Ultimately; whether it be Armageddon or the final Great White throne judgment; or the individual demise of every person outside of the faith since Adam fell; the fate of unregenerate man is horrible beyond imagination. The biggest problem is that we don't know who Christ is; the eyes of those under Satan's power are blinded ( 2 Corinthians 4:4). Once we can see clearly we will be on our face; so it is better to do it now than under compulsion at judgment. The righteous also are constrained but by His love to praise and worship the Lord. The Holy Spirit when we are fully surrendered will fill our entire being with praise.
For now; it wouldn't surprise me a bit if an atheist would have less of an issue with say capital punishment as many who call themselves Christian. The Antichrist himself is called the "lawless one" and indeed at least one atheist I met was from a worldly standpoint a very "moral" person. What the law does is serve as a "schoolmaster" ( Gal. 3:24) to bring people to faith.
This explains why it is possible for the vilest sinner (such as possibly occured with Jeffrey Dahmer) to change. As Christians we shouldn't have a double standard we can exact justice to protect the innocent but still have an attitude of unconditional love and forgiveness which wouldn't be comprehended by an atheist.
Anyway another good point is that Christ never said the adage that God helps those who help themselves. If there was any other way certainly God would not have allowed His son to go through the suffering on the cross; or turn His back on Him at that instant of time. This shows sin is DEADLY serious.
Also of course 1 Corinthians 11:30 shows that even God' speople can have a shortened life living in disobedience. God delivered a man over to Satan so that at some point before death he would repent (apparently the man came to his senses and eventually was restored to fellowship). Better to make it to heaven through fire than hell.
Thank you for your reply, yes, Genesis 3:15 tells us He will come by the seed of a woman, and that is exactly what we see happen in Mary. My understanding of John 1:1-5 is John's prolog at the start of his gospel like Genesis 1:1 is a prolog to the rest of Genesis 1. John starts with, In the beginning.
I see this beginning as the coming of the Messiah/Christ the beginning of Jesus's ministry because in John 1:6, John goes to John the Baptist as the witness of the one who was to come, the Light that darkness did not comprehend. This is the start of Jesus's ministry when Jesus was anointed with the Holy Ghost/Spirit and God made Him the Messiah/Christ, Acts 2:36.
Jesus was sent for the lost sheep of Israel, Matthew 15:24, His role or ministry was to fulfill the law and the prophets in confirming the new covenant by His death and resurrection from the dead to pay the price for our sins. Daniel 9:27 is also about the 3.5 years of Jesus ministry but that is another topic. Jesus was the Messiah that was prophesied to come in Daniel. As I have discussed with Chris my understanding is Jesus was the beginning of the plan of God and like John 1:10 it is through Him not by Him.
Jesus, God' Son is first in God's plan of creation, and everything was created in and through Him and Jesus was begotten in the fullness of time. Ephesians 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: Colossians 1:20. I know you may also not agree with that but that is how I understand, it is God the Father who is the creator.
The light was the word of God that dwelt in Jesus, the glory of the Father that dwelt in Jesus, 2 Corinthians 4:6.
Mark 8:30 is one of several verses indicating Christ told people including the Disciples NOT to tell anyone who He was (namely; the Son of God). He spoke in Parables to hide things from all except those called and chosen (see Matthew 13:10).
When we survey the narrative of the Gospels it leaves us dumbfounded as to how anyone could not realize who Christ was. After all John the Baptist after baptizing a large amount of the entire population including the Pharisees warning them of who was to come identified Christ ( John 1:32 and recorded in Luke 3:22 as being accompanied by a voice from heaven). Only the Spirit could reveal this truth as we see in Matthew 16:17.
There are several reasons for this blindness. One is the god of this world who is mentioned as blinding men to the truth as illustrated in 2 Corinthians 4:4. The second was in the hidden counsels of God more than likely (See Deut. 29:29). If the wicked knew who He was they would have stopped it because it would have led to their guilt in the act and He would inevitably be Resurrected. Satan also may have not been involved because it would mean His defeat as prophesied in Genesis 3:15 (although he is insane enough to ignore what he probably should have known). Israel should have recognized that the suffering servant would also come back as conquering king. They would have waited until He established that Kingdom on earth without having a heart to truly worship Him; reminiscent of the group who finally rebels at the end of the Millennium period.
We need to squarely face this fact in terms of how the unregenerate view Christ. Any affinity one may have for Jesus apart from the grace of God bringing repentance is from a false Christ in our imaginations which inevitably brings a works based attempt at salvation or considering Him a great teacher or Prophet as was the case of those in Matthew 16:14. Church is the congregation of the Holy not a social club for comfort.
Hello Pnovello, I would echo the good advice given you by others here. The Scripture that immediately came to mind was 2 Corinthians 12:9, "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
This was the Apostle Paul who received this powerful, yet comforting Word from His Lord. As Adam wrote here, Paul was a prime example of much suffering, not just in the physical realm, but also spiritual & emotional. His life was marked by daily suffering & anguish of heart & spirit, yet he persevered in the Gospel, knowing that his sufferings were but momentary compared to 'the glory which is yet to be revealed (to us &) in us'. "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." ( Romans 8:18). See also 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.
If these great men of faith, even our sinless Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, were not immune from suffering, we know that while we are in the flesh, the workings of sin & corruption within, will always manifest itself in one form or another. My wife & I have been thus far blessed not to have any debilitating illness or injury come upon us (only the minor interruptions to sound health, because of age), yet we know that we can never take this for granted & are resting in our Father's Arms each day for whatever the day might bring forth.
Psalm 27 has always been precious to us. Sure, it was King David calling upon God as his enemies troubled him from every side, but can we not also consider that it's not just the anger of men we might face, but just living in corrupt bodies in a corrupt world that continually works against our joy & perfection in Christ? Please read this Psalm of praise & trust by David & particularly v14, "Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD."
The only offensive weapon in Ephesians 6 is the sword of the Spirit. Today's megachurches have tended to make things into a sideshow by defining success as someone with a lot of possessions. Indeed God CAN honor a prayer regarding material things but it is unwise and naive to ignore verses such as Deuteronomy 17:17; for it can lead to total apostasy later when greed takes over.
Playing games to underestimate the intensity of the evil we face does no one any favors either. Those who would be hesitant to warn sinners of their grievous state and need of repentance so as not to "offend" anyone are probably the same ones who downplay how serious the conflict is with the demonic horde under Satan that have pretty well taken over society; and worse the church in a large part making those who want to engage in serious battle seem like they are outcasts. Worse still there are many who look at Satan as somehow ruling over hell (as opposed to perhaps guarding Hades in the past as seen in those held captive described in Psalm 68:18). Men are blinded because of their own sin but 2 Corinthians 4:4 shows how Satan is the agent the Lord allows to keep men in this state. Part of praying for someone may indeed be for the enemy to cause enough misery for them to cry out to the Lord; this seems commonplace for those who are Prodigal type individuals.
We see when multiple people in particular persevere in prayer for someone things often eventually happen. For those who won't respond; often they are taken away and we never have contact with them again. We don't have the luxury of knowing if anyone has another day on this earth; but we do know the Lord will save all of His elect.
Also; of course the praiseworthy attributes of God's Holiness; power; might; honor and glory should be acclaimed with conviction. This comes from TRUE worship in song and scripture reading. It also comes from a broken and contrite heart ( Ps 51
Hello Francene777. The answer you seek is difficult to give since the Bible does not divulge any more information than what is given in the first chapter of Genesis. In regards to what you learned about this, that the Earth lost its form & became void when Satan decided to rule, we have been given no timeline as to when Satan was cast out of Heaven & whether being cast out, the Earth became uninhabitable. So, it can only be speculation on this matter.
For your thoughts though: the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:4 wrote, "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them". Satan is considered the 'god of this world', not that he usurpes the True God's creative, sustaining ownership of this Earth, but that Satan as a roaring, prowling lion, constantly seeks to infiltrate the minds of people towards sin & estrangement from God. So I ask myself, 'if Satan is still free to roam & deceive the hearts of men, why doesn't this beautifully formed & filled Earth become corrupt again as it did in Genesis 1:2?" Surely, if the Earth was created by God in perfect form & fullness at the first, then became corrupted by Satan's presence, it follows that it should then return to a corrupted formless state. But as far as I can see, this is still a beautiful Earth that we have been given, to which Satan has no power over. Maybe worth considering.
Something amazing about that BOOK. Do you know why it's called the LAMBS BOOK OF LIFE?
It is filled with the names of those of us who have LIFE, the LIFE of the BLESSED SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.
FULL of LIFE! Abundant LIFE! John 10:10 "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have LIFE, and that they might have it more abundantly." What does it mean to have LIFE more abundant?
To be FULL of the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD, and to have HIS name written on our foreheads though the circumcision not made with hands Colossians 2:11 "In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:" May we endeavor to keep to HIS fullness for we are complete in HIM. Colossians 2:10
Being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16
Our hope is in JESUS, and not in the things of this world. So, yes, we prepare, and we equip ourselves as soldiers in the army of God, prepared for battle. Yet, we lean NOT on our own strength, but on His everlasting arms, because He is our strength, our shield.
We study to show ourselves approved of GOD. For we are not those who seek honor from men, but the honor that comes from God alone, and he gives us favor. "So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man." Proverbs 3:4
He is the MASTER potter, and we are the clay. May our lives be honorable unto Him, and him alone. For He alone is worthy to be praised. I magnify His name. His glorious name JESUS. All powerful is our LORD, and Savior Jesus Christ.
The grace of our Lord and Savior be with you. Amen
Thank you Jema for your reply. On the Isaiah 13:12 reference, we would find no agreement at all, as the verse, when understood naturally & in context refers to the scarcity of human life during those times of the LORD's intervention & destruction. If you are finding Jesus in there (i.e. "I will MAKE A MAN more precious than fine gold"), then that would have to be a personal discovery rather than a textual truth.
And likewise with Colossians 3:10, the text doesn't allow for such an interpretation (i.e. of God creating Jesus). Paul is writing about two 'persons': the new man (i.e. the human being renewed by the Spirit), and of God (Who creates in His (God's) Image). So, it doesn't speak of Jesus, but of man who was once created in God's Image (Adam), & then after the fall, that image was marred, which necessitated a re-creation of that image in man. And to do this, man had to be changed inwardly (becoming a 'new man'), who now is being "renewed in knowledge" into the image of the One (God) Who created him (man). Yes, we do have 2 Corinthians 4:4 & Colossians 1:15 to support your use of 'image' as to Christ's 'creation', but we also have Genesis 1:27 & 1 Corinthians 11:7 to support man being made in God's Image. But to put Christ in Colossians 3:10 would violate the point of that verse which is directed to man's renewal.
Lastly, you wrote that you "don't really relish the idea of a big debate". That puzzled me since you initiated those questions for our responses. If we gave responses without 'debate/discussion', then the whole exercise would be entirely fruitless & pointless. So maybe you just wanted to share your understanding of those verses, but not willing to defend your beliefs; and these matters (of Christ's Divinity, eternal judgement, etc.) are vital to Christians & also in the preaching of the Gospel. Without these fundamentals, we have no Gospel - we have no message of liberty & hope to share with a lost world.
I am convinced that one of the most commonly used and successful tactics the enemy uses to combat prayer is the cacophony of conversation that occurs prior to many church services while people grab a cup of coffee and a pastry. There is ALWAYS five or ten minutes when most church members and regular attenders are hanging out chatting about their relatives; friends; sports; work or other such stuff. It is sad to say that in the last three weeks I have heard NOTHING discussed about scripture or the Lord for that matter.
This is; admittedly me griping on the subject but this has happened repeatedly in my exprience in other houses of worship and I am sure others can relate. I have found that with some effort you can flesh out something meaningful; sometimes profound about someone's background in ministry or current personal struggles. It is harder; again from what I have observed to be able to steal a minute or two with someone to pray about something. This morning I had several folks who I told that I would pray for (one whose husband is ill which I heard about in Sunday school; another who told me he was out of work with migranes).
In all this I would be remiss not mentioning that there are more than one parishioner there praying DAILY for my situation living at home with unbelieving parents. Those who are in a prayerful mindset often speak little in these settings; as they do not wish to be part of meaningless chatter; I would suspect.
2 Corinthians 4:7 talks of treasure in earthen vessels; but also that the power is of God and NOT of us. There is a time and place for all types of discussion; but corporate worship should be focused on the Lord. There are more; it seems who boast of their store of deadly weapons than who wield the spiritual ones (at least in conservative circles). If we do not learn how to effectively use a weapon it becomes useless. Let us therefore guard our hearts ( Prov. 4:23). Also read Ephesians 6.
May the LORD give us wisdom in reading, studying and applying HIS word.
2 Timothy 2:15
James 2:
10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Romans 4:
2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Ephesians 2:
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Titus 3:
4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
May we be intercessors in CHRIST name, Isaiah 59:16, for those who have been blinded by the god of this world, 2 Corinthians 4:3, 4.
We are called to stand in the gap for others, Ezekiel 22:30, and plant the seed of the word that others may water and that GOD will give the increase.
Acts 15:
8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
I've had it with these End time prophecy teachers, who teach nothing, but are fear mongers. Jesus did not explain the events of the end until he was asked, and even then he only gave us a glimpse. Not ALL THAT important. Is your house in order, are you guilty of presumptuous sin? Is Jesus Christ, His death, burial and resurrection the center focus of your outlook on life. The Apostle Paul asked the question "Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound"? Rom 6:1 God forbid! I believe we are tasked with getting the LOG out of our eye, which requires much practice of the fervency prayer talked about in James 5:16 and it says
"The effectual FERVENT prayer of a righteous man avails much." The indoctrination of the clueless who have flooded our weak pulpits with their doctrine of "self gratification" blowing up their own minds by speaking great swelling words, and leaving us with nothing but gravel to chew on. I believe we have some self examining to do. "For in an hour that ye think not the SON of man cometh" Matthew 24:44 Being ready as our LORD commanded us. Watch and pray! Drawing ever so closer to the MASTER of our souls, and redeeming the time for the time is at hand. We have been commissioned to "Go ye therefore" to preach, and to teach, what JESUS taught. All that He taught his disciples when he walked on this earth, and how he lived his life; We are to live. A replication of the manifestation of the LOVE that dwelt in the HOLY child Jesus. May it be imparted unto us. May our minds be renewed day by day. "For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." 2 Corinthians 4:16 If our focus is NOT JESUS CHRIST, and HIM only then our lives lay waste, and the abominable awaits, the passions of our wicked evil heart. Only to be consumed by our lustful desires, the enemy of our soul, the carnal mind. O how it plays on our vulnerability. We have some examining to do for the hour is late, and the time is at hand.
Hi Jess L. If I might add a little to what others have shared with you, including those Scriptures for you to consider, I would include a very important chapter (John chapter 17), as Jesus' great & special prayer to His Father just prior to the events leading to His arrest & crucifixion.
The ministry of Jesus on Earth was now completed, only the final work of redemption lay before Him. But Jesus says something interesting to His Father: "Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee" (v1), and then further adds, "O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was" (v5). To glorify means 'to bestow honor; to magnify someone's worth'. When Jesus sought His Father's glory of Himself at this point, it was what remained before Him: the culmination of His Ministry to His disciples & others & the laying down of His Life for them. To many, Jesus' death meant failure, a riddance of a thorn in their flesh, an inability to accomplish what He had promised. But He knew that He did not come to meet the whims & fancies of men, but to bring sinners into the love & fold of God ( John 10:15,16). Men would hate & reject Him, but His Father's Plan for man's redemption would be fully accomplished & in this act of sacrifice & love, both the Father & Son would be glorified & Jesus' time of glorification had arrived - not by pomp & ceremony but by sacrificial Love.
But such love was nothing new, for God is the embodiment of Love, Mercy, Grace, & Truth. But when Jesus came to Earth, that Glory was hidden from men, that only God would be glorified in the Face of Jesus ( 2 Corinthians 4:6). But now the Glory of Jesus would also be seen by those who believe - and this Glory that was once hidden would be returned to Him - as He said, "with the glory which I had with thee before the world was". Jesus, God's Word, was within God's Person, for He 'came out from God & came forth from the Father' ( John 16:27,28).
-- REV 4:1 - 1260 days + forty and two months - REV 19:11-21--
REV 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. (DON'T HAVE TO CALL IT RAPTURE, BUT THAT DAY WILL COME LIKE A THIEF IN THE NIGHT/TRIBULATION STARTS)
REV 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; ('Raptured, caught up, whichever you call it, Saints singing in Heaven before the 1st seal)
REV 11:3 ( two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days) 1260 DAYS
REV 11:7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them." (when? In Rev 13:7)
REV 11:12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, COME UP HITHER. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them." (two witnesses resurrected,'raptured', when the beast makes war and kills them in Rev 13:7)
REV 13:5 Best given forty and two months. 1260 days over and 42 months to go.
REV 13:7 Two Witness killed as told in Rev 11:7
Skip To Rev 19:11-21. 2nd coming of Jesus Christ. 7 years. Does not say it, but it is 7 years from the start of Tribulation to the 2nd coming of Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:3-4
3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Rapture just means (A seizing, a Carrying off) Not found in the Bible, describes how it will be to be taken to Heaven. Call it when Those who are ready, are taken.
Salvation there is a death and an ressurection for the TRUE believers.
This is not done by an alter call or an profession but by the Spirit of God that searches the heart.
Colossians 2:12
having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead
2 Corinthians 4:16
Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
Galatians 6:15
For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
Romans 6:4
Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.
Colossians 3:1
Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Romans 7:6
But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter.
Ephesians 4:24
and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.
Life begins here as a babe in Christ,
God bless you for this all important portion of scripture.
For it has been granted to you not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for him (Phillipians 1:29). Acts 5:41 is in a similar vein; namely being thankful for being worthy to be persecuted in His name; which is promised for all true believers. ( 2 Tim. 3:12; etal). The promise of being chastised if we are a true child of God and other sufferings aren't exactly the first thing we focus on
when it comes to God's promises. But of course if we consider these hard sayings first; we can learn to appreciate the more pleasurable promises in a greater way.
The opposite is true of course; in light of Hebrews 11:25. Sin runs its course of earthly pleasures; which lead up to eternal condemnation. For God's children; however there are pleasures evermore in His right hand ( Psalm 16:11). The fullness of life is also mentioned in that verse which corresponds with John 10:10 in living life to the full. Food and clothing are promised in the Gospels ( Matt. 6:25); (compare with 1 Kings 17:6 where the ravens brought Elijah food). Notice that shelter or a place to rest His head is mentioned as lacking in Matthew 8:20; which made some turn away from following Him. Surely Christ Himself did stay in peoples' homes for short interludes; but He also spent many nights on mountains in prayer; or sleeping on a boat.
Much prayer; of course seems to be edifying when focused on fulfilling the Great Commission. God states in Isaiah 55:11; that His word will not go out void; but accomplish His purposes. If we are doing His work; then we can be sure to reap what we sow; in terms of reward (see Psalm 126:5). Heavenly treasures are a promise for those who are serving out of a pure heart (see 2 Timothy 4:7-8). Therefore; the end ouf our sufferings in Christ will bring eternal glory that outweighs anything on earth. (see Romans 8:18). 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 also discusses "momentary afflictions" that don't compare to heavenly bliss.
It would seem so based on 1 John 5:19; 2 Corinthians 4:4 and other similar verses.
This corresponds with the idea of all those not written in the Book of Life as well in Revelation 20:5. The status of a person is determined by God; as well as those who the Son is revealed to. ( Matt. 11:27). Thus; in God's timing Antichrist is revealed; and therefore those who do not love the truth will believe THE LIE ( 2 Thess. 2:11-12).
Several passages in Revelation refer to those who "dwell on the earth." These are those who are not written in the Book of Life and who will take the Mark of the Beast.
All of us are asked to be in the world but not of it as believers. ( John 17:15-21). That which appeals to the flesh is not of God and the flesh and the Spirit contend with one another ( Galatians 5:17). We understand this in light of the fact that we are not to think that anything done in the flesh is inherently evil as those who accused Christ of being a "glutton and winebibber" ( Matt. 11:19). Marriage is honorable and the marriage bed undefiled ( Heb. 13:4); but God judges all those who go outside of the parameters God has set forth as indicated by the rest of that passage. We see more of this in the book of Corinthians ( 1 Cor. 10:31) to give glory to God whenever we eat or drink or do anything else.
In this world; the spirits of disobedience ( Eph. 2:2) and the Prince of the power of the air were who we were subjected to. 2 Corinthians 4:4 states that the god of this world has blinded men's minds to the truth. We should as believers hold fast to the promises of God in regard to verses such as Luke 10:19 as to Christ's victory over Satan and his minions. What the enemy can do; however is gain legal access into our lives with unconfessed sins; and destroy our testimony. I think I can say fairly confidently that the warfare in Ephesians 6 is almost always increased once one truly is saved; and particularly when the Lord has great plans in our lives. Great; of course is defined as important for His Kingdom not necessarily seen or acknowledged by anyone; or just a few should we need encouragement.
We should expect that much physical; emotional and mental suffering in our lives is due to interference from these entities. It is hard to extricate spiritual warfare in regard to the wounds on the soul and those on our physical body. I will elaborate on victory in future posts.
I have stated starting this series my dissection of the Book of John. It is an excellent examination of the concept of Predestination of those the Father has given to the Son; and such facts about who is given or revealed the truth about Christ. Stating such a fact; however doesn't give those in the "hyper grace" camp as well as others license to skip over repentance as a necessary element of saving faith. God does grant repentance ( 2 Timothy 2:25 also in Acts). Perhaps it would be fair to say that it is much like salvation as a free gift; certainly it is part of what causes one to be saved. Again; avoiding the consequences of sin like Judas Iscariot did shows worldly sorrow; what Peter did was weep bitterly as He offended one that He deeply loved. ( 2 Cor. 7:10).
I also feel that it is very dangerous if we are in a Christian environment from our youth and don't really have a time that we can see a change in realizing we had been called from death to life. This is not to say that we should place all our cards on the validity of a one time statement; even if valid as we may discover that our hearts weren't really converted at first when He reveals Himself at a later time. God is beyond time and space; but if one IS to become a believer He will wait until that happens in THIS lifetime. That of course brings up questions as to why God holds back judgment for the lost; more cans of worms than I care to open at present. Our confidence; of course is to be in the finished work of Christ; but nonetheless we are HIs temple so to speak (see also 2 Corinthians 4:7). The Spirit must take residence to be truly in the faith ( John 14:23). This; as the verse indicates shows the Father active and present along with the Son of God.
Truly; one of the strongest indicators that we know the Lord is the fear of the Lord resides in us. Proverbs 9:10 is hardly isolated regarding that fact. His life should draw others to Christ in us
Our childlike faith should never be calloused by the weight of the world. That being said; there is no escaping the fact that we are in mortal bodies which are perishing daily such as 2 Corinthians 4:16 indicates. We have treasure in earthen vessels; though ( 2 Cor. 4:7). There is a healthy abandon which should accompany a mature faith; these aren't needing to be mutually exclusive states of mind and practice. We see those in the parable of the seeds and the sower who have immediate joy but no root in themselves ( Luke 8:13). We also have warnings to the Ephesian church in Revelation about leaving their first love ( Rev. 2:4).
The difference in these two verses is those who have an emotional reaction to the Gospel not rooted in faith; and in the second case those who had a true love in Christ and followed all the right doctrines but didn't continue to have love of Christ as their prime motivation. If we love Him we obey Him ( 1 John 5:2; John 14:21). Love of proper doctrine; law and other protocols should be the offshoot of that love but it must keep a root in a living; active faith else it slips into a religious set of moral dogmas that seeks to either squelch the flesh or brings an attitude of pride and self righteousness to the ecclesiastical leadership that leads to a dead religious set of rituals. Eventually; of course that leads to the tendancy of additional rituals in a Pharisaical manner if we are not careful.
Avoiding dead fellowship is no excuse for a permanant retreat from fellowship; however. Especially as we see the day of His return drawing near we are told NOT to forsake the assembly of one another ( Heb. 10:25). Our identities should be seen as adopted sons and daughters and being part of that heavenly assembly ( Heb. 12:1). There is a knowledge that the earth and heaven must be remade; all creation is groaning and will be until that Day comes ( Romans 8:22). Satan's accusations show us earth is not our home.
Intimacy with God and knowing God further thoughts.
Perhaps an illustration from the Gospels would be of further help in understanding God's interaction with His own. The disciples were all given nicknames at the onset of their ministry after being called for His use. We see many verses where Jesus addressed issues of pride among certain of His disciples and in particular there was individual refining in Peter's life who the Lord seemed to focus all of His attention in terms of individual counseling at least in regard to what was written down in the scriptures.
Before we get on Peter's case for not trusting God while walking on the water; for instance we should note the fact that no one else was even attempting to do so at the time. Likewise; when He was headed for a fall; Jesus already knew it and was in fact praying for Him that He would restore His brethren when He was "converted" ( Luke 22:32). ALL the disciples ran away as was prophecied ( Matt. 26:31) so they were all guilty; but Peter was boastful and proud. We are warned not to allow Satan a foothold; of course but ultimately the Lord used Peter to be a cornerstone or rock in starting the church and foreknew; of course his martyrdom to come. That is something which we all struggle with fear of death in regard to physical suffering. That of course brings us to the pinnacle of trust in the Lord such as is mentioned in Psalm 23.
Trusting the Lord and not leaning on our own understanding ( Prov. 3:5-6) certainly needs to be a foundation of our walk with Christ. One thing our experience should teach us is that we cannot trust ourselves outside of God's plans for us. It should as I have pointed out recently involve trusting God to provide answers in our lives from within the fellowship of the saints that He has placed in our lives to refine us as well as for us to edify as fellow adopted sons and daughters in Christ. They are as 2 Corinthians 4:7 says "treasures in earthen vessels". Open our eyes.
I believe the psalmist is speaking about when we are going though ,what I call DRY TIMES with God. There will be days we will question our salvation ,our worship,our crying out to the Lord! In these times the Lord sometime wants to see what we are going to do? Our we going to keep studying the word, worship, keep raising our hands to HEAVEN or just give up ? Remember the book of Job, can we be like Job?Well for me ,I have been though a lot of dry times over 42 years. I almost went back . Family, job situations, marriage. But the song writer said "trouble does not going to last always". When hard times come we go on a fast from the TV,from the pleasures of this world . Do God's work all the time, not sometimes. Look at this ,this way. When we our at work, things don't always go our way, we don't always get off on time,that associate that never agrees with you on this day ,worse than ever, that doesn't stop us from going to work! I said that to say this don't give up on Christ, he made the ultimate sacrifice,giving his Life on the Cross. John 10:10 That we may have Life and that more abundantly, In JESUS Remember True Christians don't give up to the world,we give in to JESUS.I believe in " 2 Corinthians 4:8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair ;" 1 Corinthians 10:13
"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." But we must remember this scripture in " James 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: Now let's remember also that God loved us first. I leave you with this study your Bible showed thyself approved. Don't slack in God's work,also don't be caught with your work undone. Have A Blessed New Year with Jesus on your mind All the Time.
Thank you Alexander for that great testimony; even as the Apostle Paul wrote, "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" ( 2 Corinthians 4:6). You've received His Light, His Truth, & His Power to be set free - not the vain & false enticings by the enemy of our souls, which only leads to damnation. As Peter also wrote, "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar (a special called out) people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light" ( 1 Peter 2:9).
Continue to show forth His Praises to all, using God's Word to the fullest; your old ally has now become your worst enemy - he won't leave you but will surely afflict you - but he can't reach your soul & will flee when the 'joy of the LORD' & His mighty Word are your garments of protection & witness. Ephesians 6:10-18.
Bless the Lord; o my soul and forget none of His benefits ( Psalm 103:2). In preaching to the lost world; we certainly need to declare the victory over sin; and God's love ( John 3:16). We are translated from death to life in His Dear Son ( Colossians 1:13).
In fact God IS love ( 1 John 4:8).
In the backdrop of the news of the "exceeding great glory" awaiting us; ( 2 Peter 1:4) we also have 2 Corinthians 4:17 which mentions our "light afflictions" before glorification. Paul himself was told how much "he would suffer for the Kingdom of God's sake" ( Acts 9:16). Peter was instructed of similar things when the Lord asked him if he loved Him 3 times in John 21:15-16.
Such messages are rarely given today.
There are several problems preventing these truths to be given in exhortation. First of all; if we don't see some sort of persecution being suffered as is promised toward ALL who are Godly in Christ Jesus as their fate ( 2 Timothy 3:2) then we are not given any example to emulate and therefore live with unrealistic expectations as to how comfortable our lives will be once we live out our faith. Of course; with anything else the fact of the matter exists that the "fear of the Lord is the beginning of understanding." ( Prov. 1:7; 9:10; Psalm 111:10 and many other passages). It follows that reverence; awe; and respect result from such an understanding as well as the discipline to be as a hardened soldier not concerned with "civilian affairs" ( 2 Timothy 2:4).
I have stated in other places how exhortation and rebuke is; in such a permissive society not considered proper etiquette. That feeds into my next point; that we aren't seeing what is Biblical discipleship in WEEDING out those tares that are there to spread false doctrines and cause dissention as well as giving challenges as "iron sharpens iron" ( Prov. 27:17). This is a problem with church elders and other leaders and of course laypersons follow their lead.
In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, THAT ALL MEN THROUGH HIM MIGHT BELIEVE.
He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
That was the true Light, WHICH LIGHTEST EVERY MAN THAT COMETH INTO THE WORLD. John 1:4-9.
2 Corinthians 4:3-4. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
NO MAN CAN COME TO ME, EXCEPT THE FATHER WHICH HATH SENT ME DRAW HIM: and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:44.
(It is the spirit of God that draws man to the Lord.)
"For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ." Jude 1:4 KJV
"And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God." John 20:28 KJV
"And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:" Mark 12:29 KJV
"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:" Deuteronomy 6:4 KJV
"And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments." Revelation 16:7 KJV
Romans 10:9 , Luke 2:11, Philippians 2:11, 2 Corinthians 4:5
Ultimately; whether it be Armageddon or the final Great White throne judgment; or the individual demise of every person outside of the faith since Adam fell; the fate of unregenerate man is horrible beyond imagination. The biggest problem is that we don't know who Christ is; the eyes of those under Satan's power are blinded ( 2 Corinthians 4:4). Once we can see clearly we will be on our face; so it is better to do it now than under compulsion at judgment. The righteous also are constrained but by His love to praise and worship the Lord. The Holy Spirit when we are fully surrendered will fill our entire being with praise.
For now; it wouldn't surprise me a bit if an atheist would have less of an issue with say capital punishment as many who call themselves Christian. The Antichrist himself is called the "lawless one" and indeed at least one atheist I met was from a worldly standpoint a very "moral" person. What the law does is serve as a "schoolmaster" ( Gal. 3:24) to bring people to faith.
This explains why it is possible for the vilest sinner (such as possibly occured with Jeffrey Dahmer) to change. As Christians we shouldn't have a double standard we can exact justice to protect the innocent but still have an attitude of unconditional love and forgiveness which wouldn't be comprehended by an atheist.
Anyway another good point is that Christ never said the adage that God helps those who help themselves. If there was any other way certainly God would not have allowed His son to go through the suffering on the cross; or turn His back on Him at that instant of time. This shows sin is DEADLY serious.
Also of course 1 Corinthians 11:30 shows that even God' speople can have a shortened life living in disobedience. God delivered a man over to Satan so that at some point before death he would repent (apparently the man came to his senses and eventually was restored to fellowship). Better to make it to heaven through fire than hell.
Thank you for your reply, yes, Genesis 3:15 tells us He will come by the seed of a woman, and that is exactly what we see happen in Mary. My understanding of John 1:1-5 is John's prolog at the start of his gospel like Genesis 1:1 is a prolog to the rest of Genesis 1. John starts with, In the beginning.
I see this beginning as the coming of the Messiah/Christ the beginning of Jesus's ministry because in John 1:6, John goes to John the Baptist as the witness of the one who was to come, the Light that darkness did not comprehend. This is the start of Jesus's ministry when Jesus was anointed with the Holy Ghost/Spirit and God made Him the Messiah/Christ, Acts 2:36.
Jesus was sent for the lost sheep of Israel, Matthew 15:24, His role or ministry was to fulfill the law and the prophets in confirming the new covenant by His death and resurrection from the dead to pay the price for our sins. Daniel 9:27 is also about the 3.5 years of Jesus ministry but that is another topic. Jesus was the Messiah that was prophesied to come in Daniel. As I have discussed with Chris my understanding is Jesus was the beginning of the plan of God and like John 1:10 it is through Him not by Him.
Jesus, God' Son is first in God's plan of creation, and everything was created in and through Him and Jesus was begotten in the fullness of time. Ephesians 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: Colossians 1:20. I know you may also not agree with that but that is how I understand, it is God the Father who is the creator.
The light was the word of God that dwelt in Jesus, the glory of the Father that dwelt in Jesus, 2 Corinthians 4:6.
God bless,
RLW
Mark 8:30 is one of several verses indicating Christ told people including the Disciples NOT to tell anyone who He was (namely; the Son of God). He spoke in Parables to hide things from all except those called and chosen (see Matthew 13:10).
When we survey the narrative of the Gospels it leaves us dumbfounded as to how anyone could not realize who Christ was. After all John the Baptist after baptizing a large amount of the entire population including the Pharisees warning them of who was to come identified Christ ( John 1:32 and recorded in Luke 3:22 as being accompanied by a voice from heaven). Only the Spirit could reveal this truth as we see in Matthew 16:17.
There are several reasons for this blindness. One is the god of this world who is mentioned as blinding men to the truth as illustrated in 2 Corinthians 4:4. The second was in the hidden counsels of God more than likely (See Deut. 29:29). If the wicked knew who He was they would have stopped it because it would have led to their guilt in the act and He would inevitably be Resurrected. Satan also may have not been involved because it would mean His defeat as prophesied in Genesis 3:15 (although he is insane enough to ignore what he probably should have known). Israel should have recognized that the suffering servant would also come back as conquering king. They would have waited until He established that Kingdom on earth without having a heart to truly worship Him; reminiscent of the group who finally rebels at the end of the Millennium period.
We need to squarely face this fact in terms of how the unregenerate view Christ. Any affinity one may have for Jesus apart from the grace of God bringing repentance is from a false Christ in our imaginations which inevitably brings a works based attempt at salvation or considering Him a great teacher or Prophet as was the case of those in Matthew 16:14. Church is the congregation of the Holy not a social club for comfort.
This was the Apostle Paul who received this powerful, yet comforting Word from His Lord. As Adam wrote here, Paul was a prime example of much suffering, not just in the physical realm, but also spiritual & emotional. His life was marked by daily suffering & anguish of heart & spirit, yet he persevered in the Gospel, knowing that his sufferings were but momentary compared to 'the glory which is yet to be revealed (to us &) in us'. "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." ( Romans 8:18). See also 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.
If these great men of faith, even our sinless Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, were not immune from suffering, we know that while we are in the flesh, the workings of sin & corruption within, will always manifest itself in one form or another. My wife & I have been thus far blessed not to have any debilitating illness or injury come upon us (only the minor interruptions to sound health, because of age), yet we know that we can never take this for granted & are resting in our Father's Arms each day for whatever the day might bring forth.
Psalm 27 has always been precious to us. Sure, it was King David calling upon God as his enemies troubled him from every side, but can we not also consider that it's not just the anger of men we might face, but just living in corrupt bodies in a corrupt world that continually works against our joy & perfection in Christ? Please read this Psalm of praise & trust by David & particularly v14, "Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD."
The only offensive weapon in Ephesians 6 is the sword of the Spirit. Today's megachurches have tended to make things into a sideshow by defining success as someone with a lot of possessions. Indeed God CAN honor a prayer regarding material things but it is unwise and naive to ignore verses such as Deuteronomy 17:17; for it can lead to total apostasy later when greed takes over.
Playing games to underestimate the intensity of the evil we face does no one any favors either. Those who would be hesitant to warn sinners of their grievous state and need of repentance so as not to "offend" anyone are probably the same ones who downplay how serious the conflict is with the demonic horde under Satan that have pretty well taken over society; and worse the church in a large part making those who want to engage in serious battle seem like they are outcasts. Worse still there are many who look at Satan as somehow ruling over hell (as opposed to perhaps guarding Hades in the past as seen in those held captive described in Psalm 68:18). Men are blinded because of their own sin but 2 Corinthians 4:4 shows how Satan is the agent the Lord allows to keep men in this state. Part of praying for someone may indeed be for the enemy to cause enough misery for them to cry out to the Lord; this seems commonplace for those who are Prodigal type individuals.
We see when multiple people in particular persevere in prayer for someone things often eventually happen. For those who won't respond; often they are taken away and we never have contact with them again. We don't have the luxury of knowing if anyone has another day on this earth; but we do know the Lord will save all of His elect.
Also; of course the praiseworthy attributes of God's Holiness; power; might; honor and glory should be acclaimed with conviction. This comes from TRUE worship in song and scripture reading. It also comes from a broken and contrite heart ( Ps 51
So let us enjoy the time we have to celebrate and declare HIS salvation with HIS blood shed on the cross.
Then there is a debate regarding HIS resurrection.
2 Corinthians 4:
3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost
May we live our lives showing that our GOD lives. We can show this by being obedient and true to HIS word. 2 Timothy 2:15; 3: 16, 17
Merry Christmas to all; and
Numbers 6
24 The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
25 The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
Luke 2
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
Have a great time with family and friends!
December 23, 2023
For your thoughts though: the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:4 wrote, "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them". Satan is considered the 'god of this world', not that he usurpes the True God's creative, sustaining ownership of this Earth, but that Satan as a roaring, prowling lion, constantly seeks to infiltrate the minds of people towards sin & estrangement from God. So I ask myself, 'if Satan is still free to roam & deceive the hearts of men, why doesn't this beautifully formed & filled Earth become corrupt again as it did in Genesis 1:2?" Surely, if the Earth was created by God in perfect form & fullness at the first, then became corrupted by Satan's presence, it follows that it should then return to a corrupted formless state. But as far as I can see, this is still a beautiful Earth that we have been given, to which Satan has no power over. Maybe worth considering.
Something amazing about that BOOK. Do you know why it's called the LAMBS BOOK OF LIFE?
It is filled with the names of those of us who have LIFE, the LIFE of the BLESSED SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.
FULL of LIFE! Abundant LIFE! John 10:10 "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have LIFE, and that they might have it more abundantly." What does it mean to have LIFE more abundant?
To be FULL of the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD, and to have HIS name written on our foreheads though the circumcision not made with hands Colossians 2:11 "In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:" May we endeavor to keep to HIS fullness for we are complete in HIM. Colossians 2:10
Being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16
Our hope is in JESUS, and not in the things of this world. So, yes, we prepare, and we equip ourselves as soldiers in the army of God, prepared for battle. Yet, we lean NOT on our own strength, but on His everlasting arms, because He is our strength, our shield.
We study to show ourselves approved of GOD. For we are not those who seek honor from men, but the honor that comes from God alone, and he gives us favor. "So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man." Proverbs 3:4
He is the MASTER potter, and we are the clay. May our lives be honorable unto Him, and him alone. For He alone is worthy to be praised. I magnify His name. His glorious name JESUS. All powerful is our LORD, and Savior Jesus Christ.
The grace of our Lord and Savior be with you. Amen
And likewise with Colossians 3:10, the text doesn't allow for such an interpretation (i.e. of God creating Jesus). Paul is writing about two 'persons': the new man (i.e. the human being renewed by the Spirit), and of God (Who creates in His (God's) Image). So, it doesn't speak of Jesus, but of man who was once created in God's Image (Adam), & then after the fall, that image was marred, which necessitated a re-creation of that image in man. And to do this, man had to be changed inwardly (becoming a 'new man'), who now is being "renewed in knowledge" into the image of the One (God) Who created him (man). Yes, we do have 2 Corinthians 4:4 & Colossians 1:15 to support your use of 'image' as to Christ's 'creation', but we also have Genesis 1:27 & 1 Corinthians 11:7 to support man being made in God's Image. But to put Christ in Colossians 3:10 would violate the point of that verse which is directed to man's renewal.
Lastly, you wrote that you "don't really relish the idea of a big debate". That puzzled me since you initiated those questions for our responses. If we gave responses without 'debate/discussion', then the whole exercise would be entirely fruitless & pointless. So maybe you just wanted to share your understanding of those verses, but not willing to defend your beliefs; and these matters (of Christ's Divinity, eternal judgement, etc.) are vital to Christians & also in the preaching of the Gospel. Without these fundamentals, we have no Gospel - we have no message of liberty & hope to share with a lost world.
I am convinced that one of the most commonly used and successful tactics the enemy uses to combat prayer is the cacophony of conversation that occurs prior to many church services while people grab a cup of coffee and a pastry. There is ALWAYS five or ten minutes when most church members and regular attenders are hanging out chatting about their relatives; friends; sports; work or other such stuff. It is sad to say that in the last three weeks I have heard NOTHING discussed about scripture or the Lord for that matter.
This is; admittedly me griping on the subject but this has happened repeatedly in my exprience in other houses of worship and I am sure others can relate. I have found that with some effort you can flesh out something meaningful; sometimes profound about someone's background in ministry or current personal struggles. It is harder; again from what I have observed to be able to steal a minute or two with someone to pray about something. This morning I had several folks who I told that I would pray for (one whose husband is ill which I heard about in Sunday school; another who told me he was out of work with migranes).
In all this I would be remiss not mentioning that there are more than one parishioner there praying DAILY for my situation living at home with unbelieving parents. Those who are in a prayerful mindset often speak little in these settings; as they do not wish to be part of meaningless chatter; I would suspect.
2 Corinthians 4:7 talks of treasure in earthen vessels; but also that the power is of God and NOT of us. There is a time and place for all types of discussion; but corporate worship should be focused on the Lord. There are more; it seems who boast of their store of deadly weapons than who wield the spiritual ones (at least in conservative circles). If we do not learn how to effectively use a weapon it becomes useless. Let us therefore guard our hearts ( Prov. 4:23). Also read Ephesians 6.
2 Timothy 2:15
James 2:
10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Romans 4:
2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Ephesians 2:
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Titus 3:
4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
May we be intercessors in CHRIST name, Isaiah 59:16, for those who have been blinded by the god of this world, 2 Corinthians 4:3, 4.
We are called to stand in the gap for others, Ezekiel 22:30, and plant the seed of the word that others may water and that GOD will give the increase.
Acts 15:
8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
Salvation is by faith in CHRIST alone.
GOD bless everyone!
"The effectual FERVENT prayer of a righteous man avails much." The indoctrination of the clueless who have flooded our weak pulpits with their doctrine of "self gratification" blowing up their own minds by speaking great swelling words, and leaving us with nothing but gravel to chew on. I believe we have some self examining to do. "For in an hour that ye think not the SON of man cometh" Matthew 24:44 Being ready as our LORD commanded us. Watch and pray! Drawing ever so closer to the MASTER of our souls, and redeeming the time for the time is at hand. We have been commissioned to "Go ye therefore" to preach, and to teach, what JESUS taught. All that He taught his disciples when he walked on this earth, and how he lived his life; We are to live. A replication of the manifestation of the LOVE that dwelt in the HOLY child Jesus. May it be imparted unto us. May our minds be renewed day by day. "For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." 2 Corinthians 4:16 If our focus is NOT JESUS CHRIST, and HIM only then our lives lay waste, and the abominable awaits, the passions of our wicked evil heart. Only to be consumed by our lustful desires, the enemy of our soul, the carnal mind. O how it plays on our vulnerability. We have some examining to do for the hour is late, and the time is at hand.
The ministry of Jesus on Earth was now completed, only the final work of redemption lay before Him. But Jesus says something interesting to His Father: "Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee" (v1), and then further adds, "O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was" (v5). To glorify means 'to bestow honor; to magnify someone's worth'. When Jesus sought His Father's glory of Himself at this point, it was what remained before Him: the culmination of His Ministry to His disciples & others & the laying down of His Life for them. To many, Jesus' death meant failure, a riddance of a thorn in their flesh, an inability to accomplish what He had promised. But He knew that He did not come to meet the whims & fancies of men, but to bring sinners into the love & fold of God ( John 10:15,16). Men would hate & reject Him, but His Father's Plan for man's redemption would be fully accomplished & in this act of sacrifice & love, both the Father & Son would be glorified & Jesus' time of glorification had arrived - not by pomp & ceremony but by sacrificial Love.
But such love was nothing new, for God is the embodiment of Love, Mercy, Grace, & Truth. But when Jesus came to Earth, that Glory was hidden from men, that only God would be glorified in the Face of Jesus ( 2 Corinthians 4:6). But now the Glory of Jesus would also be seen by those who believe - and this Glory that was once hidden would be returned to Him - as He said, "with the glory which I had with thee before the world was". Jesus, God's Word, was within God's Person, for He 'came out from God & came forth from the Father' ( John 16:27,28).
REV 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. (DON'T HAVE TO CALL IT RAPTURE, BUT THAT DAY WILL COME LIKE A THIEF IN THE NIGHT/TRIBULATION STARTS)
REV 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; ('Raptured, caught up, whichever you call it, Saints singing in Heaven before the 1st seal)
REV 11:3 ( two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days) 1260 DAYS
REV 11:7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them." (when? In Rev 13:7)
REV 11:12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, COME UP HITHER. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them." (two witnesses resurrected,'raptured', when the beast makes war and kills them in Rev 13:7)
REV 13:5 Best given forty and two months. 1260 days over and 42 months to go.
REV 13:7 Two Witness killed as told in Rev 11:7
Skip To Rev 19:11-21. 2nd coming of Jesus Christ. 7 years. Does not say it, but it is 7 years from the start of Tribulation to the 2nd coming of Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:3-4
3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Rapture just means (A seizing, a Carrying off) Not found in the Bible, describes how it will be to be taken to Heaven. Call it when Those who are ready, are taken.
This is not done by an alter call or an profession but by the Spirit of God that searches the heart.
Colossians 2:12
having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead
2 Corinthians 4:16
Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
Galatians 6:15
For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
Romans 6:4
Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.
Colossians 3:1
Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Romans 7:6
But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter.
Ephesians 4:24
and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.
Life begins here as a babe in Christ,
God bless you for this all important portion of scripture.
If this is not gotten right nothing else matters.
For it has been granted to you not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for him (Phillipians 1:29). Acts 5:41 is in a similar vein; namely being thankful for being worthy to be persecuted in His name; which is promised for all true believers. ( 2 Tim. 3:12; etal). The promise of being chastised if we are a true child of God and other sufferings aren't exactly the first thing we focus on
when it comes to God's promises. But of course if we consider these hard sayings first; we can learn to appreciate the more pleasurable promises in a greater way.
The opposite is true of course; in light of Hebrews 11:25. Sin runs its course of earthly pleasures; which lead up to eternal condemnation. For God's children; however there are pleasures evermore in His right hand ( Psalm 16:11). The fullness of life is also mentioned in that verse which corresponds with John 10:10 in living life to the full. Food and clothing are promised in the Gospels ( Matt. 6:25); (compare with 1 Kings 17:6 where the ravens brought Elijah food). Notice that shelter or a place to rest His head is mentioned as lacking in Matthew 8:20; which made some turn away from following Him. Surely Christ Himself did stay in peoples' homes for short interludes; but He also spent many nights on mountains in prayer; or sleeping on a boat.
Much prayer; of course seems to be edifying when focused on fulfilling the Great Commission. God states in Isaiah 55:11; that His word will not go out void; but accomplish His purposes. If we are doing His work; then we can be sure to reap what we sow; in terms of reward (see Psalm 126:5). Heavenly treasures are a promise for those who are serving out of a pure heart (see 2 Timothy 4:7-8). Therefore; the end ouf our sufferings in Christ will bring eternal glory that outweighs anything on earth. (see Romans 8:18). 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 also discusses "momentary afflictions" that don't compare to heavenly bliss.
This corresponds with the idea of all those not written in the Book of Life as well in Revelation 20:5. The status of a person is determined by God; as well as those who the Son is revealed to. ( Matt. 11:27). Thus; in God's timing Antichrist is revealed; and therefore those who do not love the truth will believe THE LIE ( 2 Thess. 2:11-12).
All of us are asked to be in the world but not of it as believers. ( John 17:15-21). That which appeals to the flesh is not of God and the flesh and the Spirit contend with one another ( Galatians 5:17). We understand this in light of the fact that we are not to think that anything done in the flesh is inherently evil as those who accused Christ of being a "glutton and winebibber" ( Matt. 11:19). Marriage is honorable and the marriage bed undefiled ( Heb. 13:4); but God judges all those who go outside of the parameters God has set forth as indicated by the rest of that passage. We see more of this in the book of Corinthians ( 1 Cor. 10:31) to give glory to God whenever we eat or drink or do anything else.
In this world; the spirits of disobedience ( Eph. 2:2) and the Prince of the power of the air were who we were subjected to. 2 Corinthians 4:4 states that the god of this world has blinded men's minds to the truth. We should as believers hold fast to the promises of God in regard to verses such as Luke 10:19 as to Christ's victory over Satan and his minions. What the enemy can do; however is gain legal access into our lives with unconfessed sins; and destroy our testimony. I think I can say fairly confidently that the warfare in Ephesians 6 is almost always increased once one truly is saved; and particularly when the Lord has great plans in our lives. Great; of course is defined as important for His Kingdom not necessarily seen or acknowledged by anyone; or just a few should we need encouragement.
We should expect that much physical; emotional and mental suffering in our lives is due to interference from these entities. It is hard to extricate spiritual warfare in regard to the wounds on the soul and those on our physical body. I will elaborate on victory in future posts.
I have stated starting this series my dissection of the Book of John. It is an excellent examination of the concept of Predestination of those the Father has given to the Son; and such facts about who is given or revealed the truth about Christ. Stating such a fact; however doesn't give those in the "hyper grace" camp as well as others license to skip over repentance as a necessary element of saving faith. God does grant repentance ( 2 Timothy 2:25 also in Acts). Perhaps it would be fair to say that it is much like salvation as a free gift; certainly it is part of what causes one to be saved. Again; avoiding the consequences of sin like Judas Iscariot did shows worldly sorrow; what Peter did was weep bitterly as He offended one that He deeply loved. ( 2 Cor. 7:10).
I also feel that it is very dangerous if we are in a Christian environment from our youth and don't really have a time that we can see a change in realizing we had been called from death to life. This is not to say that we should place all our cards on the validity of a one time statement; even if valid as we may discover that our hearts weren't really converted at first when He reveals Himself at a later time. God is beyond time and space; but if one IS to become a believer He will wait until that happens in THIS lifetime. That of course brings up questions as to why God holds back judgment for the lost; more cans of worms than I care to open at present. Our confidence; of course is to be in the finished work of Christ; but nonetheless we are HIs temple so to speak (see also 2 Corinthians 4:7). The Spirit must take residence to be truly in the faith ( John 14:23). This; as the verse indicates shows the Father active and present along with the Son of God.
Truly; one of the strongest indicators that we know the Lord is the fear of the Lord resides in us. Proverbs 9:10 is hardly isolated regarding that fact. His life should draw others to Christ in us
Our childlike faith should never be calloused by the weight of the world. That being said; there is no escaping the fact that we are in mortal bodies which are perishing daily such as 2 Corinthians 4:16 indicates. We have treasure in earthen vessels; though ( 2 Cor. 4:7). There is a healthy abandon which should accompany a mature faith; these aren't needing to be mutually exclusive states of mind and practice. We see those in the parable of the seeds and the sower who have immediate joy but no root in themselves ( Luke 8:13). We also have warnings to the Ephesian church in Revelation about leaving their first love ( Rev. 2:4).
The difference in these two verses is those who have an emotional reaction to the Gospel not rooted in faith; and in the second case those who had a true love in Christ and followed all the right doctrines but didn't continue to have love of Christ as their prime motivation. If we love Him we obey Him ( 1 John 5:2; John 14:21). Love of proper doctrine; law and other protocols should be the offshoot of that love but it must keep a root in a living; active faith else it slips into a religious set of moral dogmas that seeks to either squelch the flesh or brings an attitude of pride and self righteousness to the ecclesiastical leadership that leads to a dead religious set of rituals. Eventually; of course that leads to the tendancy of additional rituals in a Pharisaical manner if we are not careful.
Avoiding dead fellowship is no excuse for a permanant retreat from fellowship; however. Especially as we see the day of His return drawing near we are told NOT to forsake the assembly of one another ( Heb. 10:25). Our identities should be seen as adopted sons and daughters and being part of that heavenly assembly ( Heb. 12:1). There is a knowledge that the earth and heaven must be remade; all creation is groaning and will be until that Day comes ( Romans 8:22). Satan's accusations show us earth is not our home.
Perhaps an illustration from the Gospels would be of further help in understanding God's interaction with His own. The disciples were all given nicknames at the onset of their ministry after being called for His use. We see many verses where Jesus addressed issues of pride among certain of His disciples and in particular there was individual refining in Peter's life who the Lord seemed to focus all of His attention in terms of individual counseling at least in regard to what was written down in the scriptures.
Before we get on Peter's case for not trusting God while walking on the water; for instance we should note the fact that no one else was even attempting to do so at the time. Likewise; when He was headed for a fall; Jesus already knew it and was in fact praying for Him that He would restore His brethren when He was "converted" ( Luke 22:32). ALL the disciples ran away as was prophecied ( Matt. 26:31) so they were all guilty; but Peter was boastful and proud. We are warned not to allow Satan a foothold; of course but ultimately the Lord used Peter to be a cornerstone or rock in starting the church and foreknew; of course his martyrdom to come. That is something which we all struggle with fear of death in regard to physical suffering. That of course brings us to the pinnacle of trust in the Lord such as is mentioned in Psalm 23.
Trusting the Lord and not leaning on our own understanding ( Prov. 3:5-6) certainly needs to be a foundation of our walk with Christ. One thing our experience should teach us is that we cannot trust ourselves outside of God's plans for us. It should as I have pointed out recently involve trusting God to provide answers in our lives from within the fellowship of the saints that He has placed in our lives to refine us as well as for us to edify as fellow adopted sons and daughters in Christ. They are as 2 Corinthians 4:7 says "treasures in earthen vessels". Open our eyes.
"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." But we must remember this scripture in " James 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: Now let's remember also that God loved us first. I leave you with this study your Bible showed thyself approved. Don't slack in God's work,also don't be caught with your work undone. Have A Blessed New Year with Jesus on your mind All the Time.
Continue to show forth His Praises to all, using God's Word to the fullest; your old ally has now become your worst enemy - he won't leave you but will surely afflict you - but he can't reach your soul & will flee when the 'joy of the LORD' & His mighty Word are your garments of protection & witness. Ephesians 6:10-18.
Bless the Lord; o my soul and forget none of His benefits ( Psalm 103:2). In preaching to the lost world; we certainly need to declare the victory over sin; and God's love ( John 3:16). We are translated from death to life in His Dear Son ( Colossians 1:13).
In fact God IS love ( 1 John 4:8).
In the backdrop of the news of the "exceeding great glory" awaiting us; ( 2 Peter 1:4) we also have 2 Corinthians 4:17 which mentions our "light afflictions" before glorification. Paul himself was told how much "he would suffer for the Kingdom of God's sake" ( Acts 9:16). Peter was instructed of similar things when the Lord asked him if he loved Him 3 times in John 21:15-16.
Such messages are rarely given today.
There are several problems preventing these truths to be given in exhortation. First of all; if we don't see some sort of persecution being suffered as is promised toward ALL who are Godly in Christ Jesus as their fate ( 2 Timothy 3:2) then we are not given any example to emulate and therefore live with unrealistic expectations as to how comfortable our lives will be once we live out our faith. Of course; with anything else the fact of the matter exists that the "fear of the Lord is the beginning of understanding." ( Prov. 1:7; 9:10; Psalm 111:10 and many other passages). It follows that reverence; awe; and respect result from such an understanding as well as the discipline to be as a hardened soldier not concerned with "civilian affairs" ( 2 Timothy 2:4).
I have stated in other places how exhortation and rebuke is; in such a permissive society not considered proper etiquette. That feeds into my next point; that we aren't seeing what is Biblical discipleship in WEEDING out those tares that are there to spread false doctrines and cause dissention as well as giving challenges as "iron sharpens iron" ( Prov. 27:17). This is a problem with church elders and other leaders and of course laypersons follow their lead.
There is one definition for the word faith. "Persuasion".
There are 2 recipients of faith.
1)"The lost or those in darkness.
2)"The saved, Children of the light and "Promise".
For the Children of darkness, Persuasion rests on what is uncertainty/Hopefulness. "Darkness,
The Child of promise is in the light which shines in our hearts. 2 Corinthians 4:6. This is supernatural!
It's Christ Persuasion that we rest on. We are persuaded by what is truth and cannot lie.
Hebrews 6:12-33. That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,
faith/persuasion comes by hearing the word of God.
GB
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, THAT ALL MEN THROUGH HIM MIGHT BELIEVE.
He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
That was the true Light, WHICH LIGHTEST EVERY MAN THAT COMETH INTO THE WORLD. John 1:4-9.
2 Corinthians 4:3-4. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
NO MAN CAN COME TO ME, EXCEPT THE FATHER WHICH HATH SENT ME DRAW HIM: and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:44.
(It is the spirit of God that draws man to the Lord.)
John 6:60-65.
Matthew 16:17.
1 Peter 1:10-11.
1 Corinthians 2:9-11.
1 Corinthians 2:12-16.
1 Corinthians 12:3.
God bless.
"And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God." John 20:28 KJV
"And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:" Mark 12:29 KJV
"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:" Deuteronomy 6:4 KJV
"And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments." Revelation 16:7 KJV
Romans 10:9 , Luke 2:11, Philippians 2:11, 2 Corinthians 4:5
Amen.
Messengers and man were built with freedom of will because God wants
To be loved honestly not by control. So in the beginning by pride Lucifers
Sin was rebellion based on pride against the creator God. That,'s when he
Became Satan or the devil and was cast down from heaven to earth. He
Is the one that as Jesus Christ said in John 10:9 The thief cometh not but
To steal kill and destroy that's the adversaries mode of operation. He is
God of this world 2 Corinthians 4:4, now in contrast to that when we got
Born again the enemy no longer has any authority over a standing believer
Claiming and walking as a Son of the most High God. So when you think
On those things he's nothing as we walk via the spirit untouchable!
Lucifer said to Jesus Christ He would give him the power and glory of this world
For that was delivered to him and that occurred in Genesis when by deception
It was taken from Adam and stolen by Satan. That is why in 2 Corinthians 4:4
He is called God of this world and also known as prince of the power of the air.
But understand the difference the true God owns the world the adversary rules
It and manipulates to deceive even the very elect. Who do you think runs the
Governments and kingdoms and will set up the one world government and is
Causing all the severe weather. Man worshipping other God's is opening the
Floodgates for the enemy to work,it's the same thing in the old testament.