I do agree with you because I feel it , the Spirit of God makes me do the right thing . I'm tempted every day in so many ways but I mostly resist but only because I know in my heart what God expects of me and that He is with me guiding and watching me and getting me to do things that are right in His sight . I do also believe that Christ is physically coming back to set up God's Kingdom on earth . The Comforter is for us now , as we have to live in these kingdoms of men , to help us get through our trials and tribulations , Christ is physically coming back to earth , I am 1000 million per cent certain of that . In the mean time , I have the Holy Spirit , the Spirit of Truth , the Comforter with me , to cheer me up to keep me sane to show me how to be a better Christian . I feel this deep within me . I have not led an easy life ( who has?) , God has got me through it all with a smile on my face and joy in my heart , this smile and joy doesn't come from this world or the things of it , this world to me is dark and cold and vicious and dead , me ? I'm so happy every day , I see the blue sky and the clouds and feel the warm sun and hear the birds . I'm poor , disabled , living in pain , looking after relatives that are atheist and dying , I live in a drug riddled town and I just see God's goodness everywhere . His joy fills me as I'm waiting for His Son to return , as i know he will . Be thankful and joyful and patient , Christ is coming ! :) :) :) .
How many people know what John chapter 14 is saying?
He was talking to his generation, Jesus was talking about after the resurrection, like the day of Pentecost. 2000 years ago Jesus has been coming to everyone that invites Him into their lives.
Jesus is coming to you as the Comforter, as the Holy Spirit. He was God in the flesh, an individual to be the perfect sacrifice for sin on the cross, and then come back in spirit form to dwell in you! You are God's (Dwelling Place in Greek for mansion) You are the temple that he's building. Read these scriptures again
John 14:16-21
16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Luke 17:20,21 I dare you to read these scriptures
Jesus is saying I'm going to dwell in you and I'm going to reach the world through you.
Don't separate Jesus from God or the Holy Spirit, they are one spirit and he is risen in you! So stop waiting for Jesus, stop waiting for heaven, Heaven is spirit! what is spirit? It's the fruit of the spirit, Love Joy Peace and a sound mind! Who's mind? The mind of Christ! Jesus Said I have no place to lay my head! Put on the mind of Christ! You can have heaven right hear right now while hell breaks lose all around you, God didn't give you the spirit of fear but of love joy peace it's Jesus! Christ In You! that's the mystery of your salvation.
One of the most inspiring verses in the New Testament that directly relates to us over 2000 years later. Those that receive this and know it, are truly blessed. Spread the love folks. Let everyone know the true meaning of salvation.
Given the medium and the time misunderstandings can occur . My apologies then.
The number of questions I have raised should not be taken as being troubled by any question the Bible may throw up . But rather they were put to provoke thought not needlessly stir up dust or in anyway undermine peoples faith in the Bible .
But rather to show that many long held thinking and concepts do not hold up in the light of scripture .
Sound doctrine always does .
But you know the seed that fell by the way side in the parable of the sower?
I think that is a well trodden path of our own thinking or passed down and accepted without scrutiny .
So well an habitual way of thinking that no seed can last and the fowls of the fair simply take it away and produces no fruit .
Nothing wrong with the seed " but by our traditions we make the Word of God of none effect "
The world is going crazy and millions are chained to the chariot of the devil and are on their way to hell.
I fear the church is too busy ' celebrating' to notice .
When in truth such good news should be bursting at the seems of the church .
Just as all the angels of heaven being a very disciplined lot held their peace while the message was given but once given heaven could no longer restrain itself and burst its banks in giving glory to God for having fulfilled His promise to mankind in the garden of Eden .
I think you misunderstood me Gerald. I was simply seeking to praise the lord! Brother Gerald, you asked me 11 questions?! I see you are passionate about god and his word brother. I pray god gives you the wisdom of when to speak and when not to speak. We as Christian men and women need to be able to express ourselves in love to one another. Not every word we say is going to be perfect, brother Gerald. I pray god wraps you in his love today! We need more AMENS! More alleluia's! Christ must reign. Yes, brother Gerald! I'm saying AMEN to you brother! I pray joy over your life! Moreover, I pray peace in your heart from anything that is troubling you. Jesus loves us Gerald! I appreciate your comments and questions very much! May the lord bless you in all you do!
We were once indeed ' filthy and vile' and all our righteousnesses as filthy rags in His sight"
But I see no where in the scriptures that we continue to be so after we are truly born again .
For are we not now IN Christ and Christ IN us? If we are His?
Are we not now made acceptable in Him ? Ephesians .
Did not the prodigal son given a change if raiment, new shoes and a ring on his finger?
Are we not commanded to " put off the old man " filthy and vile .and "put on Christ"?
Indeed are we not crucified WITH Christ ? The old man " Buried with Christ"?
The living are not buried only the dead .
Jesus DIED and was buried .and all that was laid on Him with him .
"For He who knew no sin became sin ."
Not only must and should believe in his death and resurrection but we need to understand that we in and through Him died with Him .That filthy and vile sinner you speak of that " body of this death " by our faith in Him died also and was buried .
Indeed by the scriptures it was while we were DEAD in our sins ,Christ died and raised us up together WITH Him .
Ephesians .
Into newness of LIFE not only raised us up together WITH Him but also made us sit together with Him in heavenly places" Ephesians.
How then should we consider ourselves filthy and vile?
How can we call unclean what God has called clean?
How are we so vile on the inside if we are clothed with Christ? Impossible .
For that would make us at best hypocrites far worse it would make God false who is only satisfied with the outward appearance.
But if any man be IN Christ they are a new creation ,behold old things have passed away and behold ALL things have become new "
God does a complete job or a perfect job .Are we saying then we are now sinless and perfect ? No.
For this body is still subject to sin and death and corrupt . But what says the scriptures? "Let not sin REIGN in your mortal body "
Why? Because if sin reigns you will obey .
Christ must reign and if He does you will obey Him
Praise be to The King of Kings! Hosanna in the highest! We serve an awesome and mighty GOD! Word's cannot not express the joy that awaits us in Heaven. Let us rejoice and praise and bask in the glory of GOD! Soften our hearts lord. Let us not be vain or puffed up against one another. We love you, We love your word. We are filthy and vile lord. You are our only hope, The author and finisher of our faith. Thou are art the only one found holy, oh lord. I will praise thee in the gates. I will sing of your holiness, your beauty and your righteousness. Filly my cup with the overflow of your abundant love. Cleanse my mind of impurity and evil. Lord I pray for all of the people on this forum lord. May your love overshadow them today in a mighty way. Bring tears of love and of joy to our eyes lord as we think of the beauty of your holiness and glory. Oh GOD, How great thou art! I love you King Jesus! I love you father! We love your spirit, Your holy spirit! AMEN! AMEN! AMEN! Alleluia! Praise be to the King of Kings!
"Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?"
"he that hath seen me hath seen the Father"
Anyone that has seen Jesus has seen God the Father. Amen.
Rev 19:13 - Jesus is the Word of God. And John 1:1 says "the Word was God"
1 Timothy 3:16 "God was manifest in the flesh"
Isaiah 9:6 "For unto us a child is born... The mighty God..."
Amen.
Praise God the Bible says exactly who Jesus is for ears that want to hear, for eyes that want to see.
Here it clearly say who Jesus Christ is. And the importance of the commandments .and clearly declare that the FATHER is greater than him 28. Take note also that another comforter will be send,because this is very tragic, the souls of everyone dies with him verses 16-20 assures the apostles.
But the Roman Empire does not want that people achieve eternal life and salvation.hence they destroyed everything and everyone in Jerusalem including the temple and put the wrong people
John 14 Predestination and the work and blessed assurance of the Godhead.
As we continue here and the following chapter; we see how Christ gave comfort and assurance immediately before the trial at Gethsemene which He knew was imminent. Heaven itself is mentioned right off the bat in verse 3. This; of course leads to confusion and further questions.
The answer in verse 6 is that no one comes to the Father but by me (Christ). So; the access to heaven is the priority; and that essentially is showing them how the Father makes Himself known. Previously; the emphasis was on understanding who Christ was and that no one could know HIM unless the Father had elected them. Thomas was told that he was soon to understand in verse 7; followed by Phillip's request to see the Father (obviously he still didn't get things completely). He then explains the Godhead and how the Holy Spirit would come soon at Pentacost to remain with them (verse 18-21) and continues to show how prayers are answered in understanding these concepts. He promises peace despite the remorse over His upcoming death; and comfort as the Holy Spirit will remind them of these things; with further reminders of these things just spoken as well.
Before we do a V-8 moment as to the apparent dullness of mind these 12 Disciples appeared to demonstrate; we should all be reminded that without the Holy Spirit we are toast; and if it weren't for restraint being enacted by God Satan would have destroyed all of us and the whole earth by now. We should see at least occasionally as Christ saw; that we are indeed seated at heavenly places and perceive the spiritual world and the unseen and not focus in on what our five senses and the devil are constantly promoting. We need to take on the milk of the Word as babes before we can mature and discipline helps; nonetheless we can do nothing without Him ( John 15:5).
John 15: Predestination and the work and blessed assurance of the Godhead.
As we continue here and the following chapter; we see how Christ gave comfort and assurance immediately before the trial at Gethsemene which He knew was imminent. Heaven itself is mentioned right off the bat in verse 3. This; of course leads to confusion and further questions.
The answer in verse 6 is that no one comes to the Father but by me (Christ). So; the access to heaven is the priority; and that essentially is showing them how the Father makes Himself known. Previously; the emphasis was on understanding who Christ was and that no one could know HIM unless the Father had elected them. Thomas was told that he was soon to understand in verse 7; followed by Phillip's request to see the Father (obviously he still didn't get things completely). He then explains the Godhead and how the Holy Spirit would come soon at Pentacost to remain with them (verse 18-21) and continues to show how prayers are answered in understanding these concepts. He promises peace despite the remorse over His upcoming death; and comfort as the Holy Spirit will remind them of these things; with further reminders of these things just spoken as well.
Before we do a V-8 moment as to the apparent dullness of mind these 12 Disciples appeared to demonstrate; we should all be reminded that without the Holy Spirit we are toast; and if it weren't for restraint being enacted by God Satan would have destroyed all of us and the whole earth by now. We should see at least occasionally as Christ saw; that we are indeed seated at heavenly places and perceive the spiritual world and the unseen and not focus in on what our five senses and the devil are constantly promoting. We need to take on the milk of the Word as babes before we can mature and discipline helps; nonetheless we can do nothing without Him ( John 15:5).
it should be noted; and I have mentioned this before to others in my fellowship that there ARE no verses where a SPECIFIC lost person is prayed for. This is a key point to strongly verify that predestination is the necessary ingredient for anyone to come to salvation. The book of John shows how the elect all come to Christ; and repentance itself as Ephesians and other scriptures mention is a gift from God. The verses in your other commentary all show how God works to generally save people collectively.
The only other option is to be a universalist; in regard to God "drawing all men unto Himself". Indeed many are called and few chosen; and God allows the wheat to grow up with the tares in the visible body of Christ for the invisible true church to eventually be made evident in time. Of course our natural inclination is to see family and friends; or "nice people" to be converted. We tend to neglect those ministries where a "Damascus road" experience occurs; but those in prison ministry certainly see it quite frequently. Whatever the response OUR message needs to demonstrate agape love for the unloveable. For us to display through a surrendered life the fear and joy of the Lord in the message our life demonstrates along with a trust in the validity of scriptures when speaking to others means that they are reading our lives along with the delivery of the gospel message. Right now; much of the Body of Christ is asleep and needs to wake up-some individuals have been out of regular fellowship a long time and are living compromised lives. Most people have some familiarity with scripture; but are blinded to the truth that Jesus is indeed God in the flesh (not some avatar or New Age like cosmic force); that what they consider humanitarian and loving behavior is still coming from selfish motives of pride if the Spirit of God isn't at work. Our own sin needs to be exposed; and only the Lord can do that. The Spirit convicts of sin; righteousness and judgment
Praying to the Lord of the Harvest - In Reply on John 14 - 1 year ago
[Your prayer should touch upon all these points below.]
So Jesus tells his disciples: "Pray the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest."
Notice this: his first solution to this problem of an urgent, abundant harvest is not "go into the field and get to work"; it's "ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers."
Jesus isn't implying that his disciples won't be sent-that God is going to send someone else, so all they have to do is stay comfortable at home and remember to pray. On the contrary. The very next passage will have Jesus sending his disciples out.
But there is an ORDER to things, and a necessary equipping.
The harvest, after all, belongs to God. So it's God who must take the initiative and commission workers, thereby giving them the right to work in his fields in the first place. They need AUTHORITY for this work.
They also need to be EQUIPPED To bring in a physical harvest requires tools: (scythes, threshers, barns) To bring in a spiritual harvest requires tools also, Bible, Chick Tracts. We cannot do this kind of prayer on our own.
So Jesus commands us to pray the Lord of the harvest to do something. There is a general principle here: as someone wiser than me has quipped, "Don't just do something, stand there." And while you stand there-pray.
PRAYER is how we partner with God. It's how we bring heaven to earth. It's how we access his will and his power to get it done.
Prayer should always be our first response when we see a need-not because we aren't willing to roll up our sleeves and help, but because we recognize that we need authority and gifting from God in order to do it.
Thank you for responding to my comment. I was confused by John 14:22 because I wasn't aware that there were two apostles named Judas. I only knew of Judas Ascariot. After reading all of the scripture you referenced, it is now clear to me that the Judas referred to in that verse is Judas Barsabas. I also looked up the names of all the apostles, which I should have done before hand.
That is a great question. I did not know the answer, but I did an internet search and found this. I cannot confirm the accuracy, but here's what I found:
There were 7 people named JUDAS in The Bible.
1. An ancestor of Jesus ( Luke 3:30-31)
2. "Judas the Galilean"mentioned by Gamaliel at the Sanhedrin. ( Acts 5:37)
3. One of the 12 apostles (aka: Thaddaeus-"son of James") ( Luke 6:16)
4. Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus. ( Mark 3:19)
5. One of Jesus' half-brothers. ( Matthew 13:55)
6. A man from Damascus (on the 'street called Straight') where Paul went after he was blinded ( Acts 9:11)
7. Judas (aka:Barsabbas)-who was called a prophet and a 'leading man' among the disciples, sent with Paul and Barnabas to deliver the letter on circumcision to Antioch and encourage the congregation ( Acts 15:22, 30-32)
Well said Mishael but i think it is good to share testimonies with fellow christians.The four gospels are actually a sum of testimonies written by various authors. A brother's or sister's experience can lift us up and give us an advantage when we face a challenge in future.
Your Helmet of Salvation should be upon your head always, even at bedtime.
I'm not going to share a testimony today. ANY VOICE that causes fear, doubts of your salvation, or ACCUSES you about your actions or words_ is a demon.
You fight accusations WITH SCIPTURES. Like Jesus did on his 40 day fast in the desert; after being Baptized by John the Baptist. Satan knew who Jesus was, but he thought Jesus was weakened and Temptable.
When confronted, say what you know is truth. I am a blood bought child of the Most High God. My Lord is Jesus.
"They" will not cross the Blood of Jesus. They will flee.
Get more Scripture in your arsenal of weapons. Study.
Let me tell what happened to me many many years ago when i was young in faith and didn't know much about the Word of God.
Just like you i was very worrying about thoughts popping all the time in my mind. Bad thoughts about God, Jesus, the Holly Spirit etc. I thought i offended God's Spirit and i was going really mad about it. I had talks with the pastor and elders from the church that kept telling me that i didn't do anything wrong and i have to try and get rid of those thought. I wasn't much convinced and kept worrying.
One night while i was praying before going to bed i heard a voice. It was a voice, but it wasn't really a voicy. It was not from inside me, i heard it with my ears but still wasn't like the sounds we know, not a real sound. It was a voice but at the same time it was like a snake's whistle. Hard to explain, nothing like we know. I didn't feel God's presece, on the contrary. The voice said to me. You have blasphemei the Holly Spirit. You know something? From there on i got freed in my mind. Because i thought that if the satan makes such a huge effort to convime i had done the unforgivable then it is definitely the other way around. I still struggle sometimes but i keep fighting.
When thoughts you don't want keep popping in your mind then they are not. yours. Ignore them and order them in the name of Jesus to go away and they'll go. Stop worrying and start rejoicing. You are God's child
A big thank you to you all for these reminders, alone it is so strong and shows us the whole work of God. Hallelujah and then you "Mishael", referred to the words you usually say, "popped" it in my heart!
Know that i love God's fellowship with all of me. And a hearty Happy Easter to you all! Love God and each other.
Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
Don't curse the Spirit. It won't be forgiven.
The only way to overcome this is massive Bible reading in the New Testament.
Acts19:19, you may need to get rid of worldly or cursed objects. It opens a door for "unclean demons" to hang out at your home. Ask God for an angel to guard your home.
If your heart condemns you__pray Right away. The more Bible in YOU, the less you'll be tempted.
with The HOLY SPIRIT inside of you, you will stop your cursing, but you have to listen for that "still small voice". That's Him.
Memorize 1or 2 scriptures you can quote out loud, instead of swear. Mine is: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Or, Bless the Lord O my soul, and all that is within me_ it works instantly.
The Holy Spirit started singing a song to me once: I walk the Line, by Johnny Cash. It was so sweet I would cry. I sang with Him! One day I said exactly what was in my heart and mouth: BECAUSE YOURE MINE_I WALK THE LINE.
He loves us!! He will show Jesus to you in ways you never imagined possible. I tried to throw a gum wrapper out the windowand I felt Him cringe. Now I have a litter bag in my car. :)
Read 1,2,3 John. There's alot of info in there to help us stop before "something FLIES". When you know He's hanging with YOU, it is joy to the 10th power.
Ask the Lord for some new friends. And hey! Everyone in here is your friend. We're all a work in progress.
Be encouraged dear Jeremiah. Jesse has spoken well here to you.
You belong to Jesus. All of your sins are forgiven. It is not the Holy Spirit bringing this sin to your remembrance and causing you to suffer doubt and anguish. It is Satan, the accuser of the brethren speaking through your sinful nature trying to rob you of your assurance of salvation in Christ. So, tell yourself that you are forgiven of this sin every time you remember it and give praise to God for the sacrifice of Jesus that makes it possible for this and any sin to not be counted against you any longer.
Jeremiah, most of us have sins from our past that come back to accuse us at times. But, we know we have eternal life and salvation in Christ in whom we have placed our trust and faith, and so, can forgive ourselves as God has forgiven us and send these accusations packing.
I am so glad that God has saved you and that you are among His sons and daughters destined for glory with Jesus. Our treasure is kept for us in heaven and awaits us to receive with the redemption of our bodies. We have the Holy Spirit as our " guarantee" or "down-payment" of this life. We taste it in this life, but will have it in fullness in the resurrection. Praise God!
The bible tells us that all manner of sin will be forgiven except for blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. The term blasphemy is a term that expresses rejection. It is when a person goes through life rejecting the testimony of God's Spirit when He comes and convicts you of your sin and your need of a Savior. That's what it means to blaspheme the Holy Spirit. It means to reject Him. If a person dies in that condition of rejection, that sin will not be forgiven.
My dear friend, if you have received Jesus Christ into your life and been born of His Spirit, you have not committed blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Please know that the Lord knows your heart. If what you are saying here is true, God knows. If you have called out to the Lord to save you, He has promised to do so. You just need to trust in that promise.
And yes, Satan continues to attack believers. Once we are saved, he can't take that away from us. Satan knows he has lost a believer (Born Again) forever to Christ, so the only thing he can do is keep our minds distracted in order to keep us from growing in Christ. If you're saved, you will never lose that. In order for Satan to take you away from Christ, he would have to defeat Christ in you, and that will never happen.
Stay in God's word and trust in His promises. He promises to save all who call out to Him for salvation. He promises to keep you saved by His power alone. Don't let Satan get in the way of your relationship with Jesus Christ!
From my understanding of the Word of God, the blasphemy of the Holy Ghost, is rejecting the Gospel of Jesus Christ that He convicts you of. Even Peter cursed concerning even knowing Jesus during his denial of Him and he was clearly forgiven.
Here are some verses that hopefully will comfort you and dispel your doubts: Eph 1:13 says you are "sealed by the Holy Ghost" and further in Eph. 4:30 you are "sealed unto the day of redemption". Once you are sealed by Him, you cannot be unsealed. You are His purchased possession. We can, through our sin, grieve the Holy Spirit, but we are still sealed.
Lastly, I Pet. 1:5 says we are "kept by the power of God". Nothing is more powerful than God Himself.
You need to do what Phil. 3:13 says and forget those things that are behind, and reach forth to those things that are before you.
Continue to read the Word of God and obey it and don't let your past, forgiven sins be a burden to your new walk in Christ.
Years ago I cursed at God and said, "GD you God",while angry about a life circumstance.
Mark 3 talks about blaspheming the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit as being an unpardonable/unforgivable sin. I wanted to make sure I had not committed the unpardonable/unforgivable sin.
I have told Jesus thank you for dying on the cross, I trust your blood payment for my sin as it is pleasing to God, please save me from my sin of curing God. Is what I have done considered calling on the name of the Lord Romans 10:13?
I confessed my sin and 1 John 1:9 says he is faithful and just to forgive us our sin. Does this also include cursing God? I am sincerely sorry I cursed at God.
Sometimes this sin causes me great anxiety as do sinful thoughts. I want to know my name is written in the book of life and that I am headed to heaven to see Jesus when I die.
I know that I am saved by Christ's blood, his payment on the cross, not by works. Eph 2:8-9.
Sometimes I have trouble believing that Jesus will save me, but I cried out to him. Satan probably is lying to me daily to create fear.
Thank you for taking time to respond. I want to be saved and do better at pleasing God/obeying his commandments both new and old testament commandments.
He was talking to his generation, Jesus was talking about after the resurrection, like the day of Pentecost. 2000 years ago Jesus has been coming to everyone that invites Him into their lives.
Jesus is coming to you as the Comforter, as the Holy Spirit. He was God in the flesh, an individual to be the perfect sacrifice for sin on the cross, and then come back in spirit form to dwell in you! You are God's (Dwelling Place in Greek for mansion) You are the temple that he's building. Read these scriptures again
John 14:16-21
16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Luke 17:20,21 I dare you to read these scriptures
Jesus is saying I'm going to dwell in you and I'm going to reach the world through you.
Don't separate Jesus from God or the Holy Spirit, they are one spirit and he is risen in you! So stop waiting for Jesus, stop waiting for heaven, Heaven is spirit! what is spirit? It's the fruit of the spirit, Love Joy Peace and a sound mind! Who's mind? The mind of Christ! Jesus Said I have no place to lay my head! Put on the mind of Christ! You can have heaven right hear right now while hell breaks lose all around you, God didn't give you the spirit of fear but of love joy peace it's Jesus! Christ In You! that's the mystery of your salvation.
The number of questions I have raised should not be taken as being troubled by any question the Bible may throw up . But rather they were put to provoke thought not needlessly stir up dust or in anyway undermine peoples faith in the Bible .
But rather to show that many long held thinking and concepts do not hold up in the light of scripture .
Sound doctrine always does .
But you know the seed that fell by the way side in the parable of the sower?
I think that is a well trodden path of our own thinking or passed down and accepted without scrutiny .
So well an habitual way of thinking that no seed can last and the fowls of the fair simply take it away and produces no fruit .
Nothing wrong with the seed " but by our traditions we make the Word of God of none effect "
The world is going crazy and millions are chained to the chariot of the devil and are on their way to hell.
I fear the church is too busy ' celebrating' to notice .
When in truth such good news should be bursting at the seems of the church .
Just as all the angels of heaven being a very disciplined lot held their peace while the message was given but once given heaven could no longer restrain itself and burst its banks in giving glory to God for having fulfilled His promise to mankind in the garden of Eden .
But I see no where in the scriptures that we continue to be so after we are truly born again .
For are we not now IN Christ and Christ IN us? If we are His?
Are we not now made acceptable in Him ? Ephesians .
Did not the prodigal son given a change if raiment, new shoes and a ring on his finger?
Are we not commanded to " put off the old man " filthy and vile .and "put on Christ"?
Indeed are we not crucified WITH Christ ? The old man " Buried with Christ"?
The living are not buried only the dead .
Jesus DIED and was buried .and all that was laid on Him with him .
"For He who knew no sin became sin ."
Not only must and should believe in his death and resurrection but we need to understand that we in and through Him died with Him .That filthy and vile sinner you speak of that " body of this death " by our faith in Him died also and was buried .
Indeed by the scriptures it was while we were DEAD in our sins ,Christ died and raised us up together WITH Him .
Ephesians .
Into newness of LIFE not only raised us up together WITH Him but also made us sit together with Him in heavenly places" Ephesians.
How then should we consider ourselves filthy and vile?
How can we call unclean what God has called clean?
How are we so vile on the inside if we are clothed with Christ? Impossible .
For that would make us at best hypocrites far worse it would make God false who is only satisfied with the outward appearance.
But if any man be IN Christ they are a new creation ,behold old things have passed away and behold ALL things have become new "
God does a complete job or a perfect job .Are we saying then we are now sinless and perfect ? No.
For this body is still subject to sin and death and corrupt . But what says the scriptures? "Let not sin REIGN in your mortal body "
Why? Because if sin reigns you will obey .
Christ must reign and if He does you will obey Him
"Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?"
"he that hath seen me hath seen the Father"
Anyone that has seen Jesus has seen God the Father. Amen.
Rev 19:13 - Jesus is the Word of God. And John 1:1 says "the Word was God"
1 Timothy 3:16 "God was manifest in the flesh"
Isaiah 9:6 "For unto us a child is born... The mighty God..."
Amen.
Praise God the Bible says exactly who Jesus is for ears that want to hear, for eyes that want to see.
But the Roman Empire does not want that people achieve eternal life and salvation.hence they destroyed everything and everyone in Jerusalem including the temple and put the wrong people
As we continue here and the following chapter; we see how Christ gave comfort and assurance immediately before the trial at Gethsemene which He knew was imminent. Heaven itself is mentioned right off the bat in verse 3. This; of course leads to confusion and further questions.
The answer in verse 6 is that no one comes to the Father but by me (Christ). So; the access to heaven is the priority; and that essentially is showing them how the Father makes Himself known. Previously; the emphasis was on understanding who Christ was and that no one could know HIM unless the Father had elected them. Thomas was told that he was soon to understand in verse 7; followed by Phillip's request to see the Father (obviously he still didn't get things completely). He then explains the Godhead and how the Holy Spirit would come soon at Pentacost to remain with them (verse 18-21) and continues to show how prayers are answered in understanding these concepts. He promises peace despite the remorse over His upcoming death; and comfort as the Holy Spirit will remind them of these things; with further reminders of these things just spoken as well.
Before we do a V-8 moment as to the apparent dullness of mind these 12 Disciples appeared to demonstrate; we should all be reminded that without the Holy Spirit we are toast; and if it weren't for restraint being enacted by God Satan would have destroyed all of us and the whole earth by now. We should see at least occasionally as Christ saw; that we are indeed seated at heavenly places and perceive the spiritual world and the unseen and not focus in on what our five senses and the devil are constantly promoting. We need to take on the milk of the Word as babes before we can mature and discipline helps; nonetheless we can do nothing without Him ( John 15:5).
As we continue here and the following chapter; we see how Christ gave comfort and assurance immediately before the trial at Gethsemene which He knew was imminent. Heaven itself is mentioned right off the bat in verse 3. This; of course leads to confusion and further questions.
The answer in verse 6 is that no one comes to the Father but by me (Christ). So; the access to heaven is the priority; and that essentially is showing them how the Father makes Himself known. Previously; the emphasis was on understanding who Christ was and that no one could know HIM unless the Father had elected them. Thomas was told that he was soon to understand in verse 7; followed by Phillip's request to see the Father (obviously he still didn't get things completely). He then explains the Godhead and how the Holy Spirit would come soon at Pentacost to remain with them (verse 18-21) and continues to show how prayers are answered in understanding these concepts. He promises peace despite the remorse over His upcoming death; and comfort as the Holy Spirit will remind them of these things; with further reminders of these things just spoken as well.
Before we do a V-8 moment as to the apparent dullness of mind these 12 Disciples appeared to demonstrate; we should all be reminded that without the Holy Spirit we are toast; and if it weren't for restraint being enacted by God Satan would have destroyed all of us and the whole earth by now. We should see at least occasionally as Christ saw; that we are indeed seated at heavenly places and perceive the spiritual world and the unseen and not focus in on what our five senses and the devil are constantly promoting. We need to take on the milk of the Word as babes before we can mature and discipline helps; nonetheless we can do nothing without Him ( John 15:5).
The only other option is to be a universalist; in regard to God "drawing all men unto Himself". Indeed many are called and few chosen; and God allows the wheat to grow up with the tares in the visible body of Christ for the invisible true church to eventually be made evident in time. Of course our natural inclination is to see family and friends; or "nice people" to be converted. We tend to neglect those ministries where a "Damascus road" experience occurs; but those in prison ministry certainly see it quite frequently. Whatever the response OUR message needs to demonstrate agape love for the unloveable. For us to display through a surrendered life the fear and joy of the Lord in the message our life demonstrates along with a trust in the validity of scriptures when speaking to others means that they are reading our lives along with the delivery of the gospel message. Right now; much of the Body of Christ is asleep and needs to wake up-some individuals have been out of regular fellowship a long time and are living compromised lives. Most people have some familiarity with scripture; but are blinded to the truth that Jesus is indeed God in the flesh (not some avatar or New Age like cosmic force); that what they consider humanitarian and loving behavior is still coming from selfish motives of pride if the Spirit of God isn't at work. Our own sin needs to be exposed; and only the Lord can do that. The Spirit convicts of sin; righteousness and judgment
Matthew 9:38; John 17:20,21; Acts 26:18; Romans 10:1; 1 Timothy 2:1-4.
So Jesus tells his disciples: "Pray the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest."
Notice this: his first solution to this problem of an urgent, abundant harvest is not "go into the field and get to work"; it's "ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers."
Jesus isn't implying that his disciples won't be sent-that God is going to send someone else, so all they have to do is stay comfortable at home and remember to pray. On the contrary. The very next passage will have Jesus sending his disciples out.
But there is an ORDER to things, and a necessary equipping.
The harvest, after all, belongs to God. So it's God who must take the initiative and commission workers, thereby giving them the right to work in his fields in the first place. They need AUTHORITY for this work.
They also need to be EQUIPPED To bring in a physical harvest requires tools: (scythes, threshers, barns) To bring in a spiritual harvest requires tools also, Bible, Chick Tracts. We cannot do this kind of prayer on our own.
So Jesus commands us to pray the Lord of the harvest to do something. There is a general principle here: as someone wiser than me has quipped, "Don't just do something, stand there." And while you stand there-pray.
PRAYER is how we partner with God. It's how we bring heaven to earth. It's how we access his will and his power to get it done.
Prayer should always be our first response when we see a need-not because we aren't willing to roll up our sleeves and help, but because we recognize that we need authority and gifting from God in order to do it.
THANK YOU for your willingness. Streetpreacher
Blessings to you also. The Lord is good. May He continue to draw you to His word!
Thanks again, and God bless you.
That is a great question. I did not know the answer, but I did an internet search and found this. I cannot confirm the accuracy, but here's what I found:
There were 7 people named JUDAS in The Bible.
1. An ancestor of Jesus ( Luke 3:30-31)
2. "Judas the Galilean"mentioned by Gamaliel at the Sanhedrin. ( Acts 5:37)
3. One of the 12 apostles (aka: Thaddaeus-"son of James") ( Luke 6:16)
4. Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus. ( Mark 3:19)
5. One of Jesus' half-brothers. ( Matthew 13:55)
6. A man from Damascus (on the 'street called Straight') where Paul went after he was blinded ( Acts 9:11)
7. Judas (aka:Barsabbas)-who was called a prophet and a 'leading man' among the disciples, sent with Paul and Barnabas to deliver the letter on circumcision to Antioch and encourage the congregation ( Acts 15:22, 30-32)
GBU
GOOGLE: Ephesians 6, Teachings
Your Helmet of Salvation should be upon your head always, even at bedtime.
I'm not going to share a testimony today. ANY VOICE that causes fear, doubts of your salvation, or ACCUSES you about your actions or words_ is a demon.
You fight accusations WITH SCIPTURES. Like Jesus did on his 40 day fast in the desert; after being Baptized by John the Baptist. Satan knew who Jesus was, but he thought Jesus was weakened and Temptable.
When confronted, say what you know is truth. I am a blood bought child of the Most High God. My Lord is Jesus.
"They" will not cross the Blood of Jesus. They will flee.
Get more Scripture in your arsenal of weapons. Study.
Let me tell what happened to me many many years ago when i was young in faith and didn't know much about the Word of God.
Just like you i was very worrying about thoughts popping all the time in my mind. Bad thoughts about God, Jesus, the Holly Spirit etc. I thought i offended God's Spirit and i was going really mad about it. I had talks with the pastor and elders from the church that kept telling me that i didn't do anything wrong and i have to try and get rid of those thought. I wasn't much convinced and kept worrying.
One night while i was praying before going to bed i heard a voice. It was a voice, but it wasn't really a voicy. It was not from inside me, i heard it with my ears but still wasn't like the sounds we know, not a real sound. It was a voice but at the same time it was like a snake's whistle. Hard to explain, nothing like we know. I didn't feel God's presece, on the contrary. The voice said to me. You have blasphemei the Holly Spirit. You know something? From there on i got freed in my mind. Because i thought that if the satan makes such a huge effort to convime i had done the unforgivable then it is definitely the other way around. I still struggle sometimes but i keep fighting.
When thoughts you don't want keep popping in your mind then they are not. yours. Ignore them and order them in the name of Jesus to go away and they'll go. Stop worrying and start rejoicing. You are God's child
God Bless You.
Know that i love God's fellowship with all of me. And a hearty Happy Easter to you all! Love God and each other.
Matthew 22:37-40
God bless you and Amen to all who have responded with great truth!!
Tina reminded me of something I would like to add.
In Luke 22:31-32. Jesus tells peter Satan desires to sift him like wheat.
Then in Luke 22:34. Jesus said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.
The Lord stands outside of time looking in. He knew what sins we would commit before we committed them and he knew who would come to him.
What's wonderful about that is we can't disappoint him.
We are saved according to his mercy Titus 3:5. by grace through faith. Ephesians 2:8-9.
God bless you.
Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
Don't curse the Spirit. It won't be forgiven.
The only way to overcome this is massive Bible reading in the New Testament.
Acts19:19, you may need to get rid of worldly or cursed objects. It opens a door for "unclean demons" to hang out at your home. Ask God for an angel to guard your home.
If your heart condemns you__pray Right away. The more Bible in YOU, the less you'll be tempted.
with The HOLY SPIRIT inside of you, you will stop your cursing, but you have to listen for that "still small voice". That's Him.
Memorize 1or 2 scriptures you can quote out loud, instead of swear. Mine is: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Or, Bless the Lord O my soul, and all that is within me_ it works instantly.
The Holy Spirit started singing a song to me once: I walk the Line, by Johnny Cash. It was so sweet I would cry. I sang with Him! One day I said exactly what was in my heart and mouth: BECAUSE YOURE MINE_I WALK THE LINE.
He loves us!! He will show Jesus to you in ways you never imagined possible. I tried to throw a gum wrapper out the windowand I felt Him cringe. Now I have a litter bag in my car. :)
Read 1,2,3 John. There's alot of info in there to help us stop before "something FLIES". When you know He's hanging with YOU, it is joy to the 10th power.
Ask the Lord for some new friends. And hey! Everyone in here is your friend. We're all a work in progress.
You belong to Jesus. All of your sins are forgiven. It is not the Holy Spirit bringing this sin to your remembrance and causing you to suffer doubt and anguish. It is Satan, the accuser of the brethren speaking through your sinful nature trying to rob you of your assurance of salvation in Christ. So, tell yourself that you are forgiven of this sin every time you remember it and give praise to God for the sacrifice of Jesus that makes it possible for this and any sin to not be counted against you any longer.
Jeremiah, most of us have sins from our past that come back to accuse us at times. But, we know we have eternal life and salvation in Christ in whom we have placed our trust and faith, and so, can forgive ourselves as God has forgiven us and send these accusations packing.
I am so glad that God has saved you and that you are among His sons and daughters destined for glory with Jesus. Our treasure is kept for us in heaven and awaits us to receive with the redemption of our bodies. We have the Holy Spirit as our " guarantee" or "down-payment" of this life. We taste it in this life, but will have it in fullness in the resurrection. Praise God!
The bible tells us that all manner of sin will be forgiven except for blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. The term blasphemy is a term that expresses rejection. It is when a person goes through life rejecting the testimony of God's Spirit when He comes and convicts you of your sin and your need of a Savior. That's what it means to blaspheme the Holy Spirit. It means to reject Him. If a person dies in that condition of rejection, that sin will not be forgiven.
My dear friend, if you have received Jesus Christ into your life and been born of His Spirit, you have not committed blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Please know that the Lord knows your heart. If what you are saying here is true, God knows. If you have called out to the Lord to save you, He has promised to do so. You just need to trust in that promise.
And yes, Satan continues to attack believers. Once we are saved, he can't take that away from us. Satan knows he has lost a believer (Born Again) forever to Christ, so the only thing he can do is keep our minds distracted in order to keep us from growing in Christ. If you're saved, you will never lose that. In order for Satan to take you away from Christ, he would have to defeat Christ in you, and that will never happen.
Stay in God's word and trust in His promises. He promises to save all who call out to Him for salvation. He promises to keep you saved by His power alone. Don't let Satan get in the way of your relationship with Jesus Christ!
From my understanding of the Word of God, the blasphemy of the Holy Ghost, is rejecting the Gospel of Jesus Christ that He convicts you of. Even Peter cursed concerning even knowing Jesus during his denial of Him and he was clearly forgiven.
Here are some verses that hopefully will comfort you and dispel your doubts: Eph 1:13 says you are "sealed by the Holy Ghost" and further in Eph. 4:30 you are "sealed unto the day of redemption". Once you are sealed by Him, you cannot be unsealed. You are His purchased possession. We can, through our sin, grieve the Holy Spirit, but we are still sealed.
Lastly, I Pet. 1:5 says we are "kept by the power of God". Nothing is more powerful than God Himself.
You need to do what Phil. 3:13 says and forget those things that are behind, and reach forth to those things that are before you.
Continue to read the Word of God and obey it and don't let your past, forgiven sins be a burden to your new walk in Christ.
Mark 3 talks about blaspheming the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit as being an unpardonable/unforgivable sin. I wanted to make sure I had not committed the unpardonable/unforgivable sin.
I have told Jesus thank you for dying on the cross, I trust your blood payment for my sin as it is pleasing to God, please save me from my sin of curing God. Is what I have done considered calling on the name of the Lord Romans 10:13?
I confessed my sin and 1 John 1:9 says he is faithful and just to forgive us our sin. Does this also include cursing God? I am sincerely sorry I cursed at God.
Sometimes this sin causes me great anxiety as do sinful thoughts. I want to know my name is written in the book of life and that I am headed to heaven to see Jesus when I die.
I know that I am saved by Christ's blood, his payment on the cross, not by works. Eph 2:8-9.
Sometimes I have trouble believing that Jesus will save me, but I cried out to him. Satan probably is lying to me daily to create fear.
Thank you for taking time to respond. I want to be saved and do better at pleasing God/obeying his commandments both new and old testament commandments.
Jeremiah