December 26, 2002

Pastor John,

As I was reading the e-mail from the brother who belonged to a sect that demanded that women dress in a way that was in style fifty years ago, it brought back years of memories. This is exactly the kind of thing my mom and I were taught when we were in Christianity (in the sect that calls itself "apostolic"). As you know, my mom was in it a lot longer than I, and in a way I was in it that long, too, because of the effect their beliefs and standards had on me as a very young person. All I can say is that it makes my heart so glad that Jesus has let my mother's ears and my ears hear the truth of God. This is NO small thing!

I know that it is my mother's persistent search for truth all of her life that has helped bring my son Christopher and me here. God honored my mother's search for the truth, and I am thankful. Reading his e-mail makes me feel so appreciative of what I have. My prayer is for Jesus to make every bit of the truth go into my heart as deep as it can go, and let me love it as much as it can be loved. I know only Jesus can do that. I am so grateful to be able to learn from you what Jesus has given you, words just can't say!

Marleyna

Marleyna,

It appears to me that Christian groups who demand that women wear no jewelry, no make-up, only very long dresses, etc., are more often motivated by spirits of lust and pride than by the Spirit of God. I have known some ministers who fought against women looking pretty because they couldn't handle the dark, secret feelings that they had in their hearts whenever they saw a pretty woman! An attractive young woman like you would be in danger around such men! Just ask your mother. She was tested, as you would be if you were still in that ungodly sect. Their ministers scream "Jezebel!" from the pulpit at any woman who dares to dress normally, and especially if she fixes her hair and puts on a little make-up, but inwardly they are dying to get their arms around those women. That's what makes them so angry sometimes; they can't have what they want. So, they curse it. It isn't the woman, or how she dresses, that is their problem, though, it is their own unconquered lust.

Such men say they are only teaching and living by what the New Testament says, but I have yet to find the Scriptures that tell us to have such an attitude.

It's much easier for us all, Marleyna, if we will just submit to Jesus and be cleansed by his power from all unclean spirits, and then we can rest in Jesus and let the young women and young men of God be the happy, free and holy young people they need to be in order to do some good in this world.

Pastor John

December 26, 2002

Hi Pastor John,

The TFT's are wonderful, it lets us see how important it was for God to give you the message on coming out of christianty. I don't believe that we could have seen how mis-translated some of the verses in the (KJV) were by still being in it! Everything God gives us we need, it is very important!! And all the things that God is giving us right now is just taking us further away from christianty and I love it!! Thank you pastor John

Bro. Stuart

December 26, 2002

Dear Brother Gary,

I agree with all that you have teached on Water &Spirit Baptisms. The Holy Spirit Baptism cleanses us. I am confused with this scripture in ACTS 10:44-48, when the gentiles received the Holy Ghost.

PETER was talking to the gentiles and the Holy Ghost fell, He said no one then could forbid the gentiles WATER and COMMANDED them to be baptized in water AFTER they received.

Do you have information on this scripture? ACTS 10:44-48. Bless You for all your teaching, I recently found your site.

Holly

Dear Holly.

Thank you for your question - I am glad that God has given you understanding in this matter. In order to understand this scripture and your question, we must first determine that we never want to 'twist' what is written to fit what we are teaching. Peter baptized Gentiles in water, yet we teach and believe it is not necessary now. So with God's help, let's find out why.

Let's recount this story: Peter was told by God (in a revelation/dream) to go to the Gentiles (at Cornelius' house). This was specifically AGAINST what Jesus told him earlier - that was, to go to the house of Israel ONLY. That is why God had to give Peter this vision... God had to convince Peter that this new information was from Him! It went against the very words of Jesus, just a short time earlier. God told Peter, after sending down a "parachute" type thing filled with "unclean" animals, that "what I have cleansed, do not call unclean". In other words, God was telling Peter that He was going to cleanse something that before was unclean, that is, the Gentiles.

We have to realize what a BIG thing this was for Peter (and all Jews). Gentiles were considered dogs (by Jews). They were "unclean people" in the Jew's eyes, and it was forbidden (by tradition) in most Jewish circles for a Jew to even go into a house or eat with a Gentile. So Peter needed "help" from God to do what he was about to do.

When Peter got there, he found Cornelius, who also had a vision that a man named Peter would come and tell him what he ought to do. Which Peter did, in telling him what Jesus did and how great Jesus was. But God interrupted Peter's message, and poured out the holy Ghost baptism on these Gentiles. The Jews with Peter were "astounded" to hear them speaking in tongues - to see these "unclean" Gentiles have their sins washed away!

Now - the question is - if the story stopped there, would Cornelius' sins still be washed away? The answer is yes, of course. Only God can wash away sins, and it takes nothing "earthly" (such as water) to do it now.

Then what was the purpose in Peter baptizing them in water? The purpose was, that Peter did what he had done for every JEW who had ever repented before this event occurred. And that was, he water baptized them with John (the Baptist's) watery baptism (as a sign of repentance). The problem was, that John the Baptist also was sent to the Jews only, and with a ceremony which pointed to the one coming AFTER John, that is Jesus, who would "baptize with the Spirit and with fire." But Jesus had come! What was the point in performing a ceremony that pointed to something to come, which had already come? Peter did not yet realize the mighty work God had truly done, although he would find out later.

Later, we read that Peter was taught by Paul. Paul had more knowledge from God (especially concerning the gospel for the Gentiles) than Peter (read Gal. 2:8-15). Paul taught the Gentiles that ALL the ceremonies of the Law were completed in Christ Jesus and that NONE of the ceremonies that the Jews practiced in their worship was necessary for the Gentiles to be made right with God and be saved in the end. Jesus was water baptized for us, so we do not have to be. He obeyed the ceremonies of the Law so we do not have to practice a "type" that pointed to Him! He was born under the Law for us, was circumcised for us, and obeyed the feast days and sabbath days laws for us, and when the right time came, he was water baptized for us. NOW, THERE IS ONLY ONE BAPTISM (Eph.4:4-5).

To practice TWO baptisms is, in essence, to say: "I know that Jesus baptizes in Spirit, but I want another baptism that men perform" --- which is another way of saying, "what Jesus does is good but not good enough." Even though men say that they are water baptized as an "outward sign of their faith", in reality, it is an outward sign of their unbelief and ignorance.

Yes, Peter baptized in water. That is what he was taught to do. But later, he was taught that this was unnecessary, and like Paul, I imagine he would later say to some people, somewhere, "I thank God I baptized none of you [in water]". What Jesus has done is better!

I hope that helps...if you want more info, go to: www.isaiah58.com/tracts/baptismanswers.html

Best regards,

Gary Savelli

www.isaiah58.com

December 26, 2002

Hey John,

Reading this TFT 12-25 (KJV error #2), I don't think I am amazed anymore of how cunning Satan has been to deceive Spirit-filled people and even the whole world. It is truly a masterpiece and the WORLD, I mean the WHOLE WORLD has been totally fooled by him. That is why reading some of the emails this week has blessed me so much. I love it when I see a brother or a sister write to you with just a little knowledge about the truth. Satan has set a trap so cunning that ONLY God can get you out of it.

What's so sad about all of this is that God's people have fallen into this trap. They don't even know Satan is the head of Christianity and all of their "holy days" are to celebrated and worship him. Brother John, I hope God will continue to open hearts and eyes to this truth so the people can be set free of all the insanity Satan has instituted into the body of Christ. God please help your people!!!!!!!

Lou

Sister Lou:

You are right. Because God has opened our eyes, and the eyes of a few others, to see that it is His will for His children to come out of Christianity, I have to believe that the time is nearing for all of God's people (as many as are willing) to be delivered from that unclean religion.

To pray for our brothers and sisters who are still imprisoned inside the white-washed walls of Christianity is a very good thing to do.

John

December 24, 2002

John,

As I was reading the TFT 12/13/02 "Phony Conquerors", I saw how people just starting out in the Lord can be tragically influenced by Christian ministers who boast about how faithful they will be to God, "even if everybody in the world turns away". When I started in the Lord, I heard such men whom I respected stand up and say such things, that they would preach the gospel even if the whole world turned against them, and I came to believe that was the standard for all true believers.

Obviously, this way of thinking brought nothing but guilt and shame when I could not measure up to those illusions of spiritual might. Many, many times I have prayed as Paul, asking God to give me boldness to speak the truth when opportunities presented themselves. I knew I was a coward and wondered if something was wrong with me.

About ten years ago, or so, God lifted a burden of thinking that it was my duty to convert sinners to the truth by trying to direct every conversation to things of God. That way of thinking is not only burdensome but there is no love of God in it. I was not trying to win sinners because I loved them with the love of God, but to ease the guilt I knew I was going to have if I didn't say something about Jesus. Whew!

This TFT really helped me to see why I felt this way at times. It goes back to those ungodly Christian ministers who influenced me as a young person in the Lord. I appreciate you John and for your taking the time to share with us these thoughts of God. They do help to relieve burdens.

Love,

Tom

Tom:

This is a very touching testimony. I am glad that Jesus brought you out of Christianity, and I am glad that he is still delivering you (and me, and others) from the ungodly influence of that religion. How wonderful it is to be freed from things that look good and holy but are not! Stay out of Christianity, and stay happy in Jesus.

Your non-Christian servant in Christ Jesus, the Son of God,

Pastor John

November 27, 2002

Pastor John:

In a TFT dated 11/21/2002, you wrote: "If you are addicted to talking or addicted to listening, you are digging your own grave. Don't hurt God again by hurting yourself more. He loves you. And He will set you free from your attraction to vain words that keep you away from His truth. Ask him to make you like me: a non-Christian servant of Jesus, and happy to be one!"

Oh Pastor John.... this article was fantastic. If I had a "wish list" of things that I think hurt saints that I have known, that I would like Jesus to rid us of, it would be this one. Talking (and listening - they go hand in hand). This sentence above reminded me of what I was reading last night: 2 Timothy 2:25 "In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;"

Talking is "digging your own grave" - in other words, "opposing your own self." (Listening, the same thing.) Let us not do things that work against our own lives - there are enough things in this world to dirty us without us participating in hurting our own selves.

My prayer is that we learn to live a happy and quiet life - and REJOICE that we CAN! Where can that be found? (Outside of Christianity, that is for sure.) Even among spouses, I have seen that oftentimes, some things need not be said or repeated. Such words do us no good. It's O.K. to be silent. May we be filled with the holy Ghost so that we may live right where God wants us to live - temperate in all things.

Thank you again for these recent TFTs - they have been like honey to me.

Gary

November 21, 2002

Pastor John:

Another Good thought for today (11-20)! There is a phrase from a book you wrote I really really like. So much so, I typed it up and pasted it on the top of my computer so I can look at it everyday. Here is what it says:

"Oh, the tyranny of a reputation! It comes into our life as a visitor, but if allowed to remain, it always becomes master of the house, demanding that every action be directed toward its maintenance."

To feel as if you have to live up to a reputation is hard work! Thank God for offering to us a way out. We are not stuck. Everytime God touches us, we change. We are not the same person after we have been touched by God, every time. God sure is Good to us!

All during the night last night, I could feel in my spirit that I wanted to shout "IT IS THE POWER OF GOD!" I saw the news clip last night on CBN where the Lord delivered those people in Alomongo, Guatemala, from that demon, and all those young children dancing around under the power of God. How wonderful it was to see the Power of God moving on all those people! That is what needs to be broadcast on every News Headline, every channel. As I read the TFT, I noticed these phrases, and all I could see and hear in big bold letters was "IT IS THE POWER OF GOD". You wrote:

"Oh, how the flesh loves religion with out the power of God!"

"The power of God is what religious men talk about but do not possess. "

"The power of God cannot be analyzed and labeled."

I wanted to say it over and over again. People need to know "IT IS THE POWER OF GOD" that will heal us, save us, and cleanse us. We need more of it! We got to have it! Amen

Amy

November 20, 2002

Hey Pastor John,

I just read the TFT for 11-19, and it was really good to read that. I have felt myself sometimes comparing myself to other believers. When I was in high school, I had some friends with the holy Ghost. Some of them, by all means, were ahead of me in the Lord. Others, who had the holy Ghost, even when I did not, did things that I knew did not please God. At least they didn't please Him if I did them. They were always little things, and most of the time just petty things that they would do. Still, it confused me how someone like myself, just seeking the holy Ghost, could feel awful by doing the same things that someone with the holy Ghost does with no trouble at all. I could feel myself struggling more, as you said in your TFT, with the spirits of the world. It frustrated me that I had to struggle like that when my friends with the holy Ghost could do those little things and it not bother them.

It wasn't until later that I found out that this struggle was not something I had chosen. God had chosen it for me. I found out that the Truth is a higher calling in itself. God requires more from those with more knowledge of His ways. Knowing that, the struggle became less of a burden and more like an opportunity to be a good example. I was thankful for the chance to do right when others were allowed to do those petty things that ate at me so much. The bitterness that was there left when I realized that it wasn't that I desired God more than they did - He desired me more than He desired them. And there is rest in that.

Anyway, I just thought I'd let you know my thoughts on that.

Drew

Thanks, Drew. Thise are right thoughts you are having, and I am glad Jesus gave them to you!!!

Pastor John

November 20, 2002

Pastor John,

Oh the Thought for today is very good. The world today gives the impression that to have the "perfect life" (in this world) you grow up, marry, have a big house with a pickett fence, and have children. There is nothing wrong with that at all, but the world paints a picture that if you do not have that, something is wrong with you. What a blessing it is to know, that if you are a single person and you are following the ways of Jesus, that is perfectly acceptable to God.

When I was younger, in my teens, I thought that having a husband was what would make me happy. If I could find "the One" for me, I would be happy and have all the things that come with it (house, family ect) and it would be just perfect. I had a wrong idea about where happiness came from. I was looking in the wrong places.

One day, I was on the phone with a Sister in the Lord telling her wonderful things that were happening in my daily life and how God was blessing me. The question arose, "Do you know what you are saying?" The Spirit gently spoke and said, "I have changed the desires of your heart." I realized what that meant. I no longer was looking for a husband or someone (body) to make me happy. Jesus was what was doing that.

After I received the holy Ghost and found out how wonderful and happy Jesus had made me, I forgot about looking for a husband. I was concentrating on the things of God, consuming my life what that. Being baptized with the holy Ghost changed my life and filled all my emptiness with joy.

I am sure it is a wonderful thing to have a mate to share the things of God with and talk with, but it is also a wonderful thing to not have anyone to talk to but Jesus. He becomes closer than a friend, closer than a brother; He becomes everything to you.

The journey I have been on has led me to Jesus. The search is over for looking for what could make me happy; I have found it. Now, I just have to enjoy it and be happy. I don't know what lies ahead, but for now I am satisfied with Jesus and that is a good place to start. Anything that is added or taken away from that is a blessing. Whatever my place is in the kingdom of God; that's what I want. Thanks for the thought for Today, it has brought back some wonderful memories of where God has brought me.

Love,

Amy

November 18, 2002

John:

As I was driving to work this morning , I was thinking about a scene many years ago when I saw frustration on Uncle Joe's face when he felt there was some unnecessary chatter going on in the kitchen after a meeting. I remember him saying, as best I can remember, with great sternness, "Don't they know you will give account for every idle word?" When I arrived at work this email was waiting on me. God give me ears to hear and a heart to obey.

JV Matthew 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

Thanks:

Wendell S.

November 18, 2002

Dear John:

Oh today is another wonderful day. Talking to sister Sandy on the IM - who is so excited for God because of an experience she had with Jesus Wednesday - made me so happy (again) to be out of Christianity! Thank God we can have experiences with God John, that make us feel good. Things that last. Things that spread the joy of God. What a good feeling it is to know that if we want to, we have the liberty to seek him, and find him, and not have that life quenched by "heresy".

I was listening to a tape yesterday about "damned things". Today I was thinking how blessed we are to be free from Christianity's "damnable heresies". That is such a wonderful thing! To know that the things on this earth which are "damned" are not a part of our worship. This verse has such a real meaning to me now:

2 Peter 2:1 "¶ But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction."

Damnable heresies are "brought in" and served to God's children every day in Christianity. Every Sunday, God's children take in "heresy", because it is served in the name of Jesus. But it is not so, for us, thank God. I was considering some of the heresies concerning the worship of God which we are free from because of the truth:

To encourage God's children to partake of Water baptism is a damnable heresy, because the water on this earth will one day be damned.

To encourage God's children to partake of Choir robes and vestures in worship is a damnable heresy because the clothing on this earth will be damned.

To encourage God's children to partake of Earthly forms of communion is a damnable heresy because the bread and grape juice that is on this earth will be damned.

To encourage God's children to partake of Saying a "sinners prayer" is a damnable heresy because the lips of men and their old bodies will be damned.

To encourage God's children to partake of Going to an earthly building called a church is a damnable heresy because every structure on this earth will be damned.

There are so many others... but to KNOW that these "damned" things cannot profit me just brings a joy to my heart. Not just to know them, but to know WHY, and to be glad that I do not have to feel bad by participating in "damned" things ever again.

When we gather together, in the truth, we can leave feeling GOOD, because the food and love we pass around is eternal. It will be there tomorrow and forever. We are rich. Spiritual millionaires. I appreciate it, and every truth that comes our way. I want to love them and put them in my bank account to spend now and in the future!

Gary

You understand what I am teaching perfectly. The damned will be those people who trusted in damned things instead of walking in the Spirit and trusting in those holy things that cannot be seen.

Pastor John

November 14, 2002

Dear Pastor John.

Today is a day for good thoughts.

One of the daily happenings around the Savelli household, is Song coming into my office and asking, "where is the thought for the day?" We print them out (2 copies, one for sister Gwen, and one for us), and hole punch them, and put them in a binder. It has become a way of life for us. And each day, it is our "food".... they are very good - just to keep our minds on God is good, and they help. I know it must be a considerable amount of work for you, but I think the TFT's get us all thinking about the same thing, and there is nothing like right thoughts to bind us together. I was considering these verses this morning:

Ezekiel 14:13 "Son of man, when the land sinneth against me by trespassing grievously, then will I stretch out mine hand upon it, and will break the staff of the bread thereof, and will send famine upon it, and will cut off man and beast from it."

Amos 8:11 "¶ Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD."

"Christianity" has caused the good bread of the word of God to be cut off from God's children. They have NO food. They are living on "junk food", and dying. As I have people e-mail me from the web site, the chasm between right ideas about God and wrong ones seems to be getting deeper. It is getting harder to communicate, and more difficult to help anyone who is searching for God to realize what they are being taught is poison, not the food that they think it is.

That verse in Amos said "behold, the days come" - I believe in our generation that they have come. Maybe the TFT's one day will play a part in "airlifting" emergency rations to those that are in prison and starving, and teach them to look up to heaven for help. I think that in a year or two's time, we will have a treasure trove of TFT's that will make a wonderful book.

Thanks for taking the time to send them. I wanted you to know they are really appreciated here.

Gary S.

Thanks, Gary:

A couple of months ago, when I began listening to some old prayer meetings, I heard little gems of wisdom from old saints who have now fallen asleep in Christ, and I remembered how those little nuggets of spiritual gold were an ordinary part of my life in Christ when I first started serving the Lord. At the same time, I knew that many of those wonderful thoughts were all but unknown to God's children now, even to those in our own prayer meetings now. God's people need to hear these things. I need to hear them again, and again, and again. I never tire of hearing them. I love hearing the voices of those old saints again on those old cassette tapes. I can picture them in Grandma's living room testifying, singing, praising God, and preaching under the anointing of God, and I love passing on to you what they added to my faith. It was thrilling this morning to hear my father preaching under the power of God in a January, 1981 meeting. The power fell so strong on him at one point in that meeting that he cried out, "If you haven't been filled with the Spirit yet, run here to me, now!" Talk about faith!!

It is encouraging to hear from you that you and Song love the TFTs. I think these Thoughts for Today will play a part in our developing the mind of Christ together. I want you and the saints everywhere to know my thoughts; I believe we need to know each other's thoughts. That way, we can grow toward the unity Jesus prayed that we would have.

Pastor John

Responses:

November 16, 2002

Pastor John:

You wrote to Brother Gary: "A couple of months ago, when I began listening to some old prayer meetings, I heard little gems of wisdom from old saints who have now fallen asleep in Christ, and I remembered how those little nuggets of spiritual gold were an ordinary part of my life in Christ when I first started serving the Lord."

When I read this part of your reply to Gary's e-mail, it reminded me of a new feeling I had when the saints were together at your house a couple of weeks ago. It was the time where the love of God was felt so strongly between all who were there, and we were all just hugging and feeling the love of God so strongly for each other. Toward the end of that meeting, Tammy and I hugged. When we stood back we looked at each other..I said, "It feels so peaceful." Tammy continued our thought and said, "..like we could just go to sleep..." Then I said, "...and never wake up." It felt so good. I never felt a rest like that before, where I felt as if I could close my eyes and I would be very willing and very happy to go on with Jesus forever.

Anyway, I just thought of it as I was reading. Thank you for helping on the CD today.

Donna

November 10, 2002

Bro. John:

On the way to work today, I listened to this past Sunday's meeting again where you said:

"You didn't search for a place in Xnty because there was something wrong with Jesus"

"You searched for a place in Xnty because there was something wrong with YOU!"

Well, Amen! Boy, that is good! It is SO good, that I don't know if we yet understand how good God has been to us to bring us out!

It made me think about all the times I went from Xn place to Xn place, trying to fix what was wrong in my life. I hung onto the back of those pews until my fingers hurt every time an "altar call" was given, waiting for the feeling to pass, because I knew that no matter how many times I went up there, I would not get the relief my soul was crying out for. I did not realize then that through those altar calls what I was feeling in my heart was Jesus, standing on the outside saying, "Come out, Come out." Now I know that no matter how many places I would have gone, none of them had the answer. There was nothing wrong with Jesus - - I just could not find Him in those places - - because He was not there in any of them! He was OUTSIDE, waiting for me! Praise God! And HE was the Answer I had searched for!

When I came out of those places, and repented, the Answer came, and I received the holy Ghost! What burdens were lifted that day!! Praise God! I never doubted the holy Ghost baptism and His Spirit speaking through me, or that Jesus could and would clean up my life. And He has! Now He is down to the fine-tuning! As Bro. Rob does with the music, Jesus is perfecting us, and He will make us perfect . . . . . if we want to be made perfect.

Well, this feels so good! I just had to tell you how much what Jesus revealed Sunday blessed me. It takes time for such wonderful things to sink in. To know now that nowhere in Xnty would I EVER have been any better off. It is like Sunday's message was Jesus saying, "See? See what I have done for you?!" Oh, thank you, thank you Jesus! How God's children need HIM!

Soon after I received the holy Ghost, Jesus gave me a poem to write called: "What Would People Do?" I will have to find the poem, but I remember the last line saying something like, "would they even recognize that the King of Kings sat down?" Bro. John, there was more truth in that poem than I even realized at the time. From what Jesus has shown us, I don't believe that He would step foot in one of those filthy places. He wants His Children to "Come out" and find the peace and rest for their souls that He knows only He can give. But the ceremonies and the "altar calls" and the false sense of security blinds them. Only their hearts will lead them out. I pray Jesus will not let their feelings die so that they will hear Him calling to them from the outside.

He is giving us rich manna! I think Sunday's meeting turned up the Light another knotch on Xnty!! Another reason to rejoice for being out of that dark place!! I feel like listening to what you said in Sunday's meeting over and over and over - - it just makes my Spirit soar! With everything He gives us, He is making me more thankful. I can only help and love my brothers and sisters by submitting to the One who loves me. And telling them the Greatest Love Story I have ever known!

You know what, Bro. John? I love my own testimony! Because if it weren't for Jesus, I would have none! It's HIS Testimony of His Love and Power to save! And it never ends.

Sister Sandy :)

November 10, 2002

Good morning!

I have read the thought for today (11-05) and it is absolutely wonderful! Sunday morning when you were telling us these things, the Spirit in me just leaped. Yesterday while at work, I started thinking about what you had said on Sunday. You said something to the effect of that all that time you were searching in Xty to fit in feeling like you were not good enough for Xty, when you found out that Xty was not the body of Christ, you found out that Xty was not good enough for God. As I was thinking this, the Lord quickly responded to me be asking me a question..."Why is Xty not good enough for God?" Then He answered: "Because I'm not in it". Whew! It was amazing.

It was not that I realized for the first time why I was out of Xty, but God did something to my heart. I realized that NOTHING about Christianity is of God. Nothing! There are no connections between us and Xty but God's children that are still there. It was like God was circumcising any respect or fear towards Xty that I might would have that would keep me from telling the truth about God. Knowing this allows you to love God's children by telling them to "COME OUT" with the love of God with no ill will, and at the same time hating that thing which God hates the way God hates it.

So many people have felt condemnation because they are afraid to speak against something that they think is of God (Xty). They are afraid to voice how they really feel, and so, they stay where they are, dying and becoming spiritually sick. Christianity is not of God. I can't even get it out the way I am feeling it, but a good example is not long after you got the message about Coming out of Xty, my Dad said what a relief it was to be able to turn off Christian radio and TV programs without feeling condemnation for doing so. We don't have to feel condemnation for having feelings that don't match up with what Xtn ministers are saying; they are not from God. We don't have to feel condemnation for not going to church on Sunday's; Christianity is not "of Christ". We don't have to feel condemnation for not agreeing with the Pastor's lifestyle if he is not living right according to the commandments of God. That life of fear and condemnation is not the life of God. The commandments of men are not the commandments of God.

My what liberty we have! I pray that God will help us use our liberty to be shining lights for all our brothers and sisters that are looking for the real Jesus, the ones who are asking themselves, "Is this all there is?" Or the ones giving their best to Xty and being used as merchandise, who are hungering and thirsting for righteousness. It is here! There is an answer. God is not in Xty! No part of the traditions of man are of God, not their baptisms, not their communions, not their memberships. Absolutely nothing, and that is why the Spirit is saying, "COME OUT OF HER MY PEOPLE AND BE NOT PARTAKERS OF HER SIN".

Amy P.

Amen, Amy!

I couldn't have said it better myself. What a glorious day it will be when God gives to His children the same vision of what Xty really is! I hope we are ready to do our part for them.

Pastor John

October 28, 2002

Hi John.

Boy, Song and I have sure been enjoying the TFT's on "Results" (Obeying the Spirit no matter what the results are), and todays on "The Higher Power - Our only Option" (making right choices by following the Spirit.).

It's amazing how you speaking all the things we talked about in this past Sunday's meeting we had. In some ways it seems almost word for word.

I had a dream Saturday night which I told in the meeting. I'm not a big "dream" guy. I don't have them too often, or I don't remember them, or I just keep them to myself, but I did share this one in the meeting. I was in a public place, and you were reproving me, in a serious - but kind way - for not speaking something to a person in the meeting that I should have (you felt I knew the Spirit of God well enough to do so). Basically you were telling me that I should have known better. You looked at me, and recited a rather "pithy" poem. In the dream I did not know where it came from exactly, but I was assuming from one of the old saints the way you said it. But I did remember it, and wrote it down - and here is what you said to me in the dream:

"If you FEEL the Spirit in it;
even just to say the word 'hello'.
Then the Spirit has to do it.
Everything else has GOT to go."

Your correction to me in this dream was to be serious about what the Spirit says - and do it. And not to worry about anything else. In the meeting Sunday, I told the folks that I had told Song that morning that I was a "man on a mission". And she said, "on a mission for what?". And I said to "obey the Spirit of God - no matter what."

The rest of the meeting had a lot of GOOD testimonies about obeying the Spirit everywhere we are (on our jobs, with each other, etc.) Not to feel obligated to do things because it seems to the world like a "Christian" thing to do --- but to listen to God's voice. That's what will bind us in love - a love of God. That means to help when it's time to help, to let alone when it's time, to be quiet when it's time, to talk when it's time....etc. Wow....good.

Then we got your TFT's last night and today. What JOY to hear the same thing. JOY JOY JOY. God is wonderful.

Gary

Gary and Song:

That is a remarkable dream. I love that poem. If I know you, you will soon be writing a song about it.

jdc

September 17, 2002

Hi pastor John,

Thank you for the thought for today. I had run into some of the same feelings today. As you know, I work in the construction field sometimes, and today on the job site there were a lot of men, about 15 are so. I found myself walking away from a lot of them because of there talk and thoughts that they would express. On my way home from work I was talking to the lord about how sad I was feeling about how men think, that by being the way they were, they thought of themselves as "real men", when the truth is that they are so "foolish", not knowing what their end will be. It is so sad, and it made me so thankful for what God has done for me, making me a new creature that only He can make. It is all God. Just think, he put a new mind and a new heart in us, or we would be just like one of them! It is only by the grace of God that we feel the way we do! It is not hard for us to be what we are. It is easy, if we let the Spirit have its way! I wish everyone felt the way we do. It is so clean, and feels so wonderful. It would be great to have everyone around us like Jesus and feel that wonderful feeling from them. That is what we desire. But I am glad that we can let our light shine in this world and honor him for what he has done for us.

Brother Stuart

Amen, Stuart!

jdc

September 10, 2002

Pastor John:

The more I learn the more I see how little I know. The Lord led me to read Isaiah 1 yesterday and it was exciting to see how Isaiah's prophecies mirror what's going on in today's world. "Thy princes are rebellious and companions of thieves", sounds just like today's politicians and world leaders. The Sodoms and Gomorrahs are everywhere now and God's wrath is surely coming. The verses clearly show how the rituals of the old law now offend God. And the promise of Jesus comes across as clear as can be.

While understanding that I know so little, I thank God that I know more today than I did yesterday, and with God's help I will know more tomorrow. I feel Jesus all around me and know that He is so close that if I could see He would be there. It's no longer a wonder if, but rather a wonder when. All glory to God. Jesus king of kings and lord of lords. I trust in His promise, and it's so good to see his promise working in the congregation.

Gary

Gary:

Thanks for the email.

As for Isaiah's reference to the princes, an exact parallel would not be the leaders of the world but the leaders of the body of Christ, for God was speaking of leaders of His own people. It makes us want to obey God so that the anger we feel from God in such verses as that one from Isaiah will never fall upon us. And may God have mercy on those to whom that great wrath will be directed.

John

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