Let's keep these two verses in mind while we go through this section.
Matthew 22:36-37. and 1 John 4:21.
and remember the context in the previous sections.
Notice the highlights!
Jesus answered and said unto him, "IF" a man love/Agape me
( HE WILL ) keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
( He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings and the word which ye hear is not mine but the Father's which sent me.
These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John 14:23--26.
We've established that Agape is a fruit and can't be achieved by the flesh, "Mans efforts"
Man can not produce the fruit, the vine does. Man is the branch, he bares the fruit. John 15:4-5.
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, NEITHER CAN A CORRUPT TREE BRING FORTH GOOD FRUIT.
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Matthew 7:15-20. When you look at Matthew 7:13-14 the corrupt tree is any other way to God presented in the wide gate. for instance "WORKS"
That's why these often misused verses follows, Matthew 7:22-23.
This is a fruitless deceived group that thought they worked their way into Heaven.
So tell me why isn't the significance of Loving one another sought after and debated above anything else when it's paramount?
Because some know they don't have that love on display and don't bare it.
WHEN you are born again into TRUTH and LIFE ( John 14:6), by the blood of Christ, YOU are no longer a GENTILE.
Romans 2:28 For he IS NOT A JEW which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
Romans 2:29 But HE IS A JEW, which is one inwardly; and that circumcision is of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Revelation 3:9 Behold I WILL MAKE THEM of the synagogue of Satan, which SAY THEY ARE JEWS, AND ARE NOT, BUT DO LIE; behold I WILL MAKE THEM to come and worship before thy feet, to know that I have loved thee.
Matthew 6:5-34, Matthew 7:7-27, Matthew 10:29-33, John 14:11-28, John 15, note John 15:16, John 16:23,24,26,27,
Honestly, I've had answered prayer in very immediate dangerous situations, just crying "GOD, help me" possibly even just "GOD" it's possibly because GOD knows if we love Jesus. Romans 8:27,
1 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God IN HIM ARE YEA ....
CAN YOU PLEASE GOD?
Matthew 19:21 ......go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor ......
Acts 2:41 ....and were baptised ....this whole chapter is about the outpouring of the Holy ghost ....so it it batpism of physical water of living water?
Acts 2:45 ....and sold their possessions and goods and parted them to all men .....
If it's water baptism, and you are trying to please God why not go and sell all you possessions; also, and part them to men.
Coming to TRUTH is what pleases God.
Philippians 2:13 For it is God that worketh in you both to will and to do his pleasure.
The life in you is Christ, the faith in you is Christ's faith, the works are Christ's works, the baptism in you is the baptism of Christ (the Holy Ghost):
YOU ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST.
John 14:6 .....I AM .... LIFE ......
John 11:25 .....I AM ....... the RESURRECTION .....
Revelation 20:6 Blesses and HOLY is he that hath part in the first RESURRECTION ....
TRUTH! ....will set you free!
You died on the cross; Christ was resurrected and gave YOU HIS LIFE.
Colossians 3:3 For you are dead, and your life is HID IN CHRIST with GOD.
ONE ....ONE .....ONE .....ONE .....ONE
1 Corinthians 15:28 .....that God may be all (ONE) in all (ONE).
What I find noteworthy about the baptism debate is that some seem to work hard to avoid something while others work hard to follow God's commands. Which one is priority? Is it normal for a genuine Christ followers to do the very minimum, or is it more healthy for Christ followers to be excited about following ALL of God's commands without hesitation or excuse? What is the greater risk? To risk disobeying God or to risk potentially doing something extra to honor God?
Acts 2:38 ...Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ...
"Surely not me though, it doesn't say it in other verses..."
"every one of you"
"Not Christians though"
"every one of you"
"probably not me though"
"every one of you"
"because of [excuse] I can't though"
"every one of you"
"I'm sure there's some other verses I can cherry pick to get out of this, though..."
"every one of you"
"No thanks, I don't feel like it."
John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
Luke 6:46 - "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"
James 1:22 - "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."
First question: church organizations are not free government services, but cost lots of money to exist: building, property, taxes, utilities, maintenance, staff, like ministers who do that full time also have to have money to live. Members help pay for this. It's not wrong to ask members and attendees to pay a fair share, to contribute and not just be a parasite. Most do not coerce and some don't even ask. There is Biblical support to ask people to support churches.
Second question: most churches don't show Jesus in any likeness or representation, because of verses like: Exodus 20:4-5. When I see pictures of Jesus online they are not in fancy clothes. In fact I have never seen that. What church denomination are you referring to that shows such pictures?
Third question: I'm beginning to think you are talking about catholicism by chance? Because the answer to your 3rd question is the Christian churches who follow the Bible don't not do that. It's wrong to worship Mary and the Pope, and no one else comes between you and the father, but Jesus. John 14:6. God bless.
Yes, according to the Bible. It also depends on one's definition of "saved" and when this event occurs. Are people saved while still on earth instantly after they say their first prayer, at some point later, or are they saved after they are judged by God Himself? What does the Bible say...
1 Peter 1:5 - "...salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."
Matthew 24:13 "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."
Hebrews 10:36 "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise."
1 Cor 9:24-27 "run the race" (not the race was already won.)
2 Peter 3:17
Luke 8:5-18
1 Timothy 4:1
2 Peter 2:20-22
Hebrews 3:12
Galatians 5:4
1 Corinthians 15:2-8
1 Corinthians 4:5
2 Corinthians 5:10 whether "good or bad". People are sorted at this time.
Matthew 12:32 "...but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come."
OSAS believers: "Ok, but a Christian would never do that."
Christians no longer have freewill to sin?" Joshua 24:15 "choose you this day whom ye will serve"
"OSAS: But no one has ever done that."
Sadly, many Christians fall away. Look at "ex-Christian" on Reddit with 107,000 members. Very prominent pastors have denounced faith and later denied Jesus is Lord.
Matthew 7:21-23
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."
Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"
Hebrews 6:4-6
James 2:14-26 "...faith, if it hath not works, is dead..."
James 2:19 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."
1 Peter 1:13 "...hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"
Acts 2:38 states to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins; and then you will be filled with the Holy Ghost. On the surface it may seem that not only is baptism required; but also it along with repentance is needed for forgiveness. Clearly; this is not the case as is seen from John the Baptist himself who told the Pharisees to repent BEFORE the baptism was given. At that time the Spirit did not dwell with us permanently after salvation after it did after Pentacost and the upper room experience.
This could be compared in a way to confessing with our mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord to be saved. ( Romans 10:9-10). Believing in the heart is a necessary condition; lest we simply have a mantra that is some intellectual acceptance of Christ as Lord; who He actually is to every person; whether or not they have been given a new heart post conversion or are still unregenerate.
The clear example is the thief at the cross. ( Luke 23:39-43). He didn't have time to be baptized; but clearly Christ was going to be with him in paradise. Therefore; baptism is as an outer confession; it demonstrates our public affirmation of becoming part of the Body and Christ and symbolizes in some ways the death; burial and resurrection in our own lives mirroring that of Christ; our head. It is clearly a command; hence it should be done ASAP after conversion. One could say that if a person does NOT seek to be baptized and goes on a long time without it it is likely there is no evidence that they have truly repented. If we love Him; we obey His commands. ( John 14:15). Obviously we should test ourselves to see if we are in the faith ( 2 Cor. 13:5-6); or as a Pastor see if there are any fruits indicating true repentance ( Matthew 3:8; etal). Matthew 5:19 shows if we break the least of the commandments and teach others to do so we shall be least in the Kingdom of Heaven. That should be a sobering warning of losing rewards for disobedience for elders and laypersons alike
That's contradictory about the the 4th commandment being absolute and the other nine still valid.
Jesus says if you love me keep.my commandments John 14:15
The Bible also states in 1 John 2 1-4.we are liars if we say we love God but depart from the law of love.
Lastly, James let's us know it the standard it the law of liberty. Liberty is in Christ, He makes us free from the bandage of sin in the law of Moses that records the sacrifices for sin and free will offerings.
If thr 4th commandment could be changed or abolish then Jesus need not have died. It is because the law stands fast forever why Jesus had to come to show us how to keep them. I delight to do thy will thy law is with my heart. Psalms 40:8
Answering the question correctly , should determine how the question is asked. If the question is asked incorrectly then the answer could only be the same.
Without question the parameters of life are established by God .
What we may know are given to us through His word.
Jesus says in John 14:4 ,"But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."
This is the confidence we have, seeking the answer to the correct question.
You must drink the water of life! In it is the well spring of all the questions you have!
it should be noted; and I have mentioned this before to others in my fellowship that there ARE no verses where a SPECIFIC lost person is prayed for. This is a key point to strongly verify that predestination is the necessary ingredient for anyone to come to salvation. The book of John shows how the elect all come to Christ; and repentance itself as Ephesians and other scriptures mention is a gift from God. The verses in your other commentary all show how God works to generally save people collectively.
The only other option is to be a universalist; in regard to God "drawing all men unto Himself". Indeed many are called and few chosen; and God allows the wheat to grow up with the tares in the visible body of Christ for the invisible true church to eventually be made evident in time. Of course our natural inclination is to see family and friends; or "nice people" to be converted. We tend to neglect those ministries where a "Damascus road" experience occurs; but those in prison ministry certainly see it quite frequently. Whatever the response OUR message needs to demonstrate agape love for the unloveable. For us to display through a surrendered life the fear and joy of the Lord in the message our life demonstrates along with a trust in the validity of scriptures when speaking to others means that they are reading our lives along with the delivery of the gospel message. Right now; much of the Body of Christ is asleep and needs to wake up-some individuals have been out of regular fellowship a long time and are living compromised lives. Most people have some familiarity with scripture; but are blinded to the truth that Jesus is indeed God in the flesh (not some avatar or New Age like cosmic force); that what they consider humanitarian and loving behavior is still coming from selfish motives of pride if the Spirit of God isn't at work. Our own sin needs to be exposed; and only the Lord can do that. The Spirit convicts of sin; righteousness and judgment
Praying to the Lord of the Harvest - In Reply on John 14 - 2 years ago
[Your prayer should touch upon all these points below.]
So Jesus tells his disciples: "Pray the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest."
Notice this: his first solution to this problem of an urgent, abundant harvest is not "go into the field and get to work"; it's "ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers."
Jesus isn't implying that his disciples won't be sent-that God is going to send someone else, so all they have to do is stay comfortable at home and remember to pray. On the contrary. The very next passage will have Jesus sending his disciples out.
But there is an ORDER to things, and a necessary equipping.
The harvest, after all, belongs to God. So it's God who must take the initiative and commission workers, thereby giving them the right to work in his fields in the first place. They need AUTHORITY for this work.
They also need to be EQUIPPED To bring in a physical harvest requires tools: (scythes, threshers, barns) To bring in a spiritual harvest requires tools also, Bible, Chick Tracts. We cannot do this kind of prayer on our own.
So Jesus commands us to pray the Lord of the harvest to do something. There is a general principle here: as someone wiser than me has quipped, "Don't just do something, stand there." And while you stand there-pray.
PRAYER is how we partner with God. It's how we bring heaven to earth. It's how we access his will and his power to get it done.
Prayer should always be our first response when we see a need-not because we aren't willing to roll up our sleeves and help, but because we recognize that we need authority and gifting from God in order to do it.
I just want to comment on the word mansion used in John 14:2 and let you know that this word mansion is not what we would normally think of when we hear the word mansion. If you want clarification on what it means, I can provide.
As for your questions, I will refrain from answering as Suze has graciously stated that she will provide you an in-depth scriptural response. I look forward to reading!
When the Scriptute says that God will pour His Spirit to all people, does it is literally mean to ALL people no matter what they want or believe? If this is the case then the muslims, the buddhists and all other people have got the Holly Spirit that "leads them to the truth?" The truth of their religion? This can't be right, can it?
Lets see what Jesus said about this.
John 14:16-17
" And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."
Jesus said that the world can not receive the HS because they don't know It.
Read also Galatians 4:6
" And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father."
The above says that the HS is given by God only to His children. Can we agree on that?
Now if we don't really need anybody else than the HS to teach us the Word of God, how come there are so many different beliefs amongst Christians? Don't we all have the HS that leads us to the truth? Which one (truth)? If that is the case why God has placed teachers in the church? If all churches are falling away during these last days how come that that Isaiah said about the knowledge of God covering the whole world comes true? Because the HS will teach people? Do you see many people outside churches that know or want to know anything about God? Since this practically doesn't happen, shouldn't we think that the scripture means something else? Remember that Paul said to Timothy that people of the last days will be the worst of all ages? 2 Timothy 3:1-5
Question. Can one be saved if one doesn't believe in Jesus? There are so many scriptures that say the opposite. I give you some. John 3:18-19, John 5:24, John 5:28-29, Acts 2::38 etc
3. Jesus and the Law. Jesus kept the Law perfectly - what man could not do. Jesus lived among His people who were still under the Law & to the Law He pointed them. When He asked them to "keep HIS Commandments" ( John 14:15,21), it referred to not only the given Law but to the meaning & intent of the Laws He brought to them. I see that Jesus' Presence & Words (to His disciples) were the foretaste of what the old Law once declared & what He was now bringing them that gave them a glimpse to the Laws' higher demands met only in the power of the Spirit. And one day in the future, the apostles would understand what He meant & would have the power to live under His Laws & not the old Law.
Matthew 5:17-20. The Jews were bound to the Law, to obey it fully, not as was declared by the Pharisees (that some laws more important than others). And Jesus too was bound by that same Law, not to destroy it, but by His Coming He was to fulfil it. And this He did at Calvary, fulfilling all the laws (moral & ceremonial) perfectly. But would men see it & believe it?
The Moral law contains the Love and legal code God has for His Universe and beloved children. It is;
Written in stone by God's own finger - Exodus 31:18, Deuteronomy 4:12-13, 9:10
Has always existed & will be kept throughout eternity and throughout all the universe - Psalm 111:7,8, Romans 5:19 refers to Adam sinning in the Garden of Eden
Jesus said He did not come to destroy it but to fulfil it - Matt 5:17 - 19
Jesus said 'If you love me keep my commandments' John 14:15 and that 'He is the Lord of the Sabbath - Mark 2:28 - yet never mentions it being dissolved or changed
God's people are commanded to keep the Commandments of God for all eternity & God's people are identified by it because they keep it out of love to God and by faith - Exodus 19:5, Ecclesiastes 12:13,14, Psalm 111:7,8, Revelation 14:12, 12:17
Lives in the heart of God's children - Psalms 40:8
We are judged by them - James 2:12
Blessed with access to the Tree of Life if you keep them by faith - Revelation 22:14
Remember the Sabbath, and keep it holy is the 4th Commandment of God?
Gen 2:2-3- And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.
The Sabbath was a Commandment before Mt Sinai and was kept and taught by Noah, Abraham, Moses and Israel, EVEN before the finger of God wrote the 10 Commandments. Gods Commandments are just that, Commandments not Recommendations. As for Col 2:16, notice it says'Sabbath Days" plural. This relates to all the Sabbath Days celebrated that no longer have any significance to God, that is why the Law of Moses was nailed to the cross, not Gods 4th Commandment. Throughout Gods Word He speaks about keeping His Commandments, this includes the 4th Commandment.
Fourth Commandment: Jesus set the example for us of keeping the seventh-day Sabbath ( Luke 4:16), as did the apostle Paul ( Acts 17:2). After Jesus' death, the author of the book of Hebrews confirmed that worshipping on this day continues to be expected of Christians ( Hebrews 4:9).
Jesus said " The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath
Mark 2:27,28
Matt 5:17-19 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
I know Christians tonight who will commit fornication. I know Christians who will be out partying tonight, getting drunk, possibly doing drugs. Some will lie, some may steal, some may assault others. They do this because they hear the watered down gospel and are told that they're already saved, that they're already in the book of life, so their actions are irrelevant, they assume.
Every Sunday when they go to church they then hear the same verses you shared which reassures them that they're totally fine following the pleasures of the world and can enjoy all the benefits of sin they wish, like an all you can eat buffet. But is that why Jesus died on the cross- so His followers can use that as a free hall pass to commit unlimited sin and evil? The Bible already says the answer is no.
So, everyone giving only part of the story of salvation and omitting the importance of obedience is doing a grave disservice. People will go to hell over this and people should actually fear God like it says in Matthew 10:28. But people are afraid of offending someone, that they withhold the truth. Did Jesus withhold the truth so no one was offended? Did Paul?
But what about offending God and offending Jesus? Those who don't obey and who sin is like slapping Jesus in the face.
I'm offended that people are withholding Bible verses from those who need to hear them the most. I am offended at false teachings.
The fact is Jesus gave lots of commandments. Do we truly love Jesus enough to follow them?
John 13:34
John 15:12
John 15:10
John 14:15
Deuteronomy 11:22
1 John 2:15 "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."
The above verse should scare the daylights out of people who are currently loving and following the world. It should scare them to death and be the hugest wake up call. The end is near and time is short to get right with God. It won't happen automatically.
This can be very encouraging to people and these are great verses.
It is worth considering that sometimes people try to simplify things by cutting out key verses about salvation, but its in the Bible for a reason and shouldn't be ignored. For example, the Bible over and over talks about obedience. If someone discards all these verses and assumes it will happen magically through the spirit and not their own freewill then they can be misled into following evil. Maybe they assume their sins don't count or matter or that God doesn't even care or they no longer have the freewill to sin, but the Bible doesn't say any of those things.
Maybe they their friends are going out drinking and doing "just a little" drugs, and going to a strip club "just a for a few minutes" and rob a store "sharing was done in Jesus's time" and commit a murder "just one who 'deserved' it". Then they go to church on Sunday and they are reminded of the above verses and not to worry about it as they are forgiven, so they do it again and again every weekend. Lying, cheating, stealing, assaulting, harming, idolatry, worshipping the world and satan.
This may throw a wet blanket on the simplicity of all the warm fuzzy verses cherry picked from the Bible, but life isn't simple and temptation of sin isn't simple. Sometimes someone SHOULD feel guilt and convicted by the holy spirit of evil that person has done. Some are deceived into believing they are "saved" when they are following satan and not Jesus. If they aren't following Jesus they may not be Christian and may not have assurance of salvation, but assume they are because someone told them not to worry about it.
There are many important Bible verses that people should heed about salvation and not simply throw them out:
For encouragement today and always I'd like to share some wonderful things about Salvation.
Can we get saved by a person or named church denomination?
Acts 4:12 - "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
John 14:6 - "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
Salvation can not come from another other (pastors, priests, religion, etc) but only from Christ Jesus.
But I have good news for you today!
John 3:15-18
"That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."
Wow, isn't that beautiful? But you may ask yourself, "but I've done this or that sin and I've been too wicked." That's what the Pharisees believed. They saw the broken sinners and pitied them...turned them away. What did Jesus say to them?
Luke 5:32
"I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
Don't we have to do works to obtain mercy and Salvation from God? No, the only works are after Salvation from the fruit of the Spirit.
Ephesians 2:8&9
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
Let us never complicate the simplicity of the Bible and share this with everyone today. The most important gift you can give a strange, relative, friend or even an enemy are these verses (and there are many more) to Salvation. Please use your Holy King James Bible and God Bless!
I believe be leaving out 1Peter 2:23, 1Peter 2:19, & what, why & how Jesus suffered, at the hands of unrighteous, unjust men, Jesus openly corrected, rebuked, even insulted, flipped tables, Luke 19, is somewhat out of full context.
I responded to your similar post, just recently.
Proverbs 29:2,
I believe Jesus behaved the way He did, because He understood His authority. Matthew 7:29, Matthew 21:24,27, Mark 1:27, Matthew 28:18, We likewise should recognize, acknowledge & understand our authority.
1st as children of GOD, Gen. 1:28, John 16:23, John 14:14, James 1:5, Hebrews 4:12-16,
2nd as Citizens, if US Citizen we are The People, the Governing authority, as set forth in each State Constitution & US Constitution.
Hello Becky! Jesus wipes our slate clean when we are saved, but we become sinners saved by grace who need to continue to ask God to forgive us every time we sin--and we born again Christians will sin because it is our nature--we even commit sins unaware and must ask Him to forgive what we don't know we've done wrong. I used to not understand this and was driven by guilt for everything I did, which delutes the power of Jesus' Blood. What I didn't understand lay in this verse Matthew 5:48
"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." I thought I had to be without sin. That's not what that verse means. It does mean for us not to commit deliberate sins like breaking the ten commandments and knowing to do good but doing it not. So you see, 1 John 1:8 "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." And 1John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Being remorseful for our sins is not enough. We must repent. Ever been walking down a sidewalk and decide to turn around a go the other way. That's repenting. We decide not to commit a certain sin ever again. You can quit smoking and all the rest. It's not easy, but you can do it by confessing, repenting, drawing close to Him, and cease fellowshipping with those unbelievers--not shunning them, for you should strive to be a witness to them in conduct and action.
John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments." And there is nothing that can keep you from serving him. Romans 8:38,39 "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Fruit barring.
Let's keep these two verses in mind while we go through this section.
Matthew 22:36-37. and 1 John 4:21.
and remember the context in the previous sections.
Notice the highlights!
Jesus answered and said unto him, "IF" a man love/Agape me
( HE WILL ) keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
( He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings and the word which ye hear is not mine but the Father's which sent me.
These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John 14:23--26.
We've established that Agape is a fruit and can't be achieved by the flesh, "Mans efforts"
Man can not produce the fruit, the vine does. Man is the branch, he bares the fruit. John 15:4-5.
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, NEITHER CAN A CORRUPT TREE BRING FORTH GOOD FRUIT.
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Matthew 7:15-20. When you look at Matthew 7:13-14 the corrupt tree is any other way to God presented in the wide gate. for instance "WORKS"
That's why these often misused verses follows, Matthew 7:22-23.
This is a fruitless deceived group that thought they worked their way into Heaven.
So tell me why isn't the significance of Loving one another sought after and debated above anything else when it's paramount?
Because some know they don't have that love on display and don't bare it.
God bless.
WHEN you are born again into TRUTH and LIFE ( John 14:6), by the blood of Christ, YOU are no longer a GENTILE.
Romans 2:28 For he IS NOT A JEW which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
Romans 2:29 But HE IS A JEW, which is one inwardly; and that circumcision is of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Revelation 3:9 Behold I WILL MAKE THEM of the synagogue of Satan, which SAY THEY ARE JEWS, AND ARE NOT, BUT DO LIE; behold I WILL MAKE THEM to come and worship before thy feet, to know that I have loved thee.
God Bless You.
Honestly, I've had answered prayer in very immediate dangerous situations, just crying "GOD, help me" possibly even just "GOD" it's possibly because GOD knows if we love Jesus. Romans 8:27,
Hopefully these are helpful
Ephesians 4:4 ONE Body, ONE Spirit ......
Ephesians 4:5 ONE Lord, ONE Faith, ONE Baptism,
Ephesians 4:6 ONE God and Father of ALL .....
What is this ONE?
Is it physical water, or LIVING WATER?
1 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God IN HIM ARE YEA ....
CAN YOU PLEASE GOD?
Matthew 19:21 ......go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor ......
Acts 2:41 ....and were baptised ....this whole chapter is about the outpouring of the Holy ghost ....so it it batpism of physical water of living water?
Acts 2:45 ....and sold their possessions and goods and parted them to all men .....
If it's water baptism, and you are trying to please God why not go and sell all you possessions; also, and part them to men.
Coming to TRUTH is what pleases God.
Philippians 2:13 For it is God that worketh in you both to will and to do his pleasure.
The life in you is Christ, the faith in you is Christ's faith, the works are Christ's works, the baptism in you is the baptism of Christ (the Holy Ghost):
YOU ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST.
John 14:6 .....I AM .... LIFE ......
John 11:25 .....I AM ....... the RESURRECTION .....
Revelation 20:6 Blesses and HOLY is he that hath part in the first RESURRECTION ....
TRUTH! ....will set you free!
You died on the cross; Christ was resurrected and gave YOU HIS LIFE.
Colossians 3:3 For you are dead, and your life is HID IN CHRIST with GOD.
ONE ....ONE .....ONE .....ONE .....ONE
1 Corinthians 15:28 .....that God may be all (ONE) in all (ONE).
God Bless ALL.
Acts 2:38 ...Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ...
"Surely not me though, it doesn't say it in other verses..."
"every one of you"
"Not Christians though"
"every one of you"
"probably not me though"
"every one of you"
"because of [excuse] I can't though"
"every one of you"
"I'm sure there's some other verses I can cherry pick to get out of this, though..."
"every one of you"
"No thanks, I don't feel like it."
John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
Luke 6:46 - "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"
James 1:22 - "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."
First question: church organizations are not free government services, but cost lots of money to exist: building, property, taxes, utilities, maintenance, staff, like ministers who do that full time also have to have money to live. Members help pay for this. It's not wrong to ask members and attendees to pay a fair share, to contribute and not just be a parasite. Most do not coerce and some don't even ask. There is Biblical support to ask people to support churches.
Second question: most churches don't show Jesus in any likeness or representation, because of verses like: Exodus 20:4-5. When I see pictures of Jesus online they are not in fancy clothes. In fact I have never seen that. What church denomination are you referring to that shows such pictures?
Third question: I'm beginning to think you are talking about catholicism by chance? Because the answer to your 3rd question is the Christian churches who follow the Bible don't not do that. It's wrong to worship Mary and the Pope, and no one else comes between you and the father, but Jesus. John 14:6. God bless.
Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man out of the dust of the ground ....
Man, as well as all creatures, is only a body.
....and breathed into them the breath of life, and man became a living soul.
The soul, or body, has no life outside of the breath and life of God.
Colossians 1:27 ...this mystery ....Christ in you ....
John 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said unto them, Receive the Holy Ghost.
1 Corinthians 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ .......
John 14:6 ....I am the life .....
God Bless You.
1 Peter 1:5 - "...salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."
Matthew 24:13 "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."
Hebrews 10:36 "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise."
1 Cor 9:24-27 "run the race" (not the race was already won.)
2 Peter 3:17
Luke 8:5-18
1 Timothy 4:1
2 Peter 2:20-22
Hebrews 3:12
Galatians 5:4
1 Corinthians 15:2-8
1 Corinthians 4:5
2 Corinthians 5:10 whether "good or bad". People are sorted at this time.
Matthew 12:32 "...but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come."
OSAS believers: "Ok, but a Christian would never do that."
Christians no longer have freewill to sin?" Joshua 24:15 "choose you this day whom ye will serve"
"OSAS: But no one has ever done that."
Sadly, many Christians fall away. Look at "ex-Christian" on Reddit with 107,000 members. Very prominent pastors have denounced faith and later denied Jesus is Lord.
Matthew 7:21-23
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."
Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"
Hebrews 6:4-6
James 2:14-26 "...faith, if it hath not works, is dead..."
James 2:19 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."
1 Peter 1:13 "...hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"
Romans 11
John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
Matthew 12:31-32
Romans 14:12
God bless and pray for wisdom and truth.
Trust the LORD to reveal why, please pray for wisdom & understanding as you read.
Sometimes I've studied scripture & led to something in scripture that's later helpful for someone or brought up in discussion.
2Corinthians 1:3-5,
Hopefully these are helpful
This could be compared in a way to confessing with our mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord to be saved. ( Romans 10:9-10). Believing in the heart is a necessary condition; lest we simply have a mantra that is some intellectual acceptance of Christ as Lord; who He actually is to every person; whether or not they have been given a new heart post conversion or are still unregenerate.
The clear example is the thief at the cross. ( Luke 23:39-43). He didn't have time to be baptized; but clearly Christ was going to be with him in paradise. Therefore; baptism is as an outer confession; it demonstrates our public affirmation of becoming part of the Body and Christ and symbolizes in some ways the death; burial and resurrection in our own lives mirroring that of Christ; our head. It is clearly a command; hence it should be done ASAP after conversion. One could say that if a person does NOT seek to be baptized and goes on a long time without it it is likely there is no evidence that they have truly repented. If we love Him; we obey His commands. ( John 14:15). Obviously we should test ourselves to see if we are in the faith ( 2 Cor. 13:5-6); or as a Pastor see if there are any fruits indicating true repentance ( Matthew 3:8; etal). Matthew 5:19 shows if we break the least of the commandments and teach others to do so we shall be least in the Kingdom of Heaven. That should be a sobering warning of losing rewards for disobedience for elders and laypersons alike
Jesus says if you love me keep.my commandments John 14:15
The Bible also states in 1 John 2 1-4.we are liars if we say we love God but depart from the law of love.
Lastly, James let's us know it the standard it the law of liberty. Liberty is in Christ, He makes us free from the bandage of sin in the law of Moses that records the sacrifices for sin and free will offerings.
If thr 4th commandment could be changed or abolish then Jesus need not have died. It is because the law stands fast forever why Jesus had to come to show us how to keep them. I delight to do thy will thy law is with my heart. Psalms 40:8
Without question the parameters of life are established by God .
What we may know are given to us through His word.
Jesus says in John 14:4 ,"But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."
This is the confidence we have, seeking the answer to the correct question.
You must drink the water of life! In it is the well spring of all the questions you have!
Repent and be Baptized
The only other option is to be a universalist; in regard to God "drawing all men unto Himself". Indeed many are called and few chosen; and God allows the wheat to grow up with the tares in the visible body of Christ for the invisible true church to eventually be made evident in time. Of course our natural inclination is to see family and friends; or "nice people" to be converted. We tend to neglect those ministries where a "Damascus road" experience occurs; but those in prison ministry certainly see it quite frequently. Whatever the response OUR message needs to demonstrate agape love for the unloveable. For us to display through a surrendered life the fear and joy of the Lord in the message our life demonstrates along with a trust in the validity of scriptures when speaking to others means that they are reading our lives along with the delivery of the gospel message. Right now; much of the Body of Christ is asleep and needs to wake up-some individuals have been out of regular fellowship a long time and are living compromised lives. Most people have some familiarity with scripture; but are blinded to the truth that Jesus is indeed God in the flesh (not some avatar or New Age like cosmic force); that what they consider humanitarian and loving behavior is still coming from selfish motives of pride if the Spirit of God isn't at work. Our own sin needs to be exposed; and only the Lord can do that. The Spirit convicts of sin; righteousness and judgment
Matthew 9:38; John 17:20,21; Acts 26:18; Romans 10:1; 1 Timothy 2:1-4.
So Jesus tells his disciples: "Pray the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest."
Notice this: his first solution to this problem of an urgent, abundant harvest is not "go into the field and get to work"; it's "ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers."
Jesus isn't implying that his disciples won't be sent-that God is going to send someone else, so all they have to do is stay comfortable at home and remember to pray. On the contrary. The very next passage will have Jesus sending his disciples out.
But there is an ORDER to things, and a necessary equipping.
The harvest, after all, belongs to God. So it's God who must take the initiative and commission workers, thereby giving them the right to work in his fields in the first place. They need AUTHORITY for this work.
They also need to be EQUIPPED To bring in a physical harvest requires tools: (scythes, threshers, barns) To bring in a spiritual harvest requires tools also, Bible, Chick Tracts. We cannot do this kind of prayer on our own.
So Jesus commands us to pray the Lord of the harvest to do something. There is a general principle here: as someone wiser than me has quipped, "Don't just do something, stand there." And while you stand there-pray.
PRAYER is how we partner with God. It's how we bring heaven to earth. It's how we access his will and his power to get it done.
Prayer should always be our first response when we see a need-not because we aren't willing to roll up our sleeves and help, but because we recognize that we need authority and gifting from God in order to do it.
THANK YOU for your willingness. Streetpreacher
1 John 5:7-8
Genesis 1:26
Genesis 11:6-7
John 10:30
John 8:19
Philippians 2:5-8
2 Corinthians 5:19
John 1:3
Matthew 28:19
1 Peter 1:2
2 Corinthians 13:14
Deuteronomy 6:4
John 14:10
John 20:28
1 John 2:22-24
Matthew 1:23-25
Colossians 2:9
Acts 17:29
Romans 1:20
Isaiah 7:14
Hebrews 1:8
Isaiah 44:6
I just want to comment on the word mansion used in John 14:2 and let you know that this word mansion is not what we would normally think of when we hear the word mansion. If you want clarification on what it means, I can provide.
As for your questions, I will refrain from answering as Suze has graciously stated that she will provide you an in-depth scriptural response. I look forward to reading!
When the Scriptute says that God will pour His Spirit to all people, does it is literally mean to ALL people no matter what they want or believe? If this is the case then the muslims, the buddhists and all other people have got the Holly Spirit that "leads them to the truth?" The truth of their religion? This can't be right, can it?
Lets see what Jesus said about this.
John 14:16-17
" And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."
Jesus said that the world can not receive the HS because they don't know It.
Read also Galatians 4:6
" And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father."
The above says that the HS is given by God only to His children. Can we agree on that?
Now if we don't really need anybody else than the HS to teach us the Word of God, how come there are so many different beliefs amongst Christians? Don't we all have the HS that leads us to the truth? Which one (truth)? If that is the case why God has placed teachers in the church? If all churches are falling away during these last days how come that that Isaiah said about the knowledge of God covering the whole world comes true? Because the HS will teach people? Do you see many people outside churches that know or want to know anything about God? Since this practically doesn't happen, shouldn't we think that the scripture means something else? Remember that Paul said to Timothy that people of the last days will be the worst of all ages? 2 Timothy 3:1-5
Question. Can one be saved if one doesn't believe in Jesus? There are so many scriptures that say the opposite. I give you some. John 3:18-19, John 5:24, John 5:28-29, Acts 2::38 etc
There is more to say but not now...
GBU
3. Jesus and the Law. Jesus kept the Law perfectly - what man could not do. Jesus lived among His people who were still under the Law & to the Law He pointed them. When He asked them to "keep HIS Commandments" ( John 14:15,21), it referred to not only the given Law but to the meaning & intent of the Laws He brought to them. I see that Jesus' Presence & Words (to His disciples) were the foretaste of what the old Law once declared & what He was now bringing them that gave them a glimpse to the Laws' higher demands met only in the power of the Spirit. And one day in the future, the apostles would understand what He meant & would have the power to live under His Laws & not the old Law.
Matthew 5:17-20. The Jews were bound to the Law, to obey it fully, not as was declared by the Pharisees (that some laws more important than others). And Jesus too was bound by that same Law, not to destroy it, but by His Coming He was to fulfil it. And this He did at Calvary, fulfilling all the laws (moral & ceremonial) perfectly. But would men see it & believe it?
Here are some verses to get you started. God bless.
Colossians 2:9
Acts 17:29
Romans 1:20
John 1:1
1 John 5:7-8
Genesis 1:26
Genesis 11:6-7
John 10:30
John 8:19
Philippians 2:5-8
2 Corinthians 5:19
John 1:3
Matthew 28:19
1 Peter 1:2
2 Corinthians 13:14
Deuteronomy 6:4
John 14:10
John 20:28
1 John 2:22-24
Isaiah 7:14
Matthew 1:23-25
Hebrews 1:8
Isaiah 44:6
The Moral law contains the Love and legal code God has for His Universe and beloved children. It is;
Written in stone by God's own finger - Exodus 31:18, Deuteronomy 4:12-13, 9:10
Has always existed & will be kept throughout eternity and throughout all the universe - Psalm 111:7,8, Romans 5:19 refers to Adam sinning in the Garden of Eden
Jesus said He did not come to destroy it but to fulfil it - Matt 5:17 - 19
Jesus said 'If you love me keep my commandments' John 14:15 and that 'He is the Lord of the Sabbath - Mark 2:28 - yet never mentions it being dissolved or changed
God's people are commanded to keep the Commandments of God for all eternity & God's people are identified by it because they keep it out of love to God and by faith - Exodus 19:5, Ecclesiastes 12:13,14, Psalm 111:7,8, Revelation 14:12, 12:17
Lives in the heart of God's children - Psalms 40:8
We are judged by them - James 2:12
Blessed with access to the Tree of Life if you keep them by faith - Revelation 22:14
Remember the Sabbath, and keep it holy is the 4th Commandment of God?
Gen 2:2-3- And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.
The Sabbath was a Commandment before Mt Sinai and was kept and taught by Noah, Abraham, Moses and Israel, EVEN before the finger of God wrote the 10 Commandments. Gods Commandments are just that, Commandments not Recommendations. As for Col 2:16, notice it says'Sabbath Days" plural. This relates to all the Sabbath Days celebrated that no longer have any significance to God, that is why the Law of Moses was nailed to the cross, not Gods 4th Commandment. Throughout Gods Word He speaks about keeping His Commandments, this includes the 4th Commandment.
Fourth Commandment: Jesus set the example for us of keeping the seventh-day Sabbath ( Luke 4:16), as did the apostle Paul ( Acts 17:2). After Jesus' death, the author of the book of Hebrews confirmed that worshipping on this day continues to be expected of Christians ( Hebrews 4:9).
Jesus said " The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath
Mark 2:27,28
Matt 5:17-19 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
God bless
I know Christians tonight who will commit fornication. I know Christians who will be out partying tonight, getting drunk, possibly doing drugs. Some will lie, some may steal, some may assault others. They do this because they hear the watered down gospel and are told that they're already saved, that they're already in the book of life, so their actions are irrelevant, they assume.
Every Sunday when they go to church they then hear the same verses you shared which reassures them that they're totally fine following the pleasures of the world and can enjoy all the benefits of sin they wish, like an all you can eat buffet. But is that why Jesus died on the cross- so His followers can use that as a free hall pass to commit unlimited sin and evil? The Bible already says the answer is no.
So, everyone giving only part of the story of salvation and omitting the importance of obedience is doing a grave disservice. People will go to hell over this and people should actually fear God like it says in Matthew 10:28. But people are afraid of offending someone, that they withhold the truth. Did Jesus withhold the truth so no one was offended? Did Paul?
But what about offending God and offending Jesus? Those who don't obey and who sin is like slapping Jesus in the face.
I'm offended that people are withholding Bible verses from those who need to hear them the most. I am offended at false teachings.
The fact is Jesus gave lots of commandments. Do we truly love Jesus enough to follow them?
John 13:34
John 15:12
John 15:10
John 14:15
Deuteronomy 11:22
1 John 2:15 "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."
The above verse should scare the daylights out of people who are currently loving and following the world. It should scare them to death and be the hugest wake up call. The end is near and time is short to get right with God. It won't happen automatically.
God bless.
It is worth considering that sometimes people try to simplify things by cutting out key verses about salvation, but its in the Bible for a reason and shouldn't be ignored. For example, the Bible over and over talks about obedience. If someone discards all these verses and assumes it will happen magically through the spirit and not their own freewill then they can be misled into following evil. Maybe they assume their sins don't count or matter or that God doesn't even care or they no longer have the freewill to sin, but the Bible doesn't say any of those things.
Maybe they their friends are going out drinking and doing "just a little" drugs, and going to a strip club "just a for a few minutes" and rob a store "sharing was done in Jesus's time" and commit a murder "just one who 'deserved' it". Then they go to church on Sunday and they are reminded of the above verses and not to worry about it as they are forgiven, so they do it again and again every weekend. Lying, cheating, stealing, assaulting, harming, idolatry, worshipping the world and satan.
This may throw a wet blanket on the simplicity of all the warm fuzzy verses cherry picked from the Bible, but life isn't simple and temptation of sin isn't simple. Sometimes someone SHOULD feel guilt and convicted by the holy spirit of evil that person has done. Some are deceived into believing they are "saved" when they are following satan and not Jesus. If they aren't following Jesus they may not be Christian and may not have assurance of salvation, but assume they are because someone told them not to worry about it.
There are many important Bible verses that people should heed about salvation and not simply throw them out:
Matthew 7:21-23
Matthew 12:32
Hebrews 10:26
John 14:15
James 2:14-26
1 Peter 1:5
1 Cor 9:24-27
1 Peter 1:13
Can we get saved by a person or named church denomination?
Acts 4:12 - "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
John 14:6 - "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
Salvation can not come from another other (pastors, priests, religion, etc) but only from Christ Jesus.
But I have good news for you today!
John 3:15-18
"That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."
Wow, isn't that beautiful? But you may ask yourself, "but I've done this or that sin and I've been too wicked." That's what the Pharisees believed. They saw the broken sinners and pitied them...turned them away. What did Jesus say to them?
Luke 5:32
"I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
Don't we have to do works to obtain mercy and Salvation from God? No, the only works are after Salvation from the fruit of the Spirit.
Ephesians 2:8&9
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
Let us never complicate the simplicity of the Bible and share this with everyone today. The most important gift you can give a strange, relative, friend or even an enemy are these verses (and there are many more) to Salvation. Please use your Holy King James Bible and God Bless!
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."
Matthew 12:32 "...but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come."
Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"
John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
1 Peter 1:5 - "...salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."
James 2:19 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."
I responded to your similar post, just recently.
Proverbs 29:2,
I believe Jesus behaved the way He did, because He understood His authority. Matthew 7:29, Matthew 21:24,27, Mark 1:27, Matthew 28:18, We likewise should recognize, acknowledge & understand our authority.
1st as children of GOD, Gen. 1:28, John 16:23, John 14:14, James 1:5, Hebrews 4:12-16,
2nd as Citizens, if US Citizen we are The People, the Governing authority, as set forth in each State Constitution & US Constitution.
Hebrews 13:6,
Hopefully these are helpful
Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of KNOWLEDGE .......
Most DO NOT have knowledge of the Kingdom of God.
Ephesians 4:4 ......ONE BODY and ONE SPIRIT ......
Ephesians 4:6 ....ONE GOD and Father of ALL ....above ALL ....through ALL ....and IN YOU ALL .......
John 14:6 ....I AM TRUTH .....I AM LIFE ......
John 17:21 That they may be ONE; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in you: that they may ALSO BE ONE IN US .....
Christ is a BODY that HOLDS the LIFE of his Father.
John 5:19 ....the SON can do NOTHING of himself ....
John 5:30 ...I can of mine own self DO NOTHING .....
WE are a BODY that HOLDS CHRIST (the life and truth of our Father).
John 15:5 .... for without me you can do nothing .....
What happen at the CROSS of Calvary?
Sinful flesh was crucified (all mankind died that day); three days latter all mankind was raised a NEW CREATION.
Matthew 8:22 ...let the dead bury the dead ......
They now have the LIFE OF CHRIST:
BUT they have NO KNOWLEDGE.
1 Timothy 4:16 Who (Christ) ONLY hath immortality dwelling in the LIGHT .....
1 Corinthians 15:38 But God GIVETH IT (the new creation) a body as it hath PLEASED HIM: and to every SEED HIS (Christ's) OWN BODY.
Colossians 1:27 ....this mystery .....Christ in YOU ....
Philippians 2:13 For it is GOD (Christ in you) that WORKETH IN YOU (his BODY) both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.
To be BORN AGAIN is to come to TRUTH and KNOWLEDGE and LIFE.
Christ is the LIFE IN YOU, and Christ CANNOT SIN.
Revelation 12:9... and Satan who deceiveth the whole world was cast out ....
You are either the TEMPLE of SATAN: dwelling in deception, with no knowledge.
OR:
You are the TEMPLE of God: dwelling in truth and light and the LIFE OF CHRIST.
Psalms 82:6 For I have said: Ye are gods, the children of the most high.
Psalms 136:2 O give thanks to the God of gods .....
We die daily to deception and are daily being born again of truth.
God Bless you!
"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." I thought I had to be without sin. That's not what that verse means. It does mean for us not to commit deliberate sins like breaking the ten commandments and knowing to do good but doing it not. So you see, 1 John 1:8 "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." And 1John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Being remorseful for our sins is not enough. We must repent. Ever been walking down a sidewalk and decide to turn around a go the other way. That's repenting. We decide not to commit a certain sin ever again. You can quit smoking and all the rest. It's not easy, but you can do it by confessing, repenting, drawing close to Him, and cease fellowshipping with those unbelievers--not shunning them, for you should strive to be a witness to them in conduct and action.
John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments." And there is nothing that can keep you from serving him. Romans 8:38,39 "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
God bless!