Jump to content

Leaderboard

Popular Content

Showing content with the highest reputation on 01/27/2019 in all areas

  1. Gee thanks, me too. For I can count my own death as gain as Paul said he would count his own death. BUT Paul also knew he had a purpose; that being to serve his Lord here while still in the flesh, sharing of the gospel of Jesus. A purpose served not by his doing many good deeds all of which he said God counts as profane garbage or absolute body waste and loss; but instead by sharing of the gospel of Jesus as commanded by God of all his bond-servant saints in Christ Jesus' care. Life is a waste if it is spent trying to out good deed anyone for the purpose of adding to what God has already done. There simply is no merit whatsoever to the good deeds of any man that can add to God's mercy and grace shown by His son Jesus at the cross, his shed blood at Calvary. All the works all the good deeds, they are loss, not just irrelevant, but loss if done to supplement the mercy of God and the sacrifice made by Jesus, God's son and master of all that will be saved to eternal life with God. Philippians 3 Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition (DRA) As to the rest, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not wearisome, but to you it is necessary. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. For we are the circumcision, who in spirit serve God; and glory in Christ Jesus, not having confidence in the flesh. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other thinketh he may have confidence in the flesh, I more, Being circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; according to the law, a Pharisee: According to zeal, persecuting the church of God; according to the justice that is in the law, conversing without blame. But the things that were gain to me, the same I have counted loss for Christ. Furthermore I count all things to be but loss for the excellent knowledge of Jesus Christ my Lord; for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but as dung, that I may gain Christ: And may be found in him, not having my justice, which is of the law, but that which is of the faith of Christ Jesus, which is of God, justice in faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable to his death, If by any means I may attain to the resurrection which is from the dead. Not as though I has already attained, or were already perfect; but I follow after, if I may by any means apprehend, wherein I am also apprehended by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended. But one thing I do: forgetting the things that are behind, and stretching forth myself to those that are before, I press towards the mark, to the prize of the supernal vocation of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, be thus minded; and if in any thing you be otherwise minded, this also God will reveal to you. Nevertheless whereunto we are come, that we be of the same mind, let us also continue in the same rule. Be ye followers of me, brethren, and observe them who walk so as you have our model. For many walk, of whom I have told you often (and now tell you weeping), that they are enemies of the cross of Christ; Whose end is destruction; whose God is their belly; and whose glory is in their shame; who mind earthly things. But our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ, Who will reform the body of our lowness, made like to the body of his glory, according to the operation whereby also he is able to subdue all things unto himself. Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition (DRA)
    2 points
  2. I am willing to say that those who are His do look forward to being with Him and are sick of the sin infested world we live in. I believe that is a common desire among Christians. Thing is, while we are on this earth, we are to be about His business. Some days that may be telling someone about God, others it may be praying for people and their needs, other days it may be just resting in the Lord in order to be closer to Him, while other days it may be meeting the needs of a stranger. Point is, doing His will while we wait.
    2 points
  3. Romans 7:15-21 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. Everyone (Christians and non-Christians) born has sin in them. The bible has made it clear in Romans 7:20 “Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.” Therefore when a Christian focus on their self-effort and will-power to do good, often they will most likely ended up doing Romans 7:15 “For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” The more you focus yourself and depend on your own strength to do good and be right with God, you will end up failing and disappointed with yourself. However, the bible has offered a solution. Romans 7:24-25 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! The solution is to stop focusing on yourself and turn your attention to Jesus. 1) Find out how perfect is Jesus in God’s sight. 1 John 3:5 “But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin.” 2) Find out how much is Jesus accepted by God. Mark 16:19 “After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God.” After understanding the standing of Jesus with God, identify yourself with Jesus. 1 John 4:17 “This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus.” Colossians 2:9-10 “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness.” Once you understood your new identity, the burden of achieving to live right and doing good to please God will be gone. Because Jesus has already achieved it and imparted it to everyone who believes in him and his finished work. When you are identified with Jesus, you will slowly change and become like him. In another words, we will become lesser and Jesus will become more. None of us, but all of Christ.
    2 points
  4. Are you fighting FROM victory or are you fight FOR victory? Many Christians have the wrong basic Christian fundamental. They believe that they need to perform to please God and earn his favour. This is a wrong belief and teaching, a lie from hell. You can tell their belief is wrong when you hear them saying “God help those who help themselves.” They do not understand that they are helpless and nothing they do can please God. Even their righteous acts are filthy in God’s sight. It is as written in Isaiah 64:6. Isaiah 64:6 = But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. If you are doing Christian acts of righteousness based on your own willpower or effort with the intention to please God, you are self-supplying and not drawing from Jesus. You will not bear much fruit and will feel disheartened and give up. John 15:5 = I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. So how can we please God? Many Christians will say to obey God and do his will. As written in Matthew 7:21. Matthew 7:21 = Not everyone 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. So what is the will of the Father? Many Christians will say “We must follow every commandments from God”. No, this is the wrong answer! If we can fully follow every commandments from God, then we are perfect like Jesus. And Jesus died in vain. As written in Galatians 2:21. Galatians 2:21 = I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. To know the will of the Father, we must refer to what the bible says. As written in John 6:40 John 6:40 = And this is the will of him that sent me, that everyone which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. The will of the father is just to believe in Jesus and his finished work. It is so simple. The moment any person who accepted Jesus as their saviour, the Father is pleased with that person. The Father sees that person as if he or she is Jesus. 1 John 4:17 = This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. So does this mean that Christians do not need to bear fruits of good works? First truth when you are in-Christ, is that you are complete. Your actions cannot add or subtract to the work of Christ. Therefore, you cannot displease God or do something to earn more favour. As written in Colossians 2:10 Colossians 2:10 = And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power. Second truth is that you are righteous the moment you are in-Christ. It is not by your own doing or obedience. But by the obedience of Christ. Righteousness is a free-gift from God. It cannot be earn by your own acts of good works. As written in Romans 5:19. Romans 5:19 = For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Third truth is that you are permanently righteous in-Christ. Since your actions cannot earn God’s gift of righteousness, then your actions cannot cause you to lose it. The correct Christian’s respond when he failed is to remember that he is still righteous because of Christ’s obedience. 2 Corinthians 10:5 = Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ Fourth truth is to focus on Jesus and his goodness. Do not focus on your actions to do good or stop doing bad. If you focus on Jesus, you will do what he is doing. Even Jesus says it himself. As written in John 5:19 John 5:19 = Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. So are you a Mirror or Torchlight? If you are depending on your willpower or self-effort to bear fruits, you are not focusing on Jesus who is the light of the world. You are focusing on your abilities and what you can do for God. Although you are the branches of the vine, you are not drawing supply from Jesus. You are a Torchlight that has a limited supply, constantly drained and discouraged. If you are focusing on Jesus and his finished work, know that you are already complete, permanently righteous and forever in God’s favour. Then you will always feel connected with God. At the right time and right place, God will speak by his spirit to us to do something. And by obeying, we will bear much fruits. You are a Mirror that focuses on Jesus who is the light of the world, receiving his light and reflecting it to others. Your supply is limitless, you flow with the Holy Spirit and unknowingly bear much fruits.
    2 points
  5. Hope it will helps and encourage and build up the body of Christ
    2 points
  6. Jesus says in several places that we can't see the Holy Spirit born in people but we can see/hear His effects on people. Joh 3:8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." He also speaks of bearing fruit, which can't be done unless we are connected to Him. Joh 15:5 AMP I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing. One of the immediate effects that we see is the ability to understand and apply God's word to our lives. The Scriptures come alive to us and speak to us. Many people receive Jesus as Savior and are baptized but still don't understand the Scriptures and cannot even say the words "Jesus is Lord". These people are not born again genuine Christians. People tend to want to figure God out and place Him into the box of our theology. But He is a Person with a mind of His own. He treats us as individuals. That is why our experiences with God vary so much, and it is also likely why our theology differs so much. According to the Catholic church, Calvin and Luther, we are saved and born again through the sacraments, even infant baptism. That is why Calvin insisted that you must be born again before God calls us and convicts us of sin. Many evangelicals disagree with that as does Scripture. Certainly the Holy Spirit is drawing us when He reveals to us that He is; then He convicts us of the sin of being totally lost and unable to be good enough to go to heaven. And when during this process we are born again is something that may differ in us. At what point I totally believed is something I still wonder about, but I have no doubt as to when I totally surrendered to God as Lord and King. Rom 10:9 AMP Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe (adhere to, trust in, and rely on the truth) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Rom 10:10 For with the heart a person believes (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Christ) and so is justified (declared righteous, acceptable to God), and with the mouth he confesses (declares openly and speaks out freely his faith) and confirms [his] salvation. Confessing Christ is confirming what He has already done and does not merit salvation. Trusting in and relying on Jesus in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead is what saves us and justifies us. Saving faith is still a gift from God but it manifests itself in our telling others of our faith in Christ.
    2 points
  7. They already have facial recognition...you will be able to do nothing without the mark. I believe it will be non removable once you accept it. There are satellites now that are tracking people’s movements....you will not escape.
    2 points
  8. We worship God in his temple. We the body of christ is the temple. It's not a building. It's says our body is the temple of God. We are living stones in that temple. We the body of christ can meet in a building or a home. But the building is never the temple. God dwells in us by the spirit.
    2 points
  9. He has found a way to build the wall without the agreement of the democrats. What he is doing now is just baiting the democrats to show their lack of care for the American people.
    2 points
  10. Your value isn't found in your relationship status, and at your age, what you will mostly find is not a guy who is thinking long term commitment. My advice is that you just focus on your studies and enjoy the social experience of college without putting unnecessary pressure on yourself. What you really want is the right guy, and the odds of finding him at this stage of your life is extremely unlikely. Consider it a blessing you are single, which allows you to concentrate on your education and your relationship with God. Put Him first, and all these other things will come much easier. I Peter 2:4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. God bless
    2 points
  11. “Amend Your Ways” The Prophet Jeremiah was given the very difficult calling of God to warn Judah of the approaching, devastating judgment that would soon come on Judah and Jerusalem and their inhabitants unless the people would hearken to His call to repent of their sin and iniquity. God pled with His people through Jeremiah: “Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the Lord; and I will not cause Mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the Lord, and I will not keep anger for ever. Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God.... Turn, O backsliding children…for I am married unto you…. Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings…” (Jer. 3:12-14, 22). What a heart God had for His people! What more gracious offer could He make to His sinning people who rejected His commandments and worshiped other gods? Again and again God appealed earnestly through Jeremiah to His wayward people: “Amend your ways and your doings.... If you thoroughly amend your ways and your doings...then I will let you dwell…in the land that I gave to your fathers, for ever and ever” (Jer. 7:3, 5, 7). But the leaders of the people continued on in their rebellious ways against the commandments of God. They rejected warning after warning from God through Jeremiah and other prophets throughout the reign of several kings until God could bear the sin no longer. In God’s time, judgment came as prophesied. Many of the people were carried away in captivity to Babylon. The cities of Judah became desolate. Jerusalem was burned. Reading the story of Judah’s sad failure doubtlessly makes many of us feel like echoing loudly Jeremiah’s cry in our nations today, “Amend your ways and your doings!” We feel deep concern as we see sin and iniquity abounding on every hand. Judgment seems impending. But knowing that the merciful heart of God is as great today as in Jeremiah’s day toward those who repent and do righteous deeds, we have hope and not despair. “...Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound” (Rom. 5:20). In this hour of extreme need, how thankful we can be that the Lord issues a call to repentance and prayer for the ultimate answer, which is His powerful intervention in revival power! Amending MY Ways Revival in a nation begins with revival in the church, and revival in the church begins with you and me! It is not safe to assume that I have no ways or deeds to amend. The tendency is to compare ourselves with others and feel that we are doing all right, but it is essential to wait before the Lord and His Word, that we may examine and judge ourselves biblically. Keeping a watchful eye on our ways and deeds and amending them where needed is essential if we are to pray effectively for revival. By Lois J. Stucky
    1 point
  12. I came across this verse in the bible, John 1:17 = For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. I asked the Lord “Is there no truth under the law?” The Lord led me to the following bible verses that show me about the truth about the law. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Romans 2:13 = For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. Truth no.1 = As written in Romans 2:13. Anyone who can obey God’s law is righteous. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Galatians 5:3 = Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. Truth no.2 = As written in Galatians 5:3. The Galatians wanted to obey the law of circumcision. However, Paul told that that if they want to be under the law, they have to obey the entire law. You cannot pick and choose whichever law that is convenient for you to observe but rather you have to obey the entire law. The law includes not just the 10 commandments. The law includes the followings as well; Moral laws - on murder, theft, honesty, adultery, etc. Social laws - on property, inheritance, marriage and divorce, Food laws - on what is clean and unclean, on cooking and storing food. Purity laws - on menstruation, seminal emissions, skin disease and mildew, etc. Feasts - the Day of Atonement, Passover, Feast of Tabernacles, Feast of Unleavened Bread, Feast of Weeks etc. Sacrifices and offerings - the sin offering, burnt offering, whole offering, heave offering, Passover sacrifice, meal offering, wave offering, peace offering, drink offering, thank offering, dough offering, incense offering, red heifer, scapegoat, first fruits, etc. There are over 600++ laws to obey. Keeping the 10 commandments is already impossible. Jesus said Matthew 5:27-28 = You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery. But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. When a person has an evil thought or a selfish desire, it is already a sin in God’s sight even before the person put the thought into action. Hence, I conclude that no one can obey the law fully. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Galatians 5:4 = You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. Truth no.3 = As plainly as it is written, this verse says that anyone who tries to be righteous by obeying the law has to depend on their own effort. You will be bless when you fully obey the law. But you will be cursed if you break any part of the law. It is a self-performance system, you perform and God judges you. In simple words, Do good get good, Do bad get bad. Isn’t all other religions practicing this? Furthermore, under law there is no grace. It simply means that God will not lift a finger to help you. You have to help yourself. Therefore those who want to come under the law must not mixed Grace and Law together. There are many verses throughout the bible that sets Law and Grace apart. The Galatians are guilty of mixing Grace with Law. Paul had to write a letter to rebuke them. ----------------------------------------------------------------- James 2:10 = For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. Truth no.4 = To the world, man sees a liar who tells a white lie must deserving to go heaven than a man who commits murder. However, the bible says otherwise. Every sin is equal in God’s sight. God sees a liar who tells a white lie and a murderer as sinners deserving punishment in hell. Hence I can conclude on the following; 1) The world sees an unmerciful God putting good and bad people into hell. Everyone who does not believe in Jesus, but depended on their own merits as a ticket to heaven. 2) But I see a merciful God who loved me so much that he is willing to sacrifice his one and only beloved son (Jesus) to redeem me. 3) To the world, they see that undeserving bad people is able going up to heaven effortlessly just by believing in Jesus + his finished work. And they said that this is not possible and do not believe. They laughed at the message of the cross and account it as foolishness. 4) But I see a merciful God who has made a ultimate payment for all our sins and this payment gives anyone who believes the right to enter into heaven. So to me, I do not see any good or bad person in heaven or hell. I can only see the redeemed in heaven and condemned in hell. 5) To be redeemed or condemn comes from personal decision to receive or reject the free gift which God paid a heavy price for us. 6) It is not about doing but believing and trusting Jesus + his finished work. Christ Crucified Is God’s Power and Wisdom 1 Corinthians 1:18 = For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Romans 3:20 = Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. Truth no.5 = The Law is from a perfect God, so the Law is perfect. But we are imperfect sinners. Because we are imperfect, we are unable to obey the law fully. When God’s law is broken, curses and punishment will come. In conclusion, those who seek righteousness through the law are cursed. As it is written in Galatians 3:10. Galatians 3:10 = All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law. It says “ALL who rely on observing the law are under a curse”. It does not says the person who breaks the law is under a cursed but ALL who is under the law. So it is common sense to say that God already knows that no one can keep the law and under the law, everyone will be cursed. So why God gives the law? This is the reason. Romans 7:7 = What shall we say, then? Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, "You shall not covet." Galatians 2:16 = know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified. God give the law to show us that we are sinners, we cannot save ourselves and in need of a saviour. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Final conclusion John 1:17 = For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. Since there are truths in the law. Why did God put truth on the side of Grace? It is because only the truth under grace can set us free. John 8:32 = Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free Note: The law demands perfection but does not lift a finger to help. Grace on the other hand imparts perfection and does everything for man through Jesus Christ.
    1 point
  13. In the bible, there is a verse that says whoever is in Christ, there will no longer be condemnation. Romans 8:1 = Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus I have come to this conclusion that many Christians DO NOT believe that God has removed ALL their sins. They only believe that God removed the sins that they did before becoming a Christian. And they have to follow the law and try to live a sinless life (or try to sin less) to please God. When they try to follow the law to please God, they are essentially arming the devil with a weapon. And whenever they break a law, the devil will use the law to condemn them. In Colossians 2:14-15, it says God disarmed the devil by Jesus’ death on the cross. Colossians 2:14-15 = When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us ALL our sins, having cancelled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. How did God disarm the devil? It is written in Ezekiel 18:20 “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” When Jesus died on the cross, he took our sins and paid the penalty on our behalf. 2 Corinthians 5:21 = God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Having paid fully for our sins, Jesus magnified and fulfilled the law. Since Jesus has fully paid for our debts (sins), we are no longer slaves under the law. Imagine a man who purchase a house from HDB. Because he does not have money, therefore he has to take a loan from the bank. Every month, he has to pay the bank every month until the loan + interest is 100% cleared. Then one day, his father wanted to clear the loan for his son and paid everything that the man owes to the bank. Once the loan has been fully paid, the man is no longer under debt to the bank. When the next month come, even if the man receive a letter from the bank for loan payment. He can ignore the letter and penalty for non-payment because he knows the house have already been fully paid. How do we know that Jesus has paid for my past, present and future sins? Hebrews 9:26 & 28 says that Jesus appeared ONCE to do away with sin. Hebrews 9:26 = Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. Hebrews 9:28 = so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. God created time. Therefore, God is outside time. Most of the prophesies in the bible, God wrote them thousands of years in advance. It is written in the bible that God knows the end from the beginning. Isaiah 46:9-10 = Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure. Revelation 22:13 = I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. If God knows the future, then God knows every single sin that we are going to do from the day we are born to the day we die. Therefore, Jesus’ death on the cross is payment for our past, present and future sins. How clean are we after Jesus paid for our sins? It is written in the bible that we are like Jesus in this world. 1 John 4:17 = This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. This means that if you are born again, your identity is in Christ. If Jesus is sinless, so am I If Jesus is righteous, so am I If Jesus is holy, so am I If Jesus is seated on God’s right hand, so am I If Jesus is blessed, so am I If Jesus has favour with the Father, so am I Once you believed that ALL your sins have been washed away, you should not have consciousness of sin. Hebrews 10:2 = For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. And the devil will no power over you. And you will be able to live a life that Christ paid with his life for you to have.
    1 point
  14. I'm kinda talking about looking forward to the day you actually die. I feel it would displease God but ...I personally feel my life is a waste of time ...just feel I'm waiting for heaven at this point.
    1 point
  15. When I tell a non-believer that anyone who believed in Jesus and his finished work will be able to go heaven, they cannot accept it because it is unfair. It doesn’t matter what man thinks. But in the end, all man will be judge by God. So only what God think matters. The ways of God is different from the ways of the world. Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Man’s definition of good person 1) A person whose good deeds outweigh or remove all his bad deeds. Example: A wealth person using underhand methods to force the poor to give up their lands and properties. But use the ill-gotten possessions to build luxurious malls, offices and houses in the name of progress. Benefiting the majority at the cost of the minority. The majority sees him as a good person and believes he will go heaven. Mark 2: 5-10 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” But in the bible it is written in Mark 2: 5-10, nobody can forgive sin except God. Man can pronounce a person as good or bad. But ultimately, a person is judge based by God based on God’s standards. 2) A person with good morals, principles, conduct, achievements and heritage. Example: A person with good morals and principles like Kong Zi (Founder of Confucianism), a person of good conduct like Mother Theresa who gave to the poor all her life, a person of great achievements like Steve Jobs who gave the world the IPhone. It is hard for man to imagine anyone of them being condemned by God and thrown into hell. Where they went, I do not know. Only God knows. So what does the bible says about all this? Acts 22:3 (Paul’s heritage and achievements) Then Paul said: “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. Philippians 3:5 (Paul’s heritage, achievements, conduct and morals) If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. Philippians 3: 7-8 (Paul consider he had gained and achieved as garbage) But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage,that I may gain Christ. I want to highlight something interesting. Before Paul became a Christian, he was focusing on worldly achievements, human conduct and human effort. Thinking that he is able to win God’s favor with all these. But after God opened his eyes and made Paul understood the ways of God, he said this “If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh”. In a way, God is telling us that Christians can be doing church activities to win God’s favor without Christ. Outwardly it may seems very Christ-like and churchy. But in the sight of God, this is man putting confidence in the flesh. How does man receive true salvation from God? At the crucifixion of Jesus, Jesus said to one of the criminals “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Question 1: Why is the criminal crucified? It is because he has committed a crime deserving the death penalty. It is written that he said “We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve.” Question 2: What did the criminal do to be saved? He admits that he is a sinner. He believed that Jesus is the Messiah. He believed that Jesus is sinless. Question 3: Did the criminal do anything to outweigh his bad deeds after he believed in Jesus? The bible says that he died on the cross. So he did not do anything. Luke 23: 39-43 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Conclusion: There are no good people in heaven, there are no bad people in hell. There are only believers in-Christ in heaven, there are only non-believers in hell. Salvation is like a door that is unlocked and opened by the blood of Jesus. We just need to walk through the door. Anyone who truly knows their fallen helpless state and humble enough can walk through the door of Salvation even great sinners like Adolf Hitler or Osama bin laden. Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.
    1 point
  16. It helps to always remember we have the imputed righteousness of Christ....Christ took our sin and gives us His righteousness. Also, 1 John 1:9 is a good verse to remember....If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
    1 point
  17. Infidelity is wrong in a marriage. First you need to give this whole thing to God. You need to sit down with your father and mother and tell him exactly how you feel. Be very honest. It will clear the air and also it will make you feel better.
    1 point
  18. Heb 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Heb 12:2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. The joy of heaven is what we have to look forward to and is what keeps us going. We know it will all be worth it someday. This is what kept Jesus going and helped Him to even endure the cross. So we are admonished to endure the evil of this world for yet a little while, till the full number of believers have come to salvation. God is waiting because He doesn't want any to be lost. So we need to do our part in bringing God's kingdom to earth. We need to be living close to God here, walking in the Spirit in compassionate obedience, and telling as many as we can about God's grace and redemption; those who refuse God's grace also need to hear about his wrath.
    1 point
  19. (Worthy News) - A Christian politician was set free in Indonesia Thursday after serving nearly two years in prison for blasphemy. Basuki Purnama – known as "Ahok" – is the former governor of Jakarta. During his unsuccessful re-election campaign in 2016, he said people were wrong if they believed a specific verse in the Quran forbids Muslims from voting for non-Muslims. [ Source: CBN News (Read More...) ] The post Former Christian Governor Imprisoned for Blasphemy Is Finally Free appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article
    1 point
  20. my life is a waste of time I would then ask if you are saved? And if you are saved, saved from what? What were you saved from, that Jesus left His throne in heaven, came down to this sin infected, satan ruled earth, and submitted Himself to the tortures of whippings, beatings, spit on, stripped naked and humiliated, crowned with thorns, crucified and pierced with a spear, and gave up His life. For you, Figure of eighty. Was your destiny an eternity in a never ending burning lake of fire? Don't you feel any sense of moral obligation, or desire to show your Savior how grateful you are by your submitting your all, your utmost. I believe every saved individual longs for heaven, and the ending of the pains of this temporary life on earth. I understand and agree with you Figure of eighty, that I also look forward to be with the Lord in heaven. But I'm old, so my time is getting short. And I will do my best to use it wisely, storing up my sheaves, gifts, works, etc. to leave at the foot/altar of our Lord. Psalms 126, 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. Ephesians 5:15-16 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called 1 Corinthians 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God Romans 13:11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. When you wake up each morning, simply ask God; "Lord, help/allow me be a blessing to someone this day, or to you, Lord" Then, watch what happens. You won't have any more time to waste. And you will be blessed, Figure of eighty eight! Your time will become precious.
    1 point
  21. Yes. I can, and do, when I do not submit to His mark/target, and sin. So does everybody that is saved. The more I grow, the more I submit. Abide. Reckon myself dead. Allow Christ to work through me. Not I, but Christ. I started out as a babe, not an adult. (In Christ) Submitting was learned. Thy word have I hid in my heart, that..........................
    1 point
  22. Hi, thanks for the; “all of Him and nothing of us” Which is such a great truth. Many thanks for bringing the words up. For in them is the all of our salvation. It puts a smile on my face when someone shares their heart after God. I can see in your writings your working your salvation in Christ out, and making great progress at it. If you would allow me to be bold for a bit, and say a few things, I would be indebted. But what I will say, take before God, and ask Him about them; What you have wrote is true and very well searched out. If you wouldn’t mind me sayings so, you have stopped short of the “how” God has dealt with the sin factory which is “us” or “self”. Scripture says that “when Christ died we died”. It is by our being “crucified with Christ”..... that is how God has gotten rid of the sin factory problem, (which is us), by our deaths. This is the answer to a Romans 7 situation. (failure of the believer to be able to walk in newness of life after receiving their salvation in Christ.) It is because the believer that is stuck in a Romans 7 situation doesn’t yet see what is the foundation of their salvation in Christ; Which is..... their absolute and total death in Christ. Consider for a moment, how could you be guaranteed to never ever sin again from now to all eternity? There is but one way. That is if you were to die. If you were to die right this instant. Sin would be still very much alive, but you could not respond to it, because you were dead. This is what in scripture is meant with “knowing that are old man was crucified with Him”, and the many scriptures that talk about our deaths in Christ. It is seeing and understanding our “deaths in Christ” that “identifying with Christ” is to be reckoned. Scripture says to “reckon yourself dead unto sin but alive unto God”. It is to the degree one reckons (identifies) themself as being dead to sin and alive unto God, that they will be set free from the old man and his deeds. But this “reckoning” will be of no use and will accomplish nothing when tried, until the believer sees that it is their only hope of ever being set free from their sins. For until the believer is brought to the place, where they would willingly enter into death (die) rather than sin, they will continually try to help God out (this can not be helped for self is still alive) with all their strength and effort to overcome the old man. Try they might and try they will. Their walk and their relationship will be a mixture of part of Christ and part of self. They will experience joy but it will not abide because self or sin (both being the same thing) will get in the way. Not yet seeing that “they” are the problem. It is getting rid of us, the sin factories that Christ died for. To take us to death with Him so all things can become new so we might walk in newness of life. Our salvation is a total work of faith. It is by faith that all things are received from God. It is by faith we “reckon ourselfs dead unto sin and alive unto God”. Our salvation is as simple and as totally complete as a good God could possibly have made it. It is simply accepting His salvation on His terms, that sets a believer free from their fallen nature, to walk in newness of life. Whereby it is to the degree He reckons Himself dead to and in all situations and circumstances will he be able to walk free from the sins that do easily beset him. Than the words; “all of Him and nothing of me” have the all of our salvation. If I might add the why? “for if it’s me, it’s sin. If it’s Christ it’s not.” This is absolute and unchangeable. Self or Christ are the two choices before man. One must live the other must die. Getting rid of self or us is the issue. For me/I/you are the problem. We are the sinners that need to be dealt with, if we are to walk in newness of life in the here and now. God has accomplished this by crucifying us with Christ so we can say like Paul; Galatians 2:20 (NASB) "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the [life] which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. For the purpose that we might walk pleasing to Him in all things in the here and now. Thank you for reading these words. I humbly ask you to take these words before God and ask about the truth of them. Keep pressing in, for He greatly loves you and welcomes all that will search for Him with all there hearts. Blessings, Much love in Christ, Not me
    1 point
  23. To be honest, I suspect Lordship is the issue in view with water baptism. When we're born again we have experienced Him as saviour. I know some in the Body believe water baptism is necessary for salvation but I personally do not believe that is so. What makes water baptism mandatory (in my understanding) is the fact that Jesus commanded it. It's a matter of obedience and when we obey, we are in a very real sense being confronted with, and accepting His Lordship. My "Lord"is one who has the right to command me and expect my obedience. I do think you can receive Him as saviour and buck when it comes to His Lordship. I've done it from time to time in my life. In one sense we're bucking His Lordship every time we sin so I don't see it as a one and done thing. I have to periodically confess, repent and recommit to His Lordship if I choose to let sin in my life again. Some christians don't seem to ever realize the necessity of submitting to His Lordship and frankly I really wasn't all that aware of Jesus as Lord for many years after I was born again. I was born again at 8 yrs old in a mainline Baptist environment (please don't hear me bashing Baptists here...I'm not) and they taught the salvation message with power authority and accuracy....every Sunday :). That left me with the impression I had "arrived" and now I just needed to share my faith and wait for His return. It resulted in years of very little growth, and eventually just pretty much losing sight of spiritual things altogether for years. And I had no clue how to share my faith I really had little detailed Biblical understanding of what had happened to me. But He never left me and I never seriously questioned whether it HAD happened. It was not until I was well into adulthood that I began to realize there was so much more and that salvation was just the entry point to vast opportunities to grow. He identifies Himself by many names and I feel comfortable now tracking my growth (in part) by how many of His Names I have EXPERIENCED Him in. Not how many I've studied or know, but by how many He has literally manifested the power of in my life experience. At salvation I met Him as saviour. At baptism I at least acknowledged His right to command and at least superficially experienced Him as Lord. Over the years (I was a soldier) He very literally manifested as the Prince of Peace in circumstances that were anything but peaceful. Powerfully enough that the men around me noticed. Hahaha...they accused me of being fearless I didn't know how to tell them it wasn't fearlessness and it wasn't me. He'd simply assured me I was safer on a battlefield in the middle of a firefight IN His will than I ever could be sittting in my own living room apart from His will. Firefights didn't faze me much after that After taht I KNEW Him as my Prince of Peace...because I had experienced Him in the power of that Name. I can relate other specific events in my life where my power to provide was insufficient and impossibly so. He showed up as my Provider. And so on... It wasn't until I got connected to a charismatic church and received the baptism in the Holy Spirit that I really began to grow much. But, thank God for the baptists :0 Man they KNOW that blood I'd guess that 80% of the American Christians of my generation very likely got born again under the influence of a Baptist ministry And that's worth a lot
    1 point
  24. 1 point
  25. In my thinking and understanding, Jesus is Saviour 1st, as we come to saving faith in Him. As the Holy Spirit reveals more of Who Jesus is to us, and our desire is to Know Him more and more in our lives, we agree with John the Baptist when he said to his disciples, "He must increase, I Must Decrease." At that point, He(Jesus) becomes Lord of our lives. We only want to do and be who He wants us to be, not content to be a follower, but a disciple. So then when I talk to others, I say He is my Saviour and Lord. I hope this answers your original question, and as always, God bless.
    1 point
  26. Hi Sower yes Jesus is lord over all things. What I meant was do you follow him first as the lord or get to know him as savior. Seems you did get know him as savior. We Christians love Jesus as lord. No one else but Jesus.
    1 point
  27. Hope it will help your christian walk. It is totally dependence on Jesus
    1 point
  28. From worthless to priceless One day, a man went shopping and saw his family heirloom inside a pawn shop. This heirloom was pawn away by his grandfather decades ago when the family is not doing well. Although the heirloom worth a few hundred dollars to the pawn shop, it has great value to the family. Immediately, this man went in to redeem the heirloom back from the pawn shop. The man decided that the heirloom is priceless. In order to prevent anyone from the family to pawn it away in future, he paid one million dollars for it. From that day on, the family greatly treasured the heirloom that has become priceless. This may seem to be a crazy story but this is the crazy price that God paid to redeem us. God put his value on everyone by making an advance payment (while we were yet unbelievers, God sent his one and only son Jesus Christ to die for us) for the entire world. Romans 5:6-8 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. To the world, it may value us as a worthless heirloom. But in God’s sight, we are worth the same price as his son. Not only that, as Jesus Christ is perfect and sinless. God also sees us as perfect and sinless. Perfect like Jesus Christ 1 John 4:17 By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. Sinless like Jesus Christ John 1:29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! Hebrews 10:1-4 For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins? But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Do you see yourself the same way as God sees you? Or are you seeing yourself as the worthless heirloom in the pawn shop? If you feel that you are imperfect, one of the sign is that you feel the need to increase your value to God by doing more good works to please him. When in fact, nothing pleases God more than Jesus. Every Christian who is in-Christ is pleasing to God. Because of this, God continually dispense his goodness and blessings on every Christian. Every good works that follows is just a gratitude because of God’s continual goodness and blessing. If you are looking at yourself as a worthless heirloom, one of the signs is being sin consciousness. Constantly in the cycle of catching your sins and repenting. When in fact, all of our sins (past, present and future sins) have already been wash clean by Jesus’ blood. Acts 10:15 The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” The correct respond is not to look within and feel sad and disappointed with ourselves. If our consciousness of sin and repentance can prevent more sin, God would not have written Romans 7:15-20. God already know that we cannot stop sinning and therefore we cannot save ourselves. Romans 7:15-20 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. But rather to look towards Jesus Christ and thank him that 2000 years ago, he foresaw all my sins and have made payment for the sin that I just committed. Romans 7:24-25 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!
    1 point
  29. Be very careful of some who call themselves watchmen, check out their fruit, Satan is a big deceiver who likes to confuse God’s people. You must Always do your own research and pray for Holy Spirit guidance. God Bless
    1 point
  30. That The Lord resorts to "The Rod" if need be, is in no doubt! See also how nicely the Lord explains to Habakkuk how people push God's warnings to the limit and do not take Him seriously "Look at the nations and watch and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe even if you were told.6.I am raising up the Babylonians, that ruthless and impetuous person. who sweep across the whole earth to seize dwelling-places not their own.7...a law to themselves and promote their own honour. (sic)"(NIV Hab.1;5-6)The Lord did so in those days, to people He loves. Therefore I see no reason why He should not do the same today, to His children who refuse to listen and obey His commandments regardless of the ultimate sacrifice of His only begotten Son. "(Jn 3:16)
    1 point
  31. If I seemed to imply you should you have my sincerest apologies My intent was to simply observe that everything the Word has warned us is coming about the Beast and the mark is now technologically feasible and pretty much already in place. That character cannot touch me (or you) unless and until Father allows it. I ain't running nowhere, and in fact I'm quite eager to get on with it I EXPECT to see God's power manifest in keeping me right up until His plan says it's time for me to go home. I am looking forward to both seeing His power once again manifest among His people on a regular basis AND going home It's gonna be a wild and woolly ride I wouldn't miss for all the tea in China Due to some things I believe I've been shown I fully expect to run TO this battle, not away from it.
    1 point
  32. It is temporary and allows workers to get some pay that many of them desperately need. This has happened in the past too,
    1 point
  33. Fasting is to humble ourselves before God to do His will and receive His will for us. We can't twist God's arm to do our will. It is not a hunger strike. There have been times that prayer was so intense for others that I could not eat or sleep. One that I distinctly remember was when interceding for Kwikfilly's safety when she was diving in the path of a hurricane and had no place to sleep. When she found a motel she was still directly in its path.
    1 point
  34. Jesus had no problem with alcohol. He changed water into wine when they ran out of it. John 2:6-7 V6, And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. 7, Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. Read on where He changed the six water pots filled with water into wine in verses 8, 9, 10, and 11. Also in John 4:46 So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. Jesus consumed wine occasionally. He is also looking forward to having a glass of wine with us when we are together with Him. Matthew 26:29 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.
    1 point
  35. what he has done is to give the Democrats 21 days to do the right thing or he's going to have the Army Corp of Engineers build the wall.... and there isn't a single thing that Pelosi or Shumer can do about it.
    1 point
  36. By your definition everyone who has ever rejected Jesus has borne the mark, and yet the Bible seems to clearly demand understanding the mark as an end time phenomena that is taken or not taken by a definite exercise of our will. Your assertion doesn't fit Scripture well enough to satisfy me.
    1 point
  37. No, because Jesus never contradicted any previous parts of the Bible. Could you give an example of what you are talking about?
    1 point
  38. have you seen the total and complete and utter reprobation that is occurring on a world wide level . CHEIF , WE RUNNING OUT OF TIME . Their aint been no generation like this one . Lil boys being lil girls , and ITS PRAISED Gay marriage , and its PRAISED . Transgender and its praised . THE KEY IS , ITS PRAISED . WAYEN , THIS IS the last generation , IT IS and can no man , sway me otherwise . We are witnessing a romans one level reprobation now world wide and not just the world , BUT THE CHURCHES TOO . They are swallowing up even the idea of many ways to God . ITS OVER WAYEN . ITS OVER , it breaks my heart , BUT ALL I CAN DO IS WARN . The strong delusion of the upmost lie has began . AND ITS ALL LEADING and will lead all right to the beast , and right to THE END OF IT ALL . Nothing gonna stop it , the peoples , THEY JUST keep getting worse and the churches too . ALL WE CAN DO IS PREACH JESUS and expose satans seeker friendly and unity lie .
    1 point
  39. It says Godly sorrow works repentance. This implies that one must want to believe or does believe that there is a God who will judge us. for sin . In my case I needed to believe that God existed and that he had a plan for my life because the life I was living was destroying me and my marriage and a 10 year old daughter. I saw what my life was doing and I needed God desperately. Still I did not know Christ I listened one day to a Billy Graham crusade and his message convicted me. One night when I was alone I said to the Lord I want to believe and from that moment Christ made Himself real to me. That was the moment of saving faith and my life was changed. We are often told that the confession of faith makes one born again but they do not say born again of the spirit. I think we need to look at that more closely by looking at John 3: and 4 the women at the well. I will post again since I hate long posts. I will post under ( Are you born of the spirit) I pray for the Lord's leading
    1 point
  40. obviously your mom sees something in your dad that you don't see..... if she's forgiven him you should pay attention to her..... people make mistakes in life. And you may know what your dad did, but I doubt that you know why.... and why can involve a lot of different things.
    1 point
  41. Sin is sin, and a bad unforgiving attitude may be just as bad as your dad's adultery in God's eyes. God said that all our righteous is as filthy stinking rags in His eyes. We are all in need of God's grace and mercy. All people are just human and will let others down, as will we. Only God is perfect and will never let us down. Your dad doesn't want his kids to make the same mistakes he made. He knows how much it has damaged his home, his life and his relationship with God. He hopes others don't suffer the same pain he did. You would do well to pay even closer attention to his guidance, warnings and rules. They are for your good and safety. King David really messed up and then had to suffer the consequences. The worst was that he strayed away from God for a while, had an affair with Bathsheba and then set her husband up to be killed, and then he didn't punish a son for raping his sister which caused another son to hunt him down. Talk about dysfunctional families! But he really repented and begged for God to forgive him. Read the psalms where he spoke his heart. God knows that people are rotten; that is why Jesus died for our sins and took our punishment. We all need His help or we will never be able to come into God's presence.
    1 point
  42. Isaiah 58 is a very relevant reference when seeking to understand what He expects from a fast. There is more so I recommend reading the whole chapter, the preceding verses outline the WRONG attitudes toward fasting which He will not respect. My own relationship to fasting changed when I noticed (had my attention DRAWN TO ) some time ago that Jesus seemed to EXPECT fasting to be a familiar part of His disciple's lives. In both of those verses Jesus said "when" you fast, not "if" you fast and when that was pointed out I just knew He was calling me to a fast. I suspect fasting is a neglected discipline, particularly in the modern western church. But, this is one of those things that is in scripture, but we're not given a precise commandment, a list of "fasting rules" to follow so IMO this falls into that category of I have a personal opinion you can take or leave. This is from my own experience and I can't prove it from the Bible. But, it *SEEMS* to me that a decision to fast lays hold of one of the most powerful "lusts of the flesh" and DEMANDS it submit to the will. It's an exercise in who is in control of my life...flesh or spirit? My soul WANTS to respond to that hunger and eat. With His empowerment I tell it NO! And that seems to be something He works with to break off other "bondage" to the flesh. We have to live with this fallen meat sack until we get our new bodies. It has lusts and desires that are always working against the Spirit in our lives. He seems to honor (and empower) a choice on our part to take that in hand and "discipline" it. My two cents.... With that said, I don't have a regular schedule or set time of fasting. I fast when I feel the Spirit prompting me to. I suspect for some it can become a "religious" thing...a legalistic flesh thing trying to "earn" righteousness. That won't impress Him at all I don't think.
    1 point
  43. Fasting to lose weight is a form of dieting. That could be a very good idea - but it isn't a specifically Christian reason for fasting. Christians usually fast when wanting to get closer to God for some reason - maybe when praying about a major issue, or when engaging in spiritual warfare. In Acts 13:1, we read how the church in Antioch fasted when trying to discern God's will for them. Fasting is a form of spiritual discipline. It intensifies our prayers, and indicates that we're utterly serious about what we're praying for.
    1 point
  44. I would not be surprized if this video is not already in here, but I figured it was faster to make a new post, that to find one here. I wanted to be able to make reference to this in another thread, so here it is:
    1 point
  45. Iran does not procede to Armegeddon Israel till after te three year drought in revelation has dried up the Euphrates river. https://biblehub.com/revelation/16-12.htm Then it will ivade Israel.
    1 point
  46. It’s amazing to see all the rules that were set forth in the day of Moses and then to contrast those rules with the freedom Christ brings. He came to serve us and to die for our sins so we don’t have to offer sacrifice. He was the ultimate sacrifice. How great is it to live under his grace! We are so blessed!
    1 point
  47. Just because you don't see it occurring in your assemblies doesn't mean it's not happening around other parts of the world. It is because of the lack of faith. We believe in the supernatural power of God raising Jesus from the dead. We believe in the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit yet you cannot believe that He can operate today and by the Name of Jesus heal, raise people from the dead. These manifestations of the Glory and Power of God is happening in places where the Gospel is being preached for the first time. Maybe you need to examine why you don't see these miracles and healings displayed in your church enoob?
    1 point
  48. indeed, i never said excessive drinking was good for you. theres no doubt that excessive drinking is bad for you. what I said was, the article attributing it to cancer is bad science. Especially when theres ample evidence, including Biblical, to suggest that drinking in moderation can actually be healthy for you.
    1 point
×
×
  • Create New...