Discuss James 4 Page 3

Hi James.

When you say "Old testament law and it's requirements are not applicable more in newtestament the righteousness.

I wouldn't put it that way by no means.

Here's Law.

The fact that "RIGHTEOUSNESS" does not come by the law that doesn't mean the law was abolished.

And Christ death on the cross did not do away with the law.

The law condemned man because no one was able to keep the law so all mankind was under the penalty of death.

Christ took on the penalty and "PAYED THE PRICE". by death on the cross.

( Colossians 2:14. Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;)

The law was the ministration of Death. "And still is"

2 Corinthians 3:7-16.

It was to show us our sin and bring us to Christ. Galatians 3:22-28.

Listen to Paul in Romans 7:7-14.

Also.

Galatians 3:13-14 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

So since you are justified by faith and made righteous by Christ What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? No! not if you have been freed from bondage.

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

Romans 6:1-23.

James 2:18.

Jesus came to give you a new Heart. A heart of flesh.

If a person is truly saved he/she would have MORE written on their heart than what's written in the law.

There's things we don't do is sin also. James 4:17. Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

God bless.

Thanks Alex. I agree with parts of your comment, but if your belief is that Jesus mass produces gods like a factory equal to the one and only God, then no, that is not what I believe or is what the Bible says. This may not be your belief at all, but it is of others I've noticed on this forum so I'll explain...

Gen 26:4 is regarding the seed and lineage from Abraham. It's talking about people, not gods. He's giving countries to people, not gods, for example.

If the comment is referring to 'gods' as in Psalms 82:6, Acts 7:40, notice it uses lower case 'g'. The word God is not used in the same manner as the one true God uppercase, but plural lowercase, which indicates a metaphor for His followers having characteristics of His authority. Psalm 82:1 demonstrates the difference.

If believers can be metaphorically considered 'gods,' how much more is the One whom God has chosen and sent ( John 10:34-36)?

Before believers start running around assuming they're deities from these few select verses (exactly what satan wants), the scripture must also be balanced with the entire context of other scripture in God's Word, such as:

Rom 13:1-4 - calls followers the "minister of God", that all power comes from God, but all are subject to God's "higher powers".

John 17:3

James 4:7

1 Peter 5:6

Romans 13:1

Romans 12:1-2

etc.

God bless

Philippians 4:8, 2Peter 2:4-22, 2Peter 3,

There are many things said about wrath, Judgement, GOD's Judgement,

I focus on James 4:14, Romans 14:12, Matthew 25:31-46,

additional scripture to think on, Psalms 37, Romans 8,

Mark 13, Matthew 24, 2Thessalonians 2:2,3, 2Thessalonians 2,

Sometimes there's judgement of GOD of individuals, 2Samuel 12:7-16, of Nations, Malachi 3:5,

Nahum 1:3, Psalms 107, 2Chronicles 7:13,14,

James 1:5,

Hopefully these are helpful

Wisdom: Yes,

The Bible gives us examples to help direct us, I believe. 1Samuel 18:10,11, 1 Samuel 19:7,9,10, 1Samuel 27:1,2, if someone is physically harming you, dangerous it's wisdom to get away. David forgave, but had to wisely stay away from Saul. Please read all of 1Samuel to know the more complete story.

Judges 16:4-21, Samson keep forgiving it appears & forgetting. Didn't seem wise. Delilah kept betraying Samson.

Many more stories of fleeing evil, Matthew 10:23, Mark 13:14, 1Timothy 6:3-12, all those & these, flee, 1Corinthian 6:18,

But don't fear, James 4:7,

Vengeance is GOD's

Romans 12:17-21,

Hopefully these are helpful to your situation

James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

Hebrews 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: (This is the word of God - not an opinion)

Romans 6:15-23 (verse 18) Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

Galatians 5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (comment-What if you die suddenly while committing one of the above)

Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. ( There is a difference in a fault and willful sin)

Dear Christina, In James 4:7 the Bible says, Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Do not argue with him. Whatever you are being tempted to do, rebuke him with a Scripture that teaches you not to fall to that temptation.

An example can be found in Luke 4:2-4

2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.

3 And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.

4 And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.

Plus, a lot of our difficulties arise from unconfessed sin and not doing God's will. We all have pet sins.

Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Search your heart, confess your sins to God, and repent--turn away from them.

Psalms 139:23, 24 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Psalm 25:4 Show me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.

Galatians 5:22-24 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

What is sin? The first thoughts that come to mind are the obvious outer symptoms through one's behaviors when something is manifest such as anger. The next level is the thoughts and intentions of the heart; which caused an outer veneer of obedience to the law with the Pharisees; but much deeper transgressions with religious exercised in such a way that they could still get what they want (for instance; when they would be covetous disregarding the needs of their families) shown in Mark 7:6-9 and other verses speaking of their greed. The same principle exists for evil thoughts that lead to actions such as lust; adultery; fornication etc. ( Matt. 15:19).

The significant factor often missing from these analogies is breaching of a covenant. This is why those; for instance, who have remarried without scriptural permission are very hypocritical focusing on others who are living together who weren't under such a covenant. But marriage today is viewed at the human level as a contract; rather than a covenant with the eternal God between one man and woman that is to be permanent for life; and which encompasses vows from each party (at least traditionally) implying the penalties should such a pact be broken. This is similar to God's covenant people in the nation of Israel; where God had called them out from bondage. Their knowledge being present while the miracles occurred and seeing God's providence after the Exodus in the desert made them more responsible when they fell into practices of the pagan nations.

But; as scripture states not all Israel was true Israel ( Romans 9:6-7). There are many verses where emphasis is placed on keeping vows in the O.T.

Finally; anything we know is right and fail to do is sin ( James 4:17-loosly translated). We should at all times keep our commitments unless it becomes impossible not to go against scriptural conduct in our lives. We need also to be careful to do things of obedience out of love of God not self promotion.

Thank you for your input.

To be saved by grace would mean God decides our salvation, not us.

For we can't save ourselves but we must try believing grace will abound.

And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: ( Revelation 2:26)

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ( James 4:7)

To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, ( Revelation 2:7)

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. ( James 1:12)

The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us ( 1 Peter 3:19-21)

Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. ( Galatians 6:2)

Proverbs 11:2 - When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

Proverbs 16:5 - Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.

Proverbs 29:23 - A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

Proverbs 16:18 - Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Galatians 6:3 - For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

James 4:6 - But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Proverbs 27:2 - Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.

Proverbs 26:12 - Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

Philippians 2:3 - Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Proverbs 8:13 - The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

Jeremiah 9:23 - Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:

1 John 2:16 - For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Romans 12:16 - Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

Mark 7

20 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.

21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,

22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:

23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

Dear Canada, we aren't God's robots, He gave us the freedom to choose our own path. We can choose to fall into temptation or to resist as it says in James 4:7 "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, he didn't argue with the devil, he quoted scripture as in Matthew 4:10 "...for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." I advise you to search the internet for a verse in the Bible that tells us not to do whatever you are being tempted to do and quote it with the temptation arises. Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you. Start having daily devotions. Always confess your sins. If you are a born-again believer, He is always with you and willing to rescue you. Just ask. Mark 10:51 "And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?..."

God bless and keep you!

Dear Gloria Solomon, if you are a born again believer, you cannot be possessed by a demon because in 1 John 4:4 it says, "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."

You can however be influenced by the devil who will try anything to separate you from God, including evil thoughts and images of things you shouldn't have been looking at or reading. My advice to you is to stay away from those things and play that God will help you to do as this verse commands, Philippians 2:5 "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:" You can do this by drawing close to God in constant prayer, reading and studying His Word. James 4:8 "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded."

And remember always, Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

God bless and keep you!

Matthew 17:5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

Who and why are they called the two witnesses?

Lord Jesus took Peter, James and John to a high mountain and He was transfigured before them and then Moses and Elijah was talking with Him ( Mat 17:3). These two witnesses had to see the Lord Jesus physically on the earth so when they return to the earth, they will testify about Him ( Rev 11:7) and turn the heart of the fathers to the children and the heart of the children to the father ( Malachi 4:5-6) in the first half of the tribulation period when they will appear on the holy mount. They all witnessed the voice of the heavenly Father speaking to them, that this is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased and listen to Him.

These two were the ones who were given the power for the fire to come down, ( 2Kings 1:10) stop the rain, ( 1Kings 17:1) turn the water into blood. ( Exodus 7:20) They are the two candlesticks having the olive branches by their side emptying the golden oil out of themselves for they are the two anointed ones that stand by the Lord Jesus ( Zech 4:11-14) to testify about Him and restore all things as Jesus said. ( Mat 17:11)



Many say that Enoch and Elijah will come again.

They were taken up to heaven and will come back again and then be killed and after three and a half, Spirit of life from God will enter them and then go to heaven. Well in the time of Jesus many died and rose from the dead again, Mary's brother Lazarus ( John 11:43) the widow's son who rose from the coffin, ( Luke 7:15) Dorcas ( Acts 9:40) and the daughter of the synagogue ruler, ( Mark 5:42) yet they also had a second death in their old age. For then Moses and Elijah will die again and be resurrected again for the Spirit of life will enter them and they will go to heaven. ( Rev 11:11-12)

Well; I am fairly safe to assume based on the end of Malachi that Elijah will come before the "great and dreadful day of the Lord" ( Malachi 4:5). In John the Baptist; Jesus stated that he had come which signifies a type of ministry of repentance in the same spirit; as it were. One could rely on Hebrews 9:27 in stating that man is destined to once die then face the Judgment to say that the only other person translated and missing death was Enoch. Hence; the other witness to come and die in the end times.

There are disputes apparently in the angelic realm about the burial of Moses as seen in the Book of Jude. It seems clear; however that he was buried by God; being told DIRECTLY that he would die there just short of physically entering into the land of Promise.

He did talk as the other member present during the Transfiguration; but there is no scriptural proof that somehow Moses escaped death. Others are seen; such as John the Revelator who Jesus merely said "if he is to remain alive until I come what is that to you" ( John 21:22 loosely translated).

In any case; I hope this doesn't end up being a contentious debate. The power given by God to these witnesses will attempt to be mimiced by the False Prophet bringing "fire down from heaven" and also the mark of God's people in Rev. 7 on the 144,000 and undoubtably protecting the 2 Prophets will also be copied with the Beast's mark. Signs and wonders will truly be present; there will be no atheists and lukewarm believers at last.

Agape. Rich P

Who will be the Two Witnesses in the End Times.

For I have scriptural answer to it and I need your comments.

Dear Joy, rebuke the spiritual husband and eating dream and draw near to God in prayer and studying His Word. And is true for all other temptations as James 4:7 says "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

Dear Leslie, take the following verses to heart, read God's Word, and never cease praying.

Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

Romans 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

Romans 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 16:33 ...In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

James 4:7 Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

God bless and keep you!

This is an outstanding observation in my opinion. Such is the nature; of many prosperity preachers today who invoke the name of Jesus but want to live their way with greed; adultery and other such sins and expect God's blessings to occur. What has to be assessed is the state of their souls in general if they are truly saved (in the case of Pharaoh clearly NOT); and whether they are asking to satisfy their own lusts ( James 4:3). This pattern also shows up with the Pharisees who think because they are the physical descendants of Abraham somehow they are God's children. It also is sort of illustrated with Judas Iscariot and in fact; all the tares who want to benefit from the influence of being in the presence of Jesus; but ultimately when confronted with their own sinful state only want to avoid the CONSEQUENCES rather than admit to offending a Holy God. Such is the case for the unregenerate who will bow down and acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord on Judgment Day but alas; too late for their souls to be saved.

Those who are in this temporal state such as the rich man (unnamed) in the parable Jesus told with Lazarus correctly pointing out certain verses (albeit with their own twist) on God's financial blessings. In their case; it is likely Satan who provides such benefits; whether through their own inheritance; or ill gotten gains through the world financial system or ripping people off. The pagans often would credit their false gods for their prosperity; with some fearing the true God while simultaneously worshipping idols. There is no indication that Moses blessed Pharaoh; he seemed to admit powerlessness over the plagues but whenever there was relief his heart would immediately harden. He also admitted he had sinned at one point; but clearly showed no sign of true repentance. These bargaining games with God clearly show man attempting to gain favor by his own righteousness; but pride comes before a fall. Such vainglory clearly does not bless a man

Hi Gabriel,

Thanks for sharing what is on your heart and I am sorry to hear the pain of what you're going through.

Be aware of bad advice and I disagree with those who that say if things are currently going 'bad' then it automatically means unrepentant sin. No it doesn't. Job's friends and family assumed that too and were incorrect. Jesus himself as a man on earth was crying out to His Father why has He forsaken Him? Obviously Jesus did nothing wrong and everything right, so some are not only struggling already, but adding unnecessarily guilt on top of it. Of course if someone is genuinely living in sin that's different.

Also the phrase "God helps those who help themselves" is not from the Bible. I think its one of those hearsay phrases that is falsely attributed to it, and I don't think that's good advice for everyone.

You mentioned the devil talks to you. As a believer in Jesus Christ you have the power to rebuke him and he will flee. James 4:7 He holds no power over you. Do not fear him, only fear God. Our spirit is not ruled by other spirits. We're blessed with freewill from God, but we will indeed be tempted, but we always have a way out.

I don't understand your ailment or what you perceive as God turning His back on. God doesn't turn His back on anybody. Each person has an equal opportunity in this life to follow Him. Praying in faith isn't beating a dead horse.

Not sure your specific obstacle, but if its health, God doesn't promise us good health. We are allowed to have afflictions and flaws. God uses people with these to do His work. Moses had a speech impediment (possibly), Paul had a thorn in the flesh (physical disability?), etc. Those on TV that pretend that God is a genie in a lamp here to serve us is a lie. It's the other way around, but He loves us enough to give us the freewill to choose to love Him or not.

God bless you. You have a home and a community of believers here.

Hi Ronnette.

You're right, we are saved by grace through faith,

I think here we are in the area of fruit barring and sanctification. When we are saved we have a new birth. We're baptized in the body of believers, We are now identified with Christ and given the Holyspirit, The old nature still exists, But we have a life giving spirit in us that produces fruit in our lives. When we are joined to Christ we will bare fruit. There are some more fruitful than others but if we're saved we all belongs to Christ. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13.

This new birth is inward, It's an action generated and comes from a new heart.

James 4:17. Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

God bless.

Jan Rene Ann Maudlin:

Exodus 4:13

And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.

1 Corinthians 15:1

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

1 Corinthians 15:2

By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:3

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

1 Corinthians 15:4

And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Revelation 1:5

And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

1 John 1:7

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Romans 8:6

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

1 John 1:7

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Romans 8:14

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Romans 8:16

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

James 4:7

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

2 Thessalonians 3:3

But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

Romans 8:9

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

I

Exodus 4:13

And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.

1 Corinthians 15:1

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

1 Corinthians 15:2

By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:3

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

1 Corinthians 15:4

And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Revelation 1:5

And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

1 John 1:7

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Romans 8:6

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

1 John 1:7

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Romans 8:14

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Romans 8:16

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

James 4:7

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

2 Thessalonians 3:3

But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

Romans 8:9

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

Romans 8:15

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

But we can't have grace without faith.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: ( Ephesians 2:8)

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. ( James 2:26)

Therefore, to believe the entire Bible and not just parts of the Bible we would need to say we are saved by both grace and works.

And many Biblical passages confirm this:

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ( James 4:7)

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

And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; ( Hebrews 5:9)

and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. ( Revelation 2:23)

And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: ( Revelation 2:26)

I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. ( 1 John 2:13)

To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, ( Revelation 2:7)

He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. ( Revelation 21:7)

Dear Victoria, James 4:8 "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you." How do you do this? By confessing sin as soon as you realize you've committed one, keep his commandments--for though we are not under the law, but if we love Him, we will keep them. Spend time with Him in daily devotions, confessing, asking forgiveness for those sins you may not remember or are not aware of, reading and studying His Word, praying, even singing hymns. In everything you do, magnify His name, and be a witness in word, action, and influence for Jesus to everyone you come in contact with.

Commandments; if they were a NATURAL thing to do wouldn't need the Spirit of God to accomplish; merely our own efforts.

The meaning behind the commandments that Christ illustrates; such as that of lust and murder clearly point out the intentions of our heart as being part of what is within that produces BAD fruit in unregenerate men.

Cutting right to the chase; as Zechariah 3:3 and other verses state we have filthy garments when sin has contaminated us; and it seems clear even as believers this can happen. Our righteous deeds are as filthy rags ( Isaiah 64:6) and we need to understand that all of our love and affections also are self centered without Christ. Once we recognize our helpless state; then we can as Isaiah state "woe to me; I am undone." ( Isaiah 6:5). At that point then we can BEGIN to do the works of righteousness He has prepared for us from the foundation of the earth ( Eph. 2:10).

Then; of course we have to heed to sins not just of commission but OMISSION. And also avoiding things that are grey areas that may offend a brother or if we know to do good and don't do it is sin ( James 4:17). We can therefore; never do the law perfectly; and it must be done with the Holy Spirit within us.

Without the Spirit; even those things which are specifically warned against will; as man becomes increasingly blind be succumbed to; as wickedness increases; consciousness becomes seared even Israel was seduced to follow foreign gods warned against and they sacrificed their children to Molech; and worshipped idols. The teachers of the law became hypocrites; "sons of hell" as Jesus referred them to. And we can't follow the 1st Commandment on our own strength; or love the law as Psalm 119 the longest psalm in scripture indicates in the whole passage. Yes; as Christians if we love Him we obey His commandments.

We also TRUST God that these are what is best for us; even if as with human fathers it is not enjoyable in the short term.

Agape.

Matthew 21:21-22,

GOD's WORD says seek & you shall find, knock & it shall be opened, Matthew 7:7, Luke 11:9, Luke 1:37, Luke 18:27, Mark 10:27,

Ask & you shall receive, say with your mouth believe with your heart & it will happen. Mark 9:23, John 16:23,24, John 14:13,14, John 15:16,

Mark 11:22-26,

That doesn't just apply to believers GOD even gives people over Romans 1:18-32,

Matthew 17:20, Hebrews 11:6,

Mark 14:36,

James 4:3,

James 4,

Please stay within scripture, write it upon your heart. Proverbs 7:1-3, Deuteronomy 11:18, Proverbs 3:3,

Mark 7:9, Mark 7:13, Colossians 2:8,

Hopefully these are helpful & insightful

Dear Suze - Please read 2 Cor.6:14-18 / James 4:4 / Mark 10:28-30 / Luke 18:29-30 And Eph.5:8-17

Genesis 3:3-8,

James 4:1-12, James 1:12-27,

The first issue is perhaps the only main one; that is what does "accepting Christ as Lord and Savior mean?" As a PERSONAL Savior there is some more meat to that framework of logic. But there are many confessors out there but not true possessors of the Holy Spirit. We must truly remain within the vine and bear fruit to be one of His ( John 15:4). Baptism doesn't save anyone; it is an act of obedience and public confession which we are commanded to do associated with our repentance as scripture indicates as well.

The second issue is the purpose for the cannabis usage. it would be nice to assume that for medicinal and prescriptive purposes; it is being used for pain relief or some other theraputic use; or that what is being used is the kind without THC.

The plant itself has much more nutrient value and is not toxic unlike tobacco; although any smoked substance is bad for the lungs. Ultimately; the Lord chastises all those He loves. One can be caught with a vice for a time; but the Spirit is only grieved if it already exists within a person; which it is not with unbelievers.

In terms of recreational use; do we want the temple of the Holy Spirit to be contaminated; or influenced by a substance that causes hallucinations and an altered conscience (even if arguably it doesn't cause addiction like other stronger substances).

Anyone who doesn't do what he knows to be right--for him it is sin. ( James 4:17). We as with any other thing we take liberty to do must also consider others who are brothers who may in their conscience consider something wrong; as well as the obvious compromising of our testimony. That same principle exists for alcohol use; along with other drugs that marijuana often is a "gateway" to. Also there are illegal vendors who will spike PCP and who knows what other dangerous substances in it that are a danger to you and anyone else involved as well as monies going to nefarious characters.

I'm not sure why such a question is asked.

Galatians 2:20 - I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Demon spirits cannot enter you when Jesus Christ resides in your heart. If you are truly a born-again believer, what you are experiencing is demon influence. Resist them! James 4:7 "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Seek help from someone who is a dedicated Christian who can help you through this. Draw as close to God via prayer, reading the Word, and singing.

"Resist the devil and He will flee from you" James 4:7

Dear Acbertha, I suggest disassociating with this person who is asking you to join this group.

We are told to "avoid even the appearance of evil". (can't find the verse)

So, it may be best to speak firmly to this person that you will not join him in this group because you are a Christian and belong to Jesus, not the devil, as this group follows the evil one.