Bible Questions & Discussion PAGE 281

Seeing with Spiritual eyes

There are two ways of looking at our brothers and sisters in Christ. We can look for those that appeal to our interests and have a great time of socializing with an incidental mention of the Lord; or focus on 2 Corinthians 5:16 in not regarding anyone according to the flesh (if I am indeed understanding the verse correctly). The second example understood correctly perceives our fellow believers as assets in a war room; and part of the corporate Body of Christ as expressed on the earth today.

No matter how you slice it; an honest assessment on the church at large shows a very small number that are able to effectively engage in an Ephesians 6 type spiritual warfare. The first and most obvious reason for this is most people are not totally submitted to the Spirit and hence quite ineffective when faced with such a mighty opposition. Tied into this is an underestimation of just how much of an enemy Satan actually is. Apart from the authority of the Lord we are basically moving targets for his arrows of accusations and other attacks. The second thing is that we are unaware either of those around us who have the armament already set for battle that remain idle or else we don't see it in ourselves. I have mentioned before the danger of having someone lay hands on us hastily ( 1 Tim. 5:22). Those in active sin or with demon spirits need to be avoided when it comes to prayer meeting participation. A broken and contrite spirit ( Psalm 51:17) is important such as David possessed to get God's attention. So there are instances to avoid fellowship when it comes to such matters but often those who are ready for battle are quiet individuals; with a hidden treasure so to speak. Such brothers and sisters no doubt pray in secret and see souls saved as a result of the law of sowing and reaping; and there is a time to pray in the closet as it were. Nonetheless; prayer is always an important start in bringing out victory in such matters.

Amen Jesse, put very well.

God bless,

RLW

(Part 3):

1 John 1:20, If we say that we have not sinned,

That's what is called a Perfect Tense. That is, you have never sinned up to this point, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

What does that mean?

Paul says all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. We have all of the Old Testament scriptures that talk about the corruption of man and the sinfulness of man, and all of the New Testament scriptures that talk about man's sin, the total depravity of man.

And some of the Gnostics said "I've never sinned. It was my body, not me!"

If we say that we have not sinned, we're making God a liar because God says in His word you're a sinner. And if you say you have not sinned, His word is not in you. You're not saved!

I hope this helps, God bless!!!

(Part 2):

1 John 1:7 continued:

And that's what happens with a believer. The moment that you receive Christ, you are cleansed and forgiven for all of your sins.

But we're still out in the world during the day. We need our "walk" cleansed. There's still some stain from the world and its influence that is running interference in our relationship with the Lord.

At the beginning of John Chapter 15, Jesus told the disciples that you are cleansed through the word which "I have" spoken unto you, indicating that everything Jesus said to them, they were in the process of being cleansed every time He talked to them.

So it's interesting, if we walk in the light "as" He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ "is" cleansing, continuously, us from all sin.

1 John 3:6, Whoever abides in Him, that is, in the Lord, does not sin:

Wow! A Christian does not sin according to the scriptures. Please let me explain.

Again, the word abides is a Present Participle, (abiding). Whoever has Him abiding "is" Present Tense, not sinning, (continuously) as a habit of life.

We're not talking about committing an act of sin. We're talking about committing sin continuously, a lifestyle of not surrendering to Christ.

But this is a condition. Whoever is continuously remaining in Him, does not practice sin, ever! I can never go back and live the old lifestyle I lived before I received Christ. It's impossible.

In contrast: Whoever sins, and again that's a Participle. Whoever is continuously sinning has not seen Him, neither have they known Him. That's a pretty bold statement to make!

I will send a Part 3 (final part, I promise!) and give you my understanding of 1 John 1:10

Adam,

I can share with you my understanding of the verses you gave. I think this might help.

In 1 John 1:7, But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another,

But notice this:

While we are having this fellowship, and He is the light, right? The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. That's partly what happens in fellowship when we're in His word. He brings conviction.

The psalmist in Psalm 119 also said that God's word is a lamp unto his feet. God's word is a light. And whenever we're under the influence of the Holy Spirit in our study of the word of God, God brings conviction because He shines the light and brings conviction.

But notice this: The blood of Jesus Christ His Son, first of all, is cleansing. It shows a continuous action.

Secondly, notice what he says: Us! He didn't say you. He said us. He's including himself. Whenever we have fellowship together in the light, as we walk in the light as God is the light, He is cleansing us.

Jesus didn't just die for my sins on the cross, and die so I would be forgiven, and I'm forgiven once. I'm forgiven for all of my sins. But Jesus left us a teaching in John Chapter 13.

Remember when He washed the disciple's feet. He took a towel, and got down and did the slave servant duties, and began to wash the disciple's feet.

And when He came to Peter, Peter said you're not going to wash my feet. I should be washing your feet. You're the Lord. So Jesus tells Peter, if you don't let me wash your feet, you have no part with me.

So Peter says "Give me a bath then!"

And Jesus says no, you don't need that either. Once you have been totally cleansed, all you need is your feet washed.

And that's what happens with a believer. The moment that you receive Christ, you are cleansed and forgiven for all of your sins.

But we're still out in the world during the day. We need our "walk" cleansed.

I'm out of space so I will send a part 2

Hello Free,

I read Heb. 6:1 and the verses before and after. This theme is concerning those who should already be mature in their faith and doctrine, but are not. Therefore, they will need "milk" and return to the basic doctrines of our faith and be refreshed and convinced of them as the Holy Spirit brings them understanding, strengthening their faith so that they can then go on to be ready for "meat", that is, more weighty doctrines that are more difficult to understand and teach.

Paul is not denouncing the basic doctrines that come first in our walk of faith, such as baptism, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, eternal judgment. This "milk" begins with repentance from dead works and faith towards God. I think that often people come to the Lord in faith and then jump to things that are more for mature people who already have all the basics in place. These "newbies" need to tarry more in the "milk" doctrines until these are understood and applied to their lives before they go on to more "meaty" doctrines.

But those who have tarried long in the basics of the faith should be equipped to move on to "meat" and gain understanding in these matters in order to be qualified to teach others, especially those who are in need of "milk" and need help to move on towards maturity.

Thanks for bringing this up. At first read, if taken in isolation, the verse seems to say that these principles of Christ are to be left behind. But Paul is not saying that we abandon these principles of Christ, but we are to move on towards maturity in Him because our faith and walk with Jesus will be challenged again and again and even with persecution. Therefore, we are to not be complacent or slothful, but move on towards perfection so that we will not be led into apostasy when our faith is severely challenged by evil.

Hebrews 5:11-6:12

I seek the council of brothers and sisters in Christ on two verses which at first glance seem in opposition. One seems to say we have no sin when abiding in Christ and the other says if we deny that we're sinners then the truth and his Word is not in us. When reading the context around each, each verse seems to double down on each statement. Both seem to be addressed toward Christians, like 1 John 1:7.

Any thoughts?

"Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him." 1 John 3:6 KJV

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

I have been thinking the same thing!

Dear all, you are dearly loved by the Lord Jesus Christ and have fellowship with Him by the Holy Spirit. and in Him we are brothers and sisters and family with God Himself. Never forget that on your walk here on Earth. There will come a day Revelation 20:11 which we would like to have a discussion about. That day will be a weird day. Here is plain text. But now brothers and sisters are here on Earth and we are witnesses to everyone we meet, right? Even though we long for Home, we know that the time will come when we will be allowed home. Thanks be to God and have all the praise for our work.



I woke up this morning singing to the Lord in my mouth and heart. It must have been a beautiful dream of peace and of the Lord Himself! May worship be with me all day, I pray, Amen. Then I opened the Bible in Hebrews 6:1 reading the beautiful words probably Paul has written, influenced, inspired by the Lord Himself. And as so many Christians struggle with. In the New Testament they are put together as a common thread. So we WILL understand them eventually.

The words you read here are to be read in the Spirit of revelation and wisdom so that you find out for yourselves what the rest of the words and sets in the chapter are about, is the truth we are searching for. The truth we can testify to for hungry people outside the scheme. And we are also starving for God. He will give us both food and water that live and that will go into the eternal dwellings! Go out in peace everyone and know that you are the bearer of a light, a truth, a love like no other on this planet. And it/are will last forever. Amen

Stay close to Him and His word. For remember we shall search and seek, and we shall find. And we must seek more to not be deprived of what we have. When we have received much from the Lord, He will give us more. All in His Glory, Hallelujah Amen. Love u all in Christ Jesus.

Thanks Jema.

Numbers Chapter 8

This chapter first speaks about Aaron lighting the lamps for the 7 branched candlestick, This was specifically Aaron's duty.

Next, the Levites are consecrated. They bath and are anointed by Moses, The people lay their hands upon their heads.

This account is described more fully in Leviticus.

As believers in Christ, the Holy Spirit illuminates our souls in for us to understand the Scriptures. We are to continually yield to Him and not resist or quench His work in us.

We are to give ourselves wholly to serving God in whatever respect He appoints for us. In order to fulfill our service to God, we need to constantly surrender our will to His as Jesus did, and do so with faith.

It is our responsibility to do all things to glorify God and avoid all things that are contrary to us giving him honor, glory, and praise.

There is one main fulfillment I have received from God's Word, and that is our Farther is not the God of confusion, but of peace!

I would like to say, thank you Yahavah (Ahavah) for giving us the translators that translated your Word in English as a novel with the 'Four Ws' for each chapter so it could be easily understood. I find it to be so easy to understand, when 'rightly divided' that it can be read and taught with peace. Reading and teaching 'verse by verse' and 'chapter by chapter.'

Thank you Duncan , I always enjoy reading your posts .

A few Bible reading thoughts:

"And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him." 1 John 2:28-29

"Abide" is an action. Some translations say "continue" or "remain" or "keep" in Him. This makes it seem like its a choice and freewill to follow Jesus. That it won't be forced upon you against your will, or that it won't be done for you.

"He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him." 1 John 2:4 KJV

Some say those who already know and follow Jesus have no choice but to be perfect and sinless and don't need to do anything, can even love the world, ( 1 John 2:15) but is that true?

"If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:" 1 John 1:6 KJV

Some people assume they are Christians and Christ followers- saved and done and don't have to do anything, because book of life, and all that stuff, right? They think they can stop following Christ and have fun in the world and still get invited to heaven. But the above verse makes it conditional, if you do this, then... But another if... 1 John 1:9.

2 Peter 3:17 - How could someone who already assumes he's saved fall from his secure position like this verse says?

2 Peter 3:14 - It says to make an effort to be spotless and blameless, but some people are claiming that effort is bad, and not making effort is good. So one side is true and one side is false. Man vs. God's word. Who will I choose to believe?

God is so merciful that if He is to deal with us according to our sins none of us would stand, we will all be in Hell remember the Generation that was in the times Of Noah God dealt with them and all perished excerpt those 8 people in the ark Noah a preacher of righteousness and his family.

The mercy of God is in display each day of our lives therefore lets us Give thanks to the Lord for His mercy endures forever Amen.

As its written in Psalms 103:8:10

8The LORD is merciful and gracious,

Slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

9He will not always chide:

Neither will he keep his anger for ever.

10He hath not dealt with us after our sins;

Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

And IF God was to mark our sins, where would you be?

David did not pray and asked the Lord if it was okey to number the Israelite's and when he was warned that this might bring Judgement but paid no attention neither did, He put God first before embarking on such a task. David knew very well who God was and he should have sort after Gods counsel first before taking any steps.

This event is even evident in our daily Lives a christians we tend to take the initiatives without seeking Gods will though prayer.

David was at fault and as its written in Proebers 8:8 All the words of my mouth are with righteousness.

Nothing crooked or perverse is in them.

Please Pray for understanding and God is faithful He will Give your Freely Amen.

Hi Grace. Why don't you read Ecclesiastes chapter 12: read the whole chapter with understanding and you will see where the body goes and where the spirit and soul go. The spirit is not separated from "self" for the spirit is the intellect of the soul. So the soul with the spirit goes back to our Father who created it and this old flesh body goes back to dust from whence it came.

When the "silver cord breaks, or the "old pot breaks, our head". No matter if that fetus is one minute old, or this old flesh body is one hundred years old. Ecclesiastes is written to the man that walks under the sun. Have a blessed day.

Hello Grace . The only thing I know of in the Bible , that will answer your question is in the life of David . You would need to read the account of his adultery with Bathsheba in 2nd Samuel chapters 11 and 12 , in particular ch 12 verses 15-23 .

Is ( Mt. 24:29-31) the rapture of the church or is it the same event as ( Rev. 19:11-16)?

It is the rapture of the church. Read ( 1 Thess. 4:16-17) then see the comparison below of ( Mt. 24:29-31) and ( Rev. 19:11-16)

3 things that clearly show ( Mt. 24:29-31) is the same event as ( 1Thess. 4:17-18) which is the rapture of the church.

1) ( Mt. 24:30) Tells us "the Son of man coming ((in the clouds))" ( 1 Thess. 4:17) "caught up together with them ((in the clouds)) to meet the Lord in the air".

2) ( Mt. 24:31) a great sound of ((a trumpet)). ( 1Thess. 4:16) and with ((the trump)) of God. (That don't sound like a secret does it)?

3) ( Mt. 24:31) and they shall ((gather together)) his elect. ( 1Thess. 4:17) we which are alive and remain shall be ((caught up together)) with them in the clouds.

When we look at ( Rev. 19:11-16) Jesus comes (from heaven) in ( Rev. 19:11) and (to the earth) in ( Rev. 19:15) riding a white horse to rule the nations with a rod of iron.

1) There is no mention of any clouds or of Him coming in the clouds.

2) There is no sound of a trumpet or trump of God.

3) There is no gathering together but armies do come back with Him.

( Mt. 24:29-31) Is the rapture of the church which is the same event as ( 1 Thess. 4:15-17) Truth matters! May God Bless all who Seek His Truth.

Dear "S Spencer" how nice you have told this. Thank yYou Jesus Christ for where You Are there is the truth, Amen

1 Corintihans 13 chapter. Stay close to Jesus in His word, i love u in Christ.

Grace Stack I don't have an answer to where it would be found in the Bible but I think you are right. God is a judge of righteous judgment, if a child doesn't know right from wrong I believe as you do they will go to heaven. Also those who are not mentally capable of understanding at any age would not be judged for sins they would not or could not understand. I'm sorry I couldn't give you an answer where this could be found in Scripture but I would think someone on here will be able to give you that answer. Thank you for your comment. God Bless you.

I was taught when growing up that children before they reach the age of accountability would go to heaven.That age was when they were ably to understand right from wrong and that the ones that were not mentally capable of understanding would go to heaven at any age.I saw a question on Facebook and it got me to thinking and I couldn't find an answer.

What scriptures will show where babies go when they die?Either if they die when born or miscarry or are aborted.

Chris

Thanks or your thoughts here.

We can all pray for a change of heart for all people for a great harvest of new believers in this present age. And we can pray that many of these believers will be Israelites.

S. Spencer

That sounds good. I have been reading on these promises and covenants also. But I will let you do the posting and I will l"listen in". Thank you for this in advance.

First your timelines are not correct. Second, Genesis is very reliable. Third, God is the author, Moses is scribe.

genesis

To GOD Be All The Glory!!! Gratitude Is Always Our Attitude!!!

Understood Gigi.

God bless you and all you do.

If God permits I will try to go to the OT and highlight some of the covenants and prophecies and see when and if they were "fully" fulfilled as presented.

It's a way to investigate and shape our hermeneutics.

There will be several views on this and it should atleast help one in examining their approach to scripture.

So it definitely won't be a debate where we challenge one views.

It won't be directed to individuals or focused on a certain eschatology viewpoint.

Instead we will let the scripture send us in the direction it intended.

Good luck! Right?

God bless.

Well stated Brother Chris.

Zechariah 12:9,10 definitely wasn't fulfilled ar the cross,

In 1 Corinthians 15:8 Paul says he was born out of due time and when he wrote to the Romans he stated they were still blinded.

2 Corinthians 3:13-16 he mentions this and the veil upon their heart.

When their heart shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.

The veil is still on their heart today "Until" the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

God bless.

Thanks for your reply Chris . I used to believe exactly the same as you , just in the last few years of reading I'm starting to think about Jesus parables and straight out words and I'm leaning in a different direction now . I'm very cautious and careful about commiting myself , I guess you could say I'm a slow learner :) . We shall understand everything one day , may that day be soon . Thanks again .

Hi Kay. If I may just share my thoughts on what you've written, pre-empting Richard's comment: you've quoted Revelation 3:15,16, "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." I understand Jesus' Words to the Laodicean Church that the works (or, fruit) they bore from their 'Christian experience' was "neither cold nor hot", or, 'their works & life lived did not resemble the cold (the unbeliever) or the hot (the one in Christ & Christ in them). Rather, Jesus saw them as lukewarm (fence-sitters, middle-of-the-road, nominal practising Christians). Jesus would rather see them for who they are: be it cold (unbelievers) or hot (believers), as there was no place in His Kingdom for the lukewarm (considered to be non-Christians, imposters in the Church). Not only in Laodicea, but greatly in Christendom today, lukewarmness is the order of the day - and Jesus would have none of it.

And Matthew 24:13, "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." Our brother Jesse who is regularly seen on these pages, has shown us from the original Greek language, that our reading of this verse should be: "The one, however, having endured to the end, he will be saved" (direct rendering from the Greek). So, this verse doesn't speak of a Christian enduring to the end & then gaining salvation - there are many other verses that suggest otherwise speaking of the believer's security in Christ now; but that if we truly believe & have God's Holy Spirit in us, we WILL endure to the end - no exceptions, because that is the very Nature & Purpose of the Holy Spirit in us "to keep us from falling (away) & to present us faultless before the presence of His Glory..." ( Jude 1:24).

Lukewarm 'Christians' & those who easily & regularly do despite to the Spirit of Grace in their manner of living, desperately need to be saved & secured in the Love of Christ.