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It’s been a year that I’ve been under the Gospel along with my parents as well. I understand that sometimes I may act childish but my father lets it be known. He will say things like “you haven’t grown” and “I can see the malice in your heart” or “how can you do this, but then go to church and listen to sermons” or “you need to read your bible more”. It’s just every time he throws our Christianity hard in my face and maybe he should, but it discourages me a little because maybe I am not growing at all. He talks about submitting to them as parents, but I honestly don’t know how to because they way they treat me is a harsh to where I just don’t want to be around them anymore. Are there specific scriptures that can help guide me? thank you.

The truth is that there are some things that Christians are exhorted to be partakers of. I've been going through them and thought it might be helpful if I drew attention to them. I believe it's a sanctification issue that's important to be aware of. G2844 κοινωνός koinōnos koy-no-nos' From G2839; a sharer, that is, associate: - companion, X fellowship, partaker, partner. Rom 15:27 It has pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. 1Co 9:13 Do you not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? 1Cor 10:17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. 1Co_10:21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: you cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. 2Co 1:7 And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so shall you be also of the consolation. Eph 3:6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Php 1:7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of my grace. Col 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which has made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 1Ti 6:2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. Heb 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Heb 3:14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; Heb 6:4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, Heb 12:8 But if you be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are you bastards, and not sons. Heb 12:10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. 1Pe 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy. 2Pe 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

And Amen! Love for the breathren, and a heart to sow precious seed to the lost. In the world (ministering, sowing), but not of the world (set apart) As the few highlighted verses above show, as soldiers in Christ's army, (if your not AWOL), you will be wounded, engaging the enemy. Rev 3, 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou were cold or hot. We 'signed up', so let's get into the game/war......................and not go AWOL! And amen....

This really helped me open my eyes as a young women. Your right and they are right I need to feast on my bible. Thank you thank you thank you for your humble advice

When God convicted me of sin I repented and asked Him to forgive me. Soon after I told the people I had sinned against that I was sorry and had asked God to forgive me, and tried to make it right. Then God drew me to read the Bible. I have have reading disabilities and couldn't understand King James. Months later I found an Amplified New Testament which I bought and read. Then God drew me to find a church with solid teaching since I was in a very liberal church with no teaching. So it was at least 2 years before I was finally baptized. The important thing was that I was continuing to walk with God, obeying that which the Holy Spirit's light guided me to do. The church I now attend only baptizes outside in the warmer months of the year. Like others have said, it is a testimony of what God has done in us. Sometimes it helps us to realize that the old man is really dead and we are new creations in Him. Rom 6:3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?Rom 6:4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 2Co 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

You feast on your bible . I promise the more you learn you will understand . I know chastening may not seem joyful at the time but IF your parents are truly following Christ , then be HAPPY they are . Cause most are not . You will grow from this , I PROMISE . Now you would have to be more specific for me to be able to say more . Try and remember your parents ARE RESPONSIBLE for your well being and upbringing. SO as long as they aint telling you things CONTRARY to CHRIST , just be patient . One thing that will make this so much easier . IS no matter the correction , Just be encouraged and don't fight or back talk . Not saying you DO , but just don't . Be patient and kind and always ready to hear good pure advice . Just the attitude of being ready to receive the correction , can make things all better . Example , if you are n error, and pops gets mad, Just be sorry and happy that at least you have a father who is trying to do what is best for you . Most don't have that either .

We can and do sin. But we don't pratice sin. It's not our way. Our way is to follow Jesus. And to yield to righteousness. Ur way is to practice love. Like Jesus said I give you a commandment to love one another. If you pratice this you will abide in him. But we still sin. Our flesh is still endow with the old nature. It wars against the Spirit of life. But we can walk in the truth as we keep our eye on Jesus Christ. Then he shows us day by day the way to go. The path of righteousness.

Im not sure what it is you would like to know. An advocate is one who stands in or speaks for another 1 John 2:1 My little children these things I write unto you that you sin not, and if any man sin we have an advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the righteous. we are admonished not to sin but if we slip and sin Jesus stands in for us because we are washed in His blood. Go back to 1John 1: 7-9 If we walk in the light as he is in the light we have fellowship one with another and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin we lie and the truth is not in us . If we confess our sin he is faith and just to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. There is verses that say we don't sin, but some mistake these verses. It is clear that the verses I shared tell us we do sin and need Jesus to be our advocate. Hebrews 4: 15,16 for we do not have a high priest which cannot be touched with feeling of our infirmities, but in all points tempted like as we are , yet without sin.Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. I pray this helps to understand what I have already expressed about our advocate with the Father

Will she begin counseling? I have no idea. We tried it for a couple months when I basically made it an ultimatum, and she went against her will. Now she quit and I haven't asked her to go back. I do think I have found a better counseling center now, they are more christian-based. She was trying to avoid the christian talk, and I went along with it because it was all I had. She refuses to discuss this before the church or a pastor. Been together 7 1/2 yrs married 5 1/2 years. According to her she "fell out of love" 3 1/2 years ago, so basically 2 years into the marriage. It doesn't entirely add up because there are many moments where she was clearly happy and in love, but it was here and there. I'm not exactly certain how to quantify it. I know she has the wrong definition of love, and you know that, but she doesn't. I understand the companion love concept. It isn't hard for me to love her at all, I still do love her every day, and I forgive her every day. What is hard is to not be depressed / disappointed / resentful for lack of reciprocation. It's my Achilles heel.

Respect their criticism about you, but also read the Bible and/or talk to Jesus about this. Jesus commands us to honor our parents, but He also wants us to "hate" our parents and follow Him. ("Hate" means to love God above all things, not to literally hate our parents). Our parents love us, but God is more capable and is above all, as He is our eternal Father.

Do you feel it separates you from God in some way? I'm a big fan of Age of Empires 2 myself, so I'd point out that the Monastary units and technologies in that game are definitely Catholic-based, many of them named after Catholic teachings, like "Atonement." But playing that game, I feel, does not equate to practicing Catholicism or believing in those things at all. They're simply used as named for the technologies that give bonus points to units. I do think we need to be careful about what media we consume, but sometimes I think we can go overboard in our worry about it, too. If you're a strong, Bible-learning believer, I can't see it challenging your faith or separating you from God in any way. But if you're concerned even in the slightest then, of course, prayerful consideration is the way to go.

Hi, perhaps a great guidance for daily reading, and especially for the many that post online. 2 Timothy 2 English Standard Version (ESV) A Good Soldier of Christ Jesus You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself. A Worker Approved by God Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.” Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

YOU LOVED DEAR SISTER . Oh let us be encouraged IN THE LORD and let us just feast on our bible and learn From HIM . You be encouraged sister .

Yes . and in every case look at whose fault it was . the person , not GOD . and even as THEY did not like to KEEP God in their conscious . GOD reached out , THEY rejected and did reject . And thus , YES GOD will give them over to a reprobate mind , TO DO such things , whose end is perdition . Now we BOTH know ONLY GOD knows who will come and those who will reject . SO we warn all repent and believe . And we correct all brethren . We simply do so , BY HIS SPIRIT a work of grace within those who are His . When YOU said the other day WE should be examining whether we walk in the FAITH. HOW TRUE that is . We should do this daily and we should examine the fruits of others as well . For many have crept in and have turned the grace of GOD into lasciviousness . And we KNOW many have . they holler JESUS and support evil, and do it in his name . I mean if we want examples their are many . How many men run churches , who we know do evil in his name and do so willfully . Does one not have the nickname Smiley and many others . The thing I want to address is their is good reason why them apostels said those holy scrips were written for our admonition. SO we don't Lust after the evil things they did . Yet how many teach that heap and steep prosperity gospel , YET say IN JESUS NAME . Or support gay marriage and do so , in JESUS NAME . talk about reprobate concering the faith . These words come to mind , DONT you KNOW JESUS , the SPIRIT is in you , LEST YE BE REPROBATE. For many think they have the spirit , yet I seen many walking and justifying darkness. THE SPIRIT OF GOD does NO SUCH THING . IT teaches us to deny evil living of the flesh , and to walk by the SPIRIT . I cant stress enough , I am massively worried for folks supporting great evil like abortion , gay marriage , prosperity gospel, emergent , mysticism , idol worship , covetousness , IDOLS . YET doing it IN JESUS NAME and thinking OH we saved , WE FREE. THAT IS REPROBATION . JESUS never came to let us FEEL FREE while IN BONDAGE . HE came to set us free FROM BONDAGE . He did not come to give us liberty TO LIVE AFTER THE FLESH . JUST LIBERTY in HIM . I , my soul, and every ounce of my being is worried big time for so many . Because once one supports a little leaven , wont be long before they support only MORE LEAVEN . CHURCH gotta get busy preaching JESUS and correcting .

I want to believe there is always hope. Today we live in a gospel hardened society. Christian churches on every corner. They all have heard it before so you can't go street preaching. At the same time people must know your faith and see you walk as unshakable and true. God knows who will be drawn to Christ and we can only pray, show our love by our actions more than words

Short answer? Yes.

Sufficient understanding of the blessedness concerning the eternal “purchased possession” (Eph 1:14 – saints of God) will avail, in those reborn, the work of God manifesting an unmoved confidence in His complete “care for you” (1 Pet 5:7). Often God’s blessings are not received and appropriated in their fullest intent due to the “old man.” I’m convinced that most of this interference derives from misunderstanding the cleansed state of the saint, of which can be continually recalled in the mind and heart, concerning our permanent separation from the sin nature (Rom 8:9). Forgiveness received comes not in relation to the quality of the recipient—but in the love of the Giver, thus it is the privilege of the blessed to remember the unchanging position of innocence they occupy in the Lord Jesus before the Father, so that we may now experience the same joy in Him that He has in us (without impedance). NC Source of All “But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth” (Mark 5:33). To ensure enjoyment of any blessing conferred, it is necessary to join it with the Lord Jesus, the source of it. Independence was the ruin of the first man; dependence is the normal characteristic of the “new man.” The more conscious I am of my gain (in Christ—NC), the more necessary it is that I should be assured of its perpetuity. The deepest misery of man is traceable to this—that in proportion to the value he sets on anything, so is his anxiety as to its continuance; and the less apprehension there is of it being lost, the more enjoyment there is in it. Man in nature (natural man – NC) cannot connect any favor or blessing with its source; but as to all spiritual blessings, we have the guarantee of their perpetuity in the knowledge of Him from whom every favor comes. Gifts or acquisitions in themselves only make one unhappy in proportion as they are valued (see them as a source—NC), unless we connect them with the Lord Jesus, and realize Him as the giver; not only as One able to give, but as One to whom we are brought into the closest relationship, and who imparts to us of Himself, in order to qualify us for Himself. If I know His mind about me, I am not only assured of the continuance of His love but I also know that every gift is an expression of a love which passes knowledge. I enjoy all that He gives me, which is all that is unfolded to me in His Word, because it acquaints me with His heart. Hence my heart, in order to have full rest seeks His heart and not merely what He confers, which conference is only the expression of it. The very eagerness to acquire, and the extent of the acquisitions, are often followed by a winter of depression, simply because there has been too much occupation with the acquisition, while losing sight of the Source. Acquisitions, even spiritual ones, if held apart from the Lord Jesus (again, considering them as a source—NC), cannot maintain freshness of joy and vigor in the soul, any more that the action of the heart in the human subject is enough for healthful consciousness without the head, or seat of feelings. For healthful action there must be an unbroken correspondence between the two. Just so, there will not be a real enjoyment in the soul unless there be the consciousness of union with the Lord Jesus as spring, fountain and giver of it all. Hence it is in the trials and vexations here, which appear to be contrary to love that we, in turning to our Father are assured of His love. “The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us” (Rom 5:5). As we receive from our Father so must our dependence on Him consciously increase, and our independence be repudiated. Trials break down independence, but the dependence must keep pace with every favor received, or the independence of the flesh will supervene, and there will be darkness, because there is not dependence coequal with the acquisition (not maintaining distinction between Source and gift—NC). If I would enjoy the abundance of grace, I must connect it all with the Lord Jesus, who is the center and source of everything from the Father to me. The more fully I do so—thanking Him for His favors, owning His gifts to me, praising Him for the light and truth He imparts to me—the more fully will my soul enjoy all the unquestioning assurance that comes from Him who gave Himself for me. - J B Stoney Excerpt from MJS devotional for October 17: “The true servant is finally subdued, but not stultified; prepared but not deprived of individuality. All that is rendered inoperative is the old man—and thank God for that!” - MJS “When we are finally prepared, our Lord says: ‘When I died, you died. When I went to the Cross I not only took your sins, but I took you. I not only took you as a sinner, but I took you as being all that you are by nature; your good as well as your bad; your abilities as well as your disabilities; yes, every resource of yours. I took you as a worker, a preacher, and organizer. My Cross means that not even for Me can you be or do anything out from yourself; but if there is to be anything at all it must be out from Me, and that means a life of absolute dependence and faith.’“ -T. A-S. http://www.abideabove.com/hungry-heart/

Always encouraging to see others besides myself being taught by the articles I share. Thanks for your reply and comments! God's blessings to you!

Oh yes! We indeed are to; “reckon ourselfs dead onto sin and alive onto God” To know and understand this truth by experience, is the way to walk in newness of life. Blessings! Much love in Christ, Not me

Hello @Equippers, The conscience can become hardened, or 'calloused', so that it ceases to either excuse or accuse, thus giving no measure to judge actions by. The believer cannot be likened to Esau, for they have the indwelling of the new nature, through which the Holy Spirit works within, quickening by the administration of the Word of God, which is His means of operation - His 'sword': it discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart, exposing and revealing the truth as to their motivation. The believer is forgiven from the moment they believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour, there is nothing that can separate them from the love of God in Christ Jesus. They are, in God's sight, holy and without blame before Him. That is their 'standing', and it is sure. Their sins have been forgiven them, past, present and future. They will never be without sin, but are assured that if they confess their sin, then He is faithful and just and will forgive their sins and cleanse them from all unrighteousness. In Christ Jesus Chris

Great verses....Not really sure how they pertain to my post.I am talking about the futility of trying to be saved by your performance,your good works.These types of people are still lost.You are taking quotes that Paul said to the saved Followers of the Gospel, the True Believers who believed Christ died for their sins and rose from the grave and did not add their works , lest they follow an “accursed” gospel —The “perverted Gospel” That Paul warned about .I am not talking about the things Peter and Paul wrote about as part of the saved Believer’s walk of Sanctification.As far as doing “God’s Will”, that would be “ believing on the One He sent.” Faith in the Shed Blood Of That “One” is what saves. The other goodies you refer to are fulfilled to the extent that we “walk by the Spirit”—— only possible AFTER we are saved.

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For, “Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls."

'And it came to pass, that, when Abram was come into Egypt, the Egyptians beheld the woman that she was very fair. The princes also of Pharaoh saw her, .. and commended her before Pharaoh: .... and the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house. And he entreated Abram well for her sake: .. and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, .... and menservants, and maidservants, ...... and she asses, and camels.' (Gen 12:14-16) Praise God!

Glad you were helped by Frienduff's advice. We are to honor and respect our parents in the Lord.... Ephesians 6:1-3, Colossians 3:20. However, parents are also supposed to use wisdom in how they are correcting their children. Colossians 3:21 says "Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged." Personally I think most of us respond more to loving discipline, rather than to harsh discipline.

Interesting topic and posts I've read. Not sure what else I could possibly add except appreciation for the information I obtained.

@Deborah_ "What things has Jesus authorised us to pray for? The things in the Lord's prayer: the advance of God's Kingdom, our daily bread (necessities, not luxuries), forgiveness of our sins, etc. But not much else." I totally do agree with you. Jesus taught us how to pray. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from the evil one.’ I don't think that is wrong to pray for something else but always remembering not to "put God to test" doing that. 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourf down. For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ ” 7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” this is what I think. God bless you all. ☺️

Hi douge. I personally believe when they were saved, born again, they were no longer needful of Jewish ordinances. Same with Gentiles, whatever they were doing, could not gain God's grace. Faith alone in Christ alone was what was needed. Those whom were circumcised need not go through medical treatment to change back, from a moral obligation felt to demonstrate being no longer obligated to circumcision. (There were methods used, even back then,called 'epispasm' ) And Gentiles need not be circumcised, though the Judaizers preached it was necessary for salvation. The new circumcision was internal, the heart. Jer;4,4 Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings. You said; The context of this passage is abiding. If one is called to the Lord as a Jew, then continue as a Jew. It could possibly be that as a Jew, one would continue to keep the ordinances, the feasts. They were to keep the commandments of the Lord. Not sure just what you are saying, or implying, but the new testament church was not about continuing in the old Jewish traditions. Abiding is better understood in John 15. Joh 15:1-5 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. Abide; to stay in a given place, abide continue, dwell, remain. As believers, we are grafted into the true vine, Jesus, as were all believers, even converted Jews, or those Gentiles. Abiding in scripture in first Corin, 7, 18 is not about abiding, in my interpretation. I do not understand how you get that, unless you believe yourself we should still be keeping (abiding) in the Jewish practices. "The context of this passage is abiding. If one is called to the Lord as a Jew, then continue as a Jew. It could possibly be that as a Jew, one would continue to keep the ordinances, the feasts. They were to keep the commandments of the Lord". Your quote above does not result in salvation for Jews. Perhaps I simply misunderstood you.

The rich young ruler and others to whom Jesus spoke were still under the Hebrew law. Christ had not yet died for their sins. We are now born again by grace through faith. Our salvation is a gift of God, not of works. Rom 6:23 AMP For the wages which sin pays is death, but the [bountiful] free gift of God is eternal life through (in union with) Jesus Christ our Lord. I was always taught it is not a matter of faith or works, but it is faith that works. When we are born again and attached to the Vine, we cannot help but bear fruit. It is Christ in us Who produces fruit through us. True, we are become more fruitful and Christlike as we mature. We need to be in the Word continually and in constant communion with Him. This is abiding in Him. When I was new to walking with God He was revealing new truths in Scripture on a regular basis. But there came periods that were "dry". It was then that God was showing me that I needed to apply that which I already knew to do. My testimony is almost identical to Omega's on page 1. He expressed it so much better than I can. But I will add that God never tells us anything that is contrary to Scripture. Simply put, we are to love God and love others, and to rely on Jesus. 1Jn 3:23 ESV And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 1Jn 4:10 AMP In this is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (the atoning sacrifice) for our sins. 1Jn 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1Jn 4:12 AMP No man has at any time [yet] seen God. But if we love one another, God abides (lives and remains) in us and His love (that love which is essentially His) is brought to completion (to its full maturity, runs its full course, is perfected) in us!

Satan can perform miracles but we can not be deceived. We must stay very close to the Word of God. Question: "What does the Bible say about demonic/satanic miracles?" Answer: You will be hard pressed to find someone who has never heard of some kind of religious miracle. Many Catholics are convinced of the validity of various sightings of the Virgin Mary, stigmata, weeping or bleeding statues, and even “incorruptible bodies.” There are reported miracles in other religions, as well—Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam all claim to have documented miracles. Satan has the power to perform miracles. While his power is limited, he can and does perform miracles in order to deceive. John 8:44 says that Satan is a liar and the father of lies. Satan can make himself appear as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). He does this to draw people away from God. When Moses and Aaron confronted Pharaoh, they performed a miraculous sign to confirm their message from God (Exodus 7:8–10). The magi of Egypt were able to perform the same miracle “by their secret arts” (verse 11). God’s miracle was shown to be greater (verse 12), but the fact is that the magi were able to perform a satanic miracle in the king’s court. During the tribulation, the Antichrist “will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie” (2 Thessalonians 2:9). These miracles are explicitly said to be empowered by Satan. Jesus warned that the end times will be characterized by the treachery of counterfeit prophets who “will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive” (Matthew 24:24). The existence of demonic miracles is one reason why we must test all spirits: “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). Any time we are in doubt, we are to make sure that what is being taught lines up with what Scripture says. If the miracle worker is teaching something contrary to God’s Word, then his miracles, no matter how convincing they seem, are a demonic delusion. Examples of convincing demonic miracles today are the apparitions of the Virgin Mary in different countries. These appearances of Mary seem legitimate; indeed, they are believed by millions of people. But when we compare what the apparitions say to what Scripture teaches, it is not even close. Over the course of several Marian apparitions, we are told that God wants to establish worldwide devotion to Mary’s immaculate heart, that souls will be saved if devotions to her immaculate heart are established, that she is the mediatrix between man and God, that praying the rosary is required to enter heaven, that she receives and answers prayer, that taking communion makes reparation for sins committed against her, and that blessed objects should be worn and placed in homes. None of these messages are of God. Jesus is the only way to God (John 14:6). Mary does not have an “immaculate” (sinless) heart. Devotion to Mary is not necessary, and the Bible never instructs us to pray to anyone but God. Jesus is the only mediator between man and God (Hebrews 7:25; 1 Timothy 2:5; 1 John 2:1). The message of the Marian apparitions clearly contradicts Scripture. Did the people who claim to have seen Mary experience a real miracle? Yes, possibly. However, the entity calling itself “Mary” is not working for God’s glory or pointing people to Jesus Christ. Rather, Mary is being glorified, and people are being told to earn their own salvation by works. Demonic miracles are real and they do occur. It is our responsibility to make sure that we do not give in to them. We must keep our Bibles open and put God’s revealed truth ahead of any miracle we see. https://www.gotquestions.org/demonic-satanic-miracles.html

It may be something "new", a new world religion of peace to unify the masses. There are several wars prophesied that are not yet fulfilled in the region which according to scriptures sound catastrophic and God gets the credit. These wars could upend Islam, as hard as that is to grasp currently, leaving room for something else to take root, and this new leader could very well be drawn to setting their headquarters in the same spot as ancient Babylon, where the roots of false religions sprang from all over the world. Scriptures say many in this region will turn to God after these wars, but then a leader rises up and the last week begins. At some point, and there is much debate as to this timing, this leader declares war on anyone who refuses to worship him, two witnesses show up in Jerusalem, the believers are removed and a remnant of Israel is protected, Angels profess the gospel in the air, and the wrath of God begins. I agree, there isn't much left to be fulfilled and much of it seems to be on a razor's edge of happening any day.

God categorizes them as lying wonders 2 Thess 2:9-11 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: KJV

Not a single word about going to heaven at the so called rapture. Not a one. You do know the new Jerusalem will be here on earth. Right. EZEK.37 [12] Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O my people, I WILL OPEN YOUR GRAVES, AND CAUSE YOU TO COME UP OUT OF YOUR GRAVES, and bring you into the land of Israel. [13] And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves, Theres THE DEAD IN CHRIST who rise first (1Thes.4). The first resurrection. But..... there not headin for heaven. [21] And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen, whither they be gone, and will GATHER THEM on every side, and BRING THEM INTO THEIR OWN LAND: Ya see the resurrection of Zeke 37 and how the Lord gathers them and brings them to Jerusalem {the kingdom}. Its clearly where they are going. No figurin, no speculating. Thats what it says. You will find no scripture saying we are goin to heaven at the 1Cor.15 event

'And it came to pass, .. when he was come near to enter into Egypt, .... that he said unto Sarai his wife, ...... "Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon: .. Therefore it shall come to pass, .... when the Egyptians shall see thee, ...... that they shall say, 'This is his wife': ........ and they will kill me, .......... but they will save thee alive. ............ Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: .............. that it may be well with me for thy sake; ................ and my soul shall live because of thee.' (Genesis 12:11-13) Praise God! Abraham did not lie (see Genesis 20:12-13), except by omission.

@Hi Abby-Joy and @Francis, * Great to see your entries, unfortunately you are a chapter behind. we are currently in Genesis chapter 12. (easily done) ?

Genesis 11:15 New International Version (NIV) 15 And after he became the father of Eber, Shelah lived 403 years and had other sons and daughters.

Hi, Attended this group's Thursday evening worship service. Found it to be fun for me and a help for my Sweet Texas Peach who is having a bit of culture shock adjusting to the more formal presentations at the church that God has had me work, and attend for two decades. Now perhaps we can do both since this group, many of whom I know, have added a Thursday evening to their Sunday services as they are just outgrowing their facilities. An abundance of excellent local churches is such a blessing-Praise God! http://bldg28.com/gatherings/sunday-worship/ Then scroll down to music video sampling.

Jesus set that bar way to high for me......if only there were another way....I just don’t have enough eyes to pluck out every time I lust.....I think I’ll have to resort to doing it God’s way-faith in His Son

We are born sinners. That taint is imperfection. Imperfection, keeps us out of Heaven. I do not even know what you mean by willful sinning. You say you no longer willfully sin, that is great, but do I read between the lines, that you still sin un-willfully? With regard to entrance into heaven, what the OP was addressing, there is one way to get to Heaven, you must be sin free, willful or not, is irrelevant. I use the analogy of a gallon of pure white paint. Add just one drop of black paint in the the white paint, and it is no longer pure white. It is tainted, and is not, some shade of gray. Using that those shade of gray as illustration of our sin. None pf us are pure black, no one is totally evil, without a trace of good. We are all some shade of gray, we are all sinners and none of us will ever get into heaven in that condition. We get into heaven, by being perfect, and that is not something we can do. That puts us into a desperate condition, that we cannot change. Romans 3: 10 as it is written, “THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; 11 THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD; 13 ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE.” Since there is not even one, that means there are no exceptions, none righteous, and no one will enter heaven, we are ALL lost . . . UNLESS . . . if only there were someone who could cleanse of our unrighteousness, someone who could wash away our sins, and make us white again. The prophet Isaiah, anticipated that this would come to pass: "Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool. The writer of Hebrews informs us And according to the Law, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. The Bible, from beginning to end, Genesis to Revelation, reveal the cure for our predicament, that one day, the Messiah would come, and shed His own blood, as a sacrifice for the sins of many, that Messiah was (and is) Jesus. The blood of Jesus washes away the sins of believers so that they will enter heaven. It is impossible for us to earn entrance, it is not even possible that we will truly seek God, unless He does that work in us. Those who think they can get there on their own, are tragically deceived, and are also robbing God of the glory that is due only to Him. So, back to "willful" sinning. What other kind do you do? Does someone else force you to sin? If you lie, cheat, steal, curse, are are angry without cause, if you do not seek God with all of your heart, etc. whose decisions are those, if not your own? Sin originates inside us, before we even act, we have already sinned in our hearts. It is the heart, that God looks at, so even if we live perfect lives (we don't) we still sin in our hearts, and deserve Hell. That is a tough message, a hard pill to swallow, and we do not like it, but that is the truth. For those who believe though, there is this (1 Cor 10:13): No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. That is great. That tells us that indeed, we do not have to act out the sins we are tempted to do, but, the truth is we do. That promise though, helps us identify the fact that when we sin, we chose to, for God has given us the ability to resist temptation. The great news though, the gospel, is that Christ died for us to guarantee that true believers, those who place their trust in Him as their savior, and live with Him as the Lord of their lived, those, He has purchased their entrance into heaven. Not by our works, but by His work.

Fairly early in my Christian walk, was probably the second time I "heard" the voice of God. What I mean by that, is that there are lots of ways to hear God. When I read the Bible, and accept what it says, I am hearing God. When I have a real conviction about something that I am doing or saying, that is not proper, I am hearing God. When I listen to a sermon, and it quickens in me new ideas, not from the pastor but instead awakened in my understanding, i believe I am hearing from God. Hearing from God, will never contradict what He reveals in His word to us. However, the hearing that I am describing, was not general in nature, but personal to me. It was not thoughts in my mind like normal experiences, nor was it audible sound. It was however something I heard, and not of myself as near as I can tell, and it was in response to a question I asked of God, which was something like: "Lord, what is your will for my life, what do you want me to do?" What I then "heard" was: "My child, you already know the things things I would have you do. Be diligent in those, and I will give you more!" Now, I just quoted the above, but I do not mean to imply that those were His exact words, only that this is the gist of them, from memory, and that was in 1982 or 1983 I think. I took that as a gentle rebuke, as well as a promise. It was a rebuke, because He was right, I was not doing my best to obey Him, and I was in fact, in habitual sin. However, He has proven faithful, encouraging and enabling my growth in Him, and bringing me other specific things to do for His glory and the furtherance of His will being done on Earth as it is in Heaven. God is so good!

Some seem to think that this event is trivial and it is a North American tradition that should continue with their progeny . After all, a little fun with the theme of suspense and drama, that entails blood [of course fake blood ]and the grave is harmless or so we are told by the sympathetic of those who agree with those who partake on the symbolism of darkness and all that is stands for. Christians are not partakers that has anything that represents darkness, and we are to flee such. Here is a sermon to edify and maybe enlighten those who are dabbling, yes I use the word dabbling in the unfruitful works of darkness. Come out of that foolishness and let your light shine on the lamp stand. Should Christians Participate in Halloween? https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=102002844 Halloween Dangers https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=102400214730

Please don't let what that man said to you trouble you any longer. He should have just been happy you got baptized! The Lord doesn't want you to feel guilty by continually remembering that man's comments. May you remember the joy of your baptism instead!

I don't think so! Baptism is an issue of obedience, not of salvation.

Your “ someone” was probably well- intentioned, but Bible ignorant.There are ten types of baptism in the Bible. Five of them are dry.There is only one of these baptisms that plays a part in your salvation.Paul stated that there is only one baptism—- The baptism of the Holy Spirit thAt puts you in the Body of Christ.Without immersion( or baptism) into that exclusive Body, one is lost.If you believe Paul’s Gospel thAt saves if merely BELIEVED—- 1cor15:1-4— you are in that body.Water baptism is an outward showing of an internal event....the death of the old man and the rising up of the new man in Christ.It does not save .

A lot of people may be under the impression that praying in Jesus' name just means tacking the words "in Jesus' name" onto the end of their prayer! But as Retrobyter has said, what "in Jesus' name" actually means is "with Jesus' authority". So it certainly doesn't cover anything and everything we might want to pray for! What things has Jesus authorised us to pray for? The things in the Lord's prayer: the advance of God's Kingdom, our daily bread (necessities, not luxuries), forgiveness of our sins, etc. But not much else. We can pray for other things, of course, and because our heavenly Father is generous we may well be given them. But they don't fall under this particular promise.

ED................................so in your mind what on earth does it mean. just say it simple and short.

Just as John the Baptist paved the way for Jesus, a way is being paved now for the False Prophet. THE NEW WORLD ORDER A. RALPH EPPERSON 1990 An excerpt from the forward- The old world is coming to an end. It will be replaced with a new way of doing things. The new world will be called the "New World Order." This new structuring will re-distribute property from the "have" nations and will give it to the "have- not" nations. The New World Order will include changes in: The Family: homosexual marriages will be legalized, parents will not be allowed to raise their children (the state will) all women will be employed by the state and not allowed to be "homemakers", divorce will become ex- ceedingly easy and monogynous marriage will be slowly phased out, The Workplace: the government will become the owner of all of the factors of production, the private ownership of property will be outlawed, Religion: religion will be outlawed and believers will be either eliminated or imprisoned, there will be a new religion: the worship of man and his mind, all will believe in the new religion. So this is their agenda, now lets take a look at what God spoke to Daniel concerning the end times; Daniel 11:24 He shall enter peaceably even upon the fattest places of the province; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers' fathers; he shall scatter among them the prey, and spoil, and riches: yea, and he shall forecast his devices against the strong holds, even for a time. The False Prophet shall take from the "have nations" and distribute to the "have not nations". He wants all the sheep to be equal. Everybody the same. The rich will howl for their loss, and the poor will rejoice. All properties will be owned by the one world government to do as they please. Revelation 17:16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. The 10 kings, who are the ones currently paving the way for the false prophet, will strip this current system completely, to make room for the new system when their guy arrives. They are going to tear the whore (the world of business and commerce) to pieces, by stripping her naked and burning her system, in the name of equilibrium.

In ONE HOUR, the world will take on a huge change. The new ONE WORLD GOVERNMENT will own and control everything, then the plagues will follow, and with violence she will be utterly destroyed. This one hour will last 3 1/2 yrs until her end. First her system will be destroyed, then her city will be taken bit by bit until she is no more.

Revelation 18:9 And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, Revelation 18:10 Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come. Revelation 18:11 And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more: Revelation 18:12 The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, Revelation 18:13 And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men. Revelation 18:14 And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all. Revelation 18:15 The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, Revelation 18:16 And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls! Revelation 18:17 For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, Revelation 18:18 And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city! Revelation 18:19 And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate. Revelation 18:20 Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.