As stated in some comments some months ago; we should still be able to trust God in regard to His Word; and that indeed He can and will prosper people financially. In this world we should adhere to 1 Timothy 6:17
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
Some are born into riches; others earn it through hard work and God's Providence of resulting financial success. Money is uncertain and we can't put our trust in things that "moth and rust" corrupt ( Matt. 6:19).
Certainly it isn't Pastors who should be cornering the market or seeking "filthy lucre" ( Titus 1:11 AND 1 Peter 5:2). The best they can hope for is making it into heaven as through the fire; but there is probably a much better chance they aren't saved at all. Only God knows but why make that lifestyle your legacy?
What we see today is more of these so called "Apostles" dying; while others making half hearted "repentance" statements then continuing on with the sin of covetousness; much like the parable of a dog returning to its own vomit ( Proverbs 26:11). We certainly bring nothing into this world and we aren't taking anything out ( 1 Timothy 6:7). What we can do is gain heavenly treasure by harvesting souls ( Matt. 6:19).
He who covers or conceals his sin is not doing themselves any favors. ( Proverbs 28:13). It actually says the man will not prosper. There are enough warnings in scripture including to the Pharisees as to the spiritual ramifications of continuing in such behaviors and many others in the Old Testament as well.
Ultimately; the desire for fame and popularity is tied into those with this narcissistic mindset and lifestyle. All will be lost after this life; which is as a vapor has passed. Let us live lives in strict obedience and holiness not due to compulsion but love and gratitude for what Christ did for us.
Thank you again, from my heart, the truth is my search not to offend. It all goes back to one verse when I read it, it stood out in my heart, Corinthians 11:4. I know I am alone here on this, but saying Jesus is part of the Triune God, who eternally exists and expresses himself as three distinct persons with one essence all three co-equal. One God in three persons-the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This to me denies the Son, 1 John 2:23
What I see in the Bible is the relationship between the Father and the Son, the Son is obedient to the Father. Jesus said His Father is greater than Him, John 14:28. Jesus has said the Father is His God, John 20:17Revelation 3:12.
The Bible defines God's nature as eternal and unchanging; there is only one throne of God and through the Bible, only the Father is on the throne until the Father raised His Son from the dead and placed Him on His right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, there is nothing about the Holy Spirit.
As we see in Revelation Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple and the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof, Rev. 21:22-23 no Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God is the Holy Spirit, not another person.
Jesus confirmed there is only one true God, Mark 12:28-34, in Jesus's prayer to His Father said in John 17:3. All the greetings in the New Testament are from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, Galatians 1:3Ephesians 6:231 Thessalonians 1:12 Timothy 1:2Titus 1:42 John 1:3 and more but no Holy Spirit.
If the Trinity true and is so important, why is it not once taught in Scripture? God cannot change and God cannot die, so how do we understand John 3:16 if God the Father did not send his actual begotten Son to die for our sins? We see Jesus also had His own will, Luke 22:42.
Isaiah 30:10 warns about people wanting to hear "smooth things" being prophesied. Such may be the case for those who wish to invoke blessings on themselves for any other reasons than scripturally backed statements. Galations 5:19-21 is one of about ONE HUNDRED verses warning us about those who do NOT inherit the Kingdom of God. This is something also found in Ephesians 5:5; the book of 1 Corinthians; Hebrews; Romans; Revelation AND the Gospels.
To remind God of blessings promised in the Scriptures; if done in the correct way is honoring to God. Without discernment; however we may not be aware of what this means; and also if we are living in a sinful lifestyle we are trying to deliberately ask for something we cannot have as long as we refuse to submit to the Lord and we are producing bad fruit.
The church much like Israel has certain CONDITIONAL as well as unconditional promises. The POSSESSING church (that is those who have the Holy Spirit and are truly saved) is and always will be a subset in this age of the confessing or professing body of believers (i.e. the church). The difference is there are some who believe in the true God and others in a God of their own imaginations; fitting the parameters that a person finds reasonable; or comfortable living with by mentally cherry picking what appeals from the Word and filing the unpleasant verses somewhere in the cobwebs in the back of their mind.
God is no respecter of persons ( Acts 10:34 also Romans 2). He does whatever He chooses and we know for certain that He desires glory for Himself and no other. (See Isaiah 42:8). John 16:10 shows how God seeks glory for the Son; therefore His desire for worship is never selfish as He always does the Father's will. This is selfless love and shows an example of how we are to live. If we thank God for things in our lives that bring us into sin such as excess money for greedy gain ( Titus 1:11); we are only heaping greater condemnation on ourselves.
Thank you Rainwalker. You are correct, that the same word, 'adokimos' is used in relation to 'reprobate or castaway'. And this word gives the definitions as 'failing to pass the test, unapproved, counterfeit'. So we see a number of meanings that can be given, whether a test is given & one fails it, or to the other, of one being a counterfeit.
Thus if one feels that 1 Corinthians 9:27 might be Paul indicating that if he fails to keep his body (his flesh) under subjection, that when he preaches to others, then God would cast him away; could he then just be a failure, or incur God's disapproval, or even actually be a counterfeit Christian to be relegated to a destiny with other unbelievers?
Then do verses such as Romans 1:28, 2 Timothy 3:8, or Titus 1:16 apply also to Paul if he neglected to keep his body under subjection? And if Paul is deemed to be a castaway (i.e. having lost his salvation), does this then open the door to the Lord's failure to call & appoint His primary apostle to the Gentiles? But as we know, Paul didn't let the flesh or the Devil overcome him - he remained clear in conscience & faithful to his Lord; and this power, could it have come from within, i.e. the Holy Spirit in him, Who helps those endued with the Spirit, to not only do as Paul did, but also to be confident that He will indeed keep them from falling & be presented faultless before the Throne?
It's for such questions & verses in the NT, that confirm to my heart that God makes no mistakes in calling, redeeming, justifying & sealing His children. Readers of those passages will have to satisfy their own hearts & minds as to how to understand the different word usages for 'castaway or reprobate'.
If I may add a few points to this subject, I know we have different understandings on this and I hope you will not be offended, these are questions I have asked myself. What does Scripture support, our soul is an immortal entity that consciously lives on after the death of the body or does it sleep in the grave until the resurrection? Is the definition of death a separation of the soul from the body or is it the end of life, a permanent cessation, and the grave is our home until we are resurrected?
John 3:15-16 Without the belief in Jesus we will perish the Greek word apollumi means destroy utterly, to put out of the way entirely, abolish as in Psalms 37:10Psalms 92:7Proverbs 10:28-29Job 20:4-7Malachi 4:1-32 Peter 2:12.
Matthew 10:28 we are to fear the one who can destroy the body and the soul in hell, the Greek word for destroy is apollumi same as perish, a permanent/absolute destruction. Hell, the Greek word is geenna the fire and smoke that goes up and burns forever that never goes out is a reference to the lake of fire. Job 17:13 the Hebrew word sheol is the same word translated as hell. Job 17:16 the word pit is the same Hebrew word.
Our first death is sleep, Psalms 13:3Daniel 12:2Acts 13:361 Cor. 15:51. If all souls are immortal which means they have eternal life, the question must be asked, what is the gift of eternal life we see in John 3:15John 6:54Romans 6:23Titus 1:21 John 2:25Jude 1:21? If our soul is immortal, why do we have to put immortality on as said in 1 Corinthians 15:51-58?
Perfect people in the bible, do they exist or is Jesus the only perfect one? We hear so much about how only Jesus is perfect from almost every Christian and yet, they can not find any scripture or any verse to back up their false claim. The apostle Paul said this:
Titus 1:16] They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Christanity rebells when they have to be perfect thry immediately pass it on to Jesus when Jesus preached in Matthew 5:48 we (human beings) have to be perfect even as our Father which is in heaven is perfect. Why does Christanity argue agianst Jesus? Because they were never told the truth. Let's look in the bible to find more perfect people before, during and after, Jesus. Adam and Eve were in Genesis 1&2 before thry heard another gospel in Genesis 3 from Rev Serpant/Rev Devil.
Before: Genesis 6:9] These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
Genesis 17:1] And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
Deuteronomy 18:13] Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God.
Job 1:1] There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.
2nd Chronicals 16:9] For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.
Psalm 37:37] Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.
During Jesus:
Matthew 1:[19] Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
This is a difficult subject to discuss openly. Being one is to be united in the holy love of God. The way we can do this is to become one with His Son, Jesus Christ the only way to the Father, John 14:6. When a man and woman are married, they become one as we through faith become one in Jesus. When Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist Jesus was filled without measure with the Holy Ghost/Spirit, God's Spirit, John 3:34.
God was manifested in Jesus, John 14:101 Tim. 3:10. Jesus was the Tabernacle of God, John 10:38. Jesus and the Father are one John 10:30 and Jesus told us we can be one as He and the Father are one, John 17:20-23. Jesus did nothing on His own, only the will of the Father, Jesus was obedient to the Father, Rom. 5:19 and as you said, Jesus was sent by the Father, John 5:30. The doctrine Jesus laid out was not His doctrine but His who sent Him, the Father, John 7:16.
All things are delivered unto Jesus of the Father, Matt. 11:27 and all in heaven and earth is under Jesus's feet, 1 Cor. 15:27 and will be until the last enemy is under His feet, that is death, Rev. 20:14. Jesus said the Father was greater than Him, John 14:28. Scripture says Jesus has a God, 2 Cor. 11:3 1 Eph. 1:3Eph. 1:17Col 1:3 Jesus said He had a God John 20:17.
In the garden, Jesus prayed to the Father that the cup He was about to partake could pass if there was another way, but said not His will but the Father's will, Matt. 26:39. All the introductions, greetings, and blessings in the Scriptures in the New Testament that are given to the followers of Christ and called to be saints from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, two not three.
Rom. 1:7-81 Cor. 1:3-41 John 1:32 John 1:32 Cor. 1:2-3Gal. 1:3-4Eph. 1:2-3Phil. 1:2Col. 1:2-3 2 Thess.1:2 1 Tim.1:2 2 Tim.1:2 Titus 1:4Philemon 1:32 Pet. 1:2.
You must study the Scriptures letting the Holy Spirit the Spirit of God guide you to your understanding, not from my reply, or man.
I'm not sure why you are so confused regarding 1 John 5:7.
1 John 5:7 "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."
The verse states (3) three bear record in heaven. Not 2, and Not 4.. but 3. Easy to understand.
God loves the meek, the humble, the poor and the trodden down. He wants these simple people to read and understand His message because they will inherent the Kingdom.
I will leave you with this verse my friend. Titus 1:15 "Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled."
You said "We can depend on what he has revealed of Himself and what He has caused to be recorded of His Words in Scripture. He is the same yesterday, today, and always".
I agree with that 100%!
( Titus 1:2) Tells us "In hope of eternal life, which ((God, that cannot lie)), promised before the world began".
God cannot lie.
The KJB tells us that Jesus said in ( Jn 7:8) .."I go ((not up yet)) unto this feast" Then v10 Jesus goes to the feast.
All modern version bibles change what Jesus said in v8 to "I am ((not going)) to this festival" Then v10 Jesus went to the festival in all of the modern versions.
Modern versions all changed the words to make Jesus a liar. Would you say that's acceptable?
It seems that could be blasphemy, changing the words so it sounds like Jesus is a liar. God surely didn't cause those words to be recorded in Scripture to make Jesus a liar. This one thing is Biblical proof that modern versions are all corrupt, and they are not inspired by God.
It only needs to be seen and accepted as the Truth that it is.
Each believer is personally responsible for living in obedience to Christ's commands. 1 Timothy 4:16. Can we come up short, Hebrews 4:1. Some of the natural branches of the house of Israel were broken off for unbelief so the people of the nations who believe and are justified are grafted in. Believers/saved can be cut off if they do not continue in his goodness/grace. Romans 11:15-24.
Much of your post I agree, it is about becoming saved and our relationship with Jesus, and if we continue to abide in Him those scriptures apply. Concerning Pentecost, Peter was pleading that they accept Jesus as their Messiah that was promised, and they killed Him, not to repent from Judaism. Peter and the disciples at this time were still observing the old law. We see years later they were still debating it in Acts 15.
1 Cor. 9:27 If we look at the wording "But I keep under my body and bring it into subjection" it is as if his body is his adversary. It is like he was beating his body whether it is said metaphorical, but to the subduing of the natural appetites of the flesh, a life of self-denial not to succumb to the sins of the flesh. The Greek adokimos translated as castaway, is the same word for reprobate, Romans 1:28Titus 1:16. I do not think Paul is talking about rewards.
Hebrews 3:12-13 This chapter starts with "Wherefore holy brethern" These are Christians, saved, verse 6 "if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end." The writer includes himself "If We". Verses 12 and 13 are to these same people and verse 14 says "For we are made partakers of Christ" Because they are made so they are saved believers in Christ.
1 John 1:7 If is conditional a choice if you walk in the light there is fellowship, if you don't walk in the light, you are outside of the fellowship.
Jesus said in ( Rev 22:13) I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
The first verse and the last verse in the Bible are ( Gen 1:1) and ( Rev 22:21)
The first and last words in the first and last verses are
( Gen 1:1) (In) and (earth)
And in ( Rev 22:21) (The) and (Amen)
These four words (In) (earth) (The) and (Amen) show up in the KJB 77777 times! And the KJB ONLY!
( Isaiah 45:23) "I have (sworn) by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness" The word (sworn) is #7650; it means to be complete, to seven oneself, (as if by repeating a declaration seven times) ( Ps 12:6-7)
My previous post touched on church doctrine. These days we cannot have assurance that a literal hell is something that is taken seriously; or that only Christ is the way to eternal life. A catechism SHOULD state what a core belief is of such matters; if it is not being adhered to disciplinary action should be taken and if it is some spurious statement we have no business remaining there.
Many megachurches seem to want to cater to the nonbeliever and rather than aking them tremble at the fear of God and His presence they want to present Christianinty as something that fits into a music venue; social activities and other things that appeal to the flesh. Rather than making coming to Christ the beginning of a death sentence all the verses that Jesus spoke such as Matthew 10:22-24 and numerous other admonitions such as 1 Peter 4:12-19 have to be ignored with such techniques.
The prosperity gospel shouldn't have to be dissected to show the error; looking at the life of Christ and the Disciples should suffice to show it is utter rubbish. An honest assessment shows that leadership at such places doesn't want to lose parishioners; thus "filthy lucre" and the love of such things ( Titus 1:11) is a deadly vice. Sadly though we see others who are caught up in emotional sentimentality. It is easy of course to be convinced one's girlfriend or boyfriend will turn their affections to God since they show partiality to us. Making Christ appeal to youth with attractive women dressed in worldly apparel or cheap gimmicks will at best cause a few predestined to come to faith to wake up; just as someone who is in a congregation with false doctrines can hear enough of the true Word to be convicted; in other words despite the bad approach rather than because of it. But counting the cost of being a Disciple can't be ignored; as well as challenging those who would bring in error and restricting membership to those who truly believe
it wasn't a light things in Paul's day to be a Christian, one could experience the things that Saul did to Christians, before he became Paul.
you stated:
We are to judge those who are inside. Why? Because those inside the church who are involved in sin, they must be dealt with in order that they might repent."detailing a person who has not yet repented"
Paul's speaking about being a member of the body of Christ here, how can one be in the church, & has not yet repented?
a quote from William Penn
Sin is of one nature the world over. For though a liar is not a drunkard,
nor a swearer a whoremonger, nor either properly a murderer, yet they are
all of one church; all branches of the one wicked root, all of kin. They have
but one father, the devil, as Christ said to the professing Jews, the visible
church of that age. He slighted their claims to Abraham and Moses, and
plainly told them that "everyone who sins is a slave to sin" ( John 8:34).
The Jewish religious leaders did the devil's work, and therefore were the
devil's children. The argument will always hold upon the same reasons, for
as Paul said: you are slaves to the one whom you obey, ( Rom 6:16); and
said John to the church of old, "Let no man deceive you; he that commits
sin is of the devil" ( 1 John 3:7-8). Was Judas ever the better Christian for
crying, "Hail, Master," and kissing Christ? By no means; they were the
signal of his treachery; the signs given so the bloody Jews could identify
Him and arrest Him. Judas called Him Master, but betrayed Him;
he kissed, but sold Him to be killed; the same is the result of the
false Christian's religion.
how many who would call themselve Christian's today, members of His Body, fall underneath this judgment & be put away because of their continuing in sin?
society today is a direct reflection of the state of this false church of Rev 17 preaching you can be a Christian & yet continue in sin. Mark 7:7Titus 1:11
Thank you, God, who cannot be tempted of evil, James 1:13 or lie, Titus 1:2. God could not fulfill the law, flesh had to fulfill it because the curse of sin was on flesh. How could you fulfill a law if you were not capable of breaking it? We are told Jesus the Son of God was tempted as we are, Hebrews 4:15. He was made flesh for the suffering of death, Hebrews 2:9.
2 Cor. 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Jesus had a will of his own but was obedient to the Father, Luke 22:42. Jesus did the works of the Father, John 5:36. Jesus was sent by the Father, John 4:34John 7:16. Jesus did all the miracles by the Spirit of God that was given to Him without measure, Matt. 12:28John 3:34, when He was anointed at the Jordan, Mark 1:10Luke 4:18.
I hope this is correct forgive me if I am wrong. The Father is God but is not the Son and is not the Holy Spirit. The Son is God but is not the Father and is not the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God but is not the Father and is not the Son. One God is three coexistent, co-eternal, and co-equal Persons.
If I may ask. If they are three persons, who is the Father of Jesus the Son of God? Matt. 1:18Luke 1:35. Jesus many times said He has a God and a Father, Matt. 7:21Matt. 12:50John 20:172 Cor. 11:31Ephesians 1:31 Peter 1:3. Jesus came in His Father's name, John 5:43.
My understanding, this is not a mystery that cannot be understood. God is a Spirit, John 4:24 It is His Spirit that dwelleth in us, 1 Cor. 3:161 Corinthians 2:10-12. God is Spirit, God is Holy. It is the Spirit of God that is the Holy Spirit.
Paul never used the Holy Spirit in his salutations. Jesus was begotten by His Father, Heb. 1:5. Jesus said His Father was greater than He John 14:28. Rev. 21:22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
The reason that I used an historical source is that the church continued after the death of all the apostles and the writing of the NT Scriptures. The first council was the one in Jerusalem, probably about 50 A.D. in Acts 15 where the topic of what of the Mosaic Law the Gentile believers were to follow. Paul and Barnabas attended this council, meeting with Peter, James, and perhaps a few others. The topic of the Trinity or divinity of Jesus was not discussed at this one. You can find out what the early bishops (the first ones appointed by the apostles and subsequent ones by the preceding bishops) spoke about these two topics but you will not find the writings of these bishops in the Bible.
I adhere to the teaching of the Word. It is my source for God's revelation to man. However, History is source to discover how the early saints believed and how the church functioned over the centuries. learning such history is not contrary to learning the Word nor is it forbidden by the Word.
I looked up the teachings of Polycarp, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Justin Martyr, for example, to find out what they taught on these topics. They lived in the late first century into the second century. For me, what they taught is important because they were so close in time to the teachings of the apostles and it gives us information about what was passed down to them before the NT was compiled and there were just the letters/writings of the apostles copied and passed to the churches.
If we look at what is taught in the churches today and compare that to what was taught in the Scriptures and practiced in the early church years we can see that what we do today is very different from then. This does not mean that all of what we do today is wrong. It just contrasts what was practiced early on.
The early church leaders did need to refute false doctrines as the Scriptures instructed. See Titus 1:10-16; 2 Peter 2; all of Jude; 1 John 4:1; 1 Tim. 6:3. ... cont.
We have documents and accounts of how if you were a believer, and if you happened to know who a Christian was, and you said I need a fellowship to go to, they would check you out first to make sure you were not a spy or some kind of government official.
But you would be interviewed at least two or three times to see if they want you in the fellowship. Are you going to be a problem? What are your motives? How sincere are you?
It's just the opposite of today where churches are trying to get in as many people as they can, almost not caring who they are. Just show up!
But back then they were very selective as to who they received into their fellowships to make sure that they're not going to have a problem, and to make sure your motives are in sincerity.
So, Paul left Titus there on the island of Crete, and Titus was known as a bulldog type of person, not like Timothy who was timid and needed to be reminded to have a little courage and to stand up for the truth of Christ. But Titus was the other way around. You didn't want to tangle with Titus. So, Paul left the right man in the right spot.
III. THE HISTORY OF TITUS:
His name is mentioned 13 times in the New Testament; 9 times in 2 Corinthians. He was a Gentile and was saved during Paul's first missionary journey ( Galatians 2:3).
Paul called Titus three things:
1) My genuine son in the faith ( Titus 1:4).
2) My brother ( II Corinthians 2:13)
3) My partner and fellow worker ( II Corinthians 8:23).
Titus traveled with Paul in all of his missionary journeys and was used by Paul to minister mostly in the city of Corinth. After Paul's first imprisonment, he traveled through the Island of Crete with Titus. Paul left Titus there while he went on to Macedonia.
Italicized words were words put in by the translators of the King James Bible. So sometimes when you translate something from one language, there is not a perfect translation, but rather a phrase. For example: "Consuegro" in Spanish translates to "your son or daughter's parent-in-law" in English. In this example they are referring to the parent-in-law, so the child's name would be italicized. It was just the way they had to translate for it to make sense or else we would have some weird verses. For example Isaiah 57:19 would say, "I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to far off, and to near, saith the LORD; and will heal him." we know the context is talking about a "him," so they added the italicized words to help it make sense.
As far as the apocrypha goes, I do not believe it is equally inspired as scripture. Titus 1:2 says that God cannot lie. There are parts of the apocrypha that go against what the canonical KJV says which in turn make that part of the apocrypha false. In the translating of the KJV, the translators had many copies of the same scripture that said the same thing. Any that said something different were looked at and decided upon. If 9 out of 10 said one thing, they would ignore the 1. It makes sense as that would have been a misprinted or wrongly copied scroll of scripture. They were objective as possible as they translated. The apocrypha were all translated the same way, they were separate books so they did not compare them to the other books during translation. Later, they decided that they would not be accepted as they contradicted the other scriptures. If God cannot lie, then His word cannot lie. 2 Peter 1:21 tells us that God gave the writers what to write. meaning it was inspired. So since those books contradicted the others, they are clearly not of God.
Hello Charlie. I don't believe that the Old Testament Apocryphal Books were largely accepted by the Church. Many had accepted them as authoritative & scriptural & even included them in the Canon of Scripture (whether within the OT framework or as additions to it), but many didn't accept them for various reasons.
If you're enquiring as to why these books were not included or even removed from the Canon, then the reasons are many. Some of them are: they were never cited as books of reference in the NT (even though we have Jude 1:14,15 & 2 Timothy 3:8 as possible examples). These quotations by Jude & Paul do give some authoritative weight to those books, though they are only mentioned to strengthen the text, just as Paul referred to the Cretians ( Titus 1:12) & in Acts 17:28 (to the Athenian poets).
The Apocrypha books were never accepted by the Jews as divinely inspired writings & were never a part of the Hebrew canon. Those books were written during those 400 'silent years' between the Testaments. Both Jewish & NT sources agree that no divinely inspired prophetic utterance occurred at that time. Jesus never referred to them as He often did to the accepted OT Scriptures. As well, even though some Truth can be gleaned from those books, they do also contain errors, both in historical matters & doctrine. When any writing, then or now, gives details that are contrary to what has been given to us (even that of the NT Apocrypha), then they must be held in suspicion. Many do read from those apocryphal books & have even asked on this Site about their authenticity & authority, but I've always shared that if one is inclined to read or study from them, that they do so guardedly & with utmost care (watching for historical & doctrinal inaccuracies), always resorting to the accepted Canon of Scripture as their final authority.
Dear Mammy, your problem is a lack of belief in the power of the Blood to forgive your sins. I endured the same guilt as a young Christian, and then later two verses struck that guilt out.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Titus 1:2 ...God cannot lie...
God has promised to forgive each and every one of our sins--and He CANNOT lie.
May I suggest you form the habit of daily devotions? James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.
You said; It was by their works that He never knew them.
But if you examine Matthew 7:16-23 carefully you'll see that it was them trusting in their works and not his work is why he never knew them.
vv 16 states "Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Matthew 7:17-20 goes on to give you the contrast between the fruit and the thistles and what become of them.
There's dead works and there's fruit.
Thistles may be a sign of dead works.
Fruit is a work of God and performed by God that the believer bares by being connected to the vine. Philippians 1:6.
Philippians 2:13.
This is what James is saying in James 2:18 "Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I WILL SHEW THEE MY FAITH BY MY WORKS."
A person wilfully continuing in sin is not saved, so you can't lose what you don't have.
James 3:19 reads; "Thou believest THAT THERE IS ONE GOD; thou doest well: THE DEVILS ALSO BELIEVE, AND TREMBLE.
Believing there's a God doesn't save souls.
Also; Titus 1:16 reads; "THEY PROFESS THAT THEY KNOW GOD; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate."
A profession doesn't save souls either.
Look at those professors described in the previous verse.
vv 15. "Unto the pure all things are pure: (BUT UNTO THEM THAT ARE DEFILED AND UNBELIEVING) is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled."
If you can earn your salvation you can lose it.
If you can earn it you have no need of Christ, he came to loose the captives.
He didn't come to give instructions on how to live a saved life.( You can't. )
Salvation is him giving you life that produces fruit.
So shall we continue in sin? NO!
If you were baptized into Christ you are Identified with him and see sin the way he do.
This is what Romans chapters 6, 7, and 8 is all about.
James chapter 2 explains 2:24 - Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Faith without works is dead. Or... Titus 1:16 - They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
James 2:19
"Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."
Or the ones that proclaim to be believers, but Jesus says He never knew them because they were workers of iniquity. They believed in Jesus, they just never repented.
So, the question should be what is Salvation before we discuss losing one's salvation. I think we confuse believing in Jesus to be saved. God's Word says even the devils believe...we know they aren't saved.
The once saved always saved doctrine, I think is dangerous, as we see many Churches today giving people license to live like the devil, and have the comfort of eternal salvation over their heads.
So, what is Salvation, what is born again? Can a person believe in Jesus and live in sin and still be saved? If a person must repent, is that not works? Remember, Jesus told those "Christians" He never knew them because they were workers of iniquity. It was by their works that He never knew them.
I would add that if Matt. 24 was only for the Jews and that time of history, then when did Jesus come on the clouds? If it is only for the Jews at the end of history, why does Jesus say that He is coming for His elect, which believers are called in Paul's epistles again and again.? ( 2 Tim. 2:10; Titus 1:1; and Peter in 1Pet. 1:1; 2 Pet.1:10 for example)
Along with the many,, many NT verses that state that the dead are raised on the Last Day, then it is then that Jesus returns and only then,
For me, I know that what the Scriptures actually say is true, not what people infer based on approaching Scripture with presuppositions that is evident in the teachings of Darby, Scofield, Chafer, Ryrie, Walvoord, and other leaders of dispensationalism who spread this teaching far and wide, leading many to read into the Scriptures a pre-trib rapture that involves a secret semi-coming of Jesus and then another coming of Jesus at the end of the tribulation.
Scripture consistently speaks of Jesus' second and final coming and does not specify a 2 stage coming in any way.
You and I do not post about this to engage others in an argument, but we do so to encourage those who believe in the pre-trib rapture to re-examine Scriptures without the lens of dispensationalism (which is an artificial theological method of interpretation).
Through the years when I have read and considered passages that speak of Jesus' second coming, I had not ever heard of dispensational thinking nor covenant thinking, nor premillennial, postmillennial, or amillennial teaching. I was studying the Scriptures from the point of believing what was clearly, actually, and explicitly stated without adding any inferences.
But now that I have recently become aware of the various schools of though on this topic, I have tried to understand each of their methodology, reasoning, and Scriptural defense of their understanding of the second coming. Still learning as for now.
God didn't send His only begotten Son to die on the cross for you only to abandon you. He promised to always be with us. Hebrews 13:5 "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." And Titus 1:2 says, "In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;"
Our walk with God is not by sight, but by faith. 2 Corinthians 5:6 "Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:" 2 Corinthians 5:7 "(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)"
Now, look at your status with Him. Do you have daily private time with Him in devotion and confessing your sins? Do you confess your sins immediately upon conviction? Do you serve Him by pointing others to Him, and by attending church? As for praying, just talk to Him...confess your sins, praise Him, tell him your concerns, and pray for others...
Draw close to Him and He will draw close to you regardless of whether you feel His presence or not. For the Christian walk is by faith.
Mark 13:20 'elect', I believe applies to the elect among Israel, in its context of the chapter. But of course, after the Gospel is brought to the Gentiles, we too join the elect of God ( Colossians 3:12; Titus 1:1; 1 Peter 1:2), but Jesus directed His message to the Jews of His day.
Revelation 13:7,8: are these saints the ones living at the time of revelation of the beast on Earth, or are they the 'new believers' who have turned to Christ, rejecting the beast? And the Lamb's Book of Life, does it record all believers now & into the future, or only adds to the record those who are being saved by the Blood of the Lamb? Moot questions for sure.
Revelation 20:4-6: "This is the first resurrection". The Rapture of the Church (i.e. which includes the resurrection of the dead in Christ) & the resurrection of the tribulation saints are not the same. The Rapture is not a part of the First Resurrection (some have included them together, referring to it as two phases of the one). The Rapture is the catching away of believers to be with the Lord in Glory. The First Resurrection is for the tribulation saints who have died for Christ & will reign with Him through the Millennium. The scenarios are different hence cannot be the same. So, should not the Rapture then be called the First Resurrection? Apparently not, as that is the secret coming of Jesus to take away His Church from the Wrath to come. Blessings.
Hello Barbara. It is my understanding that if the word 'Pastor' is correctly (i.e. biblically) applied, then yes, sisters in the Church Fellowship can take on a pastoral role of shepherding the sheep (and specifically to other women & young people).
But throughout the New Testament, the one who leads, teaches & guides Christ's Church are called Overseers or Elders (& the word 'Bishop' is used in 1 Timothy 3:1,2 & Titus 1:7, as the 17th Century English of the KJV dictated such naming). Women were never appointed to that position of overseeing or governing the Church Body in those early days. It seems however if we go through Church history, there have been some Churches very early on, that have ordained women into pastoral or teaching roles, & this became more necessary as men were drafted into the major wars, especially those of the 20th Century; this dearth of men warranted women filling these positions. There are many opinions whether this action was actually required and that the guidance from the Bible on this issue was being circumvented. And this continued on, even when such wars ceased & men were able to remain on home turf, & of those so enabled by the Lord, to lead Christ's Church. Thus we have today, many women in leadership positions in their Church Fellowships, which I believe is clearly contrary to the Scriptures.
There IS fear in love; but perfect love does NOT cast out fear; because LOVE hath torment. HE that loveth IS made perfect in fear. I must choose one or the other as to which is true and eternal; from the Voice for God.
The truth is true and nothing else is true. This statement has two parts: without the first, the second has no meaning, but without the second, is the first no longer true. Truth cannot have an opposite. This can not be too often said and thought about. For if what is not true is true as well as what is true, then part of truth is false. And truth has lost its meaning. Nothing but the truth is true, and what is false is false. Truth must be true throughout, if it be true. It cannot contradict itself, nor be in parts uncertain and in others sure. What God creates has no alternative. The truth arises from what He KNOWS; not what we perceive.
Perception has a focus.It is this that gives consistency to what we see. Change but this focus, and what we behold will change accordingly. When seeing a wholly sinless world is ALL we want to see, when this is ALL we seek for in the name of true perception, are the eyes of Christ inevitably ours. What the body's eyes see/perceive is only conflict.
Much of our strange behavior is directly attributable to our definition of guilt; we've accepted the belief the guiltless are guilty. Love and guilt cannot coexist, and to accept one is to deny the other. Guilt hides Christ from our sight, for it is the denial of the blamelessness of God' children. Love creates Itself and nothing but Itself. To the "devil" purity is seen as arrogance and the acceptance of the self as sinful is perceived as holiness. TEACH ONLY LOVE.
Romans 2:11Romans 13:10Eph. 1:4Eph. 5:14Eph. 3:17-19Eph. 4:29Philippians 4:8Titus 1:15 2 James 3:17-181 John 1:5 1 1 John 4:7-8
Dear Anonymous, we are not robots. God gave each of us free will to do good or to do bad. Today there are more people on earth than ever before. Strides in communication have made us a world city. There are more ways to do good and to work evil, and the Devil is a lion roaring among us seeking whom he can devour because he knows his time is short. Never fear, and have faith, for Jesus proclaimed his victory over the world and He does not lie, Titus 1:2 "In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;"
Dear Annamae, It's hard, I know, but we must not go by the way we feel. Philippians 4:6-7. Just because we feel that God is far from us doesn't mean He is. He has promised to never leave us. Psalm 118:6. The devil will cause you to feel the way you do to disrupt your relationship with God. Here are a few weapons to use against him.
James 4:7 Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.
Isaiah 54:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment
thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
As stated in some comments some months ago; we should still be able to trust God in regard to His Word; and that indeed He can and will prosper people financially. In this world we should adhere to 1 Timothy 6:17
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
Some are born into riches; others earn it through hard work and God's Providence of resulting financial success. Money is uncertain and we can't put our trust in things that "moth and rust" corrupt ( Matt. 6:19).
Certainly it isn't Pastors who should be cornering the market or seeking "filthy lucre" ( Titus 1:11 AND 1 Peter 5:2). The best they can hope for is making it into heaven as through the fire; but there is probably a much better chance they aren't saved at all. Only God knows but why make that lifestyle your legacy?
What we see today is more of these so called "Apostles" dying; while others making half hearted "repentance" statements then continuing on with the sin of covetousness; much like the parable of a dog returning to its own vomit ( Proverbs 26:11). We certainly bring nothing into this world and we aren't taking anything out ( 1 Timothy 6:7). What we can do is gain heavenly treasure by harvesting souls ( Matt. 6:19).
He who covers or conceals his sin is not doing themselves any favors. ( Proverbs 28:13). It actually says the man will not prosper. There are enough warnings in scripture including to the Pharisees as to the spiritual ramifications of continuing in such behaviors and many others in the Old Testament as well.
Ultimately; the desire for fame and popularity is tied into those with this narcissistic mindset and lifestyle. All will be lost after this life; which is as a vapor has passed. Let us live lives in strict obedience and holiness not due to compulsion but love and gratitude for what Christ did for us.
Matthew 7:21 - not everyone who claims to follow Jesus will be saved.
Thank you again, from my heart, the truth is my search not to offend. It all goes back to one verse when I read it, it stood out in my heart, Corinthians 11:4. I know I am alone here on this, but saying Jesus is part of the Triune God, who eternally exists and expresses himself as three distinct persons with one essence all three co-equal. One God in three persons-the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This to me denies the Son, 1 John 2:23
What I see in the Bible is the relationship between the Father and the Son, the Son is obedient to the Father. Jesus said His Father is greater than Him, John 14:28. Jesus has said the Father is His God, John 20:17 Revelation 3:12.
The Bible defines God's nature as eternal and unchanging; there is only one throne of God and through the Bible, only the Father is on the throne until the Father raised His Son from the dead and placed Him on His right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, there is nothing about the Holy Spirit.
As we see in Revelation Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple and the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof, Rev. 21:22-23 no Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God is the Holy Spirit, not another person.
Jesus confirmed there is only one true God, Mark 12:28-34, in Jesus's prayer to His Father said in John 17:3. All the greetings in the New Testament are from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, Galatians 1:3 Ephesians 6:23 1 Thessalonians 1:1 2 Timothy 1:2 Titus 1:4 2 John 1:3 and more but no Holy Spirit.
If the Trinity true and is so important, why is it not once taught in Scripture? God cannot change and God cannot die, so how do we understand John 3:16 if God the Father did not send his actual begotten Son to die for our sins? We see Jesus also had His own will, Luke 22:42.
God bless,
RLW
To remind God of blessings promised in the Scriptures; if done in the correct way is honoring to God. Without discernment; however we may not be aware of what this means; and also if we are living in a sinful lifestyle we are trying to deliberately ask for something we cannot have as long as we refuse to submit to the Lord and we are producing bad fruit.
The church much like Israel has certain CONDITIONAL as well as unconditional promises. The POSSESSING church (that is those who have the Holy Spirit and are truly saved) is and always will be a subset in this age of the confessing or professing body of believers (i.e. the church). The difference is there are some who believe in the true God and others in a God of their own imaginations; fitting the parameters that a person finds reasonable; or comfortable living with by mentally cherry picking what appeals from the Word and filing the unpleasant verses somewhere in the cobwebs in the back of their mind.
God is no respecter of persons ( Acts 10:34 also Romans 2). He does whatever He chooses and we know for certain that He desires glory for Himself and no other. (See Isaiah 42:8). John 16:10 shows how God seeks glory for the Son; therefore His desire for worship is never selfish as He always does the Father's will. This is selfless love and shows an example of how we are to live. If we thank God for things in our lives that bring us into sin such as excess money for greedy gain ( Titus 1:11); we are only heaping greater condemnation on ourselves.
Thus if one feels that 1 Corinthians 9:27 might be Paul indicating that if he fails to keep his body (his flesh) under subjection, that when he preaches to others, then God would cast him away; could he then just be a failure, or incur God's disapproval, or even actually be a counterfeit Christian to be relegated to a destiny with other unbelievers?
Then do verses such as Romans 1:28, 2 Timothy 3:8, or Titus 1:16 apply also to Paul if he neglected to keep his body under subjection? And if Paul is deemed to be a castaway (i.e. having lost his salvation), does this then open the door to the Lord's failure to call & appoint His primary apostle to the Gentiles? But as we know, Paul didn't let the flesh or the Devil overcome him - he remained clear in conscience & faithful to his Lord; and this power, could it have come from within, i.e. the Holy Spirit in him, Who helps those endued with the Spirit, to not only do as Paul did, but also to be confident that He will indeed keep them from falling & be presented faultless before the Throne?
It's for such questions & verses in the NT, that confirm to my heart that God makes no mistakes in calling, redeeming, justifying & sealing His children. Readers of those passages will have to satisfy their own hearts & minds as to how to understand the different word usages for 'castaway or reprobate'.
Part 1
If I may add a few points to this subject, I know we have different understandings on this and I hope you will not be offended, these are questions I have asked myself. What does Scripture support, our soul is an immortal entity that consciously lives on after the death of the body or does it sleep in the grave until the resurrection? Is the definition of death a separation of the soul from the body or is it the end of life, a permanent cessation, and the grave is our home until we are resurrected?
John 3:15-16 Without the belief in Jesus we will perish the Greek word apollumi means destroy utterly, to put out of the way entirely, abolish as in Psalms 37:10 Psalms 92:7 Proverbs 10:28-29 Job 20:4-7 Malachi 4:1-3 2 Peter 2:12.
Matthew 10:28 we are to fear the one who can destroy the body and the soul in hell, the Greek word for destroy is apollumi same as perish, a permanent/absolute destruction. Hell, the Greek word is geenna the fire and smoke that goes up and burns forever that never goes out is a reference to the lake of fire. Job 17:13 the Hebrew word sheol is the same word translated as hell. Job 17:16 the word pit is the same Hebrew word.
Our first death is sleep, Psalms 13:3 Daniel 12:2 Acts 13:36 1 Cor. 15:51. If all souls are immortal which means they have eternal life, the question must be asked, what is the gift of eternal life we see in John 3:15 John 6:54 Romans 6:23 Titus 1:2 1 John 2:25 Jude 1:21? If our soul is immortal, why do we have to put immortality on as said in 1 Corinthians 15:51-58?
See part 2
Titus 1:16] They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Christanity rebells when they have to be perfect thry immediately pass it on to Jesus when Jesus preached in Matthew 5:48 we (human beings) have to be perfect even as our Father which is in heaven is perfect. Why does Christanity argue agianst Jesus? Because they were never told the truth. Let's look in the bible to find more perfect people before, during and after, Jesus. Adam and Eve were in Genesis 1&2 before thry heard another gospel in Genesis 3 from Rev Serpant/Rev Devil.
Before: Genesis 6:9] These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
Genesis 17:1] And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
Deuteronomy 18:13] Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God.
Job 1:1] There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.
2nd Chronicals 16:9] For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.
Psalm 37:37] Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.
During Jesus:
Matthew 1:[19] Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
See part 2
This is a difficult subject to discuss openly. Being one is to be united in the holy love of God. The way we can do this is to become one with His Son, Jesus Christ the only way to the Father, John 14:6. When a man and woman are married, they become one as we through faith become one in Jesus. When Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist Jesus was filled without measure with the Holy Ghost/Spirit, God's Spirit, John 3:34.
God was manifested in Jesus, John 14:10 1 Tim. 3:10. Jesus was the Tabernacle of God, John 10:38. Jesus and the Father are one John 10:30 and Jesus told us we can be one as He and the Father are one, John 17:20-23. Jesus did nothing on His own, only the will of the Father, Jesus was obedient to the Father, Rom. 5:19 and as you said, Jesus was sent by the Father, John 5:30. The doctrine Jesus laid out was not His doctrine but His who sent Him, the Father, John 7:16.
All things are delivered unto Jesus of the Father, Matt. 11:27 and all in heaven and earth is under Jesus's feet, 1 Cor. 15:27 and will be until the last enemy is under His feet, that is death, Rev. 20:14. Jesus said the Father was greater than Him, John 14:28. Scripture says Jesus has a God, 2 Cor. 11:3 1 Eph. 1:3 Eph. 1:17 Col 1:3 Jesus said He had a God John 20:17.
In the garden, Jesus prayed to the Father that the cup He was about to partake could pass if there was another way, but said not His will but the Father's will, Matt. 26:39. All the introductions, greetings, and blessings in the Scriptures in the New Testament that are given to the followers of Christ and called to be saints from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, two not three.
Rom. 1:7-8 1 Cor. 1:3-4 1 John 1:3 2 John 1:3 2 Cor. 1:2-3 Gal. 1:3-4 Eph. 1:2-3 Phil. 1:2 Col. 1:2-3 2 Thess.1:2 1 Tim.1:2 2 Tim.1:2 Titus 1:4 Philemon 1:3 2 Pet. 1:2.
You must study the Scriptures letting the Holy Spirit the Spirit of God guide you to your understanding, not from my reply, or man.
God bless,
RLW
I'm not sure why you are so confused regarding 1 John 5:7.
1 John 5:7 "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."
The verse states (3) three bear record in heaven. Not 2, and Not 4.. but 3. Easy to understand.
God loves the meek, the humble, the poor and the trodden down. He wants these simple people to read and understand His message because they will inherent the Kingdom.
I will leave you with this verse my friend. Titus 1:15 "Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled."
You said "We can depend on what he has revealed of Himself and what He has caused to be recorded of His Words in Scripture. He is the same yesterday, today, and always".
I agree with that 100%!
( Titus 1:2) Tells us "In hope of eternal life, which ((God, that cannot lie)), promised before the world began".
God cannot lie.
The KJB tells us that Jesus said in ( Jn 7:8) .."I go ((not up yet)) unto this feast" Then v10 Jesus goes to the feast.
All modern version bibles change what Jesus said in v8 to "I am ((not going)) to this festival" Then v10 Jesus went to the festival in all of the modern versions.
Modern versions all changed the words to make Jesus a liar. Would you say that's acceptable?
It seems that could be blasphemy, changing the words so it sounds like Jesus is a liar. God surely didn't cause those words to be recorded in Scripture to make Jesus a liar. This one thing is Biblical proof that modern versions are all corrupt, and they are not inspired by God.
It only needs to be seen and accepted as the Truth that it is.
God Bless all who seek God's Truth.
Part three,
Each believer is personally responsible for living in obedience to Christ's commands. 1 Timothy 4:16. Can we come up short, Hebrews 4:1. Some of the natural branches of the house of Israel were broken off for unbelief so the people of the nations who believe and are justified are grafted in. Believers/saved can be cut off if they do not continue in his goodness/grace. Romans 11:15-24.
Much of your post I agree, it is about becoming saved and our relationship with Jesus, and if we continue to abide in Him those scriptures apply. Concerning Pentecost, Peter was pleading that they accept Jesus as their Messiah that was promised, and they killed Him, not to repent from Judaism. Peter and the disciples at this time were still observing the old law. We see years later they were still debating it in Acts 15.
1 Cor. 9:27 If we look at the wording "But I keep under my body and bring it into subjection" it is as if his body is his adversary. It is like he was beating his body whether it is said metaphorical, but to the subduing of the natural appetites of the flesh, a life of self-denial not to succumb to the sins of the flesh. The Greek adokimos translated as castaway, is the same word for reprobate, Romans 1:28 Titus 1:16. I do not think Paul is talking about rewards.
Hebrews 3:12-13 This chapter starts with "Wherefore holy brethern" These are Christians, saved, verse 6 "if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end." The writer includes himself "If We". Verses 12 and 13 are to these same people and verse 14 says "For we are made partakers of Christ" Because they are made so they are saved believers in Christ.
1 John 1:7 If is conditional a choice if you walk in the light there is fellowship, if you don't walk in the light, you are outside of the fellowship.
See part four.
The first verse and the last verse in the Bible are ( Gen 1:1) and ( Rev 22:21)
The first and last words in the first and last verses are
( Gen 1:1) (In) and (earth)
And in ( Rev 22:21) (The) and (Amen)
These four words (In) (earth) (The) and (Amen) show up in the KJB 77777 times! And the KJB ONLY!
( Isaiah 45:23) "I have (sworn) by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness" The word (sworn) is #7650; it means to be complete, to seven oneself, (as if by repeating a declaration seven times) ( Ps 12:6-7)
The KJB is the pure preserved Word of God!
( Titus 1:9-16)
Truth matters.
Blessings to all who seek His Truth.
My previous post touched on church doctrine. These days we cannot have assurance that a literal hell is something that is taken seriously; or that only Christ is the way to eternal life. A catechism SHOULD state what a core belief is of such matters; if it is not being adhered to disciplinary action should be taken and if it is some spurious statement we have no business remaining there.
Many megachurches seem to want to cater to the nonbeliever and rather than aking them tremble at the fear of God and His presence they want to present Christianinty as something that fits into a music venue; social activities and other things that appeal to the flesh. Rather than making coming to Christ the beginning of a death sentence all the verses that Jesus spoke such as Matthew 10:22-24 and numerous other admonitions such as 1 Peter 4:12-19 have to be ignored with such techniques.
The prosperity gospel shouldn't have to be dissected to show the error; looking at the life of Christ and the Disciples should suffice to show it is utter rubbish. An honest assessment shows that leadership at such places doesn't want to lose parishioners; thus "filthy lucre" and the love of such things ( Titus 1:11) is a deadly vice. Sadly though we see others who are caught up in emotional sentimentality. It is easy of course to be convinced one's girlfriend or boyfriend will turn their affections to God since they show partiality to us. Making Christ appeal to youth with attractive women dressed in worldly apparel or cheap gimmicks will at best cause a few predestined to come to faith to wake up; just as someone who is in a congregation with false doctrines can hear enough of the true Word to be convicted; in other words despite the bad approach rather than because of it. But counting the cost of being a Disciple can't be ignored; as well as challenging those who would bring in error and restricting membership to those who truly believe
it wasn't a light things in Paul's day to be a Christian, one could experience the things that Saul did to Christians, before he became Paul.
you stated:
We are to judge those who are inside. Why? Because those inside the church who are involved in sin, they must be dealt with in order that they might repent."detailing a person who has not yet repented"
Paul's speaking about being a member of the body of Christ here, how can one be in the church, & has not yet repented?
a quote from William Penn
Sin is of one nature the world over. For though a liar is not a drunkard,
nor a swearer a whoremonger, nor either properly a murderer, yet they are
all of one church; all branches of the one wicked root, all of kin. They have
but one father, the devil, as Christ said to the professing Jews, the visible
church of that age. He slighted their claims to Abraham and Moses, and
plainly told them that "everyone who sins is a slave to sin" ( John 8:34).
The Jewish religious leaders did the devil's work, and therefore were the
devil's children. The argument will always hold upon the same reasons, for
as Paul said: you are slaves to the one whom you obey, ( Rom 6:16); and
said John to the church of old, "Let no man deceive you; he that commits
sin is of the devil" ( 1 John 3:7-8). Was Judas ever the better Christian for
crying, "Hail, Master," and kissing Christ? By no means; they were the
signal of his treachery; the signs given so the bloody Jews could identify
Him and arrest Him. Judas called Him Master, but betrayed Him;
he kissed, but sold Him to be killed; the same is the result of the
false Christian's religion.
how many who would call themselve Christian's today, members of His Body, fall underneath this judgment & be put away because of their continuing in sin?
society today is a direct reflection of the state of this false church of Rev 17 preaching you can be a Christian & yet continue in sin. Mark 7:7 Titus 1:11
in love & truth Rev 18:4
Thank you, God, who cannot be tempted of evil, James 1:13 or lie, Titus 1:2. God could not fulfill the law, flesh had to fulfill it because the curse of sin was on flesh. How could you fulfill a law if you were not capable of breaking it? We are told Jesus the Son of God was tempted as we are, Hebrews 4:15. He was made flesh for the suffering of death, Hebrews 2:9.
2 Cor. 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Jesus had a will of his own but was obedient to the Father, Luke 22:42. Jesus did the works of the Father, John 5:36. Jesus was sent by the Father, John 4:34 John 7:16. Jesus did all the miracles by the Spirit of God that was given to Him without measure, Matt. 12:28 John 3:34, when He was anointed at the Jordan, Mark 1:10 Luke 4:18.
I hope this is correct forgive me if I am wrong. The Father is God but is not the Son and is not the Holy Spirit. The Son is God but is not the Father and is not the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God but is not the Father and is not the Son. One God is three coexistent, co-eternal, and co-equal Persons.
If I may ask. If they are three persons, who is the Father of Jesus the Son of God? Matt. 1:18 Luke 1:35. Jesus many times said He has a God and a Father, Matt. 7:21 Matt. 12:50 John 20:17 2 Cor. 11:31 Ephesians 1:3 1 Peter 1:3. Jesus came in His Father's name, John 5:43.
My understanding, this is not a mystery that cannot be understood. God is a Spirit, John 4:24 It is His Spirit that dwelleth in us, 1 Cor. 3:16 1 Corinthians 2:10-12. God is Spirit, God is Holy. It is the Spirit of God that is the Holy Spirit.
Paul never used the Holy Spirit in his salutations. Jesus was begotten by His Father, Heb. 1:5. Jesus said His Father was greater than He John 14:28. Rev. 21:22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
God bless,
RLW
The reason that I used an historical source is that the church continued after the death of all the apostles and the writing of the NT Scriptures. The first council was the one in Jerusalem, probably about 50 A.D. in Acts 15 where the topic of what of the Mosaic Law the Gentile believers were to follow. Paul and Barnabas attended this council, meeting with Peter, James, and perhaps a few others. The topic of the Trinity or divinity of Jesus was not discussed at this one. You can find out what the early bishops (the first ones appointed by the apostles and subsequent ones by the preceding bishops) spoke about these two topics but you will not find the writings of these bishops in the Bible.
I adhere to the teaching of the Word. It is my source for God's revelation to man. However, History is source to discover how the early saints believed and how the church functioned over the centuries. learning such history is not contrary to learning the Word nor is it forbidden by the Word.
I looked up the teachings of Polycarp, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Justin Martyr, for example, to find out what they taught on these topics. They lived in the late first century into the second century. For me, what they taught is important because they were so close in time to the teachings of the apostles and it gives us information about what was passed down to them before the NT was compiled and there were just the letters/writings of the apostles copied and passed to the churches.
If we look at what is taught in the churches today and compare that to what was taught in the Scriptures and practiced in the early church years we can see that what we do today is very different from then. This does not mean that all of what we do today is wrong. It just contrasts what was practiced early on.
The early church leaders did need to refute false doctrines as the Scriptures instructed. See Titus 1:10-16; 2 Peter 2; all of Jude; 1 John 4:1; 1 Tim. 6:3. ... cont.
We have documents and accounts of how if you were a believer, and if you happened to know who a Christian was, and you said I need a fellowship to go to, they would check you out first to make sure you were not a spy or some kind of government official.
But you would be interviewed at least two or three times to see if they want you in the fellowship. Are you going to be a problem? What are your motives? How sincere are you?
It's just the opposite of today where churches are trying to get in as many people as they can, almost not caring who they are. Just show up!
But back then they were very selective as to who they received into their fellowships to make sure that they're not going to have a problem, and to make sure your motives are in sincerity.
So, Paul left Titus there on the island of Crete, and Titus was known as a bulldog type of person, not like Timothy who was timid and needed to be reminded to have a little courage and to stand up for the truth of Christ. But Titus was the other way around. You didn't want to tangle with Titus. So, Paul left the right man in the right spot.
III. THE HISTORY OF TITUS:
His name is mentioned 13 times in the New Testament; 9 times in 2 Corinthians. He was a Gentile and was saved during Paul's first missionary journey ( Galatians 2:3).
Paul called Titus three things:
1) My genuine son in the faith ( Titus 1:4).
2) My brother ( II Corinthians 2:13)
3) My partner and fellow worker ( II Corinthians 8:23).
Titus traveled with Paul in all of his missionary journeys and was used by Paul to minister mostly in the city of Corinth. After Paul's first imprisonment, he traveled through the Island of Crete with Titus. Paul left Titus there while he went on to Macedonia.
As far as the apocrypha goes, I do not believe it is equally inspired as scripture. Titus 1:2 says that God cannot lie. There are parts of the apocrypha that go against what the canonical KJV says which in turn make that part of the apocrypha false. In the translating of the KJV, the translators had many copies of the same scripture that said the same thing. Any that said something different were looked at and decided upon. If 9 out of 10 said one thing, they would ignore the 1. It makes sense as that would have been a misprinted or wrongly copied scroll of scripture. They were objective as possible as they translated. The apocrypha were all translated the same way, they were separate books so they did not compare them to the other books during translation. Later, they decided that they would not be accepted as they contradicted the other scriptures. If God cannot lie, then His word cannot lie. 2 Peter 1:21 tells us that God gave the writers what to write. meaning it was inspired. So since those books contradicted the others, they are clearly not of God.
Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.
This Idea here is to rest upon.
We can rest upon eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.
Greek, "elpis"
which is a primary word (to anticipate usually with pleasure);
expectation (abstract or concrete) or confidence: - faith
We use the word hope in a different way.
I hope this helps. "Catch my drift?
God bless.
If you're enquiring as to why these books were not included or even removed from the Canon, then the reasons are many. Some of them are: they were never cited as books of reference in the NT (even though we have Jude 1:14,15 & 2 Timothy 3:8 as possible examples). These quotations by Jude & Paul do give some authoritative weight to those books, though they are only mentioned to strengthen the text, just as Paul referred to the Cretians ( Titus 1:12) & in Acts 17:28 (to the Athenian poets).
The Apocrypha books were never accepted by the Jews as divinely inspired writings & were never a part of the Hebrew canon. Those books were written during those 400 'silent years' between the Testaments. Both Jewish & NT sources agree that no divinely inspired prophetic utterance occurred at that time. Jesus never referred to them as He often did to the accepted OT Scriptures. As well, even though some Truth can be gleaned from those books, they do also contain errors, both in historical matters & doctrine. When any writing, then or now, gives details that are contrary to what has been given to us (even that of the NT Apocrypha), then they must be held in suspicion. Many do read from those apocryphal books & have even asked on this Site about their authenticity & authority, but I've always shared that if one is inclined to read or study from them, that they do so guardedly & with utmost care (watching for historical & doctrinal inaccuracies), always resorting to the accepted Canon of Scripture as their final authority.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Titus 1:2 ...God cannot lie...
God has promised to forgive each and every one of our sins--and He CANNOT lie.
May I suggest you form the habit of daily devotions? James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.
You said; It was by their works that He never knew them.
But if you examine Matthew 7:16-23 carefully you'll see that it was them trusting in their works and not his work is why he never knew them.
vv 16 states "Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Matthew 7:17-20 goes on to give you the contrast between the fruit and the thistles and what become of them.
There's dead works and there's fruit.
Thistles may be a sign of dead works.
Fruit is a work of God and performed by God that the believer bares by being connected to the vine. Philippians 1:6.
Philippians 2:13.
This is what James is saying in James 2:18 "Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I WILL SHEW THEE MY FAITH BY MY WORKS."
A person wilfully continuing in sin is not saved, so you can't lose what you don't have.
James 3:19 reads; "Thou believest THAT THERE IS ONE GOD; thou doest well: THE DEVILS ALSO BELIEVE, AND TREMBLE.
Believing there's a God doesn't save souls.
Also; Titus 1:16 reads; "THEY PROFESS THAT THEY KNOW GOD; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate."
A profession doesn't save souls either.
Look at those professors described in the previous verse.
vv 15. "Unto the pure all things are pure: (BUT UNTO THEM THAT ARE DEFILED AND UNBELIEVING) is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled."
If you can earn your salvation you can lose it.
If you can earn it you have no need of Christ, he came to loose the captives.
He didn't come to give instructions on how to live a saved life.( You can't. )
Salvation is him giving you life that produces fruit.
So shall we continue in sin? NO!
If you were baptized into Christ you are Identified with him and see sin the way he do.
This is what Romans chapters 6, 7, and 8 is all about.
God bless.
Faith without works is dead. Or... Titus 1:16 - They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
James 2:19
"Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."
Or the ones that proclaim to be believers, but Jesus says He never knew them because they were workers of iniquity. They believed in Jesus, they just never repented.
So, the question should be what is Salvation before we discuss losing one's salvation. I think we confuse believing in Jesus to be saved. God's Word says even the devils believe...we know they aren't saved.
The once saved always saved doctrine, I think is dangerous, as we see many Churches today giving people license to live like the devil, and have the comfort of eternal salvation over their heads.
So, what is Salvation, what is born again? Can a person believe in Jesus and live in sin and still be saved? If a person must repent, is that not works? Remember, Jesus told those "Christians" He never knew them because they were workers of iniquity. It was by their works that He never knew them.
I would add that if Matt. 24 was only for the Jews and that time of history, then when did Jesus come on the clouds? If it is only for the Jews at the end of history, why does Jesus say that He is coming for His elect, which believers are called in Paul's epistles again and again.? ( 2 Tim. 2:10; Titus 1:1; and Peter in 1Pet. 1:1; 2 Pet.1:10 for example)
Along with the many,, many NT verses that state that the dead are raised on the Last Day, then it is then that Jesus returns and only then,
For me, I know that what the Scriptures actually say is true, not what people infer based on approaching Scripture with presuppositions that is evident in the teachings of Darby, Scofield, Chafer, Ryrie, Walvoord, and other leaders of dispensationalism who spread this teaching far and wide, leading many to read into the Scriptures a pre-trib rapture that involves a secret semi-coming of Jesus and then another coming of Jesus at the end of the tribulation.
Scripture consistently speaks of Jesus' second and final coming and does not specify a 2 stage coming in any way.
You and I do not post about this to engage others in an argument, but we do so to encourage those who believe in the pre-trib rapture to re-examine Scriptures without the lens of dispensationalism (which is an artificial theological method of interpretation).
Through the years when I have read and considered passages that speak of Jesus' second coming, I had not ever heard of dispensational thinking nor covenant thinking, nor premillennial, postmillennial, or amillennial teaching. I was studying the Scriptures from the point of believing what was clearly, actually, and explicitly stated without adding any inferences.
But now that I have recently become aware of the various schools of though on this topic, I have tried to understand each of their methodology, reasoning, and Scriptural defense of their understanding of the second coming. Still learning as for now.
God didn't send His only begotten Son to die on the cross for you only to abandon you. He promised to always be with us. Hebrews 13:5 "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." And Titus 1:2 says, "In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;"
Our walk with God is not by sight, but by faith. 2 Corinthians 5:6 "Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:" 2 Corinthians 5:7 "(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)"
Now, look at your status with Him. Do you have daily private time with Him in devotion and confessing your sins? Do you confess your sins immediately upon conviction? Do you serve Him by pointing others to Him, and by attending church? As for praying, just talk to Him...confess your sins, praise Him, tell him your concerns, and pray for others...
Draw close to Him and He will draw close to you regardless of whether you feel His presence or not. For the Christian walk is by faith.
God bless!
Mark 13:20 'elect', I believe applies to the elect among Israel, in its context of the chapter. But of course, after the Gospel is brought to the Gentiles, we too join the elect of God ( Colossians 3:12; Titus 1:1; 1 Peter 1:2), but Jesus directed His message to the Jews of His day.
Revelation 13:7,8: are these saints the ones living at the time of revelation of the beast on Earth, or are they the 'new believers' who have turned to Christ, rejecting the beast? And the Lamb's Book of Life, does it record all believers now & into the future, or only adds to the record those who are being saved by the Blood of the Lamb? Moot questions for sure.
Revelation 20:4-6: "This is the first resurrection". The Rapture of the Church (i.e. which includes the resurrection of the dead in Christ) & the resurrection of the tribulation saints are not the same. The Rapture is not a part of the First Resurrection (some have included them together, referring to it as two phases of the one). The Rapture is the catching away of believers to be with the Lord in Glory. The First Resurrection is for the tribulation saints who have died for Christ & will reign with Him through the Millennium. The scenarios are different hence cannot be the same. So, should not the Rapture then be called the First Resurrection? Apparently not, as that is the secret coming of Jesus to take away His Church from the Wrath to come. Blessings.
But throughout the New Testament, the one who leads, teaches & guides Christ's Church are called Overseers or Elders (& the word 'Bishop' is used in 1 Timothy 3:1,2 & Titus 1:7, as the 17th Century English of the KJV dictated such naming). Women were never appointed to that position of overseeing or governing the Church Body in those early days. It seems however if we go through Church history, there have been some Churches very early on, that have ordained women into pastoral or teaching roles, & this became more necessary as men were drafted into the major wars, especially those of the 20th Century; this dearth of men warranted women filling these positions. There are many opinions whether this action was actually required and that the guidance from the Bible on this issue was being circumvented. And this continued on, even when such wars ceased & men were able to remain on home turf, & of those so enabled by the Lord, to lead Christ's Church. Thus we have today, many women in leadership positions in their Church Fellowships, which I believe is clearly contrary to the Scriptures.
The truth is true and nothing else is true. This statement has two parts: without the first, the second has no meaning, but without the second, is the first no longer true. Truth cannot have an opposite. This can not be too often said and thought about. For if what is not true is true as well as what is true, then part of truth is false. And truth has lost its meaning. Nothing but the truth is true, and what is false is false. Truth must be true throughout, if it be true. It cannot contradict itself, nor be in parts uncertain and in others sure. What God creates has no alternative. The truth arises from what He KNOWS; not what we perceive.
Perception has a focus.It is this that gives consistency to what we see. Change but this focus, and what we behold will change accordingly. When seeing a wholly sinless world is ALL we want to see, when this is ALL we seek for in the name of true perception, are the eyes of Christ inevitably ours. What the body's eyes see/perceive is only conflict.
Much of our strange behavior is directly attributable to our definition of guilt; we've accepted the belief the guiltless are guilty. Love and guilt cannot coexist, and to accept one is to deny the other. Guilt hides Christ from our sight, for it is the denial of the blamelessness of God' children. Love creates Itself and nothing but Itself. To the "devil" purity is seen as arrogance and the acceptance of the self as sinful is perceived as holiness. TEACH ONLY LOVE.
Romans 2:11 Romans 13:10 Eph. 1:4 Eph. 5:14 Eph. 3:17-19 Eph. 4:29 Philippians 4:8 Titus 1:15 2 James 3:17-18 1 John 1:5 1 1 John 4:7-8
Peace
GOD IS
Do your part in the good. God bless you!
James 4:7 Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.
Isaiah 54:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment
thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
I am praying for you...