We are to be at peace with one another, forgive one another, have mercy on one another.
Just a few references.
1 Thessalonians 4:9
Ephesians 4:32
Galatians 5:26
Galatians 6:2
Matthew 7:12
1 John 4:7
However, we don't lie or deceive one another for the sake of peace. The truth hurts sometimes but it promotes spiritual growth providing that the Christ spirit is in the person.
BELEIVERS SHUNNING OTHER BELEIVERS.
To shun is to deliberately avoid something or someone. In the Bible, the word shun is applied to evil. Job 1:8, Job 28:28, Proverbs 3:7-8Proverbs 14:16. So, shunning evil is good.
There is scripture that promotes excommunication. Matthew 18:15-17; 2 Thessalonians 3:14. but do we do it for harm or Good? What's the intent?
In any case, it would seem that extreme forms of shunning, such as considering someone "dead," utterly ignoring him, or refusing to acknowledge his existence, go beyond what Scripture commands.
After all, Jesus said that, when someone is put out of the church, he should be treated as "a pagan or a tax collector" Matthew 18:17. In other words, treat an intractable offender as an unsaved person.
How are we to treat the unsaved? With love and grace.
The "pagans and tax collectors" need to be evangelized. We are to love even our enemies ( Matthew 5:44).
The goal of excommunication and any form of shunning is restoration ( Galatians 6:1).
The purpose of any type of discipline is to prompt repentance and, ultimately, to reunite our fallen brother or sister with the church body. Being officially ostracized from the church, the sinner might be brought to repentance.
When the man in the Corinthian church later realized that he had sinned against God, he repented and came back to the church for forgiveness and reinstatement. Fellowship with the Corinthian believers was restored ( 2 Corinthians 2:6-11).
Isn't it hateful to ignore or shun other believers?
A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. ( Galatians 5:9).
And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. ( Malachi 4:6)
The first verse serves as a warning for any so called "revivals"; the last is related to the end times witness of Elijah and probably John the Baptist as a forerunner in his time. A church consists as any other element of society of individuals and a collective group and the sum is greater than its parts at least in the case of a healthy church. If we study the Laodiceans in particular however we could say the opposite; that the power is truly only in the hands of a few that will receive a reward; and/or make the Rapture (at least for those who are deceiving themselves as to having saving faith).
One major concept that needs to be grasped is that we are all as the Body of Christ working for the same goal and should find ways to work with different local and international ministries that are preaching truth. There of course needs to be careful consideration for any signs of associations with those ministries that clearly have spurious doctrines about key theological issues. In general the vision should focus on fulfilling the Great Commission rather than always planning on grandiose and exorbitant construction of new facilities; conferences etc. To help discipleship efforts within and without must be a key priority. Leadership needs to be open to the Spirit's leading in regard to changes and transitions in the future; having competent financial accounting but not making a corporate business structure the chief pursuit. Short term mission trips are great for youth especially; as well as having missionaries come visit home churches and do witnessing in our country as well. Group efforts in sharing the Gospel on a regular basis should be a foundation as well.
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. ( Revelation 21:8)
These verses at the end of the Bible and representing the end of the wicked is the end result of those who won't heed to warnings such as 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; see also Galatians 5:19; Ephesians 5:5 and many other scriptures on the subject. We do well to heed to what was said in the last verse of 1 Corinthians 6 of this reference (v. 11) where it states that some were this but they have been sanctified and justified.
There are several issues here that I feel need to be addressed. First is the difference between a sinful lapse; a sinful habit and a sinful lifestyle. All three of these behaviors could be attributed to nonbelievers; albeit in today's society there would be few that would care about a slip up except perhaps some atheists who hold to what they consider a moral standard superior to much of society. Clearly as a Christian we shouldn't play games with God with any type of sin. The third category; however is something that must be abandoned; otherwise there is no fruit of our salvation. Also we undestand that breaking the law in one area makes us guilty of breaking it all ( James 2:10). Often one sin leads to another; whether it is abuse or abandonment of a family due to the greed of a gambling addiction (something which is being advertised currently in local media); or murder stemming from the bad fruit of adultery or fornication that usually is also tied to greed or jealousy; etc.
The word "fearful" in Revelation 21:8 is in many translations "cowardly". It results when men fear man over God which we are to have a healthy fear of and ignores ( Proverbs 29:25). Wanting the praise of men is at least equally if not worse because it compromises our bold witness against sin ( John 12:43).
Hello SheD: I am so sorry to hear how unhappy you are. "Lord I pray that for your child and I ask that Your will be done and this marriage can be healed completely. Please show this sweet sister what it is that You would have her do to begin this healing. You are a great, great God of love and peace and I pray that you will pour all Your love on her and her husband. It seems, Lord, that he may need Your salvation, that his heart is not in the right place with you, so I pray he will be convicted and give his heart to you that Your blessed salvation will be his so he will have the love of Christ in his heart and for his wife. I pray Lord that this sister will put her eyes on you and trust you completely that your will is done. Oh Lord, give her strength to be all that she can be as the wife you would want her to be even if her husband doesn't respond right away. Give her patience mightily to treat this man with Your love and to do it with the fruit of the spirit. Your, precious word says that the way of a wife sanctifies the husband because he sees her loving him as You love her. I pray dear Lord, again, that above all else in this trouble our sister is going through, that Your will be done. and this marriage is healed in a beautiful way. Amen" God Bless :)
Hello Jpiegaro. This is a subject that has been debated often & it really boils down to how one approaches & understands God's Word on this matter, as also with other subjects.
My understanding on this, indeed on all matters pertaining to Israel, is that the Ten Commandments which includes the necessity of keeping the Sabbath Day holy was wholly incumbent upon Israel & Israel alone. No other people received the Decalogue, as also with circumcision, the festivals, sacrifices, priestly functions, other laws, etc. Unfortunately, when the Jew turned to Christ, as also with the Gentile, the knowledge they had or we received from the Old Testament are presumed to be automatically passed onto & applied to those now In Christ. We readily acknowledge the laws concerning our relationship to God & to one another, as given in the OT, but then imply that Sabbath-keeping must also apply to us. We do so in ignorance.
Shabbat (Hebrew, from the root, Shin-Bet-Tav), being the seventh day, means 'to cease, to end, to rest', & Israel was to sanctify (set apart) this day for cessation from all activity, even as the LORD Himself hallowed it ( Exodus 20:10,11). There could be no transposition of this Sabbath Day to any other day; hence, it was never 're-converted' to become a Sunday, thus the term 'Christian Sabbath' really is a misnomer. One can use the 7th day, or any day, as a day of rest as desired, but I don't ever see it as a requirement for those who are In Christ Jesus, as those now under a new Law given us (even, imputed in us) by the Holy Spirit ( Romans 8:2) & also being led of the Spirit ( Galatians 5:18). When we look at the Gospels & the Acts of the Apostles, we find many references to the Sabbath Day, since either the Law was still in force (pre-Cross) or the apostles took advantage of the day for ministry to the Jews in synagogues (in Acts). But in NT Church practise, they met on the 1st Day of the Week, with no reference to the old Law of Sabbath(s).
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16.
The gospel is power!
Good advice is not worth the snap of the fingers unless there is power to see it through.
There is three steps to our Salvation.
Justification.
Sanctification.
Glorification
Justification is "an act of God whereby He pronounces a sinner to be righteous because of that sinner's faith in Christ." We are justified, or declared righteous, at the moment of our salvation.
Sanctification is "the process by which Christians are set apart for God from the rest of the world, or the process by which Christians are made holy." Progressive, or experiential, sanctification, as it is sometimes called, is the effect of obedience to the Word of God in one's life. It is the same as growing in the Lord ( 2 Peter 3:18) or spiritual maturity.
Glorification is "God's final removal of sin from the life of the saints so that they stand faultless before Him in glory in eternity"
As Christians, we were justified when we confessed Christ and believed ( Romans 10:9), we are sanctified as we grow in holiness through the work of the Spirit.
Ephesians 4:11-32; Galatians 5:16-24, and we will someday be glorified when we are resurrected into eternal life ( Colossians 3:4).
Justification is a one-time event, sanctification is a process, and glorification is a future event.
If you are a Christian, you are guaranteed all three steps.
I agree there are many people who claim they are "Christians" but don't walk the walk, however, I don't quite understand what you mean that Paul hadn't reached "salvation." Salvation is when we sincerely repent and accept Christ as our Savior and we are in God's good graces, we can trust that Heaven is our destination as long as we continue to walk in the Spirit. Paul was definitely saved, a true believer. It's perfection in the Christian life that we want to reach for, through the perfecting power of the Holy Spirit. We learn how to reach this perfection by sincere, consistent prayer, study of God's word and fasting, in always loving our Savior and by living a holy, righteous life, WITHOUT sin, which we must do. Some people believe that because we are human we are too weak to live without sin (sinning/christian doctrine) but to me that also says that the redeeming, divine blood of Christ is too weak to overcome our sinful natures. Not So! This doctrine ignores that we CAN live without the "old man nature" because Christ told us to. See Eph 4:21-24, Galatians 5:16, Galatians 5:19-21 and Galatians 5:24. This doctrine doesn't differentiate between faults/weaknesses, (same thing), and sins. EXAMPLE: If you are angry and jealous with someone at work and you always want to lash out at them but instead you trust the Holy Spirit to keep you from lashing out and to learn to love this person in Him, it stays a weakness until eventually the anger and jealousy change to the patient love of Christ and the weakness is overcome. But if you give in to the anger and jealousy and are always sullen and unkind to this person this mindset is sinful, your soul is in danger of being lost. Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." These two promises don't go together, they are an either/or promise from God. One is for sin, the other for righteousness. God bless :)
As Believers, we know that the LORD JESUS CHRIST is our only answer for the trials and troubles we are going through today in the Middle East and in our nation here in the USA. Let us, as saints, be faithful, diligent, and obedient to HIS Word.
Hebrews 2:
1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
GOD bless our leaders in DC with the mind of CHRIST through HIS salvation. The LORD to shine HIS face on our state and local leaders in CHRIST name. Bless our pastors and true believers to lift up HIS name at all times through our conversation, witness and testimony.
Galatians 4: 8-11, 8Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. 9But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? 10Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. 11I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain."
It is obvious that Paul asks us not to observe days.
In Galatians 5:1-2, Paul also says, "1Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. 2Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing."
In the epistle to Galatians Paul makes clear that we are not saved by the Law. We are freed from its rule.And in the Law he includes observing days and months and times and years and all those that the Law commanded the Israelites to obey.
In Romans, chapter 14, Paul talks about days and meat and drink
Verse 5, "One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind."
Does that mean that it is OK to observe days? Although in verse 6, he says, "He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks." in verse 1 he calls those who consider some days as holy, also avoiding specific meats and drinks, as weak in faith.
Verse 1 "1Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs."
And in verse 14 he goes on "14I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is"
You have just said in prior post that you have never met one believer that has not sinned in some way as a believer. Here's the great problem of those which justifies themselves as keepers of the Sabbath day according to the letter of the Law, for as said James in his universal epistle- James 2:10- , "whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all". What more does the Word of GOD say? Romans 2:12 ->... as many as have sinned in the Law shall be Judged by the Law, therefore, he who sins in the Law becomes guilty of all, then by the Law he will be condemned for sure. Galatians 3:11 - ...no man is justified by the Law in the sight of GOD it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
Galatians 5:4 - Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the Law; ye are fallen from grace.(are wretchad)
Galatians 3:8-10
8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that GOD would justify the Gentiles through faith(not by the Law), preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
10 For as many as are of the works of the Law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the Law to do them.
Romans 7:6 - 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.
Hebrews 4:
12 For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom WE MUST RENDER AN ACCOUNT.
May we learn to love and praise the LORD. May we forget not of HIS forgiveness of our sin and the power of HIS presence in our lives. It is most unfortunate for us to only really want and desire what we had after we have lost it. Colossians 3:1
Let us stay close to the "ROCK" of our salvation, and the wisdom of our GOD through our diligent study and application of HIS word. Let us walk in the LORD and not fall to the lust of this world. Galatians 5:16
GOD bless everyone as we enter into this new year 2024!
January 1, 2024
The Lord to shine HIS face on all who love HIM; and bless us gloriously.
The destruction of offspring made in God's image certainly is occurring today; even if it isn't directly related to idol and demon offerings and sacrifices. Exodus 23:7 and Proverbs 24:11 are prescient verses regarding this matter.
As I stated in the last post; Satan has come close to his goal but ultimately will never succeed. We should heed to God's warnings when destruction is on the horizon; whether war or famine. It is true that we don't always know what is happening but unlike Lot we should seek to remove ourselves from the council of the ungodly (see Psalm 1) before God's wrath comes. The enemy typically works in two ways; either through direct physical persecution or through deceptions involving the mind (or both). The days of sugarcoating his agenda are gone; as seen from the in your face Satanism in the schools and entertainment.
The attempt to break free from the fetters and boundaries God has set in place (see Psalm 2) seems to show that the attempted overthrow of Christ Himself as stated in the Psalm as well as Revelation 19 isn't that far off.
We are salt and light; as long as we remain here on this earth in the "church age". 1 Peter 4:17 states that judgment begins at the house of God and the intrusion of many damnable heresies in many churches today started with subtle deception ( Galatians 5:9). It is clear that God's people is a focus of where the enemy intrudes; we see this with colleges an religious studies; for example where the agenda is even more squewed towards leftist leanings there than in other studies. While we have seen in this nation and European ones in particular this attack plan; the enemy has caused more persecution and death than in all history from what some say in the 20th Century; no doubt continuing today. This tends to grow the church; however. That is a fair warning to those steeped in "Christian tradition" or a form of godliness denying the power ( 2 Tim. 3:5-7).
Our GOD and KING shows us the type of person an officer of the church should be. In fact, all believers and members of the body of CHRIST should strive to the same level of sanctification. Our commitment and obligation to the LORD is to follow HIS word.
We seek to glorify and praise HIS name and show our trust in HIM by following HIS word closely as shown in the Scriptures we have in our hand.
May we be crucified in CHRIST and walk in HIS spirit. Galatians 5:16
Thank YOU FATHER, for the joy of the LORD is our strength.
GOD bless everyone this Christmas season, and have a happy New Year!
I hope you'll let me be straight with you. I mean no offense but perhaps you overlooked the part in my comment where I said I loathed ALL false doctrines but loved and grieved over the poor souls that are deceived by them. Well I did, and I do. I think that's compassion. You once said you didn't defend the Catholic Church but it seems that you are. Defending a false doctrine so people who are immersed in them can be placated is very harmful. One false teaching is idolatry, among so many other things, and the people have such a heartfelt desire to believe in that. They may get truly saved by someone's witness but if they continue to commit that idolatry, like praying the rosary and lighting candles to false gods, they will be like the seed that fell on the wayside and the fowls (idolatry) devoured them Matthew 13:4. I was raised a Catholic, had to stick with it until I left home because my mother asked me too. That was a while ago but I have kept up with it's influence in the world and it is getting worse and worse as time goes on. I would never say the Pope was the antichrist. I would never say anyone is the antichrist. To me that is not wise. As to the part of the Catholic doctrine being true, Jesus said "you can't serve two masters - Matthew 6:24. One will be hated and the other loved. The scriptures also says in Galatians 5:9 " a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump." A little false doctrine ruins the whole doctrine. Catholics believe in the one true God but idolize the Pope. They worship Mary and a whole slew of other dead people, salvation is obtained by good works, etc. I think you understand. All false doctrines probably have a little bit of truth mixed in. That's how the devil in lures souls in. Might I suggest you study the doctrines of Catholicism. See if they don't teach many things contrary to what the KJB teaches. You can find them on a Catholic Church website so you will know they are the true teachings. God Bless :)
If I may, you said you are focusing more on your faith which is great, praise God. Your question are angel numbers real? I will add are witches real, are demons real are mediums, horoscopes, etc. The answer is yes, but we are not supposed to deal with them. Angel numbers are a part of numerology, they may appear in the most ordinary places, these digits usually grab our attention, and even if for only a moment they evoke a sense of wonder, like sugar to an ant.
The danger is they can open doors to things that at first seem good and harmless but are like drugs, harmless at first but when the fangs sink in, it's over.
These are just a few verses you can find many more. If we put our faith outside of God, we are on dangerous ground. Numerology goes way back. The Babylonian Cube, it was a system of worship using numbers adding 1+2+3+ up to 36 = 666. they had it on an amulet they wore to protect them. It would be hard to explain it in this short reply.
There are things in this world that look as pretty and sweet as cotton candy but are more ravenous than you can imagine, Believe me.
I hope this helps and that you don't take it as coming from a fruitcake, but it is out of love, dark things are out there that you do not want to come across.
God gives us His Spirit and it is His Spirit that produces the faith the Bible speaks of. We do not have the capacity to produce the faith we read about. Now, both believers and nonbelievers alike can produce human faith, but this type of faith is different than the faith the Bible speaks of. Only Gods Spirit can produce spiritual faith, or saving faith ( Galatians 5:22).
As far as Philippians 1:29, here is my understanding:
It says, "For unto you it is given," and by the way, the word given is the word graced. God has blessed you, favored you, in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake;
Isn't that good news? It's God's will! Just like Peter says in his letter, why are you so surprised for the fiery trials that come up against you?
It's God's will that not only you believe, but that you suffer for the sake of Christ.
But check out what it says in the next verse ( Philippians 1:30):
Having the same conflict, and that's the word agony. Having the same agony which you saw in me, and now you hear to be in me.
Paul says, you want to know what it looks like, what I just told you about believing and suffering? It's the same agony that you see in my life, as I, like an athlete battle with the opponent all day long.
That's not just God's will for Paul. That's for every believer!
Thank You LORD for reminding us of the possibilities for those who forsake and neglect the righteousness the LORD; and for those who adhere and are stead fast to YOUR commandments!
May we take up the "mantle of Elijah" and pray as directed by YOUR word for our country, the peace of Jerusalem and especially the lost souls who have been blinded by the god of this world.
GOD to shine HIS face on all who eagerly await HIS return and bless us gloriously. May the LORD'S hand be evident in the lives of the saints.
Take heart believers, GOD'S promises always comes to pass! Let us put on the amour of the LORD and be prayed up, and stand up "...wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." Eph 6: 11-18
Let us study and be ready to give an answer to every man who ask us for the reason for the hope we exhibit in our lives as we walk in the Spirit of the LORD GOD.
1 Peter 3:15; Galatians 5:16
May we read, study, and meditate in order to be sanctified in the LORD JESUS CHRIST; and avail ourselves to the leading of the HOLY GHOST, within us, to the opportunities of witness, service and praise to our GOD.
In my last post I ended with a discussion of the legalism of the Pharisees; as well as those that have what I call "sloppy Agape" or attempt to gloss over sin and use grace and forgiveness of all past; present and future sins as their excuse. In both of these cases at least for those who remain in a church fellowship we see an idolization of the Pastor most often who no doubt is contributing to one or the other error mentioned here. A true believer would move on if there is heresy coming from one of their own (see Acts 20:30). Justifying self righteousness is aided; of course when someone is financially well to do and credits the church leadership that promises "sowing a seed" will add to prosperity for all (whether or not they are giving a large sum themselves). The opposite of this are those widows and old ladies who are fleeced to their last dollar mesmerized by a Pastor who promises health and happiness with obedience and warns against not doing this despite what common sense would otherwise show.
This first paragraph assumes corrupt leadership. Another sign of our faith is respecting elders and pastors who ARE feeding the flock and tending the sheep properly. (see 1 Timothy 5:17). Disrespect of such authority often mainfests in impatience if a sermon runs 5 minutes late; frustration when genuine financial needs are brought up; lack of participation and interest in prayer and doing service projects in the church and for the comunity; etc. Beyond this; the admonitions of 1 John about loving the brethren are ignored (see 1 John 4:20). Such parishioners will sometimes leave; and we shouldn't strive to force them to stay.
There are others attempting to spread false doctrines which were of course never part of the true flock (see 1 John 2:19). They may leave but if not need to be dealt with lest they be a cancer that affects the whole flock (see warning in Galatians 5:9).
I thought I would start in the Old Testament; realizing of course that the Holy Spirit didn't remain with a man as it does in the New Testament era. There are; nonetheless principles here that need to be addressed. Perhaps an appropriate start is with the story of Saul and the prophets. 1 Samuel 10:10 states "the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them." A similar event happened in 1 Samuel 19:24. When we see the last state of Saul; who the night before his death consulted with a witch to seek his fate ( 1 Samuel 28) and other things that happened once he started pursuing David; we see a man who probably died lost.
The principle here is that God COULD allow certain true manifestations in the Spirit to occur with someone (as we see with Judas Iscariot going out and healing/casting out demons along with the other 11 Disciples in Luke 9:1-2.) The manifestation of the Spirit therefore doesn't guarantee FRUIT of the Spirit which is in all those who have true faith (again as illustrated with the Parable of the Sower and the seed in Matthew 13; and as we see listed in Galatians 5:22-23. We see quite the opposite in Saul; we see jealousy; strife; and a murderous intent; and presence of a tormenting spirit or demon.
Suffering for His name's sake and prioritizing the Lord over everyone and everything else was a challenge the Lord used on many would be disciples such as in Luke 9:57-62 with three men in a row who apparently walked away after being challenged.
Jesus chose His 12 Apostles as Disciples carefully; the 11 who truly believed along with the 12th in the Book of Acts chosen would rule and reign with Christ someday ( Matthew 19:28). This would cost them their lives; however as martyrs except for John. A crown is promised for martyrs ( Rev. 2:10). Others are for pastors; those patiently waiting for His coming; evangelists; and apparently for self control. Many variations exist; let the reader study all passages
What matters and prevails is the Word of GOD. The Word is GOD, self-executing.
Again:
We can do nothing against Truth, except by the Truth. The Devil said to JESUS:" It is written-Ps.91:11- He shall give his angels charge concerning thee:and in their hands they shall bear thee up..." JESUS said to the Devil: But it is also written,Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy GOD
Your spirit surreptitiously suggested / suggests to keep the commandments given to Moses.
Galatians 5:4-5
4 Christ is become of no effect unto you (means separated from Christ), whosoever of you are justified by the Law(the commandments); ye are fallen from grace.
5 We through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
Galatians 3:10-12
11 The just shall live by faith, no man is justified by the Law of Moses in the sight of GOD, it is evident:
12 The Law is not of faith
Matthew 11:13 - JESUS said: All the prophets and the law prophesied until John . period
10 As many as are of the WORKS of the Law (given to Moses) are under the CURSE. -> God forbiden
Good evening and morning! A couple of meditations.
1 Corinthians 9:10 - 11 "Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresherh in hope should be partaker of his hope.
If we have sow unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing we shall reap your carnal things?
If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.
Do you not know that they which minister about the holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?"
Galatians 5:5- 8 " For we through the Spirit wait for the Hope of righteousness by faith.
For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you."
WAs actually just thinking of you today! Glad to hear from you.
I agree that obeying God is part of our Christian walk from beginning to end. when we set our hearts on what God's way is, we receive the blessing of becoming more like Jesus when we then obey God's will. The other blessing of obeying God's will is that of losing our appetite to sin in the ways we previously were beholden to. Now that we are in Christ, we die to these sinful desires daily, moment by moment, putting to death the works of the flesh, as Paul teaches in Galatians 5:24.
Anyone who teaches that we do not need to live a godly life are teaching wrongly. The Spirit always leads us to obedience, not into sin. So, those who love God and walk according to the Spirit will walk in obedience. Our obedience does not "save us", only the person and work of Christ does that. But one who claims to be Christ's ought not live in disobedience as we have an obligation to live in godliness for our own sake and for the sake of our witness. If we truly desire to become like Jesus, having the mind of Christ and to live for Him, we will do so in obedience. One who claims to be Christ's and does not imitate Him and access the power from the Spirit to refuse sinful desires is fooling themselves as Jesus said in the Scripture you quoted that not all who call Him Lord will enter the kingdom of God, rather those who do the works He calls us to do.
Hi Gasman. Yours are good questions & often very debatable when considering the construct of man & the Work of the Holy Spirit within Him or even, upon Him. Firstly, we do understand from the Word, that we are tripartite beings (i.e. composed of soul, spirit & body): 1 Thessalonians 5:23. The 'body' aspect we know, but it can be difficult to correctly understand the difference between the soul & spirit. So, if we take it as the soul being our mental, emotive powers & the spirit being the 'life force', all given by God so that can be living creatures able to experience all that God has given us & of course, our return of worship & thanks to our Creator, then we can somewhat understand how God's Spirit connects with us.
Only when a person has been born again by God's Spirit ( John 3:3), can that person be in a new revived position of receiving & giving communication to our Heavenly Father. God sends His Spirit to be with us & in us ( John 14:17), but His Spirit doesn't replace our spirit, nor does He overrule us to the extent that we cease to think & behave as ordinary people. So, when He ministers to us (whether in decision-making, personal conduct, in worship, in understanding the Word, etc.), it becomes our choice as to whether we allow His gentle & precise ministry to influence us or not. Sadly, we often allow carnal thoughts or pre-conceived ideas or beliefs to take precedent over His, much to our detriment. But when we are truly walking (& worshiping in the Spirit) - Galatians 5:16,25 - then we will truly know His Peace, that which 'surpasses all our understanding & inclinations' ( Philippians 4:7), joyfully allowing Him to lead us, especially in worship & in faith, for all we experience.
Your questions 'to which spirit'? Our spirit is never laid aside in the functioning of man - our faculties are always in force. It is how much we allow the Holy Spirit to take control in our lives, our worship, even 'wisdom in allowing others into our lives' ( Romans 8:1-28).
To S Spencer - I beg to disagree with what you stated.
Firstly, the 8 verses in John 15:1-8 certainly refer to Christians being grafted into Jesus so as to produce the required "fruit" - but your understanding of 'the fruit' associating with the "fruit of the Spirit" as you stated in Galatians 5:22-23 is not correct. In other words, does God the Father seek "...love, joy, peace..." back to Himself from Christians?
As an example, if I meet a Christian man who is abrupt, discourteous, angry and generally offensive, I know that he does NOT have the Holy Spirit's presence within him. On the other hand, if I meet another man who exhibits, "...love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" and especially is a LOVER OF BIBLE TRUTHS - then I know that such a man has the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit within him.
In John 15:2 and especially verse 6, Jesus is very clear that if Christians FAIL to produce unto God the required quantities of "spiritual fruit" expected, God the Father will remove them permanently from Christ. When that happens, John 15:6 says they become "withered" (spiritually) prior to men (or angels - Matthew 13:40-42) later gathering them prior to burning in the Lake of Fire.
Therefore, the "spiritual fruit" that God the Father requires to be seen brought unto Him from each Christian during their lifetime on the Earth represents the souls of men, women and children "lost" in Satan's kingdom and brought into God's kingdom ( Luke 15:7) through the preaching of the Gospel.
In the parable of the Sower and the Seed, Jesus described the quantities of "souls saved" through the preaching of the Gospel as being 100, 60 or 30 souls (my understanding). If Christians fail to produce less than 30 lost souls into God's kingdom throughout their lifetime on the Earth, it is questionable whether they have Salvation, given the words of Christ in John 15:2, 6.
When comparing the two I believe the difference is in fruit barring.
This is something that can only be done by being connected to the genuine vine. John 15:1-5.
We can do nothing without Christ.
These verses and many others is tied to this "working of the Holyspirit."
Romans 6:5-10.
Romans 8:11.
This is the life giving spirit that we get once we truly believe.
This is baptism!
This is Christ in us, and we in him.
Jesus said that those who abide in Him will bear much fruit. That fruit is more than ministry results, it is also the evidence of a life lived in God.
IF WE'RE CONNECTED TO THE VINE WE WILL BARE FRUIT!
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Galatians 5:22-23
This is what the natural man can not do and what the OLD COVENANT couldn't produce.
Galatians 5:17-18 says; "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
BUT IF YE BE LED OF THE SPIRIT, YE ARE NOT UNDER THE LAW"
Also see.
Matthew 7:18.
Salvation is inward. It's a new heart that CAUSES you to produce fruit.
It's not forced by command.
Christ put his life giving Holyspirit IN you, and that "Holyspirit in you" won't turn you from him.
It would be turning him from himself.
Again; This is Christ in you, and we in him.
Ephesians 4:30 is something the law and the Old covenant couldn't do. See; " Galatians 5:17-18"
Now what you do, it is he that works in you! Philippians 2:13.
By fruit we shall know them and by it, we can examine ourselves also.
We can use Galatians 5:19-26 as a guide.
Ephesians 4:1-16 is what every Christian should keep by his side.
Part 3.
How should Christian treat one another?
We are to be at peace with one another, forgive one another, have mercy on one another.
Just a few references.
1 Thessalonians 4:9
Ephesians 4:32
Galatians 5:26
Galatians 6:2
Matthew 7:12
1 John 4:7
However, we don't lie or deceive one another for the sake of peace. The truth hurts sometimes but it promotes spiritual growth providing that the Christ spirit is in the person.
BELEIVERS SHUNNING OTHER BELEIVERS.
To shun is to deliberately avoid something or someone. In the Bible, the word shun is applied to evil. Job 1:8, Job 28:28, Proverbs 3:7-8 Proverbs 14:16. So, shunning evil is good.
There is scripture that promotes excommunication. Matthew 18:15-17; 2 Thessalonians 3:14. but do we do it for harm or Good? What's the intent?
In any case, it would seem that extreme forms of shunning, such as considering someone "dead," utterly ignoring him, or refusing to acknowledge his existence, go beyond what Scripture commands.
After all, Jesus said that, when someone is put out of the church, he should be treated as "a pagan or a tax collector" Matthew 18:17. In other words, treat an intractable offender as an unsaved person.
How are we to treat the unsaved? With love and grace.
The "pagans and tax collectors" need to be evangelized. We are to love even our enemies ( Matthew 5:44).
The goal of excommunication and any form of shunning is restoration ( Galatians 6:1).
The purpose of any type of discipline is to prompt repentance and, ultimately, to reunite our fallen brother or sister with the church body. Being officially ostracized from the church, the sinner might be brought to repentance.
When the man in the Corinthian church later realized that he had sinned against God, he repented and came back to the church for forgiveness and reinstatement. Fellowship with the Corinthian believers was restored ( 2 Corinthians 2:6-11).
Isn't it hateful to ignore or shun other believers?
See part 4.
A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. ( Galatians 5:9).
And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. ( Malachi 4:6)
The first verse serves as a warning for any so called "revivals"; the last is related to the end times witness of Elijah and probably John the Baptist as a forerunner in his time. A church consists as any other element of society of individuals and a collective group and the sum is greater than its parts at least in the case of a healthy church. If we study the Laodiceans in particular however we could say the opposite; that the power is truly only in the hands of a few that will receive a reward; and/or make the Rapture (at least for those who are deceiving themselves as to having saving faith).
One major concept that needs to be grasped is that we are all as the Body of Christ working for the same goal and should find ways to work with different local and international ministries that are preaching truth. There of course needs to be careful consideration for any signs of associations with those ministries that clearly have spurious doctrines about key theological issues. In general the vision should focus on fulfilling the Great Commission rather than always planning on grandiose and exorbitant construction of new facilities; conferences etc. To help discipleship efforts within and without must be a key priority. Leadership needs to be open to the Spirit's leading in regard to changes and transitions in the future; having competent financial accounting but not making a corporate business structure the chief pursuit. Short term mission trips are great for youth especially; as well as having missionaries come visit home churches and do witnessing in our country as well. Group efforts in sharing the Gospel on a regular basis should be a foundation as well.
These verses at the end of the Bible and representing the end of the wicked is the end result of those who won't heed to warnings such as 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; see also Galatians 5:19; Ephesians 5:5 and many other scriptures on the subject. We do well to heed to what was said in the last verse of 1 Corinthians 6 of this reference (v. 11) where it states that some were this but they have been sanctified and justified.
There are several issues here that I feel need to be addressed. First is the difference between a sinful lapse; a sinful habit and a sinful lifestyle. All three of these behaviors could be attributed to nonbelievers; albeit in today's society there would be few that would care about a slip up except perhaps some atheists who hold to what they consider a moral standard superior to much of society. Clearly as a Christian we shouldn't play games with God with any type of sin. The third category; however is something that must be abandoned; otherwise there is no fruit of our salvation. Also we undestand that breaking the law in one area makes us guilty of breaking it all ( James 2:10). Often one sin leads to another; whether it is abuse or abandonment of a family due to the greed of a gambling addiction (something which is being advertised currently in local media); or murder stemming from the bad fruit of adultery or fornication that usually is also tied to greed or jealousy; etc.
The word "fearful" in Revelation 21:8 is in many translations "cowardly". It results when men fear man over God which we are to have a healthy fear of and ignores ( Proverbs 29:25). Wanting the praise of men is at least equally if not worse because it compromises our bold witness against sin ( John 12:43).
Galatians 5:22
1 Corinthians 7:4
My understanding on this, indeed on all matters pertaining to Israel, is that the Ten Commandments which includes the necessity of keeping the Sabbath Day holy was wholly incumbent upon Israel & Israel alone. No other people received the Decalogue, as also with circumcision, the festivals, sacrifices, priestly functions, other laws, etc. Unfortunately, when the Jew turned to Christ, as also with the Gentile, the knowledge they had or we received from the Old Testament are presumed to be automatically passed onto & applied to those now In Christ. We readily acknowledge the laws concerning our relationship to God & to one another, as given in the OT, but then imply that Sabbath-keeping must also apply to us. We do so in ignorance.
Shabbat (Hebrew, from the root, Shin-Bet-Tav), being the seventh day, means 'to cease, to end, to rest', & Israel was to sanctify (set apart) this day for cessation from all activity, even as the LORD Himself hallowed it ( Exodus 20:10,11). There could be no transposition of this Sabbath Day to any other day; hence, it was never 're-converted' to become a Sunday, thus the term 'Christian Sabbath' really is a misnomer. One can use the 7th day, or any day, as a day of rest as desired, but I don't ever see it as a requirement for those who are In Christ Jesus, as those now under a new Law given us (even, imputed in us) by the Holy Spirit ( Romans 8:2) & also being led of the Spirit ( Galatians 5:18). When we look at the Gospels & the Acts of the Apostles, we find many references to the Sabbath Day, since either the Law was still in force (pre-Cross) or the apostles took advantage of the day for ministry to the Jews in synagogues (in Acts). But in NT Church practise, they met on the 1st Day of the Week, with no reference to the old Law of Sabbath(s).
We can do the right thing with the wrong heart and we fall short of perfection.
TO BE PERFECT YOU WOULD HAVE TO BE BLAMELESS.
1 Corinthians 8:9-12 is another scenario to consider.
We often think of the things we do wrong as sin.
What about the things we don't do right or good? Consider James 4:17.
Here's our goal.
Galatians 5:25-26
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Let's see if we are perfect in this using Galatians 5:24 "And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts."
Here's a list of the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21.
( Most of these we can claim on the surface but God judges the heart.)
Are we PERFECTLY blameless in not doing any of these in our hearts?
THOSE ARE A LIST OF THINGS A CHRISTIAN SHOULDN'T BE DOING. ( If we are doing these we are sinning.)
Christians are known "BY" there Love for one another and should be barring fruit.
John 13:34-35.
1 John 4:20-21.
Matthew 7:15-16.
Let's use Galatians 5:22-23 to see what we should be doing. "PERFECTLY since our focus is on the ability to be perfect in these natural bodies.
love,
joy,
peace,
longsuffering,
gentleness,
goodness,
faith,
Meekness,
temperance.
IF YOU ARE NOT DOING THESE PERFECTLY "FOREVER ON! YOU ARE NOT PERFECT OR BLAMELESS.
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. James 4:17.
God bless.
The gospel is not good advice.
However, the gospel is much more than good news!!
The gospel is "the power of God UNTO salvation".
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16.
The gospel is power!
Good advice is not worth the snap of the fingers unless there is power to see it through.
There is three steps to our Salvation.
Justification.
Sanctification.
Glorification
Justification is "an act of God whereby He pronounces a sinner to be righteous because of that sinner's faith in Christ." We are justified, or declared righteous, at the moment of our salvation.
Sanctification is "the process by which Christians are set apart for God from the rest of the world, or the process by which Christians are made holy." Progressive, or experiential, sanctification, as it is sometimes called, is the effect of obedience to the Word of God in one's life. It is the same as growing in the Lord ( 2 Peter 3:18) or spiritual maturity.
Glorification is "God's final removal of sin from the life of the saints so that they stand faultless before Him in glory in eternity"
As Christians, we were justified when we confessed Christ and believed ( Romans 10:9), we are sanctified as we grow in holiness through the work of the Spirit.
Ephesians 4:11-32; Galatians 5:16-24, and we will someday be glorified when we are resurrected into eternal life ( Colossians 3:4).
Justification is a one-time event, sanctification is a process, and glorification is a future event.
If you are a Christian, you are guaranteed all three steps.
THE GOSPEL IS "THE POWER OF GOD UNTO SALVATION!
God bless.
I agree there are many people who claim they are "Christians" but don't walk the walk, however, I don't quite understand what you mean that Paul hadn't reached "salvation." Salvation is when we sincerely repent and accept Christ as our Savior and we are in God's good graces, we can trust that Heaven is our destination as long as we continue to walk in the Spirit. Paul was definitely saved, a true believer. It's perfection in the Christian life that we want to reach for, through the perfecting power of the Holy Spirit. We learn how to reach this perfection by sincere, consistent prayer, study of God's word and fasting, in always loving our Savior and by living a holy, righteous life, WITHOUT sin, which we must do. Some people believe that because we are human we are too weak to live without sin (sinning/christian doctrine) but to me that also says that the redeeming, divine blood of Christ is too weak to overcome our sinful natures. Not So! This doctrine ignores that we CAN live without the "old man nature" because Christ told us to. See Eph 4:21-24, Galatians 5:16, Galatians 5:19-21 and Galatians 5:24. This doctrine doesn't differentiate between faults/weaknesses, (same thing), and sins. EXAMPLE: If you are angry and jealous with someone at work and you always want to lash out at them but instead you trust the Holy Spirit to keep you from lashing out and to learn to love this person in Him, it stays a weakness until eventually the anger and jealousy change to the patient love of Christ and the weakness is overcome. But if you give in to the anger and jealousy and are always sullen and unkind to this person this mindset is sinful, your soul is in danger of being lost. Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." These two promises don't go together, they are an either/or promise from God. One is for sin, the other for righteousness. God bless :)
Hebrews 2:
1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
GOD bless our leaders in DC with the mind of CHRIST through HIS salvation. The LORD to shine HIS face on our state and local leaders in CHRIST name. Bless our pastors and true believers to lift up HIS name at all times through our conversation, witness and testimony.
January 13, 2024 Galatians 5:16
In Galatians, Paul says:
Galatians 4: 8-11, 8Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. 9But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? 10Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. 11I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain."
It is obvious that Paul asks us not to observe days.
In Galatians 5:1-2, Paul also says, "1Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. 2Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing."
In the epistle to Galatians Paul makes clear that we are not saved by the Law. We are freed from its rule.And in the Law he includes observing days and months and times and years and all those that the Law commanded the Israelites to obey.
In Romans, chapter 14, Paul talks about days and meat and drink
Verse 5, "One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind."
Does that mean that it is OK to observe days? Although in verse 6, he says, "He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks." in verse 1 he calls those who consider some days as holy, also avoiding specific meats and drinks, as weak in faith.
Verse 1 "1Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs."
And in verse 14 he goes on "14I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is"
Greetings in Christ JESUS
You have just said in prior post that you have never met one believer that has not sinned in some way as a believer. Here's the great problem of those which justifies themselves as keepers of the Sabbath day according to the letter of the Law, for as said James in his universal epistle- James 2:10- , "whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all". What more does the Word of GOD say? Romans 2:12 ->... as many as have sinned in the Law shall be Judged by the Law, therefore, he who sins in the Law becomes guilty of all, then by the Law he will be condemned for sure. Galatians 3:11 - ...no man is justified by the Law in the sight of GOD it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
Galatians 5:4 - Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the Law; ye are fallen from grace.(are wretchad)
Galatians 3:8-10
8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that GOD would justify the Gentiles through faith(not by the Law), preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
10 For as many as are of the works of the Law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the Law to do them.
Romans 7:6 - 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.
Hebrews 4:
12 For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom WE MUST RENDER AN ACCOUNT.
Let us stay close to the "ROCK" of our salvation, and the wisdom of our GOD through our diligent study and application of HIS word. Let us walk in the LORD and not fall to the lust of this world. Galatians 5:16
GOD bless everyone as we enter into this new year 2024!
January 1, 2024
The Lord to shine HIS face on all who love HIM; and bless us gloriously.
Galatians 5:
16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Thank YOU for FATHER for blessings and benefits YOU have freely given us.
Happy New Year everyone!
December 29, 2023
The destruction of offspring made in God's image certainly is occurring today; even if it isn't directly related to idol and demon offerings and sacrifices. Exodus 23:7 and Proverbs 24:11 are prescient verses regarding this matter.
As I stated in the last post; Satan has come close to his goal but ultimately will never succeed. We should heed to God's warnings when destruction is on the horizon; whether war or famine. It is true that we don't always know what is happening but unlike Lot we should seek to remove ourselves from the council of the ungodly (see Psalm 1) before God's wrath comes. The enemy typically works in two ways; either through direct physical persecution or through deceptions involving the mind (or both). The days of sugarcoating his agenda are gone; as seen from the in your face Satanism in the schools and entertainment.
The attempt to break free from the fetters and boundaries God has set in place (see Psalm 2) seems to show that the attempted overthrow of Christ Himself as stated in the Psalm as well as Revelation 19 isn't that far off.
We are salt and light; as long as we remain here on this earth in the "church age". 1 Peter 4:17 states that judgment begins at the house of God and the intrusion of many damnable heresies in many churches today started with subtle deception ( Galatians 5:9). It is clear that God's people is a focus of where the enemy intrudes; we see this with colleges an religious studies; for example where the agenda is even more squewed towards leftist leanings there than in other studies. While we have seen in this nation and European ones in particular this attack plan; the enemy has caused more persecution and death than in all history from what some say in the 20th Century; no doubt continuing today. This tends to grow the church; however. That is a fair warning to those steeped in "Christian tradition" or a form of godliness denying the power ( 2 Tim. 3:5-7).
We seek to glorify and praise HIS name and show our trust in HIM by following HIS word closely as shown in the Scriptures we have in our hand.
May we be crucified in CHRIST and walk in HIS spirit. Galatians 5:16
Thank YOU FATHER, for the joy of the LORD is our strength.
GOD bless everyone this Christmas season, and have a happy New Year!
December 21, 2023
When I repent and confess my sins to HIM, HE is faithful and just to forgive me, and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
When I walk in the Spirit; it will keep me from sin. Galatians 5:16
Thank YOU LORD JESUS for the joy of serving YOU.
Merry Christmas to all, and a prosperous New Year.
GOD to shine HIS blessed face on all who read, pray, and follow HIS precepts and commandments.
December 21, 2023
If I may, you said you are focusing more on your faith which is great, praise God. Your question are angel numbers real? I will add are witches real, are demons real are mediums, horoscopes, etc. The answer is yes, but we are not supposed to deal with them. Angel numbers are a part of numerology, they may appear in the most ordinary places, these digits usually grab our attention, and even if for only a moment they evoke a sense of wonder, like sugar to an ant.
The danger is they can open doors to things that at first seem good and harmless but are like drugs, harmless at first but when the fangs sink in, it's over.
Leviticus 19:31 Leviticus 20:27 1 Chronicles 10:13 Micah 5:12 Acts 19:18-19 Galatians 5:20 Revelation 21:8.
These are just a few verses you can find many more. If we put our faith outside of God, we are on dangerous ground. Numerology goes way back. The Babylonian Cube, it was a system of worship using numbers adding 1+2+3+ up to 36 = 666. they had it on an amulet they wore to protect them. It would be hard to explain it in this short reply.
There are things in this world that look as pretty and sweet as cotton candy but are more ravenous than you can imagine, Believe me.
I hope this helps and that you don't take it as coming from a fruitcake, but it is out of love, dark things are out there that you do not want to come across.
God bless you.
RLW
God gives us His Spirit and it is His Spirit that produces the faith the Bible speaks of. We do not have the capacity to produce the faith we read about. Now, both believers and nonbelievers alike can produce human faith, but this type of faith is different than the faith the Bible speaks of. Only Gods Spirit can produce spiritual faith, or saving faith ( Galatians 5:22).
As far as Philippians 1:29, here is my understanding:
It says, "For unto you it is given," and by the way, the word given is the word graced. God has blessed you, favored you, in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake;
Isn't that good news? It's God's will! Just like Peter says in his letter, why are you so surprised for the fiery trials that come up against you?
It's God's will that not only you believe, but that you suffer for the sake of Christ.
But check out what it says in the next verse ( Philippians 1:30):
Having the same conflict, and that's the word agony. Having the same agony which you saw in me, and now you hear to be in me.
Paul says, you want to know what it looks like, what I just told you about believing and suffering? It's the same agony that you see in my life, as I, like an athlete battle with the opponent all day long.
That's not just God's will for Paul. That's for every believer!
Blessings to you in Christ!
May we take up the "mantle of Elijah" and pray as directed by YOUR word for our country, the peace of Jerusalem and especially the lost souls who have been blinded by the god of this world.
GOD to shine HIS face on all who eagerly await HIS return and bless us gloriously. May the LORD'S hand be evident in the lives of the saints.
Take heart believers, GOD'S promises always comes to pass! Let us put on the amour of the LORD and be prayed up, and stand up "...wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." Eph 6: 11-18
Let us study and be ready to give an answer to every man who ask us for the reason for the hope we exhibit in our lives as we walk in the Spirit of the LORD GOD.
1 Peter 3:15; Galatians 5:16
May we read, study, and meditate in order to be sanctified in the LORD JESUS CHRIST; and avail ourselves to the leading of the HOLY GHOST, within us, to the opportunities of witness, service and praise to our GOD.
Happy up-coming holidays, brethren!
September 22, 2023
In my last post I ended with a discussion of the legalism of the Pharisees; as well as those that have what I call "sloppy Agape" or attempt to gloss over sin and use grace and forgiveness of all past; present and future sins as their excuse. In both of these cases at least for those who remain in a church fellowship we see an idolization of the Pastor most often who no doubt is contributing to one or the other error mentioned here. A true believer would move on if there is heresy coming from one of their own (see Acts 20:30). Justifying self righteousness is aided; of course when someone is financially well to do and credits the church leadership that promises "sowing a seed" will add to prosperity for all (whether or not they are giving a large sum themselves). The opposite of this are those widows and old ladies who are fleeced to their last dollar mesmerized by a Pastor who promises health and happiness with obedience and warns against not doing this despite what common sense would otherwise show.
This first paragraph assumes corrupt leadership. Another sign of our faith is respecting elders and pastors who ARE feeding the flock and tending the sheep properly. (see 1 Timothy 5:17). Disrespect of such authority often mainfests in impatience if a sermon runs 5 minutes late; frustration when genuine financial needs are brought up; lack of participation and interest in prayer and doing service projects in the church and for the comunity; etc. Beyond this; the admonitions of 1 John about loving the brethren are ignored (see 1 John 4:20). Such parishioners will sometimes leave; and we shouldn't strive to force them to stay.
There are others attempting to spread false doctrines which were of course never part of the true flock (see 1 John 2:19). They may leave but if not need to be dealt with lest they be a cancer that affects the whole flock (see warning in Galatians 5:9).
LET US MEDITATE ON MATTHEW 10:16!!!
I thought I would start in the Old Testament; realizing of course that the Holy Spirit didn't remain with a man as it does in the New Testament era. There are; nonetheless principles here that need to be addressed. Perhaps an appropriate start is with the story of Saul and the prophets. 1 Samuel 10:10 states "the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them." A similar event happened in 1 Samuel 19:24. When we see the last state of Saul; who the night before his death consulted with a witch to seek his fate ( 1 Samuel 28) and other things that happened once he started pursuing David; we see a man who probably died lost.
The principle here is that God COULD allow certain true manifestations in the Spirit to occur with someone (as we see with Judas Iscariot going out and healing/casting out demons along with the other 11 Disciples in Luke 9:1-2.) The manifestation of the Spirit therefore doesn't guarantee FRUIT of the Spirit which is in all those who have true faith (again as illustrated with the Parable of the Sower and the seed in Matthew 13; and as we see listed in Galatians 5:22-23. We see quite the opposite in Saul; we see jealousy; strife; and a murderous intent; and presence of a tormenting spirit or demon.
Suffering for His name's sake and prioritizing the Lord over everyone and everything else was a challenge the Lord used on many would be disciples such as in Luke 9:57-62 with three men in a row who apparently walked away after being challenged.
Jesus chose His 12 Apostles as Disciples carefully; the 11 who truly believed along with the 12th in the Book of Acts chosen would rule and reign with Christ someday ( Matthew 19:28). This would cost them their lives; however as martyrs except for John. A crown is promised for martyrs ( Rev. 2:10). Others are for pastors; those patiently waiting for His coming; evangelists; and apparently for self control. Many variations exist; let the reader study all passages
What matters and prevails is the Word of GOD. The Word is GOD, self-executing.
Again:
We can do nothing against Truth, except by the Truth. The Devil said to JESUS:" It is written-Ps.91:11- He shall give his angels charge concerning thee:and in their hands they shall bear thee up..." JESUS said to the Devil: But it is also written,Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy GOD
Your spirit surreptitiously suggested / suggests to keep the commandments given to Moses.
Galatians 5:4-5
4 Christ is become of no effect unto you (means separated from Christ), whosoever of you are justified by the Law(the commandments); ye are fallen from grace.
5 We through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
Galatians 3:10-12
11 The just shall live by faith, no man is justified by the Law of Moses in the sight of GOD, it is evident:
12 The Law is not of faith
Matthew 11:13 - JESUS said: All the prophets and the law prophesied until John . period
10 As many as are of the WORKS of the Law (given to Moses) are under the CURSE. -> God forbiden
1 Corinthians 9:10 - 11 "Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresherh in hope should be partaker of his hope.
If we have sow unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing we shall reap your carnal things?
If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.
Do you not know that they which minister about the holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?"
Galatians 5:5- 8 " For we through the Spirit wait for the Hope of righteousness by faith.
For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you."
WAs actually just thinking of you today! Glad to hear from you.
I agree that obeying God is part of our Christian walk from beginning to end. when we set our hearts on what God's way is, we receive the blessing of becoming more like Jesus when we then obey God's will. The other blessing of obeying God's will is that of losing our appetite to sin in the ways we previously were beholden to. Now that we are in Christ, we die to these sinful desires daily, moment by moment, putting to death the works of the flesh, as Paul teaches in Galatians 5:24.
Anyone who teaches that we do not need to live a godly life are teaching wrongly. The Spirit always leads us to obedience, not into sin. So, those who love God and walk according to the Spirit will walk in obedience. Our obedience does not "save us", only the person and work of Christ does that. But one who claims to be Christ's ought not live in disobedience as we have an obligation to live in godliness for our own sake and for the sake of our witness. If we truly desire to become like Jesus, having the mind of Christ and to live for Him, we will do so in obedience. One who claims to be Christ's and does not imitate Him and access the power from the Spirit to refuse sinful desires is fooling themselves as Jesus said in the Scripture you quoted that not all who call Him Lord will enter the kingdom of God, rather those who do the works He calls us to do.
Only when a person has been born again by God's Spirit ( John 3:3), can that person be in a new revived position of receiving & giving communication to our Heavenly Father. God sends His Spirit to be with us & in us ( John 14:17), but His Spirit doesn't replace our spirit, nor does He overrule us to the extent that we cease to think & behave as ordinary people. So, when He ministers to us (whether in decision-making, personal conduct, in worship, in understanding the Word, etc.), it becomes our choice as to whether we allow His gentle & precise ministry to influence us or not. Sadly, we often allow carnal thoughts or pre-conceived ideas or beliefs to take precedent over His, much to our detriment. But when we are truly walking (& worshiping in the Spirit) - Galatians 5:16,25 - then we will truly know His Peace, that which 'surpasses all our understanding & inclinations' ( Philippians 4:7), joyfully allowing Him to lead us, especially in worship & in faith, for all we experience.
Your questions 'to which spirit'? Our spirit is never laid aside in the functioning of man - our faculties are always in force. It is how much we allow the Holy Spirit to take control in our lives, our worship, even 'wisdom in allowing others into our lives' ( Romans 8:1-28).
Firstly, the 8 verses in John 15:1-8 certainly refer to Christians being grafted into Jesus so as to produce the required "fruit" - but your understanding of 'the fruit' associating with the "fruit of the Spirit" as you stated in Galatians 5:22-23 is not correct. In other words, does God the Father seek "...love, joy, peace..." back to Himself from Christians?
As an example, if I meet a Christian man who is abrupt, discourteous, angry and generally offensive, I know that he does NOT have the Holy Spirit's presence within him. On the other hand, if I meet another man who exhibits, "...love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" and especially is a LOVER OF BIBLE TRUTHS - then I know that such a man has the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit within him.
In John 15:2 and especially verse 6, Jesus is very clear that if Christians FAIL to produce unto God the required quantities of "spiritual fruit" expected, God the Father will remove them permanently from Christ. When that happens, John 15:6 says they become "withered" (spiritually) prior to men (or angels - Matthew 13:40-42) later gathering them prior to burning in the Lake of Fire.
Therefore, the "spiritual fruit" that God the Father requires to be seen brought unto Him from each Christian during their lifetime on the Earth represents the souls of men, women and children "lost" in Satan's kingdom and brought into God's kingdom ( Luke 15:7) through the preaching of the Gospel.
In the parable of the Sower and the Seed, Jesus described the quantities of "souls saved" through the preaching of the Gospel as being 100, 60 or 30 souls (my understanding). If Christians fail to produce less than 30 lost souls into God's kingdom throughout their lifetime on the Earth, it is questionable whether they have Salvation, given the words of Christ in John 15:2, 6.
Any comments you might have would be appreciated.
When comparing the two I believe the difference is in fruit barring.
This is something that can only be done by being connected to the genuine vine. John 15:1-5.
We can do nothing without Christ.
These verses and many others is tied to this "working of the Holyspirit."
Romans 6:5-10.
Romans 8:11.
This is the life giving spirit that we get once we truly believe.
This is baptism!
This is Christ in us, and we in him.
Jesus said that those who abide in Him will bear much fruit. That fruit is more than ministry results, it is also the evidence of a life lived in God.
IF WE'RE CONNECTED TO THE VINE WE WILL BARE FRUIT!
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Galatians 5:22-23
This is what the natural man can not do and what the OLD COVENANT couldn't produce.
Galatians 5:17-18 says; "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
BUT IF YE BE LED OF THE SPIRIT, YE ARE NOT UNDER THE LAW"
Also see.
Matthew 7:18.
Salvation is inward. It's a new heart that CAUSES you to produce fruit.
It's not forced by command.
Christ put his life giving Holyspirit IN you, and that "Holyspirit in you" won't turn you from him.
It would be turning him from himself.
Again; This is Christ in you, and we in him.
Ephesians 4:30 is something the law and the Old covenant couldn't do. See; " Galatians 5:17-18"
Now what you do, it is he that works in you! Philippians 2:13.
By fruit we shall know them and by it, we can examine ourselves also.
We can use Galatians 5:19-26 as a guide.
Ephesians 4:1-16 is what every Christian should keep by his side.
God bless.
I'm on agreement with what Gigi posted.
It just wasn't anything to do with my post as far as requirements for salvation.
I was thinking along the lines of Paul in Galatians 5:2-4.
Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
However the Scriptural examples you gave puzzles me, but I will not get into that here.
What I will like to note is you seem to be saying, We as the body of Christ with Christ being the head we can live a perfect life.
Gigi stated in her reply "We never can be perfect like Christ.
I agree with her there as well.
We are to grow in grace.
I'm sure we all agree on that.
All these things is on this side of salvation.
My initial post was that the law was not meant to give life and Israel stumbled with that.
God bless.