All Discussion PAGE 90

Please pray to break the power of the occult over all of our lives all over the world.

Pray For Me That My Back Will Be Healed and Be Stronger Iny Fath

Thanks GiGi for that detailed & timely reminder of what our Christian attitudes ought to be & how they are then expressed to others; and this examination by each one of us has to be first addressed when the seeds within our hearts & minds begin to germinate. Unless the feelings that arise within are not arrested early enough, we may well have to regret our words or behavior.

But then the matter of 'what then is sin'? I think most would agree that it is much more than violating the Ten Commandments, even as our Lord pointed His hearers to their own hearts to correctly understand this subject. But when it comes down to those regrettable things that arise within us which are not specifically addressed in the Word, we may find license to overlook them & treat them as not sinful, merely aberrations arising from the flesh. So, it may boil down to, 'what is sinful to some, may not be to others' (at least, until all are truly led of the Spirit to recognize sin for what sin is, or to those particularly sensitive to any deviation from the holy, to re-examine their beliefs by the Spirit's Guidance). And I too, have had to re-read my comments here, not only for clearly conveying my thoughts, but also to see whether my words could be hurtful or misunderstood, words arising from a mind overly passionate about the subject. I guess that I have failed in this as well at times. Blessings.

Re.11:4-7 "The two witnesses" (2 of 2)

The '1260 days' is a tag supplied the Spirit to indicate the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. By the same token the Gentiles are allowed to operate for 42 months. The 42 months' similarly is a tag. In an earlier post we saw 'the hour" during which the power of darkness prevailing over the children of disobedience. ( Luke 22:53). The beast as well as the enemies to Jesus who took him in the night belonged to the son of perdition. Judas Iscariot belonged to this group. This conflict reveals two laws, of the Spirit and of the sin.

Let us look at the characteristics of the two witnesses. They are representatives of several prophets coming under the earthly ministry of Jesus who is the fulfillment of the law. They were "clothed in sackcloth'. It echoes the mourning of Daniel for three weeks,"(Dan.10:2-3)

"And have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will." This recalls to us the seven plagues of Egypt" and of Elijah, "These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy." In short these two witnesses present a composite picture of heroes of faith(He.11:33-38)

On the flip side the number 42 months gives the beast who is a composite figure. John the Baptist was beheaded under a Herod and we have the beast in the Acts of the Apostles, "Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church./And he killed James the brother of John with the sword./And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also."(Ac.12:1-3)

Finally " Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein." This temple is not anything extant but what was founded on Zion. (1s.28:16) We see its culmination in Re.21.22-23

And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it./... for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof."

please remember my daughter Jessica in your prayers today , please remember me

Re.11:3 "The Two witnesses" (1of 2)

"And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth."(11:3)

Who is the authority to confer power on men but the Lord from heaven, who is heavenly? "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." The risen Christ in his humanity was the Word become flesh, so his authority stretched from Alpha the beginning. In his Ascension he was to be seated on the right hand of the Most High so Omega aspect, the ending referred to fulfilling the divine Will of his Father. " Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power"(Ps.110:1-3). Firstly the two witnesses belong to 'thy people'. These were given to the Son. "and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are."( John 17:11)

The chapter began with a golden reed and the angel directing John what to leave out and what to include requires attention. "for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months." This reed is a single measurement. "And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel."(Re.21:17) Gold signifies faith and here single measurement is of the angel,- the fellow-servant of John and of the man to whom the Son has given authority. Power of the little ones and their angels positioned to behold the face of the Father always defines the golden reed. Every other scale is false.

Prophesy is another feature and the two witnesses would do it for "a thousand two hundred and threescore days. "For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John."(Matt.11:11)

The days is a tag supplied the Spirit to indicate the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. By the same token the Gentiles are allowed to operate for 42 months. This conflict reveals two laws, of the Spirit and of the sin.

Amen Brother Jesse,

These are some rough days and much prayer is needed.

May the Lord bless you in all that you do.

Pt. 2

Gal. 5:13

"For, brethren, ye have been called to liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by live serve one another."

Does one's sarcasm serve the other person lovingly promoting their well being or is it self-serving? Does it look out for the best interest of the other ( Phil. 2:4, 21) and not to your own?

Does it reflect that you are thinking highly of the person hearing the sarcasm or does it show you think more highly of yourself than you ought? ( Rom. 12:3)

Gal. 5:22

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, against such there is no law."

Does one's sarcasm reflect these fruits in your character and your speech?

1 Cor. 13:4-8

"Charity suffereth long (patient), and is kind; charity envieth not; Charity vaunted not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things; Charity never faileth..."

Does one's sarcasm align with how love is described in this chapter?

I will stop for now.

This forum is one of speaking to one another. I know that at times I need to re-examine some of my words to see if I am speaking wrongly to another person here. I know I am not perfect in my speech, it is not all what I would call "holy speech" that God would approve of. And if He would not approve of it, it is sinful.

This post is not particularly addressed to Momsage, although her post brought up this topic and I thought it may be good to speak about sarcasm here as well as other ways we speak to each other here. let's speak the truth in love, see these conversations in a sober manner, taking what others post seriously and respond seriously with grace and love. We should recognize that we are talking about God and His Word and others who deserve loving responses.

Can Sarcasm be sinful?

Let us consider our use of sarcasm as individuals. Does your sarcastic remarks promote was is spoken of in these passages or do they work counter to the objective of these passages?

Eph. 4:1-3

"I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of your vocation wherewith ye are called, with lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Does one's sarcasm promote unity or divide, peace or disturbance in relationship?

Is the sarcasm proceed from lowliness and meekness or does it proceed from pridefulness and self-elevation over another?

Does the sarcasm come forth from longsuffering or is it reactive, a "come back at ya", response? Is it winsome in its intent and effect entreating the other to holy fellowship? Does it show forbearance with another in love or is it" touchy" and self-serving?

Eph. 4:29

"Let no corrupt (unholy) communication proceed from your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."

Is one's sarcasm holy or unholy speech? Does it honor God and respect the person spoken to? Does it build up or tear down the hearer? Does it hurt or heal the hearer? Does it promote equalness in the relationship or does it inflate the speaker to the detriment of the hearer? Does it seek to be cooperative rather than competitive (getting to "one-up" another or win in a discussion)?

Eph. 5:4

"..Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient, but rather of giving of thanks."

Is one's sarcasm sober and mindful or foolish talking? Does it make fun of another or "jest" in a way that the other person doesn't like? Are you really "just Kidding, joking, or being humorous" in a mutually humorous and receptive conversation or does the sarcasm come from irritation, anger, or wanting to get at the hearer to put them down or shut them up?

cont.

Hello MotherMac. I'm unsure whether you're addressing someone specifically here, or who the "two (?) clouds of witnesses' might be you're referring to, but just to throw an answer in here: the 'great cloud of witnesses' (as referred to in Hebrews 12:1), are those faithful witnesses mentioned in Hebrews chapter 11.

So when I read Hebrews 12:1, I always get the sense that since those who have gone on way before us & stand in the Presence of God, their lives & faithfulness, in spite of many odds against them, should also be an impetus for us to 'run the race of Christian living & testimony'; a race, not who gets there first, but one that requires patience & endurance reaching the finishing line & the prize - just as those of old did.

But the Hebrews writer doesn't want us to only focus on those saints of old, but to look to Jesus, the Author & Finisher of our Faith (the One Who completed and perfected our faith before God): for He alone is the reason for our salvation, our power & joy to live this life, & Who will receive us into Glory at the appointed time. That 'cloud of witnesses' might have had a good testimony for us to be encouraged to do likewise, but only Jesus could author saving faith & perfect it & us before God by virtue of His great Sacrifice for us & the supreme example He set before us in godly living.

Amen, brother Spencer!

It's heartbreaking to hear that a fellow believer is going through something like this. But we believe in the power of prayer, and we do pray for Gustavo and also for his family.

Our heavenly Father,

We lift up Hayle to you Lord and we ask that you remove this burden off her, whatever it is. We pray that Hayle might know that she can boldly come to the throne of grace, your throne, and with confidence know that if she asks for your will to be done in her life, that it will be done. We stop to thank you for your faithfulness. It is by your Spirit which brings conviction to our heart that we are able to confess our need for you. We are sinners, and yet we are saved by grace.

We confess our continuous need for your cleansing. We thank you for your provision. We pray that you will continue to draw Hayle and us to your word so that we might learn from you, and that we might grow in Christ our Savior. We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen!

Hi Gustavo Aldolfo..

I have prayed for you along with others on this site.

God bless you.

Hi Hayle.

I have joined others in prayer for you.

God bless you.

Hayle,

(Part 3):

So that's what he's saying here. Don't be occupied. When you find yourself occupied, give it to the Lord. It will destroy you if you don't. And ask for God's will to be done. A lot of times we ask for specifics and if it doesn't turn out that way, we get even worse in our anxiety.

So, my suggestion to you is to give it all to the Lord. When you give it to the Lord, it's with thanksgiving. It's like the Lord is there for you to give it to. And we can be thankful for that! And then of course the command is to let your requests be known unto God. So, whatever it is, give it to Him. Let Him know about it. Stop trying to do it on your own!

God Bless!!!

Hayle,

(Part 2):

There is a special Greek word used throughout the New Testament. The word is MERIMNA, and it has to do with worry, anxiety, and the cares of this world. It is a word that represents the occupation of the attention of the mind. Not the occupation of the mind, but the occupation of the attention of the mind. You're saved, and now the Lord wants to renew your mind. So, Satan keeps you occupied, tired, thinking of all these things that you have to deal with. But the Bible tells us to cast all your care upon the Lord because the Lord is concerned about you.

Philippians 4:6 says, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."

The word careful is the word MERIMNAO, which is the Greek word for anxiety, or worry. So, worry about nothing. Do not let the cares of this world occupy the attention of your mind. Cast all your cares on the Lord. We are not to be anxious for one thing. That's easier said than done. But look what Paul says to do about it. He says but in every thing by prayer and supplication, and supplication means petition. Prayer is general. Petition is specific.

Everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, and then the command is: let your requests be made known unto God.

He's not saying pray about it. The bible teaches that prayer is the means by which we communicate and express our submission to God and His will. That's what the bible teaches. Most of the time we get caught up emotionally in the things of this world to the point that it has a hold of our lives. We pray for God to step in, and what God is saying is let go of that and pray and submit it to me, and you line up and pray for my will to be done in that situation.

One more very short post, I promise!

Hayle,

(Part 1):

I will also be praying for you. I agree with Carol in that this is a normal thing most every believer experiences at some point in life. Andrea also touches on two things that are very important: "do not worry," and "trust the Lord."

If I may just add a few thoughts to this. This might seem long, but it is my hope that something I share with you might bring you some comfort. I wouldn't spend a lot of time writing this if I didn't care. You did not mention if you have been born of God's Spirit (Saved), so I am just going to assume you have. As a believer, it's not about you or me "trying to do everything right." It's about surrendering ourselves to Jesus Christ and following the persuasion of His Spirit in our lives, leading us to do what is right. Have you ever heard the phrase "Let go, and let God?"

You say that you "try and do everything right, but you don't know what it is." What is the Lord leading you to do? That's your answer. You also mention that "No matter how hard you try to be good, you just end up doing bad." That's the whole point! Stop trying in your own human effort to do good. God will not recognize anything good we do apart from Him. The only good He sees in us is the work that His Spirit produces in our lives. Seek the Lord for guidance and direction and submit to His persuasion in your life. No matter how hard we try and do good in our own human effort, we will fail.

If you are feeling that you "have so much put on me at the moment," and this is causing you undue stress or anxiety, you need to take whatever it is that is burdening you and give it to the Lord. Put it on Him. Cast all your cares on Him ( 1 Peter 5:7).

Part 2 to follow...

For Anna's needs. Known to the Lord. Thank You Jesus.

the "two clouds of witnesses?

Are you talking about the carnal

view ofChrist and the Devine view

of Christ? Am I mixed up?

hi Hayle, i just want to say that God is a forgiving God, so ask God to forgive you. If you haven't done so then also make sure to ask the lord to come into your heart and cleanse you from every sin and ask him to take control over your life, and ask him to accept you as his own child.

hi everyone, i want to ask for prayers so that God will help me to understand why things happen the way they do and to heal my heart. Thanks.

I have stomach cancer ,esophagus cancer,and amass in my right kidney.

Hello, you now wrote "I don't claim to be able to live without sin in myself."

Ok so the truth is finally out- now you admit to being a sinner like everyone else, but sanctified, also like other genuine Christ followers. That's no different than what most Christians believe, so were you trying to deceive us by hiding this before?

You write that because you're sanctified that "that keeps me from sinning." The first part is correct, but I don't believe your conclusion. That's not what Paul said, nor anywhere else in the Bible. Sanctified doesn't mean no sin ever happened. Do you truly believe that when you sin you never sinned?

You said you didn't like the verse I shared because the Bible is big with many other verses, but the same argument can be used against your position. Please share the verses that say when you sin you don't sin, because in my years of reading the Bible I've never come across that. There's one where God says he will remember sin no more, but that doesn't mean it didn't happen.

Your other argument seemed to be that if you don't ask for forgiveness for every single thing- like if you forget and go to sleep then die- you do then you instantly go to hell. Most Christians don't believe that, so that's a straw man argument. It's also strange how I've heard this same phrase repeatedly through the years and wonder where it originates. Jesus says if we follow him grace covers us. Not a license to sin. Means we're genuine about it. But also we should indeed confess and ask forgiveness when we mess up, because a genuine follower would do that.

Paul said he struggles with sin (his flesh) even after becoming the top influential evangelist for Christ in world history. Every human struggles with this. Jesus was the only one who was perfect. I hope we weren't all baited into this discussion for other reasons, but God knows your heart. God bless.

No problem, Momsage

Hi Momsage,

Most of us would say that the way you replied sarcastically is a sin. And as believers, we are to speak to others about such sin (offenses) but do so gently with compassion.

Momsage, we are to confess our sin in such a case and we will receive forgiveness and cleansing as John says in 1 Hn. 1:9 and also, if we have sinned and we are not aware that we have sinned, we have Jesus as our Advocate interceding for us before the Father, presenting His righteousness and His shed blood and the penalty He paid for ALL of our sins as the basis for justification. This is the only way for any one to be justified and therefore not be condemned.

So, if you do not think that your sarcasm is a sin and were to go to bed and die suddenly, you will be saved because your faith for salvation is in Jesus, not in our own sinlessness or godly actions/obedience to God.

If you recognize that your sarcasm actually is sin because it is not holy speech, then I would hope that you would confess it to God and receive His mercy. If you should die before confessing an act that you know is a sin, then you are still saved because your faith for salvation is in Jesus alone. He saves us 100%, not because we are sinless, but because we were and are sinful in our fallen nature and need to be saved by Him every second of every day until we are resurrected.

Momsage, I do not mean any finger pointing at you in this matter. my intentions are for your good and to support you in your walk as a believer. So, please, take my comments as such.

Paul must be a hypocrite if he claims to be a sinner when in his letter before your "Paul was a sinner" verses he says that to believe we can continue in sin because of the Grace of God is forbidden by God. The few WORDS you always quote are taken out of 7,111 other words in this book. What does the rest of the book of Romans say about being sinners? I don't claim to be able to live without sin in myself. It is possible because, besides being saved from my sins, I am also sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost. It's this sanctification that killed and crucified the sin nature in me through the divine blood of Jesus Christ - that made my temple holy and the Holy Ghost was then able to enter in - that keeps me from sinning. Chris and GiGi never answer the legitimate questions I have presented to them asking about the soul after it dies with sin on it. They don't answer because they can't - there is no answer. You cling to a few choice verses that cause you to believe being human=being a sinner and it can't possible be any other way. I'd like to ask you a couple of questions: Since you believe we will always be guilty of some kind of sin every day, what will happen on the day the Lord returns? Sinners aren't going in the rapture - so who does - if we're all still sinning? GiGi accused me of sinning because I was sarcastic in one of my posts to Chris. Suppose I don't believe sarcasm is a sin and don't repent, but, just for arguments sake, it is a sin, so when I go to bed that night I die of a heat attack - I die with sin on my soul. Does my soul go to hell where souls with sin go or do I go to heaven? Scriptures tell us that God says our sin nature can be destroyed but you refuse to believe the blood of Jesus Christ is capable of destroying the sin nature completely and the Holy Ghost has the power to help keep us from sinning. Rightly dividing the word doesn't mean hanging your hat on a few choice words. Give me other scriptures. God Bless :)

I accidently sent a reply for GiGi to you but I'm sure she'll see it. By the way, thanks for the information. God Bless :)

I accidently sent my reply to you to Chris so you should be able to find it somewhere. I still can't seem to get the hand of how this forum works. LOL

I knew you would accuse me of sinning because of my sarcasm. Let's suppose I did sin but since I don't believe sarcasm is a sin I go to bed without repenting and die immediately of a massive heart attack in my sleep. I died in sin. Will I go to heaven or hell? I know you won't answer this because you and Chris never answer my questions, especially with scripture. God Bless :)

Hello Momsage,

1 John 1:10 says "If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us."

Someone claiming they haven't sinned is a sin; it's calling God a liar.

Either way, people sin, including you. No one in this forum believes you haven't sinned in your life. We should strive to be perfect and try very hard to avoid sin as Jesus challenged us to do, and that's awesome if we can make it through a day without any knowledge of wrongdoing. But we have a sinful nature and with God's rules it's extremely easy to sin. And I think we might sin and not even be aware of it.

"But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." Matthew 5:28 KJV

I believe this means the same to a man or woman. Have you never once in your life looked at someone with lust? Never coveted? Never lied even in the smallest way? Never gluttony- overeating or not taking care your body? Always 100% respected God's holy temple? Anger? Loving others? Can anyone go an entire week or month without doing one of these?

Do you believe you've been perfect your whole life like Jesus, or do you just mean that since being a Christian you aren't aware of any recent sin?

My comment is intended to be helpful to you. I think I would do you a disservice to not challenge your assumption. God bless