There have been books written just on the meaning of this one word, GENEA. It is where we get our word "generate" from. A generation (GENEA) does not mean birth, or a specific number of years, but a kind or race of people. That is what it means.
Some have said that GENEA, and they have written books on it, and once they got our money and found out it wasn't true, they proceeded to write other books and people bought them.
They said that GENEA means or stands for 40 years. They said that "generation" means 40 years. So according to them, 40 is always associated with generation, so the word generation to them meant 40 years, and they said that since Israel became a nation in 1948 that Christ is coming back in 1988. You know, just add 40 years.
Pretty simple right? Well, about $5 million later in the bank, somebody goes "oops, I guess I was wrong. I'll just write another book!"
The generation is the Jews. This generation, meaning this people, they are not going to pass away until all things are fulfilled. They are my chosen people, the elect.
Verse 1 apparently is about a place where David was hiding out and those who gave news to Saul who were living in that area. The "strangers and oppressors" were apparently godless people that added to David's misery by giving Saul fresh ammunition to go after him in hiding.
As with many other Psalms; David emphasizes God is His helper and perhaps those that "uphold his soul" could be angels of protection. Verses 5 and 7 show David's confidence that these enemies will be "cut off" since he had apparently seen that before.
Finally; verse 6 talks about praise and "freely sacrificing" to God. That would be as Psalm 51 indicates with a broken and contrite heart; as David wasn't qualified as king to do sacrifices except when he was commanded to on the threshing floor after the angel of destruction appeared there. That was apparently the site of the original Temple; but the Priests would normally be responsible for sacrifices. That would appear to be at a later date from this Psalm and others when Saul was no longer a threat and David was on the Throne.
Hi Teresa. When we read about God "sold them" (as in Judges 2:14; Judges 3:8; Judges 4:2; etc.), the meaning is not that God wanted to trade Israel for money or goods. Rather, that God 'gave them over, or giving the control of them to another power which is not of God'. When God handed over Israel to anyone else, Israel lost the blessings & privileges of being God's children & became vassals of gentile nations. When Israel came to her senses and repented, God in His great mercy, received them back to Himself.
Hi karla. That's a good question & to add to the confusion, I'll throw in Numbers 10:29.
In Exodus 2:18, we read his name as Reuel & this means "friend of El (God)". This was very likely his given name.
In Exodus 3:1, Jethro (or, Yithro) is from the word, 'Yether', meaning 'his excellence'. So it seems that Jethro is the same person as Reuel, but Reuel was his given name & Jethro may have been a secondary name or honorific title that others might have called him by. As an example from the New Testament, we read of Simon who was also known as Peter ( Matthew 4:18); again known by two names (Simon, Luke 22:31; Peter, Matthew 8:14; Simon Peter, John 13:6).
Then in Numbers 10:29, some believe that Hobab is yet another name for Reuel/Jethro, adding to the confusion, and so several opinions have been given to interpret that 'anomaly'. However, I see it simply as: that Hobab was Reuel's (or Raguel's) son, as Raguel (Reuel) was Moses' father-in-law. This type of family tree descriptions can also be found in many other passages, including 1 Chronicles 5:14, Nehemiah 11:7.
I am studying in Luke Chapter 14 and would like to share something I've come to realize about God's humbling process. Luke 14:11 says, "For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
This word "abased" is the word humbled in the Greek text. This is quote from Proverbs 3:34 and it is used quite extensively through the entire New Testament. Peter has probably the best presentation of this in 1 Peter 5:5.
Peter quotes Proverbs 3:34 "For whosoever exalts themselves shall be humbled, and whosoever should humble themselves shall be exalted." In the very next verse, 1 Peter 5:6, it says, "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God."
Now, this looks like it is saying we are to humble ourselves, but as I am comparing this with the original language of scripture, the phrase "Humble yourselves" is what is called a Passive Voice, which means the subject (the believer) is not told to do the action, but rather the subject (believer) is to receive the action.
So, it is literally "be humbled," not the believer doing the humbling, but the believer submitting to the humbling that is coming to you. As I look at what the text says, "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God," it is not telling me to humble myself, but to submit myself to God's humbling process.
Peter is saying that God's mighty hand is coming upon us to humble us, that is, bring us low. We are to submit to it!
I will go with B): "the effectual working of the Holyspirit that lines one heart to be in agreement with God's law?"
We cannot do anything pleasing to God in our own human effort. When we stand before the Lord one day, we will have nothing to boast of. It will not be "Look at what I did for you Lord."
The Bible says in Romans 14:23, that which is not of faith is sin. There's a very powerful meaning to that. Understanding that faith means persuasion, this tells me that anything I do which is not under the persuasion of God's Spirit, that is sin. It doesn't matter what it is I'm doing.
I don't believe God will reward me for anything I did in the human. That's all going to burn. What's important is what my response was each and every time His Spirit persuaded me to move or do something.
As for John 4:23-24:
The word worship in the Bible, in the New Testament, also found here, literally means to bow down and kiss the ring of somebody.
In other words, if you are coming into the presence of the king, you bow down, you get on your knee, and you kiss his ring. And then he will lift the scepter and you'll be able to talk. But you cannot until you express your submission and reverence.
That's how it is with God. You see, true worship is submission. It is obedience. True worshipers worship, and remember what it means, to bow down, to submit. True worshipers worship God in spirit and in truth. Submitting to His truth and reverencing His truth is the highest form of worship we can express.
God looks on the heart, and man looks on the outward appearance. Mans works are unacceptable to Him. God is Spirit.
Everybody that gives genuine worship to God worships Him in Spirit. We are to surrender to His Spirit and to surrender to His truth. That is the highest form of worship.
We can only do that by being in submission to His Spirit. I think we're in agreement on this one?
May the Lord continue to bless you through His word!
We will talk this weekend, but just wanted to say I chose Agape purposely instead of Eros, Storge, or Philia, This is no magic word and it's not Love we can manifest.
This is my understanding; Satan is our accuser, and he still accuses us before God. We see in Job 1:6 and Job 2:1 Satan came along with the sons of God/angels to present themselves to God. I understand that would be in heaven.
We are told to put on the whole armor of God in Ephesians 6:11-12 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. The Greek word for high places is epouranios, heavenly realm.
In Revelation 12:7-8 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. The words "neither was their place found in heaven" tells me they still have access to heaven until they are cast out, down to earth.
Verse 10:12 shows Satan accused the brethren before our God day and night it was by the blood of Christ, they cast him out and he only has a short time. My understanding this starts the tribulation when Satan gives his seat, power, and authority to the beast Rev. 13.
So, my understanding is Satan still has access, I am sure it is limited but until they are cast out permanently that will be in the future. If you understand another way that is ok.
" All scripture is inspired by God and is good for reproof,correction and instruction in righteousness .."
People can get it wrong but always we must go back to the scriptures ,but the scriptures alone are not enough .
For " the letter Killeth but the Spirit giveth life"
It is clear then that as the Holy Spirit was needed to inspire men so to write " ALL scripture" so likewise the same Holy Spirit is needed in the same measure to understand what is written.
" For what knoweth the things of man save the spirit that is in man? Likewise then what knoweth the things of God save the Spirit of God" who when He comes will lead us into all truth ".
How is it then there is so much confusion and great lack of understanding of the scriptures?
Mainly because men have and still do subject the scriptures to their own reasoning rather than follow the reasoning of scripture.
For " My ways are not your ways ,says the Lord and as high as the heavens are above the earth so are my thoughts higher than man's thoughts "
Nevertheless that Gods thoughts and thus reasoning ,is not unreasonable nor then his logic is not that it cannot be followed ,IF we are willing to be led by the Holy Spirit .
For we have the body of truth ,the scriptures and we have the Spirit of truth and both are needed and vital to thectrue and right understanding of the scriptures . For the Holy Spirit will not contradict the scriptures nor the scriptures contradict the Holy Spirit.
But carnal minded men will contradict both for a carnal mind "cannot receive the things of God for they are spiritually discerned "
The Holy Bible has its own internal logic it is not man's logic nor by man's reasoning "for man by wisdom knew not God"Why then is it thought he can now do so?
But a man's mind has to be renewed by the Spirit of God through the scriptures and is by so submitting transformed .
"Works" is a big subject to be discussed and there is a lot to be said. This topic often causes "fights" between us christians and there are different beliefs from "works are not necessary" to "works save". So I think I will leave it for the weekend so we have enough time to write down our thoughts. But you are right about the motive of good works, it should always be Love, like Paul says in 1 Cor 13:1-3. David0920 has some good points as well.
Have a blessed week.
And something else. Don't use the word "agape" as a magic word, it just means "love" in grk, nothing more, nothing less. The important think about love is the quantity of it. A bit? A bit more? A lot more? God is love, He is the upper end, His love is infinite.
Hi Mari, Have you registered on this site with an account? This will allow you to reply to others. If you have already done this step of setting up an account, then I would contact the admin on this site and inform them of this problem.
Dear Marymay. I am so sorry that your sleep was so restless. I will pray for you.
Dear Heavenly Father, come to Marymay's aid today and especially when she sleeps. fill her mind and heart and soul with the joy of knowing You and the satisfaction of Who You are and what You have done for her. Bring Your peace and solace to her as she sleeps. Today, bring her to You word to be uplifted and strengthened in her faith and walk with You. Instruct her in her prayer life and remind her to bring everything to You in prayer. Father, we ask these things of You in the name of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.
Dear Heavenly Father, Answer to John's cry for help in all avenues of his life. Take away his desire to end his life and renew in him the hope You alone can make a reality. Bring to John the needed daily provisions and raise him up from this despair and overly heavy burden. Direct John to the best place to reside and be supported. We ask these things of You, Father, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
The leaving of their first love ,opened the door to a graver error of the Nicolaitins. The separation of ministers and laity . The lording it over the laity .
That in turn led to accepting to doctrines of Jezebel . Which in turn led to the Balamites . Prophesying for money .
The church of which I am a part ,is in fact a prodigal church and has been since the reformation .
Where sound doctrine and biblical authority once again germinated and overcame the traditions of man.
I'm not sure we have travelled far .
For while we justifiably celebrate being " Born again " and give glory to God . That is but getting out of Egypt . Saved then by the Word of God the blood of a lamb and the power of God . A no people becoming A people .
But if you listen carefully we have made ' the promised land ' heaven and Jordon death .
And the wandering in the wilderness for 40 years the Christian norm.
When in fact it only took them just over two years to reach the promised land .
Egypt is but a type of the world and pharaoh the devil . Having been delivered from that " cruel bondage" we have forgotten that not only were we saved from but saved to! And that crossing the wilderness was but ' boot camp' .
Where we learn to live not by bread alone but by every Word that proceedeth from the mouth of God ".
Did not Paul warn the church not to be like them who " entered not in because of unbelief"?
Unbelief is not just not believing God its believing another message .
Did not Eve do just as much? And did not Paul express his grave concern of the church being as deceived as Eve?
When Jesus " I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it"
Does not mean that hell or the devil are giving the church a hard time but will not prevail .
For gates attack no one they are but the weakest points of a city wall and the most heavily defended .
It is the gates of hell that are in trouble for it is the church the Lord is building that is doing the ' troubling'.
To the church of Laodocia listen to what the Spirit says .
We are living in the Laodocian age . Of a church that thinks it is rich increased in goods and in need of nothing .
Yet in Gods eyes is poor wretched and blind and in need of eye salve .
Alongside this church is the Philadelphian church that in its own eyes is poor but in Gods eyes is rich .
There is but one church which is His body . There is then but one door .
How is it then that after the resurrection No door was a barrier to the Lord . But here he is knocking on the door of his own church and is unwilling ( you cannot say unable) to enter .
Some may think their church is the only church to which all must belong to be saved others they are part of that church which is his body and claim they are saved . The fact remains the Lord is outside knocking . While all those inside think he is inside?
God is everywhere for He is indeed omnipresent . Then who is outside? It is the Spirit of God .
The knocking on the door must be a call to repentance to the whole church . To all who are inside .
The promise however is only to those " who have ears to hear " not only that but who also " open the door " to THEM is the promise given.
Even as John 3:16 is a call to the whole world to repent but the promise is only given to those who do and believe .( in the biblical sense) .
The prosperity message ,the plethora of false prophets and apostles parading about Christendom shows we are in the last days .
If when Jesus on the way to Golgotha said to some women weeping for him " if they do this to the master when the wood is green,what will they do when the wood is dry?
Hebrews 1:1 states " hath in these last days spoken to us by His Son"
If 2000 years ago it was " the last days " then truly the wood was green . How much the more is the wood now dry and ready for the fire?
Please explain , why do you think that fallen angels and satan still have access to heaven ? Please explain this as I don't understand why you would believe this ? Thank you .
Despite what modern thinking states.The law of God has not changed ,nor will. And every seed will "bring forth fruit after its own kind " each fruit having within itself its own seed which will reproduce after its own kind .
We are MAN kind for it is nota woman that has the seed but the man.
What came first ? The chicken or the egg? The chicken .
You can argue that dog kind can vary from a Great Dane at one end to a tiny toy dog at the other they are all of a kind .A cat being another kind .
You can cross breed a horse with a donkey for they are a very close ' kind' but while you will get a Mule as a result ,a mule has no life in it to reproduce itself . So if you want another mule you need another horse and donkey .
So likewise if you mix truth with error you will get ' something' but it has no life in it to reproduce itself .
Jesus speaking of Himself taught " that unless a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die it abideth alone ,but if it does it will bring forth much fruit " what sort of fruit? After its own kind.
When God spoke in the beginning and after Adam had sinned he spoke of " the woman's seed" .
And "the serpents seed "
Clearly God knew of the biology he had created but willing to show that this (it) one ,male( he) child born of a woman thus fully man would not be of Adams seed spoke in a manner wisdom dictated . The seed of the woman shall bruise the serpents head and the serpent would bruise his heal "
The gospel in embryonic form .
"The seed which is the Word of God " which was not of Adam thus not corrupted nor born in sin nor shapen in iniquity which became flesh was and is the express image of the invisible God .
Thus the seed of the serpent and the ' seed of the woman ' each brings forth fruit after its own kind .
And is it not written ? " By their fruits shall ye know them ".
I would suggest that the letter to the Hebrews among other scripture shows that man has no connection with angels nor in any image of them nor are they in any image of God .
"For it was not to angels did God say."
Nor is there any where in scripture where man was created in any other image but of God .
But though man was created in the image of God. He is BORN in the image of Adam.
The image of God has been so lost or marred by the fall and sin of man it is no longer recognisable in man .
Did not Jesus who was and is the " express image of the invisible God" state He came " to seek and to save that which is lost"?
And did not He teach ,speaking of himself ," that unless a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die it abideth alone"?
But if it so dies " it brings forth much fruit"?
What sort of fruit? After its own kind .
Hence the desperate need to be BORN again not of that corruptible seed which is of the first Adam . But of the " incorruptible seed which is of the " last Adam" .
God is being taken out of even the language. We are " Mankind" on the simple basis of biology but also of the law of God that states that every seed will bring forth fruit " after its own kind" .
Thus overall we are MAN kind .
In general we are MAN . For man was created first out of the dust of the earth and are apt to forget that the woman was created second out of the body of the man .
But God doing all things well and right sae fit to have all men be born of a woman .
The woman was not created from his head to " Lord " it over him . Nor from his feet for him to trample over her . Not from his back so she must walk behind him . But rather from his side his rib, to walk with him and as a " help meet for him" .
There is also in all this a foreshadow of the Bride of Christ as is fitting . For even as Eve was created from the body of the first Adam so too the Bride of Christ will come from the Body of Christ .
It is worth mentioning perhaps also that while man was created in the image of God . He is BORN in the image of Adam. Thus born in sin and shapen in iniquity "
Which is why we " must be born again " not of that corruptible seed but if the incorruptible seed which is the Word of God ".
As it was in the beginning so too is it now . For even as the devil added to the Word of God and " changed the truth into a lie" .From " thou shalt surely die" to " thou shalt not surely die" so all but two(?) modern versions of the Scriptures have been changed in such a manner as to sow confusion and misdirection and ultimately death.
For Genesis 1:1 states : In the beginning God created the heaveN and the earth ".
To ' In the beginning God created the heavenS and the earth '.
Genesis 2:1 all state heavenS. Which is right .
But if you have heavens in both chapters people are misled to think it is speaking the same thing . It is not.
For God is a God of order . For in the beginning Genesis 1:1 we have Heaven and earth . Verse 2 onwards it is only speaking of the earth .
For it was not heaven that was in darkness but the earth .For heaven needs no sun or moon for God is the light thereof .
It was not God who was in darkness but man. For God is light and in Him there is no darkness nor shadow of turning .
Further along in the order of God we have the waters that were above the firmament and the waters that were below the firmament and the firmament He called " heaven".
But this ' heaven' is clearly of the earth . and not of Genesis 1:1. Which is where Gods throne is and all the host of heaven.
There is another ' heaven' though not mentioned save indirectly . For when God " made the stars also" was that not also stated from Genesis 1:2? Thus there are the heavenS of earth as prescribed in Genesis 2 and the third heaven as in Genesis 1:1.
And was mentioned by Paul.
By such inaccurate translations and changing Gen 1:1 from heaven to heavens we have the absurd translation of a ' Students Bible'. " In the beginning God created the Sky and the earth ".
So in the beginning so too at the end from changing" IN His throne " to .ON His throne " Rev 3 .
The raising of Lazerus from the dead is a beautiful picture of salvation. We are all "dead in trespasses and sins". "There is none righteous no not one". "There is none that seeketh after God". Lazerus could not and did not contribute anything nor initiate anything toward his resurection from physical death; just as we can contribute nothing nor initiate anything toward our salvation. If we have become saved, it means that 1) we were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world, 2) Christ took upon Himself our sins and paid the full penalty demanded by the Law of God for every sin that we have or will ever commit so that we have no guilt whatsoever before the Law of God, 3) God has drawn us by bringing us under the hearing of the Gospel, the Word of God, 4) God has applied that salvation to our life by giving us a New Resurrected Soul (i.e. we have become Born Again), and 4) God will complete our salvation on the Last Day when Christ returns by giving us our Resurrected Spiritual Body.
Christ must do and has done ALL of the WORK to save us. We have contributed nothing. Just like the Ninevites to whom Jonah came with the message that God would destroy them in 40 days. They sat in sackcloth (i.e. a broken and a contrite heart) because God had GIVEN them a New Heart. And they expressed the attitude..."Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not? And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that He would do unto them; and He did it not."
The "works" of repentence and turning of the Ninevites was the RESULT of God's salvation: NOT the CAUSE. They contributed nothing.
Wonderfully God in His Mercy is still saving during this Day. And anyone, no mater how deep in sin we may be, can cry to Him for Mercy in the very real hope that, like the Ninevites, maybe maybe God will save us... Eze 36:24-31 if that would be His will.
Question? Judges 3:8 God sold them, for what???? Why, He sold them? I understand His anger, but what did He sell them for? God doesn't need money or anything for that matter.. What did He sell them for? I've noticed God sell them alot in next few chapters, which has raised a few questions, I try hard not to lean unto my own understanding, but this one has confused my inner being.
In Rom 8 God is teaching us something about the Nature of Salvation. He is contrasting the character of someone that has become Saved, i.e. Born Again, with our condition if we have not become saved.
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
We must read and understand Rom 8:7-8 in the context of the entire chapter and in fact the entire Bible.
There have been books written just on the meaning of this one word, GENEA. It is where we get our word "generate" from. A generation (GENEA) does not mean birth, or a specific number of years, but a kind or race of people. That is what it means.
Some have said that GENEA, and they have written books on it, and once they got our money and found out it wasn't true, they proceeded to write other books and people bought them.
They said that GENEA means or stands for 40 years. They said that "generation" means 40 years. So according to them, 40 is always associated with generation, so the word generation to them meant 40 years, and they said that since Israel became a nation in 1948 that Christ is coming back in 1988. You know, just add 40 years.
Pretty simple right? Well, about $5 million later in the bank, somebody goes "oops, I guess I was wrong. I'll just write another book!"
The generation is the Jews. This generation, meaning this people, they are not going to pass away until all things are fulfilled. They are my chosen people, the elect.
Hope this helps!
Verse 1 apparently is about a place where David was hiding out and those who gave news to Saul who were living in that area. The "strangers and oppressors" were apparently godless people that added to David's misery by giving Saul fresh ammunition to go after him in hiding.
As with many other Psalms; David emphasizes God is His helper and perhaps those that "uphold his soul" could be angels of protection. Verses 5 and 7 show David's confidence that these enemies will be "cut off" since he had apparently seen that before.
Finally; verse 6 talks about praise and "freely sacrificing" to God. That would be as Psalm 51 indicates with a broken and contrite heart; as David wasn't qualified as king to do sacrifices except when he was commanded to on the threshing floor after the angel of destruction appeared there. That was apparently the site of the original Temple; but the Priests would normally be responsible for sacrifices. That would appear to be at a later date from this Psalm and others when Saul was no longer a threat and David was on the Throne.
In Exodus 2:18, we read his name as Reuel & this means "friend of El (God)". This was very likely his given name.
In Exodus 3:1, Jethro (or, Yithro) is from the word, 'Yether', meaning 'his excellence'. So it seems that Jethro is the same person as Reuel, but Reuel was his given name & Jethro may have been a secondary name or honorific title that others might have called him by. As an example from the New Testament, we read of Simon who was also known as Peter ( Matthew 4:18); again known by two names (Simon, Luke 22:31; Peter, Matthew 8:14; Simon Peter, John 13:6).
Then in Numbers 10:29, some believe that Hobab is yet another name for Reuel/Jethro, adding to the confusion, and so several opinions have been given to interpret that 'anomaly'. However, I see it simply as: that Hobab was Reuel's (or Raguel's) son, as Raguel (Reuel) was Moses' father-in-law. This type of family tree descriptions can also be found in many other passages, including 1 Chronicles 5:14, Nehemiah 11:7.
This word "abased" is the word humbled in the Greek text. This is quote from Proverbs 3:34 and it is used quite extensively through the entire New Testament. Peter has probably the best presentation of this in 1 Peter 5:5.
Peter quotes Proverbs 3:34 "For whosoever exalts themselves shall be humbled, and whosoever should humble themselves shall be exalted." In the very next verse, 1 Peter 5:6, it says, "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God."
Now, this looks like it is saying we are to humble ourselves, but as I am comparing this with the original language of scripture, the phrase "Humble yourselves" is what is called a Passive Voice, which means the subject (the believer) is not told to do the action, but rather the subject (believer) is to receive the action.
So, it is literally "be humbled," not the believer doing the humbling, but the believer submitting to the humbling that is coming to you. As I look at what the text says, "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God," it is not telling me to humble myself, but to submit myself to God's humbling process.
Peter is saying that God's mighty hand is coming upon us to humble us, that is, bring us low. We are to submit to it!
What is the meaning of "this generation" in this context?
I will go with B): "the effectual working of the Holyspirit that lines one heart to be in agreement with God's law?"
We cannot do anything pleasing to God in our own human effort. When we stand before the Lord one day, we will have nothing to boast of. It will not be "Look at what I did for you Lord."
The Bible says in Romans 14:23, that which is not of faith is sin. There's a very powerful meaning to that. Understanding that faith means persuasion, this tells me that anything I do which is not under the persuasion of God's Spirit, that is sin. It doesn't matter what it is I'm doing.
I don't believe God will reward me for anything I did in the human. That's all going to burn. What's important is what my response was each and every time His Spirit persuaded me to move or do something.
As for John 4:23-24:
The word worship in the Bible, in the New Testament, also found here, literally means to bow down and kiss the ring of somebody.
In other words, if you are coming into the presence of the king, you bow down, you get on your knee, and you kiss his ring. And then he will lift the scepter and you'll be able to talk. But you cannot until you express your submission and reverence.
That's how it is with God. You see, true worship is submission. It is obedience. True worshipers worship, and remember what it means, to bow down, to submit. True worshipers worship God in spirit and in truth. Submitting to His truth and reverencing His truth is the highest form of worship we can express.
God looks on the heart, and man looks on the outward appearance. Mans works are unacceptable to Him. God is Spirit.
Everybody that gives genuine worship to God worships Him in Spirit. We are to surrender to His Spirit and to surrender to His truth. That is the highest form of worship.
We can only do that by being in submission to His Spirit. I think we're in agreement on this one?
May the Lord continue to bless you through His word!
Thanks for responding.
We will talk this weekend, but just wanted to say I chose Agape purposely instead of Eros, Storge, or Philia, This is no magic word and it's not Love we can manifest.
This is Love that God causes.
God bless.
This is my understanding; Satan is our accuser, and he still accuses us before God. We see in Job 1:6 and Job 2:1 Satan came along with the sons of God/angels to present themselves to God. I understand that would be in heaven.
We are told to put on the whole armor of God in Ephesians 6:11-12 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. The Greek word for high places is epouranios, heavenly realm.
In Revelation 12:7-8 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. The words "neither was their place found in heaven" tells me they still have access to heaven until they are cast out, down to earth.
Verse 10:12 shows Satan accused the brethren before our God day and night it was by the blood of Christ, they cast him out and he only has a short time. My understanding this starts the tribulation when Satan gives his seat, power, and authority to the beast Rev. 13.
So, my understanding is Satan still has access, I am sure it is limited but until they are cast out permanently that will be in the future. If you understand another way that is ok.
God bless,
RLW
People can get it wrong but always we must go back to the scriptures ,but the scriptures alone are not enough .
For " the letter Killeth but the Spirit giveth life"
It is clear then that as the Holy Spirit was needed to inspire men so to write " ALL scripture" so likewise the same Holy Spirit is needed in the same measure to understand what is written.
" For what knoweth the things of man save the spirit that is in man? Likewise then what knoweth the things of God save the Spirit of God" who when He comes will lead us into all truth ".
How is it then there is so much confusion and great lack of understanding of the scriptures?
Mainly because men have and still do subject the scriptures to their own reasoning rather than follow the reasoning of scripture.
For " My ways are not your ways ,says the Lord and as high as the heavens are above the earth so are my thoughts higher than man's thoughts "
Nevertheless that Gods thoughts and thus reasoning ,is not unreasonable nor then his logic is not that it cannot be followed ,IF we are willing to be led by the Holy Spirit .
For we have the body of truth ,the scriptures and we have the Spirit of truth and both are needed and vital to thectrue and right understanding of the scriptures . For the Holy Spirit will not contradict the scriptures nor the scriptures contradict the Holy Spirit.
But carnal minded men will contradict both for a carnal mind "cannot receive the things of God for they are spiritually discerned "
The Holy Bible has its own internal logic it is not man's logic nor by man's reasoning "for man by wisdom knew not God"Why then is it thought he can now do so?
But a man's mind has to be renewed by the Spirit of God through the scriptures and is by so submitting transformed .
"Works" is a big subject to be discussed and there is a lot to be said. This topic often causes "fights" between us christians and there are different beliefs from "works are not necessary" to "works save". So I think I will leave it for the weekend so we have enough time to write down our thoughts. But you are right about the motive of good works, it should always be Love, like Paul says in 1 Cor 13:1-3. David0920 has some good points as well.
Have a blessed week.
And something else. Don't use the word "agape" as a magic word, it just means "love" in grk, nothing more, nothing less. The important think about love is the quantity of it. A bit? A bit more? A lot more? God is love, He is the upper end, His love is infinite.
Hi Mari, Have you registered on this site with an account? This will allow you to reply to others. If you have already done this step of setting up an account, then I would contact the admin on this site and inform them of this problem.
Dear Heavenly Father, come to Marymay's aid today and especially when she sleeps. fill her mind and heart and soul with the joy of knowing You and the satisfaction of Who You are and what You have done for her. Bring Your peace and solace to her as she sleeps. Today, bring her to You word to be uplifted and strengthened in her faith and walk with You. Instruct her in her prayer life and remind her to bring everything to You in prayer. Father, we ask these things of You in the name of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.
That in turn led to accepting to doctrines of Jezebel . Which in turn led to the Balamites . Prophesying for money .
The church of which I am a part ,is in fact a prodigal church and has been since the reformation .
Where sound doctrine and biblical authority once again germinated and overcame the traditions of man.
I'm not sure we have travelled far .
For while we justifiably celebrate being " Born again " and give glory to God . That is but getting out of Egypt . Saved then by the Word of God the blood of a lamb and the power of God . A no people becoming A people .
But if you listen carefully we have made ' the promised land ' heaven and Jordon death .
And the wandering in the wilderness for 40 years the Christian norm.
When in fact it only took them just over two years to reach the promised land .
Egypt is but a type of the world and pharaoh the devil . Having been delivered from that " cruel bondage" we have forgotten that not only were we saved from but saved to! And that crossing the wilderness was but ' boot camp' .
Where we learn to live not by bread alone but by every Word that proceedeth from the mouth of God ".
Did not Paul warn the church not to be like them who " entered not in because of unbelief"?
Unbelief is not just not believing God its believing another message .
Did not Eve do just as much? And did not Paul express his grave concern of the church being as deceived as Eve?
When Jesus " I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it"
Does not mean that hell or the devil are giving the church a hard time but will not prevail .
For gates attack no one they are but the weakest points of a city wall and the most heavily defended .
It is the gates of hell that are in trouble for it is the church the Lord is building that is doing the ' troubling'.
We are living in the Laodocian age . Of a church that thinks it is rich increased in goods and in need of nothing .
Yet in Gods eyes is poor wretched and blind and in need of eye salve .
Alongside this church is the Philadelphian church that in its own eyes is poor but in Gods eyes is rich .
There is but one church which is His body . There is then but one door .
How is it then that after the resurrection No door was a barrier to the Lord . But here he is knocking on the door of his own church and is unwilling ( you cannot say unable) to enter .
Some may think their church is the only church to which all must belong to be saved others they are part of that church which is his body and claim they are saved . The fact remains the Lord is outside knocking . While all those inside think he is inside?
God is everywhere for He is indeed omnipresent . Then who is outside? It is the Spirit of God .
The knocking on the door must be a call to repentance to the whole church . To all who are inside .
The promise however is only to those " who have ears to hear " not only that but who also " open the door " to THEM is the promise given.
Even as John 3:16 is a call to the whole world to repent but the promise is only given to those who do and believe .( in the biblical sense) .
The prosperity message ,the plethora of false prophets and apostles parading about Christendom shows we are in the last days .
If when Jesus on the way to Golgotha said to some women weeping for him " if they do this to the master when the wood is green,what will they do when the wood is dry?
Hebrews 1:1 states " hath in these last days spoken to us by His Son"
If 2000 years ago it was " the last days " then truly the wood was green . How much the more is the wood now dry and ready for the fire?
We are MAN kind for it is nota woman that has the seed but the man.
What came first ? The chicken or the egg? The chicken .
You can argue that dog kind can vary from a Great Dane at one end to a tiny toy dog at the other they are all of a kind .A cat being another kind .
You can cross breed a horse with a donkey for they are a very close ' kind' but while you will get a Mule as a result ,a mule has no life in it to reproduce itself . So if you want another mule you need another horse and donkey .
So likewise if you mix truth with error you will get ' something' but it has no life in it to reproduce itself .
Jesus speaking of Himself taught " that unless a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die it abideth alone ,but if it does it will bring forth much fruit " what sort of fruit? After its own kind.
When God spoke in the beginning and after Adam had sinned he spoke of " the woman's seed" .
And "the serpents seed "
Clearly God knew of the biology he had created but willing to show that this (it) one ,male( he) child born of a woman thus fully man would not be of Adams seed spoke in a manner wisdom dictated . The seed of the woman shall bruise the serpents head and the serpent would bruise his heal "
The gospel in embryonic form .
"The seed which is the Word of God " which was not of Adam thus not corrupted nor born in sin nor shapen in iniquity which became flesh was and is the express image of the invisible God .
Thus the seed of the serpent and the ' seed of the woman ' each brings forth fruit after its own kind .
And is it not written ? " By their fruits shall ye know them ".
"For it was not to angels did God say."
Nor is there any where in scripture where man was created in any other image but of God .
But though man was created in the image of God. He is BORN in the image of Adam.
The image of God has been so lost or marred by the fall and sin of man it is no longer recognisable in man .
Did not Jesus who was and is the " express image of the invisible God" state He came " to seek and to save that which is lost"?
And did not He teach ,speaking of himself ," that unless a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die it abideth alone"?
But if it so dies " it brings forth much fruit"?
What sort of fruit? After its own kind .
Hence the desperate need to be BORN again not of that corruptible seed which is of the first Adam . But of the " incorruptible seed which is of the " last Adam" .
Thus overall we are MAN kind .
In general we are MAN . For man was created first out of the dust of the earth and are apt to forget that the woman was created second out of the body of the man .
But God doing all things well and right sae fit to have all men be born of a woman .
The woman was not created from his head to " Lord " it over him . Nor from his feet for him to trample over her . Not from his back so she must walk behind him . But rather from his side his rib, to walk with him and as a " help meet for him" .
There is also in all this a foreshadow of the Bride of Christ as is fitting . For even as Eve was created from the body of the first Adam so too the Bride of Christ will come from the Body of Christ .
It is worth mentioning perhaps also that while man was created in the image of God . He is BORN in the image of Adam. Thus born in sin and shapen in iniquity "
Which is why we " must be born again " not of that corruptible seed but if the incorruptible seed which is the Word of God ".
For Genesis 1:1 states : In the beginning God created the heaveN and the earth ".
To ' In the beginning God created the heavenS and the earth '.
Genesis 2:1 all state heavenS. Which is right .
But if you have heavens in both chapters people are misled to think it is speaking the same thing . It is not.
For God is a God of order . For in the beginning Genesis 1:1 we have Heaven and earth . Verse 2 onwards it is only speaking of the earth .
For it was not heaven that was in darkness but the earth .For heaven needs no sun or moon for God is the light thereof .
It was not God who was in darkness but man. For God is light and in Him there is no darkness nor shadow of turning .
Further along in the order of God we have the waters that were above the firmament and the waters that were below the firmament and the firmament He called " heaven".
But this ' heaven' is clearly of the earth . and not of Genesis 1:1. Which is where Gods throne is and all the host of heaven.
There is another ' heaven' though not mentioned save indirectly . For when God " made the stars also" was that not also stated from Genesis 1:2? Thus there are the heavenS of earth as prescribed in Genesis 2 and the third heaven as in Genesis 1:1.
And was mentioned by Paul.
By such inaccurate translations and changing Gen 1:1 from heaven to heavens we have the absurd translation of a ' Students Bible'. " In the beginning God created the Sky and the earth ".
So in the beginning so too at the end from changing" IN His throne " to .ON His throne " Rev 3 .
and much else in the middle .
I thank Almighty God for the KJV.
Christ must do and has done ALL of the WORK to save us. We have contributed nothing. Just like the Ninevites to whom Jonah came with the message that God would destroy them in 40 days. They sat in sackcloth (i.e. a broken and a contrite heart) because God had GIVEN them a New Heart. And they expressed the attitude..."Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not? And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that He would do unto them; and He did it not."
The "works" of repentence and turning of the Ninevites was the RESULT of God's salvation: NOT the CAUSE. They contributed nothing.
Wonderfully God in His Mercy is still saving during this Day. And anyone, no mater how deep in sin we may be, can cry to Him for Mercy in the very real hope that, like the Ninevites, maybe maybe God will save us... Eze 36:24-31 if that would be His will.
In Rom 8 God is teaching us something about the Nature of Salvation. He is contrasting the character of someone that has become Saved, i.e. Born Again, with our condition if we have not become saved.
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
We must read and understand Rom 8:7-8 in the context of the entire chapter and in fact the entire Bible.
As expected, God healed you. Praise the Lord Glory to God!
I just could not sleep tonight. I feel persecuted. I need to pray more. I know Jesus will never leave me. He always protects me.