As someone who also struggles with mental health, please, stay safe. Do not feel like failure for not being married, there is different paths to become a nice person, you don't have to live the way everyone does, but I can sense the insolation of "aw, im not doing the same than what society (somewhat) orders".
Proverbs 4:23 "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it"
Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit"
Matthew 19:12 " For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others, and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it"
Timothy 4:10, "For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica;..."
Jeremiah 179, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"
Proverbs 4:23, "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."
2 Cor 13:5, "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?"
Mark 14:38, "Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation ..."
Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
Other translations say guard your heart. In this segment I am surveying God's exclusivity; or narrow path in comparison with the ecumenical "wide road" as it were. I will let the reader find the verse "you shall know them by their fruits"; but when we look at the recent increasing number of scandals that seem to be affecting many well known megachurch Pastors; many of whom are in what is called "hypercharismatic" circles often they don't practice what they preach. In general; we can examine what spirit is affecting people when we see the long term changes or lack thereof that result. Such is the case often when people have an "experience" these days in mass gatherings which have a sort of self fulfilling prophecy of predetermined objectives. Rather than looking for one of the lost sheep the 99 seem to be the focus; and the message in regard to the narrow path seems to be; well-lost in the wayside more or less.
The irony is the freedom such gatherings promise ends up being captivity; where a person's God given individuality in regard to spiritual gifting is put aside to majority opinion which historically is often a dangerous mindset. People no doubt feel free of the traditional ordinances of church structure; and no doubt some have found a temporary reprieve from stuffy; legalistic congregations which have stifled to a large extent genuine praise and thanksgiving which should accompany the assembly of the righteous.
Embracing any human mindset of values without the power of the Spirit's righteousness stated in John 16:8 risks demonic entities mimicking God and of course exaggerates the platitudes of those who are on the "top of the heap" of such ventures; which in reality are part of a large corporation type entity rather than true fellowship in many cases.
Whatever scripture apart from extrabiblical standards are applied brings some truth despite deception.
It's good to hear from you. Different understandings of this subject may disagree with mine. I'm not sure I can fully answer your questions; others may have more information, but I will share my best understanding. Many believe the great white throne judgment is only for the condemned, but I think there will be both groups, as you mentioned, with the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25. We also have Daniel 12:2, which seems to refer to the same resurrection, and John 5:28-29, where the ones who did good and those who did evil are in the same resurrection.
This second resurrection includes the rest of the dead who were not in the first resurrection, as well as all the people who lived and died during Jesus' 1,000-year reign over the earth. Some also lived before Jesus and after His ascension, who never heard of Jesus or the gospel. But that is not an excuse, Romans 1:18-20.
I believe Romans 2:11-16 is about the judgment of those who have not heard the gospel. You may not agree, but it tells us that everyone has a conscience, referred to as the heart, Proverbs 4:23. Everyone has an awareness of God, which guides us morally in discerning right from wrong. Those of us in Christ who are in the first resurrection have been given the Holy Spirit, which offers us even more guidance, and God and Christ can dwell within us, with our sins covered by the blood of Jesus.
It says everyone will be judged based on what is written in the books, according to their works. This is a book of deeds listing good and bad. It may be the same as the book of remembrance; I'm not sure. I would think the book of the law would be opened, Deuteronomy 30:10-15. Some may say the book of the covenant is the same as the book of the law, and the Book of Life; they may be more, but I'm not sure. Those in this judgment not found in the most important book, the Book of Life, have their part in the Lake of Fire.
Aa the audience can see (with the analogy of me preaching on a stage I suppose but bear with me) the principle in my postings is scripture to the exponential degree. (Hey that rhymes; ain't I clever).
At any road as they the Brits used to say there are those here who may have a different viewpoint as to the timing of the Rapture; and it is possible some are amillennial or Postmillenial; etc. Certainly the meat of these discussions as to verses cited is applicable to today; as much as it was written and useful in its time and no doubt for the future. Now the verse about Paul asking for prayer and bringing his parchment and cloak; well there could be practical application for missionaries today; but I'm talking about prophecy mainly. Obviously those things related to Christ's first coming have been fulfilled; and as Isaiah 61 was the opening scripture our Lord quoted in the synagogue reading at the time; the first verse applied to His first coming and he ended before the next describing His return. Of course they didn't fully grasp these things at the time not to mention that He was the Messiah. That is something as a nation scripture is clearly indicating the Jews will not realize until just before He comes in their lowest point And that is the purpose of God's judgment; for purifying all believers whether national Israel or the Gentiles; then bringing judgments on those living on the earth who don't know God followed of course by eternal judgment on souls.
For the wicked Proverbs 16:4 says The Lord hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. Proverbs 4:19 The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble. and the way is hard for sinners ( Prov. 13:15 loosely translated.)
In general let us follow God for there is a way that seems right and leads to death (also Proverbs I'll let you guys find the verse).
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. ( Psalm 100:4).
Surely we can't forget to give God the honor and praise worthy to His Name. The fact is though; that it can't simply be conjured up with music or emotion and have power to make a change that lasts in people's hearts. The Spirit doesn't magnify His name through some formula. This by no means indicates that we should take verses like the one above lightly or not be prepared to worship Him.
The same; perhaps could be said in regard to praying in our closets and corporate prayer. There is a time and a place for either event. This seems to cause some confusion when people have to obsess with hypnotic music in order to pray on their own.
It is clear that family time with prayers involving our own kids or spouse may involve things either not needed to be shared or inappropriate. At the same time we want to extend our prayers beyond our own comfort zone to edify the church and even others who may seek the Lord. I don't see anything wrong praying for those on the street; but if they are deliberately mocking God then it is counterproductive. More sobering is the case when a brother or sister is clearly in rebellion and living a lifestyle of sin when we need to separate and continue to pray on our own until the Lord breaks them. The concept of "guarding our hearts" ( Proverbs 4:23) should keep us from being around those who may tempt us to sin.
Our church should be a bastion of strength where as a family we can look out for each other and trust can be something through the Spirit that we sense over time. This is why it is so important not to let the world in and the enemy take us down. To be in the world and not of it is easier for some perhaps than others; but doing life together whether discipling or evangelism should build us up as a church family. Again as I often say it seems we don't see much of that today.
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.
Today as I speak there are 19 Tornado warnings and nearly as many severe thunderstorm warnings. Worse; this is supposed to be an unprecedented 5 day event. We have had in the last week or so a 7.0 earthquake in Tonga and the 7.7 in Myanmar.
The wars continue along with rumors of new conflicts that our country is likely to be involved with.
No doubt Christian persecution is still going on; we have seen in recent months the continuing problems in N.E. Nigeria and last month in Syria with martyrdom large scale.
Along with this there is the constant spiritual battle with the world; flesh and the Devil. We need to "buffet ourselves" ( 1 Cor. 9:27) to continue to stay in the fight and endure until the end. I have always said we can learn some things from our enemy: here is a quick review.
He never rests day or night; that is implied by 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Interesting the verses that talk about never sleeping day or night actually refer to God such as in Psalm 121:4 and Isaiah 40:28 but Proverbs 4:16 talks about how evil men cannot sleep without doing evil.
He along with all the other demons know who Christ is and His authority ( James 2:19). Satan obviously is aware of this through His heavenly councils with angels and God as seen in Job 1 and 2. He knows that Christ has the power to turn stones into bread; as well as calling angels to His help as Satan quoted Psalm 91:11:12.
He has His own heirarchy or Kingdom (see Luke 11:18; Ephesians 6:12).
His goal has been consistent since His fall and the beginning of human history ( John 8:44).
I am sure we could find other passages in this vein. Ultimately God causes all good and evil ( Isaiah 45:7). All things are according to His purposes; just as Christ was exalted after His suffering so we shall be and rewarded if we persevere.
Your posts are helpful, I understand how long it would be on this site with 2000 characters to go verse by verse, but what you do should inspire us to study all the verses around what you post. The conscience: I understand what you are saying but I understand it a little differently. I understand our conscience which is sometimes called our heart, Proverbs 4:23, is a gift God gave us to help us overcome the curse that we received when Adam and Eve ate that fruit of the knowledge of good and evil.
The law and sacrifices could not cleanse our conscience, and we have been told to guard our conscience. When we repent and are born again our conscience is cleaned Hebrews 9:13-14, Hebrews 10:22 and when we slip, we are given confidence if we repent it is cleaned by the blood of Christ, 1 John 1:9. Our conscience and our mind are separate, Titus 1:15.
Our subconscious mind learns from experiences without us being aware of it. It processes information and makes connections effortlessly. We operate 80 to 90 percent with this part of our mind. This kind of learning affects our actions and choices without us consciously realizing it. My thoughts, this is the part of us that is attracted by the world, the part of our flesh that is tempted.
Our conscience can be weak and defiled 1 Corinthians 8:7 and seared like in 1 Timothy 4:1-2 and our minds can become so corrupt 2 Timothy 3:8, that God can turn us over to a reprobate mind Romans 1:28. I feel people can get to a point where their conscience is dead, and they live on the instinct of their subconscious mind for just survival in this earthly world. But there is always hope, I have seen where people have been restored and their conscience cleansed and made alive again, Jesus's blood can wash away all sins.
This is just me, but I believe our conscience is the spirit of man, Zechariah 12:11 Corinthians 2:11.
Hi Lorraine. You are correct, that Proverbs generally speaks to a male, whether Solomon's son or to a student generally. As well, in Proverbs 4:1, Proverbs 5:7, Proverbs 7:24, and Proverbs 8:32, we see Solomon addressing children. So bringing these together, we could safely accept that the wisdom for living that Solomon (& others) expressed in this Book, is directed to all people, even though the masculine gender is generally referred to & also to young people. And bearing in mind, that females usually did not have the same opportunities & liberties as males in that era (& even now in some countries), we can understand why Solomon focussed his teaching to a male, & to children (young ones).
So, like any other teaching in the Bible, we should take hold of the Truths therein & seek the Spirit's help to apply them to our lives, rather than being overly concerned about the person being addressed. An example in the NT: Jesus spoke to many people such as His disciples, the public that thronged Him, & even to the hypocritical religious leaders. If Jesus checked Martha preparing the meal or the Pharisee who falsely accused Him, both men & women today can still take away lessons from these & any other account, even if someone else is being addressed in the Bible.
I need to remind myself more and more often that all the events we see in the world today are just a reflection of what is going on in high places today; with the raging spiritual war in the 2nd heaven. Of course it is only through the 3rd heaven; exercising the authority through the Spirit of the power of Christ above that enables us to actually engage in any combat to resist the legions of evil that are controlling the masses today.
The sad fact is that many professing believers aren't really in the faith at all; and the rest that are only have a small segment that are in this "vertical" aspect in the spiritual realm. In terms of what is proclaimed; therefore in the first example people are calling on endless blessings by making presumptuous proclamations and twisting certain verses to align with their own agendas. In the second case; for all those who have the potential to be in the battle many aren't protected with the proper armor or are not offensively fighting with the sword of the Spirit as Ephesians 12 tells us to do as our only offensive weapon we have.
It is one thing to preach of God's love and forgiveness to God's enemies as Jesus did; selflessly until death. People can over or underemphasize the fact of man's depravity and enmity with God with humans; but with demons and Satan himself we dare not make the mistake of viewing them as anything but enemies; out to steal; kill and destroy both our own lives as individuals through various means such as intimidation; accusation and temptation but also controlling the whole world system (world; flesh and devil).
Here is some practical advice.
1 Corinthians 5:11
James 1:26
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Jude 1:23
2 Timothy 3:13
Ephesians 5:11-12
2 Corinthians 6:17
1 Peter 5:8-9
Proverbs 4:23-27
God is working all things according to His purposes for our good. To be tried we are tested to see what is genuine ( 1 Peter 1:7).
May God grant us the strength to endure until the end.
In this segment I am going to attempt to discuss many facets of sin; from the corruptible flesh we currently possess to the contamination of the soul resulting in eternal death. In comparison to the saved soul of course eternal fates are polar opposites.
I plan on discussing some of what man was meant to be before the fall; which in some context may play out in the Millennial period which is the day of rest for God played out in the last 1000 years of earth's existence which is a sort of Sabbath rest bringing peace to the whole world.
I am going to pray here and send this message; Lord pity us for you know we are but dust ( Psalm 103:14). We all mourn as doves for our sins ( Isaiah 59:11). I pray that as painful as it is the readers will understand the levels and depth of our state and this will lead someone to repentance. May we heed as Proverbs states flee from wickedness ( Proverbs 4:15) as it relates to others; and to ourselves ( 1 Cor. 6:18; 2 Tim. 2:22). Help us realize that all of our value comes from His life in us; and all the associations we have are only importance in what remains eternally. This world is going down; let us approach it with patience as we are told to in the last days ( James 5:7). Let us be filled with the Spirit to understand the indignation to come and proclaim it as a trumpet; and have the boldness to extricate ourselves especially from those who claim to be Christians but are living in lifestyles of sin as it corrupts the camp and grieves the Spirit. May we love the praise of God more than that of men ( John 12:43 stands as a warning not to do the opposite). Lord help us all to weep because of our sin; yet especially because of His mercy which is new every morning ( Lamentations 3:22-23).
to the destruction of the outer shell made from the dust of the earth that is the fate of all of us due to what is known as the 2nd law of thermodynamics where all things in the universe at present are in a state of decay
Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. The Berean Standard version says "guard your heart" which in my mind is a better expression of the meaning of that verse.
I discussed last night the sad state of affairs of a brother of mine with who used to be a close friend who separated from his wife a couple years ago and who is being disciplined by the church he was a member in. I personally have seen him in the past weeping because of the lost and he and his wife had a wonderful testimony of how they came to faith in Christ in college. I won't get into the details but it appears a pride factor and control over money has caused this rift.
My own marriage was difficult but still our counselor was shocked when she decided to have an affair and pursue a divorce after we attempted a year or two of counselling. As for myself I have shared how scriptural counseling later was given from James and some other scriptures; that at least kept me from outbursts of anger that also were exascerbated by some behaviors of my wife that I won't discuss here either.
People write "pre nups" in anticipation of or preparation for future breaking of wedlock. The best preparation of course is spiritual. My marriage failed but still I will leave some suggestions that have helped others.
1. Before marriage; establish an agreement to commit to prayer and Bible study and remaining in church fellowship. All three of these things became issues after I eloped.
2. Avail yourself of marriage preparation from a Pastor or close friend if such a thing exists in your church. I can't be sure it does today. This was something that I also failed in; giving in to my wife who at the time was active in church and I didn't see that things would change after we moved; etc.
3. Men should have men to confide in and women should instruct younger women. Titus 2:4-6 (see next post).
1 Corinthians 15:41 states: There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.
Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
Isaiah 57:1 The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.
This last passage could possibly be in reference to those who vanish in the Rapture as well. Food for thought....
In my series of 7 postings on what is about to come to pass; I alluded to the righteous shining like the sun from Daniel. In regard to our battles with the enemy; he both accuses us of our sins and works to convince us that we aren't able to ever be in good standing with the Lord. There is danger in both extremes; thinking we are blessed when we aren't even saved; and being convinced we are still in darkness because of besetting sins. Surely we must confess and not try to hide our sins if we want to be forgiven.
This righteousness is something which is to be experienced with a servant's heart. Christ of course was the only truly righteous man who ever existed consistently throughout His earthly ministry reflecting His Divinity. It is the Body of Christ which was the focus of His ministry; his life and death. As a Christian we should seek to keep the church pure and build one another up and display the love of Christ in fellowship and communication with one another as well as when sharing the Good News with others.
Sadly; there are some I have had experience with who have displayed unedifying behavior suited for a church bought with a price.
If we are to be confined to a house church because of being unable to find a good church or persecution in the future; that will no doubt strip some of the pride that has crept into the organized church leadership up until now.
Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.
6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.
7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
( Proverbs 4:5-7)
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. ( Matt. 13:45-46).
It isn't a scripture; but I feel led to say that as a treasure; those possessing the Spirit of God are rare. Clearly the road is narrow and few find eternal life; but even those who do know the Lord are often caught up in life so much that it is hard to prioritize and focus on the Lord. For those who do know the Lord we can often more easily recognize the Spirit at work in others rather than seeing it in ourselves (I can only speak for myself and assume that it is similar for others). It saddens me to realize how weak; how pitiful; how poor a reflection of the joy of the Lord and His power my own life demonstrates.
Truly when we have examples to look up to it helps us to grow which is something discipleship should encourage although it seems a rare thing these days.
There is; with anything else a balance here. We can't put people on pedestals no matter how much the Lord is blessing them or using them to minister to us. Ultimately it is Christ who is to be exalted and glorified but usually He uses others in the Body of Christ to accomplish this. He dan use dreams or our own personal walk in the Lord to make a great impact; and without a personal devotion and commitment to time in prayer and scriptures as well as sharing our faith we are going to be less sensitive to His Spirit in us as well as how He is working with those around us; including unbelievers to receptiveness to the Gospel.
When rewards are given in heaven we will understand why. Run for the prize!!
And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle. ( Exodus 33:11).
Having wiped out my most recent attempt at this post TWICE now (aargh) I'll give it one final "hail Mary" as it were.
I suppose once I've committed the entire Bible to memory I'll stop pushing the wrong button to find verses online that knocks me out.
Anyway; I started posting today as I saw a couple individuals concerned about their salvation and it seemed to be a topic needing to be addressed. Earlier I stated that POST salvation that there is indeed a "two way" communication between a believer and the Lord; as it were in prayer. Proverbs 4:18 says But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Thus; if we know the Lord we learn to recognize our own flaws with mental processes and emotional issues as well as physical desires that all can lead us to sin. I consider doctrines of election as important for many reasons not the least being that God never changes and His covenants relate to that.
Hebrews 8:10 declares "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:"
As a vessel fit for His purposes we are not our own as 1 Corinthians 6:20 states we were "bought with a price." Of course all souls are mine as Esekiel 18:4 states. There are two polar opposites we want to avoid; first fear and cowardice which is warned about in Revelation 22 as something that brings people to hell; but also being presumptuous in for instance; claiming that we no longer sin as believers.
God gives us courage; as He did for Peter after Christ's Ascencion. Dying to self brings true joy! It comes from God not our own hand!
"When temptation calls; flee." - Understanding and resulting wisdom! (or is it the other way around?) Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
1Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. 2By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
-The commandment of God and not only the ten commandments but the whole scriptures which proceeds out of the mouth of God.Christians who have repented of their sins at the cross and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God need to Obey what God has taught and is is teaching Us, You and I though His word. THE BIBLE.
and an example of one The commandment of God is written in
proverbs 4:20-27
20My son, attend to my words;
Incline thine ear unto my sayings.
21Let them not depart from thine eyes;
Keep them in the midst of thine heart.
22For they are life unto those that find them,
And health to all their flesh.
23Keep thy heart with all diligence;
For out of it are the issues of life.
24Put away from thee a froward mouth,
And perverse lips put far from thee.
25Let thine eyes look right on,
And let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
26Ponder the path of thy feet,
And let all thy ways be established.
27Turn not to the right hand nor to the left:
Remove thy foot from evil.
-Therefore if any man keeps this saying of God, God will like he as a wise man who build his house upon the rock, Please read the rest of proverbs 4 and Let God teach you amen.
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. ( Proverbs 4:23).
Normally I prefer KJV (and after all that is the focus here) but in this case I prefer the word "Guard" to begin the sentence found in several other versions. In the case of dying to self; and focusing all our energies into serving the Lord several statements below may seem to contradict behaviors normally associated with being a Christian.
Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. ( Song of Solomon 8:6).
Granted; the whole book of Song of Solomon is focused on the story of human love but surely we can glean some meainings from this book which is included in the accepted Canon (although probably the most reluctantly by the early church). In any case; our God is a jealous God; and we can also apply this to the Spirit which contends against the flesh ( Gal. 5:24).
Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. ( Matt. 7:6).
This can perhaps be best understood in conjunction with the admonition in Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure. ( 1 Tim. 5:22). There are several meanings for laying on of hands which could relate to delegating a promotion of church office or imparting spiritual gifts (I would suggest both would happen simultaneously). In any case; within the house of God we must be discerning enough to recognize those with bad fruit who are going to take whatever they have and use it for nefarious purposes. We also need to be careful that we aren't tempted by the sins of others who wer are attempting to help; whether by reason of our own weaknesses or those who are devious enough to entice us or unwary victims of Satan.
You says, Paul was an exception to the rule? Would you please prove this by the Scriptures.
You says, Jesus comes into my heart, should be taken figuratively? 1Cor 3:16,172Cor 13:5Col 1:27Ephesians 2:22 Where else could He desire to be but within our heart, the seat & center of our very being. Proverbs 4:231Samuel 16:17
You say this sounds strange?
Consider also John 17:21-24 the oneness & unity that God desires to have with His people, this is what God has set His heart on Jeremiah 32:40,41 & made available thru the NC; this is a God, that has said, with all His heart & soul ! Come on; have a little faith.
We're heirs of God & joint heirs of Christ, it is God Himself that is our inheritance Psalms 119:57Psalms 73:26
You says, not by one staying home & God teaching him. This is exactly what God has done through the spiritual writing of the Quakers, specifically from 1646-1700 through the gifts Christ gave His church; in their writing I discover the intent of God's heart to cleanse one from all sin, & being united with God through Christ, which the Scriptures so manifestly declares & how God accomplishes it. Isa 64:41Cor 2:9Psalms 130:5 I'm talking about that Word that is Rom 10:8 that comes by 10:17 Meaning Christ spiritual appearance within conscience/heart John 1:9Titus 2:11 Obeying His Father commands 2Cor 4:6 which is the Treasure we have in these earthen vessels. 2Cor 4:7 to know the things that are freely given to us 1Cor 2:12
I just read your testimony of being born-again Oct 25/ 79. From our past conversations you stated that the two genlteman that posted before you gave good answers for the continuing in sin for life, so you would not add to it. Considering 1Jn3:5-10
Would you agree they're are some serious inconsistencies in your faith & the others who responded, that are very contrary to what the Scriptures plainly declare of being born again?
I do speak this out of concern for you & all others of like mindedness, for if our beliefs does not align up with Scriptures, then the expectation of our end will be false
Rev 22:15 the NKJV ends it with "love & practice a lie".
I pray that all would consider God's words, Proverbs 4:20; Matt 24:35
First i pray that God will give us the strength to understand of His words.
Remember wisdom is the principal thing therefore in all your getting get understanding amen. ( Proverbs 4:7)
To better understand this verse please recount the event of Stephen who was martyred and before he died, He saw Jesus Christ the son of God standing on the right hand of power.
So Stephen Saw Jesus before he died.
But to answer your Question The book of Revelation is written by John one of the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ, John received the Revelation of Jesus all the word of Living God all the things he saw.
( Revelation 1:1-2)
1,The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
So here John is an old man and receives the vision of God and to be more exact he sees the vision of Jesus Christ the son of the living God appearing in Glory with his angles and this event to came and it is written in the book of revelation.
( Revelation 19:11-16)
And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND Lord OF LORDS.
The word of God is Bread and so we need daily bread to sustain our Hunger and that's by search the scriptures daily.
Before reading your bible, you need to Pray and ask God to open His word for your understanding, Wisdom comes from God and the wisdom which he gives is not like the world.
In proverbs 4:7
its written wisdom is the principal thing and in all your getting get understanding.
So, I encourage you to pray and begin with God.
( Matthew 4:3-4, KJV)
3.And when the tempter came to him, he said, if thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
4But he answered and said, it is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
The word of God is Bread and so we need daily bread to sustain our Hunger and that's by search the scriptures daily.
Before reading your bible, you need to Pray and ask God to open His word for your understanding, Wisdom comes from God and the wisdom which he gives is not like the world.
In proverbs 4:7
its written wisdom is the principal thing and in all your getting get understanding.
So, I encourage you to pray and begin with God.
( Matthew 4:3-4, KJV)
3.And when the tempter came to him, he said, if thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
4But he answered and said, it is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Proverbs 4:20-23, "My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."
Isaiah 40:29-31, "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
Only in the LORD God can we find our strength, our healing, our hope, our joy, and our peace. God will "keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." Isaiah 26:3.
Proverbs 4:23 "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it"
Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit"
Matthew 19:12 " For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others, and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it"
Please never give up.
Timothy 4:10, "For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica;..."
Jeremiah 179, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"
Proverbs 4:23, "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."
2 Cor 13:5, "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?"
Mark 14:38, "Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation ..."
GBU
Other translations say guard your heart. In this segment I am surveying God's exclusivity; or narrow path in comparison with the ecumenical "wide road" as it were. I will let the reader find the verse "you shall know them by their fruits"; but when we look at the recent increasing number of scandals that seem to be affecting many well known megachurch Pastors; many of whom are in what is called "hypercharismatic" circles often they don't practice what they preach. In general; we can examine what spirit is affecting people when we see the long term changes or lack thereof that result. Such is the case often when people have an "experience" these days in mass gatherings which have a sort of self fulfilling prophecy of predetermined objectives. Rather than looking for one of the lost sheep the 99 seem to be the focus; and the message in regard to the narrow path seems to be; well-lost in the wayside more or less.
The irony is the freedom such gatherings promise ends up being captivity; where a person's God given individuality in regard to spiritual gifting is put aside to majority opinion which historically is often a dangerous mindset. People no doubt feel free of the traditional ordinances of church structure; and no doubt some have found a temporary reprieve from stuffy; legalistic congregations which have stifled to a large extent genuine praise and thanksgiving which should accompany the assembly of the righteous.
Embracing any human mindset of values without the power of the Spirit's righteousness stated in John 16:8 risks demonic entities mimicking God and of course exaggerates the platitudes of those who are on the "top of the heap" of such ventures; which in reality are part of a large corporation type entity rather than true fellowship in many cases.
Whatever scripture apart from extrabiblical standards are applied brings some truth despite deception.
1 Corinthiams 619-20: What? know ye not that your body is the temple of
the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not
your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your
body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
Sorry for the delayed reply.
It's good to hear from you. Different understandings of this subject may disagree with mine. I'm not sure I can fully answer your questions; others may have more information, but I will share my best understanding. Many believe the great white throne judgment is only for the condemned, but I think there will be both groups, as you mentioned, with the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25. We also have Daniel 12:2, which seems to refer to the same resurrection, and John 5:28-29, where the ones who did good and those who did evil are in the same resurrection.
This second resurrection includes the rest of the dead who were not in the first resurrection, as well as all the people who lived and died during Jesus' 1,000-year reign over the earth. Some also lived before Jesus and after His ascension, who never heard of Jesus or the gospel. But that is not an excuse, Romans 1:18-20.
I believe Romans 2:11-16 is about the judgment of those who have not heard the gospel. You may not agree, but it tells us that everyone has a conscience, referred to as the heart, Proverbs 4:23. Everyone has an awareness of God, which guides us morally in discerning right from wrong. Those of us in Christ who are in the first resurrection have been given the Holy Spirit, which offers us even more guidance, and God and Christ can dwell within us, with our sins covered by the blood of Jesus.
It says everyone will be judged based on what is written in the books, according to their works. This is a book of deeds listing good and bad. It may be the same as the book of remembrance; I'm not sure. I would think the book of the law would be opened, Deuteronomy 30:10-15. Some may say the book of the covenant is the same as the book of the law, and the Book of Life; they may be more, but I'm not sure. Those in this judgment not found in the most important book, the Book of Life, have their part in the Lake of Fire.
God bless,
RLW
Aa the audience can see (with the analogy of me preaching on a stage I suppose but bear with me) the principle in my postings is scripture to the exponential degree. (Hey that rhymes; ain't I clever).
At any road as they the Brits used to say there are those here who may have a different viewpoint as to the timing of the Rapture; and it is possible some are amillennial or Postmillenial; etc. Certainly the meat of these discussions as to verses cited is applicable to today; as much as it was written and useful in its time and no doubt for the future. Now the verse about Paul asking for prayer and bringing his parchment and cloak; well there could be practical application for missionaries today; but I'm talking about prophecy mainly. Obviously those things related to Christ's first coming have been fulfilled; and as Isaiah 61 was the opening scripture our Lord quoted in the synagogue reading at the time; the first verse applied to His first coming and he ended before the next describing His return. Of course they didn't fully grasp these things at the time not to mention that He was the Messiah. That is something as a nation scripture is clearly indicating the Jews will not realize until just before He comes in their lowest point And that is the purpose of God's judgment; for purifying all believers whether national Israel or the Gentiles; then bringing judgments on those living on the earth who don't know God followed of course by eternal judgment on souls.
For the wicked Proverbs 16:4 says The Lord hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. Proverbs 4:19 The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble. and the way is hard for sinners ( Prov. 13:15 loosely translated.)
In general let us follow God for there is a way that seems right and leads to death (also Proverbs I'll let you guys find the verse).
Soon our sorrows will end.
Maranatha.
RIch P
Surely we can't forget to give God the honor and praise worthy to His Name. The fact is though; that it can't simply be conjured up with music or emotion and have power to make a change that lasts in people's hearts. The Spirit doesn't magnify His name through some formula. This by no means indicates that we should take verses like the one above lightly or not be prepared to worship Him.
The same; perhaps could be said in regard to praying in our closets and corporate prayer. There is a time and a place for either event. This seems to cause some confusion when people have to obsess with hypnotic music in order to pray on their own.
It is clear that family time with prayers involving our own kids or spouse may involve things either not needed to be shared or inappropriate. At the same time we want to extend our prayers beyond our own comfort zone to edify the church and even others who may seek the Lord. I don't see anything wrong praying for those on the street; but if they are deliberately mocking God then it is counterproductive. More sobering is the case when a brother or sister is clearly in rebellion and living a lifestyle of sin when we need to separate and continue to pray on our own until the Lord breaks them. The concept of "guarding our hearts" ( Proverbs 4:23) should keep us from being around those who may tempt us to sin.
Our church should be a bastion of strength where as a family we can look out for each other and trust can be something through the Spirit that we sense over time. This is why it is so important not to let the world in and the enemy take us down. To be in the world and not of it is easier for some perhaps than others; but doing life together whether discipling or evangelism should build us up as a church family. Again as I often say it seems we don't see much of that today.
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.
Today as I speak there are 19 Tornado warnings and nearly as many severe thunderstorm warnings. Worse; this is supposed to be an unprecedented 5 day event. We have had in the last week or so a 7.0 earthquake in Tonga and the 7.7 in Myanmar.
The wars continue along with rumors of new conflicts that our country is likely to be involved with.
No doubt Christian persecution is still going on; we have seen in recent months the continuing problems in N.E. Nigeria and last month in Syria with martyrdom large scale.
Along with this there is the constant spiritual battle with the world; flesh and the Devil. We need to "buffet ourselves" ( 1 Cor. 9:27) to continue to stay in the fight and endure until the end. I have always said we can learn some things from our enemy: here is a quick review.
He never rests day or night; that is implied by 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Interesting the verses that talk about never sleeping day or night actually refer to God such as in Psalm 121:4 and Isaiah 40:28 but Proverbs 4:16 talks about how evil men cannot sleep without doing evil.
He along with all the other demons know who Christ is and His authority ( James 2:19). Satan obviously is aware of this through His heavenly councils with angels and God as seen in Job 1 and 2. He knows that Christ has the power to turn stones into bread; as well as calling angels to His help as Satan quoted Psalm 91:11:12.
He has His own heirarchy or Kingdom (see Luke 11:18; Ephesians 6:12).
His goal has been consistent since His fall and the beginning of human history ( John 8:44).
I am sure we could find other passages in this vein. Ultimately God causes all good and evil ( Isaiah 45:7). All things are according to His purposes; just as Christ was exalted after His suffering so we shall be and rewarded if we persevere.
(see Hebrews 11:6).
Fight the good fight.
I hope you don't mind brother.
Your posts are helpful, I understand how long it would be on this site with 2000 characters to go verse by verse, but what you do should inspire us to study all the verses around what you post. The conscience: I understand what you are saying but I understand it a little differently. I understand our conscience which is sometimes called our heart, Proverbs 4:23, is a gift God gave us to help us overcome the curse that we received when Adam and Eve ate that fruit of the knowledge of good and evil.
The law and sacrifices could not cleanse our conscience, and we have been told to guard our conscience. When we repent and are born again our conscience is cleaned Hebrews 9:13-14, Hebrews 10:22 and when we slip, we are given confidence if we repent it is cleaned by the blood of Christ, 1 John 1:9. Our conscience and our mind are separate, Titus 1:15.
Our subconscious mind learns from experiences without us being aware of it. It processes information and makes connections effortlessly. We operate 80 to 90 percent with this part of our mind. This kind of learning affects our actions and choices without us consciously realizing it. My thoughts, this is the part of us that is attracted by the world, the part of our flesh that is tempted.
Our conscience can be weak and defiled 1 Corinthians 8:7 and seared like in 1 Timothy 4:1-2 and our minds can become so corrupt 2 Timothy 3:8, that God can turn us over to a reprobate mind Romans 1:28. I feel people can get to a point where their conscience is dead, and they live on the instinct of their subconscious mind for just survival in this earthly world. But there is always hope, I have seen where people have been restored and their conscience cleansed and made alive again, Jesus's blood can wash away all sins.
This is just me, but I believe our conscience is the spirit of man, Zechariah 12:1 1 Corinthians 2:11.
Keep up the good work and God bless,
RLW
So, like any other teaching in the Bible, we should take hold of the Truths therein & seek the Spirit's help to apply them to our lives, rather than being overly concerned about the person being addressed. An example in the NT: Jesus spoke to many people such as His disciples, the public that thronged Him, & even to the hypocritical religious leaders. If Jesus checked Martha preparing the meal or the Pharisee who falsely accused Him, both men & women today can still take away lessons from these & any other account, even if someone else is being addressed in the Bible.
I need to remind myself more and more often that all the events we see in the world today are just a reflection of what is going on in high places today; with the raging spiritual war in the 2nd heaven. Of course it is only through the 3rd heaven; exercising the authority through the Spirit of the power of Christ above that enables us to actually engage in any combat to resist the legions of evil that are controlling the masses today.
The sad fact is that many professing believers aren't really in the faith at all; and the rest that are only have a small segment that are in this "vertical" aspect in the spiritual realm. In terms of what is proclaimed; therefore in the first example people are calling on endless blessings by making presumptuous proclamations and twisting certain verses to align with their own agendas. In the second case; for all those who have the potential to be in the battle many aren't protected with the proper armor or are not offensively fighting with the sword of the Spirit as Ephesians 12 tells us to do as our only offensive weapon we have.
It is one thing to preach of God's love and forgiveness to God's enemies as Jesus did; selflessly until death. People can over or underemphasize the fact of man's depravity and enmity with God with humans; but with demons and Satan himself we dare not make the mistake of viewing them as anything but enemies; out to steal; kill and destroy both our own lives as individuals through various means such as intimidation; accusation and temptation but also controlling the whole world system (world; flesh and devil).
Here is some practical advice.
1 Corinthians 5:11
James 1:26
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Jude 1:23
2 Timothy 3:13
Ephesians 5:11-12
2 Corinthians 6:17
1 Peter 5:8-9
Proverbs 4:23-27
God is working all things according to His purposes for our good. To be tried we are tested to see what is genuine ( 1 Peter 1:7).
May God grant us the strength to endure until the end.
I plan on discussing some of what man was meant to be before the fall; which in some context may play out in the Millennial period which is the day of rest for God played out in the last 1000 years of earth's existence which is a sort of Sabbath rest bringing peace to the whole world.
I am going to pray here and send this message; Lord pity us for you know we are but dust ( Psalm 103:14). We all mourn as doves for our sins ( Isaiah 59:11). I pray that as painful as it is the readers will understand the levels and depth of our state and this will lead someone to repentance. May we heed as Proverbs states flee from wickedness ( Proverbs 4:15) as it relates to others; and to ourselves ( 1 Cor. 6:18; 2 Tim. 2:22). Help us realize that all of our value comes from His life in us; and all the associations we have are only importance in what remains eternally. This world is going down; let us approach it with patience as we are told to in the last days ( James 5:7). Let us be filled with the Spirit to understand the indignation to come and proclaim it as a trumpet; and have the boldness to extricate ourselves especially from those who claim to be Christians but are living in lifestyles of sin as it corrupts the camp and grieves the Spirit. May we love the praise of God more than that of men ( John 12:43 stands as a warning not to do the opposite). Lord help us all to weep because of our sin; yet especially because of His mercy which is new every morning ( Lamentations 3:22-23).
to the destruction of the outer shell made from the dust of the earth that is the fate of all of us due to what is known as the 2nd law of thermodynamics where all things in the universe at present are in a state of decay
Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. The Berean Standard version says "guard your heart" which in my mind is a better expression of the meaning of that verse.
I discussed last night the sad state of affairs of a brother of mine with who used to be a close friend who separated from his wife a couple years ago and who is being disciplined by the church he was a member in. I personally have seen him in the past weeping because of the lost and he and his wife had a wonderful testimony of how they came to faith in Christ in college. I won't get into the details but it appears a pride factor and control over money has caused this rift.
My own marriage was difficult but still our counselor was shocked when she decided to have an affair and pursue a divorce after we attempted a year or two of counselling. As for myself I have shared how scriptural counseling later was given from James and some other scriptures; that at least kept me from outbursts of anger that also were exascerbated by some behaviors of my wife that I won't discuss here either.
People write "pre nups" in anticipation of or preparation for future breaking of wedlock. The best preparation of course is spiritual. My marriage failed but still I will leave some suggestions that have helped others.
1. Before marriage; establish an agreement to commit to prayer and Bible study and remaining in church fellowship. All three of these things became issues after I eloped.
2. Avail yourself of marriage preparation from a Pastor or close friend if such a thing exists in your church. I can't be sure it does today. This was something that I also failed in; giving in to my wife who at the time was active in church and I didn't see that things would change after we moved; etc.
3. Men should have men to confide in and women should instruct younger women. Titus 2:4-6 (see next post).
Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
Isaiah 57:1 The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.
This last passage could possibly be in reference to those who vanish in the Rapture as well. Food for thought....
In my series of 7 postings on what is about to come to pass; I alluded to the righteous shining like the sun from Daniel. In regard to our battles with the enemy; he both accuses us of our sins and works to convince us that we aren't able to ever be in good standing with the Lord. There is danger in both extremes; thinking we are blessed when we aren't even saved; and being convinced we are still in darkness because of besetting sins. Surely we must confess and not try to hide our sins if we want to be forgiven.
This righteousness is something which is to be experienced with a servant's heart. Christ of course was the only truly righteous man who ever existed consistently throughout His earthly ministry reflecting His Divinity. It is the Body of Christ which was the focus of His ministry; his life and death. As a Christian we should seek to keep the church pure and build one another up and display the love of Christ in fellowship and communication with one another as well as when sharing the Good News with others.
Sadly; there are some I have had experience with who have displayed unedifying behavior suited for a church bought with a price.
If we are to be confined to a house church because of being unable to find a good church or persecution in the future; that will no doubt strip some of the pride that has crept into the organized church leadership up until now.
Maranatha.
6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.
7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
( Proverbs 4:5-7)
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. ( Matt. 13:45-46).
It isn't a scripture; but I feel led to say that as a treasure; those possessing the Spirit of God are rare. Clearly the road is narrow and few find eternal life; but even those who do know the Lord are often caught up in life so much that it is hard to prioritize and focus on the Lord. For those who do know the Lord we can often more easily recognize the Spirit at work in others rather than seeing it in ourselves (I can only speak for myself and assume that it is similar for others). It saddens me to realize how weak; how pitiful; how poor a reflection of the joy of the Lord and His power my own life demonstrates.
Truly when we have examples to look up to it helps us to grow which is something discipleship should encourage although it seems a rare thing these days.
There is; with anything else a balance here. We can't put people on pedestals no matter how much the Lord is blessing them or using them to minister to us. Ultimately it is Christ who is to be exalted and glorified but usually He uses others in the Body of Christ to accomplish this. He dan use dreams or our own personal walk in the Lord to make a great impact; and without a personal devotion and commitment to time in prayer and scriptures as well as sharing our faith we are going to be less sensitive to His Spirit in us as well as how He is working with those around us; including unbelievers to receptiveness to the Gospel.
When rewards are given in heaven we will understand why. Run for the prize!!
Having wiped out my most recent attempt at this post TWICE now (aargh) I'll give it one final "hail Mary" as it were.
I suppose once I've committed the entire Bible to memory I'll stop pushing the wrong button to find verses online that knocks me out.
Anyway; I started posting today as I saw a couple individuals concerned about their salvation and it seemed to be a topic needing to be addressed. Earlier I stated that POST salvation that there is indeed a "two way" communication between a believer and the Lord; as it were in prayer. Proverbs 4:18 says But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Thus; if we know the Lord we learn to recognize our own flaws with mental processes and emotional issues as well as physical desires that all can lead us to sin. I consider doctrines of election as important for many reasons not the least being that God never changes and His covenants relate to that.
Hebrews 8:10 declares "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:"
As a vessel fit for His purposes we are not our own as 1 Corinthians 6:20 states we were "bought with a price." Of course all souls are mine as Esekiel 18:4 states. There are two polar opposites we want to avoid; first fear and cowardice which is warned about in Revelation 22 as something that brings people to hell; but also being presumptuous in for instance; claiming that we no longer sin as believers.
God gives us courage; as He did for Peter after Christ's Ascencion. Dying to self brings true joy! It comes from God not our own hand!
it is written in
1 John 1:1-3
1Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. 2By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
-The commandment of God and not only the ten commandments but the whole scriptures which proceeds out of the mouth of God.Christians who have repented of their sins at the cross and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God need to Obey what God has taught and is is teaching Us, You and I though His word. THE BIBLE.
and an example of one The commandment of God is written in
proverbs 4:20-27
20My son, attend to my words;
Incline thine ear unto my sayings.
21Let them not depart from thine eyes;
Keep them in the midst of thine heart.
22For they are life unto those that find them,
And health to all their flesh.
23Keep thy heart with all diligence;
For out of it are the issues of life.
24Put away from thee a froward mouth,
And perverse lips put far from thee.
25Let thine eyes look right on,
And let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
26Ponder the path of thy feet,
And let all thy ways be established.
27Turn not to the right hand nor to the left:
Remove thy foot from evil.
-Therefore if any man keeps this saying of God, God will like he as a wise man who build his house upon the rock, Please read the rest of proverbs 4 and Let God teach you amen.
read part 3.
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. ( Proverbs 4:23).
Normally I prefer KJV (and after all that is the focus here) but in this case I prefer the word "Guard" to begin the sentence found in several other versions. In the case of dying to self; and focusing all our energies into serving the Lord several statements below may seem to contradict behaviors normally associated with being a Christian.
Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. ( Song of Solomon 8:6).
Granted; the whole book of Song of Solomon is focused on the story of human love but surely we can glean some meainings from this book which is included in the accepted Canon (although probably the most reluctantly by the early church). In any case; our God is a jealous God; and we can also apply this to the Spirit which contends against the flesh ( Gal. 5:24).
Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. ( Matt. 7:6).
This can perhaps be best understood in conjunction with the admonition in Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure. ( 1 Tim. 5:22). There are several meanings for laying on of hands which could relate to delegating a promotion of church office or imparting spiritual gifts (I would suggest both would happen simultaneously). In any case; within the house of God we must be discerning enough to recognize those with bad fruit who are going to take whatever they have and use it for nefarious purposes. We also need to be careful that we aren't tempted by the sins of others who wer are attempting to help; whether by reason of our own weaknesses or those who are devious enough to entice us or unwary victims of Satan.
Friend,
You says, Paul was an exception to the rule? Would you please prove this by the Scriptures.
You says, Jesus comes into my heart, should be taken figuratively? 1Cor 3:16,17 2Cor 13:5 Col 1:27 Ephesians 2:22 Where else could He desire to be but within our heart, the seat & center of our very being. Proverbs 4:23 1Samuel 16:17
You say this sounds strange?
Consider also John 17:21-24 the oneness & unity that God desires to have with His people, this is what God has set His heart on Jeremiah 32:40,41 & made available thru the NC; this is a God, that has said, with all His heart & soul ! Come on; have a little faith.
We're heirs of God & joint heirs of Christ, it is God Himself that is our inheritance Psalms 119:57 Psalms 73:26
You says, not by one staying home & God teaching him. This is exactly what God has done through the spiritual writing of the Quakers, specifically from 1646-1700 through the gifts Christ gave His church; in their writing I discover the intent of God's heart to cleanse one from all sin, & being united with God through Christ, which the Scriptures so manifestly declares & how God accomplishes it. Isa 64:4 1Cor 2:9 Psalms 130:5 I'm talking about that Word that is Rom 10:8 that comes by 10:17 Meaning Christ spiritual appearance within conscience/heart John 1:9 Titus 2:11 Obeying His Father commands 2Cor 4:6 which is the Treasure we have in these earthen vessels. 2Cor 4:7 to know the things that are freely given to us 1Cor 2:12
Proverbs 4:18
I just read your testimony of being born-again Oct 25/ 79. From our past conversations you stated that the two genlteman that posted before you gave good answers for the continuing in sin for life, so you would not add to it. Considering 1Jn3:5-10
Would you agree they're are some serious inconsistencies in your faith & the others who responded, that are very contrary to what the Scriptures plainly declare of being born again?
I do speak this out of concern for you & all others of like mindedness, for if our beliefs does not align up with Scriptures, then the expectation of our end will be false
Rev 22:15 the NKJV ends it with "love & practice a lie".
I pray that all would consider God's words, Proverbs 4:20; Matt 24:35
Remember wisdom is the principal thing therefore in all your getting get understanding amen. ( Proverbs 4:7)
To better understand this verse please recount the event of Stephen who was martyred and before he died, He saw Jesus Christ the son of God standing on the right hand of power.
So Stephen Saw Jesus before he died.
But to answer your Question The book of Revelation is written by John one of the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ, John received the Revelation of Jesus all the word of Living God all the things he saw.
( Revelation 1:1-2)
1,The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
So here John is an old man and receives the vision of God and to be more exact he sees the vision of Jesus Christ the son of the living God appearing in Glory with his angles and this event to came and it is written in the book of revelation.
( Revelation 19:11-16)
And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND Lord OF LORDS.
-So john did not test death
The word of God is Bread and so we need daily bread to sustain our Hunger and that's by search the scriptures daily.
Before reading your bible, you need to Pray and ask God to open His word for your understanding, Wisdom comes from God and the wisdom which he gives is not like the world.
In proverbs 4:7
its written wisdom is the principal thing and in all your getting get understanding.
So, I encourage you to pray and begin with God.
( Matthew 4:3-4, KJV)
3.And when the tempter came to him, he said, if thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
4But he answered and said, it is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
The word of God is Bread and so we need daily bread to sustain our Hunger and that's by search the scriptures daily.
Before reading your bible, you need to Pray and ask God to open His word for your understanding, Wisdom comes from God and the wisdom which he gives is not like the world.
In proverbs 4:7
its written wisdom is the principal thing and in all your getting get understanding.
So, I encourage you to pray and begin with God.
( Matthew 4:3-4, KJV)
3.And when the tempter came to him, he said, if thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
4But he answered and said, it is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Proverbs 4:5-27, James 1:5, Ecclesiastes 7:12, Proverbs 112:5,
Proverbs 14:9,
Proverbs 8,
Hopefully these are encouraging as you pray & helpful as you're seeking GOD. Thank you for trusting us with your prayer needs
you need to remember the word is powerful and shaper than to egged sword.
Then stay your mind upon his words because they are health to your flesh.
please pray for understanding
Proverbs 4:21
20My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.
21Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.
22For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
23Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
24Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.
25Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
26Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.
27Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.
Proverbs 4:20-23, "My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."
Isaiah 40:29-31, "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
Only in the LORD God can we find our strength, our healing, our hope, our joy, and our peace. God will "keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." Isaiah 26:3.