Discuss John 4 Page 11

Hi Adam,

Actually Jesus isn't the Son of God. Christ is. Who is Christ except God's Son as He created Him. And what is Jesus except the Christ in Him. Jesus' appeared, took on the form, was in the likeness, being found in fashion of a body. Philippians 2:7,8. His reality is Spirit, since His Father is Spirit. John 4:24. We know what James 3:11,12 says. To paraphrase, woolly mammoths don't produce rabbits, and neither do redwood trees produce poppies. We know also flesh can't produce spirit. It is highly illogical Spirit producing flesh. God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all 1 John 1:5. Light does not produce darkness, only Light. God is Love 1 John 4:8. Love creates Itself and nothing but Itself. The truth of Jesus is not a body, but Christ, Who like God is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, wholly loving and wholly lovable. Jesus, who appeared as a body has the Mind (Spirit) of Christ. Jesus (his Mind) has nothing that does not come from God; the difference between both me and you now is that He has nothing else. So yes, Christ is God: 100%! The flesh profits nothing. John 6:63. Where in the Scriptures does it say God is a body; and they that worship Him must worship Him in body and in truth?

And yes, Christ is God's Son, an extension and complete sharing of God's Self (Mind). The Trinity in It's Oneness transcends the sum of It's parts. They are One.

Peace be with you

God Is

Jesus And The Samaritan Woman

John 4:1-26

1. When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and Baptized more disciples than John,

2. (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)

3. He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.

4. And he must needs go through Samaria

5. Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph

6. Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being weared with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.

7. Therefore a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.

8. (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)

9. Then saith the woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealing with the Samaritans unto him, How it that thou, being a Jew, asketh drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.

10. Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knowest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

11. The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?

12. Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle.

13. Jesus answered and said unto her, Whoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again.

14. But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water spring up into everlasting life.

15. The woman saith unto him, Sir give me this water, that I thirst not neither come hither to draw.

16. Jesus saith unto her,but call thy husband, and come hither.

17. The woman answered and said, I have no husband, Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband:

It may be for multiple reasons, knowing 2Timothy 3:16,

Interestingly if it were written 1st person as "I" it could have caused much confusion especially when quoted. GOD's wisdom always amazing!

Also to clarify who, to point to His human side fulfilling prophecy, son of man, son of David: Psalms 8:4, Matthew 16:28, = 2Samuel 7:16,17, Jeremiah 33:17,18,

Ezekiel 2:1,3, Ezekiel 37:12,13, = Matthew 27:50-53,

Just like when he cried out: Matthew 27:46 = Psalms 22, was he pointing those who knew scripture, to the very prophecy? I believe He was.

Also, To show He was like us, flesh & tempted, suffered yet without sin: Hebrews 4:14,15,16, 1John 4:2,

Hopefully these are helpful

John 4:24

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Jesus was spirit. Earth was created only for humans. He set aside his God status

To become human. To die for humans. He retrieved authority and dominion Adam lost. Gen 3:15

He did no miracles until Luke 4:18

The Holy Spirit is the spirit of Christ

Romans 14:10,11,12,

Matthew 25:31-46, 1Peter 4, Matthew 12:36, Romans 2, James 2, 2Peter 3:7, Jude 1, Revelation 20,

2Peter 2:9, 1John 4:17,

Hopefully these are helpful in your learning

There are verses such as "absent from the body is present with the Lord" ( 2 Cor. 5:8); and others where Jesus says He isn't the God of the dead but the living ( Mark 12:27). There is mention of souls under the altar in Revelation ( Rev. 6:9-11) and the transfiguration; as well as David stating that he would not see his dead son come to him but he would go to him ( 2 Samuel 12:23). When the Rapture comes; then there will be a reuniting of souls with bodies when the dead saints are raised; then we who are alive are changed into Resurrection bodies without death ( 1 Cor. 15:51-52). The final Great White Throne judgment is for those who are in hades or what is now called hell; who are judged according to their works then thrown in the lake of fire. From my undestanding of eschatology; there could very well be those who physically survive the Millenium period and ARE written in the Book of Life.

There is more that can be said; but I felt that the focus should be on how NOW we can recognize through Christ and the new man in us what will exist someday in eternity by the power of the Holy Spirit. If we are saved; then we are new creatures; and although we see darkly as through a glass; we get a taste of things to come ( 1 Cor. 13:12). We are already spiritually "seated in heavenly places" ( Eph. 2:1-9). We become hearers of His voice; and start to sense His presence; and have the "mind of Christ" ( 1 Cor. 2:16). He has given us good works to do which no doubt will continue in heaven in some form as we are all uniquely created.

Scripture simply doesn't allow for an nihilism in any way; verses differentiate between the word "qeber" for the body in the grave and "sheol" which is the state of the soul in the O.T. after death. Now; we can go immediately into God's presence; so Satan no longer has power over our souls to keep them under the earth in the paradise part of sheol anymore HEBREWS 2:14-15! Perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18).

When we look at the concept of "planting and watering" it appears that the verse on sowing and reaping comes to mind in John 4:38 where they were "reaping what they had not worked for". This shows not only Christ sowing the seed but those who were co laborers (in this case the woman who had been living in adultery and the townspeople that discussed matters and made their own decision that Christ was indeed the promised Messiah.

What is noteworthy here are two concepts that can be illustrated starting in verse 10. Those who do the watering AND the sowing are not to be lifted up in any prideful manner. Christ was to be exalted; not Paul or Apollos as being the "better" teacher. Also; those doing the watering share in the reward which is often neglected with evangelistic campaigns today that don't continue afterwards with proper discipleship particularly with indigenous pastors on the ground today; or with crusades in the USA recently.

The famous passage about the Bema Seat in verse 15 appears tied in with the watering aspect; and seems to give further indication in the verses following that sin indeed causes burning up and loss. Many seem to say it means simply neutral actions that have no value such as activities done in church that aren't meaningful. It seems perfectly clear here that it indicates sin; and that which can damage others. I would refer to Matthew 5:19 as a cross reference here. It is clear from verse 16 also that events such as 1 Cor. 11:27 and 1 Cor. 5:5 serve as examples as well in the same book. Finally see Rev. 3:11. Losing a reward is a serious matter.

Dangers of lukewarm church part 3

God chastises all those He loves ( Heb. 12:6). With such a permissive society ( 2 Tim. 3:2) where the fruits of such through 2 or 3 generations means we have a generation that tends by default to be lazy; and closed to correction. Rebuke isn't "politically correct" so we are expected to affirm all aberrant behaviors; and society castigates those who would dare because of unconditional love to correct those headed toward destruction.

As far as hastening the time for His coming by preaching the Good News and prayer ( 2 Peter 3:12); God certainly has foreknowledge of how long it will take for His word to be preached to all nations (whether that refers to before the Rapture; or when it is preached by witnesses and ultimately angels of God). At any rate; not putting efforts into supporting missionaries in prayer and short term trips whenever possible; and fulfilling the Great Commission ourselves certainly isn't going to help us. The sower and reaper are said to rejoice ( John 4:36).

Again; when we see like sufferings that others go through as a reason for prayer ( 1 Peter 5:9) which specifically relates to trials we also see the value of prayer for missionaries; as well as for a healthy church. We certainly are NOT going to find a strong church with those who are satisfied with a 5 minute prayer before a service; or even a midweek hour of prayers. Like my friend in Pittsburgh said to me when He started a prayer group early in the morning in the park He was DESPERATE for prayer. I am convinced that unless there is some sort of prayer most days; as well as evangelism at least a couple times a month; then a church is on the way to dying.

There needs to be a careful assessment of those who have tested themselves to see if they are in the faith and passed that exam ( 2 Cor. 13:5-6) if they are working so as NOT to lose their reward ( Rev. 3:11; also 2 John in 2 different places!) See 1 Cor. 3:15 as to suffering loss!

Luke 16:19-26. The only passage that Jesus Himself talks about where a person goes after he dies. There is Heaven and Hell. I pray all will be saved. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Romans 3:25; 1 John 2:2; 1 John 4:10.

Luke 23:43

Acts 1:25; John 17:12 Judas Iscariot is the son of perdition. He went to his own place. Revelation 17:8

Isaiah 5:14

Romans 16:25-27

John 3:16 I pray many will be saved. Keep the Faith, trust only and believe in the blood of Jesus Christ. Nobody can save themselves. We give glory to God for He gave us a free gift, a gift of Grace, the grace of God that is available to all.

Hope this helps.

The Holiness of God.

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty ( Rev. 4:8). This aspect of the Lord which should characterize our daily praise was a topic a friend of mine from out of town who I'm visiting next week brought up. He; as I am is highly supportive of the "grace gospel" (i.e. God's sovereign plan of election giving no credit toward man for any of his own righteousness in being saved). It is true; however that many of our houses of worship are more caught up in an academic exercise when it comes to the "institutes of Calvin" than spending a time worshipping a Holy God who condescended to save any worms like me. ( Job 25:6). He; who is the creator of all things is above all; so that even the stars are impure in His sight ( Job 25:5).

There are truly heavenly joys that we cannot comprehend now. ( Psalm 16:11). Everyone; from Daniel and Isaiah and Ezekiel in the O.T. and John in Revelation fall in awe and wonder at His presence. It is a true statement that God is love (1 John 4:8); but we need to view this in light of 1 Cor. 13:4-8. We must; therefore also see His grace along with His judgments in light of His righteousness; and eternal omnipotence as the King of Kings; Lord of Lords. God does not change; and if we remain in Him we shall never be moved (see Proverbs 10:30). Heaven and earth will perish before one "jot and tittle" of the law perish ( Matthew 5:18). Since this is New Testament; surely this refers to the true meaning of the law and the motives of our hearts.

May we; although flawed be characterized by a unique reverence for God so we can be known as just men ( Matthew 1:19). To be salt and light; we must be distinct from the world and through the fear of the Lord comes the beginning of understanding ( Prov. 1:7; 9:10; etal). If we put to death the deeds of the flesh through the Spirit ( Colossians 3:5; Romans 8:13) then we can let His Spirit transform us ( Romans 12:2). Let us begin each day with praise. Agape; Rich P

Hi Doug. Great Scriptures to show that Christ has come in the flesh - He is indeed the Son of God & the Son of Man. And as a Man, He was made "like unto his brethren" & as a Man "was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin". I would certainly never argue the humanity of Christ.

But interesting that you quoted 1 John 4:3, "And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world." This is the wonderful Truth from John, about the spirits that influence men what to believe & proclaim (as the false prophets of verse 1 did). That spirit that does not confess that Christ has come in the flesh is the spirit of Satan (antichrist).

Some have glossed over these verses, but in the past, I felt compelled to consider, 'surely a spirit that does not confess Christ coming in the flesh, must be a different spirit that believes that Jesus was a real Person?' The spirits themselves believe Jesus was real, the Jews & Romans believed, even the Gnostics (about whom John was warning the believers), believed - there was no denial that there was a Man going around by the Name of Jesus & saying & doing all that He did. But these same Gnostics & others I've mentioned will never confess one thing. And that is, that Jesus came out from God to become a man. Because gnostics believe that Divinity cannot unite with the material, especially sinful flesh, therefore the incarnation is an impossibility. And so John issued the warning to try (test) the spirits (that by which these men spoke); that there is a spirit that denies that Jesus came down from Heaven into a body of flesh. John 3:13; John 17:5.

Hebrews 2:7 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 1 John 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

John 4:

Chapter 4 shows Christ's mission field expanded to the Samaritans; specifically first to the woman at the well then the rest of the rather large group of people that came to faith. It also shows how those in His hometown wouldn't believe (v.44). Finally; we see the situation of the nobleman whose son was sick to the point of death; and the subsequent healing.

We note that Christ reached out to someone who no doubt was despised by the religious elite in nearby Jerusalem. Not only was this woman a Samaritan (in a society that mixed Judaism with paganism); but this woman clearly was now living in sin (even if her 5 husbands all died one after another and were legitimate.) The concepts of grace; and worshipping in the Spirit were readily accepted once her sin was revealed and she recognized Him as a Prophet AND Messiah. Because there wasn't such a tradition of legalism; Christ's statements of deep theological mysteries could be readily accepted; this largely contributed to the recognition of someone who clearly recognized that she was a sinner.

The reaction of the townsfolk also showed that this population was much more ripe for the harvest (v. 30-38). These verses show Christ's redirection (once again) from the importance of physical well being to that of spiritual principles; which apparently the Disciples needed a mind reset on once again. The reaction of the townspeople in v. 39-43 shows that they were thinking as Bereans as it were; searching for themselves rather than just taking someone's word for it about Christ being the Son of God.

The situation with the nobleman's son may seem to elicit a rude response from Christ in v. 48. There may be some parallel here in this with the woman who desired her daughter to be delivered from a devil ( Matt. 15:27). It also very well could have been addressed to others who were observing this for nefarious reasons. Either way He tests the faith of others.

See Isaiah 6:10. Some are blinded; others see

Benson Commentary on 1 John 4:1

Because the Gnostics and other heretics, in the first age, to gain the greater credit to their erroneous doctrines, assumed to themselves the character and authority of inspired teachers, John put his disciples in mind,

( 1 John 2:27) that they had an unction from the Holy Spirit, by which they were enabled to judge with certainty, both of teachers and of their doctrine. He therefore, in this chapter, commands them not to believe rashly every teacher who pretended to be inspired, but to try the inspiration by which any preacher professed to speak, whether it was from God or from evil spirits; that after trial they might know whom it was their duty to attend to, and whom they ought to disregard and reject. And to secure them, as far as possible, from being deceived, he especially desires them to consider whether the teacher, who came to them, pretending to inspiration, held the great and fundamental doctrines of the gospel, which all the teachers, really inspired of God, regularly and uniformly maintained. His words may be paraphrased as follows: Believe not every spirit - By which any teacher is, or professes to be, actuated: or, believe not every teacher who pretends to be inspired by the Spirit of God; but try the spirits - Namely, whether they are of God - By the rule which God hath given. We are to try all spirits by the written word: To the law and to the testimony! If any man speak not according to these, the spirit which actuates him is not of God. Because many false prophets Or false teachers; are gone forth into the world - With an intention to draw disciples after them.

[This is really relevant to these days we're living in. I had to run it by a commentary, but it's all good]

Just on this matter about 'Jesus being a creation of God', Brad. We see a couple of phrases used in the Bible: 'firstborn' and 'only begotten'.

'Firstborn' (Gk. prototokos, first to give birth to, firstborn) as seen in Romans 8:29, "the firstborn among many brethren", where Paul applies the meaning to Jesus being the first to bring humanity & divinity into one (i.e. Jesus the Word (God) united with humanity (flesh); and to us who are saved (i.e. humanity (flesh) united with the Spirit (God)).

And also in Colossians 1:15, "the firstborn of every creature", referring to Christ's highest rank & full rights bestowed upon Him by the Father over all creation; & that creation came into being by His Word Jesus & through Him, being held together by the Word of His Power (vv16,17 & Hebrews 1:3).

'Only begotten' (Gk. monogenes, unique, one of a kind) as seen in John 3:16, Hebrews 5:5, 1 John 4:9, etc. Could we say that Jesus was a created Being by God, as one would describe a creation of a baby in the womb or a potter creating a vessel from a lump of clay? The use of 'monogenes' strongly suggests that Jesus wasn't created, simply because He already existed within God's Person as the Word of God. But God did something not done before - a unique birth: that which always existed came into the World in another form - Mary's womb was merely the delivery point for prophecy's fulfilment & for Jesus' identification with His people. God could just as well have zapped His Word into flesh & onto Earth, but God had His Own special Plan.

One could use the word 'created' in this respect as you've done, but that might then bring on the thought that Jesus was a created Being without an eternal existence. I feel 'monogenes' satisfies the uniqueness of Jesus' pre- & post-incarnation Presence.

1 John 4:1

They don't come out and say it , they actually will agree with it , but their doctrine reveals their errors .

They spiritualize Christ in their doctrines to the neglect of His humanity , therefore another Christ that apostle Paul warned us about .

If you post this it's a miracle to me .

Peace to the truth in spirit . Amen

It would seem that absolutely; the falling away and removal of candlesticks is occurring. This is especially sobering when we see the admonition to the church in Ephesus whose only criticism from Christ Himself is that they had lost their first love ( Rev. 2:4).

Everything else they were doing doctrinally; discernment wise with false teaching etc was on par yet they still faced having their candlestick removed; and that was back before the end of the first century! (actually it says have their "lampstand" removed).

It is helpful here to see how individuals in the Book of Revelation in chapter 2 and 3 are addressed to along WITH an entire congregation. CLEARLY apostasy; i.e. falling away was characterizing the vast majority of the Sardis church; nonetheless certain individuals were said to be worthy and would walk with Him in white garments. There is a potential at least for the Laodiceans; but clearly we should guard our hearts; and walk away from apostacy if we are in a place where leadership concurs with false teaching and there is not support of others to rebuke those in authority.

1 Timothy chapter 4 talks about the falling away in the last days. Even 1 John 4:12 discusses the fact that there are already many antichrists in that first century church. The OVERALL degrading of churches that for decades or centuries held to doctrinal truths certainly shows us how soon His return must be.

God warns us in Rev. 3:11 indicates that we may lose our crown to someone else if not careful. We need to be around those who are sharpening one another as "iron sharpens iron" ( Prov. 27:17). Surely; the Lord will lead us to good fellowship; if not for any other reason that we are commanded to assemble together even more so as we see the Lord's soon coming ( Heb. 10:25 loosely translated). The remnant will be found; of course it can take some time. The question now is whether we should; as the famous song says; hold out; walk away or run.

Be blessed. Agape.

Discernment

I have been given spiritual discernment myself; so I could be biased here. I can't help but observe how lacking it appears to be in the church today; including those who seem to possess the other "signs and wonders" gifts. It seems those who are "cessationists" (a viewpoint I'm still trying to iron out) are on the opposite end with those who routinely practice tongues (usually the dominant gift claimed to be happening in Pentacostal and/or Charismatic congregations. There are some on YouTube; usually those formerly in New Age or other occult practices who are familiar with false signs and demonic manifestations; but those who regularly attend the Mega churches never seem to discuss this subject. If anyone knows a good study from a Charismatic brother on knowing the differences I would like to know about it.

When we study the verse stating that if any spirit says that Christ came in the flesh it is from God (1 John 4:2) and vice versa we need to pay attention to the emphasis here. It doesn't say that any PERSON claiming Christ came in the flesh is from God; just any spirit BEHIND that person; group or organization. If it was that easy Satan would be giving away His plans too easily.

It is the "angel of light" we ought to be most concerned about here. ( 2 Cor. 1:14). Certainly; terrible possessions and oppressions can make clear that there is a demonic entity behind the torment. The power of Satan is only over a believer if he yields to sin. The opposite is true; from my own experience we cannot sin with impunity as we did before; the enemy LOVES to oppress us if we succumb to weakness and don't trust God. I am convinced the Lord uses that often in our sanctification process. In any event; it is clear who has won the war; but if we think there aren't battles then our spiritual armor is badly taken care of or missing altogether.

True Holy Spirit manifestation satisfies the soul while increasing hunger and thirst for righteousness.

Hi Chris,

I think most of us agree God is Spirit. John 4:24. I can't help but question though, how can Spirit become flesh (man). The Bible clearly indicates Spirit and flesh are opposites. John 3:6. Should we not seriously consider that Mark 3:23-26 establishes a principle in truth that also applies to God? Thus, if God rises up against Himself, and be divided, He cannot stand, but hath an end. This would reflect "dualism", which is "Gnostic" in nature.

Doug My position scripturally on God HOLY spirit AND JESUS Christ is God is spirit JOHN 4:24 also in same gospel

chapter 1:18 no made has ever seen God. Jesus Christ is the only begotten of God and he was His Fathers full

power on display, he was born and died and sits at right hand of God and until the end has been given all power of

heaven and earth then he will in revelation hand it back over to God. Holy spirit is Gods gift to man available day of

pentecost by the sacrifice and resurrection of Gods Son. The purpose of all three is to redeem man from the adversaries

control. i do not consider them the same entity, but the same purpose.

Randy,

A Christian since 1968, very encouraging! Especially that you're reading throughout the Bible again into study! I hope you'll keep us in your study as you go. Many of us enjoy deep study & thought in the WORD of GOD.

There seems to be several scriptures to verify your thought, of multiple people: Genesis 1:27, let them have dominion over ._... fish, of the sea, fowl of the air, over every living thing, that moveth upon the earth.

Genesis 4:1,2,8,13,14, Notice Genesis 4:13-17, Genesis 4:25,

also notice by now to continue for some people to try to say "only Adam & Eve" would be to ignore all the facts of other people listed.

Genesis 4:19,23,24,

Genesis 5:1-2, interestingly they both male & female named "Adam"

If you look in the Concordance by clicking on Genesis 1:27, man = mankind, human spelled English translated = the Hebrew name Adam sounds (aw-dawm)

Please also notice Genesis 6:5,7,12,17, why would GOD destroy the whole earth if only Adam & Eve, 1 lineage which is listed in the records of Genesis were only on Earth?

Genesis 5:3, Genesis 2:7,8,15,22, Romans 5:14, 1Corinthians 15:45, 1Chronicles 1:1, Luke 3:21-38,

Sometimes we have to ask questions

1st does an interpretation represent GOD's Laws, standards, examples? Leviticus 20:17, 1Corinthians 10:13, James 1:13-15, Proverbs 11:1,

2nd What is the main points GOD is pointing us to? Romans 5:17-21,

3rd, does it feel right, truthful, honest in our spirit? John 14:26,27, James 1:5, 1John 2:27-29,

I believe the reason anyone has questioned outside what is written, is because false teaching: Note: 1John 2:26-29, 2Peter 2:1, 2Timothy 3:1-5,

1John 4:1, 1Timothy 6:3-6,

Hopefully these are all helpful in your study

John 17, Romans 8, 1John 4:13-21,

Ephesians 3:17,

Hopefully these are helpful

Hi Linda The beatitudes list a number attributes or qualities that people need for God to make himself known. Now

to litterally see God i take you togospel of john 1:18 where it says no man hath seen God but His son our saviour hath

made him known. Also in John 4:24 God is spirit thats why His gift when born again is holy spirt.

Matthew 4:1, Mark 14:38, Luke 8:55, Luke 11:13, Luke 23:46, Luke 24:39, John 3:5,6, John 4:23,24, John 6:63, John 14:17, 1Corinthians 12:3, 1Corinthians 15:45, Galatians 5:16,17, Galatians 5:22-25, Galatians 6:8, Ephesians 1:17, 1Thessalonians 5:23, James 2:26,

Romans 8, Hebrews 4:12,

Warning, 1Timothy 4:1,

1John 4:1-11, 1John 4,

Hopefully these are helpful in your study of your spirit & flesh; (body)

Hi Brain,

Not sure why Matthew Henry chose to go there using 2 Cor. 4:6, when the angel was the one whose countenance was like lightning. Matthew Henry commented it is often mentioned in the New Testament, as the day which Christians religiously observed in solemn assemblies, to the honor of Christ. This can be debated there are as many mentioning they met on the Sabbath because they did not have bibles like we have today and the only way to hear the scriptures was in the temple or synagogues on the Sabbath. We also see in scriptures they met every day of the week Acts 2:46-47.

What is not talked about very much, Jesus rose on the day of the Feast of Firstfruits. That is the first day after the Sabbath after Passover which is the first day of the week. Jesus is the Firstfruits of those who slept, 1 Cor. 15:20. It is also the first day counting each day of the 7 Sabbaths that brings us to the second harvest we call Pentecost that means 50 that is 7 Sabbaths plus 1 day.

The Jewish day starts at sundown at ends at sundown so in Matthew 28:1 Mark 16:2 Luke 24:1 and John 20:1 when the sun went down on the Sabbath it was the first day of the week. The women headed to the tomb with the spices to anoint Jesus and the sun was just about to come up except for Mary Magdalene, she was the first to go and it was still dark, John 20:1 but it was the first day of the week.

Romans 14 should help, if you will study all four accounts of this day it will shine light on many things. As Jesus told the woman at the well John 4:24-25.

Someone said, we are not called to go to church we are called to be the church and that is every day.

God bless,

RLW

Hello Naseem,

Scripture tells us the unclean spirits/devils knew He was the Son of God, Matt. 8:29 Mark 3:11 Luke 8:27-28. Scripture tells us Jesus is the Son of God the only begotten of the Father, John 1:14. Scripture tells us Jesus the Son of God was before this world John 17:5 2 Timothy 1:9. Scripture tells us Jesus the Son of God was the beginning of creation Rev. 3:1. Scripture tells us everything was created through Him Col. 1:16.

Scripture tells us to confess Jesus is the Son of God, 1 John 4:15. Scripture tells us God gave His only begotten Son, John 3:16. Scripture tells us to believe God gave His only begotten Son, 1 John 5:10. Scripture tells us God was made known in the flesh through His only begotten Son same as creation was through His Son 1 Timothy 3:16 Col. 1:16.

Scripture tells us we have salvation and eternal life only in Jesus Christ, John 3:36 Acts 4:12 Eph. 4:12 1 Thess. 5:9 1 John 5:13 Scripture tells us we can only come to the Father through Jesus, John 14:6 1 Timothy 2:5.

Jesus came to fulfill the law and the prophets and died for our sins, and the only way that could be done is in the flesh, the seed of Abraham, Hebrews 2. He experienced temptation the same as you and me, Luke 4:2 Heb 2:18, He had a brain and a will, Luke 22:42 but He was obedient to the Father. We now have a high priest in heaven that lived in this flesh just like us, Hebrews 4:14-16.

Salvation and eternal life only by the grace of God through faith which is in Christ Jesus. Jesus Christ's perfect life in the flesh, His blood shed for us, and His resurrection. We cannot deny the divinity of Jesus, the only begotten Son of God that was before this world, but no creed, doctrine, or statement of faith can be placed above or added to that we must believe to receive salvation and eternal life if scripture does not tell us we must believe. Truth is in the simplicity that is in Christ.

I love this site and the brothers and sisters on it.

God bless,

RLW

Yes, we are essentially spirits. But to live on this Earth that God has given us & to enjoy its blessings, God has given us a body (both for visibility & for being human). John 1:1-14 tells us that the Word was with God & was God - that Word was made flesh (human). John chapter 1 speaks of Jesus, God's Word made flesh, to fulfil the Purposes of God for fallen humanity. There was no other reason for such an 'incarnation', for the Word & the Spirit are eternally part of the Godhead & each member functioned as purposed by God.

God does not have a body. John 4:24, "God is Spirit". But God has manifested Himself in the flesh in Jesus, His Son incarnate. One disciple, Philip, asked Jesus, "shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us".

Jesus answered him, " Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake."

This does not mean that Jesus, in the flesh, looks the same as the Father, but Jesus' very works, His Life, & His Words, reveal the Person of God. So when we look at Jesus' Life, we are seeing the exact image of God, for how else can we describe the image of a spirit? Colossians 1:15: 'Jesus is the image of the invisible God'.

We are all spirits (our true essence), clothed with a body. Once our bodies perish, our spirits, which can never die, are released to live on into eternity. Therefore, Jesus had to come to give His Life for us, so that if we believe in Him, calling upon His Name, the Father seals us as His & receives us into His family. If we refuse Him, only punishment remains. How we respond to God's Love in Jesus determines where our spirits will finally spend eternity.

1John 4:1-4,

Hopefully this is helpful

John 4:24. God is a Spirit. Since this is true, I'm inclined to think Jesus' reality is not his body, but spirit. The difference between God and Jesus is that God created Jesus, not the opposite.

Things bear like things as was established in James 3:12. The idea of both spirit and flesh being what/who I am,I must admit, is a bit confusing to me. If Spirit gives birth to spirit, and God who is a Spirit created me, am I not also spirit? Or if I truly am a body, is God a body? Is it possible He is both? If a fig tree bears only figs just as an olive tree bears only olives, and a grapevine bears only grapes, then logic tells me I am also spirit, if I'm created by God, Who is a Spirit. I could accept the possibility I'm both a body and a spirit, except being opposites, can they coexist? Again, it is a bit ambiguous to me. I could use some clarity.

It seems too obvious; I suppose to ask on a forum like this if you have faith in Christ and His atoning death and have confessed it to God and to men. This is the only way to truly receive and understand "agape" or unconditional love at the deepest level. I suppose the best example of an idolatrous culture is the Corinthians. There were clear moral lapses; to put it mildly there at all levels from illicit relationships; greed; pride and other vices. Paul was able to get them straightened out fairly quickly through rebuke from such a Godly concern as a parent.

I narrowly escaped being molested by a high school friend of mine. That was 40 years ago; and I found out recently that he passed away of bone cancer a number of years ago. I was also mentally abused as a child; and physically assaulted a couple of times; as well as had a lot of money and possessions stolen. Also went through a divorce with someone who claimed to be a Christian and married her lover. I was able at least to tell my dad that I loved him; and now am taking care of my parents in their advanced years while living at home.

I mention all this to say that I found through Christian counselling; prayer was perhaps the best antidote. Also; after a lot of angst during my marriage; I was given a study in the Book of James on how to be self controlled through proper spiritual disciplines; and although my life is far from perfect; the anger which would have me punch fists into walls hasn't caused me to flip out in say 10 years since I have been living on my own. The Lord has been faithful in providing me with solid fellowship; both in the past and now.

In terms of thoughts we have to realize that if we are saved; the enemy often infiltrates our minds; and we need to be able to shut him down; realizing that they often don't originate with us. He has promised to be our "front guard and rear guard" ( Isaiah 52:12; also see Psalm 91. Perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18).