The Dead in Christ

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Who are they?

Q: In 1 Thessalonians 4:16, it says that the "dead in Christ will rise first". I believe that if you are saved, and die a believer in Christ, you go to Heaven, so what does "dead in Christ will rise first" mean? Lisa

A: You're correct Lisa, the moment a born again believer dies physically, they are welcomed into Heaven. 2 Co. 5:8 in the KJV makes it clear that when our spirits leave our bodies we are present with the Lord. The body decays to molecules and dust on Earth, the spirit, the real you, is eternal.

The dead in Christ refers to the believers who have died before Christ returns. They are now with the Lord in Heaven, and will return with Him. See 1 Th. 4:14. On that day, their bodies will be reformed and resurrected from the earth, be reunited with their spirits, and the whole thing transformed into the glorified body. Read 1 Th. 4:13-18 and 1 Co. 15:35-58. Notice verses 51 and 52 the Holy Spirit tells us this will happen in the twinkling of an an eye, in a flash, at the last trumpet. Can't wait, can you? Meanwhile, we've got work to do.

Healing meetings

Q: How do you feel about attending "Healing Meetings?" Are they any different than just believing on your own?

A: I encourage you to attend Spirit-filled Bible-based meetings that focus on getting people healed the Bible way. If your fellowship doesn't have them something is seriously wrong, find one that does.

Fellowship with believers not doubters, with the saved and healed, not the dead denominations withering on the vine. Get amongst those who know the power of God, who are sensitive to the Holy Spirit, and allow Him to work His way. Get where the Gifts of the Holy Spirit are in operation, and His power in demonstration. 1 Co. 2:4, 1 Co. 12

If you have the Gift of healing, get in amongst the sick, and let God use you to heal them.

It is wonderful to be where the power of the Lord is present to heal. Lk. 5:17.

Christians and Vegetarianism

Q: Is it wrong to use God's animals for food? Dee

A: No, eat anything sold in the meat market. 1 Co. 10:25. The Passover Lamb was eaten, The Lord Himself ate it, the risen Christ also ate fish. Lk. 24:42-43. God created livestock to be eaten. Gen. 9:3, Lev. 11:1-3.

Satan is promoting vegetarianism in these final days, hand in hand with yoga, New Age ideas, and Hinduism.

Some Christians are weak in faith and understanding (Ro. 14:1-2), and we are not to dispute with them, or patronise them, but the Scriptural fact is clear, all food is now clean. Ro. 14:14. The SDA cult spin-off on a wild tangent concerning food laws, their teaching is from demons.

Innocent babes?

Q: Are babies born sinners? Nicole

A: Yes, see: age of accountability.

Church of the Nazarene

Q: Do you consider the Church of the Nazarene a good Christian church? It is a Wesleyan-Holiness Church. Paul

A: Do you consider a mouldy half-loaf a good diet?

Of course not! Eat Heaven's fresh bread and drink pure water. It's just another withered denominational organisation Paul. Find a Spirit-filled fellowship where the Lord is allowed to work His way; one that is not involved with Satan's Ecumenical Movement, one that practices Biblical baptism of believers, not 'pouring, or sprinkling', but proper baptism. One that doesn't 'baptise' infants and babies, and so on.

Ask the Lord to lead you directly, and He will.