d. the revelation of the anti-Christ is restrained ( 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12). Paul's reason for writing this was because the Church was greatly troubled that the Day of the Lord (Christ) had begun. Paul said that that day wouldn't commence until Jesus came for them & raptured them ("our gathering together unto him": v1). The 'restrainer' is the Holy Spirit in God's people, then when He is removed, God's people are removed, for the Holy Spirit was sent to indwell us & work in & through us & for the Gospel's propagation ( John 16:7,8,13).
e. a comparison between an imminent Rapture & Rapture at the Second Coming:
1. Translation of all believers ( 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18) --- No translation at all ( Revelation 19:6-21).
2. Raptured saints return to Heaven ( 1 Thessalonians 4:17; John 14:1-3) --- Raptured saints return to Earth ( 1 Thessalonians 3:13; Revelation 19:14).
3. Any moment, in readiness, without signs ( 1 Corinthians 1:7; Philippians 4:5; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; Titus 2:13; James 5:7-9; Revelation 3:11, 22:7,12,20) --- many signs given of the Great Tribulation which leads into Jesus' coming (so a readiness cannot be expected, as the seven year's count down begins with the anti-Christ).
A Pre-Tribulation Rapture position keeps the Church ready & watching for her Lord's Coming. Any other position can give her the tendency to apathy & carelessness. The Church is told to be watchful, in spite of ridicule, "where is the promise of his coming" ( 2 Peter 3:4). But Christ's coming is held back until the full number are saved (v9) - and then Jesus will come to take His Church Home.
You were raised a NEW CREATION with Christ; HIS RESURRECTION, was also YOUR RESURRECTION.
That was 2000 years ago; but he has GIVEN us his words and spirit of TRUTH, to UNDERSTAND what he did FOR US; HIS GIFT TO US, 2000 years ago.
Revelation is the revealing of Jesus Christ and those WORKS HE DID, it's not future it's past. There is nothing left to be done BUT BELIEVE THE WORK'S of HIS (and your) CROSS.
Revelation 20:5 Blessed and Holy is he who hath part in the FIRST RESURRECTION, it has ALREADY HAPPENED, your were saved before you were even born.
Your were saved from death 2000 years ago, your were predestined, by his resurrection, to be a SON of GOD, 2000 years ago.
There is no 7 year reign of a single antichrist, there has been 2000 years of antichrist reigning; because they don't believe God's Words: the WORK'S of GOD.
If you do't believe God's Words, you will die in your SIN, UNBELIEF, and have to be raise back to your unbelieving flesh and judged again by GOD'S WORDS.
John 16:8 And when he IS COME (Christ's second coming, as the spirit of TRUTH and spirit of PROPHECY, the HOLY GHOST) he will reprove the world of SIN, and of RIGHTEOUSNESS, and JUDGEMENT:
John 16:9 "OF SIN", because they believe not on me ----THE WORD(s).
When you close your eyes and take your last breath you are raptured at that instant into the presence of God.
1 Timothy 6:16 Who (Christ) only hath IMMORTALITY .....
1 Corinthians 15:54 ...this mortal SHALL HAVE PUT on IMMORTALITY ... HIS GIFT ...
John 17:22 ....that they may BE ONE, as we are ONE .....
Isaiah 27:12 ....and ye shall be gathered ONE BY ONE, O ye children of (the promised) ISRAEL (Christ).
I appreciate the ongoing discussion Jimbob we're having as very few are prepared to persevere in it. Yes, I did mention 'imminency & suddenness', but also mentioned 'readiness' ("In the NT, the command was for readiness"). We will have to leave that one, as after my revisiting those passages because of your comment, I still see that all three as adverbs are in use or implied, including, 'watchfulness'. We'll have to leave those Scriptures for other readers to examine.
Matthew 24:29-31. I read that as the Second Coming of Christ after the Great Tribulation days & that Jesus' rule upon the Earth will be with his elect living on the Earth at that time. It does not speak of those who will be instantly caught up to be with Christ (i.e. without the gathering of them together by the angels) & to be with Christ forever. Here, in the Rapture, those of the living & dead believers will be "changed" ( 1 Corinthians 15:52), i.e. physically reconstituted ("putting on incorruption") to be with Christ in the heavenlies, whereas this isn't a requirement for those 'of the elect' on the Earth who are gathered & relocated to Jerusalem (presumably).
Revelation 20:4-6 speaks of the vision that John received of all those who had laid down their lives for Christ. Not only those who came to believe in the Truth & resisted the Anti-Christ during his reign, but the multitudes since the Church's inception that have remained faithful to the Lord & willingly went to their deaths. Yes, we can suffer now (in tribulation), even as those who went before us, but this is part & parcel of following Christ ( John 16:33); including Romans 8:16-18; Philippians 1:29; 2 Thessalonians 1:4,5; 2 Timothy 2:11,12; etc (as you shared). I read this as the 'common' tribulation (trials of faith) that believers can experience, but not of the Great Tribulation (at the Day of the Lord).
Thanks again Jimbob for your thoughts on this. Tribulation or Great Tribulation? I see a difference. The apostles, the early Church & believers today are not exempt from tribulation; it will come to us as declared ( Matthew 13:21; John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Romans 8:35; 2 Corinthians 7:4; etc): not just physical hardships, but certainly the exercises by the enemy against us, even to testings of faith & martyrdom. We are not insulated from any of these, nor should we expect to be, but what of the Tribulation sent by God our Father? You shared 1 Thessalonians 3:4, "For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know." You understand that Paul was referring to the Great Tribulation, of God's Wrath. I don't see that at all in his discourse, rather, that Paul was describing his own afflictions (vv 3,7 & coupled with 1 Thessalonians 2:2,9,14). I see a clear difference between the two expressions of Tribulation: that which comes to all of us, & that which is only directed to haters of God & His Christ.
What then are we not appointed to? To our daily tribulations, even to suffering or dying for Christ, or to God's Wrath to unbelievers? I note that you agree to this: that believers won't face the outpouring of God's Wrath against a Christ-rejecting World, by your understanding that this outpouring will happen only after the believers are caught away (i.e. post-tribulation). The contention then is: is God's Wrath the same as the Great Tribulation? I believe the Great Tribulation is still to come - we haven't in the least begun to experience anything of it now. When it starts, we know that the time of the end is at hand and believers will be caught away before the world begins to feel the Mighty Hand of God against them. (cont'd).
Please Lord open the doors of opportunity for Frank to be relieved of his financial circumstances and be brought in to opportunities to be a blessing to others I pray in the name of Jesus Christ.
Please consider reflecting on 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 and John 16:33/ John 14:14-17.
Please Lord intervene in Sally's marriage and family foundation that they will endure through difficult time and Your Will done through it. Please Holy Spirit enrich Sally with your divine gifts that will help her understand the Bible scriptures to bring comfort and peace through this I pray in the name of Jesus Christ!!
Please consider reflecting on Psalm 91, Psalm 46, Psalm 139, John 16:33, John 15:5-6, Joshua 1:8-9.
Christ constantly caught flack from his peers, he said we should expect the same thing.
You have ALREADY BEEN RESURRECTED.
John 11:25 ....I am the resurrection, and the LIFE .....
Revelation 20:6 Blesses and HOLY is he that hath part in the first resurrection ......
1 Timothy 6:16 Christ ONLY hath IMMORTALITY, dwelling the light (the presence of God, Abraham's bosom) ....
1 Corinthians 15:53 ...this mortal SHALL put on IMMORTALITY ---Christ only hath immortality ---
1 Corinthians 15:38 But God giveth it (the new creation, the born again) a BODY (you are the BODY OF CHRIST) as it hath pleased him (the Father), and to every SEED his (the Father's) OWN BODY (Christ is the body of the Father).
Ephesians 4:4 ONE BODY (man, Christ being the FIRST among many BROTHERS, joint heirs), ONE SPIRIT
Ephesians 4:5 ONE GOD and Father of ALL, above ALL, and through ALL, and in you ALL.
John 16:8 And when he (the spirit of Christ) comes (it began at Pentecost, the feast of the FIRSTFRUITS) he will reprove the world of SIN .....
John 16:9 Of SIN because they BELIEVE NOT ON ME -----I am THE LIFE, man is my BODY, man does what the will of God causes him to do ---
Romans 9:21 Hath not the POTTER (the spirit of Christ) POWER OVER THE CLAY (the potter's body) of the SAME LUMP to make one vessel (the potter's body) to HONOUR and another to DISHONOUR.
Luke 16:6 The law and prophets were until John: SINCE THAT TIME, the kingdom of God is preached, and every man PRESSES INTO IT.
Revelation 14:19 And the angel thrust his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great WINEPRESS of the wrath of God.
We are the grapes of the vine, and we have to be PRESSED to become the NEW WINE ---this is a parable ---
The H.G. Has to be born in us thats y Jesus is saying that which is born of the spirit is spirit...Which is that Child of Promise the H.G. That Spirit of truth, but b/c he has to be born in us via the seed of Jesus he is just an infant Spirit that cannot speak for a while...Thats y he has to know us in order to sow his incorruptible seed in our hearts
And thats y Jesus always refers to himself as the Son of Man...Simply b/c Mankind has to bring forth fruit unto God which is the H.G. That Child of Promise...That Israel of God...Gal.6:16...The H.G. is the gift of God but he has to come via the seed of Jesus...Thus he has to know us...As Jesus said the Father will send the H.G. in my name meaning Jesus is his father thats y Isaiah refers to Jesus as everlasting FATHER...Its Jesus that sows that good seed in our hearts... John 16:6...B/C i have spoken these words ( his good SEED ) sorrows have filled your hearts a spirtual pregnancy....After the Child comes her sorrows are turned into joy...The Child is the H.G. as that which is born of the spirit is spirit That Child of Promise...
When Jesus breathe on his disciples they were impregnated Simply b/c his breath is his words and his words are his good seeds...But the Child did not come till Pentacost some 50 days later...There had to be a time of gestation...As jesus compared them to a woman in sorrows a pregnancy....They had the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen...The H.G. That Child of Promise...The multiplication of Christ...Whosoever receiveth one such child in my name receiveth ME...Remember God Almighty was so passionate about this Promise of multiplication that he swore by himself...Thats y the Sower has to go forth and sow his precious seed in our hearts....That we might birth a baby Christ the H.G. That Child of Promise...She brought forth a manchild that is gonna rule all nations...Which is that spirit of truth that Jesus says will reprove this whole world of sin n righteousness.
There are multiple reasons for delay & no from GOD.
James 4, not GOD's perfect plan, timing = look at Abraham he was promised a son, even past natural ability Genesis 12:4,6,7, Abram 75 yrs old, Genesis 17:1-8, Abraham also called Abram 90 yrs old, Sarah Genesis 18:10,11, Genesis 21:1-3, was the delay for example of faith Hebrews 11, was it for the linage of Salvation timing? Matthew 1:17, ?
1John 3:22, John 16:23, Psalms 37, Luke 11, Matthew 6, Matthew 7, Matthew 7:7, Matthew 21:22, Luke 18,
I fasted, prayed, begged, cried out & received what I asked many times & several of those caused me years of deep pain, regret, sadness etc. Trust GOD ALMIGHTY sometimes it's protection, not seeing & knowing everything & everyone attached to the things we ask. Luke 8:10-18,
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.
Alex 1939...Hiya Benjamin...Good question, hope i can help you...But its in the spritual realm...As Faith is the result of his word planted in our hearts...The living word is that good seed that forms Christ in us...In the spiritual realm ....As the scripture says faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word ( the living word ) of God...His voice,...Today if you will hear his voice...Its like a spritual pregnancy the Child is the H.G...The kingdom...Unless you receive the Kingdom as a lil Child you will in no wise enter there in Thats y Hebrews 11:1 tells us Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen....Jesus tells us unless you receive the Kingdom of God as a lil Child you will in no wise enter there in...Thats y he has to know us so he can plant his incorruptible seed in our hearts initiating a spritual pregnancy of Christ in us...But there is a time of gestation thats when we walk by faith and not by sight...We have the substance of things hoped for the Spirit the H.G...But we also have the evidence of things not seen Faith....Faith is truly a spritual pregnancy that preceeds a heavenly birth of Christ in us... Gal 4:19 my lil Children of whom i travail in birth till Christ is formed in you...We cannot see the Child the H.G that Child of Promise he is just a spritual infant that cannot speak for a while...But he is the anointing that spirit of truth that is gona rule all nations As in John 16:13
......But until the Kingdom comes we walk by faith and not by sight...As jesus said the kingdom comes not with observation simply b/c its in the spritual realm.
.....She brought forth a manchild that is gonna rule all nation and her Child was caught up to God and to his Throne... Rev 12:5.....This woman in Rev. 12 is the best example of faith... b/f her Child came she had the subtance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen ISAIAH 66:7..B/F she traviled she brought forth, b/f her pains came she was delivered of aman Child.
Alex1939...When ya read Psalms 8 KJV...Remember Jesus wants to make his enemy his footstool...which is our carnal minds...And thats y we must be bornagain of an incorruptible seed...That we might birth a new innerman the H.G. That Child of Promise the H.G... Psalms 8 :1..David is saying how excellent is thy name in all the earth outa of the mouths of babes and sucklings thou has perfected Praise...This is the result of the woman giving birth to the Children...The babes and sucklings...This is the coming of the Kingdom... Rev 12 :10..The manchild is gona rule all nations...He is gonna be born in everybody that hears the words of that book that Jesus wrote with his own blood...That New Covenant...David neva used any babes and sucklings in warfare...Its just prophetic that Christ wants that all men might birth a baby Christ..a baby God to whom the word came it made them Gods...And the scripture cannot be broken...The H.G. is the multiplication of very God... the regeneration of Christ Jesus via his seed his Words...When he breathe on his disciples they were impregnated by his precious seed, his living words....And he said b/c i have spoken these words ( his seeds ) sorrows have filled your hearts.. A woman when she is in travail has sorrows but after the Child comes her sorrows are turned unto joy.. John 16:21...Their Child was the H.G. thats y Jesus said that which is born of the spirit is spirit...Our new innerman our new heart and new spirit has to be born in us via his seed the word....When the manchild which is the H.G.will be born in everyman's hearts as David said ( the babes and sucklings ) Then Gods name will be great in all the world as David is saying...Then there will be no more curse (satans seed the Tares ) our carnal minds Gods enemy, As Rev 22:16 is saying...I am the root and the offspring of David...the bright and the morning star....I will multiply thy seed as the stars of heaven...The babes and sucklings ....ok lemme go
Matthew 6, Luke 4:40, Matthew 12:15, Luke 6:19, Psalms 139, Psalms 107:20, Matthew 15:30, Luke 9:11, Matthew 4:24, Matthew 14:14, Mark 6:13, Acts 5:6, Acts 14:9, Matthew 10:8, Mark 16:17,18, John 16:23, Luke 11:9-11, context Luke 11:2-13, James 5:13-20,
Hopefully these are helpful & encouraging & healing to you, that you likewise will help others Matthew 10:8,
That is a very interesting question; and I would have to agree with you.
The first issue here you brought up as to the role the Spirit is playing. It is part of the Godhead; Jesus said will He not give you more of the Spirit if you ask Him ( Luke 11:13) referring to asking the FATHER for the "good gifts". We can certainly praise God or Jesus for what comes from Him; thus involving through worship; singing and or prayer.
Another problem is whether the spirit being invoked is the Holy Spirit or some other thing that appeals to the flesh. If the Spirit is working then of course it reminds us of "sin; righteousness and judgment to come" ( John 16:8-11). We are thus to be humbled; and through that "sacrifice of praise" ( Heb. 13:15-16) then He is truly exalted.
This is tricky as the Holy Spirit is to be exalted and revered as part of the Godhead. As you pointed out though in Christ's life and scriptures this sort of activity (praying TO the Spirit or any other form of worship) didn't occur. The Spirit was His helper and is said to be ours. The SOURCE is always from heavenly places and proceeds from the Father. This is also the case with Christ who is to be worshipped Himself but also in the Godhead He did nothing of His own but did the "works of the Father"; John 5:19 actually makes it clear that He can do NOTHING of His own. Nonetheless God has raised Him up giving Him all authority (which He already had but it was made official). ( Matt. 28:18-20).
I will have to give this question further consideration; and may have further thoughts later on. I have a feeling there are some other pertinent points that need to be made and this could be a real discussion starter.
Alex1939...Hiya Greg Avina...I will try to answer this question...About John 16:13...He will not speak of himself...Simply b/c he is an infant that has to be born in us...And Infants cannot speak for a while...As Jesus said that which is born of the spirit is spirit which is the H.G. the Child of Promise...But he is just an infant that cannot speak for a season... Rev 12:5...She brought forth a man child that is gonna rule all nations...This Child is gonna be born in us via the seed of the sower the words of this new Covenant ...This woman is the world...Whosoever receiveth one such child in my name receiveth ME...Gal.4:1 Now i say unto that the HEIR, as long he is a Child differs nothing from a servant tho he be LORD OF ALL...He is the H.G...Imanuel the Child of Promise the gift of God...God with us...But he has to be BORN in us...Remember Jesus had to be born in MARY...But Jesus refers to himself as the son of man...Mankind is gona birth a baby Christ...which is the H.G. an infant that cannot speak for a while.
..... Isaiah 49:23...Kings shall be your nursing fathers and Queens shall be your nursing mothers...Kings and Queens are just symbolic language for men and women that have birth this man Child the H.G the New Birth...The spirit of truth that is gonna rule all nations has to be born in us...The Kingdom does not come till the woman gives BIRTH to the manchild that spirit of truth that is gonna reprove this whole world of sin and judgement and righteousness ....But in time this anointing will teach you all things...K
I may have said a lot of this stuff before; hopefully there are a few nuances of difference. The scripture is always the best guide to answering tough questions. We have examples of Abraham called out of Ur of Chaldee; for example who was the father of all those of Monotheistic faith today. He was called in a foreign land; and given a future promise of a Promised Land as well as offspring who would inherit it ( Genesis 17:2 and repeated in Hebrews). He never got to dwell permanently anywhere but was a nomad in the desert and through miraculous means his wife of 90 conceived when he was 100.
When we look at the story of Sodom and Gomorrah; we could say that Abraham was having a sort of contest with God on a similar theme; His preservation of the city if a small number of righteous men lived there; he started with 50 men and ended at 10. This shows a theme which also was repeated with God waiting for a certain period until transgressions were full to judge in Genesis 15:16. Sodom was ripe for judgment as were the Amorites; but in their case it wasn't until four generations later and THAT along with Egypt being judged for their fullness of iniquity that finally bought the descendants to conquer the Promised Land. So God calls out His people wherever they are if they are chosen (predestined) to be His children. He will send angels or whatever means to reach the lost; and we see this happening again in the Book of Revelation. If we seek the God of the Bible then we have to believe His Word on our spiritual condition (as sinners) and we need to have it revealed to us (i.e. granted repentance as shown in Acts 11:18 and elsewhere.
The confession of our mouth and believe in our heart ( Romans 10:19) it is a RESULT of His Spirit working in us to convict of sin; righteousness and judgment to come ( John 16:8-11).
Conversion of course involves interaction and our choice to verbally repent.
Amen Gerald....Only the H.G. the anointing can teach us everything...1 st John 2:27....YOU NEED NO MAN TEACH YOU but the ANOINTING you have received of him will teach all things and abide in him...which is the H.G.
As Jesus told Peter Flesh and blood has not revealed it unto you..but my Father in heaven...It cannot be learned via our carnal minds...or any Church Pastor...Its gotta be our internal Pastor the H.G...Thats y God gives us the gift of the H.G. TO LEAD US INTO ALL TRUTH....Even ISAIAH 11:6 ...Tells us a little Child is gonna lead them...Which is the Child of PROMISE the H.G.
..... John 16:13 When he the spirit of truth is come he will lead you into all truth...He will not speak of himself simply b/c he has to be born in US.. he is just an infant and infants cannot speak for a season...Unless you receive the Kingdom of God as a lil Child a heavenly Birth....As Jesus said that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit which is the H.G. THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH...K Leme go
.....There are over 2000 different kinds Churches and on every corner and none of them teach the same thing simply b/c they don't have the H.G. TO TEACH THEM...The anointing... Their God is Sports and the dollar...Gain is godliness etc and money is ministry...from such turn away...Bro Paul...Remember Peter said silver and gold havei none but such as i have give i to thee.
It seems you gave a fine description of the ministry of the Holyspirit.
TRUTH.
He is reveals. John 16:13.
He discerns. 1 Corinthians 2:14-15.
This is the work of God functioning in the inner man and displaying outwardly in believers.
" Worshipping in truth and in Spirit"
John 4:23.
Philippians 2:13.
I believe this takes denying ourselves and submission.
And when HE is present WE bares fruit.
This is practical, not a manifestation of the flesh. "Man doesn't WILL it to happen.
In fact as he matures I don't think he can keep it from happening.
Matthew 7:16-20. 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.
I believe when we exhibit this spirit efficient fruit then we are able to exhibit our gift. (Christ) in us and we in him.
Ephesians 4:11-15. And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Please God intervene and allow Ketana sister Jada overcome this affliction on her body that she will be a testimony for the Your Glory. Please Holy Spirit enrich Jada with Your Gifts during this time of affliction and going forward in her life I pray in the name of Jesus Christ!!
Please consider reflecting on John 16:33, James 1: 2-4, Philippians 4:12-13, and Matthew 6:33.
My understanding, Jesus coming, the Messiah/Christ was not a secret, Daniel 9:25 prophesied when He would come. Jesus came to fulfill the prophets and the law, and when Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus, and Jesus was filled without measure, John 3:34.
John the Baptist proclaimed it, John 1:34 and His disciples did as well, John 1:41 Jesus told the woman at the well He was the Messiah, John 25:25-26 and Martha John 11:27. It was confirmed by all the miracles Jesus did by the Spirit of God, Matt. 12:28 the kingdom of God has come, but the death and resurrection were, at that time a secret/mystery, Rom. 11:25.
The kingdom of God has come, John said it was at hand, Matt. 3:1-2. After John was put in prison Jesus came preaching Mark 1:14-15. The mystery of the kingdom; they were looking for the stone to crush Rome and the kingdom would be set up then Daniel 2:44, but it was like the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast Matt. 13, increasing even today until the crushing blow at Jesus second coming.
The disciples knew Jesus was the Messiah/Christ, so I am sure that was part of their preaching, but Jesus' death and resurrection were hidden even from the disciples Luke 9:45. We see how they fled when Jesus was arrested, Matt. 26:56, and they did not believe He resurrected Mark 16:10-11Luke 23:10-11 it was hidden from them for if Satan had known the results, he would have tried to stop it.
Jesus spoke mainly to the Pharisees and Sadducees in parables to fulfill the prophecy, Matt. 13:10-15Mark 4:10-13Luke 8:10. The mystery was not revealed until after Jesus was resurrected as Jesus told them the Holy Spirit would bring remembrance and teaching to them John 14:26John 16:3-4 Romans 11:25Romans 16:25 the promise to Abraham Genesis 17:4-7 and that seed was Jesus the Messiah/Christ.
This is my understanding may someone else have another, pray and study for your understanding.
Dear Daybayor, I have in the past been a victim of horrible nightmares, but when I began asking God to prevent me from having those night terrors, He did. John 16:24 "...Ask and ye shall receive." The Holy Spirit is given to you the second you are born again. He is with you even when you don't feel Him inside you. Grow closer to God by doing daily worship devotions--praying (praising His name, confessing your sins, even singing), not only reading but studying and memorizing the Word of God.
alex1939...Hi Lollyman 7...Good question But i don't think that Jesus was refering to any man being a 2 nd Elijah...Or another John the baptist...God cannot put any trust in man...John the baptist doubted in the end sending 2 of his disciples to ask Jesus if he were the Christ or look for we for another...John doubted...And i dont judge that great man of God...But this last Elijah has to be the H.G. As Jesus said in John 16:13 When he the spirit of truth is come ( the H.G. ) he will guide you into all truth...He cannot speak of himself simply b/c he has to be born in us...He is just a spritual infant and infants cannot speak for a while...Only God the HG. can lead us into all truth Thus this 2 nd Elijah has to be the Spirit of truth...As Jesus is saying in John 16:13 that is gona lead the whole world....Reprove the whole world of sin and Righteousness and judgement...No man cd fulfill that task it wd have to be God himself...Isaiah said he looked this way and that way but he found no man thus his own arm brought him salvation etc
Please Lord God intervene in Krystle situation and provide for Krystle' needs to be met. You always keep Your promises and You promise to be with us in difficult times as Krystle is experiencing. Please Holy Spirit provide comfort and guidance for Krystle that doors of opportunity will open I pray in Jesus name!!!!
Please consider reading: Psalm 23, John 16:33, 2 Timothy 2:1, and 1 Chronicle 4:9-10.
Hello James. Sorry to read of your poor health & the confusions & contradictions that are overwhelming you. I would hold onto the Lord Jesus' Words: to 'come to Him if you're over-laden with the cares, concerns & burdens of this life - He promises His rest to all who come.' ( Matthew 11:28). Even in ill-health & hopelessness, Jesus' Peace can over-rule our hearts & minds & give us a certainty of His involvement in our lives & a future where heart-ache & pain will be no more. ( John 14:27; John 16:33; Philippians 4:6,7; Revelation 21:3,4).
And that is wonderful, that you are persisting in reading God's Word, for therein are the words of Truth & Life. The Promises of God are "yea & in Him Amen" (i.e. they are certain & will not fail); I pray that you will really come to the point of placing your complete trust & hope in Jesus, for He truly is the Answer, the only Answer, to all of our sins, sorrows, hopes & dreams.
To your questions:
a. I think you're quoting Revelation 22:4, "And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads." I picked this verse, as the verses that give the mark of the beast don't apply to the believer in Christ, for if he were present at that time & faithful to the Lord & not to Satan, he would refuse that mark and bear the consequences. In Revelation 22:4, I can't be sure whether there is a physical imprint of Jesus' Name there, or this verse speaks metaphorically. Just as how the mark of the Anti-Christ will be made to appear on all those who wish to follow him & continue to live & not die under his rule.
Hello John. As Richard has given you the requested Scripture ( Ephesians 1:14), I will simply share my understanding of the verses 13 & 14: "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory."
The Apostle Paul is writing to the believers that they also had put their trust in Jesus after they had heard & believed the Gospel. They were sealed by the Holy Spirit - the Spirit is given to all who love & trust Jesus for their salvation & their lives. The Holy Spirit, by His residence in the believer, ministers to our hearts in every way. Some of the ways are: teaching ( John 16:12-15); Guiding ( Romans 8:14); Assuring ( Romans 8:16); Praying ( Romans 8:26, Ephesians 6:18); Comforting/Helping ( John 14:26).
But the foremost Work of the Spirit in the believer is to "seal" him, or 'set a mark' that we belong to Christ. And that is why Paul states in Romans 8:35-39 that nothing, absolutely nothing, can ever separate us "from the Love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord". And here in Ephesians, Paul is stating that our sealing (or, eternal security) by the Holy Spirit is our "earnest", or God's guarantee/pledge until our redemption. Some might say, 'I thought we were already redeemed when we believed & bought by Christ's precious Blood?' Yes, we were fully redeemed spiritually, i.e. inwardly, when we were born again, given a new Spirit, which is of God. But our flesh (body), still tainted with sin & prone to failure before God waits for, rather longs for the day when our redemption is made complete ( Romans 8:23). So Paul says in Ephesians, that our redemption will be made complete when we are taken from this Earth, given new bodies, outfitted for Heaven. And all praise & glory goes to the Lord Who has done all this for us.
You said you "want to believe" but then declared "no!" then ask for help?
Jesus encountered a man (family, members) facing a similar dilemma. Mark 9:24, the account in context seemingly starts in : Mark 9:14-29.
The question that I ask you, is what are you having trouble believing?
It's ok to ask GOD to help you overcome disbelief. I had struggled years ago with Jonah 2, because cartoon animation had influenced my thinking. I could only imagine an unbelievable Disney Character inside a whale. Someone said to me something like 'you have to believe all the Bible or none' I prayed GOD would help me. Then one day I heard a report of a man being discovered inside the belly of a fish, fully intact, on a documentary channel. I then heard more than one account.
GOD is amazing at how HE can help us overcome anything. John 8:32, James 1:5,
If you're wondering about Jesus, raising from the grave read John 16:31-33, John 16 whole chapter = this was a written account of a witness, that: Jesus knew all these things were going to happen to him, even the very witness writing this would abandon him._._ beforehand. Matthew 26:32, Mark 14:28, Luke 24:34,
Also Luke 1:1-3, these people were unafraid to die for this truth: Acts 7:59,
This Psalm was written after Doeg betrayed David's appearance to Saul; and then he carried out the murder of 85 priests of the Lord as well as destroying the population of the city of Nob where David apparently had established previously.
Verse 9 at the end of this Psalm certainly is an understatement. David had to patiently endure TWENTY ONE attempts at assassination by Saul; oftentimes with a javelin tossed his way and with various periods of time when he had to hide in caves and demonstrated his own restraint and love for the king by preserving Saul's life. This whole period was punctuated by Saul's insane love hate relationship with David; his ego and being tormented by demonic spirits that only David's harp would temporarily restrain for relief.
Verse 6 takes things a step beyond God laughing at the calamity of the wicked found in Psalm 2 and elsewhere. It specifically mentions the righteous laughing at them but also seeing and fearing. This type of "impreccatory" Psalm (although in this case not directly praying for God's judgment on the wicked but declaring it) is something not readily accepted today as one of God's attributes; let alone something the Saints should think about. Phillippians 1:29 discusses our behavior and not fearing the wicked as something that in turn is a "token" of their perdition. Such warnings; even our confidence in being victorious over evil should strike fear in some and cause them to repent. Satan himself knows his days are numbered. We should instruct with lovingkindness but also the Holy Spirit should be convicting of "sin, righteousness and judgment to come." ( John 16:8).
d. the revelation of the anti-Christ is restrained ( 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12). Paul's reason for writing this was because the Church was greatly troubled that the Day of the Lord (Christ) had begun. Paul said that that day wouldn't commence until Jesus came for them & raptured them ("our gathering together unto him": v1). The 'restrainer' is the Holy Spirit in God's people, then when He is removed, God's people are removed, for the Holy Spirit was sent to indwell us & work in & through us & for the Gospel's propagation ( John 16:7,8,13).
e. a comparison between an imminent Rapture & Rapture at the Second Coming:
1. Translation of all believers ( 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18) --- No translation at all ( Revelation 19:6-21).
2. Raptured saints return to Heaven ( 1 Thessalonians 4:17; John 14:1-3) --- Raptured saints return to Earth ( 1 Thessalonians 3:13; Revelation 19:14).
3. Any moment, in readiness, without signs ( 1 Corinthians 1:7; Philippians 4:5; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; Titus 2:13; James 5:7-9; Revelation 3:11, 22:7,12,20) --- many signs given of the Great Tribulation which leads into Jesus' coming (so a readiness cannot be expected, as the seven year's count down begins with the anti-Christ).
A Pre-Tribulation Rapture position keeps the Church ready & watching for her Lord's Coming. Any other position can give her the tendency to apathy & carelessness. The Church is told to be watchful, in spite of ridicule, "where is the promise of his coming" ( 2 Peter 3:4). But Christ's coming is held back until the full number are saved (v9) - and then Jesus will come to take His Church Home.
When did you become a NEW CREATION?
You were raised a NEW CREATION with Christ; HIS RESURRECTION, was also YOUR RESURRECTION.
That was 2000 years ago; but he has GIVEN us his words and spirit of TRUTH, to UNDERSTAND what he did FOR US; HIS GIFT TO US, 2000 years ago.
Revelation is the revealing of Jesus Christ and those WORKS HE DID, it's not future it's past. There is nothing left to be done BUT BELIEVE THE WORK'S of HIS (and your) CROSS.
Revelation 20:5 Blessed and Holy is he who hath part in the FIRST RESURRECTION, it has ALREADY HAPPENED, your were saved before you were even born.
Your were saved from death 2000 years ago, your were predestined, by his resurrection, to be a SON of GOD, 2000 years ago.
There is no 7 year reign of a single antichrist, there has been 2000 years of antichrist reigning; because they don't believe God's Words: the WORK'S of GOD.
If you do't believe God's Words, you will die in your SIN, UNBELIEF, and have to be raise back to your unbelieving flesh and judged again by GOD'S WORDS.
John 16:8 And when he IS COME (Christ's second coming, as the spirit of TRUTH and spirit of PROPHECY, the HOLY GHOST) he will reprove the world of SIN, and of RIGHTEOUSNESS, and JUDGEMENT:
John 16:9 "OF SIN", because they believe not on me ----THE WORD(s).
When you close your eyes and take your last breath you are raptured at that instant into the presence of God.
1 Timothy 6:16 Who (Christ) only hath IMMORTALITY .....
1 Corinthians 15:54 ...this mortal SHALL HAVE PUT on IMMORTALITY ... HIS GIFT ...
John 17:22 ....that they may BE ONE, as we are ONE .....
Isaiah 27:12 ....and ye shall be gathered ONE BY ONE, O ye children of (the promised) ISRAEL (Christ).
God Bless YOU!
I appreciate the ongoing discussion Jimbob we're having as very few are prepared to persevere in it. Yes, I did mention 'imminency & suddenness', but also mentioned 'readiness' ("In the NT, the command was for readiness"). We will have to leave that one, as after my revisiting those passages because of your comment, I still see that all three as adverbs are in use or implied, including, 'watchfulness'. We'll have to leave those Scriptures for other readers to examine.
Matthew 24:29-31. I read that as the Second Coming of Christ after the Great Tribulation days & that Jesus' rule upon the Earth will be with his elect living on the Earth at that time. It does not speak of those who will be instantly caught up to be with Christ (i.e. without the gathering of them together by the angels) & to be with Christ forever. Here, in the Rapture, those of the living & dead believers will be "changed" ( 1 Corinthians 15:52), i.e. physically reconstituted ("putting on incorruption") to be with Christ in the heavenlies, whereas this isn't a requirement for those 'of the elect' on the Earth who are gathered & relocated to Jerusalem (presumably).
Revelation 20:4-6 speaks of the vision that John received of all those who had laid down their lives for Christ. Not only those who came to believe in the Truth & resisted the Anti-Christ during his reign, but the multitudes since the Church's inception that have remained faithful to the Lord & willingly went to their deaths. Yes, we can suffer now (in tribulation), even as those who went before us, but this is part & parcel of following Christ ( John 16:33); including Romans 8:16-18; Philippians 1:29; 2 Thessalonians 1:4,5; 2 Timothy 2:11,12; etc (as you shared). I read this as the 'common' tribulation (trials of faith) that believers can experience, but not of the Great Tribulation (at the Day of the Lord).
Thanks again Jimbob for your thoughts on this. Tribulation or Great Tribulation? I see a difference. The apostles, the early Church & believers today are not exempt from tribulation; it will come to us as declared ( Matthew 13:21; John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Romans 8:35; 2 Corinthians 7:4; etc): not just physical hardships, but certainly the exercises by the enemy against us, even to testings of faith & martyrdom. We are not insulated from any of these, nor should we expect to be, but what of the Tribulation sent by God our Father? You shared 1 Thessalonians 3:4, "For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know." You understand that Paul was referring to the Great Tribulation, of God's Wrath. I don't see that at all in his discourse, rather, that Paul was describing his own afflictions (vv 3,7 & coupled with 1 Thessalonians 2:2,9,14). I see a clear difference between the two expressions of Tribulation: that which comes to all of us, & that which is only directed to haters of God & His Christ.
What then are we not appointed to? To our daily tribulations, even to suffering or dying for Christ, or to God's Wrath to unbelievers? I note that you agree to this: that believers won't face the outpouring of God's Wrath against a Christ-rejecting World, by your understanding that this outpouring will happen only after the believers are caught away (i.e. post-tribulation). The contention then is: is God's Wrath the same as the Great Tribulation? I believe the Great Tribulation is still to come - we haven't in the least begun to experience anything of it now. When it starts, we know that the time of the end is at hand and believers will be caught away before the world begins to feel the Mighty Hand of God against them. (cont'd).
Please consider reflecting on 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 and John 16:33/ John 14:14-17.
Please consider reflecting on Psalm 91, Psalm 46, Psalm 139, John 16:33, John 15:5-6, Joshua 1:8-9.
Christ constantly caught flack from his peers, he said we should expect the same thing.
You have ALREADY BEEN RESURRECTED.
John 11:25 ....I am the resurrection, and the LIFE .....
Revelation 20:6 Blesses and HOLY is he that hath part in the first resurrection ......
1 Timothy 6:16 Christ ONLY hath IMMORTALITY, dwelling the light (the presence of God, Abraham's bosom) ....
1 Corinthians 15:53 ...this mortal SHALL put on IMMORTALITY ---Christ only hath immortality ---
1 Corinthians 15:38 But God giveth it (the new creation, the born again) a BODY (you are the BODY OF CHRIST) as it hath pleased him (the Father), and to every SEED his (the Father's) OWN BODY (Christ is the body of the Father).
Ephesians 4:4 ONE BODY (man, Christ being the FIRST among many BROTHERS, joint heirs), ONE SPIRIT
Ephesians 4:5 ONE GOD and Father of ALL, above ALL, and through ALL, and in you ALL.
John 16:8 And when he (the spirit of Christ) comes (it began at Pentecost, the feast of the FIRSTFRUITS) he will reprove the world of SIN .....
John 16:9 Of SIN because they BELIEVE NOT ON ME -----I am THE LIFE, man is my BODY, man does what the will of God causes him to do ---
Romans 9:21 Hath not the POTTER (the spirit of Christ) POWER OVER THE CLAY (the potter's body) of the SAME LUMP to make one vessel (the potter's body) to HONOUR and another to DISHONOUR.
Luke 16:6 The law and prophets were until John: SINCE THAT TIME, the kingdom of God is preached, and every man PRESSES INTO IT.
Revelation 14:19 And the angel thrust his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great WINEPRESS of the wrath of God.
We are the grapes of the vine, and we have to be PRESSED to become the NEW WINE ---this is a parable ---
God Bless You as HE leads you to all truth.
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
And thats y Jesus always refers to himself as the Son of Man...Simply b/c Mankind has to bring forth fruit unto God which is the H.G. That Child of Promise...That Israel of God...Gal.6:16...The H.G. is the gift of God but he has to come via the seed of Jesus...Thus he has to know us...As Jesus said the Father will send the H.G. in my name meaning Jesus is his father thats y Isaiah refers to Jesus as everlasting FATHER...Its Jesus that sows that good seed in our hearts... John 16:6...B/C i have spoken these words ( his good SEED ) sorrows have filled your hearts a spirtual pregnancy....After the Child comes her sorrows are turned into joy...The Child is the H.G. as that which is born of the spirit is spirit That Child of Promise...
When Jesus breathe on his disciples they were impregnated Simply b/c his breath is his words and his words are his good seeds...But the Child did not come till Pentacost some 50 days later...There had to be a time of gestation...As jesus compared them to a woman in sorrows a pregnancy....They had the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen...The H.G. That Child of Promise...The multiplication of Christ...Whosoever receiveth one such child in my name receiveth ME...Remember God Almighty was so passionate about this Promise of multiplication that he swore by himself...Thats y the Sower has to go forth and sow his precious seed in our hearts....That we might birth a baby Christ the H.G. That Child of Promise...She brought forth a manchild that is gonna rule all nations...Which is that spirit of truth that Jesus says will reprove this whole world of sin n righteousness.
James 4, not GOD's perfect plan, timing = look at Abraham he was promised a son, even past natural ability Genesis 12:4,6,7, Abram 75 yrs old, Genesis 17:1-8, Abraham also called Abram 90 yrs old, Sarah Genesis 18:10,11, Genesis 21:1-3, was the delay for example of faith Hebrews 11, was it for the linage of Salvation timing? Matthew 1:17, ?
1John 3:22, John 16:23, Psalms 37, Luke 11, Matthew 6, Matthew 7, Matthew 7:7, Matthew 21:22, Luke 18,
I fasted, prayed, begged, cried out & received what I asked many times & several of those caused me years of deep pain, regret, sadness etc. Trust GOD ALMIGHTY sometimes it's protection, not seeing & knowing everything & everyone attached to the things we ask. Luke 8:10-18,
Luke 8:15, Revelation 3:10,
Hopefully these are helpful
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.
......But until the Kingdom comes we walk by faith and not by sight...As jesus said the kingdom comes not with observation simply b/c its in the spritual realm.
.....She brought forth a manchild that is gonna rule all nation and her Child was caught up to God and to his Throne... Rev 12:5.....This woman in Rev. 12 is the best example of faith... b/f her Child came she had the subtance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen ISAIAH 66:7..B/F she traviled she brought forth, b/f her pains came she was delivered of aman Child.
Hopefully these are helpful & encouraging & healing to you, that you likewise will help others Matthew 10:8,
The first issue here you brought up as to the role the Spirit is playing. It is part of the Godhead; Jesus said will He not give you more of the Spirit if you ask Him ( Luke 11:13) referring to asking the FATHER for the "good gifts". We can certainly praise God or Jesus for what comes from Him; thus involving through worship; singing and or prayer.
Another problem is whether the spirit being invoked is the Holy Spirit or some other thing that appeals to the flesh. If the Spirit is working then of course it reminds us of "sin; righteousness and judgment to come" ( John 16:8-11). We are thus to be humbled; and through that "sacrifice of praise" ( Heb. 13:15-16) then He is truly exalted.
This is tricky as the Holy Spirit is to be exalted and revered as part of the Godhead. As you pointed out though in Christ's life and scriptures this sort of activity (praying TO the Spirit or any other form of worship) didn't occur. The Spirit was His helper and is said to be ours. The SOURCE is always from heavenly places and proceeds from the Father. This is also the case with Christ who is to be worshipped Himself but also in the Godhead He did nothing of His own but did the "works of the Father"; John 5:19 actually makes it clear that He can do NOTHING of His own. Nonetheless God has raised Him up giving Him all authority (which He already had but it was made official). ( Matt. 28:18-20).
I will have to give this question further consideration; and may have further thoughts later on. I have a feeling there are some other pertinent points that need to be made and this could be a real discussion starter.
Agape; RIch P
..... Isaiah 49:23...Kings shall be your nursing fathers and Queens shall be your nursing mothers...Kings and Queens are just symbolic language for men and women that have birth this man Child the H.G the New Birth...The spirit of truth that is gonna rule all nations has to be born in us...The Kingdom does not come till the woman gives BIRTH to the manchild that spirit of truth that is gonna reprove this whole world of sin and judgement and righteousness ....But in time this anointing will teach you all things...K
What about those who have never heard?
I may have said a lot of this stuff before; hopefully there are a few nuances of difference. The scripture is always the best guide to answering tough questions. We have examples of Abraham called out of Ur of Chaldee; for example who was the father of all those of Monotheistic faith today. He was called in a foreign land; and given a future promise of a Promised Land as well as offspring who would inherit it ( Genesis 17:2 and repeated in Hebrews). He never got to dwell permanently anywhere but was a nomad in the desert and through miraculous means his wife of 90 conceived when he was 100.
When we look at the story of Sodom and Gomorrah; we could say that Abraham was having a sort of contest with God on a similar theme; His preservation of the city if a small number of righteous men lived there; he started with 50 men and ended at 10. This shows a theme which also was repeated with God waiting for a certain period until transgressions were full to judge in Genesis 15:16. Sodom was ripe for judgment as were the Amorites; but in their case it wasn't until four generations later and THAT along with Egypt being judged for their fullness of iniquity that finally bought the descendants to conquer the Promised Land. So God calls out His people wherever they are if they are chosen (predestined) to be His children. He will send angels or whatever means to reach the lost; and we see this happening again in the Book of Revelation. If we seek the God of the Bible then we have to believe His Word on our spiritual condition (as sinners) and we need to have it revealed to us (i.e. granted repentance as shown in Acts 11:18 and elsewhere.
The confession of our mouth and believe in our heart ( Romans 10:19) it is a RESULT of His Spirit working in us to convict of sin; righteousness and judgment to come ( John 16:8-11).
Conversion of course involves interaction and our choice to verbally repent.
As Jesus told Peter Flesh and blood has not revealed it unto you..but my Father in heaven...It cannot be learned via our carnal minds...or any Church Pastor...Its gotta be our internal Pastor the H.G...Thats y God gives us the gift of the H.G. TO LEAD US INTO ALL TRUTH....Even ISAIAH 11:6 ...Tells us a little Child is gonna lead them...Which is the Child of PROMISE the H.G.
..... John 16:13 When he the spirit of truth is come he will lead you into all truth...He will not speak of himself simply b/c he has to be born in US.. he is just an infant and infants cannot speak for a season...Unless you receive the Kingdom of God as a lil Child a heavenly Birth....As Jesus said that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit which is the H.G. THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH...K Leme go
.....There are over 2000 different kinds Churches and on every corner and none of them teach the same thing simply b/c they don't have the H.G. TO TEACH THEM...The anointing... Their God is Sports and the dollar...Gain is godliness etc and money is ministry...from such turn away...Bro Paul...Remember Peter said silver and gold havei none but such as i have give i to thee.
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
It seems you gave a fine description of the ministry of the Holyspirit.
TRUTH.
He is reveals. John 16:13.
He discerns. 1 Corinthians 2:14-15.
This is the work of God functioning in the inner man and displaying outwardly in believers.
" Worshipping in truth and in Spirit"
John 4:23.
Philippians 2:13.
I believe this takes denying ourselves and submission.
And when HE is present WE bares fruit.
This is practical, not a manifestation of the flesh. "Man doesn't WILL it to happen.
In fact as he matures I don't think he can keep it from happening.
Matthew 7:16-20. 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.
I believe when we exhibit this spirit efficient fruit then we are able to exhibit our gift. (Christ) in us and we in him.
Ephesians 4:11-15. And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
God bless.
Please consider reflecting on John 16:33, James 1: 2-4, Philippians 4:12-13, and Matthew 6:33.
My understanding, Jesus coming, the Messiah/Christ was not a secret, Daniel 9:25 prophesied when He would come. Jesus came to fulfill the prophets and the law, and when Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus, and Jesus was filled without measure, John 3:34.
John the Baptist proclaimed it, John 1:34 and His disciples did as well, John 1:41 Jesus told the woman at the well He was the Messiah, John 25:25-26 and Martha John 11:27. It was confirmed by all the miracles Jesus did by the Spirit of God, Matt. 12:28 the kingdom of God has come, but the death and resurrection were, at that time a secret/mystery, Rom. 11:25.
The kingdom of God has come, John said it was at hand, Matt. 3:1-2. After John was put in prison Jesus came preaching Mark 1:14-15. The mystery of the kingdom; they were looking for the stone to crush Rome and the kingdom would be set up then Daniel 2:44, but it was like the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast Matt. 13, increasing even today until the crushing blow at Jesus second coming.
The disciples knew Jesus was the Messiah/Christ, so I am sure that was part of their preaching, but Jesus' death and resurrection were hidden even from the disciples Luke 9:45. We see how they fled when Jesus was arrested, Matt. 26:56, and they did not believe He resurrected Mark 16:10-11 Luke 23:10-11 it was hidden from them for if Satan had known the results, he would have tried to stop it.
Jesus spoke mainly to the Pharisees and Sadducees in parables to fulfill the prophecy, Matt. 13:10-15 Mark 4:10-13 Luke 8:10. The mystery was not revealed until after Jesus was resurrected as Jesus told them the Holy Spirit would bring remembrance and teaching to them John 14:26 John 16:3-4 Romans 11:25 Romans 16:25 the promise to Abraham Genesis 17:4-7 and that seed was Jesus the Messiah/Christ.
This is my understanding may someone else have another, pray and study for your understanding.
God bless,
RLW
.....Thats all i had to say thank you lollyman 7
Please consider reading: Psalm 23, John 16:33, 2 Timothy 2:1, and 1 Chronicle 4:9-10.
Hello James. Sorry to read of your poor health & the confusions & contradictions that are overwhelming you. I would hold onto the Lord Jesus' Words: to 'come to Him if you're over-laden with the cares, concerns & burdens of this life - He promises His rest to all who come.' ( Matthew 11:28). Even in ill-health & hopelessness, Jesus' Peace can over-rule our hearts & minds & give us a certainty of His involvement in our lives & a future where heart-ache & pain will be no more. ( John 14:27; John 16:33; Philippians 4:6,7; Revelation 21:3,4).
And that is wonderful, that you are persisting in reading God's Word, for therein are the words of Truth & Life. The Promises of God are "yea & in Him Amen" (i.e. they are certain & will not fail); I pray that you will really come to the point of placing your complete trust & hope in Jesus, for He truly is the Answer, the only Answer, to all of our sins, sorrows, hopes & dreams.
To your questions:
a. I think you're quoting Revelation 22:4, "And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads." I picked this verse, as the verses that give the mark of the beast don't apply to the believer in Christ, for if he were present at that time & faithful to the Lord & not to Satan, he would refuse that mark and bear the consequences. In Revelation 22:4, I can't be sure whether there is a physical imprint of Jesus' Name there, or this verse speaks metaphorically. Just as how the mark of the Anti-Christ will be made to appear on all those who wish to follow him & continue to live & not die under his rule.
The Apostle Paul is writing to the believers that they also had put their trust in Jesus after they had heard & believed the Gospel. They were sealed by the Holy Spirit - the Spirit is given to all who love & trust Jesus for their salvation & their lives. The Holy Spirit, by His residence in the believer, ministers to our hearts in every way. Some of the ways are: teaching ( John 16:12-15); Guiding ( Romans 8:14); Assuring ( Romans 8:16); Praying ( Romans 8:26, Ephesians 6:18); Comforting/Helping ( John 14:26).
But the foremost Work of the Spirit in the believer is to "seal" him, or 'set a mark' that we belong to Christ. And that is why Paul states in Romans 8:35-39 that nothing, absolutely nothing, can ever separate us "from the Love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord". And here in Ephesians, Paul is stating that our sealing (or, eternal security) by the Holy Spirit is our "earnest", or God's guarantee/pledge until our redemption. Some might say, 'I thought we were already redeemed when we believed & bought by Christ's precious Blood?' Yes, we were fully redeemed spiritually, i.e. inwardly, when we were born again, given a new Spirit, which is of God. But our flesh (body), still tainted with sin & prone to failure before God waits for, rather longs for the day when our redemption is made complete ( Romans 8:23). So Paul says in Ephesians, that our redemption will be made complete when we are taken from this Earth, given new bodies, outfitted for Heaven. And all praise & glory goes to the Lord Who has done all this for us.
You said you "want to believe" but then declared "no!" then ask for help?
Jesus encountered a man (family, members) facing a similar dilemma. Mark 9:24, the account in context seemingly starts in : Mark 9:14-29.
The question that I ask you, is what are you having trouble believing?
It's ok to ask GOD to help you overcome disbelief. I had struggled years ago with Jonah 2, because cartoon animation had influenced my thinking. I could only imagine an unbelievable Disney Character inside a whale. Someone said to me something like 'you have to believe all the Bible or none' I prayed GOD would help me. Then one day I heard a report of a man being discovered inside the belly of a fish, fully intact, on a documentary channel. I then heard more than one account.
GOD is amazing at how HE can help us overcome anything. John 8:32, James 1:5,
If you're wondering about Jesus, raising from the grave read John 16:31-33, John 16 whole chapter = this was a written account of a witness, that: Jesus knew all these things were going to happen to him, even the very witness writing this would abandon him._._ beforehand. Matthew 26:32, Mark 14:28, Luke 24:34,
Also Luke 1:1-3, these people were unafraid to die for this truth: Acts 7:59,
John 20:29, Mark 16,
Hopefully these are helpful
Verse 9 at the end of this Psalm certainly is an understatement. David had to patiently endure TWENTY ONE attempts at assassination by Saul; oftentimes with a javelin tossed his way and with various periods of time when he had to hide in caves and demonstrated his own restraint and love for the king by preserving Saul's life. This whole period was punctuated by Saul's insane love hate relationship with David; his ego and being tormented by demonic spirits that only David's harp would temporarily restrain for relief.
Verse 6 takes things a step beyond God laughing at the calamity of the wicked found in Psalm 2 and elsewhere. It specifically mentions the righteous laughing at them but also seeing and fearing. This type of "impreccatory" Psalm (although in this case not directly praying for God's judgment on the wicked but declaring it) is something not readily accepted today as one of God's attributes; let alone something the Saints should think about. Phillippians 1:29 discusses our behavior and not fearing the wicked as something that in turn is a "token" of their perdition. Such warnings; even our confidence in being victorious over evil should strike fear in some and cause them to repent. Satan himself knows his days are numbered. We should instruct with lovingkindness but also the Holy Spirit should be convicting of "sin, righteousness and judgment to come." ( John 16:8).