Discuss John 4 Page 9

Hebrews 2:7 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 1 John 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

John 4:

Chapter 4 shows Christ's mission field expanded to the Samaritans; specifically first to the woman at the well then the rest of the rather large group of people that came to faith. It also shows how those in His hometown wouldn't believe (v.44). Finally; we see the situation of the nobleman whose son was sick to the point of death; and the subsequent healing.

We note that Christ reached out to someone who no doubt was despised by the religious elite in nearby Jerusalem. Not only was this woman a Samaritan (in a society that mixed Judaism with paganism); but this woman clearly was now living in sin (even if her 5 husbands all died one after another and were legitimate.) The concepts of grace; and worshipping in the Spirit were readily accepted once her sin was revealed and she recognized Him as a Prophet AND Messiah. Because there wasn't such a tradition of legalism; Christ's statements of deep theological mysteries could be readily accepted; this largely contributed to the recognition of someone who clearly recognized that she was a sinner.

The reaction of the townsfolk also showed that this population was much more ripe for the harvest (v. 30-38). These verses show Christ's redirection (once again) from the importance of physical well being to that of spiritual principles; which apparently the Disciples needed a mind reset on once again. The reaction of the townspeople in v. 39-43 shows that they were thinking as Bereans as it were; searching for themselves rather than just taking someone's word for it about Christ being the Son of God.

The situation with the nobleman's son may seem to elicit a rude response from Christ in v. 48. There may be some parallel here in this with the woman who desired her daughter to be delivered from a devil ( Matt. 15:27). It also very well could have been addressed to others who were observing this for nefarious reasons. Either way He tests the faith of others.

See Isaiah 6:10. Some are blinded; others see

Benson Commentary on 1 John 4:1

Because the Gnostics and other heretics, in the first age, to gain the greater credit to their erroneous doctrines, assumed to themselves the character and authority of inspired teachers, John put his disciples in mind,

( 1 John 2:27) that they had an unction from the Holy Spirit, by which they were enabled to judge with certainty, both of teachers and of their doctrine. He therefore, in this chapter, commands them not to believe rashly every teacher who pretended to be inspired, but to try the inspiration by which any preacher professed to speak, whether it was from God or from evil spirits; that after trial they might know whom it was their duty to attend to, and whom they ought to disregard and reject. And to secure them, as far as possible, from being deceived, he especially desires them to consider whether the teacher, who came to them, pretending to inspiration, held the great and fundamental doctrines of the gospel, which all the teachers, really inspired of God, regularly and uniformly maintained. His words may be paraphrased as follows: Believe not every spirit - By which any teacher is, or professes to be, actuated: or, believe not every teacher who pretends to be inspired by the Spirit of God; but try the spirits - Namely, whether they are of God - By the rule which God hath given. We are to try all spirits by the written word: To the law and to the testimony! If any man speak not according to these, the spirit which actuates him is not of God. Because many false prophets Or false teachers; are gone forth into the world - With an intention to draw disciples after them.

[This is really relevant to these days we're living in. I had to run it by a commentary, but it's all good]

Just on this matter about 'Jesus being a creation of God', Brad. We see a couple of phrases used in the Bible: 'firstborn' and 'only begotten'.

'Firstborn' (Gk. prototokos, first to give birth to, firstborn) as seen in Romans 8:29, "the firstborn among many brethren", where Paul applies the meaning to Jesus being the first to bring humanity & divinity into one (i.e. Jesus the Word (God) united with humanity (flesh); and to us who are saved (i.e. humanity (flesh) united with the Spirit (God)).

And also in Colossians 1:15, "the firstborn of every creature", referring to Christ's highest rank & full rights bestowed upon Him by the Father over all creation; & that creation came into being by His Word Jesus & through Him, being held together by the Word of His Power (vv16,17 & Hebrews 1:3).

'Only begotten' (Gk. monogenes, unique, one of a kind) as seen in John 3:16, Hebrews 5:5, 1 John 4:9, etc. Could we say that Jesus was a created Being by God, as one would describe a creation of a baby in the womb or a potter creating a vessel from a lump of clay? The use of 'monogenes' strongly suggests that Jesus wasn't created, simply because He already existed within God's Person as the Word of God. But God did something not done before - a unique birth: that which always existed came into the World in another form - Mary's womb was merely the delivery point for prophecy's fulfilment & for Jesus' identification with His people. God could just as well have zapped His Word into flesh & onto Earth, but God had His Own special Plan.

One could use the word 'created' in this respect as you've done, but that might then bring on the thought that Jesus was a created Being without an eternal existence. I feel 'monogenes' satisfies the uniqueness of Jesus' pre- & post-incarnation Presence.

1 John 4:1

They don't come out and say it , they actually will agree with it , but their doctrine reveals their errors .

They spiritualize Christ in their doctrines to the neglect of His humanity , therefore another Christ that apostle Paul warned us about .

If you post this it's a miracle to me .

Peace to the truth in spirit . Amen

It would seem that absolutely; the falling away and removal of candlesticks is occurring. This is especially sobering when we see the admonition to the church in Ephesus whose only criticism from Christ Himself is that they had lost their first love ( Rev. 2:4).

Everything else they were doing doctrinally; discernment wise with false teaching etc was on par yet they still faced having their candlestick removed; and that was back before the end of the first century! (actually it says have their "lampstand" removed).

It is helpful here to see how individuals in the Book of Revelation in chapter 2 and 3 are addressed to along WITH an entire congregation. CLEARLY apostasy; i.e. falling away was characterizing the vast majority of the Sardis church; nonetheless certain individuals were said to be worthy and would walk with Him in white garments. There is a potential at least for the Laodiceans; but clearly we should guard our hearts; and walk away from apostacy if we are in a place where leadership concurs with false teaching and there is not support of others to rebuke those in authority.

1 Timothy chapter 4 talks about the falling away in the last days. Even 1 John 4:12 discusses the fact that there are already many antichrists in that first century church. The OVERALL degrading of churches that for decades or centuries held to doctrinal truths certainly shows us how soon His return must be.

God warns us in Rev. 3:11 indicates that we may lose our crown to someone else if not careful. We need to be around those who are sharpening one another as "iron sharpens iron" ( Prov. 27:17). Surely; the Lord will lead us to good fellowship; if not for any other reason that we are commanded to assemble together even more so as we see the Lord's soon coming ( Heb. 10:25 loosely translated). The remnant will be found; of course it can take some time. The question now is whether we should; as the famous song says; hold out; walk away or run.

Be blessed. Agape.

Discernment

I have been given spiritual discernment myself; so I could be biased here. I can't help but observe how lacking it appears to be in the church today; including those who seem to possess the other "signs and wonders" gifts. It seems those who are "cessationists" (a viewpoint I'm still trying to iron out) are on the opposite end with those who routinely practice tongues (usually the dominant gift claimed to be happening in Pentacostal and/or Charismatic congregations. There are some on YouTube; usually those formerly in New Age or other occult practices who are familiar with false signs and demonic manifestations; but those who regularly attend the Mega churches never seem to discuss this subject. If anyone knows a good study from a Charismatic brother on knowing the differences I would like to know about it.

When we study the verse stating that if any spirit says that Christ came in the flesh it is from God (1 John 4:2) and vice versa we need to pay attention to the emphasis here. It doesn't say that any PERSON claiming Christ came in the flesh is from God; just any spirit BEHIND that person; group or organization. If it was that easy Satan would be giving away His plans too easily.

It is the "angel of light" we ought to be most concerned about here. ( 2 Cor. 1:14). Certainly; terrible possessions and oppressions can make clear that there is a demonic entity behind the torment. The power of Satan is only over a believer if he yields to sin. The opposite is true; from my own experience we cannot sin with impunity as we did before; the enemy LOVES to oppress us if we succumb to weakness and don't trust God. I am convinced the Lord uses that often in our sanctification process. In any event; it is clear who has won the war; but if we think there aren't battles then our spiritual armor is badly taken care of or missing altogether.

True Holy Spirit manifestation satisfies the soul while increasing hunger and thirst for righteousness.

Hi Chris,

I think most of us agree God is Spirit. John 4:24. I can't help but question though, how can Spirit become flesh (man). The Bible clearly indicates Spirit and flesh are opposites. John 3:6. Should we not seriously consider that Mark 3:23-26 establishes a principle in truth that also applies to God? Thus, if God rises up against Himself, and be divided, He cannot stand, but hath an end. This would reflect "dualism", which is "Gnostic" in nature.

Doug My position scripturally on God HOLY spirit AND JESUS Christ is God is spirit JOHN 4:24 also in same gospel

chapter 1:18 no made has ever seen God. Jesus Christ is the only begotten of God and he was His Fathers full

power on display, he was born and died and sits at right hand of God and until the end has been given all power of

heaven and earth then he will in revelation hand it back over to God. Holy spirit is Gods gift to man available day of

pentecost by the sacrifice and resurrection of Gods Son. The purpose of all three is to redeem man from the adversaries

control. i do not consider them the same entity, but the same purpose.

Randy,

A Christian since 1968, very encouraging! Especially that you're reading throughout the Bible again into study! I hope you'll keep us in your study as you go. Many of us enjoy deep study & thought in the WORD of GOD.

There seems to be several scriptures to verify your thought, of multiple people: Genesis 1:27, let them have dominion over ._... fish, of the sea, fowl of the air, over every living thing, that moveth upon the earth.

Genesis 4:1,2,8,13,14, Notice Genesis 4:13-17, Genesis 4:25,

also notice by now to continue for some people to try to say "only Adam & Eve" would be to ignore all the facts of other people listed.

Genesis 4:19,23,24,

Genesis 5:1-2, interestingly they both male & female named "Adam"

If you look in the Concordance by clicking on Genesis 1:27, man = mankind, human spelled English translated = the Hebrew name Adam sounds (aw-dawm)

Please also notice Genesis 6:5,7,12,17, why would GOD destroy the whole earth if only Adam & Eve, 1 lineage which is listed in the records of Genesis were only on Earth?

Genesis 5:3, Genesis 2:7,8,15,22, Romans 5:14, 1Corinthians 15:45, 1Chronicles 1:1, Luke 3:21-38,

Sometimes we have to ask questions

1st does an interpretation represent GOD's Laws, standards, examples? Leviticus 20:17, 1Corinthians 10:13, James 1:13-15, Proverbs 11:1,

2nd What is the main points GOD is pointing us to? Romans 5:17-21,

3rd, does it feel right, truthful, honest in our spirit? John 14:26,27, James 1:5, 1John 2:27-29,

I believe the reason anyone has questioned outside what is written, is because false teaching: Note: 1John 2:26-29, 2Peter 2:1, 2Timothy 3:1-5,

1John 4:1, 1Timothy 6:3-6,

Hopefully these are all helpful in your study

John 17, Romans 8, 1John 4:13-21,

Ephesians 3:17,

Hopefully these are helpful

Hi Linda The beatitudes list a number attributes or qualities that people need for God to make himself known. Now

to litterally see God i take you togospel of john 1:18 where it says no man hath seen God but His son our saviour hath

made him known. Also in John 4:24 God is spirit thats why His gift when born again is holy spirt.

Matthew 4:1, Mark 14:38, Luke 8:55, Luke 11:13, Luke 23:46, Luke 24:39, John 3:5,6, John 4:23,24, John 6:63, John 14:17, 1Corinthians 12:3, 1Corinthians 15:45, Galatians 5:16,17, Galatians 5:22-25, Galatians 6:8, Ephesians 1:17, 1Thessalonians 5:23, James 2:26,

Romans 8, Hebrews 4:12,

Warning, 1Timothy 4:1,

1John 4:1-11, 1John 4,

Hopefully these are helpful in your study of your spirit & flesh; (body)

Hi Brain,

Not sure why Matthew Henry chose to go there using 2 Cor. 4:6, when the angel was the one whose countenance was like lightning. Matthew Henry commented it is often mentioned in the New Testament, as the day which Christians religiously observed in solemn assemblies, to the honor of Christ. This can be debated there are as many mentioning they met on the Sabbath because they did not have bibles like we have today and the only way to hear the scriptures was in the temple or synagogues on the Sabbath. We also see in scriptures they met every day of the week Acts 2:46-47.

What is not talked about very much, Jesus rose on the day of the Feast of Firstfruits. That is the first day after the Sabbath after Passover which is the first day of the week. Jesus is the Firstfruits of those who slept, 1 Cor. 15:20. It is also the first day counting each day of the 7 Sabbaths that brings us to the second harvest we call Pentecost that means 50 that is 7 Sabbaths plus 1 day.

The Jewish day starts at sundown at ends at sundown so in Matthew 28:1 Mark 16:2 Luke 24:1 and John 20:1 when the sun went down on the Sabbath it was the first day of the week. The women headed to the tomb with the spices to anoint Jesus and the sun was just about to come up except for Mary Magdalene, she was the first to go and it was still dark, John 20:1 but it was the first day of the week.

Romans 14 should help, if you will study all four accounts of this day it will shine light on many things. As Jesus told the woman at the well John 4:24-25.

Someone said, we are not called to go to church we are called to be the church and that is every day.

God bless,

RLW

Hello Naseem,

Scripture tells us the unclean spirits/devils knew He was the Son of God, Matt. 8:29 Mark 3:11 Luke 8:27-28. Scripture tells us Jesus is the Son of God the only begotten of the Father, John 1:14. Scripture tells us Jesus the Son of God was before this world John 17:5 2 Timothy 1:9. Scripture tells us Jesus the Son of God was the beginning of creation Rev. 3:1. Scripture tells us everything was created through Him Col. 1:16.

Scripture tells us to confess Jesus is the Son of God, 1 John 4:15. Scripture tells us God gave His only begotten Son, John 3:16. Scripture tells us to believe God gave His only begotten Son, 1 John 5:10. Scripture tells us God was made known in the flesh through His only begotten Son same as creation was through His Son 1 Timothy 3:16 Col. 1:16.

Scripture tells us we have salvation and eternal life only in Jesus Christ, John 3:36 Acts 4:12 Eph. 4:12 1 Thess. 5:9 1 John 5:13 Scripture tells us we can only come to the Father through Jesus, John 14:6 1 Timothy 2:5.

Jesus came to fulfill the law and the prophets and died for our sins, and the only way that could be done is in the flesh, the seed of Abraham, Hebrews 2. He experienced temptation the same as you and me, Luke 4:2 Heb 2:18, He had a brain and a will, Luke 22:42 but He was obedient to the Father. We now have a high priest in heaven that lived in this flesh just like us, Hebrews 4:14-16.

Salvation and eternal life only by the grace of God through faith which is in Christ Jesus. Jesus Christ's perfect life in the flesh, His blood shed for us, and His resurrection. We cannot deny the divinity of Jesus, the only begotten Son of God that was before this world, but no creed, doctrine, or statement of faith can be placed above or added to that we must believe to receive salvation and eternal life if scripture does not tell us we must believe. Truth is in the simplicity that is in Christ.

I love this site and the brothers and sisters on it.

God bless,

RLW

Yes, we are essentially spirits. But to live on this Earth that God has given us & to enjoy its blessings, God has given us a body (both for visibility & for being human). John 1:1-14 tells us that the Word was with God & was God - that Word was made flesh (human). John chapter 1 speaks of Jesus, God's Word made flesh, to fulfil the Purposes of God for fallen humanity. There was no other reason for such an 'incarnation', for the Word & the Spirit are eternally part of the Godhead & each member functioned as purposed by God.

God does not have a body. John 4:24, "God is Spirit". But God has manifested Himself in the flesh in Jesus, His Son incarnate. One disciple, Philip, asked Jesus, "shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us".

Jesus answered him, " Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake."

This does not mean that Jesus, in the flesh, looks the same as the Father, but Jesus' very works, His Life, & His Words, reveal the Person of God. So when we look at Jesus' Life, we are seeing the exact image of God, for how else can we describe the image of a spirit? Colossians 1:15: 'Jesus is the image of the invisible God'.

We are all spirits (our true essence), clothed with a body. Once our bodies perish, our spirits, which can never die, are released to live on into eternity. Therefore, Jesus had to come to give His Life for us, so that if we believe in Him, calling upon His Name, the Father seals us as His & receives us into His family. If we refuse Him, only punishment remains. How we respond to God's Love in Jesus determines where our spirits will finally spend eternity.

1John 4:1-4,

Hopefully this is helpful

John 4:24. God is a Spirit. Since this is true, I'm inclined to think Jesus' reality is not his body, but spirit. The difference between God and Jesus is that God created Jesus, not the opposite.

Things bear like things as was established in James 3:12. The idea of both spirit and flesh being what/who I am,I must admit, is a bit confusing to me. If Spirit gives birth to spirit, and God who is a Spirit created me, am I not also spirit? Or if I truly am a body, is God a body? Is it possible He is both? If a fig tree bears only figs just as an olive tree bears only olives, and a grapevine bears only grapes, then logic tells me I am also spirit, if I'm created by God, Who is a Spirit. I could accept the possibility I'm both a body and a spirit, except being opposites, can they coexist? Again, it is a bit ambiguous to me. I could use some clarity.

It seems too obvious; I suppose to ask on a forum like this if you have faith in Christ and His atoning death and have confessed it to God and to men. This is the only way to truly receive and understand "agape" or unconditional love at the deepest level. I suppose the best example of an idolatrous culture is the Corinthians. There were clear moral lapses; to put it mildly there at all levels from illicit relationships; greed; pride and other vices. Paul was able to get them straightened out fairly quickly through rebuke from such a Godly concern as a parent.

I narrowly escaped being molested by a high school friend of mine. That was 40 years ago; and I found out recently that he passed away of bone cancer a number of years ago. I was also mentally abused as a child; and physically assaulted a couple of times; as well as had a lot of money and possessions stolen. Also went through a divorce with someone who claimed to be a Christian and married her lover. I was able at least to tell my dad that I loved him; and now am taking care of my parents in their advanced years while living at home.

I mention all this to say that I found through Christian counselling; prayer was perhaps the best antidote. Also; after a lot of angst during my marriage; I was given a study in the Book of James on how to be self controlled through proper spiritual disciplines; and although my life is far from perfect; the anger which would have me punch fists into walls hasn't caused me to flip out in say 10 years since I have been living on my own. The Lord has been faithful in providing me with solid fellowship; both in the past and now.

In terms of thoughts we have to realize that if we are saved; the enemy often infiltrates our minds; and we need to be able to shut him down; realizing that they often don't originate with us. He has promised to be our "front guard and rear guard" ( Isaiah 52:12; also see Psalm 91. Perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18).

Jesus is the Good News. You can repent and be born again. John 3.

Matthew 5:27-37 on marriage and divorce. Take a look at 1 Corinthians 7:8-15; Malachi 3:15-16

Marriage is a VOW MADE BEFORE GOD. The problems in your life are because you don't know how binding a vow is. It would be good for you to make an appointment at a Church that offers counseling. They're not going to condemn you. You will understand the seriousness of the vow.

John 4:

16 Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.

17 The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband:

18 For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.

Comment: Jesus knows all of our life's story. He didn't condemn her. He showed her a better way to live.

Ephesians 5:33 - Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence (honor) her husband.

My counsel for happiness: wed a Christian man. Genesis chapter 24 is the best love story written.

The Book of Ruth has a happy ending too.

Mishael

Are you possibly searching for similarity between: Genesis 1, & John 1,

Sister Martha:

John 4:24 God is Spirit .....

Ephesians 4:4 ONE SPIRIT ...ONE BODY ...

Ephesians 4:6 ONE GOD and FATHER OF ALL .....

Man, born of woman, (FLESH), is like a Beast of the Earth, NO KNOWLEDGE.

The Holy Ghost came to GIVE MAN KNOWLEDGE.

So we can be BORN OF SPIRIT.

God IS SPIRIT, no beginning and no end.

God created a IMMORTAL BODY, and put inside that IMMORTAL BODY, HIS SPIRIT (Himself), and called that BODY, Jesus Christ, the first man, the TRUE ADAM, with no beginning and no end.

Here is a PROPHECY in Genesis:

Genesis 5:2 Male and Female created he them, and blessed them, and CALLED THEIR NAME ADAM. in the DAY they were created.

That day (of that creation), is called the DAY OF THE LORD, the day you come out of darkness into light. You come to the KNOWLEDGE that by the RESURRECTION of Christ's NEW BODY (YOU and I) and the NEW LIFE by the SPIRIT of THE FATHER: we become ADAM, Christ was the first ADAM, before the flesh and blood Adam, we are the last, ADAM, created in Christ Jesus

Revelation 1:8 ... Revelation 22:13 I AM Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.

Ephesians 4:4 ....ONE BODY .......

There is only ONE BODY that can exist in the next age, and THAT BODY is the BODY OF CHRIST.

1 Timothy 6:16 Who only (Christ only) hath immortality, dwelling in the LIGHT ......

1 Corinthians 15:38 But God giveth IT (the new creation in Christ) a BODY as it hath pleased him, and to ever SEED HIS (God's on body), God's BODY IS JESUS CHRIST.

WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST, The Father (SPIRIT) being THE LIFE, of the BODY.

This NEW BIRTH happens when your body of FLESH and BLOOD DIES.

Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also predestinated to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the FIRSTBORN (Alpha) among many brethren (Omega).

God Bless You.

Similiarities between John Chapter 4 & Genesis Chapter 4

It seems I've missed counted.

Part 10.

The faith of Christ gives a fruit filled life to a believer by the power of Christ spirit in you.

The works you do is your nature!

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10. This is what James is saying.

These works don't produce life, they will be tested by fire and will confirm life and maturity! 1 Corinthians 3:10-15.

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.

God bless.

OLD AND NEW COVENANT

These two covenants are as far apart as the east is from the west.

Revelation 21:5 ......I make ALL THINGS NEW ........

In the Old Covenant, LIFE was in the BLOOD.

Flesh and Blood CANNOT inherit the NEXT AGE.

Christ came as a BODY of Flesh and Blood.

John 3:7 .....ye must be BORN AGAIN.

We CANNOT inherit the next age, because we are still flesh and blood.

When this BODY of flesh and blood DIES, it goes back to dust from whence it came.

The LIFE goes back to GOD that gave the BODY LIFE.

1 Corinthians 15:49 ....we SHALL bear the image of the heavenly ....

1 Corinthians 15:53 ...this mortal SHALL PUT ON IMMORTALITY (Christ) ...

1 Timothy 6:16 Who (CHRIST) ONLY hath immortality ....

1 Corinthians 15:38 God giveth it (the NEW COVENANT IN CHRIST) a BODY as it hath pleased, and to ever SEED HIS (Christ's) own BODY (I AM the RESURRECTION John 11:25)

YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN.

John 3:16 Whosoever BELIEVES SHALL (at the DEATH of this flesh and blood body) BE SAVED .....Delivered.

Revelation 12:1 ...A WOMAN (Christ bride) .....

Revelation 12:2 An she (Christ's bride) being with CHILD cried, travailing in BIRTH, and pained to be DELIVERED (given a BODY to exist in the NEW COVENANT.

Revelation 12:5 And she brought forth a man Child, who was to RULE ALL NATIONS with a rod of iron .....

Revelation 2:26 And he that overcometh (the deception of this age, free will) and keepeth MY WORKS ( Philippians 2:13 For it is GOD that WORKETH IN YOU both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure), to him will I give power over the nation.

Revelation 2:27 And he shall RULE THEM with a red of iron, even as I received of MY FATHER ( Psalms 2:8-9) ...

Ephesians 4:6 One God and Father OF ALL .....

Christ pour out his blood, and the flesh and blood BODY, DIED.

The Father RAISED Christ's BODY from the GRAVE and gave him a NEW BODY.

A Flesh and Bone BODY, the blood no longer the LIFE; but, the LIFE was SPIRIT.

John 4:24 God is SPIRIT (LIFE) ....

God Bless ALL.

Part 8.

Jesus says in John 15:1-2 "my Father is the husbandman." Vine dresser"

This emphasizes fruit barring is a work of the Holyspirirt, not of you.

Let's consider that for a moment, FRUIT IS NOT GIFTS AND IT'S NOT SERVING AND IT'S NOT BY COMMAND.

So, when we come across these scriptures John 13:34-35. Mattthew 7:20. 1 John 2:11. 1 John 4:20. these are the marks of a Christian and is the ONLY way they are identified! And if you cannot be Identified by this you have John 15:6 to deal with.

Your faithfulness, intelligence, commitment, being noble, teaching, serving is all good but you're not identified as a Christian by none of these and can be told I "NEVER" knew you! Matthew 7:22-23.

Let's be clear on the recipient of this love that validates our position.

We are to love everyone, but our validation is specifically towards the Brothern.

The passages in 1 John speaks expressly about HATING you Brother.

God is truth, God is light, and God is Love. We are to worship God in truth and in Spirit. When the truth is spoken it shines light on darkness, and those in darkness hates the light and they will hate you!

HUMILITY.

Another fruit with great virtue. Woks of the law couldn't bring this either. It brought pride!

Being connect to the genuine vine brings humility. Look at what the Lord tells the Pharisees in Matthew 21:33-44. Right away you see the contrast of the two vines. Israel was to be a vine, but they became a degenerate vine. Jeremiah 2:9.

Now, place your attention on vs 43. Therefore, say I unto you, the kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. (The Church) Peter calls the Church a Holy nation in 1 Peter 2:9.

Humility cast out pride doesn't it. We tend to want to place our spirituality on things we do, putting ourselves on display and pointing people towards us instead of Christ.

more to come.

Its Christ faith were saved by not ours!

See part 9.

Part 7.

Fruit barring.

Let's keep these two verses in mind while we go through this section.

Matthew 22:36-37. and 1 John 4:21.

and remember the context in the previous sections.

Notice the highlights!

Jesus answered and said unto him, "IF" a man love/Agape me

( HE WILL ) keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

( He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings and the word which ye hear is not mine but the Father's which sent me.

These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John 14:23--26.

We've established that Agape is a fruit and can't be achieved by the flesh, "Mans efforts"

Man can not produce the fruit, the vine does. Man is the branch, he bares the fruit. John 15:4-5.

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, NEITHER CAN A CORRUPT TREE BRING FORTH GOOD FRUIT.

Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Matthew 7:15-20. When you look at Matthew 7:13-14 the corrupt tree is any other way to God presented in the wide gate. for instance "WORKS"

That's why these often misused verses follows, Matthew 7:22-23.

This is a fruitless deceived group that thought they worked their way into Heaven.

So tell me why isn't the significance of Loving one another sought after and debated above anything else when it's paramount?

Because some know they don't have that love on display and don't bare it.

God bless.

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

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

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

God bless and keep you!

Here by we know.

Part 2.

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.Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.We love him, because he first loved us.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, Thathe who loveth God love his brother also.1 John 4:16-21.

Notice the last part of verse 21, "And this commandment have we from him, "That he who loveth God love his brother also" HE WHO LOVETH GOD LOVE HIS BROTHER ALSO! This is not asking you to do anything, it is telling you what is being done by God spirit being in you!

(And hereby we do know that we know him,) if we keep his commandments.

He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.

Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.

Keep in mind this verse about loving "the brethren". This is Agape! This is a fruit; you don't produce this, you are the branch, you bare it.

see part 3

Part 1.

Here by we know.

A Child of God can and should examine themselves.

I gave a recent post on the old man being crucified with Christ and given life being quickened by the Spirit. In other words, being baptized into Christ death and resurrection. Romans 6:3-4. Romans 8:8-13,

Paul gives gave these verses as a rebuttal to anyone having the old nature having dominion over them.

Here are some highly ignored verses and is whereby we "know! whether God spirit is in us or not. And is what should be a great concern!

A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:34-35.

He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.

He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.

But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. 1 John 2:9-11.

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.

Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us.

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. 1 John 4:16-21.

Now "if" we have been baptized in Christ, we have the love of God in us to love one another.

This is virtue by being in him and him in you.

see part 2.