Is it not a fruit of the Spirit given once one IS saved?
SO WHAT IS THIS SAYING?
To get the context you have to pick it up the from John 13 on through John 14:23.
John 13:34-35.
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
BY THIS SHALL ALL MEN KNOW THAT YE ARE MY DISCIPLES, if ye have love one to another.
Jesus taught that those who follow Him will show love for the brothern ( John 13:12-15, 34).
That is the primary sign of faith to the outside world ( John 13:35). Here, he indicates that obedience to His command is the primary sign of our love for Him.
A person cannot claim to know Christ and hate other Christians
1 John 4:20.
Proceeding from John 14:15 on thru John 14:16-23 Jesus is telling them he was going and sending them the Holyspirit that will guide them.
Throughout this section, a person's love for Christ, their obedience to His teachings, and the indwelling of the Spirit are intertwined
All the law hangs on this.
Matthew 23:37-40.
AND THE MINISTRATION OF THE LAW COULDN'T PRODUCE THIS.
2 Corinthians 3:8-11 concedes that regeneration by the gift of the Holyspirit in those who believe in Christ exceeds the ministration of the law.
"How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?
For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of THE GLORY THAT EXCELLETH.
FOR IF THAT WHICH IS DONE AWAY WAS GLORIOUS, MUCH MORE THAT WHICH REMAINETH IS GLORIOUS.
Here are my comments on the scripture you presented.
Jeremiah 31:33: God will put his Laws in our heart and minds. These would be the same 10 Commandments/Laws as well as the additional emphasis on those commands that Jesus added along with the additional Love your nieghbor command. John 13:34
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."
Ecclesiastes 12:13: I think we agree for the most part that Gentiles have in fact received God's laws by by accepting the Gospel of Jesus Christ and becoming heirs of Abraham, and not only the original 10 but also the additional more comprehensive laws as discussed and clarified by Christ.
Mark 2:27: Yes, Jesus was talking to the Jews/Pharisees about the Sabbath, but now that we are Heirs of Abraham these laws also apply to us. I know we differ on this, but this is my belief based on scripture. Jesus was also talking to the Jews about the Gospel of the Kingdom but then gave it to the rest of the world, so all that believe become the heirs of Abraham/Israel.
And Revelation chapter 22: I agree that this Chapter is Jesus speaking to John, but I believe that Jesus is speaking of all the Commandments including His, and His Fathers - not just Jesus commandments that you referred. Also, hoping we both agree that Jesus is God and so then when Jesus states commandments - He is referring to all Commandments. I also do agree it is His Spirit that promotes us to willfully follow His commandments.
Regarding Romans 8:1-4 I'll reiterate the same comments I made to Giannis above. I agree that if we are Saved/Reborn Christians living our lives in conjunction with God's Holy Sprit that indeed is sufficient to receive salvation per the scripture. Very important: If, we are living by the Sprit we will be embracing God's/Jesus Commandments as the Spirit will certainly be directing us to do so, via God writing His laws in our body and mind.
First off; we have verses such as 1 John 1:8-10 which makes it pretty clear that none of us are without sin. That would be in reference to the old man and body which still have the capability or potential of sin; much like Adam did before he fell in Eden.
We need to differentiate between the inner man; or our hearts and our actions; which express what is going on within us. It is much like a disease which may be present before anyone can diagnose it. The act of sin is a process that starts with allowing our minds to consider something ungodly; and as believers that often is associated with thoughts from Satan or his minions influencing us (such as in Matthew 16:23). In that case we see how what would seem like the best humanitarian approach to a close friend protecting another was against God's greater purposes; which may in Peter's logic have seemed like righteous indignation. Instead; it betrayed his own blindness toward what Christ had repeatedly predicted and was being ignorant of what the Spirit had recently revealed to him about Christ being Lord and Savior. Weaknesses can therefore be either used for God's glory ( 2 Corinthians 12:10) as stated by Paul; or something that can be a repeated snare; as seen by Peter's boasting that he would even die for Christ ( John 13:37). This illustrates once again how we must never lean to our own understanding or strength in boasting.
Sanctification therefore continually transforms us as we mature in the faith. We are operating in forgiveness for all sins; past present and future IF truly saved. That is crucial for when we do sin we must ask forgiveness ( 1 John 2;1-2); and be restored; reclaiming our blood bought standing. If there is a lifestyle of sin which would mean deliberate repeated actions without any remorse it is evidence that there is no contention between the Spirit and flesh ( Gal. 5:17) and salvation can be questioned. Restoration is only possible if we are truly children of God.
Thanks bro Giannis for your comments. Just looking at our comments overall, I think that our understanding of the terms used differ. As in "clean" ( John 13:10,11); how should we understand that word? Was Jesus referring to their absolute purity or the state of their heart towards Him & learning from Him? I doubt if the disciples were sinless, so I would lean towards to their state of heart. And of course, one amongst them had a heart of hypocrisy, ongoing sin, & eventual betrayal.
I don't consider the Last Supper event as their First Communion (as we know it). They met simply to participate in the Passover, as all good, law-abiding Jews would do. But Jesus took that opportunity to then point the Passover to Himself as the Lamb Who would be slaughtered & His Blood shed. From the meal on the table, Jesus extracted the bread & the cup to pointedly show them the manner of His Death & its meaning, & for their future remembrance of this very sad yet great event. Should the disciples have been Christians (saved) to participate in the Passover? Or, could they not baptize others, even as John did? Or even preach to others & give healing from demons & sicknesses? In all these occasions as you have highlighted, the disciples were with Jesus or sent with power to do the work. They received His direction & empowerment to accomplish these tasks, yet remained ordinary unsaved men. Without Jesus, they were miserable, faithless, powerless men - but they were learning - being discipled. But when Jesus returned to His Father, His Promise was that they would not be left alone, but receive "power from on high". And should we even mention of what these disciples became when the Holy Spirit came upon them and in them? They were born again & empowered to live lives & do works that were uncharacteristic of ordinary men - and they remained faithful to the end of their lives. Onto Page 2.
Lets assume your are right about people in Samaria. So how about the apostles? Weren't they born again before Pentecost? But Jesus called them clean during the last supper i.e. in John 13:10.
When Peter preached to the Jews on Pentecost he said at the end, Acts 2:38, "..., Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.". Shall I assume that Peter said to people to just have a knowledge about Christ then get water baptised and then get born again? Hard to believe. I don't think there is any christian church of any denomination that teaches such a sequence of salvation.
Question. What is baptism? In Colossians 2:12 says "Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.".
Also in Romans 6:3-7, "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: ..."
So the baptism among other is symbolic for the burial of our old sinful man and the subsequent erection of the new man. But we bury something that is dead not alive. Baptism has to come after the death of the old man, not before.
Lets go to that incident that Paul met those disciples in Ephessus.( Acts 18:1-7). He asks them if they received the Spirit after they believed? Strange question, isn't it? He also asumes that they were water baptised, because he asks tthem in what name they were baptised. (since they told him that they had never heard of the Holly Spirit, he wonders how come they had never heard of it since we are baprised in the name of the Father, the Son and HTE HOLLY SPIRIT). So Paul assumed in the begining that they were also w/baptised.
Next. Were the apostles born again when Jesus was with them? John 13:10, "Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.". So they were "clean". That means they were already born again and saved. Judas here is not called clean not because he wasn't saved but because he was already sinning. How do we know that? Because Jesus washed Judas feet as well, but not Judas' whole body.
So they were saved. Were they w/baptized?
There are so many cases in Acts that show how important water baptism is. The apostles always asked believers to be water baptized as soon as they believed.
1) The incident with Phillip and eunuch,
2) Peter preaching at Pentecost, Acts 2:38, "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.",
3) the incident with Cornelius, Acts 10:47, "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?",
4) Philipp in Samaria, Acts 8:12, "But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.",
5) Paul himself, Acts 9:18, "And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized."
6) Paul with the disciples in Ephessus, Acts 19:3, "And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism"
7) And most important of all is the commadment Jesus gave to apostles before His departure, Matthew 28:19, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost"
About grace, we must know that there is always a requirement/condition to receive it. It is called repentance. If God were to give His grace having no requirement at all then all people would have been saved. But repentance is needed. Disobedience in His commandments is a sin. Unrepented dissobedience is a sin that stays
In the last supper Jesus washed His disciples feet. We know initially Peter denied. Jesus told him, John 13:8, "Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me."
If we don't obey God we have no part with Him in Heaven. As simple as that. Christians try to make whole philoshophies out of the Gospel. They take something simple and make a complicated thing out of it and confuse people That is why I insist on simplictity. The Gospel wasn't written for scholars, theologists, scientists but for ordinary everyday people like us. For people with no scientific knowlegge like the ancient people but also for todays's educated people. For all.
I hope I haven't confused you.
About Israel. In Rom 11 Paul talks to the gentiles and tells them, V 18, "Boast not (gentiles) against the branches(Israel). But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee." The gentiles to not boast against the Hebrews. nd he says next, V25-27, "25. For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. 26. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: 27. For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins"
So it is obvious that he talks about the nation Israel. Now what does ALL Israel mean? Every single one of them? As you said the gospel doesn't teach a universal salvation. So I guess some will not believe. How many? ...?
Did Jesus eat the Passover? Tradition or scripture? Does it matter? For study not to offend.
Passover Day when the lambs were killed is the 14th of Abib/Nisan. Exodus 12:3-33Leviticus 23:5Numbers 33:1-3Mark 14:12Luke 22:7
The 15th of Abib/Nisan is the first day of the 7-day Unleavened Bread Feast, first day and the last day are Sabbath days, it starts at sundown and is when they ate the Passover and after midnight they left Egypt. Numbers 33:1-3Deuteronomy 16:1-8
From the Last Supper to the burial, Matt. 26:17-75Matt. 27:1-61Mark 14:12-72Mark 15:1-47Luke 22:1-71Luke 23:1-56John 13:1-38 through John 19:1-42.
This day started at sunset. On this day we have Jesus and his disciples going into the guest chamber, they ate a meal, Jesus initiated the New Covenant, they sang songs, Jesus washed their feet, and they were there for hours. They went to Gethsemane where Jesus prayed, Judas came with the priests and a band of men and officers,
They took Jesus to Annias and Caiaphas and was judged. Then early that morning they took Him to Pilate and Herod and back and they said crucify Him. They nailed Jesus to the cross the 3rd hour, 9 AM, Jesus died at the 9th hour, 3 PM, and was put in the tomb, all this in one day, before the sunset, the 14th of Abib/Nisan Passover day.
In Luke 22:14-16 Jesus told them He was not going to eat this Passover with them. In John 18:28 they would not go in the hall, they would be defiled because they have not eaten the Passover, and later that day they had to catch the blood and put it on the altar.
The Passover meal was eaten after sunset and before midnight, the 15th of Abib/Nisan, Jesus was in the tomb.
Jesus was the Passover Lamb and the First and the Last. He was nailed to the cross at the same time the first Tamid Lamb was sacrificed, all the sin sacrifices were put on top and He died at the same time the last Tamid Lamb was sacrificed and put on top.
Hiya ...Childoftheking very good question....But remember Jesus said ye are made clean by the WORD i have spoken unto you... John 13:10 kjv....Thus i think that the 2 thieves were made clean by that conversation that Jesus had with them....As Jesus was the living word made flesh and Blood.... John 1 And the word was God...Being bornagain of an incorruptible seed even by the words of God...( Jesus's words )..Today if you will hear his voice harden not your hearts...Water baptism was the O.C....But under this N.C. @ Calvary...It was @ Calvary that he said it is finished...We can be bornagain by just hearing his voice...ok
You can read in Matthew 26:27 the other disciples asked, :Lord, is it I? Same for Mark 14:19, Luke 22:23. John 13:21-27 gives the most information about the response of the other disciples. But the question of who it might be was quickly shown to be Judas (verse 27).
but whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of god perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
he that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
this is a condition exercised by the influence of the lord being in you!!
so this is uniquely performed amongst brothern!!
john 13:34-35.
a new commandment i give unto you, that ye love one another; as i have loved you, that ye also love one another.
( by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.)
this is salvation at work!!
you shall know them by their fruit! matthew 7:13-23.
one can profess to believe in a grace based relationship with christ or even deceive themselves to believing they have a grace relationship with christ but can't display the fruit associated with what they claim to be truth.
this is not christ "in you"
however, there's the spirit of antichrist in th world.
1 john 2:18.
little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
this is why we examine ourselves.
they lack fruit!
1) they hate the brothern.
2)thet dont inwardly have what's mentioned in galatians 5:22-23.
Interestingly, after studying scripture I've noticed, GOD gave mankind dominion, on Earth. Genesis 1:26,27,28, GOD didn't take that dominion away, people have misused their powers. They/we will all give account: Revelation 1:5-8, Romans 14:12, Daniel 4:3,34, Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 18,
Jesus was here to show us how to bring His Kingdom the Kingdom of GOD on Earth, with Love, John 3:16-21, John 13:34, Romans 12:10, 1John 4:7,12, 1Peter 3:8, John 15:17, James 2:13-17, Luke 13:34,
one day all dominion will go to Christ: 1Corinthians 15:20-28, Romans 16:20,
Galatians 4:1-8, Colossians 3:21,
Matthew 20:25-28, Ephesians 1, (whole chapters) 1Peter 4, Jude 1,
Jesus gave all that believe in him, authority under heaven: from GOD ALMIGHTY: Matthew 28:18-20, Matthew 6, Luke 11, Mark 3:15, Acts 4:30,31, Luke 9:2,
We all have power in the natural if even just to comfort someone else, & as we grow in faith, supernatural power in prayer, through GOD & Christ Jesus our Savior.
John 1:5 conclusion. When we read John 13:30; we see Judas Iscariot going out "immediately" after given the "sop" which was given traditionally to an honored guest. The narrative continues into John 14 and 15 all the way to John 15:16 which mentions the Disciples being called; chosen AND ordained (sans the traitor). The "fruit production" comes to those God has enabled to do this.
They have promises therefore of inheriting eternal life and the glories of heaven ( John 14:2).
The cost of being a disciple of course was soon to be revealed; namely in Peter's fall. In Luke 22:32 the word "converted" is used in order to describe what would soon happen. Christ knew all; of course that Peter was one of His own (as He would give nicknames to emphasize characteristics of the Apostles). In John 1:42 Jesus said that he would be called Cephus or the rock; later on in Matthew 16:16 we see that Christ was revealed to Peter as to who He was. Therefore the word converted here would mean to be restored spiritually after the fall; but it showed the effects of true repentance. Peter until this point was impetuous and immature in many ways as a child in his walk; so the meaning here is when Peter's outward behavior would represent a radical transfomation and involved dying to self. This made him ready after the Resurrection to take on what he knew would end up in martyrdom ( John 21:18). It also gave him boldness in the Book of Acts despite a realistic fear of his own persecution.
Let us therefore take heed; that we are slow to speak as well as swift to hear and slow to wrath (mixed up interpretation of James 1:19). We need to look out for false teachers as well; who self identify as believers; but show no evidence of true faith and producing good fruit.
5. Love: Agape-Unconditional. We can't find such a resource in our tool box in our own strength. Go ahead and try and let me know how it works for you. People have; sadly referred to God's love as "reckless"; I will leave out the particular artist that comes to mind with such language...
We are in a feckless world; and the fact that the love of many will grow cold ( Matt. 24:12) certainly extends into the professing church as we see the warning to the Ephesian church ( Rev. 2:4). It is good to be looking for love in the RIGHT places; but sadly many are obsessed with the wrong places; people and situations. In the Body of believers we are commanded to love one another( John 13:34) and of course "they shall know we are Christians by our love (next verse John 13:35). The attributes of love are found in 1 Cor. 13. Our affections need to be grounded there in the fellowship of the saints and our own relationship with the Lord. There are some like myself that I know who have abstained from television for a number of years now. I am living with my parents so watch it sometimes but it is hard to decide when to walk away. Hopefully; we can have a healthy relationship with our cell phone as well as the amount of time on social media or even watching the news. There is much to be avoided with the fear today at epidemic levels; and of course "true love casts out fear." ( 1 John 4:17-18). It is more than for us but for our WITNESS that we avoid having our minds filled with distractions. People will see in our eyes and countenance that we are anchored in Him as Hebrews 6:19 states. We don't need to tell people so much how committed we are they can tell; and let their love or hate for us be dictated by our chastity; and reverence of the Lord Jesus as our Savior and Master.
We are; of course "unworthy servants" ( Luke 17:7-10) along with friends of God ( John 15:15). A healthy balance is good to ponder this upcoming New Year
...The life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God..." That is part of Galatians 2:20. His Spirit also testifies with our spirit that we "are children of God" according to Romans 8:16. Scripture cannot be read alone with mental faculties and understood as God's truth unless these realities exist; namely being Born of the Spirit ( John 3:6-8) makes the Word living and active in our hearts ( Hebrews 4:12).
Scriptural truth also is what separates the God of truth and His angels from the fallen angels and demons that are the ruling principalities and powers of this world in this age ( Ephesians 6:12). Thus; we can experience God whether "in or out of the body" ( 2 Corinthians 12:2) as Paul did and by extension a demonic spiritual "trip" can occur much in the same way.
Anyone realistically wanting to understand 2 Corinthians 5:8 on being absent from the body; present with the Lord will understand that being in His presence as a believer is overwhelming to the extent that John fell at His feet as though dead ( Revelation 1:17). This is all the more telling since he was the disciple who always was closest to Jesus and even in his own testimony most loved ( John 13:23 and apparently in 4 other verses).
If we are NOT truly in Christ then there is only the terror of the Lord and of course immediate judgment and condemnation for those who are goats rather than sheep. Thus; those who promote a false gospel even if they were brain dead and came back to life God allows them to continue here for a while for His purposes. It would seem that it is possible as long as a body can be resuscitated for a few minutes that this can occur; that is a far cry from Lazarus being raised from the dead or the Lord Himself.
In any case, anyone preaching a gospel other than the truth let him be "anathema" ( Galatians 1:8); and that includes angels as well. To know we are hearing from God being saved is a minimum requirement.
Hi karla. That's a good question & to add to the confusion, I'll throw in Numbers 10:29.
In Exodus 2:18, we read his name as Reuel & this means "friend of El (God)". This was very likely his given name.
In Exodus 3:1, Jethro (or, Yithro) is from the word, 'Yether', meaning 'his excellence'. So it seems that Jethro is the same person as Reuel, but Reuel was his given name & Jethro may have been a secondary name or honorific title that others might have called him by. As an example from the New Testament, we read of Simon who was also known as Peter ( Matthew 4:18); again known by two names (Simon, Luke 22:31; Peter, Matthew 8:14; Simon Peter, John 13:6).
Then in Numbers 10:29, some believe that Hobab is yet another name for Reuel/Jethro, adding to the confusion, and so several opinions have been given to interpret that 'anomaly'. However, I see it simply as: that Hobab was Reuel's (or Raguel's) son, as Raguel (Reuel) was Moses' father-in-law. This type of family tree descriptions can also be found in many other passages, including 1 Chronicles 5:14, Nehemiah 11:7.
Hello Peggy. You could look up the following Scriptures on Jesus Christ's Deity (i.e. God's fullness found in Jesus ( Colossians 2:9) & in His Holy Spirit). Jesus' Deity is proved by:
a. His Names: Hebrews 1:8, John 20:28 (God); Matthew 16:16, Matthew 26:61-65 (the Son of God); Matthew 22:41-46 (Lord); Revelation 19:13 (Word of God); Revelation 19:16 (King of kings and Lord of lords).
b. His Characteristics: Matthew 28:18 (Omnipotence: all powerful); Luke 6:8, John 2:24,25, John 13:11 (Omniscience: all knowing); Matthew 18:20 (Omnipresence: present in any place); John 1:4 (Life); John 14:6 (Truth); Hebrews 13:8 (Immutability: unchanging); 1 Timothy 3:16, John 1:1-14 (God manifest in the flesh in Jesus).
c. His Works: John 1:3, Colossians 1:16 (creates); Colossians 1:17 (sustains); Luke 7:48,49 (forgives sin); John 11:41-44 (raises the dead); John 5:27 (judges); John 15:26 (sends the Holy Spirit).
d. His receiving Worship: Hebrews 1:6 (from angels); Revelation 5:11-13 (from other heavenly beings); Matthew 14:33 (from men); Philippians 2:10 (from all).
e. His equality within the Triune God: John 14:23, John 10:30-33 (with the Father); Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14 (with the Father and the Spirit).
I hope you can see from these few Scriptures that Jesus was not just a special Man or Prophet sent by God, but truly was "God manifested in the flesh". No other man before Jesus' coming, during, or after His leaving this Earth, could ever fully reflect God's Glory, Wisdom & Power. Only God could - and He did this by sending us His Word, made Him a Man, so that He could give His Life as full payment for our sins - but only to those who believe this & place their trust in Him. To some, the 'Trinity' teaching is abominable. But man's salvation depends on the Divine Person of the Lord Jesus Christ - that God could accept no other Sacrifice to redeem & secure people to Himself - only by giving fully of Himself, which is true love for all.
For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 1 Peter 4:17.
Often we speak of a revival, sometimes revival seems it is what the church needs rather than the nation. The nation is doing what nations do.
The church is set apart and is to be light to ALL the world/nations.
Here's what I observed, Some seems to minister to draw people to themselves.
They are thinking they are that light and rightfully so. But what is you/light supposed to shine on? Who's in the midst of the candlesticks? Jesus!
Today we see people "But not everyone" shine light upon themselves. ( Notice I didn't say "the light.)
Is that an oil filled light?
Can there be a revival in this way?
I'm sure we can agree on this matter, The question is "DO I DO THIS?" We should ask ourselves.
Here is also what we should ask ourselves.
Does this glorify the Lord?
Am I doing this by the Spirit of God or the lust of the flesh?
Is it the Lords glory I am seeking?
Is this moved by the Spirit?
If Gods spirit resides in you you should know!
Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. John 12:31-32.
HOW DOES THE WORLD SEE US?
Boy does this matter!
Acts 2:44-47 ?
John 13:35 ?
Here is just a few things that would hender these 2 verses?
Certainly Leaven and the tares plays a role.
When the world look at us from the outside they see some of their own.
Pride by the work of their own hands.
Materialism.
Racism.
Ect.ect.
We also get along worse than them considering we are supposed to be led by the Spirit.
Jude 1:4
Hebrews 5:12-14.
2 Peter 2:10-15.
This is why everything we do should be what is (caused) by the Holyspirit.
Don't let pride keep you from your purpose and proper place.
Sorry for such a long delay in responding I went right off to bed after my last reply.
A disciple of Christ is one who has truly believed on and trusted Christ and have been born of God's spirit. This is not professing to be born again and trying to live a righteous life or by serving or by going to church or by ministering. It's confessing with your mouth and believing in your heart that initiates God's spirit to take residence in you. You are baptized by the Holyspirit, meaning you are Identified with Christ. Christ righteous is imputed over on to you. You are then given a new heart with the ability to love and wants to obey him and serve him at your best. John 14:23-26.
You will also love the brethren. John 13:34-35. 1 John 4:21.
You can't redeem yourself! You are redeemed when you truly believe on the work Jesus did on the cross where he paid our ransom as mentioned.
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. Mark 10:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Christianity isn't anything you "DO"
A Christian is what you "BECOME" by the working of the Holyspirit. And you become that by truly trusting in Christ not the works of our own hands. Christ becomes the Lord over your life and the head of the body of Christians you have been baptized into.
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Matthew 25:31-46, is how we are to treat the "least of these" to belittle anyone is a direct offense to GOD. 1Corinthians 1:20-27, Proverbs 17:5, Romans 14:13, James 4:11, 1Corinthians 4:5, John 13:34, Romans 12:10,
This is "brother or sister" literal & family of believers aka "brethren " because those words from "family" hurt deepest
Spirit baptism, being born of God's Spirit is what causes a new birth, not water baptism. Now, with that being said, water baptism is something everyone born again believer should seek after salvation.
On baptism, is baptism a requirement for the new birth, and which baptism is correct, in the name of the father, the son and the holy ghost or in the name of jesus or both in jesus name?
This is the first of a number of "impreccatory" Psalms. The conundrum in the minds of some today is that desiring our enemies to be destroyed somehow is contradicting the N.T. sayings of Christ to "love our enemies". We should see; however that in the GENERAL case of the fate of the wicked such sentiments (if I can use that word) toward the Pharisees were; shall we say not exactly "politially correct" at best; and led to most if not all of the TEN attempts on the life of Christ before the crucifixion. We should look at it in terms of the final fate of the unredeemed as Revelation states in chapter 21; verse 27 nothing "unclean" enters the holy city. This is fairly close to the reaction toward those in hell as seen at the end of Isaiah 66.
God surely gets no "pleasure in the death of the wicked". ( Ezekiel 18:32). To understand David correctly we must see it as the Holy Spirit and inspired scripture; although there were those enemies of his that he wanted to see eliminated. It wasn't for the sake of a personal vendetta; as can be seen by his patience with the "anointed of the Lord" ( 1 Samuel 24:6). Even when his own sin took Saul; David mourned over his death. We can look at Judas Iscariot and the prophecy ( Psalm 41:9). This was a man deliberately chosen and called who was predestined to be the son of perdition. Nonetheless; giving him the sop was said to be something honoring a person right before Satan entered him and he went off to betray him. (see John 13:29). Loving our enemies therefore is personal; whereas our attitude toward destruction is impersonal. Only God can make the personal judgment; and tdhat is impartial.
Therefore; the general message is the blessing of rightous (verse 11 and 12) and the destruction of the wicked because of their sins making them deserving of such a fate.
Stuck in the middle or standing out from the crowd (further insights)
Master. I have stated before and it doesn't hurt to repeat it that Christ is our MASTER as well as being Lord and Savior. Of course this isn't a "politically correct" concept which would be one benefit those living in a society seeing servitude (indentured servants at least) would have in comprehending that concept as a proper "lifestyle choice" for those who would proclaim Christ (although it is more of a command). The most direct reference Christ makes to us in this status is when he talks about the "unworthy servant" ( Luke 17:7-10). This gives as a good outline of how; for instance we should always prioritize our time for worship; prayer and studying the Word. There is only one who we are accountable to as individuals when this life is done. All good gifts are given from above; and hence are to be used for service in the Kingdom and edification of the brethren.
Fellowship of the saints. The command (not request) to love one another is emphasized in John 13:34-35 as well as 1 John. Surely the disciple that Christ "loved" ( John 21:7) was used to deliver this message and surely he understood that concept.
Sadly; this concept of adoption into the family of God ( Romans 8:14-19 but by no means limited to that verse) is more of an abstract idea today in most churches. Something as practical as inviting a single person to a holiday meal (such as was done for me a few years back) can really make a difference. We are instructed to rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn ( Romans 12:15). The opposite of this is either indifference; or worse gossip which basically is mocking a person's situation or at best having some morbid curiosity. Just to break out and instigate a conversation may take some effort when others on a Sunday morning are more interested id discussing sports; entertainment or personal matters to those in their social circles.
Henry, on Pentecost the apostles were baptized in the Holly Spirit. New birth is not the same as baptism in the Spirit. But we could talk about that later on, it's another topic. Question. Can one be water baptized if he is not born again? The obvious answer is no. Water baptism has no meaning if new birth doesn't preced baptism in water. Were the apostles water baptized before Pentecost? The scripture doesn't mention that but says that apostles did baptize others ( John 4:2). And I think we can agree that one can not baptize others if not him been baptized first. Also, Jesus sent them 2 by 2 to preach salvation to Israel. Without them being saved fisrt? Jesus told them during the last supper that they were clean.( John 13:10), apart from Judas who was sinning since he had already decided to betray Jesus. Clean without been born again? When Phillip the Evangelist went to Samaria and preached Jesus there and people believed and got saved and got baptized in water were they baptized in the Spirit too? No, the apostles had to go there and lay hands on them to receive the Holly Spirit. When Paul met those disciples in Ephesus why did he ask them if they had received the HS after they were water baptized? Wouldn't it be logical to think that they got the HS if one gets it when he is born again? Those 2, new birth and Baptism in HS, are different things. There may be a case that those two may happen at the same time like in the case of Cornelius and his own, but this is one case among others. They are different things.
Revelation 4:5 also discusses the seven Spirits of God along with Revelation 5:6. Apparently; Isaiah 11:2 is a commonly referred to cross reference; although technically it involves 6 ministries under the Lord Himself (as the 7th); it does fit in a sort of Menorah picture of how the Spirit operates in the entire corporate Body. We see a further description in Zechariah 4:2-3 of this source (apparently now in heaven); and the two prophets that tap into this power as witnesses throughout the earth in the end times. That can be studied further in Revelation 11.
It would seem that the seven spiritual gifts also would be in play here as to the emphasis given to a given church. This would be seen in Romans 12:6-8. In general; it seems that there are certain strengths and weaknesses that are commonplace depending on what gifts we have and that could factor into the overall situation as to the state of a congregation; what trials a particular congregation may or may not be called to suffer; doctrinal errors that creep in; etc. It is important to see the interdependence here so that the church isn't imbalanced
( 1 Cor. 12:14-16). In fact; we also see seven gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-11. It is important to differentiate between the fruit of the Spirit (love; joy; peace; longsuffering; etc) in Galatians 5:22-22 which characterizes the lives of all true believers and the particular ministries they have. We can't have one without the other. The common thread; of course is the love of God and brethren as seen in John 13:34-35; and reflected in 1 Corinthians 13 (entire chapter). Apparently; gifts can operate even with immature saints just as some could believe at one time without understanding the indwelling Holy Spirit such in Acts 19:1-4.
In conclusion; God distributes as He will or "severally" ( 1 Cor. 12:11). In obedience because we love Christ ( John 14:15) we have the right attitude to grow.
Many people call the Passover an eight-day feast, even in Jesus' day. Some say Feast of Unleavened Bread and some feast of Passover. Passover is on the 14th and the Feast of Unleavened Bread is on the 15th -21st. In Matthew 26:17 it starts; Now the first day of the Feast of Unleavened BreadIn Mark 14:12 and in Luke 22:7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread when the Passover must be killed In John 13:1 Now before the feast of the Passover this was after the Last Supper. The Last Supper was on Passover Day.
Passover Day is a preparation day for the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The first day of the Unleavened Bread Feast is the Sabbath, Exodus 12:16. On the 14th all leaven had to be purged from the houses and Jerusalem. This is the preparation day that is in scripture not Friday the preparation day for the weekly Sabbath.
John 18:28 confirms the Passover lambs had not yet been sacrificed or eaten because they did not want to be defiled, they passed the blood of the lambs to the altar. This would be done after the sun started going down, any time after noon. This was going on at the same time Jesus was hanging on the cross. The Passover lamb was eaten on the night of the 15th the night they went out of Egypt, Exodus 12:29-32. Jesus was in the tomb when the Passover meal was eaten.
If Jesus was crucified on Friday, we do not have three days and three nights and there are not that many days covered in Matt, Mark, Luke, and John. If Jesus was crucified on Wednesday, Thursday would be the Sabbath, the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and the women could have gone to the tomb on Friday because it would be a preparation day for the weekly Sabbath, So Thursday would be the only day of the week that fits scripture.
That gives Thur. day, Fri. night and day, Sat. night and day Sun. night Jesus rose before sunrise, John 20:1 it was still dark.
AN ABSOLUTE TRUTH.
"IF YOU "LOVE" ME KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS".
Let's put some emphasis on Love for a chance.
What manner of Love is this?
Is it not agape?
Can you generate this height of Love on your own?
Is it not a fruit of the Spirit given once one IS saved?
SO WHAT IS THIS SAYING?
To get the context you have to pick it up the from John 13 on through John 14:23.
John 13:34-35.
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
BY THIS SHALL ALL MEN KNOW THAT YE ARE MY DISCIPLES, if ye have love one to another.
Jesus taught that those who follow Him will show love for the brothern ( John 13:12-15, 34).
That is the primary sign of faith to the outside world ( John 13:35). Here, he indicates that obedience to His command is the primary sign of our love for Him.
A person cannot claim to know Christ and hate other Christians
1 John 4:20.
Proceeding from John 14:15 on thru John 14:16-23 Jesus is telling them he was going and sending them the Holyspirit that will guide them.
Throughout this section, a person's love for Christ, their obedience to His teachings, and the indwelling of the Spirit are intertwined
All the law hangs on this.
Matthew 23:37-40.
AND THE MINISTRATION OF THE LAW COULDN'T PRODUCE THIS.
2 Corinthians 3:8-11 concedes that regeneration by the gift of the Holyspirit in those who believe in Christ exceeds the ministration of the law.
"How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?
For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of THE GLORY THAT EXCELLETH.
FOR IF THAT WHICH IS DONE AWAY WAS GLORIOUS, MUCH MORE THAT WHICH REMAINETH IS GLORIOUS.
It's the fruit that is on exhibit.
That's what James is also saying in his letter.
Also see
Titus 3:4-8.
God bless.
Here are my comments on the scripture you presented.
Jeremiah 31:33: God will put his Laws in our heart and minds. These would be the same 10 Commandments/Laws as well as the additional emphasis on those commands that Jesus added along with the additional Love your nieghbor command. John 13:34
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."
Ecclesiastes 12:13: I think we agree for the most part that Gentiles have in fact received God's laws by by accepting the Gospel of Jesus Christ and becoming heirs of Abraham, and not only the original 10 but also the additional more comprehensive laws as discussed and clarified by Christ.
Mark 2:27: Yes, Jesus was talking to the Jews/Pharisees about the Sabbath, but now that we are Heirs of Abraham these laws also apply to us. I know we differ on this, but this is my belief based on scripture. Jesus was also talking to the Jews about the Gospel of the Kingdom but then gave it to the rest of the world, so all that believe become the heirs of Abraham/Israel.
And Revelation chapter 22: I agree that this Chapter is Jesus speaking to John, but I believe that Jesus is speaking of all the Commandments including His, and His Fathers - not just Jesus commandments that you referred. Also, hoping we both agree that Jesus is God and so then when Jesus states commandments - He is referring to all Commandments. I also do agree it is His Spirit that promotes us to willfully follow His commandments.
Regarding Romans 8:1-4 I'll reiterate the same comments I made to Giannis above. I agree that if we are Saved/Reborn Christians living our lives in conjunction with God's Holy Sprit that indeed is sufficient to receive salvation per the scripture. Very important: If, we are living by the Sprit we will be embracing God's/Jesus Commandments as the Spirit will certainly be directing us to do so, via God writing His laws in our body and mind.
GBU
We need to differentiate between the inner man; or our hearts and our actions; which express what is going on within us. It is much like a disease which may be present before anyone can diagnose it. The act of sin is a process that starts with allowing our minds to consider something ungodly; and as believers that often is associated with thoughts from Satan or his minions influencing us (such as in Matthew 16:23). In that case we see how what would seem like the best humanitarian approach to a close friend protecting another was against God's greater purposes; which may in Peter's logic have seemed like righteous indignation. Instead; it betrayed his own blindness toward what Christ had repeatedly predicted and was being ignorant of what the Spirit had recently revealed to him about Christ being Lord and Savior. Weaknesses can therefore be either used for God's glory ( 2 Corinthians 12:10) as stated by Paul; or something that can be a repeated snare; as seen by Peter's boasting that he would even die for Christ ( John 13:37). This illustrates once again how we must never lean to our own understanding or strength in boasting.
Sanctification therefore continually transforms us as we mature in the faith. We are operating in forgiveness for all sins; past present and future IF truly saved. That is crucial for when we do sin we must ask forgiveness ( 1 John 2;1-2); and be restored; reclaiming our blood bought standing. If there is a lifestyle of sin which would mean deliberate repeated actions without any remorse it is evidence that there is no contention between the Spirit and flesh ( Gal. 5:17) and salvation can be questioned. Restoration is only possible if we are truly children of God.
Thanks bro Giannis for your comments. Just looking at our comments overall, I think that our understanding of the terms used differ. As in "clean" ( John 13:10,11); how should we understand that word? Was Jesus referring to their absolute purity or the state of their heart towards Him & learning from Him? I doubt if the disciples were sinless, so I would lean towards to their state of heart. And of course, one amongst them had a heart of hypocrisy, ongoing sin, & eventual betrayal.
I don't consider the Last Supper event as their First Communion (as we know it). They met simply to participate in the Passover, as all good, law-abiding Jews would do. But Jesus took that opportunity to then point the Passover to Himself as the Lamb Who would be slaughtered & His Blood shed. From the meal on the table, Jesus extracted the bread & the cup to pointedly show them the manner of His Death & its meaning, & for their future remembrance of this very sad yet great event. Should the disciples have been Christians (saved) to participate in the Passover? Or, could they not baptize others, even as John did? Or even preach to others & give healing from demons & sicknesses? In all these occasions as you have highlighted, the disciples were with Jesus or sent with power to do the work. They received His direction & empowerment to accomplish these tasks, yet remained ordinary unsaved men. Without Jesus, they were miserable, faithless, powerless men - but they were learning - being discipled. But when Jesus returned to His Father, His Promise was that they would not be left alone, but receive "power from on high". And should we even mention of what these disciples became when the Holy Spirit came upon them and in them? They were born again & empowered to live lives & do works that were uncharacteristic of ordinary men - and they remained faithful to the end of their lives. Onto Page 2.
Spencer.
Lets assume your are right about people in Samaria. So how about the apostles? Weren't they born again before Pentecost? But Jesus called them clean during the last supper i.e. in John 13:10.
When Peter preached to the Jews on Pentecost he said at the end, Acts 2:38, "..., Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.". Shall I assume that Peter said to people to just have a knowledge about Christ then get water baptised and then get born again? Hard to believe. I don't think there is any christian church of any denomination that teaches such a sequence of salvation.
Question. What is baptism? In Colossians 2:12 says "Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.".
Also in Romans 6:3-7, "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: ..."
So the baptism among other is symbolic for the burial of our old sinful man and the subsequent erection of the new man. But we bury something that is dead not alive. Baptism has to come after the death of the old man, not before.
Lets go to that incident that Paul met those disciples in Ephessus.( Acts 18:1-7). He asks them if they received the Spirit after they believed? Strange question, isn't it? He also asumes that they were water baptised, because he asks tthem in what name they were baptised. (since they told him that they had never heard of the Holly Spirit, he wonders how come they had never heard of it since we are baprised in the name of the Father, the Son and HTE HOLLY SPIRIT). So Paul assumed in the begining that they were also w/baptised.
Next. Were the apostles born again when Jesus was with them? John 13:10, "Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.". So they were "clean". That means they were already born again and saved. Judas here is not called clean not because he wasn't saved but because he was already sinning. How do we know that? Because Jesus washed Judas feet as well, but not Judas' whole body.
So they were saved. Were they w/baptized?
There are so many cases in Acts that show how important water baptism is. The apostles always asked believers to be water baptized as soon as they believed.
1) The incident with Phillip and eunuch,
2) Peter preaching at Pentecost, Acts 2:38, "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.",
3) the incident with Cornelius, Acts 10:47, "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?",
4) Philipp in Samaria, Acts 8:12, "But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.",
5) Paul himself, Acts 9:18, "And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized."
6) Paul with the disciples in Ephessus, Acts 19:3, "And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism"
7) And most important of all is the commadment Jesus gave to apostles before His departure, Matthew 28:19, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost"
Gigi
About grace, we must know that there is always a requirement/condition to receive it. It is called repentance. If God were to give His grace having no requirement at all then all people would have been saved. But repentance is needed. Disobedience in His commandments is a sin. Unrepented dissobedience is a sin that stays
In the last supper Jesus washed His disciples feet. We know initially Peter denied. Jesus told him, John 13:8, "Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me."
If we don't obey God we have no part with Him in Heaven. As simple as that. Christians try to make whole philoshophies out of the Gospel. They take something simple and make a complicated thing out of it and confuse people That is why I insist on simplictity. The Gospel wasn't written for scholars, theologists, scientists but for ordinary everyday people like us. For people with no scientific knowlegge like the ancient people but also for todays's educated people. For all.
I hope I haven't confused you.
About Israel. In Rom 11 Paul talks to the gentiles and tells them, V 18, "Boast not (gentiles) against the branches(Israel). But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee." The gentiles to not boast against the Hebrews. nd he says next, V25-27, "25. For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. 26. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: 27. For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins"
So it is obvious that he talks about the nation Israel. Now what does ALL Israel mean? Every single one of them? As you said the gospel doesn't teach a universal salvation. So I guess some will not believe. How many? ...?
GBu
Passover Day when the lambs were killed is the 14th of Abib/Nisan. Exodus 12:3-33 Leviticus 23:5 Numbers 33:1-3 Mark 14:12 Luke 22:7
The 15th of Abib/Nisan is the first day of the 7-day Unleavened Bread Feast, first day and the last day are Sabbath days, it starts at sundown and is when they ate the Passover and after midnight they left Egypt. Numbers 33:1-3 Deuteronomy 16:1-8
From the Last Supper to the burial, Matt. 26:17-75 Matt. 27:1-61 Mark 14:12-72 Mark 15:1-47 Luke 22:1-71 Luke 23:1-56 John 13:1-38 through John 19:1-42.
This day started at sunset. On this day we have Jesus and his disciples going into the guest chamber, they ate a meal, Jesus initiated the New Covenant, they sang songs, Jesus washed their feet, and they were there for hours. They went to Gethsemane where Jesus prayed, Judas came with the priests and a band of men and officers,
They took Jesus to Annias and Caiaphas and was judged. Then early that morning they took Him to Pilate and Herod and back and they said crucify Him. They nailed Jesus to the cross the 3rd hour, 9 AM, Jesus died at the 9th hour, 3 PM, and was put in the tomb, all this in one day, before the sunset, the 14th of Abib/Nisan Passover day.
In Luke 22:14-16 Jesus told them He was not going to eat this Passover with them. In John 18:28 they would not go in the hall, they would be defiled because they have not eaten the Passover, and later that day they had to catch the blood and put it on the altar.
The Passover meal was eaten after sunset and before midnight, the 15th of Abib/Nisan, Jesus was in the tomb.
Jesus was the Passover Lamb and the First and the Last. He was nailed to the cross at the same time the first Tamid Lamb was sacrificed, all the sin sacrifices were put on top and He died at the same time the last Tamid Lamb was sacrificed and put on top.
Hopefully, this is enough to study.
God bless,
RLW
You can read in Matthew 26:27 the other disciples asked, :Lord, is it I? Same for Mark 14:19, Luke 22:23. John 13:21-27 gives the most information about the response of the other disciples. But the question of who it might be was quickly shown to be Judas (verse 27).
what does these verses mean to you?
1 john 2:5-6.
but whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of god perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
he that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
this is a condition exercised by the influence of the lord being in you!!
so this is uniquely performed amongst brothern!!
john 13:34-35.
a new commandment i give unto you, that ye love one another; as i have loved you, that ye also love one another.
( by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.)
this is salvation at work!!
you shall know them by their fruit! matthew 7:13-23.
one can profess to believe in a grace based relationship with christ or even deceive themselves to believing they have a grace relationship with christ but can't display the fruit associated with what they claim to be truth.
this is not christ "in you"
however, there's the spirit of antichrist in th world.
1 john 2:18.
little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
this is why we examine ourselves.
they lack fruit!
1) they hate the brothern.
2)thet dont inwardly have what's mentioned in galatians 5:22-23.
"love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
they that are christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
contrary to fruit is;
idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like:
if we live in the spirit, let us also walk in the spirit.
let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
sadly a part of eschatology that won't last a week.
god bless.
Interestingly, after studying scripture I've noticed, GOD gave mankind dominion, on Earth. Genesis 1:26,27,28, GOD didn't take that dominion away, people have misused their powers. They/we will all give account: Revelation 1:5-8, Romans 14:12, Daniel 4:3,34, Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 18,
Jesus was here to show us how to bring His Kingdom the Kingdom of GOD on Earth, with Love, John 3:16-21, John 13:34, Romans 12:10, 1John 4:7,12, 1Peter 3:8, John 15:17, James 2:13-17, Luke 13:34,
one day all dominion will go to Christ: 1Corinthians 15:20-28, Romans 16:20,
Galatians 4:1-8, Colossians 3:21,
Matthew 20:25-28, Ephesians 1, (whole chapters) 1Peter 4, Jude 1,
Jesus gave all that believe in him, authority under heaven: from GOD ALMIGHTY: Matthew 28:18-20, Matthew 6, Luke 11, Mark 3:15, Acts 4:30,31, Luke 9:2,
We all have power in the natural if even just to comfort someone else, & as we grow in faith, supernatural power in prayer, through GOD & Christ Jesus our Savior.
Hopefully these are helpful
They have promises therefore of inheriting eternal life and the glories of heaven ( John 14:2).
The cost of being a disciple of course was soon to be revealed; namely in Peter's fall. In Luke 22:32 the word "converted" is used in order to describe what would soon happen. Christ knew all; of course that Peter was one of His own (as He would give nicknames to emphasize characteristics of the Apostles). In John 1:42 Jesus said that he would be called Cephus or the rock; later on in Matthew 16:16 we see that Christ was revealed to Peter as to who He was. Therefore the word converted here would mean to be restored spiritually after the fall; but it showed the effects of true repentance. Peter until this point was impetuous and immature in many ways as a child in his walk; so the meaning here is when Peter's outward behavior would represent a radical transfomation and involved dying to self. This made him ready after the Resurrection to take on what he knew would end up in martyrdom ( John 21:18). It also gave him boldness in the Book of Acts despite a realistic fear of his own persecution.
Let us therefore take heed; that we are slow to speak as well as swift to hear and slow to wrath (mixed up interpretation of James 1:19). We need to look out for false teachers as well; who self identify as believers; but show no evidence of true faith and producing good fruit.
5. Love: Agape-Unconditional. We can't find such a resource in our tool box in our own strength. Go ahead and try and let me know how it works for you. People have; sadly referred to God's love as "reckless"; I will leave out the particular artist that comes to mind with such language...
We are in a feckless world; and the fact that the love of many will grow cold ( Matt. 24:12) certainly extends into the professing church as we see the warning to the Ephesian church ( Rev. 2:4). It is good to be looking for love in the RIGHT places; but sadly many are obsessed with the wrong places; people and situations. In the Body of believers we are commanded to love one another( John 13:34) and of course "they shall know we are Christians by our love (next verse John 13:35). The attributes of love are found in 1 Cor. 13. Our affections need to be grounded there in the fellowship of the saints and our own relationship with the Lord. There are some like myself that I know who have abstained from television for a number of years now. I am living with my parents so watch it sometimes but it is hard to decide when to walk away. Hopefully; we can have a healthy relationship with our cell phone as well as the amount of time on social media or even watching the news. There is much to be avoided with the fear today at epidemic levels; and of course "true love casts out fear." ( 1 John 4:17-18). It is more than for us but for our WITNESS that we avoid having our minds filled with distractions. People will see in our eyes and countenance that we are anchored in Him as Hebrews 6:19 states. We don't need to tell people so much how committed we are they can tell; and let their love or hate for us be dictated by our chastity; and reverence of the Lord Jesus as our Savior and Master.
We are; of course "unworthy servants" ( Luke 17:7-10) along with friends of God ( John 15:15). A healthy balance is good to ponder this upcoming New Year
AMEN
...The life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God..." That is part of Galatians 2:20. His Spirit also testifies with our spirit that we "are children of God" according to Romans 8:16. Scripture cannot be read alone with mental faculties and understood as God's truth unless these realities exist; namely being Born of the Spirit ( John 3:6-8) makes the Word living and active in our hearts ( Hebrews 4:12).
Scriptural truth also is what separates the God of truth and His angels from the fallen angels and demons that are the ruling principalities and powers of this world in this age ( Ephesians 6:12). Thus; we can experience God whether "in or out of the body" ( 2 Corinthians 12:2) as Paul did and by extension a demonic spiritual "trip" can occur much in the same way.
Anyone realistically wanting to understand 2 Corinthians 5:8 on being absent from the body; present with the Lord will understand that being in His presence as a believer is overwhelming to the extent that John fell at His feet as though dead ( Revelation 1:17). This is all the more telling since he was the disciple who always was closest to Jesus and even in his own testimony most loved ( John 13:23 and apparently in 4 other verses).
If we are NOT truly in Christ then there is only the terror of the Lord and of course immediate judgment and condemnation for those who are goats rather than sheep. Thus; those who promote a false gospel even if they were brain dead and came back to life God allows them to continue here for a while for His purposes. It would seem that it is possible as long as a body can be resuscitated for a few minutes that this can occur; that is a far cry from Lazarus being raised from the dead or the Lord Himself.
In any case, anyone preaching a gospel other than the truth let him be "anathema" ( Galatians 1:8); and that includes angels as well. To know we are hearing from God being saved is a minimum requirement.
In Exodus 2:18, we read his name as Reuel & this means "friend of El (God)". This was very likely his given name.
In Exodus 3:1, Jethro (or, Yithro) is from the word, 'Yether', meaning 'his excellence'. So it seems that Jethro is the same person as Reuel, but Reuel was his given name & Jethro may have been a secondary name or honorific title that others might have called him by. As an example from the New Testament, we read of Simon who was also known as Peter ( Matthew 4:18); again known by two names (Simon, Luke 22:31; Peter, Matthew 8:14; Simon Peter, John 13:6).
Then in Numbers 10:29, some believe that Hobab is yet another name for Reuel/Jethro, adding to the confusion, and so several opinions have been given to interpret that 'anomaly'. However, I see it simply as: that Hobab was Reuel's (or Raguel's) son, as Raguel (Reuel) was Moses' father-in-law. This type of family tree descriptions can also be found in many other passages, including 1 Chronicles 5:14, Nehemiah 11:7.
a. His Names: Hebrews 1:8, John 20:28 (God); Matthew 16:16, Matthew 26:61-65 (the Son of God); Matthew 22:41-46 (Lord); Revelation 19:13 (Word of God); Revelation 19:16 (King of kings and Lord of lords).
b. His Characteristics: Matthew 28:18 (Omnipotence: all powerful); Luke 6:8, John 2:24,25, John 13:11 (Omniscience: all knowing); Matthew 18:20 (Omnipresence: present in any place); John 1:4 (Life); John 14:6 (Truth); Hebrews 13:8 (Immutability: unchanging); 1 Timothy 3:16, John 1:1-14 (God manifest in the flesh in Jesus).
c. His Works: John 1:3, Colossians 1:16 (creates); Colossians 1:17 (sustains); Luke 7:48,49 (forgives sin); John 11:41-44 (raises the dead); John 5:27 (judges); John 15:26 (sends the Holy Spirit).
d. His receiving Worship: Hebrews 1:6 (from angels); Revelation 5:11-13 (from other heavenly beings); Matthew 14:33 (from men); Philippians 2:10 (from all).
e. His equality within the Triune God: John 14:23, John 10:30-33 (with the Father); Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14 (with the Father and the Spirit).
I hope you can see from these few Scriptures that Jesus was not just a special Man or Prophet sent by God, but truly was "God manifested in the flesh". No other man before Jesus' coming, during, or after His leaving this Earth, could ever fully reflect God's Glory, Wisdom & Power. Only God could - and He did this by sending us His Word, made Him a Man, so that He could give His Life as full payment for our sins - but only to those who believe this & place their trust in Him. To some, the 'Trinity' teaching is abominable. But man's salvation depends on the Divine Person of the Lord Jesus Christ - that God could accept no other Sacrifice to redeem & secure people to Himself - only by giving fully of Himself, which is true love for all.
Often we speak of a revival, sometimes revival seems it is what the church needs rather than the nation. The nation is doing what nations do.
The church is set apart and is to be light to ALL the world/nations.
Here's what I observed, Some seems to minister to draw people to themselves.
They are thinking they are that light and rightfully so. But what is you/light supposed to shine on? Who's in the midst of the candlesticks? Jesus!
Today we see people "But not everyone" shine light upon themselves. ( Notice I didn't say "the light.)
Is that an oil filled light?
Can there be a revival in this way?
I'm sure we can agree on this matter, The question is "DO I DO THIS?" We should ask ourselves.
Here is also what we should ask ourselves.
Does this glorify the Lord?
Am I doing this by the Spirit of God or the lust of the flesh?
Is it the Lords glory I am seeking?
Is this moved by the Spirit?
If Gods spirit resides in you you should know!
Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. John 12:31-32.
HOW DOES THE WORLD SEE US?
Boy does this matter!
Acts 2:44-47 ?
John 13:35 ?
Here is just a few things that would hender these 2 verses?
Certainly Leaven and the tares plays a role.
When the world look at us from the outside they see some of their own.
Pride by the work of their own hands.
Materialism.
Racism.
Ect.ect.
We also get along worse than them considering we are supposed to be led by the Spirit.
Jude 1:4
Hebrews 5:12-14.
2 Peter 2:10-15.
This is why everything we do should be what is (caused) by the Holyspirit.
Don't let pride keep you from your purpose and proper place.
"Following Jesus and shining you light on Him!!
Examine ourselves.
God bless.
Sorry for such a long delay in responding I went right off to bed after my last reply.
A disciple of Christ is one who has truly believed on and trusted Christ and have been born of God's spirit. This is not professing to be born again and trying to live a righteous life or by serving or by going to church or by ministering. It's confessing with your mouth and believing in your heart that initiates God's spirit to take residence in you. You are baptized by the Holyspirit, meaning you are Identified with Christ. Christ righteous is imputed over on to you. You are then given a new heart with the ability to love and wants to obey him and serve him at your best. John 14:23-26.
You will also love the brethren. John 13:34-35. 1 John 4:21.
You can't redeem yourself! You are redeemed when you truly believe on the work Jesus did on the cross where he paid our ransom as mentioned.
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. Mark 10:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Christianity isn't anything you "DO"
A Christian is what you "BECOME" by the working of the Holyspirit. And you become that by truly trusting in Christ not the works of our own hands. Christ becomes the Lord over your life and the head of the body of Christians you have been baptized into.
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Philippians 2:13.
God bless.
Matthew 25:31-46, is how we are to treat the "least of these" to belittle anyone is a direct offense to GOD. 1Corinthians 1:20-27, Proverbs 17:5, Romans 14:13, James 4:11, 1Corinthians 4:5, John 13:34, Romans 12:10,
This is "brother or sister" literal & family of believers aka "brethren " because those words from "family" hurt deepest
We're to edify Romans 13:8, 1John 4:7, Romans 14:19, 1Thessalonians 5:8-23,
Hopefully these are helpful
Matthew 27:35, Mark 15:24, John 13:4-16, John 19:23,
Hopefully these are helpful
Spirit baptism, being born of God's Spirit is what causes a new birth, not water baptism. Now, with that being said, water baptism is something everyone born again believer should seek after salvation.
Woman's seed = Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23, Luke 1:26-37,
Son of wickedness = 1Samuel 25:17, John 8, Luke 22:3, John 13:2,
Matthew 4, Matthew 9:32-33, Matthew 23:25-39,
Don't be in fear. 1John 4:18, Luke 12:5, Psalms 34:9, Exodus 20:20, James 4:7,
The enmity Jesus faced: John 19:6,
* Matthew 12,
God surely gets no "pleasure in the death of the wicked". ( Ezekiel 18:32). To understand David correctly we must see it as the Holy Spirit and inspired scripture; although there were those enemies of his that he wanted to see eliminated. It wasn't for the sake of a personal vendetta; as can be seen by his patience with the "anointed of the Lord" ( 1 Samuel 24:6). Even when his own sin took Saul; David mourned over his death. We can look at Judas Iscariot and the prophecy ( Psalm 41:9). This was a man deliberately chosen and called who was predestined to be the son of perdition. Nonetheless; giving him the sop was said to be something honoring a person right before Satan entered him and he went off to betray him. (see John 13:29). Loving our enemies therefore is personal; whereas our attitude toward destruction is impersonal. Only God can make the personal judgment; and tdhat is impartial.
Therefore; the general message is the blessing of rightous (verse 11 and 12) and the destruction of the wicked because of their sins making them deserving of such a fate.
Master. I have stated before and it doesn't hurt to repeat it that Christ is our MASTER as well as being Lord and Savior. Of course this isn't a "politically correct" concept which would be one benefit those living in a society seeing servitude (indentured servants at least) would have in comprehending that concept as a proper "lifestyle choice" for those who would proclaim Christ (although it is more of a command). The most direct reference Christ makes to us in this status is when he talks about the "unworthy servant" ( Luke 17:7-10). This gives as a good outline of how; for instance we should always prioritize our time for worship; prayer and studying the Word. There is only one who we are accountable to as individuals when this life is done. All good gifts are given from above; and hence are to be used for service in the Kingdom and edification of the brethren.
Fellowship of the saints. The command (not request) to love one another is emphasized in John 13:34-35 as well as 1 John. Surely the disciple that Christ "loved" ( John 21:7) was used to deliver this message and surely he understood that concept.
Sadly; this concept of adoption into the family of God ( Romans 8:14-19 but by no means limited to that verse) is more of an abstract idea today in most churches. Something as practical as inviting a single person to a holiday meal (such as was done for me a few years back) can really make a difference. We are instructed to rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn ( Romans 12:15). The opposite of this is either indifference; or worse gossip which basically is mocking a person's situation or at best having some morbid curiosity. Just to break out and instigate a conversation may take some effort when others on a Sunday morning are more interested id discussing sports; entertainment or personal matters to those in their social circles.
Matthew 25:31-46, Isaiah 58, John 13:34, Romans 12:10, Romans 13:8, 1Peter 3:8, Hebrews 10:24,
Romans 4, notice in those 'works' it's speaking of circumcision Romans 4:1, Romans 4:9-13, not acts of compassion
They don't contradict each other they're completely separate issues, Deuteronomy 10:16-20,
Malachi 3:5,10 = Deuteronomy 26:10-13 , Exodus 22:22, Deuteronomy 14:22-29, Deuteronomy 24:14-15, Deuteronomy 24:19-21,
Matthew 5:16-20, Matthew 7:12-27 = Mark 12:38-40, Mark 23, Luke 20:46,47, Isaiah 9:17,
Hopefully helpful
Revelation 4:5 also discusses the seven Spirits of God along with Revelation 5:6. Apparently; Isaiah 11:2 is a commonly referred to cross reference; although technically it involves 6 ministries under the Lord Himself (as the 7th); it does fit in a sort of Menorah picture of how the Spirit operates in the entire corporate Body. We see a further description in Zechariah 4:2-3 of this source (apparently now in heaven); and the two prophets that tap into this power as witnesses throughout the earth in the end times. That can be studied further in Revelation 11.
It would seem that the seven spiritual gifts also would be in play here as to the emphasis given to a given church. This would be seen in Romans 12:6-8. In general; it seems that there are certain strengths and weaknesses that are commonplace depending on what gifts we have and that could factor into the overall situation as to the state of a congregation; what trials a particular congregation may or may not be called to suffer; doctrinal errors that creep in; etc. It is important to see the interdependence here so that the church isn't imbalanced
( 1 Cor. 12:14-16). In fact; we also see seven gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-11. It is important to differentiate between the fruit of the Spirit (love; joy; peace; longsuffering; etc) in Galatians 5:22-22 which characterizes the lives of all true believers and the particular ministries they have. We can't have one without the other. The common thread; of course is the love of God and brethren as seen in John 13:34-35; and reflected in 1 Corinthians 13 (entire chapter). Apparently; gifts can operate even with immature saints just as some could believe at one time without understanding the indwelling Holy Spirit such in Acts 19:1-4.
In conclusion; God distributes as He will or "severally" ( 1 Cor. 12:11). In obedience because we love Christ ( John 14:15) we have the right attitude to grow.
Many people call the Passover an eight-day feast, even in Jesus' day. Some say Feast of Unleavened Bread and some feast of Passover. Passover is on the 14th and the Feast of Unleavened Bread is on the 15th -21st. In Matthew 26:17 it starts; Now the first day of the Feast of Unleavened BreadIn Mark 14:12 and in Luke 22:7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread when the Passover must be killed In John 13:1 Now before the feast of the Passover this was after the Last Supper. The Last Supper was on Passover Day.
Passover Day is a preparation day for the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The first day of the Unleavened Bread Feast is the Sabbath, Exodus 12:16. On the 14th all leaven had to be purged from the houses and Jerusalem. This is the preparation day that is in scripture not Friday the preparation day for the weekly Sabbath.
John 18:28 confirms the Passover lambs had not yet been sacrificed or eaten because they did not want to be defiled, they passed the blood of the lambs to the altar. This would be done after the sun started going down, any time after noon. This was going on at the same time Jesus was hanging on the cross. The Passover lamb was eaten on the night of the 15th the night they went out of Egypt, Exodus 12:29-32. Jesus was in the tomb when the Passover meal was eaten.
If Jesus was crucified on Friday, we do not have three days and three nights and there are not that many days covered in Matt, Mark, Luke, and John. If Jesus was crucified on Wednesday, Thursday would be the Sabbath, the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and the women could have gone to the tomb on Friday because it would be a preparation day for the weekly Sabbath, So Thursday would be the only day of the week that fits scripture.
That gives Thur. day, Fri. night and day, Sat. night and day Sun. night Jesus rose before sunrise, John 20:1 it was still dark.
I hope this is enough to make sense.
God bless,
RLW