Bible Questions Page 17

Hello Friends,

Part 1

Have we always paid close attention to these many warnings?

Over the years, we tend to make things more complicated, and in doing so, we often forget or set aside certain biblical studies that once stirred our hearts - those moments when Scripture made our eyes open wide and led us to meditate deeply throughout the day.

One example that had been tucked away in my drawer, and which I now find fitting to bring up, is the passage where Jesus speaks to the Pharisees about the importance of changed behavior.

If there is no change in behavior, there is no true transformation. And that change begins in our consciousness.

There's a verse I love that says we should not conform to this world ( Romans 12:2). Sometimes, we think that "this world" refers only to what's outside of us - the external system. But there is also a world inside of us.

Do not conform to the worldly way you're thinking. Transformation must always begin within. I begin to agree with certain ideas, and from there, I start to feel and act accordingly. So, this is where the change must happen.

And what must change? The thought, the direction, the way we think.

It is the Word that confronts us - it is our living library.

At the very least, if you "turn on the radio," so to speak - if you choose to be attentive to the world around you - you'll be able to live alongside the sins of others without being desensitized. You'll also see how destructive these patterns are, for them and maybe even for you.

You don't have to destroy yourself to gain this awareness - I'm not recommending that, obviously - but you will begin to perceive the depth of human emotion, of how the human psyche works.

Hello Friends,

2nd Cor. 5 17-21

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Any thoughts?

God Bless

Jn.17.5-6 "Glory of God"

"And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was."

What is the glory of God? It is the holiness of God.

Male and Female created he them. Here Power principle works with Wisdom principle which has a name, and it is given in v.6. Before we come to it let us say glory of God is the outward manifestation of the Father Son relationship. It explains 'in our image' and in terms of the Word become flesh the Spirit revealed to us on the mount of Transfiguration it referred to the holiness waiting to be revealed. "Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead."(Mt.17.9)

This is the glory that Jesus referred in his prayer. He is 'Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person.' This kingdom is the substance that holiness of God has appointed to his Son, a name more excellent than all. It is a volume of the Word become flesh in the day of Regeneration. "And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;/That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel."(Lk.22.29-30). The saints shall even judge angels so those who deal believers with nationalism card are serving Satan and not truth. First we put on the mind of Christ which is what abiding in Christ means so our fruits are for the glory of God. "And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."(Phili.2.5-11)

Emblem of the slain Lamb was in the divine Will which is not specific for a creature but quality of holiness. The four beasts as memorial before the throne is not abour His creation but four aspects of the Word become flesh. "I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word." They are overcomers because his name is in them.

Gen.2.5 "The Man" (2 of 2)

God blessed man,"and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and overll the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth." God did not create man merely 'in our image' but male and female he created them.When God presented his Son to the world, he commanded "And let all the angels of God worship him."(Heb.1.6) The Son as the heair,"heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds," was also in our likeness" So the role of Eve as the bride of Christ was laid down. Wisdom as the female principle defines the holiness of God. Without Power what is wisdom or vice versa? It is thus we need look at the body as distinct from the body God has conceived in his divine Will. In 'thy book' it fills a volume,- 'all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them."(Ps.139.16)

Adam was not simply put in the garden for himself but in conjunction with His creation. " And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it." (1.28) Male and female created he them. Thus when he sinned they were affected as well. "Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God."(Rom.8.21). Significance of this we shall understand from these parallel actions from God and the risen Christ. God,'and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.' (Gen.2.7) Soul carries inner man and is a sign for the glorious body mentioned in Heb.5.10. "Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you./And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost." (Jn.20.21-22) This refers to the glorious spiritual body," the substance making up the light of the Lamb, neither of man nor of woman nor of Creature per se. Volume in his Son.,

Hello Friends,

Any thoughts?

Right Division ( 2 Timothy 2:15)

The Church, the Body of Christ, is distinct from the Bride of Christ-a truth revealed uniquely through the Apostle Paul under the dispensation of grace. While traditional teaching often blends Israel's prophetic promises with the Church's heavenly calling, a right division ( 2 Timothy 2:15) reveals that believers today, saved by grace through faith alone ( Ephesians 2:8-9), are part of a new creation: the Body of Christ ( 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Romans 12:5).

Paul never refers to the Church as the "Bride of Christ." Instead, he consistently identifies the Church as a body in which Christ is the Head ( Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18). This organism is spiritual, made up of both Jew and Gentile, reconciled into one new man ( Ephesians 2:15-16). This unity was a "mystery" kept hidden from ages past ( Colossians 1:26; Ephesians 3:1-6), never prophesied or associated with Israel's covenantal promises.

In contrast, the bride metaphor is rooted in prophecy and tied to Israel. Revelation 21:9-10 calls the New Jerusalem "the bride, the Lamb's wife," a city prepared for redeemed Israel ( Isaiah 62:4-5; Hosea 2:19-20). John the Baptist called himself a "friend of the bridegroom" ( John 3:29), which places him outside the bride. Paul, while using marriage as a metaphor in Ephesians 5, still emphasizes the Body-not a bride-saying, "We are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones" ( Ephesians 5:30). The analogy teaches love and unity, not identity.

Confusing the Bride with the Body blends Israel's earthly hope with the Church's heavenly calling ( Philippians 3:20). We are not awaiting a wedding ceremony, but rather a catching away ( 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) to appear with Christ in glory. As members of His Body, we are already spiritually one with Him ( 1 Corinthians 6:17). Understanding this distinction preserves the truth of God's separate programs for Israel and the Church.

God Bless

Gen.2.5 "The Man" (1 of 2)

" And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground."

Vegetation was for man; rain similarly was to make his works fruitful. Jesus Christ was before all things and by him all things consist.(Col.1.17). The Holy Spirit explains the world made to appear has a body. This body has its context and frame of reference to the Word become flesh. So these terms given in the everlasting Covenant has to be established before we go into the glory of God. What does the Son signify? "Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power,"(Heb.1.3) In these series we are reviewing the book of Genesis in terms of the substance or the body 'which thou hast prepared me"

The Word was God is the Law of the Spirit. The Word which was with God undepins both voice of the Lord, a sound and the sign. Consequently when God says,"And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness." In our image explains the Father Son relationship. So from the Man component in this fellowship we call,'our Father which art in heaven." The seed in the fruit tree establishes the word which is here the proof: a sign. If the fruit has a form so has the Son when he became flesh. As son of man he was a tender plant (Isa.53.2) In the garden he set up the tree of life by the same line of reasoning. This life is the glory of God which the tree signified. " But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body./ All flesh is not the same flesh." and "It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body."(1 Cor.15.38-44) Substance, the body God prepared is glorious spiritual body as distinct from the body from the dust of the ground.

Gen.1,11 "Word was with God"

"And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so."

God framed the world with his word so a tree made to appear was part of the world the writer to the Hebrews refers. (Heb.11.3) The divine Will of the Father is an unseen world. His Power and Wisdom being such, how the world appears to our naked eye is not as simple as your rational faculties can decipher. Faith is what you require: "so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.."

As in the case of water which is in liguid state are made up of matter. H2O. What is the word? It can be written down, a sign for two atoms of Hydrogen and one atom of Oxygen. When God commands 'the fruit-bearing tree yielding fruit after his kind, it was there. God a Spirit is also the Word was God, the Law of the Spirit upholding all things by the word of his power.

The Word is both sound as well as a sign. It is thus out of the ground God caused tree, ' every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food,'to grow. Similarly the hinds hear the voice and the result? " The voice of the Lord maketh the hinds to calve." (Ps.29.9)The number of calves is a proof for us. Our faith is to work with God. He planted the trees as well we are planted by the same token by the word of God. The Word was God and the Word also was with God. So Isaiah refers to the Advent of his Son in terms of a plant. ('For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground,'- Isa.53.2) The key text states, 'whose seed is in itself' and it refers to the generations of Jesus Christ where the seed is not a simple seed,- a botanical term, but referring to the Word which was with God. Incorruptible seed and it is the holy family of God. (1 Pet.1.23). In the unseen word the earth was without form and void. The world made to appear is holy city of God.

1. Revelation 3:10 : "Because you have kept My command to persevere, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth." Here, "those who dwell on the earth" are contrasted with the faithful believers who are promised protection from the coming trials.

2. Revelation 6:10 : "And they cried out in a loud voice, 'How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You avenge our blood and judge those who dwell on the earth?'" This verse highlights the cry of the martyrs for justice against those who have persecuted them, indicating that "those who dwell on the earth" are often seen as persecutors of the faithful.

3. Revelation 8:13 : "Then I looked and heard an eagle flying in midair, calling out in a loud voice: 'Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the remaining three angels!'" The woes pronounced upon "those who dwell on the earth" suggest impending judgment and calamity.

4. Revelation 11:10 : "And those who dwell on the earth will gloat over them and will celebrate and send each other gifts, because these two prophets had tormented them." This passage describes the reaction of "those who dwell on the earth" to the death of God's prophets, indicating their opposition to God's messengers.

5. Revelation 13:8 : "And all who dwell on the earth will worship the beast-all whose names have not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life belonging to the Lamb who was slain." This verse underscores the allegiance of "those who dwell on the earth" to the beast, contrasting them with those whose names are in the book of life.

Thanks to Bible hub I found all 5 of these references to those who dwell on the earth; again a strong indication of the Rapture but also indicative of the difference between those written in the Book of Life and those who are not. I'll delve into this more in the nest post.

Inviting God into the rest of our lives.

God; who created us body soul and spirit wants to be involved in every detail and aspect. How can we expect Him blessing parts of our lives we choose to be mutually exclusive or where He is estranged from? Yet we do this all the time.

There is therefore only one of two possibilities; that the Lord wants to remove a particular activity in our lives or He intends us to dedicate our efforts to the Lord and He guides our steps. It is hard to admit we want to do things that God doesn't approve; whether obvious sins or just other good things in itself that can be distractions to fulfilling our purpose and goals for the good works set forth for us as stated in Ephesians 2:10. The truth is our natural abilities are a reflection of being God's uniquely created being and no doubt ultimately all things in the end will be for His glory; even the destruction of the wicked. That is an interesting concept although I won't focus on it here.

For me one interest while I have had the time and some money to invest is coin collecting; in which I have been able to make a small profit buying as silver is rising and quickly reselling. I am testing a rarer coin I just bought to see if I finally can make some money there; often I have learned there are cleaning damage and other issues that thwart what seems like a deal too good to be true on the buying end. I think a lesson can be learned there; in regard to avoiding a get rich quick scheme. Shortcuts of anything show our lack of wisdom on an earthly sense; and no doubt always reflects spiritual lack of wisdom as well. One crucial point here is that I am in frequent communication with a friend on the subject who I trust so that I know she can pray for my success and I can be accountable as no doubt I can obsess on this hobby. She has helped me with a friend as well who I am heavily funding for now; where I need to be cautious of giving too much money to.

James 2:21

"Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?"

James 2:22

"Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?"

Blessings

Good relationships that thwart Satan's schemes

Just as things start of in a subtle form on the road to destruction; Godly wisdom is something not learned in a day but has a massive implication in our life story when we implement healthy fellowship as friends.

The principle also is applicable to the Great Commission in making disciples. A convert can be made in a day but is tested through time and sadly; "iron sharpening iron" ( Proverbs 27:27) is sorely lacking today. I think I can pretty dogmatically state this fact.

As the person who led me to counselling said (he has since passed) everything is a form of worship; and he brought up intimacy in marriage as an example. This is a man who was serious follower of Christ and at his funeral I found out he was preaching when Idi Amin was in Uganda and people were rounded up and possibly killed in the building next to him. For those who live in Western PA this man was fairly well known but for the sake of this page and not to put undo emphasis on the notoriety of a person I leave it anonymous. My point is that we tend to compartmentalize or "spiritualize" certain exercises and say "well this part of my day/week is worship; this time is for my family; for my kids; for me; etc. That is probably in accordance with the logic that "Christ is the center of our lives" which from what I am seeing online doesn't have a single source of origin.

Well; you may ask what is the problem with that? Well I may pose questions like this and not give the answer but I'm on a roll now and will say Christ IS our life-get it? He is either the Lord of all or nothing at all which I thought was a C.S. Lewis quote but can't find it. Anyway you get the point here. If God isn't involved with a part of our life we are at best ignorant or at worst defiant and selfishly want a part of our lives to ourselves. If not against God willfully we can think God is boring and not interested in our entertainment; hobbies and interest.

Question mark 10:34 why does it say that Christ will rise again after the third day?

Continuing on Satan's work in the church

My emphasis here is on the more subtle forms of influence which Satan causes in the Body of Christ. It isn't focusing on gross doctrinal error and obvious deception rife in many churches today. HOWEVER in Genesis 3:1 we read:

Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, "Has God indeed said, 'You shall not eat of every tree of the garden'?"

Here we see Satan coming as a sort of "confidante" of hidden wisdom as it were to cause the woman to sin; and bring subsequent falling of her husband Adam as well. What we can gather here is that whether doctrinal error or betrayal of a friendship through gossip; etc. destruction results.

I am very careful here to offer sound doctrine with a heavy influx of scriptures to back things up. This isn't enough to stop one from becoming a legalist; no doubt or the error the Ephesian church had of losing their first love (or leaving it) in Revelation 2.

I always get that mixed up someone can correct me on it it seems just looking at the verse isn't enough to retain the proper context.

What I say here is with a caveat; doctrine isn't always necessary to fully understand for someone to have a real heart for God.

Just look at Christ; He wasn't interested in getting into debates with the Pharisees; it seems the only time that may have happened was when he was 12 years old and there was actually back and forth dialogue going on since they actually respected His unique wisdom and authority at the time. As with the danger of being a legalist for those into heavy studies of this or that Institute shall we say; there is the other extreme where someone may not listen to the Lord and consider their own errant beliefs on a particular subject. This happens; sadly enough to those who have compassionate hearts and their emotions override the check in their Spirit about sleeping around; for example. Read the WORD!

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This approach doesn't diminish the Bible-it exalts it. It honors God's design, His dispensations, and His distinct messages to different people at different times.

The result? A clearer view of the gospel, a deeper walk with Christ, and a greater appreciation for the rich tapestry of God's revealed Word.

My apologies for being so long winded.

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Many struggle with this, asking: Is this how Christians today are supposed to live? But by asking who Jesus was speaking to (Israel, under the law) and the purpose of His message (to reveal the heart of the law and the need for a Savior), we can appreciate this passage without misapplying it to the Church.

Water Baptism vs. Spiritual Baptism

Denominations often argue over the mode and necessity of water baptism. But Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:17, "Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel." He also teaches in 1 Corinthians 12:13 that believers are baptized spiritually by the Holy Spirit into one body.

By taking Scripture slowly and comparing passages, we see a distinction: Israel's program included ceremonial water baptism, while the Body of Christ is identified by a spiritual baptism that unites believers with Christ.

Spiritual Growth Through Personal Bible Study

Removing denominational blinders doesn't mean rejecting all church teaching-it means testing all things by Scripture ( Acts 17:11). It means valuing God's Word above tradition. When believers study independently, prayerfully, and slowly, they grow in spiritual maturity, discernment, and unity in the faith ( Ephesians 4:13-14).

Rather than being tossed around by conflicting doctrines, they become rooted and grounded in truth.

Conclusion: Letting Scripture Interpret Scripture

The Word of God is not contradictory-it is consistent, powerful, and alive. Apparent contradictions often arise when Scripture is taken out of context or forced to fit a denominational mold.

When we remove these blinders and let the Bible say what it says-word by word, verse by verse-we discover clarity that religion often clouds. The confusion created by mixing Israel's law-based program with the Church's grace-based calling is resolved by rightly dividing the word of truth and taking time to let the Scriptures speak for themselves.

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2. The Gospel Messages: Same or Different?

Matthew 4:23 - Jesus preached "the gospel of the kingdom."

Acts 20:24 - Paul speaks of "the gospel of the grace of God."

Galatians 1:11-12 - Paul received his gospel by direct revelation from Christ.

Many assume the Bible presents one unified gospel throughout. But a closer reading reveals distinctions between the gospel of the kingdom (offered to Israel) and the gospel of grace (offered to the Gentiles and the Body of Christ).

Denominational tradition may attempt to blend these messages, creating theological confusion. But by removing those filters and taking Scripture slowly, we see that Paul's message of grace was a new revelation-a "mystery" ( Ephesians 3:1-6), hidden from past ages but revealed through him.

The Role of "Right Division" in Clarity

Paul commands believers to "rightly divide the word of truth" ( 2 Timothy 2:15). This doesn't mean dividing truth from error-it means dividing truth from truth, identifying what applies to Israel and what applies to the Church, the Body of Christ.

Right division isn't about rejecting parts of the Bible-it's about placing them in their proper context, understanding that God has dealt with humanity in different ways throughout time ( Hebrews 1:1-2). It honors the integrity of each passage and avoids blending programs that God intended to remain distinct.

When rightly divided, the Scriptures form a cohesive whole. God's dealings with Israel under the law (Exodus through Malachi) differ from His dealings with the Body of Christ under grace (Romans through Philemon). When we respect those distinctions, confusion clears.

Examples of Clarity Through Slow, Careful Study

The Sermon on the Mount ( Matthew 5-7)

Jesus' teaching here emphasizes law-based living, including commands like "cut off your hand" if it causes you to sin and a strict standard of righteousness exceeding that of the Pharisees.

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The Importance of Slowing Down

In contrast to quick or superficial Bible reading, a slow and careful study focuses on the context, grammar, historical background, and authorial intent of each passage. This method pays attention to words like "but," "therefore," "now," and "mystery," recognizing that each word was inspired by God ( 2 Timothy 3:16).

By slowing down, we allow the Bible to interpret itself. Instead of forcing a passage to fit a preconceived theology, we ask: What does the text actually say? What does the context reveal? Who is being addressed-Israel, the Gentiles, or the Church, the Body of Christ? What covenant or dispensation is in view?

A rushed reading can lead to confusion, especially when Scriptures appear to contradict one another. But when taken slowly and rightly divided, these "contradictions" often vanish, and the harmony of Scripture becomes evident.

Apparent Contradictions in Scripture: Real or Resolved?

Let's explore some commonly cited examples of biblical "contradictions" that, when studied slowly and without denominational bias, reveal deeper understanding:

1. Faith vs. Works for Salvation

James 2:24 - "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only."

Romans 4:5 - "But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness."

At first glance, these verses seem to contradict each other. One speaks of justification by works, the other by faith without works.

But when we consider audience and context, the contradiction disappears.

James was writing to "the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad" ( James 1:1)-believing Jews under the kingdom program, where works demonstrated living faith (see Matthew 5-7).

Paul was writing to Gentiles in the body of Christ, saved under the gospel of grace, where faith alone justifies apart from the law.

Different programs, different audiences, different purposes-but no contradiction.

Page 1 of detailed recap...

Letting the Bible Speak: The Power of Removing Denominational Blinders and Studying Scripture Slowly

The Bible is often regarded as a complex book-rich in history, theology, prophecy, and moral instruction. Throughout the centuries, countless interpretations have emerged from various denominations, sects, and traditions, each claiming a unique understanding of God's truth. However, while many of these interpretations provide valuable insights, they can also create a filter-a set of "denominational blinders"-that may limit or distort our view of Scripture. When we study the Bible through these filters, we may unknowingly force meanings onto the text that were never intended, leading to confusion, contradiction, or division.

But when we make a conscious decision to set aside these man-made frameworks and take the Bible slowly, word by word, something powerful happens: clarity replaces confusion, unity replaces contradiction, and the living Word of God begins to speak for itself.

What Are Denominational Blinders?

Denominational blinders are preconceived beliefs and traditions inherited from religious systems, churches, or theological institutions. These beliefs, while often well-intentioned, can cause readers to interpret Scripture through a lens shaped by human doctrines instead of divine revelation.

For example, some denominations may emphasize water baptism as essential for salvation, while others see it as a symbol of an already completed spiritual reality. One group might teach the necessity of works for salvation, while another teaches grace alone by faith. These differences often arise not because the Bible is unclear, but because of the frameworks imposed upon it.

These blinders can be subtle. Often, they are not questioned because they are passed down through trusted spiritual leaders, family, or tradition. However, truth must not be measured by tradition-it must be measured by Scripture rightly divided ( 2 Timothy 2:15).

Here are scriptures where Peter preached a message of repentance, faith in Jesus as Messiah, plus works (obedience, water baptism, etc.)-mainly directed to Israel as part of the "Kingdom Gospel" ( Matthew 4:17), distinct from Paul's "Gospel of the Grace of God" ( Acts 20:24).

Peter's Kingdom Gospel - Repentance, Faith, and Works

1. Acts 2:36-38 - Pentecost sermon

"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

Repentance

Water baptism required for remission of sins

Holy Spirit as a result of obedience

2. Acts 3:19-21 - Second temple sermon to Israel

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord"

Repentance = condition for forgiveness

Tied to future kingdom blessings

3. Acts 5:32

"And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him."

Obedience (works) as a condition to receive the Holy Ghost

4. 1 Peter 1:2

"Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ..."

Election tied to obedience

Sprinkling of blood = cleansing, yet connected with obedient response

see page 2

When Jesus was teaching in a house his mother ( according to the flesh) and his half brethren for Mary had children by Joseph after the birth of Christ . Came and wanted to talk to Him . He denied His flesh and saud " Who is my mother and who is my brother..?"

And in effect said who His true mother and brethren were pointing to those in the room but " they who do the will of God".

Now it might seem easy to understand how I can be His brother . For what is a brother if not one of the same household and of the same father and are we if His BORN again by the will of the Father?

And what then is a neighbour ? If not of another household and of another father .

And did He not teach us who are His to pray unto God as " Our Father"?

But it is perhaps not so easy to think we are His true mother .

Save in this respect . Mary was not the mother of God as some foolishly assert . But the mother of His flesh . For Gecwas not born of Joseph and thus the seed of Adam but if God " The seed which is the Word of God" . She received the promise and believed and the child was conceived and in due time the Holy child Jesus was born .

Is not the seed of the Word of God sown in our hearts? which in due time brings forth its fruit?

For Jesus speaking of Himself said " Unless a seed or corn of wheat fall into the ground and die it abideth alone but if it does it brings forth much fruit " What sort of fruit? After its own kind .

An immaculate conception is an idea or concept that dazzles the imagination but blinds mens mind to the truth .

Communism is one so too it's daughter socialism .

There are many others . Put a wrong idea in yiyr mind and it will blind you to the truth though it be staring you in the face .

Which is why people "have eyes but see not " and ears but hear not ".

Rome has its own . One of long standing and deeply rooted but no less false for all that that has " blinded the eyes of many " so that they see or understand not and be saved .

Did not Jesus come " to restore sight to the blind" ?

Is that not also the true church of God also to do?

But the church also prayed Paul needs to " have the eyes of our understanding opened " that we might see and comprehend what is the exceeding power thatbis towards us who believe."

Satan can't stop us being saved by the grace of God ,but will endeavour to blind us as to what is towards us as much as in what we stand .

We have but scratched the surface we are BORN again and got out of Egypt and the dominion of Pharoah by the power of God the Word of zGod and the blood of The Lamb . But have made the wandering in the wilderness for 40 years as the Christian norm . Heaven being the promised land and Jordon death .

Not so .

There are no giants or cities to conquer in heaven .

The church Jesus is building will have the gates of hell in trouble .

And is it not written of the Bride of Christ she will " come out of the wilderness terrible as an army with banners "? Leaning not upin her own understanding but " upon the arm of her beloved" .

And will be " more than conqueror through Him that loved us."

Q: what is more than a conqueror ?

The wilderness was but meant to be boot camp . Where civilians are turned into soldiers ,

It only took them not much over two years to go from Egypt to the banks of the promised land .

NOT 40!

Heb.12.1-2 "Looking unto" (2 of 2)

"I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest.". During my stint on this forum I have not been working on my own but in the presence of the great congregation. I would not be complete otherwise. Abiding in Christ this great congregation, to which time and space holds no relevance, was presents, So Paul or Abraham are all my heritage; What happened to Israel was for my warning, "Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come."(1 Cor.10.11) As a personal testimony, I would have taken a vacation but when God has led me thus far opening my mind to wondrous treasure contained in the Word, doing His ministry supplies all the oxygen I would require. Do I worry that I shall have no readers? The great congregation serves as my reading pulic. Jesus referred to it. "Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops." (Lk.12.3) The present world and imposter churches are ready for judgment and according to grace given to me I have tried to serve the Lord. The rest is not for me to be concerned. I know whomI have believed. I have also found the truth of "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."(Mt.13.12)

This growth I notice is from above, heavenly blessing. So God opened my earls sealing instruction on a daily basis. "I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation."(40.10)

I have been learning and if I have offended my brethren in this forum, there was nothing personal but lack of proper knowledge. Forgive me .

Heb.12.1-2 "Looking unto Jesus" (1 of 2)

"and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,/ Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him" (Gen.30.39-40)

Entering into the rest of God does not mean a laidback Christian idleness but abiding in Christ through thick and thin and producing fruits as the flock of Laban did under the guidance of Jacob who is the stand-in for the Son. "And the flocks conceived before the rods, and brought forth cattle ringstraked, speckled, and spotted." (Gen.30.39-41) What do the the rods from the three trees,poplar,hazel and chestnut represent? Doctrine of Christ and it made up the substance or the body God has prepared for us in him. ""But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."(1 Cor.2.9) In an earlier post we had discussed the substance at the molecular level. Two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of Oxygen creates water entirely different. Physical eyes cannot explain what God does. (Eccle.3.11)

And it came to pass, whensoever the stronger cattle did conceive, that Jacob laid the rods before the eyes of the cattle in the gutters, that they might conceive among the rods. God revealed to Jacob how and in the world of the Spirit we are blessed: heavenly blessing under the Covenant gives us volume 144 which is made up of blessings from both Father and Son. It is the secret that the Psalmist referred to. "My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth."(130.15) He who has the Son has the Father as well. There are clouds of witnesses. So when we are complete in Jesus Christ these witnesses make a great congregation.. We witness before them as they are witnesses to us. " I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest."

Heb.10.5 "Substance"

"but a body hast thou prepared me."

The body is the substance to which all my parts entered in the book continually gravitate to: "Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them."(Ps.139.16) This is a continuous action so in the day of Judgment,'Thy book is called the book of the Lamb. Either you are in it or you are blotted out of it. In other words Jesus as the true Light 'which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.' Thus children of light shall be known as part of the Light of the Lamb and as promised by the risen Christ shall have a new name. This is outside our will but what we become transformed by abiding in Christ. This is how the day Seven blesses a 'true' believer: he entered into the rest of God and stayed therein. So what is the substance of a believer or rather his volume and his works?

In seven days of the Covenant the Law of the Spirit has promised both blessings from heaven and from earth alike. The Holy Spirit has given a clear instruction in the manner Jacob acquired great abundance in the house of Laban. Jacob himself testified to it. That is only one part. In his body he could work with what the Lord revealed to him. That is heavenly blessing.

Gen.31.8-13)" Thus God hath taken away the cattle of your father, and given them to me." Same way God made the Egyptians pay the backwages to the Israelites. God compensated Jacob who was exploited by Laban "Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight."(31.41-42)

There is no holdiay from holiness of God. You cannot serve God and mammon. Faith is the substance of things hoped for " No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."(Lk.9.62

More on death

For the believer; worst case scenario as I discussed in several posts already if we suddenly pass away because of God's dealing with sin there is no doubt we would say once all was said and done that "yes; He took me out because I was disobedient" and go on with our heavenly existence not missing this world one iota. Maybe God puts some who were lazy now on heavy prayer duty for others. Anyway I try to not deviate from scripture in my interpretations here. Someone gaining reward; great or small of course casts it at Jesus' feet (not sure the exact timing when crowns come but by the Rapture they are handed out and then cast at His feet). As I said before there will ba a knowing; others will recognize and NOT jealously follow suit in their designated roles as God is fair in all things. We shall know Him as we are known; a rough interpretation of 1 Corinthians 13:12.

What we fear other than the accusations regarding sin and Satan giving us a general feeling of dread is losing control; whatever keeps us in our comfort zones; so to speak. I for one am particularly prone to addiction to certain routines; or how I design my day with a sort of attention deficit behavior that I was diagnosed with many decades ago in the stone ages when I was in High School. The enemy has many tricks; if one tactic doesn't work he'll switch to another; whether it is having people try to take advantage of us; seduction; persecution; doubts; failures where we are tempted to be angry; fleshly passions; etc. Need I go on? That is definitely an advantage of those who have the persuasion as I do of the "total depravity" concept; but I will simply use Jeremiah 17:9. Many people sadly don't get it when they say how nice I am and in fact probably are insulted when I say that I have no good in me. Too bad; although I should gratefully accept compliments as it helps to bolster friendships in all honesty most of what I do involves a half hearted effort. I'm very bad.

John - Christian Discernment

John 3:29

"This joy is now mine, it is complete."

John the Baptist describes himself as "the friend of the bridegroom" (Jesus). This kind of friendship is marked by joy in seeing the other shine. A true friend celebrates when Christ takes the spotlight.

John 11:11

Why is it important?

Jesus calls Lazarus "friend", showing that Christ's friendship includes empathy and compassionate action - He moves to restore the life of His friend.

John 19:12

Why is it important?

Even though it's in a negative context, it shows that "being a friend" meant public loyalty. This becomes a contrast: true loyalty must belong first to Christ, not to earthly power.

Verses 26-27 - (At the cross, Jesus entrusts Mary to "the disciple whom He loved".)

This shows mutual care among those who follow Him.

Hello friends,

In scripture they're only a two class of people that will ever be judged and saved.

One is the body of Christ and the other is the 12 tribes of Israel.

According to scripture which one are you?

A study of death and the proper approach to this subject.

Death is an enemy ( 1 Corinthians 15:26); but God aso states that He is the God of the living not the dead ( Matthew 22:32).

We read in 1 Corinthians 15:55-57

55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

It may seem like overstating the obvious here; but death for a believer; TRULY BORN AGAIN is a victory while for the unsaved is anything but. It may be true at funerals that relatives claim that their loved one is with the Lord; but for someone who is clearly saved should have a more demonstrative rejoicing in that regard than the world in their feigned attempt to convince everyone of the same fact when it is likely the person is suffering in hades.

I state this after seeing a reaction at a funeral for someone in our church the other week; apparently someone there was very uncomfortable hearing scriptures related to where we go as a believer after death. This is probably why many dumb down what should in reality be an atmosphere of joy. I am not saying that grief shouldn't occur but as Paul stated in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-15

13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord's word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.

(Whew thought I lost all this work)...

All this discussion at the funeral led to this particular concept of sleep; but our Pastor does NOT believe in "soul sleep". We certainly rest from our works and for a while in His presence ( Rev. 6:11)

pg.2

Thus says the scripture...

According to the New Testament, the Church, the Body of Christ will be judged at the Judgment Seat of Christ (Greek: Bma), and that judgment will be based on the gospel committed to Paul - what he calls "my gospel."

1. The Judgment Seat of Christ

Romans 14:10

"for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ."

2 Corinthians 5:10

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad."

This judgment is not for salvation, but for reward or loss of reward ( 1 Cor. 3:13-15). It applies only to believers - the Body of Christ.

2. What Gospel Will Be the Standard?

Romans 2:16

"In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel."

Here, Paul states plainly that God will judge according to his gospel - the gospel of grace revealed to him ( Gal. 1:11-12).

3. What Is "Paul's Gospel"?

Paul's gospel is centered on:

Salvation by grace through faith, without works ( Eph. 2:8-9)

The death, burial, and resurrection of Christ as the basis of salvation ( 1 Cor. 15:1-4)

The heavenly calling and spiritual blessings in Christ ( Eph. 1:3; Phil. 3:20)

Conclusion

At the Judgment Seat of Christ, the Church - the Body of Christ - will be judged:

Not by the Law of Moses

Not by the Gospel of the Kingdom ( Matt. 4:23; Gal. 2:7)

But "according to Paul's gospel" - the gospel of the grace of God ( Acts 20:24)

This judgment evaluates how believers lived and served in response to the grace they received, not whether they are saved. Salvation is secure ( Rom. 8:1), but rewards are at stake ( 1 Cor. 3:14-15).

Hello friends,

This is serious business folks...What Gospel will YOU be judged by?

Romans 2:16 (KJV)

"In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel."

Context: Paul is warning about God's future judgment and says it will happen according to "my gospel", meaning the message of grace and salvation given to him specifically by revelation (see Gal. 1:11-12).

Romans 16:25 (KJV)

"Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began."

Context: Paul links his gospel to the "revelation of the mystery", something hidden in past ages but now revealed through him-central to the dispensation of grace.

2 Timothy 2:8 (KJV)

"Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel."

Context: Written near the end of Paul's life, he again affirms the unique gospel committed to him-focused on the risen Christ and preached even at great personal cost (v.9 says he suffers for it).

Summary of Paul's Use of "My Gospel":

Paul uses the phrase to:

Emphasize the distinctiveness of the message he received from Christ ( Gal. 1:11-12).

Tie his gospel to the "MYSTERY" revealed only after Christ's resurrection.

Distinguish it from the kingdom gospel that Jesus and the Twelve preached to Israel ( Matt. 10:5-7; Gal. 2:7-9).