Mark 8:30 is one of several verses indicating Christ told people including the Disciples NOT to tell anyone who He was (namely; the Son of God). He spoke in Parables to hide things from all except those called and chosen (see Matthew 13:10).
When we survey the narrative of the Gospels it leaves us dumbfounded as to how anyone could not realize who Christ was. After all John the Baptist after baptizing a large amount of the entire population including the Pharisees warning them of who was to come identified Christ ( John 1:32 and recorded in Luke 3:22 as being accompanied by a voice from heaven). Only the Spirit could reveal this truth as we see in Matthew 16:17.
There are several reasons for this blindness. One is the god of this world who is mentioned as blinding men to the truth as illustrated in 2 Corinthians 4:4. The second was in the hidden counsels of God more than likely (See Deut. 29:29). If the wicked knew who He was they would have stopped it because it would have led to their guilt in the act and He would inevitably be Resurrected. Satan also may have not been involved because it would mean His defeat as prophesied in Genesis 3:15 (although he is insane enough to ignore what he probably should have known). Israel should have recognized that the suffering servant would also come back as conquering king. They would have waited until He established that Kingdom on earth without having a heart to truly worship Him; reminiscent of the group who finally rebels at the end of the Millennium period.
We need to squarely face this fact in terms of how the unregenerate view Christ. Any affinity one may have for Jesus apart from the grace of God bringing repentance is from a false Christ in our imaginations which inevitably brings a works based attempt at salvation or considering Him a great teacher or Prophet as was the case of those in Matthew 16:14. Church is the congregation of the Holy not a social club for comfort.
Faith is one and doubt is denial of it without having any credential to dispute the word of God. There is nothing we have brought of ourselves to doubt without cutting off the very ground of existence. "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity."(2 Ti.2:19)
Where names of people are called before the foundation of the world we have instances of doubt as in the case of Mary, "And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God."( Luke 1:29-30).
Simon Peter had doubts which God was quick to dispel, "Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate." (Ac.10:17) These two instances when the Will of God "The Now aspect) connects with the now of man there could be moment of perplexity but God sees to it that His children are left in in doubt. The Spirit sent Evangelist Philip to clear the passage for the Ethiopian eunuch. "For those doubters who still harp on their pet peeves the Spirit says, "But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them."(2 Co.4:3-4)
"These two instances when the Will of God "The Now aspect) connects with the now of man there could be moment of perplexity but God sees to it that His children are left in in doubt. "
It should be read as "These two instances when the Will of God (The Now aspect) connects with the now of man there could be moment of perplexity but God sees to it that His children are not left in doubt."
RED APPLE TREATY 4 ME ONLY on 2 Peter 3 - 2 months ago
"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up." 2 Peter 3:10 KJV
Answer:
God said this can be sowed.
"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men," Titus 2:11 KJV
I love this verse. It is such a good benediction to use in so many circumstances. So glad God gave Paul this way to bless others. His own words for us to use to call God's favor upon those we love. I don't think we can say things better than God can!
32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.
I haven't said or done anything or stopped anyone from entering in God's church or believing in Jesus to be saved!
"He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions."(Ps.107:20). Here we have the complete will of God the Father. By healing the sick and demon-possessed Jesus was not working miracles but fulfilling the will of his Father.
At Bethesda we see an instance where the angel fulfills the office of the word. "For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had." Jesus did not have to ask the helpless man to step in the pool. He simply fulfilled the divine Will.
Now the text:
"Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches./ In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water./For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had./And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years./ When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?/ The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me./Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk./And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked."
The Spirit qualifies God as Jehovah Rapha. But fall of man rendered man's labor wasted; his ground tainted and the climate maleficent. His sin causing collateral damage and all the poison man pumps as weedkillers affect even the sexuality of mankind(DNA of Male brains found in female brain.etc.,) are manifestations of our world. For those who trust in the word of God should believe God as the healer.
Prayers answered: Filling the pews in our local church
Lately there have been a few new attendees in our church; nothing huge of note. We hear often of a desire for "revival" and being in the last days and seeing many so called revivals recently along with certain issues of question and the general warning of apostasy in the last days I am cautious about such prayers myself. But should we see results would we be prepared for the discipling and issues which would arrive complicating the associations we are used to having with such new demands on Sunday?
Also are we prepared if the enemy should bring in individuals attempting to infiltrate; whether known or unknown by the individual in question that they are an obstacle to the service? And also; would we be ready to LEARN from others who may have giftings or talents we haven't had in droves up to this point?
To be challenged by others more fervent in prayer; and better versed in scripture who actually are living out what they believe could make some churchgoers uncomfortable. I sense that with teenagers; many may not want to venture into the waters they have to navigate daily in regard to the suicidal and self destructive people they are forced to interact with every day in public schools (not to mention the ungodly teaching). Many are blissfully unaware or wish to avoid the occult practices that are rampant today with youth as well as out and out Satanism on the rise. There is a cost to our personal safety in reaching out to this younger generation but if we don't we are cloistering in our own company and putting our heads in the sand. They have much to teach us of the spiritual battles raging out there; as well as the testimonies of those set free (often without any discipleship for a great length of time).
In conclusion; if we are a true church of God there should be deliverance available; and we should expect God to act and draw those of all ages and backgrounds in time as He sees fit.
I have a request for joining in prayers about something that is happening lately in my country, Greece. The government here has decided to bring a law for voting in the parliament in the next 1-2 months about marrying homosexuals and giving them the right to adopt children. According to polls done recently the majority of people here are against such marriages and the vast majority, more than 70%, are against the adoption of children by those people. But the government seems to ignore those reactions and with the cooperation of other parties in the parliament they seem to be able to get a positive vote for their laws easily. They also have the press and the TV on their side(?) and they are making a huge effort to affect people's minds.
We, the saints, although not many, are the restrainer of the evil in this world. We have been given the power to object the plans of the evil. Our heavy arms is our prayers to the Lord. Please have us in your prayers. We need them. Thank you and may the Lord blesses your countries with all material and spiritual blessings. GBU
Giannis I understand completely . I have a terrible tale to tell . An old school friend of mine was regularly raped by her father when she was a child . As an adult she could not bear the thought of a man touching her so became a lesbian . She wasn't promiscuous . Her sister , who was also raped by their father , had drug problems and became pregnant ( not by her father ) , she didn't want the baby but didn't want to abort either , so my friend adopted her sisters baby . All seemed perfect except my friend got into a permanent relationship with a woman and they lived together with the child for six years . After six years they broke up and my friends girlfriend sued for custody of the child and actually won ! This is insane to me and reminds of the phrase at the end of Judges , Ch 21 V 25 . May Christ return soon and establish righteousness in the earth . This world is on a fast track to complete disaster but , we must not despair , Christ is coming and these kingdoms of men will not stand , we must not be rattled , look up ! Our redemption draweth nigh ! :) .
I believe that homosexuals, apart from being a "fashion" among people nowadays, there are people who turn to the same sex relationships because they had a troubled time when growing up as kids or teens. Others, I also believe, are born like that. All that is the result of sin in humanity, they are the consequences of the way people rejected God and the way He asks us to walk in life and they followed their own sinful ways. People are moving fast further and further away from God in these times and sin and its consequences are becoming bigger and bigger. That is why we should not be hostile to those people but feel sorry for them and talk to them about the freedom that God offers to people from their passions and anything else that has tied them. People are trying to quench their thirst by drinking dirty waters instead of coming to the Lord and to the water He gives to us. We don't really expect that things will become better, the scriptures say that people will become more sinful in the end times but I believe so God's Power will become more evident not only to us but to all people. We have a fight to fight, a road to walk till the end and a faith to keep, and what do we expect? As Paul says the crown of righteousness which the Lord will give to all those who wish His presence. GBU
GiGi, during the last 10 years a lot has changed in my country. 10 years ago if one said that such laws could ever exist here everybody would moke them. But 10 years later here we are. There has been an aggressive propaganda mainly by the press for the "human rights" of those people for many years and they have been trying hard to change people's minds. Greeks are generally conservative people when it comes to family issues but things are changing rapidly. The spirit of the antichrist propagates fast through this continent. Such things sre widely accepted among Europeans but not by all of them. I think only about 20 out of more than 40 countries in the EE have voted such laws, for the time being. But there is a huge pressure from Brussels to all governments for changing their laws to match some common European laws.
Here we expect that the Orthodox church will resist since it is the only church that the crowds with them. But they seemed very tolerant so far and they got up by surprise, they weren't expecting for it. They should had preached stronghly against such things all those years but it seems they were sort of sleeping and they are waking up now. We, the reborn christians, are that nany and can not influence things in a wordly way but the One who is inside us is more powerful than the one who is controlling the world. We have our prayers to God. But it is very sad to see people moving further and further away from God. We pray that the Lord will do marvelous things among us in the near future. It is the end times and as many as possible must be saved before everything finishes. Thanks, may God blesses the USA as it seems it is the only Western country where christians are still an important part of the whole population. GBU
In light of the Great Commission at the end of Matthew 28; it is easy (at least for myself) to ignore the implications of us as a BODY in Christ doing the work of laboring. Again; I have stated in earlier posts that since I moved back home with my folks I am not surrounded by those who regularly go on the streets. As for now I am considering returning to the Nursing Homes in my area but apparently with COVID rampant that will have to wait at least a month or so.
My past experience sharing the Gospel with others has often provided good opportunities for discussion among the believers I am out with as well as other believers encountered on the streets and elsewhere. Of course we also have opportunity as Proverbs 27:17 states to sharpen one another as iron sharpens iron. Prayer is an investment to see growth in a local church; and I am seeing signs people are making more effort in my local congregation with seeing more teenagers and kids activities available. I have noticed in my home state (let's just say in the Northeast) at least there seems to be few youth groups for teenagers as there used to be 30 or 40 years ago and I would assume this is a larger issue; but was informed down south (specifically Texas) things were different.
In reality we can do janitorial work and be using a gift of service; or with a skill we have help someone with home repairs or moving (as I did quite often a few years back before I moved back here). In fact at my first church where they had youth group in large numbers I remember a service project day when we were randomly asked to do something for a few hours for someone else (I think someone helped wash my car).
In general we should seek the Lord to see what He would want us to do; and of course Pastors and elders should assist in these plans (for example all night prayer; fasting and the like). One big question is are we READY to see God answer such prayers should attendance increase?
As an instructional guide; this is as much a message that I need to hear myself as it is for anyone else. There are endless devotionals with some being superior to others; and of course we should have a time set apart for scripture reading and prayer on a daily basis. I find it much like a tool box; I can familiarize myself with the size and function of every piece in it and what it's use is but not really comprehend from a practical viewpoint how it is used during actual work on a project. (reality check: I once got a 30 percent on a test on my mechanical aptitude and abillity so even my premise is spurious in my case).
Preaching "in and out of season" ( 2 Tim. 4:2) seems to apply in context mainly to those in the church; but surely laboring to witness to others in fulfilling the Great Commission is another example of when certain scriptures should be memorized and others available should certain questions be asked.
Other than the Gospels; Psalms are probably the most common scriptures which devotionals contain for meditation. We can as I have brought out in other posts look at the type of Psalm as well as endless applications; but if we can't relate to David and the other authors in the thick of personal battles and develop the same reliance on the Word where God's covenant promises and other attributes are proclaimed for our own lives then it leaves things rather empty. Of course true worship begins with praise.
That is something that I have attempted to voice in personal and corporate prayer but sadly much of the time it seems out of obligation rather than overflow in my spirit. I know the Lord has saved me as I can recognize His work in others but the hardness of my own heart is appalling. Worries; fears; and other things of this life constantly try to choke out the Word and keep us from rejoicing in the Lord.
I'll keep this as a sort of open forum for any suggestions for improvement. Let us sharpen each other.
Hello Richard, I am glad you pointed out the devotional aspects of Psalms. David wrote these under inspiration in times that were very real and that caused him to cry out to God when in anguish and praise God when exhilarated what he had in God and what God had done in his life. They are genuine to his life experience. But for us, the psalms speak to our souls in similar circumstances and help us because they are "God-breathed" and therefore "life" as Jesus said that His Words are spirit and life.
I think it is important to remember what God has spoken about His Word being alive and active. It is not mere words and sentiments of other men. It is meant to help us, inspire us, and teach us in God's way by the working of the holy Spirit.
Richard, We all have ways we need to grow in the Lord. We can continue to pray for each other when we share things such as you have in your post. We are in this life together with God and He intends for us to build each other up by making use of His Words to us and also in the words He prompts us to share with each other.
The writers of the KJV apparently were in separate groups for different texts working independently but there was some oversight to avoid doctrinal error. From what I read it tried to stick with original Hebrew and apparently was superior to some earlier Greek texts. I got that from the Brittanica site.
A disciple is one who has but one master. Elisha condemned Gehazi for running after other man's riches. "Is this the time to take money or to accept clothes?"(2 Ki.5:26). "Not I but Christ who lives in me"( Gal. 2:20)
Without eating of the bread from heaven and the faith that he shall live forever as he is, by way of witnessing, what disciple is he? "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us."( 1 John 2:19). Wisdom of the word must have its perfect working. (Matt.7:24). Serving God and mammon is how Gehazi proved his discipleship. St Paul proved the man was the message.
Seventy other disciples ( Luke 10:1) is how discipleship is perfected so ripple effect of Christ, the Man the message would spread outwards. "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth./... and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." How Gospels of St Matthew and St Luke treats discipleship is in keeping with the supremacy of the Word which was God. "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."
Jesus chose 12 disciples to indicate his ministry was of the Servant-King, as Son to his heavenly father.(See under N-numbers, command)
Principle of Association established a new order where it was enough that a servant was an associate as his master "It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord".(Matt.10:25;40)
(See under S- servant)
Discipleship is a loaded word. It is not simply delivering doctrine of God to the world as heard of him. As associates of Jesus Christ it was the Life, which as Jesus declared was his logos aspect. Not only the Word but of the Son. One sign of their adequacy came when they could enter into the heart of the parables." His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God."( John 16:29-33) Their growth was begun when they stayed on trusting. "Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.( John 6:67-68)
Jesus declared that his doctrine was not of his own but that of his Father. He established the cardinal principle of discipleship: Man is the massage. Jesus set an example and he promised a double portion because he was going to his father.
"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father."( John 14:12)
Is the KJB the only version inspired by the Holy Ghost? Is it the only one a Christian should read and study or are othr versions, like the NKJV, ok? Can they be trusted to give us the truth or is this a KJB only forum?
Hi Momsage :) , may I ask ? Which is your favourite old testament book and why ? It's hard to choose I know , I love Isaiah and Daniel and all the so called minor prophets , Daniel never ceases to amaze me every time I read it and Exodus is awesome . I love all the books that go from Samuel to the end of Solomon's reign and the Psalms are such a comfort and strengthener to me . Which are your favourites and why ?
I really like Genesis because chapters 1-2:4 gives us the whole story of the creation and the incredible God who did this. People who would rather believe they came from a soppy pool of acid on a rock instead of our wonderful, magnificent omnipotent God are so foolish. I know it is because a pool of soppy gunk doesn't demand anything of them but it doesn't love them unconditionally and promise an unimageable "expected end" Jer. 29:11 like our God does. It's a bad life living for yourself, even if you don't believed in evolution.
I actually like Proverbs. There is so much wisdom there and just plain Godly common sense and advice. Some I'm still struggling to understand, though. I like there are 31 chapters, also. I read a chapter a day for several months. I don't know what distracted me away from it, but I'm going back to it. Thank you Jema for reminding me with your question. :).
Mark 8:30 is one of several verses indicating Christ told people including the Disciples NOT to tell anyone who He was (namely; the Son of God). He spoke in Parables to hide things from all except those called and chosen (see Matthew 13:10).
When we survey the narrative of the Gospels it leaves us dumbfounded as to how anyone could not realize who Christ was. After all John the Baptist after baptizing a large amount of the entire population including the Pharisees warning them of who was to come identified Christ ( John 1:32 and recorded in Luke 3:22 as being accompanied by a voice from heaven). Only the Spirit could reveal this truth as we see in Matthew 16:17.
There are several reasons for this blindness. One is the god of this world who is mentioned as blinding men to the truth as illustrated in 2 Corinthians 4:4. The second was in the hidden counsels of God more than likely (See Deut. 29:29). If the wicked knew who He was they would have stopped it because it would have led to their guilt in the act and He would inevitably be Resurrected. Satan also may have not been involved because it would mean His defeat as prophesied in Genesis 3:15 (although he is insane enough to ignore what he probably should have known). Israel should have recognized that the suffering servant would also come back as conquering king. They would have waited until He established that Kingdom on earth without having a heart to truly worship Him; reminiscent of the group who finally rebels at the end of the Millennium period.
We need to squarely face this fact in terms of how the unregenerate view Christ. Any affinity one may have for Jesus apart from the grace of God bringing repentance is from a false Christ in our imaginations which inevitably brings a works based attempt at salvation or considering Him a great teacher or Prophet as was the case of those in Matthew 16:14. Church is the congregation of the Holy not a social club for comfort.
Faith is one and doubt is denial of it without having any credential to dispute the word of God. There is nothing we have brought of ourselves to doubt without cutting off the very ground of existence. "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity."(2 Ti.2:19)
Where names of people are called before the foundation of the world we have instances of doubt as in the case of Mary, "And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God."( Luke 1:29-30).
Simon Peter had doubts which God was quick to dispel, "Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate." (Ac.10:17) These two instances when the Will of God "The Now aspect) connects with the now of man there could be moment of perplexity but God sees to it that His children are left in in doubt. The Spirit sent Evangelist Philip to clear the passage for the Ethiopian eunuch. "For those doubters who still harp on their pet peeves the Spirit says, "But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them."(2 Co.4:3-4)
"These two instances when the Will of God "The Now aspect) connects with the now of man there could be moment of perplexity but God sees to it that His children are left in in doubt. "
It should be read as "These two instances when the Will of God (The Now aspect) connects with the now of man there could be moment of perplexity but God sees to it that His children are not left in doubt."
Answer:
God said this can be sowed.
"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men," Titus 2:11 KJV
I love this verse. It is such a good benediction to use in so many circumstances. So glad God gave Paul this way to bless others. His own words for us to use to call God's favor upon those we love. I don't think we can say things better than God can!
32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.
I haven't said or done anything or stopped anyone from entering in God's church or believing in Jesus to be saved!
"He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions."(Ps.107:20). Here we have the complete will of God the Father. By healing the sick and demon-possessed Jesus was not working miracles but fulfilling the will of his Father.
At Bethesda we see an instance where the angel fulfills the office of the word. "For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had." Jesus did not have to ask the helpless man to step in the pool. He simply fulfilled the divine Will.
Now the text:
"Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches./ In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water./For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had./And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years./ When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?/ The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me./Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk./And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked."
The Spirit qualifies God as Jehovah Rapha. But fall of man rendered man's labor wasted; his ground tainted and the climate maleficent. His sin causing collateral damage and all the poison man pumps as weedkillers affect even the sexuality of mankind(DNA of Male brains found in female brain.etc.,) are manifestations of our world. For those who trust in the word of God should believe God as the healer.
Lately there have been a few new attendees in our church; nothing huge of note. We hear often of a desire for "revival" and being in the last days and seeing many so called revivals recently along with certain issues of question and the general warning of apostasy in the last days I am cautious about such prayers myself. But should we see results would we be prepared for the discipling and issues which would arrive complicating the associations we are used to having with such new demands on Sunday?
Also are we prepared if the enemy should bring in individuals attempting to infiltrate; whether known or unknown by the individual in question that they are an obstacle to the service? And also; would we be ready to LEARN from others who may have giftings or talents we haven't had in droves up to this point?
To be challenged by others more fervent in prayer; and better versed in scripture who actually are living out what they believe could make some churchgoers uncomfortable. I sense that with teenagers; many may not want to venture into the waters they have to navigate daily in regard to the suicidal and self destructive people they are forced to interact with every day in public schools (not to mention the ungodly teaching). Many are blissfully unaware or wish to avoid the occult practices that are rampant today with youth as well as out and out Satanism on the rise. There is a cost to our personal safety in reaching out to this younger generation but if we don't we are cloistering in our own company and putting our heads in the sand. They have much to teach us of the spiritual battles raging out there; as well as the testimonies of those set free (often without any discipleship for a great length of time).
In conclusion; if we are a true church of God there should be deliverance available; and we should expect God to act and draw those of all ages and backgrounds in time as He sees fit.
Agape
I have a request for joining in prayers about something that is happening lately in my country, Greece. The government here has decided to bring a law for voting in the parliament in the next 1-2 months about marrying homosexuals and giving them the right to adopt children. According to polls done recently the majority of people here are against such marriages and the vast majority, more than 70%, are against the adoption of children by those people. But the government seems to ignore those reactions and with the cooperation of other parties in the parliament they seem to be able to get a positive vote for their laws easily. They also have the press and the TV on their side(?) and they are making a huge effort to affect people's minds.
We, the saints, although not many, are the restrainer of the evil in this world. We have been given the power to object the plans of the evil. Our heavy arms is our prayers to the Lord. Please have us in your prayers. We need them. Thank you and may the Lord blesses your countries with all material and spiritual blessings. GBU
I believe that homosexuals, apart from being a "fashion" among people nowadays, there are people who turn to the same sex relationships because they had a troubled time when growing up as kids or teens. Others, I also believe, are born like that. All that is the result of sin in humanity, they are the consequences of the way people rejected God and the way He asks us to walk in life and they followed their own sinful ways. People are moving fast further and further away from God in these times and sin and its consequences are becoming bigger and bigger. That is why we should not be hostile to those people but feel sorry for them and talk to them about the freedom that God offers to people from their passions and anything else that has tied them. People are trying to quench their thirst by drinking dirty waters instead of coming to the Lord and to the water He gives to us. We don't really expect that things will become better, the scriptures say that people will become more sinful in the end times but I believe so God's Power will become more evident not only to us but to all people. We have a fight to fight, a road to walk till the end and a faith to keep, and what do we expect? As Paul says the crown of righteousness which the Lord will give to all those who wish His presence. GBU
Thank for your support in joining in prayers.
GiGi, during the last 10 years a lot has changed in my country. 10 years ago if one said that such laws could ever exist here everybody would moke them. But 10 years later here we are. There has been an aggressive propaganda mainly by the press for the "human rights" of those people for many years and they have been trying hard to change people's minds. Greeks are generally conservative people when it comes to family issues but things are changing rapidly. The spirit of the antichrist propagates fast through this continent. Such things sre widely accepted among Europeans but not by all of them. I think only about 20 out of more than 40 countries in the EE have voted such laws, for the time being. But there is a huge pressure from Brussels to all governments for changing their laws to match some common European laws.
Here we expect that the Orthodox church will resist since it is the only church that the crowds with them. But they seemed very tolerant so far and they got up by surprise, they weren't expecting for it. They should had preached stronghly against such things all those years but it seems they were sort of sleeping and they are waking up now. We, the reborn christians, are that nany and can not influence things in a wordly way but the One who is inside us is more powerful than the one who is controlling the world. We have our prayers to God. But it is very sad to see people moving further and further away from God. We pray that the Lord will do marvelous things among us in the near future. It is the end times and as many as possible must be saved before everything finishes. Thanks, may God blesses the USA as it seems it is the only Western country where christians are still an important part of the whole population. GBU
I will join you in prayer on this issue.
God bless.
In light of the Great Commission at the end of Matthew 28; it is easy (at least for myself) to ignore the implications of us as a BODY in Christ doing the work of laboring. Again; I have stated in earlier posts that since I moved back home with my folks I am not surrounded by those who regularly go on the streets. As for now I am considering returning to the Nursing Homes in my area but apparently with COVID rampant that will have to wait at least a month or so.
My past experience sharing the Gospel with others has often provided good opportunities for discussion among the believers I am out with as well as other believers encountered on the streets and elsewhere. Of course we also have opportunity as Proverbs 27:17 states to sharpen one another as iron sharpens iron. Prayer is an investment to see growth in a local church; and I am seeing signs people are making more effort in my local congregation with seeing more teenagers and kids activities available. I have noticed in my home state (let's just say in the Northeast) at least there seems to be few youth groups for teenagers as there used to be 30 or 40 years ago and I would assume this is a larger issue; but was informed down south (specifically Texas) things were different.
In reality we can do janitorial work and be using a gift of service; or with a skill we have help someone with home repairs or moving (as I did quite often a few years back before I moved back here). In fact at my first church where they had youth group in large numbers I remember a service project day when we were randomly asked to do something for a few hours for someone else (I think someone helped wash my car).
In general we should seek the Lord to see what He would want us to do; and of course Pastors and elders should assist in these plans (for example all night prayer; fasting and the like). One big question is are we READY to see God answer such prayers should attendance increase?
As an instructional guide; this is as much a message that I need to hear myself as it is for anyone else. There are endless devotionals with some being superior to others; and of course we should have a time set apart for scripture reading and prayer on a daily basis. I find it much like a tool box; I can familiarize myself with the size and function of every piece in it and what it's use is but not really comprehend from a practical viewpoint how it is used during actual work on a project. (reality check: I once got a 30 percent on a test on my mechanical aptitude and abillity so even my premise is spurious in my case).
Preaching "in and out of season" ( 2 Tim. 4:2) seems to apply in context mainly to those in the church; but surely laboring to witness to others in fulfilling the Great Commission is another example of when certain scriptures should be memorized and others available should certain questions be asked.
Other than the Gospels; Psalms are probably the most common scriptures which devotionals contain for meditation. We can as I have brought out in other posts look at the type of Psalm as well as endless applications; but if we can't relate to David and the other authors in the thick of personal battles and develop the same reliance on the Word where God's covenant promises and other attributes are proclaimed for our own lives then it leaves things rather empty. Of course true worship begins with praise.
That is something that I have attempted to voice in personal and corporate prayer but sadly much of the time it seems out of obligation rather than overflow in my spirit. I know the Lord has saved me as I can recognize His work in others but the hardness of my own heart is appalling. Worries; fears; and other things of this life constantly try to choke out the Word and keep us from rejoicing in the Lord.
I'll keep this as a sort of open forum for any suggestions for improvement. Let us sharpen each other.
I think it is important to remember what God has spoken about His Word being alive and active. It is not mere words and sentiments of other men. It is meant to help us, inspire us, and teach us in God's way by the working of the holy Spirit.
Richard, We all have ways we need to grow in the Lord. We can continue to pray for each other when we share things such as you have in your post. We are in this life together with God and He intends for us to build each other up by making use of His Words to us and also in the words He prompts us to share with each other.
Have a good night's rest.
14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Answer:
For I'm saved sanctified upright O LORD, agaisnt anything that would want to do something to me not of God.
The writers of the KJV apparently were in separate groups for different texts working independently but there was some oversight to avoid doctrinal error. From what I read it tried to stick with original Hebrew and apparently was superior to some earlier Greek texts. I got that from the Brittanica site.
A disciple is one who has but one master. Elisha condemned Gehazi for running after other man's riches. "Is this the time to take money or to accept clothes?"(2 Ki.5:26). "Not I but Christ who lives in me"( Gal. 2:20)
Without eating of the bread from heaven and the faith that he shall live forever as he is, by way of witnessing, what disciple is he? "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us."( 1 John 2:19). Wisdom of the word must have its perfect working. (Matt.7:24). Serving God and mammon is how Gehazi proved his discipleship. St Paul proved the man was the message.
Seventy other disciples ( Luke 10:1) is how discipleship is perfected so ripple effect of Christ, the Man the message would spread outwards. "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth./... and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." How Gospels of St Matthew and St Luke treats discipleship is in keeping with the supremacy of the Word which was God. "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."
Jesus chose 12 disciples to indicate his ministry was of the Servant-King, as Son to his heavenly father.(See under N-numbers, command)
Principle of Association established a new order where it was enough that a servant was an associate as his master "It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord".(Matt.10:25;40)
(See under S- servant)
Discipleship is a loaded word. It is not simply delivering doctrine of God to the world as heard of him. As associates of Jesus Christ it was the Life, which as Jesus declared was his logos aspect. Not only the Word but of the Son. One sign of their adequacy came when they could enter into the heart of the parables." His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God."( John 16:29-33) Their growth was begun when they stayed on trusting. "Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.( John 6:67-68)
Jesus declared that his doctrine was not of his own but that of his Father. He established the cardinal principle of discipleship: Man is the massage. Jesus set an example and he promised a double portion because he was going to his father.
"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father."( John 14:12)
(See under D-double )
God Bless :)
God Bless :)
God Bless :)
I will give a reply to your other comment soon.
God Bless :)