First and foremost: Are you a born-again believer in Christ?
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. But it's not enough to believe in your head. You must believe in your heart. Romans 10:9-10 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Confess your sins to Jesus Christ, repent, and believe in your heart that he has saved you. He will give you a new heart and a new life in Him. Ezekiel 36:26 "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh."
If you are truly saved, God will help you overcome these things, but you must do your part, or as some say, "Pray and then put legs on your prayers."
We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. We commit sins we do not even know about. We commit careless sins. And then there are the deliberate sins, including the ones you listed: Womanizing, lying, stealing. To wit, you are tempted to do each one; you know they are wrong, but you do them anyway. Being remorseful, praying, asking others to pray for you will not help you until you repent from committing these sins. When the devil comes whispering into your ears, rebuke him with "In Jesus's name, get behind me, Satan!" And he will flee. James 4:7 - Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
And remember, when you sin, whether its a careless sin or deliberate always ask Christ to forgive you, even ask Him to forgive the sins you aren't aware of committin
For our friends during their recovery we didn't depend on our own ability. We humbled ourselves and prayed and asked for prayer. We didn't demand anything or perform anything. WE PRAYED.
Now concerning Satan, There's several scripture that I keep in Mind.
Here's just a few.
1 John 4:4. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because GREATER IS HE THAT IS IN YOU, THAN HE THAT IS IN THE WORLD.
James 4:6-7. But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Submit yourselves therefore to God. RESIST THE DEVIL, and he will flee from you.
And
Romans 8:28-39.
Ephesians 6:11-18.
I don't quarrel with Satan if I do I relieved myself of my Armor.
I don't mimic what Jesus did When he said
Matthew 4:10. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Jude 1:8-10. Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.
Jude 1:16-20. These are murmurers, complainers, WALKING AFTER THEIR OWN lusts; AND THEIR MOUTH SPEAKETH GREAT SWELLING WORDS, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.
But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
THESE BE THEY WHO SEPARATE THEMSELVES, SENSUAL, having not the Spirit.
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
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.
Proverbs 8:13 - The fear of the LORD is to HATE evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
Proverbs 11:2 - When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
Proverbs 16:5 - Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
Proverbs 16:18 - Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
Proverbs 26:12 - Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
Proverbs 27:2 - Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.
Proverbs 29:23 - A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
Jeremiah 9:23 - Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:
Romans 12:16 - Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Galatians 6:3 - For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
Philippians 2:3 - Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
James 4:6 - But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
1 John 2:16 - For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the PRIDE of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (Satan)
This isn't a comment, been receiving your verse a day for many years. Start my day off with it.But now I wake up and take the verse and put it on a app. Listening to the Holy Spirit on what to say. On line, at first I got this isn't the place for God's Word, but months later, people are saying thanks, amen, gotten JW, anti christ believer. But people our listening and growing in the word of God, Today's verse was James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Used submit to parents, Then I went to the prodigal son story, to the rich man and Lazarus, to putting on the whole armour of God. And lastly John 3:16. Other Bible verses Ephesians 4:27: Luke 8:11-12, I Peter 5:8, I John 3:8, Zechariah 1:3, Psalms 73: 28.
It's all about having someone come to the Lord Jesus Christ, and believing, trusting, and giving their life to him as their Savior. We both our God's servant, what a blessing!
Gaudencio, May CHRIST IN US grace us with HIS wisdom and HIS understanding.
Romans 8:20 For the creature was made (CREATED) subject to vanity, NOT WILLINGLY, but by reason of HIM who hath subjected the same in HOPE.
God wants Sons and Daughters that are like HIM. He gives us and EXPERIENCE of natural life so we will KNOW GOOD AND EVIL.
Adam and Eve's sin wasn't eating a natural fruit (the tree of THE KNOWLEDGE of good and evil is within us, it's not a natural tree), we were created with a evil heart. With just a little enticement from this heart; that wasn't born of the Spirit, Eve LUSTED.
God TEST every man to bring him to TRUTH. Without ME YOU CAN DO NOTHING. I am your life.
The POWER and LIFE of the Father which lives in the SON was given to him by the Father. The Father then sent HIS SON to recreate all his sons and daughters into THE IMAGE OF GOD. Christ DESTROYS our EVIL heart by TRUTH and MERCY and gives us his HEART(SPIRIT). Everything given to him by the Father HE GIVES TO US.
Man CANNOT BELIEVE this UNTIL:
Philippians 1:29 For unto YOU IT IS GIVEN in the behalf of Christ, not only TO BELIEVE ON HIM, but to suffer for his sake
James 4:3 You ask, and receive not, because you ask amiss, that you might consume it upon you lusts.
If we have any strength at all it's by He that's in us.
1 John 4:4. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
We're told to submit ourselves to God and do something our flesh don't want to do! "RESIST THE DEVIL "
James 4:7. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
We have 3 enemies, Our flesh, the world, and Satan,
Satan disguise as an Angel of light wouldn't have no trouble with us if we're not barring Gods armour.
Ephesians 6:10-13. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
We hear people in prayer trying to bind Satan,
If we could bind him we would be proud and loose him again!!
Look what Jude say about them.
Jude 1:19-20. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
Jude 1:8-10. Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.
During the Millennium the devil will be chained a 1000 years, when the devil is loosed man will rebel again in this perfect economy!!
James 3:16 - For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
James 4:2-3 - Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. (Read More...)
James 3:14 - But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
Proverbs 14:30 - A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
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.
Galatians 5:19-21 - Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, (Read More...)
Proverbs 27:4 - Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?
James 3:14-15 - But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. (Read More...)
1 Corinthians 3:3 - For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
Romans 12:21 - Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
1 Corinthians 13:1-8 - Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. (Read More...)
Proverbs 10:12 - Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
1 John 4:8 - He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
Psalms 25:4-5 - Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. (Read More...)
Exodus 20:17 - Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.
Galatians 5:22 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,
James 4:17 says if you do nothing in the face of evil it's a sin. Other parties aren't even close to the one I called out. The democrats support mass murdering innocent babies and mass spilling of blood through violence, and the other parties don't. Those who assume others are just as evil either have been brainwashed by propaganda or could be symbolically bowing to the evil culture, just like the US giving billions to Iran the #1 enemy who threatens to nuke us. In these dark days we even see pastors bowing down to terrorist groups like blm and antifa who have killed so many hundreds that aren't reported by the evil media. The vaccine injection has also murdered more than 5,000 people and they sweep it under the rug- that's more death than the 9/11 attacks. It's horrifyingThe time for pandering to this evil is over.
Habakkuk 1:13, Romans 12:9, Philippians 3:2, Ephesians 5:11, John 3:20 - say to expose evil, not pander to them, appease them, or bow down and worship them as a false god. The end times are near and people will be soon tested to see who they are allegient to. Were they an accessory to murder by belonging to a group that mass murders babies, lets criminals out of prison to murder innocents, to let illegals in to spread disease, bring lethal drugs, and traffic children? Those supporting this will be held accountable. It's not too late to repent of this sin and to follow Jesus.
There is a struggle we as believers go through. We are often faced with temptation. Satan knows our weaknesses and he attacks us that way. Some think that we have to fight Satan but we don't have to fight him because he's already been defeated.
James 4:7 says Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil,
There are two things going on at the same time. Submit yourself to God, resist the devil, and the promise is and he will flee from you.
Again, some people don't realize that we don't have to fight with Satan.
In Ephesians Chapter 6, when Paul talked about the armor of God, he says the purpose for putting on the armor of God is so that you stand, and that you resist the wiles, or methods of Satan. So it's resistance!
By the way, the word persecution in the bible means to chase or to pursue. When Satan persecutes us, he basically chases us.
And the whole purpose is to get us tired and discouraged until we make the decision that we don't want to do this Christian thing anymore because it's "just too tiring."
But you see, Satan can't stop us. He can only chase us.
So the bible says submit to God, and resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Just like with Jesus, when Satan came to Him, He told him no way, I'm doing it God's way.
Jesus quoted scripture and said this is the way I'm going to do it. And what happened in the end? Satan left because he couldn't do anything to Him. He tempted Jesus. That's all he could do.
So the first two commands, submit yourselves therefore to God, resist the devil, and the promise is he will flee from you.
The only way to overcome temptation is to resist. It is Satan that tempts, and it is Satan that will flee if you resist him.
Stay in the word. As the saying goes, "This book will keep you from your sin, or your sin will keep you from this book."
'Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you...' James 4:8 You have done this already by acknowledging that sin has seperated you from God. He will honor that and help you.
'And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.' Luke 18:27 Don't despair if your marriage is a big mess, because God IS greater.
To Janet, I believe anytime we fill that we have done wrong; bad thoughts, saying something bad about somebody, or anything that would hinder us from getting closer to our Lord, we should repent. If it takes 1 or a thousand times A DAY, that's what we need to do. James 4:17 (Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.) God bless and thanks for writing back.
Hi Merlinda. Many have wondered why Pharaoh & the Egyptians were treated so harshly by God, when prior to sending out the various plagues we often read that God had hardened Pharaoh's heart.
We first see that Pharaoh was an evil man, a brutal dictator who also enslaved the Israelites with terrible abuse & oppression. As well, he believed that he was a god or at least, an intermediary to the pantheon of gods (even as the people considered the pharaohs) & there was none their equal. So Pharaoh could say, "Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go." ( Exodus 5:2). So Pharaoh's heart was already opposed & hardened towards the God Whom Moses & Aaron represented as we also see in some references: Exodus 7:22; 8:15,19,32; 9:7,34,35.
So when we read that it was God Who hardened the Pharaoh's heart ( Exodus 4:21; 7:3; etc.), we have to conclude that indeed God did affect Pharaoh's heart against Him, but his heart was already hard & stubborn & God simply ensured that his heart would remain so during the time of affliction & punishment. God could well have done this to remind Pharaoh who this God of Moses was, the mightier works that He can do than what Pharaoh's magicians could do & how grossly wicked Pharaoh's acts were against the Israelites that warranted such stern punishment. Yet, God was still merciful in sparing the Egyptians lives, in spite of their suffering & loss of human life.
What should have been a repentance & softening of Pharaoh's heart, remained hard & this hardness was then made harder by God proving His Power over the Egyptians & His Love for His people, Israel, to free them from tyranny. Romans 9:17: "For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth." cf Exodus 9:16.
Marijuana is not mentioned to my knowledge. Neither is snorting cocaine. Nevertheless, I don't think it's ok. For one, we are to be part of the body of Jesus and He certainly doesn't approve of living life being high. ( James 4:17) If you know to do good and don't, it's sin to you.
Verse 8 says be sober, be vigilant. It means to be sober-minded. Vigilant means be on guard. It's the same thing Jesus said to the disciples in Matthew 26:41 when He said can't you wait and watch with me? They kept falling asleep. Be sober thinking, be alert, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks around seeking whom he may devour:
That's to Christians. The Jews would know that the term lion represented the enemy. Seven times in the Psalms David used the word lion as an example of his enemies. In Ezekiel 22:25, Ezekiel used the lion to describe the false prophets.
So Satan takes on this ravaging lion that's going around seeking whom he may devour. This is where the attention of the mind comes in. He roams around and scouts. Job Chapters 1 and 2 tell us that Satan scouts God's people. The fact that he's roaming around is continuous.
Every day, we're being scouted as to what it is that Satan can use to occupy the attention of our minds. He can't take our salvation away from us, but basically, his attitude is "Oh, the Lord saves you and now He wants to renew your mind? Well, I'll just keep you busy!"
So he occupies the attention of our mind. We're too busy, too tired, and we got too much going on. When he devours, he devours mentally, not spiritually. He cannot devour me spiritually but he wants to occupy the attention of my mind.
James says to resist. In James 4:7, he says to resist the devil, and he will flee from you. We don't have to fight him. He's already been defeated.
In Ephesians 6:11, Paul says put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Stand against is the word resist. He's to be resisted.
Verse 9: Whom resist stedfast, or solid in the faith, doing this, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished, or fulfilled in your brethren that are in the world. Every single brother and sister in Christ around the world is suffering or going through the same thing!
I'm not sure where you get this idea though: "There is a difference, and God will only reward us for one of these two."
It sounds like you interpret good works to be bad unless you feel a certain spiritual confirmation before or during the good work activity? How exactly did you come to this understanding and what Bible sources can you cite to say this?
I find this unusual, because I find life as a Christian has a spiritual component that is hard to separate. I believe something of the 'flesh' is easier to identify, because it usually involves unpure motives and sin. But it sounds like you're suggesting that obeying Jesus (such as doing good works to help others) has unpure motives and you put a screening layer in place which you have to navigate through in order to feel good about obeying Jesus.
My perspective is different. I feel that obeying Jesus by default is good, and that helping others by default is good, and already is done via spirit and not fleshly. It would be really hard to convince me that doing good is bad, because doing good is all through the Bible. Galatians 6:9, Matthew 5:16, Ephesians 2:10. We're created to do good works and be the light of the World are we not? James 2:14-17, James 4:17, Micah 6:8. I don't think my motives or my mood even matters sometimes, it's not about me, but serving others and being obedient. Selflessness.
So, my question is: does someone have such a strong filter for all other aspects of life or only when it comes to obeying Jesus and help others? Brushing teeth? Eating a meal? Gassing up a car? Going to work? Watching movies? If the strong filter is only on doing good works, but not on neutral activities, or bad works, then I would think such a perspective seems off balance. Because why should we hesitate only when it comes to doing good and have to pass certain criteria, but have no problem doing anything other than good?
Let me know if I have misinterpreted your meaning and where you got the idea about good works requiring certain criteria for God to like it? God bless...
We must stay humble before the Lord. Give our lives to Him and follow Jesus Christ as He is the only way to our Father.
I guess to end this post will be to "lukewarm" Christians. We are warned there is no middle road. It is one way or the other. Wide is the gate that leads to destruction and many go that way. Straight and narrow is the way to life and few that find it. You cannot serve two masters. You cannot drink of the cup of the Lord and the cup of devils. 1 Corinthians 10:21, Matthew 6:24. As this comes to Revelation 3:15-16. People who are walking the line are going to have to make a choice. I pray they make that choice today as no one knows when the Lord shall require our life. Or when our last day shall be.
Another question I would feel to ask a believer is "are you ready"? Do you love the Lord enough to give your life for Him? As in John 15:13-14, Jesus states there is no greater love than to lay down his life for His friend. Matthew 16:24-25. Love is not perfected yet if you are still afraid as in 1 John 4:18.
I will just leave some Scriptures for others. How we should focus on things above and not of this world. Live our life for the Lord to do the Will of our Father in Heaven. As all is conditional in that the closer you draw to Him the closer He will draw to you. God Bless you my brothers and sisters in the Lord.
Hopefully these may be the verses you were looking for:
James 4:13-15 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:
Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
Maybe Proverbs 3:5-6. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
When Women are anointed to Lead - In Reply on Judges 5 - 3 years ago
If you will type Judges chapter 5 TEACHING: the most used Commentators speak on this matter of Deborah arising to this occasion to rule as a Judge; or lead.
Type it in the Google Box.
It has happened that men get caught up in commerce and other lukewarm activities: and God will use a woman.
An identical need arose in the Book of Esther. By her dedication and actions, the death of the Jews was avoided.
There are definite warnings to be heeded here. When men are seeking direction from the feet of God: women have little need to do else but follow.
It's when we get taken captive by national sports teams, political wars, nations that refuse to practice fair trades and etc....
God may raise up women to get the nation headed in the direction God demands we go.
2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Isaiah 57:15
For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
James 4:10
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
Matthew 23:12
And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
1 Peter 5:6
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.
Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
Romans 2:1 |
Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.
Romans 14:13 |
Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.
James 4:12 |
There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?
Interesting. So after 60 years of "intense" study of the Bible that is all you can say to me? I must state again. You proclaim there is no unforgivable sin(blasphemy of the Holy Ghost) though Jesus Christ says there is. ( 2 Peter 20-21.
With your one statement of "God shall never allow His Son to be crucified afresh". You mean like Hebrews 9:24-26. Yes I understand that. This does not give us free will to go about sinning in this world. Like stated in Hebrews 10:26-29 which I left for you in the previous post. Which would just be putting His blood to shame as stated. Sounding to be of the unforgivable sin which only the Lord shall judge. Of coarse we can make mistakes and we will always have forgiveness if we are true to humble ourselves before the Lord. Confess our sins, or mistakes, and strive to repent of them. To live for the Will of God not our own will. James 4:7-8
Seeing no real response to my couple questions which is ok. Back to the original question which is what led me to post to you in the first place. The Holy Ghost and the Holy Spirit being different. Which again I say is false. Giving you detailed information of the original Greek texts which predates the English translation of the Scriptures.
As you have veered to reply to this information several times I do not expect a reply from you.
Isaiah 59:1-3 Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:
2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
3 For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.
Malachi 3:7 Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?
James 4:7-10 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
Isaiah 59:20 And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD.
Pastor-Ronnie Williams - In Reply on Acts 3 - 3 years ago
Hear are a few: James 1:1-27 and James 4:7-17. Pray, read the Word of God, ask Jesus for strength, and endure! God Bless, and I will remember you in prayer!
Alec, neither of those Scriptures you've given apply to your situation. Hebrews 10:2, speaks about the Jews who had to yearly offer sacrifices to obey God's Commands & to avert His Anger upon them. The sacrifices could never remove sin or their guilty consciences & that is why they had to be offered each year. Philippians 4:7, is an encouragement for those given to worry & anxiousness. Paul suggests that they commit their problems to the Lord in prayer with praise to the One Who will deal with their matters.
You've indicated that you're feeling guilty over past sins. And for some reason, unlike the first time, you now can't rid yourself of this dilemma you're in. Usually, in such situations, folk have truly called upon the Lord for salvation or restoration, but haven't let go of their sins, their past life, or the pain they have inflicted upon others. When we come to the Lord for spiritual healing, we do so entirely based on faith in His Word, in His Power to be able to do this, & Promise that it will be "thy faith hath made thee whole". If we're dwelling on past sins, & lets face it, the memory will always be there but should not burden us anymore or bring on guilt, then we really haven't put those sins upon Jesus to bear them & forgive us - rather, inwardly we believe that Jesus has failed to hear our cry, we are not forgiven & we have to continue to live with the mental & spiritual uncertainty & torment.
Take stock of what took place when you came to the Lord. Did you earnestly seek His forgiveness for your many sins? Did you sense in your heart that He had done so according to His Word ( John 3:14-18)? That He will no longer resurrect those forgiven sins & accuse you of them ( Hebrews 10:14-17). Why should we then allow those past sins come back to haunt us? Leave it at the Cross - tell Satan who is taunting you with this, that you're a child of God, covered in Christ's Blood ( James 4:7), that you ARE forgiven. Spend much time in God's Word & pray for healing.
At death, a sinner suffers a threefold separation of his being:
his body goes to the grave, his soul goes to hell (sheol), and his spirit ascends upward to God. [ Ecc 3:21]
In the Old Testament Dispensation, upon the death of a believer, his body went to the
grave, and his soul and spirit went to Paradise, also called death and Abraham's bosom. After the Blood of Jesus was applied to the Mercy Seat in Heaven, the spirit and soul of a believer could go directly into the presence of the LORD ( II Corinthians 5:8).
I've heard many people including "mature" Christians quote "Resist the devil and he will flee from you." This scripture is conditional upon our submission or surrender to God. If we attempt to resist the devil having not humbled ourselves and submitting to God, we leave ourselves open to the enemy's attacks. Lord let us humble ourselves and pray and seek your face and turn from our wicked ways that we may be used by you in your End Time army and lead many to Jesus unto salvation. Help us remember to daily put on the full armor of God according to Ephesians 6. We love you and need you Lord Jesus.
Your honesty & strong desire for victory in this weak area of your life, is noticeable & you do receive our prayers & support. As a young man of 16, I perceive that your unnatural view of women, has been introduced & fostered by engaging in media depictions of women or even through viewing pornography. I know many people, young & old, engage in this as it is given so liberally on the Web & elsewhere, to satisfy our sinful cravings.
You say that the "void" in your life is huge & that is so dangerous. I can't change your family's use of their spare time, but I can offer some suggestions. And I agree, that Bible reading & prayer cannot take up all your time, even for the ability to concentrate. But remember, prayer to God for help, is not confined at a particular time of the day, but wherever you might be: on the street, in a cafe, out with friends. Whenever sin comes knocking at the door of your heart, your first call is to the Lord Who loves you & wants to see you living in victory.
An addiction, any addiction, requires determination & discipline to rid the habit. The craving might be there for a while, but the pursuit of it has to stop quickly. Firstly, stay away from those areas that are tempting you to lust. Remember that the Bible often speaks of fleeing lust when it comes ( 2 Timothy 2:22, James 4:7, 1 Corinthians 10:13,14, 1 Timothy 6:9-12, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20). If it's books, the Web, the beach, the movies, etc. that is causing you to falter, then stay away from them. The next important thing is how you view women. Always make it a constant practise to see them in a proper, natural way as equal members of society, worthy of real love & respect. You're in that 'highly charged' age group, but that doesn't mean that women should be considered in any other way than you would expect them to consider you or treat you. Be involved in Church youth socializing with them, be careful who your friends are & where you go with them. What are your interests?
Once again, thank you for your great testimony Gary & all that you've shared here. Indeed, the incomprehensible wonder of it all: that God should choose us to be IN HIM even before the foundation of the World, to be holy creatures & without blame before Him; & also being predestined unto the adoption of children through Jesus Christ unto Himself, Ephesians 1:4,5. Thus, as His children, so greatly blessed to have His Spirit indwell us, we can only but cry out "Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant (as serving under the Law that brought judgement & death), but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ." Galatians 4:6,7. What a privilege we have to be called the children of God & what the full import of that will be when we all stand together in that coming day, in great joy before His Glory having full understanding & in perfect love. We can hardly restrain ourselves awaiting that time ( 1 Corinthians 2:9,10).
And yet, in the flesh, we often fail to restrain ourselves from sin. Even knowing to do good, but not following through with it, it becomes sin to us ( James 4:17). We could cry out with the apostle, "O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from this body of death?" What a beautiful & correct answer: it's only possible "through Jesus Christ our Lord" ( Romans 7:24,25). It's by Jesus' Blood He cleanses us, by His Spirit He delivers us, & by His Promise He receives us as His children, made worthy to share in His Glory.
Unworthy as we might feel to receive any crown or prize, as the work of Grace in us has been all from Him & of Him, yet as the apostle ran his earthly race, he only saw the prize that lay before him that kept him alert, motivated & on proper course: the prize of his "high calling OF God IN Christ Jesus" ( Philippians 3:14): ultimately to be in the Lord's Presence, finding full rest from his manifold temptations & difficult labours.
Every blessing to you & to Richard - thanks for popping by.
First and foremost: Are you a born-again believer in Christ?
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. But it's not enough to believe in your head. You must believe in your heart. Romans 10:9-10 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Confess your sins to Jesus Christ, repent, and believe in your heart that he has saved you. He will give you a new heart and a new life in Him. Ezekiel 36:26 "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh."
If you are truly saved, God will help you overcome these things, but you must do your part, or as some say, "Pray and then put legs on your prayers."
We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. We commit sins we do not even know about. We commit careless sins. And then there are the deliberate sins, including the ones you listed: Womanizing, lying, stealing. To wit, you are tempted to do each one; you know they are wrong, but you do them anyway. Being remorseful, praying, asking others to pray for you will not help you until you repent from committing these sins. When the devil comes whispering into your ears, rebuke him with "In Jesus's name, get behind me, Satan!" And he will flee. James 4:7 - Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
And remember, when you sin, whether its a careless sin or deliberate always ask Christ to forgive you, even ask Him to forgive the sins you aren't aware of committin
God bless you!
Part 1 of 2.
For our friends during their recovery we didn't depend on our own ability. We humbled ourselves and prayed and asked for prayer. We didn't demand anything or perform anything. WE PRAYED.
Now concerning Satan, There's several scripture that I keep in Mind.
Here's just a few.
1 John 4:4. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because GREATER IS HE THAT IS IN YOU, THAN HE THAT IS IN THE WORLD.
James 4:6-7. But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Submit yourselves therefore to God. RESIST THE DEVIL, and he will flee from you.
And
Romans 8:28-39.
Ephesians 6:11-18.
I don't quarrel with Satan if I do I relieved myself of my Armor.
I don't mimic what Jesus did When he said
Matthew 4:10. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Jude 1:8-10. Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.
Jude 1:16-20. These are murmurers, complainers, WALKING AFTER THEIR OWN lusts; AND THEIR MOUTH SPEAKETH GREAT SWELLING WORDS, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.
But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
THESE BE THEY WHO SEPARATE THEMSELVES, SENSUAL, having not the Spirit.
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
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.
Proverbs 8:13 - The fear of the LORD is to HATE evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
Proverbs 11:2 - When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
Proverbs 16:5 - Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
Proverbs 16:18 - Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
Proverbs 26:12 - Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
Proverbs 27:2 - Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.
Proverbs 29:23 - A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
Jeremiah 9:23 - Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:
Romans 12:16 - Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Galatians 6:3 - For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
Philippians 2:3 - Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
James 4:6 - But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
1 John 2:16 - For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the PRIDE of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (Satan)
It's all about having someone come to the Lord Jesus Christ, and believing, trusting, and giving their life to him as their Savior. We both our God's servant, what a blessing!
Romans 8:20 For the creature was made (CREATED) subject to vanity, NOT WILLINGLY, but by reason of HIM who hath subjected the same in HOPE.
God wants Sons and Daughters that are like HIM. He gives us and EXPERIENCE of natural life so we will KNOW GOOD AND EVIL.
Adam and Eve's sin wasn't eating a natural fruit (the tree of THE KNOWLEDGE of good and evil is within us, it's not a natural tree), we were created with a evil heart. With just a little enticement from this heart; that wasn't born of the Spirit, Eve LUSTED.
God TEST every man to bring him to TRUTH. Without ME YOU CAN DO NOTHING. I am your life.
The POWER and LIFE of the Father which lives in the SON was given to him by the Father. The Father then sent HIS SON to recreate all his sons and daughters into THE IMAGE OF GOD. Christ DESTROYS our EVIL heart by TRUTH and MERCY and gives us his HEART(SPIRIT). Everything given to him by the Father HE GIVES TO US.
Man CANNOT BELIEVE this UNTIL:
Philippians 1:29 For unto YOU IT IS GIVEN in the behalf of Christ, not only TO BELIEVE ON HIM, but to suffer for his sake
James 4:3 You ask, and receive not, because you ask amiss, that you might consume it upon you lusts.
Few ask GOD TO CAUSE THEM TO BELIEVE HIS WORDS.
Few ask to be GIVEN HIS FAITH.
Without HIM we CAN DO NOTHING.
If we have any strength at all it's by He that's in us.
1 John 4:4. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
We're told to submit ourselves to God and do something our flesh don't want to do! "RESIST THE DEVIL "
James 4:7. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
We have 3 enemies, Our flesh, the world, and Satan,
Satan disguise as an Angel of light wouldn't have no trouble with us if we're not barring Gods armour.
Ephesians 6:10-13. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
We hear people in prayer trying to bind Satan,
If we could bind him we would be proud and loose him again!!
Look what Jude say about them.
Jude 1:19-20. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
Jude 1:8-10. Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.
During the Millennium the devil will be chained a 1000 years, when the devil is loosed man will rebel again in this perfect economy!!
God bless
James 4:2-3 - Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. (Read More...)
James 3:14 - But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
Proverbs 14:30 - A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
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.
Galatians 5:19-21 - Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, (Read More...)
Proverbs 27:4 - Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?
James 3:14-15 - But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. (Read More...)
1 Corinthians 3:3 - For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
Romans 12:21 - Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
1 Corinthians 13:1-8 - Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. (Read More...)
Proverbs 10:12 - Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
1 John 4:8 - He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
Psalms 25:4-5 - Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. (Read More...)
Exodus 20:17 - Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.
Galatians 5:22 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,
Habakkuk 1:13, Romans 12:9, Philippians 3:2, Ephesians 5:11, John 3:20 - say to expose evil, not pander to them, appease them, or bow down and worship them as a false god. The end times are near and people will be soon tested to see who they are allegient to. Were they an accessory to murder by belonging to a group that mass murders babies, lets criminals out of prison to murder innocents, to let illegals in to spread disease, bring lethal drugs, and traffic children? Those supporting this will be held accountable. It's not too late to repent of this sin and to follow Jesus.
There is a struggle we as believers go through. We are often faced with temptation. Satan knows our weaknesses and he attacks us that way. Some think that we have to fight Satan but we don't have to fight him because he's already been defeated.
James 4:7 says Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil,
There are two things going on at the same time. Submit yourself to God, resist the devil, and the promise is and he will flee from you.
Again, some people don't realize that we don't have to fight with Satan.
In Ephesians Chapter 6, when Paul talked about the armor of God, he says the purpose for putting on the armor of God is so that you stand, and that you resist the wiles, or methods of Satan. So it's resistance!
By the way, the word persecution in the bible means to chase or to pursue. When Satan persecutes us, he basically chases us.
And the whole purpose is to get us tired and discouraged until we make the decision that we don't want to do this Christian thing anymore because it's "just too tiring."
But you see, Satan can't stop us. He can only chase us.
So the bible says submit to God, and resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Just like with Jesus, when Satan came to Him, He told him no way, I'm doing it God's way.
Jesus quoted scripture and said this is the way I'm going to do it. And what happened in the end? Satan left because he couldn't do anything to Him. He tempted Jesus. That's all he could do.
So the first two commands, submit yourselves therefore to God, resist the devil, and the promise is he will flee from you.
The only way to overcome temptation is to resist. It is Satan that tempts, and it is Satan that will flee if you resist him.
Stay in the word. As the saying goes, "This book will keep you from your sin, or your sin will keep you from this book."
Christian is all about the relationship we had with God
1 John 2:15
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
James 4:8
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.
God will help you!
'Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you...' James 4:8 You have done this already by acknowledging that sin has seperated you from God. He will honor that and help you.
'And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.' Luke 18:27 Don't despair if your marriage is a big mess, because God IS greater.
God bless,
Carl
We first see that Pharaoh was an evil man, a brutal dictator who also enslaved the Israelites with terrible abuse & oppression. As well, he believed that he was a god or at least, an intermediary to the pantheon of gods (even as the people considered the pharaohs) & there was none their equal. So Pharaoh could say, "Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go." ( Exodus 5:2). So Pharaoh's heart was already opposed & hardened towards the God Whom Moses & Aaron represented as we also see in some references: Exodus 7:22; 8:15,19,32; 9:7,34,35.
So when we read that it was God Who hardened the Pharaoh's heart ( Exodus 4:21; 7:3; etc.), we have to conclude that indeed God did affect Pharaoh's heart against Him, but his heart was already hard & stubborn & God simply ensured that his heart would remain so during the time of affliction & punishment. God could well have done this to remind Pharaoh who this God of Moses was, the mightier works that He can do than what Pharaoh's magicians could do & how grossly wicked Pharaoh's acts were against the Israelites that warranted such stern punishment. Yet, God was still merciful in sparing the Egyptians lives, in spite of their suffering & loss of human life.
What should have been a repentance & softening of Pharaoh's heart, remained hard & this hardness was then made harder by God proving His Power over the Egyptians & His Love for His people, Israel, to free them from tyranny. Romans 9:17: "For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth." cf Exodus 9:16.
Verse 8 says be sober, be vigilant. It means to be sober-minded. Vigilant means be on guard. It's the same thing Jesus said to the disciples in Matthew 26:41 when He said can't you wait and watch with me? They kept falling asleep. Be sober thinking, be alert, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks around seeking whom he may devour:
That's to Christians. The Jews would know that the term lion represented the enemy. Seven times in the Psalms David used the word lion as an example of his enemies. In Ezekiel 22:25, Ezekiel used the lion to describe the false prophets.
So Satan takes on this ravaging lion that's going around seeking whom he may devour. This is where the attention of the mind comes in. He roams around and scouts. Job Chapters 1 and 2 tell us that Satan scouts God's people. The fact that he's roaming around is continuous.
Every day, we're being scouted as to what it is that Satan can use to occupy the attention of our minds. He can't take our salvation away from us, but basically, his attitude is "Oh, the Lord saves you and now He wants to renew your mind? Well, I'll just keep you busy!"
So he occupies the attention of our mind. We're too busy, too tired, and we got too much going on. When he devours, he devours mentally, not spiritually. He cannot devour me spiritually but he wants to occupy the attention of my mind.
James says to resist. In James 4:7, he says to resist the devil, and he will flee from you. We don't have to fight him. He's already been defeated.
In Ephesians 6:11, Paul says put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Stand against is the word resist. He's to be resisted.
Verse 9: Whom resist stedfast, or solid in the faith, doing this, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished, or fulfilled in your brethren that are in the world. Every single brother and sister in Christ around the world is suffering or going through the same thing!
Thank you for your added detail.
I'm not sure where you get this idea though: "There is a difference, and God will only reward us for one of these two."
It sounds like you interpret good works to be bad unless you feel a certain spiritual confirmation before or during the good work activity? How exactly did you come to this understanding and what Bible sources can you cite to say this?
I find this unusual, because I find life as a Christian has a spiritual component that is hard to separate. I believe something of the 'flesh' is easier to identify, because it usually involves unpure motives and sin. But it sounds like you're suggesting that obeying Jesus (such as doing good works to help others) has unpure motives and you put a screening layer in place which you have to navigate through in order to feel good about obeying Jesus.
My perspective is different. I feel that obeying Jesus by default is good, and that helping others by default is good, and already is done via spirit and not fleshly. It would be really hard to convince me that doing good is bad, because doing good is all through the Bible. Galatians 6:9, Matthew 5:16, Ephesians 2:10. We're created to do good works and be the light of the World are we not? James 2:14-17, James 4:17, Micah 6:8. I don't think my motives or my mood even matters sometimes, it's not about me, but serving others and being obedient. Selflessness.
So, my question is: does someone have such a strong filter for all other aspects of life or only when it comes to obeying Jesus and help others? Brushing teeth? Eating a meal? Gassing up a car? Going to work? Watching movies? If the strong filter is only on doing good works, but not on neutral activities, or bad works, then I would think such a perspective seems off balance. Because why should we hesitate only when it comes to doing good and have to pass certain criteria, but have no problem doing anything other than good?
Let me know if I have misinterpreted your meaning and where you got the idea about good works requiring certain criteria for God to like it? God bless...
We must stay humble before the Lord. Give our lives to Him and follow Jesus Christ as He is the only way to our Father.
I guess to end this post will be to "lukewarm" Christians. We are warned there is no middle road. It is one way or the other. Wide is the gate that leads to destruction and many go that way. Straight and narrow is the way to life and few that find it. You cannot serve two masters. You cannot drink of the cup of the Lord and the cup of devils. 1 Corinthians 10:21, Matthew 6:24. As this comes to Revelation 3:15-16. People who are walking the line are going to have to make a choice. I pray they make that choice today as no one knows when the Lord shall require our life. Or when our last day shall be.
Another question I would feel to ask a believer is "are you ready"? Do you love the Lord enough to give your life for Him? As in John 15:13-14, Jesus states there is no greater love than to lay down his life for His friend. Matthew 16:24-25. Love is not perfected yet if you are still afraid as in 1 John 4:18.
I will just leave some Scriptures for others. How we should focus on things above and not of this world. Live our life for the Lord to do the Will of our Father in Heaven. As all is conditional in that the closer you draw to Him the closer He will draw to you. God Bless you my brothers and sisters in the Lord.
Colossians 3:1-6, Colossians 3:13-17,
Matthew 16:27, 1 Peter 1:17,
Malachi 3:7, James 4:6-8,
Hopefully these may be the verses you were looking for:
James 4:13-15 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:
Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
Maybe Proverbs 3:5-6. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
God Bless.
Type it in the Google Box.
It has happened that men get caught up in commerce and other lukewarm activities: and God will use a woman.
An identical need arose in the Book of Esther. By her dedication and actions, the death of the Jews was avoided.
There are definite warnings to be heeded here. When men are seeking direction from the feet of God: women have little need to do else but follow.
It's when we get taken captive by national sports teams, political wars, nations that refuse to practice fair trades and etc....
God may raise up women to get the nation headed in the direction God demands we go.
2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Isaiah 57:15
For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
James 4:10
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
Matthew 23:12
And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
1 Peter 5:6
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.
Mishael
Luke 6 37
Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
Romans 2:1 |
Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.
Romans 14:13 |
Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.
James 4:12 |
There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?
With your one statement of "God shall never allow His Son to be crucified afresh". You mean like Hebrews 9:24-26. Yes I understand that. This does not give us free will to go about sinning in this world. Like stated in Hebrews 10:26-29 which I left for you in the previous post. Which would just be putting His blood to shame as stated. Sounding to be of the unforgivable sin which only the Lord shall judge. Of coarse we can make mistakes and we will always have forgiveness if we are true to humble ourselves before the Lord. Confess our sins, or mistakes, and strive to repent of them. To live for the Will of God not our own will. James 4:7-8
Seeing no real response to my couple questions which is ok. Back to the original question which is what led me to post to you in the first place. The Holy Ghost and the Holy Spirit being different. Which again I say is false. Giving you detailed information of the original Greek texts which predates the English translation of the Scriptures.
As you have veered to reply to this information several times I do not expect a reply from you.
Thank you for all your time.
God Bless.
2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
3 For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.
Malachi 3:7 Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?
James 4:7-10 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
Isaiah 59:20 And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD.
You've indicated that you're feeling guilty over past sins. And for some reason, unlike the first time, you now can't rid yourself of this dilemma you're in. Usually, in such situations, folk have truly called upon the Lord for salvation or restoration, but haven't let go of their sins, their past life, or the pain they have inflicted upon others. When we come to the Lord for spiritual healing, we do so entirely based on faith in His Word, in His Power to be able to do this, & Promise that it will be "thy faith hath made thee whole". If we're dwelling on past sins, & lets face it, the memory will always be there but should not burden us anymore or bring on guilt, then we really haven't put those sins upon Jesus to bear them & forgive us - rather, inwardly we believe that Jesus has failed to hear our cry, we are not forgiven & we have to continue to live with the mental & spiritual uncertainty & torment.
Take stock of what took place when you came to the Lord. Did you earnestly seek His forgiveness for your many sins? Did you sense in your heart that He had done so according to His Word ( John 3:14-18)? That He will no longer resurrect those forgiven sins & accuse you of them ( Hebrews 10:14-17). Why should we then allow those past sins come back to haunt us? Leave it at the Cross - tell Satan who is taunting you with this, that you're a child of God, covered in Christ's Blood ( James 4:7), that you ARE forgiven. Spend much time in God's Word & pray for healing.
his body goes to the grave, his soul goes to hell (sheol), and his spirit ascends upward to God. [ Ecc 3:21]
In the Old Testament Dispensation, upon the death of a believer, his body went to the
grave, and his soul and spirit went to Paradise, also called death and Abraham's bosom. After the Blood of Jesus was applied to the Mercy Seat in Heaven, the spirit and soul of a believer could go directly into the presence of the LORD ( II Corinthians 5:8).
You say that the "void" in your life is huge & that is so dangerous. I can't change your family's use of their spare time, but I can offer some suggestions. And I agree, that Bible reading & prayer cannot take up all your time, even for the ability to concentrate. But remember, prayer to God for help, is not confined at a particular time of the day, but wherever you might be: on the street, in a cafe, out with friends. Whenever sin comes knocking at the door of your heart, your first call is to the Lord Who loves you & wants to see you living in victory.
An addiction, any addiction, requires determination & discipline to rid the habit. The craving might be there for a while, but the pursuit of it has to stop quickly. Firstly, stay away from those areas that are tempting you to lust. Remember that the Bible often speaks of fleeing lust when it comes ( 2 Timothy 2:22, James 4:7, 1 Corinthians 10:13,14, 1 Timothy 6:9-12, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20). If it's books, the Web, the beach, the movies, etc. that is causing you to falter, then stay away from them. The next important thing is how you view women. Always make it a constant practise to see them in a proper, natural way as equal members of society, worthy of real love & respect. You're in that 'highly charged' age group, but that doesn't mean that women should be considered in any other way than you would expect them to consider you or treat you. Be involved in Church youth socializing with them, be careful who your friends are & where you go with them. What are your interests?
And yet, in the flesh, we often fail to restrain ourselves from sin. Even knowing to do good, but not following through with it, it becomes sin to us ( James 4:17). We could cry out with the apostle, "O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from this body of death?" What a beautiful & correct answer: it's only possible "through Jesus Christ our Lord" ( Romans 7:24,25). It's by Jesus' Blood He cleanses us, by His Spirit He delivers us, & by His Promise He receives us as His children, made worthy to share in His Glory.
Unworthy as we might feel to receive any crown or prize, as the work of Grace in us has been all from Him & of Him, yet as the apostle ran his earthly race, he only saw the prize that lay before him that kept him alert, motivated & on proper course: the prize of his "high calling OF God IN Christ Jesus" ( Philippians 3:14): ultimately to be in the Lord's Presence, finding full rest from his manifold temptations & difficult labours.
Every blessing to you & to Richard - thanks for popping by.