Point 2: Conclusion. As with anything else we want to make our requests known to God ( Philippians 4:6). As far as personal requests go; of course God knows our needs before we ask so we can be as specific as needed to attempt to request what is in accordance with His will.
I started going through prayers from the beginning of scripture and got as far as Gideon's prayers. Hopefully I'll continue where I left off if it helpful to others. I should have noted that almost all if not all the prayers I have examined so far are for the benefit of others. Abraham prayed for Lot (at least prayer in terms of speaking with the Lord directly before the angels scouted out Sodom); and Isaac was found a wife and the prayers of Abraham's servant in the process were demonstrated. Later on we see Hannah's prayers for a son which were answered in due course. Later on in Psalms and prayers of David in particular we see personal requests in the anguish of persecution and also due to sin that resulted in collateral damage of misery . I think what we can take away here is that for the blessings and good things of this life it is prudent to focus on needs of others first. It is also helpful when we desire something for ourselves to have a brother or sister be a support so that when two or more pray together we can know the Lord is involved and present ( Matt. 18:20). That is of course important for us when we are struggling with sin as well; although such intercession seems to be foreign in the Old Testament prayers as it seems the Spirit wasn't working in the same capacity in that regard as it does today in the Church era. Perhaps Esther's prayers along with fasting to the king to save her people or Daniel's request to Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4:27 was after prayer as mentioning turning from sin could have brought ire upon Daniel for insinuating such a thing to royalty.
Prayer should be as specific as needed; but open to His direction.
You don't need to "go to church" to "feel saved"... Yeshua is with you - and all His believers 24/7 no matter where you are. The problem is, we don't acknowledge Him. That's the problem. IF we acknowledge HIM and talk to Him and ... well... literally share our lives with Him, more and more of our questions and problems will be answered and solved. I could tell you some funny and wonderful stories about how HE has helped my family. Stand strong! don't ignore that "little whisper".
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
May our LORD Bless and keep you, may His light shine upon you and give you His peace. Amen
I also am a student working on my Masters Degree in Biblical Exposition. I understand what you are experiencing and I am praying for God's grace for you. Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.KJV
I can empathize with what you shared and so well articulated. I prayed for you.
You requested prayer and might not expect or want a reply but would like to share a couple verses that come to mind.
If I were to summarize what I read it's you assume God should fix your obstacles in life and since He hasn't yet, maybe He doesn't exist, is that close?
If so, I would first ask where this believe originates from. If we use the Bible as our source for who God is and how He operates, I don't get the sense that He would do what you're expecting. Even Jesus didn't get what He wanted- remember when He cried out on the cross?
"And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Mark 15:34 KJV
Now let's consider the #1 Christian evangelist: Paul. He faced misery and extreme hardship.
2 Corinthians 11:
25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
But he says he's found the secret of contentment and it has nothing to do with our circumstances! How is this possible? What is the secret? Philippians 4:10-13
1 Peter 4:12-13 - this says don't be surprised when you're facing huge trials like you're facing right now. Life is a test with almost non-stop trials, in my opinion.
How hard are you currently praying for help, how hard are you seeking God, how much are you reading in His Word? Could you seek input from people in person, like a church minister, or video chat online?
There is a special Greek word used throughout the New Testament. The word is MERIMNA, and it has to do with worry, anxiety, and the cares of this world. It is a word that represents the occupation of the attention of the mind. Not the occupation of the mind, but the occupation of the attention of the mind. You're saved, and now the Lord wants to renew your mind. So, Satan keeps you occupied, tired, thinking of all these things that you have to deal with. But the Bible tells us to cast all your care upon the Lord because the Lord is concerned about you.
Philippians 4:6 says, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."
The word careful is the word MERIMNAO, which is the Greek word for anxiety, or worry. So, worry about nothing. Do not let the cares of this world occupy the attention of your mind. Cast all your cares on the Lord. We are not to be anxious for one thing. That's easier said than done. But look what Paul says to do about it. He says but in every thing by prayer and supplication, and supplication means petition. Prayer is general. Petition is specific.
Everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, and then the command is: let your requests be made known unto God.
He's not saying pray about it. The bible teaches that prayer is the means by which we communicate and express our submission to God and His will. That's what the bible teaches. Most of the time we get caught up emotionally in the things of this world to the point that it has a hold of our lives. We pray for God to step in, and what God is saying is let go of that and pray and submit it to me, and you line up and pray for my will to be done in that situation.
"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 KJV. That you and your loved ones are surrounded by the truth and blessing of God in Christ Jesus, I pray, Amen.
"Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you." Philippians 4:9 KJV
Those things which you do...
"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14 KJV
press toward the prize
"Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision." Philippians 3:2 KJV
But beware
"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." Philippians 3:12 KJV
Has hasn't yet attained the prize and has not been perfected yet, but strives to (v15).
"For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:" Philippians 3:20 KJV
What stood out to me about these verses is:
1. Paul gives a series of challenges and leads by example. He writes that Christianity is something that is practiced, involves effort, is an action, by doing, like running a race to receive a prize. Not that he's earning it by works. This is clarified many times. But genuine and not a 1-minute prayer someone made 30 years ago where nothing changed and nothing was practiced since.
2. Paul says he hasn't yet attained the salvation. He has hope for salvation, but doesn't say he was already "saved" and finished and can just sit around watching Seinfeld reruns.
The reason for sharing: I think it might help someone, because what I hear in sermons and the way people talk, it seems Christians don't take Christianity very seriously. There's little to no transformation. Paul says to become a slave of righteousness, and people are like, "no thanks, I didn't sign up for that." They're acting like they got a golden entry ticket and they're done. They assume they don't have to change, can continue to deeply enjoy sin, enjoy flesh, and enjoy the benefits of satan. Though they don't realize who they're actually following.
8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
1John 1:3 John was speaking on the other side of the baptizmal of the Christ, he knew in power of being dead unto sin,
& the power of the resurrection of Christ within Him, joining Him to Christ & the Father John 17:21-24 in a consummate intimate fellowship which he explains to His children "that your joy maybe full, which they had & are experiencing in a measure; as they continue in the working out of their salvation, steadfast & confident unto the end.
We ourselve experience an increase in joy of this fellowship as He takes away our sin, & we don't return to them. His Presence increases in our lives, receving more of His Spirit by the hearing & obedience of Faith, which gives & increases us in what John say later "an understanding" 1John 5:20 & a part of this understanding is Philippians 4:13 which we have received.
Could non-believers read this epistles & become believers, of course; Mark 9:23 This is the heart of God Isa 49:6Acts 13:47
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!
4 If keeping the law made us sinless we wouldn't need Christ,,,,,,Christ came to fulfilled the law, & all those who follow Him in the regeneration fulfill the law too, by a higher law, the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus, which supersedes the law of the OT, through the Spirit of Grace which has appear to you, making you aware of your sins. He checks you in the provocations & temptations of this life & show you what not to do & what to do Titus 2:12 & if you'll obey, you'll sin not.
5Keeping rules doesn't give us the Spirit of Truth, this is a false statement, Acts 5:32Gal 3:2 believe that it is He who is within you speaking to you & if you will surrender to His guidance, little by little, you'll increase in His Spirit, until nothing will be impossible for you Philippians 4:13
Jema,
The very essences of the salvation that Jesus gave His life for is to bring us back to a life of obedience. Hebrews 5:9
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven,
Disobedience makes this impossible or to become a child of God
A personal testimony
Correct me if I'm wrong, I've read that you love all type of worldly music, I was once there. Being a Christian & doing this does not go together, Just like watching tv, it glorifies all the works of the flesh of Gal 5 feeds the carnal part in man which is enmity against Godly part. I was having the same troubling problems your facing & God began opening me to why I was so easily captivated by the devil at his will. Our eyes & ears are the windows to our soul & spirit, I was feeding my self with sin & death, 1Cor 10:212Cor 6:14 I pick up the Cross to it, so that I may become pure in heart, The Blood of Jesus reaches to the cleansing of the conscience/heart from the evil one. But we must become obedient & pick up the cross to all things that would defile it. & so will all do, who God has inspired to live 24/7 for Christ.
The church in Philippi sent Paul two love offerings for his missionary endeavors in Thessalonica, found in Philippians 4:15-16. Two offerings! In fact, he said nobody else sent for support except for the Christians in Philippi, not once he said, but twice to support the missionary effort.
In 62 A.D., Paul finds himself as a prisoner in Rome. That is in Acts 28:30-31. When the church heard of Paul's imprisonment in Rome, they again sent a love offering to him by way of Epaphroditus. Paul describes him as the pastor (or messenger), the one that gives the messages in Philippi.
So, this is their pastor. And you remember I told you about the mileage? They didn't have airplanes or cars. So Epaphroditus is sent 700 miles with this love offering to help Paul while he was imprisoned in Rome, and to minister to Paul there.
Of course, Epaphroditus, we'll find out later that something happened to him in Rome where he was near death. But God spared him, and Paul sent Epaphroditus back. And when he sent him back to Philippi, he sent the book of Philippians with him.
While in Rome, Epaphroditus became very sick and nearly died. At this time, some 10 years after his original visit to Philippi, Paul wrote the epistle of Philippians. Paul writes to the Philippians both to thank them for their gift and also to report the good news of Epaphroditus' recovery.
IV. THE THEME OF PHILIPPIANS:
Now you will find this to be different than what you will find in most commentaries about the book of Philippians. Most people say that the theme of Philippians is joy. But in reality, the theme of Philippians is fellowship. We saw that Ephesians was our position in Christ. Philippians is our participation in Christ. The focus is on the unity of fellowship.
Hi Gasman. Yours are good questions & often very debatable when considering the construct of man & the Work of the Holy Spirit within Him or even, upon Him. Firstly, we do understand from the Word, that we are tripartite beings (i.e. composed of soul, spirit & body): 1 Thessalonians 5:23. The 'body' aspect we know, but it can be difficult to correctly understand the difference between the soul & spirit. So, if we take it as the soul being our mental, emotive powers & the spirit being the 'life force', all given by God so that can be living creatures able to experience all that God has given us & of course, our return of worship & thanks to our Creator, then we can somewhat understand how God's Spirit connects with us.
Only when a person has been born again by God's Spirit ( John 3:3), can that person be in a new revived position of receiving & giving communication to our Heavenly Father. God sends His Spirit to be with us & in us ( John 14:17), but His Spirit doesn't replace our spirit, nor does He overrule us to the extent that we cease to think & behave as ordinary people. So, when He ministers to us (whether in decision-making, personal conduct, in worship, in understanding the Word, etc.), it becomes our choice as to whether we allow His gentle & precise ministry to influence us or not. Sadly, we often allow carnal thoughts or pre-conceived ideas or beliefs to take precedent over His, much to our detriment. But when we are truly walking (& worshiping in the Spirit) - Galatians 5:16,25 - then we will truly know His Peace, that which 'surpasses all our understanding & inclinations' ( Philippians 4:7), joyfully allowing Him to lead us, especially in worship & in faith, for all we experience.
Your questions 'to which spirit'? Our spirit is never laid aside in the functioning of man - our faculties are always in force. It is how much we allow the Holy Spirit to take control in our lives, our worship, even 'wisdom in allowing others into our lives' ( Romans 8:1-28).
In more careful investigation of scripture; it appears that there are accounts that clearly delineate happenings that occur within a 24 hour day; and others that continue a narrative that may or may not encompass multiple days or perhaps longer periods of time. I thought therefore that a general study of the variety of challenges the Lord faced constantly; along with the spiritual giftings of all types apparent to be active simultaneously ( Colossians 2:9) would be interesting as He had all the "fullness of the Godhead bodily."
His example; therefore as our High Priest ( Heb. 7:25; etc) means that we can live by His example and thus be "imitators of Christ" ( 1 Cor. 11:1). This; of course is easier said than done; impossible in fact in our own efforts ( John 15:5).
Paul; of course is a great; if not THE penultimate example of a surrendered life; and in many ways mirrors Christ in self sacrificial love and service to the church; through many trials; persecutions; and sufferings. These studies should convince anyone who isn't in a coma that today's mushy view of Christ as embodying some sort of feel good; crowd pleasing charisma that everyone loved is far off from reality. This study is greatly challenging to myself; and I assume anyone reading these scriptures as to what is truly required to be His Disciple. Ultimately; I believe this will be a characteristic of every true believer in some aspects; but in reality few surrender their lives enough to truly live in this manner. It is more than an inconvenient truth; the challenges Christ gives to all His followers but of course is as process in some ways as well. The Spirit sanctifies us; conforming us into His image ( Romans 8:29). Philippians 4:1 and some other verses shows us how His church was Paul's crown. This makes our rewards to be based on building up brothers and sisters in the Lord; and to focus attention there keeps us from focusing on our own issues.
Please pray continually to God in the name of His Son Jesus, as he has already promised us that He will meet our needs. Not your wants, but your Needs. A roof over your head, a place to sleep safely, clothing, and food are needs. He knows your needs.
Philippians 4:19
"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
Growth can and indeed will occur with good soil and the implanted seed of the Spirit. When we sow with tears we reap with joy ( Psalm 126:5-6). Indeed; these verses show us that the harvest is present with us and surely is our reward for effective service (see also Hebrews 6:10; Isaiah 55:10-11). Just as our walk in Christ isn't just a spectator sport; our participation isn't merely an individual source of growth; but mutually edifying for the body. That is how spiritual gifts are to be properly practiced (see 1 Cor. 12 starting in verse 4).
We should therefore rejoice when others rejoice; weep when others weep ( Philippians 4:4). This explains why it is often better to be in the house of mourning than feasting ( Ecclesiastes 7:2-4). I am not one to argue whether Christ had a sense of humor; but will state that it is better to refrain from jokes if there is any uncertainty and certainly from "course jesting" ( Eph. 5:3-4).
God is steadfast and unchanging; unlike the vicissitudes of the human heart. Stability comes from a well grounded faith and walking in the Spirit as our "sure foundation and anchor of our soul" ( Heb. 6:19).
Patience being one of the fruits of the Spirit especially today is; in my opinion underrated as to its value. Just a brief survey of Bible characters shows how many things took time to completion; whether with Abraham's wanderings and progeny; Moses' deliverance; Joseph's prominance; and David's ascension to the throne. In fact too much success too quickly was a factor in Solomon's fall despite God warning him not to multiply gold and horses as well as foreign wives. This is the real issue with the "prosperity gospel" as surely God as well as Satan can be the facilitator of worldly gain (as well as efforts from hard work). It is the pride and comfort in our possessions which bring a man down (see Luke 12:16-21). It also makes rich people give a disporportionally low percentage vs the poor
Dear Cindy davis, you must know that, though God will be by your side and help you all the way, it is you who must stop drinking. You can do this by just not taking another drink, or seek help from your pastor, or AA. Put forth an honest effort and God will give you victory. Philippians 4:13
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Thank you Jimbob for taking the time to pore through my submission, though I'm sorry that you weren't able to see what I see in the Scriptures. From the many other views we get on this subject, we see that we all can have our different Scriptures that show us how we should perceive these last days.
Even the Revelation 14:14-16 passage you quoted, referring to the harvest being the Church; if this is the Rapture, why then did the Church have to experience the previous judgements of God (in Revelation 6:1-17: Seal Judgements; Revelation 8:1-9:21: Trumpet Judgements). These can't be the ordinary, everyday turmoils that Earth's inhabitants face, but specific Judgements from God and then the sickle is struck for the harvesting (& of course, some are cast into the winepress of God's Wrath).
So brother, I don't want to continually rehash the earlier passages we've written about, as clearly we read these prophetical messages differently. My understanding is that the Great Tribulation of seven years (the last week seen in Daniel's prophecy), which includes God's Wrath in its various phases & intensities, will come after the Church is removed; even as promised to the Philadelphian Church in Revelation 3:10.
The anti-Christ (at least at the beginning of his reign of terror to his opponents), & the beginning of God's Judgements ( Revelation 6,8,9), assure our hearts that the Rapture of the Church can happen suddenly, without any signs to prepare for that day. The call is for our expectant joyous living & readiness now, as even the early Church was to urged to expect ( Philippians 4:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; Titus 2:13; James 5:8; Revelation 1:3) - not for our awakening when things begin to get very difficult in the course of the final seven years. The call was always for believers' readiness - we couldn't be in such a state if we know that much more needs to happen before the Lord's Coming/Rapture of the Church - death might overtake most of us before then.
d. the revelation of the anti-Christ is restrained ( 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12). Paul's reason for writing this was because the Church was greatly troubled that the Day of the Lord (Christ) had begun. Paul said that that day wouldn't commence until Jesus came for them & raptured them ("our gathering together unto him": v1). The 'restrainer' is the Holy Spirit in God's people, then when He is removed, God's people are removed, for the Holy Spirit was sent to indwell us & work in & through us & for the Gospel's propagation ( John 16:7,8,13).
e. a comparison between an imminent Rapture & Rapture at the Second Coming:
1. Translation of all believers ( 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18) --- No translation at all ( Revelation 19:6-21).
2. Raptured saints return to Heaven ( 1 Thessalonians 4:17; John 14:1-3) --- Raptured saints return to Earth ( 1 Thessalonians 3:13; Revelation 19:14).
3. Any moment, in readiness, without signs ( 1 Corinthians 1:7; Philippians 4:5; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; Titus 2:13; James 5:7-9; Revelation 3:11, 22:7,12,20) --- many signs given of the Great Tribulation which leads into Jesus' coming (so a readiness cannot be expected, as the seven year's count down begins with the anti-Christ).
A Pre-Tribulation Rapture position keeps the Church ready & watching for her Lord's Coming. Any other position can give her the tendency to apathy & carelessness. The Church is told to be watchful, in spite of ridicule, "where is the promise of his coming" ( 2 Peter 3:4). But Christ's coming is held back until the full number are saved (v9) - and then Jesus will come to take His Church Home.
Thanks again Jimbob. If I might take our discussion to anothe level. One great fact of the Church's Rapture, is not only its imminency but its suddenness. In the NT, the command was for readiness ( Matthew 25:13 (10 virgins); Luke 12:40; Philippians 4:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; Titus 2:13), for Christ's coming. The early Church was expecting it & proclaiming it, but the scoffers, then & now have proved themselves right ( 2 Peter 3:3,4) - Jesus hadn't come, nor has history ever recorded such a 'parousia' ever taking place. But the Church still continues to wait, knowing that God's Word is True & that God's Time is never man's concept of time ( 2 Peter 3:8). Therefore the question: why should we await for the any-moment return of Jesus, if that return could be quite easily plotted by the 'falling away', the appearance of the anti-Christ, even the beginning of the Great Tribulation (of God's Wrath which you believe only includes those catastrophic events of Matthew 24:29; Revelation chapter 16)?
There IS fear in love; but perfect love does NOT cast out fear; because LOVE hath torment. HE that loveth IS made perfect in fear. I must choose one or the other as to which is true and eternal; from the Voice for God.
The truth is true and nothing else is true. This statement has two parts: without the first, the second has no meaning, but without the second, is the first no longer true. Truth cannot have an opposite. This can not be too often said and thought about. For if what is not true is true as well as what is true, then part of truth is false. And truth has lost its meaning. Nothing but the truth is true, and what is false is false. Truth must be true throughout, if it be true. It cannot contradict itself, nor be in parts uncertain and in others sure. What God creates has no alternative. The truth arises from what He KNOWS; not what we perceive.
Perception has a focus.It is this that gives consistency to what we see. Change but this focus, and what we behold will change accordingly. When seeing a wholly sinless world is ALL we want to see, when this is ALL we seek for in the name of true perception, are the eyes of Christ inevitably ours. What the body's eyes see/perceive is only conflict.
Much of our strange behavior is directly attributable to our definition of guilt; we've accepted the belief the guiltless are guilty. Love and guilt cannot coexist, and to accept one is to deny the other. Guilt hides Christ from our sight, for it is the denial of the blamelessness of God' children. Love creates Itself and nothing but Itself. To the "devil" purity is seen as arrogance and the acceptance of the self as sinful is perceived as holiness. TEACH ONLY LOVE.
Romans 2:11Romans 13:10Eph. 1:4Eph. 5:14Eph. 3:17-19Eph. 4:29Philippians 4:8Titus 1:15 2 James 3:17-181 John 1:5 1 1 John 4:7-8
I stand in agreement, as a believer, with this petition before God.
Point 2: Conclusion. As with anything else we want to make our requests known to God ( Philippians 4:6). As far as personal requests go; of course God knows our needs before we ask so we can be as specific as needed to attempt to request what is in accordance with His will.
I started going through prayers from the beginning of scripture and got as far as Gideon's prayers. Hopefully I'll continue where I left off if it helpful to others. I should have noted that almost all if not all the prayers I have examined so far are for the benefit of others. Abraham prayed for Lot (at least prayer in terms of speaking with the Lord directly before the angels scouted out Sodom); and Isaac was found a wife and the prayers of Abraham's servant in the process were demonstrated. Later on we see Hannah's prayers for a son which were answered in due course. Later on in Psalms and prayers of David in particular we see personal requests in the anguish of persecution and also due to sin that resulted in collateral damage of misery . I think what we can take away here is that for the blessings and good things of this life it is prudent to focus on needs of others first. It is also helpful when we desire something for ourselves to have a brother or sister be a support so that when two or more pray together we can know the Lord is involved and present ( Matt. 18:20). That is of course important for us when we are struggling with sin as well; although such intercession seems to be foreign in the Old Testament prayers as it seems the Spirit wasn't working in the same capacity in that regard as it does today in the Church era. Perhaps Esther's prayers along with fasting to the king to save her people or Daniel's request to Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4:27 was after prayer as mentioning turning from sin could have brought ire upon Daniel for insinuating such a thing to royalty.
Prayer should be as specific as needed; but open to His direction.
Philippians 4:13. Thank You Jesus!
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
May our LORD Bless and keep you, may His light shine upon you and give you His peace. Amen
I can empathize with what you shared and so well articulated. I prayed for you.
You requested prayer and might not expect or want a reply but would like to share a couple verses that come to mind.
If I were to summarize what I read it's you assume God should fix your obstacles in life and since He hasn't yet, maybe He doesn't exist, is that close?
If so, I would first ask where this believe originates from. If we use the Bible as our source for who God is and how He operates, I don't get the sense that He would do what you're expecting. Even Jesus didn't get what He wanted- remember when He cried out on the cross?
"And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Mark 15:34 KJV
Now let's consider the #1 Christian evangelist: Paul. He faced misery and extreme hardship.
2 Corinthians 11:
25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
But he says he's found the secret of contentment and it has nothing to do with our circumstances! How is this possible? What is the secret? Philippians 4:10-13
1 Peter 4:12-13 - this says don't be surprised when you're facing huge trials like you're facing right now. Life is a test with almost non-stop trials, in my opinion.
How hard are you currently praying for help, how hard are you seeking God, how much are you reading in His Word? Could you seek input from people in person, like a church minister, or video chat online?
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
(Part 2):
There is a special Greek word used throughout the New Testament. The word is MERIMNA, and it has to do with worry, anxiety, and the cares of this world. It is a word that represents the occupation of the attention of the mind. Not the occupation of the mind, but the occupation of the attention of the mind. You're saved, and now the Lord wants to renew your mind. So, Satan keeps you occupied, tired, thinking of all these things that you have to deal with. But the Bible tells us to cast all your care upon the Lord because the Lord is concerned about you.
Philippians 4:6 says, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."
The word careful is the word MERIMNAO, which is the Greek word for anxiety, or worry. So, worry about nothing. Do not let the cares of this world occupy the attention of your mind. Cast all your cares on the Lord. We are not to be anxious for one thing. That's easier said than done. But look what Paul says to do about it. He says but in every thing by prayer and supplication, and supplication means petition. Prayer is general. Petition is specific.
Everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, and then the command is: let your requests be made known unto God.
He's not saying pray about it. The bible teaches that prayer is the means by which we communicate and express our submission to God and His will. That's what the bible teaches. Most of the time we get caught up emotionally in the things of this world to the point that it has a hold of our lives. We pray for God to step in, and what God is saying is let go of that and pray and submit it to me, and you line up and pray for my will to be done in that situation.
One more very short post, I promise!
Those things which you do...
"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14 KJV
press toward the prize
"Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision." Philippians 3:2 KJV
But beware
"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." Philippians 3:12 KJV
Has hasn't yet attained the prize and has not been perfected yet, but strives to (v15).
"For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:" Philippians 3:20 KJV
What stood out to me about these verses is:
1. Paul gives a series of challenges and leads by example. He writes that Christianity is something that is practiced, involves effort, is an action, by doing, like running a race to receive a prize. Not that he's earning it by works. This is clarified many times. But genuine and not a 1-minute prayer someone made 30 years ago where nothing changed and nothing was practiced since.
2. Paul says he hasn't yet attained the salvation. He has hope for salvation, but doesn't say he was already "saved" and finished and can just sit around watching Seinfeld reruns.
The reason for sharing: I think it might help someone, because what I hear in sermons and the way people talk, it seems Christians don't take Christianity very seriously. There's little to no transformation. Paul says to become a slave of righteousness, and people are like, "no thanks, I didn't sign up for that." They're acting like they got a golden entry ticket and they're done. They assume they don't have to change, can continue to deeply enjoy sin, enjoy flesh, and enjoy the benefits of satan. Though they don't realize who they're actually following.
I am the divine heavenly now I become able to receive God riches.
Sorry for your upset, I have been upset too from world systems.
Hebrews 11:1
King James Version
11Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Philippians 4:13
King James Version
13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
By Faith you should still have the victory over world systems to surrender
Philippians 4:8
King James Version
8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Well done! It's me and it is done.
1John 1:3 John was speaking on the other side of the baptizmal of the Christ, he knew in power of being dead unto sin,
& the power of the resurrection of Christ within Him, joining Him to Christ & the Father John 17:21-24 in a consummate intimate fellowship which he explains to His children "that your joy maybe full, which they had & are experiencing in a measure; as they continue in the working out of their salvation, steadfast & confident unto the end.
We ourselve experience an increase in joy of this fellowship as He takes away our sin, & we don't return to them. His Presence increases in our lives, receving more of His Spirit by the hearing & obedience of Faith, which gives & increases us in what John say later "an understanding" 1John 5:20 & a part of this understanding is Philippians 4:13 which we have received.
Could non-believers read this epistles & become believers, of course; Mark 9:23 This is the heart of God Isa 49:6 Acts 13:47
in love & truth
Grace be to you
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
4 If keeping the law made us sinless we wouldn't need Christ,,,,,,Christ came to fulfilled the law, & all those who follow Him in the regeneration fulfill the law too, by a higher law, the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus, which supersedes the law of the OT, through the Spirit of Grace which has appear to you, making you aware of your sins. He checks you in the provocations & temptations of this life & show you what not to do & what to do Titus 2:12 & if you'll obey, you'll sin not.
5Keeping rules doesn't give us the Spirit of Truth, this is a false statement, Acts 5:32 Gal 3:2 believe that it is He who is within you speaking to you & if you will surrender to His guidance, little by little, you'll increase in His Spirit, until nothing will be impossible for you Philippians 4:13
Jema,
The very essences of the salvation that Jesus gave His life for is to bring us back to a life of obedience. Hebrews 5:9
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven,
Disobedience makes this impossible or to become a child of God
A personal testimony
Correct me if I'm wrong, I've read that you love all type of worldly music, I was once there. Being a Christian & doing this does not go together, Just like watching tv, it glorifies all the works of the flesh of Gal 5 feeds the carnal part in man which is enmity against Godly part. I was having the same troubling problems your facing & God began opening me to why I was so easily captivated by the devil at his will. Our eyes & ears are the windows to our soul & spirit, I was feeding my self with sin & death, 1Cor 10:21 2Cor 6:14 I pick up the Cross to it, so that I may become pure in heart, The Blood of Jesus reaches to the cleansing of the conscience/heart from the evil one. But we must become obedient & pick up the cross to all things that would defile it. & so will all do, who God has inspired to live 24/7 for Christ.
Remember; where He invites, He empowers.
In love & truth.
The church in Philippi sent Paul two love offerings for his missionary endeavors in Thessalonica, found in Philippians 4:15-16. Two offerings! In fact, he said nobody else sent for support except for the Christians in Philippi, not once he said, but twice to support the missionary effort.
In 62 A.D., Paul finds himself as a prisoner in Rome. That is in Acts 28:30-31. When the church heard of Paul's imprisonment in Rome, they again sent a love offering to him by way of Epaphroditus. Paul describes him as the pastor (or messenger), the one that gives the messages in Philippi.
So, this is their pastor. And you remember I told you about the mileage? They didn't have airplanes or cars. So Epaphroditus is sent 700 miles with this love offering to help Paul while he was imprisoned in Rome, and to minister to Paul there.
Of course, Epaphroditus, we'll find out later that something happened to him in Rome where he was near death. But God spared him, and Paul sent Epaphroditus back. And when he sent him back to Philippi, he sent the book of Philippians with him.
While in Rome, Epaphroditus became very sick and nearly died. At this time, some 10 years after his original visit to Philippi, Paul wrote the epistle of Philippians. Paul writes to the Philippians both to thank them for their gift and also to report the good news of Epaphroditus' recovery.
IV. THE THEME OF PHILIPPIANS:
Now you will find this to be different than what you will find in most commentaries about the book of Philippians. Most people say that the theme of Philippians is joy. But in reality, the theme of Philippians is fellowship. We saw that Ephesians was our position in Christ. Philippians is our participation in Christ. The focus is on the unity of fellowship.
Only when a person has been born again by God's Spirit ( John 3:3), can that person be in a new revived position of receiving & giving communication to our Heavenly Father. God sends His Spirit to be with us & in us ( John 14:17), but His Spirit doesn't replace our spirit, nor does He overrule us to the extent that we cease to think & behave as ordinary people. So, when He ministers to us (whether in decision-making, personal conduct, in worship, in understanding the Word, etc.), it becomes our choice as to whether we allow His gentle & precise ministry to influence us or not. Sadly, we often allow carnal thoughts or pre-conceived ideas or beliefs to take precedent over His, much to our detriment. But when we are truly walking (& worshiping in the Spirit) - Galatians 5:16,25 - then we will truly know His Peace, that which 'surpasses all our understanding & inclinations' ( Philippians 4:7), joyfully allowing Him to lead us, especially in worship & in faith, for all we experience.
Your questions 'to which spirit'? Our spirit is never laid aside in the functioning of man - our faculties are always in force. It is how much we allow the Holy Spirit to take control in our lives, our worship, even 'wisdom in allowing others into our lives' ( Romans 8:1-28).
I used to know a GiGi in fort Polk Louisiana & Vincent! Back in 1982
Ephesians 2:13
But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Ephesians 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
Thanks again for your blessing
AMEN
In more careful investigation of scripture; it appears that there are accounts that clearly delineate happenings that occur within a 24 hour day; and others that continue a narrative that may or may not encompass multiple days or perhaps longer periods of time. I thought therefore that a general study of the variety of challenges the Lord faced constantly; along with the spiritual giftings of all types apparent to be active simultaneously ( Colossians 2:9) would be interesting as He had all the "fullness of the Godhead bodily."
His example; therefore as our High Priest ( Heb. 7:25; etc) means that we can live by His example and thus be "imitators of Christ" ( 1 Cor. 11:1). This; of course is easier said than done; impossible in fact in our own efforts ( John 15:5).
Paul; of course is a great; if not THE penultimate example of a surrendered life; and in many ways mirrors Christ in self sacrificial love and service to the church; through many trials; persecutions; and sufferings. These studies should convince anyone who isn't in a coma that today's mushy view of Christ as embodying some sort of feel good; crowd pleasing charisma that everyone loved is far off from reality. This study is greatly challenging to myself; and I assume anyone reading these scriptures as to what is truly required to be His Disciple. Ultimately; I believe this will be a characteristic of every true believer in some aspects; but in reality few surrender their lives enough to truly live in this manner. It is more than an inconvenient truth; the challenges Christ gives to all His followers but of course is as process in some ways as well. The Spirit sanctifies us; conforming us into His image ( Romans 8:29). Philippians 4:1 and some other verses shows us how His church was Paul's crown. This makes our rewards to be based on building up brothers and sisters in the Lord; and to focus attention there keeps us from focusing on our own issues.
Please pray continually to God in the name of His Son Jesus, as he has already promised us that He will meet our needs. Not your wants, but your Needs. A roof over your head, a place to sleep safely, clothing, and food are needs. He knows your needs.
Philippians 4:19
"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
I will pray for you also.
GBU
Growth can and indeed will occur with good soil and the implanted seed of the Spirit. When we sow with tears we reap with joy ( Psalm 126:5-6). Indeed; these verses show us that the harvest is present with us and surely is our reward for effective service (see also Hebrews 6:10; Isaiah 55:10-11). Just as our walk in Christ isn't just a spectator sport; our participation isn't merely an individual source of growth; but mutually edifying for the body. That is how spiritual gifts are to be properly practiced (see 1 Cor. 12 starting in verse 4).
We should therefore rejoice when others rejoice; weep when others weep ( Philippians 4:4). This explains why it is often better to be in the house of mourning than feasting ( Ecclesiastes 7:2-4). I am not one to argue whether Christ had a sense of humor; but will state that it is better to refrain from jokes if there is any uncertainty and certainly from "course jesting" ( Eph. 5:3-4).
God is steadfast and unchanging; unlike the vicissitudes of the human heart. Stability comes from a well grounded faith and walking in the Spirit as our "sure foundation and anchor of our soul" ( Heb. 6:19).
Patience being one of the fruits of the Spirit especially today is; in my opinion underrated as to its value. Just a brief survey of Bible characters shows how many things took time to completion; whether with Abraham's wanderings and progeny; Moses' deliverance; Joseph's prominance; and David's ascension to the throne. In fact too much success too quickly was a factor in Solomon's fall despite God warning him not to multiply gold and horses as well as foreign wives. This is the real issue with the "prosperity gospel" as surely God as well as Satan can be the facilitator of worldly gain (as well as efforts from hard work). It is the pride and comfort in our possessions which bring a man down (see Luke 12:16-21). It also makes rich people give a disporportionally low percentage vs the poor
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Even the Revelation 14:14-16 passage you quoted, referring to the harvest being the Church; if this is the Rapture, why then did the Church have to experience the previous judgements of God (in Revelation 6:1-17: Seal Judgements; Revelation 8:1-9:21: Trumpet Judgements). These can't be the ordinary, everyday turmoils that Earth's inhabitants face, but specific Judgements from God and then the sickle is struck for the harvesting (& of course, some are cast into the winepress of God's Wrath).
So brother, I don't want to continually rehash the earlier passages we've written about, as clearly we read these prophetical messages differently. My understanding is that the Great Tribulation of seven years (the last week seen in Daniel's prophecy), which includes God's Wrath in its various phases & intensities, will come after the Church is removed; even as promised to the Philadelphian Church in Revelation 3:10.
The anti-Christ (at least at the beginning of his reign of terror to his opponents), & the beginning of God's Judgements ( Revelation 6,8,9), assure our hearts that the Rapture of the Church can happen suddenly, without any signs to prepare for that day. The call is for our expectant joyous living & readiness now, as even the early Church was to urged to expect ( Philippians 4:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; Titus 2:13; James 5:8; Revelation 1:3) - not for our awakening when things begin to get very difficult in the course of the final seven years. The call was always for believers' readiness - we couldn't be in such a state if we know that much more needs to happen before the Lord's Coming/Rapture of the Church - death might overtake most of us before then.
d. the revelation of the anti-Christ is restrained ( 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12). Paul's reason for writing this was because the Church was greatly troubled that the Day of the Lord (Christ) had begun. Paul said that that day wouldn't commence until Jesus came for them & raptured them ("our gathering together unto him": v1). The 'restrainer' is the Holy Spirit in God's people, then when He is removed, God's people are removed, for the Holy Spirit was sent to indwell us & work in & through us & for the Gospel's propagation ( John 16:7,8,13).
e. a comparison between an imminent Rapture & Rapture at the Second Coming:
1. Translation of all believers ( 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18) --- No translation at all ( Revelation 19:6-21).
2. Raptured saints return to Heaven ( 1 Thessalonians 4:17; John 14:1-3) --- Raptured saints return to Earth ( 1 Thessalonians 3:13; Revelation 19:14).
3. Any moment, in readiness, without signs ( 1 Corinthians 1:7; Philippians 4:5; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; Titus 2:13; James 5:7-9; Revelation 3:11, 22:7,12,20) --- many signs given of the Great Tribulation which leads into Jesus' coming (so a readiness cannot be expected, as the seven year's count down begins with the anti-Christ).
A Pre-Tribulation Rapture position keeps the Church ready & watching for her Lord's Coming. Any other position can give her the tendency to apathy & carelessness. The Church is told to be watchful, in spite of ridicule, "where is the promise of his coming" ( 2 Peter 3:4). But Christ's coming is held back until the full number are saved (v9) - and then Jesus will come to take His Church Home.
Thanks again Jimbob. If I might take our discussion to anothe level. One great fact of the Church's Rapture, is not only its imminency but its suddenness. In the NT, the command was for readiness ( Matthew 25:13 (10 virgins); Luke 12:40; Philippians 4:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; Titus 2:13), for Christ's coming. The early Church was expecting it & proclaiming it, but the scoffers, then & now have proved themselves right ( 2 Peter 3:3,4) - Jesus hadn't come, nor has history ever recorded such a 'parousia' ever taking place. But the Church still continues to wait, knowing that God's Word is True & that God's Time is never man's concept of time ( 2 Peter 3:8). Therefore the question: why should we await for the any-moment return of Jesus, if that return could be quite easily plotted by the 'falling away', the appearance of the anti-Christ, even the beginning of the Great Tribulation (of God's Wrath which you believe only includes those catastrophic events of Matthew 24:29; Revelation chapter 16)?
Luke 18:1-7 kjv,
Philippians 4:1-9 kjv,
Romans 8:27-29 kjv.
John 14:6 kjv.
The truth is true and nothing else is true. This statement has two parts: without the first, the second has no meaning, but without the second, is the first no longer true. Truth cannot have an opposite. This can not be too often said and thought about. For if what is not true is true as well as what is true, then part of truth is false. And truth has lost its meaning. Nothing but the truth is true, and what is false is false. Truth must be true throughout, if it be true. It cannot contradict itself, nor be in parts uncertain and in others sure. What God creates has no alternative. The truth arises from what He KNOWS; not what we perceive.
Perception has a focus.It is this that gives consistency to what we see. Change but this focus, and what we behold will change accordingly. When seeing a wholly sinless world is ALL we want to see, when this is ALL we seek for in the name of true perception, are the eyes of Christ inevitably ours. What the body's eyes see/perceive is only conflict.
Much of our strange behavior is directly attributable to our definition of guilt; we've accepted the belief the guiltless are guilty. Love and guilt cannot coexist, and to accept one is to deny the other. Guilt hides Christ from our sight, for it is the denial of the blamelessness of God' children. Love creates Itself and nothing but Itself. To the "devil" purity is seen as arrogance and the acceptance of the self as sinful is perceived as holiness. TEACH ONLY LOVE.
Romans 2:11 Romans 13:10 Eph. 1:4 Eph. 5:14 Eph. 3:17-19 Eph. 4:29 Philippians 4:8 Titus 1:15 2 James 3:17-18 1 John 1:5 1 1 John 4:7-8
Peace
GOD IS