Lord, help us to be faithful and obedient to You. May we be ready to follow closely to Your word and worship You in truth and in spirit.
Bless the new leadership in D.C. to look to the LORD JESUS CHRIST for wisdom and courage to do that which is right in Your name. May all the people of GOD serve You in prayer, giving, and studying of Your word. Grant unto us the courage to repent and seek Your forgiveness daily.
Merry Christmas to all! GOD to shine HIS face on all who love HIM and look forward to HIS coming.
Praise the Lord. Truth is, God knows our heart. However, God needs to hear the words of confession come past our lips. He hears our voice out of his temple and responds accordingly.
II Sam. 22:7___KJV
"In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears."Amen, Amen, Amen.
Romans 14:19 - Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
The word edify comes from a Greek word (OIKODOMES) that is actually a construction term that means to build a house. Some people use the phrase "Building one another up," but they use it in a sense of emotionally, or psychologically building people up. But it has to do with construction.
In 1 Corinthians Chapter 3, it says that the foundation that is laid is Jesus Christ. He says to take heed how you build, either wood, hay and stubble, or gold, silver, and precious stones. Which is it? Take heed that the material that you are building upon that foundation. That's edification. That's development. Building a house!
Another reference is given to us at the end of Ephesians Chapter 2. Paul says that we are all, both Jew and Gentile, we are being built up unto a spiritual house, to house the Lord.
Peter, in 1 Peter Chapter 2 talked about "We're living stones being developed unto a spiritual house, Jesus Christ being the chief conerstone." So, with that metaphorical picture, we realize that whatever each of us has to go through, our "stone" so to speak, is being shaped to fit in with the other stones in this building.
Romans 14:10 - But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
I have shared this in the past, but I thought I would mention again that this little phrase "judgment seat" is the word BEMA. It is the Bema seat, not the Great White Throne Judgment of Revelation Chapter 20. Every believer will go through a judgment. No believer will stand at the Great White Thone Judgment.
But every believer will pass through the fire. That's not hell. That's our own little judgment and the foundation that we all have is Christ. Some are going to build upon that foundation with wood, hay, and stubble. And others with gold, silver, and precious stones. And as we pass through the fire, whatever burns is not of Christ, and it's gone. And after the fire, whatever is left, that's our reward!
Romans 14:15 - But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
But if your brother be grieved with your meat, you are no longer walking according to love. That's the literal translation. Do not destroy with your meat, the person for whom Christ died.
Romans 14:16 - Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
The word good (AGATHOS) has to do with the good of Christ, Spiritual good. But the evil spoken of is the word BLASPHEMEISTHO, (Blasphemy). Even if I can find scripture that backs me up to say I can do what I'm doing and it's not wrong, if I offend a brother or sister that doesn't understand, I am responsible for that.
Romans 13:14 - But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
The word provision in Greek means to think and plan ahead of time. Wow, does that strike home? My whole life, that's all I've done. My flesh says, "Man, you had me working for many years, all year long 8 to 5? We haven't had any time off. I think you need to travel around the world. That's what I think we need to do."
And I'm thinking that sounds great. But is it plans to follow the Lord? Is it plans to present my body as a living sacrifice to Christ? Or am I making provision for the flesh? And by following that, is it taking me away from the things of Christ? Very urgent, very serious message!
Romans 14:1 - Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, and that's a command to receive the one who is weak in the faith, but not to doubtful disputations. Now we are to receive him, but not to doubtful disputations.
Doubtful is the word judgment in the Greek text. And the word disputation, DIALOGISMOS, where we get our word dialog from, is translated opinion.
Receive him, but not judging of opinions. In essence, we're focusing on believers not being able to see eye to eye on opinions. These are called non-essentials, non-essential issues, not pertaining to what the scriptures say, and not pertaining to moral issues. These things are addressed in God's word.
But we are to receive one another even though opinions might differ. We're not talking about beliefs. We're talking about opinions. The weaker brother or sister, they will have some opinions about what's right and wrong.
Romans 14:2 - For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
For one believeth that he may eat all things: and another, who is weak, eats only vegetables. Lachana is the Greek word and it means vegetable. So, the word herb is the word vegetable.
Romans 12:10 - Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
The term "affectioned" is a term for family love. Have an affection for your brothers and sisters in Christ as family, as PHILADELPHIA, brotherly love. And you show it by honoring them by preferring others ahead of yourself.
Romans 12:12 - Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Praising in hope, patient in tribulation; and continuation in prayer, continuing to rejoice in the hope in Christ. The word patient is HUPOMENO. It means to remain under in difficult circumstances. And continuing, that is, not leaving off in prayer.
Romans 12:13 - Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Distributing to the necessity of saints; The word distributing is the word Koinonia for fellowship. It means to identify, be at one with the needs of the saints, especially given to hospitality.
In those days, it was a bad place for Christians to stay at the Inn, the local motels, which were nothing but brothels. And so, as the Christians were passing through, they would seek out Christian fellowship and Christians would take them into their homes and give them a place to stay for a day or two or a night or two. So, be at common, be at one with the needs of the body of Christ, with the saints.
Romans 12:14 - Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
The word bless EULOGEO is where we get our word eulogy from. Speak well of them. Speak well back to them. Don't get caught up. If they want to speak some way to you, let them. Don't get caught up in the destructive process. You bless and curse not. The word curse doesn't mean to swear. It means to wish destruction on somebody. Don't wish them the worst. Eulogize them.
Romans 12:9 - Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
It says let love be without dissimulation. What in the world is that? First of all, notice that the word "Let" is in italics. So, you can scratch that. There's no command here. And the word dissimulation is the old English word for hypocrisy. As I have shared before, HUPOCRISIS, the Greek word for hypocrisy is a word for an actor who is speaking according to the script.
A person in a religious circle can be a hypocrite. They learn how to answer according to the script. They just learn all the terminologies, and how to say praise the Lord, and how are you doing, but there's been no transformation. There's been no change, no sign of life!
So, if we put this all together, there are only three words here. The love without hypocrisy. That's all it says. It's a statement of fact. Love is without hypocrisy. Love doesn't have hypocrisy in it at all. There's no acting in love. Love doesn't act. In fact, I have come to learn to not like the term act when you are talking to another Christian. "Well, you're not acting like a Christian."
You don't want to tell people that because then they are going to try and act like one. We're not supposed to act like Christians. We're supposed to be Christians. You're either the real thing or you're not. You either have Christ in you or you don't. Love (Agape love) is without hypocrisy. There's no acting. It's the real thing!
All of these things in the rest of the chapter are connected with the statement "Love is without hypocrisy." The first thing about corruption, it says Abhor that which is evil; and cleave to that which is good. Agape love, the love of God, abhors, detests evil. And the word cleave is the word for glue. Glue yourself to that which is good. How many of us have hated corruption and evil, we can't stand it, and glue ourselves to that which is good?
I have been keeping you in my prayers and was just thinking yesterday how I missed you posting here. What a blessing to hear from you again. I will keep praying for your Mom and Dad and you as you face these coming months with them.
2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. (first part of verse; second shows resulting results for Asa's behavior).
The whole world is corrupt beyond easure; whether it is what is within men's hearts; or the world system; or the demonic principalities and powers controlling the affairs of men. We have made idols of popular foods; actors and actresses; musicians and our general way of life which we desire to maintain at all costs.
Proverbs 14:34 says Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. Whether it is grandma or her apple pie that brings us comfort only the Lord and those in Him will live forever and things in this life are fleeting. All desires of the flesh of beauty also are temporal along with any material goods that we obsess over. The Kingdom of Heaven is more than eating and drinking ( Romans 14:17) and for some reason the Gospel quote I am having difficulty finding. The point is the Holy Spirit must take over our minds and control our bodies and souls and put to death the old mind; otherwise known as mortifying the flesh ( Romans 8:13). Or as the quote mentioned in church today stated when the demon possessed child was to be healed "Lord help me with my unbelief". ( Mark 9:23 and following verses with anecdote).
Or as the song "How Deep the Father's Love" states in the end of the third stanza. "Ashamed I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers."
Those TRULY in the Lord will also recognize when the enemy is falsely accusing them of not knowing the Lord whenever a believer falls into sin or having fallen beyond redemption as another accusation. In my experience I have found that is a common way the Lord reigns me in to realize the sin that I've committed and to once again trust Him so that I am protected from the enemy's strongholds. Never try to outsmart the enemy.
It's been a while since my last posting. My mom was diagnosed a few weeks ago with stage 3 going to 4 lung cancer spreading to other areas of her body. Notwithstanding that she has been working with tumeric and pepper as a supplement and there seems to have been some improvement. Her lungs actually aren't that bad (her cancer is in the right side primarily) but so far preliiminary oxygen levels were tolerable. Nonetheless she has opted for home hospice care to supplement the aide that comes in now more or less daily for a few hours while I'm at work. We are in the process of getting someone to work with my dad who has dementia experience.
Needless to say things have been challenging around here; foremost of course with my parents not knowing the Lord. My Pastor said he was driving all day after the service as her 95 year old mom was dying; but she knows the Lord. He has to come back tonight as there are some other obligations so you can keep him in prayer.
This situation has caused at least several people in my church to pray for me on a daily basis; one guy in fact who is retired says he prayer several TIMES a day for me. I have one prayer request my mom is trying to sell one of her cars and since the dealer actually was in an accident when he was returning it a few years back after service we are trying to get a decent deal there; or elsewhere.
I have not really thought about posts here lately. I would appreciate prayer if it is His will anytime soon to resume that; as for the time being I still haven't freed more time for anything but the Sunday service.
Finally as far as often contentious issues with my parents for now the Lord hasn't given me any options for moving out. Mainly I want to be able to continue to be a decent witness and share my faith whenever I can.
Matthew 7:13-14 and like verses are brought to mind. My prayer for myself and others is that the enemy will not succeed in wrecking our witness in these dark days.
COGIC WORSHIP1 Corinthians 15:3-4:Jesus Christ is God that is a motif & descriptor of sonship and creation and
Divinity.I Worship a God that is God and Word of significant and of all IMPRINT and seal of God's nature. A God that you can do all things through his son- Philippians 4:13KJV.
My sons helped with the cooking and daughter in law made wonderful dessert.
A drive up a river canyon can be so refreshing. Did that with friends I visited in October. We travelled so far up that we were up on top of the ridge that looked over the river valley and also 360 degree views of the foothills of the Eastern Washington Cascades. Very beautiful to take in.
May your holidays be wonderful. Hubby is putting up lights on the roof today, so I have to stay close in case he needs me.
many blessings to you and Joyce and your whole family as we celebrate our Lord's first Advent in anticipation and hope for His second Advent when our redemption will be fully realized, our adversaries fully vanquished, and His kingdom is fully come on earth as it is in heaven now.
25 And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other.
26 Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it.
27 Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof.
28 And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment.
God's wisdom is precious. It is the true guide to peace and prosperity in these strange times.
Sometimes we have to give up "right for the wrong."
I am sorry to hear that this relationship is going so badly, I will be praying for you and the others involved. I too have family members (siblings) who are hostile to God and to me. The relationship with these three sisters has been difficult for decades. I just decide to be kind to them whenever we are together and to avoid too much contact with them as they are so toxic to me and a few of my brothers. These relationships do try us, but God, as you said so well, is who we lean on and rely on and desire to please more than any others in our lives, some of whom just cannot be pleased no matter how kind we are.
May your holidays be filled with the wonder of the Son of God humbling Himself to become man yet still being all God. He did this to save us who have been given faith to believe in our Lord Jesus unto salvation that lasts forever.
Hi GIGI, Happy Thanksgiving weekend! I am sure you carry the brunt of the Holiday your way and I believe the food was good! The new Kitchen sounds wonderful and I am sure it made the day great dun. We are well and happy. Joyce and I just took a drive up our river canyon nearby and now I am a little dizzy from the blurry eye thing but not too bad. I wish there could be a King James Potluck somewhere someday where many could meet each other. Maybe in Australia? :)
I hope you and family are feeling good. God bless you in this wonderful walk in our Lord!
"This word "fitted" is what's called the middle voice in Greek. That is, the vessel itself made itself a condition of a vessel for destruction. Nowhere in the text does it ever say God makes a good vessel for a vessel of destruction"
Yes Jackieboy, I thought was what you stated. Context of words in a sentence play a crucial role, along with punctuation, how the reader should interpret the sentence, phrase or paragraph.
King James Bible makes references in more than one chapter in both Old/New Testaments warning of these practices. So since I believe the KJB is inspired by God I have to believe in his warnings to me, don't do it.
You ask in one of your posts on this topic, did god create witch, which you said you didn't. This is one item I agree with you on, God didn't create evil ie witches in this case. If we will read Genesis we will understand or should understand what God created. Also where iniquity/pride/evil was found and how it broke Man's relationship with God.
In this analogy I don't believe God manufactures Kenworth tractors, so there for I don't believe that the one rolling at me at 55 mph is real and have faith it'll never hit me, only the driver and co-driver are telling each other roll on'. Have I been deceived in my thinking? In this case I believe I have.
I'll end with this my belief is God all Mighty is the only omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient God.
My faith is in Christ Jesus the risen Savior with who God was very well pleased with
Holy Ghost as my comforter.
May we all seek God and be blessed because we found him and he is pleased we us.
If anyone reads this this far take a few more seconds to put praise in your pray for the worth lamb Jesus Christ I believe the Trinity is alive and well.
Romans 12:7 - Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
Or ministry, which comes from a Greek word that means serving, let us wait on our ministering:
If you are a server in the body of Christ, you serve people, and it has to do with people's physical needs in the body of Christ. Deacons in the church are an extension of the pastor, because he cannot study and pray and prepare to give the word and try to handle all the physical needs of the people in the church. And just as a side note, the word deacon originally in the Greek language meant a waiter of tables.
Romans 12:8 - Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
Encouraging: Or he that exhorteth, and that's what exhorting means, it means to encourage. Or he that exhorts, let him stay in his exhortation:
Giving: He that giveth, let him do it with simplicity. The word simplicity in Greek means singleness of motive. That is, you give for one reason and one reason only, because the Lord is laying on your heart to give. So, the one who gives, let him do it with a singleness of motive!
Leading: He that rules, and it means the person who stands up front, leadership, let him do it with diligence; and that means top priority. Don't be slack. Leading and ruling has to be your top priority.
And then showing mercy: He that shows mercy, let him do it with cheerfulness. This Greek word HILAROTETI is where we get our English word hilarity from. Have mercy on people with hilarity, you know? It's like giving and enjoying every minute of it. I love those kind of givers that think it's hilarious. Other people probably think they're nuts!
Expression of grace means the ability and capacity that God's Spirit has, and anytime He does anything it is called CHARISMA, expression of grace. Having expressions of grace that differ according to the grace that is given to us, those are our functions. So, he's explaining that we're all one body.
Just like one physical body has many members to it, so also does the body of Christ have many members, but we're all one. And we function differently based on the grace of God that is ministered in us and through us.
So, he gets to the performance of ministry and he lists 7 things. These are areas of ministry, not gifts, but areas. First of all, in the performance of the body of Christ, he mentions prophecy. He says if it is prophecy, let us prophecy according to the proportion of faith; again, faith that's been measured. The word prophecy means to speak the word of God. So let us prophecy according to the proportion of faith that's given to us. In other words, don't go beyond that.
Romans 12:4 - For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
He says the physical body has many members, for as we have many members in one body, we have different functions, and all members have not the same office: The word office in the Greek means function.
Romans 12:6 - Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
Without getting into a long dissertation on the gifts of the Spirit, I want to share a few things with this verse. First, the word grace is the Greek word CHARIS. The word gifts is the word CHARISMA. All that means is that the word gifts as in "gifts of the spirit" which is a term only found one time in all the bible. In all the other places, where you see "gifts of the spirit," gifts is in italics. In 1 Corinthians 12, it is talking about the capacities and the abilities of the Holy Spirit. But "gifts" means expressions of grace. It comes from grace. That's what it means.
CHARIS with an MA on the end is called a ma noun in the Greek, and it has to do with the expression of something. So, if it is CHARIS, it is grace, and CHARISMA is the expression of grace. Whenever God expresses Himself, that's a gift. Gift in the Greek text doesn't mean the same thing as gift means to us in the English. It has nothing to do with God giving us a gift. That's a completely different Greek word and the only time that word is used is for the Holy Spirit.
God is not impressed with our performance. He wants to change us and transform us here so that we can take it with us when we leave. There are at least two places in the New Testament that tells us that the transformation that takes place here on the earth is what you take with you.
That's who you will be throughout eternity. We will all be the same in that we will all have spiritual bodies. But we're all going to be different. We take the transformation with us, and everything else burns. God wants to transform me and change me from within. And it's permanent! I take it with me.
If you want to read ahead in 1 Corinthians Chapter 3, it will tell you that. Take care how you build. Some build with wood, hay, and stubble, and some with gold, silver, and precious stones.
It says, "That ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Prove!
The word prove in the Greek means put it to the test. Put something to the test just like the Bereans did in Acts Chapter 17. They searched the scriptures, and they proved it!
That's one thing that is great about the biblical languages, both Greek and Hebrew, is that they are tools in which you can take and prove things. You don't have to become a scholar, but you can have the tools to trace out these words and see how they function and know that they are true.
Romans 12:2 - And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
There are two commands here. The first one is about being conformed. It's SCHEMATIZO. It's where we get our word schematic from. A schematic is a drawing of something about the outskirts or the boundaries of some house or some property. And that's what it means. Conformed has to do with outward change.
He says and be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind. The Greek word for transformed is where we get our word metamorphosis from. It doesn't have to do with inward change. It has to do with inward transformation. Not change, transformation!
So, conformity, being conformed is outward change, and being transformed is inward transformation, a permanent and complete change. And the change comes, and it says by the renewing of your mind. The word for mind here is the word NOUS. This particular Greek word represents the perceptive abilities of the mind, your perception. So, when I seek to be transformed, I seek for God's Spirit to take His word, and not change, but totally transform my mind so that I perceive the things of God.
God wants to transform us by the renewing of our minds. That is what our relationship with Him is all about. If that does not occur in the majority of our interaction with the Lord and the body of Christ, we're going to find out that a lot of what we did was a waste of time!
Romans 11:32 - For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
For God has concluded, and this word in Greek means imprisoned, but God has concluded them all in unbelief, in order that he might have mercy upon everyone.
You kind of get the point that it is mercy. It has nothing to do with religion.
Romans 12:1 - I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Paul says I beseech you therefore, brethren. This is not a command. The Greek word for beseech actually means to make an appeal. He says I appeal to you. This is something that comes in a response from our hearts toward Christ.
Paul says I appeal to you therefore, and the premise or basis for his appeal is by the mercies of God. Literally, it is through the mercies of God, but that's the designation that Paul is using for the first half of the book of Romans.
He says you have been condemned, justified, and sanctified, saved and sealed by the Spirit of God, all through God's mercy. They are all the mercies of God! So, what Paul is saying is "I'm appealing to you based on the mercies and compassions that God has shown to you."
Romans 10:17 - So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
The terms "by" in the text is actually the preposition "out of" as a source. Faith is a fruit of God's Spirit. It is not of man. Faith is a word that describes the activity of God's Spirit. Faith comes to us from out of hearing God's word. His Spirit ministers to us and persuades us and gives us the faith to do what God wants us to do out of the hearing of His word.
Romans 11:7 - What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
The rest of Israel were blinded! The word for blinded is POROO, pronounced Po-ro-oh. It's where we get our word porous from. It means to harden, to become stubborn, to cover with callouses.
And so, when it uses the word blinded, it means that Israel became insensitive to God. That's what callouses are for. You know, when you get out and start digging for the first time, you get blisters, and after a while you build up callouses. It makes it insensitive so that you don't feel it as much. They had become calloused.
Romans 11:29 - For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
Do you see how that fits in? Nothing shall separate us from the love of God. I have shared this in the past, but there are two words in the Greek for repentance. METANOEO is the normal word for repentance for salvation.
The word repentance, and there's two words in the Greek. METANOEO is the normal word for repentance. That's the repentance for salvation. METAMELOMAI is used of Judas Iscariot in Matthew 27:3. That word doesn't mean I repent, it means I'm sorry, like "I'm sorry it all happened."
This word here in Verse 29 is METAMELOMAI. This is in reference to Israel over the sovereign election of Israel. God is not sorry for His gifts and His calling.
I was just thinking of you and praying for you as well as others we haven't heard from for a while. Good to hear from you. I hope things are going very well for you and family. We are well here and the remodel is mostly completed. It was such a pleasure cooking Thanksgiving dinner in a bigger and newer kitchen yesterday. There was room or everyone to help with the prep and all.
Ok , so I'm going to say something extremely controversial now , so it may not get put up on the site .
The reason the book of John doesn't contain the word faith is because he uses a different word which actually means believe , as opposed to faith . Same thing you may say .
By that logic , if you believe in witches , does that not also mean that you have faith in them ? Do you believe ( have faith ) in their powers ?
I don't believe in or have faith in any other power that that of the God of all Creation , the Holy One of Israel and , His Only Begotten Son Jesus Christ . They are all I believe in , all I have faith in , they are true and all powerful and all knowing and able to do absolutely anything with any part of this entire universe . It all comes from , belongs to and is sustained by the Lord our God .
I don't think i can put it any plainer without sounding aggressive so I shall stop now and I don't wish to discuss this topic any further as I feel I would be going around in circles . May God bless us all .
Bless the new leadership in D.C. to look to the LORD JESUS CHRIST for wisdom and courage to do that which is right in Your name. May all the people of GOD serve You in prayer, giving, and studying of Your word. Grant unto us the courage to repent and seek Your forgiveness daily.
Merry Christmas to all! GOD to shine HIS face on all who love HIM and look forward to HIS coming.
December 5, 2024.
Praise the Lord. Truth is, God knows our heart. However, God needs to hear the words of confession come past our lips. He hears our voice out of his temple and responds accordingly.
II Sam. 22:7___KJV
"In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears."Amen, Amen, Amen.
Romans 14:19 - Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
The word edify comes from a Greek word (OIKODOMES) that is actually a construction term that means to build a house. Some people use the phrase "Building one another up," but they use it in a sense of emotionally, or psychologically building people up. But it has to do with construction.
In 1 Corinthians Chapter 3, it says that the foundation that is laid is Jesus Christ. He says to take heed how you build, either wood, hay and stubble, or gold, silver, and precious stones. Which is it? Take heed that the material that you are building upon that foundation. That's edification. That's development. Building a house!
Another reference is given to us at the end of Ephesians Chapter 2. Paul says that we are all, both Jew and Gentile, we are being built up unto a spiritual house, to house the Lord.
Peter, in 1 Peter Chapter 2 talked about "We're living stones being developed unto a spiritual house, Jesus Christ being the chief conerstone." So, with that metaphorical picture, we realize that whatever each of us has to go through, our "stone" so to speak, is being shaped to fit in with the other stones in this building.
Romans 14:10 - But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
I have shared this in the past, but I thought I would mention again that this little phrase "judgment seat" is the word BEMA. It is the Bema seat, not the Great White Throne Judgment of Revelation Chapter 20. Every believer will go through a judgment. No believer will stand at the Great White Thone Judgment.
But every believer will pass through the fire. That's not hell. That's our own little judgment and the foundation that we all have is Christ. Some are going to build upon that foundation with wood, hay, and stubble. And others with gold, silver, and precious stones. And as we pass through the fire, whatever burns is not of Christ, and it's gone. And after the fire, whatever is left, that's our reward!
Romans 14:15 - But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
But if your brother be grieved with your meat, you are no longer walking according to love. That's the literal translation. Do not destroy with your meat, the person for whom Christ died.
Romans 14:16 - Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
The word good (AGATHOS) has to do with the good of Christ, Spiritual good. But the evil spoken of is the word BLASPHEMEISTHO, (Blasphemy). Even if I can find scripture that backs me up to say I can do what I'm doing and it's not wrong, if I offend a brother or sister that doesn't understand, I am responsible for that.
Romans 13:14 - But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
The word provision in Greek means to think and plan ahead of time. Wow, does that strike home? My whole life, that's all I've done. My flesh says, "Man, you had me working for many years, all year long 8 to 5? We haven't had any time off. I think you need to travel around the world. That's what I think we need to do."
And I'm thinking that sounds great. But is it plans to follow the Lord? Is it plans to present my body as a living sacrifice to Christ? Or am I making provision for the flesh? And by following that, is it taking me away from the things of Christ? Very urgent, very serious message!
Romans 14:1 - Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, and that's a command to receive the one who is weak in the faith, but not to doubtful disputations. Now we are to receive him, but not to doubtful disputations.
Doubtful is the word judgment in the Greek text. And the word disputation, DIALOGISMOS, where we get our word dialog from, is translated opinion.
Receive him, but not judging of opinions. In essence, we're focusing on believers not being able to see eye to eye on opinions. These are called non-essentials, non-essential issues, not pertaining to what the scriptures say, and not pertaining to moral issues. These things are addressed in God's word.
But we are to receive one another even though opinions might differ. We're not talking about beliefs. We're talking about opinions. The weaker brother or sister, they will have some opinions about what's right and wrong.
Romans 14:2 - For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
For one believeth that he may eat all things: and another, who is weak, eats only vegetables. Lachana is the Greek word and it means vegetable. So, the word herb is the word vegetable.
Romans 12:10 - Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
The term "affectioned" is a term for family love. Have an affection for your brothers and sisters in Christ as family, as PHILADELPHIA, brotherly love. And you show it by honoring them by preferring others ahead of yourself.
Romans 12:12 - Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Praising in hope, patient in tribulation; and continuation in prayer, continuing to rejoice in the hope in Christ. The word patient is HUPOMENO. It means to remain under in difficult circumstances. And continuing, that is, not leaving off in prayer.
Romans 12:13 - Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Distributing to the necessity of saints; The word distributing is the word Koinonia for fellowship. It means to identify, be at one with the needs of the saints, especially given to hospitality.
In those days, it was a bad place for Christians to stay at the Inn, the local motels, which were nothing but brothels. And so, as the Christians were passing through, they would seek out Christian fellowship and Christians would take them into their homes and give them a place to stay for a day or two or a night or two. So, be at common, be at one with the needs of the body of Christ, with the saints.
Romans 12:14 - Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
The word bless EULOGEO is where we get our word eulogy from. Speak well of them. Speak well back to them. Don't get caught up. If they want to speak some way to you, let them. Don't get caught up in the destructive process. You bless and curse not. The word curse doesn't mean to swear. It means to wish destruction on somebody. Don't wish them the worst. Eulogize them.
Romans 12:9 - Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
It says let love be without dissimulation. What in the world is that? First of all, notice that the word "Let" is in italics. So, you can scratch that. There's no command here. And the word dissimulation is the old English word for hypocrisy. As I have shared before, HUPOCRISIS, the Greek word for hypocrisy is a word for an actor who is speaking according to the script.
A person in a religious circle can be a hypocrite. They learn how to answer according to the script. They just learn all the terminologies, and how to say praise the Lord, and how are you doing, but there's been no transformation. There's been no change, no sign of life!
So, if we put this all together, there are only three words here. The love without hypocrisy. That's all it says. It's a statement of fact. Love is without hypocrisy. Love doesn't have hypocrisy in it at all. There's no acting in love. Love doesn't act. In fact, I have come to learn to not like the term act when you are talking to another Christian. "Well, you're not acting like a Christian."
You don't want to tell people that because then they are going to try and act like one. We're not supposed to act like Christians. We're supposed to be Christians. You're either the real thing or you're not. You either have Christ in you or you don't. Love (Agape love) is without hypocrisy. There's no acting. It's the real thing!
All of these things in the rest of the chapter are connected with the statement "Love is without hypocrisy." The first thing about corruption, it says Abhor that which is evil; and cleave to that which is good. Agape love, the love of God, abhors, detests evil. And the word cleave is the word for glue. Glue yourself to that which is good. How many of us have hated corruption and evil, we can't stand it, and glue ourselves to that which is good?
I have been keeping you in my prayers and was just thinking yesterday how I missed you posting here. What a blessing to hear from you again. I will keep praying for your Mom and Dad and you as you face these coming months with them.
May the Lord continue to bless you.
Thank you for your encouragements.
Love to you and all!
Carleton and Joyce
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ rose from the dead after the third day, and he is God and Father.-Numbers6:24-26 KJV
Jesus saves Luke 19:10 KJV
The whole world is corrupt beyond easure; whether it is what is within men's hearts; or the world system; or the demonic principalities and powers controlling the affairs of men. We have made idols of popular foods; actors and actresses; musicians and our general way of life which we desire to maintain at all costs.
Proverbs 14:34 says Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. Whether it is grandma or her apple pie that brings us comfort only the Lord and those in Him will live forever and things in this life are fleeting. All desires of the flesh of beauty also are temporal along with any material goods that we obsess over. The Kingdom of Heaven is more than eating and drinking ( Romans 14:17) and for some reason the Gospel quote I am having difficulty finding. The point is the Holy Spirit must take over our minds and control our bodies and souls and put to death the old mind; otherwise known as mortifying the flesh ( Romans 8:13). Or as the quote mentioned in church today stated when the demon possessed child was to be healed "Lord help me with my unbelief". ( Mark 9:23 and following verses with anecdote).
Or as the song "How Deep the Father's Love" states in the end of the third stanza. "Ashamed I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers."
Those TRULY in the Lord will also recognize when the enemy is falsely accusing them of not knowing the Lord whenever a believer falls into sin or having fallen beyond redemption as another accusation. In my experience I have found that is a common way the Lord reigns me in to realize the sin that I've committed and to once again trust Him so that I am protected from the enemy's strongholds. Never try to outsmart the enemy.
Agape.
Needless to say things have been challenging around here; foremost of course with my parents not knowing the Lord. My Pastor said he was driving all day after the service as her 95 year old mom was dying; but she knows the Lord. He has to come back tonight as there are some other obligations so you can keep him in prayer.
This situation has caused at least several people in my church to pray for me on a daily basis; one guy in fact who is retired says he prayer several TIMES a day for me. I have one prayer request my mom is trying to sell one of her cars and since the dealer actually was in an accident when he was returning it a few years back after service we are trying to get a decent deal there; or elsewhere.
I have not really thought about posts here lately. I would appreciate prayer if it is His will anytime soon to resume that; as for the time being I still haven't freed more time for anything but the Sunday service.
Finally as far as often contentious issues with my parents for now the Lord hasn't given me any options for moving out. Mainly I want to be able to continue to be a decent witness and share my faith whenever I can.
Matthew 7:13-14 and like verses are brought to mind. My prayer for myself and others is that the enemy will not succeed in wrecking our witness in these dark days.
COGIC WORSHIP1 Corinthians 15:3-4:Jesus Christ is God that is a motif & descriptor of sonship and creation and
Divinity.I Worship a God that is God and Word of significant and of all IMPRINT and seal of God's nature. A God that you can do all things through his son- Philippians 4:13KJV.
My sons helped with the cooking and daughter in law made wonderful dessert.
A drive up a river canyon can be so refreshing. Did that with friends I visited in October. We travelled so far up that we were up on top of the ridge that looked over the river valley and also 360 degree views of the foothills of the Eastern Washington Cascades. Very beautiful to take in.
May your holidays be wonderful. Hubby is putting up lights on the roof today, so I have to stay close in case he needs me.
many blessings to you and Joyce and your whole family as we celebrate our Lord's first Advent in anticipation and hope for His second Advent when our redemption will be fully realized, our adversaries fully vanquished, and His kingdom is fully come on earth as it is in heaven now.
I Kings 3:25-28
25 And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other.
26 Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it.
27 Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof.
28 And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment.
God's wisdom is precious. It is the true guide to peace and prosperity in these strange times.
Sometimes we have to give up "right for the wrong."
God shall reward us. Amen!!!
I am sorry to hear that this relationship is going so badly, I will be praying for you and the others involved. I too have family members (siblings) who are hostile to God and to me. The relationship with these three sisters has been difficult for decades. I just decide to be kind to them whenever we are together and to avoid too much contact with them as they are so toxic to me and a few of my brothers. These relationships do try us, but God, as you said so well, is who we lean on and rely on and desire to please more than any others in our lives, some of whom just cannot be pleased no matter how kind we are.
May your holidays be filled with the wonder of the Son of God humbling Himself to become man yet still being all God. He did this to save us who have been given faith to believe in our Lord Jesus unto salvation that lasts forever.
I hope you and family are feeling good. God bless you in this wonderful walk in our Lord!
Carleton
God bless you.
Carleton
Very well put!
"This word "fitted" is what's called the middle voice in Greek. That is, the vessel itself made itself a condition of a vessel for destruction. Nowhere in the text does it ever say God makes a good vessel for a vessel of destruction"
Blessings!
King James Bible makes references in more than one chapter in both Old/New Testaments warning of these practices. So since I believe the KJB is inspired by God I have to believe in his warnings to me, don't do it.
You ask in one of your posts on this topic, did god create witch, which you said you didn't. This is one item I agree with you on, God didn't create evil ie witches in this case. If we will read Genesis we will understand or should understand what God created. Also where iniquity/pride/evil was found and how it broke Man's relationship with God.
In this analogy I don't believe God manufactures Kenworth tractors, so there for I don't believe that the one rolling at me at 55 mph is real and have faith it'll never hit me, only the driver and co-driver are telling each other roll on'. Have I been deceived in my thinking? In this case I believe I have.
I'll end with this my belief is God all Mighty is the only omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient God.
My faith is in Christ Jesus the risen Savior with who God was very well pleased with
Holy Ghost as my comforter.
May we all seek God and be blessed because we found him and he is pleased we us.
If anyone reads this this far take a few more seconds to put praise in your pray for the worth lamb Jesus Christ I believe the Trinity is alive and well.
Romans 12:7 - Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
Or ministry, which comes from a Greek word that means serving, let us wait on our ministering:
If you are a server in the body of Christ, you serve people, and it has to do with people's physical needs in the body of Christ. Deacons in the church are an extension of the pastor, because he cannot study and pray and prepare to give the word and try to handle all the physical needs of the people in the church. And just as a side note, the word deacon originally in the Greek language meant a waiter of tables.
Romans 12:8 - Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
Encouraging: Or he that exhorteth, and that's what exhorting means, it means to encourage. Or he that exhorts, let him stay in his exhortation:
Giving: He that giveth, let him do it with simplicity. The word simplicity in Greek means singleness of motive. That is, you give for one reason and one reason only, because the Lord is laying on your heart to give. So, the one who gives, let him do it with a singleness of motive!
Leading: He that rules, and it means the person who stands up front, leadership, let him do it with diligence; and that means top priority. Don't be slack. Leading and ruling has to be your top priority.
And then showing mercy: He that shows mercy, let him do it with cheerfulness. This Greek word HILAROTETI is where we get our English word hilarity from. Have mercy on people with hilarity, you know? It's like giving and enjoying every minute of it. I love those kind of givers that think it's hilarious. Other people probably think they're nuts!
Expression of grace means the ability and capacity that God's Spirit has, and anytime He does anything it is called CHARISMA, expression of grace. Having expressions of grace that differ according to the grace that is given to us, those are our functions. So, he's explaining that we're all one body.
Just like one physical body has many members to it, so also does the body of Christ have many members, but we're all one. And we function differently based on the grace of God that is ministered in us and through us.
So, he gets to the performance of ministry and he lists 7 things. These are areas of ministry, not gifts, but areas. First of all, in the performance of the body of Christ, he mentions prophecy. He says if it is prophecy, let us prophecy according to the proportion of faith; again, faith that's been measured. The word prophecy means to speak the word of God. So let us prophecy according to the proportion of faith that's given to us. In other words, don't go beyond that.
Romans 12:4 - For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
He says the physical body has many members, for as we have many members in one body, we have different functions, and all members have not the same office: The word office in the Greek means function.
Romans 12:6 - Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
Without getting into a long dissertation on the gifts of the Spirit, I want to share a few things with this verse. First, the word grace is the Greek word CHARIS. The word gifts is the word CHARISMA. All that means is that the word gifts as in "gifts of the spirit" which is a term only found one time in all the bible. In all the other places, where you see "gifts of the spirit," gifts is in italics. In 1 Corinthians 12, it is talking about the capacities and the abilities of the Holy Spirit. But "gifts" means expressions of grace. It comes from grace. That's what it means.
CHARIS with an MA on the end is called a ma noun in the Greek, and it has to do with the expression of something. So, if it is CHARIS, it is grace, and CHARISMA is the expression of grace. Whenever God expresses Himself, that's a gift. Gift in the Greek text doesn't mean the same thing as gift means to us in the English. It has nothing to do with God giving us a gift. That's a completely different Greek word and the only time that word is used is for the Holy Spirit.
God is not impressed with our performance. He wants to change us and transform us here so that we can take it with us when we leave. There are at least two places in the New Testament that tells us that the transformation that takes place here on the earth is what you take with you.
That's who you will be throughout eternity. We will all be the same in that we will all have spiritual bodies. But we're all going to be different. We take the transformation with us, and everything else burns. God wants to transform me and change me from within. And it's permanent! I take it with me.
If you want to read ahead in 1 Corinthians Chapter 3, it will tell you that. Take care how you build. Some build with wood, hay, and stubble, and some with gold, silver, and precious stones.
It says, "That ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Prove!
The word prove in the Greek means put it to the test. Put something to the test just like the Bereans did in Acts Chapter 17. They searched the scriptures, and they proved it!
That's one thing that is great about the biblical languages, both Greek and Hebrew, is that they are tools in which you can take and prove things. You don't have to become a scholar, but you can have the tools to trace out these words and see how they function and know that they are true.
Romans 12:2 - And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
There are two commands here. The first one is about being conformed. It's SCHEMATIZO. It's where we get our word schematic from. A schematic is a drawing of something about the outskirts or the boundaries of some house or some property. And that's what it means. Conformed has to do with outward change.
He says and be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind. The Greek word for transformed is where we get our word metamorphosis from. It doesn't have to do with inward change. It has to do with inward transformation. Not change, transformation!
So, conformity, being conformed is outward change, and being transformed is inward transformation, a permanent and complete change. And the change comes, and it says by the renewing of your mind. The word for mind here is the word NOUS. This particular Greek word represents the perceptive abilities of the mind, your perception. So, when I seek to be transformed, I seek for God's Spirit to take His word, and not change, but totally transform my mind so that I perceive the things of God.
God wants to transform us by the renewing of our minds. That is what our relationship with Him is all about. If that does not occur in the majority of our interaction with the Lord and the body of Christ, we're going to find out that a lot of what we did was a waste of time!
Romans 11:32 - For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
For God has concluded, and this word in Greek means imprisoned, but God has concluded them all in unbelief, in order that he might have mercy upon everyone.
You kind of get the point that it is mercy. It has nothing to do with religion.
Romans 12:1 - I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Paul says I beseech you therefore, brethren. This is not a command. The Greek word for beseech actually means to make an appeal. He says I appeal to you. This is something that comes in a response from our hearts toward Christ.
Paul says I appeal to you therefore, and the premise or basis for his appeal is by the mercies of God. Literally, it is through the mercies of God, but that's the designation that Paul is using for the first half of the book of Romans.
He says you have been condemned, justified, and sanctified, saved and sealed by the Spirit of God, all through God's mercy. They are all the mercies of God! So, what Paul is saying is "I'm appealing to you based on the mercies and compassions that God has shown to you."
Romans 10:17 - So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
The terms "by" in the text is actually the preposition "out of" as a source. Faith is a fruit of God's Spirit. It is not of man. Faith is a word that describes the activity of God's Spirit. Faith comes to us from out of hearing God's word. His Spirit ministers to us and persuades us and gives us the faith to do what God wants us to do out of the hearing of His word.
Romans 11:7 - What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
The rest of Israel were blinded! The word for blinded is POROO, pronounced Po-ro-oh. It's where we get our word porous from. It means to harden, to become stubborn, to cover with callouses.
And so, when it uses the word blinded, it means that Israel became insensitive to God. That's what callouses are for. You know, when you get out and start digging for the first time, you get blisters, and after a while you build up callouses. It makes it insensitive so that you don't feel it as much. They had become calloused.
Romans 11:29 - For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
Do you see how that fits in? Nothing shall separate us from the love of God. I have shared this in the past, but there are two words in the Greek for repentance. METANOEO is the normal word for repentance for salvation.
The word repentance, and there's two words in the Greek. METANOEO is the normal word for repentance. That's the repentance for salvation. METAMELOMAI is used of Judas Iscariot in Matthew 27:3. That word doesn't mean I repent, it means I'm sorry, like "I'm sorry it all happened."
This word here in Verse 29 is METAMELOMAI. This is in reference to Israel over the sovereign election of Israel. God is not sorry for His gifts and His calling.
I was just thinking of you and praying for you as well as others we haven't heard from for a while. Good to hear from you. I hope things are going very well for you and family. We are well here and the remodel is mostly completed. It was such a pleasure cooking Thanksgiving dinner in a bigger and newer kitchen yesterday. There was room or everyone to help with the prep and all.
God's blessings be upon you and your family.
The reason the book of John doesn't contain the word faith is because he uses a different word which actually means believe , as opposed to faith . Same thing you may say .
By that logic , if you believe in witches , does that not also mean that you have faith in them ? Do you believe ( have faith ) in their powers ?
I don't believe in or have faith in any other power that that of the God of all Creation , the Holy One of Israel and , His Only Begotten Son Jesus Christ . They are all I believe in , all I have faith in , they are true and all powerful and all knowing and able to do absolutely anything with any part of this entire universe . It all comes from , belongs to and is sustained by the Lord our God .
I don't think i can put it any plainer without sounding aggressive so I shall stop now and I don't wish to discuss this topic any further as I feel I would be going around in circles . May God bless us all .