Discuss Matthew 5 Page 13

Dear Levi,

That's good that you are aware of the struggle between good and evil. Awareness is nearly half the battle. Becoming a Christian doesn't lessen the temptation of sin, in my opinion. But when we know the consequences of sin and do it anyway, it's basically like spitting in Jesus's face and turning our back on Him. He died for us and if we sin we are highly disrespecting Him and putting ourself at risk.

Paul struggled with his flesh too. This doesn't mean a Christian indulges in sin, but it means sin is always a temptation and we need to work hard to avoid it.

Romans 7:19

Jesus said if we love Him we'll obey (and not sin):

John 14:15

One could presume that if we willingly commit sins anyway that we love sin more than Jesus.

HEBREWS 10:26 - this verse echos that.

Matthew 5:30 - makes it clear what the priorities are. Basically if you're tempted to sin, DO ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING IMAGINEABLE TO AVOID IT! EVEN CUTTING OFF YOUR OWN HAND!!! This shows the severity of the consequences of sin. For those genuinely following Christ we are fortunate to have grace for our misteps. However, if we willingly choose to defy Jesus and disobey and sin, we're basically turning our back on Jesus and following the devil. So, I think deliberate sinning, despite being a Christian and knowing better, and knowing right from wrong can have eternal consequences just as Heb 10:26 says.

So, if avoiding this temptation was important enough to you, you could use a lot of strategies to ensure you never commit this horrific sin:

1. Move away (physically remove the temptation out of your life)

2. Don't watch images or videos associated with that desire. Out of sight out of mind.

3. Replace that lust with something positive.

4. Reward yourself for each week you complete where you keep pure thoughts. Save up for a vacation with your wife or something special to reinforce the bond between you.

5. Get rid of all friends and influences that might give temptation.

Etc. God bless...

May CHRIST IN US grace us with HIS wisdom and HIS understanding.

1 Timothy 4:8 ...having promise of the life (Christ in us) that now is, and of that (Christ in us) which is to come.

1 Timothy 4:10 For therefore we do labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the SAVIOUR OF ALL MEN, especially those that believe.

1 Timothy 4:11 These things COMMAND AND TEACH.

Matthew 5:9 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these LEAST commandments, and shall TEACH MEN SO, he shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and TEACH THEM shall be greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Brother Richard, may CHRIST IN US grace us with HIS wisdom and HIS understanding.

I know we as brothers and sisters don't agree on all things, Yet. I also believe that God has designed it that way. He said that household would be brother against brother, sister against sister, etc. This is one of those TEST we endure. Flesh reacts with anger or some other similar trait with his brother. Spirit is long suffering and patient, both are works of God that burn wood, hay, stubble, and purify gold and silver.

1 Corinthians 3:11-13

The Spirit caused me to stop believing in Hell as a place of torture for eternity; because, I can't reconcile it to FIT and not contradict other scriptures.

1 Timothy 4:9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.

1 Timothy 4:10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, WHO IS THE SAVIOR OF ALL MEN, specially of those that BELIEVE.

1 Timothy 4:11 These things COMMAND AND TEACH.

I BELIEVE Christ will save the world; although, not all in the age we are in now.

1 Timothy 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

1 Timothy 2:4 Who WILL HAVE (God's will; will be done) all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of truth.

Romans 8:21 Because the creature (creation) ITSELF ALSO SHALL BE DELIVERED from the bondage of corruption (death and the grave) into the glorious LIBERTY of the CHILDREN OF GOD.

I BELIEVE this is done in the ages to come after the SONS OF GOD have been revealed.

Romans 8:19 ...Creation WAITETH for the manifestation of the Sons of God.

Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, LOVE YOUR ENEMIES, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you, and persecute you.

Since Christ is in us and causes us to LOVE OUR ENEMIES. I think he knows how to judge in righteousness and not torture.

Proverbs 16:6 Through MERCY and TRUTH iniquity is purged....

Dear Brother Michael,

You answered my question by saying: The apostles did not ever say that they obeyed the "10" commandments. Really? They stated they obeyed Gods commandments, many times.

You also state: I do agree that they did follow 9 of those commandments. I'm sorry but this really makes no sense.

There is no scripture showing that God removed the 4th commandment. Jesus didn't, and the Apostles couldn't, that is why there is no scripture that confirms this. Jesus was confronted many times regarding the Sabbath, and if he had wanted to cancel the sabbath he had many opportunities to do so.

So in your mind 9 of the 10 commandments are ok to follow because the apostles didn't, even though you have absolutely NO scripture stating they DID NOT follow the 4th commandment.

The 10 Commandments stand until the end of time!

Matthew 5:18

"For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."

I will agree to disagree with you at this point. In summary, I do believe this disagreement relates to how you and I interpret the scriptures.

God Bless Brother

Hello Vince,

Thank you for your response. Yes, we both agree that we must obey God's commandments and remain faithful until death to inherit the blessings. Where we don't, perhaps, see eye to eye is what are the commandments of God today.

Do you keep God's commandments by getting circumcised as per Leviticus 12:3?

Do you keep God's commandments and dwell in booths for seven days every year as per Leviticus 23:42?

Do you make fringes on the border of your garments as per God's commandment at Numbers 15:38?

Do you go up to Jerusalem three times a year as per God's commandment at Exodus 23:17?

If you answer no, it seems to me that you don't, after all, obey God's commandments. Jesus and the Apostle John did not say, "If you obey the 10 commandments", but rather, "If you obey the commandments" (all the commandments). The question arises, though, which commandments?

I would suggest the commandments of the New Covenant (or Testament) found in the portion of our Bibles called the New Testament.

As for Matthew 5:17-18, please note one important point - it says till all be fulfilled. The purpose of the law was fulfilled when Christ offered up his perfect life in sacrifice. Then, it was done away with. Notice:

Galatians 3:23-25 "But before faith came, we were kept under the law (a schoolmaster), shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore THE LAW WAS our SCHOOLMASTER to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But AFTER that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster (the law).

That's why Jesus also said at the parallel account of Matthew 5:17-18 found at Luke 16:16.

Luke 16:16 "The LAW and the prophets WERE UNTIL JOHN: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it."

Then, Jesus set up the New Covenant.

Luke 22:20 "Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you."

I welcome your further thoughts.

Good day, Vince.

Hello Michael,

I totally understand your prospective, but lets think for a min. Did Paul and the other

Apostles contradict what Christ himself came to tell us? Christ said: ( Matthew 5:17) Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. So I ask you, has the Heaven and Earth passed away? not at all. So, Here is Christ, himself telling you that the Law is not fulfilled or the Prophets. He also told us to keep his commandments, am I right?

( John 15:10) If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

Here is Christ giving you a definition of what the Love of the Father is, it's keeping his commandments.

( 1 John 5:3) For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

( 1 John 5:2) By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.

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

I can go on and on, The Commandments are a must, it's not an opinion of the Disciples, it's the Doctrine of Christ. The Churches have lied to us when they say we don't have to keep the commandments.

Now, you say once saved, a person must keep himself in God's Love, I showed you what God's love is, Keeping the Commandments but you have twisted that as well. ( Matthew 24:13) But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. This means that you are not saved until the end, meaning if you die now or when Christ returns. The scriptures are self evident, they need no interpretation from man.

The Creator gave us a road map and free will, Choose wisely but I beg anyone reading this, don't let the Church do your work, Christ gave you Books, read them and pray for understanding, The Spirit will guide you into all Truth!

Brother Dan, may CHRIST IN US grace us with HIS wisdom and HIS understanding.

Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto to you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot and one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

Your comment was: the heaven and the earth has not passed ...yet

WHY HASN'T IT PASSED; natural eyes see what has always existed. When the new covenant CAME the old disappeared; BUT, you didn't naturally see it happen. You know because the WORD tells us.

Revelation 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and first earth passed away....

When Christ died and was resurrected by SPIRIT all things became NEW.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be IN CHRIST; he is a new creature (CREATION); old things have PASSED AWAY; behold all things have become NEW.

Psalms 102:18 This shall be written for the generation to COME: and the people that shall BE CREATED shall PRAISE THE LORD.

Psalms 102:26 They shall perish, but thou (the word) shall endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture thou (the word) shall change them. and THEY SHALL BE CHANGED.

TO: ADDING or TAKING AWAY from the SCRIPTURES on Nehemiah 8

TWO COMMANDMENTS OF JESUS: You are exactly right, Matthew 5:16 (Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.) What kind of light are true, born again, Christians showing by fighting over a day. If we take our sabbath on Saturday, Sunday, or even Wednesday, it is sabbath to that person. Philippians 2:12 ( Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.) Romans14:5 (One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.) 1 Peter 3:8 (Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:)

Thanks for that post and God Bless.

Thank you for your reply Michael,

I agree with you that we have the New Covenant now. Surrounding Jesus Christ our Lord and receiving the Holy Spirit of promise Ephesians 1:7-14. It seems we agree on everything. I read the book of Hebrews regularly. As stated that I just think the Ten Commandments are "good". Just a beginning. Not that we are under the law of the Old Covenant. As I believe brother Chris stated in a post that our righteousness is to exceed them who followed the law Matthew 5:20. Like in the statement I made as to where I strive to keep every day Holy not just one a week. So he who thinks the Sabbath should be on a Saturday really doesn't matter. Jesus stating that even being angry with thy brother is in danger or who just looks on a woman to lust after her hath already committed adultery Matthew 5:21-22, Matthew 5:27-28.

When Jesus Christ gave the two greatest commandments to hang all the law and the prophets. He was quoting Deuteronomy 6:4-5, Leviticus 19:18. Which also being stated by another were not of the Ten Commandments. Pointing to exceed the old law with the new law which is on our hearts and exceedingly vast.

We having been Blessed to receive the Holy Ghost from above whom is our teacher now. Having the Spirit of Christ in us to help us walk as He did, and follow after Him, as He is the only way to the Father. Living for the Will of our Father in Heaven doing what pleases Him. Producing good fruit in the Spirit. John 8:29.

If I had to choose which Testament is more important I would most definitely choose the NT. Though the OT has many, many, things that are still very important. Also things that are really of no avail to us. Just letting the Spirit guide us to the righteous and important things in the OT. Even with the Apocrypha books and the Book of Enoch. As they have things in them that connect directly to the teachings in the Holy Bible. Let the Spirit guide us to truth. Micah 6:8.

God Bless you Michael

Brother S Spencer,

I didn't misunderstand Brother Earls reply.

So the way I read your reply for Brother Earl - to me; it is that YOUR interpretation of scripture can be the only correct one, and anyone else's interpretation of scripture that doesn't agree with you is incorrect, including mine.

There is tons of scripture showing the need for christians to observe God's 10 commandments, and I've listed many in this thread.

In my mind the main scripture that solidifies this is Jesus speaking below:

John 14:15

"If ye love me, keep my commandments."

This scripture is so simple to understand. Do you agree with Jesus? If you do, then his commandments stand, until the end of time, as he stated again here in scripture:

Matthew 5:18

"For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."

The heaven and earth has not passed....yet.

God Bless

love this verse

Brother Earl,

Thanks for sharing the wonderful scripture, it is better than sweet music to my ears!

Yes, you refer to the Law written in our hearts, it is the same Law that was written on the stone tablets. The law that will last until heaven and earth pass.

Matthew 5:18

"For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."

If we truly love Jesus we will keep his commandments.

John 14:15

"If ye love me, keep my commandments."

Jesus also reminds us:

Matthew 7:14

"Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."

God bless

Hello Dan. Thank you for your comments.

A person cannot judge another man for not keeping the Sabbath in the Christian Church under the New Covenant. Under the Old Covenant, a person was required to judge such a person and stone them to death.

However, in the New Covenant given to the Christian Church, the Elders of a Church are indeed required to judge a man who is sinning such as by committing fornication.

At 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, there is a case of a man who is living in a state of sexual immorality. The Apostle Paul tells the Elders of that Church to judge and disfellowship that individual. Notice:

1 Corinthians 5: 12, 13 "For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person."

That unrepentant, sinful person had to be judged and be thrown out of the Church. Yes, those who break the serious laws of the New Covenant, such as fornication - a serious sin - were judged and expelled.

However, no Christian could be judged for not keeping the Sabbath since the Sabbath was only given to Israel in the Old Covenant. The Apostle Paul and the other Apostles never commanded the Church to keep the Sabbath. If the Sabbath was that important, why would he not do so? Colossians 2:14-16 explains why. I invite you to read it.

As for Matthew 5:18, I would suggest you also read the other portion of that statement recorded at Luke 16:16:

Luke 16:16 "The law and the prophets were UNTIL John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it."

The Old Covenant was until John. Then, Jesus at his death with his blood, instituted the New Covenant or New Testament - laws found in the books of Romans to Revelation to the Christian Church - the so-called New Testament.

I would also invite you to read Jeremiah 31:31-33 and Luke 22:20.

Hello S Spencer.

Thank you for your insightful comments. I enjoyed reading them. Quite accurate.

Many who quote Matthew 5:17-19 fail to notice an important point, namely, Jesus said, "till all be fulfilled".

Matthew 5:18 "For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."

The Mosaic Law was fulfilled in Jesus Christ once he died and was resurrected. His death put to death the Mosaic Law as recorded at:

Colossians 2:14-16: "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days."

Romans 7:6 "But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter."

Romans 10:4 "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth."

Many who quote Matthew 5:17-19 often do not notice what Jesus said in the parallel account at:

Luke 16:16 "The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it."

There, Jesus said further that the law, that is, the Mosaic Law, was UNTIL John. After John, it would be the New Covenant that was inaugurated by Jesus' shed blood. (See Luke 22:20.)

Thus, 1 John 5:2, 3 and all other verses in the New Testament (Romans to Revelation), referring to God's commandments, does not refer to the 10 commandments nor the Mosaic Law commandments but only to the laws of the New Covenant (Romans to Revelation). In that New Testament Law, no instruction is ever made to keep the Sabbath Day or to circumcise all males, etc.

I share these thoughts with you and hope you enjoy them.

Another from Chris.

Thank you Michael for that clear & concise response. If the foundations of biblical teaching or doctrine are not properly laid, the building cracks will develop & bring destruction. I find that many Christians, whether because of Church teaching or from their own surmisings, look at Scriptures such as John 14:15 & immediately apply the obedience to the Law for all people, that which was given only to Israel.

To do so, several things have to be overlooked or rejected: to whom was God speaking in the OT & to whom was Jesus speaking prior to His crucifixion? Only to Israel, none else. Gentiles weren't even in the picture pertaining to the Law & never have been. What was the reason for giving the Law? God's code of conduct (spiritual, moral & social) for His people, His Mark of separation from the heathen - Leviticus 26:46, (as also with circumcision: Genesis 17:10), & to demonstrate to Israel a godly standard that as sinners they could never fully obey ( Galatians 3:21-26).

But then we get verses such as Matthew 5:17-19 which are often used to support the eternal nature & applicability of the Law to all people. To those under the Law, indeed, the Law is current & will be used against them. To those who have escaped the curse of the Law & have found new life in Christ, have learned that Christ has indeed fulfilled all the Law, forever abrogating it & thru His Death ushered in a new & better Covenant ( Hebrews 8:6-13).

What then do we do with Scriptures (e.g. 1 John 5:2,3) that say we must obey God's commandments? Are John & others pointing the believer back to the letter of the Law that kills or rather to the Spirit Who gives life ( 2 Corinthians 3:6)? It is the Spirit's Law in our hearts that frees us from the Law of sin & death ( Romans 8:2). To give consent to both, that which is opposed to each other, weakens (even negates) the power of the New Covenant through Christ's Blood & the keeping of the Sabbath ever stands as a centrepiece to

Thank you Michael for that clear & concise response. If the foundations of biblical teaching or doctrine are not properly laid, the building cracks will develop & bring destruction. I find that many Christians, whether because of Church teaching or from their own surmisings, look at Scriptures such as John 14:15 & immediately apply the obedience to the Law for all people, that which was given only to Israel.

To do so, several things have to be overlooked or rejected: to whom was God speaking in the OT & to whom was Jesus speaking prior to His crucifixion? Only to Israel, none else. Gentiles weren't even in the picture pertaining to the Law & never have been. What was the reason for giving the Law? God's code of conduct (spiritual, moral & social) for His people, His Mark of separation from the heathen - Leviticus 26:46, (as also with circumcision: Genesis 17:10), & to demonstrate to Israel a godly standard that as sinners they could never fully obey ( Galatians 3:21-26).

But then we get verses such as Matthew 5:17-19 which are often used to support the eternal nature & applicability of the Law to all people. To those under the Law, indeed, the Law is current & will be used against them. To those who have escaped the curse of the Law & have found new life in Christ, have learned that Christ has indeed fulfilled all the Law, forever abrogating it & thru His Death ushered in a new & better Covenant ( Hebrews 8:6-13).

What then do we do with Scriptures (e.g. 1 John 5:2,3) that say we must obey God's commandments? Are John & others pointing the believer back to the letter of the Law that kills or rather to the Spirit Who gives life ( 2 Corinthians 3:6)? It is the Spirit's Law in our hearts that frees us from the Law of sin & death ( Romans 8:2). To give consent to both, that which is opposed to each other, weakens (even negates) the power of the New Covenant through Christ's Blood & the keeping of the Sabbath ever stands as a centrepiece to cause both error & division.

Dear Brother Michael,

I will agree that many of the old ceremonial laws, including animal sacrifices, and other old customs that were previously required have been eliminated because they are no longer required in order to receive God's forgiveness, as it was during the old testament days before Christ.

Christ became the sacrificial lamb. God gave us the ultimate gift and total sacrifice of his Son Jesus Christ. And now, through Christ we can be forgiven and saved.

You quoted Paul in Colossians 2:16

"Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:"

True no man can judge another. The judging will be performed by Christ. But this scripture you quoted above does not eliminate the need to follow God's 4th commandment! This scripture simply states they we should not judge one another. You conveniently pulled out the word Sabbath and then you interpret it to mean we can eliminate the need to follow the 4th commandment! I read and understand this scripture in a different way than you. To me, it means if a brother or sister does not keep the Sabbath we are not to judge them.....Christ will judge.

Romans 14:10

"But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ."

We will all eventually be judged by Christ. I will continue to believe and strive to follow God's 10 Commandments, including the 4th Commandement: Keep Holy the Sabbath. God's 10 commandments will always exist, until heaven and earth pass.....this is from the mouth of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 5:18

"For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."

You have quoted the apostle Paul in scripture regarding the Sabbath, and I am quoting Jesus. If there is a conflict between them I will respectfully defer to Jesus.

God Bless

Jesus nicely summarized the law in those 2 commandments.

You said Jesus put an end to (destroy) living by the law, but Jesus anticipated someone thinking this so he said Matthew 5:17-18 that he didn't come to destroy the law.

He also said to obey His commandments: John 14:15. So, one can conclude that if you don't obey His commandments then you don't love Jesus. If you don't love or follow Jesus, that person probably isn't a Christian (a Christ follower by definition).

For instance, if one thinks it's ok to go out and kill someone, Jesus says no, you can't do that. Romans 6:1-2, Hebrews 10:26.

God bless...

Dear George,

I don't believe most Christians think they are observing Sabbath on Sunday. I think very few minority would think Sunday is the Sabbath. A day of worship is not the same as the Sabbath day.

Christians likely meet on Sunday, because:

(1) The example is they met on first day of the week

(2) Christians can worship any day, and many choose Sunday.

Maybe your question is why do most Christians not celebrate the Sabbath on Saturday:

(1) Colossians 2:16, 17

(2) Jesus healed others on the Sabbath

(3) Jesus challenged the Pharisees in how they observed the Sabbath and redefined it for them: Mark 3:4, Mark 2:27

(4) Matthew 5:17-18 (fulfilled but not abolished). Many will say the 10 commandments still apply, like it's still just as wrong to kill someone, but a % may say the 4th commandment (keep Sabbath) may not still apply.

That is to help answer your first question, but I didn't understand your second one.

Living under the new covenant today does not take away from God's 10 commandments. Many people today quote and misquote apostle Paul's writings. This simple truth is that the apostle Paul does not have the authority to cancel any of God's commandments.

Jesus respected his Father and his commandments and Jesus did not cancel any of the 10 commandments. Please read and try to understand the following scriptures spoken directly by Jesus Christ while he was on this earth.

John 14:15

"If ye love me, keep my commandments."

John 14:21

"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."

John 15:10

"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love."

Matthew 5:17

"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.

Matthew 5:18

"For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."

Paul and the other disciples honored and followed the 10 commandments including the 4th commandment. See apostle John's scripture below:

1 John 2:3

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

1 John 5:2

"By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments."

1 John 5:3

"For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous."

2 John 1:6

"And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it."

Please read the scriptures and pray for understanding.

God bless

To:Chacha Dean on Philippians 4

REPENTANCE NOT NEEDED FOR SALVATION - ONLY BELIEVING

You can believe what you want to, but here are some more scriptures that you have left out? Matthew 3:2 ( And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.)

Luke 13:3

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Matthew 4:17

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Acts 17:30

And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

Revelation 3:19

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Acts 3:19

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

There is a lot more! Matthew 5:19 (Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.)

Brother Chris, I held back from writing the same thought in

Matthew 5:13-16 ,that you would confirm this in me as also one in Truth.

Hi Carleton, as I read your worthy comments & considered the world's condition & the temporal residence of the believer here, the verses that continually came to mind are in Matthew 5:13-16:

"Ye are the SALT of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the LIGHT of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Regardless of far removed the world has gone from the holy requirements of the Lord, as children of the Light we must continue to beam out its rays to a world overcome in darkness. The world must never lose that witness of God's Presence & Love that they may come to know Him & have a mighty standard before them to reveal their gross errors & departure from the Truth. However, with the Church at large resembling more of the world than the Holy Body of Christ (by its Love, Purity & sharing the Gospel), the focus ought to be turned upon ourselves first to see how dim our light beam has become & how savourless our lives have been to the world. God will use our lives to be witnesses of His Grace but unless we walk as children of that Light & affecting the world around us in some way, our lives are near to being useless & all we do is to live for our comfort & security in our 'holy huddles', alienating ourselves from a desperate dark perishing world. We ought to "be hated of all men" - then we know that the world of darkness is being shaken by God's Light. But unfortunately, we prefer to be loved by all. Every blessing to you brother in the Truth.

Then listen, for now you know the way.

Hi Tom,

I wanted to correct another passage.

I'm batting a thousand so far in misprints and bad spelling.

It seems I got off track with the very first letter, the He should have read "We"

and again the 2nd word of course is hear.

It should read:

We hear the Lord with the inner ear.

Thank you.

Hi Tom.

He here the Lord with the inner ear.

The Lord speaks to his "CHURCH" by the spirit.

REVELATION 2:29. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

JOHN 10:27. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

HEBREWS 1:1-2. God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,

Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

If God decides to speak Audible it would take the spirit to reveal truth.

The inner ear is the work of the Holyspirit revealing that truth.

We have to be cautious of seeking an experience whether by sight or hearing or miracles and rely on faith in God's word.

Hebrews 11:1. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Israel seen and heard "As a Nation " and received external blessings and miracles, deliverance, Promises, and the Gospel.

Hebrews 4:2. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with ""FAITH"" in them that heard it.

God bless.

I've never heard an audible voice from God if that's what you mean. Sometimes I read the Bible and don't feel anything in particular and don't have any noteworthy impressions, but sometimes I do. I don't think we should seek a feeling in attempt to validate our Christianity, but rather just be obedient and be thankful when God's Word speaks to my heart.

You can "hear" if you attend church. Provided the person speaking is a true minister of the Word and has the Spirit. Romans 10:14

I simply asked if anyone hears the word of God. Then if you do, Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand.

When I was first saved, one day driving in the car I was humming to myself a popular song on the radio.. suddenly I heard within, "ssshhh, be still." This startled me, as I had never heard interior words before like this. The feeling drew me in, it was very attracting. it felt hugely peaceful. I didn't know whether to trust it. Then I heard more . . . . . I began to trust it, for the effects it brought, peace, amazement, wisdom, guidance, solutions ..... I started to write in a notebook all I heard. Over time, he has become my constant companion. When you live with such wisdom, the world holds nothing anymore. My reasoning mind no longer competes with him.

btw, I believe the Holy Spirit "speaks" in many different ways to believers. Not just interior words.... But this happened to me.