1 Corinthians 15:41 states: There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.
Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
Isaiah 57:1 The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.
This last passage could possibly be in reference to those who vanish in the Rapture as well. Food for thought....
In my series of 7 postings on what is about to come to pass; I alluded to the righteous shining like the sun from Daniel. In regard to our battles with the enemy; he both accuses us of our sins and works to convince us that we aren't able to ever be in good standing with the Lord. There is danger in both extremes; thinking we are blessed when we aren't even saved; and being convinced we are still in darkness because of besetting sins. Surely we must confess and not try to hide our sins if we want to be forgiven.
This righteousness is something which is to be experienced with a servant's heart. Christ of course was the only truly righteous man who ever existed consistently throughout His earthly ministry reflecting His Divinity. It is the Body of Christ which was the focus of His ministry; his life and death. As a Christian we should seek to keep the church pure and build one another up and display the love of Christ in fellowship and communication with one another as well as when sharing the Good News with others.
Sadly; there are some I have had experience with who have displayed unedifying behavior suited for a church bought with a price.
If we are to be confined to a house church because of being unable to find a good church or persecution in the future; that will no doubt strip some of the pride that has crept into the organized church leadership up until now.
Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.
6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.
7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
( Proverbs 4:5-7)
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. ( Matt. 13:45-46).
It isn't a scripture; but I feel led to say that as a treasure; those possessing the Spirit of God are rare. Clearly the road is narrow and few find eternal life; but even those who do know the Lord are often caught up in life so much that it is hard to prioritize and focus on the Lord. For those who do know the Lord we can often more easily recognize the Spirit at work in others rather than seeing it in ourselves (I can only speak for myself and assume that it is similar for others). It saddens me to realize how weak; how pitiful; how poor a reflection of the joy of the Lord and His power my own life demonstrates.
Truly when we have examples to look up to it helps us to grow which is something discipleship should encourage although it seems a rare thing these days.
There is; with anything else a balance here. We can't put people on pedestals no matter how much the Lord is blessing them or using them to minister to us. Ultimately it is Christ who is to be exalted and glorified but usually He uses others in the Body of Christ to accomplish this. He dan use dreams or our own personal walk in the Lord to make a great impact; and without a personal devotion and commitment to time in prayer and scriptures as well as sharing our faith we are going to be less sensitive to His Spirit in us as well as how He is working with those around us; including unbelievers to receptiveness to the Gospel.
When rewards are given in heaven we will understand why. Run for the prize!!
And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle. ( Exodus 33:11).
Having wiped out my most recent attempt at this post TWICE now (aargh) I'll give it one final "hail Mary" as it were.
I suppose once I've committed the entire Bible to memory I'll stop pushing the wrong button to find verses online that knocks me out.
Anyway; I started posting today as I saw a couple individuals concerned about their salvation and it seemed to be a topic needing to be addressed. Earlier I stated that POST salvation that there is indeed a "two way" communication between a believer and the Lord; as it were in prayer. Proverbs 4:18 says But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Thus; if we know the Lord we learn to recognize our own flaws with mental processes and emotional issues as well as physical desires that all can lead us to sin. I consider doctrines of election as important for many reasons not the least being that God never changes and His covenants relate to that.
Hebrews 8:10 declares "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:"
As a vessel fit for His purposes we are not our own as 1 Corinthians 6:20 states we were "bought with a price." Of course all souls are mine as Esekiel 18:4 states. There are two polar opposites we want to avoid; first fear and cowardice which is warned about in Revelation 22 as something that brings people to hell; but also being presumptuous in for instance; claiming that we no longer sin as believers.
God gives us courage; as He did for Peter after Christ's Ascencion. Dying to self brings true joy! It comes from God not our own hand!
"When temptation calls; flee." - Understanding and resulting wisdom! (or is it the other way around?) Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
1Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. 2By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
-The commandment of God and not only the ten commandments but the whole scriptures which proceeds out of the mouth of God.Christians who have repented of their sins at the cross and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God need to Obey what God has taught and is is teaching Us, You and I though His word. THE BIBLE.
and an example of one The commandment of God is written in
proverbs 4:20-27
20My son, attend to my words;
Incline thine ear unto my sayings.
21Let them not depart from thine eyes;
Keep them in the midst of thine heart.
22For they are life unto those that find them,
And health to all their flesh.
23Keep thy heart with all diligence;
For out of it are the issues of life.
24Put away from thee a froward mouth,
And perverse lips put far from thee.
25Let thine eyes look right on,
And let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
26Ponder the path of thy feet,
And let all thy ways be established.
27Turn not to the right hand nor to the left:
Remove thy foot from evil.
-Therefore if any man keeps this saying of God, God will like he as a wise man who build his house upon the rock, Please read the rest of proverbs 4 and Let God teach you amen.
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. ( Proverbs 4:23).
Normally I prefer KJV (and after all that is the focus here) but in this case I prefer the word "Guard" to begin the sentence found in several other versions. In the case of dying to self; and focusing all our energies into serving the Lord several statements below may seem to contradict behaviors normally associated with being a Christian.
Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. ( Song of Solomon 8:6).
Granted; the whole book of Song of Solomon is focused on the story of human love but surely we can glean some meainings from this book which is included in the accepted Canon (although probably the most reluctantly by the early church). In any case; our God is a jealous God; and we can also apply this to the Spirit which contends against the flesh ( Gal. 5:24).
Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. ( Matt. 7:6).
This can perhaps be best understood in conjunction with the admonition in Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure. ( 1 Tim. 5:22). There are several meanings for laying on of hands which could relate to delegating a promotion of church office or imparting spiritual gifts (I would suggest both would happen simultaneously). In any case; within the house of God we must be discerning enough to recognize those with bad fruit who are going to take whatever they have and use it for nefarious purposes. We also need to be careful that we aren't tempted by the sins of others who wer are attempting to help; whether by reason of our own weaknesses or those who are devious enough to entice us or unwary victims of Satan.
You says, Paul was an exception to the rule? Would you please prove this by the Scriptures.
You says, Jesus comes into my heart, should be taken figuratively? 1Cor 3:16,172Cor 13:5Col 1:27Ephesians 2:22 Where else could He desire to be but within our heart, the seat & center of our very being. Proverbs 4:231Samuel 16:17
You say this sounds strange?
Consider also John 17:21-24 the oneness & unity that God desires to have with His people, this is what God has set His heart on Jeremiah 32:40,41 & made available thru the NC; this is a God, that has said, with all His heart & soul ! Come on; have a little faith.
We're heirs of God & joint heirs of Christ, it is God Himself that is our inheritance Psalms 119:57Psalms 73:26
You says, not by one staying home & God teaching him. This is exactly what God has done through the spiritual writing of the Quakers, specifically from 1646-1700 through the gifts Christ gave His church; in their writing I discover the intent of God's heart to cleanse one from all sin, & being united with God through Christ, which the Scriptures so manifestly declares & how God accomplishes it. Isa 64:41Cor 2:9Psalms 130:5 I'm talking about that Word that is Rom 10:8 that comes by 10:17 Meaning Christ spiritual appearance within conscience/heart John 1:9Titus 2:11 Obeying His Father commands 2Cor 4:6 which is the Treasure we have in these earthen vessels. 2Cor 4:7 to know the things that are freely given to us 1Cor 2:12
I just read your testimony of being born-again Oct 25/ 79. From our past conversations you stated that the two genlteman that posted before you gave good answers for the continuing in sin for life, so you would not add to it. Considering 1Jn3:5-10
Would you agree they're are some serious inconsistencies in your faith & the others who responded, that are very contrary to what the Scriptures plainly declare of being born again?
I do speak this out of concern for you & all others of like mindedness, for if our beliefs does not align up with Scriptures, then the expectation of our end will be false
Rev 22:15 the NKJV ends it with "love & practice a lie".
I pray that all would consider God's words, Proverbs 4:20; Matt 24:35
First i pray that God will give us the strength to understand of His words.
Remember wisdom is the principal thing therefore in all your getting get understanding amen. ( Proverbs 4:7)
To better understand this verse please recount the event of Stephen who was martyred and before he died, He saw Jesus Christ the son of God standing on the right hand of power.
So Stephen Saw Jesus before he died.
But to answer your Question The book of Revelation is written by John one of the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ, John received the Revelation of Jesus all the word of Living God all the things he saw.
( Revelation 1:1-2)
1,The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
So here John is an old man and receives the vision of God and to be more exact he sees the vision of Jesus Christ the son of the living God appearing in Glory with his angles and this event to came and it is written in the book of revelation.
( Revelation 19:11-16)
And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND Lord OF LORDS.
The word of God is Bread and so we need daily bread to sustain our Hunger and that's by search the scriptures daily.
Before reading your bible, you need to Pray and ask God to open His word for your understanding, Wisdom comes from God and the wisdom which he gives is not like the world.
In proverbs 4:7
its written wisdom is the principal thing and in all your getting get understanding.
So, I encourage you to pray and begin with God.
( Matthew 4:3-4, KJV)
3.And when the tempter came to him, he said, if thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
4But he answered and said, it is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
The word of God is Bread and so we need daily bread to sustain our Hunger and that's by search the scriptures daily.
Before reading your bible, you need to Pray and ask God to open His word for your understanding, Wisdom comes from God and the wisdom which he gives is not like the world.
In proverbs 4:7
its written wisdom is the principal thing and in all your getting get understanding.
So, I encourage you to pray and begin with God.
( Matthew 4:3-4, KJV)
3.And when the tempter came to him, he said, if thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
4But he answered and said, it is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Proverbs 4:20-23, "My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."
Isaiah 40:29-31, "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
Only in the LORD God can we find our strength, our healing, our hope, our joy, and our peace. God will "keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." Isaiah 26:3.
'There is more Scripture objectively condemning the use of alcoholic beverages than will be found on the subjects of lying, adultery, swearing, cheating, hypocrisy, pride, or even blasphemy.
1) Genesis 9:20-26 - Noah became drunk; the result was immorality and family trouble.
2) Genesis 19:30-38 - Lot was so drunk he did not know what he was doing; this led to immorality
3) Leviticus 10:9-11 - God commanded priests not to drink so that they could tell the difference between the holy and the unholy.
4) Numbers 6:3 - The Nazarites were told to eat or drink nothing from the grape vine.
5) Deuteronomy 21:20 - A drunken son was stubborn and rebellious.
6) Deuteronomy 29:5-6 - God gave no grape juice to Israel nor did they have intoxicating drink in the wilderness.
7) Deuteronomy 32:33 - Intoxicating wine is like the poison of serpents, the cruel venom of asps.
8) Judges 13:4, 7, 14 - Samson was to be a Nazarite for life. His mother was told not to drink wine or strong drink.
9) 1 Samuel 1:14-15 - Accused, Hannah said she drank no wine.
10) 1 Samuel 25:32-38 - Nabal died after a drunken spree.
11) 2 Samuel 11:13 - By getting Uriah drunk, David hoped to cover his sin.
12) 2 Samuel 13:28-29 - Amnon was drunk when he was killed.
13) 1 Kings 16:8-10 - The king was drinking himself into drunkenness when he was assassinated
14) 1 Kings 20:12-21 - Ben-Hadad and 32 other kings were drinking when they were attacked and defeated by the Israelites.
15) Esther 1:5-12 - The king gave each one all the drink he wanted. The king was intoxicated when he commanded the queen to come.
16) Psalm 75:8 - The Lord's anger is pictured as mixed wine poured out and drunk by the wicked.
17) Proverbs 4:17 - Alcoholic drink is called the wine of violence.
18) Proverbs 20:1 - Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging.
19) Proverbs 23:19-20 - A wise person will not be among the drinkers of alcoholic beverages.
Keep your eyes on GOD our LORD & Savior! : Philippians 4:4, Philippians 4:6-8, Deuteronomy 11:18, (not anything else) Proverbs 3:13-26,
Proverbs 4:18-27, Deuteronomy 4:4-9, Joshua 22:5,
1Peter 1:6-25,
Matthew 13:15-43, Nahum 1:3-15, Jude 1:20-25,
Trust GOD!
Lake Mead has dried maybe to expose the evils & cleanse it. Many have prayed for years for truth exposure & crimes solved. Didn't you know there are springs of water all around that area, even going into Death Valley? & a natural underground water Basin, that flows into parts of California. Trust GOD as we see HIM work out HIS mighty will. Stop looking to anything else as your sources. Also there are several methods of cleaning sea water into drinking water, even used in Space for Astronaut survival. Huntington Beach California wanted to implement during 2016-2018, but illegal immigrant votes in the area stopped the process with petition. Many also continued to waste water, disregarding most laws, opened my eyes to what "lawlessness" is. And lawless men & women in high positions, protecting their lawlessness. GOD is Faithful 1Thessalonians 5:15-24, pray & let GOD have HIS way, trust GOD for righteous discipline, HIS Justice, HIS righteous judgement & HIS faithful provisions. Romans 12:17-21, Psalms 78:20, Psalms 147:9, Matthew 6:8,9,10,11,12,13, for they know not what they do & that they trouble their own souls: Proverbs 11:17-19,
An interesting observation. There are 31 chapters in Proverbs and the longest month is 31 days. A good practice is to read a Proverb a day observing the day keeps us on track. Example July 4th read Proverbs chapter 4
"wisdom is the principle." To know the true God, and what he requires of man, and for what he has made man; and to this must be added, under the Christian dispensation, to know Jesus Christ whom he hath sent, and for what end He was sent, the necessity of his being sent, and the nature of that salvation which he has bought by his own blood.
Get wisdom - Consider this as thy chief gain; that in reference to which all thy wisdom, knowledge, and endeavors should be directed.
And with all thy getting - Let this be thy chief property. While thou art passing through things temporal, do not lose those things which are eternal; and, while diligent in business, be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.
Get understanding - Do not be contented with the lessons of wisdom merely; do not be satisfied with having a sound religious creed; devils believe and tremble; but see that thou properly comprehend all that thou hast learnt; and see that thou rightly apply all that thou hast been taught.
Wisdom prescribes the best end, and the means best calculated for its attainment. Understanding directs to the ways, times, places, and opportunities of practicing the lessons of wisdom. Wisdom points out the thing requisite; understanding sees to the accomplishment and attainment. Wisdom sees; but understanding feels. One discovers, the other possesses.
This passage is urging me and us to listen. Solomon is saying stop! listen to what im saying i am going to say somethings that you are not going to like but hear me out. Being able to be corrected is wisdom Solomon is saying we think the easy way out of things are the best way Not so all the time. That is why it is such a honour and a priviledge to know of the true and living God. As we see many today dont understand and sadly they dont want to understand. Oh, if we could just want understanding, God said he would give it to us. We dont have it because we dont ask for it
Trust God with your heart. Pray , study, learn,share ,teach from the Bible.Let God guide your heart.He loves His children.I love God. Can't go wrong there.
Dear "Somefair" you have right the pure of heart shall see God. Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Exodus 33:20 And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.
(Here we are reminded of God's Holiness again).
Colossians 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. Think what Jesus has done for us? Jesus loves us all, and i love u all in Christ.
Genesis 19:9And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest.
(We should always think about what is best for our neighbor).
Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Amen
Just remember that god loved ethe jewish people god yhwh taght the jewish people and talked directly to them so look into the kabballah its a boo mysteries it will give you a way to talk to god and have visions when you ask for information from god he will com to you if you true want to speak to god elizabeth clare prophet wrote a great book summarizing the books and religious mirroring that other religions do yet gods is the truth the others are left for you to determin whats what and she gives a prayer guide that gives real life results praise yhwh praise yeshua jesus and praise the holy spirit ruach hakodesh amen so just dont stop at just the bible there is so much more so keep on keep on in the word of god amen
It's nice to follow you brothers, in a way it's right everything u al write and refer to. I will try and come up with an input that is about daily life with Jesus Christ.
First, He never sleeps. Why do we have to? Yes The body of sin Screams for sleep. And then we know, we who have read a bit, that we have some good words that explain us about sleep in Proverbs 19:15 and Proverbs 20:13
I have to get a little personal here now. For my uncle, it can be said lukewarm. Think it's okay with Christmas and elves. Hymns and songs. But do not give up the self to anyone other than oneself. This is a stage where a person can become proud and stubborn. So how can I see that he can surrender to Jesus. Because we have some words that make it not "my business" to see who gets fair or not. I leave it to the Holy Spirit.
1 Timothy 1:9
Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, Here we clearly see who the law is for.
2 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
So what does that mean to be fair and righteous? Firstly, James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
1 John 2:29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.
Romans 6:1-4
Romans 6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
Proverbs 4:18
Romans 6:1
We have so many benefits we who are born after Christ! There is nothing to wonder about. He who believes is saved and righteous. He did this once for all. 1 Corint 15:22
Fully agree with what you've written, GiGi. The verse that came to mind as I read it, was 1 Corinthians 6:12: "All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any."
Apostle Paul would not have had an inkling what the 21st Century would look like in terms of lifestyle, products & services available & even the strengths & weaknesses of the Church, but his words still hold true for us even now. We are given much liberty for the exercise of mind & conscience to pursue many of the world's present offerings. We may even find many things that don't violate the Word of God, indeed not even mentioned, as so much was unknown then. But the question we need to continually ask ourselves must be, 'does what I want to do or have a spiritual benefit really meets God's Approval - will I need to lose some of God's Control over me so as to allow the thing I want, knowing that it might possibly gain control over me?'
I know that when we are truly sensitive to the Spirit, walking in the Spirit, we are left with no doubt as to what is acceptable to God - though sometimes the path ahead is a little unclear. When we live to please the Lord & not ourselves, then we will restrain our feet from that path & hold back until the way ahead is known. Proverbs 4:26; Psalm 119:105.
It's such a sad thing, when 2 Peter 2:20 (as Charles shared) becomes the undoing of the spiritually insensitive & the easily deceived. There must have been many so duped in the early Church that warranted much teaching & warning by the epistle writers. Falling into such deception is made so much worse than when we were once led astray at the beginning; to save the body from being destroyed because of ungodly living ( 1 Corinthians 5:5), must have been the predominant burning desire for those early Church fathers, as it ought to be for God's servants now, warning us who might also be ensnared by worldly offerings.
Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
Isaiah 57:1 The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.
This last passage could possibly be in reference to those who vanish in the Rapture as well. Food for thought....
In my series of 7 postings on what is about to come to pass; I alluded to the righteous shining like the sun from Daniel. In regard to our battles with the enemy; he both accuses us of our sins and works to convince us that we aren't able to ever be in good standing with the Lord. There is danger in both extremes; thinking we are blessed when we aren't even saved; and being convinced we are still in darkness because of besetting sins. Surely we must confess and not try to hide our sins if we want to be forgiven.
This righteousness is something which is to be experienced with a servant's heart. Christ of course was the only truly righteous man who ever existed consistently throughout His earthly ministry reflecting His Divinity. It is the Body of Christ which was the focus of His ministry; his life and death. As a Christian we should seek to keep the church pure and build one another up and display the love of Christ in fellowship and communication with one another as well as when sharing the Good News with others.
Sadly; there are some I have had experience with who have displayed unedifying behavior suited for a church bought with a price.
If we are to be confined to a house church because of being unable to find a good church or persecution in the future; that will no doubt strip some of the pride that has crept into the organized church leadership up until now.
Maranatha.
6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.
7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
( Proverbs 4:5-7)
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. ( Matt. 13:45-46).
It isn't a scripture; but I feel led to say that as a treasure; those possessing the Spirit of God are rare. Clearly the road is narrow and few find eternal life; but even those who do know the Lord are often caught up in life so much that it is hard to prioritize and focus on the Lord. For those who do know the Lord we can often more easily recognize the Spirit at work in others rather than seeing it in ourselves (I can only speak for myself and assume that it is similar for others). It saddens me to realize how weak; how pitiful; how poor a reflection of the joy of the Lord and His power my own life demonstrates.
Truly when we have examples to look up to it helps us to grow which is something discipleship should encourage although it seems a rare thing these days.
There is; with anything else a balance here. We can't put people on pedestals no matter how much the Lord is blessing them or using them to minister to us. Ultimately it is Christ who is to be exalted and glorified but usually He uses others in the Body of Christ to accomplish this. He dan use dreams or our own personal walk in the Lord to make a great impact; and without a personal devotion and commitment to time in prayer and scriptures as well as sharing our faith we are going to be less sensitive to His Spirit in us as well as how He is working with those around us; including unbelievers to receptiveness to the Gospel.
When rewards are given in heaven we will understand why. Run for the prize!!
Having wiped out my most recent attempt at this post TWICE now (aargh) I'll give it one final "hail Mary" as it were.
I suppose once I've committed the entire Bible to memory I'll stop pushing the wrong button to find verses online that knocks me out.
Anyway; I started posting today as I saw a couple individuals concerned about their salvation and it seemed to be a topic needing to be addressed. Earlier I stated that POST salvation that there is indeed a "two way" communication between a believer and the Lord; as it were in prayer. Proverbs 4:18 says But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Thus; if we know the Lord we learn to recognize our own flaws with mental processes and emotional issues as well as physical desires that all can lead us to sin. I consider doctrines of election as important for many reasons not the least being that God never changes and His covenants relate to that.
Hebrews 8:10 declares "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:"
As a vessel fit for His purposes we are not our own as 1 Corinthians 6:20 states we were "bought with a price." Of course all souls are mine as Esekiel 18:4 states. There are two polar opposites we want to avoid; first fear and cowardice which is warned about in Revelation 22 as something that brings people to hell; but also being presumptuous in for instance; claiming that we no longer sin as believers.
God gives us courage; as He did for Peter after Christ's Ascencion. Dying to self brings true joy! It comes from God not our own hand!
it is written in
1 John 1:1-3
1Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. 2By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
-The commandment of God and not only the ten commandments but the whole scriptures which proceeds out of the mouth of God.Christians who have repented of their sins at the cross and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God need to Obey what God has taught and is is teaching Us, You and I though His word. THE BIBLE.
and an example of one The commandment of God is written in
proverbs 4:20-27
20My son, attend to my words;
Incline thine ear unto my sayings.
21Let them not depart from thine eyes;
Keep them in the midst of thine heart.
22For they are life unto those that find them,
And health to all their flesh.
23Keep thy heart with all diligence;
For out of it are the issues of life.
24Put away from thee a froward mouth,
And perverse lips put far from thee.
25Let thine eyes look right on,
And let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
26Ponder the path of thy feet,
And let all thy ways be established.
27Turn not to the right hand nor to the left:
Remove thy foot from evil.
-Therefore if any man keeps this saying of God, God will like he as a wise man who build his house upon the rock, Please read the rest of proverbs 4 and Let God teach you amen.
read part 3.
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. ( Proverbs 4:23).
Normally I prefer KJV (and after all that is the focus here) but in this case I prefer the word "Guard" to begin the sentence found in several other versions. In the case of dying to self; and focusing all our energies into serving the Lord several statements below may seem to contradict behaviors normally associated with being a Christian.
Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. ( Song of Solomon 8:6).
Granted; the whole book of Song of Solomon is focused on the story of human love but surely we can glean some meainings from this book which is included in the accepted Canon (although probably the most reluctantly by the early church). In any case; our God is a jealous God; and we can also apply this to the Spirit which contends against the flesh ( Gal. 5:24).
Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. ( Matt. 7:6).
This can perhaps be best understood in conjunction with the admonition in Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure. ( 1 Tim. 5:22). There are several meanings for laying on of hands which could relate to delegating a promotion of church office or imparting spiritual gifts (I would suggest both would happen simultaneously). In any case; within the house of God we must be discerning enough to recognize those with bad fruit who are going to take whatever they have and use it for nefarious purposes. We also need to be careful that we aren't tempted by the sins of others who wer are attempting to help; whether by reason of our own weaknesses or those who are devious enough to entice us or unwary victims of Satan.
Friend,
You says, Paul was an exception to the rule? Would you please prove this by the Scriptures.
You says, Jesus comes into my heart, should be taken figuratively? 1Cor 3:16,17 2Cor 13:5 Col 1:27 Ephesians 2:22 Where else could He desire to be but within our heart, the seat & center of our very being. Proverbs 4:23 1Samuel 16:17
You say this sounds strange?
Consider also John 17:21-24 the oneness & unity that God desires to have with His people, this is what God has set His heart on Jeremiah 32:40,41 & made available thru the NC; this is a God, that has said, with all His heart & soul ! Come on; have a little faith.
We're heirs of God & joint heirs of Christ, it is God Himself that is our inheritance Psalms 119:57 Psalms 73:26
You says, not by one staying home & God teaching him. This is exactly what God has done through the spiritual writing of the Quakers, specifically from 1646-1700 through the gifts Christ gave His church; in their writing I discover the intent of God's heart to cleanse one from all sin, & being united with God through Christ, which the Scriptures so manifestly declares & how God accomplishes it. Isa 64:4 1Cor 2:9 Psalms 130:5 I'm talking about that Word that is Rom 10:8 that comes by 10:17 Meaning Christ spiritual appearance within conscience/heart John 1:9 Titus 2:11 Obeying His Father commands 2Cor 4:6 which is the Treasure we have in these earthen vessels. 2Cor 4:7 to know the things that are freely given to us 1Cor 2:12
Proverbs 4:18
I just read your testimony of being born-again Oct 25/ 79. From our past conversations you stated that the two genlteman that posted before you gave good answers for the continuing in sin for life, so you would not add to it. Considering 1Jn3:5-10
Would you agree they're are some serious inconsistencies in your faith & the others who responded, that are very contrary to what the Scriptures plainly declare of being born again?
I do speak this out of concern for you & all others of like mindedness, for if our beliefs does not align up with Scriptures, then the expectation of our end will be false
Rev 22:15 the NKJV ends it with "love & practice a lie".
I pray that all would consider God's words, Proverbs 4:20; Matt 24:35
Remember wisdom is the principal thing therefore in all your getting get understanding amen. ( Proverbs 4:7)
To better understand this verse please recount the event of Stephen who was martyred and before he died, He saw Jesus Christ the son of God standing on the right hand of power.
So Stephen Saw Jesus before he died.
But to answer your Question The book of Revelation is written by John one of the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ, John received the Revelation of Jesus all the word of Living God all the things he saw.
( Revelation 1:1-2)
1,The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
So here John is an old man and receives the vision of God and to be more exact he sees the vision of Jesus Christ the son of the living God appearing in Glory with his angles and this event to came and it is written in the book of revelation.
( Revelation 19:11-16)
And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND Lord OF LORDS.
-So john did not test death
The word of God is Bread and so we need daily bread to sustain our Hunger and that's by search the scriptures daily.
Before reading your bible, you need to Pray and ask God to open His word for your understanding, Wisdom comes from God and the wisdom which he gives is not like the world.
In proverbs 4:7
its written wisdom is the principal thing and in all your getting get understanding.
So, I encourage you to pray and begin with God.
( Matthew 4:3-4, KJV)
3.And when the tempter came to him, he said, if thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
4But he answered and said, it is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
The word of God is Bread and so we need daily bread to sustain our Hunger and that's by search the scriptures daily.
Before reading your bible, you need to Pray and ask God to open His word for your understanding, Wisdom comes from God and the wisdom which he gives is not like the world.
In proverbs 4:7
its written wisdom is the principal thing and in all your getting get understanding.
So, I encourage you to pray and begin with God.
( Matthew 4:3-4, KJV)
3.And when the tempter came to him, he said, if thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
4But he answered and said, it is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Proverbs 4:5-27, James 1:5, Ecclesiastes 7:12, Proverbs 112:5,
Proverbs 14:9,
Proverbs 8,
Hopefully these are encouraging as you pray & helpful as you're seeking GOD. Thank you for trusting us with your prayer needs
you need to remember the word is powerful and shaper than to egged sword.
Then stay your mind upon his words because they are health to your flesh.
please pray for understanding
Proverbs 4:21
20My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.
21Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.
22For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
23Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
24Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.
25Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
26Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.
27Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.
Proverbs 4:20-23, "My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."
Isaiah 40:29-31, "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
Only in the LORD God can we find our strength, our healing, our hope, our joy, and our peace. God will "keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." Isaiah 26:3.
1) Genesis 9:20-26 - Noah became drunk; the result was immorality and family trouble.
2) Genesis 19:30-38 - Lot was so drunk he did not know what he was doing; this led to immorality
3) Leviticus 10:9-11 - God commanded priests not to drink so that they could tell the difference between the holy and the unholy.
4) Numbers 6:3 - The Nazarites were told to eat or drink nothing from the grape vine.
5) Deuteronomy 21:20 - A drunken son was stubborn and rebellious.
6) Deuteronomy 29:5-6 - God gave no grape juice to Israel nor did they have intoxicating drink in the wilderness.
7) Deuteronomy 32:33 - Intoxicating wine is like the poison of serpents, the cruel venom of asps.
8) Judges 13:4, 7, 14 - Samson was to be a Nazarite for life. His mother was told not to drink wine or strong drink.
9) 1 Samuel 1:14-15 - Accused, Hannah said she drank no wine.
10) 1 Samuel 25:32-38 - Nabal died after a drunken spree.
11) 2 Samuel 11:13 - By getting Uriah drunk, David hoped to cover his sin.
12) 2 Samuel 13:28-29 - Amnon was drunk when he was killed.
13) 1 Kings 16:8-10 - The king was drinking himself into drunkenness when he was assassinated
14) 1 Kings 20:12-21 - Ben-Hadad and 32 other kings were drinking when they were attacked and defeated by the Israelites.
15) Esther 1:5-12 - The king gave each one all the drink he wanted. The king was intoxicated when he commanded the queen to come.
16) Psalm 75:8 - The Lord's anger is pictured as mixed wine poured out and drunk by the wicked.
17) Proverbs 4:17 - Alcoholic drink is called the wine of violence.
18) Proverbs 20:1 - Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging.
19) Proverbs 23:19-20 - A wise person will not be among the drinkers of alcoholic beverages.
20) Proverbs 23:21 - Drunkenness causes poverty.
21) Proverbs 23:29-30 -
Proverbs 4:18-27, Deuteronomy 4:4-9, Joshua 22:5,
1Peter 1:6-25,
Matthew 13:15-43, Nahum 1:3-15, Jude 1:20-25,
Trust GOD!
Lake Mead has dried maybe to expose the evils & cleanse it. Many have prayed for years for truth exposure & crimes solved. Didn't you know there are springs of water all around that area, even going into Death Valley? & a natural underground water Basin, that flows into parts of California. Trust GOD as we see HIM work out HIS mighty will. Stop looking to anything else as your sources. Also there are several methods of cleaning sea water into drinking water, even used in Space for Astronaut survival. Huntington Beach California wanted to implement during 2016-2018, but illegal immigrant votes in the area stopped the process with petition. Many also continued to waste water, disregarding most laws, opened my eyes to what "lawlessness" is. And lawless men & women in high positions, protecting their lawlessness. GOD is Faithful 1Thessalonians 5:15-24, pray & let GOD have HIS way, trust GOD for righteous discipline, HIS Justice, HIS righteous judgement & HIS faithful provisions. Romans 12:17-21, Psalms 78:20, Psalms 147:9, Matthew 6:8,9,10,11,12,13, for they know not what they do & that they trouble their own souls: Proverbs 11:17-19,
Hopefully these are helpful & encouraging
"wisdom is the principle." To know the true God, and what he requires of man, and for what he has made man; and to this must be added, under the Christian dispensation, to know Jesus Christ whom he hath sent, and for what end He was sent, the necessity of his being sent, and the nature of that salvation which he has bought by his own blood.
Get wisdom - Consider this as thy chief gain; that in reference to which all thy wisdom, knowledge, and endeavors should be directed.
And with all thy getting - Let this be thy chief property. While thou art passing through things temporal, do not lose those things which are eternal; and, while diligent in business, be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.
Get understanding - Do not be contented with the lessons of wisdom merely; do not be satisfied with having a sound religious creed; devils believe and tremble; but see that thou properly comprehend all that thou hast learnt; and see that thou rightly apply all that thou hast been taught.
Wisdom prescribes the best end, and the means best calculated for its attainment. Understanding directs to the ways, times, places, and opportunities of practicing the lessons of wisdom. Wisdom points out the thing requisite; understanding sees to the accomplishment and attainment. Wisdom sees; but understanding feels. One discovers, the other possesses.
Exodus 33:20 And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.
(Here we are reminded of God's Holiness again).
Colossians 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. Think what Jesus has done for us? Jesus loves us all, and i love u all in Christ.
Genesis 19:9And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest.
(We should always think about what is best for our neighbor).
Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Amen
1 Corintihans 15
My understanding concerning wisdom as a Feminine noun is meant for one to hold wisdom as something very special and to be sought after.
Proverbs 1:3-7.
Proverbs 4:5-13.
God bless.
First, He never sleeps. Why do we have to? Yes The body of sin Screams for sleep. And then we know, we who have read a bit, that we have some good words that explain us about sleep in Proverbs 19:15 and Proverbs 20:13
I have to get a little personal here now. For my uncle, it can be said lukewarm. Think it's okay with Christmas and elves. Hymns and songs. But do not give up the self to anyone other than oneself. This is a stage where a person can become proud and stubborn. So how can I see that he can surrender to Jesus. Because we have some words that make it not "my business" to see who gets fair or not. I leave it to the Holy Spirit.
1 Timothy 1:9
Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, Here we clearly see who the law is for.
2 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
So what does that mean to be fair and righteous? Firstly, James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
1 John 2:29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.
Romans 6:1-4
Romans 6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
Proverbs 4:18
Romans 6:1
We have so many benefits we who are born after Christ! There is nothing to wonder about. He who believes is saved and righteous. He did this once for all. 1 Corint 15:22
Apostle Paul would not have had an inkling what the 21st Century would look like in terms of lifestyle, products & services available & even the strengths & weaknesses of the Church, but his words still hold true for us even now. We are given much liberty for the exercise of mind & conscience to pursue many of the world's present offerings. We may even find many things that don't violate the Word of God, indeed not even mentioned, as so much was unknown then. But the question we need to continually ask ourselves must be, 'does what I want to do or have a spiritual benefit really meets God's Approval - will I need to lose some of God's Control over me so as to allow the thing I want, knowing that it might possibly gain control over me?'
I know that when we are truly sensitive to the Spirit, walking in the Spirit, we are left with no doubt as to what is acceptable to God - though sometimes the path ahead is a little unclear. When we live to please the Lord & not ourselves, then we will restrain our feet from that path & hold back until the way ahead is known. Proverbs 4:26; Psalm 119:105.
It's such a sad thing, when 2 Peter 2:20 (as Charles shared) becomes the undoing of the spiritually insensitive & the easily deceived. There must have been many so duped in the early Church that warranted much teaching & warning by the epistle writers. Falling into such deception is made so much worse than when we were once led astray at the beginning; to save the body from being destroyed because of ungodly living ( 1 Corinthians 5:5), must have been the predominant burning desire for those early Church fathers, as it ought to be for God's servants now, warning us who might also be ensnared by worldly offerings.