Psalm 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Isaiah 54:1 Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.
Heaven is; no doubt principally involved with the worship of the Triune God as primary; and relational with fellowship with other saints in His presence as secondary. In those of us in situations where we are single; or have no possibility of having children it can be depressing; admittedly. What is at the heart of any truly Godly relationship is the presence of the Lord; and we are to guard our hearts against anything getting in the way ( Prov. 4:23). As our hearts are desperately wicked ( Jeremiah 17:9) we need to take care not to attempt shortcuts or compromise in order to try to give God a "jump start" as to what we desire.
First and foremost the Kingdom of God is to be sought after; and then the Lord will give us the desires of our heart ( Psalm 37:4).
As a jealous God is towards His people ( Exodus 20:5) an earthly marriage in particular should covet the partnership with the covenant spouse in exclusion of all others in certain aspects of intimacy. No doubt there are applications which a couple should learn to practice in reaching out to others by working together as a team; something that takes hard work and sadly in many cases doesn't come to fruition as we often see only one of the two parties committed to local church attendance; etc.
We must remember that as His children ultimately He knows what is best for us. When we compare the eternal weight of glory ( 2 Corinthians 4:17) to our current burdens that gives us a clear perspective on priorities of greater and lesser importance.
I pray this forum will truly continue to help bear one anothers' burdens even with the anonymous forum.
How does God work with man in order to facilitate His Kingdom and bring it to fruition in time? How do we find a balance between God being an impartial judge ( Deut. 10:17) and His personal relationship literally "possessing" us with His Holy Spirit for those who He has called and chosen? This causes Him to show favor among His children.
How do we wrap our heads around God who can't even look at sin and yet so loving the world that He sent His only Son? It is easy to brush off our understanding of John 3:16 with what Christ did for us and its effectivity for all who believe His Name but if the Father had to look away when Christ bore our sin ( Matthew 27:46) how can He even care about us; miserable worms that we are? (Spoiler alert He sees Christ in us when we are sealed with the Spirit)
How can we understand eternal destinies as compared to what we can see and sense today with those around us and the world in general as to its appearance? What can we make of our new bodies ( 1 Cor. 2:14). What about 1 Corinthians 15:35-36. Are we to understand we are foolish to ask such questions of what it will be like in Resurrected form?
35 But someone will ask, "How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?" 36 How foolish! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. I'll try to delve more into that later but it has to do with the context for that church as to how Paul was speaking.
Why were many things hidden as to Christ's first 30 years before beginning public ministry?
Why did God prophesy and bring about Judas the Betrayer and the future Antichrist Beast?
The last thing I will post tonight is the thought of why and how the Lord both REVEALS truth and CONCEALS it to those receptive and rejecting Him. 2 Corinthians 4:4 is a good start but it is still mysterious and thought provoking. I will get more into this in later postings as to how it relates to evangelism.
This spirit is not the person, nor is it immortal or eternal, nor does it have a conscious existence when the person dies. Those of us who have the Holy Spirit in us, Romans 8:11, But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you, this is the Spirit of God, for those in Jesus Christ, this happens at resurrection.
In Psalms 16:7 David said the LORD has given him counsel; this is his spirit communicating with God, as Paul calls it in 2 Corinthians 4:16 the inward man. Peter describes it as the hidden man of the heart, 1 Peter 3:4. When God communicates with us, it is not with our mind; it's a Spirit-to-spirit communication.
God gives the human a spirit, some believe it is at conception, Zechariah 12:1, Isaiah 12:5. We know He takes it back at the time of death, Ecclesiastes 12:7. Psalm 104:29, thou takest away their breath, they die, the Hebrew word for breath is ruach, it also means spirit. James 2:26, the body without the spirit is dead. All consciousness ends when we die. Psalm 6:5, Job 14:12-14, Job 17:13-16. Psalm 115:17. Ecclesiastes 9:5-10. We sleep in death until resurrection day, the day of redemption. 1 Corinthians 15:51-54, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-15.
The Bible tells us a spirit can be good, bad, or broken, Psalm 34:18, God cares for us and wants to help mend our brokenness, Isaiah 41:10. When we do not have rule over our spirit, we can go so bad that God turns one over to a reprobate mind as we see in Romans 1:18-32, the door is shut. With God's Spirit, the Holy Spirit, we in our spirit grow in our faith and have comfort in His presence.
When we were lost , being not saved by believing the gospel of grace, we were part of the world system and was the devil's child.
Ephesians 2:12
That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in theworld:
Satan has advantages on the unsaved.
Ephesians 2:2
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of thisworld, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
We that are unsaved , are in bondage to the cares of the world.
Galatians 4:3
Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of theworld:
Even as a saved Christian, it's easy to let Satan in our spirit.
Ephesians 4:27
Neither give place to thedevil.
Today, the worldly spirit of Satan is very strong because of cellphone, television and being very busy doing worldly things instead of godly things
1 Timothy 4:1
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines ofdevils;
One day we will leave the evil world and be with Jesus Christ.
Galatians 1:4
Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evilworld, according to the will of God and our Father:
Satan is good at hiding the gospel of grace.
2 Corinthians 4:4
In whom the god of thisworldhath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
God gave us a spirit to worship Him. The spirit of the world is of Satan.
1 Corinthians 2:12
Now we have received, not the spirit of theworld, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
Father in Heaven, please send your Spirit upon there hearts and open there understanding to the gospel of grace.
The bright light has shined in the hearts of the humble and faithful people that wants to know the gospel of grace.
2 Corinthians 4:6
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
May God bless us with the gospel of grace in Christ Jesus.
Acts 20:24
But noneofthese things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have receivedofthe Lord Jesus, to testify thegospelofthegraceofGod.
Apostle Paul's gospel is free from Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.
Ephesians 2:8
Forbygraceare ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
It's really all bout the gospel of grace for Salvation and to live by the doctrine in Apostle Paul's epistle.
2 Timothy 3:10
But thou hast fully known mydoctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
God bless....
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Thank you Jesus Christ for my free Salvation by believing only.
I love the story of the 100 sheep's. Jesus Christ knows that the one sheep was lost because he knew he was lost. It's just like a remnant of believers today. The 99 are lost and don't care because they are comfortable with there lifestyle. Jesus Christ saved that one sheep.
Matthew 18:12
How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?
Now we rejoice in heaven for that one sheep that admitted he was lost and needed Salvation.
Matthew 18:13
And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.
Today, Jesus Christ is using Apostle Paul's epistle for Salvation and doctrine and the 99 are just blind to it.
2 Corinthians 4:4
In whom the god of this world hathblinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Apostle Paul's gospel of grace.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
2 Corinthians 4:4 makes it clear that we are brain dead when it comes to spiritual discernment until God opens the door to understanding. This particular posting (likely a series) isn't so much about correct doctrine but it explains how we should avoid "compartmentalizing" our lives into that which is "spiritual" and the rest of our existence in regard to employment; marital status and living location in particular.
Scripturally it is crucial to take into account Luke 14:26 as to our love for God being paramount and essentially any other affections being "hate" in comparison. The context here certainly cannot be permitted to ignore other scriptures or be contradictory to loving our enemies; honoring our parents; etc. We are asked not to let influences of others stop us from following Christ; so that we follow the Master who will guide us and direct us how to conduct ourselves. Nonetheless we see the Disciples leaving everything; although Paul would mention (see 1 Corinthians 9:5) that believing wives should be allowed whenever safe to do so to accompany them and such precedent exists when we see Abraham leaving with Sarai and Moses also being married despite his years in exile.
This marriage issue is something some people like to throw around when coming to Christ; where they use an excuse that their wives aren't believers but wish to remain ( 1 Cor. 7:13-14) they should when often seeking a new "model" as it were. If they don't then verse 15 takes effect; but I am doubtful of the NIV interpretation divorce; in any case I don't see anyone free to remarry if a spouse is still alive. In my situation it is sad to report that my faith was something that was eventually scoffed at and ridiculed and my ex used it as an excuse to be disloyal; since marriages among professing believers isn't much better than the world there should be just as much a chance of a believer winning over his wife or at least staying together with some harmony.
There is a lot packed into this verse ( 2 Corinthians 4:4), and much more can be said but I tried to keep it short. Yes, I agree, Israel's blindness is temporary. God has made a promise to Israel and when the Lord returns, that promise will be fulfilled.
2 Corinthians 4:9 - Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
He says I'm persecuted. The word persecuted in the Greek means to chase or to pursue. When Satan persecutes a Christian, he chases that person. There's nothing Satan can do except chase people, which is why Paul goes out of his way to say "Stand in Christ. Don't run. You have the armor of God on!
2 Corinthians 4:17 - For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
For our light affliction, again THLIPSIS/Stress, which is but for a moment. So, he says in this earthly life, I see that the hardships that we have to go through, it's like compared to eternity, it's just a minute.
It works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; So, when you compare this affliction, or stress for now, compared to the glory that we're going to experience in the future, there's no comparison!
2 Corinthians 5:1 - For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
Interesting that he calls his body a tabernacle, or more literally a tent, SKENE in Greek. When this tent dissolves, and it is also interesting that he's a tentmaker. But when this tent dissolves, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
2 Corinthians 4:4 - In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not. Please catch this: It wasn't Satan that blinded their minds that made them unbelievers. It says Satan hath blinded the minds of those who believe not. So, the unbelief came first. And secondly, Satan comes, and he blinds their minds, and the word mind is not PSUECHE (the psyche), but the NOEMA, the perceptive processes of the mind. Satan made it so that they could not perceive the truth of Christ any longer.
And he does this, lest the light of the glory of the gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine in them. So, he prevents it. They disbelieved the word. They're in the process of unbelief and Satan comes and blinds their minds.
2 Corinthians 4:7 - But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
But we have this treasure, and that would be God's Spirit, in earthen vessels, and the word earthen is making reference to dirt or clay. It's the same word is used for the potters that mix and make clay. But it's basically the word dirt.
2 Corinthians 4:8 - We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
We are troubled on every side, and that's the word THLIPSIS, which has to do with pressure and stress. We are pressured and stressed on every side yet not distressed. It's not the end!
Secondly, we are perplexed. The word perplexed means the sense you get when you come to a fork in the road and you don't know which way to go, left or right. You are perplexed. Which way do I go? I don't know! But then he says but not in despair. Despair means there's no way out. We might be perplexed but we know there's a way out. We just don't know what it is yet.
2 Corinthians 3:18 - But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass, or mirror, the glory of the Lord, we are changed into the same image from glory to glory. The word changed is actually the word transformation, metamorphosis. It is a transformation that takes place, that when we're fellowshipping with the Lord, and we look into the mirror, or the glass, and we're looking into the glory of the Lord, is that we are changed into that image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. He performs a transformation in us, a change. And Paul describes that for us in Chapter 5 about a new creation.
2 Corinthians 4:2 - But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
Where it says, "nor handling the word of God deceitfully," this is a good one. The word handling and deceitfully are all one word. It's actually a pharmaceutical term that means unmixed. You don't mix the word of God with something else.
In fact, Paul in his first letter, 1 Corinthians 2:4-5, he says when I came to you, my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in the demonstration of the Spirit and of power. He didn't use any human manipulations. He just preached and it was the demonstration of Spirit and power that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of man, but in the power of God.
Paul says I minister so that your relationship with the Lord will be on the basis of faith, not human manipulation. And so, he says here, we have not handled the word of God deceitfully. We haven't mixed it with anything else. We just give you straight word.
As a SPIRITUALLY ORDAINED and SANCIFIED MINISTER of Jesus Christ God Almighty, according to Romans 13:1-4, come as prophesied MANIFEST WITHIN ME, according to Isaiah 9:2, 6-7; St. Matthew 4:16; St. John 14:1-21, highlighting verses 20-21, and 2 Corinthians 4:1-7, I have recently sadly discovered that at least two (2) highly important chapters of the OFFICIAL KJV of the Bible of THIS WEBSITE have been wrongfully and shamefully removed, being 1 John chapters 4 and 5! I know for a fact they have been present this year. Suddenly they're now both gone! Please return these chapters of the Bible immediately, including any other chapters I'm not currently aware have been removed as well! Please note, the last chapter of the Bible, Revelation 22, verses 18-19, as it is written (KJV)
Revelation 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
2 Corinthians 4:2 KJV) Can guide them through their lives becoming children of God the Father of nations "But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil." 2 Thessalonians 3:3 KJV
Manifest- Plain, open, clearly, visible to the eye or obvious to the understanding, apparent, not obscure or difficult to be seen or understood.
Elder Graves Quoted Paragraph 1: Line 5-13 Allows me to plant a seed of spiritual fruit when I am in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Giving children identified as atudents equal opportunity of education to achieve their goals."But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil." 2 Thessalonians 3:3 KJV
Allows me to be rewarded. 1 Corinthians 3:8-9 KJV
Reward- return for the good done, for kindness, for services and the like. Can consist of money, goods, or any return of kindness and happiness. Career/Employment
According to California Department of Education supports high - quality educational programs for California diverse student population through its educational leadership role and places great importance on cultivating a diverse staff that understands and promotes the intellectual, ethical, cultural, emotional, and physical growth of each student. Matthew 16:18 KJV Ephesians 2:20 KJV
Govern now making me blessed & rewarded into education system. According to U.S. Department of Education to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.
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Blessed- Happy, prosperous in educational affairs; enjoying spiritual happiness, and the favor of God, enjoying heavenly felicity.
Children today that we have here today are called students who by law are required to attend school to be educated, read, write, solve math problems.
My faithfulness meaning steadfast in the fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:22-23 KJV -1 Corin 3:9
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
My interpretation: textual evidence scriptures( 2 Corinthians 4:14 )To be delivered to become like God and becoming like God through sacrifice of praise and fruit of your lips giving thanksguving.
Interpretation- The act of interpreting,explanation of unintelligible words in language that is intelligible.
The new testament( New Convenant) was written in Greek
How to keep faith and have the victory over compassion not to come up short to become like God Philippians 4:13 KJV 1 Corinthians 1:23 KJV
John 15:26 KJV But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
That the testimony of Jesus Christ will bless you in all ways in life to have what you want.- 2 Corinthians 5:14 KJV.
My interpetation and spoken by Reginald Taylor Jr is plain and evident"(token " Not to be in state of hunger, depression, poverty" becoming wealthy and rich which is the new Convenant.- Psalm 112:3 KJV Proverbs 23:7 KJV
The testimony of Jesus Christ has blessed me - Psalm 112:3 KJV believing in the Gospel of Jesus Christ offering the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. ( 1 Peter 2:9, Hebrews 7:26, Joshua 1:8)
Published and spoken Word by REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
Ultimately; whether it be Armageddon or the final Great White throne judgment; or the individual demise of every person outside of the faith since Adam fell; the fate of unregenerate man is horrible beyond imagination. The biggest problem is that we don't know who Christ is; the eyes of those under Satan's power are blinded ( 2 Corinthians 4:4). Once we can see clearly we will be on our face; so it is better to do it now than under compulsion at judgment. The righteous also are constrained but by His love to praise and worship the Lord. The Holy Spirit when we are fully surrendered will fill our entire being with praise.
For now; it wouldn't surprise me a bit if an atheist would have less of an issue with say capital punishment as many who call themselves Christian. The Antichrist himself is called the "lawless one" and indeed at least one atheist I met was from a worldly standpoint a very "moral" person. What the law does is serve as a "schoolmaster" ( Gal. 3:24) to bring people to faith.
This explains why it is possible for the vilest sinner (such as possibly occured with Jeffrey Dahmer) to change. As Christians we shouldn't have a double standard we can exact justice to protect the innocent but still have an attitude of unconditional love and forgiveness which wouldn't be comprehended by an atheist.
Anyway another good point is that Christ never said the adage that God helps those who help themselves. If there was any other way certainly God would not have allowed His son to go through the suffering on the cross; or turn His back on Him at that instant of time. This shows sin is DEADLY serious.
Also of course 1 Corinthians 11:30 shows that even God' speople can have a shortened life living in disobedience. God delivered a man over to Satan so that at some point before death he would repent (apparently the man came to his senses and eventually was restored to fellowship). Better to make it to heaven through fire than hell.
Thank you for your reply, yes, Genesis 3:15 tells us He will come by the seed of a woman, and that is exactly what we see happen in Mary. My understanding of John 1:1-5 is John's prolog at the start of his gospel like Genesis 1:1 is a prolog to the rest of Genesis 1. John starts with, In the beginning.
I see this beginning as the coming of the Messiah/Christ the beginning of Jesus's ministry because in John 1:6, John goes to John the Baptist as the witness of the one who was to come, the Light that darkness did not comprehend. This is the start of Jesus's ministry when Jesus was anointed with the Holy Ghost/Spirit and God made Him the Messiah/Christ, Acts 2:36.
Jesus was sent for the lost sheep of Israel, Matthew 15:24, His role or ministry was to fulfill the law and the prophets in confirming the new covenant by His death and resurrection from the dead to pay the price for our sins. Daniel 9:27 is also about the 3.5 years of Jesus ministry but that is another topic. Jesus was the Messiah that was prophesied to come in Daniel. As I have discussed with Chris my understanding is Jesus was the beginning of the plan of God and like John 1:10 it is through Him not by Him.
Jesus, God' Son is first in God's plan of creation, and everything was created in and through Him and Jesus was begotten in the fullness of time. Ephesians 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: Colossians 1:20. I know you may also not agree with that but that is how I understand, it is God the Father who is the creator.
The light was the word of God that dwelt in Jesus, the glory of the Father that dwelt in Jesus, 2 Corinthians 4:6.
Mark 8:30 is one of several verses indicating Christ told people including the Disciples NOT to tell anyone who He was (namely; the Son of God). He spoke in Parables to hide things from all except those called and chosen (see Matthew 13:10).
When we survey the narrative of the Gospels it leaves us dumbfounded as to how anyone could not realize who Christ was. After all John the Baptist after baptizing a large amount of the entire population including the Pharisees warning them of who was to come identified Christ ( John 1:32 and recorded in Luke 3:22 as being accompanied by a voice from heaven). Only the Spirit could reveal this truth as we see in Matthew 16:17.
There are several reasons for this blindness. One is the god of this world who is mentioned as blinding men to the truth as illustrated in 2 Corinthians 4:4. The second was in the hidden counsels of God more than likely (See Deut. 29:29). If the wicked knew who He was they would have stopped it because it would have led to their guilt in the act and He would inevitably be Resurrected. Satan also may have not been involved because it would mean His defeat as prophesied in Genesis 3:15 (although he is insane enough to ignore what he probably should have known). Israel should have recognized that the suffering servant would also come back as conquering king. They would have waited until He established that Kingdom on earth without having a heart to truly worship Him; reminiscent of the group who finally rebels at the end of the Millennium period.
We need to squarely face this fact in terms of how the unregenerate view Christ. Any affinity one may have for Jesus apart from the grace of God bringing repentance is from a false Christ in our imaginations which inevitably brings a works based attempt at salvation or considering Him a great teacher or Prophet as was the case of those in Matthew 16:14. Church is the congregation of the Holy not a social club for comfort.
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."
The only offensive weapon in Ephesians 6 is the sword of the Spirit. Today's megachurches have tended to make things into a sideshow by defining success as someone with a lot of possessions. Indeed God CAN honor a prayer regarding material things but it is unwise and naive to ignore verses such as Deuteronomy 17:17; for it can lead to total apostasy later when greed takes over.
Playing games to underestimate the intensity of the evil we face does no one any favors either. Those who would be hesitant to warn sinners of their grievous state and need of repentance so as not to "offend" anyone are probably the same ones who downplay how serious the conflict is with the demonic horde under Satan that have pretty well taken over society; and worse the church in a large part making those who want to engage in serious battle seem like they are outcasts. Worse still there are many who look at Satan as somehow ruling over hell (as opposed to perhaps guarding Hades in the past as seen in those held captive described in Psalm 68:18). Men are blinded because of their own sin but 2 Corinthians 4:4 shows how Satan is the agent the Lord allows to keep men in this state. Part of praying for someone may indeed be for the enemy to cause enough misery for them to cry out to the Lord; this seems commonplace for those who are Prodigal type individuals.
We see when multiple people in particular persevere in prayer for someone things often eventually happen. For those who won't respond; often they are taken away and we never have contact with them again. We don't have the luxury of knowing if anyone has another day on this earth; but we do know the Lord will save all of His elect.
Also; of course the praiseworthy attributes of God's Holiness; power; might; honor and glory should be acclaimed with conviction. This comes from TRUE worship in song and scripture reading. It also comes from a broken and contrite heart ( Ps 51
Hello Francene777. The answer you seek is difficult to give since the Bible does not divulge any more information than what is given in the first chapter of Genesis. In regards to what you learned about this, that the Earth lost its form & became void when Satan decided to rule, we have been given no timeline as to when Satan was cast out of Heaven & whether being cast out, the Earth became uninhabitable. So, it can only be speculation on this matter.
For your thoughts though: the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:4 wrote, "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them". Satan is considered the 'god of this world', not that he usurpes the True God's creative, sustaining ownership of this Earth, but that Satan as a roaring, prowling lion, constantly seeks to infiltrate the minds of people towards sin & estrangement from God. So I ask myself, 'if Satan is still free to roam & deceive the hearts of men, why doesn't this beautifully formed & filled Earth become corrupt again as it did in Genesis 1:2?" Surely, if the Earth was created by God in perfect form & fullness at the first, then became corrupted by Satan's presence, it follows that it should then return to a corrupted formless state. But as far as I can see, this is still a beautiful Earth that we have been given, to which Satan has no power over. Maybe worth considering.
Something amazing about that BOOK. Do you know why it's called the LAMBS BOOK OF LIFE?
It is filled with the names of those of us who have LIFE, the LIFE of the BLESSED SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.
FULL of LIFE! Abundant LIFE! John 10:10 "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have LIFE, and that they might have it more abundantly." What does it mean to have LIFE more abundant?
To be FULL of the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD, and to have HIS name written on our foreheads though the circumcision not made with hands Colossians 2:11 "In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:" May we endeavor to keep to HIS fullness for we are complete in HIM. Colossians 2:10
Being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16
Our hope is in JESUS, and not in the things of this world. So, yes, we prepare, and we equip ourselves as soldiers in the army of God, prepared for battle. Yet, we lean NOT on our own strength, but on His everlasting arms, because He is our strength, our shield.
We study to show ourselves approved of GOD. For we are not those who seek honor from men, but the honor that comes from God alone, and he gives us favor. "So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man." Proverbs 3:4
He is the MASTER potter, and we are the clay. May our lives be honorable unto Him, and him alone. For He alone is worthy to be praised. I magnify His name. His glorious name JESUS. All powerful is our LORD, and Savior Jesus Christ.
The grace of our Lord and Savior be with you. Amen
Thank you Jema for your reply. On the Isaiah 13:12 reference, we would find no agreement at all, as the verse, when understood naturally & in context refers to the scarcity of human life during those times of the LORD's intervention & destruction. If you are finding Jesus in there (i.e. "I will MAKE A MAN more precious than fine gold"), then that would have to be a personal discovery rather than a textual truth.
And likewise with Colossians 3:10, the text doesn't allow for such an interpretation (i.e. of God creating Jesus). Paul is writing about two 'persons': the new man (i.e. the human being renewed by the Spirit), and of God (Who creates in His (God's) Image). So, it doesn't speak of Jesus, but of man who was once created in God's Image (Adam), & then after the fall, that image was marred, which necessitated a re-creation of that image in man. And to do this, man had to be changed inwardly (becoming a 'new man'), who now is being "renewed in knowledge" into the image of the One (God) Who created him (man). Yes, we do have 2 Corinthians 4:4 & Colossians 1:15 to support your use of 'image' as to Christ's 'creation', but we also have Genesis 1:27 & 1 Corinthians 11:7 to support man being made in God's Image. But to put Christ in Colossians 3:10 would violate the point of that verse which is directed to man's renewal.
Lastly, you wrote that you "don't really relish the idea of a big debate". That puzzled me since you initiated those questions for our responses. If we gave responses without 'debate/discussion', then the whole exercise would be entirely fruitless & pointless. So maybe you just wanted to share your understanding of those verses, but not willing to defend your beliefs; and these matters (of Christ's Divinity, eternal judgement, etc.) are vital to Christians & also in the preaching of the Gospel. Without these fundamentals, we have no Gospel - we have no message of liberty & hope to share with a lost world.
I am convinced that one of the most commonly used and successful tactics the enemy uses to combat prayer is the cacophony of conversation that occurs prior to many church services while people grab a cup of coffee and a pastry. There is ALWAYS five or ten minutes when most church members and regular attenders are hanging out chatting about their relatives; friends; sports; work or other such stuff. It is sad to say that in the last three weeks I have heard NOTHING discussed about scripture or the Lord for that matter.
This is; admittedly me griping on the subject but this has happened repeatedly in my exprience in other houses of worship and I am sure others can relate. I have found that with some effort you can flesh out something meaningful; sometimes profound about someone's background in ministry or current personal struggles. It is harder; again from what I have observed to be able to steal a minute or two with someone to pray about something. This morning I had several folks who I told that I would pray for (one whose husband is ill which I heard about in Sunday school; another who told me he was out of work with migranes).
In all this I would be remiss not mentioning that there are more than one parishioner there praying DAILY for my situation living at home with unbelieving parents. Those who are in a prayerful mindset often speak little in these settings; as they do not wish to be part of meaningless chatter; I would suspect.
2 Corinthians 4:7 talks of treasure in earthen vessels; but also that the power is of God and NOT of us. There is a time and place for all types of discussion; but corporate worship should be focused on the Lord. There are more; it seems who boast of their store of deadly weapons than who wield the spiritual ones (at least in conservative circles). If we do not learn how to effectively use a weapon it becomes useless. Let us therefore guard our hearts ( Prov. 4:23). Also read Ephesians 6.
May the LORD give us wisdom in reading, studying and applying HIS word.
2 Timothy 2:15
James 2:
10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Romans 4:
2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Ephesians 2:
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Titus 3:
4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
May we be intercessors in CHRIST name, Isaiah 59:16, for those who have been blinded by the god of this world, 2 Corinthians 4:3, 4.
We are called to stand in the gap for others, Ezekiel 22:30, and plant the seed of the word that others may water and that GOD will give the increase.
Acts 15:
8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
I've had it with these End time prophecy teachers, who teach nothing, but are fear mongers. Jesus did not explain the events of the end until he was asked, and even then he only gave us a glimpse. Not ALL THAT important. Is your house in order, are you guilty of presumptuous sin? Is Jesus Christ, His death, burial and resurrection the center focus of your outlook on life. The Apostle Paul asked the question "Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound"? Rom 6:1 God forbid! I believe we are tasked with getting the LOG out of our eye, which requires much practice of the fervency prayer talked about in James 5:16 and it says
"The effectual FERVENT prayer of a righteous man avails much." The indoctrination of the clueless who have flooded our weak pulpits with their doctrine of "self gratification" blowing up their own minds by speaking great swelling words, and leaving us with nothing but gravel to chew on. I believe we have some self examining to do. "For in an hour that ye think not the SON of man cometh" Matthew 24:44 Being ready as our LORD commanded us. Watch and pray! Drawing ever so closer to the MASTER of our souls, and redeeming the time for the time is at hand. We have been commissioned to "Go ye therefore" to preach, and to teach, what JESUS taught. All that He taught his disciples when he walked on this earth, and how he lived his life; We are to live. A replication of the manifestation of the LOVE that dwelt in the HOLY child Jesus. May it be imparted unto us. May our minds be renewed day by day. "For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." 2 Corinthians 4:16 If our focus is NOT JESUS CHRIST, and HIM only then our lives lay waste, and the abominable awaits, the passions of our wicked evil heart. Only to be consumed by our lustful desires, the enemy of our soul, the carnal mind. O how it plays on our vulnerability. We have some examining to do for the hour is late, and the time is at hand.
Hi Jess L. If I might add a little to what others have shared with you, including those Scriptures for you to consider, I would include a very important chapter (John chapter 17), as Jesus' great & special prayer to His Father just prior to the events leading to His arrest & crucifixion.
The ministry of Jesus on Earth was now completed, only the final work of redemption lay before Him. But Jesus says something interesting to His Father: "Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee" (v1), and then further adds, "O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was" (v5). To glorify means 'to bestow honor; to magnify someone's worth'. When Jesus sought His Father's glory of Himself at this point, it was what remained before Him: the culmination of His Ministry to His disciples & others & the laying down of His Life for them. To many, Jesus' death meant failure, a riddance of a thorn in their flesh, an inability to accomplish what He had promised. But He knew that He did not come to meet the whims & fancies of men, but to bring sinners into the love & fold of God ( John 10:15,16). Men would hate & reject Him, but His Father's Plan for man's redemption would be fully accomplished & in this act of sacrifice & love, both the Father & Son would be glorified & Jesus' time of glorification had arrived - not by pomp & ceremony but by sacrificial Love.
But such love was nothing new, for God is the embodiment of Love, Mercy, Grace, & Truth. But when Jesus came to Earth, that Glory was hidden from men, that only God would be glorified in the Face of Jesus ( 2 Corinthians 4:6). But now the Glory of Jesus would also be seen by those who believe - and this Glory that was once hidden would be returned to Him - as He said, "with the glory which I had with thee before the world was". Jesus, God's Word, was within God's Person, for He 'came out from God & came forth from the Father' ( John 16:27,28).
-- REV 4:1 - 1260 days + forty and two months - REV 19:11-21--
REV 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. (DON'T HAVE TO CALL IT RAPTURE, BUT THAT DAY WILL COME LIKE A THIEF IN THE NIGHT/TRIBULATION STARTS)
REV 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; ('Raptured, caught up, whichever you call it, Saints singing in Heaven before the 1st seal)
REV 11:3 ( two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days) 1260 DAYS
REV 11:7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them." (when? In Rev 13:7)
REV 11:12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, COME UP HITHER. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them." (two witnesses resurrected,'raptured', when the beast makes war and kills them in Rev 13:7)
REV 13:5 Best given forty and two months. 1260 days over and 42 months to go.
REV 13:7 Two Witness killed as told in Rev 11:7
Skip To Rev 19:11-21. 2nd coming of Jesus Christ. 7 years. Does not say it, but it is 7 years from the start of Tribulation to the 2nd coming of Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:3-4
3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Rapture just means (A seizing, a Carrying off) Not found in the Bible, describes how it will be to be taken to Heaven. Call it when Those who are ready, are taken.
Salvation there is a death and an ressurection for the TRUE believers.
This is not done by an alter call or an profession but by the Spirit of God that searches the heart.
Colossians 2:12
having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead
2 Corinthians 4:16
Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
Galatians 6:15
For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
Romans 6:4
Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.
Colossians 3:1
Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Romans 7:6
But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter.
Ephesians 4:24
and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.
Life begins here as a babe in Christ,
God bless you for this all important portion of scripture.
For it has been granted to you not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for him (Phillipians 1:29). Acts 5:41 is in a similar vein; namely being thankful for being worthy to be persecuted in His name; which is promised for all true believers. ( 2 Tim. 3:12; etal). The promise of being chastised if we are a true child of God and other sufferings aren't exactly the first thing we focus on
when it comes to God's promises. But of course if we consider these hard sayings first; we can learn to appreciate the more pleasurable promises in a greater way.
The opposite is true of course; in light of Hebrews 11:25. Sin runs its course of earthly pleasures; which lead up to eternal condemnation. For God's children; however there are pleasures evermore in His right hand ( Psalm 16:11). The fullness of life is also mentioned in that verse which corresponds with John 10:10 in living life to the full. Food and clothing are promised in the Gospels ( Matt. 6:25); (compare with 1 Kings 17:6 where the ravens brought Elijah food). Notice that shelter or a place to rest His head is mentioned as lacking in Matthew 8:20; which made some turn away from following Him. Surely Christ Himself did stay in peoples' homes for short interludes; but He also spent many nights on mountains in prayer; or sleeping on a boat.
Much prayer; of course seems to be edifying when focused on fulfilling the Great Commission. God states in Isaiah 55:11; that His word will not go out void; but accomplish His purposes. If we are doing His work; then we can be sure to reap what we sow; in terms of reward (see Psalm 126:5). Heavenly treasures are a promise for those who are serving out of a pure heart (see 2 Timothy 4:7-8). Therefore; the end ouf our sufferings in Christ will bring eternal glory that outweighs anything on earth. (see Romans 8:18). 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 also discusses "momentary afflictions" that don't compare to heavenly bliss.
Isaiah 54:1 Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.
Heaven is; no doubt principally involved with the worship of the Triune God as primary; and relational with fellowship with other saints in His presence as secondary. In those of us in situations where we are single; or have no possibility of having children it can be depressing; admittedly. What is at the heart of any truly Godly relationship is the presence of the Lord; and we are to guard our hearts against anything getting in the way ( Prov. 4:23). As our hearts are desperately wicked ( Jeremiah 17:9) we need to take care not to attempt shortcuts or compromise in order to try to give God a "jump start" as to what we desire.
First and foremost the Kingdom of God is to be sought after; and then the Lord will give us the desires of our heart ( Psalm 37:4).
As a jealous God is towards His people ( Exodus 20:5) an earthly marriage in particular should covet the partnership with the covenant spouse in exclusion of all others in certain aspects of intimacy. No doubt there are applications which a couple should learn to practice in reaching out to others by working together as a team; something that takes hard work and sadly in many cases doesn't come to fruition as we often see only one of the two parties committed to local church attendance; etc.
We must remember that as His children ultimately He knows what is best for us. When we compare the eternal weight of glory ( 2 Corinthians 4:17) to our current burdens that gives us a clear perspective on priorities of greater and lesser importance.
I pray this forum will truly continue to help bear one anothers' burdens even with the anonymous forum.
Further questions
How does God work with man in order to facilitate His Kingdom and bring it to fruition in time? How do we find a balance between God being an impartial judge ( Deut. 10:17) and His personal relationship literally "possessing" us with His Holy Spirit for those who He has called and chosen? This causes Him to show favor among His children.
How do we wrap our heads around God who can't even look at sin and yet so loving the world that He sent His only Son? It is easy to brush off our understanding of John 3:16 with what Christ did for us and its effectivity for all who believe His Name but if the Father had to look away when Christ bore our sin ( Matthew 27:46) how can He even care about us; miserable worms that we are? (Spoiler alert He sees Christ in us when we are sealed with the Spirit)
How can we understand eternal destinies as compared to what we can see and sense today with those around us and the world in general as to its appearance? What can we make of our new bodies ( 1 Cor. 2:14). What about 1 Corinthians 15:35-36. Are we to understand we are foolish to ask such questions of what it will be like in Resurrected form?
35 But someone will ask, "How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?" 36 How foolish! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. I'll try to delve more into that later but it has to do with the context for that church as to how Paul was speaking.
Why were many things hidden as to Christ's first 30 years before beginning public ministry?
Why did God prophesy and bring about Judas the Betrayer and the future Antichrist Beast?
The last thing I will post tonight is the thought of why and how the Lord both REVEALS truth and CONCEALS it to those receptive and rejecting Him. 2 Corinthians 4:4 is a good start but it is still mysterious and thought provoking. I will get more into this in later postings as to how it relates to evangelism.
Part 3
This spirit is not the person, nor is it immortal or eternal, nor does it have a conscious existence when the person dies. Those of us who have the Holy Spirit in us, Romans 8:11, But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you, this is the Spirit of God, for those in Jesus Christ, this happens at resurrection.
In Psalms 16:7 David said the LORD has given him counsel; this is his spirit communicating with God, as Paul calls it in 2 Corinthians 4:16 the inward man. Peter describes it as the hidden man of the heart, 1 Peter 3:4. When God communicates with us, it is not with our mind; it's a Spirit-to-spirit communication.
God gives the human a spirit, some believe it is at conception, Zechariah 12:1, Isaiah 12:5. We know He takes it back at the time of death, Ecclesiastes 12:7. Psalm 104:29, thou takest away their breath, they die, the Hebrew word for breath is ruach, it also means spirit. James 2:26, the body without the spirit is dead. All consciousness ends when we die. Psalm 6:5, Job 14:12-14, Job 17:13-16. Psalm 115:17. Ecclesiastes 9:5-10. We sleep in death until resurrection day, the day of redemption. 1 Corinthians 15:51-54, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-15.
The Bible tells us a spirit can be good, bad, or broken, Psalm 34:18, God cares for us and wants to help mend our brokenness, Isaiah 41:10. When we do not have rule over our spirit, we can go so bad that God turns one over to a reprobate mind as we see in Romans 1:18-32, the door is shut. With God's Spirit, the Holy Spirit, we in our spirit grow in our faith and have comfort in His presence.
See part 4
When we were lost , being not saved by believing the gospel of grace, we were part of the world system and was the devil's child.
Ephesians 2:12
That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in theworld:
Satan has advantages on the unsaved.
Ephesians 2:2
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of thisworld, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
We that are unsaved , are in bondage to the cares of the world.
Galatians 4:3
Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of theworld:
Even as a saved Christian, it's easy to let Satan in our spirit.
Ephesians 4:27
Neither give place to thedevil.
Today, the worldly spirit of Satan is very strong because of cellphone, television and being very busy doing worldly things instead of godly things
1 Timothy 4:1
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines ofdevils;
One day we will leave the evil world and be with Jesus Christ.
Galatians 1:4
Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evilworld, according to the will of God and our Father:
Satan is good at hiding the gospel of grace.
2 Corinthians 4:4
In whom the god of thisworldhath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
God gave us a spirit to worship Him. The spirit of the world is of Satan.
1 Corinthians 2:12
Now we have received, not the spirit of theworld, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
Ray , in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
The bright light has shined in the hearts of the humble and faithful people that wants to know the gospel of grace.
2 Corinthians 4:6
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
May God bless us with the gospel of grace in Christ Jesus.
Acts 20:24
But noneofthese things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have receivedofthe Lord Jesus, to testify thegospelofthegraceofGod.
Apostle Paul's gospel is free from Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.
Ephesians 2:8
Forbygraceare ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
It's really all bout the gospel of grace for Salvation and to live by the doctrine in Apostle Paul's epistle.
2 Timothy 3:10
But thou hast fully known mydoctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
God bless....
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Thank you Jesus Christ for my free Salvation by believing only.
Matthew 18:12
How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?
Now we rejoice in heaven for that one sheep that admitted he was lost and needed Salvation.
Matthew 18:13
And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.
Today, Jesus Christ is using Apostle Paul's epistle for Salvation and doctrine and the 99 are just blind to it.
2 Corinthians 4:4
In whom the god of this world hathblinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Apostle Paul's gospel of grace.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Ray, in Christ Jesus
2 Corinthians 4:4 makes it clear that we are brain dead when it comes to spiritual discernment until God opens the door to understanding. This particular posting (likely a series) isn't so much about correct doctrine but it explains how we should avoid "compartmentalizing" our lives into that which is "spiritual" and the rest of our existence in regard to employment; marital status and living location in particular.
Scripturally it is crucial to take into account Luke 14:26 as to our love for God being paramount and essentially any other affections being "hate" in comparison. The context here certainly cannot be permitted to ignore other scriptures or be contradictory to loving our enemies; honoring our parents; etc. We are asked not to let influences of others stop us from following Christ; so that we follow the Master who will guide us and direct us how to conduct ourselves. Nonetheless we see the Disciples leaving everything; although Paul would mention (see 1 Corinthians 9:5) that believing wives should be allowed whenever safe to do so to accompany them and such precedent exists when we see Abraham leaving with Sarai and Moses also being married despite his years in exile.
This marriage issue is something some people like to throw around when coming to Christ; where they use an excuse that their wives aren't believers but wish to remain ( 1 Cor. 7:13-14) they should when often seeking a new "model" as it were. If they don't then verse 15 takes effect; but I am doubtful of the NIV interpretation divorce; in any case I don't see anyone free to remarry if a spouse is still alive. In my situation it is sad to report that my faith was something that was eventually scoffed at and ridiculed and my ex used it as an excuse to be disloyal; since marriages among professing believers isn't much better than the world there should be just as much a chance of a believer winning over his wife or at least staying together with some harmony.
There is a lot packed into this verse ( 2 Corinthians 4:4), and much more can be said but I tried to keep it short. Yes, I agree, Israel's blindness is temporary. God has made a promise to Israel and when the Lord returns, that promise will be fulfilled.
Blessings to you also!
2 Corinthians 4:9 - Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
He says I'm persecuted. The word persecuted in the Greek means to chase or to pursue. When Satan persecutes a Christian, he chases that person. There's nothing Satan can do except chase people, which is why Paul goes out of his way to say "Stand in Christ. Don't run. You have the armor of God on!
2 Corinthians 4:17 - For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
For our light affliction, again THLIPSIS/Stress, which is but for a moment. So, he says in this earthly life, I see that the hardships that we have to go through, it's like compared to eternity, it's just a minute.
It works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; So, when you compare this affliction, or stress for now, compared to the glory that we're going to experience in the future, there's no comparison!
2 Corinthians 5:1 - For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
Interesting that he calls his body a tabernacle, or more literally a tent, SKENE in Greek. When this tent dissolves, and it is also interesting that he's a tentmaker. But when this tent dissolves, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
2 Corinthians 4:4 - In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not. Please catch this: It wasn't Satan that blinded their minds that made them unbelievers. It says Satan hath blinded the minds of those who believe not. So, the unbelief came first. And secondly, Satan comes, and he blinds their minds, and the word mind is not PSUECHE (the psyche), but the NOEMA, the perceptive processes of the mind. Satan made it so that they could not perceive the truth of Christ any longer.
And he does this, lest the light of the glory of the gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine in them. So, he prevents it. They disbelieved the word. They're in the process of unbelief and Satan comes and blinds their minds.
2 Corinthians 4:7 - But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
But we have this treasure, and that would be God's Spirit, in earthen vessels, and the word earthen is making reference to dirt or clay. It's the same word is used for the potters that mix and make clay. But it's basically the word dirt.
2 Corinthians 4:8 - We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
We are troubled on every side, and that's the word THLIPSIS, which has to do with pressure and stress. We are pressured and stressed on every side yet not distressed. It's not the end!
Secondly, we are perplexed. The word perplexed means the sense you get when you come to a fork in the road and you don't know which way to go, left or right. You are perplexed. Which way do I go? I don't know! But then he says but not in despair. Despair means there's no way out. We might be perplexed but we know there's a way out. We just don't know what it is yet.
2 Corinthians 3:18 - But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass, or mirror, the glory of the Lord, we are changed into the same image from glory to glory. The word changed is actually the word transformation, metamorphosis. It is a transformation that takes place, that when we're fellowshipping with the Lord, and we look into the mirror, or the glass, and we're looking into the glory of the Lord, is that we are changed into that image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. He performs a transformation in us, a change. And Paul describes that for us in Chapter 5 about a new creation.
2 Corinthians 4:2 - But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
Where it says, "nor handling the word of God deceitfully," this is a good one. The word handling and deceitfully are all one word. It's actually a pharmaceutical term that means unmixed. You don't mix the word of God with something else.
In fact, Paul in his first letter, 1 Corinthians 2:4-5, he says when I came to you, my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in the demonstration of the Spirit and of power. He didn't use any human manipulations. He just preached and it was the demonstration of Spirit and power that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of man, but in the power of God.
Paul says I minister so that your relationship with the Lord will be on the basis of faith, not human manipulation. And so, he says here, we have not handled the word of God deceitfully. We haven't mixed it with anything else. We just give you straight word.
Revelation 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Manifest- Plain, open, clearly, visible to the eye or obvious to the understanding, apparent, not obscure or difficult to be seen or understood.
Elder Graves Quoted Paragraph 1: Line 5-13 Allows me to plant a seed of spiritual fruit when I am in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Giving children identified as atudents equal opportunity of education to achieve their goals."But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil." 2 Thessalonians 3:3 KJV
Allows me to be rewarded. 1 Corinthians 3:8-9 KJV
Reward- return for the good done, for kindness, for services and the like. Can consist of money, goods, or any return of kindness and happiness. Career/Employment
According to California Department of Education supports high - quality educational programs for California diverse student population through its educational leadership role and places great importance on cultivating a diverse staff that understands and promotes the intellectual, ethical, cultural, emotional, and physical growth of each student. Matthew 16:18 KJV Ephesians 2:20 KJV
Govern now making me blessed & rewarded into education system. According to U.S. Department of Education to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.
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Blessed- Happy, prosperous in educational affairs; enjoying spiritual happiness, and the favor of God, enjoying heavenly felicity.
Children today that we have here today are called students who by law are required to attend school to be educated, read, write, solve math problems.
My faithfulness meaning steadfast in the fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:22-23 KJV -1 Corin 3:9
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
My interpretation: textual evidence scriptures( 2 Corinthians 4:14 )To be delivered to become like God and becoming like God through sacrifice of praise and fruit of your lips giving thanksguving.
Interpretation- The act of interpreting,explanation of unintelligible words in language that is intelligible.
The new testament( New Convenant) was written in Greek
How to keep faith and have the victory over compassion not to come up short to become like God Philippians 4:13 KJV 1 Corinthians 1:23 KJV
John 15:26 KJV But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
That the testimony of Jesus Christ will bless you in all ways in life to have what you want.- 2 Corinthians 5:14 KJV.
My interpetation and spoken by Reginald Taylor Jr is plain and evident"(token " Not to be in state of hunger, depression, poverty" becoming wealthy and rich which is the new Convenant.- Psalm 112:3 KJV Proverbs 23:7 KJV
The testimony of Jesus Christ has blessed me - Psalm 112:3 KJV believing in the Gospel of Jesus Christ offering the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. ( 1 Peter 2:9, Hebrews 7:26, Joshua 1:8)
Published and spoken Word by REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
Ultimately; whether it be Armageddon or the final Great White throne judgment; or the individual demise of every person outside of the faith since Adam fell; the fate of unregenerate man is horrible beyond imagination. The biggest problem is that we don't know who Christ is; the eyes of those under Satan's power are blinded ( 2 Corinthians 4:4). Once we can see clearly we will be on our face; so it is better to do it now than under compulsion at judgment. The righteous also are constrained but by His love to praise and worship the Lord. The Holy Spirit when we are fully surrendered will fill our entire being with praise.
For now; it wouldn't surprise me a bit if an atheist would have less of an issue with say capital punishment as many who call themselves Christian. The Antichrist himself is called the "lawless one" and indeed at least one atheist I met was from a worldly standpoint a very "moral" person. What the law does is serve as a "schoolmaster" ( Gal. 3:24) to bring people to faith.
This explains why it is possible for the vilest sinner (such as possibly occured with Jeffrey Dahmer) to change. As Christians we shouldn't have a double standard we can exact justice to protect the innocent but still have an attitude of unconditional love and forgiveness which wouldn't be comprehended by an atheist.
Anyway another good point is that Christ never said the adage that God helps those who help themselves. If there was any other way certainly God would not have allowed His son to go through the suffering on the cross; or turn His back on Him at that instant of time. This shows sin is DEADLY serious.
Also of course 1 Corinthians 11:30 shows that even God' speople can have a shortened life living in disobedience. God delivered a man over to Satan so that at some point before death he would repent (apparently the man came to his senses and eventually was restored to fellowship). Better to make it to heaven through fire than hell.
Thank you for your reply, yes, Genesis 3:15 tells us He will come by the seed of a woman, and that is exactly what we see happen in Mary. My understanding of John 1:1-5 is John's prolog at the start of his gospel like Genesis 1:1 is a prolog to the rest of Genesis 1. John starts with, In the beginning.
I see this beginning as the coming of the Messiah/Christ the beginning of Jesus's ministry because in John 1:6, John goes to John the Baptist as the witness of the one who was to come, the Light that darkness did not comprehend. This is the start of Jesus's ministry when Jesus was anointed with the Holy Ghost/Spirit and God made Him the Messiah/Christ, Acts 2:36.
Jesus was sent for the lost sheep of Israel, Matthew 15:24, His role or ministry was to fulfill the law and the prophets in confirming the new covenant by His death and resurrection from the dead to pay the price for our sins. Daniel 9:27 is also about the 3.5 years of Jesus ministry but that is another topic. Jesus was the Messiah that was prophesied to come in Daniel. As I have discussed with Chris my understanding is Jesus was the beginning of the plan of God and like John 1:10 it is through Him not by Him.
Jesus, God' Son is first in God's plan of creation, and everything was created in and through Him and Jesus was begotten in the fullness of time. Ephesians 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: Colossians 1:20. I know you may also not agree with that but that is how I understand, it is God the Father who is the creator.
The light was the word of God that dwelt in Jesus, the glory of the Father that dwelt in Jesus, 2 Corinthians 4:6.
God bless,
RLW
Mark 8:30 is one of several verses indicating Christ told people including the Disciples NOT to tell anyone who He was (namely; the Son of God). He spoke in Parables to hide things from all except those called and chosen (see Matthew 13:10).
When we survey the narrative of the Gospels it leaves us dumbfounded as to how anyone could not realize who Christ was. After all John the Baptist after baptizing a large amount of the entire population including the Pharisees warning them of who was to come identified Christ ( John 1:32 and recorded in Luke 3:22 as being accompanied by a voice from heaven). Only the Spirit could reveal this truth as we see in Matthew 16:17.
There are several reasons for this blindness. One is the god of this world who is mentioned as blinding men to the truth as illustrated in 2 Corinthians 4:4. The second was in the hidden counsels of God more than likely (See Deut. 29:29). If the wicked knew who He was they would have stopped it because it would have led to their guilt in the act and He would inevitably be Resurrected. Satan also may have not been involved because it would mean His defeat as prophesied in Genesis 3:15 (although he is insane enough to ignore what he probably should have known). Israel should have recognized that the suffering servant would also come back as conquering king. They would have waited until He established that Kingdom on earth without having a heart to truly worship Him; reminiscent of the group who finally rebels at the end of the Millennium period.
We need to squarely face this fact in terms of how the unregenerate view Christ. Any affinity one may have for Jesus apart from the grace of God bringing repentance is from a false Christ in our imaginations which inevitably brings a works based attempt at salvation or considering Him a great teacher or Prophet as was the case of those in Matthew 16:14. Church is the congregation of the Holy not a social club for comfort.
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."
The only offensive weapon in Ephesians 6 is the sword of the Spirit. Today's megachurches have tended to make things into a sideshow by defining success as someone with a lot of possessions. Indeed God CAN honor a prayer regarding material things but it is unwise and naive to ignore verses such as Deuteronomy 17:17; for it can lead to total apostasy later when greed takes over.
Playing games to underestimate the intensity of the evil we face does no one any favors either. Those who would be hesitant to warn sinners of their grievous state and need of repentance so as not to "offend" anyone are probably the same ones who downplay how serious the conflict is with the demonic horde under Satan that have pretty well taken over society; and worse the church in a large part making those who want to engage in serious battle seem like they are outcasts. Worse still there are many who look at Satan as somehow ruling over hell (as opposed to perhaps guarding Hades in the past as seen in those held captive described in Psalm 68:18). Men are blinded because of their own sin but 2 Corinthians 4:4 shows how Satan is the agent the Lord allows to keep men in this state. Part of praying for someone may indeed be for the enemy to cause enough misery for them to cry out to the Lord; this seems commonplace for those who are Prodigal type individuals.
We see when multiple people in particular persevere in prayer for someone things often eventually happen. For those who won't respond; often they are taken away and we never have contact with them again. We don't have the luxury of knowing if anyone has another day on this earth; but we do know the Lord will save all of His elect.
Also; of course the praiseworthy attributes of God's Holiness; power; might; honor and glory should be acclaimed with conviction. This comes from TRUE worship in song and scripture reading. It also comes from a broken and contrite heart ( Ps 51
So let us enjoy the time we have to celebrate and declare HIS salvation with HIS blood shed on the cross.
Then there is a debate regarding HIS resurrection.
2 Corinthians 4:
3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost
May we live our lives showing that our GOD lives. We can show this by being obedient and true to HIS word. 2 Timothy 2:15; 3: 16, 17
Merry Christmas to all; and
Numbers 6
24 The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
25 The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
Luke 2
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
Have a great time with family and friends!
December 23, 2023
For your thoughts though: the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:4 wrote, "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them". Satan is considered the 'god of this world', not that he usurpes the True God's creative, sustaining ownership of this Earth, but that Satan as a roaring, prowling lion, constantly seeks to infiltrate the minds of people towards sin & estrangement from God. So I ask myself, 'if Satan is still free to roam & deceive the hearts of men, why doesn't this beautifully formed & filled Earth become corrupt again as it did in Genesis 1:2?" Surely, if the Earth was created by God in perfect form & fullness at the first, then became corrupted by Satan's presence, it follows that it should then return to a corrupted formless state. But as far as I can see, this is still a beautiful Earth that we have been given, to which Satan has no power over. Maybe worth considering.
Something amazing about that BOOK. Do you know why it's called the LAMBS BOOK OF LIFE?
It is filled with the names of those of us who have LIFE, the LIFE of the BLESSED SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.
FULL of LIFE! Abundant LIFE! John 10:10 "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have LIFE, and that they might have it more abundantly." What does it mean to have LIFE more abundant?
To be FULL of the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD, and to have HIS name written on our foreheads though the circumcision not made with hands Colossians 2:11 "In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:" May we endeavor to keep to HIS fullness for we are complete in HIM. Colossians 2:10
Being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16
Our hope is in JESUS, and not in the things of this world. So, yes, we prepare, and we equip ourselves as soldiers in the army of God, prepared for battle. Yet, we lean NOT on our own strength, but on His everlasting arms, because He is our strength, our shield.
We study to show ourselves approved of GOD. For we are not those who seek honor from men, but the honor that comes from God alone, and he gives us favor. "So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man." Proverbs 3:4
He is the MASTER potter, and we are the clay. May our lives be honorable unto Him, and him alone. For He alone is worthy to be praised. I magnify His name. His glorious name JESUS. All powerful is our LORD, and Savior Jesus Christ.
The grace of our Lord and Savior be with you. Amen
And likewise with Colossians 3:10, the text doesn't allow for such an interpretation (i.e. of God creating Jesus). Paul is writing about two 'persons': the new man (i.e. the human being renewed by the Spirit), and of God (Who creates in His (God's) Image). So, it doesn't speak of Jesus, but of man who was once created in God's Image (Adam), & then after the fall, that image was marred, which necessitated a re-creation of that image in man. And to do this, man had to be changed inwardly (becoming a 'new man'), who now is being "renewed in knowledge" into the image of the One (God) Who created him (man). Yes, we do have 2 Corinthians 4:4 & Colossians 1:15 to support your use of 'image' as to Christ's 'creation', but we also have Genesis 1:27 & 1 Corinthians 11:7 to support man being made in God's Image. But to put Christ in Colossians 3:10 would violate the point of that verse which is directed to man's renewal.
Lastly, you wrote that you "don't really relish the idea of a big debate". That puzzled me since you initiated those questions for our responses. If we gave responses without 'debate/discussion', then the whole exercise would be entirely fruitless & pointless. So maybe you just wanted to share your understanding of those verses, but not willing to defend your beliefs; and these matters (of Christ's Divinity, eternal judgement, etc.) are vital to Christians & also in the preaching of the Gospel. Without these fundamentals, we have no Gospel - we have no message of liberty & hope to share with a lost world.
I am convinced that one of the most commonly used and successful tactics the enemy uses to combat prayer is the cacophony of conversation that occurs prior to many church services while people grab a cup of coffee and a pastry. There is ALWAYS five or ten minutes when most church members and regular attenders are hanging out chatting about their relatives; friends; sports; work or other such stuff. It is sad to say that in the last three weeks I have heard NOTHING discussed about scripture or the Lord for that matter.
This is; admittedly me griping on the subject but this has happened repeatedly in my exprience in other houses of worship and I am sure others can relate. I have found that with some effort you can flesh out something meaningful; sometimes profound about someone's background in ministry or current personal struggles. It is harder; again from what I have observed to be able to steal a minute or two with someone to pray about something. This morning I had several folks who I told that I would pray for (one whose husband is ill which I heard about in Sunday school; another who told me he was out of work with migranes).
In all this I would be remiss not mentioning that there are more than one parishioner there praying DAILY for my situation living at home with unbelieving parents. Those who are in a prayerful mindset often speak little in these settings; as they do not wish to be part of meaningless chatter; I would suspect.
2 Corinthians 4:7 talks of treasure in earthen vessels; but also that the power is of God and NOT of us. There is a time and place for all types of discussion; but corporate worship should be focused on the Lord. There are more; it seems who boast of their store of deadly weapons than who wield the spiritual ones (at least in conservative circles). If we do not learn how to effectively use a weapon it becomes useless. Let us therefore guard our hearts ( Prov. 4:23). Also read Ephesians 6.
2 Timothy 2:15
James 2:
10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Romans 4:
2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Ephesians 2:
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Titus 3:
4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
May we be intercessors in CHRIST name, Isaiah 59:16, for those who have been blinded by the god of this world, 2 Corinthians 4:3, 4.
We are called to stand in the gap for others, Ezekiel 22:30, and plant the seed of the word that others may water and that GOD will give the increase.
Acts 15:
8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
Salvation is by faith in CHRIST alone.
GOD bless everyone!
"The effectual FERVENT prayer of a righteous man avails much." The indoctrination of the clueless who have flooded our weak pulpits with their doctrine of "self gratification" blowing up their own minds by speaking great swelling words, and leaving us with nothing but gravel to chew on. I believe we have some self examining to do. "For in an hour that ye think not the SON of man cometh" Matthew 24:44 Being ready as our LORD commanded us. Watch and pray! Drawing ever so closer to the MASTER of our souls, and redeeming the time for the time is at hand. We have been commissioned to "Go ye therefore" to preach, and to teach, what JESUS taught. All that He taught his disciples when he walked on this earth, and how he lived his life; We are to live. A replication of the manifestation of the LOVE that dwelt in the HOLY child Jesus. May it be imparted unto us. May our minds be renewed day by day. "For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." 2 Corinthians 4:16 If our focus is NOT JESUS CHRIST, and HIM only then our lives lay waste, and the abominable awaits, the passions of our wicked evil heart. Only to be consumed by our lustful desires, the enemy of our soul, the carnal mind. O how it plays on our vulnerability. We have some examining to do for the hour is late, and the time is at hand.
The ministry of Jesus on Earth was now completed, only the final work of redemption lay before Him. But Jesus says something interesting to His Father: "Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee" (v1), and then further adds, "O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was" (v5). To glorify means 'to bestow honor; to magnify someone's worth'. When Jesus sought His Father's glory of Himself at this point, it was what remained before Him: the culmination of His Ministry to His disciples & others & the laying down of His Life for them. To many, Jesus' death meant failure, a riddance of a thorn in their flesh, an inability to accomplish what He had promised. But He knew that He did not come to meet the whims & fancies of men, but to bring sinners into the love & fold of God ( John 10:15,16). Men would hate & reject Him, but His Father's Plan for man's redemption would be fully accomplished & in this act of sacrifice & love, both the Father & Son would be glorified & Jesus' time of glorification had arrived - not by pomp & ceremony but by sacrificial Love.
But such love was nothing new, for God is the embodiment of Love, Mercy, Grace, & Truth. But when Jesus came to Earth, that Glory was hidden from men, that only God would be glorified in the Face of Jesus ( 2 Corinthians 4:6). But now the Glory of Jesus would also be seen by those who believe - and this Glory that was once hidden would be returned to Him - as He said, "with the glory which I had with thee before the world was". Jesus, God's Word, was within God's Person, for He 'came out from God & came forth from the Father' ( John 16:27,28).
REV 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. (DON'T HAVE TO CALL IT RAPTURE, BUT THAT DAY WILL COME LIKE A THIEF IN THE NIGHT/TRIBULATION STARTS)
REV 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; ('Raptured, caught up, whichever you call it, Saints singing in Heaven before the 1st seal)
REV 11:3 ( two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days) 1260 DAYS
REV 11:7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them." (when? In Rev 13:7)
REV 11:12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, COME UP HITHER. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them." (two witnesses resurrected,'raptured', when the beast makes war and kills them in Rev 13:7)
REV 13:5 Best given forty and two months. 1260 days over and 42 months to go.
REV 13:7 Two Witness killed as told in Rev 11:7
Skip To Rev 19:11-21. 2nd coming of Jesus Christ. 7 years. Does not say it, but it is 7 years from the start of Tribulation to the 2nd coming of Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:3-4
3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Rapture just means (A seizing, a Carrying off) Not found in the Bible, describes how it will be to be taken to Heaven. Call it when Those who are ready, are taken.
This is not done by an alter call or an profession but by the Spirit of God that searches the heart.
Colossians 2:12
having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead
2 Corinthians 4:16
Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
Galatians 6:15
For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
Romans 6:4
Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.
Colossians 3:1
Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Romans 7:6
But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter.
Ephesians 4:24
and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.
Life begins here as a babe in Christ,
God bless you for this all important portion of scripture.
If this is not gotten right nothing else matters.
For it has been granted to you not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for him (Phillipians 1:29). Acts 5:41 is in a similar vein; namely being thankful for being worthy to be persecuted in His name; which is promised for all true believers. ( 2 Tim. 3:12; etal). The promise of being chastised if we are a true child of God and other sufferings aren't exactly the first thing we focus on
when it comes to God's promises. But of course if we consider these hard sayings first; we can learn to appreciate the more pleasurable promises in a greater way.
The opposite is true of course; in light of Hebrews 11:25. Sin runs its course of earthly pleasures; which lead up to eternal condemnation. For God's children; however there are pleasures evermore in His right hand ( Psalm 16:11). The fullness of life is also mentioned in that verse which corresponds with John 10:10 in living life to the full. Food and clothing are promised in the Gospels ( Matt. 6:25); (compare with 1 Kings 17:6 where the ravens brought Elijah food). Notice that shelter or a place to rest His head is mentioned as lacking in Matthew 8:20; which made some turn away from following Him. Surely Christ Himself did stay in peoples' homes for short interludes; but He also spent many nights on mountains in prayer; or sleeping on a boat.
Much prayer; of course seems to be edifying when focused on fulfilling the Great Commission. God states in Isaiah 55:11; that His word will not go out void; but accomplish His purposes. If we are doing His work; then we can be sure to reap what we sow; in terms of reward (see Psalm 126:5). Heavenly treasures are a promise for those who are serving out of a pure heart (see 2 Timothy 4:7-8). Therefore; the end ouf our sufferings in Christ will bring eternal glory that outweighs anything on earth. (see Romans 8:18). 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 also discusses "momentary afflictions" that don't compare to heavenly bliss.