I am sorry to hear that you are going through so much pain. To answer your first question, there is no promise of physical healing. The only healing that we are promised is spiritual healing. Can God heal us from physical pain? Yes, of course He can. But there is no promise that He will always do so.
As for your second question asking if it is reasonable to believe that God would answer our prayers, not only is it reasonable to believe that God answers our prayers, but we can have complete confidence that God answers every single prayer that is asked according to His will. What I mean by this is that we sometimes petition God in prayer for something we want without asking for His will to be done in whatever it is we are asking for, whether it be a physical ailment or whatever the case may be.
On the flip side, we might pray for His will to be done in whatever we are asking for, and things may or may not get better. I speak from my own experience when I say that sometimes things may even get worse, but we have to accept the outcome even if it's not the outcome we expected. As brother Spencer has said, our physical bodies are temporary. We are not immune from pain and suffering. But we must trust the Lord even through the pain and hardships we go through.
As some here have prayed for your situation, I also will pray that the Lord will ease your pain according to His will. Please know that if you belong to Christ and are in submission to Him, the pain you are experiencing is not His vengeance on you. Cast all your cares on the Lord. The suffering and pain that we go through in this earthly life cannot even be compared to what awaits those who belong to Christ. ( Romans 8:18).
Pain and suffering is a byproduct of sin entering the world thousands of years ago.
Romans 8:22-23 states; "For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
It is very difficult to focus on what good God might bring about as a result.
The clearest example of this in Scripture is found is Psalm 119. Notice the progression through verses 67, 71, and 75 - "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word...It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees...I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness you have afflicted me." The author of Psalm 119 was looking at suffering from God's perspective. It was good for him to be afflicted. It was faithfulness that caused God to afflict him. The result of the affliction was that he learned God's decrees and obeyed His Word.
Romans 8:18-25 - written in Corinth during Paul's 3rd missionary journey - around year 57 AD;
18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (According Philippians 3:20-21 combined with 1Corinthians 15:51-57 and Luke 20:35-36)
19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of GOD.
22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
...
John 3:31-36
31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.
32 And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.
33 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that GOD is true.
34 For he whom GOD hath sent speaketh the words of GOD: for GOD giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.
35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into His hand.
36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abideth on him.
It's nice to have my TV down the rest of the week (actually my parent's). Gives me more time on this site.
When we speak the Gospel truth and IF the Lord is coming in the not too distant future; we certainly would expect that SOME would come to Christ after the Rapture and removal of at least some of the church. Given that some people today actually STEAL Bibles; it is probably a good idea to have a few extra on standby. I imagine it will do some good after the Rapture; but no doubt the truth will be realized even with the deadly deception that aliens or some other explanation is given for the disappearance of many living AND resurrection of the dead. No doubt the 144,000 and 2 prophets as well as other believers martyred at the time will know some scripture; and no doubt also Antichrist will use much of it to attempt to prove his deity and status; power and authority (or the Satanic bible).
We should look at those who don't yet believe as both blind to the truth at present but to be given that revelation at a later date if they are indeed coming to the faith at some point. In the context of God being beyond time; of course He already sees them as they will be called; sanctified; glorified ( Romans 8:30) That's how I see it anyway.
Therefore whatever the end result is as to all who are saved and those who are lost; that is the inevitable route their current trajectory is taking them. Seeing things as they are in our own understanding is to say the least depressing. No doubt some things we will understand better in glory. God says not to look back on the former days (Ecclasiastes 7:10). No doubt evil spirits were dominating in each generation; just in a different mantra; a different motif; a different genre; or cultural norm.
As Revelation 3:11 says we should be careful not to lose our reward to another. These are days when not only many fall away but many believers lose rewards. Let us hold on!!
More on assurance of salvation or "eternal security"
As stated before space ran out in the last post; Romans 8:16 shows the communication between our spirit and His Spirit who resides within all true believers ( John 14:23; see also Eph. 3:17). For Him to RESIDE in our souls we must be born again.
And being children of God we also are made aware of opportunities which God gives us (i.e. "good works") that will be rewarded in heaven someday that are imperishable ( 1 Cor. 9:25; Matt. 6:19-21). Keep in mind the end of that passage stating that wherever your treasure is; your heart is also (loosely translated).
Again; as I have stated a LOT on this site; God's method is to chastise all those He loves (let the reader find the scriptures). There is no desire for this in the flesh; as it is stated in Hebrews 12:11 to be disciplined in this way. We learn to recognize and appreciate this "pruning" effort ( John 15:2); for without it we would be in danger of producing no fruit and in the end being burned (in everlasting punishment). Our confidence is that in the end we are made into a glorious image; and reflect perfectly His radiance as He truly IS our life. Our reward; therefore comes from Him and in reality is HIS reward. He will; of course have His saints rule and reign with Him as part of our inheritance.
Another point to be made is an effectual witness has to be bold in their testimony and bring the fear of the Lord as well as demonstrate His love. It is therefore as Philippians 1:28 states a "token of their perdition" that we remain steadfast in the confidence of all that He has promised us. Our coming exaltation to rule and reign with Christ isn't brought forth by arrogance on our part; but nonetheless the unnerving thing to those who hear our witness is that we are; indeed already seated in heavenly places. ( Eph. 2:6). Christ also overcame and is seated at the right hand of the Father. God will be magnified whether hell or heaven is our end.
Testing ourselves to see if we are in the faith ( 2 Cor. 13:5) wouldn't be in scripture unless these things were possible. Just as there are conflicts in a true believer in regard to the flesh contending with the Spirit; we also recognize that Jesus Himself is working in and through us; we are just the mouthpieces and messengers. The Lord asks us to do many things that are impossible in the flesh; in fact ALL things actually are impossible for unregenerate man as they are spiritually dead; and we can do nothing apart from Him.
One insight in testing our faith to see if it is real is to see if God is drawing men to Himself through us; and with the company we keep. This is a difficult task as we see wheat and tares growing together. To follow Biblical discipleship is in many ways different from the way it is perceived today in many evangelical churches in particular. Multiplying numbers of new converts to keep the spiritual generations ever evolving cannot be at the expense of weeding out those who aren't truly committed to the task. This is what Christ did challenging many who wished to follow Him; as well as challenging the thoughts of even the 12 Apostles on a deeper level than with the masses. Our approach isn't the same as to being able to know all men's thoughts before they speak; but we must unapologetically be uncompromising with the Word so that error doesn't have a way of creeping in-at least as much as we can avoid having it do so. Basically; those who are truly in Christian fellowship will focus on prayer for one another and the Word as a guide to all of their life.
I have detailed these postings with evidences of being a true believer before tackling the "assurance of salvation". I will now look at some points to think about as to having confidence of "eternal security".
First and foremost there is Romans 8:16 showing how those who truly believe KNOW they are saved. More in next post.
That is so true, as in Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. We can't do it without Him, hope your house is finished or close to it.
God bless you Gramma GiGi, and your family and the new baby in the family.
When the stormy winds are raging, and disasters take their toll
When the mighty waves of trouble overwhelm your stricken soul
Look to God who reigns above, never doubt Him He is Love
Are you filled with eager longing for the earth's night to turn to day
God will soon dispel all sorrow, He will wipe all tears away
For His Kingdom will soon come and His will on earth be done
No matter what we are facing, the tribulations we are in, and those things that we have yet to face. If we are in Christ and He in us, we must remember this life we are living is not our own. Our hope is in the life to come that is given by the grace of God by the sacrifice of His Son and His resurrection. We are to walk with Him daily, if we do, we have been given a promise, that Jesus will return with the gift of immortality to those who are His.
Romans 8:35-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
James 2:9-12: James is writing in these verses about those who would "keep (fully obey) the whole law", yet go astray even by committing one sin in a moment of time, having demonstrated their inability to keep (continually uphold) the Law as required. "So speak ye ( James 1:26), and so do ( James 2:17), as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty (the Law believers are under, 2 Corinthians 2:17, Galatians 5:1, James 1:25)". The Law of Liberty, can also be referred to the Law of the Spirit Who gives Liberty ( 2 Corinthians 3:17, Romans 8:2), assures our hearts that we are accepted of the Lord because we have been forgiven & the Gift of the Holy Spirit continually ministers to our hearts & lives to help us live holy lives or lead us/discipline us when we stray off course.
This Liberty, the Law could never give - Israel always remained fearful of it, eventually leading them into idolatry & debauchery, but to those IN Christ Jesus there is now no condemnation who walk after the Spirit ( Romans 8:1) - we should not be bound to the letter that had as its goal to expose & destroy souls, but to the Spirit Who gives Power & Life to obey God perfectly, "hating even the garment spotted by the flesh" ( Jude 1:23). Only the Laws given us by the Spirit to our hearts cover every area of our lives, ministering to us in His Way (& not in human strength), so we can live above the letter's demands but as new creations in Christ. There was nothing wrong with the 10 Commandments, for they are from God & His Truth - but they were for Israel alone, for their conduct before God & man, to show them their sin, God's requirements, & prepare them to approach God in Love, Truth, & Faith. All who did at that time were accepted by their faith alone ( Hebrews 11:39,40) & not on how well they kept the Law. Romans 8:3,4 (we allow the righteousness of the Law to work & be fulfilled in us by God's Spirit - never appealing to the letter, which is devoid of life). Every blessing.
We are dealing with two things here when concerning dinosaurs.
1) When were they created.
2) When did they die.
By the scriptures we know that the Lord created everything that was created. John 1:3. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Also, by the scriptures we know that death came into the world by Adam's sin.
Romans 5:12Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
By Scriptures we know that that extends to all creation, even the very ground we walk on! Genesis 3:17. and
Romans 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
The whole world groans and is waiting on a redemption, meaning restored to its formal intentions.
So, this may atleast help us with the "when" the dinosaurs could have died.
certainly not before Adam and Eve because death had not entered the world yet. (Possibly the flood)
Some hold the view of a gap theory between verses 1 and 2 in Genesis 1:1-2. as a possibility when dinosaurs may have been created.
29'I will not,' he replied. But later he changed his mind and went. 30Then the man went to the second son and told him the same thing. 'I will, sir,' he said. But he did not go. 31Which of the two did the will of his father?" "The first," they answered. Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you.
( Matthew 21:29-31).
We see through Romans 8:30 the idea of being called; justified and glorified without any mention of sanctification implied through discipleship. We can look at immature believers in Corinth who likely died in some cases without really being effective disciples. Nonetheless; we want to ensure that as Paul says in Phillipians 3:14 that we run for the prize. Crowns given for ministry; patient endurance or martyrdom don't come easy or to all but nonetheless since it affects our stance and spiritual authority under the King at least for the Millennium if not all eternity these are vital goals for us to pursue!
When we consider the Great Commission and God's calling for us to go and make Disciples of all men in Matthew 28:19-20 we certainly see that emphasized; and that seemingly over the concept of just leading men to Christ which of course is part of what it means to teach all the things Jesus meant and taught to His own on His earthly ministry.
The concept of personal sanctification and becoming separate from the world; therefore is also part of our growth as well as teaching others to be FOLLOWERS of Christ and the sacrificial lives that should accompany their declaration of salvific faith.
It has been stated and I wholeheartedly agree that today the message of coming to Christ is often watered down. This often is to keep attendance up and money coming in from unscrupulous church leaders. It also comes from the misguided notion that we may say something to scare someone off unnecessarily. We must share hard truth with love.
Primary or secondary applications: An open ended question.
In the last few hours I have wrestled with the question of discipleship and whether it is primary or "secondary" in importance.
First of all I need to categorically state that it is still VERY important and indeed necessary if we are ever going to be "sold out" for Jesus to ensure that we truly are disciples; and that of lasting ones that aren't going to walk away like many Jesus challenged on His way to eventually being crucified on the cross. Taking a brief internet survey of this subject there are varying opinions. It seems that one can be saved without being a disciple at least the level of commitment Jesus described. The thief on the cross would be one example; there was no time to work through issues like Jesus did with the 12 Apostles He chose as His primary disciples. The Corinthian church also stands out as a place where immature believers sometimes died before their time and had many other issues; clearly not acting as a mature disciple at least in terms of submitting their lives to the Lord.
The church changed over time; and although other churches also had issues it would seem certainly that the many admonitions written in Paul's Epistles and Peter and John's writings of the same were primarily to build believers up in the local churches to live as worthy of the calling; and hence good disciples.
If we are saved; we are ultimately justified and glorified ( Romans 8:30). We don't see sanctification there as would be expected as a true disciple; but again we certainly need to grow in this way to recieve spiritual rewards in heaven (Phillipians 3:14; also see other verses about crowns for service; ministry; patiently waiting for His appearing; etc.) Just because it doesn't necessarily determine our ultimate fate to lose out on what will be at least for the Millennium if not all of eternity our spiritual position in heaven would hardly be unimportant. I'll leave this open to debate
Jesus was conceived of the Holy Ghost, Matthew 1:20 of the seed of a woman/Mary, Genesis 3:15, and born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God, John 1:13. Jesus grew up the same way that we do, Luke 2:40.
He was subject to the pulls of the flesh. He was tempted and influenced by Satan, Luke 4:1-2. He had a will and human desires, Luke 22:41-42. Although Jesus was filled without measure with the power of the Holy Ghost, and gave all things into his hand, John 3:34-35 Jesus humbled Himself and was obedient unto death, Philippians 2:5-11.
To be the payment for sins of man and to be the Savior of mankind and destroy the works of the devil, Jesus had to be a human, Hebrews 2:14-18, the promise God made was to Abraham and his seed, that was Jesus the Messiah/Christ, Galatians 3:16.
Jesus the last Adam came into this world sinless as the first Adam and had to be laden with what we are as humans. The man Jesus, Romans 5:15, had to endure and overcome sin and rise above the influences of Satan to become the payment for the sins and this atonement made way for our deliverance from Satan's bondage, Romans 3:21-26.
He also was prepared to be a merciful and faithful High Priest, Hebrews 4:14-16. God sent His own Son to condemn sin in the flesh that the law could not do that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled, Romans 8:3-4.
Jesus the Son of God a human being had to deal with life as we do. He lived in the same time, space, and constraints as we do. He was born under the law, He became tired, He became hungry, He was subject to persecution, subject to pain, subject to the Roman rulers, He had to deal with all the things the same way we do, and all was the for the will of the Father, not His, Matthew 26:42.
Only in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth do we have hope, and are saved, Acts 4:12.
That's good, brother Bennymkje, may our Lord GOD bless us today and always, and give us His protection.
You know, our conversation is in heaven( Ephesians 1:3-8); from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself. By the way, The last ENEMY that shall be destroyed is death-1Co.15:26 combined with Luke 20:35-36. It is the Power, great mystery. Philippians 3:20-21 combined with Romans 8:18-19.
As is written, look up, and lift up your heads; your redemption draweth nigh. Aleluia!
Furthermore, the current time, the Lord's Day, the seventh and last Day or seventh and last millennium, it is of resurrection - Daniel 12:1-3 combined with 1Thessalonians 4:16 and Revelation 11:15-18 - and we which are alive and remain - We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be CHANGED(by the Word of GOD-the Word is GOD, self-executing), i.e. we shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air( Isaiah 60:8), i.e. to meet the Lord in the 3rd heaven, 3rd heavenly place in Christ( 2Corinthians 12:1-4), and so shall we ever be with the Lord. --> Would it be or will it be in the day 1335, the misterious biblical day, day 1335? 45 days after 1290 days? Daniel 12:12.
Wherefore comfort one another with these words- 1 Thessalonians 4:18 combined with Daniel 12:2-11.
Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing.
May our Lord GOD bless us and keep us, and give us His protection, today and ever
Love is his nature. It's impossible for God not to Love.
Whether, reward or chastening, God do it out of Love when it is a direct act coming from him.
But why do God allow evil to come upon us by the world.
I believe it's for our spiritual growth.
We also have to keep in mind that Christ suffered and he is truly the only one we can call good.
Here is where you will have to trust God!
In the end we become stronger. I have to lean on Romans 8:28.
Why do God allow bad things to happen to Good people is a often asked question.
Here's a few things to consider.
1) Bad things may happen to good people in this world, but this world is not the end. Christians have an eternal perspective: "We do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
2) Bad things happen to good people, but God uses those bad things for an ultimate, lasting good. "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him..
3) Bad things happen to good people, but those bad things equip believers for deeper ministry.
God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
4) Bad things happen to good people, and the worst things happened to the best Person. Jesus was the only truly Righteous One, yet He suffered more than we can imagine. We follow in His footsteps: "If you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
I know it's hard when we are down but we have to trust God.
Daniel 9:24-27, in this prophecy, there are seventy weeks or 490 years determined unto Daniel's people and the holy city to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.
Have these 6 things been fulfilled in Jesus the Messiah, and the judgment of it carried out in 70 AD? If so, all of this prophecy has been fulfilled in the past.
1 To finish the transgression. To break or violate, as a law, civil or moral; the act of transgressing. Psalms 32:1Isaiah 53:5-11Romans 4:14-15Galatians 3:18-19Hebrews 9:14-15.
2 To make an end to sins. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. Matthew 1:21Hebrews 10:8-11John 1:291 Corinthians 15:31 John 3:5Psalm 32:1Romans 3:21-26Romans 8:3.
3 To make reconciliation for iniquity. Reconciliation is an element of salvation that refers to the results of the atonement. Colossians 1:20-22Isaiah 53:6Isaiah 53:11Romans 5:11Ephesians 2:16Titus 2:142 Corinthians 5:18-19.
4 To bring in everlasting righteousness. In conformity to the demands of the covenant and according to God's will. Isaiah 61:10-11Romans 3:21-26Romans 5:17-212 Corinthians 5:211 Peter 2:24.
5 To seal up the vision and prophecy. The greatest prediction, which runs like a golden thread through the whole contents of the Old Testament, is that regarding the coming and work of the Messiah, Jesus. Daniel 9:23Matthew 11:11-15Mark 1:14-15John 5:36-40John 6:27Acts 3:18.
6 To anoint the most holy. The high priest went into the holy of holies once a year with the blood of a sacrificed bull. Jesus our high priest with His own blood anointed the most holy not made with hands once and for all, forever. Hebrews 9:6-14.
Emotional healing: Prayers and communication with the Lord.
The Spirit of the Lord should be what guards our heart ( Prov. 4:23); keeps the reins of our heart in check ( Jeremiah 17:10); gives us the mind of Christ ( 1 Cor. 2:16) as well as communing with our soul ( Romans 8:16).
As ironic as it seems; it may be often best to focus on prayers for our enemies rather than friends. With any kind of healing; there is the tendency because of our own emotional connection to desperately ask for relief from pain and suffering of any sort for those we know and love. What we fail to see sometimes especially with those we are familiar with is that God often uses suffering as a form of chastisement to get someone's attention and turn to the Lord. Obviously we shouldn't be the arbitrators of what kind of test others should go through and deliberately hold ack on prayers either. As we study persevering in prayer; we should also learn to sense the course of events the Lord is directing in an individuals life over time and tweek the prayer appropriately.
Mental healing: This subject of course intersects with emotions and physiological factors; such as Dopamine levels. Actual brain damage may be involved as well as unknown factors. Overall; of course patterns of behavior will bring healing as one focuses their energies on study of the Word and living out a Godly and obedience life of service to the Lord and of course turns away from worldliness. Those too fixated on faith healing at the expense of anything else are missing out on even Paul's example of his thorn in the flesh. Many are able to sympathize with others who are down and out; and the transparency of our own strugles can be a real inspiration and valuable in evangelism. This is more than the boasting of how depraved we are; although incorporates an internal comprehension of our good deeds being filthy rags before conversion. What it DOES show is unconditional love and an open heart to ruined sinners.
Completing my example 1 of prayer for someone to be saved; as I repeatedly nag it isn't something we find in scripture. Paul when on trial went as close as saying he wished to see someone saved ( Acts 26:28 with Agrippa). Just as we once were before the light broke through we were once blinded to the truth; and therefore shouldn't expect any efforts no matter how sincere or even faith filled will make one iota of difference in bringing someone to salvation. That is a really harsh statement at face value.
We know for a fact it won't work with someone already physically deceased; and of course that would be a sin or necromancy and useless according to Hebrews 9:27. But we were once "dead in sin" ( Ephesians 2:13). It is easy as a true believer to be perplexed how people can have multiple and long term opportunities to hear the Gospel and still reject it. What is worse is those who go along and perhaps make a confession but are insincere in their hearts; thus never producing "good fruit". We know that if we hear the truth it is of God as our spirit testifies with His Spirit that we are children of God. ( Romans 8:16).
The rest of the world is content that Christ is a good teacher or Prophet as that is all they can see; His humanity apart from Divinity as a member of the Godhead.
I will leave this topic with a general statement. We should sow seeds with whoever we can; but not make an undo effort to spend an inordinate amount of time with those not open to the Gospel at the expense of the Great Commission at large.
As Jesus stated in comparison to our service to God we must hate those closest to us; which doesn't mean of course to abandon care as that makes us worse than an infidel. Our motivation for service must be to serve God always; and that has to be despite whether all those we care about come to Christ or not.
This likely is the start of another lengthy series of postings. I fear that my sermon like "lecturing" isn't exactly working at times.
I felt it prudent to let the scriptures speak for themselves-and am unaware of anyone who has searched the scriptures both O.T. and N.T. for a comprehensive study of all times that prayer occurred and repeated themes and patterns that could be established.
Praying "in the Spirit" ( Ephesians 6:18 and 2 other references) is hard to precisely define. There are many theological discussions on what is "proper" or improper things to pray about; but I am unaware of any doctrinal statements that nail it down like there are on other church ordinances; and ceremonies. Interestingly as I have brought up several times on this forum there is no scripture that invokes a saint to pray for a SPECIFIC person to come to Christ. It seems the majority of prayers are personal in scripture. With that being said; intercession for the saints is a vital component ( Romans 8:27); and praying for the nation asking for mercy with national sins is another theme; associated with God's covenant promises being affirmed in the long run despite the disobedience as we see in the case of Daniel chapter 9.
As I may have mentioned in the past; a friend of mine a few years back started an early morning prayer group which I briefly attended before moving back home with my parents and stated that he was "desperate" for prayer. I know of at least one person in my current church who is in his 60s but gets up at 4 or so each day to pray and listen to a Bible study before working his full time job. I have known a couple others in the past who have done the same sort of thing. I'd like to be that way myself; rather than the "ZOMBIE" like state that I am in the early morning. My prayer is fairly consistent but later in the morning although traffic to work has cut that short recently.
Even though there is a distinction between the children of God and the children of the world the scripture says to be kind to all men. Galatians 6:10.
However, we're not all Brothern.
John 1:11-12 says "He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the "sons of God, even to them that believe on his name"
Jesus also said in Matthew 12:50 "For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
Ephesians 2:19 states Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.
So, there is a clear distinction in scripture between God's children and those who haven't received him.
1 John 3:9-10 covers this well, "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
"Sons of God" emphasizes a natural, internal relationship with God rather than an external adoption. Becoming God's children involves a real change and transformation, not just a change in title or position. We partake in the divine nature.
All people are not naturally God's children. We must be born again through faith in Christ to become God's children.
This separates us from Adam.
We are now joint heirs with Christ. Romans 8:14-17 "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Hi Karma, I've been in a very similar situation. I was struggling so bad with doubts about my own salvation, and it scared me so so much. One thing that was a huge help to me, was realizing that salvation doesn't depend on ME, I didn't earn it, so I definitely can't lose it on my own. Salvation is a FREE gift, given by the Lord Jesus Christ, and it's very simple.
The Bible says we're all sinners, (Roman's 3:23) and since God is a holy and just God our sin needs to be punished. God loves us so much, that while we were His enemy, He sent His only Son Jesus Christ to come and pay for our sins. He died for all of our sins, past, present and future. But He didn't stay dead. 3 days later Jesus Christ rose from the dead, proving His sacrifice for our sins was accepted by God. Now He offers salvation to us FREELY, all we have to do is believe and trust in what He has done.
Roman's 10:13 says "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
God made salvation so simple, that anyone can receive it. Baptism has nothing to do with salvation, praise God it depends on Him.
If you're not saved, you can be saved. You're living now, and the Bible says in John 6:37 "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." If you sincerely call upon the Lord, believing and trusting in only what He's done for you, He will save you. Simple as that. He won't cast you out.
Now is the day of salvation ( 2nd Corinthians 6:2). Romans 8:38-39 - Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ
If salvation is based on something that I have to do tomorrow or have to not do tomorrow, or based upon MY performance/works as a Christian, then there's no way to know ur saved because there's no way to know what u will or won't do tomorrow. If we could lose our salvation, we would.
But if I'm trusting solely in what Jesus Christ has done, that is fixed, settled, and final, and that is eternal security.
I suppose today's scripture from Joshua 24:18 is as good a place as any to tackle that subject. As for the entire Bible as we have it today; there is no verse in scripture mentioning all the written texts as a whole; probably because they weren't complete yet.
1 Corinthians 13:10 mentions things passing away when the partial is complete; or something to that affect. Revelation also has verses warning about not adding or subtracting which could mean adding to that book or all scripture. Since the written texts originally came from oratory (with the exception of the 10 Commandments originally penned by God Himself); God planned it out so that the scribes would count every LETTER of a scroll; and get rid of a copy to start again if it was even slightly off. 2 Timothy 3:16 explains that all scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching; reproof; etc.
I have discussed in older posts a summation of the Apocrypha as to truths of historic or moral truths that are borrowed from true scripture; which always states "thus saith the Lord" except for places like Ruth and Esther; or Song of Solomon. God's truths are absolute; as we see from the claims of Christ's divinity; and the laws in the 10 Commandments. The repetitive themes such as scriptures being repeated again in the New Testament to enhance their true meanings bring a cohesiveness to the Bible. We also have such admonitions as 1 John 4:2 stating what any "spirit" testifies about Christ having come in the flesh.
That would correlate with verses like Matthew 16:17 where it is clear that Christ's DIVINITY (as the "I am") can only be understood or revealed through the Spirit. I noticed that myself pre conversion it didn't enter my mind that Christ was God or part of the "Godhead". As our spirit testifies with "his Spirit"( Romans 8:16) that we are His children and His Word is truth the Lord will build our discernment of truth as we grow and mature in Him to know what is true (see also John 10:27).
20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
Death is an enemy; and verse 26 of this chapter indicates that it will eventually be eliminated. Jesus was the "first of the firstfruits" so to speak; which extends through the Rapture/Resurrection event of the righteous; through the Revelation 14:4 event of the translation of the 144,000. After this we will have the Second Coming when those that survive until that time physically will survive to repopulate the earth in the Millennial period; followed by the time the Heavenly Jerusalem comes down and God the Father dwells with men (v. 24).
It is hard to comprehend let alone understand all the mysteries of His death; burial and resurrection. It is as a grand play on stage; except that the pathos is real; and His atonement was sufficient for us all to deliver our sins as far as the east is from the west. ( Psalm 103:12). He ever lives to intercede for His people ( Hebrews 7:25). He first rose from the dead and we shall likewise. He who believes in Him will never die ( John 11:25-26) even though he dies physically in reality it is only the body that sleeps as we see about Lazarus earlier in that chapter. We have hope unlike the world for those "fallen asleep" ( 1 Thess. 4:14-18).
All of creation also is awaiting the change and groans until now ( Romans 8:23). For those who believe the last scene of this real life drama is glorious and never ending; while there is no peace for the wicked ( Isaiah 48:22; etal). Let that sink in as the world in its ignorance turns this glorious day into a mockery.
Hello Jessica: It sounds like you have been a really good person all your life, although I'm not sure what kind of "social justice" you have been an advocate/activists for, but I'm sure you have done your best to help people. I understand you now want Justise from God for this terrible wrong that has been done to you. First, I'd like to ask: do you BELIEVE in God and Jesus only, or are you a forgiven, justified, regenerated, new birth child of God because you have repented to Jesus and Jesus only and accepted Christ as your Savior? If not please read the book of John and 1st, 2nd, 3rd Peter and pray and ask Jesus into your heart. If you have never done this, if you "believe" in God because of the denomination you in and believe a doctrine, which doesn't teach a one-on-one relationship with Jesus Christ then I can understand why this prayer has not been answered answered for you, however, if you are a true child of God, you must trust Him to handle this situation in His time and His way. By fretting over this situation you are not allowing God to have His way. It is a sign to Him that you don't trust Him to take care of this for you. I'd like to give you three scriptures that I hope will help you besides the books I mentioned above.
Hello Jpiegaro. This is a subject that has been debated often & it really boils down to how one approaches & understands God's Word on this matter, as also with other subjects.
My understanding on this, indeed on all matters pertaining to Israel, is that the Ten Commandments which includes the necessity of keeping the Sabbath Day holy was wholly incumbent upon Israel & Israel alone. No other people received the Decalogue, as also with circumcision, the festivals, sacrifices, priestly functions, other laws, etc. Unfortunately, when the Jew turned to Christ, as also with the Gentile, the knowledge they had or we received from the Old Testament are presumed to be automatically passed onto & applied to those now In Christ. We readily acknowledge the laws concerning our relationship to God & to one another, as given in the OT, but then imply that Sabbath-keeping must also apply to us. We do so in ignorance.
Shabbat (Hebrew, from the root, Shin-Bet-Tav), being the seventh day, means 'to cease, to end, to rest', & Israel was to sanctify (set apart) this day for cessation from all activity, even as the LORD Himself hallowed it ( Exodus 20:10,11). There could be no transposition of this Sabbath Day to any other day; hence, it was never 're-converted' to become a Sunday, thus the term 'Christian Sabbath' really is a misnomer. One can use the 7th day, or any day, as a day of rest as desired, but I don't ever see it as a requirement for those who are In Christ Jesus, as those now under a new Law given us (even, imputed in us) by the Holy Spirit ( Romans 8:2) & also being led of the Spirit ( Galatians 5:18). When we look at the Gospels & the Acts of the Apostles, we find many references to the Sabbath Day, since either the Law was still in force (pre-Cross) or the apostles took advantage of the day for ministry to the Jews in synagogues (in Acts). But in NT Church practise, they met on the 1st Day of the Week, with no reference to the old Law of Sabbath(s).
We have a wonderful God and he does heal However, Isaiah 53:5 is not emphasizing that kind of healing. In fact it's talking about much more than healing the body.
Isaiah 53:4-6.
Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
But HE WAS WOUNDED FOR OUR "TRANSGRESSIONS", HE WAS BRUISED FOR OUR 'INIQUITIES": the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
(All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the "INIQUITY" of us all.)
Isaiah 53:5 is emphasizing Christ as the sacrificial Lamb, taking our place on the cross.
(We are healed from the penalty of sin.)
By this we become sons of God!
For encouragement I would associate these passages with Romans 8:14-18 and
Romans 8:32.
"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, HOW SHALL HE NOT WITH HIM ALSO FREELY GIVE US ALL THINGS?
We go to him with faith and confidence as a son and ask if it's in his will.
Romans 8:16 says: "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:"
Hebrews 12:6 states: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Matthew 5:44-46 says
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
These verses bring a clear understanding of those who are His children and possess His Spirit from those who don't. We can't love our enemies in our own strength in the same way we can in Him; but perhaps the other side of the argument should be examined; we cannot hate our sin; our former "good deeds" and appreciate the verse in Jeremiah 17:9 about our hearts being "deceitfully wicked" apart from a revelation from God through His Spirit. This truth results in a response of repentance whose origin comes from God; and results in actions coming from a new heart or nature; rather than just outer actions in some attempt to be righteous in our own strength. Atheists can often be more "moral" than we are in charitable giving; for example but they cannot without self righteousness. Thus; no amount of penance; fasting; etc. can save us. Jesus begins the work and to those He has called and chosen He insures that they are sanctified and glorified after being saved as we see from Romans 8:30.
Other Gospel verses show that His sheep hear His voice. We have true love for other believers if we are saved as well as a true love for Christ and we trust Him as well and have Him not just as Savior but Lord and Master as well.
The enemy will often convince us otherwise but believers have overcome the world.
"For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die."
The next verse describes how we were yet sinners; or what Colossians 1:21 states in even harsher terms as "enemies of God."
Next time you hear someone talking about how loving we all should be ask them if they would be willing to die for their enemies who hate them. We hear a lot of talk these days about the love of God; usually reduced to some mushy sentimentality and hardly differentiated from human passions. First off; it is only a half truth to go around talking about God's love only when it happens to coincide with pleasant or pleasurable circumstances for people on earth. Yes God loved us when we were yet sinners but provided provision through the Son as His ONLY method to reconcile the enmity between us and Him due to indwelling sin. God cannot look upon sinful man and love Him in the state he is in but DESPITE the fact that he is in a lost state with a heart that is; according to Jeremiah 17:9 "desperately wicked". God's METHOD is by having the Son; for we either have the Son and therefore know God or we know neither (see 1 John 23:24). This involves the Father and Son coming to "dwell within us" ( John 14:23 which also implies the Holy Spirit sealing us until the day of redemption ( Eph. 4:30).
Those who would view Jesus as someone that is primarily promoting some sort of sentimental affection either is Biblically illiterate or willfully deceived. He talked about being a sword to divide families ( Matthew 10:34-36); rebuked the Pharisees harshly a number of times; destroyed the Temple moneychanger market at least twice; and challenged those who would feign to be His disciples but whose heart wasn't in it. He even rebuked His own disciples. This is demonstrating that true love in His own life was obeying God; and we are called to do the same for Christ ( John 14:23).
I am sorry to hear that you are going through so much pain. To answer your first question, there is no promise of physical healing. The only healing that we are promised is spiritual healing. Can God heal us from physical pain? Yes, of course He can. But there is no promise that He will always do so.
As for your second question asking if it is reasonable to believe that God would answer our prayers, not only is it reasonable to believe that God answers our prayers, but we can have complete confidence that God answers every single prayer that is asked according to His will. What I mean by this is that we sometimes petition God in prayer for something we want without asking for His will to be done in whatever it is we are asking for, whether it be a physical ailment or whatever the case may be.
On the flip side, we might pray for His will to be done in whatever we are asking for, and things may or may not get better. I speak from my own experience when I say that sometimes things may even get worse, but we have to accept the outcome even if it's not the outcome we expected. As brother Spencer has said, our physical bodies are temporary. We are not immune from pain and suffering. But we must trust the Lord even through the pain and hardships we go through.
As some here have prayed for your situation, I also will pray that the Lord will ease your pain according to His will. Please know that if you belong to Christ and are in submission to Him, the pain you are experiencing is not His vengeance on you. Cast all your cares on the Lord. The suffering and pain that we go through in this earthly life cannot even be compared to what awaits those who belong to Christ. ( Romans 8:18).
God Bless!!!
Hang in there, don't lose faith in God.
These temporary bodies ware out.
Pain and suffering is a byproduct of sin entering the world thousands of years ago.
Romans 8:22-23 states; "For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
It is very difficult to focus on what good God might bring about as a result.
The clearest example of this in Scripture is found is Psalm 119. Notice the progression through verses 67, 71, and 75 - "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word...It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees...I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness you have afflicted me." The author of Psalm 119 was looking at suffering from God's perspective. It was good for him to be afflicted. It was faithfulness that caused God to afflict him. The result of the affliction was that he learned God's decrees and obeyed His Word.
Romans 8:28-39.
God bless you.
18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (According Philippians 3:20-21 combined with 1Corinthians 15:51-57 and Luke 20:35-36)
19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of GOD.
22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
...
John 3:31-36
31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.
32 And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.
33 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that GOD is true.
34 For he whom GOD hath sent speaketh the words of GOD: for GOD giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.
35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into His hand.
36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abideth on him.
It's nice to have my TV down the rest of the week (actually my parent's). Gives me more time on this site.
When we speak the Gospel truth and IF the Lord is coming in the not too distant future; we certainly would expect that SOME would come to Christ after the Rapture and removal of at least some of the church. Given that some people today actually STEAL Bibles; it is probably a good idea to have a few extra on standby. I imagine it will do some good after the Rapture; but no doubt the truth will be realized even with the deadly deception that aliens or some other explanation is given for the disappearance of many living AND resurrection of the dead. No doubt the 144,000 and 2 prophets as well as other believers martyred at the time will know some scripture; and no doubt also Antichrist will use much of it to attempt to prove his deity and status; power and authority (or the Satanic bible).
We should look at those who don't yet believe as both blind to the truth at present but to be given that revelation at a later date if they are indeed coming to the faith at some point. In the context of God being beyond time; of course He already sees them as they will be called; sanctified; glorified ( Romans 8:30) That's how I see it anyway.
Therefore whatever the end result is as to all who are saved and those who are lost; that is the inevitable route their current trajectory is taking them. Seeing things as they are in our own understanding is to say the least depressing. No doubt some things we will understand better in glory. God says not to look back on the former days (Ecclasiastes 7:10). No doubt evil spirits were dominating in each generation; just in a different mantra; a different motif; a different genre; or cultural norm.
As Revelation 3:11 says we should be careful not to lose our reward to another. These are days when not only many fall away but many believers lose rewards. Let us hold on!!
As stated before space ran out in the last post; Romans 8:16 shows the communication between our spirit and His Spirit who resides within all true believers ( John 14:23; see also Eph. 3:17). For Him to RESIDE in our souls we must be born again.
And being children of God we also are made aware of opportunities which God gives us (i.e. "good works") that will be rewarded in heaven someday that are imperishable ( 1 Cor. 9:25; Matt. 6:19-21). Keep in mind the end of that passage stating that wherever your treasure is; your heart is also (loosely translated).
Again; as I have stated a LOT on this site; God's method is to chastise all those He loves (let the reader find the scriptures). There is no desire for this in the flesh; as it is stated in Hebrews 12:11 to be disciplined in this way. We learn to recognize and appreciate this "pruning" effort ( John 15:2); for without it we would be in danger of producing no fruit and in the end being burned (in everlasting punishment). Our confidence is that in the end we are made into a glorious image; and reflect perfectly His radiance as He truly IS our life. Our reward; therefore comes from Him and in reality is HIS reward. He will; of course have His saints rule and reign with Him as part of our inheritance.
Another point to be made is an effectual witness has to be bold in their testimony and bring the fear of the Lord as well as demonstrate His love. It is therefore as Philippians 1:28 states a "token of their perdition" that we remain steadfast in the confidence of all that He has promised us. Our coming exaltation to rule and reign with Christ isn't brought forth by arrogance on our part; but nonetheless the unnerving thing to those who hear our witness is that we are; indeed already seated in heavenly places. ( Eph. 2:6). Christ also overcame and is seated at the right hand of the Father. God will be magnified whether hell or heaven is our end.
Testing ourselves to see if we are in the faith ( 2 Cor. 13:5) wouldn't be in scripture unless these things were possible. Just as there are conflicts in a true believer in regard to the flesh contending with the Spirit; we also recognize that Jesus Himself is working in and through us; we are just the mouthpieces and messengers. The Lord asks us to do many things that are impossible in the flesh; in fact ALL things actually are impossible for unregenerate man as they are spiritually dead; and we can do nothing apart from Him.
One insight in testing our faith to see if it is real is to see if God is drawing men to Himself through us; and with the company we keep. This is a difficult task as we see wheat and tares growing together. To follow Biblical discipleship is in many ways different from the way it is perceived today in many evangelical churches in particular. Multiplying numbers of new converts to keep the spiritual generations ever evolving cannot be at the expense of weeding out those who aren't truly committed to the task. This is what Christ did challenging many who wished to follow Him; as well as challenging the thoughts of even the 12 Apostles on a deeper level than with the masses. Our approach isn't the same as to being able to know all men's thoughts before they speak; but we must unapologetically be uncompromising with the Word so that error doesn't have a way of creeping in-at least as much as we can avoid having it do so. Basically; those who are truly in Christian fellowship will focus on prayer for one another and the Word as a guide to all of their life.
I have detailed these postings with evidences of being a true believer before tackling the "assurance of salvation". I will now look at some points to think about as to having confidence of "eternal security".
First and foremost there is Romans 8:16 showing how those who truly believe KNOW they are saved. More in next post.
That is so true, as in Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. We can't do it without Him, hope your house is finished or close to it.
God bless you Gramma GiGi, and your family and the new baby in the family.
RLW
When the stormy winds are raging, and disasters take their toll
When the mighty waves of trouble overwhelm your stricken soul
Look to God who reigns above, never doubt Him He is Love
Are you filled with eager longing for the earth's night to turn to day
God will soon dispel all sorrow, He will wipe all tears away
For His Kingdom will soon come and His will on earth be done
No matter what we are facing, the tribulations we are in, and those things that we have yet to face. If we are in Christ and He in us, we must remember this life we are living is not our own. Our hope is in the life to come that is given by the grace of God by the sacrifice of His Son and His resurrection. We are to walk with Him daily, if we do, we have been given a promise, that Jesus will return with the gift of immortality to those who are His.
Romans 8:35-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
God bless,
RLW
James 2:9-12: James is writing in these verses about those who would "keep (fully obey) the whole law", yet go astray even by committing one sin in a moment of time, having demonstrated their inability to keep (continually uphold) the Law as required. "So speak ye ( James 1:26), and so do ( James 2:17), as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty (the Law believers are under, 2 Corinthians 2:17, Galatians 5:1, James 1:25)". The Law of Liberty, can also be referred to the Law of the Spirit Who gives Liberty ( 2 Corinthians 3:17, Romans 8:2), assures our hearts that we are accepted of the Lord because we have been forgiven & the Gift of the Holy Spirit continually ministers to our hearts & lives to help us live holy lives or lead us/discipline us when we stray off course.
This Liberty, the Law could never give - Israel always remained fearful of it, eventually leading them into idolatry & debauchery, but to those IN Christ Jesus there is now no condemnation who walk after the Spirit ( Romans 8:1) - we should not be bound to the letter that had as its goal to expose & destroy souls, but to the Spirit Who gives Power & Life to obey God perfectly, "hating even the garment spotted by the flesh" ( Jude 1:23). Only the Laws given us by the Spirit to our hearts cover every area of our lives, ministering to us in His Way (& not in human strength), so we can live above the letter's demands but as new creations in Christ. There was nothing wrong with the 10 Commandments, for they are from God & His Truth - but they were for Israel alone, for their conduct before God & man, to show them their sin, God's requirements, & prepare them to approach God in Love, Truth, & Faith. All who did at that time were accepted by their faith alone ( Hebrews 11:39,40) & not on how well they kept the Law. Romans 8:3,4 (we allow the righteousness of the Law to work & be fulfilled in us by God's Spirit - never appealing to the letter, which is devoid of life). Every blessing.
We are dealing with two things here when concerning dinosaurs.
1) When were they created.
2) When did they die.
By the scriptures we know that the Lord created everything that was created. John 1:3. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Also, by the scriptures we know that death came into the world by Adam's sin.
Romans 5:12Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
By Scriptures we know that that extends to all creation, even the very ground we walk on! Genesis 3:17. and
Romans 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
The whole world groans and is waiting on a redemption, meaning restored to its formal intentions.
So, this may atleast help us with the "when" the dinosaurs could have died.
certainly not before Adam and Eve because death had not entered the world yet. (Possibly the flood)
Some hold the view of a gap theory between verses 1 and 2 in Genesis 1:1-2. as a possibility when dinosaurs may have been created.
Would you like for me to get into that?
God bless
29'I will not,' he replied. But later he changed his mind and went. 30Then the man went to the second son and told him the same thing. 'I will, sir,' he said. But he did not go. 31Which of the two did the will of his father?" "The first," they answered. Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you.
( Matthew 21:29-31).
We see through Romans 8:30 the idea of being called; justified and glorified without any mention of sanctification implied through discipleship. We can look at immature believers in Corinth who likely died in some cases without really being effective disciples. Nonetheless; we want to ensure that as Paul says in Phillipians 3:14 that we run for the prize. Crowns given for ministry; patient endurance or martyrdom don't come easy or to all but nonetheless since it affects our stance and spiritual authority under the King at least for the Millennium if not all eternity these are vital goals for us to pursue!
When we consider the Great Commission and God's calling for us to go and make Disciples of all men in Matthew 28:19-20 we certainly see that emphasized; and that seemingly over the concept of just leading men to Christ which of course is part of what it means to teach all the things Jesus meant and taught to His own on His earthly ministry.
The concept of personal sanctification and becoming separate from the world; therefore is also part of our growth as well as teaching others to be FOLLOWERS of Christ and the sacrificial lives that should accompany their declaration of salvific faith.
It has been stated and I wholeheartedly agree that today the message of coming to Christ is often watered down. This often is to keep attendance up and money coming in from unscrupulous church leaders. It also comes from the misguided notion that we may say something to scare someone off unnecessarily. We must share hard truth with love.
In the last few hours I have wrestled with the question of discipleship and whether it is primary or "secondary" in importance.
First of all I need to categorically state that it is still VERY important and indeed necessary if we are ever going to be "sold out" for Jesus to ensure that we truly are disciples; and that of lasting ones that aren't going to walk away like many Jesus challenged on His way to eventually being crucified on the cross. Taking a brief internet survey of this subject there are varying opinions. It seems that one can be saved without being a disciple at least the level of commitment Jesus described. The thief on the cross would be one example; there was no time to work through issues like Jesus did with the 12 Apostles He chose as His primary disciples. The Corinthian church also stands out as a place where immature believers sometimes died before their time and had many other issues; clearly not acting as a mature disciple at least in terms of submitting their lives to the Lord.
The church changed over time; and although other churches also had issues it would seem certainly that the many admonitions written in Paul's Epistles and Peter and John's writings of the same were primarily to build believers up in the local churches to live as worthy of the calling; and hence good disciples.
If we are saved; we are ultimately justified and glorified ( Romans 8:30). We don't see sanctification there as would be expected as a true disciple; but again we certainly need to grow in this way to recieve spiritual rewards in heaven (Phillipians 3:14; also see other verses about crowns for service; ministry; patiently waiting for His appearing; etc.) Just because it doesn't necessarily determine our ultimate fate to lose out on what will be at least for the Millennium if not all of eternity our spiritual position in heaven would hardly be unimportant. I'll leave this open to debate
Jesus was conceived of the Holy Ghost, Matthew 1:20 of the seed of a woman/Mary, Genesis 3:15, and born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God, John 1:13. Jesus grew up the same way that we do, Luke 2:40.
He was subject to the pulls of the flesh. He was tempted and influenced by Satan, Luke 4:1-2. He had a will and human desires, Luke 22:41-42. Although Jesus was filled without measure with the power of the Holy Ghost, and gave all things into his hand, John 3:34-35 Jesus humbled Himself and was obedient unto death, Philippians 2:5-11.
To be the payment for sins of man and to be the Savior of mankind and destroy the works of the devil, Jesus had to be a human, Hebrews 2:14-18, the promise God made was to Abraham and his seed, that was Jesus the Messiah/Christ, Galatians 3:16.
Jesus the last Adam came into this world sinless as the first Adam and had to be laden with what we are as humans. The man Jesus, Romans 5:15, had to endure and overcome sin and rise above the influences of Satan to become the payment for the sins and this atonement made way for our deliverance from Satan's bondage, Romans 3:21-26.
He also was prepared to be a merciful and faithful High Priest, Hebrews 4:14-16. God sent His own Son to condemn sin in the flesh that the law could not do that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled, Romans 8:3-4.
Jesus the Son of God a human being had to deal with life as we do. He lived in the same time, space, and constraints as we do. He was born under the law, He became tired, He became hungry, He was subject to persecution, subject to pain, subject to the Roman rulers, He had to deal with all the things the same way we do, and all was the for the will of the Father, not His, Matthew 26:42.
Only in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth do we have hope, and are saved, Acts 4:12.
We are to hold fast in our faith to the end.
God bless,
RLW
You know, our conversation is in heaven( Ephesians 1:3-8); from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself. By the way, The last ENEMY that shall be destroyed is death-1Co.15:26 combined with Luke 20:35-36. It is the Power, great mystery. Philippians 3:20-21 combined with Romans 8:18-19.
As is written, look up, and lift up your heads; your redemption draweth nigh. Aleluia!
Furthermore, the current time, the Lord's Day, the seventh and last Day or seventh and last millennium, it is of resurrection - Daniel 12:1-3 combined with 1Thessalonians 4:16 and Revelation 11:15-18 - and we which are alive and remain - We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be CHANGED(by the Word of GOD-the Word is GOD, self-executing), i.e. we shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air( Isaiah 60:8), i.e. to meet the Lord in the 3rd heaven, 3rd heavenly place in Christ( 2Corinthians 12:1-4), and so shall we ever be with the Lord. --> Would it be or will it be in the day 1335, the misterious biblical day, day 1335? 45 days after 1290 days? Daniel 12:12.
Wherefore comfort one another with these words- 1 Thessalonians 4:18 combined with Daniel 12:2-11.
Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing.
May our Lord GOD bless us and keep us, and give us His protection, today and ever
Amen
God does love you, he also loves your aunt.
Love is his nature. It's impossible for God not to Love.
Whether, reward or chastening, God do it out of Love when it is a direct act coming from him.
But why do God allow evil to come upon us by the world.
I believe it's for our spiritual growth.
We also have to keep in mind that Christ suffered and he is truly the only one we can call good.
Here is where you will have to trust God!
In the end we become stronger. I have to lean on Romans 8:28.
Why do God allow bad things to happen to Good people is a often asked question.
Here's a few things to consider.
1) Bad things may happen to good people in this world, but this world is not the end. Christians have an eternal perspective: "We do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
2) Bad things happen to good people, but God uses those bad things for an ultimate, lasting good. "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him..
3) Bad things happen to good people, but those bad things equip believers for deeper ministry.
God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
4) Bad things happen to good people, and the worst things happened to the best Person. Jesus was the only truly Righteous One, yet He suffered more than we can imagine. We follow in His footsteps: "If you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
I know it's hard when we are down but we have to trust God.
God bless you and we will be praying for you.
Hey brother just one last thing to consider.
Daniel 9:24-27, in this prophecy, there are seventy weeks or 490 years determined unto Daniel's people and the holy city to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.
Have these 6 things been fulfilled in Jesus the Messiah, and the judgment of it carried out in 70 AD? If so, all of this prophecy has been fulfilled in the past.
1 To finish the transgression. To break or violate, as a law, civil or moral; the act of transgressing. Psalms 32:1 Isaiah 53:5-11 Romans 4:14-15 Galatians 3:18-19 Hebrews 9:14-15.
2 To make an end to sins. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. Matthew 1:21 Hebrews 10:8-11 John 1:29 1 Corinthians 15:3 1 John 3:5 Psalm 32:1 Romans 3:21-26 Romans 8:3.
3 To make reconciliation for iniquity. Reconciliation is an element of salvation that refers to the results of the atonement. Colossians 1:20-22 Isaiah 53:6 Isaiah 53:11 Romans 5:11 Ephesians 2:16 Titus 2:14 2 Corinthians 5:18-19.
4 To bring in everlasting righteousness. In conformity to the demands of the covenant and according to God's will. Isaiah 61:10-11 Romans 3:21-26 Romans 5:17-21 2 Corinthians 5:21 1 Peter 2:24.
5 To seal up the vision and prophecy. The greatest prediction, which runs like a golden thread through the whole contents of the Old Testament, is that regarding the coming and work of the Messiah, Jesus. Daniel 9:23 Matthew 11:11-15 Mark 1:14-15 John 5:36-40 John 6:27 Acts 3:18.
6 To anoint the most holy. The high priest went into the holy of holies once a year with the blood of a sacrificed bull. Jesus our high priest with His own blood anointed the most holy not made with hands once and for all, forever. Hebrews 9:6-14.
Jesus said it in John 19:28-30.
God bless,
RLW
The Spirit of the Lord should be what guards our heart ( Prov. 4:23); keeps the reins of our heart in check ( Jeremiah 17:10); gives us the mind of Christ ( 1 Cor. 2:16) as well as communing with our soul ( Romans 8:16).
As ironic as it seems; it may be often best to focus on prayers for our enemies rather than friends. With any kind of healing; there is the tendency because of our own emotional connection to desperately ask for relief from pain and suffering of any sort for those we know and love. What we fail to see sometimes especially with those we are familiar with is that God often uses suffering as a form of chastisement to get someone's attention and turn to the Lord. Obviously we shouldn't be the arbitrators of what kind of test others should go through and deliberately hold ack on prayers either. As we study persevering in prayer; we should also learn to sense the course of events the Lord is directing in an individuals life over time and tweek the prayer appropriately.
Mental healing: This subject of course intersects with emotions and physiological factors; such as Dopamine levels. Actual brain damage may be involved as well as unknown factors. Overall; of course patterns of behavior will bring healing as one focuses their energies on study of the Word and living out a Godly and obedience life of service to the Lord and of course turns away from worldliness. Those too fixated on faith healing at the expense of anything else are missing out on even Paul's example of his thorn in the flesh. Many are able to sympathize with others who are down and out; and the transparency of our own strugles can be a real inspiration and valuable in evangelism. This is more than the boasting of how depraved we are; although incorporates an internal comprehension of our good deeds being filthy rags before conversion. What it DOES show is unconditional love and an open heart to ruined sinners.
Completing my example 1 of prayer for someone to be saved; as I repeatedly nag it isn't something we find in scripture. Paul when on trial went as close as saying he wished to see someone saved ( Acts 26:28 with Agrippa). Just as we once were before the light broke through we were once blinded to the truth; and therefore shouldn't expect any efforts no matter how sincere or even faith filled will make one iota of difference in bringing someone to salvation. That is a really harsh statement at face value.
We know for a fact it won't work with someone already physically deceased; and of course that would be a sin or necromancy and useless according to Hebrews 9:27. But we were once "dead in sin" ( Ephesians 2:13). It is easy as a true believer to be perplexed how people can have multiple and long term opportunities to hear the Gospel and still reject it. What is worse is those who go along and perhaps make a confession but are insincere in their hearts; thus never producing "good fruit". We know that if we hear the truth it is of God as our spirit testifies with His Spirit that we are children of God. ( Romans 8:16).
The rest of the world is content that Christ is a good teacher or Prophet as that is all they can see; His humanity apart from Divinity as a member of the Godhead.
I will leave this topic with a general statement. We should sow seeds with whoever we can; but not make an undo effort to spend an inordinate amount of time with those not open to the Gospel at the expense of the Great Commission at large.
As Jesus stated in comparison to our service to God we must hate those closest to us; which doesn't mean of course to abandon care as that makes us worse than an infidel. Our motivation for service must be to serve God always; and that has to be despite whether all those we care about come to Christ or not.
This likely is the start of another lengthy series of postings. I fear that my sermon like "lecturing" isn't exactly working at times.
I felt it prudent to let the scriptures speak for themselves-and am unaware of anyone who has searched the scriptures both O.T. and N.T. for a comprehensive study of all times that prayer occurred and repeated themes and patterns that could be established.
Praying "in the Spirit" ( Ephesians 6:18 and 2 other references) is hard to precisely define. There are many theological discussions on what is "proper" or improper things to pray about; but I am unaware of any doctrinal statements that nail it down like there are on other church ordinances; and ceremonies. Interestingly as I have brought up several times on this forum there is no scripture that invokes a saint to pray for a SPECIFIC person to come to Christ. It seems the majority of prayers are personal in scripture. With that being said; intercession for the saints is a vital component ( Romans 8:27); and praying for the nation asking for mercy with national sins is another theme; associated with God's covenant promises being affirmed in the long run despite the disobedience as we see in the case of Daniel chapter 9.
As I may have mentioned in the past; a friend of mine a few years back started an early morning prayer group which I briefly attended before moving back home with my parents and stated that he was "desperate" for prayer. I know of at least one person in my current church who is in his 60s but gets up at 4 or so each day to pray and listen to a Bible study before working his full time job. I have known a couple others in the past who have done the same sort of thing. I'd like to be that way myself; rather than the "ZOMBIE" like state that I am in the early morning. My prayer is fairly consistent but later in the morning although traffic to work has cut that short recently.
Part 1
Even though there is a distinction between the children of God and the children of the world the scripture says to be kind to all men. Galatians 6:10.
However, we're not all Brothern.
John 1:11-12 says "He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the "sons of God, even to them that believe on his name"
Jesus also said in Matthew 12:50 "For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
Ephesians 2:19 states Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.
So, there is a clear distinction in scripture between God's children and those who haven't received him.
1 John 3:9-10 covers this well, "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
"Sons of God" emphasizes a natural, internal relationship with God rather than an external adoption. Becoming God's children involves a real change and transformation, not just a change in title or position. We partake in the divine nature.
All people are not naturally God's children. We must be born again through faith in Christ to become God's children.
This separates us from Adam.
We are now joint heirs with Christ. Romans 8:14-17 "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
See part 2
The Bible says we're all sinners, (Roman's 3:23) and since God is a holy and just God our sin needs to be punished. God loves us so much, that while we were His enemy, He sent His only Son Jesus Christ to come and pay for our sins. He died for all of our sins, past, present and future. But He didn't stay dead. 3 days later Jesus Christ rose from the dead, proving His sacrifice for our sins was accepted by God. Now He offers salvation to us FREELY, all we have to do is believe and trust in what He has done.
Roman's 10:13 says "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
God made salvation so simple, that anyone can receive it. Baptism has nothing to do with salvation, praise God it depends on Him.
If you're not saved, you can be saved. You're living now, and the Bible says in John 6:37 "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." If you sincerely call upon the Lord, believing and trusting in only what He's done for you, He will save you. Simple as that. He won't cast you out.
Now is the day of salvation ( 2nd Corinthians 6:2). Romans 8:38-39 - Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ
If salvation is based on something that I have to do tomorrow or have to not do tomorrow, or based upon MY performance/works as a Christian, then there's no way to know ur saved because there's no way to know what u will or won't do tomorrow. If we could lose our salvation, we would.
But if I'm trusting solely in what Jesus Christ has done, that is fixed, settled, and final, and that is eternal security.
I will pray for you
1 Corinthians 13:10 mentions things passing away when the partial is complete; or something to that affect. Revelation also has verses warning about not adding or subtracting which could mean adding to that book or all scripture. Since the written texts originally came from oratory (with the exception of the 10 Commandments originally penned by God Himself); God planned it out so that the scribes would count every LETTER of a scroll; and get rid of a copy to start again if it was even slightly off. 2 Timothy 3:16 explains that all scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching; reproof; etc.
I have discussed in older posts a summation of the Apocrypha as to truths of historic or moral truths that are borrowed from true scripture; which always states "thus saith the Lord" except for places like Ruth and Esther; or Song of Solomon. God's truths are absolute; as we see from the claims of Christ's divinity; and the laws in the 10 Commandments. The repetitive themes such as scriptures being repeated again in the New Testament to enhance their true meanings bring a cohesiveness to the Bible. We also have such admonitions as 1 John 4:2 stating what any "spirit" testifies about Christ having come in the flesh.
That would correlate with verses like Matthew 16:17 where it is clear that Christ's DIVINITY (as the "I am") can only be understood or revealed through the Spirit. I noticed that myself pre conversion it didn't enter my mind that Christ was God or part of the "Godhead". As our spirit testifies with "his Spirit"( Romans 8:16) that we are His children and His Word is truth the Lord will build our discernment of truth as we grow and mature in Him to know what is true (see also John 10:27).
For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
For as in Adam all die, even so "IN CHRIST" shall all be made alive.
But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming"
What an marvelous saying!!
The key is being "in Christ"
This is the baptism he came to perform on all those who accepts him as savior! ( Jews and Gentiles alike)
This is what Paul is saying in 1 Corinthians 12:13. "unto the Jews first and then to the Gentiles"
This is what John the Baptist is saying to the Jews when preparing the way for their Messiah.
THE RESURRECTION.
The belief in the resurrection of the body is an vital aspect of our faith as we see in 1 Corinthians 15:17-20
Also the resurrection promotes a "New birth" taken place!
This is where the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead quickens our mortal bodies as mentioned in Romans 8:11-14.
So, we are baptized into Jesus death as mentioned in Romans 6:3.
Romans 6:4-11 gives us our present state by the power of the Holyspirit.
Verse 11 says we are to reckon "or to recognize" ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
We have been given an earnest of the Holyspirit to will and perform inside us!
So, We have been given the earnest of the Spirit,
Sealed and predestinated, with a promise of redemption for the purchased possession. "by the blood of Christ."
This is what the resurrection means to us.
God bless.
20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
Death is an enemy; and verse 26 of this chapter indicates that it will eventually be eliminated. Jesus was the "first of the firstfruits" so to speak; which extends through the Rapture/Resurrection event of the righteous; through the Revelation 14:4 event of the translation of the 144,000. After this we will have the Second Coming when those that survive until that time physically will survive to repopulate the earth in the Millennial period; followed by the time the Heavenly Jerusalem comes down and God the Father dwells with men (v. 24).
It is hard to comprehend let alone understand all the mysteries of His death; burial and resurrection. It is as a grand play on stage; except that the pathos is real; and His atonement was sufficient for us all to deliver our sins as far as the east is from the west. ( Psalm 103:12). He ever lives to intercede for His people ( Hebrews 7:25). He first rose from the dead and we shall likewise. He who believes in Him will never die ( John 11:25-26) even though he dies physically in reality it is only the body that sleeps as we see about Lazarus earlier in that chapter. We have hope unlike the world for those "fallen asleep" ( 1 Thess. 4:14-18).
All of creation also is awaiting the change and groans until now ( Romans 8:23). For those who believe the last scene of this real life drama is glorious and never ending; while there is no peace for the wicked ( Isaiah 48:22; etal). Let that sink in as the world in its ignorance turns this glorious day into a mockery.
Maranatha. Lord come soon!
Agape.
Mathew 6: 25-26, Romans 8:28, Ephesians 2:3-4
My understanding on this, indeed on all matters pertaining to Israel, is that the Ten Commandments which includes the necessity of keeping the Sabbath Day holy was wholly incumbent upon Israel & Israel alone. No other people received the Decalogue, as also with circumcision, the festivals, sacrifices, priestly functions, other laws, etc. Unfortunately, when the Jew turned to Christ, as also with the Gentile, the knowledge they had or we received from the Old Testament are presumed to be automatically passed onto & applied to those now In Christ. We readily acknowledge the laws concerning our relationship to God & to one another, as given in the OT, but then imply that Sabbath-keeping must also apply to us. We do so in ignorance.
Shabbat (Hebrew, from the root, Shin-Bet-Tav), being the seventh day, means 'to cease, to end, to rest', & Israel was to sanctify (set apart) this day for cessation from all activity, even as the LORD Himself hallowed it ( Exodus 20:10,11). There could be no transposition of this Sabbath Day to any other day; hence, it was never 're-converted' to become a Sunday, thus the term 'Christian Sabbath' really is a misnomer. One can use the 7th day, or any day, as a day of rest as desired, but I don't ever see it as a requirement for those who are In Christ Jesus, as those now under a new Law given us (even, imputed in us) by the Holy Spirit ( Romans 8:2) & also being led of the Spirit ( Galatians 5:18). When we look at the Gospels & the Acts of the Apostles, we find many references to the Sabbath Day, since either the Law was still in force (pre-Cross) or the apostles took advantage of the day for ministry to the Jews in synagogues (in Acts). But in NT Church practise, they met on the 1st Day of the Week, with no reference to the old Law of Sabbath(s).
We have a wonderful God and he does heal However, Isaiah 53:5 is not emphasizing that kind of healing. In fact it's talking about much more than healing the body.
Isaiah 53:4-6.
Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
But HE WAS WOUNDED FOR OUR "TRANSGRESSIONS", HE WAS BRUISED FOR OUR 'INIQUITIES": the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
(All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the "INIQUITY" of us all.)
Isaiah 53:5 is emphasizing Christ as the sacrificial Lamb, taking our place on the cross.
(We are healed from the penalty of sin.)
By this we become sons of God!
For encouragement I would associate these passages with Romans 8:14-18 and
Romans 8:32.
"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, HOW SHALL HE NOT WITH HIM ALSO FREELY GIVE US ALL THINGS?
We go to him with faith and confidence as a son and ask if it's in his will.
God bless.
Hebrews 12:6 states: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Matthew 5:44-46 says
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
These verses bring a clear understanding of those who are His children and possess His Spirit from those who don't. We can't love our enemies in our own strength in the same way we can in Him; but perhaps the other side of the argument should be examined; we cannot hate our sin; our former "good deeds" and appreciate the verse in Jeremiah 17:9 about our hearts being "deceitfully wicked" apart from a revelation from God through His Spirit. This truth results in a response of repentance whose origin comes from God; and results in actions coming from a new heart or nature; rather than just outer actions in some attempt to be righteous in our own strength. Atheists can often be more "moral" than we are in charitable giving; for example but they cannot without self righteousness. Thus; no amount of penance; fasting; etc. can save us. Jesus begins the work and to those He has called and chosen He insures that they are sanctified and glorified after being saved as we see from Romans 8:30.
Other Gospel verses show that His sheep hear His voice. We have true love for other believers if we are saved as well as a true love for Christ and we trust Him as well and have Him not just as Savior but Lord and Master as well.
The enemy will often convince us otherwise but believers have overcome the world.
Romans 8:7 states:
"For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die."
The next verse describes how we were yet sinners; or what Colossians 1:21 states in even harsher terms as "enemies of God."
Next time you hear someone talking about how loving we all should be ask them if they would be willing to die for their enemies who hate them. We hear a lot of talk these days about the love of God; usually reduced to some mushy sentimentality and hardly differentiated from human passions. First off; it is only a half truth to go around talking about God's love only when it happens to coincide with pleasant or pleasurable circumstances for people on earth. Yes God loved us when we were yet sinners but provided provision through the Son as His ONLY method to reconcile the enmity between us and Him due to indwelling sin. God cannot look upon sinful man and love Him in the state he is in but DESPITE the fact that he is in a lost state with a heart that is; according to Jeremiah 17:9 "desperately wicked". God's METHOD is by having the Son; for we either have the Son and therefore know God or we know neither (see 1 John 23:24). This involves the Father and Son coming to "dwell within us" ( John 14:23 which also implies the Holy Spirit sealing us until the day of redemption ( Eph. 4:30).
Those who would view Jesus as someone that is primarily promoting some sort of sentimental affection either is Biblically illiterate or willfully deceived. He talked about being a sword to divide families ( Matthew 10:34-36); rebuked the Pharisees harshly a number of times; destroyed the Temple moneychanger market at least twice; and challenged those who would feign to be His disciples but whose heart wasn't in it. He even rebuked His own disciples. This is demonstrating that true love in His own life was obeying God; and we are called to do the same for Christ ( John 14:23).
Justification.
Sanctification.
Glorification.
If you are a Christian, you are guaranteed all three steps (see Romans 8:29-30).
You are forever justified, you are being sanctified, and you will for sure be glorified.
1 Corinthians 6:11.
All three of these things are from God's grace, not because of anything you have done or will do to earn them. see Ephesians 2:8-9.
You cannot earn your justification, you cannot achieve your sanctification, and you cannot merit your glorification.
You can do nothing without Christ.
John 15:4-5.
Romans 3:10-24.
God bless and Good night.