Bible Questions & Discussion PAGE 287

Hello Gigi

If I understand well your post has to do something with dispensationalism? That is the way God deals with mankind through time? Your belief is the opposite of the dispensational theology, that is the covenant theology? If so then we agree on that although we disagree about the time of the rapture. I went through some sites that explained dispensationalism and the only thing I got at the end was a headache. At the end I found an Eastern Orthodox site that explained the differences well. So yes the covenant theology is what seems to be the right one to me. If I got you wrong then forget my post. GBU

Jimbob, I understand where you are coming from, but I believe that this verse is strictly speaking of spiritual powers, not humans in power. And yes, there wickedness is pervasive in this world, as it has been since before the flood and after. This generation on earth is not any more wicked than past generations. But we are far more aware of it due to media, so we find out about so much more than people in the past.

But I do believe that God is at work in HIS world and all creation, restraining evil so that mankind does not destroy the planet and all people and life on it. He has an end that His will shall accomplish in the time He determines. So, while I do believe that we need to be aware, wise, and godly in our wicked generation, I am confident that God will see all believers through to glory. So, I am ready to fight the battles He lays out for me, I will not go out looking for a fight. These verses speak to us being on defense, not offense with spiritual powers. But there may be times we need to go on offensive with other humans. And we should know how to gird up our loins and ready our "weapons" to stand up for what is right and godly when God brings us to a battle.

We are to have hope in this life, grounded in Jesus and the promises He has made to be with us always. He is stronger within us than any in the world. So I do not take a dismal view of tis life. It is full of opportunity to serve others, share the word, and alleviate suffering in our sphere of influence. I leave the rest of the world up to those who God calls to work while it is day in their spheres. I know the end-WE WIN!

Absolutely Jesse and Richard.

We are to put no confidence in the flesh, and our heart is wicked, and our mind is fixed on this life so often, all due to our sinful nature.

But praise the Lord, He has overcome all of what the sin has done to us and saved us from our own sin. We do not need to expect condemnation by God, NO! We receive mercy and grace and are made a new creation in our spirit. We can look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. It all comes from Him!

We are so blessed, even in heavenly places where Jesus sits on His throne next the Father, reigning over all creation. We have come to Mt. Zion, the throne of grace in Christ. We can rejoice in God our Savior and give thanks to Him. We can give Him the honor due Him and focus our love on Him since He has done so to us first.

But in the all in all, it is God who wrought all of this in us, desiring since before creation to draw out of sinful humanity a redeemed people for Himself. And we are that people, the holy nation, royal priesthood, and a peculiar people, chosen from pre-creation to receive the Kingdom of heaven with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit called to show forth His praises. ( 1 Peter 2:8-9) This was said of the people of Israel in the Old Testament,, but now in the New Testament it is said only of the redeemed in Christ. The OT people were a type and shadow of the people God would redeem.

Richard,

I am enjoying your posts on Salvation and Assurance. Thank you!

Something you wrote that stands out for me is where you said, "Our confidence; of course is to be in the finished work of Christ;"

I say amen to that!

Part 6

Assurance of salvation, cont...

As I said Paul was very careful and strict when he was selecting his partners in the ministry. He once didn't want with Him Mark(the Evangelist who wrote one of the gospels, he was also apostle Peter's nephew) because Mark left him and Barnabas in a trip to Cyprus. and that was the reason he separated himself from Barnabas ( Acts 15:37-40). So Demas wasn't an ordinary, loose christian. He was one of the best for that ministry. But like Judas, he let his heart deceive him and loved the world more than God. What happened to him? We don't really know but Paul never mentioned Demas in his epistles any more, so he never returned, at least as long as Paul was alive.

And there are more stories in the Gospel about people who never finished their courses. And they didn't get the prize of the eternal life. Tomorrow I am going to deal with some other people who lost their salvation. Ananias and Sapphira. Also with people in the Old Testament.

The Bible warns us in 1 Peter 5:8, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:". Devour? The devil? Us, believers? But isn't our salvation secured, as some say?

Part 5.

Assurance of salvation, cont.

In the gospels we read the story of Judas. A disciple, an apostle, he baprized new believers in water like the rest ( John 4:2), he was given authority over the Spirit to perform miracles and healings ( Luke 9:6), cast out demons, he was sent by Jesus to preach salvation ( Matthew 10:5-15), he was told that he, together with the rest, in the Judgement will sit on a throne and judge the 12 tribes of Israel. But in the midtime Judas allowed his heart to love money more than Jesus and eventually his love for money led him to become Jesus' trator. Why? Because his heart deceived him. People who hold the belief that salvation can not be lost try to overcome Judas' example by saying that he wasn't actually saved. for that they use the verse in John 17:12, "While I (Jesus) was with them (the 12) in the world, I kept them in thy name (Saviour): those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled." So a sinful man, not saved, was sent to preach salvation to Israel? Was given gifts of healing and performing miracles? A son of satan who casts out devils? Really? No, not really. What Jesus says is that he managed to save all but Judas because Judas took the decision for himself to become a traitor, a son of perdition, like the Scriptures said and so the prophesy was fulfilled. And something else. Even if Judas never betrayed Jesus, still the Jews would capture Him sometime, one way or another. Judas wasn't their only choise.

Another example of a man who let his heart deceive him is Demas, a companion of Paul during his ministry. But eventually he left Paul, 2 Timothy 4:10, "For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; ...". Demas eventually loved the sinful world more than God and left Paul. Who was Demas? We don't really know. But we know that Paul was very strict when he selected his partners in the ministry.

Part 4

My thoughts on Assurance of Salvation

Richard, I continue my posts from yesterday.

In Philippians 2:12 Paul advices believers "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling".

Why fear and trembling? Fear what? Although the meaning of the verse is clear, I would like to point out another fear, not about our salvation but about our heart.

In Jeremiah 17:9, it is written "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" We don't really know our heart, we don't know how we are going to act when a temptation comes infront of us, that is why in the "Our Father in Heaven" we ask God to take temptations away from us.

In the parable of the Sower the 2nd and 3rd cases are about people who believed and were saved but still later in their lives they fell out,

Luke 8:13-14, " 13They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. 14And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection."

In the 3rd case it is very evident of where our heart can lead us if we are not careful in our spiritual life. Jesus said that "where our heart is, also our treasure is" and the opposite "where our treasure is also our heart is" is true. Jesus also asked us to love Him more even than our lives ( Matthew 10:37-39). Why? Because a. He deserves that and b. this will give us the assurance that we will follow Him to the end. If in the midtime we love something else more than Jesus then it is that that we are going to follow and not God, so we will leave our christian course. And that will lead us into trouble.

I'm truly sorry, I truly did not mean for you to take it that way. that's why I said.. 'you "either" don't know, "don't understand" or refuse to believe". just in case. Because so many ppl including myself (up to a few months ago) lived in the dark of their wrong doings. Heck sweetie, I'm still in shock of things I learn almost daily. It pert near brings me to tears & we're even helping to pull any kids we know out of school at this years end. Pray your well or get better real soon. Please read what I sent (our American B of R being sure to use the Black Law dictionary that was used when it was written). If you don't already know about this as well, you may want to sit down. I tried to mention it on here before yet I don't think they allowed it. I wish there was a way we could be in touch off this site. I don't do any form of electronic junk but this and a game I play with my Lil brother. We play WORD CHUMS. My name is Laminin3 *** I pray everyone out there reads what I've posted here (as far as the Bill of Rights that is) and does something about it. I for one am saving over $400 a month knowing the truth.! God is in control and only wants the best for us. Love & Prayers

GiGi I have to respectfully disagree. ( Eph. 6:10) Tells us "Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might". Its written to True Believers in Jesus Christ. ( Eph. 6:11) Tells us to "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the (wiles) of the devil. The word (wiles) is #3180; it means (trickery). (The devils trickery will be very deceptive and in many ways) ( Eph. 6:12) Tells us (True Believers) "we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, (demonic powers) against the rulers of the darkness of this world, (The rulers of the darkness) against spiritual wickedness in high places. (True Believers are in a spiritual war today against ((demonic powers)) against the ((rulers of the darkness)) of this world, and against ((spiritual wickedness in high places)). High places more than likely would be those leaders, or even the higher ups in the nations who are preparing for the one world system that must come to be so the antichrist can control all nations). ( Eph. 6:13) Tells us if we don't put on the full armour of God we will not be able to stand against the wiles of the devil in the evil day. (If we don't see it we will surely be deceived and not stand against it) Corruption and deception are in almost everything today, most don't see it because they hide it or mask it, they cover it up in pretending its a good thing. (Isiash. 5:20) This verse shows us what is happening today. ( 2 Cor. 4:4) Is another verse that shows us what is happening today. Also we should remember all the warnings of Jesus, and also of Paul about not being deceived in the Lastdays. I believe we are living those Lastdays now. Do you GiGi? Thank you for your reply. God Bless you.

Dear John Ray

At times when one is past the point of being able to pray, that is where we come in. Thanks for sharing. I will keep you in my prayers. Do get back to us to let us know how you are doing. I am sorry that life is so hard for you at this time and in your past. May God bless you today and everyday and lead you on the straight and narrow path of Jesus. He is the way, the truth, and the life. Abide in Him, John. He desires you to do so and will help you, so ask Him.

Good Afternoon, Jimbob,

Galatians 3:16 "Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ

For me, this verse says that God went from Abraham straight to Jesus-identifying Christ as the Seed of Abraham to which the promises were made. This verse indicates that God bypassed all of the nation that came from Abraham physically to come to Christ, which is the promised Seed. If Abraham's natural seed resulted in the multiple nations that came from Ishmael and the other 6 sons Abraham had through Keturah (after Sarah died) and from Isaac (who was the child of promise), yet the prophecy said, thy "Seed", which Paul says is Christ. Therefore, it is valid to say that Jesus is true Israel-the promised Seed, not those nations who make up the many, the nation fathered by Jacob.

I realize that the people of Israel in the OT were the God's chosen people, not because they were righteous, but according to His redemptive plan for all of mankind, which culminates in Christ, is fulfilled in Christ, and in Christ, the Israel of God continues to both Jew and Gentile by faith, not by natural lineage.

We may differ on this Jimbob. That's ok. This thread is really long, so it may be best to begin a new thread on this topic if you wish.

Hello, Texsis,

Haven't heard from you in a while. Glad to hear from you!

You have characterized me in a way that is untrue. I am very aware of what is happening in our country. I've been keeping myself informed for at least 30 years. I understand far more than you give me credit for.

But that aside. We may not have the same outlook here, just opinions that may differ, which is allowable.

I hope you are doing well. Are you still living with your son?

Jimbob, No I do not think that this verse in Ephesians is speaking about fighting against our government or for us to see our government as an adversary. the verse is speaking of spiritual powers, principalities, rulers and authorities that are evil and fight to harm our faith and dedication to our Lord.

I do think that there are politicians and government officials that are enacting laws and policies that are harmful to our country and individual citizens, and we should oppose these through legal and lawful means.

FEMA is designed to help people in need when disaster happens or, as in the case of money to churches, to help make places where people gather regularly safer. There is nothing evil in such measures.

Thank you all for sharing your helpful thoughts on the subject. I seek to be better prepared on how to explain this, if someone ever asks about this. As for the dream question, I noticed no one tried to tackle that one :) My current thought is no, I don't believe we can sin during normal sleep. Day dreaming I'm not as sure. God knows our hearts, but sometimes I don't think we know ourselves.

Hallelujah, amen God is good to all of us. Thank you for prayer, i know Jesus can, stay strong, love u in Christ

Hello GiGi. Do you think these verses could be telling us that? ( Eph. 6:10-13) God Bless you, and all who seek His Truth.

We are not left to our own devices, nor to be buffeted about ( Ephesians 4:14b) "with every wind of doctrine" but we are lead every step of the way. However, to be truly successful and unmovable, we must be deeply intimate with our LORD GOD JESUS CHRIST through Scripture. Then take this knowledge and apply it in a Christ-like, Christ honoring, manner in our daily conversation and contact with whomsoever the LORD brings to us. 1 Peter 3:15

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:"

There are too many people in today's society confused of their reason for being here, who they identify as, and where to go for help. May our testimony in the LORD JESUS CHRIST make a difference as we pray, 2 Timothy 2:1-3; and go forth to make disciples, Matthew 28: 18-20; but most important- our own personal growth in the LORD, 2 Peter 1, Titus 2:11-15. (many, many more)

GOD to shine HIS face on all on this forum and bless you gloriously to praise and serve HIM from this day forward.

April 13, 2023

GiGi thank you for your response. I do agree with almost everything in your comment but you said the true Israel of God is one person, Jesus Christ. You posted ( Gal. 3:16) ( Gal. 3:7-8) and ( Gal. 3:28-29) as verses that show you this. I don't see these verses as saying that GiGi, in v28 it says "for ye are all one in Christ Jesus" The way I see this is the (one) is the church, the body of Christ. ( Rom. 12:4-5) ( Eph. 1:22-23). Also It seems from your comment that you do see that the Jews came from Judah. So many today try to put all 12 tribes in the tribe of Judah as Jews. They are all Israelites but not all Jews, the Jews are of the tribe of Judah. Jesus was born of Mary who's bloodline was of the tribe of Judah and the tribe of Levi, which is the King line and the Priest line. Thus making Him the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. And of course His Father was Almighty God. Thank you again for your response GiGi. May God open all the eyes who seek His Truth. God Bless you.

Amen.. . As I mentioned to GiGi, please read our American Bill of Rights. You'll be amazed just what our government has already allowed to happen to us all, not just Christians.! Yet what I forgot to say was, God is in control, let Him do His will in our lives & give each & everyone of us strength to stand up for His truth. Thnx for your time.

AKY is correct.! Love ya GiGi yet, you either don't know, don't understand or refuse to believe what our government has been doing for years & what they are capable of & Bible has warned us of many times. Beings we, as believers, are to rely on God..taking money from evil for good is a slap in the face to Him. They already have us deep in dept & things are only getting worse, daily. They allow GMOs in our food that's slowly killing us, they spray the air we breath with chemicals that not only cover our sun light & is harmful to us as it slowly seeps in us & our land. And now want to hand out 'evil' money. I say this cuz it will only cause more believers to cower to them, conforming to Satanist ways as their doing already. Like our Bill of Rights. And I'm willing to say..many don't even know what Rights they are abusing & taking from us right under our noses, making us to scared & or unaware of as we spend thousands of hard earned dollars for things we, as Americans, do Not have to.! I will share if anyone cares to know. Or hey, read B of R for yourselves & use a Blacks Law dictionary cuz it alone can explain the true meaning of the word 'driving'.! Heavenly Father, be w/everyone who has an ear & yerns to hear and learn your truth. Amen.!

We are the image of God, and we should live, walk, talk, spiritually as him. Being humble, loving, forgiving, and worshiping our Lord and Savior.

My question is will God allow you to go through things for you to learn and yes I am a born again Christian so should I accept what's coming and just be thankful and grateful I know through the Bible a lot of people suffer a lot unfortunately I'm that's not me

Free ,

I well know what back pain is like. I suffered from it for about 5 years.

When I retired from teaching, I spent a good year mostly in my recliner, which helped greatly. God has touched my back with His healing power and I do not have daily pain like I did before If I exert myself too much, then I will have a day or two of pain. What a relief to have this healing. I thought I was going to be "chair bound" for the rest of my life!

I hope that the surgery goes well for you. I will pray for healing of your back.

Very true, Thank you Fred.

I was just thinking of you yesterday, since we hadn't heard from you for a awhile. Glad to have you back on board.

The times of our lives are ordered according to the grace of our God, a life covered with the precious blood of the Lamb.

Paul was such a man, waiting for His departure, yet preaching from the dark dungeon of the palace.

Unlike John the Baptist, who may have had no indication whatsoever when His demise would come. And Again , we see Peter who also is aware of His Time. Then of course there was Andrew , crucified. James the first perhaps ,What is most intriguing, is the disciple John, who somehow managed to survive, remembering what Jesus said to Peter on the beach, "What is that to thee?". Even so, if we are to walk by faith and not by sight , how else could the Holy Spirit order our steps?

How else could these men have done what they did without true faith in the life of Christ and the Words He gave them!

Jesus said "Be not afraid"!

"Judge not according to appearance, but make righteous judgment!"

Trusting in the words of Christ, there is no greater authority, in Heaven or in earth! He created all things and orders even the steps of His own creation.

Repent and be Baptized

Confusion over question about Saul's age and reign solved; Many versions including NASB translate I Samuel 13:1 "30 years old when he began to reign and reigned 42 years". Acts 13;21 the Apostle Paul says his reign was 42 years.

God does not want to fix our old adamic nature....He wants a completely new Creature to be born in us...Remember the potter saw that the vessel was so marred that he had to make a new vessel... Jeremiah 18:4...Our old adamic nature is of satans seed....It has no integrity to remain righteous and Holy....Thats y Jesus said outta of the hearts of man proceeds all manner of evil....Thats y we have this Horrible propensity to sin...Lust....Our old adamic nature cannot be fixed by the works of the law...If Righteousness came by the law then Christ died in vain...Thats y we must be bornagain of an incorruptible seed...We must birth a completely new innerman which is the H.G. that Child of Promise....Unless you receive the Kingdom of God as a lil Child...( that new born babe desiring the sincere milk of the word the H.G. )....you will in no wise enter there in....

.....Remember that man Legion that had all the demons...Legion cd not be tamed by chains and fetters (laws and commandments) ...He broke all the chains and fetters to pieces....Thats us we brake every law and commandment to pieces...Our old adamic nature has no integrity to remain righteous....Thats y we must be bornagain... to birth a new Creature....Which is that Child of Promise...Only Jesus cd tame Legion with his living word a living being the H.G. had to be born in legion...2 k demons came out of legion....Thats y we cannot groom our old adamic nature with commentaries and much studing...He answers to the Dog that returns to his vomit and the sowe that returns to her mud....We cannot study our selves into the Kingdom of God...Its gotta come via his seed initiating a birth of Christ in us...The N.C. But after that Jesus spoke to Legion he was in his right mind and clothed....Then he wanted to be a disciple and follow Jesus...ty Jesus

Behold i make all things new....Everybody is gonna birth a new Creature....When that book is opened that is sealed...Jeremiah saw all men in travail and birth pains...J 30:6

Dear Jema thank you.

Stay strong i love u in Christ look in 1 John 1:5 and Luke 24:28-31

1 Corintians 15:55-57

Jesus light is in all of us who belive in Him.

Dear GIGI Don't be worried about me, and i thank you very much for your intercessions.

Waiting for back surgery but I'm waddling on it because it could also get a lot worse. But I want to be vigorous. Now I'm for most of it inside.

Sitting still. I'm so happy that I can still walk a little bit, so it's not entirely wrong everything. The sets, unfortunately, come out wrong.

I mean just encouragement.

So please forgive me.

How Does it work with you and yours?

Love you in Christ stay strong

Adam, just to add to those great thoughts by others; you have confined the matter of lust to that of a sexual nature. But as Jema as pointed out, lust, even as indicated in the Bible, can be conceived & manifested in all types of situations.

When we consider such a pointed passage as found in James 1:12-16:

"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren", we get to understand what lust entails.

According to James, when one allows that lust (I read it as a prolonged, inordinate desire for anything), to draw (or, tempt) him away from a proper perspective & understanding of the thing in view, then that desire is being allowed to conceive in the heart. Is this sin yet? I don't believe so, but a believer should know the hallmarks of temptation when time, energies, & affections are being diverted on unprofitable things. As to anyone given over to uncontrolled sexual desires, or to lust for money, recognition, gluttony, etc., if he doesn't see himself standing on the threshold of sin & control himself speedily, his desires will draw him further away (entice) towards sin. But I see that he still has a chance to avoid sin & turn the other way - but the longer he waits, the more likely will that lust conceive into sin (both in the heart & eventual outward manifestation). To the child of God, there will be many alerts by the Spirit along this dangerous path - we won't have any excuse before God & our testimony before man.

Within the context of marriage, I don't see that lust is evident if real love & honor is given to each other.