Discuss John 8 Page 8

@Mishael

Advocate 1 John 2:1

Shephard & Bishop of souls I Peter 2:25

Man of sorrows Isa 53.3

Judge Acts 10:42

Faithful and True Witness Rev 3:14

Head of the Church Eph 5:23

Rock 1 Corth 10:4

High Priest Heb 6:20

Master Matt 8:19

Living Water John 4:10

Rose of Sharon Song of Solomon 2:1

Alpha and Omega Rev 22:13

Lamb of God John 1:29 Messiah Daniel 9:25

Mediator I Tim 2:5

Teacher John 3:2

Author and Finisher of our Faith Heb 12:2

Image of the invisible God Col 1:15

Everlasting Father Isa 9:6

The Word John 1:1

Holy One Mark 1:24

Light of the world John 8:12

Lion of the tribe of Judah Rev 5: 5

LORD OF LORDS I Tim 6:15

The Beloved Eph 1:6

Carpenter Mark 6:3 The Almighty Rev 21:

Shiloh Gen 49:10

The Way, the Truth and The Life John 14:16

Bright and Morning Star Rev 22:16

Good Shepherd John 10:11

Son of Man Matt 20:28

Only Begotten Son John 3:16

King Of Kings 1 Tim 6:15

Prince of Peace Isa 9:6

Bridegroom Matt 9:15

Dayspring Luke 1:78

Saviour of the world Eph 5:23

Immanuel Luke 1:78 & Matt 1:23

Wonderful Counselor Isa 9:6

I AM John 8:58

The Door John 10:9

The True Vine John 15:1

King of the Jews Mark 15:26

Prophet Matt 21:11

Redeemer Job 19:25

Saviour Isa 45:15 , John 42:2, 1 Tim 4:10

The Amen Rev 3:14

The Living God

Anchor Heb 6:19

The BRANCH Zech 6:12

Bread of Life John 6:15

The Resurrection & Life John 11.25

The Living God, who is the Saviour of all men,

Gigi.

Part 5.

Divine light was only found in the Holy Place. Only as worshipers in the present age pass by the cross and laver and come to Christ for light are they truly worshiping God. Christ is the Lamp unto our feet, and the Holy Spirit is the Light unto our path (see Psalm 119:105). Christ said, "I am the light of the world" ( John 8:12). The true believers alone know that to be true.

Believers today have been sent into the world as lights: "Ye are the light of the world" ( Matthew 5:14).We are merely reflectors, to reflect His light. Only as we walk in Him can we be lights in the world. A reflector must be where the light is, in order to reflect it.

End article.

Side note;

The number 6 is the number for man. Seven is the number of completion.

We're complete in Christ .

In the OT the Lord was In the midst of Israel.

In Revelation 1:12-13 we see the Lord in the midst of the Lampstand.

In verse 20 the Lord Identify the Lampstand as the seven Churches. Here is the complete Church bearing light on the Lampstand. Revelation 1:20.

This light also represents our witness. In Revelation 2:5 Jesus tells Ephesus he will remove their candle stick.

The light isn't meant to shine light on the the candle stick, It's meant to shine light on the one in the Midst. The Lord.

When done so you see what is revealed in Revelation 1:13-17.

You see Deity, Judgment, The word, Eyes of flaming fire that reveals and exposes.

Thanks for allowing me Gigi.

Good night.

Amen Brother Jesse

There's a lot being said in those scriptures and also these!

John 15:18-21.

If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

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.

Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.

They hated the Lord without a cause!! They hated him for telling the truth! John 8:42-47.

Galatians 4:16-20.

John 15:26.

John 16:12-15.

It shouldn't be surprising when we see hatred from the world and those of the world gravitate toward one of the other and those that are Christ gravitate toward one another!

Here's why!

John 15:17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.

John 4:20-21.

If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

1 John 2:3-11.

If Christ spirit doesn't CAUSE you to Love one another then perhaps the world spirit and the father of lies stand in the way.

When the Spirit of truth is taken out of the way then the father of lies will be revealed.

God bless.

Hammer63 Thank you for your response. Yes I have considered ( Gen 4:1) In that verse the word (conceived) is #2030; it means pregnant, (be, woman) with child. But you need to read the next verse for the full context ( Gen 4:2) It says "And she (again) bare his brother Abel". The word (again) is #3254; it means to add or augment, to continue to do a thing, add, again. If a woman gives birth to a child then continues to do a thing, which is her being in labour and bares his brother. Then what has happened? She had Twins! Other things point to this also, ( Gen 3:3) The word (touch) is #5060; it means to touch, lay the hand upon, TO LIE WITH A WOMAN. ( Gen 3:7) Tells us their eyes were opened and ((they knew that they were NAKED)). ( Gen 3:15-16) In verse 15 the LORD is speaking to the serpent and says "And I will put (enmity) between thee and the woman, and between ((thy seed)) and ((her seed))" First the (enmity) is #342; it means hostility, hatred, to hate, to be hostile. The word (seed) is #2233; it means posterity, carnally, child, to disseminate, bear, conceive seed. The word (seed) in Greek is #4690; it means something sown, i.e. ((seed including male "sperm")). Now we take a look at a couple of verses in the New Testament? First the Words of Jesus in ( John 8:44) Ye are of your father the devil,. Then we are told in ( 1 John 3:12) Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one,. This was the reason Cain's works were evil, and his brother's righteous? Cain was of that wicked one, the serpent in the garden, the devil. The devil was trying to corrupt the blood line that he knew Jesus Christ would come through. I hope you can see this Hammer63. Blessings.

May God be with those you choose to be deceiving and hide the Truth. ( Mark 4:22) ( Luke 8:17) ( John 8:32) ( John 14:6) ( Luke 11:23) Nothing is hid from God! Blessings to all.

This confirms in John 8:32, we must walk in the truth as it revealed to us by the Holy Spirit of God the Father. Praise God for His Grace.

Spiritual Truth - Part 1

The Word of God teaches us in 1 Cor. 2:14 that the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned.

This is why those communicating their messages in this 'forum' so often use the word 'discerning' while the 'Word of God' is not of any private interpretation ( 2 Peter 1:20). This is why it also teaches; that anyone that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man ( 1 Cor. 2:15).

Please remember, the words from the 'Word of God' are according to the 'Spirit of Truth' ( John 14:17). Furthermore, the Spirit of truth cannot be received by this world ( John 14:17) as this whole world has been deceived ( Rev. 12:9).

May we suggest you search the words 'a world deceived' an learn how you may know the difference between the 'natural' and the 'spiritual' body ( 1 Cor. 15:44) and how and by whom this whole world has been deceived ( Rev. 12:9).

Seek, and ye shall find ( Matthew 7:7).

It is God's will for all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth ( 1 Timothy 2:4), but not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven ( Matthew 7:21).

Many will say unto me that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? ( Matthew 7:22).

And then will I profess unto them I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity ( Matthew 7:23). If you would like to know who by nature your Father is, may we suggest you read John 8::43-45.

John 8:36 assures us that with the Son we are "free indeed". Freedom; in short is opposite of what the world follows as we are slaves or bondservants of Christ ( 1 Cor. 4; 7). To follow the prince of this world and all its temporary pleasures is, in reality; a dead end whereas His riches in glory for those who love Him are eternal for those saints which are already seated with Him in "heavenly places." ( Eph. 2:6).

When seeking His will and petitioning prayers; it is His Covenant promises which we can tenaciously proclaim as it is His binding contract with His people that He has made with His good pleasure. This is certainly different than just seeking those things that seem most convenient to make us more comfortable in this life. It truly is best when His life is the guide to our lives and He can be the "captain" of our salvation ( Hebrews 2:10). It is this or being shipwrecked; as it were which is a warning for those who fall away ( 1 Timothy 1:9 as a general admonition along with specific individuals in other Pauline writings).

It is helpful, therefore to have brothers more mature in the faith as "iron sharpens iron." ( Proverbs 27:17). We should also have our individual walk grow to maturity with our quiet times; prayer life and devotionals. John 6:45 shows that we shall all be taught of God; so we should learn to discern His voice from the cacaphony that rings in our ears.

As adopted sons of God ( Gal. 4:5) we are granted therefore all the blessings and substance of the inheritance. The eternal riches in Glory certainly outweigh any earthly pleasures ( 2 Cor. 4:17). We should strive therefore to remain steadfast and remain in His will. The flesh is dying daily in terms of the outward man (see previous verse 16) but the inward man is being conformed to His image. (see Romans 12:2). To deny ungodliness is true freedom ( Titus 2:12) despite our natural affections that seem to indicate the contrary.

Spiritual Truth - Part 1

The Word of God teaches us in 1 Cor. 2:14 that the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned.

This is why those communicating their messages in this 'forum' so often use the word 'discerning' while the 'Word of God' is not of any private interpretation ( 2 Peter 1:20). This is why it also teaches; that anyone that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man ( 1 Cor. 2:15).

Please remember, the words from the 'Word of God' are according to the 'Spirit of Truth' ( John 14:17). Furthermore, the Spirit of truth cannot be received by this world ( John 14:17) as this whole world has been deceived ( Rev. 12:9).

May we suggest you search the words 'a world deceived' an learn how you may know the difference between the 'natural' and the 'spiritual' body ( 1 Cor. 15:44) and how and by whom this whole world has been deceived ( Rev. 12:9).

Seek, and ye shall find ( Matthew 7:7).

It is God's will for all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth ( 1 Timothy 2:4), but not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven ( Matthew 7:21).

Many will say unto me that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? ( Matthew 7:22).

And then will I profess unto them I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity ( Matthew 7:23). If you would like to know who by nature your Father is, may we suggest you read John 8::43-45.

Elizabeth,

For the believer, Jesus is our hope ( 1 Timothy 1:1), He is our peace ( Ephesians 2:14), He is the light of the world ( John 8:12), He is the good shepherd who gave His life for His sheep (All those who have surrendered their life to Him ( John 10:11), He is the head of the church ( Ephesians 1:22), He is the only one who sets us free from our sin ( John 8:36), He is our redeemer ( Job 19:25), He is the only atoning sacrifice for our sin ( 1 John 4:10), He is the Savior of those who receive Him ( Luke 2:11, John 1:12), He is the creator of all things ( Colossians 1:16-17, John 1:1-3), He is the word of God, and He is God ( John 1:1, Isaiah 9:6), He is our only way to salvation ( John 10:9, John 14:6).

There are many, many more descriptors in the Bible that tell us who Jesus is, but it would take many more posts to list them all.

Skiman,

They could be basing their claim on any one of the following pieces of scripture:

John 1:1, John 1:14, John 8:24, John 8:58, John 10:30-33, John 20:28, Hebrews 1:8, Colossians 2:9, Philippians 2:5-8, Psalm 45:6.

The Bible tells us that we are to worship God alone, and yet Jesus received worship and never rebuked anyone who worshipped Him. We see evidence of this in Matthew 2:2, Matthew 2:11, Matthew 14:33, Matthew 28:9, John 9:35-38, Hebrews 1:6.

Isaiah 44:6 reads, "Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: "I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God besides me."

In Rev 1:17, it says "And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as a dead man." In Daniel 10:8-9, Daniel did the same thing. When he saw this vision of Christ, he fell down as he was dead. In Ezekiel 1:28, Ezekiel sees the vision and he falls down as a dead man. It goes on to say "Fear not; I am the first and the last: (the designation of God, found in Isaiah 41:4, and Isaiah 48:12).

In Revelation 1:18, it says I am He that lives, and this is another designation of God found in Psalm 84:2, and Joshua 3:10.

I am He that lives. God presents Himself to the Jews as the living God. He says I am He that lives, and was dead; literally, and became dead, and behold, I am living forevermore, His resurrection, His eternalness.

And then it reads, Amen; and I have the keys of hell and of death. Keys are a symbol of authority. Those who were in charge of the temple had the keys to the temple. We are told later on that the Lord (Jesus) will be in control of hell and death.

In Matthew 16:15, Jesus asks His disciples who do you say I am? Peter had the perfect answer. Peter said "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."

Peter was Jewish. The phrase "Son of the living God" from a Hebrew standpoint is a phrase used for God. To a Jew, claiming to be the Son of God was considered blasphemy, but that was Peter's response to who Jesus was

Hello Caleb,

Genesis 2:15,16,17, Genesis 3:1-6, skipping parts Genesis 3:14,15, between the seed of Serpent - Revelation 20:2,

John 8:34, 1John 3, Romans 5, John 3:16-21, James 1:5, Proverbs 8:17,

Example, simple Salvation "GOD save me" many times in life threatening situations, & many times HE has. Psalms 18:3, Psalms 107:13, Psalms 44:7, Luke 18:42, Psalms 34:6,

Matthew 10:22, Hebrews 2, Matthew 24, Mark 13, Psalms 139,

Romans 10:13, context Romans 10, Everlasting Salvation, Isaiah 45:17, Acts 4,

1John 3:14, Job 38:17, Revelation 20, Psalms 49, Ecclesiastes 8:8, Romans 5, Revelation 21,

Hopefully these are helpful

I think John 8:44 is talking about Cain the first murderer. But he is talking to Kenites who are thr bloodline of Cain. Cain is the son of Satan, Abel son of Adam.

Hi Ronald, nice to hear from you. Good reply.

We are called to not imitate the world, but Christ. So, just as the Israelites were not to imitate the ungodly practices of the surrounding nations, we are not to imitate the practices of the world that are ungodly, also. I don't think we need to live a "separatist's" lifestyle like some sects do, but we should, in our dress and conduct stand out as godly people who fear and honor God in all we do. We are to love not the world and the lusts of it, but to love what God has determined to be good and decent, setting ourselves apart as holy unto the Lord, as the Israelites were set apart for God and His purposes.

John 8:23; Romans 12:2; 1 John 2:15

Ronald, I hope you are doing well. Hope to hear from you more often.

"I never knew you." ( Matthew 7:23). Such verses bring a shiver up our spines; when we understand the grace of God toward our souls if we are truly saved. Such an intimate knowledge can be described best on a human level with that of a husband and wife as they properly interact serving and growing together in their designated roles.

This type of relationship is best described as God loving us DESPITE who we are which is unlike seemingly endless Christian songs that somehow lead us to believe that He loves us no matter what we do or who we are. Ultimately; God did rescue us from sin and sacrificed His Son even though we were "enemies of God" (Phillipians 3:18 and many other references). But He foreknew us as being "conformed to the image of His Son" ( Romans 8:29 and again numerous other verses on that subject). He only "knows" us therefore if He can see His Son in us and we are truly "seated in heavenly places" ( Eph. 2:6). As I have said many times recently; He chastises all those He loves (see Proverbs 3:12; Hebrews 12:6-7). What many don't read is the following verse ( Heb. 12:8) that states in that we are illegitimate children (I will avoid the harsher term KJV has as I don't want to be flagged but it pays to read it). We are; in fact either children of God or of the Devil. That was made quite clear to the Pharisees ( John 8:44).

Such passages shouldn't be foreign to us as parents. If we truly love our own offspring we don't want them flailing about in this world of endless dangers; toils and snares without discipline and guidane although sadly many parents even in the church are sorely deficient in parenting skills.

In our personal lives; and I am speaking to myself here-we need to be aware of our weaknesses (with me it tends to be obsessiveness with hobbies; music etc) and learn to trust Him to guide us so that we can do all things for the glory of God. ( 1 Cor. 10:31). Such is the case with this site as well. It is not just for my ranting.

Monica, first you need to recognize that this is spiritual warfare EPHESIANS 6:12. I know this because the Bible says God will not leave you or forsake you.

The devil is the father of lies and he would love you to accuse God and let go of your faith. Remember for example how satan deceived Eve in the garden.

God is merciful and not willing that any should perish. His mercies are brand new every morning, like the sunrise!

If you have not been living right and are being chastised by the Lord that's a good thing. Repent and renew your relationship with Jesus Christ.

Rebuke the lies of the enemy. He knows that God will never leave you or forsake you. They are lying spirits. Remember that God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son to save us.

Thank and praise Him for that. He's a good good Father who loves you!

Please do not let satan cause you to declare these accusations against the Lord. Ask God to forgive you.

I went through this too awhile back when I was seeking restoration. I had to encourage myself with scripture. God doesn't give up on His children. That contradicts His character. Think about that.

We're living in the last days and we've got to encourage one another to cling to the Lord with everything we've got.

Here are some scriptures to memorize. Write them on index cards and tape them to your cabinets, walls, etc. Keep them in front of your eyes!

Genesis 3:1-4

John 8:44

Deuteronomy 31:6-8

Ephesians 6:12

Hebrews 13:5

Hebrews 4:16

As for anxiety and depression, they are spiritual. Ask God to show you how to defeat them in the spirit. How to overcome. You are not alone most people have battled with these.

Scripture is how Jesus fought the enemy. Remember Ephesians 6:11, put on your armor daily. You must walk in the spirit.

I say these things with much love and to encourage you, my sister in Christ, in Jesus name. You will overcome. Plead the blood of Jesus.

Part 1/2 "Why I believe the Holy Bible", Writings from 3 continents: Asia, Africa & Europe, in 3 languages: Hebrew, Greek & some Aramaic. 40 authors & 66 volumes over 1,500 yrs from all walks of life. Why 4 gospels? They tell same story from a different prospective, for instance; MATTHEW: to a Jewish (they read backwards) ppl & their genealogy. MARK: is brevity, his message can be captured in a single verse, "For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, & to give His life a ransom for many" & a servant on the move, instantly responsive to the will of the Father. By preaching, teaching, & healing, He ministers to the needs of others even to the point of death. 'After the Resurrection, He commissions His followers to, continue His work in His power-servants following in the steps of the perfect Servant. LUKE: a physician, writes w/the compassion & warmth of a family doctor as he carefully documents the perfect humanity of the Son of Man. Jesus Christ. Emphasizing Jesus' ancestry, birth & early life before moving carefully & collected from witnesses on Historical & Chronologically. Collected from witnesses & ministers of the word on History & in Chronological order, 1:1-4 & presents Christ in His humanity as the Son of Man; John portrays Him in His deity as the Son of God. JOHN: is topical, evangelism, focuses around 7 miracles: 1. fed thousands of ppl 2. cast out evil spirits 3. healed the blind, deaf, sick, injured & infirmed 4. turned water into wine 5. controlled the water & other elements of nature 6. caught a surprisingly large amount of fish & 7. raised ppl from the dead, including himself. Plus, His own birth was a miracle in it self! the 7 "I AM" statements of Christ. Jesus said unto them, "I AM" the Bread Life in John 6:35,41,48 & 51, "I Am" the Light of the World John 8:12 & 9:5 then in 8:58, Verily verily, I say unto you, before before Abraham was "I AM"... continued..

Part 1 of 2, "Why I Defend the Holy Bible": Writings from 3 continents; Asia, Africa & Europe, in 3 languages: Hebrew, Greek & some Aramaic. 40 authors & 66 volumes over 1,500 yrs from all walks of life. The 4 gospels tell same story from a different prospective, for instance; MATTHEW, a Jew: to Jewish people & their genealogy about a Jew (Jesus). MARK: is brevity, (specific & brief in description) his message can be captured in a single verse, "For even the Son of man came Not to be ministered unto, but to minister, & to give His life a ransom for many" & a servant on the move, instantly responsive to the will of the Father. By preaching, teaching, & healing, He ministers to the needs of others even to the point of death. 'After the Resurrection, He commissions His followers to, continue His work in His power-servants following in the steps of the perfect Servant. LUKE: a physician, writes w/the compassion & warmth of a family doctor as he carefully documents the perfect humanity of the Son of Man-Jesus Christ. Emphasizing Jesus' ancestry, birth & early life before moving carefully & collected from witnesses & ministers Historically & Chronologically, of the word on History & in Chronological order, 1:1-4 & presents Christ in His humanity as the Son of Man; John portrays Him in His deity as the Son of God. JOHN: is topical, evangelism, focuses around 7 miracles & I AMs: 1. He fed thousands of people, 2. He cast out evil spirits, 3. He healed the blind, deaf, sick, injured & infirmed, 4. He turned water into wine, 5. He controlled the water & other elements of nature, 6. He caught a surprisingly large amount of fish &, 7. He raised people from the dead, including himself. Plus, His own birth was a miracle in it self! the 7 "I AM" statements of Christ. Jesus said unto them, "I AM" the Bread Life in John 6:35,41,48 & 51, "I Am" the Light of the World John 8:12 & 9:5 then in 8:58, Verily verily, I say unto you, before Abraham was "I AM".

That's a beautiful testimony. I often pray for workers of darkness to be set free and when I hear a testimony such as yours I just have to stop and worship the Lord.

John 8:36

"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."

Psalms 107:2

"Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;"

Predestination part 2 (in regard to eternal life or death specifically).

If we look into the whole issue of God predestining some for heaven and others for hell; we often refer to the term "double predestination". We need to keep in mind the verses such as hell was created for the Devil and his angels ( Matt. 25:41) and that God is not a respecter of men ( Romans 2:11 etc) as well as the fact that He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. ( Ezekiel 18:23). As I stated recently; there IS rejoicing among the Godhead as well as God's people when the wicked are judged; as the earth is purged from corruption.

In regard then to the destruction of the wicked; it is because of sin that is not sought to be forgiven and that through the METHOD God has given; namely through the substitutionary atonement of the Son. Many remain stuck on that point as those of the true "Grace Gospel" expose when they still think they have some merit on righteousness of their own. Only the 100 percent wicked need a 100 percent Savior; it is an all or nothing proposition. We need to realize that Satan is the father of all those who are outside the faith. ( John 8:44). Someone may accept their own sin but try telling them that fact; or worse that is the fate of family members who are or were not believers and have passed. This is a serious concern among those who remember their relatives as they were; and if they saw them in torment it would hardly give them a nostalgic feeling. Realizing that apart from Christ we are only thinking of ourselves ultimately as our motivation isn't fun. Also realizing that putting SELF on the throne is exactly what Satan does to lureus as he himself has that mindset then we are quite humbled. These aren't fun things to ponder but it certainly does get our mind off all the chaos in this world; important as some issues are compared to the eternal fate of sinners.

Matthew 1:21-25 kjv, John 1:14kjv, John 8:58 kjv,

Hebrews 13:8 kjv , John 14:6 kjv, Philippians 2:5-11 kjv.

John 8:51

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death."

John 8:39-41

"They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children(similarly if we are Jesus children), ye would do the works of Abraham(similarly of Christ).

But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.

Ye do the deeds of your father (devil). ..."

John 8:31-32

"Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

The preverbal question that comes up is what comes first...in this case is it Christmas or pagan stories of a similar nature? If you are already determined to be a diehard atheist; then I suppose you could automatically designate the story of the birth of Christ (which you can see is in those verses as well as the start of other Gospels) as a late version of say Semiramis or the countless mother and child mythologies involving a virgin child; or offspring from the "gods"; etc.

The genealogical descendants as you will observe are listed in Matthew from Joseph; but in Luke they are from Mary's lineage.

One point that is brought out in Matthew is the census; clearly the lineage of each family was well known in the list of descendants. There are some complexities involved which on a surface level may appear to be discrepancies. Nonetheless; the whole history of the O.T. had to have descendants for the Messiah to come through certain individuals. David was promised according to Mark 12:36 (referring to an O.T. scripture) that Messiah would be in his lineage.

The whole Christian faith hinges on God coming in the form of a man who could live as we did but without sin; and becoming the final atoning sacrifice. The O.T. sacrifices have been gone for nearly 2000 years; the occurrence of the curtain tearing in the Temple happened when Christ died. He had to overcome death and was Resurrected as well; all prophesied events. (See Luke 23:44-45). The virgin birth was promised in Isaiah 7:14. Christ had to not be born with the sin nature which all sons of Adam had (so wasn't from natural human seed). He had to take on our sins as the sacrificial lamb.

He had to be God (as God the Son and part of the eternal Godhead demonstrated as early as the Book of Genesis where God created man in "our image" ( Genesis 1:26). Only God can forgive; and Christ stating that He was the "I am" ( John 8:58) showed He was truly God as only God can forgive sins.

Discipline in light of walking in faith.

In light of my earlier warning about a root of bitterness developing is Paul's exhortation referencing "buffeting himself" ( 1 Cor. 9:23-27). Self sacrifice not only doesn't come easy; it really doesn't come at all in our old nature. The secret here is to spend time with the Lord to allow Him to more fully occupy our hearts; minds; bodies and souls; as He is truly Master and Lord of all or not truly Lord at all. Just as a job at work is much easier when we are conversing and our minds are occupied; we can also give the Lord the reigns of our hearts and minds so that we simply follow the lead. This doesn't mean that we somehow look at the Bible as something we are to get into us without making the effort to study scripture; it isn't osmosis or some mystical power the pages of the book possess themselves; it is the fact that the Word is the living Word; a testimony of how the Spirit makes clear to us the practical wisdom; the prophetic and all other things we can grow in as our spiritual discernment and giftings are sharpened.

People have argued whether our old nature is truly dead; "covered by the blood"; dormant; etc. I would say that like a car without fuel it remains inactive unless we choose to fuel it by activating sin; which almost always begins with thoughts and imaginations. That is what I will cover in my next Psalm reading. I would say that if we are truly Born Again that Satan will infuse thoughts that if we aren't diligent to catch will trigger us into activating the old man into sin. So if we are saved and walking in the Spirit then what must first catch our attention is something resembling our old pattern of emotions or thoughts but originating from a demonic source. These suggestions of course don't give us a hint of the affect; namely Satan's accusations the moment we cave into sin. Unlike the father of lies; God's light is without variance ( John 8:12). May we live in this steadfastness.

The Scriptures give a description of Christ in Revelation 1. Remember, Christ also said that he who saw Him also saw The Father. The way that Christ looks is similar to how His Father looks. There is color in The Scriptures. It matters.

Hi Deniyzce. God is wholly a Spirit Being ( John 4:24), hence He, or any of those in spirit form are color-less. Likewise, we too might have color because of skin pigmentation, but our spirits know no color.

what color is God

Hello there,

You said you "want to believe" but then declared "no!" then ask for help?

Jesus encountered a man (family, members) facing a similar dilemma. Mark 9:24, the account in context seemingly starts in : Mark 9:14-29.

The question that I ask you, is what are you having trouble believing?

It's ok to ask GOD to help you overcome disbelief. I had struggled years ago with Jonah 2, because cartoon animation had influenced my thinking. I could only imagine an unbelievable Disney Character inside a whale. Someone said to me something like 'you have to believe all the Bible or none' I prayed GOD would help me. Then one day I heard a report of a man being discovered inside the belly of a fish, fully intact, on a documentary channel. I then heard more than one account.

GOD is amazing at how HE can help us overcome anything. John 8:32, James 1:5,

If you're wondering about Jesus, raising from the grave read John 16:31-33, John 16 whole chapter = this was a written account of a witness, that: Jesus knew all these things were going to happen to him, even the very witness writing this would abandon him._._ beforehand. Matthew 26:32, Mark 14:28, Luke 24:34,

Also Luke 1:1-3, these people were unafraid to die for this truth: Acts 7:59,

John 20:29, Mark 16,

Hopefully these are helpful