[mfblume]

Originally Posted by Nicodemus1968

I firmly believe its all about relationship.

Matthew 7:15-23
[15] Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
[16] Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
[17] Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
[18] A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
[19] Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
[20] Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
[21] Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
[22] Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
[23] And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Jesus said I never knew you. That word is used as when a man has intimate relations with a women. For example, “Adam knew his wife, and she conceived.”

They understood the power, they understood the authority of the name, yet they had no intimate relationship with the Lord. To them (scripture quoted) it was about the works the Lord did through them. That was salvational in their mind, yet its not.

There is a deeper place in the spirit for those that have that intimate relationship with Jesus. Look at Peter, Paul, James mightily used dont get me wrong. Yet, look at John the one who had his head upon the breast of Jesus. Look how he was used, look and see what he was able to see and partake in, I believe the Lord used him because the relationship they had with each other.

The Lord can use anyone that makes themselves available, yet that doesn’t mean there in a intimate relationship with the Lord. This is a well documented story of Billy Graham Sr. He went to Marylin Monroe and told her about the Lord, he said he felt the Lord told him to go, she rejected what he had to say, 1 week later she was dead. Did the Lord speak to him, I would say yes! Was Billy Graham saved, as far as I understand no he was not.

Amen. I would say they were not carrying their crosses and following Jesus.