Discuss Hebrews 4 Page 8

Faith (belief in God) and Obedience to God's WORD is the basic requirement for fellowship with Father,Son through Holy Spirit which inturn is brought by His grace and mercy.

Faith and Obedience essential for His rest to us-salvation

Hebrews 11:6 KJV - But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Romans 11:30 KJV - For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:

Hebrews 3:12 KJV - Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

Hebrews 4:2 KJV - For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

Hebrews 4:3 KJV - For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

Hebrews 4:6 KJV - Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:

Romans 16:26 KJV - But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV - Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

1 Peter 1:2 KJV - Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

Good day brother John,

To say Jesus Christ "did not know all things" I cannot say that. I believe our Lord Jesus Christ is one with God. Can I explain everything, no.

Weather we have some differences on how we perceive certain things in Scripture is normal. No one knows everything except God. Like I stated in another post. As long as what we take from Scripture is in line with the Will of God then it's good. As the Word of God is living, very deep, and sharper than any two edge sword. Hebrews 4:12.

The important thing is we are both with Christ, of His body, and He is our Lord. Staying faithful and true, with a pure heart, to our Lord Jesus Christ to the glory of God our Father is key. Living for His Will.

As you noted in another post that John was taken up to heaven for the visions in Revelation. I believe Jesus Christ is there with God now. In Revelation 5:3-5 it speaks about "a man being worthy to open the seals" then speaks of the Lion of the tribe of Juda and Root of David being worthy to open the book and loose the seven seals. I see Jesus Christ opening the book just as it says. If you perceive it differently that's ok.

To believe in the three in ONE view is simply put by this: when we are Blessed to be converted, called or chosen, to be born of the Spirit from above, the Spirit of God the Father, the Spirit of Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost all dwell in us. In one Spirit. This is truth and in Scripture.

Let us retain God in our thinking, trust Him, and He will direct our paths. Proverbs 3:5-6.

Have a wonderful day. God Bless.

I liked what you wrote brother: "The Jews faith looked ahead. The Gentiles faith looks behind."

And yet, the faith that they (the Jews) should have had 'looking ahead' was lacking in so many of them. So the Hebrews writer could say "For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them (the Israel under Moses: Hebrews 3 & by extension to the unbelieving Jew of the NT): but the word preached did not profit them, not being MIXED WITH FAITH in them that heard it. ( Hebrews 4:2).

And that Gospel, even though unknown at that time under Moses as we know it now, was indeed the Gospel, since it had its roots in the sacrificial performances that pointed to Christ Who fulfilled them as God's appointed sacrificial Lamb. Yet those sacrifices (& God's Word) did not profit them because of their lack of faith, just as the Sacrifice of Jesus has no profit to anyone who comes to Him without faith.

Thank you for those added thoughts, brother.

Brother Mitchell, may CHRIST IN US grace us with HIS wisdom and HIS understanding.

When you came to the understanding that WE CAN DO NOTHING; but, Christ does all things for us. You will BE SET FREE.

You want have to achieve the hope set before you, Christ started it. he will complete it. In fact; Christ sees it as already COMPLETE. This is what is meant by coming INTO HIS REST; the works were completed before the foundations of the world were laid.

Ephesians 1:4

Hebrews 4:3

John 15:5

Psalms 92:4-6

YOU ARE DEAD (on your cross); He is alive on HIS THRONE (in you) living HIS life FOR YOU.

YOU have become ONE WITH CHRIST.

John 17:21

Luke 14:27

Matthew 10:38

Luke 9:23

We are THE POT he is THE POTTER.

Michael.

PG 1. "PAGES OUT OF ORDER' 3-1-2.

Hebrews 3:7-11.Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,

Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:

When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.

Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.

So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)

Israel had a hardened heart. Which is the condition to all men without the "NEW" heart given by the Lord when saved.

( Hebrews 4:2-3. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.)

( For we which have believed do enter into rest,) as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

Jude 1:5. answers itself, " they believe not' ( Was not saved )

James 2:21&26.

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

26:For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

James is speaking of works "AFTER" salvation not for salvation.

Philippians 1:6. Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Philippians 2:13. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. This is what James 2:21 is speaking of.

Hebrews 6:12-19, and James 2:21.

These are 2 seperate accounts of Abraham in Hebrews 6:12-16 and James 2:21-23.

"Hebrews the promise was Issac confirmed by an oath". Played out in Gen. 15:1-12.

James was "Abraham having faith in THAT promise". Played out in Gen. 22:1-14.

Alyssa.

This description we have of the Lord in Revelation 1:14-16 is a picture of him in his Glory. Not the way he walked down hear on earth!!

Let's visit the text.

Revelation 1:14-16. His head and his hairs were "WHITE" like wool, as "WHITE" as "SNOW";

( the emphasis here is the color of his hair not texture! It speaks of ETERNITY, ANCIENT OF DAYS. )

as you see here in

Daniel 7:9. I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the ANCIENT OF DAYS did sit, WHOSE GARMENT WAS WHITE AS SNOW, and the hair of His Head like the pure wool:

and his eyes were as a flame of fire;

( His judgment is righteous, nothing hidden. )

as you see here in

Hebrews 4:13. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace;

( Brass is a material that could withstand heat, fire speaks of judgment )

( HE'S PURE ) " NO INIQUITY FOUND IN HIM "

and his voice as the sound of many waters.

And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

and the two edged sword.

Hebrews 4:12. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

THIS IS GOD! not a black man or a white man, or any other. HE'S THE GLORIFIED CHRIST JUDGING HIS CHURCH!!

I'm sure others can add more revelation to this.

God bless.

Brother Stan, may CHRIST IN US grace us with HIS wisdom and HIS understanding. Most of the Psalms are prophecies pointing to the NEW COVENANT. Christ already knows the END. He knows because HE SPOKE THE WORDS before the foundation of the world. They are coming to fruition at HIS APPOINTED TIME. (his works)

Ecclesiastes 3:1-9

Hebrews 4:3 For we which have believed do ENTER INTO (SABBATH) REST, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into MY (SABBATH) REST: although THE (his) WORKS were FINISHED from the foundations of the world. Christ has been RESTING since those first six days; you are defiling the SABBATH if you are not also resting (IN CHRIST'S WORKS): THE WORKS ARE DONE (COMPLETE).

Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor setteth in the seat of the scornful.

Christ is declaring kis WORKS that the death and resurrection of HIMSELF will bring to mankind. At his APPOINTED TIME in each of us. HIS WORKS!

Proverbs 16:6 BY MERCY and TRUTH iniquity is purged.....(his works)

Romans 2:4...not knowing that THE GOODNESS of God leadeth thee to REPENTANCE? (his works)

Isaiah 27:12 And it shall COME TO PASS in that day (NEW COVENANT) (day of the Lord)... ye shall be gathered ONE by ONE (appointed time)...(his works)

Revelation 21:3 ...Behold, the tabernacle (temple) of God is with men...CHRIST IN YOU (his works)

1 Corinthians 3:16 Know ye not that YE are the temple of God (new heaven), and that the SPIRIT of God DWELLETH IN YOU. (his works)

Revelation 21:22 And I saw no temple therein (new Jerusalem), for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb ARE THE TEMPLE OF IT (CHRIST IN US). Accomplished at the NEW COVENANT. Death and resurrection of Christ. New heaven (NEW dwelling place of God) and new earth (new body; no longer dust, but THE GLORY OF GOD)! (his works)

HIS Rest; Heb. 4:1 = The noun "rest" translates eight times in this chapter (vv. 1, 3, 4, 5, 8. 10, & 11) from the Greek noun root (transliterated "katapauo"; pronounced "kata-POW-"), which literally describes a calm, quiet, and peaceful situation wherein the one who experiences this type of rest lives in security and contentment. This is the same "rest" previously recorded in Hebrews 3:11 and 18.

The rest spoken of in verse nine (v.9) is a different type of rest which will receive its own commentary treatment.

The writer first approached the subject of GOD's Rest in the previous chapter (3:11 & 18). There, GOD addressed the rebellious Israelites during their Exodus from Egypt.

Due to the Israelites "hardening their hearts" toward GOD during their wilderness wanderings, GOD now addresses another audience: the readers' of this epistle as identified by the pronouns "us" and "any of you". The reader must compel himself to investigate the meaning and significance of this Rest.

In the previous references to GOD's Rest, the term "rest" speaks specifically of Israel's settling into Canaan which GOD initially promised to Abraham ( Gen. 17:8). This Rest may also apply generally of Israel's prospering in their national identity and security (cp. Exo. 6:4; Lev. 14:34; 25:38; Num. 13:2; 34:2; Deu. 32:49).

Yet, with all GOD's Promises and Guarantees, both Israel, and eventually Judah, lost everything due to their repeated and continuous rebellions and idolatries.

Now, GOD promises a Rest in the soteriological application through the reception of, and faith in the Gospel and Doctrines of JESUS CHRIST as LORD and SAVIOR. "MY Rest" speaks of the present irrevocable security all Christian believers enjoy in their Salvation apart from vain "works", and from the Law's condemnation of death (cp. Mt. 11:28-29).

HIM with WHOM we have to do; v.13 = Every Christian, yea, every single individual, must consider this statement very foreboding deserving pause of deep contemplation. Keep in mind, it falls within the context of ample emphatic warnings against "hardening your hearts in unbelief".

The expression, "to do" is the word (transliterated "logos"; pronounced "LOG-os"), meaning a "word", "saying", "discourse", and/or "declaration".

The expression "to do" translates from the same Greek root as the expression "give account" recorded in Romans 14:11-12: "So then every one of us shall give account of himself to GOD."

Each and every individual saint will stand before the Judgment Seat of CHRIST to explain and "account for" the motives of the lifestyles they lived in the name of Christianity (cp. Ecc. 11:9; Mt. 12:36; 18:23; Rom. 14:12; Php. 2:10; Heb. 13:17; 1Pet. 4:5).

Every Christian individual will answer for themselves without the support of excuses or blame on others. Every individual will either stand to receive his reward, or fall to suffer loss, based on their own merits.

Even demonic tongues are required to confess and give account when LORD JESUS CHRIST confronts them. Compare the actions and confession of Legion when meeting The LORD ( Mk. 5:6-7). Legion "ran and worshiped HIM (LORD JESUS) with the confession, "What have I to do with THEE, JESUS, THOU SON of The MOST HIGH GOD?" (Compare Lu. 4:33-34.)

Additionally, when many of CHRIST's disciples rejected and forsook HIM, HE asked the remaining twelve, "Will ye also go away?" Peter answered with this confession: "LORD, to whom shall we go? THOU hast the Words of Eternal Life." ( Jn. 6:66-68).

Thomas uttered the most poignant confession when he saw LORD JESUS CHRIST after HIS Resurrection: "My LORD and my GOD" ( Jn. 20:28).

Eventually and most assuredly, JEHOVAH GOD HIMSELF declared ( Isa. 45:23) every tongue "shall" actually and factually confess "that JESUS CHRIST is LORD".

Hi Tom.

He here the Lord with the inner ear.

The Lord speaks to his "CHURCH" by the spirit.

REVELATION 2:29. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

JOHN 10:27. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

HEBREWS 1:1-2. God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,

Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

If God decides to speak Audible it would take the spirit to reveal truth.

The inner ear is the work of the Holyspirit revealing that truth.

We have to be cautious of seeking an experience whether by sight or hearing or miracles and rely on faith in God's word.

Hebrews 11:1. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Israel seen and heard "As a Nation " and received external blessings and miracles, deliverance, Promises, and the Gospel.

Hebrews 4:2. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with ""FAITH"" in them that heard it.

God bless.

Jannelle, may CHRIST IN US grace us with HIS wisdom and HIS understanding.

Galatians 3:8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith (CHRIST IS OUR FAITH), preached before the GOSPEL unto Abraham, saying in thee shall all these nations be blessed.

Hebrews 4:2 For unto us was the gospel preached, AS WELL AS UNTO THEM: but the word (CHRIST) preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them (CHRIST IN THEM) that heard it.

The GOSPEL IS:

2 Timothy 1:10 But is now made manifest (Christ in the flesh) by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath ABOLISHED DEATH, and hath brought LIFE and IMMORTALITY to light through the gospel.

1 John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil (alive to the flesh), for the devil sinneth from the beginning, For this purpose (gospel) the Son of Man was MANIFESTED, that he might destroy THE WORKS OF THE DEVIL.

This is the GOSPEL: You (seed of flesh) died on the cross with Christ and you (seed of Spirit) was RAISED with HIM.

The saints of old received this promise also at HIS RESURRECTION

Hebrews 11:39 And these all, having received a good report through faith, received not the promise (victory over sin and death) (CHRIST IN US):

Hebrews 11:49 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect (accomplished at Christ death and resurrection).

Matthew 27:52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,

Matthew 27:53 And came out of the graves at HIS RESURRECTION, and went into the holy city (new Jerusalem), and appeared to many.

Revelation 2:4

Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love (Jesus).

It means return to your first love when you First met Jesus. Tell him you've grown cold. Tell him you've entertained other loves. Repent to your God for not loving him as he deserves. He stands ready to forgive and restore. Your High Priest will sympathize with you, therefore, "Let us come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" ( Hebrews 4:16, KJV).

Amazingly, God calls us to return to where we once fell. He does not call us to make up for lost time and be a mile ahead of where we used to be. He calls us back to that fresh fire of love towards him and neighbors. It is a call to action. It is a call to return to the habits of grace. It is a command to keep ourselves in the love of God ( Jude 21).

Indeed it is Earl, and we have entered into His rest as we see in Hebrews 4:10, "For he that is entered into His rest, has also ceased from his own works, just as God did from His.

So the writer of Hebrews is going back to creation. He's saying if you surrender to Christ, you will be doing just what God did. You will cease from your own works, your own efforts, at your own salvation. You will cease from your own works, and you will enter into God's rest.

Jesse, the SPIRIT has graced you with HIS truth in your answer to Richard; this is THE SABBATH REST.

Hebrews 3:1-19

Hebrews 4:1-16

Chris, Beautiful posts great information, just one thing. God gave his only begotten Son for us, the same he asked Abraham to do but God went through. The law and the prophets, Jesus came to fulfill and only flesh, same as our sinful flesh could fulfill it and pay the penalty. If Jesus did not have the sinful flesh that came from the first Adam and Jesus was incapable of sin what did He fulfill?

Romans.8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

We seeing Jesus the same as we having the same feelings and the same temptations as we do, but He did not sin. This shows us He is worthy to follow and be our high priest and King.

Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Sinful flesh does not cause the blemishes it is the sin that one does. Jesus' sinless perfect life was the perfect sacrifice. God cannot be tempted, Jesus was, God cannot die, Jesus willfully did for us. God sent Jesus and then the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus for any that will believe and follow Him.

Love your posts very helpful, keep up Gods work, Ron

god's message to me

Greetings,

I'm not sure I really understand your opening statement...

"Jesus Christ is come in the flesh (Being witnessed by his own blood in the earth.) Therefore, IT IS SINFUL TO DIE A BODILY DEATH."

If "IT IS SINFUL TO DIE A BODILY DEATH," then according to that allegation, Jesus did something sinful, which contradicts, Hebrews 4:15, that Jesus never sinned even though He was tempted like we are.

"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." Heb 4:15.

Perhaps you could explain what you meant to clear things up. That would really help me.

Thank you.

Suzanne, May the Spirit grace you with his understanding of his words:

Do Gods creatures have FREE WILL; or, are we the WORKS of the creator?

Ephesians 1:11 In whom (Spirit) also we have obtained (by grace) an inheritance (children), being predestinated (you have not chosen me, but I have chosen you. John 15:16) according to the purpose of him (Spirit) who WORKETH all things after the counsel of HIS OWN WILL:

Philippians 2:13 For it is God (Spirit) which WORKETH in you both to WILL and to DO of his good pleasure.



Colossians 1:29 Whereunto, I (Paul) also labour, striving according to his (Spirit) WORKING, which WORKETH in me mightily.

Isaiah 26:12 Lord, thou (Spirit) wilt ordain peace for us: for thou (Spirit) also hast wrought (WORKED) all our WORKS in us.

Isaiah 44:26 ......that PERFORMETH the counsel of his (Spirit) messengers....

Psalm 57:2 I will cry unto God most high that PERFORMETH all things for me.

Proverbs 16: 33 The lot is cast into the lap (we were predestined); but the whole disposing (WORK) thereof is of the Lord (Spirit)

Proverbs 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord (Spirit), as the rivers of water: he (Spirit) TURNETH it (man's heart) whithersoever he (Spirit) WILL.

Job 12:9 Who (man) knoweth not in all these that the hand of the Lord (Spirit) hath wrought (WORKED) this?

Job 23:14 For he (Spirit) PERFORMETH the things that is appointed (predestined) for me....

Job 23:10 But he (Spirit) knoweth the way that I take: when he (Spirit) has tried me, I shall come forth as pure gold.

Hebrews 4:3 For we which believed do enter into rest.....the WORKS (we are the works of the Spirit) were finished before the foundation of the world.

Hebrews 4:11 Let us (works of the Spirit) labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of UNBELIEF.

May the Spirit grace you with his wisdom.

This stipulation pertains to the priests in Aaron's line. In order to approach unto the Holy God, without offense, on behalf of their people, they must be as perfect as humanly possible. This models Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest:

For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; ( Hebrews 7:26)

Believers in Jesus Christ, by grace through faith, are encouraged to approach unto God regardless our many personal shortcomings.

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. ( Hebrews 4:16)

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. ( Ephesians 1:6)

And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: ( Colossians 1:21-22)

That's a great question Danae. It is one that has brought on many discussions & ideas over the years.

My belief is this: you're right that Mary & Joseph were ordinary human beings, though of course special as they were selected by God to bring forth His Son into the World. And in their humanity, they, like us, were born with a sin nature passed onto us from our first parents. And they would have sinned as well, though some would teach that they (specifically Mary) did not, since they were in every respect human as we are.

So why wouldn't baby Jesus also receive a sin nature like all of us? I see it this way: neither Mary or Joseph contributed to the conception of the babe. That is, Joseph certainly wasn't the father & Mary did not contribute her ovum to this conception. The Bible says in Luke 1:35, "And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God."

I understand this verse to say that God, by His Spirit overshadowed Mary & placed this Holy Seed (one entirely from God without human intervention) into Mary's womb. So this Seed had not the nature that is passed down through mankind - it is a pure & Holy Seed. So couldn't God just zap Jesus onto the Earth & avoid all this human involvement? Well, the Scriptures speak of this Holy One coming, Who would be the Messiah, born in humanity ( 2 Samuel 7:12,13; Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2), so Jesus was born in fulfilment of all Scriptures, even the Sacrifices which spoke about His redemptive work. Yet, Jesus' Birth was without a sin nature so that He could ultimately be the Perfect Spotless Sacrifice for mankind. So Jesus was tempted of Satan ( Matthew 4:1-11), not to commit sin since He had no sin nature, but Satan wanted to cause the sin nature to be a part of Jesus, just as he did to Adam & Eve. But Jesus resisted this attempt & remained pure ( Hebrews 4:15).

Unbelief in Jesus is a death sentence for the unsaved.

We are not of this world anymore. We look for the new world to come. Faith always looks forward. Lots wife died by looking backwards, after she was ordered not to.

We still sin until we ask the Holy Spirit to come along side of us, to enable us to resist temptations. He will do that. When you feel that pull between the flesh wanting to sin; it's a good time up put in an emergency call to the Holy Spirit. Satan wants our walk with God to feel defeated. He hates God and us.

Even if you feel ashamed and defeated yet again: take those sins to 1 John 1:9. Then receive the cleansing.

We can ask the Holy Spirit for the Gift of discerning of spirits. We learn discern the spirits at work around us. Ask for it.

Human spirit

Evil spirit

Holy Spirit

Angels

Instead of wallowing in defeat, pray and be cleansed and restored. Read these too: Hebrews 4:13-16; Hebrews 2:14; (a warning) Hebrews 10:26

Hebrews is a good book to read at a snails pace. It has much to say about sin. It ends with people whom God mentions as heroes of the faith (chapter 11). Even King David that had Bathsheba's husband killed in battle so he could marry her. Their first baby died as a result.

We are not of this world anymore. The more Bible we have in us; the less likely we'll choose to sin willfully.

Satan hauls us before the Court of heaven and Accuses us with those sins. Jesus has to step up as your Advocate (defense attorney) and prove your innocence by opening the Book of Life to verify your name is written down in there. Hebrews 2:1, 3 and Revelation 3:5

We have a born again nature that wants to follow Jesus and live the born again life.

Revelation 3:15-22

Consider these things in your walk with God: following His son Jesus. Pray, confess, depend on the Holy Spirits help.

Those were very noble & compelling comments you shared Adam. May your spirit & mind be encouraged as you walk this Earth with temptations & tribulations encircling you. The Lord of Grace be your constant companion & strength, so that you may walk with head held high, with great joy in the abundance of grace given to you. Hebrews 4:16; James 4:6; Proverbs 3:34: All of Grace.

Wayne, I don't believe it was okay for Lot to offer his daughters in exchange for protection of his visitors. I feel that, if anything, he should have offered himself, which would have been the proper thing to do given the circumstances.

And I agree again, that incest is not acceptable with God. To note though, the official Law & Standards were not given to Israel until much later through Moses at Mt. Horeb. We are not told how God dealt with the daughters, indeed with Lot himself, except that the offspring from that act, Moab & Ammon, were rejected by God & were given over to idolatry choosing to reject the True God. As too with Edom, the offspring of Esau. All three families had bad relations with Israel, even from the beginning as they went to war with Israel over Israel's march through their territories.

"Have I ever worked on the Sabbath?" I'm unsure about the purpose of this question at this occasion, but I'm never one to turn down an answer. I'm not a Jew so I don't observe the Sabbath - I do however observe the Lord's Day as a special day to meet with other believers around God's Word & in corporate praise of Him. Yet, everyday is a 'day of rest' for me as I experience that ongoing rest & satisfaction in my spirit in knowing that I'm loved by God, kept secure in it & have a certain hope for our uncertain future. Hebrews 4:1-11.

Dear Diane, the fact that you care and are concerned enough to post a prayer request shows where your heart is. That's a good thing. Christians are not immune to temptation, sin, and spiritual strongholds, but should try to do everything in your power to break them. Paul was a strong Christian, but still described how he struggled with the fleshly temptations of sin. There are general Christian addition support groups through church like Celebrate Recovery that may offer helpful support. Ephesians 6:10-18

It is my belief that if you have become a Christian (Link and genuinely following Christ then by definition you are Christian and are saved by grace and can have confidence in your salvation. 1 John 5:13. Hebrews 4:16, Philippians 4:13. I believe following Christ is an active pursuit and we always have room to grow and mature and be more like Him.

God bless...

Matthew 5:48

"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." It requires salvation from sin first.

2 Timothy 3:17

"That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." This word perfect is in reference to spiritual perfection through Jesus Christ. It is not to be confused with physical perfection, which is not possible.

Galatians 6:7

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Those that remain in sin will be judged as lost and their reward is eternity in Hell. Those that live sinless after repentance and salvation are going to Heaven. Children under the age of accountability are innocent before God our Judge and will make Heaven their home as well.

Titus 2:11,12

"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;" Salvation from sin can be obtained here on Earth in this life. Without salvation from sin, you are still lost, and have just gained religion and are not righteous before God.

Hebrews 4:12

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." God sees your heart's hidden intents to hold onto sin, to be deceived and to deceive others that freedom from sin is not possible. May He have mercy on you that you should see the truth before you die lost, forever to be tormented in Hell.

Jackie, absolutely correct, revealed by the working of the Holy Spirit within you. By the working of the Holy Spirit, lets take two verses you quoted and be led into deeper truths. John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin (singular) of the world. This one sin that keeps man separated from God. John 14:29 And now I (Jesus) have told you before it came to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. Behold the Lamb of God which takes away the sin (unbelief) of the world. Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with feelings of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted (tried) like as we are, yet without sin (unbelief). I John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God does not commit sin (live in unbelief); for his (Christ) seed is in him: and he cannot sin (live in unbelief); because he is born of God.

love your bible

Ephesians 4:18 - Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

Matthew 13:14-15 - And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall NOT PERCEIVE.

Proverbs 28:13-14 - He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them, shall have mercy.

Hebrews 3:8 - Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:

Mark 8:17 - And when Jesus knew [it], he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened?

Exodus 9:12 - And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had spoken unto Moses.

Exodus 7:3 - And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt.

Jeremiah 17:9 - The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

John 12:48 - He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

Mishael : It takes Spiritual Warfare to free a person to hear Gods Word. See sermons on YouTube, about that. See Ephesians 6. Don't let the devil scare you. He knows Jesus stripped him of his authority to steal souls. Watch some Charles Capps videos too so you will understand your authority through the Blood of Jesus.

Numbers chapter 13 and 14 contains the historical account of the exodus generation refusing to believe God. Only two of the twelve men that scouted the land had confidence in God's promise. The other ten influenced the people who then refused to enter in and take their inheritance.

Psalm 95, which is the origin of the middle phrase in Hebrews 4:3, expresses the LORD's judgment of their unbelief.

As for us, we are reminded in this passage that we enter into Jesus Christ by believing the gospel ( Matthew 11:28-30). We rest in his finished work on the cross, his resurrection and ever living intercession with our Father in Heaven ( Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25).

The final phrase of verse 3 is preparing us to learn what follows regarding the difference of rest in Jesus Christ versus the seventh day when God rested from all his works ( Genesis 2).

this verse is very hard for me to understand looking at it in different bible versions it seens to say different things....... help please