Luke 23:29, Isaiah 54:1, these scriptures exist too. When other women say._..
Luke 1:25, 1 Samuel 1:6, women have cruelly mocked other women many times over this issue & others.
Remember GOD justifies Romans 8:33, Psalms 22:24, be encouraged sis
Proverbs 16:9, Romans 5:1, James 2:22-25,
However the root argument sometimes stem from situational issues of choice which people may be referring to Genesis 38:6-10, then continued reading Tamar was considered "more righteous" Genesis 38:26, pursuing offspring of her dead husbands lineage, which was significant either in justification, reward or preplanned destiny. Matthew 1:3, Genesis 38:29, she is written in the documentation of Jesus lineage. Hebrews 11,
Additional scripture
Act 17:28-29, Malachi 2:15, Isaiah 65:21-24, on their perspective
2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
I noticed some comments posted that sound like they are only a breath away from denying the Lord. God's Word and 2 Peter 2:1 is for them. Luke 12:5. 1 Timothy 6:12.
Some sound upset that God demands obedience, and some feel entitled to do what they want as if there's no ramifications. John 14:21, John 14:15, James 1:22, Proverbs 16:18.
Sister Shirley, may CHRIST IN US grace us with HIS wisdom and HIS understanding.
Romans 8:19 For the earnest EXPECTATION of the creature WAITETH for the manifestation of the SONS OF GOD.
Romans 8:21 Because the creature ITSELF shall be DELIVERED from the bondage of corruption unto the glorious liberty of the CHILDREN OF GOD.
When God has gathered all the Sons of GOD (those being born again NOW), then he will resurrect all the dead back into their flesh and those sons with him will JUDGE THE EARTH.
Isaiah 26:9 .... For when thy judgements are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will LEARN RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Obadiah 1:21 And saviours shall come upon mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau, and the kingdom shall be the LORD'S.
Proverbs 16:6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged .....
1 Corinthians 15:28 And when all things shall have been subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that GOD MAY BE ALL IN ALL.
Does this sound like God is going to send men to hell INSTEAD OF SAVING THEM.
God brought peace to Judah and Jehoshaphat grew in strength, in wealth, and in men at arms. However the peace and prosperity was not because of the strength of his army, but was given by God. Jehoshsphat saw that the people were lacking in the knowledge and practice of God's truths. He sent teachers and priest to teach the people to desire the truth and love the truth of God.
Our God will fight for us and bring us peace all around us. He will cause our enemies to be at peace with us round about. Proverbs 16: 7. We as saints of the Lord must be consistent. What ever we recommend in the name of the Lord we need to practice it ourselves. May the Lord be praised. The USA needs to return to the Lord God Almighty in this time of Pandemic, social, economic and
political turmoil. May our nations leaders find the salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ and worship the Lord in truth and in spirit.
2 Timothy 3:13-17. Does this relate to things like 'Christian' psychologists or psychology in general? Things like the DSM or personality disorders, etc. Isn't God's word sufficient? Psychology is rooted in the wisdom of man (and from those who denied Christ no less like Freud and Jung) so why should we listen to them when we have the word of God? 1 Corinthians 2:5, Proverbs 14:12, Proverbs 16:25, 2 Timothy 4:1-4, 1 John 2:15-17, Hebrews 4:12. Are these not related to 2 Timothy 3:13-17? Do we need to be 'diagnosed'? Are psychology and God's word compatible? If they are I would like to see some scripture that points to this (I know the Bible will not say 'psychology' specifically). This is important to me and my family as it is seeping in at the moment and I want to approach this biblically.
Brother adam, may christ in is grace us with his wisdom and his understanding.
romans 9:18 therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.
romans 9:19 thou wilt say unto me, why doth he yet find fault (say we sin)? for who hath resisted his will?
no one has resisted his will; therefore, no one has free will.
philippians 2:13 for it is god (spirit) that worketh in you both to will (his will not your free will) and to do his good pleasure.
ephesians 1:11 in whom we also have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him, who worketh all things after the council of his will.
the father is at present calling out; only, the chosen (by his will; those to be priest and judges in the kingdom of god).
obadiah 1:21 and saviours (the elect) shall come upon mount zion to judge the mount of esau (at the resurrection of the dead), and the the kingdom shall be the lord's.
romans 8:19 for the earnest expectation of creation waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of god (the seed of christ, the elect, the chosen, the judges, the saviours).
romans 8:21 for the creature (creation) itself also shall be delivered (through judgement) from the bondage of corruption (flesh) into the liberty of the sons of god.
isaiah 26:9 ......for when thy judgements (at the resurrection of the dead) are in the earth the world will learn righteousness.
proverbs 16:6 by mercy and truth iniquity is purged ......
romans 11:31 even so have these (the vessels of dishonour that god hardened) also not believed, that through your mercy (at the judgement of the dead) they also obtain mercy.
god has a plan for all creation, god's will, will be done.
Dgjot, may CHRIST IN US grace us with HIS understanding and HIS wisdom.
The MORE these verses become TRUTH to you, the more understanding you will receive from God's word.
Philippians 2:13 For it is God (SPIRIT) that worketh IN YOU both TO WILL (Spirit causes his will to be your will) and do HIS good pleasure.
Ephesians 1:11 In whom (in Christ) we ALSO have obtained an INHERITANCE (to become Son's of God; exactly like Christ the FIRSTBORN, I am the first (Son) and the last (Son), being predesinated according to the PURPOSE of HIM (Spirit) who WORKETH ALL THINGS after the COUNCEL OF HIS WILL.
We are the POT; HE (Spirit) (Life) (Truth) is causing you (all mankind) TO WILL and TO DO what has been purposed; to create you exactly like the SEED (THE WORD) that was PLANTED IN YOU.
Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creature (all creation) WAITETH for the manifestation of the Sons of God.
Romans 8:21 For the creature (all creation) ITSELF shall be DELIVERED from the bondage of corruption unto the LIBERTY of the Sons of God.
Revelation 2:26 And he that overcometh (the deception of this world), and keepeth MY WORKS (we are the pot, he is the potter) until the end, to him (the overcomer) will I give POWER over the nations.
Revelation 2:27 And he (the overcomer) shall rule the nations (because you are exactly like Christ, able to judge in righteousness) with a rod of iron; as vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. ( Psalms 2:8-9)
Isaiah 1:26 And I will restore thy JUDGES as at the first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning, afterwards (after the world is judged) thou shalt be called, The city or righteousness, the faithful city.
Isaiah 26:9 ...when thy JUDGEMENTS (resurrection to judgement) are in the earth, the world will LEARN righteousness.
Proverbs 16:5 By MERCY and TRUTH iniquity is PURGED ....
16 These six things doth the LORD HATE: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Proverbs 8:13 - The fear of the LORD is to HATE evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
Proverbs 11:2 - When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
Proverbs 16:5 - Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
Proverbs 16:18 - Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
Proverbs 26:12 - Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
Proverbs 27:2 - Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.
Proverbs 29:23 - A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
Jeremiah 9:23 - Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:
Romans 12:16 - Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Galatians 6:3 - For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
Philippians 2:3 - Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
James 4:6 - But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
1 John 2:16 - For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the PRIDE of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (Satan)
Technology is a wonderful thing to abusers. They use parental features to block phone numbers. They can use passwords to block access to bank accounts and track browsing history. They know, to the tenth of a mile the distance to the grocery, and they can look at the mileage to know if you deviated, and they can fake financial records at premarital counseling.
We were introduced by a common friend. He had considered her. They worked together for years, but he knew her divorce left her financially shaky, and the entire reason for picking someone out was to have their salary to solve his problems.
I had no where to go. Shelters don't take pets, and my church had no help, so I went to stay with friends, who became angry that I didn't hate him. I suspect he is bipolar, as it runs in his family, though his immediate family doesn't admit it. I tried to get him to a physician, and he refused. An uncle was hospitalized in the 60's, and his mother was brutal. I tried to explain it is a medical issue, to no avail. But, I left my friends, who consider themselves Good Catholics (I am not Catholic), because they were angry that I refused to hate him. He has a mental illness. I'd never trust or live with him again. But, it isn't Christian behavior to hate or wish him ill/dead. In the end, they treated me exactly as he had, which hurt more. They gossiped to friends. They tried to give my things away, because in their opinion, I didn't need them. They made scenes in stores. They considered me unable to make decisions about my life because I had picked him, after all. They threw my things in storage, keeping something incredibly important. They criticized everything I said or did, and if I said something, I was playing the victim or too sensitive. It is always my fault, never their fault.
Churches have no plan for abuse. Leaving is the easy part. It is trying to recover that is a LONG hard process. Almost 2 years now, and nowhere near recovered.
1 Corinthians 12. Ask The Holy Spirit for the gift, Discerning of Spirits. It's not a weapon or a toy. It helps us to see either, God or Satan.
Actually reading massive amounts of scripture will enable us to spot good fruit or rotting fruit. It doesn't give us a license to be fruit inspectors.
Jesus said, The Tree (himself), is known by its fruit. Jesus doesn't produce fruits like: doubts, suspicion, counter-offense, etc.
Count yourself fortunate to have escaped. Now you are much wiser, and will have the patience to do it the Bible way. In Jewish culture, the engaged couple waited a full year before the marriage ceremony was announced.
People nowadays, don't do that. They marry knowing nothing about how the other person earns their money, saves it, pays their bills on time, spending habits, tithes, makes offerings, etc. what if Mary had mended Joseph's clothes and he railed, that the stitches were too big and loose? Details matter to each partner. Looking and acting spiritual, does not make them spiritual behind the front door.
The Bible shows us repeatedly in numerous "couples stories", what makes a good marriage. That door swings both ways. It shows us what God expects from husbands as well. Again.. ask what is the fruit?! Learn to break it off with the fakers. Men must produce the fruit of Jesus.
If your personal relationship to the Holy Spirit is
Strong and Close, you will never be fooled again.
In our culture, it's called Dating. We date to see how the other behaves at church, giving, donating time to church or civic activities. This goes for the ladies too). Management of money. Faithfulness to country, church, family, employer, children, community, help of less fortunate ( Matthew 25)
In my experience, you cannot mend broken wings, nor Broken People. Only God can do that.
Some people are born broken and do not comprehend unbroken life. Don't bring home stray puppies.
Or physically? I think abuse is abuse, no matter what the form, and nitpicking about it isn't abuse if the thrown dish doesn't hit you, but it is if it hits you is ridiculous. Is it abuse if he hurts the dogs because he knows it hurts you?
I know in my church, I can't remarry as long as he is alive, but I'm not sure I'd ever want to remarry. I married later in life. I don't know if I could trust someone again. My husband attended church, before we ever met, for years. He went to Bible studies. Everyone thought he was a wonderful Christian man. They didn't know the secrets he hid, and few believe me now. But, great abusers are excellent actors. His lies fell apart a few years after we were married, and because he seemed so stable, I was the person who was to blame.
And, he was very good at drawing my family, with whom I didn't have a good relationship, into his schemes. My mother and sister are very jealous of my academic achievements. When I tried to leave, my mother would promise to help, then tell him or not show up. My sister would promise to help, but would promise inappropriate help, si my refusal was an excuse to withdraw completely. They both made it clear I deserved abuse.
The Bible also assumes people in your church want to help. If your house burned down, they would, but not with abuse. Abuse is part of a private relationship, and people chose sides. The "I don't believe it, she is lying," and the "throw him out of church." Also, recovering from abuse doesn't happen in a week, and people will not stick around for the long haul. I've never been so disappointed in my church. Even when he admitted abuse, the thought was I drove him to it because he had been such a nice man prior to our marriage. Never mind that he married me only because he was in severe financial straits, and my salary was to bail him out.
The church doesn't know how to hand abuse, beyond "don't do it again." And, it starts with pastors educating the congregation,
Michael. If you're thinking of Isaiah 45:7, please don't assume that there is any evil within the Godhead to produce evil. We need to understand that verse properly. Just as the LORD "formed the light", so too can He "create darkness". That is, when God chooses to remove the light, darkness remains - darkness is the default. God had to introduce light to dispel darkness ( Genesis 1:1-5); Jesus had to become Light unto men to reveal & dispel their inner darkness ( John 12:46).
Likewise, God said, "I make peace and create evil". Evil came from the father of evil & sin, who is the devil. And the devil has controlled the world with his wickedness ( Ephesians 2:1-3). But in that overwhelming wickedness, the merciful God has still brought peace to the hearts & lives of many: to His people, Israel, if they obeyed: Psalm 119:165; Proverbs 16:7 and to all others who come to Him through the Cross of His Son ( John 14:27; Ephesians 2:13-18).
But what happens when God chooses to remove His Peace? And what happens when God chooses to remove His Light? If Peace goes, evil will immediately take over - if Light is removed, darkness instantly prevails. So, God is not the author of evil, but that evil is the result when His Peace is removed; hence, as it is written, "I create evil", or, 'I have allowed evil to take hold (or, make evil happen), because I have removed My Peace'.
Maybe if Satan was bound soon after him troubling mankind with evil, there would be no need for such verses that would require God to act against evil, but in the Wisdom of God & to make His Power, Love & Salvation known to all, we who have been drawn to & choose His Light & Peace, can always know His Power constantly working in us. But if that Light & Peace fades away in us, we know it's because we have given Satan a foothold in us, bringing us into darkness & sin.
Brother David, may CHRIST IN US grace us with HIS wisdom and HIS understanding.
God divides eternity into different AGES. God CAUSES certain things to happen in those AGES.
In the Previous AGE; the AGE of THE LAW and Prophets. God caused THE ONES HE APPOINTED to leave a written record of the AGE TO FOLLOW.
It was written that in the AGE TO COME God would APPOINT (call out) a FEW to be PRIEST in his KINGDOM.
This is what we see now. Most want be called now; BUT there are more AGES to come. Christ and his priest will judge the world and the world will LEARN RIGHTEOUSNESS.
God has a PLAN:
ALL WILL OBEY AND WORSHIP GOD.
Isaiah 32:1 Behold, a king shall rule in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgement.
Psalms 94:15 But judgement shall TURN INTO RIGHTEOUSNESS ....
Proverbs 16:6 By MERCY and TRUTH iniquity is PURGED ...
Psalms 85:10 Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
Psalms 22:29 And they that be fat upon the earth shall eat and worship (first resurrection): and they that go down to the dust (second resurrection) SHALL BOW BEFORE HIM: and none can keep alive his own soul.
Psalms 22:30 A seed (priest) shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation (age).
Psalms 22:31 They (priest) shall come (at the second resurrection), and shall declare his righteousness to a people (at the second resurrection) that SHALL BE BORN (AGAIN) that he hath done this.
Revelation 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth MY WORKS unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
Revelation 2:27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessel of a potter shall they be broken to shivers, even as I received of my Father.
Revelation 10:11 And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy AGAIN before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.
This is what the parable of Lazarus and the rich man is about.
You're not alone in this struggle, there's areas we continue to grow by praying and continuing in the word,
Our spiritual growth is increased by God, not our own efforts, That's one of the several things I never could do on my own, and compassion would just come from nowhere, It's the fruit of the spirit, we are to abide in Christ, We may be able to control the our actions externally but inwardly is where we need help,
Look what Jesus tells the Pharisees:
Matthew 23:25-28. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
There's a Devine connection between 2 true believers, a brotherhood created by the Lord himself. They have the same Spirit, connected to the same vine and have the same vine dresser,
When there seems to be some disconnect that want mend there is a chance someone is not connected to the vine,
This is a problem in the Christian community,
Different views of doctrine has exposed carnal or false Christians by hate that can be seen, It is something to be concerned with but it may be an area the Lord will have to deal with.
Proverbs 16:7. When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Thank you JR. I am praying right now for the Lord to be with you both & for a real love & understanding to re-enter your marriage. Please don't suffer this in silence; there are probably others reading your story who are also bringing you both before the Lord. Share your agony with a friend or someone you can really trust, so that you never feel alone - otherwise this can be very soul destroying, leading to further problems.
The Lord is the One Who fully understands & can completely heal; look to Him constantly for strength & continue to exercise faith believing that He is working on your behalf. With the Lord, nothing is impossible. Always know that you are special & precious to Him, in spite what anyone might say or do to hurt or undermine your character. Rejoice in that, live for Jesus, & exude Christ's Love & understanding as your witness to all. Remember, with Jesus at your side giving you wisdom & strength, you can do all things (in the physical, emotional & spiritual realms) to live above the griefs & burdens of life. Philippians 4:13.
The Scripture that makes the matter of divorce clear, is Jesus' Own Words in Matthew 19:3-8, where He stated that divorce was never in God's Plan in the union of man & woman but was only permitted on the grounds of fornication; i.e. where the marriage bed was defiled because of the infidelity of one partner who broke the holy union of the "two becoming one flesh".
And since an illegal divorce opens the way for both parties to consider re-marriage, then this too results in breaking God's Commandment concerning an adulterous relationship. So we turn to the Apostle Paul who, in 1 Corinthians 7:3-5, gives a further comment for believers. They ought to remember that Christian couples now equally share in each other's lives & that a proper response of "benevolence" (love, respect, kindness) to be shown to each other.
Verse 5: Paul instructed those who had marriage problems to "not defraud (deprive) each other (of this benevolence)". But in a state of hopelessness, they could separate for a time, being in prayer & fasting, seeking help & healing of their matters from the Lord. The whole point of this was to prevent the marriage from being dissolved & that all steps should be taken for both to stay together & have their differences healed & their love & respect return.
You write of one being emotionally abused. I would say that the offender needs to be made aware of his/her callous actions. If no consideration is given or change seen, then professional counselling would be next (from the Pastor or another counsellor). If this attitude still persists, then seek a separation for a time using it to consider the damage being done to the other & gain help & guidance from the Lord. If all fails, I would say that a final separation or a divorce is in order as ongoing verbal abuse is just one step short of physical abuse, though realizing that after this, neither spouse can re-marry again, at least from the biblical instructions we learn on this matter. The Lord be with you.
My thought life, and as I assume from conversations are as most others, is the greatest battleground for Christians.
The mind is the point where the spirit, soul and flesh come together. This is the place where war erupts as these three entities struggle with each other for their own purpose.
The spirit is what makes us who we are, the unique characteristics of being an individual unlike any other. The spirit houses our likes, dis-likes, talents, stamina and abilities.
The soul is the eternal center of the individual. The soul is what brought us into existence. The soul understands and longs for the true moral center of righteousness. I believe deep within each of our souls lies the understanding we were created for a higher purpose than to merely exist for a season in the flesh. The idea of connection to something greater.
The flesh is of this world as it was created from this world and became sinful through our acceptance to commit sins. It seeks immediate gratification and is self-indulgent wanting to be first and foremost in our environment. It seeks to please others so as to be accepted by those around us thereby not leaving our flesh to be at enmity with the world in which we live, so as not to be apart and alone.
In this struggle our mind weighs each of the thousands of decisions we make every day. Each entity within us strives to have its desire implemented. I have heard it said "it is not the big decisions which shape our lives but the smallest decisions which direct our actions and guide us". These small decisions are what leads us to; a fulfilled life, a mediocre life, or a tragic life with these last two ending with the loss of our soul to what the soul desires, communion with that which gave us eternal life.
By committing all our works (decisions) unto God will bring peace to the struggle in our mind. Incorporating God into every decision ends the double-mindedness?
Brother Richard, may CHRIST IN US grace us with HIS wisdom and HIS understanding.
I know we as brothers and sisters don't agree on all things, Yet. I also believe that God has designed it that way. He said that household would be brother against brother, sister against sister, etc. This is one of those TEST we endure. Flesh reacts with anger or some other similar trait with his brother. Spirit is long suffering and patient, both are works of God that burn wood, hay, stubble, and purify gold and silver.
1 Corinthians 3:11-13
The Spirit caused me to stop believing in Hell as a place of torture for eternity; because, I can't reconcile it to FIT and not contradict other scriptures.
1 Timothy 4:9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.
1 Timothy 4:10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, WHO IS THE SAVIOR OF ALL MEN, specially of those that BELIEVE.
1 Timothy 4:11 These things COMMAND AND TEACH.
I BELIEVE Christ will save the world; although, not all in the age we are in now.
1 Timothy 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
1 Timothy 2:4 Who WILL HAVE (God's will; will be done) all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of truth.
Romans 8:21 Because the creature (creation) ITSELF ALSO SHALL BE DELIVERED from the bondage of corruption (death and the grave) into the glorious LIBERTY of the CHILDREN OF GOD.
I BELIEVE this is done in the ages to come after the SONS OF GOD have been revealed.
Romans 8:19 ...Creation WAITETH for the manifestation of the Sons of God.
Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, LOVE YOUR ENEMIES, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you, and persecute you.
Since Christ is in us and causes us to LOVE OUR ENEMIES. I think he knows how to judge in righteousness and not torture.
Proverbs 16:6 Through MERCY and TRUTH iniquity is purged....
Brother Stan, may CHRIST IN US grace us with HIS wisdom and HIS understanding. Most of the Psalms are prophecies pointing to the NEW COVENANT. Christ already knows the END. He knows because HE SPOKE THE WORDS before the foundation of the world. They are coming to fruition at HIS APPOINTED TIME. (his works)
Ecclesiastes 3:1-9
Hebrews 4:3 For we which have believed do ENTER INTO (SABBATH) REST, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into MY (SABBATH) REST: although THE (his) WORKS were FINISHED from the foundations of the world. Christ has been RESTING since those first six days; you are defiling the SABBATH if you are not also resting (IN CHRIST'S WORKS): THE WORKS ARE DONE (COMPLETE).
Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor setteth in the seat of the scornful.
Christ is declaring kis WORKS that the death and resurrection of HIMSELF will bring to mankind. At his APPOINTED TIME in each of us. HIS WORKS!
Proverbs 16:6 BY MERCY and TRUTH iniquity is purged.....(his works)
Romans 2:4...not knowing that THE GOODNESS of God leadeth thee to REPENTANCE? (his works)
Isaiah 27:12 And it shall COME TO PASS in that day (NEW COVENANT) (day of the Lord)... ye shall be gathered ONE by ONE (appointed time)...(his works)
Revelation 21:3 ...Behold, the tabernacle (temple) of God is with men...CHRIST IN YOU (his works)
1 Corinthians 3:16 Know ye not that YE are the temple of God (new heaven), and that the SPIRIT of God DWELLETH IN YOU. (his works)
Revelation 21:22 And I saw no temple therein (new Jerusalem), for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb ARE THE TEMPLE OF IT (CHRIST IN US). Accomplished at the NEW COVENANT. Death and resurrection of Christ. New heaven (NEW dwelling place of God) and new earth (new body; no longer dust, but THE GLORY OF GOD)! (his works)
I believe Homosexuality and same sex marriage has overtaken the nation to where its the norm, And being legalized by the government that is when our cup is filled!!
Not to mention abortion!!
We have a lot of blood on our hands from the beginning,
Unrepentant Homsexuals is going to have a lot of company in Hell.
And prayer, how important is that?!
We have taken it out of school!!
"All" this dark world will be under judgment,
"We the Church" is to be a light to lead people out of darkness.
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
1 Peter 2:9.
We're strangers and pilgrims. We should walk that way, but the world, Apostasy, and pride has crept in the Church.
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18
We parallel with Sodom in more ways than just Homosexuality. Look at the sins of Sodom here in
Ezekiel 16:49-50.
Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.
And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.
God has never done more for a nation than what he done for Israel, but look what he says about Israel.
Ezekiel 16:48. As I live, saith the Lord GOD, Sodom thy sister hath not done, she nor her daughters, as thou hast done, thou and thy daughters.
They had written laws by the hand of God that had no need to be AMENDED!. Laws written on stone condemned the word!!
Us like them started with written laws we never held true to.
But now we have in the Church what the world nations never had and never will,
THE HOLYSPIRIT IN US. A Royal priesthood, A Holy Nation, Called out of darkness into his marvellous light.
Danise, may CHRIST IN US grace us with HIS wisdom and HIS understanding.
Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in times past ye (we) walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Ephesians 2:3 Among whom ALSO WE ALL had our conversation in times past in the lust of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of our flesh and of the mind; and were by NATURE the children of wrath, even as others.
1 Corinthians 2:6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect; yet NOT THE WISDOM OF THIS WORLD, nor of the PRINCES OF THIS WORLD, that come to nought:
1 Corinthians 2:7 But we speak the WISDOM OF GOD in a mystery, even the hidden WISDOM, which God ORDAINED BEFORE THE WORLD unto OUR glory.
1 Corinthians 2:8 Which none of THE PRINCES OF THIS WORLD knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
Paul said God made him an example to all men. Paul was zealous for killing God's people. When ones appointed time from God comes; GOD WILL CAUSE YOUR WILL TO BECOME HIS WILL just as he did to Paul. WE were all born into IGNORANCE. We ALL killed CHRIST; and whatsoever you are doing to God's children you are doing unto Him.
Ephesians 1:11 .....according to the purpose of HIM who WORKETH ALL THINGS after the counsel of HIS WILL...
Philippians 2:13 For it is GOD (SPIRIT) WHO WORKETH in you BOTH (you and Christ) to will and to do of HIS good pleasure.
Proverbs 16:6 By MERCY and TRUTH iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lord men DEPART FROM EVIL.
Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
Ezekiel 34:8
As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock;
Proverbs 16:22
Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.
Luke 24:25
Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
Proverbs 15:14
The heart of him that hath understanding seeks knowledge: but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Hebrews 3:19
So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
Matthew 13:58
And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
Hebrews 3:12
Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
Romans 11:30
For as you in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy...
Romans 1:17-28
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made [people], even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are WITHOUT EXCUSE.
Mishael comment: Not making a choice to receive salvation through Jesus; is a choice. Read John 3 carefully.
Dorine McCray Spencer on Proverbs 16 - 3 years ago
So we must keep in mind that our Lord Almighty is the only Commanding chief that's in full control of everything and have always been also who gives correct instructions to all who Trust in him and to call upon his name to obey and to do what we was called to do that it's not about us it's about bringing Glory to his name in all the work we do while still passing through in the mighty name of Jesus Amen
Suzanne, May the Spirit grace you with his understanding of his words:
Do Gods creatures have FREE WILL; or, are we the WORKS of the creator?
Ephesians 1:11 In whom (Spirit) also we have obtained (by grace) an inheritance (children), being predestinated (you have not chosen me, but I have chosen you. John 15:16) according to the purpose of him (Spirit) who WORKETH all things after the counsel of HIS OWN WILL:
Philippians 2:13 For it is God (Spirit) which WORKETH in you both to WILL and to DO of his good pleasure.
Colossians 1:29 Whereunto, I (Paul) also labour, striving according to his (Spirit) WORKING, which WORKETH in me mightily.
Isaiah 26:12 Lord, thou (Spirit) wilt ordain peace for us: for thou (Spirit) also hast wrought (WORKED) all our WORKS in us.
Isaiah 44:26 ......that PERFORMETH the counsel of his (Spirit) messengers....
Psalm 57:2 I will cry unto God most high that PERFORMETH all things for me.
Proverbs 16: 33 The lot is cast into the lap (we were predestined); but the whole disposing (WORK) thereof is of the Lord (Spirit)
Proverbs 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord (Spirit), as the rivers of water: he (Spirit) TURNETH it (man's heart) whithersoever he (Spirit) WILL.
Job 12:9 Who (man) knoweth not in all these that the hand of the Lord (Spirit) hath wrought (WORKED) this?
Job 23:14 For he (Spirit) PERFORMETH the things that is appointed (predestined) for me....
Job 23:10 But he (Spirit) knoweth the way that I take: when he (Spirit) has tried me, I shall come forth as pure gold.
Hebrews 4:3 For we which believed do enter into rest.....the WORKS (we are the works of the Spirit) were finished before the foundation of the world.
Hebrews 4:11 Let us (works of the Spirit) labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of UNBELIEF.
Of the two choices in your question, my preference would be the latter: to wait on the Lord for His provision. And more so, if your first option to actively look for a spouse, entails much 'Church-hopping' or registering on various Christian dating sites. I feel that if our Christian life requires an ongoing vibrant trust in the Lord in all His provisions for us, then there should be little difference when the need is for a spouse. The Lord is aware of all we need & He certainly provides for us in the right measure at the right time; our faith in Him to give what is best for us has to also instil peace in us that He will do it.
I don't believe this waiting on the Lord indicates any laziness on our part, as those who are of such disposition or procrastinators: 2 Thessalonians 3:10. I believe that the Lord delights when His children look to Him & wait upon Him for His very best. My wife & I married in our early 40s (a first marriage for both of us). And we both believed that the Lord had called us to singleness, as she cared for her elderly widowed Father & I in ministry in Pakistan & then in India. Yet, we have proven Proverbs 16:9: that as we plan our course, it is the Lord Who directs our steps.
A senior brother in Christ had called me over to help in teaching about Islam to young Christian Brethren gathered from various assemblies throughout India. They were being prepared to be sent out to serve short-term in various parts of India as evangelists. I also had the responsibility of keeping the Mission's accounts. The 'steps' I took towards that ministry led me to my future wife's home as I had to deliver a letter from her aunt. I was also able to stay in an upstairs room of her home & was able to assist her Dad when she had to be away. So as things progressed in our friendship, we realized that our meeting at this time was of the Lord & we clearly sensed that this was His Plan for our marriage. We've been happily married for almost 25 years, now in retirement.
Luke 1:25, 1 Samuel 1:6, women have cruelly mocked other women many times over this issue & others.
Remember GOD justifies Romans 8:33, Psalms 22:24, be encouraged sis
Proverbs 16:9, Romans 5:1, James 2:22-25,
However the root argument sometimes stem from situational issues of choice which people may be referring to Genesis 38:6-10, then continued reading Tamar was considered "more righteous" Genesis 38:26, pursuing offspring of her dead husbands lineage, which was significant either in justification, reward or preplanned destiny. Matthew 1:3, Genesis 38:29, she is written in the documentation of Jesus lineage. Hebrews 11,
Additional scripture
Act 17:28-29, Malachi 2:15, Isaiah 65:21-24, on their perspective
I hope this was encouraging & helpful
I noticed some comments posted that sound like they are only a breath away from denying the Lord. God's Word and 2 Peter 2:1 is for them. Luke 12:5. 1 Timothy 6:12.
Some sound upset that God demands obedience, and some feel entitled to do what they want as if there's no ramifications. John 14:21, John 14:15, James 1:22, Proverbs 16:18.
Romans 8:19 For the earnest EXPECTATION of the creature WAITETH for the manifestation of the SONS OF GOD.
Romans 8:21 Because the creature ITSELF shall be DELIVERED from the bondage of corruption unto the glorious liberty of the CHILDREN OF GOD.
When God has gathered all the Sons of GOD (those being born again NOW), then he will resurrect all the dead back into their flesh and those sons with him will JUDGE THE EARTH.
Isaiah 26:9 .... For when thy judgements are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will LEARN RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Obadiah 1:21 And saviours shall come upon mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau, and the kingdom shall be the LORD'S.
Proverbs 16:6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged .....
1 Corinthians 15:28 And when all things shall have been subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that GOD MAY BE ALL IN ALL.
Does this sound like God is going to send men to hell INSTEAD OF SAVING THEM.
Mark 7:22
Proverbs 13:10
Proverbs 16:18
Psalms 10:4
Hope these help
Our God will fight for us and bring us peace all around us. He will cause our enemies to be at peace with us round about. Proverbs 16: 7. We as saints of the Lord must be consistent. What ever we recommend in the name of the Lord we need to practice it ourselves. May the Lord be praised. The USA needs to return to the Lord God Almighty in this time of Pandemic, social, economic and
political turmoil. May our nations leaders find the salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ and worship the Lord in truth and in spirit.
October 12, 2021
romans 9:18 therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.
romans 9:19 thou wilt say unto me, why doth he yet find fault (say we sin)? for who hath resisted his will?
no one has resisted his will; therefore, no one has free will.
philippians 2:13 for it is god (spirit) that worketh in you both to will (his will not your free will) and to do his good pleasure.
ephesians 1:11 in whom we also have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him, who worketh all things after the council of his will.
the father is at present calling out; only, the chosen (by his will; those to be priest and judges in the kingdom of god).
obadiah 1:21 and saviours (the elect) shall come upon mount zion to judge the mount of esau (at the resurrection of the dead), and the the kingdom shall be the lord's.
romans 8:19 for the earnest expectation of creation waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of god (the seed of christ, the elect, the chosen, the judges, the saviours).
romans 8:21 for the creature (creation) itself also shall be delivered (through judgement) from the bondage of corruption (flesh) into the liberty of the sons of god.
isaiah 26:9 ......for when thy judgements (at the resurrection of the dead) are in the earth the world will learn righteousness.
proverbs 16:6 by mercy and truth iniquity is purged ......
romans 11:31 even so have these (the vessels of dishonour that god hardened) also not believed, that through your mercy (at the judgement of the dead) they also obtain mercy.
god has a plan for all creation, god's will, will be done.
The MORE these verses become TRUTH to you, the more understanding you will receive from God's word.
Philippians 2:13 For it is God (SPIRIT) that worketh IN YOU both TO WILL (Spirit causes his will to be your will) and do HIS good pleasure.
Ephesians 1:11 In whom (in Christ) we ALSO have obtained an INHERITANCE (to become Son's of God; exactly like Christ the FIRSTBORN, I am the first (Son) and the last (Son), being predesinated according to the PURPOSE of HIM (Spirit) who WORKETH ALL THINGS after the COUNCEL OF HIS WILL.
We are the POT; HE (Spirit) (Life) (Truth) is causing you (all mankind) TO WILL and TO DO what has been purposed; to create you exactly like the SEED (THE WORD) that was PLANTED IN YOU.
Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creature (all creation) WAITETH for the manifestation of the Sons of God.
Romans 8:21 For the creature (all creation) ITSELF shall be DELIVERED from the bondage of corruption unto the LIBERTY of the Sons of God.
Revelation 2:26 And he that overcometh (the deception of this world), and keepeth MY WORKS (we are the pot, he is the potter) until the end, to him (the overcomer) will I give POWER over the nations.
Revelation 2:27 And he (the overcomer) shall rule the nations (because you are exactly like Christ, able to judge in righteousness) with a rod of iron; as vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. ( Psalms 2:8-9)
Isaiah 1:26 And I will restore thy JUDGES as at the first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning, afterwards (after the world is judged) thou shalt be called, The city or righteousness, the faithful city.
Isaiah 26:9 ...when thy JUDGEMENTS (resurrection to judgement) are in the earth, the world will LEARN righteousness.
Proverbs 16:5 By MERCY and TRUTH iniquity is PURGED ....
16 These six things doth the LORD HATE: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Proverbs 8:13 - The fear of the LORD is to HATE evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
Proverbs 11:2 - When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
Proverbs 16:5 - Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
Proverbs 16:18 - Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
Proverbs 26:12 - Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
Proverbs 27:2 - Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.
Proverbs 29:23 - A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
Jeremiah 9:23 - Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:
Romans 12:16 - Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Galatians 6:3 - For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
Philippians 2:3 - Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
James 4:6 - But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
1 John 2:16 - For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the PRIDE of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (Satan)
We were introduced by a common friend. He had considered her. They worked together for years, but he knew her divorce left her financially shaky, and the entire reason for picking someone out was to have their salary to solve his problems.
I had no where to go. Shelters don't take pets, and my church had no help, so I went to stay with friends, who became angry that I didn't hate him. I suspect he is bipolar, as it runs in his family, though his immediate family doesn't admit it. I tried to get him to a physician, and he refused. An uncle was hospitalized in the 60's, and his mother was brutal. I tried to explain it is a medical issue, to no avail. But, I left my friends, who consider themselves Good Catholics (I am not Catholic), because they were angry that I refused to hate him. He has a mental illness. I'd never trust or live with him again. But, it isn't Christian behavior to hate or wish him ill/dead. In the end, they treated me exactly as he had, which hurt more. They gossiped to friends. They tried to give my things away, because in their opinion, I didn't need them. They made scenes in stores. They considered me unable to make decisions about my life because I had picked him, after all. They threw my things in storage, keeping something incredibly important. They criticized everything I said or did, and if I said something, I was playing the victim or too sensitive. It is always my fault, never their fault.
Churches have no plan for abuse. Leaving is the easy part. It is trying to recover that is a LONG hard process. Almost 2 years now, and nowhere near recovered.
1 Corinthians 12. Ask The Holy Spirit for the gift, Discerning of Spirits. It's not a weapon or a toy. It helps us to see either, God or Satan.
Actually reading massive amounts of scripture will enable us to spot good fruit or rotting fruit. It doesn't give us a license to be fruit inspectors.
Jesus said, The Tree (himself), is known by its fruit. Jesus doesn't produce fruits like: doubts, suspicion, counter-offense, etc.
Count yourself fortunate to have escaped. Now you are much wiser, and will have the patience to do it the Bible way. In Jewish culture, the engaged couple waited a full year before the marriage ceremony was announced.
People nowadays, don't do that. They marry knowing nothing about how the other person earns their money, saves it, pays their bills on time, spending habits, tithes, makes offerings, etc. what if Mary had mended Joseph's clothes and he railed, that the stitches were too big and loose? Details matter to each partner. Looking and acting spiritual, does not make them spiritual behind the front door.
The Bible shows us repeatedly in numerous "couples stories", what makes a good marriage. That door swings both ways. It shows us what God expects from husbands as well. Again.. ask what is the fruit?! Learn to break it off with the fakers. Men must produce the fruit of Jesus.
If your personal relationship to the Holy Spirit is
Strong and Close, you will never be fooled again.
In our culture, it's called Dating. We date to see how the other behaves at church, giving, donating time to church or civic activities. This goes for the ladies too). Management of money. Faithfulness to country, church, family, employer, children, community, help of less fortunate ( Matthew 25)
In my experience, you cannot mend broken wings, nor Broken People. Only God can do that.
Some people are born broken and do not comprehend unbroken life. Don't bring home stray puppies.
I know in my church, I can't remarry as long as he is alive, but I'm not sure I'd ever want to remarry. I married later in life. I don't know if I could trust someone again. My husband attended church, before we ever met, for years. He went to Bible studies. Everyone thought he was a wonderful Christian man. They didn't know the secrets he hid, and few believe me now. But, great abusers are excellent actors. His lies fell apart a few years after we were married, and because he seemed so stable, I was the person who was to blame.
And, he was very good at drawing my family, with whom I didn't have a good relationship, into his schemes. My mother and sister are very jealous of my academic achievements. When I tried to leave, my mother would promise to help, then tell him or not show up. My sister would promise to help, but would promise inappropriate help, si my refusal was an excuse to withdraw completely. They both made it clear I deserved abuse.
The Bible also assumes people in your church want to help. If your house burned down, they would, but not with abuse. Abuse is part of a private relationship, and people chose sides. The "I don't believe it, she is lying," and the "throw him out of church." Also, recovering from abuse doesn't happen in a week, and people will not stick around for the long haul. I've never been so disappointed in my church. Even when he admitted abuse, the thought was I drove him to it because he had been such a nice man prior to our marriage. Never mind that he married me only because he was in severe financial straits, and my salary was to bail him out.
The church doesn't know how to hand abuse, beyond "don't do it again." And, it starts with pastors educating the congregation,
Likewise, God said, "I make peace and create evil". Evil came from the father of evil & sin, who is the devil. And the devil has controlled the world with his wickedness ( Ephesians 2:1-3). But in that overwhelming wickedness, the merciful God has still brought peace to the hearts & lives of many: to His people, Israel, if they obeyed: Psalm 119:165; Proverbs 16:7 and to all others who come to Him through the Cross of His Son ( John 14:27; Ephesians 2:13-18).
But what happens when God chooses to remove His Peace? And what happens when God chooses to remove His Light? If Peace goes, evil will immediately take over - if Light is removed, darkness instantly prevails. So, God is not the author of evil, but that evil is the result when His Peace is removed; hence, as it is written, "I create evil", or, 'I have allowed evil to take hold (or, make evil happen), because I have removed My Peace'.
Maybe if Satan was bound soon after him troubling mankind with evil, there would be no need for such verses that would require God to act against evil, but in the Wisdom of God & to make His Power, Love & Salvation known to all, we who have been drawn to & choose His Light & Peace, can always know His Power constantly working in us. But if that Light & Peace fades away in us, we know it's because we have given Satan a foothold in us, bringing us into darkness & sin.
God divides eternity into different AGES. God CAUSES certain things to happen in those AGES.
In the Previous AGE; the AGE of THE LAW and Prophets. God caused THE ONES HE APPOINTED to leave a written record of the AGE TO FOLLOW.
It was written that in the AGE TO COME God would APPOINT (call out) a FEW to be PRIEST in his KINGDOM.
This is what we see now. Most want be called now; BUT there are more AGES to come. Christ and his priest will judge the world and the world will LEARN RIGHTEOUSNESS.
God has a PLAN:
ALL WILL OBEY AND WORSHIP GOD.
Isaiah 32:1 Behold, a king shall rule in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgement.
Psalms 94:15 But judgement shall TURN INTO RIGHTEOUSNESS ....
Proverbs 16:6 By MERCY and TRUTH iniquity is PURGED ...
Psalms 85:10 Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
Psalms 22:29 And they that be fat upon the earth shall eat and worship (first resurrection): and they that go down to the dust (second resurrection) SHALL BOW BEFORE HIM: and none can keep alive his own soul.
Psalms 22:30 A seed (priest) shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation (age).
Psalms 22:31 They (priest) shall come (at the second resurrection), and shall declare his righteousness to a people (at the second resurrection) that SHALL BE BORN (AGAIN) that he hath done this.
Revelation 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth MY WORKS unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
Revelation 2:27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessel of a potter shall they be broken to shivers, even as I received of my Father.
Revelation 10:11 And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy AGAIN before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.
This is what the parable of Lazarus and the rich man is about.
You're not alone in this struggle, there's areas we continue to grow by praying and continuing in the word,
Our spiritual growth is increased by God, not our own efforts, That's one of the several things I never could do on my own, and compassion would just come from nowhere, It's the fruit of the spirit, we are to abide in Christ, We may be able to control the our actions externally but inwardly is where we need help,
Look what Jesus tells the Pharisees:
Matthew 23:25-28. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
There's a Devine connection between 2 true believers, a brotherhood created by the Lord himself. They have the same Spirit, connected to the same vine and have the same vine dresser,
When there seems to be some disconnect that want mend there is a chance someone is not connected to the vine,
This is a problem in the Christian community,
Different views of doctrine has exposed carnal or false Christians by hate that can be seen, It is something to be concerned with but it may be an area the Lord will have to deal with.
Proverbs 16:7. When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
God bless.
The Lord is the One Who fully understands & can completely heal; look to Him constantly for strength & continue to exercise faith believing that He is working on your behalf. With the Lord, nothing is impossible. Always know that you are special & precious to Him, in spite what anyone might say or do to hurt or undermine your character. Rejoice in that, live for Jesus, & exude Christ's Love & understanding as your witness to all. Remember, with Jesus at your side giving you wisdom & strength, you can do all things (in the physical, emotional & spiritual realms) to live above the griefs & burdens of life. Philippians 4:13.
And since an illegal divorce opens the way for both parties to consider re-marriage, then this too results in breaking God's Commandment concerning an adulterous relationship. So we turn to the Apostle Paul who, in 1 Corinthians 7:3-5, gives a further comment for believers. They ought to remember that Christian couples now equally share in each other's lives & that a proper response of "benevolence" (love, respect, kindness) to be shown to each other.
Verse 5: Paul instructed those who had marriage problems to "not defraud (deprive) each other (of this benevolence)". But in a state of hopelessness, they could separate for a time, being in prayer & fasting, seeking help & healing of their matters from the Lord. The whole point of this was to prevent the marriage from being dissolved & that all steps should be taken for both to stay together & have their differences healed & their love & respect return.
You write of one being emotionally abused. I would say that the offender needs to be made aware of his/her callous actions. If no consideration is given or change seen, then professional counselling would be next (from the Pastor or another counsellor). If this attitude still persists, then seek a separation for a time using it to consider the damage being done to the other & gain help & guidance from the Lord. If all fails, I would say that a final separation or a divorce is in order as ongoing verbal abuse is just one step short of physical abuse, though realizing that after this, neither spouse can re-marry again, at least from the biblical instructions we learn on this matter. The Lord be with you.
My thought life, and as I assume from conversations are as most others, is the greatest battleground for Christians.
The mind is the point where the spirit, soul and flesh come together. This is the place where war erupts as these three entities struggle with each other for their own purpose.
The spirit is what makes us who we are, the unique characteristics of being an individual unlike any other. The spirit houses our likes, dis-likes, talents, stamina and abilities.
The soul is the eternal center of the individual. The soul is what brought us into existence. The soul understands and longs for the true moral center of righteousness. I believe deep within each of our souls lies the understanding we were created for a higher purpose than to merely exist for a season in the flesh. The idea of connection to something greater.
The flesh is of this world as it was created from this world and became sinful through our acceptance to commit sins. It seeks immediate gratification and is self-indulgent wanting to be first and foremost in our environment. It seeks to please others so as to be accepted by those around us thereby not leaving our flesh to be at enmity with the world in which we live, so as not to be apart and alone.
In this struggle our mind weighs each of the thousands of decisions we make every day. Each entity within us strives to have its desire implemented. I have heard it said "it is not the big decisions which shape our lives but the smallest decisions which direct our actions and guide us". These small decisions are what leads us to; a fulfilled life, a mediocre life, or a tragic life with these last two ending with the loss of our soul to what the soul desires, communion with that which gave us eternal life.
By committing all our works (decisions) unto God will bring peace to the struggle in our mind. Incorporating God into every decision ends the double-mindedness?
thoughts??
I know we as brothers and sisters don't agree on all things, Yet. I also believe that God has designed it that way. He said that household would be brother against brother, sister against sister, etc. This is one of those TEST we endure. Flesh reacts with anger or some other similar trait with his brother. Spirit is long suffering and patient, both are works of God that burn wood, hay, stubble, and purify gold and silver.
1 Corinthians 3:11-13
The Spirit caused me to stop believing in Hell as a place of torture for eternity; because, I can't reconcile it to FIT and not contradict other scriptures.
1 Timothy 4:9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.
1 Timothy 4:10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, WHO IS THE SAVIOR OF ALL MEN, specially of those that BELIEVE.
1 Timothy 4:11 These things COMMAND AND TEACH.
I BELIEVE Christ will save the world; although, not all in the age we are in now.
1 Timothy 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
1 Timothy 2:4 Who WILL HAVE (God's will; will be done) all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of truth.
Romans 8:21 Because the creature (creation) ITSELF ALSO SHALL BE DELIVERED from the bondage of corruption (death and the grave) into the glorious LIBERTY of the CHILDREN OF GOD.
I BELIEVE this is done in the ages to come after the SONS OF GOD have been revealed.
Romans 8:19 ...Creation WAITETH for the manifestation of the Sons of God.
Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, LOVE YOUR ENEMIES, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you, and persecute you.
Since Christ is in us and causes us to LOVE OUR ENEMIES. I think he knows how to judge in righteousness and not torture.
Proverbs 16:6 Through MERCY and TRUTH iniquity is purged....
Ecclesiastes 3:1-9
Hebrews 4:3 For we which have believed do ENTER INTO (SABBATH) REST, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into MY (SABBATH) REST: although THE (his) WORKS were FINISHED from the foundations of the world. Christ has been RESTING since those first six days; you are defiling the SABBATH if you are not also resting (IN CHRIST'S WORKS): THE WORKS ARE DONE (COMPLETE).
Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor setteth in the seat of the scornful.
Christ is declaring kis WORKS that the death and resurrection of HIMSELF will bring to mankind. At his APPOINTED TIME in each of us. HIS WORKS!
Proverbs 16:6 BY MERCY and TRUTH iniquity is purged.....(his works)
Romans 2:4...not knowing that THE GOODNESS of God leadeth thee to REPENTANCE? (his works)
Isaiah 27:12 And it shall COME TO PASS in that day (NEW COVENANT) (day of the Lord)... ye shall be gathered ONE by ONE (appointed time)...(his works)
Revelation 21:3 ...Behold, the tabernacle (temple) of God is with men...CHRIST IN YOU (his works)
1 Corinthians 3:16 Know ye not that YE are the temple of God (new heaven), and that the SPIRIT of God DWELLETH IN YOU. (his works)
Revelation 21:22 And I saw no temple therein (new Jerusalem), for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb ARE THE TEMPLE OF IT (CHRIST IN US). Accomplished at the NEW COVENANT. Death and resurrection of Christ. New heaven (NEW dwelling place of God) and new earth (new body; no longer dust, but THE GLORY OF GOD)! (his works)
I believe Homosexuality and same sex marriage has overtaken the nation to where its the norm, And being legalized by the government that is when our cup is filled!!
Not to mention abortion!!
We have a lot of blood on our hands from the beginning,
Unrepentant Homsexuals is going to have a lot of company in Hell.
And prayer, how important is that?!
We have taken it out of school!!
"All" this dark world will be under judgment,
"We the Church" is to be a light to lead people out of darkness.
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
1 Peter 2:9.
We're strangers and pilgrims. We should walk that way, but the world, Apostasy, and pride has crept in the Church.
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18
We parallel with Sodom in more ways than just Homosexuality. Look at the sins of Sodom here in
Ezekiel 16:49-50.
Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.
And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.
God has never done more for a nation than what he done for Israel, but look what he says about Israel.
Ezekiel 16:48. As I live, saith the Lord GOD, Sodom thy sister hath not done, she nor her daughters, as thou hast done, thou and thy daughters.
They had written laws by the hand of God that had no need to be AMENDED!. Laws written on stone condemned the word!!
Us like them started with written laws we never held true to.
But now we have in the Church what the world nations never had and never will,
THE HOLYSPIRIT IN US. A Royal priesthood, A Holy Nation, Called out of darkness into his marvellous light.
God bless you brothers.
Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in times past ye (we) walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Ephesians 2:3 Among whom ALSO WE ALL had our conversation in times past in the lust of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of our flesh and of the mind; and were by NATURE the children of wrath, even as others.
1 Corinthians 2:6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect; yet NOT THE WISDOM OF THIS WORLD, nor of the PRINCES OF THIS WORLD, that come to nought:
1 Corinthians 2:7 But we speak the WISDOM OF GOD in a mystery, even the hidden WISDOM, which God ORDAINED BEFORE THE WORLD unto OUR glory.
1 Corinthians 2:8 Which none of THE PRINCES OF THIS WORLD knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
Paul said God made him an example to all men. Paul was zealous for killing God's people. When ones appointed time from God comes; GOD WILL CAUSE YOUR WILL TO BECOME HIS WILL just as he did to Paul. WE were all born into IGNORANCE. We ALL killed CHRIST; and whatsoever you are doing to God's children you are doing unto Him.
Ephesians 1:11 .....according to the purpose of HIM who WORKETH ALL THINGS after the counsel of HIS WILL...
Philippians 2:13 For it is GOD (SPIRIT) WHO WORKETH in you BOTH (you and Christ) to will and to do of HIS good pleasure.
Proverbs 16:6 By MERCY and TRUTH iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lord men DEPART FROM EVIL.
God's works and will; WILL BE DONE.
Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
Ezekiel 34:8
As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock;
Proverbs 16:22
Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.
Luke 24:25
Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
Proverbs 15:14
The heart of him that hath understanding seeks knowledge: but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Hebrews 3:19
So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
Matthew 13:58
And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
Hebrews 3:12
Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
Romans 11:30
For as you in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy...
Romans 1:17-28
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made [people], even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are WITHOUT EXCUSE.
Mishael comment: Not making a choice to receive salvation through Jesus; is a choice. Read John 3 carefully.
In your reply on Revelation 22 you stated that the anti-christ and those who the Father's name was not in their forehead perished in the lake or fire.
My question is who are the ones verse 15 is speaking of and aren't they the ones verse 17 is inviting to come drink of the waters of life.
Could it possibly be the lake of fire is is ONLY JUDGEMENT and when they have come to truth; they also will be IN CHRIST.
Proverbs 16:1-7
Do Gods creatures have FREE WILL; or, are we the WORKS of the creator?
Ephesians 1:11 In whom (Spirit) also we have obtained (by grace) an inheritance (children), being predestinated (you have not chosen me, but I have chosen you. John 15:16) according to the purpose of him (Spirit) who WORKETH all things after the counsel of HIS OWN WILL:
Philippians 2:13 For it is God (Spirit) which WORKETH in you both to WILL and to DO of his good pleasure.
Colossians 1:29 Whereunto, I (Paul) also labour, striving according to his (Spirit) WORKING, which WORKETH in me mightily.
Isaiah 26:12 Lord, thou (Spirit) wilt ordain peace for us: for thou (Spirit) also hast wrought (WORKED) all our WORKS in us.
Isaiah 44:26 ......that PERFORMETH the counsel of his (Spirit) messengers....
Psalm 57:2 I will cry unto God most high that PERFORMETH all things for me.
Proverbs 16: 33 The lot is cast into the lap (we were predestined); but the whole disposing (WORK) thereof is of the Lord (Spirit)
Proverbs 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord (Spirit), as the rivers of water: he (Spirit) TURNETH it (man's heart) whithersoever he (Spirit) WILL.
Job 12:9 Who (man) knoweth not in all these that the hand of the Lord (Spirit) hath wrought (WORKED) this?
Job 23:14 For he (Spirit) PERFORMETH the things that is appointed (predestined) for me....
Job 23:10 But he (Spirit) knoweth the way that I take: when he (Spirit) has tried me, I shall come forth as pure gold.
Hebrews 4:3 For we which believed do enter into rest.....the WORKS (we are the works of the Spirit) were finished before the foundation of the world.
Hebrews 4:11 Let us (works of the Spirit) labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of UNBELIEF.
May the Spirit grace you with his wisdom.
I don't believe this waiting on the Lord indicates any laziness on our part, as those who are of such disposition or procrastinators: 2 Thessalonians 3:10. I believe that the Lord delights when His children look to Him & wait upon Him for His very best. My wife & I married in our early 40s (a first marriage for both of us). And we both believed that the Lord had called us to singleness, as she cared for her elderly widowed Father & I in ministry in Pakistan & then in India. Yet, we have proven Proverbs 16:9: that as we plan our course, it is the Lord Who directs our steps.
A senior brother in Christ had called me over to help in teaching about Islam to young Christian Brethren gathered from various assemblies throughout India. They were being prepared to be sent out to serve short-term in various parts of India as evangelists. I also had the responsibility of keeping the Mission's accounts. The 'steps' I took towards that ministry led me to my future wife's home as I had to deliver a letter from her aunt. I was also able to stay in an upstairs room of her home & was able to assist her Dad when she had to be away. So as things progressed in our friendship, we realized that our meeting at this time was of the Lord & we clearly sensed that this was His Plan for our marriage. We've been happily married for almost 25 years, now in retirement.