As to your question you have received several answers, my understanding in the Bible baptism is done only by immersion as the word means. As Jesse said sprinkling did not start until the 1300s and it was for the reason it was so inconvenient. So, this was done just because of convenience's sake, nothing Biblical about it. I agree with Giannis, and we must believe as Jesus said in Mark 16:16.
All we do is to be done in our Lord Jesus's name, Colossians 3:16-17. Many use Matthew 28:19 but we also see in the rest of Scripture that a person who is baptized in Jesus' name is someone who believes in Jesus as Savior, the Messiah, the Son of God who for us died, was buried, and was resurrected we acknowledge this by being baptized in His name, Acts 2:38Acts 8:12Acts 8:16Acts 10:48Acts 19:5Acts 22:16Romans 6:3Galatians 3:27Colossians 2:12Ephesians 4:5.
Paul shows the importance of being baptized in the name of Jesus, Acts 19:1-6. God has placed Jesus and His name above all that is in heaven and earth, Matthew 28:18Philippians 2:9-11. Salvation only comes in His name Acts 4:12Romans 10:13. The name of Jesus is the source of power and authority for healing, miracles, and deliverance, Mark 16:17Luke 10:17Acts 4:7Acts 4:30Acts 16:18.
We are to give thanks in Jesus's name, Ephesians 5:20. Our faith is through Him and in His name, Acts 3:16. We must believe in Jesus, John 3:16John 6:47Acts 16:311 John 3:231 John 5:13. Whatever we ask for we are to ask in His name, John 14:13-14. We are to pray to the Father in His name, James 5:14. Jesus is our priest and the only mediator between God and men, 1 Timothy 2:5.
In fact,there are two types of famine occurring in the world at this time,material famine is figure of spiritual famine,both are signs of JESUS's coming.
Your post suggests two interestings scenaries for us to meditate.The description below gives us two different aspects of the famine's scenaries.
So,speaking of famine,we can compare how our GOD provides a solution for this terrible event,and how Satan and his partners suggest a solution being them demonic governments,devilish religious guides,idolaters,spiritist/esoterics,among others.
How does our GOD provide the solution for this problem of hunger of bread? Mark 8:11-21:
11The Pharisees came forth and question with JESUS, seeking of him a sign from heaven,tempting Him.
12He sighed deeply in His spirit,and saith,Why doth this generation seek after a sign?verily I say unto you,There shall no sign be given unto this generation.
13And he left them,...
14The disciples had forgotten to take bread, neither had they in the ship with them more than one loaf.
15JESUS said:Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees,and of the leaven of Herod.
16And they reasoned among themselves,saying,It is because we have no bread.
17JESUS knew it and saith unto them,Why reason ye,because ye have no bread?perceive ye not yet,neither understand?have ye your heart yet hardened?
18Having eyes,see ye not?and having ears,hear ye not?and do ye not remember?
19I brake five loaves among five thousand,how many baskets full of fragments took ye up?They say unto Him,Twelve.
20And the seven among four thousand,how many baskets full of fragments took ye up?they said,Seven.
21JESUS said,How is it that ye do not understand?
ITOH, how does Satan and his partners provide solution for this problem of hunger of bread?
They simply say:Command that stones be made bread.The heart of demonic men are like stone,the world of Devil is full of stones,they suggest for asking for alms,they create beggars. James 5:1-6 combined with Matthew 19:23.
Kindly my fellow christians,i'm really suffering financially
i therefore request for your prayers.( james 5:16)
pray that god may finance my studies at tertiary level.through your effective fervent prayers the almighty will create a way from the 'sea of lack'.may god bless you all in jesus name...
Reading your post of one day ago,saying if we are to look at the Seventh Day Adventists and their teachings of Ellen White it is clear that there are spurious elements there.As was prophesied by Daniel, the Judgment shall sit,the Judgment will be given to the saints of the most High;the time came that the saints possess the kingdom.By the way,I must say that I have come across and fought for decades with strong battles and terrible combats against atheists and materialists, anf for my surprise the most of them were/are people who abandoned or stopped attending the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Why is it that after the preachers/guides/pastors of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to compass sea and land to make proselytes, and after these proselytes attend their services for years,they leave the Adventist Church transformed into atheists,materialists? Unfortunately they made them twofold more the child of hell than themselves.
The earth is infested with betrayers who deny the existence of GOD,there are legions of them spread across the earth with which I have come across and fought for decades with strong battles and terrible combats,mainly through websites.I could quote the website links,I don't do due the rules.
See,the objective is not to condemn any brother or sister here.What does the Word of GOD say? James 5:
19Brethren,if any of you do err from the truth,and one convert him;
20Let him know,that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death,and shall hide a multitude of sins.
1Corinthians 6:
1Dare any of you,having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust,and not before the saints?
2Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the WORLD?and if the WORLD shall be Judged by you(by us),are ye(we)unworthy to Judge the smallest matters?
3Know ye not that we shall Judge angels?(fallen angels of the Churches) how much more things that pertain to this life?
"I hope the Lord waits until my kids grow up; get married; etc."
"I hope the Lord lets me stay until (so and so) becomes a Christian"
"I'll show 'em; let me be one of the 144,000; or hang out afterwards it can't be that bad at the start..."
The facetious dialogues suggested above are more are less a compilation of several arguments BELIEVERS have given in my presence in the past when this subject came up. Let us examine them in light of the scriptures...
First point; in heaven there will be no regret as far as "missing out" on anything this earth had to offer. That is; unless we have squandered the opportunity NOW to witness and do those things which forfeited rewards in light of the admonitions of Revelation 3:11. Our children will be where their angels are already "beholding the Father in heaven continually." ( Matt. 18:10).
The second argument assumes that God is somehow derelict in His duty to bring the "fullness of the Gentiles in" ( Romans 11:25) which in truth may not occur completely at the Rapture but before the Second Coming. Nonetheless; the multitudes that come to Christ that can't be counted may never have come at least as quickly without the fiery trials the Lord designed to purge out the dross during the Tribulation. ( Revelation 7:9). We should also appreciate the fact in verses such as Psalm 40 which states "many will see and fear" (verse 3). This seems to indicate with the surrounding verses we will be raptured/resurrected from the ground; SURELY the Resurrection of the saints cannot be explained away and will be common knowledge (even if they say the UFO's abducted those raptured it's harder to explain those already deceased).
The third point is that even in the seal judgments there is a direct opening of these seals by Christ Himself with a fourth of the earth dying (at least) at that time. No one can outplan or outwit God in saving provisions for that time (see James 5:3).
We use Brothern to loosely today. Everyone amongst us is not a Brother or a Sister!
Look at the example Jesus gives in Matthew 12:47-50.
"Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.
But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?
And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren.
For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
Romans 12:3 says not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
We all have flaws and we're all of one body ministering by the same Spirit, having gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us by "THE GIFT" (Christ Spirit.) We are to exercise those gifts by the power of Christ Spirit.
We are to Love one another; I've declared that on this site since I've been on it using John 13:34-35 as a springboard.
Also, 1 John 4:20-21 and Matthew 7:15-16.
We shall be known by our fruit, not our gifts!
CAN YOU GENERATE THIS ON YOUR OWN?
Love amongst the brothern is not partial.
It's not determined by race, wealth, political parties, Gender, status in the church, or one's eschatology.
Love at its highest level is Agape. It's caused by the Holyspirit that knits us as one. It's to be totally given over to.
I've seen where one says he have the gift of discernment but yet he shuns other Brothern.
If you have an issue with a brother, you restore him. Galatians 6:1-4.
We must look out for each other. James 5:20 says, "Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins." Confrontation may be difficult, but it is not loving to allow a professing Christian to continue in a sin that will bring God's consequences upon him.
Luke 21:34 and 35 warn us not to be caught up in drunkenness and other sins for the day of the Lord will come as a snare upon the whole earth. There are further warnings in the book of Isaiah as well as James about putting our hope in the security of gold and silver (see Ezekiel 7:19; James 5:3). Wisdom and prudence are good virtues for preparing for economic turmoil; wars and other disasters that we can foresee but we also can't be obsessed on a plan to make us secure from all fears at the expense of prayer and trust in the Lord.
The Lord has given us many benefits through the fellowship of saints and this should in a large part give us a resource in time of need for food and raiment ( 1 Tim. 6:8; see also Matt. 6:25). This is what the collection for the saints should apply to in part; along with money for missionaries; the Pastor himself and other church expenses. Our church apparently has some sort of asset division written into the contract with the building ownership should it be sold or liquidated the assets in theory would go to members. In any event; it seems strange that giving and sermons on the subject hardly ever seem to touch on meeting needs of the congregation; but occasionally on giving to the needy and other causes. Obviously, we are not to go to church with a mindset of having others provide for us as an incentive to give; but we should make our giving an investment we are personally connected to whatever the cause. The gifts and talents and time we share with one another should come naturally with mature Christians in fellowship. If our life is invested in the Kingdom of God and His people we are not going to be so concerned about things of the world; that's my main idea.
Evangelism and prayer among the saints on a regular basis as a lifestyle makes it a lot easier fulfilling the Great Commission. It is a rare thing though to find in churches today; at least regular street witnessing or going to nursing homes ( 1 Cor. 12:27).
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.
-Wherefore When He died at the cross and purge our sins By Himself and rose on the Third day, He gave gifts unto men to be apostles, prophets, evangelist pastors and some to be teachers. ( Ephesians 4:7, KJV) This is clearly seen across different churches and in many Christians who have repented of their sins at the cross and believed in the Lord Jesus Christ the son of the Living God.
- It is also important to note that God put his power in Moses' rode, but it was upon Moses to pick it and use it. but according to Gods will ( exodus 4:1-3, KJV)
And Remember Elijah a man like us tempted like we are but prayed earnestly and the rain ceased and yet Elijah was a man like us ( James 5:17, KJV)
-The writer of the Book James clearly point this out to all Christians (those who have repented at the cross and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God) they that take head according to the word of God ( Psalms 119:9, KJV)
-That if there is anyone sick, let him call the elders of the church to pray for him anointing him with oil in the name of The Lord and the prayer of FAITH will save the sick and if he has committed sin the Lord will forgive Him.
-Moreover, in James 5:16, KJV) God clearly points this to us that we are to confess our trespasses to one other and to pray for one other that we may be Healed.
-For if we confess our sins to each other, we will remain humble in the Lord and when we pray with earnestly before God without doubting ( 1 timothy 2:8, KJV) the Lord is faithful who will also do it
Remember prayer is not a shopping list but worshiping the Lord God with Your heart mind and soul.
The conclusion of the matter.
-The Lord still heals the blind, heals the sick and raises the dead according to the Scriptures.
And He does not change but we me and you we change and if we pray in mockery and be covetous in ministry.
-Prophesying for attention picking and choosing the portions of the Scriptures that we want to believe
Lev 26:15-21 God is speaking to His people, the history of the children of Israel full of this. 2 Chronicles 7:14Jeremiah 3:22Hosea 6:1,2
Christ brings this into the NT John 12:40Acts 28:27
Hebrews 12:5-11 speaking of His children
He does this in His merciful lovingkindness to us, we being so blinded by the deceitfulness of sin, it must be scourge out, define as "to flog" lit or fig, God as a father chastising and training men as children by affliction,
Chastisement; Education or training; by implication, disciplinary correction, chastening, instruction, nurture.
There's two kinds of fear, & many manifestations of each, all grounded in one of the two, godly fear which foundation is grounded in obedient reverential love for God.
The other, Satan counter part, grounded in disobedience which brings torment, where condemnation & guilt in one's own heart follows them wherever they go, for they have offended the Holy God; they having continue in disobedience to the Grace of God which appears in their hearts.
God's love in chastising correction, cast this fear & torment out
& why? John 14:21, which defines love, which makes way for John 14:23 one's habitation becomes a dwelling place for Perfect Love in the work of Sanctification of the Spirit unto obedience & sprinkling of the Blood/Life of Jesus.
thus "for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness.
Hebrews 12:11 exercising the Grace of God, the Word of Righteousness in discerning between Good & evil,, there's suffering in the Cross to learn righteousness. 1Pet 4:1
Then we have Job, who God said is perfect, Job 2:3; which trials, suffering & afflictions is of a much higher concept than punishment for disobedience, James 5:11
Hebrews 11:33 for this purpose "obtain a better resurrection"
one eighty, you would do well to live out your call name.
your in darkness, deceived; dwelling, speaking & judging falsely against God
The Grace of God that appears to all mankind, begotten Paul & he declares in 1Cor 15:10 made what he now is.
What the Apostles received by the Revelation of Jesus Christ from His Grace appearance, they wrote down in the Epistle's that bares their name, & they believed & attain unto this knowledge by the diligent exercising thereof Hebrews 5:14Hebrews 12:11Philippians 3:16
Here's a small unfolding of His Grace / Light
They let Patience James 1:4,25James 5:111Pet 5:9,10
Make you Perfect Hebrews 13:21
Be ye Perfect Matt 5:48 indicating this perfection is the same as the Father, there's not a different standard of holiness for mankind describe here.
The angel declared to Mary, Matt 1:21 not in their sin!
Folks,
Everything that God does is perfect, do you really believe that He would sent His only begotten Son to suffer all that He did for our sakes, & it not be a perfect restoration for His beloved creations.
I tell you by the Scriptures, sound reasoning & the Holy Ghost it's goes beyond the state of Adam innocents before he fell
Rom 6:3-5 the newness of life spoken of here is the likeness of His resurrection life & that is attain by working of His Divine Power 2Pet 1:2-4
I'm talking Grace, here now in this life. Don't be deceived, it's accompanies all that Christ experience, 1Pet 2:21 this too is apart of being make in His image & likeness, walking as He walk, the Apostles final got it after Pentecost, being baptized unto His death. This is when 1John 1:1-5 truly came into spiritual experiential experience. John 7:17
John 4:23,24 True worship is doing His will
& that will is reveal by His Grace / Light appearance in your heart. 2Cor 4:6,7
"For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish."
Job was a righteous man. " But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold."( Job 23:10) His patience was a virtue, which was not his patrimony but taught of God in the midst of the fire that tried him daily. 'Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful."( James 5:11-ESV) Do we not see faith in the manner he received it each day? He did not change his stance while to his friends it smacked of mulishness to hold on still to righteousness. It was obvious to the whole world 'here is a wreck, in body and worldly goods! Instead of speaking what was right they did injury to holiness of God to which we shall come anon.
Was Job guilty of pride, to hold onto his righteousness? He knew faith in God's mercy that made him weather the storm about his hearth,- for daily it came in waves. His unfortunate wife was lost in the domestic tragedies she could not understand. St James speaks of mercy which has the righteousness of the Son and also a form,- this was the fourth presence in the story of the Three Hebrew Children Thrown Into The Furnace. Only with experience or growing in grace we begin to appreciate the verses in the Book of Lamentations. "The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;/ they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."(Lam.3:22-23). In a nutshell the grace of Jesus Christ works from within, and 'Christ in me' is not making a show for fools. Consider Jesus who refused the Jews who would want a sign from him. We are living in the same similar wicked and adulterous generation. Till he comes to gather his saints we shall see fools of the same stripe, only that they call it 'prosperity.' They are the chaff.
Let me give you an example. If you have a car that goes top speed 100 miles per hour and you put your foot on the pedal expecting to go 150 and you keep pressing your foot on the pedal, the only thing you will get at the end is to burn the engine, it will never go 150. We have limits all of us. Yes we must lengthen our limits/broaden our hearts but they will always exist.
Yes God has made us partakers of His Spirit. Which means that He gave us a means to grow spiritually and produce a fruit in our lives. But that Spirit has not transformed our nature. We are still human. Have you ever thought why we will be sinless in Heaven? We don't know really, do we?. Some say because of the new body we will be given. But satan has got no flesh but he still sinned and is still sinning although his is a spirit. So the sin does not only originate from the flesh, but it originates from our spirit as well.
My assumption is that we will be sinless because we will have God's Spirit with no measure, like Jesus had it. The presence of God inside us will be infinite and will not allow any sin coming inside us. But in this life we have the Spirit partially. (Well this is just thoughts, we don't really know). If God wanted to make us perfect in this life, He would had done it in a split second, But He didn't and He will not. We have to wait untill we enter our heavenly country.
Well some thoughts of mine. Blessings.
James 5:16, "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
1 Timothy 6:12, "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses."
Further insights on prophecy: Conspiracies vs fulfillment
The line of demarcation exists when we consider 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7. For now; the gates of hell do not prevail against the church ( Matt. 16:18); but in the Tribulation or time of Jacob's trouble they will be overcome ( Rev. 13:7; Daniel 7:25). While we remain as salt and light the putrification is held back along with the final fulfillments of prophecies.
Ezekiel 38 is something geopolitically that seems to have aligned uniquely with Iran; Turkey and Russian agreements. As with anything else; those who look to the current war in Ukraine or any other conflicts basically are repeating centuries old patterns.
The downfall of currencies also seems to have been thwarted temporarily as of the last few days; apparently some small countries are utilizing the dollar more; and there seems to be both a new gold standard backed currency with the BRICS nations; and the concept of electronic currency concurrently happening; for now. Certainly there are harbingers of things to come. The recent lowering in prices of gold and silver (See Zephaniah 1:18; Ezekiel 7:19; and James 5:3) could indicate a collapse either just before the Tribulation and or during it (perhaps further enforced by Antichrist). To have the Mark of the Beast all other trade methodologies must be cancelled; I don't believe that can happen prior to the Rapture of the church in entirety.
Isaiah 8:12 reminds us not to call everything "conspiracy" that everyone else says is. The two dangers we have are thinking everything is an indication that the end has come; OR belittling the literal final fulfillment after all the predictions of the past proved false. Such could of course be argued with verses such as 1 Cor. 15:52 on the Rapture (Rapturo in Latin). Full Preterists think everything happened by 70 AD. Most think it was partially fulfilled; which again makes the most sense with a literal interpretation of the texts.
Hi Adam. As I go through James 5:19,20, I'll share my understanding:
"Brethren (i.e. those in the faith from the Jewish diaspora), if any of you err from the truth ('planethe', to go astray or wander), and one convert him ('epistrepse', to turn him back); Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way (returns or guides him onto the path of holiness of life) shall save a soul from death (from God's Judgement by virtue of physical death, cf 1 Corinthians 11:27-32, noting that God's Judgement is done in Love, to the end "that we (the Christian in sin) should not be condemned with the world, as those who are consigned to Hell)...and shall hide ('kalypsei', to hide/conceal) a multitude of sins (by restoring a wayward believer by his repentance & restoration, that his sins repented of, will no more be judged by God).
Indeed, "a Christ follower can fall away, stray, wander, err from the truth" as you wrote, but if he is "in Christ" as "Christ in him", he will always, repeat always, be gently ministered to by the Holy Spirit & led back to the path of true & abundant living. Not one of Christ's sheep will ever be lost, even though they stray afar. But if they remain obstinate & continue to dabble in sin, as in the case of incest at Corinth, the apostle using his authority, delivered that soul to Satan's domain "for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus".
I hope that brings out my understanding clearly, though I could not understand your last question, re: Billy Graham gaining more forgiveness/more grace.
Adam, the parable of the sower shows some that accept the Word of God, then turn from it for different reasons and 2 Peter Chapter 2
20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
So, yes I believe one can lose their salvation. On the verse James 5:20 "Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins." this is speaking of hiding a multitude of the "sinners" sins, not the person who helped him out of it. It's assumed that the person who helped him out of it is saved and hasn't fallen away, he is already covered by the blood of Jesus.
19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
NASB on verse 19 instead of "err", it says "strays" from the truth.
NIV says "wander" from the truth.
James is written to Christ followers- the twelve tribes and calls them brothers and sisters and the writing seems to suggest they have faith, like 1:3. And suggests they have assemblies (church) like 2:1.
First thing I notice is it acknowledges that a Christ follower can fall away, stray, wander, err from the truth. This might mean the Christian temporarily is not following Christ, maybe takes a detour, gets a flat tire, gets confused and goes the wrong way for a short time like I do when driving. Some Christians believe it is impossible to stay or fall away, so this verse might be a surprise to them.
Next, it suggests that the one who stayed is endanger of hell (save a soul from death), so this err from the truth is quite serious.
But it suggests that someone who helps correct the person shall hide/cover a multitude of sins. This is the part I find most interesting. What do you think it means? Could those like Billy Graham who spent their lifetime preaching and trying to convert the lost have more forgiveness or more 'more' grace?
I am praying that both your mother and father are healed, if it be God's will, in Jesus' name. And, if you can call on the elders of your church, here is a verse instructing us, when there is sickness: James 5:14 - Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
If you don't have elders or a Church, pray over them in faith, anointing them with oil in the name of Jesus.
You sound like a very good child to your parents, I pray you are blessed as well.
Do not worry! The Lord never gives us more than we can handle. You will overcome. God has chosen us before the foundation of the world. He does NOT make mistake in choosing us. He does NOT fail. Continue to pray. If possible find someone who loves you to keep you in his/her prayer. I am praying too. Courage and rely solely on HIS grace. Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: an it rained not on the earth by the space of three yeas and six months. ( James 5:17). This Gospel works and God always delivers for His children.
If we look at condemnation such as Zechariah 11:17 we see how the "worthless shepherd" or the Antichrist will be allowed to have authority in the future end times. This is equivalent to the "son of perdition" which stood for both Judas Iscariot and the coming Antichrist. Thus; those who would be part of the establishment and hierarchy of false religion at some point will be found to be reprobate ( Matt. 7:16). Fruits; therefore are the result of either a bad seed or heart condition or that of good seed producing good fruit.
When we look at passages such as Luke 19:8 with Zaccheus; certainly someone who was a corrupt tax collector or just happened to have a job that was despised could reform their ways; such as a teacher who is caught up in error and corrected by His brother ( James 5:19). This speaks of individuals who are granted repentance and come to realize Christ as Lord and Savior. This differentiates Christ's preaching of a general call nature and the parables hiding truth from the "wise" and revealing it to "babes" (see Matt. 11:25 as an example). In the general call we see a railing accusation against Pharisees and the lawyers of the time as we see in Matthew 23. We must remember that God can "choose their delusions" ( Isaiah 66:4) so that at some point men's hearts can be hardened beyond hope. Only the Lord knows what point that is; as well as those who are His children.
As to "shepherds" or leaders of any sort; of course there is harsher judgment for them than others. We see this with the denouncement of those who are "sons of hell" themselves and the resulting disciples who are twice as bad ( Matthew 23:15).
Teachers of Gospel truth also have this principle ( James 3:1). The case of a believer vs a non believer separates the results; of course from that of hellfire and suffering loss of reward. Nonetheless; the principle stands.
Also, is there anyone who can come to your moms home or the hospital who can LAY HANDS on your mom and pray to God in the name of JESUS for her healing?
James 5:14-15
14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.
Hope this helps Marc. Have you gotten some oil (?) and put a little dab on your moms forehead ( virgin olive oil) and prayed a prayer of faith over her for healing? If not please do so. Gods word does not lie.
If you are a born again believer you have power to cast out demons AND heal the sick. These gifts are for today! Please use them. It's obvious that you care deeply for your momma. She needs you to do this and to lead her to Christ if she's not already born again of the spirit.
I write this to you in much love. I'm saying a prayer for you both right now.
IT seems that with the downplay (if even being a factor at all) of coming to saving faith of repentance for individuals another issue is being unwilling to confront national evils which we are called to sound out against as per Ezekiel 33. There are several reasons for this; one being fear of societal disapproval or persecution; going against the grain of many who are rather lukewarm about the subject and the most insidious perhaps being our own tendancy to be overcomfortable as the pot approaches boiling as we see in the case of Lot. James 5:3 should be carefully read; as many think that through their own efforts they can make it through the Tribulation; or even be able to endure things before that should there be a crash in the metals market; or perhaps something else such as nuclear fallout that could render such wealth useless. There needs to be a healthy balance between wise prudence in resources and hoarding; the former being ideally used for other saints in a time of crisis as was in the book of Acts; and the latter being a tendency to fall into based on political persuasion being set above spiritual wisdom.
As with my first part in this series; it should be obvious that the crap will hit the fan; so to speak. Or; as I put it God is much more longsuffering than I am; considering the long list of abominations our own nation has committed; although hardly alone in such actions we have been the catalyst for expanding these horrors worldwide (abortion; pornography; illicit drug trade).
Whether we are Babylon or not; or a part of the final world system it is evident that destruction when it comes will be so speedy that there is no remedy to avoid the famine; plagues; war and demonic infestation of the earth at that time short of Divine Intervention and protection.
Satan will have his day in the spotlight; so let us work while it still is day. ( John 9:4).
in any case know that the Lord has put you here on the web and writing here is useful to all who read it. Remember where two and three are gathered, there is the Lord Jesus Christ in the midst of us. Which task is the biggest?
Prayer is the greatest of all gifts. Without prayer we get nothing, without someone who prays all is lost. Without the prayer of a righteous man, there will be complete/total spiritual darkness on Earth. James 5:16
It is so great to join and pray for all people, it gives life and vitality in a dark time where we see that our loved ones feel so good about themselves that they do not see/that they need God in their lives. But there will be days when they too will fall to their knees. The day when God calls them for that He has promised. Acts 16:31
Imagine there, the whole family was saved at once, received the baptism in the Holy Spirit too! God is good to the faithful who believe. Never lose heart and stand against such thought. Every man has received a gift. Love u in Christ. Thank, Hallelujah for the Lord knows and take his people home.
Barbara, Hold on sister! Help is on the way! God has heard your prayer. He does love you, and JESUS does love you. Keep knocking on Heaven's door. Jesus WILL make a way for you and those precious children. Matthew 7:7-8. Keep crying out to Him.
I'm praying for you this morning. Heaven knows YOUR name!
Romans 3:23
Romans 10:9
Repentance is so important. Lay down everything you can think of that you know is sin. Ask God ( in Jesus mighty and powerful name ) to help you repent and forgive you. He will help you with all of these needs. And make up your mind that you're gonna live for Him no matter what comes your way. If you fall get back up again, this is a battle and you will get knocked down sometimes but don't stay down. His mercy is brand new every single morning so hit your Heavenly Father up first thing in the morning as soon as you open your eyes.Go and find a Bible teaching preaching church. James 5:16. Call on God,call on Jesus!
Beloved, the prayer of a righteous man works with great power. James 5:16. Have you received the forgiveness of sins? Believe in Jesus Christ and you will be righteous. That is all that He God the Father Himself expects us to believe in Jesus not only Jesus but also Christ. Acts 16:31 Then you also get to experience Heaven on Earth. For the kingdom of God dwells in us. Luke 17:21
We face temptations on a daily basis, it becomes like something you know you shouldn't do, then you do it anyway. Then the question is what is it dear to you. One can well imagine that this is not a good thing. It is important to distinguish between Spirit, Soul and body. Run to Jesus an pray for help.
The body has its everyday routine. Then we can expand this into many illegal things. If it is the meat that tempts us, we only have one choice. Run to Jesus, pray for it to go away. Then it also means that you have to capture every thought that comes up, after this pray of help. So that you don't think about it ever again
There is a difference here. The one who is a child, the one who is young, and the one who is old. Think about it. The Lord does not expect a child to drive a car. If there is anyone who cares for us all, it is the Lord. Think about the smallest little thing He is with. He is also involved in the big things. As Gods word said, the kingdom of God is within us who believe.
We learn as we go. We separate things from good and bad as we have been taught to do so. People are so different. Some hear well and others don't. This is completely individual. Thank God the Father for it is He who has made us this way.
And if our conscience says that what we are doing is wrong. May we sincerely ask for forgiveness and learn from it as best we can. Good luck on your journey towards Sanctification. Love u in Christ.
Hint: Try 1 day that suits and keep the thought of the Lord Jesus. Only on Him, see what's coming. He tells you good things. It will help you a lot and not think on other.
Thank you Jimbob for taking the time to pore through my submission, though I'm sorry that you weren't able to see what I see in the Scriptures. From the many other views we get on this subject, we see that we all can have our different Scriptures that show us how we should perceive these last days.
Even the Revelation 14:14-16 passage you quoted, referring to the harvest being the Church; if this is the Rapture, why then did the Church have to experience the previous judgements of God (in Revelation 6:1-17: Seal Judgements; Revelation 8:1-9:21: Trumpet Judgements). These can't be the ordinary, everyday turmoils that Earth's inhabitants face, but specific Judgements from God and then the sickle is struck for the harvesting (& of course, some are cast into the winepress of God's Wrath).
So brother, I don't want to continually rehash the earlier passages we've written about, as clearly we read these prophetical messages differently. My understanding is that the Great Tribulation of seven years (the last week seen in Daniel's prophecy), which includes God's Wrath in its various phases & intensities, will come after the Church is removed; even as promised to the Philadelphian Church in Revelation 3:10.
The anti-Christ (at least at the beginning of his reign of terror to his opponents), & the beginning of God's Judgements ( Revelation 6,8,9), assure our hearts that the Rapture of the Church can happen suddenly, without any signs to prepare for that day. The call is for our expectant joyous living & readiness now, as even the early Church was to urged to expect ( Philippians 4:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; Titus 2:13; James 5:8; Revelation 1:3) - not for our awakening when things begin to get very difficult in the course of the final seven years. The call was always for believers' readiness - we couldn't be in such a state if we know that much more needs to happen before the Lord's Coming/Rapture of the Church - death might overtake most of us before then.
d. the revelation of the anti-Christ is restrained ( 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12). Paul's reason for writing this was because the Church was greatly troubled that the Day of the Lord (Christ) had begun. Paul said that that day wouldn't commence until Jesus came for them & raptured them ("our gathering together unto him": v1). The 'restrainer' is the Holy Spirit in God's people, then when He is removed, God's people are removed, for the Holy Spirit was sent to indwell us & work in & through us & for the Gospel's propagation ( John 16:7,8,13).
e. a comparison between an imminent Rapture & Rapture at the Second Coming:
1. Translation of all believers ( 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18) --- No translation at all ( Revelation 19:6-21).
2. Raptured saints return to Heaven ( 1 Thessalonians 4:17; John 14:1-3) --- Raptured saints return to Earth ( 1 Thessalonians 3:13; Revelation 19:14).
3. Any moment, in readiness, without signs ( 1 Corinthians 1:7; Philippians 4:5; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; Titus 2:13; James 5:7-9; Revelation 3:11, 22:7,12,20) --- many signs given of the Great Tribulation which leads into Jesus' coming (so a readiness cannot be expected, as the seven year's count down begins with the anti-Christ).
A Pre-Tribulation Rapture position keeps the Church ready & watching for her Lord's Coming. Any other position can give her the tendency to apathy & carelessness. The Church is told to be watchful, in spite of ridicule, "where is the promise of his coming" ( 2 Peter 3:4). But Christ's coming is held back until the full number are saved (v9) - and then Jesus will come to take His Church Home.
I'm hoping GOD pulled through for you with shelter over your head. I had a dream last night that I was asking a US retired Marine, to show me how to survive outside, without freezing. I was weeping, (because our situation is dire in real life & in the dream) he started to show me & started to set things up, upon a sheltered rock. I declared urgently "Wait! I have 3 children, this needs to protect them too!" Then he picked the materials up & the situation changed. Later in the dream, I was holding that retired Marine in my arms weightlessly up in water & helping baptize him. Leading him in the walk of a believer in the LORD & Word of GOD. The leader that was supposed to be doing the baptism seemed to be saying things & doing things wrongly. I quickly submerged the Marine under water declaring scripture. He stayed very close to me until a woman needed my help. Then I went with her, helping her fight the evil attacks against her. I'm not sure what the dreams I've been having mean fully, but I came across your prayer request again & I'm going out on a limb thinking it may be connected. I believe many of us that help here on this site, will pray about dire situations but don't have a response we feel is good enough encouragement to post. I have pondered scripture & prayer for you a couple of times. I've even tried to reach out to Samaritan's Purse Ministry on your behalf but my message failed to send in their platform.
We're in a difficult season to say the least. We will make it through these times! I believe it! We need each other in these times & in the days & years ahead. This is a place like: Philippians 2, Philippians 3:10-21, Romans 12:1-13, Ephesians 3:16-21, 2Timothy 2:1-3, James 5:10-11, 2Corinthians 11:25-27, Matthew 8:19-20,
I was reassured in my spirit, these difficult oppressive moments I'm facing are for others. It's a bigger better plan. 2Corinthians 4, Psalms 139, Psalms 37,
As to your question you have received several answers, my understanding in the Bible baptism is done only by immersion as the word means. As Jesse said sprinkling did not start until the 1300s and it was for the reason it was so inconvenient. So, this was done just because of convenience's sake, nothing Biblical about it. I agree with Giannis, and we must believe as Jesus said in Mark 16:16.
All we do is to be done in our Lord Jesus's name, Colossians 3:16-17. Many use Matthew 28:19 but we also see in the rest of Scripture that a person who is baptized in Jesus' name is someone who believes in Jesus as Savior, the Messiah, the Son of God who for us died, was buried, and was resurrected we acknowledge this by being baptized in His name, Acts 2:38 Acts 8:12 Acts 8:16 Acts 10:48 Acts 19:5 Acts 22:16 Romans 6:3 Galatians 3:27 Colossians 2:12 Ephesians 4:5.
Paul shows the importance of being baptized in the name of Jesus, Acts 19:1-6. God has placed Jesus and His name above all that is in heaven and earth, Matthew 28:18 Philippians 2:9-11. Salvation only comes in His name Acts 4:12 Romans 10:13. The name of Jesus is the source of power and authority for healing, miracles, and deliverance, Mark 16:17 Luke 10:17 Acts 4:7 Acts 4:30 Acts 16:18.
We are to give thanks in Jesus's name, Ephesians 5:20. Our faith is through Him and in His name, Acts 3:16. We must believe in Jesus, John 3:16 John 6:47 Acts 16:31 1 John 3:23 1 John 5:13. Whatever we ask for we are to ask in His name, John 14:13-14. We are to pray to the Father in His name, James 5:14. Jesus is our priest and the only mediator between God and men, 1 Timothy 2:5.
God bless,
RLW
In fact,there are two types of famine occurring in the world at this time,material famine is figure of spiritual famine,both are signs of JESUS's coming.
Your post suggests two interestings scenaries for us to meditate.The description below gives us two different aspects of the famine's scenaries.
So,speaking of famine,we can compare how our GOD provides a solution for this terrible event,and how Satan and his partners suggest a solution being them demonic governments,devilish religious guides,idolaters,spiritist/esoterics,among others.
How does our GOD provide the solution for this problem of hunger of bread? Mark 8:11-21:
11The Pharisees came forth and question with JESUS, seeking of him a sign from heaven,tempting Him.
12He sighed deeply in His spirit,and saith,Why doth this generation seek after a sign?verily I say unto you,There shall no sign be given unto this generation.
13And he left them,...
14The disciples had forgotten to take bread, neither had they in the ship with them more than one loaf.
15JESUS said:Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees,and of the leaven of Herod.
16And they reasoned among themselves,saying,It is because we have no bread.
17JESUS knew it and saith unto them,Why reason ye,because ye have no bread?perceive ye not yet,neither understand?have ye your heart yet hardened?
18Having eyes,see ye not?and having ears,hear ye not?and do ye not remember?
19I brake five loaves among five thousand,how many baskets full of fragments took ye up?They say unto Him,Twelve.
20And the seven among four thousand,how many baskets full of fragments took ye up?they said,Seven.
21JESUS said,How is it that ye do not understand?
ITOH, how does Satan and his partners provide solution for this problem of hunger of bread?
They simply say:Command that stones be made bread.The heart of demonic men are like stone,the world of Devil is full of stones,they suggest for asking for alms,they create beggars. James 5:1-6 combined with Matthew 19:23.
i therefore request for your prayers.( james 5:16)
pray that god may finance my studies at tertiary level.through your effective fervent prayers the almighty will create a way from the 'sea of lack'.may god bless you all in jesus name...
Greetings in Christ JESUS
Reading your post of one day ago,saying if we are to look at the Seventh Day Adventists and their teachings of Ellen White it is clear that there are spurious elements there.As was prophesied by Daniel, the Judgment shall sit,the Judgment will be given to the saints of the most High;the time came that the saints possess the kingdom.By the way,I must say that I have come across and fought for decades with strong battles and terrible combats against atheists and materialists, anf for my surprise the most of them were/are people who abandoned or stopped attending the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Why is it that after the preachers/guides/pastors of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to compass sea and land to make proselytes, and after these proselytes attend their services for years,they leave the Adventist Church transformed into atheists,materialists? Unfortunately they made them twofold more the child of hell than themselves.
The earth is infested with betrayers who deny the existence of GOD,there are legions of them spread across the earth with which I have come across and fought for decades with strong battles and terrible combats,mainly through websites.I could quote the website links,I don't do due the rules.
See,the objective is not to condemn any brother or sister here.What does the Word of GOD say? James 5:
19Brethren,if any of you do err from the truth,and one convert him;
20Let him know,that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death,and shall hide a multitude of sins.
1Corinthians 6:
1Dare any of you,having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust,and not before the saints?
2Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the WORLD?and if the WORLD shall be Judged by you(by us),are ye(we)unworthy to Judge the smallest matters?
3Know ye not that we shall Judge angels?(fallen angels of the Churches) how much more things that pertain to this life?
GOD BLESS
"I hope the Lord waits until my kids grow up; get married; etc."
"I hope the Lord lets me stay until (so and so) becomes a Christian"
"I'll show 'em; let me be one of the 144,000; or hang out afterwards it can't be that bad at the start..."
The facetious dialogues suggested above are more are less a compilation of several arguments BELIEVERS have given in my presence in the past when this subject came up. Let us examine them in light of the scriptures...
First point; in heaven there will be no regret as far as "missing out" on anything this earth had to offer. That is; unless we have squandered the opportunity NOW to witness and do those things which forfeited rewards in light of the admonitions of Revelation 3:11. Our children will be where their angels are already "beholding the Father in heaven continually." ( Matt. 18:10).
The second argument assumes that God is somehow derelict in His duty to bring the "fullness of the Gentiles in" ( Romans 11:25) which in truth may not occur completely at the Rapture but before the Second Coming. Nonetheless; the multitudes that come to Christ that can't be counted may never have come at least as quickly without the fiery trials the Lord designed to purge out the dross during the Tribulation. ( Revelation 7:9). We should also appreciate the fact in verses such as Psalm 40 which states "many will see and fear" (verse 3). This seems to indicate with the surrounding verses we will be raptured/resurrected from the ground; SURELY the Resurrection of the saints cannot be explained away and will be common knowledge (even if they say the UFO's abducted those raptured it's harder to explain those already deceased).
The third point is that even in the seal judgments there is a direct opening of these seals by Christ Himself with a fourth of the earth dying (at least) at that time. No one can outplan or outwit God in saving provisions for that time (see James 5:3).
Part 4.
We use Brothern to loosely today. Everyone amongst us is not a Brother or a Sister!
Look at the example Jesus gives in Matthew 12:47-50.
"Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.
But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?
And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren.
For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
Romans 12:3 says not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
We all have flaws and we're all of one body ministering by the same Spirit, having gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us by "THE GIFT" (Christ Spirit.) We are to exercise those gifts by the power of Christ Spirit.
We are to Love one another; I've declared that on this site since I've been on it using John 13:34-35 as a springboard.
Also, 1 John 4:20-21 and Matthew 7:15-16.
We shall be known by our fruit, not our gifts!
CAN YOU GENERATE THIS ON YOUR OWN?
Love amongst the brothern is not partial.
It's not determined by race, wealth, political parties, Gender, status in the church, or one's eschatology.
Love at its highest level is Agape. It's caused by the Holyspirit that knits us as one. It's to be totally given over to.
I've seen where one says he have the gift of discernment but yet he shuns other Brothern.
If you have an issue with a brother, you restore him. Galatians 6:1-4.
We must look out for each other. James 5:20 says, "Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins." Confrontation may be difficult, but it is not loving to allow a professing Christian to continue in a sin that will bring God's consequences upon him.
See Part 5.
The Lord has given us many benefits through the fellowship of saints and this should in a large part give us a resource in time of need for food and raiment ( 1 Tim. 6:8; see also Matt. 6:25). This is what the collection for the saints should apply to in part; along with money for missionaries; the Pastor himself and other church expenses. Our church apparently has some sort of asset division written into the contract with the building ownership should it be sold or liquidated the assets in theory would go to members. In any event; it seems strange that giving and sermons on the subject hardly ever seem to touch on meeting needs of the congregation; but occasionally on giving to the needy and other causes. Obviously, we are not to go to church with a mindset of having others provide for us as an incentive to give; but we should make our giving an investment we are personally connected to whatever the cause. The gifts and talents and time we share with one another should come naturally with mature Christians in fellowship. If our life is invested in the Kingdom of God and His people we are not going to be so concerned about things of the world; that's my main idea.
Evangelism and prayer among the saints on a regular basis as a lifestyle makes it a lot easier fulfilling the Great Commission. It is a rare thing though to find in churches today; at least regular street witnessing or going to nursing homes ( 1 Cor. 12:27).
"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.
-Wherefore When He died at the cross and purge our sins By Himself and rose on the Third day, He gave gifts unto men to be apostles, prophets, evangelist pastors and some to be teachers. ( Ephesians 4:7, KJV) This is clearly seen across different churches and in many Christians who have repented of their sins at the cross and believed in the Lord Jesus Christ the son of the Living God.
- It is also important to note that God put his power in Moses' rode, but it was upon Moses to pick it and use it. but according to Gods will ( exodus 4:1-3, KJV)
And Remember Elijah a man like us tempted like we are but prayed earnestly and the rain ceased and yet Elijah was a man like us ( James 5:17, KJV)
-The writer of the Book James clearly point this out to all Christians (those who have repented at the cross and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God) they that take head according to the word of God ( Psalms 119:9, KJV)
-That if there is anyone sick, let him call the elders of the church to pray for him anointing him with oil in the name of The Lord and the prayer of FAITH will save the sick and if he has committed sin the Lord will forgive Him.
-Moreover, in James 5:16, KJV) God clearly points this to us that we are to confess our trespasses to one other and to pray for one other that we may be Healed.
-For if we confess our sins to each other, we will remain humble in the Lord and when we pray with earnestly before God without doubting ( 1 timothy 2:8, KJV) the Lord is faithful who will also do it
Remember prayer is not a shopping list but worshiping the Lord God with Your heart mind and soul.
The conclusion of the matter.
-The Lord still heals the blind, heals the sick and raises the dead according to the Scriptures.
And He does not change but we me and you we change and if we pray in mockery and be covetous in ministry.
-Prophesying for attention picking and choosing the portions of the Scriptures that we want to believe
Lev 26:15-21 God is speaking to His people, the history of the children of Israel full of this. 2 Chronicles 7:14 Jeremiah 3:22 Hosea 6:1,2
Christ brings this into the NT John 12:40 Acts 28:27
Hebrews 12:5-11 speaking of His children
He does this in His merciful lovingkindness to us, we being so blinded by the deceitfulness of sin, it must be scourge out, define as "to flog" lit or fig, God as a father chastising and training men as children by affliction,
Chastisement; Education or training; by implication, disciplinary correction, chastening, instruction, nurture.
There's two kinds of fear, & many manifestations of each, all grounded in one of the two, godly fear which foundation is grounded in obedient reverential love for God.
The other, Satan counter part, grounded in disobedience which brings torment, where condemnation & guilt in one's own heart follows them wherever they go, for they have offended the Holy God; they having continue in disobedience to the Grace of God which appears in their hearts.
God's love in chastising correction, cast this fear & torment out
& why? John 14:21, which defines love, which makes way for John 14:23 one's habitation becomes a dwelling place for Perfect Love in the work of Sanctification of the Spirit unto obedience & sprinkling of the Blood/Life of Jesus.
thus "for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness.
Hebrews 12:11 exercising the Grace of God, the Word of Righteousness in discerning between Good & evil,, there's suffering in the Cross to learn righteousness. 1Pet 4:1
Then we have Job, who God said is perfect, Job 2:3; which trials, suffering & afflictions is of a much higher concept than punishment for disobedience, James 5:11
Hebrews 11:33 for this purpose "obtain a better resurrection"
one eighty, you would do well to live out your call name.
your in darkness, deceived; dwelling, speaking & judging falsely against God
Ephesians 5:13, therefore, Ephesians 5:14
In Love & Truth
The Grace of God that appears to all mankind, begotten Paul & he declares in 1Cor 15:10 made what he now is.
What the Apostles received by the Revelation of Jesus Christ from His Grace appearance, they wrote down in the Epistle's that bares their name, & they believed & attain unto this knowledge by the diligent exercising thereof Hebrews 5:14 Hebrews 12:11 Philippians 3:16
Here's a small unfolding of His Grace / Light
They let Patience James 1:4,25 James 5:11 1Pet 5:9,10
Make you Perfect Hebrews 13:21
Be ye Perfect Matt 5:48 indicating this perfection is the same as the Father, there's not a different standard of holiness for mankind describe here.
The angel declared to Mary, Matt 1:21 not in their sin!
Folks,
Everything that God does is perfect, do you really believe that He would sent His only begotten Son to suffer all that He did for our sakes, & it not be a perfect restoration for His beloved creations.
I tell you by the Scriptures, sound reasoning & the Holy Ghost it's goes beyond the state of Adam innocents before he fell
Rom 6:3-5 the newness of life spoken of here is the likeness of His resurrection life & that is attain by working of His Divine Power 2Pet 1:2-4
I'm talking Grace, here now in this life. Don't be deceived, it's accompanies all that Christ experience, 1Pet 2:21 this too is apart of being make in His image & likeness, walking as He walk, the Apostles final got it after Pentecost, being baptized unto His death. This is when 1John 1:1-5 truly came into spiritual experiential experience. John 7:17
John 4:23,24 True worship is doing His will
& that will is reveal by His Grace / Light appearance in your heart. 2Cor 4:6,7
"For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish."
Job was a righteous man. " But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold."( Job 23:10) His patience was a virtue, which was not his patrimony but taught of God in the midst of the fire that tried him daily. 'Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful."( James 5:11-ESV) Do we not see faith in the manner he received it each day? He did not change his stance while to his friends it smacked of mulishness to hold on still to righteousness. It was obvious to the whole world 'here is a wreck, in body and worldly goods! Instead of speaking what was right they did injury to holiness of God to which we shall come anon.
Was Job guilty of pride, to hold onto his righteousness? He knew faith in God's mercy that made him weather the storm about his hearth,- for daily it came in waves. His unfortunate wife was lost in the domestic tragedies she could not understand. St James speaks of mercy which has the righteousness of the Son and also a form,- this was the fourth presence in the story of the Three Hebrew Children Thrown Into The Furnace. Only with experience or growing in grace we begin to appreciate the verses in the Book of Lamentations. "The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;/ they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."(Lam.3:22-23). In a nutshell the grace of Jesus Christ works from within, and 'Christ in me' is not making a show for fools. Consider Jesus who refused the Jews who would want a sign from him. We are living in the same similar wicked and adulterous generation. Till he comes to gather his saints we shall see fools of the same stripe, only that they call it 'prosperity.' They are the chaff.
Let me give you an example. If you have a car that goes top speed 100 miles per hour and you put your foot on the pedal expecting to go 150 and you keep pressing your foot on the pedal, the only thing you will get at the end is to burn the engine, it will never go 150. We have limits all of us. Yes we must lengthen our limits/broaden our hearts but they will always exist.
Yes God has made us partakers of His Spirit. Which means that He gave us a means to grow spiritually and produce a fruit in our lives. But that Spirit has not transformed our nature. We are still human. Have you ever thought why we will be sinless in Heaven? We don't know really, do we?. Some say because of the new body we will be given. But satan has got no flesh but he still sinned and is still sinning although his is a spirit. So the sin does not only originate from the flesh, but it originates from our spirit as well.
My assumption is that we will be sinless because we will have God's Spirit with no measure, like Jesus had it. The presence of God inside us will be infinite and will not allow any sin coming inside us. But in this life we have the Spirit partially. (Well this is just thoughts, we don't really know). If God wanted to make us perfect in this life, He would had done it in a split second, But He didn't and He will not. We have to wait untill we enter our heavenly country.
Well some thoughts of mine. Blessings.
James 5:16, "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
1 Timothy 6:12, "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses."
The line of demarcation exists when we consider 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7. For now; the gates of hell do not prevail against the church ( Matt. 16:18); but in the Tribulation or time of Jacob's trouble they will be overcome ( Rev. 13:7; Daniel 7:25). While we remain as salt and light the putrification is held back along with the final fulfillments of prophecies.
Ezekiel 38 is something geopolitically that seems to have aligned uniquely with Iran; Turkey and Russian agreements. As with anything else; those who look to the current war in Ukraine or any other conflicts basically are repeating centuries old patterns.
The downfall of currencies also seems to have been thwarted temporarily as of the last few days; apparently some small countries are utilizing the dollar more; and there seems to be both a new gold standard backed currency with the BRICS nations; and the concept of electronic currency concurrently happening; for now. Certainly there are harbingers of things to come. The recent lowering in prices of gold and silver (See Zephaniah 1:18; Ezekiel 7:19; and James 5:3) could indicate a collapse either just before the Tribulation and or during it (perhaps further enforced by Antichrist). To have the Mark of the Beast all other trade methodologies must be cancelled; I don't believe that can happen prior to the Rapture of the church in entirety.
Isaiah 8:12 reminds us not to call everything "conspiracy" that everyone else says is. The two dangers we have are thinking everything is an indication that the end has come; OR belittling the literal final fulfillment after all the predictions of the past proved false. Such could of course be argued with verses such as 1 Cor. 15:52 on the Rapture (Rapturo in Latin). Full Preterists think everything happened by 70 AD. Most think it was partially fulfilled; which again makes the most sense with a literal interpretation of the texts.
More to come...
"Brethren (i.e. those in the faith from the Jewish diaspora), if any of you err from the truth ('planethe', to go astray or wander), and one convert him ('epistrepse', to turn him back); Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way (returns or guides him onto the path of holiness of life) shall save a soul from death (from God's Judgement by virtue of physical death, cf 1 Corinthians 11:27-32, noting that God's Judgement is done in Love, to the end "that we (the Christian in sin) should not be condemned with the world, as those who are consigned to Hell)...and shall hide ('kalypsei', to hide/conceal) a multitude of sins (by restoring a wayward believer by his repentance & restoration, that his sins repented of, will no more be judged by God).
Indeed, "a Christ follower can fall away, stray, wander, err from the truth" as you wrote, but if he is "in Christ" as "Christ in him", he will always, repeat always, be gently ministered to by the Holy Spirit & led back to the path of true & abundant living. Not one of Christ's sheep will ever be lost, even though they stray afar. But if they remain obstinate & continue to dabble in sin, as in the case of incest at Corinth, the apostle using his authority, delivered that soul to Satan's domain "for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus".
I hope that brings out my understanding clearly, though I could not understand your last question, re: Billy Graham gaining more forgiveness/more grace.
20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
So, yes I believe one can lose their salvation. On the verse James 5:20 "Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins." this is speaking of hiding a multitude of the "sinners" sins, not the person who helped him out of it. It's assumed that the person who helped him out of it is saved and hasn't fallen away, he is already covered by the blood of Jesus.
Hope that helps, God bless
19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
NASB on verse 19 instead of "err", it says "strays" from the truth.
NIV says "wander" from the truth.
James is written to Christ followers- the twelve tribes and calls them brothers and sisters and the writing seems to suggest they have faith, like 1:3. And suggests they have assemblies (church) like 2:1.
First thing I notice is it acknowledges that a Christ follower can fall away, stray, wander, err from the truth. This might mean the Christian temporarily is not following Christ, maybe takes a detour, gets a flat tire, gets confused and goes the wrong way for a short time like I do when driving. Some Christians believe it is impossible to stay or fall away, so this verse might be a surprise to them.
Next, it suggests that the one who stayed is endanger of hell (save a soul from death), so this err from the truth is quite serious.
But it suggests that someone who helps correct the person shall hide/cover a multitude of sins. This is the part I find most interesting. What do you think it means? Could those like Billy Graham who spent their lifetime preaching and trying to convert the lost have more forgiveness or more 'more' grace?
If you don't have elders or a Church, pray over them in faith, anointing them with oil in the name of Jesus.
You sound like a very good child to your parents, I pray you are blessed as well.
Do not worry! The Lord never gives us more than we can handle. You will overcome. God has chosen us before the foundation of the world. He does NOT make mistake in choosing us. He does NOT fail. Continue to pray. If possible find someone who loves you to keep you in his/her prayer. I am praying too. Courage and rely solely on HIS grace. Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: an it rained not on the earth by the space of three yeas and six months. ( James 5:17). This Gospel works and God always delivers for His children.
When we look at passages such as Luke 19:8 with Zaccheus; certainly someone who was a corrupt tax collector or just happened to have a job that was despised could reform their ways; such as a teacher who is caught up in error and corrected by His brother ( James 5:19). This speaks of individuals who are granted repentance and come to realize Christ as Lord and Savior. This differentiates Christ's preaching of a general call nature and the parables hiding truth from the "wise" and revealing it to "babes" (see Matt. 11:25 as an example). In the general call we see a railing accusation against Pharisees and the lawyers of the time as we see in Matthew 23. We must remember that God can "choose their delusions" ( Isaiah 66:4) so that at some point men's hearts can be hardened beyond hope. Only the Lord knows what point that is; as well as those who are His children.
As to "shepherds" or leaders of any sort; of course there is harsher judgment for them than others. We see this with the denouncement of those who are "sons of hell" themselves and the resulting disciples who are twice as bad ( Matthew 23:15).
Teachers of Gospel truth also have this principle ( James 3:1). The case of a believer vs a non believer separates the results; of course from that of hellfire and suffering loss of reward. Nonetheless; the principle stands.
James 5:14-15
14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.
Hope this helps Marc. Have you gotten some oil (?) and put a little dab on your moms forehead ( virgin olive oil) and prayed a prayer of faith over her for healing? If not please do so. Gods word does not lie.
If you are a born again believer you have power to cast out demons AND heal the sick. These gifts are for today! Please use them. It's obvious that you care deeply for your momma. She needs you to do this and to lead her to Christ if she's not already born again of the spirit.
I write this to you in much love. I'm saying a prayer for you both right now.
IT seems that with the downplay (if even being a factor at all) of coming to saving faith of repentance for individuals another issue is being unwilling to confront national evils which we are called to sound out against as per Ezekiel 33. There are several reasons for this; one being fear of societal disapproval or persecution; going against the grain of many who are rather lukewarm about the subject and the most insidious perhaps being our own tendancy to be overcomfortable as the pot approaches boiling as we see in the case of Lot. James 5:3 should be carefully read; as many think that through their own efforts they can make it through the Tribulation; or even be able to endure things before that should there be a crash in the metals market; or perhaps something else such as nuclear fallout that could render such wealth useless. There needs to be a healthy balance between wise prudence in resources and hoarding; the former being ideally used for other saints in a time of crisis as was in the book of Acts; and the latter being a tendency to fall into based on political persuasion being set above spiritual wisdom.
As with my first part in this series; it should be obvious that the crap will hit the fan; so to speak. Or; as I put it God is much more longsuffering than I am; considering the long list of abominations our own nation has committed; although hardly alone in such actions we have been the catalyst for expanding these horrors worldwide (abortion; pornography; illicit drug trade).
Whether we are Babylon or not; or a part of the final world system it is evident that destruction when it comes will be so speedy that there is no remedy to avoid the famine; plagues; war and demonic infestation of the earth at that time short of Divine Intervention and protection.
Satan will have his day in the spotlight; so let us work while it still is day. ( John 9:4).
in any case know that the Lord has put you here on the web and writing here is useful to all who read it. Remember where two and three are gathered, there is the Lord Jesus Christ in the midst of us. Which task is the biggest?
Prayer is the greatest of all gifts. Without prayer we get nothing, without someone who prays all is lost. Without the prayer of a righteous man, there will be complete/total spiritual darkness on Earth. James 5:16
It is so great to join and pray for all people, it gives life and vitality in a dark time where we see that our loved ones feel so good about themselves that they do not see/that they need God in their lives. But there will be days when they too will fall to their knees. The day when God calls them for that He has promised. Acts 16:31
Imagine there, the whole family was saved at once, received the baptism in the Holy Spirit too! God is good to the faithful who believe. Never lose heart and stand against such thought. Every man has received a gift. Love u in Christ. Thank, Hallelujah for the Lord knows and take his people home.
I'm praying for you this morning. Heaven knows YOUR name!
Romans 3:23
Romans 10:9
Repentance is so important. Lay down everything you can think of that you know is sin. Ask God ( in Jesus mighty and powerful name ) to help you repent and forgive you. He will help you with all of these needs. And make up your mind that you're gonna live for Him no matter what comes your way. If you fall get back up again, this is a battle and you will get knocked down sometimes but don't stay down. His mercy is brand new every single morning so hit your Heavenly Father up first thing in the morning as soon as you open your eyes.Go and find a Bible teaching preaching church. James 5:16. Call on God,call on Jesus!
Much love to you sister. Jesus loves you.
We face temptations on a daily basis, it becomes like something you know you shouldn't do, then you do it anyway. Then the question is what is it dear to you. One can well imagine that this is not a good thing. It is important to distinguish between Spirit, Soul and body. Run to Jesus an pray for help.
The body has its everyday routine. Then we can expand this into many illegal things. If it is the meat that tempts us, we only have one choice. Run to Jesus, pray for it to go away. Then it also means that you have to capture every thought that comes up, after this pray of help. So that you don't think about it ever again
There is a difference here. The one who is a child, the one who is young, and the one who is old. Think about it. The Lord does not expect a child to drive a car. If there is anyone who cares for us all, it is the Lord. Think about the smallest little thing He is with. He is also involved in the big things. As Gods word said, the kingdom of God is within us who believe.
We learn as we go. We separate things from good and bad as we have been taught to do so. People are so different. Some hear well and others don't. This is completely individual. Thank God the Father for it is He who has made us this way.
And if our conscience says that what we are doing is wrong. May we sincerely ask for forgiveness and learn from it as best we can. Good luck on your journey towards Sanctification. Love u in Christ.
Hint: Try 1 day that suits and keep the thought of the Lord Jesus. Only on Him, see what's coming. He tells you good things. It will help you a lot and not think on other.
Even the Revelation 14:14-16 passage you quoted, referring to the harvest being the Church; if this is the Rapture, why then did the Church have to experience the previous judgements of God (in Revelation 6:1-17: Seal Judgements; Revelation 8:1-9:21: Trumpet Judgements). These can't be the ordinary, everyday turmoils that Earth's inhabitants face, but specific Judgements from God and then the sickle is struck for the harvesting (& of course, some are cast into the winepress of God's Wrath).
So brother, I don't want to continually rehash the earlier passages we've written about, as clearly we read these prophetical messages differently. My understanding is that the Great Tribulation of seven years (the last week seen in Daniel's prophecy), which includes God's Wrath in its various phases & intensities, will come after the Church is removed; even as promised to the Philadelphian Church in Revelation 3:10.
The anti-Christ (at least at the beginning of his reign of terror to his opponents), & the beginning of God's Judgements ( Revelation 6,8,9), assure our hearts that the Rapture of the Church can happen suddenly, without any signs to prepare for that day. The call is for our expectant joyous living & readiness now, as even the early Church was to urged to expect ( Philippians 4:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; Titus 2:13; James 5:8; Revelation 1:3) - not for our awakening when things begin to get very difficult in the course of the final seven years. The call was always for believers' readiness - we couldn't be in such a state if we know that much more needs to happen before the Lord's Coming/Rapture of the Church - death might overtake most of us before then.
d. the revelation of the anti-Christ is restrained ( 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12). Paul's reason for writing this was because the Church was greatly troubled that the Day of the Lord (Christ) had begun. Paul said that that day wouldn't commence until Jesus came for them & raptured them ("our gathering together unto him": v1). The 'restrainer' is the Holy Spirit in God's people, then when He is removed, God's people are removed, for the Holy Spirit was sent to indwell us & work in & through us & for the Gospel's propagation ( John 16:7,8,13).
e. a comparison between an imminent Rapture & Rapture at the Second Coming:
1. Translation of all believers ( 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18) --- No translation at all ( Revelation 19:6-21).
2. Raptured saints return to Heaven ( 1 Thessalonians 4:17; John 14:1-3) --- Raptured saints return to Earth ( 1 Thessalonians 3:13; Revelation 19:14).
3. Any moment, in readiness, without signs ( 1 Corinthians 1:7; Philippians 4:5; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; Titus 2:13; James 5:7-9; Revelation 3:11, 22:7,12,20) --- many signs given of the Great Tribulation which leads into Jesus' coming (so a readiness cannot be expected, as the seven year's count down begins with the anti-Christ).
A Pre-Tribulation Rapture position keeps the Church ready & watching for her Lord's Coming. Any other position can give her the tendency to apathy & carelessness. The Church is told to be watchful, in spite of ridicule, "where is the promise of his coming" ( 2 Peter 3:4). But Christ's coming is held back until the full number are saved (v9) - and then Jesus will come to take His Church Home.
Please pray the Lord move me in the Spirit and my being to acquire a stronger prayer to avail much.
May God bless you all.
I'm hoping GOD pulled through for you with shelter over your head. I had a dream last night that I was asking a US retired Marine, to show me how to survive outside, without freezing. I was weeping, (because our situation is dire in real life & in the dream) he started to show me & started to set things up, upon a sheltered rock. I declared urgently "Wait! I have 3 children, this needs to protect them too!" Then he picked the materials up & the situation changed. Later in the dream, I was holding that retired Marine in my arms weightlessly up in water & helping baptize him. Leading him in the walk of a believer in the LORD & Word of GOD. The leader that was supposed to be doing the baptism seemed to be saying things & doing things wrongly. I quickly submerged the Marine under water declaring scripture. He stayed very close to me until a woman needed my help. Then I went with her, helping her fight the evil attacks against her. I'm not sure what the dreams I've been having mean fully, but I came across your prayer request again & I'm going out on a limb thinking it may be connected. I believe many of us that help here on this site, will pray about dire situations but don't have a response we feel is good enough encouragement to post. I have pondered scripture & prayer for you a couple of times. I've even tried to reach out to Samaritan's Purse Ministry on your behalf but my message failed to send in their platform.
We're in a difficult season to say the least. We will make it through these times! I believe it! We need each other in these times & in the days & years ahead. This is a place like: Philippians 2, Philippians 3:10-21, Romans 12:1-13, Ephesians 3:16-21, 2Timothy 2:1-3, James 5:10-11, 2Corinthians 11:25-27, Matthew 8:19-20,
I was reassured in my spirit, these difficult oppressive moments I'm facing are for others. It's a bigger better plan. 2Corinthians 4, Psalms 139, Psalms 37,
Hopefully these are all helpful