Not sure if this is exactly what you are looking for but here's a few of many references of a future Kingdom here on earth.
Revelation 5:10
And have made us kings and priests to our God;
AND WE SHALL REIGN ON THE EARTH.
Psalm 2:6-8
"Yet I have set My King
On My holy hill of Zion." "I will declare the decree:
The LORD has said to Me,
'You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You.
Ask of Me, and I will give You
The nations for Your inheritance,
And the ends of the earth for Your possession.
Daniel 2:34-35
You watched while a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces. Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were crushed together, and became like chaff from the summer threshing floors; the wind carried them away so that no trace of them was found. And the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and FILLED THE WHOLE EARTH.
Zechariah 14:9-11.
Zechariah 14:16-19
And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. And it shall be that whichever of the families of the earth do not come up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, on them there will be no rain. If the family of Egypt will not come up and enter in, they shall have no rain; they shall receive the plague with which the LORD strikes the nations who do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. This shall be the punishment of Egypt and the punishment of all the nations that do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.
If you want to read about Jesus, Luke 1, is a good Book to start, you can search words in this site also.
Many people try reading the Bible from cover to cover in a year or less. As you read & study you will notice several Scriptures of the Bible will speak about the same situations, people & events at times, so as you get to know scripture more, you might want to study multiple scriptures together.
Solomon is credited for Proverbs 1, some of the Psalms, Ecclesiastes 1, others similar Ecclesiasticus 1, Wisdom of Solomon 1, Song of Solomon 1, it seems much easier to understand deeper Songs of Solomon when understanding other scriptures, like Psalms 1, Psalms 42:1, also the love story of Solomon,
"spoiler ALERT," = sadly the love of many wives turned Solomon's heart away from GOD & the nation. 1Kings 11,
But Jesus is Greater than Solomon! Matthew 12:42, John 10:23-42, Matthew 6, Matthew 6:26-33,
Please Lord Jesus allow the Holy Spirit to intervene in Luka with spiritual clarity, peace and guidance with their relationship with You Lord Jesus, family and financial matters that Luka will be a blessing to others who are struggling I pray!!
Please consider reading in the BIBLE: Matthew 6:33-34, 1 Peter 5:7-8, Psalm 37, and Psalm 121.
Im praying for you this morning. Stay strong. In Jesus name.
Here are some scriptures to meditate on during the next 21 days.
Matthew 6:16-18
16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;
18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
Isaiah 58:5-9
5 Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord?
6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
7 Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?
8 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy reward.
9 Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;
Please God remove any of the devil distraction from Joe so his spiritual eyes will be open and his ear be not deaf to Your Voice Holy Spirit. Please enrich Joe Lord Jesus will Bible scriptures to help him through this valley of life that he will be a testimony for You the Divine God head I pray in the name of Jesus Christ.
Please consider reading: Psalm 23, Psalm 37, Psalm 91, Romans 12, Matthew 6:33-34, Hebrews 11, and Jeremiah 29: 9-11.
Start at Matthew chapter 6 verse 24+25 , then go to verse 27 , then 31 . Those verses should help you put it all together . Verse 34 is saying , try not to worry too much about tomorrow , get through today , face your challenges one day at a time . Trust in God and He will help you get through your trials . The crux of the matter is in verse 32 , God knows what we need every day , seek God , put Him first in your life and all the things that you need each day will be provided for you by God .
God is a rewarder of those who do good and we are commanded to believe this ( Heb. 11:6). The same can be said about the reward of evildoers ( Matthew 6:2 is an example but not the best of how the Pharisees have their reward now and that assumes they suffer eternal loss later; for some reason I can't find better cross reference but it's there somewhere).
In any event there is no mutually exclusive indicator with any of the heavenly authority or rewards Christ promises even though women aren't specifically mentioned. Certainly the Canaanite women in Matthew 15:21-28 had great faith and was only one of 2 Christ noted had this who asked for a healing in scripture. So clearly women can have great faith. It is unclear exactly HOW we will fulfill our roles in the Millennium and beyond ruling over cities; for example or even in heavenly places for eternity.
Whether women and men will do similar or somewhat different things isn't clear. We see Rahab also (even with her "vocation" attached to her name) as one of the "heroes of the faith" in Heb. 11. We are certainly an interesting group of "misfits" that God chooses for His purposes.
Whatever the future holds; we as Paul can be "content" in any and all situations. ( Philippians 4:12). God knows what He is doing; thankfully and saves us from ourselves and there will be no more contention and strife in the Kingdom. Hopefully we can all learn to get along now in the meantime..
There are cases where corporate prayer is needed; verses that exhort us to confess sin to one another; and instances in the Book of Acts where such activities occurred starting with the room where the Apostles met and basically hid after the Resurrection before the Holy Spirit came upon them and they started speaking in tongues. Certainly there are examples of answered prayers; such as I had for a brother in the Lord a few years ago who met the lady who is now his wife 2 days after praying for that very thing at his request.
Matthew 6:5-6 seems to be a context involving those who made much about their fasting and self-sacrifice (Pharisees) which could be a principle for us as well. It is not to show how pious we are in prayer through some dramatic gesture. Certainly there are a few other circumstances as well. There are times in confidence when someone gives you a request. This can occur when an unnamed person is referred from someone else; or perhaps on this forum where perhaps we can share it with others but they will not know who the person is asking for it; and the person themselves won't either and won't know who we are either. There are also those we may run into on the street or we may meet in our travels who are unsafe to invite to our homes or who we never will see again. Finally there are some personal issues which God has given us answers for; or perhaps things which the Spirit moves us to pray about even if we can't understand the reason.
In conclusion; we don't need to PROVE God answers something because ultimately those who don't believe won't unless the Lord gives them ears to hear. Just as much knowledge in scripture doesn't save anyone either. Those who would say it is good luck; coincidence or a random act of kindness could also tell us it is our own imagination or "self fulfilling prophecy." We must be wise not to "cast our pearls before swine." ( Matt. 7:6; see also Matt. 5:44)
I'm sorry to hear this has happened. I think you are handling it better than I would, and I think everyone would struggle with this.
2 verses come to mind:
Romans 12:19 - To me this means that there are 24/7 injustices in this world, because there is sin. People assume they are "getting ahead" in the short term and yes, they probably feel good about themselves for the moment, but the reality is this life is extremely short and it could all end today. And all our moral choices will be judged fairly. While it seems like people are getting away with doing wrong, they aren't. No one is getting away with anything. 100% will be fully disclosed before God and He will judge accordingly.
Matthew 6:19 - While we need money to live- for food shelter, etc, we don't need more than what we need. Anything in excess is a risk that we will begin to have wrong motives. It's harder for a rich man to enter heaven. And the love of money is evil. Greed is sin. It's like playing with fire. Nothing wrong with being financially successful and secure, but temptations will be great. We must be on guard.
May God bless you and have peace in your heart knowing that God is watching and knows all. He knows exactly what your family has done. But your family probably doesn't know that God is watching them and noticing their motives. Pray for them because they will be judged for this.
The subject of our heart and affections must be at the forefront here to our Gospel message. Matthew 6:24 takes one point about this in regard to money or God being our master. This certainly extends to other issues that ultimately begin with the state of our heart (or soul) and our relationship with the LIVING God. It is true scripturally that we cannot "lose our salvation" but we can certainly lose rewards; as Rev. 3:11 clearly states. These will have consequences at LEAST for the Millennial rule of Christ and those of us who are "kings and priests" at that time; perhaps eternal ramifications. Hebrews 11:6 states that we MUST believe He is a rewarder of those who "diligently seek Him." This perseverance also is something worthy of obtaining crowns ( 2 Tim. 4:2).
I am convinced that God is the one who does the persevering; but still evidence that He lives within us is producing fruit (which comes after time in the proper season) as well as believing until the end. John 11:26 states that "He who believes in me will never die". What many don't know is that is in the context of CONTINUING faith; not just at a time and place of confession.
IF He lives within us and has taken up residence and if we are "sealed with the Spirit" ( Eph. 4:20) then sanctification must be continuing throughout our lives as pilgrims on the earth. God has redeemed us; and we are saved but not all the wheat and tares are evident; we in the end will be PHYSICALLY saved from this body of death at glorification; which is the end of the journey. Our salvation therefore is for HIS glory. We are to praise His name; and not just when we are in church fellowship; and certainly not for show to see who can yell "AMEN" the loudest.
We must keep in mind those that walked away when Christ challenged them; as well as what happened between Palm Sunday and the Crucifixion. Those who truly believe WILL endure to the end; those who don't WILL FALL. Simple as that.
It is a natural incline to show our good deeds towards other people so that we appear "good" in the eyes of men. Our fleshly nature wants other people to publicly praise us and recognize our heroism and bravery to rescue other fellows when they are in times of need.
However, Jesus took a different approach here to teach us that what matters is not what men see or think, but it is what God thinks. This should bring us to re-examine the very intent of our heart when we do certain things.
Let us do things, not to be seen or praised by men but rather to be approved by God.
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.
The word tithe apparently is not found in the New Testament. The Book of Corinthians probably covers giving more than anywhere else. The clear principle from Ananias and Sapphira is NOT to commit something to the Lord then retract (as their deaths afterward attested). Where our treasure is our heart is also. ( Matthew 6:21). If we are to side with the "love of money" then we can either be cheapskates or give for causes that make us "feel good". Thus; a "prosperity gospel" church tickles people's ears and offers opulent settings for meetings and worship.
There is no sin in asking for a financial report for a church. Members should be concerned about 401c status and any compromising that a Pastor has made in order to retain that status. They should see how much is spent on entertainment; fancy building projects; etc. and what is spent on missions; for instance. Those who have jet planes themselves probably aren't as concerned about ministers that insist on such luxuries for themselves if they continue to attend such churches.
We should certainly consider what Paul said in scripture as to his often extreme need and apparent appalling giving where he said he was "robbing churches" ( 2 Cor. 11:8). Even good churches tend to give extremely low percentages of moneys to missions effort overseas from my experience. This has caused me to give to a few when able myself. This is not to boast; but again to emphasize the need. In my case I am supporting someone overseas busy working in the medical field in a new hospital struggling to find enough staff; as well as doing other ministry work on the side. Previously on the side some of us supported a young man in Uganda who had prison ministry; library ministry and other things going on. Generally; giving should also benefit real needs in a church. These days it seems there is more emphasis on outside needs from people more often than not not very reliable.
The emphasis was on the motive in which we do things. " Examine ourselves to see if we are doing it by command. glory or Agape.
I believe what is important is the Heart behind every action.
The work and the heart behind the things we do that pleases God can only be achieved by the Holyspirit.
Romans 8:7-9.
In my post I was asking WHAT IS OUR MOTIVE when we do the things we are asked NOT to do.
That's why a stated; "If we are supposed to be moved by the Spirit "by the instrument of faith" unto good works but yet we don't display good works, then our faith is vain/dead, Then is it fair to say that if we provide works THAT IS NOT BY THE INFLUENCE of the spirit that causes obedience to God's word, "then our work is vain."
Here's an Scriptural example
Matthew 6:1-8.
If our works confirms our faith and that work is tried by fire, it will stand. But if we perform a work we are asked NOT to do, What is the motive? Pride? And should we care?
If pride I believe we are building with wood hay and stubble. It will go up in smoke!
So the context in these posts isn't focused on the people in rebellion to God's instructions. It's focus is on those who seem content in their salvation when we should be concerned about the order mentioned in scripture that helps us grow so we don't become lukewarm.
Our attitude and trust in God's structure and instructions being profound or not to Grow "or perfect" the Church is on trial
Ephesians 4:11-16. seems to say he gave particular offices to particular people to Prosper the Church.
Please Lord intervene in L.A. life and help them through this health issue that they will be a testimony for You. Please Holy Spirit give L.A. an new outlook on their health and financial issues that the Light Of Jesus will shine on and through L.A. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ!!
Please consider reflecting on 2 Timothy 1:7, Matthew 6:34, Psalm 46:1 and James 1:2-4.
Colossians 3:2 is where we find this. But it starts with Verse 1. It starts out by saying, if you then be risen with Christ,
The word "if" used here is a first class condition assumed to be true. It is literally translated since.
Since you then are risen with Christ, seek those things (There's your command) which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God.
The verb tense is continually seek the things above, the things of heaven, and not the things on the earth.
So we have to ask the question, what am I seeking? Every morning when I get up, I'm seeking something. Most of the time it's in the human. We're told that we are citizens of the kingdom of heaven, and we're to seek the things of Christ, not the things of the earth.
In Matthew Chapter 6, Jesus said be not anxious for your life, what you shall eat, or what you shall drink, or what you shall put on. And He explained that man cannot serve two masters.
And in that verse, He explains that God has created every human being to only have the capacity to serve one thing, God or mammon, one or the other. You can't serve both.
And so He says in Matthew 6:33, seek first the kingdom of God, and all these other things that you need will be added to you. You don't have to seek them. In other words, if you don't have it, you don't need it. You might want it, but you don't need it.
So the command under motivation is seek those things which are above. The place is heaven and the person is Christ!
Verse 2 says, "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."
Again, continually set your affection. And the word affection has to do with the frame of mind. This is the disposition of the mind, the attitude, the approach to life. Have a frame of mind that is set on things above and not things on the earth.
What would cause a person to not know that he's lukewarm?
They are lacking gold tried in the fire.
They are naked lacking white raiment.
And apparently don't know it. "and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see."
The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts. Proverbs 17:3.
Gold is purged of dross ( Isaiah 1:25), so by the refining fire of temptations the faithful are cleansed from pride and self-reliance and the pollutions of sin.
When we are self-reliant, we are naked before the Lord.
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Hebrews 4:12-13. (I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear;
Anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
I believe this is blinded by pride, this reminds me of the Pharisees.
Matthew 6:1-5.
John 12:43. For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
There is no conviction in a person who is self-sufficient. spreading the gospel is not on the top of their list. Walking in the spirit is only in the church building afterwards everything else is just a discussion forum or a round table or a competition where we compete for first place.
The word of God is handled to loosely. If we have faith in the inerrancy of the word of God, we should display it cautiously.
Don't do it as a hobby, it may not be your calling.
Don't counseling on things you don't understand.
The only barrier to truth is to think we already have it.
Please Lord guide Christina with the words and tone to talk with mother over this matter. Please Holy Spirit enrich Christina with Your Spiritual gifts of peace, patience, and temperament I ask in Jesus Christ name.
Not sure if this is exactly what you are looking for but here's a few of many references of a future Kingdom here on earth.
Revelation 5:10
And have made us kings and priests to our God;
AND WE SHALL REIGN ON THE EARTH.
Psalm 2:6-8
"Yet I have set My King
On My holy hill of Zion." "I will declare the decree:
The LORD has said to Me,
'You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You.
Ask of Me, and I will give You
The nations for Your inheritance,
And the ends of the earth for Your possession.
Daniel 2:34-35
You watched while a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces. Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were crushed together, and became like chaff from the summer threshing floors; the wind carried them away so that no trace of them was found. And the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and FILLED THE WHOLE EARTH.
Zechariah 14:9-11.
Zechariah 14:16-19
And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. And it shall be that whichever of the families of the earth do not come up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, on them there will be no rain. If the family of Egypt will not come up and enter in, they shall have no rain; they shall receive the plague with which the LORD strikes the nations who do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. This shall be the punishment of Egypt and the punishment of all the nations that do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.
Matthew 6:10
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
"ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN."
Matthew 5:5.
Matthew 25:31-34.
Isaiah 2:2.
Jeremiah 30:10.
Ezekiel 34:25-31.
Daniel 2:44.
Micah 4:1-2.
Zechariah 8:1-3.
Revelation 11:5.
God bless you.
Goodnight.
2Timothy 2:15,
Matthew 6, John 3:16,
James 1:5, James 4:8,
Is a good place to start.
If you want to read about Jesus, Luke 1, is a good Book to start, you can search words in this site also.
Many people try reading the Bible from cover to cover in a year or less. As you read & study you will notice several Scriptures of the Bible will speak about the same situations, people & events at times, so as you get to know scripture more, you might want to study multiple scriptures together.
Solomon is credited for Proverbs 1, some of the Psalms, Ecclesiastes 1, others similar Ecclesiasticus 1, Wisdom of Solomon 1, Song of Solomon 1, it seems much easier to understand deeper Songs of Solomon when understanding other scriptures, like Psalms 1, Psalms 42:1, also the love story of Solomon,
"spoiler ALERT," = sadly the love of many wives turned Solomon's heart away from GOD & the nation. 1Kings 11,
But Jesus is Greater than Solomon! Matthew 12:42, John 10:23-42, Matthew 6, Matthew 6:26-33,
Hopefully these are helpful
Seek first the Kindom of God and His righteousness and everything else shall be added.
Jesus also addressess fasting: Matthew 6:16-18, Luke 18:7-14, Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 9:14-29,
Hopefully this is helpful
2Chronicles 7:14, Romans 6,
1John 1:9, Matthew 6:14,
Hopefully these are also helpful
Please consider reading in the BIBLE: Matthew 6:33-34, 1 Peter 5:7-8, Psalm 37, and Psalm 121.
Here are some scriptures to meditate on during the next 21 days.
Matthew 6:16-18
16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;
18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
Isaiah 58:5-9
5 Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord?
6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
7 Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?
8 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy reward.
9 Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;
Proverbs 4:5-27, James 1:5, Ecclesiastes 7:12, Proverbs 112:5,
Proverbs 14:9,
Proverbs 8,
Hopefully these are encouraging as you pray & helpful as you're seeking GOD. Thank you for trusting us with your prayer needs
Please consider reading: Psalm 23, Psalm 37, Psalm 91, Romans 12, Matthew 6:33-34, Hebrews 11, and Jeremiah 29: 9-11.
It means not to be anxious/worried/fearful about the future. You are in God's hands.
Hebrews 3:13, Psalms 31:24, Psalms 27:14, Matthew 6:25-34,
Hopefully these are helpful
God is a rewarder of those who do good and we are commanded to believe this ( Heb. 11:6). The same can be said about the reward of evildoers ( Matthew 6:2 is an example but not the best of how the Pharisees have their reward now and that assumes they suffer eternal loss later; for some reason I can't find better cross reference but it's there somewhere).
In any event there is no mutually exclusive indicator with any of the heavenly authority or rewards Christ promises even though women aren't specifically mentioned. Certainly the Canaanite women in Matthew 15:21-28 had great faith and was only one of 2 Christ noted had this who asked for a healing in scripture. So clearly women can have great faith. It is unclear exactly HOW we will fulfill our roles in the Millennium and beyond ruling over cities; for example or even in heavenly places for eternity.
Whether women and men will do similar or somewhat different things isn't clear. We see Rahab also (even with her "vocation" attached to her name) as one of the "heroes of the faith" in Heb. 11. We are certainly an interesting group of "misfits" that God chooses for His purposes.
Whatever the future holds; we as Paul can be "content" in any and all situations. ( Philippians 4:12). God knows what He is doing; thankfully and saves us from ourselves and there will be no more contention and strife in the Kingdom. Hopefully we can all learn to get along now in the meantime..
Agape; Rich P.
There are cases where corporate prayer is needed; verses that exhort us to confess sin to one another; and instances in the Book of Acts where such activities occurred starting with the room where the Apostles met and basically hid after the Resurrection before the Holy Spirit came upon them and they started speaking in tongues. Certainly there are examples of answered prayers; such as I had for a brother in the Lord a few years ago who met the lady who is now his wife 2 days after praying for that very thing at his request.
Matthew 6:5-6 seems to be a context involving those who made much about their fasting and self-sacrifice (Pharisees) which could be a principle for us as well. It is not to show how pious we are in prayer through some dramatic gesture. Certainly there are a few other circumstances as well. There are times in confidence when someone gives you a request. This can occur when an unnamed person is referred from someone else; or perhaps on this forum where perhaps we can share it with others but they will not know who the person is asking for it; and the person themselves won't either and won't know who we are either. There are also those we may run into on the street or we may meet in our travels who are unsafe to invite to our homes or who we never will see again. Finally there are some personal issues which God has given us answers for; or perhaps things which the Spirit moves us to pray about even if we can't understand the reason.
In conclusion; we don't need to PROVE God answers something because ultimately those who don't believe won't unless the Lord gives them ears to hear. Just as much knowledge in scripture doesn't save anyone either. Those who would say it is good luck; coincidence or a random act of kindness could also tell us it is our own imagination or "self fulfilling prophecy." We must be wise not to "cast our pearls before swine." ( Matt. 7:6; see also Matt. 5:44)
I'm sorry to hear this has happened. I think you are handling it better than I would, and I think everyone would struggle with this.
2 verses come to mind:
Romans 12:19 - To me this means that there are 24/7 injustices in this world, because there is sin. People assume they are "getting ahead" in the short term and yes, they probably feel good about themselves for the moment, but the reality is this life is extremely short and it could all end today. And all our moral choices will be judged fairly. While it seems like people are getting away with doing wrong, they aren't. No one is getting away with anything. 100% will be fully disclosed before God and He will judge accordingly.
Matthew 6:19 - While we need money to live- for food shelter, etc, we don't need more than what we need. Anything in excess is a risk that we will begin to have wrong motives. It's harder for a rich man to enter heaven. And the love of money is evil. Greed is sin. It's like playing with fire. Nothing wrong with being financially successful and secure, but temptations will be great. We must be on guard.
May God bless you and have peace in your heart knowing that God is watching and knows all. He knows exactly what your family has done. But your family probably doesn't know that God is watching them and noticing their motives. Pray for them because they will be judged for this.
The subject of our heart and affections must be at the forefront here to our Gospel message. Matthew 6:24 takes one point about this in regard to money or God being our master. This certainly extends to other issues that ultimately begin with the state of our heart (or soul) and our relationship with the LIVING God. It is true scripturally that we cannot "lose our salvation" but we can certainly lose rewards; as Rev. 3:11 clearly states. These will have consequences at LEAST for the Millennial rule of Christ and those of us who are "kings and priests" at that time; perhaps eternal ramifications. Hebrews 11:6 states that we MUST believe He is a rewarder of those who "diligently seek Him." This perseverance also is something worthy of obtaining crowns ( 2 Tim. 4:2).
I am convinced that God is the one who does the persevering; but still evidence that He lives within us is producing fruit (which comes after time in the proper season) as well as believing until the end. John 11:26 states that "He who believes in me will never die". What many don't know is that is in the context of CONTINUING faith; not just at a time and place of confession.
IF He lives within us and has taken up residence and if we are "sealed with the Spirit" ( Eph. 4:20) then sanctification must be continuing throughout our lives as pilgrims on the earth. God has redeemed us; and we are saved but not all the wheat and tares are evident; we in the end will be PHYSICALLY saved from this body of death at glorification; which is the end of the journey. Our salvation therefore is for HIS glory. We are to praise His name; and not just when we are in church fellowship; and certainly not for show to see who can yell "AMEN" the loudest.
We must keep in mind those that walked away when Christ challenged them; as well as what happened between Palm Sunday and the Crucifixion. Those who truly believe WILL endure to the end; those who don't WILL FALL. Simple as that.
However, Jesus took a different approach here to teach us that what matters is not what men see or think, but it is what God thinks. This should bring us to re-examine the very intent of our heart when we do certain things.
Let us do things, not to be seen or praised by men but rather to be approved by God.
Please consider reflecting on John 16:33, James 1: 2-4, Philippians 4:12-13, and Matthew 6:33.
Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 7, Romans 14:12, Deuteronomy 5:11, Exodus 20:7,
Jude 1,
Hopefully these are helpful
The word tithe apparently is not found in the New Testament. The Book of Corinthians probably covers giving more than anywhere else. The clear principle from Ananias and Sapphira is NOT to commit something to the Lord then retract (as their deaths afterward attested). Where our treasure is our heart is also. ( Matthew 6:21). If we are to side with the "love of money" then we can either be cheapskates or give for causes that make us "feel good". Thus; a "prosperity gospel" church tickles people's ears and offers opulent settings for meetings and worship.
There is no sin in asking for a financial report for a church. Members should be concerned about 401c status and any compromising that a Pastor has made in order to retain that status. They should see how much is spent on entertainment; fancy building projects; etc. and what is spent on missions; for instance. Those who have jet planes themselves probably aren't as concerned about ministers that insist on such luxuries for themselves if they continue to attend such churches.
We should certainly consider what Paul said in scripture as to his often extreme need and apparent appalling giving where he said he was "robbing churches" ( 2 Cor. 11:8). Even good churches tend to give extremely low percentages of moneys to missions effort overseas from my experience. This has caused me to give to a few when able myself. This is not to boast; but again to emphasize the need. In my case I am supporting someone overseas busy working in the medical field in a new hospital struggling to find enough staff; as well as doing other ministry work on the side. Previously on the side some of us supported a young man in Uganda who had prison ministry; library ministry and other things going on. Generally; giving should also benefit real needs in a church. These days it seems there is more emphasis on outside needs from people more often than not not very reliable.
John 17, James 1, James 2,
Matthew 5:23,24,44, Matthew 6:5-34, Mark 11:24, Luke 18:1-14, Matthew 17:15-21, Mark 9:17-29,
Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21:36,
Hope these are helpful
Good questions.
The emphasis was on the motive in which we do things. " Examine ourselves to see if we are doing it by command. glory or Agape.
I believe what is important is the Heart behind every action.
The work and the heart behind the things we do that pleases God can only be achieved by the Holyspirit.
Romans 8:7-9.
In my post I was asking WHAT IS OUR MOTIVE when we do the things we are asked NOT to do.
That's why a stated; "If we are supposed to be moved by the Spirit "by the instrument of faith" unto good works but yet we don't display good works, then our faith is vain/dead, Then is it fair to say that if we provide works THAT IS NOT BY THE INFLUENCE of the spirit that causes obedience to God's word, "then our work is vain."
Here's an Scriptural example
Matthew 6:1-8.
If our works confirms our faith and that work is tried by fire, it will stand. But if we perform a work we are asked NOT to do, What is the motive? Pride? And should we care?
If pride I believe we are building with wood hay and stubble. It will go up in smoke!
So the context in these posts isn't focused on the people in rebellion to God's instructions. It's focus is on those who seem content in their salvation when we should be concerned about the order mentioned in scripture that helps us grow so we don't become lukewarm.
Our attitude and trust in God's structure and instructions being profound or not to Grow "or perfect" the Church is on trial
Ephesians 4:11-16. seems to say he gave particular offices to particular people to Prosper the Church.
Thanks and Goodnight.
Please consider reflecting on 2 Timothy 1:7, Matthew 6:34, Psalm 46:1 and James 1:2-4.
Colossians 3:2 is where we find this. But it starts with Verse 1. It starts out by saying, if you then be risen with Christ,
The word "if" used here is a first class condition assumed to be true. It is literally translated since.
Since you then are risen with Christ, seek those things (There's your command) which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God.
The verb tense is continually seek the things above, the things of heaven, and not the things on the earth.
So we have to ask the question, what am I seeking? Every morning when I get up, I'm seeking something. Most of the time it's in the human. We're told that we are citizens of the kingdom of heaven, and we're to seek the things of Christ, not the things of the earth.
In Matthew Chapter 6, Jesus said be not anxious for your life, what you shall eat, or what you shall drink, or what you shall put on. And He explained that man cannot serve two masters.
And in that verse, He explains that God has created every human being to only have the capacity to serve one thing, God or mammon, one or the other. You can't serve both.
And so He says in Matthew 6:33, seek first the kingdom of God, and all these other things that you need will be added to you. You don't have to seek them. In other words, if you don't have it, you don't need it. You might want it, but you don't need it.
So the command under motivation is seek those things which are above. The place is heaven and the person is Christ!
Verse 2 says, "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."
Again, continually set your affection. And the word affection has to do with the frame of mind. This is the disposition of the mind, the attitude, the approach to life. Have a frame of mind that is set on things above and not things on the earth.
Hope this helps!
What does lukewarm looks like in a believer?
What would cause a person to not know that he's lukewarm?
They are lacking gold tried in the fire.
They are naked lacking white raiment.
And apparently don't know it. "and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see."
The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts. Proverbs 17:3.
Gold is purged of dross ( Isaiah 1:25), so by the refining fire of temptations the faithful are cleansed from pride and self-reliance and the pollutions of sin.
When we are self-reliant, we are naked before the Lord.
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Hebrews 4:12-13. (I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear;
Anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
I believe this is blinded by pride, this reminds me of the Pharisees.
Matthew 6:1-5.
John 12:43. For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
There is no conviction in a person who is self-sufficient. spreading the gospel is not on the top of their list. Walking in the spirit is only in the church building afterwards everything else is just a discussion forum or a round table or a competition where we compete for first place.
The word of God is handled to loosely. If we have faith in the inerrancy of the word of God, we should display it cautiously.
Don't do it as a hobby, it may not be your calling.
Don't counseling on things you don't understand.
The only barrier to truth is to think we already have it.
I'm praying for you tonight.
Please reflect on Matthew 6:33, and Psalm 73.