Be anxious about nothing but with prayers and supplications make your requests to be known by God...ok here's the full quote.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Seems I left out thanksgiving; a big no no. Must be late and I am poor on scripture memory discipline I should have remembered the last part which of course is relevant to your situation.
True love casts out fear (1 John I'll let you find the verse).
The verse John 16:8 comes to mind but not in the main meaning but what it implies; namely that those who are truly Spirit filled are not under judgment and their sins are not going to be held against them. We are on the right side of His righteousness as His Spirit lives in us and the world flesh and the Devil have no hold on us. On the other side of the equation is the world; the flesh and the Devil of whom I am sure I don't need to inform you as to the constant interference and torment they so often try to afflict us with.
The accuser of the brethren ( Rev. 12:10) is the enemy's main tactic to render us ineffective in the battlefield. So it should go without saying that we examine ourselves to see if there is any offense which gives the enemy the legal authority to go after us as a means the Lord Himself will use for our discipline. Spiritual warfare certainly is the overarching force that leads to emotional side effects. The Lord will use others to encourage us; and we should bring our requests to the Lord as well as sharing with those who He will use to minister to us. I have found just as helpful when running into strangers who are believers; something which spiritual discernment often has made clear to me.
The worst thing the enemy can do is convince us that we are still of this world and doomed to hell. If TRULY saved it is a lie.
To the first one: when we speak of Jesus being God, or Almighty God, we know that Jesus is not the Father - He is the Son (of God). But the question: where did Jesus come from that He should be called God, or Divine? Jesus Himself spoke of coming forth from God ( John 16:28, "I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father").
The prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 7:14 prophesied about a special Child to be born, which was fulfilled as given in Matthew 1:22,23, "Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us".
So just from these few verses we are told that God was going to bring a special Person into the World (and we know that it was for the purpose of Sacrifice & Redemption of sinners); and this Person was not born from the union of two humans, but His beginning was from God Himself. John 1:1-14 tells us that God's Word was made flesh, begotten of the Father - and John was speaking here of Jesus (Jesus' Origin & His Divine Nature).
Why does Jesus then pray to God? Because God brought forth One, a part of Himself, Who is both Divine & Human, & called Him His Son ( Matthew 3:17), for He came forth from within the Person of God. As a Son, Jesus now rightfully speaks (or prays) to His Father & was subservient to Him in every respect fulfilling the Will of the Father to one day make full payment for our sins. This Jesus has done, which God His Father accepted, & raised Jesus to be with Him sharing in His Glory, in Honor & in Power. As the Son of God, Jesus was wholly obedient to His Father's Will; now raised in Glory, the Son receives the praise & worship just as God His Father receives ( Philippians 2:5-11). Onto Page 2.
Q: The Agabus episode in Ac.21:11 shows that the gifts of the Spirit vary for believers to profit withal. Agabus used the girdle of St Paul to prove the point. Am I correct?
A: Yes. A girdle does not serve the same purpose in our own times in the west as in the the east where the dust and heat on a traveller could be enervating. It is as personal as soul of man but also an outward symbol of man's social standing. The Spirit uses the girdle to prove the purpose of the indwelling Spirit and "he Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come," Spirit of prophesy is the testimony of Jesus Christ." So the glory of the Father in his Son is the intent."He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you."( John 16:13-14). It is thus our volume is determined and "And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace."( John 1:16)
The blessings in his Son bring heaven and earth under a single standard as the golden girdle of Christ. Agabus, coming down from Judaea, " Agabus./ And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles." 'Thus saith the Holy Spirit' stresses on the unity of the Spirit and instead what have we? Is it not heresies that have ruled the roost? "For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way."(2 The.2:7)
FATHER You said that where two or more are gathered YOU shall be in their midst [ Matthew 18:20] We confess our sins and we know that you have forgiven us because it is not your will that any should perish [ 2 Peter 3:9]. FATHER, YOUR SON YESHUA/CHRIST says that anything we ask in HIS NAME YOU shall honor [ John 16:23] so in faith we ask that YOU go ahead of Christian and make the crooked places straight and break the gates of brass and the bars of iron [ Isaiah 45:2] . Still the tongue of the enemy and the avenger [ Psalms 8:2b] Stop, confound and turn back the wicked. Hide Christian under the shadow of your wings [ Psalm 91:1] Let your Word be a lamp unto his feet and light unto his path [ Psalms 119:105] Bridle his tongue when the wicked are around [ Psalms 39:1] Give him the peace which surpasseth all understanding [ Philippians 4:7] Bless the work of his hands [ Deuteronomy 28:12] Cause him to have favor with YOU and with man [ Proverbs 3:4]. Let all evil collaborators turn upon each other as they did when they came against Zerubbabel/ Gideon [ Judges 7:22] For as they come in as one they shall flee as seven [ Deuteronomy 28:7] Your Word said that those who dig a pit they shall fall into it [ Ecclesiastes 10:8] let the wicked whose only plans is to destroy [ Psalm 140:4] your children fall into their own pits and let their own arrows return back to them [] but keep Christian safe, and merited and in good standing that he may have the victory and let all this be applied by extension to his whole house that he may live and give YOU the Glory in YESHUA MIGHTY NAME . Amen!
John 16:27 - For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.
Interesting, because that is not the word AGAPE. And this is one of the few times that Jesus used the word PHILEO to talk about His relationship with the Father and the Father's relationship with us. Both times, it is PHILEO.
For the Father himself loves you, PHILEO (family love), because you have loved me (Perfect Tense PHILEO), family love. Remember, He told them before I called you friends. We are family now. We are not rabbi and student, and you have believed that I came out from God.
John 16:31 - Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?
Interesting, the word "now" doesn't mean now at the present time. It means "up till now." It is the word ARTI. Have you believed up till now?
John 17:2 - As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.
First of all, the Son is glorified in the Father, and the Father is glorified in the Son, and that the Father has given to the Son authority "over" all flesh.
Literally, in the Greek text, He has given Him authority OF all flesh. There is no word "over!" It is a Genitive Case which shows possession. The Son has been given authority by the Father to possess all flesh. Every human being is under the authority of Christ. John Chapter 5 tells us that the Father has transferred all authority to the Son. We are to honor the Son equally as we honor the Father.
John 16:20 - Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
Jesus says to them that they will weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice. He's talking about the crucifixion. The world is going to celebrate getting rid of Jesus. But they (the disciples) will weep and lament. And the world will rejoice and ye shall be sorrowful, and again, sorrowful is the word grief in the Greek text.
Jesus is telling His disciples that they're going to be so pained, and that pain is going to be so deep within you that you can't even express it, but your grief shall be turned into joy. Jesus gives an illustration in Verse 21.
John 16:21 - A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.
A woman when she is in travail, she has sorrow. And that is the word LUPAE, (grief), because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembers no more the anguish. And this is the word THLIPSIS that means stress, on account of the joy that a man or baby is brought into the world.
So, He's using the proverbial expression that as a woman is going through her labor pains, and has not given birth yet, she's in excruciating pain, and that's the focus of the hour. But after the child is born, the joy of the child being born, just the almost, but not completely, erases all the pain of the past.
Not only will the believer love those within the Christian fellowship, but there will also be a desire for those outside the fold to come to a saving knowledge of Christ. It is impossible for Christ, the One who died for sinners, to be in the heart and there not be a longing for the salvation of sinners. A sterile and frigid Christian is not likely to experience the sweetness and joy of full assurance, but a vital Christian, who knows something of the Savior's compassion, will find the joy of belonging and an abiding experience.
Conscious of Being His Child.
A consciousness that we are children of God comes to the soul and says that we are the sons of God. This is the gracious work of the Spirit of God and not the product of psychological presumption.
By this know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. ( 1 John 4:13)
This does not mean that we are conscious of the presence of the Holy Spirit, but it does mean that we are conscious of the work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit does not speak of Himself, but He speaks of Christ:
Nevertheless, when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth; for he shall not speak of himself, but whatever he shall hear, that shall he speak; and he will show you things to come. ( John 16:13)
Part of the work of the Holy Spirit is to make us conscious that we are the children of God.
The Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. ( Romans 8:16)
There is a counterfeit humility going the rounds today, and it sounds very pious, but it does not have the ring of the genuine. Some say that we are to grovel in the dust and act like worms - this is the modern way of putting on sackcloth and ashes. It is true that we are sinners; there is no good within us, no good comes out of us, and we have nothing in which to glory save the cross of Christ.
I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. ( John 17:9).
Presumption is a dangerous thing. This verse along with much text in the chapters comprising the book of John in particular make it quite clear there is indeed a subsection of all men that are called and chosen by God; otherwise defined as "Predestination". Having discussed this book in regard to that subject in some detail a couple years back I won't confine this posting to corner everyone into a boxing match as to the whole 5 Point Calvin idea. I will go back to what is another clear teaching from scripture that His sheep hear His voice and they bear fruit that indicates they possess true faith.
The "come as you are" motif that is commonplace in the "seeker friendly church" is at best only half right. Upon entering a true Spirit filled fellowship the John 16:8 convicting power of the Spirit should begin to affect someone; for the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. God in order to save anyone must provide a change of heart and a person must repent. There is much argument these days about this statement; but if we look at the redemption concept such as with Ruth and the kinsman-redeemer we understand the transaction idea. Christ takes our sin and through the atonement forgives sins and His righteousness is transferred to us. The WORLD at large is part of a system ruled by Satan as we are all enemies of God prior to our conversion. Understanding a proper concept of what the TRUE love of God is means that men must understand in no uncertain terms that they must fall o the Rock of Christ lest they be crushed by it (See Luke 20:18). Renouncing our sin means that we turn from what we used to do and trust in Christ to change or sanctify us. It means that our love for the world; flesh and the Devil is replaced by love for Christ. Therefore the god of this world must be rejected; any turning back ensnares us once again.
John 16:1 - These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.
Again, the word offended is the word SCANDALIDZO, where we get our word scandal from. In Greek, it literally has to do with a trap spring.
John 16:2 - They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
It says, "They shall put you out of the synagogues." Here is the literal translation: "They shall make you a people without a synagogue."
John 16:6 - But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.
The word sorrow is the word grief in Greek, LUPAE. It represents such a serious grief that is so deep down within a person that they cannot even express it because it is so painful. He says you're not asking me because grief has filled your heart.
John 16:8 - And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
The word "reprove" is literally the word convict in the Greek. It is a judiciary term that means to present evidence to bring about conviction.
John 16:12 - I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
The word "cannot" is the word ability. You don't have the ability to bear what I'm about to tell you.
John 16:18 - They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.
They said therefore, and the word "said" is called the Imperfect Tense in Greek. It means this was a discussion that was going on. It wasn't just a one-time question. They were talking about it.
"And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon."
Before the throne of God the Spirit presents the Law of the Spirit given a body and it is a memorial. The voice came from the midst of the four beasts thatcame from the Word which is God.(Re.4:6) The covering cherub was judged so his throne is in whosoever lent his heart to advance his lies. The Beast was one such as Prince of Tyrus before him. Of the latter the pit is reserved."And thine heart is lifted up because of thy riches:/Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Because thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God;/ Behold, therefore I will bring strangers upon thee, the terrible of the nations: and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of thy wisdom, and they shall defile thy brightness./They shall bring thee down to the pit."(Ez.28:5-8).Anti-Christ is a son of perdition so Satan the father of lies gives him two horns and 'after our likeness' explains the label of 'anti-christ. He may pass for any minister of God in his deportment and also cite Scripture as Satan tempted Jesus, but the voice comes from the devil."He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. "( 1 John 3:8)
This aspect of Son of man we see in the inaugural vision of St John." And his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters."(Re.1:14-15) Sound of many waters reveal the salvation aspect of the Word while the fire is an emblem of the Spirit and "Of Judgement because the prince of this world is judged."( John 16:8-11). "And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived...These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone."(Re.19:20)
"For thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."
St Paul elaborates on the testimony of the 24 elders thus,"For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell." In order to understand the Fellowship of God with Man we need consider the original model as placed about the throne in heaven. The four beasts worship, "and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come./And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,/The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever" These two bodies embody the Law of the Spirit, which is Word based while the elders as first-fruits of the Word give glory to Jesus Christ in whom all the fulness of God dwells.
Before promising the indwelling Spirit, Jesus introduced the quality of the Spirit."for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come./He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you." ( John 16:13-14) Jesus is the fulfilment of the Law.
"The Word was with God," and this is what the Spirit had visually presented. Th voice in the midst of the four beasts came from the throne: "And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say." This being the case the Psalmist must have some authority to say, "the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee." (Ps.2:7). " I believed, therefore have I spoken" (Ps.116:10) That was faith in him speaking. So where shall we place David?" God created man after our image and after our likeness. So the Word made flesh is according to the Law of the Spirit. Whosoever has faith and works, the Law has revealed it as in the case of the Psalmist, is 'after our likeness'. Is it not?
There are many denominations out there and many are filled with the wisdom of man with I am right, and you are wrong, not love. Salvation is in the simplicity that is in Christ that is with faith and prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, in the Bible you will find the truth.
Romans 10:8-11 8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Is being baptized in water in the name of Jesus in the Bible? Acts 2:38Romans 6:3-4 and more. Is being baptized with the Holy Ghost/Spirit in the Bible? 1 Corinthians 12:13Titus 3:52 Corinthians 1:21-22 and more. Does one come before the other, not necessarily, Acts 10:45-48, but the sealing of the Holy Ghost/Spirit in us is a must, Romans 8:11, read all of 8.
We must work out our salvation, Philippians 2:12, we will stand in judgment accountable for ourselves, what different denominations say will not acquit us. It is a lifetime journey, love and obedience are a must, Romans 6:16.
God bless you and God bless your journey He will always be with you and lift you up, John 16:131 Corinthians 16:23-24.
My comment on your post to the Giannis starts saying:Based in the Word of GOD(not mine), the Spirit of Truth speaks nothing from him himself- John 16:13,right? In my analyse,I saw Giannis was not receiving a true interpretation according the Spirit of Truth in Matthew 4:2 I quoted.
You said:"Scripture never says that Satan knew all about Jesus",it's you're saying.Scripture says he is full of wisdom,an anointed Cherub,GOD have set him so,he was upon the holy mountain of GOD walking in the midst of the STONES of fire,perfect from the day he was created,till iniquity was found in him-Ez.28.
THERE IS NO SECRET THAT THEY CAN HIDE FROM HIM-Ez.28:3,so he is the main Enemy of JESUS and believers in JESUS.
You said"Satan does not know what is in people's minds",but is this true?Satan did put in the mind of Eve-Gen.3:5-6-GOD doth know that eating fruit good and evil the eyes shall be opened,and shall be as gods(as angels)knowing good and evil. 6 When Eve saw that the tree(THE MESSAGE)was good for food,and it was pleasant to the eyes,and a tree(A MESSAGE)to be desired to make one wise,she took of the fruit(believed)and gave(commented)also unto her husband (both talked about things Satan had said,both believed in him);and Adam did eat(believed in the Devil),both believed in the things Satan did put in their mind.
How can you fight against Satan and his messengers- Revelation 12:7-,if you know not well Satan,neither his messengers?This is very danger,for we wrestle not against flesh and blood,but against principalities,and Powers,and the rulers of the darkness of this world,against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Finally you"think that I spiritualize Scripture to fit my mind",who did put this in your mind?now,the Word is GOD,GOD Himself,GOD is Spirit- John 4:24 combined with John 6:63-64, mainly Matthew 10:20, understand?take a look.
The letter kills,the Spirit gives life,you should post to Giannis by the Spirit, not by the letter, the letter kills the souls.
Great Scriptures Everett that you have given to clearly show the the Nature of the Triune God & the Deity of Christ Who has come forth from (Gk. Ek: to come out of - not a separate a creation) the Father. If I might include these others in support of your list: Mark 2:5-7; John 16:28; John 17:5; John 20:27,28; Philippians 2:5-8. To deny these Scriptures, distorts the whole Character of God and dilutes His great sacrificing Love reaching out to & imploring sinful men to turn from sin unto the Love of God in Christ. We need to take all Scriptures into account or else our view will be lop-sided & erroneous. GBU.
This is not to debate; If you do not want to answer, maybe someone else will, if not that's ok. How can it be said God who cannot die died for our sins? Does not Scripture say God did not give Himself but His only begotten Son? Jesus was the final and complete sacrifice for our sins, and the death of Christ as our substitute is the heart of the gospel.
When God formed the first Adam, He breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and Adam became a living soul/being, and without this breath/spirit of life that goes back to God when we die, whether we have done good or evil, we are a dead soul/being until we are resurrected and this is when we receive our reward whether to eternal life with Him or the second death in the lake of fire.
Jesus did not have any authority until His Father gave it to Him when Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit on the banks of the river Jordan. Jesus was given to die for us, Jesus was given power and authority, Jesus was given the Holy Spirit without measure, Jesus was given the words He said, all Jesus did was the will of the Father, not His. Jesus even said His Father was His God and His Father was greater than He.
If we say God died for our sins, do we make Jesus's sacrifice and death a charade, and not the truth because it is something God is incapable of doing, is to die.
God bless us and let His Spirit show us the truth regardless of the understanding we have now. Matthew 15:9 As Jesus said all things that the Father hath has been given to Him John 16:13-15.
Thank you, brother, I agree, giving our understanding even if we do not agree cannot be offensive. My understanding of Scripture has grown from discussions we have here, I have benefitted from you, S Spencer, Chris, Giannis, GiGi, and others here. Many sites unless you say you follow the Nicene Creed you cannot even post.
I understand some Bible verses can support the Trinity doctrine. I can see where in John 10:33 it says they said Jesus blasphemed because "being a man, makest thyself, God". In John 10:22-42 they first asked Jesus "If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly" and Jesus said, "I told you, and ye believed not:". So, Jesus told them He was the Messiah, they did not even accept that, but they were not His sheep, because they did not hear His voice.
We see in John 17 that the Father gave Jesus power over all flesh to give eternal life so that they/us might know the only true God and Jesus Christ/the Messiah whom the Father sent. In John 10 Jesus continues saying His Father is greater than all and the works Jesus did were the Father's works, not His, and Jesus said this in John 14:28. Jesus said, "I and my Father are one". Jesus also said in John 17 "And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
John 10:34 Jesus quotes Psalms 82:6 where the judges of Israel who exercised the authority of God, are gods, gods here is the same Greek word in verses 33 and 36 where it is makest thyself God. In verse 36 Jesus rebukes them "Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?"
What I see the works Jesus did were not His works, but the Father's works done through the Holy Spirit that Jesus was anointed with without measure. That is why Jesus said this, in John 14:17 and John 16:7.
I do thank you for discussing this with me, we can let it rest if you want to.
GOD is Spirit,the Word- John 1:1.He is greater than JESUS- John 14:28,and 5:19-20,and 12:49.GOD Himself,the Word,is self-executing, JESUS is not- John 5:30.They are One in Spirit,but not in existence personal->GOD the Father,and the Word MADE FLESH-JESUS,both are DISTINCTS Persons- Philippians 2:6-9.
GOD has put all things under the feet of JESUS- 1Corinthians 15:27, but Hebrews 2:8-12 say:...8But now we see not yet all things put under Him.9But we see JESUS,who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death,crowned with Glory and Honour; that He by the Grace of GOD should taste death for every man.
1Corinthians 15:27-28
27For GOD has put all things under JESUS's feet.But when GOD saith all things are put under JESUS,it is manifest that GOD is excepted, which did put all things under JESUS.
28And when all things shall be subdued unto JESUS,then shall the Son also Himself be SUBJETED unto GOD that put all things under JESUS,that GOD may be all in all.
JESUS is the Spirit-GOD-MADE FLESH->GOD-Christ.Great mystery- John 1:14 combined with Colossians 2:9 and Philippians 2:6-11.Both are one Spirit- John 10:30,but two DISTINCTS Persons being the same Spirit Creator-GOD,having the SAME IMAGE,the image of the Spirit-GOD,one is invisible, and one is vsible- John 14:8-10.JESUS said: John 5:30->I can of mine own self do nothing:.
JESUS as the Greater Light,He commented about the lesser Light-the Person of the Holy Spirit-saying he is the Comfort,the Paraclete,and revealed what is the the mission of him here: John 16:7-15:(By analogy,the moon receive light from the sun,the moon has not ligh in it itself;the person of the Holy Spirit,the Comfort,he has not light in he himself,so he cannot speak anything if does not receive from JESUS- John 16:13.JESUS SAID:he shall receive of mine,and shall shew it unto you- John 16:14,and he shall take of mine,and shall shew it unto you- John 16:15)
JESUS commented about the mission of the Holy Spirit- John 16:7-15
Jesus knew beforehand who are they as he knew Judas what he would do. But as the Word become flesh his Spirit to give a chance to redeem himself. "Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?/He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him."( John 6:70-71). We have an example what good it did to those disciples stayed the course learning from the Master. "His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb." ( John 16:29)
" Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is."( 1 John 3:2).
So the Spirit present parables as in the case of Blasphemy( of which we discussed in an earlier post from the Father Son relationship of God- Matt.12:31-32) to indicate the kingdom of the Son and kingdom of God. We shall see the Son as he is since we have the same glorious body and our soul establishes His mind working through the body. He is the Head and we belong to one body, the church. What made it all possible? Gospel of God is tagged as 12. When he presented the gospel it was gospel of Christ but the tag remains same. Even where Judas lost his place among the twelve it was necessary to keep the number as same.
In the upper room disciples gathered as commanded, "the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,"(Ac.1:15)
"And the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles."(Ac.1:26)
The Gospel is everlasting gospel is the same so tag 12 shall be basis by which the holy city is measured (12x1000). The single measure man-angel makes Paul, Peter and Matthias of whose ministry we know nothing are interchangeable. We have a clue. "And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating"(Ex.16:18)
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:"
"Ye shall never fail" this certainty of a believer called to be saint is because the foundation of God stands sure. "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity."(2 Ti.2:19) The seal is the blood of Jesus. The slain Lamb before the throne signifies it. He is worthy because his atonement covered the calling of the elect.. (He)"hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof, tells " he overcame the world. (Re.5:5; John 16:33). Faith is what the elect requires. St Peter exhorts them to show qualities of being built up on his foundation. Diligence, as the Spirit instructs us a virtue the ants witness. "Consider its ways' (Pr.6:6). Of the four beasts the lion represents them; the eagle represents the quality of faith and hope. "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."(Col.3:2). Third beast is the last Adam. Second beast has face of a calf, reflecting the stewardship of Adam who as Jesus said, "Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."(Matt.20:28). In short virtues required for the elect are memorials in heaven, and as the key verse informs, "For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.". Without fully understanding predestination as set, a testimony in heaven and without works in his Son what are these half-baked Christians?. It is on one of such St Peter said, " Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God." (Ac.8:18-21) They want it both ways. Oh no God is not mocked by excuse of being ignorant. (Ro.1:18-21)
There is a lot I'd like to say; not sure how edifying my usual longwinded comment will be in your case....
I would tend to think that the security and comfort of knowing that the Lord is working to bring good and pleasant things in your life is something as humans we all desire. Fear of course can result; especially when situations SEEM not to have any possible outcome in that regard. The Lord will require of His saints suffering as His Word clearly states; along with persecution. It is ONLY in His strength that we are able to overcome fear and cowardice (I'm talking to myself here as well). So often we think that kindness of other humans is the best indicator of our own godliness but in truth we are supposed to bless those who despitefully USE us (I'll let you find the verse). We are blessed because we are worthy of suffering for His Name's sake.
The Lord promises more of the Holy Spirit for those who ask Him in regard to good gifts ( Luke 11:13). Blessing brings POWER and the fear of the Lord falls on others; as John 16:8 demonstrates in the operation of the Holy Spirit. You are dangerous to the kingdom of darkness when truly full of the Spirit and will have impact in reaching the lost fulfilling the Great Commission drawing men to the Lord.
Charles Wesley Naylor wrote on the winning side:
Here are the lyrics
Once I drifted out in sin, had no hope nor joy within,
And my soul was brurdened down with pride;
Then my Savior came along and he showed me I was wrong and
Now I know I'm on the winning side
From the straight and narrow wayi was drifting every day,
Out upon the waters deep and wide;
But it all is over now, glory light is on my brow,
And my soul is on the winning side
I will never have a fear, for my Lord is ever near,
And in him so often I confide;
He's the keeper of my soul since I gave him full control,
I believe David 0921, your paraphrasing of what I wrote is correct, though I would rewrite it more fully as, 'God has done His part and now it's up to us TO RESPOND TO HIS GIFT OF LOVE.' Here then is the problem, which of course I was attempting to draw you to, and that is, your understanding of Salvation is that God does the whole work to make it fully effective & even our response to it must be regarded as contributory to that salvation.
Yet, when I consider God's Part in it, I can only conceive of His Plan, His Provision of the Sacrifice, His Acceptance of that Work if fully completed, & His Receiving of those who have embraced it & been changed by His Spirit. I sense that the Plan you adhere to, stops at His completed Work, & anything subsequent to that completion is treated as 'adding to His Work - adding to our salvation'. If a repentant sinner, under the conviction of the Holy Spirit, responds to the Gospel, calling out to a Merciful God for forgiveness, I cannot believe that this sinner has added to the Gospel (even, to God's Plan) in any way at all. The Plan was conceived & fully completed - nothing could be added to it, though some have tried & still try. But to say that when we cry out for mercy & forgiveness is adding to that Plan, this becomes too unbelievable for me.
Therefore, in all of this, I cannot leave out both the convicting Work of God's Spirit ( John 16:7-11) coupled with Romans 10:8-10, "the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation": after hearing the Word, being convicted, confession & believing in what God has provided, salvation is given; and this is just the sinner's response to a Work that has already been done by God alone.
And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9in regard to sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see Me; 11and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world has been condemned.
It is interesting that all of this verse as to the work of the Spirit seems to be in regard to Christ; and seems to be rather indirect as to the individual. Rather than defining particular sins or even the sin nature; the sin of unbelief which led to the most serious errors of the Pharisees who deliberately blinded themselves to the truth and then God no doubt hardened them further is the focus here. For righteousness is again pointing toward Christ; and the focus being perhaps at His next phase at the "Second Coming" and how He will be the righteous King. We are reminded of John 20:29 said to Thomas that blessed are those who have NOT seen yet believe. The third part of this verse is judgment; but it points to Christ again; but this time to Satan's condemnation already established; rather than our own.
Since this verse is a positive influence leading to salvation for His elect and one of condemnation for the unregenerate; we see that this by default puts us in the position to face what Satan does as he is our de-facto ruler if Jesus isn't. (see Matthew 25:41). Hell wasn't apparently created for us but if we are cursed we end up there. Our ruler the prince of the power of the air ( Eph. 2:2) is controlling the masses through his elaborate economic and spiritual world system which is coming to its full and ugly climax as we see Babylon in both forms described in Revelation 17 and 18; and in much of Jeremah in the O.T.
Isaiah 10:7 states Howbeit he meaneth not so, neither doth his heart think so; but it is in his heart to destroy and cut off nations not a few.
This shows even Antichrist doesn't know how bad he is
Further examination of John 16:8 as to righteousness
John 16:8 And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9in regard to sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see Me; 11and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world has been condemned.
I have examined this verse in light of sin; but thought before I continue with the other two aspects of the verse in detail; I should mention that UNBELIEF is something that not only the world but all of us-in reality are in a state of before being regenerated; as that is the first role of the Holy Spirit. When Christ was present on earth; it was clear that after multitudes; presumably almost everyone in Israel knew of Christ's undeniable miracles ( John 11:47) and also of the Apostles ( Acts 4:16) that deliberate unbelief would be the precursor of blasphemy of the Holy Ghost; where Beelzebub was said to be the source of Christ's strength; or others such as the sons of Sceva and the sorcerer in Acts would attempt to gain this power in their own strength or attempt to get it through money. The end result; clearly didn't go too well for these individuals; and no forgiveness was offered for blasphemy of the Spirit ( Mark 3:29 said early in Christ's ministry). Christ said all things against Him or the Father could be forgiven ( Matt. 12:32) but not against the Holy Spirit-and that also is set for the future reign of the Lord on the earth as well. Let us all be as the man in Mark 9:24 and ask Jesus to help us with our unbelief!
Now as to righteousness. Jesus says because He goes to the Father and we no longer see Him that the Spirit testifies of righteousness. I would think this implies that all who truly know Christ now are as the result of the unseen work of the Spirit.
As odd as it seems; when Christ was here physically as to Him being God that had to be revealed from above.
In light of my previous attempt to cover some areas in regard to Baptism and other important factors that should aid in raising Godly children; I started discussing how the Spirit works in a household as a specific example from scriptures on the subject.
Joshua 24:15 says: And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
In light of Genesis 15:16 and the sin of the Amorites coming to the fullness about 400 years later and then being devoted to destruction; we certainly can look to the approximately 400 years we have been a nation since Plymouth Rock and how far we have strayed; no doubt worshipping some of the entities which our ancestors found with the American Indians who were considered "pagans" at the time and in general wantonly destroyed. We also could go further and see how the Indian nations themselves were in a sense being judged for some of their wicked practices; although my cousin an expert on the subject gave me a book about 20 years ago which shows the incredible complexity; diversity and number of Indian nations.
Anyway; looking at Proverbs 14:34
"Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people."
Since John 16:8 mentions sin; righteousness and judgment to come as the working of the Holy Spirit I thought I would reiterate what I have said on numerous occasions with a particular angle. When we are believers we can discern others who are full of the Spirit because we sense conviction of unworthiness as well as the love of Christ at the same time. That truly is a paradox; but shows us a healthy fear of God but exposes us to His mercy as well; and it is and should be truly unnerving at times. That is what I would like to live out; but admit I am sadly short.
The disciples prayed to the Father, so Jesus said, "you have not asked anything in MY name yet" I believe Jesus did not mean that whatever we asked is regarded as nothing, in comparison to everything we could still ask. I believe Jesus taught His disciples to pray to the Father, but now he is starting to show them that they could pray to the Father in His name, even after His death more so because He completed the work of salvation through His death and His resurrection and was taken up, to be seated at the right hand of the Father to intercede on our behalf. Now we pray... Father in the name of Jesus...Before and in the Old Testament prayer was made to the Father.
It is true that it is surprizing also to me that the grk word "aion" (age/time) is used sometimes in the NT instead of the word "world" because in modern grk it means "century". So I have done a research and came up that in ancient grk it had the meaning apart from "a very long period of time", it also had the meaning of "the period of time a person lives".
So it was used in conjuction to people"s lives. And it seems that sometimes (but not always) the writers of the NT use it for the time that this world/humanity exists. And with that meaning it is used in Mat 28. With the same meaning it also used by Luke in Luke 16:8, by Paul in Rom 12:2 and Ephesians 6:12 where Paul talks about the "rulers of the darkness of this world" , where the word "age/time" is used for "world".
But in other verses the world "kosmos" which is the actual grk word for "world" is used, ie in John 18:20, also John 16:11 where John talks about "the prince of this world". (compare it with Ephesians 6:12 that talks about the same thing). So as a final conclusion those two words are interchanged for "world".
Spencer:
"Kosmos" in anc grk means "mankind, humanity". In mod grk it means everything, people, animals, plants. land.
"Oikoumene" means the places/land on earth where people are living.
Also the word "ktisis" is used for world, it means "creation".
Well this is enough with lessons in Greek. Confusing? We have to trust those scholars who have done a very good job in translating the NT. There isn't a perfect translation, all translations lack in some things, even modern greek can not match with ancient greek in meanings. As a conclusion all translations are more or less good. There is no actual error when other words are used as long as the meaning of the text is right. Some go word for word, others not, but there are more understandable than the former ones. Everybody has their favourite translation. We can always use 2 or more when we are not sure what it is meant. GBU
I am trying to start a new thread. Somehow part one didn't separate from my previous post.
Here is Part 2.
Matthew 5:13-15
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
(Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.)
This is a picture of the Lampstand!
Who is in the midst of the Lampstand and who does the lampstand shines light on? Our Lord.
What does the oil represent in the Lampstand? The Holyspirit.
OILED FILLED LAMPSTANDS.
John 16:7-16.
Verses 7 and 8 we see the disciples is to be impowered by the Holyspirit to carry on the work of Christ as the light in the world that reproves it of sin.
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
Acts 1:6-8
When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Your comments are of course; well thought out and-if I wanted to corner you on an issue it would be next to impossible (not that I'd want to do that).
As to creating anything in God's image; that I think speaks to your original point in that God has uniqueness in His essense that can't be properly duplicated. It also would be inferior any image man makes of Him. Such is the case perhaps with the Shroud of Turin; which is another "can of worms" so to speak. My point is that even if we get a fair comprehension of what Jesus actually looked like we need to see Him as Peter did when inspired by the Spirit He said that Jesus was the Son of God; and of course "doubting Thomas" also believed without actually having to touch Jesus after his request Post Resurrection. (He said "my Lord and my God") To worship Jesus as a great prophet or sage even when on earth was dangerous and without recognizing who He really was through the Spirit resulted in eternal separation from God. I would use John 16:8 once again here in examining the role of the Holy Spirit to show us who Christ truly was. Without the Spirit and such knowledge man is reduced to his own concept of who Christ was; the essense of what he taught (as a bunch of "do good" moral statements such as would be interpreted with the Sermon on the Mount or perhaps the 10 Commandments. Man also would do as some I won't mention by name and attempt to separate the God of the Old Testament and His ways from what the New Covenant represents.
This likely feeds into this lukewarm; feel good Jesus who of course was loved by all and never said anything divisive.
Back to the main idea. I would suggest that man's best attempt to make an image or portrait of Christ would likely instead draw Satan himself. The fact is without spiritual discernment we cannot differentiate between the shining one (Lucifer) or his angels and God and His angels. Perhaps this is beyond what you intended with this subject..so carry on.
Perfect, you are right. The Holy Spirit is a Person, the Paraclete, the Comfort - John 15:26 and John 16:12-15 - not a force (a ghost) or power from God. JESUS revealed (through His angel, and John testified) that the person of the Holy Spirit is the God of the earth- Revelation 11:4 combined with Zechariah 4:11-14.
The two olive trees(source of oil -the OT and NT, two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of THEMSELVES- Zechariah 4:11-14) , and the two candlesticks(two Churches: the Gentile Church and the Jewish Church- Hebrews 12:22-24) are standing before the God of the earth-the person of the Holy Spirit.
1John 5:7 - There are three that bear record (testify) in heaven(heaven? Ephesians 1:3-8), the Father(GOD Father), the Word(the Word made flesh-JESUS), and the Holy Spirit (who is a Person, not a ghost as is written in English language due to translators' carelessness): and these three are One. (Great mystery. Would not he be the younger brother of JESUS- Luke 15:30-32 combined with prophecy of Isaiah 7:15-16. Take a look. Great mystery.)
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Seems I left out thanksgiving; a big no no. Must be late and I am poor on scripture memory discipline I should have remembered the last part which of course is relevant to your situation.
True love casts out fear (1 John I'll let you find the verse).
The verse John 16:8 comes to mind but not in the main meaning but what it implies; namely that those who are truly Spirit filled are not under judgment and their sins are not going to be held against them. We are on the right side of His righteousness as His Spirit lives in us and the world flesh and the Devil have no hold on us. On the other side of the equation is the world; the flesh and the Devil of whom I am sure I don't need to inform you as to the constant interference and torment they so often try to afflict us with.
The accuser of the brethren ( Rev. 12:10) is the enemy's main tactic to render us ineffective in the battlefield. So it should go without saying that we examine ourselves to see if there is any offense which gives the enemy the legal authority to go after us as a means the Lord Himself will use for our discipline. Spiritual warfare certainly is the overarching force that leads to emotional side effects. The Lord will use others to encourage us; and we should bring our requests to the Lord as well as sharing with those who He will use to minister to us. I have found just as helpful when running into strangers who are believers; something which spiritual discernment often has made clear to me.
The worst thing the enemy can do is convince us that we are still of this world and doomed to hell. If TRULY saved it is a lie.
Hello Lovealot19. Thanks for your questions.
To the first one: when we speak of Jesus being God, or Almighty God, we know that Jesus is not the Father - He is the Son (of God). But the question: where did Jesus come from that He should be called God, or Divine? Jesus Himself spoke of coming forth from God ( John 16:28, "I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father").
The prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 7:14 prophesied about a special Child to be born, which was fulfilled as given in Matthew 1:22,23, "Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us".
So just from these few verses we are told that God was going to bring a special Person into the World (and we know that it was for the purpose of Sacrifice & Redemption of sinners); and this Person was not born from the union of two humans, but His beginning was from God Himself. John 1:1-14 tells us that God's Word was made flesh, begotten of the Father - and John was speaking here of Jesus (Jesus' Origin & His Divine Nature).
Why does Jesus then pray to God? Because God brought forth One, a part of Himself, Who is both Divine & Human, & called Him His Son ( Matthew 3:17), for He came forth from within the Person of God. As a Son, Jesus now rightfully speaks (or prays) to His Father & was subservient to Him in every respect fulfilling the Will of the Father to one day make full payment for our sins. This Jesus has done, which God His Father accepted, & raised Jesus to be with Him sharing in His Glory, in Honor & in Power. As the Son of God, Jesus was wholly obedient to His Father's Will; now raised in Glory, the Son receives the praise & worship just as God His Father receives ( Philippians 2:5-11). Onto Page 2.
Q: The Agabus episode in Ac.21:11 shows that the gifts of the Spirit vary for believers to profit withal. Agabus used the girdle of St Paul to prove the point. Am I correct?
A: Yes. A girdle does not serve the same purpose in our own times in the west as in the the east where the dust and heat on a traveller could be enervating. It is as personal as soul of man but also an outward symbol of man's social standing. The Spirit uses the girdle to prove the purpose of the indwelling Spirit and "he Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come," Spirit of prophesy is the testimony of Jesus Christ." So the glory of the Father in his Son is the intent."He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you."( John 16:13-14). It is thus our volume is determined and "And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace."( John 1:16)
The blessings in his Son bring heaven and earth under a single standard as the golden girdle of Christ. Agabus, coming down from Judaea, " Agabus./ And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles." 'Thus saith the Holy Spirit' stresses on the unity of the Spirit and instead what have we? Is it not heresies that have ruled the roost? "For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way."(2 The.2:7)
John 16:27 - For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.
Interesting, because that is not the word AGAPE. And this is one of the few times that Jesus used the word PHILEO to talk about His relationship with the Father and the Father's relationship with us. Both times, it is PHILEO.
For the Father himself loves you, PHILEO (family love), because you have loved me (Perfect Tense PHILEO), family love. Remember, He told them before I called you friends. We are family now. We are not rabbi and student, and you have believed that I came out from God.
John 16:31 - Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?
Interesting, the word "now" doesn't mean now at the present time. It means "up till now." It is the word ARTI. Have you believed up till now?
John 17:2 - As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.
First of all, the Son is glorified in the Father, and the Father is glorified in the Son, and that the Father has given to the Son authority "over" all flesh.
Literally, in the Greek text, He has given Him authority OF all flesh. There is no word "over!" It is a Genitive Case which shows possession. The Son has been given authority by the Father to possess all flesh. Every human being is under the authority of Christ. John Chapter 5 tells us that the Father has transferred all authority to the Son. We are to honor the Son equally as we honor the Father.
John (Part 31):
John 16:20 - Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
Jesus says to them that they will weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice. He's talking about the crucifixion. The world is going to celebrate getting rid of Jesus. But they (the disciples) will weep and lament. And the world will rejoice and ye shall be sorrowful, and again, sorrowful is the word grief in the Greek text.
Jesus is telling His disciples that they're going to be so pained, and that pain is going to be so deep within you that you can't even express it, but your grief shall be turned into joy. Jesus gives an illustration in Verse 21.
John 16:21 - A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.
A woman when she is in travail, she has sorrow. And that is the word LUPAE, (grief), because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembers no more the anguish. And this is the word THLIPSIS that means stress, on account of the joy that a man or baby is brought into the world.
So, He's using the proverbial expression that as a woman is going through her labor pains, and has not given birth yet, she's in excruciating pain, and that's the focus of the hour. But after the child is born, the joy of the child being born, just the almost, but not completely, erases all the pain of the past.
Part 9.
Not only will the believer love those within the Christian fellowship, but there will also be a desire for those outside the fold to come to a saving knowledge of Christ. It is impossible for Christ, the One who died for sinners, to be in the heart and there not be a longing for the salvation of sinners. A sterile and frigid Christian is not likely to experience the sweetness and joy of full assurance, but a vital Christian, who knows something of the Savior's compassion, will find the joy of belonging and an abiding experience.
Conscious of Being His Child.
A consciousness that we are children of God comes to the soul and says that we are the sons of God. This is the gracious work of the Spirit of God and not the product of psychological presumption.
By this know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. ( 1 John 4:13)
This does not mean that we are conscious of the presence of the Holy Spirit, but it does mean that we are conscious of the work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit does not speak of Himself, but He speaks of Christ:
Nevertheless, when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth; for he shall not speak of himself, but whatever he shall hear, that shall he speak; and he will show you things to come. ( John 16:13)
Part of the work of the Holy Spirit is to make us conscious that we are the children of God.
The Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. ( Romans 8:16)
There is a counterfeit humility going the rounds today, and it sounds very pious, but it does not have the ring of the genuine. Some say that we are to grovel in the dust and act like worms - this is the modern way of putting on sackcloth and ashes. It is true that we are sinners; there is no good within us, no good comes out of us, and we have nothing in which to glory save the cross of Christ.
See Part 10.
Presumption is a dangerous thing. This verse along with much text in the chapters comprising the book of John in particular make it quite clear there is indeed a subsection of all men that are called and chosen by God; otherwise defined as "Predestination". Having discussed this book in regard to that subject in some detail a couple years back I won't confine this posting to corner everyone into a boxing match as to the whole 5 Point Calvin idea. I will go back to what is another clear teaching from scripture that His sheep hear His voice and they bear fruit that indicates they possess true faith.
The "come as you are" motif that is commonplace in the "seeker friendly church" is at best only half right. Upon entering a true Spirit filled fellowship the John 16:8 convicting power of the Spirit should begin to affect someone; for the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. God in order to save anyone must provide a change of heart and a person must repent. There is much argument these days about this statement; but if we look at the redemption concept such as with Ruth and the kinsman-redeemer we understand the transaction idea. Christ takes our sin and through the atonement forgives sins and His righteousness is transferred to us. The WORLD at large is part of a system ruled by Satan as we are all enemies of God prior to our conversion. Understanding a proper concept of what the TRUE love of God is means that men must understand in no uncertain terms that they must fall o the Rock of Christ lest they be crushed by it (See Luke 20:18). Renouncing our sin means that we turn from what we used to do and trust in Christ to change or sanctify us. It means that our love for the world; flesh and the Devil is replaced by love for Christ. Therefore the god of this world must be rejected; any turning back ensnares us once again.
John 16:1 - These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.
Again, the word offended is the word SCANDALIDZO, where we get our word scandal from. In Greek, it literally has to do with a trap spring.
John 16:2 - They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
It says, "They shall put you out of the synagogues." Here is the literal translation: "They shall make you a people without a synagogue."
John 16:6 - But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.
The word sorrow is the word grief in Greek, LUPAE. It represents such a serious grief that is so deep down within a person that they cannot even express it because it is so painful. He says you're not asking me because grief has filled your heart.
John 16:8 - And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
The word "reprove" is literally the word convict in the Greek. It is a judiciary term that means to present evidence to bring about conviction.
John 16:12 - I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
The word "cannot" is the word ability. You don't have the ability to bear what I'm about to tell you.
John 16:18 - They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.
They said therefore, and the word "said" is called the Imperfect Tense in Greek. It means this was a discussion that was going on. It wasn't just a one-time question. They were talking about it.
"And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon."
Before the throne of God the Spirit presents the Law of the Spirit given a body and it is a memorial. The voice came from the midst of the four beasts thatcame from the Word which is God.(Re.4:6) The covering cherub was judged so his throne is in whosoever lent his heart to advance his lies. The Beast was one such as Prince of Tyrus before him. Of the latter the pit is reserved."And thine heart is lifted up because of thy riches:/Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Because thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God;/ Behold, therefore I will bring strangers upon thee, the terrible of the nations: and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of thy wisdom, and they shall defile thy brightness./They shall bring thee down to the pit."(Ez.28:5-8).Anti-Christ is a son of perdition so Satan the father of lies gives him two horns and 'after our likeness' explains the label of 'anti-christ. He may pass for any minister of God in his deportment and also cite Scripture as Satan tempted Jesus, but the voice comes from the devil."He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. "( 1 John 3:8)
This aspect of Son of man we see in the inaugural vision of St John." And his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters."(Re.1:14-15) Sound of many waters reveal the salvation aspect of the Word while the fire is an emblem of the Spirit and "Of Judgement because the prince of this world is judged."( John 16:8-11). "And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived...These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone."(Re.19:20)
"For thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."
St Paul elaborates on the testimony of the 24 elders thus,"For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell." In order to understand the Fellowship of God with Man we need consider the original model as placed about the throne in heaven. The four beasts worship, "and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come./And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,/The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever" These two bodies embody the Law of the Spirit, which is Word based while the elders as first-fruits of the Word give glory to Jesus Christ in whom all the fulness of God dwells.
Before promising the indwelling Spirit, Jesus introduced the quality of the Spirit."for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come./He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you." ( John 16:13-14) Jesus is the fulfilment of the Law.
"The Word was with God," and this is what the Spirit had visually presented. Th voice in the midst of the four beasts came from the throne: "And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say." This being the case the Psalmist must have some authority to say, "the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee." (Ps.2:7). " I believed, therefore have I spoken" (Ps.116:10) That was faith in him speaking. So where shall we place David?" God created man after our image and after our likeness. So the Word made flesh is according to the Law of the Spirit. Whosoever has faith and works, the Law has revealed it as in the case of the Psalmist, is 'after our likeness'. Is it not?
Without faith it would be blasphemy.
There are many denominations out there and many are filled with the wisdom of man with I am right, and you are wrong, not love. Salvation is in the simplicity that is in Christ that is with faith and prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, in the Bible you will find the truth.
Romans 10:8-11 8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Is being baptized in water in the name of Jesus in the Bible? Acts 2:38 Romans 6:3-4 and more. Is being baptized with the Holy Ghost/Spirit in the Bible? 1 Corinthians 12:13 Titus 3:5 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 and more. Does one come before the other, not necessarily, Acts 10:45-48, but the sealing of the Holy Ghost/Spirit in us is a must, Romans 8:11, read all of 8.
We must work out our salvation, Philippians 2:12, we will stand in judgment accountable for ourselves, what different denominations say will not acquit us. It is a lifetime journey, love and obedience are a must, Romans 6:16.
God bless you and God bless your journey He will always be with you and lift you up, John 16:13 1 Corinthians 16:23-24.
RLW
My comment on your post to the Giannis starts saying:Based in the Word of GOD(not mine), the Spirit of Truth speaks nothing from him himself- John 16:13,right? In my analyse,I saw Giannis was not receiving a true interpretation according the Spirit of Truth in Matthew 4:2 I quoted.
You said:"Scripture never says that Satan knew all about Jesus",it's you're saying.Scripture says he is full of wisdom,an anointed Cherub,GOD have set him so,he was upon the holy mountain of GOD walking in the midst of the STONES of fire,perfect from the day he was created,till iniquity was found in him-Ez.28.
THERE IS NO SECRET THAT THEY CAN HIDE FROM HIM-Ez.28:3,so he is the main Enemy of JESUS and believers in JESUS.
You said"Satan does not know what is in people's minds",but is this true?Satan did put in the mind of Eve-Gen.3:5-6-GOD doth know that eating fruit good and evil the eyes shall be opened,and shall be as gods(as angels)knowing good and evil. 6 When Eve saw that the tree(THE MESSAGE)was good for food,and it was pleasant to the eyes,and a tree(A MESSAGE)to be desired to make one wise,she took of the fruit(believed)and gave(commented)also unto her husband (both talked about things Satan had said,both believed in him);and Adam did eat(believed in the Devil),both believed in the things Satan did put in their mind.
How can you fight against Satan and his messengers- Revelation 12:7-,if you know not well Satan,neither his messengers?This is very danger,for we wrestle not against flesh and blood,but against principalities,and Powers,and the rulers of the darkness of this world,against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Finally you"think that I spiritualize Scripture to fit my mind",who did put this in your mind?now,the Word is GOD,GOD Himself,GOD is Spirit- John 4:24 combined with John 6:63-64, mainly Matthew 10:20, understand?take a look.
The letter kills,the Spirit gives life,you should post to Giannis by the Spirit, not by the letter, the letter kills the souls.
Mat 10:34,
James 4:4,
Prov 14:12,
Eph 6:10-18,
I Thess 5:3-6,
John 16:33,
2 Tim 3:12-17.
This is not to debate; If you do not want to answer, maybe someone else will, if not that's ok. How can it be said God who cannot die died for our sins? Does not Scripture say God did not give Himself but His only begotten Son? Jesus was the final and complete sacrifice for our sins, and the death of Christ as our substitute is the heart of the gospel.
When God formed the first Adam, He breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and Adam became a living soul/being, and without this breath/spirit of life that goes back to God when we die, whether we have done good or evil, we are a dead soul/being until we are resurrected and this is when we receive our reward whether to eternal life with Him or the second death in the lake of fire.
Jesus did not have any authority until His Father gave it to Him when Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit on the banks of the river Jordan. Jesus was given to die for us, Jesus was given power and authority, Jesus was given the Holy Spirit without measure, Jesus was given the words He said, all Jesus did was the will of the Father, not His. Jesus even said His Father was His God and His Father was greater than He.
If we say God died for our sins, do we make Jesus's sacrifice and death a charade, and not the truth because it is something God is incapable of doing, is to die.
God bless us and let His Spirit show us the truth regardless of the understanding we have now. Matthew 15:9 As Jesus said all things that the Father hath has been given to Him John 16:13-15.
RLW
Thank you, brother, I agree, giving our understanding even if we do not agree cannot be offensive. My understanding of Scripture has grown from discussions we have here, I have benefitted from you, S Spencer, Chris, Giannis, GiGi, and others here. Many sites unless you say you follow the Nicene Creed you cannot even post.
I understand some Bible verses can support the Trinity doctrine. I can see where in John 10:33 it says they said Jesus blasphemed because "being a man, makest thyself, God". In John 10:22-42 they first asked Jesus "If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly" and Jesus said, "I told you, and ye believed not:". So, Jesus told them He was the Messiah, they did not even accept that, but they were not His sheep, because they did not hear His voice.
We see in John 17 that the Father gave Jesus power over all flesh to give eternal life so that they/us might know the only true God and Jesus Christ/the Messiah whom the Father sent. In John 10 Jesus continues saying His Father is greater than all and the works Jesus did were the Father's works, not His, and Jesus said this in John 14:28. Jesus said, "I and my Father are one". Jesus also said in John 17 "And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
John 10:34 Jesus quotes Psalms 82:6 where the judges of Israel who exercised the authority of God, are gods, gods here is the same Greek word in verses 33 and 36 where it is makest thyself God. In verse 36 Jesus rebukes them "Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?"
What I see the works Jesus did were not His works, but the Father's works done through the Holy Spirit that Jesus was anointed with without measure. That is why Jesus said this, in John 14:17 and John 16:7.
I do thank you for discussing this with me, we can let it rest if you want to.
God bless,
RLW
GOD is Spirit,the Word- John 1:1.He is greater than JESUS- John 14:28,and 5:19-20,and 12:49.GOD Himself,the Word,is self-executing, JESUS is not- John 5:30.They are One in Spirit,but not in existence personal->GOD the Father,and the Word MADE FLESH-JESUS,both are DISTINCTS Persons- Philippians 2:6-9.
GOD has put all things under the feet of JESUS- 1Corinthians 15:27, but Hebrews 2:8-12 say:...8But now we see not yet all things put under Him.9But we see JESUS,who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death,crowned with Glory and Honour; that He by the Grace of GOD should taste death for every man.
1Corinthians 15:27-28
27For GOD has put all things under JESUS's feet.But when GOD saith all things are put under JESUS,it is manifest that GOD is excepted, which did put all things under JESUS.
28And when all things shall be subdued unto JESUS,then shall the Son also Himself be SUBJETED unto GOD that put all things under JESUS,that GOD may be all in all.
JESUS is the Spirit-GOD-MADE FLESH->GOD-Christ.Great mystery- John 1:14 combined with Colossians 2:9 and Philippians 2:6-11.Both are one Spirit- John 10:30,but two DISTINCTS Persons being the same Spirit Creator-GOD,having the SAME IMAGE,the image of the Spirit-GOD,one is invisible, and one is vsible- John 14:8-10.JESUS said: John 5:30->I can of mine own self do nothing:.
JESUS as the Greater Light,He commented about the lesser Light-the Person of the Holy Spirit-saying he is the Comfort,the Paraclete,and revealed what is the the mission of him here: John 16:7-15:(By analogy,the moon receive light from the sun,the moon has not ligh in it itself;the person of the Holy Spirit,the Comfort,he has not light in he himself,so he cannot speak anything if does not receive from JESUS- John 16:13.JESUS SAID:he shall receive of mine,and shall shew it unto you- John 16:14,and he shall take of mine,and shall shew it unto you- John 16:15)
JESUS commented about the mission of the Holy Spirit- John 16:7-15
Jesus knew beforehand who are they as he knew Judas what he would do. But as the Word become flesh his Spirit to give a chance to redeem himself. "Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?/He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him."( John 6:70-71). We have an example what good it did to those disciples stayed the course learning from the Master. "His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb." ( John 16:29)
" Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is."( 1 John 3:2).
So the Spirit present parables as in the case of Blasphemy( of which we discussed in an earlier post from the Father Son relationship of God- Matt.12:31-32) to indicate the kingdom of the Son and kingdom of God. We shall see the Son as he is since we have the same glorious body and our soul establishes His mind working through the body. He is the Head and we belong to one body, the church. What made it all possible? Gospel of God is tagged as 12. When he presented the gospel it was gospel of Christ but the tag remains same. Even where Judas lost his place among the twelve it was necessary to keep the number as same.
In the upper room disciples gathered as commanded, "the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,"(Ac.1:15)
"And the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles."(Ac.1:26)
The Gospel is everlasting gospel is the same so tag 12 shall be basis by which the holy city is measured (12x1000). The single measure man-angel makes Paul, Peter and Matthias of whose ministry we know nothing are interchangeable. We have a clue. "And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating"(Ex.16:18)
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:"
"Ye shall never fail" this certainty of a believer called to be saint is because the foundation of God stands sure. "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity."(2 Ti.2:19) The seal is the blood of Jesus. The slain Lamb before the throne signifies it. He is worthy because his atonement covered the calling of the elect.. (He)"hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof, tells " he overcame the world. (Re.5:5; John 16:33). Faith is what the elect requires. St Peter exhorts them to show qualities of being built up on his foundation. Diligence, as the Spirit instructs us a virtue the ants witness. "Consider its ways' (Pr.6:6). Of the four beasts the lion represents them; the eagle represents the quality of faith and hope. "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."(Col.3:2). Third beast is the last Adam. Second beast has face of a calf, reflecting the stewardship of Adam who as Jesus said, "Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."(Matt.20:28). In short virtues required for the elect are memorials in heaven, and as the key verse informs, "For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.". Without fully understanding predestination as set, a testimony in heaven and without works in his Son what are these half-baked Christians?. It is on one of such St Peter said, " Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God." (Ac.8:18-21) They want it both ways. Oh no God is not mocked by excuse of being ignorant. (Ro.1:18-21)
I would tend to think that the security and comfort of knowing that the Lord is working to bring good and pleasant things in your life is something as humans we all desire. Fear of course can result; especially when situations SEEM not to have any possible outcome in that regard. The Lord will require of His saints suffering as His Word clearly states; along with persecution. It is ONLY in His strength that we are able to overcome fear and cowardice (I'm talking to myself here as well). So often we think that kindness of other humans is the best indicator of our own godliness but in truth we are supposed to bless those who despitefully USE us (I'll let you find the verse). We are blessed because we are worthy of suffering for His Name's sake.
The Lord promises more of the Holy Spirit for those who ask Him in regard to good gifts ( Luke 11:13). Blessing brings POWER and the fear of the Lord falls on others; as John 16:8 demonstrates in the operation of the Holy Spirit. You are dangerous to the kingdom of darkness when truly full of the Spirit and will have impact in reaching the lost fulfilling the Great Commission drawing men to the Lord.
Charles Wesley Naylor wrote on the winning side:
Here are the lyrics
Once I drifted out in sin, had no hope nor joy within,
And my soul was brurdened down with pride;
Then my Savior came along and he showed me I was wrong and
Now I know I'm on the winning side
From the straight and narrow wayi was drifting every day,
Out upon the waters deep and wide;
But it all is over now, glory light is on my brow,
And my soul is on the winning side
I will never have a fear, for my Lord is ever near,
And in him so often I confide;
He's the keeper of my soul since I gave him full control,
And he placed me on the winning side
Chorus-
I'm on the winning side,yes
(may have been cut short-hope this helps!!)
Agape. RIch
Yet, when I consider God's Part in it, I can only conceive of His Plan, His Provision of the Sacrifice, His Acceptance of that Work if fully completed, & His Receiving of those who have embraced it & been changed by His Spirit. I sense that the Plan you adhere to, stops at His completed Work, & anything subsequent to that completion is treated as 'adding to His Work - adding to our salvation'. If a repentant sinner, under the conviction of the Holy Spirit, responds to the Gospel, calling out to a Merciful God for forgiveness, I cannot believe that this sinner has added to the Gospel (even, to God's Plan) in any way at all. The Plan was conceived & fully completed - nothing could be added to it, though some have tried & still try. But to say that when we cry out for mercy & forgiveness is adding to that Plan, this becomes too unbelievable for me.
Therefore, in all of this, I cannot leave out both the convicting Work of God's Spirit ( John 16:7-11) coupled with Romans 10:8-10, "the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation": after hearing the Word, being convicted, confession & believing in what God has provided, salvation is given; and this is just the sinner's response to a Work that has already been done by God alone.
And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9in regard to sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see Me; 11and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world has been condemned.
It is interesting that all of this verse as to the work of the Spirit seems to be in regard to Christ; and seems to be rather indirect as to the individual. Rather than defining particular sins or even the sin nature; the sin of unbelief which led to the most serious errors of the Pharisees who deliberately blinded themselves to the truth and then God no doubt hardened them further is the focus here. For righteousness is again pointing toward Christ; and the focus being perhaps at His next phase at the "Second Coming" and how He will be the righteous King. We are reminded of John 20:29 said to Thomas that blessed are those who have NOT seen yet believe. The third part of this verse is judgment; but it points to Christ again; but this time to Satan's condemnation already established; rather than our own.
Since this verse is a positive influence leading to salvation for His elect and one of condemnation for the unregenerate; we see that this by default puts us in the position to face what Satan does as he is our de-facto ruler if Jesus isn't. (see Matthew 25:41). Hell wasn't apparently created for us but if we are cursed we end up there. Our ruler the prince of the power of the air ( Eph. 2:2) is controlling the masses through his elaborate economic and spiritual world system which is coming to its full and ugly climax as we see Babylon in both forms described in Revelation 17 and 18; and in much of Jeremah in the O.T.
Isaiah 10:7 states Howbeit he meaneth not so, neither doth his heart think so; but it is in his heart to destroy and cut off nations not a few.
This shows even Antichrist doesn't know how bad he is
John 16:8 And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9in regard to sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see Me; 11and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world has been condemned.
I have examined this verse in light of sin; but thought before I continue with the other two aspects of the verse in detail; I should mention that UNBELIEF is something that not only the world but all of us-in reality are in a state of before being regenerated; as that is the first role of the Holy Spirit. When Christ was present on earth; it was clear that after multitudes; presumably almost everyone in Israel knew of Christ's undeniable miracles ( John 11:47) and also of the Apostles ( Acts 4:16) that deliberate unbelief would be the precursor of blasphemy of the Holy Ghost; where Beelzebub was said to be the source of Christ's strength; or others such as the sons of Sceva and the sorcerer in Acts would attempt to gain this power in their own strength or attempt to get it through money. The end result; clearly didn't go too well for these individuals; and no forgiveness was offered for blasphemy of the Spirit ( Mark 3:29 said early in Christ's ministry). Christ said all things against Him or the Father could be forgiven ( Matt. 12:32) but not against the Holy Spirit-and that also is set for the future reign of the Lord on the earth as well. Let us all be as the man in Mark 9:24 and ask Jesus to help us with our unbelief!
Now as to righteousness. Jesus says because He goes to the Father and we no longer see Him that the Spirit testifies of righteousness. I would think this implies that all who truly know Christ now are as the result of the unseen work of the Spirit.
As odd as it seems; when Christ was here physically as to Him being God that had to be revealed from above.
In light of my previous attempt to cover some areas in regard to Baptism and other important factors that should aid in raising Godly children; I started discussing how the Spirit works in a household as a specific example from scriptures on the subject.
Joshua 24:15 says: And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
In light of Genesis 15:16 and the sin of the Amorites coming to the fullness about 400 years later and then being devoted to destruction; we certainly can look to the approximately 400 years we have been a nation since Plymouth Rock and how far we have strayed; no doubt worshipping some of the entities which our ancestors found with the American Indians who were considered "pagans" at the time and in general wantonly destroyed. We also could go further and see how the Indian nations themselves were in a sense being judged for some of their wicked practices; although my cousin an expert on the subject gave me a book about 20 years ago which shows the incredible complexity; diversity and number of Indian nations.
Anyway; looking at Proverbs 14:34
"Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people."
Since John 16:8 mentions sin; righteousness and judgment to come as the working of the Holy Spirit I thought I would reiterate what I have said on numerous occasions with a particular angle. When we are believers we can discern others who are full of the Spirit because we sense conviction of unworthiness as well as the love of Christ at the same time. That truly is a paradox; but shows us a healthy fear of God but exposes us to His mercy as well; and it is and should be truly unnerving at times. That is what I would like to live out; but admit I am sadly short.
The disciples prayed to the Father, so Jesus said, "you have not asked anything in MY name yet" I believe Jesus did not mean that whatever we asked is regarded as nothing, in comparison to everything we could still ask. I believe Jesus taught His disciples to pray to the Father, but now he is starting to show them that they could pray to the Father in His name, even after His death more so because He completed the work of salvation through His death and His resurrection and was taken up, to be seated at the right hand of the Father to intercede on our behalf. Now we pray... Father in the name of Jesus...Before and in the Old Testament prayer was made to the Father.
Thanks for opportunity to share.
It is true that it is surprizing also to me that the grk word "aion" (age/time) is used sometimes in the NT instead of the word "world" because in modern grk it means "century". So I have done a research and came up that in ancient grk it had the meaning apart from "a very long period of time", it also had the meaning of "the period of time a person lives".
So it was used in conjuction to people"s lives. And it seems that sometimes (but not always) the writers of the NT use it for the time that this world/humanity exists. And with that meaning it is used in Mat 28. With the same meaning it also used by Luke in Luke 16:8, by Paul in Rom 12:2 and Ephesians 6:12 where Paul talks about the "rulers of the darkness of this world" , where the word "age/time" is used for "world".
But in other verses the world "kosmos" which is the actual grk word for "world" is used, ie in John 18:20, also John 16:11 where John talks about "the prince of this world". (compare it with Ephesians 6:12 that talks about the same thing). So as a final conclusion those two words are interchanged for "world".
Spencer:
"Kosmos" in anc grk means "mankind, humanity". In mod grk it means everything, people, animals, plants. land.
"Oikoumene" means the places/land on earth where people are living.
Also the word "ktisis" is used for world, it means "creation".
Well this is enough with lessons in Greek. Confusing? We have to trust those scholars who have done a very good job in translating the NT. There isn't a perfect translation, all translations lack in some things, even modern greek can not match with ancient greek in meanings. As a conclusion all translations are more or less good. There is no actual error when other words are used as long as the meaning of the text is right. Some go word for word, others not, but there are more understandable than the former ones. Everybody has their favourite translation. We can always use 2 or more when we are not sure what it is meant. GBU
I am trying to start a new thread. Somehow part one didn't separate from my previous post.
Here is Part 2.
Matthew 5:13-15
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
(Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.)
This is a picture of the Lampstand!
Who is in the midst of the Lampstand and who does the lampstand shines light on? Our Lord.
What does the oil represent in the Lampstand? The Holyspirit.
OILED FILLED LAMPSTANDS.
John 16:7-16.
Verses 7 and 8 we see the disciples is to be impowered by the Holyspirit to carry on the work of Christ as the light in the world that reproves it of sin.
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
Acts 1:6-8
When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
See Part 3.
As to creating anything in God's image; that I think speaks to your original point in that God has uniqueness in His essense that can't be properly duplicated. It also would be inferior any image man makes of Him. Such is the case perhaps with the Shroud of Turin; which is another "can of worms" so to speak. My point is that even if we get a fair comprehension of what Jesus actually looked like we need to see Him as Peter did when inspired by the Spirit He said that Jesus was the Son of God; and of course "doubting Thomas" also believed without actually having to touch Jesus after his request Post Resurrection. (He said "my Lord and my God") To worship Jesus as a great prophet or sage even when on earth was dangerous and without recognizing who He really was through the Spirit resulted in eternal separation from God. I would use John 16:8 once again here in examining the role of the Holy Spirit to show us who Christ truly was. Without the Spirit and such knowledge man is reduced to his own concept of who Christ was; the essense of what he taught (as a bunch of "do good" moral statements such as would be interpreted with the Sermon on the Mount or perhaps the 10 Commandments. Man also would do as some I won't mention by name and attempt to separate the God of the Old Testament and His ways from what the New Covenant represents.
This likely feeds into this lukewarm; feel good Jesus who of course was loved by all and never said anything divisive.
Back to the main idea. I would suggest that man's best attempt to make an image or portrait of Christ would likely instead draw Satan himself. The fact is without spiritual discernment we cannot differentiate between the shining one (Lucifer) or his angels and God and His angels. Perhaps this is beyond what you intended with this subject..so carry on.
The two olive trees(source of oil -the OT and NT, two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of THEMSELVES- Zechariah 4:11-14) , and the two candlesticks(two Churches: the Gentile Church and the Jewish Church- Hebrews 12:22-24) are standing before the God of the earth-the person of the Holy Spirit.
1John 5:7 - There are three that bear record (testify) in heaven(heaven? Ephesians 1:3-8), the Father(GOD Father), the Word(the Word made flesh-JESUS), and the Holy Spirit (who is a Person, not a ghost as is written in English language due to translators' carelessness): and these three are One. (Great mystery. Would not he be the younger brother of JESUS- Luke 15:30-32 combined with prophecy of Isaiah 7:15-16. Take a look. Great mystery.)