JESUS IS THE ONLY HUMAN WHO WAS AND IS TOTALLY RIGHTEOUS IN ALL OF HIS WAYS
This is because He is the one and only Son of God and Son of Man. He incarnated Himself (as God the Son) into a human body prepared for Him by the Father in Mary. From conception on, Jesus was fully God and fully man in one Person, the Person of the
Son of God. He is the only Incarnated Being in all of creation. Being indwelt with the Holy Spirit is not an incarnation as it is two persons inhabiting one body, the believer and the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit's presence in the believer is not natural to mankind since the fall, but one of the wonderful blessings promised by Jesus, our Saviour. With Jesus, it is one Person, (the Son) taking upon Himself fully a human nature with a body, soul, and spirit. When one looks at Jesus one sees The Son of God in a fleshly body, not the Son of God overtaking an already existing human's body. And because of the unity of the Persons of the Godhead, Jesus could say, if you have seen Me, you have seen the Father ( John 12:45; John 14:9).
Before creation and before all time, the three members of the Godhead existed in complete joy, love, and unity. Together They willed to create a universe that would include heavenly spirit beings and beings made of matter. The heavenly beings and humans are the two groups of beings that were created to have relationship with the Godhead. Before creation, the Godhead decided that They would create both heavenly beings and humans capable of disobeying Him. Satan was the first to sin, being lifted up with pride, attempting to become equal with God and to usurp Him so that the heavenly hosts will worship him instead of their Maker. As many as one third of the angels followed after Satan into sin. God knew this would happen. He already planned not to offer salvation to fallen angels, but prepared the lake of fire for them to spend all of eternity when they are judged. ....
The Word of God teaches us in 1 Cor. 2:14 that the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned.
This is why those communicating their messages in this 'forum' so often use the word 'discerning' while the 'Word of God' is not of any private interpretation ( 2 Peter 1:20). This is why it also teaches; that anyone that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man ( 1 Cor. 2:15).
Furthermore, the Spirit of truth cannot be received by this world ( John 14:17) as this whole world has been deceived ( Rev. 12:9).
May we suggest you search the words 'a world deceived' an learn how you may know the difference between the 'natural' and the 'spiritual' body ( 1 Cor. 15:44).
Seek, and ye shall find ( Matthew 7:7).
Please remember, the above words are not our words but from God and they are according to the 'Spirit of Truth'.
The Word of God teaches us in 1 Cor. 2:14 that the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned.
This is why those communicating their messages in this 'forum' so often use the word 'discerning' while the 'Word of God' is not of any private interpretation ( 2 Peter 1:20). This is why it also teaches; that anyone that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man ( 1 Cor. 2:15).
Furthermore, the Spirit of truth cannot be received by this world ( John 14:17) as this whole world has been deceived ( Rev. 12:9).
May we suggest you search the words 'a world deceived' and learn how you may know the difference between the 'natural' and the 'spiritual' body ( 1 Cor. 15:44).
Seek, and ye shall find ( Matthew 7:7).
Please remember, the above words are not our words but from the Word of God and they are according to the 'Spirit of Truth'.
Interpretation of the verse "there is no fear in love"
1 John 4:16-18
"16-And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 17-Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18-There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love"
What does it mean that "one dwells in love, in God?" It means that they love both God and people, especially their brethern.
1. How is it shown that we love God? Answer, John 14:21, "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.". So our love for God is shown when we obey His commandments
2. How is it shown that we love our brethern? Answer, 1 John 3:16-18, "16-Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17-But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18-My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth."
3. What is preceding, love for God or love for our brethern? 1 John 4:20-21, "20-If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 21-And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also"
4. What are the consequences if I hate my brethern? 1 John 3:14-15, "14-We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. he that loveth NOT his brother abideth in DEATH. 15-Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him"
When studying the story of Peter and His denial of Christ; the first thing that tends to come up is the self confidence of Peter and his arrogance in thinking he was stronger than he actually was. That is certainly a valid point; although it could be said for all the Disciples at that time who ran off. What is also evident is the sense of complacency; or predictability which they all thought could be depended on; closing their hearts and thus blinding their minds to the frequent prophetic warnings from Christ about his death that was soon to come.
The same thing applies to us as believers; for instance if we have had a long season (as in this country) of relative freedom. Should organized governmental persecution; war, famine or another pestilence come are we too set in our ways to be able to endure?
There is; of course the inevitable day of death; either for ourselves or others we know. Ecclesiastes 9:13 states that it comes as a snare and on an unknown schedule. Getting our affairs in order as a believer involves the daily disciplines and working toward His goals which involves; one way or another fulfilling the Great Commission. The disciples were to learn what was needed to begin growing the church; and were given the Comforter and thus His presence to guide them ( John 14:26). The next major change was after Paul was martyred; as well as Peter. They both warned of the wolves in the flock who would soon be preaching falsehood. Satan is constantly to be watched for; both causing falsehood as well as persecution to affect the Body of believers.
Just as we would prepare for a natural disaster; it pays to be proactive with prayer and our devotional life. It strengthens us with our trust in the Lord through scripture meditation and memorization; but is also necessary as a witness to others; both lost individuals and those caught in life's unexpected trials. Wisdom with physical resources means we can aid others
What my first statement means; or I should have said is that we ALL go through a phase more or less known as the "honeymoon" phase after being saved. The proof of true salvation; however next has us go through trials to test us to see if we are truly in the faith or not. There are some who as the parable points out weren't truly "rooted" in Christ hence it was the emotional high which was the cause of the initial excitement rather than joy as say a spiritual gift or proper response to the Holy Spirit's prompting.
I hadn't considered your second point. I'm not sure in the context if it is valid. In one sense the gifts and calling are irrovocable or "without repentance" ( Romans 11:29). Again; much as with the first point; people can get more caught up in the gifts than the giver of the gifts. We also have to consider people's natural intelligence; physical prowess or social standing as something more in line with the idea in James that the rich tend to be oppressors. We also need to realize that someone operating at one time in spiritual gifts doesn't mean their overall walk will be one of great reward if they allow bad fruit to be maintained or sin to gain a foothold. There are those who may not manifest things at least obviously but are committed to loving the Lord and obeying His commandments ( John 14:15). There is also the need for proper use (such as interpretation of tongues); and sharing different gifts with the Body of Christ. These include discernment and wisdom which may not be as dramatic as some others "signs and wonders" type which some believe exist today and some don't. Of course we need to make sure that the "light in us isn't darkness" ( Luke 11:35). Without discernment than anything goes and demons can mimic true gifts. Therefore we have to make sure that "doctrines of demons" don't maintain a foothold ( 1 Tim. 4:1).
The Bible talks about the rapture in the following verses. Beware of anyone trying to convince you it isn't there:
1 Thessalonians 4:17 - Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Matthew 24:40-41
Luke 17:35
Revelation 3:10
1 Corinthians 15:51-52
John 14:3
Mark 13:32 says not even Jesus knows the day of when the end will be. So, be ready.
Dear Alex, Your doctrine of universal salvation regardless of belief or unbelief in Jesus and His work as well as your doctrine of God being born and replicated in us is what is in error.
Refer to John 3:18-19 and Luke 13:3 (Jesus said to repent or perish)
The Sciptures says that the Holy Spirit, Christ, and the Father all come to dwell within the believer, but all are not remade into baby gods in us, nor replicated in our human persons.
Read Ephesians 2:22 and Ephesians 3:17
John 14:17 and John 14:23
God does not change, as in the Spirit being born in us as child that grows. Only Jesus was Incarnated, not the Holy Spirit.
Read Psalm 102:27 and Hebrews 1:12 and Malachi 3:6
Alex, I know that we have addressed these doctrines before, but I still believe that YOU are the one in direct opposition to the revealed Word of God.
The basic situation in this world is that man is under the bondage of the law ( Romans 3:19-20; also see Galatians). Therefore; the universal application of the old covenant of works essentially is expected for all who wish to come to the one true faith. Christ; of course has allowed us to be "grafted in" to the promises of Israel. We see this in the second half of Romans 13.
We have been called and chosen to be God's children. Nonetheless; we are just as required to follow the stipulations of Christ; namely loving God and obeying His commandments. ( John 14:21). Our love; of course only comes from the Lord; as any who love the law of God ( Psalm 119). The flesh abhors the law as it cannot obey it.
The church therefore; once again doesn't sign any paperwork with God but is held accountable to God's terms for calling themselves a believer. Greater punishment for those who have knowledge of the law is seen in Matthew 11:21 and the following verses. This is why churches that want signed agreements as to membership requirements aren't a failsafe method. God isn't fooled by those who say "Lord, Lord" but don't do what He says. ( Luke 6:46). God knows man's heart and that is what He gets to the bottom of in terms of man's attitudes and actions which is the focus of the New Testament and new covenant as the Lord Himself explained and of course is further discussed in the Epistles. We should be careful not to call ourselves Christians if we are not; it is better not to know the truth than to follow Christ in this way ( 2 Peter 2:21). We see the two classes of people who are either unbelievers or reprobate in many scriptures. More on that later.
I will start this off by saying emphatically that those who say that we should be in love with Christ are placing a confusing term on Agape; which transcends all other human affections. I believe it is safe to say that God's love never relies or comes after human feelings; whether "phileo" (such as brotherly love) and certainly not eros (which involves sensual aspects). It is true that our emotions in any commitment; including the highest one in our spiritual lives will have our mind; heart and soul involved as we gain trust and learn obedience. That is probably what those who are well intentioned mean by this phrase. And in an abstract sense those who are in and ONLY in a Godly marriage can find intimacy as a result of God being at the core of their relationship. But the opposite is risked here and the fruit thereof is often seen in the mega churches. This is seen in the not so veiled "prosperity gospel" that invokes "sowing a seed" to the ministry and promising all sorts of finacial windfalls and is also seen in music obviously appealing to the flesh in the way women dress and shallow lyrics at best with just enough scripture to make it deadly. Matthew 13:30 gives us a strong admonition for those who "immediately" recieve the Word (or seed of truth) with joy. Without root; then as with many today we don't see an enduring capacity when trials of life and cares of this world come along. In fact it seems persecution isn't usually found in these places (hence a real drawing power). 2 Timothy 3:12; of course shows that all who are Godly will be persecuted; and it emphasizes the word "desire" to be Godly. This implies that we obey God because we love Him ( John 14:15).
The flesh and Spirit are in contention with each other ( Galatians 5:17). We need to keep in mind that every good and perfect gift is from above ( James 1:17).
In my next section I will discuss aspects of the Holy Spirit in ministry.
Hi Verleen, I responded to your post earlier today, but the site was having trouble with posts going through. Now that is fixed.
You have posed several good questions and I would like to respond to the last one concerning believing in a God no one has seen.
The first thing that came to my mind was what Jesus said in the gospels. In John 1:18 Jesus said, No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him."
In John 14:9-10 in response to Philip's request for Jesus to show them the Father, Jesus said, "have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father, so how can you say, "Show us the Father?
do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me?....
In these verses Jesus is saying that He is God and that any of the people of His time on earth who saw Him also saw the
Father because of the unified Oneness of the Persons of the Godhead. Jesus, being the Son of God in the flesh, showed by His perfect human life and by His divine expressions in miracles and other divine actions and words revealed to those who saw Him the Godhead and what God was like.
Those who saw Jesus after His resurrection, saw Him in His glory, revealing more of who God is to the disciples, from the women and apostles at the tomb, to the rest of the disciples in the Upper Room, and to 500 0ther persons before the disciples saw him ascend to the Father. A human person cannot appear to people after they die. Jesus was God and He said He was returning to His Father, who was God. Acts 7:56 Stephen at the time he was being stoned said, look, I see heaven opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!" He was seeing Jesus with the Father in heaven as equals.
In the Old Testament, many godly men were visited by God-Adam, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, Ezekiel-to name a few. These appearances were usually described as the Angel of the Lord.
Quailifying statement: I meant to say the individual experience of God's presence depends on their spiritual state. Ephesians 1:13-14 shows how we are "sealed with the Spirit" if we know Christ. The verse "we will make our dwelling place with them" ( John 14:23). But for the wicked the wrath of God abides on him ( John 3:36).
That should be a good starting point at least on scriptures answering your question.
My understanding they are part of each other. Obedience is dependent on our faith that we live by with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The first Adam broke the relationship and God's dwelling place in man when he was disobedient in eating from that tree. Faith can be measured through our obedience which is the visible expression of our faith.
The Bible says that Jesus learned obedience from what He suffered and was made perfect, Heb. 8:5. Jesus gave us perfect examples of being obedient He did nothing of His own it was the Father's will not His, Luke 4:18John 5:30John 14:10. When Jesus was in the garden just before He was taken, He asked the Father if there was a different way but not His will but the Father's, Luke 22:42 but Jesus was obedient unto death.
We cannot be saved by works; we cannot earn our salvation. Is being obedient considered works? My understanding is no. Obedience is not an option it is a command, we either obey or disobey like the first Adam. If we are obedient, we are dutiful and compliant to His commands.
Our faith, Heb.1:1 by the grace of God that we fully trust Him regardless of what we may face, not with our logic but with His, and the promises God has given us, our hope is not in this world but the eternal one that our hope is in, that with patience we wait and watch for to come.
The brief answer is that faith is needed for it is impossible to please God without faith ( Heb. 11:6). Obedience is; however better than sacrifice when it is done in the wrong method ( 1 Sam. 15:22). If you obey God you will keep His commandments ( John 14:15). Trust is also a key here; as Jesus hardly had to have faith that His Father; God existed but yet in His earthly existance He had to "learn obedience" ( Heb. 5:8-9). He had to do this to be our High Priest who suffered as we did but without sin ( Heb. 4:15). Therefore we have to make sure we have true faith and not something based on our emotions or a false gospel.
Perhaps Psalm 110:3 is the verse I wanted to quote. Obedience; as Jesus Himself said occurs because we love Him ( John 14:15).
Perhaps also the concept of doing things as James states is a result of faith WITH works; without such it is not true faith at all.
All works of course originate from our heart; and it's condition of being either good or evil (good fruit vs bad) as the input result in the output and the "reward" in it. So for the unregenerate the law may constrain sin; for instance; but as Psalm 119 illustrates we learn to LOVE the law even though it is something without His strength that we cannot obey. So it is the same God who is present and seen in some form who we all interact with. Hebrews 6:4 makes it evident that there is some experiential commonality as it were with all men; but the difference is having the Lord make residence in our hearts vs. being on the outside looking in as it were. Admittedly these are tough concepts and no matter how much intellectual understanding there is we have certain things hidden to us as to the full meaning ( Deut. 29:29). Our own worst enemy is; of course our own self and sin within. Saints of God understand this and therefore He "chastises all He loves" ( Hebrews 12:6). This differentiates Judas Iscariot from Peter in regard to the betrayal and the end result; for example. In the short term; it may be hard to discern the wheat from the tares but for many time will prove what fruit is present in their lives although sadly it takes until the end of someone's life for it to be clear (and that is almost always bad news). In the end we can only exhort; and rebuke and hopefully some will be retrieved from "out of the fire" as it were. Those who are His own learn to listen to the HARD verses in scripture and are offended when a lukewarm message is being offered or it is compromised in any way.
Jesus is the same yesterday; today and forever. That could be said of the entire Godhead.
Christ has the fullness of the Godhead bodily dwelling within as said in Colossians 2:9. The Spirit was in Him without measure ( John 3:34) and whoever has seen Him has seen the Father ( John 14:9). Nonetheless there is certainly a destinction in terms of roles with Christ being the sin bearer and the Father turning away when He bore our sins at Calvary ( Psalm 22:1). God cannot dwell in unrighteousness; and for that moment it was God's will for Jesus to be crushed ( Isaiah 53:5).
The Holy Spirit isn't given any distinctive appearance except in the beginning of the Gospels ( Luke 3:22 for example appearing like a dove); and with cloven tongues of fire at Pentecost ( Acts 2:3).
Revelation 3:21 indicates Christ overcoming all things; death could not hold Him ( Acts 2:24).
In some sense whether in the Preincarnate form or since His Resurrection He is both in the form of a man (the Man who is the second Adam as it were) who still bears the marks on His body being the first of the Firstfruits resurrected from the dead ( 1 Cor. 15:23) and of course beyond time as the Creator of all things ( Jn. 1:3 and several other verses) fully God. So there is distinction and unity with the "Trinity" as it were. When looking at His glory; we see the fullness of sight and sound (with mighty thunderings with His voice ( Ezekiel 3:12-13; and verses in Revelation; Psalms etc.) We should be aware as believers of our sinfulness (as the Spirit indicates in John 16:8) and we tremble at His presence. This is different than the reaction of the wicked who sense their destruction and love their sin more than God ( John 3:19). Nonetheless it seems that there are "revelations and visions" abounding; but few seem to describe that Holy fear of God of which is the beginning of understanding ( Psalm 111:10). Compare this with much music and preaching today that presents a sappy God without other attributes.
That was heartening to read, Jrpon, of your faithfulness to the Lord & to your marriage vows. In spite of maybe times of loneliness & a patient waiting on the Lord for His provision, you have proved the sufficiency of His Grace to surmount those trials. Yes, many have carelessly entered into an unequal/unloving marriage & have suffered through it & regretted it. But the comfort that He gives, is His special peace, that He has not forgotten you & will only give you His very best to live this life for Him. John 14:27.
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.
Here's what I found about Angel numbers and its contrast to Christianity.
Part 1.
Angel numbers have grown in popularity in recent years due to the resurgence of New Age practices. While angel numbers might sound as if they have something to do with the angels of the Bible, they do not. There is nothing biblical about angel numbers, as nowhere in the Bible are we told about the existence of angel numbers.
What Are Angel Numbers?
An example of an angel number is when multiple repetitions of numbers happen, such as 333, 222, or 111. According to those who believe in angel numbers, each angel number has a special and unique meaning. If you see multiple repetitions of the same set of numbers, this is "your angel number."
While this concept has grown in popularity, there is nothing biblical about this practice. Those who believe in angel numbers believe that once you see your angel number, you have found your angelic or spirit guide.
With one's spirit guide, the New Age teaches that the spirit or angelic guide will help the individual through any sort of trouble, whether emotional, spiritual, or physical. Spirit guides are also seen within the religion of Hinduism. Spirit guides or angelic guides are not biblical.
We are never told in the Bible that God gives us a "spirit guide" or an "angelic guide." Rather, we are told that at the moment of salvation, we are given the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the one who guides, instructs, and helps us.
Jesus tells us, "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you" ( John 14:26). The Holy Spirit and God's Word is our guide - not some kind of spirit or angelic guide.
MaxM, a problem guys like you and I face is that we often reach out to Christians, hoping to find someone who will affirm our sinful inclinations or lifestyle. We're not to do that. Psalm 1:1 says, "Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly..." He is cursed if he does.
Too often, people who call themselves "Christians" are NOT Christ-followers. Many have never studied the Word of God from cover to cover, getting to know Gods heart. I have. Sadly, with love and concern, they wrongly counsel others, based upon their feelings and opinions. We must abide by God's laws, which are clearly against such practices: Leviticus 18: 20, 29; 20: 13; I Cor. 6: 9-11; Rev. 21: 27.
I've been struggling with same sex attraction for well over 50 years. I was molested from the age of 4-16; homosexuality was my mindset. I married (a smokescreen); before divorce ensued, I brought two daughters into the world. I've been a born again Christian for almost 57 years, but my struggle with this issue has been that long. Many times, I BEGGED God to take the desire from me. He hasn't; He says, "My grace is sufficient for you, just as it was with Paul."
Grace is not a license to commit sin; it is the bridge that keeps us connected to Him via obedience to Him.
So, what are we to do? Celibacy or marriage to a woman my friend. We cannot serve the flesh and Christ also; it doesn't work. See John 14: 15, 21-23. Paul said, "...It is good for them if they abide even as I" (celibate). But if they cannot control themselves, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn." I Cor. 7: 8, 9
Marriage is not for everybody; sex is, but we must control our passions ( Gal. 5: 22, 23). Is A FEW MINUTES of pleasure worth eternity in Hell? God sees our sacrifice; if we obey Him, He will reward us accordingly. Born again Christians are to "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Ja. 4: 7;1:12. We can't love Christ and sin too. Not much time left; choose wisely!
This is because He is the one and only Son of God and Son of Man. He incarnated Himself (as God the Son) into a human body prepared for Him by the Father in Mary. From conception on, Jesus was fully God and fully man in one Person, the Person of the
Son of God. He is the only Incarnated Being in all of creation. Being indwelt with the Holy Spirit is not an incarnation as it is two persons inhabiting one body, the believer and the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit's presence in the believer is not natural to mankind since the fall, but one of the wonderful blessings promised by Jesus, our Saviour. With Jesus, it is one Person, (the Son) taking upon Himself fully a human nature with a body, soul, and spirit. When one looks at Jesus one sees The Son of God in a fleshly body, not the Son of God overtaking an already existing human's body. And because of the unity of the Persons of the Godhead, Jesus could say, if you have seen Me, you have seen the Father ( John 12:45; John 14:9).
Before creation and before all time, the three members of the Godhead existed in complete joy, love, and unity. Together They willed to create a universe that would include heavenly spirit beings and beings made of matter. The heavenly beings and humans are the two groups of beings that were created to have relationship with the Godhead. Before creation, the Godhead decided that They would create both heavenly beings and humans capable of disobeying Him. Satan was the first to sin, being lifted up with pride, attempting to become equal with God and to usurp Him so that the heavenly hosts will worship him instead of their Maker. As many as one third of the angels followed after Satan into sin. God knew this would happen. He already planned not to offer salvation to fallen angels, but prepared the lake of fire for them to spend all of eternity when they are judged. ....
continued
This is why those communicating their messages in this 'forum' so often use the word 'discerning' while the 'Word of God' is not of any private interpretation ( 2 Peter 1:20). This is why it also teaches; that anyone that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man ( 1 Cor. 2:15).
Furthermore, the Spirit of truth cannot be received by this world ( John 14:17) as this whole world has been deceived ( Rev. 12:9).
May we suggest you search the words 'a world deceived' an learn how you may know the difference between the 'natural' and the 'spiritual' body ( 1 Cor. 15:44).
Seek, and ye shall find ( Matthew 7:7).
Please remember, the above words are not our words but from God and they are according to the 'Spirit of Truth'.
This is why those communicating their messages in this 'forum' so often use the word 'discerning' while the 'Word of God' is not of any private interpretation ( 2 Peter 1:20). This is why it also teaches; that anyone that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man ( 1 Cor. 2:15).
Furthermore, the Spirit of truth cannot be received by this world ( John 14:17) as this whole world has been deceived ( Rev. 12:9).
May we suggest you search the words 'a world deceived' and learn how you may know the difference between the 'natural' and the 'spiritual' body ( 1 Cor. 15:44).
Seek, and ye shall find ( Matthew 7:7).
Please remember, the above words are not our words but from the Word of God and they are according to the 'Spirit of Truth'.
Interpretation of the verse "there is no fear in love"
1 John 4:16-18
"16-And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 17-Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18-There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love"
What does it mean that "one dwells in love, in God?" It means that they love both God and people, especially their brethern.
1. How is it shown that we love God? Answer, John 14:21, "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.". So our love for God is shown when we obey His commandments
2. How is it shown that we love our brethern? Answer, 1 John 3:16-18, "16-Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17-But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18-My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth."
3. What is preceding, love for God or love for our brethern? 1 John 4:20-21, "20-If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 21-And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also"
4. What are the consequences if I hate my brethern? 1 John 3:14-15, "14-We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. he that loveth NOT his brother abideth in DEATH. 15-Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him"
When studying the story of Peter and His denial of Christ; the first thing that tends to come up is the self confidence of Peter and his arrogance in thinking he was stronger than he actually was. That is certainly a valid point; although it could be said for all the Disciples at that time who ran off. What is also evident is the sense of complacency; or predictability which they all thought could be depended on; closing their hearts and thus blinding their minds to the frequent prophetic warnings from Christ about his death that was soon to come.
The same thing applies to us as believers; for instance if we have had a long season (as in this country) of relative freedom. Should organized governmental persecution; war, famine or another pestilence come are we too set in our ways to be able to endure?
There is; of course the inevitable day of death; either for ourselves or others we know. Ecclesiastes 9:13 states that it comes as a snare and on an unknown schedule. Getting our affairs in order as a believer involves the daily disciplines and working toward His goals which involves; one way or another fulfilling the Great Commission. The disciples were to learn what was needed to begin growing the church; and were given the Comforter and thus His presence to guide them ( John 14:26). The next major change was after Paul was martyred; as well as Peter. They both warned of the wolves in the flock who would soon be preaching falsehood. Satan is constantly to be watched for; both causing falsehood as well as persecution to affect the Body of believers.
Just as we would prepare for a natural disaster; it pays to be proactive with prayer and our devotional life. It strengthens us with our trust in the Lord through scripture meditation and memorization; but is also necessary as a witness to others; both lost individuals and those caught in life's unexpected trials. Wisdom with physical resources means we can aid others
Luke 18:1-7 kjv,
Philippians 4:1-9 kjv,
Romans 8:27-29 kjv.
John 14:6 kjv.
I hadn't considered your second point. I'm not sure in the context if it is valid. In one sense the gifts and calling are irrovocable or "without repentance" ( Romans 11:29). Again; much as with the first point; people can get more caught up in the gifts than the giver of the gifts. We also have to consider people's natural intelligence; physical prowess or social standing as something more in line with the idea in James that the rich tend to be oppressors. We also need to realize that someone operating at one time in spiritual gifts doesn't mean their overall walk will be one of great reward if they allow bad fruit to be maintained or sin to gain a foothold. There are those who may not manifest things at least obviously but are committed to loving the Lord and obeying His commandments ( John 14:15). There is also the need for proper use (such as interpretation of tongues); and sharing different gifts with the Body of Christ. These include discernment and wisdom which may not be as dramatic as some others "signs and wonders" type which some believe exist today and some don't. Of course we need to make sure that the "light in us isn't darkness" ( Luke 11:35). Without discernment than anything goes and demons can mimic true gifts. Therefore we have to make sure that "doctrines of demons" don't maintain a foothold ( 1 Tim. 4:1).
Agape.
1 Thessalonians 4:17 - Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Matthew 24:40-41
Luke 17:35
Revelation 3:10
1 Corinthians 15:51-52
John 14:3
Mark 13:32 says not even Jesus knows the day of when the end will be. So, be ready.
Refer to John 3:18-19 and Luke 13:3 (Jesus said to repent or perish)
The Sciptures says that the Holy Spirit, Christ, and the Father all come to dwell within the believer, but all are not remade into baby gods in us, nor replicated in our human persons.
Read Ephesians 2:22 and Ephesians 3:17
John 14:17 and John 14:23
God does not change, as in the Spirit being born in us as child that grows. Only Jesus was Incarnated, not the Holy Spirit.
Read Psalm 102:27 and Hebrews 1:12 and Malachi 3:6
Alex, I know that we have addressed these doctrines before, but I still believe that YOU are the one in direct opposition to the revealed Word of God.
Bless you today, Alex. Always, love in Christ.
You said "as we are driven to truth."
Jesus told His disciples in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
We display him with HONESTY AND NO DECEPTION.
AMEN?
Hopefully these are helpful to encourage & lift your spirit
It doesn't say we have to "read, in the name of" but when we pray, receive a child, or when people are being baptized,
Jesus name is the principal thing. Matthew 18:5,20, Mark 9:37,39,41,48, Mark 16:15-18, John 14:13,14,26, John 15, John 16:23-28,
Hopefully this is helpful
The basic situation in this world is that man is under the bondage of the law ( Romans 3:19-20; also see Galatians). Therefore; the universal application of the old covenant of works essentially is expected for all who wish to come to the one true faith. Christ; of course has allowed us to be "grafted in" to the promises of Israel. We see this in the second half of Romans 13.
We have been called and chosen to be God's children. Nonetheless; we are just as required to follow the stipulations of Christ; namely loving God and obeying His commandments. ( John 14:21). Our love; of course only comes from the Lord; as any who love the law of God ( Psalm 119). The flesh abhors the law as it cannot obey it.
The church therefore; once again doesn't sign any paperwork with God but is held accountable to God's terms for calling themselves a believer. Greater punishment for those who have knowledge of the law is seen in Matthew 11:21 and the following verses. This is why churches that want signed agreements as to membership requirements aren't a failsafe method. God isn't fooled by those who say "Lord, Lord" but don't do what He says. ( Luke 6:46). God knows man's heart and that is what He gets to the bottom of in terms of man's attitudes and actions which is the focus of the New Testament and new covenant as the Lord Himself explained and of course is further discussed in the Epistles. We should be careful not to call ourselves Christians if we are not; it is better not to know the truth than to follow Christ in this way ( 2 Peter 2:21). We see the two classes of people who are either unbelievers or reprobate in many scriptures. More on that later.
I will start this off by saying emphatically that those who say that we should be in love with Christ are placing a confusing term on Agape; which transcends all other human affections. I believe it is safe to say that God's love never relies or comes after human feelings; whether "phileo" (such as brotherly love) and certainly not eros (which involves sensual aspects). It is true that our emotions in any commitment; including the highest one in our spiritual lives will have our mind; heart and soul involved as we gain trust and learn obedience. That is probably what those who are well intentioned mean by this phrase. And in an abstract sense those who are in and ONLY in a Godly marriage can find intimacy as a result of God being at the core of their relationship. But the opposite is risked here and the fruit thereof is often seen in the mega churches. This is seen in the not so veiled "prosperity gospel" that invokes "sowing a seed" to the ministry and promising all sorts of finacial windfalls and is also seen in music obviously appealing to the flesh in the way women dress and shallow lyrics at best with just enough scripture to make it deadly. Matthew 13:30 gives us a strong admonition for those who "immediately" recieve the Word (or seed of truth) with joy. Without root; then as with many today we don't see an enduring capacity when trials of life and cares of this world come along. In fact it seems persecution isn't usually found in these places (hence a real drawing power). 2 Timothy 3:12; of course shows that all who are Godly will be persecuted; and it emphasizes the word "desire" to be Godly. This implies that we obey God because we love Him ( John 14:15).
The flesh and Spirit are in contention with each other ( Galatians 5:17). We need to keep in mind that every good and perfect gift is from above ( James 1:17).
In my next section I will discuss aspects of the Holy Spirit in ministry.
You have posed several good questions and I would like to respond to the last one concerning believing in a God no one has seen.
The first thing that came to my mind was what Jesus said in the gospels. In John 1:18 Jesus said, No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him."
In John 14:9-10 in response to Philip's request for Jesus to show them the Father, Jesus said, "have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father, so how can you say, "Show us the Father?
do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me?....
In these verses Jesus is saying that He is God and that any of the people of His time on earth who saw Him also saw the
Father because of the unified Oneness of the Persons of the Godhead. Jesus, being the Son of God in the flesh, showed by His perfect human life and by His divine expressions in miracles and other divine actions and words revealed to those who saw Him the Godhead and what God was like.
Those who saw Jesus after His resurrection, saw Him in His glory, revealing more of who God is to the disciples, from the women and apostles at the tomb, to the rest of the disciples in the Upper Room, and to 500 0ther persons before the disciples saw him ascend to the Father. A human person cannot appear to people after they die. Jesus was God and He said He was returning to His Father, who was God. Acts 7:56 Stephen at the time he was being stoned said, look, I see heaven opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!" He was seeing Jesus with the Father in heaven as equals.
In the Old Testament, many godly men were visited by God-Adam, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, Ezekiel-to name a few. These appearances were usually described as the Angel of the Lord.
That should be a good starting point at least on scriptures answering your question.
Agape; Rich P
My understanding they are part of each other. Obedience is dependent on our faith that we live by with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The first Adam broke the relationship and God's dwelling place in man when he was disobedient in eating from that tree. Faith can be measured through our obedience which is the visible expression of our faith.
The Bible says that Jesus learned obedience from what He suffered and was made perfect, Heb. 8:5. Jesus gave us perfect examples of being obedient He did nothing of His own it was the Father's will not His, Luke 4:18 John 5:30 John 14:10. When Jesus was in the garden just before He was taken, He asked the Father if there was a different way but not His will but the Father's, Luke 22:42 but Jesus was obedient unto death.
We cannot be saved by works; we cannot earn our salvation. Is being obedient considered works? My understanding is no. Obedience is not an option it is a command, we either obey or disobey like the first Adam. If we are obedient, we are dutiful and compliant to His commands.
Our faith, Heb.1:1 by the grace of God that we fully trust Him regardless of what we may face, not with our logic but with His, and the promises God has given us, our hope is not in this world but the eternal one that our hope is in, that with patience we wait and watch for to come.
May others word it better to help your study.
God bless,
RLW
Perhaps also the concept of doing things as James states is a result of faith WITH works; without such it is not true faith at all.
All works of course originate from our heart; and it's condition of being either good or evil (good fruit vs bad) as the input result in the output and the "reward" in it. So for the unregenerate the law may constrain sin; for instance; but as Psalm 119 illustrates we learn to LOVE the law even though it is something without His strength that we cannot obey. So it is the same God who is present and seen in some form who we all interact with. Hebrews 6:4 makes it evident that there is some experiential commonality as it were with all men; but the difference is having the Lord make residence in our hearts vs. being on the outside looking in as it were. Admittedly these are tough concepts and no matter how much intellectual understanding there is we have certain things hidden to us as to the full meaning ( Deut. 29:29). Our own worst enemy is; of course our own self and sin within. Saints of God understand this and therefore He "chastises all He loves" ( Hebrews 12:6). This differentiates Judas Iscariot from Peter in regard to the betrayal and the end result; for example. In the short term; it may be hard to discern the wheat from the tares but for many time will prove what fruit is present in their lives although sadly it takes until the end of someone's life for it to be clear (and that is almost always bad news). In the end we can only exhort; and rebuke and hopefully some will be retrieved from "out of the fire" as it were. Those who are His own learn to listen to the HARD verses in scripture and are offended when a lukewarm message is being offered or it is compromised in any way.
Hope some of this helps. Agape. Rich P
Christ has the fullness of the Godhead bodily dwelling within as said in Colossians 2:9. The Spirit was in Him without measure ( John 3:34) and whoever has seen Him has seen the Father ( John 14:9). Nonetheless there is certainly a destinction in terms of roles with Christ being the sin bearer and the Father turning away when He bore our sins at Calvary ( Psalm 22:1). God cannot dwell in unrighteousness; and for that moment it was God's will for Jesus to be crushed ( Isaiah 53:5).
The Holy Spirit isn't given any distinctive appearance except in the beginning of the Gospels ( Luke 3:22 for example appearing like a dove); and with cloven tongues of fire at Pentecost ( Acts 2:3).
Revelation 3:21 indicates Christ overcoming all things; death could not hold Him ( Acts 2:24).
In some sense whether in the Preincarnate form or since His Resurrection He is both in the form of a man (the Man who is the second Adam as it were) who still bears the marks on His body being the first of the Firstfruits resurrected from the dead ( 1 Cor. 15:23) and of course beyond time as the Creator of all things ( Jn. 1:3 and several other verses) fully God. So there is distinction and unity with the "Trinity" as it were. When looking at His glory; we see the fullness of sight and sound (with mighty thunderings with His voice ( Ezekiel 3:12-13; and verses in Revelation; Psalms etc.) We should be aware as believers of our sinfulness (as the Spirit indicates in John 16:8) and we tremble at His presence. This is different than the reaction of the wicked who sense their destruction and love their sin more than God ( John 3:19). Nonetheless it seems that there are "revelations and visions" abounding; but few seem to describe that Holy fear of God of which is the beginning of understanding ( Psalm 111:10). Compare this with much music and preaching today that presents a sappy God without other attributes.
Matthew 7,
James 1:5, John 14:26, John 17, James 2:13-20, context James 2,
Hopefully these are helpful in your study
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.
Here's what I found about Angel numbers and its contrast to Christianity.
Part 1.
Angel numbers have grown in popularity in recent years due to the resurgence of New Age practices. While angel numbers might sound as if they have something to do with the angels of the Bible, they do not. There is nothing biblical about angel numbers, as nowhere in the Bible are we told about the existence of angel numbers.
What Are Angel Numbers?
An example of an angel number is when multiple repetitions of numbers happen, such as 333, 222, or 111. According to those who believe in angel numbers, each angel number has a special and unique meaning. If you see multiple repetitions of the same set of numbers, this is "your angel number."
While this concept has grown in popularity, there is nothing biblical about this practice. Those who believe in angel numbers believe that once you see your angel number, you have found your angelic or spirit guide.
With one's spirit guide, the New Age teaches that the spirit or angelic guide will help the individual through any sort of trouble, whether emotional, spiritual, or physical. Spirit guides are also seen within the religion of Hinduism. Spirit guides or angelic guides are not biblical.
We are never told in the Bible that God gives us a "spirit guide" or an "angelic guide." Rather, we are told that at the moment of salvation, we are given the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the one who guides, instructs, and helps us.
Jesus tells us, "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you" ( John 14:26). The Holy Spirit and God's Word is our guide - not some kind of spirit or angelic guide.
See part 2.
Too often, people who call themselves "Christians" are NOT Christ-followers. Many have never studied the Word of God from cover to cover, getting to know Gods heart. I have. Sadly, with love and concern, they wrongly counsel others, based upon their feelings and opinions. We must abide by God's laws, which are clearly against such practices: Leviticus 18: 20, 29; 20: 13; I Cor. 6: 9-11; Rev. 21: 27.
I've been struggling with same sex attraction for well over 50 years. I was molested from the age of 4-16; homosexuality was my mindset. I married (a smokescreen); before divorce ensued, I brought two daughters into the world. I've been a born again Christian for almost 57 years, but my struggle with this issue has been that long. Many times, I BEGGED God to take the desire from me. He hasn't; He says, "My grace is sufficient for you, just as it was with Paul."
Grace is not a license to commit sin; it is the bridge that keeps us connected to Him via obedience to Him.
So, what are we to do? Celibacy or marriage to a woman my friend. We cannot serve the flesh and Christ also; it doesn't work. See John 14: 15, 21-23. Paul said, "...It is good for them if they abide even as I" (celibate). But if they cannot control themselves, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn." I Cor. 7: 8, 9
Marriage is not for everybody; sex is, but we must control our passions ( Gal. 5: 22, 23). Is A FEW MINUTES of pleasure worth eternity in Hell? God sees our sacrifice; if we obey Him, He will reward us accordingly. Born again Christians are to "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Ja. 4: 7;1:12. We can't love Christ and sin too. Not much time left; choose wisely!
John 5:30, John 10:17, John 14:23, John 16:27,
Deuteronomy 4:2, Revelation 22:18,19, 1John 2:26,27, Colossians 2:8,
Hopefully helpful