Matthew 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
Luke 18:22 22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
Luke 12:33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
The first two passages apply to a rich man who claimed to have followed the law; no doubt not at God's standards but nonetheless the main issue was his covetous heart related to possessions. The last passage was Jesus talking with His Disciples about His providing basic food and clothing needs (again; as I have emphasized before shelter even for Christ was a nomadic transient thing given His type of ministry).
Considering the meaning here we have to observe the whole pattern of valuing God over family; as Jesus Himself demonstrated when stating "who is my mother and brother ( Matt. 12:58); and then in the next two verses explains that the Disciples are such.
What we can't say is that Jesus wants us to forego all sources of work or financial plans. Jesus Himself worked for most of His adult life before the last few years of ministry; and Paul would provide for himself making tents; and also commended some wealthy women who were beneficial in the ministry. Money was to be set aside the first day of the week; etc.
I can also look in my own life to the house I own; legally I can't sell it even if I wanted to as it is in my Dad's name even though it goes to me when he passes.
What is clear to me is that all of our money should in the present and future plans be planned to support the Lord; in my case I don't have any children to support. Once we "retire" all our time should focus on ministry as health allows.
Those are important reminders you have shared bro Giannis. As our Lord even said, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Unfortunately, most of Christendom have been caught up with the world, where having the latest technologies and keeping up with the Jones', is equally, even more important. And yet, we are reminded by the apostle, "But godliness with contentment is great gain." ( 1 Timothy 6:6).
It is true that in old times, most people had very little, especially concerning food, clothing, shelter, and jobs. Were they content?They had to be content because there was very little they could do to improve their lot, given the sparsity of offerings. But they still lived on 'struggle street' and were very likely anxious, despondent, and driven to desperate actions. But as you wrote, that we have so much more than they, and we live relatively comfortable healthy lives, yet still many today are no better mentally or emotionally than those others, facing pressures from various sources. What they feel will bring them happiness and contentment, is only found to be temporal, ever lusting for more & more to sustain those satisfied feelings. And again, as you wrote, "they are searching for happiness in the wrong places".
But when you think of it, what else does the unbelieving world have in this life? Or, of any hope of eternity? Absolutely nothing. Their lives consist of what they know, have, and feel in the present, for tomorrow we die & are no more. But if they heed Jesus' Words ( Luke 12:15), "..(that) a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth" and they could have greater eternal treasures from Heaven (of full salvation, real joy, inner peace, and power to live righteously), their whole perspective of life & its real worth will be changed for their eternal good. If the Church at large can get out their stagnation & be a living witness to the world, the world might understand their true poverty. Blessings.
More thoughts on Christ asking to forgive those who took part in His humiliation on the cross.
An atheist admittedly could look at the wrath of God based on many instances in the O.T. and compare it with Christ asking for those who literally were taking a part in His execution for forgiveness and make a case for God or the Godhead being schizophrenic or at least inconsistent. The same God who cursed the serpent in Eden would place the image of a serpent on a pole as a prefigure for Christ's atoning sacrifice (see Numbers 21:5-7).
Now it may seem sacrilege or at least disrespectful of God for me to even offer such a viewpoint as to the mystery of the council of God ( Deut. 29:29). It almost reminds me of some who in helping a person who say is suicidal by talking points related to such actions. My point is that in either case avoiding touchy subjects isn't going to help us to understand what we should as kings and priests have the concept of ( Proverbs 25:2 but also reflected in many parables told by Christ to that affect).
I pray that this series of postings is edifying; as I don't wish to enter something controversial merely to draw attention to something as a point of fascination.
In this section I am starting with exploring forgiveness as to what it is and what it is NOT. We recall what Jesus stated in regard to blaspheme of the Holy Spirit
Luke 12:10: "And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
In ignorance those who didn't know that Jesus was God in flesh could hurl all sorts of accusations including sarcastically stating to them to get down from the cross. The fact is they all thought that He was the victim of circumstances that were beyond His control rather than a deliberate laying down His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. They also in this thought process couldn't grasp that Jesus would do nothing the Father hadn't instructed.
Matthew 24:37-38 For just like the days of Noah[a] were, so the coming of the Son of Man will be. 38 For in those days before the flood, people[b] were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark. 39 And they knew nothing until the flood came and took them all away.[c] It will be the same at the coming of the Son of Man.[d]
Luke 12:40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
We have; as it were seemed to come to a critical mass in discussion of end times-specifically; in regard to the Rapture likelihood this Rosh Hashanah. I will summarize briefly what's going down so that we get information clearly.
There are scriptures in Daniel indicating a certain number of days for Daniel's 70th week which apparently add up 2520 days if I am doing the math right. The concept of the Tribulation being between a Rosh Hashanah and future Yom Kippur 7 years later led to a calculation apparently off by one day that is said never to happen again but indeed will many years from now. If we contemplate a possible 10 day interlude ( Revelation 2:10) that is one possibility for at least some to be either in a few days of the Tribulation or God to judge the church immediately prior to the first seal being opened. There are also indications of past fulfillment in regard to this church. The bigger point here is the Rapture could occur another time and doesn't have to be Rosh Hashanah; even though it is symbolic of the day and hour "idiom" that no one knows; Jesus from the above verses could come a time we don't expect which seems to take that away from being a necessity; however He certainly could come days or weeks before that (any day now). This year is interesting as the only one close to 2520 days for a while (if off by a day or two there is the variability of "official" start to Rosh Hashanah.
Big issue has been wrong calculations naively followed without fact checking.
Hey dear "Jesus garza", it hurts. Could he have said that to hurt you? Remember that young people do not know what to believe so judge him wisely in your thoughts. My children also said this to me to hurt me but now they are believers, so who rejoices? I didn't listen to such words, I prayed for them every day, of course I still do. Patience is important with God. Of course I do not remind them of their youth. And I am just glad that we have survived this far. It is grace dear friend. Know that Jesus wants everyone to come to the knowledge of the truth and that everyone will be saved. So one small thing, keep calm and do not take in all the world's inventions to make you waver and uncertain. Be steadfast on your path, and believe in Jesus' words. Praying for you for that. Thank you Jesus for He brings those He has intended to come in.
God Father in Heaven, thank you that You are always with Your children. That we should never be afraid because You are with us even in the valley of the shadow of death. We thank You for the Word. We praise Your Holy Name Jesus Christ. He who had to be sacrificed so that we could be cleansed in His blood. Thank You Almighty God. Thank You that You look after our children from now on and forever. And we will thank You for that forever, we pray in Jesus Name, Amen. Luke 12:8-12
Hello everyone dear, a few days ago there were two people in here. One with kidney problems and one person with ears. You are not forgotten even if there has been no personal response.
Dear God Father in Heaven we pray and lift the kidneys up to the Lord and ask that You touch them, cleanse them once and for all, so that they become really clean and good again. Thank You Jesus for being with us and laying Your hands on these kidneys Jesus, We pray and thank You in Jesus Christ's Holy Name. Amen
Luke 12:8-12
I got after asking the Lord for a word, a word actually! It is in Mat 13:16-17 We thank you for the Word Lord, Hallelujah Praise be to God Almighty!
We know that there have been times when the word was closed to people. But it is no longer so for those who have met Jesus Christ, our Advocate and our Savior.
Dear God Father in Heaven we pray. Thank You God Father in Heaven that You are powerful to do what we ask. Thank you for all our senses and also the ones we are meant to hear with. We pray that You strengthen these ears Lord, so that it will be possible to hear again. Jesus You only needed to say: Be clean! We ask You to do it here in Jesus Christ Holy Name, Amen
The Kingdom Gospel preached by Peter and the Grace Gospel revealed through Paul represent two distinct programs in God's redemptive plan.
1. Peter's Kingdom Gospel (Faith + Works) - For Israel and the Little Flock
Peter's message centered on Israel's prophetic hope, the coming earthly kingdom, and the Messiahship of Jesus. This gospel required faith in Jesus as the Messiah, but it also included repentance, water baptism, and adherence to the law, as seen in Acts 2:38:
"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins..." ( Acts 2:38, KJV)
Key elements:
Audience: Jews (especially "the lost sheep of the house of Israel" - Matthew 10:5-6)
Content: Jesus is the promised Messiah; repent and be baptized.
Requirement: Faith plus works (baptism, continued obedience).
Goal: Entry into the earthly kingdom promised to Israel ( Luke 12:32 - "little flock").
James 2:24 supports this...
"Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only."
This shows that under the Kingdom Gospel, works confirmed faith for salvation, especially for the Jewish remnant.
2. Paul's Grace Gospel (Faith Alone) - For the Body of Christ
Paul preached a new, previously hidden "mystery" gospel revealed to him by Christ ( Galatians 1:11-12; Ephesians 3:1-9). This message was not based on Israel's covenants or prophecy, but on grace alone through faith alone in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ ( 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
Key elements:
Audience: All (Jew and Gentile alike), forming the Body of Christ.
Content: Christ died for our sins and rose again.
Requirement: Faith alone (no works, no law, no baptism required for salvation).
c. (cont'd). Or, maybe the illustration that Jesus gave in Luke 12:42-48 is what some might believe are grades of punishment to sinners - the LORD God is always Just in all His doings.
d. Those of Israel who had not the redemptive of Work of Christ done for them as yet, were required to be obedient to God's Commands, fulfil the sacrifices which stayed God's Wrath from them and to await the coming full sacrifice of the Son of God. When they were obedient, this demonstrated a real faith in God's Word to them and God's Work for them. So in Hebrews chapter 11, we see a great number of men and women commended for their faith & martyrs' death, "these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect" ( Hebrews 11:39,40). Both the OT & NT saints will be judged on the same basis: Faith (the one group looking forward to Calvary & the other looking back).
e. There are various beliefs as to when God's Judgements are given, at death or sometime after. From my reading of the Word, I believe there is an immediate judgement for all who die, whose spirit must leave this lifeless body. Jesus gave the account of the rich man & the beggar Lazarus at their respective deaths ( Luke 16:19-31). Here, Jesus (under the OT economy) showed the suffering of the one who lived carelessly & heartlessly in hades & the beggar who struggled to live, but given a place beside Abraham. This appears to be a temporary residence & punishment awaiting further judgement. For the believer post-Cross, our sins have already been judged & we have walked carefully before the LORD. Our only other judgement is given in 2 Corinthians 5:10, otherwise called the "Bema Seat Judgement". Here, our salvation is not in judgement (that was already accomplished at Calvary), but how we have lived this new life & used our gifts for the Lord. To Page 3.
I have listened to some online and my overall conclusion is that now more than ever we need to be clear that judgment is coming; and we need to be ready for His coming. As to the Rapture; one could argue all Christians are raptured. Whatever the truth is in light of the references in my last post I am not taking any chances if I can avoid it. One can surely say many who think they know Christ are fooling themselves and at the very least many will find themselves getting into heaven as through the fire and suffer loss. ( 1 Corinthians 3:15).
Today as I see it and I am sure I have said this several times before if not more often; it is those that profess Christ that often give us the greatest resistance today. There are several reasons for this; first I believe we are well under way with the judgment that begins at the house of God ( 1 Peter 4:17). This causes many to "beat their fellow servants" who are trying to give meat in due season ( Matt. 24:49; and Luke 12:42). Our house truly is divided; and separation among the household of God is most evident today; and that will be followed by the world as a whole. The wheat and the tares will be separated; and soon.
These sobering facts mean that we need to pray that we guard our hearts against such deception ( Proverbs 4:23). Rebuke is in order for those who will listen; and of course we need to pray in particular when to persevere in fellowship and when we need to move on. I am in that process now. We need to discipline ourselves as well as seek Godly counsel and accountability lest we be hearers of the Word and not doers.
Vigilance means being in a constant mindset of prayer. As I probably have said many times by now we can learn a few things from the enemy of our soul; firstly that we need to be as diligent as the accuser to ensure we have confessed all known and unknown sins. If the enemy is constantly on the prowl we can't afford to ever let our guard down.
This posting is somewhat of a sequel to the last one today. It is important to recognize that there are multiple applications to some verses such as Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. This would tie in to Jeremiah 31:33 for instance But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
There are applications for believing Jews as well as Gentiles today (see Romans 10:12); but also of course there is a national sort of repentance for Israel in the last days as 2 Corinthians 3:14 indicates: But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.
Many who are involved with what is called Replacement Theology would contest this concept. I am not here to argue the point but just to declare wait to see before dismissing prophetic statements not yet fulfilled. God's covenants such as with Abraham were said to be everlasting; clearly certain things such as the need for circumcision as a physical sign of being in God's covenant isn't necessary today as indicated by many passages Paul quotes in the New Testament on this subject. Deuteronomy 10:16 apparently mentions this concept as a sort of precursor to how He operates today with the concept of Grace. The law is fulfilled in Christ; not abrogated.
Before I drift too far from the title of this discussion; I will make the statement that ultimately man cannot through sin eliminate the promises of God's covenant(s). The warning; however is that all men are subject to God and thus those who know better about the law for instance receive greater punishment if they don't get saved (see Luke 12:47). God first conv with Adam in a form of a covenant.
With so many things happening around, I find myself asking: How is my soul doing?
As it says in (see Psalm 25) "Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all day." This reminds me of (see Ephesians 2), "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility."And also of verse 13 (see Romans 2),my faith human renounce,"(For not the hearers of the Law are iust before God, but the doers of the Law shalbe iustified;" Even though my faith is still growing and my human understanding feels limited, I rest in these truths.
Even though my faith is still growing and my human understanding feels limited, I rest in these truths.
I also cannot forget one of the most well-known verses, which I've heard many times: 28"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."( romans 8). My hope is in Him, just as it's written in Luke 12:28-34 and in Jude 1:3, where I'm reminded to remain fully committed and present. This is a wake-up call for me - not to be negligent, even if my English vocabulary is still limited. Obedience depend on a willing heart.
In today's world, rushing has become so normal. That's why I often reflect on a chapter that helps me deal with anxiety: Philippians 4:6-9.
He has so many attributes, and one of the first I found in the Bible was lthe manifold wisedome of God. The verses in Luke 14:7-11 summarize my entire text
There is no question that in the final fulfillment of Joel 2:28 testifies: And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: This all is part of the signs and wonders seen in the sun; moon and stars and other events; with the first part of this prophecy happening with Pentecost in Acts 2:16.
The greatest manifestation of these miraculous powers will be with the two Prophets as seen in Revelation 11. This is a reflection of the 2 candlesticks mentioned in Zechariah 4:11-14. There are also the 144,000 from the 12 tribes of Israel mentioned in Revelation 7 and appearing in later chapters. God sets His seal of protection over them for events effecting the earth that seem to appear in the Trumpet Judgments; so they come sometime between the onset of the period and the end of the seal judgments.
The deception of false prophets is a main focus here but the other deception of not believing God's prophets is something dangerous and needs to be considered. This seems to be reflected in the punishment of the sheep and goat judgment in Matthew 25. Those who are in prison and not visited; for instance are indicative of those who are sent to hell. We are reminded of the subject discussed at Sunday School today about the unforgiveable sin in Luke 12:10. Such rebellion is clearly indicated by those who; for instance celebrate with a world wide party once the two prophets are killed; in Revelation 11:7-12.
Shortly afterward; no doubt the Antichrist is hailed as the victor over his own death as well as overcoming these two men who had caused so much suffering for those on the earth. You would think their resurrection would deter them from continuing on this path but they probably in my opinion Antichrist will say he drove them out of the earth where the rest of us are reprogrammed.
I thought about the subject of eschatology; and all relevant passages for the Antichrist in particular and the Tribulation in general which I plan to mention but first off I wanted to cover the idea of why this should be of interest to us at all.
As with any other subject we can either have too little or too much interest or emphasis of such doctrines over any other scriptures. Those who are obsessed with it such as I was when a new believer soon come to realize what Isaiah 33:6 states "And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the Lord is his treasure." We can easily be overwhelmed and loose our mooring if not trusting God in the present day where we are called to the admonition of Luke 19:13 to "occupy" until He comes; and "redeeming the time because the days are evil" ( Eph. 5:16). God's church is still here; albeit compromised as a whole as the Laodicean analogy in Revelation seems to suggest its state will be immediately before the Rapture occurs. On the other hand; those who are not focused on the signs of the times are fairly easy to recognize as they are far too comfortable with their daily patterns of living; often with life's distractions and comforts to hear the alarm bells of the battle coming; because they aren't engaged now in the Ephesians 6 spiritual warfare we are called to do. Still others may think they are going to escape the wrath to come ( 1 Thess. 1:10; etal) but are either not truly saved or so compromised that they don't have the interest to remain in a a life of obedience to the Lord and therefore "smite their fellowservants" when offering meat in due season ( Luke 12:45-46) then his Lord comes at a time they don't expect. Similar admoniutions are in the Gospel of Matthew and Mark. If we aren't careful then we will be swept up with worldly wisdom which seems right to a man but leads to death ( Prov. 14:12).
7. Christ was unpredictable. Unlike the imaginary sage or wise man that everybody loved who never said anything hurtful to offend people's feelings; Jesus Himself admitted that He came to cause division rather than peace ( Luke 12:53); yet He also said "blessed are the peacemakers" in Matthew 5:9. He would be invited to homes of the Pharisees; then excoriate them as to how He was treated (see Luke 7:45). His own Disciples were confused as to the necessity of dying in Jerusalem despite many statements about it He had to rebuke Satan when Peter spoke about these things never occurring ( Matt. 16:23). This was the same Peter who shortly before that stated who Christ truly was which only could have come from God ( Matt. 16:15-16). He sidestepped about 10 attempts on His life that we know of; but then deliberately headed toward Jerusalem where He knew He would die. Thomas at least understood it ( John 11:16-26 when he knew of the opposition faced when going back to raise Lazarus from the grave which was within weeks of the crucifixion I believe). His Resurrection sadly wasn't expected once the report came back from the women who were the first to arrive at the grave to see evidence and hear from the angels that He had risen. Women were an important aspect along with the Samaritans and Gentiles which the Pharisees couldn't understand.
I will attempt to look at several specific instances in the life of Christ to show how His approach; forethought and actions represent a perfect man; and how His example and those of the Apostles in the early church show about how and how not to do God's work as everyone had their character traits; flaws and at times outward sins. We therefore can conclude we all should emulate Christ and the Apostles; but we also all live in different situations and have different responsibilities incorporated into the good works He has given us to do planned since the foundation of the world ( Eph. 2:10).
2 Timothy 2:15 helped me understand how to let the Holy Spirit guide me in the right direction to rightly divide the Word in the Bible .
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
We are not to be buff up with knowledge and brag about it and belittle our brethren to shame, but to love one another in prayer and patience so the Holy Spirit will open the understanding spiritually .
1 Thessalonians 4:11
And that yestudyto be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
Only Jesus Christ will approve what we do on earth with our bodies.
2 Corinthians 13:7
Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appearapproved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.
Now that we are saved by believing the resurrection of Christ Jesus, plus nothing, we are to be his workman for good works for a reward in the Heavenly Places.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are hisworkmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
I am not ashamed of the resurrection of Christ Jesus.
Romans 1:16
For I am notashamedof the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Even Jesus Christ divides.
Luke 12:51
Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
1 Corinthians 12:11
But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit,dividingto every man severally as he will.
We are to follow Apostle Paul's epistle for doctrine today because he is our Apostle.
2 Timothy 4:2
Preach theword; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the doctrine of the grace of God.
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.
Good morning, Merry Christmas (eve)! Meditating on this scripture this morn.
"The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment." Luke 12:23 KJV
We can be of good cheer this day as Christ came in the flesh and freely gave life to the body.
A little food is good as well as simple adequate clothing, even in the Word. We need not overeat nor overdress in the Life once provided. Jesus in tribulation overcame our death and provides for us His sweet presence by the Holy Ghost.
Paragraph 1 Line 1: assigned- My interpetation is Jesus death on the cross and resurrection. Paragraph 1 Line 4 Ways-My interpetation to live like Jesus Christ. Ways you can live like Jesus Christ is recieveing God's love John 3:16 KJV. Read your holy bible,learn about God. Come into his sanctuary-today's Christian Church to learn about God and obey him. "God has never willed otherwise " "God is good and well being" Paragraph 1 Line 7 thought-My interpetation You only can have life through Jesus Christ. Paragraph 2 Line 6:My interpetation-Jesus Christ is God of the Universe. Paragraph 2 Line 6-8 grace and perfection.My interpetation John1:4 KJV In my life believing Jesus is the way to life. I had&have faith,plus ,proof,accomplished. Paragraph 2Line:8-13 mankind:-My interpetation Mark 11:17 KJV Yes me being a Christian I have a house of prayer in trusting God that allows me to have what I want and done. Paragraph 2 Line 21 misery- My interpetation-You believe in Jesus Christ Holy One of Israel. That's why you should forsake wickedness and unbelief. Paragraph 2 Line 21-26 .The wonder-My interpetation Luke 12:10-11KJV God saves to believe in him.
Q: "We are set under the shadow of the Almighty, and yet we are made a spectacle to the world. Can you elaborate on this?"
A: You have quoted St Paul, "for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men." Taking into context of his times a spectacle would suggest the bread and circus where baiting a Christian was a public sport. Unto the immediate circle of kith and kin becoming a Christian was looked at some sort of madness that could not be got rid of except by a good thrashing. But what Paul is referring to his circumstance in Ac.13:2. He did not become an apostle as they could choose to reign if they wanted to without him ministering unto them. Witnessing of a Christian before the world has its secret place under the shadow of the Almighty as well as becoming lights, "That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world"(Ph.2:15). Spectacle unto angels refer the great congregation.
We can understand the significance of the saying of Jesus,"Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops."( Luke 12:3). Nuclear Age was ushered in utmost secrecy. The father of the bomb, a brilliant scientist himself was not trusted, so much so it was as the right hand could not trust the left hand. Despite of all these it spread especially with the Age of internet. In the Bible we read that King of Syria could not keep his war plans either. 2 Ki.6:11) Prophet Elisha only need trust in his God that it was revealed. This brings to my trust in my Saviour King that what I have privately posted online shall be public knowledge. all glory to him. Amen.
Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Intro: Scripture indicates that there are sheep (saved individuals) and goats (lost souls) in the world. We are indeed in the world but not of it if truly saved. This theme was the introduction to today's sermon on 2 Timothy 3 where our Pastor preached about avoiding the extremes of living in the wilderness with no contact with the outside world and having too much comfort with the world where we are essentially nomads just passing through.
This passage should give us pause to consider that only a few are saved out of the professing church at large. Another theme today was about how Paul's sufferings showed his qualifications as a TRUE Apostle; so contrasted with those today who are almost aways part of some prosperity Gospel congregation or church. Matthew 19:30 was also mentioned as a sobering reminder that those who may appear publicly as famous preachers may be outranked when rewards are given by relatively unknowns doing the Lord's work in relative obscurity during their earthly sojourn. There was mention of someone who attended our church once who lives out of state who is likely to be martyred if she goes to a certain country on an upcoming trip and is transparent about her newfound Christian faith. Having met this person a few months ago I am glad the Pastor brought it up and the upcoming expected date so that I could keep her in prayer. Such individuals should not go unrecognized; and perhaps the prayers of the saints will give a different result (only God allows the date when someone is allowed to kill us).
As our Pastor greeted us after the service he mentioned how many could be tempted to give praise to another god (in this case Allah) to save their own skin (claiming it is showing respect as a sort of social grace). Not so for this person mentioned above.
Unknown martyrs are more than statistics and will be exalted in heavenly places.
Revelation 21:4 - And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
John 14:2 - In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Romans 10:9-13 - That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Read More...)
1 Corinthians 2:9 - But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
Revelation 22:1-5 - And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. (Read More...)
Luke 23:43 - And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: (Read More...)
Luke 12:33-34 - Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. (Read More...)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 - Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; (Read More...)
Revelation 21:22-27 - And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. (Read More...)
Hebrews 11:16 - But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
Mark 9:43-48 - And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: (Read More...)
Matthew 13:50 - And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Revelation 20:14 - And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
2 Thessalonians 1:9 - Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
Revelation 20:10 - And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
Psalms 145:20 - The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.
Matthew 5:22 - But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
Hebrews 10:26-31 - For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, (Read More...)
Revelation 14:11 - And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
Luke 16:19-31 - There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: (Read More...)
Luke 12:5 - But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him
"And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?"
We see the same angel in Ch.10:1 "And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:" All the clues are here. In the inaugural vision of St John we see these features,in vv.15-16, " And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace," " and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength".The same bow in heaven is over his head. So when God tells Noah, "And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you."(Ge.9:15) he is referring indeed the everlasting covenant and Jesus Christ is 'after our likeness' in Ge.1:28. This rainbow zeroes in on the identity of the mighty or strong angel as the Word. The Word was with God and he gives furthermore as the identity of the rider on the white horse, whose bow is referring to the sign in heaven given to Noah. "And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer."(Re.6:2) Without quiver of arrows there is no mistake about him, - he is the Word become flesh and he also claims his purpose."Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division." ( Luke 12:51;Matt.10:34). St Matthew refers to the sword, which is the mark of his office. He is setting out to conquer and conquering. So the colour white establishes his identity as the Word of God. We shall meet him again in Re.19:16.
There isa gap between the two which explains his deity while the Synoptic gospels is about his humanity. There is no 'gap theory', the Spirit provides only what is needful for instruction in righteousness. Without faith it would be useless to fill in irrelevant details in order to satisfy some curious souls.
Luke 12:50 - But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!
He says, but I have a baptism to be baptized with. This is the word BAPTO for immersed. He is not talking about water baptism. He says I'm totally immersed in what I have to do. That's fantastic! I can't always say that about myself. I'll get immersed back with the Lord tomorrow. Today I am busy!
Luke 12:57 - Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?
The word right is the word DIAKOUSOUNAE which means righteousness that which lines up with God. What Jesus is saying here is "Why can't you discern what lines up with God?"
Luke 12:59 - I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.
Jesus says, I tell thee, thou shalt not depart there, till you have paid the very last mite, or LEPTOS.
A LEPTOS is the smallest of Roman coins. It is 1/8th of a cent. He says you are not going to get out of prison till you pay every last LEPTOS.
Luke 12:22 - And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
And again, the word for thought is MERIMNA. That is the word that means to occupy the attention of the mind. Jesus is the first one that introduced this teaching that is taught throughout the New Testament. It is the main word that Paul, and John, and Peter used in their teaching to Christians.
It is translated anxiety or worry or care in the English text, but it is the word MERIMNA, meaning to occupy the attention of the mind. What He is saying here is take no thought for your life, don't be occupied with your life what you shall eat, neither for your body what you shall put on. Those are the necessities. Don't even be occupied with the necessities in life.
Luke 12:39 - And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.
We read this in our English text, and we envision someone breaking down a door or going through a window to break into a house, but here's the beauty of the Greek text. Where it says "broken through, literally in Greek text it says "dug up" because they used to dig up and go under the wall and up through the dirt flooring.
Luke 12:42 - And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
The word wise is not the word SOPHOS for wisdom, but the word PHRONEMOS, which means sensible. Who is that faithful and sensible steward, who his lord shall make ruler over his household (literally household slaves), to give them their portion of meat in due season?
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.
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:/(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)/Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;"
"And bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" is to all intent and purpose is to put on the mind of Christ. This was spelt out in the Sermon on the Mount. "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." Perfection is one single word to define the mind of God. Holy is his name.
Jesus was among them as the Word made flesh. He sat with publicans and sinners but he did no sin and knew no sin. For those who wanted him to be involved in their personal quarrels he simply told them off. "Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?" In his doctrine he set forth the perfection of his Father who sent the rain on the unjust as well as the just. He also said,"And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also."(5:40; Luke 12:13). In the way he obeyed his Father naturally he was like his Father; and in his perfect submission on the cross he established the same mind and same holiness so his name was more excellent than all other names.
"And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man."( John 2:25)
"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;/That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven." Those who are your enemies show the quality of their father while if you have the mind of Christ you shall do just well as he did. It is what putting on Christ signifies.
"And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace./For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ."
The word of God is qualified as word of his grace; "to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified." it is also described as word of his power, "and upholding all things by the word of his power."(Ac.20:32; He.1;3).The same fellowship of God with man is word based. So God by making man a living soul showed grace in action. Blessings must be explained as manifestation of his grace and it is what we received freely. When we received Jesus Christ our Saviour we became part of his fulness and power with which he uphold 'all things' and it gives us foreknowledge as well. Much of it is through the Bible, in which they are given for our admonition upon whom the end of the worlds has come.
On a personal note my word ministry in this open forum as well as in my other blogs is based on that it is addressed to to a great congregation, "I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest."(Ps.40:9). What I believe as revealed by the Holy Spirit and true I have set forth. By the grace given to me I do not count how many more days or months or even decade, God is my comfort and my bulwark and He shall fulfil concerning my work.
This fulness we see in the manner what is whispered in the ear becomes common knowledge. " For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known./Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops."( Luke 12:3). The Syrian king had much to fear. His conspiracy was plain before God and before the prophet. (2 Ki.6:8-11)
Luke 12:48
This means the opposite is also true:
To whom little is given, little is required.
A child who cannot speak, reason, or profess faith is not held to the same accountability as an adult.
God is perfectly just - He does not demand what a child cannot do.
2. Jesus explicitly says the Kingdom belongs to children.
"Let the little children come to Me for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these."
Matthew 19:14
Jesus is not saying children may enter - He says the Kingdom already belongs to them.
This is the clearest and most direct comfort for any parent of a disabled or nonverbal child.
3. Children have angels who always see God's face.
"Their angels always behold the face of My Father in heaven."
Matthew 18:10
This means God assigns heavenly oversight and protection to children.
This is not language used for the lost - this is covenant language.
4. God holds children as innocent - not condemned.
"Moreover your little ones who today have no knowledge of good or evil they shall go in and possess the land."
Deuteronomy 1:39
Children who cannot understand "good or evil" are not judged for failing to make a decision they are incapable of.
5. God judges according to the heart - not verbal profession.
"Man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart."
1 Samuel 16:7
A child who cannot speak can still belong to God.
If God sees the heart of infants, He certainly sees the heart of a special-needs child.
6. Scripture shows God saving people who cannot verbally profess faith.
Examples:
Infants ( Exodus 12: children protected under the blood)
Jonah 4:11 - God has mercy on a whole population partly for the sake of "more than 120,000 who cannot tell their right hand from their left."
This shows:
Lack of understanding does not disqualify someone from God's mercy.
7. Jesus is the Good Shepherd - and children belong to His flock.
"It is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that
Luke 18:22 22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
Luke 12:33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
The first two passages apply to a rich man who claimed to have followed the law; no doubt not at God's standards but nonetheless the main issue was his covetous heart related to possessions. The last passage was Jesus talking with His Disciples about His providing basic food and clothing needs (again; as I have emphasized before shelter even for Christ was a nomadic transient thing given His type of ministry).
Considering the meaning here we have to observe the whole pattern of valuing God over family; as Jesus Himself demonstrated when stating "who is my mother and brother ( Matt. 12:58); and then in the next two verses explains that the Disciples are such.
What we can't say is that Jesus wants us to forego all sources of work or financial plans. Jesus Himself worked for most of His adult life before the last few years of ministry; and Paul would provide for himself making tents; and also commended some wealthy women who were beneficial in the ministry. Money was to be set aside the first day of the week; etc.
I can also look in my own life to the house I own; legally I can't sell it even if I wanted to as it is in my Dad's name even though it goes to me when he passes.
What is clear to me is that all of our money should in the present and future plans be planned to support the Lord; in my case I don't have any children to support. Once we "retire" all our time should focus on ministry as health allows.
It is true that in old times, most people had very little, especially concerning food, clothing, shelter, and jobs. Were they content?They had to be content because there was very little they could do to improve their lot, given the sparsity of offerings. But they still lived on 'struggle street' and were very likely anxious, despondent, and driven to desperate actions. But as you wrote, that we have so much more than they, and we live relatively comfortable healthy lives, yet still many today are no better mentally or emotionally than those others, facing pressures from various sources. What they feel will bring them happiness and contentment, is only found to be temporal, ever lusting for more & more to sustain those satisfied feelings. And again, as you wrote, "they are searching for happiness in the wrong places".
But when you think of it, what else does the unbelieving world have in this life? Or, of any hope of eternity? Absolutely nothing. Their lives consist of what they know, have, and feel in the present, for tomorrow we die & are no more. But if they heed Jesus' Words ( Luke 12:15), "..(that) a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth" and they could have greater eternal treasures from Heaven (of full salvation, real joy, inner peace, and power to live righteously), their whole perspective of life & its real worth will be changed for their eternal good. If the Church at large can get out their stagnation & be a living witness to the world, the world might understand their true poverty. Blessings.
An atheist admittedly could look at the wrath of God based on many instances in the O.T. and compare it with Christ asking for those who literally were taking a part in His execution for forgiveness and make a case for God or the Godhead being schizophrenic or at least inconsistent. The same God who cursed the serpent in Eden would place the image of a serpent on a pole as a prefigure for Christ's atoning sacrifice (see Numbers 21:5-7).
Now it may seem sacrilege or at least disrespectful of God for me to even offer such a viewpoint as to the mystery of the council of God ( Deut. 29:29). It almost reminds me of some who in helping a person who say is suicidal by talking points related to such actions. My point is that in either case avoiding touchy subjects isn't going to help us to understand what we should as kings and priests have the concept of ( Proverbs 25:2 but also reflected in many parables told by Christ to that affect).
I pray that this series of postings is edifying; as I don't wish to enter something controversial merely to draw attention to something as a point of fascination.
In this section I am starting with exploring forgiveness as to what it is and what it is NOT. We recall what Jesus stated in regard to blaspheme of the Holy Spirit
Luke 12:10: "And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
In ignorance those who didn't know that Jesus was God in flesh could hurl all sorts of accusations including sarcastically stating to them to get down from the cross. The fact is they all thought that He was the victim of circumstances that were beyond His control rather than a deliberate laying down His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. They also in this thought process couldn't grasp that Jesus would do nothing the Father hadn't instructed.
Luke 12:40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
We have; as it were seemed to come to a critical mass in discussion of end times-specifically; in regard to the Rapture likelihood this Rosh Hashanah. I will summarize briefly what's going down so that we get information clearly.
There are scriptures in Daniel indicating a certain number of days for Daniel's 70th week which apparently add up 2520 days if I am doing the math right. The concept of the Tribulation being between a Rosh Hashanah and future Yom Kippur 7 years later led to a calculation apparently off by one day that is said never to happen again but indeed will many years from now. If we contemplate a possible 10 day interlude ( Revelation 2:10) that is one possibility for at least some to be either in a few days of the Tribulation or God to judge the church immediately prior to the first seal being opened. There are also indications of past fulfillment in regard to this church. The bigger point here is the Rapture could occur another time and doesn't have to be Rosh Hashanah; even though it is symbolic of the day and hour "idiom" that no one knows; Jesus from the above verses could come a time we don't expect which seems to take that away from being a necessity; however He certainly could come days or weeks before that (any day now). This year is interesting as the only one close to 2520 days for a while (if off by a day or two there is the variability of "official" start to Rosh Hashanah.
Big issue has been wrong calculations naively followed without fact checking.
God Father in Heaven, thank you that You are always with Your children. That we should never be afraid because You are with us even in the valley of the shadow of death. We thank You for the Word. We praise Your Holy Name Jesus Christ. He who had to be sacrificed so that we could be cleansed in His blood. Thank You Almighty God. Thank You that You look after our children from now on and forever. And we will thank You for that forever, we pray in Jesus Name, Amen. Luke 12:8-12
Dear God Father in Heaven we pray and lift the kidneys up to the Lord and ask that You touch them, cleanse them once and for all, so that they become really clean and good again. Thank You Jesus for being with us and laying Your hands on these kidneys Jesus, We pray and thank You in Jesus Christ's Holy Name. Amen
Luke 12:8-12
I got after asking the Lord for a word, a word actually! It is in Mat 13:16-17 We thank you for the Word Lord, Hallelujah Praise be to God Almighty!
We know that there have been times when the word was closed to people. But it is no longer so for those who have met Jesus Christ, our Advocate and our Savior.
Dear God Father in Heaven we pray. Thank You God Father in Heaven that You are powerful to do what we ask. Thank you for all our senses and also the ones we are meant to hear with. We pray that You strengthen these ears Lord, so that it will be possible to hear again. Jesus You only needed to say: Be clean! We ask You to do it here in Jesus Christ Holy Name, Amen
1. Peter's Kingdom Gospel (Faith + Works) - For Israel and the Little Flock
Peter's message centered on Israel's prophetic hope, the coming earthly kingdom, and the Messiahship of Jesus. This gospel required faith in Jesus as the Messiah, but it also included repentance, water baptism, and adherence to the law, as seen in Acts 2:38:
"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins..." ( Acts 2:38, KJV)
Key elements:
Audience: Jews (especially "the lost sheep of the house of Israel" - Matthew 10:5-6)
Content: Jesus is the promised Messiah; repent and be baptized.
Requirement: Faith plus works (baptism, continued obedience).
Goal: Entry into the earthly kingdom promised to Israel ( Luke 12:32 - "little flock").
James 2:24 supports this...
"Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only."
This shows that under the Kingdom Gospel, works confirmed faith for salvation, especially for the Jewish remnant.
2. Paul's Grace Gospel (Faith Alone) - For the Body of Christ
Paul preached a new, previously hidden "mystery" gospel revealed to him by Christ ( Galatians 1:11-12; Ephesians 3:1-9). This message was not based on Israel's covenants or prophecy, but on grace alone through faith alone in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ ( 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
Key elements:
Audience: All (Jew and Gentile alike), forming the Body of Christ.
Content: Christ died for our sins and rose again.
Requirement: Faith alone (no works, no law, no baptism required for salvation).
Goal: Salvation unto a heavenly inheritance ( Philippians 3:20; Ephesians 1:3).
Romans 4:5 is definitive:
"But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is
Did they both preach Jesus as Savior, of course, but the requirements for salvation changed with Paul.
c. (cont'd). Or, maybe the illustration that Jesus gave in Luke 12:42-48 is what some might believe are grades of punishment to sinners - the LORD God is always Just in all His doings.
d. Those of Israel who had not the redemptive of Work of Christ done for them as yet, were required to be obedient to God's Commands, fulfil the sacrifices which stayed God's Wrath from them and to await the coming full sacrifice of the Son of God. When they were obedient, this demonstrated a real faith in God's Word to them and God's Work for them. So in Hebrews chapter 11, we see a great number of men and women commended for their faith & martyrs' death, "these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect" ( Hebrews 11:39,40). Both the OT & NT saints will be judged on the same basis: Faith (the one group looking forward to Calvary & the other looking back).
e. There are various beliefs as to when God's Judgements are given, at death or sometime after. From my reading of the Word, I believe there is an immediate judgement for all who die, whose spirit must leave this lifeless body. Jesus gave the account of the rich man & the beggar Lazarus at their respective deaths ( Luke 16:19-31). Here, Jesus (under the OT economy) showed the suffering of the one who lived carelessly & heartlessly in hades & the beggar who struggled to live, but given a place beside Abraham. This appears to be a temporary residence & punishment awaiting further judgement. For the believer post-Cross, our sins have already been judged & we have walked carefully before the LORD. Our only other judgement is given in 2 Corinthians 5:10, otherwise called the "Bema Seat Judgement". Here, our salvation is not in judgement (that was already accomplished at Calvary), but how we have lived this new life & used our gifts for the Lord. To Page 3.
I have listened to some online and my overall conclusion is that now more than ever we need to be clear that judgment is coming; and we need to be ready for His coming. As to the Rapture; one could argue all Christians are raptured. Whatever the truth is in light of the references in my last post I am not taking any chances if I can avoid it. One can surely say many who think they know Christ are fooling themselves and at the very least many will find themselves getting into heaven as through the fire and suffer loss. ( 1 Corinthians 3:15).
Today as I see it and I am sure I have said this several times before if not more often; it is those that profess Christ that often give us the greatest resistance today. There are several reasons for this; first I believe we are well under way with the judgment that begins at the house of God ( 1 Peter 4:17). This causes many to "beat their fellow servants" who are trying to give meat in due season ( Matt. 24:49; and Luke 12:42). Our house truly is divided; and separation among the household of God is most evident today; and that will be followed by the world as a whole. The wheat and the tares will be separated; and soon.
These sobering facts mean that we need to pray that we guard our hearts against such deception ( Proverbs 4:23). Rebuke is in order for those who will listen; and of course we need to pray in particular when to persevere in fellowship and when we need to move on. I am in that process now. We need to discipline ourselves as well as seek Godly counsel and accountability lest we be hearers of the Word and not doers.
Vigilance means being in a constant mindset of prayer. As I probably have said many times by now we can learn a few things from the enemy of our soul; firstly that we need to be as diligent as the accuser to ensure we have confessed all known and unknown sins. If the enemy is constantly on the prowl we can't afford to ever let our guard down.
This posting is somewhat of a sequel to the last one today. It is important to recognize that there are multiple applications to some verses such as Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. This would tie in to Jeremiah 31:33 for instance But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
There are applications for believing Jews as well as Gentiles today (see Romans 10:12); but also of course there is a national sort of repentance for Israel in the last days as 2 Corinthians 3:14 indicates: But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.
Many who are involved with what is called Replacement Theology would contest this concept. I am not here to argue the point but just to declare wait to see before dismissing prophetic statements not yet fulfilled. God's covenants such as with Abraham were said to be everlasting; clearly certain things such as the need for circumcision as a physical sign of being in God's covenant isn't necessary today as indicated by many passages Paul quotes in the New Testament on this subject. Deuteronomy 10:16 apparently mentions this concept as a sort of precursor to how He operates today with the concept of Grace. The law is fulfilled in Christ; not abrogated.
Before I drift too far from the title of this discussion; I will make the statement that ultimately man cannot through sin eliminate the promises of God's covenant(s). The warning; however is that all men are subject to God and thus those who know better about the law for instance receive greater punishment if they don't get saved (see Luke 12:47). God first conv with Adam in a form of a covenant.
As it says in (see Psalm 25) "Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all day." This reminds me of (see Ephesians 2), "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility."And also of verse 13 (see Romans 2),my faith human renounce,"(For not the hearers of the Law are iust before God, but the doers of the Law shalbe iustified;" Even though my faith is still growing and my human understanding feels limited, I rest in these truths.
Even though my faith is still growing and my human understanding feels limited, I rest in these truths.
I also cannot forget one of the most well-known verses, which I've heard many times: 28"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."( romans 8). My hope is in Him, just as it's written in Luke 12:28-34 and in Jude 1:3, where I'm reminded to remain fully committed and present. This is a wake-up call for me - not to be negligent, even if my English vocabulary is still limited. Obedience depend on a willing heart.
In today's world, rushing has become so normal. That's why I often reflect on a chapter that helps me deal with anxiety: Philippians 4:6-9.
He has so many attributes, and one of the first I found in the Bible was lthe manifold wisedome of God. The verses in Luke 14:7-11 summarize my entire text
There is no question that in the final fulfillment of Joel 2:28 testifies: And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: This all is part of the signs and wonders seen in the sun; moon and stars and other events; with the first part of this prophecy happening with Pentecost in Acts 2:16.
The greatest manifestation of these miraculous powers will be with the two Prophets as seen in Revelation 11. This is a reflection of the 2 candlesticks mentioned in Zechariah 4:11-14. There are also the 144,000 from the 12 tribes of Israel mentioned in Revelation 7 and appearing in later chapters. God sets His seal of protection over them for events effecting the earth that seem to appear in the Trumpet Judgments; so they come sometime between the onset of the period and the end of the seal judgments.
The deception of false prophets is a main focus here but the other deception of not believing God's prophets is something dangerous and needs to be considered. This seems to be reflected in the punishment of the sheep and goat judgment in Matthew 25. Those who are in prison and not visited; for instance are indicative of those who are sent to hell. We are reminded of the subject discussed at Sunday School today about the unforgiveable sin in Luke 12:10. Such rebellion is clearly indicated by those who; for instance celebrate with a world wide party once the two prophets are killed; in Revelation 11:7-12.
Shortly afterward; no doubt the Antichrist is hailed as the victor over his own death as well as overcoming these two men who had caused so much suffering for those on the earth. You would think their resurrection would deter them from continuing on this path but they probably in my opinion Antichrist will say he drove them out of the earth where the rest of us are reprogrammed.
I thought about the subject of eschatology; and all relevant passages for the Antichrist in particular and the Tribulation in general which I plan to mention but first off I wanted to cover the idea of why this should be of interest to us at all.
As with any other subject we can either have too little or too much interest or emphasis of such doctrines over any other scriptures. Those who are obsessed with it such as I was when a new believer soon come to realize what Isaiah 33:6 states "And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the Lord is his treasure." We can easily be overwhelmed and loose our mooring if not trusting God in the present day where we are called to the admonition of Luke 19:13 to "occupy" until He comes; and "redeeming the time because the days are evil" ( Eph. 5:16). God's church is still here; albeit compromised as a whole as the Laodicean analogy in Revelation seems to suggest its state will be immediately before the Rapture occurs. On the other hand; those who are not focused on the signs of the times are fairly easy to recognize as they are far too comfortable with their daily patterns of living; often with life's distractions and comforts to hear the alarm bells of the battle coming; because they aren't engaged now in the Ephesians 6 spiritual warfare we are called to do. Still others may think they are going to escape the wrath to come ( 1 Thess. 1:10; etal) but are either not truly saved or so compromised that they don't have the interest to remain in a a life of obedience to the Lord and therefore "smite their fellowservants" when offering meat in due season ( Luke 12:45-46) then his Lord comes at a time they don't expect. Similar admoniutions are in the Gospel of Matthew and Mark. If we aren't careful then we will be swept up with worldly wisdom which seems right to a man but leads to death ( Prov. 14:12).
When Jesus said, take heed, and beware of the covetousness: for a man's life consisted not in the abundance of the things which he possesses.
Pray for Bible believing Christians, and even the heathens to find their worth in Jesus Christ always.
7. Christ was unpredictable. Unlike the imaginary sage or wise man that everybody loved who never said anything hurtful to offend people's feelings; Jesus Himself admitted that He came to cause division rather than peace ( Luke 12:53); yet He also said "blessed are the peacemakers" in Matthew 5:9. He would be invited to homes of the Pharisees; then excoriate them as to how He was treated (see Luke 7:45). His own Disciples were confused as to the necessity of dying in Jerusalem despite many statements about it He had to rebuke Satan when Peter spoke about these things never occurring ( Matt. 16:23). This was the same Peter who shortly before that stated who Christ truly was which only could have come from God ( Matt. 16:15-16). He sidestepped about 10 attempts on His life that we know of; but then deliberately headed toward Jerusalem where He knew He would die. Thomas at least understood it ( John 11:16-26 when he knew of the opposition faced when going back to raise Lazarus from the grave which was within weeks of the crucifixion I believe). His Resurrection sadly wasn't expected once the report came back from the women who were the first to arrive at the grave to see evidence and hear from the angels that He had risen. Women were an important aspect along with the Samaritans and Gentiles which the Pharisees couldn't understand.
I will attempt to look at several specific instances in the life of Christ to show how His approach; forethought and actions represent a perfect man; and how His example and those of the Apostles in the early church show about how and how not to do God's work as everyone had their character traits; flaws and at times outward sins. We therefore can conclude we all should emulate Christ and the Apostles; but we also all live in different situations and have different responsibilities incorporated into the good works He has given us to do planned since the foundation of the world ( Eph. 2:10).
2 Timothy 2:15 helped me understand how to let the Holy Spirit guide me in the right direction to rightly divide the Word in the Bible .
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
We are not to be buff up with knowledge and brag about it and belittle our brethren to shame, but to love one another in prayer and patience so the Holy Spirit will open the understanding spiritually .
1 Thessalonians 4:11
And that yestudyto be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
Only Jesus Christ will approve what we do on earth with our bodies.
2 Corinthians 13:7
Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appearapproved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.
Now that we are saved by believing the resurrection of Christ Jesus, plus nothing, we are to be his workman for good works for a reward in the Heavenly Places.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are hisworkmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
I am not ashamed of the resurrection of Christ Jesus.
Romans 1:16
For I am notashamedof the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Even Jesus Christ divides.
Luke 12:51
Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
1 Corinthians 12:11
But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit,dividingto every man severally as he will.
We are to follow Apostle Paul's epistle for doctrine today because he is our Apostle.
2 Timothy 4:2
Preach theword; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the doctrine of the grace of God.
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.
"The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment." Luke 12:23 KJV
We can be of good cheer this day as Christ came in the flesh and freely gave life to the body.
A little food is good as well as simple adequate clothing, even in the Word. We need not overeat nor overdress in the Life once provided. Jesus in tribulation overcame our death and provides for us His sweet presence by the Holy Ghost.
Many blessings!
Paragraph 1 Line 1: assigned- My interpetation is Jesus death on the cross and resurrection. Paragraph 1 Line 4 Ways-My interpetation to live like Jesus Christ. Ways you can live like Jesus Christ is recieveing God's love John 3:16 KJV. Read your holy bible,learn about God. Come into his sanctuary-today's Christian Church to learn about God and obey him. "God has never willed otherwise " "God is good and well being" Paragraph 1 Line 7 thought-My interpetation You only can have life through Jesus Christ. Paragraph 2 Line 6:My interpetation-Jesus Christ is God of the Universe. Paragraph 2 Line 6-8 grace and perfection.My interpetation John1:4 KJV In my life believing Jesus is the way to life. I had&have faith,plus ,proof,accomplished. Paragraph 2Line:8-13 mankind:-My interpetation Mark 11:17 KJV Yes me being a Christian I have a house of prayer in trusting God that allows me to have what I want and done. Paragraph 2 Line 21 misery- My interpetation-You believe in Jesus Christ Holy One of Israel. That's why you should forsake wickedness and unbelief. Paragraph 2 Line 21-26 .The wonder-My interpetation Luke 12:10-11KJV God saves to believe in him.
Word Spoken and Written by REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
Q: "We are set under the shadow of the Almighty, and yet we are made a spectacle to the world. Can you elaborate on this?"
A: You have quoted St Paul, "for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men." Taking into context of his times a spectacle would suggest the bread and circus where baiting a Christian was a public sport. Unto the immediate circle of kith and kin becoming a Christian was looked at some sort of madness that could not be got rid of except by a good thrashing. But what Paul is referring to his circumstance in Ac.13:2. He did not become an apostle as they could choose to reign if they wanted to without him ministering unto them. Witnessing of a Christian before the world has its secret place under the shadow of the Almighty as well as becoming lights, "That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world"(Ph.2:15). Spectacle unto angels refer the great congregation.
We can understand the significance of the saying of Jesus,"Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops."( Luke 12:3). Nuclear Age was ushered in utmost secrecy. The father of the bomb, a brilliant scientist himself was not trusted, so much so it was as the right hand could not trust the left hand. Despite of all these it spread especially with the Age of internet. In the Bible we read that King of Syria could not keep his war plans either. 2 Ki.6:11) Prophet Elisha only need trust in his God that it was revealed. This brings to my trust in my Saviour King that what I have privately posted online shall be public knowledge. all glory to him. Amen.
Intro: Scripture indicates that there are sheep (saved individuals) and goats (lost souls) in the world. We are indeed in the world but not of it if truly saved. This theme was the introduction to today's sermon on 2 Timothy 3 where our Pastor preached about avoiding the extremes of living in the wilderness with no contact with the outside world and having too much comfort with the world where we are essentially nomads just passing through.
This passage should give us pause to consider that only a few are saved out of the professing church at large. Another theme today was about how Paul's sufferings showed his qualifications as a TRUE Apostle; so contrasted with those today who are almost aways part of some prosperity Gospel congregation or church. Matthew 19:30 was also mentioned as a sobering reminder that those who may appear publicly as famous preachers may be outranked when rewards are given by relatively unknowns doing the Lord's work in relative obscurity during their earthly sojourn. There was mention of someone who attended our church once who lives out of state who is likely to be martyred if she goes to a certain country on an upcoming trip and is transparent about her newfound Christian faith. Having met this person a few months ago I am glad the Pastor brought it up and the upcoming expected date so that I could keep her in prayer. Such individuals should not go unrecognized; and perhaps the prayers of the saints will give a different result (only God allows the date when someone is allowed to kill us).
As our Pastor greeted us after the service he mentioned how many could be tempted to give praise to another god (in this case Allah) to save their own skin (claiming it is showing respect as a sort of social grace). Not so for this person mentioned above.
Unknown martyrs are more than statistics and will be exalted in heavenly places.
John 14:2 - In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Romans 10:9-13 - That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Read More...)
1 Corinthians 2:9 - But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
Revelation 22:1-5 - And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. (Read More...)
Luke 23:43 - And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: (Read More...)
Luke 12:33-34 - Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. (Read More...)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 - Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; (Read More...)
Revelation 21:22-27 - And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. (Read More...)
Hebrews 11:16 - But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
Matthew 13:50 - And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Revelation 20:14 - And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
2 Thessalonians 1:9 - Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
Revelation 20:10 - And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
Psalms 145:20 - The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.
Matthew 5:22 - But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
Hebrews 10:26-31 - For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, (Read More...)
Revelation 14:11 - And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
Luke 16:19-31 - There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: (Read More...)
Luke 12:5 - But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him
COME LORD JESUS
"And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?"
We see the same angel in Ch.10:1 "And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:" All the clues are here. In the inaugural vision of St John we see these features,in vv.15-16, " And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace," " and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength".The same bow in heaven is over his head. So when God tells Noah, "And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you."(Ge.9:15) he is referring indeed the everlasting covenant and Jesus Christ is 'after our likeness' in Ge.1:28. This rainbow zeroes in on the identity of the mighty or strong angel as the Word. The Word was with God and he gives furthermore as the identity of the rider on the white horse, whose bow is referring to the sign in heaven given to Noah. "And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer."(Re.6:2) Without quiver of arrows there is no mistake about him, - he is the Word become flesh and he also claims his purpose."Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division." ( Luke 12:51;Matt.10:34). St Matthew refers to the sword, which is the mark of his office. He is setting out to conquer and conquering. So the colour white establishes his identity as the Word of God. We shall meet him again in Re.19:16.
There isa gap between the two which explains his deity while the Synoptic gospels is about his humanity. There is no 'gap theory', the Spirit provides only what is needful for instruction in righteousness. Without faith it would be useless to fill in irrelevant details in order to satisfy some curious souls.
Luke 12:50 - But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!
He says, but I have a baptism to be baptized with. This is the word BAPTO for immersed. He is not talking about water baptism. He says I'm totally immersed in what I have to do. That's fantastic! I can't always say that about myself. I'll get immersed back with the Lord tomorrow. Today I am busy!
Luke 12:57 - Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?
The word right is the word DIAKOUSOUNAE which means righteousness that which lines up with God. What Jesus is saying here is "Why can't you discern what lines up with God?"
Luke 12:59 - I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.
Jesus says, I tell thee, thou shalt not depart there, till you have paid the very last mite, or LEPTOS.
A LEPTOS is the smallest of Roman coins. It is 1/8th of a cent. He says you are not going to get out of prison till you pay every last LEPTOS.
Luke 12:22 - And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
And again, the word for thought is MERIMNA. That is the word that means to occupy the attention of the mind. Jesus is the first one that introduced this teaching that is taught throughout the New Testament. It is the main word that Paul, and John, and Peter used in their teaching to Christians.
It is translated anxiety or worry or care in the English text, but it is the word MERIMNA, meaning to occupy the attention of the mind. What He is saying here is take no thought for your life, don't be occupied with your life what you shall eat, neither for your body what you shall put on. Those are the necessities. Don't even be occupied with the necessities in life.
Luke 12:39 - And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.
We read this in our English text, and we envision someone breaking down a door or going through a window to break into a house, but here's the beauty of the Greek text. Where it says "broken through, literally in Greek text it says "dug up" because they used to dig up and go under the wall and up through the dirt flooring.
Luke 12:42 - And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
The word wise is not the word SOPHOS for wisdom, but the word PHRONEMOS, which means sensible. Who is that faithful and sensible steward, who his lord shall make ruler over his household (literally household slaves), to give them their portion of meat in due season?
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.
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:/(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)/Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;"
"And bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" is to all intent and purpose is to put on the mind of Christ. This was spelt out in the Sermon on the Mount. "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." Perfection is one single word to define the mind of God. Holy is his name.
Jesus was among them as the Word made flesh. He sat with publicans and sinners but he did no sin and knew no sin. For those who wanted him to be involved in their personal quarrels he simply told them off. "Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?" In his doctrine he set forth the perfection of his Father who sent the rain on the unjust as well as the just. He also said,"And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also."(5:40; Luke 12:13). In the way he obeyed his Father naturally he was like his Father; and in his perfect submission on the cross he established the same mind and same holiness so his name was more excellent than all other names.
"And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man."( John 2:25)
"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;/That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven." Those who are your enemies show the quality of their father while if you have the mind of Christ you shall do just well as he did. It is what putting on Christ signifies.
"And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace./For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ."
The word of God is qualified as word of his grace; "to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified." it is also described as word of his power, "and upholding all things by the word of his power."(Ac.20:32; He.1;3).The same fellowship of God with man is word based. So God by making man a living soul showed grace in action. Blessings must be explained as manifestation of his grace and it is what we received freely. When we received Jesus Christ our Saviour we became part of his fulness and power with which he uphold 'all things' and it gives us foreknowledge as well. Much of it is through the Bible, in which they are given for our admonition upon whom the end of the worlds has come.
On a personal note my word ministry in this open forum as well as in my other blogs is based on that it is addressed to to a great congregation, "I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest."(Ps.40:9). What I believe as revealed by the Holy Spirit and true I have set forth. By the grace given to me I do not count how many more days or months or even decade, God is my comfort and my bulwark and He shall fulfil concerning my work.
This fulness we see in the manner what is whispered in the ear becomes common knowledge. " For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known./Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops."( Luke 12:3). The Syrian king had much to fear. His conspiracy was plain before God and before the prophet. (2 Ki.6:8-11)