Romans 8:18-25 - written in Corinth during Paul's 3rd missionary journey - around year 57 AD;
18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (According Philippians 3:20-21 combined with 1Corinthians 15:51-57 and Luke 20:35-36)
19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of GOD.
22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
...
John 3:31-36
31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.
32 And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.
33 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that GOD is true.
34 For he whom GOD hath sent speaketh the words of GOD: for GOD giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.
35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into His hand.
36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abideth on him.
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 16:31 1 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.
Hope you don't mind me barging in attempting to answer your question. It is something that has mystified me over the years.
Getting over the preliminaries; that is making sure that we aren't living in unconfessed sin and grieving the Spirit; and that we truly ARE sensing the Spirit and not some other influence I will post several ideas.
First off; there are individuals going through struggles within the Body of Christ who we may never have met that the Lord wants to intercede for. Whatever a battle is going on in the spiritual dimension we are all involved as soldiers of Christ as I see it. Romans 12:15 says to rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn for those who mourn. There are often demons who are going after us as well as our loved ones or again; those who may be nearby who are also fighting some of the same evil forces.
We realize that only in Christ did the Spirit work without measure ( John 3:34). This did NOT mean for Him that He didn't have to endure suffering and a feeling of abandonment at the crucifixion but no doubt other occasions; just as Paul also felt many had abandoned Him. He had the exceedingly great revelation ( 2 Corinthians 12:2) but nonetheless had the thorn in his flesh afterwards to keep him relying on the Lord for His strength (verse 7 in same chapter).
It is prayer which helps us to garner our strength; and therefore equip us for the battle. This key element the enemy will do all he can to thwart as there is nothing he can't stand like the Spirit truly moving in a local body of believers.
There are people who are living in a lifestyle of sin who can also quell the Spirit. There are also warnings about not having hands laid on hastily as someone could be operating in a different spirit ( 1 Timothy 5:22).
It is indeed mysterious how these things operate; but if we learn to discern His voice and have long term obedience producing good fruit we will have these experiences more frequently. Hope that helps...
Acts 1:6-8. sets our priority straight and is relevant to our topic we have been discussing over the last few days.
6) When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
7) It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
8) But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
We are given the Holyspirit for the purpose of being light that represents Christ to a dark world.
When we are on our mission there is unity, and our light shines and glorifies God as mentioned in Matthew 5:16.
When united as we should be we function as seen in Ephesians 4:6-14 as I mentioned in the previous thread. This Glorifies God.
John 3:17-21 also puts emphasis on the light.
For lack of time lets go to Revelation with our purpose and commission in mind.
Revelation 3:14-22.
15) I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16) So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
As you examine the text, the Laodiceans is Lukewarm and neither cold nor Hot for various reasons.
Verse 19) they are asked to be zealous and repent.
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
THEY ARE ASKED TO HAVE A ZEAL.
A zeal for what?
They are not shining light on the Lord by the work that was commissioned to them.
They have grown complacent.
Verse 20 the lord is not even in their midst!
"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
"Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:/ But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." ( John 4:13-14) Two kinds of water.
Thirsting again is the quality of water that went up as a mist, "But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground."(Ge.2:7) What God gave Samson to drink was the same. This sign is within frame of reference to the day decreed for the Son. Thus blessings stipulated in the covenant or condemnation arises. This is made clear by unto this day and in that day. The latter refers to the condemnation.
"But the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life," is what every believer or true worshiper could claim."n the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink."( John 7:37-38; Is.55:1) The two kinds of water have thus different source as Adam and the last Adam have. "The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven."(1 Co.15:47)
It is thus we distinguish between Sabbath as one day which need like water from the Jacob's Well. But thirst never gos away. The water unto everlasting life that we drink in the Son signified we have entered into the rest with the Son.
Does this insight come from human intellect or from the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ?" (2 Co.4:6) The heretical sects who make much Israel and Sabbath are holding truth in unrighteousness. More worse is that the refuse to come to light because their works are evil." And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. ( John 3:19-20) What is their take on the unity of the Spirit. Drivel.
GOD had planned to make man in His image,but how,once He is Spirit,as whether He was alone?
GOD revealed this to Moses about 2500 years after Adam-Gen.1:26.How could man see an image of the Spirit?What is its image?It would be impossible to describe,unless it be materialized physically.This explains why Israel always was tempted by the Devil since the OT to make an image of GOD to worship,and they made even a golden calf.
According the Word,first GOD needed to show the IMAGE of He Himself,that's what GOD did,thus JESUS was born in the turn of the fourth to the fifth Day or fifth millennium,Aleluia!!! JESUS was no longer in the bosom of the Father,the Word.GOD sent JESUS about 4000 years after Adam,on GOD's clock it was midnight,so a new Day,the fifth Day was rising when JESUS was born. JESUS said: My Father works hitherto,and I work-Jo.5:17,actually still very recently JESUS still was in the bosom of the Word,i.e.GOD,but now He already was in person working together with GOD Father,at the age 30,then He revealed His Father was still working,although was still the beginning of the fifth Day.But Jesus knew what He was talking about,He said:I and my Father are One.
GOD-the Word-sent His only begotten,"He loved the world,He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish,but have everlasting life.GOD sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world;but that the world through Him might be saved.He that believeth on Him is not condemned:but he that believeth not is condemned already,because he hath not believed in the NAME of the only begotten Son of GOD,i.e.JESUS.And this is the condemnation,that light is come into the world(in the fourth GOD's Day- Genesis 1:16),and men loved darkness rather than light,because their deeds were evil"- John 3:16-19.
GOD Father could fulfill His promise to make man in His image,as He planned-Let US make man in our image,after our likeness:GOD calls those things which be not as though they were- Romans 4:17.
In your comment you carelessly interpreted 'Adam as the son of God.( Luke 3:38).' Adam was created of the dust of the earth- Genesis 2:7 and 3:19- , not begotten, so Adam is not GOD's son, only his origin is from GOD.
John 3:16 - GOD so loved the world, that he gave his ONLY begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
As promised I would like to continue our discussion on unequally yoked with unbelievers and we "the church" being separated from the world.
We've touched on 2 Corinthians 6:14-15
When we read further down in this chapter we come to verses 17 and 18 it reads "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
Paul is telling us to separate ourselves from the world, but to some degree Paul is only telling us what the Spirit of God has already done.
We are Unequally yoked with unbelievers in this world where lifestyles and morrows clash! Darkness and light cannot coexist.
A believer baptized with Christ spirit has a new nature that combats the old nature.
Not just outward sin but we now think different.
Listen to Paul again talking to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 2:14-16.
"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
Also, John 15:18-21.
Notice verse 21? "But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, BECAUSE THEY KNOW NOT HIM THAT SENT ME.
When the Holyspirit causes us to follow Christ and His teachings we're at odds with the world.
We have "separate" fathers.
God and Satan!
Satan has his ministers also. Look at Paul in his day. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15
Satan appeals to the flesh and worldly wisdom.
One thing they can't do is bare fruit! Matthew 7:15-18.
We are called to be holy and without blame. Even before we were born God made that decision for us "that we should be holy and without blame before him in love." It has a specific quality which is specified in the phrase, 'in love.' God is love. So God showed it by sending his only begotten Son.( John 3:16). What God wants from you is, "Be ye holy for I am holy."
God made one body which is not church where as you see is fellowship is on ethnic lines or on white, yellow brown colors. His chicrch is where everyone speaks of his glory. "The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory."Ps.29:9). You don't hear there 'donate now' or political causes made to look 'holy'. Satan manages to look angel of light and so do churches where Christian nationalism gets a hearing.
You worship the Lord in truth and Spirit even where you may happen to attend a service. Do not join those who are there for their own agendas but for his praise and glory. By keeping it you may avoid from being solied by their hypocrisy.
John 3:18 belongs to Jews Gentiles and the Church.
"He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Section 1: Primary themes of scripture and primary applications
A child could probably read a section of the Bible and learn fairly easily about David and Goliath; Noah's Ark; and major characters in scripture as well as basic scriptures about Christ. We can make two errors related to this topic; the first finding nothing of meaning to us as 21st Century citizens of the USA or other modern civilizations or the opposite-thinking every verse somehow applies to us. Without disputing the 2 Timothy 3:16 concept; we simply cannot find a way to directly relate to David's story fighting a giant or any other incidents involving the genetically mutated offspring of Nephilim; nor can we relate to a command to destroy all men; women; children and cattle in a wartime situation today. In these cases; of course we can apply principles such as obedience being better than sacrifice ( 1 Samuel 15:22) as well as understanding the spiritual dimension which still exists today; even with certain entities already chained in the abyss ( 2 Peter 2:4) being a past event. Still other passages may discuss ceremonial laws which have no practical moral application but would keep an individual out of being part of Israel in the Old Testament times; when certain other Sabbath rules were strictly enforced to the point of death ( Numbers 15:32-36). We also are forced to deal with certain passages such as Deuteronomy 24 and later commentary by Christ in Matthew 5 and 19 which trumpet what Moses permitted due to hardness of hearts but apparently wasn't God's will in the beginning and therefore not "commanded" as the Pharisees presented their arguments in these passages to permit divorce.
In short; I would say that primary themes help tell the story of God's master plan; or, as Navigator's states in the concept Dawson Trotman states "to know Christ and to make Him known." The exclusivity of Christ in such passages as John 3:16 show how to be saved
16 GOD so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For GOD sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the NAME of the only begotten Son of GOD.
19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world (GOD IS LIGHT), and men loved darkness rather than Light, because their deeds were evil.
20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the Light, neither cometh to the Light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21 But he that doeth Truth cometh to the Light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:1-2.
Two points worth mentioning.
1) Beloved, "now" are we the sons of God, ( Present tense!)
2) but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; When Christ appear for his purchased possession we shall be like him. Incomprehensible!
Ezekiel 36:26 reads, "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh"
You said,
"Israel failed with the Law of Moses and the tradition of their fathers. Only in Christ shall they reach that state"
Israel wasn't able to reach that state under the Mosaic law. The Mosaic law wasn't given for that purpose!
Ezekiel and Jeremiah states that God was going to do something NEW!
Jeremiah 31:31-34.
Ezekiel 11:19-20.
Ezekiel 36:26-27.
The Spirit within represents a NEW birth. The Law and the Prophet's taught this
Jesus counseled Nicodemus on this in
John 3:5-10.
Nicodemus was expected to Know this being that he was a Teacher of Israel.
The interpretation of the sticks is in passage. Ezekiel 37:16-21.
The two sticks represent the southern and the Northern Kingdom as mentioned.
Also, they will be gathered from every side and brought back into their own land.
Let's take Ezekiel 36 and Ezekiel 37 and put them in its proper context.
There's mention of a new heart and new spirit.
The dry bones.
The two sticks.
Their gathering.
and their own Land.
Ezekiel is writing during the captivity of Babylon but his writings extends past the captivity on into the latter days as do Daniel and Jeremiah.
Judgment of Israel is of a much broader scope than the Babylonian captivity.
We find that in Deuteronomy 28:37 ,64-68.
It's important to note that this dispersion is global, Not Babylon.
Also the gathering Ezekiel is talking about is global and exceeds Babylon.
This is a second gathering! Isaiah 11:9-12.
Isaiah 43:5-6.
When you read this you'll see that it has never happened.
They still have a heart of stone.
Some look at Israel today and say this must be the Church but "in those days" there is more to consider here than just the New heart concerning this prophecy.
Jesus was conceived of the Holy Ghost, Matthew 1:20 of the seed of a woman/Mary, Genesis 3:15, and born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God, John 1:13. Jesus grew up the same way that we do, Luke 2:40.
He was subject to the pulls of the flesh. He was tempted and influenced by Satan, Luke 4:1-2. He had a will and human desires, Luke 22:41-42. Although Jesus was filled without measure with the power of the Holy Ghost, and gave all things into his hand, John 3:34-35 Jesus humbled Himself and was obedient unto death, Philippians 2:5-11.
To be the payment for sins of man and to be the Savior of mankind and destroy the works of the devil, Jesus had to be a human, Hebrews 2:14-18, the promise God made was to Abraham and his seed, that was Jesus the Messiah/Christ, Galatians 3:16.
Jesus the last Adam came into this world sinless as the first Adam and had to be laden with what we are as humans. The man Jesus, Romans 5:15, had to endure and overcome sin and rise above the influences of Satan to become the payment for the sins and this atonement made way for our deliverance from Satan's bondage, Romans 3:21-26.
He also was prepared to be a merciful and faithful High Priest, Hebrews 4:14-16. God sent His own Son to condemn sin in the flesh that the law could not do that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled, Romans 8:3-4.
Jesus the Son of God a human being had to deal with life as we do. He lived in the same time, space, and constraints as we do. He was born under the law, He became tired, He became hungry, He was subject to persecution, subject to pain, subject to the Roman rulers, He had to deal with all the things the same way we do, and all was the for the will of the Father, not His, Matthew 26:42.
Only in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth do we have hope, and are saved, Acts 4:12.
"And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them."
The passage vv.8-10 is annotated by the Spirit "And theLordGod formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul."
Wind here signifies the sound and sign of the word. Jesus explained to Nicodemus how does the spirit work. "The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit."( John 3:8) Ezekiel prophesies as was commanded and the sound thereof is mentioned in v.7."and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone." Prophesy the wind' informs us a separate chain of events taking place and how the church is bonded. Similar to the vision of the Woman clothed with the sun in Re.12 this vision present us a series of vignettes. v.8 refers to Adam before God breathes into the nostrils of the man.
vv.9-10
Four winds signify the universality of the word of God. With disobedience of one man sin entered into the world; consequently the law of sin came to dominate the world. "For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me."(Ro.7:11) . "Breathe upon these slain" therefore refers to the outpouring of Holy Spirit and ushuring the church age. "And they lived" refers to the day of regeneration. This vision follows Min-Max mode and Israel in their graves and dry bones in a valley are two different things.
9Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the LordGod; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.
10So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived,
Daniel 9:24-27, in this prophecy, there are seventy weeks or 490 years determined unto Daniel's people and the holy city to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.
Have these 6 things been fulfilled in Jesus the Messiah, and the judgment of it carried out in 70 AD? If so, all of this prophecy has been fulfilled in the past.
1 To finish the transgression. To break or violate, as a law, civil or moral; the act of transgressing. Psalms 32:1Isaiah 53:5-11Romans 4:14-15Galatians 3:18-19Hebrews 9:14-15.
2 To make an end to sins. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. Matthew 1:21Hebrews 10:8-11John 1:291 Corinthians 15:3 1 John 3:5Psalm 32:1Romans 3:21-26Romans 8:3.
3 To make reconciliation for iniquity. Reconciliation is an element of salvation that refers to the results of the atonement. Colossians 1:20-22Isaiah 53:6Isaiah 53:11Romans 5:11Ephesians 2:16Titus 2:142 Corinthians 5:18-19.
4 To bring in everlasting righteousness. In conformity to the demands of the covenant and according to God's will. Isaiah 61:10-11Romans 3:21-26Romans 5:17-212 Corinthians 5:211 Peter 2:24.
5 To seal up the vision and prophecy. The greatest prediction, which runs like a golden thread through the whole contents of the Old Testament, is that regarding the coming and work of the Messiah, Jesus. Daniel 9:23Matthew 11:11-15Mark 1:14-15John 5:36-40John 6:27Acts 3:18.
6 To anoint the most holy. The high priest went into the holy of holies once a year with the blood of a sacrificed bull. Jesus our high priest with His own blood anointed the most holy not made with hands once and for all, forever. Hebrews 9:6-14.
Some seems to prefer to minister to only other believers and have very little to say to unbelievers.
They are quick to judge and tell them where they are going but don't offer them the only way of escape. The Gospel.
In John 17:20 we see Jesus praying for our ministering to them.
"Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
I once copied an article on Evangelism. Here's how it reads.
Part 1.
To evangelize means to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with someone else. Personal evangelism should be the lifestyle of every true Christian. We've been given a great gift, and our Master left us with clear instructions: "Go into all the world and make disciples of every nation" Matthew 28:19. Before we can "make disciples," we must evangelize. There are other reasons, besides Jesus' command, that should also motivate us to share the greatest news in the world with people who haven't heard it:
Evangelism is an act of love. Love must be the defining characteristic of every follower of Jesus Christ John 13:35; 1 Corinthians 13:1-7. It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, so anyone who walks in the Spirit will demonstrate love in dealing with people Galatians 5:16, 22-23. We possess the best news in the world, and love propels us to share it with those who haven't heard. Love wants everyone to have a chance to respond to God's offer of salvation. Withholding news that could save someone's life is the utmost cruelty; therefore, those who truly love God will love the people whom Jesus came to save John 3:16-18; 1 John 4:20.
Evangelism builds our own faith. Nothing helps us learn a subject like teaching it to someone else. When we make a practice of sharing our faith with those in our lives, we strengthen our own beliefs. Regular evangelism forces us to wrestle through the hard questions, find answers for ourselves, and prepare to respond to the questions of others.
1 John 3:1-2 reads "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is."
"we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is."
James I believe we will be able to know and see one another the same way Christ does.
Perhaps from another dimension that we can't comprehend in these bodies.
Having Christ's righteousness imputed to us does not mean we automatically do what is right-that will come through the process of sanctification. What it does mean is that we are positionally righteous; even though we still sin, we are legally righteous. God has credited the righteousness of Christ to our account, and He did this when He saved us. In grace, the holiness of Jesus Christ is ascribed to us. Christ "has become for us wisdom from God, that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption"
1 Corinthians 1:30.
1John 5:13 reads"These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
Here's an helpful article.
If a person knows Christ and is growing in grace, he or she will be generally marked by the following traits:
1. The believer enjoys fellowship with Christ and His redeemed people. 1 John 1:3.
2. The believer walks in the light, not in the darkness. 1 John 1:6-7.
3. The believer admits and confesses his sin. 1 John 1:8.
4. The believer obeys God's Word. 1 John 2:3-5.
5. The believer loves God rather than the world. 1 John 2:15.
6. The believer's life is characterized by "doing what is right" 1 John 2:29.
7. The believer seeks to maintain a pure life. 1 John 3:3.
8. The believer sees a decreasing pattern of sin in his life. 1 John 3:5-6.
1 John 5:18.
9. The believer demonstrates love for other Christians (1 John 3:14).
10. The believer "walks the walk," versus just "talking the talk" 1 John 3:18-19.
11. The believer maintains a clear conscience. 1 John 3:21.
12. The believer experiences victory in his Christian walk 1 John 5:4.
Number 8 in the list above is that the believer will evince a decreasing pattern of sin in his or her life.
No one who belongs to Christ continue to "Practice" sin as a way of life.
Even though there is a distinction between the children of God and the children of the world the scripture says to be kind to all men. Galatians 6:10.
However, we're not all Brothern.
John 1:11-12 says "He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the "sons of God, even to them that believe on his name"
Jesus also said in Matthew 12:50 "For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
Ephesians 2:19 states Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.
So, there is a clear distinction in scripture between God's children and those who haven't received him.
1 John 3:9-10 covers this well, "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
"Sons of God" emphasizes a natural, internal relationship with God rather than an external adoption. Becoming God's children involves a real change and transformation, not just a change in title or position. We partake in the divine nature.
All people are not naturally God's children. We must be born again through faith in Christ to become God's children.
This separates us from Adam.
We are now joint heirs with Christ. Romans 8:14-17 "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
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. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
A new life is initiated by a new birth and we find that when we accept Christ as our Lord and savior.
The dawning of spring is a vivid reminder of Christian truths about new birth, new beginnings, and resurrection.
Jesus said,
"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God"
( John 3:3).
Our life is fruitless without the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit.
When we come to faith in Jesus, the Spirit of God comes to live in us, sealing us as God's own adopted children, guaranteeing us a future inheritance ( Rom. 8:16; Gal. 4:4-7; Eph. 1:13-14; Titus 3:4-7).
He also gives us the power to do the good works that pleases God and produce fruit.
Have you been born again by placing your faith in Christ alone? Do you love God? Have His peace in your heart? Love His people? Hunger and thirst for righteousness? Desire to serve Him and share the life-changing news of the gospel with others? These are just a few signs that you may have been born twice! One physically, one spiritually.
While we are thankful for the new, secure birth in Christ, we should also be thankful for the new beginnings.
Even though we are children of God, we still strugglewithsin, and when we do, we do not need to get saved all over again, we are His children forever.
However, because of our sins, our relationship isn't where it should be and we need to be reconciled to Him, having our sins forgiven so that our fellowship, "that oneness can be restored.
Our relationship with Him is restored when, in prayer, we confess our sins to Him. 1 John 1:9.
"And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered."
I shall not detail what I have mentioned of this quote from Prophet Zechariah (13:7) while I coverd Matthew. The point is simple. Jesus as the Word become flesh obeyed his God completely so much so he knew the evil hour closing in on him, down to the exact minute. Jesus says further down in this chapter, "I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled."(14:49). Luke present us one curious aspect of time. "When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness."( Luke 22:53). The power of darkness also has been at work equally as the word that God commanded, "Let there be light." Why did Jesus Christ manifest? "He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil."(1 John 3:8). So both good seed and tares growing in the field is nothing to marvel at. While Moses was with God down below the golden calf being set up was no coincidence. The evil work had succeeded throwing off some from the fellowship of God with Man. Moses as a double for the Son went up even as Jesus' Ascension gives it as a kangaroo event. So what we find of the Church of Rome setting up their golden calf is no brainer. The ten spies who brought evil report and brought God to intervene (Nu..14) we have even now as Evangelical Right, lining up behind a captain as bizarre as the Pied Piper of Hamelin. "And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt."(14:4). New Canaan is impossible for the reprobate minds. The point we need see here is the word of God is given to us to profit withal. (1 Co.12:7)
"And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body."
One noticeable feature of the breaking bread is missing here. While feeding the Five Thousand we read thus, " And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them." (6:41) He looked up to heaven and blessed, and brake." Significance of the heaven is defined in this space. The Spirit calls it upper room. His presence there was as the Son and he symbolically brought the disciples to be with him. In his passion and death it was to be discontinued till he drank fruit of the vine with them new. Breaking bread shall be no more loaded with spiritual symbolism as is now. "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is."(1 John 3:2)
"And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it./And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many./Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God."
Drinking fruit of the vine in the kingdom of God is new because Christ who is our life dies no more. Instead we as many branches to the true vine is more closer in spirit to the Song of Solomon. "I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste./He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love."(S. of S :2:3-4) There shall no more blood or any violence but love. So the ensign of the Spirit the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world shall be held aloft indicating our spiritual bodies.
26 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
I have touched on several good devotional sources in posts last year; namely Oswald Chambers "utmost for the Highest" and Daily Bread. This site also is helpful when highlighting a daily Bible verse for the surrounding text to consider.
If I have the terminology correct Expository preaching is systematic reading of a book chapter by chapter. There is another term for topical studies that I am sure someone here knows. For a new believer it is hard to argue with the standard approach of beginning in the Gospels (usually John is picked) and then transitioning to Paul's Epistles. Scripture memory is helpful for two reasons particularly for new believers; one for edification and second to have verses to explain the hope within us in Christ when witnessing. Taking the example of John 3:16 for instance we have the assurance of eternal life but if we read the surrounding text we see in verse 18 that he who does NOT believe in Him is condemned already. This is one danger of "cherry picking" an isolated verse that gives us "positive vibes" and not comprehending God's Word as to repetitive themes; in this case blessings for obedience and faith and cursings for not believing. This contrast between good and bad is throughout scriptures; whether we look at warnings in Deuteronomy as to conditions affecting the entire nation because of disobedience vs obedience; Psalms and Proverbs related to characteristics of righteous and wicked and books of Chronicles and Kings as to righteous and unrighteous kings.
We are to be cautious; therefore with any devotionals that always have "encouraging" verses or if the author is skewed in that direction. The opposite could be said of the Oswald Chambers as some have accused it of being works oriented too much; they certainly are challenging unlike anything I've read. In terms of scripture memory; it is useful but internalizing the Living Word through meditation and application also.
"But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female." (v.6) God is love is a facet of holiness of God. When God breathed into the nostrils of man there was no need for spelling out holiness as such. In his breath all that were needful for his life and godliness was impressed as a candle is lit by another. Quality of light sets both giver and the given on the same stand,- Holiness made it so natural so love of man so learned did not carry any other feeling than was impressed. By the same token in loving the world God made love Person specific. ( John 3:16)
Male and female he created them is with reference to the holiness so love has a body as a candle has and it is quality also speaks about love of two bodies maintain a common purpose. The Spirit presents the House with seven pillars as a body built by Wisdom, which is a feminine principle.(Pr.9:1)God a Spirit is Power dovetailing into Wisdom is how the Spirit presents the divine Holiness. By the same token his Son has a body which is the Word become God loved the world therefore it must be seen and the heat thereof must be felt throughout. In due time God sent Jesus Christ as the true light. While he presented the doctrine of his Father it had to be out in the open fulfilling the saying, "Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?"(4:21).
"Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away./And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept."(vv.4-5) Compare with what John says," In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."( John 1:1) Because of the hardness of heart Moses allowed man put away, which is like the candle put under the bed. Jesus refers to it as adultery of one against the other.
"And in the house" Jesus explained it in terms of the Law of the Spirit. (Matt.19:9-11)
Matthew gives the passage in a slight altered form. It is the Mother of the sons of Zebedee approaches Jesus for a special favor."Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshippinghim, and desiring a certain thing of him."(Matt.20:20). The Word or the Law is interpreted differently according to the world of the Spirit and by the flesh and spirit respectively. In one the glory of God is the foremost so Elias or Moses serve as a double for the Son. In the case of the Mother of Zebedee's sons, her desire was the glory of her sons. She serves as a stand in for her Son. Of this St Paul gives us two contrary laws. "So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin."(Ro.7:25)
Law of the Spirit presupposes a Lawgiver is it not. It is thus God has left all judgment to his Son who also is the Word become flesh. On the other hand Satan the Lawless one has become by default of Adam a law given so the law of sin characterizes works of flesh and blood. Whosoever rejects the commandment as King Saul did is subject to an unclean spirits. "He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil."(1 John 3:8)
vv.38-39 "And with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized." Jesus refers to the anointing he received (Ps.45:5-6) and in their case of the outpouring of the Holy Ghost, and adds,"But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared." Jesus scrupulous chose to obey the word and as was reminded by Moses at the mount. of his death and glory would fulfill what was written of him in the scripture. the same choice was left to the sons of Zebedee and it was their free will.
The other ten disciples were naturally upset over their behind the back maneuvering for power.
"And I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not./He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me."
Jesus' call,"Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me," includes not only the twelve but whosoever is called, and according to the scriptures (which hinges on the blessings spelt forth in the covenant,) is expected to respond.The living soul would mean whosoever valued truth above what is seen or temporal so life of the Spirit sets the polestar for his onward voyage. "I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star."(Re.22:16). It is thus the inner man presents the gospel to man. Faith with works renders him hold Jesus Christ as the Captain of his salvation and run the race so the only life he seeks is beyond life of the senses. Peter merely responded to the question and answered correctly, "Thou art the Christ."(8:29) Shortly there after he shows he was still struggling to find his feet in the matter of discipleship. Rebuking him Jesus said,"for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men."(8:33). Peter and the rest had a long way to go but the promise was that they lived by grace, from his fullness. Wherever they fumbled Jesus was ther as in the case of the demon possessed boy, Jesus would say, "bring him unto me".
"Let him deny himself" also meant the disciples were amenable to correction. "But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God."( John 3: 21). Peter had to bear his cross, and denial of Christ was in the past for Jesus forgave his lapse and placed the flock under his care. "Whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it."
As I mentioned. No prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation. Gods eternal purpose was to bring himself Glory, and it included first and foremost destroying the works of the devil= darkness. Thanks for your input. I apologize for misunderstanding you. I don't study gap theories. I study scriptures. Precept upon precept, here a little there a little. I apologize if I stirred up anything concerning the flesh. As I mentioned. To expound revelation can't be done in one sitting. He committeth sin is of the devil,for the devil SINNETH FROM the BEGINNING for This PURPOSE The son of God was manifest ( Light) that he might destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8 -- and LET THERE BE LIGHT - IF ITS TOO DIFFICULT FOR US TO UNDERSTAND THE DEEP THINGS OF GOD WE MUST NOT BE STUDYING IN THE HOLY SPIRIT. FOR THE SPIRIT SEARCHES ALL THINGS, YEA THE DEEP THINGS OF GOD. AND DARKNESS WAS WHERE? UPON THE FACE OF THE DEEP Spirit searching it out. So do I. Thank you brother Ronald. God bless you
18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (According Philippians 3:20-21 combined with 1Corinthians 15:51-57 and Luke 20:35-36)
19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of GOD.
22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
...
John 3:31-36
31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.
32 And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.
33 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that GOD is true.
34 For he whom GOD hath sent speaketh the words of GOD: for GOD giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.
35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into His hand.
36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abideth on him.
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
Getting over the preliminaries; that is making sure that we aren't living in unconfessed sin and grieving the Spirit; and that we truly ARE sensing the Spirit and not some other influence I will post several ideas.
First off; there are individuals going through struggles within the Body of Christ who we may never have met that the Lord wants to intercede for. Whatever a battle is going on in the spiritual dimension we are all involved as soldiers of Christ as I see it. Romans 12:15 says to rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn for those who mourn. There are often demons who are going after us as well as our loved ones or again; those who may be nearby who are also fighting some of the same evil forces.
We realize that only in Christ did the Spirit work without measure ( John 3:34). This did NOT mean for Him that He didn't have to endure suffering and a feeling of abandonment at the crucifixion but no doubt other occasions; just as Paul also felt many had abandoned Him. He had the exceedingly great revelation ( 2 Corinthians 12:2) but nonetheless had the thorn in his flesh afterwards to keep him relying on the Lord for His strength (verse 7 in same chapter).
It is prayer which helps us to garner our strength; and therefore equip us for the battle. This key element the enemy will do all he can to thwart as there is nothing he can't stand like the Spirit truly moving in a local body of believers.
There are people who are living in a lifestyle of sin who can also quell the Spirit. There are also warnings about not having hands laid on hastily as someone could be operating in a different spirit ( 1 Timothy 5:22).
It is indeed mysterious how these things operate; but if we learn to discern His voice and have long term obedience producing good fruit we will have these experiences more frequently. Hope that helps...
Part 3.
Acts 1:6-8. sets our priority straight and is relevant to our topic we have been discussing over the last few days.
6) When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
7) It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
8) But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
We are given the Holyspirit for the purpose of being light that represents Christ to a dark world.
When we are on our mission there is unity, and our light shines and glorifies God as mentioned in Matthew 5:16.
When united as we should be we function as seen in Ephesians 4:6-14 as I mentioned in the previous thread. This Glorifies God.
John 3:17-21 also puts emphasis on the light.
For lack of time lets go to Revelation with our purpose and commission in mind.
Revelation 3:14-22.
15) I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16) So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
As you examine the text, the Laodiceans is Lukewarm and neither cold nor Hot for various reasons.
Verse 19) they are asked to be zealous and repent.
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
THEY ARE ASKED TO HAVE A ZEAL.
A zeal for what?
They are not shining light on the Lord by the work that was commissioned to them.
They have grown complacent.
Verse 20 the lord is not even in their midst!
"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Continuing perhaps this weekend.
God bless.
"Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:/ But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." ( John 4:13-14) Two kinds of water.
Thirsting again is the quality of water that went up as a mist, "But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground."(Ge.2:7) What God gave Samson to drink was the same. This sign is within frame of reference to the day decreed for the Son. Thus blessings stipulated in the covenant or condemnation arises. This is made clear by unto this day and in that day. The latter refers to the condemnation.
"But the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life," is what every believer or true worshiper could claim."n the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink."( John 7:37-38; Is.55:1) The two kinds of water have thus different source as Adam and the last Adam have. "The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven."(1 Co.15:47)
It is thus we distinguish between Sabbath as one day which need like water from the Jacob's Well. But thirst never gos away. The water unto everlasting life that we drink in the Son signified we have entered into the rest with the Son.
Does this insight come from human intellect or from the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ?" (2 Co.4:6) The heretical sects who make much Israel and Sabbath are holding truth in unrighteousness. More worse is that the refuse to come to light because their works are evil." And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. ( John 3:19-20) What is their take on the unity of the Spirit. Drivel.
GOD revealed this to Moses about 2500 years after Adam-Gen.1:26.How could man see an image of the Spirit?What is its image?It would be impossible to describe,unless it be materialized physically.This explains why Israel always was tempted by the Devil since the OT to make an image of GOD to worship,and they made even a golden calf.
According the Word,first GOD needed to show the IMAGE of He Himself,that's what GOD did,thus JESUS was born in the turn of the fourth to the fifth Day or fifth millennium,Aleluia!!! JESUS was no longer in the bosom of the Father,the Word.GOD sent JESUS about 4000 years after Adam,on GOD's clock it was midnight,so a new Day,the fifth Day was rising when JESUS was born. JESUS said: My Father works hitherto,and I work-Jo.5:17,actually still very recently JESUS still was in the bosom of the Word,i.e.GOD,but now He already was in person working together with GOD Father,at the age 30,then He revealed His Father was still working,although was still the beginning of the fifth Day.But Jesus knew what He was talking about,He said:I and my Father are One.
GOD-the Word-sent His only begotten,"He loved the world,He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish,but have everlasting life.GOD sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world;but that the world through Him might be saved.He that believeth on Him is not condemned:but he that believeth not is condemned already,because he hath not believed in the NAME of the only begotten Son of GOD,i.e.JESUS.And this is the condemnation,that light is come into the world(in the fourth GOD's Day- Genesis 1:16),and men loved darkness rather than light,because their deeds were evil"- John 3:16-19.
GOD Father could fulfill His promise to make man in His image,as He planned-Let US make man in our image,after our likeness:GOD calls those things which be not as though they were- Romans 4:17.
In your comment you carelessly interpreted 'Adam as the son of God.( Luke 3:38).' Adam was created of the dust of the earth- Genesis 2:7 and 3:19- , not begotten, so Adam is not GOD's son, only his origin is from GOD.
John 3:16 - GOD so loved the world, that he gave his ONLY begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
God bless
As promised I would like to continue our discussion on unequally yoked with unbelievers and we "the church" being separated from the world.
We've touched on 2 Corinthians 6:14-15
When we read further down in this chapter we come to verses 17 and 18 it reads "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
Paul is telling us to separate ourselves from the world, but to some degree Paul is only telling us what the Spirit of God has already done.
We are Unequally yoked with unbelievers in this world where lifestyles and morrows clash! Darkness and light cannot coexist.
A believer baptized with Christ spirit has a new nature that combats the old nature.
Not just outward sin but we now think different.
Listen to Paul again talking to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 2:14-16.
"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
Also, John 15:18-21.
Notice verse 21? "But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, BECAUSE THEY KNOW NOT HIM THAT SENT ME.
When the Holyspirit causes us to follow Christ and His teachings we're at odds with the world.
We have "separate" fathers.
God and Satan!
Satan has his ministers also. Look at Paul in his day. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15
Satan appeals to the flesh and worldly wisdom.
One thing they can't do is bare fruit! Matthew 7:15-18.
They despise truth and hate the Brothern.
See 1 John 3:10-15.
Perhaps more later on a separate thread.
God bless you.
We are called to be holy and without blame. Even before we were born God made that decision for us "that we should be holy and without blame before him in love." It has a specific quality which is specified in the phrase, 'in love.' God is love. So God showed it by sending his only begotten Son.( John 3:16). What God wants from you is, "Be ye holy for I am holy."
God made one body which is not church where as you see is fellowship is on ethnic lines or on white, yellow brown colors. His chicrch is where everyone speaks of his glory. "The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory."Ps.29:9). You don't hear there 'donate now' or political causes made to look 'holy'. Satan manages to look angel of light and so do churches where Christian nationalism gets a hearing.
You worship the Lord in truth and Spirit even where you may happen to attend a service. Do not join those who are there for their own agendas but for his praise and glory. By keeping it you may avoid from being solied by their hypocrisy.
John 3:18 belongs to Jews Gentiles and the Church.
"He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
God bless you!
Section 1: Primary themes of scripture and primary applications
A child could probably read a section of the Bible and learn fairly easily about David and Goliath; Noah's Ark; and major characters in scripture as well as basic scriptures about Christ. We can make two errors related to this topic; the first finding nothing of meaning to us as 21st Century citizens of the USA or other modern civilizations or the opposite-thinking every verse somehow applies to us. Without disputing the 2 Timothy 3:16 concept; we simply cannot find a way to directly relate to David's story fighting a giant or any other incidents involving the genetically mutated offspring of Nephilim; nor can we relate to a command to destroy all men; women; children and cattle in a wartime situation today. In these cases; of course we can apply principles such as obedience being better than sacrifice ( 1 Samuel 15:22) as well as understanding the spiritual dimension which still exists today; even with certain entities already chained in the abyss ( 2 Peter 2:4) being a past event. Still other passages may discuss ceremonial laws which have no practical moral application but would keep an individual out of being part of Israel in the Old Testament times; when certain other Sabbath rules were strictly enforced to the point of death ( Numbers 15:32-36). We also are forced to deal with certain passages such as Deuteronomy 24 and later commentary by Christ in Matthew 5 and 19 which trumpet what Moses permitted due to hardness of hearts but apparently wasn't God's will in the beginning and therefore not "commanded" as the Pharisees presented their arguments in these passages to permit divorce.
In short; I would say that primary themes help tell the story of God's master plan; or, as Navigator's states in the concept Dawson Trotman states "to know Christ and to make Him known." The exclusivity of Christ in such passages as John 3:16 show how to be saved
For your meditation
John 3:16-21
16 GOD so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For GOD sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the NAME of the only begotten Son of GOD.
19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world (GOD IS LIGHT), and men loved darkness rather than Light, because their deeds were evil.
20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the Light, neither cometh to the Light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21 But he that doeth Truth cometh to the Light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:1-2.
Two points worth mentioning.
1) Beloved, "now" are we the sons of God, ( Present tense!)
2) but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; When Christ appear for his purchased possession we shall be like him. Incomprehensible!
God bless you.
Pt 1
Ezekiel 36:26 reads, "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh"
You said,
"Israel failed with the Law of Moses and the tradition of their fathers. Only in Christ shall they reach that state"
Israel wasn't able to reach that state under the Mosaic law. The Mosaic law wasn't given for that purpose!
Ezekiel and Jeremiah states that God was going to do something NEW!
Jeremiah 31:31-34.
Ezekiel 11:19-20.
Ezekiel 36:26-27.
The Spirit within represents a NEW birth. The Law and the Prophet's taught this
Jesus counseled Nicodemus on this in
John 3:5-10.
Nicodemus was expected to Know this being that he was a Teacher of Israel.
The interpretation of the sticks is in passage. Ezekiel 37:16-21.
The two sticks represent the southern and the Northern Kingdom as mentioned.
Also, they will be gathered from every side and brought back into their own land.
Let's take Ezekiel 36 and Ezekiel 37 and put them in its proper context.
There's mention of a new heart and new spirit.
The dry bones.
The two sticks.
Their gathering.
and their own Land.
Ezekiel is writing during the captivity of Babylon but his writings extends past the captivity on into the latter days as do Daniel and Jeremiah.
Judgment of Israel is of a much broader scope than the Babylonian captivity.
We find that in Deuteronomy 28:37 ,64-68.
It's important to note that this dispersion is global, Not Babylon.
Also the gathering Ezekiel is talking about is global and exceeds Babylon.
This is a second gathering! Isaiah 11:9-12.
Isaiah 43:5-6.
When you read this you'll see that it has never happened.
They still have a heart of stone.
Some look at Israel today and say this must be the Church but "in those days" there is more to consider here than just the New heart concerning this prophecy.
look at the previous verses. Isaiah 11:6-9.
See pt 2.
Jesus was conceived of the Holy Ghost, Matthew 1:20 of the seed of a woman/Mary, Genesis 3:15, and born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God, John 1:13. Jesus grew up the same way that we do, Luke 2:40.
He was subject to the pulls of the flesh. He was tempted and influenced by Satan, Luke 4:1-2. He had a will and human desires, Luke 22:41-42. Although Jesus was filled without measure with the power of the Holy Ghost, and gave all things into his hand, John 3:34-35 Jesus humbled Himself and was obedient unto death, Philippians 2:5-11.
To be the payment for sins of man and to be the Savior of mankind and destroy the works of the devil, Jesus had to be a human, Hebrews 2:14-18, the promise God made was to Abraham and his seed, that was Jesus the Messiah/Christ, Galatians 3:16.
Jesus the last Adam came into this world sinless as the first Adam and had to be laden with what we are as humans. The man Jesus, Romans 5:15, had to endure and overcome sin and rise above the influences of Satan to become the payment for the sins and this atonement made way for our deliverance from Satan's bondage, Romans 3:21-26.
He also was prepared to be a merciful and faithful High Priest, Hebrews 4:14-16. God sent His own Son to condemn sin in the flesh that the law could not do that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled, Romans 8:3-4.
Jesus the Son of God a human being had to deal with life as we do. He lived in the same time, space, and constraints as we do. He was born under the law, He became tired, He became hungry, He was subject to persecution, subject to pain, subject to the Roman rulers, He had to deal with all the things the same way we do, and all was the for the will of the Father, not His, Matthew 26:42.
Only in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth do we have hope, and are saved, Acts 4:12.
We are to hold fast in our faith to the end.
God bless,
RLW
"And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them."
The passage vv.8-10 is annotated by the Spirit "And theLordGod formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul."
Wind here signifies the sound and sign of the word. Jesus explained to Nicodemus how does the spirit work. "The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit."( John 3:8) Ezekiel prophesies as was commanded and the sound thereof is mentioned in v.7."and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone." Prophesy the wind' informs us a separate chain of events taking place and how the church is bonded. Similar to the vision of the Woman clothed with the sun in Re.12 this vision present us a series of vignettes. v.8 refers to Adam before God breathes into the nostrils of the man.
vv.9-10
Four winds signify the universality of the word of God. With disobedience of one man sin entered into the world; consequently the law of sin came to dominate the world. "For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me."(Ro.7:11) . "Breathe upon these slain" therefore refers to the outpouring of Holy Spirit and ushuring the church age. "And they lived" refers to the day of regeneration. This vision follows Min-Max mode and Israel in their graves and dry bones in a valley are two different things.
9Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the LordGod; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.
10So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived,
Hey brother just one last thing to consider.
Daniel 9:24-27, in this prophecy, there are seventy weeks or 490 years determined unto Daniel's people and the holy city to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.
Have these 6 things been fulfilled in Jesus the Messiah, and the judgment of it carried out in 70 AD? If so, all of this prophecy has been fulfilled in the past.
1 To finish the transgression. To break or violate, as a law, civil or moral; the act of transgressing. Psalms 32:1 Isaiah 53:5-11 Romans 4:14-15 Galatians 3:18-19 Hebrews 9:14-15.
2 To make an end to sins. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. Matthew 1:21 Hebrews 10:8-11 John 1:29 1 Corinthians 15:3 1 John 3:5 Psalm 32:1 Romans 3:21-26 Romans 8:3.
3 To make reconciliation for iniquity. Reconciliation is an element of salvation that refers to the results of the atonement. Colossians 1:20-22 Isaiah 53:6 Isaiah 53:11 Romans 5:11 Ephesians 2:16 Titus 2:14 2 Corinthians 5:18-19.
4 To bring in everlasting righteousness. In conformity to the demands of the covenant and according to God's will. Isaiah 61:10-11 Romans 3:21-26 Romans 5:17-21 2 Corinthians 5:21 1 Peter 2:24.
5 To seal up the vision and prophecy. The greatest prediction, which runs like a golden thread through the whole contents of the Old Testament, is that regarding the coming and work of the Messiah, Jesus. Daniel 9:23 Matthew 11:11-15 Mark 1:14-15 John 5:36-40 John 6:27 Acts 3:18.
6 To anoint the most holy. The high priest went into the holy of holies once a year with the blood of a sacrificed bull. Jesus our high priest with His own blood anointed the most holy not made with hands once and for all, forever. Hebrews 9:6-14.
Jesus said it in John 19:28-30.
God bless,
RLW
Evangelizing.
Some seems to prefer to minister to only other believers and have very little to say to unbelievers.
They are quick to judge and tell them where they are going but don't offer them the only way of escape. The Gospel.
In John 17:20 we see Jesus praying for our ministering to them.
"Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
I once copied an article on Evangelism. Here's how it reads.
Part 1.
To evangelize means to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with someone else. Personal evangelism should be the lifestyle of every true Christian. We've been given a great gift, and our Master left us with clear instructions: "Go into all the world and make disciples of every nation" Matthew 28:19. Before we can "make disciples," we must evangelize. There are other reasons, besides Jesus' command, that should also motivate us to share the greatest news in the world with people who haven't heard it:
Evangelism is an act of love. Love must be the defining characteristic of every follower of Jesus Christ John 13:35; 1 Corinthians 13:1-7. It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, so anyone who walks in the Spirit will demonstrate love in dealing with people Galatians 5:16, 22-23. We possess the best news in the world, and love propels us to share it with those who haven't heard. Love wants everyone to have a chance to respond to God's offer of salvation. Withholding news that could save someone's life is the utmost cruelty; therefore, those who truly love God will love the people whom Jesus came to save John 3:16-18; 1 John 4:20.
Evangelism builds our own faith. Nothing helps us learn a subject like teaching it to someone else. When we make a practice of sharing our faith with those in our lives, we strengthen our own beliefs. Regular evangelism forces us to wrestle through the hard questions, find answers for ourselves, and prepare to respond to the questions of others.
See part 2.
1 John 3:1-2 reads "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is."
"we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is."
James I believe we will be able to know and see one another the same way Christ does.
Perhaps from another dimension that we can't comprehend in these bodies.
God bless.
Part 2.
Sanctification and fruit barring.
Having Christ's righteousness imputed to us does not mean we automatically do what is right-that will come through the process of sanctification. What it does mean is that we are positionally righteous; even though we still sin, we are legally righteous. God has credited the righteousness of Christ to our account, and He did this when He saved us. In grace, the holiness of Jesus Christ is ascribed to us. Christ "has become for us wisdom from God, that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption"
1 Corinthians 1:30.
1John 5:13 reads"These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
Here's an helpful article.
If a person knows Christ and is growing in grace, he or she will be generally marked by the following traits:
1. The believer enjoys fellowship with Christ and His redeemed people. 1 John 1:3.
2. The believer walks in the light, not in the darkness. 1 John 1:6-7.
3. The believer admits and confesses his sin. 1 John 1:8.
4. The believer obeys God's Word. 1 John 2:3-5.
5. The believer loves God rather than the world. 1 John 2:15.
6. The believer's life is characterized by "doing what is right" 1 John 2:29.
7. The believer seeks to maintain a pure life. 1 John 3:3.
8. The believer sees a decreasing pattern of sin in his life. 1 John 3:5-6.
1 John 5:18.
9. The believer demonstrates love for other Christians (1 John 3:14).
10. The believer "walks the walk," versus just "talking the talk" 1 John 3:18-19.
11. The believer maintains a clear conscience. 1 John 3:21.
12. The believer experiences victory in his Christian walk 1 John 5:4.
Number 8 in the list above is that the believer will evince a decreasing pattern of sin in his or her life.
No one who belongs to Christ continue to "Practice" sin as a way of life.
1 Peter 2:2
God bless.
Part 1
Even though there is a distinction between the children of God and the children of the world the scripture says to be kind to all men. Galatians 6:10.
However, we're not all Brothern.
John 1:11-12 says "He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the "sons of God, even to them that believe on his name"
Jesus also said in Matthew 12:50 "For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
Ephesians 2:19 states Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.
So, there is a clear distinction in scripture between God's children and those who haven't received him.
1 John 3:9-10 covers this well, "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
"Sons of God" emphasizes a natural, internal relationship with God rather than an external adoption. Becoming God's children involves a real change and transformation, not just a change in title or position. We partake in the divine nature.
All people are not naturally God's children. We must be born again through faith in Christ to become God's children.
This separates us from Adam.
We are now joint heirs with Christ. Romans 8:14-17 "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
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. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
See part 2
A new life is initiated by a new birth and we find that when we accept Christ as our Lord and savior.
The dawning of spring is a vivid reminder of Christian truths about new birth, new beginnings, and resurrection.
Jesus said,
"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God"
( John 3:3).
Our life is fruitless without the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit.
When we come to faith in Jesus, the Spirit of God comes to live in us, sealing us as God's own adopted children, guaranteeing us a future inheritance ( Rom. 8:16; Gal. 4:4-7; Eph. 1:13-14; Titus 3:4-7).
He also gives us the power to do the good works that pleases God and produce fruit.
Have you been born again by placing your faith in Christ alone? Do you love God? Have His peace in your heart? Love His people? Hunger and thirst for righteousness? Desire to serve Him and share the life-changing news of the gospel with others? These are just a few signs that you may have been born twice! One physically, one spiritually.
While we are thankful for the new, secure birth in Christ, we should also be thankful for the new beginnings.
Even though we are children of God, we still strugglewithsin, and when we do, we do not need to get saved all over again, we are His children forever.
However, because of our sins, our relationship isn't where it should be and we need to be reconciled to Him, having our sins forgiven so that our fellowship, "that oneness can be restored.
Our relationship with Him is restored when, in prayer, we confess our sins to Him. 1 John 1:9.
God bless.
"And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered."
I shall not detail what I have mentioned of this quote from Prophet Zechariah (13:7) while I coverd Matthew. The point is simple. Jesus as the Word become flesh obeyed his God completely so much so he knew the evil hour closing in on him, down to the exact minute. Jesus says further down in this chapter, "I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled."(14:49). Luke present us one curious aspect of time. "When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness."( Luke 22:53). The power of darkness also has been at work equally as the word that God commanded, "Let there be light." Why did Jesus Christ manifest? "He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil."(1 John 3:8). So both good seed and tares growing in the field is nothing to marvel at. While Moses was with God down below the golden calf being set up was no coincidence. The evil work had succeeded throwing off some from the fellowship of God with Man. Moses as a double for the Son went up even as Jesus' Ascension gives it as a kangaroo event. So what we find of the Church of Rome setting up their golden calf is no brainer. The ten spies who brought evil report and brought God to intervene (Nu..14) we have even now as Evangelical Right, lining up behind a captain as bizarre as the Pied Piper of Hamelin. "And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt."(14:4). New Canaan is impossible for the reprobate minds. The point we need see here is the word of God is given to us to profit withal. (1 Co.12:7)
"And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body."
One noticeable feature of the breaking bread is missing here. While feeding the Five Thousand we read thus, " And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them." (6:41) He looked up to heaven and blessed, and brake." Significance of the heaven is defined in this space. The Spirit calls it upper room. His presence there was as the Son and he symbolically brought the disciples to be with him. In his passion and death it was to be discontinued till he drank fruit of the vine with them new. Breaking bread shall be no more loaded with spiritual symbolism as is now. "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is."(1 John 3:2)
"And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it./And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many./Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God."
Drinking fruit of the vine in the kingdom of God is new because Christ who is our life dies no more. Instead we as many branches to the true vine is more closer in spirit to the Song of Solomon. "I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste./He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love."(S. of S :2:3-4) There shall no more blood or any violence but love. So the ensign of the Spirit the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world shall be held aloft indicating our spiritual bodies.
26 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
I have touched on several good devotional sources in posts last year; namely Oswald Chambers "utmost for the Highest" and Daily Bread. This site also is helpful when highlighting a daily Bible verse for the surrounding text to consider.
If I have the terminology correct Expository preaching is systematic reading of a book chapter by chapter. There is another term for topical studies that I am sure someone here knows. For a new believer it is hard to argue with the standard approach of beginning in the Gospels (usually John is picked) and then transitioning to Paul's Epistles. Scripture memory is helpful for two reasons particularly for new believers; one for edification and second to have verses to explain the hope within us in Christ when witnessing. Taking the example of John 3:16 for instance we have the assurance of eternal life but if we read the surrounding text we see in verse 18 that he who does NOT believe in Him is condemned already. This is one danger of "cherry picking" an isolated verse that gives us "positive vibes" and not comprehending God's Word as to repetitive themes; in this case blessings for obedience and faith and cursings for not believing. This contrast between good and bad is throughout scriptures; whether we look at warnings in Deuteronomy as to conditions affecting the entire nation because of disobedience vs obedience; Psalms and Proverbs related to characteristics of righteous and wicked and books of Chronicles and Kings as to righteous and unrighteous kings.
We are to be cautious; therefore with any devotionals that always have "encouraging" verses or if the author is skewed in that direction. The opposite could be said of the Oswald Chambers as some have accused it of being works oriented too much; they certainly are challenging unlike anything I've read. In terms of scripture memory; it is useful but internalizing the Living Word through meditation and application also.
"But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female." (v.6) God is love is a facet of holiness of God. When God breathed into the nostrils of man there was no need for spelling out holiness as such. In his breath all that were needful for his life and godliness was impressed as a candle is lit by another. Quality of light sets both giver and the given on the same stand,- Holiness made it so natural so love of man so learned did not carry any other feeling than was impressed. By the same token in loving the world God made love Person specific. ( John 3:16)
Male and female he created them is with reference to the holiness so love has a body as a candle has and it is quality also speaks about love of two bodies maintain a common purpose. The Spirit presents the House with seven pillars as a body built by Wisdom, which is a feminine principle.(Pr.9:1)God a Spirit is Power dovetailing into Wisdom is how the Spirit presents the divine Holiness. By the same token his Son has a body which is the Word become God loved the world therefore it must be seen and the heat thereof must be felt throughout. In due time God sent Jesus Christ as the true light. While he presented the doctrine of his Father it had to be out in the open fulfilling the saying, "Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?"(4:21).
"Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away./And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept."(vv.4-5) Compare with what John says," In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."( John 1:1) Because of the hardness of heart Moses allowed man put away, which is like the candle put under the bed. Jesus refers to it as adultery of one against the other.
"And in the house" Jesus explained it in terms of the Law of the Spirit. (Matt.19:9-11)
Matthew gives the passage in a slight altered form. It is the Mother of the sons of Zebedee approaches Jesus for a special favor."Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshippinghim, and desiring a certain thing of him."(Matt.20:20). The Word or the Law is interpreted differently according to the world of the Spirit and by the flesh and spirit respectively. In one the glory of God is the foremost so Elias or Moses serve as a double for the Son. In the case of the Mother of Zebedee's sons, her desire was the glory of her sons. She serves as a stand in for her Son. Of this St Paul gives us two contrary laws. "So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin."(Ro.7:25)
Law of the Spirit presupposes a Lawgiver is it not. It is thus God has left all judgment to his Son who also is the Word become flesh. On the other hand Satan the Lawless one has become by default of Adam a law given so the law of sin characterizes works of flesh and blood. Whosoever rejects the commandment as King Saul did is subject to an unclean spirits. "He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil."(1 John 3:8)
vv.38-39 "And with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized." Jesus refers to the anointing he received (Ps.45:5-6) and in their case of the outpouring of the Holy Ghost, and adds,"But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared." Jesus scrupulous chose to obey the word and as was reminded by Moses at the mount. of his death and glory would fulfill what was written of him in the scripture. the same choice was left to the sons of Zebedee and it was their free will.
The other ten disciples were naturally upset over their behind the back maneuvering for power.
"And I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not./He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me."
Jesus' call,"Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me," includes not only the twelve but whosoever is called, and according to the scriptures (which hinges on the blessings spelt forth in the covenant,) is expected to respond.The living soul would mean whosoever valued truth above what is seen or temporal so life of the Spirit sets the polestar for his onward voyage. "I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star."(Re.22:16). It is thus the inner man presents the gospel to man. Faith with works renders him hold Jesus Christ as the Captain of his salvation and run the race so the only life he seeks is beyond life of the senses. Peter merely responded to the question and answered correctly, "Thou art the Christ."(8:29) Shortly there after he shows he was still struggling to find his feet in the matter of discipleship. Rebuking him Jesus said,"for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men."(8:33). Peter and the rest had a long way to go but the promise was that they lived by grace, from his fullness. Wherever they fumbled Jesus was ther as in the case of the demon possessed boy, Jesus would say, "bring him unto me".
"Let him deny himself" also meant the disciples were amenable to correction. "But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God."( John 3: 21). Peter had to bear his cross, and denial of Christ was in the past for Jesus forgave his lapse and placed the flock under his care. "Whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it."
It is true from every point of view.
God so loved the world that he gave his
ONLY begotten son that whosoever
believeth on him shall not perish but have
everlasting life. John 3:16
He didn't have to do it, but I'm glad he did.
Happy Resurrection Sunday to you also.