As judgment begins with the church ( 1 Peter 4:17) we need to be cognizant of this fact in order to prevent any further error to spread where the truth still resides. I am convinced that in recent times it is professing Christians who have caused those who are on fire for the Lord to have the most discouragement ( Matt. 24:29). Jesus warns about this immediately prior to His coming.
We need as with anything else to be balanced; He will come and suddenly; but in His timing. We dare not lose our vigilance or get into the date setting camp. We all must watch as Jesus commanded. ( Mark 13:37).
When we look into what is just around the corner we must realize that God has certain set plans that will come to pass in their time; that is specifically one world government; the Antichrist and the Mark of the Beast which must end in the armies of the world fighting Christ to their demise as He returns and kills them with the fire coming from his mouth ( 2 Thess. 2:8 for this progression). In the end time Tribulation period there will be a countless multitude saved who appear in heaven after the 144,000 ( Rev. 7:9). We remember that we will be part of the assembly in heaven who comes down with Christ in the armies from there when He returns.
As we go forward; of course the main focus should always be on the Great Commission. This doesn't absolve us when we have a chance to stand for righteousness in society; but we should pray and seek Him before entangling in any issues that could hamper what our primary labor should be. Like it or not WE are the counterculture now; we are the fringe society (won't use the r right term fully spelled out to avoid getting flagged).
Perhaps our best bet is what seems to have stood the test of time in recent decades; that is having a small group of people who fellowship together; and a small block or two which can be a sort of sanctuary in rough neighborhoods.
Further thoughts on Psalm 1 and practical applications
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
4The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
5Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
This is going to be another painful exercise here; as to the topic discussed. A nonbeliever seeing either these verses or an affirmation from those calling themselves believers to such scripture and a lot of others besides no doubt will be offended.
From their perspective; who dares to tell me that they are righteous in God's eyes and they are not; that in fact they are hellbound without Christ. Before examining the offense of the cross ( 1 Cor. 1:18) it is important that we look at ourselves as well as speak the "oracles of God" so to speak. ( 1 Peter 4:11). Do we love others enough to tell them the hard truth if indeed it has turned us to worshipping the living God from our dead works? Can we be real about the fact that life is as a vapor; and the enemy is going to waste no time in destroying the soul of a man-anything the Lord allows him to do will be done. Are we as faithful ourselves as Satan is with the time available to us?
Another issue with ourselves is to accept that the most loving person; especially those we are close to is still in dire jeopardy and can by no means justify an exception from a righteous judge as anyone else. Let us do as Charles Spurgeon stated (no room here read my next post) UGH
This is something that is but a small thing in relation to the war that is taking place for the souls of man all around us. Take things like this patiently friend. The Lord knows what you need even before you ask. He provides for you daily. Be patient and understand that these things are all part of God's doing to teach you patience, endurance, long-suffering, and even opportunity for the Lord to be revealed in you through things like this by your patient disposition through disappointments. May the Lord be with you and bless you, Rick.
1 Peter 4:12-19
12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.
16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin.
I am battling with temptation as well. Yesterday I looked up a bunch of scriptures on temptation. I wrote them down and until I feel this thing ease up, I plan on reading them every day. The feeling you feel will not last forever. I keep telling myself "this too, shall pass." Try looking up what the Bible says about sexual sin. This helped me in my time of need to want to honor God with my body. Remember: clothe yourself in His full armor ( Ephesians 6:10-18)
The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. ( Genesis 49:10)
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. ( 1 Peter 4:11)
When taking a look at scripture; there are roles women play as Prophetess; prayer; teaching children; or the "virtuous woman" summing up Proverbs 31. When it comes to the 10 Commandments and the laws of the Lord in the Old Testament; or the rules about women remaining silent in the New Testament ( 1 Corinthians 14:34-35) it seems in regard to instruction in law continues as a man's responsibility. That would have further implications in regard to teaching established DOCTRINE related to the law; or the Gospel of Grace which expounds the full meaning of what is concealed in the Old Testament but revealed fully now.
When we try to fully grasp these concepts in human understanding; of course we fall short. An example that gives us insight is in Exodus 15:20 which shows Miriam; the older sister of Moses and Aaron as the first Prophetess in scripture. We could say in some way that Moses acted as the first Prophet in the Bible; at least in predicting what would happen to Israel in the last days in Deuteronomy 4; but Deuteronomy 18 talks about the coming Prophet like Moses who must be heeded (Christ). Technically Abraham was called a Prophet; the first example in the Bible but his predictions were toward his descendants when giving the family blessings at his death.
We see with Miriam that she foolishly spoke out about the second wife of Abraham of African descent and was struck with leprosy temporarily. Her best moment was in the role of the victory song as they crossed the Red Sea.
John 6:54 states: Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
There are two views on the subject; the "transubstantiation" argument of the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions and the purely symbolic or metaphorical doctrines we find in many Protestant churches. In the first view we have to hold to an abhorrent view that there is an ongoing or perpetual reinstitution of Christ's sacrifice at every communion; clearly contrary to where Christ stated "it is finished" on the cross and Hebrews 9:28 speaking of His one time sacrifice for many. The Protestant viewpoint; however can tend to treat communion and in fact many other rites or ceremonies as merely symbolic and thus be calloused to verses such as 1 Corinthians 11:30 which states that many have become sick and died (fallen asleep) due to taking communion unworthily.
Communion therefore is something which each individual is held accountable for but also involves a union in the Body of Christ through the function of the Holy Spirit. We certainly can't isolate these warnings just for communion; for instance we have no business being baptized without a proper confession of faith and marriages also need to be taken seriously in regard to the covenant vows. The New Covenant brings the blood ATONEMENT which essentially exchanges His life for our own as our spiritual sustenance; along with His broken body. He purchased us with the cost of His life and redeemed us from death and hell by taking our place on the cross of Calvary. Such a detestable imagery of a snake on a pole was an early representation of this Numbers 21. A man was cursed when hung on a tree ( Deut. 21:22-23). We are then partakers in Christ and His sufferings ( 1 Peter 4:13); see also Hebrews 3:14 on enduring to the end.
In terms of eternal physical life; we of course have the tree of life as mentioned in the Garden. We also will be raised incorruptible if we are in Him.
Romans 2:9 states: There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile..
(NIV); but says tribulation and anguish in the KJV. There is another verse stating that judgment begins at the house of God. ( 1 Peter 4:17).
Just as not all Israel is Israel ( Romans 9:6); not all the "professing" church is the possessing church; that is possessing the Holy Spirit and true salvation. Jesus made that perfectly clear to those who thought because they were the physical descendants of Abraham that gave them some sort of benefit were sadly mistaken ( John 8:39-44). Those who had seen Christ; knew the prophecies about the Messiah and yet rejected Him would in fact be worse off than Sodom and Gomorrah in their punishment. ( Matt. 11:21-24). We see similar warnings for those who have knowledge of the truth and become reprobate; in that it would be better not to have known it in the first place ( 2 Peter 2:21).
Testing ourselves to see if we are in the faith is sadly lacking today among professing believers; or we would see a reality check in the fruits of many lives. ( 2 Corinthians 13:5). We can glibly see this example as a carnal bunch of people and think that being steeped in our own religious training or theology that we are automatically exempt from this test. I have said before that there are dangers in any extreme that is lacking the balancing attribute; such as with loving people and warning them of judgment to come ( John 16:8). We see in the Ephesian church everything being done properly but their first love somehow becoming distant in their hearts. Look at 1 Corinthians 13:6; love rejoices in the truth. The basic fact that man's heart is desperately wicked ( Jeremiah 17:9) and that our sin makes us enemies of God ( James 4:4) means that there is a wall between opposing parties and yes God is angry with the wicked (i.e. us) every day. ( Psalm 7:11). Having our heads in the sand doesn't help anyone.
I can empathize with what you shared and so well articulated. I prayed for you.
You requested prayer and might not expect or want a reply but would like to share a couple verses that come to mind.
If I were to summarize what I read it's you assume God should fix your obstacles in life and since He hasn't yet, maybe He doesn't exist, is that close?
If so, I would first ask where this believe originates from. If we use the Bible as our source for who God is and how He operates, I don't get the sense that He would do what you're expecting. Even Jesus didn't get what He wanted- remember when He cried out on the cross?
"And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Mark 15:34 KJV
Now let's consider the #1 Christian evangelist: Paul. He faced misery and extreme hardship.
2 Corinthians 11:
25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
But he says he's found the secret of contentment and it has nothing to do with our circumstances! How is this possible? What is the secret? Philippians 4:10-13
1 Peter 4:12-13 - this says don't be surprised when you're facing huge trials like you're facing right now. Life is a test with almost non-stop trials, in my opinion.
How hard are you currently praying for help, how hard are you seeking God, how much are you reading in His Word? Could you seek input from people in person, like a church minister, or video chat online?
"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead (to sin) (my emphasis) and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory."
Gal 5:24
"And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."
Heb 2:11
"For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren," (How does gradual sanctification bring us one with God?
1 Peter 2:24
"Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being DEAD TO SIN, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed."
1 Peter 4: 1-
"Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God."
Matthew 13:24-43 discusses the parable of the wheat and the tares; ending with a private discussion with the Disciples. This necessity of such a condition WITHIN the professing church also must exist along with the general contrast between believers and unbelievers. Therefore; in general we must not only have confession but POSSESSION of the Holy Spirit in order to have genuine salvation (see Ezekiel 36:26). This principle in scripture cannot be overemphasized; if Christ found His greatest resistance from the "religious" leaders among the Jews of that day; we can be certain much of our opposition will come from those calling themselves Christians. Surely judgment begins at the house of God ( 1 Peter 4:17).
If we are honest with history there are errors that can be found with fallible human beings even in the best denominations (sometimes despite truthful doctrines). I call Satan the "equal opportunity destroyer" because he doesn't discriminate as to what means of deception he uses and hence it fits his character hating everyone created in the image of God. He only hates the most those who are a threat to his kingdom; those who can see past the veil over all mankind ( 2 Cor. 4:3-6). His methods are myriad-mind control; fear; temptations; bondage; etc. People are used according to his purpose and we should be aware that his web is everywhere in this current world system. Things can and must get worse; worse than in all human history as Jesus promised for the end times to come for God's plans to come to fruition ( Matt. 24:21). Of course the world wants to hear that peace is coming "peace; peace when there is no peace." ( Jeremiah 6:14). There is no peace; however for the wicked as God states in Isaiah 48:22 and other places in that book and the rest of scripture as well.
Incredibly the world will fall for "the lie" ( 2 Thess. 2:9-12). Whatever utopia is offered (AI or otherwise) God will use to purge the dross
If we look at events unfolding today; it is no surprise when we see verses such as 1 Peter 4:17 on God judging the church before the world; and the scripture on many falling away in the last days ( 1 Timothy 4:1 and other passages). The events of Revelation MUST take place; and will come to pass after the "restrainer" is removed ( 2 Thess. 2:7).
Therefore; there is to be expected increasing efforts from the forces of evil under Satan's dominion to attempt to jump start this process. There are many times in recent decades when an apocalyptic scenario unfolded which the Lord stopped from going any further (such as the area of Babylon under Saddam Hussein in the 1990s with the Gulf War looking like an early fulfillment of the final destruction of Babylon). We could go back centuries to see all the Antichrist candidates since Nero (Napolean; Hitler; Mussolini and many other dictators). Of course the main focus of prophecy is Israel who has miraculously been able to hold that tiny strip of land in the Middle East despite many wars (1948 at it's inception; 1967; 1973 and other skirmishes with Lebanon and the current one on many fronts). I personally believe Psalm 83 is beginning to reach it's fulfillment and may end with the Isaiah 17:1 prophecy on the destruction of Damascus (with many weapons said to be underground there and terrorist cells). I believe after success over the surronding nations Israel will at some point sign the Daniel 9:27 covenant with many to avoid futher regional strife with Turkey; Iran and other enemies who will be consolidated under Russia.
We are; of course to continue to occupy until He comes (for some reason I can't find the verse I want here); and we are to remain as "salt and light" ( Matt. 5:13-14). God uses us to hold back evil but we need to focus on the Great Commission not bringing down a world system. We live as an example to the world ( 1 Peter 3:2 is a good example).
The destruction of offspring made in God's image certainly is occurring today; even if it isn't directly related to idol and demon offerings and sacrifices. Exodus 23:7 and Proverbs 24:11 are prescient verses regarding this matter.
As I stated in the last post; Satan has come close to his goal but ultimately will never succeed. We should heed to God's warnings when destruction is on the horizon; whether war or famine. It is true that we don't always know what is happening but unlike Lot we should seek to remove ourselves from the council of the ungodly (see Psalm 1) before God's wrath comes. The enemy typically works in two ways; either through direct physical persecution or through deceptions involving the mind (or both). The days of sugarcoating his agenda are gone; as seen from the in your face Satanism in the schools and entertainment.
The attempt to break free from the fetters and boundaries God has set in place (see Psalm 2) seems to show that the attempted overthrow of Christ Himself as stated in the Psalm as well as Revelation 19 isn't that far off.
We are salt and light; as long as we remain here on this earth in the "church age". 1 Peter 4:17 states that judgment begins at the house of God and the intrusion of many damnable heresies in many churches today started with subtle deception ( Galatians 5:9). It is clear that God's people is a focus of where the enemy intrudes; we see this with colleges an religious studies; for example where the agenda is even more squewed towards leftist leanings there than in other studies. While we have seen in this nation and European ones in particular this attack plan; the enemy has caused more persecution and death than in all history from what some say in the 20th Century; no doubt continuing today. This tends to grow the church; however. That is a fair warning to those steeped in "Christian tradition" or a form of godliness denying the power ( 2 Tim. 3:5-7).
Thanks for those interesting thought-provoking comments. The very real need for love, patience, counsel, & the Lord's dealing with the offender are required, yet there has to be times, and sometimes with speedy action, to deal with rampant sin within the Body of Christ. As I read your post I thought, what if I had acquired some life-wasting disease & given weeks or months to live unless I took immediate action; how should I respond? I know of some Christians who will say that we're in the Lord's Hands - He will either heal or take my life so I will do nothing & just trust Him. Most others I expect, would have sought medical advice very early to receive the best treatment available to extend life & enjoy family a little longer. I probably would choose this option if I was in such a state & time-limited.
Christ's Church is no different & the spiritual & leadership integrity of the Elder/Pastor/Council are of utmost importance. Should they do nothing (even just quietly speaking to the sinning member & then leaving the matter with the Lord), or else to take an active position of dealing with that member, which would include private ministry & warning, as well as a more visible judgement & punishment? In the Corinthians passage you shared, Paul understood that "judgement must (first) begin at the house of God..."( 1 Peter 4:17), for once the cancer sets in, then the Body begins to be infected all over, & if the Church decides to remain a mute spectator to this evil, they would greatly err bringing shame to Christ & deeming the power of the Cross unworkable. We can see today what the world sees & believes about Christians, when child molestation instances have appeared, and without the Church identifying & dealing with it.
Even Jesus was so critical with the Churches in Revelation 2 & 3, both in their teaching & bearing with & approving of evil amongst them. I believe that the Church is to take a strong stand against sin, but done according to biblical guidelines.
Most everyone is looking for something that has already happened.
They won't believe Christ's words that he fulfilled ALL the prophecies.
Christ came the SECOND TIME as the NEW CREATION, CHRIST IN YOU, just as he said: I COME as a thief in the night.
Hebrews 9:27 And as it is APPOINTED (by the prophecies) unto men once to die (on the cross of Christ), but after this the judgement (coming the truth through the word, you and Christ were RAISED as ONE).
1 Peter 4:17 For the time IS COME that JUDGEMENT (rightly dividing the words of God) must begin at the HOUSE of GOD ....
Hebrews 3:6 But Christ as a SON over HIS OWN HOUSE, whose HOUSE YE ARE ....
You the house, Christ is the HOUSEHOLDER; you, the house only consist, because of the one that HOLDS YOU.
Your the BODY of CHRIST, you every movement and thought are OF HIM, and if you don't AGREE with him"
The wages are DEATH, instead of LIFE.
Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the SINS of many, and to THEM who LOOK for him he shall APPEAR THE SECOND TIME, without SIN unto SALVATION.
He is forever faithful. Deut. 7:9 says He is the faithful God. Psalm 33:4 says that He is faithful in all He does. And Ps. 89:24 says that His love is faithful. Ps. 145:13 says that the LORD is faithful to all of His promises.
1 Cor. 1:9 says that God is faithful (see also 1 Cor. 10:13. 1 Thess. 5:24 and 2 Thess. 3:3 firms that God is faithful and will keep us and establish us in our life in Christ. Even if we are unfaithful to God, He remains faithful because He cannot deny Himself-
2 Tim. 2:13
1 Peter 4:19 says we can commit our self to our Faithful Creator when we suffer. And 1 Jn. 1:9 says God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. And gloriously in Rev. 19:11 Jesus is called Faithful and True.
So we can depend on God's faithfulness because it is true and trustworthy. It never fails and is never withdrawn or disappears. Nor does it this faithfulness ever deceive us as being unfaithful when He says He is faithful because God cannot be what He is not. Ps. 36:5 and 57:10 say His faithfulness reaches to the skies. It is immeasurably reliable.
Ps. 89:8 says:
"O LORD God of hosts, Who is mighty like You, O LORD? Your faithfulness also surrounds You." It is part of His glory that comes from His essence. Ps. 117:2 says His faithfulness endures forever.
Is. 25 :1 says
"O LORD, Thou art my God; I will exalt Thee, I will praise Thy name; for Thou hast done wonderful things; Thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth." God's faithfulness and truth cannot be separated, they are aspects of His Essence which is not divided up into separate attributes; all His attributes are unified in His One Essential Nature.
Is. 42:3 says that in His faithfulness He will bring forth justice. So true justice comes from His faithfulness to Who He is.
I love Lamentations 3:21-23:
"This I recall to my mind., therefore I have hope. It is of the LORD's mercy that we are not consumed,
From what you have described the churches have always had a mingled condition. Most of the books in the New Testament discuss and warn about this mingled condition. 2 Peter, 1, 2, 3, John, even Jude which is known really as the "acts of the apostates" Galatians the Jewdisers, Colossians heresy with Gnostics. The apostles were not even dead and buried and they were dealing with all sorts of mingled conditions within the church. Some of his honest errors and some of it heresy.
So here we are in the present 2023, we have our current state of affairs, with new modern bible perversions, churches with female pastors/bishops, homosexual pastors, churches consecrating same-sex marriages, feminist-influenced congregations that no longer teach Ephesians 5 wives submitting toward their husband, 1 Corinthians 11 head coverings for women during corporate worship, and the further watering down of the Word of God to please the masses by the clergy.... 2 Timothy 4:3 (KJV) For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
Many churches have fallen into a state of apostasy... We are in a very sad state of affairs in today's Christendom.
So yes in my humble opinion, the churches today are out of order and that is why judgment starts in the house of God.
1 Peter 4:17 (KJV) 17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
>The word of God cuts both ways, a two edged sword.
>How many husbands love their wives as CHRIST loves the church ..... probably NONE.
>The word says you are the WIFE of Christ, so these scripture of a wife submitting to her HUSBAND apply as much to you as to any earthly wife.
What you wrote in your original post "you are the WIFE of Christ" was bordering on blasphemy. In NO WAY shape or form is the Christian HUSBAND the WIFE of CHRIST in any regard. While this passage Ephesians 5:22-24 draws parallels between the relationship of Christ and the Church and the relationship between a husband and wife, it at no time places the husband on equal footing with the wife. As if the husband being in the "church" makes him the wife of Christ because the Church is the wife of Christ. That mishandling of scripture could be used to justify same-sex marriages and homosexual relations. It is one of the grossest mishandling of scripture I've encountered.
Several scriptures 1 Peter 3:1, 1 Peter 3:5-6, Col 3:18, Eph 5:22-24 and the common thread running through the entire bible support Christian women to submit to their Christian husbands.
I usually get an enormous amount of pushback on this subject by both Christian men and women. If they can not even do this how will they do the weightier things of scripture? It is the sad state we find Christendom in today.
1 Peter 4:17 (KJV) 17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
Judgement starts in the house of God and so many of our churches are out of order that it is no wonder why!
First I will try to respond in love and try to hear what I am trying to share with you. We live in a post-feminist society which has a very great influence upon Christian women AND MEN no matter how spiritual they may be. It is difficult for MEN and WOMEN not to be influenced by it since they are surrounded by it 365 days and year. Feminist ideology is taught in schools...a man taking the lead in the house is seen as wrong and sexist.
>In my congregation, all ladies cover their heads during congregational services, including our weekly Bible class, during which >women are not permitted to speak.
First, you are very fortunate to be in such a church as it is in the [extreme] to the uttermost minority!
1 Timothy 2:12 (KJV) 12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
>We cannot ignore the fact that many women know much more about the Bible than some men
Yet, God is all-knowing foresaw all this but still his divine order for men and women remains?
>Personally , I'm very glad that I am not able to speak during congregational meetings. So many times I have heard a brother >say erroneous things, if I had been able to correct him publicly...
Yes, but it isn't your place to do so, especially in the house of God. Other men who do know will correct him.
>I can always have a quiet, respectful word with him later in private or better still, speak to an understanding brother...
A much better way to go about it!
You are VERY fortunate to be in such a church.
1 Peter 4:17 (KJV) 17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
Judgement starts in the house of God and so many of our churches are out of order that it is no wonder why!
You have made some good observations here. Now to me it seems like some of that may be explained by the wheat and the tares, key note [bracketed] for emphases below. The wheat of God at once becomes the scene of Satan's activity. Where children of the kingdom are gathered, there "among the wheat"
Satan "sows" "children of the wicked one," who profess to be children of the kingdom, and in outward ways are so like the true children that only the angels may, in the end, be trusted to separate them. [[[[[[So great is Satan's power of deception that the tares often really suppose themselves to be children of the kingdom.]]]]]] Many other parables and exhortations have this mingled condition in view.
Children of the wicked one are always religious unbelievers, mere pagan / nonbelievers are never so-called.
Paul urges all those claiming to be spiritually saved to "examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves" 2 Corinthians 13:5 (KJV) 5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
What about the Western Christian women who do not submit to their Christian husbands and we know probably most of them don't?
What about the total disregard for Head Coverings I just posted on that.
Post-baptismal sin is covered under the blood for sins which we REPENT from not living IN as a way or walk of life and never really turn away from. What is true "repentance" it is like a burning house you never go back to it!
I liken this to two ships anchored at port. One ship is grounded in the Word and will not move from the harbor by the ebb and flow of the ocean. The second ship anchor is eroded due to continued sin as it continues to drift away from the harbor EVENTUALLY it finds itself lost in the middle of the ocean with no clue how to get back--- apostasy
My previous post touched on church doctrine. These days we cannot have assurance that a literal hell is something that is taken seriously; or that only Christ is the way to eternal life. A catechism SHOULD state what a core belief is of such matters; if it is not being adhered to disciplinary action should be taken and if it is some spurious statement we have no business remaining there.
Many megachurches seem to want to cater to the nonbeliever and rather than aking them tremble at the fear of God and His presence they want to present Christianinty as something that fits into a music venue; social activities and other things that appeal to the flesh. Rather than making coming to Christ the beginning of a death sentence all the verses that Jesus spoke such as Matthew 10:22-24 and numerous other admonitions such as 1 Peter 4:12-19 have to be ignored with such techniques.
The prosperity gospel shouldn't have to be dissected to show the error; looking at the life of Christ and the Disciples should suffice to show it is utter rubbish. An honest assessment shows that leadership at such places doesn't want to lose parishioners; thus "filthy lucre" and the love of such things ( Titus 1:11) is a deadly vice. Sadly though we see others who are caught up in emotional sentimentality. It is easy of course to be convinced one's girlfriend or boyfriend will turn their affections to God since they show partiality to us. Making Christ appeal to youth with attractive women dressed in worldly apparel or cheap gimmicks will at best cause a few predestined to come to faith to wake up; just as someone who is in a congregation with false doctrines can hear enough of the true Word to be convicted; in other words despite the bad approach rather than because of it. But counting the cost of being a Disciple can't be ignored; as well as challenging those who would bring in error and restricting membership to those who truly believe
What does taking up your cross and following Jesus imply.
DEATH, you have to DIE; yet, you are alive; this is the first death, dying to TRUTH, then the judgement: 1 Peter 4:17 The time is (NOW) come, that JUDGEMENT must begin at the HOUSE OF GOD (your the house of God, judged by the words of God).
Galatians 2:20 I am CRUCIFIED (you died on the cross) with Christ; yet I LIVE, yet NOT I, but CHRIST LIVETH in me (YOU are the body of Christ).
ONLY the BODY of Christ arose from the grave, the NEW CREATION, you are the BODY of Christ, you; flesh and blood, now longer exist, you DIED on the cross, only Christ RESURRECTED exist.
1 Timothy 6:16 Christ ONLY hath IMMORTALITY, dwelling in the LIGHT ......
! Corinthians 15:54 ...this mortal shall put on IMMORTALITY (Christ ONLY hath IMMORTALITY) .....
1 Corinthians 15:49 As you have borne the IMAGE of the EARTHLY, you shall bear the IMAGE of the heavenly .....
Romans 8:29 ... being predestinated to be conformed TO THE IMAGE of CHRIST ....
John 17:22 And the glory that thou gavest me, I HAVE GIVEN THEM, that they may be ONE, EVEN AS WE ARE ONE.
What does the Word of GOD say for this current time, the seventh and last Day, the Lord's Day, or seventh and last millennium? The Word is GOD, self-executable, understand?
Romans 6:2-3
2 Do ye not know that the saints shall Judge the WORLD? and if the WORLD shall be Judged by you(we), are ye(we) unworthy to Judge the smallest matters?
3 Know ye not that we shall Judge angels (ANGELS of the Churches: Revelation 2:2; and 2:9; and 2:14-17; and 2:20; and 3:1-3; and 3:7-8; and 3:14-18)? How much more things that pertain to this life?
Daniel 7:22
22 ... and Judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the Kingdom.
Revelation 11:15-18
15 ... The kingdoms OF THIS WORLD are become the Kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
18 And the nations were (WILL BE) angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
Get ready
1 Peter 4:17 - 17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
John 2:28 - And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.
Please go back and read my original reply to Jema. In it I said that he received these revelations straight from
Christ when he was 3 years in the desert. This agrees with what you said in this reply.
I said that Paul was intellectually gifted. You said he was brilliant. We agree on this.
The difference here is that I believe that God used the natural talents He had created in Paul in His ministry once he was converted.
You say that God used none of these natural talents after conversion.
So, we disagree on this matter. That's o.k.
The rest of what you posted about me was unnecessary and demeaning of my character. You do not know my mind or heart when I was replying to you. Only God does. I submit to the Holy Spirit as you do. So, I take offense at you presuming to know my mind and heart and for slandering me on this forum.
But I do forgive you and love you in Christ. We both know that love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8
Let's move on from this thread. It would be best to do so.
The Book of Jeremiah is not a happy Book. It is Judgment Judgment Judgment; just like many of the Old Testament prophetic books. It is not a Book that we like to spend much time in; and as a result most Christians, most Bible teaches do not.
The setting of Jeremiah is the rebellion of National Israel and God's Judgment upon them for their rebellion. But this Book is much much more than that. And what I am going to say is going to be disturbing to many and contradictory to much of what I read in the comments on this site.
The Book of Jeremiah is today's Newspaper. While in the setting of National Israel, it is also very much about the churches and congregations of our Day and, therefore, about God's Judgment that has come upon the churches and congregations for a similar rebellion because the Bible has lost its Ultimate Authority and because they have developed doctrines and practices that, while pleasing to men, are contrary in many ways to the commandments and teachings of God and the True Gospel of the Bible.
I believe that we are living in that period of history which God describes in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. Where passages like 1 Peter 4:17 and 2 Thessalonians 2 are very definitely in play. And that God is continuing to save His Elect apart from any church or congregation as the True Gospel is proclaimed by individuals and ministries apart from any church or denomination.
The next Big Event in God's Plan for this World will be the return of Christ on the clouds of glory to Resurrect and Rapture ALL True Believers, destroy Satan and those that have not become saved and this sin-cursed Earth and create New Heavens and a New Earth where those whom Christ has saved will live and reign with Him Eternally.
There is no "future glory for National Israel" nor a "future golden age" on this sin-cursed Earth. But there is a grand and glorious Eternal Future for the "Israel of God".
This is a time to "examine ourselves" 2 Cor 13:5, 2 Pet 1:10.
I appreciate your honesty in expressing your view regarding the Nature of the Bible. That view, to one degree or another, is I believe the view held in the churches of our day. And is the reason that we have such divergent views on so many critical doctrines among the various churches and denominations of our day.
The Holiness and Authority of the Bible has deteriorated in the churches to such a point that they have become almost unrecognizable in many of their beliefs and practices from even a few decades ago.
And because of this I believe we are living in the day where 1 Peter 4:17 and 2 Thessalonians 2:6-12, and other end time passages are in play.
God did not write the Bible so that it is easy to read and understand. He wrote it in a way that we must search it out in order to find Truth; and God Himself must lead us into Truth from the Bible as we apply the principles that God has laid out, not man. He wrote the Bible in such a way to not only reveal Truth, but to hide Truth.
But I am certain that God is in control and is working out His plan for this world in exact accordance with His Word, the Bible.
You mention "stagnation" in the churches and congregations of our day. I would say it is far more serious that "stagnation".
If you go into virtually any church to day ant listen to what is being taught, how much different will that be than what you would have found in that same church or denomination 50 or 75 years ago? How much of the World would you see in that church regarding the acceptance of the mores of the World? When was the last time you heard a sermon from the Book of Jeremiah if ever? When was the last time you heard a sermon that focused on the Judgment and Wrath of God for sin?
What is the Gospel being preached in the churches? Is it a Gospel of Grace alone, where God does 100% of the "work" in saving anyone? Or is it a gospel of Grace plus "works", where Christ has done His part and now its up to us to do our part? Is there any sense at all that not every church member that may appear to be saved may in fact not have become saved and there should be a message of warning to "make our calling and election sure"? Has the gospel in the churches not become more of a social gospel or a political gospel, rather than the True Gospel that we are in terrible trouble with God and desperately need a savior? How many people in the church actually know what they need to be "saved from"?
When we take an honest look at any church today it is not "stagnation" that we see. Is it not where the Bible has lost its Absolute Authority and the authority has become the creeds and confessions developed hundreds of years ago, or worse the ideas of man and a gospel that we like and not the TRUE Gospel of the Bible? Why do you think there are so many different understandings of so many important doctrines in the various churches when that is only ONE TRUTH?
The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
We see that God had prepared the hearts of the the Ninevites to repent and they did because God had elected them and therefore saved them as is confirmed in Matthew 12:41
How different was Jonah's preaching to what is currently being proclaimed in the churches of our day? Is it any wonder what we read in 1 Peter 4:17. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
Wonderfully God is still saving in our day OUTSIDE the churches. But the Gospel that saves is the Gospel of the Bible. The whole counsel of Judgement for sin and Mercy in salvation.
Joel 2:12-14
Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?
We are instructed to serve one another in regard to our spiritual gifts in this verse. 1 Peter 4:10 indicates this is how we are a good steward of what He has given us.
In Sunday school today; a discussion came up as to the matter of using gifts. It was correctly mentioned that this principle exists; along with the command of Christ in fulfilling the Great Commission. Therefore; whether we have a gift of serving or evangelism or not these activities should characterize a life of good fruit in maturing in the Lord. I also mentioned how often other individuals in fellowship are good at discerning either our strengths or weaknesses; which can be known or unknown to us at the time. This kind of encouragement to use our gifts should be something we seek out; and the Spirit of God makes it evident to those who are discerning. It was also brought out how someone as a Pastor can be more or less gifted in teaching.
Perhaps such levels of aptitude can allow those who are elders but not normally pastors can assist in the operation over a church (such positions are interchangeable to some respect as originally meant in scripture from what I am told). It is also fairly certain that a "head pastor" isn't really a title that adheres to scripture; particularly if there ISN'T any other elders; deacons; etc balancing things out. If anything there is someone to hold a Pastor accountable that is missing in that case.
I also find it interesting the whole core value system of Satanists; as they are for the self rather than interests or needs of others. That; sadly is also much of the focus of today's churches appealing to young singles. Salvation itself involves us becoming part of God's family; adopted as sons as Romans 8; Ephesians 1:5 and other verses indicate. The churches in Revelation 2 and 3 show a focus on individual salvation along with the health of the entire congregation in each synopsis of the 7 churches in question.
The bigger picture: Brothers and sisters in Christ and the armies of heaven.
Revelation 2:27 has a cross reference somewhere but it is hard to find...in Psalms regarding the inheritance of the saints and ruling with an iron rod. Of course Christ Himself will do this as shown in Psalm 2:7-9 and elsewhere.
There are numerous other verses such as in Ephesians on inheritance and what as sons of light we will have someday ( Eph. 5:8; 1 Thess. 5:5). There is also the reference in the Book of Hebrews to the "cloud of witnesses" ( Heb. 12:1) with specific references in the previous chapter to those who lived lives of faith and are in God's "hall of fame" so to speak. Psalm 8:2 even talks of God's strength in the praise of infants; which was quoted in Matthew 11:25 (also see Matthew 21:15-16 for fulfillment).
Ephesians 6 gives us instructions to be victors on the battlefield with only one offensive weapon; the sword of the Spirit ( Eph. 6:17). This is something only effective when we have the entire defensive mechanism set up to stop the fiery darts of the evil one in the previous verse.
We often are quick to point out the persecution; wars; famines and other trials that believers go through which is no doubt an essential concern in prayer. The fact is that there is a battle raging all the time for the souls of men; Christ has won the war and ultimately all He has called and chosen will be saved. This doesn't by any means lessen the conflict but gives us assurance that the Lord will direct those who He wills in our paths to minister to; and pray for. 1 Peter 4:19 discusses prosperity and trials as they come and go in our lives; and Ecclesiastes 7:14 shows God's Providence. I would state that it appears when things are going well it is a more accurate test to determine faithfullness as that is when sin in most likely to take root. In adversity many will fear the Lord; but the faithful will not forget His benefits ( Deuteronomy 8:10-18). Also read Eph. 2:10
As judgment begins with the church ( 1 Peter 4:17) we need to be cognizant of this fact in order to prevent any further error to spread where the truth still resides. I am convinced that in recent times it is professing Christians who have caused those who are on fire for the Lord to have the most discouragement ( Matt. 24:29). Jesus warns about this immediately prior to His coming.
We need as with anything else to be balanced; He will come and suddenly; but in His timing. We dare not lose our vigilance or get into the date setting camp. We all must watch as Jesus commanded. ( Mark 13:37).
When we look into what is just around the corner we must realize that God has certain set plans that will come to pass in their time; that is specifically one world government; the Antichrist and the Mark of the Beast which must end in the armies of the world fighting Christ to their demise as He returns and kills them with the fire coming from his mouth ( 2 Thess. 2:8 for this progression). In the end time Tribulation period there will be a countless multitude saved who appear in heaven after the 144,000 ( Rev. 7:9). We remember that we will be part of the assembly in heaven who comes down with Christ in the armies from there when He returns.
As we go forward; of course the main focus should always be on the Great Commission. This doesn't absolve us when we have a chance to stand for righteousness in society; but we should pray and seek Him before entangling in any issues that could hamper what our primary labor should be. Like it or not WE are the counterculture now; we are the fringe society (won't use the r right term fully spelled out to avoid getting flagged).
Perhaps our best bet is what seems to have stood the test of time in recent decades; that is having a small group of people who fellowship together; and a small block or two which can be a sort of sanctuary in rough neighborhoods.
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
4The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
5Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
This is going to be another painful exercise here; as to the topic discussed. A nonbeliever seeing either these verses or an affirmation from those calling themselves believers to such scripture and a lot of others besides no doubt will be offended.
From their perspective; who dares to tell me that they are righteous in God's eyes and they are not; that in fact they are hellbound without Christ. Before examining the offense of the cross ( 1 Cor. 1:18) it is important that we look at ourselves as well as speak the "oracles of God" so to speak. ( 1 Peter 4:11). Do we love others enough to tell them the hard truth if indeed it has turned us to worshipping the living God from our dead works? Can we be real about the fact that life is as a vapor; and the enemy is going to waste no time in destroying the soul of a man-anything the Lord allows him to do will be done. Are we as faithful ourselves as Satan is with the time available to us?
Another issue with ourselves is to accept that the most loving person; especially those we are close to is still in dire jeopardy and can by no means justify an exception from a righteous judge as anyone else. Let us do as Charles Spurgeon stated (no room here read my next post) UGH
This is something that is but a small thing in relation to the war that is taking place for the souls of man all around us. Take things like this patiently friend. The Lord knows what you need even before you ask. He provides for you daily. Be patient and understand that these things are all part of God's doing to teach you patience, endurance, long-suffering, and even opportunity for the Lord to be revealed in you through things like this by your patient disposition through disappointments. May the Lord be with you and bless you, Rick.
1 Peter 4:12-19
12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.
16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin.
I am battling with temptation as well. Yesterday I looked up a bunch of scriptures on temptation. I wrote them down and until I feel this thing ease up, I plan on reading them every day. The feeling you feel will not last forever. I keep telling myself "this too, shall pass." Try looking up what the Bible says about sexual sin. This helped me in my time of need to want to honor God with my body. Remember: clothe yourself in His full armor ( Ephesians 6:10-18)
The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. ( Genesis 49:10)
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. ( 1 Peter 4:11)
When taking a look at scripture; there are roles women play as Prophetess; prayer; teaching children; or the "virtuous woman" summing up Proverbs 31. When it comes to the 10 Commandments and the laws of the Lord in the Old Testament; or the rules about women remaining silent in the New Testament ( 1 Corinthians 14:34-35) it seems in regard to instruction in law continues as a man's responsibility. That would have further implications in regard to teaching established DOCTRINE related to the law; or the Gospel of Grace which expounds the full meaning of what is concealed in the Old Testament but revealed fully now.
When we try to fully grasp these concepts in human understanding; of course we fall short. An example that gives us insight is in Exodus 15:20 which shows Miriam; the older sister of Moses and Aaron as the first Prophetess in scripture. We could say in some way that Moses acted as the first Prophet in the Bible; at least in predicting what would happen to Israel in the last days in Deuteronomy 4; but Deuteronomy 18 talks about the coming Prophet like Moses who must be heeded (Christ). Technically Abraham was called a Prophet; the first example in the Bible but his predictions were toward his descendants when giving the family blessings at his death.
We see with Miriam that she foolishly spoke out about the second wife of Abraham of African descent and was struck with leprosy temporarily. Her best moment was in the role of the victory song as they crossed the Red Sea.
There are two views on the subject; the "transubstantiation" argument of the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions and the purely symbolic or metaphorical doctrines we find in many Protestant churches. In the first view we have to hold to an abhorrent view that there is an ongoing or perpetual reinstitution of Christ's sacrifice at every communion; clearly contrary to where Christ stated "it is finished" on the cross and Hebrews 9:28 speaking of His one time sacrifice for many. The Protestant viewpoint; however can tend to treat communion and in fact many other rites or ceremonies as merely symbolic and thus be calloused to verses such as 1 Corinthians 11:30 which states that many have become sick and died (fallen asleep) due to taking communion unworthily.
Communion therefore is something which each individual is held accountable for but also involves a union in the Body of Christ through the function of the Holy Spirit. We certainly can't isolate these warnings just for communion; for instance we have no business being baptized without a proper confession of faith and marriages also need to be taken seriously in regard to the covenant vows. The New Covenant brings the blood ATONEMENT which essentially exchanges His life for our own as our spiritual sustenance; along with His broken body. He purchased us with the cost of His life and redeemed us from death and hell by taking our place on the cross of Calvary. Such a detestable imagery of a snake on a pole was an early representation of this Numbers 21. A man was cursed when hung on a tree ( Deut. 21:22-23). We are then partakers in Christ and His sufferings ( 1 Peter 4:13); see also Hebrews 3:14 on enduring to the end.
In terms of eternal physical life; we of course have the tree of life as mentioned in the Garden. We also will be raised incorruptible if we are in Him.
(NIV); but says tribulation and anguish in the KJV. There is another verse stating that judgment begins at the house of God. ( 1 Peter 4:17).
Just as not all Israel is Israel ( Romans 9:6); not all the "professing" church is the possessing church; that is possessing the Holy Spirit and true salvation. Jesus made that perfectly clear to those who thought because they were the physical descendants of Abraham that gave them some sort of benefit were sadly mistaken ( John 8:39-44). Those who had seen Christ; knew the prophecies about the Messiah and yet rejected Him would in fact be worse off than Sodom and Gomorrah in their punishment. ( Matt. 11:21-24). We see similar warnings for those who have knowledge of the truth and become reprobate; in that it would be better not to have known it in the first place ( 2 Peter 2:21).
Testing ourselves to see if we are in the faith is sadly lacking today among professing believers; or we would see a reality check in the fruits of many lives. ( 2 Corinthians 13:5). We can glibly see this example as a carnal bunch of people and think that being steeped in our own religious training or theology that we are automatically exempt from this test. I have said before that there are dangers in any extreme that is lacking the balancing attribute; such as with loving people and warning them of judgment to come ( John 16:8). We see in the Ephesian church everything being done properly but their first love somehow becoming distant in their hearts. Look at 1 Corinthians 13:6; love rejoices in the truth. The basic fact that man's heart is desperately wicked ( Jeremiah 17:9) and that our sin makes us enemies of God ( James 4:4) means that there is a wall between opposing parties and yes God is angry with the wicked (i.e. us) every day. ( Psalm 7:11). Having our heads in the sand doesn't help anyone.
I can empathize with what you shared and so well articulated. I prayed for you.
You requested prayer and might not expect or want a reply but would like to share a couple verses that come to mind.
If I were to summarize what I read it's you assume God should fix your obstacles in life and since He hasn't yet, maybe He doesn't exist, is that close?
If so, I would first ask where this believe originates from. If we use the Bible as our source for who God is and how He operates, I don't get the sense that He would do what you're expecting. Even Jesus didn't get what He wanted- remember when He cried out on the cross?
"And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Mark 15:34 KJV
Now let's consider the #1 Christian evangelist: Paul. He faced misery and extreme hardship.
2 Corinthians 11:
25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
But he says he's found the secret of contentment and it has nothing to do with our circumstances! How is this possible? What is the secret? Philippians 4:10-13
1 Peter 4:12-13 - this says don't be surprised when you're facing huge trials like you're facing right now. Life is a test with almost non-stop trials, in my opinion.
How hard are you currently praying for help, how hard are you seeking God, how much are you reading in His Word? Could you seek input from people in person, like a church minister, or video chat online?
"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead (to sin) (my emphasis) and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory."
Gal 5:24
"And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."
Heb 2:11
"For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren," (How does gradual sanctification bring us one with God?
1 Peter 2:24
"Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being DEAD TO SIN, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed."
1 Peter 4: 1-
"Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God."
Matthew 13:24-43 discusses the parable of the wheat and the tares; ending with a private discussion with the Disciples. This necessity of such a condition WITHIN the professing church also must exist along with the general contrast between believers and unbelievers. Therefore; in general we must not only have confession but POSSESSION of the Holy Spirit in order to have genuine salvation (see Ezekiel 36:26). This principle in scripture cannot be overemphasized; if Christ found His greatest resistance from the "religious" leaders among the Jews of that day; we can be certain much of our opposition will come from those calling themselves Christians. Surely judgment begins at the house of God ( 1 Peter 4:17).
If we are honest with history there are errors that can be found with fallible human beings even in the best denominations (sometimes despite truthful doctrines). I call Satan the "equal opportunity destroyer" because he doesn't discriminate as to what means of deception he uses and hence it fits his character hating everyone created in the image of God. He only hates the most those who are a threat to his kingdom; those who can see past the veil over all mankind ( 2 Cor. 4:3-6). His methods are myriad-mind control; fear; temptations; bondage; etc. People are used according to his purpose and we should be aware that his web is everywhere in this current world system. Things can and must get worse; worse than in all human history as Jesus promised for the end times to come for God's plans to come to fruition ( Matt. 24:21). Of course the world wants to hear that peace is coming "peace; peace when there is no peace." ( Jeremiah 6:14). There is no peace; however for the wicked as God states in Isaiah 48:22 and other places in that book and the rest of scripture as well.
Incredibly the world will fall for "the lie" ( 2 Thess. 2:9-12). Whatever utopia is offered (AI or otherwise) God will use to purge the dross
If we look at events unfolding today; it is no surprise when we see verses such as 1 Peter 4:17 on God judging the church before the world; and the scripture on many falling away in the last days ( 1 Timothy 4:1 and other passages). The events of Revelation MUST take place; and will come to pass after the "restrainer" is removed ( 2 Thess. 2:7).
Therefore; there is to be expected increasing efforts from the forces of evil under Satan's dominion to attempt to jump start this process. There are many times in recent decades when an apocalyptic scenario unfolded which the Lord stopped from going any further (such as the area of Babylon under Saddam Hussein in the 1990s with the Gulf War looking like an early fulfillment of the final destruction of Babylon). We could go back centuries to see all the Antichrist candidates since Nero (Napolean; Hitler; Mussolini and many other dictators). Of course the main focus of prophecy is Israel who has miraculously been able to hold that tiny strip of land in the Middle East despite many wars (1948 at it's inception; 1967; 1973 and other skirmishes with Lebanon and the current one on many fronts). I personally believe Psalm 83 is beginning to reach it's fulfillment and may end with the Isaiah 17:1 prophecy on the destruction of Damascus (with many weapons said to be underground there and terrorist cells). I believe after success over the surronding nations Israel will at some point sign the Daniel 9:27 covenant with many to avoid futher regional strife with Turkey; Iran and other enemies who will be consolidated under Russia.
We are; of course to continue to occupy until He comes (for some reason I can't find the verse I want here); and we are to remain as "salt and light" ( Matt. 5:13-14). God uses us to hold back evil but we need to focus on the Great Commission not bringing down a world system. We live as an example to the world ( 1 Peter 3:2 is a good example).
Galatians 5:
16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Thank YOU for FATHER for blessings and benefits YOU have freely given us.
Happy New Year everyone!
December 29, 2023
The destruction of offspring made in God's image certainly is occurring today; even if it isn't directly related to idol and demon offerings and sacrifices. Exodus 23:7 and Proverbs 24:11 are prescient verses regarding this matter.
As I stated in the last post; Satan has come close to his goal but ultimately will never succeed. We should heed to God's warnings when destruction is on the horizon; whether war or famine. It is true that we don't always know what is happening but unlike Lot we should seek to remove ourselves from the council of the ungodly (see Psalm 1) before God's wrath comes. The enemy typically works in two ways; either through direct physical persecution or through deceptions involving the mind (or both). The days of sugarcoating his agenda are gone; as seen from the in your face Satanism in the schools and entertainment.
The attempt to break free from the fetters and boundaries God has set in place (see Psalm 2) seems to show that the attempted overthrow of Christ Himself as stated in the Psalm as well as Revelation 19 isn't that far off.
We are salt and light; as long as we remain here on this earth in the "church age". 1 Peter 4:17 states that judgment begins at the house of God and the intrusion of many damnable heresies in many churches today started with subtle deception ( Galatians 5:9). It is clear that God's people is a focus of where the enemy intrudes; we see this with colleges an religious studies; for example where the agenda is even more squewed towards leftist leanings there than in other studies. While we have seen in this nation and European ones in particular this attack plan; the enemy has caused more persecution and death than in all history from what some say in the 20th Century; no doubt continuing today. This tends to grow the church; however. That is a fair warning to those steeped in "Christian tradition" or a form of godliness denying the power ( 2 Tim. 3:5-7).
Christ's Church is no different & the spiritual & leadership integrity of the Elder/Pastor/Council are of utmost importance. Should they do nothing (even just quietly speaking to the sinning member & then leaving the matter with the Lord), or else to take an active position of dealing with that member, which would include private ministry & warning, as well as a more visible judgement & punishment? In the Corinthians passage you shared, Paul understood that "judgement must (first) begin at the house of God..."( 1 Peter 4:17), for once the cancer sets in, then the Body begins to be infected all over, & if the Church decides to remain a mute spectator to this evil, they would greatly err bringing shame to Christ & deeming the power of the Cross unworkable. We can see today what the world sees & believes about Christians, when child molestation instances have appeared, and without the Church identifying & dealing with it.
Even Jesus was so critical with the Churches in Revelation 2 & 3, both in their teaching & bearing with & approving of evil amongst them. I believe that the Church is to take a strong stand against sin, but done according to biblical guidelines.
Most everyone is looking for something that has already happened.
They won't believe Christ's words that he fulfilled ALL the prophecies.
Christ came the SECOND TIME as the NEW CREATION, CHRIST IN YOU, just as he said: I COME as a thief in the night.
Hebrews 9:27 And as it is APPOINTED (by the prophecies) unto men once to die (on the cross of Christ), but after this the judgement (coming the truth through the word, you and Christ were RAISED as ONE).
1 Peter 4:17 For the time IS COME that JUDGEMENT (rightly dividing the words of God) must begin at the HOUSE of GOD ....
Hebrews 3:6 But Christ as a SON over HIS OWN HOUSE, whose HOUSE YE ARE ....
You the house, Christ is the HOUSEHOLDER; you, the house only consist, because of the one that HOLDS YOU.
Your the BODY of CHRIST, you every movement and thought are OF HIM, and if you don't AGREE with him"
The wages are DEATH, instead of LIFE.
Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the SINS of many, and to THEM who LOOK for him he shall APPEAR THE SECOND TIME, without SIN unto SALVATION.
God BLESS YOU!
For "F" I think of God's FAITHFULNESS
He is forever faithful. Deut. 7:9 says He is the faithful God. Psalm 33:4 says that He is faithful in all He does. And Ps. 89:24 says that His love is faithful. Ps. 145:13 says that the LORD is faithful to all of His promises.
1 Cor. 1:9 says that God is faithful (see also 1 Cor. 10:13. 1 Thess. 5:24 and 2 Thess. 3:3 firms that God is faithful and will keep us and establish us in our life in Christ. Even if we are unfaithful to God, He remains faithful because He cannot deny Himself-
2 Tim. 2:13
1 Peter 4:19 says we can commit our self to our Faithful Creator when we suffer. And 1 Jn. 1:9 says God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. And gloriously in Rev. 19:11 Jesus is called Faithful and True.
So we can depend on God's faithfulness because it is true and trustworthy. It never fails and is never withdrawn or disappears. Nor does it this faithfulness ever deceive us as being unfaithful when He says He is faithful because God cannot be what He is not. Ps. 36:5 and 57:10 say His faithfulness reaches to the skies. It is immeasurably reliable.
Ps. 89:8 says:
"O LORD God of hosts, Who is mighty like You, O LORD? Your faithfulness also surrounds You." It is part of His glory that comes from His essence. Ps. 117:2 says His faithfulness endures forever.
Is. 25 :1 says
"O LORD, Thou art my God; I will exalt Thee, I will praise Thy name; for Thou hast done wonderful things; Thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth." God's faithfulness and truth cannot be separated, they are aspects of His Essence which is not divided up into separate attributes; all His attributes are unified in His One Essential Nature.
Is. 42:3 says that in His faithfulness He will bring forth justice. So true justice comes from His faithfulness to Who He is.
I love Lamentations 3:21-23:
"This I recall to my mind., therefore I have hope. It is of the LORD's mercy that we are not consumed,
(see next post)
So here we are in the present 2023, we have our current state of affairs, with new modern bible perversions, churches with female pastors/bishops, homosexual pastors, churches consecrating same-sex marriages, feminist-influenced congregations that no longer teach Ephesians 5 wives submitting toward their husband, 1 Corinthians 11 head coverings for women during corporate worship, and the further watering down of the Word of God to please the masses by the clergy.... 2 Timothy 4:3 (KJV) For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
Many churches have fallen into a state of apostasy... We are in a very sad state of affairs in today's Christendom.
So yes in my humble opinion, the churches today are out of order and that is why judgment starts in the house of God.
1 Peter 4:17 (KJV) 17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
GBU
>The word of God cuts both ways, a two edged sword.
>How many husbands love their wives as CHRIST loves the church ..... probably NONE.
>The word says you are the WIFE of Christ, so these scripture of a wife submitting to her HUSBAND apply as much to you as to any earthly wife.
What you wrote in your original post "you are the WIFE of Christ" was bordering on blasphemy. In NO WAY shape or form is the Christian HUSBAND the WIFE of CHRIST in any regard. While this passage Ephesians 5:22-24 draws parallels between the relationship of Christ and the Church and the relationship between a husband and wife, it at no time places the husband on equal footing with the wife. As if the husband being in the "church" makes him the wife of Christ because the Church is the wife of Christ. That mishandling of scripture could be used to justify same-sex marriages and homosexual relations. It is one of the grossest mishandling of scripture I've encountered.
Several scriptures 1 Peter 3:1, 1 Peter 3:5-6, Col 3:18, Eph 5:22-24 and the common thread running through the entire bible support Christian women to submit to their Christian husbands.
I usually get an enormous amount of pushback on this subject by both Christian men and women. If they can not even do this how will they do the weightier things of scripture? It is the sad state we find Christendom in today.
1 Peter 4:17 (KJV) 17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
Judgement starts in the house of God and so many of our churches are out of order that it is no wonder why!
First I will try to respond in love and try to hear what I am trying to share with you. We live in a post-feminist society which has a very great influence upon Christian women AND MEN no matter how spiritual they may be. It is difficult for MEN and WOMEN not to be influenced by it since they are surrounded by it 365 days and year. Feminist ideology is taught in schools...a man taking the lead in the house is seen as wrong and sexist.
>In my congregation, all ladies cover their heads during congregational services, including our weekly Bible class, during which >women are not permitted to speak.
First, you are very fortunate to be in such a church as it is in the [extreme] to the uttermost minority!
1 Timothy 2:12 (KJV) 12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
>We cannot ignore the fact that many women know much more about the Bible than some men
Yet, God is all-knowing foresaw all this but still his divine order for men and women remains?
>Personally , I'm very glad that I am not able to speak during congregational meetings. So many times I have heard a brother >say erroneous things, if I had been able to correct him publicly...
Yes, but it isn't your place to do so, especially in the house of God. Other men who do know will correct him.
>I can always have a quiet, respectful word with him later in private or better still, speak to an understanding brother...
A much better way to go about it!
You are VERY fortunate to be in such a church.
1 Peter 4:17 (KJV) 17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
Judgement starts in the house of God and so many of our churches are out of order that it is no wonder why!
Satan "sows" "children of the wicked one," who profess to be children of the kingdom, and in outward ways are so like the true children that only the angels may, in the end, be trusted to separate them. [[[[[[So great is Satan's power of deception that the tares often really suppose themselves to be children of the kingdom.]]]]]] Many other parables and exhortations have this mingled condition in view.
Children of the wicked one are always religious unbelievers, mere pagan / nonbelievers are never so-called.
Paul urges all those claiming to be spiritually saved to "examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves" 2 Corinthians 13:5 (KJV) 5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
What about the Western Christian women who do not submit to their Christian husbands and we know probably most of them don't?
What about the total disregard for Head Coverings I just posted on that.
Link
Post-baptismal sin is covered under the blood for sins which we REPENT from not living IN as a way or walk of life and never really turn away from. What is true "repentance" it is like a burning house you never go back to it!
I liken this to two ships anchored at port. One ship is grounded in the Word and will not move from the harbor by the ebb and flow of the ocean. The second ship anchor is eroded due to continued sin as it continues to drift away from the harbor EVENTUALLY it finds itself lost in the middle of the ocean with no clue how to get back--- apostasy
1 Peter 4:17 (KJV)
My previous post touched on church doctrine. These days we cannot have assurance that a literal hell is something that is taken seriously; or that only Christ is the way to eternal life. A catechism SHOULD state what a core belief is of such matters; if it is not being adhered to disciplinary action should be taken and if it is some spurious statement we have no business remaining there.
Many megachurches seem to want to cater to the nonbeliever and rather than aking them tremble at the fear of God and His presence they want to present Christianinty as something that fits into a music venue; social activities and other things that appeal to the flesh. Rather than making coming to Christ the beginning of a death sentence all the verses that Jesus spoke such as Matthew 10:22-24 and numerous other admonitions such as 1 Peter 4:12-19 have to be ignored with such techniques.
The prosperity gospel shouldn't have to be dissected to show the error; looking at the life of Christ and the Disciples should suffice to show it is utter rubbish. An honest assessment shows that leadership at such places doesn't want to lose parishioners; thus "filthy lucre" and the love of such things ( Titus 1:11) is a deadly vice. Sadly though we see others who are caught up in emotional sentimentality. It is easy of course to be convinced one's girlfriend or boyfriend will turn their affections to God since they show partiality to us. Making Christ appeal to youth with attractive women dressed in worldly apparel or cheap gimmicks will at best cause a few predestined to come to faith to wake up; just as someone who is in a congregation with false doctrines can hear enough of the true Word to be convicted; in other words despite the bad approach rather than because of it. But counting the cost of being a Disciple can't be ignored; as well as challenging those who would bring in error and restricting membership to those who truly believe
What does taking up your cross and following Jesus imply.
DEATH, you have to DIE; yet, you are alive; this is the first death, dying to TRUTH, then the judgement: 1 Peter 4:17 The time is (NOW) come, that JUDGEMENT must begin at the HOUSE OF GOD (your the house of God, judged by the words of God).
Galatians 2:20 I am CRUCIFIED (you died on the cross) with Christ; yet I LIVE, yet NOT I, but CHRIST LIVETH in me (YOU are the body of Christ).
ONLY the BODY of Christ arose from the grave, the NEW CREATION, you are the BODY of Christ, you; flesh and blood, now longer exist, you DIED on the cross, only Christ RESURRECTED exist.
1 Timothy 6:16 Christ ONLY hath IMMORTALITY, dwelling in the LIGHT ......
! Corinthians 15:54 ...this mortal shall put on IMMORTALITY (Christ ONLY hath IMMORTALITY) .....
1 Corinthians 15:49 As you have borne the IMAGE of the EARTHLY, you shall bear the IMAGE of the heavenly .....
Romans 8:29 ... being predestinated to be conformed TO THE IMAGE of CHRIST ....
John 17:22 And the glory that thou gavest me, I HAVE GIVEN THEM, that they may be ONE, EVEN AS WE ARE ONE.
God Bless You!
Praise GOD
What does the Word of GOD say for this current time, the seventh and last Day, the Lord's Day, or seventh and last millennium? The Word is GOD, self-executable, understand?
Romans 6:2-3
2 Do ye not know that the saints shall Judge the WORLD? and if the WORLD shall be Judged by you(we), are ye(we) unworthy to Judge the smallest matters?
3 Know ye not that we shall Judge angels (ANGELS of the Churches: Revelation 2:2; and 2:9; and 2:14-17; and 2:20; and 3:1-3; and 3:7-8; and 3:14-18)? How much more things that pertain to this life?
Daniel 7:22
22 ... and Judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the Kingdom.
Revelation 11:15-18
15 ... The kingdoms OF THIS WORLD are become the Kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
18 And the nations were (WILL BE) angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
Get ready
1 Peter 4:17 - 17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
John 2:28 - And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.
Please go back and read my original reply to Jema. In it I said that he received these revelations straight from
Christ when he was 3 years in the desert. This agrees with what you said in this reply.
I said that Paul was intellectually gifted. You said he was brilliant. We agree on this.
The difference here is that I believe that God used the natural talents He had created in Paul in His ministry once he was converted.
You say that God used none of these natural talents after conversion.
So, we disagree on this matter. That's o.k.
The rest of what you posted about me was unnecessary and demeaning of my character. You do not know my mind or heart when I was replying to you. Only God does. I submit to the Holy Spirit as you do. So, I take offense at you presuming to know my mind and heart and for slandering me on this forum.
But I do forgive you and love you in Christ. We both know that love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8
Let's move on from this thread. It would be best to do so.
The Book of Jeremiah is not a happy Book. It is Judgment Judgment Judgment; just like many of the Old Testament prophetic books. It is not a Book that we like to spend much time in; and as a result most Christians, most Bible teaches do not.
The setting of Jeremiah is the rebellion of National Israel and God's Judgment upon them for their rebellion. But this Book is much much more than that. And what I am going to say is going to be disturbing to many and contradictory to much of what I read in the comments on this site.
The Book of Jeremiah is today's Newspaper. While in the setting of National Israel, it is also very much about the churches and congregations of our Day and, therefore, about God's Judgment that has come upon the churches and congregations for a similar rebellion because the Bible has lost its Ultimate Authority and because they have developed doctrines and practices that, while pleasing to men, are contrary in many ways to the commandments and teachings of God and the True Gospel of the Bible.
I believe that we are living in that period of history which God describes in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. Where passages like 1 Peter 4:17 and 2 Thessalonians 2 are very definitely in play. And that God is continuing to save His Elect apart from any church or congregation as the True Gospel is proclaimed by individuals and ministries apart from any church or denomination.
The next Big Event in God's Plan for this World will be the return of Christ on the clouds of glory to Resurrect and Rapture ALL True Believers, destroy Satan and those that have not become saved and this sin-cursed Earth and create New Heavens and a New Earth where those whom Christ has saved will live and reign with Him Eternally.
There is no "future glory for National Israel" nor a "future golden age" on this sin-cursed Earth. But there is a grand and glorious Eternal Future for the "Israel of God".
This is a time to "examine ourselves" 2 Cor 13:5, 2 Pet 1:10.
I appreciate your honesty in expressing your view regarding the Nature of the Bible. That view, to one degree or another, is I believe the view held in the churches of our day. And is the reason that we have such divergent views on so many critical doctrines among the various churches and denominations of our day.
The Holiness and Authority of the Bible has deteriorated in the churches to such a point that they have become almost unrecognizable in many of their beliefs and practices from even a few decades ago.
And because of this I believe we are living in the day where 1 Peter 4:17 and 2 Thessalonians 2:6-12, and other end time passages are in play.
God did not write the Bible so that it is easy to read and understand. He wrote it in a way that we must search it out in order to find Truth; and God Himself must lead us into Truth from the Bible as we apply the principles that God has laid out, not man. He wrote the Bible in such a way to not only reveal Truth, but to hide Truth.
But I am certain that God is in control and is working out His plan for this world in exact accordance with His Word, the Bible.
You mention "stagnation" in the churches and congregations of our day. I would say it is far more serious that "stagnation".
If you go into virtually any church to day ant listen to what is being taught, how much different will that be than what you would have found in that same church or denomination 50 or 75 years ago? How much of the World would you see in that church regarding the acceptance of the mores of the World? When was the last time you heard a sermon from the Book of Jeremiah if ever? When was the last time you heard a sermon that focused on the Judgment and Wrath of God for sin?
What is the Gospel being preached in the churches? Is it a Gospel of Grace alone, where God does 100% of the "work" in saving anyone? Or is it a gospel of Grace plus "works", where Christ has done His part and now its up to us to do our part? Is there any sense at all that not every church member that may appear to be saved may in fact not have become saved and there should be a message of warning to "make our calling and election sure"? Has the gospel in the churches not become more of a social gospel or a political gospel, rather than the True Gospel that we are in terrible trouble with God and desperately need a savior? How many people in the church actually know what they need to be "saved from"?
When we take an honest look at any church today it is not "stagnation" that we see. Is it not where the Bible has lost its Absolute Authority and the authority has become the creeds and confessions developed hundreds of years ago, or worse the ideas of man and a gospel that we like and not the TRUE Gospel of the Bible? Why do you think there are so many different understandings of so many important doctrines in the various churches when that is only ONE TRUTH?
1 Peter 4:17
Matthew 12:41
The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
We see that God had prepared the hearts of the the Ninevites to repent and they did because God had elected them and therefore saved them as is confirmed in Matthew 12:41
How different was Jonah's preaching to what is currently being proclaimed in the churches of our day? Is it any wonder what we read in 1 Peter 4:17. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
Wonderfully God is still saving in our day OUTSIDE the churches. But the Gospel that saves is the Gospel of the Bible. The whole counsel of Judgement for sin and Mercy in salvation.
Joel 2:12-14
Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?
Praise God for so great salvation!
We are instructed to serve one another in regard to our spiritual gifts in this verse. 1 Peter 4:10 indicates this is how we are a good steward of what He has given us.
In Sunday school today; a discussion came up as to the matter of using gifts. It was correctly mentioned that this principle exists; along with the command of Christ in fulfilling the Great Commission. Therefore; whether we have a gift of serving or evangelism or not these activities should characterize a life of good fruit in maturing in the Lord. I also mentioned how often other individuals in fellowship are good at discerning either our strengths or weaknesses; which can be known or unknown to us at the time. This kind of encouragement to use our gifts should be something we seek out; and the Spirit of God makes it evident to those who are discerning. It was also brought out how someone as a Pastor can be more or less gifted in teaching.
Perhaps such levels of aptitude can allow those who are elders but not normally pastors can assist in the operation over a church (such positions are interchangeable to some respect as originally meant in scripture from what I am told). It is also fairly certain that a "head pastor" isn't really a title that adheres to scripture; particularly if there ISN'T any other elders; deacons; etc balancing things out. If anything there is someone to hold a Pastor accountable that is missing in that case.
I also find it interesting the whole core value system of Satanists; as they are for the self rather than interests or needs of others. That; sadly is also much of the focus of today's churches appealing to young singles. Salvation itself involves us becoming part of God's family; adopted as sons as Romans 8; Ephesians 1:5 and other verses indicate. The churches in Revelation 2 and 3 show a focus on individual salvation along with the health of the entire congregation in each synopsis of the 7 churches in question.
Revelation 2:27 has a cross reference somewhere but it is hard to find...in Psalms regarding the inheritance of the saints and ruling with an iron rod. Of course Christ Himself will do this as shown in Psalm 2:7-9 and elsewhere.
There are numerous other verses such as in Ephesians on inheritance and what as sons of light we will have someday ( Eph. 5:8; 1 Thess. 5:5). There is also the reference in the Book of Hebrews to the "cloud of witnesses" ( Heb. 12:1) with specific references in the previous chapter to those who lived lives of faith and are in God's "hall of fame" so to speak. Psalm 8:2 even talks of God's strength in the praise of infants; which was quoted in Matthew 11:25 (also see Matthew 21:15-16 for fulfillment).
Ephesians 6 gives us instructions to be victors on the battlefield with only one offensive weapon; the sword of the Spirit ( Eph. 6:17). This is something only effective when we have the entire defensive mechanism set up to stop the fiery darts of the evil one in the previous verse.
We often are quick to point out the persecution; wars; famines and other trials that believers go through which is no doubt an essential concern in prayer. The fact is that there is a battle raging all the time for the souls of men; Christ has won the war and ultimately all He has called and chosen will be saved. This doesn't by any means lessen the conflict but gives us assurance that the Lord will direct those who He wills in our paths to minister to; and pray for. 1 Peter 4:19 discusses prosperity and trials as they come and go in our lives; and Ecclesiastes 7:14 shows God's Providence. I would state that it appears when things are going well it is a more accurate test to determine faithfullness as that is when sin in most likely to take root. In adversity many will fear the Lord; but the faithful will not forget His benefits ( Deuteronomy 8:10-18). Also read Eph. 2:10