All Discussion PAGE 489

Hi Jesse,

Good post, Wisdom. Most of the time we do not ask for it and when we ask for wisdom do we know what we are asking for? As you listed in James 1:5, it is a gift from God if we ask for it.

Wisdom for what? To overcome a problem, we are facing that many times is caused by something we did or did not do that was the cause of the problem we find ourselves in. When we ask, is it for Godly wisdom or earthly wisdom? We must repent and admit we need God's wisdom in faith in God and His only begotten Son, Jesus, and ask for wisdom for the glory of God.

God gives us wisdom and understanding thru trials and problems we cause; this knowledge builds our faith and patience. 2 Peter 1:1-10 I love these verses to me they are a measure of our growth or lack of. Patience is not a natural trait of mankind; it is a fruit of the Spirit that must grow in us. This is part of the gift of wisdom God gives us, Col. 1:10-11. Our growth of patience hinges on our hope and faith in eternal life with the coming of the Lord not this world.

Saving this life or lifestyle, clinging to the things in this life hampers the growth of patience, which comes with agitation, discouragement, and a desire for retaliation. God's power and goodness are crucial to the development of our patience. Regardless of what we face without patience a fruit of the Spirit, a gift of God part of the wisdom of God we must ask for. We need it now and the time is coming for those who are here will need it, Rev. 13:10

Just a few thoughts on wisdom, may others give more.

God bless,

RLW

The Holy Trinity is in reference at Matt. 24:36. As to the time of the fulfillment of this prophecy by Jesus, he clearly says the one and only person who knows the exact time of fulfillment of these things is "my Father only." The three Persons of the Holy Trinity in Biblical order are the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We must not ignore the word "only" in this verse. Modern preachers and teachers of doctrinal prophecy should give this serious thought. Neither the Son nor the Holy Spirit Himself know this Divine secret. We may observe the times and seasons, but we must be extremely careful in date setting, or seasonal dogmatism. Jesus' point in these verses is preparation, not self-seeking pragmatism. Anytime our teaching goes beyond the Divine offices of the Son and Spirit, we are into self aggrandizement, not sound doctrine.

Hello Gigi . I have been aware that something was going on between you and a couple of the regulars on here , so I didn't read all the posts between you as I didn't want to get involved , so forgive me that I don't know exactly what the problem was . One thing that I did notice was that the tone of the discussion didn't seem very friendly or respectful at times and that was from all of you involved in it and was the main reason that I decided not to read the posts as I didn't want myself to be provoked by any of you . We can and do , have many differences in our beliefs on here and that's fine by me , the way that we disagree is very important though . I tend to not say anything to anyone unless I feel confident that they are not going to be offended or provoked by me and that I can speak freely to them without causing them to be angry at me and then respond negitavely . To be honest , there are only a couple of people I feel that way about on here and I shan't name names . You have to feel a bit of trust in whom ever you are speaking to I think , that's how it is with me any way and there are definately a few on here that I would not be afraid to get into a debate with but , I'm sorry to say , it's only a few . Our faith is very important to all of us so we can all be very passionate about it , this can sometimes mean that we tread on each others toes . Don't despair , we all cool down eventually and I'm sure we have all learned from the little dispute that has been going on and is hopefully over with now . Be patient and give everyone a chance to smooth their feathers back into place .

Jimbob, I don't know if you have considred this verse or not. Genesis 4:1 And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. Another verse to ponder regarding reading, comprehending and the purpose of the scripture. Hebrews 13:9 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.

Ruby sorry my granddaughter changed my screen name to Pierre....And i forgot to tell ya but any way you caught it and i thank ya ......I'm gonna call her today and ask her to change it back to Alex anything but Pierre....Any way God bless you Ruby I love you ....And all of your family in Jesus name....I always enjoy reading your post Ruby...ok lemme go

They shall not need a man to sit on the throne for Jesus shall be on the throne. No more sacrifice of animals for jesus will be our sacrifice. In conclusion the chapter is a all about the finished work of jesus for new church.

Mel, Joseph was not Jesus's dad. God was.

please remember me and my family today in your prayers

Jimbob, No worries. You have not caused me any problem. I just wish to add that when this discussion comes up again, we should be mindful of interchange with a person who claims repeatedly that they do not read posts, only the first lines and then decides not to read further, but still responds back to you to say he did not read what your response to him. That is odd behavior to me. But I do know this person to be otherwise reasonable and caring. so, it may be just this subject that he has a deep sensitivity to.

Likewise, I need to be mindful of one who intimated that I search posts to find ones I disagree with in order to start an argument. and continue the argument for weeks. This is definitely not true of me.

I know this person to be kind and helpful the overwhelming majority of the time, but on this topic, not so much.

Both of these guys have spoken that they know I have posted many errors and yet they decided not to speak up about it to me. I wish they had. But if they didn't think it was on a matter that was crucial and so didn't respond to correct me, then why bring it up in posts on this topic? I do wish people would speak to me when they think I make a Scriptural error and if they think my explanations have "holes" in them, then I wish they would speak to me about these, too.

I love these guys and enjoy speaking with them on this forum for the most part. I just have to say that I was surprised at their comments about you and I. They are not normally this way. Makes me sad a bit. But it doesn't in any way discourage me, nor will it deter me from speaking my objections to the veracity of the pre-trib rapture theory.

Even so, I don't wish to be contrary or to bad-mouth them, but to address with you what we should be mindful of the next time this topic comes up on this forum. Here we have the freedom to express our position on bible doctrines and Scriptural views. And so, I hope anyone will make use of this freedom, but also to do so out of love.

Pierre

Alex, why have you again changed your name on this site? Your repeating narrative gives you away, but Please, go back to Alex N.

The book of Revelation is prophecy, it was back then to the churches, and it is to us today. I'm shocked at hearing a teaching (from more than one teacher) that a person can take the mark of the beast, but later repent of it, and still be saved, because it isn't the unpardonable sin. This teaching is false and quite dangerous. When we read in Revelation 14:9-11, the warning is very clear, If anyone takes the mark of the beast, they will drink of the wine of God's wrath, and they will be tormented in hell for eternity. Then, in Revelation 16 God begins to pour out his wrath, and in two verses, 9 and 11, it clearly says, those that took the mark of the beast, and are drinking the wine of God's wrath, DO NOT repent. That is prophecy. Those that take the mark of the beast will endure God's wrath, they will NOT repent, and they will be tormented in hell forever. God's Word is true and sure.

GiGi I am doing good, thank you GiGi for asking and for all your comments. Like I said before you are very wise, and I am thankful for all your posts and comments, and your friendship. I knew you had never disrespected anyone on this site GiGi you have to big of a heart for that, your concern is to build up not tear down. Nobody should ever accuse you of being disrespectful! The Truth will stand GiGi, you were right about our comments being seen by many other people so I will continue to make posts about the pre-tribulation theory being what it is in hopes that others will see that Truth. Just not as many maybe! But I will be more careful in any discussions with others from here on out. I only want to share the Truth not cause problems of any kind for anybody, and definitely not mislead anyone causing them to fall away from the Truth, the Truth in Scripture should be the only thing that matters for all of us. I'm truly sorry if I caused or created any trouble of any kind for you GiGi. You are a special person GiGi the world would be a much better place if there were more people like you. God Bless you.

Mel8:

As you study; Christ is going to CAUSE thoughts to come to you, those thoughts are the prophecy of scripture.

Never second guess those thoughts; it's God's WORK, bring you to light.

Joel 2:28 ...and afterwards I will pour my spirit out upon them .... and your young men (and women) shall SEE VISIONS ...

These visions are YOUR THOUGHTS, the appearing of the meaning of God's WORD, HIDDEN, only to revealed by you study and HIM CAUSING HIS THOUGH'S to be YOUR THOUGHT'S.

You Christ BODY; It's like talking to YOURSELF, You become confident that every word you speak and every word you write are HIS WORDS, not your words.

Go in the POWER of CHRIST!

This will become your nature.

God BLESS YOU!

Amen and Amen, Pierre1939:

Were you born in 1939, if so your just a little older than myself? I'm a 40's child.

Yes, darkness was over the land from 6th to the 9th hour.

This literally was reality; and is still reality, that darkness has manifest itself even till NOW.

Christ is the LIFE of ALL MEN; though most are in darkness, they don't believe the HOUSE (our body) was made desolate by the death of Christ.

All mankind was made desolate: by his death; dwelling in darkness, and he AROSE, as the DAY STAR, and shined LIGHT (his WORD) into DARKNESS, and the darkness comprehended it NOT.

Creation HAPPEN a second time at Christ resurrection.

Genesis 1:2 And the earth (symbolic of man) was without form or void; and DARKNESS was on the face of the DEEP (symbolic of man).

Genesis 1:4 And God saw the light (Christ is the light of the world), that is was good: and God DIVIDED the LIGHT from DARKNESS.

Genesis 1:5 And God called the LIGHT DAY, and the DARKNESS NIGHT, and the evening and the morning (of his resurrection) were the FIRST DAY.

Psalms 104:30 Thou sendest forth thy SPIRIT (that spirit RAISED the new creation), THEY ARE CREATED, thou renewest the face of the earth.

1 Thessalonians 5:5 Ye are children of the LIGHT (Christ in you), and the children of DAY: we are not (children) of the NIGHT, nor of DARKNESS.

God Bless YOU!

Yes , thankyou again . I'd just recently noticed that connection between Noah and his sons , probably chopping the trees down and preparing the wood for the ark and Abraham and Isaac , maybe chopping and preparing the wood for the sacrifice together and then Jesus , he and Joseph being carpenters and potentially having made the cross that Jesus was crucified on . You have added another dimension to my thoughts , thankyou so much .

Wow , thankyou so much , you have given me a lot to think about . I'm reading Isaiah at the moment and I will keep your references in mind . Thankyou again , much love in Christ .

Walking in the Spirit (part 10).

When we look at scripture and have say a Word of knowledge or prophetic message it certainly can be done based on scripture alone and incorporate current events as a general principle. When we try to set certain dates or times (such as the Rapture) of course we are violating instructions by Christ Himself ( Matt. 24:36) (note: this could also be referring to the time of the Second Coming as well from the present moment). Once we get much further in predictions; we more often than not see error. Whether anyone alive today has always been 100 percent accurate can be debated. We also have to see that in the age of Grace God has been longsuffering; and that since there are certain promises for the church age (see Matt. 16:18 for example) prayers of the saints can delay or alter certain specific events even if seen accurately as a potential thing to occur. Once again; in surveying Agabus as an example; we not only see specific "bad news" events predicted that wouldn't fly well with som many so called prophets today; we also see it is a specific audience who was given a message; it wasn't blazed abroad for everyone to hear. This would be especially true in the case of Paul being arrested; as no one would want the authorities to perform a "self fulfilling" prophecy-Paul was in enough constant persecution as it was without giving an excuse for further intimidation.

We do well to heed to the exhortation in Revelation 3 given to the Philadelphia church. They had but little strength; but held on which is a type of the church today who has persevered while much of society and indeed others calling themselves believers succumb to damnable heresies. Enduring patiently to the end is certainly a crucial element of saving faith; with that virtue of patience being repeated throughout many Old and New Testament writings. We must trust that God is faithful to remove us from wrath to come ( 1 Thess. 5:9; Romans 5:9). May we endure.

Walking in the Spirit (part 9)

We read in Galatians about a gospel which varies from what was tradition passed down from Paul and/or other Apostles. Even if an angel from heaven preaches it let it be "anathema" ( Gal. 1:8-9). There is another danger as well; that is preaching more or less scriptural truth but twisting the meaning of it. Such is an obvious aberration during Satan's discourse with Christ after 40 days fasting in the desert. The Spirit; BTW led Him out there so God was in control. Cherry picking is another favorite machination which only can go so far if "inquiring minds" wish to be Bereans. Such is the "custom made" preaching based on what is the underlying theme; i.e. elevating the Pastor means preaching about such matters while leaving out the rules for disciplinary action (unless it is mentioned only as a function to be directed to laypersons). We can see such tactics with prosperity preaching with isolated promises taken out of context. We won't ever hear in those churches any warnings about how Satan can grant us such wishes for his purposes of entrapment; however. We have the legalist who holds on to the saying "no cussing; drinking or dancing" while in the meantime being Parasitical in holding a position of control and fear over the congregants. The slippery slope of Apostasy always starts with a small amount of error being injected in then the preverbal camel begins to enter into the tent. This would be expected quite often with the muzzle on any "iron sharpening iron" of elders disciplining a Pastor; or heaven forbid a layperson (again done in the scriptural manner decently and in order). Elders also have a responsibility to keep error from within and without to protect the flock.

We all should work to edify one another; saying hard things when necessary in love. The moment a Pastor decides he is unteachable or can't learn through others something the Lord wants to show them then it is time to consider moving on.

Mel8:

Your comment about the CARPENTER is scriptural.

Isaiah 41:7 So the CARPENTER (Christ), encouraged the goldsmith (YOU; the body of Christ, Christ does HIS WORKS by YOU, his body), and he (Christ) that smootheth with the hammer HIM (YOU; the POT, his body, he is the potter) that smote the anvil (YOU are the arm of Christ: as Christ is the arm of his Father), saying, It (YOU: sinful flesh) is ready for the sodering: and He (Christ) fastened IT (sinful flesh) with NAILS (to HIS CROSS), that IT (sinful flesh) should not be (re) moved.

Mark 6:1 Is not this the CARPENTER .....that made all things NEW: by his death and resurrection ....

You DIED with the CARPENTER on the CROSS, YOU and Christ were made ONE by HIS (and your) RESURRECTION.

Isaiah 44:13 The CARPENTER (Christ) stretcheth out his rule (YOU), he (Christ) maketh it (YOU) with a line, he (Christ) fitteth it (YOU) with planes, and he (Christ) maketh it (YOU) with the compass, and maketh it (YOU) after the figure of a MAN (CHRIST HIMSELF), according to the beauty of a MAN (CHRIST HIMSELF), that it (YOU; the new creation, the image of God) may remain in the HOUSE .... Hebrews 3:6 --- whose HOUSE YE ARE --- Psalms 23:6 ... and I (Christ) will dwell in the HOUSE (YOU) of the Lord forever .... Colossians 1:27 ... this mystery ... Christ IN YOU ...

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

1 Corinthians 15:54 ...this mortal SHALL PUT ON immorality ....

1 Timothy 6:16 .... Christ ONLY hath immortality .... dwelling in the light ....

Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be IN YOU, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Philippians 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be EQUAL to GOD.

2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are GIVEN TO US exceedingly great and precious PROMISES: that by these (promises) ye may be PARTAKERS of the DIVINE NATURE, having escaped the corruption (by the death of YOUR flesh on the cross) that is in the world through lust.

God BLESS YOU!

Kathy lemme tell you what Jesus said in Rev.21:8 .....Every sinner will have his part in the lake of fire...Jesus said i come to bring fire on the earth and what if it is already kindled....Mans evil adamic nature....none righteous no not one is the kindling....Thus the need for that baptism of the H.G. nd fire....That baptism of PROMISE....Ya gotta realize that our God is a consuming fire and his wrath is his love for humanity....Whom the lord loveth he chastens thus we will all have to go thru that lake of fire....Which is baptism of the H.G. and Fire the gift of God...As Jesus tells us...Whosoever was not found written in that book of life was cast into the lake of fire...ty Jesus its simply what we need...Thats y Jesus is saying i come to bring fire on the earth....its what we need.

..... Malachi 3:2 kjv...Who shall abide the day of his coming...( 2 nd coming )....For who shall stand when he appears for he shall be as a Refiners fire and fullers soap....( a cleansing fire )...Which is his baptism of the H.G. and fire a cleansing fire....An internal cleasing of a new heart and a new spirit....A new innerman which is the H.G. That Child of Promise....As Jesus said that which is born of the spirit is spirit....A baby Christ thats y they spoke in tongues it was just baby talk....till the Child is of age....That New born babe desiring the sincere milk of the word is the H.G...Thats y Jesus was saying that which is born of the spirit is spirit which is the H.G. that Child of Promise....Our new heart and new spirit...But remember Jesus said he cd not speak for a while....Thus the tongues... it was just baby talk....Thats y he always refers to himself as the son of man....Whosoever receiveth one such child in my name receiveth me...That New BORN BABE IS SPIRIT the H.G.....ok lemme go

Hey Ruby lea Read....TY kindly for the kind words of appreciation....Hold on tight to your dreams they will soon come true in a kingdom for all your family....AMEN and AMEN TO YOU RUBY....I always love to read all your posts....I was just thinking about what Jesus said I come as a thief in the night....When he was on the Cross ..Darkness covered the earth from the 6 hr. to the 9 th... hr... Matthew 27:45....He was making a new covenant with his blood a TYPE OF that red pottage that Jacob used to steal Esaus birth right....Darkness covered the earth from the 6 hr. to the 9 th. hr....He was stealing our old birth right of DEATH BY HIS BLOOD THAT RED STUFF....That New Covenant in his blood .... Romans 8 :2 The spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made us free from the law of sin and death....That was the old covenant the soul that sinneth shall surely die..Ezech.But he came as a thief in the nite at Calvary to make a new Covenant with that red pottage ( his blood.) Matthew 27 :45....Our old covenant was death... the soul that sinneth shall surely die....But he died in our place thus he stole that curse and took it upon himself....I come as a thief in the nite..At Calvary....When he had taken the cup he said this is the new Covenant in my blood drink ye all of it....Esau ate all that Red pottage....And lived....But he lost his birth right which was death, the soul that sinneth shall surly die...But Jesus died in our stead....Darkness covered the earth from the 6 hr to the 9 th hr....Thats when he died for our sins making a new covenant in his blood...ok gbu Ruby....Thus Jesus stole our old birth right which was death....And it was at night....Darkness covered the earth from the 6 th hr to the 9 th hr...This is that manna that if man eats he will neva die...The New Covenant is that hidden manna....These things are hid from the wise and prudent but only revealed unto babes...The result of this N.C.is gonna result in everybody breaking out in birth pains...The Child is th H.G.

Walking in the Spirit (part 8-Discernment of truth vs error).

In further analysis as to the understanding granted to Peter in recognizing that Christ was indeed God in the flesh and not just a great prophet or such we see a principle still holding fast today. That is; those who are truly Spirit filled have surrounding them and within them a foreign righteousness; something that is much like a star viewed from a distance. The light is seen best not directly but indirectly. Christ truly was the Prophet that Moses had predicted; and certainly a great teacher and learned man from his youth up. Only He could; however die for man's sins and thus be the "I am". He had to be both God and man to fill that role.

In preaching the truth; He wouldn't often resort to lengthy scriptural discourses (except for perhaps the Sermon on the Mount).

Much was; in fact hidden to the elite and Pharisees and done purposely so that the wisdom of the world could be proven foolishness to the Lord ( 1 Cor. 3:19). God's purposes cannot be fully understood; but He deliberately keeps those proud in their own righteousness blind ( Matt. 13:15). This parallels as well the parable of the seed which is dropped to the ground and immediately the devil takes it away in Luke 8:12.

It cannot be overemphasized here that our state without Christ is horrendous; and cannot be fathomed. Even in Christ as we see in the scriptures we are children; often entangled in our own messes and always in desperate need of total dependance on God to guide us and protect us from the wiles of the evil one (see the Lord's prayer). This; of course is the opposite of the statement by Benjamin Franklin who supposedly said that "God helps those who help themselves" and BTW this is NOT in the Bible!!! (apparently this statement had it's origins in Greek false religion and it is known throughout the world). There are times; of course when we know that doing the right thing involves action; that is a different subject)

Walking in the Spirit (part 7).

There is a clear warning between Matthew 16:17 and Matthew 16:23 and in regard to the about face Christ had from praise of revelation from God in regard to Peter and then suddenly telling Satan to get behind Him after he had gained a foothold over Peter so quickly afterwards. This is quite shocking and should serve us as with all scriptures with an example of just how quickly we could all be overtaken by evil when we think we stand (see 1 Cor. 10:12).

In both cases Peter was being used as a vessel for spiritual possession; as it were. It could be argued that the Spirit wasn't residing with him permanently; nonetheless Jesus' comment that only the Father could have revealed to Peter who He was clearly showed him as a saved individual. Also Satan may not have directly possessed him as it stated it was later on for Judas Iscariot; but nonetheless his mind was being controlled by the "thoughts of men" which Satan placed in his mind. That would probably imply that his natural inclination and desire to protect Christ and not see harm come to him was taking precedent over God's plan and purpose for Christ to die for atonement of the sins of all He has chosen (including on Peter's behalf as well).

Clearly Christ wasn't surprised by these things; and later on as I explained in a recent discussion Christ predicted his martyrdom and his restoration after the denial was prophesied as well to Peter. Lest we upbraid Peter we should remember that he was the only one with the "audacity" to walk on the water as well as to ask questions others no doubt pondered but were too afraid to mention out loud.

When we recognize our own weaknesses and frailty it certainly can't be that we will be carried away by such things if we stand on guard against the wiles of the devil (see James 4:7). We can't take our eyes off of Him though for Satan can and will use any opportunity given to him to blindside us; harass, torment, distract and mess us up.

That is really good. I enjoyed it. It gave me a lot to think about. Thanks for sharing!

I never thought of it that way. Thanks for sharing.

Walking in the Spirit (part 6) continuation discerning spirit of truth vs error

All the previous section was focused on suffering for Christ's sake. Many today seem to forget the scriptures that state ALL who live Godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution ( 2 Tim. 3:12) and other verses stating that He "chastises all those He loves" ( Heb. 12:6). Those who aren't are said to be illegitimate children. In discerning truth from error; we see how few of the so called "prophets" today make such declarations as Agabus who predicted both imprisonment of Paul and a famine; or that of Christ to Peter on his eventual capture and implied martyrdom. ( John 21:18). We have had certain prominent individuals stating that another prominent one would suffer some malady because of the so called "not touching the anointed prophets" ( Psalm 105:15).

Again I will leave names out here; some things are just too ridiculous to get into anyway. What is certain is that bad news; whether that of the state of churches in Revelation 2; or that of the Prophets of old such as Isaiah; Ezekiel and Jeremiah who weren't exactly winning any popularity contests when time and time again they warned of judgment to come for specific sins is something heard very little today; and no wonder. Everyone wants their ears tickled with what they want to hear; what is the most popular or "politically correct" advice among the crowd of "professing" believers.

When the cure is worse than the disease; those who are of the truth will not be satisfied with a band-aid approach. This earth is not our home; and we should live this life accordingly.

Therefore; when we are in fellowship we should seek to be around those who are truly Spirit filled as well as run away from where the spirit of error is. We are to be "set apart" for His use ( 1 Thess. 4:7). What is refreshing in being hot or cold is that it alleviates any confusion or compromise of assimilation with those in the world ( 1 Peter 2:9-10).

Thank you for this encouragement. I was struggling with stress today because of bills and the lack of money to pay them. Thank you for reminding me that money profits little, but God is steadfast and unchanging. He is my provider, and I just need to have patience. They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Living in the Spirit (part 5) Separating the Spirit of truth from the spirit of error

In detecting a counterfeit; we are often told that experts rely on their experience seeing the genuine in order to detect that which appears at first glance to be the same but on further investigation has some telltale sign of fraud. I would add to that statement in saying that we should learn to recognize all the appearances of truth and how the enemy uses such things to appeal to the flesh in order to draw us in through whatever toxin he chooses to conceal in the punch; so to speak.

In studying this subject; one can't overlook the key concept of TRUST in God as being the foundation of our walk. The Lord giveth; and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the Lord ( Job 1:21). In studying Job we see that he started his trial well; praising the Lord even when his wife told him to "curse God and die" ( Job 2:9). This was after the blitzkrieg of tragedies that crashed forth; and after his own personal afflictions. We need to keep in mind that it appears he was entirely unaware that Satan was behind the calamaties themselves and all that went on behind the scenes in the councils of God and the angelic/demonic realm.

We are told not to complain or grumble; but nonetheless pleading our cause wasn't even foreign to Christ when He cried greatly for the cup "if possible" to be removed; nonetheless God's will to be done ( Luke 22:42). It is hard to believe in our greatest trials and suffering that they pale in comparison to the "exceeding joy" to come ( Romans 8:18). When we see Paul's struggle, though we are well aware of the extraordinary amount of suffering which God promised he would endure for His nane's sake at the inception of his ministry ( Acts 9:16). Some of this; no doubt may have been due to his earlier persecutions to set an example as well as to chastise him; not as final judgment but as in the case of David caught in adultery; residual damage in this life for earlier sins.

Hello Lilyan,

How are your children doing today? Are they recovered from this illness?

Living in the Spirit (part 4).

Growth can and indeed will occur with good soil and the implanted seed of the Spirit. When we sow with tears we reap with joy ( Psalm 126:5-6). Indeed; these verses show us that the harvest is present with us and surely is our reward for effective service (see also Hebrews 6:10; Isaiah 55:10-11). Just as our walk in Christ isn't just a spectator sport; our participation isn't merely an individual source of growth; but mutually edifying for the body. That is how spiritual gifts are to be properly practiced (see 1 Cor. 12 starting in verse 4).

We should therefore rejoice when others rejoice; weep when others weep ( Philippians 4:4). This explains why it is often better to be in the house of mourning than feasting ( Ecclesiastes 7:2-4). I am not one to argue whether Christ had a sense of humor; but will state that it is better to refrain from jokes if there is any uncertainty and certainly from "course jesting" ( Eph. 5:3-4).

God is steadfast and unchanging; unlike the vicissitudes of the human heart. Stability comes from a well grounded faith and walking in the Spirit as our "sure foundation and anchor of our soul" ( Heb. 6:19).

Patience being one of the fruits of the Spirit especially today is; in my opinion underrated as to its value. Just a brief survey of Bible characters shows how many things took time to completion; whether with Abraham's wanderings and progeny; Moses' deliverance; Joseph's prominance; and David's ascension to the throne. In fact too much success too quickly was a factor in Solomon's fall despite God warning him not to multiply gold and horses as well as foreign wives. This is the real issue with the "prosperity gospel" as surely God as well as Satan can be the facilitator of worldly gain (as well as efforts from hard work). It is the pride and comfort in our possessions which bring a man down (see Luke 12:16-21). It also makes rich people give a disporportionally low percentage vs the poor