genesis 1:1, 31, but you assume that man began as some kind of celestial "light being" or "spirit" in 1:26. The very fact that man was created on the sixth day, the number of corrupt man, demonstrates his state. But, I know this is what you believe as well as Walter and Eby. I have read every word of everything they have posted. The scriptures must be added to, subtracted from or altered to make this "deceptive belief system" as you put it, to make it work to your advantage.
Secondly, you said "it is only our perceptions of God which separate us". Now Gary, think, do you really believe this foolishness? We know what separates us from God, sin and iniquity, as Isaiah spoke. But YOU say it is "perception"! Or, are you saying "perception" is what is separating God's people? If this is what you are saying, this is also ludicrous. So, if we can but change our perception and see as YOU see then we can all come to the unity of the faith. Haven't there already been councils down through history who have attempted this nonsense?
Thirdly, you referred to Matthew 17:5 where the voice from the cloud said "hear ye him". You emphasized "hear ye him" but shortly thereafter you said, "God doesn't care about doctrine", and, "it doesn't matter what you believe". I hope I can assume you were just being careless about this, because if you were serious, then we have no common ground to stand on. What about doctrine? Consider these:Isa 28:9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? [them that are] weaned from the milk, [and] drawn from the breasts.
Isa 29:24 They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine.
Mat 22:23 And when the multitude heard [this], they were astonished at his doctrine.
Joh 7:16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
1Ti 6:3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, [even] the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
2Jn 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.Doctrine sounds pretty important to me. Now let's consider one last point: How do men come to God? If as YOU say we only need to change our "perception" and come to an understanding of who we really are and how God really sees us then actually, we can SAVE OURSELVES. I know you will say, "no, it takes the redemptive work of Christ", right? But by what you said the problem is not sin, it is in our thinking, our "perception". So your doctrine is a "gospel of works" whereby an simple alteration of concepts or "belief systems" will elevate one to sonship. Never mind that "we are DEAD in sins and trespasses", YOU say we're just ignorant. How can a "dead man" change his mind? Let's see:
Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Joh 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.Have you ever looked at this term "draw him"? It is the Greek word helko (to drag, carry off). Why would the Father have to drag us to him? Because we are DEAD!!! We have NO tendencies in us whatsoever to approach God. Our carnal, dead minds CANNOT be changed to conform to His doctrine. This show the immeasurable love of God toward us, in that "while we were yet sinners" He came to me, not the other way around.
Do I condemn you? Of course not, but I do and will always judge, try and test every spirit with His Word! Speaking the truth IS love. Correcting and trying the spirits IS love.Heb 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.I will send you another message later on Genesis 1:26
Your brother in Christ,
D____
PS - Preston Eby does not receive e-mail so I can't copy him.
Hello D____,
I appreciate your taking the time to write but I will only say that it is your right to disagree with me on anything I may say or write. I follow as you said, my inner guidance more than the written bible. I will always trust my anointing above everything. I also assure you that my heart is not desperately wicked as I have been regenerated and have a new heart that only wants to love God and my fellow man.
You are always welcome to write me and share your comments.
May you always be richly blessed and abundantly satisfied in His presence.
Gary
My Brother Gary,
When I read your response this morning I was grieved in my spirit and wept. Not only for you Gary, but the people you teach regularly and the untold number of folks who may be searching for the truth who visit your website, read your works and listen to your tapes. Do you not realize that teachers are held doubly accountable for what they say?
Jas 3:1 NOT MANY [of you] should become teachers (self-constituted censors and reprovers of others), my brethren, for you know that we [teachers] will be judged by a higher standard and with greater severity [than other people; thus we assume the greater accountability and the more condemnation]. (Amplified)Am I your judge? No, never! But I am expected to judge what you say and teach! What is the "higher standard" that this verse is telling us? It is, as I told you before, Jesus Christ and His Words (doctrine) which are written for our admonition whereby we have no doubts. But as clear as this is YOU say, "I follow as you said, my inner guidance more than the written bible." I truly did not think you would actually say this, but you did. Let me give you again Paul's teaching to Timothy:
1Ti 6:3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, [even] the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
1Ti 6:4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
1Ti 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.You also said, "I will always trust my anointing above everything". My anointing? Above everything? When you say "above everything" it is clear now this also includes the scriptures. And "your anointing" is NOT of Christ. It is exactly as you say, "yours"!
2Jn 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
2Jn 1:10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into [your] house, neither bid him God speed:
2Jn 1:11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.When you say you "trust your anointing" you probably think you are being "led by the spirit" as Romans 8:14 tells us. But what does it mean to be "led by the spirit"? According to YOU it is something mystical, internal, and altogether subjective according to how you "feel"! So whatever YOU teach and whatever YOU do is RIGHT as long as YOU ARE TRUE to "your anointing". This is the crux of your thinking. So what does the Bible say about spirit? What are Jesus' words?
Joh 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
Joh 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.Gary, every one of us is now judged. HIS judgment is happening NOW as we speak, not in some distant future. Not according to faith within "our anointing" but by the standard of Jesus Christ and His Word. Are we obeying HIS Word? Are we doing all that HE said? Are we living "by every Word that proceedeth from the mouth of God"? I must obey and do according to what is written, and it tells me to "withdraw myself" from those who are opposed to sound doctrine. It is not as though you are a novice and unskilled. You are well aware of what you believe, and therefore I must reject ALL of what you say and teach and leave you to the discipline of our Father and judge of us ALL. I cannot accept you into "my house", the temple of my body. I will no longer refer anyone to your website nor will I visit again lest I become partaker of your heresies.
Your fellow member in Christ,
I have but one request. Since you have at least been honest with me will you be honest to those whom you teach? Will you share these e-mails with them and let them decide for themselves? Do you have the courage and honesty to deliver the scriptures to them? If your foundation is solid then there will be no change. However if your works are built upon Gary Sigler then are you willing to have it torn down and follow Christ?
D____
Hello D____,
I am so sorry that I caused you grief. That was certainly not my intention. I will trust the Lord to reveal to me any areas where I am wrong. I have spent over 40 years in the scriptures and several hours a day for years seeking truth. I truly do hear God speak and reveal his heart to me and that is all I desire. I never wanted to be a speaker and I still will not speak unless I really feel it is the Lord who wants me to speak. Many can tell you that most times when I am in a meeting or conference I will never speak unless I really feel I have something to say. I make no defense for myself; I just wanted to let you know my feelings. My heart is to serve the Lord and His people and I must follow the truth that is revealed to me. I do not explain things in the best way but I try.
I am more than willing to be judged by my Father as I know His judgment is unto righteousness. I must trust my anointing as the scriptures say.1Jn 2:26 These [things] have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.
1Jn 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.1Jn 2:27 But as for you, the anointing (the sacred appointment, the unction) which you received from Him abides [permanently] in you; [so] then you have no need that anyone should instruct you. But just as His anointing teaches you concerning everything and is true and is no falsehood, so you must abide in (live in, never depart from) Him [being rooted in Him, knit to Him], just as [His anointing] has taught you [to do]. AMPGary
1Jn 2:27 But that anointing which ye received of him, dwelleth in you: and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and it is true and is not lying, and as it taught you, ye shall abide in him. GENEVA (1599)
Gary,
No need to apologize to me. Emotions last but a few moments then they are gone, but what we are considering here is age enduring. There is nothing more important to us than obeying the words of Christ and doing what He says apart from our feelings or opinions. I know you agree.
You said, "I am more than willing to judged by my Father . . ."! This certainly could be a turning point in your life. Every one of us from the least to the greatest at some point "fall away", "deny Him", and "lose our first love" Proverbs 24:16. There was a time in me when I thought I knew it all, puffed up, and full of arrogance. Well, God tore all of that down, sent me into perdition for many, many years until another time appointed by Him. In that time I lost everything, and literally forgot all of those wrong things I had learned. The greatest thing I know now is that I'm totally blind and worthless unless it is revealed to me by Jesus Christ through His Word. Light can only be known as it is thrown into and shines upon the darkness, which I was. (Ephesians 5:8)
I am encouraged that you at least included a scripture in your response. But it is sort of like all the t.v. evangelist (false prophets of our day) twisting and distorting the scriptures, deceiving the people for their own personal gain. What you have done here with 1 John 2:26-27 is used it to justify what you call "my anointing" to set your "feelings" and "My heart is to serve the Lord and His people" above what is written. I hope you can see and hear the import of what I am saying. Gary, you must see that there is a grave danger inherent by not precisely and fully obeying His Word. First, let's look at what it really means to "serve His people" then we'll look at the subject of anointing.1Jn 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
1Jn 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.Now does this sound like serving and loving God's people is base on feelings and emotions? Certainly NOT! Is it based on what is in "my heart" and a result of "my anointing"? Not in any way! Yes, the love of God is "shed abroad in our hearts" Romans 5:5, but this also is done by the Holy Spirit which is the Word(s) of Christ (John 6:63).
Now let's look briefly at the "anointing". The key to what John is telling us is this:1Jn 2:26 These [things] have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.
1Jn 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.It cannot be any clearer than that, the anointing is truth. Well, just what is truth? First, it is Jesus Christ:
Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.Secondly, it is His Word(s):
John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Psalms 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.These scriptures are but a minute sampling of the importance of Christ and His Word. Whether we "speak in public" or not has no bearing on the relevance of His Word in us. If the "love of the truth (Christ and HisWord)" is not in us then we are NOT of God.
Yours in Christ, D____
Dear Gary,
I really did not want to get involved here but seems like I have to, so forgive me before I start. Whilst D____ may think he has all the truth because he holds a Bible in his hands he is right on some things. I do not believe that we can have OUR ANOINTING and use it as a guide for our ministry. There is for me no such thing. To begin the Holy anointing oil of the old testament was unique with a formula given by God and NO ONE WAS ALLOWED TO MAKE anything even like it. IT BELONGS TO GOD. Exodus 29:7 No priest could use HIS OWN ANOINTING.
In his Love,
Gary there is one thing that has kept me on track and that is the Bible. But I am not speaking about using it as our guide to heaven or such like. BUT we need to have some kind of anchor that we can refer to so we can navigate spiritually. The most popular preaching today is the ideas of man being presented as if God is speaking. But nothing is happening in terms of transformed lives and release from the bondage of the Flesh.
The apostle John said this, 1 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. So from my perspective the anointing is a PERSON and that person is CHRIST.....HE IS THE ANOINTING.
To make statements that appeal to the ears but not linked to truth leaves people like you and me up the creek without a paddle. If God is opening up a ministry for you overseas then there is a great responsibility on you to allow the anointing to flow and flourish in you and to be revealed in your ministry. Jesus Christ said "MY WORDS," that is what God is actually saying to us, ARE SPIRIT AND LIFE, and the rest float out on the breeze. If there is one thing I would like to say to you personally it is this. If you need someone as your model please let that one be C-H-R-I-S-T. My assesment is that HE IS THE BEST.
I love you very much, Gary, and always will, and you are in my prayers to see you become strong in the Lord and in the power of HIS MIGHT. My desire for you is to see you become mighty in God and be a Gideon and a Moses and a DAVID to slay the enemy hosts and release God's people from their slavery to the Pharaohs of this world. YOU ARE WONDERFUL and that is not just my assessment but that is what GOD SAYS. We are ONE in Christ.
Des
Dear Des,
It's good to hear from you on this matter. I didn't think at all you be able to resist; and there is no need to ask anyone's forgiveness on such a crucial issue. First of all if a minister, any minister, has gone public with his preaching, teaching, and doctrine, should he not be subject to the highest scrutiny? The t.v. "evangelists" are so obvious even most of the world sees through them. But, you and Gary, and several others are in the business of tapes, videos, papers and the like and a lot more subtle than most. So there is no sense in getting upset when we are questioned and inquired of in what we believe, Matthew 12:36; Hebrews 13:17; Romans 14:12; 2 Timothy 4:2. I expect it of myself, and I certainly WILL "try every spirit" that I encounter 1 John 4:12 as we are commanded to do. Why should we do this? "Because many false prophets have gone out into the world"!
You said, "D____ may think he has all the truth because he holds a Bible in his hands". To this I simply ask, What other TRUTH is there? Not only do I hold a Bible in my hands, it is being worked in me as I am beginning to live out every word in this Book! ALL of the GOOD and ALL of the EVIL. I do not believe as you do that we have always been "spirits", and basically all we need to do is "just remember" who we really are! This is utter nonsense and foolishness. It is just not in the scriptures. And then in the next paragraph you say, "Gary is one that has kept me on track and that is the Bible." So you condemn me for holding a Bible, but yet it is commendable for you to "keep you on track". This is a condemnation I ACCEPT vigorously! Do I have ALL TRUTH? Do I know ALL THINGS? Let's see:Php 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
Php 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Tit 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Tit 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Tit 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Tit 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Tit 2:15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.Knowing ALL THINGS does not mean that we have every scripture committed to memory. If this is what you mean about me then you are correct and I am guilty. But, I am experiencing in Christ ALL THINGS for everything "consists in HIM"! Jesus Christ "IS, WAS and WILL BE" and as for me AND you we will live every Word in the "IS, WAS and WILL BE". He is the "beginning and the end" of ALL THINGS. If he became flesh, so will I. If he was made sin, so am I, 1 John 4:17. Is He resurrected, so will I be. Am I part of God's ELECT? Indeed, if I "continue in His Word" and "endure to the end"!
Yours in Christ, D____
I know you have a disdain for the name of Jesus Christ. YOU once emphatically said in a video that "he is not God" in direct contradiction to Matthew 1:23. Time constrains me to list all of the "false doctrine" laden in your teachings. I must admit it is very appealing to the flesh to believe that life in this present age "is but an illusion" according to you. It surely would be nice as you teach that all we need is to just become aware of our "true identity" and enter into a "new consciousness" of light and immortality. How wicked and cruel is it to tell someone who is sick and diseased that "it is all in their minds", that all they need is to just change their thinking? This is heresy of the first order! Des, I have read, studied, and viewed ALL of your doctrine. You have Jesus Christ in "name only" and do not heed His commandment, according to what you publish. I do not say these things simply to be inflammatory but in obedience to the truth. Are you willing to consider what scripture actually says? I know it has taken many years to develop the system you embrace. Would you let God tear it all down and start with "sound doctrine"? Are you able to say you are "blind" in yourself and unless He wills it we are lost? (John 9:39)
If you want to further search the scriptures, we can do that. However, vain disputings are a waste of time. These are matters of life and death and the importance of which must not be underestimated. You may see this as proud or arrogant but we do not have the luxury to "just get along" and let false teaching to "come into my house". Judgment has already begun in "my house" and this seems to be where Father has me right now, looking into those subtle things that "creep in unawares".
Dear D____,
You write as if you hold the only key to TRUTH, No one else has the truth except you. How many people have you helped to get free of drugs, alcohol, deep depression etc, etc. How many people with your "Truth" have you helped to be find released from the pollution of this world. And before you turn off, I am not suggesting for one moment that Des Walter did those thing alone, that is the work of the CHRIST DWELLING IN A MAN. Agreeing with Paul that, "I can do all things through Christ who dwells in ME." I simply wonder what difference YOUR TRUTH THAT YOU KNOW has made in this sin sick and sorry world. The proof for me is in seeing what I believe the Bible says is TRUTH which is CHRIST (A PERSON) who could say I AM THE TRUTH or the perfect expression of what is truth. He healed the sick; he opened blind eyes; he raised the dead; he opened the sea for Israel to cross, etc, etc. What expression do you manifest in your life today that would suggest that the SAME CHRIST not only dwells in you but is the SAME CHRIST AS Lived and functioned on this earth 2000 years ago doing just what he did then. HE IS THE SAME YESTERDAY TODAY AND FOREVER and not another CHRIST bound up in doctrines.that deny his power and ability to bring every KNEE to bow to him and every tongue to declare that Jesus Christ is L-O-R-D. You may skite about how faithful you are to the BIBLE, but that only proves how far from TRUTH as a manifestation of Christ you have gone.
AMEN...
I do not expect you will even read this and that would not surprise me at all. I just feel so sorry for you wasting your time and effort trying to straighten out those who are doing what they believe Christ is doing on the earth today. Don't waste your time telling me of my imperfections. My Father does that much better that you can. But in the end he tells me I am a SON OF GOD and I rest in his LOVE.
I just want to thank you for your help in trying to make me a better Christian but I have one who can do much better job than you and that is the CHRIST IN ME who is my true IDENTITY. SO I know who I AM.
My Prayer for you is, Lord BLESS my brother and direct his Vision AWAY FROM PEOPLE AND CENTER IT ON YOU, so that as he beholds YOU he will be changed into that SAME IMAGE even as by the spirit of the Lord.
Des,
I'm going to ignore the personal and emotional aspects of your reply and just focus on a couple of things here. First, my purpose in all of these discussions is to emphasize the importance of "the doctrine of Christ" as set forth in the sum of God's Word, which is written down for us in the Book that both you and Gary Sigler want to ignore. Didn't I ask you at the end of my last reply, "If you want to further search the scriptures, we can do that. However, vain disputings are a waste of time"? Other than one fleeting reference to Philippians 4:13 to bolster your works there is nothing in your reply but "vain disputings"!
Let's answer this question: Is it possible for a man to do the works of God and NOT know Him?Mat 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Mat 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Mat 7:17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
Mat 7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither [can] a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Mat 7:19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Mat 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
So, I ask you Des, are the many wonderful works you have done proof that you "know him"? Is it proof that I know Him? Not at all. It only proves that you have done works "in his name" only! And, according to Jesus "doctrine" in vs.15, those who do so are "false prophets". I didn't write this, these are not my words or some personal truth I dreamed up. Could it be any clearer, Des? Does this apply to you and me? Absolutely! This is NOT for someone else, it is for us and to us. Am I one of those who "worked iniquity"? Yes, yes, yes! I can't tell you how many times I prophesied, spoke in tongues, healed the sick, helped the poor, ministered to the broken hearted, but I never knew Him. During my stay in Babylon my flesh was so proud, but so very wicked. Why? because I had no "love for the truth"? What I said and what I believed didn't matter, I was doing "good works"! Wasn't that good enough? Isn't this proof of "the kingdom"?
John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.This is the "fruit" He is looking for. What about this love? Is it some emotion or feeling that you can't quite determine what it means? No, not at all. It is real, substantial and measurable. Here it is:
1Jn 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
1Jn 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.Let me ask you, how are we to know what His commandments are apart from "what is written"? Please do not say, as Gary did, by some "inner guidance system" or some "inner voice" or "anointing". We have already resolved this issue. The fact is we can't. This is the basis and crux of this entire exercise with you and Gary and anyone that disregards "Christ's doctrine" in their teachings. It is not to point out anyone's personal faults or "make them a better christian". But it is expected and REQUIRED of me to "try (test) the spirits to see whether they be of God"!
Thank you for your prayers!
You said, "I do not expect you will even read this and that would not surprise me at all." I did read, and I DO care about what you say and teach, especially your written works and sermons posted for the whole world to see. It is as simple as this, they are replete with error and contradictions to scripture. It is what it is. I simply can't allow it "into my house". But, if you write me again, please have a question or comment about what's written. This is all that matters!
Yours in Christ, D___