Discuss Ephesians 5


Ephesians 5 KJV Bible discussions
 
  • Richard H Priday - 2 weeks ago
    Love is patient; love is kind. ( 1 Corinthians 13:4-8). This section of scripture gets into all of the attributes of true love which characterizes "agape" which is the deepest kind of love which we can experience coming from heaven itself. Every other type of human affection is stereotyped by a particular relationship; but cannot stand the test of time truly without the Lord's love being in the mix. "Storge" for instance is defined as a type of familiar bond; which I would think describes a kinship with family members.

    This is often flipped as to the responsibility and frustrations of a parent for a child then later on for a caretaker as myself the burden of assisting family members losing their physical stamina; mental acuity; as well as the emotional volatility that can result from such deterioration. fThere is another term for "self love" which up until now I am unfamiliar with called "philautia" which I suspect is retlated to "philia" which is a sort of plutonic affection (without eros) for others. As a Christian; of course we are instructed to die to self and live out the new life of Christ; nonetheless the law itself says to love your neighbor as yourself ( Leviticus 19:18 as well as quoted in the Gospels. There are other passages that state we should care for our wives as our own body ( Ephesians 5:29).

    What is necessary; of course is to honor what God has given us stewardship over; whether it is our own bodies; our finances; marriages; or anything else the Lord has given us. Trusting God to provide; as well as guide us through self deprivation; fasting; and suffering even leading to death needs to be done trusting that God has the best ultimately even if it means martyrdom in terms of our eternity. This allows us to have the proper commitment to others entrusted to our care as well as having a love for the brothers and sisters both in our midst and abroad preaching the Good News. We need to trust God in maintaining what He has provided for us
  • Richard H Priday - 3 months ago
    That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

    Ephesians 5:27 is often thought of erroneously; as if the Lord can't come back until His church gets their act together. Let's be honest for a second; there never will be a time the true saints of God will all be in this state before the Rapture; as is clear from verses such as 1 Corinthians 3:15 and other verses clearly indicate. This leaves us with only two possibilities; that not all believers will be raptured and some will be left behind to get their garments cleaned; or everyone will be raptured who is now a believer but there will be differing rewards or lack thereof. I don't wish to be dogmatic either way here as the scriptures seem to point towards the first option with close examination. In any event those who already have passed away are now in the presence of the Lamb as seen from Hebrews 9:27.

    It shouldn't need to be stated that some who claim to be Christians are wolves in sheep's clothing. There is hope for some who reject Christ at present to repent in the Tribulation. There may be some now who will wake up the other side of the Rapture and realize what they thought about their state was different than reality. Some no doubt will be susceptible and fall eway to Antichrist; others will accept martyrdom rather than denounce Christ. In my opinion such a smackdown is necessary to jump start these individuals; again going against the logic that Christ is waiting for the church to be purified in their own timing. The Lord is patient and longsuffering but let's face it if we can't see how dark things are already then we are pretty well emasculated and unable to have any effective witness today. Satan isn't hiding anymore; nor his minions. Their agenda is in your face everywhere; it seems. His Bride truly is here today; but in a remnant largely hidden from "churchianity" at large.
  • Richard H Priday - 3 months ago
    Isaiah 30:10 warns about people wanting to hear "smooth things" being prophesied. Such may be the case for those who wish to invoke blessings on themselves for any other reasons than scripturally backed statements. Galations 5:19-21 is one of about ONE HUNDRED verses warning us about those who do NOT inherit the Kingdom of God. This is something also found in Ephesians 5:5; the book of 1 Corinthians; Hebrews; Romans; Revelation AND the Gospels.

    To remind God of blessings promised in the Scriptures; if done in the correct way is honoring to God. Without discernment; however we may not be aware of what this means; and also if we are living in a sinful lifestyle we are trying to deliberately ask for something we cannot have as long as we refuse to submit to the Lord and we are producing bad fruit.

    The church much like Israel has certain CONDITIONAL as well as unconditional promises. The POSSESSING church (that is those who have the Holy Spirit and are truly saved) is and always will be a subset in this age of the confessing or professing body of believers (i.e. the church). The difference is there are some who believe in the true God and others in a God of their own imaginations; fitting the parameters that a person finds reasonable; or comfortable living with by mentally cherry picking what appeals from the Word and filing the unpleasant verses somewhere in the cobwebs in the back of their mind.

    God is no respecter of persons ( Acts 10:34 also Romans 2). He does whatever He chooses and we know for certain that He desires glory for Himself and no other. (See Isaiah 42:8). John 16:10 shows how God seeks glory for the Son; therefore His desire for worship is never selfish as He always does the Father's will. This is selfless love and shows an example of how we are to live. If we thank God for things in our lives that bring us into sin such as excess money for greedy gain ( Titus 1:11); we are only heaping greater condemnation on ourselves.
  • S Spencer - 4 months ago
    1 Corinthians 4:5

    Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

    THE BEST PROTECTION AGAINST THE DARKNESS OF ERROR IS THE LIGHT OF TRUTH."

    should the words "do not pronounce judgment before the time" keep us from identifying false teachers or from naming them?

    I don't think so. "Don't pronounce judgment before the time" means "Don't do what only Christ can do at that last day - on the day of judgment." Don't presume to know the heart like Jesus will know the heart on that day. Only Christ "will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart."

    But for now, our job is indeed to do mouth judgment, writing judgment, behavior judgment - not a heart judgment, but mouth and writing and behavior judgment. When a mouth speaks unbiblical, destructive teaching, when a blog or an article or a book publishes unbiblical and destructive teaching, when a body - a human body, a physical body - behaves with unbiblical and destructive behavior, in all these cases, we are to be discerning.

    And according to Ephesians 5:11 we are to expose the error. "Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them." "Censure them; show them to be wrong" is what the word elegch means.

    God bless
  • S Spencer - In Reply - 5 months ago
    Amen Carleton.

    God uses marriage to communicate Christ commitment and relationships to us as seen in

    Ephesians 5:23-32.

    See verse 32.

    "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

    Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

    Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

    That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

    That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

    So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

    For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

    For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

    For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, AND SHALL BE JOINED UNTO HIS WIFE, AND THEY TWO SHALL BE ONE FLESH.

    (Verse 32)

    THIS IS A GREAT MYSTERY: "BUT I SPEAK CONCERNING CHRIST AND THE CHURCH.

    Praise the Lord that we have a God that is faithful and keeps his promises.

    There is one God of all and he is the God of Israel "The fish fruit " also in who he made Promises to also!

    Here's one of many.

    Jeremiah 31:35-36.

    "Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name:

    If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever.

    I am doing well, I hope you are doing well also.

    God bless.
  • Frankie J - In Reply - 6 months ago
    Friend;

    Lev 26:15-21 God is speaking to His people, the history of the children of Israel full of this. 2 Chronicles 7:14 Jeremiah 3:22 Hosea 6:1,2

    Christ brings this into the NT John 12:40 Acts 28:27

    Hebrews 12:5-11 speaking of His children

    He does this in His merciful lovingkindness to us, we being so blinded by the deceitfulness of sin, it must be scourge out, define as "to flog" lit or fig, God as a father chastising and training men as children by affliction,

    Chastisement; Education or training; by implication, disciplinary correction, chastening, instruction, nurture.

    There's two kinds of fear, & many manifestations of each, all grounded in one of the two, godly fear which foundation is grounded in obedient reverential love for God.

    The other, Satan counter part, grounded in disobedience which brings torment, where condemnation & guilt in one's own heart follows them wherever they go, for they have offended the Holy God; they having continue in disobedience to the Grace of God which appears in their hearts.

    God's love in chastising correction, cast this fear & torment out

    & why? John 14:21, which defines love, which makes way for John 14:23 one's habitation becomes a dwelling place for Perfect Love in the work of Sanctification of the Spirit unto obedience & sprinkling of the Blood/Life of Jesus.

    thus "for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness.

    Hebrews 12:11 exercising the Grace of God, the Word of Righteousness in discerning between Good & evil,, there's suffering in the Cross to learn righteousness. 1Pet 4:1

    Then we have Job, who God said is perfect, Job 2:3; which trials, suffering & afflictions is of a much higher concept than punishment for disobedience, James 5:11

    Hebrews 11:33 for this purpose "obtain a better resurrection"

    one eighty, you would do well to live out your call name.

    your in darkness, deceived; dwelling, speaking & judging falsely against God

    Ephesians 5:13, therefore, Ephesians 5:14

    In Love & Truth
  • Jim Miller - 6 months ago
    If we took Romans 2:6-11 by themselves, it would be easy to conclude that they teach salvation by works. They seem to say that those who do good works will thereby earn eternal life. But it should be clear that the passage cannot mean that because then it would flatly contradict the consistent testimony of the rest of Scripture to the effect that salvation is by faith apart from works. There are about 150 passages in the NT condition salvation solely on faith or believing. ( Rom 2:6) No ONE passage, when rightly understood, can contradict such overwhelming testimony. Yet this is exactly what is usually attempted with Galatians 3:28 which flatly contradicts the consistent testimony of the rest of Scripture such as 1 Peter 3:1, 1 Peter 3:5-6, Col 3:18, Ephesians 5:22-24.
  • Jim Miller - In Reply - 6 months ago
    The interpretation of theological and spiritual matters can vary among individuals and religious denominations. The passage you mentioned from 1 Timothy 6:16 is indeed a biblical verse, and different people may interpret it differently based on their religious beliefs and theological understanding.

    In the context of the verse, it is stated that God alone possesses eternal or immortal life. This can be seen as a reminder of God's unique and divine nature. The idea that believers are spiritually saved and receive eternal life through their faith in Christ is a common Christian belief.

    The concept of being "physically saved" or "spiritually saved" can be a matter of theological interpretation. Some Christians may emphasize the spiritual aspect of salvation, emphasizing the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ, while others may also consider the physical well-being and safety of believers.

    The notion of believers being spiritually "married" or united with Christ is also a theological concept found in Christian traditions. It signifies a close and personal relationship between believers and Jesus, often described metaphorically as a marriage. This spiritual union is believed to bring about transformation and a new way of living for the believer, yet the explanation doesn't absolve you from your original blasphemous post. There you attempted to use the metaphoric marriage union with Christ in an attempt to undermine Ephesians 5:22-25 which addresses the ROLES and RESPONSIBIlITIES of husbands and wives within marriage union, using the metaphor of Christ and the Church to illustrate these roles, but this metaphor doesn't change the SPECIFIC COMMANDS for the husband and wife within the marital relationships. It would render Ehesisans 5:22-25 to no effect.

    Jordyn wrote:

    >The word says you are the WIFE of Christ, so these scripture of a wife submitting to her HUSBAND apply as much to you as to any earthly wife.
  • Jim Miller - In Reply - 6 months ago
    [[[When we abide in the Christian doctrine, we give PROOF of the REALITY of our faith.]]] So it makes me really question the salvation of these Western Christian women who don't submit to their husbands, and the majority honestly probably don't."

    I can't tell you the enormous amounts of pushback I get from both "Christian" men and women on Ephesians 5 and even more pushback on 1 Corinthians 11 "head coverings during corporate worship whenever I bring it up.

    Usually, the go-to scripture for these feminist Christians is Galatians 3:28.

    Paul urges all those claiming to be spiritually saved to "examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; TEST yourselves."

    2 Corinthians 13:5 (KJV) 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?
  • Jim Miller - In Reply - 6 months ago
    Jorydn wrote:

    >The word of God cuts both ways, a two edged sword.

    >How many husbands love their wives as CHRIST loves the church ..... probably NONE.

    >The word says you are the WIFE of Christ, so these scripture of a wife submitting to her

    >HUSBAND apply as much to you as to any earthly wife.

    Your original meaning and intent were clear. You obviously meant that by presenting Christian women with the need to submit, then the "husband" is in the corporate body hence he is metaphorically described as the bride and the wife now places him in the position to submit as does the wife in the marriage relationship. That is against the divine order found in 1 Corinthians 11:3 and contrary to what Ephesians 5 is even stating. What you were attempting to do was blasphemous!

    Even though the corporate body of believers, is metaphorically described as the "bride" or "wife" of Christ to symbolize our deep spiritual union and devotion to Him, this metaphor DOES NOT extend or CONTRADICT the commands regarding marital roles. The submission of wives to husbands and the love of husbands for their wives, as described in Ephesians 5, are SPECIFIC instructions for how husbands and wives should relate to each other within the marriage covenant.

    Our spiritual relationship with Christ is indeed a profound and personal one, characterized by faith, love, and devotion, but it doesn't prescribe the same roles and dynamics as those within a marital relationship. Therefore, while we are spiritually connected to Christ as His followers, the commands related to marital roles are distinct and apply within the context of marriage, as outlined in Ephesians 5:22-25.

    It's essential to interpret and apply biblical principles in their intended context. Ephesians 5:22-25 addresses the ROLES and RESPONSIBIlITIES of husbands and wives within marriage, using the metaphor of Christ and the Church to illustrate these roles, but this metaphor doesn't change the specific commands for marital relationships.
  • Jim Miller - In Reply - 6 months ago
    From what you have described the churches have always had a mingled condition. Most of the books in the New Testament discuss and warn about this mingled condition. 2 Peter, 1, 2, 3, John, even Jude which is known really as the "acts of the apostates" Galatians the Jewdisers, Colossians heresy with Gnostics. The apostles were not even dead and buried and they were dealing with all sorts of mingled conditions within the church. Some of his honest errors and some of it heresy.

    So here we are in the present 2023, we have our current state of affairs, with new modern bible perversions, churches with female pastors/bishops, homosexual pastors, churches consecrating same-sex marriages, feminist-influenced congregations that no longer teach Ephesians 5 wives submitting toward their husband, 1 Corinthians 11 head coverings for women during corporate worship, and the further watering down of the Word of God to please the masses by the clergy.... 2 Timothy 4:3 (KJV) For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

    Many churches have fallen into a state of apostasy... We are in a very sad state of affairs in today's Christendom.

    So yes in my humble opinion, the churches today are out of order and that is why judgment starts in the house of God.

    1 Peter 4:17 (KJV) 17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

    GBU
  • Jim Miller - In Reply - 6 months ago
    Brother Jordyn,

    >The word of God cuts both ways, a two edged sword.

    >How many husbands love their wives as CHRIST loves the church ..... probably NONE.

    >The word says you are the WIFE of Christ, so these scripture of a wife submitting to her HUSBAND apply as much to you as to any earthly wife.

    What you wrote in your original post "you are the WIFE of Christ" was bordering on blasphemy. In NO WAY shape or form is the Christian HUSBAND the WIFE of CHRIST in any regard. While this passage Ephesians 5:22-24 draws parallels between the relationship of Christ and the Church and the relationship between a husband and wife, it at no time places the husband on equal footing with the wife. As if the husband being in the "church" makes him the wife of Christ because the Church is the wife of Christ. That mishandling of scripture could be used to justify same-sex marriages and homosexual relations. It is one of the grossest mishandling of scripture I've encountered.

    Several scriptures 1 Peter 3:1, 1 Peter 3:5-6, Col 3:18, Eph 5:22-24 and the common thread running through the entire bible support Christian women to submit to their Christian husbands.

    I usually get an enormous amount of pushback on this subject by both Christian men and women. If they can not even do this how will they do the weightier things of scripture? It is the sad state we find Christendom in today.

    1 Peter 4:17 (KJV) 17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

    Judgement starts in the house of God and so many of our churches are out of order that it is no wonder why!
  • Jordyn - In Reply - 6 months ago
    Brother Jim:

    The whole word of God is about Christ and his bride, the church.

    The whole chapter of Ephesians 5 is speaking of Christ the husband and the woman his wife.

    Ephesians 5:32 This is a MYSTERY, but I SPEAK CONCERNING Christ and HIS CHURCH.

    John 9:41 Jesus said unto them, If you were blind you would have NO SIN, but because you say I SEE, you sin remaineth

    God Bless YOU!
  • Jim Miller - In Reply - 6 months ago
    I want to respond in extreme love. First and foremost please try to understand that Christian men and women have been influenced by our POST FEMINIST society more than they might even realize. Many men now have female supervisors at work so it is hard for them to grapple with the wife being commanded to submit to her husband.

    > Ephesians 5:25 The word of God cuts both ways, a two edged sword.

    You're mishandling scripture here. God would never oppose or contradict himself a house divided could not stand.

    >Those of us who live in glass houses shouldn't cast stones.

    No one is casting stones here.

    >The word says you are the WIFE of Christ, so these scripture of a wife submitting to her HUSBAND apply as much to you as to >any earthly wife.

    You are mishandling scripture, here again, see my below response.

    Ephesians 5:22-24:

    The passage goes on to discuss the husband's role in the marriage relationship, emphasizing love, sacrifice, and mutual respect. It's often interpreted as a call for wives to submit to their husbands, but it's crucial to recognize that the emphasis is on mutual respect and sacrificial love within the context of a Christian marriage.

    While some Christians may use this passage to draw parallels between the relationship of Christ and the Church and the relationship between a husband and wife, it's important to remember that these passages primarily address the roles and responsibilities within a Christian marriage. They are NOT explicitly stating that an individual is the "wife of Christ" in the same sense as a human marriage.
  • Jordyn - In Reply - 6 months ago
    Brother Jim:

    Ephesians 5:25

    The word of God cuts both ways, a two edged sword.

    How many husbands love their wives as CHRIST loves the church ..... probably NONE.

    The word says you are the WIFE of Christ, so these scripture of a wife submitting to her HUSBAND apply as much to you as to any earthly wife.

    Those of us who live in glass houses shouldn't cast stones.

    God Bless YOU!
  • Jim Miller - 6 months ago
    I wonder if the majority of Western women who claim to be Christian do not actually submit to their Christian husbands. This is no small thing to Christ!

    1 Peter 3:1 (KJV) 1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

    1 Peter 3:5-6 (KJV) 5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: 6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

    Colossians 3:18 (KJV) 18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.

    Ephesians 5:22-24 (KJV) 22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

    Ep 5:23 The reason for the wife's submission is that her husband is her head. He occupies the same relation to her that Christ occupies to the church. Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. (The word Savior here can have the meaning of Preserver, as it has in 1Ti 4:10, JND). So the husband is head of the wife, and he is her preserver as well. As head he loves, leads, and guides; as preserver he provides, protects, and cares for her.

    We all know there is great revulsion against this teaching in our day. People accuse Paul of being a bigoted bachelor, a male chauvinist, a woman-hater. Or they say his views reflect the social customs of his day but are no longer applicable today. Such statements are, of course, a frontal attack on the inspiration of the Scriptures. These are not merely Paul's words; they are the words of God. To refuse them is to refuse Him and invite difficulty and disaster.
  • Jim Miller - 6 months ago
    "In our POST-Feminist Western culture where women are above men. I have often heard the scriptures regarding wives submitting to their husbands being "spiritualized." Rather than taking it at face value, they attempt to either "spiritualize" the passage such as "Oh, it means the man is the spiritual head." Other times they will attempt to merge two periscopes of scripture such as verse 21 which belongs to the prior periscope and attempt to apply it in the marriage periscope. Claiming oh it means "submit to one another in marriage."

    Yet the command is found yet again in Colossians 3:18 (KJV) 18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.

    2 Peter 3:16 (KJV) 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

    Yes, twisting scripture to their own destruction...

    Walk in Wisdom

    Ephesians 5:15-21 (KJV) 16 through verse 21(periscope) verse 21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

    Marriage--Christ and the Church

    Ephesians 5:22-28 (KJV)

    22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

    23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

    24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

    25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

    26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

    27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself."
  • Jim Miller - In Reply - 6 months ago
    Ephesians 5:11 (KJV) 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
  • David0921 - In Reply - 7 months ago
    Hello Jimbob,

    Please refer to my respond to Chris re Heb 4:12 and 1 Thessalonians 5:23.

    On your statements regarding the Wrath of God and the nature of Christ's Atonement, I must disagree.

    I would encourage you to carefully read Isaiah 53, the entire chapter.

    And also consider these verses:

    Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

    2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

    John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

    Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

    Ephesians 5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

    Colossians 3:6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

    So if God has "saved" us, it means that Christ, eternal God Himself, had taken upon Himself every dirty rotten sin that we have committed or ever will commit, and has paid the full penalty for those sins, the Wrath of God, Eternal Death, which we rightly deserve, required by the Law of God, as our substitute. And He has freed us from Bondage to Sin and Satan, and has raised us from Spiritual Death and given us Eternal Life. And will at the Last Day, complete our Salvation by giving us our Resurrected Spiritual Body ( 1 Corinthians 15) in which we will live and reign with Christ as joint inheritors with Christ of the New Heavens and New Earth for ever more.

    Praise God for so great Salvation!
  • Ronald Whittemore - In Reply - 7 months ago
    Hi Jema,

    I'm with you, I believe the Bible is the inspired word of God given to us. A reason we differ, preconceived ideas are obstacles to the truth. We all grow up in cultures where we inherit certain biased beliefs, values, and attitudes from our parents, teachers, religious affiliation, peer groups, and friends. When we study the Bible unless we can clear these obstacles, and beliefs when we read our sub-conscience mind will block the true meaning with the ones we have stored in our mind.

    We must empty our minds as we know nothing, take out the garbage, pray, and let the Spirit of Truth show us the true meaning of what we are studying. We must keep in mind we get milk first and then meat and it can be years between.

    I also believe in one God and Father of all, who is the God and Father of Jesus, the Son of God, the Messiah/Christ.

    John 20:17 Romans 15:6 2 Corinthians 1:3 2 Corinthians 11:31 Ephesians 1:3 Ephesians 1:17 Ephesians 5:20 Colossians 1:3 1 Peter 1:3 1 Corinthians 8:6.

    God bless,

    RLW
  • Frankie J - In Reply - 7 months ago
    Ok, preacher

    Let take a look at what you stated

    Every 'deception' and 'truth' can be confirmed with the 'Word of God' for the 'Word is God ' ( John 1:1). It is the only Book in the world that is able to do that.

    The Word of God is not a Book, the Bible, it's the words of God & a true testimony of Him, but not God the Word.

    Was the Bible in the beginning with God or was God the Word ? Is the Bible able to discern the intend & thoughts of your heart? or God the Word, who is a sharp two edged sword piercing even to the dividing of soul & spirit. Is the Bible able to ride a white horse ? or the Word of God, Rev 19:11-16

    It was the Word of God who the Lord possess in the beginning of His ways, Proverbs 8:22-36

    Christ the Word, the power & the Wisdom of God who was with God in the beginning.

    You been corrected in this seven mountain theory of yours,

    Friend, it appears that He, the living Word of God has found you out & your faith is flawed, for your own words are a witness against you, deceived would be a appropriated word for this situation you now find yourself in.

    Unfortunately in your carnal natural state your understanding has been blinded to this, but there is repentance if you turn from darkness, from the power of Satan to God, the Light that been reveal to you. Ephesians 5:18

    & truly may God grant you this repentance, though it maybe just a sin of ignorance.

    A friend In love & truth
  • Frankie J - 8 months ago
    Concerning.....The Axe laid to the Root of the old Corrupt Tree

    Meaning- the True knowledge of God conforms us to the Divine Nature, Rom 8:29 1John 4:17

    Walking & living in the Spirit, Gal 5:22,23, Ephesians 5:9, They're truly born again of the Incorruptible Seed & sin not 1John 3:9 & those that are not led or have the Spirit are none of His. Rom 8:9

    False knowledge does not destroy the works to the devil, but leaves the corrupt Tree standing, meaning the old Adamic nature, the man of sin, because his seed (Satan) remains in him, thus one continues in sin, though he or she is ever so conversant in the letter of the Scriptures.

    In love & truth
  • Pastor Ray - In Reply - 8 months ago
    I'm not sure if this is what you are asking or not, but the Bible pictures the Word of God as water in Ephesians 5:26. Also I agree that the Bible is signified as a sword and that God does this for a reason. He says that His word is the Sword of the Spirit in Ephesians 6:17 and Hebrews 4:12. I think this is also found in Revelation 1:16. Out of Jesus's mouth is the Word of God so out of His mouth comes a sword in Revelation. I truly believe that it is symbolic. Also Jesus gives us the example of fighting the Devil with quoting the Word of God. The only offensive weapon. It is not a coincidence. God's word is a sword because it is not only used to be shared, but also used as the weapon against Satan, his demons, and his followers.
  • Frankie J - In Reply - 8 months ago
    Hi

    Thank you for your encouragement, I do see the Truth, as I stated it.

    You can be assured that Jesus prayers will be answered. What He did for us allows us to fulfill the Great Commission of Gen 1:27

    Habakkuk 2:14. this I have received from the Lord, not in studies of man made books, but in waiting in silience upon Him in His Spirit.

    & besides, lets take a closer look at present day Christianity, everyone is saying "He's coming soon, even at the door" they have one feller on this site, saying it going to happen just like the movie Left Behind, Ha ! As if God would share the riches of the treasures of His knowledge with Hollywood.

    Friend, in all honesty, & simplicity of heart, Where on this planet do you see His Bride, who is Ephesians 5:27 ,let your own conscience answer that question. John 8:9 Rev 18:4



    In Love & Truth.
  • Frankie J - 8 months ago
    Friend, you stated in pt 4

    "Why do we say that sanctification makes us blameless, not faultless? Because the Grace of God working in us does not make us infallible. Sin has so perverted our moral and spiritual powers that we shall never in this present life be free from the infirmities of human nature."

    This is a subtle lie, cleverly disguise within a lot of truth, whether intentional or not, I hope it was the later.

    blameless def; is an adjective that means "innocent of wrongdoing" or "free from blame or fault"

    faultless def; is an adjective that means having no fault, mistake, defect, imperfection, blemish, flaw, error, vice, or offense. It describes something that is perfect in all respect

    Titus 2:11-14 all iniquity

    Jude 1:24 faultless without blame, without blemish, faultless.

    From a (as a negative particle) and momos; unblemished (literally or figuratively) -- without blame (blemish, fault, spot), faultless, unblamable.

    Ephesians 5:27

    The Grace of God is the Almighty, who we have in these earthen vessels; Isa 14:27 only to the unbelievers are these things impossible Matt 13:58 Hebrews 3:19
  • Frankie J - In Reply - 9 months ago
    3 of 3

    So what has happen? Jude1:4 when it states they deny our Lord & Savior, He's talking about Grace / Light spiritual appearance within our hearts, the still small Voice of conscience. So these intruders has change Grace meaning, & turning it as a means to continue in sin, this would put Jesus as a promoter of sin & making it easy for us to continue in sin; Meaning a Gospel with no Cross to bear & denial of self, which Cross would purges & cleanse us from all sin.

    You stated; New birth, regeneration & new creation does not mean a sinless state by no means. This is a total contradiction to the Holy Scriptures.

    1Pet 1:23, 1John 3:9 & why? Because this Incorruptible Seed remains in him, who is Christ. They that are Christ has been buried with Him, meaning their dead unto sin, Rom 6 Which is indeed the Baptismal of the Holy Spirit purging out all the chaff. (sin) the old spiritual nature, were self is seen no more, & receiving Power to be witnesses unto Him, meaning we're conformed Rom 8:29 Christ the Head, we're the body, Ephesians 5:30 1Cor 6:17 Is Christ join to sin? Friend, you know that answer!

    You say "we have limits all of us" I agree in the sense of different calling within His body for service, but not from excluding us to be free from all sin.

    You say, "so sin does not only originate from the flesh, but from the spirit as well"

    The body is just a vessel, being animated by the soul & spirit, if we are Rom 12:1,2 & are brought to the new birth in spirit, 2Pet 1:3,4 the body will be follow

    You say "in life we have the Spirit partially" Gal 3:2 you decide the increase of you talent, Matt 9:29 there's no limit on how much of God we may inherit..

    You say, "that Spirit has not transformed our nature" He transforms our carnal mind & put to death our carnal nature by the Cross/Grace/Light, & by His

    2 Pet 1:3,4 God does nothing but through His Son & by His Spirit.

    In love & truth
  • Richard H Priday - 9 months ago
    God's provisions and covenants

    Proverbs 18:22 states that he who finds a wife finds a good thing; a blessing from the Lord. This; as with any other scripture should be in context; in this case it is to a covenant for a lifetime partner (see Malachi 2:14). Time and space won't be sufficient to explore the relevant passages in Deuteronomy and how they apply today to a family being blessed; but nonetheless the principles apply as in Ephesians 5 and elsewhere are relevant today. Surely Billy Graham was right in stating that the "family that prays together stays together."

    God is on display when a family is worshipping together in fellowship and harmony. I have seen functionally this tends to be a strength in the Reformed churches; but with the underlying risk of "religiousity" when children especially are simply living out a role and behavior that they are used to; rather than having any real meaning to them. In any case; it seems to stand out when this is a reality; when you see a whole family truly worshipping God it is an awesome and humbling sight; in my opinion.

    Psalm 37:25 states that David never saw the righteous or their children begging for bread. As a dogmatic promise; I can't say that is a promise when you evaluate how many have starved especially in our world in recent years. However the OPPOSITE is certainly true; those weighed down by idolotry; and false religion certainly are more prone to calamity. The case of the cows roaming around in India in the midst of starvation has been a stark reminder of this situation.

    When Jesus was on earth; it doesn't really say whether or not the work of some contributed to His ministry; it does mention some women supporting Him. Certainly Paul worked and we are all called to do the same. Too often it seems that the "mundane" everyday tasks of work and chores are somehow "less spiritual" than time in church fellowship. His blessings are material; and spiritual and it is hard to separate them.
  • Frankie J - In Reply - 9 months ago
    1 of 3

    Your strengthening the fig leaf covering here!

    Chris, tell me, the experience you spoke of in your car, did you pull out your Strong's concordance for understanding, to correct your thoughts or for that matter to make you aware them? Or, was it the Light of God Spirit within you, that admonish you? Ephesians 5:13;

    New life equated; being free from sin, not just in & of itself, but the best part, being partakers of the Divine Nature, union with John 17:21,22,23; Jesus came to show us the image & likeness that God created man in, Matt 11:29; Gal 5:22-24; this is the true dignity & glory of our creation, & how he took dominion over the earth. Mark 6:48,49; Mark 4:39-41; Matt 17:27; etc; fulfilling Gen 1:26 & will ultimately fulfill it through His body, the church, here on earth as it is in heaven.

    I have not stated; as you're implying the perfecting of the body, physically, it still remains under the penalty of sin consequences. Yet can be pure & holy, being animated by the new birth & renewing of the mind by His Spirit; John 3:3-6; 1Thess 5:23,24; "wholly", not of position only, but possession.
  • Frankie J - In Reply - 9 months ago
    Hi Richard,

    1Jn 1:8-10 explains the operations of John 16:8; & the exercises of Hebrews 5:13;14; when He convicts of sin or of righteousness, He bring these two seeds of thought within into judgment. The still small Voice of conscience that reproves us of sinful thoughts, words or actions, this is Grace Titus 2:11 / Light John 1:9 Christ spiritual appearance within our hearts, Ephesians 5:13; to 1 John 3:8; if rejected, His word has no place within us, & we call Him a liar & why? John 3:19,20; Rom 1:18,19; rejecting Him, we suppress the Truth in unrighteousness. Therefore we don't John 1:12; but if we receive His convictions, we received the power that comes with the conviction to become the sons of God, for the 1Cor 12:7; More insight of the Spirit operations within conscience, Rom 2:15;

    So there's a time when Holy Spirit comes to us as sinners, for Rom 3:23 & a time ( if we received His words ) repentance is granted & we're cleanse from all sin. 1 John 1:9; Titus 2:14; 2Cor 7:1; by the 1 Pet 1:23; = Light, becoming Matt 5:48; 1 Pet 1:15,16; for they that are 1Cor 6:17 & in Him 1 John 3:5; All by the working of Grace / Light / Spirit appearance within conscience.

    In Love & Truth

    Frankie J
  • Richard H Priday - 9 months ago
    Church: Beyond five senses ( John 16:8).

    Sin; righteousness and judgment to come may not be the only function of the Holy Spirit but is essential. While a Word of Knowledge or Prophecy may be used to wake someone up; those filled with the Spirit and having their garments white and unspotted ( Ephesians 5:27 and other passages) who themselves are living with a healthy fear of the Lord will be noticed.

    Perhaps it would be better to intentionally make people UNcomfortable by bringing them to church; it should start with ourselves when we see others who are clearly sold out to Christ that at times may put us to shame.

    We know from the Word that it is the sin NATURE that is the root of all sorts of bad fruit causing behaviors (i.e. sinful actions). It seems rare today; along with the lack of fear of the Lord; "sloppy agape" as they call it for many to take seriously sin even after being genuinely saved. Discipline is needed; but of course the adage "we don't smoke; cuss; drink or dance" and other things to that affect aren't going to do anything against the power of sin. Legalism is dead by itself; along with the doing it "my way" adage. (Man all these quotes probably will get me flagged).

    Lest we wake up someday in many of our churches and realize that we are a motley crew without much in common with each other and decide to call it a day and move on; often we find ourselves in the same boring pattern of worship week after week.

    Once we realize how strange it is that we are; as it were His peculiar people we can understand how fellowship in the Spirit is supposed to work. It is easy to connect with the prettiest; smartest or most gifted orator in our congregation; or be more wrapped up in customs or even doctrinal knowledge than being in corporate worship of the LIVING God who ever lives to intercede for us ( Heb. 7:25 again).

    How to minister to others based on giftings and callings comes AFTER we get beyond focusing on just our five senses.


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