2I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.3And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)4How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.5Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.6For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: butnowI forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth meto be, orthathe heareth of me.7And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.8For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.9And he said unto me,My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.10Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Psalm 9:10 KJV
And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
My Respond:
God always making a way for me to be blessed, richly blessed/treasure and live freely wherever you want it to be by faith
Respond Written and Spoken by REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
There was a time when I felt utterly overwhelmed-physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Arthritis gnawed at my joints, diabetes complicated my health, and heart problems left me fragile. Then came the diagnosis of cancer, and I wondered how much more I could endure. I felt brought low, stripped of strength, and unsure of my place in the world.
But in that valley, I discovered something extraordinary: I was not alone.
God, in His mercy, never gave me more than I could bear. Though the weight was heavy, His grace was always sufficient. In my suffering, I found a friend-Jesus. Not a distant figure, but a loving Saviour who walked the road of pain far deeper than I ever could. He bore the cross, the shame, the rejection, and the agony of sin-not just for the world, but for me.
I came to know Him not just as a name in Scripture, but as a companion in my darkest nights. His love didn't erase my suffering, but it transformed it. I began to see my trials not as punishments, but as invitations to trust, to lean, and to be held.Through Scripture, I found promises that anchored me. Verses like "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness" ( 2 Corinthians 12:9) became lifelines. I learned that brokenness is not the end-it's often the beginning of deeper intimacy with God.
Today, I still face challenges. But I face them with hope. I know the One who walks beside me. I know the One who suffered more than I ever could-and did so out of love. And I know that my story, though marked by pain, is also marked by redemption.
If you're struggling, I want you to know: Jesus is near. He sees, He understands, and He loves you. Just as He met me in my lowest place, He can meet you too.
The root cause; therefore of persecution ultimately is God Himself. The enemy is a tool used; even with Paul in the New Testament to test his faith; and in his case "my grace is sufficient for thee". Quoting 2 Corinthians 12:9: And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Let the prosperity teachers squirm over this quote; not only is their financial comfort assailed (as other verses point out the appalling conditions Paul went through in and even out of prison); but it shows that not all infirmities are sin; and not all are instantly cured because we have some sort of way of controlling God over the matter.
If we are to study a matter in its entirety scripturally a chronological survey of scripture is in order. First of all we can see from Genesis 3 that the enemy of our souls was at work from the beginning in terms of assault of the mind; so to speak and the victory was already prophesied from the beginning of Christ's atonement for sin ( Gen. 3:15). The enemy clearly is the means for testing a believer; but again God is forever looking at the hearts of men and dealing with things on an "as need" basis.
The contention of the enemy no doubt was due to Lucifer at an earlier date losing his access to the throne room and worship in heaven and especially because there was no remedy for him and any other angelic beings that rebelled after his insurrection due to pride and wanting to usurp God's position of worship. This results in a general hatred for men and stems toward two forms of persecution. The first is tempting men and alluring them to turn from the Lord because either He can't be trusted or he has something (supposedly) better for them that the Lord is trying to restrict someone (for good reason) to find out about. The second as we see with Cain is outright assault.
Reading a little and as the weeks go by, I realize that the Old Testament also contains experiences that resemble our current days. I want to place too much emphasis on these topics, however, as I've already mentioned in previous posts. In these days, when so many noises try to confuse us and distract us from the path, I've been reminded of Philippians 3:13-14. I remembered that this was how I came across that verse-I had been searching for the final verse from the women's conference, which is 2 Corinthians 12:10, but Google showed me Philippians instead. Sometimes, the noise around us blends with the noise inside us, and it becomes difficult to hear the right direction. If you remember me in your prayers, Like children, so that we may inherit Your house and live fully in Your grace, learning to live by faith, to grow, to be filled with the Lord, and to be emptied of the world. ( Acts 18).
Can you think of a situation or moment that felt too heavy to handle?
God bless you. Is there anything I can pray for you?
Hello Tvkdmk and thanks for your question. Yes, we read of that event in Mark 14:51,25 and unfortunately, we know nothing more than what the Bible tells us about this young man.
Two suggestions are put forward, and I repeat, these are only guesses, since we can have no certainty from the Word of God. One, that this man was Mark, the writer himself; similar how the Apostle Paul introduced himself as this person who was given a special vision & revelation of Heaven ( 2 Corinthians 12:1-9). But then, why would Mark only be wrapped in a linen cloth?
And two, that this young man wasn't a disciple of Christ, but maybe asleep in the garden, and upon hearing the noise & commotion, went to see. The armed multitude, believing that this young man was also a disciple of Christ, proceeded to grab him, since Christ's disciples earlier took fright & fled. So, this young man also fled, but his outer garment was all they got when they tried to grab him, & he ran away naked (probably still with an undergarment on). But all this is conjecture, as we really don't know who this young man was & why he was in Gethsemane at that time, but we could learn from this account, that this multitude who came to arrest Jesus, were prepared to do anything & grab anyone associated with Him, displaying their rage & determination to get rid of Jesus & His followers.
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Satan took over the earth and the air, when Adam sinned against God.
Matthew 4:8
Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all thekingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
Lucifer used to be a beautiful Angel of Light. Now , he is called Satan the Devil.
Isaiah 14:12
How art thou fallen from heaven, OLucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
Satan is still dangerous to us right now.
2 Corinthians 2:11
LestSatanshould get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Satan can transform himself into a beautiful light .
2 Corinthians 11:14
And no marvel; forSatanhimself is transformed into an angel of light.
Satan can hurt the earthly body .
2 Corinthians 12:7
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger ofSatanto buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
Satan's followers are in the churches deceiving the mass . Wide is the gate to destruction.
Philippians 3:18
(For many walk,ofwhom I have told youoften, and now tell you even weeping, thatthey aretheenemiesofthecrossofChrist:
The Bible needs to be studied and taken seriously for the truth of the Gospel of Grace.
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing thewordoftruth.
Romans 1:16
ForIamnotashamedof the gospel of Christ: foritis the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast intohellfire.
Where is hell now ? ?
Proverbs 15:24
The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart fromhellbeneath.
Hell was inlarged when Jesus Christ took out all the Saints in Paradise .
Luke 16:26
And beside all this, between us and you there is a greatgulffixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
Apostle Paul was caught up in the spirit and saw paradise.
2 Corinthians 12:4
How that he was caught up intoparadise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
Now we have to worry about death and hell being cast into the lake of fire.
Revelation 20:14
Anddeathandhellwere cast into the lake of fire. This is the seconddeath.
May we all believe that's there a hell in the center of earth where it's very hot .
When, I first got saved, I never knew how the evil spirits attack . The evil spirits will put words into peoples minds and cause chaos to our daily lives . We can also be attacked in our sleep and have bodily harm .
Jesus Christ warns us of the devil and how they use people.
John 8:44
Ye are of your father thedevil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
Satan has all the tools to attack us. When we sin, he accuses us and when we win souls to Christ, he attacks us.
2 Corinthians 2:11
LestSatanshould get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Apostle Paul was attacked by Satan the fallen angle by bodily harm and Paul was still spreading the gospel of grace throughout the whole world.
2 Corinthians 12:7
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger ofSatanto buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
No one can take away our love from God, not even Satan.
Romans 8:38-39
38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Now that I'm saved by believing the gospel of grace, I stay in the word for growth and strength in the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 3:16
That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to bestrengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
To receive the whole armour of God, you must be saved by believing the gospel of grace.
Hi Mrs R, I pray that you and you're family have a great life in Jesus Christ and pray that the Holy Spirit will give you knowledge and wisdom in the word of truth.
Believe it or not, family, friends , neighbors and even co-workers can bring evil upon us . We can choose who we want in our lives to grow in grace with.
Satan has all the tools to attack us. When we sin, he accuses us and when we win souls to Christ, he attacks us.
2 Corinthians 2:11
LestSatanshould get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Apostle Paul was attacked by Satan the fallen angle and still Paul spread the gospel throughout the whole world.
2 Corinthians 12:7
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger ofSatanto buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
No one can take away our love from God, not even Satan.
Romans 8:38-39
38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the devil knows this gospel and does want us to believe it
Thanks Fuji for sharing you understanding. I guess we would differ in understanding this passage as read in 2 Corinthians 12:1-9, both by the one who is speaking & the third heaven shown by vision or revelation. I can see where most of your other (OT) references point to the future, but I can't connect the vision of that passage to any of them. Thank you again.
I know when we hear heaven we think of where God is but there are three. The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands, Psalm 19:1. The first heaven is the sky, the atmosphere the air we breathe, and where the clouds float so beautifully.
The second heaven is the galaxy where God placed the lights in heaven for signs and seasons, as we see in Genesis 1:14-19. The place of the sun moon and all the planets and stars we call space.
The third is where God and all the angelic beings are. This is the heaven we see King Uzziah saw in Isaiah 6:1, which Stephen saw when they stoned him in Acts 7:55-56, Paul spoke of in 2 Corinthians 12:2-4, and we see all that John saw in Revelation.
Christian, I will pray for you and you're family in Christ Jesus .
Satan has all the tools to attack us. When we sin, he accuses us and when we win souls to Christ, he attacks us.
2 Corinthians 2:11
LestSatanshould get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Apostle Paul was attacked by Satan from all angles and still Paul spread the gospel throughout the whole world.
2 Corinthians 12:7
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger ofSatanto buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
No one can take away our love from God, not even Satan.
Romans 8:38-39
38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Remember to read Romans through Philemon for doctrine and pray continually everyday for God to speak to you .
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the devil hates theses verses , please put them in your heart
Hi Darly, how you doing? Apostle Paul is the only one that mentioned third Heaven and it makes sense. The first heaven is the sky and the second heaven is the universe and the Third Heaven is the Holy of the Kingdom God, its be on our thoughts. Thanks for asking. Here's a verse in the KJB ....
2 Corinthians 12:2
I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
just a little food for thought, I've learn so much from Apostle Paul's epistle and still learning. Saint Peter had a hard time understanding Paul's wisdom from the ascended Lord Jesus Christ.
It's amazing that Peter mentioned Paul in one of his last epistles about how hard it is to understand his writings and told his followers to go to Apostle Paul for doctrine.
2 Peter 3:15
And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
Apostle Peter called Apostle Paul brother. Praise the Lord for Salvation in Jesus Christ.
Please use the concordance that this website give us to study the Bible. Please read Romans through Philemon for doctrine and pray continually everyday for God to speak to you .
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Apostle Paul said by believing this gospel, just might save you, faith plus nothing else
Day 26 January 26, 2025 2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV Strengthen in Weakness. West Angeles Church Consecration Calendar
Me a member at West Angeles Cogic Church Cathedral Los Angeles California
I Pray of my sustenance to receive the guaranteed results Justification I'm his sight, cleansing, regeneration, santification, supply all my wants, preservence, salvation 1 Peter 1:15 KJV being a garrison -unto glory.Gospel is grace, sufficient to salvation Relieve from pain by prayer which is assured of its prevailing power, harmony, thoughts of God, showing Jesus Christ Is Holy, Relieve from temptation amd impurity, actual delight.
2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV
My Interpetation REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY:
" Read God's word holy bible to be fulfilled.-Jesus Christ mediator. My Interpetation " Rest upon me-Jesus Christ being Antidote, Salvation-hallelujah. "
1 Corinthians 2:5 KJV overcome challenges, circumstances. To come into God's sanctuary-Today's Christian Church to read holy bible, learn about Jesus Christ. When to be alone in your home Luke19:46 KJV. To believe of your law, rule-rules, 1 Corithians 15:3-4 KJV, Romans 10:10 KJV. Believing in God is all sufficient and perfectness Romans 10:9 KJV.
Hello DLHenri-2025. I concur with what Fuji has shared with you & would like to add the following for your encouragement. Yes, the Letter by James, as all other writings given to us, both show us our sin, God's hatred of all things evil (within & without), but also His great Plan of Salvation in & through Himself for lost mankind. If we are truly saved (born again by His Spirit by repentance & hungering after holy & eternal things), then we know that we have been called by God to receive His Salvation & given power to lead this new, special & holy life. Sure, sin will always knock at our door, particularly seeking out weak, vulnerable entrances to cause us to fall, resulting in us even doubting the validity of what God has done in us. And God knows this too well, as Psalm 103:13,14 reminds us. He doesn't expect us to get victory in our strength alone, for we are weak against the enemy of our souls. That is why He gave His Holy Spirit to give us power, direction, even 'a way of escape', if we are truly waiting on Him. And sometimes, this takes time, a long time, to mature & develop the same hatred for anything of sin & spots from the world.
I would encourage you to take time to read through Paul's letter to the Ephesians, & particularly chapters 1 and 2. In there, he clearly affirms the strong & eternal position we have in Christ Jesus, & nothing, but nothing, can alter that. Why? Because you are chosen & He has changed you. The same Paul, when he was severely buffeted to despair of life ( 2 Corinthians 12:7-10), whether by some sin, doubt or fear, was assured by the Lord that 'God's Grace was sufficient (given in sufficient measure) for him to bear up - God's Strength will be perfected (in Greek, 'completed/accomplished') through Paul's weakness. We can all truly be encouraged by the Promises of God which can be realized in reality. Don't give up dear one, stay true to the Lord in spite of your trials - He never fails - He will not let you down. With prayers.
2 Corinthians 12:20 - For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:
For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as you would not: That is, you expect me to show up, and we have friendly fellowship. But if I show up and find you in a certain condition, then you're going to find me in a different condition than you would have expected.
Lest there be debates, and that's the word for quarreling. Envyings is literally jealousies. Wraths is literally bouts of anger, outbursts of rage. The next one is strifes, and it's related to the word for debates, except this is a political word that means self-ambition.
Backbitings is public slander and defamation. Whisperings is the word for whisper, but it means private slander against others. Swellings, which literally is the word inflation. It has to do with pride. And tumults is disorderliness. It's even used for causing riots, people who cause war and battle in churches.
Quarrels, jealousies, bouts of rage, self-ambition, public slander, private slander, pride, and disorderliness, he says you guys' better shape up, because if I come and I find these things, then I'm going to have to deal with it!
2 Corinthians 12:18 - I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?
I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? Again, expecting the answer no. Walked we not in the same spirit? Here there is a different Greek word that means yes. Walked we not in the same steps? And again, it's expecting the response of yes. It is important not just for one person to have the proper motive, but make sure that he doesn't send other people with the wrong motive.
2 Corinthians 12:19 - Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.
The word think is the word presume. And the word excuse is the word for apologetics, a defense. So again, do you presume that we are making a defense of ourselves to you? We speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying. The word edifying is a construction term that means to be developed, to build a house. He says our whole purpose and motivation is your growth in the Lord. Again, very rare to have a pure motive like that!
2 Corinthians 12:9 - And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
And he said unto me, and the term "he said" is called the Perfect Tense in Greek which means this is going to be a standard condition for Paul. This is a standard principle and concept that is true from God.
2 Corinthians 12:12 - Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
This word patience is the word HUPOMENO which means endurance.
2 Corinthians 12:14 - Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
For I seek not yours, but you: Wow! The word "you" is literally (your soul). He's saying I don't seek what you have, your possessions, your money, whatever. I seek you, your soul. Talk about conviction! The only motivation for service to others is the condition of their soul. Paul says I'm not after your things. The Lord wants me to be concerned about people's souls, not about their possessions. It doesn't matter if they have money or not. It depends upon their soul.
2 Corinthians 12:17 - Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?
In the Greek text, this expects the negative answer. Paul did not make gain of them, nor did he send anyone to them to make gain of them.
2 Corinthians 12:7 - And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
The purpose for suffering is to keep the human from being exalted. That tells us, along with the rest of the teaching of scripture, that the flesh loves to be exalted. The flesh likes to be proud and arrogant. We all have that sense inside of us that we want to be accepted, and that we want to be thought of as successful in the outward appearance by people. We don't like to be rejected. We don't like to feel like we are accomplishing nothing and that we are nobody.
Paul says, "There was given to me a thorn in the flesh." The word thorn comes from a word that means a stick or pole with a pointed end on it. It's used for spears. A thorn in the flesh was given to Paul. In the Greek, this is what is called an Apposition. Thorn in the flesh and messenger of Satan are equal in the Greek text.
The thorn in the flesh was a messenger of Satan. Messenger is the word angel. It's translated messenger so we would know that this particular angelic demonic force was sent as a messenger with a purpose. Buffet means to strike someone with your fist. The purpose: lest I should be exalted above measure.
It sounds pretty harsh, and many Christians don't believe that a God of love would ever allow that to happen. It's because we have never taken the time to learn the difference between the flesh and the spirit.
The flesh, Paul says in Romans Chapter 8, is hostile against God. And that in the flesh is the law of sin and death. And it is impossible for the flesh to keep the laws of God. It is hostile towards God. In Romans 7:18, Paul said that in my flesh dwells no good thing (AGATHOS), a reference to spiritual things. Our flesh only produces human work, fleshly expression. There isn't anything spiritual about our human at all!
2 Corinthians 12:2 - I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
He says, I knew a man in Christ above, or a little more than fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows;)
So, whether this happened while this man was still inside of his body and he was just unconscious, or in a coma, or whether this man's spirit actually left his body, like he died and had this experience and came back in his body.
He says I can't tell whether it's an in the body or out of the body experience. Only God knows. He says such a one was caught up to the third heaven. The term caught up is the same word from 1 Thessalonians Chapter 4 about the rapture. It means to be snatched away or caught away. Such a one was caught up to the third heaven.
Acts 14:2 - But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.
But the unbelieving Jews. A very fascinating statement. The word unbelieving in our text, the "ing" on the end tells us that it is a Present Participle. But the word belief is the word persuasion.
The un-persuaded Jews, or to put it literally, the Jews who were continually unwilling to be persuaded, they stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.
Acts 14:3 - Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
I want to share this with you because it becomes a very important element in our day. In the early church, God gave them the power to do signs and wonders. It was a sign to them!
In the book of Hebrews, it says "How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by them that heard him, God also bearing them witness both with signs and wonders, and with divers (or various) miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost according to His own will."
God bearing witness! We are also told by Paul in his presentation in 2 Corinthians 12:12, he says "Truly the signs of an apostle were worked among you in all patience in signs and wonders and mighty deeds."
God had told them that signs and wonders would accompany them in order to establish for those that were listening that what they are hearing is the word of God. Once God's word has been established, and that's all it was for, no more signs and wonders, at least in this way!
Acts 14:9 - The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,
Isn't that amazing? They looked at this man and perceived that God had given him faith to be healed. And the word healed is the word SODZO for salvation!
Luke 23:35 - And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.
The rulers derided him, which is the Greek word for "to stick up the nose." They scoffed at Him, a smug mocking at Him, saying He saved others; let Him save himself, if He be Christ, the chosen of God.
That is a fulfillment of Psalm 22:6-7, and Psalm 22:16-17.
Luke 23:41 - And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
The Greek word for "nothing amiss" means He's done nothing out of place. He has done everything perfectly!
Luke 23:43 - And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Many people have discussed where paradise is. First of all, it is a Persian word. That is where the word paradise came from. In the New Testament, not only is it here, but it's also found in 2 Corinthians 12:3, where Paul says that he was caught up in the third heaven into paradise. And again, in Revelation 2:7, where it is the reward for those overcomers, those that overcome the evil.
It is also used in the Greek translation of the Old Testament for the Garden of Eden. It is called PARADISO, paradise, same word! But that doesn't answer the question where is it? Well, right before the term "in paradise" you have your answer. You will be with "me" in paradise.
Wherever Jesus is, it is paradise. Where was Jesus that day or that night or the next day? Wherever Jesus was, he was with Him, and that's paradise.
Well, it says that the garden or paradise was located in Eden (or Edem) which was to the east (of Israel, I suppose). East of Eden was an old movie and usually people have that in mind.
The word paradise does not have the meaning of a walled area in grk. But looking it up on the net I found out that the original word comes from ancient Persian and means "an enclosure". Later on it was used to describe the "walled gardens" of the persian kings. Later on it entered other languages like grk, Hebrew and Aramaic with the meaning of "walled royal park or gardens" and finally it ended up meaning a beautiful place in modern times.
In the OT the Septuagint always uses the word paradise where the Hebrew text says garden. In the NT we see it in 3 cases. It was used by Jesus when He was talking to the thief that was crucified next to him. So here obviously it means a beautiful place in Heaven, Luke 23:43. Also by Paul when he said that the Lord brought him to Paradise, 2 Corinthians 12:4. And by John in Rev 2:7..Paul and John probably used paradise instead of garden as they had in mind the Septuagint text which was the only OT text in use at that time by the christian gentiles and the grk speaking Hebrews.
Was the original garden in Eden an enclosure?. In Genesis 3:23 God sends the Cherubims to guard the garden and prevent Adam and Eve entering. It says, "So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.". If it was walled it would mention a gate, a door, something, wouldn't it? But who really knows? GBU
Hope you don't mind me barging in attempting to answer your question. It is something that has mystified me over the years.
Getting over the preliminaries; that is making sure that we aren't living in unconfessed sin and grieving the Spirit; and that we truly ARE sensing the Spirit and not some other influence I will post several ideas.
First off; there are individuals going through struggles within the Body of Christ who we may never have met that the Lord wants to intercede for. Whatever a battle is going on in the spiritual dimension we are all involved as soldiers of Christ as I see it. Romans 12:15 says to rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn for those who mourn. There are often demons who are going after us as well as our loved ones or again; those who may be nearby who are also fighting some of the same evil forces.
We realize that only in Christ did the Spirit work without measure ( John 3:34). This did NOT mean for Him that He didn't have to endure suffering and a feeling of abandonment at the crucifixion but no doubt other occasions; just as Paul also felt many had abandoned Him. He had the exceedingly great revelation ( 2 Corinthians 12:2) but nonetheless had the thorn in his flesh afterwards to keep him relying on the Lord for His strength (verse 7 in same chapter).
It is prayer which helps us to garner our strength; and therefore equip us for the battle. This key element the enemy will do all he can to thwart as there is nothing he can't stand like the Spirit truly moving in a local body of believers.
There are people who are living in a lifestyle of sin who can also quell the Spirit. There are also warnings about not having hands laid on hastily as someone could be operating in a different spirit ( 1 Timothy 5:22).
It is indeed mysterious how these things operate; but if we learn to discern His voice and have long term obedience producing good fruit we will have these experiences more frequently. Hope that helps...
"The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD'S: but the earth hath he given to the children of men."
Easton's Bible gives us "The heaven of heavens," or "the third heaven" ( Deuteronomy 10:14; 1 Kings 8:27; Psalms 115:16; 148:4; 2 Corinthians 12:2). Simplest way to make sense of these three heavens is to use the same yardstick St John used in measuring the holy city of God. Angel aspect of the Son is with regards to the everlasting Gospel. So Jesus tells his disciples, "I go to prepare a place, "I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."( John 14:6). I am the way specifies exactly is Person specific. The risen Christ dies no more. No meaningful discussion we can have without abiding in him. Second aspect is the man component. The Word become flesh means whosoever abides in the Son loves God with "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might./And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart."(De.6:5-6).
"According to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel" New Jerusalem" is scaled so shall the three heavens since all things in heaven on the earth and below are by him consist. "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:/And he is before all things, and by him all things consist."(Col.1:15-19)
Brightness of his glory(The throne of God and of the Lamb), Gospel as a body (the church) and symbolism of fire water and rock are three heavens. In short Spirit, Body and Soul the Trinity underpin the earth. God gave the earth to the children of men in the Son. God blessed them in his Son. " And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness."(Ge.1:26-28) Old Testament and New Testament is a infelicitous way of defining the everlasting Covenant.
The world socially bullies others to publicly affirm and validate another's' sin, or face consequences such as cancelling and public shaming. Since when are rights contingent on someone else's opinion of you?
Is it more important to appease men, or more important to please God? To the church, it should be obvious what the priority is, but I think some cave to public pressure and fear they may lose funding or social status by not siding with the bullies. Some try to appease the world instead of God.
What's this bullying really about and why the huge push in recent years? They claim its their identity, they're born that way, and don't have a choice. But has anyone challenged this assumption?
What are other examples of someone born with such a high proclivity to sin that they absolutely "have no choice"? I'm not aware of any, in fact, the Bible says we always have a choice- a way out of sin. 1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV
We all have different obstacles in life; some, like Paul, had a thorn in the flesh. 2 Corinthians 12:7
I reject the assumption that some people are more "equal" than others. Equal means equal, not special protected classes and treatment. I've learned that the woke movement is now racially separating people just like they did 100 years ago, whether for hiring, or DEI classes, and who knows what else. Amazing full circle. They totally ignored everything MLK stood for.
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:28 KJV
The culture is ignoring this verse that we're equal.
There's no evidence anyone's identity is tied to sin so much they can't help but do that. No baby desires such things. It's learned and when opportunities present themselves. Now pedos use same arguments to excuse their horrific abuse of kids. The culture will use clever words to defend it. There's no end to the evil progression. It's a choice.
Hello Pnovello, I would echo the good advice given you by others here. The Scripture that immediately came to mind was 2 Corinthians 12:9, "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
This was the Apostle Paul who received this powerful, yet comforting Word from His Lord. As Adam wrote here, Paul was a prime example of much suffering, not just in the physical realm, but also spiritual & emotional. His life was marked by daily suffering & anguish of heart & spirit, yet he persevered in the Gospel, knowing that his sufferings were but momentary compared to 'the glory which is yet to be revealed (to us &) in us'. "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." ( Romans 8:18). See also 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.
If these great men of faith, even our sinless Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, were not immune from suffering, we know that while we are in the flesh, the workings of sin & corruption within, will always manifest itself in one form or another. My wife & I have been thus far blessed not to have any debilitating illness or injury come upon us (only the minor interruptions to sound health, because of age), yet we know that we can never take this for granted & are resting in our Father's Arms each day for whatever the day might bring forth.
Psalm 27 has always been precious to us. Sure, it was King David calling upon God as his enemies troubled him from every side, but can we not also consider that it's not just the anger of men we might face, but just living in corrupt bodies in a corrupt world that continually works against our joy & perfection in Christ? Please read this Psalm of praise & trust by David & particularly v14, "Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD."
Well, now will be established the 3rd heaven in this WORLD, i.e. the 3rd celestial environment where John Apostle was caught up as a guest- Revelation 4:1- and Paul Apostle was caught up in vision, and through revelations of the Lord he heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 2 Corinthians 12:2-3
Again Luke 20:35-36: They which shall be accounted worthy to obtain(to reach) that WORLD(i.e. the 3rd HEAVEN to be established here in the Earth- Matthew 5:5 combined with Revelation 5:v.10 among others references), and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: Neither can they die any more: for they are EQUAL unto the angels; and are the children of GOD(John1:v.12), being the children of the resurrection. And 1Cor. 15:22 reveals: For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
Therefore, in this new millennium, there will be another NATURE, i.e. the NATURE of all things will be changed here in this Earth which was CURSED by GOD because of man, so instead of the CURSE, the blessing. This will be LITERALLY fulfilled from now on. Remember: The Word is GOD, the Word is self-executing according was preestablished and revealed by the Word of GOD.
Philippians 3:20-21 - 20 Our conversation is in heaven(current 2nd heaven, understand?); FROM WHENCE also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body( 1 Corinthians 15:51-55.Take a look.)-, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto himself. (the nature will be changed)
1 Cor.15:24-27
24 The END cometh when He shall have delivered up the Kingdom to GOD, even the Father; when He shall have PUT DOWN ALL RULE and ALL AUTHORITY and power( Revelation 11:15-18. Take a look)
25 For He must reign, till He hath put all enemies under His feet.
26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
2I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.3And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)4How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.5Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.6For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: butnowI forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth meto be, orthathe heareth of me.7And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.8For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.9And he said unto me,My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.10Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Psalm 9:10 KJV
And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
My Respond:
God always making a way for me to be blessed, richly blessed/treasure and live freely wherever you want it to be by faith
Respond Written and Spoken by REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
There was a time when I felt utterly overwhelmed-physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Arthritis gnawed at my joints, diabetes complicated my health, and heart problems left me fragile. Then came the diagnosis of cancer, and I wondered how much more I could endure. I felt brought low, stripped of strength, and unsure of my place in the world.
But in that valley, I discovered something extraordinary: I was not alone.
God, in His mercy, never gave me more than I could bear. Though the weight was heavy, His grace was always sufficient. In my suffering, I found a friend-Jesus. Not a distant figure, but a loving Saviour who walked the road of pain far deeper than I ever could. He bore the cross, the shame, the rejection, and the agony of sin-not just for the world, but for me.
I came to know Him not just as a name in Scripture, but as a companion in my darkest nights. His love didn't erase my suffering, but it transformed it. I began to see my trials not as punishments, but as invitations to trust, to lean, and to be held.Through Scripture, I found promises that anchored me. Verses like "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness" ( 2 Corinthians 12:9) became lifelines. I learned that brokenness is not the end-it's often the beginning of deeper intimacy with God.
Today, I still face challenges. But I face them with hope. I know the One who walks beside me. I know the One who suffered more than I ever could-and did so out of love. And I know that my story, though marked by pain, is also marked by redemption.
If you're struggling, I want you to know: Jesus is near. He sees, He understands, and He loves you. Just as He met me in my lowest place, He can meet you too.
Title: Psalm or Song for the day of Rest.
- Psalm 92:1
Good is to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to your name, O Most High.
How my soul finds remedy, how it is restorative and does me good.
he is speaking about giving oneself and surrendering.
For when I empty my hands in worship to God.
( 2 Corinthians 12:7-9) Where I do not reach, I rest.
- Psalm 92:2
Discern and be diligent in what to do, what is my responsibility, what is in my hand, what I reach and within the things that I reach.
( Colossians 3:17)
- Psalm 92:3
Play a song to the Lord with your life.
- Psalm 92:4
Time does not heal everything. What heals everything is love.
- Psalm 92:7
That love which makes us blossom, sing, endure and bear fruit - is unbreakable.
( Romans 8:38-39)
- Psalm 92:8
The grace upon grace, a new measure of grace for each phase of life, for each season.
- Psalm 92:12
God plants us and makes us grow with beauty and strength.
Like the palm tree that resists the wind, and the cedar that goes deep, the righteous does not break - he stands firm.
- Psalm 92:14
There is no lost time for the one who is planted in the Lord.
The root cause; therefore of persecution ultimately is God Himself. The enemy is a tool used; even with Paul in the New Testament to test his faith; and in his case "my grace is sufficient for thee". Quoting 2 Corinthians 12:9: And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Let the prosperity teachers squirm over this quote; not only is their financial comfort assailed (as other verses point out the appalling conditions Paul went through in and even out of prison); but it shows that not all infirmities are sin; and not all are instantly cured because we have some sort of way of controlling God over the matter.
If we are to study a matter in its entirety scripturally a chronological survey of scripture is in order. First of all we can see from Genesis 3 that the enemy of our souls was at work from the beginning in terms of assault of the mind; so to speak and the victory was already prophesied from the beginning of Christ's atonement for sin ( Gen. 3:15). The enemy clearly is the means for testing a believer; but again God is forever looking at the hearts of men and dealing with things on an "as need" basis.
The contention of the enemy no doubt was due to Lucifer at an earlier date losing his access to the throne room and worship in heaven and especially because there was no remedy for him and any other angelic beings that rebelled after his insurrection due to pride and wanting to usurp God's position of worship. This results in a general hatred for men and stems toward two forms of persecution. The first is tempting men and alluring them to turn from the Lord because either He can't be trusted or he has something (supposedly) better for them that the Lord is trying to restrict someone (for good reason) to find out about. The second as we see with Cain is outright assault.
Reading a little and as the weeks go by, I realize that the Old Testament also contains experiences that resemble our current days. I want to place too much emphasis on these topics, however, as I've already mentioned in previous posts. In these days, when so many noises try to confuse us and distract us from the path, I've been reminded of Philippians 3:13-14. I remembered that this was how I came across that verse-I had been searching for the final verse from the women's conference, which is 2 Corinthians 12:10, but Google showed me Philippians instead. Sometimes, the noise around us blends with the noise inside us, and it becomes difficult to hear the right direction. If you remember me in your prayers, Like children, so that we may inherit Your house and live fully in Your grace, learning to live by faith, to grow, to be filled with the Lord, and to be emptied of the world. ( Acts 18).
Can you think of a situation or moment that felt too heavy to handle?
God bless you. Is there anything I can pray for you?
Two suggestions are put forward, and I repeat, these are only guesses, since we can have no certainty from the Word of God. One, that this man was Mark, the writer himself; similar how the Apostle Paul introduced himself as this person who was given a special vision & revelation of Heaven ( 2 Corinthians 12:1-9). But then, why would Mark only be wrapped in a linen cloth?
And two, that this young man wasn't a disciple of Christ, but maybe asleep in the garden, and upon hearing the noise & commotion, went to see. The armed multitude, believing that this young man was also a disciple of Christ, proceeded to grab him, since Christ's disciples earlier took fright & fled. So, this young man also fled, but his outer garment was all they got when they tried to grab him, & he ran away naked (probably still with an undergarment on). But all this is conjecture, as we really don't know who this young man was & why he was in Gethsemane at that time, but we could learn from this account, that this multitude who came to arrest Jesus, were prepared to do anything & grab anyone associated with Him, displaying their rage & determination to get rid of Jesus & His followers.
Genesis 1:26
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Satan took over the earth and the air, when Adam sinned against God.
Matthew 4:8
Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all thekingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
Lucifer used to be a beautiful Angel of Light. Now , he is called Satan the Devil.
Isaiah 14:12
How art thou fallen from heaven, OLucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
Satan is still dangerous to us right now.
2 Corinthians 2:11
LestSatanshould get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Satan can transform himself into a beautiful light .
2 Corinthians 11:14
And no marvel; forSatanhimself is transformed into an angel of light.
Satan can hurt the earthly body .
2 Corinthians 12:7
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger ofSatanto buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
Satan's followers are in the churches deceiving the mass . Wide is the gate to destruction.
Philippians 3:18
(For many walk,ofwhom I have told youoften, and now tell you even weeping, thatthey aretheenemiesofthecrossofChrist:
The Bible needs to be studied and taken seriously for the truth of the Gospel of Grace.
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing thewordoftruth.
Romans 1:16
ForIamnotashamedof the gospel of Christ: foritis the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Matthew 18:9
And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast intohellfire.
Where is hell now ? ?
Proverbs 15:24
The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart fromhellbeneath.
Hell was inlarged when Jesus Christ took out all the Saints in Paradise .
Luke 16:26
And beside all this, between us and you there is a greatgulffixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
Apostle Paul was caught up in the spirit and saw paradise.
2 Corinthians 12:4
How that he was caught up intoparadise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
Now we have to worry about death and hell being cast into the lake of fire.
Revelation 20:14
Anddeathandhellwere cast into the lake of fire. This is the seconddeath.
May we all believe that's there a hell in the center of earth where it's very hot .
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
The gospel saves us from hell
When, I first got saved, I never knew how the evil spirits attack . The evil spirits will put words into peoples minds and cause chaos to our daily lives . We can also be attacked in our sleep and have bodily harm .
Jesus Christ warns us of the devil and how they use people.
John 8:44
Ye are of your father thedevil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
Satan has all the tools to attack us. When we sin, he accuses us and when we win souls to Christ, he attacks us.
2 Corinthians 2:11
LestSatanshould get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Apostle Paul was attacked by Satan the fallen angle by bodily harm and Paul was still spreading the gospel of grace throughout the whole world.
2 Corinthians 12:7
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger ofSatanto buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
No one can take away our love from God, not even Satan.
Romans 8:38-39
38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Now that I'm saved by believing the gospel of grace, I stay in the word for growth and strength in the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 3:16
That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to bestrengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
To receive the whole armour of God, you must be saved by believing the gospel of grace.
Believe it or not, family, friends , neighbors and even co-workers can bring evil upon us . We can choose who we want in our lives to grow in grace with.
Satan has all the tools to attack us. When we sin, he accuses us and when we win souls to Christ, he attacks us.
2 Corinthians 2:11
LestSatanshould get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Apostle Paul was attacked by Satan the fallen angle and still Paul spread the gospel throughout the whole world.
2 Corinthians 12:7
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger ofSatanto buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
No one can take away our love from God, not even Satan.
Romans 8:38-39
38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the devil knows this gospel and does want us to believe it
I know when we hear heaven we think of where God is but there are three. The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands, Psalm 19:1. The first heaven is the sky, the atmosphere the air we breathe, and where the clouds float so beautifully.
The second heaven is the galaxy where God placed the lights in heaven for signs and seasons, as we see in Genesis 1:14-19. The place of the sun moon and all the planets and stars we call space.
The third is where God and all the angelic beings are. This is the heaven we see King Uzziah saw in Isaiah 6:1, which Stephen saw when they stoned him in Acts 7:55-56, Paul spoke of in 2 Corinthians 12:2-4, and we see all that John saw in Revelation.
I hope this helps,
God bless,
RLW
Satan has all the tools to attack us. When we sin, he accuses us and when we win souls to Christ, he attacks us.
2 Corinthians 2:11
LestSatanshould get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Apostle Paul was attacked by Satan from all angles and still Paul spread the gospel throughout the whole world.
2 Corinthians 12:7
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger ofSatanto buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
No one can take away our love from God, not even Satan.
Romans 8:38-39
38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Remember to read Romans through Philemon for doctrine and pray continually everyday for God to speak to you .
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the devil hates theses verses , please put them in your heart
2 Corinthians 12:2
I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
just a little food for thought, I've learn so much from Apostle Paul's epistle and still learning. Saint Peter had a hard time understanding Paul's wisdom from the ascended Lord Jesus Christ.
It's amazing that Peter mentioned Paul in one of his last epistles about how hard it is to understand his writings and told his followers to go to Apostle Paul for doctrine.
2 Peter 3:15
And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
Apostle Peter called Apostle Paul brother. Praise the Lord for Salvation in Jesus Christ.
Please use the concordance that this website give us to study the Bible. Please read Romans through Philemon for doctrine and pray continually everyday for God to speak to you .
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Apostle Paul said by believing this gospel, just might save you, faith plus nothing else
Me a member at West Angeles Cogic Church Cathedral Los Angeles California
I Pray of my sustenance to receive the guaranteed results Justification I'm his sight, cleansing, regeneration, santification, supply all my wants, preservence, salvation 1 Peter 1:15 KJV being a garrison -unto glory.Gospel is grace, sufficient to salvation Relieve from pain by prayer which is assured of its prevailing power, harmony, thoughts of God, showing Jesus Christ Is Holy, Relieve from temptation amd impurity, actual delight.
2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV
My Interpetation REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY:
" Read God's word holy bible to be fulfilled.-Jesus Christ mediator. My Interpetation " Rest upon me-Jesus Christ being Antidote, Salvation-hallelujah. "
1 Corinthians 2:5 KJV overcome challenges, circumstances. To come into God's sanctuary-Today's Christian Church to read holy bible, learn about Jesus Christ. When to be alone in your home Luke19:46 KJV. To believe of your law, rule-rules, 1 Corithians 15:3-4 KJV, Romans 10:10 KJV. Believing in God is all sufficient and perfectness Romans 10:9 KJV.
Word Written and Spoken by REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
I would encourage you to take time to read through Paul's letter to the Ephesians, & particularly chapters 1 and 2. In there, he clearly affirms the strong & eternal position we have in Christ Jesus, & nothing, but nothing, can alter that. Why? Because you are chosen & He has changed you. The same Paul, when he was severely buffeted to despair of life ( 2 Corinthians 12:7-10), whether by some sin, doubt or fear, was assured by the Lord that 'God's Grace was sufficient (given in sufficient measure) for him to bear up - God's Strength will be perfected (in Greek, 'completed/accomplished') through Paul's weakness. We can all truly be encouraged by the Promises of God which can be realized in reality. Don't give up dear one, stay true to the Lord in spite of your trials - He never fails - He will not let you down. With prayers.
2 Corinthians 12:20 - For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:
For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as you would not: That is, you expect me to show up, and we have friendly fellowship. But if I show up and find you in a certain condition, then you're going to find me in a different condition than you would have expected.
Lest there be debates, and that's the word for quarreling. Envyings is literally jealousies. Wraths is literally bouts of anger, outbursts of rage. The next one is strifes, and it's related to the word for debates, except this is a political word that means self-ambition.
Backbitings is public slander and defamation. Whisperings is the word for whisper, but it means private slander against others. Swellings, which literally is the word inflation. It has to do with pride. And tumults is disorderliness. It's even used for causing riots, people who cause war and battle in churches.
Quarrels, jealousies, bouts of rage, self-ambition, public slander, private slander, pride, and disorderliness, he says you guys' better shape up, because if I come and I find these things, then I'm going to have to deal with it!
2 Corinthians 12:18 - I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?
I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? Again, expecting the answer no. Walked we not in the same spirit? Here there is a different Greek word that means yes. Walked we not in the same steps? And again, it's expecting the response of yes. It is important not just for one person to have the proper motive, but make sure that he doesn't send other people with the wrong motive.
2 Corinthians 12:19 - Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.
The word think is the word presume. And the word excuse is the word for apologetics, a defense. So again, do you presume that we are making a defense of ourselves to you? We speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying. The word edifying is a construction term that means to be developed, to build a house. He says our whole purpose and motivation is your growth in the Lord. Again, very rare to have a pure motive like that!
2 Corinthians 12:9 - And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
And he said unto me, and the term "he said" is called the Perfect Tense in Greek which means this is going to be a standard condition for Paul. This is a standard principle and concept that is true from God.
2 Corinthians 12:12 - Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
This word patience is the word HUPOMENO which means endurance.
2 Corinthians 12:14 - Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
For I seek not yours, but you: Wow! The word "you" is literally (your soul). He's saying I don't seek what you have, your possessions, your money, whatever. I seek you, your soul. Talk about conviction! The only motivation for service to others is the condition of their soul. Paul says I'm not after your things. The Lord wants me to be concerned about people's souls, not about their possessions. It doesn't matter if they have money or not. It depends upon their soul.
2 Corinthians 12:17 - Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?
In the Greek text, this expects the negative answer. Paul did not make gain of them, nor did he send anyone to them to make gain of them.
2 Corinthians 12:7 - And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
The purpose for suffering is to keep the human from being exalted. That tells us, along with the rest of the teaching of scripture, that the flesh loves to be exalted. The flesh likes to be proud and arrogant. We all have that sense inside of us that we want to be accepted, and that we want to be thought of as successful in the outward appearance by people. We don't like to be rejected. We don't like to feel like we are accomplishing nothing and that we are nobody.
Paul says, "There was given to me a thorn in the flesh." The word thorn comes from a word that means a stick or pole with a pointed end on it. It's used for spears. A thorn in the flesh was given to Paul. In the Greek, this is what is called an Apposition. Thorn in the flesh and messenger of Satan are equal in the Greek text.
The thorn in the flesh was a messenger of Satan. Messenger is the word angel. It's translated messenger so we would know that this particular angelic demonic force was sent as a messenger with a purpose. Buffet means to strike someone with your fist. The purpose: lest I should be exalted above measure.
It sounds pretty harsh, and many Christians don't believe that a God of love would ever allow that to happen. It's because we have never taken the time to learn the difference between the flesh and the spirit.
The flesh, Paul says in Romans Chapter 8, is hostile against God. And that in the flesh is the law of sin and death. And it is impossible for the flesh to keep the laws of God. It is hostile towards God. In Romans 7:18, Paul said that in my flesh dwells no good thing (AGATHOS), a reference to spiritual things. Our flesh only produces human work, fleshly expression. There isn't anything spiritual about our human at all!
2 Corinthians 12:2 - I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
He says, I knew a man in Christ above, or a little more than fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows;)
So, whether this happened while this man was still inside of his body and he was just unconscious, or in a coma, or whether this man's spirit actually left his body, like he died and had this experience and came back in his body.
He says I can't tell whether it's an in the body or out of the body experience. Only God knows. He says such a one was caught up to the third heaven. The term caught up is the same word from 1 Thessalonians Chapter 4 about the rapture. It means to be snatched away or caught away. Such a one was caught up to the third heaven.
Acts 14:2 - But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.
But the unbelieving Jews. A very fascinating statement. The word unbelieving in our text, the "ing" on the end tells us that it is a Present Participle. But the word belief is the word persuasion.
The un-persuaded Jews, or to put it literally, the Jews who were continually unwilling to be persuaded, they stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.
Acts 14:3 - Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
I want to share this with you because it becomes a very important element in our day. In the early church, God gave them the power to do signs and wonders. It was a sign to them!
In the book of Hebrews, it says "How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by them that heard him, God also bearing them witness both with signs and wonders, and with divers (or various) miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost according to His own will."
God bearing witness! We are also told by Paul in his presentation in 2 Corinthians 12:12, he says "Truly the signs of an apostle were worked among you in all patience in signs and wonders and mighty deeds."
God had told them that signs and wonders would accompany them in order to establish for those that were listening that what they are hearing is the word of God. Once God's word has been established, and that's all it was for, no more signs and wonders, at least in this way!
Acts 14:9 - The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,
Isn't that amazing? They looked at this man and perceived that God had given him faith to be healed. And the word healed is the word SODZO for salvation!
Luke 23:35 - And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.
The rulers derided him, which is the Greek word for "to stick up the nose." They scoffed at Him, a smug mocking at Him, saying He saved others; let Him save himself, if He be Christ, the chosen of God.
That is a fulfillment of Psalm 22:6-7, and Psalm 22:16-17.
Luke 23:41 - And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
The Greek word for "nothing amiss" means He's done nothing out of place. He has done everything perfectly!
Luke 23:43 - And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Many people have discussed where paradise is. First of all, it is a Persian word. That is where the word paradise came from. In the New Testament, not only is it here, but it's also found in 2 Corinthians 12:3, where Paul says that he was caught up in the third heaven into paradise. And again, in Revelation 2:7, where it is the reward for those overcomers, those that overcome the evil.
It is also used in the Greek translation of the Old Testament for the Garden of Eden. It is called PARADISO, paradise, same word! But that doesn't answer the question where is it? Well, right before the term "in paradise" you have your answer. You will be with "me" in paradise.
Wherever Jesus is, it is paradise. Where was Jesus that day or that night or the next day? Wherever Jesus was, he was with Him, and that's paradise.
Well, it says that the garden or paradise was located in Eden (or Edem) which was to the east (of Israel, I suppose). East of Eden was an old movie and usually people have that in mind.
The word paradise does not have the meaning of a walled area in grk. But looking it up on the net I found out that the original word comes from ancient Persian and means "an enclosure". Later on it was used to describe the "walled gardens" of the persian kings. Later on it entered other languages like grk, Hebrew and Aramaic with the meaning of "walled royal park or gardens" and finally it ended up meaning a beautiful place in modern times.
In the OT the Septuagint always uses the word paradise where the Hebrew text says garden. In the NT we see it in 3 cases. It was used by Jesus when He was talking to the thief that was crucified next to him. So here obviously it means a beautiful place in Heaven, Luke 23:43. Also by Paul when he said that the Lord brought him to Paradise, 2 Corinthians 12:4. And by John in Rev 2:7..Paul and John probably used paradise instead of garden as they had in mind the Septuagint text which was the only OT text in use at that time by the christian gentiles and the grk speaking Hebrews.
Was the original garden in Eden an enclosure?. In Genesis 3:23 God sends the Cherubims to guard the garden and prevent Adam and Eve entering. It says, "So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.". If it was walled it would mention a gate, a door, something, wouldn't it? But who really knows? GBU
Getting over the preliminaries; that is making sure that we aren't living in unconfessed sin and grieving the Spirit; and that we truly ARE sensing the Spirit and not some other influence I will post several ideas.
First off; there are individuals going through struggles within the Body of Christ who we may never have met that the Lord wants to intercede for. Whatever a battle is going on in the spiritual dimension we are all involved as soldiers of Christ as I see it. Romans 12:15 says to rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn for those who mourn. There are often demons who are going after us as well as our loved ones or again; those who may be nearby who are also fighting some of the same evil forces.
We realize that only in Christ did the Spirit work without measure ( John 3:34). This did NOT mean for Him that He didn't have to endure suffering and a feeling of abandonment at the crucifixion but no doubt other occasions; just as Paul also felt many had abandoned Him. He had the exceedingly great revelation ( 2 Corinthians 12:2) but nonetheless had the thorn in his flesh afterwards to keep him relying on the Lord for His strength (verse 7 in same chapter).
It is prayer which helps us to garner our strength; and therefore equip us for the battle. This key element the enemy will do all he can to thwart as there is nothing he can't stand like the Spirit truly moving in a local body of believers.
There are people who are living in a lifestyle of sin who can also quell the Spirit. There are also warnings about not having hands laid on hastily as someone could be operating in a different spirit ( 1 Timothy 5:22).
It is indeed mysterious how these things operate; but if we learn to discern His voice and have long term obedience producing good fruit we will have these experiences more frequently. Hope that helps...
"The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD'S: but the earth hath he given to the children of men."
Easton's Bible gives us "The heaven of heavens," or "the third heaven" ( Deuteronomy 10:14; 1 Kings 8:27; Psalms 115:16; 148:4; 2 Corinthians 12:2). Simplest way to make sense of these three heavens is to use the same yardstick St John used in measuring the holy city of God. Angel aspect of the Son is with regards to the everlasting Gospel. So Jesus tells his disciples, "I go to prepare a place, "I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."( John 14:6). I am the way specifies exactly is Person specific. The risen Christ dies no more. No meaningful discussion we can have without abiding in him. Second aspect is the man component. The Word become flesh means whosoever abides in the Son loves God with "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might./And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart."(De.6:5-6).
"According to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel" New Jerusalem" is scaled so shall the three heavens since all things in heaven on the earth and below are by him consist. "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:/And he is before all things, and by him all things consist."(Col.1:15-19)
Brightness of his glory(The throne of God and of the Lamb), Gospel as a body (the church) and symbolism of fire water and rock are three heavens. In short Spirit, Body and Soul the Trinity underpin the earth. God gave the earth to the children of men in the Son. God blessed them in his Son. " And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness."(Ge.1:26-28) Old Testament and New Testament is a infelicitous way of defining the everlasting Covenant.
Is it more important to appease men, or more important to please God? To the church, it should be obvious what the priority is, but I think some cave to public pressure and fear they may lose funding or social status by not siding with the bullies. Some try to appease the world instead of God.
What's this bullying really about and why the huge push in recent years? They claim its their identity, they're born that way, and don't have a choice. But has anyone challenged this assumption?
What are other examples of someone born with such a high proclivity to sin that they absolutely "have no choice"? I'm not aware of any, in fact, the Bible says we always have a choice- a way out of sin. 1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV
We all have different obstacles in life; some, like Paul, had a thorn in the flesh. 2 Corinthians 12:7
I reject the assumption that some people are more "equal" than others. Equal means equal, not special protected classes and treatment. I've learned that the woke movement is now racially separating people just like they did 100 years ago, whether for hiring, or DEI classes, and who knows what else. Amazing full circle. They totally ignored everything MLK stood for.
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:28 KJV
The culture is ignoring this verse that we're equal.
There's no evidence anyone's identity is tied to sin so much they can't help but do that. No baby desires such things. It's learned and when opportunities present themselves. Now pedos use same arguments to excuse their horrific abuse of kids. The culture will use clever words to defend it. There's no end to the evil progression. It's a choice.
This was the Apostle Paul who received this powerful, yet comforting Word from His Lord. As Adam wrote here, Paul was a prime example of much suffering, not just in the physical realm, but also spiritual & emotional. His life was marked by daily suffering & anguish of heart & spirit, yet he persevered in the Gospel, knowing that his sufferings were but momentary compared to 'the glory which is yet to be revealed (to us &) in us'. "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." ( Romans 8:18). See also 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.
If these great men of faith, even our sinless Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, were not immune from suffering, we know that while we are in the flesh, the workings of sin & corruption within, will always manifest itself in one form or another. My wife & I have been thus far blessed not to have any debilitating illness or injury come upon us (only the minor interruptions to sound health, because of age), yet we know that we can never take this for granted & are resting in our Father's Arms each day for whatever the day might bring forth.
Psalm 27 has always been precious to us. Sure, it was King David calling upon God as his enemies troubled him from every side, but can we not also consider that it's not just the anger of men we might face, but just living in corrupt bodies in a corrupt world that continually works against our joy & perfection in Christ? Please read this Psalm of praise & trust by David & particularly v14, "Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD."
Well, now will be established the 3rd heaven in this WORLD, i.e. the 3rd celestial environment where John Apostle was caught up as a guest- Revelation 4:1- and Paul Apostle was caught up in vision, and through revelations of the Lord he heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 2 Corinthians 12:2-3
Again Luke 20:35-36: They which shall be accounted worthy to obtain(to reach) that WORLD(i.e. the 3rd HEAVEN to be established here in the Earth- Matthew 5:5 combined with Revelation 5:v.10 among others references), and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: Neither can they die any more: for they are EQUAL unto the angels; and are the children of GOD(John1:v.12), being the children of the resurrection. And 1Cor. 15:22 reveals: For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
Therefore, in this new millennium, there will be another NATURE, i.e. the NATURE of all things will be changed here in this Earth which was CURSED by GOD because of man, so instead of the CURSE, the blessing. This will be LITERALLY fulfilled from now on. Remember: The Word is GOD, the Word is self-executing according was preestablished and revealed by the Word of GOD.
Philippians 3:20-21 - 20 Our conversation is in heaven(current 2nd heaven, understand?); FROM WHENCE also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body( 1 Corinthians 15:51-55.Take a look.)-, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto himself. (the nature will be changed)
1 Cor.15:24-27
24 The END cometh when He shall have delivered up the Kingdom to GOD, even the Father; when He shall have PUT DOWN ALL RULE and ALL AUTHORITY and power( Revelation 11:15-18. Take a look)
25 For He must reign, till He hath put all enemies under His feet.
26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
Get ready