Discuss Romans 12 Page 4

  • T Levis - In Reply on Romans 12 - 3 years ago
    King David was called a man after GOD's heart, GOD loved & honored King David even after his adultery & muderous cover-up, attempt. 2Samuel 11, 1Kings 11:4, Acts 13:22,

    Psalms 38, Psalms 40, Psalms 51, David sought after GOD

    However, David didn't get away with anything, without consequences: 2Samuel 12, because of the severity of his sin as stated by Nathan in 2Samuel 12, the "sword did not depart" from his house._._

    The punishment for adultery Old Testament was death 2Samuel 12:13, but GOD spared David's life

    GOD doesn't take delight in death but that everyone should turn from unrighteousness! Ezekiel 33:11, Ezekiel 18:32, 1John 1:9,

    Malachi 2:13-16, Proverbs 5,

    Hopefully these are helpful
  • Free - In Reply on Romans 12 - 3 years ago
    Dear Mark it is in this life that we must look after and make peace with God and man.

    Thank you for putting your life in Jesus Christ right now and having full confidence that He is bringing you home. In Him we become perfect, stay strong love u in christ.
  • Jesse - In Reply on Romans 12 - 3 years ago
    Mark,

    A person can only be saved once. If a born-again (saved) believer sins, that believer does not lose their salvation. If that were the case, we would lose our salvation quite frequently (if that were even possible).

    Once a believer sins against God, that believer needs to confess their sin and ask for forgiveness. The believer is still saved but they have broken fellowship with God by committing sin against Him. The relationship with God will never change. It's the fellowship that has been broken. But by confessing that sin and asking God for forgiveness, He alone can restore the lost fellowship (not lost salvation).

    Now, "Will the LORD show mercy and forgives his sins?" 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." So the answer is yes!

    If a true (born-again) believer continues in sin, God is going to deal with them, and sometimes His discipline can be pretty harsh, but He will never take away their salvation.

    Salvation is spoken of in scripture as present tense. A person who has been born of God's Spirit has eternal life. Something that is eternal cannot be broken, or lost and re-gained!
  • Pastor Dave - In Reply on Romans 12 - 3 years ago
    If Gods grace was based on my sin then could I ever be saved? If I could loose my Salvation then is Gods grace not good enough? If I could loose my Salvation then what sin would tear me away? What about a little white lie, what about that look you know you shouldn't have done? Gods grace isnt based on my sin but his sacrifice and it is sufficient. If you truely believed with ALL your heart and repented from your way then you are saved. So then what about when I sin while I'm saved? What relationship did David have with God while he was in his great sin? It was greatly diminished because "If I regard iniquity in my heart the Lord will not hear me". So the pathway isnt to be saved (unless you never were) but back to restored relationship. Unfortunately this isnt an over night fix, it may be on your end with confession to God but God isnt looking for moments of faith but faithfulness which is continual. Adultery is such a deep and divisive sin that patience and faithfulness is the answer. This does not mean there are not earthly consequences ie. destroyed relationships between spouse, children, friends etc. Living with those consequences and moving forward is the key. David Lost his son and valuable fellowship with God but read his confession in Psalm 51.

    So what to do now then? What every Christian should be doing. Confess with all your being then daily die to self and uplift God, put the welfare of others above your own. Rest in what he has done not what you can do. Read Gods word, pray on your knees with tears, even fast. But be patient, he will "exalt you in due time."

    God bless
  • Adam - In Reply on Romans 12 - 3 years ago
    Hi Mark,

    I don't believe anyone is "saved" until we're judged by God after this life. If we're genuinely following Jesus in this life I believe we can have assurance of salvation. Lots of verses say this. But a genuine Christian should no longer a slave to sin- that doesn't mean we're free to commit sin, but the opposite. We're instead the Bible says we're to be slaves to righteousness. That doesn't mean we're earning anything, but means we're obeying as a real Christian should. I think many will assume they're following Jesus, but aren't. I think most don't take obedience very seriously and on judgment day will be shocked they aren't allowed to spend eternity with God in heaven. The reason I think this is because of what it says in the Bible. Matthew 7:21. Most people will go to hell, because that's what the Bible says.

    God has an entirely different standard than the moral standard of this evil world. People assume committing sins is ok, but God hates sin. And many people keep committing sins intentionally. Many want to feel assured and validated for their sins as if its ok, but its really not ok. Not even close. God absolutely hates sin. It's disgusting and a slap in His face, a total defying of His commands. And satan has deceived many into believing that obeying God is "bad", but obeying the world is "ok." People will use all kinds of mental gymnastics to soothe themselves so they perceive themselves as a "good person," but that's a lie. All have sinned and have fallen short of God's standard. We are desperately in need of Jesus. Jesus saves His flock, but it doesn't say the Bible saves the wolves. Many are wolves and actually convinced themselves they're part of the flock. No, they are wolves. Most everyone in the world is one.

    I don't know if you're asking for yourself or for someone else or neither, but hope this is helpful. It's written in love. Many are looking for validation, but truth is more important. Salvation may be at stake.
  • Duncan - In Reply on Romans 12 - 3 years ago
    Repentance is the way to start for God has said. in proverbs 28:13

    13Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper,

    but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

    You also need to take up the whole armor of God. for this way by his word, you will be able to with stand when your being tempted.

    Remember his words is a light to our path and God has said if you obey and incline to his word. the word will keep you from stumbling.

    This is done by praying without ceasing by reading his word and by fasting humbling yourself through fasting.

    Ephesians 6:13-24

    13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

    Lastly God is merciful, and he cares for you. Remember Jesus took your place at the cross so that you might receive his righteousness.

    2 Corinthians 5:21

    For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

    So don't give up but kneel down and call to HIM and repent your sins for He who began a good work in you will see it to completion.

    Sin has no dominion over you. amen
  • Sammi - In Reply on Romans 12 - 3 years ago
    You must admit your sin . You didn't 'fall' into adultery , you commited it . I'm assuming it's you yourself , so have you confessed to your wife ? Are you genuinely sorry that you deliberately and knowingly sinned against God ? If the answer is 'yes' , then you may be forgiven , all things are possible with God so you must always have hope and talk to Him about it . Remember , He knows your heart .
  • Alyssa Pang - In Reply on Romans 12 - 3 years ago
    I hope so, Mark. Life is hard without Christ, isn't it? I got saved a day ago. Mark, my husband acts like you. He agrees with you. I hope you get your wishes. Wishes seem to come true. You will go to Heaven someday, Mark.
  • Mark on Romans 12 - 3 years ago
    What should a believer who has fallen into adultery do to be saved again. Will the LORD show mercy and forgives his sins?

    Thank you.
  • Mark on Romans 12 - 3 years ago
    What should a believer who has fallen into adultery do to be saved again. Will the LORD show mercy and forgives his sins?

    Thank you.
  • Shepherdsheep - 3 years ago
    Praying

    Psalm 51:1-2

    king James version

    Have mercy upon me O god,

    According to Your lovingkindness;according to the multitude of Your tender mercies,blot out my transgressions.

    Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,and cleanse me from my sin."

    Psalm 51:16

    king James version

    For thou desirest not sacrifice;else would I give it:thou delightest not in burnt offering.

    Romans 12:1

    I beseech you therefore,brethren,by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,holy,acceptable unto God,which is your reasonable service.
  • Adam - In Reply - 3 years ago
    Dear Sammi,

    I'm sorry to hear this has happened. I think you are handling it better than I would, and I think everyone would struggle with this.

    2 verses come to mind:

    Romans 12:19 - To me this means that there are 24/7 injustices in this world, because there is sin. People assume they are "getting ahead" in the short term and yes, they probably feel good about themselves for the moment, but the reality is this life is extremely short and it could all end today. And all our moral choices will be judged fairly. While it seems like people are getting away with doing wrong, they aren't. No one is getting away with anything. 100% will be fully disclosed before God and He will judge accordingly.

    Matthew 6:19 - While we need money to live- for food shelter, etc, we don't need more than what we need. Anything in excess is a risk that we will begin to have wrong motives. It's harder for a rich man to enter heaven. And the love of money is evil. Greed is sin. It's like playing with fire. Nothing wrong with being financially successful and secure, but temptations will be great. We must be on guard.

    May God bless you and have peace in your heart knowing that God is watching and knows all. He knows exactly what your family has done. But your family probably doesn't know that God is watching them and noticing their motives. Pray for them because they will be judged for this.
  • Richard H Priday - 3 years ago
    Knowledge of good and evil part 4.

    The conclusion is that once Adam and any one of us started in the course of sin; then the mind was permanently ingrained with that memory; and all the desires to repeat such actions were the default mode against which there was no effective resistance apart from the Spirit of God. God would "wink" at certain things ( Acts 17:30) as specifically referring to idol worship. There were some such as Rachel in the O.T. who would be with God's people but secretly carrying family idols with her. There are other things such as "concubines" which no matter how culturally defined basically were "politically correct" versions of harlots. The situation of multiple wives and such brings out the unique situation when at first there was only a sister for instance; for Cain to marry.

    We can look at the ancient conquests and widespread carnage; and go through much angst with the tough verses where God Himself commanded widespread slaughter. That is a subject which I may have touched on and could some more in the future.

    What IS certain; however is that much of these things were due to sins that Israel specifically committed and of course the book of James states that people war because they lust after things they cannot have. ( James 4:2). We also had a national political and religious state where the law of the land was to be enforced directly from God's commandments. Again; there is a level of responsibility that His Covenant people had above any other nations; but the same principles are involved.

    In general; there has to be a submission to God's authority involving a trust relationship which is based on His Covenant(s); namely today in the New Covenant that Christ has brought into effect. ( Heb. 9:15). All good gifts come from God above ( James 1:17). That is referring specifically to spiritual gifts; but certainly all blessings in life have Him as the source.

    Let us follow Romans 12:2 and be transformed by renewal of mind.
  • Richard H Priday - 3 years ago
    Proper view on impreccatory Psalms and scriptures on hell (part 2)

    Looking further into this topic; we certainly should be "thrust out" to proclaim the Gospel with these eternal realities made clear to us. Unfortunately; with today's watered down; and/or politically correct version of scripture we are somehow believing that we can have our "best life now." We can more accurately say with the eternal weight of glory ( 2 Cor. 4:17) that we are living our "worst life now." What is best; however is realizing that our old life is DEAD ( Gal. 2:20) and that our life is in the Spirit. The fear of death no longer haunts us ( Heb. 2:14-15) so we are able to tell others the Good News.

    Our thoughts need to be His thoughts; this gives us a clearer understanding of praying in the Spirit things that are honoring to God and truly petitioning what His covenants promise as servants of God. Trusting God even when we need to say or do things that go against our natural minds may be a process. If we DON'T seek Him on these tough topics; then really the only other method of "fire and brimstone" preaching is utilizing our self righteousness to stir up anger. Without the love of Christ; therefore we are truly a clanging cymbal. Only in His love can we demonstrate that He has overcome the world within our own hearts and souls. When the love of Christ causes all sorts of resistance ( Matt. 5:44) then we truly are heaping coals of fire on someone ( Romans 12:20 quoting Prov. 25). To overcome; therefore we must avoid at all costs any of our own self-righteousness and anger; nonetheless a holy indignation is certainly necessary in many cases when the nation at large is so wicked. In conclusion; therefore there are national and corporate sins; and individual which both involve a call but for those chosen the truth is opened up. Let it be therefore the Spirit not us which is the two-edged sword ( Heb. 4:12) and not our own cutting words.

    Have a blessed day.

    Agape. RIch P
  • Giannis - 3 years ago
    Romans 12:9-18

    "Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."
  • Richard H Priday - 3 years ago
    Spiritual discernment part 6

    Encouragement and the lack thereof within the Body of Christ

    It has been said that a Prophet is never honored in his own hometown in Luke 4:24. This is in regard to faith; as opposed to unbelief. Mark 9:24 shows the proper response to those seeking more faith in "helping with my unbelief". Since we are not God and only have a slight understanding "seeing as through a mirror darkly" ( 1 Cor 13:12) we can't necessarily diagnose what is true unbelief nor have the Spirit "without measure" ( John 3:34) as Christ did. If we look at outer circumstances and misuse verses to convince people that they should be healthy and wealthy then we may bring unnecessary discouragement to those who need a "merry heart" ( Prov. 17:22) for healing purposes. We don't bring things forth as some seem to cleim through words as the "name it and claim it" or blab it and grab it crowd would like us to believe. Or; more aptly put we should seek the "worst life now" as the countercultural resistance to the opposing camp (I'll leave it at that).

    Recognizing potential in the gifting and talents of others seems like a rare thing today. Since we are all called to edify one another ( Romans 12:4-5) there should be a joint effort as part of the army of Christ; salt and light of the world we are called to be. This should be the duties of elders but we all have responsibilities. The giver of the gifts; of course is more crucial than the gift itself but we shouldn't have to sacrifice gifts because there are those who don't find it expedient to believe in such things.

    As with anything else; as the old song goes we need to know when to hold; fold; walk or run away with the cards on the table in our hand. If the Spirit isn't present or welcome in a place of fellowship it is no mystery; sin is in the camp (Read Joshua 7).

    This eliminates the effectiveness of a ministry. There is still hope if some truth is preached and at least a few still living in true faith.
  • Richard H Priday on Psalms 57 - 3 years ago
    Psalm 57. James 3:6 is one of the first things I notice a parallel to with verse 4. There are other verses describing animals prophetic of those surrounding Christ during the crucifixion in Psalm 22:12-13. Here in this Psalm we once again are given in the intro. the information that this was written during David's cave retreat as happened multiple times with Saul's insanity.

    We see crying in verse 2 and singing in verses 7-8; finally praise in verse 9 with the resulting appreciation of mercy and truth (v.10) with His name exalted in the last verse. These are solid Biblical approaches to persecution; as we see when Paul was incarcerated in Acts 16:25-28 along with Silas; it in fact led to deliverance.

    Ecclesiastes 9:12 and a host of other verses describe men being caught in nets due to their own sin. (see Job 18:5-9; Isaiah 24:18). "Vengeance is mine; I shall repay" is in Deuteronomy 32:35 and quoted in Romans 12:19. It is important to remember David's attitude toward "God's anointed" (see 1 Samuel 24). Even when Saul died David still mourned over him. This attitude of loving our enemies should characterize our lives while we still proclaim the truth that indeed the Day of His wrath is coming; and only through the cross will we escape.
  • T Levis - In Reply - 3 years ago
    Romans 12:12, Acts 6:4, Hebrews 13:15, 1 Thessalonians 5:17,

    John 17, James 1, James 2,

    Matthew 5:23,24,44, Matthew 6:5-34, Mark 11:24, Luke 18:1-14, Matthew 17:15-21, Mark 9:17-29,

    Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21:36,

    Hope these are helpful
  • Giannis - In Reply - 3 years ago
    Hello Spencer

    WORSHIPPING IN TRUTH AND IN SPIRIT. What does that mean? Let's try to see it through sacrificies. In The Old Testament times the Jews were going to the Temple of Solomon and worshiped God by offering sacrifices. We do the same, but the sacrifices are different now.

    Romans 12:1-2 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a LIVING SACRIFICE, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

    So we offer ourselves as living sacrifices, a pure life full of God's Spirit.

    1 Peter 2:5 "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ" We have a spiritual Temple/House now ("Temple" in grk (Naos) means "Place of Residence") and as priest we offer our prayers for people as spiritual sacrifices to Father God.

    Rev 5:8 "And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of ODOURS, which are the prayers of saints"

    Rev 8:3 "And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the GOLDEN ALTAR which was before the throne"

    So, again, our prayers stand as spiritual sacrifices.

    Hebrews 13:15 "By him therefore let us offer the SACRIFICE OF PRAISE to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name." Although a more accurate translation is "confessing His name" So confessing, praising and thanksgiving are also spiritual sacrifices.

    Thus filling ourselves with the Spirit of God (since we have no ability to do anything on our own) and staying in the Truth of God's written Word is worshipping God now(as well)

    GBU.
  • Richard H Priday - 3 years ago
    Part 4 Cross references and applications.

    The application of scripture is also in regard to say various ordinances in the O.T. case specific for the nation of Israel at that time; and that in regard to the ceremonial cleanness and rules and regulations for animal sacrifices which were only a temporary fix for the sin issue which ultimately pointed to the cross at Calvary. The 10 commandments on the other hand have universal applications with the exception of the day of worship which I feel Matthew 12:8 covers. The concept of marriage; for instance is fairly universal and hence as we see with the case of John the Baptist confronting Herod ( Luke 3:19) or God causing plagues on the ruler of Egypt ( Genesis 12:17) we see that even pagans were held to a certain standard of the law. We may see this also in the case of Judges 1:7 where even a pagan realized that what was done to others now was being done to him. This takes some wisdom as well; as we are supposed to if at all possible to remain peaceable upon all men and to respect authority. (see Romans 12:18).

    We should certainly take things literally that are repeated in scripture such as verses in Deuteronomy on the giants; since other scriptures elaborate on the subject (such as 1 Samuel 17). Same concept for the demons mentioned in Revelation; for example. This has an eschatological ramification as well; for scripture makes it clear that there is nothing new under the sun. ( Ecclesiastes 1:9). We can make all sorts of inferences when we see the descriptions in scripture of those who are said to be affected by demons (i.e. psychological analysis) but we shouldn't do violence to clear meanings because of a myopic viewpoint (as I stated before).

    Another possible error is if a more recent archaeological site makes a previous interpretation archaic as to the time frame when or where a certain event or place with the same or similar name occurred.
  • Richard H Priday - 3 years ago
    Judgment coming part 5.

    Once again; we need to understand that with knowledge comes responsibility. There are some who are immature in the faith that simply don't know scripture well enough to clearly see parameters that they should follow and hence that slip into sin. But those that willingly sin and know the truth are going to be in a worse state than those who never knew the truth. (See Hebrews 10:26).

    We need to avoid slipping into violence to solve our problems as God states "vengeance is mine; I will repay ( Romans 12:19). Extremism is pushing us in that direction of violent opposition. We need to wisely choose our battles; remaining wise as serpents; innocent as doves. ( Matt. 10:16).

    God will even use babes and children to praise Him ( Psalms 8:2). He has his armies of angels to stand before and behind us to defend us when He chooses to do so. It is His sovereign will to either deliver us FROM judgment or through it (although His people are delivered from wrath according to Romans at least related to the end of the Tribulation. Those who are martyred in the end will be lifted up to rule and reign with Christ if they indeed stood in the true faith.

    May we be watchmen as Ezekiel warns or the blood of those who are destroyed will be required of us. Only God can laugh at the calamity of the wicked; our job is to lovingly rescue those who are taken captive by the devil to do his will. God knows who will and won't respond; even if no one we talk to does; we are to declare His victory as faithful servants. In this we honor God.

    That is the main concern of revivals that appeal to a "numbers game" as many churches do today to gain prominence; financial benefits etc. We should warn to flee the wrath to come but also exhort those that the road is narrow and few will come to faith.

    The days of the "easy peasy" belief system may be passing since COVID took out some churches and probably irreversably reduced the percentage of those who go to church.
  • T Levis - In Reply - 3 years ago
    I'd like to add to discussion on Matthew 5:22

    Matthew 25:31-46, is how we are to treat the "least of these" to belittle anyone is a direct offense to GOD. 1Corinthians 1:20-27, Proverbs 17:5, Romans 14:13, James 4:11, 1Corinthians 4:5, John 13:34, Romans 12:10,

    This is "brother or sister" literal & family of believers aka "brethren " because those words from "family" hurt deepest

    We're to edify Romans 13:8, 1John 4:7, Romans 14:19, 1Thessalonians 5:8-23,

    Hopefully these are helpful
  • Adam - In Reply - 3 years ago
    Hi Nick, the world is inherently evil. It will corrupt us if we are not constantly on guard against it wearing the armor of God.

    Romans 12:2, James 1:26-27.
  • S Spencer - In Reply - 3 years ago
    Hi Adam.

    I believe Hebrews 13:12-16 speaks of spiritual living



    "Wherefore Jesus also, THAT HE MIGHT SANCTIFY THE PEOPLE WITH HIS OWN BLOOD, SUFFERED WITHOUT THE GATE.

    Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, BEARING HIS REPROACH.

    "We've been cleansed by the blood and separated to follow him."

    FOR HERE HAVE WE NO CONTINUING CITY, "BUT WE SEEK ONE TO COME". (The new Jerusalem.) Galatians 4:26-28.

    ("But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.)

    "Sarah presents a picture of this."

    ( We've been born by promise.)

    Issac presents a picture of this!

    Galatians 4:28.

    BY HIM THEREFORE LET US OFFER THE SACRIFICE OF PRAISE TO GOD continually, that is, the fruit of our lips GIVING THANKS TO HIS NAME.

    BUT TO DO GOOD AND TO COMMUNICATE FORGET NOT: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

    We are to praise him for freeing us from the bondage of dead works and counted us worthy to be heirs of the promise given to Abraham by faith. We are to walk in that faith righteously.

    Ephesians 5:14-17.

    Romans 12:1.

    "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."

    We've been brought outside the camp cleansed and given the Holyspirit to be able to serve.

    John 4:20-21.

    It's not location or command. ( No longer in bondage) Brought outside the camp, been made free AND NOW ABLE to worship in truth and in spirit.

    THROUGH THE POWER OF THE HOLYSPIRIT IS HOW WE SERVE HIM.

    God bless.
  • Chris - In Reply on Colossians 1 - 3 years ago
    Amen GiGi. The question that should be asked is: 'how much do we allow the Holy Spirit to have of us, so as to direct our lives?' We know that the Spirit of God yearns that we be conformed to Christ's Image ( Romans 8:29); yet our flesh continually desires conformation to the world ( Romans 12:2). The more of the 'world' that drops off, the road before us towards maturity (perfection) becomes more visible & desirable - though the end of it can only be Heaven when all traces of the world & sin are removed.

    As the apostle wrote, "And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit" ( Galatians 5:24,25). And it's only by the Power of the Spirit in us can our flesh be crucified, and only by the Life of the Spirit in us can we truly walk in the Spirit, desiring only to please our Lord God & His Son. Those who so walk, can be confident that "an entrance shall be ministered unto (them) abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." ( 2 Peter 1:11).
  • David T on Leviticus 2:12 - 3 years ago
    My walk in the LORD GOD should always be "salted" in the joy I have because of CHRIST JESUS in me. As I adhere unto the things of GOD, I can be assured that the LORD will hear and answer my prayers and supplication. 1 John 5: 14, 15

    At this junction, our country is facing grave and dangerous outcomes with our current leaders and the direction we are heading with their current economic, social, and religious ideologies. I must go before the LORD as depicted in

    2 Chronicles 7:14, 15.

    The disciples asked the LORD JESUS why they couldn't heal the demon possessed boy, and the HE replied "Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting." Matthew 17: 21 If I desire healing for our land and country, I must become "salt" and turn from the leaven and honey; and praise the LORD in HIS great commission. If I am of CHRIST, then I must set my "...affections on things above and not on this earth..."

    I must be willing to present my body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto my GOD. "...And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

    Romans 12: 1, 2

    I write this post to remind myself of what I need to do and where my devotion unto my LORD stands at this point in my walk with HIM.

    I praise the LORD for all the saints on this forum and their love for the LORD JESUS CHRIST. The sharing, declaring, and proclaiming the precious things the LORD has done for you is certainly encouraging for me to read and glorify HIM.

    Numbers 6

    24 The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:

    25 The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:

    26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

    The LORD to lift all who love HIM and await HIS soon and imminent coming. Titus 2: 11-15

    September 26, 2022
  • GiGi - In Reply - 3 years ago
    Richard,

    Very good exposition here. Thanks. In this life, we are, like Jesus, a little lower than the angels. But because we are in Christ and He conquered death, sin, the devil, and hell in his sacrificial death and resurrection and ascension to the right hand of the Father (which signifies dominion and authority over all things) we will reign with Him because we are in Him. We will in the next life be higher than the angels because of our position in Jesus. We will be like Jesus as a ruler, serving others. As you say, we will not be puffed up or full of ourselves concerning this ruling assignment. No, we will be humble, loving, and full of the Spirit.

    When I think of angels (good and bad) I know that they are far above me and other humans in power and authority and many other abilities. We are not able to contend with evil angels in our own might or our own authority. We always must come to defend ourselves and stand against them in Christ Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. These demonic angels will not listen or heed us unless we fight them in Christ Jesus. He is the our captain, our commander, our fortress, and deliverer. We must let Him take the forefront of every battle and when we come to stand against these evil angels, we are to do so as Michael is said to do, saying "The Lord rebuke you."

    I love the Scripture that reminds us to not think too highly of ourselves than we ought to, but to think of ourselves soberly. ( Romans 12:3) I think this may be implying that we are to avoid being "drunk" on "pseudo-power trips". Humility is something that the devil and evil angels do not possess. They are filled with pride and arrogance and have deceived themselves into thinking that they have more power and authority that they really do have in relation to God. We ought not be like them in having a false sense of power and authority over them. Being humble is being Christ-like. Knowing that we do not deserve any honor is being realistic about ourselves before God
  • Donna - In Reply on Romans 12 - 3 years ago
    My personal experience? it feels like your bones are sort on fire and the only way to get relief is to do what God wants you to do. Then when you have done it you have immense joy!

    But I found you a more biblical example in the book of Jeremiah. Please read;

    Jeremiah 1:4-19

    The Lord CALLED Jeremiah to be a prophet. Hope this helps.
  • Pam on Romans 12 - 3 years ago
    how do you no you have a calling on your life
  • Richard H Priday - 3 years ago
    Stuck in the middle or standing out from the crowd (further insights)

    Master. I have stated before and it doesn't hurt to repeat it that Christ is our MASTER as well as being Lord and Savior. Of course this isn't a "politically correct" concept which would be one benefit those living in a society seeing servitude (indentured servants at least) would have in comprehending that concept as a proper "lifestyle choice" for those who would proclaim Christ (although it is more of a command). The most direct reference Christ makes to us in this status is when he talks about the "unworthy servant" ( Luke 17:7-10). This gives as a good outline of how; for instance we should always prioritize our time for worship; prayer and studying the Word. There is only one who we are accountable to as individuals when this life is done. All good gifts are given from above; and hence are to be used for service in the Kingdom and edification of the brethren.

    Fellowship of the saints. The command (not request) to love one another is emphasized in John 13:34-35 as well as 1 John. Surely the disciple that Christ "loved" ( John 21:7) was used to deliver this message and surely he understood that concept.

    Sadly; this concept of adoption into the family of God ( Romans 8:14-19 but by no means limited to that verse) is more of an abstract idea today in most churches. Something as practical as inviting a single person to a holiday meal (such as was done for me a few years back) can really make a difference. We are instructed to rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn ( Romans 12:15). The opposite of this is either indifference; or worse gossip which basically is mocking a person's situation or at best having some morbid curiosity. Just to break out and instigate a conversation may take some effort when others on a Sunday morning are more interested id discussing sports; entertainment or personal matters to those in their social circles.


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