Dear John Ray, I see you and hear you; whether I hope I'm kind in my reply. I'm new here,(except, apparently I looked around 3 years ago and didn't stay). I find myself here again. I was led here because of psalm 29:2. "Worship the Lord in the beauty of Holiness. I wanted to know, on earth and under heaven, exactly where is the beauty of holiness? But, couldn't comment until I registered. When I registered, I saw a question I had asked 3 years ago in 2020, why I didn't see Macc 1:49 in kjb.. someone responded I see now. Letting me know where I can find the books Martin Luther referred to as "hidden". Today I read a letter by Jeremiah I never read before. John, why am I telling you all this? Because I wonder if you , like me, find it difficult to "wait on the Lord" Do you know where the beauty of holiness is? Thanks.
I'm reading your comment:"If we reject Jesus as our savior there is no salvation. When we die in our sin and unrepentants, our soul is separated from him, and cast into Hell. This is the 2nd Death." True! And, I would like to comment on this topic.
The second death follows the judgement scene. Jesus, the mediator, shows the resurrected unsaved dead all their life from the books of record. (Angels follow us around recording all deeds.) And, then the unrepentant sinner bows to the LORD. He never repents. Yet , he will bow to the LORD. And, then, God by the sword of his mouth ( by his words that he speaks) the wicked will die forever. Cease to exist. No eternal life of suffering.
Eternal life is the reward ONLY to us who are saved.
Why would the LORD punish for ETERNITY a sinner that lived for only 70 years? Or 20 years? That makes zero sense. Our God is one of love, logic, order, reason.
Hello brother Spencer, Glad you're back at the office so to speak! I agree with your thoughts here as I did last week. The thoughts are interpreting the Bible as literal as we can in our very life. Or do I mis-understand you? Will read part two as I can.
As promised, I'm returning to our discussion that I had to exit due to a lot going on during the week.
Just to recap what initiated this discussion allow me to back track a little.
A few days ago, you responded to me concerning a post I made.
Here's that Post.
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: GOD WAS MANIFEST IN THE FLESH, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, PREACHED UNTO THE GENTILES, BELIEVED ON IN THE WORLD, RECEIVED UP INTO GLORY. 1 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2 Timothy 3:16.
When "ALL" scripture is Allegorized or interpreted mystically it is NOT able to be profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
There is the difference.
One is just so happened to be correct.
Christ sheep does not leave the back door open for the wolves to come in because they hate the sheep fold.
End Post.
The first part of that post ( 1 Timothy 3:16) was in relation to a question asked. "Why we do preach the deity of Christ, "though it offends some. "Because it happens to be true!
The second part of that post ( 2 Timothy 3:16.) I mentioned to explain why and what method we use when we reprove, correct or instruct. "We use scripture as it is written without Allegorizing it or interpreting it mystically so it can be put on a spindle so it can be purposely taken out of context.
The third part of the Post is saying, just because one hates the Trinity doctrine it shouldn't cause a true believer to side and promote a false teacher/wolf and a Doctrine they don't believe in. Such as, "believers and unbelievers alike will become gods. Noone by the Spirirt of Christ would do such a thing.
See Part 2 concerning your response and a Holy kiss.
If I may add a few points to this subject, I know we have different understandings on this and I hope you will not be offended, these are questions I have asked myself. What does Scripture support, our soul is an immortal entity that consciously lives on after the death of the body or does it sleep in the grave until the resurrection? Is the definition of death a separation of the soul from the body or is it the end of life, a permanent cessation, and the grave is our home until we are resurrected?
John 3:15-16 Without the belief in Jesus we will perish the Greek word apollumi means destroy utterly, to put out of the way entirely, abolish as in Psalms 37:10Psalms 92:7Proverbs 10:28-29Job 20:4-7Malachi 4:1-32 Peter 2:12.
Matthew 10:28 we are to fear the one who can destroy the body and the soul in hell, the Greek word for destroy is apollumi same as perish, a permanent/absolute destruction. Hell, the Greek word is geenna the fire and smoke that goes up and burns forever that never goes out is a reference to the lake of fire. Job 17:13 the Hebrew word sheol is the same word translated as hell. Job 17:16 the word pit is the same Hebrew word.
Our first death is sleep, Psalms 13:3Daniel 12:2Acts 13:361 Cor. 15:51. If all souls are immortal which means they have eternal life, the question must be asked, what is the gift of eternal life we see in John 3:15John 6:54Romans 6:23Titus 1:21 John 2:25Jude 1:21? If our soul is immortal, why do we have to put immortality on as said in 1 Corinthians 15:51-58?
My understanding is everyone will face judgment there is the first resurrection in Rev. 20 and the white throne judgment of all who have lived excluding those in the first resurrection who have already received their glorified bodies and judged, Rev. 20:4 and have been reigning with Jesus for a thousand years.
The second resurrection and judgment is called the second death, in this judgment, all who are not found in the Book of Life are cast into the lake of fire and they will perish, this punishment based on their works is everlasting to be no more, not an eternal conscious torment. We are given an example in Jude 1:7 of how the wicked will perish, the same way Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed in the eternal fire for eternity never to be again.
Just a little of how I understand it, I know you know the Greek words' meaning better than I do, thank you.
Hi Chris, this comment is in reply to what happens to the condemned soul.
The following quotes the New World Encyclopedia on Gehenna.
"The valley forms the southwest border of ancient Jerusalem that stretches from the foot of Mt. Zion to the Kidron Valley. It is first mentioned in Joshua 15:8. Originally it referred to a garbage dump in a deep narrow valley right outside the walls of Jerusalem where fires were kept burning to consume the refuse and keep down the stench. It is also the location where bodies of executed criminals, or individuals denied a proper burial, would be dumped. In addition, this valley was frequently not controlled by the Jewish authority within the city walls; it is traditionally held that this valley was used as a place of religious child-sacrifice to Moloch by the Canaanites outside the city (comp. Jer. 2: 23).
Like Sheol, Gehenna is sometimes translated as Hell."
Notice: "FIRES WERE KEPT BURNING TO CONSUME THE REFUSE"
The soul that sins will be burnt up and be eternal gone. Like sodom and Gomorrah. Burnt up and gone. Ashes under our feet.
This is in response to our earlier conversation. Does the condemned soul ceases to exist or does the condemned soul burn for eternity. The below verse was an example you gave of eternal burning.
"And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Matt 10:28 KJV.
This verse NOT proof of eternal burning. It IS proof that the condemned soul CEASES to exist. God destroys BOTH soul and body.
Please pray in agreement with me Abba Father, I bless Your Name. I give glory and honor to You!! I pray for my mother Edna who is currently suffering from the attack of the enemy, of mental illness. I Pray that the chains of oppression & depression be broken off of her mind, body and soul. I command that she be totally healed, set free and delivered. I Pray and ask for restoration in every single area of her precious life. I speak healing into her body right now from alcohol abuse,drug abuse and smoking for her health sake. In Jesus name. I now pray for my brother Michael Bryan Jr he is in need of complete healing from drug addiction and sexual sins. We speak salvation to enter the hearts and minds of my entire family in the Almighty Name of Jesus Christ Amen. No Weapons Formed Against my family will Prosper! We position ourselves to receive, we surrender our entire life to You! We place our families on the altar at Your feet!! We pray your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Thank You In Advance for answered prayers. In Jesus Name Amen
St Mathew's sense of reconciling the grand vision of kingdom of heaven in terms of the heart; of eternity in the now and holiness of God in the man become flesh is fit with the backdrop chosen for the beginning of the ministry of Jesus Christ. The high mountain chosen for this inaugural address is Zion laid before the worlds began. (Is.28:16) The eternal word forever settled in heaven and Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever shall only be complet when it descends from heaven as New Jerusalem. So the doctrine presented by the Son of man shall remain as it is as long as the day decreed for the Son shall remain.
We shall take each verse by verse, Parables of Jesus are flesh given to it so its eternal verity shall be recalled under every clime and generation men with renewed force. For example Jesus said," Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Parable of the Publican and the Pharisee throws light into the nature of poor in spirit and holiness of God is not above in rewarding them. While the Pharisee justified himself even his knowledge of the Law began smelling foul for he was shredding the sanctity of His presence in the temple."And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner./ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."( Luke 18:9-14)
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. The Life of Job is a lesson and we read thus,"So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning."( Job 42:12). Similarly so many saints who were blessed because tribulations became stepping stones for glory.
John 8:36: "If the Son sets you free, you'll be free indeed." The Word "free" is repeated twice here to emphasize the importance of freedom in human life. So many people live in bondage, but the good news is that the Son can set us free from every bondage, shackle, curse, sickness, depression, defeat, shame, and the like.
These things are caused by Satan and his demons, using sin as an entry point, and they can be passed down from one generation to another. Exodus 34:7 and Deuteronomy 5:9 "Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them; for I, the Lord thy God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate Me."
Jesus gives a condition here, "if," to mean that not everybody is set free by the Son of God, but only those who choose to let Him set them free.
"The Son sets you free": Yes, He has the Power and Authority to set us free. He does not negotiate with the devils; He commands them. He has the power to forgive our sins. Matthew 9:6 "But so that you might know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sin . . ."
"You'll be free indeed": When Jesus sets us free, we are completely free. The freedom Christ offers is complete and not half. We're delivered from the powers of darkness.
May the Lord help us be free indeed, in Jesus' name.
Goose, please agree with my husband and I for thanking Jesus for healing our daughter from cancer. We believe that she is healed now we pray for the manifestation of His healing power.
Will you also agree with us that Jesus bless me with His word, 1 Corinthians 11:15.
When it comes to our daily walk with God; it is helpful to have those who are more mature in the faith to guide and disciple us.
Those who have exhibited fruit in their lives through long term evidence involved in the ministry; whether leaders in the church or other acquaintances who are laypersons may not matter. Paul states "imitate me" in 1 Cor. 11:1 (easy to memorize with that identifier).
We do well to realize; without being cynical that everyone is subject to Christ and on this side of heaven capable of sin. This means we have to be careful not to put someone on a pedestal whether it be a spouse; or a Pastor. The first issue is whether we are truly desiring to emulate someone because of a personality trait or a genuine spiritual gift. The second; related to the first is if the gift has more significance either to us or the person in question as compared to the "author and finisher of our faith" Christ Himself. ( Heb. 12:2). We need to look through spiritual eyes and not always focus on who speaks the loudest or most eloquently; or makes the rules; etc. Of course we need not to obsess on someone who is physically attractive and all the related desires of the flesh that seek to undo us. Just take one look at the Christian "music industry" to see how clearly that is evident with the appearance of celebrities in all their glitz and glamour.
We need to see objectively how much of our time we spend in church activities along with the rest of our time is really helping us to do the things required of God; namely fulfilling the Great Commission; prayer and meditation on the scriptures. I have stated in previous posts that it is remarkable how much time believers tend to spend socializing when in fellowship and how little discussing answered prayers and scriptural promises fulfilled in their lives due to God's faithfulness. I am convinced this is one of Satan's best kept secrets and ties in with verses such as 2 Timothy 3:5.
"And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:/ And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying"
The Evangelist Matthews introduces the doctrine of God, which has been made manifest by manifold ways by the holy men of old. His approach to the Son has been set as Matt.1:1 indicates. Generation Jesus Christ takes up the theme of man 'in our own image' narrowing down generations of the heaven and of the earth to his creation. "And God blessed them." These generations are further clarified to occur within the day which by a decree is put under the authority of the Son. So the Sermon on the Mount consists blessings of the Father in his Son.
For an example " Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake." (v.11) the struggle a natural man faces because of his flesh and of his spirit. This dichotomy in our interaction with our generation becomes much more pronounced and unsettling. There may be persecutions formed from the ungodly and Jesus puts his finger on the cause, "for my sake". Each generation has had and Abel the righteous one paid with his life. Such strife is bound to occur because the law of sin is enmity towards the Law of Spirit. ("So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin."
"For my sake"
God blessed man who is created in his own image sets a key principle of Similitude. Thus man either represents the Son or he is against him. This representation explains the fall of man. " For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ." (Ro.5:17) God blessed Moses so his eye of faith saw this representation. "Now the man Moses was very meek," Or rather he made himself like Christ. "And the similitude of theLordshall he behold."(Nu.12:8)
Hi Frank . I'm so sorry for you . It can be very exhausting living with someone with mental health problems . They need a lot of TLC ( tender loving care ) . It's even harder if this person doesn't know the Truth . We who know the Truth have something very powerful and loving to lean on , those in darkness don't share our hope so don't share our comfort and strength . I remember how insecure and unhappy I was before I started to read the Bible , in fact I ask God to never let me forget how insecure and unhappy I was before He saved me . This world is a chaotic and scary place when you don't know about God , please try to remember this about your wife , she doesn't share your faith and so she is in this world without any of the things that you know you can rely on . Remember how you lived and felt before you knew the love and strength of God . Patience is the key , show her how much God loves her , if possible when she's in a calm mood , tell her why you are so calm and happy , gently drop things into your daily conversation , things to do with where you get your strength and security from . Help her to realise where her anxiety cones from , living in this chaotic world , where nothing can be relied on to be the same two days in a row , except God's love , that can be relied on , and maybe yours also :) . Your wife sounds desperately insecure and fearful and I can understand why , just watch the news and imagine that you don't know the Truth . You have to be her rock and then you have to lead her to your rock . All my family and friends think I'm so calm and strong and relaxed , I try to tell them that's not me , that's God , helping me to be like that every day . They don't like it much when I say that but I say it anyway :) . Give God the glory and let your wife know that she is loved very much , by you and by God .
Eye of faith is in lockstep with God because of the soul of man is his true and faithful witness, "For His eyes are on the ways of a man, and He sees his every step." Faith is one and it explains the heart as a spiritual space with which God is knowable. "He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works."(Ps.33:15; Job 34:21)
God is set in terms of light which explains this eye of faith in terms of the body. "The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light./ But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!"
Satan tempted Jesus because he did not understand the holiness of God and of faith which is one. Answering the tempter was to no avail. So he rebuked him,"Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve."(4:10)
God sent forth his word which has been preparing the ground so holy men of old did not speak their own piece but what the Spirit set before their eye of faith, "Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow."(1 Pe.1:11) By the same token when Jesus called out his disciples straightaway laid aside what they were engaged in and followed him.
Thank you GiGi for your reply, yeah she is constantly believing I'm cheating on her too. I am very exhausted but I know God will handle this in the best way possible. He is faithful to His Word.
Hi GiGi, yes she is my wife. Thank you for your advice, and please continue praying. It is very difficult for me because I read the Bible for hours upon hours sometimes and keep praying fervently but she gets upset at the smallest inconveniences. Thank you for your prayers. God bless.
Thank you for being upfront with me. I do understand where you're coming from and I will respectfully move on from this discussion.
Until I can find some place in the Bible that tells me that the soul will cease to exist and that hell is the grave, we will just have to remain in disagreement.
Unless the Lord comes for us before we die, our bodies are going to end up in a grave somewhere. I can't bring myself to believe that you or I or anyone else who belongs to the Lord will end up in hell (if hell is the grave).
I know I asked a lot of questions and I presented a lot scriptures to go with those questions. You mentioned that you don't have the time to read everything but I hope that if you ever do find the time to carefully read over those questions, perhaps you might see why I find it difficult to agree with you on this one.
Again, thank you for your openness and for being the kind and caring person that you are. I do look forward to reading more of your posts. God bless!!!
Heavenly Father, I pray for You to bless Rlbell1956 with healing his heart. Father God, You sent Your beloved son Jesus to heal him. Thank You Jesus, by Your stripes Rlbell is healed.
Heavenly Father, I along with Goose, ask You to bless Virginia with rain. Thank You Father God for the rain.
I pray for Goose's school that Your Word be taught as it should be. Father God, bless Goose with a deep never ending hunger for You. Bless Goose with understanding and living Your Word. That Goose's life be for Your honor and glory.
Thank You Father God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
How do you understand John 11:25-26?
"Jesus said unto her, "I am the Resurrection, and the light: he who believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.
And whoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?"
I'm reading your comment:"If we reject Jesus as our savior there is no salvation. When we die in our sin and unrepentants, our soul is separated from him, and cast into Hell. This is the 2nd Death." True! And, I would like to comment on this topic.
The second death follows the judgement scene. Jesus, the mediator, shows the resurrected unsaved dead all their life from the books of record. (Angels follow us around recording all deeds.) And, then the unrepentant sinner bows to the LORD. He never repents. Yet , he will bow to the LORD. And, then, God by the sword of his mouth ( by his words that he speaks) the wicked will die forever. Cease to exist. No eternal life of suffering.
Eternal life is the reward ONLY to us who are saved.
Why would the LORD punish for ETERNITY a sinner that lived for only 70 years? Or 20 years? That makes zero sense. Our God is one of love, logic, order, reason.
Carleton
Part 1.
As promised, I'm returning to our discussion that I had to exit due to a lot going on during the week.
Just to recap what initiated this discussion allow me to back track a little.
A few days ago, you responded to me concerning a post I made.
Here's that Post.
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: GOD WAS MANIFEST IN THE FLESH, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, PREACHED UNTO THE GENTILES, BELIEVED ON IN THE WORLD, RECEIVED UP INTO GLORY. 1 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2 Timothy 3:16.
When "ALL" scripture is Allegorized or interpreted mystically it is NOT able to be profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
There is the difference.
One is just so happened to be correct.
Christ sheep does not leave the back door open for the wolves to come in because they hate the sheep fold.
End Post.
The first part of that post ( 1 Timothy 3:16) was in relation to a question asked. "Why we do preach the deity of Christ, "though it offends some. "Because it happens to be true!
The second part of that post ( 2 Timothy 3:16.) I mentioned to explain why and what method we use when we reprove, correct or instruct. "We use scripture as it is written without Allegorizing it or interpreting it mystically so it can be put on a spindle so it can be purposely taken out of context.
The third part of the Post is saying, just because one hates the Trinity doctrine it shouldn't cause a true believer to side and promote a false teacher/wolf and a Doctrine they don't believe in. Such as, "believers and unbelievers alike will become gods. Noone by the Spirirt of Christ would do such a thing.
See Part 2 concerning your response and a Holy kiss.
Part 1
If I may add a few points to this subject, I know we have different understandings on this and I hope you will not be offended, these are questions I have asked myself. What does Scripture support, our soul is an immortal entity that consciously lives on after the death of the body or does it sleep in the grave until the resurrection? Is the definition of death a separation of the soul from the body or is it the end of life, a permanent cessation, and the grave is our home until we are resurrected?
John 3:15-16 Without the belief in Jesus we will perish the Greek word apollumi means destroy utterly, to put out of the way entirely, abolish as in Psalms 37:10 Psalms 92:7 Proverbs 10:28-29 Job 20:4-7 Malachi 4:1-3 2 Peter 2:12.
Matthew 10:28 we are to fear the one who can destroy the body and the soul in hell, the Greek word for destroy is apollumi same as perish, a permanent/absolute destruction. Hell, the Greek word is geenna the fire and smoke that goes up and burns forever that never goes out is a reference to the lake of fire. Job 17:13 the Hebrew word sheol is the same word translated as hell. Job 17:16 the word pit is the same Hebrew word.
Our first death is sleep, Psalms 13:3 Daniel 12:2 Acts 13:36 1 Cor. 15:51. If all souls are immortal which means they have eternal life, the question must be asked, what is the gift of eternal life we see in John 3:15 John 6:54 Romans 6:23 Titus 1:2 1 John 2:25 Jude 1:21? If our soul is immortal, why do we have to put immortality on as said in 1 Corinthians 15:51-58?
See part 2
Part 2
My understanding is everyone will face judgment there is the first resurrection in Rev. 20 and the white throne judgment of all who have lived excluding those in the first resurrection who have already received their glorified bodies and judged, Rev. 20:4 and have been reigning with Jesus for a thousand years.
The second resurrection and judgment is called the second death, in this judgment, all who are not found in the Book of Life are cast into the lake of fire and they will perish, this punishment based on their works is everlasting to be no more, not an eternal conscious torment. We are given an example in Jude 1:7 of how the wicked will perish, the same way Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed in the eternal fire for eternity never to be again.
Just a little of how I understand it, I know you know the Greek words' meaning better than I do, thank you.
God bless,
RLW
This comment is in reply to what happens to the condemned soul.
See on YouTube: Clash of Minds episode 178. At about 7 minutes into the lecture, Pastor Veith mentions that the condemned soul ceases to exist.
178 WUP Walter Veith & Martin Smith - Do not Worship The Beast And his Image, And Receive his Mark
Clash Of Minds
133K subscribers
Pastor Veith has dealt with this subject in previous lectures though I cannot seem to find it now.
The following quotes the New World Encyclopedia on Gehenna.
"The valley forms the southwest border of ancient Jerusalem that stretches from the foot of Mt. Zion to the Kidron Valley. It is first mentioned in Joshua 15:8. Originally it referred to a garbage dump in a deep narrow valley right outside the walls of Jerusalem where fires were kept burning to consume the refuse and keep down the stench. It is also the location where bodies of executed criminals, or individuals denied a proper burial, would be dumped. In addition, this valley was frequently not controlled by the Jewish authority within the city walls; it is traditionally held that this valley was used as a place of religious child-sacrifice to Moloch by the Canaanites outside the city (comp. Jer. 2: 23).
Like Sheol, Gehenna is sometimes translated as Hell."
Notice: "FIRES WERE KEPT BURNING TO CONSUME THE REFUSE"
The soul that sins will be burnt up and be eternal gone. Like sodom and Gomorrah. Burnt up and gone. Ashes under our feet.
This is in response to our earlier conversation. Does the condemned soul ceases to exist or does the condemned soul burn for eternity. The below verse was an example you gave of eternal burning.
"And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Matt 10:28 KJV.
This verse NOT proof of eternal burning. It IS proof that the condemned soul CEASES to exist. God destroys BOTH soul and body.
To live a life that glorifies You, Lord God Almighty. Amen
St Mathew's sense of reconciling the grand vision of kingdom of heaven in terms of the heart; of eternity in the now and holiness of God in the man become flesh is fit with the backdrop chosen for the beginning of the ministry of Jesus Christ. The high mountain chosen for this inaugural address is Zion laid before the worlds began. (Is.28:16) The eternal word forever settled in heaven and Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever shall only be complet when it descends from heaven as New Jerusalem. So the doctrine presented by the Son of man shall remain as it is as long as the day decreed for the Son shall remain.
We shall take each verse by verse, Parables of Jesus are flesh given to it so its eternal verity shall be recalled under every clime and generation men with renewed force. For example Jesus said," Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Parable of the Publican and the Pharisee throws light into the nature of poor in spirit and holiness of God is not above in rewarding them. While the Pharisee justified himself even his knowledge of the Law began smelling foul for he was shredding the sanctity of His presence in the temple."And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner./ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."( Luke 18:9-14)
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. The Life of Job is a lesson and we read thus,"So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning."( Job 42:12). Similarly so many saints who were blessed because tribulations became stepping stones for glory.
These things are caused by Satan and his demons, using sin as an entry point, and they can be passed down from one generation to another. Exodus 34:7 and Deuteronomy 5:9 "Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them; for I, the Lord thy God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate Me."
Jesus gives a condition here, "if," to mean that not everybody is set free by the Son of God, but only those who choose to let Him set them free.
"The Son sets you free": Yes, He has the Power and Authority to set us free. He does not negotiate with the devils; He commands them. He has the power to forgive our sins. Matthew 9:6 "But so that you might know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sin . . ."
"You'll be free indeed": When Jesus sets us free, we are completely free. The freedom Christ offers is complete and not half. We're delivered from the powers of darkness.
May the Lord help us be free indeed, in Jesus' name.
Will you also agree with us that Jesus bless me with His word, 1 Corinthians 11:15.
All for the glory of our Lord God Almighty.
Thank you Goose
I have prayed for Scott and Chuck, and Jessica and your family. May God bless all today and answer our prayers in miraculous ways.
When it comes to our daily walk with God; it is helpful to have those who are more mature in the faith to guide and disciple us.
Those who have exhibited fruit in their lives through long term evidence involved in the ministry; whether leaders in the church or other acquaintances who are laypersons may not matter. Paul states "imitate me" in 1 Cor. 11:1 (easy to memorize with that identifier).
We do well to realize; without being cynical that everyone is subject to Christ and on this side of heaven capable of sin. This means we have to be careful not to put someone on a pedestal whether it be a spouse; or a Pastor. The first issue is whether we are truly desiring to emulate someone because of a personality trait or a genuine spiritual gift. The second; related to the first is if the gift has more significance either to us or the person in question as compared to the "author and finisher of our faith" Christ Himself. ( Heb. 12:2). We need to look through spiritual eyes and not always focus on who speaks the loudest or most eloquently; or makes the rules; etc. Of course we need not to obsess on someone who is physically attractive and all the related desires of the flesh that seek to undo us. Just take one look at the Christian "music industry" to see how clearly that is evident with the appearance of celebrities in all their glitz and glamour.
We need to see objectively how much of our time we spend in church activities along with the rest of our time is really helping us to do the things required of God; namely fulfilling the Great Commission; prayer and meditation on the scriptures. I have stated in previous posts that it is remarkable how much time believers tend to spend socializing when in fellowship and how little discussing answered prayers and scriptural promises fulfilled in their lives due to God's faithfulness. I am convinced this is one of Satan's best kept secrets and ties in with verses such as 2 Timothy 3:5.
"And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:/ And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying"
The Evangelist Matthews introduces the doctrine of God, which has been made manifest by manifold ways by the holy men of old. His approach to the Son has been set as Matt.1:1 indicates. Generation Jesus Christ takes up the theme of man 'in our own image' narrowing down generations of the heaven and of the earth to his creation. "And God blessed them." These generations are further clarified to occur within the day which by a decree is put under the authority of the Son. So the Sermon on the Mount consists blessings of the Father in his Son.
For an example " Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake." (v.11) the struggle a natural man faces because of his flesh and of his spirit. This dichotomy in our interaction with our generation becomes much more pronounced and unsettling. There may be persecutions formed from the ungodly and Jesus puts his finger on the cause, "for my sake". Each generation has had and Abel the righteous one paid with his life. Such strife is bound to occur because the law of sin is enmity towards the Law of Spirit. ("So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin."
"For my sake"
God blessed man who is created in his own image sets a key principle of Similitude. Thus man either represents the Son or he is against him. This representation explains the fall of man. " For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ." (Ro.5:17) God blessed Moses so his eye of faith saw this representation. "Now the man Moses was very meek," Or rather he made himself like Christ. "And the similitude of theLordshall he behold."(Nu.12:8)
Eye of faith is in lockstep with God because of the soul of man is his true and faithful witness, "For His eyes are on the ways of a man, and He sees his every step." Faith is one and it explains the heart as a spiritual space with which God is knowable. "He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works."(Ps.33:15; Job 34:21)
God is set in terms of light which explains this eye of faith in terms of the body. "The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light./ But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!"
Satan tempted Jesus because he did not understand the holiness of God and of faith which is one. Answering the tempter was to no avail. So he rebuked him,"Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve."(4:10)
God sent forth his word which has been preparing the ground so holy men of old did not speak their own piece but what the Spirit set before their eye of faith, "Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow."(1 Pe.1:11) By the same token when Jesus called out his disciples straightaway laid aside what they were engaged in and followed him.
Thank you for being upfront with me. I do understand where you're coming from and I will respectfully move on from this discussion.
Until I can find some place in the Bible that tells me that the soul will cease to exist and that hell is the grave, we will just have to remain in disagreement.
Unless the Lord comes for us before we die, our bodies are going to end up in a grave somewhere. I can't bring myself to believe that you or I or anyone else who belongs to the Lord will end up in hell (if hell is the grave).
I know I asked a lot of questions and I presented a lot scriptures to go with those questions. You mentioned that you don't have the time to read everything but I hope that if you ever do find the time to carefully read over those questions, perhaps you might see why I find it difficult to agree with you on this one.
Again, thank you for your openness and for being the kind and caring person that you are. I do look forward to reading more of your posts. God bless!!!
I pray for Goose's school that Your Word be taught as it should be. Father God, bless Goose with a deep never ending hunger for You. Bless Goose with understanding and living Your Word. That Goose's life be for Your honor and glory.
Thank You Father God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
From your sister in Christ