Bible Discussion Replies PAGE 166

now that i "know" christ's love Ephesians 2:19 Corinthians 3:4-7 and the whole book of Colossians

Shall we analyse?

Remember the song

Christ is the portrait of God - Colossians 1:15

Before he was born

He did justice and in himself he died

Supremacy and thrones are

They are yours - Colossians 1: 16-17

And that thread that broke

From my soul to God - Colossians 1:21

The holy blood sewed

Christ and his lines of love - Colossians 1: 20

And now a man made I

Can in man see God

Have peace, live, walk and be

Made me a friend in his pouring out - John 15:15

When we were targets of God's wrath now we have Peace with God - Romans 5:1

I have a doubt that you probably theologians (formal or deep self-taught), show me if there is something I missed.

to go to church or not to go to church?

1 Thessalonians 5:11, 1 Peter 4:9, Psalms 133:1-3, Galatians 5:13. all these chapters do not speak of the church that is of my generation, Hebrews 10:24-25 this verse speaks of the mutual congregation.

continuing Romans 12:10, Ephesians 4:32, Acts 2:41-47, 1 John 1:6-7, 2 Corinthians 13:11, 1 Peter 1:22, Colossians 3:16, Philippians 2:1-2, John 13:34, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Psalm 55:14. I keep reading and re-reading Romans 12 and I wonder if it's in everyday life or gathered with the church.

Thank you very much!

Not at all an exhaustive list but a few I hold onto are as follows:

Psalm 107:2

John 1:12

John 12:47

Romans 10:13

Hebrews 11:6

1 Peter 2:9

This is a good place to start. Join the Grow app if you would like to join a community of believers to encourage you in your journey

If you want to share a specific verse talking about "images" I would like to research it, but I'm not aware of that in my Bible. If you're not open to other believers' contributions about scripture then why post to others about it?

The verses I found talk about physical idols and how that's bad, which is consistent with the 1st commandment. I recently visited a church that had a statue of Jesus in the pulpit area- I personally am not comfortable with that, because I have seen Catholics bowing down and worshipping statues like that before. However, I don't think God intends for everyone to throw away their cross necklaces, Bibles, Bible story books, Christian movies, and any other evidence of Christianity for fear something might potentially be idolized. Then replace it all with worldly images and movies? This is why I think the enemy is sometimes behind these efforts.

Deut. 5:9 it says "Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me," For those who have a tendency to worship idols and feel uncomfortable with something potentially being an idol then that person should not have that item around.

I've never seen anyone worshipping false gods by looking at a cross or picture of one, but serves as a reminder of who is Lord. God provided other physical reminders of HIM like rainbows and amazing creation. Ark and tablets were reminders. Cults worship the creation instead of the Creator, which is idolatry. That doesn't mean they should never go outside and appreciate the beauty of creation or take a picture, but just don't idolize and worship it. I don't think its right to take away a children's picture book of Bible stories and Christian movies and replace them with only secular filth. Or destroy all Jesus fish stickers. They help spread the gospel. Crosses are baked into our language. You used many cross "images" in your post by using the letter "T" many times. God bless you.

Hi Alana.

I'm sorry to hear you are going through such hard times and I will pray for you.

You stated you dont know how to ask God or Jesus for forgiveness but you have been baptised but you just feel like it doesnt work and you're thinking that Jesus and God isn't real because you have just been going through alot.

Alana, it's the Lords pleasure to forgive us for our sins!

He gave his life for it!

Christ died a brutal death in our place so that we can have life beyond this life and give us grace in this life but we live in a fallen world that is in chaos.

I don't know what you are going through but if you trust in God there is nothing he can not do to bring you through it and if you confessed to him your issue "no matter what it is" and asked for forgiveness he has already forgiven you!

You have to trust him and understand that some things we go through is for strengthening and some things is for chastening.

God chasten those he loves. Hebrews 12:6-11.

As for Baptism, you stated "you have been baptised but you just feel like it doesnt work.

Alana water baptism doesn't save anyone!

We get Baptised by water to exhibit in an outward ritual way what we believe and what Christ did in our behalf!

When we had no hope Christ died in our place and rose again from the grave.

1 Corinthians 15:1-4.

Alana go to God as a child petitioning a loving Father because that's what he is and trust in him and his perfect timing.

I hope this helps and encourage you.

Don't be afraid to reach back out to us.

God bless you.

COGIC SUNDAY SCHOOL BOOK APRIL 20, 2025 1Corithians 15:1-11,20-22 West Angeles Church Cogic Cathedral Los Angeles California

From Reading Last week April 6 2025 I will be attending church here for God to Work Showing his Resurrection And Saving Power In my Life, Relationship-Marritial, Ministry, Church.

MY COGIC WORSHIP: 1Corithians 15:3-4 KJV I Worship God that is Introduction Paragraph 1 My Interpetation To Let God Control you.Paragraph Verse 1-5 Paragraph 2 My Interpetation The Only Word of God to Believe Hebrews 11:1KJV. Paragraph Verse 6-11 Paragraph 7 My Interpetation Philippians 4:13 KJV. Paragraph 8 My Interpetation Jesus Christ is God and him Only. Paragraph Verse 20-22 Paragraph 3 -4 My Interpetation God is one Rule For you to trust Jesus Christ is one God only. Paragraph Dig a Little Deeper My Interpetation God that is love with another , others and his Church.

Interpretation Word Is Spoken and Written by REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY

Because God told us not to make images of Him. If you believe, why not obey what He commands as much as you can? We are frail beings and our righteousness is as filthy rags without Jesus Christ, so the things we can do to please Him, shouldn't we be concerned with obedience and do those things? This is my last entry because brethren should not strive with one another. I simply wanted to hear your views on my previous questions. We want to be right, but the only way to do that is to follow God's commandments as they are written. It is not an accusation, but the truth. Don't we want to follow truth? A picture is an image. I enjoy your commentary. Why can't I ask questions for clarity as I learn? See verse 23 below:

Romans 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

If you believe God is truly invisible then what is the concern with someone replicating an image "of HIM" since that would not be possible, unless the concern is idolatry by looking at blank paper or at a cloudless sky? Your response mischaracterized my comment which I hope was not intentional. In that same deceptive sentence you also wrote "God says not to make ANY images of HIM", but that's not what Exodus 20:4 says. Read it again.

(Hebrews Part 28):

Hebrews 11:6 - But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

But without faith it is impossible to please God: for he that comes to God must believe two things:

First of all, that He is. In the Greek text, that means He exists. And that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him out. Notice the translation. And just as a side note, because translators have had a problem with the word rewarder, because in the Greek it names the reward, and the one who's doing the reward. It could be either one. It fits better to say, and that He is the reward of them that diligently seek Him out. Either way, you're seeking the Lord.

First of all, you must be convinced and persuaded that God exists, not because of your own belief system, but because God testifies to you that He exists. And secondly, every situation has been designed and planned by God, that we seek Him out, and that He gives us Himself.

There was an interesting thing on the internet quite some time ago where someone said that Jesus doesn't give you life, He is your life. The bible doesn't say we seek Jesus for Him to give us things. He gives us Himself. It's another one of those western culture things where He's like Santa Claus and we ask Him for things. The Lord creates circumstances so that we seek Him out and He gives us Himself. But it's by faith.

(Hebrews Part 27):

Hebrews 11:5 - By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

By faith Enoch was translated (literally transferred), that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had transferred him: for before he was transferred, he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

Now here's a perfect example of the application of these two kinds of faith:

I haven't heard any of the "human faith" teachers, which are numerous and many, say "You know, if you had enough faith, you wouldn't have to die, you'd just get transferred up into heaven." Nobody's done that one yet. It was by faith that Enoch was transferred because God transferred him. Faith is the name of the entire process in which Enoch was taken up into heaven. It is a word that describes what God did to Enoch.

It wasn't that Enoch was here on the earth and reached a point in his relationship with God that he had so much faith that he believed that he could be transferred up into heaven and not die, that God says "I'm pleased with that. I think I'll bring you up here." No, it's a word that describes what God did.

(Hebrews Part 26c):

Hebrews 11:3 Continued:

But you see, that also means that if I do that, at some time I can come to a point and say "Yea, I don't believe that anymore," and someone can challenge me on that basis of human faith. They say "How can you believe in something when you weren't there? You just believe what it says." Yes, I do! "Well, I believe what this says," and you go back and forth. And my response would be to say that I am possessed by the Spirit of God and God's Spirit convicts me, and persuades me, and proves to me that it's true, even in my own doubt processes.

In fact, in my human, I can disbelieve it all I want to. But I can't get away from it. God's Spirit and His conviction never changes. I can waiver, I can fight against it, I can scream at Him, I can burn my bible, but it doesn't make any difference. It's still true!

So, it's by faith, either by a human faith where one has to persuade themselves that what the bible says is true, or it's coming from a persuasion and a conviction by God's Spirit that what God's word says is true.

(Hebrews Part 26b):

Hebrews 11:3 Continued:

Here's how this works:

You see, I wasn't there. And so, when I take my book, and we'll call it my textbook, the Bible. And somebody else takes their textbook on the theory of evolution. And we have a debate. He's debating what his textbook says, I'm debating what my textbook says, and neither one of us can prove it!

I'm telling him what I believe and that's why he's coming up against me. He doesn't believe what I believe. He believes what his book says. That's human faith.

Now I can go back and forth in a debate with someone on the theory of evolution and get nowhere. But it all boils down to this: If I was not saved, and by that, I mean if I was not born of the Spirit of God, I would probably believe the same thing they do!

But you see, even in my human, I say I know where you're coming from. You're trying to make logic and reason out of a theory, and that's the best that you can come up with. But I believe what God's word says, not because I'm placing my human belief on it, but I have a conviction in me by the Spirit who created the universe.

In my human, I can stand here and deny the whole thing. I can say that I don't even know if Genesis Chapter 1 is true. But God's Spirit brings a conviction to cause the believer to perceive and see God's handiwork, to see His attributes and characteristics, everything in and expressed by creation.

It's not me. The bible is not my textbook. But I read it, and God's Spirit convicts me that it's true. There's an outside spiritual force making its impression upon me that what God's word says is true. It's by faith that we perceive. Now that either means that I in my human faith choose to believe what the bible says about creation verses some other theory, or some other alternative.

I disagree with your reasoning, but I don't want to debate. God is a spirit. The Earth below includes man. God is not white or black or any nationality, nor did he mean that man looks like Him. I believe His attributes, such as the five senses, are the way we are made in his image, able to think and conclude and choose (though our brain is limited), by His power to serve Him ... not physical attributes. But, okay. If you think it's the devil's trickery when God says not to make ANY images of HIM, so be it ... for you. Thank you for your response.

(Hebrews Part 26a):

Hebrews 11:2 - For by it the elders obtained a good report.

For by it, that is, by faith, the elders obtained a good report, or testimony. All of God's people in the Old Testament, they obtained, they didn't state it, but everybody gave them the testimony that they lived by faith. That is the explanation of faith, both from the original language, and the explanation that the writer of Hebrews is giving.

Hebrews 11:3 - Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

Through faith, and literally in the Greek text, it is by faith. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of the things which do appear.

Broken down: By faith we understand. That's the word perceive. By faith we perceive that the worlds were framed, that is put together, created, by the word of God. The word "word" in word of God, is the word expression. When God spoke, he created all things and put them together by His word.

The end result: So that the things which we see didn't come from things which appear. It came from the spoken word of God.

Hi please there is something troubling me and I want answers. Is it compulsory that every Christian should have the Spirit of GOD? And what is the scripture says about it.

Yes Brother Ronald

I could agree with that.

I would be dating the first day in the Grave what we call Wednesday day night after 6pm which would be Thursday to them.

Blessings.

Hello- I've wondered the same before- what does the Bible say?

I'm aware of 2 places mentioning the topic:

Deuteronomy 5:8 - 5:10

"Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:" Exodus 20:4 KJV

Israelites made a golden calf and worshipped it. (idolatry. )

The verse says no graven images, or any likeness to heaven (maybe including sky, clouds, angels, sun, light) and anything in the earth (like water, maybe fish, whales, sea life, and probably fire and hell)?

It explains the reason in verse 5: " Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;"

This means you are not to make graven images and worship anything other than God- probably not idols of anything- including heaven, sky, and the sea or in the earth (hell?).

If someone can commit idolatry by a representation of something can't that person also do it by actually looking at it? Like the sun, sky, stars, or things below Earth? I think so, but does it mean never go outside because you might see the sky? I think the context shows God doesn't want any other gods before Him- and not bow down or worship anything else.

Watch out for the devil's tricks because he uses twisted verses to try to remove Christianity and its messages from society- for example people so fearful of Christmas being the wrong date on 25th that they want to boycott Christian activities altogether during the holiday despite people coming to Christ by it, or people removing crosses or symbols, or posters, or photos of Christian activities, memes, or positive messages online over this. That is a win for satan. I don't think taking pictures or having Christian reminders or Bibles with crosses is what God is against, but worshipping false gods.

Hey S Spencer,

That is correct, our main focus should be on Jesus's death and resurrection, for it is our only way to the Father and eternal life. Like you quoted, "For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." The other is just for discussion, whether it is tradition or Scripture.

Not to debate, looking at 3 days and three nights, what Jesus said it would be. If Jesus was crucified on a Wednesday, Thursday would be the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, making it a holy convocation, a Sabbath. That would make Friday a regular day, a preparation day for the weekly Sabbath, the women could have gone to the grave on Friday, plus Jesus would have had to resurrect on Saturday before sunset.

Thursday is the only day of the week that fits Scripture.

Thanks, brother, have a great weekend.

God bless,

RLW

Genesis 1:27

"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them."

Blessings

Blessings,

Romans 8:26

"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered."

1 John 5:15

"And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him."

Some thoughts on Easter Sunday

Scripture shows us that Jesus spent 3 days preaching to those in the underworld; and taking captive those held captive ( Eph. 4:8; 1 Peter 3:19; and Matthew 27:52-53 for further study on this and those who came out of their graves after the Resurrection.

The thief on the cross would be with Him that day in Paradise ( Luke 23:43) which made him unique in several ways; he would be the last or one of the last going there at death; as for now to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord ( 2 Cor. 5:8).

He would have been one who would spend the shortest time in Abraham's bosom or the "pleasant" side of Sheol and his soul at least would have been in heaven after He rose from the dead.

Therefore; there was a lot going on even though Christ's body "slept" in the tomb to use Biblical terminology from the KJV. When we consider all the unregenerate that Christ preached about His victory (it was too late obviously for their salvation) along with the multitudes of souls released from under the earth to either go to heaven or be temporarily appearing with new bodies on earth before that it is no small feat. This isn't even including all those fallen beings or offspring of giants mentioned in Genesis 6 that no doubt got wind of what was happening. We are reminded of the transfiguration just a short time before all of this where no doubt Moses was looking forward to the victory Christ was to attain for him as well as Elijah.

The Resurrection is something that; as I stated the other day the Shroud of Turin seems to indicate; but I don't want to focus on that; if only for the simple logic of Luke 16:31. We have the eyewitnesses of 500 or more people that saw Christ after His Resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15:6; Paul being the last one to see Him in his journey to Damascus; although we could include John seeing Him again in the visions of Revelation. There is a place for apologetics; but only the Spirit can transform a man (Rom12:2

Today's scripture verse is John 15:18 "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you."

Yesterday I met someone extraordinary who is working in one area of crime in our area and is a Christian. I won't even get into the specifics for reasons of confidentiality; as the enemy no doubt would want to dismantle what has been done for the Kingdom of God. Only occasionally have I met someone who I would consider "sold out" for the Lord as to attempts to evangelize and fight spiritual warfare in the process and rejoices in being in the worst neighborhoods all hours of the day and night. The efforts of God's army must utilize the same tactics as the enemy; branching out to those of every tongue; nation and language as Revelation 7:9 indicates along with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:16-20.

Evil follows the same sort of tactic; it has many tentacles and branches out in complex hierarchical structures. One of the most dangerous things we can do is try to stay away from everything and follow our everyday routine; pretending nothing is wrong.

There are certain situations; nonetheless that in His perfect wisdom will be averted and should be avoided; and whenever we plan to reach out and share of His amazing grace it behooves us not to go unprepared with prayers covering our backs and have prayer and scripture as meditation in our minds.

No one is perfect of course; but we need to pay attention to Godly men and women who are clearly outstanding in their faith as proved by their actions.

As a further note of warning based on what I learned the other day; there is much in churches that is often swept under the rug so to speak. And I am not referring to the Catholic church only. There has in general been too little accountability overall; and this also relates to those who are not given wise counsel in regard to the sacredness of the marriage covenant who ditch their first wives to marry another even in leadership. Let's keep praying.

Thanks Brother.

I have the time line slightly different when I factor in the 3 days ( and 3 nights)

What is most important is that Christ died for our sins and that he rose again from the grave!

Paul put it this way in 1 Corinthians 15:14-22. "And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.

For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:

And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.

If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

We can be sure of that being true and not mans tradition.

I don't participate in the Easter eggs and chocolate bunnies and all that that comes with traditional celebration.

But I celebgate this marvelous day!

God bless.

I may be wrong, but I feel if we truly believe, even the shortest prayer in faith is heard and answered by God. I have hoped for things in my heart without speaking the words and my Father in heaven has provided my needs. So, prayer is needful and, yes, we must give valuable time and reverence to our Savior and LORD. We must also be sincere and obedient, and God will answer before we call. Thank God, He knows who we are and understands our poverty in so many areas, even prayer. He says the Spirit makes intercession for us because we don't know what to pray for as we should. I count on that benefit of knowing Jesus Christ. Talking to Him is key, but I must talk to Him according to my ability not anyone's instruction. Who can teach you to pray except Jesus, the Bishop of your soul?

Hi S Spencer,

Thanks, brother. We recognize the sacrifice, humiliation, and pain Jesus endured to atone for our sins; He fully paid the penalty required to overcome death, and in Him is our hope. In my study of Scripture, it would have been Thursday, the 14th of Nisan, Passover Day, a prepreation day when Jesus was crucified; the next day, Friday, was the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, a Holy convocation, an annual Sabbath. Whether that matters more than the tradition of man. The same could be asked about the day we honor when Jesus was resurrected, which we call Easter.

God bless,

RLW

Why do Bible Institutions make images of God when He clearly instructs us not to do that? Doesn't He call that idolatry? The Word of God clearly states God is a spirit, so isn't making an image a lie?

Brother Ronald.

Thanks for the time line, I read through it but I would have to study more on it with a open book.

With the time line you provided what day would you say Jesus was crucified?

Brother Spencer,

Amen! The baptism of John was a baptism of repentance, for the Jews it meant turning away from Judaism and receiving Christ as their Messiah. We see in Hebrews Chapter 9 the superiority of the heavenly sanctuary. The old sanctuary and its sacrifice did not purge or purify anyone. Christ, by means of His death became a mediator for the new covenant.

As you mentioned, "For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator." The word testament means a contract. It's like a will. If I make out a will, it does not come into effect until I die. There must be death. And so, with God's covenant with us, nothing is applied until there's a death. And that was the death of Christ!

Blessings to you also!

Great stuff Brother Jesse.

I believe this is pivotal section for understanding the "baptism of John" Also Christ being baptized along with so many other things in scripture.

Jesus (the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.)

John 1:29

Mathew 26:28.

I believe the Lord was Identifying with the priesthood of the OT and all the sacrifices and rituals that pointed towards Christ.

He ended the Old Covenant and eventually brought in the New Covenant

(For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.)

Also as you mentioned it should clear up the way this section of scripture is misinterpreted.

God bless you.

(Hebrews Part 25b):

Hebrews 11:1 Continued:

But I can't get away from it. It's a conviction. I can stand before you right now and make the announcement that I am denouncing the Lord and His word, and I'm finished. But I will never be able to get away from Him (Christ), never! I have never been able to get away from it, and I will not now! My beliefs are based on the conviction of God's Spirit that lives in me. That's faith. It's not my faith. My human faith waivers.

But when I look down deep, there's something there that is a stabilizing force that is the basis of things hoped for, and the conviction of things not seen, spiritual things, spiritual truth.

I have shared in the past that the word faith means persuasion. the word faith in Greek is PISTIS. It is from the word PEITHO which means to persuade. If you're into the study of the Greek culture or Greek mythology, you know that PEITHOS was the goddess of persuasion. But PEITHO is the root word for the word faith. The verb form of PISTIS is the word that means to believe.

People hear the word faith, and they go in all different direction as to what faith is. But faith is PISTIS. And it means persuasion. Also, there are two kinds of faith because there are two sources of faith. One is human, and one is from God as a source. And remember that every time we say faith, we are making reference to persuasion.

(Hebrews Part 25a):

Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

That is not a definition. The only definition is found in the meaning of the word itself. In the Greek text, this is a description of what faith does. The description of faith is two things: The substance, or basis of things hoped for, and the evidence, more literally conviction, of things not seen.

Now if I take this description of what faith does, and its definition of persuasion that faith is the basis of things hoped for, why do I have hope for the coming of Christ? Why do I have a living hope that one day when I die, I'm going to go to heaven? Either it's something that I am persuading myself to believe, which means there's a possibility that someday someone will persuade me not to believe, or, my hope is based upon, which the next phrase says, the conviction of things not seen. It's a conviction. That's a persuasion!

There are times when we as human beings doubt what the bible says. Have you ever had those moments when you look over at the bible and you think "It's just a book?" I mean you open it up and it has ink words in it. It didn't fall down from heaven, somebody printed it. How do I know that it's not just our western culture religious book? Other religions have their book, so what's the big deal?