Bible Questions & Discussion PAGE 52

Matt.21:22 "Power"

"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."

In sending the Son to the world what the will of the Father testifies we see the Word is at work from the worlds were made to appear; we have also seen the glory of the Word bearing whosoever comes into the fellowship are empowered as well. "For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings."(He.2:10-11) Glory of the Son and of the sanctified by the word are upheld by the word of his power. God presented Jesus Christ as the firstborn of all creation since glory of the body in each case is from Him. Besides we are of the same house. "For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren." Faith is one so Jesus Christ obeying his Father delineates the self-same DNA operating in us. It was faith that the disciples required to be perfect. God perfected his Son when He sent him to the world. If sufferings were ahead of him we shall also find them aplenty in our own lives.

Word sent forth proved right when Jesus required transport. Apostle John speaks of beholding glory, "(and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." The withering of the fig tree was an objective lesson for his disciples,"For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath." (Matt.13:12;25:29)

" Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done".

Matt.21:15-16 "Perfecting praise"

"And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?"

Jesus cites from Psalm 8 the glory set above the heaven and it refers to the throne of God. When Jesus said on an earlier occasion,"But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven" he referred to the glory which had ordained strength (19:14) in them 'because of thine enemies' and it was demonstrated along the march. "And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest./And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved."(vv.9-10) We shall refer the Lucan gospel, "And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples./ And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out."( Luke 19:39-40).

God gives each body its character " But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him" (1 Co.15:38). These bodies do differ but in terms of glory it points to God whether inanimate or not. It is why Jesus referred to the stones. If the enemies of God were to deny the Son the glory due the stones shall nevertheless take it up for perfecting the praise due to Him. The point is that glory of God when understood correctly is an indication that the body is one with God. This shall also explain why the fig tree withered away. (vv.18-20). Jesus hungered and went to the tree. It failed to see the God of glory. In failing to perfect praise the tree straightaway withered away.

Compare the saying of John the Baptist," And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham."(3:9)

Matt.21:1-7 "Way to Jerusalem"

God sending his only begotten Son to the world was not done in a casual manner. The writer to the Hebrew gives us with regards to the word. "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,/Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;"(He.1:1-2). When Jesus sent his two disciples to fetch his carriage he knew precisely where and when he should , and he said to them "And straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me". The anonymous owner of the beast was in the know of his itinerary. God framed the worlds by his word and faith is what opens all doors so unseen hinderances or alternate mode of travel do not arise. Jesus told his messengers what to expect. "And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them." (v.3). Accordingly the two disciples set off to do his bidding. In short faith opens the doors whether at Bethphage or at Cana, "So that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. In the Lord's Prayer we ask for daily bread 'for this day' and we connect our 'now' with what God made manifest in his Son before the worlds began.

This explains this passage,"All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,/Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass." Prophet Isaiah is still relevant because faith is one bridging time elements into the present. So we need treat his triumphal entry into Jerusalem as a stopover and we shall meet him in Jerusalem which is heavenly. Jesus would refuse to be king over a nation that made their temple a den of robbers and from the greatest to the least "Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers,"(Is.1:4)

Dear Rositator,

I am glad you have come to this site. Welcome. We lift up each other in prayer here. I will be praying for your request. I wish I Spanish or your sake.

Dear Heavenly Father, we ask that You will help Rositator with the sadness of her loss. We ask that You comfort her, lift up her spirit, strengthen her in faith and in her daily walk with You in the Holy Spirit within her. In Jesus' name we come to You as He told us to do We know You hear our prayers and know all of our needs, sorrows, and problems. We cast ourselves upon Your mercy and love always. You are ever with us and will not forsake us.

Rositator is Yours forever, and we thank You for ringing her here to be among us. Bless her today and give her Your peace. Amen

Dear Frank.

Thank you for reminding us of how your wife is abusing you. Will be praying for you.

I will advise you the same way I would advise a woman who is being physically abused-leave the abuser. Get yourself into a situation where you are removed from her so that she cannot physically hit you anymore. That is good for you and also for her. If you are not around her, she will not be allowed to continue behavior that is sinful and harmful to you and your relationship. I would recommend that you get away from her sooner than later. If you need to stay in the home, then document the times she hits you for a week or so and then file a restraining order that will require her to leave the home. it is healthy for both of you to not continue interacting in this way. I will remember you and her in my prayers today.

Matt.20:15-16 Thine eye being evil"

"Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?/So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen."

God is the householder and when we have become the many sons of God we may say we are of his house and our rights and privileges are that conferred by his Son. "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."( Luke 12:32). This aspect of kingdom building is what we considered in the earlier posts. We ministered with the Son who showed with his life as to how. "And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant." (20:27) Holiness of God is made manifest because He sent his own Son whose humanity showed what was good.

In the Parable of the Laborers the willing hands were for hire and nothing else they brought into the vineyard. All they had in mind was merely a penny as the day's wages. They were hireling while Jesus as the Good Shepherd is not working for his hire but he seeks to promote the interest of his Father. He knows the sheep by name so his interests and of his Father are in lockstep. "And know my sheep, and am known of mine./ As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. ( John 10:14-15) Kingdom building cannot be left to the hirelings because they are not trustworthy if left to themselves. An hireling "seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep./The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep."(vv.12-13). For this reason the Householder calls their eye is evil. Their heart is not right since they are in the vineyard for the penny they agreed upon. Salvation is likened to a day's wages.

v.14 Hierarchy on the basis of hours is a lie if the contract stipulated day's wages only. Similarly the Pope and the sexton can only be paid what is agreed before hand.

Matt.20:25-28 "It shall not be so"

" Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." (v.28)

It is a categorical statement and rules of engagement in the Kingdom of his dear Son vastly differs from that of the pagan world. We shall see the damage done already by the miry clay so the strength of iron has become as oppressive as the weakness of clay has made their creed,-the liturgical worship of the congregation akin to the mumbo jumbo to which Jesus alluded,"But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking." This vain repetition consequently has made the faith they rely on to none effect. The same Scripture the imposter church follows as a believer yet so many doctrinal heresies would require so many denominations ,-and the religious wars of the past and inquisition with its instruments of cruelty that one may ask, "Is Christ so divided among you?" Jesus set an example but still the princes of the Holy See and TV celebrities overlord their flock as though they were entitled to have different rules than they impose on other. Jesus has clearly shown us an example.

"But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them./ But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;/ And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant."

Humility of the suffering Servant was not for himself but to give life as ransom for many. Jesus explained the reward of following him through thick and thin. They shall "inherit everlasting life.(19:29). Hope of 'every one that hath forsaken houses' is eternal habitations. "In my Father's house are many mansions". He has also given them a route map. "I am the way." ( John 14:2-6)

Matt.20:23 "In thy kingdom" (2 of 2)

The solicitous mother of John and James were not asking favor in this present world but in the kingdom come which is itself nothing short of extraordinary and it shows that the mother was conscious of the glory of the word and the Son who was he Word become flesh. Like the Samaritan woman by the well she was well aware of the coming of Messiah and was well receptive to her sons having part in the kingdom building. With regards to the kingdom we shall come acoss two kingdoms one of the Son and of the Father.

St Paul refers to the resurrection from the dead which comes in a series as with the baptism of fire. The refiners fire purifying the sons of Levi already occurred when Ihe Imperial Rome destroyed Jerusalem in AD70; likewise purging the house of God by fire 'as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness",(Mal.3;3;1 Pe.4:17) is yet to occur. It is to which St Paul refers, "and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is."(1 Co.3:13-15)

"And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all." This shall occur after the last enemy death has been overcome. (1 Co.15:23-28) Obedience of the Son is in fulfilling the divine Will of the Father so he submits his own glory and honor to the Father, 'that he ay be all in all.'This shall explain the reply Jesus gave the mother of Zebedee's children.

Matt.20:23 "Left and Right" (1 of 2)

"But to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father."

Psalmist David speaking of the Father Son relationship gives as a reading of the glory and honor of the Lord God."The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool." (Ps.110:1). God has appointed his Son, "whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds." The risen Christ is seated 'on the right hand of the Majesty on high.' (He.1:2-3). The Spirit gives his Son a specific position as His express image and the brightness of glory a hallowed place no man shall intrude. When God warns Moses, he says, "Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground." (Ex.3:5) Access to God is by invitation only.

The mother of Zebedees children wanted a special favor and it was a private, and by asking Jesus did damage already. It was a oneupmanship and like winning the jackpot all she had to do was to pick the number which was none other than the Son of God.

Naturally it created dissension among the twelve. "And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren." They were moved with indignation and it is also a reflection all the apostles were slow learners as to what their master represented to them. "Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.:(vv.25-28)

The disciples did not earn peace with God by their own merits which by earthly standards almost to nil. They were blessed in his Son before the worlds began. So self advertisement or testimonials from the local worthies did not mean a thing. "For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, Nor from the south. But God is the judge: He putteth down one, and setteth up another."(Ps.75:6-7)

Matt.20:22" Baptism of fire"

"But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able."

Having announced what Jerusalem signaled he foresees the fire already kindled. This is what we can gather from the Lucan gospel. ""I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?/ But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!/ Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:" ( Luke 12:49-51)" John the Baptist also had touched upon before Jesus had begun his ministry. He asked 'many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, thus: "Who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?"/"And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. (Matt.3:7,10). From the next verse it is very clear that he is referring to the day of wrath.(Mal.3:2) it has several degrees where he sits "as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver," leading to the day of judgment which is 'qualified by 'unquenchable fire.'

"He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:/ Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." (3:11-12)

From these verses we may conclude that Jesus Christ with his resurrection shall present before the Jews and the Gentiles as a stumbling block. Either they will choose or deny him. "And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder."(21:44) His disciples are called to throne of glory where the quality of it is hundredfold meaning whatever they lost in the process was chaff.

The Lord watches over His own.

My mom was relaying a story tonight about a huge guy on the bus who went after someone trying to touch my Aunt (who is in her 80's) when travelling through a bad neighborhood for her part time job. The guy who defended her seemed to be dangerous himself (and perhaps was); but my point is illustrative of how the Lord works in unexpected ways.

I am not sure how it is for others on this forum; but often we expect God to answer our prayers either on our own; or with the help of our favorite circle of friends. I have seen the opposite happen more often; however. I worked with a very mentally abusive Paralegal in my former place of employment who the Lord used to help me get a decent agreement with my ex wife for divorce settlement. I didn't really care about what happened but didn't want long term issues. The only thing I was really wanting to do was to make it painful enough for her so that she may repent; or at least understand the dire consequences of committing adultery. Overall; my job there as a file clerk ensured that I had a full time income for many years and was able to support myself when I had to find a place to live on my own. The same thing could be said for someone who was part of the family practice that eventually split; as I was able to do a fair amount of notary and weekend work for some extra cash as well.

Those in the world know who is going to work hard and have principles even if they don't want to act very grateful much of the time. Nonetheless I was given a decent raise or two there.

I mention all this because I think it prudent for that task that we spend most of our waking hours doing for our working life be something we see the Lord's hand in. I was fortunate enough to have a number of deep conversations about Christ with a professing believer on that job; as well as others there (who would claim to be Christians but clearly through their actions weren't). To be continued next post....

Hi Tdianne.

I would like to add to what Gigi has shared.

1 John 4:12-16.

No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. HEREBY KNOW WE THAT WE DWELL IN HIM, AND HE IN US, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.

Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

What John is saying is that no man has seen God at any time but if we love one another God dwells in us. In other words God today can manifest himself through believers in loving one another, "and the world sees That!

John 13:34-35, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

"What makes this so unique?" What's new about it? Isn't it listed in the Commandments? What's unique and new about it is that he causes it!

Look at verse 35.

"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

John 3:16

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,.

( God gave us his Spirit that causes us to love the Brothern.)

God's Spirit, "The Holyspirit" causes those who loves God to love his brother also. 1 John 4:21"

Romans 5:5.

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

I hope this helps. God bless.

Matt.19:25-30 "Hundredfold"

Peter had chosen life so when great many disciples left Jesus because of his hard sayings ( John 6:67-68( he stuck by the Prince of life. Entering into the kingdom of God appealed to him. So he wanted to know,"what shall we have therefore?" Disciples were curious and on another occasion wanted to know the hour of his coming which the risen Jesus stopped short with a curt answer, "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power." Before his passion also Jesus did not allow any speculation as to what God held in his authority, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only."(Ac.1:7; Matt.24:36). "My Father worketh hitherto and I work" meant heaven and earth were held by the word of God where fulfillment of the divine Will was his part so when the disciples asked,"Who then can be saved?" Jesus shares what was within his authority to answer. Salvation was as entering with Prince of life through a veil so life abundant was the Holy Grail of their ministry with Jesus Christ. Jesus understood he was earnest and despite of his volatility his heart beat ever so true.

"When the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel" was in his authority to give. For this reason even after denying him Jesus entrusts his disciples to his care."Feed my sheep" meant Jesus had completely forgiven his former lapse. Hundredfold is in the sense it did not happen as he was concerned. This explains with the being born again experience. "Therefore if any manbein Christ,he isa new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."(2 Co.5:17) Jesus practiced what he preached. "So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses."(Matt.18:35)

Hello TDiane,

It is the Holy Spirit who regenerate you to become a believer and He indwells ever believer who confesses Jesus as Savior.

So, if you are a believer, then He dwells in you.

You ask how can you know? It is by faith from first to last that we believe the gospel and all that Jesus promised. He promised the Holy Spirit would live in us, and He does. We believe in Him trusting that He is truthful in all that He said and promised.

Momsage,

Thanks for letting us know. I have been praying for you and will continue to do so this week, Will be happy to see you back herr next weekend.

Matt.19:30 "First and the last"

"But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.

As a literary motif we have the Spirit using a chiastic pattern, very similar to fractal design the visual motif self repeating not at random but as part of the whole retaining the harmony in idea and execution. Jesus the deity and the man is in focus.

The key verse is a classic example and it is apt considering Jesus Christ is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. " For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it."( Matt.16:25) 'for my name's sake places emphasis on on the word, (Sanctify them through thy truth. Thy word is truth') and the man, the word that became flesh.

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever proved the point by his resurrection. He became in the likeness of flesh and tasted death but by the power of his Father overcame death and is seated on the right hand of God. So the idea and the man validates the glory of God in this earthen vessel.

As examples we shall consider two. "for of such is the kingdom of heaven." refers to a specific loss in order to be considered fit for his kingdom. "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." (18:3)

It explains the phantom limb sensation. Patients losing a limb due to disease or accidence shall still feel as though it is there. One is rid of his life experience and assuredness of riches for his sake and yet to feel the sense of heaven as a phantom limb is real. "I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need." (Ep.4:12) Second is regarding the young man was all willing but his great possessions prevented him. (19:16-23). His case was like the alien hand syndrome one hand wants to do the opposite of what other hand seeks. The devil is in the flesh.

Please pray for me. My wife will not let me rest she just keeps fighting and fighting. Her behavior is getting worse and worse. I say I love her and she gets upset and she can't forgive me when I say sorry. She keeps fighting me and it does not matter what I do.. her problem is that she doesn't like having a husband, she doesn't want someone as the head of her household.. she wants to be in control of everything and it is driving her crazy. I truly believe she does not love me.. there is no way.

Matt.19:1-12

"He that is able to receive it, let him receive it." (v.12) Compare with this verse, " He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."(Re.3:6). The Spirit places at the end of each message to seven churches where what is revealed to each church hold variations and what does it tell us? "For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ./For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit./For the body is not one member, but many"(1 Co.1:12-14).

The members cannot be members of any other spirit than that of 'one Spirit' which is God. "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?"(1 Co.3:16). The stone upon which this temple is being built is in heaven, and the seven pillars are built exact specifications. "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." So gold silver wood that you gather shall be to no avail if you build up on the wrong foundation and the fire shall prove ine day.

This being the case celibacy gives no one special privilege or honor; for that matter being asexual from birth carries no shame either. "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."(Col.3:17)

We see through these various sayings a glimpse of the itinerary of Jesus, each step leading closer to the mount Calvary. The Spirit says, "And came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan;/And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there.. Jordan serves as a death knell sounded but he as Faithful and true witness brought glory to his Father. "He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions."(Ps.107:20)

Dear Loisanne: I pray that you will get some rest; physically; emotionally or spiritually as needed in due time.

I have had to face my own mortality since getting some adhesion issues after abdominal surgery last summer; where complications kept me hospitalized a couple sessions adding up to a total of 21 days. There are some other issues trying to care and live with my parents in their nineties.

We both know that our sojourn here is brief; life is as a vapor. I have seen in my lifetime since a generation ago the interest in the Rapture which has been delayed past when expected (there is a verse that says when hope is deferred it makes the heart sick). I have felt called to preach on the end times since then; but never have found a "niche" in that sort of ministry. What we expect and what is the actual meaning of the "Fig Tree Generation" clearly has had some misunderstanding; which has lead some to go the way of Preterism (the Lord somehow has mysteriously returned in some form); or Post Millennial persuasion not believing in the Rapture. Sadder still; of course is that those that espouse a belief in such often are so lukewarm that one wonders what their true spritual state is in making the Rapture.

I don't know your situation from the posting; many such as I went through betrayal from a spouse and divorce. I have my own conviction in preaching that remarriage is wrong based on scripture while my spouse is still alive despite her remarriage. It has led to much confusion; nonetheless there are those out there that support that view. I am the only believer in my family as well. I'm grateful to have a roof over my head and food on the table in a well policed suburban area. I have known in the past the fear of living next to a Satan worshipper; drug dealers loose in my apartment; and those having violent altercations below me. I pray God grants you courage wherever you are.

I pray that we as Paul can rejoice during these momentary trials.

Romans 8:16 says: "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:"

Hebrews 12:6 states: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

Matthew 5:44-46 says

44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

These verses bring a clear understanding of those who are His children and possess His Spirit from those who don't. We can't love our enemies in our own strength in the same way we can in Him; but perhaps the other side of the argument should be examined; we cannot hate our sin; our former "good deeds" and appreciate the verse in Jeremiah 17:9 about our hearts being "deceitfully wicked" apart from a revelation from God through His Spirit. This truth results in a response of repentance whose origin comes from God; and results in actions coming from a new heart or nature; rather than just outer actions in some attempt to be righteous in our own strength. Atheists can often be more "moral" than we are in charitable giving; for example but they cannot without self righteousness. Thus; no amount of penance; fasting; etc. can save us. Jesus begins the work and to those He has called and chosen He insures that they are sanctified and glorified after being saved as we see from Romans 8:30.

Other Gospel verses show that His sheep hear His voice. We have true love for other believers if we are saved as well as a true love for Christ and we trust Him as well and have Him not just as Savior but Lord and Master as well.

The enemy will often convince us otherwise but believers have overcome the world.

how do I know if the Holy spirit is inside me?

Matt.19:8 "Hardness of heart" (1 of 2)

"He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so."

Everlasting Covenant between Father and Son permeates the entire kingdom so the worlds framed by the word of God has a quality that a servant cannot appreciate. "And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever."( John 8:35) The earth abides forever and Moses as a servant gave Israel permission to write a bill of divorcement to put away his wife. "But from the beginning it was not so," supplies us the case of Adam who correctly read the role of woman as the bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh' . For the same reason we make a distinction between Jerusalem and New Jerusalem of the heaven. St Paul refers to the House with Seven pillars that Wisdom built and it is in heaven. "But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all."(Gal.4:26; Pr.9:1).

Israel did not simply backslid but heart was no right before God so simply shut out what was open before them. In their refusal to enter we may use the example of Onan whose wickedness prevented from performing his duties as a man.( Ge. 38:10).

In what way Evangelicals refuse to look to Jesus Christ as the author and finisher of faith? What worth is culture war when the risen Christ stands at the door and knock They refuse to let him in because they do not love him with all their heart and their might. Why they will be rejected is given in this saying, " Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels." (Matt.25:41-46) In refusing 'one of the least of these my brethren' they shall be cast into outer darkness where thy rightly belong. Their heart was not right; while life eternal means inheriting 'the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world"

Matt.19:6 "God and man"

Glory of Jesus came from both Wisdom and Power so whosoever received him was under the covenant that shall be fulfilled in the Son. So the flesh of body ought to tell us there is more to it. (Jesus Christ) "Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself." (Ph.3:21) In the previous post we considered trinity, of body spirit and soul serving as a witness as Jesus was the Faithful and true witness. It was not merely in terms of the body. Our soul is the inner man and he also bears witnesses in terms of the Word. Three agree in heaven: the Father the Word and the Spirit. We shall see this distinction in "the seventy times seven"(Matt.18:22) This applies to the world of the flesh and blood." The Holy city of God is however measured, which is a single measurement of an angel, and man. It is Gospel based and not according to man's life span. "an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel." (Re.21:17)

The memorial in heaven (Ch.4) does not show the cloud of witnesses nevertheless we hear them. "And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth./ And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;"(Re.5:10-11). Compare the number with this verse, "A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.

"Ten thousand times ten thousand" is about the final salvation, and it explains why Jesus denounced the workers of iniquity. They did not do the will of God the Father. They were called to one body but they did not fit with 'the one flesh" which is about the Christ and the Bride

Matt.19:6 "God and man" (1 of 2)

"Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."

Everlasting covenant is between God and the Man who is none other than the Son. Consequently it is between two equals. When the Word became flesh the same two principles were also invested in the believer. "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." ( John 1:12) This power must work throughly so when one claims," Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven./ Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?" (Matt.7:21-23). What is the response of Jesus? "And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Power that a believer handles is a live wire and what Christ knocking at the door (Re.3:20) is to caution him to handle this power to profit. "But when the multitudes saw it, they marveled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men." So power principle gives man force and authority coming from grace and truth. So this principle coupled with wisdom lifts man despite of his vile body into the Covenant and he is represented in the Man component. No other way he could be truly called a son of God. John's quote tells us that.

The will of God established ' the one flesh' so when Adam woke from his deep sleep correctly identified Eve's role. "And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh."(Ge.2:23) Wisdom principle is at work and the Spirit clothes the Covenant having power on man, and it is in similitude, of the Bride of Christ. The crowd glorified God when Jesus healed. John saw the selfsame glory of the flesh, ( John 1:14)

Matt.18:22-23 "Judgment" (2 of 2)

As long as one does after his own desires and priorities he is serving the body of death. With his mind he serves the law of God "but with the flesh the law of sin." Whosoever is freed from condemnation must be led by the Spirit and no other short cuts. The three witnesses in the Spirit form the inner man "after the likeness" of God. ("Let us make man in our image, after our likeness"-Ge.1:26). The Spirit given us is as a pledge, "God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit" also has given similar tokens so body spirit and soul serve as a witness for us in heaven. The glorious spiritual body, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens" and the cloud of witnesses bear witness of the many promises of God. Apostle John writes, "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one." This cloud is set as witness for the soul of man. "For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life."(2 Co.5:4). The spirit of man is fortified by the in-house tutor, so mortality being swallowed up by life renders Christ as the head for the spiritual body held in reserve for us.

For this reason Jesus assured,"Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven./For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." This is the context for Re.3:20. "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Supping one to one is much more than confessing Jesus Christ as the Lord.

Matt.18:22-23 "Taking account" (1 of 2)

"Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven./Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants."

'Therefore' preceding the verse connects the verse before which gives us the Perfect number 7 and multiples of it. Kingdom of heaven calls for accounts which is directly pendent to the everlasting covenant drawn up in 'seven' days. God blessed His servants in manifold ways covered by verses in Ge.1:3- till 2:3. In the Parable of Jesus he refers God's commandment to man is service. He is the steward. Adam is a representational figure.(Ge.1:28) These are the Abstract and God shall require of his servants the proof of their service. Seventy is a man's life ("The days of our years are threescore years and ten,"-Ps.90:10). In short seventy years signifies the end times so when Jesus appointed seventy 'other' disciples he is referring to the everlasting gospel.( Luke 10:1)

The Spirit gives us an example of the Min-Max mode of narrative where a specific even veers of to the end times. Malachi 3:1 is a classic example. How we serve today is set in direct frame of reference to the Judgement so without abiding in Christ as so many branches to the true vine we are like the servant who hid his talent in the ground. ( John 15:3)

How does the talent is converted into the quality of service that one does? Gifts of the Spirit is given for building up each servant as well as for the common good. "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal."(1 Co.12:7). And it is towards the one body to which gifts severally given to each member should count. In short no one may dare offending the will of God by serving as he pleases but according to 1 John 5:7-8.Both heaven and the earth must agree. "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body"(v.13)

Ps.85:10-11 "Everlasting covenant"

" Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other."

This verse recalls the Father Son relationship in the godhead. Holiness of God is eternal because of the Law."Thy word is truth." Consequently mercy and truth can be rephrased as thus:"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." The Spirit informs us truth and what as from the beginning.

God is qualified as the Father of all mercies.(2 Co.1:3)sent his Son and in his logos aspect it is grace that he revealed. So grace is what allows the blessings of God work abundantly. "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him./ For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust".(Ps.103:13-14). Jesus in his humanity carried the voice of the Lord so people marveled at his words, which the Spirit qualifies as the word of his grace. By the same token when Jesus Christ is risen he is said to be' And upholding all things by the word of his power.'In short grace and power are the means to establish the everlasting covenant between Mercy and Truth.

This is the word of truth witnessing in our heart, a spiritual space. Accordingly the cloud of witnesses are not merely any ornament one adds to his person to add dignity or honor but the truth: Mercy and truth are met together.

"Righteousness and peace have kissed each other."

We received Jesus by faith and we confess that he is in us. If we hate our brother as the word of God says that we are in darkness. And we made him a liar. "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:"(1 Co.1:30; 1 John 2:9-11) We are called to be as was in heaven, Righteoussness of God and Christ, who of us is peace so when we keep peace between brethren Christ is in our midst. "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."(Matt.18:19-20)

But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. ( John 5:17).

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. ( Colossians 3:23-24).

These two verses demonstrate to us that work in the secular or "spiritual" realm is to be done with all of our might (following the principal of Ecclesiastes 9:10). Christ actually states that in some cases such as John 4:38 that they have reaped what others have sown. John 4 discusses the conversion of the Samaritan woman (woman at the well) and her evangelistic campaign. In this case she did the sowing and the Disciples reaped the benefits. It is interesting to think that she was the first evangelist listed even before the Disciples were sent out two by two (I think). Even Jesus didn't have to work that hard in that respect; such gratitude for being saved by sins was shown in other women such as Mary Magdeline. Would we all approach the Great Commission with such eagerness.

When it comes to our everyday jobs I am grateful in my situation even with just part time work being all that I can do with other responsibilities that I am surrounded by people that work hard. I work doing food prep in a high school kitchen; and especially with intense State Inspection coming those who would want to mess about won't remain very long. Having supervisors that I respect in each of the other surrounding schools in the District where we are sent on occasion is an added bonus; along with the lady from one of them that joined our team today. There are a number of passages discussing employer and employee relations (in many cases servant and master analogy). Our work ethic isn't a substitute for sharing God's Word; but an opportune moment won't earn any respect if we don't have a foundation of trusted service for the weeks or months before such a conversation can occur.

John,

Take this to the Lord in prayer so that your instincts may be guided by the Holy spirit alone, then you will know what choice is best for you and your sister. I will pray for you.

Dear heavenly Father, we ask of you in the name of Jesus guidance for John as he considers this offer from his siter to move to Hawaii or to remain here. Give John clarity as to what You desire for him to choose in this matter. Also, guide his sister in Hawaii as to what is best so that there will be agreement between her and John. Fill the needs of both John and his sister so that the decision made will truly be of you and not of themselves. Amen.

Tina, I will pray for you to grow and mature in your faith in Jesus. We worship God in Christ Jesus together, so continue to fix your sights on Jesus in worship and He will direct your lie path Godward in all things.

Tina, I am glad you came to us here for prayer. We join you in your outcry to God and in the truth that He who began this good work in you will bring it to His desired completion. May you remain steadfast in your faith and trust in God this day and every day going forward.