remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
Galatians 5:6 KJV
For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
Ways you can have faith in Jesus Christ Scriptures
Galatians 5:13-15 KJV
13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
Psalm 25:8 KJV
Good and upright is the LORD: Therefore will he teach sinners in the way.
I have used faith in serving others in the love of Gof not biting and devouring people.
The easiest way to track the initial progress of the church is; of course to study the New Testament between Acts and Revelation.
The true church is to be under the assumption of true doctrine as Christ's physical resurrection and belief in His atonement being a baseline to determine saving faith. As I stated in the first introduction posting on this subject even the greatest theologians had besetting sins; if Paul could say that he was the "chief of sinners" ( 1 Tim. 1:15) certainly no one else can be absolved from criticism for transgressions. Those who would try to lift up Peter; for instance indicating he was the first in the line of papacy are hesitant to mention his glaring issue of denying Christ; trying to stop him from going to his death in the famous "get behind me Satan" verse in Matthew 16:23; as well as his hypocritical stance with the Jews on avoiding unclean foods that Paul had to publically rebuke him for (Galatians I think).
Doctrinal error and general apostacy was predicted to occur as Peter and Paul's last writings before martyrdom indicated (also see James). The fact it existed before the end of the first century is clear from the admonitions to the churches in Revelation 2 and 3. In terms of the history of the church and or various types of churches throughout history, the seven churches clearly show that the Laodicean type is prominent today by far.
Going into the first few centuries; we can clearly see the errant influences that became the genesis for spurious doctrines of many denominations today which influenced Catholicism; Eastern Orthodox churches and Coptic ones where men were made saints then later taken from that auspicious category; and a lack of belief of Christ being God in the flesh; denial of the "Trinity" or better put Godhead in 3 persons; etc. There were gnostic influences and many other cultural assimilations that took over particularly in European circles.
RED APPLE TREATY 4 ME ONLY on Galatians 5:24 - 5 months ago
Galatians 5:22-26 KJV
My Respond:
Philippians 2:13 AMPC
[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.
My interpetation: God is effectually working in you as a evangelist and delight setting you free from sin.
"This is the day that THE LORD has made we shall rejoice and be glad in it [ Psalm 118:24] We believe and have faith that all our prayers are heard and answered[ Matthew 21:22] We also know that through the Grace of YAH and by the power of The Blood of YESHUA / CHRIST that David, his daughters and every member of their young families are covered, bought and paid for in full [ 1 Corinthians 7:23]. the wicked one shall have no legal rights over any area of their lives. This family is set apart and sealed unto good works [ Ephesians 2:10]. May The HOLY SPIRIT of YAH/ GOD descend upon each person and may each person be aligned with the Will of YAH for their lives so that HIS decree that HIS Will be done on earth [in their lives] become an exact replication of what HE has already designed, commanded and destined in the heavens [ Matthew 6:10; Romans 8:28-30]. In YESHUA NAME I declare that the presence of the HOLY SPIRIT of YAH be upon this whole house as a wall of fire round about and as HIS Glory in their midst [ Zechariah 2:5] And may eat of the fruits of the Holy Spirit of YAH/ GOD - peace, joy, love, faith, goodness, kindness, gentleness, sobriety & patience [ Galatians 5:22-23] and May all their needs be met [ Philippians 4:19] In YESHUA NAME. Amen!"
This is the day that THE LORD has made we shall rejoice and be glad in it [ Psalm 118:24] because we believe and have faith that all our prayers are heard and answered[ Matthew 21:22] We also know that through the Grace of YAH and by the power of The Blood of YESHUA / CHRIST David, his daughters and every member of their young families are covered, bought and paid for in full [ 1 Corinthians 7:23]. the wicked one shall have no legal rights over any area of their lives. This family is set apart and sealed unto good works [ Ephesians 2:10]. May The HOLY SPIRIT of YAH/ GOD descend upon each person and may each person be aligned with the Will of YAH for their lives so that HIS decree that HIS Will be done on earth [in their lives] become an exact replication of what HE has already designed, commanded and destined in the heavens [ Matthew 6:10; Romans 8:28-30]. In YESHUA NAME I declare that the presence of the HOLY SPIRIT of YAH be upon this whole house as a wall fire round about and as HIS Glory in their midst [ Zechariah 2:5] as the fruits of the Holy Spirit of YAH/ GOD in peace, joy, love, faith, goodness, kindness, gentleness, sobriety & patience [ Galatians 5:22-23] and May all their needs be met [ Philippians 4:19] Amen!
Firstly , here are some scriptures that might help you : Galatians chapter 3 verses 26-28 .
Proverbs chapter 1 verse 20 , do you understand metaphor ? If not , look it up and try to understand it . Proverbs is poetry , poetry uses a lot of metaphor . Proverbs chapter 4 verses 5-9 . For the sake of poetry , many things that are neither male or female , are referred to as such . Had it occured to you that the son could be referring to Jesus , the Son of God ?
The Bible is full of metaphor , there's plenty of literalism in there too . Sometime things in the Bible can be literal and metaphorical at the same time . The more you read it the more familiar you will become with these concepts . Yes , it can be confusing at first , but don't let that put you off .
RED APPLE TREATY 4 ME ONLY - In Reply - 6 months ago
Line 8-11 My Respond: I believe fruit can also allow growth and to bear.
God's confirming his covenant & to be God's son and in growth. Galatians 3:17 KJV
Though we have an important role to play, even our determination to flourish with fruit of the Spirit is evidence of God's grace.
Eveidence- Hebrews 11:1 KJV
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Myself trusting God and having faith has blessed me with evidence to receive (fruit of the Spirit)
Ways you can have faith is by reading your Holy Bible, prayer, attending church, involved in ministry, volunteering.
The Holy Spirit is the one who stimulates our desire to grow in Christ. Growth is gracious. My interpetation is God's grace Matthew 3:2 KJV, Ephesians 2:8 KJV
Trust that growth will happen, and when it does, thank Jesus for the fruit produced by his appointment.
Producing fruit John 15:7-8 KJV
Elder Graves Quoted Motivations for Christian Excellence
4. Excellence is a Witness to Others:
Line 5-8 My Respond: Having faith on Jesus death,burial and resurrection1 Corinthians 15:3-4 has blessed me and with integrity and Fairness.
Elder Graves Quoted Examples of Biblical Excellence
I like your scripture on Daniel and the Three Hebrew Boys:
My Respond:Daniel giving God credit, reference, Glory that is due.
Elder Graves Quoted 2.Define What Excellence Means to You:
My Respond:
Myself practicing these helps me show myself approved.
Elder Graves Quoted 3.Develop Habits of Diligence and Discipline:
My repsond:
Yes it prepared me in career, ministry, amd personal life.
My interpetation and Word spoken by Redappletreaty4meonly
2 Corinthians 4:2 KJV) Can guide them through their lives becoming children of God the Father of nations "But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil." 2 Thessalonians 3:3 KJV
Manifest- Plain, open, clearly, visible to the eye or obvious to the understanding, apparent, not obscure or difficult to be seen or understood.
Elder Graves Quoted Paragraph 1: Line 5-13 Allows me to plant a seed of spiritual fruit when I am in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Giving children identified as atudents equal opportunity of education to achieve their goals."But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil." 2 Thessalonians 3:3 KJV
Allows me to be rewarded. 1 Corinthians 3:8-9 KJV
Reward- return for the good done, for kindness, for services and the like. Can consist of money, goods, or any return of kindness and happiness. Career/Employment
According to California Department of Education supports high - quality educational programs for California diverse student population through its educational leadership role and places great importance on cultivating a diverse staff that understands and promotes the intellectual, ethical, cultural, emotional, and physical growth of each student. Matthew 16:18 KJV Ephesians 2:20 KJV
Govern now making me blessed & rewarded into education system. According to U.S. Department of Education to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.
.
Blessed- Happy, prosperous in educational affairs; enjoying spiritual happiness, and the favor of God, enjoying heavenly felicity.
Children today that we have here today are called students who by law are required to attend school to be educated, read, write, solve math problems.
My faithfulness meaning steadfast in the fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:22-23 KJV -1 Corin 3:9
For the next few days we'll consider how spiritual growth, is gracious, gradual, and guaranteed. My interpetation is God's confirming his covenant & to be God's son and in growth. Galatians 3:17 KJV
And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
Though we have an important role to play, even our determination to flourish with fruit of the Spirit is evidence of God's grace.
Eveidence- Hebrews 11:1 KJV
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Myself trusting God and having faith has blessed me with evidence to receive (fruit of the Spirit)
Ways you can have faith is by reading your Holy Bible, prayer, attending church, involved in ministry, volunteering.
The Holy Spirit is the one who stimulates our desire to grow in Christ. Growth is gracious. My interpetation is God's grace Matthew 3:2 KJV, Ephesians 2:8 KJV
Trust that growth will happen, and when it does, thank Jesus for the fruit produced by his appointment.
Scriptures that will help you trust God that he establish Deuteronomy 8:18 KJV, Proverbs 10:22 KJV
Producing fruit John 15:7-8 KJV
7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
the promise in Genesis has nothing to do with humanity. The seed mentioned in Genesis 22 and Galatians
is clearly identifying Christ as the one promised.
You stated, "We do not know if this was referring that women have "seed" as in ova
I can assure you this has nothing to do with "seed" as in ova. In Genesis 22 its Abraham's seed!
I also don't believe God had to created male DNA in a sperm He put into marry to fertilize her ovum or if God placed the male DNA directly into her ovum to conceive Jesus. God didn't have to do that with Adam.
The Scripture states that the Angel of the Lord came to Joseph in a dream and said "for that which is CONCEIVED in her is of the Holy Ghost. Conceived "Gennao in the Greek" means to procreate.
In Isaiah 7:10-14 Jesus's birth was to be a miraculous sign!
"Moreover the LORD spake again unto Ahaz, saying,
Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.
But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD.
And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Satan is declared here as having a seed also, so this is definitely talking about something other than biological birth. It's a title of a being.
They are Identified in the same passage as a "it" and "his"
(Here follows; And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between "thy seed" and "her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.)
I believe this goes beyond Eve and also Mary as we see it climax in Revelation, Particularly in Revelation 12:5-17.
The woman mentioned in Genesis 3:15 is also to be persecuted! "And I will put enmity between thee "AND THE WOMAN", and between thy seed and her seed;
In scripture when identifying a man and his genealogy it's always the seed of the man.
It's a contradiction with the Hebrew usage of the term when saying "Seed of the woman.
We know he's not talking biologically because that would be Abel or Seth or another one of their unnamed children.
Identifying the genealogy of someone in scripture is always Identified through the man.
What's interesting is Adam is left out!
Christ was to be born of a woman in the lineage of Israel and his father was God.!
There is no need for a biological seed here. It wasn't a biological birth, Christ came from pre-existance origin.
This is amplified in Isaiah 7:13-14.
Elsewhere the seed is mentioned and identified in relation to Genesis 3:15 is Genesis 22:18 "And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.
"And confirmed in Galatians 3:16 "Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
RED APPLE TREATY 4 ME ONLY - In Reply - 6 months ago
Continued: Daniel 6:22 KJV
that allows me to be shown to have no challenges in relations in life .
Ways you can have unwavering faith, steadfast having strength and God's protection ( Psalms 121:1-8 KJV) ( Daniel 12:1-4 KJV, ), God protects you fighting and defending for you and his anger is on adversity. Are to allow God attributes ( Galatians 5:22 KJV )to come within you receiving them mind, body, soul and spirit.
Treat others as you want to be treated confirming yourself in the image of God Genesis 1:27 KJV becoming his son daughter, or children.
Love and trust the Lord
Practice humility to God and in God.
Surround yourself and be in surroundings with goldy influences of (Christian- practices , a place , institution.)
Published and spoken Word by REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
that allows me to be shown to have no challenges in relations in life .
Ways you can have unwavering faith, steadfast having strength and God's protection ( Psalms 121:1-8 KJV) ( Daniel 12:1-4 KJV, ), God protects you fighting and defending for you and his anger is on adversity. Are to allow God attributes ( Galatians 5:22 KJV )to come within you receiving them mind, body, soul and spirit.
Treat others as you want to be treated confirming yourself in the image of God Genesis 1:27 KJV becoming his son daughter, or children.
Love and trust the Lord
Practice humility to God and in God.
Surround yourself and be in surroundings with goldy influences of (Christian- practices , a place , institution.)
Published and spoken Word by REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
Thanks brother Jesse for your reply. Yes, this is certainly an amazing portion of Scripture, not simply of the sudden appearances & disappearances of Jesus (as some would focus on), but what those two (Peter & Cleopas) & the others later, would have gone through mentally & spiritually as they observed & considered the things that were happening before their eyes. Even when their "hearts burned within them", they sensed something extraordinary was taking place, but their 'held' eyes & mind must have caused them much internal conflict. If walking with the Lord Jesus during His days of ministry wasn't astonishing & breath-taking enough, here they are now fully understanding Him & seeing His Words fulfilled, with His Power & Glory radiating through His Presence.
Indeed, what a great study in Luke 24 as we even allow our hearts to engage with those in that chapter to the wonder of it all. As my heart & mind is so engaged presently, the Lord reminded me of another occasion where His Power was manifested. If I could take a little more time to encourage those who read this & for the praise & Glory of God alone. That whatever situation we find ourselves in, if we are truly His children purchased with His Own Blood, we can rest assured that He is always there, mindful of us, and will perform His Will to the praise of His Name. "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit" ( Galatians 5:25), as "obedient children". Onto Page 2.
I agree with you that our all powerful God can give his spirit to a vessel and make him a sinless being.
But that sinless being
/Vessel would still be born of Adam and can only inherit what Adam has to offer. Death!
Adam was "MADE" a living soul, He didn't become one!
A living soul could never give life even if he was sinless.
Christ was a quickening (Life giving) Spirit. He didn't have to become one. HE WAS, AND "IS ONE"
Only the Son of God can make us Sons of God.
Any other person wouldn't be a Son of God!
Jesus had no Earthly Father.
So we should consider these scriptures to perhaps understand "Why a Son?"
Galatians 4:4-6.
But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
To redeem them that were under the law, THAT WE MIGHT RECEIVE THE ADOPTION OF SONS.
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
John 1:12-13.
But as many as received him, TO THEM GAVE HE POWER TO BECOME THE SONS OF GOD, EVEN TO THEM THAT BELIEVE ON HIS NAME:
WHICH WERE BORN, ((NOT OF BLOOD, NOR OF THE WILL OF THE FLESH, NOR OF THE WILL OF MAN)), ""BUT OF GOD"".
Romans 8:19-23. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
Names of God : God , El might or power , Eloah mighty one , Elohim mighty ones ( Angels ? ) For Yahweh is a great El , and a great King above all Elohim ( Psalm 95-3 ) Tzur ,rock or strength .
LORD GOD or Jehovah , Yahweh , He Who Will Be ( manifested ) .
LORD or Jah , Yah , an abbreviated form of Yahweh Adon , Lord or Ruler .
Lord , Adonai , Lords or rulers .
Almighty God , El Shaddai , the might of the powerful ones .
Most High God , El Elyon , supreme might .
LORD God , Yahweh Elohim , He who will be might ones .
Lord GOD , Adonai Yahweh , He who will be rulers .
LORD of hosts , Yahweh Tz ' vaoth , He who will be armies .
The beauty of the Hebrew originals is not found in the Greek , the above applies only to the Old Testament .
Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh , I Will Be Who I Will Be , Exodus 3-14 , expresses the purpose of Deity to manifest Himself in individuals of His Own choosing , who will then constitute the Elohim ( mighty ones , approved seed , Galatians 3-29 ) of Abraham .
' Who ' is the multitude of the redeemed in whom Yahweh will ultimately be revealed . It refers to a plurality of glorified ones who , will be the manifestation of the Eternal Spirit . Hope that's helpful and not confusing .
Ge.1:14-19 Forth day sets blessings on man as a sign. In Christ we are signs and wonders. The two great lights are signs for the holy city of God where the two worlds framed by the word of God have the throne of God and of the Lamb as signs. "to give light upon the earth,/And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness."((vv.17-18)
1:20-23 Fifth day as a blessing. God gives blessings in terms of man having a volume so he is a steward for other life forms. Man and ox, his livelihood is counted as one. So God commanded Moses, " If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox,"(Ex.22:1) Nothing in the kingdom of God stands by itself. " Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."(Gal.6:2)
1:24-30 Sixth day is a blessing for his inheritance in kingdom of light is that he is in 'our image and after our likeness. This explains the quote from Galatians. According to the law of Christ all the above mentioned blessing dwell in man from above and also from everlasting to everlasting. Up and Down and Across renders life of man incomplete without the fulness of God. As 'in our image' he carries his own load as well "Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification/For even Christ pleased not himself."(Ro.15:2-3). Instead what imposter churches do, divide their congregation on ethnic lines. These false shepherds serve the devil. God did not create him on such lines.
"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them./And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth."
To the blessed God has the seventh day, and says, "enter thou into the joy of thy lord."
Q. If they believed the bible was the written word of God, why didn't they use the manuscripts God used and just make simple changes to the language?
A. Again, not knowing their motive, I cannot answer this one. But if these men truly believed the bible was the written word of God, I would have to believe that there would be no need to for them to even "make simple changes to the language."
Q. Why if they loved God and respected His word would they do what they did and now there are those of you who don't even believe God wrote a word of truth for us?
A. Once again, I have no way of knowing what their motives were.
Q. What joy is there in reading man's interpretation of what God may have said, or maybe not?
A. I'm sure no one would find any joy in that! If I were to read the preface of any bible and it said that the word written herein may be what God has said, or may not be what He said, the preface would be as far as I would read.
Q. How do we know that they (JW's, Mormons, Buddhists) don't have the truth?
A. If what they teach goes against what Paul preached and taught, their "truth" is to be rejected. ( Galatians 1:8-9)
Q. Why don't we just all make up our own religion and do what we want from whatever versions we choose to believe or maybe bits here and bits there from every version. Whatever suits us.
A. With all the various religions out there (too many to count), it's already been done! The reason why we have so many religions and denominations are because man cannot agree on what God's word says. Many of us here (including you and I) read the KJB but we disagree on what it says in certain places. Why is that? It's because English is such a general language. Hebrew also is a general language. But not so with Greek. Greek is such an exact language to where it makes it almost impossible to come up with different conclusions as to what the text is saying.
But what I have said to Jaz is that for God to change us it is necessary for us to cry out to him to do that and give Him all the time and space to do it. Have you noticed that many christians do not change and remain the same over the years without becoming spiritually mature? Why do you think is that? Because they do not want to change, or they keep a part of their heart for themselves and do not submit it to God. So God stops there and starts knocking at the door of their heart until they open the door, if they ever open it. He doesn't break in. He never breaks in.
Paul said something really great which is often misunderstood. He said in Galatians 2:20, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. "
What does Paul mean? He means that he emptied his heart of anything he himself wanted, he submitted himself totally to God and his commandments, he kept nothing for himself, he gave it all to God, he was in complete obedience. So it was like it wasn't him who lived in that body but like Jesus was living in him. Can we say the same?
Sorry as I said I am struggling to understand what you are saying so maybe my answer is not about what you asked. So, I am sorry if I didn't cover the topic you asked.
In the end; as my last post alluded to whether it is all predestined or man's future actions are taken into account at least in part or even if we think it is totally up to man where we end up we know that God is good and fair and eventually a certain number will be in heaven as well as hell. I have brought up the concept of life as a play on a stage where eternal realities in our time and place through our lives is acted out and various individuals and spiritual entities are all part of the overall theme which centers on God's script as it were. This obviously reduces life to a simplistic level but I think it merits somewhat how things are orchestrated so that in fullness of time all things come to pass ( Gal. 4:4). As this verse shows in Galatians Christ came at the "fullness" or correct time; just as His judgments come when sin is at the fullest. We see that concept with Genesis 15:16 and the Amorites; and surely when the Tribulation takes effect. ( Rev. 14:15).
As to the individual; there is a set time for everything from birth to death and judgment to follow ( Heb. 9:27).
Looking to this subject I think we all would agree that no one in hell will be able to have a genuine beef with God that He didn't provide a way to come to Him as not being one of the "elect". The hard truth is that without Christ God Himself is our enemy (we are at "enmity" with God: Romans 8:7; etal). There is; in fact no praise of God in hell ( Isaiah 38:18). Without the Lord we are all sadly "cowards" and that is a major and first indictment in Revelation 21:8). As much as the suffering of the lost they have no desire to die to self. Everything of this world is passing as a vapor but the unsaved do not wish to die to themselves. What is bigger than this; however is that they don't want to accept God's only remedy for the situation; the bad news of their own state isn't believed and they think their good works can save them.
Consider for a moment someone who is kind and considerate all his life to friends; family and others but either doesn't believe or never shares the Gospel with them. Many would say "he is a good man"-and we are reminded of those who said that about Jesus or that He was a prophet but not recognized as God in the flesh.
Meanwhile consider someone else who is characteristically gruff; loudmouthed; opinionated and overall a pain to be around who takes the time to correctly explain the Gospel; but of course befitting his usual character doesn't show empathy or bothers to listen much to any responses or otherwise be very helpful even with practical needs that are obvious to others such as atheists who reach out.
Natural man; of course would hang out with the first person and be repulsed with the second; but in all fairness the second person is the one who gives a message in which eternity hangs in the balance. Such a case study of course isn't to justify such an approach to witnessing; but to also avoid what is far WORSE; that is showing all sorts of compassion to someone but WATERING down the Gospel; and not giving a clear warning of the deadly and eternal destruction which every unbeliever is about to face as life is as a vapor.
Luke 6:26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
John 12:43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
John 5:44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only
Luke 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
Galatians 1:10
For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
Praise and highly esteeming a brother seems rare today but it can be edifying
Hello JBTthe3rd. The word 'Sanctification' is from the Latin, 'sanctificare' (to make holy), and 'sanctus' (holy). We also get the word, 'Saint' from this word. The very real meaning of 'Separation' is also involved in this word, as that which is unholy cannot fuse with that which is holy, but must be set apart from it.
We can look at Sanctification in generally three aspects:
a. a true believer in God, having been saved & redeemed through Jesus' Sacrifice, is said to be 'Positionally Sanctified'. That is, by virtue of now being a child of God, through Jesus His Son, the Christian is Separated & made Holy unto God by this position in Christ ( 1 Corinthians 1:30; 1 Peter 1:2).
b. as the believer walks this new separated life, he is also 'Experientially Sanctified'. When we grow in knowledge & experience of our Lord & Savior, we grow to be more like Jesus, hating & avoiding sin and displaying more & more of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit ( Philippians 2:13, Galatians 5:22-25).
c. we can know that we are truly in Christ, separated from the world & its lusts; we can also desire to grow to be more Christ-like in all our ways; but since the pull of the flesh is always at war with our spirit, we long for the day for our 'Future Sanctification', when our earthly struggles will be over and we will be taken into Christ Jesus' Presence (whether in the Rapture or through the veil of death), and we will be entirely perfect (without any stain of sin) & become as He is Holy & Perfect ( 1 John 3:1-3, Ephesians 5:27, Jude 1:24,25).
Thank you David0921 for your response. I would align myself with most of what you've written concerning biblical inspiration, that the Word of God is indeed wholly authored by God. Yet, when I read 2 Timothy 3:16, that "ALL scripture is given by the inspiration of God", I would be in conflict with some who hold fervently that what we read now (from the ancient recordings, also the KJB) are the actual Words that God (by His Spirit) spoke to godly men to write. "Inspiration" to me, doesn't mean that God dictated the Words to record, nor does it mean that the fingers of the writers were gripped by Him to pen those holy Words. Rather, as men recorded down what they saw or learned, God's Spirit was present to help them record accurately and remember correctly. That said, since you brought it up, I'll move on.
"What do I believe the Bible says about the term BORN AGAIN?" When we have Scriptures such as John 3:3-8, 1 Peter 1:22-23, 1 John 2:29, 1 John 5:1, & others in John's epistle, we can believe that this re-birth is wholly of God & not of man's doing or involvement; that re-birth is a spiritual birth, whereby God gives us a new spirit (His Spirit) Who always inclines us towards God & His Son; that God's Ministry to us can only be to our revived spirit in us and not to the flesh that has no desire after godly things. Therefore, we are to continue to crucify our flesh which lusts against the Holy Spirit ( Galatians 5:17) in us & distracts us from serving God acceptably & in fear. Therefore, by the Holy Spirit in us, we have become new creatures in Christ Jesus, reckoning ourselves to be dead unto sin but alive unto God through Jesus Christ. This re-birth must be the final Work of God in the sometimes lengthy course in a person's struggle dealing with conviction of sin, brokenness, humility, & cry for a Savior to save & redeem him. (continued on Page 2).
Thank you, Jesus shamed the leaders of Jerusalem about traditions, Matthew 15:3 and we are told in Colossians 2:8. My understanding is when we believe in our heart that Jesus is the Son of God and the only way to salvation we are justified by God's grace, Romans 3:24 and being baptized is being obedient to God's word, being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: We then start the road to sanctification by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, Titus 3:5.
Jesus Christ has done everything necessary for our salvation and all we do we do in is name including being baptized, Colossians 3:17. He paid the penalty that our sins deserved by His sacrificial death on the cross. His death satisfied God's justice and turned away His wrath from us. God calls us but we must answer we must believe and be obedient to Him to be chosen, Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
When we are baptized in the Name of Jesus we have put on Christ, Galatians 3:27. Being baptized is obedience, Ephesians 2:102 Thessalonians 1:8, every believer who has opportunity will be baptized in obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ. Baptism is the result of salvation, not the means to it.
Our obedience strengthens our faith, obedience shows our love for God, and our obedience to God's word is essential and it is not works. Those who are obedient are imitators of Christ and are willingly submitting to the authority, His will, and the word of God.
As to your question you have received several answers, my understanding in the Bible baptism is done only by immersion as the word means. As Jesse said sprinkling did not start until the 1300s and it was for the reason it was so inconvenient. So, this was done just because of convenience's sake, nothing Biblical about it. I agree with Giannis, and we must believe as Jesus said in Mark 16:16.
All we do is to be done in our Lord Jesus's name, Colossians 3:16-17. Many use Matthew 28:19 but we also see in the rest of Scripture that a person who is baptized in Jesus' name is someone who believes in Jesus as Savior, the Messiah, the Son of God who for us died, was buried, and was resurrected we acknowledge this by being baptized in His name, Acts 2:38Acts 8:12Acts 8:16Acts 10:48Acts 19:5Acts 22:16Romans 6:3Galatians 3:27Colossians 2:12Ephesians 4:5.
Paul shows the importance of being baptized in the name of Jesus, Acts 19:1-6. God has placed Jesus and His name above all that is in heaven and earth, Matthew 28:18Philippians 2:9-11. Salvation only comes in His name Acts 4:12Romans 10:13. The name of Jesus is the source of power and authority for healing, miracles, and deliverance, Mark 16:17Luke 10:17Acts 4:7Acts 4:30Acts 16:18.
We are to give thanks in Jesus's name, Ephesians 5:20. Our faith is through Him and in His name, Acts 3:16. We must believe in Jesus, John 3:16John 6:47Acts 16:311 John 3:231 John 5:13. Whatever we ask for we are to ask in His name, John 14:13-14. We are to pray to the Father in His name, James 5:14. Jesus is our priest and the only mediator between God and men, 1 Timothy 2:5.
Having gone to some lengths in discussing subjects such as Predestination and things related to this subject I thought I would
present some logic to consider this concept. A primary idea that I have discussed elsewhere is related to Galatians 2:20. To live in new life necessitates a DEATH blow to our old self. If not then we are still trying to do things in our own strength; and since we cannot save ourselves (see Titus 3:5) there is no way to please God in the flesh. Clearly this doesn't spell the end of our struggles on earth; as Paul states in Romans 7:23. Interestingly; he mentions the word "law" in regard to both the pull of the flesh that remains AND that of the Spirit of God; we see similar verses describing war between the desires of the flesh and that of the Spirit in Galatians 5:17.
Serving the Lord; therefore must be out of the love and resulting obedience in God. It has to surpass our human desires; no matter how noble they may seem. It counters our own loves and hates and brings us into conformity with Christ through the Spirit so that we can especially LOVE our ENEMIES which is not possible in the same way with our flesh. We could conceivably
tolerate a wicked man or be in submission out of fear but not seek his deliverance and serve selflessly expecting nothing in return in our own strength. As I have stated in other posts as well we also warn the wicked of their calamity; and that includes all those who seemingly are kind and compassionate; FRIENDS and enemies as well. As showing love toward mean people is impossible; we also have to warn those who seem like "good people" as well; despite our flesh trying to make our relationship with them (wife; husband; mother; father or best friend) seem to somehow absolve them from the fate of all of the rest of mankind.
So in this posting I am stating that our works (i.e. good fruits) as well as thoughts and what we say display whether He is truly in us.
Filled with the Spirit-The corporate worship experience (Focus on laypersons)
Reading the first chapter of Philippians for a detailed analysis for a special Sunday school project we are doing in the short term I realize that elders and deacons were established fairly quickly in the early church. It has taken me some time to understand somewhat what each of these roles is supposed to be (elder being essentially same as Pastor; and Deacon I believe being a sort of "helps" ministry). Honestly I haven't been in a church with a Bishop so I won't try to figure that out; I'll leave that to others.
I examined the other day how the Ephesians church seemed to have everything right and lost its first love ( Rev. 2:4 if I remember correctly). It would seem although I couldn't prove it that new and excited converts may have been a missing factor. We are; of course admonished on those who receive the Gospel immediately and with joy but have no root ( Mark 4:17) in the first part of the Parable of the Sower and the Seed. Both extremes need to be avoided; joy is second next to love which clearly had disappeared ( Galatians 5:22). After all; there is nowhere that states that we cannot have continual joy; but as with a marriage maturity tends to make our perspective change as we delve more into the "meat" of the scriptures.
When it comes to interaction in a church of course it helps when a Pastor is genuinely glad to see congregants on a given Sunday; and especially other days of the week when they wish to discuss something. Again; large churches make this more difficult and the advice Jethro gave Moses to get wise decisionmakers under him rather than taking on menial burdens fits this situation ( Exodus 18:13-27). Of course it is good when we also rejoice and show appreciation for our Pastor. This of course has to go beyond common courtesies; and we should want to do more than just put our time in and check off a box. Unforgiveness on either end stifles the Spirit
James 2:9-12: James is writing in these verses about those who would "keep (fully obey) the whole law", yet go astray even by committing one sin in a moment of time, having demonstrated their inability to keep (continually uphold) the Law as required. "So speak ye ( James 1:26), and so do ( James 2:17), as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty (the Law believers are under, 2 Corinthians 2:17, Galatians 5:1, James 1:25)". The Law of Liberty, can also be referred to the Law of the Spirit Who gives Liberty ( 2 Corinthians 3:17, Romans 8:2), assures our hearts that we are accepted of the Lord because we have been forgiven & the Gift of the Holy Spirit continually ministers to our hearts & lives to help us live holy lives or lead us/discipline us when we stray off course.
This Liberty, the Law could never give - Israel always remained fearful of it, eventually leading them into idolatry & debauchery, but to those IN Christ Jesus there is now no condemnation who walk after the Spirit ( Romans 8:1) - we should not be bound to the letter that had as its goal to expose & destroy souls, but to the Spirit Who gives Power & Life to obey God perfectly, "hating even the garment spotted by the flesh" ( Jude 1:23). Only the Laws given us by the Spirit to our hearts cover every area of our lives, ministering to us in His Way (& not in human strength), so we can live above the letter's demands but as new creations in Christ. There was nothing wrong with the 10 Commandments, for they are from God & His Truth - but they were for Israel alone, for their conduct before God & man, to show them their sin, God's requirements, & prepare them to approach God in Love, Truth, & Faith. All who did at that time were accepted by their faith alone ( Hebrews 11:39,40) & not on how well they kept the Law. Romans 8:3,4 (we allow the righteousness of the Law to work & be fulfilled in us by God's Spirit - never appealing to the letter, which is devoid of life). Every blessing.
Hello Momsage. I'm surprised by your engaging with me here, since you haven't rescinded your past request in this regard.
In any case, to respond now to your question, I think you will agree that the Sabbath, as with the other nine commandments were given purely to the children of Israel. I say that with some confidence as you stated this fact (in part) to Naisa Koroi, "The 4th commandment, although, addressed to Israel at the time God gave them, were for ALL of Gods children...".
So our difference is not on which day the Sabbath falls (i.e. on the seventh day of the week, the day that the LORD chose to cease from all His works & sanctify it ( Genesis 2:2)), but whether the Jewish observance of the Sabbath is encumbent upon the one in Christ now. You've stated that the 4th Commandment is "for ALL of God's children", and this is where I would disagree. I would find it difficult to correctly understand the directives given to the Church from Jesus & the Apostles, and yet still hold onto the Law (which includes the Decalogue & other commandments) that not only don't apply to me, a Gentile, but of no value to the Church in Christ Jesus.
Probably like you, I grew up learning by rote, the Decalogue, as also the stories of Adam & Eve, the Flood, the Crucifixion, etc. And we accepted all that we were taught without question. But when I became new in Christ Jesus, many questions arose, and sometimes challenged my long-held beliefs carried through the years. So, by searching the Scriptures, I no longer count my previous learning valid, though very useful of course, but try to bring together all what the Bible teaches me. Many Scriptures assisted me in this, but one as an example is Galatians chap 3, and particularly verse 19: "Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made...". Jesus' Coming & Sacrifice negated all the Law - we are now to live by His Spirit, obeying His Laws imputed in us.
Not to be destructive and harm one another.
It can come back on you
Having Faith Scriptures
1 Thessalonians 1:3 KJV
remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
Galatians 5:6 KJV
For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
Ways you can have faith in Jesus Christ Scriptures
Galatians 5:13-15 KJV
13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
Psalm 25:8 KJV
Good and upright is the LORD: Therefore will he teach sinners in the way.
I have used faith in serving others in the love of Gof not biting and devouring people.
The easiest way to track the initial progress of the church is; of course to study the New Testament between Acts and Revelation.
The true church is to be under the assumption of true doctrine as Christ's physical resurrection and belief in His atonement being a baseline to determine saving faith. As I stated in the first introduction posting on this subject even the greatest theologians had besetting sins; if Paul could say that he was the "chief of sinners" ( 1 Tim. 1:15) certainly no one else can be absolved from criticism for transgressions. Those who would try to lift up Peter; for instance indicating he was the first in the line of papacy are hesitant to mention his glaring issue of denying Christ; trying to stop him from going to his death in the famous "get behind me Satan" verse in Matthew 16:23; as well as his hypocritical stance with the Jews on avoiding unclean foods that Paul had to publically rebuke him for (Galatians I think).
Doctrinal error and general apostacy was predicted to occur as Peter and Paul's last writings before martyrdom indicated (also see James). The fact it existed before the end of the first century is clear from the admonitions to the churches in Revelation 2 and 3. In terms of the history of the church and or various types of churches throughout history, the seven churches clearly show that the Laodicean type is prominent today by far.
Going into the first few centuries; we can clearly see the errant influences that became the genesis for spurious doctrines of many denominations today which influenced Catholicism; Eastern Orthodox churches and Coptic ones where men were made saints then later taken from that auspicious category; and a lack of belief of Christ being God in the flesh; denial of the "Trinity" or better put Godhead in 3 persons; etc. There were gnostic influences and many other cultural assimilations that took over particularly in European circles.
My Respond:
Philippians 2:13 AMPC
[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.
My interpetation: God is effectually working in you as a evangelist and delight setting you free from sin.
Proverbs chapter 1 verse 20 , do you understand metaphor ? If not , look it up and try to understand it . Proverbs is poetry , poetry uses a lot of metaphor . Proverbs chapter 4 verses 5-9 . For the sake of poetry , many things that are neither male or female , are referred to as such . Had it occured to you that the son could be referring to Jesus , the Son of God ?
The Bible is full of metaphor , there's plenty of literalism in there too . Sometime things in the Bible can be literal and metaphorical at the same time . The more you read it the more familiar you will become with these concepts . Yes , it can be confusing at first , but don't let that put you off .
God's confirming his covenant & to be God's son and in growth. Galatians 3:17 KJV
Though we have an important role to play, even our determination to flourish with fruit of the Spirit is evidence of God's grace.
Eveidence- Hebrews 11:1 KJV
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Myself trusting God and having faith has blessed me with evidence to receive (fruit of the Spirit)
Ways you can have faith is by reading your Holy Bible, prayer, attending church, involved in ministry, volunteering.
The Holy Spirit is the one who stimulates our desire to grow in Christ. Growth is gracious. My interpetation is God's grace Matthew 3:2 KJV, Ephesians 2:8 KJV
Trust that growth will happen, and when it does, thank Jesus for the fruit produced by his appointment.
Producing fruit John 15:7-8 KJV
Elder Graves Quoted Motivations for Christian Excellence
4. Excellence is a Witness to Others:
Line 5-8 My Respond: Having faith on Jesus death,burial and resurrection1 Corinthians 15:3-4 has blessed me and with integrity and Fairness.
Elder Graves Quoted Examples of Biblical Excellence
I like your scripture on Daniel and the Three Hebrew Boys:
My Respond:Daniel giving God credit, reference, Glory that is due.
Elder Graves Quoted 2.Define What Excellence Means to You:
My Respond:
Myself practicing these helps me show myself approved.
Elder Graves Quoted 3.Develop Habits of Diligence and Discipline:
My repsond:
Yes it prepared me in career, ministry, amd personal life.
My interpetation and Word spoken by Redappletreaty4meonly
West Angeles Church Cogic Cathedral member
Manifest- Plain, open, clearly, visible to the eye or obvious to the understanding, apparent, not obscure or difficult to be seen or understood.
Elder Graves Quoted Paragraph 1: Line 5-13 Allows me to plant a seed of spiritual fruit when I am in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Giving children identified as atudents equal opportunity of education to achieve their goals."But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil." 2 Thessalonians 3:3 KJV
Allows me to be rewarded. 1 Corinthians 3:8-9 KJV
Reward- return for the good done, for kindness, for services and the like. Can consist of money, goods, or any return of kindness and happiness. Career/Employment
According to California Department of Education supports high - quality educational programs for California diverse student population through its educational leadership role and places great importance on cultivating a diverse staff that understands and promotes the intellectual, ethical, cultural, emotional, and physical growth of each student. Matthew 16:18 KJV Ephesians 2:20 KJV
Govern now making me blessed & rewarded into education system. According to U.S. Department of Education to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.
.
Blessed- Happy, prosperous in educational affairs; enjoying spiritual happiness, and the favor of God, enjoying heavenly felicity.
Children today that we have here today are called students who by law are required to attend school to be educated, read, write, solve math problems.
My faithfulness meaning steadfast in the fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:22-23 KJV -1 Corin 3:9
For the next few days we'll consider how spiritual growth, is gracious, gradual, and guaranteed. My interpetation is God's confirming his covenant & to be God's son and in growth. Galatians 3:17 KJV
And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
Though we have an important role to play, even our determination to flourish with fruit of the Spirit is evidence of God's grace.
Eveidence- Hebrews 11:1 KJV
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Myself trusting God and having faith has blessed me with evidence to receive (fruit of the Spirit)
Ways you can have faith is by reading your Holy Bible, prayer, attending church, involved in ministry, volunteering.
The Holy Spirit is the one who stimulates our desire to grow in Christ. Growth is gracious. My interpetation is God's grace Matthew 3:2 KJV, Ephesians 2:8 KJV
Trust that growth will happen, and when it does, thank Jesus for the fruit produced by his appointment.
Scriptures that will help you trust God that he establish Deuteronomy 8:18 KJV, Proverbs 10:22 KJV
Producing fruit John 15:7-8 KJV
7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
Written and Word spoken by REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
Thanks for responding.
Yes, Christ humanity comes from the woman but
the promise in Genesis has nothing to do with humanity. The seed mentioned in Genesis 22 and Galatians
is clearly identifying Christ as the one promised.
You stated, "We do not know if this was referring that women have "seed" as in ova
I can assure you this has nothing to do with "seed" as in ova. In Genesis 22 its Abraham's seed!
I also don't believe God had to created male DNA in a sperm He put into marry to fertilize her ovum or if God placed the male DNA directly into her ovum to conceive Jesus. God didn't have to do that with Adam.
The Scripture states that the Angel of the Lord came to Joseph in a dream and said "for that which is CONCEIVED in her is of the Holy Ghost. Conceived "Gennao in the Greek" means to procreate.
In Isaiah 7:10-14 Jesus's birth was to be a miraculous sign!
"Moreover the LORD spake again unto Ahaz, saying,
Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.
But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD.
And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Satan is declared here as having a seed also, so this is definitely talking about something other than biological birth. It's a title of a being.
They are Identified in the same passage as a "it" and "his"
(Here follows; And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between "thy seed" and "her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.)
I believe this goes beyond Eve and also Mary as we see it climax in Revelation, Particularly in Revelation 12:5-17.
The woman mentioned in Genesis 3:15 is also to be persecuted! "And I will put enmity between thee "AND THE WOMAN", and between thy seed and her seed;
Good night and God bless.
I realized I left out an important point.
We know "The seed of the woman" is Chris.
In scripture when identifying a man and his genealogy it's always the seed of the man.
It's a contradiction with the Hebrew usage of the term when saying "Seed of the woman.
We know he's not talking biologically because that would be Abel or Seth or another one of their unnamed children.
Identifying the genealogy of someone in scripture is always Identified through the man.
What's interesting is Adam is left out!
Christ was to be born of a woman in the lineage of Israel and his father was God.!
There is no need for a biological seed here. It wasn't a biological birth, Christ came from pre-existance origin.
This is amplified in Isaiah 7:13-14.
Elsewhere the seed is mentioned and identified in relation to Genesis 3:15 is Genesis 22:18 "And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.
"And confirmed in Galatians 3:16 "Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
God bless.
that allows me to be shown to have no challenges in relations in life .
Ways you can have unwavering faith, steadfast having strength and God's protection ( Psalms 121:1-8 KJV) ( Daniel 12:1-4 KJV, ), God protects you fighting and defending for you and his anger is on adversity. Are to allow God attributes ( Galatians 5:22 KJV )to come within you receiving them mind, body, soul and spirit.
Treat others as you want to be treated confirming yourself in the image of God Genesis 1:27 KJV becoming his son daughter, or children.
Love and trust the Lord
Practice humility to God and in God.
Surround yourself and be in surroundings with goldy influences of (Christian- practices , a place , institution.)
Published and spoken Word by REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
Ways you can have unwavering faith, steadfast having strength and God's protection ( Psalms 121:1-8 KJV) ( Daniel 12:1-4 KJV, ), God protects you fighting and defending for you and his anger is on adversity. Are to allow God attributes ( Galatians 5:22 KJV )to come within you receiving them mind, body, soul and spirit.
Treat others as you want to be treated confirming yourself in the image of God Genesis 1:27 KJV becoming his son daughter, or children.
Love and trust the Lord
Practice humility to God and in God.
Surround yourself and be in surroundings with goldy influences of (Christian- practices , a place , institution.)
Published and spoken Word by REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
Thanks brother Jesse for your reply. Yes, this is certainly an amazing portion of Scripture, not simply of the sudden appearances & disappearances of Jesus (as some would focus on), but what those two (Peter & Cleopas) & the others later, would have gone through mentally & spiritually as they observed & considered the things that were happening before their eyes. Even when their "hearts burned within them", they sensed something extraordinary was taking place, but their 'held' eyes & mind must have caused them much internal conflict. If walking with the Lord Jesus during His days of ministry wasn't astonishing & breath-taking enough, here they are now fully understanding Him & seeing His Words fulfilled, with His Power & Glory radiating through His Presence.
Indeed, what a great study in Luke 24 as we even allow our hearts to engage with those in that chapter to the wonder of it all. As my heart & mind is so engaged presently, the Lord reminded me of another occasion where His Power was manifested. If I could take a little more time to encourage those who read this & for the praise & Glory of God alone. That whatever situation we find ourselves in, if we are truly His children purchased with His Own Blood, we can rest assured that He is always there, mindful of us, and will perform His Will to the praise of His Name. "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit" ( Galatians 5:25), as "obedient children". Onto Page 2.
I agree with you that our all powerful God can give his spirit to a vessel and make him a sinless being.
But that sinless being
/Vessel would still be born of Adam and can only inherit what Adam has to offer. Death!
Adam was "MADE" a living soul, He didn't become one!
A living soul could never give life even if he was sinless.
Christ was a quickening (Life giving) Spirit. He didn't have to become one. HE WAS, AND "IS ONE"
Only the Son of God can make us Sons of God.
Any other person wouldn't be a Son of God!
Jesus had no Earthly Father.
So we should consider these scriptures to perhaps understand "Why a Son?"
Galatians 4:4-6.
But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
To redeem them that were under the law, THAT WE MIGHT RECEIVE THE ADOPTION OF SONS.
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
John 1:12-13.
But as many as received him, TO THEM GAVE HE POWER TO BECOME THE SONS OF GOD, EVEN TO THEM THAT BELIEVE ON HIS NAME:
WHICH WERE BORN, ((NOT OF BLOOD, NOR OF THE WILL OF THE FLESH, NOR OF THE WILL OF MAN)), ""BUT OF GOD"".
Romans 8:19-23. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
God bless.
LORD GOD or Jehovah , Yahweh , He Who Will Be ( manifested ) .
LORD or Jah , Yah , an abbreviated form of Yahweh Adon , Lord or Ruler .
Lord , Adonai , Lords or rulers .
Almighty God , El Shaddai , the might of the powerful ones .
Most High God , El Elyon , supreme might .
LORD God , Yahweh Elohim , He who will be might ones .
Lord GOD , Adonai Yahweh , He who will be rulers .
LORD of hosts , Yahweh Tz ' vaoth , He who will be armies .
The beauty of the Hebrew originals is not found in the Greek , the above applies only to the Old Testament .
Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh , I Will Be Who I Will Be , Exodus 3-14 , expresses the purpose of Deity to manifest Himself in individuals of His Own choosing , who will then constitute the Elohim ( mighty ones , approved seed , Galatians 3-29 ) of Abraham .
' Who ' is the multitude of the redeemed in whom Yahweh will ultimately be revealed . It refers to a plurality of glorified ones who , will be the manifestation of the Eternal Spirit . Hope that's helpful and not confusing .
Ge.1:14-19 Forth day sets blessings on man as a sign. In Christ we are signs and wonders. The two great lights are signs for the holy city of God where the two worlds framed by the word of God have the throne of God and of the Lamb as signs. "to give light upon the earth,/And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness."((vv.17-18)
1:20-23 Fifth day as a blessing. God gives blessings in terms of man having a volume so he is a steward for other life forms. Man and ox, his livelihood is counted as one. So God commanded Moses, " If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox,"(Ex.22:1) Nothing in the kingdom of God stands by itself. " Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."(Gal.6:2)
1:24-30 Sixth day is a blessing for his inheritance in kingdom of light is that he is in 'our image and after our likeness. This explains the quote from Galatians. According to the law of Christ all the above mentioned blessing dwell in man from above and also from everlasting to everlasting. Up and Down and Across renders life of man incomplete without the fulness of God. As 'in our image' he carries his own load as well "Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification/For even Christ pleased not himself."(Ro.15:2-3). Instead what imposter churches do, divide their congregation on ethnic lines. These false shepherds serve the devil. God did not create him on such lines.
"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them./And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth."
To the blessed God has the seventh day, and says, "enter thou into the joy of thy lord."
(Part 2):
Continuation of your questions:
Q. If they believed the bible was the written word of God, why didn't they use the manuscripts God used and just make simple changes to the language?
A. Again, not knowing their motive, I cannot answer this one. But if these men truly believed the bible was the written word of God, I would have to believe that there would be no need to for them to even "make simple changes to the language."
Q. Why if they loved God and respected His word would they do what they did and now there are those of you who don't even believe God wrote a word of truth for us?
A. Once again, I have no way of knowing what their motives were.
Q. What joy is there in reading man's interpretation of what God may have said, or maybe not?
A. I'm sure no one would find any joy in that! If I were to read the preface of any bible and it said that the word written herein may be what God has said, or may not be what He said, the preface would be as far as I would read.
Q. How do we know that they (JW's, Mormons, Buddhists) don't have the truth?
A. If what they teach goes against what Paul preached and taught, their "truth" is to be rejected. ( Galatians 1:8-9)
Q. Why don't we just all make up our own religion and do what we want from whatever versions we choose to believe or maybe bits here and bits there from every version. Whatever suits us.
A. With all the various religions out there (too many to count), it's already been done! The reason why we have so many religions and denominations are because man cannot agree on what God's word says. Many of us here (including you and I) read the KJB but we disagree on what it says in certain places. Why is that? It's because English is such a general language. Hebrew also is a general language. But not so with Greek. Greek is such an exact language to where it makes it almost impossible to come up with different conclusions as to what the text is saying.
One more short post, I promise!
Galatians 4:9 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again, till Christ be formed IN YOU.
Philippians 3:18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often and now tell you weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ.
God Bless YOU
But what I have said to Jaz is that for God to change us it is necessary for us to cry out to him to do that and give Him all the time and space to do it. Have you noticed that many christians do not change and remain the same over the years without becoming spiritually mature? Why do you think is that? Because they do not want to change, or they keep a part of their heart for themselves and do not submit it to God. So God stops there and starts knocking at the door of their heart until they open the door, if they ever open it. He doesn't break in. He never breaks in.
Paul said something really great which is often misunderstood. He said in Galatians 2:20, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. "
What does Paul mean? He means that he emptied his heart of anything he himself wanted, he submitted himself totally to God and his commandments, he kept nothing for himself, he gave it all to God, he was in complete obedience. So it was like it wasn't him who lived in that body but like Jesus was living in him. Can we say the same?
Sorry as I said I am struggling to understand what you are saying so maybe my answer is not about what you asked. So, I am sorry if I didn't cover the topic you asked.
In the end; as my last post alluded to whether it is all predestined or man's future actions are taken into account at least in part or even if we think it is totally up to man where we end up we know that God is good and fair and eventually a certain number will be in heaven as well as hell. I have brought up the concept of life as a play on a stage where eternal realities in our time and place through our lives is acted out and various individuals and spiritual entities are all part of the overall theme which centers on God's script as it were. This obviously reduces life to a simplistic level but I think it merits somewhat how things are orchestrated so that in fullness of time all things come to pass ( Gal. 4:4). As this verse shows in Galatians Christ came at the "fullness" or correct time; just as His judgments come when sin is at the fullest. We see that concept with Genesis 15:16 and the Amorites; and surely when the Tribulation takes effect. ( Rev. 14:15).
As to the individual; there is a set time for everything from birth to death and judgment to follow ( Heb. 9:27).
Looking to this subject I think we all would agree that no one in hell will be able to have a genuine beef with God that He didn't provide a way to come to Him as not being one of the "elect". The hard truth is that without Christ God Himself is our enemy (we are at "enmity" with God: Romans 8:7; etal). There is; in fact no praise of God in hell ( Isaiah 38:18). Without the Lord we are all sadly "cowards" and that is a major and first indictment in Revelation 21:8). As much as the suffering of the lost they have no desire to die to self. Everything of this world is passing as a vapor but the unsaved do not wish to die to themselves. What is bigger than this; however is that they don't want to accept God's only remedy for the situation; the bad news of their own state isn't believed and they think their good works can save them.
Meanwhile consider someone else who is characteristically gruff; loudmouthed; opinionated and overall a pain to be around who takes the time to correctly explain the Gospel; but of course befitting his usual character doesn't show empathy or bothers to listen much to any responses or otherwise be very helpful even with practical needs that are obvious to others such as atheists who reach out.
Natural man; of course would hang out with the first person and be repulsed with the second; but in all fairness the second person is the one who gives a message in which eternity hangs in the balance. Such a case study of course isn't to justify such an approach to witnessing; but to also avoid what is far WORSE; that is showing all sorts of compassion to someone but WATERING down the Gospel; and not giving a clear warning of the deadly and eternal destruction which every unbeliever is about to face as life is as a vapor.
Luke 6:26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
John 12:43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
John 5:44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only
Luke 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
Galatians 1:10
For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
Praise and highly esteeming a brother seems rare today but it can be edifying
We can look at Sanctification in generally three aspects:
a. a true believer in God, having been saved & redeemed through Jesus' Sacrifice, is said to be 'Positionally Sanctified'. That is, by virtue of now being a child of God, through Jesus His Son, the Christian is Separated & made Holy unto God by this position in Christ ( 1 Corinthians 1:30; 1 Peter 1:2).
b. as the believer walks this new separated life, he is also 'Experientially Sanctified'. When we grow in knowledge & experience of our Lord & Savior, we grow to be more like Jesus, hating & avoiding sin and displaying more & more of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit ( Philippians 2:13, Galatians 5:22-25).
c. we can know that we are truly in Christ, separated from the world & its lusts; we can also desire to grow to be more Christ-like in all our ways; but since the pull of the flesh is always at war with our spirit, we long for the day for our 'Future Sanctification', when our earthly struggles will be over and we will be taken into Christ Jesus' Presence (whether in the Rapture or through the veil of death), and we will be entirely perfect (without any stain of sin) & become as He is Holy & Perfect ( 1 John 3:1-3, Ephesians 5:27, Jude 1:24,25).
Thank you David0921 for your response. I would align myself with most of what you've written concerning biblical inspiration, that the Word of God is indeed wholly authored by God. Yet, when I read 2 Timothy 3:16, that "ALL scripture is given by the inspiration of God", I would be in conflict with some who hold fervently that what we read now (from the ancient recordings, also the KJB) are the actual Words that God (by His Spirit) spoke to godly men to write. "Inspiration" to me, doesn't mean that God dictated the Words to record, nor does it mean that the fingers of the writers were gripped by Him to pen those holy Words. Rather, as men recorded down what they saw or learned, God's Spirit was present to help them record accurately and remember correctly. That said, since you brought it up, I'll move on.
"What do I believe the Bible says about the term BORN AGAIN?" When we have Scriptures such as John 3:3-8, 1 Peter 1:22-23, 1 John 2:29, 1 John 5:1, & others in John's epistle, we can believe that this re-birth is wholly of God & not of man's doing or involvement; that re-birth is a spiritual birth, whereby God gives us a new spirit (His Spirit) Who always inclines us towards God & His Son; that God's Ministry to us can only be to our revived spirit in us and not to the flesh that has no desire after godly things. Therefore, we are to continue to crucify our flesh which lusts against the Holy Spirit ( Galatians 5:17) in us & distracts us from serving God acceptably & in fear. Therefore, by the Holy Spirit in us, we have become new creatures in Christ Jesus, reckoning ourselves to be dead unto sin but alive unto God through Jesus Christ. This re-birth must be the final Work of God in the sometimes lengthy course in a person's struggle dealing with conviction of sin, brokenness, humility, & cry for a Savior to save & redeem him. (continued on Page 2).
Thank you, Jesus shamed the leaders of Jerusalem about traditions, Matthew 15:3 and we are told in Colossians 2:8. My understanding is when we believe in our heart that Jesus is the Son of God and the only way to salvation we are justified by God's grace, Romans 3:24 and being baptized is being obedient to God's word, being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: We then start the road to sanctification by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, Titus 3:5.
Jesus Christ has done everything necessary for our salvation and all we do we do in is name including being baptized, Colossians 3:17. He paid the penalty that our sins deserved by His sacrificial death on the cross. His death satisfied God's justice and turned away His wrath from us. God calls us but we must answer we must believe and be obedient to Him to be chosen, Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
When we are baptized in the Name of Jesus we have put on Christ, Galatians 3:27. Being baptized is obedience, Ephesians 2:10 2 Thessalonians 1:8, every believer who has opportunity will be baptized in obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ. Baptism is the result of salvation, not the means to it.
Our obedience strengthens our faith, obedience shows our love for God, and our obedience to God's word is essential and it is not works. Those who are obedient are imitators of Christ and are willingly submitting to the authority, His will, and the word of God.
God bless,
RLW
As to your question you have received several answers, my understanding in the Bible baptism is done only by immersion as the word means. As Jesse said sprinkling did not start until the 1300s and it was for the reason it was so inconvenient. So, this was done just because of convenience's sake, nothing Biblical about it. I agree with Giannis, and we must believe as Jesus said in Mark 16:16.
All we do is to be done in our Lord Jesus's name, Colossians 3:16-17. Many use Matthew 28:19 but we also see in the rest of Scripture that a person who is baptized in Jesus' name is someone who believes in Jesus as Savior, the Messiah, the Son of God who for us died, was buried, and was resurrected we acknowledge this by being baptized in His name, Acts 2:38 Acts 8:12 Acts 8:16 Acts 10:48 Acts 19:5 Acts 22:16 Romans 6:3 Galatians 3:27 Colossians 2:12 Ephesians 4:5.
Paul shows the importance of being baptized in the name of Jesus, Acts 19:1-6. God has placed Jesus and His name above all that is in heaven and earth, Matthew 28:18 Philippians 2:9-11. Salvation only comes in His name Acts 4:12 Romans 10:13. The name of Jesus is the source of power and authority for healing, miracles, and deliverance, Mark 16:17 Luke 10:17 Acts 4:7 Acts 4:30 Acts 16:18.
We are to give thanks in Jesus's name, Ephesians 5:20. Our faith is through Him and in His name, Acts 3:16. We must believe in Jesus, John 3:16 John 6:47 Acts 16:31 1 John 3:23 1 John 5:13. Whatever we ask for we are to ask in His name, John 14:13-14. We are to pray to the Father in His name, James 5:14. Jesus is our priest and the only mediator between God and men, 1 Timothy 2:5.
God bless,
RLW
Having gone to some lengths in discussing subjects such as Predestination and things related to this subject I thought I would
present some logic to consider this concept. A primary idea that I have discussed elsewhere is related to Galatians 2:20. To live in new life necessitates a DEATH blow to our old self. If not then we are still trying to do things in our own strength; and since we cannot save ourselves (see Titus 3:5) there is no way to please God in the flesh. Clearly this doesn't spell the end of our struggles on earth; as Paul states in Romans 7:23. Interestingly; he mentions the word "law" in regard to both the pull of the flesh that remains AND that of the Spirit of God; we see similar verses describing war between the desires of the flesh and that of the Spirit in Galatians 5:17.
Serving the Lord; therefore must be out of the love and resulting obedience in God. It has to surpass our human desires; no matter how noble they may seem. It counters our own loves and hates and brings us into conformity with Christ through the Spirit so that we can especially LOVE our ENEMIES which is not possible in the same way with our flesh. We could conceivably
tolerate a wicked man or be in submission out of fear but not seek his deliverance and serve selflessly expecting nothing in return in our own strength. As I have stated in other posts as well we also warn the wicked of their calamity; and that includes all those who seemingly are kind and compassionate; FRIENDS and enemies as well. As showing love toward mean people is impossible; we also have to warn those who seem like "good people" as well; despite our flesh trying to make our relationship with them (wife; husband; mother; father or best friend) seem to somehow absolve them from the fate of all of the rest of mankind.
So in this posting I am stating that our works (i.e. good fruits) as well as thoughts and what we say display whether He is truly in us.
Reading the first chapter of Philippians for a detailed analysis for a special Sunday school project we are doing in the short term I realize that elders and deacons were established fairly quickly in the early church. It has taken me some time to understand somewhat what each of these roles is supposed to be (elder being essentially same as Pastor; and Deacon I believe being a sort of "helps" ministry). Honestly I haven't been in a church with a Bishop so I won't try to figure that out; I'll leave that to others.
I examined the other day how the Ephesians church seemed to have everything right and lost its first love ( Rev. 2:4 if I remember correctly). It would seem although I couldn't prove it that new and excited converts may have been a missing factor. We are; of course admonished on those who receive the Gospel immediately and with joy but have no root ( Mark 4:17) in the first part of the Parable of the Sower and the Seed. Both extremes need to be avoided; joy is second next to love which clearly had disappeared ( Galatians 5:22). After all; there is nowhere that states that we cannot have continual joy; but as with a marriage maturity tends to make our perspective change as we delve more into the "meat" of the scriptures.
When it comes to interaction in a church of course it helps when a Pastor is genuinely glad to see congregants on a given Sunday; and especially other days of the week when they wish to discuss something. Again; large churches make this more difficult and the advice Jethro gave Moses to get wise decisionmakers under him rather than taking on menial burdens fits this situation ( Exodus 18:13-27). Of course it is good when we also rejoice and show appreciation for our Pastor. This of course has to go beyond common courtesies; and we should want to do more than just put our time in and check off a box. Unforgiveness on either end stifles the Spirit
James 2:9-12: James is writing in these verses about those who would "keep (fully obey) the whole law", yet go astray even by committing one sin in a moment of time, having demonstrated their inability to keep (continually uphold) the Law as required. "So speak ye ( James 1:26), and so do ( James 2:17), as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty (the Law believers are under, 2 Corinthians 2:17, Galatians 5:1, James 1:25)". The Law of Liberty, can also be referred to the Law of the Spirit Who gives Liberty ( 2 Corinthians 3:17, Romans 8:2), assures our hearts that we are accepted of the Lord because we have been forgiven & the Gift of the Holy Spirit continually ministers to our hearts & lives to help us live holy lives or lead us/discipline us when we stray off course.
This Liberty, the Law could never give - Israel always remained fearful of it, eventually leading them into idolatry & debauchery, but to those IN Christ Jesus there is now no condemnation who walk after the Spirit ( Romans 8:1) - we should not be bound to the letter that had as its goal to expose & destroy souls, but to the Spirit Who gives Power & Life to obey God perfectly, "hating even the garment spotted by the flesh" ( Jude 1:23). Only the Laws given us by the Spirit to our hearts cover every area of our lives, ministering to us in His Way (& not in human strength), so we can live above the letter's demands but as new creations in Christ. There was nothing wrong with the 10 Commandments, for they are from God & His Truth - but they were for Israel alone, for their conduct before God & man, to show them their sin, God's requirements, & prepare them to approach God in Love, Truth, & Faith. All who did at that time were accepted by their faith alone ( Hebrews 11:39,40) & not on how well they kept the Law. Romans 8:3,4 (we allow the righteousness of the Law to work & be fulfilled in us by God's Spirit - never appealing to the letter, which is devoid of life). Every blessing.
In any case, to respond now to your question, I think you will agree that the Sabbath, as with the other nine commandments were given purely to the children of Israel. I say that with some confidence as you stated this fact (in part) to Naisa Koroi, "The 4th commandment, although, addressed to Israel at the time God gave them, were for ALL of Gods children...".
So our difference is not on which day the Sabbath falls (i.e. on the seventh day of the week, the day that the LORD chose to cease from all His works & sanctify it ( Genesis 2:2)), but whether the Jewish observance of the Sabbath is encumbent upon the one in Christ now. You've stated that the 4th Commandment is "for ALL of God's children", and this is where I would disagree. I would find it difficult to correctly understand the directives given to the Church from Jesus & the Apostles, and yet still hold onto the Law (which includes the Decalogue & other commandments) that not only don't apply to me, a Gentile, but of no value to the Church in Christ Jesus.
Probably like you, I grew up learning by rote, the Decalogue, as also the stories of Adam & Eve, the Flood, the Crucifixion, etc. And we accepted all that we were taught without question. But when I became new in Christ Jesus, many questions arose, and sometimes challenged my long-held beliefs carried through the years. So, by searching the Scriptures, I no longer count my previous learning valid, though very useful of course, but try to bring together all what the Bible teaches me. Many Scriptures assisted me in this, but one as an example is Galatians chap 3, and particularly verse 19: "Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made...". Jesus' Coming & Sacrifice negated all the Law - we are now to live by His Spirit, obeying His Laws imputed in us.