Matthew
King James Version (KJV)
Discuss Matthew 7 Page 2
Viewing page: 2 of 39
< Previous Discussion Page Next Discussion Page >
Do you have a Bible comment or question?
Posting comments is currently unavailable due to high demand on the server.
Please check back in an hour or more. Thank you for your patience!
Verses 44-45 discuss the hidden treasure concept; of treasure in a field and a pearl of great price.
Verses 47-51 show the parable of the fisherman and the final judgment; and in verse 51 we see in this case the Disciples get the point.
Verse 52 reads:
52 He said to them, "Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old." This verse sort of gives a summary perhaps for wise sayings in general whether it benefits the narrator himself who is one of Christ's Disciples or those who hear these concepts. A rich life in God's sight involves investment in people and labor for the Kingdom of God which is worthless in the world's eyes but valuable in heavenly rewards and reaching out perhaps to the next generation.
Finally; verses 53-58 show the miserable attitude those in His hometown had toward Christ of unbelief.
Concluding thoughts on Matthew 13.
The 10000 dollar question here is how can we apply these passages in our day in a practical manner in our Christian walk? The fact is a lot of things Jesus did are unique to Him; we only see one instance as an example where Paul made a scathing remark in Acts 23:3 but even after the comment he retracts because this man was the High Priest. We don't see obvious hidden messages or parables in the rest of the New Testament by any of the Apostles or anyone in the churches.
Conceptually; I would interject the idea that the narrow road should be something we should consider if we are truly walking in light of 2 Corithians 13:5; 2 Peter 1:10-11. The seriousness of hellfire is something often avoided in sermons today; even where the Gospel is more or less preached faithfully. Discernment can help us avoid the Matthew 7:6 error of casting pearls before swine. Thoughts?
There is too much in these chapters to cover in this study. The rest of Chapter 5 gets into the law and the further extent that is expected in regard to men's minds where man's sin nature imagines all sorts of evil and where only grace will suffice. One Old Testament example of this is David with Bathsheeba. Having her husband deliberately sent to the front lines to die and committing adultery would according to the law warrant the death penalty. Chapter Six and seven get into subjects regarding how we are not to judge others (and also how to help others by having our own lives cleaned up); how to fast and pray and finally it ends with the judgment to come warning of those who don't DO what Christ says to do; reminding us of John 14:15 about loving Christ and following His commandments. In the end it is said Jesus taught with authority ( Matt. 7:29) not like the teachers of the law; which was also said about His synagogue teachings early on in His ministry.
Adhering to the method of God's calling of His chosen sheep; Jesus preached to multiple individuals with a general message; much as John the Baptist did. There were clearly individuals involved throughout His travels that He would challenge but again one basic point I see in scripture is that individuals were never targeted for a challenge to come to Christ or be saved. The closest I can find is with Paul speaks to Agrippa in Acts 26:28. That is the result of one of Paul's courtroom testimonies where scripture is quoted to a great extent to Festus and others. The seeds were cast forth and they would prosper who they would.
In every crowd there are those who would hear the Word and then it would fall to the wayside; or be in shallow soil with no root and a few would have good soil and produce good fruit. One major characteristic of the Lord is He didn't reveal Himself to just anyone and the Parables were designed that way. Likely explains Matthew 7:6.
Really it is a complicated topic. The following is my opinion.
If we read Matthew 7:1-5 where it speaks about judging our brothers, the point of what Jesus is saying is not about discerning our brother's actions. The wrong doings of others are obvious to everybody. But there are two ways in seeing those actions. Either we judge them which means we condemn them for what they had done. Or we still see those sins but with a mood to help, not to condemn. We can cry and pray to God to help them. This is the right attitude I believe. It is the attitude of love.
As we grow spiritually and God walks us through various events in our life we get more tolerant to our brothers. Once when I was young in faith I cought a deacon saying a lie. So I condemned him in my heart, "a deacon saying a lie?" it was too much for me at that time. Later on I found myself in a condition that I was sort of compelled to lie. That tought me a lesson. Do not judge strictly your brother if you don't know what he goes through. In his shoes you might had done something worse than what he had done. When we are strict judges of our brothers God always passes us through the same path that our brother went through, so for us to understand how it feels and also to see how we behave ourselves under the same conditions. Then and only then we can realize the trials that our brothers are going through and be more tolerant to them.
Didn't Jesus know what Judas the Iscariot was doing all the time, that he was stealing money? Yes He did. So why didn't He send him away or reveal to others what he was doing? Because He was giving him the chance to repent. And He made clear to Judas that He knew what Judas was going to do and gave him all the time to repent, although He knew the outcome. Jesus did everything from His side to make Judas repent. He even called him "friend" when Judas came with the crowd to arrest Him. It was Jesus' last effort to break that stonny heart of Judas.
See pt 2
The most dangerous thing in the Bible is being deceived by false prophets, false apostles, false accusers, false witness and false Christs . Satan will use anyone to do his work in deception.
Jesus warns his Twelve Disiples of people that will say bad things against them.
Matthew 5:11
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against youfalsely, for my sake.
Jesus warns the Twelve Disiples of false prophets.
Matthew 7:15
Beware offalseprophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
.
Jesus warns the Twelve Disiples of false witness.
Matthew 15:19
For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts,falsewitness,
Jesus warns the Twelve Disiples of false prophets.
Matthew 24:11
And manyfalseprophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
Jesus warns the Twelve Disiples of false Christs.
Matthew 24:24
For there shall arisefalseChrists, andfalseprophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Jesus warns the Twelve Disiples of false witness.
Mark 10:19
Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bearfalsewitness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
Jesus warns the Twelve Disiples of false Christs and false prophets.
Mark 13:22
ForfalseChrists andfalseprophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.
Jesus warns the Twelve Disiples of false witness.
Luke 18:20
Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bearfalsewitness, Honour thy father and thy mother.
Ray, in Christ Jesus
Seeking God's Wisdom West Angeles Church Consecration Calendar
Me a member at West Angeles Cogic Church Cathedral Los Angeles California
I Pray asking God for wisdom to make godly decisions, having faith in which is already done for me of my heart, words of mouth and being my shield.- Ephesians 6:16 KJV
My Interpetation REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY:
"To give up believing in within yourself to be done not with God and him doing it for you.
Ways to help you to not believe in doing yourself without God are
Prayer Matthew 7:7 KJV Believing Jesus Christ Is God the Father Proverbs 19:20 KJV
Listen to his voice and Word to obey, follow "do it" in speaking actions, attention of communications.
God wants you to come into his sanctuary-today's Christian Church and read holy bible, to learn about Jesus Christ being God and Intentions "And it shall be giving you" John 17:3 KJV
Principle-Holy To all religions. Always performaning righteousness, holiness in actions "to do it" of God. To have faith, hope, love."
Wisdom helps you obey God in feelings of short comings, failures. God wants you to come to Jesus Christ. Philippians 4:13 KJV
James 1:6 KJV
My Respond REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY:
" No challenges, afflictions, tests will occur about or upon me I John 1:3 KJV- Gaurtenteed
Definition
Wisdom - Comes from the knowledge of God, and the capacity to make use of it, discernment, judgment, discretion, sagacity, skill, dexterity.
James 1:7 KJV
My Interpetation REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY:
" That you see your life as real here on earth in Jesus Christ Holy Bible, instructions on how to live life. In repentance of sins. James 4:8 KJV Jesus Christ is the only way to make life to reality. John 14:6 KJV scriptures text is for you to believe in Jesus Christ to get what you want and also is a book you can read only. "We believe the Bible to be inspired and only infallible written Word of God."
Word Spoken and WrittenBy REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
That should cause caution!
One can have desires and praise and yet be deceived!
As you stated, "It's possible to do. It's possible to look, act, talk, and believe like a Christian, and not be a Christian"
I believe that is why Matthew 7:15-16 reads, "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?"
You notice it didn't say, "you should know them by their works?
There are people who believe the things they do Authenticate their position in Christ.
It's not what you do! It's what Christ does WITH you!
Blessings.
Part 2
The Old Testament sacrifices and offerings was a foreshadowing of Christ, and the individual responsibility was on him and there were consequences. Some were saved and some were not!
They all were under the same influence and given the ability to receive according to his response. Faith in that economy system that pointed towards Christ.
When the brazen serpent in the bible was lifted up it was an invitation for all!
We got to be careful to describe God's Devine nature as something he chooses to be. God doesn't choose to love! God IS Love! God doesn't choose to be Righteous! God IS Righteous! God doesn't choose to be Just! God is supreme Justice and those attributes work together and never cease.
When we lay all those attributes out it paint a picture of a merciful, loving God who so loved the "WORLD", that he gave his only begotten Son, that "WHOSOEVER" believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (It doesn't say just the elect and it don't cause speculation in the righteousness of God!)
If we say we don't know then everything we present should be considered opinion not absolute.
We may not be able to fully comprehend the degree of Gods attributes to the fullest, but we know God ways is higher than ours!
SO, by the word of God and the indwelling spirit we are expected to display the love of God in our lives.
1 John 3:17-18 reads,
"Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
How do we reconcile God not giving the invitation and opportunity and shutteth up his bowels of compassion to a lost world what is required for salvation considering Matthew 7:13. "for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
See Part 3
You referenced Jerimiah 3:13 in saying that God has loved us (His chosen) with an everlasting love.
Here is Jerimiah 3:13 "Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD.
Perhaps you had another verse in mind. Also, you can't take what was written for Israel and apply it to the church.
As requested, here is what I believe.
Part 1
When considering John 3:13-21 and many other scriptures and then to contribute God's Love, Mercy and Compassion to only the elect is error.
The scripture clearly says For God so loved the WORLD, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the WORLD to condemn the WORLD; but that the WORLD through him might be saved. John 3:16-17.
The invitation is to ALL!
Look at the conditions in verse 18)
"He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
However you stated, We are not given the reason why He chooses some AND NOT OTHERS or because some unregenerated people will choose to be righteous due to their faith in God because they CANNOT have faith in God unless God graces them with it. So I ask you, How is the Love of God and Mercy displayed to them?
Note;
I'm not asking how and why God chooses to do the things you say he do!
I'm asking how do God display the Love of God?
The crucifixion is God's Love on display!
This is important to understand considering Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
See part 2
Needless to say things have been challenging around here; foremost of course with my parents not knowing the Lord. My Pastor said he was driving all day after the service as her 95 year old mom was dying; but she knows the Lord. He has to come back tonight as there are some other obligations so you can keep him in prayer.
This situation has caused at least several people in my church to pray for me on a daily basis; one guy in fact who is retired says he prayer several TIMES a day for me. I have one prayer request my mom is trying to sell one of her cars and since the dealer actually was in an accident when he was returning it a few years back after service we are trying to get a decent deal there; or elsewhere.
I have not really thought about posts here lately. I would appreciate prayer if it is His will anytime soon to resume that; as for the time being I still haven't freed more time for anything but the Sunday service.
Finally as far as often contentious issues with my parents for now the Lord hasn't given me any options for moving out. Mainly I want to be able to continue to be a decent witness and share my faith whenever I can.
Matthew 7:13-14 and like verses are brought to mind. My prayer for myself and others is that the enemy will not succeed in wrecking our witness in these dark days.
Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. My interpetation: Blessings of restoration Romans 6:23 KJV
'For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.'
Jesus Christ is God that is forgiveness of sins.A God that is a free gift that is better then nothing(zero) I did myself too
(A God that is forgiveness of sins, A God that is a free gift. Matthew 7:7-8 KJV)
If only we would honor God's intentions he will give us authority same as position of authority.
These scriptures say and has giving me authority to believe God ( Romans 10:9-10) identifying as Christian. Luke 9:1 KJV, Luke 10:19 KJV
Luke 9:1 KJV
Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.
Luke 10:19 KJV
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Me being Christian and honoring God has blessed me with authority&restoration by spending time with God, prayer, worship, gratitude, using my God-given gifts,talents,abilities to serve others. Making God number one in my heart.Being generous,treating others with dignity.
My identity being Christian helped me in life listening to God ( John 10:18 KJV) honoring God is symbolic of both a literal and spiritual kingdom.
John10:18 KJV
No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
9/8/24AMEN
Interpetation and Word spoken by REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
Blessings of God's New Convenant to restore his nation.
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23 KJV
Jesus Christ is God that is forgiveness of sins. A God that is a free gift that is better then nothing (zero) Matthew 7:7-8 KJV
"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:" 8For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Written and Word spoken by REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
SCHOOL BOOK September 8, 2024
My interpetation: COGIC WORSHIP 1 Corinthians 15:3-4- I Worship A God that never changes. A God that makes you see& into what it is to become like God. (A God that is forgiveness of sins, A God that is a free gift. Matthew 7:7-8.) A God that controls and sustains. A God that is faithful to the promises he has made.
My prayer this morning God's word I have written and spoken as help to bend the broken pieces if many shattered lives , I look you for our peace , comfort, amd care, in Jesus name we pray, Amen.
You wrote: God is going to do the separating of those that are His from those that didn't come from God and are not His. That is why in scripture it is written that in the end of the dispensation of time God will confirm that He never knew them, it is written that...
..."And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Matthew 7:23 KJV
Firstly what do you exactly mean with, some are from God and some are not? Do you mean that some are predestinated to believe and others no?
Back to the parable of the 10 virgins, Matthew 25:1-12. At the end of the story Jesus says to the 5 foolish virgins that He doesn't know them. But they are virgins, they were waiting for Him to come, they had light in their lamps, they had oil, maybe not much but they still had. So they are christians, aren't they? Then how come Jesus doesn't know them? Again what is the point of the parable? It is a warning to be ready at any time because when Jesus comes, whether that is the end of our lives or the day of the rapture or the very end, if we do not have sanctification in our lives we will be left out, condemned. Like any other sinner. So He says that He doesn't know us so for us to put it in our mind that the status of being a christian without sanctification will not profit us at all. We will be in this case as any other sinner that Jesus doesn't recognise them as His child. Similarly in Matthew 7:21-23 Jesus says that at the final Judgement there will be christians who had spiritual gifts in their lives but still worked iniquity so they will be considered unknown to Him and will be condemned. Like any other sinner.
Predestination is a big topic and we have had long discussions so far here on this site. Personally I come from a part of the christian world where such doctrines are foreign to christians. GBU
..."Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn." Matthew 13:30 KJV
God is going to do the separating of those that are His from those that didn't come from God and are not His. That is why in scripture it is written that in the end of the dispensation of time God will confirm that He never knew them, it is written that...
..."And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Matthew 7:23 KJV
The way a believer responds to tests and trials helps the believer to know and understand that the believer belongs to God and when a believer realizes who his (or her) master is then the believer will seek God to learn the things of God, since the believer now understands that God is their Father and that they came from God. And that Jesus is the Son of God, helping believers be re-connected or reconciled to God since the fall of Adam.
Matthew 6:34 - Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Take no thought! Again, the word MERIMNAO, the occupation of the attention of our minds? Jesus says don't even worry about it. Don't worry about tomorrow. Let tomorrow take care of itself. Where is our focus right now?
Matthew 7:24 - Therefore, whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
About the word "rock" in this verse, we see the word rock throughout our English Bible, and we know what a rock is, right? But here's something we might not catch without the Greek. Rock used here is the word PETRA. It's the same thing that Jesus told Peter in Matthew Chapter 16 where He says, "Upon this rock (PETRA) I will build my church."
I mention this because there are groups that say this is referring to Peter, that the church is built upon Peter. It wasn't Peter! Peter is PETROS. PETRA is a completely different word. It is the designation for Christ and His word in scripture. Jesus says that everybody that hears these saying of mine and does them will be like a wise man that built his house upon a rock (PETRA) and when the storm comes (which is judgment), his house will stand.
Matthew 7:28 - And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
Where is says "the people were astonished," this would be the multitudes that began to follow Jesus at the end of Chapter 4. They are the same people that were going to be astonished here at the end of Chapter 7. These are the multitudes that were listening, not the disciples.
Secondly, the word astonished is in the Imperfect Tense in the Greek, which means that it was a continuous past action. They were continually amazed!
I know this post was awhile ago but I just felt inclined to answer you. I could just say "whatever" to your extremely judgmental comments which would mean I don't agree with what you've said and don't feel the need to justify myself, but I won't. Sure I could have been a little more polite I suppose but I can't imagine all the poor souls headed for hell because they aren't as polite as they should be based on your beliefs. Just because you believe something is sin, doesn't make it so and you put to much drama on some of the things I say. You don't know what I am thinking when I say the things I say. Your judgmental comments are a sin according to the bible Matthew 7:1 but not according you, I guess. God Bless
"And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;"
1 Peter 1:22-23
Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one anothe r with a pure heart fervently:Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
Matthew 7:21
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."
1 John 2:23-26 some choose to go astray. This is a warning to remain in the truth, and be on guard against lawlessness. 2 Peter 3. God made it 100% up to each of us to choose who and what we want to follow. And many will choose unwisely. Matthew 7:13
"Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding." Isaiah 40:28 KJV
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD." Isaiah 55:8 KJV
"For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:9 KJV
People might feel if a person knows us or gets us we should know them or get them, however, with God that does not apply, He created us...
God lets us know in His word that we should fear Him. Due to man's human condition or carnal nature we don't even realize that we need to fear the Lord.
"Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling." Psalms 2:11 KJV
"And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Matthew 7:23 KJV
"...I never knew you.." this scripture implies that souls are actually going to go before God thinking they knew Him and His ways and won't realize that until they actually transition and then will understand that they didn't God at all. (this let's us know we need God's help to learn about Him in our personal journey, and God can and will help us)
"Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, ... Isaiah 55:6 (also Psalms 27:4)
This is a learning way, "God created us in His image" when a believer accepts the Holy Spirit then a Christ mind can be developed in a believer, so that the believer can learn what God is requiring of that particular believer. A believer knows what they know about God because the Lord has provided the knowledge, wisdom and understanding, all our understanding comes from God. God loves us and wants man (whom God created to be like Him). It takes time to be holy.
As promised I would like to continue our discussion on unequally yoked with unbelievers and we "the church" being separated from the world.
We've touched on 2 Corinthians 6:14-15
When we read further down in this chapter we come to verses 17 and 18 it reads "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
Paul is telling us to separate ourselves from the world, but to some degree Paul is only telling us what the Spirit of God has already done.
We are Unequally yoked with unbelievers in this world where lifestyles and morrows clash! Darkness and light cannot coexist.
A believer baptized with Christ spirit has a new nature that combats the old nature.
Not just outward sin but we now think different.
Listen to Paul again talking to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 2:14-16.
"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
Also, John 15:18-21.
Notice verse 21? "But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, BECAUSE THEY KNOW NOT HIM THAT SENT ME.
When the Holyspirit causes us to follow Christ and His teachings we're at odds with the world.
We have "separate" fathers.
God and Satan!
Satan has his ministers also. Look at Paul in his day. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15
Satan appeals to the flesh and worldly wisdom.
One thing they can't do is bare fruit! Matthew 7:15-18.
They despise truth and hate the Brothern.
See 1 John 3:10-15.
Perhaps more later on a separate thread.
God bless you.
My last post began to delve into the concept of how the Lord and a saved individual communicate; or perhaps better expressed "commune" with one another. We all have to beware of what is expressed in Matthew 7:23 when after a whole laundry list of things that were done "for the Lord" or "in His Name" Jesus states "I never KNEW you" before they are cast into damnation.
Obviously in a marriage situation there is a close analogy; two people don't get to know each other intimately without there being a unity; in that case of "one flesh".
I have probably delved into the concept another time of the fact that our salvation was determined before the foundation of the earth (see Rev. 13:8). In the practical understanding we have of our mortal existence on earth we see a time and place when our salvation occurred; perhaps more precisely stated as its activation. I have no doubt that those who through God's foreknowledge WOULD come to faith are guaranteed to live until that moment of confession and contrition ( Romans 10:9).
This can be proven more or less by the usual scenario; people who witness to us and circumstances that occur that trigger our interest in "spiritual" matters. Or; we could say simply that as God determined where and when we would be born; which parents; etc. certainly He also determines those details when someone is "Born Again".
Because assurance of salvation is something we all need to consider in light of 2 Corinthians 13:5 and other passages such as Phillippians 2:12 where we are to "work out our salvation with fear and trembling" we need to be cautious of our own profession of faith and that of others. We can't use the "grace card" to sidestep obedience to the Lord to His commandments. 1 John 5:3 states that His commands aren't "burdensome" much as would be the case if we tried to follow all the details of the Old Testament law. Christ shows that true worship is from the heart.
Brother I certainly misread your text!
I thought you were saying there is no 3 and a half year tribulation period. I re-read the text and couldn't do nothing but laugh at myself.
I think I combined your text with another and didn't read through neither.
Sorry for that!
More on the wide gate and "broad way" mentioned in Matthew 7:13-14.
I don't think you will find least resistance in the wide gate because because it is a "broad way"!
This group doesn't necessarily agree with one another! The only thing they have in common is they reject Christ and some don't even know it.
One's narrow view can be found in the wide gate.
I believe that is what makes the wide gate a broad way. People are willing to take any other way but the Lord's way.
That's why those on Christ narrow path is persecuted by the world and half of them goes under the banner of Christianity so I would be careful not to be prejudice against a view point because it is taught by what is believed to be the majority or minority view.
We study scripture to learn and grow. Not to differentiate or to disprove aview point.
It can become an obsession and lead you down the wrong path.
God bless.
Thanks, brother, I did not intend to combine salvation issue and eschatology. I was just referring to it being an innate human nature to follow a crowd and taking the path of least resistance. I did not mean to base any truth on the majority or minority. I agree we can apply Matthew 7:13 with salvation but we can also apply it to what is being taught as in verse 15 is a warning of false prophets. This includes false teaching that is attractive and the larger the crowd the easier it is to deceive people.
I agree we should put Scripture above all that is taught out there for in them is the only truth, but many people do not, they just go with what they hear from a preacher, TV, YouTube, etc. Some never open a Bible and study and pray, asking God for the truth and the larger the follower's impact what they believe is the truth.
We can be deceived if we do not try the spirits, 1 John 4:1 that only comes from prayer and study being guided by the Holy Spirit. Hope this makes sense, we have discussed this before and this is not to debate we both know each other's understanding and I am not asking you but honestly, I have not found or have been shown one verse that out-and-out says we go or are taken to heaven that some teach.
I must disagree, I am not Amillennialism, I do not spiritualize Scripture, I believe in a literal 1000-year reign of Jesus with His chosen and faithful at His second coming, Revelation 5:10 Revelation 20:4-6. Also, I do not believe the Church has replaced Israel. We are probably closer in our understanding of the end times than you think.
Hope you had a good vacation I guess you are on the road again.
God bless,
RLW
Part 3.
How should Christian treat one another?
We are to be at peace with one another, forgive one another, have mercy on one another.
Just a few references.
1 Thessalonians 4:9
Ephesians 4:32
Galatians 5:26
Galatians 6:2
Matthew 7:12
1 John 4:7
However, we don't lie or deceive one another for the sake of peace. The truth hurts sometimes but it promotes spiritual growth providing that the Christ spirit is in the person.
BELEIVERS SHUNNING OTHER BELEIVERS.
To shun is to deliberately avoid something or someone. In the Bible, the word shun is applied to evil. Job 1:8, Job 28:28, Proverbs 3:7-8 Proverbs 14:16. So, shunning evil is good.
There is scripture that promotes excommunication. Matthew 18:15-17; 2 Thessalonians 3:14. but do we do it for harm or Good? What's the intent?
In any case, it would seem that extreme forms of shunning, such as considering someone "dead," utterly ignoring him, or refusing to acknowledge his existence, go beyond what Scripture commands.
After all, Jesus said that, when someone is put out of the church, he should be treated as "a pagan or a tax collector" Matthew 18:17. In other words, treat an intractable offender as an unsaved person.
How are we to treat the unsaved? With love and grace.
The "pagans and tax collectors" need to be evangelized. We are to love even our enemies ( Matthew 5:44).
The goal of excommunication and any form of shunning is restoration ( Galatians 6:1).
The purpose of any type of discipline is to prompt repentance and, ultimately, to reunite our fallen brother or sister with the church body. Being officially ostracized from the church, the sinner might be brought to repentance.
When the man in the Corinthian church later realized that he had sinned against God, he repented and came back to the church for forgiveness and reinstatement. Fellowship with the Corinthian believers was restored ( 2 Corinthians 2:6-11).
Isn't it hateful to ignore or shun other believers?
See part 4.
Part 2.
We are not joined with those outside the body of Christ so, what are we as children of light supposed to do in a lost dark world?
We are to bare light and that light is supposed to shine on Christ.
We are his ambassadors in a foreign land.
We are to display the work of Christ in our lives and the evidence of a new birth bearing fruit. By this all people will know we are his disciples, and the fruit (especially Love for the Brothern) will also Distinguish between a false teaching religion/teachers and spirit filled believers where the spirit gathers and energizes. This is the operation of God by the baptism of the Holy spirit.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES; John 13:34-35, Matthew 7:16-20. 1 1John 4:20-21, If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
We are to Love the unbeliever, witness to them, and treat them with kindness and help them in a Godly way.
So, in what ways we are not to be unequally yoked with them? Many things can be mentioned but I won't get into that here.
2 Corinthians 6:14-18.
"The command implies that a great difference exists between a believer and an unbeliever. Generally speaking, the motivations, goals, and methods of a Christian are incompatible with those of an unbeliever.
Faith changes the character of a person. A Christian's highest ambition in life is to glorify the Lord Jesus and please Him in all things; an unbeliever is, at best, indifferent to such goals. "
Again, don't get me wrong here, we are called to minister to them in particular.
That is the Lords Commission. Luke 4:18.
It is our Great Commission to spread the Gospel; Matthew 28:16-20.
We do that with truth! We don't do it with lies and deception.
How should Christian treat one another?
See part 3.
I will attempt to wrap this up for now; although admittedly this is a subject which could easily call for many more postings. God in His infinite yet mysterious plans allowed for a created being to usurp 1/3 of the angels; and to deceive most of mankind throughout history. ( Matthew 7:13-14). Through the offspring mentioned in Genesis 6 he produced numerous giant beings (I can't see it being any other explanation) and therefore only Noah and his family were saved at the flood as it seems all the rest of mankind was corrupted genetically and by default morally beyond repair. (see Genesis 6:9 on Noah being "perfect in his generations"). He also later attempted the same thing on a more limited scale after the flood; resulting in Israel wiping out all the giants (with Goliath being the last one in the surrounding nations Israel had to conquer). Satan continued to attempt to wipe out all of God's people by the ordinance of Haman to wipe out all the Jews which was thwarted in Esther; the Holocaust and will almost succeed in Armageddon when half of Jerusalem is taken before Christ returns. He is the god of this world and Jesus didn't argue with him having control as a "usurper" type leader of all the Kingdoms of the world. Satan also will be given the limited short space of the last half of the Tribulation to more or less control the world but again he will fail to totally destroy the earth because God Himself makes the time short (see Matthew 24:22). Again; God is the one who allows these things; including the "strong delusion" He sends to decieve all those who didn't LOVE the truth but enjoyed unrighteousness ( 2 Thess. 2:11-12 rough translation). Once again at the end of the Millennium he has the final stand; which ends in his judgment cast into hell; and a mass of people as the sand of the sea; amazingly perishing despite seeing Christ on earth and living a utopian existance in the millennium.
as the lightning that cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall the coming of the Son of man be. Get ready- Matthew 25:10-, knowing that only lamp- Psalm 119:105-is not suffice to enter in the kingdom of GOD - Matthew 7:21-27 and Malachi 4:11-14.
Michael the archangel is one like unto the Son of man, the difference is that Michael is a warrior, JESUS the Savior, He is the stone which is become the head of the corner. There is no salvation in any other(except in JESUS Christ):for there is none other NAME under heaven given among men, whereby we MUST be saved.
JESUS/JOSHUA warned: ... no man cometh unto the Father, but by me, so Adonai, Jehovah, YHWH, Yahweh, HaShem, Yehovah, Elohim, Yahusha , YEHshia, YEHvah, ten supposed and fictitious names, better, NICKNAMES of GOD, added in the Jewish Bible, and inadvertently copied into the Gentile Bible by the translators, they all are good for nothing.
Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. But who comes first that will cause to happen Great Tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. My Lord JESUS made it very clear, saying: Except those days (this current time) should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
A false messiah is at door, he will manifest himself soon- Revelation 13:11-14 combined with John 5:43-47-AN IMPOSTOR- , he was born decadas ago, understand? It is he the God of the Jews- 2Thessalonians 2:3-4.
My Lord JESUS warned: If any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; BELEIVE IT NOT.
Be careful and get ready
There was a time when we could give many examples of those who were steadfast in the faith; particularly Pastors throughout their career and after passing onto glory no doubt had great reward to look forward to. This was partly because correct doctrines were still more or less practiced and preached in these denominations who had a long history of such to show forth. This was also due to the culture and society that supported basic moral virtues. We shouldn't be so naive as to suppose there weren't rebels and those who found ways to utilize this mindset for their own personal interests for success in this life. In contrast however today we have seen many fall away; whether completely apostatizing; or being found in immorality. It seems the sad downfall of Ravi Zacharias began an acceleration of others away from truth. I won't bother naming names here.
The sad truth is that someone can go through much of their ministry and lives doing right; and turn away in their last months on earth. This of course is true among the laypersons as well as we see the shocking decline in church attendance; openness to the sexual deviancy and leftist propaganda today; and yes that of the right as well. Again no need to name names here.
So we can't put confidence in men. Indeed we are reminded of Ezekiel 9:6 where God authorized wholesale slaughter of men; women and children.
This leads to a lot of sobering thoughts on where we are headed. There are many who think they can side with wickedness and that it helps them be left alone or approved by the world. It is forgotten quickly the adage in Matthew 7:6 on "casting our pearls before swine". You can be sure if and when there is an invasion or full persecution here or anywhere the lukewarm will be the first to suffer loss.
The few that are sold out for Christ know it and God knows them. Let us press on for the prize ( Philippians 3:14); alone if necessary.
I am sorry, we have just finished a discussion on the Trinity, and you say your post is not directed at me and you consider me as a friend, and we can have discussions on another subject. This is what you posted "If Jesus is not God, then there is no Christianity and those who worship Jesus are nothing but idolaters. But if He is God, then those who deny He is God are blasphemers in the worst sense of the word, because they believe in another Jesus".
How else can I take this, but you are telling me I am an idolater and a blasphemer of the worst sense of the word? I cannot even fathom saying that to a friend. How can you say I am a friend and say what you said, you said I am an idolater and a blasphemer. Why would you want to discuss anything with me if that is what you think I am?
Matthew 7:1 Luke 6:37 The truth will out, only if we are open to receiving it, my prayers are for you and your family this is my last reply to you.
God bless,
RLW
It is hard not to feel an impetus to prod on this subject. I am well aware that I don't have a spiritual gift of service and helps.
There are always needs and we can't live our lives in a vacuum; and that goes for church as well as in the rest of our lives. Perhaps it is doing what is needed rather than endless activities that also matters. I don't personally find it comfortable having a "Game night" at church nor have I been a social "butterfly" in general but these events when accompanied with prayer (and not with sinful activities that so often come about) these events can be edifying. As I stated previously discussions on world events often deviate toward speculation; there are times when scriptures can be discussed; and can be edifying when these discussions go into detail of Bible truths.
Evangelism
I probably said sometime in the last few years of posts that prayer is also good accompanying evangelism for anyone genuinely seeking it. I am not into the "sinner's prayer" in initial conversations; once we get to know people and see a genuine conviction that is the time to seek if they are ready to commit their lives to the Lord. We are partially responsible for someone's fate (blood on our hands) if we don't warn people of taking a vow to God flippantly. We should warn that the more we know the more we are responsible for. We should give many warnings as Christ did about it being the "narrow" path not the broad road leading to destruction ( Matthew 7:13-14). We should also give caution on the trials; thorns and temptations that God uses to test us to see if we are true believers ( Matt. 13:22). Such exhortations may filter out some; but I am convinced will in the end have a greater percentage of committed believers who endure to the end. The song by David Meese "You've gotta count the cost if you want to be a believer" isn't exactly the lingo in today's Christian music "industry" and that is to it's shame.