In 1 Corinthians 2, Paul uses the word natural to refer to someone still in his original (sinful) state. The Greek word psuchikos ("natural") can be defined as "animal," as opposed to "spiritual." Natural men are those who are occupied with the things of this material world to the exclusion of the things of God. They are led by instinct rather than by the Spirit of God. They intuitively choose sin over righteousness. They are the "pagans" Jesus refers to in Matthew 6:32 who only seek after the things of this world.
The supernatural work of God is to change the natural man into a spiritual one. When a person trusts Christ, God exchanges what is natural (received from Adam) for what is spiritual (received from Christ). "As in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive" ( 1 Corinthians 15:22). The Christian life is, therefore, a supernatural one. We do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit ( Romans 8:1). Interesting find.
Back to 1 Corinthians 1:18. For the preaching of the cross is TO THEM THAT PERISH FOOLISHNESS; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
If you notice, them that perish doesn't have much to say about the preaching of the cross! Why? Because it's foolishness to them.
To us which are saved our Hope, Redemption, and Salvation is tied to it,
Here's how the natural Man/Tares voids out the productivity of the cross in their false teachings.
God Love is on display when I slew his only begotten Son in our place, So there must be a damnable consequence to those who don't accept "This sacrifice"
He'll would have to be a real place for those who don't receive Christ. or the Love of God on display would be in vain!!
They say there is no Hell and all will go to Heaven by fire!
They replace the productivity of the cross with the fire prescribed for Satan as the means by which we are saved!
Please God heal Trent with this affliction that he will be a testimony for you. Please Holy Spirit enrich him with Your spiritual gifts and guidance in the Bible to bring him comfort I pray in Jesus Christ name
Please reflect on Psalms 18:2, Psalms 46:1, Psalms 121, Matthew 6:33.
I was bullied in school, by some students & even teachers. I know several children bullied by teachers & others in authority. I even had teachers throw chalkboard erasers & hit me in the head, multiple times, in front of entire classes. One teacher pulled me by the hair of my head down the hall to office because I asked questioned his fairness 5th grade. 4th Grade the teacher had me miss play time several days because I white skin, & different eyes & hair. "to teach class about predjudist" it made students more isolating towards me. Many more situations, I & others have suffered.
* To tell someone in authority that has no fear of GOD, sometimes makes the problem worse!
1st know: Jesus knows better than anyone what it's like to be wrongfully bullied! Pray to The Father for help in Jesus Name: Matthew 6:5-34, John 14:13, Isaiah 53,
1Peter 2:19-25,
2nd if you have kind, gentle, loving & understanding parents you all could prayerfully consider Homeschooling.
If you have a difficult situation at home, then pray about how to tell your Parent/Parents/Gaurdian. Even if they don't outwardly show love, they most likely care about cruel, abusive behavior towards you by others. In one case a child was moved to different school & situations were much better for that child.
3rd, Remember this time, if you're called to endure is just a few years, sometimes much shorter when you pray. GOD does amazing things, through our prayers. Luke 17:6, Matthew 17:20, James 5:17,
4th, through hardship we learn compassion, to help others who go through what we have gone through, & going through. 2Corinthians 1:3-4,
5th, I will pray for you.
6th be encouraged as I have become unafraid of people & bolder for Christ, wiser especially for things today, you too should be strengthened & be wiser throughout these things. 2Timothy 2:3, Matthew 24:13, Mark 13:13,
Tithes and Offerings Unto God__through the local Church - In Reply - 2 years ago
2 Corinthians 9:7 - Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a CHEERFUL giver.
Malachi 3:8-12 - Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
Malachi 3:10 - Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
Matthew 6:1-4 - Take heed that ye do not your giving before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 23:23 - Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Luke 6:38 - Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye give withal it shall be measured to you again.
Luke 11:42 - But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Luke 18:12 - I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. [don't brag]
Acts 2:44-47 - And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
Acts 20:35 - I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
1 Corinthians 16:2 - Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. 2 Corinthians 8:1-24
Thank you for your response, I just found your reply. For some reason it wasn't in my replys. I will check back on this thread again just incase you reply to this.
I pray deliverance from any and all attacks against you while you're sleeping! Spiritual, natural or both.
The 1st place I would like to start: Have you received or ask GOD to be LORD of your life? Accepting Jesus Christ as your savior? John 3:15-16,
With that we are sealed with promise, 2Corinthians 1:20-22, Ephesians 4:30, Ephesians 1:13, James 1:5, Acts 5:32, Romans 15:13, Acts 2:28, 1Corinthian 6:19, John 14:26, Acts 10:38, Mark 16:16-18, 1John 5:9-21,
* if you have not accepted Jesus as your personal LORD & Savior. Please do that right now, in prayer. 2Corinthians 6:2, 1Thessalonians 5:9, John 14:6,
Hebrews 1, note Hebrews 1:14, if you have received Jesus Christ as Savior, then the visible/invisible image was it fighting on your behalf?
* If you have been involved with anything associated with darkness & evil knowingly or others around you or in your dwelling have. Destroy those things, get it away from you. Turn away from those things. Ask forgiveness from our Father in Heaven. Matthew 6:23, Luke 11:34-36,
Here is a scripture I just found for you : Psalms 25:16-18
I believe you can forgive now. Matthew 6:14, Mark 11:25,
In the last few years GOD has placed forgiveness on my thoughts for people, some had already passed. Some wrongs I had forgotten but as I remembered, GOD would remind me to forgive.
There are moments we have deep regrets, especially when a loved one is passed on. I have prayed similarly as you & felt peace because nothing is impossible with GOD, Luke 1:37, Mark 10:27, Luke 18:27, Matthew 19:26,
Jesus, I come boldly to you in the Throne Room and ask you to please restore & reconcile our relationship. He is the one that holds my heart. Please let him contact me and we start spending time together. I have spent over two decades with him. YOUR WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN. Heavenly Father I need Restoration; Reconciliation and I stand on your word Matthew 6:7-8 Matthew 18:19-20Matthew 21:22 for our relationship. I Believe in the Power of Prayer. Thank You for eyes to see and ears to hear. In Jesus name I Pray Amen and Amen
Please God removed the anxiety and procrastination from Tshegofatso and fill him with perseverance, patience and faithfulness that He will be a better steward of what You given him. Please Holy Spirit guide him spiritual virtues to give Christ Jesus the glory in life I pray in the name of Jesus Christ!
Please consider reflecting on these scriptures: Galatians 5: 22-23, 2 Timothy 1:7, Matthew 6:33-34.
Dear Heavenly Father, please hear and answer Derrick Ray's prayers. According to Your will let it be done. I pray that whatever will bring Derrick closer to You Father, please please do that for him, that he might be blessed and strengthened in Your kingdom and in his relationship with You. And I ask it all in Jesus name. Thank You Jesus
A gift is not a gift unless it is received. In order to receive the gift of salvation, a person must repent. I agree that if a person does not repent (make the decision to change the direction of their life), and they do not surrender their life to Christ, they can never obtain salvation. I believe that Jesus Christ paid the penalty for all my sin (Past/Present/Future). I believe His blood covered it all.
Now, I know right away what some who are reading this are going to think, and you allude to this when you said "So a Christian shouldn't think that no matter what he does, no matter how he walks everything is OK. It's not OK."
It seems as that those who believe in eternal security are being accused of believing that they have a license to sin all they want because they are always going to be saved no matter what they do. I can tell you straight up, I do not believe that at all. You see, I belong to Christ. If I take on the attitude of what you describe, "that no matter what I do, no matter how I walk, everything is OK," and I have Christ in me, guess what's going to happen? He's going to deal with me and sometimes the chastisement can be very harsh.
In fact, that would be a good test (not recommended), but if a person wants to know if they truly belong to Christ, go out and start sinning all you want. If God does not deal with you, then it's time to start taking inventory and asking, "Am I really saved?" Did I have to do something? Yes! I had to repent. I had to surrender my life to Jesus Christ in order to receive the gift.
As for Matthew 6:15, am I to forgive others? Yes! But how do I have the ability to forgive unless God's Spirit gives me that ability? Without Christ in me, my flesh would be out for revenge. I forgive others because God's Spirit working in me gives me the ability to forgive. His Spirit never stops working.
And please know that you have not offended me at all.
OK lets go back to the verse" the wage of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life .."
What does that mean? That eternal life is unconditional? I don't think so. There is a condition for Jesus's blood to be available to you. That is to repent. As long as you are in an unrepentant condition Jesus's. Blood is not abailable to you. So a Christian shouldn't think that no matter what he does, no matter how he walks everything is OK. It's not OK. I don't mean that when you do a sin God is immediately ready to send you to hell, but the way you walk is risky. I think you understand what I am saying
OK lets go to Matthew 6:15 "But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." What do you make of that. If God doesn't forgive your sins , no problem at all? I think that thinking like you do one is in danger to consider that eternal life is ensured/secured no matter what he does, and that is risky.
Finally lets go to 1 Corinthians 9:25-27. Apostle Paul talks about himself as well. Pay attention to verse 27 " But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway". That word castaway doesn't ring any bell?
O.K it is well understood that there is a difference in opinions here, I do respect yours but not accept it. Sorry brother, no offense meant.
Please God enrich Sam with biblical scriptures that will give hope in You and help Sam to have a true relationship with Jesus Christ recognizing their purpose You have for them I ask in Jesus Christ name!!
If you have access to a Bible, please reflect on this scriptures: Ephesians 6:10-20, Psalms 23, 1 Peter 5:7, 1 Corinthians 10:13, John 8:44, and Matthew 6:33-34.
Beautifully put. I believe some misunderstand, the "Coming of The LORD, Return of The LORD, THE Day of The LORD " as I did also, as dearly loved fellowship of Believers would pray for it. Maybe by Philippians 3:20, eagerly awaiting, & Colossians 4:2, That misinterpreted.
Then one day I read: Amos 5:18-24,
People long for Mercy, Justice, correct judgement that may be the root of the plea, prayer.
However Jesus instruction was pray "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven " Matthew 6:9-13,
Daniel 7:27, Psalms 145:13, John 17, note John 17:15-16, Luke 17:20-21,
1Thessalonians 5:17, Matthew 6:5-35, Mark 11:24, Luke 6:28, Luke 10:2, Luke 11:1-13, Luke 18:1, Luke 18:1-14, 1Corinthians 11, 1Corinthians 14:14-15, James 5:13-20, Psalms 122:6, Ephesians 6:18, Philippians 4:6, Mark 13, 2Chronicles 7:14, 1Timothy 2:1-6,
Very interesting question. Only God can forgive sin; but we are told to "confess our sins to one another". ( James 5:16). We are told to reconcile with a brother before "offering a gift before the altar" ( Matthew 5:24). If we bear unforgiveness in our hearts; then the effectiveness of His grace is stunted; for the woman who put the perfume on Christ was forgiven much so she loved much ( Luke 7:47).
All of us individually are accountable before God. We can forgive "seventy times seven" ( Matthew 18:22); and Ephesians 4:32 indicates that we are to forgive others even as God has forgiven us. If we don't forgive others then God won't forgive us according to Matthew 6:14-15. This wouldn't necessarily indicate that we are nonbelievers; but if we don't bear fruit "worthy of repentence" ( Matthew 3:8-10) then we have to seriously test ourselves to see if we are in the faith ( 2 Cor. 13:5).
So the short answer is that God can only forgive others if they are wanting forgiveness. Each of us is judged individually; and since we are not God we don't have the authority as Christ did to forgive sins as the Pharisees stated only God can forgive sins ( John 20:23). Confessing our sins to one another can allow transparency so that the Lord can possibly speak a word of wisdom which in turn gives someone a better understanding of themselves; as well as clearing up what can be a stone wall in relationships ( Prov. 18:19). The best we can do is a formulaic process to give a partial assessment of sins in others as only God knows the intentions and motives of the heart even if the Spirit gives us a glimpse into such things. It is the same as asking can we save anyone by "confessional regeneration". The words are only effective if God grants one repentance first ( Acts 11:18; etc). Indirectly then; forgiving one another allows God to repair the sin or estrangement with Him.
Claudio, I, and others, are praying over your request today. I want to give you a couple scriptures. They will be highlighted, just touch them and they'll open up.
Matthew 6:33
1timothy 2:5
John 14:13-14
Rest assured that the Father sees your heart and hears your prayer. When we believe on Jesus our the risen Savior (happy Easter) the only begotten Son of God and ask in His (Jesus) name , God will hear us. Jesus is always making intercession for us.
Hebrews 7:25
Heavenly Father,
Please move upon the cries of Claudio's heart. I pray that he would put You first in every thing he does so that all of his hearts desires and prayers for others will be answered by You according to Your will in Heaven, let it be done on the Earth as well Please keep him safe, break every curse that's been spoken or arranged over his life and generations and the same for his wife and her family. Please keep them safe today. Help Claudio with the (real estate) court case. Be merciful. To all involved. And work it out for the good and salvation of everyone involved. Help him get info about his grandma Dora and other relatives given up for adoption. Thank You God, in Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Hi Lance. Lotteries or any form of gambling is not written about in the Bible, so it becomes a matter between you & God. How does the Spirit guide you or speak when you are planning to wager some money?
Just speaking for myself & being an ex-gambler, that was one of the first areas of my life (amongst others), where I was severely dealt with by God when He drew me to Himself. I learnt about the Laws of Probability at school, yet still enjoyed the 'excitement' of anticipating a win (which of course rarely came). The lure of gambling is as potent & devastating as to the one given to excessive compulsive drinking. It has the potential to take a small monetary 'flutter' & make it into an addiction, causing a departure of any sensibility we might have had. And that is why we're encouraged "to abstain from all appearance of evil" ( 1 Thessalonians 5:22). It may not seem an 'evil' at the time, but evil has a very large mouth & appetite.
We are to fully trust God for our monetary needs, indeed, all our needs ( Matthew 6:24-34; Hebrews 13:5) and what He does give to us to use, we must use wisely & for His Glory & benefit of others. I believe that He is pleased when the resources He gives us to use are used well, but when they are wasted in ways that almost guarantee a complete loss & ensuing breach in our spirit, He would be disappointed. Bring the matter before the Lord, think on these things & consider the consequences, dear friend.
The concept here appears to be doing things to be seen of men. The word "reward" can be taken as the consequences of our actions; heaped up ( Psalm 91:8). This is; according to that passage so bad that we will only see it from afar. We reap what we sow; whether to the flesh or the Spirit ( Galatians 6:7-9). What is considered honorable among me is an abomination to God ( Luke 16:15-16). Our prayers are to be in secret; so that we can be seen in Matthew 6:6 that our reward is from God Himself.
This brings up the issue of just when prayer should be corporate and when it should be private. This fits in; of course with the "good deeds" that we do to help others (let not your left hand know what your right hand doeth) Matthew 6:3-4. The whole concept here is not to draw attention to how "righteous" we are through an outer display. That gets into another verse where it states in Matthew 5:34 as well as in the book of James that we are to swear by no name; but simply say yes or no. Clearly; this needs to be taken in context; as covenants such as marriage still are in effect and other such vows. Again; the focus is to be on not being hypocrites who wish to be praised but to glorify God. Verses that indicate we are to bear one another's burdens; confess sins to one another and that in Acts where Peter was being prayed for and the prison cell opened ( Acts 12:5) surely shows how appropriate prayers are given in corporate settings. Many testimonies; however indicate how some old lady was praying for a person when in open rebellion for many years and how they changed. "The effectual prayers of a righteous man availeth much" ( James 5:16-18).
Clearly; it isn't worth seeking praise of men during this short life; which is as a vapor; when eternity awaits. Christ Himself saw the "reward" for His sufferings in bringing "many sons to glory" ( Heb. 2:10; Eph. 1:18). In the end; sin doesn't pay; and all glory goes to God. Agape-RIch P
Jesus says don't be as the hypocrites, that they may be seen of men. They have their reward because they like to stand out in the corners and make long prayers so that people will see them.
That doesn't mean you can't pray in public or that you can't pray long prayers. It is the motive behind it. Their motive was to be seen of men. It's the whole "look at me" approach, look how spiritual I am. And that's what Jesus said they were doing. They were looking for the praise of men for what they were doing. Jesus says we are not to do that. That should never be our motive. The things we do, we do for the Lord, and He will reward us later. If we do things to be seen of men, we receive our reward from men.
When Jesus says "They have their reward," what He is saying is that they are receiving their reward right then and there. Their reward was getting praise from men.
Anything we do, even if we are "doing it for the Lord," and our motive for doing so is to be seen of men so that they will give us praise, our reward will be here on the earth, and the Lord will not reward us for that later.
Dear look to my grace siblings Lord. Strengthen the sick with salvation, and strengthen the nourishment of the body with Your Word. We know that You Lord care for the whole body. Thank You for drawing people to You as You Will. We put all things on You O Great righteous God in the Name of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Mark 10 Stay blessed in His Holy Name, love u in Christ
Part 2.
In 1 Corinthians 2, Paul uses the word natural to refer to someone still in his original (sinful) state. The Greek word psuchikos ("natural") can be defined as "animal," as opposed to "spiritual." Natural men are those who are occupied with the things of this material world to the exclusion of the things of God. They are led by instinct rather than by the Spirit of God. They intuitively choose sin over righteousness. They are the "pagans" Jesus refers to in Matthew 6:32 who only seek after the things of this world.
The supernatural work of God is to change the natural man into a spiritual one. When a person trusts Christ, God exchanges what is natural (received from Adam) for what is spiritual (received from Christ). "As in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive" ( 1 Corinthians 15:22). The Christian life is, therefore, a supernatural one. We do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit ( Romans 8:1). Interesting find.
Back to 1 Corinthians 1:18. For the preaching of the cross is TO THEM THAT PERISH FOOLISHNESS; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
If you notice, them that perish doesn't have much to say about the preaching of the cross! Why? Because it's foolishness to them.
To us which are saved our Hope, Redemption, and Salvation is tied to it,
Here's how the natural Man/Tares voids out the productivity of the cross in their false teachings.
God Love is on display when I slew his only begotten Son in our place, So there must be a damnable consequence to those who don't accept "This sacrifice"
He'll would have to be a real place for those who don't receive Christ. or the Love of God on display would be in vain!!
They say there is no Hell and all will go to Heaven by fire!
They replace the productivity of the cross with the fire prescribed for Satan as the means by which we are saved!
1 Corinthians 2:14.
God bless.
Please reflect on Psalms 18:2, Psalms 46:1, Psalms 121, Matthew 6:33.
God bless u in Jesus name, love u in Christ.
Never give up pray always in spirit. And pray special that the Lord help u to not fall in temtatiin.
* To tell someone in authority that has no fear of GOD, sometimes makes the problem worse!
1st know: Jesus knows better than anyone what it's like to be wrongfully bullied! Pray to The Father for help in Jesus Name: Matthew 6:5-34, John 14:13, Isaiah 53,
1Peter 2:19-25,
2nd if you have kind, gentle, loving & understanding parents you all could prayerfully consider Homeschooling.
If you have a difficult situation at home, then pray about how to tell your Parent/Parents/Gaurdian. Even if they don't outwardly show love, they most likely care about cruel, abusive behavior towards you by others. In one case a child was moved to different school & situations were much better for that child.
3rd, Remember this time, if you're called to endure is just a few years, sometimes much shorter when you pray. GOD does amazing things, through our prayers. Luke 17:6, Matthew 17:20, James 5:17,
4th, through hardship we learn compassion, to help others who go through what we have gone through, & going through. 2Corinthians 1:3-4,
5th, I will pray for you.
6th be encouraged as I have become unafraid of people & bolder for Christ, wiser especially for things today, you too should be strengthened & be wiser throughout these things. 2Timothy 2:3, Matthew 24:13, Mark 13:13,
Hopefully these are helpful & encouraging
Malachi 3:8-12 - Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
Malachi 3:10 - Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
Matthew 6:1-4 - Take heed that ye do not your giving before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 23:23 - Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Luke 6:38 - Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye give withal it shall be measured to you again.
Luke 11:42 - But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Luke 18:12 - I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. [don't brag]
Acts 2:44-47 - And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
Acts 20:35 - I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
1 Corinthians 16:2 - Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. 2 Corinthians 8:1-24
Give to missionaries
You came to God because GOD CAUSED you to come to him.
John 12:32 If I be lifted up, I WILL draw ALL MEN to me.
You BELIEVE because God CAUSES you to BELIEVE.
Philippians 1:29 For unto you IT IS GIVEN in the behalf of Christ, not ONLY TO BELIEVE on him, but also to SUFFER for his sake.
Everything that has happen in you life has been for A PURPOSE, That we come to TRUTH that ALL WORKS are of GOD, we are just the vessel.
Philippians 2:13 For it is GOD (his life) that worketh in you (the body) both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.
John 14:6 ....I am the LIFE ......
Rejoice in the past, it's CAUSING you to be conformed to the IMAGE OF GOD (the Divine Nature).
Ezekiel 36:27 And I WILL put MY SPIRIT (LIFE) in you and CAUSE you to walk in my statutes, and to keep my judgements and DO THEM.
Matthew 6:10 Thy will be done .....
Everything in your past (as well as the future) is God's will, you are just now coming TO KNOWLEDGE, that GOD KNOW whats best for HIS BODY.
2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are GIVEN TO US exceedingly great and precious PROMISES: that by these you might be PARTAKERS of the DIVINE NATURE ......
God Bless You!
Jesus taught more about the kingdom of God, than any other thing.
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God ......
God Bless YOU!
I pray deliverance from any and all attacks against you while you're sleeping! Spiritual, natural or both.
The 1st place I would like to start: Have you received or ask GOD to be LORD of your life? Accepting Jesus Christ as your savior? John 3:15-16,
With that we are sealed with promise, 2Corinthians 1:20-22, Ephesians 4:30, Ephesians 1:13, James 1:5, Acts 5:32, Romans 15:13, Acts 2:28, 1Corinthian 6:19, John 14:26, Acts 10:38, Mark 16:16-18, 1John 5:9-21,
* if you have not accepted Jesus as your personal LORD & Savior. Please do that right now, in prayer. 2Corinthians 6:2, 1Thessalonians 5:9, John 14:6,
Hebrews 1, note Hebrews 1:14, if you have received Jesus Christ as Savior, then the visible/invisible image was it fighting on your behalf?
* If you have been involved with anything associated with darkness & evil knowingly or others around you or in your dwelling have. Destroy those things, get it away from you. Turn away from those things. Ask forgiveness from our Father in Heaven. Matthew 6:23, Luke 11:34-36,
* Ephesians 5:11,
Ephesians 6,
Hopefully these are helpful.
Here is a scripture I just found for you : Psalms 25:16-18
I believe you can forgive now. Matthew 6:14, Mark 11:25,
In the last few years GOD has placed forgiveness on my thoughts for people, some had already passed. Some wrongs I had forgotten but as I remembered, GOD would remind me to forgive.
There are moments we have deep regrets, especially when a loved one is passed on. I have prayed similarly as you & felt peace because nothing is impossible with GOD, Luke 1:37, Mark 10:27, Luke 18:27, Matthew 19:26,
Please consider reflecting on these scriptures: Galatians 5: 22-23, 2 Timothy 1:7, Matthew 6:33-34.
Matthew 6:33
John 15:5
A gift is not a gift unless it is received. In order to receive the gift of salvation, a person must repent. I agree that if a person does not repent (make the decision to change the direction of their life), and they do not surrender their life to Christ, they can never obtain salvation. I believe that Jesus Christ paid the penalty for all my sin (Past/Present/Future). I believe His blood covered it all.
Now, I know right away what some who are reading this are going to think, and you allude to this when you said "So a Christian shouldn't think that no matter what he does, no matter how he walks everything is OK. It's not OK."
It seems as that those who believe in eternal security are being accused of believing that they have a license to sin all they want because they are always going to be saved no matter what they do. I can tell you straight up, I do not believe that at all. You see, I belong to Christ. If I take on the attitude of what you describe, "that no matter what I do, no matter how I walk, everything is OK," and I have Christ in me, guess what's going to happen? He's going to deal with me and sometimes the chastisement can be very harsh.
In fact, that would be a good test (not recommended), but if a person wants to know if they truly belong to Christ, go out and start sinning all you want. If God does not deal with you, then it's time to start taking inventory and asking, "Am I really saved?" Did I have to do something? Yes! I had to repent. I had to surrender my life to Jesus Christ in order to receive the gift.
As for Matthew 6:15, am I to forgive others? Yes! But how do I have the ability to forgive unless God's Spirit gives me that ability? Without Christ in me, my flesh would be out for revenge. I forgive others because God's Spirit working in me gives me the ability to forgive. His Spirit never stops working.
And please know that you have not offended me at all.
OK lets go back to the verse" the wage of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life .."
What does that mean? That eternal life is unconditional? I don't think so. There is a condition for Jesus's blood to be available to you. That is to repent. As long as you are in an unrepentant condition Jesus's. Blood is not abailable to you. So a Christian shouldn't think that no matter what he does, no matter how he walks everything is OK. It's not OK. I don't mean that when you do a sin God is immediately ready to send you to hell, but the way you walk is risky. I think you understand what I am saying
OK lets go to Matthew 6:15 "But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." What do you make of that. If God doesn't forgive your sins , no problem at all? I think that thinking like you do one is in danger to consider that eternal life is ensured/secured no matter what he does, and that is risky.
Finally lets go to 1 Corinthians 9:25-27. Apostle Paul talks about himself as well. Pay attention to verse 27 " But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway". That word castaway doesn't ring any bell?
O.K it is well understood that there is a difference in opinions here, I do respect yours but not accept it. Sorry brother, no offense meant.
GBU
If you have access to a Bible, please reflect on this scriptures: Ephesians 6:10-20, Psalms 23, 1 Peter 5:7, 1 Corinthians 10:13, John 8:44, and Matthew 6:33-34.
Then one day I read: Amos 5:18-24,
People long for Mercy, Justice, correct judgement that may be the root of the plea, prayer.
However Jesus instruction was pray "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven " Matthew 6:9-13,
Daniel 7:27, Psalms 145:13, John 17, note John 17:15-16, Luke 17:20-21,
Proverbs 21:3, Isaiah 56:1, Psalms 82:3, Isaiah 59:4, (context Isaiah 59), Jeremiah 22:15, * Isaiah 58,
2Samuel 8:15, 1Kings 10:9, Ezekiel 45:9, Micah 6:8,
We even as 1 person can bring justice, mercy, truth, hope, deliverance, through faith, endurance, prayer, action & being a living example
Romans 1:17, James 2, Hebrews 11, 2Corinthians 5:7, Mark 11:22-26,
We are called to bring Justice, Judgement, Mercy.
Ecclesiastes 5:8, Jeremiah 23:5, Matthew 24:3-51, Mark 13:5-37, Matthew 25:31-46, Luke 6,
Psalms 102:17, * James 5,
Hopefully these are helpful, please share these scriptures with those whom you feel led as a tool
Romans 8:26,
Hopefully these are helpful
James 1:5,
Hopefully these are helpful
All of us individually are accountable before God. We can forgive "seventy times seven" ( Matthew 18:22); and Ephesians 4:32 indicates that we are to forgive others even as God has forgiven us. If we don't forgive others then God won't forgive us according to Matthew 6:14-15. This wouldn't necessarily indicate that we are nonbelievers; but if we don't bear fruit "worthy of repentence" ( Matthew 3:8-10) then we have to seriously test ourselves to see if we are in the faith ( 2 Cor. 13:5).
So the short answer is that God can only forgive others if they are wanting forgiveness. Each of us is judged individually; and since we are not God we don't have the authority as Christ did to forgive sins as the Pharisees stated only God can forgive sins ( John 20:23). Confessing our sins to one another can allow transparency so that the Lord can possibly speak a word of wisdom which in turn gives someone a better understanding of themselves; as well as clearing up what can be a stone wall in relationships ( Prov. 18:19). The best we can do is a formulaic process to give a partial assessment of sins in others as only God knows the intentions and motives of the heart even if the Spirit gives us a glimpse into such things. It is the same as asking can we save anyone by "confessional regeneration". The words are only effective if God grants one repentance first ( Acts 11:18; etc). Indirectly then; forgiving one another allows God to repair the sin or estrangement with Him.
Matthew 6:33
1timothy 2:5
John 14:13-14
Rest assured that the Father sees your heart and hears your prayer. When we believe on Jesus our the risen Savior (happy Easter) the only begotten Son of God and ask in His (Jesus) name , God will hear us. Jesus is always making intercession for us.
Hebrews 7:25
Heavenly Father,
Please move upon the cries of Claudio's heart. I pray that he would put You first in every thing he does so that all of his hearts desires and prayers for others will be answered by You according to Your will in Heaven, let it be done on the Earth as well Please keep him safe, break every curse that's been spoken or arranged over his life and generations and the same for his wife and her family. Please keep them safe today. Help Claudio with the (real estate) court case. Be merciful. To all involved. And work it out for the good and salvation of everyone involved. Help him get info about his grandma Dora and other relatives given up for adoption. Thank You God, in Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Just speaking for myself & being an ex-gambler, that was one of the first areas of my life (amongst others), where I was severely dealt with by God when He drew me to Himself. I learnt about the Laws of Probability at school, yet still enjoyed the 'excitement' of anticipating a win (which of course rarely came). The lure of gambling is as potent & devastating as to the one given to excessive compulsive drinking. It has the potential to take a small monetary 'flutter' & make it into an addiction, causing a departure of any sensibility we might have had. And that is why we're encouraged "to abstain from all appearance of evil" ( 1 Thessalonians 5:22). It may not seem an 'evil' at the time, but evil has a very large mouth & appetite.
We are to fully trust God for our monetary needs, indeed, all our needs ( Matthew 6:24-34; Hebrews 13:5) and what He does give to us to use, we must use wisely & for His Glory & benefit of others. I believe that He is pleased when the resources He gives us to use are used well, but when they are wasted in ways that almost guarantee a complete loss & ensuing breach in our spirit, He would be disappointed. Bring the matter before the Lord, think on these things & consider the consequences, dear friend.
This brings up the issue of just when prayer should be corporate and when it should be private. This fits in; of course with the "good deeds" that we do to help others (let not your left hand know what your right hand doeth) Matthew 6:3-4. The whole concept here is not to draw attention to how "righteous" we are through an outer display. That gets into another verse where it states in Matthew 5:34 as well as in the book of James that we are to swear by no name; but simply say yes or no. Clearly; this needs to be taken in context; as covenants such as marriage still are in effect and other such vows. Again; the focus is to be on not being hypocrites who wish to be praised but to glorify God. Verses that indicate we are to bear one another's burdens; confess sins to one another and that in Acts where Peter was being prayed for and the prison cell opened ( Acts 12:5) surely shows how appropriate prayers are given in corporate settings. Many testimonies; however indicate how some old lady was praying for a person when in open rebellion for many years and how they changed. "The effectual prayers of a righteous man availeth much" ( James 5:16-18).
Clearly; it isn't worth seeking praise of men during this short life; which is as a vapor; when eternity awaits. Christ Himself saw the "reward" for His sufferings in bringing "many sons to glory" ( Heb. 2:10; Eph. 1:18). In the end; sin doesn't pay; and all glory goes to God. Agape-RIch P
Jesus says don't be as the hypocrites, that they may be seen of men. They have their reward because they like to stand out in the corners and make long prayers so that people will see them.
That doesn't mean you can't pray in public or that you can't pray long prayers. It is the motive behind it. Their motive was to be seen of men. It's the whole "look at me" approach, look how spiritual I am. And that's what Jesus said they were doing. They were looking for the praise of men for what they were doing. Jesus says we are not to do that. That should never be our motive. The things we do, we do for the Lord, and He will reward us later. If we do things to be seen of men, we receive our reward from men.
When Jesus says "They have their reward," what He is saying is that they are receiving their reward right then and there. Their reward was getting praise from men.
Anything we do, even if we are "doing it for the Lord," and our motive for doing so is to be seen of men so that they will give us praise, our reward will be here on the earth, and the Lord will not reward us for that later.
Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Mark 10 Stay blessed in His Holy Name, love u in Christ