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Yes, I was trying to make the point that these people do not seem to be outsiders. They were outsiders but they have 'crept in unawares' and are part of the family. This is not a full frontal attack from outside but rather a seduction from some who have penetrated the assembly.

One way in which such can be distinguished from the genuine article is that they 'shepherd/feed themselves'. This was the accusation of old prophets against the worthless shepherds of their day.

“Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy and say to them, “Thus says the Lord GOD to the shepherds: ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? Ezek 34:2 NKJV

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His/Yours
Ron B

God deals with hand-crafted masterpieces not mass-produced replicas.

Biblebase Second Thoughts Blog

Got ya.

It reminds me of that old school boy joke I heard when I was at school. 'Heaven and hell are exactly alike. Everyone is sitting down at a table laden with food. The only peculiar thing is the forks are incredible long. In hell everyone tries to feed themselves with the forks, but can get nothing in their mouth and are hungry and frustrated. In heaven everyone feeds the person opposite them without any trouble and everyone is satisfied.'

Even schoolboy jokes can contain elements of the gospel 'He who has ears to hear, let him hear!'

Mike

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It is by believing I know, not by knowing I believe!

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Now, that's a good one, Mike. Very good! It might be an old school boy joke, it's new to me!