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The Spirit of the Lord should be what guards our heart ( Prov. 4:23); keeps the reins of our heart in check ( Jeremiah 17:10); gives us the mind of Christ ( 1 Cor. 2:16) as well as communing with our soul ( Romans 8:16).
As ironic as it seems; it may be often best to focus on prayers for our enemies rather than friends. With any kind of healing; there is the tendency because of our own emotional connection to desperately ask for relief from pain and suffering of any sort for those we know and love. What we fail to see sometimes especially with those we are familiar with is that God often uses suffering as a form of chastisement to get someone's attention and turn to the Lord. Obviously we shouldn't be the arbitrators of what kind of test others should go through and deliberately hold ack on prayers either. As we study persevering in prayer; we should also learn to sense the course of events the Lord is directing in an individuals life over time and tweek the prayer appropriately.
Mental healing: This subject of course intersects with emotions and physiological factors; such as Dopamine levels. Actual brain damage may be involved as well as unknown factors. Overall; of course patterns of behavior will bring healing as one focuses their energies on study of the Word and living out a Godly and obedience life of service to the Lord and of course turns away from worldliness. Those too fixated on faith healing at the expense of anything else are missing out on even Paul's example of his thorn in the flesh. Many are able to sympathize with others who are down and out; and the transparency of our own strugles can be a real inspiration and valuable in evangelism. This is more than the boasting of how depraved we are; although incorporates an internal comprehension of our good deeds being filthy rags before conversion. What it DOES show is unconditional love and an open heart to ruined sinners.
I may seem to have strayed from my original topic of prayer; but since all types of "miraculous" ministers of the Gospel whether genuine or fake use some method of prayer as a means of operation. I haven't even delved yet into emotional; mental and spiritual healing although they are often either interchangeable or intersecting in many ways in a person's earthly existence.
Matthew 9:5 gives us food for thought; as to the greater challenge of forgiving sins than healing someone. Since the enemy can manipulate things somewhat in the physical realm a false miracle is certainly possible within limits; but cannot do the same in forgiving sins. (I should paraphrase that comment in saying that yes; some form of mental tranquility is used to render one senseless; and sear their conscience to their own sinful and appalling state but if God is calling that person the enemy is allowed also to cause increasing torment as only true love casts out fear). We; of course can't be so glib as to tell someone their sins are forgiven; instead we wait for someone to be convicted and say as the jailor to Paul how must we be saved?
Before discussing the emotional and mental healings which obviously are more difficult to prove scientifically (not to mention healing of the soul which HAS to be spiritual) I don't want to leave the question unanswered that may come up.
The question is; of course when should we pray for a healing and when NOT? Obviously I cannot play God here and tell someone as long as someone is alive at least that they shouldn't pray in that way. I would say that if someone has died that normally at least we shouldn't resort to that. It SEEMS on the surface that a few people appear to have experienced this; but in one case I may have brought up recently of a man in Africa; within a year he seems to have disappeared from view when others tried to find him. I'll leave that subject to a missionary to respond.
To continue; here is the third scenario with healings.
Healings that ARE verifiable as at least unexplained with reliable medical information (hint: it helps to have first and last names at the very least). This would as far as I can tell be subdivided further into 3 categories:
1) Prayers that were given by either doctrinally unsound or downright heretical preachers that appear to have resulted in a genuine healing following the standard above. I will call that the Judas Iscariot factor; based on the verses where Jesus sent him out when the disciples were commanded to do these type of miracles (read Luke chapter 10).
2) Prayers that were given by doctrinally sound individuals which appears to have resulted in genuine miracles and
3) Miracles that are verifiable which either the person healed and/or those around him or her were not believers or had no interest in religion. I could add a fourth situation here similar to above but performed by "New Age" practitioners. I think I'll make a seperate post on that soon.
So; what are we to think? As Jesus said; go to the priests ( Luke 5:14) as evidence of true healing; as they were used for this purpose in the O.T. as well as deciding when a person was ceremonially unclean and what procedures were to be rendered for this to become a reality. Red flags should certainly go up when we have so called "faith healers" who don't have the guts to prove things through the medical establishment. Once that is initiated; if their reaction is "yes; but.." and they cannot let us make our own decisions as to further care then of course it may be good to walk away from their counsel. That is perhaps a fifth thing to add to this section; REMISSION can occur for unexplained reasons scientifically. That doesn't mean we should brush off even a temporary healing but be cautious of a "thus saith the Lord" that it is gone for good. All of us are mortal evenhealed
2).
Point #3 Physical healing.
Some may be familiar with the verse "with His stripes we are healed" ( Isaiah 53:5). It is on every cover of the "Stryper" albums.
I could spend much of this post presenting scriptures related to protection from plagues directly related to blessings and cursings; miracles of the "Apostolic" era when it seemed more commonplace to see things happen even to the extent that touching the edge of a garment would bring healing (seen in both the Gospels and the book of Acts). There is; or should be no doubt as to the validity of genuine miracles that Christ did in numerous examples; and no doubt other occurrences which weren't recorded.
The same holds true in general until the N.T. Canon was completed which by reasonable estimates was just shy of the end of the
1st Century AD (and there goes my paragraph margins all haywire)...
I have seen the detailed analysis from several reliable sources online which have discussed the events since the "Azuza Street Revival" up to present day "signs and wonders" and admittedly a fair minded analysis is to say the least discouraging. It is no wonder some decide to become atheists after some of the sideshow antics; unverified "healings"; and downright sadistic techniques where people are slammed down and brutalized to demonstrate some so called miracle. I won't mention who did that a few years back. A realistic breakdown of all scenarios are as follows:
1) Reported miracles that are unverifiable which are later found out to be hoaxes definitively. Naturally the "perpetrators" in order to keep fleecing their flock won't ask for repentance or admit their sin. At best they will slither to a different ministry or; if we're lucky to another worldly method of getting rich quick and leave the rest of us alone.
2) Reported miracles that are unverifiable which cannot be deduced after careful analysis if they are true or not with insufficient evidence.
pt. 2
When we consider the long-suffering of God concerning the sinfulness of each and every human being born, (Jesus being excepted because He was sinless and was God in the flesh). for 4+millenia from Adam to Jesus and for 2000 years since Jesus's self sacrifice for us, persisting in prayer helps us to understand better not only His righteous offense at our sin against Him, and the intense, supernatural suffering and anguish Jesus bore for us on the cross; but also, the Father's grief over His Son and His compassion and mercy towards us. He did not spare His only begotten Son nor did He make His wrath light on His Son, but Jesus took all the wrath of God for sinners chosen to become redeemed children of God. In our persistence in prayer, we can learn how to wait long for the answer God will bring to our prayers. We can know the pain of seeing those we love suffer, reject or resist God, or be under intense attack of the devil. We grieve in prayer but at the same time, rejoice in the hope we have in God and His intention to bless and deliver those we pray for in whatever way is needed.
Richard, thanks for posting on this topic of communicating with God. He loves it when we turn our thoughts, hearts, and will to Him in prayer and He loves to answer our prayers because of the work and merit of His Son, Jesus Christ.
I agree that God knows all that we need and desire. He will act according to His character and will with or without our prayers. But we are to obey Him in developing a prayerful heart. Doing so changes us bit by bit into the person God wills us to become. I am glad you mentioned the widow who continued to ask the king for help. She was persistent in her request, which means that she asked many, many times over many, many days or perhaps years. I think that we are to follow this illustration in situations that God places before us. For example, I continue to persist in praying for my sons. They need deliverance from mental illness, unbelief, and restoration to their way their minds work and to be made joyful people once again. I have been praying almost daily for them for 22 years when the mental illness first appeared after 9/11 (which I think was a factor in their depression as teens). I trust that God always hears my prayers for them and by faith I believe that my prayers will be answered in the best way. So, instead of being steeped in worry or becoming weary of asking God for the same things again and again for years, I am more and more positive that He will do all of these things in my sons' lives. When I do not know, but as I come to know Him more and His will I find Him trustworthy.
Being persistent in prayers faithfully asking for the same things again and again is not "repetitive prayer" as the pagans do by using chants, ritualistic prayers, incantations, etc. to entreat their idols. We know that God heard us the first time we petitioned Him and had already begun to answer before we even asked. But obeying His command to be persistent in what He calls us to pray for again and again, sometimes or years is beneficial to us, since He can save, heal, deliver, and provide for those we pray for with or without our prayers. But by persisting in faithfully praying with confidence to God brings to us good and growth.
cont.
Point 2: Conclusion. As with anything else we want to make our requests known to God ( Philippians 4:6). As far as personal requests go; of course God knows our needs before we ask so we can be as specific as needed to attempt to request what is in accordance with His will.
I started going through prayers from the beginning of scripture and got as far as Gideon's prayers. Hopefully I'll continue where I left off if it helpful to others. I should have noted that almost all if not all the prayers I have examined so far are for the benefit of others. Abraham prayed for Lot (at least prayer in terms of speaking with the Lord directly before the angels scouted out Sodom); and Isaac was found a wife and the prayers of Abraham's servant in the process were demonstrated. Later on we see Hannah's prayers for a son which were answered in due course. Later on in Psalms and prayers of David in particular we see personal requests in the anguish of persecution and also due to sin that resulted in collateral damage of misery . I think what we can take away here is that for the blessings and good things of this life it is prudent to focus on needs of others first. It is also helpful when we desire something for ourselves to have a brother or sister be a support so that when two or more pray together we can know the Lord is involved and present ( Matt. 18:20). That is of course important for us when we are struggling with sin as well; although such intercession seems to be foreign in the Old Testament prayers as it seems the Spirit wasn't working in the same capacity in that regard as it does today in the Church era. Perhaps Esther's prayers along with fasting to the king to save her people or Daniel's request to Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4:27 was after prayer as mentioning turning from sin could have brought ire upon Daniel for insinuating such a thing to royalty.
Prayer should be as specific as needed; but open to His direction.
Point #2 Avoid extremes of being too vague and too detailed.
Often in prayer meetings I have online the host basically gives a laundry list of people and needs then in prayer says "take care of" and proceeds to read the list again; with a few bare bones details of their particular situation. That would require Divine intervention for me to have any idea for those I have never met how to pray for them; so I can only assent to the requests.
The fact that his heart seems to be in the right place because he tirelessly takes time as a retired man to contact these individuals is commendable; and surely on his end I expect to see answered prayers; but it has little practical effect on me except to support him as a brother except when something specific actually is clearly answered. I would say this shows a lack of sufficient time and effort for the prayer needs that exist among the congregation at large when there is only 10 or so minutes to read such an exhaustive list.
As for being too detailed; I am cautious about assigning any delineation here. Certainly as the case above showed; if we are the one brining a request to the attention of others there are some things that would seem ridiculous. If someone needed a new car; for instance to ask God to provide a yellow polka dotted Jaguar (not that I could envision it) would seem at best petty.
To want any fancy or exorbitant object is something I will leave to the prayer requests of certain unmentionable prosperity folk that apparently have enough money fleeced from their congregants and deluded enough people to actually want to contribute "seed money" for such insanity. On the other hand we wouln't want to pray for any vehicle and expect a trash truck or Sherman tank to be a given as an answer and go to the ends of the earth to acquire them (although both would be expensive).
We wouldn't ask for the cheapest car that was clearly a piece of crap either especially if it is our gift.
Completing my example 1 of prayer for someone to be saved; as I repeatedly nag it isn't something we find in scripture. Paul when on trial went as close as saying he wished to see someone saved ( Acts 26:28 with Agrippa). Just as we once were before the light broke through we were once blinded to the truth; and therefore shouldn't expect any efforts no matter how sincere or even faith filled will make one iota of difference in bringing someone to salvation. That is a really harsh statement at face value.
We know for a fact it won't work with someone already physically deceased; and of course that would be a sin or necromancy and useless according to Hebrews 9:27. But we were once "dead in sin" ( Ephesians 2:13). It is easy as a true believer to be perplexed how people can have multiple and long term opportunities to hear the Gospel and still reject it. What is worse is those who go along and perhaps make a confession but are insincere in their hearts; thus never producing "good fruit". We know that if we hear the truth it is of God as our spirit testifies with His Spirit that we are children of God. ( Romans 8:16).
The rest of the world is content that Christ is a good teacher or Prophet as that is all they can see; His humanity apart from Divinity as a member of the Godhead.
I will leave this topic with a general statement. We should sow seeds with whoever we can; but not make an undo effort to spend an inordinate amount of time with those not open to the Gospel at the expense of the Great Commission at large.
As Jesus stated in comparison to our service to God we must hate those closest to us; which doesn't mean of course to abandon care as that makes us worse than an infidel. Our motivation for service must be to serve God always; and that has to be despite whether all those we care about come to Christ or not.
Having delved into wrong ways (although not nearly a comprehensive examination of all possible angles) of prayer I will now look at common things we do and show the inherent flaws as well as try to point out correct ways we can reframe things in accordance with His will.
Example 1. Please save "so and so." I stated on today's first post how someone in our church just had 2 neighbors die she was witnessing to and how God is using the situations for His glory. I have no doubt that it is still ongoing with further displays of God's Providence with these situations with the genuine tears of conviction displayed. I mentioned yesterday the lyrics of the tune by Mr. Townsend "How deep the Father's love for us" but failed to mention that after listening to the composer's explanation of how he came up with these lyrics (listen to his post) that the first lyric shows how it even cost God to see His Son have to suffer for our behalf and no doubt having to turn His back on Him not to mention place His wrath on the Son at Calvary.
This and the other song "IN CHRIST ALONE" that this man wrote I have no doubt will be in the annals of famous hymns as other standards for centuries. The grief that the Father would have gone through frankly isn't even something we (or at least I) even really considered. In regard to this; we can certainly say that those who He died for who are being called and chosen are loved far more than we can ever do or express. I would say the issue here is even if we believe the Lord desires to save everyone we know only few will find it. At the very least; we can say that if we continue in faith we will see results; but we always should look to where life is appearing rather than to just looking for it with our friends and acquaintances. If it IS to be with those we know God will open the doors accordingly; but as with the example of deaths all things are in His timing; if He says time is up it's up.
The THIRD way we can approach the Lord is ostensively request something known to be part of God's will from scripture; or at least neutral and thus within the confines of a penitent heart to ask of the Lord to grant. I will go with the premise on this site that anyone who has embarked to read even a fraction of my loquacious posts is in that category. (Also they probably have sought patience from above to sift through all this material which probably dominates this site from time to time).
As to this type of prayer; I could exit this post if God always gave a clear answer to such prayers; at least immediately. I will gladly surrender my posts once He returns as all things will be established; and we shall see God. (Probably have to leave my laptop behind at the Rapture anyway).
HOW God typically answers as to His timing and methodology as I seem to say all too often I have posted already. Knowing me I'll have something more to say on it anyway...but for here I thought it prudent to examine more closely our initial approach so that we don't as Shakespeare stated evoke "sound and fury signifying nothing" (I think from MacBeth).
I won't pretend it is easy to see verses like Hebrews 12:17 where Esau saught carefully with tears and could NOT obtain the blessing. It seems he was destined to be lost; but this verse is specifically in regard to the family blessing or lineage; perhaps it could be related to our spiritual REWARDS which we can't receive short of true service through obedience as that is better than sacrifice. ( 1 Samuel 15:22). God has His means to all acts of consecration and perhaps reminds us of John 10:1 on those trying to get into the sheepfold by a different way and the fact that they are a thief and robber. These still seem to suggest known transgressions or a bad soul condition; so I will turn once again to what seems genuine in my next post.
This begins the well known parable about the "persistent widow" and is as all Christ's sayings deep and profound with meanings.
Nonetheless; our Father in heaven isn't bored with any prayers that are truly seeking His will; and the petitioner shouldn't pray in vain repetitions as Matthew 6:7 warns us. The question; of course comes what IS a viable request and what isn't?
What should be clear in regard to this issue is not praying for something CLEARLY outside of scriptural bounds; to put it more simply NOT to ask for something the Word makes CLEAR is for sinful purposes ( James 4:3 to "consume on your own lusts.")
That could be explained with several points
1) Asking God for something we intend to use for sinful purposes. This could be for a woman we can sleep with before marriage; drugs; alcohol; a gun to kill someone etc. This sort of prayer would; it seem be made by someone who is a cult leader; who would have to be under enough delusion to believe what is clearly demonic doctrine that they are some sort of Messianic figure. I would assume Jim Jones would be a good representative of such insanity; between the insane relationships he had with minors; and the final mass suicidal genocide inflicted on hundreds including himself.
2) Asking God for something with an insincere intention to please our own desires thinly veiled in a feigned humility or piety.
This is much more common; no doubt. This could also involve asking for a partner and or grooming someone with an intention to later take advantage of the situation; or fooling ourselves thinking we can compromise and continue to refrain from sin in any area of our lives which we in particular have demonstrated a pattern of weakness before in such matters. Such is alcohol to an alcoholic which of course would elicit money for actual needs but funnel it later for what we really desire.
15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: 17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. 18What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
This verse is somewhat baffling; and altogether foreign from my vantage point. When have we seen anyone praching Christ in order to make a jailed believer suffer more? Even in countries with high persecution; it would seem odd to do this as it would bring persecution to those preaching it; making the cost seemingly too high for preaching in "pretence" as verse 17 states.
The only way I could envision this is if someone mocks Christianity by glibly quoting scripture; or preaches then deliberately incites a riot so that those who preach peaceably will be falsely accused of causing insurrections as a result. In any case until we see believers who are detained for a lengthy period of time in our country with a real threat of death it is something we have to understand with wisdom for the day things do head in that direction. For now most who are arrested are only for a short period of time; and if longer it is not usually clear that it is only for defence of the Gospel that they are in jail. There certainly may be cases like this which the media isn't mentioning; it certainly seems this has begun in Canada in the last year or so.
Boldness because of Paul's chains as seen with Philippians 1:14 shows several things. Through Paul's confidence and ongoing ministry it shows the Gospel can't be bound. It also gives sympathy from Paul's beloved members of the churches he founded as an Apostle who want to continue in his stead. How we need these type of believers today! Finally; it sets an example as a true shephard who lays his life down.
Just in the last few weeks someone in my church had two neighbors die; one after a rather brief time span after a massive heart attack; another suddenly and unexpectedly who was much younger. This has brought an openness to one relative to visit church who previously was closeminded; and in the other case it appears the estranged husband of this woman is likely a believer and never divorced but remained separated after leaving due to her bipolar condition causing much contention and strife previously.
These opportunities were paved by this woman and her husband who is a deacon in our church who have tirelessly been witnessing both with example (visiting in the hospital and practical needs) as well as with the Word of God for a number of years.
This doesn't make the grief any less real; but evidence of the Lord at work in the situation is an encouragement to everyone.
Last night I watched a murder mystery related to "Kathy's Law" which basically a family whose daugher was raped and murdured pushed hard after her death for a law to get DNA on anyone arrested and not wait for a conviction for the law to allow this; and it was finally passed in New Mexico. The end of the show was encouraging when they finally caught the man who did it and after he asked for forgiveness the family accepted it as they ultimately wanted to see him saved. He is to spend the rest of his life in jail as should happen to have any stability in society in rendering due justice. This situation shows how no matter what happens we should want to see people saved.
Ultimately; of course scripture says for the believer we read 1 Thessalonians 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. Those who die in the Lord are in His presence and we shall see them in eternity after we are raptured or resurrected. I believe we would envy their state and they pity us
Your responses/commentary are very good for me.. they lead me to go where I haven't been yet as I only started reading the Bible about four years ago. I have not read much of Revelation yet for some reason I put it off, but your comments here do bring to mind a verse that I do have familiarity with
Revelation 22:13
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
GOD MYSTERY - I woke this morning around my usual time (early 3:30-4:00) asking God to reveal more MYSTERY for me today and for more righteousness today... HE said then wake up now to go read/hear more. So I did.
I had to look up word Unction as I never heard it before which leads me to read again one of my many favorite verses from Psalms 23:5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
How comforting
Praise GOD for restoring my soul!"
God"s Word says: "Walk in the Spirit and you'll not fulfill the lusts of the flesh," ( Galatians 5;16) Romans 14:23 says that everything that is not of faith is sin", so it is not possible to walk in the Spirit without being in the word of God. Only you know if you've ever really repented of your sins, which is the only way of entering God's eternal Kingdom. Asking Jesus into the heart is not repentance, which is done so often today, by a person speaking words for someone else to repeat, which might sound like some kind of confession, but is nothing other than empty words, not coming from the heart of the one repeating them, as required for real repentance, as called for in scripture! God's Word says:"For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation! Such asking of Jesus is directly against a very clear commandment of Jesus, in John 16:23, as to him telling his disciples that they were not to ask anything of him, after his death, burial, and resurrection, but rather to ask of the Father in his name, the name of Jesus.
"And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, i say unto you, Whatsoever you shall ask the Father in my name He will give it you." John 16:23
Dear One. The precious name of Jesus, is your access to the Father's Throne of Grace, to ask forgivness, if you've never done so, If you have so repented, it is still the Father to whom you are to direct all prayer, as Jesus early on gave his disciples the LORD's prayer as to how they were to pray to the Father! Prayers for you, here, unto the Father.
he will give it you.God's Word says:"For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation
Greetings
It is of your knowledge that the Word of GOD is from everlasting to everlasting.
You know the Word is GOD, GOD Himself, great mystery( Matthew 11:27). No man hath seen GOD at any time (invisible GOD)- John 1:18- , the only begotten Son, which was in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him. Because in the beginning -i.e. in JESUS- , was the Word-GOD Himself-, the Word was made flesh- John 1:14 combined with the Word given to the prophet Isaiah 9:6, among other prophetic references- , great mystery. The Word was GOD - and is GOD, GOD Himself, - from everlasting to everlasting.
1 Cor. 2:9-10
9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which GOD hath prepared for them that love Him.
10 But GOD hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of GOD.
Revelation 10:7
But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the MYSTERY of GOD should be finished, as He hath declared to His servants the prophets.
But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. I have not written unto you because ye know not the Truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the Truth. 1John 2:20-21.
Hallelujah!
GOD bless
Ps. 19:14_Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight O Lord, my strength and
"My Redeemer."
He saved me and I am grateful.
Ps. 107:2
"Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so. " Amen!
He saved me and I am glad. Amen !!!
grateful. Amen!!!
There is no single Bible verse that talks about trusting and obeying; the song however is very scriptural and sums things up nicely for a proper attitude in our Christian walk. John H. Sammis was said to have written the lyrics in 1887 after a D.W. Moody outreach; someone else wrote the music a year before. Original lyrics:
)
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain:
Trust and obey, for there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.
But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;.
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet,
Or we'll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.
Easier said than done; of course. The ultimate test was given with Christ in submitting as part of the Divine Godhead to the Father's will that He take on the punishment on the cross for what we deserved as the sinless Lamb of God. I just saw a murder mystery where like in the case with a few others forgiveness was offered to a murderer that confessed and who showed remorse himself for his actions. How much like we were like those killers because; as another well known hymn stated it was our sin that held Him there (How Deep the Father's Love by Stuart Townend). This was written in 1995 and shows; thankfully that decent Christian music still exists in our time.
Agape.
Ephesians 5:31 and 32 say: For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." 32This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church.
In an earthly marriage relationship when two people are committed to meeting the needs of another and Christ ISN'T depended on for that connection one or both parties often get bored with one another. This of course is largely because man sees the outward appearance and God sees the heart ( 1 Samuel 16:7). When we see with SPIRITUAL eyes we learn to recognize the inner beauty when the outward appearance may be unattractive. These truths should be a factor we consider before marriage. It is possible early on that we are so consumed with external beauty that the inner soul of a believer isn't seen either OR it turns out that is what was really behind the attraction in the first place which of course should work out in the long run.
In any event; any lack of love we feel for the Lord of course is our fault. Facing our own helpless state SHOULD be an encouragement; we never enjoy it but realize how valuable salvation is to a worm such as us. This is; of course the difference between a suicidal individual and one who can finally let the Lord take our life and transform it. He does the surgery; as it were; He did it with Adam in the garden to change him; perhaps in the same way the "two edged" sword of the Spirit removes something and replaces it with something else ( Heb. 4:12). Just thought of that one BTW...
Psalm 103 is very encouraging. Verse 9 states He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. Other parts of the Psalm show how man is dust and He understands. Isaiah 54:8 in the final prophetic meaning relates to Israel in the Tribulation but we an all find solace. It reads With a little wrath I hid My face from you for a moment; But with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you,"
It is not an excuse for abandoning our faith in the Lord; but it seems there is less encouragement today than their should be when it comes to acknowledgment from one believer to another of seeing evidence of good fruit in their lives and thus Christ is on display. This is not to substitute for good theology and in the short term would not be good advice for someone to share with another without carefully and prayerfully examining the evidence. As a rule; I would say that those needing such a boost are the ones who say little of their struggles; their needs and their personal lives but where it is evidence of sacrificial service to God.
It is easy to look to the academic achievements; or a legacy of years of preaching with authority and assume such building up is unnecessary. At times; of course it seems those who are in authority are unapproachable. This is unwise; and is an issue if there isn't a group of elders helping to copilot or keep the ship steady; as it were.
Kindness and compassion should never be out of style. Neither should rebuke and exhortation as well. We need a healthy balance of these two for the overall health of a local church congregation.
What we should NOT do is first of all spend all our time with those who simply are looking for a handout (of money; or unreasonable use of our time) that are NOT serious about God's Word. This means according to scripture a SEPARATION from those who would claim to believe but are living in a sinful LIFESTYLE. If we advise someone and they are not interested in either their personal edification it is probably even more problematic that the welfare of those in the Body of Christ that are nearest to them isn't a concern. IF WE HAVE THE SPIRIT we then have the mind of Christ. ( 1 Cor. 2:16). Just as we function to strengthen our brothers and sisters we also learn to TRUST God to bring other believers when in need to strengthen us.
Having wiped out my most recent attempt at this post TWICE now (aargh) I'll give it one final "hail Mary" as it were.
I suppose once I've committed the entire Bible to memory I'll stop pushing the wrong button to find verses online that knocks me out.
Anyway; I started posting today as I saw a couple individuals concerned about their salvation and it seemed to be a topic needing to be addressed. Earlier I stated that POST salvation that there is indeed a "two way" communication between a believer and the Lord; as it were in prayer. Proverbs 4:18 says But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Thus; if we know the Lord we learn to recognize our own flaws with mental processes and emotional issues as well as physical desires that all can lead us to sin. I consider doctrines of election as important for many reasons not the least being that God never changes and His covenants relate to that.
Hebrews 8:10 declares "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:"
As a vessel fit for His purposes we are not our own as 1 Corinthians 6:20 states we were "bought with a price." Of course all souls are mine as Esekiel 18:4 states. There are two polar opposites we want to avoid; first fear and cowardice which is warned about in Revelation 22 as something that brings people to hell; but also being presumptuous in for instance; claiming that we no longer sin as believers.
God gives us courage; as He did for Peter after Christ's Ascencion. Dying to self brings true joy! It comes from God not our own hand!
Thank you for your significative reply.
You know that "no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of GOD spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit".2Pe.1:20-21.
The author to the Hebrews wrote: Hebrews 1:1-3
1 GOD, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
2 Hath in these last days(last two GODs' Days or last around 2000 years) spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds;
3 Who being the brightness of His glory, and the EXPRESS IMAGE of GOD's Person( John 10:30 combined with John 5:17), and upholding all things by the Word of His power( Matthew 28:18), when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:
Hallelujah!!!
And Paul Apostle wrote : 2Timothy 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of GOD, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of GOD may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
GOD BLESS
To the only wise GOD our Saviour, be Glory and Majesty, Dominion and Power, both now and ever. Amen.
Jude 1:25
If we don't have assurance of salvation then of course we are fickle in any witnessing endeavors and it is hard to reflect the hope within us ( 1 Peter 3:15). We must have confidence and as Phillipians 1:28 states And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
Part of this is giving a bold defense of judgment to come as John 16:8 states is how the Spirit works on men's hearts. If we doubt ourselves because of what men think; or somehow think we can dodge verses that state categorically that what is stated in 2 Timothy 3:12 about all who are Godly suffering persecution we are only fooling ourselves. Society today has gone to great lengths to ensure we don't offend anyone but the Gospel IS an offense ( 1 Peter 2:8). Having a proper foundation of scripture is necessary to give a sound testimony. Hell and judgment should be taught with fear and trembling; not with a proud attitude but nonetheless must be preached.
We have made too much of presentation in form rather than substance with a sideshow of music and a "two spoonfuls of sugar make the medicine go down" to quote an old tune probably not familiar to young folks here. Revelation 10:10 states that although it tastes sweet it was bitter in the stomach (in regard to the prophetic words John was to speak). When we are surrendured to the Spirit we will see reactions like the jailor in Acts 16:30 "what must I do to be saved?" NOWHERE in scripture to we see pleading and cajoling for any individual to be saved. God draws all those who He eventually saves; so we should let Him do the work and get out of the way ourselves and any agenda that isn't Biblically sound. Only the Spirit convicts of sin and until it does that work we can only sow a seed. The numbers game where prizes are offered when a certain number of new converts a day make a confession is an abomination.
QUESTION: Is salvation "one sided" or interactive? On this site; I would expect a unanimous affirmation of the first idea that God and God alone is able to save. I am pretty much in line with "Calvinist" (or I would say BIBLICAL) reasoning; namely that repentance itself is a gift from God and that Christ saves each and every one God has given Him; and no one else.
What I would NOT agree to is that understanding a FORMULA how to be saved; such as memorizing verses such as Romans 10:9-13 or "accepting" Christ as Lord when of course He is Lord whether we ascribe to it or not is sufficient; at least without TRULY believing in our heart as that verse states. What I WOULD say (sorry for the caps for emphasis) is that a relationship is part of KNOWING Christ. This enables us to sense His love as well as His chastisement and discipline so that we not only are aware of the law but sense in our spirit when we are displeasing to Him. In our society today; it is clear to anyone studying our society that family discipline is at an all time low. It is certain that a certain number of homes are ruled through discipline; but many or most invole tyrannical and hypocritical domination and quite often blatent hypocrisy so that we cannot respect that sort of authority. We hear a lot of talk on God's goodness; but His severity isn't very popular today. Of course when kids aren't properly disciplined and trained how to be independent; mature and responsible in this world they end up as they are now.
The Lord does not allow His children to continue in this manner (see 1 Corinthians 13:11). Our character and trustworthiness affects others who may base their faith in God on our actions.
For a true child of God; often we are STRIPPED OF OUR FRIENDS; FAMILY AND SUPPORT SYSTEM. In spite of this we are to follow Hebrews 10:25; even if the Lord calls us elsewhere from our current fellowship we trust Him to provide a new one in His timing.