Does God use vessels of dishonour and nations to perform his will?
I believe so, here's a few reasons why
Romans 9:18-23.
Habakkuk 1:5-11. Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you.
For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwellingplaces that are not their's.
They are terrible and dreadful: their judgment and their dignity shall proceed of themselves.
Their horses also are swifter than the leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves: and their horsemen shall spread themselves, and their horsemen shall come from far; they shall fly as the eagle that hasteth to eat.
They shall come all for violence: their faces shall sup up as the east wind, and they shall gather the captivity as the sand.
And they shall scoff at the kings, and the princes shall be a scorn unto them: they shall deride every strong hold; for they shall heap dust, and take it.
Then shall his mind change, and he shall pass over, and offend, imputing this his power unto his god.
Another question asked is there such things as demon possession?
Here's what I believe and I'm not sure if it classifies as demon possession.
I believe there's ministers of Satan.
2 Corinthians 11:14-15.
These are amongst us everywhere we go and can be identified as tares. Matthew 13:36-42.
EVIL SPIRITS.
Satan is the prince of the world and he influences the flesh. the natural man. and the nations.
1 John 4:1-3.
These tares may also be seen in Jude 1:1-25.
You can't always identify these tares with their Doctrine, some of their Doctrine sounds very familiar, but what they "seem" to believe in doesn't humble them and in areas of baring fruit they seems to be lacking. This causes a closer look at their theology and you find them taking a sharp left on the path.
This is not an attempt to start a new thread on demonic spirits or evil spirits.
I just wanted to share just a few scriptures on them and why I believe they exist and are amongst us.
Their mission is to lure you away or distort the truth in DIVERSE WAYS!! ( Their Doctrine may sound a lot like yours, IF they believe the Doctrine of truth they will bare fruit. )
1 John 4:1-3.
1 John 4:4. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than HE THAT IS IN THE WORLD.
Matthew 12:43-45.
Jude 1:4.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
Matthew 13:37-40.
Notice who planted the tares?
I believe God with his sovereignty and foreknowledge uses vessels of dishonour to accomplish his will.
Romans 9:17-23. For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.
Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.
Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?
Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?
HATH NOT THE POTTER POWER OVER THE CLAY, OF THE SAME LUMP TO MAKE ONE VESSEL UNTO HONOUR, AND ANOTHER UNTO DISHONOUR?
What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the VESSELS OF WRATH FITTED TO DESTRUCTION:
And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
19. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
20. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon joy receiveth it;
21. Yet hath he not rooted himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
22. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfullness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
23. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it, which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, and some thirtyfold.
The point of my comment was if you think the kingdom of God can be seen you are mistaken:
Matthew 13:13 Therefore speak I to them in parables, because they seeing see not, and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
Everyone is looking to physically see Christ at his second coming, when he said he would come like a thief in the night, like the days of Noah, they never understood until the doors of the ark were closed by God, and sudden destruction: DEATH.
Christ came to give us ETERNAL LIFE:
1 Timothy 6:16 Who (Christ) ONLY hath immortality, dwelling in he light ...
Man WILL NOT believe that the LIFE IN US IS CHRIST, we are just the BODY.
Thank God for the Chief Shepherd and those who are truly his will always hear his voice!
John 10:3-4. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth HIS OWN SHEEP by name, AND LEADETH THEM out.
And when he putteth forth HIS OWN SHEEP, he goeth before them, AND THE SHEEP FOLLOW HIM: FOR THEY KNOW HIS VOICE.
Here's something interesting and can be misunderstood.
They don't become his sheep by following him, They follow because they are his sheep. They follow him because they HEAR HIS VOICE. They have ears to hear and eyes to see.
This reminds me of
Matthew 13:9-16.
Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.
Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.
This is in contrast to John 8:43-45.
The Lord is calling this sheep fold out of Judaism. Look at the previous verses.
John 9:39-41.
Then we Gentiles shall also hear him.
John 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, AND THEY SHALL HEAR MY VOICE; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
John 15:2 is a frightening verse; in that on the surface it would seem that someone could be saved but end up being lost. Romans 11:21-22 seems to reflect the same sort of picture. Since scripture can't contradict itself; this can't mean salvation can be lost. It does reflect that there are some who would gain prominence, reputations or financial gain from association with the church but whose hearts were never in it. Continuation is a theme here in verse 9 (perseverance of the saints in a way). Verse 16 makes it clear once again that God chose us for these good fruits; i.e. good works.
Going back to verse 2; the second part shows how God is doing the purging (or chastisement; and testing through trials) to gain MORE fruit for those truly in Him. The parable of the sower and the seeds ( Matthew 13:3-9 and in Luke) illustrates how those in Him must get to the point of producing fruit. This fruit comes from Him; therefore He is gaining a return for His investment or redemption achieved through the Atonement.
The concept of being called friends is once again attached to the idea of producing LASTING fruit as WELL as seeing answered prayers. This should give us pause to reflect on our own spiritual growth as well as being selective in WHO prays for us; looking for those that show evidence of these things.
Finally; we have verse 17 about the COMMAND to love one another; followed by the fact that men will HATE us because of Christ in us. This theme goes on to verse 26 where the Comforter is promised to do the talking; as well as the Disciples own eyewitness testimony in the following verse as part of their unique ministry. In light of this; we have to question churches that the world readily accepts in light of whether the TRUE and whole Gospel is being preached.
It takes all the books of the PROPHETS to understand the PARABLE ( Matthew 13:34) of the rich man and Lazarus.
Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord GOD will DO NOTHING, but he REVEALETH his secret unto his servants the PROPHETS.
Luke 16:31 And he said unto him, if they HEAR NOT Mosses and the PROPHETS, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
No where in Moses and the prophets does it prophesy that anyone goes to heaven or hell. It prophesies that there will be a Kingdom of God.
The books of the prophets, prophesies, that the elect will BE BROUGHT through the fire; not avoid it.
It prophesies that only a third will be brought through the fire in this age; the others will go to the grave and wait for the resurrection to the next age.
Revelation is a second witness to the prophecies.
Zechariah 13:8 And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the Lord, two thirds shall be cut off and die, and a THIRD shall be left therein ( Luke 17:34-35).
Zechariah 13:9 And I will bring the THIRD PART through the FIRE ..
Ezekiel 5:2 Thou shall burn with fire a THIRD part ..
Ezekiel 5:3 ..take THEREOF a few in number ..
Ezekiel 5:4 ...take of them again, and cast them into the midst of the fire, and burn them in the fire, for THEREOF shall a fire COME FORTH into all the house of Israel.
Obadiah 1:18 And the house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a FLAME ....
Luke 16:24 ....for I am tormented in this FLAME.
Psalms 149:9 To execute upon them the judgement written, this HONOUR hath all his Saints.
Obadiah 1:21 And Saviours (those that have obtained the next age, the IMAGE OF CHRIST) shall come on mount Zion to JUDGE the mount of Esau, and the Kingdom shall be the LORD'S.
Zechariah 12:8 And in that day ( Revelation 20:9) shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David, and the house of David shall be as (the image of) GOD, and the angel of the LORD before them.
Matthew 13:55 gives us the names of Jesus' brothers, James, Joses, Simon, and Judas. He had sisters (plural) also but the bible does not give us their names or how many.
Keep your eyes on GOD our LORD & Savior! : Philippians 4:4, Philippians 4:6-8, Deuteronomy 11:18, (not anything else) Proverbs 3:13-26,
Proverbs 4:18-27, Deuteronomy 4:4-9, Joshua 22:5,
1Peter 1:6-25,
Matthew 13:15-43, Nahum 1:3-15, Jude 1:20-25,
Trust GOD!
Lake Mead has dried maybe to expose the evils & cleanse it. Many have prayed for years for truth exposure & crimes solved. Didn't you know there are springs of water all around that area, even going into Death Valley? & a natural underground water Basin, that flows into parts of California. Trust GOD as we see HIM work out HIS mighty will. Stop looking to anything else as your sources. Also there are several methods of cleaning sea water into drinking water, even used in Space for Astronaut survival. Huntington Beach California wanted to implement during 2016-2018, but illegal immigrant votes in the area stopped the process with petition. Many also continued to waste water, disregarding most laws, opened my eyes to what "lawlessness" is. And lawless men & women in high positions, protecting their lawlessness. GOD is Faithful 1Thessalonians 5:15-24, pray & let GOD have HIS way, trust GOD for righteous discipline, HIS Justice, HIS righteous judgement & HIS faithful provisions. Romans 12:17-21, Psalms 78:20, Psalms 147:9, Matthew 6:8,9,10,11,12,13, for they know not what they do & that they trouble their own souls: Proverbs 11:17-19,
Isaiah 42:1 Behold my servant (Christ), whom I (the Father) uphold; mine (the Father's) elect (Christ), in whom my (the Father's) soul delighteth; I (the Father) have put my spirit upon him (Christ); HE (Christ) shall bring forth judgement to the Gentiles.
Isaiah 42:6 I the Lord (the Father) have called thee (Christ) in righteousness, and (I the Father) will hold thy (Christ's) hand, and give thee (Christ) for a covenant of the people, and a LIGHT to the GENTILES.
Christ not PAUL.
Paul was just the instrument of CHRIST.
Isaiah had already prophecied that the Jews would reject Christ.
Christ came to the Jews first to fulfill PROPHECY.
Isaiah 6:9 And he said, Go and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not, and see ye indeed and perceive not.
Matthew 13:14 In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand, and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive.
Abraham, father of faith lost Faith in God when he delayed to experience the birth of a child as God had promised; he went into his servant; and a son, Ishmael was born to him by the slave woman; but it is said he never doubted God. Only years later, did his wife Sarah give birth to a promised, child, Isaac.
Please read Matthew 24, & Mark 13, Jesus' words : Matthew 24:4 "And Jesus answered and said unto them, take heed that no man deceive you" ._.._.._.. Matthew 24:7-9, "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilence, and earthquakes, in diverse places.
All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my names sake." ._..
Matthew 24:13 "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." ._.._
Matthew 24:21-22 "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be."
And except those days should be shortened, there shall no flesh saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened." ._._._.
Matthew 24:29-30 "immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven shall be shaken:
And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."
Also repeated in Mark 13,
Deuteronomy 4:30
Matthew 13:20-21
John 16:33
Acts 14:22
1Thessalonians 3:4,
Hopefully these are helpful in you study of the Word
Fred interesting post but lemme give ya my take on an Intimacy. Its strickly the result of the bridegroom and his Voice his Words which are his Seeds...Even in the natural conversation is intercourse the ultimate Intimacy produces a Child of PROMISE the H.G. Thats what this NEW Covenant IS an Intimacy with Christ via his seed his voice,..Today if you will hear his voice His Words which are his seeds...Harden not your hearts,.. Jesus said your hearts is the good ground where that good seed will be sown
.....The Father said i will KNOW them ALL from the least to the greatest...An intimacy with humanity via hearing his words his seeds The contents of the book in the fathers right hand ...Intiating a heavenly birth...Thus the Children of PROMISE that are gonna be as the Stars of Heaven and we are the recipitants of these heavenly Children...Unless ya receive the Kingdom as a lil Child. ..They are the result of his seed that spritual Intimacy with Christ the bridegroom the sower of that good seed.
....There has to be an Intimacy with Christ meaning he has to KNOW US....Thats when that good seed is sown in our hearts initiating a birth of Christ in us the H.G. that Child of Promise...The Son of MAN..The result of the seed of the Bridegoom the Words of God...The Good seed is gonna be sow in our hearts...Thats when the hyman of our hearts is broken..The Untimate INTIMACY..That New COVENANT....I will KNOW them ALL Jer. 31 :34 .. ..Thats when Jeremiah saw all men in travail and birth pains...Their Child is the Child of Promise the H.G...Jesus said the GOOD SEED are the Children of the Kingdom.... Matthew 13:29 kjv....That Woman in Rev. 12 : 5 is the very best example of an Intimacy with Christ ...Her Child is the H.G. as that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit...The Woman is Humanity, The WORLD, as the field is the World where that good seed is sown...our hearts is the field..where this Spritual Intimacy will take place...The seed of the sower is the seed of Bridegroom.
Long subject but will try to condense as much as possible: It is sad to this day churches teach little kids that eating an apple caused sin when the word apple is not even in the whole of Genesis. Heb-ets=fruit trees was commanded by GOD good to eat.
Gen 3:3 Hebrew =(fruit) Noun masculine=this particular instance it leads to the seed of Satan; 2 Corinthians 11:3 beguile translated-wholly seduced. Hebrew verb: (touch) = ; is a primitive root meaning to lie with a woman; fruit of the womb is the impregnation of the seed Gen 3:6 Serpent was, is most beautiful of all GODS creations that Eve nor even Adam could resist. Serpent ( Rev 12:9) more subtle than all GODS creation, which HE made the full package of beauty, might and cunningness; Eze 28:13 He was called the glistening 1 because of his shining glory. He was wise and cunning and led Eve down a dark past where the tares would be planted in the world; having twins Cain and Abel 1 bad and 1 good. Gen 4:2 (again) =Heb. yasaph = continue, she continued in labor; Cain and Abel were fraternal twins by 2 different fathers Satan and Adam both coming to the age of accountability at same time Heb 11:4. Joh 8:44 Matthew 13:27-29. Genesis 3:10 They only knew they were naked after the act of seduction; only then did they realize their private parts and felt ashamed. They didn't use leaves to cover their mouths but their privates, fig leaves at that, which leads us to learn the parable of the fig tree, Gen 3:7; Enemy of GOD sewed the seed, Satan's seed, Rev 12:9. Genesis 3:15 1st prophecy of the bible where the sons of Satan bruised CHRIST heels on the cross but CHRIST will bruise his head. Between Satan seed (tares/Kennites=sons of Cain) and the man Adams seed where the fallen angels left their 1st habitation to seduce the daughters of eth haw adam in a second attempt to corrupt the seed line from which CHRIST from umbilical cord to umbilical cord would come..
Fear and Accusations are evil spirits assigned to you by satan; to slow down your walk with Jesus. In Ephesians 6, shows us that the spirits are invisible.
We know they're stalking us, by their FRUITS. Fear, hath torments (which are evil spirits). Knowledge of the Word of God sets us free. You must be born again as in John 3. If you are born again, you have LEGAL RIGHTS as a child of God.
I'm saying this for the benefit of others who have, or are going through it. Jesus cleans and clears out our physical and spiritual house. The Holy Spirit is inside of us. He teaches the Bible to us; as we read the Bible. We are GARNISHING our spiritual house. If we fail to read the Bible, the armor of God, is UNUSED. Ephesians 6.
MATTHEW 12:43-45 and Matthew 13:3-12
We cannot be invaded again, IF we garnish our spiritual house with scripture.
Matthew 4:
1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the DEVIL,
2 And when JESUS had fasted 40 days & 40nights, he was afterward hungry.
3 And when the TEMPTER came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
We must form a strong resolve to follow Jesus as a disciple. We are fighting off INVISIBLE enemies. Ephesians 6.
I've been praying over this some days. SATAN was an archangel.He was CREATED as like an angel; just bigger and more powerful; in charge of praise and worship of God. He coveted the praise all of the angels gave to God.
Coveting is a sin. He led a rebellion against God. Satan and 1/3 of the angels who followed Satans rebellion, were hurled into the earth.
Most or questions about sin, can be answered by the Ten Commandments, Book of Leviticus and Deuteronomy.
Do the do's, and refuse the dont's. Receive Jesus as Savior, Be baptized. Attend Church. Ask Holy Spirit to teach you.
GARNISH your "house"
See Acts 19:19, you may need to rid your home of "idols".
JESUS's CHILDREN FEEDING AND GROWING UP - 1 year ago
[I cannot find who I wrote this for, so I'm going to post here and hope he sees it.]
I'm saying this for the benefit of others who have, or are going through it. Jesus cleans and clears out our physical and spiritual house. The Holy Spirit is inside of us. He teaches the Bible to us; as we read the Bible. We are GARNISHING our spiritual house. If we fail to read the Bible, the armor of God, is unused. Ephesians 6.
MATTHEW 12:43-45
Also the parable in Matthew 13:3-12
We cannot be invaded again, if we garnish our spiritual house with scripture. Satan tempted Jesus in
Matthew 4:
1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the DEVIL,
2 And when JESUS had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
3 And when the TEMPTER came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
Streetpreacher: We must form a strong resolve to follow Jesus as a disciple (which is a student sort of). We are fighting off invisible enemies. Ephesians 6.
I've been praying over this some days. SATAN was an archangel. He was CREATED as like an angel; just bigger and more powerful; in charge of praise and worship of God. He coveted the praise all of the angels gave to God.
Coveting is a sin. He led a rebellion against God. Satan and 1/3 of the angels who followed Satans rebellion, were hurled into the earth.
His new mission was to hurt all of the people on earth__especially the ones that loved God, and followed Gods known Will for them. Later they were given the Ten Commandments written with the finger of God, to Moses.
Most or questions about sin, can be answered by the Ten Commandments., Book of Leviticus and Deuteronomy. It's easily understood how God expects His believers to follow Him, and not our sinful desires. Twisting truth to accommodate having what we want.
Do the do's, and refuse the dont's. Life gets easier.
Here is my understanding of Matthew 13:58. It says He did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief. What I notice is that it does not say that He went in and did mighty works, and because of their lack of faith nothing happened. For me, that doesn't even apply!
What I see is that He didn't do anything there because of their unbelief. Why? Because the signs and the miracles Jesus performed were supposed be a sign to point them to Christ. But He saw that it would do no good. He saw the condition of their hearts.
There are people today that use this verse in the wrong context. They say that the Lord can't work in your life His mighty works because of your unbelief, or your lack of faith. But that's not what it says here.
In Luke Chapter 1, Zacharias had unbelief. In fact, the angel Gabriel said to him that because of your unbelief, because you do not believe my words which will happen at their appointed time, and please note this because it is very important to know that his unbelief couldn't stop God's will from being done. The angel says because of that, you will be mute and unable to speak until these things take place.
It seems to me that Zacharias dictated to God what God must do to get him to line up to believe. But it didn't stop God. It is impossible to stop God from working. God says this is going to happen to you Zacharias, but you do not believe that this will happen because you are looking at the human condition.
You and your wife are beyond the age of bearing children. So you will be mute and unable speak. You will just be a bystander. I want you to watch the work of God. And after nine months, his tongue was loosed, and he began to praise God, and he began to prophesy over that child. Now he is lined up. He didn't stop God from working because of his unbelief or lack of faith. "He did not do any mighty works there because of their unbelief."
In Luke 17:20-21, Jesus says, "The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you"
The context of Jesus' statement is a question put to Him by His Pharisee detractors who had asked when the kingdom of God would come (verse 20).
Jesus' answer was that the kingdom of God was not coming in the manner the Pharisees were expecting. The kingdom would not be inaugurated with spectacle or splendor; there would be no great and magnificent leader who staked out a geographical claim and routed the Romans; rather, the kingdom would come silently and unseen, much as leaven works in a batch of dough (see Matthew 13:33). In fact, Jesus says, the kingdom had already begun, right under the Pharisees' noses. God was ruling in the hearts of some people, and the King Himself was standing among them, although the Pharisees were oblivious to that fact.
Various translations render the Greek of Luke 17:21 various ways. The phrase translated "within you" in the KJV and NKJV is translated as "in your midst" in the NIV, NASB, and NET; "among you" in the NLT and HCSB; and "in the midst of you" in the ESV. Earlier versions of the NIV had "within you" with a marginal note suggesting "among you." There is obviously a difference between saying "the kingdom of God is within you" and "the kingdom of God is among you."
Within you" comes off as an unfavorable translation, seeing that Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees at the time. Jesus was surely not saying that the kingdom of God resided within the Pharisees' hearts. The Pharisees opposed Jesus and had no relationship with God. Jesus in other places denounced them as "whitewashed tombs" and "hypocrites" ( Matthew 23:27).
Hebrews 4:3 For we which have believe do enter into his rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although THE WORKS were FINISHED from the foundation of the world.
Matthew 13:35 That it might be FULFILLED (the works finished before the foundation of the world) which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth IN PARABLES; I will utter things that have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.
Matthew 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of the Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have CHOSEN YOU (from the foundation of the world) .....
Man is a vessel, he has no say IN THE WORKS OF GOD.
Philippians 2:13 For it is GOD that WORKETH IN YOU both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.
Man is FULFILLING the WORDS and WORKS FINISHED before the foundation of the world.
If you were CHOSEN from the foundation, you will be a FIRST FRUIT
If you were not CHOSEN to be a FIRST FRUIT, you will be brought into the kingdom at the feast if the Ingathering.
Matthew 13:31 The kingdom of heaven IS LIKE (not actual) a grain of mustard SEED ...
Luke 8:11 Now the parable is this: The SEED is the WORD OF GOD (CHRIST).
..... which a man took (the man Jesus Christ), and sowed in his field.
Matthew 13:38 The field is the world.
Matthew 13:32 Which (the SEED) indeed is the least of all SEEDS: but when it (the SEED) is grown, it (the SEED) is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a TREE (of LIFE)....
The kingdom of God is THIS TREE (of LIFE).
..... so that the birds (fowls) of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.
John 15:5 Ye are the branches ....
Luke 13:9 ....and the fowls of the air (the devil) lodged in the branches of it (the tree).
Luke 8:5 and some fell by the way side.... and the fowls of the air devoured it (the SEED)......
Luke 8:12 Those by the way side, are those that hear, then cometh the DEVIL (fowls of the air), and taketh away THE WORD (the SEED)....
Psalms 104:12 By them (the springs of water, living water) shall the fowls of heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches.
Ezekiel 17:23 In the mountain the height of Israel will I plant it (the SEED), and it (the SEED) shall bring forth boughs (branches), and bear fruit (SEED), and be a goodly cedar (tree), and UNDER IT (the tree) shall dwell every fowl of ever wing, in the shadow of the branches thereof shall they dwell.
The devil WILL BE SHAKEN out of the branches of the kingdom of God (the TREE OF LIFE).
Matthew 12:28 If I CAST OUT devils by the Spirit of God (LIFE and TRUTH) then the kingdom of GOD is come unto you.
Marke you said: The bible refers to leaven as an agent of decay in 1 Corinthians 5:6-7
Matthew 13:33 Another PARABLE spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven (CHRIST IN YOU) is LIKE LEAVEN, which a woman (Christ wife) took, and HID in THREE measures of meal (creation), till the whole (creation) was LEAVENED (CHRIST IN YOU).
The leaven is Christ, not available until Pentecost. The first Israel were unleavened.
1 Corinthians 5:6 Your glorying (in self) is not good, Know ye not that a little leaving (CHRIST IN YOU) leaveneth the WHOLE LUMP (Christ in all men).
1 Corinthians 5:7 Purge out therefore the OLD LEAVEN (laws in tablets of stone), that ye may be a new lump,as you are unleavened (not holding the LAW OF SPIRIT, CHRIST IN YOU), for even Christ our passover (death passed over; Christ is eternal life) is sacrificed for us.
That is a great question. I did not know the answer, but I did an internet search and found this. I cannot confirm the accuracy, but here's what I found:
There were 7 people named JUDAS in The Bible.
1. An ancestor of Jesus ( Luke 3:30-31)
2. "Judas the Galilean"mentioned by Gamaliel at the Sanhedrin. ( Acts 5:37)
3. One of the 12 apostles (aka: Thaddaeus-"son of James") ( Luke 6:16)
4. Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus. ( Mark 3:19)
5. One of Jesus' half-brothers. ( Matthew 13:55)
6. A man from Damascus (on the 'street called Straight') where Paul went after he was blinded ( Acts 9:11)
7. Judas (aka:Barsabbas)-who was called a prophet and a 'leading man' among the disciples, sent with Paul and Barnabas to deliver the letter on circumcision to Antioch and encourage the congregation ( Acts 15:22, 30-32)
I believe so, here's a few reasons why
Romans 9:18-23.
Habakkuk 1:5-11. Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you.
For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwellingplaces that are not their's.
They are terrible and dreadful: their judgment and their dignity shall proceed of themselves.
Their horses also are swifter than the leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves: and their horsemen shall spread themselves, and their horsemen shall come from far; they shall fly as the eagle that hasteth to eat.
They shall come all for violence: their faces shall sup up as the east wind, and they shall gather the captivity as the sand.
And they shall scoff at the kings, and the princes shall be a scorn unto them: they shall deride every strong hold; for they shall heap dust, and take it.
Then shall his mind change, and he shall pass over, and offend, imputing this his power unto his god.
Another question asked is there such things as demon possession?
Here's what I believe and I'm not sure if it classifies as demon possession.
I believe there's ministers of Satan.
2 Corinthians 11:14-15.
These are amongst us everywhere we go and can be identified as tares. Matthew 13:36-42.
EVIL SPIRITS.
Satan is the prince of the world and he influences the flesh. the natural man. and the nations.
1 John 4:1-3.
These tares may also be seen in Jude 1:1-25.
You can't always identify these tares with their Doctrine, some of their Doctrine sounds very familiar, but what they "seem" to believe in doesn't humble them and in areas of baring fruit they seems to be lacking. This causes a closer look at their theology and you find them taking a sharp left on the path.
1 John 2:19.
God bless.
This is not an attempt to start a new thread on demonic spirits or evil spirits.
I just wanted to share just a few scriptures on them and why I believe they exist and are amongst us.
Their mission is to lure you away or distort the truth in DIVERSE WAYS!! ( Their Doctrine may sound a lot like yours, IF they believe the Doctrine of truth they will bare fruit. )
1 John 4:1-3.
1 John 4:4. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than HE THAT IS IN THE WORLD.
Matthew 12:43-45.
Jude 1:4.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
Matthew 13:37-40.
Notice who planted the tares?
I believe God with his sovereignty and foreknowledge uses vessels of dishonour to accomplish his will.
Romans 9:17-23. For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.
Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.
Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?
Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?
HATH NOT THE POTTER POWER OVER THE CLAY, OF THE SAME LUMP TO MAKE ONE VESSEL UNTO HONOUR, AND ANOTHER UNTO DISHONOUR?
What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the VESSELS OF WRATH FITTED TO DESTRUCTION:
And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
Also notice
Habakkuk 1:5-11.
God bless.
Matthew 13:1-9
1. The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side.
2. And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore
3. And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a Sower went forth to sow;
4.' And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:
5Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had b deepness of earth:
6. And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had not root, they withered away.
7. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them.
8. But others fell on good ground, and brought forth fruit some, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.
9. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Matthew 13:18-23
18. Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.
19. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
20. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon joy receiveth it;
21. Yet hath he not rooted himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
22. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfullness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
23. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it, which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, and some thirtyfold.
Romans 8:14, in context please read all of Chapter Romans 8, explanation of the answer of your question in detail.
Hopefully these are all helpful
I am not a minister, I am a lowly farmer.
The point of my comment was if you think the kingdom of God can be seen you are mistaken:
Matthew 13:13 Therefore speak I to them in parables, because they seeing see not, and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
Everyone is looking to physically see Christ at his second coming, when he said he would come like a thief in the night, like the days of Noah, they never understood until the doors of the ark were closed by God, and sudden destruction: DEATH.
Christ came to give us ETERNAL LIFE:
1 Timothy 6:16 Who (Christ) ONLY hath immortality, dwelling in he light ...
Man WILL NOT believe that the LIFE IN US IS CHRIST, we are just the BODY.
God Bless YOU; the body of Christ.
Thank God for the Chief Shepherd and those who are truly his will always hear his voice!
John 10:3-4. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth HIS OWN SHEEP by name, AND LEADETH THEM out.
And when he putteth forth HIS OWN SHEEP, he goeth before them, AND THE SHEEP FOLLOW HIM: FOR THEY KNOW HIS VOICE.
Here's something interesting and can be misunderstood.
They don't become his sheep by following him, They follow because they are his sheep. They follow him because they HEAR HIS VOICE. They have ears to hear and eyes to see.
This reminds me of
Matthew 13:9-16.
Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.
Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.
This is in contrast to John 8:43-45.
The Lord is calling this sheep fold out of Judaism. Look at the previous verses.
John 9:39-41.
Then we Gentiles shall also hear him.
John 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, AND THEY SHALL HEAR MY VOICE; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
God bless.
John 15:2 is a frightening verse; in that on the surface it would seem that someone could be saved but end up being lost. Romans 11:21-22 seems to reflect the same sort of picture. Since scripture can't contradict itself; this can't mean salvation can be lost. It does reflect that there are some who would gain prominence, reputations or financial gain from association with the church but whose hearts were never in it. Continuation is a theme here in verse 9 (perseverance of the saints in a way). Verse 16 makes it clear once again that God chose us for these good fruits; i.e. good works.
Going back to verse 2; the second part shows how God is doing the purging (or chastisement; and testing through trials) to gain MORE fruit for those truly in Him. The parable of the sower and the seeds ( Matthew 13:3-9 and in Luke) illustrates how those in Him must get to the point of producing fruit. This fruit comes from Him; therefore He is gaining a return for His investment or redemption achieved through the Atonement.
The concept of being called friends is once again attached to the idea of producing LASTING fruit as WELL as seeing answered prayers. This should give us pause to reflect on our own spiritual growth as well as being selective in WHO prays for us; looking for those that show evidence of these things.
Finally; we have verse 17 about the COMMAND to love one another; followed by the fact that men will HATE us because of Christ in us. This theme goes on to verse 26 where the Comforter is promised to do the talking; as well as the Disciples own eyewitness testimony in the following verse as part of their unique ministry. In light of this; we have to question churches that the world readily accepts in light of whether the TRUE and whole Gospel is being preached.
It takes all the books of the PROPHETS to understand the PARABLE ( Matthew 13:34) of the rich man and Lazarus.
Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord GOD will DO NOTHING, but he REVEALETH his secret unto his servants the PROPHETS.
Luke 16:31 And he said unto him, if they HEAR NOT Mosses and the PROPHETS, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
No where in Moses and the prophets does it prophesy that anyone goes to heaven or hell. It prophesies that there will be a Kingdom of God.
The books of the prophets, prophesies, that the elect will BE BROUGHT through the fire; not avoid it.
It prophesies that only a third will be brought through the fire in this age; the others will go to the grave and wait for the resurrection to the next age.
Revelation is a second witness to the prophecies.
Zechariah 13:8 And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the Lord, two thirds shall be cut off and die, and a THIRD shall be left therein ( Luke 17:34-35).
Zechariah 13:9 And I will bring the THIRD PART through the FIRE ..
Ezekiel 5:2 Thou shall burn with fire a THIRD part ..
Ezekiel 5:3 ..take THEREOF a few in number ..
Ezekiel 5:4 ...take of them again, and cast them into the midst of the fire, and burn them in the fire, for THEREOF shall a fire COME FORTH into all the house of Israel.
Obadiah 1:18 And the house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a FLAME ....
Luke 16:24 ....for I am tormented in this FLAME.
Psalms 149:9 To execute upon them the judgement written, this HONOUR hath all his Saints.
Obadiah 1:21 And Saviours (those that have obtained the next age, the IMAGE OF CHRIST) shall come on mount Zion to JUDGE the mount of Esau, and the Kingdom shall be the LORD'S.
Zechariah 12:8 And in that day ( Revelation 20:9) shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David, and the house of David shall be as (the image of) GOD, and the angel of the LORD before them.
Matthew 13:55 gives us the names of Jesus' brothers, James, Joses, Simon, and Judas. He had sisters (plural) also but the bible does not give us their names or how many.
Do you know why most done understand God's WORD?
Because they don't BELIEVE what he SAYS.
The Bible is GOD'S WORDS: The Old Testament is LAW and PROPHECIES
Psalms 78:2 I (the Word) will open my mouth in a PARABLE: I (the Word) will utter DARK SAYINGS upon the harp.
Ezekiel 17:2 Son of Man (the Word), put forth a RIDDLE, and speak a PARABLE to the house of ISRAEL.
Prophecy Fulfilled:
Matthew 13:34 ALL THESE THINGS spake Jesus into the multitudes in a PARABLES; and WITHOUT A PARABLE he SPAKE NOT to them.
The multitudes THEN as well as the multitudes NOW don't UNDERSTAND: because they don't believe God's Words ARE A PARABLE.
His own disciples NEVER UNDERSTOOD a word he was saying.
Christ had to take them aside and explain it to them.
The same TODAY, unless the Holy Spirit takes you aside and explains the PARABLES to you, you want understand the full truth.
This is why Christ SAYS: ASK and you shall receive; But again the receiving is on God's TIMETABLE not ours.
God Bless You.
There appears to be multiple men with that name: Luke 6:16, Acts 15:27,32, John 14:22, Matthew 13:55, Acts 9:11, Acts 15:22, Acts 1:13,
A guy also from Galilee = Acts 5:37,
Matthew 27:5, Matthew 27:4-10,
It's best to study, keep reading, keep studying
Proverbs 4:18-27, Deuteronomy 4:4-9, Joshua 22:5,
1Peter 1:6-25,
Matthew 13:15-43, Nahum 1:3-15, Jude 1:20-25,
Trust GOD!
Lake Mead has dried maybe to expose the evils & cleanse it. Many have prayed for years for truth exposure & crimes solved. Didn't you know there are springs of water all around that area, even going into Death Valley? & a natural underground water Basin, that flows into parts of California. Trust GOD as we see HIM work out HIS mighty will. Stop looking to anything else as your sources. Also there are several methods of cleaning sea water into drinking water, even used in Space for Astronaut survival. Huntington Beach California wanted to implement during 2016-2018, but illegal immigrant votes in the area stopped the process with petition. Many also continued to waste water, disregarding most laws, opened my eyes to what "lawlessness" is. And lawless men & women in high positions, protecting their lawlessness. GOD is Faithful 1Thessalonians 5:15-24, pray & let GOD have HIS way, trust GOD for righteous discipline, HIS Justice, HIS righteous judgement & HIS faithful provisions. Romans 12:17-21, Psalms 78:20, Psalms 147:9, Matthew 6:8,9,10,11,12,13, for they know not what they do & that they trouble their own souls: Proverbs 11:17-19,
Hopefully these are helpful & encouraging
The PROPHETS, remember.
Isaiah 42:1 Behold my servant (Christ), whom I (the Father) uphold; mine (the Father's) elect (Christ), in whom my (the Father's) soul delighteth; I (the Father) have put my spirit upon him (Christ); HE (Christ) shall bring forth judgement to the Gentiles.
Isaiah 42:6 I the Lord (the Father) have called thee (Christ) in righteousness, and (I the Father) will hold thy (Christ's) hand, and give thee (Christ) for a covenant of the people, and a LIGHT to the GENTILES.
Christ not PAUL.
Paul was just the instrument of CHRIST.
Isaiah had already prophecied that the Jews would reject Christ.
Christ came to the Jews first to fulfill PROPHECY.
Isaiah 6:9 And he said, Go and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not, and see ye indeed and perceive not.
Matthew 13:14 In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand, and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive.
God Bless YOU.
Where does it say Abraham never doubted? Romans 4:19-21,
Romans 4,
Where does it say Abraham doubted GOD? He harkened unto Sarai: Genesis 16,
Titus 1:15, 2Samuel 22:27,
GOD's WORD is true,
Let us be careful to study
Hopefully these are helpful
Please read Matthew 24, & Mark 13, Jesus' words : Matthew 24:4 "And Jesus answered and said unto them, take heed that no man deceive you" ._.._.._.. Matthew 24:7-9, "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilence, and earthquakes, in diverse places.
All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my names sake." ._..
Matthew 24:13 "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." ._.._
Matthew 24:21-22 "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be."
And except those days should be shortened, there shall no flesh saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened." ._._._.
Matthew 24:29-30 "immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven shall be shaken:
And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."
Also repeated in Mark 13,
Deuteronomy 4:30
Matthew 13:20-21
John 16:33
Acts 14:22
1Thessalonians 3:4,
Hopefully these are helpful in you study of the Word
.....The Father said i will KNOW them ALL from the least to the greatest...An intimacy with humanity via hearing his words his seeds The contents of the book in the fathers right hand ...Intiating a heavenly birth...Thus the Children of PROMISE that are gonna be as the Stars of Heaven and we are the recipitants of these heavenly Children...Unless ya receive the Kingdom as a lil Child. ..They are the result of his seed that spritual Intimacy with Christ the bridegroom the sower of that good seed.
....There has to be an Intimacy with Christ meaning he has to KNOW US....Thats when that good seed is sown in our hearts initiating a birth of Christ in us the H.G. that Child of Promise...The Son of MAN..The result of the seed of the Bridegoom the Words of God...The Good seed is gonna be sow in our hearts...Thats when the hyman of our hearts is broken..The Untimate INTIMACY..That New COVENANT....I will KNOW them ALL Jer. 31 :34 .. ..Thats when Jeremiah saw all men in travail and birth pains...Their Child is the Child of Promise the H.G...Jesus said the GOOD SEED are the Children of the Kingdom.... Matthew 13:29 kjv....That Woman in Rev. 12 : 5 is the very best example of an Intimacy with Christ ...Her Child is the H.G. as that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit...The Woman is Humanity, The WORLD, as the field is the World where that good seed is sown...our hearts is the field..where this Spritual Intimacy will take place...The seed of the sower is the seed of Bridegroom.
Gen 3:3 Hebrew =(fruit) Noun masculine=this particular instance it leads to the seed of Satan; 2 Corinthians 11:3 beguile translated-wholly seduced. Hebrew verb: (touch) = ; is a primitive root meaning to lie with a woman; fruit of the womb is the impregnation of the seed Gen 3:6 Serpent was, is most beautiful of all GODS creations that Eve nor even Adam could resist. Serpent ( Rev 12:9) more subtle than all GODS creation, which HE made the full package of beauty, might and cunningness; Eze 28:13 He was called the glistening 1 because of his shining glory. He was wise and cunning and led Eve down a dark past where the tares would be planted in the world; having twins Cain and Abel 1 bad and 1 good. Gen 4:2 (again) =Heb. yasaph = continue, she continued in labor; Cain and Abel were fraternal twins by 2 different fathers Satan and Adam both coming to the age of accountability at same time Heb 11:4. Joh 8:44 Matthew 13:27-29. Genesis 3:10 They only knew they were naked after the act of seduction; only then did they realize their private parts and felt ashamed. They didn't use leaves to cover their mouths but their privates, fig leaves at that, which leads us to learn the parable of the fig tree, Gen 3:7; Enemy of GOD sewed the seed, Satan's seed, Rev 12:9. Genesis 3:15 1st prophecy of the bible where the sons of Satan bruised CHRIST heels on the cross but CHRIST will bruise his head. Between Satan seed (tares/Kennites=sons of Cain) and the man Adams seed where the fallen angels left their 1st habitation to seduce the daughters of eth haw adam in a second attempt to corrupt the seed line from which CHRIST from umbilical cord to umbilical cord would come..
We know they're stalking us, by their FRUITS. Fear, hath torments (which are evil spirits). Knowledge of the Word of God sets us free. You must be born again as in John 3. If you are born again, you have LEGAL RIGHTS as a child of God.
I'm saying this for the benefit of others who have, or are going through it. Jesus cleans and clears out our physical and spiritual house. The Holy Spirit is inside of us. He teaches the Bible to us; as we read the Bible. We are GARNISHING our spiritual house. If we fail to read the Bible, the armor of God, is UNUSED. Ephesians 6.
MATTHEW 12:43-45 and Matthew 13:3-12
We cannot be invaded again, IF we garnish our spiritual house with scripture.
Matthew 4:
1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the DEVIL,
2 And when JESUS had fasted 40 days & 40nights, he was afterward hungry.
3 And when the TEMPTER came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
We must form a strong resolve to follow Jesus as a disciple. We are fighting off INVISIBLE enemies. Ephesians 6.
I've been praying over this some days. SATAN was an archangel.He was CREATED as like an angel; just bigger and more powerful; in charge of praise and worship of God. He coveted the praise all of the angels gave to God.
Coveting is a sin. He led a rebellion against God. Satan and 1/3 of the angels who followed Satans rebellion, were hurled into the earth.
Most or questions about sin, can be answered by the Ten Commandments, Book of Leviticus and Deuteronomy.
Do the do's, and refuse the dont's. Receive Jesus as Savior, Be baptized. Attend Church. Ask Holy Spirit to teach you.
GARNISH your "house"
See Acts 19:19, you may need to rid your home of "idols".
I'm saying this for the benefit of others who have, or are going through it. Jesus cleans and clears out our physical and spiritual house. The Holy Spirit is inside of us. He teaches the Bible to us; as we read the Bible. We are GARNISHING our spiritual house. If we fail to read the Bible, the armor of God, is unused. Ephesians 6.
MATTHEW 12:43-45
Also the parable in Matthew 13:3-12
We cannot be invaded again, if we garnish our spiritual house with scripture. Satan tempted Jesus in
Matthew 4:
1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the DEVIL,
2 And when JESUS had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
3 And when the TEMPTER came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
Streetpreacher: We must form a strong resolve to follow Jesus as a disciple (which is a student sort of). We are fighting off invisible enemies. Ephesians 6.
I've been praying over this some days. SATAN was an archangel. He was CREATED as like an angel; just bigger and more powerful; in charge of praise and worship of God. He coveted the praise all of the angels gave to God.
Coveting is a sin. He led a rebellion against God. Satan and 1/3 of the angels who followed Satans rebellion, were hurled into the earth.
His new mission was to hurt all of the people on earth__especially the ones that loved God, and followed Gods known Will for them. Later they were given the Ten Commandments written with the finger of God, to Moses.
Most or questions about sin, can be answered by the Ten Commandments., Book of Leviticus and Deuteronomy. It's easily understood how God expects His believers to follow Him, and not our sinful desires. Twisting truth to accommodate having what we want.
Do the do's, and refuse the dont's. Life gets easier.
Receive Jesus as Your Savior.
Here is my understanding of Matthew 13:58. It says He did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief. What I notice is that it does not say that He went in and did mighty works, and because of their lack of faith nothing happened. For me, that doesn't even apply!
What I see is that He didn't do anything there because of their unbelief. Why? Because the signs and the miracles Jesus performed were supposed be a sign to point them to Christ. But He saw that it would do no good. He saw the condition of their hearts.
There are people today that use this verse in the wrong context. They say that the Lord can't work in your life His mighty works because of your unbelief, or your lack of faith. But that's not what it says here.
In Luke Chapter 1, Zacharias had unbelief. In fact, the angel Gabriel said to him that because of your unbelief, because you do not believe my words which will happen at their appointed time, and please note this because it is very important to know that his unbelief couldn't stop God's will from being done. The angel says because of that, you will be mute and unable to speak until these things take place.
It seems to me that Zacharias dictated to God what God must do to get him to line up to believe. But it didn't stop God. It is impossible to stop God from working. God says this is going to happen to you Zacharias, but you do not believe that this will happen because you are looking at the human condition.
You and your wife are beyond the age of bearing children. So you will be mute and unable speak. You will just be a bystander. I want you to watch the work of God. And after nine months, his tongue was loosed, and he began to praise God, and he began to prophesy over that child. Now he is lined up. He didn't stop God from working because of his unbelief or lack of faith. "He did not do any mighty works there because of their unbelief."
Anyway, that's my understanding.
The Father lives where his throne is, in heaven.
Revelation 1:1 ...and he SIGNIFIED it ....
Matthew 13:34 And these things (his words) spake he unto the multitude in PARABLES, and without a PARABLE he SPAKE NOT unto them.
Matthew 13:13 Therefore spake I to them in PARABLES: because seeing, they SEE NOT, and hearing they HEAR NOT, neither do they UNDERSTAND.
You see the word heaven and you know heaven is a place; But, seeing you see not, neither do they understand.
Heaven is SIGNIFIED, and a PARABLE, a high meaning than the literal.
Heaven is were God dwells, God is LIFE, God dwell IN YOU, God is THE LIFE IN YOU. God is SPIRIT.
John 3:6 .... that which is BORN of Spirit is Spirit: God is Spirit.
Psalms 82:6 I have said, Ye are gods (born of Spirit) the CHILDREN of the MOST HIGH.
Flesh and blood CANNOT inherit the Kingdom of God, so we are BORN AGAIN into Spirit, and God is Spirit, THE KINGDOM of GOD.
The NEW CREATION, of two, You and Christ, to MAKE ONE. The Spirit Man, Christ.
The FIRSTBORN among many BRETHREN.
God Bless YOU!
Romans 12:6,
2Peter 1:16-21,
1Timothy 4:14,
Revelation 1:3,
Gifting working within the Body: 1Corinthians 12, 1Corinthians 13, direction concerning in Church: 1Corinthians 14:29-40,
Prophets yet to come: Revelation 11:3-19, false prophet yet to come: Revelation 16:12-15, Revelation 19:20, Revelation 20:10,
Revelation 19:10,
Revelation 22,
John the Baptist referred to as Prophet: Luke 1:76, Luke 3:4, Matthew 13:57, Mark 6:4, Luke 4:24, Luke 7:26,28, Luke 20:3-20, John 1:19-37,
Acts 3:22-26, Acts 7:35-60, Titus 1:12,
Matthew 10:41,
Jesus talking about Prophets in HIS day, referred to himself also: Matthew 21:26, Matthew 11:9, Mark 11:32, John 4:4,
Luke 13:33, Luke 24,
Paul & others acknowledged prophecy, Prophets, even Women that did Prophecy: Acts 21:8-14,
Hope these are helpful
Part 2of ?
Here's an article.
In Luke 17:20-21, Jesus says, "The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you"
The context of Jesus' statement is a question put to Him by His Pharisee detractors who had asked when the kingdom of God would come (verse 20).
Jesus' answer was that the kingdom of God was not coming in the manner the Pharisees were expecting. The kingdom would not be inaugurated with spectacle or splendor; there would be no great and magnificent leader who staked out a geographical claim and routed the Romans; rather, the kingdom would come silently and unseen, much as leaven works in a batch of dough (see Matthew 13:33). In fact, Jesus says, the kingdom had already begun, right under the Pharisees' noses. God was ruling in the hearts of some people, and the King Himself was standing among them, although the Pharisees were oblivious to that fact.
Various translations render the Greek of Luke 17:21 various ways. The phrase translated "within you" in the KJV and NKJV is translated as "in your midst" in the NIV, NASB, and NET; "among you" in the NLT and HCSB; and "in the midst of you" in the ESV. Earlier versions of the NIV had "within you" with a marginal note suggesting "among you." There is obviously a difference between saying "the kingdom of God is within you" and "the kingdom of God is among you."
Within you" comes off as an unfavorable translation, seeing that Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees at the time. Jesus was surely not saying that the kingdom of God resided within the Pharisees' hearts. The Pharisees opposed Jesus and had no relationship with God. Jesus in other places denounced them as "whitewashed tombs" and "hypocrites" ( Matthew 23:27).
See Part 3.
Hebrews 4:3 For we which have believe do enter into his rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although THE WORKS were FINISHED from the foundation of the world.
Matthew 13:35 That it might be FULFILLED (the works finished before the foundation of the world) which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth IN PARABLES; I will utter things that have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.
Matthew 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of the Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have CHOSEN YOU (from the foundation of the world) .....
Man is a vessel, he has no say IN THE WORKS OF GOD.
Philippians 2:13 For it is GOD that WORKETH IN YOU both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.
Man is FULFILLING the WORDS and WORKS FINISHED before the foundation of the world.
If you were CHOSEN from the foundation, you will be a FIRST FRUIT
If you were not CHOSEN to be a FIRST FRUIT, you will be brought into the kingdom at the feast if the Ingathering.
God Bless You!
Matthew 13:31 The kingdom of heaven IS LIKE (not actual) a grain of mustard SEED ...
Luke 8:11 Now the parable is this: The SEED is the WORD OF GOD (CHRIST).
..... which a man took (the man Jesus Christ), and sowed in his field.
Matthew 13:38 The field is the world.
Matthew 13:32 Which (the SEED) indeed is the least of all SEEDS: but when it (the SEED) is grown, it (the SEED) is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a TREE (of LIFE)....
The kingdom of God is THIS TREE (of LIFE).
..... so that the birds (fowls) of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.
John 15:5 Ye are the branches ....
Luke 13:9 ....and the fowls of the air (the devil) lodged in the branches of it (the tree).
Luke 8:5 and some fell by the way side.... and the fowls of the air devoured it (the SEED)......
Luke 8:12 Those by the way side, are those that hear, then cometh the DEVIL (fowls of the air), and taketh away THE WORD (the SEED)....
Psalms 104:12 By them (the springs of water, living water) shall the fowls of heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches.
Ezekiel 17:23 In the mountain the height of Israel will I plant it (the SEED), and it (the SEED) shall bring forth boughs (branches), and bear fruit (SEED), and be a goodly cedar (tree), and UNDER IT (the tree) shall dwell every fowl of ever wing, in the shadow of the branches thereof shall they dwell.
The devil WILL BE SHAKEN out of the branches of the kingdom of God (the TREE OF LIFE).
Matthew 12:28 If I CAST OUT devils by the Spirit of God (LIFE and TRUTH) then the kingdom of GOD is come unto you.
God Bless You!
Matthew 13:33 Another parable spake he (Christ) unto them; the Kingdom of Heaven IS LIKE LEAVEN
Would this leaven, in this parable, be GOOD or would it be BAD, since it is like the kingdom of heaven.
Leaven is itself a PARABLE.
The truth is, if you leaven the lump with the kingdom of heaven, then it leavens the whole lump (good).
If you leaven the lump with the leaven of the Pharisees, then it leavens the whole lump (bad).
The point is to be aware of the leavening you are using.
God Bless You!
Matthew 13:33 Another PARABLE spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven (CHRIST IN YOU) is LIKE LEAVEN, which a woman (Christ wife) took, and HID in THREE measures of meal (creation), till the whole (creation) was LEAVENED (CHRIST IN YOU).
The leaven is Christ, not available until Pentecost. The first Israel were unleavened.
1 Corinthians 5:6 Your glorying (in self) is not good, Know ye not that a little leaving (CHRIST IN YOU) leaveneth the WHOLE LUMP (Christ in all men).
1 Corinthians 5:7 Purge out therefore the OLD LEAVEN (laws in tablets of stone), that ye may be a new lump,as you are unleavened (not holding the LAW OF SPIRIT, CHRIST IN YOU), for even Christ our passover (death passed over; Christ is eternal life) is sacrificed for us.
God Bless You!
That is a great question. I did not know the answer, but I did an internet search and found this. I cannot confirm the accuracy, but here's what I found:
There were 7 people named JUDAS in The Bible.
1. An ancestor of Jesus ( Luke 3:30-31)
2. "Judas the Galilean"mentioned by Gamaliel at the Sanhedrin. ( Acts 5:37)
3. One of the 12 apostles (aka: Thaddaeus-"son of James") ( Luke 6:16)
4. Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus. ( Mark 3:19)
5. One of Jesus' half-brothers. ( Matthew 13:55)
6. A man from Damascus (on the 'street called Straight') where Paul went after he was blinded ( Acts 9:11)
7. Judas (aka:Barsabbas)-who was called a prophet and a 'leading man' among the disciples, sent with Paul and Barnabas to deliver the letter on circumcision to Antioch and encourage the congregation ( Acts 15:22, 30-32)