All Discussion PAGE 1317

The statement of 2 Samuel 5:8 about destroying those who are blind and lame is in contrast to this statement here about the welfare of Mephibosheth. It clearly shows that the issue wasn't David's obsessive hatred of those with disabilities; but other issues. Namely, in this case for "Jonothan's sake" (v. 1) David had sought out the one remaining descendant who hadn't been killed. He regarded himself as a "dead dog" in verse 8; interestingly; King David also had previously referred to himself when Saul pursued him as that and a flea.

The reference to blind and lame could be symbolic in the earlier chapter of a weak defence. There are also explanations given of those who were symbolically that way due to idol worship. The third explanation is that the lame and blind themselves were mocking David; and thus still wicked in God's sight. As to ceremonial laws; that has passed since N.T. times. Nonetheless; we do best to avoid "political correctness" in assuming that those with disabilities can't exhibit the same wicked patterns as the rest of the world. Jesus warned the paralytic who He healed not to sin again so that "something worse would happen to him" ( John 5:6-14). That verse may indicate that sin DIRECTLY led to his condition originally; or indirectly. The absolute meaning of course; indicates that eternal damnation exists for all estranged from Christ.

May we all be edified as the challenge of study of difficult scriptures are examined; following the exhortation of 2 Tim 3:16.

"That if (conditional) thou (regarding Israel. See verse 1) confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus," This verse is offering salvation to the nation Israel, but first they must confess that Christ is their Saviour before they could have faith in Him. This is not the sinners pray as some confess. Today salvation is a free gift, and you can only receive that gift. There is nothing that you have to do for it. Eph.2:8,9 That's faith plus nothing!

Why your name be bloted out of lambs book of life

How about:

James 1:17

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning

Gob bless all of you .

Please God hear Ann request. You know what is best for her whom would be a mate that bring spiritual wisdom and stewardship together for Your Glory I ask in Jesus Christ name!

Please consider reflecting 1 Corinthians 7.

In Jesus Name Amen. Glory to God

Hi Gigi,

Your sharing what you did regarding your sons tugged at my heartstrings. I have one son and one daughter; at one time in their lives - they seemed to have a show of faith - but have forsaken the right way. My son also has anxiety/panic disorder along with health issues; these led issues led to the break up of his marriage. My daughter has had very serious health issues as well; she is doing well now - but we went through quiet a roller coaster ride with her treatment and recovery.

Through all of these things and more - I have thought EXACTLY, Gigi, as you do. That is, "Why do some people seem to have no trouble with their adult children - and my children struggle so?"

I wonder if Samuel thought that about his sons that way.

Or, if David thought that way about Absolom...

Or, if Noah thought that about Canaan...

Sometimes godly people struggle with their children! We aren't exempt from any heartache this world can bring; we are, however, promised God's presence with us in all of them and through all of them.

One thing that has comforted me, Gigi, is that though I can't understand by kids, and where they are....I know where God is.

I know Who HE is. He is the Perfect Parent, the Everlasting Father, the Wonderful Counselor. I know that He is all-wise. I know He does all things well and right. I know His ways are unsearchable and past finding out. I know that He does things in His time which is the best time.

Anytime there is something I don't understand, I take my focus off of those things...and turn my focus on Who God is, which, in turn, encourages me in His Greatness and Goodness - and THAT is what I can rest in, as I wait for Him to answer this mother's prayers. :)

Just keep doing what you're doing, Gigi. Pray on. Believe on. Delight yourself in the Lord and rest in Him. He really is Unfailing and Faithful.

You and yours will be in prayers..

Of Course seek the Lord and take my words with a grain of salt but there would be no real point from what im seeing. God has created you exactly how he wanted you to look and mapped out exactly how you were suppose to look with intentionally in a way that is pleasing and beautiful to Him. We dont have to make improvements upon what God has created, at least we shouldn't feel we had to. Im not gonna say whether or not its a sin, but what would be the inner motive of doing so? Of course I cant say for you personally because I dont know your heart. But I would advise seeing f its just to exalt ones appearance or have the looks of others upon you. I am not saying im completely good on this but I think im seeing it now.

I must also add, Alvin, that all the leadership roles described in Timothy and Titus are held by men.

Women have various functions in the body of Christ, but leadership is not one of them according to apostle Paul.

Blessings!

"Christians must forsake all wealth"; this is a true statement on a heart-level. We must all hold all that we have very loosely; all we have is from the Lord, and when He asks us to lay it down - we must obey. However, we always must look at the totality of Scripture.

Joseph of Arimathea was wealthy, and with it, he provided a temporary tomb for our Savior.

A woman named "Lydia', ( Acts 16), was a 'seller of purple", and obviously a woman successful at her trade, who ministered to the needs of God's saints with her substance.

There was another woman, named Dorcas ( Acts 9), who used her worldly goods to make provision for the widows.

Acts 2 speaks to us of Cornelius, who was pious and God-fearing, who, out of his wealth, gave alms to the people.

It's not a question if we have wealth; the question is: Does wealth have us? Do we look at our blessings as only 'on loan' to us from God, with hearts that are ready to let Him direct how we use it for His glory?

The above examples did, in their hearts, 'forsake all', for when opportunity to give it away came - they all did so. It's never 'things' that are the problem; it's the place that we give them in our hearts.



Your comment that, "Christians cannot work for money" is also not correct; Paul the apostle himself would differ with you. I refer you to 2 Thessalonians 3:8-12. Paul himself labored in his trade to provide for himself and those who ministered with him! You'll also see that Paul says if a person does not work - he shouldn't get to eat!!

Furthermore, in 1 Timothy 5:8, Paul warned that if any provide not for his own house, he has denied the faith and is worse than an infidel!

Praise the Lord that God has designed the Bible to be a good commentary on itself, if we but compare Scripture with Scripture.

Amen

God bless!

Kay, is it your faith, or Christ faith: that has been given to you. If it's is his faith then it has to be HIS WORKS also.

Psalms 92:4 For thou Lord, has made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.

Psalms 92:3 O Lord, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep.

Psalms 92:4 A brutish man knoweth not, nor doeth a fool understand this.

Revelation 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth MY WORKS unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations.

Revelation 2:27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.

Kay, we died on the cross, the life now in us is Christ.

Colossians 1:27 .... this mystery.... CHRIST IN YOU....

Philippians 2:13 For it is God (CHRIST IN YOU) that WORKETH IN YOU both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.

We are the body of Christ.

Psalms 104:30 Thou (Father) sendeth forth thy Spirit (Christ in you), they are created, thou renewest the face of the earth (with son's of God).

Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creature WAITETH for the manifestation of the Sons of God.

Romans 8:21 Because the creature itself shall be DELIVERED from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Hi Bill.

It means apostasia a "defection from the truth." ( Apostasy).

There is many opostates in our midst today. I wouldn't call them members of the Church, they're not called out. These can be called tares as seen in Mathew 13:24-30. You see Jude mention of certain men crept in our midst in

Jude 1:3-4.

It was going on in Pauls day. Acts 20:29-31.

Jesus warned his disciples of this in Matthew 7:15.

So Apostasy isn't something new to the Church.

But 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3. has a future climax.

vs.2) That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

vs.3) Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

Jesus asks in Luke "Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find the faith on the earth?" The answer is No.

We have 2 departures going on here,

1) The organization has departed from the faith.

2) The true Church has departed from the Earth.

There can be no total Apostasy until the Church is removed.

This notes what must happen before the great tribulation.

God bless.

Why do I feel unworthy of my Salvation when I have my two grown sons living in the house with me who are on marijuana and they disrespect me I pray to the Lord to let me please hold my tongue but then I can't take it anymore and I lose my temper. Should I put them out on the street?

Brother S Spencer, I have been fine, thank you for inquiring.

I believe if you study the prophets long enough and as the Spirit of Christ reveals truth to us, we will find that God isn't calling everyone into the kingdom now, only the firstfruits. Ezekiel 5:1-5

They along with Christ will judge the world after the second resurrection and all will be brought to TRUTH.

God bless us as we fulfil his will.

I have been trying to search the Godhead. I was raised in a church that believed that Jesus was only the Son of God.

I agree with Paul's low opinion of dogs. Dogs are filthy and do not belong in a Christian home. It is despicable that so many people live with dogs in their house, some even sleep with dogs in their bed. He despised those who burdened the Church with a false Gospel. A dog is a false, poor substitute for a human companion. It requires food and care and returns no spiritual value. It is just a distraction from our work to love each other. It is difficult to visit with my neighbors who care for dogs, it actually isolates them from real human companionship. Labeling the false teachers as dogs was appropriate in Paul's day.

Today, in the modern, apostate Church, people live with dogs and false teachers, and view it as normal.

Ray, man is a BODY made from dust.

God is LIFE, God is SPIRIT, therefore Spirit is life.

Job 34:14 If he (SPIRIT) set his (Spirit's) heart upon man, if he (Spirit) gather unto himself his (God's) spirit and his (God's) breath;

Job 34:15 ALL FLESH shall perish together, and man shall turn again into dust.

Acts 17:24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that the Lord is God of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands,

Acts 17:25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he GIVETH TO ALL life, and breath, and ALL THINGS;

Acts 17:26 And hath made of one blood all nations to dwell on the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation.

Ephesians 4:4 There is ONE BODY (the vessel that holds life) and one Spirit (the life in the vessel)....

Ephesians 4:6 One God and Father OF ALL, who is above ALL, and through ALL, and IN YOU ALL.

Hebrews 12:23 ... and to the spirits of just men MADE PERFECT,

Philippians 2:13 For it is GOD (LIFE, TRUTH) that worketh IN YOU both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.

We are just the vessel that holds God (Life, Truth). Life and Truth cannot die, so when this body of flesh dies Christ gives us HIS BODY. We are joined in union with Christ.

1 Timothy 6:16 ...Who only hath immortality .....

1 Corinthians 15:53 ... and this mortal must PUT ON IMMORTALITY ......

Thanks so much Kay , God bless you and all of yours .

Amen! Very well spoken Kay.

God bless you.

Well Stated Kay.

God bless.

Hi ELB.

You quoted.

""Not all men are caused to believe, by Christ, in the age we are now in, but will do so after the next age.""?

You have a familiar doctrine,

Similar to a recent friend.

I'm not saying I hold those views but they sound familiar.

You wouldn't be Earl Bowman would you? If so how have you been?

I am a firm believer that God is in the midst of my situation in your situation and whomever believe in the Son shall have everlasting life. We need praise him when we happy.when we sad through trails through tribulation Amen and Amen.

Lord we ask You to save April's enemies ( and mine) we pray for them today! Save them Lord, deliver them from bondage, set them free and cause them to be at peace with us. You said we should love our enemies and pray for them. I believe You meant this literally. That we should do good unto them. Not with lip service but from the heart. As for the enemy of our soul, we ask You to bind him and we rebuke him. Thank You mighty God. We praise You today. In Jesus name. Amen.

:-)

Is there any way that you could share what the abbreviations mean in your requests for prayer?

As soon as I read your request, Suze, I stopped and prayed. Having had, or having, loved ones with chronic physical and mental problems, I can understand the burden you feel for your dear ones! There is nothing impossible for our Lord, and I am sure many of us will agree with you in prayer for His continued help and deliverance! AMEN!

Love and blessings!

My take on alway verse always, is alway means now, before, and in the future. Always could be referring to works like All ways.

Paul in Hebrews words uses the word let slip instead of falling away, slip is different than falling way. It is the little things in scripture that have the most meaning. Especially as you say, during and in the time of temptation.

Steadfastness while in temptation is essential, looking only unto Him!

Beware of those of the concision! Beware vs. in other translation "watch out".

Beware means be aware, verses watch out meaning works again! Watching.

The Holy Spirit will do the being aware for you ! Remember that the Holy Ghost moves and moves within you, keep your eyes on the prize, the race before you , now, and before, and "ALWAY".

In Christ, Fred

A word from God everyday

The unforgivable sin, is the sin against the Holy Ghost.

What does this mean?

Does it mean that as along I forgive and love my brother this cannot apply to me! It is ok to excuse ourselves in the light of Gods word?

If the Lord of creation wanted to write a book on particular sin, and how to deal with it , there would not be enough room to hold all the pages!

No, He has given us His word!

Instead the priest's teach today this word is fable.

Look around! You will see what the sin against the holy Ghost is!

It is the evidence of preachers and teachers who have left the wall and run for cover! A society that lives based on works.

There is no forgiveness for the sin against the Holy Ghost!

Repent and be Baptized

What, in your opinion, is the best verse from the Bible to send my pregnant daughter? She has waited 10 years for this baby

I came out of a religious system that had many traditions and actions we had to do in order to be saved. Jesus wonderfully saved me almost 40 years ago, ELB. As I read Ephesians 2:8 I was given the understanding by God's grace that ONLY by grace and the merits of Christ can I be saved.

However, it is through the Word, and the faith given by hearing it, helped me to put my hand of faith on Christ's head - the Lamb of God Who took my sin, laid it on himself, and paid the horrid debt I owed.

The Word will explain itself:

Acts 16:31

And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Acts 2:

37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

So - were the apostles promoting works??? THEY to whom the gospel was given to preach command 'repentance' and 'believing'...So...what's going on here? :)

It seems there is confusion between the 'root' and the 'fruit', as James adequately describes. Faith without works is dead faith. We are not saved by works AT ALL but by the FINISHED work of CHRIST; however, real,true, Holy Spirit-birthed, saving faith inwardly will produce the outward act of repentance and belief. The inner divine work is the root; the fruit is the outward change seen in the life of one truly born again.

Grace and blessing!