Spiritual gifts article

A WRONG POINT OF VIEW There is a certain way of looking at the world, accepted by both men and women. There are women who want to be independent, but they are so scared of not belonging to anyone. An unmarried woman feels like she is to be felt sorry for, but an unmarried man is to be envied. The woman wants to build her fate with her own hands, but there are lots of women who say, if they fail, "I'm only a woman". Generally there aren't many young men who make an ideal out of the "I'm getting married" idea, but there are still so many women who do, turning their marriage into a career. The woman who has to stay home with her children is often identified with the idea of weakness and she is considered a passive human being that needs protection, physical, but also moral, social and legal. Many people still have the tendency of despising an intelligent, cultivated, active woman because she doesn't fit the feminine stereotype they know. Just like they tend to despise a sensitive and gentle man because he doesn't fit their own idea of virility. In the contemporary society men who succeed are "virile", which means ambitious, aggressive, without scruples, money chasing and glory chasing. At the same time modest, generous and sensitive men are considered effeminate. For many men, still, the woman who flatters his ego should be very beautiful, elegant, a good mother, a faithful wife, and also a passive, ignorant and capricious woman. You will hear very often the idea that femininity is the same with passivity, weakness, stupidity and immorality. THE WOMAN'S "DREAM" Women got to accept their depreciation completely because of their education and of the society. The scorn towards women is still alive at both sexes. There are many women who do not accept them as women being convinced that being a man is the real gift of God. Menstruation, birth, menopause, they all have created the prejudice that a woman is someone who depends on nature and on her own body and that's why she cannot reach the levels of intelligence, creativity and spirituality that a man can. In order to fit the "new image" of femininity, a lot of women waste their few spare time reading stupid magazines, chasing for the dress that will get out of fashion only a few months later, concerning too much about their hair and creating an existence filled with frivolous patterns. Thus they waste the time they could have used in knowing themselves and this stops them from thinking of the purpose of their lives. Nowadays, the women, who were underestimated century by century, make the big mistake of wishing to have man's "superiority", considering it as true freedom and personal achievement. The woman dreams to replace the man, to become an Amazon. But it is not solving the problem, but only reversing the roles. Though there are biological differences between men and women that make them behave differently in certain conditions, these differences are too small in comparison to what men and women have in common as humans. Setting the woman free of all prejudices is not an act that depends only on women. It depends on the entire world. The humanity's outlook about woman is an expression of its conscience level. WOMAN'S GREATNESS LEADS THE WORLD TO GOD Most women do not know their possibilities, many have been left out in ignorance, and others have given up their studies because they had a baby and many others don't even have a professional background. How is it possible for a woman to become independent and to have a creative activity when her soul and mind are not treated the right way, are not cultivated? The problem for a woman is to know how to resist the society's conceptions about women and how to open up to her real mission, which is a spiritual one. There were times when the woman was more than a simple human being. She was the embodiment of Fecundity, Earth, Nature and Life. She was identified with the goddesses that governed the different aspects of life and thus she was considered sacred. The woman was worshiped in certain periods of time. She was a goddess or a priestess (the vestals, the hetaerae ) or she was a muse. She was the embodiment of Beauty, Grace, Gentility and Kindness. She was the Mother, the Wife, the Lover, and the one who lead the man to God. She embodied the Absolute and has got the mission of orienting the world to the Ultimate Supreme Reality. The spirit of the Universe comes to meet the man because of the Woman. The Woman's Greatness is that of leading the world to God. She holds the world's possibility to reach the Divine Light through life's profound spiritualization and also to destroy it by amplifying its inferior tendencies. The Woman always comes up or falls because there is no other option for her. WOMAN'S SPIRITUAL SENSE OF LIFE Waking up the feminine qualities is the way she gives herself to life. She cannot find fulfilment outside her being, except by acc WOMAN'S SPIRITUAL SENSE OF LIFE Waking up the feminine qualities is the way she gives herself to life. She cannot find fulfilment outside her being, except by accepting herself completely and consciously. And acceptance means not only becoming aware of her being a woman physiologically speaking, but also becoming conscious of her feminine qualities and of her role in this world. Her spiritual sense of life is that of turning people's limited vision to the essence of the world through the wonderful manifestation of her Femininity. The woman has got the Principle of Creating the Universe in her. This principle makes everything move. . Nowadays women are a lot more open to spirituality than men are, but they are not aware of their power and force that can change and wake up the entire world. They remain weak and passive, lost in small, unimportant things, accepting everything without even thinking of making a difference. And that's because they do not know that they can do it some other way! It is time for the woman to learn to know herself better, to remind her of the light in her soul, to admit it and to see it in others, too. It is time for her to show the man the path to the light through her shining way of being. Both of them, together, enriched through love and union, can get higher to Immortality Land

The problem is that women lost their power because they gave it away. There is great power in motherhood, the home-maker, the "keeper of the keys" so to speak. Only, woman began to think of these things as not as important in the world as the work of the so-called breadwinner. When that happened, women started acting like men, even dressing like them. They subverted their femininity to compete with men. This was a mistake. Woman has so much power being the one who carries life, who makes a house a home, who loves her children unconditionally. Nowadays, many women even look down on true motherhood, only having children and paying for someone else to raise them so that they can be "successful" in their own eyes and in the eyes of men. So much is lost in this. For who shows the child how to love as deeply as a loving mother? I am a mother, a woman, a lover, and I am powerful because I know that the love I embody is the most powerful force in the universe, and not even Warren Buffet or Bill Gates has anything on me when it comes to being powerful, successful or rich.

I've been attending a fairly large Assemblies of God church for three years, and really love my church family and everything about it, especially how active our ministries are in the community. It's an "independent" church in a sense, but still associated with AOG. Every now and then, a pastor will bring up the subject of speaking in tongues as evidence of receiving the Holy spirit. This is a sticking point for me, not something I'd leave my church over, but I'm having trouble understanding why they believe this so strongly when I don't see it spelled out in scripture the way they claim. I read an article yesterday in which the writer claimed there are 31 different reference to the "spirit language" one would/should be having with God if they have a full relationship with Him. What was pointed to as the strongest reference was Romans 8:26 (In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express). To me, all that says is humans CAN'T do it, but it's done FOR them by the Holy Spirit. Or, alternatively, it could be taken as saying the sounds people make while speaking in tongues are nothing but groans. While the scriptures they point to are vague, I think other passages are both clear and contradictory to those beliefs. 1 Corinthians is very pointed, especially, "Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues,unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified. It seems to me that, if the Pentecostals are correct, they wouldn't spend so much time, energy, and print space trying to explain, justify, and expand the scriptures for others.

King James Version Bible 1 Corinthians Chapter 14 1. Follow after charity, and desire spiritual [gifts], but rather that ye may prophesy. 2. For he that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth [him]; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. 3. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men [to] edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 4. HE THAT SPEAKETH in an [unknown] TONGUE EDIFIETH HIMSELF; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 5. I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater [is] he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. 6. Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? 7. And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? 8. For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? 9. So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, HOW SHALL IT BE KNOWN WHAT IS SPOKEN? for ye shall speak into the air. 10. There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them [is] without signification. 11. Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh [shall be] a barbarian unto me. 12. Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual [gifts], seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. 13. Wherefore let him that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue pray that he may interpret. 14. For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. 16. Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? 17. For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. 18. I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: 19. Yet in the church I HAD RATHER SPEAK FIVE WORDS WITH MY UNDERSTANDING, that [by my voice] I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an [unknown] tongue. 20. Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. 21. In the law it is written, With [men of] other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. 22. Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying [serveth] not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. 23. If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in [those that are] unlearned, or unbelievers, WILL THEY NOT SAY THAT YE ARE MAD? 24. But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or [one] unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: 25. And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on [his] face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. 26. How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. 27. If ANY MAN SPEAK IN an [unknown] TONGUE, [let it be] by TWO, or AT THE MOST [by] three, and [that] by course; and LET ONE INTERPERT. 28. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. 29. Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. 30 If [any thing] be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. 31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. 32. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33. For GOD IS NOT [THE AUTHOR] OF CONFUSION, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

With a very small group of men (3 to 5?) at Bethel, in Brooklyn New York, all claiming to be of the "anointed-class", and another 8,500 or so scattered about, It is of great interest to know what "Gifts of the Spirit" all these "special" ones possess? According to legend, they do not have any say in WTBTS doctrines, or teachings, yet, they are described by the "governing body" as all being "The Body of Christ" living here on the earth, all "feeding Jesus' Sheep"? Yes, they are said to be feeding the "other-sheep"?....so, that means that since they are not really working with the leaders at Bethel, and they are not writing any articles (that is reserved for the non-anointed publishers and writing staff), What exactly are they doing? If they are being "fed" by the heads of the organization, and they (the remainder of the 8,500) are supposed to be "feeding my sheep" How is this accomplished if none of them have any food to feed the great crowd with? Since they are not at the "helm" so to speak, where have they all been while their spiritual heads have been "giving them their food at the proper time?". What Gifts do they have, that identify them as God's "Anointed" on the Earth?

Wonderful question. I wish to know the answer also. Will they tell us? will they produce some truly anointed men of god, who heal the sick? speak in tongues? interpret tongues? cast out devils? drink deadly poison without harm? All the things Jesus said those who BELIEVE shall do. Do they do it? Do the so-called believers in here? wonder just how many of them flat deny all these gifts while claiming to BELIEVE? This is the true test Jesus gave to know if you truly believe or not...much less be set above the other sheep and called to have a "special anointing' which is not available to God's other children Give me on verse saying God reserves these glorious gifts for only a special few, that he apparently is supposed to love more than the rest of us? Thank my God I know this is not the true character of the true God.

The Antichrist will offer the most successful project for solving the world crisis from the perspective of political and social wisdom, which would establish a uniform political and social order in the whole world. Exhausted from the shock of war, spiritually blinded humanity will not only by unaware that this project is a cowardly trap, enticing it into the most degrading and merciless slavery, but on the contrary, will recognize it as a manifestation of scholarship and genius. Universal advertisement about the Antichrist as a brilliant thinker, new leader, and savior of mankind, will thunder over all nations in the shortest possible period of time. "Evil spirits dispersed in the universe, will awaken a general, inflated opinion about the Antichrist in man, a general enthusiasm and an irresistible attraction for him." (St. Ephraim the Syrian, 16th word.) In this period of his activity, the Antichrist will not use any force and will try to win men's trust and affection with his deceitful and hypocritical public mask of virtue. He, according to the expression of Vladimir Soloviev, "will throw a gleaming veil of kindness and truth over the mystery of iniquity." "He will come," said St. Ephrem the Syrian, "in an image which will seduce everyone. He will come as a humble, kind, hater of falsehood (as he will say about himself), rejecting idols, preferring piety and kindness, loving the poor, bearing extremely handsome features, constant, sweet to everyone, respecting especially the Jewish nation because they will be awaiting his coming...He will take sly measures to please everyone, will not accept gifts nor speak in anger, will not show an overcast countenance, but will entice the world with a decorous exterior until he is enthroned." (See previous citation.) From the great wealth of ascetical experience from our great men of podvig, it is known that when the black devil cannot overcome an ascetic, encountering unswerving opposition from him, a stronger devil comes as an "angel of light" (II Corinthians, XI, 14), attempting to awaken sympathy and trust towards himself in the ascetic, and easily charming him away to destruction. Thus, we can imagine how easily and quickly the bright image of the Antichrist will attract general sympathy towards itself after the filthy devil of Bolshevism. As a result of such deceit, "the need to invite the Antichrist will arise" within the very temperament of man's spirit. "A beckoning voice will resound in man's society, expressing urgent need for a genius of geniuses, who would raise material development and prosperity to the highest degree and establish affluence on earth". (Bishop Ignatius Brianchaninoff. Vol IV, page 313.) The hypocrisy of the Antichrist in this period will reach the point that he, even in his relationship to Christians, will not oppose them, but will appear ready to be their benefactor. He will try to imitate Christ in the external, showy side of his life. The majority of Christians, not guided by the spiritual wisdom of the Church, but by worldly wisdom, will not see this deceit, recognizing the Antichrist as Christ who has come to earth a second time. The monks of the Solovetsky monastery pass on the answer given by Righteous Zosima to his disciples when he was asked how the Antichrist could be recognized. Righteous Zosima said, "When you will hear that Christ has appeared on earth, know then that this is the Antichrist." This answer is most precise. "The world or mankind will not recognize the Antichrist, it will recognize him as Christ, it will proclaim him Christ..... ("Antichrist", by Very Reverend Boris Moltchanoff published in 1976, by Archpriest George Grabbe, Department of Foregin Relations Synod of Bishops, New York., pp. 1-4.) This is an article from an online source. I did not write it and state no opinions on my part. It is just an article I wanted to post and discuss in open forum. wow to all those "christians" who wished i burned in hell for posting this. How judgemental very unchristian of you. Come on lets keep this disscusion adult and civilized please. Are we capable of this?

I don’t know if I really believe Obama is the Antichrist, because I’m not sure there really is one. But according to some of my research if there is one, he could be considered in the running. People often try to claim a President or a presidential hopeful is the Anti Christ. The funny thing is, is that the map of our Capitol actually forms a pentagram. They say Washington DC was designed by the Masons. L’ Enfant, the original planner of Washington D.C. was an artistic and highly skilled Luciferic worshiping Mason from France. The Us Capitol Building is actually Documented Lot # 666 Although not visible to the naked eye, if you look at a map and draw a line from building to building you will see a pentagram, with the White House the southern most tip of the Goathead. http://www.gemworld.com/US-Symbol-DC.html The New World Order Plan to stage the appearance of Antichrist. If you look at the back of a dollar bill, you will find various pagan symbols. The All-seeing-Eye, the pyramid, and the words 'Novus Ordo Seclorum' means 'New World Order'. So therefore it says 'Announcing the birth of the New World Order'. http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Evils%20in%20Government/Federal%20Reserve%20Scam/satan_on_our_dollar.htm The Antichrist is supposed to be a man, who will uproot all that oppose him in a rise for absolute power, this man will be of great authority, a charismatic speaker who mesmerizes masses of followers. They will fix upon him for an ideal. The first seal in Revelation 6:2 is the "white horse," which represents false peace. The white horse rider, who conquers and gains control by peace tactics. There are those who believe this is an important time, because all three major candidates were found coded in the bible by name, as either President, not President, or Assassination, by their name. Many of these sites believe Clinton has something to do with welcoming in the Antichrist. She just backed Obama. http://www.biblecodedigest.com/page.php/7 http://www.revelation13.net/KingJames4a.html People expect the Anti-Christ to be a world leader who will offer false peace, i.e. the white horse in Revelation. Obama offers false hope. His followers have been described almost as a cult, sheepel who worship him. Nostradamus calls him the dark prince; Obama is dark. Satan was left handed, Obama is left handed.

Deliver Your Gifts
... spiritual gifts and how they relate to being a songwriter. While I know the Bible doesn’t talk specifically about music being a spiritual... Gifts not ‘meaningful’
... looking for the gift with lasting spiritual meaning," and the article then presented several meaningful and spiritual Christian-themed gifts. Encouragement for Today - December 13, 2011
Follow us on Facebook Recommend this article to your ... investing in Rina's education, spiritual growth ... husband and I cut back on buying ... Take the Christ out of Christmas
I like the excuse to give gifts to those whose lives are intertwined with mine. But as a Christian who wants to focus on the spiritual rhythms... Retirees knit to stay socially active
Zion Spiritual Church has answered it, “Knit.” Mt. Zion Spiritual ... hats and scarves that members are giving as Christmas gifts and selling