Romans 5:12 says Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
The fact is that we are all born with Adam's sin and hence at enmity with God. Our hearts are as Jeremiah 17:9 says "desperately wicked." No one does good ( Romans 3:10-12 and in Psalms); and we are estranged from the womb ( Psalm 58:3). So the first issue is the thought that anyone is "good" which inevitably comes from comparing ourselves to another "worse" person like Hitler (unless we are that bad ourselves and we can't appeal to anyone worse; in that case we probably wouldn't want to concern ourselves with doing good deeds. Our deeds also; BTW are evil; even our best deeds as "filthy rags". ( Isaiah 64:6). This "grace Gospel" as it is known is obviously taken from Romans as a primary source but reflects many scripture verses. Or as someone once said "a hundred percent sinner needs a hundred percent savior" (can't seem to find this entire phrase quoted by anyone).
Now death; of course in the law comes in two ways; MURDER or justifiable killing whether to exact a punishment "a life for a life" (part of Deuteronomy 19:21). It also is involved with the wars and conquests of Israel with the admittedly hard verses about exterminating entire peoples including women and children in certain circumstances. The understandable aspect of this is when the descendents of the Nephilim (or angels with women producing giant hybrid offspring) were exterminated; being an aberrant being without and eternal soul perhaps the proper interpretation of Isaiah 26:14. That is a deep study; but no doubt this is easier than explaining extermination of human beings. Those nations which were conquered had common practices of child sacrifice with idol worship; therefore it could have saved the children from a worse death. Genesis 15:16 shows how God waits until iniquity is full before utter destruction.
Yesterday perhaps the enemy (although I suspect it is my pinkie left finger touching the esc key) caused the first part of what will probably be a lengthy dissertation on Satan's methods to be wiped out. It gave me an opportunity to think about some more stuff today. I thought an outline at present would help; perhaps finding some interest out there to detail a particular area.
Here's a brief summary of what I was starting yesterday.
1. Self-We are our own worst enemies.
Attacks on emotions; mind and soul (will present scriptures to follow).
I wanted to touch on "presumtion" along with other thought patterns within fallen man that can trip us up as well.
2. Others-Peer pressure; manipulation; flattery and any wrong done by others. This of course is rarely not associated with our own actions; particularly ruminating and fretting rather than taking things to God in prayer
3. Spiritual warfare: Again; not isolated but oppression for a believer; possession possible for non believers; and all things in the world system. This would include false religions.
4. Deception. This may be the most concerning and potent weapon the enemy has. The "Trojan horse" approach allows the enemy in the gate whether it is in our hearts or in a particular local church in general.
General thoughts before we begin the main study.
When we look at the Antichrist (Satan's main exhibit) we see characteristics of a SUBSTITUTE for as well as blatent blasphemy AGAINST the true Christ. The enemy will always work in two ways; either giving us what we want (in reality being void of real substance); OR he will directly cause persecution (usually through people and often in seemingly ordinary events) but at times goes full force. This outward persecution shows that he has failed in deception and therefore we understand why Paul said he thanked God he was worthy to suffer persecution for His Name's sake. God ultimately allows all Satan does
" Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye."
Parable of the Sower illustrates how the word sown in the heart of man fails to produce what is intended. God formed all hearts alike but the enemy slipping in tares speak of a heart that is let untended. It is a no man's land or the wayside where birds of the air can make away with the good seed. The heart is like a sluggard's field for many and with such what is truth? It is all things to all occasions. God commanded the man not to eat of the fruit of tree of knowledge of good and evil. But Eve let the serpent an occasion to hear his take on the matter. is truth to be treated for anyone to counsel how? Eve let the context determine her course of action. Her senses took over bypassing what was inscribed in her hearts. Ever since what has knowledge of good and evil given her? God cursed the ground, "for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;/ Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee;"(Ge.3:17-18)
Spiritual meaning of thorns and thistles we may glean from the Parable of the Sower. For instance the oncologists warns us of a troubling trend that Early onset cancer, which is defined as happening in adults under 50 years of age, is no anomaly. In fact, it is part of a rising global trend in which newly diagnosed cancer patients are getting younger. Further, it deflates the myth that cancer is the preserve of older people. Cumulative effect of sin treated so lightly for instance glossing over the works embedded in faith so fruits of the Spirit is produced by abiding life in Christ. How can those actively engaged in culture wars, and churches that ride the coattails of politicians come to the light lest their works of darkness be reproved by Christ? Instead the imposter religion has traditions of their elders. Sin never remains single but every evil work are carried on without let up
"And the two fishes divided he among them all./And they did all eat, and were filled." Here we have an example of kangaroo words. The two primarily refers to the number of fishes while there were five loaves of bread. What you eat has it way of passage, and as Jesus took pains to explain it is eaten "Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?(7:19). What the heart can do leads to everlasting life while traditions of man, with his table manners in the Roman times often lasted into late hours in suppers where the guests would end under the table in their own vomit. What the Spirit is demonstrating are heaven and earth as two worlds so Jesus " And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them."(v.41)
Before appointing the twelve he goes up to a mountain, and called them who would. His Sermon on the Mount set the Rock of Ages for a testimony and Mark similarly narrates that Jesus bound the twelve to service so their authority came from heaven as his came. As the master so were the disciples.
As indicative of their singleness of purpose Jesus took the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them." In short the disciples were partakers of the heavenly calling.(He.3:1). The number of fishes is two and signifies a number of objects each is set in terms of God. God fashions all hearts alike and tries their works. In the Parable of the Talents each servant was bound to give account over them. Number of men in this chapter "And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men".(v.44) In the other,"And they that had eaten were about four thousand: "(8:9). These are set for a purpose.
Job 13:15 states: Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.
In 1 Kings 13; we see a story of an unnamed prophet who God slayed after disobeying the command not to eat or drink or go back the way he came after a fellow prophet lied to him; later the word of God came through that same prophet foretelling his burial won't be with the other ancestors and he died after leaving the meal; mauled by a lion who then stood next to his natural pray a donkey by the body. It is understood that the Spirit wasn't indwelling as it is today permanently with believers; but it would seem this man was disciplined by the Lord rather than going to hell. The same principle is stated in 1 Corinthians 11:30 where it talks about taking the Lord's supper unworthily (interestingly related to a meal taken wrongly as well).
My general point here is that there are many out there who claim we can "lose our salvation". We forget the many verses that contradict this which I won't get into right now; because there are so many others that seem to justify this concept. I have already discussed at length many times the idea of God chastising those He loves (and the opposite fact that we are all illegitimate sons if not ( Heb. 12:8).) What I am saying now is that the dying process begins at the day of our salvation and continues throughout our "sanctification" process. The outer evidence of this comes from the fruit in our hearts and is tied into our behaviors; attitudes; words; praises; service; etc. The world has it's own way of "sacrifice" whether as dramatic as "stigmata" or some kind of outer manifestation that appears like the wounds of Christ on their body (certainly demonic); or acts of contrition; service; etc. I don't want to force the terminology realted to the 5 points of Calvin to make my point. I do want to suggest that when God begins a work He completes it. Let us learn the lessons from scripture and take them to heart.
The real question is what is the goal: to please God or please man? We already know what God wants because its written down and is clear what it means. Naturally, some will try to twist that to mean whatever else they want it to mean, but that doesn't make it true. God knows our hearts when we try to distort the truth.
"St Mark presents the parables of Jesus as mysteries so 'his doctrine' explains the familial relationship of the Father Son in terms of the earth."
"And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,/Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow"
Here we see what makes the Gospel of St Mark distinct from others, especially that of St Matthew to which it has more affinity an others. In three chapters St Mark having revealed the power of the Son in healing of demons states the concept of family with God as the only Father includes both heaven and the earth on single standard: faith.
The significance of the Parable of the Sower owes to the faith which incorporates both heaven and the earth as one entity: the kingdom of God.
Before the worlds began God sent forth his word which shall not return to him void. So the harvest at the end ought to teach us the one world at a time as interpreted by false teachers is not from God. Satan has spread his tares so denying deity to Jesus the word become flesh by some is from bad motives. "But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come."(v.29)
The seed is good as the ground which is good. So we have the yield. "And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred."(v.8). The variation in yield shows up the nature of heart, a spiritual space. God formed all hearts alike and tries their works. :He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.:(Ps.33:15)
St Matthew presents the Sermon on the Mount, which in order to give a context of the Alpha and Omega aspect of the Son is set against the mountain. St Marks presents 'his doctrine' in terms of the two worlds framed by his word. So the earth is not to be detached from heaven where the word sown , fruit of which are yet to collected as well.
Dear Christian Brother hello my name is Jaz and I'm new here . I've just read your message and it's so true . When I was a child I was told all kind of things about God by my family . As an adult I was shocked when I read the Bible for the first time to discover that so many things I had been told were not in the Bible . Sometimes the complete opposite ! It's so important for us to read the Bible for ourselves and not trust what people tell us to be true . God speaks for Himself in the Bible . We must pray for eyes and ears and open hearts and minds so we can come to know Him as He is and as He has revealed Himself to be in His Word . Our salvation is the most important thing and we must put our trust in God and in His Word not in how others interpret His Word . He has given us the Spirit of Truth we must be thankful for that and use it to read the Bible for ourselves .
Romans 2:9 states: There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile..
(NIV); but says tribulation and anguish in the KJV. There is another verse stating that judgment begins at the house of God. ( 1 Peter 4:17).
Just as not all Israel is Israel ( Romans 9:6); not all the "professing" church is the possessing church; that is possessing the Holy Spirit and true salvation. Jesus made that perfectly clear to those who thought because they were the physical descendants of Abraham that gave them some sort of benefit were sadly mistaken ( John 8:39-44). Those who had seen Christ; knew the prophecies about the Messiah and yet rejected Him would in fact be worse off than Sodom and Gomorrah in their punishment. ( Matt. 11:21-24). We see similar warnings for those who have knowledge of the truth and become reprobate; in that it would be better not to have known it in the first place ( 2 Peter 2:21).
Testing ourselves to see if we are in the faith is sadly lacking today among professing believers; or we would see a reality check in the fruits of many lives. ( 2 Corinthians 13:5). We can glibly see this example as a carnal bunch of people and think that being steeped in our own religious training or theology that we are automatically exempt from this test. I have said before that there are dangers in any extreme that is lacking the balancing attribute; such as with loving people and warning them of judgment to come ( John 16:8). We see in the Ephesian church everything being done properly but their first love somehow becoming distant in their hearts. Look at 1 Corinthians 13:6; love rejoices in the truth. The basic fact that man's heart is desperately wicked ( Jeremiah 17:9) and that our sin makes us enemies of God ( James 4:4) means that there is a wall between opposing parties and yes God is angry with the wicked (i.e. us) every day. ( Psalm 7:11). Having our heads in the sand doesn't help anyone.
Mark 1 :1-11 The word of God-sound and sign (2 of 2)
v.5 " And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins"
The great revival 'in all the land of Judaea and they of Jerusalem' was not because of John's austerity or of his person but the voice of the Lord worked with men as he 'shaketh the wilderness; the Lord shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh.". Hinds calve as surely men see a great light dawning on them.(Ps.29:8-9). Here also Isaiah saw ahead ,"The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up."(Matt.4:14-16). The same voice that inspired Isaiah did enthuse John's Father. The Angel of the Lord is how the sound becomes a sign. St Luke report of it, "And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God./And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."( Luke 1:16-17) At first Zecharias would not believe and his temporary dumbness was a sign. As surely as calves of a hind.
v.11 "And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Here we have both word as a sound as a sign.
Compared to other gospels Mark tells us salient features of the Advent of the Son with great economy of words. "And immediately the spirit driveth him into the wilderness."(v.12)
We see a variation to the upper room in the Acts. "Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour." His falling into a trance and the vision that was about to unfold had a great import on the course of the early church. So the Spirit isolates Simon Peter to make him prepared. There are few other examples which is not germane to the topic of the prayer of Jesus.
Lastly the prayer of Jesus recorded by John is the transcription of the Holy Spirit putting to words 'the unspoken' prayer ( John 17) which as St Paul explains, "but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered./And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God." (Ro.8:26-27) The Spirit is not narrating the life of Jesus as with biographies of the secular literature in a linear fashion but it is rendered for our spiritual instruction from both worlds of the Spirit and of the flesh. (2 Ti.3:16-17)
"In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established."(2 Co.13:1)
The Parable clearly lays out total sanctification for those who are called to be kings and priests. " For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;/And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself."(Col.1:17-20). Receiving a prophet "in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward." But kingdom of God lays out the preceding verse as the rule: "He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me."(10:40). Consequently without 'Christ in me' by faith, charity is merely lip service.(1 Co.13). Laws of nations create a system and those who know it escape from justice reserved for lawbreakers. Sheep on the right speaks of the nation of light. They are those who saw the light in the true light. (Ps.36:9)
As kings our judgment must be fair. "A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes."(Pr.20:8) abiding in Christ we ought to train ourselves which explains faith with works. So one cannot serve mammon as well as serve God. As priests "Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity."(He.5:2). Having a beam in the eye one need to be circumspect before he wants to remove the mote in someone else's eye.
"And by him all things consist," Priestly garments of righteousness are of God we put on in our daily walks. We bear the burden of others which denote the breastplate and judgment, evokes the urim and thummim. Hearts can be very treacherous if let so by the light of the word we conduct our lives in all humility so grace may have perfect working in us. "Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits."(Ro.12:16,1-2) Our bodies are living sacrifices, "holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service."
Whether in the "Arminian" or "Calvinistic" camps; God's sovereignty and man's inability to save himself apart from His grace is fairly universally accepted. The issue comes in as to whether mans' "free will" acts to make a decision whether to follow or not follow Christ and "accept" Him into their hearts. Both camps will hold to Romans 10:9 related to a verbal and heartfelt confession accompanying saving faith. I would contend that it is not as some like to call it "decisional regeneration" that occurs as a result of something we say; but that what we say is a reflection of God already moving one towards repentance as scripture states it is a gift of God ( 2 Tim. 2:25 and also stated in the Book of Acts). We are truly saved "apart from the law" ( Romans 3:21) by grace; but of course Paul makes it clear that we aren't granted a "license to sin" once we have escaped from the wrath of God. Nothing we can do will earn us grace; and more importantly there is no desire in unregenerate man to follow God; at best man can try to avoid the consequences of sin which of course makes us all as Judas Iscariot who betrayed Christ yet realized he had betrayed an innocent man and thus hung himself. (see 2 Corinthians 7:10). It should be obvious how essential the doctrine of grace is; as all other eligions and even Christian cults will offer a combination of faith in Christ and works as needed to be saved; or it is asceticism such as Eastern religions offer that seem to bring a utopia for someone after doing good works after a lengthy cycle of death and rebirth (reincarnation) which of course fundamentally is opposed by Hebrews 9:27. Often it is another Christ; whether presented as as sage or great prophet which is expounded that we should follow rather than the true Jesus who was the Son of God. John 8:24 makes it clear that we must believe that "I am" truly meaning that He is the Christ. ( Matt. 16:13-20). ONLY CHRIST CAN REVEAL THE TRUTH TO A MAN.
In my last post I discussed what could be described as the lust of the eyes in 1 John 2:16 along with the lust of the flesh. The last part of the verse is involved with the pride of life. That certainly could cover covetousness; greed and materialism. There are two things to watch for here beyond our own hearts; there is the endless routine of daily activities; buying; selling; marrying and given in marriage which are said to characterize a day when the Lord arrives suddenly (see Matthew 24:38). There is nothing wrong with such activities; as we are told to be productive on earth as well as to be fruitful and multiply. But it is making this the whole meaning of our existence which is dangerous; rather than giving thanks for all blessings the Lord has and realizing that He "gives and takes away." ( Job 1:21). Keep in mind that came from Job AFTER his first wave of devastating losses.
The second thing is the spiritual forces in the demonic realm that are constantly seeking to drive us away from our steadfastness in Christ and be rendered ineffective at spiritual warfare. Please understand carefully what I am about to say-a TRUE believer ALWAYS recognizes the Lord's presence (His sheep hear His voice: ( John 10:27). Other spirits can overwhelm us with desire or temptation but they give themselves away because of the cost involved in following; they are found through wisdom as promoting sin and rebellion as we are exhorted in ( Proverbs 5:1-3 and sequential verses).
When we see the end result of demonic persuasion in Revelation 16:13 leading men to Armageddon a few chapters later we realize along with the Mark of the Beast that no one who is a nonbeliever will follow the Lord; all will follow Antichrist ( Revelation 13:8). The enemy if he cannot kill us physically or spiritually can certainly render us ineffective and trap us in sin if we are not careful. He will steal and destroy if he can't kill if God allows.
No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. HEREBY KNOW WE THAT WE DWELL IN HIM, AND HE IN US, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
What John is saying is that no man has seen God at any time but if we love one another God dwells in us. In other words God today can manifest himself through believers in loving one another, "and the world sees That!
John 13:34-35, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
"What makes this so unique?" What's new about it? Isn't it listed in the Commandments? What's unique and new about it is that he causes it!
Look at verse 35.
"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,.
( God gave us his Spirit that causes us to love the Brothern.)
God's Spirit, "The Holyspirit" causes those who loves God to love his brother also. 1 John 4:21"
Romans 5:5.
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Peter had chosen life so when great many disciples left Jesus because of his hard sayings ( John 6:67-68( he stuck by the Prince of life. Entering into the kingdom of God appealed to him. So he wanted to know,"what shall we have therefore?" Disciples were curious and on another occasion wanted to know the hour of his coming which the risen Jesus stopped short with a curt answer, "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power." Before his passion also Jesus did not allow any speculation as to what God held in his authority, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only."(Ac.1:7; Matt.24:36). "My Father worketh hitherto and I work" meant heaven and earth were held by the word of God where fulfillment of the divine Will was his part so when the disciples asked,"Who then can be saved?" Jesus shares what was within his authority to answer. Salvation was as entering with Prince of life through a veil so life abundant was the Holy Grail of their ministry with Jesus Christ. Jesus understood he was earnest and despite of his volatility his heart beat ever so true.
"When the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel" was in his authority to give. For this reason even after denying him Jesus entrusts his disciples to his care."Feed my sheep" meant Jesus had completely forgiven his former lapse. Hundredfold is in the sense it did not happen as he was concerned. This explains with the being born again experience. "Therefore if any manbein Christ,he isa new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."(2 Co.5:17) Jesus practiced what he preached. "So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses."(Matt.18:35)
Romans 8:16 says: "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:"
Hebrews 12:6 states: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Matthew 5:44-46 says
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
These verses bring a clear understanding of those who are His children and possess His Spirit from those who don't. We can't love our enemies in our own strength in the same way we can in Him; but perhaps the other side of the argument should be examined; we cannot hate our sin; our former "good deeds" and appreciate the verse in Jeremiah 17:9 about our hearts being "deceitfully wicked" apart from a revelation from God through His Spirit. This truth results in a response of repentance whose origin comes from God; and results in actions coming from a new heart or nature; rather than just outer actions in some attempt to be righteous in our own strength. Atheists can often be more "moral" than we are in charitable giving; for example but they cannot without self righteousness. Thus; no amount of penance; fasting; etc. can save us. Jesus begins the work and to those He has called and chosen He insures that they are sanctified and glorified after being saved as we see from Romans 8:30.
Other Gospel verses show that His sheep hear His voice. We have true love for other believers if we are saved as well as a true love for Christ and we trust Him as well and have Him not just as Savior but Lord and Master as well.
The enemy will often convince us otherwise but believers have overcome the world.
"He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so."
Everlasting Covenant between Father and Son permeates the entire kingdom so the worlds framed by the word of God has a quality that a servant cannot appreciate. "And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever."( John 8:35) The earth abides forever and Moses as a servant gave Israel permission to write a bill of divorcement to put away his wife. "But from the beginning it was not so," supplies us the case of Adam who correctly read the role of woman as the bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh' . For the same reason we make a distinction between Jerusalem and New Jerusalem of the heaven. St Paul refers to the House with Seven pillars that Wisdom built and it is in heaven. "But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all."(Gal.4:26; Pr.9:1).
Israel did not simply backslid but heart was no right before God so simply shut out what was open before them. In their refusal to enter we may use the example of Onan whose wickedness prevented from performing his duties as a man.( Ge. 38:10).
In what way Evangelicals refuse to look to Jesus Christ as the author and finisher of faith? What worth is culture war when the risen Christ stands at the door and knock They refuse to let him in because they do not love him with all their heart and their might. Why they will be rejected is given in this saying, " Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels." (Matt.25:41-46) In refusing 'one of the least of these my brethren' they shall be cast into outer darkness where thy rightly belong. Their heart was not right; while life eternal means inheriting 'the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world"
"So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses."
The Lord of the servant in the parable showed compassion as blessings of God come down from the greater to the lesser. Compassion as a facet of holiness of God is another manner love is irradiated as the cut diamond throws up several colors each from one single source of light. God as the Father of lights manifested so Jesus Christ is the true Light is the prism that provides us the glory of God into our individual spiritual space. The servant who hid his one talent did not detract from the glory but proved he was worthy of damnation.
The rich man 'clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day' that was very well and good as far as the intrinsic value of a talent goes, but the sin crept in when he shut off Lazarus from his sights, and he denied the Spirit of life that bound him came from the same God who gave life as a blessing. In denying his presence was an insult to His holiness. He was no better than the Rich Fool in the parable. "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." (Jas.4:17)
Coming back to the Parable the egregious blunder of the unforgiving servant was that he shut out the inestimable riches the Lord held in reserve. "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."(1 Co.2:9). The Lord showed pity on him because of his flesh. The Spirit of life nevertheless was the power with which he could have mountains in his service. No his eye was all focused on a paltry debt. (1 Co.4:7-9) "not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another./ For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory"
Thanks GiGi for that detailed & timely reminder of what our Christian attitudes ought to be & how they are then expressed to others; and this examination by each one of us has to be first addressed when the seeds within our hearts & minds begin to germinate. Unless the feelings that arise within are not arrested early enough, we may well have to regret our words or behavior.
But then the matter of 'what then is sin'? I think most would agree that it is much more than violating the Ten Commandments, even as our Lord pointed His hearers to their own hearts to correctly understand this subject. But when it comes down to those regrettable things that arise within us which are not specifically addressed in the Word, we may find license to overlook them & treat them as not sinful, merely aberrations arising from the flesh. So, it may boil down to, 'what is sinful to some, may not be to others' (at least, until all are truly led of the Spirit to recognize sin for what sin is, or to those particularly sensitive to any deviation from the holy, to re-examine their beliefs by the Spirit's Guidance). And I too, have had to re-read my comments here, not only for clearly conveying my thoughts, but also to see whether my words could be hurtful or misunderstood, words arising from a mind overly passionate about the subject. I guess that I have failed in this as well at times. Blessings.
"That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven."
There are two worlds of the Spirit and of the body where angels signify the cloud of witnesses. Whereas the body points to the same spiritual body prepared for the Son. Glory of God makes the cloud bright and as the spiritual body,- "we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." We are called into one hope of our calling so every saint redeemed from the earth is part of this body or a building. so what do we call fellow believers headed towards the same direction? "So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses." brothers here and now have their witnesses, and they are called angels.
Jesus Christ "Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person" relates to us as the glory of God in the knowledge,, it is compared to a light, as in this verse, "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ". This is his glorious gospel and shown as doable. So what we bear in our vile bodies is the kind of glory that the angels in heaven get to see directly.
Jesus tells that these little ones do always behold the face of my Father. So the power of the word in us is knowledge based and our faith is not merely lip-service but faith that can move mountains.
Having said this much how do we reconcile the vv.8-9 "And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out,"? Does it put to rest the lust of eye, caused by sin, since the law of sin is what tempts the eye to sin? Jesus offers the only cure: "Without me you can do nothing."( John 15:3) Faith with works is when you rest from your own labor and self-will and fall back upon for his grace to have a perfect working in your life. Father of all mercies showed the glorious gospel of his Son as doable. Knowledge of the glory of God in holding on to grace and truth.
I think that God has been VERY clear that we are not to make or have in our possession ANY image that we would bow down to, pray to, give reverence to, or worship.
You noted such things as items depicting our Lord. I would add crosses-whether worn or hung, if they are used more than a reminder to us of all of Christ's work for us. You mentioned things that remind us of our loved ones who have died. I think photos are fine if put in an family album or hung on our walls as long as we do not "talk" to them or hold the item or the person in a state of reverence in our minds and hearts. We need to avoid thinking that any of dead people are near us in spirit, offer any protection for us, or who have any input into our lives. I believe that there is an impenetrable division between this world and the world after death that the Lord doesn't allow any crossover. Angels are allowed to go between the heavens and our natural world in obedience to God, but we are not to seek such interactions or do any kind of worship to them.
In the area of things that represent occultic matters, I think we need to be careful about what is shown of the clothing we wear and the jewelry we wear. Often times the emblems can be from occultic artistic expressions and it is wise to scrutinize any "adornment" before we purchase or accept from others such things. I am not sure where to go to find out what some of the images that are currently fashionable truly represent. Any ideas. Perhaps simplicity in dress is a pretty safe way to show ourselves to others. We need to be careful of the impression we give to others with how we dress.
And you mentioned music artists. I don't think we should be taken in by ANY famous person, anyone with desirable gifts, and even great preachers, reformers, or Christian leaders. We need to see them all as like us, needing God's grace because we all are sinners and at the same time saints. We need to guard ourselves from idols of any kind. cont.
Yes,I agree S. Spencer, it is up to the Holy spirit to convict of sin and lead anyone in the truth, so we pray for this to happen in us and in others, including those who claim to have no sin and no longer sin and the sinful nature is removed from them and that the old man is dead and gone along with the desire to sin.
To those who believe in sinless perfection I would say that these things have occurred in them:
1) they have believed false teaching.
2) they underestimate the holiness of God including the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and that their holiness is the standard of righteousness.
3) they bring this standard lower according to their own determination of what holiness is.
4) they redefine sin in such a way that they can admit that they do not sin
5) they harden their hearts to the conviction of their own sin and sinfulness by the Holy Spirit due to a sense of pride and self-congratulation.
6) they deny that temptation arises within us due to sin's presence within us. Temptation from without, as with Jesus' temptation in the desert by Satan was unique because from within Him there was no sinful nature to be tempted by evil whether from within Himself and from without.
7) they misapply Scripture to support their view to the denial of so many Scriptures that speak of the sinful nature and actual sins committed in and by believers.
8) they fear that if they find they commit sin they lose their salvation and so they have a vital need for their doctrine and profession of sinfulness to be true.
9) this fear of losing salvation shows an inadequate knowledge of how we are saved perhaps even believing a "different gospel" that is works based and dependent on the persons ability to stay sinless.
10) they see their known faults, weaknesses, and mistakes as acceptable and not sinful instead of seeing them as sinful being a result of having a sinful nature within them. It is truly amazing what they will excuse as not sinful as "just being human".
"Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he."
Vision is precisely what St Paul says, "We walk by faith and not by sight."(2 Co.5:7) It is borne out of knowledge,-St Paul calls it the glory of the same quality as of the spiritual body because it is from God,- who gives it a glory as with the see. So the seed ('whose sed is in itself-Ge.1:11) is part of the Abstract that shall never change. This glory is Person specific. "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. In short the vision that we speak here is to hold on to both worlds of the Spirit and of the body as one. St Paul gives us the context in v.1. "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."
Israel took pride in the Law of Moses but they perished just the same, save Joshua and Caleb because they had no vision. It began much earlier when the turned to the golden calf soon after Moses went up the mount. Their lack of vision would trouble them when during the time of the kings there were two places for golden calf worship one at Dan and at Bethel. "An eye for an eye" as set in the law characterize them now so the nation stands guilty of genocide. So as fulfillment of the Law that Jesus taught us 'to turn the other cheek also. He also showed with his life. God gave as a commandment: "Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it:"(Ge.1:28) His vision was clear and knew the reason God blessed 'then' on the sixth day from this prayer, "While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled." ( John 17:11)
Hi Jagggard912. This is not an easy question to answer, only because how our minds & hearts have been affected by current govt laws, often apalling court judgements, & the sentiments of society in general. However, since your question relates only to God's view of capital punishment (both by God's Command to His people Israel & His expectancy for the present day we're in), my short answer is, Yes, I believe that nothing has changed before God about sin, of wilful murder & what he expects as the correct punishment to be meted out.
There is no question about God's requirements in relation to murder, adultery, kidnapping, sodomy, rape, witchcraft, etc. ( Genesis 9:6; Exodus chaps 21, 22, 35; Leviticus chaps 22, 24, & others), though proponents for a 'no capital punishment', will claim that Israel was a theocracy (rule under God alone), whereas Gentiles have their own govts & subject to new laws consistent with the consensus of society's expectations. But has God changed? So, why does God allow govts to enact laws inconsistent with His Requirements? Well, I could confidently say that no govt anywhere, would give much regard to God's Laws & Requirements for the proper functioning of society. Many may have started well, having a strong Judeo/Christian foundation, but having sinful, & many Christ-rejecting men at the helm, given to society's whims & for the on-going battle for votes, some God-honoring Laws are side-lined, if not altogether discarded.
So what happens when a capital crime is committed (i.e. wilful murder) and is proved beyond doubt with hard evidence & not just circumstantial? Usually, a life sentence in prison, either for life or parole, & rarely the death penalty. If the prisoner is released back into society, whether as a murderer, rapist, child molester, etc., & he re-offends, hardly anyone batters an eyelid, as the prisoner has served his time. But when that criminal offends again, I ask, 'who then are the real criminals?' Society remains mute.
My attempt at giving a scriptural response to same sex attraction.
Having personally lived with a brother that had such a lifestyle decades ago before coming to Christ has helped me gain further personal insight and experience on the subject. Such political incorrectness to those former associations and friendships in that community naturally denies those still in that lifestyle the benefit of hearing how God works to change the hearts ( Jeremiah 17:9) from wickedness to God's righteousness for those who have become true believers in Christ.
The church in general has had two responses to this issue; one which fits in increasingly with the gay community as well and the other which has some truth but has what seems to be a fundamental error. In terms of that second camp the preaching of homosexuality as a specific sin said to be an abomination instead is categorized as any other sin. Another problem is that of fitting in a life of celibacy as a whole with those who are "same sex attracted" and assuming that's enough rather than addressing the spiritual and other components that initiate such perverted desires in the first place. In tandem with that therefore we don't explain the alternative; which is a true Agape love among the brethren which is how we are to start to live the way we all are designed to do. Turning our affections on things above; of course is best implemented by seeing others do the same and once again those who used to live that way and are changed or detransitioned would be the best people who would be exemplary of that change and hence to follow. Therefore it involves not only redirecting our affections but allowing the Spirit to crucify the flesh which we all need to do as believers. The practical implications also need to be brought to light of those living deviant lifestyles as to the frequent rage and violence in such relationships; effects on children; etc. Suicide rates among the trans community is a prime example.
Ecclesiastes 7:29 KJV: Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.
We see similar references to God's creation of man such as in Psalm 139 and it seems clear that there is nothing wrong with God's design at least in how it was originally intended. Therefore even with the fallen nature due to Adam's sin that we all inherit even unregenerate man is responsible for his actions which are contrary to a nature in which "God has set eternity in their hearts." ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). Man originally was made in the image of God; now it may be argued that we bear some resemblance to what we were originally but now we are also in the image of man; that is of the physical appearance of our parents.
Another thing we must consider is how the great prophets all responded in the presence of God. We can examine Isaiah 6:5 as well as the Prophet Ezekiel and Daniel and John in Revelation 1. Even John recognized he wasn't worthy to open the seals and wept ( Revelation 5:4). Keep in mind that this was the Disciple closest to our Lord when He was physically on earth but he realized that only Christ was worthy. We therefore have value because of Him; it is His righteousness that gives us that.
That is why I prefer to view His righteousness as coming from the inside out; not as some cloak over us. There is indeed His perfection in a believer but also the vesiges of who we were even if in actuality not who we still are in light of the promised glorification. Again; only a TRUE believer can claim these promises; or more accurately can have Christ claim to be His own.
I get the sense that some who claim never to sin again think that they can be in God's presence without being flat on their faces. Going boldly into His presence still involves humility and is expressed by an intimate communication and fellowship between BOTH parties.
I am sure to start a fire on this one; praying these conversations can be edifying.
Romans 5:12 says Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
The fact is that we are all born with Adam's sin and hence at enmity with God. Our hearts are as Jeremiah 17:9 says "desperately wicked." No one does good ( Romans 3:10-12 and in Psalms); and we are estranged from the womb ( Psalm 58:3). So the first issue is the thought that anyone is "good" which inevitably comes from comparing ourselves to another "worse" person like Hitler (unless we are that bad ourselves and we can't appeal to anyone worse; in that case we probably wouldn't want to concern ourselves with doing good deeds. Our deeds also; BTW are evil; even our best deeds as "filthy rags". ( Isaiah 64:6). This "grace Gospel" as it is known is obviously taken from Romans as a primary source but reflects many scripture verses. Or as someone once said "a hundred percent sinner needs a hundred percent savior" (can't seem to find this entire phrase quoted by anyone).
Now death; of course in the law comes in two ways; MURDER or justifiable killing whether to exact a punishment "a life for a life" (part of Deuteronomy 19:21). It also is involved with the wars and conquests of Israel with the admittedly hard verses about exterminating entire peoples including women and children in certain circumstances. The understandable aspect of this is when the descendents of the Nephilim (or angels with women producing giant hybrid offspring) were exterminated; being an aberrant being without and eternal soul perhaps the proper interpretation of Isaiah 26:14. That is a deep study; but no doubt this is easier than explaining extermination of human beings. Those nations which were conquered had common practices of child sacrifice with idol worship; therefore it could have saved the children from a worse death. Genesis 15:16 shows how God waits until iniquity is full before utter destruction.
Yesterday perhaps the enemy (although I suspect it is my pinkie left finger touching the esc key) caused the first part of what will probably be a lengthy dissertation on Satan's methods to be wiped out. It gave me an opportunity to think about some more stuff today. I thought an outline at present would help; perhaps finding some interest out there to detail a particular area.
Here's a brief summary of what I was starting yesterday.
1. Self-We are our own worst enemies.
Attacks on emotions; mind and soul (will present scriptures to follow).
I wanted to touch on "presumtion" along with other thought patterns within fallen man that can trip us up as well.
2. Others-Peer pressure; manipulation; flattery and any wrong done by others. This of course is rarely not associated with our own actions; particularly ruminating and fretting rather than taking things to God in prayer
3. Spiritual warfare: Again; not isolated but oppression for a believer; possession possible for non believers; and all things in the world system. This would include false religions.
4. Deception. This may be the most concerning and potent weapon the enemy has. The "Trojan horse" approach allows the enemy in the gate whether it is in our hearts or in a particular local church in general.
General thoughts before we begin the main study.
When we look at the Antichrist (Satan's main exhibit) we see characteristics of a SUBSTITUTE for as well as blatent blasphemy AGAINST the true Christ. The enemy will always work in two ways; either giving us what we want (in reality being void of real substance); OR he will directly cause persecution (usually through people and often in seemingly ordinary events) but at times goes full force. This outward persecution shows that he has failed in deception and therefore we understand why Paul said he thanked God he was worthy to suffer persecution for His Name's sake. God ultimately allows all Satan does
" Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye."
Parable of the Sower illustrates how the word sown in the heart of man fails to produce what is intended. God formed all hearts alike but the enemy slipping in tares speak of a heart that is let untended. It is a no man's land or the wayside where birds of the air can make away with the good seed. The heart is like a sluggard's field for many and with such what is truth? It is all things to all occasions. God commanded the man not to eat of the fruit of tree of knowledge of good and evil. But Eve let the serpent an occasion to hear his take on the matter. is truth to be treated for anyone to counsel how? Eve let the context determine her course of action. Her senses took over bypassing what was inscribed in her hearts. Ever since what has knowledge of good and evil given her? God cursed the ground, "for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;/ Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee;"(Ge.3:17-18)
Spiritual meaning of thorns and thistles we may glean from the Parable of the Sower. For instance the oncologists warns us of a troubling trend that Early onset cancer, which is defined as happening in adults under 50 years of age, is no anomaly. In fact, it is part of a rising global trend in which newly diagnosed cancer patients are getting younger. Further, it deflates the myth that cancer is the preserve of older people. Cumulative effect of sin treated so lightly for instance glossing over the works embedded in faith so fruits of the Spirit is produced by abiding life in Christ. How can those actively engaged in culture wars, and churches that ride the coattails of politicians come to the light lest their works of darkness be reproved by Christ? Instead the imposter religion has traditions of their elders. Sin never remains single but every evil work are carried on without let up
"And the two fishes divided he among them all./And they did all eat, and were filled." Here we have an example of kangaroo words. The two primarily refers to the number of fishes while there were five loaves of bread. What you eat has it way of passage, and as Jesus took pains to explain it is eaten "Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?(7:19). What the heart can do leads to everlasting life while traditions of man, with his table manners in the Roman times often lasted into late hours in suppers where the guests would end under the table in their own vomit. What the Spirit is demonstrating are heaven and earth as two worlds so Jesus " And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them."(v.41)
Before appointing the twelve he goes up to a mountain, and called them who would. His Sermon on the Mount set the Rock of Ages for a testimony and Mark similarly narrates that Jesus bound the twelve to service so their authority came from heaven as his came. As the master so were the disciples.
As indicative of their singleness of purpose Jesus took the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them." In short the disciples were partakers of the heavenly calling.(He.3:1). The number of fishes is two and signifies a number of objects each is set in terms of God. God fashions all hearts alike and tries their works. In the Parable of the Talents each servant was bound to give account over them. Number of men in this chapter "And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men".(v.44) In the other,"And they that had eaten were about four thousand: "(8:9). These are set for a purpose.
In 1 Kings 13; we see a story of an unnamed prophet who God slayed after disobeying the command not to eat or drink or go back the way he came after a fellow prophet lied to him; later the word of God came through that same prophet foretelling his burial won't be with the other ancestors and he died after leaving the meal; mauled by a lion who then stood next to his natural pray a donkey by the body. It is understood that the Spirit wasn't indwelling as it is today permanently with believers; but it would seem this man was disciplined by the Lord rather than going to hell. The same principle is stated in 1 Corinthians 11:30 where it talks about taking the Lord's supper unworthily (interestingly related to a meal taken wrongly as well).
My general point here is that there are many out there who claim we can "lose our salvation". We forget the many verses that contradict this which I won't get into right now; because there are so many others that seem to justify this concept. I have already discussed at length many times the idea of God chastising those He loves (and the opposite fact that we are all illegitimate sons if not ( Heb. 12:8).) What I am saying now is that the dying process begins at the day of our salvation and continues throughout our "sanctification" process. The outer evidence of this comes from the fruit in our hearts and is tied into our behaviors; attitudes; words; praises; service; etc. The world has it's own way of "sacrifice" whether as dramatic as "stigmata" or some kind of outer manifestation that appears like the wounds of Christ on their body (certainly demonic); or acts of contrition; service; etc. I don't want to force the terminology realted to the 5 points of Calvin to make my point. I do want to suggest that when God begins a work He completes it. Let us learn the lessons from scripture and take them to heart.
1 Corinthians 14:34
1 Timothy 2:11-12
The real question is what is the goal: to please God or please man? We already know what God wants because its written down and is clear what it means. Naturally, some will try to twist that to mean whatever else they want it to mean, but that doesn't make it true. God knows our hearts when we try to distort the truth.
"St Mark presents the parables of Jesus as mysteries so 'his doctrine' explains the familial relationship of the Father Son in terms of the earth."
"And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,/Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow"
Here we see what makes the Gospel of St Mark distinct from others, especially that of St Matthew to which it has more affinity an others. In three chapters St Mark having revealed the power of the Son in healing of demons states the concept of family with God as the only Father includes both heaven and the earth on single standard: faith.
The significance of the Parable of the Sower owes to the faith which incorporates both heaven and the earth as one entity: the kingdom of God.
Before the worlds began God sent forth his word which shall not return to him void. So the harvest at the end ought to teach us the one world at a time as interpreted by false teachers is not from God. Satan has spread his tares so denying deity to Jesus the word become flesh by some is from bad motives. "But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come."(v.29)
The seed is good as the ground which is good. So we have the yield. "And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred."(v.8). The variation in yield shows up the nature of heart, a spiritual space. God formed all hearts alike and tries their works. :He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.:(Ps.33:15)
St Matthew presents the Sermon on the Mount, which in order to give a context of the Alpha and Omega aspect of the Son is set against the mountain. St Marks presents 'his doctrine' in terms of the two worlds framed by his word. So the earth is not to be detached from heaven where the word sown , fruit of which are yet to collected as well.
(NIV); but says tribulation and anguish in the KJV. There is another verse stating that judgment begins at the house of God. ( 1 Peter 4:17).
Just as not all Israel is Israel ( Romans 9:6); not all the "professing" church is the possessing church; that is possessing the Holy Spirit and true salvation. Jesus made that perfectly clear to those who thought because they were the physical descendants of Abraham that gave them some sort of benefit were sadly mistaken ( John 8:39-44). Those who had seen Christ; knew the prophecies about the Messiah and yet rejected Him would in fact be worse off than Sodom and Gomorrah in their punishment. ( Matt. 11:21-24). We see similar warnings for those who have knowledge of the truth and become reprobate; in that it would be better not to have known it in the first place ( 2 Peter 2:21).
Testing ourselves to see if we are in the faith is sadly lacking today among professing believers; or we would see a reality check in the fruits of many lives. ( 2 Corinthians 13:5). We can glibly see this example as a carnal bunch of people and think that being steeped in our own religious training or theology that we are automatically exempt from this test. I have said before that there are dangers in any extreme that is lacking the balancing attribute; such as with loving people and warning them of judgment to come ( John 16:8). We see in the Ephesian church everything being done properly but their first love somehow becoming distant in their hearts. Look at 1 Corinthians 13:6; love rejoices in the truth. The basic fact that man's heart is desperately wicked ( Jeremiah 17:9) and that our sin makes us enemies of God ( James 4:4) means that there is a wall between opposing parties and yes God is angry with the wicked (i.e. us) every day. ( Psalm 7:11). Having our heads in the sand doesn't help anyone.
v.5 " And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins"
The great revival 'in all the land of Judaea and they of Jerusalem' was not because of John's austerity or of his person but the voice of the Lord worked with men as he 'shaketh the wilderness; the Lord shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh.". Hinds calve as surely men see a great light dawning on them.(Ps.29:8-9). Here also Isaiah saw ahead ,"The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up."(Matt.4:14-16). The same voice that inspired Isaiah did enthuse John's Father. The Angel of the Lord is how the sound becomes a sign. St Luke report of it, "And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God./And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."( Luke 1:16-17) At first Zecharias would not believe and his temporary dumbness was a sign. As surely as calves of a hind.
v.11 "And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Here we have both word as a sound as a sign.
Compared to other gospels Mark tells us salient features of the Advent of the Son with great economy of words. "And immediately the spirit driveth him into the wilderness."(v.12)
We see a variation to the upper room in the Acts. "Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour." His falling into a trance and the vision that was about to unfold had a great import on the course of the early church. So the Spirit isolates Simon Peter to make him prepared. There are few other examples which is not germane to the topic of the prayer of Jesus.
Lastly the prayer of Jesus recorded by John is the transcription of the Holy Spirit putting to words 'the unspoken' prayer ( John 17) which as St Paul explains, "but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered./And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God." (Ro.8:26-27) The Spirit is not narrating the life of Jesus as with biographies of the secular literature in a linear fashion but it is rendered for our spiritual instruction from both worlds of the Spirit and of the flesh. (2 Ti.3:16-17)
"In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established."(2 Co.13:1)
The Parable clearly lays out total sanctification for those who are called to be kings and priests. " For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;/And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself."(Col.1:17-20). Receiving a prophet "in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward." But kingdom of God lays out the preceding verse as the rule: "He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me."(10:40). Consequently without 'Christ in me' by faith, charity is merely lip service.(1 Co.13). Laws of nations create a system and those who know it escape from justice reserved for lawbreakers. Sheep on the right speaks of the nation of light. They are those who saw the light in the true light. (Ps.36:9)
As kings our judgment must be fair. "A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes."(Pr.20:8) abiding in Christ we ought to train ourselves which explains faith with works. So one cannot serve mammon as well as serve God. As priests "Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity."(He.5:2). Having a beam in the eye one need to be circumspect before he wants to remove the mote in someone else's eye.
"And by him all things consist," Priestly garments of righteousness are of God we put on in our daily walks. We bear the burden of others which denote the breastplate and judgment, evokes the urim and thummim. Hearts can be very treacherous if let so by the light of the word we conduct our lives in all humility so grace may have perfect working in us. "Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits."(Ro.12:16,1-2) Our bodies are living sacrifices, "holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service."
Whether in the "Arminian" or "Calvinistic" camps; God's sovereignty and man's inability to save himself apart from His grace is fairly universally accepted. The issue comes in as to whether mans' "free will" acts to make a decision whether to follow or not follow Christ and "accept" Him into their hearts. Both camps will hold to Romans 10:9 related to a verbal and heartfelt confession accompanying saving faith. I would contend that it is not as some like to call it "decisional regeneration" that occurs as a result of something we say; but that what we say is a reflection of God already moving one towards repentance as scripture states it is a gift of God ( 2 Tim. 2:25 and also stated in the Book of Acts). We are truly saved "apart from the law" ( Romans 3:21) by grace; but of course Paul makes it clear that we aren't granted a "license to sin" once we have escaped from the wrath of God. Nothing we can do will earn us grace; and more importantly there is no desire in unregenerate man to follow God; at best man can try to avoid the consequences of sin which of course makes us all as Judas Iscariot who betrayed Christ yet realized he had betrayed an innocent man and thus hung himself. (see 2 Corinthians 7:10). It should be obvious how essential the doctrine of grace is; as all other eligions and even Christian cults will offer a combination of faith in Christ and works as needed to be saved; or it is asceticism such as Eastern religions offer that seem to bring a utopia for someone after doing good works after a lengthy cycle of death and rebirth (reincarnation) which of course fundamentally is opposed by Hebrews 9:27. Often it is another Christ; whether presented as as sage or great prophet which is expounded that we should follow rather than the true Jesus who was the Son of God. John 8:24 makes it clear that we must believe that "I am" truly meaning that He is the Christ. ( Matt. 16:13-20). ONLY CHRIST CAN REVEAL THE TRUTH TO A MAN.
In my last post I discussed what could be described as the lust of the eyes in 1 John 2:16 along with the lust of the flesh. The last part of the verse is involved with the pride of life. That certainly could cover covetousness; greed and materialism. There are two things to watch for here beyond our own hearts; there is the endless routine of daily activities; buying; selling; marrying and given in marriage which are said to characterize a day when the Lord arrives suddenly (see Matthew 24:38). There is nothing wrong with such activities; as we are told to be productive on earth as well as to be fruitful and multiply. But it is making this the whole meaning of our existence which is dangerous; rather than giving thanks for all blessings the Lord has and realizing that He "gives and takes away." ( Job 1:21). Keep in mind that came from Job AFTER his first wave of devastating losses.
The second thing is the spiritual forces in the demonic realm that are constantly seeking to drive us away from our steadfastness in Christ and be rendered ineffective at spiritual warfare. Please understand carefully what I am about to say-a TRUE believer ALWAYS recognizes the Lord's presence (His sheep hear His voice: ( John 10:27). Other spirits can overwhelm us with desire or temptation but they give themselves away because of the cost involved in following; they are found through wisdom as promoting sin and rebellion as we are exhorted in ( Proverbs 5:1-3 and sequential verses).
When we see the end result of demonic persuasion in Revelation 16:13 leading men to Armageddon a few chapters later we realize along with the Mark of the Beast that no one who is a nonbeliever will follow the Lord; all will follow Antichrist ( Revelation 13:8). The enemy if he cannot kill us physically or spiritually can certainly render us ineffective and trap us in sin if we are not careful. He will steal and destroy if he can't kill if God allows.
I would like to add to what Gigi has shared.
1 John 4:12-16.
No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. HEREBY KNOW WE THAT WE DWELL IN HIM, AND HE IN US, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
What John is saying is that no man has seen God at any time but if we love one another God dwells in us. In other words God today can manifest himself through believers in loving one another, "and the world sees That!
John 13:34-35, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
"What makes this so unique?" What's new about it? Isn't it listed in the Commandments? What's unique and new about it is that he causes it!
Look at verse 35.
"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,.
( God gave us his Spirit that causes us to love the Brothern.)
God's Spirit, "The Holyspirit" causes those who loves God to love his brother also. 1 John 4:21"
Romans 5:5.
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
I hope this helps. God bless.
Peter had chosen life so when great many disciples left Jesus because of his hard sayings ( John 6:67-68( he stuck by the Prince of life. Entering into the kingdom of God appealed to him. So he wanted to know,"what shall we have therefore?" Disciples were curious and on another occasion wanted to know the hour of his coming which the risen Jesus stopped short with a curt answer, "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power." Before his passion also Jesus did not allow any speculation as to what God held in his authority, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only."(Ac.1:7; Matt.24:36). "My Father worketh hitherto and I work" meant heaven and earth were held by the word of God where fulfillment of the divine Will was his part so when the disciples asked,"Who then can be saved?" Jesus shares what was within his authority to answer. Salvation was as entering with Prince of life through a veil so life abundant was the Holy Grail of their ministry with Jesus Christ. Jesus understood he was earnest and despite of his volatility his heart beat ever so true.
"When the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel" was in his authority to give. For this reason even after denying him Jesus entrusts his disciples to his care."Feed my sheep" meant Jesus had completely forgiven his former lapse. Hundredfold is in the sense it did not happen as he was concerned. This explains with the being born again experience. "Therefore if any manbein Christ,he isa new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."(2 Co.5:17) Jesus practiced what he preached. "So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses."(Matt.18:35)
Hebrews 12:6 states: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Matthew 5:44-46 says
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
These verses bring a clear understanding of those who are His children and possess His Spirit from those who don't. We can't love our enemies in our own strength in the same way we can in Him; but perhaps the other side of the argument should be examined; we cannot hate our sin; our former "good deeds" and appreciate the verse in Jeremiah 17:9 about our hearts being "deceitfully wicked" apart from a revelation from God through His Spirit. This truth results in a response of repentance whose origin comes from God; and results in actions coming from a new heart or nature; rather than just outer actions in some attempt to be righteous in our own strength. Atheists can often be more "moral" than we are in charitable giving; for example but they cannot without self righteousness. Thus; no amount of penance; fasting; etc. can save us. Jesus begins the work and to those He has called and chosen He insures that they are sanctified and glorified after being saved as we see from Romans 8:30.
Other Gospel verses show that His sheep hear His voice. We have true love for other believers if we are saved as well as a true love for Christ and we trust Him as well and have Him not just as Savior but Lord and Master as well.
The enemy will often convince us otherwise but believers have overcome the world.
"He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so."
Everlasting Covenant between Father and Son permeates the entire kingdom so the worlds framed by the word of God has a quality that a servant cannot appreciate. "And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever."( John 8:35) The earth abides forever and Moses as a servant gave Israel permission to write a bill of divorcement to put away his wife. "But from the beginning it was not so," supplies us the case of Adam who correctly read the role of woman as the bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh' . For the same reason we make a distinction between Jerusalem and New Jerusalem of the heaven. St Paul refers to the House with Seven pillars that Wisdom built and it is in heaven. "But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all."(Gal.4:26; Pr.9:1).
Israel did not simply backslid but heart was no right before God so simply shut out what was open before them. In their refusal to enter we may use the example of Onan whose wickedness prevented from performing his duties as a man.( Ge. 38:10).
In what way Evangelicals refuse to look to Jesus Christ as the author and finisher of faith? What worth is culture war when the risen Christ stands at the door and knock They refuse to let him in because they do not love him with all their heart and their might. Why they will be rejected is given in this saying, " Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels." (Matt.25:41-46) In refusing 'one of the least of these my brethren' they shall be cast into outer darkness where thy rightly belong. Their heart was not right; while life eternal means inheriting 'the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world"
"So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses."
The Lord of the servant in the parable showed compassion as blessings of God come down from the greater to the lesser. Compassion as a facet of holiness of God is another manner love is irradiated as the cut diamond throws up several colors each from one single source of light. God as the Father of lights manifested so Jesus Christ is the true Light is the prism that provides us the glory of God into our individual spiritual space. The servant who hid his one talent did not detract from the glory but proved he was worthy of damnation.
The rich man 'clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day' that was very well and good as far as the intrinsic value of a talent goes, but the sin crept in when he shut off Lazarus from his sights, and he denied the Spirit of life that bound him came from the same God who gave life as a blessing. In denying his presence was an insult to His holiness. He was no better than the Rich Fool in the parable. "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." (Jas.4:17)
Coming back to the Parable the egregious blunder of the unforgiving servant was that he shut out the inestimable riches the Lord held in reserve. "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."(1 Co.2:9). The Lord showed pity on him because of his flesh. The Spirit of life nevertheless was the power with which he could have mountains in his service. No his eye was all focused on a paltry debt. (1 Co.4:7-9) "not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another./ For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory"
But then the matter of 'what then is sin'? I think most would agree that it is much more than violating the Ten Commandments, even as our Lord pointed His hearers to their own hearts to correctly understand this subject. But when it comes down to those regrettable things that arise within us which are not specifically addressed in the Word, we may find license to overlook them & treat them as not sinful, merely aberrations arising from the flesh. So, it may boil down to, 'what is sinful to some, may not be to others' (at least, until all are truly led of the Spirit to recognize sin for what sin is, or to those particularly sensitive to any deviation from the holy, to re-examine their beliefs by the Spirit's Guidance). And I too, have had to re-read my comments here, not only for clearly conveying my thoughts, but also to see whether my words could be hurtful or misunderstood, words arising from a mind overly passionate about the subject. I guess that I have failed in this as well at times. Blessings.
"That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven."
There are two worlds of the Spirit and of the body where angels signify the cloud of witnesses. Whereas the body points to the same spiritual body prepared for the Son. Glory of God makes the cloud bright and as the spiritual body,- "we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." We are called into one hope of our calling so every saint redeemed from the earth is part of this body or a building. so what do we call fellow believers headed towards the same direction? "So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses." brothers here and now have their witnesses, and they are called angels.
Jesus Christ "Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person" relates to us as the glory of God in the knowledge,, it is compared to a light, as in this verse, "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ". This is his glorious gospel and shown as doable. So what we bear in our vile bodies is the kind of glory that the angels in heaven get to see directly.
Jesus tells that these little ones do always behold the face of my Father. So the power of the word in us is knowledge based and our faith is not merely lip-service but faith that can move mountains.
Having said this much how do we reconcile the vv.8-9 "And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out,"? Does it put to rest the lust of eye, caused by sin, since the law of sin is what tempts the eye to sin? Jesus offers the only cure: "Without me you can do nothing."( John 15:3) Faith with works is when you rest from your own labor and self-will and fall back upon for his grace to have a perfect working in your life. Father of all mercies showed the glorious gospel of his Son as doable. Knowledge of the glory of God in holding on to grace and truth.
I think that God has been VERY clear that we are not to make or have in our possession ANY image that we would bow down to, pray to, give reverence to, or worship.
You noted such things as items depicting our Lord. I would add crosses-whether worn or hung, if they are used more than a reminder to us of all of Christ's work for us. You mentioned things that remind us of our loved ones who have died. I think photos are fine if put in an family album or hung on our walls as long as we do not "talk" to them or hold the item or the person in a state of reverence in our minds and hearts. We need to avoid thinking that any of dead people are near us in spirit, offer any protection for us, or who have any input into our lives. I believe that there is an impenetrable division between this world and the world after death that the Lord doesn't allow any crossover. Angels are allowed to go between the heavens and our natural world in obedience to God, but we are not to seek such interactions or do any kind of worship to them.
In the area of things that represent occultic matters, I think we need to be careful about what is shown of the clothing we wear and the jewelry we wear. Often times the emblems can be from occultic artistic expressions and it is wise to scrutinize any "adornment" before we purchase or accept from others such things. I am not sure where to go to find out what some of the images that are currently fashionable truly represent. Any ideas. Perhaps simplicity in dress is a pretty safe way to show ourselves to others. We need to be careful of the impression we give to others with how we dress.
And you mentioned music artists. I don't think we should be taken in by ANY famous person, anyone with desirable gifts, and even great preachers, reformers, or Christian leaders. We need to see them all as like us, needing God's grace because we all are sinners and at the same time saints. We need to guard ourselves from idols of any kind. cont.
To those who believe in sinless perfection I would say that these things have occurred in them:
1) they have believed false teaching.
2) they underestimate the holiness of God including the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and that their holiness is the standard of righteousness.
3) they bring this standard lower according to their own determination of what holiness is.
4) they redefine sin in such a way that they can admit that they do not sin
5) they harden their hearts to the conviction of their own sin and sinfulness by the Holy Spirit due to a sense of pride and self-congratulation.
6) they deny that temptation arises within us due to sin's presence within us. Temptation from without, as with Jesus' temptation in the desert by Satan was unique because from within Him there was no sinful nature to be tempted by evil whether from within Himself and from without.
7) they misapply Scripture to support their view to the denial of so many Scriptures that speak of the sinful nature and actual sins committed in and by believers.
8) they fear that if they find they commit sin they lose their salvation and so they have a vital need for their doctrine and profession of sinfulness to be true.
9) this fear of losing salvation shows an inadequate knowledge of how we are saved perhaps even believing a "different gospel" that is works based and dependent on the persons ability to stay sinless.
10) they see their known faults, weaknesses, and mistakes as acceptable and not sinful instead of seeing them as sinful being a result of having a sinful nature within them. It is truly amazing what they will excuse as not sinful as "just being human".
see pt.
"Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he."
Vision is precisely what St Paul says, "We walk by faith and not by sight."(2 Co.5:7) It is borne out of knowledge,-St Paul calls it the glory of the same quality as of the spiritual body because it is from God,- who gives it a glory as with the see. So the seed ('whose sed is in itself-Ge.1:11) is part of the Abstract that shall never change. This glory is Person specific. "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. In short the vision that we speak here is to hold on to both worlds of the Spirit and of the body as one. St Paul gives us the context in v.1. "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."
Israel took pride in the Law of Moses but they perished just the same, save Joshua and Caleb because they had no vision. It began much earlier when the turned to the golden calf soon after Moses went up the mount. Their lack of vision would trouble them when during the time of the kings there were two places for golden calf worship one at Dan and at Bethel. "An eye for an eye" as set in the law characterize them now so the nation stands guilty of genocide. So as fulfillment of the Law that Jesus taught us 'to turn the other cheek also. He also showed with his life. God gave as a commandment: "Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it:"(Ge.1:28) His vision was clear and knew the reason God blessed 'then' on the sixth day from this prayer, "While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled." ( John 17:11)
There is no question about God's requirements in relation to murder, adultery, kidnapping, sodomy, rape, witchcraft, etc. ( Genesis 9:6; Exodus chaps 21, 22, 35; Leviticus chaps 22, 24, & others), though proponents for a 'no capital punishment', will claim that Israel was a theocracy (rule under God alone), whereas Gentiles have their own govts & subject to new laws consistent with the consensus of society's expectations. But has God changed? So, why does God allow govts to enact laws inconsistent with His Requirements? Well, I could confidently say that no govt anywhere, would give much regard to God's Laws & Requirements for the proper functioning of society. Many may have started well, having a strong Judeo/Christian foundation, but having sinful, & many Christ-rejecting men at the helm, given to society's whims & for the on-going battle for votes, some God-honoring Laws are side-lined, if not altogether discarded.
So what happens when a capital crime is committed (i.e. wilful murder) and is proved beyond doubt with hard evidence & not just circumstantial? Usually, a life sentence in prison, either for life or parole, & rarely the death penalty. If the prisoner is released back into society, whether as a murderer, rapist, child molester, etc., & he re-offends, hardly anyone batters an eyelid, as the prisoner has served his time. But when that criminal offends again, I ask, 'who then are the real criminals?' Society remains mute.
Having personally lived with a brother that had such a lifestyle decades ago before coming to Christ has helped me gain further personal insight and experience on the subject. Such political incorrectness to those former associations and friendships in that community naturally denies those still in that lifestyle the benefit of hearing how God works to change the hearts ( Jeremiah 17:9) from wickedness to God's righteousness for those who have become true believers in Christ.
The church in general has had two responses to this issue; one which fits in increasingly with the gay community as well and the other which has some truth but has what seems to be a fundamental error. In terms of that second camp the preaching of homosexuality as a specific sin said to be an abomination instead is categorized as any other sin. Another problem is that of fitting in a life of celibacy as a whole with those who are "same sex attracted" and assuming that's enough rather than addressing the spiritual and other components that initiate such perverted desires in the first place. In tandem with that therefore we don't explain the alternative; which is a true Agape love among the brethren which is how we are to start to live the way we all are designed to do. Turning our affections on things above; of course is best implemented by seeing others do the same and once again those who used to live that way and are changed or detransitioned would be the best people who would be exemplary of that change and hence to follow. Therefore it involves not only redirecting our affections but allowing the Spirit to crucify the flesh which we all need to do as believers. The practical implications also need to be brought to light of those living deviant lifestyles as to the frequent rage and violence in such relationships; effects on children; etc. Suicide rates among the trans community is a prime example.
We see similar references to God's creation of man such as in Psalm 139 and it seems clear that there is nothing wrong with God's design at least in how it was originally intended. Therefore even with the fallen nature due to Adam's sin that we all inherit even unregenerate man is responsible for his actions which are contrary to a nature in which "God has set eternity in their hearts." ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). Man originally was made in the image of God; now it may be argued that we bear some resemblance to what we were originally but now we are also in the image of man; that is of the physical appearance of our parents.
Another thing we must consider is how the great prophets all responded in the presence of God. We can examine Isaiah 6:5 as well as the Prophet Ezekiel and Daniel and John in Revelation 1. Even John recognized he wasn't worthy to open the seals and wept ( Revelation 5:4). Keep in mind that this was the Disciple closest to our Lord when He was physically on earth but he realized that only Christ was worthy. We therefore have value because of Him; it is His righteousness that gives us that.
That is why I prefer to view His righteousness as coming from the inside out; not as some cloak over us. There is indeed His perfection in a believer but also the vesiges of who we were even if in actuality not who we still are in light of the promised glorification. Again; only a TRUE believer can claim these promises; or more accurately can have Christ claim to be His own.
I get the sense that some who claim never to sin again think that they can be in God's presence without being flat on their faces. Going boldly into His presence still involves humility and is expressed by an intimate communication and fellowship between BOTH parties.
I am sure to start a fire on this one; praying these conversations can be edifying.
We can do the right thing with the wrong heart and we fall short of perfection.
TO BE PERFECT YOU WOULD HAVE TO BE BLAMELESS.
1 Corinthians 8:9-12 is another scenario to consider.
We often think of the things we do wrong as sin.
What about the things we don't do right or good? Consider James 4:17.
Here's our goal.
Galatians 5:25-26
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Let's see if we are perfect in this using Galatians 5:24 "And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts."
Here's a list of the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21.
( Most of these we can claim on the surface but God judges the heart.)
Are we PERFECTLY blameless in not doing any of these in our hearts?
THOSE ARE A LIST OF THINGS A CHRISTIAN SHOULDN'T BE DOING. ( If we are doing these we are sinning.)
Christians are known "BY" there Love for one another and should be barring fruit.
John 13:34-35.
1 John 4:20-21.
Matthew 7:15-16.
Let's use Galatians 5:22-23 to see what we should be doing. "PERFECTLY since our focus is on the ability to be perfect in these natural bodies.
love,
joy,
peace,
longsuffering,
gentleness,
goodness,
faith,
Meekness,
temperance.
IF YOU ARE NOT DOING THESE PERFECTLY "FOREVER ON! YOU ARE NOT PERFECT OR BLAMELESS.
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. James 4:17.
God bless.
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