Discuss Matthew 7 Page 8

Hi Mae.

Part 1.

Yes salvation is by grace alone.

Romans 3:28.

Galatians 2:16.

Every verse emphasizing salvation in the Bible presents this grace when read in context.

When the Lord judge the quick and the dead you are going to have to present yourself spotless!!

THAT MEANS NOT JUST REFRAINING FROM SIN, NOT EVER EVEN THINKING OF COMMITTING SIN. ( EVER!!!) Sin is in the Heart. The penalty of sin is death.

We had to be bought by THE "UNBLEMISHED" BLOOD OF CHRIST.

When we attempt to add our works/filthy rags to Christ unblemished sacrifice those filthy rags shows up at the judgment seat alone without Christ and is rejected.

That's what Jesus is saying in Matthew 7:22-23.

Man working for salvation doesn't change the Heart of Man. The Lord came to give a new Heart, not repair the old one.

Let's look at Ephesians 2.

Notice what's highlighted.

Ephesians 2:3-5. Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, FULFILLING THE DESIRES OF THE FLESH AND OF THE MIND; AND WERE BY NATURE THE CHILDREN OF WRATH, even as others.

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

Even when we were dead in sins, hath QUICKENED us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

We "WERE" by nature children of wrath. What happened? We were QUICKENED!!

Notice the order of events.

Ephesians 2:8-10. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Not of works, lest any man should boast.

For we are his WORKMANSHIP, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS UNTO GOOD WORKS, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Now let's take this mindset to the book of James and see what he is actually saying.

See part 2.

Yes because God himself shall wipe their tears away. And we will get to sit with Jesus in his throne Rev. 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. Seems above what we can comprehend, but it is what the Bible says.

Hey Linda,

Yes, it is for real, we will not be in these corruptible flesh bodies, 1 Corinthians 15:53.

Revelation 21:1-3 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

Revelation 22:1-4 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. 2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.

I don't think our human minds can comprehend what it will be like, I know I can't.

God bless,

RLW

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

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

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

Linda,

I believe it is true, as Jesus would not lie. When we die and live in again in eternity, we will be pure of heart because the sin nature will be removed from us. We will see God in Jesus our Savior.

In the Book Of Matthew chap.5 In the Beatitudes it says Blessed is the pure in heart for they shall see God. Do they mean that for real? Would you actually see God?

Hi bro Giannis,

I enjoyed your comments on this Holy Sabbath Day, and thanks for sharing!

I also observe many people in the world choosing to ignore Jesus Christ and His Gospel of the Kingdom. It is very sad to see the rejection, but it coincides with much of the scripture which tells us so many times that "few people will enter into God's Kingdom".

Matthew 22:14

"For many are called, but few are chosen."

Luke 13:23-24

"Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them," "Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able."

Matthew 7:14

"Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."

The emphasis coming directly from the mouth of Jesus saying "few there be that find it". If these bible verses don't move a Christian to "take notice" of themselves, nothing well.

Are we truly picking up our crosses and following Christ? Are we living our lives as part of this world? Jesus tells us that we can't do both!

Matthew 16:25

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

People need to take the bible to heart and NOT be lulled into thinking/believing they are (forever saved) while at the same time living their worldly lives.

Matthew 16:26

"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?"

There are many false teachers, and preachers out there telling others that you can still live a worldly life and still have a "free ticket to heaven".

Any wonder why Jesus tells us over and over that FEW will be saved!

GB You

Matthew 24:13 "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."

Hebrews 10:36 "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise."

2 Corinthians 5:10 - For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Revelation 2:10 "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."

Matthew 12:32 "...but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come."

Matthew 7:21-23

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."

Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"

James 2:14-26 "...faith, if it hath not works, is dead..."

James 2:19 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."

1 Peter 1:13 "...hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"

John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."

1 Peter 1:5 - "...salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."

1 Cor 9:24-27 run the race

Matthew 12:31-32

Romans 14:12

2 Peter 3:17

Luke 8:5-18

1 Timothy 4:1

2 Peter 2:20-22

Hebrews 3:12

Galatians 5:4

1 Corinthians 15:2-8

2 Peter 2:20-21

Romans 11

Hebrews 6:4-6

Important to read all scripture in its full context, not just cherry pick. When reading in context its obvious from countless passages, parables, teachings that God wants us to obey him! Satan deceives believers into assuming doing evil is ok; it's not.

Job 23:14

For HE (the Father, Spirit, Life) performeth the thing that is appointed for me (the Body).......

Philippians 2:13 For it is God (the Father, Spirit, Life) that worketh in you (the Body) both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.

Ephesians 4:4 ONE BODY .....ONE SPIRIT .....

Ephesians 4:6 ONE GOD and Father of ALL .....

Not many BELIEVE that the LIFE in their BODY is CHRIST.

Matthew 7:14 Because straight is the gate, and narrow is the way, that leadeth unto LIFE, and few there be that find it.

John 10:10 .....I am come that they might HAVE LIFE ......

John 19:28 I give unto them ETERNAL LIFE ...

1 Timothy 6:18 WHO only (CHRIST ONLY) hath immortality, dwelling in the LIGHT which no man can approach unto .....

John 11:25 I am the resurrection, and THE LIFE .....

John 14:6 ....I am THE LIFE .....

John 20:31 ....and that BELIEVING you might have LIFE through HIS NAME .....

Revelation 22:4 ....and HIS NAME shall be in their foreheads .....

Revelation 3:12 ...and I will write upon him MY NAME .....

Acts 2:38 ....be ye baptised every one of you IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST .....

John 17:21 That they all may be ONE, as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also be ONE IN US ......

God Bless You.

Praying in Jesus name

1John 2:27,

John 14:13,14, John 16:23,

Luke 11:2-13, Matthew 6, Matthew 7:7-12, John 15:7,16, 1John 3:22, 1John 5:14,15,

Matthew 18:19, Matthew 21:22,

James 1:5, Matthew 6,

Hopefully these are even more helpful, straight from GOD's book,

John 17,

Part 8.

Jesus says in John 15:1-2 "my Father is the husbandman." Vine dresser"

This emphasizes fruit barring is a work of the Holyspirirt, not of you.

Let's consider that for a moment, FRUIT IS NOT GIFTS AND IT'S NOT SERVING AND IT'S NOT BY COMMAND.

So, when we come across these scriptures John 13:34-35. Mattthew 7:20. 1 John 2:11. 1 John 4:20. these are the marks of a Christian and is the ONLY way they are identified! And if you cannot be Identified by this you have John 15:6 to deal with.

Your faithfulness, intelligence, commitment, being noble, teaching, serving is all good but you're not identified as a Christian by none of these and can be told I "NEVER" knew you! Matthew 7:22-23.

Let's be clear on the recipient of this love that validates our position.

We are to love everyone, but our validation is specifically towards the Brothern.

The passages in 1 John speaks expressly about HATING you Brother.

God is truth, God is light, and God is Love. We are to worship God in truth and in Spirit. When the truth is spoken it shines light on darkness, and those in darkness hates the light and they will hate you!

HUMILITY.

Another fruit with great virtue. Woks of the law couldn't bring this either. It brought pride!

Being connect to the genuine vine brings humility. Look at what the Lord tells the Pharisees in Matthew 21:33-44. Right away you see the contrast of the two vines. Israel was to be a vine, but they became a degenerate vine. Jeremiah 2:9.

Now, place your attention on vs 43. Therefore, say I unto you, the kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. (The Church) Peter calls the Church a Holy nation in 1 Peter 2:9.

Humility cast out pride doesn't it. We tend to want to place our spirituality on things we do, putting ourselves on display and pointing people towards us instead of Christ.

more to come.

Its Christ faith were saved by not ours!

See part 9.

Dear Chris, about John's baptism being a commandment of God or not lets read Luke 7::29-30

"And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified (why justified?) God, being baptized with the baptism of John.

But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him."

The greek text instead of the word "counsel" has the word "will". So it was God's will, a commandment, that Jesus obeyed although there was no need for Him to do. It is a very serious mistake for someone to not follow God's commandments. Matthew 7:21"21

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." The belief that one when once saved is always saved even if he disobeys God commandments (having the belief that because this is a man's work that don't save) is objected by that as well as many other verses. But that will be answered by me in another post. Have a nice weekend. GBU

Part 7.

Fruit barring.

Let's keep these two verses in mind while we go through this section.

Matthew 22:36-37. and 1 John 4:21.

and remember the context in the previous sections.

Notice the highlights!

Jesus answered and said unto him, "IF" a man love/Agape me

( HE WILL ) keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

( He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings and the word which ye hear is not mine but the Father's which sent me.

These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John 14:23--26.

We've established that Agape is a fruit and can't be achieved by the flesh, "Mans efforts"

Man can not produce the fruit, the vine does. Man is the branch, he bares the fruit. John 15:4-5.

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, NEITHER CAN A CORRUPT TREE BRING FORTH GOOD FRUIT.

Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Matthew 7:15-20. When you look at Matthew 7:13-14 the corrupt tree is any other way to God presented in the wide gate. for instance "WORKS"

That's why these often misused verses follows, Matthew 7:22-23.

This is a fruitless deceived group that thought they worked their way into Heaven.

So tell me why isn't the significance of Loving one another sought after and debated above anything else when it's paramount?

Because some know they don't have that love on display and don't bare it.

God bless.

Dear Steve .

I think you are right about the promises given to Israel are to be distinguished from the ones to the church. The promises given to Israel were mainly material promises, the promises given to the church are mainly spiritual. But I think you are not that right of whom is the Lord in our life. Satan is the ruler in the world of unbelievers and draws people to distraction. People choose to follow him and God doesn't intervene most of the times since people threw Him out of their lives. But in the church God is the ruler, the Lord, because we ask Him to be our Lord. So what happens in our life is due to God's permission. He allows things to happen. He can prevent them if He wants to. But for His own good purposes He allows things to happen when these things serve His plans for us. Surely what the evil people do affects our lives ie we have gone through world wars, believers and not believers. But still God is in control and we can face/fight all those with His help and be winners at the end.

In Matthew 7:24-25. it says

"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock."

The rain, the floods and the wind will come in one's life, but his house will not fall, because he built his life on the Word of God, on Jesus, on Father God.

GBU

Matthew 6:5-34, Matthew 7:7-27, Matthew 10:29-33, John 14:11-28, John 15, note John 15:16, John 16:23,24,26,27,

Honestly, I've had answered prayer in very immediate dangerous situations, just crying "GOD, help me" possibly even just "GOD" it's possibly because GOD knows if we love Jesus. Romans 8:27,

Hopefully these are helpful

Baptized: Matthew 3, Mark 1:1-11, John 1:6-37, John 3, John 4, Luke 3:1-23,

Acts 2, Acts 8, Acts 9, Acts 10, Acts 16, Acts 19, Philippians 4:22,

Note; Luke 3:7-14, Matthew 7:21-27, Matthew 25:31-46,

Hopefully these are helpful in your study

Believers are the Body of Christ, the Church. Matthew 7:13-29, Luke 19, Matthew 10:16-42, Acts 20:28-30, Jude 1, whole chapter.

Hopefully this is helpful

Yes, according to the Bible. It also depends on one's definition of "saved" and when this event occurs. Are people saved while still on earth instantly after they say their first prayer, at some point later, or are they saved after they are judged by God Himself? What does the Bible say...

1 Peter 1:5 - "...salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."

Matthew 24:13 "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."

Hebrews 10:36 "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise."

1 Cor 9:24-27 "run the race" (not the race was already won.)

2 Peter 3:17

Luke 8:5-18

1 Timothy 4:1

2 Peter 2:20-22

Hebrews 3:12

Galatians 5:4

1 Corinthians 15:2-8

1 Corinthians 4:5

2 Corinthians 5:10 whether "good or bad". People are sorted at this time.

Matthew 12:32 "...but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come."

OSAS believers: "Ok, but a Christian would never do that."

Christians no longer have freewill to sin?" Joshua 24:15 "choose you this day whom ye will serve"

"OSAS: But no one has ever done that."

Sadly, many Christians fall away. Look at "ex-Christian" on Reddit with 107,000 members. Very prominent pastors have denounced faith and later denied Jesus is Lord.

Matthew 7:21-23

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."

Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"

Hebrews 6:4-6

James 2:14-26 "...faith, if it hath not works, is dead..."

James 2:19 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."

1 Peter 1:13 "...hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"

Romans 11

John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."

Matthew 12:31-32

Romans 14:12

God bless and pray for wisdom and truth.

Please read Psalms 37, Matthew 25:31-46, Romans 14:12,

Take heart sister, GOD knows & it's all through the Bible that HE cares about how people are treated. Especially in HIS Church: Matthew 23:13

Matthew 23, Mark 7:6, John 15:18, Matthew 7:15-27,

Read Also: Romans 12, whole chapter

Hopefully these help & encourage you, also guide you to keep on smiling & blessing,

Dear brother/sister

A long time had passed by since David sinned with Bathseda. He knew God's commandments and was definitely feeling guilty all that time. So he was ready to repent, maybe he had already repented when the prophet came and talked to him.

How do we repent?

When one knows that what he's done or thought was wrong, I think it's not difficult to repent. It's true though that our heart is not always ready to repent immediately, it needs some time. Some other times not. This happens to all of us. But what seems to be difficult to do sometimes is not doing it again.This is our struggle in life as christians. That is why our life in Jesus is described in the Gospel as in Matthew 7:14 "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.'

But you have to have in mind that:

Changing yourself is not something easy and fast. Noone changes from one moment to another. It often takes a whole lifetime to change our character. We may fall again and again in the same mistakes (christians do not commit big sins or should not) and repent and rise up and keep going the narrow way. God works in us with His Word, His Spirit, His actions to help us follow His way. He knows our nature, that we are made of ground, He doesn't expect more than we can do, that wouldn't be fair to us people. He is there to help us, not to judge us John 12:47 " And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.'

We must have in mind that our nature has not changed because we were born, we are still vulnerable to sinning, but we were given Jesus' Blood for forgiveness. So just keep going under God's grace and strength, don't stay behind no matter how weak you may feel.

GBU

Heavenly father, I ask that you provide a job suited for my needs this day. Lead me to a job that will accommodate me without hesitation.

You are the rock on which I stand.

I ask that You provide me with a job that is both stable and without shaky grounds.

I ask that my talents, skills, abilities and education will be put into practical use. That way, I can have sufficient to pay my bills, and place bread on my table for myself and my family. May I also be able to give back what is due to You, Father.

Lord, You command blessings upon me in my barns and in all that I put my hands to do, and You will bless me in the land which You give me.

Right now, I proclaim that I will receive many job opportunities that will allow me to perform at my best, remembering You in all that I do.

I speak that doors will be opened to me in every direction I turn, because Your light shines upon me.

I decree and declare that under-employment is of the past and a better job ahead is mine.

In Jesus's name I pray, Amen!

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;"

Matthew 7:7 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

Give thanks and praise every day with your kids in agreement: (it's one my most favorite scriptures)

Matthew 18:19 - Again I say unto you, That if two of you (or more) shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

Months back, I kinda considered one of those "curbside shopper jobs" at my grocery store." I know where everything is :D. I talked to one of the people who do that. She said, pay is better than grocery checkers. I forgot to ask if it offers part-time shifts. You don't have to pick up anything heavy.

I hurt my rotator in my arm, and had to do physical therapy some months. It was boring so I stopped. Then it got worse! I got up and quoted scripture and sent the devils straight to outer darkness on PlutoGET OUT GET OUT GET OUT!! They left.

Remind Satan He's going to hell soon.



My arm was healed. Still is. I need back surgery. I've moved 22 times. I was a draftsman when young (I'm 70). I've been places where snakes were afraid of. Me, Always active. Not so much now. I know you feel like you're not praying right but you are. Pray faith. If the demons laugh at us, ASK God if the angels can carry them over to Mars and ha ha ha it up over there.

Write down that prayer and let your Faith have full rein. Ask for what you need. He knows what you need. I've worked in churches before. In benevolence (packing sacks of food or clothes), answering the phone, making sure the pew hymnals & Bibles were there. It was nice; quiet. You don't do anything with God, that He doesn't repay you for.

AGREEMENT PRAYERS:

Matthew 18:19-20

That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, THERE AM I, in the midst of them.

1 Timothy 2:8

I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

Matthew 7:7

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

Go fill out an application at your grocery store. Walk around and memorize where things are. They give you a devise to tell you that too.

Jesus Love us through the problems

Considering the context it could be referring to those who think they are one of Christ's (alive),but only realize they spiritually dead when Christ returns. Other scriptures to support this thought. Matthew 7:22,23 "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity". Matthew 25:11,12 "Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not". In both scriptures they thought he was their Lord. Interesting that one of the verses he said he "never knew them". It wasn't that they knew him and then fell away.

Dear God Father in Heaven, thank You for Your great Grace upon us humanity. Thank You that You Lord Are a Righteous God and will reciprocate all injustice created by the authorities on earth. Matthew 7:1-6 But we thank You and Honor Your Holy Name Jesus Christ. Thank you for filling my friend here with love Lord Jesus. Meet Him with Your Righteousness, and it will be well. Thank You for leading him on the narrow path that leads to Heaven Matthew 7: 13-14

Belive in Jesus Christ and He will deliver you, Amen in Jesus Holy name, i will love u in Christ.

Sons of GOD : Genesis 6:2, Job 1:6, Job 2:1, Job 38:7, Revelation 12:10, John 1:12 "But as many as receive him, to them gave he power to become the sons of GOD, even to them that believe on his name:"

Romans 8:14 "For as many as are led by the Spirit of GOD, they are the sons of GOD."

Philippians 2:15 "That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of GOD, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world."

1John 3:1 "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of GOD: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not."

Matthew 5:16, Luke 8:19, Matthew 23:9, John 20:17, John 4:23, John 16:28, Matthew 6:7-34 did you notice how many times GOD is referenced as "our, your Father " in that portion of chapter 6? Matthew 7:11,

Mark 3:33-35,

1John 3, Romans 8:29,

Contrast = John 8:41-47, 1John 2:23, Matthew 3:9

Hopefully these are all helpful in your study

Edward,

I think the oil would probably represent our readiness. I do not say this because the bible teaches it. It is just my guess. In the Parable of the Ten Virgins ( Matthew 25:1-13), it tells us that only five of the ten were prepared and ready. Verse 1 tells us that they all took their lamps to meet the bridegroom, but five of them took no oil.

A lamp in those days was a torch. It was a stick with cloth wrapped around it. They would soak the cloth in oil and they would light it, and they would bring an extra bottle of oil along to keep it lit. There were 10 virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. So they are taking their station along the route. Five had oil and five did not.

Verse 10 is the key to this entire parable. They were ready, and they went in. And after they went in, the door was shut. Then the moral of the story would be in Verse 13: Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

In Verse 12, when the master of the feast inside the door says I know you not, it is the same thing Jesus said in Matthew 7:23. He says "In that day many people are going to come to me and say, Lord, Lord, have we not done many things in your name? Cast out demons, premiered many miracles." And Jesus says, in that day I will say I never knew you.

As far as our readiness and our lamps burning, if we belong to Christ, our lamps will always be burning. Jesus Christ is our light. We are always ready because the light of Christ is always in us.

Hope this helps!

I'm asking everyone to please pray for President Trump. He will likely be reelected and needs Christian support. If you have been conditioned to hate him as your enemy, then isn't that all the more reason to pray for him as Jesus taught? Matthew 5:44. Jesus also said to love your neighbor. Mark 12:31 If you support him because he's pushed so hard to save lives of millions of innocent babies that are murdered through abortion, or if you appreciate what he's done for Christian freedom and rights, and want to pray for God to continue to use him, then that's great too.

I cannot comprehend how some Christians prefer a Muslim leader who pushes for increased baby murders, but have hatred for a pro-Christian leader who works hard to protect life. Trump isn't perfect and we aren't either. God uses anyone He wants. Matthew 7:1-2 Many are judging morals of others based on what they assume is a truthful media report, but fail to consider their own moral shortcomings and that a lot of the news isn't even true.

Media propaganda has distorted the views of many into hatred for their neighbor. Many are based on lies and strategically edited footage just like the current dramatic play about Jan 6th that edited out security police opening the doors and welcoming people into the capital, and edited out the FBI agent who tried to entrap people. Some pretend that all the protestors went inside the capital, even though less than 1% of the peaceful protestors were even in that area. Many paid agitators.

Even though Biden is currently occupying the white house, given his condition and job performance it is unlikely he will be reelected. Many don't believe he was legitimately elected in the first place, due to the rampant ballot harvesting and other problems that have been exposed through security cameras, project veritas whistleblowers, and researchers like those behind the 2000 mules documentary. It has been really eye opening, and given that dozens of people have been convicted of voter fraud and are currently serving prison time, it's strange that some completely deny that any voter in the US has ever cheated.

The end is near. Please pray. God bless all.

Dear Alex

My thoughts about this.

Firstly just to mention that the original text uses the word attract instead of draw. Attract is a more powerful word than draw. How does God attract people to Jesus? The answer is by showing Jesus' love to people. How does God show Jesus' love to people? By His only Son's sacrifice for the salvation of people. Does God's love attracts all people to Jesus? The answer is no. Most of people do not want to know anything about Jesus and the salvation He offers. ( Matthew 7:13-14, John 5:40). And here is where the free will of people comes in. God will not force anybody to accept His offer. You either accept it or you don't. Now how do people get to know about God's love? Is God actually going to tell them Himself or use an angel for that? No, this task is for us to do it. See what Paul says in Romans 10:14-15

" How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" So it is our responsibility to bring the Good News to all people. We are the tools that God wants to use for this task. So let us make ourselves ready for this ministry. GBU

This can be very encouraging to people and these are great verses.

It is worth considering that sometimes people try to simplify things by cutting out key verses about salvation, but its in the Bible for a reason and shouldn't be ignored. For example, the Bible over and over talks about obedience. If someone discards all these verses and assumes it will happen magically through the spirit and not their own freewill then they can be misled into following evil. Maybe they assume their sins don't count or matter or that God doesn't even care or they no longer have the freewill to sin, but the Bible doesn't say any of those things.

Maybe they their friends are going out drinking and doing "just a little" drugs, and going to a strip club "just a for a few minutes" and rob a store "sharing was done in Jesus's time" and commit a murder "just one who 'deserved' it". Then they go to church on Sunday and they are reminded of the above verses and not to worry about it as they are forgiven, so they do it again and again every weekend. Lying, cheating, stealing, assaulting, harming, idolatry, worshipping the world and satan.

This may throw a wet blanket on the simplicity of all the warm fuzzy verses cherry picked from the Bible, but life isn't simple and temptation of sin isn't simple. Sometimes someone SHOULD feel guilt and convicted by the holy spirit of evil that person has done. Some are deceived into believing they are "saved" when they are following satan and not Jesus. If they aren't following Jesus they may not be Christian and may not have assurance of salvation, but assume they are because someone told them not to worry about it.

There are many important Bible verses that people should heed about salvation and not simply throw them out:

Matthew 7:21-23

Matthew 12:32

Hebrews 10:26

John 14:15

James 2:14-26

1 Peter 1:5

1 Cor 9:24-27

1 Peter 1:13

Matthew 7:21-23

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."

Matthew 12:32 "...but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come."

Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"

John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."

1 Peter 1:5 - "...salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."

James 2:19 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."