Discuss Matthew 18 Page 4

Thank You, Chris.

Wow, where to begin? Space would not allow me to answer all your questions. First of all, always keep in mind that what Jesus suffered on the Cross was for everything that would happen to us. He took our suffering and shame upon His self. All your answers are in the Cross. Take all your burdens to the Lord and lay them at His feet. Only Jesus can give you His Peace and the understanding to carry you through it all. Read the Bible daily! Honestly, I think you should order a Expositor Study Bible from Jimmy Swaggart Ministry. That Bible will truly open up to you all the Truths. Jesus said, " I am the Way the Truth and the Life, no man cometh unto the Father but by Me". ( John 14:6) Another scripture is (Hebrew 13:5-6) " I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do". (Psa.34:19) Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all." Tell your friend to read Proverbs 3:16 and stand upon Gods Word. Trust and believe for He is the healer of all our suffering's. Jesus did it all at Calvary. We are to lean upon Him and His Living Word, the Bible. Amen.

Thank You, Richard.

Thank You, Suze.

Thank You, Chris. I guess I'm just confessing my sins to all you good people because that is what we are told to do.

James 5:16

"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

1 John 1:9

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Page 2.

On Romans 2:11 onwards. The apostle is writing about God not showing respect (or, partiality) between Jews & Gentiles. Those who have sinned without having the Law (i.e. Gentiles), will perish not having received the Law (God's Laws to Israel). Likewise, those sinning having the Law (i.e. Jews) will be judged by that Law (& of course, they will fail, for the Law made no one righteous, but only showed their sinfulness). Only the doers of the Law will be justified. So, what Law(s) can be kept perfectly to justify us before God? None, for all have sinned - & the Law only revealed the sin & extent of that sinful condition to the Jew.

Only faith in Jesus can save both Jew & Gentile. Those who keep God's Laws acceptably, are those who have the Holy Spirit & who are living out their lives through Him & by His Power ( Romans 8:1; Galatians 5:25). Both Jew & Gentile who are saved through Christ, are no longer bound to the Law that only brought death, but live in the power & joy of the Holy Spirit, Who helps us live beyond the Letter of the Law, living according to the dictates of the Spirit.

Lastly, one can never do enough for the Lord. How much is ever enough? But, if you're a praying person wanting to use the opportunities God lays upon your heart or directs you to, then every place you go to & every person you meet, may be what the Lord wants for you to share something of His Goodness. Any sense of cowardice will disappear - for the Lord will be your strength ( 2 Timothy 1:7) & your mouth - remembering your witness & life will be the catalyst for someone to become serious about his eternal well-being. You may be God's man for God's special moment in another person's life.

Page 1.

Hi Dgjot. I'll just share on a few matters you raised.

On forgiveness & forgetting. I see 'forgiveness' as a matter of the heart, when one who has been unjustifiably hurt seeks to no longer hold that person accountable for the pain they've caused. The pain will still be there - only the Lord & time can bring healing, but to forgive someone simply means that you won't raise that painful matter again as your heart won't harbour hatred or grudge against another for doing that. To 'forget' the pain given, in most cases, won't ever leave, as that is a part of life's experiences that we retain. Some things we easily forget, especially those of a minor insignificant nature, but some things, even from childhood will always remain - & unfortunately, some of these will be painful & affect us even into adult years.

How does God forgive us? Does He even forget that we sinned against Him? We know that God's Forgiveness comes to us because His Son voluntarily took our punishment, paying for our sins that we could never ever pay for. But does God forget? If He did, then God wouldn't be Omniscient, as He knows & remembers all things that ever happened to us. But what God does do, is that our sins are cast aside, forgiven, & never held to our account, only because of Jesus' Sacrifice (remember Acts 7:59,60, when Stephen, as he was dying, asked God to not lay the sin of his murderers to their charge - in other other words, 'Lord forgive them', or 'don't charge them with this sin'. Peter forgave them & wanted God to also forgive them).

We might be cautious or even remain aloof from someone who has hurt us, but that doesn't mean that we haven't forgiven them, i.e. not holding anger, hatred or grudges. In John 2:23-25, we read that Jesus saw how many believed in Him by the miracles He did - yet, Jesus did not commit (or, entrust, have faith in) them, because He knew what they were like. But He still loved all of them & would always forgive.

I know a lot of C.I.N.O.'s (Christians-in-name-only) who warm a pew on Sunday and then go out and sin the rest of the week.

I have a friend who is a big fan of that show Supernatural. It's as demonic as a show can get.

I have another friend who is into those "boy-love" novels and videos.

I have another friend who goes bar-hopping. They all believe in Jesus. They're sure they're "saved". This is the problem with a lot of "Born-Again" Christians. They misunderstand that we don't get to have it both ways.

Would Jesus wink at this wickedness and say, "Aw, go on. Have fun. I'll still forgive you. Just make sure to repent when you've had your fill." I don't think so.

They see nothing wrong with filling their minds with unwholesome nonsense. They really need to do some soul-searching and pray and ask God for forgiveness and turn away from those things.

Matthew 5:29

"And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell."

What Jesus meant (and correct me if I'm wrong) is that sometimes we will have to turn away from, cast off, throw away certain things (material things, ideas, relationships) and it will be as painful as plucking out your eye.

Speaking for myself, I smoked for 40+ years. I liked to smoke but I knew it wasn't pleasing to God so wanted to give it up.

I prayed, begged, apologized and asked for a Divine Intervention to quit.

God answered that prayer.

I went through no withdrawal, had no more cravings and suffered no ill effects. If I had to quit by my own strength, I would have never made it.

I look at what's going on in this world and cringe when I see/understand how badly we have all been deceived. Things we thought were normal or harmless fun were not edifying at all.

You have hit the nail on the head my brother , we cannot forget , this is the power of forgiveness , this is its strength , the fact that we can remember exactly how we got all these wounds and scars and yet , we have forgiven . My dad was vile to my mom and I , after we escaped from him when I was seven , my mom seriously neglected me and psychologically tortured me . I was in my late twenties before I finally realised that none of this was my fault . I now know that both my mom and dad had very serious mental health problems , this has helped me to forgive them both . That doesn't mean that I trust my mom , my dad is dead . I know what my mom is capable of but through Christ I am now very strong , no matter what she does or says she can't hurt me any more , she's my biological mother but Christ is really my mother , God is my Father and it's because of their love and mercy towards me that I can now help my mom , physically and emotionally , at the end of her life , now she's just a vulnerable old lady who needs my help . Truly God and Jesus have strengthened me to enable to put the past behind me and be the best daughter I can be to her . It sounds easy to say this but you must stop thinking about past sufferings , come to terms with the emotions that these memories cause you to feel , once you get a hold of your emotions , which means allow yourself to feel them , you can put the memories to bed . Talk to God and really tell him how you feel , I know He already knows but it's very liberating to pour your heart out to Him , be honest , with yourself and with Him , only by acknowledging your true emotions can you hope to put the past behind you and focus on your future . Talk to God , He knows how you feel and what you've been through , He's waiting for you to talk to Him , He's waiting to heal you . You have nothing to fear from Him or any human , with His help you can let all this pain and anger go . Trust Him , talk to Him . Much love in Christ .

Addendum: It is true that according to Revelation; cowards will take their place in the lake of fire. We are also promised that when at trial the Holy Spirit will give us the words to speak ( Luke 12:12). We are as was said to the Corinthians the "Temple of the Spirit" ( 1 Cor. 6:19) if saved; and also He who has begun a good work in us will complete it ( Philippians 1:6).

May the Lord give you solace today. Agape. Rich P

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).

Dear Dgjot, Why would non believers gather together in the name of Jesus? I don't think they would.

Matthew 18:19 says "Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven."

So Jesus says that if some of us gather together in His name in order to ask God for something, God will do it. Non believers would never gather together in the name of Jesus to ask God for something since they don't believe in His existence, would they?

Now if you mean christians from denominations that don't really know much about grace, salvation, new birth...who have a vague belief in God and Jesus and eternal life and may not been born again, because the church they belong to don't teach them or teach them faulse things, I think if they are sincere about it and have faith in their hearts that God will answer, then God will actually answer back. I have met many people that although don"t really believe in God, in a bad situation in their lives when asked God for help, they received that help. God is good. "...for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust" GBU

"Jesus said that if some believers (no matter how many) gather in His name, then He Himself is there among them."

Is Jesus there among them even if the "believers" are believers-in-name-only? Also known as "Worldly Christians"?

Matthew 18:22 (about forgiving others) Jesus saith unto him, "I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven."

Forgiving would be easy if one could FORGET the wrongs done to them.

When the wrongs done to someone play over and over in their heads, does that mean they haven't truly forgiven the offender??

I have friends who were raped. Maybe they did (try to) forgive their attacker, but do you really think they have ever forgotten for one second about that horrible incident? They never forget or get over it.

The minute one comes out of their mothers womb, everything said/not said, heard/ignored, done/didn't do, felt & thought is recorded in their memory for their entire life.

Matthew 12:37 (Jesus speaking)

"For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."

Our own memories will either condemn or excuse us.

I feel like I'm living in a nightmare. I've haven't committed any (worldly) sins that are worthy of death.

I just don't know where I stand. I know that God is no respecter of persons and the righteous always suffer at the hands of the wicked.

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

What laws? Which ones?

I look online or even out my front door and see this world swirling down the toilet. People are so blind. They don't know Jesus and don't want to. In the East Asian countries, all those people are idol worshippers. I'm sure someone has preached the Gospel to them at one time but they choose to worship their idols. Should I feel sorry for these people?

You can't force the Gospel of Christ on people who don't want it. Which is why we're supposed to set a good example.

And, setting a "good example" can get you killed. Like the Prophets, Jesus & his Apostles.

I just feel bad, like I haven't DONE enough for the Lord. I'm a coward. Always have been.

Why should God/Jesus allow a slacker like me into Heaven?

Praying in Jesus name

1John 2:27,

John 14:13,14, John 16:23,

Luke 11:2-13, Matthew 6, Matthew 7:7-12, John 15:7,16, 1John 3:22, 1John 5:14,15,

Matthew 18:19, Matthew 21:22,

James 1:5, Matthew 6,

Hopefully these are even more helpful, straight from GOD's book,

John 17,

Dear "Stephanie" we are not to judge at all, and do not judge children.

It is good that we have the authorities looking after and keeping all this in order. We must forgive and forgive as much as

Matthew 18:22. Even a child cannot judge for himself / herself what he / she is doing wrong.

You may want to be comforted by the word here: Luke 7:15

Stay strong in the word of God pray incessant, cast out demons with the word of God. Always in Jesus Christs holy name. The child can not be blamed for evil spirits. Never lose heart/hope and always be happy. God bless u and yours in Jesus name, love u in Christ.

Old Testament law: Deuteronomy 16:16, Exodus 34:23,24, Deuteronomy 31:11, Exodus 23:17, the dates of calendars have changed even the Hebrew / Jewish calendars. Moses through GOD established the beginning of the year to be the Passover, no calendar today honors that. Exodus 12:2, Exodus 12, Numbers 28:16,

Jesus honored these things, along with His parents (on earth) Luke 2:22,23, Luke 2:41-49, John 4:45, John 5:1, John 10:22,23, even those who opposed Jesus expected Jesus to honor the appointed days : John 11:54-57, John 12, Even facing His own brutal death: Matthew 20:17,18 , Mark 10:32,33,34 do you think HE knew He was the Lamb,: Luke 2:38, Luke 18:31, that was going to be slain for Passover? That's why HE told them, as HE obediently set his face to go? Luke 9:51,

Matthew 21

Micah 6:6-8,

John 4:21-24, 2Corinthians 6:2, 2Colossains 2:16,17, Hebrews 10:1-19, Matthew 18:20,

Hopefully these are helpful

I hope you will get other answers too.

I've understood it as watching dark things, allowing unholy images inside, instead turn away. Matthew 6:22-23,

Mark 9:47, Matthew 18:9, Luke 11:34-36, also seems to emphasise purity in what we see, choices. Mark 7:20-23, Matthew 20:15, it's used as harsh judgement, possibly seeing through judgemental eyes. Also Luke 6:42,

Hope this is helpful

Psalm 139

13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.

14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

15 My substance was NOT hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and IN THY BOOK, all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

Psalms Chapter 127

3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb IS HIS REWARD.

Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, [and] I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Matthew 18:10

Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 18:14. Even so IT IS NOT the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish (die).

Job 12:10. In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.

Ezekiel 18:4

Behold, all souls are MINE, as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

I have another list that's even longer. It's written truth God is involved in the lives of the unborn.

Dear Susan, the greek text also says "two or three", and it means "two or more". Jesus said that if some believers (nomatter how many) gather in His name then He Himself is there among them. Maybe in Hebrew that Jesus was talking the expression is "two or three" and not "two or more". Different languages often use different expressions for the same meaning.

About the "Living Word" now, it is called living because it is alive in the sence that is works/acts in people's heart, it makes them repent and ask for God's forgiveness, it makes them want to change, it affects people and their lives and gives people the way to aquire eternal life. It is not just a theory, but it is a reality.

GBU

If indeed you believe that the Scriptures are, "The Living Word of God," which is what I was raised to believe, then it follows that things that are alive change. Nothing, absolutely nothing doesn't change. And all I know is that that verse originally said, "Where two or more "

I challenge you to inquire of your most devout Christian friends over the age of 30 to recite that verse from memory. And try to remain open. Not everything in this world can be explained away by what we've been led to believe. But thank you for your reply.

The Bible is correct and the hearsay is incorrect.

I personally don't believe that four or more disqualifies people from having Jesus in their midst. Technically 4 people would be only 2 groups of two, so it still fits the verse, and 5 people would be a group of 2+3 also fitting the verse. Maybe it was a quick way to say 2 or more, or maybe Jesus was demonstrating His mathmatical genius knowing that pretty much all group sizes thereafter can be computed with 2s and 3s and that these small groups are better for fellowship and prayer anyway.

Matthew 18:20

"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

My wife & family sometimes use this verse when opening up a family prayer too.

The best prayer is the Agreement Prayer. I will agree with you by what the Holy Spirit says to my spirit. You are not saying what you need.

Matthew 18:19-20

That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, THERE AM I, in the midst of them.

Jesus I ask you to lift him in the spirit of his mind, as he trusts you for answers. As someone once said to me, You bring us to yourself; the easiest way possible. Sometimes it's painful, but we get through. If the devil has covered the path with darkness, please bring Your Light into his life, so he can see the Way.

Lift him up in the spirit of his mind and give him Your Peace, Your Joy. Help me to see that You are the One We Can lock arms with. You will not fail us or leave us at any point. You take us through to the other side.

We hang onto so tight sometimes. Help me to trust You more tomorrow. Help me to follow You. You've purposed good things for me; to give me a future and hope. Teach me that holding onto Your promises is a sign of strength and faith.

In your name I pray, Jesus. Thank you.

God is totally in touch with your baby.

Psalms 139:13

For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.

Job 31:15

Did not HE that made me in the womb make him? and did not one fashion us in the womb?

Galatians 1:15

But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace (in-merited favor)

Psalms 22:10

I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother's belly.

Psalms 22:9

But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts.

Psalms 127:3

Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is HIS reward.

Exodus 13:2

Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, IT IS MINE.

Ecclesiastes 11:5

As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.

Jeremiah 1:5

BEFORE I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Check with your healthcare. It is ok to get a 2nd opinion from another MD. Ask for some referrals. Schedule a consult over medication and potential complication.

Matthew 18:19-20

That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, THERE AM I, in the midst of them.

I agree with you that you will get the assurance you need. The truth will be told. That your reliance will rest upon Jesus. He cares for you both.

Prepare yourself to breastfeed. Read Laleche method. You can express milk in bottles for the sitter every day.

Heavenly father, I ask that you provide a job suited for my needs this day. Lead me to a job that will accommodate me without hesitation.

You are the rock on which I stand.

I ask that You provide me with a job that is both stable and without shaky grounds.

I ask that my talents, skills, abilities and education will be put into practical use. That way, I can have sufficient to pay my bills, and place bread on my table for myself and my family. May I also be able to give back what is due to You, Father.

Lord, You command blessings upon me in my barns and in all that I put my hands to do, and You will bless me in the land which You give me.

Right now, I proclaim that I will receive many job opportunities that will allow me to perform at my best, remembering You in all that I do.

I speak that doors will be opened to me in every direction I turn, because Your light shines upon me.

I decree and declare that under-employment is of the past and a better job ahead is mine.

In Jesus's name I pray, Amen!

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;"

Matthew 7:7 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

Give thanks and praise every day with your kids in agreement: (it's one my most favorite scriptures)

Matthew 18:19 - Again I say unto you, That if two of you (or more) shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

Months back, I kinda considered one of those "curbside shopper jobs" at my grocery store." I know where everything is :D. I talked to one of the people who do that. She said, pay is better than grocery checkers. I forgot to ask if it offers part-time shifts. You don't have to pick up anything heavy.

I hurt my rotator in my arm, and had to do physical therapy some months. It was boring so I stopped. Then it got worse! I got up and quoted scripture and sent the devils straight to outer darkness on PlutoGET OUT GET OUT GET OUT!! They left.

Remind Satan He's going to hell soon.



My arm was healed. Still is. I need back surgery. I've moved 22 times. I was a draftsman when young (I'm 70). I've been places where snakes were afraid of. Me, Always active. Not so much now. I know you feel like you're not praying right but you are. Pray faith. If the demons laugh at us, ASK God if the angels can carry them over to Mars and ha ha ha it up over there.

Write down that prayer and let your Faith have full rein. Ask for what you need. He knows what you need. I've worked in churches before. In benevolence (packing sacks of food or clothes), answering the phone, making sure the pew hymnals & Bibles were there. It was nice; quiet. You don't do anything with God, that He doesn't repay you for.

AGREEMENT PRAYERS:

Matthew 18:19-20

That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, THERE AM I, in the midst of them.

1 Timothy 2:8

I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

Matthew 7:7

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

Go fill out an application at your grocery store. Walk around and memorize where things are. They give you a devise to tell you that too.

Jesus Love us through the problems

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Matthew 18:19-20

"Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

I grew up in a fundamentalist Christian family. And I had to write much of Scripture from memory. Does anyone else remember it being, "Where two or MORE are gathered" rather than THREE? That isn't correct. It's two or MORE. I even prayed it aloud with a group of my friends holding hands when I was a small group leader in my church.