But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.
Overcoming fear, sickening and death Relying on God's Love
Insurance of God
I John 4:18 KJV
Isaiah 41:10 KJV
Psalms 27:1 KJV
Deuteronomy 3:22 KJV
Assurance of God
Romans 8:31-39 KJV
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Ways you can rely on God's love and overcome sickness, and death are recognizing God's presence,. Trusting in his sovereignty, boistering our faith, and embracing his love. Reading your holy bilble, praying having thoughts of God that your heart will be at.( Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV)
Have healthy relationships with God enjoying healthy relationships with one another.
Having Christian morals, man and woman of you word and virtue. Always tell the truth. Treat others as you want to be treated confirming yourself in the image of God. That God exists. You and your thoughts becoming existence/like God Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV, Genesis 1:27 KJV his son, daughter, or children.
What not to do to rely on God love and overcome fearsickness , and death is to be bitter and harm others, steal, cheat, liar, not working correctly.
I have believed Jesus Christ is God and have had faith practicing and speaking into existence these ways to rely on God's love and overcome fear ,sickness and death.
Published and Word spoken.by REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
I pray that...whatever is going on it won't get the best of you,
"No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD." Isaiah 54:17 KJV
and that...you stay with Jesus and keep the faith,
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?" Romans 8:35 KJV
and that...you have peace knowing that Jesus loves you and knows exactly where you are and what's going on in your life,
"Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:39 KJV
and that...you have peace and are not troubled by things that are out of your control, and are not fair,
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27 KJV
...and finally that you keep your mind on Jesus and the things of God knowing that trouble won't last always,
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." Isaiah 26:3 KJV
1 John 5:7: For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, and these three are one.
John 14:26: But the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
John 1:14: And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth.
Matthew 28:18- 20: And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and on earth. (Read More)
John 15:26 But when the Comforter comes, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of Truth, which proceeds from the Father, he shall testify of me:
1 Corinthians 8:6: But to us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
John 14:10: Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I speak unto you, I speak not of myself; but the Father that dwells in me, he doeth the works.
Genesis 1:26: And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and the cattle, and all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.
Romans 8:26- 27: Likewise, the Spirit also helps our infirmities, for we know not what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit makes intercession for us with groanings that cannot be uttered. (Read More...)
Ephesians 4:6: One God and Father of all, who is above all, through all, and in you all.
1 Peter 1:2: Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
Isaiah 48:16: Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the begin
I agree with you that our all powerful God can give his spirit to a vessel and make him a sinless being.
But that sinless being
/Vessel would still be born of Adam and can only inherit what Adam has to offer. Death!
Adam was "MADE" a living soul, He didn't become one!
A living soul could never give life even if he was sinless.
Christ was a quickening (Life giving) Spirit. He didn't have to become one. HE WAS, AND "IS ONE"
Only the Son of God can make us Sons of God.
Any other person wouldn't be a Son of God!
Jesus had no Earthly Father.
So we should consider these scriptures to perhaps understand "Why a Son?"
Galatians 4:4-6.
But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
To redeem them that were under the law, THAT WE MIGHT RECEIVE THE ADOPTION OF SONS.
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
John 1:12-13.
But as many as received him, TO THEM GAVE HE POWER TO BECOME THE SONS OF GOD, EVEN TO THEM THAT BELIEVE ON HIS NAME:
WHICH WERE BORN, ((NOT OF BLOOD, NOR OF THE WILL OF THE FLESH, NOR OF THE WILL OF MAN)), ""BUT OF GOD"".
Romans 8:19-23. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
Myself and along with others, I'm sure will join you in prayer.
I'm not sure if there is a section in scripture for any situation.
Prayer is not a formula, incantation, or recipe, but rather a relationship with God. It's a way to connect with the God and ask for, wait for, and follow God's direction.
Prayer is not intended to be showy or to magically make things appear or disappear. Instead, it's about trusting God with the outcome and seeking His will.
God hears those who obey him and we know that all things work together for good to them that love God. Romans 8:28.
Thanks Momsage for going through my long reply to you; and bringing up "Jesus being a sacrificial Lamb" may or may not have worked with that missionary, since both lamb & sheep are of the same breed & the tribe may have been none the wiser as a result. But in any case, you are very clear in your belief that "every jot and tittle in the KJB (in English) is written by God", so I suppose there can't be anything written to distract or detract you from it.
Ephesians 1: it is interesting to note, that wherever 'predestination' is referred to here ( Ephesians 1:5, 11) & also in Romans 8:29, the word is used not directly towards salvation as a destiny, but to the believer's adoption into God's family, to being God's Praise & Glory, & to be conformed to Christ's Image. So I can see that 'salvation' is implied in these phrases, for how else can believers achieve God's Purposes for them unless they are first saved? Yet it is believed by some that God has predestined each person to receive salvation or be rejected, however we must consider His Predestining Work (in the verses cited above) as to what He predestines believers for, rather than Him arbitrarily consigning some & not others towards salvation. For this reason, I quoted to you recently from Romans 8:29,30, emphasizing that God predestines His children towards salvation & conformation to His Son according to what He already knows about them (& all people) - or else God isn't as omniscient as first understood. And brother S. Spencer referred to these verses as well.
If we are to believe that God is indeed truly Omniscient, then He must already know who will come into the World & what their state in life will be & how they will answer His Gospel, should they come under its sound. So I do agree with you, that God does not accept or reject sinners arbitrarily, for then His Love for all people is brought into serious question - indeed the essence of the Gospel is misunderstood & weakened to the 'n(th) degree'.
Difference between God and Satan: Transformation of the soul
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: ( Psalm 103:2).
The scripture states in detail and multiple passages that we are to be crucified in Christ ( Gal. 2:20); the illustration of a seed from a dying plant going into the ground and renewing life ( John 12:24) and other verses on putting to death the old man and putting on the new ( Romans 8:12-13).
Nonetheless unlike the mindset of the world dying to self doesn't detract from our uniqueness or individuality. Our spirit testifies with His Spirit that we are children of God ( Romans 8:16).
I am not going to delve into whether the soul dies and the spirit lives upon death; in any case we are dead spiritually until salvation then alive after death ( 2 Cor. 5:8).
As with my last posting; the enemy has a plethora of "experiences" where it appears that some prophetic implications have been verified; other times there are parts of things often proven false and with enough delusion it seems some of the mega churches believe things that prove blatently false they are so deceived. Here are some things we often see.
1. Dreams or visions seem to come to pass. The enemy clearly has some insight on the future and can be involved in the lives of other people as well to bring about what appears to be our "soul mates" as a common tactic. The methodology to even the slightest discerning individual clearly is an attempt to lead one astray (as often is the case when people drift into affairs). Bringing someone what they want in what appears to be the exact thing we desire means we likely are ignoring James 4:3 in particular. The Lord doesn't work like a genie in a bottle to consume ourselves with our own lusts. He gives us what we truly need and teaches us to want things that He provides and reject cheap substitutes that have no lasting value for the Kingdom.
This shows we must heed Matthew 6:33 rather than putting ourselves first.
Hello Momsage. If I might throw in my understanding to your first question to Richard (i.e."Do you believe God chooses some souls before they are born to be the elect destined for heaven and those who are not the elect destined for Hell?"). I believe that Romans 8:29,30 answers this:
"For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified."
To loosely transliterate/expand: God KNOWS all things beforehand, including those who would come to Him in faith through His Son (heaven bound) & those who would refuse Him (hell bound).
In His Foreknowledge, he predestined those (in verse 30) to increasingly bear the Image of His Son, thereby Jesus being truly the firstborn of God's children (firstborn, both as a forerunner & Chief Cornerstone of His Church ( Hebrews 12:23; Ephesians 2:20), as well as being the firstborn where both Deity & Humanity coexist together ( 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 Corinthians 3:16).
In fulfilment of His Predestination Plan to one day have those of His creation to bear His Son's Image & be filled with His Spirit, God, IN HIS FOREKNOWLEDGE, called (those He chose) to hear & receive the Gospel message. And these very ones who received the Word with all readiness of mind ( Acts 17:11) & joy, God justified ('declared as righteous', having our slates cleaned, as it were). And to those He justified, he glorified (Gk. edoxasen: 'God brings Christians to a heavenly dignity and condition').
Since, we as believers evangelising with the Gospel, have no idea of those who will be saved & those who will not (known to God alone), the Gospel seeds are scattered/sown that all might hear, particularly those to whom the Spirit leads us to. Sadly, most will refuse, but we can rest assured that all known of God will be saved - none lost.
I thought I would try to answer more in relation to the question at hand. What Christ does is indeed die for our sins and of course all of them at that time were future as none of us were around yet 2000 years ago. For someone TRULY saved; He has redeemed us and given the "death blow" as it is to our old NATURE; which is the root and cause of our outer actions or "sins" that manifest what is an outer symptom of an inner heart condition.
This is a crucial point in having assurance of salvation. For the seed of true faith to be planted and take root there is in time good fruit produced. God in the New Covenant establishes a permanent residence with the Holy Spirit and we are His adopted sons and part of the Bride of Christ; at least in the church age in which we live. The process of "sanctification" leads to glorification for all who are redeemed ( Romans 8:29-30). This is part of the chastisement of all He loves; and discipline ( Heb. 12:11). Until our old body is destroyed at death or redeemed at the Rapture the refinement process continues. Some who are disobedient as stated elsewhere on this post go through the fire as it were and suffer loss of rewards; hence are quickly sanctified through this process; or through an early death as Corinthians brings out to the man in sexual sin; or with those taking communion unworthily. We should mortify the deeds of the flesh daily; to prepare if necessary for martyrdom but also so as to please the Lord and secure a reward for service faithfully for Him.
An important point as well; sin is still sin. It may indeed cost us our lives or cause illness and in this life we may have to pay a high price for it. We should accept what is due to us if we indeed are arrested for wrongdoing; or suffer due to disobedience and of course a true believer suffers for doing right and for His Name's sake and Jesus promises great reward ( Matt. 5:10-12).
A true believer won't be lost but is grieved in the Spirit with sin
There is a lot more I'd like to say but I'll wait to see if you have any further questions; comments or issues.
I frankly appreciate seeing anyone who is genuinely seeking God; and who I can pray for. I've been through a season where there has been contention and strife that has cost me fellowship recently with a brother in the Lord. I'll admit that I'm afraid you will decide to walk away from the Lord with this situation. I pray that you don't do that; even with the hard truths in scripture that in the flesh we don't want to accept.
When He chastises us; and He does that with all He loves you know it is to bring growth; or sanctification. I have been told that I am unloving; judgmental; etc. myself. God's love surpasses our own emotions and suffering for His Name's sake brings about joy and again the insight sometimes takes much prayer to see.
As to your situation it is sort of vague; not sure if it is a family member or roommate or someone you interact with frequently in church. I pray you can be removed if it is His will; or not be overcome for the time being. What I am saying is that it likely that verses of God's Word which contain truth are being forced in an unloving way on you.
I'm an old 60 year old guy and obviously it would be best if you had a woman help with discipling efforts; but it is hard out there I realize. I will say that if you can overcome opposition God can use you at some point to disciple others; and obviously to share faith with others as well.
As the Word says our spirit testifies with His Spirit that we are children of God ( Romans 8:16). After my latest struggles I sensed the angels of God and was strengthened. Once we truly know the Spirit we learn to recognize Him and also start to discern evil spirits around us. I realize that isn't directly what you brought up but I'm going to ask God to do these things in your life.
'Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. '
My Respond: To Verse: Romans 8:27
Luke 23:46-47 KJV 'And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man. '
At the time of Jesus death has giving direct access to God through Jesus Christ. My faith in this scripture has giving me access to God through prayer.
Ways you can can have intercession with God is having faith trusting in Jesus death, burial, resurrection.(Gospel)
Romans 10:9-10 KJV
'that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 11 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. '
"For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren."
For whom he did foreknow (that is, know ahead of time), he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son,
With predestination being one of the more recent topics, I would like to share my understanding on what predestination means. I'm no bible scholar by any means, but I actually think that predestination in the bible is fairly simple to understand. To begin with, I just want to say upfront that I do not believe God chooses ahead of time who will be saved and who will not.
In the Greek text, Ephesians 1:3-14 is all one sentence. And that's the chapter that many people focus on when it comes to predestination. The most prominent teaching on predestination that we have today comes from John Calvin, and there are differences as people take different turns with it as to what predestination means.
But the one that's going around that people hold to a lot is that predestination means that God predestines or chooses those who are going to be saved ahead of time, and He predestines those who are going to go to Hell ahead of time.
So according to that belief, you are chosen and predestined as to whether you are going to go to Heaven or Hell. In other words, you have no choice. There's no free will according to this teaching. You are either predestined one way or the other.
But if I read this text in context, here's what it says: For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate. Predestinate what? To be conformed to the image of his Son.
I'll make a point-blank statement, and some may agree, some may not, but predestination is never associated with salvation in the bible. You will always see the word associated with those who are already saved. And it won't be for salvation. It's what has been predestined or chosen for us as part of our inheritance.
In the end; as my last post alluded to whether it is all predestined or man's future actions are taken into account at least in part or even if we think it is totally up to man where we end up we know that God is good and fair and eventually a certain number will be in heaven as well as hell. I have brought up the concept of life as a play on a stage where eternal realities in our time and place through our lives is acted out and various individuals and spiritual entities are all part of the overall theme which centers on God's script as it were. This obviously reduces life to a simplistic level but I think it merits somewhat how things are orchestrated so that in fullness of time all things come to pass ( Gal. 4:4). As this verse shows in Galatians Christ came at the "fullness" or correct time; just as His judgments come when sin is at the fullest. We see that concept with Genesis 15:16 and the Amorites; and surely when the Tribulation takes effect. ( Rev. 14:15).
As to the individual; there is a set time for everything from birth to death and judgment to follow ( Heb. 9:27).
Looking to this subject I think we all would agree that no one in hell will be able to have a genuine beef with God that He didn't provide a way to come to Him as not being one of the "elect". The hard truth is that without Christ God Himself is our enemy (we are at "enmity" with God: Romans 8:7; etal). There is; in fact no praise of God in hell ( Isaiah 38:18). Without the Lord we are all sadly "cowards" and that is a major and first indictment in Revelation 21:8). As much as the suffering of the lost they have no desire to die to self. Everything of this world is passing as a vapor but the unsaved do not wish to die to themselves. What is bigger than this; however is that they don't want to accept God's only remedy for the situation; the bad news of their own state isn't believed and they think their good works can save them.
The word of God is speaking to us, we are born again by coming to truth of THE WORD, the written WORD becoming the LIVING WORD.
Psalms 103:20 Bless the Lord, YE HIS ANGELS, who excel in strength (of the Lord), that do his commandment, harkening to the voice of the Lord.
Luke 29:36 Neither can they DIE any more (we died with Christ on his cross): for they are EQUAL unto the ANGELS; and are the children of God, being the CHILDREN OF THE RESURRECTION (joint heirs of his kingdom).
Genesis 1:2 .....and DARKNESS was upon the face of the earth (man) .......
Isaiah 45:7 I form the light, and CREATE DARKNESS .....
Job 19:22 A land of DARKNESS, as DARKNESS itself, and the shadow of DEATH, without any order, and where LIGHT is as DARKNESS.
2 Peter 2:4 But if God spared not the angels that sinned (blasphemed his name), but cast them down to the GRAVE, and delivered them into CHAINS OF DARKNESS (the wages of sin is death), to be reserved unto judgement,
Psalms 149:9 To execute upon the the judgement written, this HONOR hath all his SAINTS......
Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creation WAITETH (in the grave) for the MANIFESTATION of the SONS OF GOD.
Romans 8:21 Because the CREATION ITSELF shall be DELIVERED from the bondage of corruption (darkness) into the GLORIOUS LIBERTY OF THE CHILDREN OF GOD.
Arleen, you have suffered more than your share of loss and my heart goes out to you. You say you just wanna be loved unconditionally, I assure you that you already are ( Romans 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.). You also say there is a man that you love but he doesn't love you back, the man Jesus is the only man you can love that can love you back unconditionally. Always put Him first and you will be just fine. I will be praying for you in my daily prayers. God bless you always
Thank you GiGi for your thought-provoking comments here, as also on the Character Traits of God, now His Sovereignty & being Superlative. So, to continue here.
Going through your list of mankind's condition before God & God's Work towards man's renewal, I will list those, & other points, with verse(s), & in the order that I understand them.
a. Man's total depravity ( Romans 3:9,10,23).
b. God's Love & Mercy for all sinners ( John 3:16: 'loved the World' of sinners, not only the Elect; 2 Peter 3:9: 'God suffers long, not willing that any (all sinners) should perish'.
c. God's Foreknowledge, Predestination, Calling, Justification, Glorification ( Romans 8:29,30: Paul shares this order pertaining to believers, where the logic is, if God foreknew those who would be His, it is understood that He also knew those who would reject Him). And through His Knowledge, God chose us before the foundation of the world to be holy & blameless people ( Ephesians 1:4).
To what have we been predestined to? To be conformed to His Son's Image (v29), according to God's Purpose ( Ephesians 1:11), & to be adopted into His Family ( Ephesians 1:5).
Calling. Various types of Calling given in the Bible, but pertaining to salvation: 1 Peter 2:9, 'having called us out of darkness (our sinful state without God) into His marvellous light (our forgiven state with God & His Son). Do we then just transition from darkness to light without a work of God the Spirit in us? And it is to this point that our discussions have focussed. Paul in Romans 8 is speaking to believers, so the matter of repentance wasn't mentioned, but may have been implied here.
However, Paul in Acts 17 spoke to the idolatrous Athenians, 'that God calls on all men everywhere to repent'. And here we read that unregenerate men were called to repentance. Continued on Page 2.
Question. In Romans 8:28-29 says, "28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.29For whom he did FOREKNOW, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.". What does that "foreknow" stand for? God foreknew what?
Another question. 1 Timothy 2:4, "Who(God) will have ALL men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.". If God wants ALL people to be saved, why does He choose some specific people for salvation, and not all?
Third and final question. Romans 2:6-10, "6Who(God) will render to every man according to his deeds:7To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:8But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,9Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;10But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:" Here it says that God will save or judge people according to their deeds. But why is this since salvation is granted by faith and not works? Doesn't those seem to be in contrast to one other? What are your thoughts on those?
I am endeavoring with all my heart and strength to follow after the instructions of Proverbs 3:5-7. I believe and often recite Romans 8:28 with my whole heart. Most of my life, I have put my trust in the Lord, and tried to serve Him. Now, in my eighties, I am in a desperate spiritual battle with my wife's serious illness. I am asking for prayer for healing and for God's help to endure with grace and mercy, the trials that my wife and I now face.
I am sorry to hear that you are going through so much pain. To answer your first question, there is no promise of physical healing. The only healing that we are promised is spiritual healing. Can God heal us from physical pain? Yes, of course He can. But there is no promise that He will always do so.
As for your second question asking if it is reasonable to believe that God would answer our prayers, not only is it reasonable to believe that God answers our prayers, but we can have complete confidence that God answers every single prayer that is asked according to His will. What I mean by this is that we sometimes petition God in prayer for something we want without asking for His will to be done in whatever it is we are asking for, whether it be a physical ailment or whatever the case may be.
On the flip side, we might pray for His will to be done in whatever we are asking for, and things may or may not get better. I speak from my own experience when I say that sometimes things may even get worse, but we have to accept the outcome even if it's not the outcome we expected. As brother Spencer has said, our physical bodies are temporary. We are not immune from pain and suffering. But we must trust the Lord even through the pain and hardships we go through.
As some here have prayed for your situation, I also will pray that the Lord will ease your pain according to His will. Please know that if you belong to Christ and are in submission to Him, the pain you are experiencing is not His vengeance on you. Cast all your cares on the Lord. The suffering and pain that we go through in this earthly life cannot even be compared to what awaits those who belong to Christ. ( Romans 8:18).
Pain and suffering is a byproduct of sin entering the world thousands of years ago.
Romans 8:22-23 states; "For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
It is very difficult to focus on what good God might bring about as a result.
The clearest example of this in Scripture is found is Psalm 119. Notice the progression through verses 67, 71, and 75 - "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word...It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees...I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness you have afflicted me." The author of Psalm 119 was looking at suffering from God's perspective. It was good for him to be afflicted. It was faithfulness that caused God to afflict him. The result of the affliction was that he learned God's decrees and obeyed His Word.
Romans 8:18-25 - written in Corinth during Paul's 3rd missionary journey - around year 57 AD;
18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (According Philippians 3:20-21 combined with 1Corinthians 15:51-57 and Luke 20:35-36)
19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of GOD.
22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
...
John 3:31-36
31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.
32 And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.
33 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that GOD is true.
34 For he whom GOD hath sent speaketh the words of GOD: for GOD giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.
35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into His hand.
36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abideth on him.
It's nice to have my TV down the rest of the week (actually my parent's). Gives me more time on this site.
When we speak the Gospel truth and IF the Lord is coming in the not too distant future; we certainly would expect that SOME would come to Christ after the Rapture and removal of at least some of the church. Given that some people today actually STEAL Bibles; it is probably a good idea to have a few extra on standby. I imagine it will do some good after the Rapture; but no doubt the truth will be realized even with the deadly deception that aliens or some other explanation is given for the disappearance of many living AND resurrection of the dead. No doubt the 144,000 and 2 prophets as well as other believers martyred at the time will know some scripture; and no doubt also Antichrist will use much of it to attempt to prove his deity and status; power and authority (or the Satanic bible).
We should look at those who don't yet believe as both blind to the truth at present but to be given that revelation at a later date if they are indeed coming to the faith at some point. In the context of God being beyond time; of course He already sees them as they will be called; sanctified; glorified ( Romans 8:30) That's how I see it anyway.
Therefore whatever the end result is as to all who are saved and those who are lost; that is the inevitable route their current trajectory is taking them. Seeing things as they are in our own understanding is to say the least depressing. No doubt some things we will understand better in glory. God says not to look back on the former days (Ecclasiastes 7:10). No doubt evil spirits were dominating in each generation; just in a different mantra; a different motif; a different genre; or cultural norm.
As Revelation 3:11 says we should be careful not to lose our reward to another. These are days when not only many fall away but many believers lose rewards. Let us hold on!!
More on assurance of salvation or "eternal security"
As stated before space ran out in the last post; Romans 8:16 shows the communication between our spirit and His Spirit who resides within all true believers ( John 14:23; see also Eph. 3:17). For Him to RESIDE in our souls we must be born again.
And being children of God we also are made aware of opportunities which God gives us (i.e. "good works") that will be rewarded in heaven someday that are imperishable ( 1 Cor. 9:25; Matt. 6:19-21). Keep in mind the end of that passage stating that wherever your treasure is; your heart is also (loosely translated).
Again; as I have stated a LOT on this site; God's method is to chastise all those He loves (let the reader find the scriptures). There is no desire for this in the flesh; as it is stated in Hebrews 12:11 to be disciplined in this way. We learn to recognize and appreciate this "pruning" effort ( John 15:2); for without it we would be in danger of producing no fruit and in the end being burned (in everlasting punishment). Our confidence is that in the end we are made into a glorious image; and reflect perfectly His radiance as He truly IS our life. Our reward; therefore comes from Him and in reality is HIS reward. He will; of course have His saints rule and reign with Him as part of our inheritance.
Another point to be made is an effectual witness has to be bold in their testimony and bring the fear of the Lord as well as demonstrate His love. It is therefore as Philippians 1:28 states a "token of their perdition" that we remain steadfast in the confidence of all that He has promised us. Our coming exaltation to rule and reign with Christ isn't brought forth by arrogance on our part; but nonetheless the unnerving thing to those who hear our witness is that we are; indeed already seated in heavenly places. ( Eph. 2:6). Christ also overcame and is seated at the right hand of the Father. God will be magnified whether hell or heaven is our end.
Testing ourselves to see if we are in the faith ( 2 Cor. 13:5) wouldn't be in scripture unless these things were possible. Just as there are conflicts in a true believer in regard to the flesh contending with the Spirit; we also recognize that Jesus Himself is working in and through us; we are just the mouthpieces and messengers. The Lord asks us to do many things that are impossible in the flesh; in fact ALL things actually are impossible for unregenerate man as they are spiritually dead; and we can do nothing apart from Him.
One insight in testing our faith to see if it is real is to see if God is drawing men to Himself through us; and with the company we keep. This is a difficult task as we see wheat and tares growing together. To follow Biblical discipleship is in many ways different from the way it is perceived today in many evangelical churches in particular. Multiplying numbers of new converts to keep the spiritual generations ever evolving cannot be at the expense of weeding out those who aren't truly committed to the task. This is what Christ did challenging many who wished to follow Him; as well as challenging the thoughts of even the 12 Apostles on a deeper level than with the masses. Our approach isn't the same as to being able to know all men's thoughts before they speak; but we must unapologetically be uncompromising with the Word so that error doesn't have a way of creeping in-at least as much as we can avoid having it do so. Basically; those who are truly in Christian fellowship will focus on prayer for one another and the Word as a guide to all of their life.
I have detailed these postings with evidences of being a true believer before tackling the "assurance of salvation". I will now look at some points to think about as to having confidence of "eternal security".
First and foremost there is Romans 8:16 showing how those who truly believe KNOW they are saved. More in next post.
That is so true, as in Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. We can't do it without Him, hope your house is finished or close to it.
God bless you Gramma GiGi, and your family and the new baby in the family.
When the stormy winds are raging, and disasters take their toll
When the mighty waves of trouble overwhelm your stricken soul
Look to God who reigns above, never doubt Him He is Love
Are you filled with eager longing for the earth's night to turn to day
God will soon dispel all sorrow, He will wipe all tears away
For His Kingdom will soon come and His will on earth be done
No matter what we are facing, the tribulations we are in, and those things that we have yet to face. If we are in Christ and He in us, we must remember this life we are living is not our own. Our hope is in the life to come that is given by the grace of God by the sacrifice of His Son and His resurrection. We are to walk with Him daily, if we do, we have been given a promise, that Jesus will return with the gift of immortality to those who are His.
Romans 8:35-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
James 2:9-12: James is writing in these verses about those who would "keep (fully obey) the whole law", yet go astray even by committing one sin in a moment of time, having demonstrated their inability to keep (continually uphold) the Law as required. "So speak ye ( James 1:26), and so do ( James 2:17), as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty (the Law believers are under, 2 Corinthians 2:17, Galatians 5:1, James 1:25)". The Law of Liberty, can also be referred to the Law of the Spirit Who gives Liberty ( 2 Corinthians 3:17, Romans 8:2), assures our hearts that we are accepted of the Lord because we have been forgiven & the Gift of the Holy Spirit continually ministers to our hearts & lives to help us live holy lives or lead us/discipline us when we stray off course.
This Liberty, the Law could never give - Israel always remained fearful of it, eventually leading them into idolatry & debauchery, but to those IN Christ Jesus there is now no condemnation who walk after the Spirit ( Romans 8:1) - we should not be bound to the letter that had as its goal to expose & destroy souls, but to the Spirit Who gives Power & Life to obey God perfectly, "hating even the garment spotted by the flesh" ( Jude 1:23). Only the Laws given us by the Spirit to our hearts cover every area of our lives, ministering to us in His Way (& not in human strength), so we can live above the letter's demands but as new creations in Christ. There was nothing wrong with the 10 Commandments, for they are from God & His Truth - but they were for Israel alone, for their conduct before God & man, to show them their sin, God's requirements, & prepare them to approach God in Love, Truth, & Faith. All who did at that time were accepted by their faith alone ( Hebrews 11:39,40) & not on how well they kept the Law. Romans 8:3,4 (we allow the righteousness of the Law to work & be fulfilled in us by God's Spirit - never appealing to the letter, which is devoid of life). Every blessing.
We are dealing with two things here when concerning dinosaurs.
1) When were they created.
2) When did they die.
By the scriptures we know that the Lord created everything that was created. John 1:3. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Also, by the scriptures we know that death came into the world by Adam's sin.
Romans 5:12Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
By Scriptures we know that that extends to all creation, even the very ground we walk on! Genesis 3:17. and
Romans 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
The whole world groans and is waiting on a redemption, meaning restored to its formal intentions.
So, this may atleast help us with the "when" the dinosaurs could have died.
certainly not before Adam and Eve because death had not entered the world yet. (Possibly the flood)
Some hold the view of a gap theory between verses 1 and 2 in Genesis 1:1-2. as a possibility when dinosaurs may have been created.
29'I will not,' he replied. But later he changed his mind and went. 30Then the man went to the second son and told him the same thing. 'I will, sir,' he said. But he did not go. 31Which of the two did the will of his father?" "The first," they answered. Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you.
( Matthew 21:29-31).
We see through Romans 8:30 the idea of being called; justified and glorified without any mention of sanctification implied through discipleship. We can look at immature believers in Corinth who likely died in some cases without really being effective disciples. Nonetheless; we want to ensure that as Paul says in Phillipians 3:14 that we run for the prize. Crowns given for ministry; patient endurance or martyrdom don't come easy or to all but nonetheless since it affects our stance and spiritual authority under the King at least for the Millennium if not all eternity these are vital goals for us to pursue!
When we consider the Great Commission and God's calling for us to go and make Disciples of all men in Matthew 28:19-20 we certainly see that emphasized; and that seemingly over the concept of just leading men to Christ which of course is part of what it means to teach all the things Jesus meant and taught to His own on His earthly ministry.
The concept of personal sanctification and becoming separate from the world; therefore is also part of our growth as well as teaching others to be FOLLOWERS of Christ and the sacrificial lives that should accompany their declaration of salvific faith.
It has been stated and I wholeheartedly agree that today the message of coming to Christ is often watered down. This often is to keep attendance up and money coming in from unscrupulous church leaders. It also comes from the misguided notion that we may say something to scare someone off unnecessarily. We must share hard truth with love.
But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.
Overcoming fear, sickening and death Relying on God's Love
Insurance of God
I John 4:18 KJV
Isaiah 41:10 KJV
Psalms 27:1 KJV
Deuteronomy 3:22 KJV
Assurance of God
Romans 8:31-39 KJV
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Ways you can rely on God's love and overcome sickness, and death are recognizing God's presence,. Trusting in his sovereignty, boistering our faith, and embracing his love. Reading your holy bilble, praying having thoughts of God that your heart will be at.( Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV)
Have healthy relationships with God enjoying healthy relationships with one another.
Having Christian morals, man and woman of you word and virtue. Always tell the truth. Treat others as you want to be treated confirming yourself in the image of God. That God exists. You and your thoughts becoming existence/like God Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV, Genesis 1:27 KJV his son, daughter, or children.
What not to do to rely on God love and overcome fearsickness , and death is to be bitter and harm others, steal, cheat, liar, not working correctly.
Keeping mind,mean,motivation of God
Mind- Ideas, capacity, wisdom, thinking, attitude,
Mean- method, opportunity, Howvto (know how), way, process ( techniques)
Motivation- Empowerment, Persitance, Strength, Passion, Inspiration.
I have believed Jesus Christ is God and have had faith practicing and speaking into existence these ways to rely on God's love and overcome fear ,sickness and death.
Published and Word spoken.by REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
"No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD." Isaiah 54:17 KJV
and that...you stay with Jesus and keep the faith,
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?" Romans 8:35 KJV
and that...you have peace knowing that Jesus loves you and knows exactly where you are and what's going on in your life,
"Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:39 KJV
and that...you have peace and are not troubled by things that are out of your control, and are not fair,
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27 KJV
...and finally that you keep your mind on Jesus and the things of God knowing that trouble won't last always,
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." Isaiah 26:3 KJV
AMEN.
1 John 5:7: For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, and these three are one.
John 14:26: But the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
John 1:14: And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth.
Matthew 28:18- 20: And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and on earth. (Read More)
John 15:26 But when the Comforter comes, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of Truth, which proceeds from the Father, he shall testify of me:
1 Corinthians 8:6: But to us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
John 14:10: Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I speak unto you, I speak not of myself; but the Father that dwells in me, he doeth the works.
Genesis 1:26: And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and the cattle, and all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.
Romans 8:26- 27: Likewise, the Spirit also helps our infirmities, for we know not what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit makes intercession for us with groanings that cannot be uttered. (Read More...)
Ephesians 4:6: One God and Father of all, who is above all, through all, and in you all.
1 Peter 1:2: Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
Isaiah 48:16: Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the begin
I agree with you that our all powerful God can give his spirit to a vessel and make him a sinless being.
But that sinless being
/Vessel would still be born of Adam and can only inherit what Adam has to offer. Death!
Adam was "MADE" a living soul, He didn't become one!
A living soul could never give life even if he was sinless.
Christ was a quickening (Life giving) Spirit. He didn't have to become one. HE WAS, AND "IS ONE"
Only the Son of God can make us Sons of God.
Any other person wouldn't be a Son of God!
Jesus had no Earthly Father.
So we should consider these scriptures to perhaps understand "Why a Son?"
Galatians 4:4-6.
But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
To redeem them that were under the law, THAT WE MIGHT RECEIVE THE ADOPTION OF SONS.
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
John 1:12-13.
But as many as received him, TO THEM GAVE HE POWER TO BECOME THE SONS OF GOD, EVEN TO THEM THAT BELIEVE ON HIS NAME:
WHICH WERE BORN, ((NOT OF BLOOD, NOR OF THE WILL OF THE FLESH, NOR OF THE WILL OF MAN)), ""BUT OF GOD"".
Romans 8:19-23. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
God bless.
Myself and along with others, I'm sure will join you in prayer.
I'm not sure if there is a section in scripture for any situation.
Prayer is not a formula, incantation, or recipe, but rather a relationship with God. It's a way to connect with the God and ask for, wait for, and follow God's direction.
Prayer is not intended to be showy or to magically make things appear or disappear. Instead, it's about trusting God with the outcome and seeking His will.
God hears those who obey him and we know that all things work together for good to them that love God. Romans 8:28.
I will join you in prayer.
God bless you.
Ephesians 1: it is interesting to note, that wherever 'predestination' is referred to here ( Ephesians 1:5, 11) & also in Romans 8:29, the word is used not directly towards salvation as a destiny, but to the believer's adoption into God's family, to being God's Praise & Glory, & to be conformed to Christ's Image. So I can see that 'salvation' is implied in these phrases, for how else can believers achieve God's Purposes for them unless they are first saved? Yet it is believed by some that God has predestined each person to receive salvation or be rejected, however we must consider His Predestining Work (in the verses cited above) as to what He predestines believers for, rather than Him arbitrarily consigning some & not others towards salvation. For this reason, I quoted to you recently from Romans 8:29,30, emphasizing that God predestines His children towards salvation & conformation to His Son according to what He already knows about them (& all people) - or else God isn't as omniscient as first understood. And brother S. Spencer referred to these verses as well.
If we are to believe that God is indeed truly Omniscient, then He must already know who will come into the World & what their state in life will be & how they will answer His Gospel, should they come under its sound. So I do agree with you, that God does not accept or reject sinners arbitrarily, for then His Love for all people is brought into serious question - indeed the essence of the Gospel is misunderstood & weakened to the 'n(th) degree'.
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: ( Psalm 103:2).
The scripture states in detail and multiple passages that we are to be crucified in Christ ( Gal. 2:20); the illustration of a seed from a dying plant going into the ground and renewing life ( John 12:24) and other verses on putting to death the old man and putting on the new ( Romans 8:12-13).
Nonetheless unlike the mindset of the world dying to self doesn't detract from our uniqueness or individuality. Our spirit testifies with His Spirit that we are children of God ( Romans 8:16).
I am not going to delve into whether the soul dies and the spirit lives upon death; in any case we are dead spiritually until salvation then alive after death ( 2 Cor. 5:8).
As with my last posting; the enemy has a plethora of "experiences" where it appears that some prophetic implications have been verified; other times there are parts of things often proven false and with enough delusion it seems some of the mega churches believe things that prove blatently false they are so deceived. Here are some things we often see.
1. Dreams or visions seem to come to pass. The enemy clearly has some insight on the future and can be involved in the lives of other people as well to bring about what appears to be our "soul mates" as a common tactic. The methodology to even the slightest discerning individual clearly is an attempt to lead one astray (as often is the case when people drift into affairs). Bringing someone what they want in what appears to be the exact thing we desire means we likely are ignoring James 4:3 in particular. The Lord doesn't work like a genie in a bottle to consume ourselves with our own lusts. He gives us what we truly need and teaches us to want things that He provides and reject cheap substitutes that have no lasting value for the Kingdom.
This shows we must heed Matthew 6:33 rather than putting ourselves first.
"For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified."
To loosely transliterate/expand: God KNOWS all things beforehand, including those who would come to Him in faith through His Son (heaven bound) & those who would refuse Him (hell bound).
In His Foreknowledge, he predestined those (in verse 30) to increasingly bear the Image of His Son, thereby Jesus being truly the firstborn of God's children (firstborn, both as a forerunner & Chief Cornerstone of His Church ( Hebrews 12:23; Ephesians 2:20), as well as being the firstborn where both Deity & Humanity coexist together ( 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 Corinthians 3:16).
In fulfilment of His Predestination Plan to one day have those of His creation to bear His Son's Image & be filled with His Spirit, God, IN HIS FOREKNOWLEDGE, called (those He chose) to hear & receive the Gospel message. And these very ones who received the Word with all readiness of mind ( Acts 17:11) & joy, God justified ('declared as righteous', having our slates cleaned, as it were). And to those He justified, he glorified (Gk. edoxasen: 'God brings Christians to a heavenly dignity and condition').
Since, we as believers evangelising with the Gospel, have no idea of those who will be saved & those who will not (known to God alone), the Gospel seeds are scattered/sown that all might hear, particularly those to whom the Spirit leads us to. Sadly, most will refuse, but we can rest assured that all known of God will be saved - none lost.
This is a crucial point in having assurance of salvation. For the seed of true faith to be planted and take root there is in time good fruit produced. God in the New Covenant establishes a permanent residence with the Holy Spirit and we are His adopted sons and part of the Bride of Christ; at least in the church age in which we live. The process of "sanctification" leads to glorification for all who are redeemed ( Romans 8:29-30). This is part of the chastisement of all He loves; and discipline ( Heb. 12:11). Until our old body is destroyed at death or redeemed at the Rapture the refinement process continues. Some who are disobedient as stated elsewhere on this post go through the fire as it were and suffer loss of rewards; hence are quickly sanctified through this process; or through an early death as Corinthians brings out to the man in sexual sin; or with those taking communion unworthily. We should mortify the deeds of the flesh daily; to prepare if necessary for martyrdom but also so as to please the Lord and secure a reward for service faithfully for Him.
An important point as well; sin is still sin. It may indeed cost us our lives or cause illness and in this life we may have to pay a high price for it. We should accept what is due to us if we indeed are arrested for wrongdoing; or suffer due to disobedience and of course a true believer suffers for doing right and for His Name's sake and Jesus promises great reward ( Matt. 5:10-12).
A true believer won't be lost but is grieved in the Spirit with sin
I frankly appreciate seeing anyone who is genuinely seeking God; and who I can pray for. I've been through a season where there has been contention and strife that has cost me fellowship recently with a brother in the Lord. I'll admit that I'm afraid you will decide to walk away from the Lord with this situation. I pray that you don't do that; even with the hard truths in scripture that in the flesh we don't want to accept.
When He chastises us; and He does that with all He loves you know it is to bring growth; or sanctification. I have been told that I am unloving; judgmental; etc. myself. God's love surpasses our own emotions and suffering for His Name's sake brings about joy and again the insight sometimes takes much prayer to see.
As to your situation it is sort of vague; not sure if it is a family member or roommate or someone you interact with frequently in church. I pray you can be removed if it is His will; or not be overcome for the time being. What I am saying is that it likely that verses of God's Word which contain truth are being forced in an unloving way on you.
I'm an old 60 year old guy and obviously it would be best if you had a woman help with discipling efforts; but it is hard out there I realize. I will say that if you can overcome opposition God can use you at some point to disciple others; and obviously to share faith with others as well.
As the Word says our spirit testifies with His Spirit that we are children of God ( Romans 8:16). After my latest struggles I sensed the angels of God and was strengthened. Once we truly know the Spirit we learn to recognize Him and also start to discern evil spirits around us. I realize that isn't directly what you brought up but I'm going to ask God to do these things in your life.
Many blessings; Rich P
Respond:
Romans 8:26-27KJV
'Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. '
My Respond: To Verse: Romans 8:27
Luke 23:46-47 KJV 'And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man. '
At the time of Jesus death has giving direct access to God through Jesus Christ. My faith in this scripture has giving me access to God through prayer.
Ways you can can have intercession with God is having faith trusting in Jesus death, burial, resurrection.(Gospel)
Romans 10:9-10 KJV
'that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 11 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. '
(Part 1):
"For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren."
For whom he did foreknow (that is, know ahead of time), he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son,
With predestination being one of the more recent topics, I would like to share my understanding on what predestination means. I'm no bible scholar by any means, but I actually think that predestination in the bible is fairly simple to understand. To begin with, I just want to say upfront that I do not believe God chooses ahead of time who will be saved and who will not.
In the Greek text, Ephesians 1:3-14 is all one sentence. And that's the chapter that many people focus on when it comes to predestination. The most prominent teaching on predestination that we have today comes from John Calvin, and there are differences as people take different turns with it as to what predestination means.
But the one that's going around that people hold to a lot is that predestination means that God predestines or chooses those who are going to be saved ahead of time, and He predestines those who are going to go to Hell ahead of time.
So according to that belief, you are chosen and predestined as to whether you are going to go to Heaven or Hell. In other words, you have no choice. There's no free will according to this teaching. You are either predestined one way or the other.
But if I read this text in context, here's what it says: For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate. Predestinate what? To be conformed to the image of his Son.
I'll make a point-blank statement, and some may agree, some may not, but predestination is never associated with salvation in the bible. You will always see the word associated with those who are already saved. And it won't be for salvation. It's what has been predestined or chosen for us as part of our inheritance.
In the end; as my last post alluded to whether it is all predestined or man's future actions are taken into account at least in part or even if we think it is totally up to man where we end up we know that God is good and fair and eventually a certain number will be in heaven as well as hell. I have brought up the concept of life as a play on a stage where eternal realities in our time and place through our lives is acted out and various individuals and spiritual entities are all part of the overall theme which centers on God's script as it were. This obviously reduces life to a simplistic level but I think it merits somewhat how things are orchestrated so that in fullness of time all things come to pass ( Gal. 4:4). As this verse shows in Galatians Christ came at the "fullness" or correct time; just as His judgments come when sin is at the fullest. We see that concept with Genesis 15:16 and the Amorites; and surely when the Tribulation takes effect. ( Rev. 14:15).
As to the individual; there is a set time for everything from birth to death and judgment to follow ( Heb. 9:27).
Looking to this subject I think we all would agree that no one in hell will be able to have a genuine beef with God that He didn't provide a way to come to Him as not being one of the "elect". The hard truth is that without Christ God Himself is our enemy (we are at "enmity" with God: Romans 8:7; etal). There is; in fact no praise of God in hell ( Isaiah 38:18). Without the Lord we are all sadly "cowards" and that is a major and first indictment in Revelation 21:8). As much as the suffering of the lost they have no desire to die to self. Everything of this world is passing as a vapor but the unsaved do not wish to die to themselves. What is bigger than this; however is that they don't want to accept God's only remedy for the situation; the bad news of their own state isn't believed and they think their good works can save them.
The word of God is speaking to us, we are born again by coming to truth of THE WORD, the written WORD becoming the LIVING WORD.
Psalms 103:20 Bless the Lord, YE HIS ANGELS, who excel in strength (of the Lord), that do his commandment, harkening to the voice of the Lord.
Luke 29:36 Neither can they DIE any more (we died with Christ on his cross): for they are EQUAL unto the ANGELS; and are the children of God, being the CHILDREN OF THE RESURRECTION (joint heirs of his kingdom).
Genesis 1:2 .....and DARKNESS was upon the face of the earth (man) .......
Isaiah 45:7 I form the light, and CREATE DARKNESS .....
Job 19:22 A land of DARKNESS, as DARKNESS itself, and the shadow of DEATH, without any order, and where LIGHT is as DARKNESS.
2 Peter 2:4 But if God spared not the angels that sinned (blasphemed his name), but cast them down to the GRAVE, and delivered them into CHAINS OF DARKNESS (the wages of sin is death), to be reserved unto judgement,
Psalms 149:9 To execute upon the the judgement written, this HONOR hath all his SAINTS......
Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creation WAITETH (in the grave) for the MANIFESTATION of the SONS OF GOD.
Romans 8:21 Because the CREATION ITSELF shall be DELIVERED from the bondage of corruption (darkness) into the GLORIOUS LIBERTY OF THE CHILDREN OF GOD.
God Bless You
Thank you GiGi for your thought-provoking comments here, as also on the Character Traits of God, now His Sovereignty & being Superlative. So, to continue here.
Going through your list of mankind's condition before God & God's Work towards man's renewal, I will list those, & other points, with verse(s), & in the order that I understand them.
a. Man's total depravity ( Romans 3:9,10,23).
b. God's Love & Mercy for all sinners ( John 3:16: 'loved the World' of sinners, not only the Elect; 2 Peter 3:9: 'God suffers long, not willing that any (all sinners) should perish'.
c. God's Foreknowledge, Predestination, Calling, Justification, Glorification ( Romans 8:29,30: Paul shares this order pertaining to believers, where the logic is, if God foreknew those who would be His, it is understood that He also knew those who would reject Him). And through His Knowledge, God chose us before the foundation of the world to be holy & blameless people ( Ephesians 1:4).
To what have we been predestined to? To be conformed to His Son's Image (v29), according to God's Purpose ( Ephesians 1:11), & to be adopted into His Family ( Ephesians 1:5).
Calling. Various types of Calling given in the Bible, but pertaining to salvation: 1 Peter 2:9, 'having called us out of darkness (our sinful state without God) into His marvellous light (our forgiven state with God & His Son). Do we then just transition from darkness to light without a work of God the Spirit in us? And it is to this point that our discussions have focussed. Paul in Romans 8 is speaking to believers, so the matter of repentance wasn't mentioned, but may have been implied here.
However, Paul in Acts 17 spoke to the idolatrous Athenians, 'that God calls on all men everywhere to repent'. And here we read that unregenerate men were called to repentance. Continued on Page 2.
Question. In Romans 8:28-29 says, "28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.29For whom he did FOREKNOW, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.". What does that "foreknow" stand for? God foreknew what?
Another question. 1 Timothy 2:4, "Who(God) will have ALL men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.". If God wants ALL people to be saved, why does He choose some specific people for salvation, and not all?
Third and final question. Romans 2:6-10, "6Who(God) will render to every man according to his deeds:7To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:8But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,9Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;10But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:" Here it says that God will save or judge people according to their deeds. But why is this since salvation is granted by faith and not works? Doesn't those seem to be in contrast to one other? What are your thoughts on those?
I am sorry to hear that you are going through so much pain. To answer your first question, there is no promise of physical healing. The only healing that we are promised is spiritual healing. Can God heal us from physical pain? Yes, of course He can. But there is no promise that He will always do so.
As for your second question asking if it is reasonable to believe that God would answer our prayers, not only is it reasonable to believe that God answers our prayers, but we can have complete confidence that God answers every single prayer that is asked according to His will. What I mean by this is that we sometimes petition God in prayer for something we want without asking for His will to be done in whatever it is we are asking for, whether it be a physical ailment or whatever the case may be.
On the flip side, we might pray for His will to be done in whatever we are asking for, and things may or may not get better. I speak from my own experience when I say that sometimes things may even get worse, but we have to accept the outcome even if it's not the outcome we expected. As brother Spencer has said, our physical bodies are temporary. We are not immune from pain and suffering. But we must trust the Lord even through the pain and hardships we go through.
As some here have prayed for your situation, I also will pray that the Lord will ease your pain according to His will. Please know that if you belong to Christ and are in submission to Him, the pain you are experiencing is not His vengeance on you. Cast all your cares on the Lord. The suffering and pain that we go through in this earthly life cannot even be compared to what awaits those who belong to Christ. ( Romans 8:18).
God Bless!!!
Hang in there, don't lose faith in God.
These temporary bodies ware out.
Pain and suffering is a byproduct of sin entering the world thousands of years ago.
Romans 8:22-23 states; "For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
It is very difficult to focus on what good God might bring about as a result.
The clearest example of this in Scripture is found is Psalm 119. Notice the progression through verses 67, 71, and 75 - "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word...It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees...I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness you have afflicted me." The author of Psalm 119 was looking at suffering from God's perspective. It was good for him to be afflicted. It was faithfulness that caused God to afflict him. The result of the affliction was that he learned God's decrees and obeyed His Word.
Romans 8:28-39.
God bless you.
18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (According Philippians 3:20-21 combined with 1Corinthians 15:51-57 and Luke 20:35-36)
19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of GOD.
22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
...
John 3:31-36
31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.
32 And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.
33 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that GOD is true.
34 For he whom GOD hath sent speaketh the words of GOD: for GOD giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.
35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into His hand.
36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abideth on him.
It's nice to have my TV down the rest of the week (actually my parent's). Gives me more time on this site.
When we speak the Gospel truth and IF the Lord is coming in the not too distant future; we certainly would expect that SOME would come to Christ after the Rapture and removal of at least some of the church. Given that some people today actually STEAL Bibles; it is probably a good idea to have a few extra on standby. I imagine it will do some good after the Rapture; but no doubt the truth will be realized even with the deadly deception that aliens or some other explanation is given for the disappearance of many living AND resurrection of the dead. No doubt the 144,000 and 2 prophets as well as other believers martyred at the time will know some scripture; and no doubt also Antichrist will use much of it to attempt to prove his deity and status; power and authority (or the Satanic bible).
We should look at those who don't yet believe as both blind to the truth at present but to be given that revelation at a later date if they are indeed coming to the faith at some point. In the context of God being beyond time; of course He already sees them as they will be called; sanctified; glorified ( Romans 8:30) That's how I see it anyway.
Therefore whatever the end result is as to all who are saved and those who are lost; that is the inevitable route their current trajectory is taking them. Seeing things as they are in our own understanding is to say the least depressing. No doubt some things we will understand better in glory. God says not to look back on the former days (Ecclasiastes 7:10). No doubt evil spirits were dominating in each generation; just in a different mantra; a different motif; a different genre; or cultural norm.
As Revelation 3:11 says we should be careful not to lose our reward to another. These are days when not only many fall away but many believers lose rewards. Let us hold on!!
As stated before space ran out in the last post; Romans 8:16 shows the communication between our spirit and His Spirit who resides within all true believers ( John 14:23; see also Eph. 3:17). For Him to RESIDE in our souls we must be born again.
And being children of God we also are made aware of opportunities which God gives us (i.e. "good works") that will be rewarded in heaven someday that are imperishable ( 1 Cor. 9:25; Matt. 6:19-21). Keep in mind the end of that passage stating that wherever your treasure is; your heart is also (loosely translated).
Again; as I have stated a LOT on this site; God's method is to chastise all those He loves (let the reader find the scriptures). There is no desire for this in the flesh; as it is stated in Hebrews 12:11 to be disciplined in this way. We learn to recognize and appreciate this "pruning" effort ( John 15:2); for without it we would be in danger of producing no fruit and in the end being burned (in everlasting punishment). Our confidence is that in the end we are made into a glorious image; and reflect perfectly His radiance as He truly IS our life. Our reward; therefore comes from Him and in reality is HIS reward. He will; of course have His saints rule and reign with Him as part of our inheritance.
Another point to be made is an effectual witness has to be bold in their testimony and bring the fear of the Lord as well as demonstrate His love. It is therefore as Philippians 1:28 states a "token of their perdition" that we remain steadfast in the confidence of all that He has promised us. Our coming exaltation to rule and reign with Christ isn't brought forth by arrogance on our part; but nonetheless the unnerving thing to those who hear our witness is that we are; indeed already seated in heavenly places. ( Eph. 2:6). Christ also overcame and is seated at the right hand of the Father. God will be magnified whether hell or heaven is our end.
Testing ourselves to see if we are in the faith ( 2 Cor. 13:5) wouldn't be in scripture unless these things were possible. Just as there are conflicts in a true believer in regard to the flesh contending with the Spirit; we also recognize that Jesus Himself is working in and through us; we are just the mouthpieces and messengers. The Lord asks us to do many things that are impossible in the flesh; in fact ALL things actually are impossible for unregenerate man as they are spiritually dead; and we can do nothing apart from Him.
One insight in testing our faith to see if it is real is to see if God is drawing men to Himself through us; and with the company we keep. This is a difficult task as we see wheat and tares growing together. To follow Biblical discipleship is in many ways different from the way it is perceived today in many evangelical churches in particular. Multiplying numbers of new converts to keep the spiritual generations ever evolving cannot be at the expense of weeding out those who aren't truly committed to the task. This is what Christ did challenging many who wished to follow Him; as well as challenging the thoughts of even the 12 Apostles on a deeper level than with the masses. Our approach isn't the same as to being able to know all men's thoughts before they speak; but we must unapologetically be uncompromising with the Word so that error doesn't have a way of creeping in-at least as much as we can avoid having it do so. Basically; those who are truly in Christian fellowship will focus on prayer for one another and the Word as a guide to all of their life.
I have detailed these postings with evidences of being a true believer before tackling the "assurance of salvation". I will now look at some points to think about as to having confidence of "eternal security".
First and foremost there is Romans 8:16 showing how those who truly believe KNOW they are saved. More in next post.
That is so true, as in Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. We can't do it without Him, hope your house is finished or close to it.
God bless you Gramma GiGi, and your family and the new baby in the family.
RLW
When the stormy winds are raging, and disasters take their toll
When the mighty waves of trouble overwhelm your stricken soul
Look to God who reigns above, never doubt Him He is Love
Are you filled with eager longing for the earth's night to turn to day
God will soon dispel all sorrow, He will wipe all tears away
For His Kingdom will soon come and His will on earth be done
No matter what we are facing, the tribulations we are in, and those things that we have yet to face. If we are in Christ and He in us, we must remember this life we are living is not our own. Our hope is in the life to come that is given by the grace of God by the sacrifice of His Son and His resurrection. We are to walk with Him daily, if we do, we have been given a promise, that Jesus will return with the gift of immortality to those who are His.
Romans 8:35-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
God bless,
RLW
James 2:9-12: James is writing in these verses about those who would "keep (fully obey) the whole law", yet go astray even by committing one sin in a moment of time, having demonstrated their inability to keep (continually uphold) the Law as required. "So speak ye ( James 1:26), and so do ( James 2:17), as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty (the Law believers are under, 2 Corinthians 2:17, Galatians 5:1, James 1:25)". The Law of Liberty, can also be referred to the Law of the Spirit Who gives Liberty ( 2 Corinthians 3:17, Romans 8:2), assures our hearts that we are accepted of the Lord because we have been forgiven & the Gift of the Holy Spirit continually ministers to our hearts & lives to help us live holy lives or lead us/discipline us when we stray off course.
This Liberty, the Law could never give - Israel always remained fearful of it, eventually leading them into idolatry & debauchery, but to those IN Christ Jesus there is now no condemnation who walk after the Spirit ( Romans 8:1) - we should not be bound to the letter that had as its goal to expose & destroy souls, but to the Spirit Who gives Power & Life to obey God perfectly, "hating even the garment spotted by the flesh" ( Jude 1:23). Only the Laws given us by the Spirit to our hearts cover every area of our lives, ministering to us in His Way (& not in human strength), so we can live above the letter's demands but as new creations in Christ. There was nothing wrong with the 10 Commandments, for they are from God & His Truth - but they were for Israel alone, for their conduct before God & man, to show them their sin, God's requirements, & prepare them to approach God in Love, Truth, & Faith. All who did at that time were accepted by their faith alone ( Hebrews 11:39,40) & not on how well they kept the Law. Romans 8:3,4 (we allow the righteousness of the Law to work & be fulfilled in us by God's Spirit - never appealing to the letter, which is devoid of life). Every blessing.
We are dealing with two things here when concerning dinosaurs.
1) When were they created.
2) When did they die.
By the scriptures we know that the Lord created everything that was created. John 1:3. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Also, by the scriptures we know that death came into the world by Adam's sin.
Romans 5:12Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
By Scriptures we know that that extends to all creation, even the very ground we walk on! Genesis 3:17. and
Romans 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
The whole world groans and is waiting on a redemption, meaning restored to its formal intentions.
So, this may atleast help us with the "when" the dinosaurs could have died.
certainly not before Adam and Eve because death had not entered the world yet. (Possibly the flood)
Some hold the view of a gap theory between verses 1 and 2 in Genesis 1:1-2. as a possibility when dinosaurs may have been created.
Would you like for me to get into that?
God bless
29'I will not,' he replied. But later he changed his mind and went. 30Then the man went to the second son and told him the same thing. 'I will, sir,' he said. But he did not go. 31Which of the two did the will of his father?" "The first," they answered. Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you.
( Matthew 21:29-31).
We see through Romans 8:30 the idea of being called; justified and glorified without any mention of sanctification implied through discipleship. We can look at immature believers in Corinth who likely died in some cases without really being effective disciples. Nonetheless; we want to ensure that as Paul says in Phillipians 3:14 that we run for the prize. Crowns given for ministry; patient endurance or martyrdom don't come easy or to all but nonetheless since it affects our stance and spiritual authority under the King at least for the Millennium if not all eternity these are vital goals for us to pursue!
When we consider the Great Commission and God's calling for us to go and make Disciples of all men in Matthew 28:19-20 we certainly see that emphasized; and that seemingly over the concept of just leading men to Christ which of course is part of what it means to teach all the things Jesus meant and taught to His own on His earthly ministry.
The concept of personal sanctification and becoming separate from the world; therefore is also part of our growth as well as teaching others to be FOLLOWERS of Christ and the sacrificial lives that should accompany their declaration of salvific faith.
It has been stated and I wholeheartedly agree that today the message of coming to Christ is often watered down. This often is to keep attendance up and money coming in from unscrupulous church leaders. It also comes from the misguided notion that we may say something to scare someone off unnecessarily. We must share hard truth with love.