A Faith you think you have that will not save you.
C H Spurgeon
Part 6
Holiness ceases to be a suggestion and becomes a necessity, a hunger of His new nature. This does not mean immediate perfection, the true believer still stumbles, but he stumbles while running away from sin, not while dancing with it.
He gets up, hating the fall, not getting used to it.
The lie that was once a convenient tool now burns his tongue. The greed that was once a secret pleasure now becomes a torment to his soul.
The bitterness he once harbored is now seen for the poison it truly is. The struggle itself is the great test of life. As an old preacher once said, a dead man can float down the river with the current, but it takes a living and to fight against it, a corpse does not fight against the worms that consume it, only a living body fights against disease but the life God creates is not defined solely by war.
If repentance is wholly hatred for the sin that separated us from God, its inseparable twin is a consuming love for everything that brings us closer to Him.
Regeneration not only makes us hate what we once loved, it makes us love what we once found tedious, irrelevant, or burdensome. The first great manifestation of this new love is a burning passion for the Word of God.
To false faith, the Bible is at best a book of rules to be obeyed out of duty or an arsenal of verses to win debates. To the regenerated heart, the Bible becomes a love letter from the father.
Each page reveals more of the beauty of Christ. Reading ceases to be an obligation and becomes a vital necessity like the air we breathe. Spurgeon would say that one of the clearest signs of an unconverted soul is its indifference to Scripture. It may respect it, but it does not delight in it.
"It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." (pt 1)
Nowadays people live so wealthy that they have never ever lived in all human history. Nowadays we have things that people in other ages couldn't even dream of. Having a car, a house, a proper job, living in countries with a welfare state, with a social net protecting people from povetry is the norm in the so called Western countries.
But the question is, why are people so unpleased from their lives? Why do we hear so often the word "depression"? Why do we hear so often the word "anxiety"? Why do we hear so often the word "pressure"? Why do we hear so often the words "autoimmune disease"? Few decades ago those words didn't exist in people's vocabularly. People were happier although they were poorer. Why is this?
People nowadays have problems with their mental health. Their souls are suffering, they are not healthy. People often turn to psycologists and psychiatrists to find some comfort. And it is true that science has achieved many great things in this modern era. It provides people with medicine and other treatments for their mental health. And it does a lot of good. And it is not the church's job to interfere with science.
But we, the christians, can offer to people an alternative proposal. "Do you want to be healthy? Do you want to see your soul to be healthy? Do you want to see your body to be healthy?"
If you do then go to Jesus. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matt 11:28-30
God made us in His image and in His likeness. Which means that we have inside us the characteristics of God. God created us not to live in sin, but to live in sanctification. It is only then that we find happiness in our lives. Living in sin leads us to distruction.
Concluding thoughts on our proper attitude towards righteous indignation
As I have discussed in other posts; trying to bring the world to some moral standard other than being salt and light is a guardrail God has established but certainly imperfect at best. Pride comes before a fall ( Prov. 16:18 and illustrated by Lucifer's dowfall in Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah 14).
We dare not be proponents of anarchy as a result of misusing grace nor legalists who show no Agape towards others including God's people. There are warnings in 1 John about those who do not love their brother and the fact that shows we are not truly in the faith if not dealt with. Rejoicing in evil has no place in a Christian's heart; we must by all means avoid the trap of pride and self righteousness as our standard; or having a favorite vice such as covetousness cause a root of bitterness in us ( Heb. 12:15). Nonetheless; NOT proclaiming warnings of His wrath to come is being derelict in our duty; and as God reminds Ezekiel blood is on our hands if we fail to warn. Part of this problem is fear of men; and the other which is associated with this is having too little fear of the Lord and respect for Him and not trusting His Word will come to pass. If the church doesn't fear God of course it is easy to follow the wide path of the world. Hell isn't literal; eternal or as bad as it was told us; the world naturally defaults to that sentiment but to see in the church this idea is quite disturbing. Alternative lifetyles are sin like any other. That statement is a half truth; for it is an abomination ( Leviticus 20:13); and this brought Sodom's destruction notwithstanding their other sin of pride and haughtiness which led to this judgment and behaviors as well. All sin of course leads to death but as 1 Cor. 6:18 also shows sexual immorality causes us to sin against our own body and has unique punishments that often begin this side of eternity (disease for instance). Let's divide the Word rightly
For the knowledge and time and location of the earthquake 22 nautical miles from Northeast of Guam hagante will produce a tsunami that will take out Alaska and Canada cost 150 MI north of state of Washington it will go in then approximately 350 MI as the wave returns topples mountains from the wait it will slow reverse the rotation of the planet rain and hell will follow jet engines cannot fly they require a constancy of air the pole will shift 7 East from North to relink the satellites I tried to seem to drop the link fifth hour of the seventh day get them all out of there it's 200 million lives that don't have to die the purpose of prophecy given that confirm God gave to protect not to destroy the seven Bright morning Stars will still be required they care for the orphans of the world to be one mentor for every thousand children to in relish as a very own the Catholics will give up and let God's children go those every wish to stay they will pay them as clergyman those are God's words new rivers and streams will fall wars we'll not be anymore I've given almost all knowledge that restores get rid of most every disease cancers they don't seem to care God told me he was rejected because he chose a simple man over 35 years I've never been through so much drama and misery in my life what do you do it's in God's hands I tried that one righteous May come for the one being 4444,000 orphans someday got accepted I give everything one more can I do Zechariah 1:3 is what I'm supposed to say
Thank you brother, well explained. Indeed, we see God's Wrath over the millennia against rampant sin in the world, even as we observe tribulations and sufferings that come to us all and particularly to so many throughout the world suffering with hunger, disease, natural calamities, and wars. These, God permits to continue awaiting that day of His choosing when the curtain will be drawn (by the Restrainer's removal) and His Face will be hid, allowing His full Wrath to be poured out, as has never been seen before ( Matthew 24:21). Blessings.
The Spirit inserted this episode to justify the ministry of Paul. The Holy Spirit separated him for the gospel but historically he was not received as an apostle by the church of Corinth.(1 Cor.9.1-2). Jesus however validates him, He informs Ananaias," But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:/For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake."( Acts 9,15-16). Great things he must suffer is used in the sense of great tribulation, as determined by the Law of the Spirit. So we have the Spirit, setting him apart'for the work whereunto I have called them.'(13.2)
"So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them" (19.11). The miracles are 'special' eterand it is how the Spirit points out the ministry of Paul under the everlasting gospel. Compare it with what miracles attributed to St Peter and other apostles, " Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them/ There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one."(5.15-16)
God establishes a Covenant under seven days where every blessing in heaven and earth are sanctified by the Man who was the Word which was God. He is the fulfillment of the Law, which is of the Spirit. , Names like Seth,Enoch Noah Abraham et all are designated as heirs of promise. They were placed under the Law of the Spirit. so Enoch shall walk with God and Abraham shall set out not knowing whither he went. Fath marked their DNA. On the other hand Cain was sent out from the presence of God. What is he called? "and a vagabond shalt thou be."
In reading this thread about your questions it seems that you received good answers from those who responded.
I just want to speak to your question about species of life that do not inhabit earth. We call this alien life because they are not natural inhabitants to our planet.
I agree with Chris that there is not Scriptural evidence that such exist. Lack of Scriptural evidence does not mean that such may not exists. There is so much we do not know of what God has done because He has not revealed all to us in Scripture.
However, we have learned so much about scientifically that is not mentioned in Scripture, such as atoms, other galaxies, atomic energy, genomes, and medical knowledge that treats diseases. These things truly exist and God has allowed us to discover these in the time He has appointed for us to come to know such things. When we consider all that has been discovered or invented in the past 100 years are present life would amaze even those who lived 200 years ago!
But when it comes to extra-terrestial beings, we can only speculate. Some think that such beings are demonic or angelic, which may be true. some think that they may be humans from the future traveling back in time. This idea we could only prove if we are able to encounter and converse with them. Others think that indeed we are being visited by beings from other galaxies. But again we cannot know if this is true or not.
So, all of this is speculation and must understand that we have no proof of the existence of such being, with the exception of spiritual beings that inhabit the spiritual realm such as angels, demons, princes, powers and principalities.
For me, I think it is very possible that God has created beings that inhabit areas across the universe. But if they are not spiritual beings, I do not think any physical being could travel those great distances to our planet unless God has granted them either eternal life or an extremely long life span.
" And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus/For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy."
During the earthly ministry of Jesus we see a healing where this angel figures."Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches./In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water./ For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had."
What sin caused was to prevent the man of palsy from being cured. The man would be made whole only because the only measurement that helped his case aligned by themselves. " Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee."( Jn 5.1-16)
In the everlasting Covenant the Law makes provision for waters. The Waters above was separated from waters below.. Is there an Up or down in the kingdom of God? Jesus Christ is the spiritual Rock " And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ."(1 Cor.10.1-4) . Moses only had to speak to the rock and out flowed sweet water. For all that blessing how did the Jews respond to the healing? "And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day." It is of them God had said," Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice;/ Surely they shall not see the land
Once David got to the later stages of his reign; there were some consequences to his actions and his son Solomon would achieve more or less peace in his day which sadly was the beginning of the end for Israel and Judah as judgment was about to come.
Psalms discusses repeatedly David's prayers to overcome his adverseries but also verses that likely show consequences of his own sin as we see in Psalm 38:11; which commentators suggest may be a type of venereal disease suffered because of the many women he was with; which of course dwarfs in comparison to Solomon and his escapades. Nonetheless David was a man after God's own heart ( 1 Samuel 13:14). This shows his strength in great humility and servitude slong with patience with Saul and his minions who put him on the run a number of times before he eventually was defeated in battle. ( 2 Samuel 16:11). The Lord dealt with this issue in His timing and established the throne of Solomon; as David could not build the Temple because he was a man of war ( 1 Chron. 28:3).
With Solomon's brief reign at the pinnacle of the kingdom which would have been extended and continued his posterity through his descendants once again a way waw found for him to forfeit these promises. Ecclesiastes seems to show lessons learned a bit late but it would seem in time for repentance, realizing his folly.
The kingdom of Israel and Judah where the tribes were split were judged by invasions of several nations; but here I will focus the most on the Babylonian invasion. We see Jeremiah the "weeping prophet" and it is assumed but not explcit he was martyred. Luke 11:50-51 says this about the lawyers at the time
That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation;
51From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.
I appreciate your prayer. My friend has had gout for 17 years now; apparently. He also has pancreas issues and diabetes along with arthritis and is quite obese. I decided it is best to accompany him to the local VA Tuesday in case I can attest to having to take him in extreme pain a couple weeks ago to the hospital when they refused to call in the meds that have helped him in the past with a severe outbreak. Since he had lyme disease multiple times in the past I can't help but think that may tie into current issues as well; although they are supposed to be cognizant of this fact. Hopefully he can get the first record at least of when he was in Germany and had to go to the hospital for migranes as since his unit was upset he couldn't go on active duty at the time they were deployed for one hundred percent participation they may have conveniently lost some of his record from the second attack he had.
So as you can see there are a lot of physical issues; nonetheless I am trying to navigate between possibly having to cut him off at least for a time or going all out which seems to be the balance of the two pieces of advice I have received here so far. How to handle things on course with regular assistance is something I need to assess; especially once I go back to a regular work schedule in the fall. I am going to carefully assess his attitude at the doctor; he mentioned something about physical therapy and I hope he is open to that and whatever other treatment is available. He had to stop working last year as he couldn't physically keep up with his pharmaceutical warehouse duties but since he is fairly savvy on computers and such I would think there may be something he could do. He should be able to get some more help the end of this month turning 60; I understand with some of the conditions in the local VA not being too pleasant in the city at least. Nonethless; I don't see how he can take out a loan if he has no way to repay it or I foot the bill.
Dear Dddsam87, Sorry for the late reply, but I had to take some time to think about it. And there are so many nice people in here who pray for all people every day, night and hour. Even if they don't appear on the web. So don't believe anything else even if answers come late. But we have 1 who doesn't come too late. It's Jesus Christ, He who went through hell for our sake. When the Light of Jesus fills a heart, that light drives out fear, hatred, and all that is evil and sometimes everything bad. We are talking about Healing for spirit, soul and body. And it's wonderful to read that you started praying to God! And you see, do you think that you and I can change anything without having the Lord with us? When you prayed back then, to God and didn't really know who you were praying to. Then He was there. Still, isn't it nice? So that was the best and most natural thing you could come up with. What you are talking about is possession by evil spirits. As clear as day, they exist now as never before. Because when Jesus was here on earth, He did nothing else but cast out diseases and evil spirits from people, everyday.
So these are real issues.
What you can do for yourself is to get to know Jesus Christ through the Word of God. And personally I think you have to be a personal Christian. Be filled with the Holy Spirit. You will find here on the web page how to be saved, read the words loud and clear. And believe them If you are, you are safe. Sometimes you can talk to the spirits, and you need to know who you are dealing with. For example: Everything that is of evil Jesus Himself mentions in Matthew 15:19 Remember that the person in question knows nothing about it. You don't need to gape and scream. It is enough to say things like - Come out of her/him now, you blasphemous spirit, in the name of Jesus Christ. For in His Name He Himself says. HEhas all power in heaven and on earth. Jesus has allpower. AllspiritsareafraidofHim.
Titus 3:11 - Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.
Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and this word basically means to bring in a disease. And sins, being condemned of himself. He condemns himself by his own beliefs, and his own twisting and misrepresentation of scripture.
Titus 3:13 - Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.
Bring Zenas the lawyer. It is unsure whether he's a Gentile, or he's a Hebrew. It would make more sense by his name and function that he would be a Gentile. If he's a Hebrew, then he's a lawyer of the law, the Old Testament, the Tanak. If he is a Greek, or Gentile, then he is a lawyer of Roman law. And that's what Paul needs. He needs somebody to help him with Roman law.
Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them. The word wanting means lacking. So, when you send them on their way, make sure that they have everything that they need, food, a means of transportation, and that they are completely taken care of.
Matthew 17:21: "Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting."
Matthew 18:11: "For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost."
Matthew 23:14: "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation."
Mark 7:16: "If any man have ears to hear, let him hear."
Mark 9:44: "Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched."
Mark 9:46: "Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched."
Mark 11:26: "But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses."
Mark 15:28: "And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors."
Luke 17:36: "Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left."
John 5:4: "For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had."
Acts 8:37: "And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
Acts 15:34: "Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still."
Acts 24:7: "But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,"
Acts 28:29: "And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves."
Romans 16:24: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."
I John 5:7: "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."
Thanks bro Giannis for sharing what you did, especially about the time of fellowship & instruction you had with that group of young people. Clearly, your son's gf, like so many others, fully embrace religion but have failed to know & embrace the living God, His Mercy & Forgiveness, & of course, that vital relationship as our Father in Heaven. I pray your words of wisdom & instruction to those there will go deep into their hearts which the Holy Spirit, in His time, will bring to remembrance as they may witness the futility, hypocrisy, & disease that such religious exercises brings.
As I wrote briefly to another person on these pages concerning evangelism, what we share & how we do it depends on where that person is at with his life & eternity. For some, as when you shared with that young girl, she already understood God's Anger against sin, but unfortunately, her understanding was only of a distant, angry, vengeful God, and not about an intimate relationship with Him. So, your words to her would take up that knowledge she had & develop it to lead her to biblical Truths: Truths I'm sure, that would be quite foreign to her and hopefully go deep into her heart and mind. Onto Page 2.
2 Timothy 2:17 - And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
The word canker (GAGGRAINA) is the Greek word for gang green. If you listen to enough people who are not teaching the truth, your soul will not be healthy. It will be diseased. Hymenaeus and Philetus were two people who began to teach something that was different than what Paul said.
2 Timothy 2:21 - If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
The word purge is the word cleanse, himself from these things, that is, these iniquities, he shall be a vessel for honor,
3 things: Having been sanctified (set apart). And meet (more literally useful), for the master. And thirdly, prepared unto every good work. Again, the word good is AGATHOS which has to do with spiritual good. The one who comes for cleansing and confessing his sins, will be a vessel of honor, set apart by God for His use, and prepared for every good work that God has for them.
2 Timothy 3:1 - This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
He says this know. That's a command. In the last days perilous times shall come. The word perilous is translated variously by the word danger or difficult, and the Greek word itself, CHALEPOS, means more than just difficult times.
The other place in which this word perilous is found is in Matthew 8:28. This is when Jesus came across the lake to the other side of the country of the Gergesenes. And there met Him two possessed with devils coming out of the tombs. These were two men who were demon possessed, exceeding fierce (CHALEPOS). It means to be fierce, or harsh. It describes the activity of demons. In the last days, it's not just going to be difficult times. It's going to be fierce. It's going to be harsh. He gives the reason starting in Verse 2, as he lists for us 18 characteristics of people in the last days.
The Gospel of the Kingdom is for the Jews and the Gospel of Grace is for the Gentiles.
We start with the Gospel of the Kingdom on earth for the Jews for the New Jerusalem.
Matthew 4:23
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching thegospelofthekingdom, and healing all mannerofsickness and all mannerofdisease among the people.
The gospel of the kingdom required
Matthew 24:14
And thisgospelofthekingdomshall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall repentance.
Jesus Christ told the Twelve Disiples not to go to the Gentiles with the gospel of the kingdom.
Matthew 10:5-7
5These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
6But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
7And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Jesus Christ job was to minister to the Jews for in the gospel of the kingdom.
Romans 15:8
Now I say that Jesus Christ was aministerofthecircumcisionforthetruth of God,toconfirmthepromises made untothefathers:
The Gospel of the Kingdom is for the Jews and the Gospel of Grace is for the Gentiles.
We start with the Gospel of the Kingdom on earth for the Jews for the New Jerusalem.
Matthew 4:23
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching thegospelofthekingdom, and healing all mannerofsickness and all mannerofdisease among the people.
The gospel of the kingdom required
Matthew 24:14
And thisgospelofthekingdomshall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall repentance.
Jesus Christ told the Twelve Disiples not to go to the Gentiles with the gospel of the kingdom.
Matthew 10:5-7
5These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
6But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
7And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Jesus Christ job was to minister to the Jews for in the gospel of the kingdom.
Romans 15:8
Now I say that Jesus Christ was aministerofthecircumcisionforthetruth of God,toconfirmthepromises made untothefathers:
Can we really follow Jesus's footsteps in His early ministry in the four gospels ? ? Can we really heal everyone like Jesus Christ has ? ? Can we raise the dead from the grave like Jesus Christ ? ?
Jesus Christ healed all that was sick.
Matthew 4:23
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, andhealing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
Jesus casted out devils.
Mark 1:39
And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, andcastoutdevils
Peter tried to walk on water like Jesus.
Matthew 14:29
And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, hewalkedonthewater, to go to Jesus.
Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.
John 11:43
And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice,Lazarus, come forth.
Now we ask ourselves again, can we really walk Jesus Christ footsteps and follow the law without sinning ? ? The answer is a big no .
That's why Jesus Christ died on the cross so we don't have to follow the law for Salvation, because the law only condemneth us and we don't have power anymore to heal or cast out devils.
John 19:30
When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said,Itisfinished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
Jesus Christ is our redeemer for Salvation in his grace.
Ephesians 1:7
In whom we haveredemptionthrough his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
We now have the complete word of God. The The other stuff faded away. We are left with the Holy Spirit and the Word of Truth.
1 Corinthians 15:9-10
9For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
Brother Giannis. If I might add a little to what you wrote about the 'ancient Greeks mixing wine with water when drinking unclean water'. When in ministry in Pakistan, each of us carried a very small bottle containing some iodine crystals - the bottle was then filled with ordinary water (whether from a tap, stream, or wherever). When we were on the road and not able to boil our water or use water filters to purify our drinking water, we added a little of this iodine water solution (but not the crystals itself) to our glass of unclean water. Leave it for a couple of minutes to do its work of cleansing & then drink it with confidence. It seemed to work as we never suffered any disease, particularly with Hepatitis A or E. So, it was interesting to read from you & bro Jesse about those in biblical days using wine in their water to achieve the same outcome. GBU.
We are getting snow here it the Pacific Northwest. It is lovely.
I am ready to post the next section in the series I am working through: The Condition of Fallen Man. May some be blessed by what I present and certainly check Scripture to against what is give here. I do not have all the answers for sure. Please respond if you feel led to do so.
MAN'S UNREGENERATED STATE BEFORE GOD
In this section I want to address what many call "man's depravity" (as it is commonly termed). I prefer the term "pervasive or comprehensive corruption". By this term, it does not mean that humans are as evil as they could ever be. This is obvious in the way interhuman interactions can be loving and helpful and caring. Rather, in relation to God, humans are corrupted in all of their being by sin. There is no part of a human that is unaffected by the sinful nature. Therefore, all of our thoughts, motives, words, emotions, impulses, choices and actions are tainted by sin.
"But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. 7And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities."
Isaiah 64:6-7 Says that we are not basically good and that everything we do that we consider good is like filth to Him because our hearts are so wicked we are not even aware that our motives and purposes are sinful though we will to do good. Even our flesh, blood, bones and all of our organs and systems are corrupted by sin. Therefore, as soon as we begin to live we begin to die. We become ill and are diseased to some degree. No one has perfect health or soundness of body and mind in the way God first created Adam and Eve in their flesh, blood, bodies and mind.
Galatians 6:10 - As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good to all men. And again, that's the word AGATHOS. It's the good of God. It doesn't mean do humanitarian good things. It means the goodness of the Spirit of God ministering through us to others. As you have opportunity, do good to all men. It's not human effort. It's the Spirit of God. Especially unto them that are of the household of faith. The believers in Christ are top priority!
Galatians 6:17 - From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
From henceforth let no man trouble me: I think I'm going to put that on my telephone answering machine. That's a pretty good one. Stop calling! Let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. The Greek word is STIGMA. What he's saying is, and he's using the term for the branding of slaves. Slaves were branded with either their master's name or some kind of identification. Paul says let no one trouble me, I bear in my body, and he was someone that the Christians said that it was very difficult to look at this man.
He had so many physical problems. You can imagine the many beatings and stonings. He has scars and scabs. He suffered from malaria, caught eye disease. His eyes were never clear. He always had a running substance coming out of them. This is all in service to Christ. He was branded. In his body, he carried the brand of the Lord Jesus. He was sacrificial in serving. So, it's basically like saying "I don't need any more trouble!"
Predestination is never used in reference to unsaved people. God has never predestinated anybody to be lost.
If you are lost, it is because you have rejected God's remedy.
It is like a dying man to whom the doctor offers curing medicine. "If you take this, it'll heal you." The man looks at the doctor in amazement and says, "I don't believe you." Now the man dies and the doctor's report says he died of a certain disease, and that's accurate. But may I say to you, there was a remedy, and he actually died because he didn't take the remedy. God has provided a remedy. Let me repeat, God has never predestined anybody to be lost. That's where your free will comes in, and you have to determine for yourself what your choice will be. Predestination refers only to those who are saved. What it actually means is that when God starts out with one hundred sheep, He is going to come through with one hundred sheep. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren" ( Rom. 8:28-29). Dr. R. A. Torrey used to say that this is a wonderful pillow for a tired heart. Those who are called according to His purpose are predestinated to be conformed to the image of His Son. We're talking now about saved people. Romans goes on to explain how this is done. "Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified" ( Rom. 8:30). When God starts out with one hundred sheep, He will come through with one hundred sheep.
Psalm 103:1-20 highlights how good God's mercies are to us.
103:1 "Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.
8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.
14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
17 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;
18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.
19 The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
20 Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word."
There is One who is in heaven, whose throne is there, who rules all the affairs of men and sees everything that we do. He is not sometimes merciful to His elect.
According to God's Word, Jesus isn't only with us; He's unremittingly for us ( Ps. 56:9; Rom. 8:31). His presence is always a favorable, advocating, affectionate embrace of us. ( Rom. 5:8; 1 John 2:1) We are wrapped in His Presence-even after we sin because He always intercedes for us to the Father.
Our Savior refuses to sit back and watch us suffer alone. God the Son became fully human and always will identify, suffer, and walk with His people while saving us, forever binding himself to us intimately. God has not left us alone in our suffering. Jesus suffered for us; we have a God who loves us with empathy. And, the Holy Spirit suffers along with us, groaning as He intercedes for us with the Father (8:26-27).
Compassion causes one to cry out with those in misery, to mourn with those who are lonely, to weep with those in tears.
Compassion moves one to be weak with the weak, vulnerable with the vulnerable, and powerless with the powerless.
Compassion means full immersion in the condition of being human. And this is true of God incarnated, the Word, Son of the Father, enfleshed (John1:14) He did all these things in His divinity and humanity and continues to fully identify with, is pained with our suffering and misery. He became sin for us and thus knew the condemnation of sin on the cross.
And thus, Jesus is the Father's most compassionate gift to mankind. It is only by and through faith in Jesus Christ that we are forgiven of our guilt and rescued from our deplorable condition ( John 14:6; Acts 4:12).
The compassion of Christ can be clearly seen in the Gospel narratives. For example, in Matthew 9:36, we observe Christ's compassion for the harassed and helpless. In Matthew 14:14, we see His compassion for those who are sick and suffer disease. In Matthew 15:32, we witness His compassion for those who hunger.
Acts 23:10 - And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.
And when there arose a great dissension, and in the Greek, it says war. When war arose, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force.
And that phrase "take him by force" is the same word used in 1 Thessalonians Chapter 4 for the rapture, HARPADZO!
They snatched him out of there as fast as they could from amongst them, and to bring him into the castle.
Acts 24:1 - And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.
The term orator is the official Greek word for a lawyer. This is a professional lawyer. And his name is Tertullus in English. It is actually TERTULLOS in Greek.
The Jews often hired professional lawyers because the lawyers had to be proficient in Hebrew and Greek, and proficient in Roman law as well as Jewish law.
So, in hiring this attorney, they were better equipped to bring charges against Paul in what's turning out to be a very professional presentation against him.
Acts 24:5 - For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:
For we have found this man a pestilent fellow. That's one Greek word that means disease or a plague.
So not only are they calling him a pest, but basically, he's like a plague in our land.
Christ did not make atonement for sin to give us whole bodies, as many teach. That will only take place at the resurrection of the Last Day when we shall instantly be changed from corruption to incorruption, and from mortal to immortal. Our present bodies are fashioned from the dust of the ground and shall return to the dust. When mankind fell into sin, God cursed the ground from which man was formed. Surely, it can be said, if Christ died to give us physical health or physical healing, then the gospel is an abject failure, because each and every day, approximately 150,000 people on average die all over the world. They die for a variety of reasons, most of which relate to physical disease of one form or another. If they became a true child of God, are they prevented from physically dying? No. If someone who is sick becomes well again, is the faith of that person what healed him? God can heal, but God can heal in the life of one who is not saved just as quickly as one who is saved. The emphasis of the gospel is on the spiritual, not the physical. The believers who have experienced the first resurrection, namely the resurrection of their sin-sick souls, shall receive a brand new incorruptible spiritual body at the Last Day.
When Christ and the apostles performed miracles and healed the sick and gave sight to the blind, those were physical portraits pointing to some spiritual aspect. Once Christ went back to heaven and the apostles died, any miracles of that kind ceased. When Christ healed the sick, he did so to demonstrate that he has power on earth to forgive sins.
Matthew 9:6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. (see also Mark 2:10; Luke 5:24)
The 1st rider is not Christ. The 4 horsemen correspond w/ the 1st four seals opened by the Lamb. As it's Christ who opens the scroll of judgment in heaven, we can realize then that He cannot be the rider of the white horse. Usually, white is symbolic for things such as peace, purity, or safety & security. The 1st rider conquers the whole world via deception. He carries a bow & is given a crown. If you look more closely at the actual words, 'bow' & 'crown' in Greek, it is 'toxon' & 'stephanos', respectively. From Strong's Greek: 'Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin from kata and toxeu (to shoot with a bow); from toxon Definition to strike down with an arrow.' In ancient Greece, they used to poison the tips of their arrows. Stephanos 'means properly, a wreath (garland), awarded to a victor in the ancient athletic games'. I won't mention what the former word reminds me of here, but as to the latter word, the aforementioned garland reminds me of the WHO emblem. This emblem was chosen by the First World Health Assembly in 1948. The WHO declared the CV19 outbreak an international public health emergency of in Jan '20, & assessed the outbreak as having become a pandemic in Mar '20. In Apr '20, Pope Francis made a lot of interesting remarks regarding pandemic, if you care to investigate. A lot of flowery words, but between the lines, it's clear that he's priming the masses for the UN's 2030 SDG. The WHO & UN will continue to push their agenda throughout the 7-yr trib period. Obviously, the red horse, representing war, is already riding & things will cont. to escalate, spreading the conflict globally. The pale horse has also started to rise, that being famine & economic collapse, a natural consequence of everything proceeding it. The 4th horseman is death, essentially from war, civil unrest, famine, natural and man-made disasters, and disease. The attack on 10/7/23 & everything that's occurred since is setting the stage for the AC & FP to take control.
Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. My interpetation: Blessings of restoration Romans 6:23 KJV
'For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.'
Jesus Christ is God that is forgiveness of sins.A God that is a free gift that is better then nothing(zero) I did myself too
(A God that is forgiveness of sins, A God that is a free gift. Matthew 7:7-8 KJV)
If only we would honor God's intentions he will give us authority same as position of authority.
These scriptures say and has giving me authority to believe God ( Romans 10:9-10) identifying as Christian. Luke 9:1 KJV, Luke 10:19 KJV
Luke 9:1 KJV
Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.
Luke 10:19 KJV
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Me being Christian and honoring God has blessed me with authority&restoration by spending time with God, prayer, worship, gratitude, using my God-given gifts,talents,abilities to serve others. Making God number one in my heart.Being generous,treating others with dignity.
My identity being Christian helped me in life listening to God ( John 10:18 KJV) honoring God is symbolic of both a literal and spiritual kingdom.
John10:18 KJV
No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
9/8/24AMEN
Interpetation and Word spoken by REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
Luke 21:2 - And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.
The word mites is actually the Greek word LEPTA. It is equivalent to either 1/5 or 1/8 of one cent. It is not worth very much. It is the least value of the copper coins in their day, and she cast in two of these. Mark tells us that when the rich men gave their money, they gave out of their wealth. They gave abundantly.
Luke 21:4 - For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.
Penury actually comes from a Greek word that means lacking. This is another place where the translators could have given us a better English word.
Luke 21:8 - And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.
And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived:
The word deceived is where we get our word planet from, PLANAE means led astray, for many shall come in my name, saying, I AM, and notice in the text it says I am Christ. Some English texts say I am He, but all it says is "I AM" in the Greek text.
That is the name of God from the book of Exodus, I AM that I AM, the Yahweh God of the Old Testament. He says people are going to be going around saying I AM; and the time is drawing near: Jesus says go ye not therefore after them.
Luke 21:9 - But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.
The Greek word for by-and-by is the word immediate. The end is not immediate, not even close. Got a long way to go! So even the events that are happening now with the increase in earthquakes, and in the increase in pestilences and diseases, this is just the beginning. This gives us an indication that we are moving closer, but the end it is not yet.
C H Spurgeon
Part 6
Holiness ceases to be a suggestion and becomes a necessity, a hunger of His new nature. This does not mean immediate perfection, the true believer still stumbles, but he stumbles while running away from sin, not while dancing with it.
He gets up, hating the fall, not getting used to it.
The lie that was once a convenient tool now burns his tongue. The greed that was once a secret pleasure now becomes a torment to his soul.
The bitterness he once harbored is now seen for the poison it truly is. The struggle itself is the great test of life. As an old preacher once said, a dead man can float down the river with the current, but it takes a living and to fight against it, a corpse does not fight against the worms that consume it, only a living body fights against disease but the life God creates is not defined solely by war.
If repentance is wholly hatred for the sin that separated us from God, its inseparable twin is a consuming love for everything that brings us closer to Him.
Regeneration not only makes us hate what we once loved, it makes us love what we once found tedious, irrelevant, or burdensome. The first great manifestation of this new love is a burning passion for the Word of God.
To false faith, the Bible is at best a book of rules to be obeyed out of duty or an arsenal of verses to win debates. To the regenerated heart, the Bible becomes a love letter from the father.
Each page reveals more of the beauty of Christ. Reading ceases to be an obligation and becomes a vital necessity like the air we breathe. Spurgeon would say that one of the clearest signs of an unconverted soul is its indifference to Scripture. It may respect it, but it does not delight in it.
See Part 7.
Nowadays people live so wealthy that they have never ever lived in all human history. Nowadays we have things that people in other ages couldn't even dream of. Having a car, a house, a proper job, living in countries with a welfare state, with a social net protecting people from povetry is the norm in the so called Western countries.
But the question is, why are people so unpleased from their lives? Why do we hear so often the word "depression"? Why do we hear so often the word "anxiety"? Why do we hear so often the word "pressure"? Why do we hear so often the words "autoimmune disease"? Few decades ago those words didn't exist in people's vocabularly. People were happier although they were poorer. Why is this?
People nowadays have problems with their mental health. Their souls are suffering, they are not healthy. People often turn to psycologists and psychiatrists to find some comfort. And it is true that science has achieved many great things in this modern era. It provides people with medicine and other treatments for their mental health. And it does a lot of good. And it is not the church's job to interfere with science.
But we, the christians, can offer to people an alternative proposal. "Do you want to be healthy? Do you want to see your soul to be healthy? Do you want to see your body to be healthy?"
If you do then go to Jesus. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matt 11:28-30
God made us in His image and in His likeness. Which means that we have inside us the characteristics of God. God created us not to live in sin, but to live in sanctification. It is only then that we find happiness in our lives. Living in sin leads us to distruction.
As I have discussed in other posts; trying to bring the world to some moral standard other than being salt and light is a guardrail God has established but certainly imperfect at best. Pride comes before a fall ( Prov. 16:18 and illustrated by Lucifer's dowfall in Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah 14).
We dare not be proponents of anarchy as a result of misusing grace nor legalists who show no Agape towards others including God's people. There are warnings in 1 John about those who do not love their brother and the fact that shows we are not truly in the faith if not dealt with. Rejoicing in evil has no place in a Christian's heart; we must by all means avoid the trap of pride and self righteousness as our standard; or having a favorite vice such as covetousness cause a root of bitterness in us ( Heb. 12:15). Nonetheless; NOT proclaiming warnings of His wrath to come is being derelict in our duty; and as God reminds Ezekiel blood is on our hands if we fail to warn. Part of this problem is fear of men; and the other which is associated with this is having too little fear of the Lord and respect for Him and not trusting His Word will come to pass. If the church doesn't fear God of course it is easy to follow the wide path of the world. Hell isn't literal; eternal or as bad as it was told us; the world naturally defaults to that sentiment but to see in the church this idea is quite disturbing. Alternative lifetyles are sin like any other. That statement is a half truth; for it is an abomination ( Leviticus 20:13); and this brought Sodom's destruction notwithstanding their other sin of pride and haughtiness which led to this judgment and behaviors as well. All sin of course leads to death but as 1 Cor. 6:18 also shows sexual immorality causes us to sin against our own body and has unique punishments that often begin this side of eternity (disease for instance). Let's divide the Word rightly
The Spirit inserted this episode to justify the ministry of Paul. The Holy Spirit separated him for the gospel but historically he was not received as an apostle by the church of Corinth.(1 Cor.9.1-2). Jesus however validates him, He informs Ananaias," But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:/For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake."( Acts 9,15-16). Great things he must suffer is used in the sense of great tribulation, as determined by the Law of the Spirit. So we have the Spirit, setting him apart'for the work whereunto I have called them.'(13.2)
"So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them" (19.11). The miracles are 'special' eterand it is how the Spirit points out the ministry of Paul under the everlasting gospel. Compare it with what miracles attributed to St Peter and other apostles, " Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them/ There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one."(5.15-16)
God establishes a Covenant under seven days where every blessing in heaven and earth are sanctified by the Man who was the Word which was God. He is the fulfillment of the Law, which is of the Spirit. , Names like Seth,Enoch Noah Abraham et all are designated as heirs of promise. They were placed under the Law of the Spirit. so Enoch shall walk with God and Abraham shall set out not knowing whither he went. Fath marked their DNA. On the other hand Cain was sent out from the presence of God. What is he called? "and a vagabond shalt thou be."
In reading this thread about your questions it seems that you received good answers from those who responded.
I just want to speak to your question about species of life that do not inhabit earth. We call this alien life because they are not natural inhabitants to our planet.
I agree with Chris that there is not Scriptural evidence that such exist. Lack of Scriptural evidence does not mean that such may not exists. There is so much we do not know of what God has done because He has not revealed all to us in Scripture.
However, we have learned so much about scientifically that is not mentioned in Scripture, such as atoms, other galaxies, atomic energy, genomes, and medical knowledge that treats diseases. These things truly exist and God has allowed us to discover these in the time He has appointed for us to come to know such things. When we consider all that has been discovered or invented in the past 100 years are present life would amaze even those who lived 200 years ago!
But when it comes to extra-terrestial beings, we can only speculate. Some think that such beings are demonic or angelic, which may be true. some think that they may be humans from the future traveling back in time. This idea we could only prove if we are able to encounter and converse with them. Others think that indeed we are being visited by beings from other galaxies. But again we cannot know if this is true or not.
So, all of this is speculation and must understand that we have no proof of the existence of such being, with the exception of spiritual beings that inhabit the spiritual realm such as angels, demons, princes, powers and principalities.
For me, I think it is very possible that God has created beings that inhabit areas across the universe. But if they are not spiritual beings, I do not think any physical being could travel those great distances to our planet unless God has granted them either eternal life or an extremely long life span.
See part 2
" And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus/For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy."
During the earthly ministry of Jesus we see a healing where this angel figures."Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches./In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water./ For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had."
What sin caused was to prevent the man of palsy from being cured. The man would be made whole only because the only measurement that helped his case aligned by themselves. " Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee."( Jn 5.1-16)
In the everlasting Covenant the Law makes provision for waters. The Waters above was separated from waters below.. Is there an Up or down in the kingdom of God? Jesus Christ is the spiritual Rock " And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ."(1 Cor.10.1-4) . Moses only had to speak to the rock and out flowed sweet water. For all that blessing how did the Jews respond to the healing? "And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day." It is of them God had said," Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice;/ Surely they shall not see the land
Once David got to the later stages of his reign; there were some consequences to his actions and his son Solomon would achieve more or less peace in his day which sadly was the beginning of the end for Israel and Judah as judgment was about to come.
Psalms discusses repeatedly David's prayers to overcome his adverseries but also verses that likely show consequences of his own sin as we see in Psalm 38:11; which commentators suggest may be a type of venereal disease suffered because of the many women he was with; which of course dwarfs in comparison to Solomon and his escapades. Nonetheless David was a man after God's own heart ( 1 Samuel 13:14). This shows his strength in great humility and servitude slong with patience with Saul and his minions who put him on the run a number of times before he eventually was defeated in battle. ( 2 Samuel 16:11). The Lord dealt with this issue in His timing and established the throne of Solomon; as David could not build the Temple because he was a man of war ( 1 Chron. 28:3).
With Solomon's brief reign at the pinnacle of the kingdom which would have been extended and continued his posterity through his descendants once again a way waw found for him to forfeit these promises. Ecclesiastes seems to show lessons learned a bit late but it would seem in time for repentance, realizing his folly.
The kingdom of Israel and Judah where the tribes were split were judged by invasions of several nations; but here I will focus the most on the Babylonian invasion. We see Jeremiah the "weeping prophet" and it is assumed but not explcit he was martyred. Luke 11:50-51 says this about the lawyers at the time
That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation;
51From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.
So as you can see there are a lot of physical issues; nonetheless I am trying to navigate between possibly having to cut him off at least for a time or going all out which seems to be the balance of the two pieces of advice I have received here so far. How to handle things on course with regular assistance is something I need to assess; especially once I go back to a regular work schedule in the fall. I am going to carefully assess his attitude at the doctor; he mentioned something about physical therapy and I hope he is open to that and whatever other treatment is available. He had to stop working last year as he couldn't physically keep up with his pharmaceutical warehouse duties but since he is fairly savvy on computers and such I would think there may be something he could do. He should be able to get some more help the end of this month turning 60; I understand with some of the conditions in the local VA not being too pleasant in the city at least. Nonethless; I don't see how he can take out a loan if he has no way to repay it or I foot the bill.
So these are real issues.
What you can do for yourself is to get to know Jesus Christ through the Word of God. And personally I think you have to be a personal Christian. Be filled with the Holy Spirit. You will find here on the web page how to be saved, read the words loud and clear. And believe them If you are, you are safe. Sometimes you can talk to the spirits, and you need to know who you are dealing with. For example: Everything that is of evil Jesus Himself mentions in Matthew 15:19 Remember that the person in question knows nothing about it. You don't need to gape and scream. It is enough to say things like - Come out of her/him now, you blasphemous spirit, in the name of Jesus Christ. For in His Name He Himself says. HEhas all power in heaven and on earth. Jesus has allpower. AllspiritsareafraidofHim.
2 Peter 3:9 Hebrews 4:14-16 Joh 8:12 Acts 2:38
Titus 3:11 - Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.
Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and this word basically means to bring in a disease. And sins, being condemned of himself. He condemns himself by his own beliefs, and his own twisting and misrepresentation of scripture.
Titus 3:13 - Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.
Bring Zenas the lawyer. It is unsure whether he's a Gentile, or he's a Hebrew. It would make more sense by his name and function that he would be a Gentile. If he's a Hebrew, then he's a lawyer of the law, the Old Testament, the Tanak. If he is a Greek, or Gentile, then he is a lawyer of Roman law. And that's what Paul needs. He needs somebody to help him with Roman law.
Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them. The word wanting means lacking. So, when you send them on their way, make sure that they have everything that they need, food, a means of transportation, and that they are completely taken care of.
Matthew 17:21: "Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting."
Matthew 18:11: "For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost."
Matthew 23:14: "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation."
Mark 7:16: "If any man have ears to hear, let him hear."
Mark 9:44: "Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched."
Mark 9:46: "Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched."
Mark 11:26: "But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses."
Mark 15:28: "And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors."
Luke 17:36: "Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left."
John 5:4: "For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had."
Acts 8:37: "And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
Acts 15:34: "Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still."
Acts 24:7: "But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,"
Acts 28:29: "And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves."
Romans 16:24: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."
I John 5:7: "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."
Thanks bro Giannis for sharing what you did, especially about the time of fellowship & instruction you had with that group of young people. Clearly, your son's gf, like so many others, fully embrace religion but have failed to know & embrace the living God, His Mercy & Forgiveness, & of course, that vital relationship as our Father in Heaven. I pray your words of wisdom & instruction to those there will go deep into their hearts which the Holy Spirit, in His time, will bring to remembrance as they may witness the futility, hypocrisy, & disease that such religious exercises brings.
As I wrote briefly to another person on these pages concerning evangelism, what we share & how we do it depends on where that person is at with his life & eternity. For some, as when you shared with that young girl, she already understood God's Anger against sin, but unfortunately, her understanding was only of a distant, angry, vengeful God, and not about an intimate relationship with Him. So, your words to her would take up that knowledge she had & develop it to lead her to biblical Truths: Truths I'm sure, that would be quite foreign to her and hopefully go deep into her heart and mind. Onto Page 2.
2 Timothy 2:17 - And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
The word canker (GAGGRAINA) is the Greek word for gang green. If you listen to enough people who are not teaching the truth, your soul will not be healthy. It will be diseased. Hymenaeus and Philetus were two people who began to teach something that was different than what Paul said.
2 Timothy 2:21 - If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
The word purge is the word cleanse, himself from these things, that is, these iniquities, he shall be a vessel for honor,
3 things: Having been sanctified (set apart). And meet (more literally useful), for the master. And thirdly, prepared unto every good work. Again, the word good is AGATHOS which has to do with spiritual good. The one who comes for cleansing and confessing his sins, will be a vessel of honor, set apart by God for His use, and prepared for every good work that God has for them.
2 Timothy 3:1 - This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
He says this know. That's a command. In the last days perilous times shall come. The word perilous is translated variously by the word danger or difficult, and the Greek word itself, CHALEPOS, means more than just difficult times.
The other place in which this word perilous is found is in Matthew 8:28. This is when Jesus came across the lake to the other side of the country of the Gergesenes. And there met Him two possessed with devils coming out of the tombs. These were two men who were demon possessed, exceeding fierce (CHALEPOS). It means to be fierce, or harsh. It describes the activity of demons. In the last days, it's not just going to be difficult times. It's going to be fierce. It's going to be harsh. He gives the reason starting in Verse 2, as he lists for us 18 characteristics of people in the last days.
The Gospel of the Kingdom is for the Jews and the Gospel of Grace is for the Gentiles.
We start with the Gospel of the Kingdom on earth for the Jews for the New Jerusalem.
Matthew 4:23
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching thegospelofthekingdom, and healing all mannerofsickness and all mannerofdisease among the people.
The gospel of the kingdom required
Matthew 24:14
And thisgospelofthekingdomshall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall repentance.
Jesus Christ told the Twelve Disiples not to go to the Gentiles with the gospel of the kingdom.
Matthew 10:5-7
5These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
6But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
7And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Jesus Christ job was to minister to the Jews for in the gospel of the kingdom.
Romans 15:8
Now I say that Jesus Christ was aministerofthecircumcisionforthetruth of God,toconfirmthepromises made untothefathers:
Ray. In Christ Jesus Corinthians 15:1-4
The Gospel of the Kingdom is for the Jews and the Gospel of Grace is for the Gentiles.
We start with the Gospel of the Kingdom on earth for the Jews for the New Jerusalem.
Matthew 4:23
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching thegospelofthekingdom, and healing all mannerofsickness and all mannerofdisease among the people.
The gospel of the kingdom required
Matthew 24:14
And thisgospelofthekingdomshall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall repentance.
Jesus Christ told the Twelve Disiples not to go to the Gentiles with the gospel of the kingdom.
Matthew 10:5-7
5These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
6But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
7And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Jesus Christ job was to minister to the Jews for in the gospel of the kingdom.
Romans 15:8
Now I say that Jesus Christ was aministerofthecircumcisionforthetruth of God,toconfirmthepromises made untothefathers:
Ray. In Christ Jesus Corinthians 15:1-4
Jesus Christ healed all that was sick.
Matthew 4:23
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, andhealing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
Jesus casted out devils.
Mark 1:39
And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, andcastoutdevils
Peter tried to walk on water like Jesus.
Matthew 14:29
And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, hewalkedonthewater, to go to Jesus.
Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.
John 11:43
And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice,Lazarus, come forth.
Now we ask ourselves again, can we really walk Jesus Christ footsteps and follow the law without sinning ? ? The answer is a big no .
That's why Jesus Christ died on the cross so we don't have to follow the law for Salvation, because the law only condemneth us and we don't have power anymore to heal or cast out devils.
John 19:30
When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said,Itisfinished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
Jesus Christ is our redeemer for Salvation in his grace.
Ephesians 1:7
In whom we haveredemptionthrough his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
We now have the complete word of God. The The other stuff faded away. We are left with the Holy Spirit and the Word of Truth.
1 Corinthians 15:9-10
9For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
May we believe.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
The word of truth is the gospel of grace.
We are getting snow here it the Pacific Northwest. It is lovely.
I am ready to post the next section in the series I am working through: The Condition of Fallen Man. May some be blessed by what I present and certainly check Scripture to against what is give here. I do not have all the answers for sure. Please respond if you feel led to do so.
MAN'S UNREGENERATED STATE BEFORE GOD
In this section I want to address what many call "man's depravity" (as it is commonly termed). I prefer the term "pervasive or comprehensive corruption". By this term, it does not mean that humans are as evil as they could ever be. This is obvious in the way interhuman interactions can be loving and helpful and caring. Rather, in relation to God, humans are corrupted in all of their being by sin. There is no part of a human that is unaffected by the sinful nature. Therefore, all of our thoughts, motives, words, emotions, impulses, choices and actions are tainted by sin.
"But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. 7And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities."
Isaiah 64:6-7 Says that we are not basically good and that everything we do that we consider good is like filth to Him because our hearts are so wicked we are not even aware that our motives and purposes are sinful though we will to do good. Even our flesh, blood, bones and all of our organs and systems are corrupted by sin. Therefore, as soon as we begin to live we begin to die. We become ill and are diseased to some degree. No one has perfect health or soundness of body and mind in the way God first created Adam and Eve in their flesh, blood, bodies and mind.
See Pt.2
Galatians 6:10 - As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good to all men. And again, that's the word AGATHOS. It's the good of God. It doesn't mean do humanitarian good things. It means the goodness of the Spirit of God ministering through us to others. As you have opportunity, do good to all men. It's not human effort. It's the Spirit of God. Especially unto them that are of the household of faith. The believers in Christ are top priority!
Galatians 6:17 - From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
From henceforth let no man trouble me: I think I'm going to put that on my telephone answering machine. That's a pretty good one. Stop calling! Let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. The Greek word is STIGMA. What he's saying is, and he's using the term for the branding of slaves. Slaves were branded with either their master's name or some kind of identification. Paul says let no one trouble me, I bear in my body, and he was someone that the Christians said that it was very difficult to look at this man.
He had so many physical problems. You can imagine the many beatings and stonings. He has scars and scabs. He suffered from malaria, caught eye disease. His eyes were never clear. He always had a running substance coming out of them. This is all in service to Christ. He was branded. In his body, he carried the brand of the Lord Jesus. He was sacrificial in serving. So, it's basically like saying "I don't need any more trouble!"
Predestination.
Predestination is never used in reference to unsaved people. God has never predestinated anybody to be lost.
If you are lost, it is because you have rejected God's remedy.
It is like a dying man to whom the doctor offers curing medicine. "If you take this, it'll heal you." The man looks at the doctor in amazement and says, "I don't believe you." Now the man dies and the doctor's report says he died of a certain disease, and that's accurate. But may I say to you, there was a remedy, and he actually died because he didn't take the remedy. God has provided a remedy. Let me repeat, God has never predestined anybody to be lost. That's where your free will comes in, and you have to determine for yourself what your choice will be. Predestination refers only to those who are saved. What it actually means is that when God starts out with one hundred sheep, He is going to come through with one hundred sheep. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren" ( Rom. 8:28-29). Dr. R. A. Torrey used to say that this is a wonderful pillow for a tired heart. Those who are called according to His purpose are predestinated to be conformed to the image of His Son. We're talking now about saved people. Romans goes on to explain how this is done. "Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified" ( Rom. 8:30). When God starts out with one hundred sheep, He will come through with one hundred sheep.
You must admit that that is a good percentage.
J Vernon Mcgee.
See Part 6
Pt.3
Psalm 103:1-20 highlights how good God's mercies are to us.
103:1 "Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.
8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.
14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
17 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;
18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.
19 The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
20 Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word."
There is One who is in heaven, whose throne is there, who rules all the affairs of men and sees everything that we do. He is not sometimes merciful to His elect.
See Pt. 4
Pt. 2
According to God's Word, Jesus isn't only with us; He's unremittingly for us ( Ps. 56:9; Rom. 8:31). His presence is always a favorable, advocating, affectionate embrace of us. ( Rom. 5:8; 1 John 2:1) We are wrapped in His Presence-even after we sin because He always intercedes for us to the Father.
Our Savior refuses to sit back and watch us suffer alone. God the Son became fully human and always will identify, suffer, and walk with His people while saving us, forever binding himself to us intimately. God has not left us alone in our suffering. Jesus suffered for us; we have a God who loves us with empathy. And, the Holy Spirit suffers along with us, groaning as He intercedes for us with the Father (8:26-27).
Compassion causes one to cry out with those in misery, to mourn with those who are lonely, to weep with those in tears.
Compassion moves one to be weak with the weak, vulnerable with the vulnerable, and powerless with the powerless.
Compassion means full immersion in the condition of being human. And this is true of God incarnated, the Word, Son of the Father, enfleshed (John1:14) He did all these things in His divinity and humanity and continues to fully identify with, is pained with our suffering and misery. He became sin for us and thus knew the condemnation of sin on the cross.
And thus, Jesus is the Father's most compassionate gift to mankind. It is only by and through faith in Jesus Christ that we are forgiven of our guilt and rescued from our deplorable condition ( John 14:6; Acts 4:12).
The compassion of Christ can be clearly seen in the Gospel narratives. For example, in Matthew 9:36, we observe Christ's compassion for the harassed and helpless. In Matthew 14:14, we see His compassion for those who are sick and suffer disease. In Matthew 15:32, we witness His compassion for those who hunger.
See Pt. 3
What a timely message!
I ask for prayer for me and my wife in regards to your message.
My wife has a respiratory infection and Bronchitis.
We're hoping not Walking pneumonia.
I pray the Lord would strengthen her Immune system to fight off this disease.
Thanks and God bless.
(Acts Part 51):
Acts 23:10 - And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.
And when there arose a great dissension, and in the Greek, it says war. When war arose, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force.
And that phrase "take him by force" is the same word used in 1 Thessalonians Chapter 4 for the rapture, HARPADZO!
They snatched him out of there as fast as they could from amongst them, and to bring him into the castle.
Acts 24:1 - And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.
The term orator is the official Greek word for a lawyer. This is a professional lawyer. And his name is Tertullus in English. It is actually TERTULLOS in Greek.
The Jews often hired professional lawyers because the lawyers had to be proficient in Hebrew and Greek, and proficient in Roman law as well as Jewish law.
So, in hiring this attorney, they were better equipped to bring charges against Paul in what's turning out to be a very professional presentation against him.
Acts 24:5 - For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:
For we have found this man a pestilent fellow. That's one Greek word that means disease or a plague.
So not only are they calling him a pest, but basically, he's like a plague in our land.
Christ did not make atonement for sin to give us whole bodies, as many teach. That will only take place at the resurrection of the Last Day when we shall instantly be changed from corruption to incorruption, and from mortal to immortal. Our present bodies are fashioned from the dust of the ground and shall return to the dust. When mankind fell into sin, God cursed the ground from which man was formed. Surely, it can be said, if Christ died to give us physical health or physical healing, then the gospel is an abject failure, because each and every day, approximately 150,000 people on average die all over the world. They die for a variety of reasons, most of which relate to physical disease of one form or another. If they became a true child of God, are they prevented from physically dying? No. If someone who is sick becomes well again, is the faith of that person what healed him? God can heal, but God can heal in the life of one who is not saved just as quickly as one who is saved. The emphasis of the gospel is on the spiritual, not the physical. The believers who have experienced the first resurrection, namely the resurrection of their sin-sick souls, shall receive a brand new incorruptible spiritual body at the Last Day.
When Christ and the apostles performed miracles and healed the sick and gave sight to the blind, those were physical portraits pointing to some spiritual aspect. Once Christ went back to heaven and the apostles died, any miracles of that kind ceased. When Christ healed the sick, he did so to demonstrate that he has power on earth to forgive sins.
Matthew 9:6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. (see also Mark 2:10; Luke 5:24)
Continued in Part 4
Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. My interpetation: Blessings of restoration Romans 6:23 KJV
'For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.'
Jesus Christ is God that is forgiveness of sins.A God that is a free gift that is better then nothing(zero) I did myself too
(A God that is forgiveness of sins, A God that is a free gift. Matthew 7:7-8 KJV)
If only we would honor God's intentions he will give us authority same as position of authority.
These scriptures say and has giving me authority to believe God ( Romans 10:9-10) identifying as Christian. Luke 9:1 KJV, Luke 10:19 KJV
Luke 9:1 KJV
Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.
Luke 10:19 KJV
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Me being Christian and honoring God has blessed me with authority&restoration by spending time with God, prayer, worship, gratitude, using my God-given gifts,talents,abilities to serve others. Making God number one in my heart.Being generous,treating others with dignity.
My identity being Christian helped me in life listening to God ( John 10:18 KJV) honoring God is symbolic of both a literal and spiritual kingdom.
John10:18 KJV
No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
9/8/24AMEN
Interpetation and Word spoken by REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
Luke 21:2 - And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.
The word mites is actually the Greek word LEPTA. It is equivalent to either 1/5 or 1/8 of one cent. It is not worth very much. It is the least value of the copper coins in their day, and she cast in two of these. Mark tells us that when the rich men gave their money, they gave out of their wealth. They gave abundantly.
Luke 21:4 - For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.
Penury actually comes from a Greek word that means lacking. This is another place where the translators could have given us a better English word.
Luke 21:8 - And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.
And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived:
The word deceived is where we get our word planet from, PLANAE means led astray, for many shall come in my name, saying, I AM, and notice in the text it says I am Christ. Some English texts say I am He, but all it says is "I AM" in the Greek text.
That is the name of God from the book of Exodus, I AM that I AM, the Yahweh God of the Old Testament. He says people are going to be going around saying I AM; and the time is drawing near: Jesus says go ye not therefore after them.
Luke 21:9 - But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.
The Greek word for by-and-by is the word immediate. The end is not immediate, not even close. Got a long way to go! So even the events that are happening now with the increase in earthquakes, and in the increase in pestilences and diseases, this is just the beginning. This gives us an indication that we are moving closer, but the end it is not yet.
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