"Yes, the Bible assures us that Heaven is a place of absolute happiness and joy and peace-far greater than anything we'll ever experience right now. The Bible says, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ" ( Ephesians 1:3).
Do those in Heaven know what's happening on earth? The Bible doesn't answer all our questions about Heaven-but it does indicate that those who have already entered Heaven may be aware of events on earth. The book of Hebrews, for example, pictures life as a great arena, with those who have gone before us cheering us on in our daily spiritual struggles (see Hebrews 12:1).
Once when Jesus' appearance was changed and His heavenly glory shone through, Moses and Elijah spoke with Him about events on the earth (see Luke 9:30-31).
Does this mean people in Heaven are sad when evil seems to be winning the day?
No, not at all. For one thing, they (unlike us) see the whole picture; they know that even in the midst of life's heartaches and trials, God is still working behind the scenes. They also know that Satan is a defeated foe, and some day all evil will be destroyed and Christ will rule in perfect peace and justice."
Comment by Billy Graham
Who better to answer this question? I've seen the scriptures mentioned. I always think of them cheering us onward. To avoid pity parties with myself. To never doubt what the Word teaches. Mishael
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. ( 2 Corinthians 5:18-19)
Though innocent, the Lamb of God Jesus suffered exceedingly:
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. ( Hebrews 12:2-3)
Faith endures:
...And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. (from Hebrews 11)
Jesus said:
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. ( John 16:33)
The LORD has a wonderful purpose in trials and suffering:
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. ( 1 Peter 1:7-9)
There was no older people to look up to. Pastor said he wanted to run the church his way. I was careful about hearing those words, but I'm sure he was implying Hebrews 12:14. When he would say things which sounded like anger, I'm not saying it was, or act a certain way that I know he would not act if certain deacons and pastors were there. I must be honest, it concerned me. This was around about 2001. We were in a large church rented from another church. Very huge but very seldom got passed a handful of people. When the church seemed to grow, they stayed for a while and leave. The pastor does not know to this day, that most of them told me that this church would never grow if there's no love. I feel that if the pastor is hard, we could tolerate it to a certain extinct. I used to be able to encourage him, but his wife, I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, is doing so much discord which causes the division. Any ideas we have, she would try to take over, or be a part of it, because she knew certain ones had gifts. But what she was doing was sickening to our stomachs. I was faithful to church 3 days out of a week if possible. I lived in south St. Louis, and their church was all the way North County. It seemed like no one cared how far I had to drive because when I missed a day or two, he would mention in church that some of us aren't committed and wont sacrifice. Sometimes I went to church with no electric, very little food, and a car with expired license plate and bad engine.
First of all nobody is perfect.( Romans 3:23-25) Second of all i will pray for you to the Father.( 1 Timothy 2:1-4) David, Solomon, Moses, Aaron, and others in the Bible were not perfect, sinned against God and were corrected for it.( Hebrews 12:6-11) The key thing we all need to do daily is repent of our sins because we are not perfect but Jesus Christ our Lord is and he loves us wanting the best for us.( 1 John 1:9)( 2 Peter 3:9) Our choices decide how close or distant we are from the Father.( James 4:7-10) The main thing we need to remember is that God loves use and created us for his pleasure.( Revelation 4:11) The Lord never falls short but we do. This is why he wants us to humble ourselves and ask him for forgiveness in sincerity.( Proverbs 28:13) If we are not pleasing to him he will correct us to keep us from being deceived and falling away from him. The Lord instructed use through his word and sacrificed himself to draw us closer to him.( John 1:1-5)( John 3:16) Pray believing in the Lord with a humble heart and talk to him, he loves you because your his child( Mark 11:24).
Chris, may the Spirit grace you with the intent of my words, none to be taken as condemnation but edifying. The beast in revelation has so been misunderstood by the teaching of the carnal mind and the doctrines of man. May the Holy Spirit grace us with his words. Job 18:3 Wherefore are we (all mankind) counted as beasts (carnal minded), and reputed vile in your eyes. Psalms 49:20 (carnal) Man that is in honour (pride),and understandeth not (the Spirit), is like a beast that perish (goes to the grave). Psalms 73:22 So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee (Spirit of God). Proverbs 9:1-2 Wisdom (by the Spirit of God) hath builded her house (us), she hath hewn her seven pillars: (vs) 2 She (wisdom) hath killed her beast (carnal mind).... Ecclesiastes 3:18 I said in my heart (mind) concerning the estate of men, that (the Spirit of) God might manifest (grace) them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts. II Peter 2:12 But these (carnal mind) as natural brute beast, made to be taken an destroyed, speak evil of the things they understand not.... Jude 1:10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beast...The only mammal (beast) that buys and sells is a man. Revelation 13:18 Here is wisdom (hath killed her beast). Let him (wisdom) that hath understanding (of the Spirit) count the number of the beast: for it (the beast) is the number of a man (all mankind)....The angel told John not to seal the book. Revelation was just as relevant in Johns (To-day is the day) as it is (To-day is the day). The day (one day) of the Lord that was prophesied by the prophets has been going on now for 2000 years. The beast (all mankind) is judged in Christ ( Hebrews 12:29 For our God is a consuming fire) and the beast was thrown alive into the lake of fire (Christ), All mankind will eventually be judged in Christ. Gods grace be upon us.
Christian Persecutions Ramping Up on Hebrews 12 - 4 years ago
Stop Turkey From Turning Historic Christian Church Into a Mosque
This is an attack on the Christian faith.
Hagia Sophia (named after God's Holy Wisdom) in Istanbul was originally built as a Christian church, about 500 years after Christ walked among us, and has also served at the center of Orthodox Christianity. It's been designated as a U.N. World Heritage Site.
Now, it's being turned into a Muslim mosque for the second time in its history. Its beautiful Christian mosaics will be covered up or even sandblasted - literally covering up the story of the Gospel. We know what's coming next. Hagia Sophia will become a symbol of Islam conquering Christianity.
Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood have already cheered this. Turkey has already said that Athens, Greece, "is next" and then Al-Aqsa (the Temple Mount) in Jerusalem, Israel.
Turkey must be given notice that the world will not tolerate the eradication of the Christian faith at the whim of a hostile government. This Christian church must not be erased.
We've mobilized our legal and Government Affairs teams to fight back. We are preparing to take action at the U.N., urging international pressure on Turkey to protect this historic Christian church. But we need you. ACLJ to sign the petition.
Verse 2-We need to focus on Jesus and imitate him in the way that he endured. He focused on the joy and this helped him to endure. We must do the same in order to endure.
Betty, there are a couple of Scriptures that I know of, that direct a Christian's manner of speaking:
Ephesians 4:29, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." Even though 'corrupt communication' could be perceived to be too general, in Greek it actually refers to 'rotten, worthless, useless, depraved'. I would think that using swear/bad words would fall under this meaning as speech that has no value in it that rather places the person in a baser standing. You could look at Ephesians 5:4 as well, for a similar warning which includes foolish talking & jesting. I would think 'jesting' here is not just humour but with lewdness sprinkled within.
But to answer your question: "who decides which words are bad words and how do they decide, is it just somebody's opinion or is it scripture?" I think the criteria for that would be the source or history of the word used, its meaning & its manner of presentation, both in verbal expression & context. I certainly don't know the history of those words, nor do I wish to, but every now & then something comes up. For example, what some consider a 'mild bad word' such as the extended use of the word 'blood', has its origins in either the Cross or a woman's monthly cycle. But there are other words, such as used in the Bible for 'an illegitimate person' ( Hebrews 12:8), which in itself is an appropriate English word, but when used today and against a person in an angry tone, amounts to swearing. I think you get what I'm saying without the need for further examples!
But Colossians 4:6 says it well: "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." I feel that this is the criterion we need to abide by: how do our words or manner of speaking affect the one hearing us - is it gentle, encouraging, uplifting, informative or 'spiced' up & devaluing us & our message?
As Christians we receive either praise or chastisement from our Father God. I have come to appreciate both
Chastisement helps me keep my feet firmly planted on Holy Ground in Jesus's Presence Praise tells me that Jesus is pleased that I am grounded where He has planted me.
I believe that the wisdom shared in Psalm 37 has more to do with a godly person's inward response to evil & evil workers that are constantly around us. We are not to be troubled by them (v1), we are to trust, delight, commit & rest in the Lord (vv 3-5,7), & God's Judgement on them is certain & complete (vv 2,9,10,13,15,17,20,22,28,38). So there are more reminders of God's dealing with those that do wickedly & for us to know that wickedness will always be around us but we need to take care of our personal steps before the Lord (v23).
There are many Scriptures about discipline within Christ's Church, one good example is in 1 Corinthians chapter 5. Once error & sin goes unchecked in the Church, then the 'whole lump' becomes infected & virtually useless. If we don't do our job then God will have to clean it out His Way: first with His gentle correction ( Hebrews 12:5-11) & then more severely ( 1 Corinthians 11:27-32).
And our response to societies' judgement of wickedness? We know that as long as we have godless men in positions of power, whether at the top or in control of the various arms of government, then overlooking sins & miscarriages of (true) justice will always be the order of the day. We are to never condone their acts but we're told to be subject to them ( Romans 13:1-7) as their primary goal is for the care & well-being of society. However, I don't believe it would be wrong to make your views known to them (by letter, newspaper submissions & not by raging marches), particularly as most of us here live in democratic, free speech & expression societies. Many other governments would imprison you for such outward expressions. It's possible that so much of anti-biblical laws passed & disregard to decency by the governments are because that Christians have remained quiet. The Gospel proclamation requires also the proclamation of godless behaviour in all aspects of society.
Please remember that the sons of God have come for the pulling down of this world's 'Strongholds', religion being the strongest of them all ( 2 Cor. 10:4; Luke 11:21-23).
When it comes to the Medical Profession, please know that the believers live by faith, as the true and living God of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob is their guide in all things. Remember how God took care of a host of 2m people for forty years. He fed them and provided them with water and other essentials. Even their shoes and garments didn't wear out. Also remember that out of the original group that crossed the Red Sea only Joshua & Caleb crossed the Jordan River. All the rest died in the wilderness, while only the new generation crossed the Jordan.
Rather than speaking from personal experience, we believe that the most effective way to be taught and to come to the understanding of 'The Chastening of the Lord' is by the Word of God itself
Please consider the following, as you refuse to accept God's 'Life' giving message ( John 18:37; Hebrews 12:25).
God unites His people (the believers) by His Spirit ( John 4:24; Eph. 4:3-6,13).
Luke 9:56. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them.
Matthew 11:6. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me ( Isa. 8:14; Matthew 13:57; 24:10; 26:31; Rom. 9:32; 1 Cor. 1:23; 2:14; Gal. 5:11; 1 Peter 2:8).
John 3:19. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
Luke 11:22. But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.
1 John 4:4-6. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he than is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice ( John 8:47; 18:37).
You search the scriptures for in them ye think that ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life ( John 5:39,40).
He that is spiritual judgeth (discerneth) all things, yet he himself is judged by no man ( 1 Cor. 2:15).
There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn't true; the other is to refuse to believe what is true ( Proverbs 1:7; 10:8,21; 12:15; 13:20; 14:9; 16:22; 18:2; 20:3; 29:11; Luke 18:10-14; Cor. 1:20; 2:14; 15:36).
We regret that you are not able to understand any of the above ( 1 Cor. 2:14; 2 Cor. 7:10). Notwithstanding: Seek and ye shall find ( Matthew 7:7).
Don't let your self-righteousness stand in the way of your salvation ( Romans 10:2-4).
If the Holy Spirit is convicting you in the heart; you haven't become apostate yet.
You need to repent of your wandering and rededicate your Life to Jesus. John 17
Pray this prayer if this is what you seek? It's best to run to, 1 John 1:9 to confess things as soon as they happen.
It means return to your first love when you First met Jesus. The scripture is in Revelation 2:4
Just compare your life today to those first days when you asked Jesus to come in your heart. You read your Bible. You asked the Holy Spirit to help you understand what you have read. He's your Teacher, and the Spirit of Jesus; your Comforter; your Convictor when you make mistakes, your Helper. He's here for you.
Just pray this prayer to return to your first Love:
Lord, after what I've read today, I don't want to allow any spirit of compromise in my life! I now understand that the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, (Revelation), is compromise with the world. Lord, I don't want to live with one foot in the church and another foot in the world. I want to break free completely from the world and its influence so I can give myself completely to Your cause! I want to be holy, to live in a way that pleases You, and to experience Your power in my life. Today I am renewing my commitment to You all over again! I turn from the world, and I am running to You!
How is it that Jesus is a mediator twixt humans and God. Say that when he walked with us, he turned many to the Father. I suspect he would not venture again to earth, so full of unrepentitent sinners who create a political movement surrounding him, but dishonor his teaching. Now, for those who understand Revelations, we have the Antichrist, or one who exhibits no qualities of zChrist, but only lies thru his teeth while assuming a position of power over Jesus's flock. For those with ears to hear, let me say that if you fall under his spell then doom awaits you. God will not be mocked. He is a heartknower and will recompense those who turn from the One God in heaven. The hypocrit who has power over you will delight in your ruination. He will pick your flesh from his teeth with your blood dripping from his sarcasic mouth. The hour is near where safety and complacency is over in America. I am not anyone but I read the Word and can tell when he lies. I don't give him cover or pass it off that"Oh everyone lies. Look how powerful he is. He will defend us! No he won't. He is hellbent on destroying. All will have to face the Father to explain yourselves. The choice has become binary in America. With one there is a return to hope and justice. The other there is only corruption and death of the Spirit.
Thanks Christine ; you highlighted the essence of the use of 'bitter' in this context that I have been trying to find i.e any sin , though it seems to satisfy for a moment , always fades & the result is greater desperation to fill that empty space inside AT the expense of anyone & everything . Yes, the grace of God( The Lord Jesus) is what keeps us from going down that path.
Richard, as long as we are on the side of life; there is still time to be reconciled, by the enduring Love of God.
2 Corinthians 5: 16-21
All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is: in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Stop here and read Exodus 33:11-23. And Luke 15:11-32. Hebrews 6:18 and 12:1-2
Lastly, 1 John 1:9
Satan has demons that keep an eye on us: what we do, say, read. They're invisible "spies". Ephesians 6. Satan uses the info collected, to ACCUSE you at the throne of God. You feel those accusations. However the Holy Spirit is still with you, convicting you about your sins. He desires to reconcile these things and stop the torment in your mind.
1 John 2:1 names Jesus as your ADVOCATE: your attorney. And He's sitting right beside His Father in heaven, NOW. Your name is still written in the Book of Life.
It's time now for you to pray. Confess your heart. Receive the cleansing power that is in the shed blood of Jesus. 1 John 1:2. Jesus already paid for it. It will be well with your soul, afterwards.
We all need to run to, 1 John 1:2 as soon as sin happens. We are soul and spirit encased in flesh. All that Bible reading makes the spirit man get bigger than the sinful flesh and the gullible soul. Hebrews 12:2, said, to RUN THE RACE. Win!
I love you brother and never feel that you are alone in this. You're blessed.
Get to know God the Holy Spirit, who is The Spirit of Christ. Book of John, ch 16
The soul and body will not reach their destination in peace, because the carnal mind is enmity with God ( Romans 8:6).
For that reason every believer is chastened of the Lord ( Hebrews 12:5-12, Revelation 3:17-19), in order to overcome the flesh and our sinful nature ( Revelation 2:7,11,17,26; 3:5,12,21; 21:7).
A New Heaven and a New Earth on Hebrews 12 - 4 years ago
Revelation 8
10 And the third angel sounded, and there fell A GREAT STAR from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters;
11 And the name of THE STAR is called WORMWOOD, and the third part of the WATERS became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.
12 And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise.
13 And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!
This isn't poetry from the Book of Revelation!! Those of you intent on following False Prophets!! You will not have water to drink.
NASA already is taking photos and measurements of a star headed straight towards planet EARTH. Lots and lots of photos on Google. Guess what it's named?
The Wormwood Star. It's not a comet and it's too big to be an asteroid.
Since God is guiding it, they aren't going to be able to blow it up.
It's going to make all the water bitter and not good for drinking.
You're right about the garbage "islands" floating in our oceans now: extending itself towards Alaska currently.
What does a GOOD and LOVING God do about this mess? He offers His Son Jesus to pay for our Sins and bring us into the family of God. We are about to embark on the greatest Mystery, the salvation of souls, and seeing Earth restored to its original beauty.
The Godhead made all of this! He will do it again. Throw your unbelief out the window & grab onto Jesus NOW. Don't miss out so great a salvation.
"And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God REQUIRE of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,"
1. What is the very first thing GOD requires of all man to do? Where can I find it in scripture?
My thoughts is, Exodus 20:3, but a preacher said it is "TO LOVE" all.
2. Why are we not noticing or focusing on all these Satanic Statues that are being raised right in front of us with little to no protest? I believe Arkansas has an 85' Statue of Satan with 2 little kids happily smiling as they look up to him, sitting right next to the 10 Commandments. These Statues are raised up throughout the world as they are in many States in this country. GOD told us all in the bible he is a jealous GOD, and will tolerate no other GOD before him. I think Satan has always used racism to keep everybody in the world off focused. (Off course racism is extremely important) however, I know GOD is watching us make him 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc.. in order off importance, you get the picture. The world needs to STOP, take a look around, because if what people see is all they see, they don't really see all there is to see. Man has always been nasty and wicked towards each other, and GOD deals with these issues. On the other hand we are foolishly ignoring his first Commandment. Thou shall have no other GOD before me, for I am a jealous GOD. We are going to pay an enormous price for what we are allowing to occur. In fact we are presently paying a heavy price. (COVID 19) We must FAST and PRAY nationwide, worldwide with true Godly leaders, to stop what we are overlooking. Please shed thoughts on this as I am upset that this gets no NEWS ATTENTION, when in fact it is the most important and urgent thing happening in the world, YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND TOMORROW.
What Happens To Our Spirits and Souls on Isaiah 13:10 - 4 years ago
Adam was alive spirit, soul, body; until he and Eve ate the fruit. In Genesis 3:22 we see the Godhead conversing about how to protect the Tree of Life. It's not where it was, now: Revelation 22:2.
Since it's written, by God: all souls are mine.
Ecclesiastes 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the Earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. Ecclesiastes 3:21.
New Testament Scriptures on Christian spirits: Hebrews 12:23, Luke 23:46; Matthew 22:32, 1 Thessalonians 5:10,
Hebrews 12:25 and 1 Corinthians 10:13 are the strongest scriptures for not committing suicide.
If one is going to throw their lives away, why not give that life to Jesus? Give your life to Him, and take Jesus's Life so you can live. Call on Jesus and receive help.
1 Corinthians 10:13
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a WAY TO ESCAPE, that ye may be able to bear it.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
Ecclesiastes 7:17 Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?
Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
James 4:7-10 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Romans 14:7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that IN ME you might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Proverbs 8:36
But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.
If they will trust Jesus and be born again
John 3, and receive the Holy Spirits baptism; God will turn your spirit ON and you will experience a new, different kind of life. People who are alive spiritually can suddenly HEAR the voice of their Heavenly Father, speaking to them through their innermost being. The Holy Spirit comes alongside to Comfort and protect the new Life. Do it.
Janet, the great cloud of witnesses would be referring to those mentioned in Hebrews chapter 11. As you know, that chapter speaks about the definition of faith & then lists some of the Old Testament folk who were commended for their faith in God in spite of the circumstances they found themselves in. So, the point of the chapter is to show us that God looks for genuine faith in us towards Him. Therefore, the writer is suggesting in Chapter 12, that since these old-timers who were accepted by God because of their faith, they might be watching (witnessing) us to see whether we have that faith that God is pleased with ( Heb 11:6).
The five smooth stones are part of a Rock ( 1 Corinthians 10:4) i.e. Jesus Christ . So Jesus Christ is nothing but word of God ( John 1:1 & 14). Matthew 21:44 Its a weapon and Lord has given us spiritual weapon to fight against all demonic powers against us. They are 1. Faith : Hebrew 11:1,6 Hebrews 12:2, Galatians 5:22(F.O.S), 1 Corinthians 12:9(G.O.S) Ephesians 6:16(A.O.G), Matthew 17:20 2.Word of God: John 1:1, Psalms 107:20, Isaiah 55:11, Hebrews 4:12 3. Prayer : Jeremiah 33:3, Matthew 17:21 4. Anointing : Isaiah 10:27, 5. Obedience : 1 Samuel 15:22. If we have this five spiritual smooth stones which formed from Jesus , we can overcome this world. ( 1 John 5:4). David had faith in the Lord and put it into action, also had the special horn anointing to break all the yolks by obeying to the voice of the God. David was a man of prayer. Big things comes in small packages. Victory is ours.
Do those in Heaven know what's happening on earth? The Bible doesn't answer all our questions about Heaven-but it does indicate that those who have already entered Heaven may be aware of events on earth. The book of Hebrews, for example, pictures life as a great arena, with those who have gone before us cheering us on in our daily spiritual struggles (see Hebrews 12:1).
Once when Jesus' appearance was changed and His heavenly glory shone through, Moses and Elijah spoke with Him about events on the earth (see Luke 9:30-31).
Does this mean people in Heaven are sad when evil seems to be winning the day?
No, not at all. For one thing, they (unlike us) see the whole picture; they know that even in the midst of life's heartaches and trials, God is still working behind the scenes. They also know that Satan is a defeated foe, and some day all evil will be destroyed and Christ will rule in perfect peace and justice."
Comment by Billy Graham
Who better to answer this question? I've seen the scriptures mentioned. I always think of them cheering us onward. To avoid pity parties with myself. To never doubt what the Word teaches. Mishael
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. ( 2 Corinthians 5:18-19)
Though innocent, the Lamb of God Jesus suffered exceedingly:
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. ( Hebrews 12:2-3)
Faith endures:
...And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. (from Hebrews 11)
Jesus said:
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. ( John 16:33)
The LORD has a wonderful purpose in trials and suffering:
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. ( 1 Peter 1:7-9)
There was no older people to look up to. Pastor said he wanted to run the church his way. I was careful about hearing those words, but I'm sure he was implying Hebrews 12:14. When he would say things which sounded like anger, I'm not saying it was, or act a certain way that I know he would not act if certain deacons and pastors were there. I must be honest, it concerned me. This was around about 2001. We were in a large church rented from another church. Very huge but very seldom got passed a handful of people. When the church seemed to grow, they stayed for a while and leave. The pastor does not know to this day, that most of them told me that this church would never grow if there's no love. I feel that if the pastor is hard, we could tolerate it to a certain extinct. I used to be able to encourage him, but his wife, I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, is doing so much discord which causes the division. Any ideas we have, she would try to take over, or be a part of it, because she knew certain ones had gifts. But what she was doing was sickening to our stomachs. I was faithful to church 3 days out of a week if possible. I lived in south St. Louis, and their church was all the way North County. It seemed like no one cared how far I had to drive because when I missed a day or two, he would mention in church that some of us aren't committed and wont sacrifice. Sometimes I went to church with no electric, very little food, and a car with expired license plate and bad engine.
This is an attack on the Christian faith.
Hagia Sophia (named after God's Holy Wisdom) in Istanbul was originally built as a Christian church, about 500 years after Christ walked among us, and has also served at the center of Orthodox Christianity. It's been designated as a U.N. World Heritage Site.
Now, it's being turned into a Muslim mosque for the second time in its history. Its beautiful Christian mosaics will be covered up or even sandblasted - literally covering up the story of the Gospel. We know what's coming next. Hagia Sophia will become a symbol of Islam conquering Christianity.
Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood have already cheered this. Turkey has already said that Athens, Greece, "is next" and then Al-Aqsa (the Temple Mount) in Jerusalem, Israel.
Turkey must be given notice that the world will not tolerate the eradication of the Christian faith at the whim of a hostile government. This Christian church must not be erased.
We've mobilized our legal and Government Affairs teams to fight back. We are preparing to take action at the U.N., urging international pressure on Turkey to protect this historic Christian church. But we need you. ACLJ to sign the petition.
Ephesians 4:29, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." Even though 'corrupt communication' could be perceived to be too general, in Greek it actually refers to 'rotten, worthless, useless, depraved'. I would think that using swear/bad words would fall under this meaning as speech that has no value in it that rather places the person in a baser standing. You could look at Ephesians 5:4 as well, for a similar warning which includes foolish talking & jesting. I would think 'jesting' here is not just humour but with lewdness sprinkled within.
But to answer your question: "who decides which words are bad words and how do they decide, is it just somebody's opinion or is it scripture?" I think the criteria for that would be the source or history of the word used, its meaning & its manner of presentation, both in verbal expression & context. I certainly don't know the history of those words, nor do I wish to, but every now & then something comes up. For example, what some consider a 'mild bad word' such as the extended use of the word 'blood', has its origins in either the Cross or a woman's monthly cycle. But there are other words, such as used in the Bible for 'an illegitimate person' ( Hebrews 12:8), which in itself is an appropriate English word, but when used today and against a person in an angry tone, amounts to swearing. I think you get what I'm saying without the need for further examples!
But Colossians 4:6 says it well: "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." I feel that this is the criterion we need to abide by: how do our words or manner of speaking affect the one hearing us - is it gentle, encouraging, uplifting, informative or 'spiced' up & devaluing us & our message?
Chastisement helps me keep my feet firmly planted on Holy Ground in Jesus's Presence Praise tells me that Jesus is pleased that I am grounded where He has planted me.
There are many Scriptures about discipline within Christ's Church, one good example is in 1 Corinthians chapter 5. Once error & sin goes unchecked in the Church, then the 'whole lump' becomes infected & virtually useless. If we don't do our job then God will have to clean it out His Way: first with His gentle correction ( Hebrews 12:5-11) & then more severely ( 1 Corinthians 11:27-32).
And our response to societies' judgement of wickedness? We know that as long as we have godless men in positions of power, whether at the top or in control of the various arms of government, then overlooking sins & miscarriages of (true) justice will always be the order of the day. We are to never condone their acts but we're told to be subject to them ( Romans 13:1-7) as their primary goal is for the care & well-being of society. However, I don't believe it would be wrong to make your views known to them (by letter, newspaper submissions & not by raging marches), particularly as most of us here live in democratic, free speech & expression societies. Many other governments would imprison you for such outward expressions. It's possible that so much of anti-biblical laws passed & disregard to decency by the governments are because that Christians have remained quiet. The Gospel proclamation requires also the proclamation of godless behaviour in all aspects of society.
Please remember that the sons of God have come for the pulling down of this world's 'Strongholds', religion being the strongest of them all ( 2 Cor. 10:4; Luke 11:21-23).
When it comes to the Medical Profession, please know that the believers live by faith, as the true and living God of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob is their guide in all things. Remember how God took care of a host of 2m people for forty years. He fed them and provided them with water and other essentials. Even their shoes and garments didn't wear out. Also remember that out of the original group that crossed the Red Sea only Joshua & Caleb crossed the Jordan River. All the rest died in the wilderness, while only the new generation crossed the Jordan.
Rather than speaking from personal experience, we believe that the most effective way to be taught and to come to the understanding of 'The Chastening of the Lord' is by the Word of God itself
CHASTENING
Deut. 8:5
Job 5:17-19; 6:1-10; 23:10; 33:19
Psalms 6:1-10; 17:3; 30:1-12; 38:1-21; 94:12-14; 102:1-28; 116:1-19; 119:7,67,71
Proverbs 3:11
Isaiah 26:16
1 Cor. 11:32
Hebrews 12:5,6
James 1:12
1 Peter 1:7
Rev. 3:15-21
AFFLICTIONS
Psalms 34:19; 132:1
Isaiah 48:10
Acts 7:10; 20:23
2 Cor. 6:4
Col. 1:24
1 Thess 3:3
Hebrews 12:5-12
Rev. 3:18
SICKNESS AND HEALING
Exodus 15:26
Psalm 6:2
Isaiah 30:26
Jer. 30:17
Eze. 34:16
Hosea 6:1
Mal. 4:2
Matthew 10:8
Mark 2:17
Luke 5:31
James 5:15
1 Peter 2:24
Rev. 22:2
RELYING ON DOCTORS AND MEDICINE
2 Chr. 16:12,13
Job 13:4
Psalms 34:19; 108:12
Isaiah 30:1-3
Jer. 17:5-7,14
Hosea 5:13
Mark 5:25-29
Luke 8:43
MADE PERFECT THROUGH SUFFERING
Job 5:18; 23:10
Psalms 50:5; 119:67,71
Isaiah 48:10
Jer. 31:18
Hosea 5:15; 6:1
Romans 8:17
2 Cor. 4:17
Hebrews 2:10; 5:7-9; 12:10,11
1 Peter 4:1,12; 5:1,9,10
Rev. 3:19
Seek, and ye shall find ( Matthew 7:7).
In His Service.
Andy & Dianne van den Berg - Nova Scotia, Canada
Also, please read Zechariah 7::11 and Hebrews 12:25.
Seek, and ye shall find ( Matthew 7:7).
Greetings from Nova Scotia.
Andy & Dianne van den Berg
Please consider the following, as you refuse to accept God's 'Life' giving message ( John 18:37; Hebrews 12:25).
God unites His people (the believers) by His Spirit ( John 4:24; Eph. 4:3-6,13).
Luke 9:56. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them.
Matthew 11:6. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me ( Isa. 8:14; Matthew 13:57; 24:10; 26:31; Rom. 9:32; 1 Cor. 1:23; 2:14; Gal. 5:11; 1 Peter 2:8).
John 3:19. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
Luke 11:22. But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.
1 John 4:4-6. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he than is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice ( John 8:47; 18:37).
You search the scriptures for in them ye think that ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life ( John 5:39,40).
He that is spiritual judgeth (discerneth) all things, yet he himself is judged by no man ( 1 Cor. 2:15).
There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn't true; the other is to refuse to believe what is true ( Proverbs 1:7; 10:8,21; 12:15; 13:20; 14:9; 16:22; 18:2; 20:3; 29:11; Luke 18:10-14; Cor. 1:20; 2:14; 15:36).
We regret that you are not able to understand any of the above ( 1 Cor. 2:14; 2 Cor. 7:10). Notwithstanding: Seek and ye shall find ( Matthew 7:7).
Don't let your self-righteousness stand in the way of your salvation ( Romans 10:2-4).
In His Service.
Andy & Diane van den Berg
You need to repent of your wandering and rededicate your Life to Jesus. John 17
Pray this prayer if this is what you seek? It's best to run to, 1 John 1:9 to confess things as soon as they happen.
It means return to your first love when you First met Jesus. The scripture is in Revelation 2:4
Just compare your life today to those first days when you asked Jesus to come in your heart. You read your Bible. You asked the Holy Spirit to help you understand what you have read. He's your Teacher, and the Spirit of Jesus; your Comforter; your Convictor when you make mistakes, your Helper. He's here for you.
Just pray this prayer to return to your first Love:
Lord, after what I've read today, I don't want to allow any spirit of compromise in my life! I now understand that the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, (Revelation), is compromise with the world. Lord, I don't want to live with one foot in the church and another foot in the world. I want to break free completely from the world and its influence so I can give myself completely to Your cause! I want to be holy, to live in a way that pleases You, and to experience Your power in my life. Today I am renewing my commitment to You all over again! I turn from the world, and I am running to You!
I pray this in Jesus' Name!
1 John 1:9
Hebrews 12:1-7
Be strong.
religion. By Your Spirit I am born again. By Your grace. For
Your glory. Thank You for my salvation. And for all those
You have saved in this world today. For quickening precious
souls to repent and receive You as their Lord and Saviour.
Thank You for Your mercy and Faithfulness my Abba Father.
Hebrews 12:2 kjv, I Peter 3:18 kjv, 1 Cor 15:1-4 kjv.
Lord Jesus, Your precious blood has washed away my sins.
To You be glory forever! My Abba Father. Alleluia.
2 Cor 5:21 kjv, Rom 10:4 kjv: For Christ is the end of the law for
righteousness to every one that believeth.
2 Corinthians 5: 16-21
All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is: in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Stop here and read Exodus 33:11-23. And Luke 15:11-32. Hebrews 6:18 and 12:1-2
Lastly, 1 John 1:9
Satan has demons that keep an eye on us: what we do, say, read. They're invisible "spies". Ephesians 6. Satan uses the info collected, to ACCUSE you at the throne of God. You feel those accusations. However the Holy Spirit is still with you, convicting you about your sins. He desires to reconcile these things and stop the torment in your mind.
1 John 2:1 names Jesus as your ADVOCATE: your attorney. And He's sitting right beside His Father in heaven, NOW. Your name is still written in the Book of Life.
It's time now for you to pray. Confess your heart. Receive the cleansing power that is in the shed blood of Jesus. 1 John 1:2. Jesus already paid for it. It will be well with your soul, afterwards.
We all need to run to, 1 John 1:2 as soon as sin happens. We are soul and spirit encased in flesh. All that Bible reading makes the spirit man get bigger than the sinful flesh and the gullible soul. Hebrews 12:2, said, to RUN THE RACE. Win!
I love you brother and never feel that you are alone in this. You're blessed.
Get to know God the Holy Spirit, who is The Spirit of Christ. Book of John, ch 16
M.
For that reason every believer is chastened of the Lord ( Hebrews 12:5-12, Revelation 3:17-19), in order to overcome the flesh and our sinful nature ( Revelation 2:7,11,17,26; 3:5,12,21; 21:7).
10 And the third angel sounded, and there fell A GREAT STAR from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters;
11 And the name of THE STAR is called WORMWOOD, and the third part of the WATERS became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.
12 And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise.
13 And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!
This isn't poetry from the Book of Revelation!! Those of you intent on following False Prophets!! You will not have water to drink.
NASA already is taking photos and measurements of a star headed straight towards planet EARTH. Lots and lots of photos on Google. Guess what it's named?
The Wormwood Star. It's not a comet and it's too big to be an asteroid.
Since God is guiding it, they aren't going to be able to blow it up.
It's going to make all the water bitter and not good for drinking.
You're right about the garbage "islands" floating in our oceans now: extending itself towards Alaska currently.
What does a GOOD and LOVING God do about this mess? He offers His Son Jesus to pay for our Sins and bring us into the family of God. We are about to embark on the greatest Mystery, the salvation of souls, and seeing Earth restored to its original beauty.
The Godhead made all of this! He will do it again. Throw your unbelief out the window & grab onto Jesus NOW. Don't miss out so great a salvation.
Mishael
"And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God REQUIRE of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,"
My thoughts is, Exodus 20:3, but a preacher said it is "TO LOVE" all.
2. Why are we not noticing or focusing on all these Satanic Statues that are being raised right in front of us with little to no protest? I believe Arkansas has an 85' Statue of Satan with 2 little kids happily smiling as they look up to him, sitting right next to the 10 Commandments. These Statues are raised up throughout the world as they are in many States in this country. GOD told us all in the bible he is a jealous GOD, and will tolerate no other GOD before him. I think Satan has always used racism to keep everybody in the world off focused. (Off course racism is extremely important) however, I know GOD is watching us make him 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc.. in order off importance, you get the picture. The world needs to STOP, take a look around, because if what people see is all they see, they don't really see all there is to see. Man has always been nasty and wicked towards each other, and GOD deals with these issues. On the other hand we are foolishly ignoring his first Commandment. Thou shall have no other GOD before me, for I am a jealous GOD. We are going to pay an enormous price for what we are allowing to occur. In fact we are presently paying a heavy price. (COVID 19) We must FAST and PRAY nationwide, worldwide with true Godly leaders, to stop what we are overlooking. Please shed thoughts on this as I am upset that this gets no NEWS ATTENTION, when in fact it is the most important and urgent thing happening in the world, YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND TOMORROW.
Since it's written, by God: all souls are mine.
Ecclesiastes 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the Earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. Ecclesiastes 3:21.
New Testament Scriptures on Christian spirits: Hebrews 12:23, Luke 23:46; Matthew 22:32, 1 Thessalonians 5:10,
1 Peter 3:18, 2 Corinthians 5:1-8
John 17-24, Philippians 1:21-24
Acts 7:55-56, Acts 7:59, Genesis 35:18
Love to all. Mishael
If one is going to throw their lives away, why not give that life to Jesus? Give your life to Him, and take Jesus's Life so you can live. Call on Jesus and receive help.
1 Corinthians 10:13
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a WAY TO ESCAPE, that ye may be able to bear it.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
Ecclesiastes 7:17 Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?
Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
James 4:7-10 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Romans 14:7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that IN ME you might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Proverbs 8:36
But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.
If they will trust Jesus and be born again
John 3, and receive the Holy Spirits baptism; God will turn your spirit ON and you will experience a new, different kind of life. People who are alive spiritually can suddenly HEAR the voice of their Heavenly Father, speaking to them through their innermost being. The Holy Spirit comes alongside to Comfort and protect the new Life. Do it.
Tap the links
The five smooth stones are part of a Rock ( 1 Corinthians 10:4) i.e. Jesus Christ . So Jesus Christ is nothing but word of God ( John 1:1 & 14). Matthew 21:44 Its a weapon and Lord has given us spiritual weapon to fight against all demonic powers against us. They are 1. Faith : Hebrew 11:1,6 Hebrews 12:2, Galatians 5:22(F.O.S), 1 Corinthians 12:9(G.O.S) Ephesians 6:16(A.O.G), Matthew 17:20 2.Word of God: John 1:1, Psalms 107:20, Isaiah 55:11, Hebrews 4:12 3. Prayer : Jeremiah 33:3, Matthew 17:21 4. Anointing : Isaiah 10:27, 5. Obedience : 1 Samuel 15:22. If we have this five spiritual smooth stones which formed from Jesus , we can overcome this world. ( 1 John 5:4). David had faith in the Lord and put it into action, also had the special horn anointing to break all the yolks by obeying to the voice of the God. David was a man of prayer. Big things comes in small packages. Victory is ours.