You have received some helpful comments already, but I wish to add these thoughts prompted by reading your question and the replies:
First, In my mind, a rephrasing of your question may be helpful. Are you saying that yes, we are saved by faith, not good works, but are good works still important in the life of a believer?
To this question, I would answer. Correct, we are saved by God through His outpouring of grace by faith gifted to us by Him. And, yes, good works are important in the life of a believer. They are, as Jessie states, the result of the working of the Holy Spirit indwelling in us after conversion. Yet, I will add, in order for the Holy Spirit to cause us to abound in good works, we do have to use our will and actions to cooperate with the Holy Spirit to allow Him to work in us and through us.
If we yield and cooperate with the Holy Spirit (which is a choice to walk with the Spirit) we will produce the fruits listed in Galatians 5:22. The Holy Spirit does not take over us and force us to do good works. He creates in us a desire to love what is good and hate what is evil. He creates in us a deep desire to obey like Jesus did, who never sinned. Our natural body, mind, and soul all work with the Holy Spirit to do these good works. It is the sinful nature in use that works in us to tempt us to do evil works.
We have both the Holy Spirit and the sinful nature in, it is a constant battle within us to choose which we will allow to reign in each action, thought, and motive brought forth in our mortal, natural being. With the indwelling Holy Spirit, we have the power of grace to overcome sin in any given moment and choose God's way. But, even so, the sinful nature is still within us and we give in to it at times. In these times, we are to do what John says in 1 John 1: to confess to God that we have sinned and ask for forgiveness, knowing He will always forgive us and cleanses us from all unrighteousness.
Matthew 4:1, Mark 14:38, Luke 8:55, Luke 11:13, Luke 23:46, Luke 24:39, John 3:5,6, John 4:23,24, John 6:63, John 14:17, 1Corinthians 12:3, 1Corinthians 15:45, Galatians 5:16,17, Galatians 5:22-25, Galatians 6:8, Ephesians 1:17, 1Thessalonians 5:23, James 2:26,
Romans 8, Hebrews 4:12,
Warning, 1Timothy 4:1,
1John 4:1-11, 1John 4,
Hopefully these are helpful in your study of your spirit & flesh; (body)
Genesis 24 is the best love story in the Bible. If we pray and truly submit ourselves to the Lord to choose a mate for us_it can happen for us. But we have to be patient. God knows the secrets of the heart.
Repent for past bad choices. Just confess what comes from your heart. He already knows about it. People say that confession brings joy. Then Ask God to bring you TO your husband.
You will find him in a Church. It wastes days of life, to choose an unsaved man and hope that he will become a Christian too. It just hardly works that way.
Join singles classes, maybe sing with the choir. Trust God to bring you, to your husband.
In Jewish culture, a couple are betrothed for a year; keeping themselves pure and set apart for each other. A gift is given like necklaces. At the end of that year, the wedding takes place.
Going to church can be more fun if you join in the above mentions and more! :) Some Churches have baseball games and everyone can join a team. If it's your first time, don't worry, people are generous in showing us how to get started.
Sometimes churches host camp outs. It's good clean fun.
Do read that chapter in the Bible. Pray to God. Be patient. Trust Him.
Come back here often to hang out with us. We're all good people ready to respond to any kind of comments.
Matthew 24:13 "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."
Hebrews 10:36 "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise."
2 Corinthians 5:10 - For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
Revelation 2:10 "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."
Matthew 12:32 "...but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come."
Matthew 7:21-23
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."
Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"
James 2:14-26 "...faith, if it hath not works, is dead..."
James 2:19 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."
1 Peter 1:13 "...hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"
John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
1 Peter 1:5 - "...salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."
1 Cor 9:24-27 run the race
Matthew 12:31-32
Romans 14:12
2 Peter 3:17
Luke 8:5-18
1 Timothy 4:1
2 Peter 2:20-22
Hebrews 3:12
Galatians 5:4
1 Corinthians 15:2-8
2 Peter 2:20-21
Romans 11
Hebrews 6:4-6
Important to read all scripture in its full context, not just cherry pick. When reading in context its obvious from countless passages, parables, teachings that God wants us to obey him! Satan deceives believers into assuming doing evil is ok; it's not.
On Romans 2:11 onwards. The apostle is writing about God not showing respect (or, partiality) between Jews & Gentiles. Those who have sinned without having the Law (i.e. Gentiles), will perish not having received the Law (God's Laws to Israel). Likewise, those sinning having the Law (i.e. Jews) will be judged by that Law (& of course, they will fail, for the Law made no one righteous, but only showed their sinfulness). Only the doers of the Law will be justified. So, what Law(s) can be kept perfectly to justify us before God? None, for all have sinned - & the Law only revealed the sin & extent of that sinful condition to the Jew.
Only faith in Jesus can save both Jew & Gentile. Those who keep God's Laws acceptably, are those who have the Holy Spirit & who are living out their lives through Him & by His Power ( Romans 8:1; Galatians 5:25). Both Jew & Gentile who are saved through Christ, are no longer bound to the Law that only brought death, but live in the power & joy of the Holy Spirit, Who helps us live beyond the Letter of the Law, living according to the dictates of the Spirit.
Lastly, one can never do enough for the Lord. How much is ever enough? But, if you're a praying person wanting to use the opportunities God lays upon your heart or directs you to, then every place you go to & every person you meet, may be what the Lord wants for you to share something of His Goodness. Any sense of cowardice will disappear - for the Lord will be your strength ( 2 Timothy 1:7) & your mouth - remembering your witness & life will be the catalyst for someone to become serious about his eternal well-being. You may be God's man for God's special moment in another person's life.
The Law was given to Israel. The law given was to convict us of sin.
2 Corinthians 3:6-14.
Galatians 3:11-13.
Romans 7:4-5.
Romans 7:9-10.
Some aspects of the Law such as the Sabbath pointed to Christ work on the Cross that would free us from the curse of the Law. " Death"
Colossians 2:11-17.
In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the SABBATH DAYS:
HERE'S. THE KEY IN VERSE 17.
Vs.17) "Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ."
Israel "as a nation" regects Christ work on the cross so as of now the have yet to join in that rest.( Yet they honor the Sabbath!)
Please study Hebrews 4:2-11.
That rest comes after salvation. Not to obtain it.
If one wants to observe the sabbath go ahead, but if you do it to earn salvation you fall in the same unbelief as Israel.
The Galatians was warned of the same thing in Galatians 5:4. "Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace."
Salvation is not for sell its a gift. Ephesians 2:8-9. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
These are just a few of several verses in the bible, I hope this is what you were asking for,
Matthew 19:4-6 "And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,"
Romans 1:18-32 "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;"
Galatians 5:16-26 "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would."
The term "Thou shalt love" is not in command form. That is a Future Active Indicative in the Greek text. It is not a command. It is a factual statement. You will love!
Believers are supposed to love one another. But, neither in the Old Testament, nor in the New Testament, is it in command form.
As a matter of fact, the command in the Old Testament is YOU WILL love the Lord your God, and YOU WILL love your neighbor as yourself. It is a factual statement!
It all centers around where the commands came from, Deuteronomy Chapter 6 that has the SHEMA, the prayer that is prayed every morning and evening by Orthodox Jews.
In that prayer, they recite the fact that God says that I will put my Spirit in you, and I will put my laws on your heart, and YOU WILL love the Lord your God.
We are told inGalatians 5:22that love, AGAPE, is a fruit of God's Spirit.
In 1 John Chapter 4, it tells us that God is love. Now if I focus on the fact that God is love, and I've been commanded to love, and God is love, then what am I to do? Give you God, because He is love. Love is a person. Love is the nature of God!
In my human abilities, or in my human effort, I cannot produce God's nature of love. I can't produce that!
And as I said, Galatians 5:22tells us it is a fruit. It is produced by God's Spirit, just like faith, and all the other ingredients that make up the fruit of the Spirit. Some continue to take scriptures out of context and put pressure on themselves to produce these things, when the bible says no.
The bible says point-blank that if you're not loving your brother, then you don't know God!
If you do not have AGAPE love in you, you are not saved. That is what the bible says.
A precious gem given by a dear Brother which is widely held by true believers.
God says He resists the proud, but He is always on the side of the humble. "The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate" Proverbs 8:13.
John tells us that "the pride of life-is not of the Father but is of the world" ( 1 John 2:16). Where does the pride of life come from? If there is anything that comes from the devil, that is it.
Even our salvation should spoken of with humility, It is something about which to glorify God. It should humble you being you had no part in it.
Paul writes, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus" Philippians 2:5.
What kind of mind did He have? Lowliness of mind. He said, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle meek] and lowly in heart. Matthew 11:29.
Pride is destroying the testimony of many Christians and has made them ineffective for God. They go in for show and draw people after themselves but they are building nothing more than wood hay and stubble.
Jesus tought a lesson in Humility in John 13:8-15. ( Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.)
Matthew 23:11-12. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:25-26.
I felt led to address the phrase you used when addressing GiGi. It was a phrase use by Jesus when addressing the Sadducees, who appearing to twist the story from Tobit, because it clearly says "before they had lien with her". Tobit 3:8, Jesus went on to rebuke & say Mark 12:24,27 Also in Matthew 22:29,
Joh 1:1 (KJV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Joh 1:14 (KJV) And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
1Jo 5:7 (KJV) For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
If you're responding to News. Please stop watching news sources. Focus on the Good news, written within scripture: Psalms 37, Galatians 5:16,17,
If you would 1st please consider the way it makes you feel. As you stated "horrified" that's not of GOD. Galatians 5:22-25,
2nd please consider all around you. Is there peace, is there light, anything to be thankful for? Is searching out news also symbolic of wanting to "know" what's happening in the news" Genesis 2:17, Romans 16:19,
3rd consider why there's only bad, horrible, divisive news? Hebrews 6:8, Proverbs 22:5, Why do they report the one horrible thing or person & not the million good? Is it meant to trigger rage? Hebrews 12:1, Luke 6:43-45,
1John 2:16, Titus 1:15, 2Samuel 22:27, Psalms 18:26, 1John 3:3, 2Peter 3, James 3:17, James 1:27, Philippians 4:8, Romans 8,
1. Works of the Flesh Being morally bad, doing all kinds of shameful things, causing trouble, causing people to argue, dividing people into separate groups, and hating people God knows your heart. God knows if you were trying to be nice and He knows if you are trying to start trouble.
2. The "works of the law" are the actions performed to fulfill the Mosaic Law found in the first five books of the Old Testament. Keeping the Sabbath, being circumcised (the issue before the Galatian churches), eating "clean" foods, and other ceremonies are powerless to justify us in the sight of God.
**Answer to the thing they have in common is: they were written before Christ died and Resurrected to save us, changing EVERYTHING. IN JESUS OWN AND LAST WORDS.. "IT IS FINISHED".
3. Fruit of the spirit is: ***Fruit of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is the result of the Holy Spirit's presence and working in the lives of maturing believers and is itemized in Galatians 5:22-23. In the context of these verses, the singular fruit of the Spirit is contrasted with the plural works of the flesh ( 5:19-21). The fruit of the Spirit is the natural result of the presence of the Holy Spirit residing in a believer. Therefore spiritual baptism is just that.! Once you have the holy spirit in you and are living a godly life believing in No-one but HIM..you are baptized in the spirit.
In conclusion: Once we except Christ as our Lord & Savior we are saved by Gods grace (new way/reborn or born again) this way we no longer follow old testament rules and laws. The old nature people had to sacrifice for sins. JESUS WAS OUR SACRIFICE for ALL sins AND for EVERYONE WHO EXCEPTS HIM..PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE.
Here is a very important truth that is not discussed often and one that can tie a lot of loose ends.
What does works of the flesh and the works of law have in common? And how does it contrast Fruit of the Spirit. And what does baptism "Not water baptism" has to do with it?
When talking about salvation we like to consider verses like John 3:16. Romans 10:9. and others. But what does born from above spoken by Jesus in John 3:7 means and how should the new birth effect the believer in a way the old nature could not?
Here's just a few reference verses.
Galatians 2:16. Galatians 5:19-21.
Galatians 5:22-24. John 15:1-6.
John 3:7.
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. Romans 8:1-11.
Emulation = definition; ambition to equal or excel others, usually by imitation. Example try to be like the other guy, Copying someone to compete with them.
The definition for today of Sedition was changed during a time referred to as the " Elizabethan Era, carried into the US Colonies,
Sedition = speech or conduct, causing people to rebel against governing authority.
This meaning of Sedition became controversial after the American Independence.
1798 new legal definitions were brought, called "alien & sedition acts" to prevent French takeover, on & on.
Biblical in this website's concordance = sedition = division, dissention, standing appart, Romans 16:17, 1Corinthians 3:3,
Probably more towards causing division within the body of Christ.
Emulation = envy, jealousy, indignation,
This website also had = envious contentious rivalry, jealousy with these verses listed : Romans 13:13, 1Corinthians 3:3, James 3:14,16, & several others noted with variance in original texts. If you'd like to break it down even more, that tool is available. If you click on the verse: Galatians 5:20, the verse page at the bottom, has every word in verse broken down, tap the words for translation & definition.
Yes, according to the Bible. It also depends on one's definition of "saved" and when this event occurs. Are people saved while still on earth instantly after they say their first prayer, at some point later, or are they saved after they are judged by God Himself? What does the Bible say...
1 Peter 1:5 - "...salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."
Matthew 24:13 "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."
Hebrews 10:36 "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise."
1 Cor 9:24-27 "run the race" (not the race was already won.)
2 Peter 3:17
Luke 8:5-18
1 Timothy 4:1
2 Peter 2:20-22
Hebrews 3:12
Galatians 5:4
1 Corinthians 15:2-8
1 Corinthians 4:5
2 Corinthians 5:10 whether "good or bad". People are sorted at this time.
Matthew 12:32 "...but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come."
OSAS believers: "Ok, but a Christian would never do that."
Christians no longer have freewill to sin?" Joshua 24:15 "choose you this day whom ye will serve"
"OSAS: But no one has ever done that."
Sadly, many Christians fall away. Look at "ex-Christian" on Reddit with 107,000 members. Very prominent pastors have denounced faith and later denied Jesus is Lord.
Matthew 7:21-23
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."
Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"
Hebrews 6:4-6
James 2:14-26 "...faith, if it hath not works, is dead..."
James 2:19 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."
1 Peter 1:13 "...hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"
I agree with Daniel's post. There are indeed lists of sins throughout the Bible, but not organized in the way you describe which probably has catholic roots.
In my opinion dear Robin, nobody can get rid of bad habits/passions/sins unless God frees him. i.e. just think of a guy who is a drug addict who believes in Jesus sometime in his life. How is he going to get freed from his passion? On his own? Is that possible? Of course not. Nomatter how hard he tries he will never succeed. He needs God's strentgh/grace to do that. The same happens with all habits/passions/sins.
Apostle Paul in Romans 8:13 makes a very significant statement.
"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"
What does he mean with "deeds of body"? The answer is in Galatians 5:19-21
"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, AND SUCH LIKE: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God"
The above works of flesh/deeds of body are what we call bad habits/passions/sins. Is smoking or any other addiction mentioned? They are all included in "THE SUCH LIKE"
So what do you need to get freed? The answer is the Holly Spirit. It is sometimes impossible for men to "mortify the deeds of the body". This what God's Spirit does.
So go to the Lord and ask Him to free you, ask for His strength, His grace, His Spirit to work in/on you. But when you go to God you have to make sure that you really want to get freed, you have to be honest with the Lord, and sincere about it. Will God answer back? He will definitely do that. I have seen so many examples in my life, people that get freed from smoking, drugs, alcohol, adultery, fornification, gambling...anything that has enslaved them. So go to God.
And a verse especially for you:
John 8:36 "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."
Praying for your walk with the Lord has been fruitful this pass year. Sorry for the lateness of this reply. Most people, both believers and non believers, believe the rhetoric or argument that God or Christ Jesus said basically nothing on the topic of homosexuality. God addressed it in Genesis 2; and Jesus did so in Matthew 5 and 19. These passages basically talk about GOD's definition and design of a Biblical marriage. Any thing out side of this definition is sin. Since GOD gave or created "marriage" and HIS definition of it; no one can change it. One can chose to ignore it, but at the end of the day- it is still GOD'S institution and not man's. One Man married to one women. Adam and Eve; not Adam and Steve.
For those who claim that there is nothing in the Bible regarding same sex marriage therefore it is ok - is pedophilia ok? There is no mention of it in Scripture.
Everyone has a choice to make. It starts first with trusting and choosing to believe in the salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ. Then choosing to grow in God's grace and mercy; cultivating a person relationship with the Lord through His Word. Walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Galatians 5:16
God shine His face on everyone on this platform who are seeking diligently and faithfully to praise His name.
God bless our President and his administration with wisdom to govern and lead.
Dear Donna in peace. We know we are not going to kill. And people who are already dead in their bodies can kill. Here we must look at what is dead and what is alive. No one outside the Spiritual Life with God will go and kill. And the spiritual birth that we receive in the Holy Spirit, we can not kill. But if we try and turn the Spirit off. It will be a Spiritual death. Which I personally think would be the biggest mistake a human being can make. (So take care all pastors as well who are good at closing meetings when the Holy Spirit appears in meetings). Our dear Paul writes about and not extinguish the Spirit in
1 Thesssalonians 5 19
Always remember that it is a Spiritual life and a carnal life. These two oppose each other for better or worse. Galatians 5:16-18 It is a safe place to be in the Spirit so we not kill both flesh and Spirit!
What does works of the flesh and works law have in common? And how does it contrast Fruit of the Spirit. And what does baptism "Not water baptism" has to do with it?
Dear Donya: The passage in Ephesians 4 is one passage; 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12:6 are others. Laying on of hands is indicated in 1 and 2 Timothy as well.
When we see the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22 we find something which should characterize believers in our new nature. To grow to maturity; we need to have this going on along with the supernatural manifestations with our character development as well. The fact that the greatest of all things is love sort of sums everything up. Also; the fact that edification of the Body is a primary purpose for gifts ( Eph 4:11-12); as well as putting the fear of God in people ( 2 Cor. 14:22) doesn't eliminate the fact that it is better to have a clear message; as well as the fact that all our works are meaningless; even martyrdom without love. Tongues are one of those tricky issues; I am not a cessationist myself; but also realize that almonst nowhere I've been has there been interpretations of tongues; and certainly not consistently. Such a gift I believe in prayer is for self-edification; and in corporate worship for the sake of others in the Body. Discernment is surely underrated and sorely needed today; but many who are immature or tares ignore the sober warnings of those who can perceive intrusions of the enemy in the midst of the assembly. Building up one another in our society of "rugged individualism" doesn't seem to have much importance; hence we have a prosperity gospel which is shallow in doctrine; and manifestations which often are clearly demonic with rolling on the floor; and other uncontrolled behaviours. Keeping in mind John 16:8 as to the affects of a TRUE influx of the Spirit of God is a sobering reminder we need to heed to. As to Prophetic words; a warning of a famine or death such as in Paul's case isn't exactly a "politically correct" utterance; nonetheless true Prophets aren't out to tickle men's ears. And the giver of the gifts must always take prescidence over the gifts.
16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Colossians 3:8 - But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.thee.
Matthew 6:24 - No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and money.
Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 - Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, (Read More...)
Galatians 5:22 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
1 John 5:13-17 - These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (Read More...)
The lamp is us, the oil is the Holly Spirit, the light ( Matthew 5:15-16) is our pure life. But an introduction is needed first.
How does one have spiritual fruit in his life? The answer is that that fruit is a result of the work of the Holly Spirit in him, that is why in Galatians 5:22 the scripture talks about the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT. It is not due to our struggles to aquire that fruit in our lives, it would be impossible to aquire love, peace, joy...on our own, it it smt given to us by God through His Spirit. How does one gets rid of the works of flesh ( Galatians 5:19-21) in his life The answer is by the HS ( Romans 8:13). In simple words how can somebody who comes to Jesus can change his character to be similar to Christ's, how can he be changed from a sinful person full of what the scripture calls deeds/works of flesh (sins,faults,passions,bad habits etc) and become a person with clean and pure life? The answer is due to the work of the Holly Spirit in him. That is why a person that never comes to Jesus can never become a saint no matter how hard he tries. There are certain limits we humans have. On our own we can never, say, love our enemy no matter how hard we try, we can never give up smoking, drugs, drinks, swearing, adultery, fornication no matter how hard we try. All these are results of the work of the HS inside us. So what is needed to supply our lamps with to have light/pure life? The answer is with God's Spirit. How do we fill ourselves with the HS. By reading the Word of God, going to church, have communion with other christians, have Holly Communion and mainly by PRAYING IN SPIRIT. In other words by living a decent christian life.
You have received some helpful comments already, but I wish to add these thoughts prompted by reading your question and the replies:
First, In my mind, a rephrasing of your question may be helpful. Are you saying that yes, we are saved by faith, not good works, but are good works still important in the life of a believer?
To this question, I would answer. Correct, we are saved by God through His outpouring of grace by faith gifted to us by Him. And, yes, good works are important in the life of a believer. They are, as Jessie states, the result of the working of the Holy Spirit indwelling in us after conversion. Yet, I will add, in order for the Holy Spirit to cause us to abound in good works, we do have to use our will and actions to cooperate with the Holy Spirit to allow Him to work in us and through us.
If we yield and cooperate with the Holy Spirit (which is a choice to walk with the Spirit) we will produce the fruits listed in Galatians 5:22. The Holy Spirit does not take over us and force us to do good works. He creates in us a desire to love what is good and hate what is evil. He creates in us a deep desire to obey like Jesus did, who never sinned. Our natural body, mind, and soul all work with the Holy Spirit to do these good works. It is the sinful nature in use that works in us to tempt us to do evil works.
We have both the Holy Spirit and the sinful nature in, it is a constant battle within us to choose which we will allow to reign in each action, thought, and motive brought forth in our mortal, natural being. With the indwelling Holy Spirit, we have the power of grace to overcome sin in any given moment and choose God's way. But, even so, the sinful nature is still within us and we give in to it at times. In these times, we are to do what John says in 1 John 1: to confess to God that we have sinned and ask for forgiveness, knowing He will always forgive us and cleanses us from all unrighteousness.
Romans 8, Hebrews 4:12,
Warning, 1Timothy 4:1,
1John 4:1-11, 1John 4,
Hopefully these are helpful in your study of your spirit & flesh; (body)
Repent for past bad choices. Just confess what comes from your heart. He already knows about it. People say that confession brings joy. Then Ask God to bring you TO your husband.
You will find him in a Church. It wastes days of life, to choose an unsaved man and hope that he will become a Christian too. It just hardly works that way.
Join singles classes, maybe sing with the choir. Trust God to bring you, to your husband.
In Jewish culture, a couple are betrothed for a year; keeping themselves pure and set apart for each other. A gift is given like necklaces. At the end of that year, the wedding takes place.
Going to church can be more fun if you join in the above mentions and more! :) Some Churches have baseball games and everyone can join a team. If it's your first time, don't worry, people are generous in showing us how to get started.
Sometimes churches host camp outs. It's good clean fun.
Do read that chapter in the Bible. Pray to God. Be patient. Trust Him.
Come back here often to hang out with us. We're all good people ready to respond to any kind of comments.
Blessings, Mishael
Hebrews 10:36 "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise."
2 Corinthians 5:10 - For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
Revelation 2:10 "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."
Matthew 12:32 "...but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come."
Matthew 7:21-23
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."
Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"
James 2:14-26 "...faith, if it hath not works, is dead..."
James 2:19 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."
1 Peter 1:13 "...hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"
John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
1 Peter 1:5 - "...salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."
1 Cor 9:24-27 run the race
Matthew 12:31-32
Romans 14:12
2 Peter 3:17
Luke 8:5-18
1 Timothy 4:1
2 Peter 2:20-22
Hebrews 3:12
Galatians 5:4
1 Corinthians 15:2-8
2 Peter 2:20-21
Romans 11
Hebrews 6:4-6
Important to read all scripture in its full context, not just cherry pick. When reading in context its obvious from countless passages, parables, teachings that God wants us to obey him! Satan deceives believers into assuming doing evil is ok; it's not.
On Romans 2:11 onwards. The apostle is writing about God not showing respect (or, partiality) between Jews & Gentiles. Those who have sinned without having the Law (i.e. Gentiles), will perish not having received the Law (God's Laws to Israel). Likewise, those sinning having the Law (i.e. Jews) will be judged by that Law (& of course, they will fail, for the Law made no one righteous, but only showed their sinfulness). Only the doers of the Law will be justified. So, what Law(s) can be kept perfectly to justify us before God? None, for all have sinned - & the Law only revealed the sin & extent of that sinful condition to the Jew.
Only faith in Jesus can save both Jew & Gentile. Those who keep God's Laws acceptably, are those who have the Holy Spirit & who are living out their lives through Him & by His Power ( Romans 8:1; Galatians 5:25). Both Jew & Gentile who are saved through Christ, are no longer bound to the Law that only brought death, but live in the power & joy of the Holy Spirit, Who helps us live beyond the Letter of the Law, living according to the dictates of the Spirit.
Lastly, one can never do enough for the Lord. How much is ever enough? But, if you're a praying person wanting to use the opportunities God lays upon your heart or directs you to, then every place you go to & every person you meet, may be what the Lord wants for you to share something of His Goodness. Any sense of cowardice will disappear - for the Lord will be your strength ( 2 Timothy 1:7) & your mouth - remembering your witness & life will be the catalyst for someone to become serious about his eternal well-being. You may be God's man for God's special moment in another person's life.
Hopefully these are helpful
Hopefully these are helpful
I concur Steve.
The Law was given to Israel. The law given was to convict us of sin.
2 Corinthians 3:6-14.
Galatians 3:11-13.
Romans 7:4-5.
Romans 7:9-10.
Some aspects of the Law such as the Sabbath pointed to Christ work on the Cross that would free us from the curse of the Law. " Death"
Colossians 2:11-17.
In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the SABBATH DAYS:
HERE'S. THE KEY IN VERSE 17.
Vs.17) "Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ."
Israel "as a nation" regects Christ work on the cross so as of now the have yet to join in that rest.( Yet they honor the Sabbath!)
Please study Hebrews 4:2-11.
That rest comes after salvation. Not to obtain it.
If one wants to observe the sabbath go ahead, but if you do it to earn salvation you fall in the same unbelief as Israel.
The Galatians was warned of the same thing in Galatians 5:4. "Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace."
Salvation is not for sell its a gift. Ephesians 2:8-9. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
I hope this helps.
God bless.
i love him, Thirds one, didn't ever love , but still married to him. I want a divorce , separated. yet,
still want to be with someone I.. love, what to do.
Matthew 19:4-6 "And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,"
Romans 1:18-32 "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;"
Galatians 5:16-26 "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would."
By way of recap.
fromMatthew 22:37.
The term "Thou shalt love" is not in command form. That is a Future Active Indicative in the Greek text. It is not a command. It is a factual statement. You will love!
Believers are supposed to love one another. But, neither in the Old Testament, nor in the New Testament, is it in command form.
As a matter of fact, the command in the Old Testament is YOU WILL love the Lord your God, and YOU WILL love your neighbor as yourself. It is a factual statement!
It all centers around where the commands came from, Deuteronomy Chapter 6 that has the SHEMA, the prayer that is prayed every morning and evening by Orthodox Jews.
In that prayer, they recite the fact that God says that I will put my Spirit in you, and I will put my laws on your heart, and YOU WILL love the Lord your God.
We are told inGalatians 5:22that love, AGAPE, is a fruit of God's Spirit.
In 1 John Chapter 4, it tells us that God is love. Now if I focus on the fact that God is love, and I've been commanded to love, and God is love, then what am I to do? Give you God, because He is love. Love is a person. Love is the nature of God!
In my human abilities, or in my human effort, I cannot produce God's nature of love. I can't produce that!
And as I said, Galatians 5:22tells us it is a fruit. It is produced by God's Spirit, just like faith, and all the other ingredients that make up the fruit of the Spirit. Some continue to take scriptures out of context and put pressure on themselves to produce these things, when the bible says no.
The bible says point-blank that if you're not loving your brother, then you don't know God!
If you do not have AGAPE love in you, you are not saved. That is what the bible says.
A precious gem given by a dear Brother which is widely held by true believers.
Next;
More on the fruit of the Spirit.
See part 7.
God bless.
Humility is the opposite of pride.
God says He resists the proud, but He is always on the side of the humble. "The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate" Proverbs 8:13.
John tells us that "the pride of life-is not of the Father but is of the world" ( 1 John 2:16). Where does the pride of life come from? If there is anything that comes from the devil, that is it.
Even our salvation should spoken of with humility, It is something about which to glorify God. It should humble you being you had no part in it.
Paul writes, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus" Philippians 2:5.
What kind of mind did He have? Lowliness of mind. He said, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle meek] and lowly in heart. Matthew 11:29.
Pride is destroying the testimony of many Christians and has made them ineffective for God. They go in for show and draw people after themselves but they are building nothing more than wood hay and stubble.
Jesus tought a lesson in Humility in John 13:8-15. ( Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.)
Matthew 23:11-12. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:25-26.
God bless.
John 13:34-35, Romans 12:10, 1Timothy 5:1-2,
I felt led to address the phrase you used when addressing GiGi. It was a phrase use by Jesus when addressing the Sadducees, who appearing to twist the story from Tobit, because it clearly says "before they had lien with her". Tobit 3:8, Jesus went on to rebuke & say Mark 12:24,27 Also in Matthew 22:29,
James 1:16-27, Galatians 5:15-26,
Let's us try to be kinder, not bitey
Joh 1:14 (KJV) And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
1Jo 5:7 (KJV) For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
If you would 1st please consider the way it makes you feel. As you stated "horrified" that's not of GOD. Galatians 5:22-25,
2nd please consider all around you. Is there peace, is there light, anything to be thankful for? Is searching out news also symbolic of wanting to "know" what's happening in the news" Genesis 2:17, Romans 16:19,
3rd consider why there's only bad, horrible, divisive news? Hebrews 6:8, Proverbs 22:5, Why do they report the one horrible thing or person & not the million good? Is it meant to trigger rage? Hebrews 12:1, Luke 6:43-45,
1John 2:16, Titus 1:15, 2Samuel 22:27, Psalms 18:26, 1John 3:3, 2Peter 3, James 3:17, James 1:27, Philippians 4:8, Romans 8,
1Corinthians 4:5,
The Word also says: Numbers 11:12, Jude 1,
Hopefully these are helpful & encouraging
2. The "works of the law" are the actions performed to fulfill the Mosaic Law found in the first five books of the Old Testament. Keeping the Sabbath, being circumcised (the issue before the Galatian churches), eating "clean" foods, and other ceremonies are powerless to justify us in the sight of God.
**Answer to the thing they have in common is: they were written before Christ died and Resurrected to save us, changing EVERYTHING. IN JESUS OWN AND LAST WORDS.. "IT IS FINISHED".
3. Fruit of the spirit is: ***Fruit of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is the result of the Holy Spirit's presence and working in the lives of maturing believers and is itemized in Galatians 5:22-23. In the context of these verses, the singular fruit of the Spirit is contrasted with the plural works of the flesh ( 5:19-21). The fruit of the Spirit is the natural result of the presence of the Holy Spirit residing in a believer. Therefore spiritual baptism is just that.! Once you have the holy spirit in you and are living a godly life believing in No-one but HIM..you are baptized in the spirit.
In conclusion: Once we except Christ as our Lord & Savior we are saved by Gods grace (new way/reborn or born again) this way we no longer follow old testament rules and laws. The old nature people had to sacrifice for sins. JESUS WAS OUR SACRIFICE for ALL sins AND for EVERYONE WHO EXCEPTS HIM..PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE.
Here is a very important truth that is not discussed often and one that can tie a lot of loose ends.
What does works of the flesh and the works of law have in common? And how does it contrast Fruit of the Spirit. And what does baptism "Not water baptism" has to do with it?
When talking about salvation we like to consider verses like John 3:16. Romans 10:9. and others. But what does born from above spoken by Jesus in John 3:7 means and how should the new birth effect the believer in a way the old nature could not?
Here's just a few reference verses.
Galatians 2:16. Galatians 5:19-21.
Galatians 5:22-24. John 15:1-6.
John 3:7.
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. Romans 8:1-11.
Emulation = definition; ambition to equal or excel others, usually by imitation. Example try to be like the other guy, Copying someone to compete with them.
The definition for today of Sedition was changed during a time referred to as the " Elizabethan Era, carried into the US Colonies,
Sedition = speech or conduct, causing people to rebel against governing authority.
This meaning of Sedition became controversial after the American Independence.
1798 new legal definitions were brought, called "alien & sedition acts" to prevent French takeover, on & on.
Biblical in this website's concordance = sedition = division, dissention, standing appart, Romans 16:17, 1Corinthians 3:3,
Probably more towards causing division within the body of Christ.
Emulation = envy, jealousy, indignation,
This website also had = envious contentious rivalry, jealousy with these verses listed : Romans 13:13, 1Corinthians 3:3, James 3:14,16, & several others noted with variance in original texts. If you'd like to break it down even more, that tool is available. If you click on the verse: Galatians 5:20, the verse page at the bottom, has every word in verse broken down, tap the words for translation & definition.
Hopefully this is helpful
1 Peter 1:5 - "...salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."
Matthew 24:13 "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."
Hebrews 10:36 "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise."
1 Cor 9:24-27 "run the race" (not the race was already won.)
2 Peter 3:17
Luke 8:5-18
1 Timothy 4:1
2 Peter 2:20-22
Hebrews 3:12
Galatians 5:4
1 Corinthians 15:2-8
1 Corinthians 4:5
2 Corinthians 5:10 whether "good or bad". People are sorted at this time.
Matthew 12:32 "...but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come."
OSAS believers: "Ok, but a Christian would never do that."
Christians no longer have freewill to sin?" Joshua 24:15 "choose you this day whom ye will serve"
"OSAS: But no one has ever done that."
Sadly, many Christians fall away. Look at "ex-Christian" on Reddit with 107,000 members. Very prominent pastors have denounced faith and later denied Jesus is Lord.
Matthew 7:21-23
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."
Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"
Hebrews 6:4-6
James 2:14-26 "...faith, if it hath not works, is dead..."
James 2:19 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."
1 Peter 1:13 "...hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"
Romans 11
John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
Matthew 12:31-32
Romans 14:12
God bless and pray for wisdom and truth.
Jesus said "go and sin no more"
Galatians 5:19-25, 2Peter 2:9, 1Corinthians 6:8-11, Romans 6:16-23, Romans 8, Romans 13:9-14,
Hopefully these are all helpful
Examples:
1 John 2:16
Mark 7:21-23
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Galatians 5:19-21
etc.
Apostle Paul in Romans 8:13 makes a very significant statement.
"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"
What does he mean with "deeds of body"? The answer is in Galatians 5:19-21
"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, AND SUCH LIKE: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God"
The above works of flesh/deeds of body are what we call bad habits/passions/sins. Is smoking or any other addiction mentioned? They are all included in "THE SUCH LIKE"
So what do you need to get freed? The answer is the Holly Spirit. It is sometimes impossible for men to "mortify the deeds of the body". This what God's Spirit does.
So go to the Lord and ask Him to free you, ask for His strength, His grace, His Spirit to work in/on you. But when you go to God you have to make sure that you really want to get freed, you have to be honest with the Lord, and sincere about it. Will God answer back? He will definitely do that. I have seen so many examples in my life, people that get freed from smoking, drugs, alcohol, adultery, fornification, gambling...anything that has enslaved them. So go to God.
And a verse especially for you:
John 8:36 "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."
GBU
Praying for your walk with the Lord has been fruitful this pass year. Sorry for the lateness of this reply. Most people, both believers and non believers, believe the rhetoric or argument that God or Christ Jesus said basically nothing on the topic of homosexuality. God addressed it in Genesis 2; and Jesus did so in Matthew 5 and 19. These passages basically talk about GOD's definition and design of a Biblical marriage. Any thing out side of this definition is sin. Since GOD gave or created "marriage" and HIS definition of it; no one can change it. One can chose to ignore it, but at the end of the day- it is still GOD'S institution and not man's. One Man married to one women. Adam and Eve; not Adam and Steve.
For those who claim that there is nothing in the Bible regarding same sex marriage therefore it is ok - is pedophilia ok? There is no mention of it in Scripture.
Everyone has a choice to make. It starts first with trusting and choosing to believe in the salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ. Then choosing to grow in God's grace and mercy; cultivating a person relationship with the Lord through His Word. Walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Galatians 5:16
God shine His face on everyone on this platform who are seeking diligently and faithfully to praise His name.
God bless our President and his administration with wisdom to govern and lead.
Even so LORD, come quickly! June 23, 2022
1 Thesssalonians 5 19
Always remember that it is a Spiritual life and a carnal life. These two oppose each other for better or worse. Galatians 5:16-18 It is a safe place to be in the Spirit so we not kill both flesh and Spirit!
God bless u and yours, love u in Christ.
Here's just a few reference verses.
Galatians 2:16. Galatians 5:19-21.
Galatians 5:22-24. John 15:1-6.
See you this weekend.
God bless
When we see the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22 we find something which should characterize believers in our new nature. To grow to maturity; we need to have this going on along with the supernatural manifestations with our character development as well. The fact that the greatest of all things is love sort of sums everything up. Also; the fact that edification of the Body is a primary purpose for gifts ( Eph 4:11-12); as well as putting the fear of God in people ( 2 Cor. 14:22) doesn't eliminate the fact that it is better to have a clear message; as well as the fact that all our works are meaningless; even martyrdom without love. Tongues are one of those tricky issues; I am not a cessationist myself; but also realize that almonst nowhere I've been has there been interpretations of tongues; and certainly not consistently. Such a gift I believe in prayer is for self-edification; and in corporate worship for the sake of others in the Body. Discernment is surely underrated and sorely needed today; but many who are immature or tares ignore the sober warnings of those who can perceive intrusions of the enemy in the midst of the assembly. Building up one another in our society of "rugged individualism" doesn't seem to have much importance; hence we have a prosperity gospel which is shallow in doctrine; and manifestations which often are clearly demonic with rolling on the floor; and other uncontrolled behaviours. Keeping in mind John 16:8 as to the affects of a TRUE influx of the Spirit of God is a sobering reminder we need to heed to. As to Prophetic words; a warning of a famine or death such as in Paul's case isn't exactly a "politically correct" utterance; nonetheless true Prophets aren't out to tickle men's ears. And the giver of the gifts must always take prescidence over the gifts.
16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Colossians 3:8 - But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.thee.
Matthew 6:24 - No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and money.
Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 - Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, (Read More...)
Galatians 5:22 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
1 John 5:13-17 - These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (Read More...)
This is how I know this parable.
PART 1
The lamp is us, the oil is the Holly Spirit, the light ( Matthew 5:15-16) is our pure life. But an introduction is needed first.
How does one have spiritual fruit in his life? The answer is that that fruit is a result of the work of the Holly Spirit in him, that is why in Galatians 5:22 the scripture talks about the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT. It is not due to our struggles to aquire that fruit in our lives, it would be impossible to aquire love, peace, joy...on our own, it it smt given to us by God through His Spirit. How does one gets rid of the works of flesh ( Galatians 5:19-21) in his life The answer is by the HS ( Romans 8:13). In simple words how can somebody who comes to Jesus can change his character to be similar to Christ's, how can he be changed from a sinful person full of what the scripture calls deeds/works of flesh (sins,faults,passions,bad habits etc) and become a person with clean and pure life? The answer is due to the work of the Holly Spirit in him. That is why a person that never comes to Jesus can never become a saint no matter how hard he tries. There are certain limits we humans have. On our own we can never, say, love our enemy no matter how hard we try, we can never give up smoking, drugs, drinks, swearing, adultery, fornication no matter how hard we try. All these are results of the work of the HS inside us. So what is needed to supply our lamps with to have light/pure life? The answer is with God's Spirit. How do we fill ourselves with the HS. By reading the Word of God, going to church, have communion with other christians, have Holly Communion and mainly by PRAYING IN SPIRIT. In other words by living a decent christian life.