Bible Discussion Replies PAGE 105

More on healing gifts

As the last post indicates; there can be issues that are not caused by demons for those in particular who are God's children but have endured great emotional harm and the mind has been effected. This can manifest in rage; or great emotional outbreaks.

The discerning individual has empathy and recognizes great grief. We can examine (see 1 Kings 17:17-18) to see an example of this.

We also have illness and demonic strongholds due to unforgiveness towards others; and of course unconfessed sins in our lives.

This will no doubt cause torment by the accuser as oppression for the believer who should know better. The result is chronic problems and physical ailments that should be rare especially with young people. No doubt with others who are older cancer and other manifestations can result at times due to long term unhealthy spiritual lives filled with anger and bitterness.

Moving on to another gift; that of prophecy considered another "sign and wonder" manifestation that some say ended after the completion of the Biblical text. I concur that with any other spiritual manifestation the enemy continues to promulgate that if the minions of the enemy are able to continue as they did with false wonders which no doubt was prophesied by Christ as a sign of the last days certainly God is able to outdo the Devil. That's how I see it anyway; nonetheless there are several important issues here that need to be covered.

First off; there needs to be a differentiation between a personal insight and that for the corporate Body. We see the first with Agabus in Acts 21:11:14; and the latter in Acts 11:28. It is noteworthy that this prophet was used for both purposes; and also that other than this he has passed from the scene without further mention in the N.T. of him. Thus; we observe a difference between him and many today who seek notoriety with websites promoting their ministries. Also in both cases it was conditional upon a recipient's actions

Rev.3.5 "Angels"

"but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels."

Here we have the key to the seven stars in the right hand of the risen Christ. " The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.".(Rev.1.20) The Word was God who has set apart His sanctified ones and given them under the tag of 144, a place on mount Sion. They are angels which Daniel in his vision sees as stars." And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever."(Dan.12.1-3) As there are cloud of witnesses,'thy people' there shall be in physical body believers called to be saints."thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book." Hence we shall see the warning to the church in Sardis." He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life." Those who fail belong to the group, " And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth." (Rev.12.4). In short the book of the Lamb constitutes as the book of the Lamb or the book of life.

All judgment is given to Jesus Christ so he confesses before God the Father whoever is deemed as an overcome by him stands as worthy to sit in his throne. So whose door does he knock on ? " To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." Many had heard the call and received him but this call is to the over comer."(Rev.3.20-21)The word 'behold' is a tag that the Spirit uses to indicate an event coming to pass according to the word."Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."(Isa.7.14) Without angel the measurement of the body of Christ is incomplete.(Rev.21.17)Imposter churches leave it out. Why?

God is frowards when He needs to be for his chosen.We are chosen like David in God,to be in spiritual warfare.Be sober and vigilante, my brothers and let God be yor strength. HE IS THE BATTLE COMMANDER as this Psalm 18:2 states from the reading.

Thank you.

Having lost LEFT their first love that opened the door to the Nicolayetins . The separation of ministers and ' laity ' (false priesthoods?) that in turn led to the doctrines of Jezebel which in turn led to the balamites .

It was not untill Luther got the revelation of the Spirit of the Word of God that " The just shall live by faith" did the first green shoots of the true church of Jesus Christ appeared .From that point on progressively and with each new revelation of the Spirit has the church grown . We are today a prodigal church having left that ar country of false religion and man made traditions ,holding fast to the scriptures being led by the Spirit of God .

But the messge to the church today is " Behold I stand at the doir and knock and whosoever has ears to hear and open the door it is to THEM that the promise is given .

There is but one church ab

Nd thus but one door that knocking is therefore a call to ALL inside the church to repent and open the door .. Sola scripture was in response to the man made traditions and errors of Rome . But if we just have the Word of God we dry up . If we have but the Spirit we blow up to grow up we need both the Word of God ( the body of truth) and the Spirit of Truth to lead us into all truth .

The prodigal son was returning to his father . The church needs to grow up from " little children" to young men and on to full maturity of " ye fathers ye know Him who is from the beginning " The Lord came to reconcile us to the Father . Pray " Our Father .." Ephesians 1 " Blessed be the zGod and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ .." for it is the father who has blessed us in Christ in all that follows .

We have many little children far fewer young men and not so many " fathers" . It's about time it was all reversed .

For the Bride is to come out of the wilderness terrible as an army with banners leaning not upon her own understanding but upon the Lord . Her beloved .

Have we heard or have we seen?

Job had " heard of thee" and it had so transformed his life that God couid as it were use him as an example in heaven .

But when in the last 2 or 3 chapters of Job God began to talk with him and reveal Himself through creation ,Job repented in dust and ashes ( in spite of his integrity) and said " I have heard of Thee now mine eyes seeth Thee ." And expressed his hope in the resurrection from the dead in the light of it and said You will call and I will answer ..

Isiah though a true prophet of God came to a point that in the year that King Huzziah died " I saw the Lord high and lifted up and His train filled the temple.." and in respinsevto what he saw he said " Wie is me for I am undone for I am a man of unclean lips ."

Gidion had also heard of God and while in hiding threshing the corn was meditating on God and His acts in the past and was asking where is God now? And as his thinking drew him near to God ,God drew near to him and by degrees the lines of communication were opened and established . But he two found himself in the beginning inadequate and unsuitable for the task .

Shall we speak of Moses who also had heard of God and even supposed that God by Him wouid deluver the people of Isreal .

He was a somebody fir 40 years but God made him a nobody fir 40 years so that God couid make him a somebody in Gods eyes .

But when He met with God at the burning biph unexpectedly he was terrified and dared not look up .

And he too found himself inadequate for the task .

But it is not our ability that is important but rather our availability .

Gidion made himself available too.

Isiah also for the question was asked "who will go for us? But having his lips purged he was able to say " send me".

Mary and Martha at the death of Lazerus both had faith in the Lord .

One had faith for the past " if you had been here " the other for the future ." I know he will be raised up at the resurection

But Jesus said " I am

"Let not sin REIGN in yiur mortal body "

This mortal body of ours is still subject to sin and death .But we if Christs are not .

The struggle with any sin has much to do with who RULES?

If sin reigns you will obey it is as simple as that and no matter how much you may struggle against it I say again ,if sin reigns you will obey and sin.

But we should stop and consider that if we are true BORN children of God have humbled ourselves and bowed our knee and confessed and repented of our sin we are no longer under the Law of sin and death but rather under the law of another kingdom even ofGods dear Son.. We are crucified WITH Christ . Buried WITH Christ and RISEN together WITH Christ .

If Christ now reigns in our hearts we will obey Him not out of fear of the consequences of sinning but out of Love . Thus if Christ reigns we not only will not sin but rather begin and increasingly so ,do works of righteousness .

It is an act of faith for now Christ reigns in your heart by faith . Not by feeling not by an act of your will but rather a submission to do His will .

Thry thst are Christs have crucified the flesh with the lusts thereof " that too is an act of faith .

We do not screw ourselves up to act in faith but rather see or understand who in fact reigns .

For by His cross and His death and resurrection not only a resurrection from the dead but is now far and above every principality and power and dominion .."

"He who knew no sin became sin that we might become the righteousness of God in Him"

"He who was rich became poor that we through His poverty might become rich "

The Son of God became the Son of Man that we the sons of men but through Him become the sons of God .

He who lived in the eternal past came into time that we who lived in time might with Him live in that eternal future He has secured fir us .

He in whom was Life willing gave His Life and died so that we who were dead in trespasses and in sin might have life and life more abundantly.

It is written that when the children of Isreal left Egypt " there was not one infirm among them" in the psalms it says how this happened ." He sent His Word and healed them"

When the gentile woman came and cried out " Son of David have mercy upon me" she got no reply for only a Jew can call Him so.

It was not that the Lord was unwilling but God is God of order there is no ' formula" or a prayer we can use . In her desperation she fell at His feet and worshipped Him and said "Lord." She came the right way . When she asked for the healing or deliverance of her daughter ,He replied it is not meet or proper to give the children's bread to the dogs .She embraced His words and replied " True Lord but even the dogs eat from the crumbs that fall from the table "( also true) He replied " great is thy faith.." there are only two times the Lord spine of "great faith " both of them connected to gentiles . If healing was the chiodrens bread under the old dispensation how much more under the New? For salvation ( and healing) is for the Jews first then the gentiles . Her faith reached unto the future dispensation to the old and so was great faith .

There are too many scriptures relating to healing to ignore . " He rose from the dead " with healing in his wings" by his stripes we are healed" " your health will rise up speedily" etc

"the body is dead because if sin but if the same Spirit that raised up Jesus from the dead ,He shall quicken our mortal body"

For the record there is Healings Health and divine health .

And while we may consider healing a great thing ( it is ) Health is far better and if after the bondage of Egypt all were healed it is rather strange how after being delivered from the greater bondage not more are healed .

For we have been translated from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of Gods dear Son .

1 Kngs 8:4-5 "Forever"

"And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments:/Then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, "

God answered Solomon and his temple and throne on condition so as with the heaven and earth are terms of Jesus Christ."The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved: I bear up the pillars of it." It is in him who upholds all things by the word of his power we need pay the undivided attention and we have the proof that God shook the heaven and earth; out went the tabernacle in the wilderness; and the temple of Solomon, of Nehemiah and of Herod.. These did not stand the test of fulness of God. It pleased the Father that in him (Jesus Chris) all his fulness should dwell. He holds the pillars and within Alpha Omega we find seven days signifying the Law of the Spirit has made the Covenant whole where no other covenant shall stand. In order to prove it we have in the book of the Revelation series of seven angels laying out the will of the Father and an earthquake indicating "he removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain."(He.12.27). Thus "and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven." Seven thousand tells us the shaking from the POV of the Word. The vision of the risen Christ superimposed over the ancient of days establishes his authority to remove those who do not measure up to the standard. "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels."(Rev.3.5)

Modification:

In the second para beginning, "Here we have an insight into the narrative mode of the Spirit" I left it incomplete.. Pleas include the rest to make the idea clear: "we have an example of the kangaroo event' where one event is set within another. A classic example of the wanderings of the Israelites is covered in the larger narrative of our wandering as pilgrims and sojourners on the earth. Thus our heart and our response to the living God is worked into the judgment of heaven and earth."

Addendum.

At the end, this quote:

"Behold, the eyes of the Lord God are upon the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from off the face of the earth; saving that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob, saith the Lord./For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth."(Amos.9.8-9)

Amos.9.1-3 "Smite th lintel"

saw the Lord standing upon the altar: and he said, Smite the lintel of the door, that the posts may shake: and cut them in the head, all of them; and I will slay the last of them with the sword: he that fleeth of them shall not flee away, and he that escapeth of them shall not be delivered./Though they dig into hell, thence shall mine hand take them; though they climb up to heaven, thence will I bring them down."

Here we have an insight into the narrative mode of the Spirit. This shaking of the door posts is different from what we read in the vision of Isaiah.. Amos sees heaven as the lintel of the door posts, and it is to this Haggai refers,"For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land."( Haggai 2.6;Heb.12.26-27) Lintel refers to heaven and what do the posts signify? "The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved: I bear up the pillars of it."(Ps.75.3) This is Person specific. I am Alpha and Omega and it is in this sense we have this verse.It is about judgment. " But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another."(75.7,9)

While we discussed the Vision of Dry bones we saw one group endued with power." And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the Lord have spoken it, and performed it, saith the Lord." Ezek.37.14. This new spirit refers to the glorified spiritual bodies."But I will declare for ever; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob." As for the horns of the wicked, they are for outer darkness.

" And though they hide themselves in the top of Carmel, I will search and take them out thence; and though they be hid from my sight in the bottom of the sea, thence will I command the serpent, and he shall bite them."(Amos.9.3)

10 All the horns of the wicked also will I cut off; but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.

Isa.6.1-6 The temple/house

"In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple."

The same temple is to be taken in the sense of the river in the vision of Daniel. He stood obviously referred to his time and place and it was the river Ulai. But in the vision all sch names are irrelevant. David refers to walking about his altar daily.(Ps.26.6-7) Heart has its door so Isaiah is convicted of his own state. " And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke./Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts." Our heart has a spiritual space and how big is it? When one speaks blessed is the man whose sin is covered, it reminds of the blood on the lintel and door posts and it was a memorial forever. "And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the Lord throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever."(Exod.12.14) Remember the significance of the' forever' it is memeorial for Jesus christ. He is our true and faithful witness..

Coming back to the vision of Daniel the river in his vision he saw himself standing on this side of the river and the angel clothed in linen stood on the other side of the river. This river of time sets heaven as real to us as when we shall stand before the throne of glory. "And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure."(1 Jn3.3)

There is no temple in the new Jerusalem but the House and our heart sets expressway by faith.

"Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts."

Looking at healing as a spiritual gift

The closest I can see to healing as a spiritual gift is in relation to the power that certain objects had such as Acts 19:12 with Peter's handkerchief or apron other than 1 Corinthians 12:9. If this occurs than what is the need for elders to pray for healing and anoint the sick with oil in James 5:14? It either supplements God's procurement of healing; or it indicates that elders had a particular unction of healing; or both. Certainly prayer is crucial in either case for the Spirit to work effectively.

Many want to disparage this gift of healing who don't regularly perform this action as prescribed; as it were in the Bible.

There are no doubt several reasons for illness. We can't dogmatically say with Paul's thorn in the flesh and the case of Epaphroditus in Philippians 2:27 who nearly died from sickness that the natural effects of living in a sinful and fallen world aren't a factor that affect both believer and unbeliever in some capacity. In the second case we see how overwork can lead to this situation which could have caused an early demise if Paul hadn't cautioned for his care in that church. We need to take a sober look at those who bear the heaviest burdens particularly fulfilling the Great Commission around us and keep them in prayer. I know of one Messianic Jewish couple who are elderly yet spreading the Gospel who just got back from Israel after enduring the war there shortly after arrival. They mentioned others too who are hard pressed serving in various capacities of the ministry. Let us not forget material support financially as well as prayer for these individuals whenever possible.

There are times when demonic influences can also cause ailments; both physical and mental. This is why those discerning the spirits are vital to differentiate when this is a direct (possession) or indirect (oppression) situation as well as discerning when it is emotional trauma apart from such influence happens.

Hi Pandakraft. You can check out the following Bible passages: Matthew 7:1-5; Luke 6:37; John 7:24 (when we do have to make a judgement, it needs to be done righteously, i.e. correctly considering the whole matter without being censorious. See also 1 Corinthians 6:1-5 for judgement in the Church); Romans 14:1-13; 1 Corinthians 4:3-5; Colossians 2:16,17; James 4:11,12.

Hello dear, serious speech. I am inspired by you "Richard H Priday" . And personally I want to state that for me The Holy Spirit is a good help. In teaching, in patience with me, He knows exactly what I need. when He will give it. No exceptions. This applies to all of us. For example, when I sit in a meeting. And it is spoken, condemned, and the speaker is without love. I want to leave. There is no point in sitting there and receiving such things.

But what does the body of Christ say, we have responsibility for each other, YES! We must remember that we should be slow to anger. So what do we do during a meeting when we see and hear something that is jarring. In some situations, we can be triggered to take it up with the person. The meeting can then change into a Hallelujah meeting. We cannot allow ourselves to let lies and deception slip through our fingers, we have a responsibility and we must not be cowards. But believe in the Living God Jesus Christ! We who are to bear each other's burdens should also pray for all the believers, those we see, those we meet and those we do not meet. Namely everyone. Now our growth with God is as He wants. But He probably sees those who are zealous for the Word, those who have righteous thoughts. Do good things without ulterior motives as well. And not to forget one little thing. Patience with each other, we are all at different levels. A person may be "old" in their thinking and actions as a young person. And an older person may be like someone who only drinks milk, right?

I haven't read any more this time either. But I hope it's okay that I add a little to your consideration for us all. God bless you in Jesus' Name, the name above all other names. Everyone knows His Name, when it is mentioned, in fact. Hallelujah, Amen Philippians 4:1-7

Spiritual gifts: Continuing thoughts on avoiding "damnable heresies" ( 2 Peter 2:1)

Continuing with the concept of teaching as a spiritual gift; we see in light of the manifold witness of Peter and Paul the dangers prophesied to come even imminently after their departure of wolves among the flock and within. There is more to the Word than just instruction based on human understanding; or else it would be impossible for error to creep in. Dirst there is twisting of scripture to align with an errant concept and that opens the door for alternative writings such as gnostic teachings or that of other religions. The exclusivity of the Word is something only the Spirit can truly illuminate our minds on. We can in our own strength have tenacity in such a matter "sola scriptura" but even the Ephesians church doing everything right on the outside lost their first love ( Revelation 2:4 left their first love). Once left; it becomes lost it would seem; perhaps among the remnant who are faithful it may be temporarily out of mind but as for the corporate body the Spirit may not by and large be residing there and there is danger it could become dead as Ephesians 5:14 warns about and Revelation 3:2 with the church of Sardis shows can happen at some point. Sobering words.

Legalism is the other side of the coin as to misuse of scripture that also can cause great damage. That is the result of not treating others as part of a spiritual body where all members are needed and "lording it over" them. We see this attitude in certain independent churches (I will leave out denominations here). This type of fellowship not only alienates those of a local fellowship but can prevent healthy interactions with believers elsewhere that can have a positive impact. Again balance is required; while we don't want to have a mutual exclusivity or proclaimed monopoly of the truth as the only ones preaching the true Gospel; caution is needed when working with other churches as error is rife.

Lk. 2.8-16 "For unto you this day"

Here we have the everlasting gospel is preached by God crossing a historical narrative. In the first two verses we have the time and place. Similarly when God presents a vision to Ezekiel, 'and I saw visions of God'.This gospel is associated with seven days meaning that the Law of the Spirit presides over how the sound and sign of the Word should merge. The angel of the Lord directs the shepherds, and they find it as true. Here we have the message,"And this shall be a sign unto you". On the other hand it is God delivers and for this reason establishes the Law or the Constitution of the kingdom of God. This shall occur at the precise moment as we have here. (Heb.1.6) God says," And let all the angels of God worship him." It is thus God has emplyed ministers of fire and prophets of old. "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,/Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds."

So how should we treat our world according to the Covenant? We have world of the Spirit presiding over our heart a spiritual space, which is the same for all,and we receive his abiding presence. Our works constitute how we walk therein."For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known./ Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops."

Lk 12.2-3) God has set the single measurement in terms of the Covenant. My volume therefore is from both Father and the Son. This includes cloud of witness to whom I preach with my word ministry. As grace is given to me I am constrained to do my task. With great joy, i may say but is for my Saviour and I pass over as a light thing. Think of all the cover-ups race wars which are hushed up great sleaze at high level. Will they escape

Further thoughts on individual giftings in the corporate body of Christ

James 3:1 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. (note this uses the word "teachers" in NKJV; whereas the traditional KJV used the word "masters")

Out of all the spiritual gifts; teaching seems to be the most frequently observed. I'm not sure how those who are total cessationists feel about that gift not existing today; but it is doubtful they would ask God to give them the natural talent and ability to handle a certain topic but in a sense that is what they would be relying on for their skills and inspiration. In light of this then we need to ascertain what exactly defines the gift of teaching and what does not. The most obvious thing; of course is to preach according to the counsel of the Word of God and not deviate because of some personal preference or at worst a deviant course that focuses on the flesh rather than the Spirit or some personal agenda that is not edifying. It seems that the obvious conclusion as to the logical approach would be that discernment is in order and that those who are wise among the congregation certainly could communicate things that are clearly indicated as issues that need to be addressed.

Let that sink in for a second. Does this happen? I have had instances when certain things I felt the Lord was showing me was considered interesting insights but never can say that it ever factored into a message that was preached. Now I say this not in regard to myself but as an example. We all need each other in the Body of Christ and we need to be sensitive to the Spirit. If we aren't discerning as a Pastor shepherding the flock then how can we know the difference between truth and error? It all stems from loving the Lord and true concern for the congregants so that we proclaim the truth and what needs to be said and are open to either correction or error that can creep in teaching of others.

More on spiritual gifts and how to apply them in the body of Christ

Continuing on the theme of my last post; IF the desires of our heart are in line with God's will for our lives (such as the example given of a man able to qualify for service using the skills and training in nursing he has on the mission field) we certainly are headed for success. God can and will at times say no; but He will find a way for someone to minister based on the gifts He has given in the Spirit which often corresponds to accentuate whatever vocational training someone has experience in.

The concept of the Mennonites is intriguing in a way; as they have a policy of living out according to the principles of the church in Acts that provides for each other with equitable distribution of assets and in other ways avoiding a worldly lifestyle. While I agree in principal; enforcing such a mandate with rules that are overly restrictive makes a person be compelled to obedience out of fear for man rather than service for God. I believe we can find a way to serve as a corporate body without reducing the value of individual families and their giftings and callings. On one hand when push comes to shove we all should be prepared to be the "head not the tail" ( Deut. 28:13). I am afraid that with even a limited national disaster many may be focused on their own family and not be prepared to help others; whether within the church or the outside.

As with anything else; being spiritually prepared and mature experientially helps us to deal with future unexpected dilemmas.

We are able to be level headed in terms of practical preparation of basic necessities but also how to pray under all circumstances as well.

So a general concept here is that we are in close fellowship with the believers around us in Agape love. My experiences have not been that way with many in a congregation; usually only a few take the time to invest in friendship; personal conversations or home visits.

Defining individual calling and how to serve in the body of Christ

This is an ongoing theme or concept; as much for my own edification as for anyone else. I certainly would welcome any input as to how anyone on this forum has knowledge of spiritual gifting and how they are effectively putting it to use in their own local church.

For me it is discernment; and after talking in more depth with the mom of several adopted children yesterday and seeing the depths of change she and her husband have undertaken with challenges of autism and physical disabilities the result is 3 remarkable kids that are very talented and athletic. I just reminded her again that the Lord gave me discernment early on about 6 months ago that these indeed were very Godly people (they went to Awana and now VBS but don't attend our church).

The lessons I can learn living by myself and not having any kids is that I can see in this case and others those who are trusting and acting upon their spiritual calling. We can; in contrast have gifts never used; such as those God has called to participate in prayer that remain silent. I also feel led to pray for this woman as she is sleep deprived; as are many who are living their lives in the Spirit and not their own strength. I feel woefully inadequate in many ways but I believe we all need examples of those more mature in Christ to spur us on.

As for me; I shall soon be in a position to help others in the ministry financially as well as making my own decisions to hopefully be a blessing for others with wise investments. I think the way practical wisdom and spiritual gifts tend to parallel each other is when it comes to decisions when and when not to act or move forward. A letter from a missionary family which I may be able to also support in the near future I think is appropriate here; basically the concept of God granting us the desires of our hearts was applied to someone in the medical field using their skills in a foreign land.

What are the duties of a pastor's aid?

The Trinity of God .

A subject that has perplexed the mind of man for a long time.

The primary root cause of such perplexity is because men have approached the subject with their intellects rather than allow the Holy Spirit to enlighten us . I am not saying that I or any has or can fully understand such a matter but I do say we can have a biblical foundation for our thinking .

That can be built upon .

When men have used unbiblical concepts to try and explain the doctrine while on the surface seems reasonable such concepts soon get into difficulties and lead to error which gives others an excuse to reject the truth of it simply because of such errors of others .

Let me state for the record that no true BORN child of God can easily dny the Trinity for are we not BORN not of the will of man nor if the will of the flesh nor if blood but of the Father who has " begotten us again unto a lively hope.."

And are we not saved through the Son ? By the Holy Spirit.

Our approach then is on the foundation of belief seeking enlightenment rather than unbelief desiring only to fulfill our curiosity .

This subject is of such a character as to enter the Holy of Holies .

And taking the pattern of the tabernacle in the wilderness as to our approach let us not think simply curiosity will find any satisfaction . Moreover an unbeliever has no more hope of any understanding than a child understanding algebra when they don't even know their left from their right let alone 1+1=2 .

They are not even in the camp! A camp of over 2000.000 people surrounding the tabernacle

But a carnal Christian will find nothing to satisfy them either for the carnal mind cannot receive the things of God .

We can only enter the Holy place by faith not by sight . In the light of the 7 branch lamp on the left and the bread signifying the Word of God on the right .

Any understanding then must be upon those two pillars and we dare not lean upon our own understanding .

Be careful about " being open to all .."mens opinions .

Some of the so called easy subjects men wrestle with . God is bnot afraid of scrutiny but be aware we by the Holy Spirit will be 's scroutinised' at the same time for the nearer we get to the light the more we are exposed to it . That's not to put a stumbling block into a better understanding but be patient for the answer in my experience two things are needed to get the right answer . Asking and framing your question right and on the foundation of belief.

The father of John the Baptist asked the angel who brought him the news of his wife conceiving a child on the foundation of unbelief . Mary on the other hand asked on the foundation of belief and simply wanted more light " for I know not a man" .

Sometimes you have to keep coming back to a question and chew over it some more before you get the right answer . Going to all and sundry and being open to all of mens points of view isn't the way to get one .

The foundation for all questions must be not only our belief in God but that He is Just in all His ways and totally good and that ALL scripture even as it is written "was inspired by God .."

To not have such a foundation for our thinking is to open a bottomless pit where not even the most complete and perfect answer will satisfy but will simply promote more fruitless questions.

The KJV 's have only two objections given by doubters . The language and that according to some ,some verses are not in the original text but do not prove or show how such verses contradict all of scripture .

Other versions however despite their boast in their " better understanding" show how ignorant they are of God and do not understand that Saul of Tarsus knew Hebrew far better than most yet did not understand the scriptures nor indeed the Pharisees etc. knowing Greek or Hebrew is no guarantee of understanding the scriptures as they should be .

Moreover they get it wrong from the very first verse in Genesis 1;1 and even more so in rev 4 where they have it that they who overcome will " sit ON my throne even as I overcame and sit ON my Father's throne " The only one who can sit ON The Sons throne is the Lord Himself and the only one who can sit on the Father's throne is the zFather . It shouid have been translated " IN" not on . Was it not Lucifer who in his pride wanted to sit on Gods throne?

And it is not heavenS in gen 1:1 but HeaveN . For that heaven needed no sun or moon for God is the light thereof .

It was only the EARTH that was in darkness Gen 1:2 such false translations mislead people and while ' easier ' to read lead progressively into confusion .

As for your questions be patient with them for often you need to understand something else before you can understand another matter .

And do not allow the enemy of our souls to sow seeds of doubt first by casting doubt as to Gods character and disposition and nature and did God really say that?

Yes He did .

Just One Point: Repentance (2 of 2)

Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the LordGod; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel./And ye shall know that I am theLord, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves,/And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I theLordhave spoken it, and performed it, saith theLord."

One group belongs to the outer darkness and another to the new earth and new Jerusalem.(Ezek.37.12-14)

Now consider what is the role of the angel in linen with ink-horn by his side. in the ch.9

"Then said he unto me, The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceeding great, and the land is full of blood, and the city full of perverseness: for they say, The Lord hath forsaken the earth, and the Lord seeth not." The Law of the Spirit makes it clear and it is beyond recall. The number Seven makes it whole number: no one seventh as in the cases of of one tenth, one fourth or one third.

The Word tells Ezekiel as the Son of man,"And as for me also, mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity, but I will recompense their way upon their head." It is fait accompli. "And, behold, the man clothed with linen, which had the inkhorn by his side, reported the matter, saying, I have done as thou hast commanded me."(Ezek.9.9-11)

Just one Point: Repentance (1 of 2)

"For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance." Rom.11.29

In order to understand the incomparable riches of his gifts consider the lack of it in the grave. "For there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest."(Eccl.9.10)

The gifts shaped the earth which was in his divine Will unseen, without form and void and made to appear. The light of the Lamb gives the holy city of God its specific form where no temple no night but only blessedness. It is Person specific.he gift which is Person specific.

On the other hand there is no repentance in the grave, but only death and judgment. It is appointed for man to die once and judgment. God presented his Son," And again, when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him" The response came from heaven earth and from lower parts." (Rev.5.13)

God is a Spirit and no one may excuse of not hearing this command. God breathed into the nostrils of man to activate his faculties. And in grave there is no grace to one who wilfully trode the blood of Christ unworthily. Compare this verse:"" God's Will is complete in his Son. (Col.1.19;Rom.11.29)

As we have been discussing the Vision of Dry Bones let us consider two verses which are more or less identical. The reason is simple. Those who were marked in the Ezek.9 and spared from destruction is Israel in true sense. They would have no truck with what went on in their midst.

Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the LordGod; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel./And ye shall know that I am theLord, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves,/And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I theLordhave spoken it, and performed it,

"f a man is separated from God in this life because of sin ,if that person dies still in his sin he will be separated from God forever " for there is no repentance in the grave" . That would be hell then." Well put it, Gerald.

There is no repentance as there is only death and judgment. It is appointed for man to die once and judgment. God presented his son," And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him" The response came from heaven earth and from lower parts.. " And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever." (Rev.5.13) God is a Spirit and no one may excuse of not hearing this command. God breathed into the nostrils of man to activate his faculties. And in grave there is no grace to one who wilfully trode the blood of Christ unworthily. Compare this verse:"For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance." God's Will is complete in his Son. (Col.1.19;Rom.11.29)

Adam did not die immediately but God mentioned the day and it of the day decreed for the Son. So the day of Judgment is implied and not physical death.

Just one point: blessedness (2 of 2)

How God covered man and woman implied a death, so coat of skins refer to the slain Lamb (Rev.5.6;13.8) What is in the will of God does not require animal sacrifice but was specified for Israel since they had no appreciation for what faith would require. He willed and it was so.

How Joseph's brethren covered up the crime of selling him for twenty pieces of silver would reverberate and it does and where do you think it leads them. This outer darkness was not merely against man or Son of man but against the holiness of God. The Spirit gives the number 20 in order to emphasize their sin,10x2 and we have another instance where the number involved is same."Now Hiram the king of Tyre had furnished Solomon with cedar trees and fir trees, and with gold, according to all his desire,) that then king Solomon gave Hiram twenty cities in the land of Galilee./ And Hiram came out from Tyre to see the cities which Solomon had given him; and they pleased him not./And he said, What cities are these which thou hast given me, my brother? And he called them the land of Cabul unto this day."(1 Kngs 9.11-13) Twenty worthless cities. The Spirit gives us a hint,'Unto this day' meaning that it shall come up before Christ the Judge. How shall we explain the outer darkness but as a result of the bad faith in whih the nation dealt with other nations. After making a league with Gibeonites we have this verse,"And Joshua made them that day hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation, and for the altar of the LORD, even unto this day, in the place which he should choose." Notice the tag,'unto this day' once again popping up? No brethren, you have been decieved by false teachers to read the word of God as they wanted. They presented God and his holiness since they also are covered. He is none other than the covering cherub. Ezek.28

Just One point: Blessedness (1 0f 2)

"He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." In our time cover-up is not an uncommon word. Political sleaze is what we have seen everywhere: Watergate was not an aberration of a political system. Pizzagate and now Epsteingate show how sin runs through history. God counselled Cain,"If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him."(Gen.4.6) Blessedness under everlasting Covenant addresses the heart of every believer. Fod God fashioned all hearts alike. He tries all their works as well. The Covenant in seven days fills your spiritual space so blessing is not merely covering sin from public eye as in the instances mentioned above.David sings,"Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.". This is covered by the blood of Jesus so your walk is blameless."Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?"(Heb.10.29)Christ abides in my heart by faith and our works are to be tried like silver. Soby cutting oout works from the equation what peace of God can rules therein?We are covereed, so we have Ps.91.1 " He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." How God covered man and woman implied a death, so coat of sins refer to the slain Lamb (Rev.5.6;13.8) What is in the will of God does not require animal sacrifice but was specified for Israel since they had no appreciation for what faith would require. He willed and it was so.

What Psalm 91 points is our walk not by sight but by faith.

Praying :There is a world of difference between saying prayers and praying .

Is it not written that we are to pray "without ceasing"? We cannot do so in the flesh for that will entail us to be repeating prayers ad infinitum .

But we must learn to pray in the Spirit even as we if His live in the Spirit are to learn to "walk in the Spirit "

What is called ' the Lord's Prayer ' is a pattern of how to pray not in itself a prayer to be repeated endlessly .

Before anything Jesus began with our approach .

In the tabernacle in the wilderness there was a clear and distinct approach to God .

" Our Father ." What is our relationship with God? Do we have one ? Are we BORN again of the incorruptible seed which is the Word of God " in truth we can pray even if we are not saved for the same principle applies " they that oray must believe that God is and is a rewarder of Him that diligently ( note) seek Him ".

A neighbour is someone of another household and of another father . A brother or sister is one of the same household and of the same father . That Jesus began with " OUR father is a wonderful thing .but it also means when we pray we must develop tour thinking not to be praying selfishly and for ourselves alone . But realise if His we are part of a body of which we are a member .

"Our Father who art in heaven " Lofty shouild be our thinking if God . The tabernacle again has an outer court . There we see things only with the naked eye and might be led to think God is our servant who we pray to to supply all of our needs wishes and wants . But we are calked to be " kings and priests unto God" thus are called to enter the Holy place . There there is no natural light but the light of the candlestick and of the Bread . Here we walk by faith and not by sight and learn that we are servants of God who carry in our hearts the needs of others as much if not more so thsn our own.

Was not the altar of incense to be always

It can be said that every man is entitled to his own thoughts but once expressed becomes an opinion and while you might argue that every man is entitled to theur own opinion ( a moot point) it wouod be absurd to think or assert that every opinion is of equal merit . In this world an opinion is but an opinion but in the things of God ,I do not want or indeed need any man's opinion . What I want and in desperate need of is the truth!

But what knoweth the things of man save the spirit that is in man so likewise what knoweth the things of God save the Spirit of God.." Now there are many men and in consequence many opinions but there is but one God and is it not written " ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God and is good for reproof correction and instruction in righteousness."

If therefore the Holy Spurit was needed to inspire men so to write then in the same measure the same Holy Spurt is needed to understand what is written .

Now with so many opinions abounding in the church on every matter it seems how is it that the truth of that matter is not known? But we must consider every opinion and judge fir ourselves ? Has not the Spurit of Truth come? Does He no longer " lead us into all truth"? So that we can no longer " know the truth"?

Or is it fir many can no longer " endure sound doctrine" and have gathered to them selves having itching ears 'teachers' ." After theur own hearts . Or is it we no longer are willing to be led by the Holy Spirit fir " how can two walk together unless they agree" " it is the Holy Spirit is ut not that is speaking to the church " Behold I stand at the door and knock and if sny man has ears and opens the door .." to them is the promise given.

That knocking is a call to the whole church to repent .

For if after the resurrection no door locked or otherwise was a hinderance for the Lord how is it we find Himself outside of His own church knocking on its door?

It is then a call to repentance?