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  1. The Loneliness of the Christian by A. W. Tozer The loneliness of the Christian results from his walk with God in an ungodly world, a walk that must often take him away from the fellowship of good Christians as well as from that of the unregenerate world. His God-given instincts cry out for companionship with others of his kind, others who can understand his longings, his aspirations, his absorption in the love of Christ; and because within his circle of friends there are so few who share his inner experiences he is forced to walk alone. The unsatisfied longings of the prophets for human understanding caused them to cry out in their complaint, and even our Lord Himself suffered in the same way. The man [or woman] who has passed on into the divine Presence in actual inner experience will not find many who understand him. He finds few who care to talk about that which is the supreme object of his interest, so he is often silent and preoccupied in the midst of noisy religious shoptalk. For this he earns the reputation of being dull and over-serious, so he is avoided and the gulf between him and society widens. He searches for friends upon whose garments he can detect the smell of myrrh and aloes and cassia out of the ivory palaces, and finding few or none he, like Mary of old, keeps these things in his heart. It is this very loneliness that throws him back upon God. His inability to find human companionship drives him to seek in God what he can find nowhere else." _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The above description of "the lonely saint" describes my life 100%. I've felt alone most of my life, even when I've been around others, but in the past ten years, I have found that people are literally being removed from my life and I am having to walk this journey of life "Alone!". As much as it can feel so lonely, I think it's a privilege - I feel like it's God's way of bringing us to a place of total "Dependency" upon God Himself, I don't know? How about you? Do you walk alone and if so, why do you believe God takes us through this loneliness? God bless!
    4 points
  2. I think I may have the answer to my own question?... We no longer identify with this world, and have no covetous lust for all the things that are in it. The truth of the matter is, we don’t feel at home on earth anymore. This environment of sin, sickness, war, politics and poverty does not seem “natural” to us anymore — neither does the deceitfulness of riches and the craving for other things. We have separated ourselves from the world and worldly things, therefore, we do not find enjoyment in them anymore, because these things are no longer a part of our nature. Our nature now is to please the Father and the Lord Jesus – that is the motivational driving force that gives us pleasure. The older we get in Christ the more we realize how “impermanent” the things of this world are!
    4 points
  3. “I am writing this to you so that you may KNOW that you have eternal life—- you that believe in the Son of God. 1John 5:13 If That is not a “GUARANTEE” of Salvation........what would it take to suffice ?
    3 points
  4. What I say next , LET it be a general reminder to all of us . IF when we are persecuted for speaking what is not true , we take it patiently , IT flat out don't matter , we still in error and thus need correction and to be corrected. IF when we are persecuted for speaking what is true , REJIOCE N THE LORD .
    3 points
  5. Some people think this is a sin like most other sin that can be repented of. Others think not. Is this a line that is crossed that cannot be retreated from? God sends angels to warn people - in their own language - every single person on the planet will get this warning: "take the mark and you will be doomed to the lake of fire." It seems to be this is the final line no one can cross. Everyone will know they they are choosing against the God of creation to take the mark. In other words, everyone will KNOW what they are doing and will do it deliberately. CAll it choosing sides: they are willfully and knowingly choosing the devil's side. Young's literal: And a third messenger did follow them, saying in a great voice, 'If any one the beast doth bow before, and his image, and doth receive a mark upon his forehead, or upon his hand, he also shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, that hath been mingled unmixed in the cup of His anger, and he shall be tormented in fire and brimstone before the holy messengers, and before the Lamb, This simply does not mention repentance. It says if one received the mark he also shall drink and be tormented in fire and brimstone. I have to disagree with you here. This is like God telling all the fence setters: "CHOOSE right now which side of this fence you want to be on: you cannot sit on the fence any longer - you must choose. If you choose ME, you may lose your head, but if you choose against me, you will be sent to the lake of fire."
    3 points
  6. 'And I asked her, and said," Whose daughter art thou? " And she said, "The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor's son, whom Milcah bare unto him:" .. and I put the earring upon her face, .... and the bracelets upon her hands. And I bowed down my head, .. and worshipped the LORD, .... and blessed the LORD God of my master Abraham, ...... which had led me in the right way ........ to take my master's brother's daughter unto his son. And now if ye will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me: and if not, tell me; that I may turn to the right hand, or to the left.' (Gen 24:47-49) Praise God!
    2 points
  7. God created us for fellowship with other human beings, in this case other believers..... Charles Stanley has this video on loneliness i think you should check it out. i don't know who this Tozer person is, but i do know something about Charles Stanley, he seems to think as i remember it, God does not want us to be lonely for a long period of time, and He is a God that met our needs. also his video is targeted at born again believers i think.....
    2 points
  8. Hi LivingbyFaith, It seems we are both Aussies. That is probably why we are up at this hour and those overseas are asleep. Yes I can identify with what you have posted. Yet amid that the Lord brought different ones to be mentored and I have had the privilege of seeing them mature and now reaching out to others. I also can`t go out too much, (CFS) but then the Lord has provided this forum to make friends and a vehicle to help others, plus learn things myself. Perhaps the total dependency is needed before we can then mentor others as we would draw them to ourselves instead of to the Lord, because of our need. However when the Lord is in His rightful place then other things can be added. I pray that you will have the joy of mentoring others too. My husband and I have been on our big Australian trip and when we came to Perth we met up with someone from the forum and had tea and communion together. Then further on we stayed at a couple of friends we made on this forum too, and had such a precious time with them. Hope you can find good friends here. I`m always open to have a chat if you want to PM me. all the best, Marilyn.
    2 points
  9. @LivingbyFaith Just found this one now. Interesting topic. As best as I can tell, once He wipes away our tears the former things are not remembered... "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."Revelation 21:4 @Debp Thanks for the hope. We need it. Because I'm sure most (or all) of us have unsaved loved ones.
    2 points
  10. OH but how much more to those who drink of the WATER of life , who drink shall never thirst . PRAISE THE LORD .
    2 points
  11. Your calling those scriptures i posted a veiled insult. Yikes!
    2 points
  12. Six day sabbath? The sabbath is on the 7th day HEBREWS 4 [9] THERE REMAINETH THEREFORE A REST to the people of God.[10] For HE THAT IS ENTERED INTO HIS REST, he also hath ceased from his own works, AS GOD DID FROM HIS. [11] Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. Well...Ya see what it says. Now lets see how God rested from His work HEBREWS 4 [4] For he spake in a certain place of THE SEVENTH DAY on this wise, And GOD DID REST THE SEVENTH DAY from all his works Yup. God rested the 7th day. The sabbath.
    2 points
  13. Divine Intervention: Act 10:3-6 (3) He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. (4) And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. (5) And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: (6) He lodges with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell you what you ought to do.
    2 points
  14. 'And my master made me swear, saying, .. "Thou shalt not take a wife to my son .... of the daughters of the Canaanites, ...... in whose land I dwell: ........ But thou shalt go unto my father's house, .......... and to my kindred, ............ and take a wife unto my son." And I said unto my master, .. "Peradventure the woman will not follow me." And he said unto me, .. "The LORD, before whom I walk, .... will send his angel with thee, ...... and prosper thy way; ........ and thou shalt take a wife for my son of my kindred, .......... and of my father's house: ............ Then shalt thou be clear from this my oath, .............. when thou comest to my kindred; ................. and if they give not thee one, .................. thou shalt be clear from my oath."' (Genesis 24:37-41) Praise God!
    2 points
  15. Against such their is no law . the law is not against the fruits OF THE SPIRIT . THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT actually FULLFILL the law LOVE GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART MIND SOUL and your neighbor AS , AS yourself . THE LOVE GOD sheds on our heart does not transgress , IT FULLFILLS the RIGHTEOUSNESS of the law . YEAH . NOW LEAP UP AND PRAISE THE LORD brother pumpkin. FOR if we follow the SPIRIT , we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh . OH YES , their is Power in THE BLOOD to purge even the inner conscious of man. . OH we serve THE LORD , who is the freer of men and the breaker of the chains of bondage . Go on , LEAP up and Praise the HOLY LORD . AND LET all that has breath , JUST PRAISE THE LORD and REJOICE in HIM .
    2 points
  16. I like to add, "Let God (and His word) be true; and every man {or experience} be a liar (if it does not line up with Gods word)"
    2 points
  17. Hello my Brothers and Siters in Christ! There seems to be an influx of "professing" Christians who lack any sort of spiritual substance in their lives. This is to those who have eyes to see, ears to hear, and to understand with their hearts (cf. Isa. 6:10; Jer. 5:21; Ezek. 12:2; Matt. 13:15; Acts 28:27). Much of what I am about to say are mostly likely known by my brothers and sisters here; but I will mention this for the sake of those who may not be saved, even as I write this. Our LORD Jesus said: "Not every one that saith unto me, LORD, LORD, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, LORD, LORD, have we not prophesied in they name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." This is a terrifying thought to anyone professing to be a child of God if they were to hear those words on that Great Day. Jesus will reply to them that He NEVER "knew" them (i.e., "they were never saved to begin with"). Most of us here already know that the word "know" (Heb. "yada" and Grk. "ginosko") is indicative of a deep and intimate relationship with someone or something (Gen. 3:5; 4:1; 8:11; Lev. 5:4; Num. 12:6; Deut. 4:35; Ps. 20:6; 31:7; Jer. 24:7; 44:15; Jn. 17:3; Matt. 7:23; Mk. 13:28; Lk. 1:34; Jn. 10:27; Rom. 3:17; 1 Cor. 1:21; 1 Jn. 5:20; Rev. 3:9; et al.). The LXX Septuagint uses "ginosko" for the word "know" in the Hebrew. "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish. (John 10:27-28)" "And this is life eternal, they they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou has sent. (John 17:3)" We must all do a "spiritual inventory" of ourselves to see whether we are truly born-again. The bible makes it very clear that we can KNOW with absolute certainity that we possess Eternal life (Jn. 3:36; 5:24,39; 8:31-32; 10:27-30; Rom. 8:38-39; 1 Jn. 5:13). This is not to say that genuine Christians can at times experience"doubt" as to whether they are truly saved or not (cf. 1 Jn. 3:20). But there are many reasons as to why a "believer" may have these doubts in their hearts -- and they are: They are "living in sin and disobedience" more often than they should be. They are not convinced that God's promise of Salvation is True in the TRUEST sense as it is laid out in Scripture. They are trusting in their own "works" as being supplemental for their Salvation. They may not even be saved at all; or were NEVER saved to begin with, and are under a delusion that they are. The bible places great emphasis when it commands all professing believers to "examine themselves" to see whether they are truly regenerated; otherwise they can deceive themselves not knowing that they are in reality counterfeit Christians (2 Cor. 13:5; 2 Pet. 1:10; cf. Gal. 5:22-23). "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? (2 Corinthians 13:5)" There are certain indicators in which we can examine the genuineness of our Salvation. The "fruit" of "the Spirit" characterize the traits of a child of God by their lifestyle and behavior. They possess these traits (Gal. 5:22;23; Matt. 7:16-20 -- "Love, joy, peace, self-control, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and patience"). Genuine conversion also has absolute indicators of the born-again Christian; and that personifies divine and sacrificial love (Grk. "agapao" -- Jn. 13:35; 15:13; 1 Jn. 3:14). Then we have the sanctifiction process and conformity to the image of Christ (Rom. 12:2; 2 Thess. 2:13; Gal. 2:20; Col. 2:11; 3:5; 2 Tim. 2:21; Heb. 9:14; 12:14; etc.). As we are take up our crosses "daily" (Matt. 16:24), we have an increase or hatred towards sin and "hunger and thirst" after righteousness (Matt. 5:6). We will abhor the world system and carnal desires as we mature spiritually, and our desires will be to "please" the LORD and walk in obedience to His Commandments because we love Him after He first loved us (1 Jn. 4:19). And finally, sin will not have "dominion" over our lives as we are "new creatures" in Christ Jesus (Ezek. 11:9-20; 36:25-27; Rom. 6:1-20; 2 Cor. 3:18; 5:17; Eph. 2:10; 4:22-24; Gal. 6:15; 2 Pet. 1:4). There are plenty much more found within Scripture which can give us the GUARANTEE that we are indeed truly saved, and have peace with God. In Christ, *Pumpkin*
    1 point
  18. We read in Romans; Romans 3:4 (NKJV) Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: "That You may be justified in Your words, And may overcome when You are judged." “Let God be true and every man a liar.” There is just so much in these few words. It shows our need for God in all things. Makes plain our utter depravity, as we are in ourselfs. Makes our absolute dependency on God a absolute necessity. Scripture also says that “God alone is good.” Making even more plain our utter need for a reliance on God in all things. For this saying is true; “if it’s me it’s sin, if it’s God, it’s not.” This truth known and deeply felt and held in the heart, keeps one’s heart tender and soft before God. For when a believer sees “self” as his worst enemy. As in fact in is, all the evil that he possesses. His sinking down before God becomes a most humbling and freeing state of heart. Than as he sees the need and necessity of his death to and from all that was born in Adam. The command to “reckon one’s self dead onto sin but alive onto God”, becomes the most freeing and blessed and glorious command ever given. God’s love and grace is known and felt in such a richness and deepness, that being identified with Him in His death in all things, becomes the believers greatest joy. That God may and would manifest Himself in the believer, a little more today, than yesterday, and a little more tomorrow than today. To the end that Christ would be written in our hearts that he could be read by all men in the here and now. Blessings to all that call on God from a pure heart. And may that heart be made purer everyday that we might walk pleasing to Him in all things. So that the scripture that “we might walk in newness of life”, be a real and manifested thing in our lives. Much love in Christ, Not me
    1 point
  19. This is just beyond words.... People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals announced plans Monday to run a billboard near the U.S.-Mexico border that parallels the separation of migrant families with the separation of cows at dairy farms. PETA said it would support the billboard in San Ysidro, California showing a mother cow and calf next to the words, “Loving Mothers and Their Children Should Never Be Separated. Go Vegan.” https://www.abc15.com/news/national/peta-to-post-billboard-near-border-comparing-cow-families-to-migrants
    1 point
  20. Because there is only joy, love, peace and harmony in Heaven and no more pain, tears, suffering nor grief, then if I am the only Christian in my whole entire family of six...will I not be sad, sorrowful and even heart-broken in heaven for the loss of my family members who did not make it? Or will God remove them from my memory? What happens - does anybody know? Thanks!
    1 point
  21. Some people are more gregarious than others. They tend to belong to clubs and be involved in group activities. Living alone can be a challenge for those who have a constant need for companionship. On the other hand there are those who enjoy their own company and thrive on solitude. I went through some very lonely times before I met my wife as did she which made for a good rapport between us when we compared notes. Currently I enjoy quality friendships within a small fellowship in contrast to the past larger fellowships where the friendships turned out to be shallow and less durable. I do sympathise with lonely people and over 30 plus years in Property Maintenance and ministering in rest homes have encountered many of them.
    1 point
  22. Sister you are truly loved . Just raise those hands and praise the Lord . What power in the gospel . What HOPE in the LORD . What joy in HIS salvation and the JOY of the LORD is our strength .
    1 point
  23. Where does it say literally that there is a diminishing of Israel? Because if you look at the Book of Romans, Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ; For it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. and Romans is right after Acts. God promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that through them the whole world would be blessed. To diminish the Jews would make God a liar.
    1 point
  24. Ha, I did. I couldn't let the poor cat use that box any longer. It jumped up on me in my lounger chair, arched it's head back, thumped it's tail like it was sweeping a deck, laid there on me for a couple hours, and just stared at me like is this real? - I'm a push over. I was dead tired myself, but the cat needed some attention and comforting. I simply took an extra Zertec and ignored my nose having closing up from cat and my having to breath through my mouth. Cats, geesh.
    1 point
  25. I believe this one has ran its course.
    1 point
  26. my goodness yowm , that lil bugger is gonna have a mean headache . Hey lil thing , JESUS IS LORD , HOPE IN GOD . maybe it will leap up and praise the LORD .
    1 point
  27. I don't think this fellow realizes that while paul mainly taught the gentiles , that he too preached n many jewish synagogues , THAT SAME GOSPLE and I don't think its sunk in ,that while peter mainly preached to the jews , he also preached THE SAME GOSPLE to some gentiles too . key word. SAME GOSPLE . their is only ONE GOSPLE and its for both jew and gentile . I don't think he gets this .
    1 point
  28. Peter, preaching the Gospel of the Circumcision, commanded baptism under the program of JESUS. LETS clear that up. IT was JESUS who said go into ALL nations and baptize them n thename of the Father , Son and Holy Ghost . Teaching them , ALL NATIONS , to observe all things I have commanded you . ONE GOSPLE , SAME GOSPLE for both jew and gentile .
    1 point
  29. Why would i do that. I like meat 1 COR. 3 [1] And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. [2] I HAVE FED YOU WITH MILK, AND NOT WITH MEAT: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. [3] For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? HEBREWS 5 [12] For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. [13] FOR EVERY ONE THAT USETH MILK IS UNSKILFUL IN THE WORD OF RIGHTEOUSNESS: FOR HE IS A BABE. [14] But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. The two above new testament scriptures tell us we should be teachers of the word but also tells us everyone that uses milk is unskilful in the word. ISAIAH 28 [9] WHOM SHALL HE TEACH KNOWLEDGE? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? THEM THAT ARE WEANED FROM THE MILK, and drawn from the breasts.[10] For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:[11] For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.[12] To whom he said, THIS IS THE REST wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and THIS IS THE REFRESHING: yet they would not hear. In Hebrews 5 the scripture tells us we should be teachers of the Word but we dont get it, we are still just babes, milk drinkers. In Isaiah we see that those whom God will teach knowledge and whom he shall make to understand doctrine are those who are weaned from the milk. Who are these milk drinkers (verse 12) that dont understand doctrine? To whom he said this is the rest and the refreshing, but they refused to hear. Rest? Refreshing? EXODUS 31 [15] Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.[16] Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.[17] It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and ON THE SEVENTH DAY HE RESTED, AND WAS REFRESHED. Heres a scripture that speaks of a rest and a refreshing. And yes, the milk drinkers do refuse to hear that scripture. GOT MILK?
    1 point
  30. Hi James C, Some good replies there for you. I`ll just add that God desires us to think through things and not just do a knee jerk response. There are lots of `voices` vying for our attention and we have to learn to discern which is of God. Just responding to a thought at once is not wise as we need to discern is it of God, of the devil, or of the world, or even our own fleshly desires. God desires us to grow up and as we learn to discern prompting from Him then we get more tuned to His voice. All the best, Marilyn.
    1 point
  31. Certainly. I was just giving the context for the 14 centuries of law before Jesus said, "Don't take vows and swear."
    1 point
  32. Does this question have anything to do with the sabbath. A simple yes or no will suffice
    1 point
  33. I saw a terrifying, amazing video last night on our local news. A young lady went to rescue her horses and other horses....people open the stable doors so the horses can run to perhaps escape the wildfires. A total of 48 horses were saved or at least set free. The video was of the young lady's view as she frantically drove her car through the flames and smoke enveloping her car, I guess after she released the horses. She was praying the entire way asking for God to help her. I will try to find that video and post it later tonight. She actually thought she would die and it certainly looked like it.
    1 point
  34. The only thing God requires is that believers marry other believers. So I would seek that he be a godly loving man. Then pray that you could be a good wife to him, adapting your life to meet his needs. God's love is about sacrificial giving, and He wants to live in you to express that kind of love since He gave His Son to redeem the world and you. A good marriage is also all about total commitment. God takes us for better or for worse, and we follow Him the same way. So our commitment to a husband must be for better or for worse. That is why God uses marriage as a picture of His relationship with believers. God's timing is perfect. The pain of rejection and even betrayal are horrible. But that is what happened to Jesus as well. You are sharing in the sufferings of Christ. So draw close to Him. He is praying for you.
    1 point
  35. I love you too my dear Brother in Christ!
    1 point
  36. Pumpkin, I don't care what rick warren , or the emergent churches , or Rome says about ya . I LOVES YA .
    1 point
  37. Hi, Been away for awhile out of internet range, seems that is possible. How is the search for a place to live going? Praying for both of you to secure a nice place! Got in late, just now changed the cat's food and water. She is meowing her appreciation. She said something about doing her cat box too. I told her wait for your owner she will be up soon. Seems to me one of those auto cleaning cat boxes must work, all the reviews I have read say nope not all that good for the money. Aha, I hear the cat's owner rousing now, hang on kitty your own "restroom" cleaner is soon to come to a toilet near you.
    1 point
  38. 'And the man (Abraham's servant) came into the house: .. and he ungirded his camels, .... and gave straw and provender for the camels, ...... and water to wash his feet, ........ and the men's feet that were with him. And there was set meat before him to eat: but he said, "I will not eat, until I have told mine errand. " And he (Laban) said, "Speak on." (Gen 24:32-33) Praise God!
    1 point
  39. Not only the 4th but all 10 ISAIAH 8 [16] Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.[17] And I WILL WAIT UPON THE LORD, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him.[18] Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion.[19] And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?[20] TO THE LAW AND TO THE TESTIMONY: IF THEY SPEAK NOT ACCORDING TO THIS WORD, IT IS BECAUSE THERE IS NO LIGHT IN THEM. Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my diciples and wait on the Lord. To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them (explained right after John 3{16}). Didn’t Jesus say that he was the light of the world? PSALM 78 [1] Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth. [2] I WILL OPEN MY MOUTH IN A PARABLE: I will utter dark sayings of old: [3] Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. [4] We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done. [5] For HE ESTABLISHED A TESTIMONY IN JACOB, AND APPOINTED A LAW IN ISRAEL, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: [6] That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: [7] THAT THEY MIGHT SET THEIR HOPE IN GOD, AND NOT FORGET THE WORKS OF GOD, BUT KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS: Who opened his mouth in a parable? Yup, Jesus Christ. And this scripture says he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, that they might set their hope in God and KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS. PSALM 119 [32] I will run the way of THY COMMANDMENTS, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.(2COR.6 v.11) [33] Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. [34] Give me understanding, and I SHALL KEEP THY LAW; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. [35] Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. [36] Incline my heart unto THY TESTIMONIES, and not to covetousness. [37] Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way. [38] Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear. [39] Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good. [40] Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness. [41] Let thy mercies come also unto me, O Lord, EVEN THY SALVATION, according to thy word. Here again we find it’s the law (commandments) and the testimony (of Jesus) and this leads to SALVATION. PSALM 119 [165] Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. [166] Lord, I have hoped for thy SALVATION, and done THY COMMANDMENTS. [167] My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly. [168] I have kept thy precepts and THY TESTIMONIES: for all my ways are before thee. and here again REV.12 [16] And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.[17] And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, WHICH KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD, AND HAVE THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST. WHICH KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD, AND HAVE THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST.
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  40. 'And Rebekah had a brother, .. and his name was Laban: .... and Laban ran out unto the man, ...... unto the well. And it came to pass, .. when he saw the earring and bracelets upon his sister's hands, .... and when he heard the words of Rebekah his sister, ...... saying, "Thus spake the man unto me;" ........ that he came unto the man; and, behold, he stood by the camels at the well. And he said, "Come in, thou blessed of the LORD; wherefore standest thou without? for I have prepared the house, and room for the camels."' (Gen 24:29-31) Praise God!
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  41. I would disagree with the translation of being equal with the angels for the Greek is saying that they are like the angels in that they don't die..... being equal gives much more of a context saying something that the original language doesn't relay. The rebelling angels will be thrown into the lake of fire with the devil as I understand it.... none of us die spiritually as far as I know. I don't think we can know how Angels fight each other from the writings of the Bible and most people won't accept what other places write about it. We do know they can be bound and held for judgement day; the devil will be bound by chains of some sort. The book of Enoch tells us that Azazel was taken out in the desert and thrown face down and covered by some kind of a huge rock to be held there till end times........ I have personally not read anything in other writings that explains just how they fight other than as you say bound and moved to other places.....
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  42. Yes Marilyn, in my childhood at sunday school, we used the wordless book in conjunction with the song so that we had both the song and the colours as a "double whammy," It was all a bit of a challenge for us as kids, as we had to synchronise the pages with the right colours as we sang the song, a lot of fun as I remember. As always, I hope this helps for those who hadn't heard of the "Wordless Book" before, blessings.
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  43. I want to thank everyone for all your support and encouragement. I have learned heaps from all you have shared with me and by the scriptures you included in your responses! Thanks so much...you have taught me so much! God bless you all!
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  44. Yes, all things new, complete and eternally perfect, Enoob57, which makes the Lamb slain for our salvation very mysterious.
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  45. There was never a place created in the beginning for sin or it's practice (the sanctification of created essence Gen 2:1-3 )... Hell was created for after the fact of satan's rebellion for it is said Matt 25:41 41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: KJV It important to realize that if God's holiness is hatred of sin then this below speaks volumes to us of 1st creation and it's removal Jude 23 23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. KJV Plus literally to the nth Rev 21:4-5 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. KJV this as well is substantiated by this Scripture 1 Cor 2:9 9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. KJV So God will connect us to His thoughts of us before we were ever created with the eternal state and the rest will never have existed fulfilling God's Word 'making all things new'... I believe the most important aspect of thought is that sin was never a necessary thing and has no place with God or His people in the eternal state...
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  46. Thanks for these encouraging words! A few years ago, my family broke up, half my family don't talk with the other half. I tried my best to convince them that forgiveness and letting go of grudges would free them from the hurt and pain they were feeling and perhaps have this family reconcile, but no luck! It was such a hard time to go through, as my parents had separated at that same time as well (they were almost 80 years of age when they separated). But regardless of how it looked at the time, I believed God that something good was going to come out of all of this mess! I still haven't given up, it's been two and a half years now and I still believe that with God, all things are possible! I continue to fight the good fight of faith! Thanks sis and God bless!
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  47. Yes, start focusing on the Lord and the good things in life. Also, you never know....your loved ones might eventually come to know Jesus, too! Keep that hope within you. With God all things are possible....many people have experienced this happening, even when their loved one was an atheist!
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  48. Yes, I understand the scripture "If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison--your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters--yes, even your own ... Luke 14:26 Over these past 10 years, I have lost my husband, my father, my two eldest sisters, my closest friend (not by death, just separation) - all that I have left is my 19 year old son and I'm not so sure about his salvation either? I understand that a saint must sometimes "walk alone", but I put all my trust in Jesus Christ and Him only, it still saddens me though, when I think about it. Maybe I need to stop thinking along them lines and just set my mind on what's good, noble, pure and holy...to just focus on Jesus! Thanks for your reply.
    1 point
  49. Well, there's obedience and then there's disobedience. God will still accept you later, if your repentance is whole-hearted, but I think the real question is why do you keep procrastinating and chickening-out? What do you think is holding you back? Have you considered your own heart and thoughts on the matter?
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  50. I think you do not understand salvation.You are concerned that there is a requirement that you “ do” something and you are not doing enough.With this burden you are placing upon yourself, it is small wonder that you procrastinate and chicken out .You think you have to measure up in order to keep your salvation.That is indeed a scary way to live.Your view of working harder to be or stay saved is not the way to go.Why not try it God’s way? Believe Jesus died for ALL of your sins and rose from the dead after three days.That is the Gospel thAt saves. NO working for it. Just BELIEVE it. And then REST in it.God wants your faith- not your works.If you stand before God,trusting in your works,it’s going to be very bad for you.Trust in the finished work that was done FOR YOU at the Cross for your salvation .Get that damnable load you think you have to carry off your back.Jesus said, “ My yoke is easy”.Stop this works mentality lest you hear “ depart from me, I never knew you.FAITH IN CHRIST plus nothing.
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