GOD is light, and in Him is no darkness at all-1Jo.1:5.The Word is GOD from everlasting to everlasting,self-executing.
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-the Word is GOD-, 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-Heb.4:12-13.
By the way,Jeremiah says:The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked:who can know it?I the Lord search the heart,I try the reins,even to give every MAN according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings-Jer.17:9-10.
The Word made flesh,the Word is GOD,self-executing,He who calls Himself JESUS,He Himself said:...that which cometh out of the mouth,this defileth a man-Mt.15:11.Death and life are in the power of the tongue-Prov.18:21.
JESUS said more:Mt.15:18-19:
18But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart;and they defile the man.
19For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts,false witness, murders,adulteries,fornications,thefts,blasphemies:
For meditation and testify:
Death and life are in the power of the tongue.
We could or can understand that everyone dies through the mouth.
Compare this deep mystery of the death with Romans 3:12-18, combined with James 3:1-12,mainly verses 5to8.
But what does the Word of GOD say?1Cor.15:26->The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.Now, now, the death is an ENEMY,
so we must fight against this ENEMY and be transformed, knowing that the sting of death is sin- Matthew 15:19;the strength of sin is the Law. Yes, transformed and be changed( Philippians 3:20-21),for this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality,understand?
But thanks be to GOD, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Exercising authority in church bears with it proportionate levels of accountability ( James 3:1). There are crowns for those ( 1 Peter 5:4) who are overseeing the flock in any capacity. While we cannot dismiss someone receiving such a crown who has a sizeable and successful ministry from outward appearances the urge to compromise leads to the situation in Matthew 5:19.
One thing is for sure; no one is going to receive rewards for teaching heresy; and continued unrepentance in this area like any other sin shows that an individual is unsaved.
It is by no means a guarantee of God's calling; but it does help when other brothers can see we have a gift and calling to be a Pastor. It seems to be a favorite rationale for getting a degree in Divinity; but I admire a brother I met some years ago who had a desire to be an elder specifically; not a Pastor. (Techinically these require the same gifting). In light of that observation; ;I have found that many large churches seem to rarely if ever give credit to Associate Pastors or even mention those under them. It could be the sheer size of the staff that is prohibitive. As I have probably pointed out before on this site; it is NOT wise for a Pastor to have NO elders or deacons working to help them and guide them; but I have seen this happen on occasion.
It is often a sign of an immature or prideful man in leadership when this situation continues. Thankfully in the one case I am aware of one of my friends was elected to be an Elder; clearly gifted in counselling others and teaching abilities.
I hope myself not to be hypocritical even with my own "sermons" online. We all need to learn from each other; and no gifting should be considered the "penultimate" position. Laypersons also should be involved; at least as members in voting in areas of church polity. Room for dissenting opinions in regard to large financial expenditures should involve preliminary data for transparency
1 John 4:20 is a stern admonition to those who would claim to love God that hates His brother. Other verses in 1 John show as with the Gospel of John the necessary commands for a believer to love one another. We need to look as well at verses in James which discuss the taming of the tongue. ( James 3:5-6) Gossip and slander are things that can destroy a person; hence the admonition about the fires of hell. You can bet that there will be plenty of cursing in hell for the state of misery against God and probably against others as well. Hating a brother without cause ( Matt. 5:22) is in degrees; but unforgiveness results in holding on to our own sins and is not beneficial for us even in this life. Holding onto grudges; for example is another example of a lifestyle of sin; there are people who may have already passed away who we still have bitterness about in our souls resulting in caustic behavior toward others including unforgiveness. Man cannot have unconditional love for their enemies apart from His grace. This of course doesn't validate the "political correctness" today coddling criminal behavior. Acts 2:23 is only one of several passages in the book clearly stating that the Jews killed Christ; and or complicit in His murder. Jesus didn't mince words either with this subject ( Matthew 5:21-22).
We cannot ignore the act of murder which includes abortions in this study either. Again; we dare not cede to the culture of today which doesn't want to follow Biblical precedent for a death penalty for such an act to vindicate an innocent party and to have some cohesiveness in society. We can complain all we want about dictatorships in the world; but many of them see much lower crime rates because no government can survive in anarchy. We also are foolish in trying to support ideologies that are antithetical toward the value of life because of some misguided notion that everyone wants a "democracy".
Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
What is interesting is the next verse which contrasts this with good works that also become clear even if they start off being hidden.
The effects of sin are what is known as bad fruit. The cause of sin is of course from a corrupt and fallen nature (see Jeremiah 17:9 on the state of a human heart without saving grace).
James 3:6 states this:
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
This figurative expression no doubt will eventually lead to one's destruction in fire; as well as the destruction of the earth in like manner as we see stated in 2 Peter 3:10 and numerous other verses. God made everything good; but the fall of man led to death for all forms of life; as well as even the stars not being pure in His sight ( Job 25:5 seems to corroborate this with Job 15:15). He is going to create therefore a new heaven and earth where righteousness dwells ( 2 Peter 3:13 and see Revelation 21 and 22.)
God had to bring a total cure for the total corruption in what was made originally pure in His sight (see Ecclesiastes 7:29). This brought Christ part of the Godhead to personally die as our atonement and also of course to restore all nature from the fall which consummates when He returns and eventually at the end of the Millennium when the last enemy death is destroyed ( 1 Cor. 15:26). Judgment comes to the angelic realm who fell after Lucifer's rebellion. Some have already been judged ( 1 Peter 3:19-20 also read book of Jude). The rest of mankind; of course lives on borrowed time and because God is patient to ensure all His elect come to Him people try to get away with all they can ( Ecclesiastes 8:11).
A spoonful of sugar won't help this medicine go down; God's love will
Today, and foe many years now, Preachers don't preach and acknowledge the truth about sin, and everlasting hell, and they are leading their congregations straight down the wide path to hell! Matthew 25:41James 3:1
We MUST fear God! This is the very beginning of knowledge. Proverbs 1:7
God is Vengeful and He tells us so. Hell is God's way of getting His vengeance. Isaiah 47:3
God knows us better than we could ever imagine. He knows, that if we have NO FEAR to motivate us to change our ways, we will continue in sin. God is also Love. He sacrificed his Son for us so thru Him we can recieved forgivness. He provides His Holy Spirit to break the bonds of sin. Preachers are not helping anyone by not preaching Hell and the fear of God!
If we are still repeatedly sinning..we DO NOT have God's Holy Spirit. Hebrews 10:26 God's Holy Spirit will not let us habitually sin.
Today, most so called Christian Pastors/Preachers are about the money. They don't want to focus on the sin in their congregation, if they do, they will lose their entire congregation. Sinners don't want to hear they are sinners, and they certainly don't want to think or hear about hell, they come to church to feel good about themselves and to be entertained. Churches today are all about making everyone feel good. Sad but true.
Which reminds me of this very powerful verse 2 Timothy 4:3 "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;"
In today's society; we have found a way to extricate our minds from within when it comes to the subject of slavery. What happened hundreds of years ago is someone else's problem or said to be our fault by default as to our race. Closer to home now; of course is the continuing servitude particularly of the sex trade today and that brings attention to the revenue of such a trade.
That; of course comes from those who would exploit such an industry who themselves in actuality are slaves to sin.
Revelation makes it clear; unfortunately that slaves will exist in the end times will exist ( Rev. 6:15). At that time they will be clumped together with all those who attempt to hide from God.
Christ has redeemed us from our state of hopelessness and given us a new life. We have turned from Satan as our master to the Living God ( Ephesians 2:2). A truly redeemed child of God can read a passage such as Isaiah 66:24 and understand how they themselves were an abhorrence in their lost; sinful state. To know that we were under His wrath we proclaim the salvation message. Those who are condemned already ( John 3:18) are not known to us immediately; eventually it will be clear who is saved and who isn't at least by judgment Day. Such amazing love of Christ should motivate us to share the Gospel with others.
I am convinced one reason more people aren't sharing with much conviction is because they have become dumbed down to just how wicked they were; forgotten what they were saved from or in the worst case scenario are really not saved at all but following a form of godliness but denying the power thereof ( 2 Tim. 3:5). It is sobering to remind ourselves that as believers that scripture warns us to stay AWAY from such people.
Satan; I always say is an equal opportunity destroyer. He will take any sin; as seemingly innocuous as gossip and turn it into a full scale conflagration (see warnings in James 3:6). Only Christ frees us from slavery.
Has anybody seen the Mike Lindell deposition? I know as Christians we can get upset and frustrated, but we really need to watch what we say. We are what non-believers see as "Christian." He is using profanity and such during the deposition. Watch on youtube.
James 3:1-12 (KJV) 1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
I didn't say I was of the Universalist religion, I said I'm a universalist because I believe that God will Save all His creatures at His appointed time. Furthermore, when you say things like "mainstream Christian religions" I'm glad I'm on the other side of them because, James 3:1; in other words preachers and teachers will receive a more strict Judgment. Thus, if a preacher or teacher gets something wrong AND teaches it, that misinterpretation will lead them into sin and that teacher will receive a portion of all those sins
Nothing "diminishes" Christ's Work, if a person doesn't understand something, does that misunderstanding somehow nullify that which is misunderstood? If a man doesn't understand what Christ did, it takes away NOTHING from Christ; that misunderstanding takes away from the one who misunderstands and for that we must pray.
I'm glad you brought up eternal punishment. Why does God punish? Answer: for correction. God doesn't abuse, He corrects. Hell is not Eternal, I've shown this but, I'll show you more! We should all know of the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Luke 16:19-31. We can see that the rich man (Jew) went to hell and begged Abraham to help him, but Abraham said that he couldn't! Now, add to this the other half of The Message, 1 Peter 3:19-20. You see, Christ went to MINISTER to souls in hell (prison) for He is a Savior, ALWAYS and FOREVER! And, He is still down their Saving souls. To "put it together" a Jew dies unbelieving of Christ, hell is the result. The Jew asks for help from Abraham and is denied. Now, a person who knew of Christ but never Fully gave in to Him (false Christian, maybe), is also in hell and now they are in torment and in a final desperate PLEA call out to Christ Jesus! Psalms 139:7-12. And He Saves in front of all in there, truthfully, do you think the people there will be calling to their idols? Or, will they Cry Out to Christ? Instant Conversion to The Truth! Think about it, He is a WONDERFUL GOD!!!!!!
Friend, all of this proceeds from the lack of being Taught of God by His Spirit, bringing all that would surrender unto Him into the unity of the Faith of the Son of God, that is wrought within us by His Spirit, that we may be one even as He & the Father are One. Members of His Body, for the Temple of God is Holy.
John 17:21-23
Yes; the Spirit knows us through & through & we can be sure no one can never fool God.
Gigi & all, please consider the Truth that's being reveal here according to Scriptures, sound reasoning & the Witness within your conscience that will bear witness to Truth.
For it one's faith is wrong, so will one's life & final destination be. Matt 17: 17-21 James 3:11
I believe that there many on this site as you, who are sincere & do desire to truly know & serve the Lord, but are as I once was "deceived " by the traditions & teaching of men, meaning by studying the Scripture by the arts of science, the letter by the letter. I truly believed that I was being lead by God in this effort, I was deceived & that by the Harlot Rev 17:4-6
Yes, CHRIS,"What happened when they(EVE and ADAM)were tempted to listen to the serpent(CAUSA MORTIS)& not to God's Words?(THE LIFE).They committed the first sin(causa mortis), a sin that wasn't the product of a sin nature(so a deep calleth unto deep-Ps.42:7-Highlights's mine),for they did not have one-they were created pure"
So,the disobedience caused a change of the nature. James 3:6-The tongue is a fire,a world of iniquity:so is the tongue among our members,that it defileth the whole body,and setteth on fire the COURSE of NATURE;and it is set on fire of HELL.Paul said:"by a man came death,for in Adam all die"-1Cor.15:21-22.Why?What does the Word of GOD say?1Cor.15:45-49-"The first man Adam was made a living soul;that which is natural;he is of the earth, earthy;and as is the earthy,such are they also that are earthy,and have borne the image of the earthy"
No,I was not "referring to anyone after Adam,including you&me" for as we all know from Adam until the current time,my Lord
JESUS is the only one who was not born from the Devil
JESUS said to the Devil:Man shall not live by bread alone,but by every Word that proceedeth out of the mouth of GOD
Genesis 3:2 to 5
The Devil said to the woman:"Yea,hath GOD said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?"
The woman answered to the Devil:We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden(in my view the fig tree),GOD hath said,Ye shall not eat of it...lest ye die
And the serpent said unto the woman,Ye shall not surely die:GOD knows that in the day ye eat thereof,then your eyes shall be opened,and ye shall be as gods,knowing good and evil
Luke 20:35-36
35But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world(next world-the millennium),and the resurrection from the dead,neither marry,nor are given in marriage:
36Neither can they die any more:for they are equal unto the angels;and are the children of GOD,being the children of the resurrection
Hello Oseas. My words, "death as confined to the grave" was in relation to death & the grave as being synonymous in that verse ( 1 Corinthians 15:55). I have since learned, that this is not the case when the Greek rendering is taken from other Bible translations & not the KJV & a couple of others. So "cause & effect" wouldn't apply in this comment to David0921.
But you asked, "where does the dying process of man begin?" I think your answer suggests that it lies in the tongue/the throat (from the references you gave). However, it appears that the sin nature in man begins right at birth, even whilst in the womb (even as David expressed it in Psalm 51:5; also Romans 5:12). The tongue is indeed "a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell" ( James 3:6), but the tongue can only do what this verse tells us, and that is when the root of evil in the human heart manifests such expression. And that 'root' is the sin nature passed onto each one of us, which we can't avoid, but yet find forgiveness & a new nature from Heaven, only through Christ's Blood shed for us.
Allow me to comment something more on replys exchanged between you and David 0921,something about 'death as confined to the grave'; something like cause and efect. By the way,death is an enemy, how to fight with him and defect him?
To deeply analyze and understand this terrible biblical theme, we need to start from the beginning of a mortal process that has existed since the beginning.Where does the dying process of man begin? Well, the Word of God reveals to us where it begins, by the way, the Word is GOD, understand?
Here's the source and the beginning of the mortal process:
Prov.18:21KJV:-Death and life are in the power of the TONGUE...
James 3:5-6:->5 The TONGUE is a little member, and boasts great things.Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6The TONGUE is a fire,A WORLD OF INIQUITY:so is the TONGUE among our members, that it defileth(and kills)the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature(as in days of Noah and Lot);and it is set on FIRE of HELL.
What is the MOUTH of the grave and how is it seen?Well,what does the Word of GOD say?Rom.3:10-18
10 As it is written,There is none righteous, no, not one:
11 There is none that understand,there is none that seeks after GOD.
12 They are all gone out of the way,they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good,no, not one.
13 Their THROAT is an open SEPULCHRE;with their TONGUES they have used deceit;the poison of asps is under their lips:
14 Whose MOUTH is full of cursing and bitterness
15 Their feet are swift to shed blood
16 Destruction and misery are in their ways
17 And the way of peace have they not known
18 There is no fear of GOD before their eyes
You said:'death as confined to the grave',death caused by a THROAT(an open sepulchre)and a satanic TONGUE,so the dead body is placed in the grave because of the bad smell that exudes from the dead(spiritually the stench of the sin),and you are obliged to get rid of it by burying it in an open hole in the earth
Allow me to comment something more on replys exchanged between you and David 0921,something about 'death as confined to the grave'; something like cause and efect. By the way,death is an enemy, how to fight with him and defect him?
To deeply analyze and understand this terrible biblical theme, we need to start from the beginning of a mortal process that has existed since the beginning.Where does the dying process of man begin? Well, the Word of God reveals to us where it begins, by the way, the Word is GOD, understand?
Here's the source and the beginning of the mortal process:
Prov.18:21KJV:-Death and life are in the power of the TONGUE...
James 3:5-6:->5 The TONGUE is a little member, and boasts great things.Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6The TONGUE is a fire,A WORLD OF INIQUITY:so is the TONGUE among our members, that it defileth(and kills)the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature(as in days of Noah and Lot);and it is set on FIRE of HELL.
What is the MOUTH of the grave and how is it seen?Well,what does the Word of GOD say?Rom.3:10-18
10 As it is written,There is none righteous, no, not one:
11 There is none that understand,there is none that seeks after GOD.
12 They are all gone out of the way,they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good,no, not one.
13 Their THROAT is an open SEPULCHRE; with their TONGUES they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
14 Whose MOUTH is full of cursing and bitterness:
15 Their feet are swift to shed blood:
16 Destruction and misery are in their ways
17 And the way of peace have they not known
18 There is no fear of GOD before their eyes
You said: 'death as confined to the grave', death caused by a THROAT(an open sepulchre)and a satanic TONGUE,so the dead body is placed in the grave because of the bad smell that exudes from the dead(spiritually the stench of the sin),and you are obliged to get rid of it by burying it in an open hole in the earth
Love. The last thing the flesh wants to hold on to is eros love and all the tentacles of seduction affecting the eyes; body and soul from the world; flesh and the devil ( James 3:15). Our hearts need to heed His voice; and stay within the confines of the partner God has given us in a covenant marriage only for expression of these affections. Many other things such as loving God's creation more than the Creator Himself; loving our own family and friends above the Lord; and any other emotions that distract us from our walk with God must be culled. This involves music in particular; recreational drugs and alcohol as well as anything good or bad that is not under control of the Spirit. ( Colossians 3:23).
Other emotions. Generally; good or bad fruits show opposing traits for those under the control of the Spirit as compared with the flesh. Hetred; strife; and enmity for example being bad fruit; love; joy and peace good fruit with many other expressions listed in scripture as well. As with any addict who is recovered any believer has to realize that we indeed have no power to stop the downward spiral into these behaviors once intoxicated with them; whether it leads to violence or self destructive results.
Planning for our future. Greed and covetousness is a sin and to be avoided. (see 10th Commandment; Luke 12:15). However; taking loans on high interest and high credit card debts to get the thrill of material items now basically robs ourselves. It is good and honorable to have an inheritance for family members; but of course we should always prioritize for the Lord in supporting missions as well as our local church. Wise planning brings prosperity; but the love of many things the opposite ( Deut 17:17)-Solomon may have had record wealth; but Ecclesiastes shows how all is vanity if God doesn't come in first and how other things crowd out the desire for God.
Quoting you (we can never fulfill the law perfectly,) this is against Scriptures, Rom 8:4; it doesn't state a little or mostly, but fulfill in Christ Jesus! He's the Head, we're His body.
I've notice you've left the word 'abrogated', out of this conversation, no doubt; after this enlightenment, yet your being shifty to your assertions, as you indirectly assert it again by Hebrews 8:13; deceitfully clever, whether you were mindful of it or not, the Lord know the intent of our hearts. The Law; is only vanish away if we are walking in the Spirit, Gal 5:16; If we sin, than the Law revives & the penalty of death ensues. Sin is not to be continue in, to be repeated over & over again for life, the holy writ says, Rom 6:11; through the exercising of the Word of His Grace/Righteousness, it, the sin nature in purge out as we remain confident, faithful & steadfast unto the end. Hebrews 10:36-39;
This liberty that you speak of in the NC, from the context of our previous conversation; your stated, to fully know & obey God's will, by the working of Holy Spirit in them, your stating this can be accomplish, now your being evasive in this statement also, Titus 2:7; Friend, your speaking out of both sides of your mouth here, James 1:8; James 3:11,12; this doesn't become godliness, truth in the inward parts & righteousness in either testament.
How to produce fruit: Section 1 Balancing out our weaknesses
We each have spiritual as well as natural strengths and weaknesses. In the sanctification process God will allow us to be tested; often involving the enemy in areas where we show tendencies to falter; whether that be our perseverance; patience; honesty; or fear to confront others. Faithfulness in serving our employers is part of what is required to be faithful to the Lord as we all work "heartily unto the Lord" ( Col. 3:23-24). The Lord is going to take into account our motives and actions and reward accordingly.
Such actions involve all of our lives; from our finances; quality of service to the brethren; even to the frequent discussion of the fear of the Lord and anticipation of His coming as Malachi 3:16. Note that this involves discussion often and with others as well as esteeming the Lord. Those who love Him will obey His commandments ( John 14:23).
As with anything else; fruit production involves a process as the parable of the sower and seeds illustrates; we must move beyond just hearing the Word but have a root in ourselves; and that also involves overcoming all the distractions of the world which cause many to fall away. The confusion that comes up is this: James 3:11-12 shows how a water can't come salty and fresh at the same time; and that refers to the tongue in verses 9 to 10 which speak blessings and cursings. This is much like the Laodicean church being lukewarm; it would seem.
There is no doubt that we will slip into old patterns of speech and behavior but that soil at our core eventually will produce behaviors on the outside; that is good or bad fruit. Therefore someone truly saved has a new nature that is working its way out; hence the purification and sanctification comes prior to glorification. It comes at varying degrees with different folks; but those not in Christ can only modify behavior on the outside until and if the Spirit crucifies them in Christ Gal 2:20
Monica Don't worry about the Covid test....Humanity has a much greater problem then any kind of an injection...The beast is our carnal minds...As that which is born of the flesh is mans carnal minds and is the very enemy of God... Romans 8...Satan is the god of this present world and its mans carnal minds that is the beast that he rides....All the wars and sence less killing is the direct result of mans carnal minds....Thats y God wants to give us all a new heart and a new spirit....Thats y Jesus is telling us we need to be bornagain of an incorruptible seed....Jesus said outta of the hearts of MAN proceeds all manner of evil....mans carnal mind is the beast.
......When they brought Josephs bloody coat to Jacob he said a wild beast has done this....And he was right...The 10 brothers that done this horrible thing were born of the flesh....That which is born of the flesh is in rank with satan....And is the beast....Jacob wanted none of those woman like Leah and Zildah and Bilhad they were just put in his tent...He only loved Rachel thus it was only Joseph and Bejamin that were born of the will of God....The 10 evil ones were born of the flesh.
......Thats y Jesus was saying outta of the hearts of man proceeds all manner of evil....And thats y Jesus had to die....We have a heart problem....But b/c of his death we will all get a new heart and a new spirit....Which is the gift of God the H.G.
.....iF I be lifted up i will draw all men unto me...All the beasts of the world has been tamed by man but the tongue (our carnal minds) cannot be tamed by man... James 3:7 kjv....We need to birth that new creature the H.G....No man can tame that beast that lives with in us which is our carnal minds....Its only Jesus that can tame the beast that lives with in us...Thats y he called Peter satan simply b/c Peter had not been bornagain just yet of that incorruptible seed....But Jesus said if ye drink of any deadly thing it will not hurt you...Don't worry about any Covid test..gb
You said; It was by their works that He never knew them.
But if you examine Matthew 7:16-23 carefully you'll see that it was them trusting in their works and not his work is why he never knew them.
vv 16 states "Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Matthew 7:17-20 goes on to give you the contrast between the fruit and the thistles and what become of them.
There's dead works and there's fruit.
Thistles may be a sign of dead works.
Fruit is a work of God and performed by God that the believer bares by being connected to the vine. Philippians 1:6.
Philippians 2:13.
This is what James is saying in James 2:18 "Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I WILL SHEW THEE MY FAITH BY MY WORKS."
A person wilfully continuing in sin is not saved, so you can't lose what you don't have.
James 3:19 reads; "Thou believest THAT THERE IS ONE GOD; thou doest well: THE DEVILS ALSO BELIEVE, AND TREMBLE.
Believing there's a God doesn't save souls.
Also; Titus 1:16 reads; "THEY PROFESS THAT THEY KNOW GOD; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate."
A profession doesn't save souls either.
Look at those professors described in the previous verse.
vv 15. "Unto the pure all things are pure: (BUT UNTO THEM THAT ARE DEFILED AND UNBELIEVING) is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled."
If you can earn your salvation you can lose it.
If you can earn it you have no need of Christ, he came to loose the captives.
He didn't come to give instructions on how to live a saved life.( You can't. )
Salvation is him giving you life that produces fruit.
So shall we continue in sin? NO!
If you were baptized into Christ you are Identified with him and see sin the way he do.
This is what Romans chapters 6, 7, and 8 is all about.
If we look at condemnation such as Zechariah 11:17 we see how the "worthless shepherd" or the Antichrist will be allowed to have authority in the future end times. This is equivalent to the "son of perdition" which stood for both Judas Iscariot and the coming Antichrist. Thus; those who would be part of the establishment and hierarchy of false religion at some point will be found to be reprobate ( Matt. 7:16). Fruits; therefore are the result of either a bad seed or heart condition or that of good seed producing good fruit.
When we look at passages such as Luke 19:8 with Zaccheus; certainly someone who was a corrupt tax collector or just happened to have a job that was despised could reform their ways; such as a teacher who is caught up in error and corrected by His brother ( James 5:19). This speaks of individuals who are granted repentance and come to realize Christ as Lord and Savior. This differentiates Christ's preaching of a general call nature and the parables hiding truth from the "wise" and revealing it to "babes" (see Matt. 11:25 as an example). In the general call we see a railing accusation against Pharisees and the lawyers of the time as we see in Matthew 23. We must remember that God can "choose their delusions" ( Isaiah 66:4) so that at some point men's hearts can be hardened beyond hope. Only the Lord knows what point that is; as well as those who are His children.
As to "shepherds" or leaders of any sort; of course there is harsher judgment for them than others. We see this with the denouncement of those who are "sons of hell" themselves and the resulting disciples who are twice as bad ( Matthew 23:15).
Teachers of Gospel truth also have this principle ( James 3:1). The case of a believer vs a non believer separates the results; of course from that of hellfire and suffering loss of reward. Nonetheless; the principle stands.
Direct quote from scripture: John 4:24 God is Spirit. John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of Spirit is spirit. John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I (Jesus) speak unto you are spirit, and they are life.
God is Spirit. Where in the scriptures does it say God, i.e. Creator, is Flesh; and they that worship Him must worship Him in FLESH and in truth? If Christ was born of flesh, then He wasn't born of God; nor would He be Spirit because Spirit would not be an option if Christ was created flesh. John 3:6 contains two opposite parts to its statement and clearly leaves no room that both options are simultaneously possible, nor that each entity can produce something other than what it is, or change back and forth, or be mixed together, which means coexist. John 6:63 is clear that the words Jesus speaks, which is truth, are spirit and life. NOT flesh and death, which would obviously be untruth.
James 3:11, 12 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a (grape) vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. The REASON this is truth is because in reality, the Mind of God can not and will not produce opposing, dualistic thoughts. A mouse can't produce mice and elephants. When thinking in terms of opposites (dualistic mind) we inevitably WILL have bitter (impure) thoughts and sweet (pure) thoughts, and of course project this insane way of thinking onto God. 1 John 4:8 says "God is Love." Where in scripture does it say, God is Hate? I don't require any more scripture to make the statement "Love creates Itself and nothing but Itself."
For now, I'll stick with Jesus APPEARED as a body, with the fullness of Christ Mind as One with His Mind; not His body. If we were frogs He would have appeared as a frog.
There are two possible scenarios that are guaranteed to be the end of sanctification for us; either the natural death of the body and our inner man then being present with the Lord ( 2 Cor. 5:8) or being raised up in glory at the rapture (Phillipians 3:21).
As I have brought up in earlier messages; it isn't enough to say that Christ is the center of our lives; He IS our life.
Of course; we have the world; the flesh and the Devil to overcome. ( James 3:15). it is hard; if not impossible to have a clear division or demarcation as to which of these influences is affecting us; no doubt all three need to be dealt with to truly live a Spirit filled life of Holiness. Besetting sins are necessary to overcome; according to the principles of 1 Corinthians 10:13. It is what is behind the sins; the inherent weaknesses in ourselves which tends to be the source we need to examine as well. Some of us have fears; obsessions of various kinds; or personality issues that repeatedly get us into trouble. If we are saved then we need to be mindful that Satan's minions are using the world to draw us in; and sins usually begin in the mind. ( Romans 1:21).
There is a need for deliverance for those who are oppressed; and that often doesn't happen until someone is ready to be open about sins and the legal access the enemy has to them. If there isn't any transparency there then of course we risk the warning that seven more demons can come into us ( Luke 11:26). I would add that we need to know who we should and should NOT ask to pray in that regard. Those who have besetting sins or lifestyles of sin are people to avoid; lest whatever is attached to them takes a hold on us. I am firmly convinced that ANY Spirit filled believer is capable of a deliverance ministry; and often people are set free when a congregation in general has a healthy fear of the Lord.
Let us remember as Ephesians 2:6 states we are seated in heavenly places. This world is not our home.
Verse 7 of the Psalm indicates a place otherwise known as "Kadesh barnea". Apparently there was an incident in the Book of Numbers as well which could have been a separate occasion. It is likely that Moses had to provide water for the multitude on many occasions-if not in such a spectacular fashion. In any case, Moses struck the rock twice ( Exodus 17:6); disobeying the command to only strike it once. Whether due to anger and frustration or careless disobedience the result was that it was held as sin and ultimately was a reason that he could not enter the Promised Land. ( Deut. 32:51-52).
Notice that the promises of provision in verse 10 and again in verse 16 were predicated on the requirement of verses 8-9; namely that there would be no worship of other gods. That basically boiled down the reasons for being bagged down for a whole generation in the desert; as well as rebellions later when they could have taken over the pagan nations much more quickly and completely.
This passage of scripture should give us pause if we are in a position of authority in the church today. Clearly; those teaching the Word are held to a higher standard ( James 3:1).
God is longsuffering and patient; and also alone can truly have righteous indignation. Moses was said to be meek above all who dwelled upon the earth. ( Numbers 12:3). Yet this one sin had lasting repercussions. Today; of course wwe see error in the other direction where there is no fear of the Lord as well as appreciation of Him being a jealous God. Error is not only permitted but taught in many cases. James 1:8 warns of a double minded man being unstable in all his ways; and the preceding verse shows that he should expect nothing from the Lord.
There IS fear in love; but perfect love does NOT cast out fear; because LOVE hath torment. HE that loveth IS made perfect in fear. I must choose one or the other as to which is true and eternal; from the Voice for God.
The truth is true and nothing else is true. This statement has two parts: without the first, the second has no meaning, but without the second, is the first no longer true. Truth cannot have an opposite. This can not be too often said and thought about. For if what is not true is true as well as what is true, then part of truth is false. And truth has lost its meaning. Nothing but the truth is true, and what is false is false. Truth must be true throughout, if it be true. It cannot contradict itself, nor be in parts uncertain and in others sure. What God creates has no alternative. The truth arises from what He KNOWS; not what we perceive.
Perception has a focus.It is this that gives consistency to what we see. Change but this focus, and what we behold will change accordingly. When seeing a wholly sinless world is ALL we want to see, when this is ALL we seek for in the name of true perception, are the eyes of Christ inevitably ours. What the body's eyes see/perceive is only conflict.
Much of our strange behavior is directly attributable to our definition of guilt; we've accepted the belief the guiltless are guilty. Love and guilt cannot coexist, and to accept one is to deny the other. Guilt hides Christ from our sight, for it is the denial of the blamelessness of God' children. Love creates Itself and nothing but Itself. To the "devil" purity is seen as arrogance and the acceptance of the self as sinful is perceived as holiness. TEACH ONLY LOVE.
Romans 2:11Romans 13:10Eph. 1:4Eph. 5:14Eph. 3:17-19Eph. 4:29Philippians 4:8Titus 1:15 2 James 3:17-18 1 John 1:5 1 1 John 4:7-8
Proper view on imprecatory Psalms and other scriptures on the wrath of God
In Psalm 2; we see that God laughs at the calamity of the wicked. This is repeated in Psalm 37 and 59 and I believe elsewhere in scripture. We don't have the prerogative as the Lord does for such an attitude. This doesn't mean; however that we won't rejoice in God's judgments of the wicked. Also as Isaiah 66 makes clear; we will see those in hell and they will be an abhorrence.
Romans 5:10 indicates how we all were enemies of God. We are commanded to love our enemies; as well as "pray for those who despitefully use you" ( Matt. 5:44). This isn't possible; of course apart from the Spirit living in us. But we note as well that we are aware of who our enemies are; namely those opposing Christ.
We need to differentiate as well between that which is spoken to the masses (those called) with an individual message (to those who are chosen). We are all in a STATE of sin; which is common to this world system; as is described in James 3:15 as the "world; flesh and the devil." The world which promises "freedom" makes us captive; whereas when we are servants of Christ we are truly set free. To hate the sin and love the sinner therefore is more of an aversion to the state of sin even than to their individual participation in it. We can flip the tables on this and state that the love of Christ is more focused on the BODY of Christ than any individual member of it; that is if we wish to find a church with balanced gifting.
Ultimately; then the final fate for the unregenerate is in a perpetual state of sin; and therefore they are just one of a whole pile of garbage; spiritually. Hence is the allegory of Gehenna in scripture given as a comparison to eternal hellfire; where they used to toss the trash outside the city. Rev. 11:18 is even fitting for environmentalists; God will "destroy those who destroy the earth." Animals as well will feast at Armageddon.
Psalm 57. James 3:6 is one of the first things I notice a parallel to with verse 4. There are other verses describing animals prophetic of those surrounding Christ during the crucifixion in Psalm 22:12-13. Here in this Psalm we once again are given in the intro. the information that this was written during David's cave retreat as happened multiple times with Saul's insanity.
We see crying in verse 2 and singing in verses 7-8; finally praise in verse 9 with the resulting appreciation of mercy and truth (v.10) with His name exalted in the last verse. These are solid Biblical approaches to persecution; as we see when Paul was incarcerated in Acts 16:25-28 along with Silas; it in fact led to deliverance.
Ecclesiastes 9:12 and a host of other verses describe men being caught in nets due to their own sin. (see Job 18:5-9; Isaiah 24:18). "Vengeance is mine; I shall repay" is in Deuteronomy 32:35 and quoted in Romans 12:19. It is important to remember David's attitude toward "God's anointed" (see 1 Samuel 24). Even when Saul died David still mourned over him. This attitude of loving our enemies should characterize our lives while we still proclaim the truth that indeed the Day of His wrath is coming; and only through the cross will we escape.
Verse 1 is admittedly a trickly passage the way it is written; sounding like the transgression of the wicked is speaking to a godly man (David) and stating that there is no fear of God before his eyes. Having seen commentaries on this subject not finding satisfactory cross references; it would seem it is stating that within my (David's) heart is testifying that the state of transgression of the wicked is due to their lack of fear of God. The next several verses talk about self gratiation (flattery-verse 2); verbal caustic language (v. 3); and plotting in his bed what he will do next (verse 4). There is a sober warning of those who become reprobate as verse 3 where apparently there was some wise or good standard for those individual(s) previously. Conversations and words seem to be a major red flag there.
Securing the mercy of God is largely indicated by the TRUST mentioned in verse 7. David asks for the "foot of pride" and "hand of the wicked" to "remove me". The concern probably is those who will cause us to find an excuse to fall away. The doom of the wicked once again is sealed in verse 12.
We do well to heed to the admonitions in James as to not letting there be a root of bitterness in us. (also see Hebrews 12:15). The love of money is the root of all evil ( 1 Tim. 6:10). We are wise to be cautious not to be ensnared by those things which plunge men into perdition which is in the verse immediately before ( 1 Tim. 6:9). We need to watch the tongue and control it as James admonishes as well ( James 3:1-12).
The summary of the Psalm seems to be similar or perhaps is connected to the previous one; as we see a mention of aching bones in verse 3. I had already postulated as to the possible cause of these issues; and it seems in verse 5 that certain behaviors may have led to this condition (as well as the hand of God being heavy on David in verse 4).
Verse 6 discusses coming to the Lord while there is yet time; not say in the "great flood" which could be a past reference to what happened in the days of Noah or perhaps in the end times as well. Surely we need to be mindful of sin and approach Christ while there is yet day and we can work ( John 9:4 and similar admonitions). Verse 7 once again discusses a "hiding place" or place of refuge which could be deliverance through the trials in this life or from the wrath to come; or certain other things today.
We see an interesting change of wording in verse 8 which seems to carry to verse 9. The "I will instruct thee" clearly is God Himself talking; and it seems that verse 9 is very much like the book of James in the N.T. ( James 3:3). Verse 10 also is like other verses which state there is no peace for the wicked ( Isaiah 57:21).
We are told to "shout for joy" if indeed righteous. We are reminded of the Beatitudes where we are said to be "blessed' when persecuted and many say things against us for Christ's sake ( Matt. 5:11). It seems David spent much of his years patiently handling accusations; first from Saul and then from his own offspring; partially as the result of God's chastisement due to his own transgressions.
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-the Word is GOD-, 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-Heb.4:12-13.
By the way,Jeremiah says:The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked:who can know it?I the Lord search the heart,I try the reins,even to give every MAN according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings-Jer.17:9-10.
The Word made flesh,the Word is GOD,self-executing,He who calls Himself JESUS,He Himself said:...that which cometh out of the mouth,this defileth a man-Mt.15:11.Death and life are in the power of the tongue-Prov.18:21.
JESUS said more:Mt.15:18-19:
18But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart;and they defile the man.
19For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts,false witness, murders,adulteries,fornications,thefts,blasphemies:
For meditation and testify:
Death and life are in the power of the tongue.
We could or can understand that everyone dies through the mouth.
Compare this deep mystery of the death with Romans 3:12-18, combined with James 3:1-12,mainly verses 5to8.
But what does the Word of GOD say?1Cor.15:26->The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.Now, now, the death is an ENEMY,
so we must fight against this ENEMY and be transformed, knowing that the sting of death is sin- Matthew 15:19;the strength of sin is the Law. Yes, transformed and be changed( Philippians 3:20-21),for this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality,understand?
But thanks be to GOD, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Exercising authority in church bears with it proportionate levels of accountability ( James 3:1). There are crowns for those ( 1 Peter 5:4) who are overseeing the flock in any capacity. While we cannot dismiss someone receiving such a crown who has a sizeable and successful ministry from outward appearances the urge to compromise leads to the situation in Matthew 5:19.
One thing is for sure; no one is going to receive rewards for teaching heresy; and continued unrepentance in this area like any other sin shows that an individual is unsaved.
It is by no means a guarantee of God's calling; but it does help when other brothers can see we have a gift and calling to be a Pastor. It seems to be a favorite rationale for getting a degree in Divinity; but I admire a brother I met some years ago who had a desire to be an elder specifically; not a Pastor. (Techinically these require the same gifting). In light of that observation; ;I have found that many large churches seem to rarely if ever give credit to Associate Pastors or even mention those under them. It could be the sheer size of the staff that is prohibitive. As I have probably pointed out before on this site; it is NOT wise for a Pastor to have NO elders or deacons working to help them and guide them; but I have seen this happen on occasion.
It is often a sign of an immature or prideful man in leadership when this situation continues. Thankfully in the one case I am aware of one of my friends was elected to be an Elder; clearly gifted in counselling others and teaching abilities.
I hope myself not to be hypocritical even with my own "sermons" online. We all need to learn from each other; and no gifting should be considered the "penultimate" position. Laypersons also should be involved; at least as members in voting in areas of church polity. Room for dissenting opinions in regard to large financial expenditures should involve preliminary data for transparency
1 John 4:20 is a stern admonition to those who would claim to love God that hates His brother. Other verses in 1 John show as with the Gospel of John the necessary commands for a believer to love one another. We need to look as well at verses in James which discuss the taming of the tongue. ( James 3:5-6) Gossip and slander are things that can destroy a person; hence the admonition about the fires of hell. You can bet that there will be plenty of cursing in hell for the state of misery against God and probably against others as well. Hating a brother without cause ( Matt. 5:22) is in degrees; but unforgiveness results in holding on to our own sins and is not beneficial for us even in this life. Holding onto grudges; for example is another example of a lifestyle of sin; there are people who may have already passed away who we still have bitterness about in our souls resulting in caustic behavior toward others including unforgiveness. Man cannot have unconditional love for their enemies apart from His grace. This of course doesn't validate the "political correctness" today coddling criminal behavior. Acts 2:23 is only one of several passages in the book clearly stating that the Jews killed Christ; and or complicit in His murder. Jesus didn't mince words either with this subject ( Matthew 5:21-22).
We cannot ignore the act of murder which includes abortions in this study either. Again; we dare not cede to the culture of today which doesn't want to follow Biblical precedent for a death penalty for such an act to vindicate an innocent party and to have some cohesiveness in society. We can complain all we want about dictatorships in the world; but many of them see much lower crime rates because no government can survive in anarchy. We also are foolish in trying to support ideologies that are antithetical toward the value of life because of some misguided notion that everyone wants a "democracy".
First Timothy 5:24 states:
Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
What is interesting is the next verse which contrasts this with good works that also become clear even if they start off being hidden.
The effects of sin are what is known as bad fruit. The cause of sin is of course from a corrupt and fallen nature (see Jeremiah 17:9 on the state of a human heart without saving grace).
James 3:6 states this:
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
This figurative expression no doubt will eventually lead to one's destruction in fire; as well as the destruction of the earth in like manner as we see stated in 2 Peter 3:10 and numerous other verses. God made everything good; but the fall of man led to death for all forms of life; as well as even the stars not being pure in His sight ( Job 25:5 seems to corroborate this with Job 15:15). He is going to create therefore a new heaven and earth where righteousness dwells ( 2 Peter 3:13 and see Revelation 21 and 22.)
God had to bring a total cure for the total corruption in what was made originally pure in His sight (see Ecclesiastes 7:29). This brought Christ part of the Godhead to personally die as our atonement and also of course to restore all nature from the fall which consummates when He returns and eventually at the end of the Millennium when the last enemy death is destroyed ( 1 Cor. 15:26). Judgment comes to the angelic realm who fell after Lucifer's rebellion. Some have already been judged ( 1 Peter 3:19-20 also read book of Jude). The rest of mankind; of course lives on borrowed time and because God is patient to ensure all His elect come to Him people try to get away with all they can ( Ecclesiastes 8:11).
A spoonful of sugar won't help this medicine go down; God's love will
So true, and I agree with much that you said.
Today, and foe many years now, Preachers don't preach and acknowledge the truth about sin, and everlasting hell, and they are leading their congregations straight down the wide path to hell! Matthew 25:41 James 3:1
We MUST fear God! This is the very beginning of knowledge. Proverbs 1:7
God is Vengeful and He tells us so. Hell is God's way of getting His vengeance. Isaiah 47:3
God knows us better than we could ever imagine. He knows, that if we have NO FEAR to motivate us to change our ways, we will continue in sin. God is also Love. He sacrificed his Son for us so thru Him we can recieved forgivness. He provides His Holy Spirit to break the bonds of sin. Preachers are not helping anyone by not preaching Hell and the fear of God!
If we are still repeatedly sinning..we DO NOT have God's Holy Spirit. Hebrews 10:26 God's Holy Spirit will not let us habitually sin.
Today, most so called Christian Pastors/Preachers are about the money. They don't want to focus on the sin in their congregation, if they do, they will lose their entire congregation. Sinners don't want to hear they are sinners, and they certainly don't want to think or hear about hell, they come to church to feel good about themselves and to be entertained. Churches today are all about making everyone feel good. Sad but true.
Which reminds me of this very powerful verse 2 Timothy 4:3 "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;"
The plain truth is: Sin keeps us from our God!
GBU
In today's society; we have found a way to extricate our minds from within when it comes to the subject of slavery. What happened hundreds of years ago is someone else's problem or said to be our fault by default as to our race. Closer to home now; of course is the continuing servitude particularly of the sex trade today and that brings attention to the revenue of such a trade.
That; of course comes from those who would exploit such an industry who themselves in actuality are slaves to sin.
Revelation makes it clear; unfortunately that slaves will exist in the end times will exist ( Rev. 6:15). At that time they will be clumped together with all those who attempt to hide from God.
Christ has redeemed us from our state of hopelessness and given us a new life. We have turned from Satan as our master to the Living God ( Ephesians 2:2). A truly redeemed child of God can read a passage such as Isaiah 66:24 and understand how they themselves were an abhorrence in their lost; sinful state. To know that we were under His wrath we proclaim the salvation message. Those who are condemned already ( John 3:18) are not known to us immediately; eventually it will be clear who is saved and who isn't at least by judgment Day. Such amazing love of Christ should motivate us to share the Gospel with others.
I am convinced one reason more people aren't sharing with much conviction is because they have become dumbed down to just how wicked they were; forgotten what they were saved from or in the worst case scenario are really not saved at all but following a form of godliness but denying the power thereof ( 2 Tim. 3:5). It is sobering to remind ourselves that as believers that scripture warns us to stay AWAY from such people.
Satan; I always say is an equal opportunity destroyer. He will take any sin; as seemingly innocuous as gossip and turn it into a full scale conflagration (see warnings in James 3:6). Only Christ frees us from slavery.
James 3:1-12 (KJV) 1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
I didn't say I was of the Universalist religion, I said I'm a universalist because I believe that God will Save all His creatures at His appointed time. Furthermore, when you say things like "mainstream Christian religions" I'm glad I'm on the other side of them because, James 3:1; in other words preachers and teachers will receive a more strict Judgment. Thus, if a preacher or teacher gets something wrong AND teaches it, that misinterpretation will lead them into sin and that teacher will receive a portion of all those sins
Nothing "diminishes" Christ's Work, if a person doesn't understand something, does that misunderstanding somehow nullify that which is misunderstood? If a man doesn't understand what Christ did, it takes away NOTHING from Christ; that misunderstanding takes away from the one who misunderstands and for that we must pray.
I'm glad you brought up eternal punishment. Why does God punish? Answer: for correction. God doesn't abuse, He corrects. Hell is not Eternal, I've shown this but, I'll show you more! We should all know of the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Luke 16:19-31. We can see that the rich man (Jew) went to hell and begged Abraham to help him, but Abraham said that he couldn't! Now, add to this the other half of The Message, 1 Peter 3:19-20. You see, Christ went to MINISTER to souls in hell (prison) for He is a Savior, ALWAYS and FOREVER! And, He is still down their Saving souls. To "put it together" a Jew dies unbelieving of Christ, hell is the result. The Jew asks for help from Abraham and is denied. Now, a person who knew of Christ but never Fully gave in to Him (false Christian, maybe), is also in hell and now they are in torment and in a final desperate PLEA call out to Christ Jesus! Psalms 139:7-12. And He Saves in front of all in there, truthfully, do you think the people there will be calling to their idols? Or, will they Cry Out to Christ? Instant Conversion to The Truth! Think about it, He is a WONDERFUL GOD!!!!!!
Friend, all of this proceeds from the lack of being Taught of God by His Spirit, bringing all that would surrender unto Him into the unity of the Faith of the Son of God, that is wrought within us by His Spirit, that we may be one even as He & the Father are One. Members of His Body, for the Temple of God is Holy.
John 17:21-23
Yes; the Spirit knows us through & through & we can be sure no one can never fool God.
Gigi & all, please consider the Truth that's being reveal here according to Scriptures, sound reasoning & the Witness within your conscience that will bear witness to Truth.
For it one's faith is wrong, so will one's life & final destination be. Matt 17: 17-21 James 3:11
I believe that there many on this site as you, who are sincere & do desire to truly know & serve the Lord, but are as I once was "deceived " by the traditions & teaching of men, meaning by studying the Scripture by the arts of science, the letter by the letter. I truly believed that I was being lead by God in this effort, I was deceived & that by the Harlot Rev 17:4-6
Again; all, please consider these truths
In love & truth
So,the disobedience caused a change of the nature. James 3:6-The tongue is a fire,a world of iniquity:so is the tongue among our members,that it defileth the whole body,and setteth on fire the COURSE of NATURE;and it is set on fire of HELL.Paul said:"by a man came death,for in Adam all die"-1Cor.15:21-22.Why?What does the Word of GOD say?1Cor.15:45-49-"The first man Adam was made a living soul;that which is natural;he is of the earth, earthy;and as is the earthy,such are they also that are earthy,and have borne the image of the earthy"
No,I was not "referring to anyone after Adam,including you&me" for as we all know from Adam until the current time,my Lord
JESUS is the only one who was not born from the Devil
JESUS said to the Devil:Man shall not live by bread alone,but by every Word that proceedeth out of the mouth of GOD
Genesis 3:2 to 5
The Devil said to the woman:"Yea,hath GOD said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?"
The woman answered to the Devil:We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden(in my view the fig tree),GOD hath said,Ye shall not eat of it...lest ye die
And the serpent said unto the woman,Ye shall not surely die:GOD knows that in the day ye eat thereof,then your eyes shall be opened,and ye shall be as gods,knowing good and evil
Luke 20:35-36
35But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world(next world-the millennium),and the resurrection from the dead,neither marry,nor are given in marriage:
36Neither can they die any more:for they are equal unto the angels;and are the children of GOD,being the children of the resurrection
But you asked, "where does the dying process of man begin?" I think your answer suggests that it lies in the tongue/the throat (from the references you gave). However, it appears that the sin nature in man begins right at birth, even whilst in the womb (even as David expressed it in Psalm 51:5; also Romans 5:12). The tongue is indeed "a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell" ( James 3:6), but the tongue can only do what this verse tells us, and that is when the root of evil in the human heart manifests such expression. And that 'root' is the sin nature passed onto each one of us, which we can't avoid, but yet find forgiveness & a new nature from Heaven, only through Christ's Blood shed for us.
Allow me to comment something more on replys exchanged between you and David 0921,something about 'death as confined to the grave'; something like cause and efect. By the way,death is an enemy, how to fight with him and defect him?
To deeply analyze and understand this terrible biblical theme, we need to start from the beginning of a mortal process that has existed since the beginning.Where does the dying process of man begin? Well, the Word of God reveals to us where it begins, by the way, the Word is GOD, understand?
Here's the source and the beginning of the mortal process:
Prov.18:21KJV:-Death and life are in the power of the TONGUE...
James 3:5-6:->5 The TONGUE is a little member, and boasts great things.Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6The TONGUE is a fire,A WORLD OF INIQUITY:so is the TONGUE among our members, that it defileth(and kills)the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature(as in days of Noah and Lot);and it is set on FIRE of HELL.
What is the MOUTH of the grave and how is it seen?Well,what does the Word of GOD say?Rom.3:10-18
10 As it is written,There is none righteous, no, not one:
11 There is none that understand,there is none that seeks after GOD.
12 They are all gone out of the way,they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good,no, not one.
13 Their THROAT is an open SEPULCHRE;with their TONGUES they have used deceit;the poison of asps is under their lips:
14 Whose MOUTH is full of cursing and bitterness
15 Their feet are swift to shed blood
16 Destruction and misery are in their ways
17 And the way of peace have they not known
18 There is no fear of GOD before their eyes
You said:'death as confined to the grave',death caused by a THROAT(an open sepulchre)and a satanic TONGUE,so the dead body is placed in the grave because of the bad smell that exudes from the dead(spiritually the stench of the sin),and you are obliged to get rid of it by burying it in an open hole in the earth
Allow me to comment something more on replys exchanged between you and David 0921,something about 'death as confined to the grave'; something like cause and efect. By the way,death is an enemy, how to fight with him and defect him?
To deeply analyze and understand this terrible biblical theme, we need to start from the beginning of a mortal process that has existed since the beginning.Where does the dying process of man begin? Well, the Word of God reveals to us where it begins, by the way, the Word is GOD, understand?
Here's the source and the beginning of the mortal process:
Prov.18:21KJV:-Death and life are in the power of the TONGUE...
James 3:5-6:->5 The TONGUE is a little member, and boasts great things.Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6The TONGUE is a fire,A WORLD OF INIQUITY:so is the TONGUE among our members, that it defileth(and kills)the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature(as in days of Noah and Lot);and it is set on FIRE of HELL.
What is the MOUTH of the grave and how is it seen?Well,what does the Word of GOD say?Rom.3:10-18
10 As it is written,There is none righteous, no, not one:
11 There is none that understand,there is none that seeks after GOD.
12 They are all gone out of the way,they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good,no, not one.
13 Their THROAT is an open SEPULCHRE; with their TONGUES they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
14 Whose MOUTH is full of cursing and bitterness:
15 Their feet are swift to shed blood:
16 Destruction and misery are in their ways
17 And the way of peace have they not known
18 There is no fear of GOD before their eyes
You said: 'death as confined to the grave', death caused by a THROAT(an open sepulchre)and a satanic TONGUE,so the dead body is placed in the grave because of the bad smell that exudes from the dead(spiritually the stench of the sin),and you are obliged to get rid of it by burying it in an open hole in the earth
Love. The last thing the flesh wants to hold on to is eros love and all the tentacles of seduction affecting the eyes; body and soul from the world; flesh and the devil ( James 3:15). Our hearts need to heed His voice; and stay within the confines of the partner God has given us in a covenant marriage only for expression of these affections. Many other things such as loving God's creation more than the Creator Himself; loving our own family and friends above the Lord; and any other emotions that distract us from our walk with God must be culled. This involves music in particular; recreational drugs and alcohol as well as anything good or bad that is not under control of the Spirit. ( Colossians 3:23).
Other emotions. Generally; good or bad fruits show opposing traits for those under the control of the Spirit as compared with the flesh. Hetred; strife; and enmity for example being bad fruit; love; joy and peace good fruit with many other expressions listed in scripture as well. As with any addict who is recovered any believer has to realize that we indeed have no power to stop the downward spiral into these behaviors once intoxicated with them; whether it leads to violence or self destructive results.
Planning for our future. Greed and covetousness is a sin and to be avoided. (see 10th Commandment; Luke 12:15). However; taking loans on high interest and high credit card debts to get the thrill of material items now basically robs ourselves. It is good and honorable to have an inheritance for family members; but of course we should always prioritize for the Lord in supporting missions as well as our local church. Wise planning brings prosperity; but the love of many things the opposite ( Deut 17:17)-Solomon may have had record wealth; but Ecclesiastes shows how all is vanity if God doesn't come in first and how other things crowd out the desire for God.
Hi Chris
Quoting you (we can never fulfill the law perfectly,) this is against Scriptures, Rom 8:4; it doesn't state a little or mostly, but fulfill in Christ Jesus! He's the Head, we're His body.
I've notice you've left the word 'abrogated', out of this conversation, no doubt; after this enlightenment, yet your being shifty to your assertions, as you indirectly assert it again by Hebrews 8:13; deceitfully clever, whether you were mindful of it or not, the Lord know the intent of our hearts. The Law; is only vanish away if we are walking in the Spirit, Gal 5:16; If we sin, than the Law revives & the penalty of death ensues. Sin is not to be continue in, to be repeated over & over again for life, the holy writ says, Rom 6:11; through the exercising of the Word of His Grace/Righteousness, it, the sin nature in purge out as we remain confident, faithful & steadfast unto the end. Hebrews 10:36-39;
This liberty that you speak of in the NC, from the context of our previous conversation; your stated, to fully know & obey God's will, by the working of Holy Spirit in them, your stating this can be accomplish, now your being evasive in this statement also, Titus 2:7; Friend, your speaking out of both sides of your mouth here, James 1:8; James 3:11,12; this doesn't become godliness, truth in the inward parts & righteousness in either testament.
We each have spiritual as well as natural strengths and weaknesses. In the sanctification process God will allow us to be tested; often involving the enemy in areas where we show tendencies to falter; whether that be our perseverance; patience; honesty; or fear to confront others. Faithfulness in serving our employers is part of what is required to be faithful to the Lord as we all work "heartily unto the Lord" ( Col. 3:23-24). The Lord is going to take into account our motives and actions and reward accordingly.
Such actions involve all of our lives; from our finances; quality of service to the brethren; even to the frequent discussion of the fear of the Lord and anticipation of His coming as Malachi 3:16. Note that this involves discussion often and with others as well as esteeming the Lord. Those who love Him will obey His commandments ( John 14:23).
As with anything else; fruit production involves a process as the parable of the sower and seeds illustrates; we must move beyond just hearing the Word but have a root in ourselves; and that also involves overcoming all the distractions of the world which cause many to fall away. The confusion that comes up is this: James 3:11-12 shows how a water can't come salty and fresh at the same time; and that refers to the tongue in verses 9 to 10 which speak blessings and cursings. This is much like the Laodicean church being lukewarm; it would seem.
There is no doubt that we will slip into old patterns of speech and behavior but that soil at our core eventually will produce behaviors on the outside; that is good or bad fruit. Therefore someone truly saved has a new nature that is working its way out; hence the purification and sanctification comes prior to glorification. It comes at varying degrees with different folks; but those not in Christ can only modify behavior on the outside until and if the Spirit crucifies them in Christ Gal 2:20
......When they brought Josephs bloody coat to Jacob he said a wild beast has done this....And he was right...The 10 brothers that done this horrible thing were born of the flesh....That which is born of the flesh is in rank with satan....And is the beast....Jacob wanted none of those woman like Leah and Zildah and Bilhad they were just put in his tent...He only loved Rachel thus it was only Joseph and Bejamin that were born of the will of God....The 10 evil ones were born of the flesh.
......Thats y Jesus was saying outta of the hearts of man proceeds all manner of evil....And thats y Jesus had to die....We have a heart problem....But b/c of his death we will all get a new heart and a new spirit....Which is the gift of God the H.G.
.....iF I be lifted up i will draw all men unto me...All the beasts of the world has been tamed by man but the tongue (our carnal minds) cannot be tamed by man... James 3:7 kjv....We need to birth that new creature the H.G....No man can tame that beast that lives with in us which is our carnal minds....Its only Jesus that can tame the beast that lives with in us...Thats y he called Peter satan simply b/c Peter had not been bornagain just yet of that incorruptible seed....But Jesus said if ye drink of any deadly thing it will not hurt you...Don't worry about any Covid test..gb
You said; It was by their works that He never knew them.
But if you examine Matthew 7:16-23 carefully you'll see that it was them trusting in their works and not his work is why he never knew them.
vv 16 states "Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Matthew 7:17-20 goes on to give you the contrast between the fruit and the thistles and what become of them.
There's dead works and there's fruit.
Thistles may be a sign of dead works.
Fruit is a work of God and performed by God that the believer bares by being connected to the vine. Philippians 1:6.
Philippians 2:13.
This is what James is saying in James 2:18 "Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I WILL SHEW THEE MY FAITH BY MY WORKS."
A person wilfully continuing in sin is not saved, so you can't lose what you don't have.
James 3:19 reads; "Thou believest THAT THERE IS ONE GOD; thou doest well: THE DEVILS ALSO BELIEVE, AND TREMBLE.
Believing there's a God doesn't save souls.
Also; Titus 1:16 reads; "THEY PROFESS THAT THEY KNOW GOD; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate."
A profession doesn't save souls either.
Look at those professors described in the previous verse.
vv 15. "Unto the pure all things are pure: (BUT UNTO THEM THAT ARE DEFILED AND UNBELIEVING) is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled."
If you can earn your salvation you can lose it.
If you can earn it you have no need of Christ, he came to loose the captives.
He didn't come to give instructions on how to live a saved life.( You can't. )
Salvation is him giving you life that produces fruit.
So shall we continue in sin? NO!
If you were baptized into Christ you are Identified with him and see sin the way he do.
This is what Romans chapters 6, 7, and 8 is all about.
God bless.
When we look at passages such as Luke 19:8 with Zaccheus; certainly someone who was a corrupt tax collector or just happened to have a job that was despised could reform their ways; such as a teacher who is caught up in error and corrected by His brother ( James 5:19). This speaks of individuals who are granted repentance and come to realize Christ as Lord and Savior. This differentiates Christ's preaching of a general call nature and the parables hiding truth from the "wise" and revealing it to "babes" (see Matt. 11:25 as an example). In the general call we see a railing accusation against Pharisees and the lawyers of the time as we see in Matthew 23. We must remember that God can "choose their delusions" ( Isaiah 66:4) so that at some point men's hearts can be hardened beyond hope. Only the Lord knows what point that is; as well as those who are His children.
As to "shepherds" or leaders of any sort; of course there is harsher judgment for them than others. We see this with the denouncement of those who are "sons of hell" themselves and the resulting disciples who are twice as bad ( Matthew 23:15).
Teachers of Gospel truth also have this principle ( James 3:1). The case of a believer vs a non believer separates the results; of course from that of hellfire and suffering loss of reward. Nonetheless; the principle stands.
Direct quote from scripture: John 4:24 God is Spirit. John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of Spirit is spirit. John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I (Jesus) speak unto you are spirit, and they are life.
God is Spirit. Where in the scriptures does it say God, i.e. Creator, is Flesh; and they that worship Him must worship Him in FLESH and in truth? If Christ was born of flesh, then He wasn't born of God; nor would He be Spirit because Spirit would not be an option if Christ was created flesh. John 3:6 contains two opposite parts to its statement and clearly leaves no room that both options are simultaneously possible, nor that each entity can produce something other than what it is, or change back and forth, or be mixed together, which means coexist. John 6:63 is clear that the words Jesus speaks, which is truth, are spirit and life. NOT flesh and death, which would obviously be untruth.
James 3:11, 12 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a (grape) vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. The REASON this is truth is because in reality, the Mind of God can not and will not produce opposing, dualistic thoughts. A mouse can't produce mice and elephants. When thinking in terms of opposites (dualistic mind) we inevitably WILL have bitter (impure) thoughts and sweet (pure) thoughts, and of course project this insane way of thinking onto God. 1 John 4:8 says "God is Love." Where in scripture does it say, God is Hate? I don't require any more scripture to make the statement "Love creates Itself and nothing but Itself."
For now, I'll stick with Jesus APPEARED as a body, with the fullness of Christ Mind as One with His Mind; not His body. If we were frogs He would have appeared as a frog.
God Is
Peace
As I have brought up in earlier messages; it isn't enough to say that Christ is the center of our lives; He IS our life.
Of course; we have the world; the flesh and the Devil to overcome. ( James 3:15). it is hard; if not impossible to have a clear division or demarcation as to which of these influences is affecting us; no doubt all three need to be dealt with to truly live a Spirit filled life of Holiness. Besetting sins are necessary to overcome; according to the principles of 1 Corinthians 10:13. It is what is behind the sins; the inherent weaknesses in ourselves which tends to be the source we need to examine as well. Some of us have fears; obsessions of various kinds; or personality issues that repeatedly get us into trouble. If we are saved then we need to be mindful that Satan's minions are using the world to draw us in; and sins usually begin in the mind. ( Romans 1:21).
There is a need for deliverance for those who are oppressed; and that often doesn't happen until someone is ready to be open about sins and the legal access the enemy has to them. If there isn't any transparency there then of course we risk the warning that seven more demons can come into us ( Luke 11:26). I would add that we need to know who we should and should NOT ask to pray in that regard. Those who have besetting sins or lifestyles of sin are people to avoid; lest whatever is attached to them takes a hold on us. I am firmly convinced that ANY Spirit filled believer is capable of a deliverance ministry; and often people are set free when a congregation in general has a healthy fear of the Lord.
Let us remember as Ephesians 2:6 states we are seated in heavenly places. This world is not our home.
Agape; RP
Verse 7 of the Psalm indicates a place otherwise known as "Kadesh barnea". Apparently there was an incident in the Book of Numbers as well which could have been a separate occasion. It is likely that Moses had to provide water for the multitude on many occasions-if not in such a spectacular fashion. In any case, Moses struck the rock twice ( Exodus 17:6); disobeying the command to only strike it once. Whether due to anger and frustration or careless disobedience the result was that it was held as sin and ultimately was a reason that he could not enter the Promised Land. ( Deut. 32:51-52).
Notice that the promises of provision in verse 10 and again in verse 16 were predicated on the requirement of verses 8-9; namely that there would be no worship of other gods. That basically boiled down the reasons for being bagged down for a whole generation in the desert; as well as rebellions later when they could have taken over the pagan nations much more quickly and completely.
This passage of scripture should give us pause if we are in a position of authority in the church today. Clearly; those teaching the Word are held to a higher standard ( James 3:1).
God is longsuffering and patient; and also alone can truly have righteous indignation. Moses was said to be meek above all who dwelled upon the earth. ( Numbers 12:3). Yet this one sin had lasting repercussions. Today; of course wwe see error in the other direction where there is no fear of the Lord as well as appreciation of Him being a jealous God. Error is not only permitted but taught in many cases. James 1:8 warns of a double minded man being unstable in all his ways; and the preceding verse shows that he should expect nothing from the Lord.
The truth is true and nothing else is true. This statement has two parts: without the first, the second has no meaning, but without the second, is the first no longer true. Truth cannot have an opposite. This can not be too often said and thought about. For if what is not true is true as well as what is true, then part of truth is false. And truth has lost its meaning. Nothing but the truth is true, and what is false is false. Truth must be true throughout, if it be true. It cannot contradict itself, nor be in parts uncertain and in others sure. What God creates has no alternative. The truth arises from what He KNOWS; not what we perceive.
Perception has a focus.It is this that gives consistency to what we see. Change but this focus, and what we behold will change accordingly. When seeing a wholly sinless world is ALL we want to see, when this is ALL we seek for in the name of true perception, are the eyes of Christ inevitably ours. What the body's eyes see/perceive is only conflict.
Much of our strange behavior is directly attributable to our definition of guilt; we've accepted the belief the guiltless are guilty. Love and guilt cannot coexist, and to accept one is to deny the other. Guilt hides Christ from our sight, for it is the denial of the blamelessness of God' children. Love creates Itself and nothing but Itself. To the "devil" purity is seen as arrogance and the acceptance of the self as sinful is perceived as holiness. TEACH ONLY LOVE.
Romans 2:11 Romans 13:10 Eph. 1:4 Eph. 5:14 Eph. 3:17-19 Eph. 4:29 Philippians 4:8 Titus 1:15 2 James 3:17-18 1 John 1:5 1 1 John 4:7-8
Peace
GOD IS
Hopefully these are helpful & encouraging
Scripture to back you
Matthew 25:31-46, James 2:5-20, 1Timothy 6:6-12, James 1:27, Colossians 1:10, Hebrews 13:5, James 3:17,18, Jude 1,
Hopefully these are helpful
In Psalm 2; we see that God laughs at the calamity of the wicked. This is repeated in Psalm 37 and 59 and I believe elsewhere in scripture. We don't have the prerogative as the Lord does for such an attitude. This doesn't mean; however that we won't rejoice in God's judgments of the wicked. Also as Isaiah 66 makes clear; we will see those in hell and they will be an abhorrence.
Romans 5:10 indicates how we all were enemies of God. We are commanded to love our enemies; as well as "pray for those who despitefully use you" ( Matt. 5:44). This isn't possible; of course apart from the Spirit living in us. But we note as well that we are aware of who our enemies are; namely those opposing Christ.
We need to differentiate as well between that which is spoken to the masses (those called) with an individual message (to those who are chosen). We are all in a STATE of sin; which is common to this world system; as is described in James 3:15 as the "world; flesh and the devil." The world which promises "freedom" makes us captive; whereas when we are servants of Christ we are truly set free. To hate the sin and love the sinner therefore is more of an aversion to the state of sin even than to their individual participation in it. We can flip the tables on this and state that the love of Christ is more focused on the BODY of Christ than any individual member of it; that is if we wish to find a church with balanced gifting.
Ultimately; then the final fate for the unregenerate is in a perpetual state of sin; and therefore they are just one of a whole pile of garbage; spiritually. Hence is the allegory of Gehenna in scripture given as a comparison to eternal hellfire; where they used to toss the trash outside the city. Rev. 11:18 is even fitting for environmentalists; God will "destroy those who destroy the earth." Animals as well will feast at Armageddon.
We see crying in verse 2 and singing in verses 7-8; finally praise in verse 9 with the resulting appreciation of mercy and truth (v.10) with His name exalted in the last verse. These are solid Biblical approaches to persecution; as we see when Paul was incarcerated in Acts 16:25-28 along with Silas; it in fact led to deliverance.
Ecclesiastes 9:12 and a host of other verses describe men being caught in nets due to their own sin. (see Job 18:5-9; Isaiah 24:18). "Vengeance is mine; I shall repay" is in Deuteronomy 32:35 and quoted in Romans 12:19. It is important to remember David's attitude toward "God's anointed" (see 1 Samuel 24). Even when Saul died David still mourned over him. This attitude of loving our enemies should characterize our lives while we still proclaim the truth that indeed the Day of His wrath is coming; and only through the cross will we escape.
Verse 1 is admittedly a trickly passage the way it is written; sounding like the transgression of the wicked is speaking to a godly man (David) and stating that there is no fear of God before his eyes. Having seen commentaries on this subject not finding satisfactory cross references; it would seem it is stating that within my (David's) heart is testifying that the state of transgression of the wicked is due to their lack of fear of God. The next several verses talk about self gratiation (flattery-verse 2); verbal caustic language (v. 3); and plotting in his bed what he will do next (verse 4). There is a sober warning of those who become reprobate as verse 3 where apparently there was some wise or good standard for those individual(s) previously. Conversations and words seem to be a major red flag there.
Securing the mercy of God is largely indicated by the TRUST mentioned in verse 7. David asks for the "foot of pride" and "hand of the wicked" to "remove me". The concern probably is those who will cause us to find an excuse to fall away. The doom of the wicked once again is sealed in verse 12.
We do well to heed to the admonitions in James as to not letting there be a root of bitterness in us. (also see Hebrews 12:15). The love of money is the root of all evil ( 1 Tim. 6:10). We are wise to be cautious not to be ensnared by those things which plunge men into perdition which is in the verse immediately before ( 1 Tim. 6:9). We need to watch the tongue and control it as James admonishes as well ( James 3:1-12).
The summary of the Psalm seems to be similar or perhaps is connected to the previous one; as we see a mention of aching bones in verse 3. I had already postulated as to the possible cause of these issues; and it seems in verse 5 that certain behaviors may have led to this condition (as well as the hand of God being heavy on David in verse 4).
Verse 6 discusses coming to the Lord while there is yet time; not say in the "great flood" which could be a past reference to what happened in the days of Noah or perhaps in the end times as well. Surely we need to be mindful of sin and approach Christ while there is yet day and we can work ( John 9:4 and similar admonitions). Verse 7 once again discusses a "hiding place" or place of refuge which could be deliverance through the trials in this life or from the wrath to come; or certain other things today.
We see an interesting change of wording in verse 8 which seems to carry to verse 9. The "I will instruct thee" clearly is God Himself talking; and it seems that verse 9 is very much like the book of James in the N.T. ( James 3:3). Verse 10 also is like other verses which state there is no peace for the wicked ( Isaiah 57:21).
We are told to "shout for joy" if indeed righteous. We are reminded of the Beatitudes where we are said to be "blessed' when persecuted and many say things against us for Christ's sake ( Matt. 5:11). It seems David spent much of his years patiently handling accusations; first from Saul and then from his own offspring; partially as the result of God's chastisement due to his own transgressions.
Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 23, Mark 7:6, James 3:17,
John 2,
Hopefully these are helpful