Just a thought. Vanity as used by the preacher the meaninglessness of life without Christ is what quote from the Psalm 62 I intended to make a point.
Leaving it aside consider it now according to the context. "Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity."In other words "The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all."(Pr.22:2) vanity referred there is the manner rich treats the poor shabbily because they have the means. Vanity of riches fund their oppression. The following verses make it clear. "Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them./God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God." The so-called money power to buy judges when the rich are called before the law" is what it refers. Both rich and poor when they hit the dust we have the 'vanity' as used by the preacher.
The whole point of my post was on the topic of 'degree' not scholarly degree, please not Momsage but the degree the sun casts on the face of a sundial.
Understand from the above-mentioned quote why 'God has spoken once; twice have I heard?" Doctrine of God is heard by ear of faith by every heart it is to which the Psalmist refers. You and I must hear well before we judge.
Great discussion Brethren! Salvation only through faith by grace in the gospel of the LORD JESUS CHRIST. Then our works shows our salvation. Ephesians 2:10 as well as many other verses.
GOD to shine HIS face on all who trust and believe in HIM.
We aa Christians should examine ourselves, "Not by what we do or by what we don't do or what we know, But by Who we have! Christ!
I'd we have Christ Spirit the inside of our vessels will be cleansed.
Then we can wash one another feet.
( Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:4-8.
RED APPLE TREATY 4 ME ONLY on Romans 7 - 3 months ago
"But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter." Romans 7:6 KJV
I'm free from sin and when I sow , I will reap free from sin.
Thanks for sharing that. Have you tried to read the Bible before? Jesus really does offer hope and guidance.
As far as evidence of God, you stated it backwards. Science and logic confirm God, that's why there's so many highly educated people in science and medicine who believe in God. Many were atheists before. Just take a look at your hands, your skin, your arteries and veins that pump blood around your body, your nervous system that allows you to feel, your 3D vision, surround sound, water cooling, and heating system, digestive system, reproductive system, on and on. You are very complex and have a smartly designed body. Is it more likely that it was designed by an accident or designed intentionally? How often today do we see accidents design order? Is it more often than accidents that cause disorder? Science and the 2nd law of thermodynamics shows that with no intelligent input, things will resort to disorder and chaos. In this manner, science supports and basically proves the existence of intelligent design.
How often do you see buildings build themselves? Has science ever proven that 1 building ever built itself? Or a painting, has science ever proven that a single painting has painted itself- even an abstract one with a disordered design- I mean a brush was picked up, dipped in paint, and deliberately put on an upright canvas. It seems more likely that a painter is the one who painted the painting, not nothing. It would also seem more scientific to say that a builder is more likely the one who built a building, not nothing, and not an accidental explosion. Likewise, it seems more logical and scientific to say that a designer was the one who designed the design of the body. We're the most intelligent life on earth and we still marvel at the complexity, intelligence, and brilliance of the design of the human body, and of animals, and plants and creation. It would be unscientific to assume that a creator didn't create the creation.
The Spirit introduces the earth as without form and void. (Ge.1:2) Subsequently we have the sins of man as synonymous with the land, to which the destruction of Sodom is a classic example. By creating a holy family in which heirs of promise are those who double for his Son as in the case of Seth who stepped in the breach of Abel he is asserting why the earth abides forever. The Son is the heir to it. (Ec.1:4b).
Salvation plan in the Bible is to give it anthropomorphic form. Thus in the fellowship of God with Man the latter designates Christ Jesus as the Man. God's promise to the Son was, "Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.(Ps.2:7-8) All those who would be saved shall be found in the Man component.
Consequently 'Ask of me' is with regards to the inheritance of the elect,- co-heirs with the Son. The body of Christ consists of the saints in light. This is New Jerusalem and the head is Zion. Thus daughter of Zion doubles for the church.
The daughters of Sion in the context of Israel merely foreshadows what must occur in latter days. " For I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake." (2 Ki.19:34,21) David is a double for Christ.
God explain this,"And thine elder sister is Samaria, she and her daughters that dwell at thy left hand: and thy younger sister, that dwelleth at thy right hand, is Sodom and her daughters. (Ez.16:46)" and " Son of man, when the land sinneth against me by trespassing grievously, then will I stretch out mine hand upon it, and will break the staff of the bread thereof, and will send famine upon it, and will cut off man and beast from it:/ Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD.(Ez.14:13-14). The Spirit sets three names Noah, Daniel, and Job four times in the chapter (See under N-numbers)
When we make 'bed in darkness' the grave is our last stop. It is the world in the flesh. It is also a house as we in Christ may hope for "a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."(2 Co.5:1-2).A man born of woman is a prey to thousand evils. So Job laments, "My days are past, my purposes are broken off, even the thoughts of my heart./ They change the night into day: the light is short because of darkness./ If I wait, the grave is mine house: I have made my bed in the darkness( Job17:11-13)".
God is a Spirit. God is the Father of lights and his Son is qualified as the true Light quality of which permeates the world of the Spirit while the lights in the firmament is for the world of the flesh. This distinction is very significant that God formed the spirit in man, so by the Spirit freely received we may become children of the light. Darkness explains those are blind to miss while it is day.
Outer darkness
God made all hearts the same but their works are tried. God sent the light to shine in darkness so anyone may profit from light of knowledge one has. For instance God is love and as God loved us we ought to love one another. It a light of the knowledge of God's glory (2 Co.4:6).
One who hates his brother is still in darkness. "But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them ( 1 John 2:11-NIV).
Darkness is a place. Outer darkness according to the Parable of the Talents where the wicked and unprofitable servants are consigned (Matt.25:30).
(See entry under Z-Zoar)
In our present time man and nations in their hate are like foolish builders and their sand castles shall not stand.
I often hear anti-works messages quoting Ephesians 2:8-9, but they leave out the very next verse 10 which says:
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10 KJV
We were created to do good works, but some like to shame others and claim that doing good works is bad because they assume it somehow takes away from grace, or assume effort is bad, assume there's instructions against it. Then oddly, they don't shame bad works though. They just say being bad is fine because its covered by grace, even if done intentionally, even if to harm others to the maximum degree, with no limits apparently, even blaspheming the holy spirit?, contrary to the scriptures. Someone has to ignore so many scriptures in the Bible to arrive at this conclusion and to massively cherry pick, like plucking out Eph 2, 8-9, but ignoring 10, ignoring James 2:17.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16 KJV
Jesus said this. But this is like kryptonite to the anti-works group. They'd rather it say let your darkness shine that they may see your bad works, then they'd be ok with it?
Obviously satan is behind the distorting of the truth. He always twists everything to deceive people to believe the opposite is true. Imagine being a Christian and truly believing that its bad to follow Christ. Yet, I've seen comments even on this forum where people sometimes say this. We must be on our guard so we can discern truth from lies. 1 Peter 5:8
I feel led to post this info to counter anyone who may be indoctrinated by the false teachings. The best remedy is to read the Bible, not cherry pick. I don't know how anyone can read the entire Bible and come to the conclusion that pleasing God is bad, and disobeying Him is good. No one should expect to be saved if they are not even following Christ- not a Christian.
I agree. Anyone on this forum who says or believes that it is bad to follow Christ, or that pleasing God is bad, and disobeying Him is good, they are not true believers, and we are not to have fellowship with anyone who says these things.
One good way to determine if good works are truly being performed is if there is persecution and opposition. There are some; as you point out in Matthew 5:16 who will praise God seeing our good works (expect that is believers and perhaps unbelievers who are seeking the truth with an objective mind and open heart). This begs the question what good works actually are; especially in light of warnings about those who appear to be doing miracles in His Name even though in the end they are cast out and He never knew them. Knowing them in that sense would be an intimate knowledge; and of course involve the indwelling of the Spirit when He makes His home with them (see John 14:23).
To answer your point first; clearly bad works are evidence of bad fruit and hence an unregenerate heart. That comes from a lifestyle of sin that hasn't been changed; not from occasional sins that are still wrong but not something the Spirit will tolerate if we are one of His. Of course if we boast about all the great things we do for Christ it isn't edifying. The closest thing we can see in scripture is Paul where He had to give a laundry list of all the things to the Corinthians that he was suffering so as to keep them from being puffed up and to be able to take in the meat of the Word and stop living in carnality. His responsibility over the flock meant that they couldn't discredit God's character by exhibiting immature behavior so to disciple them this and sarcasm was needed.
Again the definition of works certainly involves our outer actions as James states must be present in helping a brother or sister in need not just words. It also would involve good fruit of character and things such as loving other Christians; having a listening ear and a general attitude of service. For instance; we can feed the hungry but also provide opportunities for them to hear the Gospel. Such actions need not be mutually exclusive.
Under the decree of King Nebuchadnezzar Daniel and other three noble youths were carried off to Babylon, along with part of the vessels of the temple. There he was obliged to enter into the service of the king of Babylon, and in accordance with the custom of the age received the Chaldean name of Belteshazzar, meaning "prince of Bel," This also explains why Daniel does not speak as the prophets hedging their messages with the usual formulae, for instance, 'Thus saith the Lord' as Nathan said to King David (2 Sa.12:7.)
Twelve chapters contained in the Book switch from Hebrew into Aramaic, which was often used in daily life while the formal occasions called for Hebrew. Daniel the seer interprets in the court of Babylon like Joseph before him, interprets the dreams of the king in chapters one to six while in the second half his dreams and visions would need help from angel of the Lord.
We shall consider one dream which is set forth in Ch.7." And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another." (v.3). Number Four signifies that it is in general terms we have the history of nations,- Israel, the Gentiles, Ideology of three ribs. These ribs are the doctrine of lies swallowed by the sons of perdition.
(See entry under B-Beast, The)
These ribs become three monsters in the fourth beast, which bring them even to our times. Totalitarian regimes, oligarchy and technology. This Iron monster relies on technology: .
Also significant is that the beast rising out of the sea is a composite image ('leopard, the bear,the mouth of a lion-Re.13:2) of the four beasts.
Authorship of this book is credited to Daniel, who was a righteous man in the sight of God. Four times He refers his righteousness in contrast to the faithlessness of Israel. "Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord God.".(Ez.14:14) Here we have a clue his role in the Salvation Plan of God. Noah belonged to the old world while Job was righteous in Patriarchal age, as a contemporary of Abraham. Whereas position of Daniel brought up in the court of a gentile kind sets him for the latter days.
The Spirit sets night visions, which are intended for our understanding of the divine Will. "The judgment was set; and the books were opened."( Dan. 7: 10) The book for this reason predicts evens far beyond the time of the creation as well as of the Gentiles. The book ends with the Angel of his Presence sidestepping the direct query of the Seer with these words, " But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.(10:12-13) (See under T-river of time)
"In his vision by the Tigris the angel of the Lord ('behold, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist') speaks to him thus: And he said to me, "For now I have been sent to you.( Dan 10:11)" The Spirit hints of the time of the Gentiles and it is by way of parenthesis, and explains. "But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days." (Dan.10:13). Twenty-one days (3x7) refers to the Son. The angel makes clear it is of the latter days with the second appearance of Christ.( "Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days."(10:14) (See under M-parenthesis)
In the Gospel of St Matthew we have this: "Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword(Matt.26:51)".He was referring to the hour of darkness, and the ungodly were about to close in and his way to the cross was a signal for the enemies to gather in force. He knew the times. "Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, But this is your hour, and the power of darkness ( Luke 22: 52-53)"
In Lucan gospel we have a saying of Jesus, coming as it is from the Servant-King is atypical. "Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one"( Luke 22:35).
St Luke makes it clear that the sword was their emblem of a new order they were entering into. It also fits with the subtext the narrative carrying along. As associates of Jesus they were also part of the kingdom he had promised (vv.29-30).
Symbolism of the sword is for every saint redeemed from the earth and they follow the white rider on a white horse. He is part of the great army following in the rear. "In righteousness he doth judge and make war." (Re.19:11). The sword is not forged in any fire kindled by man but from the fire that was symbolically present in the night vision of Daniel. The Ancient of day sat on a throne, "His throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire." (Dan.7:9) As human events unfold in earth this fire was streaming as with river of time.
(See entry under R-River of time)
The inaugural vision of St John made a composite image of the Father and the Son. The sword of the Spirit, 'which is the word of God' and it clears every offending thing, the remnant of iniquity, "were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth."(Re.19:21).
As Jesus is wrapping up earthly ministry they disciples were to be watchful (" Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning./ Lest coming suddenly he find you sle"- Mark 13:35-36) It was to be in readiness as soldiers awaiting the command of their Messiah-King for the battle. In the Gospel of St Matthew we have this: "Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword(Matt.26:51)".
We had this point earlier also discussed in this forum. Macheira in Greek is knife and in the context of the account as set down by the Spirit it was not everyday life he is placing emphasis as with an eye towards their calling. "I have overcome the world"( John 16:33) is a direct statement from Jesus. So it is appropriate to take it as sword, a ceremonial one at that. With joy and peace,
The sword has its uses. Compare the rod of iron which is consistent throughtout, In Ps.2 we have "Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."(2:9) Heathen is not pagans but ungodly holding truth in unrighteousness. They are 'miry clay' in the King's dream. The Spirit sets them in derisison. They are to be treated as such. "For the fitches are not threshed with a threshing instrument, neither is a cart wheel turned about upon the cummin; but the fitches are beaten out with a staff, and the cummin with a rod."(Is.28:27). So are nations, "And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron."(Re.12:5) and " And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God."(Re.19:15)
The word of God is what we need look for. Jesus Christ referred to the sword as their badge of honor. The disciples were sanctified by the word so it is what Jesus intended. "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword,"(He.4:12)
The cross first came into use as an emblem of Christianity after. Constantine the Great in 313 AD (on the eve of a crucial battle) seemed to have seen a flaming cross in the heavens bearing the inscription, "In hoc signo vinces", meaning 'By this sign thou shalt conquer'. Accordingly he adapted the cross and called it the Labarum.
Be that as it may a cross has two arms crossed so by mode of inversion he that came down from heaven is the same who ascended and the central beam tells its own story. ( John 3:13) The Son of man came down to fulfil the will of his Father. So the cross plank signifies the gospel he preached and his Great Commission connects the far ends of the earth into one fold.
Cross has undergone many shapes as the doctrine of God is suitably altered each after his own fashion. St Andrews cross is as different from St Antony's cross; for that matter Greek Orthodox cross differs from Latin cross. Despite of what names given to the type of cross, spiritual meaning can only be understood by taking up his cross and follow the way he chose. "He that shall endure to the end, the same shall be saved"(Matt.24:13)
A cross is this made up two aspects in the ministry of Reconciliation in which direction and position bind heaven and the earth as one.
He became a curse for us fulfilling the provision of the Law of Moses. "Because anyone who is hung on a pole is under God's curse".(De.21:23) God willed also his Son to be the one who redeemed mankind. "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us,(Gal.3:13).
His doctrine in the Son gave a position for all those who believed in God through his Son. He became the captain of their salvation from one end to the other.
In separating the light from darkness he made his Will plain. He is the Father of lights. By the same token God the Son is presented to the world as the true Light that sheds light on man. All such devolution from his Will is a continuous line of development: The house Wisdom builds has seven pillars,- and seven is a number the Spirit uses to give them completeness. "And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it:"(Ge.2:3)
Symbolism of pillars refers to the Son for whom God the Father has appointed a day. (Ps.2:7-8). Seven days of creation shall have the same quality as the word of God establishes the House as a place of rest for him. "For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren. (He.2:11)
The proof of holiness is as consistent with the seed as the trees bearing seed produce after their kind. For this reason Jesus asks," Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?/ Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit./A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. (Matt.7:16-18). By principle of Similitude the Spirit qualifies good trees as trees of righteousness (Is.61:3)
Ex nihilo as a concept must remain a chimera of carnal mind, while Sovereign will of God as the Word presides over Power and Wisdom. When we speak of the word of God forever settled in the heavens (Ps.119:89) The word creation has a Cause as well as its volume. He.11:3 refers to two worlds one which is unseen and the other seen. The earth is what the creation attests as Effect, which is upheld 'by the word of his power' (He.1:3) The word of his grace is able to build up. (Ac.20:32; John 17:17) So the new heaven and new earth in Re.21:1 is the inheritance of man and this newness merely speaks of the man component embedded in the fellowship of God with Man.
The word sanctifies whosoever receives the Son and abides in him. "For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else." (Is.45:18)
"He created it not in vain" is the absolute certainty of Wisdom and Power interacting vis- -vis with the Law. The Spirit underpins the principle of Similitude as a quality: like begets the like. It means the Law renders both heaven and earth having the same qualities. It is thus the Spirit gives heaven a concrete image of a house built by Wisdom. (Pr.9:1) By principle of Similitude the earth is rendered habitable:
We see it in the creation account. "And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so."(Ge.1:11) 'Whose seed is in itself" by the principle of Similitude the word of God is compared to man whose seed is in itself. The intent of the Spirit is unmistakeable. As God is holy, the earth shall be holy as well. "Be ye holy, for I am holy."
Last night enroute to my car to go to a Christian coffee house I met a shivering lady with the typical Catholic garb of a large cross; beads; etc. She spoke broken English; but I surmised from what she stated that she needed a ride down the street. It appeared that the parking lot of the church up the road had some restriction preventing her from moving a car in the parking lot and she needed a ride less than a mile down the road at a nursing home facility.
During the ride she explained how she had been praying over the situation and then I mentioned I was a Christian after she prayed for me (invoking Rafael and of course the Virgin Mary asking for blessings and protection over me. I didn't have time to get into a long explanation of the error of such prayers; being satisfied that at least she mentioned the blood of Christ. At the time I dropped her off I looked for a spanish gospel tract which clearly explains that Christ only saves and I was briefly troubled that I couldn't find it; then realized that she had been sitting on it. That was an answered prayer in her behalf; I realized that others were meeting her and hoped they would see the tract; and I had been waiting months to find someone to give it to who spoke Spanish.
Since I am not sure if I can mention any specific names here; I will just state that the two bands at the coffee house were outstanding (can't always be sure). I don't mention where I attend church either. Let me make a general statement here; there are artists (in this case at least the one lady who has stuff on YouTube) who actually are talented musically and honor God with convicting lyrics (the one song was about taming the tongue).
Let us all seek the Lord for opportunities however brief or unexpected to witness to people and help to fulfill the Great Commission. As a sidenote let us remember part of that is to make disciplles; a long term commitment for mature believers
Guess nothing new to report on your prayer request on the house issue.
Again; if I haven't said it already clearly enough; I appreciate your steadfastness in this friendship in Christ for prayers and always seeking His face. I have a personal prayer request but since it doesn't match the forum here I'll put it in the prayer session.
What a blessed encounter. We never know all that God has in store for both people in such encounters, but I do believe that you both will be in a position to bless each with prayer since then. I will pray for this lovely lady, too. She needs to have the Bible filter out all that is impure in here walk with God. I believe the Holy Spirit will do just that. She desires to serve God and others in her life and God can and will use her. He is in the sanctifying business for all of us, her included.
It makes me think of the Jews of the early church who held onto the demands of Judaism even though they came to belief in Christ. Paul's conversion experience, his time in the desert with Jesus teaching him, and his commission to take the gospel to the gentiles caused him to shed the trappings of Judaism more quickly than most of his fellow Jewish believers. But these Jewish believers were saved, but not fully informed or "filtered" by the Holy Spirit to the point of shedding all they had been taught while only Jews. The same can be the case for many Catholics, who believe in Christ, yet the teachings of the Catholic Chruch are all they have known. The more they interact with Christians outside of the Catholic Church the more filtering that will happen where what is true passes through the filter but the errors are left behind. This is my prayer for this woman and others like her who have a love for our Lord.
To continue study of our Great God for the letter "P"
He is our Prince of Peace
Is. 9:6 " For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace."
Acts 5:30-31 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins."
Jesus is our Prince. He does not rule as earthly princes do, but is humble, though mighty, sacrificial for us, not greedy, with us, not stand offish.
He give peace to His people, as He did for Israel in the land under David and Solomon. Not only is Jesus the Prince of Peace but the eternal King of Kings also.
Ps. 29:10-11 "the LORD sitteth King forever, The Lord will give strength unto his people, the LORD will bless His people with peace."
Jn 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
Rom. 16:20 "And the God of peace will soon bruise Satan under your feet shortly."
He is our peace who has absolute power over the enemy and the Peace that unifies the church.
Eph. 2:14-15 "for He is our peace who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us." (between Jewish believers and Christian believers)
Hebrews 13:20-21 "Now may the God of Peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to Whom be glory forever and ever, amen."
1 Th. 5:23 "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly,"
The peace of God is transcend all other types of peace. It is above and beyond what we is of the world
Christ is nothing like any type of peace we may have in this world.
Knowing that God is our Peace, then we can be assured that when we enter into the final state of eternal life there will be no wars, no fighting amongst other believers, no disharmony, no sects or divisions, no anger or hate, and no end to our sense of serenity, contentment, and harmony within us, with our brethren, and mostly with God. To have the unity God intended us to have after all is accomplished in this age of man is truly valuable and amazing.
Look forward to hearing from you. I continue to pray for you and your living situation.
We had a power outage here for the last few hours. it is in the 20's outside so we were getting pretty cold indoors. But, praise God, the power is back on and we are warming up.
Nice to see you are continuing with God's attributes (looks like you made a little typo in the last sentence...)
Interesting comment from Acts as to how Christ secured our peace through His sufferings. No one likes to suffer (at least of sound mind); but of course many verses show how we are to suffer for His Name's sake and go through persecution in this life along with gaining family and eternal relationships. Other verses come to mind such as perfect love casting out fear; and concepts such as the fact that there is no peace for the wicked; so the loving thing of course is to warn sinners that they are in enmity with God because of sin and that they must be redeemed through His atonement to have peace with their Creator.
Knowing the end from the beginning allowed Christ to have peace which He offers to us. Knowing that when our labors cease there is an end to suffering; and a reuniting with other believers after the Rapture (and in our transitional state after death should He tarry) should give us encouragement. Knowing that now we are seated in heavenly places ( Ephesians 2:6) is a present reality. And finally knowing that He will come to reign and rule with an iron rod yet perfectly justly in His judgments and the restored Millennium earth and beyond into eternity once Satan is bound and then judged also gives us hope with the restoration of all creation from this present misery.
Thanks for being faithful in continuing all this stuff. I have something that happened yesterday that I'd like to share in my next post; Lord willing. BTW did pray on your home issue; hope there is something good to report soon.
Holy convocation for Israel was restricted to specific days, which is not how Christians are enjoined to observe. Total sanctification is to be conformed to the image of Christ not by fits and starts but a continual process of walking the talk.(2 C0.3:18),
The cross we take in order to follow Christ is about death and life. We identify with his death as well as live in heavenly places. Unity of the Spirit is to guide every believer 'evening and the morning' without break leading us to the day of Regeneration that is the rhythm of abundant life in Christ. (Ge.1:5)
(See entry above-Continual)
" Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him."(Ro.6:8)
"For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you./ Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?"(2 Co.13:4-5)
Just a thought. Vanity as used by the preacher the meaninglessness of life without Christ is what quote from the Psalm 62 I intended to make a point.
Leaving it aside consider it now according to the context. "Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity."In other words "The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all."(Pr.22:2) vanity referred there is the manner rich treats the poor shabbily because they have the means. Vanity of riches fund their oppression. The following verses make it clear. "Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them./God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God." The so-called money power to buy judges when the rich are called before the law" is what it refers. Both rich and poor when they hit the dust we have the 'vanity' as used by the preacher.
The whole point of my post was on the topic of 'degree' not scholarly degree, please not Momsage but the degree the sun casts on the face of a sundial.
Understand from the above-mentioned quote why 'God has spoken once; twice have I heard?" Doctrine of God is heard by ear of faith by every heart it is to which the Psalmist refers. You and I must hear well before we judge.
With joy and peace,
I'm such a dizi. LOL
GOD to shine HIS face on all who trust and believe in HIM.
January 16, 2024
That's what James 2:18 is saying.
We aa Christians should examine ourselves, "Not by what we do or by what we don't do or what we know, But by Who we have! Christ!
I'd we have Christ Spirit the inside of our vessels will be cleansed.
Then we can wash one another feet.
( Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:4-8.
God bless.
I'm free from sin and when I sow , I will reap free from sin.
Thanks for sharing that. Have you tried to read the Bible before? Jesus really does offer hope and guidance.
As far as evidence of God, you stated it backwards. Science and logic confirm God, that's why there's so many highly educated people in science and medicine who believe in God. Many were atheists before. Just take a look at your hands, your skin, your arteries and veins that pump blood around your body, your nervous system that allows you to feel, your 3D vision, surround sound, water cooling, and heating system, digestive system, reproductive system, on and on. You are very complex and have a smartly designed body. Is it more likely that it was designed by an accident or designed intentionally? How often today do we see accidents design order? Is it more often than accidents that cause disorder? Science and the 2nd law of thermodynamics shows that with no intelligent input, things will resort to disorder and chaos. In this manner, science supports and basically proves the existence of intelligent design.
How often do you see buildings build themselves? Has science ever proven that 1 building ever built itself? Or a painting, has science ever proven that a single painting has painted itself- even an abstract one with a disordered design- I mean a brush was picked up, dipped in paint, and deliberately put on an upright canvas. It seems more likely that a painter is the one who painted the painting, not nothing. It would also seem more scientific to say that a builder is more likely the one who built a building, not nothing, and not an accidental explosion. Likewise, it seems more logical and scientific to say that a designer was the one who designed the design of the body. We're the most intelligent life on earth and we still marvel at the complexity, intelligence, and brilliance of the design of the human body, and of animals, and plants and creation. It would be unscientific to assume that a creator didn't create the creation.
The Spirit introduces the earth as without form and void. (Ge.1:2) Subsequently we have the sins of man as synonymous with the land, to which the destruction of Sodom is a classic example. By creating a holy family in which heirs of promise are those who double for his Son as in the case of Seth who stepped in the breach of Abel he is asserting why the earth abides forever. The Son is the heir to it. (Ec.1:4b).
Salvation plan in the Bible is to give it anthropomorphic form. Thus in the fellowship of God with Man the latter designates Christ Jesus as the Man. God's promise to the Son was, "Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.(Ps.2:7-8) All those who would be saved shall be found in the Man component.
Consequently 'Ask of me' is with regards to the inheritance of the elect,- co-heirs with the Son. The body of Christ consists of the saints in light. This is New Jerusalem and the head is Zion. Thus daughter of Zion doubles for the church.
The daughters of Sion in the context of Israel merely foreshadows what must occur in latter days. " For I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake." (2 Ki.19:34,21) David is a double for Christ.
God explain this,"And thine elder sister is Samaria, she and her daughters that dwell at thy left hand: and thy younger sister, that dwelleth at thy right hand, is Sodom and her daughters. (Ez.16:46)" and " Son of man, when the land sinneth against me by trespassing grievously, then will I stretch out mine hand upon it, and will break the staff of the bread thereof, and will send famine upon it, and will cut off man and beast from it:/ Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD.(Ez.14:13-14). The Spirit sets three names Noah, Daniel, and Job four times in the chapter (See under N-numbers)
When we make 'bed in darkness' the grave is our last stop. It is the world in the flesh. It is also a house as we in Christ may hope for "a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."(2 Co.5:1-2).A man born of woman is a prey to thousand evils. So Job laments, "My days are past, my purposes are broken off, even the thoughts of my heart./ They change the night into day: the light is short because of darkness./ If I wait, the grave is mine house: I have made my bed in the darkness( Job17:11-13)".
God is a Spirit. God is the Father of lights and his Son is qualified as the true Light quality of which permeates the world of the Spirit while the lights in the firmament is for the world of the flesh. This distinction is very significant that God formed the spirit in man, so by the Spirit freely received we may become children of the light. Darkness explains those are blind to miss while it is day.
Outer darkness
God made all hearts the same but their works are tried. God sent the light to shine in darkness so anyone may profit from light of knowledge one has. For instance God is love and as God loved us we ought to love one another. It a light of the knowledge of God's glory (2 Co.4:6).
One who hates his brother is still in darkness. "But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them ( 1 John 2:11-NIV).
Darkness is a place. Outer darkness according to the Parable of the Talents where the wicked and unprofitable servants are consigned (Matt.25:30).
(See entry under Z-Zoar)
In our present time man and nations in their hate are like foolish builders and their sand castles shall not stand.
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10 KJV
We were created to do good works, but some like to shame others and claim that doing good works is bad because they assume it somehow takes away from grace, or assume effort is bad, assume there's instructions against it. Then oddly, they don't shame bad works though. They just say being bad is fine because its covered by grace, even if done intentionally, even if to harm others to the maximum degree, with no limits apparently, even blaspheming the holy spirit?, contrary to the scriptures. Someone has to ignore so many scriptures in the Bible to arrive at this conclusion and to massively cherry pick, like plucking out Eph 2, 8-9, but ignoring 10, ignoring James 2:17.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16 KJV
Jesus said this. But this is like kryptonite to the anti-works group. They'd rather it say let your darkness shine that they may see your bad works, then they'd be ok with it?
Obviously satan is behind the distorting of the truth. He always twists everything to deceive people to believe the opposite is true. Imagine being a Christian and truly believing that its bad to follow Christ. Yet, I've seen comments even on this forum where people sometimes say this. We must be on our guard so we can discern truth from lies. 1 Peter 5:8
I feel led to post this info to counter anyone who may be indoctrinated by the false teachings. The best remedy is to read the Bible, not cherry pick. I don't know how anyone can read the entire Bible and come to the conclusion that pleasing God is bad, and disobeying Him is good. No one should expect to be saved if they are not even following Christ- not a Christian.
I agree. Anyone on this forum who says or believes that it is bad to follow Christ, or that pleasing God is bad, and disobeying Him is good, they are not true believers, and we are not to have fellowship with anyone who says these things.
To answer your point first; clearly bad works are evidence of bad fruit and hence an unregenerate heart. That comes from a lifestyle of sin that hasn't been changed; not from occasional sins that are still wrong but not something the Spirit will tolerate if we are one of His. Of course if we boast about all the great things we do for Christ it isn't edifying. The closest thing we can see in scripture is Paul where He had to give a laundry list of all the things to the Corinthians that he was suffering so as to keep them from being puffed up and to be able to take in the meat of the Word and stop living in carnality. His responsibility over the flock meant that they couldn't discredit God's character by exhibiting immature behavior so to disciple them this and sarcasm was needed.
Again the definition of works certainly involves our outer actions as James states must be present in helping a brother or sister in need not just words. It also would involve good fruit of character and things such as loving other Christians; having a listening ear and a general attitude of service. For instance; we can feed the hungry but also provide opportunities for them to hear the Gospel. Such actions need not be mutually exclusive.
Under the decree of King Nebuchadnezzar Daniel and other three noble youths were carried off to Babylon, along with part of the vessels of the temple. There he was obliged to enter into the service of the king of Babylon, and in accordance with the custom of the age received the Chaldean name of Belteshazzar, meaning "prince of Bel," This also explains why Daniel does not speak as the prophets hedging their messages with the usual formulae, for instance, 'Thus saith the Lord' as Nathan said to King David (2 Sa.12:7.)
Twelve chapters contained in the Book switch from Hebrew into Aramaic, which was often used in daily life while the formal occasions called for Hebrew. Daniel the seer interprets in the court of Babylon like Joseph before him, interprets the dreams of the king in chapters one to six while in the second half his dreams and visions would need help from angel of the Lord.
We shall consider one dream which is set forth in Ch.7." And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another." (v.3). Number Four signifies that it is in general terms we have the history of nations,- Israel, the Gentiles, Ideology of three ribs. These ribs are the doctrine of lies swallowed by the sons of perdition.
(See entry under B-Beast, The)
These ribs become three monsters in the fourth beast, which bring them even to our times. Totalitarian regimes, oligarchy and technology. This Iron monster relies on technology: .
Also significant is that the beast rising out of the sea is a composite image ('leopard, the bear,the mouth of a lion-Re.13:2) of the four beasts.
Authorship of this book is credited to Daniel, who was a righteous man in the sight of God. Four times He refers his righteousness in contrast to the faithlessness of Israel. "Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord God.".(Ez.14:14) Here we have a clue his role in the Salvation Plan of God. Noah belonged to the old world while Job was righteous in Patriarchal age, as a contemporary of Abraham. Whereas position of Daniel brought up in the court of a gentile kind sets him for the latter days.
The Spirit sets night visions, which are intended for our understanding of the divine Will. "The judgment was set; and the books were opened."( Dan. 7: 10) The book for this reason predicts evens far beyond the time of the creation as well as of the Gentiles. The book ends with the Angel of his Presence sidestepping the direct query of the Seer with these words, " But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.(10:12-13) (See under T-river of time)
"In his vision by the Tigris the angel of the Lord ('behold, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist') speaks to him thus: And he said to me, "For now I have been sent to you.( Dan 10:11)" The Spirit hints of the time of the Gentiles and it is by way of parenthesis, and explains. "But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days." (Dan.10:13). Twenty-one days (3x7) refers to the Son. The angel makes clear it is of the latter days with the second appearance of Christ.( "Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days."(10:14) (See under M-parenthesis)
In the Gospel of St Matthew we have this: "Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword(Matt.26:51)".He was referring to the hour of darkness, and the ungodly were about to close in and his way to the cross was a signal for the enemies to gather in force. He knew the times. "Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, But this is your hour, and the power of darkness ( Luke 22: 52-53)"
In Lucan gospel we have a saying of Jesus, coming as it is from the Servant-King is atypical. "Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one"( Luke 22:35).
St Luke makes it clear that the sword was their emblem of a new order they were entering into. It also fits with the subtext the narrative carrying along. As associates of Jesus they were also part of the kingdom he had promised (vv.29-30).
Symbolism of the sword is for every saint redeemed from the earth and they follow the white rider on a white horse. He is part of the great army following in the rear. "In righteousness he doth judge and make war." (Re.19:11). The sword is not forged in any fire kindled by man but from the fire that was symbolically present in the night vision of Daniel. The Ancient of day sat on a throne, "His throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire." (Dan.7:9) As human events unfold in earth this fire was streaming as with river of time.
(See entry under R-River of time)
The inaugural vision of St John made a composite image of the Father and the Son. The sword of the Spirit, 'which is the word of God' and it clears every offending thing, the remnant of iniquity, "were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth."(Re.19:21).
As Jesus is wrapping up earthly ministry they disciples were to be watchful (" Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning./ Lest coming suddenly he find you sle"- Mark 13:35-36) It was to be in readiness as soldiers awaiting the command of their Messiah-King for the battle. In the Gospel of St Matthew we have this: "Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword(Matt.26:51)".
We had this point earlier also discussed in this forum. Macheira in Greek is knife and in the context of the account as set down by the Spirit it was not everyday life he is placing emphasis as with an eye towards their calling. "I have overcome the world"( John 16:33) is a direct statement from Jesus. So it is appropriate to take it as sword, a ceremonial one at that. With joy and peace,
The sword has its uses. Compare the rod of iron which is consistent throughtout, In Ps.2 we have "Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."(2:9) Heathen is not pagans but ungodly holding truth in unrighteousness. They are 'miry clay' in the King's dream. The Spirit sets them in derisison. They are to be treated as such. "For the fitches are not threshed with a threshing instrument, neither is a cart wheel turned about upon the cummin; but the fitches are beaten out with a staff, and the cummin with a rod."(Is.28:27). So are nations, "And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron."(Re.12:5) and " And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God."(Re.19:15)
The word of God is what we need look for. Jesus Christ referred to the sword as their badge of honor. The disciples were sanctified by the word so it is what Jesus intended. "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword,"(He.4:12)
The cross first came into use as an emblem of Christianity after. Constantine the Great in 313 AD (on the eve of a crucial battle) seemed to have seen a flaming cross in the heavens bearing the inscription, "In hoc signo vinces", meaning 'By this sign thou shalt conquer'. Accordingly he adapted the cross and called it the Labarum.
Be that as it may a cross has two arms crossed so by mode of inversion he that came down from heaven is the same who ascended and the central beam tells its own story. ( John 3:13) The Son of man came down to fulfil the will of his Father. So the cross plank signifies the gospel he preached and his Great Commission connects the far ends of the earth into one fold.
Cross has undergone many shapes as the doctrine of God is suitably altered each after his own fashion. St Andrews cross is as different from St Antony's cross; for that matter Greek Orthodox cross differs from Latin cross. Despite of what names given to the type of cross, spiritual meaning can only be understood by taking up his cross and follow the way he chose. "He that shall endure to the end, the same shall be saved"(Matt.24:13)
A cross is this made up two aspects in the ministry of Reconciliation in which direction and position bind heaven and the earth as one.
He became a curse for us fulfilling the provision of the Law of Moses. "Because anyone who is hung on a pole is under God's curse".(De.21:23) God willed also his Son to be the one who redeemed mankind. "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us,(Gal.3:13).
His doctrine in the Son gave a position for all those who believed in God through his Son. He became the captain of their salvation from one end to the other.
In separating the light from darkness he made his Will plain. He is the Father of lights. By the same token God the Son is presented to the world as the true Light that sheds light on man. All such devolution from his Will is a continuous line of development: The house Wisdom builds has seven pillars,- and seven is a number the Spirit uses to give them completeness. "And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it:"(Ge.2:3)
Symbolism of pillars refers to the Son for whom God the Father has appointed a day. (Ps.2:7-8). Seven days of creation shall have the same quality as the word of God establishes the House as a place of rest for him. "For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren. (He.2:11)
The proof of holiness is as consistent with the seed as the trees bearing seed produce after their kind. For this reason Jesus asks," Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?/ Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit./A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. (Matt.7:16-18). By principle of Similitude the Spirit qualifies good trees as trees of righteousness (Is.61:3)
Ex nihilo as a concept must remain a chimera of carnal mind, while Sovereign will of God as the Word presides over Power and Wisdom. When we speak of the word of God forever settled in the heavens (Ps.119:89) The word creation has a Cause as well as its volume. He.11:3 refers to two worlds one which is unseen and the other seen. The earth is what the creation attests as Effect, which is upheld 'by the word of his power' (He.1:3) The word of his grace is able to build up. (Ac.20:32; John 17:17) So the new heaven and new earth in Re.21:1 is the inheritance of man and this newness merely speaks of the man component embedded in the fellowship of God with Man.
The word sanctifies whosoever receives the Son and abides in him. "For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else." (Is.45:18)
"He created it not in vain" is the absolute certainty of Wisdom and Power interacting vis- -vis with the Law. The Spirit underpins the principle of Similitude as a quality: like begets the like. It means the Law renders both heaven and earth having the same qualities. It is thus the Spirit gives heaven a concrete image of a house built by Wisdom. (Pr.9:1) By principle of Similitude the earth is rendered habitable:
We see it in the creation account. "And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so."(Ge.1:11) 'Whose seed is in itself" by the principle of Similitude the word of God is compared to man whose seed is in itself. The intent of the Spirit is unmistakeable. As God is holy, the earth shall be holy as well. "Be ye holy, for I am holy."
Last night enroute to my car to go to a Christian coffee house I met a shivering lady with the typical Catholic garb of a large cross; beads; etc. She spoke broken English; but I surmised from what she stated that she needed a ride down the street. It appeared that the parking lot of the church up the road had some restriction preventing her from moving a car in the parking lot and she needed a ride less than a mile down the road at a nursing home facility.
During the ride she explained how she had been praying over the situation and then I mentioned I was a Christian after she prayed for me (invoking Rafael and of course the Virgin Mary asking for blessings and protection over me. I didn't have time to get into a long explanation of the error of such prayers; being satisfied that at least she mentioned the blood of Christ. At the time I dropped her off I looked for a spanish gospel tract which clearly explains that Christ only saves and I was briefly troubled that I couldn't find it; then realized that she had been sitting on it. That was an answered prayer in her behalf; I realized that others were meeting her and hoped they would see the tract; and I had been waiting months to find someone to give it to who spoke Spanish.
Since I am not sure if I can mention any specific names here; I will just state that the two bands at the coffee house were outstanding (can't always be sure). I don't mention where I attend church either. Let me make a general statement here; there are artists (in this case at least the one lady who has stuff on YouTube) who actually are talented musically and honor God with convicting lyrics (the one song was about taming the tongue).
Let us all seek the Lord for opportunities however brief or unexpected to witness to people and help to fulfill the Great Commission. As a sidenote let us remember part of that is to make disciplles; a long term commitment for mature believers
Again; if I haven't said it already clearly enough; I appreciate your steadfastness in this friendship in Christ for prayers and always seeking His face. I have a personal prayer request but since it doesn't match the forum here I'll put it in the prayer session.
It makes me think of the Jews of the early church who held onto the demands of Judaism even though they came to belief in Christ. Paul's conversion experience, his time in the desert with Jesus teaching him, and his commission to take the gospel to the gentiles caused him to shed the trappings of Judaism more quickly than most of his fellow Jewish believers. But these Jewish believers were saved, but not fully informed or "filtered" by the Holy Spirit to the point of shedding all they had been taught while only Jews. The same can be the case for many Catholics, who believe in Christ, yet the teachings of the Catholic Chruch are all they have known. The more they interact with Christians outside of the Catholic Church the more filtering that will happen where what is true passes through the filter but the errors are left behind. This is my prayer for this woman and others like her who have a love for our Lord.
I am the divine heavenly now I become able to receive God riches.
He is our Prince of Peace
Is. 9:6 " For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace."
Acts 5:30-31 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins."
Jesus is our Prince. He does not rule as earthly princes do, but is humble, though mighty, sacrificial for us, not greedy, with us, not stand offish.
He give peace to His people, as He did for Israel in the land under David and Solomon. Not only is Jesus the Prince of Peace but the eternal King of Kings also.
Ps. 29:10-11 "the LORD sitteth King forever, The Lord will give strength unto his people, the LORD will bless His people with peace."
Jn 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
Rom. 16:20 "And the God of peace will soon bruise Satan under your feet shortly."
He is our peace who has absolute power over the enemy and the Peace that unifies the church.
Eph. 2:14-15 "for He is our peace who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us." (between Jewish believers and Christian believers)
Hebrews 13:20-21 "Now may the God of Peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to Whom be glory forever and ever, amen."
1 Th. 5:23 "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly,"
The peace of God is transcend all other types of peace. It is above and beyond what we is of the world
I meant to say that the peace we have in
Christ is nothing like any type of peace we may have in this world.
Knowing that God is our Peace, then we can be assured that when we enter into the final state of eternal life there will be no wars, no fighting amongst other believers, no disharmony, no sects or divisions, no anger or hate, and no end to our sense of serenity, contentment, and harmony within us, with our brethren, and mostly with God. To have the unity God intended us to have after all is accomplished in this age of man is truly valuable and amazing.
Look forward to hearing from you. I continue to pray for you and your living situation.
We had a power outage here for the last few hours. it is in the 20's outside so we were getting pretty cold indoors. But, praise God, the power is back on and we are warming up.
Interesting comment from Acts as to how Christ secured our peace through His sufferings. No one likes to suffer (at least of sound mind); but of course many verses show how we are to suffer for His Name's sake and go through persecution in this life along with gaining family and eternal relationships. Other verses come to mind such as perfect love casting out fear; and concepts such as the fact that there is no peace for the wicked; so the loving thing of course is to warn sinners that they are in enmity with God because of sin and that they must be redeemed through His atonement to have peace with their Creator.
Knowing the end from the beginning allowed Christ to have peace which He offers to us. Knowing that when our labors cease there is an end to suffering; and a reuniting with other believers after the Rapture (and in our transitional state after death should He tarry) should give us encouragement. Knowing that now we are seated in heavenly places ( Ephesians 2:6) is a present reality. And finally knowing that He will come to reign and rule with an iron rod yet perfectly justly in His judgments and the restored Millennium earth and beyond into eternity once Satan is bound and then judged also gives us hope with the restoration of all creation from this present misery.
Thanks for being faithful in continuing all this stuff. I have something that happened yesterday that I'd like to share in my next post; Lord willing. BTW did pray on your home issue; hope there is something good to report soon.
Agape; RIch P
Holy convocation for Israel was restricted to specific days, which is not how Christians are enjoined to observe. Total sanctification is to be conformed to the image of Christ not by fits and starts but a continual process of walking the talk.(2 C0.3:18),
The cross we take in order to follow Christ is about death and life. We identify with his death as well as live in heavenly places. Unity of the Spirit is to guide every believer 'evening and the morning' without break leading us to the day of Regeneration that is the rhythm of abundant life in Christ. (Ge.1:5)
(See entry above-Continual)
" Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him."(Ro.6:8)
"For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you./ Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?"(2 Co.13:4-5)