Discuss John 3 Page 18

Hey Someone, who cares,

Who is an antichrist? Christ is a translation of the Greek word Christos which means anointed one. The Hebrew word is Mashiach translated Messiah which means the anointed one, the chosen one. One who God fixed for a specific purpose set apart to fulfill God's plan.

Jesus said many times that He/Him sent me, Matt. 10:40 Mark 9:37 Luke 10:16 John 5:30 and many more times. Also, Jesus said He came down from heaven not to do His will but to do the will of Him who sent Him in John 6:38, and Jesus said this in John 6:35-40.

We see when Jesus was baptized, He was anointed not with oil but with the Holy Spirit/Ghost, Matt 3:16 Mark 1:10 Luke 3:22 John 1:32, and John 3:34-36 Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit without measure. Peter confesses and puts clear the Messiah/Christ, and the miracles, wonders, and signs God did by Him Acts 2:22, also read 23-39.

"God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit", manifest Greek word phanero; revealed, made known, 1 Timothy 3:16 John 17:1-8. God gave His only begotten Son, God sent His Son who was come in the flesh, tempted as you or me, and the spirit of antichrist is denying that is true, John 3:16 1 John 4:3 2 John 1:7. Christ is not part of Jesus name it is a title, Jesus is the Messiah, Jesus is the Christ.

A liar is he who denies or says Jesus is not the Christ/Messiah, and he is an antichrist, that denies the Father and the Son. If we deny the Son, we have not the Father but if we acknowledge the Son we have the Father also, 1 John 2:18-24. You must come to your own understanding not mine, with open mind, prayer, and the Holy Spirit guiding you, you will.

These verses about the antichrist paint a picture of a deceptive seducing spirit and the people that have been deceived, just like Eve 2 Cor. 11:3. My understanding of these verses does not refer to the beast that will ascend out of the bottomless pit that has come to be called the antichrist.

God bless,

RLW

Fake gods come from rebellion against GOD ALMIGHTY. Acts 19:26, 2Kings 19:18,

1Timothy 2:5,

The imagination of man; to ignore the obvious all around: that the earth, our very being, molecules that aren't created, only slightly manipulated by man, asks an answer beyond some comprehension.

The question itself seems to derive from rebellion. Isaiah 55:8, Isaiah 29:15,16, Psalms 94:5-15, Psalms 139, Job 38:2-41, Job 40:7-13,

GOD gave some of us very deeply inquisitive minds, to invent witty things, Proverbs 8:12, some build imaginative creations, that in ourselves deep questions of consciousness & core beginnings arise at times. In these gifted minds of power & powerful thinking, faults sometimes into arrogance of belief to define The CREATOR & make a beginning. Because in limited understanding we have beginning & perceivable ending in flesh. Yet in our core perceive there is more in the supernatural, outside the flesh. 1Corinthians 1:27,

We as humans are like gods ourselves we can choose to do mighty evil or good in our days, we can cause other's to cry in distress or rejoice with gladness but in the end we will all answer to GOD ALMIGHTY the maker of heaven & earth. Psalms 82, Leviticus 25:17, Romans 14:12,

It's also amazing that a creator would care so much for what HE has created that HE would still have a plan of redemption even after rebellion: John 3:16

I was a pastor and evangelist for many years before an ailment prompted my retiring. During those years I have read and heard just about all the thoughts and theories on the book of revelation. And that my dear friends is all they are. Theories. No one has, or will be, able to precisely explain this book. It is one of the great mysteries of the Bible. I have read it over and over in my eighty-seven years on this earth. I started with my conversion at the age of twenty two. Some parts (few) would seem to be clear, but not enough to preach or teach with complete understanding. In fact, no one can rightly state they completely understand without doubt much of the scripture. We think, and read, with a finite mind. Whereas, the author who revealed these writings did so from his infinite mind. Who on earth is able to declare with absolute truth the mind of god? I have the belief of God revealing at the proper time, the true meanings of this amazing book. At that time the teachers and preachers eyes will be opened, and they will be able to enlighten all who are interested. Reading it will be as easy to under stand as John 3:16. But, of course, as I penned, it is just my belief and theory. Any believer who reads revelation should begin with prayer. Asking god to reveal what is important to their spiritual growth, and thanking him for his blessings for reading it. "Blessed is he who reads the prophecy's of this book" We are living in very perilous times. We should not be overly concerned with any parts of the Bible. Confusing our selves with un-anserable questions. Instead, we should busy ourselves with the importance of living the life god requires of us. I was, and still would be, a preacher of the New Testament, which I know is the most pertinent of all the Bible to read and study. Believers should be pondering how they can help others to come to the realization of their need to believe, and accept, his love and forgiveness. God be with you all.

Concluding thoughts continued in Rev. 22

Therefore; many may be genuinely shocked when the Lord says that He never knew them and they ask for entrance into heaven. ( Matt. 7:21). Sadly; many never will know the depths of their own depravity until they enter hell; surely then they will know how helpless they are; although there will be no love and appreciation for a Holy God. The biggest message I can see here is that we must in this life be saved; as well as love God. Mankind in his natural state can fear God but cannot love Him; nor Christ who the Father sent to die in our place. All believers are called to share in the sufferings of Christ; and to bear their own cross daily. ( Romans 8:17; Matt. 16:24). Only believers can understand being part of the Body of Christ and fellowship of the saints. ( 1 John 1:3 and many other passages). We must die to ourselves daily ( Galatians 2:20). This involves selfless acts; but also has to have a heart change ( Ezekiel 36:26). To be drawn to the light is the state of those who He has called to be His children and chosen ( John 3:21).

As my last commentary stated; we are not to worry about whether we are elected by God; at least as some curiousity or intellectual concept. Our responsibility is ultimately ours to test ourselves to see if we are in the faith ( 2 Cor. 13:5). His Spirit communes with our spirit to show us if we are of God ( Romans 8:16).

Verses 18 through 19 reminds us of the seriousness of God's Word. No other religions or other writings that change the Word of God or create another method of salvation; another Christ etc. are to be tolerated (See Galatians 1:8). Such a reverent fear of God's Word today is sorely lacking. Many probably don't believe these things are really going to be this bad; sadly a former Pastor of mine used to have these thoughts when reading the Book of Isaiah. If the rich man in hell is any example; no one there will be grateful for our lackluster witness here now.

Hey Margie,

In Exodus 30:22-33 you will find the mixture of myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia, and olive oil, it was to be considered sacred. The act of anointing with sacred oil emphasized that it was God who had ordained them with the authority to act as his representative. It was also symbolic of the one to come the Anointed One, the Messiah Jesus, who was anointed not with oil but the Holy Spirit/Ghost without measure, Luke 4:1 John 3:34.

You can buy it online, not cheap about 20-25 dollars an ounce or you can buy the ingredients and make it yourself the quantities are in Exodus 30, you just cut down the recipe, I don't think one would need that much, ha ha.

God bless,

RLW

ST. MATTHEW 5:7, was the first verse that I learned from the Bible. I was a Pastor's and Pastor's wife, son and Most people learned ST. JOHN 3:16 first, I didn't.

Hi Gregory. If I have your question correct, 'now that I am a believer trusting in Jesus only to save me from sin's penalty, when did the promise of eternal life with the Father in Heaven commence?'

If correct, it is my belief that the promise of eternal life began immediately upon your new birth by God's Spirit. When we look at the Scriptures referring to eternal life, we see that it is synonymous to believing/placing one's trust in the Lord. John 3:36: "He that believeth on the Son HATH everlasting life." John 5:24: "He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, HATH everlasting life." John 6:47: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me HATH everlasting life."

1 John 5:11-13: "And this is the record, that God HATH GIVEN to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that HATH the Son HATH life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 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."

All these verses indicate that eternal life is our present possession, i.e. 'you have it NOW'. As soon as our hearts were renewed & the Holy Spirit came to indwell us, our sin was dealt with, we became God's children, and our earthly walk was no longer uncertain, overcome with sin & living without hope in God's Love. And that is why the Apostle Paul stated in Philippians 3:20, "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ". Paul understood that our conversation (Gk. politeuma: citizenship) had already begun in the heavenlies; that our earthly life now, is just an earthly sojourn - "our affections are set on things above, not on Earth" and "for here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come."

When once this earthly life was probably our only joy & hope, now IN CHRIST, we are but pilgrims here, gazing upward, confident & secure towards eternity.

John 3:7, John 3:15-21, 1Peter 1:23, John 3:5-8, 2Corinthians 5:17, Ezekiel 36:26, Galatians 6:15, Ephesians 4:24, Luke 9:23, Matthew 16:24,

1Corinthians 6:9-11,

Hopefully these are helpful

Scripture on when we die: John 3:16, John 5:24, Romans 5, Romans 6, 2Corinthians 1:9,10, 2Timothy 1:10, 1Peter 3:18, Revelation 1:17,18

Luke 16:19-31, Matthew 25:31-46, Ezekiel 18:4-32, Luke 20:36-38, Hebrews 9:27-28, James 5:20, 1John 3:14,

John 11:25,26, Romans 8:13, Romans 8, Romans 14:8, 1Corinthians 15:22, 1Corinthians 15,

Revelation 14:12,13, Revelation 2:10,11, Revelation 20:6,13,14, Revelation 21, Revelation 22,

Hebrews 11:5,

Hopefully these are helpful

JESUS told Nicodemus

John 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

all verses 1-21

TESTIMONY!! PRAISE REPORT!!!

To all who have been praying for DONNA,

TASHA,

DANIEL;

The Lord has definitely heard our prayers!

I, Donna, have no cancer and God has healed my liver. My biopsies came back clear. My breathing has improved so much I threw away 1 long term steroid inhaler. And rarely use my asthma rescue inhaler. Honestly I don't even think I need it anymore. I feel better every day! I also have OVER 1year free from cigarettes ( that was a huge deliverance, I was SO bound). It's a daily walk. God is good. I am blessed. I KNOW GOD HEALED ME!

Daniel is phasing out of a 6 month rehab and going into a sober living environment for 6 months. God is good! He still needs salvation and complete deliverance but he's a work in progress and the Lord isn't finished with any of us yet. Please keep praying for him. He's a good and sweet soul.

Tasha was given the all clear last week! Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer gone!!! Thank You Jesus!!! She has a nodule on her lung, not sure what that is but we're trusting God.

If you don't know Jesus. He's the Great Healer, The Lion and The Lamb, Jehovah Jireh, and He's my Lord and Savior. I love Him and I owe Him my life!

:-)

John 3:16

Perhaps the questions arise because of teachings not actually in scripture.

John 17, Please read whole chapter, Isaiah 11:1,2, John 3:16, Matthew 10:32,33,

Ephesians 4:30, Luke 11:13, Ephesians 1:1-13, Ephesians 1:17-23, Matthew 24:35,36,

John 14:26, John 16:7,

Hopefully these are helpful

Hi Mark,

My comment is that salvation is conditional whether people believe it or not, because its what the Bible says. It's full of calls to action and challenging us to change our behavior. Most people will not be saved Matthew 7:13. Salvation is with grace but is only for believers/followers- a choice that each person must make. One way to summarize this action appears to be genuine belief and faith in Jesus Christ. John 3:16. That is an action and choice.

So, if someone does not believe, one can presume the unbeliever will not be saved. This already "offends" a lot of people, because some want to justify themselves in their own mind while doing the bare minimum they assume God wants. Some have been deceived into believing obeying God is "bad." But believing is only one of many action verbs the Bible challenges us to do. Other actions fall under this category of genuine active belief and following Jesus too. All these verses in the Bible are true and are equally important. Some like to cherry pick one, but ignore others and assume they don't apply, but they all apply and are true and are God's word.

believe:

John 3:16

follow Jesus:

John 8:12

deny himself:

Luke 9:23

confess:

Romans 10:9

faith:

Ephesians 2:8

hearing:

Romans 10:17

repent and be baptized:

Acts 2:38

keep commandments:

John 15:10

love:

Matthew 22:37-40

There are many more. Some falsely assume by obeying God they are doing 'works' and that is 'bad', therefore, obeying God is 'bad'. No, that's not what the Bible says, and obeying doesn't mean you're saved by works or that people who obey believe that.

My last comment is that James and Paul are consistent. Some assume Paul was anti-works, but only if you cherry pick a few verses and ignore large parts of his book can that conclusion be drawn. Paul was very much pro-obedience as the following verses demonstrate:

Romans 2:9-10

1 Peter 1:5

1 Cor 9:24-27

Hebrews 6:4-6

Galatians 5:1-4

2 Timothy 2:10

Hebrews 10:26

2 Corinthians 5:10

Romans 8:1 1There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8: 2-14

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Galatians 6:15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

John 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. Read John verse 3:1-21

Hey Henry,

Interesting thread, can we understand the wisdom of God? God is light and no darkness is in Him. "God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man". Can we understand what was done to Job? Can we understand why God allowed Satan limited control over the earth? Do we know why all the deaths, wars, and evil are allowed to be on earth? Do we overlook Jesus was sacrificed not only to reconcile things on the earth but also to reconcile things in heaven Colossians 1:20?

Did God allow Adam and Eve to sin? God has declared the end from the beginning and many things we have not been told, there come speculation that man is good at, self-included. There are two Adams in scripture and God's plan was before the world was. Can we ask the question, was the first Adam's purpose to start mankind; or was it for the same reason the last Adam was manifested that Satan had no clue? 1 John 3:8.

Isaiah 46:9-10 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

We cannot come close to grasping the wisdom of God and His plan. We must humble ourselves; we have been given a choice to accept the grace God has given us in the sacrifice of His only begotten Son. If we accept this gift of salvation, we give this fleshly life to Him.

God is in control, not free will, whether we understand it or not and we must trust God with what happens to us in this life even if we are killed. A time is coming when many will be. Our hope is not in this life but in the life to come.

Job 38:1-4 Micah 4:12 1 Corinthians 2:14 Revelation 10:7

God bless,

RLW

Children Of God

1 John 3:1-10

1. 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.

2. 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 see Him as He is.

3. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

4. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

5. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

6. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.

7. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. In this the children of God are manifested, and the children of the devil: whosoever doth not righteousness is not of God; neither he that loveth not his brother.

Jesus And Nicodemus

John 3:1-15

1. There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

2. The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto Him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with Him..

3. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.

4. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?

5. Jesus answered, Verily verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.

6. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit

7. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

8. 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.

9. Nicodemus answered and said unto Him, How can these things be?

10. Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?

11. Verily verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.

12. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?

13. And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but He that came down from heaven, even the Son of Man which is in heaven.

14. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up:

15. That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

Ms. Smiley, my minister did a very informative sermon on Baptism a couple of Sundays ago. If you would go on facebook and pull up the Richmond Ave. Church of Christ video, and listen to that sermon I'm sure you will be edified and encouraged to obey the gospel. Also I know some people don't do social media: if that is the case with you you can always read from the King James version of the Bible these scriptures: Acts 2:38, Mark 16:15-16, Acts 22:16: I Peter3:20-21; Acts 10:48, John 3:5; Luke 7:30. Also read 2 Corinthians 5:17 with Galatians 3:27. If after reading these passages you are still unsure or have any questions, please feel free to give us a call at (817) 739-4933. The scriptures I gave you are in reference to specifically the purpose of baptism. There are others that speak to the action itself and who are candidates for taking the action, let me know if you would like those. But God's plan of salvation for us all is a 5-step process given in the book. You must first Hear the gospel, believe what you hear, repent, you must confess faith and then be baptized. Just know this is GOd's plan. Not mine or my minister's. In closing just know,"We speak where the Bible speaks, and are Silent where the Bible is silent."

Sister Gwen Johnson

Oakley. Simple answer is 1 John 3:1 now are we the Sons of God by

Spiritual birth.

1 John 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth - 1 John 3

19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.

No,

1 John 3:15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

Exodus 20:13 Thou shalt not kill.

11 But if any man hate his neighbour, and lie in wait for him, and rise up against him, and take his life that he die, and fleeth into one of these cities:

12 Then the elders of his city shall send and fetch him thence, and deliver him into the hand of the kinsman avenger of murder, that he may die.

Son, Daughter of GOD: John 1:12, 1John 3:1,2, Matthew 5:9, context Matthew 5, Matthew 13:38, John 12:36, Luke 12:32, context Luke 12,

Romans 8:14, in context please read all of Chapter Romans 8, explanation of the answer of your question in detail.

Hopefully these are all helpful

Lord Jesus, by Your grace, I come boldly to lift up the needs of dear Chrys.

Mat 9:19-22 kjv,

John 3:16 kjv, John 14:6 kjv, James 5:15 kjv, John 8:32 kjv.

I would like to say that I read John 3:16 today. Adonijah and the Kings of Israel worship the one true and living God, The God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob. We are never defeat and we reign throughout all creation forever and ever. Eternal life is no secret. The plan to rule at the United Kingdom Throne is happening in 15 years once I reach the palace. Queen Elizabeth greeted me in Miami, the time in spirit and on the street was royal and perfect honor. I am concerned for Prince Anthony as he is most dear to my heart. I don't want anything foul to happen.

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.

1st John 3:9 KJV Crown copyright in the United Kingdom

Daniel. From what you've shared you need fellowship with strong mature

Believers and think more about God's goodness and ,Romans Chapter 8:28-39

Also other places where God talks about our deliverance in Christ. We believe

What we have been taught be careful of who you give heed to, if it's positive and

Lines up with God's Word go for it. Remember God loves us more than we love ourselves John 3:16 and 17. It's not just that we believe it's what we believe also.

Jim Tidwell on Galatians 6

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. -- Read John 3:1-21

Matthew 9:17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a (new) creature: old things are passed away; behold, (all) things are become new.

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. (3) For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: (4) That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Romans 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Matthew 25: They were all virgins but 5 were lost --read the chapter

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

( John 3:7 Jesus said ye must be born again)

We all can find a verse that tells us what we want to hear, there will be many lost after he says depart from me. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Hi Paul.

In James 2:14-16. we have the context and resolve

"What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

( If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?")

You see a similar verse here in

1 John 3:17. "But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, HOW DWELLETH THE LOVE OF GOD IN HIM?"

The love of God IN YOU CAUSES YOU TO RESPOND WITH WORKS, It's a fruit of the spirit. you're "persuaded" From within.

You're not acting out faith or manifestating faith.

You're persuaded!!

If you don't respond "putting in the work" You are not persuaded!

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

These scriptures don't contradict. Faith is dead without works and works is dead without Faith. God is not in you until he saves you and if you are not saved no matter what you do you can't please him. It is Christ faith in you that causes you to work!! This is why in James 2:18 he says "Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works."

God doesn't accept works from a unclean person "the unsaved" in a attempt to make himself righteous.

Men righteousness is as filthy rags. If you are saved by faith you will work, If you won't work, your faith is vain.

God bless.

Hi Paul,

I agree that some perceive these as conflicting verses, but just because some assume something is contradictory does not make it so.

Why can't both verses be true?

Ephesians 2:8-9 is true that we are saved by grace alone through faith and James 2:17 is also true that faith without works is dead. Why exactly can't these both be true? The entire chapter of James 2 already explains this. For instance James 2:18 "...shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works." Isn't it possible that faith and belief is like an overall umbrella and the fruit are good deeds and works that can flow through as a result of genuine faith? And if no works, then it would be like the parable of the sower in Luke 8. The scriptures do not contradict each other.

Romans 2 also explains this. Romans 2:13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

People seem to like to cherry pick and pluck out only Ephesians 2:8-9 and ignore James 2:17. Or, some may pluck out only James 2:17 and ignore Ephesians 2:8-9. But the reality is it is both. Both are God's word and both are true. All of the scriptures must be taken cohesively in context.

I believe this can happen with other topics too. For instance, yes, someone can just read John 3:16, and conclude that only "believing" is all someone needs. While true, it's assumed it's genuine belief is active and would also include Acts 2:38, which introduces more actions such as repenting, and being baptized. These are not contradictions as some may assume. They instead compliment each other and are both true. People can get a simple understanding with light reading of broad statements and a deeper understanding by deeper study. I think this is by design. Some believe the Bible is a living Word of God and that the more we read that God can supernaturally reveal more and more insights that we didn't notice the first time.

To be more clear on my first statement. If a brother is in need of help and you have it and turn him away, whether you're gambling or not it's a sin. So that actually may not make gambling a sin but it put something ahead of doing what is right to do.

1 John 3:17-18. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.