Hello dear friend, faith comes from preaching. Rom 10:17 I haven't tried it but I'll mention it to you. Turn on read aloud on the computer. So you hear and not just read. I think the word being read is actually marked with a pink line or something. Can I ask you something else?
Are you here online and read God's Word or are you at meetings? Because I think that you don't need to be confused about learning/reading up God's Word. There is something good and something bad on the internet. So my advice to you is: Search the Bible, God's Word, it is the only right and true thing.
Many say that you can't trust it either. But how many Christians are there in the world today? AI say 2.4 million, and everyone says that the Word Lives and it comes alive for you when you read something you understand not only in your head, but then it spreads into the heart and the Word becomes like streams of water that we can convey this miracle further! So I'm glad you want to learn and have a faith. For me personally, it has been so vivid that it is either life or death. What do you choose? If we look at a really sick man for example. Who has lived his whole life acting out with all the things that destroy the body. When such a man gets the death sentence. Does it become important for him to live, yes. Life is just like the sun that rises in the sky and nourishes us all down here. The trees also stretch up and the treetops sway and stretch towards the sun and want to live, Absolutely fantastic! Or if you have to take down some bushes that are in the way, many more will come back, (smiles). So everything comes from the Lord, may He bless you abundantly with the Word of God and that your spiritual senses open up to the mysteries of God and that you receive the spirit of wisdom and knowledge, to and understand all things. Love u in Christ. Luke 11:33-36 Hope to se u again soon.
Once David got to the later stages of his reign; there were some consequences to his actions and his son Solomon would achieve more or less peace in his day which sadly was the beginning of the end for Israel and Judah as judgment was about to come.
Psalms discusses repeatedly David's prayers to overcome his adverseries but also verses that likely show consequences of his own sin as we see in Psalm 38:11; which commentators suggest may be a type of venereal disease suffered because of the many women he was with; which of course dwarfs in comparison to Solomon and his escapades. Nonetheless David was a man after God's own heart ( 1 Samuel 13:14). This shows his strength in great humility and servitude slong with patience with Saul and his minions who put him on the run a number of times before he eventually was defeated in battle. ( 2 Samuel 16:11). The Lord dealt with this issue in His timing and established the throne of Solomon; as David could not build the Temple because he was a man of war ( 1 Chron. 28:3).
With Solomon's brief reign at the pinnacle of the kingdom which would have been extended and continued his posterity through his descendants once again a way waw found for him to forfeit these promises. Ecclesiastes seems to show lessons learned a bit late but it would seem in time for repentance, realizing his folly.
The kingdom of Israel and Judah where the tribes were split were judged by invasions of several nations; but here I will focus the most on the Babylonian invasion. We see Jeremiah the "weeping prophet" and it is assumed but not explcit he was martyred. Luke 11:50-51 says this about the lawyers at the time
That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation;
51From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.
Dear God Father in Heaven we come to You Lord with our prayer for the people that You have given us Lord. We thank You for those You have sent in our way Lord Jesus. We thank You for them Lord. You who have all power in Heaven and on earth. Hallelujah praise be to God Almighty. We thank You for "E" who faithfully prays for her friends and family. And we thank You for strengthening her in spirit soul and body. According to Your will, all those You have destined will come to Your rest, Amen. Luke 11:9-13 Isaiah 53
We thank You that You will give all good gifts to those who ask You, Amen in the holy name of Jesus Christ, the name above every other name, Amen
I kind of take the "pineapple upside down cake" approach to the common fad of attempting to be appealing to the world to foster friendships in order to facilitate opportunities for Gospel conversations. Tonight in our usual online prayer group "vignette" sort of style the Pastor did his usual brief scriptural thought for the day regarding the book of Luke and the three times Jesus was "invited to dinner" with the Pharisees. The second passage had greater rebuke; the first time being for the "sinner" who was washing Jesus' feet with her tears starting in Luke 7:36; the second was Luke 11:37-54 which was the time Jesus gave the famous woes to the hypocritical Pharisees. The last meal in Luke 14 starting in verse 1 was probably milder in a sense; where it still had a rebuke about those that sit in seats of honor after Jesus' inquiry about whether it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath. In this case the hearts were so hard that no response was given. It only mentions that Jesus went to eat at the house of a prominent Pharisee; not that He was necessarily invited.
Jesus of course "hung out" with the "sinners" eating and drinking as well and summarily accused of excess of such actions.
That may or may not have been associated with the specific individuals He was said to have eaten with; such as Zachaeus in Luke 19:5 who Jesus basically instructed that He was going to stay at his house that day. Whether Matthew brought some of his friends as well we don't know.
My beef is to seek friends for the purpose of sharing Christ if we don't intend to keep them if they reject Him. Romans 13:8 says Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. We don't want to be trapped into long term obligations either if a paerson isn't doing all they can to make ends meet or squandering money on drugs or other illicit habits. Let us be wise as serpents; innocent as doves ( Matt. 10:16)
No one in hell will be happy to find out that the prophecies about it came true. Antichrist and the False Prophet and all the lost men and angels should be aware of their fate by now; yet scripture states that men will be deluded by demons to fight Christ; something no doubt taking the mark of the Beast already will have them conditioned to do. Much of the true prophecies resulted in death; Luke states Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. ( Luke 11:47).
Things didn't go too well for Isaiah or Jeremiah or most of the prophets. Nonetheless; in the end those on the Lord's side win.
While a true Prophet such as Christ as our best example suffers greatly and is largely rejected and cares for the sheep; the false prophets are the classic definition of a narcissist. The warnings of such individuals are designed to instill fear and exercise control over their subjects if not for financial reasons for the sake of power in being the "spokesman" for God. The name of Christ is often invoked in such individuals in order to attempt some sort of scriptural justification while naturally twisting the original meaning to suit their own selves.
Let us not set up any hardness in our heart; Hebrews 12:15 says 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.. The passage goes on to talk about immorality tied in with Esau. Cults often are involved in sexual deviations.
In this whole lesson I have intermingled the concept of cults with false prophets. There seems to be much intersection of these actions and behaviors. We have to also be careful to avoid extrabiblical texts which exalt people to some sort of sainthood which apparently can be eliminated if the heirarchy seems fit to do so. An April 26, 2014 ABC report discussed 93 individuals who were technically reduced from that status.
Brother Jesse, thanks very much for your response to me in relation to your Hebrews chap 3 commentary, but in reference to the "Lord's Prayer" here in this thread (in Matthew 6:9-13): I've always understood this prayer given to His disciples as being something that the Rabbis often gave to their 'disciples'. We know the Scripture in Luke 11:1-4, when one of Jesus' disciples came to Him and asked Him to teach them to pray, even as John (the Baptist) taught his disciples. It seems that these followers of Jesus also wanted to receive a prayer template or recitation, as was given to others by their Rabbis/leaders. Have you heard of this understanding?
And just my thoughts on "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil": using the reference you shared ( James 1:13), I also believe that the the Lord doesn't take us on dangerous paths to be tempted of Satan. Yet, this part of the prayer could also mean, 'Lord, hold us back when temptation lies ahead in wait, and give us deliverance from the evil (one)'. I know that's a very liberal transliteration of mine, but thought to throw it in as a possible way of understanding that part of that prayer. Blessings.
Hallo. I see that you get good answer here. And i want to say: If you read further in chapter 17 you will have your answer. It was Peter, Jacob and his brother Johannes who could see Him. Mat 17:1-9.
The "coming" take place in that moment.
In Jesus name Luke 11:1-8 God bless us all with understanding and visdom, Amen
Today as I speak there are 19 Tornado warnings and nearly as many severe thunderstorm warnings. Worse; this is supposed to be an unprecedented 5 day event. We have had in the last week or so a 7.0 earthquake in Tonga and the 7.7 in Myanmar.
The wars continue along with rumors of new conflicts that our country is likely to be involved with.
No doubt Christian persecution is still going on; we have seen in recent months the continuing problems in N.E. Nigeria and last month in Syria with martyrdom large scale.
Along with this there is the constant spiritual battle with the world; flesh and the Devil. We need to "buffet ourselves" ( 1 Cor. 9:27) to continue to stay in the fight and endure until the end. I have always said we can learn some things from our enemy: here is a quick review.
He never rests day or night; that is implied by 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Interesting the verses that talk about never sleeping day or night actually refer to God such as in Psalm 121:4 and Isaiah 40:28 but Proverbs 4:16 talks about how evil men cannot sleep without doing evil.
He along with all the other demons know who Christ is and His authority ( James 2:19). Satan obviously is aware of this through His heavenly councils with angels and God as seen in Job 1 and 2. He knows that Christ has the power to turn stones into bread; as well as calling angels to His help as Satan quoted Psalm 91:11:12.
He has His own heirarchy or Kingdom (see Luke 11:18; Ephesians 6:12).
His goal has been consistent since His fall and the beginning of human history ( John 8:44).
I am sure we could find other passages in this vein. Ultimately God causes all good and evil ( Isaiah 45:7). All things are according to His purposes; just as Christ was exalted after His suffering so we shall be and rewarded if we persevere.
I am temporarily interrupting my study in Matthew which started as insight on Christ's perfect manhood and Divinity.
Recently I have studied and seen several videos regarding revivals since the 1700's. I believe that there were instances of genuine conviction; weeping in particular due to conviction of the Spirit but also that sadly most of these movements if not immediately soon had clear evidences of false manifestations of demons which were taken to be "moves of the Spirit".
One of the more disturbing things which I see popping up today is the so called "fire of God". The verse I saw used and no doubt has been in several establishments is the idea of God being a "consuming fire". Whether it refers to the Lord transforming the earth after the Tribulation or at the end of the Millennium the context is pretty clear this is God's JUDGMENT. We must remember the Spirit comes as the helper ( John 14:26). Seeking the gifts of the Spirit is one thing; but to ask for more of the Spirit isn't what Luke 11:13 means it states how much more will He give you the Holy Spirit. To grow in grace and truth and in a way be more powerful spiritually comes through our obedience and love of Christ and His commandments. It isn't in other words an issue with God not willingly giving the Spirit which of course starts at salvation; or even more spiritual gifts but there is no scripture indicating we are to pray to the Spirit which proceeds from the Father ( John 15:26) and this is to testify of Him. Primarily it is as John 16:8 that describes the Spirit's role revealing sin; righteousness and judgment to come. We also must look inwardly as it is our sinfulness that led Him to the cross so any true experience should remind us as Peter said to Christ-depart from me for I am a sinful man ( Luke 5:8). The Spirit doesn't focus attention inward but outward to fulfill the Great Commission; albeit some things are meant for the Body only.
Hello Timmywynne. There are many Scriptures that point to the Triune Nature of God, and specifically, that Jesus Christ & the Holy Spirit are revealed to us from the very Being of God the Father. When we think of the Trinity, we know we won't find that word in the Bible, as it is purely a descriptive word of what the Bible declares to be the fullness of God's Being. So to the verses you seek, and you will need to read them fully in your Bible.
Of Jesus Christ: Isaiah 9:6,7 (an Old Testament Prophecy); Micah 5:2 & John 1:1-14 (from everlasting); Matthew 1:22,23; Mark 2:5-7; John 8:56-58; John 16: 27,28; John 17:4,5; John 20:27,28; Philippians 2:5-7; Colossians 1:15-17; Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:16; Titus 3:13; Hebrews 1:1-3; Hebrews 1:8-10; 1 John 5:7; 1 John 5:20.
Of the Holy Spirit: Matthew 12:31; Luke 1:34,35; Luke 11:13; John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:7-11; Acts 5:3; Acts 8:29; Acts 13:4; Romans 8:14; Romans 8:26,27; 1 Corinthians 2:10-14; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 1 Corinthians 12:11; Ephesians 4:30; Hebrews 10:29; 2 Peter 1:21; 1 John 5:6.
The above are a few Scriptures that point to the deity of Jesus Christ & God's Spirit: all showing that they don't work independently from God, but have been sent out from God, from God's Being, to accomplish His Purposes in the world. And we know that Jesus, as the Word of God clothed with humanity, is the very expression of God to the world ( John 14:9; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 John 4:2). Hope these will help you in your study of this very important doctrine. Blessings.
The only way any of us can enter into a relationship with God is because of His grace toward us. Beginning in Eden when Adam and Eve sinned God restored them to fellowship with Him by His free grace. He could have killed the first humans right then for their disobedience. But rather than destroy them, He chose to make a way for them to be right with Him.
God is the instigator of grace, and it is from Him that all other aspects of grace flows.
God extends grace to those He elected while we all were His enemies ( Romans 5:10) by regeneration wrought by the Spirit.
He gives us forgiveness ( Hebrews 8:12; Ephesians 1:7), reconciliation ( Colossians 1:19-20), abundant life ( John 10:10), eternal treasure ( Luke 12:33), His Holy Spirit ( Luke 11:13), and a place in heaven with Him some day ( John 3:16-18) when we are called by the gospel and its offer and place our faith in Jesus and His work on our behalf.
Grace is God giving the greatest treasure to the least deserving-which is every one of us whom He has brought to faith and placed us in Christ. This redemption is forever and the greatest treasure is Christ Himself.
"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." ( Hebrews 4:16)
"But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." ( James 4:6)
We find the term "grace" throughout the Bible as a gift and action of God. But what is God's grace, and how does it relate to us?
We experience God's grace because God is gracious. In Exodus 34:6, when God shows himself to Moses, we read, "The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness." Gracious is used here as an adjective describing God. It is one of His attributes, describing who He is.
Thank you MotherMac for sharing that awful encounter you had & more importantly that the Lord undertook for you in keeping you safe & bringing in the help you needed through your son. It must have been a tense time for you, but thankfully, you were preserved from any fractures or severe bruising & were kept at peace knowing the Lord would undertake in His time.
Also what struck me from your testimony, was that you were so concerned about troubling your sons at that hour of the night, to come to your aid. I'm reminded of that parable of Jesus in Luke 11:5-8, when a true friend (in your case, your family members), should not find it inconvenient to come to the aid (or, need) of a dear one. Several years ago, I had a similar experience, when a good friend of mine, a Multiple Sclerosis sufferer, fell while getting out of bed at about 9 pm. He had no one close by that he could call on, except me (living about 10 miles from him). So he rang me (fortunately his phone was at hand) & I drove over to assist him. He was very heavy to lift, but with him rolling over to his side, he was able to slowly get to his knees & we could together lift him up using his bed as extra support. He apologized profusely for getting me out so late, but as Jesus said, a true friend (& a loving family member) ought not to consider the inconvenience, but quickly attending to the need of the hour. So, I rejoice with you that you came out well from all this, and having another occasion to give praise to the LORD for His undertaking. And please keep that phone near you always.
May we all be blessed by the reading of God's Word. Amen !
Luke 11:9
"And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."
Ezekiel 3:21
"Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul."
1 Peter 5:4
"And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away."
I always say that when His Spirit is in alignment with our spirit then we can ask whatever we will in His Name and He will answer it. In other words; His desires become our desires; and certainly He will give us the Holy Spirit ( Luke 11:13) and I would say in increasing levels as we commit more to obedience and our love of serving Him. His spiritual gifts are things as Paul indicated we should seek with emphasis on certain gifts over others.
Another way of looking at this is our place in the Body of Christ. Therefore hopefully many of our requests are for others rather than ourselves. Obviously there are big things such as a husband or wife that are personal wants that we should bring to God unless He has clearly directed our lives elsewhere. It should be clear as well that we should continue to pray in all of our relationships rather than just figuring once it is answered there is no further need for it; especially if we want to maintain a healthy marriage and family. Sadly in my situation that didn't continue shortly after matrimony; due to many of my own faults.
It is helpful in my opinion to say the following; anything we would be ashamed to pray in front of others is probably something we should not pray on our own. In other words in the above example; if we pray for a spouse the Body of Christ should be supportive; along with material needs. Naturally we shouldn't hang around those we may have a crush on to pray for us for a boyfriend; or try to manipulate people in asking them to pray for material needs just because we think they should loosen their pursestrings.
Of course the basic concept I am sure you are familiar with; God either says yes; no or not yet. More often than that He wants us to learn patience and to learn of His ways so that we can communicate more effectively and understand how He often chooses to answer requests. As I stated with someone else on the subject of anxiety (Phillippians 4:6-7) thanksgiving is key!
Luke 11:38 - And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner.
This is another place in scripture where our English text doesn't give us the true meaning. This word washed is not like telling our kids to go in and wash your hands before dinner because you've been playing outside and you are all dirty.
This word washed is the word BAPTIDZO. This is a religious ceremony. He didn't go through the "ritual" of baptizing His hands before He sat down to eat so he could be ceremonially clean.
Luke 11:42 - But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Again, the word woe, OUAI in Greek, literally means destruction.
Luke 12:9 - But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.
I share this because I've heard this twisted before and some will say that if you don't confess Christ publicly that you are denying Him. That is not what it says!
This is important to understand. The word "deny," ARNEOMAI means to reject. The early church believers were put in a position where they either had to confess that Jesus is Lord or that Caesar is lord.
And by doing that, they would be denying that Jesus is Lord. So, in order for this to be true, one of two things has to happen. You have to confess Jesus or you have to deny Him, reject Him!
Luke 12:11 - And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:
In the phrase, "take no thought," the word "thought" is the word MERIMNA. That is Satan's only weapon against a believer. MERIMNA has to do with the occupation of the attention of the mind. Not the occupation of the mind, but the occupation of the attention of the mind.
Luke 11:14 - And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered.
And he was casting out a demon, (The word devil is the word demon) in the Greek text.
Luke 11:15 - But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils.
Now, for this word Beelzebub. English translations use the term Beelzebub, the emphasis being on the last three letters "bub." The Greek texts use the word Beelzebul, "bul." It does make a difference.
Why does the English text use Beelzebub? It is because in the Old Testament, he was called Beelzebub, and in the New Testament he is called Beelzebul. So, the name changed and there are two different meanings.
Beelzebub means "lord of the fly." That is Beelzebub. Beelzebul is even worse. It means "the lord of the manure pile." These were the Phoenician gods and they had a god, small "g" for everything, even flies.
There was lord of the flies, and there was a god overseeing the manure pile, and the Jews used to call the Philistines' god the lord of the fly, the lord of the manure pile in a demeaning way.
So, when they approached Jesus, they said He cast out demons through Beelzebub who is the head of the demons. Not just any demon, but they said that He is the chief of the devils.
And so that's what Beelzebub and Beelzebul mean. In our English text, it has to do with lord of the flies, but the Greek word is lord of the manure pile.
Luke 11:33 - No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.
Every time in the King James text, when you see the word "candle" and "candlestick," it is literally lamp and lamp stand.
Literal translation: No man, when he hath lighted a lamp, puts it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a lamp stand, so that they can see when they come in the house.
Luke 10:41 - And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
Careful is the word for anxiety. It is the word MERIMNA which I have mentioned before. It means to have the attention of your mind occupied with something. It's the word for worry and anxiety.
It is Satan's only weapon against a believer in Christ. Once you are saved, you belong to Christ. The second part of Christianity, after salvation, is the renewing of the mind, and growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Satan can't take your soul, so he gets you distracted and occupied to take you away from the word, so that the Lord can't heal and mend from the damage of sin.
And then troubled (TURBADZO) means turmoil, and it represents an outward expression of an inward thought. It is great how the Greek gives us a better picture of what's taking place in this verse.
Luke 11:3 - Give us day by day our daily bread.
The Greek word for "daily" is the word "necessary." The emphasis is that I am praying for my needs today. Not tomorrow or the next day.
The daily bread, which is necessary for today, whatever my sustenance is, today I pray that God will provide for that. I have to trust that whatever His provision is, that is His will for my life. I might not get to eat at In and Out Burger for lunch today like I would like to. It might not work out that way, but I'm trusting in the Lord to provide for my needs.
Luke 11:8 - I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
This word importunity in the Greek means shameless persistence. You may have only heard the word persistence in these teachings, but this is shameless persistence. No shame in this man and he is going to keep pounding on that door until he rises and gives him as many as he needs.
There is a lot I'd like to say; not sure how edifying my usual longwinded comment will be in your case....
I would tend to think that the security and comfort of knowing that the Lord is working to bring good and pleasant things in your life is something as humans we all desire. Fear of course can result; especially when situations SEEM not to have any possible outcome in that regard. The Lord will require of His saints suffering as His Word clearly states; along with persecution. It is ONLY in His strength that we are able to overcome fear and cowardice (I'm talking to myself here as well). So often we think that kindness of other humans is the best indicator of our own godliness but in truth we are supposed to bless those who despitefully USE us (I'll let you find the verse). We are blessed because we are worthy of suffering for His Name's sake.
The Lord promises more of the Holy Spirit for those who ask Him in regard to good gifts ( Luke 11:13). Blessing brings POWER and the fear of the Lord falls on others; as John 16:8 demonstrates in the operation of the Holy Spirit. You are dangerous to the kingdom of darkness when truly full of the Spirit and will have impact in reaching the lost fulfilling the Great Commission drawing men to the Lord.
Charles Wesley Naylor wrote on the winning side:
Here are the lyrics
Once I drifted out in sin, had no hope nor joy within,
And my soul was brurdened down with pride;
Then my Savior came along and he showed me I was wrong and
Now I know I'm on the winning side
From the straight and narrow wayi was drifting every day,
Out upon the waters deep and wide;
But it all is over now, glory light is on my brow,
And my soul is on the winning side
I will never have a fear, for my Lord is ever near,
And in him so often I confide;
He's the keeper of my soul since I gave him full control,
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1 KJV
"Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." Jude 1:3 KJV
"These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." Hebrews 11:13 KJV
"And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God." Mark 11:22 KJV
Search "faith" and read and meditate and pray scriptures about faith to build up your most holy faith. Fight the good fight of faith and continue to believe God and seek God. Stay encouraged...only believe in your heart and mind.
"And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." Luke 11:9 KJV
Experiencing the Spirit-Fellowship of saints (Focus on Pastor continued).
To effectively reach a congregation there should be both empathy and timely preaching on subjects that are needed (i.e. dealing with grief) as well as overall general doctrinal lessons. We therefore can't be preaching at people but also can't expect that only trying to mollify an effect a situation is having will suffice. The root cause; of course of all problems is sin; either our own or the effects of that of others; or that of the enemy of our souls (world; flesh and Devil). The approach to a sermon can be subjective and isn't the primary focus here. What a message should be and what ultimately fills us with the Spirit is something that reflects God's glory; and helps to bring forth salt and light in others. To those trained as true sons and daughters of God are mature enough to handle the "meat" of the Word; but there are certainly times when milk is better administered. This is why churches who are strong on doctrine may be failing to make the impact they could. This could be due to immaturity; or sin that is affecting people that isn't dealt with properly. This sort of issue would need to be considered even in large churches that have proper teaching; obviously in that situation a Pastor can't be aware of everything that is going on; but needs reliable elders and deacons as well as laypersons who are mature enough to handle responsibility.
In order to be truly rejoicing in the Lord; therefore the fire spreads; or the lamp is lit because of mutual truth in the Spirit.
There are many things which the cults understand in principle that in practice is very similar in many ways but substitutes truth for a lie. We either reflect the light of the Kingdom of God within us; or the light within us that is in reality; darkness. ( Luke 11:35-40). The main difference is that a cult leader is worshipped and becomes the center of attention; and with the true Gospel the focus is God
As we apply these verses to prayer; we may consider that His victory means our victory; in the sense of our eternal future living with Him forever in heaven as well as now; when we suffer for His Name's sake we are fulfilling the Great Commission; and are assured of a reward in heaven as Jesus alludes to in the Sermon on the Mount. All of our life should therefore be wrapped up in the greater purposes; sowing in tears to reap later in joy ( Psalm 126:5-6). The meaning and purpose of earthly blessings common to man is only appreciated in the light of the weight of eternal glory. We ask for good things so that we can further His Kingdom; especially in regard to the filling of the Holy Spirit ( Luke 11:13). In praise; we ask that the King be exalted; and of course that starts in our hearts.
We look at Christ who suffered and His visage was marred more than any man ( Isaiah 52:14). But He shall see and be satisfied with His travail ( Isaiah 53:11). He willingly suffered in our place to fulfill the wish of the Father; but also came to serve and not be served as an example to us. ( Mark 10:45). We shall see Him exalted and victorious and no longer suffering; and no doubt He will rejoice for us as well. Therefore; we endure knowing that patience will have it's perfect work ( James 1:4).
This doesn't mean we don't long every day to see an end to suffering; but we know that we are gaining further eternal rewards in continuing to live faithfully until death or He comes on this earth. This should be a motivation primarily for others; we see the beginnings of what surely will be increasing numbers of Christians persecuted and martyred as we approach the end. We weary having not only to deal with our own sin and the terrible conditions of the last days but the spiritual warfare which is no doubt at fever pitch today. We must continue to boldly declare His coming conquest and victory even when looking like fools ( 1 Cor. 1:25)
"And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean./ And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed." Here we see the word prospering in its round. (Is.55:11) It shall never return to God in void. "God sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.(Ps.107:20) explains the healing of the leper. Mark lays emphasis on the aspect of the word as God's work. So "immediately" refers to the word of God the Father; secondly of the Son. So 'as soon as he had spoken' defines the second aspect of the Trinity. He 'put forth his hand, and touched him' refers to 'the finger of God' the word become flesh ( Luke 11:20). The kingdom of God coming unto you is fulfilled on the day of Pentecost. In short the Will of the Father is fulfilled by the Son in this healing. Third office of the Spirit is the witnessing spirit otherwise Mark would have no reason to record it unless he himself was present there.
"And he straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away;/And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them." (vv.43-44) Jesus tells him not to give glory which is due to his Father. He did not teach the leper to break the Law of Moses. Instead he advised him to present himself to the priest. As a sign he was a testimony to man and his Father in heaven.
45 But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.
I work with the Word of GOD, and I have already answered your questions several times.
I work with the Word of GOD, the Word is GOD Himself, don't you understand? Two thousand years ago the Word Himself was made flesh by the NAME of JESUS, yes, by the NAME of JESUS, as He promised to His people through the prophets- Hebrews 1:1-3, as I have said in answering your questions. But you are masked by a pretense, and you pretend have not seen, your lack of interest in the Word of GOD reveals who really dominates your life.
I reapeat. I work with the Word of GOD, the Word is GOD Himself, don't you understand? Why do you not understand my speech? It's because you are unable to hear the true and pure Word of Truth. Your lack of interest in the Word of GOD reveals who dominates you your life.
I repeat. I work with the Word of GOD, and I have already answered your questions several times, but not according your evil and disguised spirit, for the Word of GOD -the Word is GOD Himself- recommends saying: Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like unto him-Prov.26:4. And the Word states that "when the fool speaks pleasantly, believe him not / don't trust him: for there are SEVEN abominations in his heart. And my Lord JESUS clearly revealed, saying: Luke 11:23-24 and 26:
23 He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.
24 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.
26 Then goeth he, and taketh to him SEVEN other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.
Furthemore, my Lord JESUS left very clear, saying: John 12:47-48:
If any man hear my words, and believe not, I Judge him not: for I came not to Judge the world, but to save the world. But already hath one that Judgeth him:...
"But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you./ Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house."
Uniquely Jesus here lays open the Power of God that equipped the 12 disciples as they were to go out there preach and come out with success. The same power from heaven that made Elijah and Elias perform healing. Referring to them he compares John who did no miracles, and in his lack of faith he asserts,"Notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." Jesus intended for comparison the little one of the twelve who he had sent to preach, 'the kingdom of God is at hand.' He was greater than he since he was connected to the Son and the Power of God from heaven. Even his speech was prepared from above.("But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak./For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you."10:19-20). The twelve were his associates.
Referring to John what he said in 11:9-15 serves a fitting explanation for the key text. Faith was what required to accomplish their mission. This dd not begin with the sending of John as the Messenger. Power of the Word was in operation so examples of heroes of faith gives us where their victory came from. "Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions./ Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens."(He.11:32-34) Heaven suffers violence and it is no matter their names are written in heaven.
"But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you."( Luke 11:20)
"From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
Heart is a spiritual space where knowledge of the holy serves as understanding which must learn to distinguish between the real and the worthless. In the Parable of the Rich Fool what he could store up was his riches. Jesus warns they are seen so temporal and very deceptive. Blessed as Psalm1 teaches is the one who by close reading of the word of God shall know how to apply it to his profit."That walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful./But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night." Even our time we read of the simple foolish enough to step out with hammer with zip ties to root out 'undesirable' elements at the Capitol believing in every balderdash he read in the internet. The perpetrators of the hoax move on while fools are caught and put away possibly for life. In such times we are to be extra vigilant while Satan like a roaring lion are abroad freely sowing damage." Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"(Is.5:20) People perish where there is no vision. How can they when foolish shepherds have been sending them under their hand to facilitate the ungodly politicians without let up? They preach faith but their works are as those who call evil good?
"The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints."(Ep.1:18)
Jesus refers to eye as single. "The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light."(6:22)
"Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness."( Luke 11:35)
"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost."
"Now the birth of Jesus was on this wise,"
So begins St Mathew and the Spirit in narrating it tells us a few essential points. God is a Spirit so as 'the only begotten' Son, he embodies the Law. It is intended as the instruction in righteousness so biology of natural man is out of place. So is his rational faculties. "But 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."(1 Co.2:14).
Worshiping God in Spirit and truth we make faith the lingua franca because the mystery of his will is not something you may go out and purchase by anything that you may possess as a natural man. St Paul refers to his Will as a mystery so the word becoming flesh and what enables man who is dead in sin to be born in the Spirit can only be understood by faith./"the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself."(Ep.1:9-11)
"God sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions." This was sent forth even before the worlds began. By Law of the Spirit Jesus did not do anything outside and he finger of God is what faith signifies. "But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you."( Luke 11:20) The Spirit overshadowing explains 'the virgin' birth. "Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?/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."( Luke 1:34-35)
In the light of the above the Spirit warns you to pay heed what is at risk here. "And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." (v.8) Worshiping the State is at the peril of your soul.
The State signified by the rib appears here. The dragon's motive is not altruistic but thwart the Salvation Plan of God determined before the worlds began. His seat is the other rib representing Religion. For this purpose we have another beast "Coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon./And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast. " So we know where Christian nationalism tke their marching orders from. The divine healing and many wonders performed to draw the breath away are nothing new. Egyptian magicians performed miracles but could not compete with Moses. "Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, Thisisthe finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said."(Ex.8:19). In our times we have seen Serpent handling and divine healing the whole circus that smacks of crass 'filthy lucre'. The second beast had two horns like a lamb which is to deceive. Compare Luke 11:20. It is like 'reasonable faith' which is neither here nor there. Third rib is like reason which does not work in practice. Think of all Constitutions written but in practice are shown something else. Without truth what is free speech but license to let your tongue run away? The authority is drawn from the dragon.
The beast is the shape of things to come a composite edifice mix and match of the four beasts that Daniel saw.
As I was reading the words of God, this morning, Luke 13:24-28
Does this not speak to all who believe that there is no overcoming of sin in this present life
" they believe they ate & drink in His presence, & believed that " He taught in our streets".
Yet, the Lord plainly states; Luke 13:27
This reminds me of Matt 7:21,22
This reveals the utter deceitfulness of sin, that Satan has no lack of power to deceive 2Thess 2:9,10
He even has such power to call fire down from heaven. Rev 13:11-16 this is describing false Christianity, listen to what the Scriptures reveal, Rev 13:11 had an image like a lamb, but spoke like a dragon. Teaching that one can be a Christian & know God & continue in sin for life, despite the testimony of Christ, John 8:24, 1John 3:6
Then we have Hebrews 10:26-29; the whole context of these Scriptures here is " sinning is past tense, over, done away with."
They pray, but they regard; Psalms 66:18; in light of the above Scriptures, who do you thing is answering their prayers?
Again, all power in all deceitfulness of unrighteousness, ,,,sin ! 2Timothy 3:5Rev 18:4
Luke 11:33-36 the whole body be full of Light, "Christ" having no dark part, no darkness at all" Revealing "Consummation of Sanctification of the Spirit, obedience unto righteousness unto holiness, partaker's of the Divine Nature.
It also reveals, If one continue in sin for life, then it obvious that there's darkness within & Matt 6:23
Folks, I speak as one concern, I found that in life motions one can be caught up in doing this or that, the swiftness in which life is pasting by, & the world continually drawing us to it concerns, one doesn't stop & truly consider what Holy Spirit plainly states in the Scriptures or why they have not experience it,
Churches are teaching contrary to Scriptures, all are singing a lullaby; cause everybody else is doing it, some more some less, status quo, so it must be true? NOT ! 1Thessalonians 4:7
God is giving. He gives of Himself within the Godhead in relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They give each other love, and, and harmony, and glory in an eternal way. He gives to creation life and beauty and provision for physical needs, and salvation from sin for those elected. He promised to give good gifts to His children when they ask. Luke 11:13.
He gives us all we need for life and godliness: 2 Peter 1:3
"According as His divine power hath given unto all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him (Jesus) who hath called us to glory and virtue."
God even gives to the unbelievers and the believers alike, making the sun to shine on both, giving rain in season, causing crops to grow for a harvest.
So I think it is good to be content in all things, because all good things comes from His hands. We also should cultivate gratitude to Him for all we receive each day from Him. I try to do this more and more. He deserves our gratitude and for us to have thankful hearts before Him.
You cannot be saved from DEATH until God sends his angles to HARVEST the SEED.
ONLY mature SEED are harvested, immature SEED are scattered to the wind as is chaff.
Fruit produces SEED, the fruit never look like the SEED, the SEED always looks like the SEED that was planted.
Luke 11:8 Now the PARABLE is this: the SEED is the word of God.
John 1:14 ..... and the word (SEED) was made flesh.
Hebrews 9:28 So Christ (the SEED) was once offered for the sins of many; and unto them that look for him (TRUTH, Christ is truth) he (the SEED) shall APPEAR the SECOND TIME.
Matthew 24:30 Then SHALL APPEAR the sign (the image oft he SEED) of the son of man in heaven (IN YOU).... the son of man COMING in the CLOUDS of heaven (IN YOU).
Colossians 1:27 .... this mystery ..... Christ in YOU ......
Matthew 12:28 But if I CAST OUT DEVILS by the Spirit (TRUTH) of God; then the Kingdom of God has COME TO YOU.
Are you here online and read God's Word or are you at meetings? Because I think that you don't need to be confused about learning/reading up God's Word. There is something good and something bad on the internet. So my advice to you is: Search the Bible, God's Word, it is the only right and true thing.
Many say that you can't trust it either. But how many Christians are there in the world today? AI say 2.4 million, and everyone says that the Word Lives and it comes alive for you when you read something you understand not only in your head, but then it spreads into the heart and the Word becomes like streams of water that we can convey this miracle further! So I'm glad you want to learn and have a faith. For me personally, it has been so vivid that it is either life or death. What do you choose? If we look at a really sick man for example. Who has lived his whole life acting out with all the things that destroy the body. When such a man gets the death sentence. Does it become important for him to live, yes. Life is just like the sun that rises in the sky and nourishes us all down here. The trees also stretch up and the treetops sway and stretch towards the sun and want to live, Absolutely fantastic! Or if you have to take down some bushes that are in the way, many more will come back, (smiles). So everything comes from the Lord, may He bless you abundantly with the Word of God and that your spiritual senses open up to the mysteries of God and that you receive the spirit of wisdom and knowledge, to and understand all things. Love u in Christ. Luke 11:33-36 Hope to se u again soon.
Once David got to the later stages of his reign; there were some consequences to his actions and his son Solomon would achieve more or less peace in his day which sadly was the beginning of the end for Israel and Judah as judgment was about to come.
Psalms discusses repeatedly David's prayers to overcome his adverseries but also verses that likely show consequences of his own sin as we see in Psalm 38:11; which commentators suggest may be a type of venereal disease suffered because of the many women he was with; which of course dwarfs in comparison to Solomon and his escapades. Nonetheless David was a man after God's own heart ( 1 Samuel 13:14). This shows his strength in great humility and servitude slong with patience with Saul and his minions who put him on the run a number of times before he eventually was defeated in battle. ( 2 Samuel 16:11). The Lord dealt with this issue in His timing and established the throne of Solomon; as David could not build the Temple because he was a man of war ( 1 Chron. 28:3).
With Solomon's brief reign at the pinnacle of the kingdom which would have been extended and continued his posterity through his descendants once again a way waw found for him to forfeit these promises. Ecclesiastes seems to show lessons learned a bit late but it would seem in time for repentance, realizing his folly.
The kingdom of Israel and Judah where the tribes were split were judged by invasions of several nations; but here I will focus the most on the Babylonian invasion. We see Jeremiah the "weeping prophet" and it is assumed but not explcit he was martyred. Luke 11:50-51 says this about the lawyers at the time
That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation;
51From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.
We thank You that You will give all good gifts to those who ask You, Amen in the holy name of Jesus Christ, the name above every other name, Amen
I kind of take the "pineapple upside down cake" approach to the common fad of attempting to be appealing to the world to foster friendships in order to facilitate opportunities for Gospel conversations. Tonight in our usual online prayer group "vignette" sort of style the Pastor did his usual brief scriptural thought for the day regarding the book of Luke and the three times Jesus was "invited to dinner" with the Pharisees. The second passage had greater rebuke; the first time being for the "sinner" who was washing Jesus' feet with her tears starting in Luke 7:36; the second was Luke 11:37-54 which was the time Jesus gave the famous woes to the hypocritical Pharisees. The last meal in Luke 14 starting in verse 1 was probably milder in a sense; where it still had a rebuke about those that sit in seats of honor after Jesus' inquiry about whether it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath. In this case the hearts were so hard that no response was given. It only mentions that Jesus went to eat at the house of a prominent Pharisee; not that He was necessarily invited.
Jesus of course "hung out" with the "sinners" eating and drinking as well and summarily accused of excess of such actions.
That may or may not have been associated with the specific individuals He was said to have eaten with; such as Zachaeus in Luke 19:5 who Jesus basically instructed that He was going to stay at his house that day. Whether Matthew brought some of his friends as well we don't know.
My beef is to seek friends for the purpose of sharing Christ if we don't intend to keep them if they reject Him. Romans 13:8 says Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. We don't want to be trapped into long term obligations either if a paerson isn't doing all they can to make ends meet or squandering money on drugs or other illicit habits. Let us be wise as serpents; innocent as doves ( Matt. 10:16)
No one in hell will be happy to find out that the prophecies about it came true. Antichrist and the False Prophet and all the lost men and angels should be aware of their fate by now; yet scripture states that men will be deluded by demons to fight Christ; something no doubt taking the mark of the Beast already will have them conditioned to do. Much of the true prophecies resulted in death; Luke states Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. ( Luke 11:47).
Things didn't go too well for Isaiah or Jeremiah or most of the prophets. Nonetheless; in the end those on the Lord's side win.
While a true Prophet such as Christ as our best example suffers greatly and is largely rejected and cares for the sheep; the false prophets are the classic definition of a narcissist. The warnings of such individuals are designed to instill fear and exercise control over their subjects if not for financial reasons for the sake of power in being the "spokesman" for God. The name of Christ is often invoked in such individuals in order to attempt some sort of scriptural justification while naturally twisting the original meaning to suit their own selves.
Let us not set up any hardness in our heart; Hebrews 12:15 says 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.. The passage goes on to talk about immorality tied in with Esau. Cults often are involved in sexual deviations.
In this whole lesson I have intermingled the concept of cults with false prophets. There seems to be much intersection of these actions and behaviors. We have to also be careful to avoid extrabiblical texts which exalt people to some sort of sainthood which apparently can be eliminated if the heirarchy seems fit to do so. An April 26, 2014 ABC report discussed 93 individuals who were technically reduced from that status.
And just my thoughts on "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil": using the reference you shared ( James 1:13), I also believe that the the Lord doesn't take us on dangerous paths to be tempted of Satan. Yet, this part of the prayer could also mean, 'Lord, hold us back when temptation lies ahead in wait, and give us deliverance from the evil (one)'. I know that's a very liberal transliteration of mine, but thought to throw it in as a possible way of understanding that part of that prayer. Blessings.
The "coming" take place in that moment.
In Jesus name Luke 11:1-8 God bless us all with understanding and visdom, Amen
Today as I speak there are 19 Tornado warnings and nearly as many severe thunderstorm warnings. Worse; this is supposed to be an unprecedented 5 day event. We have had in the last week or so a 7.0 earthquake in Tonga and the 7.7 in Myanmar.
The wars continue along with rumors of new conflicts that our country is likely to be involved with.
No doubt Christian persecution is still going on; we have seen in recent months the continuing problems in N.E. Nigeria and last month in Syria with martyrdom large scale.
Along with this there is the constant spiritual battle with the world; flesh and the Devil. We need to "buffet ourselves" ( 1 Cor. 9:27) to continue to stay in the fight and endure until the end. I have always said we can learn some things from our enemy: here is a quick review.
He never rests day or night; that is implied by 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Interesting the verses that talk about never sleeping day or night actually refer to God such as in Psalm 121:4 and Isaiah 40:28 but Proverbs 4:16 talks about how evil men cannot sleep without doing evil.
He along with all the other demons know who Christ is and His authority ( James 2:19). Satan obviously is aware of this through His heavenly councils with angels and God as seen in Job 1 and 2. He knows that Christ has the power to turn stones into bread; as well as calling angels to His help as Satan quoted Psalm 91:11:12.
He has His own heirarchy or Kingdom (see Luke 11:18; Ephesians 6:12).
His goal has been consistent since His fall and the beginning of human history ( John 8:44).
I am sure we could find other passages in this vein. Ultimately God causes all good and evil ( Isaiah 45:7). All things are according to His purposes; just as Christ was exalted after His suffering so we shall be and rewarded if we persevere.
(see Hebrews 11:6).
Fight the good fight.
I am temporarily interrupting my study in Matthew which started as insight on Christ's perfect manhood and Divinity.
Recently I have studied and seen several videos regarding revivals since the 1700's. I believe that there were instances of genuine conviction; weeping in particular due to conviction of the Spirit but also that sadly most of these movements if not immediately soon had clear evidences of false manifestations of demons which were taken to be "moves of the Spirit".
One of the more disturbing things which I see popping up today is the so called "fire of God". The verse I saw used and no doubt has been in several establishments is the idea of God being a "consuming fire". Whether it refers to the Lord transforming the earth after the Tribulation or at the end of the Millennium the context is pretty clear this is God's JUDGMENT. We must remember the Spirit comes as the helper ( John 14:26). Seeking the gifts of the Spirit is one thing; but to ask for more of the Spirit isn't what Luke 11:13 means it states how much more will He give you the Holy Spirit. To grow in grace and truth and in a way be more powerful spiritually comes through our obedience and love of Christ and His commandments. It isn't in other words an issue with God not willingly giving the Spirit which of course starts at salvation; or even more spiritual gifts but there is no scripture indicating we are to pray to the Spirit which proceeds from the Father ( John 15:26) and this is to testify of Him. Primarily it is as John 16:8 that describes the Spirit's role revealing sin; righteousness and judgment to come. We also must look inwardly as it is our sinfulness that led Him to the cross so any true experience should remind us as Peter said to Christ-depart from me for I am a sinful man ( Luke 5:8). The Spirit doesn't focus attention inward but outward to fulfill the Great Commission; albeit some things are meant for the Body only.
Of Jesus Christ: Isaiah 9:6,7 (an Old Testament Prophecy); Micah 5:2 & John 1:1-14 (from everlasting); Matthew 1:22,23; Mark 2:5-7; John 8:56-58; John 16: 27,28; John 17:4,5; John 20:27,28; Philippians 2:5-7; Colossians 1:15-17; Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:16; Titus 3:13; Hebrews 1:1-3; Hebrews 1:8-10; 1 John 5:7; 1 John 5:20.
Of the Holy Spirit: Matthew 12:31; Luke 1:34,35; Luke 11:13; John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:7-11; Acts 5:3; Acts 8:29; Acts 13:4; Romans 8:14; Romans 8:26,27; 1 Corinthians 2:10-14; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 1 Corinthians 12:11; Ephesians 4:30; Hebrews 10:29; 2 Peter 1:21; 1 John 5:6.
The above are a few Scriptures that point to the deity of Jesus Christ & God's Spirit: all showing that they don't work independently from God, but have been sent out from God, from God's Being, to accomplish His Purposes in the world. And we know that Jesus, as the Word of God clothed with humanity, is the very expression of God to the world ( John 14:9; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 John 4:2). Hope these will help you in your study of this very important doctrine. Blessings.
Pt. 2
The only way any of us can enter into a relationship with God is because of His grace toward us. Beginning in Eden when Adam and Eve sinned God restored them to fellowship with Him by His free grace. He could have killed the first humans right then for their disobedience. But rather than destroy them, He chose to make a way for them to be right with Him.
God is the instigator of grace, and it is from Him that all other aspects of grace flows.
God extends grace to those He elected while we all were His enemies ( Romans 5:10) by regeneration wrought by the Spirit.
He gives us forgiveness ( Hebrews 8:12; Ephesians 1:7), reconciliation ( Colossians 1:19-20), abundant life ( John 10:10), eternal treasure ( Luke 12:33), His Holy Spirit ( Luke 11:13), and a place in heaven with Him some day ( John 3:16-18) when we are called by the gospel and its offer and place our faith in Jesus and His work on our behalf.
Grace is God giving the greatest treasure to the least deserving-which is every one of us whom He has brought to faith and placed us in Christ. This redemption is forever and the greatest treasure is Christ Himself.
"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." ( Hebrews 4:16)
"But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." ( James 4:6)
We find the term "grace" throughout the Bible as a gift and action of God. But what is God's grace, and how does it relate to us?
We experience God's grace because God is gracious. In Exodus 34:6, when God shows himself to Moses, we read, "The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness." Gracious is used here as an adjective describing God. It is one of His attributes, describing who He is.
Also what struck me from your testimony, was that you were so concerned about troubling your sons at that hour of the night, to come to your aid. I'm reminded of that parable of Jesus in Luke 11:5-8, when a true friend (in your case, your family members), should not find it inconvenient to come to the aid (or, need) of a dear one. Several years ago, I had a similar experience, when a good friend of mine, a Multiple Sclerosis sufferer, fell while getting out of bed at about 9 pm. He had no one close by that he could call on, except me (living about 10 miles from him). So he rang me (fortunately his phone was at hand) & I drove over to assist him. He was very heavy to lift, but with him rolling over to his side, he was able to slowly get to his knees & we could together lift him up using his bed as extra support. He apologized profusely for getting me out so late, but as Jesus said, a true friend (& a loving family member) ought not to consider the inconvenience, but quickly attending to the need of the hour. So, I rejoice with you that you came out well from all this, and having another occasion to give praise to the LORD for His undertaking. And please keep that phone near you always.
Luke 11:9
"And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."
Ezekiel 3:21
"Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul."
1 Peter 5:4
"And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away."
Lord help us all.
Another way of looking at this is our place in the Body of Christ. Therefore hopefully many of our requests are for others rather than ourselves. Obviously there are big things such as a husband or wife that are personal wants that we should bring to God unless He has clearly directed our lives elsewhere. It should be clear as well that we should continue to pray in all of our relationships rather than just figuring once it is answered there is no further need for it; especially if we want to maintain a healthy marriage and family. Sadly in my situation that didn't continue shortly after matrimony; due to many of my own faults.
It is helpful in my opinion to say the following; anything we would be ashamed to pray in front of others is probably something we should not pray on our own. In other words in the above example; if we pray for a spouse the Body of Christ should be supportive; along with material needs. Naturally we shouldn't hang around those we may have a crush on to pray for us for a boyfriend; or try to manipulate people in asking them to pray for material needs just because we think they should loosen their pursestrings.
Of course the basic concept I am sure you are familiar with; God either says yes; no or not yet. More often than that He wants us to learn patience and to learn of His ways so that we can communicate more effectively and understand how He often chooses to answer requests. As I stated with someone else on the subject of anxiety (Phillippians 4:6-7) thanksgiving is key!
Agape.
Luke 11:38 - And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner.
This is another place in scripture where our English text doesn't give us the true meaning. This word washed is not like telling our kids to go in and wash your hands before dinner because you've been playing outside and you are all dirty.
This word washed is the word BAPTIDZO. This is a religious ceremony. He didn't go through the "ritual" of baptizing His hands before He sat down to eat so he could be ceremonially clean.
Luke 11:42 - But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Again, the word woe, OUAI in Greek, literally means destruction.
Luke 12:9 - But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.
I share this because I've heard this twisted before and some will say that if you don't confess Christ publicly that you are denying Him. That is not what it says!
This is important to understand. The word "deny," ARNEOMAI means to reject. The early church believers were put in a position where they either had to confess that Jesus is Lord or that Caesar is lord.
And by doing that, they would be denying that Jesus is Lord. So, in order for this to be true, one of two things has to happen. You have to confess Jesus or you have to deny Him, reject Him!
Luke 12:11 - And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:
In the phrase, "take no thought," the word "thought" is the word MERIMNA. That is Satan's only weapon against a believer. MERIMNA has to do with the occupation of the attention of the mind. Not the occupation of the mind, but the occupation of the attention of the mind.
Luke 11:14 - And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered.
And he was casting out a demon, (The word devil is the word demon) in the Greek text.
Luke 11:15 - But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils.
Now, for this word Beelzebub. English translations use the term Beelzebub, the emphasis being on the last three letters "bub." The Greek texts use the word Beelzebul, "bul." It does make a difference.
Why does the English text use Beelzebub? It is because in the Old Testament, he was called Beelzebub, and in the New Testament he is called Beelzebul. So, the name changed and there are two different meanings.
Beelzebub means "lord of the fly." That is Beelzebub. Beelzebul is even worse. It means "the lord of the manure pile." These were the Phoenician gods and they had a god, small "g" for everything, even flies.
There was lord of the flies, and there was a god overseeing the manure pile, and the Jews used to call the Philistines' god the lord of the fly, the lord of the manure pile in a demeaning way.
So, when they approached Jesus, they said He cast out demons through Beelzebub who is the head of the demons. Not just any demon, but they said that He is the chief of the devils.
And so that's what Beelzebub and Beelzebul mean. In our English text, it has to do with lord of the flies, but the Greek word is lord of the manure pile.
Luke 11:33 - No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.
Every time in the King James text, when you see the word "candle" and "candlestick," it is literally lamp and lamp stand.
Literal translation: No man, when he hath lighted a lamp, puts it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a lamp stand, so that they can see when they come in the house.
Luke 10:41 - And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
Careful is the word for anxiety. It is the word MERIMNA which I have mentioned before. It means to have the attention of your mind occupied with something. It's the word for worry and anxiety.
It is Satan's only weapon against a believer in Christ. Once you are saved, you belong to Christ. The second part of Christianity, after salvation, is the renewing of the mind, and growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Satan can't take your soul, so he gets you distracted and occupied to take you away from the word, so that the Lord can't heal and mend from the damage of sin.
And then troubled (TURBADZO) means turmoil, and it represents an outward expression of an inward thought. It is great how the Greek gives us a better picture of what's taking place in this verse.
Luke 11:3 - Give us day by day our daily bread.
The Greek word for "daily" is the word "necessary." The emphasis is that I am praying for my needs today. Not tomorrow or the next day.
The daily bread, which is necessary for today, whatever my sustenance is, today I pray that God will provide for that. I have to trust that whatever His provision is, that is His will for my life. I might not get to eat at In and Out Burger for lunch today like I would like to. It might not work out that way, but I'm trusting in the Lord to provide for my needs.
Luke 11:8 - I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
This word importunity in the Greek means shameless persistence. You may have only heard the word persistence in these teachings, but this is shameless persistence. No shame in this man and he is going to keep pounding on that door until he rises and gives him as many as he needs.
I would tend to think that the security and comfort of knowing that the Lord is working to bring good and pleasant things in your life is something as humans we all desire. Fear of course can result; especially when situations SEEM not to have any possible outcome in that regard. The Lord will require of His saints suffering as His Word clearly states; along with persecution. It is ONLY in His strength that we are able to overcome fear and cowardice (I'm talking to myself here as well). So often we think that kindness of other humans is the best indicator of our own godliness but in truth we are supposed to bless those who despitefully USE us (I'll let you find the verse). We are blessed because we are worthy of suffering for His Name's sake.
The Lord promises more of the Holy Spirit for those who ask Him in regard to good gifts ( Luke 11:13). Blessing brings POWER and the fear of the Lord falls on others; as John 16:8 demonstrates in the operation of the Holy Spirit. You are dangerous to the kingdom of darkness when truly full of the Spirit and will have impact in reaching the lost fulfilling the Great Commission drawing men to the Lord.
Charles Wesley Naylor wrote on the winning side:
Here are the lyrics
Once I drifted out in sin, had no hope nor joy within,
And my soul was brurdened down with pride;
Then my Savior came along and he showed me I was wrong and
Now I know I'm on the winning side
From the straight and narrow wayi was drifting every day,
Out upon the waters deep and wide;
But it all is over now, glory light is on my brow,
And my soul is on the winning side
I will never have a fear, for my Lord is ever near,
And in him so often I confide;
He's the keeper of my soul since I gave him full control,
And he placed me on the winning side
Chorus-
I'm on the winning side,yes
(may have been cut short-hope this helps!!)
Agape. RIch
"Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." Jude 1:3 KJV
"These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." Hebrews 11:13 KJV
"And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God." Mark 11:22 KJV
Search "faith" and read and meditate and pray scriptures about faith to build up your most holy faith. Fight the good fight of faith and continue to believe God and seek God. Stay encouraged...only believe in your heart and mind.
"And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." Luke 11:9 KJV
To effectively reach a congregation there should be both empathy and timely preaching on subjects that are needed (i.e. dealing with grief) as well as overall general doctrinal lessons. We therefore can't be preaching at people but also can't expect that only trying to mollify an effect a situation is having will suffice. The root cause; of course of all problems is sin; either our own or the effects of that of others; or that of the enemy of our souls (world; flesh and Devil). The approach to a sermon can be subjective and isn't the primary focus here. What a message should be and what ultimately fills us with the Spirit is something that reflects God's glory; and helps to bring forth salt and light in others. To those trained as true sons and daughters of God are mature enough to handle the "meat" of the Word; but there are certainly times when milk is better administered. This is why churches who are strong on doctrine may be failing to make the impact they could. This could be due to immaturity; or sin that is affecting people that isn't dealt with properly. This sort of issue would need to be considered even in large churches that have proper teaching; obviously in that situation a Pastor can't be aware of everything that is going on; but needs reliable elders and deacons as well as laypersons who are mature enough to handle responsibility.
In order to be truly rejoicing in the Lord; therefore the fire spreads; or the lamp is lit because of mutual truth in the Spirit.
There are many things which the cults understand in principle that in practice is very similar in many ways but substitutes truth for a lie. We either reflect the light of the Kingdom of God within us; or the light within us that is in reality; darkness. ( Luke 11:35-40). The main difference is that a cult leader is worshipped and becomes the center of attention; and with the true Gospel the focus is God
As we apply these verses to prayer; we may consider that His victory means our victory; in the sense of our eternal future living with Him forever in heaven as well as now; when we suffer for His Name's sake we are fulfilling the Great Commission; and are assured of a reward in heaven as Jesus alludes to in the Sermon on the Mount. All of our life should therefore be wrapped up in the greater purposes; sowing in tears to reap later in joy ( Psalm 126:5-6). The meaning and purpose of earthly blessings common to man is only appreciated in the light of the weight of eternal glory. We ask for good things so that we can further His Kingdom; especially in regard to the filling of the Holy Spirit ( Luke 11:13). In praise; we ask that the King be exalted; and of course that starts in our hearts.
We look at Christ who suffered and His visage was marred more than any man ( Isaiah 52:14). But He shall see and be satisfied with His travail ( Isaiah 53:11). He willingly suffered in our place to fulfill the wish of the Father; but also came to serve and not be served as an example to us. ( Mark 10:45). We shall see Him exalted and victorious and no longer suffering; and no doubt He will rejoice for us as well. Therefore; we endure knowing that patience will have it's perfect work ( James 1:4).
This doesn't mean we don't long every day to see an end to suffering; but we know that we are gaining further eternal rewards in continuing to live faithfully until death or He comes on this earth. This should be a motivation primarily for others; we see the beginnings of what surely will be increasing numbers of Christians persecuted and martyred as we approach the end. We weary having not only to deal with our own sin and the terrible conditions of the last days but the spiritual warfare which is no doubt at fever pitch today. We must continue to boldly declare His coming conquest and victory even when looking like fools ( 1 Cor. 1:25)
"And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean./ And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed." Here we see the word prospering in its round. (Is.55:11) It shall never return to God in void. "God sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.(Ps.107:20) explains the healing of the leper. Mark lays emphasis on the aspect of the word as God's work. So "immediately" refers to the word of God the Father; secondly of the Son. So 'as soon as he had spoken' defines the second aspect of the Trinity. He 'put forth his hand, and touched him' refers to 'the finger of God' the word become flesh ( Luke 11:20). The kingdom of God coming unto you is fulfilled on the day of Pentecost. In short the Will of the Father is fulfilled by the Son in this healing. Third office of the Spirit is the witnessing spirit otherwise Mark would have no reason to record it unless he himself was present there.
"And he straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away;/And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them." (vv.43-44) Jesus tells him not to give glory which is due to his Father. He did not teach the leper to break the Law of Moses. Instead he advised him to present himself to the priest. As a sign he was a testimony to man and his Father in heaven.
45 But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.
I work with the Word of GOD, and I have already answered your questions several times.
I work with the Word of GOD, the Word is GOD Himself, don't you understand? Two thousand years ago the Word Himself was made flesh by the NAME of JESUS, yes, by the NAME of JESUS, as He promised to His people through the prophets- Hebrews 1:1-3, as I have said in answering your questions. But you are masked by a pretense, and you pretend have not seen, your lack of interest in the Word of GOD reveals who really dominates your life.
I reapeat. I work with the Word of GOD, the Word is GOD Himself, don't you understand? Why do you not understand my speech? It's because you are unable to hear the true and pure Word of Truth. Your lack of interest in the Word of GOD reveals who dominates you your life.
I repeat. I work with the Word of GOD, and I have already answered your questions several times, but not according your evil and disguised spirit, for the Word of GOD -the Word is GOD Himself- recommends saying: Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like unto him-Prov.26:4. And the Word states that "when the fool speaks pleasantly, believe him not / don't trust him: for there are SEVEN abominations in his heart. And my Lord JESUS clearly revealed, saying: Luke 11:23-24 and 26:
23 He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.
24 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.
26 Then goeth he, and taketh to him SEVEN other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.
Furthemore, my Lord JESUS left very clear, saying: John 12:47-48:
If any man hear my words, and believe not, I Judge him not: for I came not to Judge the world, but to save the world. But already hath one that Judgeth him:...
Get ready
"But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you./ Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house."
Uniquely Jesus here lays open the Power of God that equipped the 12 disciples as they were to go out there preach and come out with success. The same power from heaven that made Elijah and Elias perform healing. Referring to them he compares John who did no miracles, and in his lack of faith he asserts,"Notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." Jesus intended for comparison the little one of the twelve who he had sent to preach, 'the kingdom of God is at hand.' He was greater than he since he was connected to the Son and the Power of God from heaven. Even his speech was prepared from above.("But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak./For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you."10:19-20). The twelve were his associates.
Referring to John what he said in 11:9-15 serves a fitting explanation for the key text. Faith was what required to accomplish their mission. This dd not begin with the sending of John as the Messenger. Power of the Word was in operation so examples of heroes of faith gives us where their victory came from. "Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions./ Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens."(He.11:32-34) Heaven suffers violence and it is no matter their names are written in heaven.
"But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you."( Luke 11:20)
"From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
Heart is a spiritual space where knowledge of the holy serves as understanding which must learn to distinguish between the real and the worthless. In the Parable of the Rich Fool what he could store up was his riches. Jesus warns they are seen so temporal and very deceptive. Blessed as Psalm1 teaches is the one who by close reading of the word of God shall know how to apply it to his profit."That walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful./But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night." Even our time we read of the simple foolish enough to step out with hammer with zip ties to root out 'undesirable' elements at the Capitol believing in every balderdash he read in the internet. The perpetrators of the hoax move on while fools are caught and put away possibly for life. In such times we are to be extra vigilant while Satan like a roaring lion are abroad freely sowing damage." Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"(Is.5:20) People perish where there is no vision. How can they when foolish shepherds have been sending them under their hand to facilitate the ungodly politicians without let up? They preach faith but their works are as those who call evil good?
"The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints."(Ep.1:18)
Jesus refers to eye as single. "The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light."(6:22)
"Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness."( Luke 11:35)
"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost."
"Now the birth of Jesus was on this wise,"
So begins St Mathew and the Spirit in narrating it tells us a few essential points. God is a Spirit so as 'the only begotten' Son, he embodies the Law. It is intended as the instruction in righteousness so biology of natural man is out of place. So is his rational faculties. "But 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."(1 Co.2:14).
Worshiping God in Spirit and truth we make faith the lingua franca because the mystery of his will is not something you may go out and purchase by anything that you may possess as a natural man. St Paul refers to his Will as a mystery so the word becoming flesh and what enables man who is dead in sin to be born in the Spirit can only be understood by faith./"the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself."(Ep.1:9-11)
"God sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions." This was sent forth even before the worlds began. By Law of the Spirit Jesus did not do anything outside and he finger of God is what faith signifies. "But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you."( Luke 11:20) The Spirit overshadowing explains 'the virgin' birth. "Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?/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."( Luke 1:34-35)
In the light of the above the Spirit warns you to pay heed what is at risk here. "And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." (v.8) Worshiping the State is at the peril of your soul.
The State signified by the rib appears here. The dragon's motive is not altruistic but thwart the Salvation Plan of God determined before the worlds began. His seat is the other rib representing Religion. For this purpose we have another beast "Coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon./And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast. " So we know where Christian nationalism tke their marching orders from. The divine healing and many wonders performed to draw the breath away are nothing new. Egyptian magicians performed miracles but could not compete with Moses. "Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, Thisisthe finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said."(Ex.8:19). In our times we have seen Serpent handling and divine healing the whole circus that smacks of crass 'filthy lucre'. The second beast had two horns like a lamb which is to deceive. Compare Luke 11:20. It is like 'reasonable faith' which is neither here nor there. Third rib is like reason which does not work in practice. Think of all Constitutions written but in practice are shown something else. Without truth what is free speech but license to let your tongue run away? The authority is drawn from the dragon.
The beast is the shape of things to come a composite edifice mix and match of the four beasts that Daniel saw.
As I was reading the words of God, this morning, Luke 13:24-28
Does this not speak to all who believe that there is no overcoming of sin in this present life
" they believe they ate & drink in His presence, & believed that " He taught in our streets".
Yet, the Lord plainly states; Luke 13:27
This reminds me of Matt 7:21,22
This reveals the utter deceitfulness of sin, that Satan has no lack of power to deceive 2Thess 2:9,10
He even has such power to call fire down from heaven. Rev 13:11-16 this is describing false Christianity, listen to what the Scriptures reveal, Rev 13:11 had an image like a lamb, but spoke like a dragon. Teaching that one can be a Christian & know God & continue in sin for life, despite the testimony of Christ, John 8:24, 1John 3:6
Then we have Hebrews 10:26-29; the whole context of these Scriptures here is " sinning is past tense, over, done away with."
They pray, but they regard; Psalms 66:18; in light of the above Scriptures, who do you thing is answering their prayers?
Again, all power in all deceitfulness of unrighteousness, ,,,sin ! 2Timothy 3:5 Rev 18:4
Luke 11:33-36 the whole body be full of Light, "Christ" having no dark part, no darkness at all" Revealing "Consummation of Sanctification of the Spirit, obedience unto righteousness unto holiness, partaker's of the Divine Nature.
It also reveals, If one continue in sin for life, then it obvious that there's darkness within & Matt 6:23
Folks, I speak as one concern, I found that in life motions one can be caught up in doing this or that, the swiftness in which life is pasting by, & the world continually drawing us to it concerns, one doesn't stop & truly consider what Holy Spirit plainly states in the Scriptures or why they have not experience it,
Churches are teaching contrary to Scriptures, all are singing a lullaby; cause everybody else is doing it, some more some less, status quo, so it must be true? NOT ! 1Thessalonians 4:7
1Cor 15:34
in Love & Truth.
Another "B" attribute that comes to my mind is:
BENEVOLENT
God is giving. He gives of Himself within the Godhead in relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They give each other love, and, and harmony, and glory in an eternal way. He gives to creation life and beauty and provision for physical needs, and salvation from sin for those elected. He promised to give good gifts to His children when they ask. Luke 11:13.
He gives us all we need for life and godliness: 2 Peter 1:3
"According as His divine power hath given unto all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him (Jesus) who hath called us to glory and virtue."
God even gives to the unbelievers and the believers alike, making the sun to shine on both, giving rain in season, causing crops to grow for a harvest.
So I think it is good to be content in all things, because all good things comes from His hands. We also should cultivate gratitude to Him for all we receive each day from Him. I try to do this more and more. He deserves our gratitude and for us to have thankful hearts before Him.
What is one SAVED from?
DEATH
You cannot be saved from DEATH until God sends his angles to HARVEST the SEED.
ONLY mature SEED are harvested, immature SEED are scattered to the wind as is chaff.
Fruit produces SEED, the fruit never look like the SEED, the SEED always looks like the SEED that was planted.
Luke 11:8 Now the PARABLE is this: the SEED is the word of God.
John 1:14 ..... and the word (SEED) was made flesh.
Hebrews 9:28 So Christ (the SEED) was once offered for the sins of many; and unto them that look for him (TRUTH, Christ is truth) he (the SEED) shall APPEAR the SECOND TIME.
Matthew 24:30 Then SHALL APPEAR the sign (the image oft he SEED) of the son of man in heaven (IN YOU).... the son of man COMING in the CLOUDS of heaven (IN YOU).
Colossians 1:27 .... this mystery ..... Christ in YOU ......
Matthew 12:28 But if I CAST OUT DEVILS by the Spirit (TRUTH) of God; then the Kingdom of God has COME TO YOU.
God Bless YOU!