James
King James Version (KJV)
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The rewards of heaven are symbolized by crowns; and such things as patiently waiting for the Lord's return; Pastors and elders have crowns given for faithful service. Martyrdom also is a way someone can receive a crown which in itself is an instantaneous action. ( James 1:12). Dying to self; however is usually a prolonged process for a believer. God keeps His servants here normally for a period of time so that they can bear fruit and be witnesses of the Good News before they are martyred or have a natural death.
The crowns cast at the feet of Christ in Revelation are only symbols; of course indicating the authority of the rewards of a servant of Christ. Ruling and reigning with Him; no doubt will be with some in as high a position as David who is promised to return in the Millennium ( Hosea 3:5 and other verses). Of course it is better to be a doorkeeper in the Lord's presence than lost in outer darkness. (see Psalm 84:10).
As a personal application; Victoria I would encourage you to continue in prayers in your closet as it were and not letting your right hand know what your left hand is doing ( Matt. 6:3-4). Good deeds may include exhorting or rebuking someone which may not be appreciated in this lifetime. It may mean lending to someone who can't or won't pay you back in your personal private life. Hunger and thirst for righteousness is never fully satisfied this side of heaven and living Godly through sufferings and chastisments is scriptural but not popular today. All Godly suffer persecution (2 Tim3:12
This is my favorite scripture because, you can dig into this scripture really deeply! James 1:19-20 is literally the main learning point of the old saying "God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason", we should should use our ears to listen and learn and when we gain wisdom through this we can then use that wisdom to teach through our mouths; Cross References= Proverbs 17:27 and Proverbs 14:29! James 1:21-24 goes to show that we should lay aside all disobedience and defiance, read the word and live it; Romans 2:13, Jeremiah 44:16, and 1 Thessalonians 1:5!
I thank you for your reply but my understanding isn't quite where it should be. You say cease from my works yet I am to walk in His statutes and judgements and DO THEM. I'm sorry for my lack of understanding but this confuses me. I just want to be a ( James 1:23) doer of the word and not a hearer. lol
I thank you for your time and patience with me.
Peace be with you.
I hope you don't mind if I reply as to what you asked GiGi, "Is anger a sin?
Yes ,it appears to be so according to Scripture: Eph. 4:26-27, Col. 3:8 includes it with wrath, malice, blasphemy, and filthy communication. James 1:19-20, and more.
The word anger is associated with wrath and abundant throughout the OT. It is attributed to God. Should I conclude it is only a sin when we display anger and wrath? Help me out
Yet it seems you were justifying it as a righteous act because it appears that Jesus displayed anger.
I'm not insinuating you are right or wrong; just looking for a clear explanation. I'm probably misunderstanding what's being said.
Thank you in peace.
Part two
What does it mean to believe? What is the evidence that we believe? As Paul said, it is like running a race, when we start this race, we believe we are going to finish, and with God's Spirit we have all the determination and motivation we are not only going to finish this race we are going to win this race.
We are saved! We are being saved! We shall be saved! When we start, are all our sins forgiven, our past, present, and our future sins the moment we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and are baptized? Is our salvation guaranteed and we cannot lose it or fall out of grace regardless?
We are saved. Eph. 2:5 When we accept the gospel and are baptized our sins are blotted out, Isaiah 44:22 Acts 3:19 and we become a child/son/daughter of God, John 1:12 we are justified, made righteous by the blood of Christ and the Holy Spirit dwells in us, and now we begin a relationship through God's Spirit, and God and Jesus abide in us, 2 John 1:9. This is the start of the race, the beginning of our salvation.
We are being saved. Philippians 1:6 Hearing the Word one believes and is baptized into Christ they are made clean (justification) the work of grace, and the Lord will continue working in us until He returns if we abide in Him John 15:3-5. How does God complete his good work in us? Testing James 1:2-4, chastising Heb. 12:6-7 Our relationship. If we abide in Him, Jesus, and God abides in us. The branches bear the fruit of the vine, the vine produces the fruit not us/branch, sanctification. We are running the race Philippians 2:12
We shall be saved. Redemption and glorification. Our full salvation comes at the end, when Jesus returns. Luke 21:28 "being now justified" We started the race. We are being saved, "being reconciled" we are running the race, 2 Cor. 5:18. We shall be saved at the end of the race. Romans 13:11.
See part three.
Part 2
This we must do for the rest of our lives, to live in repentance and obedience walking in the Spirit, not in this world. We must include these scriptures that show during our life and be sanctified one can fail, fall away whatever we want to call it, Heb. 3:12-13 1 John 1:7 2 Peter 2:20 we are told to keep ourselves Jude 21 If we hold fast the confidence, Heb. 3:6 If we faint not, Gal. 6:9 If ye continue in the faith, Col. 1:23 If ye do these things, 2 Peter 1:10, Paul said this about himself 1 Cor. 9:25-27.
Do we err when we say I was saved on whatever date when we should say my salvation started and I was justified made righteous, and I am now walking in the Spirit of God looking for the day I will be glorified when My Savior Jesus Christ returns and I will be like Him and as long as I breathe I will continue to walk in the Spirit of God as I am sanctified to be made perfect as My Lord Jesus is perfect? We must, every day be obedient and ask for forgiveness and guidance to keep going for the goal.
When are we saved is it when we accept Jesus as our Savior, if then do we overlook we must endure until the end. We must have the earnest/downpayment of the Spirit 2 Cor. 5:5, a downpayment for the final purchase when Jesus returns to claim His elect. We must know and realize that for whom the downpayment has been placed it must be intact when Jesus returns. We must endure until the end. Matt. 10:22 Matt. 24:13 John 6:27 As Abraham Heb. 6:13-16 James 1:12
I wish I could explain this better; I feel I have come up short, but I feel those who believe when walking down the aisle and confess they believe in Jesus they have a nonrefundable ticket to eternity, that is wrong.
God bless,
RLW
I don't see where what I describe takes it out of context of your statement, but the fulfillment of it.
the same word is used in James 1:4
Friend
shall I present more before you, & would you hear it then?
Grace & Peace to you
The Grace of God that appears to all mankind, begotten Paul & he declares in 1Cor 15:10 made what he now is.
What the Apostles received by the Revelation of Jesus Christ from His Grace appearance, they wrote down in the Epistle's that bares their name, & they believed & attain unto this knowledge by the diligent exercising thereof Hebrews 5:14 Hebrews 12:11 Philippians 3:16
Here's a small unfolding of His Grace / Light
They let Patience James 1:4,25 James 5:11 1Pet 5:9,10
Make you Perfect Hebrews 13:21
Be ye Perfect Matt 5:48 indicating this perfection is the same as the Father, there's not a different standard of holiness for mankind describe here.
The angel declared to Mary, Matt 1:21 not in their sin!
Folks,
Everything that God does is perfect, do you really believe that He would sent His only begotten Son to suffer all that He did for our sakes, & it not be a perfect restoration for His beloved creations.
I tell you by the Scriptures, sound reasoning & the Holy Ghost it's goes beyond the state of Adam innocents before he fell
Rom 6:3-5 the newness of life spoken of here is the likeness of His resurrection life & that is attain by working of His Divine Power 2Pet 1:2-4
I'm talking Grace, here now in this life. Don't be deceived, it's accompanies all that Christ experience, 1Pet 2:21 this too is apart of being make in His image & likeness, walking as He walk, the Apostles final got it after Pentecost, being baptized unto His death. This is when 1John 1:1-5 truly came into spiritual experiential experience. John 7:17
John 4:23,24 True worship is doing His will
& that will is reveal by His Grace / Light appearance in your heart. 2Cor 4:6,7
I have in other posts described why the Rapture is going to occur. It fulfills scriptures such as Malachi 3:16 in the book of remembrance of those who OFTEN talk about the Lord and it is to reward those who patiently wait for His coming ( James 1:12 and other supporting text). My commentary also discussed how it is for the reunion of all the saints; past and present at the Lord's feet; and for us to be presented in the church as "kings and priests" who will rule and reign with Him ( Rev. 5:10). We are the armies of heaven who will eventually return with Christ in Revelation 19:14; and be accompanied by angels as well.
Psalm 40:3 shows how many shall see and fear us being lifted up from the miry clay (verses 1-2). The provoking of the Jews to jealousy ( Romans 11:14) perhaps will occur when the times of the Gentiles are full ( Romans 11:25). In any event the time of Jacob's trouble is specifically for the week of testing for seven years ( Jeremiah 30:7; Daniel 9:26-27) which is also known as Daniel's 70th week.
Let us assume for a moment that the Rapture IS going to happen before the end of this year for instance. How many are ready for His coming? How many have their garments unspotted and unwrinkled ( Eph. 5:27). I have mentioned before that whether people believe the Rapture is Pretribulation or some other later date; it is the fruit of our lives that is most important. A theoretical concept won't keep those away who are true servants of the Master; but I guarantee those who are espousing a PreTrib Rapture but whose lives are not according to His will will by and large be shocked in many cases being left behind. Whether all these people never believed inthe first place or the Rapture is a reward issue; surely a great multitude will be saved but die as martyrs in the Tribulation ( Rev. 7:9). That is the purpose for the Tribulation for God's children; along with gathering the unregenerate for destruction.
My last posting ended with a brief discussion of spiritual rewards. If we never consider these things; we are in danger of just wanting "fire insurance" when coming to Christ from fear of hell. That lack of love for God will blind us to the need for sanctification; and we will never want to go beyond what we consider the bare minimum to ensure our place in heaven. The basic point here is that sanctification goes on from the point of salvation until death (or the Rapture) which finally brings glorification; or final salvation of the body from sin and decay. So we need here to discuss what sanctification means.
Sanctification. 2 Timothy 2:12 says that if we suffer with Him we will reign with Him. Jesus spoke to the Disciples about the cost involved in following Him; and James speaks of pure joy in suffering in James 1:2-4. The Apostles need no further case as to the cost of following Him as all but one were martyred (and apparently they may have tried to kill John before Patmos as well). We see how Peter failed Christ when he said he would die for him yet denied Christ at his trial. Whenever that verse comes up in James I comment that I am still working on that; I feel like a hypocrite otherwise.
Too often we look at dying to self as a martyrdom issue rather than looking at a progressive lifestyle of dying to self day by day; which also was the example of Christ. Once we practice loving others above ourselves for a long time it is much easier to handle our fate no matter how bleak (or at least less hard). Again; this is where the rubber meets the road. With today's "easy believism" we see little exhortation of others ( Hebrews 3:13); we see Christ being perhaps the "center" of our lives in many of today's churches rather than BEING our life and our old life dead and buried with Him.
So far we are discussing things that accompany salvation. Now I will begin to quote verses to examine warnings against falling away
Rugged individualism; taken too far results in pride and that comes before a fall. ( Prov. 16:18). A sluggard; however will not eat of his own harvest ( Prov. 19:24 loosely translated. Proverbs 20:4 in a similar light says a sluggard won't plow in the cold and later will go hungry. Today; we are more or less totally dependant on food supply brought through transport and our current economic infrastructure; except for the small percent of farmers and those growing substantial gardens or hunting for meat who are off the grid. This; and providing a generator and having sufficient money and provisions for disaster is probably lacking for anything more than a few days for many people. This is something not everyone can afford to do; but for those who can we need to consider our other brothers and sisters in the Lord we can help; to be the "head not the tail" in situations of lending or giving to those in need ( Deut. 28:13). Such wisdom comes from above.
Training our arm for war ( Psalm 18:34; Psalm 144:1) may not be popular if we are pacifists; but if we are to fight it should be something we are well trained in (such as those in Israel who have mandatory time in the Army to ensure the survival of the State). Such an attitude surely will keep our schools and communities safer if authorities and parents as well as children themselves are tought PROPERLY how to defend themselves.
There is no substitute; of course for prayer; and trusting God in our protection through angelic assistance ( Psalm 91:11-12). All of our strength of course is dependant upon the Lord. We are asked in James to seek wisdom to obtain it ( James 1:5). Balance is needed; we cannot naively trust our government to be able to protect us from all ills; and with its deficit if the Lord tarries we should prepare ourselves for much less help from them financially and otherwise.
For now let us all seek to "work heartily unto the Lord" if we can. ( Col. 3
Father we are men and if we speak as men then all our words is in vain but if you touch this words, each one of us may be edified and glorify you amen.
I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ who is is the son of the living God and he died on the cross for my sin and rose on the third day and sit on the right hand hand of poor Amen.
-The law or the commandment of Moses was given to man to obey and if anyone obeyed he was made righteous by it. and in the New Testament at the cross by The Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ the son of the living God, the righteous requirement of the law was abolished and when Jesus Christ son of the living God gave up His ghosts at the cross the temple vail was torn in two signifying the way to the Holy of Holiest was open that thus
it is written
Hebrews 4:16
16.Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
-it is required of Christians who been redeem by Grace and faith alone and not by corruptible things like silver, gold or tradition bought by our father but by the preciouse blood Of out Lord Jesus Christ to be obedient to the Commandment of God and not only to obey but to be doer of the the WORD OF GOD.
as it is written in
James 1:22-25
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed
and in
read part 2.
The way I interpret your question is how much must I obey God to get into heaven? What is the bare minimum?
Because some feel inconvenienced to follow Jesus- whether embarrassment or other excuses. And do you have to obey the 10 commandments or any of the other commandments in the Bible? You already know what God says- He called them "commandments" for a reason, but some want to be comforted and hear that you can do whatever you want, whatever feels good, in this world and be ok? If that the hope, that's Satan's message.
It looks like this has received a lot of comments. Some are pushing false teachings which should be called out. It doesn't matter what man says, but what God says, right? Isn't it better to please God than please man?
"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." James 1:22 KJV
This clearly says to be a doer of the Word. It's not enough to just hear it and do nothing. Christianity is an action. I don't see anywhere in the Bible saying you're saved on earth before you're even judged. Please share verses that back that up, because I haven't seen any. I see verses saying you can have assurance of salvation. There's verses saying we will be saved, but it doesn't say right now before our life is even over- I believe that's the assumed part that deviates from scripture.
"But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven." Matthew 10:33
Baptism:
"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." Mark 16:16
I think its risky to intentionally disobey Jesus, then expect all the benefits.
"And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" Luke 6:46
If you don't obey, why even call him Lord? You're not even a follower. This is my interpretation of what Jesus is saying here.
Matthew 7:24-27 - Jesus's point of this parable is obeying Him. "doing" "doeth"
Thank you, God, who cannot be tempted of evil, James 1:13 or lie, Titus 1:2. God could not fulfill the law, flesh had to fulfill it because the curse of sin was on flesh. How could you fulfill a law if you were not capable of breaking it? We are told Jesus the Son of God was tempted as we are, Hebrews 4:15. He was made flesh for the suffering of death, Hebrews 2:9.
2 Cor. 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Jesus had a will of his own but was obedient to the Father, Luke 22:42. Jesus did the works of the Father, John 5:36. Jesus was sent by the Father, John 4:34 John 7:16. Jesus did all the miracles by the Spirit of God that was given to Him without measure, Matt. 12:28 John 3:34, when He was anointed at the Jordan, Mark 1:10 Luke 4:18.
I hope this is correct forgive me if I am wrong. The Father is God but is not the Son and is not the Holy Spirit. The Son is God but is not the Father and is not the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God but is not the Father and is not the Son. One God is three coexistent, co-eternal, and co-equal Persons.
If I may ask. If they are three persons, who is the Father of Jesus the Son of God? Matt. 1:18 Luke 1:35. Jesus many times said He has a God and a Father, Matt. 7:21 Matt. 12:50 John 20:17 2 Cor. 11:31 Ephesians 1:3 1 Peter 1:3. Jesus came in His Father's name, John 5:43.
My understanding, this is not a mystery that cannot be understood. God is a Spirit, John 4:24 It is His Spirit that dwelleth in us, 1 Cor. 3:16 1 Corinthians 2:10-12. God is Spirit, God is Holy. It is the Spirit of God that is the Holy Spirit.
Paul never used the Holy Spirit in his salutations. Jesus was begotten by His Father, Heb. 1:5. Jesus said His Father was greater than He John 14:28. Rev. 21:22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
God bless,
RLW
III. THE STYLE OF THE BOOK:
The Book of James is not a doctrinal book. James is a commentary on the Sermon on the Mount given by Jesus in Matthew Chapters 5 through 7. Everything that Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount is found in the letter of James.
The letter of James is made up of a series of tests by which the genuineness of salvation can be determined.
IV. DATE OF THE WRITING:
It was written around 45 A.D. Some even think it might be one of the first letters written in the New Testament, right after the persecution in Acts Chapter 7. Josephus the church historian tells us James was martyred in 62 A.D.
V. TO WHOM IT WAS WRITTEN:
James 1:1 tells us that James was written to the Twelve Tribes which were scattered. These were Jewish believers who had scattered outside of Israel because of persecution. This group is officially known as the DIASPORA. That's a Greek word that means scattering. They were the scattered ones.
So, all Jews who had to leave Jerusalem and Israel because of persecution, they are all called the Diaspora, even to this day.
There should be; based on comments on my last post a sense of us being new creatures in Christ. In order to share the hope within us a testimony should be something we have "in and out of season." ( 2 Tim. 4:2). At least as important as how we first came to faith is a continuing testimony of our sanctification; and in particular how He has been faithful to us; often through answered prayer and circumstances of trials meant for our good. Let the reader look up the verses on God's chastisement for those He loves. We should if growing in God a healthy respect for that and should be able to testify how we have learned appreciation for such measures because it demonstrates His lovingkindness. (I am still working on finding it all joy to face various trials as James 1:2 exhorts).
Such "mundane" things related to family and God working things through those relationships is just as important as we find on a foreign mission field as it is part of our mission field. The same can be said; of course of our vocation and even recreation (hopefully where we have opportunities to share with those we hang out with and have similar interests). It is always facinating to me to see how God uses different individuals with different giftings to fulfill His purposes. There tends to be an unhealthy skew towards those with say a teaching gift if and when those with wisdom or discernment should be allowed to contribute helpful things to build up the church. For instance; a Pastor IF they are teaching truth will realize when someone is coming into the camp with doctrine contrary to scripture; but a discerning person can sense evil very fast and can preempt certain damage being done. From a practical viewpoint Pastors need to delegate responsibility much as Moses did after Jethro's good advice.
In short doctrinal truth needs to accompany the Spirit; lest we be as the Ephesians and lose our first love or preach another gospel to our ruin.
Always nice to hear from you. You state "Our obedience does not "save us"..
But I will say: Our obedience assures us that we are really saved.
It is through obedience, that we demonstrate our faith in Jesus, so we need to "overcome the world" and accomplish God's purpose.
What is the world? Secularism: As a philosophy, secularism seeks to interpret life based on principles derived solely from the material world, without recourse to religion. It shifts the focus from religion towards "temporal" and material concerns.
As we grow closer to God, we need to have a change of heart, and turn our backs on this world, which would mean releasing our attachment to the material world.
We have to bedoersand not hearers only
James 1:22
"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."
GBU
We can choose the narrow or wide path! We have to bedoersand not hearers only.
James 1:22
"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."
We can see why it is called the narrow way because there are few people/Christians who are willing to actually walk in this narrow way, that Christ requests from us! Why? Because to give up all of our possessions, and worldly life, it actually causes us much suffering in many respects - more than we want to endure for God! Really?
But, In reality, to walk in the narrow way is not too heavy for us. Giving up worldly things I believe can actually provide us greater freedom from being bound to all of our worldly commitments allowing us to focus on God and the business of His - rather than the business of Ours. Ours is a waste of life and ending in bodily death and spiritual death. If we accept to do things God's way, it will lead to bodily death - but we will receive the ultimate goal - eternal life!
It's our choice - this worldly life - and weeping and gnashing of teeth as you reminded us.
Or God's way which is for us to suffer now in this life - but in the end receive the ultimate crown - eternal life. 1Peter 4:1-2
GBU
Here are some Scriptures to point you in the right direction, 1Cor 2:9-13, John 16:13;
Quietly turn, looking within you & listen to the still small Voice of conscience, the one that corrects you when you done something wrong & admonishes you for it. This is the Spirit of Grace appearing within you, who is Christ Col 1:27,28 who been hidden within us, which God willed to make known unto us. Its 1John 2:27
What God requires of us is to live according to the Truth that we now know, & as we are faithful in exercising His Truth, by being doers of the Word, James 1:22-25, we grow in Grace & more Light is given unto us, Thus Proverb 4:18
In my own life journey God lead me to pray for a deeper love for Him, who is the personification of Truth. 2 Thess 2:10,11 so in my understanding of these verses, if I would truly love God more than myself. God would break the deception that I was presently in & keep me from being deceive, all through a devout love for His Truth.
So wait upon the Lord in quietness & stillness of heart, & in simplicity of soul seek His Face 2 Cor 4:6,7, He is Treasure in our earthen vessels, the excellency of the power to open our understand to received the things of God that been freely given unto us, it is not of ourselves, but of God.
Your very desire to draw closer to Him, came from the Father John 6:44 by His Spirit within you, continue in His love.
Psalm 51:6
In love & truth,
As the recent movie the Voice of Freedom shows; there are a few courageous individuals that are truly heroic and an inspiration to us all making a difference by taking action to stem the tide of evil. Clearly; this sort of thing needs to expand to more such individuals and involve a long term systematic effort for any major changes to take place statistically.
It is encouraging that adults who have for some reason been ignorant of these goings on are waking up; and probably more significant that many pre teens and teenagers are becoming aware of the magnitude of this situation. If they can get a vision for their generation it certainly is a positive change. Also; the simple act of restricting or monitoring time on cell phones and computers and basic common sense will certainly keep more kids safe as well.
The root cause; of course of any sin is the condition of the human heart. Sin eventually leads to death; whether literal physical death or spiritual; inevitably both. ( James 1:15). The same temptation which the serpent used to beguile Eve is being used by the perpetrators of these heinous acts toward children; whether it is candy; a toy or an online message seducing young girls to meet someone "special". This is how others are caught up in bondage; it is either learned by those who practice such things against them; or we learn it ourselves. Online porn for instance or smoking weed starts someone in a downhill spiral of ever increasing dependancy and control over their minds; bodies and souls. The collateral damage of a whole society eventually results as is so evident today.
Knowing the right way to live through a viable family structure and being taught the Word of God certainly helps. We are instructed to train a child up in the Lord and when he grows up he will not soon depart from it. ( Prov. 22:6). This is not guaranteed salvation but a needed foundation while they are living at home.
"Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:19 KJV
"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." Matthew 5:48 KJV
Romans 6:15-23 - be servants of righteousness
Luke 6 - you are known by your "fruit"
"But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it." Luke 11:28 KJV
1 John 3:24, John 8:51, James 1:22-25, Romans 6:16
This scripture posting is intended to shine a light of truth to expose what has been deception sometimes posted here before by a few.
Some have a problem with what Jesus said about obedience and keeping His commandments. Some may even demean what Jesus said and label these words a "works doctrine" or "legalist". A "Christ follower" attacking Christ. Be careful! End times are near.
Given the plethora of postings I have planted here today I will attempt to cease and desist for at least the rest of today. My last posting made a few statements on blessings and covenants of God.
In light of the current economic situation today; we face the very real spectre that our food supply may be in dire jeopardy; and hence may be the best investment to make. Precious metals as of late have taken a hit and we don't find an edible gold bar as an option. Those who are able to sustain their family and perhaps church communities that can do this with arable land will benefit uniquely; and the Amish are one example of "backward" culture that has managed to avoid starvation (as far as I know) by responsible sustainability of their arable land over the centuries. There is the tendancy to view such a mindset as like the cults; no doubt such ventures in the past have been used to entice people from true worship to that of the cult leaders. This should certainly not deter us from the positive lessons sustainability of this sort brings.
Given the insane state of much of America's youth today (and spreading to other countries no doubt); again we can see many advantages to communities who keep to themselves in this manner. There are unique problems and issues; of course in any community that we must avoid. Nonetheless it is worth considering; as our homes; our stocks; our possessions are of little value if we can't feed ourselves! The state of our power grid is grim; and whether it be an EMP; a terrorist event or a Carrington (solar flare) situation the crap seems like it is going to hit the fan at some point not to far from now unless a complete overhaul is undertaken. I am reminded of Deuteronomy 28:13 where we are told to be the "head and not the tail"; lending and helping others in difficult times. This is a deviation from a purely Biblical subject; but as James 1:5 shows God gives wisdom if we ask
Ok, get in a quiet place, & in sincerity & truth place all the issues of your life before Him, Psalms 145:18 & release them
Follow the Light of Truth within you conscience, the truth that you presently know practice in your normal everyday life, it the Voice that cautions you not to do wrong, & inspires you to do right. With the receiving of His convictions, also comes the Power, Faith; believe that it is God speaking to you. He's the inspiration force that compel you to seek help, He is who led you to ask for prayer, the Father drawing you by His Holy Spirit to His Son
John 6:44 John 6:65
To all that would receive Him in this manner, John 8:32 John 8:36
Read the book of John & Psalms 119 slowly, attentively, & pausing, listen for the Witness within conscience, when what read capture your attention, Read it again throughout the month, the more you give yourselve to Him in truth, the more He'll show Himself strong on your behalf. For the eyes of the Lord run throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong to those who hearts are perfect towards Him, meaning here in this instance, perfect in repentance & godly sorrow for one wrong doings.
May the Lord Himself strengthen you, for there will be a battles within your heart/conscience in the 1Pet 1:7, for the James 1:3, but let James 1:4-6 1Pet 1:5
Remember who you have place your hope in Jeremiah 32:27 1John 4:4 release & believe.
Its important to noted, that this may not be a instant deliverance experience, but a work of deliverance in progress as you show your sincerity & willingness to follow Christ, the Light in your heart by faith in His still small Voice; Line upon line, one step at a time.
Continue in this good godly exercise, asking Him to lead you in the path to righteousness for His name sake.
May God bless you
in love & truth
What they declared in their writing awaken the Witness within me, bearing witness to the truth of their writing with the proof, in their exercises of the Truth that God was please to bring them through for His eternal glory.
One of God's minister among them was William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania; He wrote a book, No Cross, No Crown, the first 8 chap gave me valuable spiritual insight in what it means to pick up the Cross, & following Jesus. I've started exercising this knowledge by practicing it in everyday ordinary life circumstances & found experientially that it is Truth, the teaching are witness by the Scriptures & sound reasoning. I learned that once light/knowledge is reveal, its not possessed, but is an invitation, to be exercised & possess, mental consent to Truth is not possession, but it must be an operational faith in the Word, Abraham the father of faith clear reveals this. this is engraftment, James 1:21-24 & becomes our inheritance, this is increasing our talent, His Spirit within us.
I have come to a state where I rarely read there writings, & dare not pick up a concordance, which in this transition from one state to present, God literally rebuke me for during so. He is my Teacher etc; an increasing becoming my all in all, I'm free from my sins that so easily captivated me to Satan will & now on my way to receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit, that will thoroughly purge the threshing floor of my heart, discarding what chaff is remaining & to be gather to the Gardner, by abiding in the Vine. For I have learned from years of personal experience that without Him I can do nothing. Meaning being led by His precious Spirit, which is the foundation of their teaching. John 3:27
Seek Him who is within you, No Cross No Crown is a revelation on this very important endeavor in our freedom from sin & to truly know God, the way He desires to be known.
ps; its important to remember in these conversations, that 2 Cor 10:3-5 Ephesians 6:12
Hi Chris
Quoting you (we can never fulfill the law perfectly,) this is against Scriptures, Rom 8:4; it doesn't state a little or mostly, but fulfill in Christ Jesus! He's the Head, we're His body.
I've notice you've left the word 'abrogated', out of this conversation, no doubt; after this enlightenment, yet your being shifty to your assertions, as you indirectly assert it again by Hebrews 8:13; deceitfully clever, whether you were mindful of it or not, the Lord know the intent of our hearts. The Law; is only vanish away if we are walking in the Spirit, Gal 5:16; If we sin, than the Law revives & the penalty of death ensues. Sin is not to be continue in, to be repeated over & over again for life, the holy writ says, Rom 6:11; through the exercising of the Word of His Grace/Righteousness, it, the sin nature in purge out as we remain confident, faithful & steadfast unto the end. Hebrews 10:36-39;
This liberty that you speak of in the NC, from the context of our previous conversation; your stated, to fully know & obey God's will, by the working of Holy Spirit in them, your stating this can be accomplish, now your being evasive in this statement also, Titus 2:7; Friend, your speaking out of both sides of your mouth here, James 1:8; James 3:11,12; this doesn't become godliness, truth in the inward parts & righteousness in either testament.
John 17:17 involves Christ's prayer for us to be sanctified; and involves His Word and the truth. James 1:23 and 24 reminds us that we need to be "doers"; and he compares a man in front of a mirror forgetting what he looks like as an example. I am not sure of the context; but I would also quote the verse from Hebrews 10:25 in this posting. The first passage shows the danger of ignoring our own walk; possibly showing us how we forget what we say; or invoking a memory that we are still with a fallen nature; the second passage also shows how forgetting to do corporate worship can also make us forget the experience.
I state this fact first because I find that no matter how long I learn the scriptures; grow in wisdom and understanding; etc. that it is in the fellowship of the saints where I once again recognize God's presence; and witness anew those with different gifts.
The danger of being prideful as to our own continued growth; particularly when it comes to learning things from other believers is one important reason to continue in regular church attendance as well as; of course witnessing with fellow believers; small groups; corporate prayer; etc.
The fact is; that as long as we dwell in this mortal flesh; there is potential to fall into sin. This is one reason we need to be careful not to idolize someone who appears to be someone mature in the faith. On the other hand; it is imperative to have others such as Paul with Timothy or Christ with the Disciples for instruction and discipleship; as "iron sharpens iron" ( Prov. 27:17). Proverbs 27:6 states "faithful are the wounds of a friend." Surely this sort of relationship is rare and needed in the church today.
As a father with a child; instruction in righteousness should bring us to maturity in our own spiritual walk so that we can go out and make Disciples ourselves as Christ instructed ( Matt. 28:19-20). We need to get beyond "decisions" for Christ that way.
Jesus said, Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.
May the Lord bless you & keep you, may His Light shine upon you & give you peace..
in Love & Truth
Frankie J
We must also understand that there are those predestined to be in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world ( Ephesians 1:3-6). The opposite is true for the unregenerate as seen in Revelation 17:8. Christ's death was therefore part of a plan from before Creation where all those would hear His voice who were His sheep ( John 10:27). We must remember that His death was effective from what happened in time and space 2000 years ago. It also is retroactive; as it were in order to allow those who were of old to eventually in time and space have access to heaven (see Romans 6:9). Therefore; at the Rapture ( 1 Thess. 4:15) shall involve the Resurrection of all souls of deceased saints; followed by bodily ascension of those alive and remaining. There are some verses which seem to indicate O.T. saints may arise later on in say the Midpoint of the Tribulation or near the end; there is some debate on that question. Some already apparently were resurrected ( Matt. 27:52-56). This would have been a gleaning of the firstfruits; so to speak.
My point here is predestination and the fact that God initiates repentance ( Acts 11:18); etc. There is such a thing as godly repentance and worldly ( 2 Cor. 7:10); illustrated by that of Peter and Judas Iscariot. Genuine repentance brings life and brings sorrow at offending a Holy God; worldly sorrow only is interested in consequences of our actions; and in Judas' case he only recognized Christ as having "innocent blood"; not as God's Son to be worshipped.
Other than lack of understanding; most often it is the case that people turn a blind eye (with Satan's help) to obvious warnings if they have a particular sin they like to indulge in. James 4:17 states that if anyone doesn't do what they know to be right; to them it is sin. That; of course is somewhat subjective to individual situations. This demonstrates sins of omission along with what most think about; those of commission of a particular act or behavior. This could further be demonstrated in the parable of the Good Samaritan; or other exhortations in scripture about helping the orphan and widow ( James 1:27).
God in His good grace can use a situation for His glory in our lives; for instance He can drive those living together to marry; or break it apart to allow one individual to be removed from the situation and to grow. His will is going to be done ultimately; even in the case of the ungodly in judgment. That will not be perceived as anything good; however for the recipient of God's wrath.
There are always those "neutral" things such as buying lottery tickets. As with anything else; such as drinking alcohol it IS sin to engage in an activity when those around you are struggling with sin such as compulsive gamblers or alcoholics. Given a public setting is almost certain to include such individuals; we find quite often that such activities isolate ourselves and at best often are just a distraction. As for the lottery; I can say for a fact that it helps many elderly people become compulsive gamblers themselves; not to mention all the sordid people involved with casinos and other such houses of ill repute. I would say that gambling shows a lack of trust in God's providence and is rather like going to a fortune teller to bring about some more favorable outcome. Someone who can drink with a family member and limit it to one drink is the only situation in my mind that
MAY be ok; alone is risky.