So let's begin with Jesus. Matthew 7:15: "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves." And the word beware means all of us should be alert, but especially shepherds, to identify not just false teaching, but false teachers, whose ways are subtle. They're clothing themselves with lamb's wool while they're wolves.
And Paul used the same Greek word for beware in Acts 20:28-29 when he said, "Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. . . . I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock."
"IN ORDER TO PROTECT THE FLOCK, WE SHOULD EXPOSE FALSE TEACHERS AND MINIMIZE THE SPREAD OF THE GANGRENE."
Jesus used the same word again in Matthew 16:6, but he got more specific: "Watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." Paul had the same kind of group in mind and the same kind of error in mind in Philippians 3:2 and 3:18: "Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh." And then verse 18:
"For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ." Then in Romans 16:17, he warned, "Watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them."
Carleton, When I speak of demonic influence, I mean that literally!! I'm not name calling. Yes, I believe in that and I believe in demons also. There is no Holy kiss for that person!! This Holy kiss of acceptance is to and for the Brothern.
Romans 12:9 says Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Abhor means to detest, or to feel abhorrence of; hate; dislike intensely.
When someone doesn't hold the truth that's one thing, but when someone stands in the way of the preaching of the cross of Christ that's another and it's evil. That's not a brother.
Look at Paul in Philippians 3:2. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
Paul calls them the enemies of the cross of Christ. And he says to MARK them! Philippians 3:17-19.
How do you reconcile these scriptures?
1 Corinthians 5:6-13.
2 Corinthians 6:14-18.
Listen to Paul in Titus 2:15. To rebuke someone is to admonish or convict. convince one of a fault. "This is from brother to Brother. Him you kiss, not an enemy of the cross of Christ.
We have those amongst us that promote a legalistic means of Justification that the scriptures identifies them as "Enemies of the cross of Christ." The scripture doesn't say greet them with an Holy kiss. In fact it says "Mark them which walk so"
However atleast they promote righteous living! They're just not justified before God in their efforts without a rebirth.
This person here in question, for the past three years or so doesn't promote righteous living at all! And they don't promote the acceptance of the work of Christ on the Cross as THE means for salvation! Would you say he's a Brother?
Luke 6:40] The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.
John 17:23] I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
After:
Acts 3:16] And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
Romans 12:2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
1st Cor 2:6] Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
1st Cor 1:10] Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
Philippians 3:15] Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
Col 1:28] Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
2nd Timothy 3:17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Hebrews 13:20] Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
[21] Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Amen, when the preacher behind the pulpit does not believe in perfection, neither will the church. The man of God has to be perfect, unlike what we hear today unbelief.
Mark 1:15] And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
The apostle Paul knew what it was to follow after Jesus. Paul could not literally follow Jesus in the flesh as most churches are preaching in vain and teaching as if Jesus is still walking the face of the earth. The apostle Paul said this:
1st Cor 11:1] Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
This is not the only instance in the bible Paul said such a thing, there are other places.
1st Cor 4:16] Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
Philippians 3:17] Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
1st Thess 1:[6] And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:
Amen, Jesus never preached to follow after him, he preached to follow after his words and not his person as his words are spirit and life John 6:63. We follow after Jesus' words as Jesus is no longer around to be followed in person.
2nd Cor 5:16] Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
[17] Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
The apostle Paul knew that he could not follow Jesus in person but had to follow after that voice from heaven that gave him words to preach. The apostle Paul never met Jesus in person, he did hear his voice and seen a light and that was it. The apostle Paul knew he had to follow after new directives from the Holy Ghost. We see many people trying to find Jesus or try to follow him and it is in vain as Jesus is not around to be followed, he has to be in you, and that is from his words by faith as faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God Romans 10:17.
Repent, and believe the Gospel of Christ's words Romans 1:16-17.
Nick34 I thought it would be necessary to note something concerning your statement "not being able to do the things the Bible says to do.
What ever that may be, just understand that you are not alone.
This wretchedness you have within you when you feel you are not doing as you should is the Holyspirit.
The Holyspirit brings conviction upon a believer and that is a good thing!
Only God children wants to please him. He prunes us.
Even though we may never be perfect in our service and walk in this lifetime but we try everyday.
We will have this conviction all our lives because we want to please him and the Spirit causes us to love the things he loves. Because we have his spirit in us.
Listen to Paul in Philippians 3:12-14
"Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
And now listen to him here in Romans 7:24-25. he says
"O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
We don't do this for salvation, we do it because of his lordship over our lives. It's his spirit that aligns us up with his will.
We should thank him for such conviction because it is he that works in us as we're clothed in his righteousness.
Giannis, and Wkrimes, and other readers who participate in Biblical Studies here
Then,Giannis,you remain in your speculative and ficticious interpretation of the things which the own GOD REVEALED to Moses around 2500 years after Adam or around 1500 years BC,or exactly two Days and half of works, according GOD revealed to Moses and he wrote in GENESIS 1:3 to 13.TAKE A LOOK. Actually, the one whom GOD has sent speaks the Words of GOD, like Moses, and the prophets, and the apostles of JESUS,for GOD gives the Spirit without limit, and above all GOD sent my Lord JESUS himself, through whom GOD made all things,understand?
That said, your thinking is from a human perspective, a stumblingblock, not from GOD's perspective. In fact, the person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of GOD but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit, undeerstand? He who has the Spirit makes Judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgment.
In fact, the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth.It's that. But the one who is of heaven is above all( Ephesians 1:3 combined with Philippians 3:20-21,among other Scriptures)for he testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony, but whoever has accepted it has certified that GOD is Truthful.For the one whom GOD has sent speaks the Words of GOD,for GOD gives the Spirit without limit.
Hebrews 4:12-13
12The Word of GOD is quick-the Word is GOD,SELF-EXECUTING,understand?-,and powerful,and sharper than any twoedged Sword,piercing even to the dividing asunder of SOUL and SPIRIT,and of the joints and marrow,and is a DISCERNER of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
13Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we must render an account.
I know the two resurrection you speak of, most believe what you believe.
The word speaks of Christ resurrection, then the resurrection of those who never believe that were raised with Christ.
Colossians 3:1 ... if ye be RISEN with Christ ....
Ephesians 2:6 .... and hath RAISED US us up together ....
Isaiah 26:19 .... TOGETHER with my dead body shall they ARISE ....
Hosea 6:2 ..... in the third day he will raise US UP .......
The saints that arose with Christ, were the Old Testament saints that had died in faith, but had never receive their promise of eternal life.
Those: in Revelation under the alter clothed in white are the Old saints awaiting their promise, eternal life, by their resurrection of Christ.
These are the 144,000 raised with Christ, the firstfruits of the resurrection.
Hebrews 11:39 And these all, havlng obtained a good report through faith, received not the PROMISE (eternal life).
Hebrews 11:40 Christ having provided some BETTER THING FOR US (never having to die and wait in the grave), that they WITHOUT US should not be made PERFECT (by our resurrection as one).
Hebrews 5:9 ...and having been made perfect .... by our resurrection as one ....
Philippians 3:15 Let us therefore who be perfect (by our resurrection as one), be thus minded: and if in any thing you be otherwise mined, God shall reveal even this to you.
Rejoice ye that dwell in the heaven as is written in Ephesians 1:3 and Philippians 3:20-21.
Woe to the inhabiters of the earth(Israel) and of the sea!(wicked peoples, and nations, and multitudes of all tongues) for the Devil comes having great wrath, he knows that he has but a short time.
The nations will be angry, but GOD's wrath comes and the time of the dead, that they should be Judged, and that GOD should give reward unto His servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear His name, and should DESTROY them which destroy the earth- Revelation 11:18
I would like to clarify that It's actually a Bible study and not a discussion, so who are the dogs acccording to the expresses Scriptures?
Until this moment I have been trying to bring the brothers to interpret the Scriptures as those who are inside them, and not as those who speak of them, but being not inside but on the outside looking at the Scriptures.
What is important for all of us is to identify through the Word of GOD who the dogs are mentioned in Revelation 22:15 and Philippians 3:2, which will be left out of the kingdom of GOD that will be established in this seventh and LAST millennium or seventh and last Day, the Day of the Lord.
Who are the dogs, then? Wouldn't the answer or identification of them be in the Old Testament? Wouldn't it be interesting to identify who the dogs are specifically, so that we are all protected from these dogs as Paulo wrote to the Church of Philippi? saying: Beware of dogs, ... Phil.3:2.
Again: It's actually a Bible study and not a discussion, so who are the dogs according to the expresses Scriptures? There are many here that know Scriptures deeply, so could anyone give us where is written who the dogs are in the Old Testament, and that we all know how to protect ourselves from them?
Perhaps someone here or many may have been "bitten" by a dog in the church they attend, and do not discern that a "dog" bit them. It is important that each of us is vaccinated, I mean, knowing who are dogs is as if be vaccinated and protected from them .
Revelation 22:15 that is a former secret book GOD the Father gave to JESUS , and Philippians 3:2 wrote by Paul te Apostle, they do no refer to "pets" o wild animals, of course. To say that is ridiculous and a mockery.
Actually, it's a challenge to decipher the biblical enigma on: "Who are the dogs?
I see and know that you have knowledge of the Bible and both tried to answer the question, but like someone who looks to the Scriptures from outside of them to inside, and do not enter within them deeply, nor delve and immerse inside them, but like someone surfing on the surface of the water. In my view what matters is to enter and delve into the Scriptures to bring the true interpretation and solution to the biblical enigma : Who are the dogs in Revelation 22: 15 and Philippians 3:2?
The question remains open for all my brothers because the Word of GOD is not speaking of "pets", of course. What we are commenting by the Word of GOD is: "For without are DOGS... - Revelation 22:15, and Philippians 3:2 says: Beware of DOGS... ", but wait, Scriptures are not speaking of "pets", as was suggested in prior replies, so who are them? Who are the dogs?
To decipher the riddle and find the correctly answer to the question it seems a challenge, it is necessary to immerge into the Scriptures and delve into them to find and brings the solution to this enigma within the Bible, otherwise the answers may not match or fit with the Holy Scriptures, the source of Truth. This is a serious problem.
To decipher the riddle giving correctly answer to the question, it is necessary to enter into the Scriptures and delve, and immerse into them finding the solution to this enigma within the the Word of GOD. It's very interesting to decipher for us, I think.
The term dogs in Philippians 3:2 is actually making reference to a religious phrase. The Gentiles were considered dogs by the Jews.
There are two words in the New Testament that have to do with a dog. KUNARION ( Matthew 15:26 and Mark 7:27) is a household pet. And then we have a KUON. A Kuon is a wild scavenger. And that's the animal used here.
Gentiles were called Kuon's, wild scavengers, impure, and grungy. So it was an insult to call somebody a Kuon. And so he's using the word Kuon. He says beware of the dogs. The Jews would have understood who he was referring to.
This is the same word (KUON) that's used in Revelation 22:15.
11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
12 And, BEHOLD, I COME QUICKLY; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
15 For without are DOGS, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
Philippians 3:2KJV
2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
In the beginning, i.e. in JESUS - GOD created the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd heavens, and the heaven of the heavens- Genesis 1:1, and the earth(not the planet), but the CLAY, the dry land- Genesis 1:9. Great mystery. By the way, in what heaven you spiritually are acccording to the Ephesians 1:3? Our conversation is in heaven according to the Philippians 3:20, from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, understand? By the way, "By whom He made the worlds".
The 1st world made by GOD through JESUS was/and is the 1st heavenly place established by GOD- The Old Testament.
The 2nd world made by GOD through JESUS was/and is the 2nd heavenly place established by GOD- The New Testament.
And the 3rd world? What does JESUS said of the 3rd world or 3rd heavenly place in Him to be established by Him? JESUS said: Luke 20:35-36KJV:
35 But they which shall be accounted WORTHY to obtain that WORLD(the Kingdom of GOD- Revelation 11:15 to 18), and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:
36 Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of GOD, being the children of the resurrection.
And the heaven of the heavens? The heaven of the heavens will be established after the END of the millennial Kingdom of GOD- Revelation 11:15-18 combined with Revelation 20:7-15.Then the Eternity will begin.
Don't forget:The heavens(The 1st and 2nd heavens) and the earth(Israel),which ARE NOW, by the same Word-the Word is GOD-are kept in store,reserved unto fire against this Day of Judgment(the Judgment Seat of Christ)and perdition of ungodly men -2Peter3:7 & 11-12:
11Seeing then that all these things shall be DISSOLVED,what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
12Looking for and hasting unto the coming of this Day of GOD(the Lord's Day),wherein the heavens(the 1st & 2nd heavens) being on fire shall be DISSOLVED,and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
rnespStodo8hhg7g0al1h631aa0mgt5mi63iuf85fl0fmuic10502a63mt5u Shared with Public
Thought for Today - October 5, 2023
Pressing Forward
By: Robert A. Searles
This is the first day of the rest of our lives. Having come before our Lord this morning in prayer, and according to his faithfulness to cleanse and forgive; having received forgiveness and cleansing; let us begin at the place where we are at this moment, forgetting those things which are behind and reach forward to those things which are before us.
We can do nothing about what has passed except to ask God to forgive us for our sins and short coming, but by God's grace and enabling power, we can if we will, take that which we have now and "Press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3: 14.
What is the prize of the high calling of God? The prize of the high calling of God is: "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead." Philippians 3 10.
The prize of the high calling of God is our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ: "Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able to subdue all things unto himself." Philippians 3:-21.
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What is the nature of sheep and how do they perform?
What is the role of the shepherd?
Salvation is not a performance or an acting Job. We are to be led by the Spirit and walk in it.
When we get out of line, God chastise us. He's your father and you're his son, He never abandons us. When sheep go astray the shepherd goes out looking for them. Christ is the Chief Shepherd.
John 10:3-4. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
Ronald parallel John 10:9 with Joh 6:27 in part 2.
John 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
If we have died in Christ, we should already be seeing the power of his Resurrection and not depend on those fleshly attempts that brought no fruit. (self-righteousness) in Paul's case the Law.
Philippians 3:9-16.
Christ is doing something new.
He is putting his spirit in man that he might know him and do his statutes. "First to the Jews and then to the Gentiles, forming his Church.
John 10:16.
And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
You said that you "don't know if the angels can see the Father, or if for all eternity they saw the Godhead in the Son even before He was incarnated".
Remember that John the Baptist was an angel( Isaiah 40:1 to 14 reveal who is his person combined with Malachi 3:1), angels are born by the Power of the Word of GOD, by prophecy, even our Lord JESUS affirmed this( Matthew 11:9-10), and John the Baptist, the angel of the Lord, knew JESUS before His birth, as even he testified: John the Apostle wrote about the testimony of John the Baptist, saying: John 1:18 - 18 No man hath seen GOD at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.
By the way, we must know with certainty through the Word of GOD that the TRUE BELIEVERS will be angels of GOD from now on, by the transformation and changing of the nature of them all, the Word of GOD will do it in the true believers, do you understand? Because they was born from GOD-from the Word-the Word is GOD- Philippians 3:20-21 combined with 1 Corinthians 15:51-55 and Romans 8:18-25, Believest thou this?)
Our Lord JESUS said: Luke 20:35-36-
35 - They which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world (next world-the Kingdom of GOD- Revelation 11:15-18) and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:
36 Neither can they die any more: for they are EQUAL UNTO THE ANGELS; and are the children of GOD, being the children of the resurrection.
Matthew 25:29 - For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
Matthew 25:4-6
4 - The wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and SLEPT. (Similar Genesis 2:21-25)
6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; GO YE OUT(yes, GO OUT)TO MEET HIM.
I would add to your statement of Paul in 1Cor 9:27
Though Romans is place before Cor in the bible, it was actually written after Cor
In Pauls ever increasing growth in the Grace in the Lord Jesus Christ, Grace brought him to the perfection, maturity, & confidence that he states in Rom 8:35-39
only sin separates
This clearly show a perfection that can be added too, as we continue steadfastly to grow in Grace until the end 2Tim 4:7
this is the reason he states in Philippians 3:12 & then in Philippians 3:15 it was a contradiction of truths, but that he learnt
John 15:5 & Philippians 4:13 Humility, Micah 6:8
We have the Scriptures as a testimony of Paul's extra ordinary life, all owning to Grace, 1Cor 15:10
God is not a respector of persons, though He does have different placement within His body, yet all are required to be holy!
The Grace of God that appears to all mankind, begotten Paul & he declares in 1Cor 15:10 made what he now is.
What the Apostles received by the Revelation of Jesus Christ from His Grace appearance, they wrote down in the Epistle's that bares their name, & they believed & attain unto this knowledge by the diligent exercising thereof Hebrews 5:14Hebrews 12:11Philippians 3:16
Here's a small unfolding of His Grace / Light
They let Patience James 1:4,25James 5:111Pet 5:9,10
Make you Perfect Hebrews 13:21
Be ye Perfect Matt 5:48 indicating this perfection is the same as the Father, there's not a different standard of holiness for mankind describe here.
The angel declared to Mary, Matt 1:21 not in their sin!
Folks,
Everything that God does is perfect, do you really believe that He would sent His only begotten Son to suffer all that He did for our sakes, & it not be a perfect restoration for His beloved creations.
I tell you by the Scriptures, sound reasoning & the Holy Ghost it's goes beyond the state of Adam innocents before he fell
Rom 6:3-5 the newness of life spoken of here is the likeness of His resurrection life & that is attain by working of His Divine Power 2Pet 1:2-4
I'm talking Grace, here now in this life. Don't be deceived, it's accompanies all that Christ experience, 1Pet 2:21 this too is apart of being make in His image & likeness, walking as He walk, the Apostles final got it after Pentecost, being baptized unto His death. This is when 1John 1:1-5 truly came into spiritual experiential experience. John 7:17
John 4:23,24 True worship is doing His will
& that will is reveal by His Grace / Light appearance in your heart. 2Cor 4:6,7
The King's English "Conversation" means behavior, citizenship, or both depending on its usage. Let us take a look.
Philippians 3:20 (KJV) 20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Conversation: behavior, conduct, manner of life, manner of walk, Gk citizenship, commonwealth.
I would lean toward citizenship meaning for this particular passage.
3:20 citizenship. This figure would have been particularly appreciated by the Philippians who were colonists living away from Rome, though citizens of Rome. Similarly, Christians live away from the place of their citizenship, heaven. - Ryrie
Conversation found in Ephesians 2:3 (KJV) 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
I would lean toward the behavior, one's conduct, and manner of walk definition as it is used in Ephesians 2:3.
If you don't believe; you will DIE in your SIN (unbelief), ALL other sins are COVERED by the BLOOD of Christ.
You cannot; add or take away, from the WORKS of the CROSS of Christ.
Did his CROSS save mankind; from DEATH, or was the WORKS of the CROSS useless?
Philippians 3:18 For MANY (christians) walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are ENEMIES of the CROSS of Jesus Christ.
Galatians 2:20 I am CRUCIFIED with Christ, yet I LIVE, yet NOT I, but CHRIST ......
ONLY the BODY of Christ was RESURRECTED.
1 Corinthians 12:27 Ye are the BODY of Christ ..... you're just a BODY, nothing else.
Ezekiel 36:27 And I will put my Spirit in YOU (my BODY) and CAUSE you to walk in my statutes, and KEEP my judgements and DO THEM.
Ephesians 4:4 ..... ONE BODY ....
Most don't BELIEVE the WORKS of the CROSS of Christ.
Once again; the verse "the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom" is a necessary verse to quote and is found in Proverbs as well as at least a couple places in Psalms. Assuming that there is a genuine conversion needs to be in word and deed. Confessing with our mouth must be accompanied by believing in our heart ( Romans 10:9-10). Believing in our heart must involve; of course a heart change as Ezekiel 36:26 indicates. Evidence of that is an understanding that as sinners we are coming from being ENEMIES of God (i.e. the enmity is in both directions) as Romans 5:10 indicates. True faith understands the painful sacrifice of Christ to pay the redemption through the atonement which only His blood could do in our behalf. Obedience accompanies true love for God as John 14:15 indicates. RECOGNITION that we are crucified with Christ ( Galatians 2:20) means that our new nature is now having new affections and the old one is something which we no longer find our "default" mode. We are beyond wanting to avoid sin because of the consequences but because we recognize that we are offending a Holy God who dwells in us ( 2 Cor. 5:1; and apparently the meaning implicit in John 1:14 where He dwells in us. True salvation never brings contentment with sin; we may fall away but as Proverbs says in chapter 24; verse 16 he rises again; but it is not so for the wicked. We are saved by grace but always have potential to sin and a true believer will be as Paul was cognizant and wary of anything that will get in the way until the end of this earthly existance ( Philippians 3:12-14). This is like 1 Corinthians 9:24 in striving to gain the prize.
Another related situation is that a true believer recognizes that rewards can be attained or lost according to Revelation 3:11. Realizing that we can enter heaven but as through the fire suffering loss ( 1 Cor. 3:15) shows salvation is the beginning of the journey of a truly saved person
Have you ever presented the Gospel to a atheist or perhaps a Muslim?
The first thing they refer you to is the 10 commandments and their argument sounds just like those who present the keeping of the law as a means of salvation.
So, they should have a clear understanding of what the law was for and what it did "by the scriptures" through a study in Romans, Galatians, and Corinthians.
Romans 7:8-14.
Galatians 2:16-21.
Galatians 3:1-29.
2 Corinthians 3:5-11. and then perhaps scriptures like Philippians 3:2-14.
These verses convict the sinner and put all under sin. That's what the law was for!
Our outward ceremonies and obedience at our best couldn't make us perfect! There is no new birth!
God requires perfection that is why he required a perfect replacement, Lamb. Christ Jesus.
SANCTIFICATION FOLLWS THIS.
Consider Israel.
God displayed the fallen nature of man and their inability to perform even while God was in their midst and carried them. This was and still is an example to us.
We are lost hopeless sheep gone astray apart from Jesus's blood shed on the cross.
Understand Matthew 21:42.
Jesus is the chief cornerstone, the pivotal piece of the foundation in which we are to build on.
When we are led by the Spirit we're building with precious stone. When we are led by the flesh, we build with wood hay and stubble. every man's work shall be tested by fire.
WHEN ISRAEL AS A NATION IS DRIVEN TO CALL ON THEIR MESSIAH THOSE WHO ACCEPT HIM AT THAT TIME WILL BE SAVED ALSO. AND GOD WILL BE SANCTIFIED IN THEM.
IN FACT, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 is a revealing letter from Paul the Apostle.
By the way, all GOD's people must remember Acts 1:11 - Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same JESUS, which is taken up from you into HEAVEN(into the 3rd heaven. HEAVEN? Ephesians 1:3 combined with Philippians 3:20-21 among other biblical references. Take a look.), shall so COME IN LIKE MANNER as ye have seen Him go into heaven(3rd heaven, that is the next world- Luke 20:35-36. Take a look). JESUS was on Mount called Olivet in the day when He was taken up, right? and shall COME in like manner( 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18), and the SAME CLOUD will be there in His return, understand? For better understand, compare with Matt.17:5 and Isaiah 4:5.
What does the Word of GOD say? The Word is GOD, self-executing, understand? The Word says: Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days. Dan.12:v.12 - Yeah, day 1335, the Ineffable, Wonderful, Indescribable, Unspeakable day, the day 1.335. Hallelujaaah!!! It means: 45 days after the period of 1290 days. Get ready you all, as JESUS WARNED: Matthew 25: 6-13.
For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
Philippians 3:7-11.
But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have
suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the
righteousness which is of God by faith:
That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
The law was given to Israel, but it wasn't to make them Holy.
It was given to show the world that it was necessary for a new birth in Christ Jesus.
It's impressive, but it has been two thousand years since JESUS came here, think well about it, passing two thousand years is a gigantic space of time, in fact a huge gap or interval in space and time, but it passed, but will continue to pass. The time is infinite, like the space is infinite too.
And now JESUS WILL RETURN AGAIN HERE IN THE SAME PLACE from where He ascended to the third heavenly environment and a cloud RECEIVED Him ( Acts 1:11) , yes, He will again return now to the same place from where He ascended, and He will reign and lead us in new celestial environment ( Ephesians 1:3) by His power, for a period of 1.000 years(the cloud also will appear again, understand?) , as it is revealed in Philippians 3:20-21: -->20 For our conversation is in heaven (heaven? Ephesians 1:3. Take a look.)-; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto himself. By the way, He made it very clear when He said: All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth- Matthew 28:18.
Get ready, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him- Matthew 25:6 - .
Lets pray
Unfortunately , there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
There much truth in what you counsel, my thoughts were in the work of regeneration unto perfection, I would say yes to the thief situation, but to the jailer situation, he would have to work out his salvation, now that he 'first believed" Lydia was already a godly person, mayber just needed to hear more perfectly the gospel. I notice in my own journey, that the brighter the path becomes, the more light I received in understanding the darkness of our old Adamic nature. the little foxes spoil the vine. Song of Solomon 2:15
quoting you; no one but Christ could fully keep it
Luke 1:6Philippians 3:6
to use your own tools of understanding
blameless!
, ( to blame), blameless, deserving no censure, free from fault or defect: Luke 1:6; Philippians 2:15; Philippians 3:6; 1 Thessalonians 3:13Hebrews 8:7 (in which nothing is lacking); in the Sept. equivalent to , Job 1:1, 8 etc
Do you think, that perhaps you could be blinded here?
What you, and others that hold your view, are doing is missing, ignoring, denying (you chose the word) that the EFFICACY of Christ's Atonement extends from the FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD.
This is unscriptual, it didn't apply until He actually did it.
quoting you;
"If this were not the case, no one living in the OT could have ever become saved. Why? Because no one can, nor ever has, kept the Law of God perfectly".
Job 1:1Job 1:8Job 2:3 Enoch was take up to God, do you really believe God would allow a sinner into heaven? Both of these was before the law, & after the law 1 Kings 11:42 Kings 20:31Chronicles 29:9Luke 1:6Philippians 3:6
What saith thou of thyself?
Friend, your putting your foot in your mouth again!
So let's begin with Jesus. Matthew 7:15: "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves." And the word beware means all of us should be alert, but especially shepherds, to identify not just false teaching, but false teachers, whose ways are subtle. They're clothing themselves with lamb's wool while they're wolves.
And Paul used the same Greek word for beware in Acts 20:28-29 when he said, "Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. . . . I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock."
"IN ORDER TO PROTECT THE FLOCK, WE SHOULD EXPOSE FALSE TEACHERS AND MINIMIZE THE SPREAD OF THE GANGRENE."
Jesus used the same word again in Matthew 16:6, but he got more specific: "Watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." Paul had the same kind of group in mind and the same kind of error in mind in Philippians 3:2 and 3:18: "Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh." And then verse 18:
"For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ." Then in Romans 16:17, he warned, "Watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them."
BEWARE OF THE WOLVES.
God bless.
Part 3.
Carleton, When I speak of demonic influence, I mean that literally!! I'm not name calling. Yes, I believe in that and I believe in demons also. There is no Holy kiss for that person!! This Holy kiss of acceptance is to and for the Brothern.
Romans 12:9 says Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Abhor means to detest, or to feel abhorrence of; hate; dislike intensely.
When someone doesn't hold the truth that's one thing, but when someone stands in the way of the preaching of the cross of Christ that's another and it's evil. That's not a brother.
Look at Paul in Philippians 3:2. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
Paul calls them the enemies of the cross of Christ. And he says to MARK them! Philippians 3:17-19.
How do you reconcile these scriptures?
1 Corinthians 5:6-13.
2 Corinthians 6:14-18.
Listen to Paul in Titus 2:15. To rebuke someone is to admonish or convict. convince one of a fault. "This is from brother to Brother. Him you kiss, not an enemy of the cross of Christ.
We have those amongst us that promote a legalistic means of Justification that the scriptures identifies them as "Enemies of the cross of Christ." The scripture doesn't say greet them with an Holy kiss. In fact it says "Mark them which walk so"
However atleast they promote righteous living! They're just not justified before God in their efforts without a rebirth.
This person here in question, for the past three years or so doesn't promote righteous living at all! And they don't promote the acceptance of the work of Christ on the Cross as THE means for salvation! Would you say he's a Brother?
See Part 4.
Luke 6:40] The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.
John 17:23] I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
After:
Acts 3:16] And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
Romans 12:2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
1st Cor 2:6] Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
1st Cor 1:10] Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
Philippians 3:15] Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
Col 1:28] Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
2nd Timothy 3:17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Hebrews 13:20] Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
[21] Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Amen, when the preacher behind the pulpit does not believe in perfection, neither will the church. The man of God has to be perfect, unlike what we hear today unbelief.
The apostle Paul knew what it was to follow after Jesus. Paul could not literally follow Jesus in the flesh as most churches are preaching in vain and teaching as if Jesus is still walking the face of the earth. The apostle Paul said this:
1st Cor 11:1] Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
This is not the only instance in the bible Paul said such a thing, there are other places.
1st Cor 4:16] Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
Philippians 3:17] Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
1st Thess 1:[6] And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:
Amen, Jesus never preached to follow after him, he preached to follow after his words and not his person as his words are spirit and life John 6:63. We follow after Jesus' words as Jesus is no longer around to be followed in person.
2nd Cor 5:16] Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
[17] Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
The apostle Paul knew that he could not follow Jesus in person but had to follow after that voice from heaven that gave him words to preach. The apostle Paul never met Jesus in person, he did hear his voice and seen a light and that was it. The apostle Paul knew he had to follow after new directives from the Holy Ghost. We see many people trying to find Jesus or try to follow him and it is in vain as Jesus is not around to be followed, he has to be in you, and that is from his words by faith as faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God Romans 10:17.
Repent, and believe the Gospel of Christ's words Romans 1:16-17.
I hope all is well.
Nick34 I thought it would be necessary to note something concerning your statement "not being able to do the things the Bible says to do.
What ever that may be, just understand that you are not alone.
This wretchedness you have within you when you feel you are not doing as you should is the Holyspirit.
The Holyspirit brings conviction upon a believer and that is a good thing!
Only God children wants to please him. He prunes us.
Even though we may never be perfect in our service and walk in this lifetime but we try everyday.
We will have this conviction all our lives because we want to please him and the Spirit causes us to love the things he loves. Because we have his spirit in us.
Listen to Paul in Philippians 3:12-14
"Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
And now listen to him here in Romans 7:24-25. he says
"O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
We don't do this for salvation, we do it because of his lordship over our lives. It's his spirit that aligns us up with his will.
We should thank him for such conviction because it is he that works in us as we're clothed in his righteousness.
God bless you.
Then,Giannis,you remain in your speculative and ficticious interpretation of the things which the own GOD REVEALED to Moses around 2500 years after Adam or around 1500 years BC,or exactly two Days and half of works, according GOD revealed to Moses and he wrote in GENESIS 1:3 to 13.TAKE A LOOK. Actually, the one whom GOD has sent speaks the Words of GOD, like Moses, and the prophets, and the apostles of JESUS,for GOD gives the Spirit without limit, and above all GOD sent my Lord JESUS himself, through whom GOD made all things,understand?
That said, your thinking is from a human perspective, a stumblingblock, not from GOD's perspective. In fact, the person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of GOD but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit, undeerstand? He who has the Spirit makes Judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgment.
In fact, the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth.It's that. But the one who is of heaven is above all( Ephesians 1:3 combined with Philippians 3:20-21,among other Scriptures)for he testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony, but whoever has accepted it has certified that GOD is Truthful.For the one whom GOD has sent speaks the Words of GOD,for GOD gives the Spirit without limit.
Hebrews 4:12-13
12The Word of GOD is quick-the Word is GOD,SELF-EXECUTING,understand?-,and powerful,and sharper than any twoedged Sword,piercing even to the dividing asunder of SOUL and SPIRIT,and of the joints and marrow,and is a DISCERNER of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
13Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we must render an account.
Be careful or then get ready
I know the two resurrection you speak of, most believe what you believe.
The word speaks of Christ resurrection, then the resurrection of those who never believe that were raised with Christ.
Colossians 3:1 ... if ye be RISEN with Christ ....
Ephesians 2:6 .... and hath RAISED US us up together ....
Isaiah 26:19 .... TOGETHER with my dead body shall they ARISE ....
Hosea 6:2 ..... in the third day he will raise US UP .......
The saints that arose with Christ, were the Old Testament saints that had died in faith, but had never receive their promise of eternal life.
Those: in Revelation under the alter clothed in white are the Old saints awaiting their promise, eternal life, by their resurrection of Christ.
These are the 144,000 raised with Christ, the firstfruits of the resurrection.
Hebrews 11:39 And these all, havlng obtained a good report through faith, received not the PROMISE (eternal life).
Hebrews 11:40 Christ having provided some BETTER THING FOR US (never having to die and wait in the grave), that they WITHOUT US should not be made PERFECT (by our resurrection as one).
Hebrews 5:9 ...and having been made perfect .... by our resurrection as one ....
Philippians 3:15 Let us therefore who be perfect (by our resurrection as one), be thus minded: and if in any thing you be otherwise mined, God shall reveal even this to you.
God Bless YOU!
Rejoice ye that dwell in the heaven as is written in Ephesians 1:3 and Philippians 3:20-21.
Woe to the inhabiters of the earth(Israel) and of the sea!(wicked peoples, and nations, and multitudes of all tongues) for the Devil comes having great wrath, he knows that he has but a short time.
The nations will be angry, but GOD's wrath comes and the time of the dead, that they should be Judged, and that GOD should give reward unto His servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear His name, and should DESTROY them which destroy the earth- Revelation 11:18
That said, get ready
Thank you for your replies.
I would like to clarify that It's actually a Bible study and not a discussion, so who are the dogs acccording to the expresses Scriptures?
Until this moment I have been trying to bring the brothers to interpret the Scriptures as those who are inside them, and not as those who speak of them, but being not inside but on the outside looking at the Scriptures.
What is important for all of us is to identify through the Word of GOD who the dogs are mentioned in Revelation 22:15 and Philippians 3:2, which will be left out of the kingdom of GOD that will be established in this seventh and LAST millennium or seventh and last Day, the Day of the Lord.
Who are the dogs, then? Wouldn't the answer or identification of them be in the Old Testament? Wouldn't it be interesting to identify who the dogs are specifically, so that we are all protected from these dogs as Paulo wrote to the Church of Philippi? saying: Beware of dogs, ... Phil.3:2.
Again: It's actually a Bible study and not a discussion, so who are the dogs according to the expresses Scriptures? There are many here that know Scriptures deeply, so could anyone give us where is written who the dogs are in the Old Testament, and that we all know how to protect ourselves from them?
Perhaps someone here or many may have been "bitten" by a dog in the church they attend, and do not discern that a "dog" bit them. It is important that each of us is vaccinated, I mean, knowing who are dogs is as if be vaccinated and protected from them .
GOD bless and be careful
Revelation 22:15 that is a former secret book GOD the Father gave to JESUS , and Philippians 3:2 wrote by Paul te Apostle, they do no refer to "pets" o wild animals, of course. To say that is ridiculous and a mockery.
So, the question remains: Who are the dogs mentioned in Revelation 22:15 and Philippians 3:2?
Thank you for your replies
Actually, it's a challenge to decipher the biblical enigma on: "Who are the dogs?
I see and know that you have knowledge of the Bible and both tried to answer the question, but like someone who looks to the Scriptures from outside of them to inside, and do not enter within them deeply, nor delve and immerse inside them, but like someone surfing on the surface of the water. In my view what matters is to enter and delve into the Scriptures to bring the true interpretation and solution to the biblical enigma : Who are the dogs in Revelation 22: 15 and Philippians 3:2?
The question remains open for all my brothers because the Word of GOD is not speaking of "pets", of course. What we are commenting by the Word of GOD is: "For without are DOGS... - Revelation 22:15, and Philippians 3:2 says: Beware of DOGS... ", but wait, Scriptures are not speaking of "pets", as was suggested in prior replies, so who are them? Who are the dogs?
To decipher the riddle and find the correctly answer to the question it seems a challenge, it is necessary to immerge into the Scriptures and delve into them to find and brings the solution to this enigma within the Bible, otherwise the answers may not match or fit with the Holy Scriptures, the source of Truth. This is a serious problem.
To decipher the riddle giving correctly answer to the question, it is necessary to enter into the Scriptures and delve, and immerse into them finding the solution to this enigma within the the Word of GOD. It's very interesting to decipher for us, I think.
GOD bless
The term dogs in Philippians 3:2 is actually making reference to a religious phrase. The Gentiles were considered dogs by the Jews.
There are two words in the New Testament that have to do with a dog. KUNARION ( Matthew 15:26 and Mark 7:27) is a household pet. And then we have a KUON. A Kuon is a wild scavenger. And that's the animal used here.
Gentiles were called Kuon's, wild scavengers, impure, and grungy. So it was an insult to call somebody a Kuon. And so he's using the word Kuon. He says beware of the dogs. The Jews would have understood who he was referring to.
This is the same word (KUON) that's used in Revelation 22:15.
11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
12 And, BEHOLD, I COME QUICKLY; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
15 For without are DOGS, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
Philippians 3:2KJV
2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
Who are the DOGS according to the Word of GOD?
YEah, who are the dogs? Who are them?
In the beginning, i.e. in JESUS - GOD created the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd heavens, and the heaven of the heavens- Genesis 1:1, and the earth(not the planet), but the CLAY, the dry land- Genesis 1:9. Great mystery. By the way, in what heaven you spiritually are acccording to the Ephesians 1:3? Our conversation is in heaven according to the Philippians 3:20, from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, understand? By the way, "By whom He made the worlds".
The 1st world made by GOD through JESUS was/and is the 1st heavenly place established by GOD- The Old Testament.
The 2nd world made by GOD through JESUS was/and is the 2nd heavenly place established by GOD- The New Testament.
And the 3rd world? What does JESUS said of the 3rd world or 3rd heavenly place in Him to be established by Him? JESUS said: Luke 20:35-36KJV:
35 But they which shall be accounted WORTHY to obtain that WORLD(the Kingdom of GOD- Revelation 11:15 to 18), and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:
36 Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of GOD, being the children of the resurrection.
And the heaven of the heavens? The heaven of the heavens will be established after the END of the millennial Kingdom of GOD- Revelation 11:15-18 combined with Revelation 20:7-15.Then the Eternity will begin.
Don't forget:The heavens(The 1st and 2nd heavens) and the earth(Israel),which ARE NOW, by the same Word-the Word is GOD-are kept in store,reserved unto fire against this Day of Judgment(the Judgment Seat of Christ)and perdition of ungodly men -2Peter3:7 & 11-12:
11Seeing then that all these things shall be DISSOLVED,what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
12Looking for and hasting unto the coming of this Day of GOD(the Lord's Day),wherein the heavens(the 1st & 2nd heavens) being on fire shall be DISSOLVED,and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
rnespStodo8hhg7g0al1h631aa0mgt5mi63iuf85fl0fmuic10502a63mt5u Shared with Public
Thought for Today - October 5, 2023
Pressing Forward
By: Robert A. Searles
This is the first day of the rest of our lives. Having come before our Lord this morning in prayer, and according to his faithfulness to cleanse and forgive; having received forgiveness and cleansing; let us begin at the place where we are at this moment, forgetting those things which are behind and reach forward to those things which are before us.
We can do nothing about what has passed except to ask God to forgive us for our sins and short coming, but by God's grace and enabling power, we can if we will, take that which we have now and "Press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3: 14.
What is the prize of the high calling of God? The prize of the high calling of God is: "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead." Philippians 3 10.
The prize of the high calling of God is our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ: "Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able to subdue all things unto himself." Philippians 3:-21.
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Telehelp Publications Christiam Literature Ministry
Psalm 26: 7
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Part 3.
Christ is life,
The question is, have you died?
Are you his sheep?
What is the nature of sheep and how do they perform?
What is the role of the shepherd?
Salvation is not a performance or an acting Job. We are to be led by the Spirit and walk in it.
When we get out of line, God chastise us. He's your father and you're his son, He never abandons us. When sheep go astray the shepherd goes out looking for them. Christ is the Chief Shepherd.
John 10:3-4. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
Ronald parallel John 10:9 with Joh 6:27 in part 2.
John 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
If we have died in Christ, we should already be seeing the power of his Resurrection and not depend on those fleshly attempts that brought no fruit. (self-righteousness) in Paul's case the Law.
Philippians 3:9-16.
Christ is doing something new.
He is putting his spirit in man that he might know him and do his statutes. "First to the Jews and then to the Gentiles, forming his Church.
John 10:16.
And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
This brings us to Pentecost.
See Part 4.
Greetings in Christ JESUS
You said that you "don't know if the angels can see the Father, or if for all eternity they saw the Godhead in the Son even before He was incarnated".
Remember that John the Baptist was an angel( Isaiah 40:1 to 14 reveal who is his person combined with Malachi 3:1), angels are born by the Power of the Word of GOD, by prophecy, even our Lord JESUS affirmed this( Matthew 11:9-10), and John the Baptist, the angel of the Lord, knew JESUS before His birth, as even he testified: John the Apostle wrote about the testimony of John the Baptist, saying: John 1:18 - 18 No man hath seen GOD at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.
By the way, we must know with certainty through the Word of GOD that the TRUE BELIEVERS will be angels of GOD from now on, by the transformation and changing of the nature of them all, the Word of GOD will do it in the true believers, do you understand? Because they was born from GOD-from the Word-the Word is GOD- Philippians 3:20-21 combined with 1 Corinthians 15:51-55 and Romans 8:18-25, Believest thou this?)
Our Lord JESUS said: Luke 20:35-36-
35 - They which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world (next world-the Kingdom of GOD- Revelation 11:15-18) and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:
36 Neither can they die any more: for they are EQUAL UNTO THE ANGELS; and are the children of GOD, being the children of the resurrection.
Matthew 25:29 - For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
Matthew 25:4-6
4 - The wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and SLEPT. (Similar Genesis 2:21-25)
6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; GO YE OUT(yes, GO OUT)TO MEET HIM.
Come up hither- Revelation 4:1
Hallelujah, praise our GOD
Well said,
I would add to your statement of Paul in 1Cor 9:27
Though Romans is place before Cor in the bible, it was actually written after Cor
In Pauls ever increasing growth in the Grace in the Lord Jesus Christ, Grace brought him to the perfection, maturity, & confidence that he states in Rom 8:35-39
only sin separates
This clearly show a perfection that can be added too, as we continue steadfastly to grow in Grace until the end 2Tim 4:7
this is the reason he states in Philippians 3:12 & then in Philippians 3:15 it was a contradiction of truths, but that he learnt
John 15:5 & Philippians 4:13 Humility, Micah 6:8
We have the Scriptures as a testimony of Paul's extra ordinary life, all owning to Grace, 1Cor 15:10
God is not a respector of persons, though He does have different placement within His body, yet all are required to be holy!
Grace & Peace to you
The Grace of God that appears to all mankind, begotten Paul & he declares in 1Cor 15:10 made what he now is.
What the Apostles received by the Revelation of Jesus Christ from His Grace appearance, they wrote down in the Epistle's that bares their name, & they believed & attain unto this knowledge by the diligent exercising thereof Hebrews 5:14 Hebrews 12:11 Philippians 3:16
Here's a small unfolding of His Grace / Light
They let Patience James 1:4,25 James 5:11 1Pet 5:9,10
Make you Perfect Hebrews 13:21
Be ye Perfect Matt 5:48 indicating this perfection is the same as the Father, there's not a different standard of holiness for mankind describe here.
The angel declared to Mary, Matt 1:21 not in their sin!
Folks,
Everything that God does is perfect, do you really believe that He would sent His only begotten Son to suffer all that He did for our sakes, & it not be a perfect restoration for His beloved creations.
I tell you by the Scriptures, sound reasoning & the Holy Ghost it's goes beyond the state of Adam innocents before he fell
Rom 6:3-5 the newness of life spoken of here is the likeness of His resurrection life & that is attain by working of His Divine Power 2Pet 1:2-4
I'm talking Grace, here now in this life. Don't be deceived, it's accompanies all that Christ experience, 1Pet 2:21 this too is apart of being make in His image & likeness, walking as He walk, the Apostles final got it after Pentecost, being baptized unto His death. This is when 1John 1:1-5 truly came into spiritual experiential experience. John 7:17
John 4:23,24 True worship is doing His will
& that will is reveal by His Grace / Light appearance in your heart. 2Cor 4:6,7
Philippians 3:20 (KJV) 20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Conversation: behavior, conduct, manner of life, manner of walk, Gk citizenship, commonwealth.
I would lean toward citizenship meaning for this particular passage.
3:20 citizenship. This figure would have been particularly appreciated by the Philippians who were colonists living away from Rome, though citizens of Rome. Similarly, Christians live away from the place of their citizenship, heaven. - Ryrie
Conversation found in Ephesians 2:3 (KJV) 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
I would lean toward the behavior, one's conduct, and manner of walk definition as it is used in Ephesians 2:3.
What is ONE SAVED FROM?
DEATH
If you don't believe; you will DIE in your SIN (unbelief), ALL other sins are COVERED by the BLOOD of Christ.
You cannot; add or take away, from the WORKS of the CROSS of Christ.
Did his CROSS save mankind; from DEATH, or was the WORKS of the CROSS useless?
Philippians 3:18 For MANY (christians) walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are ENEMIES of the CROSS of Jesus Christ.
Galatians 2:20 I am CRUCIFIED with Christ, yet I LIVE, yet NOT I, but CHRIST ......
ONLY the BODY of Christ was RESURRECTED.
1 Corinthians 12:27 Ye are the BODY of Christ ..... you're just a BODY, nothing else.
Ezekiel 36:27 And I will put my Spirit in YOU (my BODY) and CAUSE you to walk in my statutes, and KEEP my judgements and DO THEM.
Ephesians 4:4 ..... ONE BODY ....
Most don't BELIEVE the WORKS of the CROSS of Christ.
God Bless YOU!
Once again; the verse "the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom" is a necessary verse to quote and is found in Proverbs as well as at least a couple places in Psalms. Assuming that there is a genuine conversion needs to be in word and deed. Confessing with our mouth must be accompanied by believing in our heart ( Romans 10:9-10). Believing in our heart must involve; of course a heart change as Ezekiel 36:26 indicates. Evidence of that is an understanding that as sinners we are coming from being ENEMIES of God (i.e. the enmity is in both directions) as Romans 5:10 indicates. True faith understands the painful sacrifice of Christ to pay the redemption through the atonement which only His blood could do in our behalf. Obedience accompanies true love for God as John 14:15 indicates. RECOGNITION that we are crucified with Christ ( Galatians 2:20) means that our new nature is now having new affections and the old one is something which we no longer find our "default" mode. We are beyond wanting to avoid sin because of the consequences but because we recognize that we are offending a Holy God who dwells in us ( 2 Cor. 5:1; and apparently the meaning implicit in John 1:14 where He dwells in us. True salvation never brings contentment with sin; we may fall away but as Proverbs says in chapter 24; verse 16 he rises again; but it is not so for the wicked. We are saved by grace but always have potential to sin and a true believer will be as Paul was cognizant and wary of anything that will get in the way until the end of this earthly existance ( Philippians 3:12-14). This is like 1 Corinthians 9:24 in striving to gain the prize.
Another related situation is that a true believer recognizes that rewards can be attained or lost according to Revelation 3:11. Realizing that we can enter heaven but as through the fire suffering loss ( 1 Cor. 3:15) shows salvation is the beginning of the journey of a truly saved person
The first thing they refer you to is the 10 commandments and their argument sounds just like those who present the keeping of the law as a means of salvation.
So, they should have a clear understanding of what the law was for and what it did "by the scriptures" through a study in Romans, Galatians, and Corinthians.
Romans 7:8-14.
Galatians 2:16-21.
Galatians 3:1-29.
2 Corinthians 3:5-11. and then perhaps scriptures like Philippians 3:2-14.
These verses convict the sinner and put all under sin. That's what the law was for!
Our outward ceremonies and obedience at our best couldn't make us perfect! There is no new birth!
God requires perfection that is why he required a perfect replacement, Lamb. Christ Jesus.
SANCTIFICATION FOLLWS THIS.
Consider Israel.
God displayed the fallen nature of man and their inability to perform even while God was in their midst and carried them. This was and still is an example to us.
We are lost hopeless sheep gone astray apart from Jesus's blood shed on the cross.
Understand Matthew 21:42.
Jesus is the chief cornerstone, the pivotal piece of the foundation in which we are to build on.
When we are led by the Spirit we're building with precious stone. When we are led by the flesh, we build with wood hay and stubble. every man's work shall be tested by fire.
WHEN ISRAEL AS A NATION IS DRIVEN TO CALL ON THEIR MESSIAH THOSE WHO ACCEPT HIM AT THAT TIME WILL BE SAVED ALSO. AND GOD WILL BE SANCTIFIED IN THEM.
God bless
IN FACT, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 is a revealing letter from Paul the Apostle.
By the way, all GOD's people must remember Acts 1:11 - Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same JESUS, which is taken up from you into HEAVEN(into the 3rd heaven. HEAVEN? Ephesians 1:3 combined with Philippians 3:20-21 among other biblical references. Take a look.), shall so COME IN LIKE MANNER as ye have seen Him go into heaven(3rd heaven, that is the next world- Luke 20:35-36. Take a look). JESUS was on Mount called Olivet in the day when He was taken up, right? and shall COME in like manner( 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18), and the SAME CLOUD will be there in His return, understand? For better understand, compare with Matt.17:5 and Isaiah 4:5.
What does the Word of GOD say? The Word is GOD, self-executing, understand? The Word says: Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days. Dan.12:v.12 - Yeah, day 1335, the Ineffable, Wonderful, Indescribable, Unspeakable day, the day 1.335. Hallelujaaah!!! It means: 45 days after the period of 1290 days. Get ready you all, as JESUS WARNED: Matthew 25: 6-13.
Part 3.
Romans 7:15-25.
For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
Philippians 3:7-11.
But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have
suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the
righteousness which is of God by faith:
That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
The law was given to Israel, but it wasn't to make them Holy.
It was given to show the world that it was necessary for a new birth in Christ Jesus.
God bless.
Greetings in Christ JESUS
It's impressive, but it has been two thousand years since JESUS came here, think well about it, passing two thousand years is a gigantic space of time, in fact a huge gap or interval in space and time, but it passed, but will continue to pass. The time is infinite, like the space is infinite too.
And now JESUS WILL RETURN AGAIN HERE IN THE SAME PLACE from where He ascended to the third heavenly environment and a cloud RECEIVED Him ( Acts 1:11) , yes, He will again return now to the same place from where He ascended, and He will reign and lead us in new celestial environment ( Ephesians 1:3) by His power, for a period of 1.000 years(the cloud also will appear again, understand?) , as it is revealed in Philippians 3:20-21: -->20 For our conversation is in heaven (heaven? Ephesians 1:3. Take a look.)-; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto himself. By the way, He made it very clear when He said: All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth- Matthew 28:18.
Get ready, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him- Matthew 25:6 - .
Lets pray
Unfortunately , there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
There much truth in what you counsel, my thoughts were in the work of regeneration unto perfection, I would say yes to the thief situation, but to the jailer situation, he would have to work out his salvation, now that he 'first believed" Lydia was already a godly person, mayber just needed to hear more perfectly the gospel. I notice in my own journey, that the brighter the path becomes, the more light I received in understanding the darkness of our old Adamic nature. the little foxes spoil the vine. Song of Solomon 2:15
Philippians 3:15,16 here in this life
Thank you
Luke 1:6 Philippians 3:6
to use your own tools of understanding
blameless!
, ( to blame), blameless, deserving no censure, free from fault or defect: Luke 1:6; Philippians 2:15; Philippians 3:6; 1 Thessalonians 3:13 Hebrews 8:7 (in which nothing is lacking); in the Sept. equivalent to , Job 1:1, 8 etc
Do you think, that perhaps you could be blinded here?
quoting you;
What you, and others that hold your view, are doing is missing, ignoring, denying (you chose the word) that the EFFICACY of Christ's Atonement extends from the FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD.
This is unscriptual, it didn't apply until He actually did it.
quoting you;
"If this were not the case, no one living in the OT could have ever become saved. Why? Because no one can, nor ever has, kept the Law of God perfectly".
Job 1:1 Job 1:8 Job 2:3 Enoch was take up to God, do you really believe God would allow a sinner into heaven? Both of these was before the law, & after the law 1 Kings 11:4 2 Kings 20:3 1Chronicles 29:9 Luke 1:6 Philippians 3:6
What saith thou of thyself?
Friend, your putting your foot in your mouth again!