Discuss John 15 Page 13

Brother Mitchell, may CHRIST IN US grace us with HIS wisdom and HIS understanding.

When you came to the understanding that WE CAN DO NOTHING; but, Christ does all things for us. You will BE SET FREE.

You want have to achieve the hope set before you, Christ started it. he will complete it. In fact; Christ sees it as already COMPLETE. This is what is meant by coming INTO HIS REST; the works were completed before the foundations of the world were laid.

Ephesians 1:4

Hebrews 4:3

John 15:5

Psalms 92:4-6

YOU ARE DEAD (on your cross); He is alive on HIS THRONE (in you) living HIS life FOR YOU.

YOU have become ONE WITH CHRIST.

John 17:21

Luke 14:27

Matthew 10:38

Luke 9:23

We are THE POT he is THE POTTER.

Hello Jesse,

I would share another angle of the verse you quoted. Please, read carefully the verse.

Romans 8:38-39 "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate "US" from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The word "US" is referring to believing and obedient Christians. It is not referring to those Christians who have stopped believing and obeying God. There are those who that. Very faithful for years and then they apostatize. We can keep ourselves in God's love or we can not keep ourselves in God's love. It is our choice. We are told by the Apostles to fight hard to not stop believing or willfully practice sin.

John 15:10 "IF ye KEEP my commandments, ye shall abide (remain) in my love; even as I have KEPT my Father's commandments, and abide (remain) in his love."

Jude 1:21 "KEEP YOURSELVES in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life."

1 Corinthians 9:26-27 "I (Paul) therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so FIGHT I, not as one that beateth the air: But I KEEP UNDER MY BODY, and bring it INTO SUBJECTION: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a CASTAWAY.

2 Timothy 4: 7-8 "I" (Paul) have FOUGHT a good FIGHT, "I" (Paul) have FINISHED my course, "I" (Paul) have KEPT the faith: HENCEFORTH there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Revelation 3:5 "He that OVERCOMETH, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will NOT blot out his name OUT of THE BOOK OF LIFE, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels."

Good day, Jesse.

Hello Richard,

The danger of believing that we cannot lose our salvation is that a person may thus not take seriously the importance of carefully safeguarding our "faith" and not giving in to "willful" sin that can rupture our relationship with God. John 15:10 ; Jude 1:21.

2 Peter 3:16 "As also in all his (Paul's) epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they...wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, UNTO THEIR OWN DESTRUCTION."

1 Corinthians 9:26-27 "I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I KEEP UNDER MY BODY, and bring IT INTO SUBJECTION: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a CASTAWAY."

2 Timothy 4:7-8 "I" (Paul) have fought a good fight, "I" (Paul) have finished my course, "I" (Paul) have kept the faith: HENCEFORTH there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

To say that a person who stops believing and obeying God was never really a Christian is superfluous. God promises that if a person repents and believes in Christ, he will have his sins forgiven. Acts 3:19. When gentiles did this, they received the Holy Spirit from God and were baptized in water. They became part of the Church. Acts 10:44-48. However, they must now be careful not to abandon their faith (apostatize) or give in to the sinful flesh with no care or repentance.

Hebrews 12:15-17 Looking diligently lest any man FAIL OF THE GRACE OF GOD; lest any ROOT OF BITTERNESS SPRINGING UP trouble you, and thereby many be DEFILED; Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat SOLD HIS BIRTHRIGHT. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, HE WAS REJECTED: for he found NO PLACE OF REPENTANCE, though he sought it carefully with tears.

Good day, Richard.

Hello S Spencer,

1) When someone "truly" believes in Christ Jesus, he automatically receives the Holy Spirit (see Acts 10:44) and is attached to the vine, Jesus Christ. This is nicely explained in the parallel account of John 15:1-6 at:

Romans 11:19-21 "Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be GRAFFED IN. Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and THOU STANDEST BY FAITH. Be not highminded, but fear: For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest HE ALSO SPARE NOT THEE.

Notice, the "gentile" believer, like a branch, is graffed into the olive tree because of his faith in Christ Jesus. But, Paul says to fear - why? Because God can "spare not thee" as he "spared not" the unbelieving Jews.

2) The apostle Peter was writing to faithful believing Christians. See 2 Peter 1:1. He is giving them a warning against false prophets. See 2 Peter 2:1. He specifically says about these ones that they "have forsaken the right way". See 2 Peter 2:15. So, at one time, they were on the right way. At 2 Peter 2:20, he says that they "had escaped the pollutions of the world" but, unfortunately, "they are again entangled therein". They have returned to the world.

Thus, they are likened to a dog who has vomited out his vomit and left it for good. But, then, he returns. Or, the sow (pig) who used to role in the mud. Then he leaves the mud and is cleansed. But, unfortunately, he then returns. In a similar way, these ones who believed in Christ Jesus and received the Holy Spirit and were cleansed of their old, sinful ways, have now returned to their sinful practices. Peter says "too bad for them". Jude says they have "died twice". See Jude 14.

3) As for Hebrews, Paul is speaking to believers.

Hebrews 6:4 "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made PARTAKERS OF THE HOLY GHOST,". This happened when they believed. See again Acts 10:44.

I invite your further thoughts."

Michael,

Thank you for asking me to share my thoughts. Here they are:

In John 15:6, the word abide (MENO) denotes permanency. There are branches that are in the tree but are dead branches, and there are those branches that abide permanently in the tree or vine. It says if a man abide not in me. So this is talking about someone who is not saved. A saved person is a person who is abiding in Him, and that person is the one who abides permanently. It's the dead branches (Unsaved) that are cast into the fire. These branches do not produce fruit because they are dead.

I can't take Romans 11:21 without considering Verses 19 and 20 also. Why were the natural branches not spared? These branches were broken off because of their unbelief. This is referring to the Jews who rejected their Messiah. No salvation there.

2 Peter 2:20-22 does not tell me they were saved. Having knowledge of the Lord does not mean they were saved. In Verse 21, the emphasis is on what they know. They haven't surrendered their life to Christ. Verse 22 would indicate to me that they were never saved. They had the knowledge of the truth, but never surrendered to Christ.

There has to be a transformation and a change because a pig will always go back. You can wash it, put a bow around its neck, spray it with perfume, and you know what's going to happen. It's going to dive right back into that mud hole again.

Both verses in Hebrews are referring to Jews who were following along with the teachings and were being enlightened to the truth, but never surrendered their life to Christ because of the persecution they would face if they were to do so. Do you realize what it would cost a Jew, even today if they were to give up Judaism to receive Christ as their Messiah? These Jews were being enlightened to the truth but instead of surrendering to Christ, they decided to return back to Judaism.

Hello Michael,

I totally understand your prospective, but lets think for a min. Did Paul and the other

Apostles contradict what Christ himself came to tell us? Christ said: ( Matthew 5:17) Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. So I ask you, has the Heaven and Earth passed away? not at all. So, Here is Christ, himself telling you that the Law is not fulfilled or the Prophets. He also told us to keep his commandments, am I right?

( John 15:10) If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

Here is Christ giving you a definition of what the Love of the Father is, it's keeping his commandments.

( 1 John 5:3) For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

( 1 John 5:2) By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.

( John 14:15) If ye love me, keep my commandments.

I can go on and on, The Commandments are a must, it's not an opinion of the Disciples, it's the Doctrine of Christ. The Churches have lied to us when they say we don't have to keep the commandments.

Now, you say once saved, a person must keep himself in God's Love, I showed you what God's love is, Keeping the Commandments but you have twisted that as well. ( Matthew 24:13) But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. This means that you are not saved until the end, meaning if you die now or when Christ returns. The scriptures are self evident, they need no interpretation from man.

The Creator gave us a road map and free will, Choose wisely but I beg anyone reading this, don't let the Church do your work, Christ gave you Books, read them and pray for understanding, The Spirit will guide you into all Truth!

Hi Jesse,

The Bible warns many times that a person can lose their salvation. Here are a few places.

John 15:6 "If a man abide (remain) not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned."

Romans 11:21 "For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee."

2 Peter 2:20-22 "For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

Hebrews 6:4-6 "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

Hebrews 10:26-29 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

I welcome your thoughts.

Good day.

Hello Tomeko,

Unfortunately, many misunderstand what being saved by grace means.

Yes, there is nothing we could do to save ourselves. Jesus had to die for us to save us. However, we have to repent of our sins and believe (or trust) in Jesus Christ as God's means of removing our sins and saving us. Repenting means that we tell God that we are sorry and that we no longer want to live in sin.

But, once saved, a person must keep himself in God's love.

Jude 1:21 "Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life."

John 15:10 "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide (remain) in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide (remain) in his love."

We also need to walk in the light if we are to have the blood of Jesus wash away our sins.

1 John 1:7 "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."

The apostle Paul fought a good fight to remain in God's love and thus could receive the crown of righteousness.

2 Timothy 4:7, 8 "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Perhaps, an example could help.

A man kills another man. He will be executed. The judge has mercy on him and tells him he will free him if the man repents and promises to not repeat his act. The man agrees. The man was freely forgiven as an act of grace and mercy. There was nothing he could do to save himself. But, now, he must keep to the terms and not kill again. If he does, he will be executed.

Philippians 2:12 "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."

I bid you a good day.

So what is god saying to us

John 15:7

Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.

Living under the new covenant today does not take away from God's 10 commandments. Many people today quote and misquote apostle Paul's writings. This simple truth is that the apostle Paul does not have the authority to cancel any of God's commandments.

Jesus respected his Father and his commandments and Jesus did not cancel any of the 10 commandments. Please read and try to understand the following scriptures spoken directly by Jesus Christ while he was on this earth.

John 14:15

"If ye love me, keep my commandments."

John 14:21

"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."

John 15:10

"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love."

Matthew 5:17

"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.

Matthew 5:18

"For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."

Paul and the other disciples honored and followed the 10 commandments including the 4th commandment. See apostle John's scripture below:

1 John 2:3

"And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments."

1 John 5:2

"By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments."

1 John 5:3

"For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous."

2 John 1:6

"And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it."

Please read the scriptures and pray for understanding.

God bless

Brother Richard, may CHRIST IN US grace us with HIS wisdom and HIS understanding.

The lake of fire is the same thing; that, in the Old Testament was called the Fire of the Lord. Natural eyes see this as literal fire; but is it?

Judges 6:20 And the angel of the Lord said unto him, take the flesh and unleavened cakes (represents us) and lay them upon this rock (represents Christ), and pour out the broth And he did so.

Judges 6:21 Then the angel of the LORD put forth the end of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the flesh and unleavened cakes (US), and there rose up fire from OUT OF THE ROCK (OUR GOD IS A CONSUMING FIRE), and consumed the flesh and unleavened cakes (US).

Zachariah 14:12 ......Their flesh shall consume away while they stand on their feet....

Revelation 19:21 And the remnant were slain with the sword (is the word of GOD, God is FIRE) of him upon the horse, which sword (WORD) proceeded out of his mouth; and all the fowls were filled with their (own) flesh.

To understand who the fowls are; we have to go to the parable of the sower of the seed.

Luke 8:5 A sower went out to so his seed; and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the FOWLS OF THE AIR devoured it.

Luke 8:11 Now the parable is this: THE SEED IS THE WORD OF GOD.

Luke 8:12 Those by the way side are those that hear, then cometh the devil (fowls or the air)....

Luke 13:19 It (kingdom of heaven; Christ in you) is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air (devil) lodged therein.

John 15:5 I am the vine; ye are the branches (where the fowls lodge)...

Psalms 104:12 By them shall the fowls of the air have their habitation, which sing among the branches.

Matthew 12:28 But if I cast out DEVILS by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God (CHRIST IN YOU) is come unto you.

Jerry. part 2.

If you are thinking we are grafted in by keeping the Law you are mistaking, you are missing the point in Romans 11.

Romans 11:20. Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:

You are expecting to be grafted into a branch that has been broken off!

I'm not sure if you are implying salvation comes by keeping the 10 commandments, if you are the bible don't state that.

Galatians 3:16-26. Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.

For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.

Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.

Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.

But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

We're not grafted into Israel. Israel is a branch. We're grafted into the vine to bare fruit.

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. John 15:1.

The one True God, Yahweh is spelled with a capital G, not a lower case g. And furthermore, God exists is three persons as stated in 1 John 5:7 quotes, "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."

Genesis 1:26, "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth."

Notice how the Triune God is mentioned several times by references plural pronouns such as us and our; describing the Trijne Godhead.

Mark 12:36-37 quotes, "For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The LORD said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool. David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he then his son? And the common people heard him gladly."

John 1-5 quotes, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

John 1:14 quotes, "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."

John 19:30 quotes, "When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost."

John 15:26-27 quotes, "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:

And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning."

The Father, Yahweh is God, Jesus is God, and the Holy Spirit is God. They are the same person.

Thank you for those verses Earl. I will write how I perceive them.

In John 10:14. Yes the Lord knows His sheep and all that shall be saved. As He knows the end from the beginning. In that I myself could never tell anyone if they are saved, or will be, or not as it is all God's Will. Though in Matthew 7:21-23. stating there will be some that call out to Him Lord Lord!! Though He never knew them. Showing me that not all are of the Lord's sheep.

In John 10:16. I see this as the Lord starting with the children of Israel where He went about His mission for over three years. The "other sheep not of this fold", to me, are of all other people around the world or the Gentiles. That the Gospel began to be taught to after his death and resurrection. Though as we know not everyone who hears the Gospel accepts it no matter a Jew or Gentile.

With Romans 11:16. I see it as like in John 15:1-8. As Jesus Christ being the true vine and us(in Him) being the branches. As if we don't abide in Him we are good for nothing. I don't see all becoming holy(or saved) as Revelation 22:11.

Please let me know what you think. The two ways we may see these things are ok to me. I see no problem with having a bit different interpretations of these things. The Lords Will shall be done either way and I know I could be wrong. It is good for us to converse our feelings.

In reality the most important thing for all of us is to be close with the Lord and live by the Will of our Father in Heaven. 1 Corinthians 9:14.

Putting all our trust and faith in Him no matter what happens. Amen.

Hello Sarah, Only Jesus that came to the world was true and faithful, but God honors order and order supports the poor which will aways be.

John 15:19

If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

John 3:17

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

I know of a minister that was convicted of sin and turned his life in repentance to Jesus as he was jumping on a bed with his younger brothers and sisters upstairs in an old house. From below his mother called to the children while she labored to stop jumping on the bed. Well of course it was too much fun and they continued. At least one more warning came from below went unheeded. Finally the mother started up the stairs and this boy heard her coming and quickly got off the bed and sat in a nearby chair when she arrived while the others were jumping still. All on the bed were punished. Time continued for a while until this boy felt the call of God and God called him to repentance in this disobedience and hidden deceit. He answered that call!

We should obey those that have rule over us as it allows us to live as the quiet of the land as Christian witnesses to the Truth's of God.

As you can see this boy did not have any association with abortion, but his testimony would be if he had not repented, he was destined to hell.

It should be a comfort that any innocent soul lost by somebody's else sin is saved by the blood of Jesus at Calvary. In the time of persecution girls as young as 12 were buried alive vertically given many chances to recant infant baptism instead of counting their born again experience as their drawing to their glory in the Cross.

God bless our meditations.

Continuation,

We must stay humble before the Lord. Give our lives to Him and follow Jesus Christ as He is the only way to our Father.

I guess to end this post will be to "lukewarm" Christians. We are warned there is no middle road. It is one way or the other. Wide is the gate that leads to destruction and many go that way. Straight and narrow is the way to life and few that find it. You cannot serve two masters. You cannot drink of the cup of the Lord and the cup of devils. 1 Corinthians 10:21, Matthew 6:24. As this comes to Revelation 3:15-16. People who are walking the line are going to have to make a choice. I pray they make that choice today as no one knows when the Lord shall require our life. Or when our last day shall be.

Another question I would feel to ask a believer is "are you ready"? Do you love the Lord enough to give your life for Him? As in John 15:13-14, Jesus states there is no greater love than to lay down his life for His friend. Matthew 16:24-25. Love is not perfected yet if you are still afraid as in 1 John 4:18.

I will just leave some Scriptures for others. How we should focus on things above and not of this world. Live our life for the Lord to do the Will of our Father in Heaven. As all is conditional in that the closer you draw to Him the closer He will draw to you. God Bless you my brothers and sisters in the Lord.

Colossians 3:1-6, Colossians 3:13-17,

Matthew 16:27, 1 Peter 1:17,

Malachi 3:7, James 4:6-8,

1 John 5:7 "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."

Luke 1:35 "And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God."

John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."

John 15:26 "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:"

1 John 5:8 "And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one."

1 John 5:10 "He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son."

1 John 5:11 "And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son."

This awful type of situation can occur in any given setting. Haven't you heard the saying, the devil goes to church too. He wants to wreck havoc everywhere he goes. God's word tells us to resist the devil and he will flee. God's spirit as the Comforter will reveal every man's character. I would personally comfort this person!!! We do not run from the enemy, we put him in his place, then report him to elders, and police.

John 15:10 | View whole chapter | See verse in context

If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

1 John 2:3 | View whole chapter | See verse in context

And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

Leviticus 22:31 | View whole chapter | See verse in context

Therefore shall ye keep my commandments, and do them: I am the LORD.

Leviticus 26:14 | View whole chapter | See verse in context

But if ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments;

Ezra 9:10 | View whole chapter | See verse in context

And now, O our God, what shall we say after this? for we have forsaken thy commandments,

John 14:15 | View whole chapter | See verse in context

If ye love me, keep my commandments.

It will go faster for you if you'll learn to use the SEARCH BOX when you come into the website. Put the words you remember about the verse and hit the arrow.

This search engine is really fast. Yo might have to read through many pages. One nugget of wisdom is worth the effort.

Hi Kenneth,

I Believe God gives the Holyspirit spirit when we are truly converted which is an act of his doing upon our trust and believe in the work of Christ on the cross.

That same Spirit convicts us of sin,

As we feed on the word "with faith" that same Spirit moves us different than the way we were before. It's not simply a change of mind, "IT'S A CHANGED HEART".

This is called fruit in your life that wasn't there before.

John 15:8. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye ""BEAR"" much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

NOTICE: YOU BEAR THE FRUIT YOU DON'T PRODUCE IT.

We do that by being connected to the true vine. JESUS.

John 15:1-4. I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.

Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

These verses emphasize "Virtue" by being connected!! A New Heart, The now inner Man.

Here's what's produced by the Vine:

Galatians 5:22-24. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

"And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts."

( The last sentence here is perhaps the death of the old Heart. "Not Old Nature".

by us being in Christ at his death. The new Heart and Power supplied by The Holyspirit is given by us behind baptized into his resurrection!

ROMANS 6:1-5.

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.

Our evidence is that our Hope is built on a rock and that rock is Jesus Christ. if you're saved you Have the Holyspirit.

William, may the Spirit grace you with HIS wisdom and HIS understanding.

You say that it's up to you to choose, by the free will he has given you; is it really your choice or His choice.

Scripture says that ALL is HIS WORKS. Do you believe this.

John 15:16 You have not chosen me; but I have chosen you.

1 Corinthians 4:7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? And what hast thou that thou DID NOT RECEIVE? Now if thou didst receive it, why doest thou glory, as if thou hast not received it.

1 Peter 1:21 Who (you) by him (Holy Spirit, Christ in you) do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory, that YOUR FAITH (the FAITH OF CHRIST) and hope might be in God.

Galatians 2:16 KNOWING that a man is not justified by the works of the law (the works of man's hands), but by THE FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST, even we have believed (BY HIM) in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by THE FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST, and not by the works of the law (the works of man's hands): for by the works of the law (the works of man's hands) shall no flesh be justified.

Philippians 1:9 For unto you it is GIVEN in the behalf of Christ, not only to BELIEVE on him; but also to suffer for his sake.

Philippians 2:13 For it is GOD THAT WORKETH IN YOU both to WILL and do of his good pleasure.

Ephesians 1:11 In whom (in Christ) also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to THE PURPOSE OF HIM who WORKETH ALL THINGS after the council of HIS WILL:

(vs 12) That we should be to the praise of his glory, who (by HIM) first trusted in Christ.

He is not calling everyone right now; only those that have been chosen to rule and judge the nations with him.

Psalms 2:10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings, ye judges of the earth.

Isaiah 1:26 I will restore thy judges as at the first......

Obadiah 21 And saviours shall come upon mount Zion to JUDGE the mount of Esau (sold their birthright for things of the flesh); and the kingdom shall be the LORD'S.

Page 2.

Would the Love of God for sinners be seen in creating another human or animal (though perfect) to represent Him in sacrifice & prove His Love? It would be like saying, 'I don't want to risk my life to go out to save the drowning man; I would rather find another to do it for me'. Where is the true Love here?

Rather, for John 15:13 to reveal Jesus' Mind, we can only understand that Jesus was the One Who delighted to accomplish His Father's Will as a Man: John 6:38; Philippians 2:6-8.

So to the question: who is this Jesus & was He linked to Mary by blood thereby inheriting her sin nature? From the Scriptures just given, we see that Jesus is inextricably connected to God & came down from Heaven as God sent out His Word to be made human ( John 1:1,14). Can God (His Word made flesh) be found with a sin nature? To answer that, I referred you to 1 Corinthians 15:45-47. Here we saw that God's first creation (Adam) is of the Earth, earthy; the second Man is the Lord from Heaven" & He is referred to as the last Adam.

So God had determined two separate creations. The first one was created perfect but was deceived & sinned. The second One was created perfect, not from dust, but by the Spirit who took the Word & placed it in Mary to be brought into the World not as a man formed from & lying on the ground but as a Babe formed by the Spirit & issued through a woman.

Page 1.

Thank you Sacha - I welcome all responses, as whatever is shared, unless completely in opposition to God's Word, can be useful for our knowledge & spiritual growth in the things & ways of God. So I agree, God did choose to have His Son born through a human, even though all humans are imputed with a sinful nature. And yes, I believe there was a reason for doing so.

At the foundation of Jesus' arrival & His Sacrifice, lies the unfathomable Love of God for mankind: John 3:16 & Romans 5:8 attest to it. To His people, Israel, that Love extended to the institution of the Law & the sacrificial system, so that through its performance, God's Anger against their sin was appeased & His Love declared in providing them a way out: a blood sacrifice was needed (through a pure spotless animal) so that life was paid for life (a substitutionary payment: Mark 10:45; 1 Peter 3:18). But that was for a time until Jesus came to fulfil the Will of God His Father ( Hebrews 10:5-10).

Since the animal sacrifices were temporary because of their inability to fully address the sin issue, they had to be a continual sacrifice, they gave no relief to man's consciences & never fulfilled God's eternal Plan, so at "the due time" God sent His Son to fully meet those shortcomings. God could have sent a specially created Lamb to fulfil this work or as some believe, a specially created Human to lay down His Life for sinners. So why didn't God do this?

Ultimately, the reason for this is in the Mind of God, but no doubt His Love for all, His requirement for a Perfect Sacrifice that fulfilled all His Demands & that there would be no further need nor better option to accomplish that Will, are a few of my thoughts. John 15:13 says, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Was not Jesus intimating that the fullest expression of Love is seen in one's unreserved willingness to sacrifice his own life because of the love for another?

....The chief reason why we were were tortured , was , that we should tell how many teachers there were, what their names were, where they lived, where in the city I had taught, how many I had baptized, where the ministry was imposed upon me, and what teachers were present upon that occasion; and I should acknowledge the magistrates as Christians, and infant baptism as right. Then I pressed my lips together, committed it to God, and suffered patiently, remembering the words of the Lord, where He says: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." John 15:13-14....

Martyrs Mirror

Thieleman J. van Braght

page 691

Amen Jesse,

What a beautiful declaration you gave on Agape "A fruit, something we get by being connected to the vine, It's virtue

John 15:4-5. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for WITHOUT ME YE CAN DO NOTHING. .

This love is our confirmation, " we can know we're in him!!

1 John 3:18-19. My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.

John has a lot to say about this, look what's contuary to this.

1 John 3:10-15. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.

We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

It's Amazing how we stay away from this topic because it manifest who we are and whether we are on the right side of salvation!!

It says the brothern, I don't think in these verses it's from believers to non believers, I think it's the spirit that bonds the unity.

John 13:34-35. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. This is the law he said he would put IN man's heart.

My brother Steve,

After reading your post I am moved to send you a reply. To me it shows your true love to your wife. That you could not bear to leave her & also not wanting her to feel the rejection of you leaving her. As you thought maybe the best thing would be for you to die and give her peace. Jesus Christ states that there is no greater love than to give your life for your friend. John 15:13.

Now after your own sickness or "infection" it has moved over to your wife and now she is in "assisted living". The most important thing is the Lord came and spake to you in your dream stating "This is your cross to bear". This is a blessing and not everyone receives these things. In the most simple sens from what I feel is that this is your time to suffer. Jesus Christ suffered for us, gave His life for us, and now as "this is your cross" this is your time to suffer. Please my brother, stay strong in your faith to the Lord and do not even let death separate you from Jesus Christ. Trust in Him. The devil is not in control and even if this is the evil one's doing.. God knows everything and there is a reason for it. It may be to bring you closer to Him.

Read the book of (1 Peter as it goes over suffering well. 2 Thessalonians 1:5 is a good verse. As a teaching of Jesus Christ in the book of John is that no servant is greater than his Master. If the world hates you or persecutes you remember it did it to me first(paraphrasing) John 15:18-20. In faith I also believe the Lord would mean this to be for suffering. In that if we suffer remember He suffered for us first.

I hope my reply helps you and renews your hope in the Lord. Focus on Him. Keep praying from the heart in humbleness. Do not fear the devil.

God Bless you.

REVELATION 13:17

May the Spirit grace us with his wisdom and his understanding.

Revelation 1:1-3 The Revelation of Jesus Christ .....things that must shortly come to pass.....and signified....

(vs 3) Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things that are written therein: FOR THE TIME IS AT HAND.

Most will study Revelation and never apply these verses to the truth of the rest of Revelation.

Signified: the nouns are symbols of something other than there definition as denoted by a dictionary. There definition can be found hidden in other scriptures in God's word.

Example:

Luke 8:5 ....and the fowls of the air devoured it.

Luke 8:11 Now the parable is this...

Luke 8:12 ....then cometh the DEVIL (fowls of the air)

Luke 13:19 (A PARABLE) It (kingdom of heaven) is like a grain of mustard seed....and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.

John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches (where the fowls of the air dwell)....WITHOUT ME YOU CAN DO NOTHING.

Revelation 2:13 ....Even where Satan's seat is...

Matthew 12:28 But if I CAST OUT DEVIL'S by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God (Christ in you) is come in unto you.

Revelation 12:7-10 And there was war in heaven (where is the kingdom of heaven; CHRIST IN YOU, heaven is YOU): Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,

(vs 8) And prevailed not, neither was THEIR place found anymore in heaven (in you)

(vs 9) And the great dragon was cast out......

(vs 10) and I heard a loud voice (Holy Spirit) saying, Now is salvation... strength..and the kingdom....

Must shortly come to pass: the revealing of Jesus Christ, he is the kingdom of heaven: CHRIST IN YOU has to happen in before your physical body dies.

The time is at hand: If you were alive 1800 years ago these words were would have declared the kingdom of heaven to you just as they are declaring the kingdom of heaven to the person reading them at the instance.

The Law is the law that God handed down to mankind - the 10 Commandments.

John 15:10

"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love."

John 14:15

"If ye love me, keep my commandments."

This is the Law that Jesus is referring to in your scriptures"Till heaven and earth pass".

I also listed a couple of scriptures above that reinforce the importance of keeping God's Law's the 10 Commandments.

God made these laws to last until the end of this world.....so simple, but so misunderstood today.

God Bless

Jesus states the following:

John 14:15

"If ye love me, keep my commandments."

John 14:21

"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."

John 15:10

"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

As a true loving christian, how can we argue with what Jesus states about the commandments? In each of the verses above - Jesus uses the word "Love". Love embraces the 10 Commandments and we as loving Christians should be embracing the commandments with Love!

God Bless