Discuss Matthew 16 Page 7

Amen S Spencer,

Very well put. The same Spirit, also John 15:26-27, during those times, fulfilling the law and the prophets was a purpose. What can be unclear sometimes it was to the Jews first, it was not until all the prophecies concerning this had to be fulfilled. The beginning of the Church was Jews only and the law was still in play until Peters dream and Paul as we see in Acts 10 and Acts 15 and other places.

There is one thing I repeat over and over when I read or study is "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear". It reminds me to shake out my thoughts and preconceived ideas where I can hear what Jesus through the Holy Spirit is ready to show me. I still have much to hear and each time it is a wow, praise God moment.

God bless,

RLW

Great reply Ronald.

I believe all through the scripture it supports the view the Holyspirit empowers the believer and as the scriptures you pointed out it took the dwelling of the Holyspirit to perform in them to minister under this new covenant. You see it in the life of Peter here in Luke 22:32. When was Peter strengthened and start to perform? It's obvious in scripture after he was empowered. Christ was preaching his death and resurrection, but they couldn't receive it. In Luke 18:31-34. he declared to them what the Prophets has written, and they still couldn't grasp it because it hidden from them.

Also, in John 16:12-14. seems to suggest the same thing. The preaching of the Cross was hidden from their eyes, and it seems Paul is mentioning the same thing throughout his epistles speaking of the natural man. 1 Corinthians 2:7-14.

The Holyspirirt is essential for understand and walk. Once he reveals his truth to us they're written on our hearts it takes him to exercise those truths in us and perfect our walk. we respond to the truth by the power of the Holyspirit, likewise the Apostles.

For it is God which worketh in you both to "will" and to do of his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13.

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. John 6:63.

The bible is not like our textbooks in school, what we have here has to be revealed to you, 1 Corinthians 1:18-21.

Also: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31.

You see the Holyspirits power over the flesh in Romans 8:1-14.

You see the Holyspirirt working in us through baptism given us power to cease from sin in Romans 6:1-18.

You see the contrast of the two natures in Romans 7:1-6. and so on. Here we see the contrast of what we had when we were under the law compared to what we have in Christ.

God bless.

Chris

I understand your point of view.

I just think we are to speak truthfully and lovingly about brethren, alive today or who lived long ago. I just think that it is wrong to disparage the apostles when we do not know the content of their minds, hearts,or faith.

Dear Ronald

Your point is well taken.

Those of us today know Jesus from the perspective of completed Scripture. The apostles lived out the events of Jesus' life and, though believing Hom to be the Messiah and Son of God, they did not come to know Hom as Savior until He rose from the dead and gave them understanding of what He was teaching them. So, yes, they were afraid for good reason. If they crucified Jesus, then they, too, we in danger.

We do not know what was in their minds and hearts during this time, but they believed in Jesus and He preserved their faith through all the events of His differing and death.

Because only Jesus knew the apostles thoroughly and we do not, I defend the apostles when people speak against them. As you mentioned, none of us can be so smug as to think we would act any differently than the apostles if we were in their shoes. We should be respectful of them as those hand picked by Jesus to disciple and then send out into the world to spread the good news of Him in a hostile world.

God bless Gigi this is jcbu undercover debate is good but was just thinking that this is where the bible is questioning the readers? About there individual covenant with God.This is were believers in the comments in the bible have an oppourtunity to write their faith in the book of life.I Tim Legarie will not deny my saviour Jesus Christ.God bless you have a God day.

I can only respond to your first sentence.With scripture.Mathew 26:34 Jesus said unto him verily,I say unto thee,That this night before the cock crow,thou shall deny me thrice.My name is Tim Legarie ,and I will not deny Jesus Christ.

Hi Donna. I think that 'doubt' is a very natural, logical mental attitude, as if we accept everything a person says or given from the media, we would become very vulnerable & looked upon as gullible. By definition, 'doubt' is to show uncertainty about something, or to even express distrust or suspicion. It is a human trait that can be both used correctly (as in wanting more information to verify facts), or incorrectly (holding onto an understanding/belief when the one giving the information is actually trustworthy). A little child will always be vulnerable as he/she will readily accept the words of another. Some adults are also notoriously gullible, easily swayed by a person's convincing argument & presentation. But the wise person, will take to heart what is given & pursue research or other checks to ascertain the truth.

You mentioned Thomas. Normally, one could say that he was a wise & careful man wanting more proof of the Lord's resurrection. But his doubt was unjustified because he already received the Lord's Words about the resurrection ( Matthew 16:21; John 2:18-22; John 10:17,18) & the men who brought him this news were his trustworthy friends & partners. So we see here, that Thomas was the type that wouldn't settle on anyone's words, even the Lord's, only accepting what he could physically see or touch. So Jesus' Words to him, "be not faithless, but believing". For Thomas' faith to be real, he had to believe what was told to him by worthy competent people. Just as we express faith in God's Word for its Truth & its Authorship, unlike those who reject God, who also doubt His Word.

So, you can talk to God about things that you don't understand - for His Spirit to make it clear to you. This is not doubt - just honest inquiries to learn more. But it would be doubt if God's Word makes it plain to you & you want more proof or try to find anything to change that Word. Gideon laid out his 'fleece' before the Lord ( Judges 6:36-40) showing doubt in God's clear Word.

Indeed GiGi. I think that other folks' opinion on this is based on the Gift of the Holy Spirit Who baptizes, indwells, seals & empowers for life & service. The question therefore is, if the disciples did not experience this mysterious blessed Act of the Spirit till Pentecost, then what was their spiritual condition prior?

For this matter & many others, I always first ascertain which dispensation are we looking at. Clearly, the Lord, his chosen disciples, & all whom they encountered were still living under the Old Dispensation: of the Law, looking towards the Messiah of God & His Salvation (albeit not the salvation they expected). Therefore, in respect to the disciples, they like all others (even Noah, Abraham, Jacob, etc.), were subject to God, living in a sinful condition yet expressing devotion & trust in God to forgive them & help them. And if the saints of old were commended for their faith, not even receiving the promise ( Hebrews 11:39), we cannot discount them from being true believers & worshippers of God. But once the Sacrifice of Jesus was completed, the Requirement for forgiveness (both theirs & ours) was accepted & sealed by God: the Blood availed in full efficacy for those once under the Law & those believing without the Law.

The disciples obviously were in an interesting point in time, having been subject to the Law & pharisaical demands, then meeting & believing in the One Who would abrogate the Law that only brought sin & death ( Romans 7:6-11), & then receiving the anointing & indwelling of the Spirit, Who would guarantee freedom from the penalty, hopelessness & powerlessness of that Law. Were the disciples in any different dispensation than those of previous millennia? The same God Who accepted the faith & worship of Jacob under the Law, would accept these simple followers of Christ by their faith & obedience, awaiting not many days hence, when the Law could no longer kill, but they would have the Spirit Who would give them life & power to live.

God bless Gigi never be offended for seeking! o o o ooo ooo Jesus said to Peter you will deny me 3 times before the cock crows Now I do not Know what I would do then.But now I am Tim Legarie and I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins and set me freeeeeeeeee.In the movie we talked about were the police man was convinced he was guilty of rape he was drinking and when you drink it can allow in evil spirits like he believed he was guilty of raping his daughters because he blacked out and would believe anyone that told him what he had done evil spirits.BEWARE!He was not guilty,innocent but the devil had convinced him in his blackout that he was guilty and even put it into his head.Temperance temperance temperance Nothing can not be done good!If not done for God! Revelation the dragon from the sea china the virus powers and princeapalities.We are all on this journey together we can grow o o o o o o o! 123 Father Son Holy Spirit guide us all Lord with your wisdom ,and knowledge.AMEN

Thanks Chris

It does seem that some who have posted on this forum seem to think that they knew for sure that the spiritual state of the apostles either before Pentecost was of unbelievers. Scripture does not support that view.

Those who speak against the apostles are speaking ill of people who are not here to defend themselves. Thankfully, Scripture gives us the truth.

I believe Jesus knew more than anyone what yhesen believed and what they needed to learn before He ascended. To think that the Holy Spirit was going to do what Jesus could not is disturbing. God is a unity of persons and all three work together to accomplish the divine will.

If the Holy Spirit can regenerate people after Pentecost as the apostles preached the gospel, then Jesus could regenerate the apostles when He taught them the truth these men needed to know to believe in Him. They heard Him preach, learned from Him in intimate settings, observed His miracles, met with Him after He resurrected, saw Him ascend to heaven.

They knew who He was and what He had done for salvation before Pentecost. Jesus taught them these things before He ascended. To me, it is obvious that Jesus accomplished in each of His apostles prior to Pentecost the very saving faith that the apostles would see generated in others as they preached the gospel.

But I guess that some speak negative words about these men as if, it seeks, they think that they know Jesus better than the apostles did.

So, I speak up about this view because it isn't supported by the Word and this view can lead some to discount the writings and accounts of these apostles in the Scripture. It is important to not bear false witness against others, especially believers.

Thanks Chris

It does seem that some who have posted on this forum seem to think that they knew for sure that the spiritual state of the apostles either before Pentecost was of unbelievers. Scripture does not support that view.

Those who speak against the apostles are speaking ill of people who are not here to defend themselves. Thankfully, Scripture gives us the truth.

I believe Jesus knew more than anyone what yhesen believed and what they needed to learn before He ascended. To think that the Holy Spirit was going to do what Jesus could not is disturbing. God is a unity of persons and all three work together to accomplish the divine will.

If the Holy Spirit can regenerate people after Pentecost as the apostles preached the gospel, then Jesus could regenerate the apostles when He taught them the truth these men needed to know to believe in Him. They heard Him preach, learned from Him in intimate settings, observed His miracles, met with Him after He resurrected, saw Him ascend to heaven.

They knew who He was and what He had done for salvation before Pentecost. Jesus taught them these things before He ascended. To me, it is obvious that Jesus accomplished in each of His apostles prior to Pentecost the very saving faith that the apostles would see generated in others as they preached the gospel.

But I guess that some speak negative words about these men as if, it seeks, they think that they know Jesus better than the apostles did.

So, I speak up about this view because it isn't supported by the Word and this view can lead some to discount the writings and accounts of these apostles in the Scripture. It is important to not bear false witness against others, especially believers.

Thanks Chris

It does seem that some who have posted on this forum seem to think that they knew for sure that the spiritual state of the apostles either before Pentecost was of unbelievers. Scripture does not support that view.

Those who speak against the apostles are speaking ill of people who are not here to defend themselves. Thankfully, Scripture gives us the truth.

I believe Jesus knew more than anyone what yhesen believed and what they needed to learn before He ascended. To think that the Holy Spirit was going to do what Jesus could not is disturbing. God is a unity of persons and all three work together to accomplish the divine will.

If the Holy Spirit can regenerate people after Pentecost as the apostles preached the gospel, then Jesus could regenerate the apostles when He taught them the truth these men needed to know to believe in Him. They heard Him preach, learned from Him in intimate settings, observed His miracles, met with Him after He resurrected, saw Him ascend to heaven.

They knew who He was and what He had done for salvation before Pentecost. Jesus taught them these things before He ascended. To me, it is obvious that Jesus accomplished in each of His apostles prior to Pentecost the very saving faith that the apostles would see generated in others as they preached the gospel.

But I guess that some speak negative words about these men as if, it seeks, they think that they know Jesus better than the apostles did.

So, I speak up about this view because it isn't supported by the Word and this view can lead some to discount the writings and accounts of these apostles in the Scripture. It is important to not bear false witness against others, especially believers.

Thanks Chris

It does seem that some who have posted on this forum seem to think that they knew for sure that the spiritual state of the apostles either before Pentecost was of unbelievers. Scripture does not support that view.

Those who speak against the apostles are speaking ill of people who are not here to defend themselves. Thankfully, Scripture gives us the truth.

I believe Jesus knew more than anyone what yhesen believed and what they needed to learn before He ascended. To think that the Holy Spirit was going to do what Jesus could not is disturbing. God is a unity of persons and all three work together to accomplish the divine will.

If the Holy Spirit can regenerate people after Pentecost as the apostles preached the gospel, then Jesus could regenerate the apostles when He taught them the truth these men needed to know to believe in Him. They heard Him preach, learned from Him in intimate settings, observed His miracles, met with Him after He resurrected, saw Him ascend to heaven.

They knew who He was and what He had done for salvation before Pentecost. Jesus taught them these things before He ascended. To me, it is obvious that Jesus accomplished in each of His apostles prior to Pentecost the very saving faith that the apostles would see generated in others as they preached the gospel.

But I guess that some speak negative words about these men as if, it seeks, they think that they know Jesus better than the apostles did.

So, I speak up about this view because it isn't supported by the Word and this view can lead some to discount the writings and accounts of these apostles in the Scripture. It is important to not bear false witness against others, especially believers.

Hey Jcbu, Chris, and GiGi,

The apostles did not deny or abandon Jesus they were confused, scared, shocked. They believed Jesus was the Messiah and the Son of God, they did not doubt that. Even though Jesus told them several times, Jesus being arrested, crucified, buried, and resurrected, Matthew 17:22-23, Matthew 20:18-19 John 20:9, and more. It was hidden from them. Luke 18:32-34. When He was arrested, crucified, and buried in a tomb they were in shock.

During the time they were with Jesus they thought He was going to set up the kingdom then. They even asked Him before He ascended if He was going to set up the kingdom, Acts 1:6. When He was killed, they did not know what to do, the Messiah, Jesus the Son of God was supposed to set up the kingdom, now He is dead. For three days they mourned and cried not knowing what they would do now.

Then Jesus told them when He met and ate with them and opened their eyes where they would understand, Luke 24:44-47. The purpose of His death and resurrection was hidden from them and Satan. Things was held from them and much they did not remember as Jesus told them in John 14:26.

We think about all the apostles were told and being with Jesus for 3.5 years how we would act if we were there. It is not that simple, as John wrote if everything that Jesus said was written down the world could not hold it, John 22:25.

They never lost their faith they were just in shock for three days and as we see 120 of the disciples were together at Pentecost,

God bless,

RLW

Hi GiGi. I often think of John 6:66-69 when confronted with the thought of the disciples' spiritual condition: "From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God."

There were those of Jesus' other disciples (other than the 12), who turned their backs to the Lord, but the 12, bar Judas, remained faithful even though their love & faith in the Lord were often severely tested. As Peter exclaimed, 'to whom can we turn to, to receive the words of eternal life, You the promised Messiah of God?' Maybe, our expectations of the disciples are oddly higher than for the rest of us, given their personal encounter with Jesus & witness of His Glory & Power. But we fail to remember that they were like us in every way, with their doubts, fears, & questions, & they could hardly envisage how their lives would change when the Holy Spirit would one day empower them to live for the Lord, to teach the Truths of God & one day to die for Him. These traits should be characteristic of each one of us who have been touched & changed by God's Spirit, or else we would be mere followers, ever hungering, walking unsteadily, living with doubts & fears. "Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."

Jcbu

Hi

My understanding from reading the last chapters of each Godpel after the resurrection, all of the apostles (except Judas) returns to Jesus, though they had deserted Him during His trial, suffering and death.

Jesusmet and ate with them multiple times after the resurrection and their faith in Him was restored.

It is untrue that the apostles did not believe the gospel until Pentecost. They were empowered for the mission of evangelism at Pentecost, but the last chapters of the gospels and Acts 1 shows us that they believed and were taught by Jesus.

It baffles me that many people seem to believe what you stated despite the evidenc of Scripture. Perhaps some people judge the apostles by their own mindset and not by what Scripture actually says.

The Scripture gives us no reason whatsoever to think that these apostles were not believers before Pentecost.

I encourage you and others to read these passages in the Gospels and Acts 1 to find out more about the apostles Jesus selected to take the Gospel of Him to the world. He did not make a mistake in choosing them nor did He not teach them and ensure they had received faith to believe in Hom before He ascended. To think otherwise is an insult to our Lord and unbelief in what He is able to do and desired to do in His apostles. Read the Last Supper Discourse in John and see how Jesus speaks to and about the apostles.

Jcbu, I am not trying to be critical of your post. I just felt urged to speak to this one item in your post. I appreciate your thoughts.

The whole world at that time turned on Jesus Christ even the apostles denied him for a time.Until the Holy Spirit came to them in the upper room.When Jesus died he died for the sin's of the whole world forgive them father they know not what they do.THe father son and holy spirit came to save us all from ourselves,and show the path to heaven.In Jesus name Lord guide my steps ,guide my words,guide my heart.Each person has their own cross to bear,so each person has to have an individual relationship with God through Jesus Christ ,and the Holy Spirit.The gifts of the Holy Spirit,wisdom,understanding,counsel,fortitude,knowledge,piety,and fear of the Lord.The twelve fruits are charity,(or love),joy,peace,patience,kindness,goodness,long-suffering,gentleness,faith,modesty,(or self control,or temperance),and chastity,(not having sexual intercourse outside of marriage)

To add to discussion. In a Country where people are subject to a King & Governors in Monarchy I can see where, 1 Peter 2:13,14,may apply a little more directly. but please read, 1 Peter 2:12-25, Please note: 1 Peter 2:19, even here "in good conscience toward GOD endure grief, suffering wrongfully" interesting words Con= opposing, Science...? GOD is GREAT!

There are many differences in Todays Governments.

We here in The USA are not "subjects" in our Declaration of Independence & Constitutional documents Federal & ALL States; we clearly do away with that. If you're in USA we Are The People, One Nation Under GOD. The Governing authority is ours, & it is our duty to act against Tyranny.

Side not: Recently I've received emails stating The US Supreme Court has blocked the "mandate" against a (governing agency to force companies to require vax) the Virginia Governor sworn in Sat. Jan.15, 2022. 1st Executive Orders, eliminate those regulatory wrongs even within schools. These past difficult tyrannical years should teach us to be wise for the future.

If we receive anything to save ourselves be careful = Luke 9:24, Mark 8:35, Matthew 16:25, Luke 17:33,

Hopefully this is helpful in your discussion.

We really do not know how God has judged Judas this side of heaven. He sinned, As we all have. And he repented , as we all should. But as to his salvation or condemnation, that is in God's wisdom to decide, not ours.

But ; we have no idea if Judas repented , plus he hadda lot of help in dying , the cannites couldn't let him off the hook ,..

Judas attempted to return the money but they would not accept it which further added to his guilt. Also Jesus had already spoken that one would betray him so they asked of Judas was a must. Not everyone will be saved and this is evident by the actions of Judas

Hey Rick,

Death is something we all will face; many believe our body dies and our soul lives on. Is our soul immortal? Can we take 2 Corinthians 5:8 when we die our soul leaves our body and we are present with the Lord? Some define death as a separation of the soul from the body. Does that come from scripture? I have not found that in scripture.

It comes from Greek philosophy of Plato. He wrote the body is a prison for the soul and viewed death as the means of freedom for the soul. The philosophy of death started blending in the church in the second century and those good souls go to heaven and the bad goes to hell and more. Many see the parable in Luke 16:19-31 as fitting this. If you read the chapter Jesus is talking about the unrighteous love mammon and neglect the true riches.

My understanding from scripture every part of us is mortal and when we die, we sleep in the dust, Job 14:12-14, Job 17:13-16, Ecclesiastes 9:5-10 until resurrection. When this mortal puts on immortality 1 Corinthians 15:52-58, and we will be absent from this flesh body. Then those that are Christs will be judged and receive our rewards. Matthew 16:27, Revelation 22:12 that is our hope, 1 Thessalonians 2:19

We will sleep in the dust, Daniel 12:2, 1Theselonians 4:14 and this is not from heaven, it is from around the world to meet Jesus in the air coming down to Israel the start the 1000 years at His coming. Matthew 24:31 Zechariah 14:4.

This is my understanding of scripture.

God bless,

RLW

Deny yourself trust in Jesus. Matthew 16:24

Dgjot,

I have read your posts and if I may point out a few things you may look at about Peter. I agree by using Matthew 16:18 making Peter what the Catholic Church is built on is misplaced because Jesus is the corner stone which the foundation is laid and if we look in Revelation 21:14 there twelve.

You may think of Peter being cowardly for denying Jesus but remember he was the one who cut off the ear of that guy when they came to arrest Jesus, and Peter was the only one who followed them to where they took Jesus. Did Peter repent, it is not written the words he said but it does tell us he went out, and wept bitterly, Matthew 26:75. Also Jesus made him say he loved Him three times, John 21:15-17.

There is one thing to keep in mind, even though Jesus told them several times, Jesus being arrested, crucified, buried, and resurrected was hidden from them. Luke 18:32-34. Then Jesus told them when He met and ate with them and opened their eyes where they would understand, Luke 24:44-47. In Matthew 16:22 Peter thinking Jesus was going to set up the kingdom there was no way he was going to be killed and the purpose of His death was hidden from them and Satan.

All during the time they were with Jesus they thought He was going to set up the kingdom then. They even asked Him before He ascended, Acts 1:6 and I am sure Peter and the others were confused thinking Jesus was going to set up the kingdom but here He is arrested and possibly going to be killed.

The reason you see a difference in Paul, Peter and the other 11 were told to only go to the lost sheep of Israel, Jerusalem first, to the Jews first, this is why the early battles about the Gentiles not having to be circumcised and obey the law. Acts 15, Peter had his dream in Acts 11. It was a learning curve for them that it took some time, but it is part of fulfilling prophecy.

If you considered this already, please disregard just thought it would help.

God bless,

RLW

Sister GiGi,

Amen. You are correct, Peter was human like all of us, and Jesus must have seen alot in Peter, as Jesus built his Church on Apostle Peter, (The Rock) and gives him "the keys to the kindom of Heaven" this scripture says it all!

Matthew 16:15-19

15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?

16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

God Bless.

Recently, I was pondering in my mind with the LORD about this account & I knew there would be a discussion about this. For some of us it's easier to fight, much more difficult to submit to circumstances beyond our control; especially when it's unjust. I relate with Peter. I was thinking how Peter had come to the realization the Jesus was the CHRIST, MESSIAH. Jesus had just said : Luke 22:27-30.

Is there much more knowledge we're supposed to get from this?

Luke 22:36, Luke 22:38, 2 swords enough? Do you think Jesus was being literal or testing them? Do you feel the act of aggregation saved the Disciples? John 18:8-9, ( I've thought that) but look at: John 18:10. "Then._." it seems to be after Jesus had already set their pardon.

Luke 22:40,42, Luke 22:43-46, Matthew 26:36-44, Mark 14:33-39, Zechariah 13:7, ( Mark 14:27 , Matthew 26:56 )

Matthew 16:15-27,

* Mark 14:27, offended? Matthew 26:33-35,

Mark 14:42-50, Luke 22:47-51, John 18:10-11, Matthew 26:50-52, Were they offended because Jesus didn't fight, nor let them? after He had said to get swords? Would we be offended if Jesus healed our enemy, we thought we were defending Him from? Then rebuke them/Peter or us openly? John 18:6, Matthew 26:53,

Luke 22:54, John 18:15, Why did Peter follow? Luke 22:33, Where is our strength? In our flesh & resolve, or GOD & HIS will?

Mark 14:29-31,

Luke 22:55-62,

Matthew 10:17-22, Matthew 10:28-34,

Acts 12:1-12,

Romans 8:34-39,

Ephesians 6:10-18,

Do you think it was much easier to fight? Matthew 26:41, Luke 22:32,

Isaiah 55:8-9,

Where have all of the real preachers gone? Preachers that preach the real WORD, the good, bad, and the ugly!

Today many preachers strive to be entertainers. They should be more concerned about being "teachers of the truth" and messengers of the true Gospel of Jesus Christ!

What happened to "humble man of God" who preached directly from the bible? Gave us more scripture, and less ear tickling!

2 Timothy 4:3

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;"

So many people are looking to be entertained and have their ears tickled today. Many don't want to hear the real gospel, and what is really required to achieve salvation. Many of the new contemporary Christians today, believe that God is only loving and good, and that they can live a worldly lifestyle and still receive salvation. Based on the current popular christian thinking - Hey we all get to go to heaven! DON"T BELIEVE THIS!

You can't have your worldly life, and get salvation too! Don't believe me - read the bible scripture below - Jesus is telling you.

Matthew 16:25

"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it."

Happy Sabbath Day, and God Bless!

Dear Valerie,

It means not to live for the worldly things, we are to live for Christ.

Taking up our cross to follow Christ means we should have a commitment to giving up our worldly dreams, possessions, and change our life, and strive to live a new life.

Matthew 16:24

"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"

How many people want to hear and acknowledge this, and change?

God Bless

No one can come to the Father unless He draws Him first ( John 6:44). His sheep hear His voice ( John 10:27). I recommend that you read this book in particular to understand election. The god of this world has blinded the minds of men who don't believe ( 2 Cor. 4:4). Parables were hidden from the Pharisees; and only the Holy Spirit could reveal that Jesus was the Son of God ( Matthew 16:17). Once again the Father was the one who did the revealing.

The only unforgiveable sin was blasphemy of the Holy Spirit ( Matthew 12:31-32). This related to people seeing Christ's miracles and attributing them to Beezlebub (or Satan). Most people would when they saw His miracles think that he was a prophet; or good man as Peter indicated the general response was earlier when Christ asked who men thought He was. This is much like looking at the Sermon on the Mount and all those who Christ declared blessed and thinking somehow a person could be virtuous by doing a bunch of good works alone. Many are called; few are chosen ( Matthew 22:14). Satan of course will do many signs and wonders in Revelation 13 through the false prophet to draw men to worship the Antichrist. There are many evil spirits that are deceiving men today. When Christ did miracles; he would ask people at times to go back to the leaders to confirm the healing was genuine and be officially declared "clean".

Jesus asked the Pharisees which was harder; forgiving sins or healing ( Matthew 9:5). Jesus indeed did healings without preaching salvation many times; but he would say go and sin no more lest something worse happens to you to a man paralyzed most of his life ( John 5:14). This can be seen also with the woman about to be stoned ( John 8:11). In this; we can see that the Presence of the Holy Spirit Christ draws all men (that He has called and chosen) to Himself.

This is also true in Acts; the Apostles didn't beg to get more converts; people said what must I do to be saved ( Acts 16:30).

The Lord expects us to be aware of things happening..Not be asleep spiritually.

Genesis 1:14 - And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: Matthew 16:3

And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?

Matthew 24:24

For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Mark 16:20

And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.

Luke 21:25

And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;

John 4:48

Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.

Acts 1:7

And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

1 Thessalonians 5:1

But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

2 Timothy 4:2-4 - Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

Be watchful, looking up. Keep a ear out for 3rd Temple building in Israel; completion.