THE CONFUSION CHAOS AND EVIL OF POLITICS AND RELIGION

 I am aware that the U.S. has had times in the past where there has been civil unrest; the civil war, organized crime, the 1960’s and others but today we have for the first time a divided government in all three branches.  What we have witnessed over the last decade has been an escalation of outright violence and hatred by the democrats against the republicans.  It has reached a point of ridiculousness when the democrats blame the republicans for things that the democrats are actually guilty of.  The democrats have lost all credibility along with the mainstream media for the abundance of lies they have been telling. The scary thing is that they have no intention of stopping and that many follow them. It is as if they have lost their minds and are driven by hatred and devastated by the loss of power.  If something doesn’t change soon we may find ourselves in another civil war.  

I do my best to see both sides of any issue and reach my conclusions after careful consideration and analysis.  I am apolitical, not interested in being involved in politics, but I do keep myself informed.  An honest unbiased appraisal of the situation leads me to conclude that the democrat party has become unhinged.  There are also some republicans who are no better.  I see Satans claw prints all over this insanity within the government.  It is not just the Federal but also State and Local governments that have lost their minds.   

I have also observed that the constitution that defines the government contains no provisions for the current violence involving Illegal immigrants and antisemitism which is escalating because violent protestors are not punished.  There are governors and mayors of blue cities and states that no only refuse to cooperate but are breaking federal law by aiding and abetting the criminals.  Response to this by federal authorities is limited because the U.S. constitution ties their hands.  The federal district court judges appointed by Obama, Clinton and Biden have made rulings that are obviously partisan favoring the democratic left.  

When evil people are not quickly punished they will be emboldened to do even more evil.  Ecclesiastes 8:11  Isaiah 26:10   The people involved in all of this from both sides are carnal evil unconverted people, children of the devil.  They are all under the law, the Ten Commandments , and should be punished for their actions by death.  Under the Ten Commandments the wages of sin is death.  The government if they enforced the Ten Commandments should kill all these people but the nation’s constitution will not permit this.  The very laws of this nation that were to guarantee freedom will lead to slavery and slaughter.  This has happened to many other nations in history.  Every great nation of the past has fallen and the U.S. will too.  Eventually all nations will fall when Christ returns and conquers them to set up the kingdom of GOD.  As politics is confusion and chaos so is religion, both are controlled by Satan.  Satan is the father of lies, chaos and confusion.  This is exactly what history has recorded about both.  The only hope the world has, that they know nothing about, is the return of Jesus and his GODS kingdom here on Earth.  

WERE YOU TOLD THE WHOLE TRUTH ?

 

Were You Told the Whole Truth?

SRB 30 November 2025​

Christianity, as described in local churches, is free, painless, and a solution to all problems – costing nothing.

And that is totally inaccurate. The message is presented in scripture, but rarely does anyone pay attention to the whole message given in scripture. They have their proof-texts, and that is where the “search for truth” stops.

Yeshua, the Son of Yahweh, told his followers that there is a cost to be carried as a result of being a disciple.

Lk 14:25–27 Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.

When have any of us Westerners seen churches paying a price for their salvation? Are not all our local churches focusing all their attention on décor, sound and video systems, children’s playgrounds, and banquets – and tithes ?   They are marketing themselves for popularity instead. Don’t they appear to ensure that there is little cost for their tickets to heaven ? Are their seats filled with true disciples?

I imagine that if any local church was filled with believers who endure the cost of discipleship as described by Yeshua, their doors would close. That is why I believe that those who truly are disciples meet in small group assemblies away from local churches that would not accept them because of doctrinal conflict. (To be sure, a true disciple would not willingly attend the local church which does not speak only God’s truth.)

Speaking only of we who have modern day viewpoints - and a serious culture shift from that of the Jews 2000 years ago – are easily deceived by our preachers and teachers who provide the comfort that we, the people, want. We are gullible.

I think it is important at this point to admit that there are those who have benefited from the church community. Their social programs have helped people handle their problems in life. That is not the subject of this post.

1 John 5:13: write this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have everlasting life.

We should consider all that was taught in the scriptures regarding salvation, everlasting life, and all the conditions attached to being one with the Father and with His Son. It will shake our confidence – and it should.  There is one word in English that we tend to skip over that needs to be large font and bold: “if.”

1 John 1:8–9: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 2:23–25: Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that he made to us—everlasting life.

1 Corinthians 15:1-2: Now I would remind you, brethren, in what terms I preached to you the gospel, which you received, in which you stand, by which you are saved, if you hold it fast—unless you believed in vain.

Colossians 1:21-23: And you, who once were estranged and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable before him, provided that you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel which you heard . . .

2 Peter 2:20-22: For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overpowered, the last state has become worse for them than the first . . . It has happened to them according to the true proverb, the dog turns back to his own vomit, and the sow is washed only to wallow in the mire.

Heb 10:26–27: For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries

AT this point, one should wonder just who is being addressed in those verses. After all, did not your church teach you “Once saved; always saved ?” There would be no “if” statements if that were true.

Phil 2:12–15: Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world

Now this is the tough part of this message. What should we think about the “if statements’ and the admonition to “work out our salvation ?” These things appear very complex for those who came to Yeshua without being called by His Father. My opinion is that many, who call themselves “Christians,” fit into that category. They liked the message, enjoyed the security offered by their local church message and now have confidence in their everlasting destiny.

So, I hope to stir some thought here.

If these quotes from scripture are valid, should we not question ourselves according to those “if” words ? If we have been chosen by Yahweh to come to His Son Yeshua and have submitted to the life changing baptism in “Jesus’ name,” then we should truly have God’s spirit within. We don’t need anyone to tell us that we do. Yahweh’s spirit tells us that we do. God will change us over time.

Our understanding of scripture will eventually change. Some of our beliefs will change. We will not fit into the community of the local church any longer because we are no longer of that fold. We will hear the scriptures calling us – the shepherd’s voice.  John 10:27

And now the difficult part – you may not soon find another true disciple to bond with. There are not many in this world. Pray for one and wait. We are out there hoping to find you, too.

And that is when Luke 14:25–27 becomes real. Then, you will understand. Relationships will change and not necessarily because you chose it. You may find that the others will choose it for you, as you become unacceptable to them. That is the cost you can count. It is well worth it.

If you are reading this and wonder about your status with the Only True God, then seek Him with all your heart.

MY PERSONAL MESSAGE TO ALL OF GODS ELECT SAINTS AROUND THE WORLD

 Soon it will be 15 years that this blog has been online.  In that time I have received very little feedback or response in the way of comments.  This blog is my effort to communicate with others who are GODS elect saints.  According to my blog statistics there are people reading the articles from over 20 nations but the vast majority never respond in any way.  I am at this time asking everyone in this world who reads this blog to please respond.  Just tap the word comment at the bottom of each article and follow the directions.  Many biblical subjects are written about on this blog but if there is any subject that you would like to explore please let me know.  This blog is an attempt to fellowship with GODS scattered elect saints that I know are out there among the nations.  Fellowship is very important because the same spirit of GOD works in all of us and by communicating electronically we can share with each other what GOD has taught us.  Scripture says that the bride of Christ must make herself ready but since we are so scattered the only way to do this is by the internet.  It has been in this manner that I have found two more of GODS elect and I hope to find even more.  I am well aware that we are all at different stages of spiritual growth and the goal is for us all to be in the unity of the faith and that those among us who have been in the faith longer than others can and will by fellowship  help all grown to the same level.  When reading the experiences of the first century Christians this was a common thing. Paul phrased it as the strong bearing the weak with the goal being for all to measure up to the stature and fullness of Christ.   Some of you may or may not know that of all the people that have ever existed from Adam until just before the great tribulation, only 144,000, will be called and chosen by GOD to be HIS elect saints.  This is the time of the barley harvest but the great harvest will be in the future in which we will be kings and priests and reign on Earth with Christ.  Considering this great calling and election we all have been given wouldn’t you want to reach out to your brothers and sisters who are scattered to the four winds ?  I do hope that all of you out there are healthy and happy and growing in the spirit, that you will consider commenting if only just to let me know that you are there. 

Thank you, Lee

A CHRISTIAN USING FORCE TO SHOW LOVE TO BOTH THE VICTIM AND THE PERPETRATOR

This is a question that has been debated among GODS elect saints.  There have been extremes in both directions as to how a true Christian should respond to the violence of an evil person.  Some have thought to take no action at all except praying for GOD to do something while others take action of some kind to help the victim.  

James 2:15,16,17   James is saying that if anyone has any kind of need it is a Christians obligation out of love to help, if they are able,  rather than do nothing or faith without love, which is GODS work in you, is dead if it is not applied in any or all circumstances.  Love is a verb , it requires action to be proven.  Just saying you love is cheap talk, it’s hearing but not doing.

John says the same thing in 1 John 3:17,18  

The scriptures say that GOD knows the thoughts and intents of our human spirits.   Hebrews 4:12 HE will know what your true motivations are and HIS judgment is based on this criteria.  If you use violence it must only be used when all other options are exhausted and your frame of mind must be love for both the victim and the perpetrator. Use only enough force needed to stop the violence you have encountered and then call the proper authorities to report the incident.  If you happen to take the life of the perpetrator this is not murder, it is killing, there is a huge difference between the two.  Murder is done with evil intent killing is not.  Even the 6th commandment in the law should be interpreted, “thou shalt not do murder”.  

How can we be showing GODS love in us if we see an evil person hurting someone but do nothing ?  Even if the victim is ourselves we have options.  Once I was involved in a situation where a man was threatening me with bodily harm.  The first thing I did was silently pray asking GOD what should I do.  I heard a voice in my mind say, “tell him to go back into his house and stay there”, and so I spoke those words then to my surprise he did just that.  I had often wondered what would have happened if this man had actually attacked me.  I believe that GOD in that event would have given me the strength and ability to overcome the man without causing any serious injury to him.  

At the return of Jesus the then glorified saints will meet him in the air and a two edged sword placed in their hands to inflict vengeance on the nations, to execute the judgment written against them and this honor is for all GODS saints.  Psalm 149  In the future we will be given a major role, an honor, to be used as weapons in HIS vengeance.  When GOD said, “vengeance is mine, I will repay” this is how HE does it.  We need to have patience now and not seek vengeance before the time appointed and in this current life, even in defense of self or others, never do so with hatred or vengeance in our heart.  

Regardless of the specifics of any violent incident we must always call upon GOD for help. Never get yourself into something or anything alone, have GOD go with you.  Cast all your cares and needs upon HIM because HE cares for you.

Our prayers to GOD should include our sincere desire to never be in a situation where we would have to use violence but if it did happen that GOD would give us the victory.  Even Jesus used a whip to drive the money changers out of the temple showing that he used violence to promote good.  Abraham, Moses, king David and Elijah literally killed people as scriptures show but were never condemned for it by GOD.  There was one incident where king David murdered Uriah the Hittite and this was indeed a sin and when confronted with his sin repented. Psalm 51 is an account of David’s repentance.

This sort of issue is one requiring deep spiritual understanding but even if you happen to make a mistake and sin we yet have the ability to repent and be forgiven.  Taking a life is a very serious thing because you take everything away that a person is, good or evil.  This also has the potential to cause within us severe depression for quite some time but GOD will help us through this.

Just as for myself I pray for all of GODS elect saints that they never are faced with this situation but if they are GOD will be with them. 

JOHN 14:23 GOD AND JESUS MAKE THEIR HOME WITH US

John 17:3  1 John 3:24  1 John 4:12,13   In John 17:21KJV “that they all MAY be one as you FATHER are in me and I in YOU that they also MAY be one in us.” 

John 17:23 “I in them and YOU in me that they MAY be made perfect in one”

The FATHER and Christ dwell in the elect saints.  They make their home with us.  Then just as the FATHER dwelt in Christ and did all the works, the healings, the raising of the dead, calming the storm and walking on water and everything else that people saw Jesus do were actually done by the FATHER.  Even all the words Jesus spoke were his FATHERS words.  This same thing is now done in the elect saints because GOD and Christ dwell in us.  Now, “that they MAY be one as we are one”, the word “may” indicates a condition to becoming “ONE”.  Salvation requires that the elect submit to GOD and Christ and not quench or grieve the working of GODS spirit in us to do the works of GODS love.  This is related to the parable of the talents.  If we do not love we will not be yielding to the spirit and have buried our talent, the gift of the spirit in us.  If we submit to the spirit so that GODS work of love flows through us then we gain more talents, we grow in the spirit, we do not quench or grieve the spirit. GOD invested HIS spirit in us at the cost of HIS sons life and HE expects a return on HIS investment.  There is no excuse for not growing in the spirit because GOD will do all the works in you if you cooperate with HIM.  Noncooperation is a bad thing, cooperation is a good thing.  Do the good thing.  Never allow yourself to become luke warm like the Laodiceans.  GOD will, out of the blue, place you in a situation where you can apply HIS love to your neighbor and when this happens respond with that love.  You cannot plan these events, GOD does, and in this it is known that the works were not your own works but GODS works.  You can’t plan for something that you have no idea is coming.  It seems that in the minds of the unconverted in their churches, that they do the work of planning of things and thinking their works please GOD but they can’t because it was their works not GODS.  

When the FATHER and Christ dwell in you GOD has planned out the works,  Ephesians 2:10  notice, GOD prepared good works IN ADVANCE for us to do, so if GOD planned the works in advance how are we to know them until they come upon by surprise.  Christ and his FATHER desire to make us one with them, the “may” then is conditional upon us yielding to GOD. 

For myself and all of GODS elect I pray that the word “may” will be “make” in the day of Christ Jesus.  GOD, who began this work of HIS love in us is able to complete it at the return of Jesus.   Philippians 1:6  because, Philippians 2:13  Our part in all of this is to respond to GODS love by loving HIM back and submitting to HIS will, if we do this our calling and election will be sure.

 

ARE YOU IN THE TRUE CHURCH OF GOD ?

Did you know that in the United States there are over 200 churches all claiming to be Christian but with a variety of teachings ?  Did you know that worldwide there are over 45000 different churches all claiming to be Christian ?   How in the world would you ever find out which one is the true church ?  According to the scriptures there is only one body of Christ,  Ephesians 4:4  then how do we explain over 45200 different bodies ?  If you decided to spend just one day on each of these churches to study their teachings to determine which one was the true church it would take you about 125 years to complete your investigation.  You wouldn’t live long enough to finish.  You would never be able to identify the true church without examining them all, would you ?

So, the church you happen to be in now, did you choose to join it ?  If you did then I can guarantee you that you that you are not in the true church.  This is because GOD alone adds to HIS church such as should be saved.  Acts 2:47 (last sentence) you see GOD must put you in HIS church, you can’t join it.  It’s as many as the Lord our GOD shall call. Acts 2:39   However, many may be called but few are chosen, Matthew 22:14. You, just like the original disciples, must be chosen because you cannot choose Jesus, he must choose you.  John 15:16  When GOD and Christ choose you the rest of the unconverted world will hate you. John 15:19  Why ?  Because you will know the truth when they can’t even understand it.  You will have a confidence and boldness that the world will think is arrogance, conceit, haughtiness or hubris and falsely accuse you of being of the Devil.  You would no longer fit into this world because Christ did not fit either. John 8:23  You would be just like Jesus in this way,  John 17:14,15,16  Do you understand what Jesus is saying ?  The one and only true church of the living GOD is composed of both former Jews and Gentiles that have been called and chosen by GOD ALMIGHTY and by GODS spirit through HIS son will convert you, give you HIS Holy Spirit and teach you HIS truth.  Jesus said this very thing.  John 6:43,44,45  John 14:26   John 16:13   John 15:26  so did Paul, 1 Corinthians 2:10,11,12,13  and  1 John 2:27  and 1 Peter 1:12

I have given here absolute proof of what I am saying by the scriptures.  It should be obvious to any who is understanding that your current church, your current pastor or minister is a fraud.  Oh yes, they know some buzz words, they call Jesus Lord, Lord, have done many wonderful things in his name and they claim to be men of GOD but are wolves in sheep’s clothing, dark agents of Satan masquerading as ministers of light.  2 Corinthians 11:14,15    They lie to you then charge you for it and you have been paying them !  GODS truth is free because GOD paid the price for it with HIS sons life. 

If you are offended by what I have written here that is the normal and expected response from the unconverted mind.  If you have been enabled by GOD to begin to see the things I have shared with you then there may be hope for you if you continue to diligently seek GOD for the truth and not from men.  

Yes indeed, there is a true church of GOD but spiritually it is not of this world therefore all the churches of this world are not that one true church.  

My brother in the one true faith has an article below this one in which he explains to you the very things I have covered in this article.  He has a different method of delivery than I do but that doesn’t make his words any less powerful.  I encourage all readers to carefully read both articles in the spirit of the Bereans , with an open mind and check out the scriptures we have supplied.  

HOW DO YOU KNOW ?

 

How Do You Know?

SRB 19 Nov 2025​

Matt 7:21–23 Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.

Obviously, Christ Yeshua was talking about someone else. I can be sure it is not about me since the people in my church compliment me on my knowledge of scripture, my generous giving, and the many times I volunteer for committees and projects. So, it cannot be referring to me.

That part about “the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” is proved by all the things I mentioned previously, right?

…. Or maybe I am missing something. Perhaps the evidence of my status with our Father has little to do with my outward contributions to a local church? If so, what else is there?

Jer 9:23–24 YLT Thus said Jehovah: Let not the wise boast himself in his wisdom, Nor let the mighty boast himself in his might, Let not the rich boast himself in his riches, but in this let the boaster boast himself, In understanding and knowing Me, For I am Jehovah, doing kindness, Judgment, and righteousness, in the earth. For in these I have delighted, An affirmation of Jehovah.

(I like the Young’s Literal Translation since it does not remove God’s name found in the oldest manuscripts from the bible (even though he uses Jehovah rather than Yahweh.)

So, we must know Him. That’s easy, right? For those who have spent years at the feet of their preachers and teachers, believing that they know God is automatic. But do they?

We are told that we must believe in someone else, too.

John 6:28–29 Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”

That is another easy answer for those who choose to believe what man has taught. I rarely meet anyone who questions those things that their church has taught. There are many responses to questions about the major change of American culture that apparently started in the 1950’s that caused young people to be more concerned with “fitting in” with their social environment than to facts and objective thought. In short, we feel the need to be accepted.

Ideas become facts because majority opinion has more power than truth. This runs counter to the Apostle Paul’s remarks about the Berean church searching scripture to see if Paul’s words agreed with the contents of their books and letters.

Rarely do Christians do that, and those who do and find valid questions get pushed away.

So, again with the initial question: how do I know if I am a true follower of the Son of God? I submit it has nothing to do with my contributions to a local church. Instead, it has everything to do with knowing Yahweh and Yeshua and obeying their commands.

Every teaching from Yeshua that appears in our New Testament came from His Father.   John 7:16  If I am looking to see what God’s commands are; I look to the words of Yeshua first.

A final note: we must know the truth given to us by the spirit of God.. Now, this sounds simple while it is in print. It is not so simple if I had not already received the spirit of God.

Yahweh chooses those who He will elect. He calls them to know His Son. Those who know His Son are baptized into the New Covenant and received the spirit of God. Most folks would say “I already know that.” I once thought that I knew that. I once believed that I knew that as well. Until it really happened. The impossible part here is that those who have not learned God’s truth cannot understand what I just wrote. It seems like so much arrogance, and that is probably why those who do understand are reluctant to share this information. The world around us, having had 2000 years to polish their deceptions, have got a firm grip on religion.

In order to understand scripture, one’s desire for truth must become a passion. It is better done in small groups with others who seek truth. Seeking God with all you have and asking Him for truth – and waiting on Him to answer - is important.. I think it must be acknowledged that God will know if you are sincerely seeking Him – frauds need not apply.

I think many will do like the Jews and seek some sign that these words are true. The Jews wanted one from Yeshua as well, and it was not that long before the sign was given.:

Matt 12:38–41 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.

So, anticipating a question to all this, I’ll answer what I think will be asked: how do I receive the truth?

Answer: I’m certain that many remember all the warnings that were given in scripture regarding evil people arising and distort the teachings of Yeshua and His Apostles.  Jude 1:3-4 There will be wolves in sheep’s disguise and may deceive even “the elect.” Matthew 24:24

Do you think that these warnings were for only the first century people? Second century? A short internet search should quickly show that this deception has never stopped. It is going on today. Where can you find it? Look around. Search your church’s statements of faith. Look at the doctrines you are being taught with their “proof texts.’

The corruption of scriptures is real. There will be those “authorities” who understand Greek or Hebrew and dismiss all those errors as minor - with no true impact. Friends, those minor errors, those additions, those mistranslated words have hidden the truth from the masses.

So, what do we do to get the truth? First, we believe Yahweh:

Jer 31:30–34a YLT Lo, days are coming, an affirmation of Jehovah, And I have made with the house of Israel And with the house of Judah a new covenant, Not like the covenant that I made with their fathers, In the day of My laying hold on their hand, To bring them out of the land of Egypt, In that they made void My covenant, And I ruled over them—an affirmation of Jehovah. For this is the covenant that I make, With the house of Israel, after those days, An affirmation of Jehovah, I have given My law in their inward part, and on their heart I do write it, And I have been to them for God, And they are to me for a people. And they do not teach any more each his neighbor, and each his brother, Saying, Know ye Jehovah, For they all know Me, from their least unto their greatest.

Gal 3:5–7 Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”? Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham.

Isaiah 54:13 All your children shall be taught by the LORD, Yahweh and great shall be the peace of your children.

John 6:44–45 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me

John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

1 Thess 4:8–9 Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you. Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another,

1 John 2:26–27 I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.

There are those among you who desire that people do not accept these passages literally. I can certainly understand their concern. They are dealing with those who are not the Elect of God. They are Christians according to the customs of their churches only. The huge difference between my understanding and the local church pastor or teacher is that my view includes ONLY those whom God has given His spirit. Your local church leaders think that all of you already have God’s spirit. They do not want anyone to rock their boat.

James 3:1-2 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.

Jas 1:5–8 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways

Finally, I want to close these thoughts with this passage that I hope inspires deeper thought by the readers. It is so important.

Phil 2:12–13 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

When God gives you His Truth, it will be unshakeable. You will not fear discussing it with anyone. You will not be timid when questioned. You will not be angry with those who doubt you.

May I say, if your belief is not open for a mature discussion, you probably don’t believe it. If you cannot explain the reason for your belief, then it is not your belief – it came from someone else.