OUT OF THE BOX

This article is meant to be a discussion of current times, not end times. I don’t want to get into theological debates around eschatology. Some emphasize the great falling away while others argue that the Gospel will conquer. There is often an element of paradox in spiritual truth. The Bible speaks of great evil and darkness while also speaking of the glory of God and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Regardless of a person’s perspective on end times, it is indisputable that we are currently in a time of world-wide intensity, as seen in nature, politics, economics and sociological dynamics. Nations are filled with conflict and distress. Those that seem to be at peace are better described as being in a malaise (that vague sense of ill-being and debility that accompanies the onset of an illness). Even people who lack spiritual perception can sense the urgency of the times. We are moving into an era of troubled people and troubled times, a time when the devil will be active and angry, ...

GRACE, FAITH, WORK, TRAVAIL, OBEDIENCE, REPENTANCE: TERMS THAT STAND IN CONTRAST BUT NOT IN CONTRADICTION A CHALLENGE FROM FRIENDS I had four separate conversations with friends that caused me to have concern with some of the doctrinal trends that have been developing in the church over recent years. One friend was telling me that, under the New Covenant, Christians do not have to repent. Grace has brought forgiveness and a believer does not have to “repent” of sins. A second friend was telling me that the terms “obey” and “obedience” were part of the Old Testament Law, and therefore, not appropriate for the New Testament Christian. A third friend expressed concern over my sermon entitled “The Blessing is Beyond Obedience” and that this message undermined faith. On a fourth occasion a friend expressed a mild disapproval at my teaching on “travail and labor in Intercession.” His implication was that travail seemed to suggest “works” rather than faith. The e...

If you are hungry to know more about how the Holy Spirit worked in the early Christian church, and if you are hungry to understand and experience the gifts of the Holy Spirit, y ou should order my book SPIRITUAL POWER FOR EVERYDAY LIVING.  Go to my website at the link shown below to order your copy. https://www.billylongministries.com/ The book clarifies many misconceptions and contains practical teaching with many examples and testimonies of the gifts at work. It is an excellent tool for teaching others about the manifestations of the Holy Spirit. ---Billy Long

GOOD CHEER AND TRIBULATION “You are highly favored…the Lord is with you.” Like 1: 28-30 "And a sword shall pierce your soul." -Luke 2: 35 A supernatural word from God does not mean your life will henceforth be easy and free of grief and pain. Sometimes, to the contrary, it may mean the suffering, hardship and tribulation involved in entering the kingdom of God and extending it into a hostile world system. The Apostle Paul’s commissioning word from God included the phrase, “I will show him how great things he must suffer for My sake.” The angel Gabriel visited Mary telling her that she would be the earthly mother of Jesus. We celebrate these words at Christmas as we sing about the joy and wonder of it all, while often failing to recognize the perplexities that accompanied the fulfillment of that revelation. I don’t think I’ve ever heard a song inspired by the subsequent word given to Mary by the elderly prophet who warned her of the grief she would someday suffer at Je...

I am blessed that so many people from around the world have been reading my blog posts. I do appreciate your visits.  There are many readers from South Korea, Europe, and other nations. Please send me an email and introduce yourself if you have enjoyed these posts.  Write to me at broblong@gmail.com Thanks so much.  Billy Long

True Community versus Cult Community Laurel and I ate dinner in downtown Asheville a few years ago. There was a European atmosphere. The restaurants around that intersection had outdoor dining and all the tables were full. A very pleasant atmosphere. There was a group of people performing outside in the square at the intersection. The performers were part of a cult who called themselves “The Twelve Tribes.” According to one of their members, they do not use the name Christian, but revert back to the Hebrew name for “Jesus” which is “Jeshua.” They do not recognize Christianity as being of God, and they do not preach the gospel of salvation through faith in Christ and His atoning death on the cross. Their passion is “the community.” They hold all things in common, and their testimony is about the group and its New Testament lifestyle. (I found it ironic that they do not preach the New Testament gospel, but yet claim to live by its lifestyle). Laurel and I spoke to one of their members, a...

Thanks to all my friends who read my blog. I also invite you to visit my website to order my book. It is an excellent tool for understanding the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I recommend it highly for personal reading, and for use in small groups or classes. It is also very good for laying a foundation in understanding the manifestations of the Holy Spirit.   ---Billy Long My website: Billy Long Ministries My Other Blogs: https://blongandfriends.blogspot.com His Presence With Us