I thought it fitting to also point out how those in leadership will also be held accountable on this subject. There are few in ministry who will ask the congregation to pray for their needs; or who will openly acknowledge when they have done something amiss. Specifically; it is methodologies that are often held from worldly experience that are used to build up ministries; such as slick advertising campaigns. I prefer to hold to the seeker unfriendly camp; or perhaps what has been coined "your worst life now". Such advice is exemplified in Paul's harsh retort to the Corinthians who were living "like kings" at the time ( 1 Cor. 4:8). Sounds familiar; right? It would be wonderful to see the Gospel preached out of envy ( Philippians 1:15-16). That would be the case if the world was being turned "upside down" ( Acts 17:6); but in truth there are few that want to go down in a blaze of glory which the martyrdom at the time exemplified.
Exhortation; or iron sharpening iron ( Prov. 27:17) is also becoming a rare art heading toward extinction. Sin may be covered by the blood; but undoubtably still can lead to death; at least as far as the body is concerned. Such is the case with 1 Corinthians 11:30. For us to not have some awareness of the Holy Spirit convicting us of sin after salvation ignores passages such as Galatians 5:17. It is easy to ignore the desires of the Holy Spirit in the contentious struggle and just focus on the struggle with the flesh; for conflict to occur evidence of the Spirit's sanctification must be present. Again; without such things all of our "good deeds" simply are a remake of our actions to satiate God to the best of our ability; without ceding control to the Lord's authority and power. His RIGHTEOUSNESS is the only way we are going to want to obey His commandments; the whole emphasis of Psalm 119 as an example. And the Bema Seat keeps us humble now; every action is judged ( 1 Cor. 3:13)
My LORD JESUS CHRIST is worthy of all the praise I can give HIM. I can only truly worship HIM when I know my KING personally through HIS word and the help of the HOLY SPIRIT in me.
GOD to shine HIS face on all who love and trust HIM; and bless us all gloriously. 2 Chronicles 7:14, 15; Galatians 5:16; Matthew 28:18-20;
2 Peter 3:9; Titus 2: 11-14;
Ephesians 2: 8-10
Thank YOU FATHER for preserving YOUR word for our daily use. May we enter into the harvest and seek to fulfill YOUR will in us.
Verses on repentance are rife in the scriptures. Taking a proactive approach after a confession of faith toward living a life of holiness separates the real from the pretenders; whether in our own lives or confronting the sin of others.
Such a matter as suing one another ( 1 Corinthians 6) illustrates how making proper judgments within the Body of Christ is to occur; so that Matthew 7:1 is taken into proper context. Naturally; we are to straighten out our walk to avoid hypocrisy and to see clearly; as Jesus indicated to take the speck out of a brother's eye. Psalm 139:24 indicates a prayer to see any "offensive way" in us. As my earlier post indicates; we can seek to conform our outer behaviors so that we don't cuss; drink; smoke or dance for example but we can still foster pride or greed or something else. This is the methodology which fails when trying to reform people without the Lord transforming the heart; merely substituting one sin for another. Or; as some have said we need a new "wanter". None of these actions to curtail behaviors will make us love God any more without Him ruling and reigning in our lives.
This desire not to shake the apple cart as it were stops many from confronting sins of others; which is a necessary tool to bring forth repentance when evangelizing as well as confronting things within the church. The sin NATURE; of course is the focus which needs to be stressed on the streets but we also see individuals with sinful lifestyles that must be repented of. That principle is for nonbelievers and those who confess Christ as well in light of 1 John 3:8-10. 1 Timothy 5:20 shows how indeed these confrontations are necessary in the church; and a responsibility of those in authority; such as Timothy was after Paul instructed him and trained him. 1 Timothy 5:24 shows how certain sins are more obvious than others; but all will be judged.
I pray that God the great God will help us to understand this question and many more that we require an swears to Amen.
it is written in proverbs 4;7
Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.
Remember Satan that old serpent, he is still at large and has blinded the world with his doctrines and this can be seen in many religions. As well as the churches that have given in to the culture and government which has forced rules over the church.
God has given us victory at the cross and we are set free form his chains that had bound us and we have liberty. Therefore, the Scriptures which cannot be broken has warned us not to use our freedom for the Flesh.
as it is written in
Galatians 5:13
For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
1. But this is the thing, there are millions of Christians who don't know Jesus Christ the son of God and their have never repented of their sins. Neither do they know what was done for us at the cross. for the preachers Left their mandate. and false preacher have risen and running churches with doctrines and traditions of men inspired by demons.
2. There are places where the gospel has not yet been preached therefore it is our responsibility to go minister to them in the ends of the world. do not be shocked we might even begin in our own houses then proceed to our Neighbour hoods for the sharped have perverted the gospel of God and have accepted sins, abominations in the churches.
True Christ vs. Imaginary (further examination of confessors vs. possessors)
The parable of the wheat and the tares should be alarming to everyone; and necessary instruction. ( Matt. 13:24-30). It is said that the wheat and tares are indistinguishable from one another before they are fully ripened. It appears from this parable that God has His purposes for these two groups to remain until the end of the age. Most probably; this is testing for those who ARE true believers to ensure that they won't fall for the temptations of this world as well as false or compromised doctines as well as a lifestyle of sin. Again; our society in general doesn't seem to be finding too many newcomers to churches because of it is a novel practice; or the world is being turned upside down ( Acts 17:6) which were characteristic of the church in Apostolic times.
However; the "damnable heresies" ( 2 Peter 2:1) are increasing along with 1 Timothy 4:1-2; etc. are invading former solid denominations so that a person can have a sense of respectability and pride in church attendance that tells them what they want to hear. Part of this; of course is the result of decades of permissive society and decline of morals; both within and without the church walls; I have stated before no doubt that the destruction of marriages is what I consider to be the primary initial cause especially post World War 2 of what we see today.
A primary example here is how people look at 1 John 2:1-2 on confession of sin and forgiveness. While it is true that Christ's death took care of all sin; past and future; we still have to confess sin; and if someone has the Holy Spirit in them they cannot be content with sin ( Galatians 5:17). a LIFESTYLE of sin such as continual adultery; theft; fornication; and other actions means that ultimately we don't trust God as to His warnings such as in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 as to reaping what we sow; and don't trust Him to be in the driver's seat in our lives and our souls.
You may not find it written like that in the scripture.
However that fact to be true but the battle isn't over as long as we're in the world.
Scripture records the end and all things will be made new.
We still have our adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour as mentioned in 1 Peter 5:8.
We also have this 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 as mentioned in Galatians 5:17.
In John 16:33 Jesus says; "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world".
Jesus said in John 18:36. "MY KINGDOM IS NOT OF THIS WORLD:
There's a heavenly kingdom yet to come!
Today he's calling out a people unto himself.
We were redeemed from this foreign cursed land by the precious blood of Christ as Peter mentioned in 1 Peter 1:17-19 as well as them of old who came before us as mentioned in Hebrews 11:13.
With that being said we are to be ambassadors for Christ. One who goes to a foreign country to do the business of he who sent you,
Satan is the prince of this world we live in.
I hope this helps and perhaps others would like to add,
The LORD is my ROCK in HIM I will hide, for HE is my shelter in the time of storm. I have nothing to fear or regret when I place all things into my LORD'S hands. For my KING the LORD JESUS CHRIST will make all things right and just and I will praise and worship HIM.
To truly praise and glorify HIM, I must therefore go forward as a soldier of the LORD to plant the seed, to water by helping to nurture disciples and baptizing them; giving to further the work, and having a disciplined and deeply rooted prayer life in HIS word. I will endeavor to study and meditate in HIS word to know the will of my SAVIOR GOD and going out to do the work that I am ordained to do.
Although, I fall woefully short in my desire to exalt my LORD; I press on for the sake of the high calling of my Savior KING. 2 Peter 3:9; Matthew 28: 18-20; 2 Chronicles 7: 14, 15; 1 Timothy 2:1-4; Psalms 126:6; Romans 10:9-12; Galatians 5:16
GOD to shine HIS face on all who trust in HIS Word and gloriously bless the works of your hands done in CHRIST Name.
Matthew 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
If one is not barring fruit and you are not sure by his doctrine he's probably a worker of the flesh.
You will notice the absence of "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance in him.
FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT AND WORKS OF THE FLESH.
See; Galatians 5:19-21.
Here's a few of the Characteristics I picked out of the list that has similar properties of one lacking the Spirit.
* Variance = contention debate strife variance.
* Strife = Contentious.
* Sedition = division sedition, "Perhaps one who brings an uproar with the intent to divide against.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST HERESIES.
( Probably is the cause of the previous three mentioned.)
*Heresies = properly a choice that is (specifically) a party or (abstractly) disunion . (heresy is the Greek word itself.) the formal denial or doubt of a core doctrine of the Christian faith as defined by one or more of the Christian churches.
If we bring such accusation as this on someone do we thrive with such a person?
Several passages in Revelation refer to those who "dwell on the earth." These are those who are not written in the Book of Life and who will take the Mark of the Beast.
All of us are asked to be in the world but not of it as believers. ( John 17:15-21). That which appeals to the flesh is not of God and the flesh and the Spirit contend with one another ( Galatians 5:17). We understand this in light of the fact that we are not to think that anything done in the flesh is inherently evil as those who accused Christ of being a "glutton and winebibber" ( Matt. 11:19). Marriage is honorable and the marriage bed undefiled ( Heb. 13:4); but God judges all those who go outside of the parameters God has set forth as indicated by the rest of that passage. We see more of this in the book of Corinthians ( 1 Cor. 10:31) to give glory to God whenever we eat or drink or do anything else.
In this world; the spirits of disobedience ( Eph. 2:2) and the Prince of the power of the air were who we were subjected to. 2 Corinthians 4:4 states that the god of this world has blinded men's minds to the truth. We should as believers hold fast to the promises of God in regard to verses such as Luke 10:19 as to Christ's victory over Satan and his minions. What the enemy can do; however is gain legal access into our lives with unconfessed sins; and destroy our testimony. I think I can say fairly confidently that the warfare in Ephesians 6 is almost always increased once one truly is saved; and particularly when the Lord has great plans in our lives. Great; of course is defined as important for His Kingdom not necessarily seen or acknowledged by anyone; or just a few should we need encouragement.
We should expect that much physical; emotional and mental suffering in our lives is due to interference from these entities. It is hard to extricate spiritual warfare in regard to the wounds on the soul and those on our physical body. I will elaborate on victory in future posts.
We are instructed to serve one another in regard to our spiritual gifts in this verse. 1 Peter 4:10 indicates this is how we are a good steward of what He has given us.
In Sunday school today; a discussion came up as to the matter of using gifts. It was correctly mentioned that this principle exists; along with the command of Christ in fulfilling the Great Commission. Therefore; whether we have a gift of serving or evangelism or not these activities should characterize a life of good fruit in maturing in the Lord. I also mentioned how often other individuals in fellowship are good at discerning either our strengths or weaknesses; which can be known or unknown to us at the time. This kind of encouragement to use our gifts should be something we seek out; and the Spirit of God makes it evident to those who are discerning. It was also brought out how someone as a Pastor can be more or less gifted in teaching.
Perhaps such levels of aptitude can allow those who are elders but not normally pastors can assist in the operation over a church (such positions are interchangeable to some respect as originally meant in scripture from what I am told). It is also fairly certain that a "head pastor" isn't really a title that adheres to scripture; particularly if there ISN'T any other elders; deacons; etc balancing things out. If anything there is someone to hold a Pastor accountable that is missing in that case.
I also find it interesting the whole core value system of Satanists; as they are for the self rather than interests or needs of others. That; sadly is also much of the focus of today's churches appealing to young singles. Salvation itself involves us becoming part of God's family; adopted as sons as Romans 8; Ephesians 1:5 and other verses indicate. The churches in Revelation 2 and 3 show a focus on individual salvation along with the health of the entire congregation in each synopsis of the 7 churches in question.
Taking on a responsibility such as witnessing means that we are tested with patience; no doubt. I have found it equally helpful for fellowship among believers as some are more gifted for teaching scriptures; others with a word of encouragement; others in prayer. Conversations among the brethren sometimes are deliberately planned to elicit a response. I prefer just discussing the Lord and whatever comes up; although one has to focus on the task at hand.
Prayer for one another under those circumstances is certainly helpful as some are cursed out or mistreated and certainly can use that support.
Of course love and that of Agape for the Lord should be evident in our attitudes as well as the messages which is the first of many fruits mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23. Joy is something that I tend to be lacking in expression myself; and that is the second attribute mentioned. We rejoice in seeing the Lord's work done; even if we have a day like Noah when no one repents.
It is declaring His Kingdom and bringing honor and glory to the Lord which should be what is foremost on our mind. Then; if there is backlash and persecution we are steadfast in focusing on Him; much like Stephen in the Book of Acts.
Luke 6:30 indicates giving to those who ask and the next verse indicates to do as you would have others do to you. We wouldn't give an alcoholic money for drinking in good concience and it isn't going to help a swindler to give money all the time.
We won't always know immediately about such individuals but some make it pretty clear. Wisdom has to be used and there is some difference in opinion as to how much we give; but a willingness to give must be part of witnessing when we are able; unless the Lord has made it clear otherwise.
The community from the few who are actively witnessing encourages fervent prayer; and consistency will bear fruit ( Isaiah 55:11). May we seek to join such laborers in the harvest.
Some of us like to cherry pick our way through the scriptures; but if we look at the whole history of man; the nation of Israel and even the church in the New Testament there are many problems and snares that were in Paul's time in the early church; and prophetically were warned about by Paul; Peter and Timothy as well as John in Revelation and James as well in regard to the last days. We need to both appreciate the fact that we need to walk the straight and narrow path that few find ( Matthew 7:14); and yet not be Pharisitical in inventing the narrowest most difficult path of legalism that heads to hell. In the whole subject and as much as can be understood about predestination and whatever free choices man is given while on this earth as to his life; in the end a certain number are saved and also lost. We can say with some confidence that as Jesus stated
"you shall know them by their fruits". ( Matthew 7:15-20). There are numerous passages describing these; which are summarized in Galatians 5:22. Bad fruits such as listed in Mark 7:21 are things which the Spirit should be weeding out of our lives.
However; when it becomes clear in the long term where one's affiliations lie; we can't make the mistake of sins; even some recurring ones as proving someone isn't saved. This is where the Lord will use a rebuke to work on someone; ultimately people in the faith need to listen to the Lord as He refines and chastises them. 1 John 1:8-10 make it pretty clear that none of us even if saved are without sin; or haven't sinned in years as some like to proudly proclaim. There are clearly some much more advanced intheir maturity than others; closer to the prize. Some are more "carnal" than others; it doesn't excuse continuing that way but again we hopefully learn not to do certain things after being a believer 20 years than say 3 weeks. Saying that he confesses us as called and chosen is needed along with whatever we may proclaim.
Thank you brother S. Spencer. You've presented some very good & worthy thoughts for all to consider. For the Christian to live a joyous & abundant life, must have at its root the knowledge that their relationship to the Father, His Son & His Holy Spirit are secure because of Who God is, what He has done, & the promises given in His Word.
For a believer to remain unsure of his salvation, trying his best to obey ALL the 'commandments' (not just found in the Ten), would to my mind, be a very fearful position to be in. Unfortunately, I think people have focussed on Church teaching & Christian behavior to determine that the 'eternal security of believers' is impossible because of the possibility of them falling away & ultimately rejecting Christ. Rather than consider that God makes no mistakes, that 'all which God hath given His Son, he should lose none of them' ( John 6:37,39). They fail to take into account that the Spirit's sealing (as you quoted from 2 Corinthians & Ephesians), is not a haphazard work dependent on the whims & fancies of the Christian - it is a permanent work of security, giving the believer the joy & power to live this Christ-separated, Christ-centered life.
And then the question that comes to mind: for those who are uncertain that their salvation is secure & whether they will stand confident at the Bema Seat Judgement, how much faith & obedience will it take to assure them of their acceptance? One may never be obedient enough or good enough if resting on their strivings to please the Lord. Does one then just give up & live carelessly (as the 'once saved always saved' are often categorized as)? As I mentioned elsewhere, I think that believers are lacking knowledge of the mighty working of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life, seeing spiritual failures all around, & therefore trying even harder to live the God-glorifying life in their strength. When the answer simply lies in 'living & walking in the Spirit' ( Galatians 5:16). Blessings.
Knowing God vs knowing about Him: reflections on Good Friday
John 14:9 shows how Christ rather emphatically questions Philip as to his compression of God the Father when in the presence of His Son. This verse is by no means isolated where He states what seems to be obvious as to His inevitable death on the cross; as well as His divinity. Matthew 16:17 shows what seems to be an incredible swing in Peter's life from supernatural wisdom from the Spirit; to being influenced by Satan himself just a few verses later in Matthew 16:23 when Jesus says "get behind me Satan."
Mark 10:33 as well as an equivalent passage in Luke and others in Mark 9 make it clear that Jesus repeatedly explained His fate.
This should serve as a warning to us; along with of course Peter's prophesied betrayal and denial of Christ (which BTW also was what the other disciples did; without making such a bold proclamation of loyalty as Peter did).
The Pharisees; clearly should have known who Christ was; as well as those residents of Chorazin; Bethsaida and Capernium ( Matt. 11:21-22) whose judgments were to be greater than Sodom and Gomorrah who apparently would have repented seeing such things. This is; to say the least a sobering statement. Clearly apart from Divine Revelation we all are blinded.
Romans 5:7-8 shows how although someone may die for a righteous man; for wicked rebels as us who would want to do so?
But the Father from the beginning had some who would be called His own; and chosen (see John 6:37 and many other verses in John on the subject of Predestination also some of my segments on that subject in discussing John).
As the Spirit strives against the flesh ( Galatians 5:17); we realize that we don't love God in our old nature once the Spirit takes residence. We understand not only consequences of our sin; but that we don't want to grieve the Spirit ( Ephesians 4:30). It must be love which leads us to obedience ( John 14:15). Apart from grace our efforts are in vain.
Thank you brother for your kind words & yes, it's good to be back after a lovely short spell away. I did miss you all & tried to keep up to date with various submissions by folk, whenever I was able to connect with my intermittent internet.
And thanks for the reminder: 'by whom we are 'persuaded'. Every Spirit-filled believer ought to be constantly in tune with & be led of the Holy Spirit, though how often our flesh raises its ugly head & 'persuades' us to disobey. But we cannot claim ignorance or apathy when that happens - we WILL know it - the Spirit will not let a millisecond pass by without an immediate sense of straying off the path of holiness & truth - it just cannot happen to the one Spirit filled. What we do with His Word alerting us or convicting us, indicates how well we are walking in the Spirit ( Galatians 5:16,24,25) & pleasing our Lord.
When a man easily drifts into sin, sensing no spiritual alert, maybe even finding some Scripture & distorting it to fit his lust, that man truly needs to stop in his tracks, come aside for a while & "examine himself" whether he truly has the faith that saves, secures, & satisfies. And for many, I think, this is hard to come to grips with: how can they determine that the life they live, the decisions they make & recognizing how & when the Spirit is working, are truly of God & not from human capabilities & expertise? Human goodness & desires can often be intermingled with the Spirit's Voice & leading, bringing about confusion. But we should know the difference - as mature believers, it should be abundantly clear to us of the difference between the Spirit speaking (& persuading) and the persuasions from the flesh. And when the flesh is crucified daily, as the apostle did, we can be assured of being led only of the Spirit & our thoughts & hopes will always be directed heavenward. Every blessing brother & thanks again for sharing on this very important topic to remind us 'that we're not our own' ( 1 Corinthians 6:20).
Thanks brother Jesse for the great & important Truth that you have shared here: Salvation is all of God: He draws, He saves, He gives new birth, He secures, & He gives the sure Hope in this life & into eternity. I reflected on your reference to 2 Corinthians 13:5: "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?"
This I believe was the position & concern of each of the NT writers, not just in calling out evident sin in the Church, but for each one to examine themselves whether they were even in the Faith. In some cases this was clear (as in 1 John 2:18,19), and in others such as Hebrews 3:12-14: "Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end", a little unclear. The message here was for each one to encourage & counsel those being led astray by sin or deception, that they might turn back to holy living & not face the Lord's Discipline. But if they persisted, not holding their "confidence stedfast unto the end", it only showed that "they were not all of us", only displaying a show of godliness & religious experience, but inwardly knowing their deceitfulness & hypocrisy.
The Word is abundantly clear that the believer could never acquire or sustain his salvation by his efforts, rather, by the working of the Holy Spirit indwelling him ( Titus 3:4-7; Romans 8:9; Galatians 5:24,25). Unfortunately, alongwith the oft preached Gospel of salvation, i.e. 'from God & sustained by man', comes the rarely heard messages of 'life & power given to believers to know, to pursue & enjoy, which comes from the indwelling Spirit'.
It was nice to read your literal renderings of the verses you shared.
Paul writes on the same subject, in Galatians 5:17, "For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are opposing to one another; in order that you should not do what you want." These scriptures show that believers cannot be taken away from Christ by the flesh, because the Spirit of God is dwelling within to prevent that from happening.
Jesus Himself said, as recorded in John 6:37, "All that the Father gives to me will come to me; and the one coming to me I will never cast out." He goes on to say, in John 6:39, "And this is the will of the Father who has sent me, in order that of all which he has given to me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up in the last day."
Also, in His prayer to the Father, as recorded in John 17:11-12, Jesus said, "And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep through your own name those whom you have given to me, in order that they may be one, as we are. When I was with them in the world, I was keeping them in your name; the ones who you have given to me I kept, and none of them perished, except the son of perdition; in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled."
I emphasize the permanency of salvation because the bible teaches that God is the one who saves, and He does so from out of His mercy. According to Paul, in Ephesians 2:8, grace, faith, and salvation are gifted from God. John says, in John 1:13, believers "were born, not from blood, nor from the will of the flesh, nor from the will of man, but from God." Therefore, according to Scripture, a human being cannot save him/herself.
but whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of god perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
he that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
this is a condition exercised by the influence of the lord being in you!!
so this is uniquely performed amongst brothern!!
john 13:34-35.
a new commandment i give unto you, that ye love one another; as i have loved you, that ye also love one another.
( by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.)
this is salvation at work!!
you shall know them by their fruit! matthew 7:13-23.
one can profess to believe in a grace based relationship with christ or even deceive themselves to believing they have a grace relationship with christ but can't display the fruit associated with what they claim to be truth.
this is not christ "in you"
however, there's the spirit of antichrist in th world.
1 john 2:18.
little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
this is why we examine ourselves.
they lack fruit!
1) they hate the brothern.
2)thet dont inwardly have what's mentioned in galatians 5:22-23.
If we live in the Spirit we cease to gratify the desires of the flesh. ( Galatians 5:16). We need to realize several things in regard to that subject. First of all the flesh signifies all those things which natural man desires in a self centered manner. God created all things for our enjoyment ( 1 Tim. 6:17); and this includes eating and drinking which Christ Himself did when on earth (but always took the necessary time for fasting and prayer). God created marriage as a covenant between a man and woman when we follow His plan; all other ways of fulfilling such desires are perversions in regard to fulfilling natural desires our own way and leaving God out of the picture.
What is necessary is to understand that if we seek His Kingdom first then He shall grant us the desires of our heart. ( Matt. 6:33). When we are reborn into Christ then His desires become our desires; although we see through a glass darkly ( 1 Cor. 13:12). All good things come from the father of lights; God above ( James 1:5). We should be growing in our walk in maturity and wisdom understanding the value of trusting in God; obeying His will and giving time for prayer; Bible study and fellowship.
He certainly doesn't need our help in our worldly accomplishments with the plans He has for us; although we should certainly avail ourselves to utilize all the natural gifts as well as spiritual ones He has given us for His glory. He does have plans for us to prosper ( Jeremiah 29:11). These involve ultimately spiritual treasure in heaven ( Matt. 6:20); but certainly it applies to our faithfulness with earthly wealth as well ( Luke 16:11). We should seek to be able to do all things to build up His Kingdom and minister to the Body of Christ whether with finances or service.
We should learn to recognize the tug of the Spirit in our interactions whether with the saints or others that may indeed be destined to be His children. Psalm 119:105 shows He illuminates our paths.
I will start this off by saying emphatically that those who say that we should be in love with Christ are placing a confusing term on Agape; which transcends all other human affections. I believe it is safe to say that God's love never relies or comes after human feelings; whether "phileo" (such as brotherly love) and certainly not eros (which involves sensual aspects). It is true that our emotions in any commitment; including the highest one in our spiritual lives will have our mind; heart and soul involved as we gain trust and learn obedience. That is probably what those who are well intentioned mean by this phrase. And in an abstract sense those who are in and ONLY in a Godly marriage can find intimacy as a result of God being at the core of their relationship. But the opposite is risked here and the fruit thereof is often seen in the mega churches. This is seen in the not so veiled "prosperity gospel" that invokes "sowing a seed" to the ministry and promising all sorts of finacial windfalls and is also seen in music obviously appealing to the flesh in the way women dress and shallow lyrics at best with just enough scripture to make it deadly. Matthew 13:30 gives us a strong admonition for those who "immediately" recieve the Word (or seed of truth) with joy. Without root; then as with many today we don't see an enduring capacity when trials of life and cares of this world come along. In fact it seems persecution isn't usually found in these places (hence a real drawing power). 2 Timothy 3:12; of course shows that all who are Godly will be persecuted; and it emphasizes the word "desire" to be Godly. This implies that we obey God because we love Him ( John 14:15).
The flesh and Spirit are in contention with each other ( Galatians 5:17). We need to keep in mind that every good and perfect gift is from above ( James 1:17).
In my next section I will discuss aspects of the Holy Spirit in ministry.
I also tried 6 times yesterday to post a response with no luck. Not to take away from what Chris has shared because I agree, but here is what I tried sending:
The word charity in the King James text is the word Agape in Greek. And there are different words in Greek for different kinds of love.
Over the years, the church has relegated Agape to be something special. But not that special, because we think we can produce it!
But the word charity is Agape.
Agape is the fruit of God's Spirit according to Galatians 5:22, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love." And that word love is Agape. God's Spirit produces Agape.
1 John 4:8 tells us that God is Agape. It's His nature. In fact, outside of the New Testament, the word was hardly ever used.
But God is Agape.
Agape love includes sacrifice. Agape is the concern for someone's spiritual welfare. God exhibited that toward us in that "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son."
He looked at us and said your spiritual condition needs help. If I don't send a Savior, you're going to die in your sins!
So the word charity throughout all of Chapter 13 is the word Agape. It is Agape love, or Godly love. It doesn't mean charity like we know it today.
Matthew 12:34 states that "out of the abundance of the heart; the mouth speaketh." Isaiah 8:20 speaking about those who are false Prophets says "to the word and the testimony". They are said if not to speak the truth to have "no light of the dawn". Contrast this with Revelation 12:11 where the word of their testimony of the Tribulation martyrs indicates that they "loved not their lives unto the death." With today's churches having doctrines as skewed as they are we aren't safe to assume that occultic demonic "doctrines of demons" haven't already infected many congregations as 1 Timothy 4:1 warns. But for the remainder of this discussion I will assume that at least a respectable version of the scriptures is being preached in the churches I am examining here.
The Lord stated how "a little leaven ruins the whole loaf". ( Galatians 5:9 and other verses). No one is going to offer arsenic with a little inert ingredient to temper the flavor as an appetizer; but if being devious will put a little poison in something that is tasty. Satan won't come along saying that he is a deceiver; liar and murdurer and by the way wouldn't you like to join my cause? Admittedly there are a few who are sadistic enough to play the fiddle with the Devil as it were with some fantasy that they are so vile that they can command the Devil what to do; and there are some who despite knowing his nature think that Satan won't grind them into powder as was requested by Satan to Christ in the case of Peter.
The greatest danger; therefore lies when sin enters within the tent; the congregation of meeting and scripture is mixed in to instill false confidence in one's spiritual standing; or twisted to justify what eventually becomes a festering cancer after initially being toyed with by a few in idle conversation. There is also the ever present danger of trying to justify a doctrine; either true or false by turning literal scriptures to figurative.
I would agree with your understanding of the Scriptures Eagan, on this matter. Though there are Scriptures that show that the one in Christ is eternally secure ( John 10:27-29; 1 John 5:13; Ephesians 1:13,14; 1 Peter 1:5; and many more), there are also many others verses that seem to show that salvation can be lost & one must work hard in their faith to ensure that they will make it to the end & be accepted.
So, when one considers ALL of the verses pertaining to this subject, somehow it has to be reconciled what Jesus or the other writers are actually saying. Just like whether the Rapture is pre, mid, post, or anything else, we can get into a similar problem. For this one, my underlying Truth is that the Great Tribulation is God's Judgement against the unbelieving Christ-rejecting world, therefore those in Christ will be saved from it.
For Eternal Security, the underlying Truth is the truly repentant soul has come in faith (& nothing else), been regenerated by the Holy Spirit, indwelt by Him, put on a new path towards Heaven, with the Mighty God and His Son being his all-consuming focus & passion & not the world. Can such a person ever be lost again - deciding, 'No, I prefer to follow the world & reject Christ?' We can never know how real another's salvation has been - nor should we ever place ourselves in that position of making such a judgement. Or, whether one's faith is being tested & some errors & backsliding are taking place - to which the Holy Spirit will move, alert, warn or chastise to bring him back. But the fact of the matter is, that 'the Lord knows who are His', He 'knows His sheep & His sheep hear His Voice', and His sheep will obey the Shepherd even if there has to be some stern words & goading.
Thus Galatians 5:22-25 are so important, especially "they THAT ARE Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." These are the marks of the one truly saved, living for Christ.
We have to live in the strength of God's Spirit as mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23.
Being born from above is not just sins forgiven, its a new creation taken place where the truth in the inerrant scripture shapes us.
It's not just hearing what Christ is saying, It's living what Christ is saying by virtue of the word and not what we achieve in the flesh.
Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Hi David, I was wondering how you would explain that and reconcile what the Bible says with your belief.
These verses are in context and contradict what you are claiming, but even though they're in context and you just click or hover over it to read the whole chapter or book you just dismissed it as not being in context.
I noticed your response didn't have any Bible verses supporting your view.
I believe in and stand by Jesus's words. It sounds like you're accusing Jesus of being about "works." You do so at your own risk. I will not be ashamed for believing in what Jesus says, even if people use all kinds of tricks to attack.
Jesus: "If ye love me, keep my commandments." John 14:15
You: No, don't obey, because that's works.
Is that really your position that it's "bad" to obey Jesus, and "good" to not obey Jesus?
If so, that sounds exactly like something satan would say. Such a clever deception to get people to believe its somehow bad to do good and good to do bad. As if God wants people to disobey Him!?
Also I noticed you used the same straw man argument everyone else has been taught to use that if you want to follow Jesus then automatically you're trying to work towards heaven and there's no other possibility. I already said we're saved by grace, which seemed to be ignored. Of course I already answered this fallacy in advance, but maybe you didn't read it or did and claimed this fallacy anyway. Anyway, I feel a moral obligation to counter the lies on here and anyone claiming that its bad to follow and bad to obey Jesus is just is not speaking the truth. The Bible warns Christians of this throughout scripture.
"it's not often possible to discern some ones motive for posting and I think it's folly to try to do so . I don't believe that we know anyone's heart or mind fully . Secondly , the truth often makes uncomfortable reading , but if it is the truth it must not be ignored or covered up".
Here's the issue.
When Stlouistv stated; "the early church fathers who were slave owners btw had no business removing these books out of the bible and lied and said they were not inspired.
( That was contentious) There wasn't a need to discern anything being there was no proof provided with that racially tone msg that had no other purpose but to be contentious.
"THE EARLY CHURCH FATHERS WHO WERE SLAVE OWNERS." ???
Did that have to be added?
Is that not purposely contentious?
Where is the reasoning behind the comment or explanation. Proof and purpose?
Who and how is that statement declared truth?
Because he said so?
Just because you have freedom of speech means you have to speak, He should have pleaded the fifth.
Sammi I believe a person don't have to agree with peoples "opinions" but we all should earnestly covet what is truth and clarity.
I'm not a partial person and I am not influenced by any worldly culture or mans traditions whether male, female, or race. We're all held accountable to true worship in the church, without the world's influence.
Some love to use these sites to function in a way their local Church won't allow them. However this site has Guidelines.
We come here and take advantage of its liberty but let's not ignore
Galatians 5:13 "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another."
Concerning the topic of the books of the Apocrypha there are groups out there that use those books to divide racially.
I've debated them and is very familiar with their catch phrases.
I thought it fitting to also point out how those in leadership will also be held accountable on this subject. There are few in ministry who will ask the congregation to pray for their needs; or who will openly acknowledge when they have done something amiss. Specifically; it is methodologies that are often held from worldly experience that are used to build up ministries; such as slick advertising campaigns. I prefer to hold to the seeker unfriendly camp; or perhaps what has been coined "your worst life now". Such advice is exemplified in Paul's harsh retort to the Corinthians who were living "like kings" at the time ( 1 Cor. 4:8). Sounds familiar; right? It would be wonderful to see the Gospel preached out of envy ( Philippians 1:15-16). That would be the case if the world was being turned "upside down" ( Acts 17:6); but in truth there are few that want to go down in a blaze of glory which the martyrdom at the time exemplified.
Exhortation; or iron sharpening iron ( Prov. 27:17) is also becoming a rare art heading toward extinction. Sin may be covered by the blood; but undoubtably still can lead to death; at least as far as the body is concerned. Such is the case with 1 Corinthians 11:30. For us to not have some awareness of the Holy Spirit convicting us of sin after salvation ignores passages such as Galatians 5:17. It is easy to ignore the desires of the Holy Spirit in the contentious struggle and just focus on the struggle with the flesh; for conflict to occur evidence of the Spirit's sanctification must be present. Again; without such things all of our "good deeds" simply are a remake of our actions to satiate God to the best of our ability; without ceding control to the Lord's authority and power. His RIGHTEOUSNESS is the only way we are going to want to obey His commandments; the whole emphasis of Psalm 119 as an example. And the Bema Seat keeps us humble now; every action is judged ( 1 Cor. 3:13)
GOD to shine HIS face on all who love and trust HIM; and bless us all gloriously. 2 Chronicles 7:14, 15; Galatians 5:16; Matthew 28:18-20;
2 Peter 3:9; Titus 2: 11-14;
Ephesians 2: 8-10
Thank YOU FATHER for preserving YOUR word for our daily use. May we enter into the harvest and seek to fulfill YOUR will in us.
GOD bless and provide for all on this forum.
June 10, 2023
Confrontation of sin
Verses on repentance are rife in the scriptures. Taking a proactive approach after a confession of faith toward living a life of holiness separates the real from the pretenders; whether in our own lives or confronting the sin of others.
Such a matter as suing one another ( 1 Corinthians 6) illustrates how making proper judgments within the Body of Christ is to occur; so that Matthew 7:1 is taken into proper context. Naturally; we are to straighten out our walk to avoid hypocrisy and to see clearly; as Jesus indicated to take the speck out of a brother's eye. Psalm 139:24 indicates a prayer to see any "offensive way" in us. As my earlier post indicates; we can seek to conform our outer behaviors so that we don't cuss; drink; smoke or dance for example but we can still foster pride or greed or something else. This is the methodology which fails when trying to reform people without the Lord transforming the heart; merely substituting one sin for another. Or; as some have said we need a new "wanter". None of these actions to curtail behaviors will make us love God any more without Him ruling and reigning in our lives.
This desire not to shake the apple cart as it were stops many from confronting sins of others; which is a necessary tool to bring forth repentance when evangelizing as well as confronting things within the church. The sin NATURE; of course is the focus which needs to be stressed on the streets but we also see individuals with sinful lifestyles that must be repented of. That principle is for nonbelievers and those who confess Christ as well in light of 1 John 3:8-10. 1 Timothy 5:20 shows how indeed these confrontations are necessary in the church; and a responsibility of those in authority; such as Timothy was after Paul instructed him and trained him. 1 Timothy 5:24 shows how certain sins are more obvious than others; but all will be judged.
( Galatians 5:17; 1 Cor. 6:9-10)
Hi,
I pray that God the great God will help us to understand this question and many more that we require an swears to Amen.
it is written in proverbs 4;7
Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.
Remember Satan that old serpent, he is still at large and has blinded the world with his doctrines and this can be seen in many religions. As well as the churches that have given in to the culture and government which has forced rules over the church.
God has given us victory at the cross and we are set free form his chains that had bound us and we have liberty. Therefore, the Scriptures which cannot be broken has warned us not to use our freedom for the Flesh.
as it is written in
Galatians 5:13
For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
1. But this is the thing, there are millions of Christians who don't know Jesus Christ the son of God and their have never repented of their sins. Neither do they know what was done for us at the cross. for the preachers Left their mandate. and false preacher have risen and running churches with doctrines and traditions of men inspired by demons.
2. There are places where the gospel has not yet been preached therefore it is our responsibility to go minister to them in the ends of the world. do not be shocked we might even begin in our own houses then proceed to our Neighbour hoods for the sharped have perverted the gospel of God and have accepted sins, abominations in the churches.
(Please read Part 2. Amen)
The parable of the wheat and the tares should be alarming to everyone; and necessary instruction. ( Matt. 13:24-30). It is said that the wheat and tares are indistinguishable from one another before they are fully ripened. It appears from this parable that God has His purposes for these two groups to remain until the end of the age. Most probably; this is testing for those who ARE true believers to ensure that they won't fall for the temptations of this world as well as false or compromised doctines as well as a lifestyle of sin. Again; our society in general doesn't seem to be finding too many newcomers to churches because of it is a novel practice; or the world is being turned upside down ( Acts 17:6) which were characteristic of the church in Apostolic times.
However; the "damnable heresies" ( 2 Peter 2:1) are increasing along with 1 Timothy 4:1-2; etc. are invading former solid denominations so that a person can have a sense of respectability and pride in church attendance that tells them what they want to hear. Part of this; of course is the result of decades of permissive society and decline of morals; both within and without the church walls; I have stated before no doubt that the destruction of marriages is what I consider to be the primary initial cause especially post World War 2 of what we see today.
A primary example here is how people look at 1 John 2:1-2 on confession of sin and forgiveness. While it is true that Christ's death took care of all sin; past and future; we still have to confess sin; and if someone has the Holy Spirit in them they cannot be content with sin ( Galatians 5:17). a LIFESTYLE of sin such as continual adultery; theft; fornication; and other actions means that ultimately we don't trust God as to His warnings such as in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 as to reaping what we sow; and don't trust Him to be in the driver's seat in our lives and our souls.
"The Lord has won the battle for us".
You may not find it written like that in the scripture.
However that fact to be true but the battle isn't over as long as we're in the world.
Scripture records the end and all things will be made new.
We still have our adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour as mentioned in 1 Peter 5:8.
We also have this 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 as mentioned in Galatians 5:17.
In John 16:33 Jesus says; "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world".
Jesus said in John 18:36. "MY KINGDOM IS NOT OF THIS WORLD:
There's a heavenly kingdom yet to come!
Today he's calling out a people unto himself.
We were redeemed from this foreign cursed land by the precious blood of Christ as Peter mentioned in 1 Peter 1:17-19 as well as them of old who came before us as mentioned in Hebrews 11:13.
With that being said we are to be ambassadors for Christ. One who goes to a foreign country to do the business of he who sent you,
Satan is the prince of this world we live in.
I hope this helps and perhaps others would like to add,
God bless.
To truly praise and glorify HIM, I must therefore go forward as a soldier of the LORD to plant the seed, to water by helping to nurture disciples and baptizing them; giving to further the work, and having a disciplined and deeply rooted prayer life in HIS word. I will endeavor to study and meditate in HIS word to know the will of my SAVIOR GOD and going out to do the work that I am ordained to do.
Although, I fall woefully short in my desire to exalt my LORD; I press on for the sake of the high calling of my Savior KING. 2 Peter 3:9; Matthew 28: 18-20; 2 Chronicles 7: 14, 15; 1 Timothy 2:1-4; Psalms 126:6; Romans 10:9-12; Galatians 5:16
GOD to shine HIS face on all who trust in HIS Word and gloriously bless the works of your hands done in CHRIST Name.
May 31, 2023
Matthew 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
If one is not barring fruit and you are not sure by his doctrine he's probably a worker of the flesh.
You will notice the absence of "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance in him.
FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT AND WORKS OF THE FLESH.
See; Galatians 5:19-21.
Here's a few of the Characteristics I picked out of the list that has similar properties of one lacking the Spirit.
* Variance = contention debate strife variance.
* Strife = Contentious.
* Sedition = division sedition, "Perhaps one who brings an uproar with the intent to divide against.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST HERESIES.
( Probably is the cause of the previous three mentioned.)
*Heresies = properly a choice that is (specifically) a party or (abstractly) disunion . (heresy is the Greek word itself.) the formal denial or doubt of a core doctrine of the Christian faith as defined by one or more of the Christian churches.
If we bring such accusation as this on someone do we thrive with such a person?
Here's a few principle scriptures.
Titus 3:9-11.
2 Peter 1:10.
Galatians 1:8-9.
God bless.
Let me add to those wonderful verses Gigi has given.
Galatians 5:22-23 list faith as one of the fruit of the Spirit so faith is something WE don't produce however it's what we bare as branches.
It's Christ faith in us!
He was able to plant faith inside us and how He increases it is us abiding in his word.
Romans 10:17. So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
1 Peter 2:2. As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
Prayers;
The Lord answers our prayers.
To a lost world he's telling them to turn to him.
To us he know what we need before we even ask.
He's asking us to trust him as a father who loves his children and his timely answer is always what's best for us.
We just keep serving and growing in the Lord.
Tarry with the Lord.
God bless you.
All of us are asked to be in the world but not of it as believers. ( John 17:15-21). That which appeals to the flesh is not of God and the flesh and the Spirit contend with one another ( Galatians 5:17). We understand this in light of the fact that we are not to think that anything done in the flesh is inherently evil as those who accused Christ of being a "glutton and winebibber" ( Matt. 11:19). Marriage is honorable and the marriage bed undefiled ( Heb. 13:4); but God judges all those who go outside of the parameters God has set forth as indicated by the rest of that passage. We see more of this in the book of Corinthians ( 1 Cor. 10:31) to give glory to God whenever we eat or drink or do anything else.
In this world; the spirits of disobedience ( Eph. 2:2) and the Prince of the power of the air were who we were subjected to. 2 Corinthians 4:4 states that the god of this world has blinded men's minds to the truth. We should as believers hold fast to the promises of God in regard to verses such as Luke 10:19 as to Christ's victory over Satan and his minions. What the enemy can do; however is gain legal access into our lives with unconfessed sins; and destroy our testimony. I think I can say fairly confidently that the warfare in Ephesians 6 is almost always increased once one truly is saved; and particularly when the Lord has great plans in our lives. Great; of course is defined as important for His Kingdom not necessarily seen or acknowledged by anyone; or just a few should we need encouragement.
We should expect that much physical; emotional and mental suffering in our lives is due to interference from these entities. It is hard to extricate spiritual warfare in regard to the wounds on the soul and those on our physical body. I will elaborate on victory in future posts.
We are instructed to serve one another in regard to our spiritual gifts in this verse. 1 Peter 4:10 indicates this is how we are a good steward of what He has given us.
In Sunday school today; a discussion came up as to the matter of using gifts. It was correctly mentioned that this principle exists; along with the command of Christ in fulfilling the Great Commission. Therefore; whether we have a gift of serving or evangelism or not these activities should characterize a life of good fruit in maturing in the Lord. I also mentioned how often other individuals in fellowship are good at discerning either our strengths or weaknesses; which can be known or unknown to us at the time. This kind of encouragement to use our gifts should be something we seek out; and the Spirit of God makes it evident to those who are discerning. It was also brought out how someone as a Pastor can be more or less gifted in teaching.
Perhaps such levels of aptitude can allow those who are elders but not normally pastors can assist in the operation over a church (such positions are interchangeable to some respect as originally meant in scripture from what I am told). It is also fairly certain that a "head pastor" isn't really a title that adheres to scripture; particularly if there ISN'T any other elders; deacons; etc balancing things out. If anything there is someone to hold a Pastor accountable that is missing in that case.
I also find it interesting the whole core value system of Satanists; as they are for the self rather than interests or needs of others. That; sadly is also much of the focus of today's churches appealing to young singles. Salvation itself involves us becoming part of God's family; adopted as sons as Romans 8; Ephesians 1:5 and other verses indicate. The churches in Revelation 2 and 3 show a focus on individual salvation along with the health of the entire congregation in each synopsis of the 7 churches in question.
Taking on a responsibility such as witnessing means that we are tested with patience; no doubt. I have found it equally helpful for fellowship among believers as some are more gifted for teaching scriptures; others with a word of encouragement; others in prayer. Conversations among the brethren sometimes are deliberately planned to elicit a response. I prefer just discussing the Lord and whatever comes up; although one has to focus on the task at hand.
Prayer for one another under those circumstances is certainly helpful as some are cursed out or mistreated and certainly can use that support.
Of course love and that of Agape for the Lord should be evident in our attitudes as well as the messages which is the first of many fruits mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23. Joy is something that I tend to be lacking in expression myself; and that is the second attribute mentioned. We rejoice in seeing the Lord's work done; even if we have a day like Noah when no one repents.
It is declaring His Kingdom and bringing honor and glory to the Lord which should be what is foremost on our mind. Then; if there is backlash and persecution we are steadfast in focusing on Him; much like Stephen in the Book of Acts.
Luke 6:30 indicates giving to those who ask and the next verse indicates to do as you would have others do to you. We wouldn't give an alcoholic money for drinking in good concience and it isn't going to help a swindler to give money all the time.
We won't always know immediately about such individuals but some make it pretty clear. Wisdom has to be used and there is some difference in opinion as to how much we give; but a willingness to give must be part of witnessing when we are able; unless the Lord has made it clear otherwise.
The community from the few who are actively witnessing encourages fervent prayer; and consistency will bear fruit ( Isaiah 55:11). May we seek to join such laborers in the harvest.
Some of us like to cherry pick our way through the scriptures; but if we look at the whole history of man; the nation of Israel and even the church in the New Testament there are many problems and snares that were in Paul's time in the early church; and prophetically were warned about by Paul; Peter and Timothy as well as John in Revelation and James as well in regard to the last days. We need to both appreciate the fact that we need to walk the straight and narrow path that few find ( Matthew 7:14); and yet not be Pharisitical in inventing the narrowest most difficult path of legalism that heads to hell. In the whole subject and as much as can be understood about predestination and whatever free choices man is given while on this earth as to his life; in the end a certain number are saved and also lost. We can say with some confidence that as Jesus stated
"you shall know them by their fruits". ( Matthew 7:15-20). There are numerous passages describing these; which are summarized in Galatians 5:22. Bad fruits such as listed in Mark 7:21 are things which the Spirit should be weeding out of our lives.
However; when it becomes clear in the long term where one's affiliations lie; we can't make the mistake of sins; even some recurring ones as proving someone isn't saved. This is where the Lord will use a rebuke to work on someone; ultimately people in the faith need to listen to the Lord as He refines and chastises them. 1 John 1:8-10 make it pretty clear that none of us even if saved are without sin; or haven't sinned in years as some like to proudly proclaim. There are clearly some much more advanced intheir maturity than others; closer to the prize. Some are more "carnal" than others; it doesn't excuse continuing that way but again we hopefully learn not to do certain things after being a believer 20 years than say 3 weeks. Saying that he confesses us as called and chosen is needed along with whatever we may proclaim.
For a believer to remain unsure of his salvation, trying his best to obey ALL the 'commandments' (not just found in the Ten), would to my mind, be a very fearful position to be in. Unfortunately, I think people have focussed on Church teaching & Christian behavior to determine that the 'eternal security of believers' is impossible because of the possibility of them falling away & ultimately rejecting Christ. Rather than consider that God makes no mistakes, that 'all which God hath given His Son, he should lose none of them' ( John 6:37,39). They fail to take into account that the Spirit's sealing (as you quoted from 2 Corinthians & Ephesians), is not a haphazard work dependent on the whims & fancies of the Christian - it is a permanent work of security, giving the believer the joy & power to live this Christ-separated, Christ-centered life.
And then the question that comes to mind: for those who are uncertain that their salvation is secure & whether they will stand confident at the Bema Seat Judgement, how much faith & obedience will it take to assure them of their acceptance? One may never be obedient enough or good enough if resting on their strivings to please the Lord. Does one then just give up & live carelessly (as the 'once saved always saved' are often categorized as)? As I mentioned elsewhere, I think that believers are lacking knowledge of the mighty working of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life, seeing spiritual failures all around, & therefore trying even harder to live the God-glorifying life in their strength. When the answer simply lies in 'living & walking in the Spirit' ( Galatians 5:16). Blessings.
John 14:9 shows how Christ rather emphatically questions Philip as to his compression of God the Father when in the presence of His Son. This verse is by no means isolated where He states what seems to be obvious as to His inevitable death on the cross; as well as His divinity. Matthew 16:17 shows what seems to be an incredible swing in Peter's life from supernatural wisdom from the Spirit; to being influenced by Satan himself just a few verses later in Matthew 16:23 when Jesus says "get behind me Satan."
Mark 10:33 as well as an equivalent passage in Luke and others in Mark 9 make it clear that Jesus repeatedly explained His fate.
This should serve as a warning to us; along with of course Peter's prophesied betrayal and denial of Christ (which BTW also was what the other disciples did; without making such a bold proclamation of loyalty as Peter did).
The Pharisees; clearly should have known who Christ was; as well as those residents of Chorazin; Bethsaida and Capernium ( Matt. 11:21-22) whose judgments were to be greater than Sodom and Gomorrah who apparently would have repented seeing such things. This is; to say the least a sobering statement. Clearly apart from Divine Revelation we all are blinded.
Romans 5:7-8 shows how although someone may die for a righteous man; for wicked rebels as us who would want to do so?
But the Father from the beginning had some who would be called His own; and chosen (see John 6:37 and many other verses in John on the subject of Predestination also some of my segments on that subject in discussing John).
As the Spirit strives against the flesh ( Galatians 5:17); we realize that we don't love God in our old nature once the Spirit takes residence. We understand not only consequences of our sin; but that we don't want to grieve the Spirit ( Ephesians 4:30). It must be love which leads us to obedience ( John 14:15). Apart from grace our efforts are in vain.
And thanks for the reminder: 'by whom we are 'persuaded'. Every Spirit-filled believer ought to be constantly in tune with & be led of the Holy Spirit, though how often our flesh raises its ugly head & 'persuades' us to disobey. But we cannot claim ignorance or apathy when that happens - we WILL know it - the Spirit will not let a millisecond pass by without an immediate sense of straying off the path of holiness & truth - it just cannot happen to the one Spirit filled. What we do with His Word alerting us or convicting us, indicates how well we are walking in the Spirit ( Galatians 5:16,24,25) & pleasing our Lord.
When a man easily drifts into sin, sensing no spiritual alert, maybe even finding some Scripture & distorting it to fit his lust, that man truly needs to stop in his tracks, come aside for a while & "examine himself" whether he truly has the faith that saves, secures, & satisfies. And for many, I think, this is hard to come to grips with: how can they determine that the life they live, the decisions they make & recognizing how & when the Spirit is working, are truly of God & not from human capabilities & expertise? Human goodness & desires can often be intermingled with the Spirit's Voice & leading, bringing about confusion. But we should know the difference - as mature believers, it should be abundantly clear to us of the difference between the Spirit speaking (& persuading) and the persuasions from the flesh. And when the flesh is crucified daily, as the apostle did, we can be assured of being led only of the Spirit & our thoughts & hopes will always be directed heavenward. Every blessing brother & thanks again for sharing on this very important topic to remind us 'that we're not our own' ( 1 Corinthians 6:20).
This I believe was the position & concern of each of the NT writers, not just in calling out evident sin in the Church, but for each one to examine themselves whether they were even in the Faith. In some cases this was clear (as in 1 John 2:18,19), and in others such as Hebrews 3:12-14: "Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end", a little unclear. The message here was for each one to encourage & counsel those being led astray by sin or deception, that they might turn back to holy living & not face the Lord's Discipline. But if they persisted, not holding their "confidence stedfast unto the end", it only showed that "they were not all of us", only displaying a show of godliness & religious experience, but inwardly knowing their deceitfulness & hypocrisy.
The Word is abundantly clear that the believer could never acquire or sustain his salvation by his efforts, rather, by the working of the Holy Spirit indwelling him ( Titus 3:4-7; Romans 8:9; Galatians 5:24,25). Unfortunately, alongwith the oft preached Gospel of salvation, i.e. 'from God & sustained by man', comes the rarely heard messages of 'life & power given to believers to know, to pursue & enjoy, which comes from the indwelling Spirit'.
It was nice to read your literal renderings of the verses you shared.
(Part 3):
Paul writes on the same subject, in Galatians 5:17, "For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are opposing to one another; in order that you should not do what you want." These scriptures show that believers cannot be taken away from Christ by the flesh, because the Spirit of God is dwelling within to prevent that from happening.
Jesus Himself said, as recorded in John 6:37, "All that the Father gives to me will come to me; and the one coming to me I will never cast out." He goes on to say, in John 6:39, "And this is the will of the Father who has sent me, in order that of all which he has given to me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up in the last day."
Also, in His prayer to the Father, as recorded in John 17:11-12, Jesus said, "And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep through your own name those whom you have given to me, in order that they may be one, as we are. When I was with them in the world, I was keeping them in your name; the ones who you have given to me I kept, and none of them perished, except the son of perdition; in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled."
I emphasize the permanency of salvation because the bible teaches that God is the one who saves, and He does so from out of His mercy. According to Paul, in Ephesians 2:8, grace, faith, and salvation are gifted from God. John says, in John 1:13, believers "were born, not from blood, nor from the will of the flesh, nor from the will of man, but from God." Therefore, according to Scripture, a human being cannot save him/herself.
what does these verses mean to you?
1 john 2:5-6.
but whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of god perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
he that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
this is a condition exercised by the influence of the lord being in you!!
so this is uniquely performed amongst brothern!!
john 13:34-35.
a new commandment i give unto you, that ye love one another; as i have loved you, that ye also love one another.
( by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.)
this is salvation at work!!
you shall know them by their fruit! matthew 7:13-23.
one can profess to believe in a grace based relationship with christ or even deceive themselves to believing they have a grace relationship with christ but can't display the fruit associated with what they claim to be truth.
this is not christ "in you"
however, there's the spirit of antichrist in th world.
1 john 2:18.
little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
this is why we examine ourselves.
they lack fruit!
1) they hate the brothern.
2)thet dont inwardly have what's mentioned in galatians 5:22-23.
"love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
they that are christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
contrary to fruit is;
idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like:
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.
sadly a part of eschatology that won't last a week.
god bless.
If we live in the Spirit we cease to gratify the desires of the flesh. ( Galatians 5:16). We need to realize several things in regard to that subject. First of all the flesh signifies all those things which natural man desires in a self centered manner. God created all things for our enjoyment ( 1 Tim. 6:17); and this includes eating and drinking which Christ Himself did when on earth (but always took the necessary time for fasting and prayer). God created marriage as a covenant between a man and woman when we follow His plan; all other ways of fulfilling such desires are perversions in regard to fulfilling natural desires our own way and leaving God out of the picture.
What is necessary is to understand that if we seek His Kingdom first then He shall grant us the desires of our heart. ( Matt. 6:33). When we are reborn into Christ then His desires become our desires; although we see through a glass darkly ( 1 Cor. 13:12). All good things come from the father of lights; God above ( James 1:5). We should be growing in our walk in maturity and wisdom understanding the value of trusting in God; obeying His will and giving time for prayer; Bible study and fellowship.
He certainly doesn't need our help in our worldly accomplishments with the plans He has for us; although we should certainly avail ourselves to utilize all the natural gifts as well as spiritual ones He has given us for His glory. He does have plans for us to prosper ( Jeremiah 29:11). These involve ultimately spiritual treasure in heaven ( Matt. 6:20); but certainly it applies to our faithfulness with earthly wealth as well ( Luke 16:11). We should seek to be able to do all things to build up His Kingdom and minister to the Body of Christ whether with finances or service.
We should learn to recognize the tug of the Spirit in our interactions whether with the saints or others that may indeed be destined to be His children. Psalm 119:105 shows He illuminates our paths.
Galatians 5:1 kjv, Revelation 3:10-11 kjv.
I will start this off by saying emphatically that those who say that we should be in love with Christ are placing a confusing term on Agape; which transcends all other human affections. I believe it is safe to say that God's love never relies or comes after human feelings; whether "phileo" (such as brotherly love) and certainly not eros (which involves sensual aspects). It is true that our emotions in any commitment; including the highest one in our spiritual lives will have our mind; heart and soul involved as we gain trust and learn obedience. That is probably what those who are well intentioned mean by this phrase. And in an abstract sense those who are in and ONLY in a Godly marriage can find intimacy as a result of God being at the core of their relationship. But the opposite is risked here and the fruit thereof is often seen in the mega churches. This is seen in the not so veiled "prosperity gospel" that invokes "sowing a seed" to the ministry and promising all sorts of finacial windfalls and is also seen in music obviously appealing to the flesh in the way women dress and shallow lyrics at best with just enough scripture to make it deadly. Matthew 13:30 gives us a strong admonition for those who "immediately" recieve the Word (or seed of truth) with joy. Without root; then as with many today we don't see an enduring capacity when trials of life and cares of this world come along. In fact it seems persecution isn't usually found in these places (hence a real drawing power). 2 Timothy 3:12; of course shows that all who are Godly will be persecuted; and it emphasizes the word "desire" to be Godly. This implies that we obey God because we love Him ( John 14:15).
The flesh and Spirit are in contention with each other ( Galatians 5:17). We need to keep in mind that every good and perfect gift is from above ( James 1:17).
In my next section I will discuss aspects of the Holy Spirit in ministry.
I also tried 6 times yesterday to post a response with no luck. Not to take away from what Chris has shared because I agree, but here is what I tried sending:
The word charity in the King James text is the word Agape in Greek. And there are different words in Greek for different kinds of love.
Over the years, the church has relegated Agape to be something special. But not that special, because we think we can produce it!
But the word charity is Agape.
Agape is the fruit of God's Spirit according to Galatians 5:22, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love." And that word love is Agape. God's Spirit produces Agape.
1 John 4:8 tells us that God is Agape. It's His nature. In fact, outside of the New Testament, the word was hardly ever used.
But God is Agape.
Agape love includes sacrifice. Agape is the concern for someone's spiritual welfare. God exhibited that toward us in that "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son."
He looked at us and said your spiritual condition needs help. If I don't send a Savior, you're going to die in your sins!
So the word charity throughout all of Chapter 13 is the word Agape. It is Agape love, or Godly love. It doesn't mean charity like we know it today.
Matthew 12:34 states that "out of the abundance of the heart; the mouth speaketh." Isaiah 8:20 speaking about those who are false Prophets says "to the word and the testimony". They are said if not to speak the truth to have "no light of the dawn". Contrast this with Revelation 12:11 where the word of their testimony of the Tribulation martyrs indicates that they "loved not their lives unto the death." With today's churches having doctrines as skewed as they are we aren't safe to assume that occultic demonic "doctrines of demons" haven't already infected many congregations as 1 Timothy 4:1 warns. But for the remainder of this discussion I will assume that at least a respectable version of the scriptures is being preached in the churches I am examining here.
The Lord stated how "a little leaven ruins the whole loaf". ( Galatians 5:9 and other verses). No one is going to offer arsenic with a little inert ingredient to temper the flavor as an appetizer; but if being devious will put a little poison in something that is tasty. Satan won't come along saying that he is a deceiver; liar and murdurer and by the way wouldn't you like to join my cause? Admittedly there are a few who are sadistic enough to play the fiddle with the Devil as it were with some fantasy that they are so vile that they can command the Devil what to do; and there are some who despite knowing his nature think that Satan won't grind them into powder as was requested by Satan to Christ in the case of Peter.
The greatest danger; therefore lies when sin enters within the tent; the congregation of meeting and scripture is mixed in to instill false confidence in one's spiritual standing; or twisted to justify what eventually becomes a festering cancer after initially being toyed with by a few in idle conversation. There is also the ever present danger of trying to justify a doctrine; either true or false by turning literal scriptures to figurative.
So, when one considers ALL of the verses pertaining to this subject, somehow it has to be reconciled what Jesus or the other writers are actually saying. Just like whether the Rapture is pre, mid, post, or anything else, we can get into a similar problem. For this one, my underlying Truth is that the Great Tribulation is God's Judgement against the unbelieving Christ-rejecting world, therefore those in Christ will be saved from it.
For Eternal Security, the underlying Truth is the truly repentant soul has come in faith (& nothing else), been regenerated by the Holy Spirit, indwelt by Him, put on a new path towards Heaven, with the Mighty God and His Son being his all-consuming focus & passion & not the world. Can such a person ever be lost again - deciding, 'No, I prefer to follow the world & reject Christ?' We can never know how real another's salvation has been - nor should we ever place ourselves in that position of making such a judgement. Or, whether one's faith is being tested & some errors & backsliding are taking place - to which the Holy Spirit will move, alert, warn or chastise to bring him back. But the fact of the matter is, that 'the Lord knows who are His', He 'knows His sheep & His sheep hear His Voice', and His sheep will obey the Shepherd even if there has to be some stern words & goading.
Thus Galatians 5:22-25 are so important, especially "they THAT ARE Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." These are the marks of the one truly saved, living for Christ.
Hopefully these are helpful
We have to live in the strength of God's Spirit as mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23.
Being born from above is not just sins forgiven, its a new creation taken place where the truth in the inerrant scripture shapes us.
It's not just hearing what Christ is saying, It's living what Christ is saying by virtue of the word and not what we achieve in the flesh.
Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
God bless you and all that you do brother.
These verses are in context and contradict what you are claiming, but even though they're in context and you just click or hover over it to read the whole chapter or book you just dismissed it as not being in context.
I noticed your response didn't have any Bible verses supporting your view.
I believe in and stand by Jesus's words. It sounds like you're accusing Jesus of being about "works." You do so at your own risk. I will not be ashamed for believing in what Jesus says, even if people use all kinds of tricks to attack.
Jesus: "If ye love me, keep my commandments." John 14:15
You: No, don't obey, because that's works.
Is that really your position that it's "bad" to obey Jesus, and "good" to not obey Jesus?
If so, that sounds exactly like something satan would say. Such a clever deception to get people to believe its somehow bad to do good and good to do bad. As if God wants people to disobey Him!?
Also I noticed you used the same straw man argument everyone else has been taught to use that if you want to follow Jesus then automatically you're trying to work towards heaven and there's no other possibility. I already said we're saved by grace, which seemed to be ignored. Of course I already answered this fallacy in advance, but maybe you didn't read it or did and claimed this fallacy anyway. Anyway, I feel a moral obligation to counter the lies on here and anyone claiming that its bad to follow and bad to obey Jesus is just is not speaking the truth. The Bible warns Christians of this throughout scripture.
Matthew 7:21-23
Hebrews 10:26
Hebrews 6:4-6
James 2:14-26
Matthew 12:31-32
Romans 14:12
1 Peter 1:5
1 Cor 9:24-27
2 Peter 3:17
Luke 8:5-18
1 Timothy 4:1
2 Peter 2:20-22
Hebrews 3:12
Galatians 5:4
1 Corinthians 15:2-8
You stated;
"it's not often possible to discern some ones motive for posting and I think it's folly to try to do so . I don't believe that we know anyone's heart or mind fully . Secondly , the truth often makes uncomfortable reading , but if it is the truth it must not be ignored or covered up".
Here's the issue.
When Stlouistv stated; "the early church fathers who were slave owners btw had no business removing these books out of the bible and lied and said they were not inspired.
( That was contentious) There wasn't a need to discern anything being there was no proof provided with that racially tone msg that had no other purpose but to be contentious.
"THE EARLY CHURCH FATHERS WHO WERE SLAVE OWNERS." ???
Did that have to be added?
Is that not purposely contentious?
Where is the reasoning behind the comment or explanation. Proof and purpose?
Who and how is that statement declared truth?
Because he said so?
Just because you have freedom of speech means you have to speak, He should have pleaded the fifth.
Sammi I believe a person don't have to agree with peoples "opinions" but we all should earnestly covet what is truth and clarity.
I'm not a partial person and I am not influenced by any worldly culture or mans traditions whether male, female, or race. We're all held accountable to true worship in the church, without the world's influence.
Some love to use these sites to function in a way their local Church won't allow them. However this site has Guidelines.
We come here and take advantage of its liberty but let's not ignore
Galatians 5:13 "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another."
Concerning the topic of the books of the Apocrypha there are groups out there that use those books to divide racially.
I've debated them and is very familiar with their catch phrases.
Let's see what follows.
God bless.