Brother Spencer, great response! True worship is from the heart. True worship is submission to God.
If I may add a little information here, the word worship in the New Testament, also found here in John 4:24 has absolutely nothing to do with external activities, including singing. The word literally means to bow down and kiss the ring of somebody.
In other words, if you are coming into the presence of the king, you bow down, you get on your knee, and you kiss his ring. And then he will lift the scepter and you'll be able to talk. But you cannot talk until you express your submission and reverence.
You see, true worship is submission. It is obedience. It doesn't mean we can't sing, but that in the Bible is called singing. True worshipers worship, and remember what it means, to bow down, to submit. True worshipers worship God in spirit and in truth. Submitting to His truth and reverencing His truth is the highest form of worship.
Jesus quoted from Isaiah in one place and said, "Well did Isaiah say of you that you honor me with your lips but your heart is far from me." He says I get tired of you going and performing your religious vows and all your singing and whatever when your heart is not even lined up with what you're doing.
God looks on the heart, and man looks on the outward appearance. It is unacceptable to Him. God is Spirit. Everybody that gives genuine worship to God worships Him in Spirit. We are to surrender to His Spirit and surrender to His truth. That is the highest form of worship!
In John 4:20 the Samaritan woman at the well said "Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
She is referring to centrality of the temple in worship where the ceremonies were performed.
Jesus is saying the day has come where worshiping the Lord in spirit and truth is that worship of God is not to be confined to a single geographical location or necessarily regulated by the of Old Testament law.
Worship became a matter of the heart, not external actions, and directed by truth rather than ceremony.
Our worship of God is directed by our love for Him, Not by Command and rituals.
Ti worship in spirit this way was prophesied in Ezekiel 36:27.
"And I will put my spirit within you, AND CAUSE YOU TO WALK IN MY STATUTES, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
In today's society, many do not even believe witchcraft is real, but it is very real and dangerous. Scripture tells us not to deal with it or be around anyone who does. I do not know what you are battling but have faith that Jesus Christ can break any bondage to witchcraft. Trust in the faith of Jesus and immerse yourself in Scripture. James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
You can trust and hold fast without any doubt because Jesus said this, John 14:13-14 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
"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.
43When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. 44Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.' On its return, it finds the house vacant, swept clean, and put in order. 45Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and dwell there; and the final plight of that man is worse than the first. So will it be with this wicked generation."
This passage would seem to infer that a person could have an evil spirit removed somehow; but without the Holy Spirit taking up residence post salvation. ( John 14:23). We are reminded of the sons of Sceva who had demons come out of someone they were trying to exorcize and rend them. ( Acts 19:14-16). We also could conceivably be reminded of those Jesus cast demons from; since some may not have been truly saved after that. We see evidence of that with the case of 1 leper that came back to praise Him while the others went away. ( Luke 17:17-18). We see warnings also of Christ saying sin no more lest something worse happen to you ( John 5:14). In that case it would probably be death as he had been paralyzed for decades apparently due to some sin.
We can think of the condition in the Synagogue where Jesus cast out a demon early on ( John 4:33 and following verses); and consider how the religious and self righteous piety of the Pharisees caused them to have this condemnation in particular.
A more sobering thought is many "ministries" today who are seemingly obsessed with casting out demons (in some cases it is proven the same person is involved over and over as a likely paid participant for crowd appeal). I personally have a big problem with one particular teacher who often baptizes people (and says is necessary for salvation) and demons come out.
We can hardly call someone in that condition in a sound mind ready to make such a commitment to the Body of Christ as Baptism signifies.
The other day I heard about a falling out from a church I used to attend with a good friend of mine. It seems the Pastor only wanted to talk rather than hear what he had to say; and that there is a sort of mindset of exclusivity there in regard to it being the only genuine church denomination as my friend put it. The conversation is skewed by the fact that my friend tends to be very opinionated and rather vocal with an aggressive sort of personality.
I introduce this to say that a church can be increasingly legalistic; or on the contrary embrace the tidal wave of political correctness and hence be a Laodicean type church. in EITHER case I would dare say that a RELIGIOUS spirit can overtake people. There can exist the pride of performance; or the pride of the world and embracing all the damnable heresies in order to emphasize the "love" of God.
I have compared the end of the church "age" or "dispensation" with that of ancient Israel. We are reminded that God was to be worshipped in John 4:24 where the woman at the well was told that God was spirit and we must worship Him in spirit and truth.
The remnant always remains of true "Israel" (see Isaiah 10:20). There is also a confessing church and a small portion of them who are POSSESSING the Holy Spirit and thus truly children of God. It is not in a building; ordinances; catechisms and other structured parts of worship that in themselves have any meaning and indeed once we behold Him much of our current practices will be rendered as archaic and in the past. The end all of all things is heavenly treasure; and we are aliens and strangers on this earth. If we take our experience that we see with our five senses to heart without considering the unseen we are not going to progress. Yes; God uses local assemblies and our fellow believers to (hopefully) be discipled and grow together while enjoying legitimate blessings together of families and friends. But we look to the hope to come.
Hello Naisa Koroi. In a short answer, I don't believe that worshiping God on a Sunday is breaking the 4th Commandment.
Briefly, my reasons are as follows: this Commandment, alongwith the others, were given to God's people, Israel, for their behavior before God & their fellow-men ( Exodus 20:1-17). The Sabbath was purely a day set apart from all others - a day of complete rest, thus it was a holy (i.e. sanctified, separated) day from the other six days ( Exodus 31:15).
The Sabbath Command never included the necessity to worship God, though it certainly could be used that way in the family home, & then later for functions within the Tabernacle of the Congregation, other sabbath observances, & latterly, in the Synagogue.
The Sabbath Day required that no work be done, even cooking or picking up sticks, moving furniture, lighting a fire, etc. ( Exodus 35:2,3). So the Jewish Sabbath has no correlation to when Christ's Church chooses to worship the Lord today. Some might choose to hold the Sabbath as a day of rest from all work, but for worship, believers in Christ can worship on the first day of the week ( Acts 20:7), or any day of the week for that matter; even as Jesus told the Samaritan woman, "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in SPIRIT and in TRUTH: for the Father seeketh such to worship him" ( John 4:23).
It's no longer the day of worship or the place of worship that matters (whether on Mt. Gerizim in Samaria, or even in the temple at Jerusalem, as Jesus told the woman), but that our worship, whether done in private or with a Church congregation, is done in the realm of the Holy Spirit & in Truth. So Naisa, may your heart be comforted that the day of corporate worship doesn't matter to the Lord, but that we worship Him with pure hearts, and in sincerity & Truth. Be blessed.
Be careful with AI , it links only in one edge of the Sword, I mean in the letter of the Holy Scripture, this one edge of the Sword of GOD only kills the souls- Genesis 3:1 combined with Matthew 16:22-23. Satan only uses the letter of the Holy Scriptures- John 8:44. The life in the Holy Scripture is the Spirit of GOD- John 4:24 combined with John 6:63, it is in the other edge of the Sword, and AI will never be linked to the Spirit of GOD, but to the spirit of Devil.
Satan uses the letter, the writings, of the Bible, to deceive listeners or readers of the Scriptures. Take care.
What I tell you I tell to all
Hbrews 4:12-13
12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to render an account.
My understanding is Jesus was baptized and anointed in the fall of the year__, he was 40 days and nights in the wilderness. Jesus then chose His 12 disciples. shortly after the wedding where Jesus turned the water to wine, He went to Passover John 2:23, this would be 6 months after He was anointed by the Holy Ghost.
There are 3 more Passovers and Jesus was crucified on the last one, John 5:1, 1.5 years John 6:4 2.5 years, and John 13:1 the Passover He was crucified 3.5 years from when He was anointed as the Messiah.
My understanding of Matthew 24 was also for the disciples for the upcoming destruction of Jerusalem not just for us today, if we compare Matthew 24:15 and Mark 13:14 have when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet. But in Luke 21:20, He writes when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.
The abomination of desolation is something done by someone as King Antiochus IV Epiphanes did in 168 BC. It happened before the temple was destroyed in 70 AD. My understanding is parts of Jesus's Olivet discourse were for them and parts are for us.
What is in Daniel 9:27 Jesus caused the sacrifice and oblation to cease when He died and the vail of the Temple rent from top to bottom. As Jesus told the woman at the well the hour has come ye shall not worship the Father in the mountain or Jerusalem, John 4:21
The wording in Daniel 9:27 is for the overspreading of abominations points to the abominations the leaders of Jerusalem will have done, Matthew 23:32-38 Jesus told them "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate" The he, is Jesus who will make it desolate and, in their generation, it was made desolate by the people/Roman army, of the prince/Titus same as God used Babylon in 586 BC.
I hope this makes sense so that you can study for your understanding even if you disagree, if you have questions let me know.
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.
Thanks, brother, I did not intend to combine salvation issue and eschatology. I was just referring to it being an innate human nature to follow a crowd and taking the path of least resistance. I did not mean to base any truth on the majority or minority. I agree we can apply Matthew 7:13 with salvation but we can also apply it to what is being taught as in verse 15 is a warning of false prophets. This includes false teaching that is attractive and the larger the crowd the easier it is to deceive people.
I agree we should put Scripture above all that is taught out there for in them is the only truth, but many people do not, they just go with what they hear from a preacher, TV, YouTube, etc. Some never open a Bible and study and pray, asking God for the truth and the larger the follower's impact what they believe is the truth.
We can be deceived if we do not try the spirits, 1 John 4:1 that only comes from prayer and study being guided by the Holy Spirit. Hope this makes sense, we have discussed this before and this is not to debate we both know each other's understanding and I am not asking you but honestly, I have not found or have been shown one verse that out-and-out says we go or are taken to heaven that some teach.
I must disagree, I am not Amillennialism, I do not spiritualize Scripture, I believe in a literal 1000-year reign of Jesus with His chosen and faithful at His second coming, Revelation 5:10Revelation 20:4-6. Also, I do not believe the Church has replaced Israel. We are probably closer in our understanding of the end times than you think.
Hope you had a good vacation I guess you are on the road again.
Our Lord JESUS said: Mat.13:30-> In the time of harvest I will say to the reapers,Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
Do ye not know that the saints shall Judge the world?and if the world shall be Judged by you,are ye unworthy to Judge the smallest matters?Know ye not that we shall Judge angels?(angels of the Churches) 1Corinthians 6:2-3.
By the way, JESUS said more: John 4:36-37:->36 He that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. 37 And herein is that saying true,One soweth(JESUS sowed),and another reapeth.
And Daniel prophesied:Dan.7:22&27: ->22Judgment was (will be)given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom( Revelation 11:15-18. Take a look.). 27 And the Kingdom and dominion,and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.
Daniel 2:44-47
44And in the days of these kings shall the GOD of heaven set up a Kingdom( Revelation 11:15-18), which shall never be destroyed: and the Kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
45Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver,and the gold;the great GOD hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter:and the dream is certain,and the interpretation thereof sure.
46Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face...Of a truth it is, that your GOD is a GOD of gods( Psalms 82:1-2&6-8 and John 10:34-36 combined with Isaiah 41:22-23),and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets,seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.
We are to be at peace with one another, forgive one another, have mercy on one another.
Just a few references.
1 Thessalonians 4:9
Ephesians 4:32
Galatians 5:26
Galatians 6:2
Matthew 7:12
1 John 4:7
However, we don't lie or deceive one another for the sake of peace. The truth hurts sometimes but it promotes spiritual growth providing that the Christ spirit is in the person.
BELEIVERS SHUNNING OTHER BELEIVERS.
To shun is to deliberately avoid something or someone. In the Bible, the word shun is applied to evil. Job 1:8, Job 28:28, Proverbs 3:7-8Proverbs 14:16. So, shunning evil is good.
There is scripture that promotes excommunication. Matthew 18:15-17; 2 Thessalonians 3:14. but do we do it for harm or Good? What's the intent?
In any case, it would seem that extreme forms of shunning, such as considering someone "dead," utterly ignoring him, or refusing to acknowledge his existence, go beyond what Scripture commands.
After all, Jesus said that, when someone is put out of the church, he should be treated as "a pagan or a tax collector" Matthew 18:17. In other words, treat an intractable offender as an unsaved person.
How are we to treat the unsaved? With love and grace.
The "pagans and tax collectors" need to be evangelized. We are to love even our enemies ( Matthew 5:44).
The goal of excommunication and any form of shunning is restoration ( Galatians 6:1).
The purpose of any type of discipline is to prompt repentance and, ultimately, to reunite our fallen brother or sister with the church body. Being officially ostracized from the church, the sinner might be brought to repentance.
When the man in the Corinthian church later realized that he had sinned against God, he repented and came back to the church for forgiveness and reinstatement. Fellowship with the Corinthian believers was restored ( 2 Corinthians 2:6-11).
Isn't it hateful to ignore or shun other believers?
We are not joined with those outside the body of Christ so, what are we as children of light supposed to do in a lost dark world?
We are to bare light and that light is supposed to shine on Christ.
We are his ambassadors in a foreign land.
We are to display the work of Christ in our lives and the evidence of a new birth bearing fruit. By this all people will know we are his disciples, and the fruit (especially Love for the Brothern) will also Distinguish between a false teaching religion/teachers and spirit filled believers where the spirit gathers and energizes. This is the operation of God by the baptism of the Holy spirit.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES; John 13:34-35, Matthew 7:16-20. 1 1John 4:20-21, If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
We are to Love the unbeliever, witness to them, and treat them with kindness and help them in a Godly way.
So, in what ways we are not to be unequally yoked with them? Many things can be mentioned but I won't get into that here.
2 Corinthians 6:14-18.
"The command implies that a great difference exists between a believer and an unbeliever. Generally speaking, the motivations, goals, and methods of a Christian are incompatible with those of an unbeliever.
Faith changes the character of a person. A Christian's highest ambition in life is to glorify the Lord Jesus and please Him in all things; an unbeliever is, at best, indifferent to such goals. "
Again, don't get me wrong here, we are called to minister to them in particular.
That is the Lords Commission. Luke 4:18.
It is our Great Commission to spread the Gospel; Matthew 28:16-20.
We do that with truth! We don't do it with lies and deception.
I suppose today's scripture from Joshua 24:18 is as good a place as any to tackle that subject. As for the entire Bible as we have it today; there is no verse in scripture mentioning all the written texts as a whole; probably because they weren't complete yet.
1 Corinthians 13:10 mentions things passing away when the partial is complete; or something to that affect. Revelation also has verses warning about not adding or subtracting which could mean adding to that book or all scripture. Since the written texts originally came from oratory (with the exception of the 10 Commandments originally penned by God Himself); God planned it out so that the scribes would count every LETTER of a scroll; and get rid of a copy to start again if it was even slightly off. 2 Timothy 3:16 explains that all scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching; reproof; etc.
I have discussed in older posts a summation of the Apocrypha as to truths of historic or moral truths that are borrowed from true scripture; which always states "thus saith the Lord" except for places like Ruth and Esther; or Song of Solomon. God's truths are absolute; as we see from the claims of Christ's divinity; and the laws in the 10 Commandments. The repetitive themes such as scriptures being repeated again in the New Testament to enhance their true meanings bring a cohesiveness to the Bible. We also have such admonitions as 1 John 4:2 stating what any "spirit" testifies about Christ having come in the flesh.
That would correlate with verses like Matthew 16:17 where it is clear that Christ's DIVINITY (as the "I am") can only be understood or revealed through the Spirit. I noticed that myself pre conversion it didn't enter my mind that Christ was God or part of the "Godhead". As our spirit testifies with "his Spirit"( Romans 8:16) that we are His children and His Word is truth the Lord will build our discernment of truth as we grow and mature in Him to know what is true (see also John 10:27).
1 John 4:20 is a stern admonition to those who would claim to love God that hates His brother. Other verses in 1 John show as with the Gospel of John the necessary commands for a believer to love one another. We need to look as well at verses in James which discuss the taming of the tongue. ( James 3:5-6) Gossip and slander are things that can destroy a person; hence the admonition about the fires of hell. You can bet that there will be plenty of cursing in hell for the state of misery against God and probably against others as well. Hating a brother without cause ( Matt. 5:22) is in degrees; but unforgiveness results in holding on to our own sins and is not beneficial for us even in this life. Holding onto grudges; for example is another example of a lifestyle of sin; there are people who may have already passed away who we still have bitterness about in our souls resulting in caustic behavior toward others including unforgiveness. Man cannot have unconditional love for their enemies apart from His grace. This of course doesn't validate the "political correctness" today coddling criminal behavior. Acts 2:23 is only one of several passages in the book clearly stating that the Jews killed Christ; and or complicit in His murder. Jesus didn't mince words either with this subject ( Matthew 5:21-22).
We cannot ignore the act of murder which includes abortions in this study either. Again; we dare not cede to the culture of today which doesn't want to follow Biblical precedent for a death penalty for such an act to vindicate an innocent party and to have some cohesiveness in society. We can complain all we want about dictatorships in the world; but many of them see much lower crime rates because no government can survive in anarchy. We also are foolish in trying to support ideologies that are antithetical toward the value of life because of some misguided notion that everyone wants a "democracy".
Hello, I would like to offer comfort through the Word in the Book Of John 10:10. I Do Believe it Is up to us individually to help Jesus Christ speak into our existence For He Is 1 John 4:2, even our flesh, He Is the Spirit which Gives us Aspiration every day, and as we Speak, It should Be Likened To the Words printed in red Spoken by Our Lord. The words we use daily, should be used in careful consideration to Be Positive, albeit our bodies feel otherwise. It may take time to notice effectual change in health, I Do Believe It Will Be Done, God's Will, not mine. Which I am not saying I do not pray for your health, I Am saying I as a person cannot accomplish health, God's Will that we Be Healthy, In His Name. Following The Golden Rule I have learned recently Is in our favor as well, it is about Speaking, so Be it positive speech we can receive of Our Lord positivity in our life. Drink as much water as able, for our bodies are of soil, all our seeds planted (Good thoughts, deeds, dialogs) Will grow Healthily same as watering gardens. I pray this helps you grow healthy In Spirit, Mind and Body.
Is. 19:20 says that God will send a savior and defender. ad God identifies the Savior as the Holy One of Israel ( a name of God) in Is. 43:3. In 43:11 God says that apart from Him there is NO Savior. Also Hos. 13:4
God calls Himself Savior in Is. 45:21; 49:26; 60:16. Jesus is called the Savior of the world John 4:42; Acts 5:31; 13:23, 1 Tim. 4:10,
the Father sent the Son to as Savior ( 1 Jn. 4:14)
and Jude 1:25 says that Jesus our only God and Savior and He should be glorified and honored the SAME as the Father who is God ( Jn. 5:23) thus claiming equality with the Father. (also see Jn. 5:18; Jn. 10: 30-38; 8:58)
So, in light of these truths of Scripture, It is fact that God alone is our Savior, and the Father sent His Divine Son into the world to save sinners.
Hallelujah! Because every human that has ever lived needs to be saved from their sins, and Jesus, God the Son, is this Savior, and no mere man can save anyone.
Scripture is clear Jesus had no sin, Hebrews 4:151 Peter 2:221 John 3:5Romans 5:12-15.
Do you believe that the Father and the Son are one as Jesus said in Jn. 17 or that He and the Father are "in" one another and if they see Jesus, they see the Father?
Both, Jesus said I and my Father are one John 10:30 and in other places, one means unity. Jesus was one with the Father not because Jesus was God but because He was filled with the Spirit and God dwelt in him, John 14:10, as we see God was in Christ 2 Corinthians 5:19
God dwelt in Jesus and empowered Him by His Spirit that gave Jesus the power and authority like Matthew 11:27 All things are delivered to Jesus of His Father, Jesus did not have it, all was given to Him. God was manifest in Jesus, John 12:49John 14:10. This is why Jesus said if you have seen me, you have seen the Father, John 14:9.
Jesus in His prayer asked the Father that we may be one, as He and His Father are one through the words of the disciples, John 17:20-23. God and Jesus will dwell in us and we in them, 1 John 4:13-16 1 John 3:23-24.
How is it that Jesus AND the Father send the Holy Spirit if there is only one person as God?
Jesus said He would pray to the Father to give another comforter, John 14:16, we see in John 14:26 the Father will send in Jesus's name. In John 15:26 Jesus said I will send but this is from the Father and the Spirit of truth that proceedeth from the Father. This is not a person it is the Spirit of God.
Please don't take this wrong, in the Trinity there is one God who eternally exists as three distinct Persons: The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, each Person is fully God, coequal, coeternal, and consubstantial. I'm sorry my understanding, is Scripture does not support that, Scripture is clear the Father is above all.
Thank you, GiGi, I hope this is what you wanted I am not the best at this.
Do you believe that the will of the Father and the will of the Son are always the same or different?
Jesus was obedient to the Father, Jesus said many times it is not His will but the will of the Father who sent Him, the same as we are to do, John 4:34John 5:30Mark 3:35.
Do you believe that a human being can truly save all men from sin and death by a perfect life in their own will?
First, I will have to say it was the will of the Father, Jesus at the end even asked His father if there was another way but not Jesus's will but the will of His Father, Matthew 26:39Luke 22:42. We are told this is the foundation of our faith, Jesus' sacrificial death. God cannot die God is Spirit He has no blood to shed for sin it had to be a man, His Son, born of a woman.
John 3:16 God gave His Son not Himself 1 John 2:22 1 John 4:32 John 1:7Romans 5:82 Corinthians 5:21, God cannot be made sin, 1 Corinthians 15:17 Jesus died, and God raised Him from the dead, the first man to live a perfect life, the first fruits of those who sleep in death. 1 Corinthians 15:14 as said if Jesus was not a man who lived a perfect life and died and was raised from the dead all is vain.
The first Adam was the first man Jesus was the last Adam and the second man, 1 Corinthians 15:45-47. 1 Corinthians 15:21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. The law had to be fulfilled by a man.
How would a human being know that they are the Messiah from birth and thus know not to ever sin?
As we see Luke 2:51-52 Jesus grew up increasing in wisdom and stature in favor with God and man. Jesus was twelve years old and He knew His father was God, but it doesn't say Jesus knew then He was to be the Messiah. God also said He would raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, Deuteronomy 18:15, Isaiah 11:1-5Isaiah 61:1-2 confirmed in Luke 4:18-21. Romans 1:1-42 Timothy 2:8.
I know you are an author and your vocabulary is greater than mine I will try to respond but to be truthful you are hard to follow. First MOU my understanding is a nonbinding agreement between parties stating their intentions. How can that be a covenant a covenant is a relationship between partners either conditional or unconditional and this covenant is between God the Father and God the Son. Would not the Holy Spirit be a part of this covenant and the will of God that the Son completes? John 6:38 It is God's will not Jesus's like He said in Luke 22:42.
If God is a triune God, would it not be the will of all three with no difference in authority or knowledge? Why the need for a covenant between them since all three are God and all three are equal?
At the beginning of each day, God said what was to be, the spoken word of God, and it was so. Other than speculation how can we say the Son was in agreement? Isaiah 45:18 In Genesis 1:28 would be an unconditional covenant, more of a blessing, God placed man above all that was created on earth and man was given dominion over it. God delegated the rule of man over His creation and no consequences were stated, we see how that turned out.
I agree Jesus did not need to be water baptized for remittance of sin, but He did need the anointing of the Holy Ghost/Spirit to become the Messiah/Christ. The word of God was in Jesus and by the Holy Ghost/Spirit Jesus did the works of His Father therefore Jesus was the tabernacle of God, the image of God for every word Jesus said was not His but the word of God the Father. John 4:34John 5:30John 12:44-45
Philip was the first to bring the gospel to the Samaritans.
No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. HEREBY KNOW WE THAT WE DWELL IN HIM, AND HE IN US, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
What John is saying is that no man has seen God at any time but if we love one another God dwells in us. In other words God today can manifest himself through believers in loving one another, "and the world sees That!
John 13:34-35, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
"What makes this so unique?" What's new about it? Isn't it listed in the Commandments? What's unique and new about it is that he causes it!
Look at verse 35.
"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,.
( God gave us his Spirit that causes us to love the Brothern.)
God's Spirit, "The Holyspirit" causes those who loves God to love his brother also. 1 John 4:21"
Romans 5:5.
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. ( John 5:17).
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. ( Colossians 3:23-24).
These two verses demonstrate to us that work in the secular or "spiritual" realm is to be done with all of our might (following the principal of Ecclesiastes 9:10). Christ actually states that in some cases such as John 4:38 that they have reaped what others have sown. John 4 discusses the conversion of the Samaritan woman (woman at the well) and her evangelistic campaign. In this case she did the sowing and the Disciples reaped the benefits. It is interesting to think that she was the first evangelist listed even before the Disciples were sent out two by two (I think). Even Jesus didn't have to work that hard in that respect; such gratitude for being saved by sins was shown in other women such as Mary Magdeline. Would we all approach the Great Commission with such eagerness.
When it comes to our everyday jobs I am grateful in my situation even with just part time work being all that I can do with other responsibilities that I am surrounded by people that work hard. I work doing food prep in a high school kitchen; and especially with intense State Inspection coming those who would want to mess about won't remain very long. Having supervisors that I respect in each of the other surrounding schools in the District where we are sent on occasion is an added bonus; along with the lady from one of them that joined our team today. There are a number of passages discussing employer and employee relations (in many cases servant and master analogy). Our work ethic isn't a substitute for sharing God's Word; but an opportune moment won't earn any respect if we don't have a foundation of trusted service for the weeks or months before such a conversation can occur.
So the last enemy to be conquered is death and it comes under the curse and law of sin. "And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed." When Jesus died on the cross this curse'Thou shalt bruise his heel' cast it shadow upon the Son who did no sin and knew no sin." (Ge.3:15,14) St Paul writes referring to it, "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree."(Gal.3:13)
Everlasting gospel is consequential in setting the cloud of witnesses similar as the emblem of the slain Lamb before the foundation of the world into one fold. Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God ( John 1:29) delivered whoever was under the curse of death. By the same token he shall deliver the witnesses in the world of the Spirit "and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd." His work shall conclude only "And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all." That God may all in all is life everlasting to which we did no labor. So this saying holds true in the context of the world of the Spirit. "One soweth, and another reapeth./ I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men labored, and ye are entered into their labors."( John 4:37-38)
Christ in us is our relationship that does not change in both worlds.
Force of the everlasting covenant is the Law of the Spirit so everlasting gospel to destroy the works of the devil who sins from the beginning. Everlasting gospel is to be understood as part of the works Jesus is entrusted to finish. In John 4:34-38 we have two groups one who soweth and the other reapeth. "I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours." (4:38) Who is the Sower? In the Parable of the Tares we have the answer.
"He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;/The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;/The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels."(Matt.13:37-39) We cannot handle the word of God arbitrarily but give equal weight to them as essential for Christian Living. We are in the presence of enemies, from both worlds.
We can equally speak of our witnesses in the World of the Spirit to which Jesus referred, "Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?"(Matt.26:53) They mirror in tandem with events on earth. Jacob at Mahanaim is a clear example. Angels met him before God would bless him."And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day." (Ge.32:24) As the heir of promise came to a fateful encounter with his estranged brother it was God's way of bucking him. "And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is God's host."Similarly God reveals his power and glory to the heirs of promise. It is same what we read in Re.3:20. " 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."
"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over."
Then to your question, "If Jesus was a co-equal God in the three-person God, how could He be given anything He would already have it?" If we don't believe that Jesus came out from God's Person, then your question is valid. But if He did, then to become Man, taking on 'sinful flesh', He would have had to lay aside God's Glory & other Divine Attributes ( Philippians 2:5-8), so that He could be fully Man, to identify completely with those He would save & be their sin-bearer - for God in His Being cannot suffer & die as appointed unto men.
Thus when we read 1 John 4:2,3; we know that John is not speaking of an historical Jesus, for all knew of (or heard of) this One named Jesus of Nazareth Who lived & walked on Earth doing great things. But those who denied that this Christ from God had been brought down to Earth to be made flesh, were deemed by the apostle as not speaking by God's Spirit (& this is that Docetic heresy that was pervading the Church: that Divinity & Flesh cannot unite, so the incarnation is incredible). So dear brother, I can see your interpretation of such verses & was exercised by them to understand them the way you do, but for me to read them in that manner would cause me to violate my comprehension abilities & sensibilities.
Therefore, I think it best we leave off here, as much as I would like to continue, for I see no useful progress to be made when we read the Word so differently. Thank you again for your time & persisting in this - I do appreciate this very much. Every blessing.
I was sorry to read Momsage, about your suffering, in dealing with a disability & severe exhaustion, and this can indeed make one lethargic (the spirit being willing, though the flesh weak) in doing what we would earnestly like to get done. But you have found some relief now & hopefully by just resting your spirit & body in the Lord & in His Word, you will gain precious ongoing refreshment from His Spirit.
This Docetic position stems from a belief that 'Deity cannot unite with flesh', but it doesn't mean that Scriptures aren't used to prove their belief, but with that foundation, their mental capabilities are engaged to re-visit Scriptures with alternative viewpoints. But there would be those who have from young age been taught that the incarnation is impossible (as you would know how RCs are indoctrinated from an early age in other matters, viz. Mary, saints, indulgences, penances, the Mass, etc.); or others by their own research from books, the Web, etc., where they can find a 'better' logic to this mystery, than just accepting what the Word states.
Thus we have the apostolic epistles, which essentially are pastoral letters directed to Churches for teaching, encouragement, dealing with problems/matters arising, & refuting the teaching of others that were contrary to what they had been taught. I always go back to 1 John in this 'docetic' regard, as Gnosticsm was rife then & John had to deal with it (see 1 John 1:1,2; 1 John 2:18 (the anti-Christ spirit, cf 1 John 4:2,3); 1 John 2:22,23). GBU.
Good to hear from you, very good question. First, the Roman Church elevated Mary to the queen of heaven the same title as Tammuz's mother we see Israel worshiping. They say she ascended to heaven and much more. If we look at Acts we see Paul said that David is still in his tomb and has not ascended to heaven, Acts 2:29 and Acts 2:34. Many believe after Jesus was resurrected saints were also resurrected and are in heaven and many pray to them. My understanding is no one has been resurrected all are in the grave asleep in death.
When God through His Spirit the Holy Spirit raised Jesus from the dead He placed Jesus above all that is in heaven, on earth, and under the earth, Philippians 2:9-11. God placed Jesus on His right hand on the throne of God, therefore giving Jesus the power of the throne.
John 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. Jesus also said John 16:23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
God the Father and Jesus will dwell in us by the Spirit, not in temples made by hands like Jesus said in John 4:21-23 and we see in 1 Corinthians 3:16. We see in 1 John 4:12-16 it is by the Spirit that Jesus who is sitting on the right side of God on the throne of God as the only mediator between us and God has been given the power of the throne until all enemies are under His feet, 1 Corinthians 15:27-28.
My humble understanding it is by the Spirit of God/Holy Spirit that Jesus can see and hear all. Jesus is the only begotten Son of God and His God is our God the Father as Jesus said to Mary John 20:17.
If I may add a little information here, the word worship in the New Testament, also found here in John 4:24 has absolutely nothing to do with external activities, including singing. The word literally means to bow down and kiss the ring of somebody.
In other words, if you are coming into the presence of the king, you bow down, you get on your knee, and you kiss his ring. And then he will lift the scepter and you'll be able to talk. But you cannot talk until you express your submission and reverence.
You see, true worship is submission. It is obedience. It doesn't mean we can't sing, but that in the Bible is called singing. True worshipers worship, and remember what it means, to bow down, to submit. True worshipers worship God in spirit and in truth. Submitting to His truth and reverencing His truth is the highest form of worship.
Jesus quoted from Isaiah in one place and said, "Well did Isaiah say of you that you honor me with your lips but your heart is far from me." He says I get tired of you going and performing your religious vows and all your singing and whatever when your heart is not even lined up with what you're doing.
God looks on the heart, and man looks on the outward appearance. It is unacceptable to Him. God is Spirit. Everybody that gives genuine worship to God worships Him in Spirit. We are to surrender to His Spirit and surrender to His truth. That is the highest form of worship!
Blessings!
In John 4:20 the Samaritan woman at the well said "Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
She is referring to centrality of the temple in worship where the ceremonies were performed.
Jesus is saying the day has come where worshiping the Lord in spirit and truth is that worship of God is not to be confined to a single geographical location or necessarily regulated by the of Old Testament law.
Worship became a matter of the heart, not external actions, and directed by truth rather than ceremony.
Our worship of God is directed by our love for Him, Not by Command and rituals.
Ti worship in spirit this way was prophesied in Ezekiel 36:27.
"And I will put my spirit within you, AND CAUSE YOU TO WALK IN MY STATUTES, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
This is the work of the Holyspirit.
God bless.
How do we worship God in spirit and truth? God Bless :)
In today's society, many do not even believe witchcraft is real, but it is very real and dangerous. Scripture tells us not to deal with it or be around anyone who does. I do not know what you are battling but have faith that Jesus Christ can break any bondage to witchcraft. Trust in the faith of Jesus and immerse yourself in Scripture. James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
You can trust and hold fast without any doubt because Jesus said this, John 14:13-14 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
God bless,
RLW
"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.
43When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. 44Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.' On its return, it finds the house vacant, swept clean, and put in order. 45Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and dwell there; and the final plight of that man is worse than the first. So will it be with this wicked generation."
This passage would seem to infer that a person could have an evil spirit removed somehow; but without the Holy Spirit taking up residence post salvation. ( John 14:23). We are reminded of the sons of Sceva who had demons come out of someone they were trying to exorcize and rend them. ( Acts 19:14-16). We also could conceivably be reminded of those Jesus cast demons from; since some may not have been truly saved after that. We see evidence of that with the case of 1 leper that came back to praise Him while the others went away. ( Luke 17:17-18). We see warnings also of Christ saying sin no more lest something worse happen to you ( John 5:14). In that case it would probably be death as he had been paralyzed for decades apparently due to some sin.
We can think of the condition in the Synagogue where Jesus cast out a demon early on ( John 4:33 and following verses); and consider how the religious and self righteous piety of the Pharisees caused them to have this condemnation in particular.
A more sobering thought is many "ministries" today who are seemingly obsessed with casting out demons (in some cases it is proven the same person is involved over and over as a likely paid participant for crowd appeal). I personally have a big problem with one particular teacher who often baptizes people (and says is necessary for salvation) and demons come out.
We can hardly call someone in that condition in a sound mind ready to make such a commitment to the Body of Christ as Baptism signifies.
The other day I heard about a falling out from a church I used to attend with a good friend of mine. It seems the Pastor only wanted to talk rather than hear what he had to say; and that there is a sort of mindset of exclusivity there in regard to it being the only genuine church denomination as my friend put it. The conversation is skewed by the fact that my friend tends to be very opinionated and rather vocal with an aggressive sort of personality.
I introduce this to say that a church can be increasingly legalistic; or on the contrary embrace the tidal wave of political correctness and hence be a Laodicean type church. in EITHER case I would dare say that a RELIGIOUS spirit can overtake people. There can exist the pride of performance; or the pride of the world and embracing all the damnable heresies in order to emphasize the "love" of God.
I have compared the end of the church "age" or "dispensation" with that of ancient Israel. We are reminded that God was to be worshipped in John 4:24 where the woman at the well was told that God was spirit and we must worship Him in spirit and truth.
The remnant always remains of true "Israel" (see Isaiah 10:20). There is also a confessing church and a small portion of them who are POSSESSING the Holy Spirit and thus truly children of God. It is not in a building; ordinances; catechisms and other structured parts of worship that in themselves have any meaning and indeed once we behold Him much of our current practices will be rendered as archaic and in the past. The end all of all things is heavenly treasure; and we are aliens and strangers on this earth. If we take our experience that we see with our five senses to heart without considering the unseen we are not going to progress. Yes; God uses local assemblies and our fellow believers to (hopefully) be discipled and grow together while enjoying legitimate blessings together of families and friends. But we look to the hope to come.
Briefly, my reasons are as follows: this Commandment, alongwith the others, were given to God's people, Israel, for their behavior before God & their fellow-men ( Exodus 20:1-17). The Sabbath was purely a day set apart from all others - a day of complete rest, thus it was a holy (i.e. sanctified, separated) day from the other six days ( Exodus 31:15).
The Sabbath Command never included the necessity to worship God, though it certainly could be used that way in the family home, & then later for functions within the Tabernacle of the Congregation, other sabbath observances, & latterly, in the Synagogue.
The Sabbath Day required that no work be done, even cooking or picking up sticks, moving furniture, lighting a fire, etc. ( Exodus 35:2,3). So the Jewish Sabbath has no correlation to when Christ's Church chooses to worship the Lord today. Some might choose to hold the Sabbath as a day of rest from all work, but for worship, believers in Christ can worship on the first day of the week ( Acts 20:7), or any day of the week for that matter; even as Jesus told the Samaritan woman, "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in SPIRIT and in TRUTH: for the Father seeketh such to worship him" ( John 4:23).
It's no longer the day of worship or the place of worship that matters (whether on Mt. Gerizim in Samaria, or even in the temple at Jerusalem, as Jesus told the woman), but that our worship, whether done in private or with a Church congregation, is done in the realm of the Holy Spirit & in Truth. So Naisa, may your heart be comforted that the day of corporate worship doesn't matter to the Lord, but that we worship Him with pure hearts, and in sincerity & Truth. Be blessed.
Be careful with AI , it links only in one edge of the Sword, I mean in the letter of the Holy Scripture, this one edge of the Sword of GOD only kills the souls- Genesis 3:1 combined with Matthew 16:22-23. Satan only uses the letter of the Holy Scriptures- John 8:44. The life in the Holy Scripture is the Spirit of GOD- John 4:24 combined with John 6:63, it is in the other edge of the Sword, and AI will never be linked to the Spirit of GOD, but to the spirit of Devil.
Satan uses the letter, the writings, of the Bible, to deceive listeners or readers of the Scriptures. Take care.
What I tell you I tell to all
Hbrews 4:12-13
12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to render an account.
GOD bless
My understanding is Jesus was baptized and anointed in the fall of the year__, he was 40 days and nights in the wilderness. Jesus then chose His 12 disciples. shortly after the wedding where Jesus turned the water to wine, He went to Passover John 2:23, this would be 6 months after He was anointed by the Holy Ghost.
There are 3 more Passovers and Jesus was crucified on the last one, John 5:1, 1.5 years John 6:4 2.5 years, and John 13:1 the Passover He was crucified 3.5 years from when He was anointed as the Messiah.
My understanding of Matthew 24 was also for the disciples for the upcoming destruction of Jerusalem not just for us today, if we compare Matthew 24:15 and Mark 13:14 have when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet. But in Luke 21:20, He writes when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.
The abomination of desolation is something done by someone as King Antiochus IV Epiphanes did in 168 BC. It happened before the temple was destroyed in 70 AD. My understanding is parts of Jesus's Olivet discourse were for them and parts are for us.
What is in Daniel 9:27 Jesus caused the sacrifice and oblation to cease when He died and the vail of the Temple rent from top to bottom. As Jesus told the woman at the well the hour has come ye shall not worship the Father in the mountain or Jerusalem, John 4:21
The wording in Daniel 9:27 is for the overspreading of abominations points to the abominations the leaders of Jerusalem will have done, Matthew 23:32-38 Jesus told them "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate" The he, is Jesus who will make it desolate and, in their generation, it was made desolate by the people/Roman army, of the prince/Titus same as God used Babylon in 586 BC.
I hope this makes sense so that you can study for your understanding even if you disagree, if you have questions let me know.
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.
Thanks, brother, I did not intend to combine salvation issue and eschatology. I was just referring to it being an innate human nature to follow a crowd and taking the path of least resistance. I did not mean to base any truth on the majority or minority. I agree we can apply Matthew 7:13 with salvation but we can also apply it to what is being taught as in verse 15 is a warning of false prophets. This includes false teaching that is attractive and the larger the crowd the easier it is to deceive people.
I agree we should put Scripture above all that is taught out there for in them is the only truth, but many people do not, they just go with what they hear from a preacher, TV, YouTube, etc. Some never open a Bible and study and pray, asking God for the truth and the larger the follower's impact what they believe is the truth.
We can be deceived if we do not try the spirits, 1 John 4:1 that only comes from prayer and study being guided by the Holy Spirit. Hope this makes sense, we have discussed this before and this is not to debate we both know each other's understanding and I am not asking you but honestly, I have not found or have been shown one verse that out-and-out says we go or are taken to heaven that some teach.
I must disagree, I am not Amillennialism, I do not spiritualize Scripture, I believe in a literal 1000-year reign of Jesus with His chosen and faithful at His second coming, Revelation 5:10 Revelation 20:4-6. Also, I do not believe the Church has replaced Israel. We are probably closer in our understanding of the end times than you think.
Hope you had a good vacation I guess you are on the road again.
God bless,
RLW
Do ye not know that the saints shall Judge the world?and if the world shall be Judged by you,are ye unworthy to Judge the smallest matters?Know ye not that we shall Judge angels?(angels of the Churches) 1Corinthians 6:2-3.
By the way, JESUS said more: John 4:36-37:->36 He that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. 37 And herein is that saying true,One soweth(JESUS sowed),and another reapeth.
And Daniel prophesied:Dan.7:22&27: ->22Judgment was (will be)given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom( Revelation 11:15-18. Take a look.). 27 And the Kingdom and dominion,and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.
Daniel 2:44-47
44And in the days of these kings shall the GOD of heaven set up a Kingdom( Revelation 11:15-18), which shall never be destroyed: and the Kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
45Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver,and the gold;the great GOD hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter:and the dream is certain,and the interpretation thereof sure.
46Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face...Of a truth it is, that your GOD is a GOD of gods( Psalms 82:1-2&6-8 and John 10:34-36 combined with Isaiah 41:22-23),and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets,seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.
The Word is GOD,self-executing, understand?
Part 3.
How should Christian treat one another?
We are to be at peace with one another, forgive one another, have mercy on one another.
Just a few references.
1 Thessalonians 4:9
Ephesians 4:32
Galatians 5:26
Galatians 6:2
Matthew 7:12
1 John 4:7
However, we don't lie or deceive one another for the sake of peace. The truth hurts sometimes but it promotes spiritual growth providing that the Christ spirit is in the person.
BELEIVERS SHUNNING OTHER BELEIVERS.
To shun is to deliberately avoid something or someone. In the Bible, the word shun is applied to evil. Job 1:8, Job 28:28, Proverbs 3:7-8 Proverbs 14:16. So, shunning evil is good.
There is scripture that promotes excommunication. Matthew 18:15-17; 2 Thessalonians 3:14. but do we do it for harm or Good? What's the intent?
In any case, it would seem that extreme forms of shunning, such as considering someone "dead," utterly ignoring him, or refusing to acknowledge his existence, go beyond what Scripture commands.
After all, Jesus said that, when someone is put out of the church, he should be treated as "a pagan or a tax collector" Matthew 18:17. In other words, treat an intractable offender as an unsaved person.
How are we to treat the unsaved? With love and grace.
The "pagans and tax collectors" need to be evangelized. We are to love even our enemies ( Matthew 5:44).
The goal of excommunication and any form of shunning is restoration ( Galatians 6:1).
The purpose of any type of discipline is to prompt repentance and, ultimately, to reunite our fallen brother or sister with the church body. Being officially ostracized from the church, the sinner might be brought to repentance.
When the man in the Corinthian church later realized that he had sinned against God, he repented and came back to the church for forgiveness and reinstatement. Fellowship with the Corinthian believers was restored ( 2 Corinthians 2:6-11).
Isn't it hateful to ignore or shun other believers?
See part 4.
Part 2.
We are not joined with those outside the body of Christ so, what are we as children of light supposed to do in a lost dark world?
We are to bare light and that light is supposed to shine on Christ.
We are his ambassadors in a foreign land.
We are to display the work of Christ in our lives and the evidence of a new birth bearing fruit. By this all people will know we are his disciples, and the fruit (especially Love for the Brothern) will also Distinguish between a false teaching religion/teachers and spirit filled believers where the spirit gathers and energizes. This is the operation of God by the baptism of the Holy spirit.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES; John 13:34-35, Matthew 7:16-20. 1 1John 4:20-21, If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
We are to Love the unbeliever, witness to them, and treat them with kindness and help them in a Godly way.
So, in what ways we are not to be unequally yoked with them? Many things can be mentioned but I won't get into that here.
2 Corinthians 6:14-18.
"The command implies that a great difference exists between a believer and an unbeliever. Generally speaking, the motivations, goals, and methods of a Christian are incompatible with those of an unbeliever.
Faith changes the character of a person. A Christian's highest ambition in life is to glorify the Lord Jesus and please Him in all things; an unbeliever is, at best, indifferent to such goals. "
Again, don't get me wrong here, we are called to minister to them in particular.
That is the Lords Commission. Luke 4:18.
It is our Great Commission to spread the Gospel; Matthew 28:16-20.
We do that with truth! We don't do it with lies and deception.
How should Christian treat one another?
See part 3.
1 Corinthians 13:10 mentions things passing away when the partial is complete; or something to that affect. Revelation also has verses warning about not adding or subtracting which could mean adding to that book or all scripture. Since the written texts originally came from oratory (with the exception of the 10 Commandments originally penned by God Himself); God planned it out so that the scribes would count every LETTER of a scroll; and get rid of a copy to start again if it was even slightly off. 2 Timothy 3:16 explains that all scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching; reproof; etc.
I have discussed in older posts a summation of the Apocrypha as to truths of historic or moral truths that are borrowed from true scripture; which always states "thus saith the Lord" except for places like Ruth and Esther; or Song of Solomon. God's truths are absolute; as we see from the claims of Christ's divinity; and the laws in the 10 Commandments. The repetitive themes such as scriptures being repeated again in the New Testament to enhance their true meanings bring a cohesiveness to the Bible. We also have such admonitions as 1 John 4:2 stating what any "spirit" testifies about Christ having come in the flesh.
That would correlate with verses like Matthew 16:17 where it is clear that Christ's DIVINITY (as the "I am") can only be understood or revealed through the Spirit. I noticed that myself pre conversion it didn't enter my mind that Christ was God or part of the "Godhead". As our spirit testifies with "his Spirit"( Romans 8:16) that we are His children and His Word is truth the Lord will build our discernment of truth as we grow and mature in Him to know what is true (see also John 10:27).
1 John 4:20 is a stern admonition to those who would claim to love God that hates His brother. Other verses in 1 John show as with the Gospel of John the necessary commands for a believer to love one another. We need to look as well at verses in James which discuss the taming of the tongue. ( James 3:5-6) Gossip and slander are things that can destroy a person; hence the admonition about the fires of hell. You can bet that there will be plenty of cursing in hell for the state of misery against God and probably against others as well. Hating a brother without cause ( Matt. 5:22) is in degrees; but unforgiveness results in holding on to our own sins and is not beneficial for us even in this life. Holding onto grudges; for example is another example of a lifestyle of sin; there are people who may have already passed away who we still have bitterness about in our souls resulting in caustic behavior toward others including unforgiveness. Man cannot have unconditional love for their enemies apart from His grace. This of course doesn't validate the "political correctness" today coddling criminal behavior. Acts 2:23 is only one of several passages in the book clearly stating that the Jews killed Christ; and or complicit in His murder. Jesus didn't mince words either with this subject ( Matthew 5:21-22).
We cannot ignore the act of murder which includes abortions in this study either. Again; we dare not cede to the culture of today which doesn't want to follow Biblical precedent for a death penalty for such an act to vindicate an innocent party and to have some cohesiveness in society. We can complain all we want about dictatorships in the world; but many of them see much lower crime rates because no government can survive in anarchy. We also are foolish in trying to support ideologies that are antithetical toward the value of life because of some misguided notion that everyone wants a "democracy".
God alone is the Savior of men.
Is. 19:20 says that God will send a savior and defender. ad God identifies the Savior as the Holy One of Israel ( a name of God) in Is. 43:3. In 43:11 God says that apart from Him there is NO Savior. Also Hos. 13:4
God calls Himself Savior in Is. 45:21; 49:26; 60:16. Jesus is called the Savior of the world John 4:42; Acts 5:31; 13:23, 1 Tim. 4:10,
the Father sent the Son to as Savior ( 1 Jn. 4:14)
and Jude 1:25 says that Jesus our only God and Savior and He should be glorified and honored the SAME as the Father who is God ( Jn. 5:23) thus claiming equality with the Father. (also see Jn. 5:18; Jn. 10: 30-38; 8:58)
So, in light of these truths of Scripture, It is fact that God alone is our Savior, and the Father sent His Divine Son into the world to save sinners.
Hallelujah! Because every human that has ever lived needs to be saved from their sins, and Jesus, God the Son, is this Savior, and no mere man can save anyone.
Part 5 and last Trinity discussion,
Do you believe that Jesus lived a sinless life?
Scripture is clear Jesus had no sin, Hebrews 4:15 1 Peter 2:22 1 John 3:5 Romans 5:12-15.
Do you believe that the Father and the Son are one as Jesus said in Jn. 17 or that He and the Father are "in" one another and if they see Jesus, they see the Father?
Both, Jesus said I and my Father are one John 10:30 and in other places, one means unity. Jesus was one with the Father not because Jesus was God but because He was filled with the Spirit and God dwelt in him, John 14:10, as we see God was in Christ 2 Corinthians 5:19
God dwelt in Jesus and empowered Him by His Spirit that gave Jesus the power and authority like Matthew 11:27 All things are delivered to Jesus of His Father, Jesus did not have it, all was given to Him. God was manifest in Jesus, John 12:49 John 14:10. This is why Jesus said if you have seen me, you have seen the Father, John 14:9.
Jesus in His prayer asked the Father that we may be one, as He and His Father are one through the words of the disciples, John 17:20-23. God and Jesus will dwell in us and we in them, 1 John 4:13-16 1 John 3:23-24.
How is it that Jesus AND the Father send the Holy Spirit if there is only one person as God?
Jesus said He would pray to the Father to give another comforter, John 14:16, we see in John 14:26 the Father will send in Jesus's name. In John 15:26 Jesus said I will send but this is from the Father and the Spirit of truth that proceedeth from the Father. This is not a person it is the Spirit of God.
Please don't take this wrong, in the Trinity there is one God who eternally exists as three distinct Persons: The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, each Person is fully God, coequal, coeternal, and consubstantial. I'm sorry my understanding, is Scripture does not support that, Scripture is clear the Father is above all.
Thank you, GiGi, I hope this is what you wanted I am not the best at this.
God bless,
RLW
Part 4 Trinity discussion.
Do you believe that the will of the Father and the will of the Son are always the same or different?
Jesus was obedient to the Father, Jesus said many times it is not His will but the will of the Father who sent Him, the same as we are to do, John 4:34 John 5:30 Mark 3:35.
Do you believe that a human being can truly save all men from sin and death by a perfect life in their own will?
First, I will have to say it was the will of the Father, Jesus at the end even asked His father if there was another way but not Jesus's will but the will of His Father, Matthew 26:39 Luke 22:42. We are told this is the foundation of our faith, Jesus' sacrificial death. God cannot die God is Spirit He has no blood to shed for sin it had to be a man, His Son, born of a woman.
John 3:16 God gave His Son not Himself 1 John 2:22 1 John 4:3 2 John 1:7 Romans 5:8 2 Corinthians 5:21, God cannot be made sin, 1 Corinthians 15:17 Jesus died, and God raised Him from the dead, the first man to live a perfect life, the first fruits of those who sleep in death. 1 Corinthians 15:14 as said if Jesus was not a man who lived a perfect life and died and was raised from the dead all is vain.
The first Adam was the first man Jesus was the last Adam and the second man, 1 Corinthians 15:45-47. 1 Corinthians 15:21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. The law had to be fulfilled by a man.
How would a human being know that they are the Messiah from birth and thus know not to ever sin?
As we see Luke 2:51-52 Jesus grew up increasing in wisdom and stature in favor with God and man. Jesus was twelve years old and He knew His father was God, but it doesn't say Jesus knew then He was to be the Messiah. God also said He would raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, Deuteronomy 18:15, Isaiah 11:1-5 Isaiah 61:1-2 confirmed in Luke 4:18-21. Romans 1:1-4 2 Timothy 2:8.
See part 5
I know you are an author and your vocabulary is greater than mine I will try to respond but to be truthful you are hard to follow. First MOU my understanding is a nonbinding agreement between parties stating their intentions. How can that be a covenant a covenant is a relationship between partners either conditional or unconditional and this covenant is between God the Father and God the Son. Would not the Holy Spirit be a part of this covenant and the will of God that the Son completes? John 6:38 It is God's will not Jesus's like He said in Luke 22:42.
If God is a triune God, would it not be the will of all three with no difference in authority or knowledge? Why the need for a covenant between them since all three are God and all three are equal?
At the beginning of each day, God said what was to be, the spoken word of God, and it was so. Other than speculation how can we say the Son was in agreement? Isaiah 45:18 In Genesis 1:28 would be an unconditional covenant, more of a blessing, God placed man above all that was created on earth and man was given dominion over it. God delegated the rule of man over His creation and no consequences were stated, we see how that turned out.
I agree Jesus did not need to be water baptized for remittance of sin, but He did need the anointing of the Holy Ghost/Spirit to become the Messiah/Christ. The word of God was in Jesus and by the Holy Ghost/Spirit Jesus did the works of His Father therefore Jesus was the tabernacle of God, the image of God for every word Jesus said was not His but the word of God the Father. John 4:34 John 5:30 John 12:44-45
Philip was the first to bring the gospel to the Samaritans.
I hope you can make sense of this.
God bless,
RLW
I would like to add to what Gigi has shared.
1 John 4:12-16.
No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. HEREBY KNOW WE THAT WE DWELL IN HIM, AND HE IN US, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
What John is saying is that no man has seen God at any time but if we love one another God dwells in us. In other words God today can manifest himself through believers in loving one another, "and the world sees That!
John 13:34-35, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
"What makes this so unique?" What's new about it? Isn't it listed in the Commandments? What's unique and new about it is that he causes it!
Look at verse 35.
"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,.
( God gave us his Spirit that causes us to love the Brothern.)
God's Spirit, "The Holyspirit" causes those who loves God to love his brother also. 1 John 4:21"
Romans 5:5.
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
I hope this helps. God bless.
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. ( Colossians 3:23-24).
These two verses demonstrate to us that work in the secular or "spiritual" realm is to be done with all of our might (following the principal of Ecclesiastes 9:10). Christ actually states that in some cases such as John 4:38 that they have reaped what others have sown. John 4 discusses the conversion of the Samaritan woman (woman at the well) and her evangelistic campaign. In this case she did the sowing and the Disciples reaped the benefits. It is interesting to think that she was the first evangelist listed even before the Disciples were sent out two by two (I think). Even Jesus didn't have to work that hard in that respect; such gratitude for being saved by sins was shown in other women such as Mary Magdeline. Would we all approach the Great Commission with such eagerness.
When it comes to our everyday jobs I am grateful in my situation even with just part time work being all that I can do with other responsibilities that I am surrounded by people that work hard. I work doing food prep in a high school kitchen; and especially with intense State Inspection coming those who would want to mess about won't remain very long. Having supervisors that I respect in each of the other surrounding schools in the District where we are sent on occasion is an added bonus; along with the lady from one of them that joined our team today. There are a number of passages discussing employer and employee relations (in many cases servant and master analogy). Our work ethic isn't a substitute for sharing God's Word; but an opportune moment won't earn any respect if we don't have a foundation of trusted service for the weeks or months before such a conversation can occur.
We can do the right thing with the wrong heart and we fall short of perfection.
TO BE PERFECT YOU WOULD HAVE TO BE BLAMELESS.
1 Corinthians 8:9-12 is another scenario to consider.
We often think of the things we do wrong as sin.
What about the things we don't do right or good? Consider James 4:17.
Here's our goal.
Galatians 5:25-26
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Let's see if we are perfect in this using Galatians 5:24 "And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts."
Here's a list of the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21.
( Most of these we can claim on the surface but God judges the heart.)
Are we PERFECTLY blameless in not doing any of these in our hearts?
THOSE ARE A LIST OF THINGS A CHRISTIAN SHOULDN'T BE DOING. ( If we are doing these we are sinning.)
Christians are known "BY" there Love for one another and should be barring fruit.
John 13:34-35.
1 John 4:20-21.
Matthew 7:15-16.
Let's use Galatians 5:22-23 to see what we should be doing. "PERFECTLY since our focus is on the ability to be perfect in these natural bodies.
love,
joy,
peace,
longsuffering,
gentleness,
goodness,
faith,
Meekness,
temperance.
IF YOU ARE NOT DOING THESE PERFECTLY "FOREVER ON! YOU ARE NOT PERFECT OR BLAMELESS.
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. James 4:17.
God bless.
So the last enemy to be conquered is death and it comes under the curse and law of sin. "And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed." When Jesus died on the cross this curse'Thou shalt bruise his heel' cast it shadow upon the Son who did no sin and knew no sin." (Ge.3:15,14) St Paul writes referring to it, "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree."(Gal.3:13)
Everlasting gospel is consequential in setting the cloud of witnesses similar as the emblem of the slain Lamb before the foundation of the world into one fold. Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God ( John 1:29) delivered whoever was under the curse of death. By the same token he shall deliver the witnesses in the world of the Spirit "and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd." His work shall conclude only "And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all." That God may all in all is life everlasting to which we did no labor. So this saying holds true in the context of the world of the Spirit. "One soweth, and another reapeth./ I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men labored, and ye are entered into their labors."( John 4:37-38)
Christ in us is our relationship that does not change in both worlds.
Force of the everlasting covenant is the Law of the Spirit so everlasting gospel to destroy the works of the devil who sins from the beginning. Everlasting gospel is to be understood as part of the works Jesus is entrusted to finish. In John 4:34-38 we have two groups one who soweth and the other reapeth. "I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours." (4:38) Who is the Sower? In the Parable of the Tares we have the answer.
"He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;/The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;/The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels."(Matt.13:37-39) We cannot handle the word of God arbitrarily but give equal weight to them as essential for Christian Living. We are in the presence of enemies, from both worlds.
We can equally speak of our witnesses in the World of the Spirit to which Jesus referred, "Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?"(Matt.26:53) They mirror in tandem with events on earth. Jacob at Mahanaim is a clear example. Angels met him before God would bless him."And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day." (Ge.32:24) As the heir of promise came to a fateful encounter with his estranged brother it was God's way of bucking him. "And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is God's host."Similarly God reveals his power and glory to the heirs of promise. It is same what we read in Re.3:20. " 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."
"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over."
Then to your question, "If Jesus was a co-equal God in the three-person God, how could He be given anything He would already have it?" If we don't believe that Jesus came out from God's Person, then your question is valid. But if He did, then to become Man, taking on 'sinful flesh', He would have had to lay aside God's Glory & other Divine Attributes ( Philippians 2:5-8), so that He could be fully Man, to identify completely with those He would save & be their sin-bearer - for God in His Being cannot suffer & die as appointed unto men.
Thus when we read 1 John 4:2,3; we know that John is not speaking of an historical Jesus, for all knew of (or heard of) this One named Jesus of Nazareth Who lived & walked on Earth doing great things. But those who denied that this Christ from God had been brought down to Earth to be made flesh, were deemed by the apostle as not speaking by God's Spirit (& this is that Docetic heresy that was pervading the Church: that Divinity & Flesh cannot unite, so the incarnation is incredible). So dear brother, I can see your interpretation of such verses & was exercised by them to understand them the way you do, but for me to read them in that manner would cause me to violate my comprehension abilities & sensibilities.
Therefore, I think it best we leave off here, as much as I would like to continue, for I see no useful progress to be made when we read the Word so differently. Thank you again for your time & persisting in this - I do appreciate this very much. Every blessing.
This Docetic position stems from a belief that 'Deity cannot unite with flesh', but it doesn't mean that Scriptures aren't used to prove their belief, but with that foundation, their mental capabilities are engaged to re-visit Scriptures with alternative viewpoints. But there would be those who have from young age been taught that the incarnation is impossible (as you would know how RCs are indoctrinated from an early age in other matters, viz. Mary, saints, indulgences, penances, the Mass, etc.); or others by their own research from books, the Web, etc., where they can find a 'better' logic to this mystery, than just accepting what the Word states.
Thus we have the apostolic epistles, which essentially are pastoral letters directed to Churches for teaching, encouragement, dealing with problems/matters arising, & refuting the teaching of others that were contrary to what they had been taught. I always go back to 1 John in this 'docetic' regard, as Gnosticsm was rife then & John had to deal with it (see 1 John 1:1,2; 1 John 2:18 (the anti-Christ spirit, cf 1 John 4:2,3); 1 John 2:22,23). GBU.
Good to hear from you, very good question. First, the Roman Church elevated Mary to the queen of heaven the same title as Tammuz's mother we see Israel worshiping. They say she ascended to heaven and much more. If we look at Acts we see Paul said that David is still in his tomb and has not ascended to heaven, Acts 2:29 and Acts 2:34. Many believe after Jesus was resurrected saints were also resurrected and are in heaven and many pray to them. My understanding is no one has been resurrected all are in the grave asleep in death.
When God through His Spirit the Holy Spirit raised Jesus from the dead He placed Jesus above all that is in heaven, on earth, and under the earth, Philippians 2:9-11. God placed Jesus on His right hand on the throne of God, therefore giving Jesus the power of the throne.
John 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. Jesus also said John 16:23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
God the Father and Jesus will dwell in us by the Spirit, not in temples made by hands like Jesus said in John 4:21-23 and we see in 1 Corinthians 3:16. We see in 1 John 4:12-16 it is by the Spirit that Jesus who is sitting on the right side of God on the throne of God as the only mediator between us and God has been given the power of the throne until all enemies are under His feet, 1 Corinthians 15:27-28.
My humble understanding it is by the Spirit of God/Holy Spirit that Jesus can see and hear all. Jesus is the only begotten Son of God and His God is our God the Father as Jesus said to Mary John 20:17.
God bless,
RLW