For those who would consider themselves to be a Christian, and yet display very little fear of God in their lives, and do not acknowledge what He is able and willing to do to those who mock Him, I suggest you listen to these words very carefully:

So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace. What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened, as it is written, “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that would not see and ears that would not hear, down to this very day.”  ———

——But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off.

(Romans 11:5-8 & Romans 11:17-22)

The sorrow of the worldly is directed in a selfish manner, usually producing an attitude of self pity that tends to blame others for the predicament that our own sinful desires place us. However Godly sorrow is of an entirely different nature. The believer is convicted of their own sinfulness and selfish ways, and made completely aware how this attitude has grieved the Lord and Saviour they so love and desire to follow. It is from this place of harsh realisation, that the true believer will desire to put away all that offends the Lord, and instead seek to replace their own ways with His ways, by the power of His Spirit. This attitude of repentance and faith towards the Lord is both the beginning of conversion, and the process by which the believer is transformed from glory to glory into the likeness of Christ Himself.

Originally posted 2010-02-26 09:03:40. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

In this day and age where many in the church have abandoned scripture in favour of their own traditions. When the core doctrines of our faith such as repentance, penal substitution, regeneration etc., are being rapidly eroded by the wisdom of man in the guise of Christians. And the authority and infalliblity of scripture alone as a satisfactory source to live by, is carelessly being cast aside; it is time we declare enough is enough!

How long must we listen to the pompous and acidic lies of professing Christians, that on one hand claim to long after an outpouring along the lines of Pentecost, and yet on the other, fail to heed the simple call of God through scripture how to return there? Instead we blindly go along with preaching a perverted gospel message that clings to the things that appeal to our flesh, and yet throw out everything that offends us. We proudly shout about an outpouring of signs and wonders, declaring glory and power to our left and right. Yet we fail to heed the call of God to repent and turn from our sin. Embracing our own death on a daily basis, that we may inherit the life of Christ within us, for His glory and not our own.

Even in the first steps of faith we mislead the lost regularly. When people respond in faith to the call of Christ on their life, our initial reaction is to call them to a two minute prayer to “invite Jesus into their heart”, and then proudly proclaim they are saved. Where is this in the Acts of the Apostles? When people cried out to Peter on the day of Pentecost for instruction what to do, did he reply to come and say a little prayer after me? Or did he say repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins? Why were people who were convicted of their sin right throughout the book of Acts, led to an initial act of faith to be baptism, usually on the same day. Yet today this is a ceremony of pomp that is carried out months down the line if we’re fortunate?

It is my heart to see a return to the simplicity of faith displayed in the early church, described in the passage I opened this message with. That God may see our desire to respond to His calling on our lives in faith, and in return He will respond by working in power through our lives amongst those we live. I forcefully declare to everyone reading this message, that to continue on the popular path today, followed by many prominent ministries even in this city, to chase after signs and wonders, is an extremely dangerous one. The bible itself warns us in 2 Thessalonians 2:9 that “The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders“. How long are we going to continue to place ourselves in danger of being deceived by this very thing?

I have decided to begin regular meetings to begin to explore the fundamental issues of our faith according to the Word of God, adopting an attitude of encouraging one another to apply those things in our lives, and having faith that the Lord will move in power amongst us because of our willingness to humble ourselves in such a way. As yet no solid arrangements have been made as to where or when yet, but if you would like to join us, please email john@unitedinjesus.org.uk or ring 07933 198562, and you will be invited when arrangements have been finalized.

God bless,

John Dunning.

Originally posted 2009-05-04 01:44:52. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Whilst it must be made clear that I have no personal desire to use this site as a platform to publicize my own personal thoughts and opinions, especially since the majority of those who meet with me in Townhill Park and locally in Southampton, are from a number of various churches. I can no longer deem it acceptable for this ministry to simply avoid its own responsiblity to stand and contend for the truth of God, as well as continuing in the good works that He has laid before us. So henceforth, I will from time to time include messages of exhortation from this site, many times in the format of the video from Paul Washer below, explaining more clearly the true and simple essence of what true faith in Christ is, and the message that needs to be conveyed through our lives.

It is my deepest and greatest pleasure to be involved with the likes of those whose fellowship I am a part of in Townhill Park, Southampton. I see in this simple fellowship of believers a sincere and earnest desire to live for Jesus Christ openly in our own community, in such a way that I have rarely experienced in the churches I have been a part of over the years. In fact, I would even go as far as to say that I am privilaged to be part of a true revival, maybe not in the sense of the way we often may look at such a thing, but in the truest sense of the word that God intends to convey to us. In that revival begins in the hearts of His people, longing to return to Him on His conditions, and regardless of personal cost to do so, rather than being simply about numbers.

I would ask anyone willing to take the time to watch and listen to the following video. If you are receiving this message via the email mailing list, it may be necessary to actually visit the site directly to view it, which is: http://unitedinjesus.org.uk .

My heart is not against the church, nor do I believe it is with anyone that I meet with. In fact, we are all faithful servants in one way or another in our own church fellowships, and have no intention of changing this. It is my simple desire to ensure that the output of this website, in all ways will promote a right attitude amongst the hearts of Gods people, to serve Him and walk with Him more fully from day to day.

God bless you,

John Dunning.

Originally posted 2009-03-17 13:30:10. Republished by Blog Post Promoter